Manila Standard - 2016 September 15 - Thursday

NOY SLAPPED WITH P100-B GRAFT CASE

Story below

VOL. XXX • NO. 215 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

LOST BUT SAFE. Over the placid coastal waters of General Santos City in Mindanao three days ago, this Australian white pelican has strayed hundreds of kilometers from its nearest known habitat to end up in the country’s far south, the first such bird to be seen in the Asian archipelago, wildlife enthusiasts said. A flock of swallows chased the strange wing and, following an air battle, the big bird flew out to the mangroves. AFP

UN slams Du30’s war RUGGED OUTERWEAR. President Rodrigo Duterte dons a pilot jacket during the 48th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Wednesday. With him are AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año.

High Commish: Human rights ignored Rody won’t scrap VFA, other pacts

By John Paolo Bencito, Christine F. Herrera and Sara Susanne Fabunan

GI Joes can fend for selves—DND

By Maricel V. Cruz AMERICAN soldiers based in Mindanao are not high-value targets of terrorists, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a hearing conducted by the House committee on appropriations Wednesday.

During the budget hearing of the department’s proposed P178.2-billion budget for 2017, Lorenzana said the President fears that the US soldiers might

be subject to reprisals by the terrorists.

“I don’t think that will happen,” Lorenzana said in Fiipino, referring to US troops who he said are helping Filipino soldiers improve their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

“Let us remember, these people are also combatants. They are not civilians subject to kidnapping by terrorists,” Lorenzana said.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary

DESPITE his anti-American attacks President Rodrigo Duterte insisted that he will not abrogate any treaty signed with the Americans even as the Philippines tries to chart its own “independent foreign policy.”

“I am not anti-American. I said, we are not severing our ties, military ties. It’s there already. Who am I to abrogate a treaty?” the President said in a speech at Villamor Airbase Tuesday evening.

Leftist groups have urged the President to abrogate previous deals with the United States, including the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte said that the United States Special Forces based in Mindanao Next page

By John Paolo Bencito

T

HE United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights on Wednesday scored President Rodrigo Duterte for failing to understand international human rights law but Malacañang argued the President knew precisely the legalities and limits of the powers vested in his office.

“The President of the Philippines’ statements of scorn for international human rights law display a striking lack of understanding of our human rights institutions and the principles which keep societies safe,” Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

“Fair and impartial rule of law is the foundation of public confidence and security. Empowering police forces to shoot to kill any individual whom they claim to suspect of drug crimes, with Next page

Alejano, a retired Marine captain, expressed reservations about Duterte’s declaration that the US soldiers must leave Mindanao, saying they provide the country defense cover.

“We were not able to develop our own capabilities to protect our territories because we are focusing internally... We are moving towards that and the US, in one way or another, is helping us develop that capability,” Alejano said.

Next page

Noy faces graft suit over Shell

By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz

INTERCEPTED PILLS. The Bureau of Customs announces Wednesday its interception of some P7.5 million worth of ecstasy from The Netherlands at the Manila Central Post Office: 5,000 pieces of ecstasy, and an undetermined amount of amphetamine in five parcels. The interception was carried out by the team composed of the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, the Port of Manila Collection District, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

FORMER President Benigno Aquino III is facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly failing to collect P100 billion in taxes from Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. for gasoline shipments in 2004 to 2009.

9 bombing Mixed signals bad for Rody suspects WEATHER charged Ferdie leaves

Next page

PH oldest woman turns 119 BACOLOD CITY―A woman from Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental celebrated her 119th birthday on Sunday, making her probably the world’s oldest living person.

Francisca Susano of Oringao Next page

SECOND PARENT. Stamp collector Mylene Bernardo shows the newly released stamp released by the Philippine Postal Corp. a collectible item highlighting a teacher as an effective second parent of a student in recognition of the teachers during the month-long celebration of World Teachers Month. Danny Pata

Ex-justice twits Gordon

By Macon Ramos-Araneta STARTLED by the news that Senator Richard Gordon would file a bill pushing for the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, former Supreme Court associate justice Vicente Mendoza called the senator, a former student, and asked him where he learned the law.

“Dick, you make it appear like twitter.com/ MlaStandard

I did not teach you law,” Gordon quoted Mendoza as saying, as he denied stories about the bill and blamed the media for being “irresponsible.”

“Please do not do me a disservice. I did not propose the suspending the writ of habeas corpus. I was thinking about it and its pending research,” said Gordon in an interview over radio dwIZ.

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

Next page

S

DAVAO CITY—Charges were filed on Monday afternoon before the prosecutor’s office here against the main suspect and eight other suspects in the deadly bomb explosion at the Roxas night market on Sept. 2, an official said Wednesday.

The blast killed 15 people and injured 69 others, and the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for it.

Special Investigation Task Group head Valeriano De Leon said of the nine suspects, three were identified as Jane Does and five others John Does. Next page

thestandard.com.ph

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday warned not only the credibility of President Rodrigo Duterte would suffer but also that of the whole country as a result of his communications officers’ conflicting statements.

“What about the Philippines?

How can we deal with a country coming out with different policy statements?” Lacson said.

“Since it was the President who talked, the assumption there is final.”

Lacson said policy statements and everything else should conform to what the President had said.

He said the audience in the international community was different from the audience in the Philippines, who appeared to be more sympathetic.

Next page

PAR; Gener enters

TYPHOON “Ferdie” left the Philippine area of responsibility at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday to head for China while another typhoon, “Gener,” entered the country shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

It said “Gener” was expected to leave the country on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and to head for southern Japan.

But even if “Ferdie” had left and “Gener” would not directly Next page

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circ@manilastandardtoday.com

A2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UN...

From A1 or without evidence, undermines justice,” he added.

Since taking office last June, the President has been accused of condoning state sanctioned extrajudicial killings against drug suspects, drawing criticism from many international organizations, including the UN. On August, two UN special rapporteurs, Agnes Callamard and Dainius Puras, called on the Philippine government to stop the extrajudicial killings of persons linked to illegal drugs, gaining the ire of the President, who threatened to leave the UN. The experts said that Duterte’s decision to ask law enforcers and the public to kill suspected drug traffickers “amount to incitement to violence and killing, a crime under international law.”

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) expressed concern over the rise in the number of killings of suspected drug personalities, stating this was “not in line with the current provisions of international drug conventions.”

The President has consistently belittled these criticisms, chiding the United Nations for “meddling” in the Philippines’ internal affairs.

Duterte had also publicly cursed United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for allegedly doing nothing for the Philippines except to criticize his war on drugs.

Zeid said that he would “strongly encourage” the Philippines to invite Agnes Callamard–the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions–to further investigate the current spate of killings.

“The people of the Philippines have a right to judicial institutions that are impartial, and operate under due process guarantees; and they have a right to a police force that serves justice,” Zeid said.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo had earlier dared the UN “to come over and see for themselves the real situation,” but Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said this invitation was “not official.”

Duterte on Wednesday said anyone who wants to criticize him or lecture him about human rights in connection with his anti-drug war should “do it the right way.”

“If you want to criticize me, you bring the matter to the United Nations. Then they will call my attention, and I will answer, maybe in writing or send somebody there,” he said.

Duterte recently called UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon “a fool.”

The Palace denied the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights’ view that the President did not understand international human rights law.

“President Duterte is a respecter of human rights, but he has also been firm in saying that human rights cannot be used as an excuse to let the spread of drugs in the country run rampant,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“As a lawyer and former prosecutor, the President knows the limits of the power and authority of the presidency. In his inauguration he said, ‘I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising,”’ he added.

9Frombombing...

A1 He said the main suspect was earlier described by witnesses.

De Leon made his statement even as President Rodrigo Duterte said Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari was still aligned with the Abu Sayyaf.

In his speech before troops at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday, Duterte said Misuari, who still enjoys widespread support among Muslim Filipinos, still had direct control over the terrorists whom the government wanted to crush.

“Nur can’t make up his mind,” Duterte said.

“But I hope someday he ill decide because the Abu Sayyaf is out of his control. I’m sorry to say it in public.

He cannot make them follow, so we have to do it for him.”

De Leon said they now had a copy of the sketch of the primary suspect without a mask based on the description of the taxi driver he hired.

“We are lucky that our witness has identified the prime suspect based on our rogues’ gallery,” De Leon said.

He said the taxi driver voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities after he saw the sketch of the suspect in the news.

He said the suspect took his taxi along with two female companions and the three disembarked at the Roxas night market.

He said the description of the taxi driver matched the description of other witnesses.

The suspects are facing seven counts of multiple murder and 31 counts of multiple frustrated murder following the blast.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters denied involvement in the blast. F. Pearl Gajunera John Paolo Bencito

News

2 solons’ suspension put on hold

By Christine F. Herrera

H

ouse Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez directed the House committee on rules to respond to the Sandiganbayan order suspending two congressmen suspected of graft after the allparty caucus failed to reach a consensus.

The Sandiganbayan last week ordered a 90-day suspension on Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino Jr. and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Alvarez refused to implement it.

“I believe the House should follow the order of the Sandiganbayan. There has been no precedent yet and if the House refused to heed the order, the Sandiganbayan may declare

the Speaker, the House majority leader and the members of the House committee on rules in contempt,” Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said.

The graft court directed the House leadership to carry out the suspension order but Alvarez refused to make the decision and called for a caucus of the super majority coalition.

“We referred it to the com-

mittee on rules. Let us wait for the decision of the committee on rules,” the Speaker said shortly after emerging from the caucus.

Alvarez said the House members belonging to the majority showed “mixed reactions” to the Sandiganbayan ruling.

The committee on rules is chaired by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas. Alvarez said he would leave it up to Farinas’ panel to decide on whether or not Espino and Villafuerte would be subjected to a probe by the House committee on ethics.

Espino and Villafuerte are both members of the super majority coalition. Both voted for Alvarez as Speaker.

The Speaker said he believes the issue on suspension would no longer reach the plenary, where all members, including those belonging to the minority blocs, would vote on the matter.

“We will do whatever is legal. That’s what we will follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, the two lawmakers are allowed to carry out their legislative functions and enjoy all the perks until the suspension order is enforced.

Once they are suspended, the Speaker would assign caretakers for the two districts until they have served out the 90-day suspension.

Espino faces three counts of graft for allowing black sand mining in Lingayen Gulf

in 2011 when he was still governor, while Villafuerte is being held accountable for the irregular procurement of P20 million worth of petroleum products for the Camarines Sur government in 2010, also when he was governor.

The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division, in a resolution penned

by Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada, said Espino will face trial for the issuance of permits to Xypher Builders Inc. and Alexandra Mining and Oil Ventures Inc. to conduct soil remediation and mineral extraction in Barangay Sabangan in Lingayen for the exportation of P10.750 million worth of minerals to China when he was governor.

Digong to kill tax cheats

GRAFT RAPS. Two former officials of the Bureau of Customs –Juan Tan and Napoleon Morales–and newspaper publisher Lourdes Aclan show a copy of their sworn statement containing their complaint against former President Benigno Aquino III and ex-Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima over the Shell tax controversy. The charges were filed for the respondents’ alleged failure to collect some P100 billion in taxes from Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) for gasoline shipments from 2004 to 2009. Manny Palmero (Story on A1)

Noy...

From A1 Also charged were ex-Finance secretary Cesar Purisima, PSPC chairman and president Edgar Chua, ex-vice president for communications Robert Kanapi and country tax manager Nigel Avila.

The complainants--ex-Customs commissioner Napoleon Morales, former district collector Juan Tan and Headlines News Today publisher Lourdes Aclan--accused Aquino, Purisima and the other respondents of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Tariff and Customs Code.

GI...

From A1 Lorenzana said US soldiers are confined to military camps and are also armed every time they go out for a vacation.

“They are just inside the camp.

They won’t go out of their camps... or they’re also armed,” Lorenzana said.

Duterte earlier called for a pullout of US troops in Mindanao, a call that opposition Rep. Harry Roque of the Kabayan party-list group supports.

In a resolution, Roque commended Duterte for his stated intention to pursue an independent foreign policy.

He said the Philippines, under the

Rody...

From A1 should leave, as the world’s most powerful country has not yet apologized for its wrongdoings against Moros and Filipinos during the American occupation in the early 1900s, including the 1906 Bud Dajo massacre in which hundreds of Muslims, including women and children, were killed

by US soldiers in Sulu.

He had presented the same photographs of the massacre during the Asean-East Asia Summit.

On Tuesday, Duterte said he wanted to buy weapons from America’s rivals, Russia and China, saying these could help the country combat terrorism.

Duterte said China even tried to give him a personal jet, but he gave it to the Air Force instead.

Leftist groups on Wednesday dared

Mixed...

From A1

He said Duterte defied political correctness as a candidate and received the big votes as a result of it.

“Because of his defiance to political correctness, what’s coming out is

The complaint was the fifth case filed against Aquino since he left office.

Morales, Tan and Aclan claimed Aquino and Purisima continued to ignore PSPC’s non-payment of the correct taxes for its under-declared gasoline shipments.

“The government is deprived, as it is continuously being deprived, of the huge amount of money, which would have been collected, had they not been remiss in the performance of their official functions,” the complaint read.

Aclan said as early as 2011, she wrote Purisima to inform him of the refusal of then Customs commissioner Ruffy Biazon to demand

payments from PSPC, but to no avail.

A year later, Aclan said, she sent Aquino a letter to inform him about Purisima’s failure to take the appropriate steps.

Despite his authority over Purisima and Biazon, Aquino ignored Aclan’s letter and never acted on it until he stepped down from office on June 30, 2016, the complaint said.

The first case against Aquino was filed by Erlinda Alaga and Warlito Mejia, parents of P03 Robert Allaga and P02 Ephraim Mejia, respectively, in connection with their deaths in a covert mission on Jan. 25, 2015 to neutralize two terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

United Nations Charter, is an independent and sovereign state entitled to respect by other members of the international community as their equal.

A Defense official, meanwhile, said looking at other countries such as Russia and China as possible sources of equipment for the Armed Forces is mandated by law.

Defense Department public affairs director Arsenio Andolong said the Government Procurement Reform Act, dictates that the Armed Forces not limit possible sources of its materiel to only a few countries, as this would rob it of the opportunity to get the best equipment.

Andolong said technical working groups of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have been conducting

market research on new hardware and technologies from many countries, including Russia and China.

“For the record, we also looked at the offerings from Sweden, Germany and France,” he said.

Andolong was commenting on Duterte’s announcement that Russia and China have agreed to provide armaments and other weaponry to the AFP for its counter-insurgency campaign.

“Of course, there are other considerations, such as cost, inter-operability with our existing equipment and personnel capacity,” Andolong said.

The Philippines has traditionally sourced its military equipment from the US, Israel, South Korea and Japan. With PNA

Duterte to “practice what he preaches” by abrogating the country’s military treaties with the United States, while two lawmakers supported the President’s decision to adopt an independent foreign policy.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate refiled a bill to designate March 6 as Bud Dajo Day to commemorate the massacre of Moro civilians by American soldiers during its brutal “pacification” campaign in 1906.

House Deputy Minority Leader Harry Roque filed a resolution commending Duterte on his intention to pursue and independent foreign policy.

Roque also urged the President to form an independent commission to investigate and make public through academic publications crimes committed against the Filipino people during the Philippine-American War. He also urged Duterte to abrogate

the “unequal” treaties with the United States.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao urged Duterte to ultimately rid the country of the foreign military forces by abrogating all the military treaties with the US. Casilao said the mere existence of the treaties was contrary to the President’s declaration of an independent foreign policy.

“The treaties and agreements with the US are not only violative of the national sovereignty and independent foreign policy, they are also unsuitable for the present situation with China’s intrusion in the West Philipine Sea,” Casilao said in a statement.

Duterte has repeatedly made known his opposition to armed conflict with a foreign country, and has expressed his preference for a peaceful, diplomatic solution to disputes.

what’s correct for him,” Lacson said.

He said Duterte’s communications officers should practice one voice because sometimes they had different explanations.

“When doing damage control, they should learn the art of lying closest to the truth,” Lacson said.

“Since President Duterte is ap-

parently averse to unsolicited advice even from his closest Cabinet members, they should learn to anticipate the developing issues and be able to slip through the special assistant [to the President Christopher Go] a simple, informative executive brief on a regular basis.” Macon RamosAraneta

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he will run after power plant operators under contract with the National Power Corp. that during the previous administration failed to pay real property taxes and penalties.

Duterte declared that he will no longer tolerate corrupt acts, including the condonation of more than P7 billion taxes on the revenues of a power plant, saying he will go as far as to kill the directors of taxevading firms.

“They have waived billions in taxes. Their game involves billions.

We have a receivable from an energy plant of seven billion, it was waived.

For what reason, I really do not know.

And only one man can waive it. You waive seven billion, for what? So, rich people can refuse to pay and airplanes can be allowed.”

In two separate occasions, the Aquino administration issued executive orders condoning all liabilities and penalties for real property tax on property, machinery, and equipment used by independent power producers (IPPs).

Duterte was apparently referring to Executive Order 27 issued

by Aquino in 2011, through which the government condoned a portion of P6 billion in back taxes owed by the Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon, which supplies energy to almost

a tenth of Luzon, to save it from an auction.

The local government of Pagbilao and the provincial government of Quezon had pressured Team Energy Corp., the power plant owner, to pay real estate taxes, penalties and other back taxes from 1997 to 2010 amounting to P6 billion.

Otherwise, the local government said it will not renew Team Energy’s business permit, while the municipal government threatened to auction the 735-megawatt coalfired plant in Isla Grande, Pagbilao.

The Pagbilao Power Plant is capable of producing 16.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per day or more than six billion kilowatt hours a year, and its output is fed into the Luzon grid via the 230-kilovolt transmission line and the Napocor sub-station in Tayabas, Quezon.

Aquino also issued Executive Order 173 in 2014 which restrained all local government units from imposing real property taxes and penalties on power plant operators that are under contract with Napocor.

The measure aims to shield IPPs from being assessed real property taxes by local governments that do not recognize the tax exemptions extended by state-run Napocor under their build-operate-transfer contracts.

Ex-justice...

From A1

ferent objective in misreporting his statements.

“I’ve been burned,” he said in Filipino. “I’ve been away from the Senate too long.”

“I’m sorry, we’re friends. I don’t like to tarnish our friendship, but if it would be that way, I will be very careful,” he told journalists.

He accused the media of looking for an angle.

“I do not look for an angle, it’s you who were looking for an angle. What I’m looking for is the right thing to do,” Gordon said.

On Tuesday, Gordon took the floor and delivered an impromptu speech on the rash of drug-related killings, but never mentioned anything about the writ of habeas corpus.

But on Thursday at his office, Gordon said he didn’t care if nobody supported his bill.

“I don’t care. If they want to support, they can support,” said Gordon, who said he had yet talk to the President about his plan.

“I will preempt him [Duterte].

Clear. The whole world knows that there is such law, we are in an emergency... How can tourists go here?

How can investments be here?”

Gordon said he is pushing to give the President emergency powers because he does not want him to declare martial law.

But reporters who covered Gordon’s press conference on Thursday said they stood by their stories, and said they even got reactions from Senators Leila de Lima and Franklin Drilon about Gordon’s plan to grant President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers, including the authority to suspend the writ of habeas corpus.

On Thursday, Gordon also told reporters he would ask the President to certify his bill as urgent.

“We will ask him (Duterte) to certify it. If he doesn’t want to certify it, it’s nothing. But I will fight for it,” said Gordon, while insisting that he was trying to protect the public by putting measures in place to curb possible abuses.

To bolster his denial Wednesday, Gordon said he had not issued a press release about the bill.

“I didn’t have a press release on that. You were the ones prodding me, I told you by 3 o’clock, I will try to show you a matrix for you to see what I will do, and on Tuesday, I will deliver a speech or file a bill,” he said.

Gordon declined to talk about the bill, suggesting the media had a dif-

PH...

Ferdie...

From A1

village here was born on Sept. 11, 1897. That was almost a year after the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed by the Spanish colonial government on Dec. 30, 1896, triggering the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1898.

Susano is about two years older than Emma Morano of Italy, who was born on Nov. 29, 1899, and is considered by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person.

Guinness officials, however, are still to verify Susano’s birth records.

Susano on Sunday celebrated her birthday and Grandparents’ Day with her family and friends at the Zaycoland Resort in this city.

She said she got married at 14 and had 14 children of whom eight were still alive.

Susano and 74 other centenarians in Negros Occidental were honored by the provincial government in November last year, when it gave each of them P100,000 as a one-time cash gift. PNA

affect the country, both typhoons will still enhance the southwest monsoon and bring light to moderate rain to Metro Manila and the western section of Luzon, such as the Ilocos provinces, forecaster Robert Badrina said.

He made the statement even as the Manila International Airport Authority on Wednesday said four international and six domestic flights were canceled because of “Ferdie.”

The canceled international flights were those of China Airlines’ Kaohsiung-ManilaKaohsiung and Cebu Pacific’s Kaohsiung-Manila-Kaohsiung sectors.

The canceled domestic flights were Philippine Airlines’ Manila-Basco-Manila, Manila-Laoag-Manila and Skyjet’s ManilaBasco-Manila sectors.

Airport officials said the airlines will notify the affected passengers of their new flight schedules. Rio N. Araja and Joel

From A1

E. Zurbano

News IN BRIEF Palace sets legislative priorities THE Duterte administration will submit to Congress several amendments to anti-terrorism bills and impose taxes on fuel and sugary products, Malacanang said Wednesday.

Those in the immediate shopping list of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, which were presented by Presidential Legislative Liason Secretary Adelino Sitoy includes the Amendments to the Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372), Terrorism Financing Prevention and Supression Act of 2012 (RA 10168) and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) with the Department of Justice as the lead agency to review the Palace-backed drafts.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Finance will also help in drafting the Palace proposal before the 17th Congress.

Aside from amending antiterror laws, the Duterte administration will also back the proposal of the Finance Department for a P5-a-kilo excise tax on sugary products, including domestic raw sugar, refined sugar as well as imported sugar and sugar substitutes, which will result in fresh revenues worth P18.1 billion.

The so-called “sin” tax on tobacco and alcohol products, packaged as a health measure when passed during the Aquino administration, will also be revisited, alongside a scheduled review this year of its implementation since 2013.

A3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Govt eyes 2-year break in farmland conversions

By John Paolo Bencito

A

N EXECUTIVE order is being prepared to declare a two-year moratorium on the conversion of agricultural lands, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano has said.

Following the reconvening of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) after former President Benigno Aquino III shunned it for almost 10 years since 2006, Mariano said the conversion of these agricul-

tural lands to other uses will be suspended.

“The PARC agreed to impose a two-year moratorium on the conversion of agricultural lands.

We also prepared an executive order, subject to review and

amendments by the President,” Mariano told reporters in a Palace press briefing.

The agrarian reform chief added they are seeking to reform the situation wherein more than 50,000 ha of land were converted into nonagriculture uses in 2015 alone.

The moratorium shall cover and apply only to all awarded lands under Republic Act No. 6657 as amended; and those covered by Presidential Decree 27 and other Agrarian Reform laws.

Mariano said that the moratorium will cover the processing and approval of all applications

for land use conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses, including those covered with notices of coverage.

The new executive order seeks to maintain retention areas, including leasehold lands estimated at 1.2 million hectares.

The order will also seek to protect more thatn 4.7 million ha agricultural lands distributed or awarded in the past to more than 2.7 million agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Under Agrarian Reform Laws, illegal and premature conversion of lands are prohibited of up to 10 years if there are no conversion

orders issued by the DAR, which has the exclusive authority to issue, approve or disapprove applications for land use conversions.

Mariano said the move to preserve prime agricultural lands within two years can fast track the government’s review of land conversion permits, and leasehold contracts.

“We need this to know if there have been violations ... In this draft Executive Order, a task force will be created to assess the status of land use conversion in the country and that DAR has the support of other implementing agencies as well,” Mariano said.

New JBC member appointed PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a San Beda College of Law school mate as member of the Judicial and Bar Council.

In transmittal letter received by the office of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Duterte named retired Pasig Regional Trial Court Judge Toribio Elises Ilao Jr. as regular member of the seven-member JBC tasked to vet nominees to judicial posts.

Ilao takes the place of retired Court of Appeals Justice Aurora Santiago-Lagman who stepped down last July 9 as JBC member representing the private sector.

Ilao was the judge of Pasig RTC branch 266 that junked the murder and kidnapping charges against Andrea Rosal, daughter of New People’s Army leader Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, in 2014. He is said to be “sparring partner” of Duterte in the boxing gym during their law school days.

The JBC is chaired by Chief Justice Sereno with Aguirre II and Senator Leila de Lima and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali as ex-officio members.

The other regular members of the council are: retired SC Justice Angelina SandovalGutierrez, for retired justices’ sector; lawyer Jose Mejia representing the academe; and lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Rey Requejo

HEALTH AGENDA. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rusell-Ubial along with Senator Riza Hontiveros announce the holding of the National Health Summit in Pasay City starting Sept. 15 to thresh out the Duterte administration’s health priorities. Danny Pata

Traffic powers hearing starts today Transport

By Maricel V. Cruz THE HOUSE committee on transportation will begin Thursday its hearing on proposals filed in Congress granting emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to solve traffic woes in Metro Manila.

The committee, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, is inclined to grant the President his desired special powers as soon as parameters for said powers are thorougly discussed and agreed on by the lawmakers.

“Our agenda would be on various bills on emergency powers,” Sarmiento said in

a text message.

This developed as Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez thumbed down the proposal to open up the roads of private subdivisions in Metro Manila as alternate traffic routes to commuters in the search for ways to ease the traffic gridlock.

But Alvarez, secretary general of the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), said he has no onjections to foregoing public bidding of road projects in favor of direct contracting to speed up construction as long as the process is transparent.

“In procurement perhaps yes [to no bidding], but to be able to enter subdivisions, I personally am not in favor of that,” said Alvarez, one of the principal authors to the proposed emergency powers to be given to the Presisent.

In separate interviews, Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo and Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu rallied support for the immediate passage of several measures granting emergency powers to Duterte to solve what has evolved into a traffic crisis in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Honors for Pinay paralympian pushed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sonny Angara has filed a resolution commending Filipina Class 8 table tennis Paralympian Josephine Medina who won a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, ending the country’s 16-year medal drought.

Angara said Medina is entitled to a P1million cash incentive under the new athletes incentives law or Republic Act 10699.

“This is truly one of the noblest intentions of the law—to include our winning athletes with disabilities in the grant of cash awards from the government. The term ‘national athletes’ should encompass all athletes includ-

ing those who are differently-abled as they undoubtedly deserve bigger incentives and benefits,” said Angara, author and sponsor of RA 10699.

The 46-year-old flag-bearer claimed the second Paralympic medal for the Philippines after beating Germany’s Juliane Wolf 3-0 on Tuesday morning (Manila time).

Senators back move to register SIM cards

OPLAN TOKHANG. A policewoman distributes leaflets to homeowners who attended a consultative meeting of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council and the Alliance of Quezon City Homeowners Association. Manny Palmero

SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel III supports Senator Vicente Sotto III’s proposal mandating telecommunication companies to register pre-paid subscriber identification module (SIM) cards to address abuses resulting from the loose sale of such cards in the country.

Aside from preventing unscrupulous individuals and criminals in using pre-paid SIM cards in their illegal activities, Pimentel said Wednesday the registration will also enhance government monitoring and collection system on the telcos.

“I fully support Sen. Sotto’s move calling for the mandatory registration of pre-paid SIM cards.

We have witnessed how criminal minds abused the non-registration and loose regulation on SIM cards

–latest of which was the Davao City bombing where the bomb was allegedly detonated using a cellular phone,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel cited the Malaysian model in registration of pre-paid SIM cards. Aside from recording of SIM card users, the registration could also improve monitoring of sales and tax payment of telcos.

“Aside from recording data of pre-paid SIM users, the registration can also enhance government monitoring of, and revenue collection from telcos as audits can be done easily based primarily on the recorded purchase of pre-paid SIM cards, and to ensure accuracy and validity of subscribers’ records,” Pimentel said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

woes hurt most poor, Poe says THE marginalized sectors of society who are mostly users of public transportation should benefit from the proposed transport solutions being eyed by the government, said Senator Grace Poe. Speaking before the United Kingdom Transport Solutions seminar at the Discovery Suites in Mandaluyong City, Poe stressed that traffic woes give commuters a daily dosage of indignity and torment, loss of time for family and impact on health, on top of massive economic cost.

“Our national transportation development strategy should be anchored on a vision of promoting inclusive mobility.

It should ensure safe, comfortable and accessible transport for all Filipinos especially the poor, elderly, persons with disability, residents in far-flung areas and other marginalized sectors,” Poe told the seminar organized by the British Embassy in Manila.

Poe is chairperson of the Senate committee on public services currently leading deliberations on the proposed emergency powers sought by the Duterte administration to address the transportation crisis.

She made an unannounced visit last Aug. 23 to observe the deteriorating conditions of the Southwest Integrated Provincial Terminal in Parañaque City and took to task the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to introduce some improvements in the terminal.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Still a rough ride

W

E DO not need a mobile application to tell us that the traffic situation in the country is deplorable. We who have to endure the daily commute from our homes to our destinations know too well the debilitating effects of being stuck on the road— and not being able to do anything about it.

Waze reminds us of it, nonetheless, as its latest Driver Satisfaction Index tags the Philippines as the second-worst country among

38, for drivers, next only to El Salvador. Meanwhile, Cebu City was named the worst city to drive in among 186 cities. Metro Manila is not far behind at 170th place.

The ranking was based on several factors including density and severity of traffic, quality of roads and infrastructure, road safety, driver services, socio-economic aspects like access to cars and impact of gas prices, and helpfulness of the app-using community.

Then again, this dissatisfaction with mobility began in the previous administration, under whose inefficient management the traffic and transport situation deteriorated to unbearable levels.

What made things worse was the callous response of then-President Benigno Aquino III and his transport officials to the people’s complaints. Denying they were ever really responsible for the mess, the former officials dismissed the long-suffering public’s woes saying that traffic was not fatal and that it could in fact be construed as a sign of progress.

But that was another era, one that is thankfully over. These days, rightly or wrongly, the government seems to want to get things done at whatever cost.

And if there is something to be done immediately and without hesitation, it should be both short- and

long-term solutions to the traffic problem which has taken its toll on the productivity of the populace.

The proposals have been many, ranging from immediate emergency powers to the more far-reaching infrastructure planning.

The Duterte administration came to power with a strong mandate.

While its other campaigns, like the one against illegal drugs, have received a mix of praise and criticism, we believe resolute action to solve the traffic crisis will be received more positively by the people. They are, after all, the ones who simply want to go about their daily routines, and earn their keep in peace.

The closing of the world economy

By Satyajit Das

September events TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO THE month of September is special to me. Today is my birthday—I am now 89—but many other important things happened to me in September.

They are memorable in my life as a journalist.

The late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1081 placing the whole country under Martial Law at midnight of September 21, 1972. I was appointed as member of the Media Advisory Council—a three-man group to handle media censorship. I handled foreign media while Primitivo Mijares handled print and Rey Pedroche handled broadcast.

I was reluctant to accept the job, but since I was then president of the Manila Overseas

Press Club, the oldest organization of local and foreign journalists set up in 1945 by foreign correspondents, I had no choice.

Later on, I noticed that censorship of foreign media encouraged more speculative and negative stories about Marcos and Martial Law. Foreign correspondents were writing from Hong Kong. The MAC lasted only for a month or so.

I offered to resign, but when Marcos became convinced that censoring foreign media was counter-productive, he ordered us in MAC to relax our censorship of foreign media.

While censorship of foreign media was relaxed, broadcast (radio and television) were still under the ambit of Martial Law. At that time, I was then public affairs manager of Bobby Benedicto’s Kanlaon Broadcasting System which consisted of radio and television companies: RPN9, BBC (Banahaw Broadcasting Corp.), Channel 2, IBC-13 and government radio TV network

(GTV).

To get off broadcast from the ambit of Martial Law, and with the approval of then-KBS general manager Buddy Tan, I thought of organizing the country’s radio and television companies to be called KBP

This month is special to me. And I am 89 today. or Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. I became its first chairman-president. To the credit of Marcos, he did not object since it became a selfcensoring organization, with its own set of rules and standards The KBP is alive until today.

It is a vibrant organization of radio and television networks.

I also co-founded the “365

Club,” with then press icon and columnist Ka Doroy Valencia and the late Makati Mayor Nemesio Yabut. The story of 365 Club is something for the books. The Wall Street Journal featured us in its front page as “a very unique organization composed of all sectors of society, who just love to talk while having their sip of coffee at Manila’s Hotel Intercontinental in Makati.”

The 365 Club, which now meets every Saturday morning at Holiday Inn Suites, is an organization of journalists, politicians, businessmen, professionals and plain hangers-on.

Everybody has his own story to tell.

At about one o’clock in the morning of Sept. 22, I got a call at my residence at Philamlife Homes, Quezon City. The chief security of RPN-9, where I was then public affairs manager, frantically said over the telephone: “Sir, na Martial Law na tayo. Proclamation 1081 is

plastered in front of the building that all media outlets, including radio and television should stop operating until further orders. I was told to call you, sir.”

There were already rumors, weeks before. This was because of the threat of communist and Muslim insurgency.

Hurriedly, I took off for RPN9 along Roxas Boulevard at that time, and had to go through several checkpoints manned by the military personnel along Edsa to reach RPN-9.

When I reached RPN-9, I was told to join Benedicto at nearby Savory Hotel—now Midas Hotel. I didn’t feel like joining the group since I knew they would just be concurring with everything he would say or do, so I decided just to mingle with the RPN-9 staff in front of the network.

At past five o’clock in the morning I decided to go home— but thought of having coffee or a snack at Hotel Intercon. When I Turn to A5

PUNDITS and policymakers everywhere are bemoaning the rise of a new, inward-looking populism. Led by the likes of Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, those who’ve felt only globalization’s ill effects, not its benefits, have mounted a fierce counterattack. Border-hopping elites fret that the whole process of opening up and knitting together the world through trade, capital flows and immigration may soon go into reverse.

They’re missing the point.

Support for freer trade and greater openness had in fact begun to falter well before economic nationalists like Trump and Farage took center stage.

The same governments that count themselves among globalization’s greatest champions have been rolling it back steadily since the global financial crisis.

Their excuses are innocentsounding and several: to protect national industries and iconic businesses; to secure export markets and competitive advantage; and above all, to prop up employment and incomes.

Despite oft-repeated warnings about avoiding the beggarthy-neighbor policies of the 1930s, these governments allowed global trade talks—the so-called Doha Round—to stall as early as 2008. Nations including the U.S. have instead pursued narrower bilateral and regional deals where they don’t have to satisfy so many different negotiating partners and can continue to protect key sectors. If these pacts are better than nothing, they more or less foreclose the possibility of a more ambitious multilateralism.

Meanwhile, between 2009 and 2015, three times as many discriminatory trade measures were introduced as liberalizing ones. In the first 10 months of 2015 alone, the latest Global Trade Alert database recorded 539 such initiatives adopted by governments worldwide that harmed foreign traders, investors, workers or owners of intellectual property—a record.

Efforts to control trade flows have grown increasingly sophisticated. Most governments no longer impose tariffs or other crude roadblocks that would violate World Trade Organization rules. Instead countries from the U.S.—with the auto bailouts—to the U.K., China, Brazil, Canada and several EuTurn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE MEMBER

PPI

Chairman Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager OIC-Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Adelle Chua Honor B. Cabie Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Editor Night Editor Art Director Chief Photographer

Opinion FLORENCIO FIANZA

THERE is more controversy the US. If the President wants to veer because the President made some statements which left his away from the Americans, it is communication people scram- perhaps instructive to remembling to find words to clari- ber that it is the Chinese who fy what the President really are already in possession of something that belongs to us. meant.

The Indonesian news agen- We do not know whether his cy Antara quoted Indonesian statement about the withdrawal President Widodo as saying that of the US Special Forces continPresident Duterte had given gent was based on consultation his green light to execute Mary with his security advisers. It Jane Veloso. The Palace imme- appears that it was not because diately denied this and said that there seems to be an immediate what President Duterte simply retraction. The fighter jets from said to President Widodo was to South Korea are certainly no follow Indonesian laws. To the much with what China has.

Still, it is important that the Indonesian President, the meaning of these words were crystal AFP acquire some jet planes in order that in the future, when clear: It was a green light. we can afford more advanced To us however, it was not.

Maybe President Duterte planes, our Air Force will be should just have kept quiet ready. It takes time to get an and said nothing. He has to Air Force to be jet capable. understand that the matter of And how about Chinese arms the government trying to pro- to fight insurgency? There tect Filipino lives overseas, seems to be a disconnect in criminals or not, is emotional this because the President is to all Filipinos. This issue of already making peace with the Veloso has the potential to CPP/NPA, MILF and MNLF. turn into a political storm for So there is not much need for the administration if not han- these types of armaments. In the end however, it should realdled well.

Remember Flor Contempla- ly depend on what his security cion? It was also the life of one team will decide and whether Filipino that forced the Arroyo they can convince the Presiadministration to withdraw dent of their views. Rejecting Filipino troops from the Iraqi the joint patrols with the US navy is probwar.

And ably less coneven if the best efforts tentious. The only downside of the govis depriving ernment was Maybe our Navy of not enough valuable expeto prevent the President Duterte rience. execution of Pursuing an a Filipino in should just have independent China, at least kept quiet and foreign policy the people is the dream knew that the said nothing. and wish of gover n ment every leader tried its best.

It is one and country. thing to be But in this day unable to prevent the execu- and age of interconnectivity, tion of a Filipino in another one wonders if this is at all poscountry. It is quite different if sible in its purest meaning. This our government is perceived is because once we sign agreeto be giving its go signal to ments or enter into alliances, execute one of its citizens in- this limits complete freedom of stead of asking for clemency action by any country weak or powerful. It is a given that big as universally done.

Although the President is un- and powerful countries always perturbed about the potential want to have their ways to be political trouble that the inci- followed. The trick is how we dent could bring his adminis- can manage our policies in ortration, his advisers are con- der to get what is best for our cerned enough because they country. That is why for us, it are trying to defuse the situa- is so important to have leaders tion before it gets out of hand. with the wisdom, maturity and discernment to chart what is *** President Duterte also said best for the country.

How about neutrality as that he is not a fan of the Americans and announced that some are advocating? There the American Special Forces are lessons to be learned here. contingent stationed in Zam- Belgium and the Netherlands, boanga must leave. Other state- were neutral just before the ments followed: the purchase Second World War but were the of fighter jets from South Ko- first ones to be invaded when rea was useless and that arms Germany invaded France. For procurement should be diversi- us, a quick look at the map will fied to include China and Rus- tell us that our country will not sia because these two countries be spared in a conflict between China and the United States. are offering generous terms.

He has now also rejected Our country stands in the way plans for joint patrols in the to China’s desire to break out West Philippine Sea with the into the vast Pacific Ocean.

Americans. To top it all, the The big question is, do we prePresident also wants to pursue fer the Chinese or the Amerian independent foreign poli- cans? And what should we do? cy. These statements should The best is to have a respectkeep the Palace busy for quite able defense establishment that a while. That he is no fan of is well trained, well organized the Americans is clear enough and professional so that if we with his statements and actua- have to fight as a country, we tions. But hopefully, this will can fight with honor and can be not be the overriding reason in proud even we lose, much like his dealing with our principal the Greeks in the Second World ally. He can perhaps look at the War. They lost to the Germans overall picture and the whole but earned the respect of the gamut of our relationship with vaunted German Army.

September...

From A4

entered the coffee shop, I saw at a round table Mayor Yabut, Valencia, businessman Pat Dayrit, BIR official Joe Viterbo and Biding Sibug. At another table, I saw Yabut’s bodyguards and beside them was a big duffel bag.

Yabut told me that he was ready to be arrested and that he had Ka Doroy as some kind of “insurance” so that nothing would happen to him. I decided to join them and Yabut told me that the Camp Crame generals wanted him to answer for the death of Delfin Cueto, who was rumored to be very close to Marcos.

That was already about seven o’clock in the morning when Ka Doroy told me to call all member of the press to gather at Hotel Intercon. He would take care of breakfast and snacks, he said. Yabut smiled and said, “Ako naman taya,” knowing that it would be he who would foot the bill.

So, when breakfast was over, I went home, and started calling all media members to take up Ka Doroy’s offer. But, at about 9 o’clock, I got a call again from RPN-9 because Marcos wanted to go on television to announce the proclamation of Martial Law and get introduced by then Press Secretary Kit Tatad.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Diplomacy 101 for Duterte, some Cabinet men needed

DUTY CALLS

More controversy

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Republican Party and Hillary Clinton of Obama’s Democratic Party were united in their pungent words posthaste for Duterte’s name-calling.

That Duterte immediately tried to repair his run-in by saying his outburst was not meant for Obama but the White House only put into sharper focus the need to rein in his tongue and emotions before inquisitive media aching for a “good lead paragraph” or attention-grabbing headline.

Even if Duterte was replying to a hypothetical scenario—buried by his quick sharp tongue in the context of the story no longer explained by media—analysts say he should as President always check his reaction with the refined delicacy of a diplomat.

Even if he, 24 hours or less later, should apologize and rationalize he was just joking or did not mean that to be personal – in either or both his sincerity would be dented irreparably.

If he wants to be respected, say political observers, by world leaders he should be stronger with his grip when his tongue, commanded by his mind, aches to get loose.

Duterte, addressing newsmen with different agenda, editors, deadline and persuasion, should know when to stop without any elaborate answer.

Better yet, to stop the question on track, particularly if the question is based on a hypothesis.

As it was, in several instances, he immediately shifted to high gear, with his foul mouth unleashing a long diatribe based on a hypothetical situation—for which he said later was not for Obama but the White House.

Duterte does not even have to be media savvy, but he should, in the eyes of political analysts and some ordinary men in the streets, behave and hold his tongue more properly.

Some even have suggested, with some tinge of satire, that if Duterte does not wash his mouth with detergent soap before long he might be likened to a buffoon.

Given Duterte’s quick and strong inclination for irreverence and vulgar words in public in what may well be knee jerk reactions, some Filipinos, including some who voted for

him in the last polls, feel rather embarrassed by what has been described by one observer as the President’s “crude truculence.”

That Obama cancelled a meeting with Duterte on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Vientiane and his calculated remarks post the Duterte cuss words spoke volumes for either.

In the next breath, Duterte called Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations chief, a “fool” and then discarded his prepared text before the Asean leaders and spoke of the atrocities perpetrated by the Americans against the Filipinos during the pacification campaign in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century.

Curiously, however, he did not tackle the Summit the violence committed by the Japanese Imperial troops in the 1940s, the Filipino comfort women, and, among, others, the alleged foreign source of illegal drugs that have since addicted millions of Filipinos.

While some analysts saw Duterte as historically correct in so far as facts were concerned in the pacification campaign in the Philippines, his energy to raise that in the Asean Summit encouraged some questions.

It is the view of these analysts that the issue is whether any government should be free to violate the rights of its own people and check others from condemning such violations.

These analysts refer to the Bill of Rights in the Philippine Constitution, which says that “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.”

It is too soon to suggest how foreign investors look at the possibility of investing in the Philkippines, with 3,000 by latest count victims of extrajudicial killings.

But the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines has expressed “growing concern over developments that could harm the long-standing optimism of American business to invest” in the Philippines.

There have also been other re-

ports which raised similar concerns—and those, even before the supposed harsh criticism against Obama.

But all does not seem lost on the tough-talking President, who has declared he is no lapdog of Washington, applauded by many in his country.

At the close of the Vientiane Summit, he addressed fellow heads of state and government in Asean that he was accepting the chairmanship for next year of the rotating chairmanship of the bloc from Laos “with great honor and humility.”

Great honor and humility— terms that should characterize his six-year tenure as Philippine head of state.

Terms that, while declaring he wants to steer Manila’s ship of state with an independent foreign policy, should take him and his Cabinet to behavior and language befitting diplomats and statesmen.

Duterte has said the Philippines, an ally of the United States for decades, will be pursuing “an independent foreign policy” under his administration to protect the country’s interests.

Yet some political analysts express some understandable reservations that in protecting the country’s interests Duterte should also always remember the infrastructure being built by the People’s Republic of China on some islands in the West Philippine Sea. Unless Duterte means an “independent foreign policy” is antiAmerican and pro-other nations who do not, observers say, respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

No one argues with Duterte when he said “we will observe and must insist on the time-honored principles of sovereignty, sovereign equality, non-interference and the commitment to peaceful settlements of disputes that will serve our people and protect the interests of our country.”

But analysts say there are situations on the ground—and even across the admittedly turbulent sea—that as well need to be addressed.

And addressed well without having to antagonize allies of long-standing.

ropean Union members have funneled aid to domestic industries.

State procurement rules -- which in China, say,forbid buying strategic and defense technology from abroad -- favor domestic suppliers, as do “buy local” campaigns like the ones launched since 2009 in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

New safety and environmental standards have served as well to block foreign products.

The U.S.’s long-running resistance to Mexican trucks, based in part on safety and environmental concerns, was one egregious example. The restrictions many countries place on various food imports are another.

Financial policy has become a trade weapon. In the U.S., Europe, U.K. and Japan, a combination of artificially low interest rates, quantitative easing and direct intervention in money and foreign-exchange markets have implicitly targeted currency levels to gain a competitive advantage. Devaluation has reduced

the purchasing power of foreign investors holding the devaluing nation’s debt.

Volatile and potentially destabilizing inflows have prompted countries as varied as Switzerland, China, Brazil, South Korea and India to restrict capital in one form or another -- something the International Monetary Fund has implicitly endorsed, reversing years of economic orthodoxy.

Several places, including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, have introduced special taxes or other restrictions on overseas property buyers.

Nations such as Spain and Portugal with high levels of debt have sought to channel funds domestically to support financial institutions and economic activity. The U.S., U.K., the Euro zone countries and others have used regulations and political pressure to encourage banks and investors to adopt “patriotic” balance sheets, purchasing national government bonds or prioritizing lending to domestic borrowers. According to Standard and Poor’s, banks have doubled their holdings of their own

states’ debt since 2008.

The underlying drivers behind these trends are clear. In an environment of tepid economic growth, governments have good reason to try and maximize their share of a shrinking pie. At the same time, countries that face painful structural adjustments have been reluctant to bear the pain. Nations such as China, Germany and Japan have resisted abandoning an economic model reliant on export-driven growth, placing pressure on their trading partners.

Governments have grown frustrated with the way globalization undercuts the effectiveness of national policies: Fiscal expansion designed to support domestic demand, for instance, may be dissipated through financial leakage, boosting imports rather than promoting domestic activity. Rivals are able to undermine domestic tax policies, as Ireland’s attempts to lure companies such as Applehave shown.

All this was true before the U.S. presidential campaign gained steam and Britons voted to leave the EU. Now that major

party leaders in the U.S. and U.K. have positioned themselves as champions of the dispossessed, railing against trade and threats to national economic sovereignty, what were once surreptitious anti-globalization efforts have simply gained new legitimacy.

The process threatens to gain an unstoppable momentum. Already the suspicion of global trade talks has spread to all trade deals: The U.S.-led TransPacific Partnership is on life support, while its transatlantic counterpart appears stillborn.

Policies such as negative interest rates will require progressively tighter controls to prevent capital flight.

Governments have done enough damage already. Unless they can quickly recover the cooperative spirit they demonstrated in response to the financial crisis and convince voters of their ability to ensure an equitable sharing of the benefits and costs of globalization—a difficult ask at the best of times —tomorrow’s economies are certain to be even less open than today’s. Bloomberg

Thus, hurriedly with the camera staff and with Babe Romualdez as anchor person, we rushed to Malacañang. There I saw, Kit scratching his leg while introducing Marcos. Kit was obviously nervous.

Marcos then went on air explaining what Martial Law was all about, and why he had to do it.

After a month or so, Yabut who used to hang out at the jeepney coffee shop of Hotel Intercon told me that his finance officer was already complaining that the bills given to him by the hotel was getting too big. Some members of media were not only having break-

fast for free, but also having lunches and dinners, with some of them bringing their families.

This prompted Ka Doroy to issue what he called Proclamation 1082, where Doroy said that henceforth from that date, everybody who joins in at 365 Club would pay for whatever he consumes.

When Ka Doroy Valencia died in 1976, I assumed chairmanship of the club being a cofounder, a position I now hold as chairman emeritus. I designated businessman-sportsman Alfonso “Boy” Reyno Jr. as president, having the financial capacity to help the club. I also designated former Senate President Johnny

Ponce Enrile to be honorary chairman since his presence during the Saturday’s sessions of the club gives it dignity and integrity.

This coming Sept. 24 (Saturday), 365 Club will mark its 44th anniversary. We are proud to have lasted this long. *** As for my birthday today, I believe I’m really blessed by God for reaching the sunset of my years. It must be my genes since my late mother, Margarita Paris, died at 96 in her sleep, still healthy and with a clear mind. She never stopped scolding my late elder brother, Willie, and going to Quiapo

church carrying everything in her bag, including her old prayer book.

As for me, at 89 years old, I can still write my column, and attend board meetings. I thank God for my health.

As for the 365 Club—I believe it will last for another hundred years.

By Honor Blanco Cabie PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has returned home from his first international stage debut since taking his oath as chief executive of the Philippines on June 30, his propagandists claiming a successful visit while critics are more subdued with their assessment.

Catapulted to the presidency by over 16 million voters, arguably the biggest in the political ledger for presidential winners, he must by now be having thoughts that the country is bigger, in many departments, than his home city of Davao.

His outbursts, oft laden with needless interjections and quickly picked up by media, sometimes off context, have somehow tarnished his image as leader of a sovereign country.

The 71-year-old former city prosecutor after all is President of a country of 102 million people—with different political and cultural persuasions.

And any statement he makes, when he stands alongside world leaders, reflects the faces of the people he represents at home and abroad.

Some political observers are one in saying he should behave and, as one opinion maker put it, “not act as a Filipino foulmouthed bully who shamelessly laces his statements with profanities.”

By such behavior, observers say he does not only shame himself before the international community but also puts to shame the people he represents.

And the comments of some of his alter egos following his outbursts—notably Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III—regarding Duterte’s reported comment on US President Barack Obama was most uncalled for as was Duterte’s provoked comment.

To justify Duterte’s reported comment—which was taken out of context by media—and calling Obama a lameduck president did not add points for Duterte, already by then mired in a diplomatic whirlpool.

Bello, himself a lawyer, should have realized that Obama, lameduck or not, represented the face of the United States.

Fact is, Donald Trump of the

The closing...

From A4

EVERYMAN

Mr. Robles’ column will resume Friday.

A6

News

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Alvarez pushes stricter attrition law enforcement S

By Maricel V. Cruz

PEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez has sought the strict implementation of Republic Act 9335, or the Lateral Attrition Law, following the continued failure of the Bureaus of Internal Revenue and Customs to meet their target revenues.

At a hearing of the House committee on ways and means on the Department of Finance’s budget, Alvarez said that the past administration failed to implement the Lateral Attrition Act which rewards and punishes officials and employees of the BoC and BIR who fulfill and fail to meet collection targets.

“The Lateral Attrition Law provides a provision on penalty if the agency fails to meet its revenue target, such as removal from office. I don’t think this had been effectively implemented under the previous administration,” Alvarez said in an interview.

He said the law should have been implemented with the continued budget deficit that budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said may breach over two percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

“It seems they implement the law without the IRR. The IRR is taken for granted,” Alvarez told Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who vowed to provide an answer in two weeks.

Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu joined Alvarez in finding ways on how concerned government officials could effec-

tively implement tax collection strategies and arrest the growing collection shortages.

Abu said the House leadership will work on new proposed tax laws to generate revenues like imposing tax to soft drinks, excise tax, and others.

He admitted though that the BIR decision to reduce the collection target this year to a more realistic level from the original P2 trillion to P1.6 trillion or about a 20 percent cut was not surprising.

“There are other new measures which are being studied in Congress that will somehow lessen the impact of the said 20 percent revenue target cut, such as the soft drinks’ tax, the excise tax on oil, the review on sin tax [cigarette and alcoholic drinks], the tax on mining, the tax on non-essential goods, the excise tax on junk food, the road user’s tax, the review of the excise tax and registration fees of motor vehicles,” Abu stressed.

“BIR almost always misses their target. The 20 percent revenue cut is not surprising and I believe has been factored in when the National Government made the projection for the budget of next Fiscal year [2017] so it should not affect the proposals to lower income tax rates,” Abu added.

During the Aquino administration, former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, now president of the Philippine Constitution Association (PhilConsa), pressed the DoF to strictly implement the Lateral Attrition Law. “It’s unfortunate that this good law has not been implemented. I hope the concerned department will enforce this to boost the performance of the Bureaus of Customs and Revenue,” Romualdez said.

“If they fall short of target revenue, the Attrition Law is there to impose sanctions and also provides incentives to the performers.

That would have been a fair and transparent approach to ensure check and balance.”

Under the Attrition Law signed in 2005 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a threeterm Pampanga lawmaker, officials and employees of revenue agencies who fall short of their collection targets by at least 7.5 percent would be dismissed from service.

The law also provides that those who go beyond expectations would be given incentives, which may include cash.

RA 9335 provides that if revenue collections exceed the target by 30 percent or below, the law guarantees that 15 percent of the excess will form part of a rewards fund.

It mandates the commissioners of the BIR and BoC to submit a regular report on the performance of the two agencies to a nine-member Revenue Performance Evaluation Board, which is chaired by the secretary of Finance.

MMDA activates free ride program

QC Science High School reunion set THE Quezon City Science High School will mark its 49th foundation anniversary with its annual alumni homecoming dinner on Saturday, September 17.

The silver jubilarians from Batch ‘91 will sponsor this year’s event at the school’s covered court.

Registration will start at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s alumni achievement awardees include former Climate Change Commission member and current Greenpeace Asia director Naderev “Yeb” Saño and longtime trade unionist Julius Cainglet, both of Batch ‘91.

Other awardees include economist Merlinda Ingco (Batch ‘76), educator Mary Rose Gemma S. Rodriguez (Batch ‘88), Blanquita Calilung-Mercado (Batch ‘81), lawyer Roy Ecraela (Batch ‘76), photojournalist Rogelio Luis Liwanag (Batch ‘76), physician Rebethia Acala (Batch ‘76), and entrepreneur Rita Carmela Sanqui-Santiago (Batch ‘81).

Scientian alumni who wish to be part of this event may contact Mafe Arlegui at (0917) 538-2938.

Tickets are at P500 each, inclusive of dinner, drinks, souvenir program, raffle and one year membership in the QCSHS Alumni Association.

BoC seizes P7.5-m drugs CUSTOMS authorities seized some P7.5 million worth of party drugs, including ecstasy, at the Manila Central Post Office which came from the Netherlands.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said the drugs were found hidden in five parcels of toys consigned to a certain Don Arnold, while the two others to a certain Martin Domingo.

Lawyer Arnel Alcaraz, OICdeputy commissioner, said the modus of these drug syndicates is to order illegal drugs online using fake identity, utilizing bitcoins as payment, and coursing the transit of the parcels via the mail.

Faeldon ordered an investigation to identify persons involved in the illegal activities. Only recently, the BoC intercepted more than 2,000 pieces of ecstasy tablets at the Central Mail Exchange Center and 2.4 kilograms of cocaine at the Clark International Airport.

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority has reactivated its “Oplan Libreng Sakay” with the deployment of military trucks to pick up stranded passengers during heavy rain.

Motorists and commuters on Wednesday were stranded and experienced gridlock after various parts of Metro Manila have been hit by flash floods because of heavy rainfalls brought by Typhoon “Ferdie.”

MMDA officer-in-charge Thomas Orbos dispatched a military truck to fetch the affected passengers along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue from Timog Avenue going to Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Two other military trucks were also deployed along Ricardo Papa Street in Caloocan City and North Avenue in Quezon City.

During the time of MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, the agency introduced the Libreng Sakay program in a bid to help commuters in case of heavy rain and massive flooding.

The scheme also came on the heels of the technical problems that has affected the operations of the Metro Railway Transit -3 and has stranded thousands of passengers, especially during peak hours.

Orbos also ordered personnel from the agency’s Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office and Traffic Discipline Office to monitor the flood-prone areas and be on a stand-by in case of emergency situation.

At press time, the MMDA Metrobase reported tire-deep flood in the areas of Quezon Avenue and Biak na Bato, half-tire deep flood at the northbound lane of Edsa in front of Gate 2 of Camp Aguinaldo and gutter-deep flood along the northbound lane of Circumferential Road-5 in the Bagong Ilog area.

IN BRIEF

DRUG WAR TRAINING. Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian hands certificate to one of the policemen who took training program on the proper handling of drug cases. Andrew Rabulan

Film industry tax holiday pushed

By Christine F. Herrera A SERIES of triumphs in international competition prompted a lawmaker on Wednesday to urge the House to fast-track deliberations and approval of a proposed bill providing a five-year tax holiday for the film industry.

“I strongly urge my fellow lawmakers to prioritize our bill. The series of triumphs of our very own Jaclyn Jose, Directors Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz, Charo Santos and John Lloyd Cruz in various international film competitions further proves that Filipino talents are topnotch and worldclass. We should help the Philippine film industry,” according to

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Lito Atienza.

Atienza said the five-year tax holiday would greatly benefit the industry as it would lower the cost of production with the 100-percent exemption from customs duties and national internal revenue tax on the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts as well as 100 percent tax credits to domestic manufacturers of any articles directly related to film making.

Atienza lamented that from an average of 300 films a year, it has dropped to making less than 50 films a year.

The proposed House Bill 2624, which shall be known as the Phil-

ippine Film Industry Tax Holiday Act of 2014, seeks to give a fiveyear tax holiday for the film industry—including the purchase of equipment, production of films and exhibition of said films starting on the year of its approval, in order for the whole film industry of the Philippines to recover and improve, especially with the entry of new players.

“Our film industry used to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the Philippines and in the world as well. We used to be recognized in the world in terms of creativity, originality and talent in our movies.”

Atienza called on his colleagues to prioritize the bill.

Jaclyn Jose won as Best Actress

in the Cannes Film Festival for the movie “Ma Rosa” helmed by award-winning Director Brillante Mendoza while Lav Diaz bagged the Golden Lion Award in the recently-concluded Venice Film Festival for his movie “Ang Babaeng Humayo” which starred industry icon Charo Santos-Concio and John Lloyd Cruz.

Atienza pointed out that the rising cost of movie production has made it harder for start-up film companies to enter the industry and has watered down competition and improvement in the whole film industry—which badly needs subsidies and a tax break to be able to bounce back and be competitive once more.

Korean shipbuilder hits auction for PH war ships ONE of six bidders in the acquisition of two Navy frigates, originally priced at P18 billion, questioned the Defense Department’s bids and awards committee over its modification of the bid structure by splitting the project into two components.

STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (STX Korea) said the Philippine government “shall be grossly disadvantaged with the modification in the bid structure, aside from committing a serious violation of the country’s existing procurement laws.”

“Splitting the Authorized Budget of Contract [ABC] and the items to be bid out after the first stage of the bidding, and before the second stage, is tantamount to changing the terms and conditions of the bid in the middle of the game,” STX Korea said.

It added that initially, the six bidders were made to believe that the ABC is P18 billion and the items for bidding are the vessels, weapons system and ammunition, “and we joined the bidding on the basis of those parameters.”

“It is thus unfair for everyone, especially for those who failed to pass the initial stage, to have the terms substantially changed when the bid

has already been submitted,” STX Korea said.

According to their statement, on January 2016, the BAC released the technical specification for the project but removed all references to ammunition. The BAC also attached a memorandum to the bid document, specifying the need to split the bidding for the vessels and the ammo, which could be in the form of missiles, bullets, torpedoes, etc.

The Korean firm believes that the BAC purposely split the project to make it appear that the winning bidder has offered the lowest price, now at P16 billion for the two vessels alone.

“One major effect of such modification is that there would be limited number of possible bidders for the ammunition considering that launchers are usually tailor fitted for certain kinds of ammunition.”

“Effectively, the one who will manufacture the launchers in the first bid will more or less be the most qualified to be the provider of the ammunition in the second bid,” STX Korea said.

“In other words, there will be no competition for the bid of ammunition as the manufacturer of the launchers in the first bid is the only manufacturer of the ammunition which will fit such launchers.”

LIBERIAN SUSPECTS. The National Bureau of Investigation arrested three Liberian nationals who tried to scam an Indian businessman into giving them a P1 million. Danny Pata

Airport processes for plane crew set

By Vito Barcelo

FOREIGN pilots and other crew members of international airlines will now be subjected to immigration inspection once they arrive and leave from the various airports nationwide, the Bureau of Immigration said Wednesday.

Commissioner Jaime Morente said immigration arrival and departure formalities for airline crew members has been going on since last month as part of the bureau’s efforts to strengthen border security operations.

Morente observed that unlike in the past when these foreign airline crewmen were allowed to just breeze through immigration counters, their identities and other personal details are now being scrutinized in line with the BI’s mandate to regulate and entry and stay of aliens in the Philippines.

“We have to ensure that these alien crewmen are indeed bona fide employees of the airlines they represent and that they are not included in our blacklist of undesirable or wanted aliens,” the BI chief explained.

He added that the new policy is also consistent with existing international standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Under new guidelines issued

by Morente, all crew members of commercial airline flights are required to queue at the designated immigration counter for arrival and departure formalities and present their passport or airline identification card for inspection.

The immigration officer may deny the admission or defer the departure of a crew member, if warranted, such as when the latter is in the blacklist, watchlist or hold departure list of the bureau.

Sports Tarlac bets lead football winners HOST City Tarlac led the team winners in the football competition of the recent fourth leg of the Football For A Better Life, a PRU Life UK-backed nationwide grassroots football development program featuring free football clinics and football agegroup tournaments in different parts of the country.

Tarlac ruled the Under-12 and Under-14 categories, with the Sto. Cristo Football Club and the Tarlaqueno Football Club, lording it over the rest of the field.

Bataan took the younger age groups, winning both the Under-8 and Under-10 categories, even as Brincation dominated in the U-8 and sister team Brincation Football Club topped the U-10.

Visiting teams from far away Tuguegarao City ran away with the Under 16 and Under-18 titles in the football festival organized

by Spears Activation, headed by Albert Almendralejo, in partnership with the Azkals Foundation, the Central Luzon Football Association and the local government unit, headed by Mayor Cristy Angeles, who welcomed the FFABL delegation in her city.

The football clinic was conducted by former Azkal skipper Chieffy Caligdong, together with current Azkals Marwin and Marvin Angeles and Eduard Sacapano and Azkal trainee Mike Cases.

“PRU-LIFE UK takes pride in its involvement in this football developmental program.

We believe sports is a cornerstone for developing values in young people and the FFABL meets this role,” said PRULIFE’s CFO Lee Longa.

Next leg will be this weekend in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Hackers release top athletes’ data

L

OS ANGELES—The World Anti-Doping Agency on Tuesday slammed Russian hackers who breached its database and published confidential records of US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.

WADA said in a statement that the Russian cyber-espionage group Tsar Team (APT28), also known as Fancy Bears, had broken into its Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) database.

The hacking group released information gleaned from the files

of Biles, the Williams sisters and US women’s basketball player Elena Delle Donne.

In a posting on its website, Fancy Bears claimed US athletes at the Olympics had “played well but not fair.”

However, none of the documents published by the group pro-

vided evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the athletes involved.

Instead, the disclosed files set out instances where the athletes had been granted exemptions to use various medications for legitimate reasons—a common practice in the sports world.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) characterized the hack as a “cowardly and despicable” attempt to smear the four women.

“In each of the situations, the athlete has done everything right in adhering to the global rules for obtaining permission to use a needed medication,” USADA

chief executive Travis Tygart said.

“The cyber-bullying of innocent athletes being engaged by these hackers is cowardly and despicable,” added Tygart, the anti-doping czar who famously helped expose US cyclist and dope cheat Lance Armstrong.

‘I believe in clean sport’ Biles said on Twitter she had taken medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since childhood.

“Please know I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules and will continue to do so as fair play is critical to sport and is very important to me,” said Biles,

Red Bull King of the Rock World Finals’ Philippine representative Willie Miller trains for the event to be held at the Mali Kalemegdan venue in Serbia’s capital.

Sports and Toby’s.

Also gracing the meet were major sponsors Cebuana Lhuillier, led by Philta chair Jean Henri Lhuillier, and Palawan Pawnshop headed by Bobby Castro. Together, their companies bankroll 80 percent of tennis tournaments, including the age-groupers, in the country.

Representatives of different schools, tennis parents, officials of Philippine Ladies Tennis League and Philippine Columbian Association chief organizer Raul Diaz were also in attendance.

Villanueva said the stakeholders agreed to address the issues hurting Philta including amendment of its charter. “Our goal is to have 100,000 members of Philta,” said Villanueva who also batted for representations from all regions in the country.

He added that the International Tennis Federation has been monitoring the changes in Philta through his reports.

Southwoods tries to extend reign MANILA Southwoods-Masters, the most dominant force in Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub history, shoots to extend its unprecedented reign in the centerpiece Championship Division to a sixth straight year next month when the 11th edition tees off at up-and-down Camp John Hay in Baguio.

The Carmona-based parbusters will be fielding in a rock-solid squad and will be leaving nothing to chance, with a slew of young international campaigners led by Pauline del Rosario and Sofia Chabon taking the cudgels for the team in

the absence of Abby Arevalo Arevalo, who won the individual championship in Bacolod last year and powered Southwoods-Masters to a one-point victory over Cebu Country Club on the strength of a tournament-best fourunder-par 68 at Marapara, is in the United States on a golf scholarship with San Jose State University.

But that doesn’t mean that SW-Masters will be lacking in talent, with Mikhaela Fortuna also in roster for the fourto-play, three-to-count event spread from Oct. 4-7.

Cebu CC will also be without its top gun last year, Lois Kaye Go, who is also studying in the US as the club pins its hopes on sisters Irina and Junia Gabasa and Riko and Ryoko Nagai.

Del Rosario looms as top favorite in the individual race, with her talent and skill level ripe for a stint in the pros despite being a teener.

Last week, Del Rosario narrowly lost in a four-player playoff for the ICTSI Ladies Sherwood Hills Challenge won by Princess Superal, a former teammate in the Philippine Team who won her debut as a pro.

Ex-champ Servania wins again in Japan

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania, who at one time was ranked no.1 super bantamweight by the organization, but has now dropped to No. 8, scored his second straight win in Japan with a unanimous 10-round decision over Alexander Espinoza of Venezuela at the Sangyo Hall in Kanazawa, Ishikawa.

The 25-year-old Servania, who broke away from the ALA Boxing Stable in Cebu, remains undefeated with 28 wins and 11 knockouts and has also broken into the IBF ratings at No. 9.

With the loss, the 35-year-old Espinoza’s record dropped to 11-8 with 10 knockouts and one draw.

Servania, a native of Bacolod City, scored his

first win in Japan against Indonesian Hendrik Barongsay also by a UD on Dec. 31, 2015 at the Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya, Aichi, under his new Japanese promoter.

Servania’s last fight in the Philippines was on February 7, 2015 when he successfully defended his WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight title by a UD against Mexican Juan Luis Hernandez at the USEP Gym in Davao City.

It was Servania’s third title-defense of the vacant crown he won via a 2nd-round TKO against Panama’s Rafael Concepcion on Oct. 26, 2013 at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino.

Servania retained it via a 12th-round TKO against Venezuela’s Alexander Munoz last March 1, 2014 at the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City.

The law of attraction: Additional bridge players I HAVE b e e n r u n n i ng the Alejandro Duplicate Bridge games for more than a decade. Before I bemoaned the diminishing number of bridge players who could play by reason of the death of the regular players and because the new youth bridge players who have to study or work were not available to play.

Recently I read “The SECRET” and I read an insight which was helpful to develop an attitude that led to an understanding of Abundance.

I was no longer anxious about how many players would play. I thanked the Lord there were still bridge players who enjoy with the passion of playing bridge.

Then a few months back Capt Justo Manlongat (ret) introduced

one of the stars of the Rio Olympics after winning four gold medals.

Venus Williams meanwhile expressed “disappointment” at the breach, stating: “I am one of the strongest supporters of maintaining the highest level of integrity in competitive sport.”

Delle Donne laughed off the revelations in a upbeat post on Twitter.

“I’d like to thank the hackers for making the world aware that I legally take a prescription for a condition that I’ve been diagnosed with, which WADA granted me an exemption for. Thanks guys!” the basketball player wrote. AFP

Serbia hosts Red Bull King of the Rock

PH tennis gets boost as stakeholders unite PHILIPPINE tennis gets a big shot in the arm as stakeholders put up a united stand for change and agreed to reorganize the association and spur its growth during the Philippine Tennis Summit last weekend.

Philippine Tennis Association acting president Randy Villanueva said the day-long convention at the Makati Sports Club proved to be a huge success as “everyone showed up including regional officials, top organizers and major Lhuillier sponsors.”

Philippine Sports Commissioner Charles Maxey also attended the event, representing chair Butch Ramirez.

Among the attendees were former regional vice presidents, representatives of tennis clubs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, current Philta board members, national coaches, players’ representatives and supporters Head Rackets, Dunlop, Slazenger, Prince, Wilson, Babolat, Solinco, Yonex Chris

A7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

a fine gentleman, Mr. Pascual Pastor, Jr. At first Mr. Pastor wanted to observe first and explaining that he was rusty.

Gradually he enjoyed playing, so much so that he gave up his Tuesday golf to play. PASKY, his nickname, was amenable to play with whomever could play with him. Then two months ago he brought with him Mr. Eddie Bunyi who would observe the play of our game. Later, Mr. Bunyi gained the confidence to play with Pasky regularly every Tuesday. Their results were not promising because they were recent partners and needed the practice to polish their game and partnership.

Until August 2016 the unexpected happened. They topped the game from cellar dwellers to topping!

I feature their story as a demonstration on an Abundance attitude can draw in more play-

ers and an inspiration to those bridge players who are afraid to play duplicate and stick to the rubber game in the comfort zone of their home.

Mr. Pastor’s narrative: “In 1972 I used to play duplicate bridge at the Elks Club in Estrella Street, Makati. When I moved residence to Paraῆaque I stopped playing. However, we started a Rubber bridge with my officemate between 1990 to 2001 and again stopped when our company closed.

This year I tried to contact the PTBA Association and found Mr. Jack Merhugen at Corinthian Plaza. He gave the schedules of the PTBA. That is how I started playing with Alejandro Duplicate Bridge Game at Forbes Park.

Later I found a permanent partner Mr. Ed Bunje who happened to be my regular golf partner at Velasco Golf Club. Ed was play-

ing rubber bridge with friends before in the mid-eighties.”

-oOo2016 PTBA HANDICAP PAIRS Manila Club at Elk’s Club Saturday, September 10, 2106 I do not play regularly at the PTBA games anymore. The two games where I had played before: in 2015 I won with Michel Guigere the National Pairs Open championship and in an 2016 I won with Albert Quiogue this year Ike Belo National Mixed Pairs Championship.

Then on September 9th I received a text from Mr. Hector Tarrazona a proposal to play at this event. Fortunately, I had no engagement and since Hector is a regular player at my Tuesday Alejandro Duplicate bridge game I readily acceded to play.

I feature a hand where we scored well considering our opponents were KT Yang and

Tonting Balthazar.

This occurred in Board 9 N-deals E-W Vul North ♠J8754 ♥7 ♦AQ52 ♣983 West East ♠10632 ♠K ♥K932 ♥1084 ♦7 ♦KJ9863 ♣AK105 ♣J76 South ♠AQ9 ♥AQJ65 ♦104 ♣Q42 We were the only pair that bid three notrump bid and made.

We scored well. The par + 140.

We got 6 points.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@ yahoo

THIS year’s Red Bull King of the Rock World Finals will take place at the Mali Kalemegdan venue in Serbia’s capital.

After 64 qualifying tournaments held in four continents, the one-on-one street basketball season will come to an end at this historical BC Red Star court.

On Sept. 17, 32 street ball players will battle for the Red Bull King of the Rock title, right where basketball was born in Serbia.

Located at the heart of Belgrade Fortress, Mali Kalemegdan was founded by Romans in the first century. Devastated and renovated several times in its history, it will now host street ball finalists coming from over 20 countries.

Iconic locations are a trademark of the street basketball culture. After the Alcatraz prison, the Samasana Island and the rooftop of the Beykoz Leather and Shoe Factory in Istanbul, this year’s venue will bring the Serbian spirit to the event. And with 2,500 spectators attending the last national Red Bull King of the Rock at Mali Kalemegdan, there’s no doubt about the popularity of the game in the country.

Defending champion Kivanc Dinler won the World Final in 2014 and 2015. He has a chance to take a third title this year, beating Hugh “Baby Shaq” Jones from the US, who won the tournament twice in 2011 and 2012.

Besides Serbia and Turkey, Red Bull King of the Rock finalists come from Lithuania, Argentina, Russia, Montenegro, Estonia, Poland, Angola, South Africa, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Kuwait, Romania, Philippines, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Georgia and Lebanon.

The battles take a straightforward form, where players go head-to-head in a raw, outdoor basketball, using a single-elimination format. Games last five minutes and are subject to regulation hoops rules and scoring (two and three pointers).

Local bets seek Mlang net titles TENIELLE Madis hopes to cash in on her solid form while Cedric Pamplona tries to nail the elusive crown as they banner the field in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Mlang leg regional age group tennis tournament beginning Thursday at the Mlang Tennis Club.

Madis, one of host province’s rising stars, seeks a follow-up to her 10-unisex romp in last week’s PPS-PEPP Tuna Festival in Gen. Santos City but the runner-up in the recent Olivarez Cup expects a tougher challenge this from Reyman Saldivar Jr.m Jilian Manangking and Jasmen Kadalum among others.

“We invite all tennis aficionados and fans from neighboring tennis clubs to watch and participate in the four-day tournament which serves as part of Mlang LGU’s sports development program,” said host Mayor Russel Abonado.

Pamplona, another local bet and a consistent semifinalist in past PPS-PEPP age-groupers, guns for another shot at the crown as he vies in the boys’ 12-and-under class as the second seed with JV Comendador heading the 16-player draw of the tournament sponsored by the country’s leading pawnshop, remittance and claim center Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

“While we expect the local bets to shine, we also see a number of young players from other towns and cities to emerge from this tournament, which part of our year-long, nationwide program to develop the sport and help discover future stars,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, who marked his 63rd birthday the other day.

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

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

GlobalPort ends PBA season on high note

By Jeric Lopez AT the very least, GlobalPort was able to end another disappointing campaign on a positive note.

The Batang Pier ended their conference and season with a victory, walloping lastplacer Blackwater, 139-126, after a strong fourth quarter in a no-bearing, high-scoring affair of exiting squads in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Veteran gunner Joseph Yeo came off the bench to fire a career-high 37 points on 54 percent shooting, with four rebounds and six assists to spearhead the Batang Pier’s attack.

Mike Glover also had a strong scoring night, tallying 34 points and 18 rebounds to further help GlobalPort, while resident scorer Terrence Romeo wasn’t far behind, adding 28 points, nine assists and six rebounds for a complete performance.

GlobalPort ended its run in the tournament with a 4-7 card, also snapping a three-game losing streak.

On the other hand, Blackwater just couldn’t do anything right as it lost its eighth straight game and fell further down to 1-9, with one more assignment left in its schedule before wrapping up its season.

“It looked like an All-Star game with the way it was played because we’re both out of the running, but it’s all about pride and effort,” said GlobalPort assistant coach Cholo Villanueva, who called the shots for this game. “Eventually, we got the win.”

Both teams were already out of contention as early as last week.

With less intensity on defense for both teams given the low-relevance of the game, GlobalPort and Blackwater feasted on the offensive end as they tallied the highest scoring game of the season thus far.

GlobalPort actually started out slow, trailing by 12, 36-48, early in the second but dug itself out of trouble right away, trimming its deficit to only two points, 6870, at the half to get back in it.

The teams remained neck-to-neck until the Batang Pier broke the game wide open in the final period.

GlobalPort erected a decisive 2412 spurt in the middle of the fourth to grasp a commanding 123-109 advantage with over four minutes left and it never looked back.

Keala King led Blackwater with 28 points.

Blackwater’s Carlo Lastimosa drives against GlobalPort’s Mike Glover in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Batang Pier, 139-126.

PH loses, but bronze medalist Torre lauded T

HE Philippines lost its last-round assignments on Tuesday, but ended its campaign in the 42nd Baku Chess Olympiad with an unprecedented bronze medal from its oldest player, Eugene Torre, for having the third best score on Board Three.

Australia, captained by longtime Manila campaigner Ian Rogers, defeated the Philippines, 2.5-1.5, with Torre delivering the only win after nearly six hours of play against Moulthun Ly in a 90-move Pirc Defense. Ino Sadorra, who marked his 30th birthday that day, gave the Philippines its other point with a draw against David Smerdon.

The Filipinos fell to its

lowest finish of 58th compared to 46th two years ago in Tromso.

“Our 58th place in Baku is an eye opener...we get to understand more our weaknesses and realized that there many things to be done better,” said team captain James Infiesto in a Facebook message.

A program to better prepare national teams in the future

will be worked out, chess federation officials said.

Torre’s closing 10/11 tally, rare for a 64-year-old grandmaster and likely not to be equalled, gave him the bronze on his board behind Wesley So, the Cavite-born grandmaster who now plays for the US and Zoltan Almasi of Hungary.

Torre, who said this was to be his final Olympiad, earned praise from many chess luminaries.

Emil Sutovsky of Israel, whose performance rating record was broken by So, said in his Facebook page: “Truly inspiring example from the player who became Grandmaster before all other top scorers

were born! Hats off!”

Lithuania clobbered the Philippine women’s team 3-1, with newly-minted woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna getting a pawn endgame lesson from veteran Viktoria Cmilyte. The only win came from Catherine Secopito, excluded from the team initially, against Salomeja Zaksaite in 43 moves of a Grunfeld Defense.

Secopito, 32, and coach of the UP women’s team, got a slot when two younger players could not join the Olympiad team due to academics.

She finished with 7/10, the second highest team scorer after Frayna’s 7/11.

The women’s team, boosted

Lascuña, Salvador set pace TARLAC—Tony Lascuña stumbled with a late bogey at the front and dropped into a share of the lead with Elmer Salvador at 68 as the Davaoeño aces took a one-stroke lead over the unheralded pair of Ramil Bisera and Rico Depilo at the start of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Open here yesterday.

Lascuña and Salvador matched 33s at the backside of the tight Luisita Golf and Country Club course in separate flights with the former looking headed for a solid opener with two more birdies at the front until he knocked in his approach shot on the par-4 seventh into the greenside bunker and missed a six-footer for par.

“I played relaxed today compared with my stint at Splendido,” said Lascuña,

Tony Lascuña hits his drive on No. 10.

referring to his campaign in the last ICTSI-sponsored leg where he led in the first two rounds but faltered in the third day with a 74 and wound up third to winner Salvador and runner-up Jay Bayron.

“Except for my late bogey, I played a solid game today (yesterday),” added Lascuña, seeking a fifth leg win and a fourth Order of Merit title in the last five years of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. But with Salvador all primed up for a second straight victory and a host of others laying just a stroke or two behind, Lascuña could be in for another challenging week the way he had at Splendido.

“I’ve been putting well lately but one has to be consis-

tent from tee to green here at Luisita,” said the soft-spoken Salvador, who gunned down three more birdies at the front but bogeyed the two par-3s.

Bisera and Depilo, who have never figured in a title chase in a long, long while, suddenly found themselves in spotlight after turning in a pair of 69s with the former putting in a bogey-free 3534 card and the latter firing five birdies against two bogeys.

Marvin Dumandan, a noted long hitter, went to his 3-wood and rescue shots in tackling the tree-lined layout, carding a 70 and leading the big group of two-under par scorers, who included Jhonnel Ababa, Ferdie Aunzo, Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Americans Micah Shin and Paul Harris and Jay Bayron.

Azkals face familiar tormentor in Suzuki Cup THE Philippine Azkals will be facing a familiar mentor—and tormentor—swhen they play Indonesia in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup group tournament in November.

Back at the helm of the Merah Puti (Red and White) is Austrian Alfred Riedl, who was also the coach of the Indonesians when they fought against the Filipinos for the first time in the Suzuki Cup semifinals in 2010.

With Indonesia enjoying complete hometown edge as the Philippines did not have a proper venue for the semis at that time, Riedl steered the hosts to a sweep

of their two-match series at the jampacked Bung Karno National Stadium in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.

The Indonesians advanced to finals with a 2-0 aggregate score, eventually losing the Suzuki Cup championship to Malaysia, paving the way to Riedl getting sacked as head coach in 2011.

Born in the romantic Austrian city of Vienna, Riedl, 66, is a well-travelled coach, having had national coaching stints with Austria, Liechenstein, Palestine, Vietnam and Laos besides Indonesia. He also handled commercial clubs in Morocco, Kuwait,

Egypt and Vietnam.

Riedl will be on his third spell at handling the Indonesia squad following his likewise short-lived tenure with the side in 2013-2014.

Indonesia is coming off a ban

by FIFA following intramurals between its football association and government and will be marking its comeback to major international play in the Suzuki Cup. The Indonesian booters welcomed the return of the Austrian tactician last Sept. 7 by thrashing Malaysia, 3-0, in a friendly held in the Manahan Stadium in Solo, the hometown of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The veteran Indon troika of Boaz Solossa, Adik Vermansyah and Irfan Bachdim scored a goal each in presiding over the demolition of the Malaysians.

Riedl, however, was not about to be carried away by the lopsided outcome.

“We still have a lot of homework, we will keep getting better,” said the Austrian coach in an interview with the official Suzuki Cup website.

Wolfgang Pikal, Riedl’s compatriot and deputy, echoed his sentiments, saying : “We still have a lot of work to be done. Among the areas which we need to improve would be fitness, team compact-

ness and also controlling tempo.”

“For the Indonesian team, this is pretty amazing,” noted impressed Malaysian coach Ong Kim Swee. “They haven’t played (together) for a long time. They wanted to prove they were better and they showed that, indeed, they were better.”

The Azkals face the Merah Puti in their second game in Group A of the Suzuki Cup on Nov. 22 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan after kicking off their campaign on Nov. 19 against Singapore. They tackle defending champion Thailand in their last match on Nov. 25.

by Frayna, Secopito, second board Jodilyn Fronda and rookie Shania Mae Mendoza all scored above 50 percent, as they finished 34th place.

They gained notice when they upset fourth-seeded Georgia in the second round and when Frayna marched towards her final norm to become the Philippines’ first woman grandmaster.

Frayna, after drawing with Hungary, also obtained a final norm for the men’s International Master title. But she can only become an IM when her ELO rating hits 2400. Her ELO rating is only 2281 and with the 39 points she gained in Baku, her next rating is 2340.

Ravena’s freebies lift Eagles Games Saturday

(Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. UST vs NU 4 p.m. Ateneo vs Adamson

By Peter Atencio ATENEO skipper Thirdy Ravena practiced his free-throw shooting before the game, shooting only 25 out of 100 attempts.

But the 6’2” Ravena saw his efforts paying off later in the day, converting a total of five out of seven freebies, including three of four attempts in the final minute to lead the Eagles to a 76-71 beating of the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws Wednesday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“This is the first time I’m shooting free throws (in a game). It’s a good start,” said Ravena after the Blue Eagles bounced back from their 60-70 loss to National University in their third game for the season.

Ravena banged in a game-high 17 points for the Blue Eagles, who posted their second triumph in three matches, keeping them in second spot.

The Tams, led by Wendel Comboy with 20 points, slumped to their second straight loss against a win.

Meanwhile, Ben Mbala struck with 18 points and had 16 rebounds for La Salle, which demolished University of Santo Tomas, 100-62, to post what could probably be the season’s biggest blowout win, the Archers’ third straight.

Cars production set to kick start in 2017 B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

B1

‘Ultra-rich’ to be taxed 35%

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

T

HE ‘ultra-rich’ or those earning P5 million or more annually will be taxed 35 percent of their income under the proposed tax reform package, Finance Secretary Carlos Domingue said Wednesday.

Dominguez said those earning over P5 million annually would be taxed a high of 35 percent under tax reform proposal which would be submitted to Congress before the end of the month.

“For the highest income earners, which are those earning P5 million and above, we are planning to increase that

from 32 [percent] to 35 percent,” Dominguez told reporters at the sidelines of the oathtaking ceremony for newly appointed officials of the Finance Department.

Dominguez said the ‘ultrarich’ would face higher taxes, so that the government could ease the tax burden on those earning less. “For those who

earn less than P3 million [a year], [the income tax rate] will go down, [they] will get a tax break,” Dominguez said.

Newly-appointed Finance undersecretary Antonette Tionko said those earning P3 million to P5 million a year would be taxed 32 percent, while those earning below P3 million twould be taxed 25 percent.

Tionko said those earning more than P5 million were considered ultra rich. “It’s very low, and actually if you’re earning P5 million and up, based on the World Bank data, you’re considered ultra rich,” Tionko said.

Tionko said the current seven tax brackets would be stream-

lined to about six or five brackets. The proposal is one of the five packages the Finance Department will present to Congress.

Package one includes the adjustment of brackets to correct income creeping; reduction of the personal income tax maximum rate to 25 percent over time, except for the highest income earners to maintain progressivity; and to shift to modified gross system to simplify the personal income tax system.

The department said along with the reduction in the personal income taxes, tax exemptions currently enjoyed by single, married and with dependents would be lifted.

“It means that basically, since the threshold, the lowest bracket is very high, we can do away with the exemptions, because when you have a child, you have to present evidence that you have a child at this age. It’s simplifying it, so the first bracket is high. So it’s gonna get covered already,” Tionko said.

The current tax system provides that single individuals and married individuals with no qualified dependents enjoy a P50,000 tax exemption annually while married individuals also enjoy P50,000 tax break and an additional P25,000 tax exemption for each qualified dependent up to four children.

IN BRIEF

One-day check clearing THE policy-making Monetary Board of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved the adoption of the electronic clearing of checks that will cut the clearing process from three days to one day starting January 2017.

“The new check clearing process is expected to speed up the crediting of funds to depositors’ account from three to five banking days to only one banking day,” Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

“Aside from promoting financial consumer welfare, this reform initiative enhances the efficiency of the domestic payment system and promotes the faster movement of goods and services in the country,” it said.

The Philippine Clearing House Corp., a Bangko Sentral-designated exclusive provider of electronic check clearing services, will implement the clearing of checks via electronic presentment through its check image clearing system.

Using the system, only the digital images of checks and their electronic payment information are needed to be transmitted to the paying bank. The previous clearing system requires the physical delivery of checks.

Bangko Sentral urged banks to actively participate in the preparations for electronic check clearing to ensure the smooth implementation of the new process. Julito G. Rada

Nickel price climbs

NICKEL rebounded from a two-week low amid concern that more Philippine mines may be suspended as the world’s top supplier put back by about a week the release of findings from a nationwide audit of producers.

The metal used in stainless steel rose as much as 1 percent to $9,960 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange and traded at $9,930 at 3:14 p.m. in Shanghai. It dropped 2.2 percent to its lowest close since Aug. 31 on Tuesday. On the Shanghai Futures Exchange, the metal was 1.5 percent lower.

Nickel has gained this year as commodities rose and the new Philippine administration started an audit of miners and suspended some suppliers.

While the results of the probe had been slated for release this week, Environment undersecretary Leo Jasareno told lawmakers the department will now release the findings on Sept. 22. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. warned this week further closures could send ore stockpiles to critically low levels.

Nickel is rebounding given its solid fundamentals, according to Wang Cong, an analyst at SMM Information & Technology Co. The Philippines’ audit, together with rising demand from China’s stainless-steel sector in the peak autumn season, is supporting the price, Wang said from Shanghai.

Bloomberg

MOTOR SHOW. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. opens the 6th Philippine International Campi Motor

Show at World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday. Campi expects annual vehicle sales in the country to reach 500,000 units as early as 2020. Shown cutting the ribbon during the opening ceremony are (from left, front row) Campi vice president Dante Santos, Senator Ralph Recto and Campi president Rommel Gutierrez, along with other Campi officials. Lino Santos

PH set to remain a fast growing economy

By Julito G. Rada THE Philippines will remain one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia-Pacific under the Duterte administration, economic officials told local and foreign fund managers Wednesday.

Economic managers, in a conference call held at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila, assured investors the Philippines was poised to realize bright prospects for business over the medium to long term.

“The unique growth story of the Philippine economy— one that is founded not only on strength but also on long-term stability and resilience—offers opportunities for business activ-

ity to thrive not only now, but well into the future,” Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said.

The Duterte administration targets economic growth to reach 6 to 7 percent this year, 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2017 and 7 to 8 percent in 2018 to 2022.

Economic managers said if the growth targets were realized, the Philippines would continue to outpace growth of most Asian countries.

The Philippine economy grew 7 percent in the second quarter of 2016, the second fastest in Asia, following India’s 7.1 percent and ahead of China’s 6.7 percent.

This brought the first-half av-

erage to 6.9 percent, near the upper bound of the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent.

The Investor Relations Office of Bangko Sentral, which organized the event, said around 100 fund managers and other stakeholders from the Philippines, neighboring Asian countries and Europe participated in the conference call.

Officials from the National Economic and Development Authority highlighted the strategies under the Duterte administration to raise living standards.

National Economic and Development Authority deputy director-general Rosemarie Edillon said these included support for further development of the

manufacturing sector and for reversal of the contraction of the agriculture sector and higher public spending on infrastructure and social services.

Improved standard of living for a greater portion of the population, in turn, bodes well for higher income of businesses, economic officials said.

“We have had 17 years of uninterrupted economic expansion. Our challenge lies in the distribution of gains from the economic growth. The [Duterte administration’s] socioeconomic development agenda will address this challenge,” said Reynaldo Cancio, Neda director for national policy and planning.

Ayala eyeing Indonesia for power investments

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AFICIONADO EYES US MART. Joel Cruz (left), president and chief executive of fragrance manufac-

turer Aficionado Germany Perfume is eyeing the US market as the next place for investment. Facilitated at the US Embassy in Manila, the trade section recommended Aficionado to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D. C. Show with Cruz is Aficionado Germany Perfume general manager Lambert Lopez at the business match-making session to find prospective investors in the US.

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. is looking at Indonesia and other countries for investment opportunities in the power sector to expand and diversify its business portfolio.

Ayala Corp. managing director and head of corporate strategy Paolo Borromeo said in an interview at the sidelines of a forum conducted by Asean Venture Capital Journal Wednesday the conglomerate was open to investment opportunities overseas in the power space.

“We are looking for acquisition opportunities in the power space to grow our portfolio and hopefully diversify it in terms of thermal versus renewable

capacity. We would be open to looking at opportunities overseas, including Indonesia,” Borromeo said.

He did not comment on reports the group was interested in the upcoming bidding for the $3-billion geothermal assets of Chevron Corp. in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Chevron is reportedly selling its geothermal assets in Southeast Asia, cutting jobs globally and slashing capital spending to save cash in a bid to preserve its dividend amid weak oil prices.

Chevron has a 40-percent interest in Philippine Geothermal Production Co. Inc., which develops and produces steam energy for the Tiwi and Mak-Ban geothermal power plants.

Pagcor offers offshore licenses STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said Wednesday it will grant offshore gaming licenses to operators who will engage in online gaming activities.

Pagcor said in a statement an offshore gaming license might be granted to a Philippine-based operator or an off-shore based operator organized in any foreign country who will engage the services of a Pagcor-accredited service/support provider for online gaming activity.

Pagcor said these gamingoperators would be referred to as Philippine offshore gaming operators.

The regulator said an application fee for the gaming licenses amounted to $50,000 for e-casino and $40,000 for sports betting.

It said upon approval of the license, the applicant would pay $200,000 for an e-casino license and $150,000 for a sports betting license. Pagcor said it was already accepting letters of intent from applicants.

Offshore gaming is conducted via Internet using a network and software to be offered exclusively to offshore authorized players who have registered and established an online gaming account with the licensee.

Pagcor said authorized players of these offshore gaming offerings must be foreigners based in another country.

Foreign nationals who are staying in the Philippines and Filipinos residing abroad are not allowed to take part in the online gaming activity.

Gabrielle H. Binaday

PSe comPoSite index

Closing September 14, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,546.01 4.26

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.475

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.380 LOW P47.660 AVERAGE P47.543 VOLUME 791.000M

P392-P620.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.70-P42.50 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P24.84-P28.27 Diesel P28.50-P36.85 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, September 14, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.4370

Japan

Yen

0.009753

0.4627

UK

Pound

1.319700

62.6026

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128899

6.1146

Switzerland

Franc

1.024380

48.5935

Canada

Dollar

0.759186

36.0135

Singapore

Dollar

0.731957

34.7218

Australia

Dollar

0.746200

35.3975

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653857

125.8910

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266695

12.6512

Brunei

Dollar

0.729288

34.5952

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028657

1.3594

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

12.9161

Euro

Euro

1.122300

53.2385

Korea

Won

0.000887

0.0421

China

Yuan

0.149705

7.1016

India

Rupee

0.014896

0.7066

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.243605

11.5559

New Zealand

Dollar

0.725100

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031414

34.3966 1.4902 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market drops; Megaworld up S

TOCKS posted mixed results Wednesday, with the 30-company benchmark index ending in the red and other shares registering gains, after a report showed fund managers are hoarding more money in cash amid uncertainty over the trajectory of central bank stimulus globally.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company bellwether, lost 4 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 7,546.01 Wednesday. This reduced total gains this year to 8.5 percent.

The broader all-share index advanced 89 points, or 2 percent, to settle at 4,663.29, on a value turnover of P8.9 billion.

Losers outnumbered gainers,

110 to 67, while 50 issues were unchanged.

Eight of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by property developer Megaworld Corp. which climbed 2.2 percent to P4.60 and retailer Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. which also rose 2.2 percent to P78.50.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. rose 1.8 percent to P86.90,

while food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. gained 1.5 percent to P183.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly fell on Wednesday as uncertainty over the future of central bank monetary policy weighed on buying interest while warnings of an extended oil glut sank energy firms.

The region’s traders were given a rocky lead from Wall Street where all three main indexes ended more than one percent lower as a plunge in crude prices shredded already tender nerves.

Investors are trying to understand a slew of contradictory signals from authorities around the world, with the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan preparing to hold crucial policy meetings next week.

The gatherings come at a time

of increasing anxiety that central bankers are considering winding back on years of cheap cash that have helped fuel a rally in global equities.

While the Fed is considering an interest rate hike, which some say could come as early as this month, the Bank of Japan has been reticent in providing concrete promises of any new stimulus despite weak growth at home.

“Investors are waking up to the fact that valuations are high and these record-low interest rates won’t be with us forever,” Mark Lister, head of private wealth research at Craigs Investment Partners in Wellington, told Bloomberg News.

“There’s a lot of event risk coming up with the US election, several central bank meetings and oil pric-

es are still looking shaky. Markets had become dangerously reliant on central bank support and this is a bit of a wake-up call that this won’t always be the case.”

However, while there are concerns about monetary policy, a report in the respected Nikkei business daily said BoJ policymakers were considering cutting borrowing costs further into negative territory, sending banking shares tumbling in Tokyo. The city’s Nikkei index ended 0.7 percent lower.

The BoJ report, and talk of a US rate hike, sent the dollar rallying against the yen. In afternoon trade the greenback bought 103.28 yen from 102.59 yen in New York.

The euro rose to 115.00 yen from 115.07 yen. With Bloomberg, AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 17 30.45 2.6 890 1.01 100 30.5 91.5 137 80 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 12.02 19.6 1.02 625 0.225 78 17.8 62 88.35 52 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance 3.56 Asia United Bank 47.9 Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 109.40 Bank of PI 104.20 China Bank 38 BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. 3.73 COL Financial 16.4 Eastwest Bank 20.3 I-Remit Inc. 1.97 Manulife Fin. Corp.

620.00 MEDCO Holdings 0.890 Metrobank 85.4 PB Bank 14.2 Phil. National Bank 57.50 Phil. Savings Bank 95.8 Philippine trust Co. 480 PSE 274 RCBC `A’ 35.5 Security Bank 246.8 Sun Life Financial 1412.00 Union Bank 73.60 Vantage Equities 1.46

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3

20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5.25 12.98 15 2.65 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 234 1.3 26 2.17

15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.87 8.45 10.04 2.09 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 152 0.640 10.02 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

44.1 Agrinurture Inc. 3.14 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.07 Alsons Cons.

1.68 Asiabest Group 17.48 Bogo Medelin 54.5 Cemex Holdings 11.82 Century Food 16.66 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 125 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 24.15 Concepcion 58.3 Crown Asia 2.1 Da Vinci Capital 6.05 Del Monte 11.82 DNL Industries Inc. 11.200 Emperador 6.81 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.93 EEI 7.80 Euro-Med Lab 1.83 First Gen Corp.

24.7 First Holdings ‘A’ 72 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.20 Holcim Philippines Inc. 16.40 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.35 Ionics Inc 2.220 Jollibee Foods Corp.

246.00 LMG Chemicals 2 Mabuhay Vinyl 4.44 Manila Water Co. Inc. 28.95 Maxs Group 29.15 Megawide 15.02 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 309.60 MG Holdings 0.275 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.05 Petron Corporation 9.45 Phinma Corporation 11.60 Phinma Energy 2.17 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 5.82 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.55 Pryce Corp. `A’ 3.48 RFM Corporation 4.18 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ 219 Splash Corporation 3.06 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.170 TKC Steel Corp.

1.75 Universal Robina 180.3 Vitarich Corp.

2.2 Vivant Corp.

35.00 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.23

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 76 6.5 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 0.0670 1.61 84.9 974 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.225 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 49.55 3.43 3 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 0.030 0.550 59.3 751 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Orion San Miguel Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 27 8.54 31.8 2.29

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 23 2.69 22.15 1.6

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell

0.390 74.60 16.44 1.28 6.20 0.380 0.370 860 8.44 11.66 6.1 7.31 0.206 1457 73.00 4.29 5.4 8.1 0.84 16.88 6.75 0.0350 2.010 79.00 667.50 1.02 216.000 0.3150 0.2100 0.290 7.840 1.28 2.550 0.285 37.800 2.92 5.12 0.610 0.98 0.160 0.610 57.9 0.770 1.00 1.85 1.13 4.5 0.164 0.2550 37.50 3.34 30.45 1.64

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.53 3.42 47.9 47.3 110.30 108.70 104.20 102.90 38 37.9 3.75 3.75 16.66 16.4 20.75 20.1 2 1.86 591.00 576.00 1.060 0.840 86.9 84.8 14.2 14.16 57.55 57.30 95.75 95.75 720 480 274 270 35.55 35.1 246 236 1412.00 1412.00 73.60 73.25 1.46 1.46 INDUSTRIAL 44.85 44.65 3.38 3.18 1.14 1 1.69 1.63 17.56 16.12 52.05 52.05 11.82 11.5 16.64 16.22 135 125 24 23.65 58.3 56.9 2.1 2.07 6.15 5.98 11.8 11.46 11.300 10.880 7.12 6.81 5.95 5.84 7.80 7.35 1.81 1.81 24.7 24.5 72 70.6 12.08 12.08 16.40 16.40 6.35 6.12 2.250 2.200 246.00 241.20 1.96 1.95 4.58 4.25 29 28.65 29.1 28.3 15.32 14.54 312.00 306.60 0.270 0.260 3.06 3.05 9.47 9.24 11.60 11.50 2.19 2.16 5.99 5.81 1.58 1.50 3.48 3.42 4.20 4.16 219 219 3.1 3.05 0.169 0.158 1.76 1.70 183 180.8 2.48 2.07 33.05 33.05 1.28 1.23 HOLDING FIRMS 0.395 0.390 74.60 72.00 16.44 16.14 1.28 1.20 6.20 6.20 0.375 0.365 0.370 0.370 859 850 8.41 8.17 11.66 11.54 6.1 6.01 7.31 7.29 0.214 0.206 1452 1430 74.05 72.90 3.9 3.9 5.21 5.2 8.1 7.87 0.84 0.83 16.82 16.7 6.71 6.63 0.0350 0.0340 2.040 2.000 84.00 78.20 667.00 661.50 1.00 1.00 216.000 214.000 0.3200 0.3100 0.2100 0.2030 0.285 0.280 PROPERTY 7.850 7.790 1.28 1.26 2.810 2.480 0.300 0.275 37.650 37.100 2.97 2.91 5.15 5.1 0.62 0.600 1.05 1.05 0.162 0.158 0.600 0.590 58 57 0.800 0.800 1.01 0.99 1.86 1.82 1.15 1.13 4.66 4.36 0.174 0.157 0.2700 0.2550 38.50 37.50 3.3 3.25 30.50 30.00 1.68 1.63

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.53 47.9 109.00 103.60 38 3.75 16.66 20.5 1.99 576.00 1.000 86.9 14.16 57.55 95.75 720 274 35.5 246 1412.00 73.30 1.46

-0.84 0.00 -0.37 -0.58 0.00 0.54 1.59 0.99 1.02 -7.10 12.36 1.76 -0.28 0.09 -0.05 50.00 0.00 0.00 -0.32 0.00 -0.41 0.00

4,000 20,900 2,116,410 2,721,740 21,500 30,000 69,600 1,278,300 117,000 250 34,587,000 3,969,520 29,000 13,320 30 510 4,200 404,900 2,223,420 5 19,280 30,000

44.65 3.26 1.02 1.63 16.9 52.05 11.62 16.48 125 23.7 56.95 2.09 6 11.68 11.300 7.10 5.95 7.42 1.81 24.55 70.9 12.08 16.40 6.2 2.250 243.00 1.95 4.55 28.75 29 14.94 311.80 0.270 3.05 9.40 11.50 2.19 5.81 1.55 3.42 4.20 219 3.06 0.159 1.74 183 2.36 33.05 1.28

1.25 3.82 -4.67 -2.98 -3.32 -4.50 -1.69 -1.08 0.00 -1.86 -2.32 -0.48 -0.83 -1.18 0.89 4.26 0.34 -4.87 -1.09 -0.61 -1.53 -0.98 0.00 -2.36 1.35 -1.22 -2.50 2.48 -0.69 -0.51 -0.53 0.71 -1.82 0.00 -0.53 -0.86 0.92 -0.17 0.00 -1.72 0.48 0.00 0.00 -6.47 -0.57 1.50 7.27 -5.57 4.07

1,112,200 1,403,000 15,245,000 1,894,000 4,900 50 7,651,400 1,957,700 860 303,000 9,270 370,000 608,600 158,800 6,571,000 5,237,700 8,134,900 1,533,900 1,000 1,013,300 140,600 100 418,600 6,668,400 580,000 313,500 31,000 94,000 2,985,500 1,027,600 3,741,800 305,990 3,020,000 544,000 2,993,000 13,300 502,000 122,600 383,000 87,000 217,000 50 196,000 18,160,000 677,000 1,304,460 38,627,000 200 5,000

0.390 74.60 16.32 1.21 6.20 0.375 0.370 857 8.2 11.60 6.1 7.30 0.214 1430 74.05 3.9 5.2 8 0.83 16.72 6.66 0.0350 2.010 84.00 664.00 1.00 216.000 0.3150 0.2090 0.280

0.00 0.00 -0.73 -5.47 0.00 -1.32 0.00 -0.35 -2.84 -0.51 0.00 -0.14 3.88 -1.85 1.44 -9.09 -3.70 -1.23 -1.19 -0.95 -1.33 0.00 0.00 6.33 -0.52 -1.96 0.00 0.00 -0.48 -3.45

60,000 3,120,890 3,090,300 31,000 1,000 4,390,000 270,000 372,680 4,709,100 6,389,400 32,100 221,200 30,000 268,180 2,437,660 1,000 1,200 6,264,400 123,000 2,130,900 52,854,800 3,100,000 311,000 144,470 371,500 50,000 11,580 3,910,000 390,000 460,000

7.840 1.28 2.800 0.275 37.150 2.92 5.15 0.600 1.05 0.160 0.590 58 0.800 1.00 1.84 1.13 4.6 0.166 0.2700 37.50 3.25 30.15 1.68

0.00 0.00 9.80 -3.51 -1.72 0.00 0.59 -1.64 7.14 0.00 -3.28 0.17 3.90 0.00 -0.54 0.00 2.22 1.22 5.88 0.00 -2.69 -0.99 2.44

868,000 1,588,000 6,396,000 5,580,000 26,867,200 757,000 89,500 6,664,000 1,000 16,550,000 1,362,000 364,840 16,000 4,575,000 6,236,000 55,000 64,985,000 99,780,000 40,000 300 611,000 3,929,800 60,000

720,775.00 -87,834,802 19,269,071.00 -281,920.00 -6,051,535.00 29,680.00 29,550.00 -340,860.00 6,587,175.50 -284,000.00 190,721.00 -1,085,848.00 1,105,715 -139,906,560.00 158,977.00 -15,937,975.00 -301,620.00 233,130.00 -2,428,940.00 13,355,536.00 -12,148,018.00 570,790.00 -514,783 668,430.00 -7,716,426.00 -5,783,211.00 12,958,389.00 -1,276,943.00 -7,751,710.00 -4,850,196.00 -1,782,680.00 -970,231.00 -22,300.00 -21,399,978.00 44,400.00 50,060,205.00 -15,311,145.00 -4,815,930.00 -14,006,730.00 21,200.00 911,950.00 -10,902,101.00 579,310.00 131,360.00 324,800.00 4,840.00 5,190.00 81,263,288 -8,380,860.00

-74,550,653.50 -3,321,890.00

-98,829,645 1,583,345.00 -18,101,448.00

-112,395,885.00 -65,392,039.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 1700 2720 8.41

1.97 35.2 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 830 1600 5.95

70.5 1.97 119.5 7 12.5 0.017

17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 8.72 0.011

0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 95.5 1 2.46 15.2

0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 3.1 0.650 1.8 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

0.0098 5.45 17.24 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

70 525

33 500

120 515 8.21 12.28 1060

101.5 480 5.88 6.5 997

1047 78.95 84.8

1011 74.5 75

6.98

0.8900

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6

25,243,095.00 16,556,410.00 -79,228,670.00 -1,253,056.50 -105,365,295.00 429,760.00 6,300.00

2,051,073.00 126,000.00 -13,200.00 138,000.00 -202,156,715.00 198,570.00 225,281.00 533,600.00

2,178,515.00 -1,499,000.00 1,280,530.00 -80,667,520.00 1,006,320.00 3,750.00 945,750.00 -64,196,395.00

Close

SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

SHARES

FINANCIAL

48,147,450

INDUSTRIAL

147,422,267 96,085,937

PROPERTY

295,086,406

SERVICES

999,924,402

MINING & OIL

186,860,885

GRAND TOTAL

1,786,861,337

26.70 1.08 7 1.040 5.120

Low

27.40 26.60 1.15 1.06 7.05 6.52 1.070 1.030 5.500 5.130 SERVICES 2GO Group’ 7.2 7.28 7.14 ABS-CBN 49.4 49.4 49 APC Group, Inc. 0.570 0.580 0.560 Bloomberry 5.31 5.36 5.17 Boulevard Holdings 0.0930 0.0960 0.0920 Calata Corp.

3.65 3.81 3.47 Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 119.7 119.6 117 Centro Esc. Univ.

10.16 10.16 10.16 DFNN Inc. 5.80 6.12 5.55 FEUI 946 945.5 945.5 Globe Telecom 1975 1998 1974 GMA Network Inc. 6.24 6.25 6.22 Golden Haven 13.70 14.00 13.40 Grand Plaza Hotel 20.30 20.30 20.30 Harbor Star 1.53 1.63 1.48 I.C.T.S.I. 79 79.3 77 Imperial Res. `A’ 19.10 19.00 18.66 IPeople Inc. `A’ 11.5 11.7 11.5 IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.0130 0.0130 0.0100 IPM Holdings 9.29 9.25 9.20 Island Info 0.260 0.260 0.250 ISM Communications 1.4300 1.4400 1.4100 Jackstones 3.48 3.59 3.44 Leisure & Resorts 3.94 3.99 3.85 Liberty Telecom 2.16 2.16 2.15 Lorenzo Shipping 1.09 1.03 1.03 Manila Broadcasting 19.50 19.06 19.06 Manila Bulletin 0.580 0.580 0.580 Manila Jockey 1.99 1.99 1.98 Melco Crown 3.98 4.04 3.8 Metro Retail 5.58 5.56 5.39 NOW Corp.

3.500 3.580 3.360 Pacific Online Sys. Corp. 11.3 11.3 11.28 PAL Holdings Inc. 5.60 5.45 5.43 Paxys Inc. 2.89 2.95 2.89 Phil. Seven Corp.

135.00 140.00 135.00 Philweb.Com Inc. 5.82 6.29 5.28 PLDT Common 1750.00 1751.00 1720.00 PremiereHorizon 0.425 0.420 0.420 Premium Leisure 0.990 0.990 0.950 Puregold 44.00 44.20 43.70 Robinsons RTL 76.80 79.00 76.80 SBS Phil. Corp.

5.85 6.00 5.85 SSI Group 3.10 3.10 3.05 STI Holdings 0.590 0.590 0.580 Travellers 3.39 3.4 3.35 Waterfront Phils.

0.350 0.355 0.350 Yehey 5.500 5.600 5.250 MINING & OIL Abra Mining 0.0039 0.0040 0.0038 Apex `A’ 2.91 2.94 2.80 Atlas Cons. `A’ 3.91 4.08 3.85 Benguet Corp `A’ 2.1500 2.15 2.12 Benguet Corp `B’ 2.4000 2.4000 2.2000 Century Peak Metals Hldgs0.59 0.59 0.58 Coal Asia 0.410 0.410 0.410 Dizon 8.60 8.62 8.31 Ferronickel 0.830 0.850 0.820 Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.275 0.275 0.270 Lepanto `A’ 0.205 0.206 0.202 Lepanto `B’ 0.219 0.207 0.205 Manila Mining `A’ 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 Manila Mining `B’ 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 1.59 1.66 1.59 Nickelasia 7 7 6.62 Nihao Mineral Resources 3.02 3.06 2.97 Oriental Peninsula Res. 1.0000 1.0700 0.9800 Oriental Pet. `A’ 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 Oriental Pet. `B’ 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 Petroenergy Res. Corp. 4.00 3.98 3.98 Philex `A’ 8.45 8.55 8.42 PhilexPetroleum 2.92 2.92 2.80 Philodrill Corp. `A’ 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 Semirara Corp.

110.40 110.40 103.00 TA Petroleum 3.2 3.15 3.15 United Paragon 0.0098 0.0099 0.0097 PREFERRED ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 49.95 49.8 49.05 Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ 545 544 540 DD Pref 104.6 105 104.6 First Gen G 118 118 118 GLOBE PREF P 542 547 547 GMA Holdings Inc. 6 6.05 6 Leisure and Resort 1.02 1.03 1.02 PCOR-Preferred A 1091 1093 1091 PCOR-Preferred B 1160 1160 1160 PF Pref 2 1036 1036 1036 SMC Preferred B 79 79.5 79 SMC Preferred C 81.7 81.75 81.7 SMC Preferred E 79.2 80.35 79.5 SMC Preferred F 80.5 80.55 80.5 SMC Preferred G 79.8 80 79.85 SMC Preferred H 79 79 78.7 SMC Preferred I 79 79 78.3 WARRANTS & BONDS LR Warrant 2.280 2.450 2.220 SME Alterra Capital 3.74 3.5 3 Makati Fin. Corp.

3.74 3.73 3.66 Italpinas 4.8 4.8 4.52 Xurpas 14.3 14.26 13.38 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS First Metro ETF 124.6 124.6 123.1

TRADING SUMMARY HOLDING FIRMS

High

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

27.00 1.11 7.05 1.050 5.500

1.12 2.78 0.71 0.96 7.42

14,007,100 -100,384,860.00 20,188,000 -568,780.00 7,200 548,000 12,937,600 -15,507,867.00

7.28 49.3 0.570 5.20 0.0940 3.72 118.1 10.16 6.10 945.5 1997 6.24 14.00 20.30 1.57 78.5 18.70 11.7 0.0110 9.20 0.255 1.4100 3.44 3.93 2.15 1.03 19.06 0.580 1.98 4.01 5.49 3.500 11.28 5.44 2.9 135.00 6.05 1740.00 0.420 0.980 44.00 78.50 5.87 3.07 0.590 3.35 0.355 5.600

1.11 -0.20 0.00 -2.07 1.08 1.92 -1.34 0.00 5.17 -0.05 1.11 0.00 2.19 0.00 2.61 -0.63 -2.09 1.74 -15.38 -0.97 -1.92 -1.40 -1.15 -0.25 -0.46 -5.50 -2.26 0.00 -0.50 0.75 -1.61 0.00 -0.18 -2.86 0.35 0.00 3.95 -0.57 -1.18 -1.01 0.00 2.21 0.34 -0.97 0.00 -1.18 1.43 1.82

108,000 25,400 520,000 14,241,400 75,000,000 3,570,000 383,130 1,100 805,400 350 65,135 206,300 99,800 100 7,389,000 1,074,790 19,300 14,200 804,500,000 419,400 16,640,000 225,000 83,000 2,941,000 115,000 42,000 2,300 100,000 30,000 21,305,000 6,200,800 3,226,000 5,500 2,500 14,000 515,600 1,546,000 156,030 2,070,000 20,100,000 4,504,500 4,295,760 680,100 3,058,000 374,000 1,420,000 160,000 12,600

0.0038 2.84 3.88 2.1200 2.4000 0.58 0.410 8.50 0.840 0.270 0.205 0.206 0.0110 0.0120 1.62 6.85 2.97 1.0200 0.0100 0.0110 3.98 8.55 2.84 0.0110 109.20 3.15 0.0099

-2.56 -2.41 -0.77 -1.40 0.00 -1.69 0.00 -1.16 1.20 -1.82 0.00 -5.94 0.00 0.00 1.89 -2.14 -1.66 2.00 -9.09 0.00 -0.50 1.18 -2.74 0.00 -1.09 -1.56 1.02

117,000,000 387,000 567,000 34,000 8,000 386,000 180,000 10,200 7,562,000 310,000 5,580,000 2,760,000 9,300,000 10,100,000 352,000 5,679,600

49.15 540 105 118 547 6 1.03 1091 1160 1036 79.5 81.75 80.35 80.5 80 79 78.3

-1.60 -0.92 0.38 0.00 0.92 0.00 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.63 0.06 1.45 0.00 0.25 0.00 -0.89

172,900 1,010 12,010 2,000 1,110 233,800 117,000 7,105 355 1,550 16,970 15,830 102,180 75,080 138,540 61,740 42,180

2.340

2.63

426,000

3.22 3.73 4.6 13.5

-13.90 -0.27 -4.17 -5.59

7,930,000 33,000 184,000 5,150,900

-33,298,290.00

124.5

-0.08

13,500

124,030.00

-542,350.00 10,510,727.00 19,000.00 42,330.00 -12,672,029.00 1,078,124.00 -8,105,185.00 1,400.00 -23,773,264.50 -222,200.00 9,204.00

-5,220,320

32,062,620.00 -3,625,024.00 10,590.00 -29,500.00 65,392,400.00 -164,450.00 -162,312,815.00 -2,219,930.00 -94,953,210.00 69,548,817.00 -11,980.00 -1,984,320.00 -2,508,180.00

645,300.00

CebuPac expands flights in Clark

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific, the country’s largest budget airline, is expanding its operations at Clark International Airport.

The airline unit of JG Summit Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon John Gokongwei, said it would increase its ClarkCebu-Clark operations from three to six times weekly starting Dec. 16. ClarkHong Kong-Clark flights will be increased from seven to 10 times weekly.

Cebu Pacific said by adding more flights between Clark and Hong Kong, it aimed to further stimulate economic trade and investments from one of Asia’s largest financial hubs to North and Central Luzon.

Increased flights from Clark to the Philippines’ second largest city, Cebu, will boost domestic tourism opportunities, it said.

Cebu Pacific is the only Philippine carrier that operates flights out of Clark and has done so since November 2008.

Cebu Pacific currently operates 21 flights weekly from Clark to Cebu, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, utilizing 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft.

This further growth in Clark operations will increase the airline’s commitment to 27 weekly flights.

Philippine Airlines plans to transfer some of its domestic flights to Clark to comply with the government’s request to decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Roxol’s ethanol facility stopped

By Alena Mae S. Flores

2,659,850.00 -26,650.00 114,780.00 -3,023,370.00 123,670.00 50,500.00

219,000 5,400,000 800,000 9,000 593,700 283,959.00 2,683,000 288,200.00 1,000,000 605,790 -23,566,231.00 23,000 15,000,000

-2,939,290.00

-1,226,600.00

-514,885

-1,527,970.00

VALUE 1,839.58 (up) 0.63 1,517,510,759.36 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,727.18 (up) 35.23 1,405,400,816.28 HOLDING FIRMS 7,479.09 (down) 16.23 2,089,720,182.574 PROPERTY 3,344.38 (down) 1.05 1,513.75 (down) 2.79 1,979,297,540.14 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,554.59 (down) 82.87 1,687,327,840.451 PSEI 7,546.01 (down) 4.26 131,166,386.2302 All Shares Index 4,663.29 (up) 89.42 8,908,573,177.475 Gainers: 67; Losers: 110; Unchanged: 50; Total: 227

LA CARLOTA City Mayor Luis Jalandoni III issued a 30-day suspension notice to the bioethanol plant of Roxol Bioenergy Corp. because of alleged foul odor in Barangay Nagasi, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

The mayor’s office issued the 30-day cease-and-desist order dated Sept. 9 against Roxol Bioenergy, owned by listed Roxas Holdings Inc. “The local government said the suspension of the CDO which was served last Friday evening may be lifted any time soon as RBC demonstrates a substantial mitigation of the complained odor,” Roxas Holdings vice president for legal Florencio Mamauag Jr. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday.

Jalandoni said the suspension order could be lifted once the company demonstrated substantial mitigation measures to address the foul odor.

The city government earlier called the attention of Roxol Bioenergy to the foul odor coming from the plant in 2011.

Roxol Bioenergy voluntary suspended its operations Friday morning “and implemented 15 dates earlier than scheduled, the regular annual off-season repairs and maintenance of its plant and immediately addressed the alleged foul odor,” according to Roxas Holdings.

The Roxol ethanol facility, which started production in 2011, is capable of producing 30 million liters of ethanol annually.

Business

B3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Bangladesh Bank should blame itself

KAAGAPAY AWARD. RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods Inc., a medium-scale agri-food system enterprise that has an integrated food supply chain that

includes livestock breeding, feed manufacturing, meat processing and distribution to food service delivery, receives the Gawad Kaagapay Award from Land Bank of the Philippines. Shown are (from left) Landbank representatives Jane Yumang, Beth Pineda, Rose Andaya, Leo Santos, Ranilo Jimenez and vice president Ma. Celeste Burgos, RDFFLFI chief executive Rober Lo and executives Dionisio Literato Jr., Maribel Salonga, Wendell Umali, Katherine Go and Anthony Lozano.

Cars production set to kick start in 2017

By Othel V. Campos

A

N AUTOMOTIVE company will start producing vehicles locally in 2017 to kick start the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy scheme, or Cars, and take advantage of Filipinos’ rising purchasing power.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. said sales were expected to increase dramatically once Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. began producing 37,000 units of Mirage in 2017.

MMPC would ramp up production to 50,000 units annually by 2018, the same year Toyota

Motor Philippines Corp. would start Vios production under the Cars incentive scheme.

“More or less, next year we will be able assess if there is a need to change the 500,000 units [2020 target sales]. The demand is high because we now have improved purchasing power,” Campi president Romel Gutierrez told reporters during

the opening of the 6th Philippine International Motor Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The ratio of imported cars against locally-manufactured cars is currently at 70:30, in favor of imported vehicles.

“The chance of reversing this trend is near impossible. But the local industry can always strive to achieve 50:50 ratio,” said Gutierrez.

Campi said the industry could achieve the annual sales target of 500,000 units as early as 2020, given the record sales this year and growing demand for automobiles. The industry cited the strong domestic market potential as nearly half of the Filipino households or 47 percent re-

mained carless.

Industry data showed that automobile sales grew 40.1 percent in August to 32,472 units from 23,181 units in the same month in 2015.

Industry sales in the first eight months hit 229,919 units, or 28.3 percent higher than 179,215 units sold in the same period last year.

Campi revised industry sales forecast for the year to 370,000 units from 360,000 units, after first semester sales accounted for more than half of the target volume. In 2015, actual sales went beyond the forecast of 272,000 units.

The automotive sector accounts for 12 percent of the industrial output and 4 percent of the gross domestic product.

PhilJets set to acquire 2 helicopters Bourse studies Liberty delisting

By Darwin G. Amojelar

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange will resolve all issues involving Liberty Telecoms Holding Inc. including questions on non-disclosure and valuation issues before it decides on delisting the company, an official said Wednesday.

PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran said in an interview at the sidelines of a forum in Makati City the issues being raised against minority shareholders of Liberty “demand immediate resolution.”

“The regulatory action would have to precede if and when delisting happens because our jurisdiction ends when the company is eventually delisted,” Refran said.

“The closure has to happen before the end of process for delisting because that is their application,” he said.

Refran said PSE was still in the process of getting responses from the parties and evaluating these responses regarding the issues raised by minority shareholders.

PSE said it would also align the review process involving Liberty along with that conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“While there are independent issues involved, we could probably tie them all up and make sure that there is resolution in the questions,” Refran said.

PHILJETS Group said it will acquire two helicopters from Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia.

The company placed a new order for two additional H130 in September from the subsidiary of Airbus Group.

PhilJets said H130 was a lightweight helicopter tailored for passenger transportation, sightseeing, aerial survey and medical airlift.

These helicopters will be operated by PhilJets Aero Charter Corp., the group’s air transport subsidiary.

PhilJets said with the new acquisitions, it would strengthen its fleet size to reach seven helicopters.

PhilJets said the investment reflected its confidence in the continuing growth of the Phil-

ippine helicopter market and aimed to develop new regional offices in Davao and Cebu to respond to the increasing flying demand in these areas.

PhilJets said with five Airbus Helicopters under its fleet and the upcoming deliveries of two additional H130, it was positioning itself as a solid player looking at long-term growth and signaled its willingness to be a reference in terms of fleet management and charter company in the Philippines.

“While we started from scratch, then acquired a company that we had to turn around and grow step by step, we are happy to have been able to add strong experienced aviation professionals that came back from overseas [Angola, Singapore, Thailand for example] to the team,” Thierry Tea, chief executive and

founder of PhilJets, said.

“It took three years to build a solid team mixed with 10 percent French and 90 percent Filipino. The results are here and it’s encouraging. We are enthusiastic to continue to fly to further reach,” he said.

The company recently teamed up with Grab to offer an air taxi service to provide an alternate solution to the heavy traffic in Metro Manila.

PhilJets operates helicopter tours to and around different destinations including Tagaytay and Taal Lake, Mount Pinatubo, Palawan, Boracay, Corregidor, Manila Bay, Banaue and Sagada, as well as Bohol and Davao.

PhilJets flies around 22 hours a month and transports over 1,500 passengers. Its fleet includes new Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and H130.

THE $81-million cyber heist that rocked Bangladesh and the Philippine banking system in February this year will not come to a siginificant conclusion if Bangladesh Bank does not resume its internal investigation.

The central bank of Bangladesh, in a way, is the biggest stumbling block to the recovery of the stolen funds. Recent developments suggest an inferior internal system led to a breakdown in the security of the funds held and managed by Bangladesh Bank.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines Maj. Gen. John Gomes can continue pestering local authorities over the return of the money that used to form part of Bangladesh Bank’s foreign reserves, but he and his nation will not be able to unlock the mystery in the absence of a thorough investigation.

A very reliable source said the brother of a high Bangladesh Bank official was the one in custody of the code to the bank computers when it was hacked. The revealing information partly led to the resignation of the bank governor.

“Then BB aborted its internal investigation. So it has no report to share with the world, its people and to the Philippine government that has been more than generous in helping BB. The least BB can do is give us a report. We washed our dirty linen in the global public. They owe us that report,” one banker said.

The theft succeeded clearly because BB was negligent. Had the bank installed enough firewalls and used quality instead of $5 switches, the heist would not have occurred.

RCBC external legal counsel Thea Daep agrees. “They stopped their investigation and then their ambassador here, John Gomes, started claiming it was an outside job. But their finance minister said it was an inside job,” she said earlier in a statement.

She also questioned BB’s decision not to investigate and renew the contract of a US-based investigating company.

“Why don’t they want to know the truth? Before they ask for help from the Philippine government, it is incumbent upon them to submit a full report to the Philippine government, detailing what happened in Bangladesh,” she said.

The inside job accusation of Bangladesh’s own finance minister by far is the most credible explanation to the cyber robbery.

“How can the theft happen if six different BB officials had to place their palm prints on a plate in proper sequence before any order to move funds could happen? We are talking here of people, not computer codes,” the first source said.

Bank of Bangladesh may think itself as the vicitim of the grand theft but surpisingly, it did not sue the New York Federal Reserve where the money was transferred from.

Rogue employee “The answer is because they (NY Fed) had nothing do with the theft. In the same way, Rizal commercial Banking Corp. had nothing to do with the theft. Its issue was with a rogue employee who allegedly was a participant in the laundering of the BB funds. It was all BB’s fault and negligence,” said the source. “And yet, Ambassador Gomes has the temerity to go around and say RCBC should pay. Looking at it, RCBC was a victim of BB’s negligence.”

A Bangladeshi expert earlier pointed out the weaknesses of BB after the heist. The expert suddenly disappeared and was found days later in a daze and apparently mentally challenged.

“Around March, the finance minister of Bangladesh told media he was sure it was an inside job, and the Bank of Bangladesh Governor and two deputies resigned shortly thereafter. To us, these are clear indications of guilt and negligence,” Daep adds.

The Philippine banking heist was not the first for Bangladesh. A Dhaka-based journalist wrote in the New York Times on April 11, 2016 that the cyber scam at the Federal Reserve “pales in comparison with the routine plunder of Bangladesh’s financial system, including by some of its purported guardians.”

“Part of the explanation for this is poor governance by the banks’ boards, but the main culprit is the country’s culture of patronage,” wrote Joseph Allchin.

“Some $565 million in asssets are said to have been looted from the state-owned BASIC Bank between 2009 and 2012, yet the scam’s suspected mastermind, a former chairman of the bank, wasn’t troubled by the anticorruption commission investigating the fraud, reportedly thanks to his political connections. Banking in Bangladesh is beholden to the politicians,” he said.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@thestandard.com.ph or extrastory2000@gmail.com

PCC’s baptism of fire IN THE life of every new institution there comes a time when its capacity for firstrate decision-making is put to the test.

That time is called baptism of fire.

For Philippine Competition Commission, the agency created by Congress to implement the Philippine Competition Act of 2015, that time has come. PCC’s baptism of fire involves the acquisition by the nation’s two telecommunications giants— PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom—on a 5050 basis, of the entire equity interest of San Miguel Corp. in Vega Telecoms Inc., New Century Telecoms Inc. and e-Telco Inc. At the heart of the P69-billion acquisition is the 700-megahertz spectrum that the National Telecommunications Commission had previously assigned for analog television broadcasting and subsequently reassigned for telecommunications use when TV switched to digital.

The 700-MHz spectrum is considered critical to the improvement of this country’s internet infrastructure. SMC had intended to use the 700-MHz spectrum to

provide Filipino consumers with “better and cheaper mobile internet service.”

The matter eventually reached the courts. The latest is the July 22 order of the Court of Appeals denying Globe’s application for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against PCC, which had indicated a desire to conduct a review of the Vega acquisition

by Globe and PLDT. The two companies opposed the review, contending that the transaction was completed before the issuance and effectivity of PCC’s implementing rules. The Vega deal was sealed on May 20 and the rules went into effect on June 20. As far as PLDT and Globe are concerned, the Vega sale is now a done deal and a PCC review is legally inappropriate. They claim that since May 20 they have incurred costs, which, if the review findings were to be unfavorable to them, would be unrecoverable.

I spoke at the outset of a baptism of fire for PCC. I did so because of three facts.

The first of these is that, being a brand new institution, PCC has to show that it is capable of fulfilling its mandate and

that the 24-year wait for the passage of a Philippine Competition Act was worth it.

The second fact is that, as its name suggests, PCC is about competition – more specifically, the maintenance of a level playing field for businesses in this country – and it must make sure that it does the right thing for all concerned in the GlobePLDT-SMC deal. And the third, and not the least, fact is that the PCC’s point man, chairman Arsenio Balisacan, is an economist of high caliber.

Because it is a new institution and the issue facing it is about the biggest-ever telecommunications deal involving three of the nation’s largest companies, all eyes are on PCC. A landmark precedent will be set here, not only for the Philippine telecommunications industry, but for all industries.

PCC cannot afford to make a bad call in this instance because after the sale, the Philippine telecommunications industry has become a duopoly and duopoly is the next worst thing to monopoly in competition terms. PCC has got to thread very lightly here, because its basic mandate is to protect consumers from abusive behav-

ior by industry players.

President Benigno Aquino III, in appointing a PCC chairman could well have chosen a lawyer, considering that lawyers are well-versed in TROs and the other legal challenges that are bound to come PCC’s way. But he chose – perhaps upon the advice of the business community – an economist. That decision has set PCC off on the right footing.

Dr. Balisacan comes to the PCC chairmanship with excellent academic and professional credentials, the most recent of the latter being his tenure of the post of director-general of National Economic and Development Authority. Good economist that he is, Dr. Balisacan dislikes inefficiently working markets and marketdistorting corporate behavior. He loves free markets and dislikes monopolies and duopolies.

Under the circumstances, to put a winwin end to all this, all that Globe and PLDT have to do is to convince Dr. Balisacan that they will operate as properlybehaving duopolies.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

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

B4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Business

US sues China over subsidies W ASHINGTON―US President Barack Obama launched legal action against “unfair” Chinese rice, wheat and corn subsidies at the World Trade Organization on Tuesday, setting up a culturally sensitive multibillion-dollar trade spat.

The United States alleges that China doled out $100 billion in “market price support” for the grains, above levels agreed at the Geneva-based WTO. “When other countries flout the rules to try and undercut American workers and farmers, we hold them accountable,” Obama said in a statement announcing the action.

China is the world’s larg-

est producer of wheat and rice, holding significant sway over world markets.

Rice, in particular, is a food staple, with important cultural and political significance.

In announcing the WTO action, US officials said Chinese officials had since 2012 overshot agreed subsidy levels of 8.5 percent above reference prices on the grain commodities.

“These programs distort Chinese prices, undercut American farmers and clearly break the limits China committed to when they joined the WTO,” US Trade Representative Michael Froman said in remarks announcing the action.

He was joined by US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who said the US could improve on its annual $20 billion in agriculture exports to China, which accounts for 200,000 US jobs, “if China is willing to operate a WTO-consistent trade regime.”

Just six decades ago, Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward―a drive to industrialize China― spurred mass famine that killed as many as 45 million people.

Today, China’s government

has put a premium on agricultural self-sufficiency and safeguarding supply, much to Washington’s ire.

It believes that Chinese state aid lowers production costs for the country’s farmers, making them more competitive around the world.

Many of the jobs supported by agricultural trade with China are in states like Iowa and Kansas which, because of peculiarities of the US electoral system, have an outsized role in deciding presidential elections.

In a nod to that reality, Obama’s statement had a distinctly political edge.

“China’s government has set prices for wheat, corn, and rice

well above market levels, which has led to unfair government subsidies that are in violation of WTO rules,” Obama said.

“These unfairly distorted prices on important crops lead to overproduction in China and disadvantage American farmers who export these same crops around the world.”

The 2016 election race has seen Republican and Democratic presidential candidates take a much more protectionist line on trade.

China has been the target of particularly tough campaign rhetoric.

Republican nominee Donald Trump has skewered China for stealing US trade secrets and called Beijing “the greatest currency manipulators ever.” AFP

Global oil glut set to last until ’17 PARIS, France―A global oil glut that has hurt producers but means cheaper pump prices look set to go on at least six months longer than previously thought, the IEA said Tuesday, sending world oil prices slumping.

The International Energy Agency said demand growth was slowing while supply was rising, meaning the glut was now due to linger “at least through the first half of next year”.

The Paris-based organization had earlier seen the oil oversupply disappearing in the latter part of 2016.

The timing of the world oil market’s return to balance is “the big question”, the IEA said in its monthly report, adding that current prices―above $45―would suggest supply falling and strong demand growth.

“However, the opposite now seems to be happening,” it said. “Demand growth is slowing and supply is rising.”

The trend may fuel speculation of a possible production freeze―aimed at supporting prices―being agreed between Opec and non-Opec member Russia at a meeting in Algeria later this month.

China and India, which had been key drivers recently of demand growth, are “wobbling,” it said, while a slowdown in the United States and economic concerns in developing countries have also contributed to the surprise development.

Global oil demand is now expected to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day (mb/d) in 2016, to 96.1 mb/d, from its original forecast of 1.4 mb/d growth.

The IEA also trimmed its demand growth forecast for 2017 by 200,000 barrels per day, to 97.3 mb/d. AFP

European Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers a speech as he makes his State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on September 14, 2016. AFP

Juncker says EU to survive Brexit STRASBOURG, France― European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday issued a rallying cry for unity after Brexit, saying the EU was not in danger of splitting up but needed to work together.

Unveiling a host of economic and security policies in his annual State of the Union speech in a bid to find common ground, Juncker urged the bloc to fight back against rising nationalism.

“The European Union still does not have enough union,” Juncker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“There are splits out there and often fragmentation where we need further union that is leaving space for galloping populism,” he said.

Juncker’s speech comes two days before the 27 EU leaders meet in the Slovakian capital Bratislava without Britain, for a summit aimed at drawing up a roadmap for the future after Brexit.

The head of the EU executive urged Britain to trigger its formal divorce as quickly as possible for the benefit of both sides.

“We respect and at the same time regret the UK decision, but the European Union as such is not at risk,” said Juncker, the former prime minister of Luxembourg.

He said he wanted ties to “remain on a friendly basis” but warned London could not expect access to the EU’s single market if it brings back immigration controls.

But the difficulties of keeping Europe united postBrexit were underscored on Tuesday when Luxembourg’s foreign minister said Hungary should be suspended from the EU for violating democratic values and treating refugees like “animals.”

Juncker warned against “nationalism” and called on member states to work together to keep the EU relevant.

“The next 12 months are the crucial time to deliver an EU that protects and preserves the European way of life, that defends our citizens at home and abroad, and takes responsibility,” he added. AFP

Samsung opts to limit recharging of faulty Note 7 batteries SEOUL―Samsung said Wednesday it would limit recharging of the batteries of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to lower the risk of explosions in a measure apparently intended to jolt users into returning their devices following a recall.

The South Korean electronics giant on September 2 suspended sales of its latest flagship smartphone and announced a recall of 2.5 million units already sold, after faulty batteries caused some handsets to explode during charging.

Samsung announced a soft-

ware update that will limit battery recharges to 60 percent of capacity in a half-page advert carried by major South Korean newspapers.

It would prevent the phones from overheating, and thus exploding, but would effectively mean a downgrade of the highend device.

“It is a measure that prioritizes consumer safety but we apologize for the inconvenience,” the ad said.

The automatic update for South Korean users will take place on September 20, a day af-

ter Samsung begins to hand out new Note 7 handsets with faultfree batteries.

Samsung had advised consumers to trade their handsets for temporary replacement phones provided by the firm until it releases new Note 7s.

But many users have snubbed the offer, choosing to wait until the new phones were available, citing the inconvenience of switching devices for an interim period.

A Samsung spokeswoman said similar safety measures for overseas users were under review.

Since the global launch of the oversized “phablet” smartphone in August, several users have posted images on social media showing the charred device, saying it suddenly caught fire.

Samsung said the problem was caused by a faulty battery cell and announced a large-scale recall―the first involving its flagship phone.

Since then, airlines and aviation agencies around the world including the US and Singapore have warned passengers against using them on flights.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission last week urged Note 7 owners to stop using it.

The debacle dealt a major blow to the firm’s reputation and will likely hurt profits at a time when it faces a growing challenge from Apple’s iPhone in the high-end market and Chinese rivals in the low-end segment.

The mobile business accounts for a major share of profits at Samsung, which is the world’s largest smartphone maker but also produces home appliances and memory chips. AFP

Cannabis industry may expand to $50b by 2026

By Jennifer Kaplan

Manager Ross Phillip stakes marijuana plants in a flower room at the grow facility for Sense of Healing dispensary in Denver, Colorado, US, on Dec. 9, 2015. The $3.5-billion U.S. cannabis market is emerging as one of the nation’s most power-hungry industries. Bloomberg

THE legal cannabis industry in the US may grow to $50 billion in the next decade, expanding to more than eight times its current size, as lawful pot purveyors gain new customers and win over users from the illicit market, according to a new report.

Legalizing recreational use in California, where the drug is already medically permitted, is on the ballot in November, and approval of that measure alone would triple the size of the nation’s current $6-billion legal industry, according to a report from 10 Cowen & Co. analysts released on Monday. In all, voters in nine states will vote on weed-related initiatives this

November―five to legalize the drug for all adults and four to allow for medical use.

Pot already is legal for recreational use in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia, and is medically permitted in 25 states. Cowen’s forecast assumes federal legalization of the drug, a measure that has more than 50 percent popular support.

“Cannabis prohibition has been in place for 80-plus years, but the tides are clearly turning,” the analysts said.

The expanding industry will affect big business even though the current competitive landscape is largely made up of smaller startups. Because the plant is still federally illegal,

large companies have shied away from getting involved.

Legal weed would be a major opportunity for Big Tobacco, Cowen said. Vapor technology―a popular technique for ingesting both tobacco and cannabis―is an essential part of tobacco’s less combustible-dependent future. Companies like Altria Group Inc. and Reynolds American Inc. already have expertise in vapor and cropgrowing technologies, as well as familiarity dealing with complex regulatory frameworks.

Tobacco companies may make up about one-fifth of the cannabis industry by 2036, adding more than 20 percent to their revenue, and nearly

doubling tobacco’s underlying growth, the analysts said.

For alcoholic-beverage makers, legal marijuana is more foe than friend. Alcohol consumption has declined over the past five years, especially with men, while cannabis use has risen. The number of drinkers who also used marijuana increased, and the number of cannabis users who drank decreased, Cowen said.

For both the potential winners and losers, the scale of the changes to come are unusual, the analysts said.

“A 24 percent, 10-year revenue compound annual growth rate is hard to find in consumer staples, in particular one with a $50-plus billion end-point,” Cowen said.

Bloomberg

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

C1

BATCAVE. The Monfort Bat sanctuary, which hosts about 2.4 million bats, is located in Barangay Tambo in Samal Island near Davao. Teddy Pelaez

Scholarships suspended A

BOUT 328 scholars in the mining communities of Benguetcorp Nickel Mines Inc. (BNMI) stand to lose their second semester tuition fees and allowances for SY 2016-2017. BNMI subsidizes the tuition fees and daily allowances of around 272 high school students and 57 college and technical and vocational schools from 23 barangays. BNMI is host to nine barangays in their mining area in Sta. Cruz but has adopted 14 additional barangays near their nickel mining operations.

In July, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environment Management Bueau, suspended the operations of BNMI indefinitely. Prior to the suspension, BNMI was certified under the ISO 14001:2015 on Environmental Management System

by TUVRheinland in March. The certification was in compliance with the DENR DAO 15-07 and came well ahead of the deadline on May 2016.

The DENR suspension has severely affected not just the mining operations of the company but the communities most of all. The company has since then faced financial constraints. BNMI has formally informed the students that it will not be able to provide financial assistance for the second semester of the present school year.

The students have lamented this unfortunate turn of events as their parents will now have to face the grueling and helpless task of looking for financial assis-

tance elsewhere, otherwise their children would have to postpone their studies for the next school semester indefinitely until the mining operations can resume.

In a letter addressed to DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, a 4th year student in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, wrote “I’m very saddened because it will endanger our scholarship. I believe that BNMI is a responsible company and does not deserve suspension. I beg you to let it help us fulfill our dreams.”

Bacolod Quezon City transforms street into mini-Vigan exhibits Marian images IN ORDER to propagate the devotion to the Mother of God, the faithful in this diocese organized an Exhibit of Marian Images that will run until September 24, the CBCP News recently announced.

Hosted by the San Sebastian Cathedral Parish, the exhibit was inaugurated by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, D.D., at 8:00 a.m. on September 8 at the Museo Diocesano in the Cathedral Pastoral Complex.

The Marian exhibit features various sculptures and works of art showing the Blessed Virgin Mary and her many titles.

The Marian images come from the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the San Sebastian Cathedral Parish and from private family collections.

“Many of the pieces on display are part of the collections of Negrenses which they acquired from their travels,” said Sandy Solinap, curator of the Museo Diocesano.

“One of the paintings of Mary is done using ‘atsuete’ and turmeric powder, a textured rendering in shades of gold by seasoned Negrense painter and Marian devotee, Dolly Gatuslao,” shared the museum curator.

Another rare statue in the collection is Mary as an infant referred to as “Maria Bambinella.”

According to cathedral rector, Fr. Felix Pasquin, in order to deepen the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary among the youth, arrangements are being made with public schools within the territory of the San Sebastian Cathedral Parish for their students to visit the exhibit.

Entrance to the exhibit is free and open to the public during regular office hours.

THE streets and sidewalks leading to the Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista on Del Monte Avenue in Quezon City will be transformed into a Spanish-era cobblestone paseo, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista announced.

The Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista, buit in 1590, is the oldest church in the city.

Under the P23-million redevelopment plan, at least 600

meters of the San Pedro Bautista Street shall be patterned after Vigan’s Calle Crisologo and the stretch from De Vera Street to Roosevelt Avenue will be cobbled and adorned with period lamp posts and wooden benches reminiscent of the Spanish Baroque.

Horse-drawn carriages or kalesas will convey tourists on Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista Street.

The city government’s Spe-

cial Design Group is persuading homeowners in the area to allow their homes to be redesigned.

Bautista also tasked the City Planning and Development Office, the Legal Office, the Barangay Operations Center and the Market Development and Administration Department to implement the redevelopment plan, which will also cover management of traffic and informal settlements in the area.

San Pedro Bautista, a Spanish Franciscan missionary who came to the Philippines in 1584, was the founder of the Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista. His feast day is February 6.

Every year, the city government, through the Tourism Department, organizes various religious and cultural activities during the Grand Pedrista Festival which is being celebrated

Salceda’s disaster agency bill pushed ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda’s proposed measure that creates an independent national authority to handle and strengthen the country’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) management system has gained wide and popular support among communitybased and globally known DRR advocates and practitioners.

Salceda’s measure, House Bill 1648, filed in July, forms the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) that will radicalize the country’s disaster response and management system and

EGGPLANTS.

Senator Cynthia Villar leads the launch of a new program that enables residents and students of Bulacan and nearby provinces to get free agriculture training in a farm in San Jose del Monte.

Also in photo are Mayor Arthur Robes (second from left) and Rep. Rida Robes (second from right).

Lino Santos

make it “the world’s best approach to DRR.” HB 1648 is titled “An Act Further Strengthening the Philippines Disaster Reduction and Management System by Institutionalizing the Framework and Plan and Establishing the NDRRMA, an independent body under the Office of the President dedicated to predisaster risk reduction and postdisaster reconstruction.” It aims to amend RA 10121, the country’s DRR law, and further strengthen calamity response by “institutionalizing the framework and plan, with NDRRMA.”

Salceda said HB 1648 is a “product of comparable international experiences” and is timed with the review of the performance and organizational structure of RA 10121 enacted in 2010.

The NDRRMA, he said, will be equipped with the necessary competency and resources to engage new actors, particularly in the field of risk transfer and insurance, and built with the necessary structure to manage broader governance arrangements and oversee DRRM efforts towards sustainable development goals.

Among those that have vowed to support HB 1648 is the Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines (DRRNetPhils), a group of DRR practitioners and advocates who recently met with Salceda on September 7.

In a letter to Salceda prior to their consultation, DRRNetPhils lead convenor Maria Felizar-Cagay, pledged support to the bill and commended the lawmaker for “being a champion and for continuously seeking ways to improve the disaster risk reduction and management system in the country.”

every February as a tribute to San Pedro Bautista, who was noted for his work with lepers.

The re-development plan for Sanctuario de San Pedro is expected to boost the city’s tourism, said Bautista.

“If the tourism industry is robust, then businesses will be encouraged to open. If businesses will flourish, there will be employment,” he said.

Estrada aids Port Area fire victims MANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has directed the Manila Social Welfare Department to ensure that the 300 families who lost their homes in a huge fire in Port Area last Friday are cared for and their basic needs sufficiently provided for.

Estrada assured the fire victims that the city government will provide them whatever they need to rebuild their homes and start a new life.

“We know how hard it is to lose a home. We are assuring the victims that they are not alone; the city government is here to assist them by all means,” the mayor said.

Estrada immediately contacted MSWD chief Dra. Nanet Tanyag to rush to Port Area and Tondo, where another fire took place that same night of September 9, and help the victims.

A total of 1,009 individuals or more than 300 families in Barangay 654, Pier 5 in Port Area lost their homes while six suffered minor injuries, according to Tanyag.

In Gagalangin, Tondo, about 20 families were also rendered homeless in a separate fire that broke out more than an hour before the blaze that hit the Port Area community.

C2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

LGUs

QC sets new traffic scheme E

FFECTIVE today, September 15, the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety will implement a new traffic management scheme and rerouting plan in Barangay South Triangle to relieve traffic along Quezon Avenue up to Welcome Rotonda.

The new traffic management scheme to be enforced by the city government with the Metro Manila Development Authority will close existing U-turn slots on Quezon Avenue from the West Avenue intersection to Edsa, and open the intersection of Quezon Avenue and Scout Borromeo and West 4th.

The scheme also includes a two-phase traffic signal system along Quezon Avenue-Examiner/ Scout Albano Streets.

“Hopefully, with the new system, we can reduce travel time from Quezon Avenue to Welcome Rotonda,” said Elmo San Diego, head of the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety.

Under the new traffic plan, there will be no right turns to: E. Lopez Street corner Samar Avenue, Tomas Morato GMA Network Drive corner Edsa, Samar Avenue Mother Ignacia corner Edsa, Scout Borromeo and Sgt. Esguerra Panay Avenue corner Dr. Garcia St., Roces, Scout Albano, Scout Borromeo, Scout Chuatoco, Scout Magbanua, Scout Reyes and Timog Scout Albano corner Quezon Avenue

Scout Bayoran corner Sgt. Esguerra, Sgt. Tuazon Scout Madriñan corner Scout Tobias, Scout Ybardolaza and Tomas Morato Scout Ybardolaza corner Sgt. Esguerra Sgt. Esguerra corner E. Lopez, Panay Avenue, Scout Borromeo and Timog.

Meanwhile, there will no left turns to: E. Lopez corner to Sgt. Esguerra Mother Ignacia corner E. Lopez, Samar Avenue, Scout Borromeo, Scout Madriñan, Scout Tobias and St. Esguerra Panay Avenue corner Dr. Garcia St., Roces Avenue, Scout Borromeo, Scout Chuatoco, Scout Magbanua, Scout Reyes, Scout Santiago, Sgt. Esguerra and Timog Avenue Scout Albano corner Panay Avenue Scout Bayoran corner Timog Scout Madriñan corner Scout Torillo and Scout Tuazon Sgt. Esguerra corner Mother Ignacia, Scout Bayoran, Scout Borromeo, Scout Ybardolza and Timog.

There will be no entry Scout Tobias coming from Scout Borromeo and Sgt. Esguerra coming from 11th Jamboree.

Although presently experimental, San Diego said, the scheme might be extended to adjacent barangays if successful. Among the barangays being considered are Paligsahan, Roxas, Laging Handa, Kamuning and E. Rodriguez, San Diego said.

The MMDA will spend P1 million for the installation of traffic signal lights in areas covered by the new traffic management scheme, especially along the intersection of Scout Borromeo and West 4th.

“We will build a new rotunda,” said San Diego.

At least 25 traffic advisories and 59 signages will be installed by the DPOS within the South Triangle regarding the new traffic management scheme.

The new traffic scheme in Barangay South Triangle is part of the city government’s plan to develop it into a major tourist destination, especially Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, which is home to two of the country’s biggest broadcast networks.

CLEAN. Mayor Oscar Malapitan was among the first to undergo the urine drug test, conducted by a private medical firm—Best Diagnostic Corp. at city hall for government employees. Andrew Rabulan

37 farmers attend DAR school KORONADAL CITY—The Department of Agrarian Reform announced that 37 farmers of Barangay Luhib Highland Agricultural Credit Cooperative (HACC) completed the 16-week Farm Business School (FBS) program to improve their farm production, profit and quality of life in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II H. Roldan Ali said the 37 farmers were the second batch of farmer-entrepreneurs in the FBS program that trained them to

become entrepreneurs.

Ali said knowledge of market surveying, accounting, farm budget planning, bench marking and market matching were shared with the participants in the 25-session program.

“Now that you have the necessary knowledge to become entrepreneurs, be certain that you can establish the best prices for your produce to help improve your income and production,” Ali said.

Merlinda Go, the best participant in the FBS program, thanked

the DAR for helping them become farmtrepreneurs.

Support Services Division Chief Lorna Garde commended the graduates for inspiring other agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The Farm Business School was first launched by the DAR in August 2015 in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, local government units and the municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato where 27 ARBs from the Pobusilla Agrarian Reform Community became farmer-entrepreneurs.

DoH opens Hopeline Oplan Tokhang Project vs suicide held in Alabang THE Department of Health launched on Tuesday the “Hopeline Project” to strengthen its campaign to prevent suicides in the country.

“Hopeline” is a phone-based counseling service available 24 hours every day to individuals who suffer from crisis situations and depression.

DoH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said the project was a collaboration with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) and Globe Communications.

Also present in the launch was the World Health Organization country director in the Philippines, Dr. Gundo Weiler.

The launching was done at the DoH Media Relations Unit in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

September 10 is celebrated worldwide as Suicide Prevention Day. Ubial said the project fills the lack of mental health services in the country under the DoH “Health for All” campaign.

She added that with the help of NGF and Globe, the Hopeline project that was started in Cebu by NGF will now be expanded to the whole country to assist Filipinos with suicidal tendencies.

Ubial said the DoH-National Capital Region Regional Office and the National Center for Mental Health are behind the tie-up to

enhance the mental health program as desired by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The NCMH and the DOH will train psychiatrists and psychologists to entertain troubled callers.

Aside from personnel for the training, the necessary equipment will be provided by the department.

Globe Communications will provide the technology for the crisis hotline.

She said the project will run on three C’s—Connect, Communicate and Care—which is also the theme for the 2016 World Suicide Prevention Day. The numbers to call are the following: (02) 805-HOPE (4673); 0917 558 HOPE (4673) and 2919.

These numbers are toll-free for GLOBE and TM subscribers.

She said that callers can also connect to national assistance number of 8888 which will then channel the calls to Hopeline.

Based on the estimate of the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people die by suicide globally each year.

“That’s one person every 40 seconds,” the Health chief said.

The estimated number of suicides in the country in 2012 was 2,558 (550 females, 2008 males) or a suicide rate of 2.9 per 100,000 population. PNA

AYALA Alabang Village residents were visited by members of Muntinlupa Police Department as part of Oplan Tokhang on September 13.

Col. Marites Salvadora said 100 households were visited by female members of their group to disprove that police operations against illegal drugs were only implemented in depressed communities.

Salvadora added that while they had no watchlist of personalities to be visited, officers knocked from door to door to inform residents of the MPD’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

The residents were also urged to be vigilant against bomb threats in crowded places.

The colonel noted that they received a positive response from the helpers and caretakers of AAV homes, who were present during the operation.

Barangay AAV Capt. Ruben Baes and AAV Association officers joined the visiting policewomen.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said he supported the police crackdown on illegal drugs and ordered the local law enforcers to intensify Oplan Tokhang in the city. PNA

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard

TODAY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

C3

Peres condition still serious R

AMAT GAN—Former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, the last of Israel’s founding fathers, was in serious condition Wednesday after suffering a major stroke and doctors were treating him in intensive care.

Nationwide concern mounted over the condition of 93-year-old Peres, widely respected as an elder statesman both in Israel and abroad, after his stroke on Tuesday.

“Mr. Peres passed the night without any other incident,” Yitzhak Kreiss, director of the Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer in Ramat Gan, told reporters outside the hospital near Tel Aviv.

“He is in a stable but still serious condition.”

Kreiss spoke in Hebrew, but when speaking in English a short time later, he described Peres’s condition as “critical.”

Peres’s personal physician and son-in-law, Raphy Walden, said that Peres was responsive when his sedation was lessened.

“He seemed to follow what we were telling him,” he said. “Next time that we try to lessen his sedation I hope that we will be able to get in touch with him.”

Kreiss had late Tuesday described Peres as having suffered a “major stroke with a component of bleeding.”

He had been sedated in the intensive care unit and was breathing with the help of a respirator.

Doctors later decided not to operate for the time being.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted the head of the hospital’s stroke unit as saying “the damage isn’t the main issue currently.”

“We’re working on getting him to a state in which his life won’t be in jeopardy,” Dr. David Orion said.

Peres’s son Chemi told journalists late Tuesday that “we are going to have to take difficult decisions apparently later, but not yet.”

“Myself and my family members are going through difficult times, difficult hours,” he said.

“I know that my father did not care about anything as much as he cares about people, as much as he cares about Israel, the Jewish people, and the people in Israel,” he said.

“And I will take this opportunity on his behalf to send all of you his love.”

The last of Israel’s founding fathers, Peres has held nearly every major office in the country, including prime minister twice and president, a mostly ceremonial post, from 2007 to 2014.

A former hawk turned dove, the highlight of his career came in 1994, when he was

awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Yitzhak Rabin and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords with the Palestinians.

The first of the Oslo accords was signed exactly 23 years ago Tuesday -- September 13, 1993. Rabin was assassinated two years later.

Statements of concern flooded in from across the political spectrum and around 40 journalists gathered outside the hospital, Israel’s largest, awaiting word on his condition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken with the director of the hospital to receive an update, a spokesman said.

“The prime minister conveyed the prayers of the entire nation for a quick recovery,” his office said.

Netanyahu said on his twitter account: “Shimon, we all love you”.

President Reuven Rivlin said in a statement he was “following with concern the updates from the hospital, and pray together with the entire people for my friend Shimon’s recovery.”

Opposition leader Isaac Herzog also wished the elder statesman a rapid recovery.

Nickolay Mladenov, UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said he was praying for Peres, calling him “a patriarch of peace and progress.”

In January, Peres was hospitalised twice for heart trouble.

In the first instance, the hospital said he had suffered a “mild cardiac event” and underwent catheterisation to widen an artery. AFP

Kabul’s ancient sites mapped KABUL—For archaeologists Afghanistan, rich in ancient treasures and once a key stop on the legendary silk road, is an “open-air museum,” albeit one ravaged by war and plagued by looters.

After 30 years of conflicts, Afghanistan’s cultural heritage is in dire straits, but one group of archaeologists is trying to put the country’s historical sites back on the map - literally.

An international team is working to map the country’s numerous sites and monuments with satellite imaging into a huge database--a giant geographic information system (GIS).

“The authorities have long feared encouraging looting by locating such sites... In fact, most have already been looted, “ says Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento, a French-Peruvian archaeologist who heads the French Archaeo-

logical Delegation to Afghanistan (DAFA).

The project is going ahead now because “it is often the looters who are best informed about where the archaeological sites are,” he adds, so a database will not affect this.

Afghanistan’s location and the variety and abundance of its bountiful mines of gold, copper and precious stones make it an archaeological holy grail. The Afghan lapis-lazuli, a brilliant blue semi-precious gemstone, was used as decoration by the Egyptian pharaohs and the great kings of Assyria and Babylon, Bendezu-Sarmiento notes.

In DAFA’s offices a large satellite image of the country, with its bust bowls, deep valleys and steep mountains, is shown on a widesceen display. Heritage sites are indicated by yellow, blue and red dots depending on whether they

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Bulletin of Vacant Positions (In Compliance with RA 7041 and CSC MC No. 27, s. 1991) No. of Pos. 1

Position Title Attorney V

Office

SG 25

2

Chief Tourism Operations Officer

24

2

Chief Administrative Officer

24

Planning Officer V

24

2

Attache I

24

Supervising Administrative Officer (HRMO IV)

22

Human Resource Division Training and Development Division

Information Technology Officer II

22

2

2

Attorney III

21

1

Administrative Officer IV (HRMO II)

15

4

19

Administrative Officer IV (Budget Officer II)

15

Administrative Officer IV (Financial Analyst II/Management & Audit Analyst II)

15

Administrative Officer III (Supply Officer II)

14

Planning Officer II

15

1

Creative Arts Specialist II

15

5

Legal Assistant II

12

5

1

Information Systems Analyst III

19

Senior Tourism Operations Officer

18

2

Administrative Officer V (HRMO III)

18

2

Administrative Officer V (Cashier III/Supply Officer III)

18

1

11

Administrative Officer II (HRMO I)

11

Administrative Assistant V (Mechanical Shop Foreman)

11

4

Planning Officer I

11

Administrative Officer V (Records Officer III)

18

1

Human Resource Division

Information Officer I

11

1

Administrative Officer V (Budget Officer III)

18

5

1

Creative Arts Specialist III

18

2

Accountant II

16

1

Budget Division

1

Information Systems Analyst II

16

2

Regional Office III Regional Office XIII

Information Technology Division

Tourism Operations Officer II

15

Legislative Liaison Unit Statistics, Economic Analysis & Info Mgmnt Division (2) Product Planning & Development Division Product Monitoring & Evaluation Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility 2

Internal Auditor II

15

Management Audit Division Operations Audit Division

General Services Division

Planning Division (2) Monitoring Division (2)

Administrative Assistant III

09

required; Career Service

Public Affairs and Communications Management Division required; Career Service

Planning Service Procurement Management Division Office of the Director, Internal Audit Service Office of Product and Market Development Office of the Director, Public Affairs and Advocacy

Administrative Assistant III (Senior Bookkeeper)

09

Accounting Division

Administrative Assistant II (HRMA)

08

Training and Development Division

Administrative Assistant II (Clerk IV)

08

General Services Division Legal Review, Research & Documentation Division

Minimum Qualifications: Completion of 2 years studies in college or High School graduate with relevant vocational/trade course; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service SubProfessional/1st Level Eligibility 1

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility 5

required; Career Service

Minimum Qualifications: Completion of 2 years studies in college or High School graduate with relevant vocational/trade course ; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service SubProfessional/1st Level Eligibility

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in Commerce/ Business Administration major in Accounting; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; RA 1080 (CPA) 1

Human Resource Division

Minimum Qualifications: Completion of 2 years studies in college or High School graduate with relevant Vocational/trade course; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service SubProfessional/1st Level Eligibility

Advocacy and Creative Designs Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience;8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility

required; Career Service

Minimum Qualifications : Completion of 2 years studies in college or High School graduate with relevant vocational/ trade course; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service SubProfessional/1st Level Eligibility

General Services Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility

required; Career Service

Legislative Liaison Unit Policy Formulation and Int’l Cooperation Div (2) Statistics, Economic Analysis & Info Mgmt Division Product Monitoring Division

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; experience and training not Professional / Second Level Eligibility

General Services Division Procurement Management Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility

Administrative Investigation, Adjudication and Counseling Division (2) Legal Review, Research and Documentation Division (3)

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; experience and training not Professional / Second Level Eligibility

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility 1

Advocacy and Creative Designs Division

Minimum Qualifications: High School graduate or completion of relevant vocational/trade course; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Sub-Professional/First Level Eligibility

Legislative Liaison Unit Policy Formulation and Intl Cooperation Division (3) Statistics, Economic Analysis & Info Mgmnt Division

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility

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

Administrative Assistant II (Bookkeeper)

08

Accounting Division

Minimum Qualifications : Completion of 2 years studies in college or High School graduate with relevant vocational/trade course; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service SubProfessional/1st Level Eligibility 1

Administrative Aide IV (Communications Equipment Operator I)

04

900,000,000 At an initial public offering price of Php common shares 1.77 to Php2.96 per share.

3,900,000,200

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 Jimmy Francisco P. Perez Alma A. Jadie 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, hall be furnished to every party, upon request, at such fees as the Commission may prescribe. aid R may also be downloaded from the website of the corporation at www.wav.global.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director The company filed its amended Articles of 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)

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DOST Main Building, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila 02-8372071 Loc. 2049

: Retrofitting of the DOST Main Building (Phase III) Location of the Project: Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City Name of the Project

The Department of Science and Technology-Central Office, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/contractors/ service providers to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: Name of Project Location

Planning Division (2) Monitoring Division (2)

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; experience and training not Professional / Second Level Eligibility

Information Technology Division

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility

General Services Division

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; experience and training not Professional / Second Level Eligibility

Accounting Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility 5

Tourism Operations Officer I

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 :

INVITATION TO BID

Accounting Division Management Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree; experience and training not Professional / Second Level Eligibility

REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES In Relation to an Initial Public Offering

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

Budget Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional/ Second Level Eligibility

Administrative Investigation, Adjudication and Counseling Division Legal Review, Research and Documentation Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in Commerce/ Business Administration major in Accounting; 2 years of relevant experience; 8 hours of relevant training; RA 1080 (CPA)

IN THE MATTER OF

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional / Second Level Eligibility

1 Accountant III

MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT

Human Resource Division (2) Training and Development Division (2)

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional / Second Level Eligibility

Minimum Qualifications : Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor of Laws ; 1 year of relevant experience ; 4 hours of relevant training; RA 1080 (BAR) 1

(MS-SEPT. 15, 2016)

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

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience;4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility

Information Technology Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 3 years of relevant experience;16 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional / Second Level Eligibility

(SGD.) EVARISTE M. CAGATAN Director Manufacturing Industries Service

Total

have been excavated, identified or only recently discovered.

The work consists of linking this mapping to each site in the database.

In 1982, under pressure from Soviet Russia which had invaded Afghanistan, DAFA -who had been there since 1922--had to leave the country where they’d identified 1,286 heritage sites.

“Today, we’ve identified five times that,” Bendezu-Sarmiento says.

On the map, there are numerous marks as the archaeologists try to connect information from the first excavations in the 1930s.

“The country is huge, with an enormous wealth of sites,” says Elena Leoni, an Italian archaeologist specialising in Central Asia and GIS. AFP

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 3 years of relevant experience; 16 hours of relevant training; CS Professional / Second Level Eligibility 1

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

ii. Issued and Outstanding shares 3,000,000,200 (these are not included in the offer) common shares With par value of Php 0.01 per share

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility

Beijing (China) Seoul (Korea)

Minimum Qualifications : Masteral degree or Certificate in Leadership and Management from the CSC; 4 years of supervisory/management experience; 40 hours of supervisory/management learning and development intervention undertaken within the last 5 years; Career Service Professional / Second Level Eligibility 2

1

Planning Division Monitoring Division

Minimum Qualifications : Masteral degree or Certificate in Leadership and Management from the CSC; 4 years of supervisory/management experience; 40 hours of supervisory/management learning and development intervention undertaken within the last 5 years; Career Service Professional /Second Level Eligibility

Notice is hereby given that FORBES DENTAL PROSTHETICS, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Export Producer of Dental Prosthetics at total annual capacity of 3,260 pieces on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located at Unit 401 FSE Building, 3671 Bautista Street, Barangay Palanan, Makati City.

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility

Training and Development Division Procurement Management Division

Minimum Qualifications : Masteral degree or Certificate in Leadership and Management from the CSC; 4 years of supervisory/management experience; 40 hours of supervisory/management learning and development intervention undertaken within the last 5 years; Career Service Professional / Second Level Eligibility 2

4

Legislative Liaison Unit Statistics, Economic Analysis & Info Mgmnt Division

Minimum Qualifications : Masteral degree or Certificate in Leadership and Management from the CSC; 4 years of supervisory/management experience; 40 hours of supervisory/management learning and development intervention undertaken within the last 5 years; Career Service Professional /Second Level Eligibility

N OTICE

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; 1 year of relevant experience; 4 hours of relevant training; Career Service Professional or 2nd Level Eligibility

Legal Review, Research and Documentation Division

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor of Laws ; 3 years of relevant experience ; 16 hours of relevant training; RA 1080 (BAR)

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

Brief description

Retrofitting of the DOST Main Building (Phase III) Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila Retrofitting Phase III of the DOST Main Building Ground Floor: Retrofitting of remaining beams for flexural enhancement.

Second Floor: Retrofitting of 24 columns and Third Floor Beams for shear and flexural enhancement.

Third Floor: Retrofitting of 24 columns and Roof Deck beams for shear enhancement.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

Php 19,749,590.48

Contract Duration

12 months

Bidding Activities: 1. Issuance of Bid Documents

September 15 – October 05, 2016 (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) and October 06, 2015 (8:00 – 9:45 am)

2. Pre-bid Conference

September 23, 2016 (10:00 am)

3. Opening of Bids

October 06, 2016 (10:00 am)

Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last ten (10) years with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. The Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidding is restricted to organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, as specified in Republic Act 5183 (R.A. 5183). Only bids from Bidders who pass the preliminary examination of the eligibility and technical components in the technical envelope will be opened.

The process for the preliminary examination of bids is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents, ITB. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine his responsiveness to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who has been determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

All particulars relative to Eligibility and Technical Requirements Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR).

Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of Php 20,000.00.

20,000.00 The Department of Science and Technology assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

General Services Division

Approved by:

Minimum Qualifications : High School graduate or completion of relevant vocational/trade course; Experience and training not required; Relevant MC 11, s. 1996 (Category II) For more details, please visit DOT website: www.tourism.gov.ph and www.JobStreet.com . Deadline for submission of applications to the Human Resource Division (HRD) is on 30 September 2016. Requirements: Letter of Intent addressed to Chief, HRD, resume with detailed work experience and copy of Civil Service Eligibility.

(MS-SEPT. 15, 2016)

(SGD) ASEC. URDUJAH A. TEJADA BAC Chairperson ( M S - S E P T. 15 , 2 016)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

C4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

World

China buys influence in Australia—envoy S

YDNEY—The US envoy to Canberra has raised concerns about China buying political influence in Australia, after a raft of revelations over Beijing’s financial support for influential figures.

Political donations from foreign sources have become a highly sensitive issue in Australia, which last week saw the resignation of a leading opposition senator after he admitted taking payments to cover expenses.

“We have been surprised, quite frankly, at the extent of the involvement of the Chinese government in Australian politics,” departing US ambassador John Berry said in The Australian newspaper on Wednesday.

“It is an entirely different matter when the government of China is able to directly funnel funds to political candidates to advance their national interests in your national campaign,” Berry said.

“That, to us, is of concern.

We cannot conceive of a case where a foreign donation from any government, friend or foe, would be considered legitimate in terms of that democracy.”

Foreign donations are illegal in the United States, Australia’s closest ally, and Berry urged Canberra to clean up.

“Our hope is that, in resolving this, Australia will consider doing what many other democracies have done: that is to protect their core responsibility against undue influence from governments that don’t share our values.”

The opposition Labor Party--reeling from Senator Sam Dastyari’s sudden downfall after a donor with links to the Chinese government paid for

one of his expenses bills--has proposed a ban on foreign donations in election campaigning.

Dastyari, a high-profile powerbroker, had also reportedly contradicted Labor and government policy on the South China Sea. However Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal Party has also received large donations from Chinese firms and individuals, often with links to the Beijing government, and has shown little appetite for a ban.

“Look, Australia is a sovereign nation, but I can see no argument of how a foreign government’s involvement through political contributions advances Australia’s interests,” the envoy said.

“In our country it’s illegal. It would be against the law for any foreign donation to be accepted by any level of government or member of government.”

China’s rise and its sweeping claims to the South China Sea have seen a dramatic sharpening of Sino-US rivalry.

Australia has also become increasingly concerned about the purchase of domestic infrastructure and land by foreigners, and recently banned a sale by the country’s biggest private landowner to a Chinese-led consortium.

However, the government’s first foreign land register last week showed that British and US investors own far more agricultural land in Australia than Chinese nationals do. AFP

Suu Kyi visits White House WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama rolls out the red carpet for Myanmar’s elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, a visit that will signal her transition from democratic idol to politician.

The 71-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate is barred by military constitution from heading Myanmar’s government, but she will still get a leader’s welcome in Washington.

On her first visit to the United States since being elected last year, Suu Kyi will meet over three days with assorted cabinet secretaries, followed by talks with Obama and a coveted Oval Office grip-and-grin photo shoot.

The White House is keen to reinforce Suu Kyi’s primacy as the de facto head of the government of Myanmar, also known as Burma.

In public there will be lofty rhetoric about freedom, peace and transition. But private talks between Obama and Suu Kyi are likely to focus on the nuts and bolts of governing.

After spending much of the last few decades under arrest, since her election last November she has taken the role of foreign minister and created a new position for herself as state counsellor.

As the de facto leader, she now presides over a skeletal government, an economy hollowed out by decades of kleptocratic dictatorship and a country riven with ethnic and religious violence.

The veteran campaigner must tackle all those problems while keeping an eye on still-powerful

generals, lest they have second thoughts about democratic reform.

Since her election, Suu Kyi has shocked some of her more ardent Western supporters by following the junta’s lead, most notably by refusing to recognize the Rohingya -- a persecuted Muslim minority group in the overwhelmingly Buddhist country.

Tens of thousands of stateless Rohingya have spent the past four years trapped in bleak displacement camps with limited access to health care and other basic services.

Privately, US officials acknowledge Suu Kyi is working with some very tough political constraints and dare not push the military, or the public, too far or too fast.

“She has to tackle problems one by one” said Ben Rhodes, a key Obama aide who has spearheaded the administration’s Myanmar policy.

The biggest question for the Obama administration may be how far and how fast to lift remaining US sanctions.

In May, Washington lifted a host of financial and trade embargoes on state-owned banks and businesses.

But Obama has stopped short of rescinding an executive order that declares Myanmar a “national emergency” and underpins sanctions.

Scrapping that order would bring clarity to US firms thinking about doing business in Burma, helping the economy and with it Suu Kyi’s government.

But it could also weaken US leverage and perhaps let the military off the hook. AFP

CHINKY. A model walks the runway wearing Kenneth Barlis at Art Hearts Fashion NYFW The Shows pre-

sented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on Tuesday in New York City. AFP

‘US stokes war between Koreas’ SEOUL—North Korea on Wednesday accused the United States of pushing the Korean Peninsula to “the point of explosion” after it dispatched two huge bombers in a show of force against Pyongyang.

The supersonic B-1B Lancers flew over South Korea Tuesday as Washington vowed its “unshakeable commitment” to defend its allies in the region following North Korea’s fifth and largest-ever nuclear test conducted last week.

Washington called the demonstration “just one example of the full range of military capabilities.” It took similar military actions following previous atomic tests.

North Korea labelled the flyover by the “infamous” nuclear bombers as Washington’s attempt to seek “an opportunity of mounting a preemptive nuclear attack,” referring to US plans to deploy further strategic assets to the peninsula.

“These extremely reckless provocations of the US imperialist warmongers are pushing the situation on the Korean peninsula to the point of explosion hour by hour,” the state-run KCNA news agency said.

It warned that the North Korean army was fully armed with “all means for military counteraction” to strike back at any enemy attack in “a single blow.”

Washington is planning to send the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the USS Ronald Reagan and the Japan-based Carrier Strike Group Five to South Korean waters next month for a joint naval exercise, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

A spokesman for United States Forces Korea declined to confirm the report to AFP, citing operational matters.

South Korea hosts 28,000 US troops as the two Koreas technically remain at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

The bombers’ flight came after the North on Friday carried out what it described as a “nuclear warhead test” and vowed to take further measures to increase its nuclear strike force “in quality and in quantity.” AFP

Trump foundation ‘impropriety’ probed WASHINGTON—New York state’s top law enforcement official said Tuesday he has opened an investigation into the Donald J Trump Foundation, citing worries the Republican presidential nominee’s charity has been involved in “impropriety.”

“My interest in this issue really is in my capacity as regulator of non-profits in New York state,” Attorney General Eric Schneiderman told CNN. “We have been concerned that the Trump Foundation has en-

gaged in impropriety from that point of view,” added Schneiderman, who has been at loggerheads with the bombastic billionaire for years over the Trump University real estate program, which he has called “straight up fraud.”

The Trump Foundation has faced a series of damaging stories, including by The Washington Post, which reported over the weekend that the White House candidate himself had not donated to his own charity since 2008.

The Post also found other irregularities, including that Trump spent $20,000 of money that had been set aside for charitable purposes to purchase a sixfoot (1.8-meter) painting of himself.

And in another move, the foundation made an illegal $25,000 donation to a campaign group affiliated with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in 2013 as she was considering joining Schneiderman’s fraud case against Trump University.

“We’ve inquired into it and we’ve had correspondence with them. I didn’t make a big deal out of it or hold a press conference,” Schneiderman said.

“But we have been looking into the Trump Foundation to make sure it’s complying with the laws governing charities in New York.”

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee issued an open letter asking US Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate the donation to Bondi. AFP

Tired Forsyth retires from novel writing

CROONER. Musician Pat Boone attends the “Hillsong - Let Hope Rise” premiere at the Westwood Village theater on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California. AFP

LONDON—After a dozen novels and 70 million book sales under his belt, British writer Frederick Forsyth told Agence France Presse he is giving up on thrillers because his wife told him he can no longer travel to adventurous places.

“I’m tired of it and I can’t just sit at home and do a nice little romance from my study,” said the 78-year-old, who revealed in a memoir last year that he had worked extensively for the MI6 spy service.

“I ran out of things to say,” said the soft-spoken Forsyth, who trained as a Royal Air Force pilot before joining Reuters news agency in 1961 and beginning his career as a novelist in the 1970s.

After his last trip to Somalia as research for “The Kill List”, Forsyth said his wife told him: “You’re far too old, these places are bloody dangerous and you don’t run as avidly, as nimbly as you used to.”

Forsyth, who has only ever written on a typewriter, said he

had tried an online search for Somalia but had been “very dissatisfied” with the results.

“There was some statistical information on Somalia but not what I wanted, which was atmosphere,” he said.

He said his memoir “The Outsider” was his “swan song”.

“How many bakers go on baking after 78?” he quipped.

In an interview on the sidelines of a speaking engagement organised by the London Grill Club, Forsyth also spoke about his work for MI6 in Africa and the former Soviet bloc during the Cold War. The writer said he would submit draft pages from his novels to MI6 to check that he was not divulging sensitive details and they would sometimes come back with annotations and paragraphs underlined.

In “The Fourth Protocol”, he said he avoided telling readers how exactly to trigger a nuclear weapon, after a bit of editing of the draft from MI6. AFP

S

CIENTISTS revealed part of the secret to why a small village in southern Italy has an unusual number of centenarians—low levels of a particular hormone that affects circulation.

Italian and US experts have spent the last six months investigating the extraordinary longevity of residents of Acciaroli, where more than one in 10—81 at the mayor’s last count— of the village’s population of 700 is over 100 years old.

Acciaroli is part of the Cilento coast, an area of outstanding natural beauty where the late US nutritionist Ancel Keys first established convincing evidence of the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet based on olive oil and rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.

As well as reaching extremely old age, people in Acciaroli and tiny communities nearby also seem to be largely immune to dementia, heart disease and other chronic conditions associated with ageing in most of the Western world.

Researchers from Rome’s Sapienza University and the San Diego School of Medicine said Monday that the explanation could lie in low levels of adrenomedullin, a hormone that acts to widen blood vessels.

Adrenomedullin is present “in a much reduced quantity in the subjects studied and seems to act as a powerful protecting factor, helping the optimal development of microcirculation,” or capillary circulation, they said in a statement.

Capillary blood vessels tend to degenerate in older people, but the seniors in Cilento had capillaries of the sort found in much younger people, even those in their 20s.

The study also found “metabolites present (in the bodies of those studied) which may have a positive influence on longevity and the wellbeing of Cilento’s centenarians,” the statement said, without giving further details.

The researchers have decided to extend the study and expand their research, by launching a fundraising campaign.

Aside from blood tests, the researchers also carried out cardiac and neurological tests, Alan S. Maisel, the San Diego cardiologist heading up the project, told AFP. The scientists are looking into whether genetics could combine with lifestyle factors—diet and physical activity—to extend the villagers’ longevity.

The Cilento locals all eat rosemary—known to improve brain

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

D1

Life

WELLNESS & ENVIRONMENT LIVE TO 100. Researchers discovered that the reason why the small town of Acciaroli in southern Italy has a high number of centenarians is because of low levels of adrenomedullin hormone. AFP PHOTO

Italy’s 100 club village reveals its secret

function—almost every day, and also all practice some physical activity daily, such as fishing, walking or gardening, another line of enquiry for the scientists.

Before Monday’s release of results, Maisel also pointed to what may be

another important ingredient in the recipe for a long and happy life.

“Sexual activity among the elderly appears to be rampant,” Maisel said.

“Maybe living long has something to do with that, it’s probably the good air and the joie de vivre.” AFP

Acciaroli Mayor Stefano Pisani

A street in Acciaroli, which is part of the Cilento coast, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

54-year-old biochemist and CEO of Sphingotec GMBH Andreas Bergmann

Earth beauties in Manila Bay cleanup drive MISS Philippines-Earth 2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart joined around 1,500 volunteers, partners and stakeholders of Landbank during its Manila Bay Cleanup 2016 event that also launched the Manila Bay Sunset Partnership Program Inc.’s (MBSPPI) “Adopt-an-Estero” project recently at the Catch basin beside the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

In casual white shirt and blue jeans, Schweighart, representing the Miss Earth Foundation, Inc., one of 26 member-organizations of MBSPPI, was joined by Miss Philippines Air Kiaragiel Gregorio, Miss Philippines Water Loren Mar Artajos and Miss Philippines Fire Shannon Rebecca Bridgman.

Schweighart called on the city residents to join as volunteers in the annual Manila Bay cleanup drive activities. She took the occasion to ask for support on her coming participation at the Miss Earth 2016 pageant. The FilGerman beauty helped the ceremonial throwing of Bokashi mud balls into the waters of Manila Baythat use an effective microorganism technology from

Senator Cynthia Villar (fourth from left, seated) with Landbank officials, partners and stakeholders

Japan to inhibit the growth of algae and break down sludge and silt in the water to help enhance clarity and water flow.

Schweighart also joined in the ceremony for the launch of the Adoptan-Estero project’s pilot community on Estero de Abad in Barangay 720 in Adriatico, Manila. The MBSPPI officials welcomed five new partners, the DPWH, DENR Environmental Management Bureau, Maynilad Water Services, De La Salle University Manila

and Villar Sipag at Tiyaga Foundation Inc., an NGO headed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, who also graced the event.

MBSPPI President and LandBank First Vice President Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva said that they initially intended to do a quarterly cleanup of the estuary and with its success, conducted on a monthly basis and rolled it out to other waterways in Metro Manila. Eton B. Concepcion

Miss Philippines-Earth 2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart joins Landbank’s annual Manila Bay Cleanup event

Life

D2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

F

OR several decades now, the island of Siargao has been synonymous to the breathtaking waves that barrel down on surfers in the famed Cloud 9 surf spot, regarded as a global surfing mecca.

But in recent years, an expansive mangrove forest has been vying for tourist’s attention in the neighboring town of Del Carmen which has been experiencing a turnaround in negative environmental practices.

Thanks to the growing ecological awareness brought about by Shore It Up, a comprehensive marine ecosystem and coastal resource program of the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC).

The coastal town is home to a 4,000-hectare contiguous mangrove forest known locally as “bakhawan”, the biggest of its kind in the archipelago and home to a rare saltwater crocodile specie.

The program’s centerpiece is the Mangrove Protection and Information Center, a hub for the rehabilitation and nurture of the coastal ecosystem.

The program has been working closely with various agencies and organizations across the country to preserve the mangrove forests, which protect coastal communities against storms and serve as habitats for aquatic life.

According to Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II, about a 95-percent threat reduction of mangrove cutting from 2014 up to the present has been noted, based on visual observation and bio-physical assessment conducted by environmental NGO Sikat Inc. The combined forces of municipal Bantay Dagat and police have also recorded a 70-percent reduction based on visual observation for the same period, due to the law enforcement agencies’ regular apprehensions of violators of marine environmental laws.

Mangroves shore up Siargao’s ecosystems

Shore It Up’s Junior Environmental Scouts program aims to include school children in heightening public opinion against illegal marine activities.

Coro also disclosed that there is an 85 percent average survival rate for the 800 hectares of mangroves planted under the Shore It Up program.

Del Carmen’s vast mangrove forest has also become a major tourist destination in Siargao with 21 boat operators doing from three to four trips per day, which has generated income for the local economy. The tourism program

Run for the Mangroves marathon increases public awareness on the importance of mangroves

recently graduated four mangrove tour ecoguides that have undergone an intense weeklong training.

He said that these statistics prove the effectiveness of the program and shift in the mindset that mangroves are simply used as ornaments or firewood.

In the recent staging of Shore It Up in July, the program conducted its educational component, the Junior Environ-

mental Scouts (JES) for 80 school children to heighten public opinion against illegal marine activities.

Coro said the municipal council has also declared through an ordinance the first week of March as “Shore It Up Week” to keep the momentum which includes cleanups and the Run for the Mangroves marathon which has heightened public awareness on the impor-

Del Carmen town in Siargao observes Shore It Up Week every first week of March

tance of the mangroves.

As a result of its efforts, Del Carmen has been given the Environmental Hero Award by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Since its inception in 2009, Shore It Up has mustered over 75,000 volunteers from Metro Pacific firms, the government sector, academe and civil society groups in activities such as mangrove and tree planting, giant clam rearrangement, artificial reef restoration and environmental education for school children, and livelihood for coastal villagers,” says MPIC Vice President for PR and corporate communications Melody Del Rosario.

She added that conglomerate has also embarked on the infrastructure ends of marine environmental restoration with the construction of another mangrove center in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, and a marine laboratory at the dive sites in Mabini, Batangas, the first of its kind in the country.

She noted that in addition to Siargao’s mangrove center, MPIC is also looking at the rehabilitation of Sugba Lagoon to make it a potential spot for eco-friendly aquasports such as kayaking and scuba diving.

Timeless tips for parents when taking care of baby BEING a parent is undoubtedly one of the world’s most challenging yet rewarding task. So whether you’re a first time mom or have four little tykes running around, it will always take the same amount of love, passion and practical thinking to become the best parent you’ve always wanted to be.

To get you started, here are some noteworthy tips to make caring for your baby a tad bit easier: Listen to the experts but follow your gut. You can get overwhelmed with the “must do’s” and get confused with the many beliefs, that even upon further research, turn out to have enough proof for opposing ends of the spectrum.

Before giving in to the pseudoscience on the internet, have an open mind—read and ask as much as you can about the experiences of other mothers, your parents, friends you trust, and your pediatrician. You’ll find that experiences vary from one parent to another and even from one child to another. So whether a cry is a symptom of a bigger problem or a whimper is simply a sound,

be confident enough to heed your own motherly instincts. Remember, no one knows your baby more than you do.

Touch is the language of love. According to the Scientific American Magazine, touching a newborn infant can soothe and put them to sleep. During this period of rest, the development of the baby’s brain is facilitated. You can soothe

a crying baby by giving a slow pat on the back, making sure it follows the rhythm of their heartbeat. If patting does not work, try gently rocking your tot back and forth in a slow and careful manner.

Nutrition is key for a healthy baby. Breastfeeding is best for babies at least for the first six months of life. But while you keep your baby healthy, don’t forget about yourself (and your family)!

Make sure that you also find time for yourself. Pay attention to having a healthy lifestyle— that means making the effort to have a proper diet and sufficient sleep. You need to muster all the energy you have to take care of that tiny human who depends on you for everything.

Ensure your baby’s wellbeing. Use trusted and safe cleansing products. Changing diapers can be one of the most important life skills you need to learn. The baby’s skin is so sensitive that you don’t want them to be exposed to direct sunlight, harsh perfumes, and general products, which may contain harmful chemicals not suited for babies. Good thing, there are products that are paraben-free

Using trusted and safe cleansing products for babies is a vital component in making sure of infants’ safety--something that every parent should learn when taking care of their baby.

like the Sanicare Baby Wipes that are guaranteed safe for the gentle skin of babies. For other cleansing needs, moms can trust the soft, light Sanicare Cotton Balls to do the job efficiently. Made with the best materials and even the best of intentions, Sanicare is the partner of

every mom who wants only but the best for their babies.

Parenting takes a lot of time and effort, but it is also the most enriching experience that you’ll have. So keep these tips in mind, and enjoy the journey of parenthood.

UP College of Mass Communication alumni homecoming The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) invites all alumni to the annual homecoming on Sept. 24 at Zirkoh Comedy Bar, Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City. Registration starts at 3 p.m.

Titled Astig!, the event also celebrates 51 years of the College that was established in 1965. Through the years the UP CMC (formerly the UP Institute of Mass Communication) has pursued its mission of developing graduates who are socially responsi-

ble, vigilant and effective communicators. It has produced some of the most notable names in Philippine media, advertising, communications, film, research, entertainment and other fields.

Raffle prizes, fun and entertainment await alumni at Astig!, presented by

Eat Bulaga and PLDT Home.

The event will also be highlighted by the election of a new set of officers and board members for 2016-2019 of the UP CMC Alumni Association.

Alumni are invited to visit the alumni Facebook page at www.facebook.

com/Up Cmc AlumniAssociation for the official nomination form. Nomination forms may also be availed of at the UP CMCAA office at Plaridel Hall.

For details, call 920-6864, 9283188 or 981-8500 loc. 2688 or email upcmcaa@gmail.com.

D3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

T

ODAY’S grandmothers have leveled up, so to speak. For one, they no longer want to be called “Lola,” preferring hip terms of endearment such as Mamita, Mommylu, Mimay and the likes.

Dashing Mamitas Gloria Romero (top) and Pilita Corales trust the deft hands of Gandang Ricky Reyes specialists to maintain their looks

It goes without saying that they are now just as conscious of their looks as their millennial grandkids.

They definitely want to look youthful despite their real age.

So, how do today’s grandmas maintain their timeless charm?

The answer lies on the expertise of beauty specialists who help them shoo away the effects of time. Enter beloved beauty guru Ricky Reyes.

In 2003, Reyes launched his “Ganda ng Lola Mo” campaign, tapping screen a n d

entertainment veterans Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, and Barbara Perez to represent the grace and attractiveness inherent in all grandmothers throughout the Philippines.

They were all paragons of glamour during their time, and the years have not challenged their gorgeousness. It was an acknowledgement that being pretty knows no age.

It was also a signal for many women that if these celebrities could look this good at this point in their careers, with Reyes’s magic touch, other seniors can surely benefit from it, too.

Mother Ricky points out a few elements for our dashing Lolas to help maintain their youthful looks. For one, taking a brisk daily walk of two or three miles can help erase years from the figure and chin line.

“If you can’t do exercise, treat yourselves to a frequent facial to stimulate your skin”, he advises.

“Our skin tone changes as we age so choose a powder that most suit your skin tone for a more natural look. Light powders makes one look older”, he stresses. “More importantly, always remember the formula that as our age adds up, we have to subtract our hairlines to make us look younger”.

More beauty tips for gorgeous “Mimays” include sleeping for not less than eight hours a day.

Lack of it leads to drying of skin, making it saggy. Our skin will look more supple and attractive with regular use of moisturizer, especially at night before going to bed. Fruits and veggies do wonder to our body so eat more of it for the heart and skin’s sake.

More importantly, according

to Reyes, is to love your self.

“Remember that growing old is a privilege denied to many, so be happy!” he stressed.

The “Ganda ng Lola Mo” campaign proved to be such a successful venture that the term became a byword for beauty. In every street corner or salon, up and down the halls of society, it became a term of endearment to show one’s appreciation of someone’s inner glow.

That is the vision of Ricky Reyes. Women of all ages, from teenagers to mothers, and even their grandmothers, once you enter the doors of any Gandang Ricky Reyes studio, the deft touch of its beauty specialists will surely highlight your loveliness.

And when you step out its doors, just wait for the comments to come to you: “Ganda ng lola ko!”

Pamper your ‘Lolas’ with Ricky Reyes’

‘Ganda ng Lola Mo’ BACK in 1999, The Blair Witch Project became a global phenomenon and left a haunting fear of being alone in the woods. The nearly no-budget film grossed millions and set the gold standard for found footage movies, spawning a new generation of horror fans.

“Elly Kedward, the woman accused of witchcraft and left to die in the Maryland woods in 1785, is the first recorded story of the Blair Witch legend,” says executive producer Gregg Hale.

“But the evil in those woods is much, much older than that.”

For several years, Lionsgate had been searching for the right concept to reboot Blair Witch, as well as filmmakers who could satisfy the fans of the first film and reach a new generation of moviegoers.

In the latest Blair Witch movie, it’s been 20 years since James’s sister and her two friends vanished into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland while researching the legend of the

Blair Witch, leaving a trail of theories and suspicions in their wake.

Along with a group of college students, James ventures into the Black Hills Forest with the same camera in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of his sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.

“When it first came out, I was one of a billion high school kids taking a camcorder into the woods and doing a Blair Witch spoof with my friends,” says director Adam Wingard.

“The film had a total dedication toward authenticity. No one has

Legacy of fear reborn

American film and television actress Valorie Curry in a scene from the new ‘Blair Witch’ movie

FM radio has new tagline TOP honchos at Manila Broadcasting Company are all agog with the new positioning of 101.1 Yes FM as the millenials’ choice, with the station’s new tagline: Yes-The Best!

The network boasts of a new breed of disc jockeys who can sing, dance, and act, with the physical allure and personality to boot. Last July, their ladies were featured on the FHM website as “office crush of the week.”

The station now carries a top 20 count down, and runs a web page

that serves as a new entertainment hub full of surprises.

Providing the wacky wake-uppers from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. are Missy Hista and Rica Herra. Mari Morena comes on board from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by Totoy Bato and Shai Tisay who are on air until 3 p.m.. Raqi Terr and Sexy Megan go back to back from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. respectively, while Lala Banderas and Rico Panyero cap the day from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight with their Usapang LDR tackling long distance-relationships.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, September 15, 2016

ACROSS 1 — -carotene 5 Twice-baked bread 9 Type of prof 13 Cut drastically 15 Baha’i origin 16 Heredity factor 17 Strong silent type?

18 Anka’s “Eso —” 19 Mortgage, e.g.

20 Explosive letters 21 “— -Dick” 23 Replicated 25 Pierre’s parent 26 Barbecue spit 27 Thought well of 30 Familiar digit 31 Mattress parts 32 Plain (hyph.)

37 Long-gone bird 38 Bundle of grain 40 Perfume bottle 41 Review 43 Fictional swordsman 44 Grooved on 45 Travesty 47 Mays or Nelson 50 Counting-rhyme start 51 Guest 52 Ankle-length 53 “GWTW” studio 56 Director —

Kazan 57 Docs prescribe them 59 Really skimping 61 Mild Dutch cheese 62 Failing that 63 Improve the road 64 Baking ingredient 65 Did Easter eggs 66 Hedge shrubs DOWN 1 Cellar, briefly 2 Gusto 3 Diplomat’s forte 4 Coal residue 5 Teased 6 Heavy hydrogen discoverer 7 Nordic airline 8 Quit for the day (2 wds.)

9 Softly lit 10 Trawler net 11 Look of disdain 12 Take care of 14 Four-baggers 22 Smelter supply 24 Ogle 25 Sitcom demo 26 Ancient colonnade 27 “Who Made

Who” rockers 28 Slammer?

29 Knee concealer 32 Social Register word 33 Tusks 34 Milan money, once 35 Old pantry supply 36 — -eyed 38 Wriggled 39 As a fly to a gnat 42 Not in use 43 More goofy

45 Stopped 46 Jinx 47 Ralph — Emerson 48 Epic of Troy 49 Andes toter 51 Average grades 52 Inventory wd.

53 Plant parasite 54 Emulate a rat 55 Execs 58 Culbertson of bridge 60 Sardine-can opener

so completely committed to that type of realism before or since.”

With so many movies being remade and reimagined, the filmmakers were excited to see Blair Witch get another shot.

To hold true to the Blair Witch mythos, scribe Simon Barrett familiarized himself with every hint of information the first film contains, from old message boards and Facebook groups to graphic novels and young adult books published only in Europe.

Still, the first film is not required viewing to enjoy the sequel. “We wanted to take the mythos further and explore how outsiders approach the haunting and how locals see the legend.

If you have seen the original, you’ll find even deeper layers and levels here to appreciate and debate once it’s over,” says producer Steven Schneider. “If you haven’t seen the original movie, this one will frighten the hell out of you regardless.”

While much of the fear behind the first Blair Witch relied on

what wasn’t shown, the sequel terrifies audiences and excites hardcore fans by revealing more of what lurks after dark.

“Whatever evil is in the woods has only gotten stronger since the first film,” says Wingard. “I wanted to create something that felt like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, not in terms of the violence, but in terms of the relentless intensity that movie gives you. You’re constantly running from something into a scenario that’s even more frightening.”

“The challenge for us was to make a modern horror movie that acknowledged and surpassed everything that’s happened in horror over the last 17 years, including films like The Conjuring, Insidious and Saw, and have the film feel as real to audiences as it did in 1999,” says writer Simon Barrett.

Rediscover fear when the latest Blair Witch movie opens Sept. 21 in cinemas, from Pioneer Films.

Team Yes FM. The

multiawarded radio station boasts of a new breed of disc jockeys

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

D4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Showbiz

VICTOR. ‘Ang Babaeng Humayo’

director Lav Diaz (second from left) with the Venice Film Festival’s Best Film cast members Charo SantosConcio (center) and John Lloyd Cruz (second from right)

A

CCLAIMED Filipino independent filmmaker Lav Diaz scored another “best” to add to the roster of international awards he has been collecting since he dropped the pen for a movie camera.

Lav Diaz’s

new film wins Golden Lion in Venice

Lav Diaz is the first Filipino to win the Golden Lion in the prestigious film fest

Cruz and Santos-Concio during the Venice Film Fest red carpet event

His new film titled Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) won the prestigious Golden Lion for Best Film at the 73rd Venice Film Festival last Saturday. The Golden Lion is the highest honor given among participants in the international film festival in Venice, Italy.

“This is for my country, for the Filipino people, for our struggle and the struggle of humanity,” said Diaz in his acceptance speech.

Produced by ABS-CBN’s Cinema One Originals and Diaz’ Sine Olivia, Ang Babaeng Humayo tells the story of Horacia (Charo Santos), a woman seeking revenge after being convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.

This is the first time the Philippines won at Venice Film Festival, considered one of most prestigious in the world alongside Cannes Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival.

Variety film critic Guy Lodge, in a review, writes, “The latest supersized opus from Filipino maximalist Lav Diaz is a powerful and, by his standards, refreshingly contained moral study.”

Ang Babaeng Humayo also marks the movie comeback of former ABS-CBN president and now chief content officer Charo Santos. Her performance also earned positive reviews from critics in the nearly four-hour long film.

In an article by Clarence Tsui of The Hollywood Reporter, Santos was praised for her “majestic” and “sturdy” performance. Variety’s Lodge, meanwhile, tweeted “Woman Who Left star Charo Santos is the real Oscar frontrunner.”

The movie also stars award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz in another mustsee and daring performance.

Diaz, Santos, and Cruz with Cinema One Head Ronald Arguelles represented the Philippines at Venice Film Festival and attended various functions such as press conference, red carpet premiere, and the awards gala.

Also in the cast are Michael de Mesa, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Marj Lorico, Mayen Estanero, Romelyn Sale, Lao Rodriguez, Jean Judith Javier, Mae Paner, and Kakai Bautista.