Manila Standard - 2016 September 29 - Thursday

NBP riot: Drug lord dies 3 others hurt; conflicting versions prompt probe call

By Rey E. Requejo, Macon RamosAraneta and Maricel V. Cruz

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VOL. XXX • NO. 229 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

HIGHPROFILE convict was killed while three others—including controversial inmate Jaybee Sebastian— were hurt in a riot inside Building 14 at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison on Wednesday.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II confirmed the death of inmate Tony Co in the fracas that started at 7:45 a.m. Sebastian, along with inmates Peter Co and Vicente Sy were hurt in the incident and were taken to Muntinlupa Medical Center for treatment.

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DoJ: Stop yakking, face raps

By Rey E. Requejo

Alvarez, principal author of the resolution calling for an investigation, said he would allow the playing of the video if there was a need to establish a sexual relationship between De Lima and her former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan,

JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Wednesday advised his predecessor and now Senator Leila de Lima to calm herself and stop the hysterics and face the allegations against her like a lawyer.

“If you become hysterical and scream like that, the people will not understand you,” Aguirre said, in an interview following De Lima’s outbursts during a press conference at the Senate, where she dared President Rodrigo Duterte to arrest her immediately.

Aguirre aid De Lima should be more lawyerly in addressing

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TIGHT SECURITY. A riot Wednesday involving high-profile inmates at Building 14 of the New

Bilibid Prison, resulting in the death of drug lord Tony Co (inset) whose body is carried by funeral attendants leaving the Medical Center Muntinlupa, has tightened security by the PNP Special Action Force. Three others, including convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian, were wounded. Lino Santos

Leila’s sex video divides House, Senate

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday said he sees nothing wrong if the alleged sex video of Senator Leila de Lima would be played during a hearing at the House committee on justice, which

is investigating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison when De Lima was still Justice secretary.

“I do not see there’s anything wrong with the playing of the said video so that the public would know what ‘s the real truth,” Alvarez said.

De Lima dares Duterte: Arrest me

By Macon RamosAraneta and John Paolo Bencito

IMPASSIONED LEILA. A raging Senator Leila de Lima appears on the brink of snapping point Wednesday

“ARREST me now! Jail me now, I’m here!” a visibly distraught Senator Leila De Lima exclaimed, breaking into tears as she dared President Rodrigo Duterte to keep his vow to put her behind bars.

In a trembling voice, she also

told the Vietnam-bound Duterte: “Do what you want with me, Mr. President. I’ll wait for you.”

“I wasn’t raised by my father to be a coward. That’s enough!” said De Lima, who asked Duterte to stop, saying he was hell-bent on destroying her at all cost.

Despite being persecuted and harassed by the President and his allies, De Lima said she would not flee the country, despite ad-

during a news conference at the Senate, jumping her throat down at critics and boldly taunting President Rodrigo Duterte to just have her arrested. Lino Santos

US leader on human rights once they met in Laos.

In his speech before boarding a chartered Philippine Airlines plane on Wednesday, Duterte said he would be pushing for a stronger maritime and economic cooperation with the Philippines’ neighbor.

“On this introductory visit to Hanoi, I look forward to renewing the ties of friendship between

the Philippines and Vietnam and affirm the commitment to work closer to achieve shared goals for our countries and peoples,” Duterte said.

“I am confident that after my visit, the relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines will become even stronger.

Duterte is expected to meet with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang.

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US senators Kidnap site snags fisher weigh in on PH drug war TWO American senators have called on President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the killings in his war on illegal drugs, saying no amount of killings will result in reforms in the judiciary or end corruption and impunity in law enforcement.

Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch forwarded to reporters the colloquy of US Senator Patrick Leahy (Vermont) and Next page

KUALA LUMPUR—Armed men seized a fisherman off Malaysia’s eastern Sabah state, an area where militants from the Abu Sayyaf group have been blamed for a series of abductions, an official said Wednesday.

Malaysian marine police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah told AFP that the kidnappers came in a fast craft and headed in the direction of southern Philippine waters after the incident.

“One fisherman was snatched late last night,” Wan Abdul Bari Abdul Khalid, head of Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Comtwitter.com/ MlaStandard

mand, told AFP. “The attack was carried out by six suspects, some armed with M-16 rifles.”

Khalid made his statement even as two more members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group were killed and three others wounded following a series of encounters between troopers and the bandits in Panamao, Sulu, Wednesday morning, an official said Wednesday.

A soldier was also slightly wounded by shrapnel and was recuperating at the Camp Bautista Hospital in Jolo, Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega said.

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Playboy cover stirs debate

Du30 sees stronger PH-Vietnam ties PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte blurted out no expletives on Wednesday as he left for a twoday state visit to Vietnam to toast 40 years of cooperation between the two countries.

Before he left for Vientiane, Laos, earlier this month for an Asean summit, Duterte cursed US President Barack Obama, calling him a “son of a whore” as he vowed not to be lectured by the

vise from “some well-meaning friends” that she seek asylum abroad.

“I want to fight here in my country. I’m not a coward. Because I did nothing wrong,” De Lima said.

The President had earlier announced that De Lima would surely go to jail due to her involvement in illegal drugs.

IN HANOI. President Duterte arrives in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi Wednesday for a two-day official visit, during which he is expected to meet up with members of the Filipino community, which has supported his war against illegal drugs in their homeland. AFP

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LOS ANGELES, United States―Playboy magazine, once famous for bunnies and soft porn, for the first time is featuring a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, in a spread that is drawing both praise and criticism.

American journalist Noor Tagouri appears in the magazine’s October “Renegades” edition, a series that focuses on men and women “who risked it all―even their lives―to do what they love.”

The 22-year-old journalist who works as a reporter for Newsy, a video news network, is featured wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, sneakers and a hijab, or headscarf, in the publication that describes her as “a badass activist.”

Tagouri, who is of Libyan descent and whose goal is to become the first “hijabi” anchor on commercial US television, says that her struggles as a Muslim woman growing up in the United States have helped her move ahead in her career.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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News

Bicameral panel confirms Diokno

Rody woos army; foes warn of unrest

By Chris Blake and Andreo Calonzo FIVE months after his landslide election victory, Rodrigo Duterte can’t stop campaigning. Yet rather than courting Filipino voters who put him into office, he’s now giving out handguns and GShock watches to soldiers.

Duterte has given almost half his public addresses as president to a military audience—far more than his predecessors. The 71-year-old leader’s refreshed stump speech includes promises to double troop salaries, improve health care for soldiers and secure modern equipment.

“Clearly he is trying to curry favor,” said Joseph Franco, a research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore who previously worked for the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “Duterte is aware that toying with the AFP would be a very bad idea.”

Duterte’s outreach to the military is drawing attention in a country where coup rumors come as regularly as monsoon rains, with political opponents warning of the risk of discontent in an army with deep-rooted links to main security ally the US ties between the nation’s civilian and military leaders, long a source of conflict, are key to prolonging a period of political stability that has made the Philippines one of Asia’s fastestgrowing economies.

One senator warning of a military backlash against the

president is Antonio Trillanes, a staunch critic of Duterte who was jailed for more than seven years for his involvement as a naval officer in several attempted coups against former President Gloria Arroyo.

“The officer corps are quite wary of the statements of President Duterte—they are not happy with the direction he is taking,” Trillanes said.

Still, there are no signs of the kind of instability that led to a popular uprising that toppled former President Joseph Estrada in 2001. Last week, S&P Global Ratings affirmed a stable outlook on the country’s BBB rating, the second-lowest investment grade, even as it noted the “predictability of policymaking” has diminished under Duterte.

Duterte isn’t worried about any attempts to remove him from office, in part due to his high popularity rating, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said in an interview. A poll in July—the latest one available— showed he enjoyed the trust of 91 percent of Filipinos.

Esperon confirmed that the administration has received reports of plots to oust Duterte, but the groups mentioned don’t have the capability to topple the government, he said.

“If indeed we prove that there is a destabilization attempt, in due time, we will come up with a statement,” Esperon said. “In my view, I don’t think there’s any plot from the military.” Bloomberg

also commended Diokno for being a “hardworking and competent government officer.”

Since Diokno had been a Budget chief, Legarda said, it would be futile to ask any more questions.

“We are supportive of his appointment, since we must review the budget in the next 60 days.

Secretary Diokno is highly accomplished, very competent, extremely hardworking, comes to work before 7 a.m. or even 6, has unquestionable integrity... so all our questions are to naught,” she said.

“I have no objection. I just want to be present when we confirm the gentleman from Batangas,” said Minority Leader Ralph Recto, who is also a Batangeño.

“Mr. President, I am endorsing the nomination of Dr. Ben Diokno as Budget secretary. It is inconceivable for a Recto of Lipa not to support a Diokno of Taal. But I am not nominating him because he comes from the best province. I do so because he’s good for the country,” Recto said.

He said Diokno had what it takes, and has all the guts to perform what I think is one of the hardest jobs in the Cabinet.

Recto said the DBM is the Kilometer Zero for all government projects. It is the starting line.

“No project can proceed without being flagged off by the agency. But that great role also attracts the greatest pressure.

And all presidents have expected their DBM men to perform budget miracles, like in a recent case when funds must be found in a jiffy so that the base pay of the uniformed personnel, and soon teachers, will be doubled,” he also said.

Recto also mentioned that in the DAO cases, the Supreme Court heard Diokno, and heeded his views. He said the DBM chief was not only an academic, but also an activist.

He said Diokno had lectured generations of economists in his 42 years of teaching in UP Diliman.

Former policeman Clarence Dongail, also an inmate at Building 14, was also wounded but chose to be treated at the penitentiary.

However, Justice Undersecretary Reynante Orceo said Sebastian, Peter Co and Dongail gave conflicting accounts of what happened.

“Inmates Peter Co, Jaybee Sebastian, and Clarence Dongail gave different statements, but the testimonies of Co and Sebastian seem to match,” Justice Undersecretary Reynante Orceo said.

According to Dongail, he accosted Vicente Sy, Peter Co, and Tony Co after another prisoner reported seeing them in a pot session. Feeling bad, Tony Co supposedly followed him to the mess hall and attacked him.

But convicted drug lord Peter

Co claimed Dongail invited him to talk so he brought Sy as a witness, but they were immediately attacked by the former policeman and another inmate when they entered Dongail’s cell.

Sebastian, on the other hand, claimed he was attacked by an inmate he identified as Tomas Dolina while he was watching television at the mess hall.

Sebastian was in stable condition, Aguirre said, but his lawyer disputed the findings of the investigators and claimed the incident was an attempt on Sebastian’s life.

“What I feared before is now happening.” Sebastian was quoted as saying by his lawyer Edgar Arriba.

Arriba said Sebastian claimed there was no altercation prior to the prompted Wednesday’s attack, leading Sebastian to conclude that it may be related to the ongoing House investigation on the drug trade inside NBP, Arriba also said.

“If he speaks now, he will only

expose himself to more danger so he has decided to speak only with President Rodrigo Duterte,” Arriba said.

Arriba said Sebastian was now ready to reveal what he knows about the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison but only to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“He knows so much about the drug trade inside and outside NBP,” said Arriba. “He doesn’t want to talk simply because he knows that he will only endanger his own life.”

“I will only speak with the President,” Arriba quoted Sebastian as saying.

Aguirre said he has ordered a thorough investigation of the riot, and how the inmates still managed to get their hands on shabu despite the tight security imposed by the authorities.

A contingent from the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police has been deployed since July to secure the maximum security compound as part of the

overall effort to stamp out the illegal drugs trade at the NBP. “That’s what we’re saying, that we have stopped 90 percent of the illegal drugs, but either they kept some of it hidden or there’s still some coming in, but the fact is, they were taking shabu this morning,” Aguirre said.

He said he has also ordered a further tightening of security measures inside the NBP. Aguirre assured the public that there would be no whitewash.

“It will not be good for the government if Jaybee is killed because he could spill the beans on De Lima,” Aguirre said.

On Tuesday, authorities installed two South Korean-made signal jammers at the maximum security compound, to stop inmates from using cellphones.

The four inmates were among the 19 high-profile detainees transferred to the temporary custody of the National Bureau of Investigation after a raid spear-

headed by then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in December 2014 to stamp out illegal activities inside the national penitentiary.

They were later brought back to the Bilibid and detained at Building 14 along with 50 other high-risk inmates.

Sebastian and Peter Co were recently implicated in the intensified anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Sebastian, whom De Lima said was a government informant, along with Peter Co, were among those that the President said continued to operate their drug businesses from behind bars.

The President also tagged Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. as the source of illegal drugs of his son, Kerwin Espinosa Jr., even while he was inside the NBP. De Lima said the killing of Tony Co and the riot could be a new level of the administration’s “murderous policy.”

Leila’s...

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which could have led to corruption.

But Alvarez said he had no interest in watching the video himself.

He added that it was De Lima’s loss if she insisted on staying away from the House hearings.

“Should Senator De Lima refuse to appear… [so be it]. Let the public judge if the alleged sex video is authentic,” Alvarez said.

But opposition lawmakers opposed the playing of the video.

“If it’s pleasing to the eye, then play it. But if it is not, there is no need,” said Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said playing the video would be a “horror story” and said the House probe should stop and appropriate chages be filed against De Lima.

“We have heard enough [during congressional hearings]...

All we can do now is to amend the law,” Atienza said. “Charges should be filed at the DoJ..

No more [discussions] about wigs and sexual intercourse.”

But Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chairman of the House committee on justice, said his panel would conduct three more hearings, and compel the presence of the NBP drug lord Jaybee Sebastian during one of the sessions.

Umali said they needed three more hearings despite the appeal from some congressmen to wrap up the investigation.

During the two days of hearings last week, nine witnesses were presented.

De Lima admitted that she has been spending sleepless nights due to her current predicament.

She said the grave accusations have taken a toll on her health and her well-being.

“It has a toll on my family. My

family is suffering. If you only knew. If you ask me, how do you feel? Please ask me how do I feel?

You know how I feel? No one in this room can imagine what’s inside me. I do not know why me?

Do I deserve this? I certainly do not,” De Lima said.

“I’m just here, I’m just trying to do my job. I’m so distracted.

Friends would ask me if I am still

able to sleep, or eat… I am still able to eat… I still get to sleep, three to four hours, out of sheer exhaustion,” De Lima said.

“This is the worst challenge in its sheer brazenness… it’s almost surreal. It is unprecedented that a sitting President is doing this to a sitting senator,” she said She likened the concerted attacks on her as a war.

“What they’re doing to me, because of the intense anger of one person who is now our President,” she said. But she reminded the President anew: “Do not blame me later when, all of a sudden, it all blows up in your face, Mr. President, and you will realize that all these are wrong, all these are not true.”

Prison who testified that De Lima took drug money from them when she was Justice secretary.

“You already came up with theories and speculations—as if you’re not a lawyer. That’s not how you defend yourself. You should investigate first and just state the facts,” he said.

Aguirre also said that the inmates led by robbery convict Herbert Colanggo were not coerced into implicating De Lima in the illegal drugs trade in NBP.

“If they were coerced, how come they were so calm, even cracking jokes during the House hearing?

That’s how a truthful witness is.

You should present witnesses like them and stop yakking,” he said.

He also said he regretted the senator’s personal attacks, saying her use of a wig was irrelevant to the issues at hand.

Aguirre vowed to investigate allegations against De Lima, including the disappearance of some P300 million in cash from a raid on the

NBP that she led in December 2014.

Aguirre earlier said an NBP inmate and a government intelligence agent would testify on this issue before the House inquiry.

Witnesses from NBP also supported the latest allegation against De Lima.

Meanwhile, the witnesses through their lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, said De Lima and her raiding team took millions in cash, expensive watches and jewelry from them during the raid. With John Paolo Bencito

the media. I won’t do that to you. I want to tell your story because it’s important and deserves justice.’”

Tagouri, who has a social media following of more than 100,000, first gained attention after launching the viral #LetNoorShine campaign in 2012.

Her appearance in the revamped Playboy is being hailed by many as a breakthrough, but others have hit out at the young woman.

“Playboy is synonymous with pornography,” read an article in The Muslim Vibe, an online magazine.

“It has been at the forefront of the objectification, sexualisation and commodification of women for decades and just because they’ve softened their image, it doesn’t mean we can begin to engage with the platform and jump on board.”

Blogger Nishaat Ismail also questioned in an opinion column

the wisdom of Tagouri associating with an institution “based on the objectification of women.”

“Are the voices of women―and in particular Muslim women―buried so deep under the cries of those who claim to speak on our behalf that our only available response is [to] involve ourselves with Playboy, a magazine that has solely existed for the past 63 years for men to gawp at the bodies of half-naked women?” wrote Nishaat. AFP

Malacañang said Duterte will also pursue stronger economic, agricultural, defense and maritime cooperation with Vietnam, including ways to advance collaboration in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“We will work with Vietnam and the rest of the Asean in suppressing the proliferation of illegal drugs for us to secure a better future for our generation and the generations to come,” Duterte said.

During the Philippines’ hosting of the Apec summit last year, it and Vietnam agreed to sign a joint strategic partnership agreement that would boost their cooperation in several areas, including defense and maritime security. John Paolo Bencito

munition were seized during a raid that resulted in the arrest of gunrunners allegedly supplying weapons to terrorists and warlords in Mindanao.

Authorities conducted the raid in the gunrunners’ base near the police headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Nograles said the guns and weapons seized were government-issued, and that a lifestyle check was needed on civilian and military personnel who had access to the armaments being produced in a plant in Bataan.

The Malaysian victim who owned the fishing boat where

the fisherman was seized was with 20 other sailors when he was taken, the Star online news reported.

The incident happened well inside Malaysian waters off Semporna’s Gaya island, which is a short ride away from Philippines waters.

Authorities did not say if they believed the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who are notorious for kidnapping for ransom, were involved.

Early this month, three fisherman were seized by armed militants in nearby waters and taken to the southern Philippines. AFP, with PNA and Maricel V. Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE Commission on Appointments of the 17th Congress confirmed Benjamin Diokno as Department of Budget and Management secretary on Wednesday.

The CA committee on budget and management headed by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri recommended to the CA’s plenary the appointment of Diokno who served as assistant minister of the late President Corazon Aquino and budget secretary of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“Happy to have you on board in this administration. I was hoping this would be the fastest commission on appointments meeting for confirmation. But with that said we now act on this motion,” Zubiri said.

Diokno is the first member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet to be confirmed.

Zubiri cited the appointee’s impressive academic record, extensive service in the academe and government and expertise in fiscal policy.

“I value his bold vision to end underspending on public goods and services, boost public infrastructure spending, and attain fiscal responsibility and transparency,” the senator said.

Zubiri noted that this is the third administration that Diokno will serve, which shows that this is an appointment based on merit, and one that transcends politics and personal affiliations.

San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, Estrada’s former executive secretary, first moved for Diokno’s confirmation.

“It is a position he fulfilled extremely well. It’s a great satisfaction to see him again in the same position. I am certain he will do even better this time around in the administration of President Duterte,” Zamora said.

He said members of the CA House contingent are satisfied with Diokno’s answers to their questions in a previous meeting.

“We have met with the secretary for consultations in the House contingent, everyone expressed satisfaction with the many answers to their questions,” Zamora said.

Senate finance committee chairwoman Loren Legarda seconded Zamora’s motion. She

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the charges against her, instead of accusing the administration of coercing witnesses and fabricating evidence against her.

“If you make an accusation, there should be proof. Where is your proof that the inmates were tortured?” Aguirre said.

He was referring to high-profile inmates at the National Bilibid

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“I know what it’s like to have the narrative of our community be skewed and exploited in the media,” she told Playboy, which did away with nudity earlier this year as it sought to appeal to a wider audience.

“I was like, ‘Hey, I know what it’s like to be misrepresented in

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In the House, Rep. Jericho Nograles on Wednesday asked the police and military to get to the bottom of reports that high-powered firearms and am-

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno

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Senator Benjamin Cardin (Maryland) on the “Recent Developments in the Philippines and Indonesia,” which he said entered US congressional records on Sept. 27.

“No amount of killing will result in reforms that improve the judiciary, end corruption and impunity in law enforcement, or rehabilitate those caught in the vicious cycle of addiction,” Leahy said.

“To the contrary, if President Duterte is serious about improving conditions in the Philippines, he should be focusing on improving services for Filipinos, not casting them aside; holding law enforcement accountable, not giving them a blanket license to kill suspects; and strengthening the judiciary, not undercutting it.”

Leahy said that, in a troubling sign that these concerns are falling on deaf ears, the most vocal opponent of Duterte’s anti-drug policies, Senator Leila de Lima, whom the President had publicly accused of being involved in drug trafficking and attempting to smear him, was recently removed as the head of the Senate human rights panel investigating the killings. Sandy Araneta

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Canberra opens 2nd aid platform FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop recently announced the opening of the second round of the Business Partnerships Platform, a flagship initiative of the Australian government that taps the private sector in delivering Australia’s aid program.

The Australian government is calling for BPP project proposals from the private sector in the priority areas of gender equality/ women’s economic empowerment, micro and small enterprise development, trade development and technical and vocational training in the Philippines.

Interested Australian, international and global businesses, NGOs and other organizations are encouraged to apply to the second round, which is expected to be worth around A$81.9 million (P2.78n billion) until Oct. 7.

PROVEN DANGER. A house lies in ruin at the

bank of Nangka River in Marikina City after the recent flooding brought by monsoon rains caused by Typhoon ‘Helen.’ Ey Acasio

Nationwide walkathon set Oct. 1 ABOUT 6,000 elderly are expected to join the simultaneous “Walk for Life” in Metro Manila and in selected cities in the country at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1.

The simultaneous “Walk for Life” will kick-off activities spearheaded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health in line with the Elderly Filipino Week celebration .

The Walk for Life aims to promote healthy lifestyle and wellness among the elderly.

Participants can also avail themselves of the services offered in the sites such as medical consultations, random blood sugar screening, cholesterol screening, bone scanning, blood pressure measurement and vaccination.

Japan seeks teacher aides APPLICATIONS are now being accepted for Assistant Language Teacher positions in the 2017 Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.

ALTs will be working in public schools or local boards of education in the prefecture or municipality where they will be assigned. As ALTs, their primary task is to assist in classes led

by Japanese teachers of English/ Language.

Based on the eligibility criteria, applicants should be Filipino citizens, fluent in oral and written English, below 40 years old and physically and mentally fit to work abroad.

Lawmakers cool to special powers

By Maricel V. Cruz

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AWMAKERS have expressed stiff opposition to “special powers” for Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade who will also be designated as “traffic crisis manager” under an emergency powers package aimed at addressing the worsening traffic situation in the country.

Rep. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela and Harry Roque of Kabayan party-list said Tugade should not be given blanket authority to shake up agencies under the Department of Transportation and other concerned agencies.

Roque said there is no need for Congress to enact a law to give additional powers to Tugade, including the authority to reorganize agencies under him, since President Rodrigo Duterte can already do this.

“No such law necessary. The President can already reorganize agencies through an [executive order],” Roque said.

In the proposed “Traffic and

Congestion Crisis Act of 2016” submitted by Tugade to the House committee on transportation, a provision mandates the designation of the DOTr Secretary as the “traffic crisis manager.”

For the duration of the emergency powers, “all powers, authority and functions over land traffic management of Metro Manila Development Authority, Local Government Units, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police, Toll Regulatory Board, Philippine Ports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Civil Aeronautics

Board, Manila International Airport Authority, and other agencies and instrumentalities . . . shall be vested in the Traffic Crisis Manager.”

Pertinent provision of the DOTr draft bill also grants the DOTr secretary, as traffic crisis manager, additional powers to “modify, amend, or expand the functions of the concerned agencies . . .”

As far as Albano, a House Majority Leader for the Commission on Appointments, said “only the President can reorganize the agencies under the DOTr.” Roque insisted that the traffic crisis can be effectively addressed if Tugade has the political will to implement existing traffic rules and regulations.

Party-list lawmakers Alfredo Garbin Jr. of Ako-Bicol and Lito Atienza of Buhay also expressed opposition to Tugade’s request to be designated as traffic management czar for the next two years.

“What we need in Congress is the detailed list of projects that the government would implement to address the traffic crisis. The Executive branch is in a hurry to pass the emergency powers bill,

but based on our hearings, we have learned that the Department of Transportation and the Metro Manila Development Authority have yet to come up with concrete projects under the emergency power bill,” Garbin said.

Atienza, a senior Deputy Minority Leader, said Tugade must first exhaust all available legal means to address the traffic problem before seeking additional blanket powers.

“There are many factors contributing to the traffic problem that can be addressed without resorting to emergency powers,” Atienza said.

“There are so many roads in Metro Manila which are not being utilized as alternate routes to ease traffic congestion simply because they are being used as illegal parking spaces or as terminals of public utility vehicles such as the bus terminals at Buendia and Taft Ave. while many others are littered with obstructions like construction materials from diggings of utility companies that are left unattended and unfinished. The DOTr should clear main roads and alternative routes of obstructions like basketball courts, barangay halls, and other illegal structures,” Atienza added.

Bello lifts Libya deployment ban House to scrutinize tax reform program

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment has lifted the ban on the deployment to Libya of Filipino workers who already have valid and existing contracts, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Wednesday.

“The POEA Governing Board now allows the resumption of the processing and deployment of Filipino workers to Libya,” Bello, who is also the chairperson of the

POEA Governing Board, said.

The POEA lifted the ban on the deployment of returning OFWs to Libya following the lowering of the crisis alert level in the said country from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 2 (restriction phase).

But the order will only apply to returning Filipino workers with existing contracts and they have to submit the documents required by the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli.

These documents are copies of

existing contracts; certification of salaries and benefits of OFWs; letter from the employer requesting for the return of the OFWs; security and safety guarantees through valid company certifications; medical and life insurance coverage; and guarantee of immediate repatriation based on submitted contingency plans.

Bello reiterated that the deployment ban for newly hired OFWs shall be maintained until further notice.

By Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Duterte’s proposed tax reform package and its viability will be scrutinized thoroughly by the House of Representatives, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has said.

“We are currently studying it [tax reform package] if it’s doable,” Alvarez told reporters after attending the super majority caucus he called for lawmakers to speed up the approval on second reading of next year’s P3.35-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB), adding the proposal to lower personal income tax (PIT) will undergo thorough scrutiny.

The Department of Finance submitted the administration’s tax reform package to the House committee on ways and means chaired by Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua which includes proposals to impose additional taxes on several commodities and remove the value-added tax exemptions of senior citizens and persons with disabilities to make up for the estimated P179 billion in foregone revenues from the planned lowering tax rates.

The DoF also proposed to expand VAT from 12 to 14 percent and remove exemptions replacing the same with direct subsidy.

Fishers’ group slams Chinese harassment

By Sandy Araneta

BACK IN THE SADDLE. President Rodrigo Duterte inducted Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, chairman of the board of trustees of AMA International University in Bahrain, who was recently reappointed special presidential envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council. Among those present during the induction were (from left) Maria Clara C. Aguiluz, Christine K. Aguiluz, Dr. Amable C. Aguiluz IX, President Duterte, Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz V, Cielo C. Aguiluz, Maria Angela C. Aguiluz-Lamson and Ramon Antonio S. Lamson.

THE activist fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas has condemned the recent harassment by Chinese Coast Guards against Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal.

Citing reports from the Philippine Coast Guard, Chinese personnel onboard a rubber boat ordered the Filipino fishermen aboard two fishing boats

to leave Scarborough Shoal last Sept. 6. Three Chinese rubber boats blocked the Filipino fishermen from fishing in Bajo de Masinloc.

Bajo de Masinloc (internationally known as Scarborough Shoal), about 124 nautical miles away from the coastline of Zambales, is obviously part of the Philippines’ 220-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and 150-nautical mile extended continental shelf as declared by the international law of the sea.

Russian builder eyes PH projects THE senior executive officer of a respectable construction firm in Russia has called on a Philippine envoy to discuss their interest in participating in the Duterte administration’s infrastructure program, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Alexander Efremov, deputy CEO of the Russian construction firm Tomskoblstroy, met with Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta to discuss the company’s interest to participate in infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including airports in Palawan and Luzon.

Tomskoblstroy is a general contractor of industrial and civil construction works. The company is based in the Siberian city of Tomsk and has completed various residential apartment buildings and industrial projects.

Efremov said there is a strong interest in the Philippines among members of the Russian business community. Their company, he said, is engaged in advanced talks with Philippine partners and looks forward to concluding discussions soon.

“We have been watching carefully the developments in the Philippines. The governance under President Rodrigo Duterte is very encouraging to businessmen and investors,” he said.

Sorreta affirmed the embassy’s full support for the two countries’ economic cooperation, including the involvement of Philippine and Russian companies in large-scale projects.

The DFA announced the meeting after Sorreta earlier announced that he had met with Russian officials over the possibility of acquiring Russian military materiel.

Sorreta and vice consul Luningning Camoying said he discussed the acquisition with officials of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation.

The FSMTC is a federal agency directly under the Office of the President of the Russian Federation responsible for control and oversight in the field of military-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

Russian officials who hosted the briefing are First Department on Military and Technical Cooperation with Foreign States chief Serggey Buganov; and Section on Military-Technical Cooperation with Countries of the Asia-Pacific Region chief Valery Orel.

Aside from the military equipment and technology, Sorreta said Russia is also willing to provide training, after-sales service and maintenance, transfer of technology, investment in domestic military production and servicing and different modes of financing.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Histrionics

E

MBATTLED Senator Leila de Lima called a press conference Wednesday, where she vented her anger and frustration at the Duterte administration’s relentless attacks against her person.

In more than one instance, the senator lost her composure as she bewailed Mr. Duterte’s persecution of her for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade at

the New Bilibid Prison. The NBP is under the Department of Justice, of which De Lima was secretary during the previous administration.

Duterte had vowed that De Lima would go to jail for her acts. In response, the senator cried: “Arrest me now. Jail me now, I’m here...do what you want to do with me, Mr. President. I’ll wait for you.”

Two days before, De Lima appeared more in control as she asked the President whether he might be attracted to her. For a while, she also taunted her successor at the DoJ, Secretary Vitaliano

Aguirre, saying that the accusations against her were as fake as his wig.

Meanwhile, when President Duterte—on his way to Vietnam Wednesday afternoon—was asked whether he indeed might be attracted to De Lima, he feigned collapse and then walked away from the stage. This elicited laughter from the crowd.

We would have laughed, too, except that the discourse has gotten so low that this is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s an occasion for weeping.

These days, being unhinged seems to be the

norm. The President, for instance, seems to see his speeches and press conferences as opportunities to rant. Expletives have become common fare for this leader who would stop at nothing to tear down anybody who dared criticize his campaign against drugs.

Most Filipinos shrug off this behavior as something that comes from Mr. Duterte’s utter frustration and desire to combat the drug menace.

But what is our recourse when our top officials and the entire nation fixated on just one of our many prob-

lems? What happens, then, to the numerous and equally critical concerns—inequitable wealth distribution, for instance, availability of jobs, food security, transportation and infrastructure, among others?

It is true the current exchange of words and accusations make for good entertainment. But we did not vote these politicians to bring us drama or comedy. If we took a step back, we would only shake our heads in frustration over the state to which we have descended.

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

Pivot to China?

Hysterical LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES I SOMETIMES wish I could sympathize with Leila de Lima.

But I remember what she did to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, ex-National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula and a host of other people whose lives she destroyed during her term as Noynoy Aquino’s avenging angel of injustice.

And then I don’t feel any sympathy for her at all. Not one tiny bit.

Of course, De Lima may claim that her biggest error was investigating a city mayor in 2009, someone by the name of Rodrigo Duterte, when she was still chairman of the Commission on Human Rights. And to top it all, she had the misfortune, she alleges,

of getting elected to the Senate when that grudge-bearing former provincial mayor also became president.

But that encounter with Duterte happened a long time ago, when De Lima was not yet the supremely confident and powerdrunk Justice secretary that she would become in the Aquino years. She probably wasn’t even considering a seat in the Senate at the time, since she was just a minor bureaucrat of the Arroyo administration.

For most people, De Lima only became a real national nuisance when she joined the Noynoy government as its ironically-named secretary of Justice. What she did was to unquestioningly implement every one of the unjust actions that Aquino ordered her to do, from ignoring the Supreme Court on Arroyo to sitting on the cases filed against administration officials and congressional allies who abused both the pork barrel funds and the Disbursement Acceleration Program.

And all throughout Aquino’s term, De Lima acted like she was the bee’s knees or the cat’s pajamas. At the height of her power, De Lima had no qualms about applying for the position of chief justice right after the conviction and removal of Corona, whom

Nobody who knew Leila de Lima before yesterday is buying her new victim act. . she helped oust during the impeachment trial in the Senate.

Not only did De Lima believe that she had the power to ignore a Supreme Court temporary restraining order against her in the Arroyo case. After helping pros-

ecute the removal of Corona, she had the unmitigated gall to apply for his job right as soon as it became vacant.

Aquino turned down De Lima’s request to replace Corona as chief justice—a prescient move, because he would need De Lima to selectively prosecute the people behind the pork barrel scandal that exploded the very next year, in 2013. It was De Lima who performed the yeoman’s work of making sure that Aquino, his men and all of their allies in Congress were never charged for their dealings with Janet Lim Napoles.

Some people may actually think that De Lima is being unduly insulted and oppressed by Duterte.

But I remember that it was Aquino who gave De Lima the supreme insult by ignoring her threat to resign way back in 2010.

De Lima had been made head of an inter-agency committee that investigated the bloody killing of a bunch of Chinese hostages by a deranged Manila police officer at Rizal Park. De Lima vowed

to resign if Aquino did not heed the recommendations in her final report on the incident, which included imposing sanctions on police and other officials who mishandled the hostage-taking at the park.

Aquino basically threw De Lima’s recommendations in the trash can. And De Lima just bowed her head, swallowed her pride and soldiered on.

Is this the same woman who turned hysterical before the cameras yesterday, crying persecution and histrionically asking Duterte to do with her as he pleased?

It certainly looked like Leila de Lima – but nobody who knew her before yesterday was buying the victim act. *** Maybe De Lima’s CHR stint did have something to do with the President’s anger with her. But the senator certainly didn’t improve her standing the Malacañang when she started a dubious in-

THE discovery of an illegal drug laboratory at the foot of Mt. Arayat, Pampanga that is capable of churning out 400 kilos of methamphetamine was a huge accomplishment. It follows the discovery of another drug laboratory in Magalang, which was hidden in a pig farm. These are the kinds of accomplishments that people would rather see.

The two drug laboratories are allegedly owned by Chinese nationals. President Duterte is therefore right in asking why China is not doing anything to rein in its citizens. This was a loaded pronouncement. It was important though that the President raised the issue because since the 1990s, China has been the major source of methamphetamine in the country. Unless this flow of supply is stopped, the problem will persist.

If, on the other hand, the supply chain is broken, it will be a lot easier for us to reduce the drug problem to the barest minimum. In his usual impromptu media interview after his visit, President Duterte talked about how he viewed the country’s drug problem. It has become a crusade for him that if it is the only thing that will occupy his six-year presidency, he is willing to do it.

The Arayat interview was again laced with many expletives and this is getting the business community on edge. For one, there is no other leader in the region that would have the temerity to tell foreign investors to take their money and leave.

It was a bold and brave declaration—and the financial market appears to be reacting. The stock market is down and so is the peso. What would really happen if foreign investors take their money out?

Well, my colleague Tony Lopez says not to worry. The country, after all, has become a net exporter of capital. Nonetheless, markets are easily affected not only by sound economics but also by rumors and politics. It is therefore prudent for us not to push the envelope so far in this regard.

***

The President also used the Mt. Arayat interview to speak on some of his diplomatic plans.

He said that by next year, he will be establishing alliances with China and Russia in order to chart an independent foreign policy. What really does the administration mean by this? Is it like President Obama’s pivot to Asia? Is President Duterte planning to pivot to China and taking the whole Filipino nation along with him? It is not so clear at this time considering that every time the President says something, his top lieutenants clarify

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Opinion TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

What happens next THIS is the question on every- preventive suspension. It is supposed to prevent lawmakers, body’s mind these days.

With President Duterte say- who used to be governors or ing one thing and saying yet mayors, from tampering with another, and with the people documents that would pin them around him stumbling all over down for having committed the place to put his words “in graft and corruption.

But can a congressman be the proper perspective,” I can only guess what he would get prevented from tampering with evidence if an incumbent mayor the country into next time.

We already had a taste of the or governor is his ally, friend or President’s rhetoric when he family member? Can a member lambasted United Nations Sec- of Congress no longer intimiretary-General Ban Ki-moon date and pressure witnesses? and United States President That’s a lot of bull.

My gulay, a crime is a crime Barack Obama. Lately, he also whatever your past or present cursed the European Union.

My gulay, Duterte has position in government is! spooked investors enough that **** the peso has depreciated further even as his lackeys attribute this The confiscation of P6 milto the rising value of the Amerilion worth of guns, some of can dollar.

Above everything else, his them sophisticated firearms lastatement about “crossing the beled as part of the Armed ForcRubicon” has compelled For- es Arsenal can only validate eign Secretary Jun Yasay to speculation that military perbrand it all as drama. Yasay sonnel themselves have become has just arrived from New York gun runners. They sell firearms where he told the UN not to in- to the Abu Sayyaf group.

We have always asked where terfere with Duerte’s war on illegal drugs, since it’s a domestic the firearms of the Abu Sayyaf come from—the Middle East? concern.

Can anybody predict at all Are they brought here by the what the President will say ISIS? Since the confiscated firenext?

I think President Duterte arms bear the label of AFP arseshould minimize his public ap- nal, it’s obvious that some milipearances, especially because tary personnel are involved in gun running. he has the It has also tendency to been said ramble. It’s a that for eveno-no because President ry kidnap for the more you ransom paid, talk, the more Duterte should local Sulu you increase e xe c u t i v e s the possibility speak less. and military of committing people gets a mistake. cuts.

This is also President why he has officials like Presidential Spokes- Duterte, as Commander-inman Ernesto Abella and Com- Chief of AFP and top cop of the munications Secretary Martin PNP, must dig deeper into the Andanar to speak for him. Let matter. This is a national security issue. them earn their pay!

Santa Banana, ASG uses Media are now feasting on these same firearms to kill speculation.

I repeat: the President should members of the military. That’s only speak on matters of na- treason for those involved! tional policy. Mr. President, let **** your spokesmen do the talking.

Well, as expected, EnvironIt would also give you the privilege of deniability, instead of ment and Natural Resources appearing like taking back what Secretary Gina Lopez has come out with the audit report susyou have said or done. pending no less than 23 mining firms for alleged violations of *** The move of the House of mining law.

This was expected with Representatives to have the antigraft law amended by removing Lopez using an anti-mining orthe power of the Sandiganbayan ganization in auditing the minto suspended members of Con- ing industry.

Now, the 23 mining firms gress investigated for crimes allegedly committed in previous have to show cause why they positions smacks of protection should not remain suspended by the DENR. of self-interest.

I have said that under Lopez, Why should members of Congress be given a special privilege the mining industry’s future is not given to local executives, bleak. Her aim is to kill an inlike governors and mayors, who dustry worth $360 billion, efcommit the same offense? Who fectively preventing foreign do these members of Congress investors from coming into the think they are—God’s chosen country.

President Duterte may people that they are entitled to have thought that with the special rules?

Why should this measure even appointment of Lopez, he be given priority when there are would have the support of the more urgent pieces of legislation oligarchic Lopez family with its inf luential network. But that demand attention?

Let’s look at the rationale of at what price?

Hysterical...

From A4 vestigation of killings under the Duterte presidency using a witness from when he was mayor of Davao.

Just like when she became an all-too-willing tool of the Aquino administration in its pursuit of political vendetta, De Lima once again allowed herself to be used by anti-Duterte forces when she brought in Edgar Matobato. And when she admitted yesterday that she was the only senator who knew about Matobato beforehand was the self-confessed nemesis of the president in the chamber, Antonio Trillanes, I became convinced that De Lima had once again been played like a fiddle.

(I don’t know why De Lima didn’t rat out her other “adviser” in the Senate, Franklin Drilon. But then, the difference between the De Lima and Trillanes on the one hand and Drilon on the other is that Frank is such a brilliant schemer that he probably convinced his two not-so-bright colleagues that the plot to bring down Duterte using Matobato was entirely their own.)

And so, I’m forced to conclude that Nora Aunor remains the best actress to come out of Iriga City. De Lima may get some points for effort, especially during the most hysterical parts of yesterday’s performance, but I’m betting she isn’t going to get any offers to star in a movie anytime soon.

Homemade sex videos don’t count. Hysterical, right?

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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Headline was sexist and derogatory

THE Philippine Commission on Women, the government’s policymaking and oversight agency for gender equality and women’s empowerment under the Office of the President, would like to bring to your attention the sexist and derogatory headline published on the September 21, 2016 front page of your broadsheet.

While the PCW respects freedom of expression and understands media’s optimization of strategies such as the use of various angles and play of words to catch attention, we believe that there are more appropriate headlines suited for the article other than “Witnesses finger Leila.” There is a big difference between finger

pointing, giving the finger and “fingering” somebody which is a word with double meaning and sexual innuendos.

We are concerned that such manner of reportage of a woman in one of the nation’s respected broadsheets reinforces the biases of sexism instead of focusing on the objectivity and fairness in newswriting.

We encourage the editors of the Manila Standard to help ensure that in their practice of journalism, the dignity and bodily integrity of all women, regardless

of their status in society should be upheld and presenting them as sexual objects as if shaming them should be avoided, consistent with the Magna Carta of Women.

The Code of Ethics issued by the Gender Equality Committee for Media, calls on media organizations including print, television and broadcast radio, and advertisements should avoid use of offensive language, messages and images that are vulgar, indecent, promote substance abuse, gender discrimination, racism, violence

or sexual perversion or demean a member of any sector of society. The MGEC is an inter-agency committee established by virtue of the MCW, particularly Section 16 of the law and Section 19 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations which, provides for the Nonderogatory and Non-discriminatory Portrayal of Women in Media and Film.

We call on the Manila Standard to adhere to the code of ethics for media and incorporate gender sensitivity in its journalism and advertising guidelines.

EMMELINE L. VERZOSA, CESO III Executive Director Philippine Commission on Women

Is it a problem or a solution?

MINORITY REPORT DANILO SUAREZ LAST Monday kicked-off what will be the busiest time in the House, the 2017 budget deliberations. During these deliberations, the government agencies will propose their budgets for passage by the House. The Minority will be meticulous in reviewing the proposed budgets to determine if the proposed funding will assure efficient and effective delivery of basic goods and services.

The government is requesting P3.35 trillion, by far the largest

proposed national budget. This is 11.6 percent higher than the 2016 budget, at P3.002 trillion.

We all agree that the government needs enough money to function.

What concerns me is that most government agencies are not able to spend their budget efficiently. aSome government agencies reportedly have low absorbing capacities. Also, despite some agencies not being able to spend their entire budget, the National Government continues to borrow money from local and foreign sources.

This is a curious situation.

A likely cause of the poor absorbing capacity in most agencies is stringent government policies, most especially

on procurement. While we are all for transparency and accountability in procurement, I wonder if these laws are actually so strict that the laws bear a prohibitive weight on otherwise competent, capable and trustworthy private sector suppliers. In retrospect, we feel the disadvantages in government underspending from the previous administration.

We need to catch up with the past six years where there was little spending on infrastructure, agriculture, f lood control, education, social services and other sectors. This cannot happen again.

We need to make a comprehensive review of whether these government policies are

actually a part of the problem or a part of the solution. I see the amendment of the Procurement Law as one of the possible solutions to prevent underspending of the government.

This is why I have recently initiated a resolution that would review the implementation of the Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act. We do not stop at the budget deliberations. What matters more is having an efficient budget spending. It’s one thing to have the money to spend, it’s another to have a set of laws that encourage proper spending. What use will we have of money if we do not spend it on projects that we need?

A creepy and challenging message

By Honor Blanco Cabie PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, hounded by reports there were those plotting his ouster by January 2017 because of his campaign against illegal drugs, has sent a message that is as creepy as it is challenging.

Through his Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Malacañang says the administration has identified people, living overseas, as behind the plot to have Duterte, 71, removed from office only seven months after taking his oath of office on June 30.

Not to mention those at home who have been rattled by his grinding drive against criminality, identified by political observers as the Yellow cultists, the extremist Abu Sayyaf group, and the drug lords in detention and those still in the streets.

Duterte on June 30 immediately shifted to high gear his campaign line that he would eradicate criminality in all its forms.

Filipinos gave the cussing former mayor of Davao City the go-ahead in a five-corner fight for the country’s highest political gift, getting in the process 38 percent of the votes and making him, with more than 16 million votes, a president through a plurality.

But the extrajudicial killings— sometimes referred to as summary or extralegal killings—immediately invited the attention and concern of the international community, not the least the United States, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and the European Union.

To date, some 3,000 drug suspects have been killed by police and vigilantes in the unwavering,

Pivot...

From A4 his statements. If by alliances he means strengthening trade relations with China and Russia, there is nothing wrong with this and is in fact welcome. We after all have to diversify our foreign trade and not simply rely on trade with the western world.

If alliance, however, means veering away from our defense commitments with the United States because of the belief, rightly or wrongly, that the US is always dictating on us, and that China will be more respectful of our sentiments, then this will be a quantum leap for the country.

Since we have never dealt with China the way we have dealt with the US in more than a century, we

if ruthless, administration antidrug campaign.

The President himself has, in the opinion of political observers, perhaps encouraged the killings when he said, repeatedly before different audiences, that police must arrest drug pushers and, if their lives are in danger, to kill them, but diligent in his verbal directive “not to kill the innocent ones.”

The range of the government’s campaign has been seen in two separate investigations, supposedly in aid of legislation, in the Senate and in the House of Representatives.

The inquiries, however, have plunged to what some call a “telenovela” or a zarzuela”—in reference to a prime time television entertainment program or, in the latter, a type of Spanish vaudeville or operetta, usually satirical in nature.

The President, realizing the difficulty in solving the Philippines’ drug problem was not a walk in the park, had probably been titillated by the thought of declaring Martial Law. But he has openly declared he does not want to impose the emergency, last felt on a national scale from 1972 to 1981.

His statement must have given many of his critics a space to be thankful—with their biased “never again” line to the imposition of Martial Law in September 1972.

That year, then President Ferdinand Marcos, invoking the provisions available to the incumbent head of state given by the 1935 Constitution, declared Martial Law to check what he said was a state of rebellion and to enable him to institute urgent national reforms.

But the critics of Marcos, in-

cluding many who were merely in their formative years during the martial law rule, have been very vocal about personally felt human rights violations without as equal a reference to the state of rebellion that prompted the leadership to impose the emergency.

Political analyst Rigoberto Tiglao, himself detained for two years under martial law, has observed “The Yellow Cult has been extremely successful in painting a one-sided picture of the Marcos era.”

Tiglao has said: “It is understandable for those detained during Martial Law...to try to give meaning and drama in their lives through narratives that they heroically fought dictatorship, and suffered terribly under it in detention.

“What isn’t mentioned at all in such narratives is that many, if not most, of them were cadres of the Communist Party, which would have tried to overthrow any government.”

Duterte must have realized the Herculean nature of fighting the drugs problem—aware that some countries have not been able to wrestle down the situation even after, in one case, three decades.

But Duterte, a San Beda-educated lawyer and former prosecutor, appears single-minded in tackling the horns of the drug issue.

But he may not be able to succeed in throwing down, within his legally gifted time frame, the people’s extermina or and enemy in his six-year term at the helm of the government.

And the reports some are tough-as-nails to oust him must have sunk in his cerebellum.

As a lawyer, he is aware there is a technicality in the law that stands in his way to beat the problem, which has overwhelmed some officials and even those in the low-rung sectors of society in this densely populated nation of 102 million people.

And he is as well aware of echoes from thousands of miles away overseas of continuing concerns about the lack of due process in the extrajudicial killings.

Echoes the chief executive vehemently denies, chased or prefaced with his branded expletive that has now become familiar to his Filipino audiences, the local as well as the international media.

That awareness has not been lost during his visits to military camps, visits that are far more than the number in such comparable period made by then President Fidel Ramos, a former chief of the Armed Forces and former secretary of National Defense.

In one of his visits to the military camps, Duterte told the soldiers, beamed live on nationwide television, with a frightening bowwow of portent to continue the fight he has begun.

In a mix of the Filipino language and English, Duterte told the troops: “If that [drug] problem outlasts me, for whatever reason—I died, I am ousted from the presidency or whatever happens to me—I say to you, I have said this to one of your officers, do not,do not abandon (the fight).

“Resolve this problem because [unresolved] this will destroy the Philippines.”

This is a creepy and challenging message from the troops’ commander-in-chief.

really do not know the kind of dynamics that will prevail between our two countries.

As for Russia, if we are expecting sizable investments, we must think again. Russia has been in recession since being slapped with sanctions by the European Union and the United States and is hardly in any position to help financially. Arms, yes.

China, on the other hand, has tons of money and would be willing to bank roll many projects like freeways, ports and railroads. But let us not be so naïve that this will not come with a price. Maybe we should learn from some of the countries in Africa that received huge Chinese investments what really is like to be dealing closely with Chinese. Maybe we will be able to learn a thing or two.

Not being a fan of the US,

President Duterte has been able to bring out some of the unpalatable consequences of American colonization that has remained under the rug. The Bud dajo battle was not the only one. The massacre in Samar wherein an American general ordered the killing of Filipino males 10 years or older is another. Whether digging these things up and resurrecting them in order to highlight perceived current hypocritical positions of the developed western countries is helpful or not is of course another matter. But it was important for the President to have brought these out.

Another historical issue that the President did not bring out was that during the Second World War, the Philippines, a colony was basically abandoned by the US in favor of a European first policy

of defeating Germany first. As a consequence, we experienced three long years of brutal Japanese occupation.

If that is not enough, a United Nations organization based in Geneva just came out with a study that concluded that the US should provide reparations for enslaving African—Americans and promoting institutional racism that has not stopped to this day.

We still do not know where the President will be taking the nation in his quest for an independent foreign policy. It maybe that he is prepared to break with history and cultural affinity in favor of the realities of geography. If it is a choice between China and the US, would Filipinos rather have cousins in Los Angeles and New York or Shanghai and Beijing? What do you prefer?

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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Don’t reveal intel work, Ping says of ‘narco-list’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

M

AKING public the “narco-list” in the possession of President Rodrigo Duterte was ill-advised and unnecessarily endangered not only the lives of the people listed but also those of the intelligence operatives who worked on the list, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.

“The President or any official making a classified document public is ill-advised and will not serve the purpose for which it was prepared,” Lacson said this in response to Duterte’s apology to Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino Jr. and two other local government officials.

Duterte made the apology during an inspection of the alleged shabu laboratory in Arayat, Pampanga when he admitted that Espino, provincial board member Raul Sison, and former Pangasinan provincial administrator Rafael Baraan may not really be involved in the illegal drug trade.

Lacson said that an intelligence report must be treated as “confidential,” even as a “secret” or “top secret” document, depending on its security classification.

“A narco-list, just like an order of battle, is a product of an intelligence workshop and is disseminated only to personnel with the corresponding security clearance,” he added.

The senator said that making it public would not only warn those in the list and jeopardize any ongoing intelligence operations but would also unnecessarily shame them or put their lives at risk.

He further said that it would also be unfair to those who may not be correctly tagged as committing the wrongdoings as described in the intelligence document.

Moreover, he said that the

former credibility of that list and all other narco-lists involving other sectors for that matter have now become “doubtful.”

During his visit to Arayat, Duterte said he will provide P25 million to P50 million to the provincial government of Pampanga to transform the recently discovered shabu laboratory into a reformatory center.

According to the President, the property where the laboratory was built will be confiscated, and its owner—whom he identified as a certain Sanlee Chua— can never get it back.

“He can never get it back. I can assure you,” the President said during a press conference which came after an inspection of the facility with provincial officials led

by Gov. Lilia Pineda.

The center, President said, will accommodate the first batch of drug addicts who want to be reformed.

There will be separate quarters for men and women, he added.

The Chief Executive said that according to experts from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the facility can produce 100-200 kilos of shabu per cycle.

The machines, he added, can go up to two cycles per day.

The President said the facility— which was reportedly built during the elections—was eventually abandoned by the operators after he won the polls and the crackdown against illegal drugs started nationwide.

THE government is losing P12 billion in revenues from smuggling of cement every year, according to a lawyer of Advocates for Good Governance, and linked some ranking customs officials in the smuggling of cement.

“The smuggled cement from Vietnam floods the local market and sold at a lower price compared to locally produced

cement,” advocate lawyer Argee Guevarra said in a press briefing.

Guevarra said he already submitted the names of 12 companies and personalities involved in the smuggling of cement to Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and to conduct an investigation of some customs personnel involved in the illegal activity.

“We have submitted these to Commissioner Faeldon and

DRUG-FREE OFFICIALS. Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo submit themselves to a drug test before a meeting of the Makati City Peace and Order Council on Tuesday. Binay, Lagdameo and 91 other officials all passed the test.

urged him to go through all official records of the agency. We know that this is just the tip of the iceberg because our initial submissions may only form part of the bigger scheme, but enough to establish prima facie evidence to warrant the filing of cases of smuggling,” Guevarra said.

He said cement importers were able to declare very low freight charges for as low as $8, or P360 per metric ton when

the prevailing charges for similar and other shipments ranged from $19 to $22.90, or P800 to P1,035 per metric ton.

“The shelf life of the cement is only six months but the importers reprocess the imported cement from Vietnam to pass the required quality set

by Philippine standard,” he said.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, he said he will defer to Faeldon in naming the compa-

nies involved.

The Bureau of Customs estimates that it loses P547 million in revenues each day to smuggling, or P200 billion each year.

The amount lost to smuggling each year represented about 18 percent of the budget allotment for social services. This equaled to nearly a fourth of the allocation for economic services, including infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

BI nabs 19 hajj pilgrims with Philippine passports

EMERGENCY DRILL. Officers and staff members of the Quezon City Police District undergo an emergency drill at Camp Karingal in Quezon City. Ey Acasio

THE Bureau of Immigration held another 19 “fake Filipinos” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who returned to the country after attending the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The 19 were among the more than 200 Indonesians and Malaysians who were able to get Philippine passports at the Department of Foreign Affairs, but are different from the regular passports issued only to Filipino hajj pilgrims.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said seven of the 15 Indonesians were intercepted at the Naia 2 terminal while seven others were stopped at the Naia 1.

“Four Malaysians and another Indonesian also arrived at the Naia 2 last Sunday,” Morente said.

Morente said BI intelligence agents were able to identify the Indonesians after their presence aboard the planes was reported by

three of their compatriots who are Sheiks and traveled with them.

“The Sheikhs readily admitted they were traveling with other Indonesians with assumed Filipino names and Philippine passports,” the BI chief said.

He added the three Sheiks were turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation which will probe their possible involvement in the passport scam.

As for the Malaysians, Morente said their identities were revealed after they were subjected to intense evaluation by immigration officers upon their arrival.

From the airport, the foreigners were brought to Villamor Golf and Country Club to undergo debriefing and questioning by an inter-agency task force composed of representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice, BI, NBI, and the Indonesian and Malaysian embassies in Manila. Vito Barcelo

MMDA chief supports early Christmas break

By Joel E. Zurbano METRO Manila Development Authority officer-in-charge Thomas Orbos favors the proposal of Senator Grace Poe to have an early Christmas break for students to ease traffic in the metropolis during the holiday season.

“I said that before, and I am in favor [of the proposal]. Of course, the Department of Education was against it but we all know that if there are no classes, traffic would be minimized. So, what is one week removed before the actual Christmas break? That would be a big help,” said Orbos.

Miss U officials in town MISS Universe Organization officials are currently in the Philippines to conduct ocular inspections in Manila and other destinations to be visited by the candidates, Tourism Undersecretary Katherine de Castro confirmed on Wednesday.

In an interview, De Castro said that technical inspections were already conducted in Manila, particularly at the Mall of Asia Arena where the coronation night will be held. Other provinces to be visited by the organizers are Vigan, Cebu, and Davao.

When asked about reports that other candidates are hesitant to visit Davao City due to travel advisories issued by the country they represent, De Castro clarified that there has been “no concrete statement from Miss Universe in terms of Davao.

“Davao will definitely push through. It will be part of the ocular inspection for the next few months,” she said. “Not all candidates will be joining the Davao leg. Miss Universe is not required to bring the 97 candidates.”

Disney show at SM MoA

Govt losing P12b to cement smugglers

By Vito Barcelo

IN BRIEF

“I don’t know what Senator Grace Poe wants. If it is two weeks, it is still okay...I fully support what Senator Poe is proposing,” he added.

But Education Secretary Leonor Briones was not in favor of the proposal, saying the traffic during the Christmas season is mainly due to the season and not schools, so the authorities should not make the education of students suffer because of situations not of their making.

“What I have noticed as a teacher myself [is that] the buildup of Christmas traffic accelerates even during the Christmas break

for the children,” she said, noting an early Christmas break will likely not alleviate traffic congestion.

“Does it happen during school season or does it still happen even after classes are already closed? Christmas is what Christmas is,” she said, adding Christmas season traffic is really bad up to New Year’s Eve, long after the start of students’ Christmas break.

MMDA records showed traffic volume rises 15 to 20 percent between November and December and “midnight sales” or extended mall business hours contribute to the deteriorating traffic in

the metropolis during Yuletide.

The agency is also expecting the traffic volume to increase because of the influx of people and vehicles from provinces in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon.

Three years ago, the MMDA initiated a program designating 17 routes as Christmas Lanes or Mabuhay Lanes to help motorists to avoid heavy traffic during the holiday rush.

The MMDA’s special lanes were opened as alternate routes to shorten the travel time of motorists during the holidays, when traffic flow in the metropolis are expected to be heavy.

THE Disney on Ice promises more exciting performances and new production designs when it comes to the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Dec. 25 to Jan. 4 next year.

Blake Tatroe, Feld Entertainment regional marketing director, in an interview with the media, said viewers of all ages will surely enjoy the show’s brand new stories, coupled with their favorite Disney classics.

Such famous Disney characters include Dory; Nemo; Rapunzel; Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf; Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, to name a few.

Edgar Tejerero, president of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., said the MoA Arena provides a location where families will have access to new amenities, such as enhanced seating options, convenient parking and, within close proximity, patrons will have access to dining and shopping.

Graft charges filed vs Misuari

By Rio N. Araja THE Ombudsman directed Wednesday the filing of three counts of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and graft against former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari before the Sandiganbayan for anomalous procurement of P137.5-million educational materials in 2000 to 2001.

ARMM’s ex-Department of Education executive director Leovigilda Cinches, ex-supply officer Sittie Aisa Usman, ex-ccountant Alladin Usi, ex-chief accountant Pangalian Maniri and ex-education program specialist Bai Sherilyn Mustapha, and ex-auditor Nader Macagaan were also included in the charges.

Also facing charges were textbook suppliers Lolita Sambeli of White Orchids, Cristeta Ramirez of CPR Publishing House of Caloocan City, Mario Barria of Esteem Enterprises of Quezon City and Ma. Lourdes Mendoza of Dunong Publishing of Parañaque City.

On the other hand, cases against former DepEd undersecretary Abdurajul Alpha and regional secretary Mahid Mutilan were dismissed due to their death prior to the filing of the complaint with the Ombudsman.

“The Office finds probable cause that Misuari [and respondents] conspired with one another while discharging their official functions, [acting] with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence when they conspired to rig the procurement,” Ombudsman Conchita Morales said in a statement.

Sports

A7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Import-laced Shakey’s V-League starts Saturday MICHELLE Gumabao stays with Pocari Sweat but Alyssa Valdez banners a new team and a slew of power-hitting imports are raring to strut their wares in the Shakey’s Season 13 Reinforced Conference, which fires off Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Gumabao and the Lady Warriors set out for another crack at the crown after upending the Air Force side in sudden death to claim the Open Conference title on their maiden season but they expect a tougher outing this time with seven other teams out to foil their bid in the season-ending conference of the league where it all started.

They include newcomer Bureau of Customs, which has tapped Valdez and a host of others to anchor its first-ever stint in the country’s premier women’s volley league sponsored by Shakey’s, along with regular campaigners Air Force, Coast Guard, Team Laoag, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and BaliPure.

“This being a single-round elims, each game is crucial, thus guaranteeing fierce action from the opening serve,” said Ricky Palou, president of the organizing Sports Vision. “While the foreign players are likely to dominate, we also expect our local players to measure up, all in top form owing to our year-long three-conference calendar.”

The top four teams will advance to the semifinals with the No. 1 taking on No. 4 and the Nos. 2 and 3 squads slugging it out in a pair of best-of-three series. The winners will dispute the championship in another best-of-three.

Gumabao will again skipper Pocari Sweat, Valdez will be at the helm of Customs, former league MVP Suzanne Roces will head BaliPure, FEU’s Wendy Semana will spearhead Air Force, while Kathy Bersola, Ennajie Laure and Hazel Mea will lead UP, UST and Coast Guard, respectively.

Backing up Gumabao are Americans Andrea Kay Kacsits and Breanna Lee Mackie with Open Conference MVP Myla Pablo, Desiree Dadang, Melissa Gohing, Elaine Kasilag, Maricar Nepomuceno and Gyzel Sy providing the local support.

Valdez, a former two-time league MVP, is expected to draw solid backup from Thai Kanjana Kuthaison and Natthanicha Jaisaen and local teammates Lilet Mabbayad, Menchie Tubiera and Michiko Castaneda while BaliPure will be backstopped by Americans Kaylee Manns and Katharine Morrell with tbe Water Defenders also to lean on talented locals Rysabelle Devanadera, Mary Mae Tajima, Ella de Jesus, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Charo Soriano, Bea Tan, Amy Ahomiro and Denden Lazaro.

While imports are tipped to dominate, Pocari Sweat’s Michelle Gumabao (7) and Alyssa Valdez of Customs are also expected to stamp their class in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference.

Hamilton vows to regain control in Kuala Lumpur K UALA LUMPUR—Lewis Hamilton said he will give everything at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix as he looks to bounce back in the Formula One championship after losing his lead to a rampant Nico Rosberg.

The triple world champion lies eight points behind his Mercedes team-mate after the increasingly impressive Rosberg powered to a hat-trick of victories in the last three races.

The German triumphed in Belgium, Italy and in his 200th grand prix at Singapore 10 days ago where Hamilton, who finished third, was hit by mechanical problems.

With six grands prix left, Hamilton knows time is running out in a roller-

coaster, 21-race season that has seen the Englishman trail by as many as 43 points at one stage and lead by 19 just three races ago.

“Singapore was a difficult weekend for me, so to come away with a podium in the circumstances was pretty good damage limitation,” Hamilton said this week.

“I have no idea if the momentum will swing back to me or when it might. I just have to keep giving it my all and hope for the best,” said

Hamilton, world champion in 2008, 2014 and 2015.

“It’s going to take some good results to get back in front and stay there—but I’ve had plenty of those in the past, so there’s no reason to think they won’t come back to me again,” said Hamilton.

“Sepang is my first shot at it. It’s a track I usually go pretty well at.”

Mercedes can seal the constructors’ championship in Malaysia with a onetwo finish, but Rosberg sounded a note of caution about their rivals.

“Red Bull and Ferrari are both pushing us really hard, so there will be some tough weekends ahead,” said the championship leader, who came third at Sepang in 2015 behind winner Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton.

“Malaysia didn’t work out per-

SBP-Passerelle twin tilts NCR finals slated EIGHT equally talented teams will be competing for the National Capital Region regional finals of the annual SBP (Small Basketeers of the Philippines)—Passerelle twin tournament.

Organized by the multiawarded school for basketball and volleyball, BEST (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training) Center and sponsored by Milo, and supported

by Chris Sports and Rain or Shine, the event will happen on Oct. 2at the Jacinto Tiu Competition Court in Xavier School, Greenhills, San Juan.

Vying for the SBP NCR Championship are Ateneo Grade School, La Salle Greenhills, while Adamson University and La Salle Greenhills A will be fighting it out for the Passerelle division.

Other regional playoffs will be

fectly for us last year, so if we can win it this time against such tough opposition that would be really awesome.”

Weather gods Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo pushed Rosberg all the way in a thrilling climax to the Singapore Grand Prix, closing a 30-second deficit to less than half-a-second at the chequered flag.

But the Australian admitted that Singapore was his best chance of registering a dry victory this campaign, so he now needs the weather gods to intervene to have a chance in Malaysia.

The race, which often sees rain and thunderstorms, has been moved from its traditional early-season slot to the middle leg of an “Asian swing”, sandwiched by the Singapore and Japan grands prix. AFP

Vera getting ready to defend title

By Maxine Lagman BRANDON Vera made history last year after scoring a 26-second knockout against Paul Cheng in the ONE Championship: Spirit of Champions, allowing him to keep the championship gold strapped around his waist.

Now, Vera is even more determined to hold on to the belt as he defends his ONE Championship heavyweight title on Dec. 2 against a still undetermined opponent.

“I don’t know when I’ll be fighting, but I’ve been training already since I’ve been here in the Philippines,” said Vera

on Tuesday, during an open MMA workout at the Mall of Asia, Music Hall.

Nicknamed ‘The Truth,’ Vera pointed out that he made the choice of staying in the Philippines for good, so that he would be able to prepare for a fight to defend his title.

“When I made the decision to move to the Philippines, I wasn’t just relocating physically. I was relocating emotionally and spiritually,” he added.

In an effort to give back to his Filipino supporters, Vera is also imparting his mixed martial arts knowledge to those who want to learn the sport.

Bantamweight standout

Mark “Mugen” Striegl and Team Lakay Warriors Eduard Folayang and Joshua Pacio attended the MMA event as well and showcased their various striking and grappling skills.

The crowd was both entertained and educated when Vera and Folayang reenacted the epic showdown between Vitaly Bigdash and Igor Svirid, while Pacio and Striegl demonstrated world-class combat techniques and self-defense tips.

“The fans are really passionate and know their MMA. We can’t wait to be back later this year for another awesome night of fights,” said ONE Vice Pres- Brandon Vera holds an MMA clinic during an open workout at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. Maxine Lagman ident Rich Franklin.

Far Eastern University 1 rules Mighty Sports Beach Volley tilt TEAM Far Eastern University 1, bannered by indoor volleyball team mainstays Bernadette Pons and Kyla Atienza, defeated the Air Force tandem of Joy Cases and Neneng Tapic, 21-17, to run away with the championship in the women’s division of the Mighty Sports Beach Volley Challenge.

Team UP 1 composed of Diana Carlos and Arielle Estrañero beat De La Salle U Team 1 of Cyd Demecillo and CJ Saga with the score of 21-19.

Due to the number of participating teams, all matches were limited to a set each.

Five teams, which arrived way

beyond the call time and after the groups have already been drawn were refused participation.

Twenty-one teams in the women’s division and 15 teams in the men’s group played in the one-day event.

In the men’s division, FEU Team 1 of Richard Solis and Jude

Garcia defeated the Rizal Technological University Team 1 of Peter Paul Galvan and Antonio Torres.

FEU Team 2 of Jeremiah Barrica and Kevin Hadlocon placed third in event held at the two sand-courts of the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City.

Winners received cash prizes

and dinner for two certificates at the 5-star Century Patk Hotel.

All participants, officials and guests were treated to complimentary meals and drinks all day—a tradition in all events organized by Joe Cantada Sports in coordination with the Philippine Volleyball Federation.

Michel Giguere and I SYLVIA Alejandro-Michel Giguere Triumphs at National Open Pairs Championship This premier pair event held under the auspices of the Philippine Tournament Bridge Association was held at the Elks Club, Makati City on July 11, 2015 produced an unexpected win for the pair which only agreed to play on Thursday, July 2, 2015.

Mr. Michel Giguere is a visitor from Canada and is an avid bridge enthusiast.

Bridge Base Online was instrumental in getting our act together. I mentioned in previous columns how Dubion and Mahmood uti-

lized the BBO in fine tuning their partnership agreement and also the Singaporeans Bridgeboy and Krobono.

On the seating arrangement.

Giguere picked the number seven. He said this was his lucky number. Indeed, it turned out this was lucky for us.

On round one we were first. On round two we were placed fourth. However, Alejandro-Giguere were the first overall winers with a percentage of 59.8%.

Michel and I agreed to continue playing on Bridge Base on Online. Our agreement covered the time and days it would was for us to play: it was set on Friday and Saturday at nine am Manila time.

I feature an interesting hand where we bid a Grand Slam.

Board 14 North Sylgen 1 ♠AQJ13 ♥A3 ♦A2 ♣AQ73 West East Ad-bbo Polohan ♠10654 ♠8 ♥K972 ♥Q1054 ♦6 ♦Q10743 ♣10982 ♣643 South M Giguere 01 ♠K92 ♥J86 ♦KJ985 ♣KJ West North East South Sylgen 1

Pass Pass 2♣ Pass Pass 2♠ Pass Pass 5♣ Pass Pass Pass Pass The auction

M Giguere

Pass 2♦ 4NT 7♠

I was the declarer. The spades broke badly nevertheless after removing the trumps and cashing my winners with three cards to play was faced the decision on what to play with the diamond holding, I went into the tank and with prayer decided to finesse. Lo and behold the finesse worked the slam bid and made.

From report of the Neapolitabn Club USA-SPAIN INCIDENT: Official Spanish team I. The Facts: The first day of play (4x16 boards), the match Spain vs.

USA developed in a normal manner with no kind of incidents.

During the dinner of that same evening (10th of September), a player of the Spanish team shared a deal (board 30/2nd segment)

played during the second segment against K. Bathurst and J. Lall. It was quite surprising to see that East took no action during the bidding even after partner’s opening and on top of this didn’t lead partner’s suit.

Deal 30, None vul, Dealer East North ♠KQ ♥AT987 ♦Q654 ♣KJ West East ♠J984 ♠A53 ♥Q543 ♥J ♦J ♦AT932 ♣QT7 ♣6432 South ♠T762 ♥K6 ♦K87 ♣A985 West North East South Pass Pass

1♥!!!

Pass Pass

1NT 2♦ Pass

Pass! 2♣ Pass!! 3NT Pass!!!

Lead: ♦3!!!

On Sunday the 11th of September, after these facts a member of the Spanish team decided to spend some of his time analyzing deals played by Bathurst-Lall, using BBO archives having been broadcasted 11 matches with this pair previous to the challenge against Spain. He then decided to check the archives on the American Trials, and while he was going through the Spingold his time expired. In total he analyzd over 400 boards played by the pair.

(To be continued) Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

held on Oct. 21 to 24 in Davao City for Mindanao, Nov. 4 to 7 in Baguio City for Luzon and Nov. 18 to 21 in Roxas City for Visayas.

The winners for each regional championship game will battle against each other at the national finals to be held in Bacolod City on Dec. 3 and 4.

Now on its 31st season, SBPPasserelle is the most prestigious inter-school basketball competition for children.

SBP division is for students ages 9-11, while Passerelle tournament is for students ages 12-14.

For more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 4116260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email bestcentersports@gmail. com or follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-CenterSports-Inc/66172039922.

Papua New Guinea, Elorde Boxing ink pact

By Ronnie Nathanielsz JOHNNY Elorde Boxing has signed a historic agreement with the Sports Foundation of Papua New Guinea, which PNG Chief Executive Officer Peter Tsamalili said was “a significant milestone for our country (Papua New Guinea) in providing a Memorandum of Understanding between an entity which is very successful in the Philippines and around the world.”

He said it was significant to have a boxing entity “Johnny Elorde and his product and aligning it with our aspirations as a sporting country.”

He said today, the Papua New Guinea government is establishing that relationship with the Elorde Gyms and creating an environment for athletes to compete in the field of boxing.

“This agreement allows us to work in alignment with what Elorde has to provide within the Philippines and at the same time to try and bring big events that Elorde has, to Papua New Guinea,” said Tsamalili.

He said they have “so many amazing facilities that were built for the Pacific Games.”

The chairman of Papua New Guinea Sports, Grahan Osborne a former New Zealand native, who has made Papua New Guinea his home, told Manila Standard this is such a good thing we are going to have “especially for Papua New Guinea sports and boxing. We are here to do the best for boxing.”

The two executives also said it would be an ultimate dream to have eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao visit Papua New Guinea and maybe even fight there.

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 29, 2016

Ikeda upstages Cyna, Superal BINANGONGAN, Rizal—Chihiro Ikeda checked a roller-coaster frontside stint in the rain with a solid backside finish, shooting two birdies for a 70 and a onestroke lead over fancied flightmates Cyna Rodriguez and Princess Superal at the start of the ICTSI Eastridge Ladies Invitational at the Eastridge Golf Club here yesterday.

Ikeda, seeking a second career win after snapping a long title spell at Orchard last June, fought back from two shots behind Rodriguez in the early going with a long birdie on No. 10 and a four-footer on the par-5 13th then matched her rivals’ closing pars to turn in a 36-34 card to wrest control in the P750,000 championship sponsored by ICTSI. Rodriguez, out to atone for a so-so stint in the last leg at Sherwood won by Superal, rebounded from a bogey start with a three-birdie binge from No. 2 to storm upfront. But the LPGA Tour veteran stumbled coming off a 30-minute rain delay with back-to-back bogeys from No. 8 and needed to birdie No. 13 to card a 71.

Superal also blew a solid two-under card after six holes with bogeys on Nos. 10 and 11 but the 19-year-old former US Girls’ Junior champion and groomed as the next Filipina to play on the LPGA Tour birdied No. 14 to join Rodriguez and top amateur Pauline del Rosario at second.

Del Rosario, who finished higher than Superal and Rodriguez at 13th in last week’s Thailand Ladies Masters, birdied the par-5 18th to join in the early mix of contenders in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Sharp, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Champion, TaylorMade, Ping, Yamaha and Pacsports.

She joins Ikeda and Rodriguez in the featured threesome with Superal dropping to second-to-last with former TCC teammates Ilas and Fortuna.

Bernice Olivarez Ilas, Del Rosario’s teammate at Team The Country Club, charged back with two birdies in the last five holes to save a 72 as the young ace stayed on track for a second pro victory after winning the Beverly Place stop of the circuit in Pampanga last April.

Mikha Fortuna, another TCC mainstay and winner of a number of junior titles abroad, actually led the compact field with a superb three-under card after seven holes. But she failed to sustain her charge when the going got tough in wet condition, dropping three shots on the par-3 12th and then holing out with a bogey on the 17th to drop to 73.

Nietes ready to fight for fly crown DONNIE Nietes, the longestreigning Filipino champion, told the Manila Standard he fears no one in the ring.

“I’ll fight anybody for the flyweight title,” said Nietes Wednesday morning upon his arrival from Los Angeles following his impressive debut at 112 pounds, where he scored a shutout 120108 decision over former world light flyweight champion Edgar Sosa of Mexico at the StubHub Center on Sunday morning.

Nietes arrived with trainers Edmund and Edito “Ala” Villamor, bantamweight King Arthur Villanueva, who scored a spectacular second-round knockout in a rematch with Juan Jimenez, and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, who dropped late substitute Robles twice en route to an easy 12-round unanimous decision.

Ranked No.1 by the WBO in the flyweight division, Nietes said the title fight would depend on the plans of Michael Aldeguer and renowned boxing patron Tony Aldeguer.

He, however, thinks the plan of the younger Aldeguer is to go for a title shot against the winner of the title eliminator between Zou Shiming of China, who is ranked No. 2 and Thailand’s Kwanpichit Onesongchair Gym, who is rated No. 3.

The Freddie Roach-trained Zou beat Kwanpichit handily in their first meeting in November 2014, although he ended up with a severely swollen left eye. Ronnie Nathanielsz

Chihiro Ikeda hits her drive on No. 5 as Princess Superal looks on

TNT Texters gun for 2-0 lead; Bolts eye rebound

By Jeric Lopez

A

1-0 LEAD isn’t that much for TNT KaTropa coach Jong Uichico and his troops at this point.

That’s why the Tropang Texters are looking to widen their advantage as they collide with Meralco again in their continuing best-of-five semifinal series in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. TNT will look to gain a commanding 2-0 series lead,

while Meralco is desperate to equalize in Game 2 scheduled today at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite the critical lead his team holds right now, Uichico emphasized that the series is still nowhere near finished.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board now. We won

the first game, but it’s a series. It’s a long way to go,” he said. “We know Meralco can comeback. We can’t put our guards down. We haven’t accomplished anything yet.”

Dating back to the elimination round, the Tropang Texters have won five in a row now and their morale and momentum are at an extreme high.

In Game 1, TNT KaTropa showed why it is the heavy favorite in this series.

The top seed clicked on all cylinders and attacked the

the last time out.

“We really had a difficult time stopping TNT’s offense, both inside and outside. When they’re playing like that, it’s really tough, but we’ll see what we can do to improve. We need to adjust our defense and make it better,” said Black.

Over the other side of the fence, Barangay Ginebra is currently going for a commanding 2-0 series lead over defending champion San Miguel as the rivals are battling in Game 2 as of press time.

helpless Bolts from all angles, scoring an easy 113-95 blowout victory just the other night to take the early series lead.

While Meralco’s defense focused on stopping TNT ace Jayson Castro, the Tropang Texters banked on prolific Asian import Mike Madanly as he shot the lights out and scored 20 of his team-high 22 points in the second half to lead his squad to victory.

Meralco coach Norman Black admitted how difficult it was for his team to stop the scorching Texters

Roach: Pacman not done yet EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao looked good in sparring with unbeaten 24-year-old super lightweight Jose Carlos Ramirez (18-0, 13 KOs) at the classy Elorde Gym inside the Telstra Building at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Tuesday.

After four rounds of sparring in preparation for his WBO welterweight title fight against Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 6 (Manila time), Ramirez told the Manila Standard that Manny “looked very good. Very smooth with his speed, very FOR GOOD LUCK. In anticipation of UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs Penn, Sena- fast in his combinations and tor Manny Pacquiao met with homegrown mixed martial artist Jenel Lausa, wishing did pretty well.” him luck on his UFC debut on Oct. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Hall of Fame trainer Fred-

die Roach who worked the mitts with Pacquiao and watched him spar, concurred.

“There is a lot of fight left in him. He is still fast, fundamentally very good and hasn’t lost a step anywhere,” Roach said.

Proud of the accomplishments of Pacquiao so far, Roach told the Manila Standard “we are not done yet.”

Ramirez noted that when Pacquiao missed, he “saw a few openings but other than that, he is very sharp in his offensive, very good, very strong and fast. He looks well and has more than a month to learn in camp.”

Ramirez said the Vargas fight will be a good one for Pacquiao. “Manny is so

much stronger, has speed and is experienced. Vargas is a good, young, strong fighter and it should be a good fight,” Ramirez said.

“Manny fights harder when he meets a challenge and meets expectations. He’s a tremendous athlete, a strong athlete and has a big heart inside the ring. It should be a very good fight.”

He said Vargas looked very well in his last fight against Sadam Ali last March 5, when he won the vacant title with a ninthround TKO. “He (Vargas) is hungry and wants to prove a point in boxing. He’ll come out strong. I’m sure Manny is going out there to perform,” said Ramirez.

Ronnie Nathanielsz

Eagles, Archers win; Ayo loses cool No Tankoua? No problem, on to post their fourth win in six games in the 79th University AthTHIRDY Ravena emerged from letic Association of the Philippines a two-game slump with a career- men’s basketball tournament.

Ravena, who was hurt in a colhigh double-double as he led the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a 79-64 lision with UE Warrior Paul Vasmothering of the University of rilla the previous game, made eight the Philippines Fighting Maroons points to help carry the Blue Eagles to a nine-point, 38-29, Wednesday at the Mall cushion at halftime. of Asia Arena.

Games Saturday The 6-foot Ravena, Wearing a white (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. NU vs UP who got the headband headband that covered 4 p.m. UST vs FEU as a souvenir from Adbandages protecting a amson cager Jerrick stitched head wound he sustained when the Blue Eagles Ahanmisi after the Blue Eagles beat the University of the East War- took a 61-62 loss two weeks ago to riors the last time around, Ravena the Soaring Falcons, also had eight played with intensity and eked out in the fourth period.

The Blue Eagles moved in sec22 points and 10 rebounds.

“It was a good game. We execut- ond spot behind the Archers.

The encounter served as a runed in the end,” said the 22-year-old Ravena after the Blue Eagles went up to the Blue Eagles’ coming

By Peter Atencio

showdown with the Green Archers on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kib Montalbo scored two free throws in the last 4.7 seconds to help pull the La Salle Green Archers to an 84-78 stopping of the rallying University of the East Warriors, giving them their sixth straight triumph in the solo lead.

The Green Archers played with Louie Gonzales calling the shots in the second half after mentor Aldin Ayo was thrown in the last 1:12 of the first half.

La Salle, with Ben Mbala leading with 19 points, was ahead, 4028, when Ayo lost his cool over a non-call on Thomas Torres in a play with UE’s Philip Manalang.

Ayo took assistant coach Glenn Capacio’s eyeglasses and waved it at one of the referees.

big man Adamos is here

THE San Beda Red Lions have found an answer after they lost Cameroonian Donald Tankoua for the season because of injury.

Big man Benedict Adamos provided the solution and filled up the gaping hole as the Red Lions came away with four straight wins, including their 83-70 triumph over the Arellano University Chiefs last Tuesday in the playoffs for the no. 1 seeding in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Because of his impressive showing, Adamos has become the team’s new anchor on both ends of the court and in the Red Lions’ second

straight win over the Chiefs.

He tallied 14 points, six rebounds and four blocks to help propel the Red Lions to their third consecutive win over the Chiefs this season.

AC Soberano and Adamos combined for a decisive 13-1 run at the start of the fourth quarter.

The top-seeded Red Lions will next take on fourth-seeded University of Perpetual Help on Friday at the MOA Arena.

Kent Salado and Donald Gumaru provided 11 points apiece for the second-seeded Chiefs, who will have a twice-to-beat incentive in their clash with the Mapua Cardinals. Peter Atencio

Power rates to rise on peso, coal prices B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

B1

SMC, Ayala eye Naia project

By Darwin G. Amojelar

C

ONGLOMERATES Ayala Corp. and San Miguel Corp. joined Metro Pacific Investments Corp. in expressing interest in bidding for the P74.56-billion redevelopment, operation and maintenance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Yes, we’re looking at it.

It’s too early to say whether we’re in or we’re out, but we’re definitely looking at it,” Ayala Corp. managing director Rene Almendras told reporters.

“I met a few foreign partners

abroad. We want to make sure we put a good team. It’s a complex project,” he said.

San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang also told reporters his company would participate in the auction for the Naia rede-

velopment project.

“We will join all the bidding to support the government,” Ang said.

Metro Pacific chairman Manuel Pangilinan said last week his group was interested in the privatization of Naia’s operation, management and redevelopment.

The Transportation Department said it expected to begin PPP procurement this month, with the bid submission for the project likely in August next year.

The award and signing of the concession agreement is expected in September 2017.

Under the Naia contract, the government will award a 15-year to 20-year concession to the private sector to improve safety and security, maximize capacity through “refreshed” infrastructure, improve passenger service standards in the existing gateway, operate and maintain Naia and its four terminals.

Naia already exceeded the 30 million passenger capacity as early as 2012. A Japan International Cooperation Agency study showed the number of passengers using Naia would reach 101.49 million by 2040.

Transportation Undersecretary for aviation and airports

Robert Lim said the Jica was finalizing the location for a proposed new airport that would replace Naia in Parañaque City.

Jica was looking at Sangley Point in Cavite and Laguna de Bay as potential sites for the new international airport. He said the government had to decide the ideal location for the new airport by 2017.

The government wants to build a new international airport that is 25 to 30 minutes away from Naia, which is expected to hit overcapacity this year, when the airport would handle 37.78 million passengers.

IN BRIEF PH foreign policy turns off investors THE foreign policy of the Duterte administration risks alienating its major economic partners and creating an “unwelcoming” environment to foreign investors, a private think tank said Wednesday.

Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase-ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, said President Rodrigo Duterte’s “independent” foreign policy seems to realign the Philippines’ friendships with other countries.

“While the president’s mandate to define the country’s approach to foreign relations is unassailable, the administration should nevertheless reconsider its strategy in terms of potentially alienating established economic and security partners,” Manhit said in a forum in Makati City.

“The Philippines should maintain its good relations with trusted friends and pursue constructive relations with all of its neighbors, in both word and deed,” Manhit said.

Manhit said an unwelcoming atmosphere in the Philippines could easily dampen the country’s economic relationships.

“The government’s new stance must be calibrated to ensure that it does not compromise the administration’s tenpoint plan and the Philippines’ overall economic security,” Manhit said.

Julito G. Rada

ERC defers two supply agreements The Energy Regulatory Commission said Wednesday it put on hold the processing of the power supply agreement applications of Manila Electric Co., Mariveles Power Generation Corp. and Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. for lack of an environmental compliance certificate.

Meralco filed the two applications for power supply agreements prior to the deadline set by the ERC to conduct a competitive selection process or bidding for their power supply requirements.

Meralco and Mariveles Power controlled by San Miguel Corp. asked the ERC to approve the supply agreement.

The power distribution firm agreed to source 528 megawatts from Mariveles Power’s planned 600-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power generating facility in Mariveles, Bataan, which is scheduled to become operational by 2020.

Meralco’s power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corp. owns a 49-percent stake in Mariveles Power.

Meralco and Global Luzon Energy also filed a separate power supply agreement for the supply of 600 MW from the power firm’s planned 670MW coal-fired power plant in Luna, La Union, which is expected to be finished by 2022. Alena Mae S. Flores

FOTO1 FILIPINO CRAFTMANSHIP. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez believes that Filipinos’ artisanship and craftsmanship in modern designs remain the strength of handicraft and furniture industries. Lopez, in his remarks during the 2nd Philippine Homestyle Congress, asked industry players to bank on the “highly-skilled, highly-trainable workforce that showcases Filipinos’ ingenuity” amid stiffer market competition. He said both industries are dominated by micro, small and medium enterprises—a sector which is a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte’s inclusive growth agenda and the Trade Department’s Trabaho at Negosyo thrust.

Benguet, CoMP question audit process

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines lamented the “rash public pronouncements” of the Environment Department on the results of the mining audit.

CoMP vice-president for policy Ronald Recidoro said the pronouncements of the agency were inconsistent with letters sent to certain companies informing them of the audit findings.

“To be clear, none of these companies are suspended. But the pronouncements yesterday gave the impression that the companies named have already been suspended. Reputations have been damaged,” he said.

The chamber also expressed concern over the repercussions of the department’s pronouncements.

“The audit findings have serious impact not only on our present mining projects but also upcoming projects,” Recidoro said.

Recidoro said 75,000 jobs were put at risk because of the DENR action which he said was inconsistent with President

Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust for government to honor existing contracts and support responsible mining.

Earlier, the Environment Department said only 11 out of the 41 metallic mines in the country passed the mining audit.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters the mining industry remained a very important part of the economy. “We have to balance the concern of conservation with the need to develop the sector. It should be responsible mining, not just small-time mining,” Diokno said.

Benguet Corp. expressed surprise and took exception to the findings and recommendation of the Environment Department to suspend the company due to non-rehabilitation of the Antamok open pit.

The company said it exerted efforts to initiate projects including converting the open pit into a bulk water project and a waste-to-energy facility.

“Local government units have in fact requested and endorsed the pursuit of the projects, signing memorandum of agree-

ments with BC as early as June 2016.

While the company recognizes there was delay in the rehabilitation of the open pit for reasons beyond its control, it has not abandoned it,” the company said.

Benguet operated the Antamok gold mine in 1903 as the first commercial underground gold operation in the Benguet Mineral District in Itogon. In the early 1980s, in view of low gold price, high production cost and declining ore grades, the company developed the open pit mining method to maximize the low grade ore.

The company said when the grades continued to decline, it suspended the Antamok mine in 1997 due to economic reasons presented by declining market prices but it still started the rehabilitation efforts in the area.

Benguet said it immediately started working on the progressive rehabilitation of the mined-out areas. It submitted to MGB and DENR in 1997 a plan to convert the open pit into a water reservoir to supply treated bulk water to Itogon municipality and Baguio City.

Peso remains strong –DoF

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Philippine peso remains “very strong” in real terms despite its decline to a sevenyear low against the US dollar, an official of the Finance Department said Wednesday.

Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Karl Kendrick Chua said the movement of the local currency would actually help improve the competitiveness of exports and the value of dollar remittances.

The peso closed at a sevenyear low of 48.25 against the US dollar Wednesday, down from 48.17 against the greenback Tuesday.

“While the peso has moderately depreciated in nominal terms in recent weeks, the peso in real terms is still very strong, which deters competitiveness,” Chua said.

“This means that the depreciation in recent weeks is welcomed as it will help improve export competitiveness and value of remittances, which benefits around 40 percent of the economy,” he said.

Chua said the peso was also expected to remain “broadly stable” over the medium term, supported by solid macroeconomic fundamentals and steady stream of remittances from overseas Filipino workers and dollar receipts from the business process outsourcing sector.

The Contact Center Association of the Philippines welcomed the depreciation of the peso against the greenback, saying it would make the country a more attractive investment site for call centers and BPO companies.

CCAP president Benedict Hernandez said the Philippines was expected to sustain its current status as the top location for contact center services.

“Peso devaluation will not have that much impact on our revenues and operation since the industry is typically dollar-denominated, but it will certainly fortify our prominence as the premier destination for contact center services,” Hernandez said in a news briefing during the International Contact Center Conference and Expo.

Hernandez said the industry was now enjoying the benefits of low foreign exchange rate, offsetting slow gains during times when the dollar was not as stable.

Eagle Cement building $300-m plant

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SMART-RUSTAN’S PARTNERSHIP. Smart Communications teams up with Rustan Supercenters Inc. to enable customers shopping at Rustan’s Supermarket, Shopwise and Wellcome Supermarket stores to conveniently buy Smart load at checkout counters. Shown during the signing of the agreement are (from left) Smart vice president and head of retail and key accounts Maloo Agoncillo, Remitbox president Mike Relativo, Smart first vice president and head of wireless consumer business Kat Luna-Abelarde, RSCI chief executive Irwin Lee and RSCI assistant vice president Marivi Flores.

EAGLE Cement Corp., a company led by businessman Ramon Ang, is investing $300 million to build a new cement manufacturing plant in Davao City.

Eagle Cement said in a statement the new cement manufacturing facility would have a capacity of two million tons or 50 million bags a year.

The project aims to boost production and meet increasing demand spawned by robust infrastructure activities in the country.

Eagle Cement said it would break ground for the cement project on Oct. 20.

Ang, who is also the president and chief operating officer of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., said the construction of the cement plant would help

support the country’s growth while strengthening Eagle Cement’s position as one of the leading cement companies.

Ang identified Davao as a key growth area for the Philippines.

San Miguel Global Power Holdings Inc. earlier completed a new power generation facility in Malita, Davao.

The new 300-megawatt power plant, which is part of a 2,000-hectare Peza-accredited industrial estate SMC is building in the province, is now fully online.

Davao is also home to San Miguel Brewery Inc.’s subsidiary Davao Brewery.

Ang said in 2015 that Eagle Cement was building new facilities with a capacity of two million tons each in Davao and Cebu.

Eagle Cement has a plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan which

started commercial operations in 2010.

Meanwhile, San Miguel is also expanding its cement business. Northern Cement Corp., a subsidiary of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., commenced its $200-million plant capacity expansion project.

Once completed, NCC will double its annual capacity to more than two million tons.

The expansion is based on growing demand for cement products. San Miguel has been aggressively bidding for various infrastructure projects in the country.

The conglomerate is currently constructing major infrastructure projects such as the Naia Expressway, Boracay Airport, Skyway Stage 3, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Slex-TR4, MRT-Line 7 and the Bulacan Bulk Water Project.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market climbs; Megawide up S TOCKS rose Wednesday to end a three-day decline, after Templeton Emerging Markets Group said Southeast Asian shares still offer good value and that political worries about the region are “overdone.”

“They’re not really expensive in the environment that we’re in now,” Templeton executive chairman Mark Mobius said in a live interview on Bloomberg’s Facebook page at the Bloomberg Markets Most Influential summit in Hong Kong. “Southeast Asia is benefiting from the growth of China and increasingly from the growth in India.”

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, rose 29 points, or 0.4 percent, to close at 7,586.96 Wednesday. This lifted total

gains this year to 9.1 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also gained 21 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 4,517.41, on a value turnover of P6.4 billion.

Fifteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by builder Megawide Construction Corp. which jumped 6.5 percent to P15.76 and casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. which advanced 6 percent to P4.92.

Nickel Asia Corp. gained 3 percent to P6.98, while concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. rose

2.6 percent to P29.60.

The 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for the MSCI South East Asia Index has risen from this year’s low of 12.5 in January to a 16-month high of 15.2 in August amid a rally in emerging-market assets. It was 14.9 on Wednesday, compared with 12.5 for a measure of developing-nation equities.

Overseas investors pulled money from the Manila bourse for 24 straight days through Tuesday amid concern Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s abrasive style is deterring investors, while in Indonesia a disappointing tax amnesty has contributed to outflows. Investors are still pumping money into Thai equities even amid uncertainty over the health of the 88-yearold king, who has been a source

of political stability throughout this reign.

“There are individual problems in each of the countries,” said Mobius. “There’s concern about Duterte in the Philippines, which I think is overdone.

There’s concern about reforms in Indonesia and the political environment in Thailand. I don’t see downside anywhere.”

Foreign funds have pulled $351 million from Philippine shares this month and $300 million from Indonesia, while adding $525 million to Thai equities, exchange data show. While they’ve come off highs reached in July or August, most of the region’s main share gauges are still up for the quarter. The Jakarta Composite Index advanced 7.5 percent, the SET Index rose 3 percent

and the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index increased 0.8 percent. Only the Philippine benchmark measure has fallen, dropping 2.8 percent.

“I like the consumer sector in Southeast Asia because per capita incomes are going up,” said Mobius. “On a selective basis, I like technology.”

Meanwhile, Tokyo stocks led a retreat in Asian markets Wednesday as the yen recovered, while regional energy firms struggled with crude prices on concern about the chances of success at an upcoming producers’ meeting.

The OPEC oil cartel and Russia are due to meet later Wednesday in Algeria to discuss a global oil glut and overproduction that has strangled prices for more than two years.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

AG FINANCE ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

3.44 47.8 104.5 3.75 104 1.34 38 16.1 20.2 0.7 1.84 0.89 85.25 0.91 22.8 57.5 269.2 242 35.5 247 1,426 73.3

3.66 48 105 3.75 105.3 1.34 38.05 16.9 21 0.7 1.86 0.96 85.4 0.91 22.8 58.7 272 246.8 35.85 247 1,439 73.35

3.44 47 104.5 3.75 104 1.3 38 16.1 20.2 0.7 1.84 0.89 85 0.91 22 57.5 269.2 240 35.5 243 1,400 73.25

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

45.9 3.35 0.91 1.65 16 12.14 16.22 23.75 180 57 117.2 2.11 6 12.08 11.2 7.78 7.15 5.99 25.1 71 13 16.4 6.1 2.18 247 50 1.95 4.43 27.85 28.65 29 14.8 309.8 0.26 3 9.8 11.6 2.26 6 1.53 3.65 218 4.17 0.151 1.72 181.5 4.25 2.35 32

46.2 3.41 0.94 1.65 16.2 12.26 16.5 23.8 180 57 117.2 2.15 6.07 12.08 11.7 7.8 7.22 5.99 25.25 71 13.02 16.4 6.3 2.19 247 53 1.95 4.43 27.85 29.9 29 16 313 0.265 3.01 9.96 11.6 2.28 6.04 1.58 3.69 218 4.17 0.154 1.74 182.5 4.56 2.37 32

45.5 3.35 0.91 1.58 15.88 12.14 16.22 23.35 180 57 115 2.05 6 11.8 11.2 7.75 7.1 5.9 25 69.5 13 16.34 6.09 2.17 243 50 1.95 4.31 27.8 28.65 28.4 14.8 309.2 0.26 3 9.73 11.6 2.22 6 1.53 3.61 218 4.15 0.151 1.71 181.2 4.25 2.31 32

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.38 77.5 15.9 1.22 6.2 0.36 0.365 854 8.3 11.96 8.2 0.21 1,475 72.9 4 0.82 8.25 15.98 0.47 7 0.036 1.18 2.01 80.55 657 0.96 1.26 229 0.31 0.197 0.265

0.38 78.25 16.1 1.24 6.2 0.375 0.39 860 8.45 11.96 8.2 0.212 1,478 74 4 0.82 8.25 16 0.47 7.07 0.037 1.18 2.01 82 674 0.96 1.27 229.8 0.315 0.203 0.265

0.375 76.5 15.76 1.2 6.2 0.36 0.36 852.5 8.27 11.8 7.96 0.204 1,451 72.8 4 0.8 8.08 15.8 0.47 6.99 0.036 1.17 2 80.55 655 0.93 1.25 226 0.31 0.196 0.265

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP

7.5 1.18 2.5 0.27 38.25 2.9 0.58 1.11 1.05 0.17 0.58 58.95 0.76 0.143 1.87 0.99 1.17 4.55 0.213 0.255 0.405 3.89 33.6

7.5 1.19 2.55 0.275 38.8 2.95 0.59 1.45 1.19 0.178 0.6 58.95 0.76 0.143 1.92 1.01 1.18 4.7 0.218 0.27 0.41 4.15 33.6

7.45 1.14 2.48 0.27 38.2 2.85 0.57 1.1 0.99 0.17 0.58 58.25 0.76 0.143 1.86 0.99 1.17 4.55 0.208 0.255 0.4 3.87 33.6

CLOSE

VOLUME

FINANCIAL 3.66 24,000 48 55,700 105 225,790 3.75 50,000 105 5,690,160 1.33 102,000 38 58,700 16.22 140,700 20.35 211,500 0.7 10,000 1.86 9,000 0.93 7,961,000 85.3 4,385,010 0.91 1,000 22 40,200 58.25 140,180 272 270 241 260 35.8 1,263,100 245 1,476,710 1,400 290 73.35 145,770 INDUSTRIAL 45.65 1,949,300 3.38 703,000 0.93 709,000 1.62 642,000 16 4,500 12.26 13,567,500 16.4 2,440,900 23.35 938,200 180 50 57 250 117 2,250 2.15 687,000 6.07 28,800 12 10,200 11.68 2,450,600 7.75 327,400 7.2 1,786,000 5.9 4,151,300 25.1 2,458,600 70 209,650 13 4,900 16.34 11,000 6.1 574,200 2.18 367,000 245 336,790 53 280 1.95 5,000 4.33 12,000 27.85 1,300 29.6 3,761,200 29 249,600 15.76 15,134,100 309.4 66,760 0.265 50,000 3.01 519,000 9.78 4,193,400 11.6 1,500 2.28 92,000 6 1,193,200 1.54 113,000 3.67 92,000 218 1,620 4.16 136,000 0.153 5,720,000 1.74 300,000 182 1,537,420 4.56 14,000 2.35 3,128,000 32 100 HOLDING FIRMS 0.375 230,000 77.1 533,870 16.1 1,744,100 1.24 9,000 6.2 1,100 0.365 3,440,000 0.39 550,000 855.5 275,780 8.3 1,237,500 11.8 5,092,000 8.18 215,100 0.212 90,000 1,468 238,400 73.35 1,721,500 4 1,000 0.82 3,000 8.19 1,747,900 15.9 4,128,900 0.47 30,000 7 35,966,900 0.036 12,300,000 1.17 30,000 2 150,000 82 114,970 663 211,100 0.93 401,000 1.25 14,000 229.8 3,500 0.315 710,000 0.203 720,000 0.265 130,000 PROPERTY 7.49 13,200 1.16 5,732,000 2.51 609,000 0.27 2,860,000 38.7 2,809,200 2.9 1,082,000 0.57 945,000 1.2 1,068,000 1.08 714,000 0.174 178,730,000 0.6 2,061,000 58.45 172,070 0.76 3,000 0.143 1,400,000 1.88 20,288,000 1 5,528,000 1.18 57,000 4.63 20,210,000 0.21 56,000,000 0.27 130,000 0.4 450,000 4.14 4,837,000 33.6 1,300

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

83,240 2,658,015 23,682,701 187,500 597,415,500 134,760 2,231,250 2,322,928 4,309,805 7,000 16,640 7,480,710 373,764,670.50 910 893,395 8,152,480 72,992 62,970 45,184,695 361,932,778 410,450 10,690,703.50

1,865,570 -500,207 -21,334,186 711,100.00 -341,432.00 -2,619,240 -7,440 -218,400 2,809,367.50 724,734.50 -878,815 -155,827,344 504,364.5

89,434,600 2,377,280 656,570 1,029,060 71,818 165,701,108 39,997,324 22,323,030 9,000 14,250 260,626 1,439,910 172,884 120,952 28,408,052 2,543,359 12,828,539 24,559,124 61,768,900 14,672,449 63,704 180,226 3,505,185 798,080 82,714,290 14,240 9,750 52,180 36,195 111,617,225 7,228,545 237,144,380 20,679,860 13,200 1,557,030 41,076,955 17,400 207,650 7,160,324 174,730 336,550 353,160 565,130 874,160 516,370 280,032,122 63,220 7,329,100 3,200

64,044,175 -336,180 91,735,610 31,321,310 -13,923,000 2,850 3,940,878.00 -9,607,115 15,035,705 19,396,370 -6,943,731 178,586 -851,489 -20,545,924 101,668,170 -5,408,500 1,263,254 -2,983,800 1,482,000 -15,965,975 -30 -498,724 -28,340 374,000 64,060 -110,705,939 -178,760 -

86,350 41,170,287.50 27,734,496 10,880 6,820 1,271,150 203,050 235,931,505 10,273,534 60,351,492 1,726,947 18,630 349,810,950 126,311,555 4,000 2,440 14,272,528 65,883,480 14,100 251,856,871 443,700 35,150 300,300 9,378,062 140,017,980 378,610 17,650 800,590 222,300 142,880 34,450

-31,431,079 -5,780,520 7,750 -33,704,980 6,905,083 -35,879,734 -582,400 -93,689,200 -19,129,806.50 -3,048,490.00 -10,449,172 1,699,801 -4,340,671 -25,251,085 -109,084 -

98,915 6,694,430 1,522,880 773,250 108,731,825 3,116,260 541,420 1,313,240 774,900 31,272,480 1,214,140 10,050,593.50 2,280 200,200 38,103,950 5,528,820 66,930 93,944,110 11,981,970 33,300 181,250 19,558,970 43,680

-23,968 11,600 -251,000.00 27,000 -3,183,810 -883,270 -179,240 -80,740.00 -17,300 59,000 321,587.50 1,795,020 -969,710 7,842,090 -236,280 7,729,500 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

30 1.69 3.26 27 1.03 6.53 1 5.26

31 1.69 3.33 28 1.05 7.14 1.01 5.3

29.85 1.64 3.26 26.9 1.02 6.53 0.99 5.21

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CALATA CORP CEBU AIR DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN HAVEN HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL A IMPERIAL B INTL CONTAINER IP EGAME IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LIBERTY TELECOM LORENZO SHIPPNG MANILA BULLETIN MELCO CROWN METRO RETAIL NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS YEHEY CORP

7.31 48.8 0.57 5.2 4.73 0.097 3.35 111.3 6.9 2.42 2,090 6.35 13.5 1.77 18.8 140.3 76.35 0.0097 11.7 9.15 0.242 1.42 3.72 12.1 5.2 2.24 1.05 0.58 3.85 5.65 3.44 11.36 5.6 2.56 150 5.88 1,713 1 0.41 43 78 6.1 2.87 0.64 1.93 3.22 5.36

7.4 49.5 0.57 5.59 4.93 0.101 3.37 115 6.9 2.88 2,094 6.35 13.88 1.84 18.9 140.3 76.5 0.0097 11.7 9.24 0.242 1.45 3.9 12.1 5.43 2.3 1.05 0.58 4.09 5.69 3.54 11.38 5.6 2.56 150 6.04 1,713 1.03 0.41 43.5 78.2 6.1 2.93 0.65 1.93 3.25 5.37

7.31 48.3 0.56 5.2 4.69 0.095 3.3 111.3 6.55 2.4 2,078 6.3 13.5 1.76 18.46 140.3 76.15 0.0097 11.7 9.15 0.23 1.41 3.62 12.1 5.1 2.22 1.05 0.58 3.79 5.5 3.44 11.36 5.6 2.56 145 5.79 1,693 0.99 0.41 41.65 77.9 6 2.87 0.63 1.89 3.22 5.25

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

0.0039 3.18 4.25 10.98 2.02 2.2 0.56 0.405 8.38 0.9 0.27 0.183 0.184 0.011 1.36 6.79 2.93 0.54 0.9 0.01 0.011 4.07 0.011 8.67 3.35 114 3.2 0.01

0.0039 3.34 4.35 10.98 2.16 2.2 0.6 0.41 8.38 0.93 0.275 0.2 0.203 0.011 1.44 7.05 2.99 0.54 0.94 0.011 0.012 4.08 0.012 8.72 3.4 115 3.2 0.01

0.0038 3.01 4.15 9.65 1.95 2.2 0.56 0.4 7.93 0.89 0.265 0.18 0.184 0.011 1.33 6.74 2.87 0.54 0.85 0.01 0.011 4.07 0.011 8.56 3.33 113.7 3.12 0.0099

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

48.3 540 105.2 114.9 515 548 6.15 1.03 1,140 1,200 1,038 113 81 76.5 79 78.2 77.7

49.5 540 105.5 114.9 515 550 6.15 1.03 1,140 1,200 1,039 113 81 76.5 79 78.2 78.4

48.05 540 104 114.9 515 548 6.06 1.03 1,140 1,200 1,038 113 81 76.5 79 78.2 77.7

LR WARRANT

2.7

2.83

2.64

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS XURPAS

2.88 4.65 14.2

2.96 4.94 14.3

2.83 4.65 14.16

FIRST METRO ETF

124.8

125.5

124.8

CLOSE

30.35 2,558,000 1.66 85,000 3.33 51,000 27.6 10,556,100 1.04 4,201,000 7.14 900 1.01 398,000 5.26 5,292,400 SERVICES 7.39 28,600 49 84,100 0.56 127,000 5.5 37,800 4.92 24,223,000 0.099 101,880,000 3.33 4,328,000 113 1,297,200 6.7 131,700 2.88 101,000 2,082 17,975 6.3 78,100 13.88 14,800 1.77 628,000 18.86 7,100 140.3 360 76.5 842,710 0.0097 3,000,000 11.7 800 9.24 481,000 0.234 34,840,000 1.45 194,000 3.63 197,000 12.1 6,400 5.41 8,100,000 2.29 965,000 1.05 1,000 0.58 15,000 4.07 20,840,000 5.65 2,681,500 3.47 1,720,000 11.38 10,000 5.6 14,200 2.56 1,000 145 70,550 6.04 578,800 1,700 57,445 1.02 18,393,000 0.41 280,000 41.65 2,357,400 77.9 553,510 6.06 53,800 2.93 1,385,000 0.64 11,619,000 1.89 16,000 3.25 148,000 5.37 65,000 MINING AND OIL 0.0038 140,000,000 3.32 2,173,000 4.3 442,000 10.54 2,600 2.14 61,000 2.2 7,000 0.59 1,145,000 0.4 120,000 8.1 565,600 0.93 33,250,000 0.275 410,000 0.197 98,030,000 0.203 8,660,000 0.011 103,700,000 1.37 2,241,000 6.98 31,016,300 2.9 390,000 0.54 1,000 0.9 1,598,000 0.01 101,300,000 0.012 3,100,000 4.08 2,000 0.011 157,300,000 8.62 1,703,600 3.33 1,315,000 114.4 155,810 3.15 55,000 0.0099 2,800,000 PREFERRED 49 253,900 540 1,300 105 298,640 114.9 20 515 1,000 550 14,000 6.06 40,000 1.03 2,000 1,140 1,780 1,200 1,655 1,039 8,565 113 1,800 81 21,120 76.5 5,000 79 460 78.2 1,840 78.4 669,110 WARRANTS 2.74 2,164,000 SME 2.95 1,124,000 4.66 36,000 14.28 638,400 EXCHANGE TRADE FUNDS 125.2 10,450

MS TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES

21,991,643

INDUSTRIAL

71,110,238

HOLDING FIRMS

77,895,018

PROPERTY

329,154,969

SERVICES

246,428,479

MINING & OIL

691,641,189

GRAND TOTAL

1,440,031,135

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

77,497,295 141,080 166,330 289,578,685 4,351,580 6,245 399,200 27,836,583

-9,890,750 -67,828,830 -3,389 -13,328,342

210,286 4,122,895 71,340 199,557 116,668,170 9,993,260 14,420,380 146,510,076 886,467 251,610 37,462,120 492,178 202,006 1,116,950 132,620 50,508 64,353,183 29,100 9,360 4,444,070 8,134,900 276,430 722,140 77,440 42,952,509 2,165,670 1,050 8,700 83,520,820 15,178,918 5,984,540 113,700 79,520 2,560 10,581,655 3,415,386 97,594,505 18,677,620 114,800 99,331,030 43,167,414.50 325,983 4,011,400 7,402,690 30,540 479,130 342,201

-18,475 30,260,590 133,550 10,585,430 320,260 -14,480 -20,329,630 -24,094,643.50 6,930 11,774,801 -11,200 -45,189,980 -526,016 338,150 0 -5,312 -4,637,530 730,700 -22,433,515 -4,431,379.50 -208,460 3,462,880 -3,230 -

532,200 6,977,910 1,901,650 25,708 121,810 15,400 652,130 48,300 4,512,101 30,147,490 108,800 18,848,820 1,695,930 1,140,700 3,100,150 214,356,777 1,125,620 540 1,412,030 1,063,000 34,900 8,150 1,730,400 14,681,192 4,404,280 17,799,346 173,580 27,730

-166,780 -249,820 20,920 14,229,480 25,970 889,550 11,844,565 -28,900 824,312 200,840 -10,263,909 -3,180 -

12,442,885 702,000 31,153,721 2,298 515,000 7,686,500 243,210 2,060 2,029,200 1,986,000 8,898,835 203,400 1,710,720 382,500 36,340 143,888 52,198,216.50

2,390,830 -

5,922,550

-

3,277,910 169,990 9,077,360

-174,300 8,251,798

1,306,861

-

VALUE 1,822.85 (up) 8.47 1,441,715,211.55 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,805.88 (down) -11.37 1,361,553,193.392 HOLDING FIRMS 7,528.41 (up) 12.82 1,616,353,606.412 PROPERTY 3,421.22 (up) 46.99 SERVICES 1,494.15 (up) 3.69 766,938,217.68 MINING & OIL 10,860.13 (up) 231.79 872,702,021.59 PSEI 7,586.96 (up)29.62 326,657,091.915 All Shares Index 4,517.41 (up) 21.48 6,399,753,988.934 Gainers: 116 Losers: 64; Unchanged: 50; Total: 230

Shell readies stock listing

By Jenniffer B. Austria PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp., the local unit of Royal Dutch Shell Plc., advanced by more than a week its planned P29.7-billion initial public offering.

The company’s latest registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the offer period would be from Oct. 19 to 25, while listing date was set Nov. 3.

Pilipinas Shell will announce the final offer price on Oct. 13.

The oil company, which earlier set the offer period on Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 and the listing date on Nov. 10, reportedly started pre-marketing the IPO. BPI Capital Corp. managing director Eric Roberto Luchangco said in a recent interview the Pilipinas Shell IPO could be pushed earlier than initially scheduled.

BPI Capital is the sole domestic lead underwriter for the oil company’s IPO while J.P. Morgan Securities Plc. is the global coordinator and international book runner.

Rothschild is the financial adviser.

The oil refiner’s offering, which was approved by SEC Tuesday, involves the sale of 300 million shares to the investing public for up to P90 apiece and another 30 million under an overallotment option.

First Gen restores Batangas gas plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores FIRST Gen Corp. said it successfully brought back 250 megawatts of capacity in its 1,000-MW Sta. Rita combined cycle power plant in Batangas, after replacing a damaged transformer.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday that “Unit 20 of the 1,000-MW Sta. Rita power plant is now back in operation, following the replacement of the unit’s damaged main generator transformer with the spare main transformer.”

Unit 20 is a 250-MW unit out of four 250-MW units at Sta. Rita Power Plant of First Gas Power Corp., a subsidiary of First Gen. First Gen earlier said it expected Unit 20 to return to operations by the first week of October.

First Gen said preliminary inspection and testing carried out on the Unit 2 transformer showed damage to internal components.

“To expedite the restoration of Unit 20, the damaged main transformer will be replaced with the same main transformer which is stored on site,” it said.

The company earlier said the unit was under scheduled maintenance outage from July 23 to Aug. 26 for works including maintenance activities.

First Gen owns and operates the Sta. Rita and 500MW San Lorenzo natural gas plants in Batangas which utilize natural gas from Malampaya field in northwest Palawan.

First Gen recently completed two new natural gas power plants located alongside the existing power plants in Batangas. These are the 97-MW Avion and 414-MW San Gabriel power plants.

Business

Power rates to rise on peso, coal prices

By Alena Mae S. Flores

W

EAK peso and higher coal prices may push up the generation charges of Manila Electric Co., an official said Wednesday.

Meralco senior vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez told reporters at the sidelines of a Senate hearing he could not say if these factors will be immediately reflected in the October generation charge.

“In the generation charge... after two successive reduction of overall electricity rate to households, we saw that electric rates declined to record lows. Now we are seeing that there are certain factors (that will) put pressure on generation cost,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said many of the inputs to generation cost were dollar-denominated

“so any depreciation of the peso can have an impact on the generation cost.”

The peso fell to its seven-month low of P48.25 to the dollar on Monday.

“Second, we noticed increases in coal price. If this continues, there’s a possible effect to the generation charge,” he said.

The bulk of Meralco’s power sources comes from natural gas at 46.2 percent and coal at 37.1 percent.

“This coming October, we do not have indications what the direction will be but we are continuing to monitor the fuel prices and the foreign exchange rates,” he said.

Meralco releases its generation charges usually during the first week of the month.

Fernandez said Meralco wass waiting for the billing of power suppliers “to see if they will already compute the forex effect and the more updated coal prices in their bills to us.”

“We’re now at record lows, I think the pressure is to keep it where it is. but there are already pressures for a slight increase in

generation cost,” the official said.

Meralco consumers experienced slightly lower power rates in September as the residential rate for a typical household dropped P0.0451 per kilowatt-hour.

Residential rates decreased to P8.46 per kWh in September, which translated into a reduction of around P9 in the electricity bill of a household with monthly consumption of 200 kWh. Meralco attributed the reduction to the downward movement in the transmission charge, which more than offset a higher generation charge.

Meralco’s rates declined in spite of the series of yellow and red alerts in late July to early August.

Luzon plunged to a series of yellow and red alerts starting July 26 to August 5 due to thin power reserves, as many power plants were on maintenance shutdown while others suffered technical problems forcing them to undergo a forced outage.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Common rail station completed in 3 years

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Transportation Department said Wednesday it expects to complete the construction of the common station that will link Metro Manila’s overhead train system in Quezon City in 2019 after four of the industry’s captains signed an agreement on the location of the unified terminal.

SM Group’s Hans Sy, Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Manuel Pangilinan and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed an agreement to build the common station for LRT 1, MRT3 and the planned MRT 7.

Under the agreement, the

stakeholders agreed on the final location for the unified station for LRT 1, MRT3 and MRT 7, which should be in the vicinity of Edsa and North Avenue.

They also agreed to set a reasonable timetable for the design, preparation, construction and commission of the unified station for LRT1, MRT3 and MRT7.

The Transportation Department and the Light Rail Transit Authority acknowledged SM’s naming and interconnectivity rights to the united station as provided in its memorandum of agreement dated September 2009.

The Public Works Department assured that the underpass being built will seamlessly integrate with the common station.

Re p u b l i c o f t h e Ph i l i p p i n e s PROV I N C E O F M A R I N D U Q U E Capitol Boac, Marinduque O FFI C E O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S C O M M I T T E E INVITATION TO BID Supplying three (3) units Brand New Vehicle with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Boac, Marinduque The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the Capital Outlay intends to apply the sum of THREE MILLION NINE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P3,951,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supplying three (3) units Brand New Vehicle with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Boac, Marinduque.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Supplying three (3) units Brand New Vehicle with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Boac, Marinduque. Delivery of the Goods is required ten (10) working days upon receipt of contract. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php5,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on October 06, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before _October 18, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on October 18, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

ONE-STOP CENTER. Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III (third from left, in front), Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, House Committee on Transportation chairman Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan and officials of Clark Development Corp. and other government agencies lead the opening of the OFW One-Stop Shop Processing at Clark Polytechnic, Jose Abad Santos Ave. Clark Free Port Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

IN BRIEF Ayala Land’s P10-b bond offering OK’d

THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P10-billion bond offering of Ayala Land Inc. SEC market regulation department director Vicente Graciano Felizmenio Jr. said Ayala Land received the green light to start offering its P7billion fixed rate bond issue and its P3-billion Homestarter Bonds offering.

The two issues are part of Ayala Land’s P50billion shelf registration program earlier filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ayala Land set the interest rate for the sevenyear fixed rate bonds at 3.8915 percent per annum and the P3 billion three-year Homestarter Bonds at 3 percent per annum.

The offering period for the fixed rate bonds is set from Sept. 26 to Sept 30 with issue date on Oct 7. Jennifer B. Austria

BSP auction oversubcribed

THE term deposit facility auction of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday remained highly oversubscribed in the wake of excess liquidity in the financial system.

Data from Bangko Sentral showed the P10 billion worth of seven-day deposits attracted total tenders of P34 billion, with a weighted average accepted yield of 2.5 percent.

The 28-day P80 billion offered lured total bids of P172 billion and fetched a weighted average accepted yield of 2.54 percent.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said at the sidelines of an event in Makati Wednesday that the size of future increases in the volume of auctions might vary.

Julito G. Rada

Mitsubishi hires 500 more workers

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. will increase production capacity by operating two shifts in its Sta. Rosa manufacturing facilities starting in November this year and hiring 500 more workers.

The car company is raising output in response to the industry rapid growth, especially in the light commercial vehicle segment that includes the company’s L300 and Adventure models.

“Although we are facing a tremendous challenge that will push us out of our comfort zones, this is a huge opportunity for our future, it will show to our principal, Mitsubishi Motors Corp., and the rest of the world that MMPC is globally competitive, comprised of diligent and determined employees with a passion for excellence,” said Mitsubishi president and chief executive Yoshiaki Kato. Othel V. Campos

Duterte administration’s economic triumvirate PRESIDENT Duterte showed no particular interest in economic affairs during his years as mayor of Davao City and has declared that he preferred, while in Malacañang, to leave the management of this country’s economic affairs in the hands of his economic management team. Taken in conjunction with the governance system in the typical capitalist country, this means that the Philippine economy will be undertaken by the three individuals principally responsible for the management of the nation’s economic planning and financial management.

The triumvirate is composed of the heads of Neda (National Economic and Development Authority), the Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management. The responsibilities of the three offi-

cials are clearly delineated. The Director-General of Neda takes care of overall economic planning, the Secretary of Finance takes care of collecting the government’s revenues and the Secretary of Budget and Management takes care of preparing the national budget and of releasing the budgetary allocations of every governmental entity.

Of the three members of the core economic management team, the Secretary of Finance is clearly primus inter pares.

Without the revenues collected by the Department of Finance, Neda activities would be ineffectual and the Department of Budget and Management would have nothing to release to the operating units of the government. Thus, the choice of the Secretary of Finance—during the martial law period this official was known as the Minister of Finance, a title held concurrently by the Prime Minister, Cesar Virata—has always been

a key appointment for the President to make.

Dr. Ernesto Pernia has come to the Neda with excellent academic and professional credentials. The last position Pernia held was that of Asian Development Bank lead economist.

After having taught at the UP School of Economics for a long time, the state university gave him the title of professor emeritus upon his retirement from ADB. Dr. Benjamin Diokno likewise has excellent academic and professional credentials. Starting out with a degree in public administration, Diokno went on to obtain a doctorate from, and to teach economics at, the state university. His latest position represents a return to the Department of Budget and Management: he headed the department during the Presidency of Joseph Estrada.

But the man of the hour, and the leader of the economic-

management triumvirate, is the new Secretary of Finance, Carlos Dominguez III. At the time of the search for a Secretary of Finance, Dominguez had two things going for him: he enjoyed the complete trust of President Duterte, being a Davaoeño and a schoolmate, and he had equally excellent academic and professional (including private-sector) experience. After a stint as Corazon Aquino’s Secretary of Agriculture, Dominguez became president and CEO of Philippine Airlines. Thereafter he became an entrepreneur, mainly in the real estate and tourism industries (including Davao City’s Marco Polo Hotel and Pasig City’s Linden Suites).

Dominguez, Diokno and Pernia. It’s an economic management team. It’s an economic management team possessed of integrity, competence and, most important, good intentions.

They need our support and best wishes.

The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: ALMA C. TIMTIMAN BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-0722 www.marinduque.gov.ph (SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( M S - S E P T. 2 9 , 2 016)

Re p u b l i c o f t h e Ph i l i p p i n e s PROV I N C E O F M A R I N D U Q U E Capitol Boac, Marinduque O FFI C E O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S C O M M I T T E E INVITATION TO BID Supplying two (2) units Brand New Vehicle (SUV-Manual) with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Provincial Governor, Boac, Marinduque The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the Capital Outlay intends to apply the sum of TWO MILLION SIX HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR THOUSAND PESOS (P2,634,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supplying two (2) units Brand New Vehicle (SUV-Manual) with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Provincial Governor, Boac, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Supplying two (2) units Brand New Vehicle (SUV-Manual) with government plate, etc. for use in the Office of the Provincial Governor, Boac, Marinduque. Delivery of the Goods is required ten (10) working days upon receipt of contract. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php5,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on October 06, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before _October 18, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on October 18, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: ALMA C. TIMTIMAN BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-0722 www.marinduque.gov.ph

( M S - S E P T. 2 9 , 2 016)

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

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

B4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

Business

WTO lowers trade target

Court weighs sale of Hanjin

T

HE South Korean court overseeing Hanjin Shipping Co.’s receivership is considering a sale process for the entire container line, a month after the debt-laden company’s filing roiled supply chains worldwide.

The Seoul Central District Court has called for a meeting of officials who are evaluating the container line, Choi Ungyoung, a judge and a spokesman for the court, said in an interview Wednesday. The court thinks it’s important to start the process sooner rather than later, but the sale plan will depend on market conditions, he said.

The proposed sale of the entire company comes after an analyst said A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S’s container line could be interested in buying Hanjin Shipping and smaller rival Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., which is under creditor-led restructuring. The Seoul court had established a committee to evaluate Hanjin Shipping and the outcome is

due in November, while the container company needs to submit its proposal for revival

by Dec. 23.

The court would prefer to have companies in the shipping industry take over Hanjin Shipping, rather than investment funds, to obtain the expertise necessary to help the troubled shipping line survive, Choi said.

Hanjin Shipping rose 7.1 percent to 1,215 won as of 12:56 p.m. in Seoul trading, giving it a market value of about 296 billion won ($270 million). The company was valued at about $1.2 billion a year earlier.

Both Hanjin and Hyundai Merchant are in need of a strong partner and Maersk Line, the world’s biggest container line, is probably the only rival with the financial muscle to manage a takeover, said David Kerstens, a transport analyst at Jefferies International Ltd. in London.

Hyundai Merchant, South Korea’s second-largest sea container-shipping company, was said to be looking at buying some assets of Hanjin, people with direct knowledge of the matter said last week.

Korea Development Bank― Hyundai Merchant’s largest shareholder and the biggest

lender to Hanjin―and the Seoul court have been pushing to find a solution to the troubles at Hanjin.

Slowing trade and a worldwide surplus of capacity have depressed freight rates and piled up losses at some container lines including Hanjin and Hyundai Merchant. The smaller Korean competitor, unlike Hanjin, managed to obtain financial help after meeting all requirements set by creditors. State-run Korea Development Bank became Hyundai Merchant’s biggest shareholder after swapping debt for equity. Bloomberg

Crude prices increase slightly SINGAPORE―Oil prices posted marginal gains in Asia Wednesday as an industry report showing a decline in US stockpiles was offset by worries about the chances of this week’s key producers meeting ending with a deal to limit output.

The American Petroleum Institute said Tuesday US supplies fell by 752,000 barrels last week, fueling hopes official figures later in the day will also show lower inventories in the world’s top economy and oil consumer.

However, there are fears a deal between Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia this week will not be struck when they meet in Algeria to discuss a global supply glut and overproduction that has hammered prices for two years.

On the eve of the gathering Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh told reporters: “It’s not in our agenda to reach an agreement in two days. We need time for more consultation.”

Tehran’s position means other participants―particularly regional rival and Opec kingpin Saudi Arabia―are unlikely to join in any concerted plan to limit output.

At around 0715 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November was up 30 cents at $44.87 and Brent crude for November added 27 cents to $46.24.

“It’s the API data that’s driving the bounceback in Asia,” Angus Nicholson, a Melbourne-based analyst with IG Markets, told AFP. AFP

WORLD’S BIGGEST IPO. Li Guohua (left), chairman of Postal Savings Bank of China, celebrates after banging a gong with executive director and President Lu Tianjin during the company’s listing on the city’s stock exchange in Hong Kong on September 28, 2016, in what is expected to be the world’s biggest floatation this year. China’s fifth-biggest lender raked in a colossal $7.4 billion in the flotation. AFP

GENEVA, Switzerland―The World Trade Organization Tuesday lowered its global trade forecast, warning that anti-globalization rhetoric and Brexit were pushing trade growth to its slowest pace since the financial crisis.

The warning comes as talks on a landmark free trade deal between the European Union and the United States faces stiff opposition and Britain’s EU exit causes jitters.

The WTO said that global trade was now estimated to expand by just 1.7 percent this year, compared to its April projection of 2.8 percent.

The new figure is also a far cry from a projection a year ago that trade would swell by 3.9 percent this year.

Describing it as “wakeup call,” the Geneva-based global trade body said growth had fallen to its slowest pace in around seven years, when the global financial crisis hit.

“With expected global GDP growth of 2.2 percent in 2016, this year would mark the slowest pace of trade and output growth since the financial crisis of 2009,” the trade body said in a statement.

Looking ahead, the WTO said several issues, including Brexit’s possible impact, had now cast a shadow and it had revised down its 2017 forecast.

Trade is now expected to grow between 1.8-3.1 percent, down from the previously anticipated 3.6 percent, said the WTO, which sets the rules of global commerce.

Also clouding the outlook, the WTO said, is “the possibility that growing anti-trade rhetoric will increasingly be reflected in trade policy” as well as financial volatility due to monetary policy changes in developed countries.

“The recent run of weak trade and economic, growth suggests the need for a better understanding of changing global economic relationships,” it said.

It warned that “creeping protectionism,” coupled with lacking trade liberalization and perhaps the growing role of the digital economy and e-commerce might help explain the recent declining ratio of trade growth to GDP growth. AFP

Canada approves big $27-b LNG pipeline project for Asia MONTREAL―Canada approved on Tuesday a massive Can$36 billion (US$27 billion) project by Malaysia’s Petronas to build a liquefied natural gas pipeline along its Pacific Northwest coast, targeting Asian markets.

The project is the first deal by Canada’s year-old Liberal government that goes against environmentalists in the name of the country’s economic interests.

Environmental activists and indigenous groups have opposed the plans.

“The government approved

the Pacific Northwest LNG project,” said Environment Minister Catherine McKenna.

“As the prime minister has emphasized, the only way to get resources to market in the 21st century is if it is done sustainably and responsibly. Today’s announcement reflects this commitment,” she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly said that the economy and environment should be pursued in parallel, without sacrificing one for the other.

The project includes a pipeline

and two Petronas terminals to ship gas to Asia.

The gas terminals are to be built on Lelu Island, near Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast. Each will have a capacity of six million tons per year, with the possibility of adding a third down the road.

The pipeline built by the operator TransCanada must cross 900 kilometers of British Columbia between Hudson’s Hope (about 400 kilometers or 250 miles north of Prince George), ending at Lelu Island.

The pipeline deal comes after Petronas in late 2012 snapped up Canada’s Progress Energy Resources gas producer for $5.2 billion.

Environmental groups worry the pollution created will worsen global warming.

“How can Prime Minister Trudeau claim to be a climate leader on the international stage, while approving this new project that will become the single largest source of climate pollution in the country,” said Karen Mahon, national director of Stand.

“Honestly we expected bet-

ter,” she said. “This government cannot make decisions like this while honoring their promises on climate change.”

Meanwhile, many members of Canada’s First Nations―indigenous people whose ancestors lived off the land gently for thousands of years―are concerned about potential sullying of fishing waters.

The deal means heavy LNG traffic through a maze of islands where salmon is a vital resource.

However, others were upbeat about job opportunities. AFP

Paris mayor bans cars along part of River Seine to fight pollution

By Gina Doggett PARIS―Strollers and cyclists can breathe easy on the banks of the Seine after Paris on Monday approved a plan to ban cars on a long stretch of riverside road cutting across the city.

Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed the move as a “historic decision, the end of an urban motorway and the taking back of the Seine.”

A centrepiece of her battle against pollution, the plan has divided opinion in the French capital.

“We need to slow down a bit, let go, stop and relax,” said Violetta Kolodziejczak, a restaurant greeter.

“If you’re in a car, who has time to appreciate all this?” asked the Polish 56-year-old, sweeping an arm towards the turret-topped stone facades on the riverside, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. “It’s magnificent.”

A recent opinion poll found 55 percent support for the plan among Parisians.

Nearly 19,000 people signed a petition in favor, while a motorists’ association gathered 12,000 signatures of members who oppose it.

The car ban applies to 3.3 kilometers (two miles) of an expressway on the Right Bank of the Seine.

A man walks on the banks of the River Seine during “day without cars” in Paris on September 25, 2016. Paris city mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has made reducing Paris’s worryingly high pollution levels a top priority, said she hoped to introduce a regular citywide vehicle ban as pollution levels and noise levels registered as being lower. AFP

The project, with a cost estimated at eight million euros ($9.0 million), will add wooden walkways and greenery while leaving a lane for emergency vehicles.

As expected, left-wing and environmentalist members of the city council approved the plan on Monday, while the

minority right-wing opposition voted against it.

The right-dominated greater Paris region has been hostile to the plan, citing fears that bottlenecks on alternative routes will hurt businesses and delay commuters.

Pensioner Veronique Gryson, out walking along the Seine with her husband, said the car ban could be “an expensive privilege” for pedestrians.

“For us, it’s very pleasant,” she said.

“But during the week if there are 200 pedestrians and at the same time you have 20,000 disgruntled motorists up there (on another road), that might be a problem.”

Opponents have also complained of a lack of consultation and insufficient testing of the plan.

Paris police chief Michel Cadot, whose remit includes ensuring smooth traffic flows, said Monday that a committee would track the impact of closing the road previously used by around 43,000 cars each day.

‘Right side of history’ The banks of the Seine, a magnet for lovers as well as tourists thronging to the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Louvre museum, have been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

The newly pedestrianized section has been car-free for a month every summer since 2002, for the hugely popular Paris Plages riverside beach bonanza. This year, it remained closed to traffic for an exhibition after the sand was cleared away.

Hidalgo’s “Paris Respire” (Paris Breathes) anti-pollution program has also included banning cars from the Champs-Elysees avenue on the first Sunday of every month.

Another nine new routes are reserved for pedestrians and bicycles every Sunday and public holiday.

The mayor is determined to fight pollution in a city where air quality regularly violates EU norms, sometimes rivaling that of heavily polluted cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Medical experts blame air pollution for 2,500 deaths each year in the city, and 6,600 in the greater metropolitan area.

On Sunday, a large part of central Paris was closed to cars, repeating an exercise first carried out a year ago, when nitrogen oxide emissions dropped by between 20 and 40 percent.

Socialist Environment Minister Segolene Royal has praised Hidalgo’s “courage” for the latest initiative, saying that banishing cars from the Right Bank puts Paris “on the right side of history.”

To ensure its effectiveness, the city plans to monitor traffic on other main arteries, as well as noise and emissions levels in the area―as well as use of the river bank by pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers. AFP

LGUs

Navotas has 150 athletic scholars THE Navotas city government has given scholarships to 150 Navoteño elementary and high school students who excelled in sports.

Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco and the scholars, assisted by their parents or guardians, signed Monday the memorandum of agreement for the Navotas Athletic Scholarship Program.

“Sports not only improve the skills and stamina of the athletes. They also help develop self-discipline, self-esteem and respect for others,” Tiangco said.

“This is why we encourage our youth to engage in sports.

We want them to stay away from vices, especially drug abuse,” he added.

Athletic scholars will receive P16,500 for transportation and food allowance, and P1,500 for uniforms and equipment for every academic year.

Their scholarships may be renewed annually provided they attend the training scheduled by the city government and win at least third place or its equivalent in any regional or national sports competitions.

The athletic scholarship is open to student champions in table tennis, taekwondo, swimming, athletics, badminton, arnis, and chess at the Navotas schools division meet.

“We want to hone the talents and skills of our young athletes who will represent the city in competitions,” Tiangco said.

Tiangco was the top-ranking player in the Philippine Tennis Juniors during his youth.

Under his helm, the city also provided academic scholarships to 248 high school and college students as well as teachers.

Navotas also offered scholarships to students of Navotas Polytechnic College, provided they pass the drug test and submit requirements. As of writing, 720 students have availed of the program.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

POMP and gaiety welcomed 2,275 tourists to Boracay island resort on their arrival Saturday morning on the cruise ship Legend of the Seas from Xiamen, China, the Department of Tourism said on Tuesday.

The Philippine Tourism Week officially began with the arrival of the huge number of visitors on the first international cruise since the change in government.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the success of the event was the fruit of shared efforts of the tour organizers, DoT Regional Office-6, and the municipal government of Malay, Aklan.

Free shuttle for Parola M

ANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada announced on Tuesday the provision of free shuttle service to Parola Compound residents after kuligligs or motorized pedicabs are replaced with batterypowered electric tricycles (E-trikes).

“We will upgrade Tondo into a subdivision-like community,” Estrada said clearing a road in Parola and Delpan in Tondo.

Kuligligs are outdated, unsafe and causes pollution, unlike the E-trikes that are battery-operated and easier to maintain, he said.

City hall workers have im-

“The cruise shows that our country remains a safe place to visit despite travel warnings due to international politics,” Teo said.

She said Chinese tourist arrivals dropped slightly after the international tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea, but it soon recovered and grew in recent weeks.

Chinese arrivals rose by 64 percent from 257,014 in the January-July period last year to 422,801 in the same period this year.

Assistant Secretary Gwen Javier and Regional Office-6 Director Helen Catalbas welcomed the visitors at the Cagban Jetty Port.

A colorful Ati-atihan group performed as local DoT staff

handed out handmade garlands to the vacationing Chinese professionals, retirees and families with children.

“We are pleased to note that a charter has been initiated by travel trade counterparts in China. This underscores our continuing warm tourism and cultural ties amidst the ongoing territorial strife. This augurs well for our industry and as we pursue our National Cruise Tourism Strategy grounded on ports development and rehabilitation,” Javier said.

The visitors took a dip in crystal-clear waters, others lay on the white-sand beach for hours, and some went sight-seeing on nearby Aklan islands.

“We’re so happy to host and offer our visitors from China the best tourism experience in Western Visayas, which we market as a world-class tourist destination,” Catalbas said.

The Region 6 tourism chief disclosed that two more Royal Caribbean cruise ships are due in October and November.

Next to Koreans, the Chinese comprise the biggest tourist market of Region 6.

At least 183,708 Chinese visited Western Visayas, mainly Boracay, last year, while Koreans numbered 331,269, the DoT said.

After the Legend of the Seas first visited the Philippines in 2012, the country became part of its regular itinerary in Asia.

Agri trade expo pushes R-11 produce DAVAO City hosted the 18th Davao Agri Trade Expo on September 22-24, 2016 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier to promote the agriculture industry in the Davao Region.

The expo featured Mindanao’s golden crops and their financing, processing, marketing and

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FIESTA. A young beauty carries the image of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Iligan City, during the annual Dyandi Festival on Tuesday. Lance Baconguis

2,275 Sinos go on cruise to Boracay

By Sandy Araneta

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

even exporting.

It also highlighted the first ever agri marketing conference on September 23 to provide a venue for business matching and networking and to link agri-traders, businessmen and consumers.

The conference equipped participants with techniques for

supplying the local and international markets, tapping the export market, and financing with partner banks.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology joined

the event through five of its consortia in Mindanao.

The consortia featured worthwhile and productive technologies, which include promising Fusarium wilt-resistant banana varieties; native chicken production of; tilanggit production; halal chevon products; and coffee production.

pounded dozens of kuligligs blocking traffic in the 1.1-kilometer Manila International Container Terminal South Access Road.

The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. committed to procure E-trikes and finance free shuttle service in

Tondo, initially in Parola Compound, according to the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau.

ICTSI, headed by port mogul Enrique Razon Jr., operates the MICT, one of Asia’s major seaports and the Philippines’ largest international container terminal.

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Mayor padlocks 58 Makati firms

By Joel E. Zurbano MAKATI City closed down 58 business establishments that operated without a permit and violated the fire code.

The Business Permits Office said most of the establishments have not secured mayor’s permits, in violation of Section 4A.01 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code, or City Ordinance 2004-A-025.

The errant establishments were found in barangays Bangkal, Poblacion, Valenzuela, Pio del Pilar and San Lorenzo in District 1; and in Pinagkaisahan, Pembo, Cembo, Guadalupe Nuevo and Rizal in district 2.

In its report to the mayor, the BPO has served orders of desistance/closure on 58 companies in the city from July to September.

The list includes Dad’s Makati in Glorietta 3 in Ayala Center, which failed to produce a valid business permit upon inspection. Last August 25, six closure orders were served at the Concorde Condominium in San Lorenzo Village.

The building’s parking area had no mayor’s permit, while

its management office and four tenants violated the Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act 9514.

According to the BPO, six firms complied with the requirements and were ordered to pay the P5,000 fee for the lifting of the closure order.

The city also closed down computer shops, internet cafes, a hotel and a dormitory, restaurants, eateries or canteens, stores selling cellphones and accessories, bakeshops, carwash shops, watch repair shops, and stalls selling assorted items.

Mayor Abigail Binay earlier ordered concerned offices to run after illegal businesses to restore order and discipline in the city.

“Securing a mayor’s permit is a basic requirement for doing business in the city. Business owners must pay taxes and obey laws and ordinances. Otherwise, you can take your business elsewhere,” Binay said.

The city is strictly enforcing the city revenue code and other related local and national laws to protect the interest of legitimate businesses, she added.

FUNDRAISING.

ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman (second from right) presents its P40.573-billion regional budget proposal for the year 2017, the biggest in the ARMM’s history, in a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Omar Mangorsi

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

Orani team receives CSC award

By Butch Gunio

B

ALANGA CITY—The Civil Service Commission Field Office in Bataan has conferred the Pag-asa Award to the Orani Water District (OWD) Innovators Team during the 2016 Bataan Circle of Heroes ceremony here on Friday.

Benni Andres, OWD general manager, said the team exhibited brilliant and noteworthy innovations that showcase advances in business applications and information technologies that have been contributing significantly in the improvement of the internal business processes at the wa-

ter district.

He added the team established an effective performance monitoring and evaluation tool as well as information reporting systems that facilitates the linkage between organizational and employee performance. The team is composed of Sheila Milante, industrial

relations management officer; Rustico Buenaventura, project planning and development officer; Angelito Lintag Jr., engineering assistant; Michael Mendoza, customer service assistant; Bernard Milante, development officer; Gina Palomo, customer service assistant; Ramil Santos, senior water/

sewerage maintenance man; and Marcelino Sebastian Jr., project planning and development officer.

The CSC Pag-asa Award is given to an individual or group for its outstanding idea or performance that directly benefits more than one department of the government.

Ilocos Norte readies for rains THE provincial government of Ilocos Norte assured its constituents of a stronger preparedness in times of disasters such as Typhoon “Helen” (international name Megi), which has hit extreme North Luzon.

Gov. Imee Marcos convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council Monday morning to map out an efficient and effective preparedness and response plan in case Typhoon “Helen” batters the province.

Ilocos Norte agriculturist Norma Lagmay said the province follows intensified disaster and emergency precautionary methods “to aid our farmers and fishermen for a faster recovery.”

Lagmay said Marcos ordered the reaping of crops ready for harvest to minimize possible loss and destruction.

She said the “provincial government is always ready to provide rehabilitation materials to our farmers and fishermen.”

Support such as transportation for the harvested crops before a disaster strikes and equipment in the form of mechanical and flatbed dryers are readily available at agricultural office.

Veterinarian Loida Valenzuela called for the protection of animals during disasters and emergencies.

“City and municipal veterinarians teach barangay officials to properly evacuate animals,” added Valenzuela.

She noted that these animals must be moved to elevated places and protected from flash floods and flying roofs blown by strong winds.

HOST. Mayor Herbert Bautista tells the media on Monday that Quezon City will host the 3rd Global Mayoral Forum on September 29-30. More than 60 local government leaders from aroiund the world are expected to attend the two-day event at Novotel in Cubao. Manny Palmero

Pangasinan stude gets cash gift PANGASINAN Gov. Amado Espino III on Tuesday congratulated a Pangasinense student who was a member of the Philippine team that ranked first runner-up in the 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Friendly Group Quiz Competition in Vientiane, Laos last month.

The governor congratulated Nadine Margaret Alejo, a 10th grader at the St. Albert the Great School in Dagupan

City, who called on him at the provincial capitol.

A cash gift was given by the governor to Alejo.

The other team members were from Cagayan and the National Capital Region.

The 16-year-old Alejo was accompanied by her coach and school principal when she met the governor.

She said she was very happy and proud

of her achievement. It was her first time to join an international competition.

The girl said she was thankful that the Philippine team made it to first runner-up and vowed to do better next time.

Meanwhile, Vic Agbayani, Alejo’s coach, said this is the fifth time his school sent a student to the national and international tilt. The first time was in 2002. PNA

Daku Island to be Boracay of the Mindanao DAKU Island, one of the three islands of Siargao, Surigao del Norte, bodes fair to be the next tourism hotspot in Mindanao.

With an approximate area of 30 hectares, Daku Island is being developed by the local and provincial governments in Surigao del Norte into another tourist draw in Siargao, a surfer’s haven.

“We envision Daku Island to become another Boracay in the country because of its strong potential for tourism industry,” said Mayor Jaime Rusillon of General Luna.

The island is blessed with white sand beaches and two surfing areas that are now being visited by surfers from the

country and around the world.

Rusillon said there is no doubt that Siargao Island is now among the foremost destinations of foreign and local tourists.

The island, a gem of Surigao del Norte province, attracts thousands of visitors especially during Holy Week and the Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament and the Siargao International Surfing Cup. More than 7,000 visitors trooped to General Luna town this month to watch the 22nd Siargao International Surfing Cup which will run from September 23 to 29.

More than 2,000 are foreigners, some of whom are professional surfers

competing for the prestigious cup.

Local and foreign tourists who visit General Luna every year do not leave the town without hopping on the Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island.

Rusillon said Daku Island is one of the 19 barangays of General Luna populated by more or less 80 households.

To equip the island with facilities for visitors, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte built a P3-million tourism center building last year.

“We thank Gov. Sol Matugas for this tourism center. Visitors to the island dine and stay here overnight,”

said Daku Island barangay captain Imelda Gaña.

Tourism development is among the priorities of Matugas especially on Siargao Island.

But Daku Island is special, said Rusillon, being the stop-over of island hoppers from the Naked Island to eat, splash into its cool and clear waters and rest before proceeding to Guyam Island before returning to the mainland Siargao.

Gaña said around 200 to 300 local and foreign visitors come to Daku Island everyday but the peak season is Holy Week when around 1,000 visitors come daily between April and June. PNA

BPSU pushes fish research BALANGA CITY—The Bataan Peninsula State University will establish a fish processing and marine products research and development center on its Orani Campus in Barangay Bayan.

In a letter to university president Dr. Greg Rodis, Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agriculture Research director Dr. Nicomedes Eleazar said they have approved a fund of P2 million for the project.

Documents furnished to the Manila Standard by BPSU OIC vice president for research, extension and training services Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, the project will be completed in a year and the university will provide a P600,000 counterpart fund.

The center will provide the faculty and students firsthand fish handling and processing and research opportunities.

The center will house the equipment, materials, and devices used in fish handling and processing.

There will be also a fish processing laboratory.

The fishes to be processed at the center will include galunggong, kapak, tunsoy, tamban, bangus, and tilapia.

The center will the best venue for value-adding to fisheries and marine products that will employ strict quality control. It will share its expertise and knowledge with the fishing communities and interested individuals, the documents said.

Bataan is home to various fresh and seawater food products. Butch Gunio

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IMPROVED. Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc., operator of South Luzon Expressway, extended the canopy on the seven exit lanes of the Calamba Southbound Toll Plaza exit on September 17 to speed up transactions and increase vehicle throughput especially on peak days. Target completion is early December.

The E-trike free ride program was proposed

by Razon to the city government as his company’s way of helping the community.

The Estrada administration will soon launch its E-trike project in Manila to combat air pollution and improve the livelihood of some 5,000 pedicab and tricycle drivers in the city.

The city government acquired an initial fleet of 384 battery-operated vehicles to be sold to tricycle drivers under a five-year installment scheme.

The city government bought the E-trikes for more than P145 million or P380,000 each.

An E-trike runs on a gel-type battery that can be fully charged for only four to five hours.

It can carry up to seven passengers and has a maximum speed of 40 to 45 kilometers per hour.

The first batch will be dispatched in the city’s tourist belt – Luneta, Ermita, Malate, Intramuros, Binondo (Chinatown) and Quiapo.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

US vows $364-m assistance to Syria W

ASHINGTON—With the Syrian city of Aleppo facing a new regime onslaught and Washington’s diplomacy under criticism for failing to halt the carnage, the United States announced a new aid package Tuesday.

The State Department said it would release a further $364 million to UN aid agencies and civic groups working to help vulnerable Syrian civilians inside and outside the war-torn country.

The latest slice of funding brings the total amount that the United States -- the effort’s biggest single donor -- has spent since the war started more than

five years ago to $5.9 billion.

But the assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration Anne Richard confirmed it would come from funds already allocated by Congress and does not represent new US spending.

“And this is probably... our last announcement of the fiscal year,” she told reporters at a briefing to announce the mea-

sure three days before the end of the 2016 government spending period.

The civil war in Syria erupted in early 2011, when dictator Bashar al-Assad unleashed a brutal clampdown on anti-government protests, and has since killed more than 300,000 people.

Millions have fled their homes, with many living in makeshift camps inside Syria or its neighbors Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, reliant on UN agencies funded by major UN members.

The United States and Russia, which back the opposition and regime, respectively, announced a ceasefire on September 9. It lasted barely a week.

As the deal collapsed, Assad’s regime launched a major offen-

sive against the rebel-held east of Syria’s commercial hub, Aleppo, backed by waves of Russian bombers.

The diplomatic initiative’s failure has exposed President Barack Obama’s White House to criticism that, having no back-up plan, it has effectively ceded the initiative to Russia.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest insisted on Tuesday that Obama “and his team are always looking carefully at the situation to determine if there is something different that we can do.”

But the violence in Aleppo is such that air-dropping aid would be too risky, he said, while arming the rebels would “only further militarize a situation that doesn’t have a military solution.” AFP

Volcano erupts in hiking site JAKARTA—Rescuers in Indonesia were dispatched Wednesday to evacuate nearly 400 tourists, most of them foreigners, after a volcano erupted at one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations, an official said.

Mount Barujari began erupting late Tuesday afternoon, sending columns of ash and smoke shooting two kilometers (1.2 miles) into the sky over Lombok island, a tourist hotspot to the immediate east of Bali.

Nearly 400 people were recorded as hiking near Barujari -- a smaller cone within the crater of Mount Rinjani -- when it began erupting, prompting plans for their immediate evacuation, said national disaster agency spokes-

man Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

“A rescue team has been sent to Mount Rinjani to evacuate the tourists. They set off on Wednesday morning,” he said.

Hikers have been told to keep at least 3 kilometers from the smoldering volcano, a key attraction on the multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani made by thousands of tourists every year.

Nugroho said 389 hikers were recorded as having entered the national park since Sunday, the overwhelming majority of them foreigners.

While most would have taken the official route to the summit, rescue teams suspected some hikers may have gone off-piste, Nugroho added. AFP

GLAM. Indian Bollywood stars Kangana Ranaut (left) and Kunal Kapoor (right) attend GQ India’s Men of the Year Awards 2016 in Mumbai on Tuesday. AFP

Women call for peace in Korea UNITED NATIONS—A hundred prominent women from 38 countries have directed a petition to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urging him to fulfill his promise to achieve a permanent peace to end the Korean War. In a letter made public on Tuesday, a diverse group of scholars, journalists, activists and writers pressed him to use his remaining time as UN chief to “initiate a peace process, together with the UN Security Council president, to replace the 1953 armistice agreement with a binding peace treaty to end the Korean War.” Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, is set to step down in January.

The signatories urged him to “conclude this peace process by 2018, the 70th anniversary of Korea’s division into two separate states” and “ensure that women are significantly represented in the peace process.”

“On both sides of the DMZ (demilitarized zone separating the two sides), the absence of a binding peace accord fuels fear, violations of human rights and economic deprivation caused by diverting resources in preparation for war,” the letter says.

Among the sources of tension, the letter lists North Korea’s recent nuclear and ballistic missiles tests -which prompted international sanctions against Pyongyang -- as well as US-South Korean military exercises

Hong Kong solons eye split from China HONG KONG—As Hong Kong marks the second anniversary of the pro-democracy “Umbrella Revolution,” former protesters prepare to take office for the first time when the city’s Legislative Council (Legco) enters its new term Saturday.

At least five of the new legislators are openly pushing for the semi-autonomous city to have the choice to split from Beijing, as fears grow China is tightening its grip on the former British colony.

Softly spoken and never without his black-rimmed spectacles, 23-year-old Nathan Law is Hong Kong’s youngest ever lawmaker and is calling for self-determination for Hong Kong.

Law first made a name for himself as a student leader of the mass

pro-democracy “Umbrella Movement” protests of 2014, alongside his friend and teenage political ally Joshua Wong.

Since then he and Wong have set up a new party called Demosisto, campaigning for Hong Kongers to have a choice over how they are governed, including the option of independence.

Despite his meteoric rise, Law says he never planned to go into politics.

Law remembers a teacher at his pro-Beijing secondary school criticizing Liu Xiaobo—a jailed Chinese dissident—in front of students after he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010.

Liu was banned by Beijing from picking up his prize.

“It agitated me,” Law told Agence France Presse. AFP

and plans to deploy a US missile defense system in the South.

That latest move “is viewed by countries in the region as a highly provocative and potentially destabilizing move,” the letter says, referring especially to China.

The letter was co-sponsored

by Women Cross DMZ -- which organized a peaceful walk across the zone last year -- and the

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

Signatories include the American feminist champion Gloria Steinem, playwright Eve Ensler, UNESCO goodwill ambassador Kim Phuc, former CIA officer Valerie Plame and Nobel Peace laureates Mairead Maguire (Northern Ireland) and Leymah Gbowee (Liberia). AFP

Republic of the Philippines MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO Ilocos Sur Office of the Bids & Awards Committee Invitation to Bid for the Supply & Delivery for the Provision of Equipment for the Production of Organic Fertilizer for Tobacco Farmers of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur 1.

The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, through RA 7171 under Appropriation Ordinance No. 2016-01 intends to apply the sum of Three Million Pesos (Php. 3,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of the projects to payments under the contract for Contract No. 16-10-012. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur now invites bids for Supply & Delivery of Equipment (Garbage CompactorReconditioned). Duration of the project is required for 30 calendar Days. Bidders should have completed at least 50% of the approved budget which is similar to the project to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

3.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on September 29- October 15, 2016 until 10:00 a.m from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php. 5,000.00).

4.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before October 15, 2016 until 10:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

5.

Bid opening shall be on October 15, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Brgy. Hall, Brgy. Rizal, Cabugao Ilocos Sur. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

6.

The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all ids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

SGD. ENGR. HERMES A. ASIT LGU- BAC- Secretariat Tel No. 077-728-5128, Fax No. 077-728-5565 SGD. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO BAC- Chairman

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(MS-SEPT. 29, 2016)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

World

SAIL. Employees prepare a boat before the opening of the 44nd edition of the Grand Pavois international in-water boat show in La Rochelle, western France. The event will run from September 28 until October 3. AFP

Nobel laureate Shimon Peres, 93 RAMAT GAN—Israeli expresident and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres died on Wednesday some two weeks after suffering a major stroke, his doctor said, triggering an outpouring of grief for the beloved elder statesman.

The 93-year-old died in his sleep at around 3:00 a.m. (0000 GMT), Rafi Walden, who is also Peres’s son-in-law, told Agence France Presse.

He had been surrounded by family members, a source close to Peres told AFP. A press conference was planned for later in the morning.

Nobel laureate and former Israeli president Shimon Peres, who died Wednesday aged 93, left an indelible mark on world affairs. Here is a selection of the tributes paid to one of Israel’s best-loved elder statesmen.

“There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves.

My friend Shimon was one of those people,” said US President Barack Obama. “Perhaps because he had seen Israel surmount overwhelming odds, Shimon never gave up on the possibility of peace between Israelis, Palestinians and Israel’s neighbors.”

Former US president Bill Clinton said “the Middle East has lost a fervent advocate for peace and

reconciliation and for a future where all the children of Abraham build a better tomorrow. He was a genius with a big heart who used his gifts to imagine a future of reconciliation not conflict, economic and social empowerment not anger and frustration, and a nation, a region, and a world enhanced by caring and sharing, not torn asunder by the illusions of permanent dominance and perfect truth.”

Tony Blair, former British prime minister and ex-special envoy to the Middle East Quartet said “Shimon Peres was a political giant, a statesman who will rank as one of the foremost of this era or any era, and someone I loved deeply.”

French President Francois Hollande said “Shimon Peres now belongs to history, which was his companion during his long life. With the death of Shimon Peres, Israel has lost one of its most illustrious statesmen, and peace one of its most ardent defenders.”

Former US president George Bush said “by his unyielding determination and principle, Shimon Peres time and again helped guide his beloved country through the crucible of mortal challenge. But it was by his innate humanity, his decency, that Shimon inspired the world over and helped pave a path to peace broad enough that future generations will walk it one day, side by side.” AFP

Obama names envoy to Cuba

W

ASHINGTON— The United States has tapped Jeffrey DeLaurentis, America’s top diplomat in Havana, to become the first official ambassador to Cuba in five decades.

“The appointment of an ambassador is a commonsense step forward toward a more normal and productive relationship between our two countries,” President Barack Obama said in a statement.

Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a thaw in relations in December 2014. The two countries restored full diplomatic relations in July 2015.

Since then, Washington and Havana have taken once-unthink-

able steps to mend ties after more than half a century of enmity.

Obama has visited Cuba and relaxed portions of the US embargo imposed since 1962.

Flights have resumed and cruise ships can now sail from Miami to Havana.

US companies like Airbnb and Netflix now operate in Cuba and hotel group Starwood, acquired last week by Marriott International, opened a Sheraton in Havana

held a “No Trump, No KKK, No racist USA” sign as they shouted in heavy rain.

Clinton holds a commanding lead over Trump among Hispanic voters in five key battleground states, at 53 to 34 percent in Florida, according to a recent Florida Atlantic University poll.

From the start of his once improbable bid for the presidency in June 2015, Trump slammed Mexicans as drug dealers, rapists and criminals.

He is campaigning to build a wall along the southern US border, insisting that Mexico will pay for what he says will stem the tide of illegal immigrants and drugs.

He has also threatened to deport millions of illegal immigrants, many of them from a Hispanic background.

On Tuesday, Trump offered generalized words about the crisis in Venezuela, promised a better deal on relations with Cuba and urged the overwhelmingly Cuban American audience to get out and vote. AFP

Trump, blasted Obama’s nomination.

“A US ambassador is not going to influence the Cuban government, which is a dictatorial and closed regime,” Rubio said in a statement.

“This nomination should go nowhere until the Castro regime makes significant and irreversible progress in the areas of human rights and political freedom for the Cuban people.”

Accusing the Obama administration of failing to confront Cuba over its repressive policies, Rubio said the US embassy in Havana’s Twitter account “seems more like a travel agency than an advocate for American values and interests.” AFP

Elon Musk dreams of Martian city

Embattled Trump woos Little Havana MIAMI—Donald Trump set aside his debate with Hillary Clinton Tuesday to court Hispanic voters in the key battleground state of Florida, shopping for pastries and visiting Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.

“You know, when I started off with the Hispanic community, I knew that I had great relationships but it wasn’t reading that way in the newspapers,” the Manhattan billionaire told a small, well-heeled audience of mostly Cuban Americans in a college auditorium in Miami.

“We’re leading Florida right now,” he claimed to applause, despite polls putting him neck and neck with his Democratic opponent. “And we’re doing that because of the Hispanic community to a large extent.”

But if the polls in Florida are too close to call, Trump still faces an enormous task if he wants to count on Hispanics electing him into the Oval Office on November 8.

In Miami, his motorcade swept past a handful of protesters, who

last June.

DeLaurentis is already in Havana and previously worked in Bogota and at the United Nations.

But his nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, is likely to face stiff opposition in Congress, where Cuban-American lawmakers have sought to garner local support by opposing Obama’s policies.

Any senator could place an anonymous hold on the nomination. Several Republican lawmakers have opposed Democrat Obama’s outreach to the Communist regime led by Castro.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American presidential contender in the Republican primary race who ultimately lost to Donald

COUNTRY. Singer Kacey Musgraves attends All For The Hall Los Angeles A benefit concert presented by The Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum at The Novo by Microsoft on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California. AFP

GUADALAJARA--SpaceX chief Elon Musk unveiled on Tuesday ambitious plans to establish a Mars colony by sending 100 humans at a time on massive spacecraft, possibly costing as low as $100,000 per person.

Taking the stage under a large globe of Mars at the International Astronautical Congress, Musk showed his vision for a giant rocket that would propel people to the Red Planet “in our lifetime.”

“We need to go from these early exploration missions to actually building a city,” he said to an overflow crowd at an expo center in the western Mexican city of Guadalajara.

Musk showed a futuristic video depicting his concept of an interplanetary transport system based on reusable rockets, a propellant farm on Mars and 1,000 spaceships on orbit, carrying about 100 people each.

The spacecraft would have a restaurant, cabins, zero-gravity

games and movies.

“It has to be fun or exciting. It can’t feel cramped or boring,” he said.

Musk later told reporters he was “optimistic” that the first human mission could leave Earth in 2024 and arrive on the Red Planet the following year.

Before that, SpaceX plans to send an unmanned Dragon cargo capsule to Mars as early as 2018.

The South Africa-born Canadian-American entrepreneur said the plan would require a “huge public-private partnership,” but he did not announce any alliance with a government agency.

The first flight would be expensive but the aim is “making this affordable to almost anyone who wants to go,” by dropping the price of a ticket over time from $200,000 to $100,000, Musk said.

“You can’t create a self-sustaining civilization on Mars if the ticket price is $10 billion per person,” he said. AFP

Paraguay turns trash into instruments LOS ANGELES—Festering alongside mountains of stinking trash under the sweltering South American sun, Cateura is a long way from the conservatories of Prague or Vienna.

Yet the township which grew out of Paraguay’s largest dump is gaining an unlikely reputation as a

hothouse for musical talent -- and for its youth orchestra that plays instruments made from discarded rubbish.

“The world sends us garbage.

We send back music,” said Favio Chavez, leader of the “Recycled Orchestra,” during a recent visit by the group to Los Angeles.

Chavez hit upon the idea of using trash to make music 10 years ago.

Orchestra members, impoverished children from Cateura, play violins fashioned from oven trays and guitars made from dessert dishes.

One cello is made from an oil barrel with wooden spoons and a

stiletto heel for tuning pegs, while a discarded x-ray serves as the skin for a drum.

The orchestra provides the youngsters an outlet and an escape, a chance to transcend the squalor of their slum through the music of Mozart, Vivaldi and even Sinatra. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

WELLNESS & ENVIRONMENT

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Ecolodge leads the way in earth-friendly

resorts

The El Nido Resorts on Apulit island qualifies as an authentic ecolodge because of its environmentally sustainable management policies

Pangulasian resort in El Nido upholds the social and ecological integrity of its environment

Ecolodge guru Hitesh Mehta

El Nido Resorts’s accommodations on Miniloc island

T

ODAY’S brand of quality travelers has become so environmentally conscious that they want to make the most minimal impact of their tourist activities.

They look for hotels and restaurants which serve organic food, use earthfriendly energy and water systems, and take care for Mother Earth a part of their corporate management philosophy.

One emerging technology in the tourism industry is the ecolodge, described by the International Ecotourism Society as the design, development and operations of future lodges that uphold the social and ecological integrity of their given environments.

This type of tourist facility allows for sustained benefits from ecotourism without damaging or destroying the very natural resources on which they depend.

This movement is now in the country and this earth-friendly building technologies was the focus of the Ecolodge Design and Planning Workshop featuring multi-awarded ecoarchitect and natural landscape artist Hitesh Mehta, acknowledged as the world’s ecolodge guru.

Held on Sept. 19 to 23 at the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the training course and workshop provided participants with eco-friendly site planning techniques to enable them to implement ecolodge guidelines and certification standards.

Mehta also delivered lectures on “Ecotourism and Ecolodges,” “Site Analysis and Planning Ecoutourism Facilities,” “Architectural Aspects of Ecotourism Facilities,” and “Creative Design, Technology and Construction Trends in Ecolodges.”

Recognized by the United Nations, Metah has done projects in more than 55 countries on housing, community centers, national parks and nature reserve, tourism accommodations, malls, religious and cultural centers.

A collaboration with the United Architects of the Philippine and the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, the course is designed for landscape architects, land developers,

professors and students on design and architects, eco-tour operators, local communities and companies interested in investing in eco-friendly tourism structures.

Presentations included “Impact of Tourism on Indigenous Flora and Fauna in the Philippines” by Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society President Anthony Arbias, “Sustainability Initiatives in Tourism” by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development executive Director Nelson Devanadera, There was also an input on contextual Filipino architecture that took into account the availability of indigenous materials, topography and local design.

According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the five-day course enabled participants to incorporate renewable energy and efficient waste and water management systems into design and construction, and reduce building footprints by integrating infrastructure with natural landscape.

She said that participants also conducted an onsite metaphysical and physical analysis of the Dinalupihan Nature Park in Bataan, and presented conceptual ecolodge site plans for the plenary workshop.

Gabor said the workshop was in line with the country’s hosting of the first Asia Pacific Natural Landscape Conference and Exhibition in April 2017.

She noted there are only very few ecolodges, as they must conform to stringent ecotourism standards and criteria of an authentic ecolodge, and expressed hope that it will be a norm among tourist facilities worldwide.

In the Philippines, only El Nido Resorts in Palawan qualify as authentic ecolodge because of the hotel chain’s environmentally sustainable management policies. Comprised of the Island Resorts of Pangulasian, Miniloc, Lagen and Apulit, they will be included in the next edition of Mehta’s Authentic Ecolodges in the World book.

A tribute to past alumni achievers and leaders THE De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) is 100 years old this year.

Through its Grade and High School Manila Chapter, a grand centennial event called “Proudly Green: A Night of Tribute” will be held on Oct. 1 at the Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, Makati City.

The event is a celebration of excellence, paying tribute to past DLSAA leaders and awardees that have made Lasallians proud through their outstanding achievements. The celebration will also gather loyal Lasallian alumni in an evening of camaraderie, dinner, music and dancing. The famous Kundirana and Replay Band will provide entertainment.

In the roll of honor, there are some 369 awardees listed who have re-

ceived, through the years, the Distinguished Lasallian Award, the Lasallian Achievement Award, the Sports Hall of Fame Award and the past Alumni Presidents.

Among prominent Lasallians who will be honored are: Francisco Ortigas Jr., Ernesto Rufino Sr., Jose Diokno, Lorenzo Tañada, Br. Andrew Gonzales, Leandro Locsin, Ramon Valera, Josette Biyo, Jose Pardo, Joseph McMicking, Hans Sy, Alfonso Yuchengco, Enrique Zobel, Cesar Purisima, Philippe Lhuillier, Antonio Oposa, Jesus Villamor, Sergio Osmeña III, Lito Camacho, Edgardo Gomez, Bing de Guzman, Guillermo Luchangco, Gary Valenciano, Rico Hizon, Cathy Yang, Rina Lopez-Bautista, Mike En-

riquez, Kurt Bachmann, Ramoncito Campos, Monsour del Rosario, Stephen Fernandez, Leo Prieto, Johnny Litton and Tito Eduque.

For ticket inquiries, call Manny Blanco at telephone number (02) 8183021 or send an e-mail to jrbrealty@ vasia.com, or call Cherry Rivera of DLSAA at (02) 526-5612.

Standing, from left: DLSAA Grade School and High School chapter member Ramon Dizon, Executive Director Jose M. Kalaw, Jr., Executive Director Eugenio Alava and past president Delfin Warren.

Seated, from left: Grade School and High School chapter President Manuel Blanco, President Derrick Yu and Grade School High School chapter member.

Photo By Sonny Espiritu

Life

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Philippine Harvest highlights local spirits A REPEAT of the highly successful Philippine Harvest At Central Square held in May took place in August.

Once again, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with SSI Group, Inc. celebrated and promoted the richness of Philippine agriculture through a wide range of exhibitors that presented and sold their products at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street.

This time, the food range had been expanded to include and highlight Philippine Spirits.

“This event was an opportunity for us to meet some of our farmers, processors and retailers of premium organic, natural and indigenous products and

Martin Babasa of local craft beer label Pedro Brewcrafters

spirits that reflect our culinary culture which is at par with international standards,” said Agriculture Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Bernadette Romulo-Puyat who is also chairman of the National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB).

The three-day agri food fair was an avenue where the public was able to buy, bring home and appreciate organic, artisanal, natural and indigenous products native to our country.

Don Papa rum from Negros is popular in the Philippines and in other foreign markets

Charmaigne Gasmen, operations manager of DeMetrio’s Artisan Craft Wines

Losing weight with a new mindset CAN’T seem to lose weight despite your best intentions? Your mindset might be holding you back. In this day and age, when there’s a plethora of unhealthy food to consume and unhealthy lifestyle choices to make, it can be difficult to follow a diet program.

But if you have the right attitude to lose weight and maintain your ideal weight, nothing is impossible.

Sheryl Ehmene Uy-Garcia and Francis Salazar, two Cohen’s Lifestyle Program graduates who have maintained their healthy weight for more than three years, can attest to the effectiveness of conditioning one’s mind to lose weight. Before adapting their new mindset, Uy-Garcia, an advertising sales unit head in her mid30s, and Salazar, a technology consultant, both suffered from asthma and obesity.

They turned to the Cohen Lifestyle Program, a rapid weight loss and wellness program through nutrition. Salazar started the program in 2011 weighing 325 lbs., and in eight months, he lost 153 lbs. Garcia, who weighed 152 lbs., reached her healthy weight of 112 lbs. in just six months.

Salazar and Garcia share the following “mental diet” tips that they learned from joining the program: Assess your relationship with food. Before you can effectively lose

‘Eat to live, not live to eat’ is a good mindset when it comes to dieting and losing weight

weight, you have to understand and deal with the root cause of your problem first—your relationship with food.

The two Cohen clients reveal that they were emotional eaters before trying the program. Salazar shares, “I ate when I was happy; I ate when I was sad.” It’s important to be aware of why you may overeat and to stop feeding your emo-

tion in order to successfully maintain your ideal weight.

Always remember your weight loss motivation. Losing weight can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be, especially when you focus on why you want to lose weight. “During one of my monthly ER visits, the doctor warned me that my asthma was fatal and I would expire

early if I didn’t take care of myself. I enrolled in the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program because their approach is very personal.

They made me focus on my ‘why’ – to live longer for my husband and kids,” shares Garcia. As for Salazar, his family’s medical history compelled him to finally say goodbye to obesity. “A couple of my uncles died due to diabetes and stroke, and my mom knows that my current situation is a ‘ticking time bomb.’”

Have a support system. There may have been times when you wanted to give up, but with the help and support of your family, you can push through with your weight loss journey and reach your goal. Garcia and Salazar stayed committed to the Cohen Lifestyle Program with the help of their families. “A key factor that helped me stay committed to the program is my supportive husband who encouraged and cooked for me whenever he could,” shares Garcia. In addition to family support, it is also important to have the support of others who understand what you are going through and are supportive of your desire to lose weight and be healthier. Cohen Consultants often meet with their clients, such as Francis and Sheryl, to help them on their weight loss journey.

Set realistic expectations. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. You have to work for it, including sacrific-

ing some indulgences. “Before Cohen, I only ate pork, rice and soda, no vegetables and fruits, but now, my plate always has salad with protein,” Garcia shares. Salazar says, “It was okay to indulge once in a while, but not overindulge. It’s okay to enjoy food. We eat to live, not live to eat.”

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to stick to your diet program, setbacks happen which can slow down your weight loss progress or even increase your weight.

Change your perspective on food and diet. Your mindset on food and diet is an essential factor in losing and maintaining weight safely and effectively. Salazar shares, “I learned that food is not supposed to run my life.

That food is there for nourishment, but not to control me. I learned to be a more moderate and responsible eater.”

Garcia reveals, “It’s time to think of my family, not just my comfort. I eat to survive and only occasionally, eat to enjoy. Cohen teaches the discipline and the tools on how to make the right food choices, and I haven’t had any asthma attacks from the first day I started the program!”

To know more about Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, visit www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph, or visit Cohen Lifestyle Phil on Facebook and @cohenlifestyleph on Instagram.

Some acne myths you’ve heard EVER wondered whether certain notions about acne are really true or just plain myths?

There are impractical impressions while others are simply illogical.

Many believe acne is caused by dirt but truth be told, the skin can clean itself by shedding dead cells and nourishes and hydrates through its own oil.

Just don’t wash the face too much with strong alcohol that rids it of its natural oils, which can cause more imbalances and make blemishes worse than before.

Are you also wondering whether certain food types like chocolate can cause acne? The truth is far from it. There was never a connection between diet and acne.

There are also those who dismiss the idea of getting acne as they age since BREAK FREE FROM BREAKOUTS. Proactiv Solution’s 3-step system helps clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks while gently taking care of skin

they believe only teenagers can get acne. Well, frankly speaking, anyone can get acne regardless of age. While it is true that over 85 percent of people 12 to 24 years of age have acne, it can also reoccur or even start as late as your 30s.

So, seek treatment immediately and not worry whether it’s still age-appropriate.

There is no cure for acne, so living with acne is about controlling it using medicines powerful enough to kill acne bacteria but gentle enough to use every day.

But if and when the time comes that you have acne breakouts, simply avoid spot treatments. They just don’t work at all. It just treats the symptom and not the cause of acne. Using acne-fighting skin care regimens like the Proactiv Solution can help stop breakouts and keep your

face and body clear of debilitating acne.

Acne is a big deal. It’s frustrating and humiliating to those that suffer from it. Though not really a serious health threat, it has long-term consequences to one’s confidence due to the scarring and discoloration so get treated by using Proactiv or simply seek a doctor’s help.

Some also think that getting some sun exposure can help against acne by drying the skin, but don’t keep that as a regular practice. Exposing yourself to the sun can help rid your skin of its natural oil moisture. Prolonged sunbathing can increase pore plugging that creates blackheads, whiteheads and small pimples so better use sunscreen or non-pore clogging products to protect the skin.

Finally, while the belief that acne can be cured won’t happen yet, it can be contained, prevented and controlled through the daily use of the Proactiv Solution and its 3-Step System. The system was developed and recommended by dermatologists to help clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks while gently taking care of skin and it takes no more than five minutes to do so.

Start by applying the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser with active amounts of Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) that kills acnecausing bacteria. Its ultra-fine microcrystal BPO penetrates pores fast yet is gentle on the skin. Its tiny, round exfoliating beads unclog the pores of impurities like excess sebum, keratin and dead

Spot treatment may help address the symptom of acne but not the cause of it

skin cells.

Then use the alcohol-free Proactiv Revitalizing Toner. This refines and purifies pores and exfoliates the skin further by removing more dead skin cells and keeps pores unclogged. Its soothing botanicals gently balance skin tone, and remove excess oil for a refreshed, clear and youthful-looking skin.

Finally, the Proactiv Repairing Lotion heals the blemishes off the skin and helps prevent new acne from forming.

Proactiv is absolutely safe. Two components in each Proactiv Kit has BPO. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser only has 2.5 percent of BPO as well as the Proactiv Repairing Treatment, which is lower than other over-the-counter acne

treatments. The BPO breaks down into benzoic acid and oxygen, and the oxygen acts as a free radical that destroys the cells that block the pores along with the bacteria growing on it. BPO, at this concentration level, can already effectively prevent acne breakouts on the skin so there’s really no cause for worries at all.

Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask that makes and keeps skin clear and acne-free. It has sulfur, a tested acne fighter that reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin. It helps unclog pores, pampers inflamed skin and softens the skin’s texture.

The Proactiv Solution is available at all Watsons and SM stores nationwide.

D3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Dylan O’brien in ‘Deepwater Horizon’

Boomerang now on Cignal

F

RESH, furry, friendly, fun and familiar, Boomerang is the sister channel to Cartoon Network and the ultimate destination for the world’s most classic cartoons. Cignal subscribers will now be able to laugh-out-loud at the likes of Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Doo performing their hilarious on-screen antics.

Featuring an unrivalled selection of animation that the whole family can enjoy, Boomerang is a safe entertainment haven. Parents and their kids can bond over new shows with characters that generations have grown up with – and already

know and love.

Boomerang brings the best of slapstick known by millions around the world. The channel boasts iconic shows like Mr. Bean, Tom and Jerry, My Little Pony, Garfield, Scooby-Doo and Looney

Tunes. With a unique brand of shows such as these, dynamic and quirky young kids can be inspired while they laugh their way through each hilarious episode.

New shows to watch out for are Grizzy, Lemmings and Bunnicula – a vampire bat who was once the pet of Dracula and likes to drink carrot juice instead of blood to strengthen up his super abilities in new “fangtastic” paranormal adventures.

Kids and parents can now watch Boomerang on Cignal TV channel 39 on Plan 430 and above for prepaid and Plan 490 and above for postpaid. Boomerang is also available on SKYcable Channel 118.

Tribute film with Clive Owen and Dakota Fanning premieres on BMWFilms.com THE new short film The Escape, featuring Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga, will premiere on BMWFilms.com on Oct. 23. The film continues in the tradition of The Hire, a series of unique short films released between 2001 and 2002 that created a stir on the international marketing scene and beyond: The eight films, aired in two seasons, realized a totally new approach.

David Fincher, known as the director of films such as The Game with Michael Douglas and Fight Club with Brad Pitt, executive produced the first series. Renowned authors, directors and actors brought gripping stories to life. In each film, British actor Clive Owen played the lead role alongside a BMW. The supposedly most popular film of the first season titled Star featured Madonna as Clive Owen’s “passenger” in a BMW M5.

The second series, which was released in 2002, was executive produced by cult Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.

Fifteen years on, BMWFilms.

Jon Bernthal, one of the stars of ‘The Escape,’ a short film from BMW Films, which brings back their series of short films launched in 2001

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, September 29, 2016

ACROSS 1 Earth has one 6 Wing it?

10 Oops! (hyph.)

14 “— la vista, baby!”

15 Ration 16 Write a bad check 17 Like krypton 18 Pandora’s boxful 19 Canal or lake 20 See eye to eye 21 Political gatherings 23 Meyers of “Kate & Allie” 25 Chips go-with 26 A nanny pushes it 29 Motion picture 32 Took for a ride 37 Family mem.

38 Anvil, to a doctor 39 Ness’ quarry 40 No question about it (4 wds.)

43 Fare counters 44 Carryall 45 Mongrel 46 Lax 47 Toward sunrise, in Spain 48 Clarified butter

49 51 53 58

Ben & Jerry rival Greek P Fetch “Tiny Alice” penner 62 Rochester’s Jane 63 Economist — Greenspan 64 Role model 65 Shapely legs 66 Late-night Jay 67 Polygraph flunkers 68 Insect pest 69 Tizzy 70 Know intuitively DOWN 1 Mexican mint 2 Sounded a bell 3 Net surfer 4 River feeder 5 Spud 6 Bank safety org.

7 “Whatever — Wants” 8 Refer to 9 Joe of “My Cousin Vinny” 10 Luau guitars 11 Take on 12 Redding or Skinner 13 Laugh syllable 22 News bulletin 24 Laptop images 26 Formal dances

27 Fight off 28 Comic-strip queen 30 Gary’s st.

31 Wildlife shelters 33 Mdse. bars 34 Hunt illegally 35 Follow upon 36 Tractor pioneer 38 Carnival huckster 39 More appealing 41 Toshiba rival 42 Steaming 47 Grommet 48 Hawn of

Hollywood 50 Watch faces 52 Flags down 53 Meg — of films 54 Funny Bombeck 55 Kind of pilot 56 Windmill blade 57 Sufficient, in verse 59 Conk on the noggin 60 Snakes lack these 61 Failing that 62 It may be hardboiled

com returns with a tribute film, once again featuring Clive Owen behind the wheel and also starring Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal, and Vera Farmiga. The film was directed by South African director and Academy Award® nominee Neill Blomkamp and realized for BMW North America

by Geisel Productions, New York.

“I firmly believe that ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ can be communicated effectively through emotional stories and that, by this, we can strengthen our BMW brand’s core values. With a Hollywood-quality realisation, global stars, an Academy Award® nominated director and a consistent ‘online first’ approach, we are once again setting new standards for content marketing,” explained Hildegard Wortmann, senior vice president Brand BMW. “The new short film The Escap’ is designed as an homage to the 15th anniversary of The Hire. Clive Owen was keen from the start when he heard of our plans. We are delighted to have Clive on board again – with his style and coolness he is perfect for the role.”

OUT of the maze, Dylan O’ Brien stars anew in another pulse-stopping thriller, Deepwater Horizon, a true story of survival against all odds in a tragedy now considered as the largest marine oil spill in history. Directed

by Peter Berg, Deepwater Horizon also stars Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Gina Rodriguez, John Malkovich, and Kurt Russell.

Deepwater Horizon brings us to a world that bolsters everything mechanical on earth, due to the insatiable demand for fuel, oil companies dig into ocean depths where humans have never before dared to labor.

It’s a brave new world of exploration for the oil industry, but on April 20, 2010, the dangers of that world became devastatingly clear.

On that day, the Deepwater Horizon, a technological marvel, an ultra-deep-water, advanced oil rig owned by the Swiss company Transocean and leased

by British Petroleum was drilling deep in a well named Macondo about 40 miles off the Louisiana coast. Suddenly, the crew faced the greatest fear of all ocean rig workers: a ferocious blowout, caused by pockets of unstable methane shooting up the pipes with deadly force.

The rig is equipped with a blowout preventer that included an Emergency Disconnect System (EDS), both failed to contain the blowout. The initial blowout killed 11 men who were never found, critically injured others and sparked a bold evacuation of men and women trapped amid roiling mud and fire.

After two days of searing flames, the remains of the Deepwater Horizon sank 5000 feet to the ocean floor, leaving the well gushing beyond control, ultimately releasing, according to government estimates, 4.9 million barrels of oil.

From the start of production, all who

are involved felt it was vitally important to shoot amidst the people and communities these events affected so powerfully. In addition, the production closely consulted with survivors, families of those who were lost, oil industry experts, as well as Coast Guard advisors.

Says producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, “We had submersible guys working on the submersible scenes and real drillers working in the drill shack scenes. It gives the movie a deeper level of gravity because they each speak in a particular way and know when something doesn’t feel right.”

Before production started, a massive design challenge loomed: recreating the sprawling Deepwater Horizon in the visceral detail needed to take audiences into the tricky environment where the film’s characters fought to survive. It took Seagers and his team, including 85 welders, eight months to build the Deepwater Horizon set – which was created in three separate parts, to 85 percent scale of the actual rig. The main set weighed in at 2,947,094 lbs. and utilized 3.2 million lbs. of steel. It even included a functioning helipad where an actual helicopter was landed on the set.

The challenges of creating and working on these intricate sets brought cast and crew closer – but also were a constant reminder of just how much greater the difficulties were to those who found themselves trying to survive the most destructive oil rig disaster in history.

“One of the biggest sets I’ve ever experienced or seen, that’s just the part of the cool thing we do everyday here on sets and making movies. It’s the stuff we dream about as kids. It’s kinda surreal, we built an entire rig just like on a water tank,” shares O’Brien.

Deepwater Horizon opens Oct. 5 in cinemas from Pioneer Films.

A scene from the biographical disaster thriller featuring Dylan O’Brien and Mark Wahlberg

Showbiz

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

D4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

KISS. Team Real in the much awaited scene in ‘Till I Met You’ that generated 2 million tweets on Wednesday

‘Till I Met You’ wins versus rival program in

new timeslot

T

HE audience showed their love and support for Kapamilya stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre. Proof of that is how Till I Met You consistently has attracted more viewers in its new timeslot compared to its rival program.

Last week, fans were fascinated and were all feeling the kilig by how the real-life couple act it out as young lovers in the series that hit an average weekly nationwide rating of 18 percent (Sept. 1923), much higher than its rival program Someone to Watch Over Me, which posted just 11.3 percent, according to data from Kantar Media.

Filipino singer Ivy Grace Paredes

Netizens expressed their overflowing joy and kilig when Iris and Basti (Nadine and James) shared a kiss last Wednesday, sending the episode’s official hashtag #TIMYTheRooftopKiss to the list of the micro-blogging site’s trending topics. The hashtag also garnered a total of two million tweets.

Avid fans were also sure to catch up on the episodes they missed. So far, Till I Met You has hit a total of 3.5 million views on iWant TV since it started airing on television last month.

Meanwhile, as the story continues, the scars of the past have now affected their present lives after Iris and Basti discovered that their parents, Cassandra (Carmina Villarroel) and Nestor (Zoren Legaspi), were once lovers but went their separate ways after a bad breakup. Considering her mother’s feelings, Iris then decided to leave Basti and forget the love she has for him. But he will not give up and follow her to the Philippines to prove he is worthy of another chance.

Will Iris and Basti be able to fix their relationship?

How will their friend Ali (JC Santos) help them in mending their broken hearts? *** Despite receiving the loudest standing ovation on The X Factor UK Six Chair Challenge, Ivy Grace Paredes will no longer be in the singing competition on TV. It was confirmed last week that she failed to secure a US visa, so she had to leave The X Factor UK. The Judges’ Houses round would take place in the US. Many Filipinos in the UK and other parts of the world where the show is telecast expressed dismay when they learned of the unfortunate incident that befell the Filipino singer wannabe.

During the auditions, she sang the Whitney

ISAH V. RED

Alden Richards is the special guest at the Hair Olympics 2016, an annual event that gathers professional hairdressers and cosmetologists

Houston megahit, “I Have Nothing” that the auditorium where The X Factor UK is held breaking in a thundering applause.

Host Dermot O’Leary described it as the “loudest standing ovation of the night.” Judges Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger were on up their feet acknowledging how well the Filipino singer did in this round of the competition.

In giving her comments after Ivy Grace’s performance, Nicole said, “I know why you left the Philippines. (It is) because your voice is way too big for the Philippines alone. It is meant for the entire world to hear.”

Simon Cowell, on the other hand, quipped, “Is it the most original thing we’ve ever heard? No.” But quickly changed gears saying, “Is it exciting? Yes! Should you be in a chair? Yes!” Sharon Osbourne, mentor of the Overs Category to which Ivy Grace is grouped, already had all her six chairs filled. After Ivy Grace’s performance she had no choice but to then give her a chair. Ivy Grace took over the seat Marianna Zappi occupied securing for herself a spot in Sharon’s top 6 and a position in the Judges’ Houses round.

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment same day as the UK on Sundays and Mondays at 10:30 a.m. with primetime encores at 9 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.

RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SkyCable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD) and Destiny Cable channel 53. *** International delegates, sponsors and guests are in for a special treat from “Pambansang Bae” Alden Richards. The TV and film sensation will grace

the Asia Pacific Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association’s (APHCA) welcome revelry for the delegates of the 20th Hair Olympics on Oct. 26.

Alden, who rose to fame via Eat Bulaga, is also a recording artist with two albums out in the market.

He will serenade the guests with all the appropriate trimmings in an international setting in a fitting theme perfect for the welcome event that reflects Filipino hospitality with its simplicity and cheerful environment.

Sure to enthrall the audience with their unique style is a special team of professionals from China and Hong Kong that will present their biggest hair show featuring the latest trends in haircutting for both men and women.

The Hair Olympics is an annual event with professional hairdressers and cosmetologists in a competition. Over the past years, APHCA member countries (Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau, South Korea, Philippines, China, Japan, Mongolia, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Hongkong) took turns to host the international event. This year is special as it is a homecoming so to speak as the Philippines, where it all started, once again hosts the much-anticipated competition.

Hairdressers and cosmetologists in the Asia Pacific are expected to display their expertise and inventiveness in the following categories: men’s cut & blow dry, avant-garde color, evening party and bridal make-up; the total look & nail art competition and evening party hairstyle.

The 20th Hair Olympics, with the support of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Zen Institute, Air Asia, Skin Care Formula by Dr. Alvin, Philbeauty, Selective Professional and Travelpros will be held a t Hall 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines on Oct. 26, 2016.

NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards for Kapuso network GMA Network - through its global arm, GMA International - was the most-awarded Filipino company with four trophies at the 2016 Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA) of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

The awarding ceremonies were held during a special luncheon on Sept. 21 at New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, New York.

The US-based NAMIC EMMA recognizes outstanding marketing efforts for culturally diverse audiences and customers of different race, gender, and other market segments. GMA was recognized along with notable winners like HBO, Comcast, and XFINITY, among others.

Leading the roster of winners from GMA this year is the GMA Pinoy TV Van Wrap in Manitoba, Canada, which won 2nd place in the Out of Home category.

This initiative was done in collaboration with FilipinoCanadian newspaper Ang Peryodiko in order to reach more Filipinos in Canada.

The 2015 GMA Pinoy TV Station ID, meanwhile, won 3rd place in the Television category. With its

theme song sung by Rachelle Ann Go, the station ID effectively highlighted GMA Pinoy TV’s mission of bringing Filipino abroad closer to home.

Also winning 3rd place are the GMA Pinoy TV Print Ads in Rogers Canada and the #MaGMAhalanTayoNgayongPasko: GMA Christmas Station ID Sing-Along Campaign in the Print Ad and Social Media categories, respectively. The GMA Pinoy TV Rogers Print Ads contributed to the increase in subscriber numbers of GMA’s three international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International via Rogers, while the #MaGMAhalanTayoNgayongPasko Sing-Along campaign proved to be an effective tool in strengthening GMA International’s ties with Filipino communities through the submission of videos online.

“We are grateful to NAMIC for the continued and consistent recognition of our marketing efforts over the last number of years. These awards inspire us as we strive to reach the unserved and underserved Filipino markets abroad,” Joseph T. Francia, GMA first vice president and head of International Operations, said.

From left: Ms. Grace Labaguis, GMA International Marketing Consultant for the US (East Coast), Ms. Susan Waldman, Senior Manager for Membership and Publications, NAMIC, and Ms. Faye Nalicat-Auyong, GMA International Marketing Consultant for Canada