Manila Standard - 2016 October 08 - Saturday

Diversify weapons sources, DND says SOME countries are now offering the Philippines defense equipment for its military modernization program as President Rodrigo Duterte seeks alliances with other countries

aside from the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

“Is it time for us to look for others for our military defense materials? It’s time,” Lorenzana told members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

“Many ambassadors have come to me offering a lot of equipment. I see this as a healthy development with our relationship with other countries. They are offering to sell to us.”

Lorenzana issued his statement even as Duterte has threatened to scrap the Philippines’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement Next page

TRAPID REMINDER. After President Rodrigo Duterte

said the United States is free to withdraw its aid to its Southeast Asian ally, the US Embassy posted throwback photos in its Facebook account of the assistance Washington, like this one following the 2013 Zamboanga siege, with a message ‘Remember when the US military and USAID Philippines distributed 10,000 units of bottled water, sleeping mats, blankets, tooth brushes, toothpaste, buckets and canned goods to provide relief and emergency to internationally displaced persons in Zamboanga? We were here to help. We are still here to help.’ US Embassy.

VOL. XXX • NO. 238 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Rody warns US: Careful ‘Assess yourselves or lose an ally’

By John Paolo Bencito

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday warned that the United States might lose the Philippines as an ally in the Pacific if they won’t carefully assess his war on illegal drugs and the historical injustices that were committed in the country.

Shortly after singing praises to one that helped his campaign China, which he said was the only against illegal drugs that the US

criticized, Duterte said America should respect the Philippines as an equal.

“I’m not telling America to follow [China’s suit,] I do not expect you to do that also. We sacrificed for you. You stayed here. You are still doing business here. We just swallowed that. We suffered during the last Second World War because you were here. Had you not been here, we would not have experi-

enced so much destruction in the country. The Battle of Manila, 200,000 Filipinos died because you were here,” Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“So these are the things—now do not forget, do not say it was 45 years ago, 60 years ago. In the relation between race and tribes, the past is as valid as the present. Assess yourselves because if you don’t, you will lose the Philippines.”

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PH-US relations: What went wrong?

REPEATED Standard Poll surveys affirmed the claim of White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest that there are indeed “warm relations” between Filipinos and Americans.

Several surveys of the Standard Poll, conducted by statistician Junee Laylo, most Filipinos consider the US and Japan as the country’s top two tunay na kaibigan [real friends] while China is the Philippines’ top “frenemy” and its leasttrusted neighbor. So what happened?

The following timeline shows events leading to the current situation.

Mar 7 – In a campaign sortie at Rizal, Duterte said it might be wiser for the country to pursue a “bilateral mode” with China instead of the multilat-

eral approach by the Aquino administration.

Apr 15 – Duterte insists pursuing a deal with China should they fail to get a favorable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

April 17 – Duterte tells “rape joke” about Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill.

April 18 – Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg criticize Duterte over joke.

April 20 – Duterte says he may cut ties with US, Australia following their criticisms to his rape joke comments.

May 9 – Duterte wins national elections.

May 18 – US President Barack Obama congratulates Duterte.

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Edsa, C5 ‘windows’ closed on October 31 BRICK-WALL CAMPAIGN. Suspected drug pushers and drug users squat on Palanca Bridge in Manila’s San Miguel district during an anti-illegal drug swoop by police and anti-drug authorities as part of the government’s remorseless fight against drug addiction President Rodrigo Duterte described as ‘destroyer’ of the country’s society. N. Araga

Duterte a ‘king’?

De Lima thinks so

By Macon Ramos-Araneta ONE day after being pilloried in House hearings investigating the proliferation of drugs in the national penitentiary, Senator Leila de Lima launched new attacks on President Rodrigo Duterte, calling him “a narcissist with messianic delusions” who wanted to get at her for launching a Senate probe into extrajudicial killings in his war on illegal drugs.

“Who died and made him king? Well, so far about 3,400 people have died. Without a trial.

Again, many under suspicious, if Next page

Quiapo raid: 7 drug suspects killed

By Sandy Araneta, Mel Caspe and John Paolo Becito FORMER president and current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada directed an anti-illegal drug operation at the Islamic Center in Quia-

po Friday that led to the deaths of seven suspected drug pushers and the arrest of over 200 suspects, including an alleged commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter.

Estrada oversaw the early morning operation conducted by

members of Stations 3 and 8 of the Manila Police District, SWAT, and the National Capital Region Police Office.

“This shows that we are serious in our fight against illegal drugs,” Estrada said as he called on the Next page

THE mayors of Metro Manila have agreed to remove the window hours for the private vehicles traversing Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 to ease traffic in the metropolis, the Metro Manila Development Authority said Friday.

The agency made the announcement a few days after meeting with the mayors and the members of the Inter-agency Council on Traffic in Pasig City.

The window hours refer to the five-hour period when motorists covered by the Number Coding Scheme may still pass Edsa and C5 without being apprehended.

Reds insist on amnesty before talks

Davao blast: 3 Mautes rapped THREE members of the Maute Terrorist Group who exploded a bomb in Davao City on Sept. 2 and killed 15 people and injured 69 more are in police custody, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

He said the three were on board a motorcycle with no license plates when they were arrested at a checkpoint in Cotabato City on Oct. 4.

“We have recovered solid pieces of evidence showing that they are indeed the terrorists who bombed Davao City on Septemtwitter.com/ MlaStandard

ber 2,” Lorenzana said.

He said the authorities confiscated materials for making explosive devices, a sub-machine gun, a .45cal. pistol and cellular phones from the three men.

He said one of the men placed the bomb in position, another detonated it and the third took a video of the explosion using his cellular phone.

“There are indications that the Maute Group is trying to align themselves with the ISIS as seen in

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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S

That period is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but removing the window hours means the vehicles covered by the Number Coding Scheme may not pass Edsa or C5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“In a bid to decongest traffic in Metro Manila, the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic and the Metro Manila Council have agreed to come up with a Resolution to remove the window hours for private vehicles traversing Edsa and C5,” the MMDA said in an advisory.

“The Resolution is set to be implemented on Oct. 31, 2016, 15 working days after its publiNext page cation on Oct. 10.”

LONG ARM OF THE LAW. Three suspected terrorists authorities say were

responsible for the bomb blast in Davao City on Sept. 2, where 15 died and 69 others wounded, are presented by security officials at Camp Aguinaldo who identified them as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Musali Mustapha and Wendel Apostol Facturan of the Maute group. Manny Palmero

thestandard.com.ph

THE communist National Democratic Front on Friday warned that the delay in the release of the alleged political prisoners promised by President Rodrigo Duterte could undermine its peace negotiations with the government.

Newly appointed NDF Next page

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News

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Matobato detained in Crame

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

‘Even military boxed out’

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

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T. COL. Ferdinand Marcelino, the former intelligence officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, would have told lawmakers on Thursday that not only the police but the military intelligence was also excluded by former Justice secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima in the controversial Dec. 15, 2014 raid on the New Bilibid Prison.

by officials from the PDEA, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Department of Justice.

“In fact, we have identified personalities or targets who were confirmed to be involved in illegal drugs and the “kubol” controversy. The intelligence information includes Jaybee Sebastian, Peter Co, Vicente Sy and Herbert Colanggo, among others,” the former PDEA official stressed.

Marcelino recalled that the discussion focused on how the operation was to be conducted.

“There was an initial proposal to divide the NBP into sectors and a specific office or unit was to be assigned to conduct the operation in each sector. However, the participants did not agree on an operation plan leading us to think that the raid was still put

SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday surrendered self-confessed assassin Edgar Matobato to Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration has placed Ronnie Dayan, the former driver and bodyguard of Senator Leila de Lima, in its lookout bulletin after the Department of Justice issued an order to prevent Dayan from leaving the country.

The BI said a lookout bulletin was different from a hold departure or watchlist order, because any person in it can still leave the country if permitted by the DoJ. Persons issued an HDO or a WLO who have pending criminal cases that have not yet been dismissed can only leave the country by securing an allow departure order from the court or the DoJ. Matobato had been in the protective custody of Trillanes since he testified in the Senate investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during police anti-drug operations.

Matobato told the Senate justice committee, then chaired by Senator Leila de Lima, that he was a member of the vigilante group Davao Death Squad, which killed over 1,000 suspected criminals and political opponents of the family of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He also alleged that Duterte, then Davao City mayor, sanctioned the spate of killings by the DDS, which was established by the President.

Trillanes fetched Matobato from his safehouse and took him to Dela Rosa as he had promised once a warrant was issued for his arrest.

AT ODDS. There was no mention of toupees or sex videos when Senator Leila de Lima questioned Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre on the 2017 budget of the Department of Justice at the Senate on Friday. Lino Santos

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negotiating panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili demanded a general amnesty for the more than 400 alleged political prisoners.

That, he said, would be “a matter of justice and compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.” He said President Rodrigo Duterte had offered a general amnesty for political prisoners in a meeting on May 16.

“The NDF has kept to its obligation on its unilateral ceasefire declaration. However, the promise to release the political prisoners seems to be suffe ring from delay after delay after delay,” Agcaoili said.

“If this anomalous situation continues, it can serve as a disincentive to the NDF in further pursuing the discussions on prolonging the ceasefire and arriving at a bilateral agreement on a more stable ceasefire.

“The most effective method of release is through an amnesty proclamation as offered by President Duterte himself.”

Labor Secretary and government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said Duterte would announce an amnesty only after the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations.

But Agcaoili said “the proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to both Parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict.”

He said the prompt resolution of the issue would go a long way in creating a favorable atmosphere for prolonging the ceasefire and advancing the peace talks.

CPP founder Jose Maria Sison says the NDF is cool to the idea of a ceasefire because government forces have the habit of violating their own ceasefire by conducting military operations. John Paolo Bencito

Also on Friday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that the Philippines has informed the United States that joint patrols in the South China Sea have been suspended, following orders from President Duterte.

“They have been suspended for the time being. They [Washington] know it already,” Lorenzana told reporters, adding he had relayed the decision to the commander of the US Pacific Command when he was in Hawaii at the start of this month.

Still, Lorenzana seemed uncertain about the fate of the patrols.

“They will not be conducted anymore until we clarify if he [Duterte] means what he says,” he said.

The longtime allies began planning joint patrols under the previous administration, which had sought to attract a greater US military presence in the region to counter Chinese efforts to take control of the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the sea, even waters close to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases.

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Lawmakers earlier urged the government to remove the window hours to ease the traffic in Metro Manila.

They said removing the window would reduce the number of vehicles on Metro Manila’s roads by about 20 percent.

MMDA officials admit that the increasing number of private vehicles is the major cause of the traffic jams along Edsa. They say more than 6,800 vehicles are using Edsa per hour in one direction higher than the artery’s capacity of 6,000

The PDEA ex-agent may never have that chance because the House committee on justice said it will conduct one more hearing on Monday to wrap up its probe into the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison.

Marcelino was supposed to testify before the House investigation on the proliferation of illegal trade inside the NBP, but the investigating committee disallowed his

testimony and instead referred it to the House committee on public order and safety.

In his nine-page affidavit, Marcelino recalled that he was part of the inter-agency group that planned the Bilibid raid. “I even personally briefed then-DoJ Secretary Leila de Lima,” he said.

As early as July, according to Marcelino, several operational planning meetings were attended

on halt,” he said.

So the PDEA ex-officer said he was surprised when the DoJ still went through with the raid on Dec. 15, 2014.

“The ISAFP was excluded from the raid and the ensuing investigation even though the original plan was for it to conduct forensic examination on the contrabands, including cellphones,” he added.

Former CIDG Chief Benjamin Magalong told the House inquiry on the Bilibid drug trade that he apprised De Lima and then-Bureau of Corrections Chief Franklin Jesus Bucayu of the information they received about Bilibid.

However, Magalong said, even though the CIDG was part of the planning stage for the massive raid, it and the PDEA were excluded when the plan was carried out.

De Lima denied Magalong’s allegation saying the police was not excluded because the National

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Muslim leaders at the Islamic Center to support the government’s war against drugs.

“This is just the second time that Islamic Center has been raided; the first was during Marcos’ administration.

I hope we can help each other so that your community can be peaceful and drug-free,” he said in Filipino.

One of the seven suspects killed in the operation was a high-value target, a certain Faiz Macabato, reportedly the chairman of Barangay 648, who has P1-million bounty on his head. Police said Macabato fought back when policemen stormed the barangay hall.

vehicles per hour.

The gridlock on Edsa remains despite the Number Coding Scheme that bans vehicles on the artery one day a week depending on the last digit on their license plates.

The MMDA says about 6,000 cars are sold in the country each month, and that 90 percent of the vehicles using Edsa are private.

A study says a mega city like Metro Manila should have 25 percent of its total land area allotted for roads, but only 5,000 kilometers of road network is in place there instead of the ideal 8,000 kilometers. Joel E.

Zurbano

Lorenzana said the United States and Philippines had conducted two “passing through” maneuvers over the section of the sea claimed by Manila this year, but not actual “combat patrols.”

Duterte, who began his six-year term on June 30, quickly shredded President Benigno Aquino III’s strategy on China, seeking cooperation and dialogue with Beijing while diluting the Philippines’ alliance with the United States.

Earlier this week, Duterte rchallenged the United States, the European Union and human rights advocates to pull out their aid to the Philippines if they continue to criticize his anti-narcotics campaign.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. on Thursday also declared that the country would break the “shackles of dependency” on the United States, which he said has failed the Philippines.

Yasay said that US dependency made Filipinos incapable of defending their national interest against internal and external threats, including the country’s ongoing territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea. Responding to threats of ouster, Duterte said that if they would continue to meddle his affairs, this might break up the country’s alliance with the United States.

“You want to oust me? You want to use the CIA? Go ahead. I said I put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency. What happens to me is really a part of my destiny. If I am ousted, then that is part of my presidency,” he said.

“But as long as I am there, do not treat us like a doormat because you will be sorry for it. I will not stick with you.”

In the same speech, Duterte reiterated that he can always go to China.

“For the foreign policy now, I am opening up the Philippines. I do not want to antagonize you. But I said, try to give us a little of respect. You do not go around reprimanding a head of state as if you are talking to—p***** i**.”

The US State Department on Friday said it remains focused on maintaining strong ties and providing assistance to the Philippines amid the latest remarks by Duterte and Yasay.

Responding to Yasay’s assertion that the Duterte administration would no longer bend to the carrotand-stick approach used by America or any other country, including China, US State Department Spokesman John Kirby said that nothing will change in the relations of the two countries. With Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo, Macon RamosAraneta, and AFP

“It doesn’t matter who you are in this campaign, if you have broken the law, you must pay for it. Unfortunately, he fought back, so the MPD was forced to shoot back,” Estrada said.

A total of 263 drug suspects or “persons of interest” were also arrested while dozens of high-powered firearms and grenades and at least 60 sachets of shabu were confiscated, MPD director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said.

Police in Leyte said Friday they were preparing cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against 226 respondents who allegedly received drug payoffs from suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, Albuera police chief, said these include 19 politicians, four members of the

judiciary, 24 police officials, 15 police non-commissioned officers, four officials of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), three CIDG non-commissioned officers; an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, three personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, an Army official, three members of the media and 149 civilians.

Espenido did not reveal the names of the politicians, but said these include a senator, a governor and vice governor from Region VIII, two Leyte board members and two Leyte mayors, a Leyte vice mayor and councilor, a president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen, six barangay captains from Albuera, Leyte, and two barangay kagawad, also from Albuera, Leyte.

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Speaking during a dialogue on Human Rights and Democracy at Adamson University, De Lima taunted Duterte, saying he had the sole right to say who was human and who was not.

“For our beloved President, those being killed were not human; they’re criminals,” said De Lima.

She said only Duterte could brush away the guarantees under the Constitution, even though it was ratified by 76 percent of Filipinos, compared to his much lower

mandate of about 38.5 percent.

“The Filipino people are idiots.

He is wise. The best thing we can do is to stop thinking for ourselves, be silent, and meekly follow him.

Blindly. To the precipice and beyond. Because he is omniscient and all-seeing, and we are but ignorant sheep that need his guidance to be divided and led to either salvation or slaughter,” said De Lima.

De Lima also denied accusations raised against her in the House, saying these were payback for her launching a Senate investigation into the rising death toll in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

“He thinks and acts like he’s the king—no, a god—therefore, he is? In truth, he’s affirming the consequent: they are dead, therefore they must have been criminals and, hence, not human,” said De Lima.

June 13 – US Ambassador Philip Goldberg visits Duterte in Davao.

June 21 – Duterte asks Goldberg if the US will help the Philippines if China attacks.

June 30 – Duterte takes oath as 16th Philippine President. Duterte vows to honor international obligations.

June 14 – Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno says Duterte wants to start bilateral talks with China.

June 12 – The Permanent Court of Arbitration rules for the Philippines in its historic case against China over the South China Sea. June 19 – American lawmakers, Senator Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz, Congressman Ted Deutch, Donna Edwards, John Garamendi and Goldberg visits Duterte in Malacañnang to discuss landmark ruling on the West Philippine Sea. June 27 – US commits $32 million for PH law enforcement training, services during visit of Secretary of State John Kerry.

August 5 – Despite meeting earlier with Goldberg, President Rodrigo Duterte calls him an “annoying homosexual” during a military camp visit in Cebu.

August 8 – US State Department raises concern over alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines, after Duterte publicly named more than 160 judges, mayors, solons, police and other individuals were suspected to be involved in drug activity.

August 9 – The US State Department summoned Patrick Chuasoto, Philippine charge d’ affaires in Washington after Duterte’s remarks calling Goldberg an “annoying homosexual.”

August 12 – Duterte says he will not apologize for Goldberg comment, tells the outgoing US ambassador to apologize for “meddling” in the country’s elections.

August 13 – DFA answers US concerns, saying that they do not condone unlawful killings but dodges any apologies to Goldberg.

August 23 – Duterte hits US for the killings of black people which the US has also failed to address.

August 29 – Duterte appoints chief Palace protocol officer Marciano Paynor as Philippine ambassador to the US.

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with the United States that was signed in 2014.

“We can also buy missiles from other countries like Germany, Israel and South Korea. We can also buy from France,” Lorenzana said.

But he emphasized that US-made materials and technology remained well-known worldwide.

Earlier, Duterte ordered the Defense department and the Armed Forces to look for other military markets like Russia and China for sophisticated weapons.

She said it’s likely that the people they are labeling “criminals” may be innocent, yet they are found guilty.

“And by that simple means of labeling, their lives are deemed forfeit... Yet, those who have been judicially adjudged as criminals are now being paraded before the public as the fountain of truth, bolstered by a sex video that these perverted dirty old men are salivating over. Wow! Amazing!” exclaimed De Lima.

She cited Philippine National Police figures that showed that as of Sept. 26, 1,390 drug suspects were killed in police operations.

As of Sept. 20, 2,294 more were victims of extrajudicial or vigilante-style killings, she added.

“We could also get insight into the aspects of the human rights situation that cannot be captured by sheer number by reading from

Capital Region Police Office and the Special Action Force were part of the December 15 raid.

She added that personalityrelated issues were among her considerations because Bucayu and another police official, Reginal Villasanta, have issues with Magalong.

Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, the justice panel chairman, said the hearings have been productive and established the alleged involvement of De Lima and her former driverbodyguard Ronnie Dayan in the illegal drug trade at the national penitentiary. “[Senator Leila de Lima] says there are some snippets of truth to what they are accusing her of,” Umali said, referring to De Lima’s claim. “But sadly, [De Lima] did not tell which the true snippets are,” Umali told a television interview.

August 30 – Malacañang and the White House confirm that Duterte and Obama will meet at the Asean summit in Laos in September.

Sept. 2 – US Press Secretary John Earnest says Obama won’t pull punches against Duterte in their Laos meet.

Sept. 3 – US condoles with the Philippines after Davao night market bombing.

Sept. 5 – Duterte calls Obama a “son of a bitch” at a press conference in Davao City before leaving for Laos.

Obama says Duterte a “colorful guy” and suggests their scheduled bilateral talks may not push through.

Sept. 6 – Obama scraps bilateral meeting with Duterte at Laos.

Sept. 12 – Duterte says he doesn’t want the presence of US Special Forces in Mindanao; says US pacification campaign continues to stir unrest in the South.

Sept. 13 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay says there will be no shift in Philippine policy on US. Duterte says he won’t cut “umbilical cord” with allies but says he may stop joint sea patrols with the US. Sept. 14 – Duterte says he’s keen on buying defense equipment from Russia and China, citing that America doesn’t want to help him. The following day, Duterte says he doesn’t want the US to leave the country.

Sept. 16 – The US State Department said that they will be looking to recent allegations of extrajudicial killings when Duterte was still Davao mayor, following the emergence of professed killer Edgar Matobato.

Sept. 20 – Palace says they are investigating “oust Duterte” plots by some influential Filipino-Americans.

Sept. 23 – Duterte invites Obama to PH to probe supposed extrajudicial killings.

Sept. 26 – Duterte says he’s about to “cross the Rubicon” with the US, insists, however, he will open up alliances with China and Russia.

Sept. 28 – Duterte says next PH-US military exercises will be the last in his term.

Oct. 2 – Duterte threatens US to call off the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, may ask US Forces to leave the Philippines soon.

Oct. 4 – Duterte tells Obama to “go to hell” for meddling in local affairs and the EU to go to “purgatory.”

Oct. 6 – Yasay says America failed Philippines. Duterte tells EU, US: Withdraw aid, we will survive.

Lorenzana said it would be up to the government to scrap Edca.

“Well, it’s an option because there is a one- year notice to terminate it.

But it’s the decision for the higherups. I’m not saying we have to scrap it,” he said.

“Whatever the decision of the government, we will follow. I was not part of the people who crafted Edca, and I would love to study it myself.

“Looking at Edca, there are many things that we can get such as facilities and the development of our camps. EDCA is to our benefit.”

But he said China and Russia also had a lot to offer.

Florante S. Solmerin

the transcript of the exploitation film—esque drama that is being staged at the House of Representatives—where individual’s rights to privacy and security are thrown out the window, right along with women’s rights, which are repeatedly raped, strangled and mangled to death, and abandoned like a piece of meat by certain members of the House of Representatives who are unapologetically insensitive, uncaring and ignorant of women’s issues, including the real problem of slut shaming,” she said.

However, although most exploitation films usually use graphic sex, violence and extreme language to substitute for real plot and thoughtprovoking ideas, De Lima said, “the kangaroo proceedings in the House of Representatives is much more nefarious and devious.” With PNA

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the recovered video,” Army chief Eduardo Año said.

“We have also established their link with the ASG as they revealed their intention to disrupt the government’s massive military operations in Sulu.”

Officials said about 10 members of the Maute Group participated in the Davao City bombing.

They said the group had planned to use hand grenades in case the bomb failed to explode to inflict more casualties. PNA

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Opinion

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

100 long days

W

E VIEW the first 100 days of the Duterte administration with a mix of wonder, caution, trepidation—and, despite ourselves, hope.

Leave the experts to compare the hard statistics to the actual achievements: the supposed decline in street crimes, growth in the economy, increase in tax collections, less minutes wasted on the road or the runway, and additional infrastructure.

We remember just a few numbers, specifically the over 3,000 suspected drug dealers and users who have been killed since the beginning of President

Rodrigo Duterte’s term, and the three million drug addicts he said he would be happy to slaughter, Hitlerstyle. No doubt about it—the fight against drugs is the centerpiece of this administration.

What stand out for ordinary Filipinos are the sentiments evoked by the pronouncements of the hundred-day-old President. Does he inspire us? Does he appear to know what he wants to achieve and does he have the plan or wherewithal to take us there? Does he lift our spirits and our image before the rest of the world? Does he make us feel prosperous and safe?

It’s a wonder that a city mayor from down south, starkly different from the usual pedigreed, mild-mannered and pleasant-sounding politicians, can sweep the elections by a plurality. It is amazing that he can utter expletives and insult

other people during official functions and still enjoy overwhelming trust and acceptance by the people.

We are cautious because Mr. Duterte, who ran and won on the platform of bringing about genuine change, may be introducing a brand of change that is more drastic that we have ever imagined.

We are also impatient because there appears to be a contradiction. Some of the ills we thought would be immediately gone are still here: maddening traffic, corruption on all levels of government, and sadly, gutter politics.

Finally, we cannot help feeling grim. Listening to the President speak sometimes occasions the thought: Is this foul-mouthed man really in charge of my—and my children’s—destiny for the next six years? Mr. Duterte has shown he can talk ill of world leaders, threaten to break long-standing ties and and even

dare them to withdraw aid.

Still, we hope that the next days will be more sobering for the President and for the nation: That he may realize he can get a lot done without calling unnecessary attention to himself and that the rest of the country can snap out of the rock-star worship it seems to have towards Mr. Duterte.

Try hard as we might, we cannot use creative imagination to convince ourselves everything is all right. We cannot accept excuses that he is tired or hungry or just provoked. We cannot always doubt our own understanding of the words he so clearly utters. Or, when everything fails, tell ourselves he is just like Jesus.

Mr. Duterte still has more than 2,000 days as our leader. Let’s brace ourselves for a ride—and hope it won’t be extreme.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Duterte’s ‘Hitler’ remarks and freedom of speech

to that state of independence he promises us. The fact is, beyond motherhood statements verging on the romantic. Digong has said almost nothing specific on where he is bringing our country in terms of foreign relations.

Yes, the US, UN, and EU have expressed grave concern over how his “war against drugs” is waged. But, is this enough to break ties with allies and the UN? Is Duterte not being too onion-skinned here? Don’t the various ways that they helped the country for many years, decades even, count? Certainly, Digong does not need to cuss at those who, whether, we admit it or not, have given us precious assistance when we direly needed them. Let us remember ‘‘Ondoy,’’ ‘‘Yolanda,’’ and the decades of bilateral programs our people benefited from in partnership with them.

Surely, we need not break friendships to be truly independent. Things are not black

IT’S been a week since President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial speech about his ongoing anti-drug campaign which mentioned Adolf Hitler, the Nazi German leader during World War II. After being criticized by Jewish organizations in the United States for allegedly comparing drug dealers and drug users to the Jews killed by Hitler’s troops in Nazi-occupied Europe during the war, Duterte took the heat like a national leader should, and apologized. Duterte declared that when he made the remark, it was not his intention to insult the memory of the Jews killed in that chapter of world history known as the Holocaust.

As pointed out in last week’s essay, the context of President Duterte’s speech, which was his emphasis on the zeal of his anti-drug campaign, and the fact that the Philippines has no historical tradition of antiSemitism (hostility towards the Jews as a group), negate any intention of being anti-Semitic on the part of the president.

Moreover, since there is no reason for Duterte to harbor any hatred for Jews in the first place, the conclusion that he compared the Jews killed by the Nazis to the drug dealers and drug users being hunted down by Duterte’s administration appears to be largely impulsive—possibly a knee-jerk reaction to an unexpected utterance of Hitler’s name by the president of a Southeast Asian country with no experience of Nazi brutality.

Since President Duterte had no intention of offending the feelings of the Jews worldwide when he delivered his speech, it would have been enough for him to make the clarification.

No, he swallowed his pride and apologized for any wounded feelings his remarks may have inadvertently caused. That act of humility is statesmanship by any standard, enough to make up for whatever shortcomings he may have unwittingly demonstrated when he gave that controversial address.

Sadly, the president’s critics were quick to condemn him, but blind to his remedial

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Pursuing an independent Philippines POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THIS administration has the uncanny ability to put people on edge. Statements that shock us come one after another. Interestingly, President Rodrigo Duterte himself is credited for pronouncements that unnerve us. No wonder, his representatives are always hard-pressed to lighten the impact of the President’s words.

Digong Duterte is used to being the mayor of Davao City where his word reigned supreme and he was treated like king. President Digong is not used to, and does not like being criticized. He seems to take criticism, even constructive ones, as personal affront.

He is sensitive. And this endears him to many. Yet, his words sting. His cursing and

cussing when irked, (and this happens a lot), make people very uneasy, embarrassed, and at times, quite critical. Digong is no longer a city mayor. He is voted into the highest office by 16 million of us, and is now the president of more than 100 million Filipinos.

The President needs to begin appreciating the huge difference between being a mayor and president. Unlike heading a city, exercising control over the citizens of a country is anything but easy. With technology and the proliferation of social media, management of information about what one says and does is much more difficult. Politicians’ words and actions are instantaneously reported to the public.

There is no time to “massage” information prior to publication.

Because Digong’s people need to soften the blow of his words after the fact, their clarifications, explanations, and interpretations are often more confusing, sometimes even sounding stupid.

The president cannot continue to disregard the implications and impact of his abrasive words on the people, and the country.

One important area of govern-

We need not break friendships to be truly independent.

ance that not a few are seriously concerned about is international relations. Duterte has repeatedly verbally assaulted the United States and President Obama, the US Ambassador to the country, the United Nations and its Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and even the European Union. He is angry that they have raised con-

cerns over the over 3,400 killed in the name of his war against drugs.

Lately, he challenged the US, UN, and EU to stop the assistance to the Philippines if they want to. Duterte also threatened to cut ties with America. He said that the country will survive without help from them and that if need be, he will be the first to go hungry.

The President’s promise is to pursue an independent Philippines, one that is not subservient to another country and whose relationship with other nations is one between equals.

Yet, he also has repeatedly said that he would rather relate with China and Russia. This is baffling; this is disturbing.

Many of us are with the President in wanting the country to be truly independent from foreign control. It is important for us to understand how he is going to lead us into this.

We, the people need to know how Duterte is going to bring us

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

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Opinion ROD P. KAPUNAN

THE sissyness of the United those innocent victims who sufStates on the issue of human fer as a result, certainly the latrights violations stems from the ter have greater rights to protect. fact that President Duterte does This I say because our idea of not only know Philippine his- human rights comes to life only tory but is rather candid in say- when one is killed, tortured, and ing that nobody has the right to deprived of his right to travel. lecture his government on this Rather, human rights should be issue. Understandably, their viewed as a preventive, not puconcern for human rights was nitive, measure to prevent the heightened by the increased possible occurrence of harm to incidence in alleged extrajudi- our people.

One must bear in mind that cial killings consequent to the relentless campaign against il- the principal duty of the state is not only to ensure that human legal drugs.

To begin with, the US and rights are upheld but to see to it their hypocritical confederates that their rights are not violated. should refrain from advising While political and legal theoforeign governments on the reticians limit themselves to conduct of their domestic policy, the belief that human rights can more so if it has something to only be violated by states, the do with the problem of illegal flaw in that definition becomes drugs. For President Duterte evident when the government to backtrack means that he has fails or refuses to act in preventbowed to the uncanny demand ing t he spread of t he menace.

It would be bad for the state of the opposition. All the drug lords would burst into laughter not to act for that would mean for this.

Put it bluntly, the condoning, if not encouraghypocrites are simply out to ing, the proliferation of illegal drugs. The death of those who discredit the President.

It is high time for us to face purposely seek to spread the the truth. Drug addiction has menace that brings misery to been identified as the single our people cannot be treated as greatest factor behind the com- collateral damage to justify the mission of crimes against prop- charge of human rights violation. er ty—from First, they petty theft to knew beforerobbery with hand that to homicide. It bring in and has also been induce our pointed by Time to face people to be social workthe truth. addicted to ers as the the vice of main cause illegal drugs in the breakconstitutes a down of famcriminal act. ily ties.

They are enPolitics is evident, for it seems the US emies of the state.

Second, illegal drug is an actends to gloss over the ruinous effects of drugs all for their knowledged problem that needs misguided, or should we say, to be dealt with severely. The pretended concern for human UN recognizes the problem rights. It would seem that the that it has created special agenyellow hypocrites would prefer cies. China had its sad expeto see our society descend to rience when the British made chaos with a sizeable number of opium as their main export that our people acting like zombies led to war until Hong Kong was wildly committing grisly crimes ceded. In Afghanistan, Mexico of murder, rape and other forms and Colombia, drug cartel syndicates have become formidaof sexual perversion.

In poor but graft ridden coun- ble that they are able to corrupt tries like the Philippines, the and blackmail public officials, most prevalent drug used by and even carry out assassinapeople in the lower segment tions with impunity on police of society is shabu or metham- informers.

As President Duterte noted, phetamine hydrochloride. In 2012, a US State Department our policemen are at a disadvancited a UN report that disclosed tage. Many drug lords have their 2.1 percent of Filipinos aged 16 battery of lawyers and have to 64 were using shabu. Shabu deep connections with corrupt is the drug of choice among judges that go all the way to the 90 percent of local users. In a Department of Justice such that report by Al Jazeera dated No- many of them are acquitted, or vember 20, 2007, “The shack- are able to escape with the conles of shabu,” about 10 percent nivance of rouge cops. Those of the country’s population use who are in jail continue to live this potent drug. Medical find- like big bosses operating their ings point out that excessive empire by remote control.

For the US and its local minuse of shabu can cause cardiovascular failure and strokes due ions, the hypocritical oligarchy to high blood pressure, kidney and the pusillanimous bishops, failure, and often led to violent to simplify the issue to one of human rights violation is to and destructive behavior.

The sale, manufacture and ignore that it operates on a difdistribution of Illegal drug is ferent parameter. Atrocities as addictive to the cartel syndi- committed by the contending cates that it has become a multi- forces in countries undergobillion empire enough to put our ing civil war is either rooted officials on their payroll. The in ideology, political, religious United Nations World Drug re- or racial differences, and can ported that the Philippine Drug rightly be accused of human Enforcement Agency conducted rights violations. In the case in 2012 9,850 anti-illegal drug of war against illegal drugs, it operations resulting in the ar- is one waged in the name of rest of 8,491 suspects and 9,995 humanity. Every state has the cases filed. About 250 kilos right to declare war against ilof methamphetamine valued at legal drugs because in the eyes about P2.92 billion; 4.8 million of the international commumarijuana plants and seedlings nity, those involved commit a and 818 kilos of marijuana with crime against humanity or in a total value of P748 million; Latin, hostes humani generis, 17,222 grams of cocaine worth that anywhere they go they can P86 million; and 960 ecstasy be punished. tablets valued at P1.15 million Besides, human rights violawere seized. As of 2013, the tion refers to an act committed illegal drug trade in the Philip- by the State and by rebel forces pines amounted to $8.4 billion. as de facto government. HowThe damage and harm caused ever, those who are engaged in by the illegal drugs constitute the production, importation, a greater violation of human manufacture, financing, and rights. Surely, all will agree distribution of illegal drugs, that both the innocent civilians and armed groups protectand those involved in the manu- ing and resisting arrest cannot facture, importation, financing, avail themselves of this right. sale and distribution of illegal They only have the rights acdrugs have rights. But between corded to a criminal accused the rights of those involved and under police custody.

A5

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Moral crusades and human rights

BACKBENCHER

The US, the hypocrites and human rights

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

process did work with Arroyo’s acquittal. But tell that to the Arroyo family or for that matter to the family of Chief Justice Renato Corona whose impeachment was pursued mainly for political reasons.

Injustice is injustice, and whether it is done to one or to many, one must ask why such things happen. I come from the tradition that does not allow the derogation of any basic human right, and in particular procedural rights of due process.

There may be a hierarchy of substantive rights, for example the right to life (which include right to human dignity, right to food, and right to a sound environment, among others) is superior over the right to property which may be limited by the former if necessary for public interest. But procedural due process, in my view, is absolutely essential and cannot be diminished for any person or group.

As for the argument that human rights are relative and culturally based, while I might agree that its particular manifestations are likely to be influenced by culture, the universality of due process cannot be denied.

To quote the greatest lawyer this country has ever produced, Ka Pepe Diokno: “No cause is more worthy than the cause of human rights... they are what makes a man human. Deny them and you deny man’s humanity.”

Yet it happens: this utter disregard of due process. In the time of Marcos many times and under a veil of constitutional authoritarianism; in the time of Aquino, directed at specific individuals; and now in Duterte, at a whole class of people, drug pushers and users, mostly from poor neighborhoods, expendable in the view of the President and his supporters.

In my view, if we fail to rise to this latest challenge on human rights and stop the massacre

of the poor, we will pay a high price as a society. Sadly, future generations will have to deal with it.

This is not the first time. We also failed, as a society, to be accountable to those who suffered under martial law. We have made progress, for sure, with the law allowing victims to claim compensation for what was done to them but all of that is being undermined now, not the least because of the decision by President Duterte to have Marcos buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

I do not question the President’s sincerity in waging a war against drugs. I acknowledge that there might already be tangible results but it is definitely too early to declare this a success. At what cost are we willing to pay to attain the kind of state that the administration is forcing upon us? Are we ready to cast aside the rule of law, sacrifice our beliefs in due process and respect for human rights, set aside our moral moorings in exchange for security even through retribution, violence, and impunity? Have we so desensitized our morals to a point where we have stopped being shocked?

For many years we have exerted all efforts to educate the security forces about human rights: to make them understand that human rights are not their enemy but a guidepost to proper behavior, especially in uncertain situations. We have gained much headway in these efforts. Many in the police and military have fully accepted human rights principles and their practical application. Now all of this is in danger of being erased, nay, reversed, by a presidential declaration practically guaranteeing impunity. How many years and generations will it take to undo the psychological damage that this war on drugs may cause to

its purveyors? We will all pay the price for our moral failure to stand up against what is being done to alleged drug pushers and users.

History has taught us that most horrendous and barbaric acts of violence against their fellow human beings are invariably founded on a warped and perverse notion of a utopia that their leaders conjure, imagine and forcibly impose upon their people. In a recent lecture (jointly sponsored by the university’s Interdisciplinary Studies and Philosophy Departments) on Thomas More’s Utopia that I delivered in the Ateneo de Manila, I pointed out how the original idea of a Utopia (published 500 years ago) has been distorted to justify human rights violations. One must take note that there is a reason Thomas More used the word Utopia, which literally (from the two Greek words joined by More to form one word) means “not a place,” to describe his imaginary heaven. It stands to reason to propose that this is because he knew that such a place was never going to materialize. Certainly, More would be horrified at how Utopian visions later became the justification of many atrocities in world history.

Marcos’ new society war against oligarchs and communists, Aquino’s war against corruption, and Duterte’s war against drugs may have the best of intentions but its excesses and disregard of procedural rights, for groups and/or individuals although different in scale, nullified/nullifies what they were/are suppose to achieve. The point is utopian thinking and self-righteousness can be the enemy of human rights when it is used to justify these excesses and disregard for these fundamental rights.

speech” or speech which embodies one’s strong disdain for a certain group of persons, even for the flimsiest of reasons. As long as the “hate speech” remains in the realm of thought and expression, and does not ripen into violence, no prior restraint may be imposed on its delivery by a government operating under a Bill of Rights.

Thus, even if it were to be assumed that President Duterte’s speech was in the nature of “hate speech” directed at the Jews, it would have been entitled to constitutional protection nonetheless, there being no overt steps taken by the president towards violent action against the Jews.

It cannot be denied that Adolf Hitler is, notoriously though, a part of world history. His reign of terror is in history books, and in cinema and television. A discussion of World War II in Europe is impossible without mentioning him. Even today’s youth who did not experience the horrors of a world at war know his name. Accordingly, to chastize a person for mentioning Hitler in his speech, or in any expression of his thoughts and ideas, is to criticize that person for exer-

cising his constitutional right to express himself.

History has a way of surprising contemporary critics of Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Not too many know that Nazi Germany introduced to the world the autobahn (the prototype of today’s modern expressways), and the Volkswagen (the prototype of the affordable, durable, air-cooled people’s car). Nazi businessmen produced Adidas and Puma, two of today’s leading athletic brands. Uniforms worn by Nazi military personnel were designed by Hugo Boss, a popular label today.

Thus, one who hints at, or openly praises, Hitler and the Nazis for what they accomplished outside the war zone, cannot be prevented from doing so because the constitution affords him that right. In other words, even a speech embodying one’s admiration for the Nazis and their despotic leader, no matter how unpopular, misplaced or mistaken, is speech protected under the Bill of Rights.

For reasons unexplained, many of those who criticized President Duterte for his “Hitler” speech were silent about

international figures from the past who were identified with the Nazis. For instance, Kurt Waldheim, the United Nations Secretary-General (1972-1981) and President of Austria (19861992), was a Nazi military intelligence officer during World War II. Another famous example is German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. He was a member of the Hitler Youth and served in the Nazi military towards the end of the war.

Both international celebrities were the subject of some criticism for what they did during the war, but they were not as vilified as Duterte was in the hands of the latter’s local and foreign critics.

This discussion is not for the purpose of criticizing Waldheim or Benedict XVI. It is, however, rather unsettling to note that while Duterte’s critics didn’t seem to mind that the former peacemaker of the world and the ex-leader of the Roman Catholic Church had ties with the Nazis, they impulsively condemned Duterte for a speech which happened to mention the Nazi leader as a reference point. Good grief!

and white as how the President seems to portray.

We want to understand his fondness for China and Russia.

His special “friendship” with China disturbs many considering that this country assails our territorial sovereignty by claiming areas that are rightfully ours. Our fisherfolk are deprived of their livelihood by China in Philippine areas.

Moreover, while Duterte fiercely wages this war against drugs that has killed thousands of Filipinos (mostly poor, and perhaps small-time pushers, because they are dead and can-

not defend themselves), there is no strong condemnation against Chinese nationals involved in big time illegal drug trade in the country as have been repeatedly reported by media. Yet, he hails China’s help in building rehabilitation centers saying that it is the only country willing to help him in his war.

This is confusing, to say the least.

Equally baffling is how he regards Russia. What good has this country done to us that should merit special treatment from president Duterte? Has Russia significantly helped us during our most difficult times as a country?

If an independent Philippines is what we want, why then does it seem that Duterte is building alliances with China and Russia while throwing our long existing friendships out the window? Is this what an independent foreign relations mean?

Lastly, the President should remember that running a country is not a personal matter and goes beyond himself. It is not only about him . Even if personally he feels slighted, he needs to be reminded that this does not only concern himself but the more than 100 million Filipinos he leads. He should think of the repercussions of his words and actions particu-

larly on the millions of poor Filipinos he claims to govern with the best of intentions.

Duterte always says that he is already old and what he wants is for the Filipino people to enjoy a life of peace and order. A peaceful coexistence with other countries is necessary. A truly independent Philippines is ideal.

We, the people should be a part of this pursuit. Our very lives, and those of our children, and children’s children are at stake. The President knows this.

He should start talking with us, minus the cussing and cursing.

It would be paradoxical for the UN to tackle the issue of extrajudicial killings in countries battling the problem of illegal drugs while at the same time encouraging them to do something to curb the menace. In fact, the decision of President Duterte to de-

clare war on illegal drugs is also meant to prevent other countries from interfering in our domestic affairs using it as their alibi to arbitrarily secure the arrest or to assassinate local suspects. This was shown when our police officers received orders from the

US Drug Enforcement Agency to shoot two army officers in an alleged buy-bust operation in Magallanes Village.

This explains why President Duterte was infuriated when Senator Leila de Lima sought the assistance of the UN to send

in rapporteurs to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings here in the hope of indicting the government where she stands as a senator. Her conduct was irresponsible and reckless.

EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA RODRIGO Duterte decisively won the presidency in May 2016.

He had a clear vision of governance and society and the promise of strong leadership that will change the Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in September 21, 1972 although Proclamation 1081 was actually implemented two days later. His avowed mission was to defeat a rightist-leftist conspiracy and build a new society for the Philippines. Finally, President Benigno Aquino III was inaugurated President June 30, 2010 and governed for six years, purpotedly following the straight path of governance, until 11 weeks ago when he yieled the presidency to the mayor from Mindanao. Yes, it has only been that long and now it is a very different Philippines.

All these three presidents articulated the rationale of their presidency around moral crusades—whether it is against the oligarchy for Marcos, corruption for Aquino, and illegal drugs for Duterte. All these presidents, in my view, justified violations of human rights of individuals in the pursuit of the big national goals they had appropriated.

The scale, of course, is different. The number of human rights violations during the Marcos era and the numbers of casualties we are seeing now in the war against drugs cannot be compared to the corruption prosecutions launched during the Aquino administration. We know that the zeal with which President Aquino went after former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not end up with her assasination in the hospital or elsewhere and certainly, eventually, due

Duterte’s...

From A4

virtues. Indeed, high office has its share of unpleasantries.

Anyway, it’s time for some observations which many may not agree with. For the record, however, this discourse is not an endorsement of Hitler or antiSemitism.

The oath of office taken by the President of the Philippines does not contain any waiver of his constitutional rights, and there is no provision in the Constitution which mentions any such waiver. In other words, the president does not shed off his constitutional rights the moment he assumes the highest office in the land. Those rights include freedom of speech.

President Duterte’s speech is an exercise of his constitutional right to speak. His speech may have mentioned Hitler and the Jews killed during the Holocaust, but it enjoys constitutional protection. It is well within his rights to do so, particularly because he had no intention to insult the Jews in the first place.

Free speech includes “hate

Pursuing...

From A4

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News

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Christmas traffic talks begin

By Joel E. Zurbano

M

ETRO Manila Development Authority officer-in-charge Thomas Orbos on Friday met shopping mall owners and operators to discuss measures to effectively address the anticipated traffic problems during anniversary sales and the forthcoming Christmas season.

Orbos invited the mall owners and operators to his office to assist the MMDA to “further improve its preparations of appropriate traffic engineering and enforcement during mall sales and other crowddrawing events.”

“We have plenty of shoppers during the Christmas season and we are anticipating traffic problems,” said Orbos.

Representatives from the Interagency Council on Traffic (IACT), wherein the MMDA is also

a member, also attended the meeting at the MMDA central office in Makati City.

MMDA officials said shopping malls and similar commercial establishments are traffic generators during the holidays.

Last year, the mall operators agreed to adjust their business hours from the usual 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. mall hours to 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., which began from Dec. 1 to Jan. 3.

The MMDA has made an agreement yearly with mall operators to help decongest traffic where these commercial establishments are located during the day time and night time holiday rush.

Under the agreement, mall and shopping center owners and op-

erators will coordinate with the MMDA during special events like promotions and midnight sales, as well as disaster-preparedness exercise such as earthquake drills.

It also stated that in cases like concerts and the traditional New Year countdown, the establishments will be closing beyond 11 p.m.

Shopping mall business hour is usually open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday then by Friday until Sunday it’s 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Aside from the business hours, the mall operators also agreed to deploy more security personnel to man traffic and assist their clients and motorists in and around the shopping malls.

The MMDA asked the busi-

ness establishments to provide the agency with the schedule of special events for the agency to make necessary adjustment of the traffic management in their respective areas.

Records showed that traffic volume rises 15 to 20 percent between November and December. It also showed that “midnight sales” or extended mall business hours contribute to the worsened traffic in the metropolis during the Yuletide.

Orbos earlier urged Metro Manila mayors to consider putting up night markets in their respective areas to help sidewalk vendors do their business during the holiday season.

He came up with the idea as the agency resumed its campaign clearing sidewalk and major roads

IN BRIEF

More ‘DARE’ troops trained

DPWH eyes 24H repair completion THE Department of Public Works and Highways vowed to complete the repair of the more than 800 meter road portion of Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City within 24 hours by using fast-drying concrete cement and avoid traffic.

DPWH-NCR Director Melvin Navarro said they will utilize the fast-drying concrete to expedite completion of a road rehabilitation project in Quezon City this weekend.

“The one-day curing concrete mix will be used to undertake repair at the southbound section of Mindanao Avenue, before Mindanao tunnel. The area is prone to heavy traffic during rush hours,” he said.

Navarro said instead of the usual reblocking that starts from Friday until Monday, the affected area will only be closed from Saturday, October 8, and will be opened the following day, or Sunday, October 9.

Motorists are advised to take Balintawak/Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) as an alternative route.

Meanwhile, the DPWH will resume the road rehabilitation of United Nations Avenue in Ermita, Manila on a round-the-clock basis to ensure faster completion.

Navarro said a 24/7 work scheme for the 840-lineal meter section of UN Avenue, stretching from Taft to Estero de Paco Bridge, will start on Monday, October 10, 2016 and complete the project as soon as possible.

No let-up in QC drive DESPITE a decline in the number of dengue cases in Quezon City, Mayor Herbert Bautista on Friday said there is no letup in their cleanup drive because dengue is a year-round concern.

Bautista tasked the city government’s Barangay Operations Center to spearhead the clearing operations of clogged drainage and riverways and an intensified information campaign.

Jorge Felipe, BOC head, recommended the strict enforcement of all environmental sanitation laws and regulations related to garbage disposal in order to remove all possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

According to Bautista, the synchronized cleanup is the contribution of the barangays to the city’s celebration of its 77th founding anniversary.

of illegal vendors and other obstruction which contribute to the worsening traffic condition in Metro Manila, especially with the onset of the peak season for consumer buying.

Orbos said the MMDA is willing to assist the LGUs in setting up night markets and provide proper places for merchants to keep them off the sidewalks.

In 2013, the MMDA designated 17 routes as Christmas lanes to help motorists to avoid heavy traffic during the holiday rush.

The special lanes were opened as alternate routes to shorten the travel time of motorists during the holidays, when vehicular traffic flow is heavy.

By Sandy Araneta

DOVES OF PEACE. More than thousand students, local leaders, workers and community members released 100 white doves at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila on Friday to support the ongoing peace talks in Oslo, Norway. Lino Santos

Suit readied vs Hacienda Luisita

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform threatened on Friday to file contempt of court charges before the Supreme Court against Hacienda Luisita Inc. for supposedly delaying the audit of P1.33-billion compensation for the conversion of some 500 hectares of hacienda lands into industrial lands.

Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Luis Pangulayan accused HLI, belonging to the family of former President Benigno Aquino III, of employing delaying tactics to block the Supreme Court-man-

dated audit of the P1.33-billion share of farm workers from the sale of HLI land assets.

“This (audit) should have been done as early as 2012, but HLI did not give much attention to it because of its delaying tactics,” he told reporters.

He said HLI is deliberately delaying the conduct of an audit to evade the payment of P1.33 billion for 6,296 farmer-beneficiaries.

“Now, HLI has filed a motion, seeking to change the auditors assigned by the Supreme Court in its order,” he added.

“We and Secretary Rafael Mari-

ano would want to pursue an audit with the same audit firms mandated by the court. We have met with the three audit firms and coordinated with the Supreme Court.”

In its decision in 2012, the Supreme Court ordered not only land distribution, but also the P1.33 billion payment to the farmers as their share from the sale of hacienda lands.

The amount covers P500 million received by the Cojuangco-Aquinocontrolled HLI for the sale of 200 hectares to a private firm, P750 million received by HLI’s subsidiary Centennary Holdings Inc. for the

sale of the remaining 300 hectares, and P80.5 million for the sale of 80.1 hectares for the Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The Supreme Court appointed the Ocampo, Mendoza, Leong and Lim, Carissa May Pay-Penson and Navarro, Amper & Co. to determine if the P1,330,511,500 proceeds of the sale of the three lots were actually used or spent for legitimate corporate spouses and was given a 90-day period to complete the audit.

“We will file contempt of court against HLI,” he reiterated. “[Because] HLI is resisting.”

Emirates releases 29 Pinoys from prison AT LEAST 29 Filipinos were among more than 500 foreign prisoners ordered released during Ramadan by Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said.

It said prison officials in Abu Dhabi Central Jail first released 15 Filipinos while 14 were released or are to be released soon on the occasion of Eid’l Adha.

“I wish to thank the UAE government for

granting pardon to the 29 Filipinos detained in various Abu Dhabi jails,” said Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno Jr. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi continues to remind Filipinos across the Emirates to respect UAE’s laws, their culture and tradition.

The Embassy is conducting Post Arrival Orientation Seminars monthly in addition to hosting legal aid and seminars in the Embassy

on a regular basis to guide Filipinos how to behave while in the UAE, home to nearly one million Filipinos.

The Philippine government continues to speak with Filipinos in UAE and other Middle East countries jailed for minor crimes and continues to extend legal assistance.

“I am sure they are very grateful for having been given a new opportunity to start again,” the Philippine ambassador said. Vito Barcelo

AS PART of its new combat duties against illegal drugs, the Philippine Army will train more soldiers to become trainers of the Drug Resistance Abuse Education (DARE) program that Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has been implementing in the country since 1993.

Col. Thomas Sedano, commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group, said on Friday they are also willing to help Estrada implement DARE nationwide, especially in remote areas where the Army has active presence.

“We will definitely add more,” Sedano said of plans to train more Army soldiers in the DARE program. “We will request the Army leadership because we want to replicate the trainors’ training program in other Army units.”

Estrada welcomed CMOG’s enthusiasm in spreading DARE nationwide, saying it will be a big help in teaching young school children how to say “No” to drugs.

“We should not be surprised to see soldiers getting involved in the DARE program, because after all, our President Rodrigo Duterte has declared war on drugs,” he said.

On September 23, 29 members of CMOG graduated from the 10-day DARE Officers Training course, the first members of the military to become certified instructors of the classroom-based program.

Sedano said the Armed Forces is thankful to Estrada for allowing soldiers to become DARE teachers. “The Philippine Army is now taking an active role in the campaign of the government against drugs.”

“If we can do this to other units of the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces, it is better, dahil napakalawak ng Philippine Army all over the Philippines, so if we can have this, mas mapapadali ‘yung implementasyon ng program,” Sedano said of the DARE Officers Training course.

CMOG is unit of the Army that specializes in conducting psychological and psycho-social operations or “hearts and minds” campaign in the communities with the aim of winning the support of the civilian population.

Immigration opens new mall office THE Bureau of Immigration opened its new satellite office at the SM Aura Tower mall in Taguig City to bring its services closer to foreigners based at the Bonifacio Global City business district and neighboring areas.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente led BI officials and employees in attending the “soft opening” of the BI office at the 8th floor of the mall.

Morente said the new office was opened a few days after the BI executed a memorandum of agreement with SM Prime Holdings Inc. which agreed to provide the bureau, free of rental charges, a space at the mall.

“With the opening of this new facility, we expect a further reduction in the volume of transactions

and decongestion of the crowds in our Manila main office. Consequently, it will usher in a more efficient and speedy delivery of services to the transacting public,” Morente said.

Morente added the new office will also make it more convenient for foreigners residing, doing business or working at the BGC to transact with the bureau as they no longer have to travel to Intramuros, Manila to have their immigration papers processed.

In a department order last Sept.

27, Aguirre said the new office “will provide the BI and its clientele a new, modern and spacious frontline transaction area” and provide “comfort and relief to the transacting public.”

The office was authorized to

process applications for pre-arranged employment visa, treaty trader’s visa, special visa for employment generation, and visa for business executives and expatriates of the top 1,000 corporations and multinational firms with operating headquarters in the country.

It can also process applications for extension of temporary visitor’s visa of foreign tourists; updating and extension of tourist visa for alien visitors; and payment of annual report; longstay visitor visa extension; special work permit and provisional permit to work; ACR I-Card; BI clearance certificate and certificate of not the same person; emigration clearance certificate; and payment of annual report.

Vito Barcelo

SOLIDARITY RALLY. Labor groups hold a rally to urge the Duterte administration to stop precarious work conditions and provide regular jobs in celebration of World Day for Decent Work. Lino Santos

Sports

Manila

Standard

Clash of titans expected in PSL Grand Prix opener

UST eyes no. 3 win, lead in V-League

A

N EARLY clash of titans is assured when the 2016 Asics Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, presented by PLDT Home Ultera fires off today at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Games today

12:30 p.m. – Champion vs IEM (S Turf) 4 p.m. – Coast Guard vs UP (V League) 6 p.m. – UST vs BaliPure (V League)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas braces for a tougher challenge in its bid to nail a third straight victory as it faces a debuting BaliPure side even as University of the Philippines tries to rebound against Coast Guard in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Saturday.

The Tigresses, priming up for the UAAP wars, pulled off backto-back victories despite playing with an all-local crew, surprising Open Conference runner-up the Air Force Jet Spikers in last week’s inaugurals of the seasonending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and then sweeping the Lady Dolphins.

But the EJ Laure-led team, the winningest in the country’s premier women’s volley with six championships, will have its hands full against BaliPure, which remains solid despite the departure of its former ace for another team.

The Ateneo-backed Water Defenders have tapped Suzanne Roces to anchor their campaign with the former league MVP expecting to draw solid back from the likes of Amy Ahomiro, Bea Tan, Mae Tajima, Dzi Gervacio, Ella de Jesus, Jem Ferrer, Dennis Lazaro and Charo Soriano.

That should make the 6 p.m. duel worth watching with Laure also boasting of a reliable crew composed of the power-hitting Carla Sandoval, Marivic Meneses, Chloida Cortez, Shannen Palec and the comebacking Pam Lastimosa.

The match will be aired live over ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel 23 with the Coast GuardUP clash at 4 p.m. to be shown on a delayed basis. Both matches can also be viewed live via streaming on www.v-league.ph, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

BaliPure, third placer in the Open Conference of the league backed by Mikasa as official ball and Accel as official outfitter, is actually reinforced by two imports but setter Kaylee Manns and outside Katharine Morrell remain doubtful pending the release of their International Transfer Certificates.

Reigning champion Foton and F2 Logistics, protagonists in the All-Filipino Conference finals, lock horns anew at 3 p.m. following the 2:30 p.m. opening ceremony of this prestigious club tourney bankrolled by Mikasa, Mueller, Grand Sport and Senoh with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Earlier, Generika will test Petron’s mettle in the 12:30 p.m. appetizer of this event that also has Focus Athletics, KLab Cyscorpions, Foton, Petron and F2 Logistics as sponsors.

Tickets will be given free at the

venue and there will be a raffle where 20 fans can win complimentary passes to the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship that will be held from Oct. 18 to 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After representing the country in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship last month, the Tornadoes are being picked as the team to beat as they parade a very solid core and a foreign mentor in Moro Branislav, who was tapped after calling the shots for prestigious clubs in Yugoslavia, Greece, Romania, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia,

Kuwait, Belarus and North Korea.

They will be powered by last year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lindsay Stalzer and Ariel Usher and will welcome the return of prized middle blocker Dindin Manabat, who will be reunited with sister, Jaja Santiago, as well as Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, EJ Laure, Sisi Rondina and Patty Orendain.

“Our team has the talent,” said Branislav, who will also call the shots for PSL-F2 Logistics Manila.

“But making it work into one cohesive unit is a big challenge.

All teams are strong. We have to work hard to turn that talent into victories.”

Branislav noted that the Cargo Movers would be tough to crack as they parade a rock-solid nucleus that has been playing together for the past four to six years.

Games Today (FilOil Flying V Center) 12:30 p.m. – Generika vs Petron 2:30 p.m. – Opening ceremony 3:00 p.m. – Foton vs F2 Logistics

True enough, F2 Logistics has the chemistry.

Skipper Cha Cruz and Aby Marano will be back to lead the powerhouse squad of current La Salle stars Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Ara Galang, Majoy Baron, Cyd Demecillo and Dawn Macandili, the defense specialist who emerged as MVP when the Cargo Movers plucked the PSL All-Filipino Conference crown last August.

Aside from them, Janine Navarro and Djanel Cheng – the cornerstones of reigning NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde – were also recruited to form what is billed as the most solid, most cohesive local team in the

country’s best club league today.

But there’s a chink in the Cargo Movers’ armor.

“We will be playing with only one import on Saturday,” said team manager Hollie Reyes, adding that although Sydney Kemper already arrived, her partner in Hayley Spelman is only scheduled to board her flight to Manila later after suiting up for Altay VC in Kazakhstan.

Also expected to draw another massive crowd is the opening match between Petron and dark horse Generika.

High-flying Stephanie Niemer and 6-foot-5 middle blocker Serena Warner as well as Aiza MaizoPontillas, Frances Molina, Bang Pineda, Jen Reyes and Maica Morada will carry the cudgels for the Tri-Activ Spikers, who will be guided by a new coach in Shaq Delos Santos.

Lamas vs Penn bout to be rescheduled UFC announced on Friday that it will reschedule its UFC Fight Night event planned for Oct. 15 in Manila, due to the loss of the main event.

Former UFC champion BJ Penn was forced to withdraw from the main event bout with Ricardo Lamas due to injury.

“I suffered a rib injury in training and I apologize to the fans in Manila who were expecting to watch me compete,” Penn said.

“I hope to be back in the Octagon soon.”

Athletes scheduled to compete on the Oct. 15 card will be rebooked at upcoming UFC events in the near future.

Each athlete set to compete on Oct. 15 will also receive compensation due to the card being rescheduled. With its 2016 calendar finalized, UFC officials will discuss future dates for the event.

TENNIS QUALIFYING. Melissa Pine (second from right), vice president of WTA Asia-Pacific and tournament director of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore, poses with (from left) Valle Verde Country Club sports director Ritchie Lozada, Philta acting president Randy Villanueva and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier after the WTA Future Stars Qualifying tournament where Alexandra Eala and Melanie Dizon bested an elite field to rule the U-14 and U-16 divisions and clinch berths in the WTA Future Stars Tournament in Singapore this month.

2 provincial teams go up against Big City bets TWO provincial teams are out to make an impression when they go up against the Big City bets as the Universities and Colleges Basketball League opens today at the Olivarez College gym in Paranaque City, with hopes of establishing itself as a new alternative for thousands of aspiring student-athletes.

First to showcase its talent is Bulacan State University as the Gold Gears collide with the Olivarez College Sea Lions at 1 p.m. in a game, where both teams are expected to use their speed and

Games Today (Olivarez College gym, Parañaque City) 12 noon – Opening Ceremony 1 p.m. – Olivarez College vs BSU 3 p.m. – TIP vs Univ. of Batangas

quick ball movements to make up for lack of legitimate frontliners.

The host squad has no player standing more than 6’3” with Jayboy Solis being the tallest, while the Gold Gears have to transform the role of a pair of 6-foot-1 players into center position.

Still, coaches of both schools

—Antonio Tayao of BSU and Michael Saguiguit—are confident they can pull off surprises along the way.

Also looking for a good start in the league sponsored by Lamoiyan Corp. and EuroMed is the University of Batangas Brahman, who are pitted against one of the two title favorites in Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers.

Their showdown is set at 3 p.m., with the Engineers determined to apply their experience and use their vaunted firepower to hurdle

their first game assignment.

Aside from TIP, also fancied to win the inaugural seven-team tournament is Centro Escolar University.

CEU has blossomed into one of the most successful collegiate teams in the country today by dominating the other collegiate league aside from winning a PBA Developmental League against more experienced team.

The two other teams in the tournament that will have a double round elimination are Diliman College and Colegio de San Lorenzo.

case of Ramon Ang and Tropang Texters in the selected hierarchy of Manny Pangilinan.

However, basketball fans and even some of us in media were pleasantly surprised that the two less-favored teams in the minds of us all, reinforced the integrity of the PBA by powering their way to a finals showdown.

This was the singular achievement of the pro league because it proved beyond any reasonable doubt that the outcome of the games depended on the desire of the players to raise the level of their game and to aspire to reach new heights of human excellence on the basketball court and not the supposed preference of the team owners which, in a sense, seems a little unfair.

Ownership didn’t matter.

The choice of the corporate bosses, indeed if they do choose at all, was never taken into account as the players and the two classy coaches—Tim Cone and Norman Black—played to win and they did so, handsomely.

Commissioner Chito Narvasa must share in the singular achievement of reinforcing the integrity of the game and as a result, the league itself.

Once applauded as “The Big Little League” in a prestigious regional magazine, the PBA has now become bigger than ever in Asian basketball, precisely because of the unsullied integrity which, we must confess, should also be attributed to the referees, who demonstrated their competence and neutrality in both semifinal series. It erased the serious doubts of the past and shed new light on the reality that when challenged to do a good job, the PBA referees and the individuals chosen to oversee their performance reached new heights of efficiency and set new standards of accomplishment, which again reinforced the bottom line in any sporting adventure—unsullied integrity.

We look around to find out who should be credited for this visible turnaround in erasing doubtful perceptions and setting a new tone in the pro league. Aside from Commissioner Chito Narvasa and his staff, credit must go to the team owners and the two brilliant coaches—Tim Cone and Norman Black who elevated sportsmanship, fair play and competitive decency to a level

probably never seen before.

Indeed, a measure of the mutual respect between the two coaches is the fact that when we called to congratulate coach Norman on making it to the finals and asked him how he thought the San Miguel Beer-Ginebra game 5 would go, he didn’t hesitate in telling us, Ginebra would win because Tim was such a great coach and he would never lose two games in a row.

Such was the measure of the man which I am certain Tim Cone respects and would, in whatever manner possible, reciprocate.

We were invited, after quite a few years, to host the pre-finals press conference at the sprawling PBA Café in Metro Walk and did so gladly. Because the PBA has been an integral part of our life beginning from the beginning, when the late esteemed businessman-sportsman Leo Prieto was Commissioner and the eminent lawyer Rudy Salud was the legal counsel, who crafted the Constitution and By Laws of the league just as he did for the World Boxing Council which is the No.1 pro boxing organization in the world.

It was a most enjoyable experience because our friends—

“SMLEI and UFC will continue to work together in the future to deliver exciting live events for fans,” Edgar Tejerero, President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. said.

Fans who have purchased tickets to the event should seek refunds at the point of purchase.

UFC is a premium global sports brand and the largest payper-view event provider in the world.

Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Singapore, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe.

UFC programming is broadcast in over 156 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 30 different languages.

The Main Event airs Claveras-Borres fight THE action-packed bout in which Richard Claveras won the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight Silver title with a hard-fought majority decision over previously unbeaten Jeronil Borres of the 3 Jewels Boxing Stable in Cagayan de Oro City will be featured on Saturday over Pinoy Box Office on Sky Cable at 8:30 p.m. with a replay on Sunday at 8:30 .am.

Although Judges Nowel Haduca (77-76) and Fernando Batistil (77-75) scored the fight for Claveras, while Greg Ortega had it even at 76-76, Borres was clearly upset by the decision and felt he had done enough to win. He eased off in the middle

rounds and paid the price.

While Borres nailed Claveras with some stinging uppercuts and right straights, Claveras, who belongs to the United Boxing Gym in Malate, Manila was the aggressor throughout and never let up even when he was in trouble.

The work-rate and punching power of Claveras ultimately prevailed in a very close bout that was watched by Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado, wife of Senator Bong Revilla. The Mayor is a boxing fan, who has often watched the Las Vegas fights of Senator Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion. Ronnie Nathanielsz

LOTTO RESULTS

Playing to win

THE finals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup is expected to draw huge crowds, primarily because of the appearance of crowd darlings Ginebra San Miguel Kings, who pack the stands as they always do, when in contention.

It invariably reflects the never-say die spirit, which was a legacy of “The Living Legend” Robert Jaworski, the charismatic hard-court warrior, who provided the excitement and the unbridled passion for the game that marked his career as a playing coach of Ginebra.

But to us, the most meaningful aspect of this best-of-seven championship series between Ginebra and the Meralco Bolts is that their entry totally erased any doubts about sister teams competing against each other with the favored squad believed to be the choice of the corporate owners—San Miguel Beer in the

A7

TODAY OCTOBER 8, 2016 SATURDAY, sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

gentlemen-coaches Tim Cone and Norman Black steered their teams to victory with style and will deservedly face-off in the best-of-seven championship series.

With over 23,000 paying patrons watching Game No. 5 of the Ginebra-San Miguel Beer series, which was much more than the 16,000, who trooped to the Mall of Asia Arena to watch the La Salle-Ateneo showdown, including alumni and students, it told a story of how the PBA still reigns as the big, little league and unquestionably a reflection of the unbridled passion of Filipino basketball fans for a league that provides excitement at a very reasonable price and doesn’t let them down in fulfilling that vision.

If the advance sell-out ticket sales for the first two games is any indication, then perhaps there couldn’t have been a better match-up.

Go play the game gentlemen with the same unbridled intensity you showed when it mattered most in the semifinals.

Play basketball as only you guys—the Kings and the Bolts know how and in so doing, have a fun series.

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

Sports

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

A8

Battle of unbeaten teams

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

UNTV Cup Season 5 Games on Oct. 9, 2016 @ Pasig City Sports Center 2 pm- AFP vs BFP 3:30 pm- Senate vs Malacañang 5 pm- HOR vs BOC

Former pro Marlou Aquino of the Bureau of Customs, shown here scoring on a slam-dunk, will be a marked man when BOC tackles fellow unbeaten team AFP in the UNTV Cup Season 5.

Eagles want to improve Games Today (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. UST vs UE 4 p.m. Ateneo vs UP

By Peter Atencio THE Ateneo Blue Eagles need to improve on many aspects of their game in the second round of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Tab Baldwin, one of the coaches of the Blue Eagles, said this as the Blue Eagles prepare to meet the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 4 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Baldwin said the Blue Eagles need to handle the ball better if the Blue Eagles are to move up further in the team standings and remain in contention for the Final Four.

“It’s the ball handling. Handling the ball better and being able to get retention is important.

You have several teams playing all out. To be able to flourish and punish a team that’s doing that is important,” said Baldwin after the Blue Eagles bowed to the La Salle Green Archers, 81-97, last Sunday.

He believes that the Blue Eagles are way off from the ability to punish teams that are playing with so much intensity in their game.

The Blue Eagles are currently tied from third to fifth with their 4-3 win-loss record.

Earlier, the University of Santo Tomas (2-5) meets University of the East at 2 p.m.

Offensively, the Blue Eagles ranks at no. 2 behind the La Salle Green Archers with their average of 88.4 points and 50.9 rebounds.

Defensively, they are no. 4 behind the defending champion Far Easter University Tamaraws, with averages of 71.7 points and 43.3 rebounds.

THE AFP Cavaliers and Bureau of Customs Transformers aim to keep their clean slate Sunday in the elimination round of the UNTV Cup Season 5 at Pasig City Sports Center.

UNTV Cup is giving away more than P12 million in total prizes to the chosen charities of all 13 participating government teams.

AFP, which holds a 2-0 record, will battle it out with another unbeaten squad, the BFP Firefighters (1-0) at 2 p.m.

In the second game at 3:30 p.m,, Malacañang Kamao tries to register their second win in as many games as they face the winless Senate Defenders (0-2).

The Cavaliers are coming off a 90-80 win against the MMDA Blackwolves last Sept. 28, wherein nine of the 10 players that AFP played on that game was able to score.

The Firefighters’ first win was against MMDA which they stopped last Sept.

18, 83-73.

Rookie veteran Gilbert Malabanan spearheaded the firemen with 16 markers, seven of 10 field goals, three assists and a block.

Kamao’s first win was way back last Sept. 11 when they defeated Ombudsman Graftbusters, 82-70. New reinforcement Eric dela Cuesta was the best player of that game finishing with 22 points, six of 12 triples and had four steals.

Governors’ Cup finale: No clear-cut favorites

By Jeric Lopez

T

HEIR ongoing best-of-seven championship series in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup is a long one and for protagonists Barangay Ginebra and Meralco, they’re expecting a nip-and-tuck battle all the way.

Both championship-hungry teams see a lot of similarities in each other’s game, approach and abilities that they think it will definitely be an evenly contested

showdown with no clear-cut favorite.

As Game 1 starts as of this report with both the Bolts and the Gin Kings seeking to draw

first blood, many expect the series to go the full length given how these two teams flaunt their brand of basketball, sending them over to this big stage.

“I think these two teams are so evenly matched,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “We play similar styles of basketball and that’s what got us this opportunity to win a championship.”

Cone went further by specifying what he was talking about.

“We’re both in the top two in assists and we’re both defensive-

oriented, putting an emphasis on that side of the floor. I really think these two teams play very similarly and that’s what makes this series a toss-up and an interesting one,” he added.

Meralco coach Norman Black agreed and said that it’s now about how the series unfolds.

“We have teams both deserving of being here, who have worked their way to be here with more or less, similar approaches. Let’s see how it unfolds,” said Black.

Even PBA chairman Rob-

ert Non feels the same way and shared his sentiments as well.

“The fans will watch great games between these two teams,” he said. “I think they’re even in a lot of ways and they’ve beaten the top two teams in the semis, there’s no favorite here.”

The chairman then bravely went as far as predicting that the series will definitely go the full length.

“It will be a great series and that’s better for the PBA and the fans. I think it will got the distance,” said Non.

Southwoods-Masters crowned PAL champs

Members of the Manila Southwoods-Masters pose after capturing the team’s sixth straight Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team championship.

BAGUIO CITY—Manila SouthwoodsMasters captured its sixth straight title Friday after the final round of the 11th Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team championships were called off at the Camp John Hay golf course.

Non-stop rains rendered the course unplayable, forcing organizers to reduce the tournament into 54 holes.

SW-Masters, which led Cebu Country Club by 35 points after three rounds, were declared champion.

“We don’t get tired of winning,” said SW-Masters captain Marie Claire Ong. “Of course, we wanted to play, but we’re nevertheless happy to win.”

Except for Pauline del Rosario, the team is expected to return next year, according to Ong. The other members of the team aside from Ong and Del Rosario are Sophia Chabon, Mikhaela Fortuna, Bernice Olivarez, Serafina Kim and Lora Roberto.

CCC consoled itself by taking the individual title through Crystal Faith Neri who scored a tournament-best 57 points to edge Del Rosario.

CCC skipper Mary Kim Hong said they will try again to end Southwoods’ domination, but is unsure of the play-

ers’ availability.

“We still don’t know if we’re going to be available, but the team is committed to play next year,” said Hong.

The other category winners were Alabang Country Club in the Founders, Eagle Ridge in the Sportswriters and Alabang Ladies Golf Chapter in the Friendship.

Major sponsors of the 72-hole championship include Solar Entertainment Corp., Airbus, Business Mirror, Mareco Broadcasting Network, People Asia and Manila Broadcasting Corp. Other backers are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Fonterra, Mega Fiber, Mastercard, Tanduay Distillers and Zalora.

The final results: Championship: Manila Southwoods Masters 460 (153, 152, 155) Cebu Country Club 425 (149, 130, 146) Founders: Alabang Country Club 412 (145, 131, 136) Valley Golf South 396 (140, 125, 131) Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter 357 (127, 118, 112) Rancho Palosverdes 357 (125, 120, 112) Del Monte 346 (111, 103, 132) Manila Southwoods Legend 341 (110, 113, 118) Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club 332 (120, 101, 101) The Orchard Team 1 329 (131, 95, 103)

Injury forces Day to withdraw Central PH U bags 2 golds in taekwondo tilt from World Cup, PH golf event TOURNAMENT officials announced yesterday that a back injury has forced Australian Jason Day to withdraw from the upcoming World Cup of Golf, where the 10-time winner on the PGA TOUR was planning on returning to his native country for the first time since he and partner Adam Scott won the event in 2013.

Day has also pulled out of a planned golf exhibition with Rory McIlroy in the Philippines.

Scott, now the highest-ranked player from Australia, has the opportunity to select his partner to form one of the 28 twoman teams who will represent their countries in the World Cup of Golf, at Kingston Heath Golf Club, from November 23-27.

After tearing a ligament in his back towards the end of the 2016 PGATOUR season, forcing his withdrawal from the BMW Championship and the TOUR Championship, Day has been advised to rest until 2017. The prognosis for a successful return to playing is not at issue, but the timing of the long trip to Australia in the midst of his rehabilitation and rest period was not recommended.

“I regret that I will be unable to come home to Australia this year. I was looking forward to playing in the Australian Open and teaming up with Adam Scott on one of my favorite courses Kingston Heath the following week at the World Cup in Melbourne,” Day said in a statement.

CENTRAL Philippine University bagged two gold medals in the recent SMART/ MVP Sports Foundation National InterSchool Taekwondo Championships held at the SM Seaside Mall in Cebu City.

Jim Marshall Simpas beat Mapua’s Paulo Cipriano in men’s lightweight category while RJ Bless Joy Mallorca toppled University of Cebu’s Ma. Carmela Coran in the fin-fly group to produce CPU’s two gold medals.

It was the first time that the interschool competition was staged outside Metro Manila.

All the gold medalists: Grade School (Girls’ novice)—Alea Sedulo,Univ. of Cebu, Group 00; Krysta Bautista, LCC Wolf hound, Gp 0; Bleant Abesamis, Liberta ES, Gp 1; Rainiel

Mitz Taga-an, St. Bernadette College, Grp 2; Trisha Yangoren, ETSC-3, Gp 3; and Jasmin Grace, Lalantacon, PL Valenzuela, Gp 4.

Grade School (Girls’ Advance)—Rihanna Basibas, Colegio de Sto. Nino, Gp 00, 0; Ma. Keren Kiele Teves, St. Louise School, Gp 1; Dexie Leen Chavez, Cadiz West ES, Gp 2; Leigh Andre Rodriguez, Christian Venture Academy, Gp 3; Elisha Venice Aguilar, Ateneo de Iloilo, Gp 4; Marielle Gen Bautista, Siliman U, Gp 5; and Mervonne Shayn Nicor, Gp 6.

Grade School (Boys’ novice)—Matthew Carl Dacer, St. Anne Learning Center, Gp 00; Zach Olivo, St. Scholastica’s, Gp 0; Martin Arch Louis Gabriel, PLV, Gp 1; Zion Cruz, PL Valenzuela, Gp 2; James Lobaton, Murcia ES, Gp 3; Saldy Jan de

Asis, St. Bernadette, Gp 4; Riele Cuyos, Adonaiasian Academy, Gp 5-6.

Grade School (Boys’ advance)—Oyayi Delgado, DPS, Gp 00; Jovymar Gane, Cadiz West ES, Gp 0; Justin Ocanada, Baybay City, Gp 1; Andrei Mark Dacer, St. Anne Learning Center, Gp 2; Lance Deniel Bosque, New Prodon Academy, Gp 3; Kyle Nepomuceno, DLS-Antipolo, Gp 4; Alwyn Salcedo Jr., BV Cloisa ES, Gp 4; and Xander Palacpac, Beacon House ES, Gp 5.

Cadet Girls’ movice) —Shaena Marcel Lazara, Ateneo de Iloilo, fly to bantam; Chrishanne Llersyh Garcia, Talisay South ES, feather; Nathalie Chan, Ateneo de Zamboanga, welter; Trisha Ann Ong, Mandaue Christian School, lt heavy to heavy.

Stock market extends losses

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Business

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

Megaworld Corp., the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, is the most awarded developer in the 2016 Property & Real Estate Awards organized by the International Real Estate Federation, making it the Overall Outstanding Developer in the Philippines for the second straight year.

Megaworld chairman Andrew Tan was also recognized as the Property Man of the Year.

Celebrating the success are (from left, front row) Kim Sta. Maria, assistant vice president for corporation communications and advertising; Mylene Manlogon, assistant vice president for retail partners management, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; Harold Geronimo, assistant vice president and head of public relations and external affairs; Wilson Sy, head of sales and marketing for Manila; Donna Racho, vice president for sales and marketing for Megaworld Prime RFO; Noli Hernandez, senior vice president for sales and marketing; Marivic Acosta, senior vice president for international marketing; and Jericho Go, senior vice president, Megaworld.

Closing October 7, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,578.29 41.87

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing OCTOBER 7, 2016 43.00 45.40 46.60 47.80

P48.305

49.00

CLOSE

HIGH P48.300 LOW P48.380 AVERAGE P48.343 VOLUME 439.200M

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

oPriceS il P today

P24.84-P28.27 Diesel P28.50-P36.85 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, October 7, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.2370

Japan

Yen

0.009622

0.4641

UK

Pound

1.261800

60.8654

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128921

6.2188

Switzerland

Franc

1.020200

49.2114

Canada

Dollar

0.756659

36.4990

Singapore

Dollar

0.728757

35.1531

Australia

Dollar

0.758200

36.5733

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655055

128.0719

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

12.8622

Brunei

Dollar

0.726111

35.0254

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000077

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028711

1.3849

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.1343

Euro

Euro

1.115300

53.7987

Korea

Won

0.000897

0.0433

China

Yuan

0.149936

7.2325

India

Rupee

0.014995

0.7233

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241546

11.6515

New Zealand

Dollar

0.715900

34.5329

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031774

1.5327 Source: PDS Bridge

By Julito G. Rada

BoI to expand perks on tourism and agri

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Board of Investments plans to lift the geographic restrictions on incentives granted to tourism and agricultural projects under the 2017 Investments Priorities Plan to promote domestic manufacturing and increase the participation of local enterprises, especially micro, small and medium enterprises.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said Friday the BoI was consulting with the Tourism and Agriculture Departments to expand the scope of the income tax holiday to other

tourism and agriculture activities.

“In the 2014 IPP, we intended to push projects outside Manila. Now, with the increase in tourism and the growing demand in agriculture, we are thinking of lifting the locational restrictions,” he said.

Under the 2014 to 2016 IPP, incentives to hotels were limited to less developed areas but with high demand. The BoI decided to review the incentives plan after noting increasing visitor arrivals.

Highly concentrated areas like Metro Manila, Cebu City, Mactan Island and Boracay Island were excluded from the ITH under the current IPP. The BoI also plans to give incentives to agricultural activities such as poultry and piggery by lifting the locational restrictions in these sectors.

Poultry and piggery projects that qualify for incentives earlier were limited to Mindoro, Palawan and the Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao.

Other possible changes under the proposed 2017 IPP include the strengthening of inclusive business, the broadening of the definition of manufacturing and granting incentives to MSMEs. “We will also try to resurrect sunset industries, especially in manufacturing,” Ceferino said.

He cited the production of electronic consumer goods such as television sets, including the white line like refrigerators.

“There is the opportunity now to produce these consumer goods here in the Philippines because of the economic situation. There is a business case for companies to locate their production facilities here. Market demand for consumer items is increasing, it is for them to take advantage of the big market here,” he said.

The 2017 IPP is expected to be published in the next two weeks.

China’s top train producer bullish on PH market

By Joel Zurbano TOP officials of the largest train manufacturer in the world— CRRC-Dalian Co. Ltd. of China’s CRRC Group—visited the Philippines recently to affirm what they called their “solid intent to participate in the modernization of the Philippine rail transport system.”

Describing the Philippines as the latest magnet for the world’s top locomotive industry players, CRRC-Dalian deputy general manager Chuanyi Zhou said his company wanted to establish a foothold in the

Philippines “well ahead of the others because this is one market we do not want to lose.”

“We have overtaken our rivals from Europe, Asia and North America in their traditional markets so it will not make sense for us to fail in a country we consider a valued friend and neighbor,” he said in a statement.

“We are determined to bring to the Philippines which we regard as a sustainable new market, the most modern, safest and the most technologically superior train coaches and rail network at prices no one among

our competition can match,” he said.

Han Chu, senior project manager of MRT-3 and representative of CRRC-Dalian in the Philippines, told Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in a Sept. 27 meeting that his company’s total investment was not limited to providing rolling stock.

He said the company also planned to put up a local assembly plant to produce train coaches, which could include subway cars and diesel multiple unit fleets.

Gerry Cabrera, president of CGC Worldwide Inc., said the

warming of relations between the Philippines and China inspired optimism that CRRCDalian could become one of the first real big-ticket Chinese investors in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

CGC Worldwide Inc. is CRRCDalian’s Philippine corporate representative and partner.

CRRC-Dalian, originally founded in 1899, produces 600 electric and diesel locomotives, 700 urban transit light rail vehicles and 500 high power diesel engines annually, a production capacity unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.

Shell also reduces size of IPO to 291m shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. has reduced the size of its initial public offering to 291 million shares from the initial 330 million shares after lowering the indicative price of the stock, the underwriter handling the oil refiner’s IPO said Friday.

BPI Capital Corp. chief operating officer Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso said in an interview the size of the IPO was comprised of the base offer of 275 million shares and 16 million shares to cover over-allotment.

Pilipinas Shell is expected to generate between P18.6 billion and P20.3 billion in proceeds from the share sale based on the new price range of P64 to P70 apiece.

B1

Forex reserves soar to $85.90b

MOST AWARDED DEVELOPER.

PSe comPoSite index

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

Cariaso said the company opted for a lower size offering after parent Royal Dutch Shell Plc. wanted an ownership of at least 55 percent.

Cariaso said Pilipinas Shell’s IPO had received good response from domestic and international investors. The company has no plans to get cornerstone investors for the IPO. Cariaso said BPI Capital would go Hong Kong, Singapore and United Kingdom for the Pilipinas Shell’s international roadshow.

He said the new price range of P64 to P70 per share, or lower than the initial P90 maximum offering price, was the level where investors would be willing to participate in the public offering.

INDUSTRY ROADMAPS. The Industry Development Council Executive Committee convenes Thursday to discuss strategies and action plans to accelerate the implementation of policies and measures that will further spur the development and strengthening of local industries. Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (standing) shows the design and layout of the industry roadmap brochures for printing to attendees of the meeting—Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Cadena of the Office of the President (seated, middle), Bryan Gabriel (seated, left), also of the Office of the President, and Trade Assistant Secretary for industry development Rafaelita Aldaba

THE gross international reserves of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rose to a record $85.90 billion at the end of September this year from $85.79 billion a month ago, the central bank said in a statement Friday.

The September figure surpassed Bangko Sentral’s reserves target of $82.7 billion this year.

Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. attributed the increase mainly from the national government’s net foreign currency deposits, Bangko Sentral’s foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad.

Contributing to the rise was the revaluation adjustments on Bangko Sentral’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of the precious metal in the international market.

They were partially offset by payments made by the national government for maturing foreign exchange obligations.

“The end-September GIR level can cover 10 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to six times the country’s shortterm external debt based on original maturity and 4.3 times based on residual maturity,” Espenilla said.

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

Data showed the value of gold holdings in September rose to $8.31 billion from $8.26 billion a month ago.

IN BRIEF

ANZ still bullish despite bad press

THE Philippine economy remains “the strong man of Asia” because of solid macroeconomic fundamentals that will offset investors’ cautious sentiment amid the negative international media coverage in the country, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. said in a report Friday.

ANZ maintained its favorable assessment for the Philippines, saying foreign investors were responding to negative media coverage rather than to economic developments and overlooking these strong fundamentals.

“For the time being, foreign investors have been reacting more to the negative media headlines, and the risk of further withdrawal of foreign investment remains.

Admittedly, the contribution of foreign capital to the Philippines is low with net foreign portfolio flows posting a monthly average of $96 million in the last three years,” ANZ said. Julito G. Rada

BSP set to improve derivative products

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to deploy within the year a derivatives framework that will help businesses and individuals manage the risks to these kinds of products, Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Friday. “... We are currently working with our derivatives framework...

We have an existing one and we are improving it so we will be unveiling that soon enough and that would also incorporate some of the reforms of the OTC [over the counter] derivatives market particularly currency,” Espenilla said at the sidelines of an event at The Fort in Taguig.

“We want to deploy it this year.

Although there are processes, the regulations are almost done so there will be an exclusion period and internal policies,” he said.

He said OTC derivatives could be important part for increasing the capacity of the country’s financial system. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market extends losses S TOCKS fell for a third day, as investors traded cautiously ahead of a key US employment report, while oil prices rose above $50 a barrel in New York for the first time since June.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, shed 41 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 7,578.29 Friday. This reduced total gains this year to 9 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also tumbled 17 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 4,504.51, on a value turnover of P8 billion.

Six of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by SM Prime Holdings Inc. which gained 1.4 percent to P28.20 and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. which rose 1.1 percent to P7.40.

Petron Corp. went up 1 percent to

P10.60, while Cebu Air Inc. added 0.9 percent to close at P108. GT Capital Holdings Inc. rose 0.9 percent to P1,410, while SM Investments Corp. picked up 0.5 percent to P675.

Meanwhile, most Asian stocks also fell ahead of a closely watched US payrolls report as stronger economic data fueled bets the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year.

Analysts said a good report will boost the odds of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike this year. The US dollar rallied, pushing the pound to a fresh 31-year low against the US currency.

US jobless claims fell to the secondlowest level since 1973, strengthening the case for the Fed to raise interest rates. Odds that it will do so by December climbed to 64 percent from 53 percent a week ago, ahead of the official labor report Friday.

Japanese shares retreated even after the yen capped its longest losing streak

against the greenback since July 2014, while oil above $50 per barrel sent energy shares higher.

The main Asian stock gauge has nudged slightly higher this week, heading for a 0.6-percent advance as investors await US economic reports and watch for comments by Fed officials to assess the path of interest rates. The measure posted its best quarter since 2012 in the three months ended September.

“Markets are likely to remain relatively cautious” before US payrolls data, said Ric Spooner, Sydney-based chief market analyst at CMC Markets.

“A moderate miss to the downside in the U.S. jobs data will probably do little to change the outlook for a Fed rate hike this year. However, a good read could put the issue largely beyond doubt,” Spooner said.

Tokyo shares ended lower Friday, snapping a four day winning streak. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index slipped

0.23 percent, or 39.01 points, to close at 16,860.09. It gained 2.49 percent over the week.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues fell 0.25 percent or 3.32 points to 1,350.61. It rose 2.10 percent over the week.

Hong Kong stocks also slipped in the morning session Friday following a fourday rally, in line with an Asia-wide selloff as traders were spooked by a “flash crash” in the pound.

The Hang Seng index eased 0.48 percent, or 115.94 points, to 23,836.56 by the break. Mainland Chinese markets were closed all week for a public holiday.

South Korea’s Kospi index slid 0.1 percent, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.4 percent. New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 Index dropped 0.8 percent. China’s markets are shut for the remainder of the week, while those in Hong Kong have yet to start trading. With AFP, Bloomberg

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.64 ASIA UNITED 48 BANK PH ISLANDS 105.5 BDO LEASING 3.8 BDO UNIBANK 110 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.34 CHINABANK 37.95 COL FINANCIAL 16.18 EAST WEST BANK 19.26 FIRST ABACUS 0.73 IREMIT 1.83 1.83 MANULIFE 666.5 698 MEDCO HLDG 0.83 METROBANK 84.55 PB BANK 14.04 14.4 PHIL NATL BANK 57.8 PHIL STOCK EXCH 260.8 PHILTRUST 230 231 RCBC 35.9 35.95 SECURITY BANK 221.4 SUN LIFE 1,470 1,471 UNION BANK 76.6 VANTAGE 1.44 1.44

3.65 48 105.5 3.8 110.2 1.36 38 16.6 19.28 0.78 1.83 666.5 0.83 84.6 13.96 58.9 269.8 230 35.7 223.2 1,470 76.6 1.44

FINANCIAL 3.64 3.65 47.6 48 103.3 103.3 3.8 3.8 107.4 109 1.32 1.34 37.95 38 16.1 16.6 18.8 18.88 0.7 0.74 1.83 12,000 698 260 0.79 0.79 83.9 84 14.4 96,100 57.4 57.5 260 269.6 230 420 35.8 83,900 220.2 223 1,470 75 75 75.15 1.44 50,000

4,000 14,570 17,300 826,330 181,440 1,921,390 199,346,676 -58,716,887 37,000 140,600 -45,600 2,515,610 274,261,667 -24,872,423 145,000 193,940 101,640 2,700 102,565 278,400 4,493,446 -3,912,300 741,300 14,057,098 -3,323,622 4,223,000 3,082,290 21,960 176,825 80,365 4,745,000 3,810,610 -1,107,010 8,309,520 700,192,609.50 -35,863,141.50 1,378,258 135,290 7,815,325.50 1,291,689.50 2,170 564,902 13,020 96,716 3,000,635 1,038,240 544,480 120,684,184 -20,270,618 110,270 73,500 175,680 13,191,605.50 -4,682,400.50 72,000 -

ABOITIZ POWER 45.85 AGRINURTURE 3.89 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.88 ALSONS CONS 1.63 ASIABEST GROUP 15.7 CEMEX HLDG 11.94 CENTURY FOOD 16.22 CIRTEK HLDG 23.3 CONCEPCION 60 CROWN ASIA 2.08 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.57 DEL MONTE 12.36 DNL INDUS 11.54 EEI CORP 7.49 7.49 EMPERADOR 7.3 ENERGY DEVT 5.96 EUROMED 1.76 1.76 FIRST GEN 24.5 24.75 FIRST PHIL HLDG 71.95 GINEBRA 13 13 HOLCIM 16.46 16.46 INTEGRATED MICR 6.15 IONICS 2.18 2.19 JOLLIBEE 251 252 LIBERTY FLOUR 55 MABUHAY VINYL 4.12 MACAY HLDG 26.5 MANILA WATER 31.3 MAXS GROUP 27.7 MEGAWIDE 15.8 MERALCO 309.6 309.6 MG HLDG 0.26 0.26 PEPSI COLA 3.18 PETRON 10.6 10.82 PHINMA 11.6 11.6 PHINMA ENERGY 2.22 PHX PETROLEUM 5.86 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.53 PRYCE CORP 3.86 PUREFOODS 217 RFM CORP 4.2 4.21 ROXAS AND CO 2.2 ROXAS HLDG 3.38 SWIFT FOODS 0.148 TKC METALS 1.81 UNIV ROBINA 185 VICTORIAS 4.61 4.61 VITARICH 2.28 2.41 VIVANT 31.3 34.4 VULCAN INDL 1.2

45.85 3.97 0.89 1.63 16.08 11.96 16.38 23.65 61 2.1 6.98 12.36 11.7 7.4 7.3 5.96 1.75 24 72.5 13 16.38 6.18 2.17 245 55 4.12 27.5 31.5 28.5 15.96 308.4 0.26 3.22 10.54 11.6 2.23 5.97 1.54 3.89 217.6 4.2 2.2 3.38 0.149 1.84 185 4.21 2.28 31.3 1.2

INDUSTRIAL 45 45.7 3.8 3.89 0.87 0.87 1.6 1.6 15.6 16.08 11.7 11.8 16.22 16.32 23.3 23.65 60 60 2.06 2.08 6.41 6.45 12.28 12.28 11.34 11.54 7.4 397,700 7.05 7.24 5.84 5.9 1.75 18,000 24.45 3,663,800 71.4 71.85 13 100 16.4 256,600 6.01 6.04 2.18 514,000 245.8 702,830 54 55 4.11 4.11 26.5 27.5 30.55 30.85 26.8 28.5 15.68 15.7 308.6 176,350 0.26 10,000 3.05 3.18 10.6 10,510,000 11.6 800 2.21 2.23 5.86 5.97 1.52 1.52 3.76 3.77 215.2 216 4.2 373,000 2.2 2.2 3.38 3.38 0.146 0.148 1.75 1.81 182 184.3 4.61 32,000 2.38 13,430,000 34.4 600 1.19 1.19

2,438,900 110,482,720 -61,483,340 1,740,000 6,773,640 -74,100 1,086,000 952,030 536,000 864,070 2,300 36,066 1,425,100 16,792,550 -1,652,574 962,100 15,705,282 -4,262,598 540,600 12,731,375 -117,250 260,770 15,646,463 11,821,200 317,000 658,280 2,685,900 17,795,363 704,971 91,500 1,124,484 1,228 1,640,700 18,993,796 2,928,818 2,956,912 -1,247,333 1,948,000 14,046,026 -2,353,490 6,154,100 36,321,632 -8,589,674 31,600 89,414,665 25,317,210 117,150 8,448,634.50 1,111,402 1,300 4,208,134 3,280,000.00 715,000 4,339,606 -820,762 1,119,130 173,506,910 -94,724,030 790 43,350 48,000 197,600 1,100 29,250 1,174,600 36,376,905 10,031,430 337,000 9,306,435 -1,214,420 1,494,000 23,622,368 15,457,332 54,458,992 11,577,948.00 2,600 4,973,000 15,550,830 4,194,090 111,901,164 -3,743,428 9,280 598,000 1,323,580 864,110 1,021,700 6,097,888 -597 44,000 67,290 331,000 1,262,030 -14,800 454,730 98,943,522 324,000 1,566,610 42,000 2,000 4,400 1,000 3,380 1,880,000 277,680 580,000 1,028,280 925,610 170,248,868 4,621,198 141,910 31,638,590 -1,003,100 19,090 3,440 276,000 329,240 -

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.385 ABOITIZ EQUITY 75.65 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 15.96 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.2 ANSCOR 6.1 6.19 ATN HLDG A 0.36 ATN HLDG B 0.36 AYALA CORP 864 COSCO CAPITAL 8.41 DMCI HLDG 12.62 FILINVEST DEV 8.12 FJ PRINCE A 6.12 FORUM PACIFIC 0.2 GT CAPITAL 1,397 HOUSE OF INV 6.27 JG SUMMIT 75.7 KEPPEL HLDG B 5.31 LODESTAR 0.79 0.8 LOPEZ HLDG 8.2 LT GROUP 14.56 14.64 METRO PAC INV 7.32 PACIFICA 0.036 0.037 PRIME ORION 1.91 SAN MIGUEL CORP 81.2 SEAFRONT RES 2.3 SM INVESTMENTS 677 SOC RESOURCES 0.9 SOLID GROUP 1.21 TOP FRONTIER 232 UNIOIL HLDG 0.315 WELLEX INDUS 0.199

0.385 77.4 15.96 1.2 6.1 0.36 0.36 866 8.42 12.9 8.17 6.5 0.206 1,416 6.27 75.8 5.31 0.79 8.24 14.4 7.46 0.036 1.93 81.4 2.3 677 0.91 1.23 233.8 0.32 0.202

HOLDING FIRMS 0.37 0.37 75.65 77 15.5 15.8 1.2 1.2 6.1 10,100 0.35 0.355 0.36 0.36 858.5 860 8.36 8.36 12.54 12.7 7.98 8.17 6.12 6.5 0.2 0.206 1,395 1,410 6.27 6.27 74 75.1 5.31 5.31 0.79 627,000 8.1 8.24 14.46 10,980,300 7.32 7.4 0.037 4,100,000 1.9 1.93 80 81.4 2.3 2.3 669.5 675 0.9 0.91 1.2 1.21 231 233.8 0.31 0.31 0.199 0.202

340,000 126,200 1,036,780 79,412,877 -14,547,618.50 2,737,700 42,996,850 -3,860,116 10,000 12,000 61,619 1,060,000 371,300 20,000 7,200 430,000 369,931,230 -39,985,765 2,130,100 17,818,055 10,695,760 6,853,800 86,963,940 -17,706,016 419,200 3,411,337 3,241,370 15,000 96,162 20,000 4,060 269,965 380,267,060 9,291,665 100 627 1,609,000 120,880,351.50 53,796,871.50 300 1,593 495,450 1,076,600 8,832,655 -2,864,840.00 159,102,658 -9,351,378 68,014,700 502,163,024 94,468,094 150,600 71,000 135,420 95,300 7,703,691.50 -1,985,535 5,000 11,500 238,110 160,141,735 36,093,285 23,000 20,830 412,000 494,940 10,240 2,377,694 467,600 1,660,000 526,500 200,000 40,090 -

8990 HLDG 7.39 A BROWN 1.17 1.17 ANCHOR LAND 6.8 ARANETA PROP 2.61 ARTHALAND CORP 0.27 AYALA LAND 38.7 BELLE CORP 2.9 CEBU HLDG 5.08 CENTURY PROP 0.59 CITY AND LAND 1.21 CITYLAND DEVT 1.05 CROWN EQUITIES 0.163 CYBER BAY 0.56 DOUBLEDRAGON 57.05 EMPIRE EAST 0.75 FILINVEST LAND 1.82 GLOBAL ESTATE 1 IRC PROP 1.17 1.17 MEGAWORLD 4.65 MRC ALLIED 0.203 PHIL ESTATES 0.26 PHIL REALTY 0.405 PRIMEX CORP 3.91 ROBINSONS LAND 32.65

7.46 1.15 6.8 2.67 0.27 38.7 2.95 5.15 0.59 1.21 1.05 0.163 0.57 57.35 0.77 1.83 1.01 1.17 4.66 0.207 0.275 0.405 4.08 32.75

NAME

HIGH

CLOSE

1.68 3.3 28.4 1.11 6.99 5.31

1.6 3.29 27.7 1.06 6.3 5.18

2GO GROUP 7.68 ABS CBN 48.5 48.55 ACESITE HOTEL 1.26 APC GROUP 0.57 ASIAN TERMINALS 11.96 BERJAYA 5.21 5.39 BLOOMBERRY 4.7 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.095 CALATA CORP 3.3 CEBU AIR 107 109.8 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.8 DFNN INC 6.9 6.95 DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL 3.01 3.16 GLOBE TELECOM 1,901 GMA NETWORK 6.29 GOLDEN HAVEN 14.08 HARBOR STAR 2.2 IMPERIAL A 20 IMPERIAL B 140 INTL CONTAINER 81 IP EGAME 0.010 0.010 IPEOPLE 11.7 11.7 IPM HLDG 9.22 9.24 ISLAND INFO 0.243 ISM COMM 1.52 JACKSTONES 3.63 LBC EXPRESS 12.02 LEISURE AND RES 5.33 LIBERTY TELECOM 2.41 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 2.22 MANILA JOCKEY 1.96 MELCO CROWN 3.86 METRO RETAIL 5.16 MLA BRDCASTING 20.4 NOW CORP 3.42 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.46 PAL HLDG 5.8 5.8 PHIL SEVEN CORP 138 PHILWEB 8.3 8.89 PLDT 1,628 1,630 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.01 PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD 42.35 ROBINSONS RTL 76.35 SBS PHIL CORP 6.14 SSI GROUP2.93 2.93 STI HLDG 0.71 0.72 TRAVELLERS 3.28 WATERFRONT 0.365 YEHEY CORP 5.26

7.73 48.5 1.35 0.57 11.96 5.21 4.7 0.096 3.41 107 9.8 6.85 2.88 3.01 1,926 6.35 14.42 2.33 20.4 140 81 0.010 11.7 9.22 0.243 1.55 3.66 12.98 5.43 2.42 1.1 2.22 2 3.88 5.25 20.7 3.47 11.46 5.7 140 7.25 1,604 1.03 0.44 42.65 76.5 6.14 2.87 0.69 3.28 0.365 5.3

SERVICES 7.53 7.69 48.5 34,100 1.26 1.26 0.54 0.54 11.96 11.96 5.21 2,700 4.51 4.53 0.094 0.094 3.26 3.34 108 1,226,600 9.76 9.76 6.86 281,800 2.88 2.7 3.16 2,000 1,800 1,821 6.27 6.32 14.08 14.42 2.08 2.08 19.54 19.54 140 140 78.1 80 0.010 7,000,000 11.7 1,600 9.24 454,000 0.235 0.237 1.48 1.49 3.63 3.66 12 12.76 5.32 5.4 2.25 2.26 1.1 1.07 2.22 2.22 1.96 2 3.8 3.83 5.15 5.15 19.06 19.06 3.37 3.45 11.42 11.42 5.7 1,700 135 140 7.69 16,623,900 1,610 248,190 1.01 1.03 0.44 0.43 41.75 42 76 76 5.96 6.06 2.87 521,000 0.71 23,458,000 3.23 3.23 0.35 0.365 5.25 5.3

200,100 1,528,889 -20,759 1,653,905 13,000 16,870 902,000 492,130 54,000 100 1,196 14,085 3,501,000 16,077,800 4,681,570.00 16,320,000 1,544,330 5,760 1,035,000 3,443,410 13,080 132,750,891 104,474,613 2,000 19,564 1,943,876 -670,090 2.77 20,000 54,490 6,170 178,810 326,263,395 -3,547,165 118,000 746,639 69,900 987,616 0 13,518,000 29,456,460 74,520 27,700 548,346 40 5,600 725,450 57,990,196.50 -120,898.50 69,300 18,720 4,194,880 20,630,000 4,896,730 -47,400 1,973,000 2,965,520 10,000 36,390 1,138,100 13,726,230 7,672,192 1,551,700 8,370,406 4,805,693 2,017,000 4,602,960 1.07 15,000 16,140 4,000 8,880 55,000 108,600 3,103,000 11,872,690 -4,626,120 5,556,700 28,723,824 -6,763,893 13,900 272,069 1,389,000 4,730,440 61,200 5,600 64,152 9,730 3,420 476,240 166,980 137,028,857 -294,729 400,439,935 -155,595,370 6,699,000 6,864,410 3,126,750 0.43 1,480,000 640,950 316,800 13,302,545 -4,678,445 620,290 47,201,205.50 -9,808,002 243,900 1,471,482 1,499,690 14,300 16,485,160 8,026,810 122,000 397,160 200,000 71,050 27,100 142,500 -

ABRA MINING 0.004 APEX MINING 3.05 ATLAS MINING 4.1 BASIC ENERGY 0.24 BENGUET A 2.11 CENTURY PEAK 0.58 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.4 DIZON MINES 8.12 FERRONICKEL 1.03 GEOGRACE 0.27 LEPANTO A 0.189 LEPANTO B 0.193 MANILA MINING A0.011 MANILA MINING B 0.011 MARCVENTURES 1.37 NICKEL ASIA 7.16 NIHAO 2.9 2.91 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.88 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 PETROENERGY 4.2 PHILODRILL 0.013 PX MINING 8.4 PXP ENERGY 3.97 SEMIRARA MINING TA PETROLEUM 3.39 UNITED PARAGON 0.010

0.004 3.1 4.33 0.245 2.11 0.58 0.41 8.48 1.06 0.275 0.189 0.193 0.011 0.011 1.47 7.16 2.83 0.9 0.011 0.011 4.2 0.013 8.43 4.13 121 3.4 0.010

MINING & OIL 0.004 0.004 2.9 3.08 4.1 4.12 0.22 0.22 2.1 2.1 0.57 0.58 0.4 0.41 8.12 8.38 1.02 1.04 0.27 0.275 0.186 0.186 0.193 0.193 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1.37 1.45 7.04 7.08 2.88 60,000 0.87 0.87 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 4.2 4.2 0.012 0.013 8.21 8.33 3.81 3.85 121 120 3.33 3.4 0.010 0.010

373,000,000 1,342,900 148,000 449,390 168,210.00 46,000 189,870 -8,240 4,370,000 1,028,520 45,370 70,000 147,050 178,000 101,710 610,000 244,300 300 2,498 34,343,000 35,709,840 140,000 38,300 6,740,000 1,259,240 60,000 11,580 10,400,000 114,400 6,400,000 70,400 1,180,000 1,636,940 49,320 13,665,300 96,837,697 172,900 108,000 94,860 2,300,000 25,300 1,100,000 12,100 3,000 12,600 39,200,000 495,400 561,600 4,675,199 171,836 7,885,000 31,484,290 120.5 671,450 80,841,722 123,000 417,370 4,000,000 38,600 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF 103.5 PCOR PREF 2B SFI PREF 2.41 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

48.3 540 536 103.8 1,157 2.41 77 81.1 76.5 80 79 78 77.85

48.5 540 545 103.2 1,157 2.35 77 81.1 78 80 79 78 77.85

PREFERRED 48.2 48.5 540 540 535 545 103.8 52,790 1,157 1,157 2.39 14,000 76.4 76.4 81 81 76.5 78 80 80 79 79 78 78 77.6 77.6

58,700 2,835,800 1,830 988,200 7,660 4,105,300 5,454,725 1,200 1,388,400 33,200 3,000 229,620 91,000 7,371,620 31,600 2,424,900 1,450 116,000 2,680 211,720 13,270 1,035,060 119,520 9,297,957

80,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.48

2.48

WARRANTS 2.34 2.38

196,000 469,080

-

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS 4.47 MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS 14.7

3.15 4.5 3.23 15.12

3.15 4.43 3.23 14.32

SME 3.08 4.5 3.23 14.48

884,000 2,749,370 6,330 195,930 -18,350 10,000 32,300 83,950,678 -16,631,364

FIRST METRO ETF 125.6

125.6

1.67 3.29 27.8 1.08 6.5 5.28

VOLUME 1.6 3.3 28.2 1.08 6.99 5.31

MS

PROPERTY 7.38 7.38 1.15 320,000 6.8 6.8 2.55 2.56 0.265 0.265 38 38.1 2.88 2.9 5.08 5.15 0.58 0.58 1.2 1.2 1 1 0.161 0.161 0.56 0.56 55.95 55.95 0.75 0.75 1.72 1.79 1 1 1.17 107,000 4.44 4.5 0.195 0.195 0.255 0.275 0.405 0.405 3.84 3.93 30.6 31.2

28,100 207,766 -114,650 370,600 20,000 136,000 136,000 1,195,000 3,106,840 104,000 1,900,000 503,550 13,612,600 519,601,575 441,000 1,283,640 -311,620 47,100 241,256 145,745 3,956,000 2,308,490 73,000 88,020 124,000 125,920 0 6,960,000 1,124,920 2,618,000 1,466,340 603,110 34,204,656 2,327,000 1,748,380 -1,695,520 51,576,000 91,308,930 2,028,000 2,038,360 125,190 75,772,000 341,356,150 68,250,000 13,699,690 250,000 64,950 100,000 40,500 -40,500 2,376,000 9,409,950 -37,100 3,441,700 107,492,775

-29,590,990

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

LOW

ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

OPEN

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

24,041,105

-846,826.50

INDUSTRIAL

67,942,276

-4,740,920

HOLDING FIRMS

107,967,460

-45,775,370 -200,660

PROPERTY

261,695,006

SERVICES

134,318,380

MINING & OIL

507,613,301

-47,568,650

GRAND TOTAL

1,110,280,657

3.1 44,000 3.23 5,755,200

EXCHANGE TRADE FUNDS 124.8 125.2

VALUE

281,000 455,040 96,000 30,000 98,850 9,601,000 270,151,730 5,305,000 5,754,310 -304,500 800 5,424 4,446,100 23,391,448

8,280

24,392,395 -10,919,653

36,000

3,604,290

20,965,840

-93,950 38,698,356

-1,565,900 -

1,038,084 -23,788

VALUE 1,800.09 (down) 15.17 1,347,650,682.80 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,898.64 (down) 49.32 1,309,784,189.52 HOLDING FIRMS 7,591.07 (up) 3.67 2,176,512,761.47 PROPERTY 3,414.94 (down) 30.62 1,443.35 (down) 22.15 1,552,238,519.77 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,100.90 (down) 20.79 1,289,620,239.63 PSEI 7,578.29 (down) 41.87 257,492,464.3244 All Shares Index 4,504.51 (down) 17.39 8,021,270,955.51 Gainers: 72; Losers: 103; Unchanged: 57; Total: 232

Bond listings to reach P100b

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., the operator of the country’s bond market, said it expects total bond listings this year to reach P100 billion, as companies rush to raise funds ahead of the possible US interest rate hike.

PDEx president and chief operating officer Cesar Crisol said in an interview at the sidelines of Ayala Land Inc.’s P7-billion retail bond offering that total bond listings amounted to P71.69 billion as of Oct. 7.

“Companies are rushing to issue bonds to take advantage of the current low-interest rate environment,” Crisol said.

Crisol said three more listings were expected before the end of the year, including Ayala Land’s P3-billion Homestarter Bonds, Petron Corp.’s P20-billion five and seven-year fixed-rate bonds and SM Investments Corp.’s P20-billion seven-year bonds.

Several banks are also expected to issue long-term negotiable certificate of deposits.

Petron’s and SM Investments’ bond offerings have yet to be approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Crisol said despite the pending US rate hike, he expected companies to continue to tap the debt market to finance expansion plans.

Xeleb prepares IPO plan XELEB Technologies Inc., a unit of listed technology company Xurpas Inc., plans to list under the small, medium and emerging board of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Xurpas said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the application for initial public offering of Xeleb Technologies.

Xurpas did not provide other details, including the size of Xeleb’s IPO and timetable for the listing.

Xeleb Technologies is a company engaged in the creation and development of digital products and services, with a particular focus on the celebrity-branded and themed mobile casual games and content for consumers.

Its offerings are among the fastest-growing mobile consumer products of Xurpas.

Meanwhile, Xurpas said it acquired a 100-percent stake in fast-growing Asia-Pacific mobile advertising network Art of Click Pte. Ltd. for $45 million.

Art of Click, a Singaporebased technology company specializing in mobile media advertising, created a proprietary, next-generation ad optimization platform for advertisers.

“We are thrilled to find innovative companies exceedingly complementary with our business. We believe that Art of Click is a perfect match for our mobile consumer services, and that growth prospect excites us,” said Xurpas chairman and chief executive Nix Nolledo.

Art of Click’s widely successful mobile campaign platform is designed to maximize mobile app monetization.

“We love the fact that Art of Click has the capability to tremendously enhance this core business unit. Right now, we are developing revolutionary mobile consumer platforms that integrates our various investments,” said Xurpas president and chief operating officer Raymond Racaza.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

B3

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Oil prices rally, hit over $50

O

IL held its gains above $50 a barrel after US inventories fell a fifth consecutive week and as Opec’s pledge to reduce output sparked speculation a global glut may ease.

Japanese and British flags are placed in front of a monitor showing the Japanese yen rate against the British pound at a brokerage in Tokyo on October 7, 2016. The pound suffered a “flash crash” in Asia on a computer-generated sell-off in the beleaguered currency, as tough talk from French President Francois Hollande underscored the perils ahead for Brexit-bound Britain. AFP

Pound in ‘flash crash,’ drops to $1.1841 TOKYO―The pound suffered a “flash crash” Friday morning in its biggest drop since Britain’s Brexit vote in June, with warnings of further volatility ahead for the beleaguered currency as Asian stock markets retreated.

In early Asian trade sterling plunged more than six percent against the dollar, with experts blaming the sell-off on technical issues or human error.

But some market-watchers said the event illustrated the fragility of the British unit since the country’s shock referendum vote on June 23 to leave the European Union.

Sterling fell off a cliff in early trade to hit $1.1841―its lowest level since mid-1985―before immediately rebounding to around $1.2450.

It also collapsed against the euro, with the single currency hitting a seven-year high at 94.15 pence, before easing slightly as minutes from the European Cen-

tral Bank indicated it is unlikely to trim its stimulus any time soon.

“What we had was insane― call it a flash crash―but the move of this magnitude really tells you how low the currency can really go,” Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst of Think Markets wrote in a commentary.

“Hard Brexit has haunted sterling,” he said, according to Bloomberg News.

The pound has hit several fresh 31-year lows against the dollar this week, after British Prime Minister Theresa May outlined a timetable at the weekend for Britain to leave the European Union by 2019.

May’s comment led French President Francois Hollande to call Thursday for EU officials to use a firm hand in negotiations with Britain over its exit.

And Yosuke Hosokawa, head of FX sales team at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, warned there

could be more bloodshed to come for sterling.

“We thought today’s plunge was a matter of time,” he said.

“Negative factors were mounting against the pound, and eventually the dam broke. We have not seen the bottom yet. Breaking the 31-year low is now in sight.”

While the British economy has showed signs of improvement in the months since the EU exit vote, there are concerns about the wider long-term impact of the bloc losing its second-biggest economy.

The fright in foreign exchanges was reflected on Asia’s stock markets as investors fled high-risk assets, with losses across the board.

Tokyo was down 0.3 percent in the afternoon and Hong Kong slipped 0.5 percent by lunch, while Sydney lost 0.3 percent and Seoul eased 0.5 percent.

The dollar also retreated

against the safe-haven yen.

The fall in sterling was the sharpest since Britain’s vote to leave the EU, which sent shockwaves through global markets, wiping trillions off valuations.

The pound tumbled more than 10 percent against the dollar the day after the vote before quickly rebounding but has lost about 14 percent since then.

Friday’s drop was chalked to exaggerated moves caused by relatively lower volume trading on the pound in Asian markets, while others suggested a socalled “fat finger” issue.

“It seems that a bunch of selling orders came in all together― possibly due to some technical reason―and that sent it plunging in a burst of thin trading ahead of US employment figures (Friday),” Minori Uchida, head of Tokyo global markets research at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, told AFP. AFP

Futures were little changed in New York after advancing 1.2 percent Thursday to close above $50 a barrel for the first time since June. US crude stockpiles shrank below 500 million barrels last week for the first time since January, government data showed.

Opec pledged in Algiers last week to reduce the group’s production to 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day in a bid to shrink the world’s bloated crude supplies and boost prices.

Oil has gained about 13 percent since the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed Sept. 28 to cut production for the first time in eight years. Opec, which pumped at a record in September, will decide on quotas at an official meeting of the group in Vienna on Nov. 30. Hurricane Matthew is heading for Southeast US and may disrupt East Coast fuel shipments.

“Crude is bullish right now, supported by Opec’s pledge to cut production and lowerthan-expected stockpiles in the US,” Hong Sung Ki, a Seoulbased commodities analyst at Samsung Futures Inc., said by phone. “However, uncertainties still remain as the market is generally skeptical about whether Opec will make a final decision in November, and whether the decision will be implemented among members.”

West Texas Intermediate for November delivery was at $50.43 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 1 cent, at 7:48 a.m. in London.

The contract increased 61 cents to $50.44 a barrel on Thursday.

Total volume traded was 46 percent below the 100-day average.

Brent for December settlement was at $52.50 a barrel, down 1 cent, on the Londonbased ICE Futures Europe exchange. The contract gained 65 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $52.51 a barrel on Thursday. The global benchmark crude traded at a $1.53 premium to WTI for December delivery.

US crude inventories dropped by 2.98 million barrels to 499.7 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday. Opec members will meet next week for talks on implementing an output-cut deal, with Russia joining to discuss how producers from outside the group can participate in the plan, Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio Del Pino said in a government statement Wednesday.

Eighteen of 32, or 56 percent, of analysts, traders and brokers surveyed by Bloomberg Thursday were bearish on WTI. That’s up from 50 percent of respondents a week earlier. Eight, or 25 percent, of the respondents were bullish on the futures, while six of those surveyed were neutral.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Oil Co., the world’s biggest oil company, is planning to sell shares in the entire business and not just in its refining or distribution operations, chief executive officer Amin Nasser said in an interview. Bloomberg

Russia becomes global grain superpower as wheat exports explode ALMOST 25 years after watching the Dawn of Communism collective farm where he grew up land in the dustbin of history, Andrey Burdin is helping turn Russia into something the communists never could: a grain-export powerhouse.

Over the last few years, Burdin has tripled the size of his farm on the steppe near the Black Sea, winning prizes from the local government for how much wheat he’s produced from the rich soil here and pumping profits back into new tractors and sprayers.

His harvest this season will be a third bigger than what it was just five years ago, helping fuel an explosion in grain exports that has allowed Russia to displace longtime global leaders like the US and European Union.

Long known for its oil and gas, Russia is now moving to retake leadership in the world wheat trade it last held when the Czars ruled. In the process, it’s reshaping the market for one of the world’s most important traded food products.

“People have started to think about the future,” said Burdin, 42 years old, new tractors lined up outside the window of his office. “Before, everyone just lived day to day.”

Farm renaissance He plans to buy a Deere & Co. sprayer for 20 million rubles ($311,000) to add to his fleet in time for planting next spring, he said.

From the Black Sea coast and the Volga River heartland to the sunscorched steppes of Siberia, Russia’s farm belt is enjoying a renaissance, with grain at the leading edge. Turbocharged by the 45 percent drop in the ruble against the dollar over the last few years and bumper crops, local producers are crowding into export markets long dominated by big western players.

Last season, Russian topped the US in wheat exports for the first time in decades and is expected to extend those gains to displace the EU from the top spot this year, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Investors from local farmers to billionaire tycoons are pumping money

Combine harvesters load trucks with wheat grain during the summer wheat harvest on a farm operated by Kuban Agroholding, a unit of Basic Element Co., in Ust-Labinsk, Russia, on Sunday, June 26, 2016. Russian wheat-export prices dropped to a six-year low last week as prices in major competitors such as the US.and France fell and harvesting of a bumper crop was about to start. Bloomberg

into the business.

Russian wheat has crowded out US supplies in Egypt, the world’s biggest buyer, and is gaining footholds in some other countries, such as Nigeria, Bangladesh and Indonesia. That’s four decades after the Soviet Union turned to US shipments of wheat and corn to offset shortfalls in its own harvests. Over the last decade, Russia has been the biggest single source of growth in wheat exports, vital to meeting surging global demand.

“Russia will be among the top exporters for a long time, especially given the potential advances in productivity there,” said Tom Basnett, general manager at Market Check, a Sydney-based commodity consultant. “Other producers need to fight harder to maintain their traditional markets.”

The boom in Russia is attracting some of the world’s biggest trading houses, with Olam International Ltd., Cargill

Inc. and Glencore Plc investing into everything from silos to export terminals.

Rich soil, government support and proximity to Black Sea ports for shipping means Russian costs can be as little as half those of major competitors supplying key import markets in the Middle East, according to researchers at Kansas State University.

Rivals shift Many growers in the US and Europe have turned to higher-quality wheat to compete with the Russian supplies, which are mostly softer varieties that fetch lower prices. Some have also cut wheat plantings, which in the US are expected to be the lowest next year since 1919, according to The Scoular Co., a Kansas grain supplier.

Limited storage capacity means most of the Russian crop is sold shortly after it’s harvested, further depressing prices.

Moscow has also imposed export tariffs and even a ban in the last several years

in an effort to keep domestic prices down, scaring foreign buyers. The 2010 ban sent prices skyrocketing in key markets like Egypt, fueling unrest that contributed to a revolution.

The price of Russian wheat for export from Black Sea ports dropped to the lowest in at least six years in July and wast at $169 a metric ton as of Sept. 30, according to the Institute for Agricultural Market Studies.

But exports have been growing since Russia first returned in volume to the global wheat market in 2002. Over the first seven months of this year, farm and food exports were 5.5 percent of Russia’s total, still far behind top-ranked oil and gas but the highest share in at least 15 years and more than big earners like weapons, according to official data.

“With our nature and climate, it’s our destiny to be an exporter,” said Arkady Zlochevsky, president of the Russian Grain Union, an industry group.

Farmers trace the roots of the rebound to the Kremlin’s move a decade ago to allow land to be bought and sold freely. That set off a wave of investment in new equipment, fertilizers and expansion of farms into lands long left fallow. Government subsidies and the ruble devaluation, along with good weather, have added to harvests in recent years.

Burdin was granted five hectares of land for his own use in the early 1990s, when his collective farm collapsed in the wake of the demise of the Soviet Union. After working as a hired hand, he struck out on his own in 2005. He traded his old Lada for a used Russian tractor. He said he barely earned enough for food. “It was hard when we started out.”

Now he drives a late-model Ford pickup. His fleet includes a half-dozen imported tractors and four combines, along with a German machine to spread the fertilizer that’s helped him to victory in local wheat-yields contests. He owns 200 hectares (500 acres) of land and rents another 1,500.

Farm riches A few miles away, Viktor Borodaev, 64, said he and other farmers don’t deserve all the credit for the recent boom. “We got a lot of help from God and nature,” he said, referring to the favorable weather that’s yielded bumper crops in recent years.

On the 40,000 hectares of fields at the Tselina farm company he runs, technology has also played a role. New tractors with GPS work 24 hours a day, with three shifts of drivers switching off. Profit margins were as high as 90 percent last year and earnings should be higher this year, he said.

Last week, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev reported to President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, predicting the best harvest in 25 years and forecasting it could grow another 20 percent over the next decade or so.

“Exports give us a flow of cash, hard currency, from which our farm producers get rich,” said Tkachev, whose family is a major owner of farms and agricultural land in southern Russia.

Bloomberg

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

B4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

Property

Cool it I

ISO-CERTIFIED. The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) recently received its ISO 9001:2008 certification from the AJA Registrars.

The ISO certification covers all management systems in SHFC’s head office in Makati City, which ensures implementation of shelter financing and development services for the homeless and underprivileged sectors of society. “The certification is an important step in assuring our clients of SHFC’s commitment to carrying out services with the highest level of standards,” said SHFC president Ma. Ana Oliveros. ISO 9001, established by the International Standardization Organization (ISO), is the standard for setting up a Quality Management System. The AJA Registrars is an international accreditation registrar for management system standards.

TIPS TO STAY AHEAD OF HOT, HUMID DAYS AT HOME

N the Philippines, heat and humidity are givens. They’re also the reasons why our electric bills tend to go up during summer months. But there are homes that are cooler than others throughout the year.

Their secret? Climateconscious design.

“Some designs just don’t make sense in a tropical climate like ours,” said architect Gelo Mañosa, son of renowned designer Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, and CEO of Mañosa & Co. “When designing a home, you need to keep in mind the conditions that surround it. A house designed, for say, Finland, might be beautiful, but not appropriate for the reality of Philippine climate.”

Mañosa said there are three important factors to consider when designing for hot and humid climates: direct solar radiation, orientation, and wind direction.

“If you want a cooler home, maximize passive cooling and minimize ‘heat gain,” he advised.

“A well-thought-out design, which includes choosing the right materials, proper sun protection, landscape design and proper orientation, can make an enormous difference.”

Mañosa gave 10 tips for creating cooler homes, that could shave off pesos from your airconditioning costs.

person can make in a country like ours is to use dark colors for external walls,” said Mañosa. Dark colors absorb the sun’s energy and retain heat for much longer.

Stick to light colors, which reflect the heat from the sun and keep it away from your home.

Insulate your building envelope

The building envelope is the physical separator between the interior and the exterior environments of a structure. “A well-insulated building envelope gives you less heat gain, so your home cools faster and your appliances don’t have to work as hard,” Mañosa said.

Insulating an already existing structure can be costly, depending on the method you choose – but it’s well worth the investment in the long run. “If you’re looking for a quick and relatively economical fix to an existing roof, look into a polyurethane foam spray for your roof,” he said. “Aside from waterproofing, it also helps to insulate your home from the sun’s heat.”

Create shade

“Keep the sun away from your house,” Mañosa said. The cooler you can keep the interior of your house, the less you have to spend on air conditioning. Indoor shade is helpful, but doesn’t keep the heat out. “External shade -- eaves, overhangs, sunshades, even trees and plants to block the sun’s rays … these are more effective,” he added.

Allow for cross ventilation

Cross ventilation is a natural form of wind ventilation that Use light colors for drives air from openings at one your home’s exterior side of a structure through to “One of the biggest mistakes a the other. Its success depends on

NEW BGC DARLING. Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila recently opened its doors with a grand launch attended by Department of Tourism’s (DOT) undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Guests were welcomed by Ascott’s Regional general manager for Philippines and Thailand, Arthur Gindap; and were taken on a tour, providing a glimpse of Ascott’s luxurious studio and 1-bedroom units (Shown in photo). The Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is 30-storey property that has 220 units. The property claims a low carbon footprint with its all-glass façade and low-E glass, which lessens internal temperatures, reducing the energy used for air-conditioning.

TO WINDOW OR NOT TO WINDOW. The more openings

in a house, the better the air flow. But too many windows also bring in heat.

Find the design balance between the two: to create more efficient air flow, thus a cooler home.

the tightness of the building envelope, the position and size of your openings (windows, doors, vents) as well as the path in between the two sides of the house.

“You need to know beforehand the direction in which the wind blows. It goes without saying that cross ventilation is only effective if you actually keep your openings open,” Mañosa said.

When wind enters through a smaller opening and exits through a bigger opening, that’s a ‘squeeze point.’ This creates a natural vacuum which increases wind velocity.

“We usually incorporate squeeze points into our designs, but in an existing home, you can create the same effect by opening the window or door receiving the breeze a little less than the one on the opposite wall,” Mañosa ”One needs to understand where the wind comes from at different times of the year, as the wind changes depending on the month.”

Let wind enter at an oblique angle

You get better air circulation when the wind enters the opening of your structure at an oblique angle of about 45-50 degrees. When wind passes through an oblique angle, it causes interior air to be more turbulent, allowing air to hit the corners of the structure.

Create a stack effect

A stack effect is when warmer, lighter indoor air is displaced by cooler and denser outdoor air.

If you create an opening high in the building and another low in the building, this causes a natural flow. If the air inside your structure is hotter than the air outside, the stack effect will make it float

SMOOTH AS SILK. DataLand Inc. (DLI) recently launched the second tower of its flagship project, The Silk Residences, in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The Silk Residences’ first tower, called the Velvet Tower, is almost sold out, with only a a few units up for grabs. The project is on track with the current construction of the first tower now past 20 floors, and the entry of the second tower completes the two-tower residential condominium of the development. DLI will start to turn over units for Tower 1 on March 2016, while Tower 2 units are slated on the last quarter of 2016. The development is along the main road of Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, at the corner of Santol Street. The Silk Residences is built with silkinspired interiors and walls, as well as a bridge-way connecting the two towers.

out the top opening, to be replaced with cooler air from outside.

Use fans to promote better airflow

Hot air rises and escapes through the higher parts of your home. You can help it escape faster by pushing the air upwards with the use of fans.

If you have standing fans, position them to move the hot air in the direction you want it to go (up). If you have a ceiling fan, it should be spinning counter-clockwise to push hot air up and out.

Landscape

Let air pass through shaded areas to keep the air cool. Trees, if properly placed, can be used to cool incoming air. Vegetation can also be used to funnel wind and free air movement maintained around the structure.

Plants and grass also greatly reduce ground temperature, compared to hard surfaces like concrete which have more heat gain.

QUIET SANCTUARY. 53 Benitez, Rockwell Primaries’ first project, is targeted at families and young urban professionals who hanker for the quiet suburbs of Quezon City. Composed of two towers with seven storeys each, 53 Benitez brings the famed Rockwell exclusivity to its residents.Tower 2 also provides a clear view of the San Juan skyline.

“With the growing selection of available living spaces in Metro Manila, today’s homeowners are seeking out trusted brands that provide nothing short of the best in property management and efficient design of living spaces,” said Malou Pineda, senior vice president, Rockwell Primaries Development Corporation.

HUDCC’s Robredo commits shelter agencies to fast track Batanes rebuild

Buy and use appliances wisely

Despite having all these design features incorporated into your home, there really will be days that it’s just too hot,” Mañosa said. This happens more often in this age of climate change and global warming.

“If you have to use air conditioning regularly, consider investing in Inverter type air-conditioning combined with solar energy, which is getting more and more affordable as the years go by,” he said.

Look for energy star-rated appliances, and minimize the use of energy sucks like mini-oven toasters and other heating appliances. Making energy-conserving changes to your lifestyle can help to balance things out.

S.O.S. FOR BATANES. Robredo’s housing recovery strategy seeks to skip the transition from temporary housing to more permanent housing for the typhoon-ravaged residents in Batanes. The VP decried that the process for application of temporary housing relief is “too long”, with beneficiaries receiving temporary aid years after the storm hits. Photo by Alex Baluyot VICE President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chairperson Leni Robredo recently met with heads of the Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs) to discuss solutions for the victims of super typhoon Ferdie last September.

Batanes was placed under a state of calamity Sept. 15, since the island and its surrounding islets were directly hit by Ferdie.

According to Robredo, the typhoon caused heavy damage. She added that the island needs electricity, potable water and communication services.

Robredo said residents lost their homes as well as their livelihood. She revealed the meeting with the KSA’s last week involved strategizing means and consolidating resources to rebuild homes in the province.

“Bagama’t walang namatay sa ating mga kababayan sa Batanes, marami naman ang nawalan ng tahanan at iyon ang gusto nating matugunan nang agaran at mabilisan,” Robredo said.

The housing recovery strategy seeks to skip the transition from temporary housing to more permanent housing for the residents of Batanes.

Robredo noted the process for application of temporary housing relief is too long, with beneficiaries often receiving the temporary aid years after the storm hits.

Coordinated efforts

HUDCC committed to ensure coordinated efforts from the six KSAs under its umbrella in procuring materials for construction, transportation of goods and warehousing. As Batanes is under a state of calamity and also a remote island region, there are no stores where housing materials may be bought, thus the need to procure materials.

“Kailangan talaga ng pagkakaisa na madala ang tulong sa Batanes para mas mapabilis ang pagdadala ng mga materyales para sa pabahay,” Robredo stressed.

Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is currently being conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Batanes.

In line with the PDNA, Pag-Ibig sent a roving team to Batanes last week to canvass the needs of over two thousand Pag-IBIG Fund members. They also brought generators to answer the electricity needs of affected families.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) sent a roving team to canvass the needs of victims in terms for housing materials.

Robredo appealed for support from various sectors for the relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Ferdie in Batanes.

“I appeal to the private sector, humanitarian aid organizations and my fellow countrymen and women to again assist the efforts of government and consolidate support for the relief and recovery efforts for our fellow Filipinos in Batanes,” she said.

LGUs

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

C1

JUMP SHOT. Carefree children show the best way to enjoy Times Beach in Davao City. Roland Jumawan

Manila clears Herbosa Street

By Sandy Araneta THE entire stretch of Herbosa Street in Tondo is now clear of all forms of obstructions, from illegally parked vehicles to vendors’ stalls and structures that have encroached on the sidewalks, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada announced.

Herbosa serves as a “bypass road” for commuters and motorists coming from Juan Luna street going to the pier. This was the first time the heavily populated street was cleared “in so many years.”

“Herbosa Street has become virtually unpassable to vehicles because of so many obstructions. It is indeed a ‘street of lawlessness.’ The residents have made it their parking space, sari-sari store, stockroom,” Estrada said.

On Tuesday, the mayor deployed Task Force Manila Cleanup to the once two-lane secondary road to “liberate” it from the undisciplined residents who he said have appropriated the street.

Hundreds of members of the task force cleaned out the entire stretch of Herbosa from Pritil Market to R-10 of all traffic obstructions.

Dozens of illegally parked vehicles, including wrecks left on the street, and countless structures were removed, the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau said.

“For years, Herbosa was virtually unpassable to vehicles.

Even passenger jeepneys that used to pass here avoid it. Its two big unpassable lanes are now clear,” the bureau said.

Makati City aids 64 drug surrenderees T

HE Makati government assisted 64 drug users who volunteered to undergo counseling and rehabilitation, from July to September of this year.

rehabilitation centers, 23 were enrolled in their counseling program, nine were referred to the National Center for Mental Health and two are still under assessment and observation.

Madac chief Sr. Insp. Allan The Makati Anti-Drug Abuse reported to Mayor Abby Binay Esquillo said eight individuals Council-Treatment, Rehabilita- that of the 64 surrenderees, 30 were voluntary surrenderees tion and After Care Division have been admitted to various from seven barangays where the

Makati police conducted Oplan Tokhang operations. One came from San Isidro, one from Carmona, one from Poblacion, two from Olympia, one from West Rembo, one from Rizal, and one from Cembo.

“Through a series of screening and testing, we determine if a patient already needs to un-

dergo rehabilitation or should be referred to a mental institution instead. However, if the level of drug dependence is not so severe as to require confinement, the patient is enrolled in our counselling program,” Esquillo said.

The Madac chief also pointed out that rehabilitation must be

Turn to C2

POP ART. A lantern maker installs lighting effects in a Christmas ornament while awaiting buyers in a stall on N. Domingo Street in San Juan City on October 5. Avito Dalan

GSIS allots P631m to emergency loans Tesda brings jobs to PH barangays MORE than P631 million are available for emergency loans to Government Service Insurance System 22,778 members and 2,187 old-age pensioners hit

by Typhoon “Ferdie” in Batanes, Pampanga and Bataan.

In a statement, the GSIS said active members working or residing in San Fernando City and the municipality of Sto. Tomas in Pampanga, as well as old-age pensioners may apply for the loan facility until today, October 8.

The deadline for loan application in Batanes; in the municipalities of Guagua, San Simon, Macabebe and Minalin in Pampanga; and in Hermosa, Bataan is October 21, the agency said.

Members who are not on leave of absence without pay, who have no arrears in premium contributions who have no unpaid loans for more than six months are qualified borrowers.

Members who have no existing emergency loan balances may ap-

ply for a P20,000 loan, while those with existing loans may avail of up to P40,000.

Active members may apply through any GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk in all GSIS branches and extension offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education, Robinsons Malls, and SM City branches in North Edsa, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu and SM Aura in Taguig.

Pensioners must apply in person at any GSIS office to avail of the loan. Those who have reentered government service may avail of the loan only once.

The emergency loan is payable in 36 monthly installments and carries a six-percent yearly interest rate computed in advance.

It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower’s demise, provided the loan repayment is up to date.

Holdup victim shot in private parts MALABON—A male Chinese was seriously wounded when he resisted two suspects who held him up near his house in a subdivision in Malabon Wednesday night.

Police investigators said the

victim, Wan Qing, 44, married, of Araneta Village, was walking home on Victoneta Avenue in Potrero when the two men blocked his way and announced the heist.

One of the suspects hit Qing’s

head with a hard object, believed to be a gun. When he refused to give his valuables, one of the attackers shot him in his private parts.

When Qing dropped to the ground, the suspects took his

cash and cellular phone, the report said.

The victim was rushed by his friend Edwin Ke to the hospital and is now recovering from his injuries, the police said. Jun David

By Jun David THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Liga ng Mga Barangay sa Pilipinas will create jobs in the barangays by promoting technical vocational education and training.

Tesda will equip barangay residents with marketable skills through its new flagship program, “Barangay Kasanayan para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan,” director general Guiling Mamondiong said.

Mamondiong said that close linkage with barangays nationwide will bring TVET programs to needy and deserving people.

“To reduce poverty, we have to create jobs. TVET is the perfect tool for this. We just need to find the right persons to train and give

them the best training possible.

For this program to work, we will require the support of every barangay leader in the Philippines,” Mamondiong said.

Under the memorandum of agreement Tesda signed with the Liga, the agency will conduct skills need surveys in barangays, analyze the results of these surveys, determine the skills training or livelihood programs most appropriate to the residents, and coordinate with barangay officials on the actual training.

In turn, the Liga will help identify the beneficiaries of the training programs, monitor the delivery of these programs, assist in promoting TVET within the barangays, and monitor the attendance of residents in the training seminars.

C2

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

LGUs

‘Social media boosted tourism’ A

TOURISM official has attributed the increase in tourist arrivals in Antique to the social media, through which tourists discover the province’s diverse natural attractions.

Flord Nickson Calawag of the provincial tourism office said 44,088 day and overnight tourists visited Antique from January to June 2016, compared to 50,078 in the whole of last year.

Calawag said Antiqueños help promote the province’s tourist attractions that have

largely gone unnoticed by posting them in their social media accounts.

He said tourists have begun to notice the towns of Tibiao and its ancient “kawa,” a big boiling pot, and San Remigio, known as the “Little Baguio of Antique” because of its cool weather.

Calawag noted that the province’s tourist attractions are also posted in the official website of the provincial government and those of the local government units.

“Antiqueños unite because of the social media,” he said. PNA

Korea-trained agri experts reunite TO BRING scientific information and technologies for agricultural development closer to the people, the Philippine-Rural Development Administration (South Korea) Alumni Association held its Sixth General Assembly and Convention last month at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology’s Innovation and Technology Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, acting executive director of the council, said the association is composed of 220 fellows and trainees from the council’s National Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Network and other government and private organizations who have gone to RDA for capability building and global technology and information search.

Highlighting the outcomes or impacts of technology transfer initiatives and how they have transformed communities, the

association adopted the theme “Technology Transmission to Community Transformation” for the convention.

Ebora acknowledged the consistent support of the Rural Development Administration of South Korea for the network through the association, especially on technology transfer projects and capability building activities.

Ebora said the council promotes science and technology services in the regions, partcularly those provided by its center in relation to research and development results utilization.

Once fully operational, the center, the council’s newest world-class facility will be equipped with state of the art computing and communications equipment, an exhibition hub, training and convention facilities and office spaces.

The center is the first onestop-information-service-shop and convergence hub for technology generators and users in the agriculture and aquatic sectors in the Philippines.

PETS. Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez Jr. (right) joins the blessing of pets at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and WIld Life Center in Quezon City on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and World Animal Day on October 4. Manny Palmero

Benguet denies neglect of Antamok

By Dexter A. See ITOGON—Benguet Corp. deplored its suspension by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for alleged non-rehabilitation of the Antamok open pit.

The company said it has continuously initiated projects including converting the mine into a bulk water project and the proposal of Baguio City to convert it into a waste to energy facility.

BC resident manager Antonio Buenavista revealed that the company has yet to receive an official notice or order from the DENR recommending its suspension.

Earlier, local government units requested and endorsed the proposal to locate an integrated

solid waste disposal facility in the open pit site. An engineered sanitary landfill and a waste to energy plant are proposed in memoranda of agreement with BC as early as June.

BC admitted the delay in the rehabilitation of the open pit for reasons beyond its control, but said it has not abandoned it.

BC operated the Antamok Gold Mine in 1903 as the first commercial underground gold operation in the Benguet Mineral District in Itogon with zero mining accidents. In the early 1980s, in view of the low gold price, high production cost and declining ore grades, the company shifted to open pit mining to maximize the low-grade ore.

When the grades continued to decline, BC suspended the Antamok

mine in 1997 due to declining market prices but it nevertheless started progressive rehabilitation of the mined-out areas. It submitted to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the DENR in 1997 a plan to convert the open pit into a water reservoir to supply treated bulk water to Itogon and Baguio City.

The company participated and won the bidding for a bulk water project implemented by the Baguio Water District in 2003. The local governments supported the initiative from the start. Its feasibility study showed the open pit can supply 59 million litters a day to Itogon and Baguio City.

The BWP was accepted as rehabilitation for the Antamok Open Pit and BC was ready to implement it when BWD canceled the

contract it awarded to BC, forcing the company to file a mandamus case against BWD. Because of the delay, the economic parameters changed and affected the viability of the project as a whole.

In early 2015, the company revived discussions with the mayors of Itogon and Baguio.

Agreements with both local government units were signed for a review of the project, with BC designated as a member of the technical working group created by the Baguio City Hall. Aside from the open pit, the company is finalizing with MGB-CAR its rehabilitation plans for other areas of Antamok such as an engineered sanitary landfill (for Camote pit and Minahang Bayan for the Antamok UG.

Negros Island hosts battle of the brains EIGHTEEN of the Negros Island Region’s best colleges and universities have qualified for the semi-final round of the first Positive Energy Battle of the Brains, a search for the school with the brightest and most environmentally conscious students.

Eight schools made it to the Negros Oriental semi-finals that will be held on October 10 at the Fleur de Lis Hall of St. Paul University Dumaguete, the Energy Development Corp. said Wednesday.

These are Negros Oriental

KNOCK.

Makati City Police officials and officers of the Southern Police District conduct Double Barrel Operation Tokhang at a condominium building on Legazpi Street in Makati City.

The operatives distributed illegal drug imformation materials to the residents and personnel of the Colonade Residences and Legazpi Park View. N. Araga

State University, Foundation University, St. Paul University Dumaguete, STI Dumaguete, Silliman University, Metro Dumaguete College, Asian College of Science and Technology and Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria.

Ten schools will compete in the Negros Occidental semi-finals on October 12 at the Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod Auditorium. They are Bago City College, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Talisay, Technological University of the Philippines

Visayas, Colegio San AgustinBacolod, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Bacolod City College, STI-West Negros University, University of St. La Salle, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Alijis and La Consolacion College Bacolod.

The first NIR-wide quiz bee with the theme “Climate Action through Education” will focus on climate change, renewable energy, environmental preservation and sustainable development. A pair of students from each college or university will go head-to-head

with pairs from other schools to get the highest score.

The audience will also get their chance to answer trivia questions through social media mini-contests.

Only three schools from each of the semi-finals will advance to the grand finals at the Robinsons Place Dumaguete Event Center on November 25.

A cash prize of P20,000.00 and a trip to EDC’s geothermal site in Valencia, Negros Oriental await the champion tandem while P30,000 will go to their school. PNA

Cordillera region celebrates IP pride THE Cordillera office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples lined up various activities to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month this October.

Lawyer Ronald Calde, the commission’s regional director, invited the public to join the events the agency prepared to help preserve and protect the rich culture and traditions of Cordillera IPs in different tribes.

On Oct. 8-31, 2016 at Vocas La Azotea, the ingenuity of Cordillera artists will be demonstrated in the PAMANA Art Exhibit and a series of film shown free at the Ili-likha on Assumption road on October 22-26.

More than 1,000 beneficiaries of the commission’s educational assistance program will plant

at least 10 tree seedlings and maintain them to help regreen the forests in the region and support the Cordillera as the watershed cradle of Northern Luzon.

At the same time, the commission will hold a series of discussions on regional autonomy and federalism for the youth and students in the region’s colleges and universities from October 1-31, while a separate forum on regional autonomy and federalism for elders will be held on October 28-29.

According to Calde, a book launching is set on October 30.

The Igorota Foundation will host the Cordillera Perspective on Development and Violence Against Women and Children on October 28-29, 2016. Dexter A. See

Makati...

From C1

workers in nine condominiums and 10 commercial establishments in Legaspi Village, Makati were given handouts and flyers by members of the Makati police and barangay officials of San Lorenzo on Tuesday, as part of Oplan Tokhang.

The door-to-door information drive dubbed “Kapit Bisig Kontra Droga” was started last month in the city’s six exclusive villages after homeowners agreed to open their gates to the campaign following a dialog with the police and local officials.

Among the condominiums covered in the drive were The Colonnade Residences, Legaspi Park View, Cattleya Gardens, One Legaspi Park, Greenbelt Chancelor, Perla Mansion, Doña Angela building, Greenbelt Parkplace, and Legaspi Tower.

The drive was also done in commercial establishments, including the Union Church of Manila building, ECC International, Prince Building, Port Royal, SEDDCCO building, One Palanca Land building, Basic Petroleum building, PT&T building, Prudential building and Sycip Law Center.

According to the Makati Station Anti-Illegal Drugs, 1,333 individuals have surrendered under Oplan Tokhang as of September 30. Of these, 1,119 were drug users, while 214 were pushers.

In September, an information drive against illegal drugs was held in Bel-Air, Dasmariñas, Forbes Park, Magallanes, San Lorenzo, and Urdaneta.

voluntary, but minors need the consent of their parents. He said the patient must be willing to undergo the program. “Otherwise, a concerned party, usually a family member who wants to help his or her loved one who is a drug user, may file a petition for compulsory rehab in court,” Esquillo added.

From July to September, the council facilitated the rehabilitation of 11 drug users from District 1: one from Bangkal, two from La Paz, two from Olympia, one from Palanan, one from Poblacion, two from San Antonio, one from San Isidro, and one from Tejeros.

For the same period, 19 drug users from District 2 were admitted to rehab: three from Cembo, one from East Rembo, five from Guadalupe Viejo, one from Southside, two from Pembo, four from Rizal, two from South Cembo, and one from West Rembo.

The council said patients are guided through initial screening and assessment, screening and referral, drug testing, intake interview, psychological exam, drug dependency examination, and securing of court order if necessary.

Patients for rehab are usually referred to centers including the facilities of the Department of Health in Bicutan and Tagaytay, and other private rehab centers preferred by the patient or his or her family.

Meanwhile, residents and

World

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

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Hurricane pummels Florida

M

IAMI―Hurricane Matthew unleashed torrential rain and up to 120 miles-perhour winds as it hugged the Florida coast Friday, after a blast through the Caribbean that reportedly left more than 300 dead in Haiti.

Matthew was downgraded to a as its wind speed dropped slightly.

Category Three storm early Friday But Florida still faced its most danby the National Hurricane Center, gerous hurricane in living memory.

Manila

Standard

The NHC said the storm was moving parallel to and just off the east coast of central Florida before dawn Friday.

The big question was when and if it will hit the coast and how: A direct hit would have a devastating impact, but a sideswiping blow could still be catastrophic.

Over the course of the day Mat-

renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, ocean, run-of-river hydropower and biomass power plants within· the territory of the Philippines; x x x” (emphasis supplied)

Republic of the Philippines

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION TODAY San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP, OWN AND OPERATE DEDICATED POINTTO-POINT LIMITED TRANSMISSION FACILITIES TO CONNECT THE 12 MW BIOMASS POWER PLANT TO THE PANTABANGAN-CABANATUAN 69 KV LINE OF THE LUZON GRID WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ERC CASE NO. 2016-022 MC GREEN INNOVATIONS FOR TOMORROW CORPORATION (GIFT) Applicant.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 19 July 2016, the Green Innovations for Tomorrow Corporation (GIFT) filed an Application for the authority to develop, own and operate dedicated point-topoint limited transmission facilities to connect the 12 MW biomass power plant to the Pantabangan -Cabanatuan 69 KV line of the Luzon Grid, with prayer for provisional authority, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 In the said Application, GIFT alleged the following: 1.

Applicant GIFT is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under Philippine laws, with principal business address at Brgy. Bacal II, Talavera, Nueva Ecija.

Copies of Applicant GIFT’s Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, By~Laws, and 2015 General Information are attached hereto as Annexes “A” and series.

2.

On 29 October 2013, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) certified Applicant GIFT as a renewable energy developer of biomass resources and issued a corresponding Certificate of Registration.

A copy of the said certificate is attached hereto as Annex “B“

3.

Applicant GIFT may be served orders and other processes through the undersigned counsel.

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION

4.

5.

This Application seeks the consideration and approval of this Honorable Commission for Applicant GIFT to develop, own and operate dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities which connect its 12 MW biomass power plant located in Brgy. Bacal II, Talavera, Nueva Ecija (the “Biomass Power Plant”) to the Luzon Grid through the Pantabangan-Cabanatuim 69 kV line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (“NGCP”) .

The present Application is founded on Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, to wit:

thew could scour its way up a 600mile (965-kilometer) strip of coast from Boca Raton in Florida to just north of Charleston, South Carolina, driving seawater and heavy rain inland.

Only a handful of hurricanes of this strength have ever made landfall in Florida, and none since 1898 has threatened to scythe its

8.3.

9.

In fulfillment of the said mandate, this Honorable Commission issued Resolution No. 16, Series of 2010, establishing the FIT system. The said Resolution allows eligible RE plants to enjoy priority connection to the transmission system, subject to compliance with the pertinent standards and rules of the Honorable Commission.

Biomass Renewable Energy Operating Contract. In line with the government’s thrust to promote RE sources and decrease the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, Applicant GIFT entered in a Biomass· Renewable Energy Operating Contract (“BREOC”) with the Republic of the Philippines, through the DOE for the development of a biomass power project.

A copy of the BREOC is attached hereto as Annex “C.”

10. Biomass Power Plant. Pursuant to the BREOC, GIFT has developed and constructed the Biomass Power Plant.

The said power plant will help address the continuously increasing demand for power supply in the Luzon Grid.

10.1. As of 15 August 2015, Applicant GIFT’s Biomass Power Plant forms part of the Transmission and Distribution Development Plan (“TDP”) of the NGCP. A copy of the relevant portion of the TDP reflecting the same is attached hereto as Annex “D.” 10.2. Further, the DOE already issued Applicant GIFT a Certificate of Confirmation of Commerciality. Also, the DOE issued a Certificate of Endorsement declaring the Biomass Power Plant eligible to operate under the FIT system at the rate of PhP6.63/kWh. Copies of the certificates are attached hereto as Annexes “E” and “F,” respectively.

11. However, as discussed hereunder, in order to deliver the supply from the Biomass Power Plant, it is necessary, feasible and cost-effective to connect the said plant to the Luzon Grid through the dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities subject of the present Application.

12. Under Republic Act No. 9136, authorization from this Honorable Commission is required for a generation company to develop, own, and operate point-to-point limited transmission facilities. Hence, this Application.

ABSTRACT OF THE CONNECTION PROJECT AND RELATED INFORMATION 13. Connection Project. The power generated by the Biomass Power Plant will be delivered to the Luzon Grid through a 69 kV connection developed and .owned by Applicant GIFT, which will extend from the Biomass Power Plant to the Pantabangan Cabanatuan 69. kV line of the NGCP, approximately 1,300 meters in distance (the “Connection Project”).

A copy of a single line diagram illustrating the Connection Project is attached hereto as Annex “G.” The Connection Project is illustrated as follows:

“Section 9. Functions and Responsibilities. - x x x.

A generation company may develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities that are consistent with the TDP: Provided, That such facilities are required only for the purpose of connecting to the transmission system, and are used solely by the generating facility, subject to prior authorization by the ERC x x x. (underscoring supplied)”

Promotion of Renewable Energy Resources. It is the policy of the state to promote renewable energy (“RE”) sources to achieve energy self-reliance by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and thereby minimize exposure to international price fluctuations. It is likewise the policy of the state to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and the environment.

7.

RE sources, such as biomass, help address the increasing power requirements in the Luzon Grid in an environmentfriendly manner.

8.

Accordingly, legal reforms have been instituted towards increasing the country’s RE capacities by encouraging investments in the sector, as well as through priority connections to the grid.

8.1.

In particular, Republic Act No. 9153, or the Renewable Energy Law of 2008, aims to ensure that the proposed RE resources are integrated in the respective development plans of NGCP and distribution utilities. Thus: “Section 11. Transmission and Distribution System Development- TRANSCO or its successors-in-interest or its buyer/ concessionaire and all DUs, shall include the required connection facilities for RE-based power facilities in the Transmission and Distribution Development Plans: Provided, That such facilities are approved by the DOE. x x x.” (emphasis supplied)

8.2.

Also, Section 7 of the Renewable Energy Law mandates the formulation of a feed-in tariff (“FIT”) system that will include priority connections for RE sources such as biomass power plants. Thus:

Connection Agreement (“CA”) with NGCP dated 1 February 2016, a copy. of which is attached hereto as Annex “L.” GIFT is currently negotiating for the execution of the necessary Metering Services Agreement and Transmission Services Agreement with NGCP. 18.3. A Facilities Study (“FS”) dated 9 March 2015 was also conducted for the Biomass Power Plant.

Copies of the FS and NGCP’s review report of the same are attached hereto as Annexes “M” and “M1,” respectively.

19. Environmental Compliance Certificate. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”) covering the Biomass Power Project.

A copy of the said ECC is attached hereto as Annex “N.” 20. The Connection Project involves a 69kV line, which does not require an ECC. 21. Project Cost. The total project cost of the Connection Project is Php 4.448,615.00, exclusive of Value-Added Taxes.

A copy of the breakdown of the said project cost is attached hereto as Annex “O.” 22. Financial Capability. Applicant GIFT is capable of financing the cost of the Connection Project, as indicated by its latest Audited Financial Statements.

A copy of Applicant GIFT’s latest Audited Financial Statements is attached hereto as Annex “P.” ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 23. Applicant GIFT intends to supply its power through the FIT system. In fact, the commercial feasibility of the Biomass Power Plant and its financing arrangements are premised primarily on the FIT. 24. As mentioned earlier, the DOE has already issued Applicant GIFT a Certificate of Confirmation of Commerciality. Also, the DOE has issued a Certificate of Endorsement declaring the Biomass Power Plant eligible to operate under the FIT system at the rate of PhP6.63/kWh. 25. However, the provisional approval of the present Application is necessary for Applicant to be able to avail of the FIT. The said approval is a condition for the issuance a FIT-eligible Certificate of Compliance (“FIT-COC”), which will allow Applicant GIFT to collect the tariff under the FIT system.

26. While awaiting the issuance of the FIT-COC, Applicant is selling its power through the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (“WESM”). However, the revenue generated from sales through the WESM is considerably lower than the expected revenue under the FIT system.

27. As a result, Applicant’s revenue from the WESM is insufficient to cover all its costs of generation, including its operations and maintenance costs and, significantly, the loan payments for the financing of the Biomass Power Plant. The insufficient revenue due to the lack of availment of the FIT endangers the project and its operations: 28. Thus, it is of utmost urgency and necessity that Applicant’s revenue be at the level it will earn under the FIT system. It must be noted that, as with. other projects under the FIT System, financing arrangements for the project were made with the assumption that revenue will be based on the FIT. 29. Hence, Applicant GIFT respectfully moves for the provisional approval of the instant Application pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

A copy of a sworn statement supporting the said motion is attached hereto as Annex “Q.” PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, Applicant GIFT respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission: 1. immediately issue an Order provisionally approving the instant Application; and

STATEMENT OF THE FACTS 6.

way north along the low-lying, and powerful gusts arrived at seadensely populated coast into Geor- front resorts presaging the storm begia and beyond. yond, more than 140,000 homes and Evacuation orders were issued businesses in Florida had lost power. for areas covering some three milMatthew has already battered lion residents and major cities like Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the DominiJacksonville, Florida and Savan- can Republic and the Bahamas and nah, Georgia lay in the path of the US officials are taking no chances, terrible storm. warning that loss of life is a virtual As the first bouts ofCYAN heavy MAGENTA rain certainty.

AFP YELLOW BLACK

2. after due hearing, render judgment approving the instant Application with finality.

Applicant GIFT prays for other just and equitable relief under the premises.

14. The Connection Project involves dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities within the purview of Republic Act No. 9136. The said facilities are required only for the purpose of connecting the Biomass Power Plant to the Luzon Grid, and will be used solely by the Biomass Power Plant. The said facilities are not intended to serve end-users or suppliers directly.

15. Gantt Chart Schedule. The timeline for the implementation of the Connection Project is attached hereto as Annex “H.” 16. Operations and Maintenance. Applicant GIFT intends to secure the services of NGCP for the operation and maintenance of the Connection Project. In fact, NGCP has issu~d a certification that GIFT is in the process of securing an Operation and Maintenance Agreement with NGCP. A copy of the said certification is attached hereto as Annex “I.” 17. Options Considered. The Pantabangan-Cabanatuan 69 kV line is the closest transmission line to GIFT’s switchyard.

The length of the Connection Project needed to connect GIFT’s switchyard to the tapping point is only approximately 1,300 meters. Further, it is the most cost-effective and viable option to connect the Biomass Power Plant to the South Luzon Grid.

A discussion on the options considered in determining the most practical and feasible manner of connecting the Biomass Power Plant to the Luzon Grid is attached hereto as Annex “J.”

“Section 7. Feed-In Tariff System. - To accelerate the development of emerging renewable energy resources, a feed-in tariff system for electricity produced from wind, solar, ocean, run-of-river hydropower and biomass is hereby mandated. Towards this end, the ERC, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) created under Section 27 of this Act, shall formulate and promulgate feed-in tariff system rules within one (1) year upon the effectivity of this Act, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

18. Technical Studies. Consistent with the 2006 Open Access Transmission Service Rules, Applicant GIFT engaged the services of a third-party consultant to undertake the preparation of the necessary studies for the Connection Project.

18.1. A System Impact Study (“SIS”) was conducted to determine the impact of the Biomass Power Plant on the Luzon Grid. Notably, the SIS states that the entry of the 12 MW Biomass Power Plant to the Luzon Grid is technically feasible.

Copies of the SIS and NGCP’s review of the same are attached hereto as Annexes “K” and “K-l,” respectively.

(a) Priority connections to the grid for electricity generated from emerging

18.2. In view of the approval of the SIS, GIFT executed a

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, Expository Presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 24 October 2016 (Monday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (02:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission . giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons· who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the Application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such Person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from the applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. The applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 23rd day of August 2016 at Pasig City.

ATTY. TTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staf Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO (MS-OCT. 8, 2016)

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

‘Britain to pay over Brexit’

World

OFFICIAL VISIT. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inspects a ceremonial guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony at the Malaysian prime minister’s office in Putrajaya. AFP

PARIS―French President Francois Hollande has sent one of the strongest warnings yet that Britain will have to pay a heavy price for leaving the European Union, adding to deep concern in financial markets.

He called for “firmness” by the EU powers in Brexit negotiations to avoid the risk that other countries might seek to follow Britain’s lead and leave the bloc.

The comments added to jitters on financial markets, where the pound Friday morning suffered its biggest drop since Britain voted in a June referendum to leave the EU. “There must be a threat, there must be a risk, there must be a price, otherwise we will be in negotiations that will not end well and, inevitably, will have economic and human consequences,” he said in a speech Thursday evening.

“Britain has decided on a Brexit, I believe even a hard Brexit. Well, we must go all the way with Britain’s will to leave the European Union.

“We have to have this firmness” otherwise “the principles of the European Union will be questioned” and “other countries or other parties will be minded to leave the European Union in order to have the supposed benefits and no downsides or rules.”

Hollande made the speech to mark the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Institut Jacques Delors, a think tank founded by the former president of the European Commission. AFP

Nobel Peace Prize to Santos O

SLO―The efforts by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to end five decades of war in his country were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

The award came despite voters’ shock rejection of the terms of a historic deal he reached last month with FARC chief Rodrigo Londono, alias Timoleon “Timochenko” Jimenez, after nearly four years of talks.

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2016 to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for his resolute efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end,” said committee chairwoman Kaci Kullmann Five.

“There is a real danger that the peace process will come to a halt and that civil war will flare up again. This makes it even more important that the parties, headed by President Santos and FARC

guerrilla leader Rodrigo Londono, continue to respect the ceasefire,” she said.

The Colombian peace process had been seen as a possible winner of the prestigious prize, but experts had suggested that its chances went up in smoke after voters’ rejection of the peace deal.

“The fact that a majority of the voters said ‘no’ to the peace accord does not necessarily mean that the peace process is dead. The referendum was not a vote for or against peace. What the “No” side rejected was not the desire for peace, but a specific peace agreement,” Five said.

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasizes the importance of the fact that President Santos is now inviting all parties to participate in a broad-based

national dialogue aimed at advancing the peace process.”

Santos takes home the eight million Swedish kronor (around $924,000 or 831,000 euros) prize sum.

Swedish inventor and scholar Alfred Nobel created the prizes in his 1895 testament, stipulating that his fortune was to be placed in a fund destined to honor “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind”.

The peace prize should go “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses,” his will said.

The peace prize is the only one of the six awards announced in Norway.

Nobel wanted to include Norway in his initiative, since Norway and Sweden were joined in a union at the time. AFP

Vietnam N. Korea faces fresh disaster seizes shipment of ivory HANOI―Around a half ton of ivory hidden in a timber shipment has been seized in Vietnam, an official said Friday, the second large haul of the illegally-trafficked product in a week.

Although the ivory trade is banned in Vietnam, the country remains a top market for ivory products prized locally for decorative and medicinal purposes.

It is also a busy thoroughfare for tusks trafficked from Africa destined for other parts of Asia.

The latest ivory haul was discovered at a Ho Chi Minh City port in two crates of timber from Mozambique, customs official Vo Thanh Hung told AFP. He said authorities were testing the 500-kilogram haul to “conclude if they are elephant tusks”.

The latest catch follows last week’s discovery of 300 kilograms of elephant ivory in Hanoi’s airport, where officials found tusks from Nigeria falsely labeled as glass.

Vietnam outlawed the ivory trade in 1992, but shops still sell ivory dating from before the ban and weak law enforcement has allowed its illegal trade to persist. AFP

SEOUL―Humanitarian agencies are warning of a “second disaster” in floodhit North Korea with tens of thousands―many of them children―still homeless as the region’s bitter winter approaches.

Nearly 70,000 people are estimated to have lost their homes in disastrous flooding in North Hamgyong province in August and September that claimed more than 130 lives.

In a joint statement Friday, Save the Children and UNICEF warned that floodhit areas would begin to see sub-zero temperatures from the end of October as the “long and bitter” winter sets in.

“Thousands of children are suffering and the impending winter will trigger a second disaster if we do not increase assistance for children and families,” said UNICEF’s country head in North Korea, Oyunsaihan Dendevnorov.

“They have lost everything: clean water, food, medicine and shelter. Without more attention, the suffering of children will only get worse,” Dendevnorov added.

The floods along the Tumen River, which partially marks the border with China and Russia, tore through villages, washing away buildings and leaving hundreds of thousands in urgent need of food and shelter.

Paolo Fattori, Save the Children’s Program Director in North Korea, urged donors to come through with funds before winter arrives.

“The situation right now is urgent and on an enormous scale not seen here in decades.

That’s why we need the international community to step up,” Fattori said.

The agencies are calling for $28.2

million in funding for immediate and long-term assistance, including repairing broken water systems and providing daily necessities like food, hygiene kits and temporary shelter.

The Red Cross has echoed the call for “urgent action” before winter sets in, but only 11 percent of the $15.5 million emergency appeal it launched on September 21 has been covered.

Aid agencies say raising money for humanitarian assistance in North Korea has become an increasingly difficult task given the global condemnation of its nuclear weapons program.

Some donors have questioned how the North can afford to develop and test nuclear weapons, but still need financial help to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said homeless flood survivors were burning bits of wood in makeshift stoves to stay warm after losing their coal supplies in the flood waters.

“Urgent action is needed before the first snowfall,” said Chris Staines, head of the IFRC delegation in Pyongyang.

“Last year that was in the third week of October. People lack proper shelter, clothing and other basic items to stay warm and healthy through the winter,” Staines said, following a visit to the affected areas.

The impoverished and isolated North is vulnerable to natural disasters, especially floods, due partly to deforestation and poor infrastructure.

At least 169 people were killed by a massive rainstorm in the summer of 2012. AFP

WINNER Zhalia Sirwan reacts onstage after being crowned Miss Kurdistan at the end of the 2016 edition of the beauty pageant in Arbil, the capital of Iraqís autonomous Kurdistan Region. AFP

Journalist’s murder unsolved MOSCOW―An empty chair and a small potted palm still stand in Anna Politkovskaya’s former office, preserved as a shrine by her colleagues at the Novaya Gazeta opposition newspaper.

An uncompromising critic of Russia’s bloody suppression of its opponents in Chechnya, the journalist was gunned down on October 7, 2006 in the entrance hall of her apartment block. She was 48.

The murder, committed on President Vladimir Putin’s birth-

day, caused shock waves round the world particularly in the West, where Politkovskaya was widely known for her investigative reporting on Chechnya.

“We asked her many times to stop covering Chechnya because it had grown too dangerous,” said the newspaper’s deputy editor Sergei Sokolov, her former colleague.

“But Anna said she could not turn a blind eye to what the Russian authorities were doing there,” he told AFP. AFP

Life

Rubio demonstrates the art of porcelain ornamentation at Rustan’s Makati

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

WEEKEND LIVING

Giving shape to DREAMS

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‘As Free as The Wind,’ one of the pieces available at Rustan’s

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Lladró’s ornamentalists meticulously add the floral details on the leg of limited edition ‘Kwan Yin’

VERY art lover dreams of the chance to see his favorite artist at work and to find out how the pieces he passionately loves are decorated. And when this occasion occurs, it is often a unique and unforgettable experience.

Thanks to Rustan’s, many lovers of Lladró in Manila have enjoyed the rare privilege of witnessing a live demonstration of the art of porcelain ornamentation, a very important step in the process of creation of the Spanish brand’s pieces which are artisanal and magical.

Within the Lladró team of artists, ornamentalists play a key role in the process of creation of a piece. Their work runs in parallel to that of the sculptor and right from the phase of modeling the initial sketch, ornamentalists undertake all the details and elements of the composition not concerned directly with the treatment of the human figure, in other words, the setting, vegetation, clothing, attributes.

Using hand tools and carving techniques, the surface is smoothed down, continuously adding, thinning, engraving or retouching until the forms are defined.

For the Philippines, Rustan’s invited Lladró’s expert artist Maribel Rubio to host a live demonstration for its loyal patrons and guests. Rubio joined Lladró’s team of ornamentalists in 2003 and she explained that the work they do adds quality and virtuosity to the piece. She also feels very excited about hosting live demonstrations in different countries, as in her opinion, “lovers of Lladró perceive the value of the ornamentation of a piece, but they do not know where it comes from and to what extent it is carried out totally by hand.”

During the demonstration held at Rustan’s, guests were able to see up close how ornamentation is done, ask questions, and exchange opinions with the artist. For this specific event, Rubio demonstrated how she does the ornamentation on a small part of the limited edition Kwan Yin. Guests were able to witness the meticulous process of adding the floral details on the leg of the Buddhist.

Of course, the live demonstration event also provided an opportunity to showcase Lladró’s most recent creations for Fall-Win- Lladró expert artist Maribel Rubio ter, a collection of decorative and functional pieces perfect as gifts and for home de- taking handmade process of creation, still carried out entirely in the cor and lighting. Guests were introduced brand’s only factory in Valencia. The highest artistic and technical to some of the new pieces available in quality is achieved in each phase of this process.

Rustan’s like the “As Free as The Wind.”

Lladro is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, All Lladró pieces are the fruit of a pains- Rustan’s at Gateway Mall, Rustan’s Alabang and Rustan’s Cebu

Sculptural pieces to love unconditionally CACTUS DE CARTIER is a bold, free-spirited collection of powerful, sculptural pieces to love unconditionally. Putting a twist on traditional sources of inspiration, Cartier reveals the secret, distinctive beauty of these fascinating, uncompromising plants that we dare not touch, but observe from afar.

A hardy child of the desert, resistant to freezing nights and arid days, originating from a time before time began. Opening and flowering as it did at the dawn of time, it offers itself up unreservedly in the brilliance of its simplicity with this sun-drenched collection. The very essence of primal beauty, it radiates irresistibly under Cartier’s gaze.

Dignified yet fantastical, this is a joyous tribute to these beautiful plants crowned with dew, some of which only flower at night. Seductive at day-

break, they are a luscious blend of the sometimes gentle, sometimes cruel pleasure of duality.

In this sublime, spiky collection, Cartier has overturned convention and redefined jewelry. Geometry, cutouts, proportions: the unapproachable becomes softer and tamely reveals three unexpected faces.

A flower without spikes

Rebellious and resistant, tempting and haunting, ephemeral and soft flowers made immortal by Cartier. Plant shapes dotted with zesty, succulent gemstone flowers in emerald, chrysoprase or carnelian.

Desert beauty

Generous volumes with geometric structures, gold domes illuminated by precious

dewdrops, corollas of radiant and fresh faceted lapis or diamonds.

Rebellious flower

Look upon these audacious beauties with a new clarity; see them through a jeweller’s eyes as they bloom in twists of gold prickling with diamonds. Unexpected curves are overturned, undulating with ripples and twirls, their movement unconfined. At the jeweller’s touch, the gold comes to life with twisting contours, open work and precious, pearly droplets.

Cartier is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la and Newport Resorts World. Follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.

Cactus de Cartier blends the gentleness and cruel pleasure of the desert flower

STYLISHLY SPIKY. Cartier’s cactus-inspired collection features sculptural pieces that radiate the very essence of primal beauty.

Annabelle Belmondo

Dolores Doll

Life

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Revolutionizing customer experience with new

state-of-the-art flagship store

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AISING the bar for customer experience and retail design here and abroad, leading mobile services provider Smart Communications has unveiled its new flagship store in Megamall in Mandaluyong City, with state-of-the-art features to engage subscribers with the latest digital lifestyle solutions.

Transformed to deliver a digitally immersive and interactive experience, the new Smart Store is powered by a syncing technology that allows for multiscreen video design on panoramic walls – a first for a telco in Southeast Asia.

The result is a dynamic modern playground for subscribers to discover and explore the hottest videos, music, games and perks, while enjoying a seamless customer service. The world-class venue also puts Smart in the best position to promote and share compelling devices, content, and stories with subscribers.

on the momentum of our rebranding last June, when we strengthened our commitment in breaking barriers and bridging gaps for the digital Filipino,” said Ariel P. Fermin, EVP and Wireless Consumer Business head at Smart.

“Since then, we have made great strides in improving our network across the country, launching compelling data offers and products like Giga Surf, as well as introducing the Smart Life app – a portal for enjoying today’s top digital content and exclusive perks for subscribers. It’s just about time we level up our retail experience with the new Most advanced mobile hub in Smart Store, a dynamic digital space that embodies our vision of an empowthe country “We are proud to launch the new Smart ered Smart Life for every Filipino.”

Store, the most advanced mobile hub in the country today that provides our sub- A unique, elevated customer scribers with an unrivaled customer ser- experience vice and digital experience. This builds This unique, elevated customer jour-

ney starts with the Attract Wall, an interactive augmented reality window that welcomes you into the venue. A member of the Smart Squad – a team of friendly and tech-savvy customer service experts – is on hand with a tablet to assist on the paperless integrated queuing system, which frees you up to roam the store.

For fast-track service, you may proceed to Self-Care Wall, which lets you manage your account and avail of services, such as activating your SIM and reloading your account, among others.

While waiting for your turn at the queue, you may also head to the interactive Product Wall, which projects the key features of devices as you tinker with them. Using the interactive screen, you may also compare smartphones to check out the perfect unit that suits your lifestyle.

Former members of the ‘90s band Eraserheads at the opening of the Smart store, which offers latest trends in digital solutions

Treasure trove of content at your fingertips

You can also hang out by the Interactive Tables, which house a treasure trove of featured content from the Smart Life app. Here, you can check out hit songs and create a set that you can play on a digital turntable; choose films

From left: Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and comedian Ramon Bautista

and shows to watch with a swipe of your finger; or escape into an action-packed game with friends.

The Smart Squad is also ready to assist you anytime at the touch of a button.

Relax, recharge and refresh

clean and sleek digital space that sports soothing hues, organic curves and diffused light that immediately make subscribers feel at home in a warm, friendly environment.

“With the new Smart Store, we have pulled out all the stops to go beyond delivering the best customer service to creating a one of a kind immersive and communal digital space, that we invite everyone to experience and explore for themselves,” Maloo R. Agoncillo, VP for Retail Stores and Key Accounts at Smart.

“We are looking forward to transforming more Smart Stores across the country so we can better serve and engage our subscribers nationwide.”

At the heart of the store is the Social Corner with cozy bleachers where you can relax, meet friends and charge your devices.

You can also enjoy a cup of coffee while talking with a Smart Squad member about ways to optimize your device.

From here, you can also see a stunning display of mobile content trends on the music, movies, games and perks that subscribers are enjoying on the Smart Life app at any given point in time. This space also doubles as a venue for the latest Smart product offers and services, Follow Smart’s official accounts on Fagadget tutorials and community events. cebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@ Clean, sleek digital space LiveSmart) for updates on Smart’s latest All these elements come together in a promos, services and events.

A video wall at Smart flagship store featuring the iconic ‘90s band Eraserheads

Elevating gift giving with personalized water bottles GIFT giving speaks volumes of how one appreciates, recognizes and values family, a friend or a colleague. It’s a positive expression for another and at the same time a representation of the impression we want to create. These days, personalized gifts have become the standard, whether for individuals or a corporation. Well-thought and meaningful gifts go beyond material value, it represents the relationship we have with the other person. In the corporate world, where the need to give gifts comes every so often, the mindset is to give items that appropriately represents the brand, reflects the company’s culture and values, and at the same time functional.

The people behind Contigo, the water bottle brand that puts emphasis on innovation and quality, are bringing the same passion in elevating the art of gift giving through the Contigo customization program. The bottles can now be personalized with your name or your company’s name and logo, making it the perfect gift or giveaway for any occa-

sion. Choosing to give Contigo as gift, regardless of the occasion, shows how you value style and quality. But more than anything, this connotes the premium you put in your relationship with the receiver.

What makes Contigo Water Bottles different compared to other flasks and water bottles out in the market today?

Each Contigo product is engineered with active lifestyles in mind - designed to be spill-proof, durable, convenient and easy-to-use anytime of the day.

Intelligently and seamlessly-designed, these water bottles boast a host of features that is distinctly unique to the Contigo brand: Autoseal Technology provides ultimate convenience through its spillproof, one-hand operation and easy-toclean lid features.

Autospout - Cleaner sipping, worryfree drinking due to spill-proof feature.

Thermalock - Contigo’s vacuum insulation ensures that hot drinks remain piping hot and cold drinks icy cold

when needed.

SnapSeal Lid System - Ensures no spills, no leaks, which makes the Contigo Water Bottle easy to use Autoclose Technology ensures leakproof shaking and mixing Unlike other water bottles sourced in markets, Contigo products are certified BPA-free, easy to use and easy to clean. By designing water bottles that answer the needs of the market, Contigo is encouraging its users to stay hydrated and stay healthy with every use. Aside from its convenient features, Contigo is well-designed with a simple and sophisticated look that appeals to every user.

Bring gift giving to the next level by opting to give out premium gift items like Contigo. To order a customized Contigo product or to have a product exclusively designed for your company, email contigoph@gmail.com.

Contigo Water Bottles are specifically designed for people with active lifestyle

Playful weekends at Marco Polo Ortigas FOR many, bonding time means staying in a hotel where they can unwind and enjoy the food with their families and loved ones.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has the Piccolo Kids Club, a room for the young ones.

Weekends and holidays get more interesting for kids at the newest 5-star hotel property on the Ortigas side of the metro. Located at the 9th floor Function room, Piccolo Kids Club is indeed a perfect venue for kids to interact with other children in a fun and

wholesome environment.

With playing toys, coloring items, and exciting movies, children will not miss out on fun and playful day. They will be encouraged to explore their creative and fun side, from experimenting with arts and crafts to socializing with new friends.

Open on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., this facility is for all the children of the hotel’s in-house guests and restaurant diners. The Piccolo Kids Club also offers complimentary refreshments for kids only and participating children must be accompanied by respective guardians.

For more information contact (632) 720 7777 or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com or email: manila@marcopolohotels.com. Visit facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

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ISING teen stars FilipinoBritish Bailey May and Filipino-Australian Ylona Garcia, known as “BaiLona,” are the new faces of the no.1 fast food brand’s Jolly Hotdog.

Bailey and Ylona share during a recent interview that it’s a dream come true to belong to the fast food chain’s impressive roster of celebrity endorsers.

“I feel so blessed,” said 14-year-old Bailey May. “I remember that every time I would come to the Philippines from England, I would visit Jollibee a lot.”

The same is true for Ylona Garcia, also 14 years old, who says that being chosen among today’s young stars to become Jollibee’s newest endorser was unimaginable.

“When I was still in Australia, my parents would always tell me about Jollibee and whenever we visit the Philippines, it’s one of the places that we would go to. I still can’t believe that I am now their endorser and I’m very happy that they chose me,” she shares.

Born and raised in Australia, Ylona said that before entering the famed ABS-CBN reality show Pinoy Big

Brother in 2015, she was just a typical student. And like any teenager, she enjoyed catching up on her favorite TV shows, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends.

“Back then, dancing and singing were only extracurricular activities for me. But now, being a celebrity feels like a dream that I haven’t waken up from. I get to do my then-extracurricular activities professionally,” she said.

Ylona furthered that being a celebrity has also taught her how to manage her time wisely, so she gets to balance time with friends and enjoy her youth. She follows a monthly calendar for both her work and homeschooling schedule.

She said that she has also adjusted well to living here in the Philippines as opposed to Australia where

everything – from the people to the traffic to the weather – is really different.

Pre-showbiz life was also simple for half-Pinoy, halfBritish Bailey May, who was born in Cebu and migrated with his family to England when he was four years old.

“I used to frequent the mall and hangout with my friends there, play video games at home and go to the park and play football,” he said.

Like Ylona, he appreciates how being in showbiz and living in the Philippines has allowed him to try new things and explore more.

In between his showbiz schedules, Bailey reads his books for his home schooling sessions.

“Having my family on my mom’s side here in the Philippines make adapting to living here a lot easier,” he said.

Young and adventurous, Bailey considers going into the PBB house as one of the greatest adventures of his life. It was also where he and Ylona experienced real adventure trips together, like when they rode an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) to the Mayon Volcano.

“Life is an adventure,” said Ylona, to which Bailey agreed.

“We get excited with having new places and food to try, the way we anticipate acting and music recording projects, and more fulfilments to our dreams like this chance to represent our favorite Jolly Hotdog,” said Bailey.

‘Foodtrip’ season 2 on Starworld FOODTRIP returns on Starworld with Les Roches Switzerland chef Stefano de Medici taking command of the kitchen and whipping up heirloom recipes with guest celebrities from Manila’s crème de la crème.

This time, the chef is joined by a new cohost in DJ and events host Joyce Pring.

The gorgeous gourmand joins Medici as they scour the city for the finest desserts, and also hit the party scene in search of the best bar chow in town.

Season 2 ups the ante on degustation and

star power, with a lineup of guests including Karylle, Christian Bautista, Bianca King and Sam YG, to name a few.

The show aims to inspire foodies to live a good life and create fantastic food and memories in the kitchen. It’s also a production of Team MMPI – the creative crew behind glossy lifestyle shows such as Turbo Zone, Soundtrip, Home Base, Weddings TV, Tripinas and The Working Class.

Foodtrip comes to you for lunch every Saturday at 12 noon on Starworld.

Food trippers Stefano de Medici and Joyce Pring

TV host and beauty expert Ricky Reyes

Department of Tourism, Salud and Andrada in

‘GRR TNT’

ASIA Pacific Hairdresssers & Cosmetologists Association (APHCA) President and host Ricky Reyes lets you in on the preparations for the 20th International Hair Olympics on Oct. 25 and 26 at the SMX Mall of Asia.

Regional winners will be featured for a sneak peek of what they will present for the competition.

The welcome party for the international delegates on Oct. 25 will have a barrio fiesta theme complete with all the trimmings. “The Department of Tourism (DOT) shows why it’s ‘More fun in the Philippines” with our scenic attractions and Filipino fares.

Fashion designers Renee Salud and Albert Andrada join the event with their creations worn by models in the competition.

Meanwhile, hair problems will be solved at all Gandang Ricky Reyes Salons with the following treatments: Regold for kinky hairs, Soft Wave for dull hair and natural wigs for hair loss.

Herbalist Fely Guy Ong of FGO Foundation talks on the right lifestyle practices for good health.

Interested individuals wanting to pursue their passion in beauty are welcome at the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) in Fairview.

All these and more today, 9 to 10 a.m. in Gandang Ricky Reyes Todo na Toh (GRR TNT) on GMA News TV.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach turns 27

NO TIME TO CHILL OUT. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach celebrates her birthday in Manila and attends some events for UNICEF and PLDT

MISS Universe Pia Wurtzbach chose to be on Philippine soil when she celebrated her 27th birthday on Sept. 24 miles away from New York City where she has been staying since winning the Miss Universe title. Wurtzbach sneaked into town without fanfare, shrugged off the jet lag to see close friends and supporters, and ended the night with a get-together dinner party held at the Naxional South American Restaurant at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

Joining Pia were Maxine Medina, Kylie Verzosa, Nicole Cordoves, Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Bianca Guidotti, with mentor Jonas Gaffud, among others.

“Happy Birthday to our Queen! You are a remarkable example of confidence, elegance, hard work, kindness and dedication. We hope this coming year is even better than the last!,” the Miss Universe Organization also greeted Pia on social media from New York, USA. Before flying back to New York,

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, October 8, 2016

ACROSS 1 Till the — come home 5 Campus areas 10 Nile god 14 A woodwind 15 Absent-minded reply (hyph.)

16 Karachi language 17 Milan money, once 18 Port near Kyoto 19 Cheryl or Alan 20 Mars a car 22 Deprives of wind 24 Countess’s spouse 27 Glance over 28 Naughty kids 32 Marble blocks 35 Pizarro’s quest 36 Pass, as a bill 38 Links champ Sam — 40 Knights’ titles 42 Chic 44 Trig function 45 Entice 47 Word of parting 49 Horse command 50 Kind of bar 52 Con men 54 Holland export 56 Spot

57 Crazy!

60 Midnight — 64 Secure a contract 65 Violet lead-in 68 Chills and fever 69 — spumante 70 Meadow sound 71 — moly!

72 Unwanted plant 73 Helena rival 74 Lieuts.’ right arms DOWN 1 Like Antarctica 2 NYC stage award 3 Tattered 4 In a chair 5 Quid pro — 6 Cousins of “um” 7 Whaler of fiction 8 Fists, slangily 9 Rough cabins 10 They have berths 11 Mine car 12 Supplements 13 Paul Newman role 21 Not at risk 23 Feels under par 25 Tries for office 26 Andes ruminant

28 Emcee 29 Zodiac sign 30 Bellini opera 31 Lots and lots 33 Neutral color 34 More levelheaded 37 Jiffy 39 Ruby and Sandra 41 Tremendous!

43 Herbal brews 46 Mock fanfare (hyph.)

48 Strike callers 51 Vienna’s river

53 Talking birds 55 Retail centers 57 It turns litmus blue 58 — meridiem 59 Proofer’s word 61 Beside oneself 62 Extremist sect 63 Accordion parts 64 Lemon — 66 Funny Charlotte — 67 Partook of the buffet

Wurtzbach visited the Makati office of UNICEF and attended the PLDT Gabay Guro Teacherfest 2016 on Sept. 25 at the Mall of Asia.

Wurtzbach had earlier celebrated her birthday during the sold-out ASAP Live in New York concert at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sept. 3 with over 50 Kapamilya stars and entertainers. Piolo Pascual escorted her on stage while Luis Manzano presented her with a birthday cake.

September was a busy month for Wurtzbach in fashion events with top designers starting with second appearance at New York Fashion Week. She was stunning in a purple one-shoulder dress as she lent her support to designer Nicholas Kunz at NWFW. She wore a beautiful purple ensemble at the Nichola Kunz fashion show at the Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station in Manhattan accompanied by Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber.

Wurtzbach also attended the Desigual

runway event wearing a chic, patterned dress, matched with a cream-colored handbag and white pointed heels by Nicole Miller as well as the fashion shows of Dan Liu and Son Jung Wang on Sept. 10 and Sherri Hill on Sept. 12. At the Elle X NYFW party, Pia wore a Behno outfit. She shone in a great variety of outfits, exuding different vibes at each of her NYFW appearances at the Big Apple.

In August, Wurtzbach made an ‘unexpected trip to Thailand and graced the cover of the Cosmopolitan Malaysia September men’s magazine issue.

Recently, Pia created excitement and surprise among her three million Instagram followers following her sharing of a photo showing the Miss Universe leaning on the shoulder of handsome Fil-Swizz car racer Marlon Stockinger. Whether Pia found a new love in Marlon, one thing is clear, they look great together in the photo.

Eton B. Concepcion

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

D4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

Showbiz

Josie (Mercedes Cabral) and the mysterious Jonathan (Jak Roberto), who always appears by the river where the first frequents to do her daily choirs

Love conquers the unknown in

‘Karelasyon,’ ‘Wagas’ Wagas’’ Halloween specials

T

ODAY, stories proving that tikbalang and engkanto are no match to true and pure love.

Watch the first salvo of the Halloween Special series of Karelasyon and Wagas.

On GMA-7’s Karelasyon, Philip Salvador plays a father willing to offer himself to a spirit to save his beloved son.

Andrei (Philip) is an OFW who brings his son Bien (Mikoy Morales)—a special child—to the province a few months before he resumes work abroad. While in a forest to catch iguanas, they stumble upon a cave. Apparently, a forest spirit or engkanto dwells inside the cave and iss disturbed by their presence.

As a precautionary measure and to save his son from any danger that may fall upon him, Andrei offers himself to the forest spirit. And this is where the series of mysterious events starts happening to their family.

Joining Philip and Mikoy are Sharmaine Arnaiz, Lou Veloso, Elle Ramirez, and Prince Clemente.

Meanwhile, GMA News TV’s Wagas features indie film actress Mercedes Cabral twith Kapuso hunks Dion Ignacio and Jak Roberto.

Dion’s character in the episode, Rody, is the husband of Jodie (Mercedes). The couple lives in a remote area in Quezon. While doing her laundry in the river, Josie meets Jonathan (Jak)—a mysterious man who is always clad in white.

For strange reasons, Josie seems to always find herself attracted to the river where she and Jonathan constantly meet.

It comes to a point that Rody, suspecting that something is going on with his wife, follows Josie to the river. Unseen by Rody, Josie apparently sees a man who transforms into a horse when evening comes.

From then on, Josie acts weird,

Team Real Nadine Lustre and James Reid

James and

Nadine always bring a third wheel on their dates

ISAH V. RED

most of the times not herself. Rody wakes up in the middle of the night and finds her moaning, as if someone is attacking her. In fact, Josie has bruises on her shoulders and thighs—marks that resemble the feet of a horse. When Rody brings his wife to a folk healer (albularyo), they are informed that Josie is under the spell of a tikbalang or a human horse. Worse, Josie is pregnant with the child of the said creature.

While other men would doubt their wives and even leave, Rody stood by Josie. He takes her to all the albularyo

and doctors available, even going out of town to seek medical help. As Josie continues to weaken because of the spell, Rody is determined to have his wife treated.

Catch these two unique stories about the power of love today.

Karelasyon with Carla Abellana as host airs after #LIKE on GMA7, while Wagas airs 7 p.m. on GMA News TV. *** The honeymoon is over, but the hard work continues.

Tomorrow, GMA Network airs PDU30@100—a special report

on the first 100 days of the new administration, summing up what President Rodrigo Duterte and his cabinet have accomplished so far.

The GMA News and Public Affairs special report will outline the progress of Pres. Duterte’s administration in fulfilling his campaign promises.

Jessica Soho, one of the country’s most trusted journalists, will lead a team of reporters in reviewing the first 100 days of the Duterte administration.

On board are Mariz Umali, Ian Cruz, Joseph Morong, and Chino Gaston who are covering Pres.

Regine Velasquez’s pals in ‘Sarap Diva,’ (from left) Donita Nose, Jon Santos as Ate Vee, Kakai Bautista and Teri Gian

Duterte from various beats. Each reporter is tasked to report on the plans, actions, and accomplishments of the Duterte administration on drugs and crime, peace process, traffic, economy, corruption, poverty, agriculture, and environment. *** Do you like non-stop singing, laughter and mind-boggling chatter?

Tune in to Sarap Diva on GMA7 this morning and watch Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez and her guests Kakai Bautista, Wowowin’s Donita Nose and Jon Santos as Ate Vee turn the hour into endless chatter and singing, punctuated by infectious laughter.

Also, watch out for their individual grand entrance, particularly Ate Vee’s comeback “lifting dance.” And if you’re getting sentimental, Kakai and Donita will help you get over it with their song numbers.

Ate Vee will prepare Tilapia and Gabi chips for her guests.

“You’ve Made Me Stronger,” the song that has become viral these days, is among the songs the songbird will perform. *** Beginning Monday the teenage prodigy Sinichi Kudo will once again face numerous crimes and solve them in a flash. On GMA Astig Authority, Detective Conan will come back racking his brains and finding out who was responsible for the poison that gave him the body of a six-year-old. Despite having this condition, he remains unstoppable in catching criminals red handed, and helping Kogoro Mauri’s detective agency to be recognized all over Japan.

Follow his adventures once again every Monday to Friday after Unang Hirit on GMA. *** Inah de Belen will join Chris Tiu, James and Roadfill in a very educational episode of I-Bilib.

They will create a mini-vacuum cleaner using a Styrofoam cup.

What else can we expect in the show?

One, the gang will lift an ice cube using a mathstick. And then they will tell us in life hacks how to handle a screw.

In Discover Science, we will find out how far heat can travel. And in Huling Hirit, the gang will solve a puzzle. I-Bilib airs Sunday mornings on GMA-7.

A WIDELY consumed drink, coffee gets us through life’s most mundane and momentous moments. Whether it’s for kick starting your day, for getting that muchneeded confidence for a client presentation, or even as a way to ask someone on a date, coffee often helps get us through the day.

For James Reid and Nadine Lustre, coffee is their constant third wheel on their dates.

Good thing there’s City Blends, honestto-goodness coffee, made fresh as you order, brought to you by Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), country licensee of leading convenience store chain, 7-Eleven.

City Blends comes in four distinct flavors – French Vanilla, Mochaccino, Brewed Coffee, and Hot Chocolate, perfect for every feeling.

“Starting at P20, we offer coffee oozing with honest-to-goodness flavors, just like reel-to-real life couple James and Nadine.

For a year now, JaDine has been our partner in promoting City Blends. And, with the overwhelming response to the couple’s commercial last year, they will once again show everyone how honest feelings can be expressed through City Blends coffee in our new commercial,” said Lee Esguerra, PSC Marketing Communications Division head.

Made from 100 percent Arabica beans, the City Blends Brewed coffee boasts of an intense flavor that perks you up – perfect for those moments that you need to focus and get something done right away. On the other hand, if you like your coffee frothy and sweet, French Vanilla elicits that kilig feeling brought on by its creamy sweetness.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling like you need that perfect balance of strong and sweet flavors, get Mochaccino – a perfect blend of coffee and delicious rich chocolate.

“I prefer Brewed Coffee. It helps me focus on set where there are so many distractions,” said James Reid. Nadine Lustre, on the other hand, loves City Blends French Vanilla. “For me naman, I prefer my coffee sweet, as the added creamy taste perks me up,” she shared.

In line with the launch of JaDine’s new City Blends TV commercials, 7-Eleven announces its two new promos – the JaDine Limited Edition Folder and Sticker set and the Big Bear Raffle Promo – through its CliQQ rewards program. Every City Blends cup purchased earns you e-stamps, which can be used to redeem JaDine collectibles – 8 oz entitles you to one e-stamp, 12 oz to two e-stamps, and 16 oz to three e-stamps – in the card/app when customers have their unique barcodes scanned.

To join the JaDine Limited Edition folder and Sticker set, you need to collect City Blends e-stamps on your CliQQ App. There are three ways to redeem the limited edition JaDine Folder and Sticker set: 1) Earn 15 e-stamps and get the folder and stickers for free, 2) Earn two e-stamps and add P59, and 3) Buy it for P 99. Promo runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 22, 2016.

7-Eleven is also raffling off the giant teddy bear featured in the new City Blends commercial. Just collect 30 e-stamps to get an e-raffle entry. Promo runs from Oct. 12 to Dec. 31. Raffle draw date is on Dec. 23.