Manila Standard - 2016 November 28 - Monday

DU30 DRUG LIST: 10,000 GOVT OFFICIALS NAMED

By Sandy Araneta UP TO 10,000 government officials are in President Rodrigo Duterte’s validated list of people involved in the illegal drug trade, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel

Salvador Panelo said Sunday.

During a San Beda College Law alumni homecoming on Saturday, Duterte said he might submit the list to the National Security Council and Congress before the end of the month.

“I will give each of them a copy… then let us formulate how to prevent disaster for the next generation,” Duterte said.

Panelo, during an interview over ANC, said he saw the folders that contained 5,000 to 10,000 names

of government officials, including barangay officials, mayors, governors, members of the judiciary and prosecutors.

“There are about 10,000 people, government officials involved.

That means that the magnitude

and depth of the drug menace is so much, so huge, that public safety is now in danger,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the huge number of narco-politicians poses a threat to public safety.

Panelo again raised the possibility

that the President would suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

Panelo defied the constitutional restriction that the writ may only be suspended on two grounds— Next page

VOL. XXX • NO. 289 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Air strikes vs Maute: 11 killed Troops fire howitzer cannons at positions held by Islamic militants in their base near Butlig town in Lanao del Sur as more soldiers deploy against the IS-linked Maute group which recently staged a deadly bombing in President Rodrigo Duterte’s home city. AFP

Rody, Erap defend ruling on FM burial PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte again defended his decision to allow the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

He defended his decision even as former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Sunday said the protest actions against Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng m g a Bayani were a waste of time.

H e made his statement two days after thousands of anti-Marcos pro-

testers converged in various locations in Manila and several provinces on “Black Friday” to denounce his burial.

“They’re just wasting their time. They should look for how they can help build our country,” Estrada said.

In a speech Saturday at the San Beda Law Grand Alumni Homecoming in Taguig City, Duterte said his decision to allow Marcos’ burial at the Heroes Cemetery was made objectively and without “compassion and sentiment.”

“We were trained with cold neutrality. I was a prosecutor,” Duterte said.

“We lawyers, we are trained to just look at the law,” Duterte said.

“We are all lawyers here and he was a soldier. If you say that he was a coward and did not receive the valor rightly so, then that’s not my problem. I was not Next page there, I was not a soldier.”

By Francisco Tuyay and Florante S. Solmerin

C

LOSE to a dozen terrorists mostly from the Maute group were killed over the weekend after government troops launched air strikes and shelled rebel positions near the Butig municipal hall starting Saturday morning. Fighting continued Sunday. ter seeking shelter in the municipal hall, a military source said.

“There were still about 30 rebels remaining in different areas, but they have already left the old building,” a source added.

Reporters in Butig said the military had obtained photographs of the Maute group flying the black IS flag over the occupied building.

They said they themselves were not close enough to verify this.

Arevalo said this action was expected.

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Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said signal intelligence sources indicated that 11 Maute rebels were killed in a day-long fierce fighting with government troops on the periphery of Butig town.

Two Army soldiers were also wounded in the running gun battle.

Some 200 members of the Maute group—which staged a deadly bomb attack on a Davao night market in September— splintered into smaller groups af-

Dayan may lose immunity for lying Rodrigo Roa Duterte gestures as he delivers his keynote address during the San Beda College of Law Alumni Homecoming at the Shangri-La Hotel in Taguig City on Nov. 26, 2016.

Senate-House crisis looms over Leila

By Christine F. Herrera and Rey E. Requejo DESPITE a warning from the Senate, the House is bent on issuing a show cause order against Senator Leila de Lima to censure her for urging a witness in a con-

gressional investigation to go into hiding to avoid testifying about the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

In an interview over radio dzBB Sunday, House Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro said De Lima needed to be censured for

seeking to prevent her former lover and driver Ronnie Dayan from testifying before the House committee on justice, which is investigating the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the national penitentiary when she was still Justice secretary.

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By Christine F. Herrera A HOUSE leader said Sunday the immunity granted to Ronnie Dayan, the former lover and alleged bagman of Senator Leila de Lima, could be revoked if he gave false testimony, as some lawmakers expressed doubts about his claim that he never met or knew any of the drug lords that traded illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison.

“The lawmakers want to revoke the immunity granted by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez because Dayan did not tell the truth and did not cooperate. He should not be accepted in the Witness Protection Program,” House Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro told dzBB in an interview.

Castro accused Dayan of lying when he denied knowing suspected big-time drug lord Kerwin Es-

pinosa and the people whom De Lima met inside the national penitentiary when she was still Justice secretary.

“It was very clear that Dayan was trying to protect himself and De Lima’s interest. He and De Lima had seven-year relationship and the debt of gratitude was deep. He obviously was trying to protect De Lima,” he said.

Subic Bay chief dishes out Pump price more dirt on freeport exec hike seen at P1.50/liter SUBIC Bay Chairman Martin Diño has ordered an investigation into cases of irregularities and found that the second in command, SBMA officer-in-charge Administrator Randy Escolango, had a string of criminal cases and was suspended for 90 days in 2010.

Victorio Casauay, Diño’s legal consultant, said Escolango was accused of forging the signature of his former associate lawyer, Bart Dalangin, whom Escolango had asked to serve as counsel in settling a compromise agreement in a labor case against Freeport

Service Corp., an SBMA subsidiary.

Casauay said Escolango, formerly the SBMA’s deputy director for legal affairs, served his 90-day suspension in November 2010 during the term of SBMA Administrator and Chief Executive Armand Arreza.

“SBMA Chairman Diño is tasked to look into cases of irregularities in the SBMA in an effort to get rid of corruption in the agency, and in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s program for clean government,” Casauay Next page said.

OIL prices may go up by P1.20 to P1.50 per liter this week to reflect the movements in world oil prices, a source said over the weekend.

“Our estimates show an increase in the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene of P1.20 to P1.50 per liter,” the source said.

He said prices were set to go up amid speculations of a supply cut ahead of the November 30 meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

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BEAUTY PARADE. Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza of Baguio City wows the crowd during a homecoming parade along the Summer Capital’s Session Road. David Chan

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

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De Lima asks SC to speed up ruling S Senate-House...

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Earlier, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez tagged De Lima as “a serial liar” for continuing to deny she had anything to do with the proliferation of drugs inside the NBP when so many inmates had already testified that they gave her millions in drug money to fund her senatorial campaign.

Alvarez noted that while there were conflicting testimonies of witnesses in the investigation of the House committee on justice, they all had a common thread pointing to involvement of De Lima.

He added that self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and Dayan corroborated each other.

Dayan also admitted delivering drug money to De Lima, he said.

Despite De Lima’s denials, Alvarez added, he was confident the public was intelligent enough to discern who was telling the truth or lying.

Castro, meanwhile, said he did not see a head-on collision with the Senate over De Lima.

While Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III warned the House that it was violating inter-chamber parliamentary courtesy, Castro said De Lima violated House rules by ignoring the summons to attend its hearings.

“It has been established that the illegal drug trade proliferated in the NBP during her stint as justice secretary. Senator De Lima has a lot to answer to. She was also accused of receiving drug money for her senatorial campaign,” Castro told dzBB. If De Lima continued to ignore the show cause order, Castro said the senator would be cited for contempt.

“If she is cited in contempt, she would face the same fate as Dayan, who was arrested to compel his presence in the hearing. But I believe the House and Senate leadership would discuss how to handle the case of the senator,” he said.

“De Lima is not above the law.

No one is above the law. The way I see it, the House will stand by its authority to cite her for contempt,” Castro said.

Also on Sunday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II urged De Lima to stop raising the gender issue and instead answer the criminal charges against her in connection with her alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the NBP. Aguirre said the issues against De Lima were criminal, and not about a woman in public service being attacked for her gender.

“She should drop the gender issue and just disprove the allegations against her in appropriate venues and stop beating around the bush,” Aguirre said.

De Lima, who was Justice secretary before joining the Senate, and other respondents have been summoned by the Justice department to its preliminary investigation on drug trafficking charges against them, which will start Friday, December 2.

Aguirre said De Lima has been raising gender by claiming that she is being attacked and publicly ridiculed by allies of her nemesis, President Rodrigo Duterte, over her admitted “frailties of a woman,” particularly her previous affair with her former driver to “get public sympathy.”

De Lima claimed that her right as a woman was violated when Dayan testified before the House of Representatives last week and was grilled by lawmakers on details of their seven-year affair.

“As a woman, it breaks my heart that my private life and personal relationship have become subject of the public and Congress’ ridicule,” De Lima said in a statement in reaction to Dayan’s testimony.

She has raised the same issue in her habeas data petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that the administration was violating the Magna Carta for women.

But Aguirre disputed this, arguing that the questions raised by lawmakers were valid and relevant to the subject of the probe.

“Lawmakers like Fred Castro and Harry Roque are very good lawyers. They are just establishing the deep relationship between De Lima and Dayan, that because of this relationship Dayan had enjoyed her trust, which strengthens our position that had De Lima not trusted Dayan, she could have not entrusted him to receive money from Kerwin Espinosa and other drug lords,” he said.

“They have long been professing allegiance to the foreign terror group. This is still part of the Maute group’s agenda in courting support and encouraging similar-minded individuals to support ISIS,” he said in a statement, referring to another acronym for IS. The Maute group is one of several armed Islamist organizations in Mindanao which have pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria.

In past fighting with troops, the

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rebellion and invasion—and argued that similar circumstances could be considered in declaring a suspension.

Earlier this month, Duterte had already said he might suspend the writ if lawlessness in Mindanao continued—and drew a backlash of protest.

Under the Constitution, the President may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus only in cases of invasion or rebellion and when public safety requires it.

“Some are arguing that there is no invasion and neither is there rebellion but he [Duterte] is saying that drug money is being used to fund the rebellion in Mindanao therefore there is a rebellion,” Panelo said.

Panelo said critics are looking at the Constitution “literally.”

“You cannot limit the President on two grounds of invasion and rebellion. Any circumstance similar or akin to those grounds, I think the President and I think the Supreme Court will do so,” he said.

group’s members were seen carrying black IS flags and bandannas bearing the jihadists’ insignia were found in their base, the military said.

Three members of the Maute group were arrested last month, accused of the September bombing that left 15 people dead in President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown, Davao City.

Residents of Butig, which has a population of 17,000, fled after the old town hall was occupied.

Government forces captured a Maute training camp in the town in June after a 10-day gun battle that left four soldiers and dozens of militants dead, according to an army account.

The Mautes, once described by the military as a small-time extortion gang, attacked a remote army outpost in Butig in February, triggering a week of fighting that the military said left six soldiers and 12 militants dead.

The group also beheaded two employees of a local sawmill in April, the military has said.

Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the military is trying to prevent the fighting from spilling to other areas.

In Campa Aguinaldo, Arevalo denied previous statements that the military had already decimated the terrorist group in previous operations. With AFP

On Saturday, Duterte warned drug suspects to stay inside their homes or he would kill them personally as a “permanent solution” to illegal drugs.

“How do we make it permanent? Well, in the coming days, I will make it a mass… a mandate that, all of you drug suspects, do not go outside of your homes,” said Duterte, in Filipino, during a speech at the San Beda Law Grand Alumni Homecoming.

“I will not lock you up, go inside of your houses and lock your doors. If you go out, p***** ina kayo, I will kill you,” Duterte said.

Among those who attended the event was former President Fidel Ramos, whom Duterte referred to as “my number one critic and number one supporter.”

In the audience, Ramos stood up, raised his hands in fist resembling Duterte’s signature campaign pose, jumped and gave a thumbs-up sign.

Duterte then observed, “Dissent and criticism would make this democratic country healthy.”

Ramos was instrumental in convincing Duterte to run in the May elections and was appointed by the President as the Philippines’ special envoy to China in

July.

However, Ramos also hurled a string of criticism against the President’s performance in his first 100 days, his stance on the Paris climate pact, and his move to allow the burial of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Ramos resigned as envoy to China in October.

Others present were former Chief Justice Artermio Panganiban; Avelino Cruz; Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre; members of the Cabinet; and officers, trustees, and members of the San Beda Law alumni association.

Duterte said, at the start of the campaign and even when he was mayor, that drugs would destroy the country.

The President also identified generals who were involved in the drug trade and warned them.

“When I become president, I will run after you and there is still time, maybe you want to quit now that I am not yet president,” he said at the time.

When he became president, he added, he was horrified that there were thousands in government involved in illegal drugs.

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Castro said he and other lawmakers could not believe that Dayan, as opposed to the testimony by several drug lords and inmates, did not know any of those whom De Lima met at the NBP when she went there to hold meetings.

“We have to remember that Dayan did not only serve as De Lima’s driver.

He was also her close-in security and bodyguard. It would be impossible for Dayan not to know who his boss was dealing with because that was part of his job—to secure De Lima considering that she was surrounded by criminals and his boss was there precisely

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Traders are optimistic Opec members will reach an agreement to cap production at their meeting in Vienna this week.

The source said the peso’s depreciation against the dollar was also affecting oil prices. The peso depreciated to nearly P50 to the US dollar last week.

“Prices will go up due to speculation and the peso depreciation,” the source said.

The Energy department’s latest monitoring showed that Saudi Energy

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Dalangin said in his complaint that Escolango had forged his signature as the counsel of 380 dismissed employees of the FSC and had actively participated in implementing the compromise agreement while already serving as deputy administrator for SBMA’s legal affairs.

The compromise agreement awarded P4.393 million as separation pay to the dismissed FSC employees, which was equivalent to P16,588 per complainant, in accordance with the decision of the National Labor Relations Commission.

Escolango allegedly gave each employee only P8,200 based on the dismissed FSC employees’ sworn statement, leaving an excess of more than P1.05 million, which he failed to account for during the preliminary investigation.

On June 4, 2010, Escolango

to fight the proliferation of illegal drug trade,” Castro said.

“Dayan could face trouble for not telling the whole truth during the hearing,” he added.

Castro said once the House committee on justice determined that Dayan lied in his sworn affidavit and during his testimony, the driver-bodyguard could be charged with perjury.

The deputy speaker also said he did not believe Dayan’s testimony that he did not know Espinosa, the self-confessed drug lord.

“It was unbelievable that he would not try to find out who he was meeting with and did not even bother to ask how the person looked like,” Castro said.

Minister Khalid al-Falih was optimistic about the Opec deal limiting oil production, while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed optimism the Opec members were ready to reach a “forceful” agreement.

The oil companies implemented a P0.10-per-liter increase in gasoline prices on November 22, but the prices of diesel and kerosene stayed the same.

The total year-to-date price adjustment for gasoline is P4.14 per liter and diesel at P5.98 per liter.

Diesel sells from P25.75 to P29.32 per liter and gasoline sells from P34.60 to P44.10 per liter. Alena Mae S. Flores

and Israel Migano, his driver and liaison officer from his Olongapo City law office, allegedly were given P4.393 million in cash at the FSC building on the basis of a special power of attorney allegedly signed by Dalangin, authorizing Migano to receive the monetary award.

The amount in cash was given to the two despite the finance manager’s position that it be released through a company check, according to another sworn statement by the former FSC finance manager and two finance staffers.

Lawyer Ruel John Kabigting, then the special investigating officer of the SBMA Disciplinary Action Committee, had conducted a two-month preliminary investigation and found a prima facie case for the filing of formal charges against Escolango.

Kabigting said, “Assuming that he [Escolango] was pursuing the case from the background with Dalangin as his front and with, as he claims, only the best

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Duterte said he did not have a special friendship with the Marcos family and was in no way beholden to them.

“It was just [courtesy],” he said.

“We never had any dinner together except one or two. I have no personal relationship with them.”

Duterte said his mother also led protests against the Marcos dictatorship.

The only reason she did not end up being arrested was because his father had been governor of Davao province.

Duterte said Davao, during his father’s governorship, was one huge province but was later broken up into several smaller provinces.

“So it’s all politics.

The Philippines is all politics,” he said.

Sandy Araneta

interests of his clients in mind, Escolango―now a deputy administrator dealing with the SBMA’s subsidiary [FSC]―had an even higher moral obligation to ensure that the 380 former FSC employees―his former clients― would be treated justly and with all transparency by rendering an accounting or breakdown of the P4,393,000.”

Instead, Kabigting said, Escolango continued to act as an “expeditor” of the compromise agreement.

Arreza had then said the SBMA would initiate an administrative action against Escolango for grave misconduct, dishonesty, falsification of official documents, oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Casauay also disclosed that in July last year, Escolango also faced a disbarment complaint filed with the Supreme Court by Isagani Cabrera, a partner of a registered locator at the Subic Bay Freeport, Farenheit Company Limited.

The complaint filed with the high

ENATOR Leila de Lima said Sunday President Rodrigo Duterte was not immune from being sued for collecting and publicizing information about her private life and alleged private affairs.

She asked the Supreme Court to act with dispatch on her petition for a writ of habeas data against Duterte. She said Duterte’s acts constituted slut-shaming, sexual harassment and psychological violence.

She also asked the high court to put an end to Duterte’s statements against her.

De Lima made her statement even as presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said Duterte enjoyed immunity from suit and may not be removed by the Ombudsman.

“The President enjoys immunity while in office and the Ombudsman, although she may investigate, cannot discipline or remove a sitting President,” Andanar said in a statement.

In a memorandum ex abundanti cautela (out of an abundance of caution) in the habeas data case she filed at the high court, De Lima cited several grounds on which the high court should issue a writ of habeas data against Duterte and his men.

She said she filed the case on Nov. 7 to stop Duterte and his men from securing details on her personal life and using them to de-

grade her dignity as a human being, a woman and a senator.

She cited several occasions when Duterte repeatedly subjected her to crude personal verbal attacks that involved the publication of her alleged personal affairs.

She said the President’s attacks against her had clearly and grossly violated her protected rights and, therefore, were “outside the realm of legitimate public concern” and not covered by official acts.

“These wrongful acts are plainly outside of his power and authority as President of the Philippines, and that no reasonable person would differ from such conclusion,” she said in her 14-page memorandum.

The former Justice secretary said Duterte’s immunity from suit was not an inflexible rule that was automatically applied whenever he was subjected to judicial review for damage done to aggrieved parties.

“The interest in maintaining the dignity of women and protecting them from slut-shaming, sexual harassment, and psychological violence far outweighs the dangers of intrusion on the authority and function of the Executive Branch, De Lima said. Macon Ramos Araneta and Sandy Araneta

Spanking butt of joke among Duterte’s aides PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday recalled that he playfully spanked the buttocks of his female security aides.

“It’s done jokingly. The female police officers, I usually spank their behind. I’m like that. In Malacañang, if I’m mad, I carry a folder [to spank],” Duterte told his fellow alumni from the San Beda College of Law. Before this, the President said his alma matter should have accepted female students during his time so he could have done better in his studies.

“In San Beda, if only you had allowed before, Father, that girls would be allowed to be our classmates, I could have done better.

Especially beautiful ones,” Duterte also said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Duterte brought up an instance where he teased Vice President Leni Robredo for wearing a skirt, before observing that there are “too many restrictions in the modern times.’’

“The problem is, in these modern times … everything is banned,” Duterte said.

On one occasion, Duterte openly flirted with Robredo in front of hundreds of survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Tacloban City.

Speaking at the event marking the tragedy’s third year, Duterte told his audience how he and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez once ogled at Robredo’s knees during a Cabinet meeting.

He said Robredo, who was visibly uneasy while the President was talking about her, would come to their meeting in Malacañang wearing short skirts.

“Please don’t be offended [with what I have said] because I’m not mad. You would know I’m mad when I start looking at beautiful women,” Duterte said in Filipino as he stared at the vice president, eliciting giggles from the crowd.

He said he used to sit beside Robredo during their Cabinet meeting, but the protocol officer in Malacañang apparently noticed that he would just stay behind her.

“You know ma’am Leni would always wear skirts which are shorter than usual. At one time, Dominguez asked me to come closer because I was far from them. But I told him, ‘Come here. Look at [Robredo’s] knees’,” he said as the crowd laughed again.

“Maybe she noticed [that I was looking at her]. I wanted to tell her, ‘Ma’am maybe next time you just wear shorts… But after our third meeting, she was already there at the far end of the table. I lost the view during the Cabinet meeting,” he continued.

The President also asked Robredo, the widow of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, in jest if rumors were true that she had found a boyfriend.

“Don’t be offended. Is it true? If it’s true, a congressman may be killed,” he said.

Duterte said he would often tease Robredo to lighten the mood when their meetings become dull and filled with tension.

The President had previously drawn the ire of women’s groups for kissing young women during the campaign.

He also drew flak when he joked about the gang rape of Australian missionary worker Jaqueline Hamill when he was still the mayor of Davao City in 1989.

court’s Office of the Bar Confidant alleged that Escolango and fellow respondents Von Rodriguez, the legal department manager, and lawyer Melvin Varias had “submitted to the local court falsified documents.”

Cabrera alleged that the respondents had falsified the texts of a Deed of Undertaking by materially changing the context of the document favoring the SBMA. Casauay said another complaint against Escolango and other SBMA officials was also filed in April last year for grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority after they installed another investor at the helm of Ocean Condotel in the Freeport Zone.

Jo Kwang-rae filed the complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman naming as respondents Escolango, the former SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia, Von Rodriguez, Orlando Maddela Jr., chief of the law enforcement department, and Kabigting of the regulatory monitoring unit.

Jo accused the respondents of assisting in the forcible and illegal takeover of Ocean Condotel by co-director Kang Il-chan on April 1 last year. He filed the complaint as representative of Freeport Elite Resort Inc. The respondent SBMA officials, Jo said, had facilitated the condotel takeover “in the absence of a court sheriff and without a court-issued writ of execution.”

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 72 had earlier ruled in favor of Kang, one of six Korean directors of Feri, “recognizing his right to inspect the books of the corporation.

Feri’s legal counsel, Roseller Logronio, had earlier prevented Kang’s first attempted takeover of the condotel by insisting on the necessity of a writ of execution and the presence of a court sheriff.

At 11:15 p.m. on April 1, SBMA officials were able to install Kang when Logronio was not around, the complaint said. Christine F. Herrera

By Sandy Araneta

News Bar exam ends without any hitches—high court THIS year’s Bar examination at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila came to an end on Sunday without a hitch.

SC spokesman Theodore Te said that a total of 6, 831 law graduates were admitted to take this year’s exam dubbed as the most difficult and grueling of licensure exams in the country.

Of this number, 3, 317 are first-time examinees while 3, 514 are retakers.

Te, however, could not say how many examinees completed the four Sundays’ exams.

“We will have to wait for the statistics of the Office of the Bar Confidant,’ Te said.

In the 2015 Bar exams, a total of 1,731 passed, representing 26.21 percent of the total of 6,605 candidates who completed the exams.

The 2016 Bar exams have been concluded amid allegation of leakages that went viral in social media, thus prompting 2016 Bar Committee chairman, Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. to issue a statement denying the rumors.

Velasco said he immediately initiated an investigation after the allegations surfaced about leakage in the examinations in Commercial and Criminal Law and found no evidence of irregularity.

“The findings show that there is no truth to any of these unsubstantiated social media rumors. The Office of the Bar chairperson has investigated the matter and has come to the

conclusion that the questions remained confidential before the scheduled exams,’ Velasco said.

In the 2003 Bar exams, the SC ordered 5,000 Bar examinees to retake a test on mercantile law after it was discovered that the exam had been leaked.

Then bar exams committee chairman, Justice Jose Vitug said the mercantile law examination was nullified to “preserve the integrity and protect the sanctity” of the Bar results.

In 1979, a reexamination was ordered after a similar exam leakage involving two subjects—labor and social legislation and taxation—was discovered.

Just like in the previous three Sundays of the exams, the Manila Police Department maintained a tight security watch around the UST campus I along España in Manila.

Apart from the policemen, rescue units, paramedics and ambulances were also on hand to ensure the safety of the examinees and prevent a repeat of the 2010 bar exam bombing at De La Salle University that injured 47 people.

A liquor ban is imposed within the 100-meter radius of UST and a “no parking” policy is implemented along España and Dapitan streets during the conduct of the exams.

The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit also enforced road closures and traffic rerouting in the vicinity of the venue of the exams. Rey E. Requejo

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

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Groups wary as Du30 ‘tests limit of powers’

By Rey E. Requejo

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RESIDENT Duterte has been asked to maintain the independence of the Supreme Court to where he would be able to appoint 12 justices within his term.

The Hustisya Natin, alliance of SC Appointments Watch, Alternative Law Groups and Transparency and Accountability Network appealed to the Chief Executive to appoint independent magistrates to the high court to ensure balance of power between the co-equal branch of government.

Vincent Lazatin of TAN and lawyer Marlon Manuel of ALG also asked the public to closely monitor and participate in the selection process for the SC appointments by the Judicial and Bar Council, which already started for the first two appointments of Duterte in the high tribunal after the retirements of Associate Justice Jose Perez and Arturo Brion next month.

According to the judicial watchdogs, the Duterte appointments may be considered very crucial as they would constitute a clear majority in the high court.

Lazatin believes that an independent judiciary is more needed now that “the President appears to be pushing the limits of the executive powers and only the Supreme Court can provide a balance.”

Manuel shared the sentiments of Lazatin even as he called on the public to participate in the JBC selection processes.

“The JBC screening is very important and crucial in the selection process. These appointments under the new administration can potentially affect the independence of the Supreme Court,” he stressed.

“That’s why it’s important that the public will participate in the process by sending information, support or opposition on the nominations to the JBC,” the lawyer added.

Meanwhile, a watchdog group on judicial appointments has called for public participation in the JBC selection process and

urged appointment of independent SC justices by President Duterte who gets to appoint at least 10 justices in his term.

The Hustisya Natin led by lawyer Marlon Manuel of Alternative Law Groups and Vincent Lazatin of the Transparency and Accountability Network urged the public to closely monitor the selection process, which has become more transparent throughout the years.

The Constitution requires a candidate for the position of associate justice of the SC to be a natural born citizen, at least 40 years of age, and with 15 years or more of experience as a judge of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the country.

The magistrate must also be “a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”

President Duterte is expected to appoint at least 10 justices in SC during his six-year term.

There will be two more vacancies during the election period after his term. Per SC ruling, the President may appoint SC justices during the election period since such positions are exempted from the midnight appointments ban.

The JBC is set to deliberate on

the 17 nominees and applicants for the two SC posts to be vacated by the retirement of Perez and Brion on Dec.14 and 29, respectively.

Ten of them faced the JBC in public interviews last Nov.16 and 17—Seven of those vying for Perez’ post—Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, Centro Escolar University law assistant dean Rita Linda Ventura-Jimeno, Davao Regional Trial Court Judge Rowena Apao-Adlawan, Court of Appeals Justices Japar Dimaampao, Noel Tijam and Amy Lazaro-Javier, CA Mindanao Executive Justice Romulo Borja, Sandiganbayan Justice Samuel Martires, Department of Justice chief state counsel Ricardo Paras III and lawyer Joseph San Pedro.

The seven other candidates were no longer interviewed because of their previous interviews over the past year.

They are CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and CA Justices Apolinario Bruselas Jr., Rosmari Carandang, Stephen Cruz and Jose Reyes Jr., Quezon City Judge Reynaldo Daway and Sandiganbayan Justice Alex Quiroz.

The JBC chaired by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is set to vote on a shortlist for the two vacancies on Friday, December 2.

Reminder on 13th month pay, bonus

DEFENDERS. Leaders of the newly organized group ‘Republic Defenders’ hold miniature flags and call for national unity and healing while

demanding support for the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, crime and corruption during a forum held in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Police biding time on probe of Espinosa

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Richard J. Gordon on Sunday criticized the Philippine National Police—Internal Affairs Service for its snailpaced investigation on the policemen involved in the November 5 slaying of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

“The IAS should act fast. They should not take their sweet time in conducting investigations. Within five days, the investigation should

be finished and they should already have their recommendation,” Gordon stressed.

Three officials of the CIDG Region 8, namely Chief Supt.

Marvin Marcos, Supt. Santi Noel Matira and Chief Insp. Leo Laraga, presented themselves before the PNP-IAS over Espinosa’s death.

The IAS said it wants to build a strong case and avoid any technicalities.

The three, together with 15 oth-

er members of CIDG Region 8 involved in the death of the Albuera mayor, were placed under restrictive custody effective November 24, on order of PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

They are held by the Headquarters Support Service until the final resolution of the case filed against them. The HSS head is tasked to monitor their activities and whereabouts and ensure that they are immediately available to face any inquiry

Gordon noted it has been more than 20 days since the mayor was shot dead inside his jail cell in the Baybay City subprovincial jail.

Espinosa was killed along with Raul Yap while being served a search warrant by the members of the CIDG. And yet IAS has not yet finished its investigation and no one has been dismissed.

“In an administrative case, only substantial evidence is needed. The evidence is already there like the firearms, bullets,” said Gordon.

SENATOR Sonny Angara has reminded employers on the proper computation and payment of 13th month pay and yearend bonus for both private and government employees given the increased tax exemption cap on such benefits.

Under Republic Act 10653, the 13th month pay and other benefits, including productivity incentives and Christmas bonuses, not exceeding P82,000 provided to both government and private sector employees are exempted from tax, he said.

Before RA 10653 was signed into law in February last year, only bonuses not exceeding P30,000 were exempted from tax.

Angara said Filipino workers benefit so much from the 13th month pay toward the end of the year.

“We increased the tax exemption cap so their take home bonus could be higher for their family,” said the Senate ways and means committee chairperson who sponsored the law.

The 13th month pay law was enacted pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851 in 1975, mandating employers in the private sector to pay their employees not earning more than P1,000 a month an amount equivalent to 13th month pay.

Through Memorandum Order No. 28 in 1986, the monthly salary cap was removed thereby entitling all rank and file employees to 13th month pay.

The senator stressed that all

employers in the private sector must pay their rank-andfile employees a 13th month pay regardless of the nature of their employment and whatever the method their wages are paid, provided they worked for at least one month during a calendar year.

The 13th month pay should be paid not later than December 24, and must be equivalent to one-twelfth (1/12) of the basic salary of an employee within a calendar year.

He said not only regular employees in the private sector should get 13th month pay. Even contractual, casual, fixed term, probationary and seasonal employees have the right to receive this according to the Labor Code as long as they have given servicd for one month only, said Angara, vice chairman of the labor committee.

“And although you entered a job in the middle of the year, you should also be paid 13th month on pro-rated basis,” the lawmaker added.

Angara, one of the authors of RA 10361 or the Batas Kasambahay, further noted that kasambahays are entitled to 13th month pay as well.

Meanwhile, pursuant to RA 8441, government employees and officials should have rendered at least four months of service from January 1 to October 31 to receive a Christmas bonus equivalent to one month basic salary and additional cash gift of P5,000. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Volunteers cited for making Subic ‘star’ investment site

VOLUNTEERS who 24 years ago protected and helped made Subic Freeport into a star investment and tourism location must honored for their sacrifices, according to Senator Richard Gordon.

As founding chairman and former administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Gordon said that without the volunteers’ integrity, hard-work and compassion, Subic Freeport would not have been acclaimed as the most globally successful military bases-conversion effort shortly after the Americans turned over the facilities on Nov. 24, 1992.

The Commission on Audit recently came out with a report saying that the previous SBMA

administration declared a P4 billion in a “accounts receivable” status in 2015.

“We should honor the sacrifices of the thousands of volunteers who made Subic a flourishing investment and tourism hub,” said Gordon.

When the Americans left the Subic Naval base after more than two decades, Gordon said the volunteers guarded the facility and didn’t go the way of Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite.

“We had not yet fully recovered from the devastation caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and when the Americans left, our people lost their jobs,” said Gordon.

If they did not guard and

maintain the facilities, Gordon said they could have lost even more. Even before the departure of the US forces, he already had a vision to convert the naval base into a Freeport, he added.

The senator said that through hard work and seamless service from investment to operations, foreign and domestic investors soon flocked to the Freeport so that 70,000 jobs were created, benefitting residents of Olongapo City, Zambales and the other nearby provinces.

He noted that SBMA also did not receive a budget allocation from the government, instead the Freeport contributed to the national government’s coffers.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Visitors take delight in the Grand Festival of Lights Parade held at the Asia’s biggest mall in Pasay City featuring Christmas personalities led by Santa Claus. Norman Cruz

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Opinion

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Hall of shame

I

N TRYING to publicly humiliate Senator Leila de Lima during last week’s hearing of the House committee on justice, some lawmakers brought shame, not only to their political target, but also to themselves and the chamber to which they belong. In trying to debase the senator, they have too readily reveled in the stench of the sewer.

In an investigation that ostensibly aimed to uncover the truth behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison, these lawmakers seemed more interested in what happened in the bedroom than in the national penitentiary.

The instrument for their

Adelle Chua, Editor

prurient obsession was Ronnie Dayan, who admitted to having a seven-year affair with the senator, and being her bagman when she was Justice secretary.

President Rodrigo Duterte has linked De Lima, through Dayan, to the drug trade inside the national penitentiary,

But none of the voyeuristic lawmakers who questioned Dayan seemed overly concerned with establishing a link between the former Justice secretary and the drug money she was supposed to have collected. Instead, they sought to elicit information from her former lover that would hold De Lima up to public scorn and ridicule.

Thus we had Una Ang Edukasyon party-list Rep. Salvador Belaro Jr. asking Dayan if the senator had a favorite food, and if he was fond of hot chili peppers, of if they marked their anniversary when they were still going together. When did De Lima agree to become his girlfriend, Belaro wanted to know. And

what was the intensity of their relationship throughout those seven years they were together.

What year, he asked, did their relationship reach a climax.

Capiz 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro asked Dayan if his and De Lima’s relationship was based on love that was pure, solid and honest.

Then later, he wanted Dayan to say if his relationship was rooted not just in love, but also in lust.

Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Rodolfo Fariñas wanted to know if Dayan and De Lima still slept in the same room when their relationship was on the wane.

None of this was relevant to the question of illegal drugs in the NBP. And none of this did

as much damage to De Lima as the incontrovertible evidence presented during the hearing that the senator had advised Dayan through text messages to go into hiding to avoid answering questions before a congressional inquiry.

One facile view is that De Lima, who has falsely presented herself as the defender of all that is moral, merely got what she deserved anyway. This may be so, but by miscalculating their punches and wallowing in the sewer, a handful of misguided congressmen may have done what De Lima herself has been unable to do very well up to this point—win some public sympathy.

There is a tendency to dismiss complaints about slut-

shaming in the Congress as a partisan issue, or a women’s issue, mainly because the loudest complaints come from female members, mainly from the Liberal Party to which De Lima belongs.

But slut-shaming isn’t merely a partisan concern or a women’s issue—it should offend all of us who have mothers, sisters and daughters. That our elected representatives should think they can waste public resources and our time with their salacious innuendos and uncivil behavior offends, not only our sensibilities but also our intelligence.

De Lima has surely been damaged by revelations in the House last week, but we would argue that she is not the only loser.

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

Pax Americana to Pax Asiatica

PENSEES

Advent in a time of hate

FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO IT COMES before Christmas, and that is practically all that is commonly known of the Season of Advent. In many churches, most will take note of the Advent Wreath, a bough of green with four candles: three, violet, one pink. Twice a year—on the third Sunday of Advent and on the fourth Sunday of Lent—the liturgy recommends a very peculiar color: “old rose” is how it officially goes, but pink is what it has become in presentday versions of liturgical habiliment. It is the color of joy and exaltation in a season of sobriety. And for many, if not most Catholics, the advent wreath is not an advent symbol, but an early piece of Christmas decor, like the Filipino puts up his Christmas tree as soon as the “-ber” months march in. But apart from this, there is not too much that many will say about Advent.

The air is thick and heavy with hate these days. So many

hate the Marcoses for having buried the family patriarch with the solemnity by which every son or daughter would like a father laid to rest. Many are angry at De Lima for having had an affair with Dayan and for what is not yet in fact known for sure—that she had something to do with the frightening drug trade at the national penitentiary. There is seething anger at the members of the Lower House who skewered Ronnie Dayan— whom they called a “resource person”—apparently more interested in the juicy details of his romantic liaison with his former boss rather than how he proved de Lima’s culpability, and for displaying what many take to be shameless misogyny. Christmas is around the corner, but it is not in the air.

Anger, agitation, restiveness and resentment are the smog of the season.

Advent is the season given

Hope is not confined to the targets of one’s aspirations. Hope is seeing light at the end of a long, dark and forbidding tunnel, knowing not what lies at the end. to reflection on ends: the end of life, the end of time, the end of history. And the images conjured by the liturgical readings of the season are a mix of the terrifying and the inspiring.

There are apocalyptic visions of

terrible portents in the sky, on earth and in the seas but there are also reassuring and comforting metaphors of homecoming after a period of exile and the definite establishment of a kingdom of justice, peace and love. “End” itself is two things at once: It is closure, what prevents something from meaningless and utterly pointless perdurance and repetition; but it is also purpose, goal, that which gives any venture direction, purpose and sense! It should then not be surprising that we get mixed symbols: symbols of the forbidding— for the end of an established order, the scheme of things to which we are habituated, the “world” of our “worlded” existences is always threatening, always apocalyptic, and symbols of promise and of fulfillment—the new heavens and the new earth, not a re-run of an old show!

Advent relativizes our

obsessions.

In its call for sobriety, it makes us see that the raging issues of the day that now we take to be either our making or unmaking will be irrelevant, impertinent perhaps even hilarious and silly at some later time. To look at things sub specie aeterni…with eternity as backdrop, that is what makes us laugh at our own self-importance, disposes us to be more forgiving of failings— those of others and our own, and at the same time more courageous about doing what may, for the moment, be scorned, reviled and shamed for, in the end, the judgments men and women give are subject to the ultimate revision of Final Judgment. The scorn and spite of earth do not determine the meaningfulness or meaninglessness of what we do, just as it is for none to say of another that he or she has been “evil” and “sinful” by a pronouncement that has eternal Turn to A5

FIRST there was Pax Romana, where practically all of Europe, Asia Minor, and parts of Africa came under the heel of the Roman emperors, beginning from Augustus Caesar. That lasted some centuries, eventually folding into the Holy Roman Empire, which began with the conversion of Constantine. But the succession of attacks from the Huns and other Germanic tribes, coupled with internal rot caused the slow demise of what was called Pax Romana.

Attempts there were to establish some kind of Pax Hispanica, but this never did come to fruition, with their Iberian neighbor, Portugal trying to stake its own colonial adventurism. After the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the Britons under Queen Elizabeth, attempts by the Iberians and even the French to establish their own power axis in Europe and the rest of the world sundered to the mercantile and colonial prowess of the English. At the apogee of Pax Britannica, “the sun never set on the British Empire”—or so they boasted.

While nightfall crept into Myanmar and India, Malaya and Borneo even, it was daytime in the British Isles.

America, with its vast land and almost unlimited natural resources, became the major beneficiary of Pax Britannica.

And to cut a long history lesson short, eventually America rose to power. First, it learned how to use war and conflict as a means to become more and more powerful. From the puny war with Spain at the turn of the 20th century, making it a colonialist in the Philippines and Cuba, then its stepping into the European conflict in the First World War, then crushing the Nazis and fascists and humiliating Japan in the Second World War, keeping an unstable peace during the Cold War of the 1950s stretching for an unbroken prosperity cycle of almost five decades.

The entire 20th century, particularly its latter half, became Pax Americana.

Yet things change. The world changes. And at a frenetic pace.

Major threats have appeared, from the rise of terrorism, mostly fueled by Islamic fundamentalists, to

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Opinion

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Cuba’s glum economic forecast

By Tyler Cowen FOR all of my adult life I have been hearing that Cuba will blossom economically when Fidel Castro passes away. Now that time has come, and it seems Cuba will continue to struggle.

At a superficial glance, the case for Cuban optimism is obvious.

So many Cuban-Americans have impressed the world with their business skills and entrepreneurial drive. If comparable talents were let loose in Cuba itself, one might expect similar results, just as China, after dismantling the most inefficient parts of its communism, began to catch up to the overseas Chinese.

One way to approach Cuba’s economic fate is to consider the Caribbean region as a whole. For the most part, it has seen mediocre results since the financial crisis of 2008. Economic problems have plagued Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Jamaica, Haiti and Barbados, with only Jamaica seeing a real turnaround.

The core problems of the region include high debt, weak commodity prices, lack of economies of scale and an inability to upgrade tourist facilities to compete with the US, Mexico and further-flung locales. Cuba cannot service its foreign debt, and losing most of

its support from Venezuela has been a massive fiscal problem.

Perhaps the country most like Cuba in the Caribbean, in terms of history, heritage and ethnic composition, is the Dominican Republic. Currently, it has a nominal gross domestic product of somewhat over $6,000 per capita, depending which source you prefer. That’s far from the bottom tier of developing economies, but it’s hardly a shining star. And Cuba will take a long time to attract a comparable level of multinational investment, or to develop its tourist facilities to a comparable level of sophistication. Well-functioning electricity and air conditioning cannot be taken for granted in Cuba, especially after the major decline in energy supplies from Venezuela.

The most optimistic forecast for Cuba is that, after a few decades of struggle and reorientation, it will end up at the income level of the Dominican Republic.

If you are wondering, the World Bank measures Cuban GDP at over $6,000 per capita, but that is based on a planned economy and an unrealistic exchange rate.

In reality, Cuba probably is richer than Nicaragua, where GDP per capital is approximately $2,000, but we don’t know by how much.

Cuba does have relatively high

levels of health care and education, but we’ve learned from postSoviet reform experiences that it is easy for a nation to lose those advantages. There are already shortages of many basic health care items, including medical technology and antibiotics.

Alternatively, to better understand Cuba’s future, look at its exports. Medical services are about 40 percent of exports, but some of the main buyers, such as Brazil, Algeria and Angola, are expected to reduce their demand.

Sugar prices surged in 2016, but they are still well below their 2012 levels, and commodity prices do not seem to be on the verge of a major comeback. Other Cuban agricultural exports include citrus, fish, cigars and coffee, but those are rarely paths to riches.

The reality is worse yet, namely that Cuba has to import 70 to 80 percent of its food, which eats up valuable foreign exchange.

Cuba is simply not in a good position to ramp up production.

For instance, the demand for coffee in the US has grown sharply, and some global supplies have been sluggish, so there is an opportunity. Still, there are more countries making quality coffee than ever before, and it’s hard to see Cuba’s corrupt institutional framework, even after Castro, al-

lowing them to take markets from the highly experienced business cultures of Brazil or Colombia.

As for industrial production, the country’s output remains below halfof its pre-1989 levels.

Rates of savings and investment are at about 10 percent, about half of Latin American averages, and the legal framework is hostile to direct foreign investment. The election of Donald Trump also has introduced uncertainty about US policy toward the island.

Perhaps most importantly, Cuba has not yet repudiated either communism or Fidelism.

Cuba expert Richard E. Feinberg describes the stasis as such: “Bureaucratically, over 50 years the Cuban state has become so multilayered, so burdened with thick red tape and so risk-averse that the decision-making procedures are broken.” In other words, Castro was hardly the only problem, and it is not obvious that an ideological turnaround is in the offing.

Had Cuba not had a communist revolution in 1959, it could have beenone of the most successful Latin American economies. But the past matters, and turning back the clock is easier said than done. Right now, the place seems impossibly far from being the next Costa Rica, much less the Singapore of the Caribbean. Bloomberg

A more perfect union needs both nationalism and globalism

By Clive Crook ATTACHING labels to people is all the rage in the US Current favorites include “nationalist” and “globalist.” Those designations aren’t much use—and not just because people don’t like being labeled. The bigger problem is that the categories aren’t mutually exclusive. Moderate nationalist sentiment and outward-looking liberalism can overlap. In America, especially, to be partly nationalist and partly globalist comes naturally. It’s what you’d expect of a nation of immigrants.

Isaiah Berlin called nationalism a pathological expression of national consciousness. Aggressive nationalism caused terrible harm in the 20th century—but Berlin’s point was that national consciousness (or some functional equivalent) is not just less harmful than the pathological form, it’s also valuable in its own right. It might even be essential in building a just, compassionate and well-ordered society.

One day, perhaps, a worldwide Marxist-Lennonist utopia will be achieved—“imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do, nothing to kill or die for,” and so forth.

For the moment, public policy is shaped by and for nation-states.

At that level, almost any collective initiative, including measures to civilize capitalism and protect the weak and unlucky, asks some to sacrifice in service of the greater good. This joint enterprise

is likely to be more effective, and can certainly be more ambitious, if citizens are bound together by history, or by settled culture and values held in common—that is, by national consciousness.

If the first part of the 20th century showed how this idea can be perverted, the second showed the good it can do. Evil regimes were destroyed and an outward-looking international order was established. This didn’t require the suppression, much less the eradication, of national consciousness.

Indeed, without the especially pronounced national consciousness that energized and strengthened the US, the liberal global order could not have been built.

National consciousness based on racial pride is both repellent and uniquely dangerous. Donald Trump’s critics have accused him of espousing or at least flirting with white-supremacism—about the worst accusation you could level at a US politician. Reckless as he may be in the way he expresses himself, I don’t see Trump as a white supremacist, though he could and should have been more forthright in repudiating that small strand of his support. (Aside from not wishing to turn away followers of any sort, perhaps he calculated that the unfair charge of bigotry leveled against all of his supporters would redound to his advantage, as it did.)

The mistake, in any case, is to conflate national consciousness with racism. When they go to-

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the triggering effects of the Arab Spring on the stability of North African and Middle Eastern nations.

What America and its European allies presumed to be a political stability wrought by its entente with despots and monarchs has suddenly been challenged. The world has become altogether unstable and terror-threatened, punctuated by the Nine-Eleven attack on the US of A, and most recently the series of attacks on the tourist capitals of France. And the continuing carnage in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.

While all these were happening, China was emerging as an economic giant. Very recently, China has become the secondbiggest economy in the world, edging out Japan, and is fast threatening American supremacy.

America under Obama, with more than $3 trillion in accumulated debt courtesy of China, has seen this threat to its economic and political hegemony. Thus the “pivot to Asia”, where the US, recognizing the geopolitical and commercial importance of the sea lanes that flow to and through the South China Sea, has had some kind of “cold war” with China.

Under the Aquino regime, the Philippines became a pawn in the American play on the geopolitics of the region. Even Vietnam, its erstwhile enemy, has been engaged. But all these are unstable and temporary alliances, because these countries, along with Malay-

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gether, as they often have, the results can be catastrophic. But they don’t have to go together.

I’m a believer in American exceptionalism, and the core of that idea is the possibility of devising a nation based on principles, as opposed to inheriting a nation based on ethnic loyalty, historical accident or religion. National consciousness based on a commitment to the liberal principles written into the Constitution seems to me nothing but admirable. But it’s still national consciousness—it still involves, or ought to involve, a measure of pride and patriotism.

If you want to perfect the union, you’re going to need both.

It’s true, of course, that the United States has often fallen far short of its founding principles. It continues to live with the consequences of slavery. But national consciousness—including the idea that the country is bound by those founding ideas—has often been a means to grapple with that legacy and slowly put matters right.

Identity-group politics now poses a growing challenge to national consciousness. It emphasizes what divides Americans over what unites them. In its angriest forms, it goes so far as to deplore what unites Americans (the idea of America and what it stands for) as so much hypocrisy or self-delusion. This least-compromising form of identity-group politics is self-defeating. It attacks the social solidarity that success will demand—the sense of obli-

sia, Brunei, Indonesia and Taiwan, realize that keeping the peace and confronting no one is to their ultimate advantage.

Enter Duterte, the Filipino president who has proclaimed an independent foreign policy, independent especially when juxtaposed against American interests in the region. It was a tour de force, because all throughout the decades following the end of America’s colonial occupation, successive Filipino leaders have hewed close to the former colonialist master’s designs if not diktat.

Then Donald Trump, who was the surprise victor in the last elections. Trump has upset the assumptions upon which American foreign policy has been based all these years. A new dawn of isolationist, protectionist policies seem to engulf the America of Donald Trump.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership which was unveiled by Obama along with Japan’s Shinzo Abe, and the support of many who thought that a Clinton victory was imminent, has now been thrown into the dustbin even before the participating nations and America itself ratified the economic arrangements. Trump promised its end beginning Day One of his presidency, and prefers to deal with nations in the Asia-Pacific on bilateral mode, hoping to prop up America’s trade advantage.

The recently concluded Apec Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru sounded the dirge on the TPP, with smaller nations both in Asia and Latin-America now beginning to gravitate towards the “wealthy” Chinese.

Still largely a “command” state despite

ing the capacity to hope—the virtue of the Advent Season. To hope, Gabriel Marcel towards the middle of the validity! preceding century, is not to expect, for A people that wallows in hate and what one expects, one calculates. Hope bathes in the elements of its own col- is beyond all calculation. It defies callective resentment is in danger of los- culation. One hopes without making

gation that Americans feel toward their fellow Americans.

The debate over immigration shows how easily the bogus distinction between nationalism and globalism can distort these conversations. Maybe pure globalists see no distinction between foreigners and fellow citizens, and dream of open borders. Good luck with strengthening the welfare state if that dream ever comes to pass. Everybody else thinks the difference matters.

At one extreme, to be sure, are bigots who think that foreigners are bad because they’re foreigners. In the wide middle are people who believe that immigration hurts US citizens and should be curbed, or helps US citizens and should be expanded, or helps US citizens so long as other things are done, or is good for the US so long as the immigrants accept those founding principles and assimilate—or who aren’t sure about any of this but at least believe that the laws on immigration ought to be enforced. A very wide range of views, but all the people in the middle agree about this one thing: The interests of fellow citizens come first.

That’s national consciousness.

It isn’t the least bit unworthy. It’s fully compatible with an outwardlooking liberalism in international affairs. And in case the left hasn’t noticed, it’s the necessary condition for an ambitious social-justice agenda. There’s no perfecting the union without it. Bloomberg

freeing the energies of its business community under an “open economy”, China has the advantage of centralized decision-making, whether in politics or economics.

Though its economy has softened a bit after a quarter century of unsurpassed and stratospheric growth, China has began various multi-national economic initiatives, such as the revival of the Silk Road through land and maritime routes, the formation of the Asian Investment Bank, and the Regional Cooperation Enhancement Program.

The AIB is seen as a competitor of the Asian Development Bank which is principally promoted by Japan, and supported by the World Bank. The RCEP is seen as China’s counterpart for the TPP, now trumped

by America’s new POTUS. Is Pax Americana shifting to a Pax Cinensis?

With the still mighty though recessionridden Japanese economy and South Korean still a potent economy, plus Singapore and Taiwan, and the emerging economic strength of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and even the Philippines, it cannot be a completely Chinese-dominated Asia.

Rather, through enhanced cooperation and mutually-beneficial bilateral arrangements, what was once Pax Americana will fold into a Pax Asiatica.

It is the Asia-Pacific century after all, and although America still intends to be the orchestra conductor in this part of the universe, it has to start giving way to a new geopolitical reality.

demands. Hope is not confined to the targets of one’s aspirations. Hope is seeing light at the end of a long, dark and forbidding tunnel, knowing not what lies at the end. Hope is repose. And so it is that hope is looking beyond our hating, hateful, resenting and resentful

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OUT OF THE BOX RITA LINDA V. JIMENO

Freedom of Information CORRUPTION would have been curbed in the tenure of the past Philippine presidents, beginning with Corazon C. Aquino up to her son, Benigno S. Aquino III, if a Freedom of Information Law were passed. An FOI law would have prevented large-scale theft of public funds that were funnelled out though various means such as the Priority Development Assistance Fund and the Disbursement Acceleration Program under President Aquino. Although both the PDAF—derisively called pork barrel—and the DAP were eventually declared void by the Supreme Court for being unconstitutional, large amounts of taxpayers’ money were lost to corruption before the PDAF and DAP were discovered and exposed.

While the 1987 Constitution itself provides for the exercise by the Filipino people of the right to information, Congress has been dragging its feet in passing the law. For three decades now, an FOI bill has been lying idle in the backburners of Congress illustrating the sad truth to the saying that we cannot expect the legislators to pass a law that will be detrimental to them.

Fortunately, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has the political will to carry out his campaign promise that in his watch freedom of information would become a reality. He decided not to wait for Congress to pass such law. While waiting for its passage, he issued Executive Order no. 2 on July 23, 2016 mandating freedom of information in the Executive Department. This Executive Order took effect on Friday, November 25, giving the people the right to now look into the transactions of 15 national government agencies by using the eFOI portal or the electronic site for FOI. The Executive Order is not perfect because it covers only the Executive Branch; still, with this move, the President is sending a strong message to Congress that it must pass the FOI law to cover all branches of government lest it be shamed.

The agencies that may now be accessed online are the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Budget and Management, Finance, Justice, Health, Transportation, the Presidential Communications The law has Office, Philippine Statistics Authority, Na- proved to be an tional Archives of the Philippines, Philippine effective tool National Police, Philip- to prevent or pine Health Insurance Corp., Office of the expose abuses, Government Corporate improve delivery Counsel, Presidential Commission on Good of services, Government, Office of and protect the Solicitor General and Public Attorney’s human rights Office. Although the Departments of Edu- as well as the cation, Social Welfare environment. and Public Works are still inaccessible online, their transactions may already be checked by manual method.

Responsible government officials can face administrative sanctions if they refuse to give the information requested. However, as in most FOI laws all over the world, our FOI in the executive branch has exemptions to access among which are data relating to national security and defense, international relations, law enforcement and protection of the public and personal safety, those covered by executive privilege, and those affecting the privacy of minors and victims of crimes.

Looking at the big picture, there are now more than 100 countries worldwide that have FOI laws. The law has proved to be an effective tool to prevent or expose abuses, improve delivery of services, and protect human rights as well as the environment. In the United Kingdom where FOI is among the most robust in the world, the excessive travel expenses of the members of parliament, including the Prime Minister, was exposed in 2007. In the US, civil rights groups invoked FOI to gain access to data on a number of wrongly convicted capital punishment prisoners. In Mexico, the FOI Act was used to open up records of human rights abuses. Statistical data taken from a census in 2013 show that the countries in the world that topped the Open Data Index also rated high in the World Governance Indicators and are among the wealthiest countries with strong internet penetration. These are: the United Kingdom, the USA, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

The President has taken a bold step by putting in place transparency and accountability in the executive department. Congress must do its part by enacting into law the people’s right to information. This is the only way to ensure that the right is institutionalized and made applicable in the entire government structure including the legislature and the judiciary. Otherwise, even the FOI over the executive branch is at risk of being withdrawn at whim by any succeeding chief executive.

Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com Visit: www.jimenolaw.com.ph

selves. Hope, says popular philosopher John Caputo, is giving our fiat to the God of the Impossible. Hope is lighting that candle in our hearts that reminds us to be vigilant about the Advent of One whose love offers the promise that no hate ever can. It is the sobering but

also joyful reminder that there is a kingdom to come that does not depend on the count of our fickle choices but is so much more that what eye has ever seen, ear has ever heard or anything at all that has ever occurred to us and our troubled spirits!

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

BLOODLETTING. Chinese-Filipino volunteer firefighters donate blood during the 9th Textfire Blood Drive Program at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy in Binondo Manila, Norman Cruz

Solon wants faster review of policies for Grab, Uber

By Rio N. Araja

F

ollowing yet another complaint of harassment allegedly committed by an Uber driver, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to expedite the review of its policies governing transport network companies.

Villafuerte said the LTFRB should treat this as an urgent concern following the complaint against an Uber driver who allegedly verbally harassing a 20-yearold woman who turned out to be the daughter of a government executive.

He was referring to the daughter of Environment Assistant Secretary Rommel Abesamis who complained that she had been verbally harassed by an Uber driver known only as “Juanito” during a recent ride in Quezon City.

Abesamis said his daughter

complained to him that the driver kept asking her questions and “got too personal” during the ride.

“He also asked my daughter out on a movie [date] and told her that a beauty like her should make a lot of babies,” the official added.

Abesamis said he will ask the LTFRB to revoke Uber’s franchise if the transport network company does not cooperate.

Ariel Inton, a former LTFRB board member and founder of the group Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection, said the case involving Abesamis’ daughter was already the 10th complaint against an Uber driver.

“These, clearly, are not isolated cas-

es because the complaints keep swelling. The LTFRB should not take these matters lightly,” Villafuerte said.

“Passengers booking cars from Grab and Uber should not have to worry about their safety and comfort, which is what these carbooking firms are supposed to be banking on to attract customers.

The LTFRB should tighten their procedures in screening drivers of Grab and Uber even if it means slowing down the process of granting permits,” he added.

Earlier, Villafuerte said the LTRFB should come up with a formula that would put a cap on the “surge” or higher pricing scheme done by Uber and Grab

during rainy days and peak hours to protect passengers from being “virtually scammed.”

He noted how even LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III had a relative of his complaining about being charged P1,000 for a ride from Bonifacio Global City to Quezon City during one rainy day.

“I understand that Uber and Grab resort to surge pricing during peak hours and rainy days to encourage more drivers to go on the road, but the increase should be reasonable and should not take advantage of the desperation of their passengers to get a ride at times when they need it the most,” Villafuerte said.

Ampatuan vice mayor shot dead

By Francisco Tuyay THE vice mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao and a female companion were shot dead by three armed men inside their house in Barangay Madia Sunday morning.

Vice Mayor Anwar Sindatok, 46 and Sela Menandang, 58, a retired employee of the Department of Agriculture, died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds from M-16 rifles.

Sindatok’s murder happened a month after the killing of Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom and nine of his escorts in Makilala, Cotabato.

Authorities recovered 15 sachets of shabu from Dimaukom, who was earlier included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of narco-politicians.

SPO2 Patrick Dangalao said three of about seven armed men alighted from a multicab, entered the vice mayor’s house, and shot the victims.

Investigators are not discounting the possibility of “rido” or family feud as the motive behind the killing.

‘Disclose govt deals on food’ Legarda:

By Rio N. Araja

GRANDMASTER.

Lawyer Rudy Tacorda (center) host a send-off luncheon for National Grandmaster Eugene Torre who is set to leave for Istanbul to lay the groundwork for his forthcoming match with former world champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia. Among those who attended the send-off were (from left) Vince Ventus, Samuel Estimo, Jose Aspiras, Romeo Landicho, Bert Nanquil, Hermie Pobre, journalist Jun Velasco and Judge Marino dela Cruz Jr.

Trade groups bat for MSME tax incentives in QC

By Rio N. Araja ANTICIPATING an increase in fair market values of land and basic construction cost for buildings in Quezon City, various trade organizations have asked the local government unit to extend tax incentives to micro, small and medium players.

Rafael Canare, executive di-

rector of the Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc., appealed to Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista to look in their predicament amid a draft legislation from the 38-member city council revising property values.

He said AFFI supports that fair market value adjustment since “it has been a long time since the last increase.”

But small businesses will bear the brunt of the expected increase in leasing fees to be imposed by malls and commercial buildings that will be affected by the tax adjustment, he said.

At least 80 percent of the 200 members of AFFI operate their franchises in Quezon City, mostly as tenants in malls.

District 3 Councilor Allan

Reyes, chairman of the city council’s ways and means committee, said senior citizens and persons with disabilities would benefit from the additional revenues.

He said the additional revenues would translate into more socio-development projects, including the establishment of a new hospital in Barangay Batasan in District 2.

IN A bid to achieve and sustain affordable and adequate food supply, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo is batting for the full public disclosure of all government transactions involving food and basic commodities.

Arroyo, who is Deputy Speaker, said pushing for transparency in food information through House Bill No. 4141 helps protect peoples’ right to affordable food.

“The people have the right to know the factors that influence food supply and prices. Access to official information, records, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, processes, transactions and decisions by the government as well as government research and data, relative to food and food security could help ensure transparency and accountability,” she said.

“Transparency on all information on food and food security would help prevent collusion and cartel, serve as a check against overimportation of basic commodities such as rice and corn, and aid in the collection of tariffs per metric ton,”Arroyo’s measure read.

Called the Affordable Food Transparency Act of 2016, the bill would mandate all government agencies engaged in ensuring adequate food supply, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority, to disclose all their transactions involving food and basic commodities.

Unite to end VAW

By Macon Ramos-Araneta IN OBSERVANCE of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW from November 25 to December.12, Senator Loren Legarda stressed the importance of everyone’s cooperation to create a VAW-free society.

Legarda, author of various laws on the protection of women, said that the responsibility to end VAW does not only lie with the government but also with everyone in the community, starting with the family.

“We all have significant women in our lives—mother, wife, sister, daughter, or even a close friend,” she said.

“We all have to support this cause if only to ensure that the women in our lives would not be helpless, discriminated, or abused and would have the strength to fight for their rights. We can only stop VAW through our collective efforts,” she added.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women, one in five women have experienced physical violence since age 15 while six in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence.

PCW records also showed that four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy. However, only three of 10 women have sought help to stop the violence.

Sports

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Bukidnon triathlete bags games’ 1st gold TAGUM CITY—Cyclists Joseff Miguel Quirino and Moira Frances Erediano grabbed the first pair of gold medals in the Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy National Championships here.

Triathlon lover Joseff Miguel Quirino, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student of San Isidro College in Bukidnon, is the first gold medalist in the 2016 Batang Pinoy.

Quirino, a 13-year-old from Malaybalay, Bukidnon nosed out Olongapo City’s Clifford Pusing for the gold in the boys’ 13-14 criterium race after both riders crossed the line in exactly 10 minutes. Davao City’s Christian Acedo got the bronze in 10:06. ``I have been riding my bike since I was five, but this is the first time that I raced competitively,’’ said Grade 7 student from San Isidro College in Malaybalay.

Just like Quirino, Erediano is also a triathlete, who used the competition as part of her training for the swim-bikerun event.

The 13-year-old from

Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu clocked 11:40 in completing the eight-kilometer course on the wide roads of Tagum City Hall.

Second-placer Jeana Mariel Canete of Cebu province and Bukidnon’s Alexie Guiburan, who checked in third, both arrived at the same time, 1:21 behind the winner. ``I only started riding my bike last year and won for the first time,’’ said Erediano, who is also entered in girls’ triathlon today.

Erediano, a Grade 6 pupil at Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu, placed second in the IronKids in Lapu-Lapu City last August.

Jose Emmanuel of Lipa

City won the gold in the boys’ 14-15 criterium race in 13:01 and Genesis Marana of San Jose, Nueva Ecija ruled the girls’ 14-15 event with a time of 14:34.

The 15-year-old Marana, cousin of former Tour of Luzon campaigners Ariel and Dominador Marana, also won the girls’ 17-under event in 23 minutes and 30 seconds to become the first double gold medalist of the Games.

She defeated Olongapo City’s Veronica Deldio (23:32) and Karen Manayon of Cebu (same time).

Emmanuel defeated Bryan Cantomayor (13:02) and Godwin Jacob Taylor of Malaybalay City (13:02) in the boys’ 14-15, while Marana topped Myra Regina Acedo and Karen Manayon of Cebu, who both clocked 14:39, in the girls’ 14-15.

Medal-rich swimming, which was supposed to

stake 24 gold medals on the first day of competition, was postponed along with several other events to give way to yesterday’s opening ceremony at the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here.

Davao del Norte governor Anthony Del Rosario led the opening rites of the weeklong sports conclave for athletes 17-year-old and under, along with Philippine Sports Commission Chair William Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee representative Romeo Magat.

A total of 9,600 athletes from all over the country will compete in 26 sports.

Also gracing the opener were PSC commissioners Celia Kiram and Charles Maxey, PSC executive director Carlo Abarquez, Batang Pinoy overall project director Ronnel Abrenica and project manager Dr. Lauro Domingo.

Signature victory Spurs remain unbeaten on the road for Lomachenko LAS VEGAS—Ukraine’s Vasyl Lomachenko retained his super featherweight title with a seven round demolition Saturday of Jamaican Nicholas Walters, whose corner threw in the towel in betweens rounds telling the referee “no mas.”

The two-time Olympic gold medal winner Lomachenko registered the biggest victory of his career in dynamic fashion as it was the second defense of his World Boxing Organization title and just his eighth professional fight.

“He just stood there in one place which made it easy for me,” Lomachenko said of Walters.

He dominated the previously unbeaten Walters from the opening bell, scoring at will by landing hard punches in the final round of the beatdown at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Walters’ face showed signs of the punishment, but it appeared that he could have continued if he chose to.

Before the start of the eighth round Walters shot out of his corner and told referee Tony Weeks, “I don’t want to continue.”

The way the fight ended was reminiscent of the historic 1980 rematch between Panamanian Roberto Duran and American Sugar Ray Leonard, when Duran quit in the eighth round famously telling the referee “no mas” (“no more”).

This time it was Walters’ Pana-

manian trainer Celso Chavez uttering the words to Weeks.

It was an embarrassing first defeat for Walters, as his decision to quit in the middle of the fight dropped his record to 26-1-1 with 21 knockouts.

Walters blamed his poor performance on taking a year off between fights.

“It wasn’t about quitting,” he said. “In the last round he caught me with good shots. I was hanging on just to survive. It would be stupid to come out after the last round.”

With his victory Lomachenko who compiled an amateur record of 396-1 with Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012 - is now 7-1 as a professional.

Lomachenko captured his first world title in June of 2014, dominating former US Olympian Gary Russell to win his in his third pro bout. He matched Saensak Muangsurin’s record for fewest fights needed to win a world championship.

The only blemish on his pro record was a loss to Mexico’s Orlando Salido in Lomachenko’s second professional fight, when the vacant WBO featherweight title on the line.

Lomachenko said after the bout that he next wants to fight WBC super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas. Manny Pacquiao has also been mentioned as a possible future opponent. AFP

WASHINGTON—LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24 points as the San Antonio Spurs kept their undefeated record on the road intact by beating the Washington Wizards 112-100 on Saturday.

San Antonio also played Friday night but the back-to-back NBA games didn’t faze them as they improved to 10-0 on the road and won their eighth straight overall.

Asked for what has impressed him most during the winning streak, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said, “The fact that a lot of the new guys have caught on so quickly.

“Kyle Anderson and Jon Simmons haven’t played much before.

David Lee, Davis Bertans, and Dewayne Dedmon and Pau (Gasol) just all got here, so they’ve blended in very well pretty quickly. It was surprising.”

Tony Parker had 20 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 19 for the Spurs (14-3), who shot 53.3 percent from the field before a crowd of 17,066 at Verizon Center arena.

Simmons scored 15 points and Patty Mills 13 as San Antonio’s reserves outscored Washington’s 35-18.

The Spurs also outscored Wash-

ington 23-10 from the free throw line and led by 19 points in the second half.

Bradley Beal finished with 25 points and John Wall added 21 for the Wizards who have won a season-high two straight. Otto Porter tallied 14 points as Washington dropped to 5-10 on the season.

“It’s tough, but we knew that coming in,” Beal said of facing the Spurs. “That’s not an excuse for us not to compete and us not to go out and try to win a game, but you have to give credit where it’s due.”

The Wizards beat the Orlando Magic 94-91 on Friday for its first

road victory of the season.

Parker scored 11 points and the Spurs shot 50 percent from the field for a 54-44 lead at the intermission.

After Washington closed to 6962 midway through the third quarter, San Antonio seized command with a 16-7 surge during which Aldridge and Mills each sank a threepointer and scored five points.

The Wizards looked undisciplined at times, losing Markieff Morris in the third quarter when the starting forward was ejected after arguing with the officials over a foul call. Morris had 12 points in 19 minutes. AFP

RC Cola-Army survives Generika’s fightback

FOOTBALL EVENT LURES 300 KIDS. Around 300 kids from Olongapo and Zambales joined the penultimate leg of the Pru Life UK-sponsored Football For A Better Life at Remy Field in Subic. The event, a nationwide grassroots football development and talent-identification program, is now on its second year. For 2017, total participants in the 10 legs is expected to exceed 10,000 kids. It was locally organized by the Olongapo-Zambales Football Association and supported by the city government and the local Department of Education. Current Azkals Simone Rota and Ashley Flores, together with former Azkal skipper Chieffy Caligdong and Pru Life football Ambassador and UFL player Graham Caygill, conducted the free football clinic. The final leg will be held at the Philsports Arena. Photo shows the clinic participants and the trainors.

RC Cola-Army survived a furious fightback by Generika, 25-20, 25-19, 25-19, in the playoffs last night of the Asics Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by PLDT Home Ultera at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Import Hailie Ripley finally showed up as she delivered crucial hits that bailed the Lady Troopers out of trouble to book a suddendeath duel with topseed Foton in the semifinals of this prestigious women’s volleyball tournament bankrolled by Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sport with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

On the other hand, the other semifinal pairing in this tourney that also has Focus Athletics, KLab Cyscorpions, Foton, Petron and F2 Logistics as sponsors pits second seed Petron against the winner between F2 Logistics and Cignal in a battle that is still being played at press time.

Semifinal matches are set next Saturday at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City.

After a lethargic performance in their previous encounter, Ripley finally caught fire, delivering 10 kills and a pair of blocks for 12 points while skipper Jovelyn Gon-

Iglupas whips Tanaka, claims Week 2 net title

zaga tallied a game-high 13 points for the Lady Troopers, who are tipped to make an impact in the semifinals due to their deep well of experience.

Kierra Holst also exploded with 11 points while Honey Royse Tubino punched in nine hits.

RC Cola-Army assistant coach Rico de Guzman, who subbed for head coach Kungfu Reyes, admitted that they paid special attention on the development of Ripley and Holst.

“We don’t have problem on offense. Our problem is the footwork of our imports as well as our blocking and reception. So, we focused on those areas,” said de Guzman, the genius who guided the Lady Troopers to three straight titles in the league’s inaugural season.

True enough, Ripley’s progress was very obvious, especially in the third set when the Lifesavers crawled back from a 10-19 deficit to make it 18-23.

Ripley delivered a kill for the match point followed by a beautiful running attack off a set up by Sarah Jane Gonzales to formally send RC Cola-Army back to the semis.

TOP seed Khim Iglupas made up for her failed bid last week with a dominating win in the PhinmaPSC International Juniors Tennis Championships Week 2, overpowering Japanese Rika Tanaka, 6-0, 6-1, to pocket the girls’ singles crown at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Riding the crest of her grueling two-win romp Saturday, Iglupas flashed top form all throughout, dropping just one game on her way to victory worth 40 ITF points in a

big rebound from her semifinal setback to Taiwanese Ting Pei Chang in Week 1 of the annual Grade 4 ITF 18-under category events sponsored by the Phinma Group of Companies and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Ryuta Ata, who ousted Filipino top seed Bryan Otico in the first round, completed his remarkable run by repulsing compatriot Keisuke Saitoh, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, to snare the boys’ singles diadem in the event backed by Mariposa

Foundation, Technifibre and Century Park Hotel. Ata also gained 40 ITF points.

Iglupas, 18, actually wavered in the quarters, needing an extra set to turn back Japanese Ange Oby Kajuru, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, Saturday morning as organizers moved the quarterfinal matches from the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to the PCA shell courts due to inclement weather.

The Philippine Tennis Academy mainstay returned in the

Centro Escolar tries to stay unbeaten Games Today (Olivarez Sports Center) 12 noon – Olivarez vs CEU 2 p.m. – Diliman vs TIP

CENTRO Escolar University looks to end the two-round elims undefeated when they clash with Olivarez College today in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez Sports Center in Paranaque City.

The mighty CEU squad collides with the host squad at 12 noon with the former going for their 12th win in the seventeam tournament.

While they acknowledged CEU’s vaunted offense – not to mention its vast experience – the Olivarez Sea Lions are eager to avenge their 76-61 defeat in the first round.

The Sea Lions put on a courageous fight during their first meeting, leading 35-31 at half-

time and were just down by four points (53-49) going into the final quarter, before the Scorpions went on a scoring rampage.

To have a better chance, the Sea Lions should find ways to contain the 6’6” Rod Ebondo, who erupted for 26 points aside from pulling down 15 boards.

Olivarez is using its game with CEU as a warm up before its semis showdown with Technological Institute of the Philippines on Wednesday.

afternoon and rolled past Shiho Tsukuda, 6-4, 6-1, to gain another crack at the crown against Tanaka, who dominated Chinese Jing Jing Yang, 6-1, 6-1, in the quarters before nipping last week’s champion Lee Kuan Yi of Taiwan, 6-0, 6-7(5), 6-4, in the Final Four.

But Iglupas proved tougher in the finals with the Iligan City native, who kept the Week 1 crown last year, imposing her will early then cashing in on Tanaka’s miscues to fashion out the lopsided victory.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

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

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Sports

San Andres rules Asian Supermoto

Kenneth San Andres of Kawasaki JBS Team paces the field in the 2016 FIM Asian Supermoto Championship Round 3 at the Bayanihan Park in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Blackwater off to its best start B

By Jeric Lopez

LACKWATER is off to its best start in franchise history.

Dennis Miranda saved the day for the Elite, hitting on a game-winning runner to lift his team to a hard-earned 86-84 squeaker over last conference’s finalist Meralco and the Elite notched their second straight win in the 201617 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta

San Beda, Lyceum eye share of volley lead Games today (Filoil Flying V Center) 8:30 a.m.- AU vs Mapua (m) 10 a.m.- AU vs Mapua (w) 11:30 a.m.- LPU vs San Beda (w) 1 p.m.- LPU vs San Beda (m) 2:30 p.m.- LPU vs San Beda (jrs)

SAN Beda and Lyceum of the Philippines University gun for a share of the lead with defending champion St. Benilde and San Sebastian as the two collide today in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

The Red Spikers downed the Emilio Aguinaldo Lady Generals, 27-25, 25-17, 2522, on Nov. 14 and Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-19, 2025, 25-21, 25-21, on Nov. 20, while the Lady Pirates edged the Letran Lady Knights, 2125, 25-16, 21-25, 25-22, 1510, on Nov. 14 and Jose Rizal Lady Bombers, 25-23, 25-10, 25-21, last week to zoom to joint third.

The winner of the San BedaLPU duel at 11:30 a.m. will join St. Benilde and San Sebastian at the helm.

San Beda, which has gained a lot from its Shakey’s VLeague experience early this year, drew strength from the power-spiking Francesca Racraquin, currently eighth in the league in scoring with an averae of 17 hits a game.

Czarina Pauline Orros and La Rainne Fabay have been the heart and soul of LPU’s attack and have averaged 13 and 11 points, respectively, and should step up again with hopes to helping their team to stay unscathed.

Meanwhile, Arellano U seeks to stay at the helm as it squares off with dangerous Mapua in the men’s side.

The Chiefs are currently tied with the idle San Beda Lions with two wins apiece.

Coliseum Sunday.

With the game tied at 84-all and ball in hand, Blackwater designed a play that can give anyone a chance to score and thankfully, Miranda saw an opening and drove hard past the Bolts’ defense to score the go-ahead basket and was fouled in the process, though he didn’t complete the three-point play.

Still with 3.8 seconds to try and force overtime or snatch the win, Meralco’s final play went nowhere as Joseph Yeo was forced into a tough fadeaway jumper that didn’t find its mark.

Mac Belo validated that he is indeed

for real, scoring a game-high 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, to go along with six rebounds, to once again backstop the Elite.

“We’re very blessed we’re able to execute well in the second half,” said Belo. “Our chemistry, gumaan na kaya naipanalo namin.”

Blackwater is in its best start in its history in the league and coach Leo Isaac didn’t hold back in expressing his satisfaction.

“Slowly, we can already see some glitter in our team and hopefully it develops pa into our full potential. Other teams

will prepare harder for us now,” said a delighted Isaac. “A veteran like Denok (Miranda) rose up to the occasion for us in the last play.”

Belo, the top rookie this season was also the one responsible for tying the game, hitting a three-pointer on top of the key with 1:40 remaining to square things up at 84-apiece.

Meralco was actually ahead by five, 84-79, heading the final two minutes but the Bolts weren’t able to score anymore as Blackwater ended strong with a 7-0 run to take the game away in the closing moments.

KAWASAKI JBS Motocross Team’s Kenneth San Andres stretched his dominance all the way to the Asian scene as he ruled the Production Class of the 2016 FIM Asian Supermoto Championship Round 3 at the Bayanihan Park in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga recently.

The Valenzuela City native cruised to victory in the seven-rider production class that was sprinkled with a couple of Asian riders Tsang Wai Kei of Hong Kong and Jason Park of Korea and top locals that included Raniel Resuello and Moymoy Flores.

But San Andres would not be denied as he kept his aggressive driving all throughout the Supermoto course, which was a mixture of paved and rough roads.

“It was a great experience indeed.

This was the first time I’ve tried supermoto to represent our country, together with Raniel Resuello and Moymoy Flores, and to be in rivalry with other top riders in Asia, I really enjoyed the race. It’s something new to me,” said San Andres, who was not able to join the first two rounds in Australia and Indonesia.

The final round will be held in Malaysia.

The many-time motocross awardee of the Philippine Sportswriters Association is backed by Kawasaki Philippines, Motorad WRD Racing, Taichi Suit, Pirelli Tires, Motul PH, Bell Helmet, Troylee Design, Protaper, GoPro, Leatt, GAME OVER, Foilacar Industries, R33 Car Exchange, Kia Global, Halrey, R&E , JM Stickers, ProPipe, JBS Motorcycle Parts & Accessories.

“This one is for all the people who supported me in this journey. My coach, four-time Philippine SuperBike champion Dashi Watanabe and his team @motoradwrd Racing. My Mx Team Kawasaki who came to cheer me. Congratulations also to Raniel and Moymoy for after all, we are still in one team, good job,” he said.

San Andres, who also placed sixth overall in the Asian Supermoto Class and seventh in the International category, is actually coming off a ninth Rider of the Year title in the local National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association 2016 National Motocross Development Program at the Speedworld MX Circuit, SM Bicutan.

PH Azkals get good marks from former coach

By Peter Atencio FORMER coach Simon McMenemy is not disappointed at all with how the Philippine Azkals played, performed and finished in the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup Football tournament.

McMenemy, who coached the national team in 2010, watched the Azkals from the stands of the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan this time as an analyst for Fox Sports broadcasting company.

The Azkals, he believed, showed a lot improvement under current national mentor Thomas Dooley.

This was because when the Thailand War

Elephants went on the counterattack in the 81st minute and prevailed over the Philippine Azkals, 1-0, Friday night, the Azkals forced the Thais to play in a different way.

“I think that they (Thailand) scored on the counterattack is a testament of how the Philippines was playing. They were making them play in a different way,” said McMenemy.

The setback knocked the Azkals out of contention after they finished their Group A campaign with one loss against two draws.

The Indonesian Merah Putihs, scoring 2 markers in the second half, turned back the Singapore Lions, 2-1, over at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila, and later

joined the unbeaten Thais in the semis.

What forced the Thais to go on the counterattack was the result of how Dooley was tweaking the defensive position.

Dooley was putting in young players like Marco Casambre in the back in the early stages with Jeffrey Christiaens and Amani Aguinaldo.

“We needed more speed especially for counters. So that’s why I took out Mark and brought an experienced Kevin (Ingresso), he was good for the last 20 minutes to run up and down. That was the idea,” said Dooley.

Then Casambre was subbed in favor of Ingreso in the last 20 minutes. This was when things turned around.

Masuk capitalized on the change, jumped out of the possession battle at midfield, and went for a counterattack, going for the winning goal with Ingresso chasing him.

The Thais played with their best players like Teerasil Dangda sitting out the game, and Dooley knows this.

“We could have scored in the first half.

This is how they play. They have very good players. We have to look at how Thailand plays football. Even their second unit is a good team,” said Dooley.

On the other hand, McMenemy feels that the Azkals played much better this year in the Suzuki Cup, after they drew their games with Singapore and Indonesia.

Jose carries Tams on his back

FEU’s Kevin Ebona (8) and Wendelino Comboy (10) fight for the rebound against Ateneo’s George Go during their teams’ UAAP match Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Tamas forced a rubber match with the Eagles on Wednesday. Ey Acasio

POWER forward Raymar Jose took to heart the instructions of assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa when the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws went hard under their boards, rattled the Ateneo Blue Eagles with their zone defense and prevailed, 6261, Saturday evening.

He took care of the ball, scored, rebounded and watched out for the Blue Eagles’ efforts to break their zone defense.

In the end, Jose made his presence felt underneath, scoring a season high 20 points and a nearseason record of 23 rebounds to keep the Tams’ hopes alive in their Final Four encounter with the Blue Eagles in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

“I told him to play smart. He needs to be smart because they were playing zone behind him,” said Lastimosa.

Jose, who played his best game of the season, joined hands for 16 points in the crucial fourth period with Monbert Arong, who tallied 13 points in the Tams’ successful bid to force a rubber match on Wednesday with the Blue Eagles.

Their efforts inside and outside the paint in the crucial moments of the final period allowed Tams to fight their way out of a 10-point deficit.

“Para sa akin, nasa puso na ayaw ko pang magbakasyon. At last year ko na, kailangan effort pa. Kahit anong mangyari, lalaban kami,” said Jose after the game.

The Tams responded strong with their zone, with Arong splitting his charity and driving past Chibueze Ikeh in the remaining 7:11, to lead a 10-5 rally.

They forced Ateneo to three turnovers, and tied the match 49all off Jose’s putback.

The 5’11” Arong forced anoth-

er deadlock at 55-all with his free throw in the last 1:53, and then broke it with a tear drop shot off Raffy Verano.

Arong, who was 5 of 10 on the free throw line, moved away on three freebies in the last 11.3 seconds, 62-58.

“I told the players not to break down. I think it was really bad in the third quarter. There were a lot of questionable calls then. Halos bumigay na kami,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.

The Tams will now have a rubber match on Wednesday with the Blue Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Adamson Baby Falcons, the defending champion National University Bullpups and the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws stayed on the winning track as they turned back their foes Saturday in the Junior Basketball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan. Peter Atencio

Manila Southwoods leads San Miguel-Northern Cement by 4 BAGUIO CITY—Edmund Yee shot a tournament-high two-under 67 for 38 points to power Manila Southwoods to 134 and a four-shot lead on defending champion San Miguel-Northern Cement and start their bid in the seniors’ Fil Championship of the Fil-Am Golf Invitational Tournament at the Camp John Hay golf course Sunday on a high note.

Yee had three birdies at the par-five first hole, the par-3 11th and par-4 dog-legged 14th against a lone bogey at the par-3 eighth for the tournament’s best score so far, to tow

the many-time former champions to the top of the four-team top flight.

Former pro Raul Minoza had a 34 and a pair of 31s from Chang Duk Jung and Kui Sun Moon, while the 26 of Cipriano Abdon did not count in the five-to-play, four-tocount event presented by San Miguel.

That gives the Carmona, Cavite-based parbusters a four -shot lead on defending champion San Miguel, which got a pair of 33s from Jingky Tuason and Chito Laureta, while former pro Eddie Bagtas and Benjie Sumulong fired a similar 32 to

count for the team.

Megafiber, the 2013 champion, was another four shots down with 126 after getting a 34 from Rolly Viray, identical 33s from Jose Mari Hechanova and Rene Unson, while Tony Olives added a 26.

Meanwhile, 2014 champion was another eight shots down with 118 with a two-over 71 for 34 points from Douglas Puckett, a 30 from Goodie Ignacio, a 28 from Park Jong Won, and a similar 26 from Ed Montenegro.

Edgar Lee, Noel Marcelino and Ed Rendon shot 28 points at the shorter par-61

Baguio Country Club golf course for 111 points as Dugong Bughaw opened with a seven shot lead on Manila Southwoods in Am Championship.

Marlon Soriano chipped in 27, while Ed Rendon shot a 26 and did not count in the event backed by Toyota, Petron, Magnolia, SMC Global Power, Northern Cement, San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, Manor at Camp John Hay, Forest Lodge, Empire, CJH Development Corporation, Baguio Country Club, Le Chef,and the CJH Trade and Cultural Center, and Mizuno. Dexter See

Higher wine taxes favored B3

IN BRIEF Vista Land allots P18b for 10 malls

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., one of the country’s leading integrated developers, said it is spending P18 billion to build 10 new malls over the next two years.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar said the aggressive expansion would increase the company’s total leasable space to 1.5 million square meters from the current 910,000 sqm.

Under the plan, the property firm will build seven Vista Malls with an average size of 30,000 sqm. These are located in Iloilo City, Davao City, Dasmariñas in Cavite, two in Bacoor and two in Las Piñas.

Three smaller commercial development under the brand Vista Places, with an average size of 15,000 sqm, will also be constructed in Malolos, Bulacan; Kawit, Cavite; and Cagayan de Oro City.

“All our malls will have an upscale feel but are not intimidating. They will cater to everybody. We came in at a time when consumers have higher spending power and the market standard for malls is leveling up. Thus our malls are designed to be much nicer than what others have right now,” said Villar. Jenniffer B. Austria

Air Asia PH cuts net loss to P1.2b

THE Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’s largest budget airline said it reduced net loss by 12 percent in the third quarter on higher passenger traffic.

Air Asia Philippines said net loss amounted to P1.2 billion in July to September, down from the P1.4-billion loss it reported a year ago.

Revenues increased 24 percent to P2.57 billion in the third quarter from P2.07 billion in the same period last year.

“The increase in revenue can be attributed to higher passenger volumes which increased by 8 percent year-on-year and the increase in average fare by 21 percent year-on-year,” Air Asia Philippines said.

Passengers carried by AirAsia Philippines increased 8 percent to 976,765 from last year’s 901,957, while load factor went down by 1 percentage point to 83 percent from 84 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

B1

IMF to hike growth outlook

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE International Monetary Fund is set to raise its growth forecast for the Philippines this year from the initial estimate of 6.4 percent, after the gross domestic product expanded 7.1 percent in the third quarter, an official said over the weekend.

“The third-quarter GDP outturn in the Philippines, led by a recovery in agriculture and continued strength of private consumption and gross investment, was faster than anticipated in our 6.4-percent growth forecast for 2016,” IMF resident representative to the Philippines Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said in a statement.

The Asian Development Bank earlier revised upward its 2016 growth outlook for the Philippines to

6.8 percent from 6.4 percent.

The 7.1-percent third-quarter growth brought the average expansion in the first three quarters to 7 percent, representing the upper bound of the Duterte administration’s target range of 6 percent to 7 percent this year.

“Therefore, we will mostly likely be revising up our growth forecast for 2016 in the next round of world economic outlook revision,” Peiris said.

Peiris said the adjustments for 2017 and the medium term would depend on global developments and financial conditions that had become “more uncertain lately.”

The IMF in September raised its growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.4 percent from the earlier estimate of 6 percent on sustained robust domestic demand and expected recovery in exports.

It also increased the projection in 2017 to 6.7 percent from 6.2 percent. The upward revisions were contained in the latest report on World Economic Outlook.

The country’s third-quarter growth of 7.1 percent, which was driven by investments, robust domestic

consumption and industries, was faster than China’s 6.7 percent, Vietnam’s 6.4 percent, Indonesia’s 5 percent and Malaysia’s 4.3 percent.

The economy grew 6.8 percent in the first quarter and 7 percent in the second quarter, on election-related spending, robust domestic demand and investment.

Japanese financial firm Nomura also raised its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines in 2016 to 6.7 percent from 6.3 percent.

For next year, Nomura raised its GDP growth forecast to 6.3 percent from 6 percent, saying fiscal support to growth would remain strong, given the pragmatic and pro-growth stance of the new government.

Credit Suisse also upgraded its growth forecast for the Philippines this year to 6.5 percent from its previous estimate of 6.2 percent.

J.P. Morgan said the Philippine economy had the potential to grow 6.4 percent this year, as fiscal and infrastructure spending could lift domestic investment.

The ADB raised the 2017 GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent.

SMART EXPANDS IN DAVAO. Smart

Communications taps homegrown business chains to make its products and services more accessible to Davaoeños.

Smart prepaid load and SIMs are now available in all branches of the Davao Central Convenience Store (and Rosver Pawnshop.

Shown are Smart representatives led by regional development head for Mindanao Arnold Dellosa (fifth from left) and Smart’s partners, including DCCS operations manager Gregorio Asoy (third from right) and DCCS operations consultant Constancio Mancera Jr. (second from right).

Nido to drill new well in Galoc field

AUSTRALIAN oil and gas company Nido Petroleum Ltd. and its joint venture partners plan to drill an appraisal well at the Galoc mid-area in northwest Palawan in the first quarter next year in preparation for the expected depletion of the Galoc reserves by 2019.

Nido said in a report to the Australian Securities Exchange it planned to drill the Galoc-7 appraisal well and an associated side-track (Galoc-7/7ST) in early 2017.

“Galoc-7/7ST will appraise the currently untested Galoc mid area of the Galoc field… If the Galoc-7/7ST is successful, the subsequent development of the GMA will materially increase reserves and production, substantially extending the life of the Galoc field,” it said.

The planned well will appraise the highly prospective GMA, an extension of the north of the Galoc field and the successful drilling will result in the commencement of the Galoc phase three development and first production in 2019.

“Production at the Galoc field is currently declining and based on Nido’s proven reserves, estimates is anticipated to become sub-commercial in 2019,” Nido said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Firms expected to keep hiring

COMPANIES in the Philippines are expected to keep hiring new employees in the first quarter next year, but the number will be lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2016 because of the usual slowdown in consumer demand after the holiday season, results of a survey conducted by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The employment outlook index for the next quarter (first quarter of 2017) remained positive at 19 percent, but lower compared to 3.6 percent registered in the last quarter’s survey.

“This suggests that more firms will continue to hire new employees than those that indicated otherwise, although the number of new hires could decrease compared to the previous quarter’s survey,” the regulator said.

Respondents mainly cited the usual slowdown in consumer demand after the holiday season. Other reasons were the direction of the government’s foreign policies and economic reforms in the country, tighter competition with the entry of new players in the market and the wait-and-see attitude of investors in the wake of the US national elections which could impact the interest rate environment. Julito G. Rada

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

Filinvest Land investing P5b to redevelop Mimosa

By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST Land Inc., the integrated property unit of the Gotianun family, started the P5-billion redevelopment of the 201-hectare former Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark, Pampanga.

Filinvest Land president Josephine Gotanun-Yap said in a recent interview the company’s proposed masterplan for the redevelopment of Mimosa was approved by state-owned Clark Development Corp.

The five-year initial development

plan calls for the construction of office, residential and hotel projects in the area.

“In the next five years, we are supposed to spend P5 billion there. The speed of doing beyond P5 billion will depend on the economy. But we are very confident on the economy,” Yap said.

The company started the refurbishment and renovation of existing facilities.

Filinvest Land in joint venture with parent firm Filinvest Development Corp. won a long-term lease for the

former Mimosa Leisure Estate in January this year.

The Filinvest group was the lone bidder for the property. It submitted a financial bid of P800 million, which was the minimum acceptable bid.

The former Mimosa Leisure Estate is located in Clark Freeport Zone. The property includes an operating hotel with 303 rooms and 34 villas under the Holiday Inn brand and a 36-hole golf course.

CDC took over Mimosa Leisure Estate during the Estrada administration

after former developer Mondragon Leisure Resorts Corp. failed to pay its lease rentals and other financial obligations.

The estate will be developed through a joint venture corporation, with the Filinvest and CDC holding 95 percent and 5 percent respectively. The lease shall have a term of 50 years, renewable for another 25 years.

Aside from Mimosa, Filinvest Land is also set to complete the masterplan for the 228-hectare section of Clark Green City.

DoF blames fund managers’ overreaction for peso slump

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE depreciation of Asian currencies including the peso against the US dollar was due to the “overreaction” of fund managers across the region, the Finance Department said over the weekend.

Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said in his latest economic bulletin last week’s overall weakness of Asian currencies was an overreaction by fund managers to the prospects of higher US Federal Reserve rates this December.

Beltran, who serves as the agency’s chief economist, said several emerging economies with excess savings such as the Philippines were not dependent on the regime of cheap financing perpetuated by the US. He said cheap financing resulted from the post-2008 financial crisis move by the Fed to cut rates as a monetary stimulus to ignite the US economic recovery.

“Economies like the Philippines are net lenders, rather than borrowers. There is, however, an overreaction by fund manag-

ers and have lumped all economies into one category without regards to macroeconomic fundamentals,” said Beltran.

He said with the impending normalization to be undertaken by the Federal Reserve, “the days of cheap financing and large capital inflows are coming to an end.”

“With the US economy recovering, the Fed would soon end its monetary stimulus program, which it resorted to in 2008 to aid the American economy at the height of the then-global financial crisis,” Beltran said.

“Low interest rates were a boon to developing countries with lower borrowing costs and significant inflows of capital,” he said.

Reports said US policymakers were inclined to raise interest rates very soon.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the peso’s breaching of the 50-a-dollar level was an expected reaction of the local currency to the anticipated early rate increase by the Fed, with other Asian currencies also moving in the same direction.

ABOITIZ’S AWARD. The Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social development arm of the Aboitiz Group, is recognized by Manila Science High School for its support in realizing the school’s vision and mission in providing quality education by supporting students through scholarships and financial assistance. Shown receiving a certificate of recognition during the school’s 53rd founding anniversary is Aboitiz Foundation assistant vice president for operations Danny Cerence.

B2

Business

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market seen staying below 7,000

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE stock market is expected to sustain a sideways movement with a downward bias this week, on the weakening of the peso against the US dollar and lingering concerns over the US interest rate increase next month.

Traders said the peso depreciation to 50 per dollar could affect investors’ sentiments in the four-day trading week.

The market will be closed Wednesday in observance of Bonifacio Day. “With only four trading sessions this week, downside pressures might still be seen and could take its queue from the peso-dollar trend. More than

the anticipated Fed rate hike, domestic political noises might add to players’ watch list unless fresh catalysts emerge,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

“Stay alert for accumulation on lows. Immediate support is 6,750 to 6,800, resistance at 6,950 to 7,000,” it said.

Analysts said investors would also monitor the Nov. 30 meeting

of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to discuss the implementation of a proposed cap on crude production.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index declined 2.5 percent last week to 6,889.78 Friday, while the all-share index dropped 1.8 percent to 4,176.54.

The market index was down 0.9 percent since the start of the year.

Except for mining and oil which gained 7.3 percent last week week on improving metal prices and strengthening dollar against the peso, all other major indices were in the red.

The financials index decreased 3.1 percent followed

by property which dropped 2.9 percent and services which lost 2.1 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers by P3.8 billion last week, with the average daily value turnover dropping to P6.06 billion from the previous week’s average of P7.13 billion.

Top gainers last week were PhilWeb Corp., which surged 58 percent to P14.74 and Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. which increased 10 percent to P5.30.

Heavy losers were Security Bank which dipped 9.1 percent to P188.10, Ayala Corp. which dropped 6.6 percent to P728 and Manila Electric Co. which declined 6.3 percent to P266.

Jollibee to build first Italy, Canada stores JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the largest Asian food service company, said it plans to open its first stores in Canada and Europe and add more outlets in the United States next year.

Jollibee Group president Jose Miñana said in a recent interview the company was set to open a store in Winnipeg, Canada before the end of 2016 and another outlet in Ontario in 2017.

Miñana said the fastfood giant was also set to open an outlet in Florida, a store in Chicago and another in New York.

He said the company was starting to plant the seeds that would

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

NOVEMBER 21-25, 2016 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

Maybank ATR KE MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

3.55 47.8 112.00 90.50 37.95 3.88 1.43 16.7 19 6.70 0.68 1.78 715.50 0.73 0.680 74.75 0.78 14.1 21.20 55.20 95 133 252.2 35.8 188.1 1692.00 74.40 1.31

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ MG Holdings Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Pilipinas Shell Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42.9 4.25 0.94 1.31 23 0.190 92 22.70 11.08 17.4 135.6 98.95 115 23.45 59.05 1.98 7.35 12.14 11.020 7.05 5.15 6.47 1.88 21.7 67.5 16.00 6 1.740 217.00 85.00 2.44 3.9 27.15 29.95 26.5 15.1 266.00 0.250 4.78 3.3 9.16 3 67.6 11.44 2.10 5.80 1.40 4.97 4.40 2.2 2.83 215.2 4.15 0.142 1.56 174.1 4.48 1.85 31.20 1.07

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.375 75.00 13.10 1.17 5.80 0.320 740.000 728 1200.00 8.28 12.74 5 5.5 8.05 0.181 1217 6.01 71.70 5.2 7.18 7.66 1.64 13.64 0.460 6.6 3.01 0.0380 1.150 1.860 2.29 83.00 640.00 1.18 0.84 187.10 240.000 0.2950 0.1840 0.255

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

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

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate

7.000 6.22 1.09 2.110 0.320 32.350 3.11 5.03 5.99 0.550 1.13 1.170 0.162 0.540 48.85 0.710 0.137 0.95

Value

FINANCIAL 225,070.00 3,145,700.00 754,121,848 519,374,493.50 4,634,195.00 214,836,550.00 1,239,620.00 79,082.00 7,367,832.00 93,820 61,200 104,000.00 816,310.00 8,077,500.00 27,421,160.00 1,941,082,346.50 432,600.00 6,994,530.00 106,000.00 27,662,498.50 108,465.00 393,928.00 2,921,070.00 40,658,620 815,222,136.00 2,964,015 29,919,581.50 374,950.00 INDUSTRIAL 9,930,400 422,535,735.00 12,592,000 51,446,350.00 4,317,000 3,915,500.00 2,245,000 2,937,910.00 1,121,400 27,016,285.00 1,800,000 349,300.00 5,250 466,843.00 33,200 781,020.00 28,333,300 315,283,106.00 13,031,800 226,955,088 260 36,290.00 10,980 1,109,838.00 4,350 453,560.00 1,294,900 30,348,495.00 841,270 50,273,918 646,220 1,311,610.00 6,766,000 50,852,505.00 103,600 1,246,438.00 9,947,300 109,796,108.00 914,900 6,435,242.00 52,983,400 271,218,092.00 739,500 4,833,019.00 43,000 76,880.00 7,159,900 158,021,780.00 479,380 32,392,437.50 347,600 5,597,894.00 956,100 5,745,420.00 3,996,000 7,135,320.00 2,514,190 534,453,868.00 2,460 206,861.50 336,000 755,980.00 31,000 115,850.00 2,700 70,235.00 8,937,400 268,970,260.00 1,277,100 33,679,760.00 10,181,700 152,789,492.00 1,255,260 453,915,080.00 810,000 196,770.00 15,000 70,440.00 11,947,000 36,716,980.00 13,206,200 121,800,362.00 3,000 9,000.00 6,164,050 416,915,215.50 34,800 396,334.00 13,837,000 29,127,570.00 582,100 3,316,094.00 711,000 996,980.00 16,346,000 79,532,220.00 5,908,000 25,992,690.00 14,000 30,800.00 185,000 527,140.00 16,090 3,478,762.00 36,000 149,430.00 4,390,000 624,430.00 4,216,000 6,854,930.00 7,172,040 1,266,145,349 76,000 323,430.00 21,141,000 40,412,480.00 2,500 78,055.00 382,000 413,070.00 HOLDING FIRMS 1,880,000 704,650.00 5,775,630 428,053,146.50 41,986,400 538,929,302.00 112,000 121,960.00 147,500 863,320.00 6,430,000 1,994,450.00 617,830 418,904,375.00 1,436,490 1,070,525,025 10 11,005.00 13,655,600 113,468,455.00 41,876,200 562,928,578.00 87,900 452,090.00 1,000 5,500.00 1,130,100 9,036,117.00 640,000 116,730.00 1,124,850 1,294,913,870.00 35,200 215,346.00 5,381,080 374,627,573.00 1,633,900 8,111,088.00 2,800 20,526.00 4,503,800 34,371,188.00 142,151,000 214,959,870.00 7,830,200 108,101,274.00 100,000 46,000.00 91,695,200 600,761,355.00 3,000 9,030.00 92,600,000 3,491,100.00 26,000 29,940.00 836,000 1,554,810.00 93,000 205,840.00 1,218,360 98,495,201.50 3,260,070 2,079,551,495.00 1,491,000 1,739,900.00 101,000 85,840.00 200 37,420.00 28,960 6,889,186.00 2,210,000 645,050.00 720,000 134,140.00 3,990,000 1,076,350.00 PROPERTY 303,300 2,119,181.00 400 2,487.00 3,338,000 3,611,980.00 2,111,000 4,503,660.00 54,190,000 17,970,000.00 97,046,800 3,056,447,220.00 25,944,000 81,987,670.00 447,300 2,252,047.00 1,800 10,782.00 109,770,000 59,443,740.00 14,000 15,680.00 1,223,000 1,419,970.00 20,990,000 3,383,040.00 18,023,000 9,578,210.00 2,712,410 132,992,379.00 1,233,000 865,030.00 2,570,000 347,300.00 6,638,000 6,284,370.00 66,000 66,000 6,792,900 5,623,650 122,400 1,933,720 870,000 4,800 387,800 14,200 90,999 58,000 1,140 10,867,000 38,369,000 26,394,730 549,000 495,900 5,000 499,010 1,160 3,070 11,390 1,137,100 4,229,080 1,750 400,760 285,000

NOVEMBER 14-18, 2016 Close Volume Value 3.29 47.95 111.40 95.70 37.7 3.80 1.25 16.78 18.98 6.60 0.65 1.89 700.00

59,000 114,600 11,800,460 7,641,520 312,500 25,000 225,000 761,200 1,866,900 30,300 321,000 64,000 2,250

195,210.00 5,442,570.00 1,308,523,143 723,205,426.50 11,777,605.00 95,000.00 283,730.00 12,588,518.00 35,550,110.00 200,389 211,960 119,600.00 1,572,450.00

0.770 77 0.87 14.04 21.85 56.00 98.95 145 260 35.75 207 1660.00 74.40 1.31

18,180,000 17,175,690 158,000 28,000 75,800 75,100 24,270 960 5,550 637,100 4,564,570 2,870 550,670 528,000

14,143,500.00 1,314,797,529.50 133,410.00 392,028.00 1,659,800.00 4,176,900.00 2,242,189.00 133,307.00 1,438,330.00 22,757,480 941,691,268.00 4,621,645 40,952,311.00 691,630.00

43.5 3.83 0.89 1.32 19.5 0.196 99 25.50 11.1 17.1 140 89

8,825,600 2,377,000 2,419,000 5,784,000 265,500 900,000 1,870 37,800 88,979,300 7,102,900 480 1,230

377,114,565.00 8,947,040.00 2,138,890.00 7,665,630.00 5,442,730.00 178,390.00 185,453.00 949,555.00 1,020,751,144.00 116,344,612 70,850.00 105,811.50

23.5 59.7 2.02 7.42 12.34 11.140 7.10 5.24 6.65 1.76 22.8 67.8 16.50 6.03 1.700 209.00 85.75 2.11 4.09 27.20 30.9 26.9 15.08 283.80 0.255 4.79 2.92 9.70 3 68.5 11.54 2.12 5.80 1.43 4.17 4.40

1,484,000 358,170 948,000 5,675,000 110,200 91,407,312 2,395,400 83,344,200 1,746,100 35,000 5,631,500 1,749,870 280,400 1,366,300 4,804,000 7,677,460 6,030 296,000 9,000 1,300 22,622,900 1,176,300 21,712,100 573,130 250,000 102,000 18,148,000 9,848,300 2,000 4,567,680 17,900 11,235,000 863,600 1,975,000 5,891,000 15,607,000

34,692,185.00 21,665,848 1,910,820.00 41,727,591.00 1,328,482.00 293,622,492.00 16,949,449.00 435,528,750.00 11,487,800.00 61,600.00 126,625,855.00 117,323,859.50 4,711,762.00 8,241,840.00 8,092,300.00 1,649,413,050.00 488,803.50 617,940.00 35,320.00 34,830.00 708,460,730.00 31,517,435.00 325,544,204.00 159,906,652.00 61,860.00 478,280.00 56,054,790.00 93,098,792.00 6,000.00 314,444,416.50 205,830.00 23,839,070.00 5,027,668.00 2,816,190.00 23,382,560.00 68,704,140.00

3.1 216.4 4.1 0.143 1.58 179.8 4.31 2.08 31.25 1.10

18,000 28,440 109,000 7,080,000 709,000 10,402,680 767,000 19,711,000 300 496,000

55,500.00 6,327,102.00 449,830.00 1,002,440.00 1,133,810.00 1,806,291,558 3,451,240.00 40,737,460.00 9,375.00 545,650.00

0.365 75.00 12.90 1.23 5.90 0.315

3,860,000 9,154,130 22,891,400 12,000 489,100 4,030,000

1,408,800.00 671,199,763.00 292,784,960.00 14,940.00 2,868,037.00 1,273,900.00

780

3,253,170

2,420,536,025

8.25 13.40

9,199,200 51,820,700

75,790,618.00 2,499,698,720.00

7.92 0.181 1200 6.32 70.60 5.21

376,500 1,350,000 842,130 31,000 10,350,320 400

2,993,304.00 251,370.00 1,022,419,260.00 187,778.00 722,683,825.00 2,084.00

7.6 1.3 14 0.460 6.81 3.01 0.0390 1.190 1.850 2.55 80.10 665.00 1.17 0.85

8,891,900 116,048,000 16,272,700 30,000 103,238,500 5,000 241,800,000 1,000 5,489,000 143,000 616,080 1,981,780 1,176,000 100,000

66,997,304.00 150,134,200.00 230,666,564.00 13,800.00 699,221,101.00 15,050.00 9,650,500.00 1,190.00 10,276,180.00 381,020.00 49,388,100.50 1,313,582,245.00 1,387,500.00 85,020.00

236.000 0.2900 0.1850 0.255

34,880 1,330,000 3,260,000 650,000

8,215,526.00 385,650.00 623,560.00 166,950.00

7.000 6.21 1.09 2.260 0.345 34.000 3.25 5.1

1,610,500 11,200 8,293,000 1,291,000 50,000,000 64,080,600 25,046,000 561,500

11,495,715.00 68,837.00 9,234,860.00 2,872,370.00 16,664,550.00 2,103,204,505.00 78,581,380.00 2,846,447.00

0.560

151,765,000

87,049,730.00

1.120 0.163 0.550 51 0.730

553,000 50,970,000 15,295,000 2,307,050 299,000

625,430.00 8,049,040.00 8,251,330.00 119,285,733.00 219,570.00

0.96

10,068,000

9,543,880.00

STOCKS

NOVEMBER 21-25, 2016 Close Volume

Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

1.71 1.18 4.62 3.88 0.140 0.2500 0.410 35.30 3.21 27.20 1.55 3.2 26.85 1.02 0.930 5.150

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

7.65 45.1 1.3 0.540 0.042 11.44 5 6.54 0.0700 2.93 103.4 9.94 2.64 6.66 954 1450 6.15 14.46 17.36 1.99 72.5 18.08 145 12.26 0.0090 9.11 0.190 1.3400 3.53 13.5 5.30 0.95 2.13 17.60 2.05 4.1 3.75 2.210 11.2 5.10 2.55 150.00 14.74 1324.00 0.440 1.150 39.30 72.60 5.29 2.58 0.900 3.14 0.335

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0034 2.85 5.30 10.42 2.3000 2.3000 0.56 0.400 13.50 3.850 0.275 0.209 0.217 0.0120 0.0120 1.96 8.64 3.28 0.4600 1.2800 0.0110 0.0100 3.97 8.14 3.75 0.0130 129.50 3 0.0088

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

44.6 544.5 531 104.9 113 122.7 540 5.9 1025 1024 114 1100 1161 1030 110 77.95 80.75 79 79.95 79.5 77.95 77.95 1.85

LR Warrant

2.480

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

2.48 2.8 3.41 9.83

First Metro ETF

113.6

NOVEMBER 14-18, 2016 Close Volume Value

Value

113,893,000 3,380,000 18,100 184,530,000 155,180,000 580,000 1,070,000 1,900 2,027,000 6,577,300 709,000 758,000 47,521,300 11,921,000 2,018,000 15,749,500

197,155,330.00 3,885,020.00 85,810.00 693,909,020.00 22,622,400.00 146,250.00 446,450.00 66,400.00 6,527,360.00 174,145,045.00 1,076,860.00 2,436,630.00 1,250,806,925.00 11,828,130.00 1,826,880.00 81,342,568.00 SERVICES 956,100 7,508,027.00 146,670 7,188,285.00 394,000 549,490.00 2,496,000 1,321,860.00 456,200,000 19,489,100.00 4,800 51,966.00 15,800 79,030 52,119,800 336,856,781.00 149,720,000 10,775,500.00 31,491,000 91,904,200.00 1,273,260 131,717,303.00 10,200 101,123.00 6,000 15,840 245,100 1,645,327.00 100 95,400.00 633,000 903,856,465 512,700 3,142,404.00 1,065,400 14,691,140.00 31,800 552,048 16,961,000 34,401,600.00 2,996,220 221,616,819.00 507,200 9,199,866 3,120 463,417 14,400 171,934.00 52,000,000 475,800.00 2,484,600 22,640,880.00 66,640,000 12,201,960.00 1,353,000 1,834,290.00 13,000 45,060.00 58,700 766,142.00 6,623,900 34,476,393 112,000 101,760.00 82,000 173,530.00 35,900 688,470 38,000 76,120.00 10,554,000 43,341,860.00 17,554,000 65,498,090.00 19,152,000 40,119,140.00 34,100 384,374.00 145,300 732,825 5,000 12,750.00 43,280 6,491,940.00 45,706,400 583,451,038.00 661,510 879,601,135.00 8,920,000 3,815,100.00 36,565,000 41,952,580.00 6,168,200 244,625,375.00 1,314,160 95,477,778.00 683,700 3,557,722.00 4,503,000 11,426,820.00 117,048,000 106,180,090.00 1,568,000 4,877,360.00 1,010,000 343,850.00 MINING & OIL 4,508,000,000 16,029,600.00 697,000 2,009,280.00 7,301,000 37,786,250.00 2,400 24,380.00 806,000 1,851,700.00 78,000 180,600.00 3,245,000 1,819,930.00 950,000 379,350.00 3,728,000 45,303,732.00 54,978,000 208,438,270.00 8,910,000 2,585,750.00 107,430,000 22,428,260.00 9,920,000 2,122,790.00 78,100,000 937,800.00 3,700,000 47,700.00 13,713,000 26,387,690.00 37,178,900 314,111,368.00 7,550,000 25,145,840.00 7,000 3,220.00 35,916,000 45,594,820.00 219,600,000 2,314,900.00 16,500,000 169,000.00 58,600 364,520.00 3,687,600 30,411,055.00 9,885,000 37,755,940.00 200,900,000 2,391,000.00 3,126,780 409,672,618.00 296,000 884,700.00 3,000,000 26,600.00 PREFERRED 1,236,200 55,595,020.00 24,760 7,947,540.00 20 10,620 223,760 23,415,610.00 2,010 227,130.00 10,050 1,186,067.00 45,120 24,364,795.00 85,600 502,816.00 12,540 12,820,080.00 29,290 29,874,690.00 15,500 1,739,050.00 12,235 13,458,500.00 150 174,150.00 10,190 10,488,835.00 24,070 2,647,600.00 37,010 2,884,019.50 77,570 6,274,588.00 188,330 14,792,553.00 6,200 495,450.00 77,010 6,120,315.00 68,950 5,358,452.50 192,250 15,061,722.00 2,000 3,700.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 3,156,000 7,790,610.00 SME 5,895,000 15,138,510.00 419,000 1,176,790.00 652,000 2,297,640.00 8,798,000 86,793,112.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 90,710 10,368,753.00

1.77 1.03 4.36 3.85 0.142 0.2500 0.420 33.00 3.48 27.00 1.58 3.28 27.40 0.96 0.960 5.300

47,210,000 735,000 52,992,000 173,489,000 60,110,000 400,000 60,000 2,600 4,834,000 15,587,700 491,000 137,000 72,174,700 18,891,000 568,000 16,390,300

82,163,400.00 740,800.00 199,386,130.00 657,670,550.00 8,571,330.00 102,950.00 25,350.00 85,200.00 13,664,990.00 407,586,000.00 750,250.00 444,740.00 1,923,356,375.00 17,959,070.00 521,210.00 85,111,332.00

7.81 45.5 1.39 0.530 0.047 10.56 5 6.50 0.0770 2.86 102.6 9.97 2.37 6.85 988 1380 6.13 12.52 17.36 2.16 76.2 14.04 135 12.42 0.0093 9.11 0.190 1.3600 3.29 12.74 4.94 0.93 2.10 20.15 2 4.2 3.61 2.220 11.3 5.20 2.5 160.00 9.32 1379.00 0.410 1.150 40.00 74.95 5.55 2.57 0.910 3.22 0.330

492,400 284,100 191,000 2,851,000 820,170,000 200 28,400 128,945,700 145,920,000 6,961,000 1,632,750 3,900 23,000 214,600 30 1,004,490 445,200 496,300 100 7,846,000 8,052,110 33,600 90 2,200 54,000,000 2,727,500 28,183,000 2,818,000 8,000 157,200 2,223,400 111,000 117,000 12,400 372,000 18,837,000 71,365,000 20,207,000 16,600 21,800 40,000 100,280 8,740,400 802,175 1,180,000 47,026,000 20,815,900 5,809,620 239,400 5,326,000 227,474,000 2,332,000 350,000

3,798,725.00 12,927,970.00 255,490.00 1,541,130.00 38,837,320.00 2,112.00 149,805 846,063,149.00 10,843,040.00 16,094,570.00 169,152,302.00 38,873.00 53,970 1,455,758.00 28,960.00 1,403,410,525 2,733,571.00 5,462,128.00 1,736 16,735,100.00 599,404,136.00 482,568 11,800 25,738.00 493,300.00 24,852,443.00 6,507,770.00 3,726,230.00 26,440.00 2,098,634.00 10,934,756 104,600.00 241,830.00 253,420 744,000.00 78,225,140.00 267,517,670.00 45,789,200.00 187,346.00 114,200 100,000.00 15,546,700.00 79,553,940.00 1,097,511,760.00 481,550.00 52,422,750.00 847,158,175.00 430,488,124.00 1,338,732.00 13,718,290.00 192,443,770.00 7,419,590.00 121,500.00

0.0039 2.86 4.82

2,835,000,000 10,821,300.00 4,336,000 12,679,000.00 3,608,600 17,662,939.00

2.3000 2.3000 0.58 0.405 9.36 3.730 0.285 0.194 0.204 0.0120 0.0120 1.8 8.19 3.1 0.5000 1.0200 0.0110 0.0110 4.02 8.30 3.71 0.0120 133.50 2.91 0.0087

366,000 176,000 522,000 4,630,000 695,800 72,719,000 3,030,000 24,400,000 3,830,000 394,500,000 7,600,000 3,593,000 42,969,100 1,237,000 80,000 410,000 354,700,000 32,000,000 56,000 4,501,500 8,533,000 88,500,000 4,144,830 81,000 22,000,000

842,730.00 401,820.00 299,450.00 1,872,700.00 6,374,176.00 177,447,760.00 861,100.00 4,773,270.00 754,500.00 4,728,000.00 92,000.00 6,283,620.00 303,835,939.00 3,777,250.00 37,205.00 418,120.00 3,889,900.00 352,000.00 225,940.00 36,741,127.00 30,982,790.00 1,042,100.00 537,033,376.00 237,590.00 197,500.00

44.1 525 535 105 109.9 121.5 534.5 6 1030 1020 110 1090 1161 1031 110 77.95 81 77.5 79.8 79.5 77.5 78.2 2.3

732,300 7,580 9,480 129,320 260 135,590 12,160 152,400 3,250 7,145 9,240 3,040 1,855 5,490 13,340 15,060 158,490 89,190 56,760 18,800 159,370 822,580 1,000

33,110,185.00 3,955,410.00 5,064,560 13,566,685.00 28,574.00 16,353,375.00 6,520,795.00 913,237.00 3,346,000.00 7,301,890.00 1,016,400.00 3,315,025.00 2,209,545.00 5,659,210.00 1,467,400.00 1,160,570.00 12,813,985.00 6,927,575.00 4,517,916.00 1,494,584.00 12,351,669.50 64,275,082.00 2,300.00

2.260

490,000

1,126,460.00

2.74 2.8 3.56 9.97

54,676,000 44,000 444,000 9,533,300

157,327,480.00 123,600.00 1,617,540.00 92,470,887.00

117.2

100,080

11,683,582.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Apollo Global Oriental Pet. `A’ Philodrill Corp. `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Boulevard Holdings Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

STI Holdings Filinvest Land,Inc.

VOLUME 4,508,000,000 456,200,000 219,600,000 200,900,000 184,530,000 155,180,000 149,720,000 142,151,000 117,048,000 113,893,000

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ SM Investments Inc. Metrobank GT Capital Universal Robina SM Prime Holdings Ayala Corp `A’ Globe Telecom PLDT Common Security Bank

VALUE 3,056,447,220.00 2,079,551,495.00 1,941,082,346.50 1,294,913,870.00 1,266,145,349 1,250,806,925.00 1,070,525,025 903,856,465 879,601,135.00 815,222,136.00

enable it to accelerate expansion in North America by 2018.

“We have just scratched the surface in the US because there are 3.4 million Filipinos in the US and we are only in 10 states for far. So definitely, there are a lot of opportunities there,” Miñana said.

The company is also opening a Jollibee store in Italy, which would be the group’s first store in Europe.

“We are targeting between 2017 to 2018 in Europe,” Miñana said.

Jollibee group earlier identified the Philippines, China and the US as the major markets for expansion and acquisitions.

Jollbee Group had a total of 3,236 stores worldwide as of end-October.

Jollibee operates the largest food service network in the Philippines with 2,565 restaurant outlets in the country. Jollibee brand 954 stores; Chowking, 465; Greenwich, 241; Red Ribbon, 385; Mang lnasal, 453; and Burger King 67.

It is also operating 671 stores overseas. Yonghe King (China) has 316 stores; Hong Zhuang Yuan (China) 42; San Pin Wang (China), 68; Dunkin’ Donuts (China) 8; Jollibee 157 (US 34, Vietnam 80, Brunei 14, Saudi Arabia 10, Qatar 4, Kuwait 4, Hong Kong 2, Singapore 4, Bahrain 1 and UAE 4); Red Ribbon in the US with 33; Chowking 44 (US 16, UAE 19, Qatar 4, Oman 2, Kuwait 2 and Saudi Arabia 1) and Jinja Bar (US) 3. Jenniffer B. Austria

SkyCable expects more DTH subscribers

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE cable unit of ABS-CBN Corp. expects direct-to-home subscribers to grow four times next year.

“So far we’re doing good.

We will break 120,000 [subscribers] this year. For next year, I would like to get half a million [subscribers] as early as possible. It’s a toll order for next year but if we get closer to that, I will be happy,” SkyCable Corp. chief operating officer Antonio Ventosa told reporters.

Sky’s direct-to-home pay TV service nationwide under the brand SkyDirect has over 70,000 subscribers.

“We will expand our distribution next year. We are already nationwide, but we are still trying to build up more distributors. Our biggest market will be areas where we are not present,” Ventosa said.

Aside from Sky Cable, other DTH operators are Cignal TV, Dream Satellite TV and GSat. The pay TV unit of ABSCBN earlier tapped SES S.A., a global satellite operator to roll out the DTH television service in the Philippines.

Under a multi-year, multitransponder agreement, Sky Cable will broadcast DTH satellite TV channels via SES satellites at 108.2 degrees East―the SES-9 and NSS-11 satellites.

The contracted capacity will enable Sky Cable to effectively roll out a nationwide DTH satellite TV service across 251 cities and municipalities in the Philippine archipelago, complementing existing cable offerings.

Ventosa said SkyCable was on track to meet its 1 million total subscriber base this year, including SkyDirect, SkyCable and SkyBroadband users.

Business

B3

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Higher wine taxes favored

PNOC pushing liquefied gas plant

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE local distilled spirits industry favors the imposition of an ad valorem tax on imported wines to make the proposed tax increase fair to the alcohol beverage sector.

By Alena Mae S. Flores STATE-owned Philippine National Oil Co. is now “open for business” under newly-appointed president Ret. Admiral Reuben Lista.

PNOC has started a study on the feasibility of developing a liquefied natural gas facility to support the Malampaya field in northwest Palawan, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has directed Lista to study the development of a 200-megawatt LNG facility to serve the requirements of industries.

Cusi said PNOC would study the feasibility of lowering the cost of building the LNG facility.

“We made it a mandate to Admiral Lista (to bring down the cost). Because we cannot ask the private plant operator to bring it down, so the government must find ways how to bring it down so we can attract investors,” Cusi said, adding the integrated LNG facility would take about two years to construct.

Cusi earlier said he directed PNOC to study the development of a 200-MW LNG power plant in Batangas to secure the country’s power reserve needs.

“We’re making a study. I asked PNOC to make a study for a 200-MW LNG that would serve as a buffer stock for government to use in case of shortage of power,” he said.

Cusi said the department was making preparations to ensure the continuity of the operations of the Malampaya facility, which fuels three natural gas plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,700 megawatts.

“We will make that LNG farm in Batangas to supply gasto-power plants. We (at) initiated the study, but now there are a lot of interest from the private sector. We are open to that.

Whatever is best for the country, that’s the direction we will take,” he said.

Destiliria Limtuaco & Co., the country’s oldest distilled spirits maker, is preparing an extensive study to determine the impact of the tax increase on prices per volume liter to consumers and its effect on the economy.

“We were saying that if you impose a specific tax and an ad valorem tax on distilled spirits, then you must follow the same principle with respect to wines,” company president and chief executive Livia Limpe-Aw said in a chance interview.

“There should be an ad valorem tax for wines also to make the tax progressive. So the more expensive wine, the higher the tax. Make it fair to the distilled spirits,” she said.

Unlike imported wines, the distilled spirits industry is taxed twice. Distilleries pay a specific tax on top of the ad valorem.

“We know how the direction of taxes go, they never go down, they always go up,” Limpe-Aw said.

Pending the proposed final tax rate,

the company is doing initial researches on the socio-economic impact of the tax increase.

She said the industry would submit the position paper to the Finance Department next year as soon as the final rates were declared and the impact calculated.

Compared with distilled spirits, imported wines are slapped with only a specific tax only based on the liter volume of the alcoholic strength of a beverage. Ad valorem, meanwhile, is a tax percentage of the sale price of a product or goods.

Fermented wines are usually low in alcohol content with a maximum proof of 14 percent for most wines, while spirits have higher content. A rum can contain as much as 45 percent alcohol.

Saddled by both specific and ad valorem taxes, the spirits industry is worried

that sales may further go down.

“It really depends on the demographic. So if you’re in the mass market D and E, which is the bread and butter of most distilleries, you’d be hit, smack on the face,” said Limpe-Aw. Local industry sales had been flat since four years ago at 66 million cases, she said.

“In fact, on hindsight, it is losing market to imported alcoholic fares, given the the increase in the drinkers’ markets.

Per capita consumption is going down due to various reasons that could be price increase, prohibitions on drinking in the open and possibly for those riding on the health bandwagon,” she said.

Whiles sales have been declining, revenues of distilleries are still higher than the wines category due to the sheer volume of consumption and the drinking profile of Filipinos.

ORGANIC CONGRESS.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol leads the ceremonial ribbon cutting and launching of Slow Food Philippines’ Ark of Taste to officially open the 13th National Organic Agriculture Congress held at Plaza del Norte, Laoag, Ilocos Norte on November 23, 2016. With him are ((from left)) DA National Organic Agriculture Program Coordinator Christopher Morales, Undersecretary and Alternate Chair of the National Organic Agriculture Board Bernadette RomuloPuyat, Director Danilo Francisco Luna, Diwa Partylist Rep. Emmeline AgustinVillar representing Sen. Cynthia Villar, and DA-Region 1 Executive Director Valentino Perdido.

The CEO: George Chua ANNE CAPINPIN

GREEN LIGHT AS part of our learning process, each group in the CEO Series class is assigned to introduce an executive officer. This task of introducing an executive tests the students’ ability to communicate maturely with the guest speaker and convey to the class the achievements and the attributes that the assigned CEO have that made him a great one.

For our group, we had Mr. George Chua. I lifted some portions from our prepared introduction. Mr. Chua was once part of the Command and General Staff College of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Management Engineering from the De La Salle University and earned his MBA at Wharton School. Mr. Chua was also affiliated with Citibank and other local banks in the country. Currently, he is the president of the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines and the CEO of Bayan Automotive Industries Corp., most popularly known as BAIC. Mr. Chua shared with the class the different CEOs’ perspectives in terms of technology and the Asean integration.

He also gave us the defining moments in his life that shaped him to who he is today.

Successful CEO attributes What struck me the most during his speech was his list of successful CEO attributes. This is what this article is all about.

From Mr. Chua’s top 10 list, I injected my own perspective in applying said attributes. Let’s start!

1. Education and training.

This is the building block. Education and training will mold us in a technical sense. They can give us a head start in our career by applying what we learned in school to the trends and issues of today. However, these two things do not guarantee success.

2. Work smart than work hard. During the first two years of my career, I worked for 12 hours or more per business day.

I was at the office before 7 in the morning and left my station at around 7 or 8 in the evening.

I rarely talked to anybody and focused on the job that has to be done. I thought this was the normal process. I want to be promoted as fast as I can so I worked the hardest. Years later, I grew tired of everything. I started getting constant negative feelings about work. This was when I realized I need a change of working strategy. I learned how to prioritize and stopped chasing or beating time. “I can only do so much on a day but my work can be so much in a lifetime.”

3. Efficiency is key. Efficiency is computed as output divided by input. I allot some time of my work day in innovating the department’s processes and even my personal ones. This way, I will be able to shorten the time in finishing one task, giving me more ample time for others. Multi-tasking is also a key here.

4. Excellent communication.

I think better communication is essential in every department or company. One must be able to communicate effectively his thoughts, messages, and intentions to be able to get his or her desired results.

5. Learn to play the part.

Each employee is important.

Every function has value. Learn how to be responsible and accountable for each work done, be it successful or not. Own up to your mistakes, learn from them, and work from there.

6. Networking is essential. No man is an island. Old school saying, you heard it a gazillion times, but that is the truth. Processes and activities can be more efficient if there is help. Career can be flourishing through investors, customers, and mentors.

7. Positive thinking can attract good luck. Have you ever seen memes or quotes on FB or Instagram about shooing away bad vibes? This also applies here. Negative thinking is a cover. It messes up with the way you perceive things. On the other hand, if you see the world in a different light, then things will be different. You can see failure as opportunities.

Rejections can turn into something constructive.

8. Timing is everything. Time is gold. I remember hearing this line when I was in pre-school.

Our class’ motto. I was so impressed by this line that I ended up putting it on every notebook I had during that academic year.

But the impression did not last that long. It ended when I realized that Nixon, in the 1970s, ended the link between gold and US dollar. Kidding!

Time gives us a perception of better things to come. It gives us hope, something to look forward to in the future.

At the same time, it helps us reflect on the past, and appreciate and grab what we have and what we can have in the present. It taught us to hustle in a way without being thoughtlessly impatient and make us

realize that we can use it to our advantage.

Abraham Lincoln said, as cited in the novel #GirlBoss, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”

9. See the big picture. The things we do intertwine with reality and reality is bigger than what we can think of. Always bear in mind that every minute activity that we can do in achieving our goals is important.

10. Know how to execute a plan and turn them into reality.

They say everything starts with a plan but a plan will remain as such if no one will execute it. This is the same way with dreams. As children, we dreamt a lot. At school then, we were often asked what do we want to be in the future. We answered a lot of things from the traditional and expected of being a doctor, lawyer, teacher and nurse to maybe a little extraordinary, such as a game master. On my part, I gave teacher, singer, pilot, astronaut, and yes, a sniper.

But these childhood dreams and goals can be nothing if we do not work hard to get them.

Same way with business, if we do not envision anything and execute them, we are nothing.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business. This essay is part of a journal she keeps in fulfillment of the requirements of the course, Trends and issues in Business and Management: CEO Series. Visit her blog at http:// annecapinpin.blogspot.com/.

The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

Salceda wants to open up telecom, transport sectors ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has filed House Bill 446 in Congress seeking to amend the statutory definitions of public service and public utility, under the 80year old Philippine Public Service Act, or Commonwealth Act No. 146.

When enacted, it will open telecoms, transport and power industries to 100 percent capitalization by foreign players.

House Bill 4468, titled “An Act Further Amending Commonwealth Act No. 146, or the Public Service Act, as Amended,” aims to solve the country’s debilitating woes over these three vital industries, which have stalled economic growth for so long.

Salceda said his proposed amendments would clarify the “ambiguities” surrounding the statutory definition of public service from public utility, which had paved the way for oligarchs to monopolize—among others— telecoms, transport and power industries for decades to the detriment of consumers and the country as a whole.

The bill, he added, also seeks to address the “changes in the economic framework brought about by globalization and rapid technological innovations by adjusting the provisions of the law... and enable it to fulfill its purpose of truly serving the public.”

“Consumers often experience high prices and poor quality of basic services in the Philippines, because only a few local players or oligarchs effectively control the market. Competition and foreign investment are inhibited, because limitations that should only apply to the operation of a public utility are usually also applied to all public services,” he pointed out.

Salceda, senior vice chair of the House Economic Affairs Committee, said the situation “is caused by the ambiguity in the definition of public utility that is often used interchangeably with public service under Commonwealth Act No. 146,” and the key to fixing the problem is to develop a clear statutory definition of a public utility by amending the Public Service Act.

Mining potential stressed THE strategic role and potential of the mining industry was highlighted in a workshop held recently with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, mining industry, academe and environmental advocates.

The workshop, organized by the Stratbase ADRi and the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship, recognized the need to integrate a long term strategic roadmap for the efficient harnessing of country’s rich natural resources in the context of responsible mining and responsible environmental stewardship.

Dr. C.P. David, executive director of The Department of Science

and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development and concurrently PBEST convenor, stressed the critical need to invest in research and development to provide the technical and scientific basis for economic policies.

The workshop tackled issues blocking the revitalization of vital industries such as steel and manufacturing, and the need to develop the capacity of the local mining industry to harness the country’s minerals efficiently.

Among the initial research topics that the group agreed upon are black sand mining to revitalize the local steel industry, environmental technologies, and value adding in nickel laterite exports.

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

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Business

US tech sector ponders prospects under Trump

By Rod Lever

W

ASHINGTON―After disbelief, anger and grief, the US tech sector is looking to come to grips with the presidency of a man described by many of its leading lights as a “disaster” for innovation.

The major US technology companies, almost uniformly opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy, saw huge stock declines in the wake of November 8, but most have now rebounded to near their pre-election levels.

Some observers are saying it makes little difference who is in the White House, and others argue Trump is unlikely to carry out the promises―and threats― he made during a bitter campaign.

Trump sent shivers through

Silicon Valley during his election bid by pledging to squeeze trade from China, clamp down on immigration which is critical to many tech firms, and even warning that online giant Amazon could have “a huge antitrust problem” if he were elected.

Close to 150 tech icons―including founders of Apple, Wikipedia and Reddit―penned an open letter in July warning the Republican nominee would be an “disaster for innovation.”

Gene Munster, analyst on the

tech sector at Piper Jaffray, said the initial beating in tech shares had created a “rare opportunity to buy the fear.”

But in a research note last week Munster argued that “the tech industry is in more control of its own destiny than Donald Trump and will work through these problems.”

The analyst said an antitrust probe of Amazon was unlikely, nor does he expect major changes on skilled immigration under Trump.

Any tariffs on electronics or components could potentially impact firms like Apple, but would be spread equally over manufacturers because they all rely on imports, Munster noted.

In the meantime, any negative impact could be offset by Trump’s pledge to lower taxes on capital repatriated from over-

seas, which could be a boon for Apple, Google and others and encourage investment in the US, analysts noted.

The tech sector holds the lion’s share of an estimated $2.5 trillion held by US firms overseas.

“There could be a lot of money that is repatriated by tech companies,” said Bob O’Donnell, analyst and consultant at Technalysis Research in Silicon Valley.

“If they could use it for job creation, that could be interesting.”

More broadly, O’Donnell said the tech sector may get “a fresh look at the kinds of services and technologies that people want to invest in” under Trump.

For example, a major push on infrastructure investment “could be a big opportunity” to integrate “smart” technology for services such as transportation. AFP

This file photo taken on February 22, 2016 shows people walking past the Wefood supermarket that sells food past its sell-by date at Amager in Copenhagen, Denmark. It may be past its sell-by date, but for many Danes it’s a tasty proposition: A supermarket in Copenhagen selling surplus food has proved to be so popular it recently opened a second store. AFP

Danish store offers fresh take on expired food

By Soren Billing COPENHAGEN, Denmark―It may be past its sell-by date, but for many Danes it’s a tasty proposition: A supermarket in Copenhagen selling surplus food has proved to be so popular it recently opened a second store.

After launching in the gritty inner city district of Amager earlier this year, the “Wefood” project earlier this month drew a long line as it opened a second branch in Norrebro, a trendy neighborhood popular with leftleaning academics and immigrants.

Hipsters rubbed shoulders with working class mums as a cooking school founded by Claus Meyer―a co-founder of Copenhagen’s celebrated Noma restaurant―handed out cauliflower soup and bread made from surplus ingredients.

“It’s awesome that instead of throwing things out they are choosing to sell it for money.

You support a good cause,” said Signe Skovgaard Sorensen, a student, after picking up a bottle of upscale olive oil for 20 kroner (2.7 euros, $2.9).

“Isn’t it great?” pensioner Olga Fruerlund said, holding up a jar of sweets that she planned to give to her grandchildren for Christmas.

The sweets “can last for a hundred years because there is sugar in them,” she added.

Selling expired food is legal in Denmark as long as it is clearly advertised and there is no immediate danger to consuming it.

“We look, we smell, we feel the product and see if it’s still consumable,” project leader Bassel Hmeidan said.

All products are donated by producers, import and export companies and local supermarkets, and are collected by Wefood’s staff, all of whom are volunteers. The store’s profit goes to charity.

Prices are around half of what they would be elsewhere, but even its biggest fans would struggle to do their weekly shop here.

The products available depend on what is available from donors, resulting in an eclectic mix that changes from day to day.

One weekday afternoon, customers were greeted by a mountain of Disney and Star Wars-branded popcorn, while the fresh fruit section had been reduced to a handful of rotting apples.

Growing awareness Food waste has become an increasingly hot topic in recent years, with initiatives ranging from a French ban last year on destroying unsold food products, to a global network of cafes serving dishes with food destined for the scrap heap.

The Britain-based The Real Junk Food Project also opened the country’s first food waste supermarket in a warehouse near Leeds in September.

With a greater focus than its Danish peer on feeding the poor, the British project urges customers to simply “pay as they feel.”

A UN panel said earlier this month that supermarkets’ preference for perfect looking produce and the use of arbitrary “best before” labels cause massive food waste that if reversed could feed the world’s hungry.

Nearly 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted every year, more than enough to sustain the one billion people suffering from hunger globally, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said.

Denmark has managed to reduce its food waste by 25 percent over the past five years, partly due to the influential “Stop Wasting Food” group founded by Russian-born activist Selina Juul in 2008.

Juul grew up in the 1980s Soviet Union and says she was shocked by the amount of food being thrown away in Denmark when she moved there as a 13 year old in 1993.

“Surplus food has become very popular,” she said of one of the measures advocated by the group: offering heavy discounts

on items that are about to expire, which is now done by most Danish supermarkets.

Supermarkets changing Inspired by Juul, one of Denmark’s biggest discount chains, Rema 1000, has become an unlikely champion in the battle against food waste.

Two of its main initiatives are about reducing waste after the product has been sold: The company stopped offering bulk discounts in 2008 so that single-person households would not buy more than they could eat.

Last year it reduced the size and price of some of its bread loaves for the same reason.

“The biggest problem with food waste is among the customers,” said John Wagner, the chief executive of the Danish Grocers’ Association.

Regular supermarkets were becoming better at forecasting demand for different products, but they needed to do more to inform their customers that a lot of food is edible beyond its expiry date.

Wefood next year plans to open in Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city, but Wagner said the brand was unlikely to become a major chain.

“The problem should be solved before we get to the point where we have to give the products to a store like Wefood,” he said. AFP

With Press Secretary and Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar (fourth from left), Jun Icban ( PGMA) Atty Mike Toledo (PJEE now Mayor Erap) ,Sonny Coloma ( PNoy) , Sen Kit Tatad, ( Marcos) , Justice Adolf Ascuna, ( Pres Cory), Cong. Toting Bunye ( PGMA), Postmaster Gen Hector Villanueva ( FVR)

A PRESSING ENGAGEMENT The job of Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson is arguably the most difficult job in government. I know this may raise harsh opprobrium from former colleagues and friends in government, but at the risk of being branded a solipsist, I stand firm by my statement .

Imagine this: the Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson must deal with all stakeholders, especially the media, round-the-clock, 24/7. Add to this the need to engage, incessantly I emphasize, with “New Media”. With the advent of technology and the dizzying pace of digital transformation, and you can see how helterskelter the situation might become. Remember that, in this day and age, anyone with a smartphone can become a “ journalist”, but without the corresponding accountabilities.

A Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson must consistently engage for the simple reason that it is his or her primordial duty to do so. He or she must articulate, explain, and shed light on the President’s and the administration’s pronouncements, policies, and programs. He or she must explain and coherently present to the public the President’s position on matters of vital interest and importance to the nation.

Direct access to the President is crucial. Its importance cannot be overemphasized enough. But I’m glad to share that I never had that problem. I had direct access to then President Estrada at all times.

Secondly, if you don’t make yourself available to your stakeholders, you can be the subject of the media’s ire. Meanwhile, over in social media, whatever you say or not say will have its fair share of rabid supporters and equally harsh and unforgiving critics. One must have the fortitude to meet all these and yet retain one’s sanity, poise , and decorum. And you do all these under the glare of

A gift from Sec. Andanar, a pillow with the seal of the Palace

the public light. Like a fish in a glass bowl in the middle of a kindergarten classroom. Need I say more?

Thus, the reunion called for by our dear friend and former Kapatid TV 5 Anchor, current Press Secretary Martin Andanar, was timely. It allowed us to share with him the wealth of our combined experience spanning 6 Philippine Presidents.

Secretary Andanar, the gracious host, was all ears. Clearly, a strong believer in the adage that listening begets knowledge and knowledge begets wisdom.

In my view, however, Secretary Andanar faces a more challenging task, not so much because of the inimitable style of his principal ( indeed, change is here) but more so because of the fact that he must face the reality of “ post-truth” politics.

This has been defined as a reliance on assertions that “ feel true” but have no basis in fact.

There is a plethora of evidence here and abroad of its practice.

A daunting task, indeed. But I’m confident Secretary Andanar is up to task. The wisdom and experience imparted to the office by Press Secretaries and Presidential Spokespersons of Presidents past, has ensured that he will.

With Phil Star’s Ichu Villanueva, Deedee Sytangco, Sonny Coloma, Press Sec. Martin Andanar, Francisco Tatad , Adolf Azcuna, Cong. Toting Bunye (partially hidden), Jun Icban and Hector Villanueva Press Secretary and Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar (fifth from left) with his predecessors (from left) Undersecretary Deedee Sytangco (Cory Aquino), Jun Icban (GloriaArroyo), Mike Toledo (Joseph Estrada) , Sonny Coloma (Benigno Aquino III) , Francisco Tatad (Marcos), Adolf Azcuna (Cory Aquino), Toting Bunye (Arroyo) and Hector Villanueva (Ramos)

LGUs

Plunder raps filed vs Ecija ex-mayor SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija—The former mayor of this town was charged along with 11 others before the Office of the Ombudsman with plunder and graft over P102 million worth of local projects whose bidding was found to have been rigged and overpriced.

Current Mayor Arvin Salonga charged his predecessor and rival in the last elections, Antonino Lustre, with plunder, three counts of malversation of public funds and seven counts of violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Also charged were spouses Julito and Maritta Semacio, engineers Eloy Castillo, Michael Galang, Renato Bustamante, Roberto Odulio, Julito Galang Jr., Daisy Pili, Mercy Reyes, Constancia Salonga and Papiss Inc. represented by engineer Pedro Perez.

Except for Perez, those charged were members of the town government’s Bidding and Awards Committee.

A case is considered plunder when at least P50 million of public funds has been misspent or misused by the concerned public officials.

Salonga said that when he assumed office on June 30, his administration uncovered numerous “highly anomalous and unlawful transactions” by the previous government under Lustre.

Among the alleged anomalies were the construction of a P52.1-million two-storey commercial building, a P45-million slaughterhouse and integrated terminal complex, and the purchase of an agricultural lot for P5 million.

Salonga, who filed the 14page consolidated complaints, defeated Lustre in the May elections by some 200 votes.

Lustre, who previously lost to Salonga’s late father Jose in three mayoral races and to Arvin in two previous faceoffs, beat the incumbent mayor in the 2013 polls.

Aside from Lustre, named respondents in the plunder case were Perez, BAC chairman Bustamante and bids committee members Julito Galang, Pili, Reyes and Constancia Salonga.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

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Biz back Manila drug drive T

By Sandy Araneta

HE city of Manila’s business community has expressed their support to Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s anti-drug education program for children, FilipinoChinese tycoon Alfredo Yao said on Sunday.

Yao, founder of juice manufacturer Zest-O Corp. and chairman of soft drinks bottling and distribution firm Macay Holdings Inc., cited how “alarming” the illegal drug situation in the country has become in the past years.

He said the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program that Estrada brought to the country in 1993 has so far been effective in

preventing drug and substance addiction among schoolchildren.

“Yes, the business community is in full support. After all, we only have one country—Philippines,” Yao said during the graduation of the second batch of 36 trainees who recently completed the DARE Officers Training Course at the Manila Pavilion.

Yao serves as chairman of

the board of DARE Philippines Association, Inc., a non-government organization leading the implementation of the program in the country. Estrada is the group’s honorary chairman.

The tycoon admitted that the business community has long been alarmed of the prevalence of drugs in the Philippines.

“Yes, yes. There is a big problem on drugs, it’s so big! It’s an eye opener. Look what has happened in the campaign against illegal drugs. It’s an eye opener how bad it is—how deep it is,” he said, referring to the anti-drug campaign of the national government that has resulted to the killing of about 3,000 drug personalities and arrest and surrender of thousands more.

“It’s very alarming, 80 percent of our crimes committed are drug-related. Hopefully, we can put a stop to this,” Yao added.

As the privately funded NGO’s chairman of the board, Yao said they are hoping to train more DARE officers to teach more students not only in Manila but also in the entire country.

Originating from the United States, DARE is a classroom instruction program that taps active duty police officers and soldiers to teach Grades 5 and 6 students good decision-making skills that would keep them away from drugs and other vices.

Earlier this month, the first batch of 72 policemen and soldiers graduated from the 80-

hour DOT. They are members of the Manila Police District, Pasay City police, and from other regional police offices nationwide.

The soldiers were from the Army’s Civil Military Operations Group based in Fort Bonifacio.

A team of instructors from DARE America, who founded the program in Los Angeles, California, in the early 80s, trained the new DARE officers. Estrada himself invited the American instructors to Manila.

Since 1993, when Estrada introduced the program in the country when he was Vice President and head of the Presidential AntiCrime Commission, more than 1.5-million students have undergone DARE instruction.

SELLING ‘PINIKAS’. A Grade 7 student displays

her dried fried fish, called ‘pinikas’ for sale along the road in in Carigara, Leyte. The town is a center for dried fish dealers in the province. Mel Caspe

Landbank doles out P15m for ‘Lawin’-hit towns Estrada LAND Bank of the Philippines has distributed a total of P15 million in cash assistance to local government units in North and Central Luzon affected by Typhoon “Lawin” (international name “Haima”) that battered the country last month.

Records from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that the typhoon left 14 dead and caused P2.7

billion in damages in infrastructure and P1 billion in agriculture.

Led by Branch Banking Sector head and senior vice president Liduvino Geron and North Luzon Branches Group head and vice president Nomerlito Juatchon, Landbank turned over the assistance in ceremonies held in Ilagan, Isabela and Tuguegarao City.

Isabela, which was placed under a state of calamity, received

a total of P2.2 million divided among its 34 cities and municipalities, where 20,825 families were affected by the typhoon.

Among the local chief executives who attended the turnover ceremony in Isabela was Palanan Mayor Rodolfo Bernardo Jr., whose town suffered severe damage from the typhoon.

Nearly 70 percent of houses and infrastructure and almost all

LandBank Branch Banking Sector head and senior vice president Liduvino Geron (left) and North Luzon Branches Group head and vice president Nomerlito Juatchon (second photo, clockwise) lead the bank’s financial assistance turnover ceremonies held in Ilagan, Isabela and Tuguegarao City.

crops were damaged by the typhoon in Palanan, Bernardo said.

“That’s why we are thankful to Landbank for this assistance that we will distribute to our affected townsfolk,” the mayor added.

Landbank also handed over P3.125 million in cash assistance to Cagayan Province, which was directly hit by the typhoon and suffered the heaviest damage from Lawin in a ceremony in Tuguegarao. ““Lawin” was the worst typhoon to hit our town, because almost 80 percent of our infrastructure and agricultural land were totally damaged,” said Solana Mayor Jennalyn Carag who personally received the financial assistance for her municipality.

Cagayan, where Tyhoon “Lawin” made landfall and damaged a total of 28,429 houses, was also put under a state of calamity.

“We are grateful to Landbank for the financial assistance. Right now, every peso counts,” Office of the Governor Chief-of-Staff Atty.

Ma. Rosario Villaflor said.

Landbank allocated P4.025 million for the Cordillera Administrative Region; P3.725 million for Region I; P6.25 million for Region II; and P1 million for Region III. The cash assistance for other provinces, which was divided among affected towns and cities based on the reports submitted

by the regional Office of the Civil Defense, was distributed through Landbank branches in the region.

“This is part of Landbank’s commitment to be there not only for our clients but most importantly to our fellow Filipinos, especially in times of calamities,” Geron said.

Aside from relief operations and financial assistance for affected communities, Landbank also has an existing program specifically designed to help calamity-affected areas.

Landbank Calamity Rehabilitation Support is the bank’s umbrella financial assistance program to help victims recover from destruction brought about by natural calamities.

Under the program, both existing and new clients may avail of rehabilitation credit programs for acquisition or repair of new facilities or equipment, additional working capital or for livelihood financing.

Existing customers may also avail of loan restructuring, wherein short terms loans may be extended up to a maximum of three years, inclusive of a maximum of one-year grace period on principal payment.

For term loans, tenor can be extended for additional three years over the remaining term of the loan at the time of calamity, with a maximum grace period of three years on principal payment.

Sara says sorry to OFW mom of kid beaten to death

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte on Sunday apologized to the mother of a two-year-old boy who died following severe physical abuse at the hands of his guardians.

“I asked for forgiveness because had we known, maybe we could have saved him,” the mayor told the media after the burial of Jhon Earl Cagalitan.

Duterte comforted the boy’s grieving mother, Erlinda, at the burial. She offered help, includ-

ing legal services.

“I am really sorry for what happened,” the mayor told the mother, an overseas Filipino worker in Bahrain. “I am sorry because we did not know that Jhon Earl was suffering from abuse. We did not know what he

was going through.”

Duterte has hired a private prosecutor to pursue appropriate charges against the suspects, Ronilo and Sarah Jane Alcain.

The latter is Erlinda’s niece.

Erlinda left her son under the care of Sarah Jane after she

found a job in Bahrain.

“I left because I had dreams and plans for my family,” she said.

After the burial, Duterte called on the public to help the local government in its campaign against child abuse.

to unveil traffic solution MAYOR Joseph Estrada will launch today Manila’s “traffic super body” to solve the city’s traffic problem and help in easing the flow of traffic in Metro Manila.

Estrada will launch the body at 9:30 a.m. at the Bulwagang Villegas of the Manila City Hall. He said the traffic group will help in the “unending” effort to finally solve the city’s traffic problem.

The group is composed of Manila’s Department of Public Safety, Manila Police District-Traffic Enforcement Unit, Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office, Office of the City Engineer, Manila Barangay Bureau, City Treasurer’s Office, and the Manila City Hall Action and Support Assignment.

It also includes local transport groups, truckers associations, parent-teacher associations, city councilors, and barangay officials.

Port operators International Container Terminal Services and Asian Terminals Inc., whose trucks pass the city’s roads on the way to the Port of Manila, also joined the collective effort to address Manila’s traffic concerns.

Estrada will also discuss other local and national issues, such as his traffic alleviation programs, his continuing campaign against illegal drugs and criminality, the burial of former President Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and the rumors about his reported hospital confinement, among others.Sandy Araneta

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LGUs

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Basey debuts P14 m ‘eco park’ B ASEY, Samar—The United Nations Development Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency recently turned over the P14-million Basey Ecological Park, a state-of-the art sanitary landfill and recycling facility in one, to the local government here.

The 15,000-square meter facility also includes a wastewater treatment plant and will help Basey comply with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Sol-

id Waste Management Act of 2000, Mayor Igmedio “Jonjie” Ponferrada said.

UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra said the Basey

sanitary landfill is designed and constructed with environmental protection systems, and the wastewater treatment plant is designed to treat the leachate generated by the landfill without the use of chemicals or mechanical equipment.

Mitra expressed his appreciation to the local officials of Basey for their cooperation and positive response to their suggestions and proposals for the project.

The four-hectare land area where the ecological park sits is Basey’s counterpart to the UN-

DP-KOICA funding for the project, Ponferrada said.

The town also reopened the Basey Manpower Training Center, which like most public facilities in Eastern Visayas was heavily damaged by Typhoon “Yolanda” three years ago. The UNDP and KOICA also provided P15 million for its rehabilitation.

Tesda Regional Director-8 Cleta Omega said the BMTC was the only LGU-managed vocational and skills training center in Samar accredited by the Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority.

The new training center is a two-storey, typhoon-resilient structure with a roof deck, and covers a total floor area of 1,296 sq m, with each floor having an average area of 432 sq m.

The center houses engine equipment for the skilled trainees and a range of small tools necessary for skills learning, and will offer courses that follow the modules of Tesda in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW, NC II), Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM, NC II), Plumbing NC II and

Carpentry NC II. The BMTC will cater to the manpower training needs of the municipality and in the region for skills indispensalbe in a recovering economy, such as welders, electricians, carpenters and plumbers.

The single-storey, semi-concrete structure was established in 2008 through a municipal ordinance. Since then, the center has trained around 600 out of school youths and high school graduates, Ponferrada said.

Mel Caspe with PIA

‘Ibong Dayo’ fest unwraps Dec. 9 BALANGA CITY, Bataan— Hundreds of students, birdwatchers, and visitors are expected to participate in the 7th Ibong Dayo Festival at the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park here on December 9.

City Mayor Francis Garcia and Vice Mayor Vianca VenzonGozon will lead the festivity to include activities aiming to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in Balanga.

The leadership of Garcia and Venzon-Gozon vowed to continue the program protecting migratory birds in the city started by then-mayor and now Bataan second district Rep. Joet Garcia.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Environment Secretary Regina Lopez are scheduled to grace the festival, according to PIA Bataan Manager Jose Mari Garcia.

In 2011, the Department of Tourism had included the villages of Tortugas, Sibacan, and Puerto Rivas, all in this city, as among the 13 official birdwatching sites in the Philippines.

The agency also launched a tourist guidebook of the birdwatching sites in the country last year.

The wetland park here is the first along the Manila Bay Area where bird enthusiasts can watch and picnic with friends.

Balanga is a stopover of thousands of migratory birds from Canada, China and other countries.

Published reports say that more than 600 species of birds have been recorded throughout the country, of which at least 230 are endemic or found only in the Philippines. Butch Gunio

NEW CARS. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista turns over a symbolic key for five of 50 new mobile highway patrol cars during the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Quezon City Police District held at Camp Karingal. Manny Palmero

Davao students enlist for Asean events Over 800 attend River Summit

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

DAVAO CITY—Hundreds of college students from different schools and universities in the city want to volunteer as liaison officers for the upcoming Asean events to be held in this city next year.

The Philippines will lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017, with meetings and other related events to be held in major cities like Davao.

The screening conducted by the city hall attracted hundreds of students from top colleges

and universities, but the organizers will only select 50.

Princess Kan Chua, president of the Ateneo International Studies Students Organization, noted that to be hired as one of the liaison volunteers for Asean is a good training.

“These events will be a very good exposure for us,” she said.

“These will prepare us for the years to come, especially when we are already out practicing our professions.”

Most of the students who showed up were taking Mass Communications, AB English

Language, Political Science, and International Studies courses.

Successful volunteers will go through training by the National Organizing Council for the Asean meetings scheduled in January, February, and July.

The volunteers will also serve during the Brunei DarussalamIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area activity in April.

“We have already picked around 20 volunteers during Tuesday’s screening,” said Assistant City Administrator Tristan Dwight Domingo. “We

are still inviting those interested to come for an interview.”

Domingo said tapping students as volunteers is the city government’s “way of training and developing young professionals.”

Students of the University of Southeastern Philippines, Ateneo de Davao University, Philippine Women’s College, Joji Ilagan Career Center and the University of Mindanao came to enlist.

“Certainly, we’re going to choose the very best as they will be the city’s frontliners—acting as liaison officers for high-level delegates,” Domingo said.

Polish body partners with Bataan freeport THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan recently forged ties with the Lodz Regional Development Agency of Poland, establishing a strong partnership toward the promotion and development of trade and commerce in the Bataan freeport area.

AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda signed the memorandum of understanding with LRDA president Przemyslaw Andrzejak and Vice-President Agnieszka First in Lodz, Poland.

Under the MOU, the two agencies vowed to cooperate closely to establish strong and prospective business relations.

The AFAB assured the international agency that it would assist all entrepreneurs from the region of Lódź in locating to the FAB and the Philippines.

“Hopefully, this MOU is the start of a very important partnership. The support of the Lódź Regional Development Agency will help in assuring the investors from Poland and the region that they will have partners toward success when they locate to FAB,” Pineda said.

The AFAB chairman added that the agreement is expected to lure more Polish investors to the freeport.

During the signing ceremony,

Andrzejak said the partnership with the AFAB is a welcome development, noting that the Authority is expected to help the entrepreneurs from Lodz in having business contacts in the Philippines.

Polish businessmen are eyeing partnerships in the industries of food and beverage, pharmaceutical, construction, chemical, bio-economy, housing, expansion areas, renewable energy and transportation.

Through the MOU, the AFAB and LRDA will also organize and hold business missions, meetings and seminars focused on the possible cooperation opportunities.

The Bataan freeport is tagged as the emerging economic dragon of the country. It is also known as one of the fashion manufacturing hubs of the Philippines, as it possesses a budding cluster of companies producing high-end brands of garments, apparel, shoes and accessories, like bags, jewelries, among others.

AFAB’s vision is to be the Freeport of choice in the country by 2020, becoming a center of trade, innovation and sustainable development in Asia and promoting work-life balance and global competitiveness.

Butch Gunio

GUIA’S CONCERN. Mayor Guia G. Gomez addresses hundreds of citizens of San Juan qualified to receive medical and educational assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with Senator JV Ejercito at the atrium of the San Juan City Government Center.

ERRATUM IN THE Nov. 26 edition of The Standard, in a picture on page C2 titled “Borongan Partnership,” we mistakenly identified the person in the picture as Army Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario of the AFP Central Command.

The correct name is Lt. Gen. Raul F. Farnacio, the new Commanding General of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar. The Standard regrets the error.

By Lance Baconguis CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Around 800 environment experts and advocates attended the three-day third International River Summit to discuss the state of the country’s river systems held in a hotel here.

The summit, which carries the theme “Healthy Watershed, Clean Rivers, Safer Communities,” aims to bring together leaders and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices to formulate a blueprint of needed actions to address pressing issues affecting river basins and communities.

Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, chairman of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council, said everybody must work together and engage in the mitigation, adaptation and even anticipation of future calamities.

Ledesma, who heads the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, said it is important to learn from past disasters, like what Typhoon “Sendong” brought to this city and Iligan City in 2011.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said “Sendong’s” devastation has made Cagayanons resilient, as he redefined resiliency to mean emerging stronger and building back better.

Raoul Geollegue, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources official and president of the Watershed Management Coalition, said massive reforestation of the Cagayan de Oro river basin located mainly in Bukidnon must be undertaken.

Geollegue said the present state of the CDO river basin has reached a critical level in that another weather disturbance akin to “Sendong” could lead to killer floods that will affect thousands.

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

C3

Cuba says last farewell to Castro H AVANA―Cuba mourned revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on Sunday as the communist island prepared to say its last goodbyes to the towering giant of its modern history with mass memorials and a four-day funeral procession.

After the stunned commotion surrounding Saturday’s announcement that Castro had died at age 90, Sunday was set to be a day of calm preparations, with no official activities planned.

Castro, whose iron-fisted rule defied the United States for half a century, died late Friday after surviving 11 US administrations and hundreds of assassination at-

tempts.

The authorities did not give a cause of death.

The polarizing leader, a titan of the 20th century who beat the odds to endure well into the 21st, was to be cremated Saturday, the first of nine days of national mourning.

A series of memorials will begin Monday, when Cubans are

called to converge on Havana’s iconic Revolution Square.

Castro’s ashes will then go on a four-day procession through the country, before being buried in the southeastern city of Santiago on December 4.

Santiago, Cuba’s second city, was the scene of Castro’s ill-fated first attempt at revolution in 1953―six years before he succeeded in ousting US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Adored by admirers as a savior of the people, reviled by enemies as a cruel tyrant, Castro ruled Cuba from 1959 until he handed power to his younger brother Raul in 2006 amid a health crisis.

Even then, he continued to loom large, penning diatribes against

American “imperialism” in the state press and wielding influence behind the scenes.

Castro is so far as divisive in death as in life.

The news drew strong―and polarized―reactions across the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed him as “the symbol of an era,” and China’s Xi Jinping said “Comrade Castro will live forever.”

But in Miami, home to the largest community of exiles who fled Castro’s rule, euphoric crowds erupted into loud celebration.

There were sharply different reactions in the US from outgoing President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump.

Japanese wine maker a natural CORNAS, France―Hirotake Ooka does not do anything by half.

For nearly two decades the former Japanese chemist has been on a quest to make the very best and most natural French wine possible.

But he hasn’t made it easy for himself.

His modest vineyards on a hill near Cornas, where the mountains of the Ardeche drop into the Rhone valley, is not so much steep as vertiginous.

Which means not only that his grapes must be picked by hand but that he and his pickers are often forced to perform the backbreaking task on their knees, grape by grape.

With most parcels of land in this dry corner of south central France passed down from father to son, Ooka had to carve his vineyards out of a wooded hillside, before planting his syrah vines in the granite soil.

But it was perhaps destiny that Ooka should land there―his surname means “big hill” and he duly named his estate “Domaine de Grande Colline”.

An old French maxim has it that to make good wine, the vines must struggle.

And just like them, Ooka has suffered in his almost fundamentalist pursuit of “vin nature”, the most organic wine possible.

Yet despite the worst that nature could throw at him―he lost 90 percent of his harvest in 2013 to “black rot” and nearly two-thirds this year to mildew―Ooka has become one of the most respected natural wine makers in France.

“My philosophy is to make a wine just with the grapes, without yeast, sugar or sulphites. In the vineyard as well, I like to do the most natural things possible,” he added, letting the grass grow under his vines and encouraging as much biodiversity as possible.

Part of his quiet, maniacal dedication to the precision and authenticity means he crushes his red grapes himself with his bare feet, lashed to a harness in case he drowns in the vat.

“Crushing them with my feet I learn a lot about their aroma, temperature and the speed of fermentation,” he said.

“I wear the harness because it’s dangerous with all the carbon dioxide that escapes―it would only take a little for me to pass out and drown.”

Ooka, 42, discovered wine on his first visit to France 20 years ago. “In Tokyo I drank beer, I thought wine was too snobby,” he told AFP. But his road to Damascus came with the opening of a bottle of claret he bought for his father.

He returned to France and trained to be a winemaker among the great wineries of Bordeaux.

But he soon realized that the wine he wanted to make was not possible amid the monoculture of villages given over totally to wine. AFP

Obama, who embarked on a historic rapprochement with Cuba in 2014, said the US extended a “hand of friendship” to the Cuban people.

But Trump called Castro “a bruManila tal dictator.”

Standard The future of the historic USTODAY Cuban thaw announced in December 2014 looks uncertain under Trump.

He has threatened to reverse course if Cuba does not allow greater human rights.

In Havana, bustling streets emptied and parties ground to a halt as Castro’s admirers sank into grief.

“What can I say? Fidel Castro was larger than life,” said a tearful Aurora Mendez, 82.

She recalled a life in poverty be-

fore Castro’s revolution in 1959.

“Fidel was always first in everything, fighting for the downtrodden and the poor,” she said.

Fidel Castro came to power against the backdrop of the Cold War as a black-bearded, cigarchomping 32-year-old.

Adopting the slogan “socialism or death,” he kept the faith to the end.

He endured more than 600 assassination attempts, according to aides, as well as the disastrous US-backed Bay of Pigs invasion attempt in 1961.

His outrage over that botched plot contributed to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the Soviet Union agreed to his request to send ballistic missiles to Cuba. AFP

www.sti.edu

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY CARAGA REGION Butuan City INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF WAREHOUSE HANDLING SERVICES FOR NFACARAGA REGION FOR CY 2017 The NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY Caraga office, through its Corporate Operating Budget for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of FIVE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN & 96/100 ONLY (Php 5,744,987.96) being the aggregate APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC) for payment under the contract of Warehouse Handling Services for NFACaraga Region for CY 2017: CONT. NO.

I II

III

IV

PROVINCE / WAREHOUSE AGUSAN DEL NORTE GID-I & II Warehouses, Libertad, Butuan City AGUSAN DEL SUR GID-Bayugan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur GID-Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur GID-Trento, Trento, Agusan del Sur SURIGAO DEL NORTE TAN Warehouse, Surigao City GID-Warehouse, Km. 10, Surigao City PDI Warehouse, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) Dapa Warehouse, Dapa, Surigao del Norte SURIGAO DEL SUR GID-Cantilan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur GID-Duplex,Tandag City, Surigao del Sur GID-Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC) NUMBER OF STOCK (INCLUSIVE OF VAT) MOVEMENTS PER BAG/ TOTAL MOVE 302,525

Php 3.88

251,225

Php 1,173,797.00

Php 1,000.00

Php 974,753.00

Php 1,000.00

75,975

Php 3.88

Php 294,783.00

94,625

Php 3.88

Php 367,145.00

80,625

Php 3.88

Php 312,825.00

175,602

Php 3.88

Php

681,335.76

244,685

Php 3.88

Php

949,377.80

120,895

Php 3.88

Php

469,072.60

120,895

Php 3.88

662,077

Php 2,568,858.76

264,840

BIDDING FEE

Php 1,000.00

Php

469,072.60

Php

1,027,579.20 Php 1,000.00

75,470

Php 3.88

Php

292,823.60

106,475

Php 3.88

Php

413,123.00

82,895

Php 3.88

Php

321,632.60

Bidders should have completed within the immediate last three years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders (ITB).

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders on November 28, 2016 – December 19, 2016 (working days only) from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable bidding fee for every lot as specified in this Invitation.

ONSTAGE. Singer/songwriter Carrie Underwood performs during a stop of The Storyteller Tour at T-Mobile Arena on November 26, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Director charged in S. Korea scandal SEOUL―A prominent Kpop music video director was charged Sunday as part of a corruption scandal rocking South Korea and engulfing President Park Geun-Hye. Cha Eun-Taek, who has worked with “Gangnam Style” star Psy and boy band megastars Big Bang, used his ties to a secret confidante of Park to win lucrative projects from state agencies and private firms, prosecutors say.

That confidante-Choi SoonSil―has been labeled Park’s eminence grise, a shadowy figure who is believed to have leveraged her close relationship with the president to extract more than $60 million from top firms, including Samsung.

Prosecutors say Park herself

ordered her former economic adviser to help Cha pressure officials and private firms so that he would win contracts.

Cha, 46, has been charged with abuse of power, coercion and embezzlement and becomes the latest public figure to be embroiled in the snowballing scandal.

Choi, 60, is accused of meddling in a wide range of state affairs including the country’s preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Prosecutors last week formally charged her with abuse of power and coercion, saying Park was a “co-culprit” who had colluded with Choi to strongarm top firms into giving cash to non-profit foundations Choi controlled.

Park―now the first South Ko-

rean president to become a criminal suspect while in office―has rejected a series of requests from prosecutors to answer their questions.

As a sitting president, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offense except insurrection or treason, but she can be investigated and potentially charged once her term is over.

Park is faced with growing public calls to resign and a push by lawmakers to impeach her, with her job approval ratings diving to record lows of four percent.

Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in recent weeks to call for her ouster, with organizers claiming the latest rally on Saturday in Seoul drew 1.5 million people. AFP

The National Food Authority Caraga Region will hold a Pre-bid Conference on December 5, 2016 at 9:00 A.M., NFA Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Rudy Tiu VIII Bldg., J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

Bid must be submitted to the address below on or before December 19, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Late bids shall not be accepted. Bid opening shall immediately follow at 10:01 A.M. at same venue in the presence of the Bidder or Bidder’s authorized representative.

Schedule of RBAC activities is as follows: ACTIVITY Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bidding Documents Pre-Bid Conference Deadline of Submission of Eligibility and Bid Envelopes Opening of Eligibility and Bid Envelopes

TIME TABLE November 28, 2016 November 28, 2016 to December 18, 2016 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M December 19, 2016 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. (Except Saturday, Sundays & Holidays ) December 05, 2016 9:00 AM December 19, 2016 10:00 A.M. December 19, 2016 10:01 A.M.

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

For further information, please refer to: Mr. Rolando C. Sindo Regional Industry Services Officer BAC Secretariat Head National Food Authority 2nd Floor Rudy Tiu Bldg. VIII J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Tel Nos. (085) 815 3284 (085) 225 6701 Fax No. (085) 342 7898 (SGD) RUBEN M. MANATAD Acting Assistant Regional Director Chairperson, BAC (MS-NOV. 28, 2016)

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

C4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Opposition in Kuwait wins in polls

World

SNOWFALL. In this photograph taken on November 25, 2016, an Afghan woman begs for alms in the middle of a street after a snowfall in Herat province. AFP

Swiss to vote on nuke phaseout GENEVA―Switzerland votes Sunday on whether to speed up the process of phasing out the country’s nuclear power plants, in a move that would shutter three of its five reactors next year.

Just a few months after Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant was destroyed in the March 2011 tsunami disaster, Switzerland decided to gradually close its nuclear plants, but did not set a clear time line.

The government’s plan was to decommission five aging reactors, which today produce around a third of the country’s electricity, as they reached the end of their safe operational lifespan.

But all of Switzerland’s nuclear plants have open-ended operating licenses, meaning they can continue operating as long as they are deemed safe.

That was not good enough for the Green Party, which four years ago gathered more than the 100,000 signatures needed to put an issue to a popular vote―a regular feature of Switzerland’s direct democracy.

The “Nuclear Withdrawal Initiative” to be voted on Sunday calls for the reactors to operate for no longer than 45 years.

This would entail the final closure next year of Beznau, which has been operating in the northern Swiss canton of Aargau, near the German border for 47 years.

That plant, which has two reactors currently undergoing repairs, became the world’s oldest functioning commercial nuclear plant after Britain’s Oldsbury reactor closed in 2012.

The Muhlberg plant, which opened in Bern canton in 1972 would also need to close next year if the Greens get their way, while Gosgen in Solothurn would shut in 2024 and finally Leibstadt in Aargau by 2029.

Without a definite time limit, “you have to wait until there is a breakdown or an incident before you can close the nuclear plants”, initiative spokesman Mathias Schlegel told AFP in an email.

“With age, the nuclear plants become more dangerous, but also more expensive and less reliable,” he insisted.

While the Swiss government supports gradually shutting down the plants, it is opposed to the initiative, cautioning that it would lead to premature closures. AFP

KUWAIT CITY―Islamist-dominated opposition groups and their allies secured nearly half of the Kuwaiti parliament’s seats, official results showed Sunday, raising fears of fresh political wrangling in the oil-rich Gulf state.

The opposition and its allies won 24 of the assembly’s 50 seats, the electoral authority announced following Saturday’s snap election called after a dispute over the hiking of petrol prices.

The Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition contested the election after a four-year boycott in protest over the government’s amendment of the key voting system.

Around half of the opposition candidates who won seats are Islamists from a Muslim Brotherhood-linked group and Salafists.

Voters dealt a heavy blow to candidates from the outgoing parliament, with more than half of them failing to make it into the new assembly.

Two of three cabinet ministers also failed in their bid for re-election.

One third of the members of the new parliament are relatively young and fresh on the political scene.

Only one woman was elected and the Muslim Shiite minority was reduced to six seats from nine in the previous house.

But despite the outcome, Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is set to ask the incumbent prime minister or another leading figure from the ruling family to form a new cabinet.

“I think this composition will lead to confrontations between opposition MPs and the next government,” political analyst Mohammad alAjmi told AFP. “There are many issues that could spark disputes: economic measures, revoking of citizenships and others,” said Ajmi.

In the past two years, the government revoked the citizenship of several leading opposition figures and their family members, citing various motives.

The emir called the poll after dissolving the previous parliament due to a dispute over raising petrol prices.

Saturday’s election saw a turnout of about 70 percent amid divisions over cuts in subsidies due to falling oil revenues. AFP

Chinese household debt rising at ‘alarming’ pace B EIJING―Chinese household debt has risen at an “alarming” pace as property values have soared, analysts say, raising the risk that a real estate downturn could send shock waves through the world’s second largest economy.

Loose credit and changing habits have rapidly transformed the country’s famously loan-averse consumers into enthusiastic borrowers.

Skyrocketing real estate prices in major Chinese cities in recent years have seen families’ wealth surge.

But at the same time they have fueled a historic boom in mortgage lending, as buyers race to get on the property ladder, or invest to profit from the phenomenon.

Now the debt owed by households in the world’s second largest economy has surged from 28 percent of GDP to more than 40 percent in the past five years.

“The notion that Chinese people do not like to borrow is clearly outdated,” said Chen Long of Gavekal Dragonomics.

The share of household loans to overall lending hit 67.5 percent in the third quarter of 2016, more than twice the share of the year before.

But this surge has raised fears that a sharp drop in property prices would cause many new loans to go bad, causing a domino effect on interest rates, exchange rates and commodity prices that “could turn out to be a global macro event”, ANZ analysts said in a recent note.

While China’s household debt ratio is still lower than advanced

countries such as the US (nearly 80 percent of GDP) and Japan (more than 60 percent), it has already exceeded that of emerging markets Brazil and India, and if it keeps growing at its current pace will hit 70 percent of GDP in a few years.

The ruling Communist party has set a target of 6.5 to 7 percent economic growth for 2017, and the country is on track to hit it thanks to a property frenzy in major cities and a flood of easy credit.

But keeping loans flowing at such a pace creates such “substantial risks” that it could be a “self-defeating strategy”, Chen said.

China’s total debt―including housing, financial and government sector debt―hit 168.48 trillion yuan ($25 trillion) at the end of last year, equivalent to 249 percent of national GDP, according to estimates by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a top government think tank.

China is seeking to restructure its economy to make the spending power of its nearly 1.4 billion people a key driver for growth, instead of massive government investment and cheap exports.

But the transition is proving painful as growth rates sit at 25year lows and key indicators continue to come in below par, weighing on the global outlook. AFP

EXHIBITION. Japan’s Sumire Suto and Francis Boudreau Audet perform during the gala exhibition at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2016/2017 NHK Trophy in Sapporo on November 27, 2016. AFP

Top official resigns after train crash in Iran TEHRAN―The head of Iranian Railways resigned after four of his employees were arrested following a collision between two trains that left at least 44 people dead.

Mohsen Poor-Seyed Aghaie, a deputy minister in the transport ministry and head of the stateowned railway company, appeared on state television late Saturday and announced his resignation “as a social responsibility and

out of sympathy for the survivors of this accident”.

The trains collided and one caught fire in the northern province of Semnan on Friday, killing 44 people and injuring dozens more, in one of the country’s worst ever rail disasters.

The crash took place on the main line between Tehran and Iran’s second city Mashhad.

One of the trains had stopped

between the towns of Semnan and Damghan after an apparent mechanical failure, forcing officials to halt others on the line.

But when a new shift started at the control center in Shahroud, the second train was allowed to resume its journey.

The accident happened due to “human error”, Aghaie said, explaining that the official at the control center had told the train driver

to manually disable an automated system that was preventing it from moving toward the broken train.

Three in the control center and the train driver were detained over the resulting crash.

The train driver “who had fled to a hideout” was arrested on Sunday, a local judge in Seman province told the judiciary-linked Mizan Online website.

“During the investigation, three

people in charge of the northeast train control centre based in the city of Shahroud... were arrested,” provincial prosecutor general Heydar Asiabi told reporters.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offered his condolences on Saturday for the “painful incident”, which came just a day after more than 60 Iranian pilgrims were killed in a suicide attack in Iraq. AFP

Life

WELCOME TREAT. Early Bird Breakfast is giving away its signature Puto Bumbong Pancake for free to all balikbayans and OFWs.

SIP & SAVOR

W

HAT’S the best way to spend Christmas?

With family and friends, of course, and better if it’s at Early Bird Breakfast Club.

The popular whole-day breakfast café is giving you a whole lot of reasons to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones with its delectable goodies and treats.

Early Bird Breakfast Club is giving away its signature, dish, Puto Bumbong Pancake, for free to all balikbayans and OFWs. Just dine-in at any of the four Early Bird Breakfast Club branches, order any Breakfast of Champions dish, and present your boarding pass or passport stamp that falls from Sept. 1 to Jan. 31, 2017.

Regular customers can also receive various freebies this holiday season.

You can get a Breakfast Bag for free with a dine-in minimum purchase of P1,500, and you can get an Early Bird Pillow with a dine-in minimum purchase of P3,000. For a dine-in minimum purchase of P4,000, you can get an Early Bird Umbrella, while you can get an Early Bird 2017 Planner with a dine-in minimum purchase of P5,000.

Make your Christmas mouthwatering with Early Bird Breakfast Club’s heartwarming selections of holiday pastries, made just for this season: opulent Belgian Chocolate Ensaymada, indulgent Quezo de Bola Ensaymada, luxurious Chocolate Stuffed Madeleines and comforting Banana Bread.

For this holiday menu, Early Bird Breakfast Club also collaborated with actress-host and successful baker Bettina Carlos and her daughter Gummy.

The partnership with the popular celeb

supermom inspired these creative but warming delights: Stuffed Chicken with Ris-OAT-oh (healthy risotto-like dish with stuffed chicken and oats), Malunggay Toasts with Tinapate (toasted malunggay pandesal with smoked milkfish spread), Green Tea Calamansi Cheesecake (cheesecake with a matcha and citrus twist), and the Dinotella drink (cold drink with a combination of Milo and Nutella).

“I cannot emphasize just how much I love breakfast food, and how great breakfast makes my day. Collaborating with Early Bird Breakfast Club, my family’s favorite breakfast place, pretty much made our year,” Bettina said.

She added, “Excited is such an understatement when Early Bird approached me to collaborate with them for my favorite season of the year. I was over the moon and beyond thrilled to actually pitch and contribute items for their holiday menu. I love how my concepts and fusions and life stories were integrated and transformed into actual, tangible, tasty dishes.”

Early Bird Breakfast Club opened its flagship branch in 2013 at The Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City and has become the Metro’s go-to allday breakfast café. It has since opened three more branches: Century City Mall in Makati City, Eastwood Mall in Quezon City, and Nuvali Solenad 3 in Los Banos, Laguna. It aims to uplift mornings and inspire people to have the best

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

D1

Warm, mouthwatering

Christmas meals at Early Bird Breakfast Club

Belgian Chocolate Ensaymada Breakfast bags

Queso de Bola Ensaymada

All-day breakfast cafe Early Bird Breakfast Club celebrates the holidays with heartwarming selection of pastries made for the season

Early Bird 2017 Planner

day possible by giving customers the best breakfast experience.

“Every Christmas season reminds me of that one Christmas in 2012 wherein we were all busy with the construction of our first branch in Fort BGC. The whole team had many sleepless nights and stressful days as we all worked to make Early Bird Breakfast Club a reality. This is our fourth Christmas as a company. And looking back, I can’t believe that what once started out as a dream and an inspiration is now a humble breakfast chain, a homegrown brand

of morning happiness loved by many,” said Ellen Evangelista-Co, managing director.

It caught Metro Manila’s attention with its cozy and Instagrammable ambiance. But what made customers coming back for more is its gourmet rendition of Western and Filipino breakfast favorites, such as the Yin & Yang Champorado, French Toast Fondue, Chorizo & Mushroom Risotto, and Viva Longganisa, among others.

“Early Bird Breakfast Club is a unique concept that cleverly captures

a wide range of local and international classics and adapts them into creative breakfast favorites. When creating menus I take inspiration from a wide range of areas. From street food to fine dining, there is always something I can learn and apply to our menu. At Early Bird Breakfast Club, I take great pride in developing non-pretentious family favorites suitable for all, and as a group we work closely to keep the love in our food as well as the restaurants themselves,” said Executive Sous Chef Matthew Hornsby-Bates.

Cheesiest, creamiest ‘ensaimada’ SNACKING with your family is definitely more inviting with the cheesy goodness of classic Red Ribbon ensaimada. That is why they are a favorite mainstay treat for the young and the young-at-heart.

Red Ribbon introduces a new twist to its classic ensaimada. From top: Strawberry Cheesecake, Cheesy Ensaimada and Salted Caramel

Now, Red Ribbon, one of the leading bakeshop chains in the Philippines, makes a good thing even so much better with the all-time favorite Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimada.

The cheesy goodness of the ensaimada has now leveled up to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty taste. This new and exciting flavor is brought by the perfect combination of butter and sugar toppings covered with long and thick strands of creamy cheese.

Aside from the new twist, Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimada also introduces two new flavors that will surely satisfy your every ensaimada craving.

The Strawberry Cheesecake Ensaimada is topped with a rich layer of luscious strawberry and cream cheese for that perfect complement to the salty cheese toppings while the Red Ribbon Salted Caramel Ensaimada is generously smothered with salted caramel topping and long strands of creamy cheese. These two new flavors are guaranteed to be the best snack time must-have in any lunch box.

Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimada is available for P25 only while the Red Ribbon Strawberry Cheesecake Ensaimada and Red Ribbon Salted Caramel Ensaimada are priced at P35 each.

“We always want to serve new f lavorful treats for our customers,” said Ned Bandojo, head of Red Ribbon Marketing. “Cheesy Ensaimada promises to deliver what our customers truly deserve, which is to have more reasons to make ordinary moments with family and friends so much sweeter.”

Connect Lounge offers a sophisticated Afternoon High Tea

Cozy afternoon high tea

CONNECT Lounge, one of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s F&B outlets, introduces a new and more sophisticated approach on afternoon drinks with its Afternoon High Tea, available daily from 2 to 6 p.m. for only P788.

Guests can enjoy a customized set of pastries from a wide array of selections such as cakes and mini sandwiches served in a three-tier stand and paired with coffee or tea. Drinks can be upgraded to a glass of champagne, smoothie or iced tea. You can also witness an open kitchen from the bar counter where all food items are set up.

Experience a new sanctuary with a more relaxing ambience and good drinks on the 24th Floor of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Connect Lounge is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For reservations, call (02) 720-7720. For more information contact (02) 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.

Life

D2

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

W

HENEVER I attend gatherings of any kind, a detail or two of the event preparation might stand out and make an impression. Perhaps an elegant floral centerpiece or a stunning THE JOYCE OF EATING light display. But without fail, JOYCE BABE PAÑARES what I would really remember – and I believe this is true for a lot of people – is exceptionally good food, with the contrary, of course, equally unforgettable.

Two weeks ago, luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila showcased its elegantly-designed Grand Ballroom as a world-class events space ideal for celebrations and occasions. The intimate event was attended by some of the country’s notable wedding and event planners and suppliers and select journalists.

City of Dreams Manila spared no detail in ensuring that its 1,081-square meter Grand Ballroom, with its sophisticated glass ceiling installations and lucent lighting, will create a heightened sense of prestige to any affair. The entire area can accommodate 600 guests with round table set-up, and can be divided into three banquet rooms fitting 150 to 200 persons each.

And because City of Dreams Manila prides itself on having some of the best chefs from around the world, I had high hopes that its carefully-prepared banquet dishes will be exceptional and memorable. Fortunately, its culinary team did not disappoint.

“Because we are an integrated resort with over 20 restaurants, we can really deliver whatever our guests would require,” said Anthony Hannan, executive director for food and beverage operations, in an interview at the resort’s presidential villa.

Flying in special ingredients for a customized menu is nothing new for City of Dreams, he said, whether it

is a Wagyu beef leg from the awardwinning Mayura Station in South Australia, or white asparagus that marks springtime in Europe.

There have been, however, more exotic requests. “We have been asked to serve snake and venison, and at one time even wild boar,” Hannan said. Talk about bespoke dream celebrations.

Event menu packages include a choice between Chinese or Western cuisine – developed, curated and prepared by chefs from the award-winning restaurants at City of Dreams Manila, namely The Tasting Room for modern European haute cuisine, Crystal Dragon for Cantonese and premium Chinese fare, Nobu Manila of the famed Chef Matsuhisa Nobu’s brand of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, and Red Ginger for its variety of authentic Southeast Asian dishes.

A comprehensive variety of buffet and a la carte menus are also available, covering interactive live cooking stations for carving meat, an assortment of appetizers, a dessert corner, a European artisan cheese board, a seafood and crustacean bar, a sushi bar, or a whole tuna station, if preferred.

The western buffet menu starts at P2,480++ per person for a minimum of 80 and a maximum of 500 guests, while the Chinese set menu starts at P21,888++ for a table of 10 persons for a minimum of 50 guests.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

An elegant Western table setting for that bespoke dream wedding.

Event packages at City of Dreams may include a dessert buffet as well as cocktail drinks and appetizers.

Succulent ham, the perfect centerpiece for that festive gathering

City of Dreams Manila also offers fuss-free wedding packages, with a choice of Chinese or Western dinner buffet menu, a five-layered fondant cake, a bottle of sparkling wine, elaborate floral centerpieces and a mobile system for lights and sounds. Ceiling ambient lights and LED-powered table numbers come customizable based on the wedding color theme. The package also includes a luxurious overnight stay in a Nobu suite with breakfast and a

one-hour renewal massage for the bride and groom. For debutantes, the package comes with a three-layered fondant cake, 18 roses and candles, and a twonight stay in a Nobu deluxe room with a manicure and pedicure treatment for two as well as P3,000 dining credit at select City of Dreams restaurants. The wedding and debut packages start at P348,500 and P318,000, respectively, for 100 guests.

For Hannan, events big or small are

treated with equal attention to detail.

And whether a guest wants desserts topped with edible gold or some other ingredient that is more outrageously difficult to source, City of Dreams would happily oblige.

“We like the challenge of meeting whatever our client wants or needs,” Hannan said.

For feedback, send comments to joyce.panares@gmail.com

Creating uniquely Filipino brands for the world THE United States has Apple, Google and Coca-Cola. Japan has Toyota. Even South Korea has Samsung. Does the Philippines have a brand that can define the image of the country in the world stage?

This is the question Kendrick Co, CEO and Brand Divergence director, asked when he formed Antidote, a Filipino company behind brands such as all-day breakfast restaurant Early Bird Breakfast Club and beach blanket Lagu, among others.

Formed in 2008 after Co left his job at communications agency Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, Antidote aims to break the traditional thinking of local entrepreneurs of merely copying the status quo.

The goal: create all-Filipino brands that can be taken to foreign shores to represent the best of what the Philippines can offer.

“The idea is to be able to create brands that can go to and be sold in other countries. Obviously, the goal is to have something a Filipino brand that is universally known,” Co said. The Philippines, he said, is known for manufacturing products for brands from other countries.

The country has a few local brands that can be identified to the country, like Jollibee and San Miguel, the same way McDonald’s is immediately recognizable as an American brand or Hyundai as a South Korean brand. But certainly, Philippine entrepreneurs can do more.

Co noted that even Austria has brands like Swarovski and Red Bull.

“Automatically, a good brand gives you a positive image of a country even if you don’t know a lot about it,” he said.

How can this be done? By creating brands that are different from what is currently being offered.

“We should be thinking of how we can start something here that’s unique to the world, something we can send to other countries. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get stuck in thinking of what would appeal to the masa market. It’s easy to just create a product that is already being sold by bigger companies, but sell it at a lower price,” Co explained. “But those products would not have appeal outside our shores.”

A-Game is a sports recovery product made for athletes

Lagu is a brand of environment-friendly and allergen-free beach blanket

Antidote was the first to open an all-day breakfast restaurant

That is the logic behind Lagu, which Antidote launched in January 2012. Co knew Lagu, a beach blanket marketed as environmentfriendly and allergen-free, would have a very niche market.

But he also said there was no product like it in the market when they first launched Lagu. “We’re not just looking at Lagu from the point of view of beach lovers in the Philippines. We are targeting beach lovers in the world,” he said.

Hence, Lagu has gained clients and is currently being sold in countries outside the Philippines precisely because it is a niche product. “In fact, until today, we haven’t really actively gone out to other countries to sell the brand. It has been the opposite. From the month we launched, all our overseas clients and all our distributors from other countries, they’ve all been the ones to approach us because they use it or a friend went to the Philippines and gave it to them,” Co explained.

The same idea was behind Early Bird Breakfast Club. “There

wasn’t really a place that served breakfast all day in Metro Manila at the time. You had to go all the way to Tagaytay to eat at an all-day breakfast restaurant,” he said.

Co and his wife Ellen had no background in food when they entered the restaurant business “We don’t even know how to cook,” he said.

But thanks to a solid concept, an ever-evolving menu, and talented chefs in the kitchen—namely executive head chef Matthew Homsby-Bates and sous chef Matthew Lim—Early Bird Breakfast Club has become the top all-day breakfast restaurant in the Metro by committing to their original idea of offering breakfast served beautifully in an ambience that makes you feel like you’re not in the city.

It currently has branches at The Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Century City Mall in Makati City, Eastwood Mall in Quezon City, and Nuvali Solenad 3 in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Antidote is also behind two other all-Filipino brands: Spud Buds Potato Company, which produces handcrafted potato snacks using locally grown potatoes varieties from Benguet; and A-Game, a sports recovery product made for athletes who want an efficient cool down regimen.

Achieving the goal of creating a universally known brand from the Philippines is tough. But it can be done, Co said.

“As a country, we take pride in sending out our professionals. But we should not be sending out our best people. We should be sending out brands that our best people have created. I think that’s more sustainable for the economy and for the country,” he said.

“Even if we’re niche, we can still expand our market. Brands have the power to touch lives. This is why we believe that a brand that travels and reaches foreign shores can represent the best of what the originating country has to offer.”

“That should be our approach when we create a brand. It’s not so much what is popular or cheaper. There’s value to that, but longterm, for the benefit of the country, we have to create something uniquely Filipino for worldwide market,” Co said.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 26, 2016 2016

Alcasid,Ocampo and Valera in ‘Kanta Ko, Panahon N’yo’ concert

F

OR the first time, VIVA Live presents three of the country’s greatest songwriters in one concert. Ogie Alcasid, Louie Ocampo, and Rey Valera headline Kanta Ko, Panahon N’yo, at Kia Theater in Araneta Center on Dec. 2.

popular works, like “Ikaw,” “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “You Are My Song,” “So Many Questions,” “Ewan,” “Hagkan,” “Maghihintay Ako Sa’yo,” “Say That You Love Me,” “Babalik Ka Rin,” “Tell Me,” “Aida Lorna O Si Fe,” “I Can,” “Point Of No Return,” “Closer You And I,” “I’ll Be There For You,” “Selos,” “To Love You Once Again,” “Shadow Of Time.”

Singer-songwriter Valera has been in the music business for 40 years. He started writing songs for artists at Vicor Music in the 70s, like Sharon Cuneta and Rico Puno. He later became a big selling recording artist himself.

He remains active in concerts and on television.

His works remain popular and are often used as movie or teleserye theme songs, like “Mr. DJ,” “Malayo Pa Ang Umaga,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Pangako Sa’yo,” “Tayong Dalawa,” “Naaalala Ka,” “Sorry Pwede Ba,” “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” “Walang Kapalit,” “Sinasamba Kita,” “Kahit Wala Ka Na,” “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” “Ako Si Superman,” “Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli,” and “Sa Kabila Ng Lahat.”

Presented by VIVA Live, Kanta Ko, Pamahon N’yo is directed by GB Sampedro with Louie Ocampo as musical director. Tickets are priced at VIP P4000; Orchestra P3500; Loge P2750; and Balcony P1800 (exclusive of ticket charges).

Tickets are now available at Ticketnet 911-5555 or VIVA Live 687-7236.

The show will feature them and their special guests performing their timeless, original works in what is sure to be a brilliant showcase of Filipino talent.

Ogie was a young singersongwriter back in the 80s. He has become a popular comedian in films and on television. Despite this, he never gave up on his music and like Valera and Ocampo, has written songs, many of which have also become theme songs in movies and television dramas, like “Pangarap Ko Ang,” “Ibigin Ka,” “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang,” “Kailangan Kita,” “Hanggang Ngayon,” “Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap,” “Magpakailanman,” “Pangako,” “Ikaw Sana,” “Kung Mawawala Ka,” “Nandito Ako,” “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” “Mahal Kita Walang Iba,” “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” and “Peksman.”

Ocampo was a teen-aged organ prodigy when he started writing songs. Like Valera he also started out with Vicor in the late 70s. He trained at Berklee College of Music in the U.S. opening opportunities for him as an arranger and musical director. He is now one of the most sought after musical directors in the business.

He has a body of successful, very

‘Magtanggol’ back on the home front MAGTANGGOL, awarded Most Popular Film at the International Film Festival Manhattan this year, returns for more screenings at the UP Film Center at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today.

The political whodunit film tells the story of a family who has spent years fighting for and helping the disenfranchised and the abused, specifically Overseas Filipino Workers, survive and get out of their hapless situations. The family encounters hardships, opposition, scandals and inter-family disagreements, including a potentially destructive accusation that one of their own has been exacting revenge against known OFW oppressors.

The film challenges the audience to guess who the real perpetrator of the crime is from start to finish. The screenings aim to make Filipinos feel proud again in time for the Nov. 30 celebration of Bonifacio Day. Starring as the Magtanggol family are Joonee Gamboa, Dina Bonnevie, Tom Rodriguez, Ejay Falcon, Albie Casiño, Kim Domingo and

Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the OFW Basti Santos, with William Martinez, Raul Morit, Sunshine Teodoro, Chanel Latorre Fund put up by the producers to help OFWs in and Yam Concepcion playing the roles of their their legal battles against abusive employers. For inquiries, call or text 09275632238. extended family members.

The film also stars Denise Laurel, Ricky Davao, Epy Quizon, Giselle Sanchez, Lui Manansala, Cholo Barretto, Buboy Villar, Myrtle Sarrosa, Bombi Plata, Victor Medina, Dwight Gaston, Dido de la Paz, Archi Adamos, Hector Macaso, Bani Baldiserri, Jane Biton, Alvin Anson and internet sensation VMiguel Gonzales.

Produced by Jojo and Susan Dispo of Felix and Bert Film Productions, the film is directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez (Ang Mga Kidnaper Ni Ronnie Lazaro) with the script co-written by Sanchez, Henrie Famorcan Enaje and Henry Dela Cruz Jr., cinematography by Topel Lee, production design by Rom Factolerin and Fritz Silorio, editing by George Jarlego and music by award-winning musician and scorer Francis A scene from the political drama featuring Tom Rodriguez, Albie Casino and Ejay Falcon De Veyra.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, November 28, 2016

ACROSS 1 Afts.

4 Pertaining to the eye 9 Put money on 12 Jungle knife 13 Luau welcome 14 Not include 16 Recline lazily 17 Coach 18 VIII, to Virgil 19 Pythagoras had one 21 Level off 23 Dah-dit man 25 Muffled 26 Beyond disgusting 29 — linen or manners 31 Point of an antler 32 Nintendo rival 33 Snatch 37 Fleming of 007 fame 38 Souped-up cars (2 wds.)

41 Formal vote 42 Mild rejoinder 44 Vampire’s tooth 45 Skeptical 47 Prefix with red 49 Dogie catchers 50 Blot out 53 Pounces 55 Out of stock

(2 wds.)

57 Lack 61 Shuttle launch sound 62 Don — de la Vega 64 Buzz’s capsulemate 65 “Lost Horizon” role 66 Calculator key 67 Hit on the noggin 68 Pro — (for the time being) 69 Really nice people 70 Hydrocarbon suffix DOWN 1 Piglet’s friend 2 Fr. honorific 3 Grundy born on a Monday 4 Movies with a posse 5 Cushy jobs 6 Jigger 7 Hotcakes franchise 8 New Mexico cavern 9 Contraband 10 Banquet host 11 Atlas, e.g.

12 Quick lunch

15 Make much of 20 Coarse 22 Run a fever 24 Forever 26 Mayberry kid 27 Wind resistance 28 Macbeth’s burial place 30 All excited 32 Galaxy unit 34 Whiskey grains 35 Space lead-in 36 Howls 39 Insulted 40 Wallops 43 Manual feature

46 Gist 48 PFC superior 49 Works hard 50 Scruggs of bluegrass 51 Relax in the pool 52 Pilot light 54 Anxious to start 56 “— kleine Nachtmusik” 58 Garish sign 59 Theater 60 Broad-antlered deer 63 Depot info

Rocco

on Enzo’s move to ABS-CBN ASKED about his good friend Enzo Pineda’s decision to move to ABSCBN, Rocco Nacino said, “I’m happy for him! Actually, when we saw each other recently to view the first cut Bar Boys, I told him to just continue doing his best. I know that it’s just the beginning of a more exciting phase in his showbiz career.”

Everyone knows that they’re close to each other dating back to their StarStruck (Season Five)”days.

Enzo was First Prince while Rocco landed Second “Yes, that’s why even if he’s with the rival camp now, our friendship remains intact and solid. Wherever he finds progress and fulfillment, I will support him.”

Interestingly, Rocco knew beforehand about Enzo’s plan to switch home studio.

“That’s right! We’ve always been updated about the latest goings-on in our lives. At first, I just heard the rumor so I had to confirm with him. Upon knowing the truth, I just kept quiet and wished him luck regarding his planned move. And I believe he made the right choice judging from the positive developments that are happening in his career right now.”

Many are curious if he felt sad when Enzo left their original mother studio.

“Well, of course, I’ll miss our performances together plus guesting stints in various Kapuso shows.

But as I’ve mentioned earlier, as his best friend, I’m happy for whatever success he is enjoying right now because of that career move. For one, he’s getting good reviews for his acting. That’s a nice way to start.

Kudos to him!”

As for him, the possibility of moving into another network is far from happening.

“I’m happy with GMA, that’s for sure. I’m content with the way they handle my career. In fact, I just signed up another three-year contract with them. They give me very good exposure so why move, right? I’ve no complains whatsoever. I’m simply excited with the projects they are lining-up for me this 2017,” ends Rocco. ******** American-Filipino actor Anthony Diaz V is proud that his independent Hollywood movie titled Break, which he wrote, directed and acted in has been submitted to Sundance Film Festival.

“Well, Sundance happens to be the most prestigious film festival in the world with regards to your film getting global attention and recognition. Most film buyers and distributors attend Sundance more than any other film festivals in the world. If you happen to get accepted into Sundance, it’s the closest to you hitting a home run,” he avers.

The film, which he also produced under his own Kaizen Studios, is one material the talented Fil-Am is proud of.

“The film is really unique as it blends American story-telling with Japanese cinema infused with hip-hop. I used Japan as the backdrop of the story.

I guess it’s the first time to my knowledge that a film has simultaneous English and Japanese language throughout the movie with sub-titles.

But most importantly, the over-all theme is that of a foreigner trying desperately to fit in. It is what most of us have experienced in some form or another. There are also lot of Filipino values exhibited in the movie.”

Speaking of the Philippines, Anthony is so proud to have a special screening the film in the country recently.

“Oh yes! Actually, the Philippines is the second stop of many that I plan on showing this project. Prior to this, we had a private screening in Tokyo with over 500 viewers. I’m sure the Filipino audience will like the film especially that there are a lot of Filipino values exhibited in it,” Anthony states.

NEW GIRL ON THE MUSIC BLOCK. Alexa

Ilacad drops her debut album ‘To The Moon & Back’ under Star Music label

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

ISAH V. RED

T

EEN actress Alexa Ilacad is more than just a pretty face. With a blossoming acting career and armed with singing talent, she is ready to dive into a new territory as Star Music’s newest pop rock artist.

Alexa, who considers singing her passion, got a taste of performing when she joined reality music competition We Love OPM and has been in love with it ever since.

“Their first reaction was: Aren’t you an actress? Later on, they said that I was a revelation. I also realized that I love performing, especially with a live band. When the show ended, I truly missed singing and performing on stage,” she shared.

With the release of her debut album To the Moon & Back under Star Music, Alexa feels “grateful and blessed.”

“Now I’m happier because I get to sing my own songs, and they are more personal,” she said.

To the Moon & Back contains the spunky carrier single “Pakipot, Suplado,” whose Kean Cipriano-directed music video was recently unveiled to the delight of her fans. It has also proven to be a hit because it has consistently charted in MOR 101.9’s “Biga10” list for weeks now.

Alexa is also proud to share that all the songs in her album are original and were written by Eunice Jorge, the vocalist of rock band Gracenote, one of her musical influences. These songs are “Not Too Young,” “Kung Pwede Lang,” “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan,” “Dream Boat,” and “Puso.”

“Whoever listens to my songs will be blown away by how well-written they are. My fans are used to seeing me as an actress playing sweet or dramatic roles. In my album, I get to showcase my pop rock side – ‘yung ako talaga!” said Alexa.

The album also features her love team partner Nash Aguas, who sings with her on the acoustic version of “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan.”

Produced by Rye Sarmiento and Darwin Hernandez, To The Moon and Back can now be streamed on Spotify and is now available at all record bars nationwide for only P199.

Digital tracks can also be downloaded via online music stores such as ABS-CBN Store, iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, Amazon.com, OneMusic.ph, and Starmusic.ph.

For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook. com/starrecordsphil, and @ StarMusicPH on Twitter and Instagram. *** GMAArtist Center (GMAAC) welcomes the newest addition to its roster of talents Addy Raj and Ivan Dorschner as they signed management contracts on Nov. 21 at the 17th floor of the network’s headquarters in Quezon City.

Pinoys at heart, Addy and Ivan found a new home in GMA Network and they can’t wait to share what they can offer to the Filipino audience.

Having settled in the Philippines for only nine months, Addy claims that he is excited to learn more about the Filipino culture and he is happy that the Kapuso Network is helping him do that. “This is my first time working with GMA and I’m pretty sure I’m in good hands. I’m excited and I really

New Kapuso stars Ivan Dorschner (left) and Addy Raj (right) in a photo op during their contract signing with the network

shows pop rock sides as recording artist hope that the audience would accept me as part of the Kapuso family,” the Indian hunk adds.

As for Ivan, he feels motivated to reinvent himself for his second shot at show business.

He claims that the Network has offered him promising projects and he is thankful to be part of its management. The dapper Filipino-American claims, “It’s nice to have a team and I can’t wait to find and meet everyone behind the scenes. Masaya po ako and I’m excited na, kasi they are believing in me, so now I’m here to work hard and I’m gonna do my best.”

The newly-signed GMAAC stars will be playing major parts in the upcoming primetime series Meant To Be opposite Barbie Forteza and with Ken Chan and Jak Roberto. Addy will be taking the role of a happygo-lucky guy from Mumbai named Jai while Ivan will be playing Ethan, a gentleman from England who settled in the Philippines to meet his family. *** After setting the Philippine showbiz scene on fire with the announcement of her pregnancy in E! News Asia, Georgina Wilson reveals the gender of her baby on the season finale of E!’s brand new Asian original series !T Girls.

In the episode, Georgina hosts a glamorous baby shower and gender reveal party for her baby. Tensions run high, however, when one of the !T GIRLS misses the milestone event because of her jet-setting career around the world.

Also in this episode, the !T GIRLS juggle between a cover photo shoot for an iconic magazine and the madness of Isabelle Daza’s wedding preparation that is turning her into #Bellezilla.

Will they make it to Italy in one piece and see Isabelle walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Adrien Semblat forever?

With three !T GIRLS married, will Liz Uy finally prioritize her love life over her career? Will Georgina decide to live in Shanghai with her hubby or stay in Manila?

What’s next for Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico as they finally take their relationship to the next

level? Get to know the squad for the last time this season.

Catch the season finale of !T Girls 8 p.m. tonight, only on E! E! is available on SkyCable and Destiny Digital Ch. 57, Cignal Ch. 25, Cablelink Ch. 33 and other cable operators Nationwide.

PMAP’s TV Station of the Year

It’s a boy!

Georgina Wilson reveals the gender of her baby on E! channel’s ‘!t Girls’

GMA Network Inc. (GMA) continues its winning streak this year as it won several citations at the 6th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Makatao Awards for Media Excellence, including the TV Station of the Year Award.

In a ceremony held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Nov. 23, GMA took home one of the top awards that night, repeating its peat from last year when it also won as Best TV Station.

In giving GMA the award, PMAP recognized the Network’s outstanding contribution to enhance the public’s understanding of the role and impact of good people management through mass media.

Taking home the Best TV News Program

this year is GMA’s late-night daily newscast Saksi. Investigative public affairs program Reporter’s Notebook won Best TV Public Affairs Program. Kara David was named Best TV Public Affairs Program Host.

Meanwhile, GMA Network Consultant for Radio Operations Mike Enriquez was recognized by PMAP as this year’s Best Radio News Anchor. His radio show, Saksi sa Dobol B, has been named Best Radio News Program.

Earlier this week, Enriquez received the CEO EXCEL (Communication Excellence in Organizations) Award from the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC). The said award is given to top-level business executives and organization leaders who inspire others to serve for the greater good.

GMA Network Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong (fourth from left) holds the TV Station of the Year Award. With him are (from left) GMA VP for HRD Atty. Gerrome Apolona, news anchors Arnold Clavio, Pia Arcange and Mike Enriquez, and Reporter’s Notebook Executive Producer Ian Carlos Simbula