Manila Standard - 2017 February 3 - Friday

DU30 VOWS TO KILL MORE IN DRUG WAR

VOL. XXX • NO. 356 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE. Thick black smoke surges out of the burning HTI factory complex in General Trias, Cavite Thursday which left more than 100 injured and scores unaccounted for. (Story below fold) Norman Cruz

BenguetCorp. Nickel Mines Inc. Eramen Minerals Inc. Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp.

Emir Minerals Corp.

TechIron Mineral Resources Inc. AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration Kromico Inc. Sino Steel Philippines H.Y. Minng Corporation Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation Wellex Mining Corporation Libjo Mining Corporation Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp.

ADNAMA Mining Resources Corpopration Claver Mineral Development Corp.

Platinum Development Corp.

CTP Construction and Mining Corp.

Carrascal Nickel Corporation Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation Hinatuan Mining Corporation-Tagana-an

Solons, miners warn of massive displacement

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales and Christine F. Herrera

tions, the bureau added.

“The role of mining when it comes to employment generation ORE than 19,000 people will lose their whether direct or indirect in the jobs once the government closes down rural areas cannot be overly em21 mining companies and suspends the phasized. It is estimated that about indirect jobs may be generoperations of six more, the Mines and Geosciences four ated for every direct employment Bureau said yesterday. in the upstream and downstream sectors,” the bureau said.

The closures would also hurt boring communities that arose due Mining investments for this year small businesses in host and neigh- to the presence of mining opera- alone could drop to $1.69 billion

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6 to be suspended Berong Nickel Corporation Oceanagold Phils., Inc. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp.

Citinickel Mines and Development Corp.

Ore Asia Mining Corp.

Strong Built Mining Development Corporation

Lopez ruling baseless, say 2 firms TWO mining firms have raised fists against the announcement by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez that its mine audit review suggested a closure order for one and a suspension for the second.

Benguet Corp. Nickel Mines, Inc., the first and oldest mining company that carries an impressive portfolio of expanding gold and nickel mining operations across the country, immediately took exception to the announced order it said it had yet to receive.

OceanaGold itself said the listing of the company for suspension was unjustified and had no legal basis.

In a statement, Mick Wilkes, OceanaGold president and chief executive officer, said the decision announced by Lopez “is unjustified nor has any basis in law.”

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Duterte won’t name new envoy to America DAVAO CITY―President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he was not keen on appointing an ambassador to the United States following its criticism of his war on illegal drugs, which has killed more than 6,000 drug pushers and users.

“We don’t have an ambassador going there. I don’t feel like sending one,” Duterte said in a speech here.

He had previously asked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, presidential protocol chief Marciano Paynor, and columnist Jose Manuel Romualdez to take over the Washington-based post but all three declined―although Romualdez will remain Special Envoy to Washington.

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By Florante S. Solmerin COMMUNIST rebels killed three soldiers in an ambush in Bukidnon Wednesday night and abducted two others Thursday in Sultan Kudarat, the Armed Forces said.

Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said all units under his command are now on alert to protect communities from “acts of extortion, burning of equipment, abductions, liquidations and other forms of atrocities.”

The alert was prompted by series of attacks by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) after a spokesman for the rebels announced the end of a unilateral cease-fire starting Feb. 10.

The renewed attacks come on the heels of a third round of talks

AU REVOIR.

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France prepares to board her flight for New York at the Naia Terminal 2 on Thursday, three days after she was crowned by her predecessor Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines.

She is France’s first Miss Universe in 63 years. PNA

SC chief opposes Cha-Cha THE Supreme Court has vowed to defend the 1987 Constitution following the moves by the allies of President Rodrigo Duterte in Congress to push to amend it.

In a statement on the 30th anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution on Thursday, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said the judiciary will continue

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PRAYER ATONEMENT. Families of poor victims of extrajudicial killings—almost 7,000 since July 1, 2016 —offer Thursday a prayer, in this Holy Eucharist-Mass Action, to Our Lady of Victory Chapel at the Araneta Compound in Barangay Potrero in Malabon City. Andrew Rabulan

NBI barred from drug Fire hits ops; PDEA takes over ecozone;

By Sandy Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

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from the projected $ 4.45 billion, the agency warned.

Environment Secretary Regina Lopez announced Thursday that out of the 41 metallic mines in the country, 21 will be closed down, six companies will be suspended and only 12 passed a mining audit.

She drew support from President Rodrigo Duterte, who said he was elated by the decision to close 21 Next page mining companies.

Reds slay 3 soldiers in Bukidnon

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‘Mining order means losses’

21 to be closed

By Funny Pearl A. Gajunera and John Paolo Bencito

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte announced Thursday the military would take a leading role in his deadly drug war, while vowing to kill more traffickers and addicts.

“I’m taking in the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and raising the issue of drugs as a national security threat so that I will call on all the armed forces to assist,” Duterte said, while promising to kill more “son of a bitch” drug addicts.

His comments were the first following a report from Amnesty International that the killings in the drug war, in which more than 6,500 people have died in seven months, may amount to crimes against humanity.

They were also the clearest signal of Duterte’s plans for the drug war, after he admitted this week the police force that had taken the leading role was “corrupt to the core” and said they would no longer be allowed to take part.

Duterte’s moves against the police he had entrusted as his frontline troops came after series of scandals emerged over the past month in which police were caught committing murder, kidnapping, extortion and robbery using the drug war as cover.

In one of the highest-profile cases, anti-drug officers kidnapped a South Korean businessman then

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to stop conducting anti-drug operations, saying he has lost his trust in the bureau that has also been revamped.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will now lead the government effort to combat illegal drugs, he said in a speech Thursday.

“As of now, there are no policemen in the entire country [enforcing drug laws], and I want to add even the NBI. The bureau is sus-

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pended from enforcing drug laws.

You are included because I have lost trust in you,” he said.

Duterte said he ordered the revamp of the NBI following allegations that some of t its personnel were involved in the kidnapmurder case of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo. NBI Director Dante Gierran ordered several bureau officials relieved after Supt. Rafael Dumlao, one of the main suspects in Jee case said several of the agency’s personnel were also involved.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, meanwhile, said he would look into the NBI practice Next page

104 hurt

By Francisco Tuyay

AT LEAST two Japanese executives and more than a hundred employees were injured when fire swept through House Technology Industries within the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in Rosario, Cavite, Wednesday night, officials said.

They said they were still to determine how many of the more than 5,000 workers on second shift were trapped by the blaze that broke out on the second floor and spread quickly to the third floor Next page around 6 p.m.

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‘Pushups all for show’ basis for their report and secondly, the police they mentioned and whoever wanted to come out ENATOR Francis Escudero blasted with evidence regarding this isPhilippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. sue,” said Escudero.

Human Rights Watch on Ronald dela Rosa Thursday for cursing at Thursday said a government Angeles City policemen accused of robbing and plan to use military personnel in anti-drug operations “heightens extorting Korean tourists, and making them do the risk of excessive force and pushups, saying this was all for show. inappropriate military tactics.”

Phelim Kine, deputy direc“It’s clear—it’s just for cam- abduction and murder. tor, Asia Division of HRW, said era and TV,” Escudero said after Although PNP leadership’s there is also a deeply rooted Dela Rosa made the erring po- commitment to rid the police culture of impunity for military licemen do pushups in front of force is a welcome move, Es- abuses in the Philippines. members of the media. cudero said it should have been “Send in the troops. That’s The same, he said, could be done before the government’s Philippine President Rodrigo said of Dela Rosa’s statement war on drugs was launched.

Duterte’s follow-up to the anthat he wanted “to melt in shame” The senator also questioned nounced pause earlier this week following revelations that po- why the campaign against illegal for a pause in the Philippine licemen abducted and strangled drugs only targeted the poor.

National Police’s ‘drug war’ folSouth Korean businessman Jee He said President Rodrigo lowing revelations this month Ick Joo and extorted P5 million Duterte should release the list of the brutal killing of a South from his wife, who did not know of big-time drug lords to shame Korean businessman by alleged he was dead. them at least. anti-drug police,” said Kine.

“You think you’re so tough Escudero added that he would On Tuesday, Duterte ordered picking on the Koreans, you sons file a resolution next week asking the Armed Forces of the Philipof bitches,” Dela Rosa told the the Senate to look into the report pines to take a frontline role in policemen in Filipino. “You want released by Amnesty Internation- the anti-drug campaign in which me to kick you? The next time al that alleged PNP officers have more than 7,000 Filipinos have another case like this comes up, paid others to kill thousands of been killed, Kine said. you’re the ones I will punish.” drug suspects.

Duterte said the deployment The seven policemen allegedly In the report, Amnesty Inter- was necessary to fill the gap crerobbed and extorted Koreans in national said the police had “sys- ated by the suspended police opPampanga in December last year, tematically targeted mostly poor erations. arresting three of them and ex- and defenseless people across the National Security Adviser torting cash from them. country while planting ‘evidence’ Hermogenes Esperon confirmed Escudero asked why Dela recruiting paid killers, stealing that the government had apRosa did not ask the policemen from the people they kill and fab- proved the assignment of miliaccused of killing Jee to do push- ricating official incident reports.” tary units to “arrest drug personups as well.

He also wanted Amnesty In- alities” in cooperation with the Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair- ternational to explain its findings official anti-narcotics agency. man of the committee on public and present their sources at the Kine said data from the Deorder and dangerous drugs, has legislative inquiry. partment of National Defense started an investigation into Jee’s “We want the AI to explain the indicate only one soldier has

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Sandy Araneta

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‘Mining...

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“Now, today, I’ve read in the newspapers that Secretary Gina Lopez canceled about seven of the big mining firms in the country,” Duterte said in a speech before water district operators in Davao City.

“You know, I support her. And there was never a time that I called her to slow down a little bit,” he said.

Companies which passed the audit were Philex Mining Corp., Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., Carmen Copper Corp., Cagdianao Mining Corp., Taganito Mining Corp., Greenstone Resources Corp., Philsaga Mining Corp., Apex Mining Company Inc., Pacific Nickel Phils. Inc., Agata Mining Ventures Inc., Century Peak Metals Holdings Corp. and SR Metals Inc. “We decided to close any kind of mining operations in functional watersheds. Water is life and we will not allow the water of our people to be at risk,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the mining operations which will be closed include Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., BenguetCorp. Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp., Emir Minerals Corp., TechIron Mineral Resources Inc., AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration, Kromico Inc., Sino Steel Philippines H.Y. Mining Corp. and Oriental Synergy Mining Corp.

Other companies that will be closed are Wellex Mining Corp., Libjo Mining Corp., Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp., ADNAMA Mining Resources Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp., Platinum Development Corp., CTP Construction and Mining Corp., Carrascal Nickel Corp., Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. and Hinatuan Mining Corp.- Tagana-an.

Lopez said some of these companies are located within functional watersheds while others caused siltation of coastal waters and farmlands.

Companies which will be suspended are Berong Nickel Corp., Oceanagold Phils., Inc., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp., Citinickel Mines and Development Corp., Ore Asia Mining Corp., Strong Built Mining Development

SC...

From A1 to perform its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution.

“We in the Supreme Court and the judiciary today recommit ourselves to the task of allowing our people to realize their hopes and aspirations of a society that is more just, humane and equal by ensuring that the courts are firm, fair and free,” Sereno said.

been convicted of an extrajudicial killing since 2001.

Kine said the arrest in August 2014 of Jovito Palparan, a retired Army major general, marked a rare challenge to the impunity enjoyed by military personnel who commit serious crimes, and which multiple presidential administrations have failed to adequately address.

“Military units in the Philippines have a long history of masking extrajudicial killings of suspected leftists and communist New People’s Army rebels as ‘legitimate encounters’,” said Kine.

He said such methods have sinister parallels with police anti-drug operations.

Police have reported killing 2,551 suspected drug users and dealers in the past seven months.

Police have attributed those killings to suspects who “resisted arrest and shot at police officers,” but have not provided further evidence that police acted in self-defense.

The police have failed to investigate or prosecute any personnel responsible for those deaths despite compelling evidence that some police units are summarily gunning down suspects, Kine said.

Duterte on Thursday said he has lost faith in the PNP and the NBI following the Jee case.

Duterte described the prevailing corruption within the ranks of the police and other law enforcement agencies as a “virus” that needed a “massive cleansing.” With F. Pearl A. Gajunera and John Paolo Bencito

Corp. and Hinatuan Mining Corp.Manicani mine.

Lopez said the decision on whether or not to allow Filminera Resources Corp. to continue its operations was deferred pending further investigation.

Based on 2016 data, Masbate Gold Project of Filminera Resources Corp., (FRC)/Philippine Gold Processing and Refining Corp. (PGPRC) and Didipio Gold Project of Oceana Gold Phils., Inc. (OGPI) Incorporated were the top gold producers accounting for 28 percent or 6,414 kilograms and 20 percent or 4,576 kilograms of the total gold produced.

In terms of silver production, OGPI took the second spot with 7,901 kilograms and FRC/PGPRC followed at third spot with 7,430 kilograms of the total silver production.

“The absence of these two mining projects to the production stream would certainly create a vacuum since said companies are among the top precious metal producers in the country,” the bureau said.

Base metals copper and nickel are also projected to decline by 26 percent and 67 percent, respectively. Most nickel producers did not pass the mining audit.

“It is important to note that the decline in mineral production is tantamount to lower taxes, fees and royalties collected by the government both national and local. Mineral exports are also expected to go down,” the bureau said.

Lopez said the affected mining companies have 15 days to file an appeal with the DENR. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines decried the announcement noting that the government cannot just shut down mines without due process.

“Mining companies were invited by government to invest in the Philippines and signed contracts with them as partners in mineral resource development. By entering into these contracts, government is bound to observe due process. Secretary Lopez cannot just shut down mines without due process,” said chamber chairman Artemio Disini.

The group also questioned the way by which the DENR mine audit was conducted, highlighting the inclusion of anti-mining activists that tainted the process.

“We are not against a strict implementation of the law. In fact, we have often called for stricter moni-

toring of all mining operations in the country. What we question is the bias and partiality of the audit from the very start with Secretary Lopez’s early statements that she does not like mining and would like to see mines closed,” said the chamber’s executive vice president Nelia Halcon.

“With the inclusion of anti-mining groups in the audit teams, you can see that the audit was compromised. The participation of these anti-mining activists immediately raises the question of whether or not the results are impartial,” she added.

The chamber also lamented how the audit review findings were first made known through a press conference.

“If the audit found violations, the law provides for a procedure. She should have filed the appropriate cases or invoked the arbitration clause of the mining agreements. Our members have not received any formal decision but have already been subjected to trial by publicity. Unfortunately, it seems that her decision to close these mines was based merely on a quick fly-by over Surigao del Sur last week in a chopper during the height of the rainy season. It may not have been based on the review conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Reports reaching us even said MGB personnel were even banned from her press conference,” Halcon said.

The chamber called on the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), co-chaired by the Department of Finance, to convene and review the policies and actions of Lopez.

“Her drastic action of publicly announcing the closure and suspension of 28 mining operations without due process will have detrimental and far-reaching impacts on the economy, the mining industry, and the country,” Halcon said.

Lawmakers vowed to press for a congressional investigation of Lopez’s closure order.

The lawmakers, led by Surigao del Norte Rep. Prospero Pichay, said they will file a House resolution on Monday questioning Lopez’s decision to order the closure of 21 mining operations in several areas of the country.

“Gina Lopez doesn’t know what she’s doing. She does not know her job,” Pichay told the Manila Standard.

“The closure order is illegal and arbitrary,” said Pichay.

The congressman explained that Lopez issued the closure order without according all mining firms the “due process” and without regard to thousands of mine workers and their families that would be hurt by her arbitrariness.

Pichay said some 10,000 mine workers were directly employed in his mining firm and some 60,000 families were indirectly benefitting from the business.

This would also deprive the government of billions in revenues, he said.

For this reason, Pichay said Lopez has violated all pertinent laws about mining, including the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement that the mining firms signed with the government.

“We have entered into a contract with the government and without Lopez even conferring with us, she abrogated the contract. Contracts are signed by two parties.

Two parties should agree whether to abrogate or honor the contracts.

Now, she is using the government against us, misusing her powers and prosecuting us for alleged violations that she all had imagined,” he said.

“In the first place, the mining areas in Mindanao are well-within the areas that President Manuel Quezon declared as mineral reservation. Meaning, the areas are intended for mining, not for agriculture or other purposes. There is no watershed in these mining areas,” Pichay said.

Pichay also said that once an audit is decided, the government must inform the company about its intention to conduct the audit.

“This is a sad day for the mining industry. Lopez’s instruction to suspend the operations of mining companies just added 10,000 unemployed in Surigao provinces alone,” Pichay said.

“I am afraid that this would also cause massive poverty in the area and contribute to the insurgency problem. Most of the 10,000 mining workers were former rebels who might lose confidence in the government as a result of this decision and go back to the mountains as rebels,” Pichay said.

Pichay said the local government units of Surigao provinces were collecting P1.8 billion a year in taxes and fees from mining companies in the area. With Rio N. Araja and John Paolo Bencito

She underscored the historical value of the Constitution as the “backbone for the new democracy ushered in by the force of the People Power Revolution of 1986 that ended the Marcos dictatorship.”

She recalled that the 1987 Constitution came at the end of the revolutionary government put up by the late former President Corazon Aquino after Marcos was toppled from power.

She said the Charter, which was ratified by 16,622,111 affirmative

votes, provided “a rich and fertile ground for the rule of law to be nourished, to grow and to bear fruit.

“This it did with a renewed focus on human rights and civil liberties, an emphasis on sovereignty and institutional protection for the independence of the judiciary,” Sereno said.

Sereno said the Constitution allows dissent while protecting national security even as it emphasizes human rights and human dignity.

During the 2016 presidential cam-

paign Duterte promised to amend the Constitution to pave the way for a federal form of government.

The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments has already passed a resolution calling for Congress to convene itself into a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said they were targeting the last three years of the Duterte administration as a transition period toward federalism. Rey E. Requejo

Reds...

From A1 in Rome between the communist National Democratic Front and the government.

In Bukidnon, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said three of his soldiers were waylaid by armed men believed to be NPA rebels in Malaybalay.

Reinforcements found their bodies riddled with bullets from M16s along the national highway.

“The three soldiers in civilian clothes left battalion headquarters in Impasug-on town Wednesday afternoon to buy personal supplies in Malaybalay. They should have been back before dusk but failed to do so,” Madrigal said.

Civilians spotted the bodies along the highway and informed the military, he added.

He declined to identify the fatalities before their families were informed.

Despite the new attacks, Madrigal said the military would abide by the government’s ceasefire until Presi-

Du30...

From A1

murdered him inside the national police headquarters as part of an extortion racket, according to an official investigation.

Then Amnesty on Wednesday accused police of systemic human rights abuses in the drug war, including shooting dead defenseless people, fabricating evidence, paying assassins to murder drug addicts and stealing from those they killed.

NBI...

From A1 of hiring informants and errand boys, after one of them, Jerry Omlang, admitted that he was among those who watched Jee’s house in Angeles City before policemen abducted him, then strangled him inside police headquarters in Camp Crame.

Another unnamed NBI asset was allegedly involved, too.

NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin would not comment on the reshuffle, but the Manila Standard learned that among those affected were: National Capital Region Director Ricardo Diaz; NCR Assistant Director Vicente de Guzman; Deputy Director for Investigation Service Jose Justo Yap;

Lopez...

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The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday named OceanaGold’s Didipio operation as the subject of a proposed suspension order, citing alleged declining agricultural production.

Benguet in a statement disclosed it had not received the order from the DENR but it appeared the basis of the order was the allegation BNMI was operating in a watershed area, an allegation the company was disputing.

“In fact its nickel project is within a mineral reservation – Zambales Chromite Mineral Reservation – and for which the company is paying five percent royalty fee to the government in addition to excise tax, among others,” Benguet said.

It added its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement prior to approval was given the requisite area clearance by the DENR. In its response to the mining audit report on Oct. 24, 2016, Benguet maintained its operation was fully compliant with environmental standards. The lifting of the suspension order last Aug. 24, 2015 confirmed it had performed all the remediation conditions set by DENR.

Fire...

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The injured Japanese nationals were identified as Nahgae Hideki, 44, and Tushimitsu Endo, 66, technical supervisor and adviser, respectively, of House Technology Industries, a company that makes pre-fabricated house parts like bay windows and floor panels.

An initial 104 employees suffered severe burn injuries and were taken to the Divine Grace Medical Center and General Trias Pediatric Hospital in Tejero village.

Ten of the 104 victims were report-

Duterte...

From A1 The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. is headed by Chargé d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto.

In his speech, Duterte repeatedly denied the police involvement in the thousands of deaths that have resulted from his war

dent Rodrigo Duterte orders otherwise.

“We continue to uphold the supremacy of the peace process and we support the government. But at the moment we have already directed our troops to maintain a proactive defense,” he said.

He said the three soldiers were robbed of their money and personal belongings.

In Sultan Kudarat, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division, said two soldiers were abducted Thursday at around 7:30 a.m. by suspected NPA rebels in Columbio town.

He said the soldiers were members of the 39th Infantry Battalion.

“The NPAs are showing complete disregard of their own earlier pronouncement that their unilateral ceasefire is in effect until Feb. 10 by continuously committing atrocities against soldiers and civilians. The 10ID demands the immediate release of our soldiers,” Batchar said.

He said the abduction took place in Purok 7, Barangay Telafas as the soldiers were on their way to their battalion headquarters on board a motorcycle. With PNA It also said police were being paid by their superiors to kill, and documented victims as young as eight years old.

“The police are behaving like the criminal underworld that they are supposed to be enforcing the law against,” Amnesty said as it warned of possible crimes against humanity and that the International Criminal Court may need to investigate.

However, Duterte, was unrepentant on Thursday as he launched a profanity-laced tirade against his critics and rejected charges of human rights abuses. AFP

Task Force Against Illegal Drugs chief Ruel Bolivar; and Investigation Agent V Darwin Lising.

Diaz was ordered to return to his mother unit, the NBI Regional Operation Service.

Lising was reassigned to Bicol.

De Guzman was replaced by Sixto Burgos.

Deputy chief Ross Jonathan Galicia, who is second-in-command and part of the NBI Anti-Illegal Task Force , will now head the said Task Force.

Yap was replaced by De Guzman.

The revamp was ordered by Gierran after Dumlao , who is among those implicated in the crime, alleged in a television interview on Wednesday that Diaz’s men were also involved.

The latest suspension order issued on July 7, 2016 was not for environmental violations but for alleged filing of Kalikasan case, provincial moratorium on mining and complaints of anti-mining groups, which are premature and insufficient grounds for suspension, Benguet said.

It added: “The company will avail (itself) of various legal options available to it to nullify the baseless Closure Order upon its receipt.”

In Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, OceanaGold, which owns and operates the high-grade gold-copper Didipio Mine 270 kms north of Manila, said no further details of such an order were forthcoming at the press conference and that “we understand Didipio was one of six mining operations listed for proposed suspension, with another 21 mining operations listed for closure.”

The Company also said it had not received any formal suspension order from the DENR. “[Our] mining and processing activities are continuing and unabated at the Didipio Mine. There is no legal basis for any proposed suspension,” Wilkes said.

He said the Didipio operation was not in violation of any laws, rules or regulations, and the operation was not posing any threat to public, security, health, safety or otherwise. ed in critical condition.

Some of the survivors said the fire started at the panel saw section on the second floor and was followed by an explosion after the power went out.

Some of them said they crawled on top of dead bodies to get out while the employees on the third floor jumped down.

The fire was put under control around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, but the firemen failed to quickly enter the gutted area as smoke was still billowing inside the building.

Peza Director-General Charito Plaza said there were 6,000 to 7,000 employees working when the fire broke out.

on illegal drugs.

He had earlier said he would not help the undocumented Filipinos in the US who will be deported as a result of President Donald Trump’s stricter immigration policies.

“If you are not allowed to stay there, get out,” Duterte said.

“If you get caught there and deported, I will not lift a finger.”

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Du30, Putin to strengthen ties

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

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FILIPINO envoy to Moscow said Thursday Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin were determined to strengthen their countries’ diplomatic links and work together to combat the growing threat of transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking, among others.

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said: “Bilateral cooperation is indeed on the rise and that both President Duterte and Vladimir Putin are determined to

strengthen Philippine-Russia relations even more,” Sorreta said.

During his meeting with Russia’s head of the Legal and Treaties Department of

the Ministry of the Interior Lt. Gen. Alexander Avdeyko, both agreed to establish institutional linkages between the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other Philippine security agencies and the MoI to facilitate cooperation in combatting the growing threat of transnational crimes, especially drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking, among others.

“The Philippines recognizes the Russian Federation as an important partner in advancing its national security goals, including in its fight against transnational crimes and other public safety and public order issues,”

Sorreta said.

Avdeyko, for his part, noted that Philippine-Russia relations were on the rise based on the high-level contacts at the head of state and ministerial levels, and the expanding tourism exchanges.

He gave assurances his office was prepared to become a full-fledged partner in the fight against crime through capacity building activities.

These activities possibly include training and retraining of Philippine personnel in the MoI’s institutes and academies as well as cultural and sports exchanges, among others.

Aside from that, the two officials

agreed to speed up work on a draft legal framework in time for the visit Duterte to Moscow slated in the first half of 2017.

Both also acknowledged the importance of security cooperation as a pillar of PhilippineRussia relations.

Sorreta also said the Philippines and Russia were eyeing to expand both cooperation in energy including through an exchange of information, experts, and technology.

During his meeting with Roman Marshavin, director of International Cooperation of Russia’s Ministry of Energy, Sorreta suggested developing linkages between Russian ener-

gy companies and their Philippine counterparts to further expand Manila’s knowledge about Moscow’s energy production capabilities.

“Russia is a global leader when it comes to energy and has recently invested more time and focus in developing its technological edge in the area of alternative and sustainable sources of energy,” Sorreta said.

For his part, Marshavin agreed to communicate with Russian companies on this matter.

Sorreta said Marshavin also expressed interest in increasing current oil sales to the Philippines, given the country’s increasing energy needs.

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT of AGRARIAN REFORM ELLIPTICAL ROAD, DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY • TELS. 928-7031 TO 39 Department of Agrarian Reform ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 01 Series of 2017

SUBJECT: SUSPENSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NOs. 03, 04, 06 AND 07, SERIES OF 2016 AND AMENDMENT OF SECTIONS 19 AND 25 OF A.O. NO. 3, SERIES OF 2012 AMENDING SECTIONS 60 AND 71 OF A.O. NO. 07, SERIES OF 2011

NO VACANCY. The service road and sidewalks near the Redemptorist Street in Baclaran, Parañaque City are occupied by vendors and pedicab drivers, preventing private motorists access to these road arteries during peak traffic hours. Ey Acasio

JV wants Legal Fund for OFWs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR JV Ejercito is seeking to institutionalize and make available the Legal Assistance Fund for Overseas Filipino Workers from the time of arrest or charging until the trial proper, as well as during appeals.

Ejercito is pushing for this through his measure Senate Bill No. 157, which was tackled Thursday afternoon by the Senate Committee on Labor.

“If it is true that there are more than 3,000 cases against OFWs, then let’s have a plan to resolve them and be prepared to provide legal assistance to the reported 9,000 OFWs in detention. Let’s also start saving the lives of around 88 OFWs reported by the Department of Foreign Affairs who are now on death row overseas,” said Ejercifo.

Ejercito said it was high time the government actually did something about this.

“This Legal Assistance Fund will be for all those who have been brutally abused by their employers, physically and emotionally, those who have been raped and sexually assaulted, those who never got paid for their services and especially those who have been wrongly accused of crimes. This is for the victims of mysterious deaths who receive no justice at all,” he added.

Ejercito said for distressed OFWs, the government, through consular offices and embassies, should be their sanctuaries for help.

As this developed, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano renewed his call anew for the abolition of policies that unnecessarily burden the country’s OFWs. He specifically cited the Overseas Employment Certificate and the collection of terminal fees, the same policies that some 200 OFWs in Hong Kong raised when they picketed outside the office of the Philippine Consulate General over the weekend.

The protesters echoed the same sentiment that Cayetano shared in a live Facebook video after attending the first Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meeting last Monday.

The protest staged by the United Filipinos in Hong Kong complained the procedure introduced by the Department of Labor and Employment for securing the OEC in order to earn a refund of the terminal fee led to a “chaotic system that caused missed flights, long queues, fixers, and unnecessary expenses.”

Cayetano said the continued inclusion of the terminal fee in airline tickets purchased by OFWs violated the spirit of the law that exempts the latter from its coverage, and the exemption process only compounded the situation for the OFWs. “By law, migrant workers are exempted from paying the terminal fee. But since it is included in the ticket prices, they still have to line up to get refunds, which at times even causes missed flights,” he lamented.

Escudero still dubious on Aguirre

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Francis Escudero on Thursday said he was not convinced as yet that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had nothing to do with the P50-m bribery in exchange for the release of illegal Chinese workers in a casino owned by gambling mogul Jack Lam. Asked if he has cleared Aguirre after hearing his testmonies in the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, conducting inquiry into the bribe scandal at the Bureau of Immigration, Escudero said he was not ready to do that for some reasons.

Escudero said he was baffled why Aguirre would meet with Lam and his aide, retired police Supt. Wally Somberl, in a hotel if they were to talk job-related matters.

Aguirre admitted on Oct. 26, 2016, he met with Lam, who was then with two interpreters, and Sombero at Shangri-La Bonifacio Global City, where he earlier attended the San Beda College of Law Alumni Homecoming.

Aguirre was with dismissed Immigration Deputy Commissioner Al Argosino, one of the two BI officials implicated in the bribery. The other official named in the bribe scandal was Deputy Commissioner Michael Robles.

During the meeting, Sombero, who arranged the meeting, told Aguirre nobody was taking care of Lam for a long time.

Aguirre reportedly expressed displeasure and left, but before leaving, he reportedly instructed Argosino to take charge.

When pressed in the hearing if it was true that he told Argosino —‘‘bahala ka na dyan,” Aguirre said he could not remember saying those words, but in case he did, there was no malice in it. He insisted it was just a common expression.

The BI is an attached agency of the Department of Justice, headed

by Aguirre. The two deputy commissioners are fraternity brothers of Aguirre at Lex Taliones.

He divulged that Aguirre was also a lawyer in a case of Argosino, another reason their “closeness”

was indisputable.

Escudero also reiterated that Aguirre had been pushing for Argosino to replace BI Commissioner Jaime Morente as they have not been in good terms. But he does not know the reason for the existing animosity between the two.

“And why did he not delegate this to Morente and why the need for him to be there [in that meeting]. Morente, the boss of Argosino, was not there... Argosino faced Mr. Lam,” said Escudero.

“If it were true and Secretary Aguirre admitted it, why did he tell Wally Sombero to talk to the two BI commissioners and not [BI Intelligence Officer Charles] Calima.

I can’t get it. Was it because he [Aguirre] sees Calima dirty and the two as not [dirty]?’’

Escudero said it now depended on Argosino and Robles if they would opt to tell the truth and identify those involved and who ordered them.

Argosino and Robles stood their ground as they continuously protested their innocence.

PREFATORY STATEMENT In view of the numerous issues raised by stakeholders and field implementers, the Department Administrative Order (A.O.) Nos. 03, 04, 06 and 07, Series of 2016 are hereby suspended and Sections 19 and 25 of A.O. No. 03, Series of 2012 amending Sections 60 and 71 of A.O. No. 07, Series of 2011 are further amended.

GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1. Scope. – This Administrative Order shall cover the suspension of the following guidelines, and amendment of Section 19 of A.O. No. 3, Series of 2012 amending Section 60 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2011: 1. A.O. No. 03, Series of 2016 otherwise known as “Guidelines and Procedures to Stabilize Ownership and Tenureship of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries with Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs)”; 2. A.O. No. 04, Series of 2016 otherwise known as “Rules on Agri-business Venture Agreements”; 3. A.O. No. 06, Series of 2016 otherwise known as “Guidelines on the Issuance of the DAR Clearance to Authorize the Transfer of Ownership of Agricultural Lands”; and 4. A.O. No. 07, Series of 2016 otherwise known as “The Rules and Procedures Governing the Voluntary Transfer of Ownership of Agricultural Lands Covered by a Certificate of Land Ownership Award or an Emancipation Patent Prior to the Termination of the Holding Period”.

In effect, the following Administrative Orders and Memorandum Circular shall be revived: 1. A.O. No. 03, Series of 1993 otherwise known as: “Rules and Procedures Governing the Issuance of Collective CLOAs and Subsequent Issuance of Individual Titles to Co-Owners”; 2. a. A.O. No. 09, Series of 2006 otherwise known as: “Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Agribusiness Venture Arrangements (AVAs) in Agrarian Reform Areas”; b. A.O. No. 02, Series of 2008 otherwise known as: “Guidelines Governing Lease of Lands Under Agribusiness Venture Arrangement (AVA) in Agrarian Reform Areas and the Determination of Lease Rental Thereof”; 3. a. A.O. No. 01. Series of 1989 otherwise known as: “Rules and Procedures Governing Land Transactions”; b. A.O. No. 08, Series of 1995 otherwise known as: “Rules and Procedures Governing the Transferability of Lands Awarded to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 27, as Amended by Executive Order No. 228, and Republic Act No. 6657”, except Section 4, on Policy Statement of AO 8, Series of 1995; c. M. C. 19, Series of 1978 otherwise known as: “Rules and Regulations In Case of Death of a Tenant-Beneficiary”; and 4. A.O. No. 08, Series of 1995 otherwise known as: “Rules and Procedures Governing the Transferability of Lands Awarded to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 27, as Amended by Executive Order No. 228 and Republic Act No. 6657”, except Section 6 of EO 228.

Section 2. ARB’s Oath Before the Judge. - Section 19 of A.O. No. 3, Series of 2012 amending Section 60 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2011 is hereby amended to read as follows: “Section 19. ARB’s Oath Before the Judge. The ARBs who qualify under the screening process shall state under oath before the judge of the city or municipal court that he/she is willing to work on the land to make it productive and to assume the obligations imposed by pertinent Agrarian Reform Laws on beneficiaries under the Program. The ARB’s oath shall be in a language or dialect known and spoken by the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. The DAR shall arrange a schedule and transportation for the ARBs to take this oath before the judge or the judge to go to the places of the ARBs. Failure to take the ARB oath shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to become an ARB or as an exemption from fulfilling the obligations of an ARB under agrarian reform laws.

No Amendment of the Masterlist of ARBs. Qualified ARBs who failed to take the required oath before the judge within the given period shall not be removed from the Masterlist of ARBs, which shall not be subject to any amendment notwithstanding the failure of the ARBs to take the ARB Oath.

Section 3. Section 25 of A.O. No. 3, Series of 2012 amending Section 71 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2011 is hereby amended to read as follows: “Submission of the Approved Survey Plan, Masterlist and ARB’s Oath. The PARO shall submit the ASP to the LBP within three (3) working days from its receipt. If the ASP’s total area is not different from the survey plan included in the CF, then the LBP may determine the initial valuation of the covered landholding.

If the ASP is different from the findings in the FIR, a resurvey must be conducted to correct the discrepancy.

“The PARO shall also submit to the LBP the Masterlist of ARBs, the ARBs’ Oaths and the Land Distribution and Information Schedule (LDIS) within three (3) working days from the execution of the ARBs’ Oaths.

“No MOV shall be issued by the LBP prior to its receipt of the ASP, the Masterlist of ARBs, the ARBs’ Oaths and the LADIS” For this purpose, the ARB Oath shall be used in lieu of the Application to Purchase and Farmer’s Undertaking (APFU).

Section 4. Retroactive Application. – Upon the effectivity of this A.O., all pending applications/requests for Parcelization of Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), DAR Transfer Clearance and approval or revocation of Agribusiness Venture Arrangements (AVAs) shall be processed under the revived A.O.s.

Section 5. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. Effectivity. – This Administrative Order shall take effect ten (10) days after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Diliman, Quezon City, JAN 31, 2017.

RAFAEL V. MARIANO Secretary

Standard – Feb. 3, 2017

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Jitters in the BPO sector

P

RESIDENT Donald Trump’s promise to bring back jobs to the United States and renegotiate international trade agreements will have a serious impact on the Philippines, especially on sectors that are perceived to be heavily dependent on American investments.

The Philippine business process outsourcing industry, a sunshine sector that has generated over a million jobs and $22.9 billion in revenues in 2016, is naturally alarmed at Trump’s trade pronouncements.

Adelle Chua, Editor

President Trump has not publicly cited yet US companies that have outsourced their operations to the Philippines. He has so far called the attention of major car companies that have been allegedly stealing jobs away

from the US through manufacturing plants in Mexico and other nations.

But it will not be surprising if the new US president mentions sooner the practice of some American companies to outsource their accounting, medical transcription and other office jobs to the Philippines and threatens them with higher taxes and disincentives.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority earlier warned that the

expansion programs of the BPO sector might be put on hold because of Trump’s protectionist policies. Majority of the BPO companies in the Philippines are headquartered in the US, including Convergys, the largest private sector employer in the country. About 70 percent of revenues from BPO operations in the Philippines originate from American companies.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung

Kim has downplayed the reports that American business process outsourcing companies were holding off expansion in the Philippines, citing the “affinity that drive US companies to set BPO operations here in the Philippines.”

President Trump, however, is capable of doing the unimaginable. He has been tearing up international trade agreements, unmindful of the balance sheets of American

companies trying to compete in the global arena.

Trump’s protectionist policies may not after all single out the Philippines. Just the same, the Philippines should broaden its economic ties and start reducing its dependence on US investments. The rest of Asia and the economies of Australia and New Zealand, for one, offer equal business opportunities that could supplement American investments.

Sally Yates’ mistake Bloomberg editorial

The fixer LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES I HAVE a friend who works as a “fixer.” And in journalism lingo, such a person is not someone who helps you get the documents and small-time approvals you need from some front-line government office.

In the writing trade, a fixer is a local hired by a foreign journalist in order to understand the lay of the land and to navigate it. The fixer makes appointments for interviews for visiting journalists (known derisively to local deadline-beaters as “parachutists,” because they arrive here suddenly and just as abruptly transform themselves into experts on the Philippines), guides them to places of interest and helps set them up with everything from camera crews and transportation to interpreters and watering holes.

The campaign against illegal drugs started last year by the Duterte administration has been a boon to fixers like my friend. The parachutists have been arriving in droves from almost all Western media outlets that can still afford to send foreign correspondents to other countries for months now, and all of them want to do the same story: How President Rodrigo Duterte supposedly became a cross between Idi Amin and Dirty Harry, piling up bodies on the streets of Manila of anyone who remotely resembles a drug suspect as fast as they can be killed, man woman, or child.

But my friend, who also used to be a local reporter, told me that nearly all of the foreign journalists he has worked with recently have come here with “pre-written” stories in their heads. “They only seem interested in filling in the blanks in their reports with the names of actual persons, actual places

and the appropriate dates and times,” he said.

In one case, he said, he was working with a European journalist who simply could not get the pre-planned story he

Many foreign journalists have come to the Philippines with ‘pre-written’ stories in their heads. wanted: that the Philippine police were killing anyone for the flimsiest of reasons and that the citizenry was up in arms over the cold-blooded executions.

In interview after interview, in crime scene visit after crime scene visit, the journalist was not getting his story.

“I told him, maybe that’s the story you should write, because that’s the data you’ve gathered,” my fixer-friend told the foreigner. “At least it will be different from everything that your colleagues who’ve come over have written.”

The foreigner looked at my friend like he’d just encountered a crazy person—or at least someone who actually had the temerity to tell him, a big-shot reporter from a Western country, what to write. After a few more days of humiliating futility, the parachutist left the Philippines.

My friend the fixer said he saw what the visiting journalist wrote when he got back home. It was full of dramatic atmosphere and convincing boots-on-theground reportage—except that none of it, save for the fact that the reporter had actually come over, really happened.

My friend could only shake his head at the recollection. But he can’t really reveal the journalistic fakery that took place without risking his own lucrative livelihood as one of the best fixers in town.

And he needs more work because the flood of parachutists has gone down to a trickle. “The drug war in the Philippines has been covered to death, apparently, and everyone now wants to cover Donald Trump,” he explained.

Good luck with that, I told my friend. Like Trump cares about one more story—or a million more—in the press that takes a dim view of his presidency. *** Amnesty International, the United Kingdom-based human rights organization, has condemned the bloody war against illegal drugs started by President Rodrigo Duterte upon his election last year. The real news, of course, would be if it didn’t.

Turn to A5

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning people from seven Muslimmajority countries is un-American, dangerous and probably illegal, and the public response has been heartening: marches at airports, lawsuits, judicial stays, even some Republican criticism.

Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, however, went a step too far.

Yates told Justice Department staff members on Monday not to defend the order in court. Hours later, she was fired.

President Donald Trump was justified in doing so. The attorney general’s job is not to evaluate the wisdom of an executive order or a law, but rather to enforce those that are legally promulgated and passed. Once the department’s Office of Legal Counsel has affirmed this —as it did with Trump’s immigration ban—the Department of Justice has a duty to enforce it and defend it in court.

That said, the manner of Yates’s dismissal does not reflect well on the administration. The White House announcement of her removal was needlessly and inappropriately petulant, calling her “weak on borders and very weak on immigration.”

Just as depressing has been the congressional response to Yates’s firing. Democrats are treating her insubordination as a uniquely heroic act, even though it was at least partly political. Republicans, meanwhile, have tried to have it both ways: During her confirmation hearings in 2015, Republicans expressed hope that Yates would “show independence” from the White House and reminded her that her client was “the people of the United States—not the president.”

Yet most Republicans are now backing Trump’s firing.

However sympathetic one may be to Yates’s view, an orderly democratic society depends on a respect for— and adherence to—the law.

When public officials begin to pick and choose which laws to follow, the foundation of democratic governance begins to crumble. If Yates could not in good conscience do her job, the proper thing for her to do would have been to resign.

A public letter detailing her objections to Trump’s policy would have accomplished the same goal without undermining the rule of the law that she has honorably devoted her career to upholding.

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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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Opinion BACK CHANNEL

Tax-onomy *** Proceeds from the new fuel tax will be used to fund, not just infrastructure, but also social services and worker productivity programs. Obviously the intent of the last one is to enable workers to increase their income over time and keep up with any inflation adjustments to the tax.

As for social services, a major beneficiary will be the DSWD’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, a legacy from the PGMA years. Program members will be receiving an additional P300 a month, even as another six-million members can now be added to the rolls.

As against the additional benefit of P3,600 a year, the DoF estimates that each CCT family will incur an additional financial burden of P 1,055 a year, both from the fuel taxes and from follow-on price increases in other commodities. In other words, there is actually a potential net gain of P 1,545 per year for the poorest of the poor among us!

Another, perhaps unintended, beneficiary of the fuel taxes may also be the environment, as well as Metro Manila’s Sisyphean traffic situation, as and when the number of privately owned vehicles goes down.

Apart from fuel, the government also wants to increase excise taxes on automobile sales, raising another P31.4 billion in the first year alone.

Between both taxes, we may see a dampening in new automobile sales, which to date have persistently been rising year after year no matter what happens to the economy.

As both taxes in turn are used to fund the expansion and improvement of mass transit systems in Metro Manila, we may finally see a significant number of car owners leaving their vehicles at home. It ought to be a welcome break for that anonymous American lady upon whom so many Waze users have become so dependent. *** My upbeat closer for today is about US Court of Appeals Judge Neil Gorsuch, who’s been nominated by President Trump to take the Supreme Court seat vacated, fittingly enough, by the late Antonin Scalia, a conservative jurist of the first order.

Gorsuch’s credentials are sterling: Columbia, Harvard Law, and Oxford. He is an originalist who has defended religious freedom, favors a limited role for judges on constitutional issues, and is expected to vote against “innovations” like abortion and same-sex marriage.

Until laws like these are overturned, they remain Damocles’ swords hanging over countries like ours who may disagree with them, but who may be forced nonetheless to introduce similar policies on pain of losing financial aid and other American goodies.

Candidate Hillary was all set to do exactly that, had she won. Today our country is tilting away from the United States and the cultural morass its public commons has become. May we continue to be so preserved.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez’s Powerpoint cover slide was pretty blunt: “No taxes, no infra!”

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Defiant diplomats

FORMATION GARY OLIVAR

SPEAKING before the monthly meeting of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) last week, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez’s Powerpoint cover slide was pretty blunt: “No taxes, no infra!”

Which of course is just common sense to any ordinary housewife who has to make ends meet: No income, no outgo. You don’t need to be an economist to get that.

But some people are just plain stubborn. They’ll insist, for instance, that we can get by if only BIR and Customs worked harder and cleaner to collect more. These days, though, when both agencies are reportedly already clearing up to 90 percent of their collection targets, that approach will get us nowhere near the seven percent of GDP that Duterte wants to spend on infrastructure, double the current three-four percent.

It’s time to bite the bullet and pay up the additional taxes we’ll need to build more roads, bridges, ports, school buildings, and other infrastructure—not just to hit our goal of seven percent GDP growth every year, but more immediately to make up for the underspending that PNoy deliberately fostered throughout most of his term. *** Secretary D o m i n g u e z’s P800 -billion tax reform package has been applauded by analysts and economists for its success in balancing the need for more revenues with the equally important need to maintain progressiveness , i.e. tax the rich disproportionately more.

Phasing in the new taxes in three stages over the next two years also helps to ease the pain.

Unfortunately, the centerpiece of his program—new or higher fuel excise taxes, which will raise P120 billion in the first year alone—will also be the most contentious. Expect some congressmen to grandstand for their constituencies. And expect the Left to jump into the fray with pro-poor rhetoric that as usual misses the mark.

At today’s very low oil prices, the absolute amount of pain will be minimized. It’s actually an opportune time to restore the tax on diesel fuel (tax-exempt since 2005) and raise the tax on gasoline (taxed at only P 4.35 per liter over the last two decades).

Indexing the tax to inflation also allows the tax to keep pace with increases in the prices of whatever it is funding, whether infrastructure (e.g. rising cement and steel costs) or social services (e.g. higher prices of the basic commodities purchased by the poorest of our poor who subsist on cash transfers). But indexation will stop as soon as oil prices hit $100 a barrel, sparing us from both hyper-inflation and extreme oil price volatility.

The fuel tax burden will in fact fall disproportionately on the rich, who account for over half of transport fuel usage. The same tax paid by the rich guy who owns a diesel-powered SUV would be spread out among the 15 commuters who ride a jeepney or FX PUV with the same engine displacement.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO IT WAS an unexpected protest that came from the very core of Washington’s premier bureaucracy.

Expressing dissent to President Donald Trump’s temporary travel ban on citizens from seven Muslim countries, hundreds of American diplomats defied a White House warning not to criticize the controversial executive order.

The diplomats, in a rare display of dissent, sent a memo to the State Department’s leadership.

They expressed concern that the temporary suspension of visas and travel to the US from Muslim countries runs counter to American values. They also feared it might spark antiAmerican sentiments around the world.

The letter to the State Department did not give the exact number of diplomats who signed the protest that said the ban “stands in opposition to the core American and constitutional values that we as federal employees took an oath to uphold..”

Do these words express a portent of a basis for impeach-

ing Trump for violation of the US Constitution and betrayal of public trust? Never has an American president met so much opposition when he has not completed even his first 100 days.

The 45th president of America could be courting impeachment if he continues his reckless and controversial course.

True enough, Trump’s order to stop the US refugee program and the granting of visas to Muslim travelers has already drawn widespread protests at US airports and other parts of the world. Human rights groups, civil libertarians and popular figures of the American film industry are at the forefront of the protests.

Trump did not expect his travel ban would draw such flak.

A nation of immigrants, America could unravel if no remedial measures are undertaken by Trump and his close advisers. But his Cabinet— made up of big businessmen of right-wing persuasion—are not expected to offer cautionary counsel to the billionaire president.

The US State Department’s strong dissent to Trump’s discriminatory refugee order is something we cannot expect to see from our own corps of career diplomats. The Department of Foreign Affairs is a virtual old boys’ club network.

They stick together, making their career a priority over any other issues even if doing so is inimical to the country’s interests. Take for instance how President Duterte and his Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. are pulling the Philippines away from traditional allies and bringing it closer to China and Russia.

Seen in the light of the Chinese threat and aggressive moves in the South China Sea, for sure many of out bright career diplomats do not agree with the Duterte administration’s purported pursuit of an independent foreign policy. But we have yet to hear anyone from the top echelons of our envoys express a different or divergent view of this dangerous drift.

They can’t really be blamed for keeping their silence. Anyone who goes against the powers that be in the Palace and the Department will surely have his career advancement put on hold. It starts with a diplomat’s name not being included in the list of promotions and assignment to foreign posts.

We know of one diplomat who never made it as chief of mission; this was because he went against his superior ambassador who was then assigned in eastern Europe. This diplomat is about to retire soon without reaching the apex of ambassa-

dorship in the foreign service.

The DFA said it would provide assistance to Filipinos who could be deported from the US for being undocumented. But what can the DFA really do if the host government and Trump implement the policy of cleaning out the country of aliens illegally working? These aliens, after all, do not pay taxes. President Duterte himself said he supports Trump’s temporary refugee ban and selective migration policy.

Meanwhile on another front, former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon announced he’s not interested in running as president of South Korea. The country is in a tumultuous period after its president Park Gyun Hye was impeached for graft last December. The former top UN official said his sense of patriotism tells him that he should stay out of Korean politics and instead pursue as a private citizen much needed government reforms. Questions are also being raised on Ban’s competence and handling of world events as UN Secretary General.

South Korea is also under threat by the North’s Kim Jongun who has been developing nuclear warheads and saying he would unleash them against Seoul, Japan and the US West Coast.

Duterte stops PNP’s war on drugs VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ RODRIGO Roa Duterte is not a heartless, merciless killer, after all. He is affected by media criticism and global censure.

On Sunday, Jan. 29, the President put a stop to the 160,000-strong Philippine National Police conducting his vicious illegal drugs war, which had claimed 7,000 deaths in seven months of the campaign.

The unprecedented scale of violence has made Duterte’s the most violent presidency in history.

This year, Duterte would have exceeded the 10,000 or so alleged human rights violations under the 20-year presidency (1965-February 1986) of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. While campaigning for president, Duterte vowed to drown as many as 100,000 drug addicts and drug lords in already-polluted Manila Bay. Marcos was never formally convicted, in a competent Philippine court, for the so-called 10,000 human rights violations. Yet, the charge tarnished him forever in people’s memory and history. Per historians, Marcos’s alleged human rights victims numbered no more than 3,257, less than half Duterte’s alleged human rights victims by now.

Under Duterte’s no-quarters drugs war, from July 1, 2016 to January 22, 2017, media reports claim over 7,000 deaths linked to the “war on drugs”. Ten to 30 people were killed daily because of the drugs war. At this rate, Duterte’s war will exceed the casualties on both sides in either of the 47 years of the communist insurgency of the New People’s Army or the 44 years of the separatist insurgency of the Moro National Liberation Front

The...

From A4 But in its scathing assessment of Duterte’s drug campaign, AI came up with the totally new angle that the police were paying hitmen to kill drug suspects from P5,000 to P15,000 per “kill.” This is certainly news to Filipinos who would readily believe that corrupt policemen make money out of the campaign against drugs—but not

and/or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Two-thirds of the drugs war victims were killings under investigation. The police didn’t own up to them. The police blame vigilantes or an internecine war among the drug lords.

But most of the unexplained killings were perpetrated by so-called riding-in-tandem killers. They are so efficient and merciless one cannot but suspect the riders had formal training to kill and were under guidance, if not protection, by the police. Indeed, on the first day of the anti-drugs ceasefire, nobody was reported dead— proof that the police had something to do with the vigilante killings.

Per the PNP, the toll during July 1, 2016 to Jan. 22, 2017 under Duterte’s drugs war had reached 7,028—2,503 killed in police operations, 3,603 killed in cases under investigation, and 922 in cases where investigation had been concluded as of Jan. 9, 2017.

The PNP calls its drive against illegal drugs “Oplan Double Barrel.”

More insidious though is Project “TokHang”—a contraction of “toktok” and “hangyo” (Visayan words for “knock” and “request” respectively). Tokhang enables the police to make house-to-house calls in search of drug users, users and lords and their cache of illegal drugs.

On Sunday, Duterte “ordered the police to stop all its anti-illegal drugs operations.

No policemen in this country anywhere is allowed to enforce laws related to the drug campaign.”

The trigger was the kidnapping by the police of Jee Ick Joo, a South Korean businessman, from his house in Angeles City, Pampanga, in October 2016. Jee was brought the same day 100 kilometers south to the PNP headquar-

ters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. There, a few meters away from the home and office of PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the Korean businessman was strangled by a police sergeant, Ricky Sta. Isabel, allegedly upon the orders of his superior, police Col. Raphael Dumlao. Per investigation, Sta. Isabel and Dumlao were partners in a kidnapping syndicate preying on businessmen in the guise of conducting an illegal drugs war.

Chief Dela Rosa offered to resign amid the public outcry.

Duterte declined the resignation “because it would not contribute [to] anything.” Instead, the President ordered Dela Rosa to clean the PNP ranks of scalawags and criminals. While the cleansing is ongoing, the PNP has been banned from conducting the illegal drugs war.

The President called PNP “corrupt to the core”. “It (corruption) is in your system.”

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) would take the lead from the PNP, with the support of the army.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Dela Rosa issued this directive: “As directed by the President, we are going to dissolve all antidrugs units of the PNP at all levels, including the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group of the PNP [headquarters].”

Dela Rosa also created a counter-intelligence task force that would go after police officers engaging in criminal activities, including the illegal drugs trade.

Duterte says both Dumlao and Sta. Isabel shamed the police and shamed the presidency.

Sta. Isabel, a police sergeant, makes only P8,000 a month.

Yet, three years ago, he declared assets of P20 million. In 2015, he declared assets of P17 million. He has a four-story commercial building in Cubao, several houses in Caloocan

City, and several recent model vehicles.

“How could he [Sta. Isabel] have made P20 million in his lifetime,” asked Duterte in his Sunday press conference.

“That is what happens if you crave for material things you cannot afford,” the President concluded.

His message to the police: “If you want a better deal in life, get out [of the police force] and do business outside. Do not be a gangster because I will oversight [oversee you].”

To ensure police discipline, Duterte also announced the formation of an elite half a battalion size army force to track down the criminals masquerading as policemen. “I have them [the army] check you, what kind of businesses they are engaged in,” he told police scalawags.

The cleansing will be quite easy, according to the President. “All you have to do is look at the records and how many policemen have had cases, mostly involving extortion [and similar crimes].”

Why the army?

“I have raised the issue to the level of a national security [issue]. That empowers me to get into the picture, military doing police work. That is what is happening in Mindanao,” Duterte explained.

Policemen are supposed to be civil servants. They are not under military discipline although they sport military titles and epaulets. If found erring, policemen, unlike military men, cannot be confined to barracks to neutralize them.

Police scalawags have to be sort of tried by the National Police Commission, which procedure takes almost always forever.

About 40 percent of policemen charged are able to return to the police force.

actually shell out money of their own in order to help implement Duterte’s drive.

Indeed, while the policemen allegedly involved in the kidnapping, killing and disposal of the body of retired Korean executive Jee Ick Joo were said to have repurposed Duterte’s campaign using the old “hulidap” template, there is scant evidence to point to the subcontracting by the cops of the killing of drug suspects. Yet this is the conclu-

sion that AI arrived at, based on its interviews with anonymous actors in the anti-drug war, including, AI said, actual (if also unnamed) policemen.

According to the organization, it conducted more than a hundred interviews over three months in three selected areas before it came up with its damning report. But AI did not name any single person whose claims about the paying off of killers could be verified.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, reacting to the AI report, says he intends to write the rights group to ask it to help the Senate investigate its published claims.

“If they can prove that this is happening, it will be a big help; if not, they will have to answer for making false, unverified claims,” Lacson told me.

Fair enough. Let’s hope AI gives more details about its new, headline-grabbing reports in the coming days.

biznewsasia@gmail.com

News

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

9,264 HIV cases in 2016 T HERE were a total of 9,264 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases, including 1,113 full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases and 439 deaths, from January to December 2016, according to the Department of Health.

In December alone, the DoH said there were 750 new cases of HIV reported to the HIV/ AIDS Registry of the Philippines (HARP), including three pregnant women.

The DOH also affirmed its earlier finding that HIV has become an epidemic among the youth (15 to 24 years old) with

the rate of infecting going up from 25 percent in 2006-2010 to 28 percent in 2011-2016.

In December 2016, 34 adolescents aged 10-19 years were reported to HARP. All of them were infected through sexual contact (five male-female sex, 19 male-to-male sex, 10 sex with both males and females).

The HARP report revealed that 721 (96 percent) of the total figure were male, while 412 belonged to the 25-34 age group and 221 to the 15-24 age bracket.

Sexual contact emerged as the top mode of transmission, with 734 cases—88 percent of which were males having sex with males (MSM). The remaining 16 cases were acquired through needlesharing among drug users (IDU).

Of the 221 cases among those aged 15-24 years, 95 percent were male, and 219 were infected through sexual contact (23 male-female sex, 129 male-tomale sex, 67 sex with both males and females) and two through needle-sharing among IDUs.

The report also said that 267 of the cases (36 percent), were logged in the National Capital Region, which was followed by Calabarzon with 136 cases (18 percent); Central Luzon with 74 (10 percent); Central Visayas with 59 (8 percent); and Davao with 46 (6 percent). The remaining 168 cases (22 percent) were from other regions in the country.

Two of the three pregnant women were from NCR while the other one was from Central Visayas.

Since 1984 when health authorities began monitoring the disease, there have been 39,622 HIV positive cases, including 3,665 AIDS cases and 1,969 deaths.

IN BRIEF Lawyer urges Mancao release

Of the 39,622 cases, 93 percent, or 36,801, of whom were male.

Some 51 percent, or 20,386, were from the 25-34 age group while 10,720 were between 15 and 24 years old.

In the early years of the epidemic (1984 to 1990), 62 percent or 133 of 216 cases were female but as the years went by, the trend changed. From 1991 to the present, males comprised 93 percent or 36,718 of 39,395 cases.

The age group with the biggest proportion of cases has also turned younger. Between 2001 and 2005, it was 35 to 49 years.

However, starting 2006, the age proportion shifted to 25 to 34 years. Leilani Junio/ PNA

Navy men convicted over drug purchase

By Rio N. Araja THE Sandiganbayan has convicted ex-officials of the Philippine Navy over a P1.8-million medicine bid mess.

Former f lag officer in command Vice Admiral Mariano Dumancas Jr. was convicted for resorting to an emergency purchase without legal basis.

The anti-graft court also convicted Commander Rosendo Roque, a naval procurement cfficer; Commander Ramon Renales, price monitoring office head; Commodore Francisco Tolin, Philippine Coast Guard Deputy Commandant, and Commander Manuel Tuason, assistant chief of staff for logistics.

Dumancas and Roque were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of five counts of graft, while Renales was convicted of four counts. On the other hand, Tolin and Tuason were found guilty for one count each.

All of the accused were sentenced to a jail term of six to 10 years for each count.

Ombudsman prosecutors were able to prove Dumancas and the other respondents facilitated the procurement of P1,831,067 worth of medicine from 1991 to 1992 without a public bidding.

Documents showed the accused illegally resorted to emergency purchase without complying with procurement regulations and gave preference to specific brand names.

FORMER Senior Supt. Cesar Mancao should have been released within three days after his surrender because he is under the government’s Witness Protection Program, his lawyer said Thursday.

Ferdinand Topacio asked a Manila court to order Mancao’s release since he was under the WPP when he testified against Senator Panfilo Lacson on Lacson’s alleged involvement in the DacerCorbito double-murder case.

Topacio said he wrote former Justice secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima as early as 2012 to release Mancao but she refused.

“This has resulted in an anomalous and unfair situation for Mr. Mancao wherein he is the only accused left in the Dacer-Corbito case, although he is the star witness for the prosecution,” Topacio said, adding Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao, who violated his WPP immunity by testifying in favor of the accused, has already been reinstated in the police force. Rey E. Requejo

De Los Santos now PhilHealth kidney center

EDUCATION VS IGNORANCE. A group of students walk to classes at Bayabao Elementary School which was damaged by the attack of the Maute group in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Mark Navales

61,196 ‘Yolanda’ victims get govt aid TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development confirmed on Thursday it will distribute the government’s P5,000 emergency shelter assistance to 61,196 victims of typhoon “Yolanda” in the Eastern Visayas region.

DSWD regional director, Restituto Macuto, said the list of additional claimants was based on the information provided by people’s organizations, such as the People Surge.

“All of them were listed before Nov. 8, 2016 and they are entitled to receive the ESA, as validated by our agency,” Macuto said.

He clarified that those who have already received assistance from the government, such as housing assistance, are not allowed to receive the ESA, however, those who have received assistance from private organizations may still receive the P5,000 cash aid.

Those who are living in areas declared as no-build zones and

are not recipients of any assistance from the government will also receive the shelter assistance, he added.

The DSWD will no longer conduct on-site validation, rather they will recheck the spelling of names to avoid any problem during the actual distribution.

“If their names are not spelled correctly, we might have a problem in the issuance of checks,” Macuto explained.

The DSWD is set to distribute

the ESA to more than 194,000 recipients in all “Yolanda”-hit areas in the central Philippines before the end of March.

Before Feb. 10, the field office will send the list of names with correct spelling to their central office.

Between 2013 and 2015, the government had distributed P30,000 in ESA to families whose houses were totally damaged and P10,000 for each family whose house was partially damaged. PNA

DE LOS Santos Medical Center, a subsidiary of Manuel V. Pangilinan’s MVP Group of Companies under the Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. banner, recently became the first private Level 3 hospital located in Quezon City to be recognized as a PhilHealth-contracted institutional Healthcare Provider of specialized care for End Stage Renal Disease requiring kidney transplantation.

The hospital can now offer the Z Benefit Package for Kidney Transplantation where PhilHealth will cover half of the hospital expenses incurred as a result of the transplant procedure.

“Qualified PhilHealth members and dependents with Chronic Kidney Disease [CKD] or ESRD can now look forward to a new lease on life with this new development,” commented Nilo De Los Santos, MD, VP for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of De Los Santos Med. To inquire about the Z Benefit Package for Kidney Transplantation, visit De Los Santos Med’s Kidney Transplant Office at the 3rd floor of their Main Hospital Building or call 723-0041 to 54 ext. 7158.

996 new MM policemen hired

By Joel E. Zurbano THE National Capital Region Police Office has announced the hiring of 996 new police officers who will undergo training to strengthen the Metro Manila police force.

NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde administered the oathtaking at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City of the new recruits set to undergo one-year rigorous police training and fill up the inadequate numbers of policemen totaling to 165,000 personnel nationwide.

Albayalde said out of the 3,800 applicants, only 996 passed the initial recruitment process administered by the Philippine National Police-Recruitment Selection Board of the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division.

The oathtaking ceremony serves as their entrance to undergo the Public Safety Field Training Pro-

gram for one year wherein they must endure the painstaking physical conditioning to develop their efficiency and to instill discipline and camaraderie within them.

The new batch will also undergo theoretical and physical training that will develop organizational development and enhance their competence, discipline, professionalism and excellence at the National Capital Region Training Center in Bicutan and in the Bicol region.

The training aimed to measure their endurance and determination as well as to further introduce them the Police Operational Procedure and Basic Laws; and nonacademic such as self-defense and firearm proficiency that will enhance their competence, and institute their proficiency in the field of investigation, patrol and traffic management.

Their performance rating within

the training will be their requisite to get their permanent status in the National Police.

Albayalde said his office will never tolerate the presence of scalawags in the organization as he reiterated in his order to strengthen the implementation of the NCRPO’s anti-criminality operations within Metro Manila.

“We have zero tolerance on police scalawags. You all know the consequences of being involved in illegal activities so, you have to refrain from doing so,” Albayalde stated.

Meanwhile, a total of 92 police commissioned officers and 947 non-commissioned officers were promoted to their next higher rank.

Among the 5,114 qualified aspirants for promotion, only 1,039 were chosen to fill up the second semester quota of promotion for calendar year 2016.

LIFE SAVING TEAM. Members of De Los Santos Medical Center’s kidney transplant team: (bottom row, fourth from left) Arwin Ronan Ronsayro, MD, co-chairman of the Kidney Transplant Team; (bottom row, fifth from left) Lysander Ragodon, VP for Business Development and Planning of De Los Santos Med; (bottom row, sixth from left) Nilo De Los Santos, MD, chairman of the Kidney Transplant Team and VP for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of De Los Santos Med; the rest of the Kidney Transplant Team.

MIAA: Cabbie abuses may lead to total ban from airport MANILA International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal is considering a total ban of regular white taxis from picking up passengers at the airport in reaction to mounting public complaints against overcharging and other abuses.

But the problem at the moment, according to Monreal, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport does not have enough accredited taxis and vehicles-for-hire to take thousands of domestic

and international passenger arriving daily.

“Initially, there is no contract between the white taxis and the MIAA. The reason why we allowed them because, before, passengers were experiencing long queue. So, we let them for the passengers to get an option to get a ride,” said Monreal in a press conference at the Naia Terminal 1 Thursday.

He added “once I was given the numbers of Yellow Taxis, Coupon or Uber Taxis we

need that is enough to service the riding public, then, by tomorrow I will immediately remove them.”

The MIAA tapped the Airport Police Department to create a special task group led by APD Officer II Roderick Mejia and ordered them to intensify case build up on the illegal activities of white taxi drivers.

The most recent incident happened last week involving passenger Ralph Perez who

complained he was a victim of Bernadell (UWN-692) taxi driver Victorino Duldulao, who was arrested and later charged criminally before the Pasay City prosecutors office.

The authorities also found out that the taxi is not a legitimate franchise and engaged in “double registration plate modus.” They later learned that Duldulao has an outstanding robbery case.

Monreal also called on other victims of

Duldulao to come forward.

“With this development, we are now coordinating with other possible victims of the suspect for consolidation and immediate filing of the criminal case,” he said.

So far, more than 300 white regular taxis were placed under the MIAA black list prohibiting them from picking up passengers at the four terminals of the country’s premier airport. Joel E. Zurbano

Sports

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Blackwater battles Rain or Shine W

By Jeric Lopez

HO will punch the last ticket to the quarterfinals?

Rain or Shine and Blackwater both want to do just that but only one of them will move forward in the post-season of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

The Painters and the Elite dis- able in the quarterfinals tonight pute the eighth and last spot avail- as they figure in a playoff game

for the No. 8 seed at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The two teams ended up tied at No. 8, both finishing with 5-6 records, after the elimination round.

The victor will complete the eight-team quarterfinals cast and will join top seed San Miguel Beer, Alaska, Star, TNT KaTropa, GlobalPort, Phoenix Petroleum and Barangay Ginebra there.

On the other hand, the loser will have an early vacation and join ousted squads NLEX, Meralco

and Mahindra there.

It’ll be a tall task for whoever gets the last spot in the playoffs as it will take on dominant defending champion San Miguel Beer and will hold a twice-to-win disadvantage as well.

Rain or Shine actually started out the tournament very solidly before fading in the most crucial stretch.

The Elasto Painters spent a lot of time at second place early on but fell hard after losing their last

four assignments.

The Elite also spent some time in the upper half of the ladder early on but lost steam as well.

Both are now in a must-win situation to salvage what’s left of their campaigns.

Rain or Shine wants to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight conference while Blackwater aims for a probable second run in the quarterfinals in its history.

The Elasto Painters had a golden opportunity to book themselves

the last seat in the next phase but failed to do so.

Last Wednesday night, all they needed to do was win against Alaska to avoid complications and it looked good when they led by seven points with three minutes left.

But the Painters faltered and eventually fell to the Aces, 89-94, in a tough loss as they are now in harm’s way.

The Elite’s last assignment was last week when it fell hard against Star, 111-95.

Lady Chiefs seek championship slot ARELLANO University seeks to forge an interesting title showdown with San Sebastian as it clashes with defending champion St. Benilde today in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

Ensured of a twice-to-beat incentive after clinching the second seeding, the Lady Chiefs will need just a win against the Lady Blazers in their 3:30 p.m. showdown to advance to the championship round against the Lady Stags.

San Sebastian swept its way to the finals to enjoy a thrice-tobeat edge.

Arellano U defeated St. Benilde, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, in their first round meeting on Jan. 11 but coach Obet Javier said they have to play harder to pull off a repeat against the latter.

“We all know they (St. Benilde) beat us in the stepladder semis last year and we need to really play harder to prevent it from happening again this year,” said Javier, who is eyeing to steer his team back to the finals after winning it all two seasons ago, in Filipino.

The Lady Blazers kept their

Games today (Feb. 3) (Filoil Flying V Center) 10 a.m.- UPHSD vs EAC (jrs stepladder) 1:30 p.m.- CSB vs UPHSD (men’s Finals) 3:30 p.m.- AU vs CSB (women’s stepladder)

title-retention hope alive after turning back the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in the first stepladder semis Tuesday, 25-22, 25-20, 25-15.

St. Benilde mentor Macky Carino said they remain confident despite the odds.

“We’re in a familiar place like last year and I’m optimistic we can come through,” said Carino, whose charges came all the way from No. 4 to claim the crown last season.

In men’s play, defending champion Perpetual Help and St. Benilde start their best-ofthree title duel as the two face off at 1:30 p.m.

Both games will be telecast live on ABS CBN’s Sports and Action Channel 23.

In juniors action, reigning titlist Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo collide one final time at 10 a.m. with the winner arranging a finals match with Lyceum of the Phl U, which swept the elims to barge into the Arellano University spiker Jovielyn Grace Prado (18) spikes the volleyball past College of St. Benilde blockers Jeannette Panaga (6) and Pauline finals.

Cadiente (8) during their NCAA ladies volleyball elimination round game. Roman Prospero

Blue Eaglets smother Junior Warriors, 92-53

By Peter Atencio THE Ateneo Blue Eaglets again drew big baskets from the sons of two former Philippine Basketball Association stars to post a 92-53 smothering of the University of the East Junior Warriors last Wednesday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Dave Ildefonso, one of two sons of two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso who are following their dad’s footsteps, struck

with 10 of 12 points in the first period as the Blue Eaglets took charge right away.

His efforts helped the Blue Eaglets move in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four semifinals with their 10-3 win-loss record in third spot.

The Blue Eaglets, who got a game-high 14 points from SJ Belangel, moved a win behind the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, who pulled off a 70-56 crushing of the La Salle Zobel Junior Archers to hike their slate at second spot

Games Saturday (Filoil Flying V Centre) 9 a.m. – UST vs UE (Jrs) 11 a.m. – DLSZ vs UPIS (Jrs) 1 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Jrs) 3 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Jrs)

with their 11-2 slate.

Kai Sotto, six-foot-nine, 14-year-old son of former 6’7” PBA big man Ervin Sotto, banged in 10 points and had eight rebounds.

His two charities in the last 1:08 of the second period handed Ateneo its biggest edge, 58-28.

The defending champion Na-

tional University Bullpups have already earned the first twice-tobeat edge after after crushing the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 90-64.

Karl Peñano led the five Bullpups players who produced double-digit scores with 15 points.

Louell Gonzales and Rhon Abarrientos towed FEU-Diliman with 20 and 13 points, respectively.

The Junior Maroons, the Junior Archers and the Tiger Cubs are now tied in fourth

place at 5-8.

They have a chance to earning the last seat and their fates will be determined in the final game day of the eliminations on Saturday.

NU assumed the solo lead after the UAAP Board on Tuesday nullified Adamson University’s 11 wins in the eliminations for fielding in an ineligible player in guard Encho Serrano.

Adamson University walloped University of Santo Tomas, 92-58, for its first win without Serrano.

Break dancing in Youth Games

PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVES. Davis Cup team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier (center), also

the Philta chairman and president/CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, joins Davis Cup team members, from left: assistant coach Johnny Arcilla, AJ Lim Jr., Ruben Gonzales, Treat Huey, Francis Alcantara and non-playing team captain Karl Santamaria.

THE Philippines will most likely participate in break dancing, a style of street dance that is being introduced in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

Jonee Go, who was designated as the national delegation’s chef de mission, said in a radio interview that it is among the 31 sports disciplines that will be calendared.

“There are 31 sports in the calendar. But, unfortunately, it’s among three sports that we have no information yet of the qualification process,” said Go. The YOG is set to be held from October 1 to 12 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Break dancing originated among Puerto Rican and African American youth, during the mid 1970s and eventually grew in popularity.

It was was included in the calendar of Buenos Aires 2018 during last month’s International Olym-

pic Committee Executive Board meeting, along with karate and sport climbing.

Competition will be held under the auspices of the World DanceSport Federation, which is the international governing body for competitive amateur ballroom dancing.

Also in the calendar are aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, beach handball, beach volleyball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, futsal, golf, gymnastics, judo, and modern pentathlon.

Then, there’s rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling.

Go said she was surprised to see sports disciplines like karate which has been included.

She said that is among the sports disciplines which have a robust grassroots program. Peter Atencio

Sharapova took up boxing during year-long suspension MOSCOW, Russia—Maria Sharapova said Wednesday she refused to feel sorry for herself during her doping ban, occupying her time by studying at Harvard, writing a book and even learning how to box.

The former world number one and five-time Grand Slam title winner told a Russian chat show that she particularly enjoyed lacing up a pair of boxing gloves as

part of her fitness regime.

“I tried boxing as I needed to keep myself in good form. It was great as I could imagine some particular people whom I wanted to hit,” said the 29-year-old, without elaborating on the identity of her imagined targets.

Sharapova was banned from the sport after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

However, she will return to

action at the Stuttgart claycourt tournament on April 26 after her initial two-year ban was cut to 15 months.

Her reappearance in the sport will come seven days after her 30th birthday.

“I found out that I’m very good in resting,” added Sharapova when she was asked what lessons she had learned during her enforced absence from the tour and

which has left her without a world ranking.

“Formerly I couldn’t imagine what to do during such a huge period of free time. I had almost 12 months to think, to read books etc.”

She added: “I also had a vacation in Croatia, I celebrated the New Year in Hawaii. I’ve never been in London as a tourist before.

I’ve seen almost nothing there while playing at Wimbledon.”

Sharapova, who studied at Harvard Business School to help expand her candy business, added she had written a book about her life.

“I wrote a book which will be out in September. First it will be issued in English and then translated into Russian.”

Earlier on Wednesday Sharapova said it was too early to discuss the possibility of her participation in 2020 Olympics at Tokyo. AFP

Japanese wrests TCC leadership SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Japanese Toru Nakajima teed off last and came out on top of the elite 30-player field, his wind-raked two-under 70 netting him a two-stroke lead over Jhonnel Ababa and Angelo Que at the start of The Country Club-Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup at the TCC here yesterday.

The new-look course proved as tough as hyped for its length and the wind with the local aces, including five of the six winners of what has been considered as one of the country’s premier championships, fumbling with over-par scores on a hot, breezy day.

“It’s a very difficult course, very long but beautiful and I’m enjoying it,” said Nakajima, one of the three foreigners given last-minute slots in what used to be an allFilipino P5 million event.

“I’m happy to be given a chance to play in this tournament,” added Nakajima, who leaned on his solid driving and putting to take control of the stellar field.

While majority of the select field stumbled at the backside of the Tom Weiskoph-designed layout, Nakajima came through with two birdies that anchored his impressive opening round in the event put up by ICTSI chairman and president Ricky Razon in 2003 to honor the memory of his father, ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.

Ababa actually bettered Nakajima’s backside effort, ramming in a 31 spiked by a chip-in eagle on the par-5 10th. But he needed to bounce back strong from a disastrous opening 41 to salvage a share of second at 72 with three-time winner Que, who missed moving within one off Nakajima with a final hole bogey.

“I had a good start at the back and my putting clicked,” said Ababa, who chipped in for eagle from 35 yards on No. 10 then birdied Nos. 12, 17 and 18 inside six feet.

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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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

PNG needs LGUs

By Peter Atencio THE success and future of the Philippine National Games lies in the participation and cooperation of the barangays and the local government units.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said this as the government sports agency goes into a meeting with Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Ismael Sueno.

R a m i r ez s a id t hey a r e s e ek i ng the revival and implementation of executive order 63, which was passed in 1993 and creates the national, provincial, city, municipal and barangay f itness and sports development councils.

“We are planning to have a meeting on the basis that we are trying to revive its structure, not only at the national level, but also in the provinces and the cities,” said Ramirez.

The PSC chief said the grassroots program that the agency is implementing will not be realized without the commitment of the LGUs. This February, a regional training center will rise up in the province of Davao del Norte.

Ramirez said this will start their effort in helping strengthen the development of athletes in the regions and at the grassroots level.

The center will be set with the support of Davao del Norte governor Anthony del Rosario.

He said the training center will focus on developing athletes at the scientific level.

PPS-PEPP launches competition ACTION in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis tournament shifts to Butuan City starting today, Friday, Feb. 3 with another huge field clashing for top honors and ranking points at the Butuan Capitol and Luz Village Tennis Club.

Dana Abad, Patricia Velez, Winona Cabardo and Angelica Novis banner the girls’ 18-and-under cast with Abad, Cabardo and Novis also vying in the 16-U side of the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Renest Sonsona and Ramon Bentillo, on the other hand, are tipped to slug it out for the crown in the boys’ premier side although a slew of other talented players are raring to gain a crack at the crown in the four-day event serving as the third leg of the 58-stage circuit put up by the country’s leading pawnshop and remittance center to boost the sport and help produce future national players.

“Although the regular campaigners have the edge in terms of experience, we also expect some surprises that have been the norm in the circuit with so many young, new faces emerging from each leg,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Minette Bentillo and Novis headline the girls’ 14-U field while Kristine Bandolis, Casey Padilla, Jillian Manangking and Jasmen Kadalum are expected to dispute the 12-U crown in the event backed by new sponsor Asiatraders Corp. and sanctioned

by Philta.

Meanwhile, the fourth leg will be held in Cagayan de Oro on Feb. 9-13 with listup ongoing, according to Bobby Mangunay, also the PPS-PEPP sports program development director. For details, call 0915-4046464.

Sports Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) glides to the hoop against Toronto Raptors defenders DeMarre Carroll (5) and Lucas Nogueira (92) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on February 1 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics beat the Raptors 107-102. AFP

Thomas heroics power Celtics past Raptors L

OS ANGELES —Isaiah Thomas worked his fourth-quarter magic yet again on Wednesday as the Boston Celtics erased an 18-point third-quarter deficit en route to a 109104 NBA victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Thomas scored 19 of his 44 points in the final period, including a go-ahead threepointer with 48.1 seconds remaining.

He had scored nine straight points to give Boston their first lead of the contest, 95-94, with 4:39 to play.

The lead changed hands half a dozen times after that, until his three-pointer from the left wing lifted the Celtics to a 103-

101 advantage they wouldn’t relinquish.

The win over a Raptors team playing the second game of a back-to-back without injured All-Star DeMar DeRozan, gave Boston a 1 1/2game lead over Toronto atop the Atlantic Division.

If they’re in front when the week ends on Sunday, Celtics coach Brad Stevens will coach the Eastern Conference team at

the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans on February 19.

Meanwhile, the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers put a disappointing January behind them on Wednesday, delivering an overwhelming offensive performance in a 125-97 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kyrie Irving passed for a career-high 14 assists and added 14 points, and superstar LeBron James added 27 points and 12 assists for a Cavs team that struggled to a 7-8 record in the first month of the year.

The team’s 37 total assists were a season high, and they scored their most points in a game since a December 7 home victory over

the New York Knicks.

“Are we going to have 37 assists every night? No. We have to make shots still, but the way Kyrie was moving the ball, myself, got guys involved, guys felt good when the ball got to them and they just locked and loaded and shot,” James said. “We have to continue to do a great job and see what happens.”

James said at morning shootaround he was focused on getting the current Cavs playing like a championship team, after calling on management to add a playmaker to fill a vacant roster spot.

The Cavaliers auditioned several free agents on Wednesday afternoon, although coach Tyronn Lue declined to comment

on the chances any of them would be signed.

“We’re just continuing to look at ways to get better,” Lue said.

“Just starting the process of looking and seeing what we can find. That’s it.”

Tristan Thompson scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Channing Frye scored 18 points starting in place of Kevin Love, who again sat out with a sore back.

While the Cavs lead the Eastern Conference at 33-15, they’re nowhere near as dominant as the Golden State Warriors are in the West.

The Warriors pushed their league-leading record to 42-7 with a 126-111 romp past the Charlotte Hornets. AFP

Brazilian fighter Silva sees crack at world title

MMA competitor, Brazilian fighter Alex ‘Little Rock’ Silva has the same desire of becoming a world champion in the sport. ONE Championship

EVERY Mixed Martial Arts fighter dreams of becoming a world champion because it signifies that they have reached the pinnacle of success.

Competitors invest blood, sweat, and tears to achieve the ultimate career-defining moment of having a gold-plated strap wrapped around their waists and hearing the announcer declare their names as champions.

Like any other professional MMA competitor, Brazilian fighter Alex “Little Rock” Silva has the same desire of becoming a world champion in the sport.

According to the 34-year-old submission specialist, winning an MMA world title is what keeps him focused and motivated to continue the intensive work at the gym.

“My goal is to be champion. I know where I am right now and where I will be in the future. That’s why I am taking it one fight at a time and continuing the hard work in training. I will just be focusing on reaching my goal regardless whom I face inside the cage,” he said.

Widely recognized as one of the best strawweight combatants in

ONE Championship today, Silva is riding high on a three-fight winning streak.

In addition, he is known to be a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with a terrifying ground game and a knack for securing highlight-reel submission finishes. Four of his professional career wins came by way of submission.

Silva has the opportunity to cement his status as the next contender for the ONE Strawweight World Championship if he will play his cards right against Filipino stalwart Roy Doliguez.

The two men collide on the undercard of ONE: Throne of Tigers, which takes place at the 12,000-capacity Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 10.

Silva believes that a convincing victory over Doliguez will put him closer to a date with current titleholder Yoshitaka Naito as his opponent once vied for the ONE Strawweight World Championship.

“It’s really up to ONE Championship. But I already won three consecutive times. My opponent fought for the world title before. If I get an impressive win in this fight,

there’s a big possibility that I will get a title shot in my next fight,” he said.

Although he has his sights set on a heftier prize, Silva clarified that defeating Doliguez is his main priority.

“I don’t want to be complacent in this fight. From start to finish, I have to be spectacular. Like what I’ve said, I want to be a champion.

If I wish to become a champion, I have to beat my opponent first,” he said.

ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABSCBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.

Kabul women learn martial art KABUL, Afghanistan—Sima Azimi frowns as she pirouettes in the snow, suspended for a moment against the sky on a hill overlooking Kabul and above the conservatism of contemporary Afghanistan.

There is still a need for boldness among young Afghans who wish to indulge in sport—even more so with a martial art like wushu, popularized by stars such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li, which Azimi has taught for a year in the war-torn capital.

Earlier this week the 20-yearold woman left her club in western Kabul, sheltered from

prying eyes by a discreet but heavy metal door, to train her young pupils in the open air.

In black or pink satin pyjamas, their hair covered, they practise the modern sport derived from traditional Chinese arts mastered by, among others, the flying monks of Shaolin in northern China.

Mixing boxing and blade control, sabres and daggers, wushu can be a choreographed exhibition of acrobatics or a full-contact sport, a challenge to gravity that requires bodies of steel and rubber.

On the warm-up mat, faces sometimes twist under stress

and pain as Azimi, a black belt, presses and pushes them.

Azimi’s family took refuge in Iran when she was two years old, with Afghanistan still under the Taliban regime. There the slender young woman was introduced to wushu.

When she returned one year ago she immediately opened her club in a stronghold of the ethnic Hazara community, of which she is a member, in Kabul.

“Unfortunately, we have only Hazara students here and I don’t like this, I am not comfortable with this solo ethnicity in my club,” she tells AFP, adding she wants to welcome girls

Arghanistan’s first female wushu trainer Sima Azimi (center), 20, leads her group of wushu practitioners at the Shahrak Haji Nabi hilltop overlooking Kabul. Azimi, 20, is training 20 Afghan girls aged between 14 - 20 at a wushu club in Kabul, after learning the sport while living as a refugee in Iran. AFP

from other communities.

Hazaras, a long persecuted Shiite minority, are among the most open people

in Afghanistan. Women are freer in their movements and more independent; men less oppressive to them. AFP

UnionBank expects 31% lending growth B2

Business

Aboitiz Power wins deal with food firms

By Alena Mae S. Flores FOUR of the largest members of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. on Thursday signed power supply agreements with Aboitiz Power Corp. to support their operations.

Aboitiz Power said Foodsphere Inc. (CDO), Virginia Food Inc., LIIP Food Processors Inc. (Century Pacific) and GenOSI (McDonald’s) signed up for a combined 12 megawatts of capacity supply from retail electricity suppliers Advent Energy and Aboitiz Energy Solutions.

Foodsphere president Jerome Ong said his company signed up with Aboitiz Power because the latter was one of the most experienced energy retailers in the market.

“We chose AboitizPower because of their cost-effective energy rates that would result to optimum savings for our company. Their being one of the most experienced and reputable energy source was another deciding factor. They have a very responsive and technically competent team

that always provides superior after-sales support,” he said.

Aboitiz Power executive vice president and chief operating officer for corporate services Luis Miguel Aboitiz said in a statement the group was looking forward to a stronger partnership with its new customers and Pampi as an organization.

“We are proud to be partners with an industry that is basically woven into the Filipino lifestyle and an industry that employs a lot of Filipinos,” Aboitiz said.

Aboitiz Power chief operations officer for coal group Sebastian Lacson said the company’s biggest advantage was its diverse portfolio, which gave it the ability to respond to the needs of the customers while maintaining a competitive price.

“Our experience in both power generation and distribution gives us the capability to provide solutions to the needs of our customers. We are happy to be part of the meat processing industry and to support them as they set out for more growth in the next years,” Lacson said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

S

TATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority said Thursday it is reviving the roll-on roll-off or Ro-Ro port system to boost trade and tourism.

“The Ro-Ro system is the most efficient means to connect the country’s islands, which is why it is important to guarantee its continued viability for trade and tourism,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.

“With the influx of bigger, high-capacity and sophisticated Ro-Ro vessels, we need a responsive port system to cater to these demands,” he said.

The administration of former President Benigno Aquino III cancelled most Ro-Ro port contracts in 2011. The Ro-Ro system is a project initiated by former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Manila

TODAY

Four of the largest members of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. sign up with Aboitiz Power Corp.’s retail electricity suppliers to support their operations. Shown during the signing of the power supply agreements at Seda Hotel in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig are (from left) Aboitiz Power executive vice president for energy trading and sales Rochel Donato Gloria, Virginia Food Inc. president Felix Tiukinhoy, Aboitiz Power executive vice president and chief operating officer for corporate business group Luis Miguel Aboitiz, Foodsphere Inc. president Jerome Ong, Therma Luzon Inc. president and chief operating officer Sebastian Arsenio Lacson and Century Pacific vice president and general manager Rex Agarrado. Lino Santos

By Othel V. Campos TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. said Thursday export revenues increased 3 percent last year to $841 million from $840.7 million in 2015, led by a significant increase in shipments of automotive parts.

TMPC disclosed the numbers during a meeting with Toyota Group of Export Suppliers and Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Charito Plaza.

TMPC president Satoru Suzuki said Toyota Group’s exports of automotive parts accounted for 21 percent of the country’s auto parts exports in 2016.

The group informed Peza about the challenges that the auto manufacturing industry was facing, while Plaza gave assurance of policy consistency and a “revolutionized” Peza to improve the business climate.

Toyota Group committed to help the country achieve sustainable growth and progress through the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy or Cars program.

“We would like to take advantage of the current market growth to further develop local production with support under the Cars program. Through investments, employment generation and more parts export, the auto industry will play a great role in economic development,” Suzuki said.

Toyota registered with the Cars program in July 2016 with an initial investment of P3.2 billion in vehicle production and parts localization.

business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

B1

Govt opts to revive Ro-Ro port projects

Standard

Toyota registers exports of $841m

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

IN BRIEF BSP to consider latest Fed decision

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said Thursday the latest move of the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady will be one of the major factors the Monetary Board will consider in its policy meeting next week.

Tetangco said in a mobile message the Fed’s relatively positive outlook on the US economy suggested it was on track with policy tightening this year.

“This is roughly consistent with what we have incorporated in our baseline scenario. We will note this development at our policy meeting next week, as well as the inflation outlook over the policy horizon,” Tetangco said.

The US Fed on Feb. 1 kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged in its first policy meeting since President Donald Trump took office.

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral, kept the benchmark interest rates steady on Dec. 22 due mainly to manageable inflation environment and sustained domestic economic growth.

Tetangco said the domestic demand conditions were likely to stay firm, backed by solid private household spending, higher government expenditures, and adequate domestic liquidity. The economy grew 6.6 percent in the last quarter of 2016, bringing the full-year average to 6.8 percent. Julito G. Rada

Russian companies keen on PH infra projects

A BUSINESS delegation from Russia expressed interest in participating in the Philippines’ infrastructure and construction sector.

Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Transport sought the assistance of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the capacity of Russian companies to participate in infrastructure projects like transport systems and power facilities.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia sent the delegation in response to an invitation by President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 Asean Summit in Laos.

PCCI informed the delegation about how business works in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Philippines-Russia Business Council showed interest in the Philippine sanitary and phytosanitary rules for mangoes, bananas and other fresh Philippine fruits as it plans to meet with reliable buyers or traders of farm products.

Both sides recognized the need for reliable port calls by ships and low-cost and shorter routes between Vladivostok and Manila. Othel V. Campos

Phinma unit secures 171-MW power deal

PHINMA Energy Corp.’s retail electricity supplier businesses won 171 megawatts of power supply deal from around 100 contestable customers, or those with a monthly demand of at least one megawatt.

Phinma Energy assistant vice president and head of marketing Danielle Del Rosario told reporters the new customers included shopping malls, schools, commercial establishments, manufacturing and business process outsourcing business.

“We want to grow in the retail space. RES [retail electricity supply] is the area where we want to expand…For the customers it’s really about cost savings and having reliable supply,” Del Rosario said.

Contestable customers are mandated to switch and choose their own suppliers under the retail competition and open access regime. The mandatory compliance to open access is slated to begin Feb. 26.

Del Rosario said the consumers signed contracts from December to February and would bring Phinma Energy’s RES customers to around 400 MW representing around 200 customers.

“Most of those who switched are from the Meralco [Manila Electric Co.] franchise area but we also have those from other distribution utilities in Luzon and the Visayas,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores

PPA said the revival of Ro-Ro ports was in response to the request of the private sector, specifically Ro-Ro operators, to improve port facilities amid their initiatives to modernize their fleet.

Santiago said his agency was collaborating with the Manila Sports Car Club to traverse the western node of the Ro-Ro highway.

The western node is composed of the ports of Batangas, Mindoro, Caticlan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Dapitan in Zamboanga. This node registered massive growth in trade since it was launched in 2003.

“The MSCC, whose members own vintage and classic vehicles, will experience the ports capability to handle ordinary commuter vehicles. If the ports can handle the special requirements of these unique vehicles then surely, our ports can definitely handle the requirements of everyday vehicles,” Santiago said.

He said after the Western Nautical Highway, PPA would also develop the Central and Eastern Seaboard. The Central Nautical

Highway links Pilar, Sorsogon and Balingoan in Cagayan de Oro while the Eastern Nautical Highway links the province of Biliran, Western Leyte and Surigao City.

The modernization and expansion of the operations of the Ro-Ro system is one of the top priorities identified by the Duterte administration to maintain inter-island connectivity.

The government continues to encourage additional private sector investments in RoRo operations particularly in areas where there is a huge traffic volume.

The Arroyo government issued a policy in 2003 to promote Ro-Ro, a system designed to carry rolling stock cargo that does not require cranes for loading or unloading.

The Strong Republic Nautical Highway is one of Arroyo’s priority programs to ensure fast and economical movement of goods and people, and to boost domestic tourism and trade.

The Asian Development Bank earlier said the Ro-Ro system cut the cost of the transport system and travel time in the Philippines.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market drops; mining stocks slide UnionBank expects S 31% lending growth tocks fell for a third day, pulled down by mining issues after the Environment Department suspended the operations of more than two dozen mines.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 1 point to close at 7,225.91 Thursday. This trimmed the market’s total gains this year to 5.6 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also dropped 3 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at 4,365.71, on a value turnover of P5.9 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 102 to 80, while 44 issues were unchanged.

Three of the six sectoral indices dropped, led by mining and oil which slid 1.7 percent.

Eleven of the 20 most active issues rose, led by Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. which climbed 1.7 percent to P80.50 and BDO Unibank Inc. which gained 1.4 percent to P112.

Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. dropped 5.2 percent to P2.74.

Meanwhile, concerns over Donald Trump’s presidency hit Asian equity markets.

After the US Federal Reserve’s first meeting of the year, policymakers noted ongoing economic growth, job gains and improving business and con-

sumer confidence, but gave little away about its intentions for monetary policy.

The Fed said it “expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that will warrant only gradual increases in the federal funds rate”, almost unchanged from its December statement.

The bank said it still expects to raise rates only gradually, though analysts said the timing is a subject of debate.

While it was not expected to make any big announcements-having hiked interest rates last month--the lack of any solid guidance hit the dollar, which was already under pressure on concerns about the controversial start to Trump’s term in office.

“Traders seem to be disappointed with the Fed’s decision,”

Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at FX and CFD provider AxiTrader, said in a note.

“Janet Yellen’s statement was a bit of an anticlimax insofar as it completely straight-batted the current outlook and added little fresh information on the outlook for the US economy.”

The greenback dipped against the yen and euro while it also retreated against most higheryielding currencies including the South Korean won, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar.

The dollar’s weakness compares with the rally it enjoyed in the two months after Trump’s November election win as traders bet his pans for big spending and tax cuts would fire the US economy, stoke inflation and lead to rate hikes.

With AFP, Bloomberg

By Julito G. Rada UNION Bank of the Philippines, the 10th largest lender in terms of assets, expects a 31-percent loan growth this year, a top executive said Wednesday night.

“Our outlook this year is very bullish. Last year, we grew our loan book by 31 percent and we plan to do the same this year,” UnionBank president and chief operating officer Edwin Bautista told journalists in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Our growth drivers this year

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.6 29,000 48.2 10,400 91 2,718,610 112 3,184,640 1.33 781,000 38.6 339,600 19.9 1,038,700 1.61 295,000 840 30 0.79 38,179,000 81.1 1,613,130 0.77 172,000 14.24 9,700 24.2 7,400 54.2 16,230 236 650 90.3 120 36.35 25,000 210.8 862,340 1,770 400 78.85 45,640

103,360 499,945 247,400,961 356,690,457 1,032,600 13,110,815 20,718,396 481,060 25,200 30,025,620 131,700,037 130,730 137,968 180,200 881,934 154,528 10,836 908,750 181,548,830 708,000 3,598,795

183,000 -17,097,013 119,890,120 5,853,705 8,198,499 161,800 44,549,663.00 11,400 216,072 4,750 774,255 -120,838,714 -310,599

42.3 4.78 0.87 1.5 18 0.193 95 11.38 16.24 22.5 15.08 56.25 96 105 2.04 6.38 12 12.3 7.7 6.85 5.63 1.82 22.15 71.4 16.62 6.11 1.81 205.8 72.8 3.93 30 28 14.64 284 3.26 9.29 11.3 2.25 6.63 1.53 78.05 5.4 257.8 4.94 2.91 12.84 4.17 0.147 1.57 160.1 4.37 1.81 1.07

INDUSTRIAL 42.4 3,180,300 5.01 5,448,000 0.88 2,027,000 1.5 633,000 18.38 9,100 0.193 70,000 104 800 11.46 7,171,300 16.26 442,700 22.65 201,600 15.34 65,900 56.25 171,530 96 2,630 105 90 2.06 318,000 6.56 508,800 12 16,300 12.3 1,865,500 8.1 1,929,700 6.85 1,979,100 5.68 8,946,800 1.82 8,000 22.4 784,600 72 438,540 16.7 4,400 6.13 277,100 1.83 242,000 206.4 873,790 72.8 40 4 733,000 30.05 365,200 28 601,700 14.72 415,400 284 83,160 3.31 258,000 9.29 7,854,300 11.38 8,800 2.26 823,000 6.64 3,174,300 1.55 77,000 78.5 519,700 5.4 339,900 264 103,160 4.94 55,000 3.01 453,000 12.86 4,512,200 4.17 72,000 0.147 30,000 1.64 475,000 162 2,047,650 4.48 11,000 1.83 11,632,000 1.07 79,000

134,865,920 26,962,320 1,770,040 953,450 165,986 13,530 76,482 82,171,224 7,253,524 4,551,250 999,554 9,948,762.50 252,480 9,450 652,800 3,260,617 195,606 22,972,666 15,510,260 13,631,675 50,655,709 14,560 17,563,510 31,568,696 73,470 1,693,903 443,490 180,737,220 2,916 2,974,100 10,978,275 17,145,480 6,101,552 23,705,380 852,350 73,055,821 100,128 1,852,920 21,384,291 118,700 41,154,796 1,878,408 27,117,246 271,700 1,384,300 58,484,092 301,110 4,410 758,420 331,268,034 49,480 21,549,550 84,560

-94,510,390 -316,090 -27,736,098 -673,100 -41,300 -20,440 628,728 -2,826,588 -4,846,723 21,919,971 -5,035,860 24,845,790 -3,340 -18,500 -10,083,796 -5,593,135 -7,354,550 2,544,678 -3,208,328 581,490 -40,666,424 -96,730 -373,905 3,337,777.50 558 -10,560,000 -197,600 -71,300 -2,270,588 -23,392,646 276,270 -

0.41 74.3 12.82 6.18 0.38 0.375 818 9.38 13.12 8.15 5.9 1,302 74.75 1.14 7.91 13.08 6.88 0.04 1.98 2.56 99.45 2.23 701 0.91 1.48 263 0.189 0.255

0.39 73.2 12.6 6.04 0.35 0.37 800 9.24 12.78 8 5.9 1,250 73.85 1.1 7.85 12.84 6.71 0.039 1.98 2.56 98.05 2.23 686 0.91 1.43 262 0.188 0.248

HOLDING FIRMS 0.4 17,540,000 74.05 1,239,810 12.8 4,323,600 6.04 104,900 0.35 18,760,000 0.37 810,000 802 162,210 9.28 2,554,400 13 4,690,200 8.1 64,000 5.9 5,500 1,266 201,490 73.9 1,028,260 1.11 4,766,000 7.9 365,400 12.96 932,400 6.8 19,779,900 0.04 43,900,000 1.98 19,000 2.56 5,000 98.85 223,780 2.23 4,000 695 401,470 0.91 59,000 1.44 597,000 262.8 5,300 0.189 550,000 0.255 1,580,000

6,967,200 91,344,011 55,133,020 636,828 6,901,950 299,850 130,538,555 23,785,989 60,805,860 512,365 32,450 254,950,860 76,129,595.50 5,312,030 2,887,024 12,081,570 134,291,576 1,717,000 37,620 12,800 22,119,438 8,920 279,161,700 53,690 866,700 1,391,578 103,500 397,860

39,000 -49,804,138.50 -18,119,502 -579,048 -78,640,090 -3,746,697 14,087,730 -4,070 -133,261,730 -7,604,817.50 3,400 -377,672 426,090 4,141,125 -6,605,682.50 20,870 127,730 -1,062,978 75,000

7.26 1.35 6.2 2.6 1 35.55 3.3 5.13 0.53 1.08 1.31 0.193 0.58 54.5 0.73 0.143 1.63 1.02 1.2 3.71 0.175 0.285 0.455

7.19 1.26 6.11 2.47 0.9 35.15 3.25 5.01 0.52 1.05 1.26 0.185 0.56 51.7 0.73 0.143 1.59 1 1.16 3.63 0.169 0.265 0.415

PROPERTY 7.25 430,600 1.34 4,983,000 6.2 3,000 2.6 582,000 0.97 92,432,000 35.3 8,065,100 3.3 686,000 5.13 1,200 0.53 33,230,000 1.05 18,000 1.3 148,000 0.188 30,700,000 0.56 5,568,000 53.5 1,046,310 0.73 59,000 0.143 60,000 1.59 7,765,000 1.01 1,800,000 1.2 1,181,000 3.65 25,000,000 0.172 21,680,000 0.285 620,000 0.44 4,580,000

3,115,487 6,514,450 18,420 1,472,840 88,490,600 285,118,375 2,251,600 6,036 17,403,290 19,040 191,530 5,768,190 3,156,550 55,804,204 43,070 8,580 12,524,750 1,813,860 1,388,200 91,613,520 3,706,500 168,950 2,013,550

-1,945,711 -45,560 1,426,940 7,121,655 -410,230 -12,555,300 -9,500 1,043,520.00 1,184,232 -6,173,580.00 -1,388,200 -28,233,790 -223,760.00 4,250

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

3.65 48.4 90 110.3 1.38 38.5 19.98 1.66 840 0.77 82.85 0.76 14.24 24.8 54.3 240 90.3 36.35 208 1,770 78.95

3.65 48.4 91.5 113 1.39 38.75 20.15 1.66 840 0.81 82.9 0.77 14.24 24.8 54.6 240 90.3 36.35 213 1,770 79.15

3.5 48 90 110.3 1.29 38.5 19.82 1.61 840 0.75 80.8 0.76 14.2 24 54.2 236 90.3 36.35 208 1,770 78.7

ABOITIZ POWER 42.6 AGRINURTURE 4.82 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.88 ALSONS CONS 1.54 ASIABEST GROUP 19.08 BASIC ENERGY 0.194 BOGO MEDELLIN 95 CEMEX HLDG 11.4 CENTURY FOOD 16.5 CIRTEK HLDG 22.6 CNTRL AZUCARERA 15.12 CONCEPCION 58 CONCRETE A 96 CONCRETE B 105 CROWN ASIA 2.07 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.42 DEL MONTE 12 DNL INDUS 12.3 EEI CORP 7.83 EMPERADOR 6.96 ENERGY DEVT 5.65 EUROMED 1.82 FIRST GEN 22.75 FIRST PHIL HLDG 71.4 HOLCIM 16.68 INTEGRATED MICR 6.12 IONICS 1.82 JOLLIBEE 208 LIBERTY FLOUR 73 LMG CHEMICALS 4.05 MANILA WATER 30.25 MAXS GROUP 28.5 MEGAWIDE 14.74 MERALCO 285 PEPSI COLA 3.26 PETRON 9.3 PHINMA 11.34 PHINMA ENERGY 2.26 PHX PETROLEUM 6.79 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.54 PILIPINAS SHELL 79.75 PRYCE CORP 5.6 PUREFOODS 257.8 RFM CORP 4.94 ROXAS HLDG 2.91 SHAKEYS PIZZA 12.9 SPC POWER 4.19 SWIFT FOODS 0.147 TKC METALS 1.64 UNIV ROBINA 160.1 VICTORIAS 4.54 VITARICH 1.89 VULCAN INDL 1.07

43.4 5.05 0.89 1.54 19.08 0.194 104 11.54 16.52 22.75 15.4 59 96 105 2.09 6.56 12.02 12.36 8.16 6.96 5.68 1.82 22.8 72.25 16.7 6.13 1.87 208 73 4.2 30.25 29.3 14.8 286 3.35 9.44 11.38 2.26 6.88 1.55 80 5.6 264.8 4.94 3.17 13.12 4.2 0.147 1.67 163.1 4.54 1.94 1.08

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

0.41 74.3 12.6 6.18 0.365 0.37 815 9.34 13.12 8.15 5.9 1,289 74 1.14 7.91 13.02 6.86 0.04 1.98 2.56 99 2.23 700 0.91 1.44 263 0.189 0.255

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

7.26 1.29 6.11 2.58 0.97 35.15 3.25 5.01 0.53 1.06 1.28 0.189 0.58 51.75 0.73 0.143 1.63 1.02 1.18 3.63 0.175 0.27 0.415

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

4.99 25.35 1.67 3.28 30.1 1.05 0.96 5.06

4.71 24.55 1.66 3.23 29.5 1.02 0.93 4.96

4.98 24.55 1.67 3.28 30.1 1.04 0.96 5.06

2,309,000 2,946,400 152,000 134,000 15,323,700 5,011,000 620,000 873,600

11,460,730 72,597,695 252,330 433,640 458,499,270 5,175,220 581,400 4,387,858

34,460 -11,639,920 326,490,580 30,900 -1,253,567

2GO GROUP 7.41 ABS CBN 47.5 APC GROUP 0.53 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.06 BERJAYA 5.32 BLOOMBERRY 7.4 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.07 CALATA CORP 2.72 CEBU AIR 95 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.7 DFNN INC 9.1 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.11 FAR EASTERN U 960 GLOBE TELECOM 1,715 GMA NETWORK 6.27 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.9 GRAND PLAZA 15.4 HARBOR STAR 3.21 IMPERIAL A 16.16 IMPERIAL B 110.1 INTL CONTAINER 77.6 IP EGAME 0.0097 IPEOPLE 11.74 IPM HLDG 9.08 ISLAND INFO 0.207 ISM COMM 1.42 JACKSTONES 3.2 LBC EXPRESS 14.56 LEISURE AND RES 4.14 MACROASIA 2.5 MELCO CROWN 4.73 METRO RETAIL 3.9 NOW CORP 2.91 PAL HLDG 5.29 PAXYS 3.15 PHIL SEVEN CORP 135 PHILWEB 9.7 PLDT 1,470 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.4 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.465 PUREGOLD 43.35 ROBINSONS RTL 79.25 SBS PHIL CORP 6.75 SSI GROUP 2.61 STI HLDG 1.07 TRANSPACIFIC BR 1.78 TRAVELLERS 3.26 WATERFRONT 0.415

7.41 47.8 0.53 0.065 5.66 7.5 0.07 2.77 96 9.7 9.5 2.15 960 1,729 6.27 16.9 15.4 3.4 16.2 110.1 79 0.0097 11.74 9.08 0.21 1.46 3.3 14.56 4.15 2.53 4.73 4 2.91 5.32 3.2 135 9.7 1,492 1.4 0.465 44.05 80.55 6.75 2.68 1.09 1.78 3.27 0.42

7.4 46 0.5 0.059 5.31 7.06 0.067 2.68 94.95 9.6 9.03 2.11 960 1,685 6.25 16.54 15.4 3.21 15.78 110 77.05 0.0097 11.74 9.05 0.205 1.4 3 14.54 4.08 2.48 4.61 3.87 2.8 5.25 3.05 132 9.41 1,435 1.39 0.44 43 79.25 6.51 2.61 1.06 1.78 3.25 0.385

SERVICES 7.4 139,000 46.9 10,200 0.53 648,000 0.063 294,190,000 5.66 5,000 7.06 11,262,300 0.068 36,120,000 2.73 2,812,000 95.65 151,270 9.6 2,500 9.35 815,600 2.13 17,000 960 320 1,693 47,735 6.25 33,600 16.88 53,500 15.4 400 3.4 10,591,000 15.9 19,300 110 30 77.5 1,525,290 0.0097 7,000,000 11.74 200 9.06 507,000 0.207 9,460,000 1.43 521,000 3.03 756,000 14.54 4,700 4.09 1,120,000 2.53 32,000 4.71 2,903,000 4 2,861,000 2.81 3,555,000 5.25 26,200 3.2 168,000 132 455,830 9.5 703,300 1,450 59,005 1.4 6,793,000 0.44 16,780,000 43 4,354,600 80.5 1,436,690 6.54 1,317,200 2.68 809,000 1.08 4,179,000 1.78 2,000 3.26 144,000 0.385 2,900,000

1,029,131 477,705 327,450 18,648,420 26,990 80,710,295 2,450,980 7,654,800 14,470,440 24,030 7,608,464 36,120 307,200 81,174,465 210,370 894,602 6,160 35,247,030 306,578 3,302 117,957,543.50 67,900 2,348 4,593,160 1,947,970 746,090 2,340,350 68,386 4,595,740 79,970 13,540,930 11,247,030 10,099,300 138,552 514,980 60,170,192 6,691,783 85,444,365 9,497,220 7,468,500 190,002,150 115,353,813.50 8,678,371 2,143,030 4,485,870 3,560 469,640 1,154,400

20,400 -1,552,980 -52,155,869 204,000 27,300 2,328,211 45,990 -39,313,865 -521,620 -29,179,227.50 103,200 -71,820 -1,245,240.00 -3,489,490 -4,795,040 375,360 448,350 -46,737.00 523,803.00 -33,872,780 -3,232,600.00 1,130,300 54,466,580 74,959,134.50 66,000 10,640 1,676,480 -48,880 -3,950

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

0.0033 2.73 5.6 2.13 2.11 0.495 0.51 12.2 2.92 0.255 0.204 0.206 0.011 0.012 2.07 7.01 2.76 0.48 1.07 0.012 0.012 0.014 9.26 3.64 135.6 2.92 0.0089

0.0034 2.75 5.68 2.13 2.11 0.51 0.54 12.2 2.94 0.255 0.204 0.207 0.012 0.013 2.1 7.08 2.78 0.48 1.07 0.012 0.012 0.014 9.26 3.75 135.6 2.97 0.009

0.0032 2.71 5.5 1.9 2 0.495 0.5 11.8 2.19 0.25 0.175 0.18 0.011 0.012 1.7 6.61 2.65 0.48 0.91 0.011 0.012 0.013 9.05 3.62 134 2.92 0.0088

MINING & OIL 0.0032 370,000,000 2.74 1,113,000 5.66 1,850,800 1.9 290,000 2 169,000 0.51 2,369,000 0.52 5,996,000 12 14,000 2.74 49,128,000 0.25 1,790,000 0.185 137,440,000 0.193 12,430,000 0.012 30,300,000 0.012 481,400,000 1.84 15,269,000 6.81 11,886,300 2.65 149,000 0.48 10,000 0.95 2,505,000 0.011 5,100,000 0.012 21,300,000 0.013 16,300,000 9.22 1,513,300 3.65 2,292,000 135 428,050 2.97 5,000 0.0088 7,000,000

1,191,000 3,039,230 10,404,870 571,140 339,920 1,195,230 3,093,890 166,752 128,356,320 447,650 25,198,560 2,351,900 343,400 5,777,400 28,430,260 81,262,139 398,680 4,800 2,438,800 57,800 255,600 225,600 13,843,991 8,395,600 57,754,420 14,750 62,000

3,300 -13,650 -2,736,374 10,500 -31,000 1,182 6,083,100.00 156,250 -220,800 141,430 -13,812,629 638,519 44,980 -23,933,351 -

ABS HLDG PDR DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PF PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

46.5 105 5.85 1,020 109.9 1,072 1,017 81 78.4 78 78 79

46.5 105 5.85 1,020 109.9 1,072 1,020 81 78.4 78.5 79.1 79

46.5 104.5 5.85 1,020 109.9 1,072 1,017 81 78.4 78 77 78

PREFERRED 46.5 248,000 104.5 1,600 5.85 100 1,020 100 109.9 1,200 1,072 2,000 1,020 10,250 81 19,010 78.4 1,500 78 5,000 79.1 53,110 78 13,200

11,532,000 167,250 585 102,000 131,880 2,144,000 10,425,000 1,539,810 117,600 390,050 4,100,776 1,042,300

-697,500 1,605,025 1,003,300

LR WARRANT

2.24

2.24

2.2

WARRANTS 2.22 50,000

111,340

-

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

6.65 3.99 2.98 8.17

6.65 4 3.01 8.23

6.55 3.85 2.98 8.1

SME 6.58 3.95 3.01 8.12

1,476,517 1,503,770 23,930 22,246,365

1,408 -921,039

119.1

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.8 119.1 2,180

259,495

-

NAME PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

OPEN 4.73 24.95 1.66 3.25 29.5 1.04 0.94 4.98

FIRST METRO ETF 119

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

VALUE

FINANCIAL 49,329,096 INDUSTRIAL 74,450,971 HOLDING FIRMS 124,798,369

990,083,314.30 1,290,095,726.76 1,175,832,187.39

PROPERTY 275,338,889 SERVICES 427,897,860 MINING & OIL 1,178,257,729 GRAND TOTAL 2,133,429,838

1,162,690,705.43 922,815,627.90 375,710,445.114 5,942,738,955.89

224,900 383,000 8,000 2,738,700

FINANCIAL 1,751.98 (up) 6.42 INDUSTRIAL 11,003.05 (up) 12.49 HOLDING FIRMS 7,373.33 (down) 42.90 PROPERTY 3,293.46 (up) 22.84 SERVICES 1,408.97 (down) 3.89 MINING & OIL 11,951.84 (down) 200.73 PSEI 7,225.91 (down) 1.54 All Shares Index 4,365.71 (down) 3.80 Gainers: 80; Losers: 102; Unchanged: 44; Total: 226

will be consumer and retail lending. Actually in 2016, we changed our business model.

From being dependent on trading, we recalibrated it to lending which is the trend now in the industry,” Bautista said.

He said retail grew faster than corporate lending in 2016. He said in terms of revenue split, 70 percent of customer loan revenues came from retail which was composed of small businesses and individuals.

Bautista also said deposits grew 25 percent last year and this growth rate could still be achieved this year.

“We need to grow that much because our loan book is expected to grow 30 percent. We want to grow our securities book by 30 percent. So to fund that, we need to grow our deposit book by at least 25 percent,” Bautista said.

Bautista also said that as far as capitalization was concerned, the bank was not planning to do any capitalraising initiatives, adding “ our income is enough to build our CAR [capital adequacy ratio] upward.”

He also said the bank was not ruling out the possibility of acquiring other banks or other financial institutions but “if there is an acquisition opportunity, why not?”

UnionBank, the banking unit of the Aboitiz group, posted a record net income of P10.1 billion in 2016, up 67 percent from P6 billion in 2015. This translated into a return on equity of 16.9 percent.

Total loans went up 31 percent to P235.4 billion, resulting in total assets breaching the half-trillion mark, to close the year at P524.4 billion. Total deposits grew 21 percent to P376.5 billion.

Pryce posts P936-m profit

By Alena Mae S. Flores PRYCE Corp. said Thursday net income jumped 58.9 percent in 2016 to P936.137 million from P589.061 million in 2015, on strong sales of cooking gas.

Pryce said in a disclosure to the stock exchange sales volume of liquefied petroleum gas, the group’s main product, went up 30 percent to 189,00 metric tons last year from 146,000 metric tons in 2015.

Consolidated revenues grew 16.5 percent to P6.726 billion from P5.773 billion in 2015. It said of the total revenues, 94 percent or P6.133 billion came from LPG sales.

Volume growth in LPG sales outpaced revenue growth as the average Saudi Aramco LPG contract went down to $346.08 per metric ton from $430.54 per MT in the previous year.

Sales of industrial gas reached P382.504 million last year and accounted for 5.7 percent of total revenue.

The balance represented revenues from real estate sales, hotel operations and sales of pharmaceutical products.

Hotel operations, however, would no longer contribute to revenues starting 2017 as the Pryce Plaza Hotel ceased operations on Dec. 31, 2016.

Pryce’s stock fell 3.2 percent to close at P5.40 Thursday.

Motoring

Enforcement

is key Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

L

ike the revered jeepney, tricycles have become an icon in the Philippines.

These two ubiquitous vehicles represent Filipino ingenuity and form the backbone of the country’s mass transport system.

Curating

custom cars FROM mixing pure gold paint to searching swamps for 48,000-yearold wood, the world’s luxury car makers are going to greater and greater lengths to meet their clients’ needs, but they’re doing so in a way that maintains their brand ethos and keeps their cars out of independent tuner and customization garages.

Rolls-Royce this month put the final touches to the biggest single bespoke order in its history -- 30 unique extended wheelbase Phantoms that will serve as guest shuttles for THE 13, an ultra-exclusive Macau hotel.

Each car’s exterior boasts a unique shade of red paint, created specifically for the client, plus equally original alloy wheels. However, two of the cars also sport badges made from the finest enamel and surrounded by pave set diamonds, plus a layer of pure gold paint on top of the bespoke red exterior finish.

“A Rolls-Royce motor car is commissioned to express the tastes, desires and lifestyle of its patron,” said Giles Taylor, the company’s Director of Design.

And to meet the specifications of the client, Stephen Hung, RollsRoyce needed to devise a new type of paint and a new method of applying it so that the finish would be perfectly even. “[It] took eight attempts to mix the perfect color,” said Rolls-Royce Material Scientist, Nick Geehan.

It consists of 23.75 carat gold particles, applied at a 40-micron thickness, mixed with glass and aluminum so that the car literally shimmers. As well as new application equipment, the vehicles required 10 layers of paint to get the right effect, 250% more than usual.

And Rolls-Royce isn’t the only established automotive firm going to extraordinary lengths to keep its customers satisfied and away from firms like Mansory, who pride themselves on being able to offer any type of internal, external or under the hood customization on any car.

“We fill the niche in the market the manufacturers can’t, or don’t want to fill in,” explains Ralph Niese, Manosry’s marketing head. “It is all about individualization. We offer our customers the possibility to create their very own car, with the interior, the aerodynamics and the engine power

they want to have.”

Purists feel that these sorts of services can sometimes be detrimental to the car’s intended aesthetic or positioning. But at the same time, Rolls-Royce isn’t the only company that recognizes tastes are changing and that they need to move with the times.

Rare woods and custom patterns

It’s why Bentley bid an undisclosed amount at auction for a tiny piece of a 350-year-old walnut tree from the Fulbeck estate in the UK that it will reserve as a veneer option for just a handful of most important clients.

BMW can now trim a car’s cabin with 48,000-year-old swamp-preserved kauri wood from New Zealand.

And Audi this week announced it’s developed a new method of applying paint that will allow clients to etch their car’s surface with patterns and symbols. The effect is achieved by adding matte elements to the existing paint finish.

“With this process, we modify the brilliance of the paintwork and the intensity of its sheen. Light hitting the surface is then reflected diffusely by the individualized surface areas. This makes it appear matte,” explained project manager Dr. Erhard Brandl. Production section head Mirko Endres added: “This form of individualization is weather resistant, unlike conventional lettering and stickers, and it has a much more high-quality appearance.”

Filipinos simply cannot go about their daily lives without using them. A majority of us may not know it but it was the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos that enacted the law in October 1985, by way of Instruction number 1482, which recognized tricycles as a primary means of transportation. Since then, that law has been abused and misinterpreted by tricycle operators.

Tricycles have evolved into a road hazard, with the drivers cutting lanes, weaving in and out of traffic, many of them crossing the highway without regard for the safety of pedestrians and other motorists.

In a 2015 report by the World Health Organization, 1.25 million have died due to road accidents here and abroad, with motorcyclists comprising 23 percent. In the WHO’s Global Status Report of Road Safety, in the Philippines, 53 percent of reported road fatalities were riders of motorized two-and three-wheeled vehicles.

An alarming a number of the deaths by three-wheeled vehicles or tricycles took place on national highways.

Data from the DOTC indicated that there are 5.9 million registered vehicles plying the streets. Of this figure, the LTO revealed that in 2012, 658,675 for-hire tricycles and motorcycles were operating in our country, accounting for nearly 67.9 percent of the total for-hire vehicle population. They currently outnumber the combined total for-hire cars, utility vehicles, buses, trucks, and trailers, according to figures from the National Statistical Coordination Board.

Enforce the law Prior to these surprising numbers, a law was already in place which was handed down by the highest court of the land in 2000.

In a memo circular dated May 10, 2011, the late Jesse M. Robredo, then Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), enjoined executives and officials of Local Government Units (LGUs) to strictly adhere and implement the guidelines and standards which bans tricycles and pedicabs from operating along national highways. “For the safety of the drivers and the passengers, please ensure that the ban on tricycles and pedicabs along national highways is strictly observed,” Robredo said in his directive to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, sanggunian presiding officers and the ARMM regional governor.

Robredo’s circular stemmed from the complaints of regional and field offices amid reports that despite the decision from the Supreme Court’s Third Division, dated January 20, 2000 with G.R. No 131512, that says “ For safety reasons, no tricycles should operate on national highways utilized by 4 wheel vehicles greater than 4 tons and where normal speed exceed 40 KPH. However, the SB/ SP may provide exceptions if there is no alternative route,” and the decision also cited the reason being “The devolution of the functions of the DOTC, performed by the LTFRB, to the LGUs, as so aptly observed by the Solicitor General, is aimed at curbing the alarming increase of accidents in national highways involving tricycles. “ These three-wheeled menace still use national roads in defiance of the law.

The DILG also pointed out that tricycles may be allowed to operate along national highways if there is no other alternative road network available, such as routes beyond the town proper, subject to the prescribed guidelines of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

The same directive prescribed the minimum standards to be adopted by city and municipal governments in the formulation of a regulatory code for tricycle and pedicab franchise operation, including physical requirements/ equipage, fares, load/capacity limit and operating conditions.

Mang Totoy Buena, a tricycle operator of 25 years and a member of United Tricycles Entrepreneurs Network, explained that a vast majority of tricycle operators do not have formal education,” Gaya ko po, elementary lang tinapos ko at ito lang alam kong trabaho.

Hindi ko nga po alam basahin yang mga signs sa kalye,” When asked how he was able to obtain a driver’s license, his response was,”Madali naman pong maglagay sa LTO. Halos lahat po kami non-appearance, nagbibigay po kami ng pera sa fixers.” Here lies the problem.

Most probably, the problem of tricycles plying our national road stems from ignorance of the law while LGUs with their deputized law enforcers simply do not enforce it because it has become a milking cow for corruption. There is also a matter of discipline.

Must the government continue to ignore the frightening fatality statistics?

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

B3

UNSAFE. The three-wheeled wonder has become a road hazard, says the World Health Organization.

Smartphones on wheels AMERICA’S biggest car company is giving developers access to its infotainment system software.

The new software development kit will enable potentially any developer anywhere in the world to create an in-vehicle app without ever needing to set foot in an actual car first.

“We want to let developers know that we are open for business,” said Ed Wrenbeck, director of Application Ecosystem and Development, General Motors.

As cars move closer to becoming smartphones on wheels, consumer expectations are growing in terms of what connected features and benefits their vehicles will offer -- whether it’s simple services like mirroring an address book or music playlist or more complex features such as distraction free access to social media and beyond.

“Our customers want technology to safely allow them or their passengers to stay connected to the outside world no matter where they go,” Wrenbeck said.

However, connected cars are also opening the doors to greater potential financial benefits for automakers. The latest KPMG Automotive Executive Study, published this week, reveals that the sale of one connected car can already generate more potential revenue streams than the sale of 10 traditional vehicles. And with 12 million connected cars on the road, GM has the largest fleet of any US manufacturer.

GM’s announcement follows a similar move by Ford. At CES in Las Vegas, it announced an ambitious plan, in partnership with Toyota, to democratize and standardize in-vehicle app development using AppLink software, an open source version of the software that currently underpins the Ford Sync infotainment system.

By using it, instead of developing an app for a smartphone that can be mirrored to a dashboard, coders would be able to build apps that can be used via steering wheel buttons, or that potentially respond to accelerator or brake position. This sort of freedom could lead to some genuinely innovative apps that are as much about safe driving as safely tweeting. AFP

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Edi tor DIN O DIREC TO III A ss t . Edi tor

B4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Isuzu upgrades workhorse T Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

he country’s diesel authority, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently unveiled a refreshed version of its best selling variant, the D-Max pick-up. Held at the Amphitheater of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the 2017 version of the D-Max comes with a list of upgrades that makes it the perfect lifestyle vehicle for first time car buyers and startup families.

X SERIES: Upgraded D-Max gets a host of luxury amenities.

Cashing in on connected cars FROM apps that automate the refuelling process to services for finding and paying for parking spaces before departure, the connected car, or at least the connected car owner is already opening up a wealth of opportunities for automotive brands to enhance what they call the “customer experience” and with it the amount of money they can earn on every new vehicle sold.

As such we could soon be drowning under the weight of digitally tacked on features.

“A car is no longer defined by its utility, it is defined by the experience it provides to the driver and passenger -- and that opens a tremendous pipeline for new revenue streams and business services,” said Gary Silberg, Automotive Sector Leader, KPMG. The firm’s 2017 Automotive Executive Study, published this week, finds that even though we’re still in the earliest days of the connected car, a vehicle sold today with the latest infotainment and web-access features is already capable of generating more potential revenue streams than 10 traditional cars.

In other words, it’s going to be data -- how it’s generated, how it’s used and to whom it’s sold -- that will drive car companies’ balance sheets in the coming years. So much so that 71% of the 1000 leading automotive executives polled for the report said that measuring a car company’s success on units sold is an out-ofdate concept. All of which leads KPMG to conclude that data alone could generate revenues of over $1 trillion within the next decade.

“The game has changed for automakers, as cars have evolved into rolling computers and consumers have been quick to embrace autonomy, connectivity and mobility-on-demand,” said Silberg.

Therefore it’s no surprise that Volkswagen has stated clearly that it wants to have the biggest ecosystem of digital services and provisions of any car company in the world within the next 10 years. Or that FordPass, Ford’s digital platform for planning routes, collecting loyalty points, paying for parking services and booking maintenance, is also being built into the same app that drivers use for locking and unlocking their cars.

As well as agreeing on data being the key to future profitability, 82% of executives believe that they will need to build an ecosystem and operating system, just like with a smartphone in order to maximize services and revenues -- an ecosystem will allow them to offer services from third parties while taking a share of any monies made.

All of which raises questions regarding data ownership and security.

“The massive amounts of data that is being collected presents a tremendous business opportunity for auto companies,” Silberg said. “Addressing information security concerns is a critical priority for automakers, and one they cannot afford to get wrong.” AFP

KOSO AND DEREK: Celebrity endorser Derek Ramsey (left) and IPC President Hajime Koso highlight the new grille design.

Foilacar does Okada FOILACAR Industries has added another feather to its cap with the recent foil wrapping of Okada’s fleet of limousines. Dubbed as “Manila’s Grand Icon, Okada is touted as the destination of choice for entertainment and to experience luxury on a global scale. “ We wanted the Maybach luxury sedans to stand out and become visual candies on the road,” says Jan Vincent Mercado, CFO of Foilacar Industries.

Foilacar body wrapped the fleet with a high grade “plum” colored material which aims to protect and preserve the exteriors of the

luxury vehicles. “This is a special color which clearly identifies it with Okada,” adds Mercado. Prior to foiling the Okada luxury fleet of vehicles, Foilacar also foil wrapped 200 Volkswagen Jetta’s earmarked for the domestic market.

Since Foilcar innovated the exterior protection and paint preservation in the country, the company has expanded their services to foil wrapping other modes of transportation such as airplanes, helicopters and yatchs. Foilacar Industries have also expanded their network globally with

branches in New York, Indonesia and Japan. “We have also penetrated the real estate industry with our La Deco line of foil wraps which is currently the popular choice of architects and real estate companies, due to its ease of use and reliability, plus the endless choices of colors and designs,” says Lester Codog, President of Foilacar Industries.

To experience the ultimate in paint protection technology, visit the Foilacar showroom at #10 Brixton St., Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City and Foil Plus along West Avenue, Quezon City.

LEATHER: The all leather interior boasts red stitching and padded door panels.

“There is no denying that the Isuzu D-MAX is an ideal vehicle for leisure activities and is also a highly capable workhorse. With the arrival of the new D-MAX X-Series, the model now addresses the lifestyle mobility requirement of active and urbane families too. So now, no other pickup truck available in the local market can offer the combination of utility, reliability, versatility and high style that the DMAX X-Series does,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

Dubbed as the X Series, the new D-Max comes with an aerodynamic package that starts at the front fascia with a gun-metal colored radiator grille highlighted by front skirt and a red colored Isuzu badge. The aerodynamics package continues over to the rear of the D-MAX, where the special X-Series side skirt, mounted toward the bottom edge of the truck’s bed, and cargo spoiler fitted on top of the bed, create a sleek, modern style that also contribute to vehicle performance. Further enhancing the D-MAX X-Series’ aesthetics and efficiency are the newly designed, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, which also add to the sporty character of the vehicle.

The interiors were also given a makeover with more sophisticated features. Matching the red accents on the exterior are the red stitching on the black leather material covering the seats, as well as the special X-Series badges displayed on the front seats. Adding a sense of masculinity to the interior are the piano black trim on strategic surfaces around the cabin.

According to Joseph Bautista, Product Development head of IPC, the D-Max X-Series will be available in the 4x2 version only and comes equipped with Isuzu’s reliable and powerful 4JJI-TC (HI) diesel engine with a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger and intercooler. This inline-four, 3.0-liter, Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine produces maximum power of 163 PS @ 3,200 rpm and 380 Nm of torque @ 1,800 – 2,200 rpm. Guaranteeing power and fuel-efficiency for the engine is either a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, or a 5-speed manual transmission.

For the 2017 edition of the X-Series, Isuzu partnered with a leading sports performance brand, Under Armour, to treat its buyers extra special. Every purchase of the D-MAX X-Series comes with a selection of Under Armour products that surely fits their active lifestyle. Customers can choose from a collection of sports polo, streaker or coolswitch shirts; Golf towel, sports cap, sack pack and duffle bag.

“Aside from its already sporty looks, Isuzu collaborated with Under Armour to create a special X-Series collection sports apparel and items which are ideal for those buying this limited edition D-MAX variant. We picked this brand because it embodies the same characteristic of the X-Series which is tough and active” Koso added.

The D-MAX X-Series is available in three exciting colors — Splash White, Venetian Red and Cosmic Black — and is priced between P1.260 million for the D-MAX X-Series MT and 1.330 million for the D-MAX X-Series AT. “Isuzu Philippines sold 3,966 D-MAX units in 2016, with deliveries rising 27.3 percent when compared to the model’s sales result in 2015.

This growth, which is in lockstep with the pace of commercial vehicle demand in the country, was fueled largely by the continuous upgrades that the D-MAX has received. The introduction of the new X-Series line is meant to sustain the D-MAX’s upward trajectory,” Koso said.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

C1

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

RAINBOW ‘TIKOG.’ Nestled in one of Tacloban City’s busiest streets, Rosalinda Rama breathes new life into the local handicraft scene with her company, the Rainbow Tikog Industry, which offers colorful souvenir items like house furnishings, bags, slippers, mats, and high quality local products. Mel Caspe

Makati cuts nonprofits’ taxes N

By Joel E. Zurbano

ON-profit organizations engaged in promoting language and culture and showcasing the works of Filipino filmmakers will be exempted from amusement tax payments in Makati City.

This after the members of the Makati City Council passed an ordinance granting exemptions from amusement tax payments on presentations sponsored by nonprofits.

Mayor Abigail Binay said she pushed for the amendment of certain provisions of Makati’s revenue code under City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025 in response to

the clamor of various nonprofits to exempt their activities in the city from the amusement tax.

“We fully support initiatives that promote Filipino cultural heritage and raise public consciousness and appreciation of the world-class talents of Filipinos in various arts, including filmmaking,” she said.

Binay said her administration,

through the Museum and Cultural Affairs Office, “continues to put a premium on the preservation of Filipino customs and traditions and the development of home-grown artists, particularly among today’s youth.”

This year’s total budget of almost P187 million for the MCAO covers the rehabilitation of Museo ng Makati, the acquisition of two heritage sites, staging of traditional events such as Caracol Festival this Feb. 26, the Flores de Mayo festival, and the Sampiro de Makati Festival, marking the city’s 347th Foundation Day on June 1, among others.

As amended, Section 3F.03 of the revenue code now reads: “The holding of operas, concerts,

dramas, recitals, paintings and art exhibitions, flowers shows, musical programs, literary and oratorical presentations, including presentations sponsored by non-profit organizations collecting minimal fee for its operation and with the main purpose of promoting language and culture or discovering and showcasing the works of Filipino filmmakers, except pop, rock, or similar concerts, shall be exempt from the payment of the tax imposed herein subject to permits and regulatory fees imposed in the Makati Revenue Code.”

Consistent with Republic Act No. 9640 (An Act Amending Section 140 A of the Local Government Code of 1991) reducing

the maximum allowable local amusement tax rate from 30 percent to 10 percent, the City Council also amended Section 3F.01 of the city revenue code.

Section 3F.01 as amended now states, “There is a levied tax to be collected from the proprietress, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert hall, circuses, boxing stadia, and other amusement places at the rate of 10 percent [10%] of the gross receipt from admission fees.”

The Revised Makati Revenue Code was enacted in 2005. At present, it governs the levy, assessment and collection of all city taxes, fees and other charges imposed within the territorial jurisdiction of Makati.

Subic eyes Japan golf, retirement projects

Turn to C2

‘BASAAN.’ Residents of Pagsanjan, Laguna—famous for its waterfalls—celebrate the Feast of Saint Sebastian with their yearly ‘Basaan’ with help from members of the Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council. Roy Tomandao

Christian groups aid Munti drug drive WITH the city government of Muntinlupa seeking help for the full recovery of drug dependents, Christian organizations are joining the local intervention for drug surrenderers.

God Bless Muntinlupa, the International Evangelical Church of Alabang, and Christ’s Com-

mission Fellowship signed agreements with the Muntinlupa Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office and the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Muntinlupa last Jan. 31 to include a faith component in the city’s rehabilitation program.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said

the religious groups will partner with the city government in facilitating faith-based approach and psycho-social services in the MAPALAD Drug Surrenderers Reintegration Program.

Navarro added that while the local government implements the Community Reintegration

Program, “the moral and spiritual needs of the drug dependents should also be addressed.”

Under the MAPALAD program, slightly and moderately affected drug surrenderers undergo out-patient recovery treatment defined by the Dangerous Drug Board Regulation No. 4 series of 2016.

Erap: Cars parked on Manila’s streets will be towed

By Sandy Araneta ILLEGALLY parked vehicles along Manila’s secondary and barangay roads are now the targets of a renewed anti-illegal parking operation ordered by Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

QC donates P1m to OPM group THE Quezon City government will donate P1 million to the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit to support the development of the Philippine music industry.

A resolution authorizing Mayor Herbert Bautista to make the donation to the OPM has been approved by the City Council.

Authored by Councilor Godofredo Liban II, the resolution says the assistance is “necessary” in supporting OPM’s various programs, including the “Linggo ng mga Musikang Pilipino,” celebrated every last week of July as mandated under Proclamation No. 933.

Established in October 1986, OPM is the country’s most respected group of Filipino singers, presently headed by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid. Rio N. Araja

139 Pinoys finish wig-making course

By Butch Gunio SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority wants more Japanese companies to invest here after the agency signed a $30-million contract with Japan-based Subic Smart Community Corp. to upgrade the Subic golf course.

SBMA Administrator Atty.

Wilma T. Eisma said upgrading the golf course will play an integral part in attracting more tourists to the freeport.

“When we first envisioned the Subic Freeport during its initial stage, we were thinking of making this into a port city like Singapore. Aside from the usual port operations like cargo and bulk handling, we imagined Subic Freeport as a tourist haven for local and international tourists alike,” Eisma said.

SSCC president Masafumi Miyamoto said they will develop the golf course into a worldclass venue for tournaments in addition to housing for the elderly and retirees.

IN BRIEF

On Thursday, Estrada said it is high time the city government “levels up” its anti-illegal parking campaign by going after irresponsible vehicle owners that leave their cars and trucks in the streets.

“To show them that we are dead serious, we will tow away

vehicles parked along the streets, especially along secondary roads that serve as alternate routes,” the mayor warned.

Estrada lamented that despite repeated appeals by the government to vehicle owners to have their own garages, many still in-

discriminately park on the streets, mostly in front of their houses, taking valuable road space.

“We’ve never learned. Many car owners remain stubborn, uncooperative. But now they will see,” he warned, as he expressed support to the “no car, no ga-

rage” policy being proposed by President Rodrigo Duterte to ease traffic in urban areas.

The Manila-wide anti-illegal parking operation, which started on Jan. 11, is spearheaded by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau headed by Dennis Alcoreza.

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga—Filipinos will produce more wigs for the world market after 139 trainees recently finished a 30-day training course on toupee production here.

Aderan Philippines Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of hair pieces and other accessories inside the former US military base, will hire the new wig makers, bringing its total “wig force” to 640 Filipinos.

The training was sponsored

by API, Starboard Manpower Services Inc. and Clark Development Corp.

API president Masao Kakero said PH-made wigs are made up of human and animal hair, and include synthetic fiber to cover baldness. “These sell better in different foreign countries because of the good quality,” he said. Romeo Dizon

Army 801st Brigade conducts ‘IHL’ gab THE 801st Brigade of the Philippine Army recently conducted a two-day International Humanitarian Law or IHL Seminar on Jan. 26 and 27, led by brigade commander Col. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr. The seminar was sponsored by the International Committee for the Red Cross headed

by Woody Assaf, ICRC Regional Head based in Tacloban City, Leyte; Rania Salameh, Deputy Protection Coordinator, ICRC Philippines; Anand Appadoo, ICRC Regional Delegate to the Armed and Security Forces; and Atty Monalisa Barro, ICRC Philippines Legal Adviser. Benjamin Chavez

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 Standard C2 TODAY Manila

‘Pink island’ on NatGeo list T

By Sandy Araneta

OURISM Secretary Wanda Corazon TulfoTeo on Thursday said she was thrilled over the inclusion of Great Sta. Cruz Island, also called Isla de Sta. Cruz, in Zamboanga City in the “21 Best Beaches in the World” list by international publication National Geographic.

“We are so proud about this citation and happy about its very timely announcement, which comes right after our visit there in December, when I had pushed for the island’s immediate improvement and development as an ecotourism destination,” Teo said.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island used to be under the supervision

of the Philippine Tourism Authority, the Department of Tourism’s infrastructure arm. PTA is now called the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

In 2011, the island was turned over to Zamboanga’s local government under the City Tourism Office’s Protected

Management Unit.

Teo has instructed DoT Region 9 Director Antonio Blanco to coordinate with TIEZA to assist Zamboanga in upgrading the island’s facilities, building additional cottages, and offering more nature-based recreational activities.

“The planned development will highlight its conservation and preservation, it being a protected area. Nonetheless, the outcome should enable locals and foreign visitors alike to enjoy the island’s beauty, but still strictly maintaining it as a day destination. We would like to attract genuine ecotourists as they take responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism to heart,” Teo said.

On its website, National Geographic was quoted as saying: “Hardly lacking in gorgeous beaches, the Philippines claims a pink-sand variety, too. The blush color comes from billions of pieces of crushed red organpipe coral, seen in every handful of sand. The number of visitors to the island is regulated, and advance arrangements should be made through the tourist office in Zamboanga.”

The other beaches cited in the “NatGeo” list are: Playa del Amor in Marietas Islands in Mexico; Cathedrals Beach in Ribadeo, Spain; Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue, Seychelles; One Foot Island in Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Sunset Beach in Brunswick Islands, North Carolina;

Lazy Beach in Koh Rong Island, Cambodia; Bowman’s Beach in Sanibel Island, Florida; Shell Beach in Shark Bay, Western Australia; Lyme Regis in England; Cannon Beach in Oregon; Carmel City Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; Noordwjk Beach in The Netherlands; Papakolea Beach in Hawaii; Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland; Pelican Beach in South Water Caye, Belize; Blue Bay in Mauritius; Cas Abao Beach in Curacao; Sleeping Bear Point in Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan; Piscinas Beach in Arbus, Sardinia; and Corniche Beach in La Teste-De-Buch, France.

The Philippines was also part of NatGeo’s List of Top Destinations for 2016.

Subic...

From A1 Miyamoto is the founder of Smart Community Co. Ltd., the first and largest continuing-care retirement community in Japan.

Creating residences is part of Miyamoto’s proposal for Japanese retirees, after a market study showed that Japan’s elderly care businesses rose to a whopping $252 billion in 2015.

The two-pronged development project is touted as a potential major asset in the freeport. The first part is the $3-million renovation and redevelopment of the whole golf course within two years.

The renovation will include the clubhouse, sprinkler systems and repair of ponds, improvement of the greens and the upgrade of machinery and equipment such as golf carts and service vehicles.

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR. DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR. DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR. DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

ABSENT:

ABSENT:

ABSENT:

Councilor

ROMEO C. MEDINA-Sick Leave

Councilor

Councilor

ROMEO C. MEDINA-Sick Leave

ROMEO C. MEDINA-Sick Leave

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On motion presented by Hon. N.S. Pasia, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-005 on second and final reading.

On motion presented by Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-006 on second and final reading.

On motion presented by Hon. N.S. Yabut, Jr., which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-007 on second and final reading.

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-005 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut Jr., Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. A.P. Padilla, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr. and Hon. E.J. Puno

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-006 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut Jr., Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. A.P. Padilla, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr. and Hon. E.J. Puno

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-007 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut Jr., Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. A.P. Padilla, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr. and Hon. E.J. Puno

Co Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. M.A.M Ortega and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor

Co Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. M.A.M Ortega and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor

Co Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. M.A.M Ortega and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor

A RESOLUTION FAVORABLY ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND GRANT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ZONE STATUS TO BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (BPI) PASONG TAMO BUILDING, OCCUPIED AND LEASED BY INNOVE COMMUNICATIONS, INC., LOCATED AT 2275 CHINO ROCES AVENUE EXTENSION, MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.

A RESOLUTION FAVORABLY ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND GRANT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ZONE STATUS TO AYALA LAND INC., 2-TOWER, LOCATED AT AYALA AVENUE CORNER SALCEDO AND AMORSOLO STREETS, BARANGAY SAN LORENZO, MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.

WHEREAS, on 14 April 2015, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) granted a pre-qualification clearance to Innove Communications, Inc. (INNOVE) for the declaration of a proposed building which shall stand on a Nine Thousand Forty Two (9,042) square meter lot located at 2275 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City as Information Technology (IT) Center, henceforth to be known as MK2 Data Center; WHEREAS, on 3 February 2016, Innove Communications, Inc., applied for IT Zone Status with the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati; WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7196 or the Special Economic Zones Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, together with its Implementing Rules and Regulations, requires that the business establishments located in Makati City engaged in multi-media, information technology or call center must secure favorable endorsement for IT Zone from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Makati; WHEREAS, the herein endorsement for an IT Zone is in line with the City Government of Makati’s thrust towards the realization of its dream of becoming an IT or Cyber City; WHEREAS, the IT Zone project is expected to promote the flow of investments, both foreign or local, which is expected to generate employment opportunities thereby negating the effect it may have on the city’s revenue collection brought about by the fiscal incentives under Section 23 and exemptions from national and local taxes under Section 24 of RA 7916, as amended by RA 8748, which are granted by law to locators thereof; WHEREAS, Innove Communications, Inc. being the developer/operator of MK2 Data Center shall not be entitled to PEZA incentives and is committed to pay its regular taxes to the City Government of Makati; WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary and beneficial to the City of Makati to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology (IT) Zone Status to BPI Pasong Tamo Building, located at 2275 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology Zone to Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Pasong Tamo Building, occupied and leased by Innove Communications, Inc., located at 2275 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, and the following terms and conditions are:

WHEREAS, on 15 July 2014, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) granted a pre-qualification clearance to Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), for the declaration of a proposed building which shall stand on a Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Seven (7,657) square meter lot located at Ayala Avenue corner Salcedo and Amorsolo Streets, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City as Information Technology (IT) Center, henceforth to be known as Makati Gateway Center or City Gate; WHEREAS, on 26 July 2016, Ayala Land Inc., applied for IT Zone Status with the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati; WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7196 or the Special Economic Zones Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, together with its Implementing Rules and Regulations, requires that the business establishments located in Makati City engaged in multi-media, information technology or call center must secure favorable endorsement for IT Zone from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Makati; WHEREAS, the herein endorsement for an IT Zone is in line with the City Government of Makati’s thrust towards the realization of its dream of becoming an IT or Cyber City; WHEREAS, the IT Zone project is expected to promote the flow of investments, both foreign or local, which is expected to generate employment opportunities thereby negating the effect it may have on the city’s revenue collection brought about by the fiscal incentives under Section 23 and exemptions from national and local taxes under Section 24 of RA 7916, as amended by RA 8748, which are granted by law to locators thereof; WHEREAS, Ayala Land Inc. being the developer/operator of Makati Gateway Center shall not be entitled to PEZA incentives and is committed to pay its regular taxes to the City Government of Makati; WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary and beneficial to the City of Makati to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology (IT) Zone Status to Ayala Land Inc., 2-Tower, located at Ayala Avenue corner Salcedo and Amorsolo Streets, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City, Metro Manila, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology Zone Status to Ayala Land Inc., 2-Tower, located at Ayala Avenue corner Salcedo and Amorsolo Streets, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City, Metro Manila, subject to existing laws, rules and regulation, and the following terms and conditions are:

1.

That whatever privileges granted by law shall only be extended to locators exclusively engaged in Information Communication Technology (ICT) business;

2.

Locators shall, on a best efforts basis, hire qualified residents of Makati City for their manpower requirements;

2. Locators shall, on a best efforts basis, hire qualified residents of Makati City for their manpower requirements;

Grantee corporation and locators shall pay the Mayor’s Permit fee on business, and other fees and charges as provided in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Makati City Government dated 21 April 2006;

3. Grantee corporation and locators shall pay the Mayor’s Permit fee on business, and other fees and charges as provided in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Makati City Government dated 21 April 2006;

This endorsement may be withdrawn any time on the ground of non-compliance with any of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

4. This endorsement may be withdrawn any time on the ground of non-compliance with any of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished the City Administrator’s Office, City Urban Development Department, City Treasurer’s Office, PEZA, MK2 Data Center/Innove Communications Inc. and other offices concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished the City Administrator’s Office, City Urban Development Department, City Treasurer’s Office, PEZA, Makati Gateway Center/Ayala Land Inc. and other offices concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

3.

4.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 1 February 2017.

1. That whatever privileges granted by law shall only be extended to locators exclusively engaged in Information Communication Technology (ICT) business;

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 1 February 2017.

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

P HON. NELSON S. PASIA

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

ON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO HON.

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

ON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO HON.

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON.

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON.

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT HON.

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT HON.

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

WHEREAS, on 15 July 2014, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) granted a pre-qualification clearance to Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), for the declaration of a proposed buildings located at Circuit Makati (formerly known as Sta. Ana Racetrack), Barangay Carmona, Makati City as Information Technology (IT) Center, henceforth to be known as Circuit Corporate Centers 1 and 2; WHEREAS, on 03 October 2016, Ayala Land Inc., applied for IT Zone Status with the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati; WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7196 or the Special Economic Zones Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, together with its Implementing Rules and Regulations, requires that the business establishments located in Makati City engaged in multi-media, information technology or call center must secure favorable endorsement for IT Zone from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Makati; WHEREAS, the herein endorsement for an IT Zone is in line with the City Government of Makati’s thrust towards the realization of its dream of becoming an IT or Cyber City; WHEREAS, the IT Zone project is expected to promote the flow of investments, both foreign or local, which is expected to generate employment opportunities thereby negating the effect it may have on the city’s revenue collection brought about by the fiscal incentives under Section 23 and exemptions from national and local taxes under Section 24 of RA 7916, as amended by RA 8748, which are granted by law to locators thereof; WHEREAS, Ayala Land Inc. being the developer/operator of Circuit Corporate Centers 1 and 2 shall not be entitled to PEZA incentives and is committed to pay its regular taxes to the City Government of Makati; WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary and beneficial to the City of Makati to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology (IT) Zone Status to Circuit Corporate Centers 1 and 2, located at 1 and 3 Theater Drive, Circuit, Barangay Carmona, Makati City, Metro Manila.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, to endorse the development and grant of Information Technology Zone Status to Circuit Corporate Centers 1 and 2, located at 1 and 3 Theater Drive, Circuit, Barangay Carmona, Makati City, Metro Manila, respectively, subject to existing laws, rules and regulation, and the following terms and conditions are: 1. That whatever privileges granted by law shall only be extended to locators exclusively engaged in Information Communication Technology (ICT) business; 2. Locators shall, on a best efforts basis, hire qualified residents of Makati City for their manpower requirements; 3. Grantee corporation and locators shall pay the Mayor’s Permit fee on business, and other fees and charges as provided in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Makati City Government dated 21 April 2006; 4. This endorsement may be withdrawn any time on the ground of non-compliance with any of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished the City Administrator’s Office, City Urban Development Department, City Treasurer’s Office, PEZA, Makati Gateway Center/Ayala Land Inc. and other offices concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 1 February 2017.

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

ON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO HON.

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON.

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

Attested by:

A RESOLUTION FAVORABLY ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND GRANT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ZONE STATUS TO CIRCUIT CORPORATE CENTERS 1 AND 2, LOCATED AT 1 AND 3 THEATER DRIVE, CIRCUIT, BARANGAY CARMONA, MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA, RESPECTIVELY, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Certified true and correct by:

Certified true and correct by:

Certified true and correct by:

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

(MS-FEB. 3, 2017)

Attested by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

Attested by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer (MS-FEB. 3, 2017)

(MS-FEB. 3, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

C3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Billionaire held over stocks crash Malaria strain makes gains in Mekong area BANGKOK―An especially drug-resistant type of malaria is becoming dominant in parts of the Mekong region, researchers said Thursday, warning of potentially dire consequences if it makes the leap to India and Africa.

For the last decade scientists and health workers have become increasingly alarmed by the spread of a malaria strain resistant to a key drug used to treat patients: artemisinin.

It was first detected in western Cambodia in 2007 and has since spread to parts of northeastern Thailand, southern Laos and eastern Myanmar.

Now researchers have also discovered a version of that strain that is not only resistant to two types of drugs, but has muscled out its less dangerous peers to become the dominant variant, according to a paper published Thursday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases medical journal.

“What’s happened now is that one lineage which arose in western Cambodia, one family of parasites if you like, has effectively beaten all the rest out and has spread,” Nicholas White, a specialist from the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok, which led the research, told AFP. So far the dominant lineage has been detected in parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos but not Myanmar—the bridge to South Asia—although researchers believe it us just a matter of time before it pushes westwards.

For tropical disease experts, the emergence of this strain has a worrying historical precedent.

Last century the borderlands of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos incubated two previous waves of drug-resistant malaria that spread from the region to India and Africa where they killed millions. AFP

H

ONG KONG―A Chinese billionaire who went missing from Hong Kong and is said to have been abducted by mainland security agents is reportedly under investigation in connection with China’s 2015 stocks crash.

Local media say financier Xiao Jianhua was last seen at his apartment in Hong Kong’s harbor-front Four Seasons hotel.

He was taken by mainland security agents last week, according to overseas Chinese-language media.

It is illegal for mainland agents to operate in semi-autonomous Hong Kong and the case has sparked new fears its freedoms are under threat from Beijing.

Three statements purportedly from Xiao—a Canadian citizen— denying he has been kidnapped have appeared on his company’s WeChat account and on the front

page of a Hong Kong newspaper.

The Canadian consulate confirmed to AFP Thursday Xiao was a citizen and said its officials were in contact with authorities to “gather additional information and provide assistance”.

According to the South China Morning Post, Xiao, founder of Beijing-based Tomorrow Group, is in mainland China and “assisting investigations” into the stock market turmoil of 2015.

The Shanghai stock index tumbled nearly 40 percent over a period of little more than two months after peaking in mid-June

INVITATION TO BID The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Bids and Awards Committee for the Procurement of Goods and Services (BAC-PG) invites Manpower Services Provider/ Contractor to submit their eligibility requirements and bid documents and participate in the public bidding for the Procurement of Technical and Administrative Support Personnel (Manpower Services) For PMO-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL/BACOLOD/ BANAGO-BREDCO (PMO-NBBB) and its Terminal Offices for CY 2017.

The Scope of Work involves the deployment of TWENTY-TWO (22) technical and administrative support personnel for assignment at the Port Management Office of Negros Occidental and its Terminal Management Offices.

The approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is FIVE MILLION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE PESOS (P5,241,251.00) ONLY. Prospective bidders should have at least five years’ experience in undertaking a similar project, with a single largest contract equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC, and should have key personnel available for the execution of the project.

The Eligibility check/screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted.

All particulars relative to the eligibility statement and screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Postqualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provision of R.A 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The Schedule of activities is listed as follows: 1.

Issuance of Bid Documents Bid documents can be secured from the BAC-PG Secretariat at the PPA, PMO NBBB office, Banago Port, Brgy. Banago, Bacolod City, starting January 31, 2017 during office hours, upon submission of Letter of Intent and payment of a non-refundable amount of _Eleven Thousand Two Hundred Pesos_(P 11,200.00) inclusive of VAT.

2.

Pre-Bid Conference

3.

The Pre-Bid Conference shall be on February 08, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Conference Room of the Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office of NBBB, Banago Port, Bacolod City.

Submission of Bid Documents shall not be later than 12:00 NN of_February 21, 2017_to the Secretariat of the Bids and Award Committee. Opening of Bids shall follow at 1:30 P.M. of the same day at the PMO NBBB Conference Room in the presence of the Bidder’s Representative.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to declare a failure of bidding or not to award the contract. Likewise, it assumes no responsibility to compensate the bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bids.

NOTED:

opening night of the 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival presented by UGG at theCYAN Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California.

MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK AFP

US visa holders backed LOS ANGELES― In yet another challenge to President Donald Trump’s travel ban, a California federal judge has issued a court order barring the US government from preventing more than two dozen Yemenis with valid visas from flying to Los Angeles.

US District Judge Andre Birotte handed down his temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Tuesday following an emergency motion filed by immigration attorney Julie Goldberg and her associate Daniel Covarrubias-Klein on behalf of 28 plaintiffs.

“These are people escaping war, I have people who are injured, people who aren’t getting proper medical care, children that have died (while awaiting their visas),” Goldberg, who is currently in Djibouti, where her clients are held up in transit, said by telephone. AFP

1 SEC. 6. Summons – The service of Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region summons shall be governed by Rule 14 of the Rules of Court and by the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT following rules: Branch 229, Quezon City

RICARDO T. BELDOA, Petitoner, -versusCivil Case No. 16-09479-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage MA. ESMERALDA MATRIZ, Respondent. x--------------------------------------x

ORDER On December 14, 2016, the Petitioner filed a Motion with Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication praying that summons be effected upon the Respondent by way of publication under Section 61 of Administrative Matter No. 02-11-10-SC.

(1) Where the respondent cannot be located at his given address or his whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, service of summons may, by leave of court, be effected upon him by publication once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines and in such places as the court may order. In addition, a copy of the summons shall be served on the respondent at his last known address by registered mail or any other means the court may deem sufficient.

(2) The summons to be published shall be contained in an order of the court with the following data: (a) Title of the case; (b) Docket number; (c) Nature of the petition; (d) Principal grounds of the petition and the reliefs prayed for; and (e) A directive for the respondent to answer within 30 days from the last issue of publication.

Republic of the Philippines The Petitioner alleged that personal service of the National Capital Judicial Region summons could not be effected REGIONAL TRIAL C OURT upon the Respondent at his Branch 229, Quezon City last known address, which is at Barangay Basud, Tabaco, Albay, because the Respondent is no RICARDO T. B ELDOA, Petitoner, longer residing in therein as per Certification issued by the Punong Barangay of Barangay -versusBasud, Tabaco, Albay. Thus, the Summons was returned Case No. R-QZN-16-09479-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of unserved.

Marriage ACCORDINGLY, the petitioner’s Motion is GRANTED. MA. ESMERALDA B. MATRIZ The petitioner is granted Respondent. leave of court to serve by x---------------------------------x publication once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks SUMMONS in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines TO: MA. ESMERALDA B. and Tabaco, Albay. In addition, MATRIZ – Brgy. Basud, serve a copy of the summons Tabaco, Albay at the Respondent’s last known address by registered GREETINGS: mail or any other means such You are hereby required, as by private courier. In the summons to be published, within fifteen (15) days after indicate the title of the case, service of this summons upon this case’s docket number, the you, to file with this Court nature of this petition, which and serve on the plaintiff your if for declaration of absolute answer to the complaint, copy of nullity of marriage; (d) principal which is attached, together with grounds of the petition, which the annexes. You are reminded is that the marriage between of the provision in the IBPthe Petitioner and Respondent OCA Memorandum on Policy is Void ab Initio due to the Guidelines dated March 12, Respondent’s Psychological 2002 to observe restraint in filing Incapacity; and (e) a directive a motion to dismiss and instead for the Respondent to answer allege the grounds thereof within thirty (30) days from the as defenses in the Answer. If last issue of publication in a you fail to answer within the newspaper of general circulation time fixed, the plaintiff will take in the Philippines and Tabaco, judgment by default and may be Albay, whichever is later. granted the relief applied for in the complaint.

SO ORDERED. January 24, 2017, Quezon December 20, 2016, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

City.

(Sgd.) JEANNE LUZ R. CASTILLO (Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA, III Branch Clerk of Court Presiding Judge (MS-Feb. 3 & 10, 2017)

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR. DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

ABSENT: Councilor

ROMEO C. MEDINA-Sick Leave

====================================================================== On motion presented by Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-008 on second and final reading.

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-008 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut Jr., Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr. and Hon. R.C. Medina Co Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. M.A.M Ortega, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, Hon. E.D.E. Villamor and Hon. A.P. Padilla A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY, TO ENTER INTO AND SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI WITH BUILD CHANGE, REPRESENTED BY ITS FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR. ELIZABETH HAUSLER STRAND, REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PREVENTIVE RETROFITTING PROJECT IN THE CITY OF MAKATI, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. WHEREAS, highly urbanized cities must be able to reduce their vulnerability to hazards as part of their development and physical planning processes in order to sustain progress; WHEREAS, Section 12 of R.A. 10121 known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010”, provides that, it is the function of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) to manage adverse effects of emergencies/disasters and carry out recovery activities in the affected area; WHEREAS, under Section 12 of R.A. 10121, to wit: it is the mandate of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Office to serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the LDDRMC in implementing policies, approved plans and programs consistent with the policies and guidelines laid down in this law; WHEREAS, it is the declared policy of the City Government of Makati headed by the Honorable City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay to uphold, adopt, and incorporate people’s constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the city’s institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management, and building the resilience of local communities to disaster; WHEREAS, the City Government of Makati, in its continuous efforts to make a disasterresilient City, explores partnership with various local and international organizations;

WHEREAS, Build Change, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to save lives in earthquakes and typhoons is offering to the City Government of Makati, thru the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (Makati–DRRMO), a partnership for the Preventive Retrofitting Project;

(SGD) ENRIQUE H. FUENTEBAJA Port Manager

WHEREAS, the Preventive Retrofitting Project involves and carries a mandate to save lives in earthquake and typhoons and create a permanent change to the adoption and implementation of disaster-resistant construction practice, and to provide technicalManila assistance and to homeowners, builders, engineers REPUBLIC OF THE training PHILIPPINES of the parties’ incurable and government official in disaster prone countries through the Latin America andunder Asia including the Philippines; TOD psychological incapacity REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

Standar

Republic Republicofofthe thePhilippines Philippines Philippine Rural Development Project National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Invitation to City Bid Mandaluyong Branch 211

February 3, 2017

IN RE: PETITION FOR THE ISSUANCE

1. The Government of the Philippines (GoP) has applied a Loan from the World Bank towards OF NEWRural OWNER’S DUPLICATE COPY the cost of Philippine Development Project and it intends to apply part of the proceeds CONDOMINIUM of this Loan OF to payments under the CERTIFICATES contract for the following projects:

OF TITLE NOS. 008-2015005599 AND Bid Security 008-2015005600 IN LIEU OF THE LOST Contract (Cash or Bank TITLES Subproject Name of the subproject/ Estimated Duration Guarantee LRC Case No. or MC16-865 Identification No. Location Project Cost (Calendar Bid Securing Days) Declaration) METRO UTOPIAN CONTRACTING, INC. Construction of Processing Petitioner, Center for the Quirino Palacian, Coffee Enterprisex--------------------------------------------------x Aglipay, P 2,378,000.00 75 CD PRDP-IB-RO02Quirino P 48,000.00 ORDER QUI-003-000-000-2014 This is a verified petition office to another, and that they Construction of Processing Center for Quirinofiled Banana by theCofcaville, petitioner praying were not kept in the new office.

Enterprise Maddela P 44,000.00 84CD that the Court cancelP 2,197,000.00 and That accordingly, an PRDP-IB-RO02-declare nullQuirino and void the Affidavit of Loss was executed QUI-014-000-000-2015 owner’s duplicate copy of

Cost of Bidding Documents (Php) 5,000.00

5,000.00

which was later submitted for

CCT Government Nos. 008-2015005599 2. The Provincial of Quirino, implementing partner of the Department of registration. Photocopy of the which Agriculture, and now 008-2015005600 invites bids for the Abovesaid Subprojects.

Affidavit ofCompletion Loss whichof the Works are were lost, and to order and shown above.

Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years, a was submitted for registrationcontract similar to the Register the Project. direct The description of of an Deeds eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, as Entry No. 2016010470 the CityII.of Mandaluyong, particularly, for in Section Instructions to Bidders. after payment of the fees

on December 2, 2016 at

1:47:07 PM for both CCT 3. Bidding will prescribed be conducted in accordance by law, to issue in with relevant procedures for open competitive bidding as specified in the IRR of RA 9184 (R.A. with some amendments, as stated Nos. 9184), 008-2015005599 and lieu/replacement thereof, a to all bidders from eligible source countries as in these bidding documents and is open 008-2015005600, before the newapplicable owner’s duplicate copyguidelines of the World Bank. The contract shall defined in the procurement Register of Deeds for the City Nos. 008-2015005599 be awardedoftoCCT the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as of Mandaluyong.

Meanwhile, 008-20155005600 which such during and post-qualification.

The Estimated Project Cost for this project is shown above. copy of the Memorandum of shall in all respect be entitled

Encumbrance evidencing such 4. Interested bidders further as information from the Bids and Awards Committee to like may faith obtain and credit registration on the said titles (BAC), of the Government theProvincial original duplicate andofinQuirino and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Mondays Fridays. can be seento on the second exactly the same terms and

and third pages of each title.

annotated therein may be purchased by interested Bidders from 5. A completeconditions set of Bidding Documents in 7,accordance February 3,whatsoever, 2017 to March 2017 from the address upon payment of a nonThat thebelow said and CCT’s are refundable fee for the bidding documents amount of Five Pesos (PhP with Section 109 of Act No. in notthemortgaged nor Thousand given 5,000.00). 456, as amended by P.D. No. as security to any loan in relation to R.A. No. 26. whatsoever. said It may also 1529, be downloaded free of charge from the websiteNeither of the Philippine Government CCT’s are PRDP being website subject (http://www.daprdp. of Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the That petitioner is a any attachment, execution net) provided that bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not corporation organized or proceeding in any judicial later than the submission of their bids. and existing by virtue and or administrative body.

And

operations of measures Philippinebeing instituted by the Department of Agriculture As part of the transparency finally, said CCT’s have not laws can with virtually principal place of of the above-described subproject at http://www.

(DA) the bidders visit the site been sold to any person daprdp.net where geotagged and track are viewable. The DA, however, business at No. base 455 photographs Boni or be entity to guarantee any the project shall requires thatAvenue, all potential contractorsCity. who will awarded contract under Mandaluyong obligations or for any Support other Office. have undergone geotagging training provided by the PRDP Project For the purpose, petitioner is represented by its President

purpose.

6. The Provincial Government of Quirino will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 22, 2017 Enrico A. Doculan.

That the Hall, original copy Capitol of at 10:00 AM at the Special Projects Unit, Conference 2nd Floor Commercial the titles matter of Building, Capitol Hills,petitioner Cabarroguis, which shallsubject be open to all interested parties.

That is Quirino, the this petition is existing at

7. Bids must beregistered deliveredand on absolute or beforeowner March 8,the 2017Register at 10:00 of AM Deeds at the Special Projects Unit, of unitCommercial and Conferenceof Hall,condominium 2nd Floor Capitol Building, Capitol Mandaluyong City. Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino. parking space located Brgy.Securing Declaration or bid security in the amount All bids must be accompanied by at a Bid Mandaluyong Acting or onManager’s) the petition,Check this or in the form of stated aboveWack in the Wack, form of Cash, certified (Cashier’s City, issued and described under Bank Guarantee by a universal or commercial Bank.

Court hereby orders petitioners Condominium

bolt hole for Chinese tycoons.

The investigation into Xiao is also linked to China’s disgraced ex-spymaster Ma Jian, the SCMP said.

Ma was former deputy head of China’s ministry of state security and was expelled from the ruling Communist Party in December on suspicion of taking bribes and “abusing power”.

There has been widespread speculation that Xiao’s disappearance was part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, which some critics believe has been used to target his political opponents.

The campaign was launched after Xi took power in 2012 and has brought down government officials and corporate executives. AFP

WHEREAS, considering that the City of Makati is highly exposed to potential devastation caused by the occurrence of extreme natural events, particularly earthquakes and typhoons and has shown keen interest in working with Build Change in reducing its exposures to these events;

(SGD) ARLYN A. CARAIG Chairman, BAC-PG

PREMIERE. DJ Darla Bea attends the premiere of ‘Charged’ during the

that year.

Authorities helped inflate the bubble by encouraging investments. But when it burst, officials sought to pin blame on market manipulators.

It is unclear how Xiao is being linked to the crash, but mainland investigators have targeted several investment executives on suspicion of insider trading since the stocks rout.

Last week former star hedgefund manager Xu Xiang was sentenced to more than five years in prison for market manipulation.

Apple Daily reported Thursday he had been a neighbor of Xiao at the Four Seasons, before Xu was detained on the mainland.

The hotel has a reputation as a

Certificate

to cause the publication of a

Bids will be opened the presence the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at of Title in (CCT) Nos. of 008copy of this Order at their own the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

2015005599 and 008- expense before the hearing 2015005600 of the Registerreserves on February 2017 oratreject any bid, to 8. The Provincial Government of Quirino the right 27, to accept of Deeds for the of all annul the bidding process, and City to reject at any timeafternoon prior to contract award, 1:30bids o’clock in the without thereby incurring any affectedthe bidder or bidders.

Mandaluyong, withliability area toofthe before Regional Trial ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN Court, Branch 211, 2nd Floor, 9. For further information, please refer to: SQUARE METERS AND Old Municipal Hall Building, ENGR. DENCIO A. PAGBILAO NINETY Bids EIGHT SQUARE Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong PPDC & Chairman, and Awards Committee DECIMETERS Provincial Government of (114.98 Quirino sq.m.) City. Let a copy of this Order and THIRTY of SEVEN SQUARE be published in the Manila Provincial Government Quirino METERS AND FIFTY Standard Today, a newspaper CP No. 09175007275 SQUARE DECIMETERS (37.5 of general circulation in Metro (SGD) DENCIO sq.m.), respectively.

Manila selected by raffleA. PAGDILAO BAC1079, Chairman pursuant to PD No. That petitioner is in actual once a week for three (3) (MS-FEB. 3, 2017) possession and occupation consecutive weeks. of the real estate properties and they have been declared Any interested person for taxation purposes as may appear and oppose the evidenced by hereto attached petition. latest Tax Declaration Nos. Petitioner is further directed D-027-22910 and D-0927-

NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Article 36 of the Family Code WHEREAS, one of the identified activities Outcome 3 (Increased disaster resilience furnish under a copy thereof 109, PASAY CITY of and ofBRANCH infrastructure systems) Makati Disaster Reduction and Management tothepetitioner’s counsel,Risk Atty.

Plan is toSAMSON develop DAGAMI guidelines TREBONIAN on the redesign, retrofitting or operational modification of C. TABANG with MARISSA infrastructure; REPUBLIC address at CATRAL TABANG & Petitioner, IRAL LAW OFFICES, Suite 505 REGION -versus – WHEREAS, a Memorandum Artex of Understanding (MOU) between the City Government Bldg., 435 Gen. Luna St., NATIONAL CA of Makati and Build ChangeBinondo, is required to be executed in order to effectuate the Manila.

BRANC abovementioned purpose; CIVIL CASE NO. R-PSY-16-23464-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage If you fail to answer within MARISSA SAMSON DAG WHEREAS, benefits that asthe will obtain from the Preventive time fixed, perCity the Rules Under Art. 36 ofconsidering the Family Code the the Petitioner, Retrofitting Project, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, pursuant of Court, the petitioner shallto Section 8 (a) (6), Article III, of R.A. 7854, otherwise knowntake as the Charteragainst of the City of Makati, hereby authorizes judgment you and -versus the – CI ZHANG WEI, Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay signCourt such Memorandum of Understanding demand from tothis the (MOU) with Respondent.

Build Change. relief applied in this petition.

ZHANG WEI, x------------------------------------x Moreover, you NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, ASareIT reminded IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE Respondent. of the the IBPx---------------------------------SUMMONS

BY PUBLICATION SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF provision MAKATI, of METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE OCA Memorandum on Policy to authorize the Honorable SUMMONS POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, TO: ZHANGAbigail WEI S. Binay, guidelines dated enter Marchinto 12,and sign a Memorandum of MayorMR. Mar-Len to negotiate, #43 Lourdes St., on behalf TO:Change, MR. ZHANG WE 2002, observe in filingof Makati with Build Understanding (MOU), oftothe City restraint Government a Motion Dismiss and instead F.B. Harrison represented by its St., founder and Chief to Executive Officer, Dr. Elizabeth, Hausler Strand, #43 Lourdes St. alleged the groundsRetrofitting thereof as Project in the City of Makati, Pasaythe City regarding implementation of the Preventive Pasay City defenses in the answer. If you subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

GREETINGS: fail to answer within the time GREETINGS: the Court shall orderofthe You copy are of hereby directed tobefixed, Let this Resolution furnished to the Office the City Mayor, Makati You DRRM are hereby directed to Public Prosecutor investigate within thirty (30) days fr enter yourBuild appearance the Council, Change, in City Administator’s Officetoand other offices/departmentscase concerned newspaper of general circulatio or not collusion exist above caseguidance within whether for theirentitled information, and reference. consecutive weeks and answer thirty (30) days from the last between the parties and Dagami wherein the petitioner p intervene for theupon stateits toapproval. see to This Resolution shall take effect immediately issue of publication hereof marriage between petitioner and in a newspaper of general it that the evidence presented is the parties’ incurable psycholog not fabricated or suppressed.OF MAKATI, METRO APPROVED SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD MANILA, circulation in BY the THE Philippines Code and furnish a copy thereo TABANG with address at CATRA in its Regular held(2) on 1 February 2017. once a weekSession for two Witness the HON. Artex Bldg., 435 Gen. Luna St., consecutive weeks and answer TINGARAAN U. GUILING, If you fail to answer within t the Petition filed by petitioner Presiding Judge of this Court petitioner shall take judgment a Marissa Samson Dagami this 20th day of December 2016. relief applied in this petition. wherein the petitioner prays

HON.judgment SHIRLEYbe C. ASPILLAGA HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA that rendered declaring the marriage between (Sgd.) CLEOTILDE P. PAULO Officer-In-Charge petitioner and respondent as null and void on the ground (MS-Jan. 24 & 31, 2017)

Moreover, you are reminded on Policy guidelines dated Ma Motion to Dismiss and instead a answer. If you fail to answer w Public Prosecutor to investigate ORTEGA parties and intervene for the st not fabricated or suppressed.

Witness the HON. TINGARA this 20th day of December 2016.

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M.

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

P HON. NELSON S. PASIA

(MS-Jan. 24 & 31, 2017)

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT HON.Mandaluyong VIRGILIO V.City HILARIO Branch 211

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

That sometime on December 2015, petitioner CAROLINA VARGAS VALDEZ tried to retrieve and/or locate the Owner’s Duplicate Certificate of TCT No. 27260 from ON. JR. HON. MARY her personal files at the house but the same could no longer be found in the said files.

RUTH C. TOLENTINO

IN RE: PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF That efforts were exerted by petitioner SECOND COPY OF THE OWNER’S to locate the missing Owner’s Duplicate DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE OF Certificate of Transfer Certificate of TCT No. TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON. DIVINA A. JACOME HON. 27260 but said efforts were all in vain as it TITLE NO. 27260 could no longer be found.

LRC Case No. MC16-861 That after consultation and advice of SPS. RICARDO B. VALDEZ and counsel, petitioner executed an Affidavit of CAROLINA VARGAS VALDEZ, JR. Loss which was duly annotated in TCT No. CONCEPCION M. YABUT HON. LUIS S. JAVIER HON. ON. MARIA Petitioners, 27260.

-versusThat the TCT No. 27260 was valid and effective at the time it was lost and duly THE LAND REGISTRATION registered and covered by the torrens AUTHORITY, THE REGISTRY HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY NEMESIO S. YABUT JR. system of land registration.HON. That the said OF DEEDS OF MANDALUYONG realty is declared for taxation purposes.

CITY, Respondents.

That the said realty has no other existing x-------------------------------------------x mortgage except the registered mortgage to

ORDER the National Housing Authority which was HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA This is a verified petition filed by the already cancelled. It has no other liability LnB President of whatever nature or petitioner praying that after due notice, and encumbrances kind and either it is in the possession of a publication and hearing in accordance with or negotiations the provision of PD1529 and other allied third person who has a lienCertified true and correct by: and applicable laws thereon, judgment and/or transactions over the real property be rendered as follows: 1) Granting the pending registration with the Register of Deeds. instant petition; 2) Ordering the Registry of Deeds of the City of Mandaluyong to ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES That the petitioners tried to cause the forthwith issue a Second Copy of the registration and annotation of the Deed of Secretary to the Owner’s Duplicate Certificate of Transfer Cancellation and Release of Real Estate Sangguniang Panlungsod Certificate of Title No. 2760 in favor of SPS. Mortgage Contract executed by the National Attested RICARDOby: B. VALDEZ and CAROLINA Housing Authority but the Register of Deeds VARGAS VALDEZ, both of legal age, of Mandaluyong City refused to act as there Filipino, and a resident of 715 Pantaleon is a need to present the Owner’s Copy of St., Hulo, Mandaluyong City; 3) To release TCT No. 27260. Petitioners cannot present the issued Second Copy of the Owner’s the same because it was lost sometime on Duplicate Certificate ofQ. Transfer Certificate December 2015.

HON. MONIQUE LAGDAMEO of Title No. 27260 as no longer valid and Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer That there is an imperative need to effective; 5) Other reliefs just and equitable (MS-FEB. 3, 2017) secure a Second Copy of Owner’s Duplicate are likewise prayed for. of TCT No. 27260 in order to remove any That petitioners are the registered owner cloud or doubt as to its existence, validity of a parcel of land located at the Bo. Of and efficacy thereof and in order to protect Hulo City of Mandaluyong covered by TCT the property rights and interests of the No. 27260. registered and lawful owner.

That said realty was acquired by the Acting on the petition, this Court hereby petitioners from the National Housing orders petitioners to cause the publication of Authority and was paid in installment. a copy of this Order at their own expense The National Housing Authority required before the hearing on February 28, 2017

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

C4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

World

Wall could be built in two years WASHINGTON―The new US Secretary of Homeland Security told Fox News late Wednesday that he hoped the US-Mexico border wall ordered by President Donald Trump could be built in two years.

“The wall will be built where it’s needed first, and then it will be filled in. That’s the way I look at it,” retired Marine general John Kelly told Fox. “I really hope to have it done within the next two years.”

Trump has signed an executive order designed to meet his campaign pledge to build a wall along the 2,000 mile (3,200 km) southern US border, with the stated goal of keeping out undocumented migrants, drugs and criminals.

Some 653 miles of border already features fencing that blocks people and/or vehicles.

Kelly said that protecting the southern border is “a layered approach” that includes physical barriers as well as technological sensors “and things like that”.

Kelly, who will oversee the wall’s planning and construction, said that the Trump administration officials “already have the authority” under existing law to start the project. AFP

SPRING FESTIVAL. Geisha girls throw soy beans during Setsubun, a part of the spring festival, at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto. People throw soy beans to purify the home by driving away the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. AFP

Trump rips into Aussie president during call W ASHINGTON―President Donald Trump ripped into his Australian counterpart during their call last week, reports said, castigating a refugee accord he later described on Twitter as a “dumb deal.”

The Washington Post said Trump abruptly cut short the fiery conversation after criticizing the agreement to re-settle people kept in Pacific camps, sparking a war of words with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Thursday after the report surfaced.

Australia is considered a close US ally—one of the socalled “Five Eyes” with which the US routinely shares sensitive intelligence—and the call might have been expected to be smooth sailing.

But, according to the Post, Trump’s assessment was the opposite.

Of his four conversations with world leaders that day “This was the worst call by far,” it cited him as telling Turnbull, shortly before he terminated the telephone meeting.

Australian government sources told the Australian Broadcast-

ing Corporation the report was “substantially accurate”.

Turnbull said he was disappointed details of the “very frank and forthright” exchange had been leaked.

“As far as the call is concerned I’m very disappointed that there has been a leak of purported details of the call in Washington,” he told Sydney radio station 2GB. “But I want to make one observation about it -- the report that the president hung up is not correct. The call ended courteously.”

He added that Canberra had “very, very strong standards in the way we deal with other leaders and we are not about to reveal details of conversations other than in a manner that is agreed”.

The Post’s account is markedly different from the official read-out of the call provided by

both governments.

Turnbull said Monday that Trump had agreed to honor the deal struck with then president Barack Obama to resettle an unspecified number of the 1,600 people Australia holds in offshore processing centers in Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

There were fears the new US president would rescind it after he signed an executive order last week to suspend the arrival of refugees to the US for a least 120 days, and bar entry for three months to people from seven Muslim-majority countries.

After the Post story broke late Wednesday, Trump weighed in on Twitter and threw the agreement into doubt.

“Do you believe it? The Obama Administration agreed to take thousands of illegal immigrants from Australia. Why? I will study this dumb deal!” he wrote.

After seeing the tweet, Turnbull insisted Trump had already agreed it would go ahead.

“The commitment made by the president in that call was made and we announced that and it was confirmed by his spokesman a day or so later,” he said.

Reports of the Turnbull-Trump conversation came as the US and Mexican governments were denying claims that the former reality TV star had threatened to send troops into Mexico to deal with drug cartels.

Mexican journalist Dolia Estevez, citing “confidential” US and Mexican sources, said Trump made the threat during an hourlong phone call with President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday.

Mexican and White House officials vehemently denied the report.

Relations have plunged into the biggest diplomatic crisis between the two neighbors in decades.

Trump angered Mexicans last week by ordering the construction of a massive border wall and vowing to make their country pay for the wall.

Pena Nieto has pledged that his government will never pay for the barrier and canceled a meeting with Trump scheduled for this week in Washington.

In addition to the row over the wall, Trump wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. Mexican officials expect talks to begin in May. AFP

Bobcast returns after leaving zoo WASHINGTON―After an elusive feline from Washington’s National Zoo triggered a three-day cat hunt—and an online sensation—Ollie the bobcat on Wednesday ventured home on her own terms.

The seven year-old, 25-pound female went missing early Monday from her enclosure in the US capital, apparently after slipping through a hole in the fencing.

Ollie ultimately turned up near the zoo’s bird house, where keepers successfully captured her and took her for a checkup with veterinarians.

“We’re just over the moon happy,” said Craig Saffoe, curator of big cats at the zoo.

“I think she was ready to come home.”

“When you find a member of your family that’s been missing, it fills you with joy— crazy joy.”

A team of zookeepers, police officers and animal rescue workers had deemed their search futile just hours earlier: it was “less of a chance than finding a needle in a haystack,” said Brandie Smith, an animal care specialist at the zoo.

The search party assumed the gray-furred, short-tailed

feline had found a happy new home in nearby Rock Creek Park. Since bobcats are not aggressive, authorities decided to suspend the hunt in the name of common sense.

“She wanted to go out, have a little bit of fun, see what it’s like on the outside,” Saffoe said, visibly relieved to have the cat back safe and sound.

Ollie did arrive home with a small, harmless cut on her left front paw. Animal care workers say they will do a full exam on her to ensure “no ill effects” came from her adventure.

Her escapades did propel her to Twitter stardom: her photo was shared widely on social networks, often accompanied by political commentary.

Some said her escape proves that fencing is useless, a reference to Donald Trump’s order to construct a wall on the US-Mexico border wall.

Many also associated Ollie with the cat-eared “pussy” hat that was symbolic of the recent Women’s March peaceful protest against a number of the US president’s policy stances.

“She chose security over freedom,” wrote one Twitter user following the bobcat’s return. AFP

3 tons of pangolin scales confiscated

IN THE WILD. Great egrets are seen in the Moe Yun Gyi wetlands in Bago Division, around 70 miles north of Yangon. AFP

BANGKOK―Thai customs police on Thursday unveiled a massive three-tonne cache of seized pangolin scales intended for Asia’s lucrative wildlife markets, where feverish demand for the ‘scaly anteater’ has turned it into the most trafficked mammal on earth.

The shy pangolin’s brown scales are made of nothing more than keratin -- the same substance as fingernails -- but are highly prized in Vietnam and China where they are misleadingly touted as bearing medicinal properties.

Soaring demand for the products has seen an estimated one million pangolins plucked from Asian and African forests over the past decade, shunting them onto the list of species at the highest risk of extinction.

On Thursday, Thai police revealed nearly three tons of pangolin scales, packed into white bags, that had been seized from two air cargo hauls at Bangkok’s main airport.

The contraband was shipped from the Congo, smuggled through Turkey and eventually bound for Laos -- a key transit hub for regional trafficking syndicates.

“This is the biggest lot (of pangolin scales) that we have seized,” Police Major General Worapong Thongpaiboon, acting commander of the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, told AFP. Thailand’s CITES director said the final destination was almost certainly intended to be China or Vietnam, where the price of pangolin scales runs around $1,700 per kilo.

“After (customers) clean and dry the scales they fry and mix them with traditional medicine that they believe cure cancer and enhance sexual performance,” Somkiat Soontonpitakkool told AFP. There is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support any medicinal properties for pangolin scales. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

SHOPPING

F

ROM building a presence in Makati and other regions across the country as far as Cebu and Davao, Ayala Malls opens its first commercial development in the heart of Pasig and Ortigas with Ayala Malls The 30th.

Located at 30 Meralco Avenue, Ayala Malls The 30th becomes a warm haven for young professionals, students and families of Pasig, helping them to live out their lives to the fullest. Just north of the site lies modern residential developments such as the Renaissance Towers and The Alexandra, as well as schools like St. Paul Pasig. For those living and working in the area, Ayala Malls The 30th becomes your sweet escape right in your backyard.

Here, at this cozy neighborhood mall, you can pursue your all your interests and truly live out the good life.

Covering two hectares, Ayala Malls The 30th features a multi-level lifestyle mall, which houses four state-of-the-art cinemas, Rustan’s supermarket, and the “corte”, an outdoor space where friends and families can gather for events and mall activities.

Delighting mall-goers, Ayala Malls The 30th also brings everything you love under one roof. Check out your beloved National Bookstore, Mercury Drug Store, BPI, Switch, Bench and Mango just a hop and skip away. At the Service Avenue, find the ultimate convenience of living in the city with all your basic services found in one designated annex: Au Beau Blanc Laundry, Core Pacific Money Exchange, LBC, Nail Tropics, and much more.

In addition, Ayala Malls The 30th features 28,000 sqm of exciting dining, retail, and entertainment options, and three levels of basement parking for your shopping convenience. For die-hard movie fans, two of the four Ayala cinemas boast recliner seats for the ultimate watching experience. Sit back, relax and fully enjoy the show. Whatever your lifestyle and whatever your interest, find a home at Ayala Malls the 30th.

Within the impressive complex, discover a new world of bold flavors with

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

D1

High-end shopping is now in Pasig

Ayala Malls The 30th on 30 Meralco Avenue is the newest haven for young professionals, students and families in Pasig City

From left: Ayala Land Inc. President and CEO Bobby Dy, Ayala Land Inc. Group Head - Commercial Business, ALI Capital, Ayala Land Offices, Hotels and Resorts Junie Jalandoni, MBS Development Corp. President Arsenio Tanco, Ayala Corporation President and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Pasig City Mayor Bobby Eusebio, Former Pasig City Mayor Maribel Eusebio and Ayala Land Inc. Director Antonino T. Aquino led the ceremonial opening of Ayala Malls The 30th.

the opening of Mamou, Genki Sushi, La Maripili, Lartizan and the highly anticipated Morganfield’s, home of the biggest and juiciest ribs in town. Explore the “Asian invasion” as well with new culinary concepts such as Akimitsu Tendon (Japanese), Sibyullee (Korean) and Toast (an Asian Fusion bar). Find your every craving satisfied and your appetite satiated at Ayala Malls The 30th.

While packed with numerous restaurants and retail boutiques, Ayala Malls The 30th doesn’t forget to allot open spaces for the kids and kids-at-heart. They will be thrilled by the three dedicated activity areas (one outdoor and two indoors) for play. Offering an array of new thrills, Timezone also opens its doors to active mall-goers for the New Year, while Gold’s Gym will welcome fitness junkies and health buffs come May. More than just a shopping and dining

Pantone’s Color of the Year for Spring 2017 PANTONE has announced Greenery as its Color of the Year for 2017, symbolic of hope and new beginnings as a reflection of a desire to “disconnect” in a tense world and go back to nature.

The calming green hue of the Emerald is an expression of growth, renewal and fertility, reflecting the environment and ringing in the new year. A natural precious stone, emeralds are often described as looking like foliage and sometimes known as “jardin,” French for garden. The color of the John Hardy Brazilian Emerald is a lush green with strong saturation, creating a unique opaqueJohn Hardy Classic Chain Silver features Pantone's color of the year Greenery in its latest collection of small bracelet, drop earrings, emerald and diamond ring, and pendant necklace with emerald and diamonds

ness. Emeralds of this type are not typically available in a larger size and by using opaque, saturated stones, John Hardy is able to deliver a rare and beautiful stone to the market that’s full of character.

John Hardy Boutiques are in Rustan’s Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City; Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City; and Rustan’s Ayala Center, Bohol Avenue, Cebu City.

destination, Ayala Malls The 30th transforms into a commercial hub, merging business with pleasure by opening up 20 floors of office space at the highest levels of the mall. These will be open for lease to BPO and other local companies.

Ayala Malls The 30th brings to the forefront the warm, intimate neighbourhood vibe while offering an array of world-class amenities and options. Here, you can enjoy richer experiences, explore your passions and interests, and make more memories outside of your home.

As your new go-to community mall in Pasig, Ayala Malls The 30th becomes your home away from home. Discover more right next door.

For more information, follow Ayala Malls The 30th on Facebook: @ayalamallsthe30th and on Instagram: @iloveayalamallsthe30th.

Life

D2

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Get fit in

Look sexy and feel comfortable in Guess Sports Bra, which can also transition from gym wear to casual wear

GUESS L

OOK sexy while you sweat for a great bod. This year, GUESS brings your perfect workout partner, the GUESS Sports Bra. With its signature logo, this seamless sports bra screams support to your stylish gym needs. From stretching to cooling down, the sports bra will always stay put. You can also add bra padding for a kick of push-up confidence.

Transition your way from the gym to the streets by donning the GUESS Originals Denim Jacket. Part of the GUESS Originals collection which dates back from 1981, it features a Guess embroidery at the back that echoes effortless, fun and cool attitude. Wearing the sports bra and the denim jacket together, you nail the right formula of injecting denim into your athletic wear.

Plus, did you know that Arianna Grande wore the GUESS Sports Bra in her “Side to Side” music video? With Arianna’s style approval, how can you not wear it? This limited-edition sports bra comes at P1,298.00. Sweating out has never looked this sexy and stylish.

Slay on your next training session with GUESS.

The GUESS Sports Bra and GUESS Originals Denim Jacket are available at select GUESS stores nationwide.

For more information, visit www.

GUESS.com and www.facebook.com/ GUESSPhil.

First Jaguar electric vehicle

REVEALED

Automotive company Jaguar unveiled its electric sports car to the public through a large and connected virtual reality event

Great day with Great Lakes MOST of the time, it only takes one little thing to make a day great. And even when it comes to switching your normal routine, it only takes a small step to welcome change for the better.

When you’re caught right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city grind, stressful days can be right ahead of you. Yet starting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be grueling — take that stride with Great Lakes.

Great Lakes is a line of natural fruit juices with pure and wholesome goodness, made from the finest fruits and vegetables. Everything about Great Lakes is all natural—that means no artificial coloring or flavors, and no sweetener. Starting with its original flavors, Fruit and Vegetable Mix and Tropical Fruit Mix comes the two newest refreshing flavors from Great Lakes: Pure Pressed Apple and Just Right Red Grape.

Aside from their naturally beneficial properties, the Great Lakes juices have a clean, refreshing taste that is not too sweet, nor too bitter as is expected in natural fruit juice. Great

Lakes Pure Pressed Apple is made from 100 percent apple juice. Cloudy in color is caused by the fiber in apples, thus imparting a different taste than the regular apple juice. Just Right Red Grape, on the other hand, has just the right amount of natural grape juice, giving it a taste that is “just right”.

Great Lakes is a must staple at home as it offers wholesome refreshment that can be enjoyed by all ages! With it’s two yummy new flavors, it’s an easy and refreshing way to bring more fruits and vegetables into your family’s diet!

So even when you’re stuck in the middle of a bad day, turn it around with an all-natural, refreshing drink that taste great – Great Lakes!

Share with us what made your day great and use the hashtags #OishiGreatLakes and #WholesomeRefreshment Great Lakes is available nationwide in major supermarkets and convenience stores, for P20.00 for handy 250ml packs, and P70.00 for the re-sealable 1L variants.

JAGUAR’S engineering and design teams have torn up the rule book to create a bespoke electric architecture, matched with dramatic design. The result is a no-compromise smart, five-seat sports car and a performance SUV in one.

Ian Callum, director of design, said, “The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.

“Our virtual reality reveal has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”

This unique and world-first ‘social VR’ reveal is believed to be the largest live and connected VR event of its type to date.

More than 300 guests were transported into a specially created life-like virtual space, into which, two of the car’s creators, Ian Callum and Ian Hoban were projected.

From VR hubs in Los Angeles and London, groups of 66 guests including A-list stars Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr, and James Corden, used HTC Vive Business Edition headsets, powered by Dell Precision workstations, to put themselves inside the concept car and interact live with other participants. Guests ‘sat’ on the concept’s virtual seats, had a 3600 view of Venice Beach as the concept was built piece by piece around them, and saw the I-PACE Concept race towards them across a virtual desert.

Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “This is an uncompromised electric vehicle designed from a clean sheet of paper: we’ve developed a new architecture and selected only the best technology available. The I-PACE Concept fully exploits the potential EVs can offer in space utilisation, driving pleasure and performance.”

The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most daily journeys. Whereever you are in the world you can simply plug your car into a wall socket overnight, and have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute of around 50 km.

Ross Wheeler, Head of Automotive at Imagination, said, “For the first time in history, a global automotive brand has used fully immersive VR to launch their latest car. This launch takes the individual far beyond any new car experience they would have witnessed before, allowing people across the world to connect in real time, be fully immersed within the vehicle and share live together their experience of Jaguar’s first ever electric vehicle.”

“Jaguar, by embracing cutting-edge technology in this way, has created an experience rich and rewarding for its consumers. It has undoubtedly redefined the future of how automotive brands introduce their new vehicles to customers.”

Enjoy the taste of apple and grapes in Oishi Great Lakes's Pure Pressed Apple and Just Right Red Grape variants

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

PEOPLE ...are talking about Maxine Medina With almost two million tweets during the coronation day, the country’s bet to the 65th Miss Universe definitely proved that people’s eyes were on on her in her bid to win the coveted crown. As a gracious host delegate, Maxine represented the country well amid the brouhaha surrounding her performance during the Q and A portion and the great pressure for her to deliver the goods. People already knew that Maxine dreads public speaking and what she showed during the pageant was already a better version of herself.

Kristen Stewart is a personal shopper in a new psychological thriller

Kristen Stewart in another supernatural drama

Ethel Booba Still talking about the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant, this Twitter rock star flooded the microblogging site with hilarious tweets that could make people forget about pressing problems that confront the country today. Kidding aside, Ethel is one of the personalities people watch out for during special and national events. We should give her a special moniker just for that.

Rachelle Ann Go After her stint as Gigi in the restaging of Miss Saigon and Fantine in Les Misirables, the Filipina singer scores another important role in an international production. Rachelle Ann is set to play Eliza Hamilton in the phenomenal West End production. In less than two years, the musical has become an icon of American pop culture receiving the highest accolades from Tony Awards. And Rachelle Ann being part of this production says a lot on how the producers of the show see her as a talent.

...are not talking about Can’t Help Falling In Love The upcoming film’s director, Mae Cruz-Alviar, is making a strange appeal among KathNiel fans online. The filmmaker is disappointed with the fans for posting behind-the-scenes photos of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Hence, she took to Twitter to tell them to stop posting photos from their shooting.

According to her, the photos posted by fans pre-empt and spoil this Star Cinema movie. It goes to show she’s not confident with her work because she considers social media posts a threat to the success of her film. Really strange!

Ogie Alcasid The singer-songwriter has finally signed a management contract with ABS-CBN. The contract is exclusive, which means he wouldn’t be able to work with other networks like he used to.

And considering the fact that he’s got little options when it comes to shows that he can be part of, his partnership with the network will only limit his visibility on TV. Unless of course he’s that too important ABS-CBN would give him his own regular show, which is apparently not happening to more popular and more creative artists.

Kris Aquino A top gun from APT Entertainment has just confirmed that no negation to produce a TV show happened between them and the former TV host. And future negation will not ever happen, too. Now, this leaves Kris settling for an online show, which doesn’t even have an audience.

Since she can’t go back to her former network, will she finally enter politics like what washed up celebrities do? We heard that’s her next plan.

THE hair-raising horror drama Personal Shopper features Kristen Stewart as an American in Paris working as a model’s assistant while trying to contact the spirit of her dead twin brother.

The film’s director, Oliver Assayas won Best Director for his work in the film in last year’s Cannes Film Festival, the same festival within the same year that Philippine’s Jaclyn Jose also won the Best Actress for her role in Ma’Rosa.

From the acclaimed movie Clouds of Sils Maria, director Assayas and Stewart are reunited. Stewart displays a mysterious and darker character who struggles to repress grief while trying to move on after her brother’s death.

From his recent win at the film festival, Assayas shared his award with all of his crew, “To say that I’m moved is putting it mildly.

Cannes has given me so much, and has rewarded me this year with a prize that I’m sharing with a filmmaker I admire: Cristian Mungiu.

Directing a film is a collective endeavor. I feel I’ve created a group that is being awarded the prize; a whole family with whom I developed a cinematographic language.”

In a review by Guy Lodge (Time Out), Stewart is cited for her performance, “Amid all the shifting mirrored surfaces and hazy ambiguities of Olivier Assayas’s bewitching, brazenly unconventional ghost story, this much can be said with certainty: Kristen Stewart has become one hell of an actress.”

Along with Kristen Stewart, Personal Shopper has an impressive supporting cast that includes Lars Eidinger, Sigrid Bouaziz, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ty Olwin, Hammou Graïa, and Benjamin Biolay.

The film opens Feb.15 in cinemas from Pioneer Films.

Trailer link: https://youtu.be/VXs9hNMnINI

Inspiring Filipinos to keep walking towards their boldest ambition A COMMITMENT to inspiring and encouraging personal progress, Johnnie Walker introduced the #KeepWalkingPH 21 Day Challenge and urged Filipinos to overcome their self-doubt and take the first step toward achieving their ambition.

Held in SM Aura Premier’s IMAX Cinema on Jan.11, the evening saw a coming together of Manila’s tastemakers, celebrities, and media partners celebrating Johnnie Walker’s legacy of inspiring personal progress.

Among the guests who publicly declared their ambitions that night were former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Patrick Sugui, actors Khalil Ramos and Sarah Carlos, comedian Rodfil Obeso, and Asia’s Next Top Model finalist Jodilly Pendre.

An initiative under the Keep Walking Philippines campaign, the #KeepWalkingPH 21 Day Challenge asks participants to publicly declare their goals through 21 social media posts. Johnnie Walker believes that every Filipino is capable of overcoming self-doubt and thus, inspires everyone to take that first step towards personal progress.

“When our abilities are questioned, we lose confidence in ourselves. Self-doubt is the universal barrier to progress that we all have to face on a daily basis,” shares Diageo Philippines General Manager Vanee Gosiengfiao. “The Johnnie Walker brand has always encouraged people to keep walking towards personal progress and continues to do so through the #KeepWalkingPH 21 Day Challenge, a simple yet meaningful act that helps us form a habit that

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Friday, February 3, 2017

ACROSS 1 Kiosk 6 Honored in style 11 Marshal’s problem 14 Bell town of fiction 15 Convenient excuse 16 Every one 17 Treetop refuges 18 West Indies dance 19 JFK predecessor 20 Chaucer offering 22 Mountain range 24 Occurs 28 Shone 30 “Me” devotee 31 Virtual 32 Yard tools 33 Channeling 37 Unseal, poetically 38 Coeur d’— 39 Not worth a — 40 Haphazard 43 Make glad 45 Type in again 46 Proves innocent 47 Greenish melons 50 Queens’ houses 51 Saint Teresa’s town

52 MOMA artist 53 Physique, slangily 54 C3-PO or R2-D2 57 Blacktopped 62 Athena’s symbol 63 Midwest airport 64 Alan Ladd film 65 Mao — -tung 66 Rules of thumb 67 Ms. Lauder DOWN 1 Prohibit 2 Keats opus 3 W. Hemisphere alliance 4 Explosive letters 5 Restaurant seater 6 Topples 7 Journalist — Ducommun 8 Funny — Allen 9 Wane 10 Bishop’s realm 11 Lady’s honorific 12 Classic rock hit 13 Combine 21 Aardvark prey 23 Ice pellets 24 Founder of Caesarea 25 Dumbfounded 26 Jabs playfully 27 Cobbler

28 29 31 33

Rough sack Narrow road Ask about Polar bear perches 34 Sir — Newton 35 — Dame 36 Ballpark figure 38 Island off Alaska 41 Europe-Asia range 42 Bygone Chrysler 43 Oval 44 Open meadow 46 Heat meas.

47 — Cove of “Murder, She Wrote” 48 Declares frankly 49 Move crabwise 50 Canape toppers 52 Frosh’s digs 55 Melodrama shout 56 Disallow 58 Sighs of relief 59 Dye container 60 Capt.’s heading 61 Billy — Williams

encourages self-belief.”

Through its Keep Walking Philippines campaign, Johnnie Walker has recognized the inspiring stories of those we consider modern-day heroes. As evident in the stories of photographer Xyza Bacani, director Brillante Mendoza, and innovators Aisa and Raphael Mijeno of SALt - every Filipino has the ability to progress towards big bold heroic ambitions. Overcoming the uncertainty in one’s self can be the driving force to success as long as you keep working at it.

For more information about the Keep Walking Philippines campaign and 21 Day Challenge, you may visit Johnnie Walker’s official Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerPhilippines.

Teen Kapamilya star Khalil Ramos shared his ambition during the Johnny Walker #KeepWalkingPH challenge

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

After her two-month sabbatical, Pop Queen Sarah Geronimo is back to music recording and promoting brands and products

Rival networks claim bigger number of Miss U viewers ISAH V. RED

T

HE network war between two rival networks has gone on to the universe.

Both the Kapamila and Kapuso networks, citing figures from their subscribed survey data providers, claim the bigger number of audience.

ABS-CBN, swearing by Kantar Media’s figures, proclaimed that more Filipinos across the archipelago watched the 65th Miss Universe pageant on channel 2.

Naurally, the Kapuso network relied on the overnight data of National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM), which said GMA 7 had the bigger audience during the beauty contest’s telecast last Monday morning.

The Kapamilya network said its coverage, according to Kantar, hit a national TV rating of 27.4 percent, or 10 points higher than GMA’s telecast, which only registered 17 percent.

ABS-CBN’s ratings data during Miss Universe telecast according to Kantar Media

Still citing Kantar, it claimed audience in Mega Manila and Metro Manila also followed the journey of Miss UniversePhilippines Maxine Medina, who made it to the top 6, on ABS-CBN. The Kapamilya network recorded a TV rating of 28.2 percent versus GMA’s 23.7 percent in Mega Manila, while it hit 30.8 percent versus GMA’s 19.4 percent in Metro Manila.

The 65th Miss Universe pageant will be replayed on Sunday in Sunday’s Best.

On the other hand, the Kapuso network, citing what it claims as the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, said it won in NUTAM ratings with an average household audience share of 57.7 percent, higher than ABS-CBN’s 28.5 percent and TV5’s 7.5 percent.

Kapuso viewers will have the chance to relive the exciting moment with the 65th Miss Universe grand coronation Seasoned songstress Ivy Violan celebrates 37 this Sunday. years of music through an intimate concert Now, with two different survey providers used, it is but natural that both networks claim leadership in whatever telecast. So, folks, which survey do you think should we believe? I guess if you are a Kapamilya follower you’d go for Kantar, or if you’re a Kapuso fan you’d swear by NUTAM. The rivalry will never end. *** Sarah Geronimo returns to her normal mode as early as the New Year. That’s what her manager, Vic del Rosario, said.

“Naka-recharge na siya, enjoy na uli siyang magtrabaho,” Del Rosario said.

Last year, Del Rosario gave Sarah the green light to go on sabbatical for two months.

“Nag-enjoy siya sa bakasyon.

Nakapahinga,” Del Rosario added.

“Since 2003, puro trabaho ang ginawa ni Sarah. Kaya tama lang na nagbakasyon siya. Active na siya uli. Alam na niya ang direction niya. Parang nagbibiyahe ‘yan Jazz singer Richard Merk joins Ivy Violan in the ‘di ba. Hindi puwedeng dire-diretso ka.

Kailangan mo ring mag-stop over para latter’s Valentine concert

magkarga ng gas.

Sarah’s schedule is tight until June, including new product endorsements now numbering 30 and counting. *** Ivy Violan is back on the concert circuit.

Experience a night full of love and music as Philippine’s Music Festival Queen comes home and delights us with performances in the sky.

With almost 37 years in the music industry, Violan is finally coming back after spending four years in the US to gain her citizenship.

The singer started singing when she was two-and-a-half years old, and at the age of four formed a band called Ivy and the Velboys with her siblings.

Her musical career flourished in the 70’s as the leader of Royal Flush Music Society and Sangkatutak. Through the course of her long career in the industry, she has won awards from different children’s singing contest to music festivals, including the 4th International Midnight Sun Song Festival, the ABUGolden Kite World Song Festival, and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1988, held in Hong Kong.

With these prestigious awards, she gained the title Philippine’s Music Festival Queen. After moving to the US, she has been doing sold out shows in Los Angeles, Canada, San Francisco, and other part of the US. On Feb. 10 and 17, Ivy Violan will serenade guests in her homecoming concert at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge. The show also features Richard Merk. Joey Nombres directs with Rick Ramos as sound engineer and Mon Faustino as musical director.

Cover charge is P2,000 per person, which includes one welcome drink.

For ticket reservations, contact (632) 720 7777 or email: manila@ marcopolohotels.com. Visit facebook.com/ MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @ MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

TV actor and theater artist JC Santos

CONCERT FOR YOUR

love story

IT IS a concert quite not like the usual. It may sound very millennial, but not in reality. You will get to hear not just some of the most adored love songs, but you will be swept away by the love stories that give these songs so much feel.

Aptly titled #SoMuchFeels, the concert on Feb. 10 and 11 at Music Museum reveals love experiences the millennial generation go through.

The concert is like a musical, complete with characters in dialogues or monologues. There will be storylines and a range of dramatic acting that depict the emotions felt in love.

Taking us through all these on stage is the soulful voice-belter, Bituin Escalante, who is the voice of experience. The other characters she meets along the way are played

by singer-theater and TV artists Cris Villonco (Bituing Walang Ningning), Kim Molina (Camp Sawi), Yanah Laurel (Fun Home), and JC Santos (Til I Met You).

Bituin says, “Be ready for ‘Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,’ ‘I Will Survive,’ and even the current favorite ‘Closer’ seen and heard in a totally new light.” #SoMuchFeels is a production of and is presented by Brand Republic Ph, a young brand management and marketing agency for start-up companies that have logged in a remarkable list of achievements.

For tickets, visit www.ticketworld. com.ph or call 891-9999, or Music Museum, tel. no. 721-6726.

Ticket prizes are: P3,500; P3,000; P2,500; and P1,200. For more details, visit www.facebook. com/HashtagSoMuchFeels.

Bituin Escalante sings for the millennials