Manila Standard - 2017 April 06 - Thursday

VOL. XXXI • NO. 55 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CRISIS MONITORING. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with personnel of the Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center of the Metro Manila Development Authority Tuesday during the inauguration and unveiling of its marker at Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati City. Malacañang Photo

Interim truce hammered out Govt, NDF sign pact after marathon talks

By Raul M. Francia

N

OORDWIJK AAN ZEE—The panels of the government and the National Democratic Front on Wednesday sealed an agreement here on an interim joint ceasefire leading to a comprehensive settlement of the 48-year insurgency.

Both parties also moved fast meant to address the root causes to conclude provisions on a draft of the armed conflict.

Comprehensive Agreement on The ceasefire takes effect as Social and Economic Reforms soon as the guidelines and ground

rules approved.

The guidelines will cover the areas such as those governing the presence of armed groups in local communities and creation of buffer zones; on prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes; and undertaking of joint socioeconomic projects.

Also contemplated in the agreement is the formation of a Joint Ceasefire Committee and the prospective role of a third party in ceasefire monitoring and other ceasefire mechanisms in the im-

Du30 trust rating dips, survey says

plementation of the ceasefire, including the handling of complaints and alleged violations.

“Matters regarding a single government authority and taxation shall be discussed and resolved in forging the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms within the framework of the proposed Federal Republic of the Philippines,” the agreement provides.

“The Joint Ceasefire Agreement shall be deemed interim until a permanent ceasefire agreement is Next page

Erring BI men may be sent to Jolo war zone

By John Paolo Bencito and Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte threatened to send erring officials of the Bureau of Immigration to Jolo, the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf terrorists, as Immigration officers went on mass leave to protest unpaid overtime, creating long queues at airport counters.

“I heard something in the Immigration, I told them, if one of them erred, even the supervisor, everyone will be removed,” Duterte said in a speech at Nueva Ecija.

“I won’t spare [anyone]. I’ll throw you to Jolo, including the rotten cops who are in Basilan.

I don’t have any patience,” he added.

The President said that he has also received reports that there are Immigration officials who are asking for bribes.

Earlier, the President assigned erring policemen to war-torn Basilan for two years amid a drive to end corruption in the police force.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano

IN BATTLE GEAR. Soldiers in full gear join the parade before their commander-in-chief President Rodrigo Duterte during the 120th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army at Fort Andress Bonifacio on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año, and Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda, (not in photo) joined the President during the ceremony. Malacañang Photo

By John Paolo Bencito, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

Rody takes the hit for Alvarez

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Panel looks into P10-b Mighty case

After DILG head, 3 more face the ax

By John Paolo Bencito

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PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte faced criticism on Wednesday for defending adultery by a powerful political ally.

Duterte had said that like himself, House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez—who has made public his extramarital affairs—had “many wives.”

“This is a world of hypocrisy.

Who among you here does not have a mistress?” the President said in a speech aired live on television on Tuesday night, adding it was “a non-issue.”

The comments drew sharp rebukesintheconservativeandmainly Catholic nation that remains

MANY Filipinos support President Rodrigo Duterte even though his trust and approval ratings dropped in the first quarter of 2017, the latest Pulse Asia survey released Wednesday revealed.

The first quarter Pulso ng Bayan survey conducted among 1,200 respondents showed Duterte’s trust ratings slipped to 76 percent, a significant sevenpoint drop from the 83 percent in December 2016.

Duterte’s performance ratings

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday named a senior Interior department official as its new officer-in-charge and vowed to sack three more officials before the end of the week.

Catalino Cuy, Undersecretary for Peace and Order replaces Ismael Sueno, who was fired over corruption allegations on Monday.

Cuy served as police chief of Davao City when President Rodrigo Duterte was the city’s mayor before he was appointed to the Interior department, which

Aguirre II said 32 Immigration personnel have already resigned while 50 others have filed a leave of absence for six months to look for other jobs as a result of unpaid overtime.

Previously, overtime pay came out of funds collected through the bureau’s express lanes, but the 2017 national budget disallows this practice and allots funds for this purpose instead.

To cope with the shortage of personnel, the Budget department also created 49 positions in the bureau’s finance and administration divisions, along with job positions for 887 new Immigration officers to augment the existing 1,203 personnel.

The bureau, however, has not filled these positions, and wants to continue using express lane collections to fund overtime, a move the Budget department has disallowed.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente canceled all the approved leaves of Immigration personnel this month and ordered

Flexible-work sked for state workers opposed

By John Paolo Bencito and Vito Barcelo GOVERNMENT workers in Metro Manila may soon have flexible work schedules as part of the government’s plan to help ease traffic in the area, Malacañang said Wednesday.

“The government is looking for practical solutions to ease the traffic [congestion] in Metro Manila,”

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“One of the proposals is to have flexible working hours for government officials and employees.”

Abella said the proposal was being studied by the Metro Manila Development Authority, and that it would give its recommendation soon.

But the labor group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Con-

gress of the Philippines slammed the plan.

“The MMDA must consult labor groups first before [it] implement[s] flexible work arrangement[s] to avoid anarchy,” group spokesman Alan Tanjusay said.

“We are in favor of flexible work arrangement[s] but there should be [a] dialogue and [a] policy consultation.”

Last Tuesday, MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said Duterte ordered him during Monday night’s Cabinet meeting to craft the guidelines for the implementation of a flexible time schedule for government employees.

Orbos said Duterte urged him to start filing charges against barangay officials tolerating illegally parked cars and other road obstructions.

By Rey E. Requejo THE Justice department on Wednesday created a three-man panel to probe the P9.564-billion tax-evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against the owner and officials of cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II designated Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Sebastian Caponong to head the panel along with Assistant State Prosecutors Maria Lourdes Uy and Mary Ann Parong as members. Next page

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody...

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the last holdout against divorce—apart from the Vatican itself.

“All of it is sexist and misogynistic to explain improper behavior simply by virtue of being male,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

“It sends a message that undermines the many struggles and gains so far for women’s rights and gender equality.”

Alvarez, the country’s fourth-highest official, is an old friend and political ally of Duterte.

The politician made headlines in the past week when he publicly admitted having sired eight children, six of them with two women other than his wife.

Duterte, in the televised speech to government employees in Manila, admitted his comments defending Alvarez’s affairs were “chauvinist.”

“But really there are so many women and you [have] so short a time in this world. My God!” he said in comments that drew laughter from the crowd.

“The thing there is that you’re able to support the children. That’s it.”

Duterte said that unlike married Christian Filipinos who are allowed a single wife, Alvarez “never converted to Christianity. So he is not bound by the rules of the number of women that you can have.”

Filipino critics dispute his comments, saying that while Muslim men are allowed to marry more than once, adultery is a criminal offense.

Duterte, 72, whose first marriage was annulled and who is in a long-term relationship with another woman, has openly boasted about having mistresses and using Viagra to have sex with them.

“Who isn’t entitled to happiness? Ask these lawmakers, how many of them have two, three or four mistresses? Ask them,” Duterte said on Sunday in his first public comments on the Alvarez controversy.

Duterte’s defense of adultery smacks of a double standard, said Elizabeth Angsioco, national chairwoman of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines.

“These are men in positions of power so it’s unacceptable and appalling that they just speak lightly of these things.

It’s very dangerous,” Angsioco added.

Duterte was elected by a landslide last year largely on a promise to kill tens of thousands of drug dealers and other criminals.

During the election campaign, the US and Australian ambassadors criticized Duterte for saying he had wanted to rape a “beautiful” Australian missionary who was murdered in a 1989 provincial prison riot in the city where Duterte was mayor.

He reacted angrily to that criticism, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted. AFP

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He ordered the panel to file charges against the respondents if the evidence warranted it.

The BIR accuses Mighty Corp. of using fake tax stamps on its products to avoid paying taxes. It filed the charges against the company after confiscating P2.3 billion worth of cigarettes bearing fake tax stamps from the company’s warehouse in Pampanga earlier this month.

The bureau says the stamps were not affixed at Mighty Corp.’s the production plant in Malolos, Bulacan, as required by law, meaning the confiscated cigarettes came from another manufacturing plant.

BIR officials said they were preparing another set of tax-evasion charges against Mighty Corp. in connection with the cigarette packs worth P215 million with fake stamps that were seized from another warehouse in General Santos City.

After...

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has jurisdiction over the police and local government units.

“Cuy will hold the position to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of services

IS eyeing caliphate in south S INGAPORE—Battle-hardened Southeast Asian Islamic State fighters returning from the Middle East following the group’s setbacks are expected to rebase in the southern Philippines, a security conference heard Tuesday.

Instability and the easy flow of weapons have made Mindanao and nearby Philippine islands attractive to extremist groups, said speakers at the Milipol conference on homeland security in Singapore.

“Currently, IS is moving towards creating a territory in southern Philippines. The most recent communication issued by IS has announced that they have formally declared an East Asia division of IS in the southern

Philippines,” counter-terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna told the conference.

“Our forecast for 2017 is that the threat in this region will grow because of the creation of an IS nucleus in the southern Philippines,” added Gunaratna.

“The instability in the southern Philippines and the availability of weapons, internal displacement, refugee flows... create the ripe conditions for foreign terrorists to come,” he told AFP after his speech.

Singapore’s Home Affairs

Minister K. Shanmugam also told the conference that the southern Philippines “is becoming an area that is difficult to control despite the best efforts of the Philippine government.”

“So that is an area that can serve as a sanctuary for returning fighters from the Middle East. It can be a place where would-be terrorists can go... they can train, arms seem to move fairly easily into that area,” Shanmugam added.

Parts of Southeast Asia have long struggled with Islamic mili-

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Interim...

Sison, who sought political asylum at Utretch in The Netherlands, was hospitalized in January, causing him to miss the third round of peace talks in Rome, Italy.

Sison said he was ready to participate in the ongoing fourth round of talks, but Duterte said he was worried about his health.

Also on Wednesday, both sides started drafting an agreement that would pave the way for the release of military and police personnel captured by the New People’s Army, one of four conditions the President set out before the fourth round of talks began.

The other conditions include the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the collection of “revolutionary taxes”; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.

The communist insurgents earlier expressed their willingness to release the captured military and police personnel from March 27 to April 6, among them a policeman from Bukidnon and three soldiers from Surigao del Norte and Sultan Kudarat.

The release failed to push through, however, because of an ongoing military offensive against the rebels.

The communist rebels insisted Wednesday that a CASER be signed before a bilateral ceasefire is called.

Optimistic that government negotiators will agree to sign a CASER with the Duterte government before the end of the year, Sison said that

they will agree for a binding ceasefire if their counter demands are met.

“The people demand that CASER be a step ahead of the joint ceasefire agreement, unless these agreements can be signed at the same time by the panels and then by the principals,” Sison said.

He added that the respective versions of the government and the National Democratic Front both share similar positions.

“I have read and studied the drafts of the proposed agreements from the GRP and NDFP and I have also examined the comparative matrices. I observe that there are enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground for forging the agreements,” Sison said.

Being “the heart and soul” of the peace talks, NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said that “the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER ahead of any bilateral ceasefire agreement,” is needed, “unless both agreements can be signed simultaneously.”

“It is important to stress this as the issue of ceasefire should not be pursued as an end itself. Ceasefires, whether unilateral or bilateral, are just a means to an end. Its main purpose is to create conditions conducive to reaching agreements on basic reforms that are satisfactory to both sides,” Agcaoili said.

On Tuesday, both panels agreed to discuss a joint interim ceasefire agreement as they discuss other terms. AFP, with John Paolo Bencito

Erring...

From A1 the deployment of additional 170 immigration officers to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other international airports to address the problem of long passenger queues in immigration counters at the airports as the Holy Week holiday break approaches.

Morente said that other Immigration officers assigned in BI field offices in Pampanga, Davao, Aklan and Cebu to likewise report to the airports in Clark, Davao, Kalibo, Mactan to augment the number of BI personnel assigned in those airports.

“With the fielding of these additional Immigration officers, we are confident that these long queues in our counters will be lessened so as not to inconvenience travelers who are going on vacation here and abroad for the Lenten and Easter season,” Morente said.

Morente, however, explained that the deployment to the airports is only temporary and that the affected employees will be recalled to their old units after the Lenten break.

He conceded that the employees’ reassignment will also cause a slight slowdown in operations of the offices that they will temporarily vacate.

“I appeal to our rank and file to remain patient and focused on their responsibilities as everything is being done to address their financial plight that resulted from the loss of their

overtime pay,” Morente said.

“We stand together in this quest for what is due and proper. We must continue to act with professionalism and prudence, strong and confident in the belief that justice will prevail,” he added.

Earlier, Morente and Aguirre appealed to President Duterte to reconsider his veto of the use of the BI’s express lane collections to pay overtime to the bureau’s organic personnel and the salaries of its contractual employees.

They proposed that the overtime pay be temporarily reinstated until Congress enacts a new Immigration law that will upgrade the salary scale of BI employees.

After firing Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno and an undersecretary over rice imports, Duterte said two more undersecretaries will be sacked before the end of the week.

“I will not have second thoughts, even if you’re my friend,” Duterte said in Filipino at a speech during the Harvest Festival in Nueva Ecija.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol confirmed that Duterte had sacked Maia Chiara Halmen Reina A. Valdez, an undersecretary with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for allowing rice imports.

“It’s over the issue of rice importation. She had a conflict with NFA Administrator Jason Aquino,” Piñol said in a text message.

In his speech, Duterte said that he will continue to fire more people if he

hears about corruption—even if it is “just a whiff.”

“I was appalled that there was an undersecretary reviewing the decision of Jason Aquino to deny the importation,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he needs to protect Filipino farmers, despite the open market.

“How could I face the poor farmers? Why would we allow importation to compete with the local product?”

Duterte said. “Of course we stopped the importation.”

Valdez, a Duterte appointee, oversaw agriculture-related agencies under Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco.

Evasco had earlier said National Food Authority administrator Jason Aquino would face disciplinary sanctions after failing to implement the NFA council’s order to extend rice importation through the minimum access volume scheme.

Extending the MAV importation, Evasco said, aims to save NFA from its debts and “revert it to its former glory as a self-sufficient GOCC [government-owned and -controlled corporation].”

Evasco said Aquino’s failure to implement the order “was compromising the country’s food security, and showing his penchant for creating more debts at the expense of the NFA.” The NFA administrator earlier proposed importing buffer stocks through government-to-government transactions instead of MAV.

also slipped by five percentage points to 78 percent in March from the 83 percent he obtained in December last year.

Disapproval and distrust ratings of the President were set at seven percent and five percent, respectively, while indecision toward his performance and trustworthiness was expressed by 15 percent and 18 percent of respondents, respectively.

“Approval and trust continue to be the predominant sentiments toward President Rodrigo R. Duterte in March 2017; public assessment of the President’s performance and trustworthiness remains generally unchanged between December 2016 and March 2017, with the exception of the seven-percentage point decline in his national trust score,” the opinion polling firm said in a statement.

Duterte’s trust and approval ratings remained high in his home region, Mindanao, at 88 percent and 90 percent, respectively, while he obtained the lowest trust and approval scores in Balance Luzon and the National Capital Region.

“Meanwhile, ambivalence concerning the President’s work and trustworthiness is most marked in the rest of Luzon [20 percent and 27 percent, respectively] and least pronounced in Mindanao [nine percent and seven percent, respectively].

Indecision towards Duterte’s performance in Class ABC was recorded highest at 9 percent Pulse Asia said.

The survey, conducted from March 15 to 20, has a ± three percent margin of error at the 95 percent confidence level.

Malacañang blamed the significant drop in Duterte’s trust and approval ratings to the “seemingly orchestrated events” organized by the administration’s critics to dampen support for the President.

Still, the high approval rating overall showed that the majority of Filipinos appreciate Duterte’s decisiveness, said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.

During the survey period, a party-list lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte. At the Senate, a self-confessed but perjured assassin tagged Duterte as the leader of the Davao Death Squad when he was still Davao City mayor; human rights groups attacked the administration’s anti-drug campaign; and Vice President Leni Robredo issued a video message attacking the administration’s war on drugs that was to be shown at a UN meeting.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles said the drop in the performance and trust rating of President Duterte was insignificant and did not reflect the true sentiment of the people.

He said the decline was “a natural pattern for any president” who had to make difficult and unpopular decisions for the sake of the people’s welfare and the national interest.

Reps. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao de Norte said the de-

of the department until the President appoints a new secretary,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

Cuy welcomed his appointment. “It is an honor for me to have received this opportunity to lead the Department of the

Interior and Local Government as its officer-in-charge,” Cuy said.

President Duterte earlier dismissed a woman undersecretary over the issue of rice importations.

Agriculture Secretary Em-

manuel Piñol said Duterte indeed sacked Maia Chiara Halmen Reina A. Valdez, an undersecretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.

“She had a conflict with NFA Administrator Jason Aquino,” Piñol said in a text

message.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III on Wednesday took the cudgels for former Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno who was sacked over an alleged anomalous firetrucks deal.

GETTING HEADS TOGETHER. Government and National Democratic Front negotiators confer on the final form of a ceasefire agreement to end Asia's longest-running insurgency. The two parties are also expected to seal a pact on social and economic reforms. Raul M. Francia

From A1 forged pursuant to a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces,” the agreement also provided.

The agreement was hammered out following marathon informal talks.

At the opening of the formal talks on Monday, government panel head Silvestre Bello III welcomed the openness of the NDF “to forge an agreement on joint interim ceasefire that will accompany our peace negotiations throughout, a ceasefire that marches in step with the discussion of the socio-economic reforms that will address the root causes of armed conflict.”

A separate formal meeting was also set to harmonize provisions on the draft CASER, which provides among others free distribution of land to landless farmers.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to immediately end the many years of exile of his former professor, Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, expressing concern over the leader’s health.

“Before I came here, [Peace Process Secretary Jesus] Dureza and Bello called me, they told me about the status of their talks. I told them, you tell Sison because he’s sick, very sick.

He can come home. I’ll give him freedom of movement. I will not arrest him, I’ll even pay for his hospitalization if he wanted,” the President said.

tancy. Hundreds of radicals from the region, including from Indonesia and Malaysia, have flocked to join IS in Iraq and Syria.

But as IS suffers battlefield setbacks, officials and analysts fear these fighters would return to their home region.

Southeast Asia suffered its first IS-linked attack in January last year when extremists launched a deadly suicide bombing and gun attack in Jakarta.

In Mindanao, which has long battled a Muslim insurgency, a handful of groups have sworn allegiance to IS. AFP cline was a temporary setback.

“The fluctuation in the results are normal. But even though it has gone down by a few percentage points, the majority of the people still trust him,” Barbers said.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said the drop in President Duterte’s performance and trust ratings was expected.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin said the decline was “the law of gravity working.”

“What goes up must come down especially when the [extra judicial killings] target the poor most. Poverty remains the biggest problem not drugs. Unemployment, inflation, lack of livelihoods, insecure jobs afflict the poor now more than ever,” Villarin said.

“The upper and middle class have nothing to lose in the war against drugs. Their gain from feeling secure will be fleeting as poverty deepens. With corruption seeping in Duterte’s government and rearing its ugly head, people will now see the true nature of a government built on sand. Lacking in values and principles it is now imploding,” Villarin added, noting that “change has come but not the way our society values it.”

Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan acknowledged that all presidents before Duterte also experienced very high trust ratings at the start of their terms and eventually these ratings all dipped so there is really nothing unusual about the seven-point drop.

“His ratings remain high and I hope he uses his high trust ratings to address the main concerns of our citizens which are to address the rising prices of goods, create better paying jobs, and improve incomes,” added Pangilinan.

The President’s critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, said he was encouraged by Duterte’s declining ratings.

“By May, we expect it to go [down] further,” also said Trillanes, a vocal critic of the President.

But Senator Panfilo Lacson said it was not unusual for the trust and performance ratings of any head of state to slide over the course of time.

“But if the drop continues in big numbers in the months to come and consistently at that, particularly in his second year in office, if I were him, I would sit down with trusted advisers to assess and make some adjustments if necessary, not only in terms policies and actual implementation of those policies but more so in my public pronouncements,” Lacson said in a text message.

“At the end of the day, rightly or wrongly, a leader should somehow adopt to what the people want or demand of him to do to serve them if he wants to succeed. Needless to say, the support of the people he serves is one indispensable element in governance,” Lacson added.

Senator Richard Gordon, a staunch ally of Duterte, said the survey could still change but it should serve as a reminder to the President that he should maintain the rule of law.

He described Sueno, a former governor of South Cotabato, as a “a good, low-key and religious” person.

He said the public should not be quick to judge him as corrupt.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Drier season now expected —weathermen THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced on Wednesday the termination of the northwest monsoon.

The day-to-day weather will gradually become warmer and drier.

Apart from the onset of summer, Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano said the dominance of the extended ridge of North Pacific’s high-pressure area and the easterly winds were partly responsible for the drier season.

“This would also signify the start of the dry season,” he added.

Despite such, some isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon or evening, particularly over the eastern sections.

Rusy Abastillas, a Pagasa climatologist, said the hot dry season would be shorter.

“The dry season would usually begin in March, but it did not,” she told the Manila Standard. Rio Araja

Unauthorized disclosure penalized A HOUSE leader on Wednesday pushed for the passage of a bill penalizing public disclosure of the personal user information of mobile phone subscribers, including their history of voice calls and text messages without their explicit permission or a valid court order.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte proposed that telecommunications companies and individuals be barred from using personal user data for their marketing or promotional gimmicks without the prior consent of their subscribers.

Villafuerte said: “Many cellphone subscribers often get calls or text messages from telemarketers peddling or advertising various kinds of goods or services, even when they haven’t given their mobile phone numbers to any firm or person selling such products or services.

“A person’s mobile phone number, including one’s history of calls and text messages, are private, and should not be disclosed by anyone with access to such information, which could be used for malicious purposes.”

Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations, said such violations of a person’s privacy if used maliciously, should be addressed with heavy penalties of as high as P1 to P10 million, and even the suspension or revocation of the franchises of the erring telecom firm.

Under House Bill 4695 filed

by Villafuerte, an individual who commits this violation shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than one year, and with a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P500,000.

Maricel Cruz

PROTEST RALLY. Lumad victims of what they call an all-out war and militarization in southern Mindanao hold a protest rally Wednesday in front of the Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Quezon City following their three-day ‘Lakbayan’ (mass walk) from Mindanao to demand a stop to military strikes and a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation program in their communities. Manny Palmero

DoJ creates body to review BuCor-Tadeco agreement

By Rey Requejo

T

HE Department of Justice has formed a committee to review the 27-year joint venture agreement between the Bureau of Corrections and the Tagum Agricultural Development Co. purportedly to find out if the deal involving the lease of 5,300 hectares of the Davao prison farm is grossly disadvantageous to the government.

This emerged after House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez asked the DoJ, which has administrative supervision over

the BuCor, to cancel the allegedly disadvantageous contract after filing a graft complaint against Davao del Norte 2nd

District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman and filing a House resolution seeking an inquiry into the deal.

Tadeco is owned by the family of Floirendo, who recently figured in a controversy with Alvarez.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he had created a committee to investigate the allegation and review the contract.

Aguirre said the panel would specifically look into the alleged disadvantages on the government of the contract and repercussions on the proposed termination of the contract.

“Thereafter, a report shall be

submitted indicating the appropriate measures and the proper legal remedies to be undertaken to protect the interest of the government,” said Aguirre.

According to the DoJ chief, the investigation would be “transparent” and that the DoJ would ensure that “all subsequent agreements to be entered into by the government shall comply with all the requirements set forth by the Constitution and by the laws.”

Alvarez has alleged the Tadeco-BuCor deal is disadvantageous to the government, citing estimates provided by real estate and agriculture experts using similar developed banana plantations in the country.

Aguirre pointed out that all agreements to be entered into by the government shall comply with all the requirements under the Constitution and existing laws.

“Thus, as regards this matter, we assure your office that our investigation will be transparent and its results shall be immediately conveyed to your office upon its completion,” the DoJ chief said in a reply-letter to Alvarez.

The House speaker said Tadeco was paying only a guaranteed P5,000 per hectare for the 5,‎308-hectare penal lands, which amounts to P26.541 million per year or P663.525 million from 2003 to 2028.

‘Govt should be careful in setting tax regime’ DENR

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales conducts e-waste seminar THE government should be very careful in setting a new tax regime for the mining industry as very high rates would drive investors away, an economics professor from the University of the Philippines said Wednesday.

“The Congress should be very careful in setting rates because a high rate would drive investors away. It’s like killing the goose that lays the golden egg,” said UP School of Economics Prof. Dr. Ramon Clarete during a roundtable discussion in Lido Cocina Tsina in Quezon City.

The Mining Industry Coordinating Council earlier approved a higher tax on the mineral industry, representing a 10-percent tax on gross revenues or a 55-percent share of the adjusted net mining revenues, whichever was higher.

Adjusted mining revenue refers to the difference between gross sales and costs.

Under the proposal, the government would also collect a certain percentage from the mining companies’ windfall profit.

Meanwhile, in Surigao City, one thing has united both sides in the ongoing mining debate: That former Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Leo Jasareno must go.

Jasareno, replaced by President Rodrigo Duterte in September last year, was retained

by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez as consultant.

“The presence of Leo Jasareno at the DENR is a constant source of wonderment for all of us,” said Rev. Pio Mercado, spokesperson for Caraga Watch, a pro-environment advocacy group based in Butuan City.

Mercado, whose group was tapped by the DENR in the nationwide mine audit last year, said they tried to convince Lopez several times to get rid of Jasareno – to no avail.

Lopez has, on several occasions, took the cudgels for Jasareno, describing the former MGB director as an “honest man.”

Although Lopez said there was no sacred cow at DENR, she has yet to act on complaints against Jasareno.

“We don’t trust the guy [Jasareno] because in the first place, we believe the prob-

lems that MGB and DENR are facing right now emanated from him,” Mercado said.

He noted that Jasareno served for almost a decade as MGB chief, and even placed himself as concurrent regional director for MGB-Caraga from 2013 to 2016.

“All these environment violations did not happen overnight. Leo was there from the start. What did he do?” the Caraga Watch spokesperson said.

Dulmar M. Raagas, president of the Chamber of Mines-Caraga, Inc., expressed the same sentiment.

The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 imposes a two-percent excise tax on mining companies operating under the mineral production sharing agreement.

Mining companies under the MPSA and operating in mineral reservation areas are also subject to an additional 5-percent royalty.

MPSAs are granted to mining firms which have at least 60-percent local ownership, while the financial or technical assistance agreement allows 100-percent foreign ownership of the projects.

Tsunami threat none despite aftershocks

By Rio Araja

BON APPETIT. An unidentified man arranges his fresh catch of fish of round scad for immediate drying Wednesday under the scorching April sun along Road 10 in Manila’s waterfront district of Tondo. Lino Santos

DR. RENATO Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanalogy and Seismology urged the people of Batangas on Wednesday not to panic despite some strong aftershocks brought about by an intensity 5.5 earthquake that struck Tingloy, Batangas at 8:58 p.m. on Tuesday.

Aftershocks are just normal after a strong quake, he said.

Robert Esplida, science research analyst of the seismology division, said as of 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Phivolcs was able to record at least 500 aftershocks.

Gov. Hemilando Mandanas has declared a state of calamity in the whole province.

“Nine of those aftershocks were felt. The strongest of the nine occurred Wednesday at 12:49 a.m. with an intensity 3 felt in [Cavite’s]) Tagaytay [City], [and Metro Manila’s] Quezon City and Pasay City, and an intensity 2 in Talisay, Batangas,” he told the Manila Standard.

As far as an imminent tsunami threat is concerned, Solidum said “there was none.”

“Our protocol is, even if we see there is no such threat, we will not mention about it. For the sake of the people’s understanding, there is none,” he said.

“In the event there is [tsunami] threat, it is our responsibility to let you know about it.”

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently launched a five-year project which aims to solve the growing problem of electronic waste or e-waste, which contains hazardous substances like mercury and lead.

The DENR—through its Environmental Management Bureau—conducted an inception workshop for the new project aimed at protecting human health and the environment through sound management of Polychlorinated biphenyls for electric cooperatives and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in e-wastes.

PCBs and PBDEs are highly toxic chemicals of global concern targeted for elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, an international treaty to which the Philippines is a party.

The Global Environment Facility is funding the project with a grant of $6.2 million with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization as the GEF implementing agency.

Public and private stakeholders, including the Development Bank of the Philippines, are also co-financing the project worth over $35 million.

“We welcome the support of GEF and Unido in this project to address the management and disposal of PCBs and PBDEs,” said DENR Assistant Secretary Rommel Abesamis.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Appearances

T

HERE is no divorce in the Philippines, but there is such a thing as a declaration of nullity of marriage.

It is not a good-enough substitute.

It’s a fact of life that relationships fail, however blissfully they may have begun.

Sometimes, violence and hostility render the union a battlefield instead of the safe haven it is supposed to be. Differences become wider and more irreconcilable over time. Sometimes, the entire relationship is founded on a lie.

Many times, love dies and either or both of the parties eventually meet another person they know they can be happier with.

These truths, of course, may as well not exist in this “predominantly Catholic country” which views marriage as inviolable. No man should put asunder what

God has brought together—or something to that effect.

That there are children in the picture make the decision to break more difficult.

Parents are expected to place the interests of the children first: they are entitled to a home that is intact and secure, even at the expense of their parents’ happiness, safety —even sanity.

This is true, at least up to a point. Couples are supposed to work through their difficult periods and view separation as a last resort, whether or not they have children.

For many, however, marriage has become a tool for social validation and financial security. To remain married means to be seen favorably by others; separation is a failure.

And who wants to be seen as having failed?

As a result, very much married individuals—and in this society, men more than women—engage in affairs and act as though there is nothing new or objectiona-

ble in them. As one congressman famously said: “Sino ba ang walang girlfriend [Who does not have a girlfriend]?”

This same congressman draws strength from his friend our President, who says there are too many women and too little time. Mr. Duterte recognizes the thinking is chauvinistic, but it’s there anyway. He draws the line at the ability to provide for the children such unions yield.

One wonders why wives bear these indignities. Are they that much concerned with appearances, themselves? Do they not realize they have a choice? Do they think they would be nothing outside of the marriage, or lack the strength to break free from their abusers? Is it old-fashioned, against-all-odds love?

It may be, too, that the costs are just too prohibitive.

Annulment has been an option for Filipinos for many years now, but it is also

expensive and tedious—one has to shell out funds for courts, lawyers, psychologists and psychiatrists, not to mention endure a protracted trial period. The aim is to prove that either or both parties are suffering from a debilitating, incurable psychological disorder that renders them incapable of performing the essential obligations of marriage. The conditions must be clinically established even as the symptoms may have manifested themselves only after the wedding.

The final judgment of nullity means that there was no marriage to begin with—even as the existence of children provide incontrovertible proof. The refusal to acknowledge that there was a marriage in the first place is the ultimate delusion, the final folly.

We hope divorce would get some serious discussion in both Houses of Congress outside of the usual proselytizing common to our honorable, appearanceloving politicians.

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

Fighting and negotiating for peace

Airport hostage-taking LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES I DON’T know how such a simple scam could have been perpetrated for decades right under our noses. But the racket that allows the Bureau of Immigration to collect huge sums at airports and to disburse these as they please, while threatening to hold the public hostage, has got to end —quickly and for good.

Right now, the hostage situation at the country’s airports —especially high-traffic facilities like Manila and other major points of entry—is reaching crisis proportions. Airlines are already asking passengers to get to the airport five hours before posted boarding times, in order to make their flights because of the long lines at immigration counters.

How did things get so bad so quickly? Why can’t we have enough people to process pas-

sengers, something that’s as simple as hiring people for perfectly decent jobs in a country where millions are unemployed?

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who has decided to take on the racketeers at Immigration, is convinced he knows why: Those making a pile out of the anomalous status quo are pushing back in the face of a concerted effort to finally end their long-running extortionist scheme.

Diokno explained that the Duterte administration has decided to end the practice of hiring temporary “job order” immigration workers who are allowed to charge up to five times their basic pay, which starts at P16,000, as overtime. Now, anyone who’s worked in the formal sector of the economy knows you can’t rack up that much overtime even if you work for 24 hours straight and never sleep for an entire day for the rest of your life.

It’s just not possible. But the scam artists at the Immigration bureau have always been able to get away with what they’re do-

ing because they are somehow allowed to retain the fees they charge through “express lanes” at the airport.

Over the years, Immigration officials have collected billions from the fees they charge passengers who want to use the

Duterte and Diokno should not give in to these whiners, who are crying all the way to the bank.

booths in front of these express lanes. And by bureaucratic legerdemain, they have never remitted these collected fees to the national treasury, justifying their use within the agency

to pay for overtime and other “necessary” expenses for their operations.

Efforts of all governments since the Cory Aquino administration, during which the practice started, have never been able to stop it. The last government prior to that of President Rodrigo Duterte to attempt to end the job orderexpress lane racket was Noynoy Aquino’s, whose officials tried for consecutive years to give the temporary workers regular employment contracts, which would give them full benefits as state employees—but which would also cap their overtime, like in any other sane agency, to 50 percent of their basic pay.

But because the fat cats at immigration always seem to be able to scare the government that ending the JO scheme and doing away with the express lane fees would cripple the airports, they have always been able to convince Congress to insert provisions in the national budget continuing the practice.

Noynoy’s supposed reformist

government failed.

Until Diokno stepped in and Duterte allowed him free rein to stop the scam.

Now the Immigration workers are engaged in an open staredown with the government, going on mass leaves and abandoning their posts to retain their huge and irregular benefits while sacrificing the convenience of the plane-riding public. Duterte’s administration, if it really wants change, cannot back away from this fight and should not allow the hostage-takers to win. *** Diokno spotted the congressional insertion of the Immigration fee charges in the proposed national budget in November.

When the budget was presented to Duterte, the budget chief convinced the president to veto it, in favor of a plan to create 900 new permanent Immigration positions in the agency’s plantilla to solve the practice of giving them unreal overtime.

By January, Diokno was sitting down with Immigration

THAT so-called lightning demonstration by the New People’s Army to celebrate their 48th founding anniversary, where they came wearing masks and uniforms, was a slap on our government. The event held at the heart of Metro Manila last March 29 was repeated last Friday in Mendiola—very near Malacañang—to celebrate the successful holding of their second congress.

How is it that the NPA can mount such demonstrations right under the noses of our security services?

This is not the only thing that the NPA has been doing lately.

They have been burning trucks, buses and other assets belonging to private companies. The latest was the burning of a cold storage facility of Dole Philippines in Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City depriving more than 200 people of their jobs. These are the people that the CPP/NPA are supposed to be fighting for.

Several weeks ago, two trucks of Philex Mines in the Baguio area were burned in a busy stretch of road—not too far from the gates of the Philippine Military Academy in Loakan, Baguio.

The NPA seems to be able to do what it wants with impunity and the government cannot do anything about it. Those lightning demonstrations were also the first. Never in the history of the NPA were they able to demonstrate by marching in full view of the public without being accosted by authorities.

For them to do it near the center of power of the government for everyone to see was indeed very daring on their part. How were they able to do this?

Perhaps our intelligence services have deteriorated to such an extent that the PNP and AFP are now clueless of what the NPA is up to. It could also be that both services are now overstretched, doing so many other things that they now lack the resources to attend to the arrogant display of contempt by the CPP/NPA. Right now, the NPA has an estimated regular strength of between 4,000 and 4,500 regulars supported by their mass base of over a million. In terms of numbers, this is way below their peak strength. At the height of martial law, they had something like 24,000 regulars.

The current number does not necessarily mean that the NPA is a lot weaker today. For all we know, they may have adjusted to the changing times. It could also be that the quality of the current regular NPA cadre has improved compared to the past. There is,

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Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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Opinion

PRESIDENT Duterte showed der the Public-Private Partnerhis political will when he fired ship.

Interior and Local GovernThe project is envisioned to ment Secretary Ismael Sueno, replace the congested 551-hecwho implemented an anoma- tare New Bilibid Prison in lous deal in the purchase of Muntinlupa and the Correctionfiretrucks. The agreement was al Institute for Women in Manentered into by the BS Aquino daluyong City. administration.

Currently, there are more Santa Banana, Sueno and his than 23,000 inmates detained in family even went to Austria the NBP, a facility designed for to inspect the firetrucks—all only 8,400 inmates. expenses paid!

The new prisons facility proThe President gave meaning ject is in line with Executive to his pronouncement that he Order no. 68 issued on Sept. 8, would not hesitate to fire any 2006 by then President Gloria of his own appointees if he ob- Macapagal Arroyo instructing served a whiff of corruption in the Department of Justice to imthem. plement the transfer of the NBP. He did it with his two fraterA milestone of the moderninity brothers from the Bureau of zation program was reached on Immigration. They were caught May 24, 2013 when the Bureau on closed-circuit television of Corrections Modernization cameras receiving money from Law was signed by then Presia middleman supposedly sent dent BS Aquino. by gambling lord Jack Lam. The act calls on the state to He also dismissed Peter “provide for the modernizaLaviña who was his spokesman tion, professionalization and during the presidential cam- restructuring of the Bureau of paign. Laviña, who was eventu- Corrections by upgrading the ally appointed to the National facilities, increasing the number Irrigation Administration, was of its personnel, upgrading the also involved in a corruption level of qualifications of their scandal. personnel and standardizing We cheered these moves by their basic pay, retirement and the President. other benefits.”

I wonder, however, why Mr. The project will be impleDuterte remains to be soft on mented pursuant to the “BuildDepartment of Environment Operate-Transfer” law under and Natural Resources Secre- the government’s PPP Program. tary-designate Regina Lopez And under the scheme of BTM when there (Build-Transis a clear infer-Maintain), stance of the project graft and corproponent firuption comnances and Mr. President, mitted. constructs the She is still please show us prison facila designate ity and subsethat you are because the quently mainC o m m i s - consistent in the tains it for 20 sion on Apyears. p o i n t m e n t s fight against The project bypassed her corruption. provides for and until the a three-year President reconst r uction period to be appoints her, she will confollowed by a tinue to be a designate.

20-year maintenance period.

Lopez has been charged beThe winning bidder will also fore the Office of the Ombuds- be in charge of provisions for man for her intervention, as staff housing, prison rehabiliDENR secretary, with the De- tation and high-tech security partment of Energy in favor of equipment. her French friend’s company The project is considered vibased in Zamboanga. Did she tal to President Duterte’s war really accept gifts from this on illegal drugs because of the private company in exchange proliferation of illegal drugs. for the favor of securing the ap- That’s why the delay in the proproval of a multi-million peso ject has raised some concerns. contract?

What I cannot understand is The charge is that Lopez re- why Justice Secretary Vitaliano ceived an all-expense paid trip Aguirre II appears to take his for her and her entourage to sweet time on this.

Paris amounting to 38,360 eu*** ros (P2.05 million) in exchange Frankly, I am disturbed by the for her influence as DENR sec- decision of President Duterte to retary to speed up the approval accommodate the urban poor of the French friend’s solar farm calling themselves the Kapunan project in Zamboanga. ng Damayang Mahihirap (KadNo less than an official of the amay) in having those houses French company, who made all earmarked for uniformed perthe arrangements and bookings sonnel of the Armed Forces for Lopez and her entourage, and the PNP in Pandi, Bulacan. made the charge.

Kadamay members occupied Indeed the President has no these houses. reason to reappoint Lopez to the That’s plain anarchy! Soon DENR. many other urban poor and Mister President, prove to us squatters will believe that anarthat there’s no selective justice chy is now the name of the game. in your war against corruption, I can agree that the urban and nobody is above the law. poor must have housing. It’s the *** obligation of government. But, There’s this P50.2-billion for the President to accommoprison facility project vital to date them so easily cannot sit the government’s anti-illegal well for us Filipinos who must drugs campaign. There seems observe the rule of law. to be no report on how it is goIf uniformed members of the ing, however. military and the police have not The latest we heard was that relocated to these social housthe final bidding for the project ing projects in Bulacan, it’s would be held during the first their fault. It has been said that week of April. the military and the police have Three bidders have report- been complaining that the units edly qualified for the bidding are too small and uncomfort―San Miguel Holdings Corp., able for them.

Mega Structure Consortium, *** led by Megawide Construction Many Filipinos have a mistakCorp., and DMCI Holdings Inc. en notion that Holy Week next The facility is to be built in- week is an occasion for them side Fort Ramon Magsaysay in to spend their days in beaches.

Nueva Ecija, and it is supposed The affluent go abroad. to be the first huge undertaking Holy Week should be a time by the Justice Department un- for a reflection and meditation.

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What matters in the end

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Gina must be fired

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ THE 17th Congress has completed 83 session days since July 2016. Under the leadership of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, the House of Representatives approved 186 bills and adopted several resolutions. Among the significant laws passed are the 2017 General Appropriations Act, the postponement of the barangay elections, and the death penalty bill.

At the start of his term,

Speaker Alvarez pointed out that he would be pushing for three important items in the Duterte administration’s agenda—transition to a federal government, restitution of death penalty, and the lowering of age of criminal liability. There remain more pressing concerns that legislators need to focus on. Priority legislation shall be given to poverty, hunger, and other economic issues.

What saddens me is, despite having a long list of things to accomplish, some of my respected colleagues cannot seem to find harmony at work. Conflicts are inevitable as we have differing

set of beliefs. We cannot, however, let these get in the way of fulfilling our duties and responsibilities.

A recent incident triggered a conflict between Speaker Alvarez and Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo, both Duterte allies.

It has been reported that legal action will be taken against each other. I am optimistic that the motivation for these decisions come from a right place, a place of integrity. I hope neither would be vengeful.

As their colleague, I know that both gentlemen are dependable and efficient legislators.

They have made significant

contributions to the legislative arm of the government. Their settlement would be of great help in the achievement of the goals of this administration. I believe that their commitment and passion to serve the Filipino people are greater than their differences and misunderstandings. Hopefully, their differences will be resolved for the good of the institution of which we are all a part.

The Lenten season is a period of forgiveness. I have faith that peace will reign among us, and we can move forward, guided gently by the hands of Our Father who loves us all.

Dismantling the ‘kabit’ culture AFTER the messy public spat involving the Alvarez-Floirendo “partners,” it should now be even more obvious that the ineradicable “kabit” culture has permeated all levels of society and that a divorce law is needed to provide parity and justice.

“Kabit,” “kaulayaw,” “kerida’ are a few of the many terms the Filipino language has to refer to mistresses, or more properly, concubines. If the Inuit have multiple words for snow and its various states and conditions, Filipinos have as many for rice and its permutations—palay, bigas, kanin, tutong.

This shows the importance or significance of those things to those cultures. In the same way, given all the words we have for “mistress,” we can say that concubines occupy a huge role in Philippine society and culture, albeit carrying stigma and negative connotations.

Under the machismo trait of Philippine culture, married males are in fact even expected to have mistresses, or at least it is

no surprise if they do. The usual justification for this behavior stems solely from their gender and supposed physical “needs” —“Kasi lalaki ako” (Because I am a man).

On the other hand, married women, to be proper and respectable, must conceal or sublimate similar physical urges on their part. “Madonna in the streets and a harlot in the sheets” she must be, perfect wife, mother, daughter-in-law, and all-around upstanding member of society.

Thus, a woman who takes a lover for her own intimate urges is vilified, as Senator Leila de Lima experienced. That a phenomenon as “slut-shaming” exists but there is no counterpart for similar behavior in males points to the patriarchal nature of our society.

And because our culture is patriarchal—a gift of Spanish colonial rule and the Roman Catholic church—the Philippines is the only country in the world that does not have a divorce law.

This was not always the case.

In pre-Spanish times, Filipinos had a readiness to “divorce and marry again, according to the custom of the country,” said Pedro Chirino (1604), while “marriages were annulled and dissolved for slight cause,” noted Antonio de Morga (1609).

Women had greater freedom over their persons and property, for the most part.

In the present, the stubborn clinging to tradition and religious dogma prevents open-mindedness on the part of many politicians, particularly those who belong to the older generations. As a former politico told me about his brother, an incumbent and elderly congressman who opposed the Reproductive Health bill: “Jenny, he’s anak ng simbahan.”

But infidelity is a fact of life in Philippine society, and by all accounts, more prevalent on the part of married males. The Roman Catholic and other Christian churches’ attempts to make their congregations take seriously the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery” has failed miserably.

The mistress culture is hypocrisy made manifest. For the Speaker of the House to say, “Who doesn’t have a girlfriend?” not only highlights the misogyny in society but also condones, fosters, and propagates it.

A divorce law will give freedom to women shackled to unfaithful men such as Alvarez and Floirendo, and allow them to receive their share of the conjugal property besides, as well as alimony and child support as deserved.

It’s time to redress the cruelty, inequality, and outright boorishness of the double standard in our society. If Alvarez and Floirendo can take lovers, then so can their wives, De Lima, and any other woman for that matter—it’s called reciprocity.

To have one law for males and another for females is unfair and stupid, because gender roles are constructed, not inborn.

If reciprocity of behavior sounds unpalatable, then pass the divorce bill so that bygones can be bygones and everyone involved in such dramas can begin their lives anew, and the kabit culture pass away. *** Call for entries: The Palanca Foundation reminds writers that this is a Novel/Nobela year for the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. These categories are included only every other year. Submissions will be accepted until April 30. Details and entry forms are on the official website (palancaawards.com.ph).

Winners will be announced Sept.

1 at the awards ceremony.

Dr. Ortuoste is a Californiabased writer. FB: Jenny Ortuoste / Twitter: @jennyortuoste, @gogirlracing (sports) / IG:@jensdecember, @artuoste (artworks)

MAIL MATTERS Avecilla column puts entire QC jail in bad light THIS is about an article entitled “Sex scandal at QC Jail” written

by Victor Avecilla, published in your broadsheet’s opinion page on April 01.

The article discussed issues about the admission of the undersigned that some of the detainees in his custody engage in male-tomale sex and that some of the detainees in his custody have tested positive for the deadly human immuno deficiency syndrome virus or HIV. The undersigned wishes to clarify the facts.

The title of the article is inappropriate as it puts the whole Quezon City Jail in a bad light, therefore, overshadowing the efforts we have done to wipe away

the wrong notion of the public towards those behind bars. The author may have missed some of the facts and the context of the current situation of our jail.

The Department of Health has long conducted the distribution of condom through Bernardo Health Center and Social Hygiene Clinic, Quezon City since the year 2007 after cases of multi-drug resistant inmates were found, and thus prompted the QCJ-MD management to tie-up with the Department of Health.

Per data available, only one inmate was found to be infected with the fatal virus (HIV) based on tests conducted by health workers from Bernardo Health

Center. The distribution of condom, therefore, is a vital component of the said program alongside with the information drive for the awareness of the inmates.

Inmates’ welfare, specifically relating to health issues are handled responsively in QCJ-MD. In relation to the congestion of inmates cited in the article, we would also like to state the current developments of the proposed transfer of Quezon City Jail which was duly assisted by the City Government of this locality.

The LGU procured a 2.4 hectare of land situated in Payatas, Quezon City for the proposed transfer of Quezon City Jail in 2016.

After that, a workshop involving

different stakeholders concerned in taking part in the planning process for the jail design. The detailed design of the jail, as well as the initial construction is expected to start this year.

Quezon City Jail Management gives primacy to the mandate of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology which is safekeeping and development. We continuously give our best efforts to help address the plight of our inmates particularly on their wellness and essential needs.

Fighting...

should be doing. Instead of drawing down, the CPP/NPA wants to increase its strength. The government, on the other hand, has gone out of its way to show its sincerity.

President Duterte whom the CPP/ NPA consider their brethren has appointed senior government officials from the ranks of the NDF. He has also released scores of senior CPP/NPA leaders like the Tiamzons.

Despite all these confidencebuilding measures that the President has done, the NDF demanded that another 400 NDF members in jail for various crimes be released and given amnesty. This time, however, the President stood his ground and refused.

The government and the National Democratic Front have started their fourth round of negotiations in The Netherlands.

But with what has been going on between the CPP/NPA and the

government recently like the clash last Thursday in General Nakar, Quezon province where 10 NPA fighters and 2 Army personnel were killed, the atmosphere is not as euphoric as the earlier ones.

Both are fighting and negotiating for peace at the same time.

President Duterte has four conditions, but so does the CPP/ NPA. The President wants the release of all prisoners and for revolutionary taxation to stop while the CPP/NPA is talking about buffer zones between combatants which is tantamount to recognizing areas under their control. To many, the negotiations are all about stopping the fighting between the two contending forces but the negotiations are actually a lot more.

Social, economic, political and constitutional reforms are being discussed. Why the government is even willing to talk about con-

stitutional reform with the CPP/ NPA is hard to understand considering that the current Constitution already prescribes the way it could be reformed and amended.

Joma Sison talks about the people wanting these reforms.

I do not know whether he is only referring to the people who support his cause or the entire Filipino people who have always voted against candidates allied to him and therefore could not be considered his constituents.

Whatever agreement is reached, however, let us hope that our government panel realize what is at stake and not sign an agreement just for the sake of signing one.

And with the wide scope of issues being negotiated, it would be wise to follow the Colombian example and put whatever agreement is reached to a referendum for the people to accept or reject.

began this month.

The workers and their leaders have gone to the media to claim that they will be hurt by becoming regular workers subject to the Salary Standardization Law. They protest that the processing of passengers is a stressful, critical job that makes them deserve almost P50,000 in overtime pay a month—never mind if these days, with computerization, a lot of the subjective, on-the-spot

decision making at the point of entry has really been taken away from Immigration officers.

They insist that they should be allowed to keep their express lane funds to pay for overtime, even if they already work in three shifts that really prevents them from pulling more than the required eight-hour limit for being on the job. They say that the lack of free parking and public utility routes for them at the airport terminals,

plus the lack of cheap, decent food, is making their life a living hell.

But Duterte and Diokno should not give in to these whiners, who are crying all the way to the bank while their fellow state workers toil for a fraction of what they get in abysmal conditions. The entire country and the millions of tourists and overseas Filipino workers, who have long been oppressed by these scalawags at Immigration, will be watching.

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after all, an advantage with less personnel. Command and control is more efficient and their fighters could be better supported from the so-called revolutionary taxes collected by the CPP/NPA, something that our government also is unable to stop. Better support normally mean higher morale which translates to more dedication of the fighters. From what the NPA has been doing in recent weeks, it would appear that this is part of a broader plan to appear to negotiate but at the same time be able mount terroristic attacks.

Now, the CPP/NPA is going on a recruitment campaign to increase the strength of their regular cadre and mass base. This does not seem to be something that an organization that is negotiating for peace

Airport...

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workers, whom he believed he had convinced to accept fullbenefit regular employment in the bureau; change seemed to be forthcoming. Then the mass leaves of the JO workers, egged on by bureau officials in charge of the express lane collections, started just as the vacation season

RANDEL H. LATOZA, MNSA Jail Superintendent City Jail Warden Quezon City Jail – Male Warden

News

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Dagupan moving to top 10 PH cities

By Leonardo V. Micua DAGUPAN CITY—Dagupan is now one of the leading and celebrated stars among cities in the Philippines that are now seeking to break into the league of the top 10 cities in the country, according to Mayor Belen Fernandez.

“No one could have imagined Dagupan would get to where we are now in a short span of time,” she said, citing the latest Philippine Competitiveness Index, where the city has been adjudged as the most improved among all cities in Region 1.

Noticeably, in this competitive index, Dagupan advanced in ranking while its neighbors declined, she added.

From 2013 to 2016, Dagupan made a big leap by landing in the number 15 spot among cities throughout the country in the Philippine Competitiveness Index.

The city for four straight years has closed the books with an actual revenue growth from P512 million in 2010 to P756 million in 2016.

Fernandez started her term in 2013 and was reelected for an-

IN BRIEF BoC seizes marijuana in mail parcel THE Bureau of Customs intercepted a package from Canada containing marijuana leaves worth more than P100,000 at the Central Mail Exchange Center warehouse in Pasay City, according to Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

The seizure was made with the coordination between the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, the Naia Customs Police, Naia Collection District III and the Naia Inter Agency Task Group, the BoC chief said.

Tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency laboratory confirmed that the package contained marijuana worth P102,900. Under the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002, marijuana is classified as a dangerous drug.

The government agents arrested Deandre Travis Johnson Cruz, who was identified as the claimant of the seized parcel. He was brought to the Pasay City Hall of Justice for investigation. Vito Barcelo

other three years in office in 2016.

“I am happy to report that we have consistently posted exponential cash surplus for four straight years, capped by our strongest showing in 2016 by an all-time high of more than P120 million,” said Fernandez.

The aggressive tax mapping, collection efficiency strategies and issuance of notice of delinquencies also resulted in improved collections in business taxes and license fees from P37 million in 2010 to P67 million in 2016.

The operation of the city’s renovated restrooms continues to be impressive, notching a spike in earnings from P650,000 in 2010 to more than P7 million in one year.

“Our strong finance has made it possible for us to grant full productivity and performance-based incentives and hefty 13th and 14th month bonuses to our 583-strong personnel of the Dagupan City government, and saved enough to meet the incremental increases to the base pay of our employees pursuant to the provisions of the Salary Standardization Law IV,” said Fernandez. PNA

MAIL-ORDER WEED. Customs deputy commissioner Teddy Raval presents suspect Deandre Travis Johnson Cruz, allegedly the consignee of an intercepted parcel that turned out to contain 343 grams of marijuana valued at P102,900 at the Central Mail Exchange Center. Norman Cruz

‘Rody erred on Kadamay’ P

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s allies in the Senate criticized his decision to allow members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) keep the housing units they forcibly occupied in Pandi, Bulacan because it will set a bad precedent.

Senators JV Ejercito, chairman of the Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement Committee, and Senator Richard Gordon said Kadamay should comply with the process so that their occupation would not become a precedent for other groups demanding housing from

the government.

Ejercito believes Kadamay’s occupation in Pandi, Bulacan serves as a wake-up call for the government to address the country’s massive housing problem.

While he appreciates Duterte’s “heart for the poor and homeless,” Ejercito said this should

not be the means by which anyone becomes a recipient of housing projects.

“I am against any form of a government project being held hostage in order to justify anyone’s need for shelter, unless in times of calamity. We have to do things right,” he said, adding that Kadamay should still go through the proper process in the turnover and awarding of housing units.

“Regardless of the President’s decision, the Senate investigation on Kadamay’s occupation will still push through on April 18,” he said.

“We are convinced that government housing projects are no longer about structures,

is a “bad signal” that Kadamay is getting the houses built by the National Housing Authority.

“You would give them to those creating chaos. Bad signal, Mr. President,” Gordon said.

“Again, you’re falling on your own sword because if that’s the case, that’s a ticket to what you call anarchy. Anybody taking the law into their own hands.

These people are not above the law,” Gordon said.

This ruckus in Bulacan, Gordon said appeared to be Filipinos grabbing what’s for poor fellow Filipinos.

Kadamay members have been occupying some 5,000 vacant housing units in seven housing areas in Bulacan since March 8.

‘LGUs to blame for slow internet’

House official leads San Beda graduation rite SAN Beda Alabang College of Arts and Sciences will have San Beda Graduate School of Business dean Dr. Ramon Ricardo A. Roque as this year’s commencement exercise speaker.

Through the invitation of the San Beda Alabang Rector, Vice President and CAS Dean, Dr. Roque will address Roque the graduating class of 2017 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center on April 6, 2017.

The commencement speaker is currently the Deputy Secretary General of the House of Representatives and a CESO I holder, the highest distinction for a career service official in the government.

He is also one of the Trustees of San Beda Manila and Rizal serving for 18 long years as of today.

A Bedan since grade school, he obtained his degree in commerce major in management from San Beda. He thereafter received his Masters in Business Administration with highest honors (Meritissimus), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Resource Management (Summa Cum Laude) both from the University of Santo Tomas. Dr. Roque also finished two management certificate courses from Harvard University and Columbia University.

A newspaper columnist, a regular trainor on Human Resource Management, a regent of Quezon City Polytechnic University, a board member of six state universities, and president of various organizations, Dr. Roque will share to the graduates his life lessons in the profession as a scholar, a school administrator, a book author, a public servant and a leader.

but should also cover a comprehensive and strategic plan in addressing other basic needs of beneficiaries such as access to livelihood, transportation, education, and health facilities,” he said.

To effectively map this out and to address the housing backlog, he cited the need to pursue the creation of a Department on Human Settlements and Urban Development and the passage of the In-City Relocation Bill. These two are our priority measures in the Senate Committee this year.

Gordon, for his part, branded as a “ticket to anarchy” the decision of Duterte to let Kadamay took over the property because it

MAINTAIN QUALITY. Professors and students of the University of the Philippines picketed the Quezon City school’s administration building to demand that the board of regents defer its decision to reduce the required number of general education units from 45 to 21. Manny Palmero

US envoy launches vital Leyte projects

By Sara D. Fabunan US AMBASSADOR Sung Kim made his first trip to Leyte province for the inauguration of classrooms and a livelihood training center built through the United States Agency for International Development.

Kim was joined by Palo Municipal Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla during the inauguration of nine new classrooms for Anahaway Elementary and Anahaway National High Schools in the municipality of Palo, Leyte.

The classrooms are designed to withstand high-velocity winds of up to 360 kilometers per hour and a magnitude-8.5 earthquake on the Richter scale.

“These classrooms are among the

many examples of the United States’ solidarity and friendship with the Philippines. We are your strong ally and dedicated partner,” Kim said.

The ambassador then made his way to Tacloban City and turned over the Tacloban City Training Center to the local government, represented by Mayor Cristina Romualdez.

The center, which is expected to serve over 6,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and entrepreneurs operating in the city and nearby areas, is part of the US government’s broader initiative to help revive Leyte’s economy post-Haiyan.

“Our partnership has come a long way after three years. But what makes us truly proud is your courage and determination to rise above the adversity. Your stories are an inspiration to all of us,” the ambassador said.

DAVAO CITY—The slow broadband service and the local government units’ bureaucratic process in granting permits to telecommunication firms are obstructing the government’s goal of improving telecommunications in rural areas and the further growth of impact sourcing industry in the country.

Information and Communication Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima admitted the country’s broadband and internet service are still slow, which impacts the outsourcing industry and the generation of online job opportunities.

The outsourcing industry, according to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, is a big potential for development and economic growth. In the last 15 years, it was able to create at least 300,00 jobs outside Metro Manila and is seen to grow 11 percent in the provinces and seven percent in Metro Manila.

The DICT official specifically pointed out the role of the LGUs in improving communications in the country, especially in the rural areas.

Salalima also stressed that bureaucratic process in the LGUs impedes development in communication.

He told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that telecommunication firms are complaining about the many requirements of LGUs in the putting of additional cell sites and the approval time of permits.

According to Salalima, some LGUs take eight months to approve cell site projects.

Salalima recognized the fact that Filipinos are mobile users, but said that mobile networks lack speed because the country lacks cell sites. For a combined Smart and Globe requirement for faster internet service, Salalima said there is a need to put 8,000 cell sites in the country. PNA

MIAA heightens narcotics alert

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority has heightened vigilance in the campaign against illegal drug trafficking in a bid to discourage international and local drug syndicates from using the Philippines as a transshipment point or dumping ground for their illegal substances.

MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said the strict measure being enforced in and outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport resulted in the recent arrest of Jesus Detollo, an MIAA building attendant, who was caught with three sachets of meth following a week-long surveillance operation.

Elements of the MIAA airport police department, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority, planned

an entrapment operation against Detollo, three weeks after they received that he peddles illegal drugs to customers at the airport.

Monreal said Detollo was contacted through his mobile number for a meet-up with the poseur buyer at Gate 3 of the MIAA Administration compound. He added on the act selling, three sachets of shabu were obtained from the suspect for an amount of P1,200.

“No one will be spared from this anti-drug campaign—not even our own people. We will continue looking for them until we see them all behind bars.

There is no place for them here in Naia,” Monreal said.

Detollo was turned over to the custody of the PDEA while the shabu obtained from him was sent to the PNP Crime laboratory for verification. The suspect was charged

with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Dangerous Drug Act) with no bail recommended.

Monreal ordered his men from the Airport Police Department to continue their search to find possible clients of Detollo in the airport complex.

Also on Tuesday, Airport and Customs authorities intercepted a package shipped from Canada containing marijuana worth more than P100,000.

Four vacuum-sealed plastic pouches containing 343 grams of cannabis dried leaves, an illegal substance, was discovered in the parcel upon examination by teams from the Customs AntiIllegal Drugs Task Force, Naia Customs Police and Inter Agency Task Group at the Central Mail Exchange Center warehouse in Pasay City.

Sports

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Westbrook makes history L

OS ANGELES—Russell Westbrook tied Oscar Robertson’s record for most tripledoubles in an NBA season on Tuesday, his 41st triple-double of the campaign fueling the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 110-79 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Westbrook drained a threepointer just before halftime to finish the first half with 12 points.

Minutes into the third period he notched his 10th rebound and within seconds had delivered a 10th assist on Taj Gibson’s basket that put the Thunder up 67-42.

Fans in Oklahoma City went wild, and chants of “M-V-P! M-VP!” rang out for Westbrook, who raised an arm in acknowledgement as the feat was recognized

by the arena announcer when play was stopped.

“It’s something I could never have dreams of growing up,” said Westbrook, who can break the record Robertson set in the 196162 season on Wednesday night against the Grizzlies in Memphis.

“To be able to be on this stage with this group of guys, it’s unbelievable and a blessing.”

Westbrook finished the game with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13

assists and the playoff-bound Thunder snapped a two-game skid.

“It was a special night,” Westbrook said. “Something I’ll definitely never forget. I am truly honored to do it here in Oklahoma City.”

With a seventh straight tripledouble, Westbrook matched his career-high streak fashioned earlier this season.

Westbrook’s 41 triple-doubles this season are more than 10 NBA teams have amassed in their club histories.

Cavaliers great LeBron James took his career tally of tripledoubles to 54 on Tuesday with his 12th of the season, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Cleveland’s 122-102 victory over the Orlando Magic.

The reigning champion Cavs limbered up for a Wednesday duel with the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference lead. Their victory pulled them level with the Celtics atop the East.

Cleveland, coming off a double-overtime home victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, got off to a slow start and trailed 55-53 at halftime.

The Cavaliers produced nine three-pointers as they seized control in the third quarter.

J.R. Smith made four of his five three-pointers in the third and Kyle Korver made two of his three from beyond the arc in the third.

“No one can survive that,” Magic coach Frank Vogel said.

Kevin Love led Cleveland with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

Kyrie Irving added 24 points and Smith scored 19. Korver, back in action after a four-game absence with a left foot injury, scored 11 off the bench.

While James downplayed the significance of Wednesday’s showdown with the Celtics, Love said it would be a good test with the playoffs fast approaching.

“It will be good for us,” Love said. “I think it will get us even more prepared, even more lockedin, win or lose.”

Spurs claw past Grizzlies There were wins for the top two teams in the West as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a 121-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves while the San Antonio Spurs battled to a 95-89 overtime victory over the Grizzlies. AFP

Romero remains house member PHILIPPINE Basketball Association chairman Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Party List) will remain a member of the House of Representatives to continue the advocacy he initiated in uplifting the flight of Filipino athletes.

This was stressed by Rep. Enrico A. Pineda (1-Pacman Party List) after reports swirled that the Globalport owner will be unseated because of his ongoing legal battle in the family-controlled property.

“We see no reason to replace Cong. Mikee as a representative of 1-Pacman Party List and we will block any move calling for his ouster as the number 1 nominee of the party list and as member of Congress,” said Pineda.

“A pending criminal complaint is not issue enough to prevent Cong.

Mikee from serving as a congressman,” added Pineda citing instances where congressmen and even senators were allowed to serve their terms despite being in detention facing graver criminal offenses.

Romero, he said, will remain a sitting congressman and the party will pursue the pending proposals being the vice chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Developmen.

Pineda assured the public that there will be no let-up in the initiatives that Romero advocates particularly those that focuses on sports development.

“Not even the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) Board of Governors is taking issue of the absence of its chairman and the present set up did not deter the PBA to continue its programs that would reinvigorate the league,” added Pineda.

Pineda is hoping that Romero can get through his predicament in order for him to resume his duties as a legislator, a team owner and Chairman of the PBA Board of Governors.

“We hope this issue with Cong.

Mikee and his family will soon be settled soon so he can devote more of his time serving Congress and the millions of Filipinos who were instrumental in bringing 1-PACMAN to congress.”

ABOITIZLAND MAKES WAVES WITH BVR. AboitizLand, Inc. in partnership with Beach Volleyball Republic kicks-off the Seafront Residences launch with three exhibition games by 12 of the best beach volleyball superstars from BVR, led by Charo Soriano, Bea Tan and FilleCainglet-Cayetano. The fun-filled event fully encapsulated what life at Seafront Residences will be like – lots of space for play, fun, and nature, with a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Seafront Residences, an exclusive 43-hectare beachside residential community in San Juan, Batangas is AboitizLand’s first residential development in Manila following its expansion outside of Cebu. In this photo, (from left) Bea Tan, Mary Mae Tajima, Amanda Villanueva and Amy Ahomiro of the Beach Volleyball Republic show their skills.

THE XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon finds a new home in the South in Danao, Cebu.

Host of numerous international mountain bike events in recent years, Danao opens its doors to endurance athletes out to test their limits in a challenging 1.5K swim, 40K bike on fireroads and rocky terrain, and 10K trail run with the city’s scenic mountain ranges as backdrop.

The first XTERRA Triathlon South race blasts off April 23 with around 300 to 400 competitors expected to answer the starting gun, led by the men’s champion of last year’s competitions in Albay, Bradley Weiss, and 2016 women’s runner-up Jacqui Slack.

Danao is staging XTERRA until 2019 in line with the three-year contract signed by local officials, led by Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI, with Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. Danao offers a challenging course that tests not only the field’s stamina and power but also their mental toughness.

Backers of the event are the City of Danao, Province of Cebu, 2GO Express, Cetaphil, David’s Salon, DOT, Tourism Promotions Board, HYPER HD on Cignal TV, Columbia, Prudential Guarantee, Rock Tape, Sanicare, The Philippine Star, Trilife Magazine, Coca Cola Femsa, Powerade and Wilkins with Coco Palms Resort and El Salvador as venue and hotel partners.

The swim starts and end at Coco Palm Beach Resort while the bike stage will be held on a two-loop course starting with barangay road leading to a higher elevation, featuring several punishing climbs, fireroads and rocky terrains.

The culminating run part will have participants racing on a gradual climb in grass open areas leading to portions with lots of loose rocks. The one-loop course takes them to a single track and narrow lanes before bringing them back to the finish line at Cebu Technological University.

All 6 ABAP boxers score opening-day victories THANYABURI, Thailand—All six boxers fielded by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines in the King’s Cup Boxing Tournament here scored sensational wins on opening day Tuesday, none more spectacular than Joel Bacho’s 3-1 decision over World Series of Boxing and AIBA Pro Boxing veteran Arisnoidys Despaigne of powerhouse Cuba.

Despaigne, silver medalist in the 2013 World Championships, was highly favored over Bacho, who until recently has been fighting under the shadow of his erstwhile co-welterweight (69 kilos) Eumir Felix Marcial, a 2015 SEA Games

gold medalist.

Marcial, fighting for the first time as a middleweight (75 kilos), also had a smashing technical knockout victory over Japan’s Ren Umemura.

The referee stopped the contest in the final canto after a series of left straights from Marcial had the Japanese wobbly, glassy-eyed and bleeding profusely from the nose.

Bacho, from Mandaluyong, was not intimidated by the Cuban’s sterling credentials and surprised Despaigne by taking the fight to him, using excellent ring movement and snappy combinations.

“Joel used his head. Cuban

coach Enrique Steiner came over to congratulate us and concede that they were unprepared for a much-improved Bacho. I think Joel’s time has come,”Philippine head coach Pat Gaspi said.

Steiner spent a couple of years in the Philippines as ABAP coaching consultant until 2009.

Another TKO victory was 21 year-old James Palicte’s bout against Patrick McLaughlin of Australia. A couple of right straights to the face forced the referee to summon the ring physician twice as the Aussie spewed blood from the nose and mouth. The lady doctor mercifully halted the bout towards the end of the second round.

Scoring unanimous 5-0 decisions were Carlo Paalam over Australian Alex Winwood, Ian Clark Bautista against Juhyeon Chloe of Korea and Mario Fernandez versus India’s Hussam Uddin Mohammed.

ABAP President Ricky Vargas, who was intently monitoring the event over the phone with ABAP Secretary-General Ed Picson, was jubilant but cautious.

“This is an excellent start, a perfect 6-0. But you must always be on your toes, there are bigger tasks ahead. I will constantly be praying for our boxers’ safety and success”, said the PLDT executive in a text message to Picson. “I would like to thank

Alab fights for survival vs Slingers ALAB Pilipinas hopes to display its “pusong palaban” as it fights to extend its Asean Basketball League semifinal series against the Singapore Slingers on Game 2 this Friday, to be aired LIVE from the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan on S+A at 8 p.m., with livestreaming on sports.abs-cbn.com.

Alab dropped its first playoff game against the 2016 runner-ups, 67-77, in Singapore as injuries to Bobby Ray Parks and Jeric

Danao all set for Xterra triathlon

Fortuna dampened the debut of former UAAP MVP and Philippine basketball phenom Kiefer Ravena, who scored 16 points.

For Game 2, the second seed Slingers will still be relying on Game 1 topscorer Xavier Alexander and 2016 MVP Wei Long Wong as they continue to hunt for the elusive title in Southeast Asia’s only professional regional basketball league.

If Alab wins on Friday, a do-or-die scenario will

All 6 PH boxers won in last night’s preliminaries in Thai Int’l Boxing Tournament, will fight in quarterfinals today, Wednesday.

They are (from left) middleweight Eumir Marcial, lightweight James Palicte, light flyweight Carlo Paalam, flyweight Ian Clark Bautista, bantamweight Mario Fernandez and middleweight Joel Basco.

find its conclusion on April 9 at the Singaporeans’ own homefront.

Don’t miss Alab Pilipinas’ fight for survival in the Playoff round against 2016 ABL season runnerup Singapore Slingers this Friday (April 7) at 8 p.m.

LIVE on S+A and via livestreaming on sports. abs-cbn.com. \For more information and stories, visit ABS-CBN’s sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook and Twitter.

28th Tenpin Bowling Affiliation of Makati holds Easter Open THE Tenpin Bowling Affiliation of Makati Inc. will hold the 28th TBAM-Boysen Easter Open Bowling Championship and 2017 TBAM Juniors-Prima Pasta Challenge on April 16 to 23 at Superbowl, Makati Cinema Square in Makati City.

Organized by the TBAM board of directors, headed by its President Dante Fuentes, the annual tour nament will have eight cat-

egories: Mixed Open, Men’s Graded, Men’s Associate, Men’s Seniors, Ladies’ Seniors, Mixed Ladies, Mixed Youth and Mixed 15-and-under.

The annual tournament sponsored

by Boysen Paints and Prima Pasta will commence with an Easter Sunday mass celebration at the Superbowl on April 16 at 11 a.m.

Defending champions Benshir

Chairman Butch Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission for his all-out support for the team.”

There are 18 countries and 3 teams in the tournament (host Thailand fielded 3 teams), with 107 boxers spread out over 10 weight categories. Favored teams aside form Cuba are Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Mongolia and host Thailand.

The tourney ends on Saturday, April 8.

Venue is the magnificent Queen Sirikit Sports Complex in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province, about 50 kilometers north of the capital city of Bangkok.

Layoso (Mixed Open Masters); Abbie Gan (Mixed Ladies); Kenzo Umali (Youth); JD Campos (Men’s Graded); Orlean Batistil (Men’s Associate); Manny Laurel (Men’s Seniors); and Offie Marino (Ladies’ Seniors) are ready to defend their titles.

Total prizes worth P600,000 in cash prizes and trophies will be given to the winners of the compe-

tition sanctioned by the Philippine Bowling Federation.

Veteran national bowlers Krizziah Tabora, Kenneth Chua, Alexis Sy, Liza Del Rosario and world campaigners Biboy Rivera and Paeng Nepomuceno will lead this year’s tournament, which is expected to draw more than 300 participants.

For more details, contact Tina Villaluz (09178221215).

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

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

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Sports

Quiban, Magada surprise Masters’ leaders

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Benjie Magada (left) watches his pitch-in eagle try on No. 18. and Justin Quiban watches his birdie putt miss its target on No. 9 during the start of the ICTSI Manila Masters.

Balanced attack nets Star 97-83 win over Mahindra points, while Aldrech Ramos had 12 and Paul Lee, Peter June and Mark Barroca each FTER a few years, Star once again tasted Simon added 11 markers for the Hota share of a tournament lead. shots.

Star is now tied with Alaska at The Hotshots remained in the zone, the top of the heap, each carrysteamrolling ailing Mahindra, 97-83, with ease ing clean 4-0 slates. for their fourth straight win to gain a share “We played very good pressure defense throughout and of the lead in the 2017 Philippine Basketball learned from our past games,” Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the said Star coach Chito Victolero.

Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Wala kaming idea sa import Using a balanced attack, Star players in double-figures with nila. We know he’s a good post fired from all cylinders en route team-highs of 19 points and 14 player at medyo suwerte kami doon dahil may jetlag pa ‘yung to the easy victory. rebounds.

Tony Mitchell led six Star Jio Jalalon followed with 14 import nila,” added Victolero

By Jeric Lopez

A

Tamaraws eye semis FAR Eastern University seeks to Rico Andes, who scored four make a return Final Four stint af- goals this season, will lead FEU’s ter a one-year absence as it tack- charge. les last-placed Adamson UniverWith only three points to show, sity today in the UAAP Season 79 the Falcons are simply looking men’s football tournament at the forward to play the spoilers’ role Moro Lorenzo Field. against the Tamaraws.

A draw in the 2 p.m. match will be The Blue Eagles, who are still enough for the Tamaraws to become lording it over at the top with 29 the third semifinalist, points, are expected leaving one slot up to go-all out deMatches today (Moro Lorenzo Field) for grabs. spite this no-bearing 2 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Men) Leag ue-leadi ng match.

4 p.m. – UE vs ADMU (Men) Ateneo, warming up After playing UE, for the semis, takes Ateneo will face on University of the East in the day’s fierce rival De La Salle, which is other game at 4 p.m. fighting to stay alive in the Final FEU is running third with 19 Four chase on Sunday before wrappoints, three clear of National Uni- ping up the eliminations versus versity, which is outside of the Top 4 FEU on April 20. range with 16.

The Warriors, who have eight The Tamaraws’ Final Four entry points at seventh spot, are simply got derailed following last Satur- hoping to carry the momentum of day’s shock 1-2 setback to the Red their impressive win against the Warriors.

Tamaraws over the weekend.

referring to Mahindra’s new import Keith Wright, who had 17 points. He replaced James White.

Mahindra, on the other hand, suffered its second straight loss and fell further down with a woeful 1-5 record.

Star broke the game wide open in the second period where it outscored Mahindra 21-12.

That led to the Hotshots taking a 43-30 spread at the half.

Star kept its focus the rest of the way and help the helpless Floodbuster at bay for the entire contest.

Meanwhile, winless teams Barangay Ginebra and GlobalPort are clawing as of this report to see who cracks the winning column.

The scores: STAR 97—Mitchell 19, Jalalon 14, Ramos 12, Simon 11, Lee 11, Barroca 11, Maliksi 9, Sangalang 4, Reavis 4, Brondial 2, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0.

MAHINDRA 83—Mallari 24, Wright 17, Paniamogan 9, Celda 9, Ballesteros 7, David 5, Revilla 4, Elorde 3, Galanza 3, Guevarra 2, Caperal 0, Deutchman 0, Yee 0, Salva 0.

Fernandez files P10-m libel, oral defamation case vs Peping

By Peter Atencio MORE than P10 million in damages is being sought by Philippine Sports Commission board member Ramon Fernandez against Philippine Olympic.

Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

That’s the amount of compensation Fernandez wants to get in the libel and oral defamation case he filed on Tuesday against Cojuangco before the sala of Assistant City Prosecutor Ramon Carisma in Cebu City.

The amount is for the suffering Fernandez experienced when Cojuangco accused him as a game-fixer

before a public forum last month.

“The damages that I have suffered from Cojaungco’s libelous statements are so great and serious that it has subjected me to public ridicule,” said Fernandez in an eight-page charge sheet.

Fernandez, with lawyer Jemil Marquez, talked about his concerns after pushing through with his plans to sue the POC chief, saying he felt hurt when Cojuangco called him a game-fixer last month during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

“It does not concern anything else,” added Fernandez in an interview with the

Manila Standard.

He said that for him to change his mind, Fernandez said that if Cojuangco resigns, he said he will no longer pursue his plans to seek legal remedies against Cojuangco.

Aside from the P10-million in damagers, he is also seeking P50,000 in exemplary damagers and P200,000 as compensation for legal fees.

Fernandez said he resented Cojuangco’s allegations that he allegedly threw away games during his 20-year career in the Philippine Basketball Association while playing for teams like Toyota and San Miguel.

Strengthening PH-NZ relations through rugby THE New Zealand Navy Rugby team took on the Philippine Volcanoes in a couple of friendly matches at the International School Manila on Tuesday.

“We thought bringing in our Navy team to play against the Philippine team would make for entertaining and competitive games,” New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan said.

The games are part of continuing efforts to strengthen sports diplomacy between New Zealand and the Philippines.

Last year, Lito Ramirez, the first home-grown Filipino to make the National Rugby Sevens team was sent to Mt Manganui in New Zealand for a four-week training program.

Ramirez told the Ambassador

last year that he was introduced to Rugby when he was 11 years old and he has continued to play the sport for the national team under the mentorship of several Kiwi coaches.

New Zealand helps to promote rugby in the Philippines.

Several Kiwis are active in the Philippine Rugby Football Union. Among the members of the Philippine Rugby Football Union is Kiwi Steve Payne. The current co-coach of the Philippines Volcanos is Frano Botica a former All Black, along with David Johnston.

“Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand culture. We are delighted to see how much rugby has grown in the Philippines,” added Strachan. “In sports-loving countries

Ambassador David Strachan is shown with members of the PRFU board, the Te Kaha rugby team and Philippines Volcanoes.

such as the Philippines and New Blacks, who visited in Manila last Zealand, our relations are fur- year.” ther strengthened by sports. This The friendly match is part of was also highlighted by the Tall a series of activities conducted

during the visit of Her Majesty’s Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha from April 4 to 7 in Manila.

BINANGONAN, Rizal— Veteran Benjie Magada and sophomore pro Justin Quiban leaned on superb backside stints to card identical fourunder 68s in hot and windy condition, wresting a onestroke lead over Tony Lascuña and Japanese Genki Okada at the start of the ICTSI Manila Masters here yesterday.

Gerald Rosales rattled off four straight birdies to launch his bid in a late start at the Eastridge Golf Club but the former Philippine Open champion wavered at the back with four bogeys, enabling Magada and Quiban to remain on top in the early going of the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI. Magada, who missed the cut in the Philippine Golf Tour’s kickoff leg at Anvaya, checked a roller-coaster stint with three birdies in the last five holes for a 35-33 card while Quiban, who finished at No. 25 in the Order of Merit ranking in his rookie year, sizzled with four birdies at the back where he teed off then negated a bogey mishap on No. 1 with a birdie on the fourth for a 36-32.

“My game clicked despite tough condition with the wind blowing from all over,” said Magada, who birdied the last two holes inside 10 feet to set in motion his bid to end a long title spell in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Lascuña, the reigning OOM champion, missed grabbing the lead or joining Magada and Quiban on top with a faltering finish at the front but stayed within striking distance with a 69 for joint third with the 19-year-old Okada.

Lascuña, who tied for eighth at Anvaya which Angelo Que dominated by nine shots, actually bucked a bout with arthritis as he upstaged Que in their featured duel, overcoming a bogey on No. 15 with six birdies in the next nine holes to take charge. But the Davaoeño ace holed out with back-to-back bogeys on missed green mishaps and dropped out of the lead.

“The wind blew hard and the greens are really tough to read,” said Lascuña, also out to post his first victory on the mountaintop course. “I’ve played and won in so many courses but here, so I’m really motivated this week.”

So stays on top in US chess ON his sixth major encounter with Varuzhan Akobian, Grandmaster Wesley So was under time pressure.

But he still managed to play Akobian to a draw in 45 moves last Tuesday in the sixth round of the 2017 United States Chess Championship.

It was their fourth draw in six encounters since their storied rivalry began in 2009.

And it was over when Akobian started making a series of repetitive moves with his queen in the 41st move.

The 2822 ELO-rated So kept his grip on the solo lead with four points when it was over at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis in St. Louis, Missouri.

The draw came as world no. 3 Fabiano Caruana moved up with a share of second spot behind So. Caruana, who played one of the day’s two interesting matches, turned back Gata Kamsky in 40 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

He now shares 3.5 points with Akobian, Daniel Naroditsky and Hikaru Nakamura.

The white-playing So managed to equalize his position after Akobian made a knight f2 move to check the king.

Experts said Akobian was better off with a queen g6 that would have allowed him to dominate the kingside.

Instead, Akobian was able to go into a series of checks, with So settling for a draw off his rivals’ repetitions.

According to analysts, So unravelled a very sharp line of the Queen’s Gambit Declined and was surprised when Akobian made a good bishop g4 push. This quickly gave Akobian the initiative and forced So on the defensive. Peter Atencio

PCC backing Trade’s bid to regulate prices B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

B1

IN BRIEF Sun Life in talks to finance toll road

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing April 5, 2017

8000 7600 7200 6800 6400 6000

7,584.21 137.72

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing APRIL 5, 2017 45.00

E-PAYMENT SOLUTIONS. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (third from left), United States Agency for International Development acting office director for the Philippines Stephen Andoseph (left) Malaya Rural Bank president Antonio Pasia (second from left), Union Bank Philippines chairman Justo Ortiz (fifth from left), PayMaya Philippines president Orlando Vea (third from right) and Wealth Development Bank president Gregorio Anonas III (right) extend support for the National Retail Payment System during the ceremonial signing of the Payment System Management Body Charter in Manila. The ceremony was opened and led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco (fourth from left) and Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. (second from left).

Ecozone investments jump 50% to P51.34b I

By Alena Mae S. Flores

46.50 48.00 49.50

P50.150 CLOSE

51.00

HIGH P50.130 LOW P50.185 AVERAGE P50.163 VOLUME 336.000M

P496.00-P756.00 LPG/11-kg tank P37.85-P47.40 Unleaded Gasoline P27.33-P38.49 Diesel

OPRICES IL TODAY

P31.30-P40.93 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, April 5, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.1580

Japan

Yen

0.009032

0.4530

UK

Pound

1.244200

62.4066

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128689

6.4548

Switzerland

Franc

0.998104

50.0629

Canada

Dollar

0.746213

37.4286

Singapore

Dollar

0.715359

35.8810

Australia

Dollar

0.756300

37.9345

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655549

133.1970 13.3755

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

Brunei

Dollar

0.712809

35.7531

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029020

1.4556

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.6570

Euro

Euro

1.067500

53.5437

Korea

Won

0.000890

0.0446

China

Yuan

0.145275

7.2867

India

Rupee

0.015368

0.7708

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.225734

11.3224

New Zealand

Dollar

0.697100

34.9651

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032828

1.6466 Source: PDS Bridge

NVESTMENTS in economic zones jumped 50.5 percent in the first quarter to P51.34 billion from P34.11 billion a year ago, as foreign and local companies remain bullish on the economy, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Wednesday.

“This speaks a lot for the reinvigorated and enthusiastic confidence of both our foreign and local investors to the present and decisive leadership of the country,” Peza director-general Charito Plaza said in a speech during the agency’s 22nd Investors Recognition night Tuesday.

Plaza said total investments in economic zones reached P3.377 trillion from 1995 to

2016.

She said 366 economic zones were now operational, up from 16 operating economic zones in 1995.

Seventy-four of these economic zones are in manufacturing, 250 are IT parks and centers, 21 are agro industrial economic zones mostly in Mindanao, 19 are tourism economic zones and two are medical tourism parks.

“With the growth of Peza economic zones, the number of Peza enterprises have also grown from 331 in 1995 to 3,940 as of January this year and still continuously counting,” Plaza said.

She said Peza exports from 1995 to 2016 reached $654.936 billion, with Peza locator contributing an average of 70 percent to the Philippine commodity exports over the last 10 years from 2006 to 2015.

Plaza said as of end-2016, 1.36 million were directly employed by Peza companies.

Peza also remitted P17.651 billion to the national government representing taxes,

annual dividends and payments of previous loans in the past 22 years.

“From these figures, we ca see how competitive and attractive to investors our economic zones have become, and we owe this mostly to our effective partnership with the private sector,” Plaza said.

Plaza said Peza planned to create new economic zones that would industrialize the Philippines such as agro-forestry, aquamarine, mineral processing, defense industrial complex, renewable energy, halal hubs and production.

“We will be exploring new types of economic zones that would cater to domestic manufacturing activities of micro, small and medium sized enterprises and shall have new and various types of ecozones,” Plaza said.

The agency will also come out with the National Economic Zone Map in the next couple of weeks.

Plaza said the map would show available areas for investments in economic zone development.

Megaworld’s net income climbs 12% to P11.63b

By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWORLD Corp., the property development arm of tycoon Andrew Tan, said Wednesday net income increased 12 percent in 2016 to P11.63 billion from P10.39 billion in 2015, led by a double-digit growth in rental revenues.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues rose 4 percent to P46.74 billion from P44.81 billion in 2015, as rental revenues climbed 15 percent to a record P10.01 billion from P8.73 billion.

The company did not provide figures for real estate sales.

“Megaworld achieved another milestone last year as we breached the P10-billion mark for our rental revenues. We have achieved our targets across the board as we have steadily grown and expanded our core businesses,” Megaworld treasurer Francis Canuto said.

“Township development remains to be a key strength of our company and we have focused on strengthening the various components of our townships on top of our residential businesses, such as offices, malls and com-

mercial developments as well as hotels,” Canuto said.

Megaworld said cost management programs led to a modest 2-percent growth in costs and expenses at P35.1 billion in 2016 from P34.4 billion in 2015.

“Last year, we became successful in introducing another concept in real estate development which we call the ‘integrated lifestyle community.’ This year, we hope to add more developments under this category as we activate some of our remaining raw lands across the country that have good potential for leisure and tour-

ism,” Canuto said.

Megaworld earlier introduced Eastland Heights, its first ‘integrated lifestyle community’ expanding 640 hectares on the mountains of Antipolo, Rizal.

The property firm raised P12 billion from issuance of fixed rate bonds last month. Proceeds fwill be used to finance development of four township projects.

Megaworld budgeted P60 billion for 2017 capital expenditures primarily to accelerate developments within existing integrated township projects and acquire more properties for landbank.

Eagle Cement raising P9.2b from IPO in May

INDUSTRY DIALOG. The Philippines and Japan further enhance their bilateral relations to support

initiatives towards industrial development and competitiveness. Shown during the Industrial Cooperation Dialog at the Board of Investments Building in Makati City is Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (top photo, third from left) delivering his remarks at the opening of ICD, while shown below is Multilateral Trade System Department director general Tetsuya Watanabe (center) responding to a remark at the dialog.

SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan- Eagle Cement Corp., the country’s fourth largest cement maker owned by businessman Ramon Ang, expects to raise P9.2 billion from what could be the largest domestic initial public offering in May. “We are bullish that the domestic investors can absorb our IPO,” Eagle Cement said. The transaction is seen to be the biggest purely domestic IPO in the stock exchange.

Eagle Cement plans to sell up to 575 million common shares at an offer price of up to P16 apiece in May. This would exceed Wilcon Depot Inc.’s P7-billion purely domestic IPO. Past IPOs worth at least P5 billion needed to allocate a big chunk of their offerings to foreign

investors due to weak domestic liquidity.

Given the increased domestic liquidity, many companies are now considering an all domestic offering.

Eage Cement said while it was confident about the local stock market, the recent drop in stock prices of other cement companies such as Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. and Holcim Philippines Inc. could affect the planned share sale.

Share price of Cemex dropped to P6.70 Tuesday from P11.06 at the start of the year after it reported weak fourth-quarter earnings.

Stock price of Holcim Philippines was also on the downtrend, as it declined to P14.80 Tuesday after hitting a 52-week high of P17.30 on Feb. 13. Jenniffer B. Austria

SUN Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc., one of the major insurance companies in the Philippines, said Wednesday it is in talks with several groups for potential infrastructure investments under the public-private partnership scheme, including a major toll road.

“We are certainly open to investing in PPP projects if the right project comes along, but we have to assess initiatives on an individual basis. We continue to talk to various parties on partnering with them so that we can invest in those projects,” SunLife Philippines president Riza Mantaring said in an interview at the sidelines of the company’s partnership with Fitness First.

“We are in talks with several organizations on potential infrastructure investments. I think we talked already on a potential road project. I can’t disclose,” she said.

Mantaring said the company would invest in infrastructure projects to match future needs. “Sun Life has long-term liabilities and we try to do our asset liability matching as closely as possible. We try to match them and so we need also long-term assets to match long-term liabilities. So, infrastructure projects are ideal for that because the duration is quite long for infrastructure projects and that’s matches our needs and also for diversification of our investments,” she said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Ford posts record auto sales in March FORD Philippines said Wednesday automotive sales jumped 37 percent in March to an all-time monthly high of 3,754 units.

“We got things back on track in March and were able to process a record number of customer orders, particularly for our three best-sellers,” said Ford Philippines managing director Lance Mosley.

The company attributed the growth to the robust sales of Ranger, Everest and EcoSport and increased demand across the full lineup of Ford vehicles.

“Healthy demand for our NorthAmerican import models, the Explorer, Expedition and Mustang also contributed to the record month,” Mosley said.

The Everest led sales growth in March with a 28 percent year-on-year increase to 1,471 vehicles.

Sales of EcoSport accelerated 60 percent to 1,070 vehicles. Ranger posted a 50 percent increase to 1,042 vehicles. Othel V. Campos

Inflation picked up to 3.4% in March

By Julito G. Rada INFLATION rate picked up to a 28-month high of 3.4 percent in March from 3.3 percent in February, on higher prices of electricity, gas and other fuel products, the National Economic and Development Authority said Wednesday.

Inflation in March was the fastest since it reached 3.7 percent in November 2014. This brought the average inflation in the first quarter to 3 percent, the midpoint of the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the whole year.

“Upward risks to inflation remain, but the overall outlook continues to be within government’s 2.0-4.0 percent target range for this year and next,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the March print was well within the forecast range of 3 percent to 3.8 percent for the month.

“As we have said, our runs show that the path of monthly inflation shows upticks until about the third quarter of this year before slowly decelerating to average within the target range,” he said.

“While we don’t see any immediate need to tweak policy rate settings, we are watching the international oil supply picture, developments in the CTRP, geopolitical devs. among others.

We will make adjustments if and when needed,” Tetangco said.

Inflation in the non-food group accelerated to 2.8 percent from 2.5 percent in February 2017, and from 0.4 percent in March 2016.

This was mainly due to the faster year-on-year price adjustments of electricity, gas and other fuels, which increased to 9.3 percent.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Starmalls posts 71% profit growth to P1.6b

By Jenniffer B. Austria STARMALLS Inc., the commercial arm of developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., said net income jumped 71 percent in 2016 to P1.55 billion from P900 million in 2015, on double-digit growth in revenues.

Starmalls said in a disclosure to the stock exchange rental revenues climbed 61 percent to P4.5 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization increased 77 percent to P3.3 billion.

“We remain optimistic about the retail industry’s outlook for 2017, as we continue to see continued growth in the disposable income of Filipinos, the rising middle class in the

country, and sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” said Starmalls chairman Manuel Villar Jr. “In addition, we are taking advantage of the synergies that we found as a result of our integration with Vista Land,” Villar said.

Consolidated assets hit P35.8 billion as of end-2016, up from P31.8 billion in 2015. Starmalls has 17 commercial assets in its portfolio and continues to expand its leasable space.

Starmalls president Jerry Navarrete said the company was ramping up its expansion program and would deliver additional leasable space in the coming years as it continued the development of 46.9 hectares of commercial landbank.

Stocks index nears 7,600

S

TOCKS rallied for a third day, pushing the benchmark index near the 7,600-point level for the first time in six months, following a positive lead from New York and Shanghai on optimism over a new economic zone.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 137 points, or 1.9 percent, to close at 7,584.21 Wednesday. The index was also up 10.9 percent since the start of the year. All six sectors rose, led by property and financials.

The heavier index, representing all shares, advanced 51 points, or 1.2 percent, to settle at 4,511.77, on a value turnover of P10.8 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 111 to 75, while 48

issues were unchanged.

Eighteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by cement manufacturer Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. which went up 6.3 percent to P7.12 and property developer Ayala Land Inc. which gained 5.7 percent to P35.95. Conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. advanced 5.1 percent to P6.40.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday but investors moved nervously ahead of a summit between Chinese

President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump this week.

Stocks in Shanghai jumped on optimism over a new economic zone, while Taipei shares also rallied as both markets reopened after a holiday.

The two-day gathering in Florida comes after the US tycoon has hit out at Beijing’s trade policies and labelled it a currency manipulator, fanning fears of a trade war between the world’s top two economies.

There are also geopolitical concerns linked to North Korea’s growing nuclear program, with Trump warning he would be prepared to sideline Beijing in dealing with the rogue state.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un raised tensions Wednesday by firing another ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, the latest in a series of launches in recent months.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.09 54,000 48 36,800 107 2,081,940 4 50,000 123 5,386,680 1.24 83,000 41.1 533,400 16.2 147,100 20.7 478,600 7.74 300 820 20 0.66 854,000 85 5,266,500 0.7 163,000 14.7 196,400 55.8 29,250 241.2 1,480 86.5 14,130 39.1 152,400 211 1,791,650 1,740 155 79.7 18,570

167,290 1,788,080 222,695,270 200,000 660,513,596 99,350 21,888,995 2,383,020 9,909,375 2,322 16,000 556,520 443,225,984.50 114,310 2,885,182 1,630,150.50 355,530 1,222,387 5,950,460 377,678,460 263,700 1,478,717.50

751,185 108,173,172 199,893,600 8,670 5,330,560 -1,542,240 -4,328,970 -3,250 107,590,454.50 708,555.50 865,000 2,762,000 26,076,272 85,000 -498,921

41.5 5.18 0.8 1.4 18.28 0.241 96.55 6.74 16.54 23.45 14.54 65.7 1.98 5.98 12 12.58 8.91 6.02 5.98 1.69 21.9 71.8 12.22 14.84 7.7 1.52 198.1 70.05 5.3 3.8 30.75 25.85 16.9 272.8 0.242 7.05 3.61 8.75 11.4 2.14 8.27 1.89 72.1 4.91 295 4.65 2.76 13.34 4.5 0.142 1.36 164 4.13 1.56 31.5

INDUSTRIAL 41.8 1,757,400 5.28 943,400 0.8 165,000 1.41 495,000 19 1,600 0.242 2,200,000 96.55 10 7.12 51,244,000 16.7 1,650,000 23.5 125,600 14.8 1,700 67 4,270 2 187,000 6.1 177,700 12.1 23,500 12.68 11,972,500 9.3 7,855,400 6.08 2,338,000 6.05 7,579,500 1.69 90,000 22 1,926,500 72.95 561,030 12.4 27,900 14.9 239,500 7.86 3,317,500 1.54 198,000 198.2 1,150,130 70.05 200 5.38 2,000,400 3.81 26,000 31 1,769,500 26 164,700 17 3,820,600 272.8 381,440 0.245 2,910,000 7.2 50,100 3.7 45,000 8.84 4,054,000 11.4 8,800 2.16 1,455,000 8.51 2,799,400 1.92 567,000 72.1 82,710 4.98 25,400 295.2 1,870 4.7 6,634,000 2.8 37,000 13.52 1,459,700 4.75 124,000 0.143 180,000 1.38 111,000 171.8 2,187,630 4.23 32,000 1.58 1,472,000 32.45 1,200

73,434,235 4,954,773 132,270 699,260 29,878 536,600 965.5 364,866,517 27,754,036 2,945,335 24,744 286,702 373,630 1,080,786 285,066 152,277,442 72,735,324 14,185,922 45,647,321 152,400 42,431,325 40,360,665.50 346,092 3,572,772 25,958,203 303,470 228,326,071 14,475 10,931,437 99,420 54,836,395 4,279,945 65,221,766 104,832,030 708,870 357,786 162,850 35,930,778 100,322 3,129,850 23,783,501 1,080,020 5,967,975 125,292 559,810 31,179,510 103,070 19,787,816 591,900 25,720 151,920 369,632,791 132,880 2,319,970 37,900

18,442,915 253,230 89,600 -127,000 2,490 -24,786,864 -4,367,950 -7,050 210,490 -5,940 -92,381,150 -8,316,320 -5,750,723 -6,145,692 2,665,095 2,101,877.50 -3,091,724 13,134,430 -41,759,615 1,350,000 31,502,580 -1,463,495 -20,883,162.00 22,827,900 -2,470 21,620 -17,711,802.00 -52,440 538,000 16,846,973 414,150 -3,963,673 98,400 -2,387,830 123,556 -5,680.00 75,412,544 67,940 6,400

0.375 75.5 13 1.14 6.29 0.355 0.335 890 8.6 11.88 7.96 0.185 1,150 6.35 83.75 5.55 1.04 8 16.1 0.41 6.42 0.059 1.96 105.1 2.79 730 1.4 274 0.29 0.186 0.26

0.365 73.55 12.9 1.1 6.19 0.33 0.335 875 8.49 11.6 7.8 0.185 1,132 6.2 78.95 5 1 7.87 15.9 0.41 6.13 0.055 1.96 104.2 2.6 705 1.39 272 0.285 0.185 0.26

HOLDING FIRMS 0.375 1,560,000 74.7 1,002,510 12.98 3,956,900 1.14 12,000 6.21 32,000 0.345 4,050,000 0.335 50,000 890 272,700 8.5 1,346,100 11.7 32,755,800 7.82 20,900 0.185 10,000 1,141 385,525 6.35 12,500 78.95 3,641,440 5.5 14,500 1.02 1,965,000 7.87 1,310,000 16 6,902,600 0.41 10,000 6.4 54,852,700 0.057 177,610,000 1.96 7,000 104.9 109,280 2.73 270,000 730 735,990 1.4 345,000 274 4,340 0.29 220,000 0.185 200,000 0.26 200,000

576,100 75,082,962 51,298,728 13,260 198,435 1,371,800 16,750 241,387,680 11,466,214 384,655,294 163,570 1,850 440,074,510 77,626 293,701,185.50 76,119 2,011,450 10,436,574 110,547,004 4,100 348,028,761 10,157,770 13,720 11,446,911 718,830 535,427,430 481,810 1,185,382 62,900 37,010 52,000

12,684,429.50 -1,687,584 -41,416,645 2,149,099 -151,143,042 1,850 -132,502,190 25,846,149.50 -250,844 -10,480,612 126,433,302 18,050 1,908,432 288,129,230 -155,812 5,700.00 -

6.85 0.94 2.35 1.32 35.95 3.99 5.15 0.52 1.23 0.159 0.54 55.4 0.69 0.173 1.67 0.99 3.78 0.27 0.305 0.63 4.83 24.25

6.8 0.92 2.27 1.26 34.25 3.93 5.1 0.51 1.22 0.157 0.53 54.3 0.67 0.168 1.64 0.97 3.58 0.247 0.295 0.6 4.62 23.2

PROPERTY 6.8 174,400 0.93 778,000 2.35 88,000 1.28 7,498,000 35.95 14,179,000 3.95 2,817,000 5.13 337,100 0.52 3,951,000 1.22 69,000 0.157 13,330,000 0.53 3,718,000 54.3 283,880 0.69 22,000 0.171 1,490,000 1.66 6,220,000 0.98 2,514,000 3.7 66,229,000 0.25 263,900,000 0.305 430,000 0.6 22,432,000 4.8 393,000 23.2 6,575,500

1,186,293 725,240 204,340 9,638,060 500,886,035 11,163,370 1,729,707 2,017,220 84,190 2,098,020 1,972,710 15,600,208.50 15,100 255,340 10,321,100 2,457,800 244,416,670 68,743,190 127,750 13,716,730 1,843,320 155,500,615

-1,089,624 -18,800 150,900 187,663,250 -1,254,310 -281,520 148,010 496,300 1,356,861.50 -5,020 -5,204,500 -19,147,760 -150,400 -2,950 -100,440 142,000 55,136,010

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.1 ASIA UNITED 48.95 BANK PH ISLANDS 105.5 BDO LEASING 4 BDO UNIBANK 120 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.27 CHINABANK 40.75 COL FINANCIAL 16.2 EAST WEST BANK 20.65 FILIPINO FUND 7.74 MANULIFE 780 MEDCO HLDG 0.65 METROBANK 82.5 NTL REINSURANCE 0.71 PB BANK 14.6 PHIL NATL BANK 55 PHIL STOCK EXCH 240 PSBANK 86.6 RCBC 38.9 SECURITY BANK 208 SUN LIFE 1,700 UNION BANK 79.6

3.12 48.95 107.9 4 123.5 1.28 41.5 16.2 20.75 7.74 820 0.67 85 0.73 14.72 55.85 241.8 88 39.75 211.8 1,740 79.75

3.09 48 105.5 4 119.9 1.05 40.7 16.2 20.55 7.74 780 0.65 82.5 0.7 14.6 55 240 86.4 38.7 206.2 1,700 79.5

ABOITIZ POWER 42 AGRINURTURE 5.3 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.81 ALSONS CONS 1.41 ASIABEST GROUP 18.8 BASIC ENERGY 0.249 BOGO MEDELLIN 96.55 CEMEX HLDG 6.74 CENTURY FOOD 16.98 CIRTEK HLDG 23.45 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.54 CONCEPCION 65.7 CROWN ASIA 1.98 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.08 DEL MONTE 12.24 DNL INDUS 12.84 EEI CORP 9.25 EMPERADOR 6.05 ENERGY DEVT 6 EUROMED 1.75 FIRST GEN 21.9 FIRST PHIL HLDG 72 GINEBRA 12.22 HOLCIM 14.98 INTEGRATED MICR 7.8 IONICS 1.54 JOLLIBEE 198.5 LIBERTY FLOUR 74.7 LMG CHEMICALS 5.37 MABUHAY VINYL 3.81 MANILA WATER 30.95 MAXS GROUP 26 MEGAWIDE 17.4 MERALCO 276.8 MG HLDG 0.247 PANASONIC 7.06 PEPSI COLA 3.61 PETRON 8.75 PHINMA 11.42 PHINMA ENERGY 2.15 PHX PETROLEUM 8.48 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.9 PILIPINAS SHELL 72.45 PRYCE CORP 5 PUREFOODS 300 RFM CORP 4.7 ROXAS HLDG 2.8 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.58 SPC POWER 4.5 SWIFT FOODS 0.142 TKC METALS 1.37 UNIV ROBINA 164 VICTORIAS 4.13 VITARICH 1.58 VIVANT 31.5

42.2 5.32 0.81 1.44 19.02 0.249 96.55 7.29 17.06 23.5 14.8 67.5 2.02 6.1 12.24 13.1 9.43 6.13 6.1 1.75 22.3 73.5 12.9 15 7.88 1.54 199.9 74.7 5.61 3.9 31.25 26 17.48 278 0.247 7.2 3.7 9.03 11.42 2.17 8.55 1.94 72.6 5 300 4.73 2.81 13.84 4.88 0.145 1.38 171.8 4.23 1.59 32.45

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

0.375 75.45 12.9 1.1 6.19 0.33 0.335 876 8.6 11.84 7.82 0.185 1,133 6.22 82.9 5.22 1.02 7.9 16 0.41 6.13 0.055 1.96 104.6 2.63 705 1.4 273.8 0.29 0.186 0.26

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

6.81 0.92 2.27 1.27 34.3 3.98 5.13 0.51 1.22 0.157 0.54 54.8 0.67 0.173 1.64 0.98 3.59 0.255 0.295 0.62 4.83 23.95

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1.78 3.29 29.6 1.01 0.89 5.13

1.8 3.35 30.1 1.01 0.89 5.2

1.78 3.28 29.6 0.99 0.89 5

1.79 3.35 29.95 1 0.89 5.14

128,000 9,000 17,442,400 3,560,000 22,000 5,604,000

229,190 29,620 522,668,925 3,561,360 19,580 28,730,960

132,618,890 -2,951,640

2GO GROUP 12.04 ABS CBN 46.3 ACESITE HOTEL 1.46 APC GROUP 0.52 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 ASIAN TERMINALS 10.3 BLOOMBERRY 8.42 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.075 CALATA CORP 2.13 CEBU AIR 94.95 CENTRO ESCOLAR 10.02 DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL 4.6 FAR EASTERN U 980 GLOBE TELECOM 2,060 GMA NETWORK 6.71 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.2 HARBOR STAR 3.3 IMPERIAL 3.7 INTL CONTAINER 90.7 IP EGAME 0.0092 IPEOPLE 12.3 IPM HLDG 9.01 ISLAND INFO 0.181 ISM COMM 1.28 JACKSTONES 3.52 LBC EXPRESS 14.5 LEISURE AND RES 4.22 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.03 MACROASIA 4.5 MANILA JOCKEY 2.5 MELCO CROWN 6.78 METRO RETAIL 3.68 MLA BRDCASTING 16.6 NOW CORP 2.96 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.5 PAL HLDG 5.5 PAXYS 3.06 PHIL SEVEN CORP 164 PHILWEB 7.83 PLDT 1,698 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.66 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.43 PUREGOLD 44.7 ROBINSONS RTL 79 SBS PHIL CORP 6.18 SSI GROUP 2.24 STI HLDG 1.07 TRANSPACIFIC BR 1.67 TRAVELLERS 3.2 WATERFRONT 0.4 WILCON DEPOT 5.3

12.5 46.4 1.55 0.57 0.046 11.2 8.45 0.076 2.15 95.4 10.02 2.58

12.04 45.95 1.4 0.52 0.042 10.3 8.27 0.069 2.11 94.6 10 2.58

SERVICES 12.4 1,777,400 46 85,900 1.48 630,000 0.54 4,335,000 0.046 435,100,000 11.2 2,900 8.28 8,174,000 0.072 36,360,000 2.15 1,160,000 94.95 236,160 10 4,000 2.58 2.58

21,960,198 3,955,730 917,240 2,397,290 19,129,400 31,188 68,396,661 2,604,660 2,473,430 22,432,345.50 40,020 1,000

238,676 -78,500.00 57,000.00 4,357,061 64,750 -59,740 10,093,886.50 2,580

5 980 2,100 6.72 16.4 3.54 3.7 92 0.0092 12.3 9.02 0.185 1.3 3.67 15 4.5 1.03 4.59 2.65 6.82 3.79 16.7 2.96 11.52 5.5 3.06 164 8.31 1,746 1.66 0.435 44.9 79.2 6.18 2.24 1.1 1.75 3.24 0.4 5.32

4.49 980 2,050 6.67 16.2 3.25 3.55 90.7 0.0092 12.3 9 0.18 1.27 3.47 14.5 4.22 0.95 4.45 2.47 6.71 3.68 16.6 2.9 11.5 5.25 3.06 160 7.83 1,698 1.58 0.425 43.5 77 6.15 2.18 1.07 1.67 3.18 0.395 5.1

4.49 980 2,084 6.7 16.4 3.47 3.6 91.1 0.0092 12.3 9 0.185 1.29 3.59 15 4.4 1.01 4.47 2.5 6.79 3.75 16.7 2.9 11.52 5.25 3.06 161 8.07 1,746 1.58 0.435 43.55 77.85 6.15 2.22 1.09 1.75 3.18 0.395 5.17

477,374 215,600 190,566,030 9,439,004 529,140 21,141,610 445,160 324,954,263 101,200 4,920 3,362,453 436,090 609,810 564,340 77,300 15,933,080 29,050 8,294,520 819,230 65,582,949 3,417,770 18,270 4,277,850 71,342 162,195 33,660 604,145 21,575,642 434,243,270 61,379,160 133,250 184,767,950 20,663,529.50 815,639 2,828,490 1,918,500 36,890 6,218,780 7,950 169,072,547

55,393,250 65,010 -17,850 64,397,568 94,120 -251,460 -878,270 -2,778,350 -70,560 8,493,998 -1,626,560 117,600 33,660 0 -2,264,084 220,912,985 726,730 95,288,360 -8,133,470.50 66,420 -1,239,950 -686,700 -696,520 4,000 -4,363,912.00

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

0.0033 1.54 5.3 11.6 1.8 1.8 0.57 0.4 8.6 2.84 0.25 0.18 0.012 0.011 1.7 6.1 2.15 0.46 0.9 0.011 0.011 4.1 0.013 8.22 3.44 152.8 2.8 0.0086

0.0033 1.55 5.3 11.6 1.8 1.94 0.58 0.4 9.28 2.84 0.255 0.181 0.012 0.011 1.78 6.19 2.15 0.46 0.91 0.011 0.011 4.2 0.014 8.32 3.55 155.4 2.83 0.0089

0.0032 1.5 5.15 11.3 1.8 1.8 0.57 0.395 8.6 2.73 0.25 0.179 0.011 0.011 1.7 6 2.06 0.46 0.85 0.011 0.011 4.1 0.013 8.22 3.42 152.1 2.72 0.0082

MINING & OIL 0.0032 49,000,000 1.51 4,205,000 5.2 333,500 11.5 1,900 1.8 8,000 1.94 39,000 0.58 297,000 0.395 530,000 9 30,700 2.74 13,657,000 0.255 20,000 0.181 1,900,000 0.012 1,400,000 0.011 300,000 1.78 101,000 6 3,719,100 2.13 18,000 0.46 20,000 0.91 224,000 0.011 6,100,000 0.011 1,000,000 4.18 14,000 0.014 21,400,000 8.29 601,200 3.48 2,165,000 155.3 2,307,330 2.83 4,000 0.0089 46,000,000

156,900 6,378,220 1,735,187 21,910 14,400 70,480 170,550 211,900 270,110 37,841,660 5,050 341,320 15,700 3,300 173,650 22,537,474 37,920 9,200 198,320 67,100 11,000 58,570 278,700 4,973,426 7,563,070 357,605,585 11,180 387,700

3,300 873,520 -75,852 713,310 -8,153,264 28,380 6,500 -1,076,933 349,500 129,837,985 -

ABS HLDG PDR ALCO PREF B DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF SFI PREF SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

46.9 107.8 105.7 6.12 1,020 107.7 2.11 78.5 80 77.65 77.75 78.5

46.9 107.8 105.7 6.14 1,020 107.7 2.34 78.5 80 77.65 78.5 78.5

46.75 107.1 104.6 6.12 1,020 107.7 2.11 78.5 80 77.5 77.7 78.5

PREFERRED 46.75 24,500 107.1 400 104.6 1,630 6.12 803,400 1,020 5,340 107.7 1,420 2.13 17,000 78.5 4,100 80 8,500 77.5 10,500 78.5 95,380 78.5 40,500

1,148,360 42,910 170,836 4,920,293 5,446,800 152,934 37,600 321,850 680,000 814,380 7,438,115.50 3,179,250

1,138,995 8,568 -3,277,669 2,529,600 -

LR WARRANT

2.24

2.45

2.24

WARRANTS 2.37 2,024,000

4,878,010

-

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.66 2.93 6.7 10.54

3.73 2.93 6.76 10.84

3.5 2.93 6.6 10.36

SME 3.73 2.93 6.74 10.36

404,730 23,440 375,761 32,892,842

36,700 1,675,572

FIRST METRO ETF 123.2

125.5

123

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

MS TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

18,754,285

INDUSTRIAL

128,855,373

HOLDING FIRMS

293,823,921

PROPERTY

445,491,598

SERVICES

633,803,129

MINING & OIL

156,168,476

GRAND TOTAL

1,685,122,615

106,100 220 91,630 1,408,800 32,400 6,147,000 124,000 3,566,300 11,000,000 400 373,300 2,390,000 477,000 161,000 5,300 3,623,000 29,000 1,842,000 326,000 9,664,700 915,000 1,100 1,469,000 6,200 30,700 11,000 3,700 2,676,900 250,720 38,372,000 310,000 4,176,000 264,740 132,200 1,284,000 1,751,000 22,000 1,943,000 20,000 32,803,600

111,000 8,000 56,200 3,109,400

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 125.5 49,360

6,137,621

348,600

VALUE 1,904.71 (up) 38.78 1,924,384,315.31 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,113.88 (up) 149.31 1,872,793,799.178 HOLDING FIRMS 7,605.84 (up) 78.34 3,070,017,484.78 PROPERTY 3,316.28 (up) 91.21 SERVICES 1,600.79 (up) 15.78 1,637,234,740.95 MINING & OIL 12,215.20 (up) 71.92 1,781,888,267.47 PSEI 7,584.21 (up) 137.72 441,186,921.11 All Shares Index 4,511.77 (up) 51.21 10,767,346,185.96 Gainers:111; Losers: 75; Unchanged: 48; Total: 234

Also in focus is the release of US jobs figures Friday, which will provide a fresh snapshot of the state of the world’s top economy, as well as minutes from the Federal Reserve’s March policy meeting. A private US jobs reading is due later Wednesday.

“It seems most folks are waiting on the meeting between Presidents Xi and Trump. And of course, nonfarm payrolls,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

Hong Kong jumped 0.6 percent while Shanghai rallied 1.5 percent as investors welcomed a decision to set up a new economic development zone near Beijing.

The news boosted property and construction stocks as it sparked a frenzy among outof-town home buyers.

The Xiongan New Area— a patch of apartments and wetlands in Hebei province—has less than one percent of Beijing’s economic output, but was on Saturday unveiled as the future location of a special economic zone similar to those established in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

Home prices in one area surged fivefold, financial magazine Caixin reported, causing officials to put a freeze on property sales.

Tokyo added 0.3 percent, while Sydney rose by a similar amount. Seoul was flat but Taipei and Manila rallied more than one percent.

With Bloomberg, AFP

MetroPac takes over logistics company INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said Wednesday it completed the acquisition of assets and key contracts of logistics company Ace Logistics Inc. for P280 million.

Metro Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit PremierLogistics Inc. completed the asset purchase agreement with Ace Logistics. The initial payment was delivered on closing, while succeeding payments would be done annually until 2020.

After the closing of the transaction, the principal stockholder of Ace will subscribe to 10-percent stake in PremierLogistics.

The transaction involves the sale by Ace Logistics of identified logistics assets, the novation of key contracts of Ace with its respective clients, the execution of new contracts required to ensure the continued operations of the business under PremierLogistics and transfer of key officers and employees to PremierLogistics.

Ace Logistics is engaged in the business of logistics, including warehousing, courier express and parcel delivery, e-commerce delivery, trucking, freight forwarding, customs brokerage and domestic shipping. Ace also has a strong presence in predelivery inspection in the automotive industry, which Premier intends to expand.

Ace Logistics is the second logistics company to be acquired by Metro Pacific since the conglomerate ventured into the business last year.

Metro Pacific acquired the assets of mid-sized corporate logistics provider Basic Logistics in May 2016, as it saw strong demand for the logistics services in the country.

It also formed a new company called Metro Pacific Movers Inc. in joint venture with the shareholders of Basic Logistics to provide logistics, shipping, freight forwarding and e-commerce services.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

B3

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PCC backing Trade’s bid to regulate prices

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TORRE LORENZO LOAN. Officials from China Bank Capital Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and Banco de Oro jointly sign an agreement granting Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. a 10-year, P3-billion syndicated loan to fund its flagship Davao City development. Shown during the loan signing agreement are (seated from left) Ma. Angela Tinio, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. senior vice president; Michael De Jesus, RCBC executive vice president; Maria Lalaine Regino, TLDC EVP and chief operating officer; Tomas Agustin Lorenzo, TLDC-president and CEO; Juan Jesus Macapagal, CBC senior assistant VP; Victor Martinez CBC first FVP II; Susan Ferrer, CBC-AVP; and Claudine Del Rosario, RCBC VP.

BSP’s P180-b auction undersubscribed again

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE P180 billion worth of term deposits offered

by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in its weekly auction on Wednesday were again undersubscribed due to weak demand from investors both on month-long and seven-day instruments.

The P30-billion seven-day deposits fetched total tenders of just P21.35 billion with a weighted average accepted yield of 3.04 percent. The month-long instruments of P150 billion attracted total bids of P149.9 billion.

Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said earlier the auction results of lower subscriptions and slightly higher rates were expected given the availability of fresh supply from the national government in the

form of retail treasury bonds.

He said banks were still looking toward shorter-dated instruments, and, as expected, would try to squeeze as much yield from alternative investment outlets.

The Bureau of the Treasury last week successfully raised P70 billion in its latest issuance of retail treasury bonds. National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said strong demand for the 3-year security set the coupon at 4.25 percent with total tenders reaching P86.2 billion for a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.87 percent.

This prompted the auction committee to expand its offering from the initial announcement of P30 billion to P70 billion to accommodate market appetite.

Tetangco said the regulator would closely be monitoring liquidity levels against the forecast path. “I think it’s important to provide some stability in the auction facilities of the BSP. The ultimate game plan is for banks to lend to the market for long-term project that will generate employment and increase wealth... The TDF is here to help steer inter-

est rates and not to be an investment outlet,” he said.

Despite the undersubscription, Bangko Sentral would keep the current weekly volume of P180 billion during the auctions set on April 12 and 19, 2017.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the regulator was on a waitand-see mode because it would be hard to increase the volume and then render the market in a tighter condition. He said that situation would be unnecessary because it could, in any way, hamper the momentum of economic growth.

Previous over-subscriptions in 2016 prompted the regulator to increase by P50 billion the weekly volume from the previous P130 billion to P180 billion starting Dec. 1, 2016 to more effectively siphon off excess liquidity in the financial system.

The amount of week-long deposits was increased by P20 billion to P30 billion from P10 billion, while the month-long deposits were increased by P30 billion to P150 billion from P120 billion.

Globe’s mobile traffic up 44% MOBILE data traffic of Globe Telecom Inc. grew 44 percent in 2016 to 361 petabytes from 252 PB a year earlier as smartphone penetration reached 61 percent last year, indicating that more and more Filipinos are now gaining access to the internet through their mobile devices.

The significant increase in mobile data traffic follows the company’s aggressive network enhancement build in a bid to boost capacities and expand coverage.

“This validates Globe Telecom’s position as the country’s top mobile company and as the network of choice by smartphone users,” said Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu. He said the data also reflected the company’s endeavor to continue improving the state of internet in the country.

“Our efforts are bearing fruit and we expect mobile internet experience to improve further moving forward as we continue with the aggressive deployment of LTE sites in major cities, thereby, providing better indoor signal and larger capacity,” Cu said.

Burgeoning mobile data traffic also corroborated a special report released by social media management platform Hootsuite and UK-based consultancy firm We are Social that more and more Filipinos were accessing the internet through their mobile devices.

According to the report, total mobile subscription was now at 129.4 million as of January 2017, a 9 percent increase from a year earlier based on a total country population of 103 million.

CO-BRANDING DEAL. Hanabishi, the number one homegrown appliance brand in the country, signs a co-branding partnership with Mega Prime Quality, the canned vegetables and fruits line of Mega Global Corp., to further strengthen its foothold in the Philippine market. Mega Global is the maker of Mega Sardines, the number one sardines brand in the Philippines. Shown (from left) are Hanabishi vice president for finance and marketing Cherish Ong-Chua; Mega Global VP for sales and marketing Marvin Tiu Lim; Hanabishi president Jasper Ong; Mega Global VP for finance Michelle Tiu-Lim Chan; and Hanabishi VP for purchasing and merchandising Jevon Ong.

Agriculture eyes seaweed roadmap

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales source manager Simon Faulker products have been marketed in THE Department of Agriculture said it is seeking to release a roadmap for seaweed production covering the year 20172022 to help farmers establish a sustainable and competitive industry.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol directed Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona to come up with a roadmap that will lay down all the programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for a national seaweed program.

“Also include on the roadmap on how we are going to utilize idle fish ponds in the country,” Piñol said.

Pinol recently met with an Irish seaweed company on March 30, 2017. Ocean Harvest Technology Ltd. quality and re-

presented to Piñol a proposal to develop and commercialize ulva, also known as sea lettuce, in the Philippines for processing into animal feeds.

“We wanted to purchase dry seaweeds or the ulva to your local farmers,” Faulker said.

“Ulva is considered nuisance but it is good source of minerals and vitamins, which is good in making animal feeds,” he added.

OHT wanted to explore the potential of harvesting ulva in Cebu, Bohol, Pampanga and Tawi-Tawi. The company visited the four sites in January.

Ulva can also be found in many areas of Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Norte.

If approved, the company will purchase about 3,000 tons of dried seaweed in the country for processing in Vietnam. Its by-

some parts of the US and Canada.

Piñol, meanwhile, recommended the establishment of a processing facility in the Philippines.

National seaweed coordinator Irma Ortiz said BFAR wanted to bring back the country as the world’s leading producer of seaweeds such as Euchema and Kappaphycus.

“BFAR aims to increase seaweed production by at least 5 percent annually from 20172022,” Ortiz said.

Data from the Philippines Statistics Authority showed that Indonesia overtook the Philippine volume produced in 2008.

Indonesia produced 2.79 million metric tons in 2009, 60 percent higher than the Philippine output of just 1.73 MMT.

THE Philippine Competition Commission has expressed support to the move of the Department of Trade and Industry to deregulate prices by removing the suggested retail prices of certain goods and commodities.

“For the longest time, the DTI through the National Price Coordinating Council, has been setting prices that guide both consumers and suppliers. But now that we have the Philippine Competition Act, we support DTI in its efforts to promote industry efficiency and consumer welfare by allowing market forces to dictate the prices of goods instead of issuing Suggested Retail Prices or SRPs,” PCC chairman Arsenio Balisacan said.

The Philippine Competition Act prohibits businesses to collectively fix, directly or indirectly, purchase or selling prices or impose other trading conditions that substantially prevent, restrict or lessen competition.

PCC said the current practice of approving SRPs might potentially be an anti-competition act that should be studied con-

sidering the nature, conduct or performance of each industry, as well as other factors affecting the prices of goods and services.

PCC will look into price movements whether they are simply reflecting basic supply and demand forces or if they redound anti-competitive practices.

“When prices move, we must assess if the movement is due to certain changes in the market, say, changes of condition of inputs, or if the movement reflects collectively organized or coordinated efforts like collusions or cartels,” Balisacan said.

PCC plans to strike a partnership with DTI, aside from other regulatory agencies in pursuit of its mandate.

“The PCC and DTI are in the process of drafting a memorandum of agreement toward a partnership leading to effective enforcement of the competition policy, thereby advancing consumer welfare,” Balicasan said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department would still monitor prices of basic commodities in the market.

“Right now it will be the company who will put the suggested retail price,” Lopez said.

PH-EU relations close to breaking down I HAVE always believed that the word ‘excellent’ means ‘in perfect condition,’ not wanting in anything essential, flawless. Something excellent is, I have always believed, something that cannot be improved upon. But Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella has another definition of that fine word.

Speaking of the reaction of the European Union (EU) to the latest of President Rodrigo Duterte’s succession of tirades against the 28-member, Brussels-based organization, Mr. Abella described the relations between the Philippines and the EU as “excellent.” He went on to say this: “Basically, (the media are) talking about relationships with Europe, (Philippine-EU) relationships are quite solid and economically based.”

“Excellent”? “Quite solid?” How can the relations between this country and the EU possibly be excellent and solid in the light of Duterte’s tirades?

Upon his recent arrival from an official visit to Myanmar, Mr. Duterte lashed out at the EU, saying that that organization should cease to meddle in the internal affairs of the Philippines and should stop criticizing his war on illegal drugs. Prior to that he had called the EU “crazies” and “sons of bitches” and had declared that the Philippines did not need EU’s aid.

More recently, Mr. Duterte became further incensed when the European Parliament, EU’s policymaking body; passed a resolution seeking the release of jailed Senator Leila de Lima, describing the Senator as a “prisoner of conscience.”

Things were made worse when Mr. Duterte’s administration failed to upbraid a high official of the Department of Health for saying that, instead of criticizing Duterte, EU officials “should just do online child porn, (which) is what (they’re) good at, anyway.”

Naturally the EU, through resident ambassador Franz Jessen, has expressed displeasure over these statements and acts. The Duterte administration has shown absolutely no sign of backing down and, instead, has given indications of wanting to add more fuel to the fire.

Brussels has not been taking lightly the Duterte administration’s offensive actions. Ambassador Jessen and his bosses have been dropping broad hints about the possibility of suspending all assistance to the Philippines and excluding the Philippines from the coverage of the EU system of trade preferences – the EU component of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) – which allows approximately 6,200 items duty-free entry into the 28 nations composing the Union. And last week, in the wake of Mr. Duterte’s most recent diatribe, this country’s charge’ d’affaires in Brussels was asked by the EU to provide an explanation for it.

In the face of all these happenings, how can the Presidential Spokesman possibly describe the state of relations between the Philippines and the EU as “excellent” and “quite solid”? Mr. Abella probably shuts down his mind first before facing the Malacanang press corps and saying things like these.

No, relations between the Philippines and the EU are neither excellent nor quite solid. On the contrary, I strongly believe that those relations are close to breaking down. A proud and influential institution such as the EU will take only so much abuse. There is a limit, and in my view that limit is about to be reached.

There is one thing that I find excellent, though. That is the way that someone like Ernesto Abella can, without batting an eyelash, repeatedly make patently false statements such as “The relationship between the Philippines and the EU is excellent.”

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

Ray S. Eñano, Editor business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Business

EU lays down Brexit ‘red lines’

By Lachlan Carmichael

S

TRASBOURG, France―The European Parliament will on Wednesday lay down its “red lines” for negotiations over a Brexit deal, on which the assembly will have the final say in two years’ time.

The parliament in Strasbourg, France, is set to back a call by EU leaders for Britain to first agree to divorce terms before striking any new trade deal with the bloc.

MEPs are to vote on the motion a week after British Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the process for leaving the EU. “We want to have a clear sig-

nal that the European Union is united,” said German MEP Manfred Weber, the head of the conservative European People’s Party (EPP), the parliament’s biggest bloc.

“London must understand that no splitting up of the EU position is possible,” Weber told reporters on Tuesday.

The guidelines to be voted on Wednesday already have the

support of not only the EPP but also of the Socialists and Democrats alliance, as well as the ALDE liberals, the Greens and the leftist parliamentary group GUE. The parliament will be the first EU institution to take an official stand on the Brexit talks.

“This (vote) is the starting point of a difficult and complex negotiation to define the conditions of the United Kingdom’s departure,” Parliament President Antonio Tajani said.

The guidelines, which Weber called “red lines,” reinforce the draft guidelines unveiled last Friday by EU President Donald Tusk, who represents the member states.

But the 27 countries will not

formally approve them until a summit on April 29.

Tusk’s guidelines call for “sufficient progress” on divorce terms before a new trade deal is struck, as well as protections of the rights of EU citizens and the border in Northern Ireland.

“The right order for negotiations has to be respected,” Weber said.

The Brexit talks have already gotten off to a difficult start after London was alarmed by a clause in the guidelines saying Spain had to be consulted on any postBrexit trade deal that affects the British outcrop of Gibraltar.

A draft parliamentary resolution said talks on “possible transitional arrangements” for a future deal could begin if “sub-

stantial progress” were made towards divorce.

Any transitional period to work out a trade deal after Britain formally leaves the European Union in March 2019 should be limited to three years.

The resolution also insists that Britain must pay to withdraw.

“Until the day you leave, you have to pay your share of the bills,” Socialists and Democrats leader Gianni Pittella said at a press briefing in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

And the resolution calls for protecting the rights of the three million European citizens living in Britain, and the one million Britons residing in EU countries.

“Europe’s citizens come first,” Weber said. AFP

Merkel to contest Trump’s actions GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to champion a global free-trade agenda in a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump and his stated aim to rewrite the rules on commerce.

Speaking at a maritime conference in Hamburg, where Merkel will host Trump and other leaders of the Group of 20 nations in July, the chancellor said her government would stand by the World Trade Organization’s goal of doing away with trade barriers.

“I’m promoting exactly these things in the framework of the G-20 presidency,” Merkel said on Tuesday in Germany’s largest port city. The July 7-8 G-20 summit “is taking place, not very coincidentally, in Hamburg, because it’s a city open to the world,” she said.

Trade has emerged as one of the biggest rifts between the new US administration and other G-20 countries, including Germany, China and Japan.

Merkel and Trump clashed over trade in their first meeting in the White House last month, when the president lambasted ostensible German trade negotiators. Merkel pointed out that they didn’t really exist since the European Commission overseas trade talks.

The tension has seeped directly into the G-20 negotiating process. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s first appearance with his counterparts last month in Baden-Baden yielded a watered-down text that eschewed a previous pledge to avoid “all forms of protectionism.”

Merkel, in Hamburg, offered a blunt challenge to Trump’s calls to raise barriers to protect American industry from what he views as unfair competition from abroad.

“This concept might perhaps bring short-term advantages for companies in the country that takes such measures,” Merkel said. “But in the long run, a lack of competitiveness will have a negative effect―to say nothing of the lack of innovation and its disadvantages for prices and product selection.”

Since Trump’s election, Merkel has stepped up coordination with China, including phone calls with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, in which the leaders voiced their commitment to open trade. Trump will meet with Xi at the president’s Mara-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida this week. Bloomberg

FROM YAHOO TO OATH. A man looks at the Twitter page of AOL CEO Tim Armstrong announcing Oath on a computer in Washington, DC, on

April 4, 2017. AOL and Yahoo will be combined into a unit called “Oath” after telecom titan Verizon buys the pioneering internet firm, according to a tweet on April 3, 2017 by the AOL chief. AFP

US clears China’s Syngenta purchase BEIJING―US authorities have agreed to the $43-billion takeover of Swiss pesticide giant Syngenta by state-owned ChemChina, marking the biggest overseas acquisition by a Chinese firm.

The move lays the path for what would be the latest in a string of foreign investments

by Chinese firms fueled by Beijing’s call for its companies to “go out” and expand.

It also comes days before a meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, who has castigated China over its huge trade surplus with the US and warned its companies are putting American jobs in danger.

On Tuesday the Federal Trade Commission said it would give the go-ahead to the buyout by China National Chemical Corp, the nation’s biggest chemical company, as long as it stopped producing three pesticides to avoid monopoly conflicts.

The offer far outstrips China’s biggest overseas acquisition to date, CNOOC’s purchase of Canadian oil firm Nexen for $15.1 billion in 2013 and the $14.3 billion paid for a minority stake in Australia’s Rio Tinto by state-owned aluminum firm Chinalco in 2008.

It also follows a series of purchases by ChemChina. Last year it bought a stake in Swiss energy and commodities trader Mercuria as well as Germany’s KraussMaffei Group, which makes machinery for producing plastics and rubber.

And in 2015 it took over Italian tyre giant Pirelli, renowned for its Formula One equipment and racy calendars.

However, Beijing late last year began cracking down on companies’ overseas investments after a record-setting shopping spree raised concerns capital flight and reckless spending are dragging on the economy and leading to a drop in the yuan currency.

The restrictions ban most deals above $10 billion and curb investments of more than $1 billion in sectors unrelated to a company’s core business.

Under a preliminary settlement, the FTC said ChemChina would have to offload the herbicide paraquat, insecticide abamectin and fungicide chlorothalonil, saying consumer prices would be in danger of rising otherwise. AFP

Ralph Lauren is latest fashion victim in new era for brands

By Stephanie Wong HELEN Gardner, shopping on New York’s Fifth Avenue with her boyfriend on Tuesday, left the Polo store without buying anything.

“It’s quite old-fashioned,” said the 28-year-old visitor from London. “It’s not for the young crowd.” Then she lowered the boom. She’s bought Ralph Lauren clothing before, she said, “but just from outlets.”

Ralph Lauren, the retail avatar, has spent a half-century selling his Gatsbyesque fantasy of the American Dream.

But now, at 77, Lauren is confronting life after the dream fades: sometimes flagship stores get a little dull, the kids use their phones to search for discounts on your $245 jeans and iconic blue blazers move off the racks but just from outlets.

Beset by a decline in sales,

Ralph Lauren Corp. announced Tuesday it would close the flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York as part of a $370-million shakeup. The beleaguered company will refocus its e-commerce operation and cut an unspecified number of jobs.

It’s the latest humbling moment for Lauren, who spent decades creating his personal mythology of American aristocracy. Only two months ago, the company announced the departure of its chief executive, Stefan Larsson, leaving the founder to navigate an increasingly perilous retail landscape.

Retail Travails Indeed, Ralph Lauren, the company, encapsulates the growing travails of US retailers at large, especially apparel companies, such as J. Crew Group Inc., Gymboree Corp. and True Religion Apparel Inc. The rise of e-commerce has

left many fighting for survival.

Consumers have gotten used to discounts. And an address on Manhattan’s luxury showcase isn’t what it used to be. Tourism is down, rents are too damn high and it doesn’t help that security surrounding the Northern White House, down the block, has diverted foot traffic. Fifth Avenue vacancy rates are hovering near an all-time high, according to Cushman & Wakefield Inc. “This is more evidence that retailers, specifically apparel, are under tremendous pressure,” said Chen Grazutis, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst. “People aren’t buying as much apparel as they used to.”

Shares have fallen 9.9 percent this year through Monday’s close.

They were down an additional 4.5 percent to $77.74 as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Department stores are this year’s biggest losers in the

S&P 500, with shares losing 18 percent since January. An index of apparel sellers fell 4.8 percent since the beginning of the year.

The store was opened in 2014 in a neoclassical limestone building on the same block as Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

Its preppy clothing and accessories are laid out over three oakfloor levels. The first floor has a rugged masculine ambiance with dark mahogany paneling.

‘Old School’ “The general look is quite old school,” said Robert Wood, 30, an accountant from London and Helen Gardner’s companion. “I prefer the store to be lighter and a bit more open.”

Compare that with Coach Inc., whose nearby store entrance has two mechanized conveyor belts with a rotation of its colorful handbags and jackets. The center atrium holds a 12-foot sculpture

of a dinosaur made with the company’s leather bags.

Chief financial officer Jane Nielsen, a former Coach executive, is taking the reins as acting CEO while Ralph Lauren searches for a new leader.

E-Commerce Investment As part of the changes, Ralph Lauren said it will invest resources on e-commerce infrastructure, shift its digital operations to a platform run

by Salesforce.com Inc.’s Commerce Cloud and improve customers’ online experience. It’s also streamlining its organization and closing other stores.

The restructuring plan will bring cash expenses of $185 million and a similar amount of non-cash charges, the company said. The changes are expected to save $140 million a year by their completion, which is slated for the end of the next fiscal year in March. Ralph Lauren declined to say how many jobs were affected.

The Polo store, which is closing April 15, has been one of Ralph Lauren’s highest-profile locations in its hometown of New York. The company still has seven other stores in the city, along with its Polo Bar restaurant. It will also develop new store formats and explore concepts including Ralph’s Coffee, which is part of the Fifth Avenue Polo store.

The company has pledged to react faster to fashion trends and cut the time it takes to get clothes on the market, while increasing its marketing efforts by hiring a new chief marketing officer in February.

This all might pay off in time for Helen Gardner’s next visit to New York. But for now, she’s leaving empty-handed.

“I just think it’s a bit of a ripoff for what it is,” she said. “I don’t think the style ever changes. It’s been the same for years and years.” Bloomberg

LGUs

Manila launches E-trike program

By Sandy Araneta THE electric tricycle or ETrike program of Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada finally kicked off on Wednesday with the formal turnover of 50 environment-friendly tricycles to the first batch of driver-beneficiaries in Binondo.

Estrada hopes his E-trike project will help uplift the lives of the city’s “poorest of the poor” by providing them with an alternative and sustainable source of income.

“This is primarily a livelihood program with the main objective of providing our poor tricycle and ‘kuliglig’ drivers an upgraded public transport vehicle which they can call their own, and from which they could earn more,” the Manila mayor pointed out.

“Here, they don’t need to pay any ‘boundary’ [installment payments],” Estrada added, “and the costs of charging their E-trikes’ batteries will even be subsidized by the city government.”

The Estrada administration is launching its E-trike project to combat air pollution and improve the livelihood of some 1,500 legally franchised tricycle drivers in the city.

Aside from these, there are about 25,000 colorum tricycles, pedicabs and kuliglig or motorized pedicabs operating in the city.

The city government has bought 280 units of E-trikes, at P400,000 each, for distribution this year. The Manila Electric Co. or Meralco has constructed several charging stations, the first in Binondo.

The Japanese-manufactured E-trikes run on gel-type batteries than can be fully charged in just five hours. It can carry up to six passengers and has a maximum speed of 40-45 kilometer per hour (kph).

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Makati repeats quake warning

By Joel E. Zurbano

M

akati City Mayor Abigail Binay on Wednesday asked residents and stakeholders of the city to remain calm during an earthquake, and follow safety guidelines on what to do during and after a tremor.

Binay made the appeal following an earthquake felt in the city and other areas in the country Tuesday night. The tremor originated in Tingloy, Batangas at 5.4 magnitude with scores of aftershocks, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs.

“I call on Makatizens to remain calm wherever they may be when an earthquake occurs, especially if the magnitude 7.2 earthquake forecast by experts finally takes place in Metro Manila. The minor quake we felt

yesterday should be enough to jolt us into taking these warnings seriously and making the necessary preparations,” she said.

Binay, who chairs the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, asked residents and other constituents to look up safety guidelines disseminated by the city government through printed posters and brochures, as well as online posts in the city website and social media accounts.

The guidelines state those who are indoors when an earthquake happens are advised to remain inside the building if it is structurally sound.

“Remember to stay away from glass walls or windows, cabinets or tall furniture, and practice the duck, cover and hold maneuver during the shaking. When the shaking stops, leave the house with your 72-hour emergency kit, leave a note on your destination. Do not use elevators,” the guidelines state.

“If one is outdoors during an earthquake, get away from trees, billboards and similar objects and go to an open area. Do the duck, cover and hold in the doorway of the nearest building. If driving, stop by the road-

side. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops,” it added.

Binay called on parents to prepare 72-hour emergency kits, which should contain the following: No-cook or easy-to-cook food for three days; drinking water for three days (at 3 liters a day per person); portable cooking ware and can opener; transistor radio with extra batteries; flashlight and mirror; whistle; candle and waterproof match or lighter; clothing and blanket; large plastic mat; raincoat or overhead shelter; durable shoes; dust mask and thick gloves; personal medicine and hygiene items; first aid kit; paper and pencil or crayon; money in waterproof containers; and copy of ID cards and important documents.

“Aside from an emergency kit, each family should have a well-established arrangement on how they could all meet up quickly if they get separated, without relying on cellphones or other means of communication that may be unusable after a strong earthquake,” Binay said.

The mayor also asked residents to familiarize themselves with safe exit routes identified in each of the 33 barangays of the city.

SPECIAL WINNERS.

Quezon City is the overall champion in the recent Sportsfest for Autism 2017 organized by the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled Athletes, Inc. QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (in black) led the recognition of 18 young athletes who represented the city in the competition.

Clark sees 8.6% more workers Malay town drafting cultural heritage map in 2017 CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga—The Clark Development Corp. has reported an 8.6-percent increase in the number of employees working here, to 101,086 this year compared to 93,067 last year.

Breaching the 100,000-employee mark is an achievement of sorts for CDC, which is a member of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority since 1993, comes from the expansion of the 887 different companies in the ecozone.

Most of the firms are in the industrial and information and communication technology sectors, with some government agencies also operating inside the free port.

For the first quarter of 2017 alone, an additional 7,619 employees were hired by various companies, said Noel Manankil, president and CEO of CDC. Leading the companies who hired more employees were industrial firms like Nanok Philippines, a Japanese company that makes LCD screens, with total employees of 47,076 persons, or about 46.57 percent of the total employment capacity of the Freeport.

This was followed by information technology firms, which registered a total of 19,951 persons or 19.74 percent, and IT developers that are employing 14,124 persons or 13.99 percent, Manankil said.

Per company, Nanok Philippines leads the pack with a total of 8,741 workers, followed by Sutherland Global Services Philippines Inc., a business outsourcing firm, with 6,778, and IQOR with 4,697 employees.

Apparel manufacturing company Luen Thai International Philippines Inc. is in the top four with 4,538 workers, while Yokohama Philippines is in fifth with 3,181 workers. Romeo Dizon

C1

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan —To further promote heritage conservation and bring more tourists to mainland Malay, the municipal government is drafting a cultural heritage map, the first in the province of Aklan.

The cultural heritage mapping project, which will end on April 7, was implemented by the Municipal Tourism Office of Malay in partnership with the Cultural Center of the

Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas.

As part of the project, 51 public elementary and secondary school teachers and councilors were tasked to conduct the barangay-level survey of heritage resources, covering 17 municipalities from November 2016 to March this year.

The project, according to Rex Aguirre, in-charge of the Culture and the Arts and Events of Malay

Municipal Tourism Council, will be used to develop activities to lure tourists to mainland Malay.

Aguirre said this will likewise spread tourism activities out of Boracay Island.

“We wanted to show the beauty, heritage and the culture of Malay.

We wanted to show that we are more than just Boracay,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre said part of the project

also is the creation of a book that will contain all the significant historical treasures of the town.

The project, according to Aguirre, is also conducted in line with Republic Act No. 10066 also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which requires LGUs to make an inventory of their cultural properties and document and preserve their traditional and contemporary arts. PNA

Davao City inaugurates Vices Regulations Unit

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte has formally created the Vices Regulation Unit, which aims to strictly enforce ordinances that pertain to smoking and selling of alcoholic beverages in the city.

On Tuesday afternoon, the mayor said the unit will be working closely with the Davao City Police Office.

The VRU will be headed by Retired Navy Capt. Voltaire Engracia, and will also conduct raids.

“Engracia will work hand in hand with the DCPO and police stations in the city for the implementation of the ordinances covered by the EO,” the mayor said.

Duterte first made public her intention to create the unit when she met with bar owners and man-

agers last month. Her reason for creating the specialized unit was the number of complaints and reports she had received about violations of the existing tobacco and alcohol regulation ordinances.

Under City Executive Order No. 10 that she signed on Monday, the mayor placed the interim Vice Regulation Unit under the Office of the City Mayor.

She tasked the unit to ensure

the effective and efficient enforcement of the provisions of City Ordinance No. 004-13, or the Liquor Ban Ordinance passed in 2003 —which banned the selling of alcohol after 1 a.m.—and City Ordinance No. 064-06 in relation to Section 7 of Ordinance no. 0292-06, or the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code, which prohibits the sale or serving of alcohol to minors.

IN BRIEF P80-m Cagayan HS school building set TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan—The Department of Public Works and Highways under Regional Director Melanio Briosos is set to complete an additional three units of a fourstorey school building worth P80 million at Cagayan National High School here.

District Engineer Danilo U. Tabilas of the Cagayan Third District Engineering Office said the school building, consisting of 16 classrooms, can accommodate up to 2,400 students, and will be fully furnished by the end of May this year.

“This incoming batch of senior high school students are fortunate, since they are the first group to use these new facilities specifically built for them,” said Tabilas.

“We are honored to be trusted on this job in constructing more quality infrastructure for the next generation to utilize.”

The construction is funded under the Department of Education’s 2016 Basic Education Facilities Fund. Jessica Bacud

Farmers lauded for not burning waste

READY RESCUERS. The Pagsanjan municipal government recently conducted an Urban Search and Rescue and Water Search and Rescue Training headed by (seated from middle left) Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Jay Keenson Acebuche, Lt. Col. Ulpiano T. Olarte, Commanding Officer of the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army, Olivia M. Lucas, Regional Director of the Office of the Civil Defense Calabarzon, former Laguna governor Jorge ER Ejercito (representing his wife, Acting Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Ejercito), and Municipal Administrator Florante C. Salvador Jr.. Barangay officials and officers of the Pagsanjan police joined the activity at Basement 1, Liwasang Don Manuel Soriano, in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Roy Tomandao

BALANGA CITY, Bataan— Board Member Benjie Serrano has commended local farmers for following a provincial ordinance prohibiting the burning of rice straws and other farm wastes.

“We are very satisfied that farmers in the barangays of Bataan are following the ordinance,” said Serrano, Sangguniang Panlalawigan chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. “With the ordinance, farm wastes are being converted into something useful, like organic fertilizer aside from preventing pollution.”

He joined Gov. Albert Garcia, Rep. Geraldine Roman, Provincial Agriculturist Imelda Inieto, other government officials and farmers in celebrating Provincial Achievement Day of the Bataan Agriculture Office, held at the capitol compound.

Butch Gunio

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

Manila

Standard THURSDAY, TODAY APRIL 6, 2017 C2

Vice mayor survives hit

L

AOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos has condemned the failed assassination attempt against Marcos town Vice Mayor Jessie Ermitanio on Tuesday evening (April 4), along a village road in Daquioag in the municipality of Marcos.

Barely a few days after the March 29 Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting, Marcos said the province has been “peaceful and quiet, even during the election period, until this attack occurred.”

A report from the Marcos police station said the incident took place around 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday near the Padsan River in Barangay Daquioag, Marcos town when Vice Mayor Ermitanio, 42, who lives in Barangay Elizabeth, and three other companions were attacked by suspected assassins.

Investigators said Ermitanio’s party was onboard a Toyota Fortuner with plate number AAR 3215, coming from Elizabeth

village after a field visit to the eastern barangays of Marcos when the attackers fired at them several times.

As he was in the car’s back seat, Ermitanio said in a radio interview that he managed to jump off the vehicle and fired back at the gunmen.

Responding police brought the victims to the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital, in Marcos town, for treatment, but Ermitanio’s driver, Lucky Jesrel Rumbaoa, 21, was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Roland Andres.

The vice mayor was wounded on his shoulder and left thigh. PNA

Mining firm improves literacy in Vizcaya town

By Ben Moses Ebreo

WATER BOUNTY. Provincial agriculturist Alexander Domingo

shows a freshwater shrimp being produced by farmers in Nueva Vizcaya. The shrimp provides income for fish farmers due to its high quality and demand in the market. Ben Moses Ebreo

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

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya— Like its several rugged roads, the quality of education in Barangay Runruno here is poor, which prompted a mining company to offer its assistance.

Since 2008, FCF Minerals Corp. introduced its literacy program as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to the village.

Called “Handog Aral Para sa Ikauunlad ng Buhay,” the

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 DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY ROMEO C. MEDINA 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.

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY ROMEO C. MEDINA 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.

“

ABSENT:

project aims to increase the level of literacy among children, youth and adults in this town.

FCF Minerals is presently conducting mining operations in Runruno for its gold and molybdenum deposits.

Engineer Craig Watkins, FCF Minerals Corp. country manager, said some of the regular projects and assistance given through the literacy program were scholarships, schoolbased nurseries for orchard and gabi (taro) plantations, ver-

ABSENT:

Councilor LnB President

VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Official Business ARMANDO P. PADILLA

Councilor LnB President

==============================================================================

On motion presented by Hon. D.A. Jacome, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-031 on second and final reading.

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-031 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut, Jr. and Hon. M.A.M. Ortega Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY TO NEGOTIATE, ENTER INTO AND SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA), ON BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI, WITH THE PROCUREMENT SERVICE (PS) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM) REGARDING THE REGISTRATION OF THE CITY WITH THE GOVERNMENT FARES AGREEMENT (GFA), SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. WHEREAS, Section 1 of Administrative Order No. 17, Series of 2011, which was issued by the Office of the President, provides that: “(T)he national government hereby reiterates the policy that procurement of government supplies, materials and equipment shall be done in the most transparent and competitive manner by purchasing from legally, technically and financially capable sources in economic lot sizes, by observing cost-efficient specifications and by making prompt payment”; WHEREAS, the same Administrative Order directs that all government agencies shall procure their common-use supplies from the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and use the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil-GEPS) in all their procurement activities, including publishing all their bid opportunities and posting all their awards and contracts in it, in accordance with R.A. No. 9184; WHEREAS, Section 53 (e) of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act states that “(S)ubject to the guidelines specified in the IRR, purchases of Goods from another agency of the Government, such as Procurement Service of the DBM, which is tasked with a centralized procurement of commonly used Goods for the government in accordance with Letters of Instruction No. 755 and Executive Order No. 359, Series of 1989; WHEREAS, to further attain the purpose of the aforecited law, the Procurement Service of the DBM established the General Fares Agreement (GFA) the purpose of which is to ensure fast and efficient, flexible and savings in time, energy and money when processing the air transportation needs of all government officers, employees and personnel for their official trips (both local and international trip); WHEREAS, the City Government of Makati manifests its desire to register itself in the GFA; WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Makati and PS of the DBM is necessary in order to implement and guide further the parties in achieving the abovementioned purpose; WHEREAS, Art. III, Sec. 8 (a) (6), RA 7854, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of Makati states that the city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall represent the City in all its business transactions and signs on its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the sanggunian panlungsod; WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod in consideration of the registration of the City in the GFA, hereby authorizes the Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay, to negotiate, enter into and sign such Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), on behalf of the City Government of Makati, with the Procurement Service of the DBM. 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 authorize the Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay, to negotiate, enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), on behalf of the City Government of Makati, with the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding the registration of the City to the General Fares Agreement (GFA) , subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 5 April 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. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

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

NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

ABSENT: Councilor LnB President

VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Official Business ARMANDO P. PADILLA

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY ROMEO C. MEDINA MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2017-050 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut, Jr. and Hon. M.A.M. Ortega

======================================================================== On motion presented by Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Ordinance No. 2017-049 on third and final reading.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2017-049 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. M.A.M. Ortega and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr., Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. A.P. Padilla, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. E.J. Puno and Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (PHP 1,500,000.00) OR SO MUCH THEREOF AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROVISION OF TOKENS OF RECOGNITION TO DESERVING GRADUATES OF PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF MAKATI FOR S.Y. 2014-2015, FUNDS OF WHICH SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THE CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS AND AUDITING RULES AND PROCEDURES. WHEREAS, in order to motivate students to strive further for academic excellence, the City Government of Makati annually awards tokens of recognition to deserving graduates of public high schools within the City; WHEREAS, City Ordinance No. 2015-021, which was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on 19 May 2015, expressly provides that the recipients of the said tokens are the thirty-nine (39) deserving public high school graduates of S.Y. 2014-2015; WHEREAS, unfortunately, such tokens were not awarded since it was belatedly found out that forty (40) graduates, instead of thirty-nine (39), should be accorded with such tokens; WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary to enact another ordinance to cure the defect of City Ordinance No. 2015-021 and to finally award such tokens to the deserving public high school graduates of S.Y. 2014-2015.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED, AS IT IS HEREBY ENACTED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, that: Section 1. The amount of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 1,500,000.00) or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby appropriated for the proposed purchase of tokens of recognition for the deserving graduates of public high schools in the City of Makati, funds of which shall be taken from the Continuing Appropriations of the Office of the Mayor, subject to existing laws and auditing procedures.

Section 2. All ordinances, resolutions and executive orders which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. If any provision or part of this Ordinance is declared invalid, other provisions or parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 4. Let copy of this Ordinance be furnished the City Budget Office, Accounting Department, City Treasurer’s Office, General Services Department, City Administrator’s Office, DEPED-Makati, City Law Department and other offices concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. L.M. Magpantay, Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION PESOS (P350,000,000.00) AS SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO. 1 FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2017 INTENDED FOR THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF THE CITY’S TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR THE YEARS 1999 TO 2004 TO THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE (BIR) AS STATED IN LBP FORM NO. 9, FUNDS OF WHICH SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THE GENERAL FUND – C.Y. 2015 BUDGET SAVINGS, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAWS AND AUDITING RULES AND PROCEDURES. WHEREAS, Section 321 of R.A. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, states that: “Section 321. Changes in the Annual Budget. Xxx After the local chief executive concerned shall have submitted the executive budget to the sanggunian, no ordinance providing for a supplemental budget shall be enacted, except when supported by funds actually available as certified by the local treasurer or by new revenue sources. xxx” WHEREAS, Section 1 of Administrative Order No. 4 issued by then President of the Republic of the Philippines Fidel V. Ramos on 12 April 1993, which amended Section 1 of Article 417 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991, also provides that: “Section1. Article 417 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing Local Government Code of 1991 is hereby amended to read as follows: “Article 417. Changes in the Annual Budget – Changes in the annual budget may be done through supplemental budgets.

No ordinance providing for supplemental budget shall be enacted except for the following: (a) When supported by funds actually available as certified by the local treasurer: Funds actually available refer to the amount of money actually collected as certified by the local treasurer at any given point during the fiscal year which is over and above the estimated income collection for that point in the year. Thus, funds are actually available when realized income exceeds estimated income as of the said fiscal year. Funds are likewise deemed available when there are savings. For this purpose, savings refer to portions or balances as of any given point in the fiscal year of any programmed or allotted appropriation which remains free of any obligation or encumbrance and which are still available after the satisfactorily completion or the unavoidable discontinuance or abandonment of the work, activity or purpose for which appropriation was originally authorized, or which results from unobligated compensation and related cost pertaining to vacant positions and leaves without pay. xxx” (Emphasis supplied) WHEREAS, the Office of the Mayor, through the City Budget Department, has accordingly prepared the Statement of Supplemental Appropriation No. 1 (LBP Form No. 9), a copy of which is hereto attached as Annex “A” and made an integral part hereof; WHEREAS, the city government has available funds for appropriation by way of supplemental budget in the amount of Three Hundred Fifty Million Pesos (P350,000,000.00) which remain unencumbered and unobligated, coming from C.Y. 2015 Budget Savings. The Statement of Funding Sources and Certification of Availability of Funds issued by Ms. Jesusa E. Cuneta, Officer-in- Charge (OIC) of the Finance Department, and Mr. William B. Dayrit, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Accounting Department, are attached herewith as Annexes “B” and “C”, respectively, and made integral parts hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED, AS IT IS HEREBY ENACTED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, that:

Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Section 1. The amount of Three Hundred Fifty Million Pesos (P350,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as Supplemental Budget No. 1 for C.Y. 2017 intended for the proposed settlement of the city’s tax assessments for years 1999 to 2004 to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as stated in LBP Form No. 9, funds of which shall be taken from the General Fund – C.Y. 2015 Budget Savings, subject to applicable laws and auditing rules and procedures.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 5 April 2017.

Section 2. All ordinances, resolutions and executive orders which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. If any provision or part of this Ordinance is declared invalid, other provisions or parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

Section 4. Let copy of this Ordinance be furnished the Budget Department, Accounting Department, Finance Department, Office of the City Administrator, City Law Department and all other concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

ENACTED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, MANILA in its Regular Session held on 5 April 2017.

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

ON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO HON.

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON.

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

tive Learning System, Accreditation and Equivalency courses for learners, a village drug store, Sloping Agriculture Land Technology, and K to 12 school workshop buildings, among others.

Mayor Dolores Binwag said FCF Minerals’ CSR program has been very helpful in improving the literacy rate in the town.

The low turnout of schoolers has been a challenge for the local government for many years considering their scarce resources, she said.

=================================================================================== On motion presented by Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Ordinance No. 2017-050 on third and final reading.

VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Official Business ARMANDO P. PADILLA

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished the PS of the DBM, City Law Department and other concerned offices for their information, guidance and reference.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

micomposting, donations to schools such as weighing scales, seedlings and seedling bags, garden nets, health hygiene kits, library hub donations such as air conditioners, computers, water dispensers, garden tools, and sports equipment.

FCF Minerals has also provided allowances to 58 day-care and high school teachers and staff, computer printers, e-learning centers, day care buildings, health centers, compact demo farms, senior citizens’ building, Alterna-

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

HON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

HON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

HON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

HON. ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President Certified true and correct by:

HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

Certified true and correct by:

Attested by:

Certified true and correct by: ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Attested by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Attested by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

Approved by:

Approved by:

(MS-APR. 6, 2017)

HON. MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY City Mayor

(MS-APR. 6, 2017)

HON. MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY City Mayor

(MS-APR. 6, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World IN BRIEF UN chief condemns attack in Syria BRUSSELS―A suspected chemical weapons attack that left more than 70 dead in a rebel-held town shows war crimes continue in Syria, UN chief Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.

“The horrific events of yesterday demonstrate unfortunately that war crimes are going on in Syria (and that) international humanitarian law is being violated frequently,” Guterres said as he went into a Syria aid conference in Brussels.

Guterres said the UN wanted to establish accountability for such crimes and he was “confident the UN Security Countil will live up to its responsibilities.”

Russia, which holds a veto in the Security Council and has backed President Bashar al-Assad against the rebels, said Tuesday’s incident happened after a Syrian air strike hit a “terrorist warehouse” containing “toxic substances.”

“The arsenal of chemical weapons” was destined for fighters in Iraq, the Russian defense ministry said, adding that the information was “completely reliable and objective.”

The United States, France and Britain have submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council demanding a full investigation. AFP

UK blames Assad for Syria attack BRUSSELS―All evidence points to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad being behind a suspected chemical weapons attack which left more than 70 dead in a rebel-held town, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Wednesday.

“All the evidence I have seen suggests this was the Assad regime... using illegal weapons on their own people,” Johnson said as he arrived for a Syria aid conference in Brussels.

“What it confirms to everybody is that this is a barbaric regime which has made it impossible for us to imagine them (having) authority over Syria after this conflict,” he added.

The Brussels conference, cochaired by the EU and UN, is a follow up to last year’s London meeting which raised $11 billion (10 billion euros) for humanitarian aid programs in the devastated country.

It is also meant to support UNsponsored peace talks in Geneva where mediator Staffan de Mistura has reported some very modest progress in solving a conflict which has claimed more than 320,000 lives and displaced most of the Syrian population.

Assad’s future role is a key sticking point―the rebels and their international backers demand that he must step down.

But Assad refuses to budge and his key ally in Moscow has backed him to the hilt against the rebels and shows no sign of changing tack. AFP

Casualties in mudslides climb to 290 MOCOA, Colombia-The number of people killed in southern Colombia’s massive mudslides climbed to 290 on Wednesday, as officials investigated how the horrific disaster might have been prevented.

In addition to the dead, 332 people were injured in landslides that buried the Colombian town of Mocoa after flooding caused by days of torrential rains.

The mudslides occurred Friday after heavy rains caused three rivers to overflow, strewing earth, rocks and tree debris over the area.

Mocoa was home to 70,000 people, about 45,000 of whom were affected by the disaster, according to the Red Cross.

Hardest-hit by the tragedy are impoverished neighborhoods populated with residents uprooted during Colombia’s fivedecade-long civil war.

Authorities have opened an investigation to determine what sort of “preventive and corrective action” ought to have been taken to prevent the disaster, prosecutors said.

Meanwhile, looting has become a problem in some areas.

Local officials urged the government to dispatch more police and troops to secure the region and prevent the looting of abandoned homes. AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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N. Korea fires another missile S EOUL―Nuclear-armed North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of a China-US summit at which Pyongyang’s accelerating atomic weapons program is set to top the agenda.

South Korea’s defense ministry said the missile―launched days after Pyongyang warned of retaliation if the global community ramps up sanctions-had flown 60 kilometers.

The incident represented a “threat to the peace and stability of the whole world”, Seoul said, while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe labeled it a “grave provocation”.

In a terse statement, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said: “The United States has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment.”

The launch―a KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile―will fuel international concerns about the hermit state’s weapons program.

Pyongyang is on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

The latest launch came after President Donald Trump threatened the US was prepared to go it alone in bringing the North to heel.

His comments, in an interview with the Financial Times, were interpreted as an effort to increase the pressure on Beijing ahead of a summit on Thursday and Friday.

Trump will host China’s President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for their first face-to-face meeting, where the growing tensions on the Korean peninsula are expected to be high on the agenda.

The Trump administration has repeatedly insisted that Beijing holds the key to stopping its errant neighbor and is not doing enough to control it.

China is North Korea’s sole major diplomatic friend and a key trading partner that supplies the isolated state with much of its hard currency in the face of stringent global sanctions.

But Beijing is wary of putting too much pressure on North Korea for fear of the unpredictable consequences if the regime collapses.

Chang Yong-Seok, a researcher at the Seoul National University’s Institute for Peace and Unification Studies, said the missile test was Pyongyang’s way of warning China and the US. It was “a show of force to demonstrate its might against a potential extra deployment of US troops and weapons near the peninsula”.

“There is a possibility that the North may take it up a notch and stage another nuclear test ... depending on the outcome of the summit.”

North Korea’s foreign ministry on Monday assailed Washington for its tough talk and for an ongoing joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan which Pyongyang sees as a dress rehearsal for invasion.

The “reckless actions” are driving the tense situation on the Korean peninsula “to the brink of a war”, a ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the official KCNA news agency.

The idea that the US could deprive Pyongyang of its “nuclear deterrent” through sanctions is “the wildest dream”, it said. AFP

FESTIVAL. Hindu girls take part in the Kumari Puja at the Adyapeath Ashram on the outskirts of Kolkata on April 5. Kumari Puja, a tradition of worshipping young girls as manifestations of the divine female energy, is a part of the annual Hindu festival Ram Navami. AFP

Five killed in bomb attack in Pakistan LAHORE―At least five people have been killed and 10 wounded in a blast that appeared to have been a Taliban attack targeting a census team in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore Wednesday, officials and the militants said.

Security forces cordoned off the area on Bedian Road in the bustling capital of Punjab province after the blast, which rescuers said occurred just before 8:00 am local time. A forensics team could also be seen at the site.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP, or Pakistani Taliban) claimed responsibility for the attack in a message sent to AFP. “It appears to have been an act of terrorism,” Punjab provincial law minister Rana Sanaullah said in televised comments,

though other officials cautioned they were still investigating the nature of the blast.

Punjab health minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said five people had been killed, with the toll confirmed by a security source and a Lahore administration official.

A police official said the census team had been the target, though the Pakistan Board of Statistics declined to comment.

The TTP in its statement said it had carried out the attack in revenge on security forces.

Teams of enumerators backed by the military and security forces are carrying out Pakistan’s first census in almost two decades, an enormous and highly charged task that could redraw the country’s political map one year before national parliamentary elections.

The police official said at least 10 people had been wounded, though rescuers gave a higher figure of 18.

Some officials initially described the incident as a gas cylinder explosion, but said an investigation was ongoing. There was no immediate comment from the military.

“There is a possibility that it was a suicide attack,” Lahore official Abdullah Sumbal said.

“The census is a national duty, and we will complete this task,” he added. “There was no lack of security, but you know how difficult it is to deal with suicide attacks.”

Lahore has been on edge since a wave of violent attacks across Pakistan in February killed 130 people and shook citizens emboldened by growing security. AFP[

Man dies after attack

by Hindu vigilantes

POLE-DANCING CONTEST. This photo taken on April 4, 2017, shows a participant taking part in a poledancing contest in a shopping mall in Shenyang, in northeast China’s Liaoning province. AFP

NEW DELHI―A Muslim man died after he was attacked by hundreds of Hindu vigilantes while transporting cows in India, police said Wednesday, amid rising tensions over the slaughter of the sacred animal.

Pehlu Khan, 55, died in hospital late Monday, two days after a mob attacked his cattle truck on a highway in Alwar in the western state of Rajasthan.

Cows are considered sacred in Hindu-majority India, and their slaughter is illegal in many states.

In parts of northern and western India, squads of vigilantes roam highways inspecting livestock trucks for any trace of the animal.

Alwar police chief Rahul Prakash said at least six others were injured in the attack, but had now been discharged from the hospital.

Police are still trying to identify the attackers and have filed a murder case, he said, adding that a postmortem would determine the cause of Khan’s death.

“We are yet to receive the postmortem report but he had mul-

tiple rib fractures,” he told AFP. Prakash said the victim and his associates were returning to their home state of Haryana when the mob intercepted their vehicle.

At least 10 Muslim men have been killed in similar incidents across the country by Hindu mobs on suspicion of eating beef or smuggling cows in the last two years.

In 2015 a Muslim man was lynched by his neighbors over rumors that he had slaughtered a cow. Police later said the meat was mutton.

Critics say the vigilantes were emboldened by the election in 2014 of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

Last year Modi criticized the cow-protection vigilantes and urged a crackdown against groups using religion as a cover for committing crimes.

But last month, he appointed a right-wing Hindu priest to head the country’s most populous state Uttar Pradesh, which is also home to much of the country’s meat industry. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

US senators clash over high court pick

World

International outrage over chemical attack K HAN SHEIKHUN, Syria―A suspected chemical attack in rebel-held northwestern Syria killed dozens of civilians including children and left many more sick and gasping, causing international outrage Wednesday.

The attack on the town of Khan Sheikhun killed at least 58 civilians and saw dozens suffer respiratory problems and symptoms including vomiting, fainting and foaming at the mouth, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

Syria’s opposition blamed President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, saying the attack cast doubt on the future of peace talks.

The army denied any involvement in a statement blaming “terrorist groups” for using “chemical and toxic substances”.

At least 19 children and 13 women were among the dead, the Observatory said, and an AFP correspondent in Khan Sheikhun

saw many people on respirators.

If confirmed, it would be one of the worst chemical attacks since Syria’s civil war began six years ago.

The incident brought swift international condemnation, with the United States, France and Britain presenting a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding a full investigation.

“This is clearly a war crime,” British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters.

The Tahrir al-Sham rebel alliance, which includes Al-Qaeda’s former affiliate, the Fateh al-Sham Front, vowed to avenge the deaths, calling on fighters to “ignite the fronts”.

Washington condemned what

it called a “reprehensible” attack

by Assad’s forces and US officials said his allies Russia and Iran must bring the dictator to heel.

“While we continue to monitor the terrible situation, it is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates: with brutal, unabashed barbarism,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said the attack was believed to be chemical and launched from the air, adding there should be a “clear identification of responsibilities and accountability”.

The Observatory said the attack on a residential part of Khan Sheikhun came early on Tuesday, when a warplane carried out strikes that released “toxic gas”.

As well as those killed, at least 160 people were injured, it said, and many died even after arriving at medical facilities.

The monitor could not confirm the nature of the gas, but said the attack was probably carried out by

government warplanes.

“We ran inside the houses and saw whole families just dead in their beds,” resident Abu Mustafa said.

“Children, women, old people dead in the streets.”

Russia’s military, which has been fighting in support of Assad’s government since September 2015, denied carrying out any strikes near the town.

Hours after the initial attack, air strikes also hit a hospital in the town where doctors were treating victims, the AFP correspondent said, bringing down rubble on top of medics as they worked.

He saw a young girl, a woman and two elderly people dead at a hospital.

A father carried his dead little girl wrapped in a sheet, her lips blueish and her dark curls visible.

Speaking to AFP, medic Hazem Shehwan said victims of the earlier attack had symptoms including “pinpoint pupils, convulsions, foaming at the mouth and rapid pulses”. AFP

WASHINGTON―US Senate Republicans and Democrats clashed bitterly over President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court pick, with no signs that a potentially damaging Thursday showdown will be averted.

The Senate began formal debate Tuesday on federal Judge Neil Gorsuch, as opposition Democrats insisted they have the necessary votes to block his nomination through the use of a tactic known as a filibuster.

Sixty votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and end debate in the 100-seat Senate. The Republicans hold 52 seats.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted that “due to an unprecedented filibuster threat,” he was setting up the crucial test vote for Thursday morning.

A confirmation vote follows on Friday, after which Congress shutters for a two-week recess.

The expected failure of the test vote sets the stage for Republican leaders to employ the “nuclear option,” which would change Senate rules in order to advance the nomination -- and all subsequent Supreme Court nominees -- by a simple majority vote.

McConnell warned that the Democrats’ filibuster could do something “truly detrimental to this body and to our country.”

Democrats were “hurtling toward the abyss,” he said, “and trying to take the Senate with them. They need to reconsider.”

To overcome the filibuster, Republicans need eight Democrats to back Gorsuch, named by Trump to fill the seat of conservative justice Antonin Scalia who died in February 2016.

To date, just four Democrats

have announced their support.

“They’re pretty much dug in,” Republican Senator John Thune said of Democratic colleagues.

McConnell will need to put the rules change to a majority vote.

He said he has enough votes from his party for the change to succeed, but some Republicans have bristled at the nuclear option and how the threat of using it has poisoned the atmosphere.

Senator John McCain fumed to reporters that whoever thought it was a good idea to blow up longstanding Senate rules “is a stupid idiot.”

But fellow Republican Tom Cotton appeared unperturbed, saying he would be glad to be rid of Democratic threats to block any conservative nominee that Trump puts forward.

“Republicans aren’t going to be played for suckers and chumps,” Cotton said on the Senate floor.

One Democratic senator, Jeff Merkley, took to the floor of the chamber vowing to speak “as long as I’m able” -- in an all-night “filibuster” protest against Gorsuch.

Merkley noted that the Republican-led Senate failed to even hold confirmation hearings last year on former president Barack Obama’s pick to fill the seat once held by Scalia, federal judge Merrick Garland.

Now, the vacant seat on the high court is to be taken by Gorsuch-much to the outrage of seething Senate Democrats like Merkley.

“The majority team in this chamber decided to steal a Supreme Court seat,” the Oregon senator said during remarks that droned on into the early hours Wednesday. AFP

Strong kronor not a blessing for fishermen REYKJAVIK―After 10 hours at sea, Halldor Armmansson surveys the bins of freshly caught cod lining the deck of his boat.

The ocean stocks are plentiful, but Iceland’s soaring krona is making it a struggle for fishermen like Armmansson to reel in the financial rewards of a catch.

“We have to fish more to get the same amount of money,” explains Armmansson, whose family owned company in Sandgerdi, a small port in southwestern Iceland, has two boats.

Quotas limit the annual catch to 250 tons and he expects his company’s income to drop by around a third this year: “We can’t make the same income when the currency is so strong.”

Iceland has bounced back spectacularly from the 2008 financial crisis, which prompted the government to nationalize three failing banks and impose steep restrictions on capital flows in and out of the sparsely populated island nation.

When capital controls were lifted in March, the krona did not fall as much as experts had expected.

Fueled by investor appetite for the country’s high interest rates and robust economy, which grew more than seven percent in 2016, the krona last month hit its highest level in almost a decade and became a source of public disagreement among political leaders.

“It’s probably one of the things that worries me the most in the Icelandic economy,” says Finance Minister Benedikt Johannesson of the krona’s ascent.

In one year, all foreign currencies have lost ground against the krona. Among the biggest losers are the pound sterling, the Swedish krona and the euro, which have shed between 15 and 22 percent.

The exchange rates with the British pound and the euro strongly affect the fishing industry, which sells nearly three-quarters of its products to Europe and accounts for more than 40 percent of the country’s exports.

Politicians are at odds about how to deal with the issue.

The krona should be pegged to a strong currency like the euro, Johannesson said in an interview with the Financial Times published Monday.

But Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson subsequently told Bloomberg he prefers a variable rate, which could serve as a tool to adapt to financial crises.

Johannesson and Benediktsson are cousins, but members of two different parties-the center-right and pro-EU Reform party and the conservative Independence party respectively―in a coalition government.

Central bank governor Mar Gudmundsson, in an interview with AFP, pointed to a boom in tourism, good terms of trade and record high domestic consumption as contributing to the krona’s rise.

With a record of nearly two million visitors to the Nordic nation in 2016, tourists wanting to see the island’s volcanoes or Aurora Borealis now bring in most of its revenue but are being affected by the strong currency.

“We’ve registered a 40 percent drop in bookings for July compared to last year,” says Antoine, a French travel agent in Reykjavik who only gave his first name. AFP

ASTERIX SERIES. French comics writer, designer and colorist Jean-Yves Ferri poses on April 5, 2017, with characters Asterix, left, and Obelix after a press conference in Bologne on the 37th album of the Asterix series that will be ambianted in Italy. AFP

Trump, Xi in first summit with N. Korea on top of list WASHINGTON―Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet face-to-face for the first time Thursday, opening a new chapter in the world’s most consequential relationship amid the growing crises over North Korea and trade.

The presidents of the world’s two preeminent economic and military powers will rendezvous in the south Florida sun at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate for a summit already clouded by geopolitical storms.

North Korea’s provocative missile launch Wednesday―barely 48 hours before the summit starts―will only accentuate differences over whether to confront or contain that recalcitrant regime.

The Trump White House worries Pyongyang is just months away from marrying nuclear and long-range missile technology and putting the west coast of the United States within striking distance.

During his first meeting with then president Barack Obama in November, Trump was warned he may have to make an early decision on the use of force against North Korea.

The tough-talking new president has repeatedly and very publicly indicated his openness to military action.

Even before news of the latest missile test became public, a senior US official echoed that message, saying “the clock has now run out” on dealing with the North Korean threat and “all options are on the table for us.”

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson responded to the missile test with a terse statement, saying: “The United States has spoken enough about North Korea.”

But according to the official, Trump is also willing to consider other ways of pressuring the regime, including sanctioning Chinese banks who do business

with Pyongyang if Beijing does not move to choke the North’s finances.

That could have a chilling effect on global finance, even though diplomats say North Korea is increasingly alive to the risk and has steadily been funneling cash to Singapore and other jurisdictions outside China.

Xi’s government -- which is treatybound to defend North Korea -- fears US military action would set off a general war on the Korean Peninsula and generate millions of refugees.

And Chinese analysts scoffed at the idea that Trump’s tough talk would have any impact on Beijing’s approach to its renegade neighbor.

“China has established principles on the DPRK issue,” said Yang Xiyu, researcher at China Institute of International Studies.

“There will definitely be in-depth dis-

cussion of the DPRK’s denuclearization, but the Chinese side will not change its positions because of anything Trump says.”

But behind the tactical differences in how to approach North Korea is a broader strategic struggle -- one that pits an established hegemon against a fast-rising challenger.

Increased tensions in North Korea would almost certainly prompt an larger US military presence in Northeast Asia, encroaching on what China increasingly sees as its sphere of influence.

Beijing has already expressed its displeasure at the deployment of a US antimissile system in South Korea.

On trade, there may be more room for maneuver.

Experts predict that Xi could come bearing concessions on sectors like steel, or repackage already planned Chinese investments in the United States. AFP

Life

GOLDEN BEAUTY. Supermodel Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez’s key to happiness and looking radiant at 50 is having a balance in nutrition, exercise, work, self and rest.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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Tweetie de Leon Active, healthy and beautiful at 50

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OT everyone is blessed to grow old and gracefully. That’s why when supermodel Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez turned 50, she didn’t want to hide her age. In fact, she considers it a milestone in her life.

Tweetie puts so much weight on the value of making health a priority because of the life changes she went though as she reached 50

IF New Year is all about making resolutions and kicking those bad habits, summer is probably the season to show everyone how much you’ve achieved after the first four months of the year.

Have you gotten rid of the extra holiday flab? Have you followed through with the hair makeover you’ve always wanted to try?

Are you living healthier and taking better care of yourself and most importantly are you making good on your promise to take that much deserved #travel #vacation break?

Well, summer has just started and it’s not too late to make good on those promises you made for yourself.

Summer is swimsuit season and if the arrival of the world’s hottest Math teacher Pietro Boselli and his subtle flirtation with Ellen Adarna is making you panic about getting yourself beach ready, maybe its time to get a bit of help. Starving yourself won’t do much except make you weaker and there are a lot of safe and effective slimming products already out in the market to give you that extra push and get you closer to achieving your dream summer hot bod.

Tired of looking at the mirror and seeing the same boring hairstyle you vowed to change? Summer is about experiments and there is no better time to try and put some color into your crowning glory. If you’re afraid that the salon is just going to destroy your virgin hair, there’s now a lot of Do-ItYourself hair coloring products to give you that long overdue hair makeover.

Planning for an extreme adventure, going on a long road trip, hitting the waves or just being a beach bum all season? Remember that the sun can both be your friend and your worst enemy especially during these long hot days. So make sure you are truly ready to take on the scorching summer sun and stock up on lotion moisturizers and sunscreen to keep you protected from the harsh UV Rays.

So to help you make the most out of the season, Watsons, Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, launched their annual “Make Your Summer” campaign with the addition of more products and even more rewards.

“This year, we are taking a more holistic approach to summer to make it even more special,” said Karen Fabres, Watsons Philippines Group Marketing manager. “We have added more products that not only protect your skin, but also slimming products,

Tweetie puts so much weight on the value of making health a priority because of the many life changes that she went through as she reached 50. For her, the key to happiness is having a balance in nutrition, exercise, work, self, rest and others.

As the celebrity endorser of Organique Acai Berry, Tweetie credits the health supplement as one of the milestones in five decades of happily living her life and still looking healthy and beautiful.

“We are never without stress in this world, but I am teaching myself to let go of situations I have no control over,” Tweetie says. “Anxiety arrests health and happiness and nothing is worth risking your sanity and wellbeing. Just pray and lift your worries to heaven. Everything will sort itself out.”

Active, healthy and beautiful at 50, Tweetie is the perfect person to endorse Organique Acai Berry as she represents the brand’s values, according to Cathy

Salimbangon, vice president of Organique, Inc. “An active lifestyle is just as important as nutrition in achieving good health wellbeing,” says Tweetie, who attributes her youthful looks and healthy glow into staying active.

Organique Acai Berry was introduced in the Philippines eight years ago by Cebu-based couple, Elton and Cathy Salimbangon, who has built a brand that brings wellness, health and beauty.

To date, Organique Acai Berry is the first and only health supplement that’s proudly Filipino-made and was granted certification by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Tagged as “The World’s Number One Superfood,” Organique Acai Berry is available in the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong and recently, also in the US. In the country, it is available at Mercury Drugstore, Watsons and other leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

How to be your

Best this Summer

1

2 and even hair color for those who want a look to match their summer palette.”

Watsons carries a line of hair color from Revlon, L’Oreal, and one of the popular Japanese hair color brand, Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color (BHC).

“For those who are unsure about which color to pick, they can approach any Watsons Beauty experts who can counsel them which color they should choose and how to apply it properly as well, Fabres added.

Watsons even has Beauty Rooms in selected stores where you can have your hair analyzed and colored.

As for those who want to look their beach best, Watsons’ likewise carries an array of safe and effective slimming products as well as hair removal products to give you that smooth

3

She supplements her active lifestyle and balanced nutrition with the Filipino-made Organique Acai Berry drink

swimsuit worthy skin.

Protection is of utmost importance not only to avoid getting sunburn but also to prevent premature skin aging brought about by excessive exposure to the sun.

For a truly sun-proof summer, Watsons staple brands Kojie San, Belo, Nivea, Vaseline, Banana Boat, Beach Hut, Solstice, Sunplay, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, Celeteque, Hawaiian Tropic, Dermplus, Ponds and Olay are ready to rescue you from the harmful UV rays. A new addition to the selection is Biore, which also carries many lighter formulas for sunscreen.

Sun protection is the first step to anti-aging, so while getting tanned may prove that you had some fun in the sun, the repercussions will show as you get older if you don’t wear UVA and UVB skin protection today.

“We want you to be well-prepared for the summer, and to not only look your best, but be sun-protected throughout summer, as well,” she added.

To make it even more exciting, Fabres said Watsons is giving away five trips for four people to top beach destinations in the country—Boracay, Cebu, Davao, Palawan and Batanes— exclusive to SM Advantage Card Members. Every purchase of P500 worth of any “Make Your Summer” participating brands (single receipt only) earns you one raffle ticket. Promo is ongoing until April 26.

Make your summer however you want it to be during this season of endless adventures and possibilities. There’s no holding you back now, So conquer the sunny days ahead and make it your best summer yet with Watsons.

1. Watsons Philippines wants to Make

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5

Your Summer this year a fun experience as it offers its wide array of products that will protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun, help you look your best, and aid you in achieving that summer look you desire. 2. Watsons Philippines group category manager Kim Reyes. 3. Host/ blogger Patty Laurel-Filart. 4. Belo ambassador Karylle Yuzon 5. Watsons Philippines group marketing manager Karen Fabres

Life

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Revolutionary

anti-aging

food supplement

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UTRAMEDICA recently launched the revolutionary anti-aging food supplement, Novuskin Lift, at a grand unveiling at Dusit Hotel, Makati. Packed with a unique combination of 18 natural anti-aging and skin brightening extracts mainly marine fish collagen, grape seed extract, and L-glutathione, Novuskin Lift is a naturally-derived food supplement with anti-aging and skin brightening powers that can bring back one’s youthful beauty.

“Novuskin Lift provides multiple dermatological as well as health benefits, including skin protection and restoration. It is more than just a beauty product,” said Dr. Cecilia Catapang, aesthetics and rejuvenation expert.

Aging is a natural process and its outward projection is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is the skin’s structural support, which can be likened to the foundation of buildings. Collagen keeps the skin perky, firm, plump, and smooth. However, poor diet, smoking, sun exposure, and a stressful lifestyle can accelerate the degradation of collagen-supporting structures, causing skin sagging and wrinkles.

Novuskin Lift has been clinically tested to stimulate collagen production, fight inflammation, and protect the skin against ultraviolet (UV radiation). Studies have shown that continuous use of Novuskin Lift has resulted in the improvement of skin appearance including better hydration, smoothness, reduc-

tion of wrinkles, fine lines, sunspots, and overall radiance.

Natural ingredients include a host of antioxidants and co-factor nutrients that aid in collagen production and marine fish collagen, which our body needs to combat oxidative stress and cellular repair.

“We take great care in making sure that our ingredients are sourced naturally. We believe that by combining the power of nature with sophisticated technology, we can create high quality and innovative products that can enrich lives,” said Nutramedica CEO Sheila Mae Velilla.

Novuskin Lift contains 18 of nature’s finest rejuvenating ingredients including marine fish collagen, plant-derived antioxidants such as soy protein isolate, green tea extract, yeast extract, ascorbic acid, grape seed extract, horsetail extract, L-gluthathione, pine bark extract, tomato extract, korean ginseng extract, and d-alpha tocopherol acetate (vitamin E); and co-factor nutrients such as zinc

Author and TV host Cory Quirino is the face of anti-aging food supplement Novuskin Lift, which is packed with a unique combination of 18 natural anti-aging and skin brightening extracts from marine fish, collagen, grape seed extract and L-glutathione

gluconate (as zinc), copper gluconate (as copper), manganese sulfate monohydrate (as manganese), oryza ceramide, selenium amino acid chelate (as selenium), and coenzyme Q10. These natural anti-aging and skin brightening ingredients work synergistically to rejuvenate the skin by boosting

collagen production and at the same time giving a firming or “lifting” effect to the skin.

Marine fish collagen is similar to human collagen structure and has superior bioavailability over other types of collagens, so it is easily absorbed by the body. Clinical studies

have shown that marine fish collagen efficiently postpones skin aging and improves photo-aged skin (due to sun exposure) by increasing dermal density and skin moisture.

Soy protein isolate provides high-quality protein for skin while horsetail extract provides silica and antioxidant agents to help in collagen formation L-Glutathione is found in every cell of the body and it functions as a free radical neutralizer. It is the most important antioxidant in the body and is responsible for recycling other antioxidants, earning it the title as the master antioxidant. Pine bark extract improves the delivery of life-giving oxygen to cells by strengthening blood vessels and improving circulation. Antioxidants from green tea extract and coenzyme Q10 fights inflammation. Korean ginseng extract refines and hydrates skin by increasing oxygenation and acting as a blood detoxifier, while oryza ceramide moisturizes skin.

Grape seed extract is 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and contains a very concentrated dose of powerful antioxidants, preventing the formation of free radicals which are highly reactive molecules that cause cell damage. Essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are provided by the yeast extract as well as zinc gluconate, ascorbic acid, manganese sulfate monohydrate, copper gluconate, d-alpha tocopherol acetate, and selenium amino acid chelate. Lycopene in tomato extract has anti-aging properties and promote skin health.

“Our skin needs the combined effect of antioxidants, collagen, and vitamins and minerals to restore it to its youthful suppleness,” said Dr. Catapang.

“Novuskin Lift does this by eliminating free radicals from the body, cleansing it of toxins, and stimulating collagen production which results in improved skin hydration and radiance,” she added.

Novuskin Lift supplements are sealed in moisture-resistant package to preserve the quality of the product. Packages containing 30 tablets are available at Mercury Drug and Watsons outlets nationwide.

Kids’ ‘Wings of Hope’ MARCO Polo Ortigas Manila turned over recently Philippine Eagle stuffed toys to pupils of Riversprings School from its “Wings of Hope” campaign.

Led by Frank Reichenbach, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila GM, 50 pieces of Philippine Eagle stuffed toy was raised last year, from Nov. 24—the official launch of the Wings of Hope Tree—to Dec. 31. This campaign aims to save the Philippine Eagle and bring a smile to less fortunate kids by buying a Philippine Eagle stuffed toy and instead of keeping it, it will be donated to the kids.

The success of the “Wings of Hope” initiative will serve as the continuous CSR-push for the whole year. All the donated stuffed toys will be given to the chosen charity after the run of the campaign.

“May these Philippine Eagle stuffed toys inspire the kids to study hard, reach for their goals, and soar high for a better future. And with that, we invite everyone to support Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s ‘Wings of Hope’ campaign and give smile to less fortunate kids,” said Reichenbach.

Students of Riversprings School with their Philippine Eagle stuffed toys from Marco Polo Ortigas, whose campaign ‘Wings of Hope’ aims to raise funds to help save the Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a non-government organization that focuses on Philippine Eagle survival through a conservation and breeding program that re-introduces species to their natural habitat to avoid extinction. Started in 1965, it aims to raise awareness and address one of the wildlife conservation crisis that the Philippine Eagle Foundation is facing today which is the survival of the national bird. With its possible extinction in the future, if not taken care of, would be a decrease not just in the culture, but also in the quality of Philippine environment. As of 2015, there are expected of around 400 Philippine Eagle left in the world.

The Philippine Eagle stuffed toy is available at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for P600. To know more information about the Philippine Eagle and this campaign, visit www.philippineeaglefoundation.org. To know more about Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, visit www.marcopolohotels.com. Follow the hotel in Facebook at facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram

Marco Polo Ortigas general manager Frank Reichenbach led the turnover of the adorable Philippine Eagle stuffed toys to young pupils

The Philippine Eagle stuffed toys aim to inspire kids to study hard, reach for their goals, and soar high for a better future

Know how healthy is your lifestyle

LifeScience Center introduces Lifestyle Assessment Sensor to help individuals understand how their lifestyle affects their overall wellbeing

HOW Filipinos are getting more attuned to their health is evident in the rise of health and wellness trends in food, diet, fitness and different regimens. With all of this being good, we still wonder why not everyone is successful in achieving good health.

According to Dr. Zoe Arugay of LifeScience Center for Health & Wellness, one of the reasons we miss our health goals is we often forget to look at our wellbeing as a whole. Our wellbeing is greatly influenced by determinants of health, nutrition, sleep and relaxation, exercise and movement, stress, and environment, and how we are able to manage these factors reflects in the quality of health we get to enjoy.

Recognizing the fact that our health is as unique as we are, LifeScience Center for Health and Wellness introduces the Lifestyle Assessment Sensor to help individuals understand how their lifestyle

affects their overall health and wellbeing.

The program identifies the best way to manage stress, better means of recovery from exhaustion, and the right exercise for functionality.

“Stress is unavoidable. While most of us understand the impacts of stress in our health and performance, not many have been successful in managing it. Chronic stress can take a toll on one’s health affecting productivity, triggering health issues such as high blood pressure, skin problems, eating disorder, and it also affects our moods and how we are towards other people,” says Dr. Arugay. “The good news is with proper coaching from health experts, we can recover from stress through effective methods that fit your lifestyle.”

The LifeScience Lifestyle Assessment Sensor makes the link between lifestyle and wellbeing more visible and evident.

Thus, encourage patients to be more proactive in managing their health and seek expert guidance on how to improve daily performance, and reach personal health goals.

“Because health is personal, the LifeScience Lifestyle Assessment Sensor uses and analyzes data from the patient. There is no guessing. What will go in a client’s program is based on what the patient’s body told us through the advanced medical tool, Firstbeat,” said Dr. Arugay.

The Lifestyle Sensor provides precise data on how the body is reacting to daily activities and environmental factors through heart rate variability. Our heart is continuously adjusted by autonomic nervous system to meet the demands of life resulting in variations in time between each heartbeat. Heart Rate Variability therefore, gives you and your Physician a complete picture of your health and per-

formance. From the data, you and your Physician can work together in identifying stress triggers and how it can be managed; determine how you can better recover from the impacts of stress and improve your moments of rest and quality of sleep to regain energy and focus; and map out the right type of exercise to develop functional quality.

“LifeScience is here to coach and guide our patients’ journey to good health. We are able to advance it through technologies that allow us see what is exactly happening in our patient’s body and use that information to help them overcome a health issue. Our only goal is to see our patients enjoy quality life,” concludes Dr. Arugay.

For more information on the Lifestyle Assessment Program or to book an appointment for a consult visit lifescience.ph or call 848-LIFE (5433).

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

AXN premieres hit competition reality series AMERICAN Ninja Warrior spinoff Team Ninja Warrior brings all the high-stakes action and excitement on AXN. Past competitors consisting of the biggest names in the American Ninja Warrior series form 28 teams, each with two males and one female, and race side-by-side against each other on the world’s most challenging and physically demanding obstacle courses that test endurance, agility, and speed.

Every episode features America’s finest athletes as they hurdle one formidable obstacle after another, each more difficult

than the last, vying for a cash prize and the ultimate Ninja bragging rights. And, in the end, only one team will be crowned Team Ninja Warrior champions.

Team Ninja Warrior is hosted by comedian Matt Iseman and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila.

Team Ninja Warrior airs every Monday at 8:50 p.m. on AXN. AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Andy Serkis plays Caesar and Woody Harrelson as Colonel in the sci-fi film ’War for the Planet of the Apes’

‘War For The Planet Of The Apes’

The Wanderland Music and Arts Festival held at the three-hectare event grounds of Filinvest City

in cinemas soon

Music, art, and the healthy outdoors FROM good music and art to a healthy dose of the outdoors, concertgoers definitely had a roaring good time at the event grounds of Filinvest City as it recently hosted the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival.

Touted as one of the biggest music and arts festivals in the Philippines, this year proved to be even more exciting with an even bigger venue, the three-hectare Filinvest City Event Grounds, to accommodate its three stages—the Wanderland stage, Globe stage, and Jungle stage. With this, Wanderers enjoyed incredible performances from its full line-up of international names and homegrown artists.

Taking the Wanderland stage were The Temper Trap, The Ting Tings, Explosions in the Sky, Yuna, Purity Ring, Honne, LANY, Woodlock, and Up Dharma Down.

Meanwhile, the crowd came into the wild as acts including Gab and John of Urbandub, Tom’s Story,

Fools & Foes, Reese Lansangan, Lola Amour, Banna Harbera, and Mickey Sulit performed at the Jungle stage and Globe stage.

Wanderland is never without its art installations. The jungle-themed festival gave off a colorful vibe as it showcased live art performances from talented muralists and illustrators like Jappy Agoncillo, KFK Collective, Quatro Hapimeel, and Ysabella Lalu.

To complete the activity-laden event, Wanderers were entertained the whole day with extreme sports like bungee jumping and wall climbing while a selection of food stalls kept them from going hungry at the jungle.

With performances that took the crowd on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that complemented the lush green sceneries of the outdoors, Filinvest City truly became the perfect destination of Wanderland Music and Arts Festival.

T

HE tension between man and ape has reached its peak leading to War for the Planet of the Apes as revealed in its second trailer. The latest trailer reveals an armada from both sides of the war in a series of intense, explosive confrontations between man and ape on who truly is the rightful heir of the planet.

In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face-to-face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

Directed and written by Matt Reeves (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Cloverfield), “War for the Planet of the Apes stars Serkis, Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer, and Terry Notary.

Join man and ape in the biggest and definitive battle for freedom, family and the planet in War for the Planet of the Apes when it opens July 12 nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

War for the Planet of the Apes trailer links here: https:// youtu.be/dlRd0KUNMl0 http://bit.ly/2onheJf

From left: Antonio Puyat, Rich Dennis, Patricia Ty and Josh Pe

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, April 6, 2017

ACROSS 1 — Centauri 6 Tobacco wad 10 Kind of lens 14 Soft purple 15 Caesar’s bear 16 Lectern 17 Practice 18 Valhalla honcho 19 Sedaka or Simon 20 — tai cocktail 21 “Nutcracker” togs 23 Banqueted 24 Bete — 26 Bear down 27 Lure 29 Persil rival 31 Aloha tokens 32 Dainty ornament 33 Bark or yelp 36 Zebras’ motto (3 wds.)

40 Pointy-shoe wearer 41 Got into port 42 Pre-Tina Turner 43 Sponges up 44 Broccoli bit 46 Fleeces 48 Jumbo shrimp 49 Gem of an oyster 50 Fluctuates (hyph.)

52 Novelist — Levin 55 Cartoon shrieks 56 Auto pioneer — Benz 57 Used a strop 59 “En garde” weapon 60 Diet spread 61 Bordered 62 Vanessa’s sister 63 Marquee sign 64 Some secretaries DOWN 1 One who reunes 2 Ms. Kudrow 3 Defendant’s adversary 4 Old crone 5 Acid in vinegar 6 Cost estimate 7 Lahore language 8 Cow-headed goddess 9 Karate level 10 More wacky 11 Foretellings 12 Drama awards 13 Mildew 22 Ending for depart 23 Fantasy 25 Seine feeder 26 Altiplano locale 27 If not

28 “Hud” Oscarwinner 29 Motion pictures 30 Bridge holding 32 Rake tooth 33 Longings 34 Drury Lane composer 35 Exam for jrs.

37 Gabardine, e.g.

38 Shrill barks 39 — hot and cold 43 Go downhill 44 Curly coif, for short

45 Thunked, as a tail 46 Tearful 47 Bucket of song 48 Traffic cone 49 Flake off, as paint 50 Sturdy lock 51 Popular cookie 53 Give off fumes 54 Appends 56 “— -Tiki” 58 Sonnet cousin

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

AI AI

DELAS ALAS

Always a queen

Delas Alas ea rns an intern as an aging prostitute in ational award for her p ortrayal the indie film ’Area’

Comedy Queen AiAi delas Alas was named Best Female Actor at the recently concluded 7th Queens World Film festival in Astor, Queens, New York

W

HEN people are asked what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name AiAi delas Alas, you will be amazed they have the same answer—Comedy Queen and a great actress.

Indeed, there is no question about that. She has traveled far and wide to be where she is now. The Comedy Queen. AiAi has become a household name. People laugh when she laughs. They cry when she cries. AiAi has the power to make you roll when she cracks jokes, and cry when she does. She can be both serious and playful. On screen, she can switch roles with ease - from serious to funny, tragic to happy.

Recently, AiAi delas Alas was named Best Female Actor at the conclusion of 7th Queens World Film Festival in Astor, Queens, New York on March 19 for her dramatic

portrayal as an aging prostitute in the indie film Area besting Karin Hanczewski, Dorothea Hagena and Amy Redford, daughter of actor Robert Redford.

Area is about a place in Angeles City in Pampanga where prostitutes nestle like hungry birds. AiAi is truly a queen.

Countless times she has proven her grit that she is a bombshell wherever and whatever instance she maybe.

Jurors at the Queens World Film Festival were spellbound by her portrayal in the movie. Her character showed the real truth of the state of prostitution in the country and even in other parts of the world.

AiAi says that she was not optimistic to get an international award because there were 156 great international movies in the competition. But truly as the old saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” And with AiAi, everything is rosy on the home front, in her love life and in her career.

AiAi stars in the forthcoming Regal Films’ Mighty Yaya and will be working in a movie under Star Cinema soon. She is a mainstay in GMA 7’s Hay Bahay and Sunday Pinasaya. But through all these years, her stardom never consumed her totality. She is still the same Martina Eileen family and close friends knew, the same Martina Eileen who just wants to be happy and be surrounded with people she loves. And everybody knows she works hard for her family, who not only is an inspiration,

ISAH V. RED

but the reason for being. *** The mother and daughter team of Lily and Roselle Monteverde signed Paolo Ballesteros for two movies for Regal Entertainment, Inc. The contract signing took place at the Valencia Events Place recently.

Preparations are underway for the first project off the contract of last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor and showbiz’s latest boxoffice sensation.

Paolo was a big revelation and the 2016 film festival’s brightest discovery when his launching movie, Die Beautiful, emerged as top grosser. Directed by Jun Lana, the film was also named 2016 MMFF Audience Choice awardee.

Paolo has appeared in quite a number of movies but only Regal Entertainment gambled on his appeal as a box office draw. So, Paolo agreed to be tied down to a two-movie deal with Regal following negotiations between his manager Joji Dingcong and Mother Lily and Roselle. For sure, his fans will be excited to see Paolo’s follow-up project.

Meanwhile, cameras have started to grind for Regal’s other coming projects like Woke Up Like This starring Vhong Navarro and Lovi Poe, and the Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona starrer, A Fairy Tale Love Story, under direk Jun Lana. Piolo Pascual, Yen Santos and Raikko Mateo’s Northern Lights: A Journey To Love is still in cinemas while Ai-Ai de las Alas’ My Mighty Yaya is scheduled for a May 10 release.

Philippines’ biggest stars sign with ABS-CBN

ART 2 ART continues its mission of the secrets behind the longevity of the bringing “usapang sining at kultura para group now marking its 32nd anniversary in sa lahat” (art and culture discussion for the entertainment industry.

On April 23, Art 2 Art marks everyone) in April.

Produced by the Manila Broadcasting International Dance Day (April 29) with Company and hosted by “Ballerina Aharon Solomon, director general of the internationally ng Bayan” Lisa renowned Karmiel Macuja, Art 2 Art Dance Festival. airs every Sunday, Considered the 3:30 to 4 p.m., on biggest dance radio via DZRH (666 celebration in khz on the AM band), Israel, the festival on cable television has been held via RHTV (Ch. 129 annually since on Skycable in Metro 1987 and will Manila, Ch. 18 on include with Ballet Cignal TV and Ch. Manila among its 3 on Cablelink) and guests this year. online live streaming On April 30, at http://dzrhnews the program caps television.tv.

The the month with show can also be sculptor Daniel viewed on Facebook dela Cruz.

DZRH News An industrial Television. designer by On April 9, Palm profession, Sunday, Heritage he became a Conservation of full-time artist Malolos President and is known Rheeza Hernandez for his mixed discusses the art metal sculptures of puni or coconut portraying leaf weaving, strong, happy which she has been and lively trying to revive by women. In the conducting lecturepast 10 years, demonstrations about the prolific it. Hernandez is Dela Cruz has also an advocate for mounted 20 solo Bulacan’s culinary exhibitions and heritage, a volunteer participated in local tour guide and is Art 2 Art host Lisa Macuja with sculptor 80 group shows. active in community Daniel dela Cruz For inquiries, theater. please e-mail On April 16, Easter Sunday, Art 2 Art welcomes The art2artdzrh@gmail.com or visit the Company, the most successful vocal group Ballerina ng Bayan page on Facebook. in the country. Current members Sweet Past episodes of the program may be Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, viewed on YouTube, at the Art 2 Art with Reuben Laurente and Moy Ortiz share Lisa Macuja channel.

‘Art 2 Art’ bares April episodes

ABS-CBN also welcomed returning Kapamilya singer/songwriter Ogie Alcasid after 25 years.

His current project with ABS-CBN is Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids where he serves as one of the judges. Actresses Bela Padilla and Yassi

Pressman also inked their respective contracts with the network. Padilla is currently in the primetime series My Dear Heart, meanwhile, Pressman is in the top-rating primetime show FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

Love teams KathNiel, LizQuen, and KimErald remain as solid Kapamilyas

THE country’s biggest stars, including the hottest love teams, remain as solid Kapamilyas after signing their respective exclusive multi-program contracts with ABS-CBN in the first quarter of 2017.

ABS-CBN’s love teams Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (KathNiel), Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil (LizQuen), and Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson (KimErald) will continue spreading kilig vibes in their various Kapamilya projects.

It’s Showtime and Gandang Gabi Vice host Vice Ganda, Northern Lights lead actor Piolo

Pascual, A Love To Last cast members Bea Alonzo, Enchong Dee, and Julia Barretto, Wildflower’s Maja Salvador and Joseph Marco, upcoming Kapamilya series Victims of Love Julia Montes, Magandang Buhay hosts Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal, “I Can Do That” stars Pokwang and Robi Domingo, “The Better Half” star Shaina Magdayao, “Banana Sundae’s” Jessy Mendiola, and actors and actresses Erich Gonzales, Sam Milby, Isabelle Daza-Semblat, and Richard Yap also signed their respective contracts.

Some of the country’s biggest stars sign their respective exclusive multi-program contracts with ABS-CBN