Manila Standard - 2017 April 08 - Saturday

US MISSILES RAIN ON SYRIAN BASE Story on C4

CHALLENGING FISTS. Lumad peasants from Mindanao and members of

VOL. XXXI • NO. 57 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Kalipunan Katutubong Mamamayang Pilipinas stage a protest Friday in front of Camp Aguinaldo, headquarters of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, expressing concern over what they call the alarming attacks and bombing against farmers and tribesmen. Manny Palmero

$500-b ME gains eyed Duterte embarks on state visits to 3 Arab nations

By John Paolo Bencito

M

ORE than $500 billion in combined investments in tourism, halal food security, Islamic finance and energy are being targeted when President Rodrigo Duterte goes on state visits to three Middle East countries next week, the Foreign Affairs department said Friday.

In a news briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Hjayceelyn Quintana said the President will fly to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar from April 10 to 16 during the Holy Week to meet with the countries’ leaders and Filipi-

By Rey E. Requejo

By Vito Barcelo and Rey E. Requejo

Next page

Hotline looks into depression EXPERTS are looking into the possible link between social media and the increasing number of young people who are becoming depressed, an official said Friday.

Health department spokesman Eric Tayag said global studies showed an 18-percent Next page

vestment and jobs for our people,” Quintana told Palace reporters.

The state visit to the three countries “aims to strengthen efforts for the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of the more than one million of our people Next page

PH terror groups’ ties to Arab couple probed

BI workers belie claim on ‘exodus’ RANK and file employees of the Bureau of Immigration on Friday accused Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno of misinforming the public about their unpaid overtime, and said there was no concerted effort to go on mass leave that has led to long passenger queues at the immigration counters of the airport.

Members of the BI workers’ union Buklod and Immigration Officers Association of the Philippines asked the Budget

nos working in those countries.

“The President hopes that through the stronger partnerships he will forge during this visit, he can tap into the over $500-billion combined investment capital of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and State of Qatar and bring home more in-

WOUNDED, BUT UNBOWED. President Rodrigo Duterte pins the Wounded Personnel Medal on 1st Lt.

Jose Mari Landicho during his visit at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday. Landicho was among 28 soldiers, including two officers, recuperating at the hospital following an encounter with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. (Story on A3) Malacañang Photo

‘Occupy order makes no sense’

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s order to “occupy” the country’s controlled islands in the South China Sea will do nothing to strengthen the credibility of his

foreign policy, a South China Sea expert said Friday.

Calling the President’s latest pronouncements as “complete hyperbole,” Jay Batongbacal, a maritime law expert at the University of the Philippines who tracks

the South China Sea dispute, said Duterte “badly needs to read a primer on the [West Philippine Sea]” dispute.

“Ordering the AFP to occupy, build on, and raise the flag over Next page

Watchdog exposes ‘erring mines’

By Lance Baconguis and Anna Leah E. Gonzales BUTUAN CITY―An environment watchdog here is asking if there are sacred cows exempted from the nationwide mine audit

being led by the Environment department.

Pio Mercado, spokesman of Caraga Watch, said they had been wondering why Century Peak Corp., which operates two nickel mines on Dinagat Island, had not

been suspended despite its many violations of DENR rules.

“While we fully support Secretary Lopez in her drive against abusive miners, we call on her to look at the case of Century Peak,” Mercado said.

Next page

THE government will investigate the possible links that two arrested foreign nationals belonging to the Islamic State have to local terrorist groups, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Friday.

“We are going to continue in partnership with our intelligence units to verify if there are other persons involved,” Aguirre said.

Bureau of Immigration agents arrested Kuwaiti national Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Syrian national Rahaf Zina, both ISIS members, on March 25 inside the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Husayn is involved in explo-

sives manufacturing and possibly in operational planning against Kuwait, while, Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal AlKuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.

Husayn and Rahaf, currently detained awaiting deportation proceedings against them, were the subject of a deportation request by the Kuwaiti Embassy.

The National Bureau of Investigation said the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Intelligence Coordination Agency also wanted to question the two arrested ISIS members. Next page

Like water, electricity prices also going up

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS face higher power and water rates this month following an announcement from Manila Electric Co. and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on Friday.

Meralco said it expects a “significant increase” in electricity rates because more power plants are going offline amid the increasing demand for power.

MWSS said the water rates will increase starting April 22 as

a result of the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar.

Meralco’s power rates in April will include the P0.22 perkilowatthour staggered increase, which forms part of its P0.66 perkilowatthour approved fuel cost recovery following the Malampaya gas maintenance shutdown.

Meralco senior vice president Lawrence Fernandez said the expected increase will be “well below one peso” per kilowatthour.

A P0.50 to P1 per kilowatthour Next page

News

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Land deal to cost P200b

By Raul M. Francia

N

OORDWIJK AAN ZEE, The Netherlands—The plan to distribute one million hectares of agricultural land for free to landless farmers will cost around P200 billion, the government said in a statement after peace negotiators announced the proposal here Thursday.

This was among the main agreements reached at the close of the 4th round of formal talks between the panels of the government and the National Democratic Front in this cold North Sea town about 50 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the two panels said: “The reciprocal working committees on social and economic reforms firmed up their agreement on distribution of land for free as the basic principle of genuine land reform. This is the main message of the bilateral meeting of the RWCs-SER and an achievement

of the fourth round of talks.”

The one million hectares constitute the remainder of the lands identified for distribution under the previous agrarian reform laws from combined big and medium landholdings throughout the country. Their expropriation were delayed either due to resistance by landowners or conversion to other uses.

“Under CASER, their distribution will be given priority although there will be additional huge agricultural properties that may be subjected to expropriation,” a ranking member of the reciprocal committee told Ma-

nila Standard.

From a low of P89 billion, the government has estimated the cost of agricultural land for distribution under CASER to be around P200 billion.

“Both parties agreed to accelerate the process of concluding a CASER,” the panels’ joint statement read.

The distribution of land for free is among the components of the GRP and NDF drafts under CASER’s agrarian reform and rural development provision.

The other components are coverage, compensation to landowners, confiscation, lease/leaseback and plantations, implementation mechanism and land use, among others.

Another major provision of CASER is national industrialization and economic development for which separate bilateral teams were also convened to harmonize contentious provisions from the GRP and NDF draft agreements.

On the second day of the formal talks on Tuesday, the panels agreed to an interim joint ceasefire the effectivity of which

will be upon the approval of the guidelines and ground rules that will cover the presence of armed units of both parties in local communities and the creation of buffer zones, identification of prohibited, hostile and provocative acts and the formation of ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanisms.

“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 said.

The panels stressed that the interim joint ceasefire agreement “shall be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of the Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces [final peace agreement].”

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two panels also agreed on the agenda of the 5th round of formal talks on May 22 to June 2, also here hosted by the Royal Norwegian Government.

$500-b...

From A1

WORLD HEALTH DAY. Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial talks about the causes and treatments for depression which is the focus of this year’s World Health Day. Norman Cruz

‘Occupy...

From A1 islands and reefs that have already been occupied, built on, and flying the flag for decades initially makes no sense; it can make sense if applied to an island or reef that is currently unoccupied,” Batongbacal said.

“From whatever angle you look at it, this kind of statement does nothing for President Rodrigo Duterte’s credibility in foreign policy,” he added.

He also said that if Duterte meant was to simply order the repair of the runway on Pag-asa and the building of new facilities on currently occupied islands, “then that’s exactly what should have been said. No more, no less.”

“The repair of the runway at Pagasa and the construction of new facilities to augment old ones in the Philippine-held positions in the Kalayaan Island Group are indeed sorely needed and it is well-past the time they should have been done, but they do not amount to any new occupation.”

Batongbacal warned that Duterte’s statements of “playing to the galleries” could actually lead to a major crisis, especially if other claimant countries take him seriously and decide to take forceful pre-emptive action. “[Duterte’s] order might also be understood as an order to occupy islands currently held and controlled by other claimant countries. But then, that would mean possibly starting an armed conflict with the states in control of such militarily occupied and controlled features,” he said.

“Any new occupation or inhabitation of any one of the currently unoccupied reefs and shoals by the Philippines will comprise a breach of its commitment in the 2002 Declaration of Conduct of the Parties to the [South China Sea] to not engage in actions that tend to complicate and escalate the dispute, and to refrain from any new inhabitation of previously uninhabited features,” he added.

On Thursday, Duterte told the military to “put structures and the Philippine flag” on its islands and reefs, and to repair the runway on Pag-asa or Thitu Island, the secondlargest of the Spratly island chain with an area of about 91 acres.

“What’s ours now, at least let’s get them and make a strong point there that it is ours,” he said, shortly after receiving a security briefing at Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Duterte also told the military to make its presence there strong to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and residents of Pag-asa Island.

The country has already occupied or built structures, and raised the flag over the islands of Pag-asa, Lawak, Patag, Likas, Parola, Panata, and Kota. The military has also occupied, controlled, and raised the flag over Rizal Reef and Ayungin Shoal. Some of these were permanently occupied as early as 1970 (Lawak Island); the latest (Ayungin Shoal) in 1995.

All other islands of the Spratly Islands (from which the Kalayaan Islands have been segregated by the Philippines) have been occupied by Taiwan since 1956 (Itu Aba) and Vietnam since the 1970s (including Spratly Island itself).

Shortly after Duterte’s pronouncements, a Washington-based think tank reported that a Chinese fighter plane was spotted in the area.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), which is part of Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the J-11 fighter was visible in a satellite image taken on March 29 of Woody Island in the Paracel island chain.

“This isn’t a first, but it’s the first time in a year,” AMTI director Greg Poling said of the jet sighting.

Referring to the single fighter plane visible in the image, he said: “There are likely more in the hangars nearby.”

Poling said it was unclear how long the plane had been there, but added that similar deployments on artificial islands China has built further south in the South China Sea’s Spratly archipelago could be expected now that military facilities had been completed there.

Batongbacal said the President’s actions may have been a calculated move to tone down criticisms against him over his perceived soft-stance on China, or the pending impeachment complaint on grounds of inaction to the ongoing maritime row.

He also noted that the President’s sudden and radical action to occupy islands in the South China Sea is “opposite to his previous refrain of not taking provocative action and cultivating good relations with China.”

“This is not a good way to blunt Magdalo’s supplemental impeachment complaint alleging a weak and defeatist foreign policy vis-a-vis China, or respond to public opinion and frustrations about China and the WPS, or address the reported drop in trust ratings,” he said.

The Palace however, said Duterte’s planned trip to Pag-asa Island on Independence Day illustrates his administration’s push for an independent foreign policy.

“The President recently announced plans to improve, and im-

plement the Pag-asa Development Plan which includes nine areas. This is part of his mandate to serve the best interests of the nation,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement sent to reporters.

“It will be significant that it will be the first time a President visits and commemorates Independence Day in [the] municipality. It will also be symbolic of our independent foreign policy.”

“The government maintains its commitment for the development of these islands for the benefit of our citizens there,” he added.

The military said there is no problem in carrying out the President’s order since the international arbitration ruling of the Permanent Court of Hague has affirmed the claims of the Philippines.

“That’s an order from the President and I intend to carry that out.

That territory is ours according to the arbitration ruling so we don’t see any problem,” AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año told ABS-CBN. Also on Friday, Senator Gregorio Honasan II said that he supports Duterte’s pitch to raise the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Island on Independence Day to assert the country’s sovereign rights in the disputed area.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said asserting sovereignty and territoriality can take many forms and courses of action.

“Whatever goodwill and good relations the President has established with China, at the end of the day, our national interest should take the front seat,” said Lacson in a text message.

“All of us who has genuine love for our country must therefore support the President on the course of action that he has chosen to take,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he supports the decision of Duterte to assert the country’s right over the disputed territory.

“I know he is planning that—China will be informed and I know they will not object,” he added. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

Hotline...

From A1 increase in the number of depressed young people in 2015, when 322 million were listed as depressed compared with only 280 million in 2005.

In a press briefing to commemorate World Health Day, which this year focuses on depression, Tayag said experts were checking the contribution of bashing in social media

working in those three countries, invite investors to the Philippines and usher in progress here at home, and to forge stronger partnerships by elevating our political and economic cooperation with these countries to new heights,” she added.

The Gulf states, despite the economic challenges they are currently facing from reduced revenues due to low oil prices, remain an important region for the Philippines.

Duterte will meet with His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia in his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from April 10-12, while in Manama, Bahrain.

He will then proceed to Manama, Bahrain to meet with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa from April 12 to 14.

In Doha, Qatar, the President is scheduled to meet with the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on April 14 to 16, 2017.

Agreements will be signed on labor, agriculture, air services, culture, health and political bilateral consultations during his state visits. He will also speak to the Filipino community there.

Duterte will also discuss with the leaders matters relevant to the welfare and dignity of the Filipinos living in their countries, as well as explore avenues for economic and political cooperation—including partnerships in tourism development, halal food security, Islamic finance and energy security, countering terrorism and combating illicit drugs.

He will also invite these countries to invest, particularly in Mindanao, as a way of lifting the region out of both poverty and conflict.

The Middle East is the secondlargest source of remittances, with 28 percent or almost $7.6 billion in 2016. Out of that 28 percent, more than a third was remitted by Filipino workers based in Saudi Arabia, the second top source of remittances.

According to the Department of Energy, 87 percent of the total crude mix came from the Middle East, of which 36.1 percent came from Saudi Arabia, the top supplier of crude oil into the country.

Watchdog...

From A1 He made his statement even as Lopez said Friday mining firms were free to question her order requiring them to give P2 million to be used to help farmers outside their rehabilitation areas.

Lopez earlier issued an order requiring suspended mining companies to put up a trust fund before they could remove their stockpiles.

The amount is equivalent to P2 milto depression.

The Health department says the biggest threat posed by depression is suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29.

“Some people have difficulty coping with such bashing, and that is why we want to protect them―especially our adolescents who are very vulnerable,” Tayag said.

Tayag said experts were now doing research on depression and that

BI workers...

They said opening new vacant positions is not the solution as it did not address the main problem of very low salary scale of BI personnel.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who has supervision over the bureau, said he would see the “good offices” of the President to solve the problem at immigration, after Diokno turned down his proposal to temporarily allow the use of express lane collections to fund overtime pay, as was done before the 2017 national budget.

Aguirre said there is a need for Congress to expedite the enactment of a measure mandating the implementation of reforms in the BI amid exodus of BI personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport due to non-payment of overtime pay.

He said an amendment to the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 is needed to adjust the current pay of immigration personnel, most of whom are only receiving P14,000 in monthly salary. He said Senator Loren Legarda has already expressed full support for the passage of a measure to amend the 77-yearold law.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles also said they would study the proposal to amend the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, a Commonwealth-era law.

But Aguirre acknowledged that a legislated solution would take time, and there was a need for an immediate solution. He added that failure to solve the problem would hurt tourism and could affect national security.

Diokno earlier rejected Aguirre’s proposal on ground that it would violate Republic Act 10924 or the General Appropriations Act of 2017.

The Budget and Management chief insisted that what the BI employees were asking for was against the law since the latter mandates that overtime pay for public sector employees should not exceed 50 percent of their regular salary.

To alleviate the problem of long queue at the Naia, especially with the expected influx of travelers who are going on vacation here and abroad this Holy Week, Aguirre said BI chief Jaime Morente has deployed an additional 170 personnel to man immigration counters at the country’s premiere airport.

Morente also canceled all the approved leaves of his employees for the month. With Maricel V. Cruz

PH terror...

“I think the military is very much aware of this. They are validating this information.”

A party-list lawmaker, meanwhile, called for an investigation of a clinic that helps send Filipino workers to Kuwait for its possible links to IS. At a news conference, Alliance for Community Transformation and Service-Overseas Filipino Workers (ACT-OFW) Rep. Aniceto Bertiz said he filed a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry to know if the incorporator and operations manager of Winston Q8 Certification Solutions International Inc., Bandar S SH F Al-Dhafiri (Husayn Al-Dhafiri), and a Kuwaiti national recently arrested in Taguig City, Husayn Al-Dhafiri for his involvement with the ISIS, are “one and the same person.”

“Both are Kuwaiti nationals. The firm is located in Taguig City, and that Al-Dhafiri was arrested also in Taguig,” he told reporters.

With Rio N. Araja

Like...

From A1 increase translates into an increase of P100 to P200 for Meralco customers.

“We also expect certain suppliers to register low dispatch levels as they experienced shutdowns in March,” Fernandez said.

Meralco gets its power from independent power producers, power supply agreements and WESM, the spot market for electricity.

“In all, there are strong pressures for an increase in the generation charge this April. We will formally announce on Monday,” Fernandez said.

Meralco announced a P0.66 per kilowatthour rate increase in March, bringing the overall rate to P9.67 per kilowatt hour from P9 in February.

The company attributed the higher rates to the upward movement in the generation charge, which was caused mainly by the 20-day Malampaya shutdown from Jan. 28 to Feb. 16 this year.

The shutdown affected the natural gas supply to the Ilijan, Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo plants that supply a total of 2,565 megawatts to Meralco’s franchise area.

The power plants had to switch from natural gas to the more expensive diesel fuel.

lion for every hectare of land disturbed by their operations.

“What I’m saying is that I want mining companies to help the farmers who are outside of their rehab area,” Lopez aid.

“That’s my prerogative in the DENR. What’s wrong with that?”

Lopez has closed down 14 largescale mining firms in the Caraga Region―seven in Dinagat―following a controversial mine audit that some claim lack due process.

Century Peak was not in the list of mining companies ordered sus-

pended or closed down.

Mercado said Century Peak had received several notices for its violations since 2013, ranging from noncompliance with the required environmental permits to outright neglect of its social commitments in its host communities.

Century Peak’s permit to transport ore was suspended on Feb. 22 by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for a series of violations and for repeatedly ignoring the bureau’s recommendations.

From A1 secretary to be truthful in his statements to media as his recent pronouncements did not only distort facts but have also further demoralized the bureau’s employees.

“Contrary to Secretary Diokno’s assertion that immigration officers are job order [contractual] employees who could easily be replaced, they are actually permanent employees occupying plantilla positions and who enjoy security of tenure protection under our civil service laws,” Buklod and IOAP said in a press statement.

The two groups also played down Diokno’s claim that some 200 soldiers are already being trained to replace immigration officers who resigned or have gone on leave.

“There is no deliberate or organized effort by our members to paralyze our operations and inconvenience the traveling public. If by coincidence our members are absent or are on sick leaves at the same time, these are forced and caused by their inability to shoulder their expenses in going to work and not because they wanted to abandon their duties,” the group said.

They stressed that an immigration officer’s job is very sensitive and critical. “You just don’t put somebody in the airport’s immigration booth and tell him to stamp every traveler who presents himself for inspection. Otherwise, our national security will be compromised. We are not called gatekeepers for nothing,” the statement said.

It added that immigration officers hired by the bureau actually undergo rigid screening and training on immigration laws, rules and procedures for four to six months at a training academy in Clark, Pampanga before they are deployed to the airports and seaports. “Many of our young recruits are the cream of the crop who hail from some of the best schools in the country.”

They said applicants for immigration officer must have a fouryear college degree, possess professional civil service eligibility and pass difficult oral and written tests before being hired.

The BI workers also described as not feasible the DBM’s offer of 900 new plantilla positions that will purportedly address the problem of manpower lack in the bureau.

From A1 “The government’s law enforcement agencies might want to investigate them so the two might eventually get transferred to either the police or the military,” Aguirre said.

Immigration records showed that Husayn has been in and out of the Philippines since last year on a tourist visa.

However, this year, the two IS members have been in the country since Jan. 28 with a working visa facilitated by a local company called Q8 Solutions.

The two traveled to Davao for four days and stayed in Cebu for three days.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said it is possible that the two made contact with members of the local terror group Maute.

“That is a possibility and that is being investigated by our intelligence service,” BI official said.

the department was waiting for the results.

He said his department was also monitoring the calls to Hopeline numbers 0917558HOPE or 0917558-4673. The department launched the hotline with Globe Telecom and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation last year to reach out to people suffering from depression and to encourage them to talk to someone willing to listen.

Based on the latest data, Hope-

line received 3,479 calls from January to December last year, and of those 902 calls were made by teenagers and 1,902 were made by young adults aged 20 to 39 years old.

Some 60 of them called because they were depressed, 496 wanted information on depression and suicide, 479 were stressed out and possibly depressed, 111 were possibly suicidal, 31 were being bullied and 14 had low self-esteem.

PNA, with Macon Ramos-Araneta

News

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF BI nabs 1 Korean in pyramid scam IMMIGRATION agents arrested one of South Korea’s most wanted men who duped hundreds of his compatriots in a multi-million dollar financial pyramiding scam.

Ma Yoonsik was nabbed by BI operatives in Las Piñas City last week. He is the subject of an Interpol red notice.

The Korean Embassy in Manila sought the bureau’s help for his immediate arrest and deported to Seoul to stand trial for large-scale fraud.

Ma is facing arrest warrant issued by the Suwon district court in Korea on Nov. 7 last year for large scale estafa with a maximum prison term of more than 10 years if convicted.

Ma conspired with six other Koreans in establishing a company in Pasay City which operated the pyramiding racket that duped hundreds of victims here and in Korea.

Seoul authorities alleged the suspects swindled many victims who lost an estimated 37 billion Korean won ($32 million) to the scam.

Investigation revealed that Ma and his accomplices enticed the victims to invest in their business by promising huge returns on their purchase of a so-called Hedge bit Coin that actually had no financial value. Vito Barcelo

DPWH to close Bonifacio Drive corner P. Burgos THE Department of Public Works and Highways announced it would close the northbound direction of Bonifacio Drive corner P. Burgos in Port Area Manila on Holy Wednesday, April 12, 2017, for the installation of reinforced concrete box culvert of the ongoing flood control project in Manila.

DPWH-NCR Director Melvin Navarro said the department would take advantage of the Holy Week break to rush the construction works on a project that would minimize flooding around the vicinity of Manila City Hall.

“This Lenten break, when traffic is light at the Metropolis, we will install 2-rows of 27-lineal meter long, 60 inches diameter RCBC. These are big drainage structures that can handle huge amount of floodwater in the low-lying areas, particularly in the vicinity of Manila City Hall,” Navarro said.

The northbound direction of Bonifacio Drive will be open to vehicular traffic on April 17.

He said the same activity would be done on its southbound direction on three consecutive weekends beginning April 22 to May 9, 2017.

It will start every Saturday at 7:00 a.m. until Tuesday, at 8:00 a.m. and will affect two vehicular lanes.

Vito Barcelo

DANGEROUS TO HEALTH. Groups gather in front of the World Health Organization headquarters in Manila on World Health Day Friday to collectively bring attention to the public and policy holders, both global and local, the various issues that undermine the attainment of the people’s right to health—with depression as the WHO’s theme this year for World Health Day. Norman Cruz

Allowing Kadamay to keep units is ‘mere lip service’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said President Rodrigo Duterte’s allowing members of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) to keep the housing units in Bulacan they forcibly occupied remains a “mere lip service.’

He said the President’s tions. statements might still be withHe noted that Kadamay drawn in case of legal implica- members were still consid-

ered “informal settlers” until the housing units, originally intended for police and soldiers, were properly turned over to them.

The President, Sotto said, could always withdraw his public pronouncements.

“I think the President is humble enough to admit if he has made a mistake,” he said.

As of now, he said allowing Kadamay members to occupy the units was not a done deal.

“They can be removed anytime if the administration feels

that there is a law that will be violated.”

He called on Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to conduct a thorough study on the matter.

“Right now, they are informal settlers who sere allowed to live there. That’s the situation as of now. There’s no turnover yet, no turnover of papers, no signing, no giving [of whatsoever],” stressed Sotto.

Kadamay members have been occupying some 5,000

vacant housing units in seven housing areas in Bulacan since March 8, prompting the National Housing Authority to give them an ultimatum to vacate the units or face eviction notices.

The NHA later on agreed not to push through with the Kadamay members’ eviction.

At the moment, the NHA has begun its process of profiling the occupied areas in Bulacan to determine whether the occupants can be deemed as “qualified.”

Bill on BSP regulatory powers welcomed Duterte

By Maricel V. Cruz PAMPANGA Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of a bill seeking to grant the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with regulatory and supervisory powers over the country’s payment systems.

Once enacted, Arroyo, principal author of House Bill 5000, shall promote safe, efficient and reliable operation of payment systems to control systemic risk and provide an environment conducive to the sustainable growth of the economy.

As defined by the BSP, a payment system is an arrangement that allows users to transfer money.

Money is regarded as cash and claims against credit institutions in the form of deposits.

Arroyo, who was president from 2001 to 2010, said her proposal mandated the BSP to ensure the monetary and financial system of the country was stable and effective to own and operate a system deemed necessary by the Monetary Board; and determine who may be allowed to open an account for settlement purposes.

“Once a payment system poses a systematic risk or whenever it becomes necessary to protect public interest, the BSP may designate a new payment system and designate someone to manage the operations of a designated payment system operator with prior approval of the MB,” she said.

Under the measure, the BSP is also tasked to mete out sanctions such as: revocation of a designated payment system operator’s certificate of authority; cancellation of the payment operator’s registration;

and imposition of fines to erring operators with penalties ranging from imprisonment of two to 10 years for wilful violations of the provisions of the Act of any rule/order from the MB. She said the e-commerce industry made up only one percent of the country’s total e-commerce generation as compared to its Asean neighbors which generate four to five percent in e-commerce transactions.

“This bill will give us the opportunity to protect retailers, enhance buyer experience, boost confidence in the financial sector, and keep pace with the ever-improving technology for cashless payment,” Arroyo said.

In its primer, BSP describes the payment systems as an “essential mechanism to the effective functioning of financial systems worldwide.”

2 Bulacan officials ordered dismissed

By Rio N. Araja

SIGN OF THE TIMES. An enterprising man challenges Manila’s scorching summer sun while hawking his merchandise on the blazing Elliptical Road in Quezon City as he approaches a possible customer while waiting for the traffic green light. Manny Palmero

THE Office of the Ombudsman ordered on Friday the dismissal from the service of two highranking officials in Bulacan for grave misconduct over the issuance of questionable mining permits.

Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales ordered the dismissal of provincial department head Rustico de Belen and Antonio Cacdac from the Natural Resources Management Division of the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The respondents were also meted out the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

“In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondents’ one-year salary,”

the Ombudsman resolution read.

The Ombudsman uncovered that in 2011, respondents issued six ore transport permits and a mineral ore export prrmit in favor of a certain Lucila Valdez and Eduardo Mercado.

Under the law, to be qualified to be an OTP grantee, an applicant must have a valid and existing small-scale mining permit issued by the governor upon the recommendation of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board.

In 2008, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources canceled the SSMPs granted to Valdez and Mercado.

In 2012, the regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau issued two letters requesting the Bulacan governor through De Belen to refrain from further issuing OTPs using cancelled/voided SSMPs.

to military: Finish Abu Sayyaf

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to finish the Islamist terror group Abu Sayyaf after allegedly turning back on their word with the government.

While he extends a hand of peaceful cooperation with other rebel groups, Duterte reiterated his tough stand against Abu Sayyaf and terrorism.

“On [terrorism] there is no backing out as in the anti-drug campaign. The country would be devastated here, we do not derive any benefits from them [the Abu Sayyaf],” Duterte said, in a mixture of English and Filipino during his visit to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

“They would not honor any talks. All they want is kill, kill, kill, kill. That’s all they know.

Let’s finish them,” he added.

Duterte was in Jolo on Thursday to visit soldiers wounded in recent clashes with the Abu Sayyaf. The province is known to be a stronghold of the ASG. In the same speech, Duterte said his administration was in talks with Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front as well as leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to help in the pursuit of peace in the country.

“Nur Misuari is talking to me, pleading for more time while he assembles his members. We should no longer have a problem except terrorism and the killer drugs,” Duterte said.

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Performance and trust

F

EWER Filipinos are happy about the way President Rodrigo Duterte is running the country, according to the latest survey of Pulse Asia, taken between March 15 and 20 this year.

Make no mistake about it —there is still overwhelming support. Seventy-eight percent of respondents remain satisfied with the President’s performance though this was lower than the 83 percent registered the previous quarter.

Worth noting is the jump in performance rating among the ABC group, 86 percent, up 17 percentage points from 69 percent in December.

Poorer Filipinos seem to hold a different opinion, how-

ever. The D segment gave a rating of 78 percent, down 6 percentage points from December’s 84 percent. The poorest of the poor, the E segment, gave the President a performance rating of 77 percent, down 8 percentage points from 85 percent in December.

The numbers are different but the story is similar when it comes to trust. Seventy-six percent continue to trust Mr. Duterte—fewer than the pre-

vious quarter’s 83 percent.

More members of the ABC class trust him, but fewer members of the D and E do.

What do all these numbers tell us?

One can read these figures two ways. The first group can maintain honeymoon periods hardly ever last and these latest results just show Mr. Duterte is no exception.

That he commands these numbers despite having won by just a plurality in itself speaks volumes about the kind of support he enjoys, owing perhaps to his promise of change, colorful language and mass appeal.

The other explanation is

that support is gradually slipping. The past nine months have shown us that electing a maverick candidate as president does not guarantee a stark departure from the ways of government we have come to despise. While there may be no argument on the intention to do this country good, there are many questions on the manner in which this supposed good is brought about.

Then again, a survey is a snapshot. It is important to note the events that took place and the sentiments that prevailed at the time the survey was taken. Did the poor feel especially sidelined? Did

notions of impeachment wear out the respondents?

In the end, the popularity contest was over the moment the presidency was won.

What should follow in the next six years should be a series of consistent and decisive acts, not necessarily popular, that would improve the lot of Filipinos.

There will be plenty of highs and lows in the years to come, no doubt. But a performance truly worthy of applause is one that makes more people say they feel better about themselves. A leader truly worthy of trust is one who says one thing—and does not need any clarification the day after.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

A different view of the Pacific War

Setting social media parameters POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO I SAW a disturbing video on Facebook. Well, it is not the first, and surely, with how social media users are behaving, will not be the last.

This video is of a woman who used a carpooling service complaining and giving the driver a tongue-lashing for making her wait for some minutes, because of her own error. The driver is commendable for his respectful but firm handling of the situation. There was another passenger who had a not-so-friendly exchange with the woman because of her manners. This other passenger kept his cool all the while he was telling the woman off. He was also surreptitiously taking a video of the incident.

The woman was sitting in front beside the driver, and the other passenger was at the back so the recording was easily done. Of

course the video was uploaded on FB for the world to see.

The one who took the video is unknown to me but I got to see it because it has been shared and reposted many times. No wonder, the woman in the video was severely criticized by people she does not know and who do not know her.

This video got me thinking again of how people’s behavior, the best and worst, are magnified in social media, how social media users are very quick to pass judgment on people they do not know, and solely on the basis of one video, picture, or post. Moreover, I cannot help but wonder if the taking and posting of the video were justified because of the woman’s crassness.

The woman in question is unknown to me. Certainly, I am not defending or justifying her actions. She should not have treated the driver the way she did even if it was his fault, but especially since it was hers. No matter if she was having a bad day (something we all have), taking it out on the driver is wrong.

If she were a friend of mine, I certainly would give her a piece of my mind as well.

But the questions remain, were the taking and posting of the video justified? What was the motive of the other passenger in doing such? Note that since he

Were the taking and posting of the video justified? was taking the video (or knew that a video recording was being done), he was in control.

Thus, he knew he should not do as the woman was doing. What good could come out of this action? What about the extremely negative reactions? Do they constitute online bullying? Was the

incident of public import and interest that it needed to be shown on social media? Was the woman’s right to privacy violated?

This particular woman is marked as evil. She will carry that for a long time since the internet is unforgiving in matters like this.

Hopefully, she gets out of this whole, and LEARN her lesson.

If the woman was clearly committing a crime, it becomes the duty of the other passenger to record the incident and report the same to authorities. Maybe then, posting it online to warn people and call the attention of authorities, is not only justified but necessary. In this case, however, what crime was being committed? The woman did wrong.

But was it a crime?

Obviously, the taking and posting of the video were without the woman’s knowledge and permission. Common courtesy dictates that we do not invade people’s privacy. There is even a law on this. I consider the recording and posting as discourteous to say the least.

Was it a violation of the woman’s right to privacy? This is for law-

yers to answer.

I cannot see any good thing that can happen by the other passenger’s use of social media against this woman. If the aim is to avenge the driver by publicly humiliating and hurting her, then he succeeded. She was being criticized and castigated left and right as if she is a totally bad person. This must hurt. But, is this the way to go in cases like this?

If the motive of the posting to garner lots of likes and reposts, perhaps this guy succeeded. However, this just illustrates how powerful social media has become to the point of being able to “control” and influence our actions.

There is no question that socmed users generally derive pleasure from the high number of likes, reposts, retweets, and reactions on posts. It has become a popularity contest that some go to the extent of carefully building a socmed persona that may not be reflective of who they actually are in real life. Many actively seek out likes and reactions, sometimes, at the expense of other. This is not fair.

Turn to A5

TOMORROW, April 9, 2017, marks an important occasion in the history of World War II in the Pacific—the seventy-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Bataan peninsula in northwestern Luzon to Japanese military forces. More specifically, it marks the date when Filipino and American soldiers of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East defending the peninsula for three miserable months finally surrendered to the Japanese invaders.

Those valiant troops had waited in vain for reinforcements promised by United States President Franklin Roosevelt, but which never came. As a consolation, however, the gallant last stand at Bataan delayed the Japanese timetable for conquest by several months, a delay that gave Australia enough time to prepare against a Japanese offensive. That last stand may have triggered the extreme cruelty the conquerors subjected their prisoners of war to during the infamous Bataan Death March which came thereafter.

By then, only Corregidor island remained devoid of invaders, but that fortress likewise yielded less than a month later. Manila had already been captured at the start of the new year in 1942.

Just over a year earlier, Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon worried about a Japanese invasion of the islands. Historical accounts reveal that Quezon and his political allies had misused most of the funds earmarked by the United States Congress to prepare the Philippines for eventual independence, which necessarily included the bolstering of its national defense.

By October 1941, Quezon knew that the Commonwealth had an insufficient army to defend the archipelago from the anticipated Japanese invasion.

Quezon was likewise aware that American plans for the defense of the Philippine Islands when war breaks out were hopelessly inadequate—so inadequate that Quezon even entertained the idea of declaring the Commonwealth a neutral, if only to spare his Commonwealth from the consequences of the improvidence of its leaders and American sponsors.

Actually, Quezon’s notion of declaring the neutrality of the Turn to A5

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Opinion

Part I

their goods. Either way, it is the price of their goods that they NOBEL-AWARDEE economist seek to protect.

Countries that have an array and author Joseph P. Stiglitz, in an interview, expressed not just of exports usually enjoy the adfor the continuation, but for the vantage of finding substitutes strengthening of globalization. to their exports. This is particuHis view visibly reflects his larly true in the export of manureaction to the decision by US factured goods. They are less President Donald Trump not to affected by political acts like join the pending Trans Pacific boycott, trade embargo, predaPartnership Agreement which tory pricing or dumping, which saw countries like Japan strand- today, serve as weapons to reed and guessing what to do next. duce the prices of goods to unStiglitz pointed out that globali- bearable level. Less-developed zation has failed because many countries have no much choice countries have not fully deregu- in the export of their agriculturlated their economies. To him, al or mineral products.

The “specialization” of exglobalization and deregulation are inseparable, with some in- ports led to economic disasters sisting that to make the global to many exporting countries. economic arrangement work, The comparative advantage industries should be privatized. has become their own “AchilIn demystifying the key com- les’ heel” for often, importing ponents of what constitute glo- countries use that as their leverbalization, it is necessary that age to bring down the price of we have our fundamental un- imports. Admittedly, the quota derstanding of what it is. But system and the preferential tarthe nagging question is whether iff arrangement, like the unthe privatization of industries is limited access to the US market a precondition to make globali- and higher value or lower tariffs zation work, or is it possible to for our sugar, are practices projoin the club without having to hibited by the WTO but remain privatize their state-owned in- embedded in many trade agreedustries? Many ask this because ments.

They have not only made privatization, if brought about by external pressures, infringes many countries dependent on on sovereignty than on the issue specific exports, but deepened of gains under this economic ar- poverty and inequality because the specialization of products rangement.

Frankly speaking, the pri- was taken over by the local olivatization of industries has no garchy to exploit our own peorelevance to the goal of globali- ple as what the “sugar barons” zation. Some countries see this did before President Marcos as imposition on their domestic decided not to renew the Laurelpolicy to ensure domestic em- Langley Agreement in 1974. ployment and steady income for That backbreaking colonial ecotheir people. The demand that nomic system has only created member-states first privatize a class of super-rich that today, their industries is, in truth, seek- continued to make a mockery to ing to dismantle the remaining our democracy.

Moreover, the main obstastrand of socialism that lingers on after the end of the Cold War. cle that hinders the complete elimination of Maybe the tariff is on how US and the Euto balance the ropean Union import needs have complied of a country in with the deGlobalization exchange for mand to privatize, but that simply means free its limited exports. Imports they substituted from develit with subsidy trade. oped countries on their agricost more than cultural and the value of dairy products their exports for the same reason of wanting to protect which are limited to few prodtheir own farmers. Nonethe- ucts. This is compounded by less, subsidy failed to stop the the fact that it is not only proonslaught of revaluation that duction and pricing that the invariably pushed upward the globalists seek to deregulate, but also in the value of the curprice of their exports.

Globalization simply means rency by our adoption of flexfree trade. Some insist that ible exchange rate after the US to make it possible, countries devolved the dollar from the wanting to join the club must gold standard.

Maybe nobody can dictate the dismantle, if not lower their tariff to an agreed level, to induce price of our exports, but we canthe free flow of goods. In other not equally dictate the price of words, globalization puts into our imports, weakened further operation Adam Smith’s theory by the continuing erosion in of “comparative advantage” or the value of our currency. Exthe system of trade which en- porters of manufactured goods courage countries to sell what enjoy more advantage, and this they can produce at the least explains why in times of recescost to give importing countries sion, less-developed countries the benefit of obtaining them at suffer more. Globalization carried out through a system of incheaper cost.

Others argue that globali- terlocking trade agreements has zation can be implemented only exacerbated them to comwithout necessarily compel- mit their exports to importing ling countries to privatize their countries’ price.

Today, the valuation of the state-owned industries. They contend that globalization ad- US dollar that is based on the vances a misleading theory. But approximation of its gross doprivatization has nothing to do mestic product, which many with the price of goods just as countries tie the value of their deregulation could not assure own currency, resulted in the anybody that the price of goods uncontrollable inflation that will go down. Privatization even if the various central banks could deregulate the price of wish to impose a zero interest goods on the assumption it will rate, prices continue to climb seek (not float) its own level, without any corresponding increase in production. This is which is a complete fallacy.

This demand becomes ap- not to mention that the value of parent because international the US dollar that is made alive trade has accepted the prin- on borrowed money (treasury ciple of most favored nation bills) from China and Japan, clause, a commitment that a and bloated by the malpractice country will extend to another of quantitative easing to scoop country the lowest tariff rate the hard-earned earnings of deit applies to any other country. veloping countries.

This has opened the flood Thus, while globalization essentially deals for the reduction gates to what we call casino of tariff, deregulation is more economy characterized by the of an internal mechanism to trading of money for money, encourage and/or discourage and the money market gamblers the production of goods, which earn more without producing, has serious effect on their do- manufacturing or trading a sinmestic economy. Countries gle commodity, which in fact is tend to promote deregulation the hallmark in the creation of in relation to the production of wealth. commodities, but not when it is (rpkapunan@gmail.com) meant to regulate the price of

A5

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Hosanna to our King!

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

US and China’s looming trade war

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

TOMORROW, Palm Sunday, Christians will commemorate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This narrative, found in all canonical Gospels, starts with Jesus, together with the Twelve, setting out for Jerusalem. They were joined by a multitude of pilgrims to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. Along the way, a blind man named Barthemeus, sensing the passing of Jesus, called out incessantly—“Jesus, son of David have mercy on me!” The crowd tried to silence him but in vain.

Finally, Jesus called him over and restored his eyesight. As he made his way into the entrance of the Holy City, his contemporaries were of the thought that perhaps this man was to reestablish the Davidic kingship, a temporal leader who would free Israel from the yoke of Roman slavery. This belief was reinforced when the disciples spread their garments along the path of Jesus riding a donkey. The people, caught up by the enthusiasm of His disciples, also laid their cloaks along His path and plucked branches and cried out verses from Psalm 118, Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:9-10)

In his treatise “Jesus of Nazareth, (Part II, p. 7) Pope Benedict XVI interpreted the acclamation “hosanna” as an expression of the complex emotions of the pilgrims accompanying Jesus and of his disciples; joyful praise of God at the moment of the processional entry, hope that the hour of the Messiah had arrived, and at the same time a prayer that the Davidic kingship and hence God’s kingship over Israel would be reestablished.

In biblical times, this kind of reception was customary practice to show homage to a triumphant leader. The scene evokes a similar ceremony known as the Roman Triumph where a victorious Roman general coming from a successful conquest is feted by the Roman citizens to celebrate and sanctify his success in the battlefield.

Humanly speaking, Christ’s Triumph pales in comparison to its Roman counterpart’s. While the Roman general, bedecked with a crown of laurel and regalia of power, rides a four-horse chariot as he passes underneath the Triumphal Arch, Jesus wore the simplest of garbs while riding a lowly donkey, a far cry from his real nature as the Son of God, the King of the heavens and of the earth. His appearance concealed his true statute and dignity, not to mention his real mission to save mankind from sin and bring about a spiritual kingdom where love and righteousness reign. How mistaken the crowds were in thinking that

Christ was coming as a liberator who would free them from the yoke of Roman oppression.

His entry to Jerusalem which culminated on the cross was a big frustration to the Jews who failed to comprehend his real mission. In fact, the people who warmly welcomed him were the very same ones who clamored for the release of Barabbas when Pilate made them choose between the murderer and Jesus. Finally, they all cried out that Christ, an innocent victim, be meted the ultimate Roman punishment, which is death on the cross.

Much like the Jews who failed to recognize Christ as the true divine leader, how often do we also fail to recognize a true leader who embodies the virtues that Christ so perfectly personifies? How many times in the past have we been frustrated and disappointed by the leaders that we at first enthusiastically choose only to repudiate in the end? How many times have we chosen a Roman conqueror who chooses to sack and pillage rather than a leader who leads and serves? Oftentimes, we are deceived into choosing demagogues; those who have the penchant for making promises without the least intention of keeping them; those who play meek and humble when presenting themselves before the electorate but morph into potentates once elected.; those who preach good governance but would rob us blind if given half the chance.

Wolves masquerading as sheep

are a dime a dozen these days.

The message of Jesus’s triumphant procession into Jerusalem is as apropos today as it was two-thousand years ago. This is because Christ’s kingdom is a kingdom of peace, love, truth and righteousness; a message that resonates even in the modern times, if not more so. In this season of Lent, it is time to ask God for open-mindedness and the grace of discernment so that we can recognize Christ in every situation we find ourselves in; whether in the slums, in the midst of difficulties and even in the face of triumphs and successes. Oftentimes, people find emancipation in the wrong persons and solutions, never realizing that the peace and love of Christ is the only answer.

Pope Francis gives us some clues on what leaders to seek when he said “I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots—and not simply the appearances—of the evils in our world!”

Saint Augustine sought guidance from philosophies in his search for the right path. But in the end he had to concede that they are insufficient; that only Christ’s love can lead us to God. In the end, we can all rely in the biblical prescription—Christ is the answer! Tomorrow and every day, let’s all sing: Hosanna to our King!

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Science is society’s best insurance policy

By Arturo Casadevall and Ferric C. Fang AS YOUNG doctors in the 1980s, we witnessed the devastation of the AIDS epidemic. In those early years, patients died within months of diagnosis, often in agony, suffering headaches, diarrhea, shortness of breath and even blindness. Yet medical science fought back— first identifying the virus, then developing a diagnostic test and coming up with treatments. By 1996, highly effective therapy was available. While much work remains, in particular the development of an HIV vaccine, the response to AIDS stands as a success story in the history of medicine.

At a time when federal funding for medical research faces deep cuts, it’s important to remember especially one key part

A different...

From A4

Philippines was a pipe dream. Japan could not be expected to honor such a declaration considering that the Philippine Commonwealth was obviously identified and aligned with the United States.

The Commonwealth’s offical seal bore the American eagle (as it does today), its Constitution was approved by the US president, and all Filipino soldiers took their marching orders from the one and only American Field Marshall, Douglas MacArthur.

Nazi Germany ignored Belgium’s protestations of neutrality because Brussels had always comported itself as an ally of France. Why then should Japan accept the neutrality of the Philippine Commonwealth when it has been a colony of American for the past 40 years?

When Nazi Germany declared war on the United States just days after Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, America found itself fighting on two theatres of what had become a world war—against the Nazis in Europe

Setting...

From A4

It is disturbing that many no longer put boundaries on what can and cannot be posted online. We now rarely concern ourselves with how our online posts may affect others. Basic good manners and right conduct (GMRC) is sorely lacking. Many are becoming irresponsible social media practitioners—in our desire for social media “popularity.”

The Netflix series “Black Mirror” comes to mind. This series is about how modern technol-

of this story—the part that took place well before AIDS was ever discovered in people. The fact is, progress against AIDS did not come from maximizing therapeutic options that were available in 1985. HIV-infected patients did not do better because they were given clean bed sheets, better social care or drugs already available at the time. The breakthroughs came in the form of new medicines that grew out of fundamental research carried out decades earlier.

Back in the 1960s and ‘70s, scientists studied retroviruses that caused cancer in animals, but weren’t associated with human disease. They discovered that these viruses produce a long protein and that, for the viruses to successfully replicate in cells, this protein needs to be cut into smaller pieces by an enzyme known as a protease. The re-

searchers figured out that interfering with the protease kills the virus. And AIDS researchers in the 1980s and ‘90s built on this knowledge to create extremely effective antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors.

Today, retroviruses are known to cause not only AIDS but also adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and several other diseases. Incidentally, this avenue of research also led to drugs that can cure hepatitis C. The whole experience demonstrates how curiosity-driven basic research of no apparent significance to people can transform human health in unexpected ways.

That kind of basic science is under siege—and has been since even before President Donald Trump began calling for drastic cuts to medical research.

At the end of the George W. Bush administration, the Na-

Bloomberg

and the Japanese in the Pacific.

Human nature and logic dictated that since Japan drew first blood against the United States at Pearl Harbor, and considering that Nazi Germany never launched any surprise attack against America before the second world war began, the US should have prioritized its war against Japan, with Nazi Germany as second priority. In other words, America had good reason to hate Japan more than it should dislike Nazi Germany.

That was not to be so, because Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, agreed to defeating Nazi Germany, before demolishing Japan. This “Europe first” policy deeply angered Quezon, who likened America’s preferential treatment for England to a soldier going off to a distant land to defend a distant cousin, while his own daughter is being raped in his own backyard.

Quezon should have expected America’s lack of concern and importance for the Philippines. Defeating Japan before beating Nazi Germany would have only gained the liberty of Filipinos and their fellow Asians. On the other hand, a

swift victory in Europe carried with it the tempting prospect of American influence in postwar Western Europe. From a practical perspective, too, the eastern seaboard of the United States was too close to Europe, and Nazi u-boats had converted most of the North Atlantic Ocean into a German lake.

That’s not all. After allied forces obtained a beachhead in Normandy, France in June 1944, America’s attention was focused anew on the Pacific. Surprisingly, the top brass of the US military had planned to bypass the Philippine Islands and launch the allied offensive against Japan from Formosa (present-day Taiwan). Fortunately, that plan was shot down by General MacArthur, who convinced Roosevelt about the folly of landing American soldiers in Formosa, while hundreds of thousands of Japanese troops in the Philippine Islands prepare for a rear end attack emanating from Luzon.

To get Roosevelt on his side, MacArthur threatened to make the planned bypass of the Philippine Islands an election issue in the November 1944 elections in the US. “Have you forgotten, Mr. President, the promise you made back

in December 1941 that you will liberate those islands from the Japanese?” MacArthur quizzed Roosevelt.

That rebuke was enough for Roosevelt to agree with the American Caesar’s plan to recapture the Philippine Islands from the Japanese before any offensive against Japan territory is to be undertaken.

Parenthetically, if MacArthur failed to get his proposal approved

by Roosevelt and the bypass of the Philippine Islands pushed through as planned, the Philippine Islands would have remained under the Japanese boot for an additional nine months or so. Since the Japanese were getting restless by 1944, their nine-month extended stay in the Philippine Islands would have meant more Filipino casualties. In fact, many of the current generation of young Filipinos may not be around today, if a great-grand ancestor of theirs had been killed during that nine-month period, without having sired children. In that sense, many of us possibly owe General MacArthur our lives.

That, in turn, probably explains the love-hate relationship the Philippines has for America.

ogy, particularly Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming very powerful to the point of being able to control people. One episode particularly struck me hard. This was the one where people’s lives are literally controlled by the “rate” or “grade” that other social media users give them.

In this society, one’s opportunities like employment, admission to restaurants and other establishments, qualifying for loans, services one can avail of, etc. are determined by the average “grade” one garners from others. One fails if one does not make the cut. Thus,

people are ALWAYS mindful of the way they look, smile, what they eat, say, and do. In this setting, the “grading system” in social media controls people. In short, to make the needed grade, people cease to be who they really are and are always play acting.

They become robots imprisoned within the existing notion of what a “likable person” is. They are out to please everyone because anyone can pull their “grade” or “rating” down.

This can result in losing opportunities they enjoy.

Extreme? Perhaps, but look closely into people’s behavior online we will see that somehow, to a much

lesser degree, this is already happening. We do what we can to boost our posts in the pursuit of those likes and reactions, at times, without regard for others.

We need to set boundaries, parameters. We need to practice good old GMRC offline and online. We need to be more responsible and honest with who and what we are in our real and virtual lives. We should be careful to not be controlled by social media. Rather, we should use it for our common good.

tional Institutes of Health started to demand evidence that the research it funds have “significance” to human health—some indication that it will improve “scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice.” Yet as the AIDS story demonstrates, the significance of research may be evident only in retrospect.

Humanity has never needed science more than it does today, as it confronts existential threats from environmental degradation, population growth, new infectious diseases, climate change, antibiotic resistance and a failing green revolution —to name a few. Tackling these problems will require generous and consistent investment in all sorts of basic science, whether or not it has any practical application that’s obvious today.

bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

News

A6

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

3 Brits nabbed for ‘boiler room’ ploy

By Sandy Araneta and Rey Requejo

T

HE National Bureau of Investigation on Friday filed a criminal case against three British nationals who are reportedly involved in “boiler room” operations.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission Director Jose Aquino, a boiler room operation is a way of solicitation or selling of securities that is under high pressure sales tactics.

The NBI said facing a case for violation of the Securities Regulation Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 are Andrew Robson, Graham Allan Bennet and Dominic Whellams, Plustel Solu-

tions Inc. consultant, trainer and IT expert, respectively.

Some 35 other Filipino personnel who were caught in the act of selling securities were also arrested by the NBI. Also brought in for investigation and verification by the NBI are 172 other individuals working as data miners, qualifiers and verifiers.

The NBI said the prospective investors or potential victims

were usually chosen from engineering, oil and gas and manufacturing industries.

Initial contact through the telephone was made by telequalifiers to assess the prospective victim’s financial capacity and willingness to invest.

Favorable result will then be forwarded to the verifiers who gauge the probability of an investment sign up.

Finally, encoding follows where financial information will be forwarded to the loaders who will ensure that the investor parts with their money in exchange for nonexistent securities.

The NBI said verification showed that Plustel has no authority to offer securities. Plustel is operating in

Maduya, Carmona in Cavite.

“There is no prior application for secondary license from the Commission,” NBI Spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said.

Lavin said they have yet to determine how much damage was caused by the operation.

“We will determine it after an interview with the victims and a forensic examination [of the computers],” said Lavin.

The NBI conducted the operation in the strength of a search warrant issued by Sta. Cruz, Laguna Executive Judge Cynthia R. Mariño-Ricablanca.

Confiscated from the suspects were computer sets, telephone sets, telephone box switch, routers, among others.

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IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECTS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2016 AND 2017 WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

25. The “Tools and Instruments” project entails acquisition of tools, instruments, devices and implements to enable VECO to provide efficient service for the benefit of its customers.

26. The “Vehicles” and “Computers” projects take into account the acquisition of vehicles and computer hardware, with corresponding software, for 2016 and 2017 for the purposes of efficient delivery of services to VECO’s customers.

ERC CASE NO. 2016-203 RC

VISAYAN ELECTRIC CO., INC. (VECO), Applicant. x---------------- --- --- --------x

27. The “Buildings” projects entails the construction of new facilities and buildings including the renovations of existing once. Acquisition of essential office equipment is Iikewise a component of this project.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

28. The “SOD Building” addresses the need for a central cite to house both the VECO System Control Center (VSCC), which in turn will handle the management of the entire VECO distribution network and, the SCADA data center from all other engineering and administrative operations.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 28 December 2016, Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO) filed an Application dated 16 December 2016 (Application) for approval of the Capital Expenditure Projects for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017 with prayer for provisional authority.

29. The total estimated cost of the proposed CAPEX projects for CY 2016 and 2017 is PhP 2,334,327,702.09 and broken down as follows:

VECO alleged the following in its Application: 1.

2.

3.

VECO is a private corporation existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal business address at J. Panis Street, Banilad, Cebu City.

It is a duly authorized distribution utility of electric power in the municipalities of San Fernando, Minglanilla, Consolacion and Lilo-an and the Cities of Naga, Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue, province of Cebu, pursuant to its franchise under Republic Act No. 9339. VECO may be served with orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through its undersigned counsel at the address indicated below.

5.

VECO’s CAPEX projects are grouped into “Network Assets”, “Other Network Assets” and “Residual Projects”.

8.

9.

22. The “Station Equipment - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of station equipment to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017. With the project in place, VECO will be able to efficiently maintain its assets and ensure proper operation thereof.

This will likewise mitigate damages thereto and adjacent equipment.

115,556,990.00

Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2

52,976,308.67

VECO Cabancalan I Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm Cables

8,728,233.04 100,291,500.00

VECO Automated Switches Acquisition -- 2016-2017

52,337,131.00

VECO Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment - 2016- 207

565,864.496.66

VECO Distribution Transformers - 2016-2017

477,029,692.03

VECO Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016-2017

65,105,146.33

VECO Poles and Compatible Unit - 2016-2017

373,400,140.24

VECO Station Equipment - 2016-2017

93,329,258.00

VECO Communication Equipment- 2016-2017

41,398,706.00

Tools and instruments

18,459,883.00

Vehicles

43,360,000.00

Computers

30,313,364.00

Buildings

72,421,452.00 4,170,000.00 2,334,327,702.61

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 32. Public interest and necessity requires the immediate implementation, without delay, of the subject CAPEX projects. The loading and reliability constraints of the current substations are reaching critical levels, necessitating the upgrade and/or construction of the relevant substations. Aside from these, in the event that the CAPEX projects are not immediately implemented, the consumers may suffer from prolonged power interruptions and additional load coming from existing and new customers may likewise not be accommodated. These negative consequences, which are detrimental not only to the economy of the areas covered by VECO, but also to the livelihood and everyday lives of the consumers may be mitigated by the immediate approval of the VECO 2016-2017 CAPEX projects.

33. Thus, pending final approval, there is an urgent need for a provisional authority for VECO to immediately implement its proposed 2016 CAPEX projects. In support of the prayer for the grant of a provisional authority, attached as Annex “B” is the Judicial Affidavit of Jan Mikhail D. Villarino.

34. The foregoing CAPEX for CY 2016 and 2017 are indispensable for the systematic and economic expansion and rehabilitation of VECO’s distribution facilities and ensuring compliance with safety, performance and regulatory requirements. The benefit arising from these CAPEX projects will ultimately redound to the end-consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, VECO respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission: 1.

Pending trial on the merits, immediately issue a PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY authorizing VECO to implement its Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017.

2.

After due hearing, APPROVE WITH FINALITY, VECO’s proposed Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 20 April 2017 (Thursday) at nine o’clock in the morning (09:00 A.M.) at the Energy Regulatory Commission Visayas Field Office in St. Mary’s Drive, Banilad, Cebu City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: i.

The petitioner’s name and address;

ii.

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

iii.

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) 2) 3)

The name and address of such person; A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 20th day of March 2017 at Pasig City.

23. The “Communication Equipment - 2016 and 2017” project involves the acquisition of the communications equipment to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017 to ensure proper communication from VECO’s system operation center to its automated equipment in the field or substation from its system operation control center.

24. The projects in the “Non-network” or Residuals category include the following: a. Tools and instruments

Consolacion Substation 2 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansanga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23 kV 400mm2 Power Cable

31. The detailed explanation, description, economic analysis, justification, alternatives considered and other information on all of VECO’s CAPEX projects for CY 2016-2017 are discussed in detail in Annex “A” in support of this application.

13. The “Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2” project is in compliance with that statutory requirements of the City Ordinance No. 1894 dated 25 April 2001.

This project likewise improves the reliability of the system of VECO and enhances the safety of the general public.

21. The “Poles and Compatible Unit - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of the needed poles, with compatible accessories, to be used by VECO for the years 2016 and 2017. This project will address the yearly requirements of VECO for its supply of poles, with the corresponding accessories, needed to efficiently maintain the overhead distribution network reliability and availability.

38,415,247.70

30. The proposed CAPEX for CY 2016-2017 will not have a direct impact on the current rates of VECO until approved by the Honorable Commission as part of VECO’s Regulatory Asset Base in the next applicable Regulatory Period.

12. The “Consolacion Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansaga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23kV 400mm2 Power Cable” project requires the installation of a 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV power transformer to address substation capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of the 33 MVA Cabancalan and 2X33 MVA Paknaan, and an individual 33 MVA Consolacion substation. Without the project, the interconnected group of substations would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

20. The “Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of overhead conductors to be used by VECO for 2016 and 2017. This project will address the yearly requirements of VECO for its supply of overhead conductors needed to serve reliable power to its consumers.

NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line

Total

11. The “NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line” project involves stringing a 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR 69kV circuit line spanning from NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw substation to address reliability criterion noncompliance of the substransmission system. Without the project, the substransmission system will have 85.965 MVA of reliability criterion non-compliant load.

19. The “Distribution Transformer - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of distribution transformers, according to kVA rating and type, to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017. This project will aid VECO in catering to the foreseen increase of customer demand, refurbishment or replacement of distribution transformers and new customer request applications.

82,060,299.89

SOD Building

10. The “NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer” project relates to the installation of a 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer to address subtransmission capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of 100 MVA AYA1, 2 X 100 MVA NGCP Quiot (now named as IMA) and 100 MVA NGCP Cebu. If the project is not in place, the group would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

18. The “Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment - 2016 & 2017” project intends to cater to new customers requesting for connection while also enabling VECO to efficiently monitor power consumption and maintenance thereof.

NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer

NON-NETWORK PROJECTS (OR RESIDUALS)

The “Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer” project involves the installation of a 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV power transformer to address the substation capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of 2 x 33 MVA Don Gil Garcia, 33 MVA Naga, 33 MVA Pardo and 33 MVA Talisay. Without the project, the group would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

17. The “Automated Switches - 2016 & 2017” project involves acquiring automated switches, which include Load Break Switches and Reclosers, that will be used

by VECO for the years 2016 & 2017. The project will lessen the time required in restoring power in the event of interruptions and address reliability of the power system.

39,912,103.85

OTHER NETWORK ASSETS

The “Subangdaku Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the eastern cluster of substations, composed of Mabolo, Mandaue, Banilad and MRA substations, of the franchise area. The proposed site is an ideal location to serve the fast growing needs of existing and new consumers therein.

16. The projects under the “Other Network Assets” category are the following: a. VECO Automated Switches - 2016-2017 b. Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment 2016-2017 c. Distribution Transformers - 2016-2017 d. Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016-2017 e. Poles and Compatible Unit - 2017 - 2017 f. Station Equipment - 2016-2017 g. Communication Equipment - 2016-2017

36,943,750.00

Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer

Lahug Lot Acquisition

The “Lorega B Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the western cluster of substations, composed of Lorega, Ayala, Calamba and Camputhaw substations, of the franchise area to address the needs for additional capacity. The proposed site, which is adjacent to the VECO Lorega Substation, is an ideal location to serve the supply requirements in the area as there is rapid growth of consumers therein.

15. The “Lahug Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the western cluster of substations, composed of Lorega, Ayala, Calamba and Camputhaw substations, of the franchise area to address the needs for additional capacity. The project enables VECO to acquire the optimal lot for the 2019 Lahug Substation project at an ideal price. If not implemented, the foreseen substation project will be in a farther area from the center of the loads to be served which may result in increased losses.

22,254,000.00

Subangdaku Lot Acquisition

nd

The projects under the “Network Assets” category are the following: a. Lorega B Lot Acquisition b. Subangdaku Lot Acquisition c. Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer d. NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer e. NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line f. Consolacion Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansaga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23kV 400mm2 Power Cable g. Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2 h. VECO Cabancalan Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm2 Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm2 Cables i. Lahug Lot Acquistion

14. The “VECO Cabancalan Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm2 Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm2 Cables” project will address capacity criterion of the line. Upgrading the sizes of the distribution feeder take-off cable allows the lines to deliver loads during normal and during single-outage contingency. It allows better transformer optimization during single-outage contingency.

COST (Php)

Lorega B Lot Acquisition

This notwithstanding, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (“EPlRA”), under Section 23, obligates VECO, as well as other distribution utilities, to provide distribution services and connections to its customers consistent with the distribution code1. Further, distribution utilities share in the objective of the EPlRA to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.2 VECO, in accordance with Section 20 (b) of Commonwealth Act No. 146 3 , hereby applies for the approval of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Projects for Calendar Years (“CY”) 2016 and 2017.

7.

CAPEX PROJECT NETWORK ASSETS

VECO’s 3rd Regulatory Period (3rd RP) covers 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018, however VECO must still undergo the reset process and is currently awaiting the final rules to be released by the Honorable Commission to govern the filing of its 3rd RP reset application.

4.

6.

Vehicles Computers Buildings SOD Buildings

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO

1

2 3

Section 23 of RA 9136. as implemented by Rule 7. Section 4 of the EPIRA Implementing Rules and Regulations Section 2 (b) of the EPIRA. Public Service Act

(MS-APR 1/8, 2017)

MIAA starts 'Oplan Semana Santa 2017'

By Joel Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority has started implementing Oplan Semana Santa 2017 in anticipation of the increase of the number of travelers during the holidays.

The MIAA also intensified its intelligence gathering and sharing information with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and other agencies to prevent CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK attempts to disrupt the smooth flow of operations at the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“We will maintain police visibility both for foot and perimeter patrol and MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal the deployment of canine dogs and covert operatives at terminals. This will be in place to ensure safe, reliable, and convenient operations at the airport from April 8 to 16,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal.

Monreal said the MIAA management team that he had formed is prepared for the influx of passengers this Lenten break.

Traffic is also expected to get heavier starting this weekend.

As such, the airport authority advises passengers taking international flights to be at the airport three hours before departure while those taking local flights should arrive two hours before their scheduled departure.

Departures are expected to peak this coming weekend while the number of arriving passengers are expected to spike on Easter Sunday.

Last year, over a million passengers transited through the Naia during the Holy Week period. A total of 623,128 passenger who took international flights were recorded in four terminals while the number of domestic passengers totaled 624,567.

In 2015, a total of 594,934 passenger departures were recorded while arrivals totaled 572,011 passengers.

The MIAA also implemented the two-minute unloading policy at the vicinity of the airport to prevent vehicle congestion. It will also assist traffic enforcers from local government units in managing traffic along Andrews Avenue, Domestic Road, MIA Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.

There will be no loading for white taxis while passengers were advised to take the cabs from arrival white taxi queuing area.

Authorities advised travelers to be aware of members of “Salisi Gang” and other illegal activities by unscrupulous individuals while inside the airport facility.

Coordination was also made with airlines on the efficient processing of their passengers especially at the check-in counters.

Additional airline personnel will be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in the number of travelers.

Concerned government agencies operating at the airport—including the Office for Transportation Security, and the Bureaus of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine—have also been directed to deploy sufficient personnel at their stations to ensure smooth passenger flow.

Department of Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade, whose agency supervises the airport management and facilities, ordered the OTS men to assign personnel at all x-ray scanning machines at the initial and final checks, and all gates at the airport must be open during flight operations.

Meanwhile, CAAP deputy director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo said there will be strict implementation of existing policies and regulations on landing and takeoff.

Tamayo said his agency is presently monitoring three major airports—Manila, Mactan-Cebu and Clark, and at least 35 domestic airports in the country.

“We have institutionalized the procedures already and all we have to do is to disseminate it and remind different area and airport managers to make sure that the procedures are in place,” he said.

300-plus PAL passengers stranded at Saudi airport MORE than 300 passengers were stranded at the airport in Saudi Arabia on Friday after a Philippine Airlines plane bound for Manila failed to take off due to a technical glitch.

The airline management immediately apologized to the affected passengers for the delay of flight PR 655 out of Riyadh.

Passenger Virginia Medina said in an interview over DZMM radio that the plane was supposed to depart the King Salid International Airport in Riyadh late Thursday, but they were asked to disembark due to engine failure.

She said passengers whose visas have not yet expired were booked in hotels, while those whose exit permits have already been stamped spent the night at the airport.

In a statement, Ma. Cielo Villaluna, External Communications and PAL Corporate Communications Department chief, said the flight was originally set to depart Riyadh Thursday (April 6) at 6:50 p.m. local time and arrive in Manila at 10:05 a.m.

“Due to an aircraft situation, the flight did not push through

and 388 passengers disembarked. Passengers were given hotel accommodations by PAL, except for several who were not allowed by immigration authorities to leave the airport being holders of exit passes only,” said Villaluna.

She also said PAL officials in Riyadh are coordinating with Immigration authorities in Saudi Arabia to allow the said passengers to leave the airport and return for the flight Saturday.

Villaluna said the PAL management assured that all efforts are being made to ensure the soonest departure out of Riyadh. She added the new target departure date is April 8 at 4 a.m. local time and the estimated time of arrival is at 6:30 p.m. Manila time.

PR Flight PR 655 connects Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Manila, Philippines, taking off from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and landing at Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).

The flight distance is 7777 km/4833 miles and the average flight speed is 869 km/h/540 mph. Joel Zurbano

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Baluyut leads 6 to Mercedes finals A DONES Baluyut bucked the heat and the wind and bested a tough field to capture top honors in the 12th MercedesTrophy at the Santa Elena Golf & Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna recently.

Baluyut, an architect from ATB Design, also led six others, who will go with him to the Asian Final in Brisbane, Australia later this year where they will slug it out with the winners of the other regional events for spots in the World Final in Stuttgart, Germany.

An 11 handicapper, Baluyut turned in a gross 77 worth 42 points under the Stableford scoring system as he edged Jason Barcelon for the Class A crown in the 18-hole tournament which featured M-Benz owners.

Tom N Toms Manila Inc. owner Barcelon, with a 9 handicap, also shot a 77 but settled for

second with a net 40.

Other winners in the annual event were Dr. Edward Salvador from the DLSU Medical Center; Solid Video Corp. vice president Christopher James Tan; Jaime Melo, a manager from the Office of SVP of Philippine Airlines; Kopi Roti’s Jenz Vincent Tecson; and Tiffany Copok, owner of A+ Credit Corp.

Auto Nation Group, Inc. president Felix Ang thanked the sponsors, players and guests for another successful staging of the annual event during awards rites. He also announced that as committed, MercedesTrophy 2017 has al-

located a donation of P216,000 on behalf of all the registered players to the Cardinal Medical Charities Foundation, Inc. Salvador, a 15-handicapper, carded 40 points from a gross 83 and nipped Mario Oreta, who also made 40 from a gross 87, to snare the Class B crown; while Tan ran away with the Class C plum with a 43 from a gross 89, six points ahead of Marcelo Fernando Jr., who pooled a 37 from a gross 95.

Melo fired a 79 for a net 70 as he repulsed Antonio Josue, who had an 82 for a net 71, to rule the Sponsors Division; Tecson sizzled with a net 68 from a gross 78 to beat Raymund Sangil, who made a net 70 from a gross 78, and top the Guest category; while Copok bagged the ladies crown with a net 82 from a gross 111, all played under the System 36 format.

Representatives of all sponsors, led by major backers Makati Shangri-La Hotel, PLDT Alpha,

Auto Nation Group president Felix Ang (left) poses with the top finishers in the MercedesTrophy 2017, including (from second from left) Class A runner-up Jason Barcelon, Class C champion CJ Tan, Class A titlist Adones Baluyut, ladies champion Tiffany Copok, Class B runner-up Mario Oreta, Class B winner Edward Salvador and Class C runner-up Marcelo Fernando Jr. and ANG chairman Greg Yu.

Philippine Airlines, Shell Philippines and QBE Seaboard Insurance, Inc.; and minor sponsors TW Steel, Security Bank

Corp., Boysen, Business Mirror and Remy Martin graced the ceremonials of the event, an international three-tier struc-

tured amateur golf series, which drew 195 players this year with Marvin Caparros serving as the tournament director.

PBA teams may want to try these 2 ABL stars

By Randy Caluag THE Philippine Basketball Association may want to add more local color and flavor to the league by infusing talents from Southeast Asian neighbors. If it does, teams may look into some of the stars in the Asean Basketball League.

Their statistics are not easily available, but if Alab Pilipinas coach Mac Cuan is to be believed, Kuek Tian Yuan of the Malaysian Dragons and Leon Kwek of the Singapore Slingers could be good materials for the PBA. “Ang dalawang ito puwedeng sumabay sa PBA. May good shooting at may bilis,” said Cuan, whose Alab team is currently locked in the ABL semifinal series against the Slingers.

Cuan said he had watched the two players grow from their junior years up to the present, where they ably provide major support to their teams’ imports.

“Mga dating junior players ‘yan nu’ng nasa San Miguel pa ako sa ABL, ngayon sila na ang pambato ng mga locals nila,” he added.

Kuek, standing 6’7”, had been one of the stalwarts of the Malaysian national

Kuek Tian Yuan (left) of the Malaysian Dragons and Leon Kwek of the Singapore Slingers could be good materials for the PBA.

team since his junior days and started his commercial career with the Westports Malaysian Dragons in 2015.

Cuan described Kuek as having good shooting hands and quick on defense.

Some of Kuek’s most noted games were in the FIBA Asia Championship. One was against Korea in a game where he scored 25 points.

Then in September last year in the Merlion Cup, the power forward topscored for the Dragons in a losing game against the Philippines’ Mighty squad.

Cuan also has praises for Kwek, a 6’2” point guard for the Slingers.

Kwek is described as a deadly shooter from mid-range.

At the beginning of the ABL season, Kwek was the league’s Player of the Week as the Slingers went to a 2-0 start.

“Kwek shocked everyone watching the Slingers’ opening game against the Westports Malaysia Dragon as he was automatic from mid-range. Kwek finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in the easy win. After a one-day break, Kwek was solid against Alab Pilipinas with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists,” said the ABL reports on its website.

Huge field vies in PPS Pinamalayan tennis age-group tourney OVER 250 players, including the leading juniors and rising stars from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, slug it out for top honors and ranking points in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Pinamalayan leg regional age-group tournament at the Bahaghari Tennis Club in Mindoro starting today (Saturday, April 8).

Seven divisions drew 32-player draws, including the premier boys’ and girls’

18-and-under classes, guaranteeing a fierce battle in the Group 2 tournament presented

by Slazenger hosted by Pinamalayan, Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. and held in cooperation with Butch Buenaventura.

La Carlota, Negros Occidental’s Tracy Llamas and Kiana de Asis banner the 18-U cast while Klyde Lagarde of Gen. Santos City gains the top seeding in the boys’ side of the five-day event held as part of Gov. Umali’s effort to support the sport and boost

the youth sports program in the province.

Gabrielle Zoleta, a rising star from Lucena City, also joins the hunt in the 16-U play and leads the 14-U field that also includes Julia Ignacio, Lia Bautista and Cassandra Palacio.

“Drawing a big field like this only inspires us to put up more tournaments, especially in the countryside where a lot of talents remain untapped,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

“We believe that through this circuit, we’ll be able to discover, develop and train future stars.”

For details, call PPS-PEPP Regional Age Group Tennis Event organizer and Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Meanwhile, Lagarde is also the player to beat in the 16-U class that also drew Troy Llamas, Martin Buenaventura, Jeromie Ignacio and Angelo Mates while Luis Salva-

Phoenix gives back to young cage players

Phoenix Fuel Masters rookie forward Joseph Eriobu explains a special play to his group at the Phoenix Fuel Masters Basketball Camp in Davao City.

JC Intal’s brothers taught him to play basketball. In grade school, he tried out for basketball camp, and many years later— playing with various teams and overcoming injuries—Intal has made a name for himself as a professional basketball player.

With a heart to give back, he and his teammates from the Phoenix Fuel Masters team participated in the Phoenix Fuel Masters Basketball Camp at the Davao City Recreation Center.

“Ang basketball clinic makakatulong talaga sa mga kids, lalo ng ‘yung mga mahilig sa sports,” said Intal. “We’re very blessed na merong ganitong opportunity na dumarating sa kanila kasi hindi lahat ng lugar nagkakaroon ng ganito, so they should take advantage of the camp.”

Proper footwork, ball handling, defense, passing, receiving, and shooting were among the techniques taught to the more than 150 basketball players

PH Volcanoes post 20-5 wins over Te Kaha

By Paul Duran AS PART of its continuing efforts to strengthen sports diplomacy between New Zealand and the Philippines, the NZ embassy staged a couple of friendly matches between the Philippine Volcanoes and its visiting Navy Rugby team.

The Volcanoes walked away from the two matches with identical 20-5 wins after their sevens match with the Te Kaha rugby team at the International

School Manila.

“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 after the match.

“I chose Rugby because it’s got a great future here and the game’s played in good spirit,” the amiable ambassador added.

The friendly match is part of a series of activities conducted during the visit of Her Majesty’s Royal New Zealand Navy

Ship HMNZS Te Kaha from 4 to 7 April 2017 in Manila.

Meanwhile, Philippine Rugby Football Union president Matt Cullen is happy that the Volcanoes had the chance to play against a team from the no. 1 rugby nation before their defense of Rugby 7s gold at the Southeast Asian games.

“The win tonight is a good lead up event to the SEA 7s and a perfect warmup for our Philippine Volcanoes before they compete in the SEA games,” said Cullen.

of ages 10 to 14 years old. The players were selected from the adopted schools of Phoenix Petroleum and selected barangays in Davao City.

Local coaches led by Camp Master Eddie Salac facilitated the camp. The Phoenix Fuel Masters guided the young players and gave them tips. On one side, Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, and Matthew Wright taught the boys shooting techniques. Doug Kramer and John Wilson guided them through footwork drills.

Willy Wilson gave instructions on defense. Joseph Eriobu and Michael Miranda demonstrated passing techniques.

The Fuel Masters talked to the boys and encouraged them to learn and practice.

More than just learning ball-control skills, the camp also aimed to teach the young players the importance of discipline, exercise, rest, attitude, strategy, and hard work.

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

cion and Andre Rodriguez head the 14-U side of the event backed by Asiatraders Corp. and the new Unified tennis group, led

by PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson Toby’s and B-Meg. Ashley Sajo, Jonah Lopez, Keisha Lopez and Nicole Martinez lead the title chase in the girls’ 12-U category while Moen Gaca, Kevin Majaba, Nedrick Luarca and Eliezer Marte are tipped to dispute the 10-unisex plum.

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

A8

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

Sports

Dutch grabs lead; Lascuña falters

Guido Van der Valk takes a drop from a stymied lie on No. 14

TNT Texters rise from 29 pts down to frustrate Warriors T

By Jeric Lopez

NT KaTropa showed just how resilient it is, putting up a fantastic performance in one of the most epic comebacks in recent memory.

The Tropang Texters came all the way back from 29 points down late in the third period before steadying down the stretch as they dealt NLEX a fascinating 126-121 beating to win their third straight game in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena yesterday.

Jayson Castro played his best

Olympic champ fails doping test PARIS—JEMIMA Sumgong, the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold in the marathon when she triumphed in Rio last year, has failed an out-of-competition dope test, athletics officials said Friday.= The 32-year-old, who is also the reigning London Marathon champion, tested positive for the banned blood booster EPO in a test by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in her native Kenya.

“The IAAF can confirm that an anti-doping rule violation case concerning the athlete Jemima Jelagat Sumgong (Kenya) has commenced this week,” the IAAF said.

“The athlete tested positive for EPO following a no-notice test conducted by the IAAF in Kenya,” the sport’s ruling body added.

“This was part of an enhanced IAAF out-of-competition testing programme dedicated to elite marathon runners which is supported by the Abbott World Marathon Majors group. The IAAF will make no further statement about this case until its conclusion.”

Sumgong starred at the London Marathon last year, defying the odds to win despite suffering a bruising fall.

Steeled by her success in London, she then became the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic marathon gold, defeating Ethiopia’s world champion Mare Dibaba in Rio to confirm her status as the world’s top marathon runner of 2016.

Before claims of a positive drugs test emerged, Sumgong vowed to defend her London title on April 23. AFP

game of the tournament thus far, pouring in a team-high 32 points and 11 assists, while Donte Greene also had a solid output of 26 points and 16 rebounds.

With the win, TNT KaTropa kept in step with the league-leaders as it improved to 3-1, while the listless Road Warriors still can’t seem to do anything right, dropping further down at the bottom

with a 0-5 slate.

After orchestrating a furious rally in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime, the veteran TNT side took charge in the extra five minutes, scoring the period’s first seven points to take a 120-113 edge and from there, it never looked back as it made sure NLEX’s agony will continue.

Ranidel De Ocampo made the game-tying three-pointer with 29 seconds for a 113-all count in regulation to eventually force an extension.

Castro had a chance to actually win it for the Texters in the fourth but his jumper at the buzzer didn’t find its mark.

It seemed like TNT was bound to have its second loss on an off-

night as it didn’t exactly start the way it wanted to, falling behind by a big margin through the first three quarters.

NLEX came out of the gates with a sense of urgency, scoring 42 points right away in the opening period in a blistering start to shockingly take a gigantic 20-point bubble, 42-22, heading into the second.

The Road Warriors kept pounding and led by as many as 29 points, 89-60, after Wayne Chism’s jumper with 7:12 left in the third.

Still, the Tropang Texters kept their composure and incredibly rallied in the fourth after trailing 83-101 after the third.

Chism led the Warriors with game-highs of 35 points and 21 rebounds, but his efforts were once again not enough to give his squad a win.

Meanwhile, the PBA is celebrating its 42nd anniversary with a bang on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Highlighting the event that has HMR Phils, KServico Trade Inc., Turks Shawarma, TCL and Cloudfone as sponsors is the unveiling of the league’s new theme jingle.

“We owe our fans a great deal of gratitude. They are the reason why the PBA remains strong through these years,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa.

BINANGONAN, Rizal—Guido Van der Valk humbled local ace Tony Lascuña in their frontside duel then bucked a shaky windup to shoot a 71 and seize a three-stroke lead, moving in the threshold of a breakthrough victory in the ICTSI Manila Masters here yesterday.

The Manila-based Dutch ace, a perennial contender but never a winner on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, sustained his bogey-free 69 at the Eastridge Golf Club Thursday with three birdies in the first nine holes, quickly turning a two-shot deficit into a four-stroke lead as Lascuña, hounded by poor putting, faltered with a 39.

But Van der Valk ended a solid run with bogeys on the two par-3s at back, finishing with a 38 and a 71 that however proved enough to net him a three-shot with a fourunder 212 aggregate as Lascuña skied to a 76 and slid to joint second with a charging Jay Bayron, who also fired an eagle-spiked 71, at 215.

“I played pretty well. My putting, irons and short game were simply good,” said the Lelystad, Amsterdam native who has made the country his home the last 13 years with a Filipina wife.

Nicolas Paez, the third player in the featured flight, also groped for an 83 and tumbled from joint third to 33rd at 225.

Despite falling off the lead and trailing by three, the 47-year-old Lascuña, who had three three-putts and muffed four birdie chances, remains confident of his title bid in the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI. “He should watch out for me.

He’ll crack up the way he did when I beat him (Van der Valk) in a playoff last year,” said Lascuña, who edged the 37-yearold Dutch and the young Micah Shin in a playoff to rule the Bacolod stop, one of his five-leg victories last year.

“We’ll see. It depends on the wind,” said Van der Valk.

Three players also made their charge in the scorching pivotal round with American Paul Harris carding the day’s best 69, Jhonnel Ababa firing a 70 and Shin turning in a 71 for even 216s, four shots adrift.

New program, pair of skates and quad jumps for Martinez

By Peter Atencio TO make sure that he makes it to the 2018 Winter Olympics, figure skater Michael Martinez has come up with something new.

The 20-year-old Martinez is having a new program, a new pair of skates and will do a new set of jumps this time around.

“Just happy to be back. I’m a bit tired. It was really a tough competition,” said Martinez on Thursday after getting back from a qualifying event—the Pyeongchang Games in South Korea, where he finished 24th.

Martinez, who was erroneously reported to have qualified for the Winter Olympics, still missed the final cut after several countries in the Top 10 earned three slots to the Olympics.

Martinez talked about his preparations during an exhibition show at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink.He will be trying his luck again by joining and competing in the Nebelbhorn Trophy meet in Germany this September.

The quad jumps, which calls for a figure skater to do four revolutions during a jump, is something

Martinez has difficulty executing.

This time around, Martinez said he will be ready to do this.

“My body was not ready for this (quad jumps) during the competition. So it was really tough,” said Martinez.

He said his mindset now is to have a quality performance.

To get ready for the meet, he had readied a new program that incorporates a lot of quad jumps.

His new 3-minute routine is now called the “Carmina Fortuna,” to the tune of Carmina Vuran.

Ateneo, La Salle clash Far Eastern University has already DEFENDING champion De La Salle and Ateneo, the protagonists in the last five clinched the third Final Four slot even it championship series, clash in the final ends up tied with UST and NU at 8-6 by playdate of the UAAP Season 79 wom- virtue of superior rank points.

A victory by the Tigresses, however, en’s volleyball eliminations at the Smart will relegate the Lady Araneta Coliseum today.

Tamaraws as the No. 4 There’s nothing at Games today seed and will take on the stake, but still the Lady (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – NU vs ADMU (Men) winner of the Lady EaSpikers and the Lady Ea10 a.m. – FEU vs UST (Men) gles-Lady Spikers match gles, both tied at 11-2, re12 noon – UST vs NU (Women) kindle their rivalry in this 4 p.m. – ADMU vs DLSU (Women) in the Final Four.

Aside from avenging colossal clash at 4 p.m. its 24-26, 24-26, 25-21, De La Salle and Ateneo have already been long assured of 17-25 loss in the first round, De La Salle twice-to-beat slots in the Final Four, as needs this rematch with Ateneo to show the two squads are simply playing for the its improvement of play after that setback.

Unbeaten in the second round, the No. 1 and 2 rankings in the playoffs.

University of Santo Tomas hopes to Lady Spikers are expected to have last complete the semifinal cast as it tackles season’s Final MVP Kim Kianna Dy back after missing the previous match National University at 12 noon.

With a 7-6 slate, the Lady Bulldogs due to an ankle injury.

Super senior Kim Fajardo will lead De need to win this one so badly in order to face the Tigresses (8-5) again in a do-or- La Salle’s charge along with Majoy Bardie match on April 19 right after the ob- on, Tin Tiamzon, Desiree Cheng, Aduke Ogunsanya and libero Dawn Macandili. servance of Easter.

Michael Martinez performs his routine at the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink. Lino Santos

Wesley still tied for chess lead WESLEY So blitzed his way to his sixth draw in eight games in the eighth round of the 2017 United States Chess Championship.

So is still in the lead, but he no longer shares it with Yaroslav Zherebukh when action ended on Thursday at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis in St. Louis, Missouri.

When So hurriedly played his way to a draw with Hikaru Nakamura, GM Varuzhan Akobian toppled Zherebukh to grab a share of the lead with the Filipino GM. So had a one-knight advantage when he hurriedly played Nakamura to a draw in 30 moves The white-playing So employed the Queen’s

Wesley So

Pawn Game against Nakamura, who countered with the main line of the Closed Catalan Game, according to analysts.

But neither had a clear advantage after So managed to fend off Nakamura’s rook attack at his backrank.

The 2822 ELO-rated So

now has five points in the lead with Akobian.

The 33-year-old Akobian pounced on two dubious rook moves by Zherebukh to win in 28 moves of the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense.

Zherebukh’s bad rook moves allowed Akobian to pressure the center of his foe’s backrank.

Zherebukh dropped to second spot with 4.5 points.

He is now in the company of Nakamura, Alexander Onischuk and defending champion Fabiano Caruana.

Caruana turned back Daniel Naroditsky in 29 moves of a French Defense, while Onischuk repulsed Ray Robson in 65 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense.

Peter Atencio

SMC gets P10b from listing of ’22 bonds B2

Business

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

B1

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

PH eyes Indonesia’s tax amnesty plan

T

he Philippines will follow Indonesia’s lead in implementing a tax amnesty as it seeks to boost revenue to pay for its ambitious spending plans, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said.

The government will target tax evaders and beef up compliance before adopting an amnesty program, which will probably be very similar to Indonesia’s, Dominguez said in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday.

Referring to tax evaders, Dominguez said “the tax amnesty will not work if they don’t believe you can actually go after them.”

“First we go after them, show that this government means business and has the political will to stop tax evasion,” he said.

Indonesia’s nine-month tax amnesty boosted government revenue by more than $10 billion. It allowed citizens to put their tax affairs in order and pay a penalty rate of as low as 2 percent when they declare previously hidden assets. The plan was seen as largely successful

with more than 970,000 people participating.

Dominguez is boosting tax compliance and pushing through a tax reform plan to help ward off a credit-rating downgrade as the budget deficit widens. The government filed a criminal complaint against cigarette-maker Mighty Corp. last month for not paying almost P10 billion of taxes.

Dominguez said authorities would probably file more cases against the company and would also pursue “big-ticket items” in the power sector.

The government needs funds to pay for $160 billion of infrastructure projects. The Philippines had a tax revenue ratio of 13.6 percent of gross domestic product in

2014, which is lower than other regional peers, such as Malaysia and Thailand, according to data from the World Bank.

Philippine equities can lose their tag as the only emerging Asia market to suffer foreign fund outflows this year—with a helping hand from President Rodrigo Duterte.

Strategists say progress on Duterte’s promised tax reforms is needed to bring back global asset managers, who have offloaded $213 million of Manila-listed equities in 2017 while pouring $6.8 billion into India and $1.4 billion into Malaysia. Investors are also looking for company profit growth to justify an index valuation that’s at the widest premium

to emerging market peers in six months. Philippine stocks fell today, halting a three-day rally.

“The Philippines is a very attractive market to invest in but there are more obviously better opportunities elsewhere and there have been some headwinds in terms of the tax reform not passing, the earnings momentum depleting and also geopolitical risks,” Vanessa Donegan, who helps manage $456 billion as managing director at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, said.

“We like the Philippines for its potential for increased infrastructure spending but how will the government get to finance that without getting this tax reform package through?” Bloomberg

T-bond auction raises P175b

Forex reserves fall to $80.87b—BSP THE country’s gross international reserves declined to a three-month low of $80.87 billion at the end of March from $81.44 billion a month ago, pulled down mainly by the government’s settlement of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data on Friday show.

Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement the month-on-month drop was due mainly to the payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations and outflows arising from foreign exchange operations.

“These were partly offset by net foreign currency deposits of the national government and revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of gold in the international market,” Tetangco said. Julito G. Rada

JG Summit’s profit declines to P10.9b JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei said net income in 2016 dropped 52 percent to P10.9 billion from P22.6 billion in 2015, after it incurred P16.7 billion in impairment losses primarily from the decline in the market value of the group’s investment in PLDT Inc. Excluding the effect of the impairment loss, the group’s consolidated net income from equity holders of the parent amounted to P27.63 billion in 2016, up 22 percent from P22.61 billion in 2015.

JG Summit said in a disclosure to the stock exchange core net income amounted to P29.9 billion, up 6.9 percent from a year ago level.

Jenniffer B. Austria

By Julito G. Rada THE Bureau of the Treasury raised P175 billion from its latest issuance of three-year retail treasury bonds, including those generated from roadshows conducted nationwide.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said in a statement Friday total bids for the RTBs reached P500 billion but the Treasury awarded just P105 billion in roadshow auctions.

“We received more than P500 billion and accepted more than P105 billion in addition to P70 billion from the auction,” de Leon said in a statement.

The amount raised was significantly bigger than the 10year, P100 billion generated in September last year, the first issuance under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The agency earlier said the issuances were aimed at augmenting funds for the implementation of development projects under the Duterte administration, especially infrastructure projects.

The auction conducted on March 28 drew strong demand and fetched a coupon rate of 4.25 percent with total tenders reaching P86.2 billion for a bidto-cover ratio of 2.87 percent.

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

De Leon said the 19th issuance provided invaluable contributions and “made a difference.”

“For the government, it has evolved as a staple platform in the government’s financing program, allowing us to achieve twin objectives of inward bias to take advantage of ample domestic liquidity and reduce foreign exchange exposure,” she said.

IN BRIEF

Double Dragon’s income jumps 136%

GLOBE PARTNERS. Globe Telecom Inc. is seeking to further strengthen its relationship with key IT providers by recognizing their collaborative efforts with the company. Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said the success that the company has achieved so far is driven in part by support and cooperation of the company’s IT affiliates. Globe executives led by Cu (fourth from right), chief consumer officer Albert de Larrazabal (sixth from right) and chief information officer Pebbles Sy-Manalang (fifth from right) pose with representatives of key IT providers at the 1st ISG Movers Award ceremonies at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City.

Del Monte’s pineapple production increases 20%

By Alena Mae S. Flores FRUIT grower and canner Del Monte Pacific Ltd. announced a 20-percent increase in pineapple production volume to 750,000 metric tons for its fiscal year ending April this year.

Del Monte Pacific chief operating office Luis Alejandro told reporters at the listing of the company’s US dollar denominated preference shares the firm had steadily expanded production from 450,000 metric tons 10 years ago.

Alejandro said about 600,000 metric tons of pineapple were

used in the cannery and the balance as fresh produce.

“We continue to expand our production facilities. This (fiscal) year we will do about 750,000 tons of pineapple... and we will continue to expand that in the next five years,” he said.

“So our manufacturing facility in Bugo, we will expand production. In addition to that, we will also build a new facility... we are constructing a new tetra juice plant,” Alejandro said.

He said the company and its joint venture with Nice Fruit SL of Spain and investment company Ferville Ltd. was close to

completing a cold storage plant in the Philippines.

Del Monte in 2014 said the partners agreed to establish a modern facility in the Philippines that would use Nice Fruit’s patented technology called Nice Frozen Dry. The technology allows fruits, vegetables and produce to be picked at their optimal ripeness and frozen for up to three years, while preserving nutrients, structure, original properties and organoleptic characteristics.

“We should be ready for commercial start up with a month... for now those products will be

exported to Asia Pacific,” Alejandro said about the new facility, which would produce 6,000 to 8,000 metric tons of finished products.

Del Monte, meanwhile, has successfully raised $250 million from the issuance of dollar-denominated preferred shares.

The shares were listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, the first with the local bourse.

Del Monte plans to use the proceeds from the offering to pay the outstanding bridge loan facility extended by BDO Unibank Inc.

Regulator suspends 20 more lending companies

By Jenniffer B. Austria

METRO PACIFIC ADVOCACY. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. holds a “Shore It Up Confluence:

Charting Our 10th Year” conference with community leaders from Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; Mabini, Batangas; Medina, Misamis Oriental; and Cordova, Cebu to preserve the marine ecosystem in the areas. Shore It Up has organized over 75,000 volunteers from the government sector, academe and civil society groups in activities such as underwater and coastal cleanup, mangrove and tree planting, giant clam rearrangement, artificial reef restoration, environmental education and livelihood for coastal villagers. At the conference are MPIC vice president for communications Melody Del Rosario (second from left) and MPIC chief executive officer Jose Ma. Lim (middle) and LGU officials.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission suspended 20 more lending companies for failing to secure a secondary license, or a certificate of authority, as required by the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007.

The SEC said it suspended the certificates of registration of the 20 lending companies after withholding the same on 84 lending firms last month as part of a crackdown against “5-6,” or moneylenders that charge extremely high interest on loans.

The 20 suspended lending companies are Angeles Lending Investors Inc., Champion Lending Corp., Charton Lending Corp., CLIA Lending Investors Inc., Eminence Lending Investor Inc., ExpressAdvance Inc., Green Hope Credit Inc., Kiangan Credit Resources & Lending Inc., Lending Markets of Cebu Corp., LKT Lending Co.,

Metro Asia Pacific Credit Corp., Metro Sunrise Lending Investor Inc., Multiplier Lending Corp., Peso & Cents Credit Resources Inc., Prisunic Lending Corp., Prosperity Link Inc., PS Lending Investors Inc., RSN Punjab Trading & Lending Corp. and ST Benefit Lending Investors Co Inc. The SEC earlier sent out over 300 show cause letters to registered companies engaged in lending which have not secured a certificate of authority.

The show cause letters required the companies to explain why their primary licenses should not be suspended in view of the failure to secure a certificate of authority.

The SEC said the erring lending companies would be suspended for 60 days. If they still do not respond within the suspension period, proceedings for revocation of their certificates of registration will immediately follow.

DOUBLE Dragon Properties on Friday reported a 136-percent increase in net income to P1.47 billion last year from P623 million in 2015.

Double Dragon disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange recurring revenue reached P347.6 million, or almost triple from P116.5 million in 2015.

The company expects about 90 percent of revenues in 2020 to come from recurring sources, driven by the rental revenues to be generated by its planned one million square-meter leasable portfolio, and just 10 percent from non-recurring revenues.

Double Dragon said total assets grew 78 percent to P49.5 billion at the end of 2016.

DoubleDragon since its initial public offering three years ago has increased the portfolio of prime commercial properties from only 1.9 hectares to over 75 hectares.

Alena Mae S. Flores

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing April 7, 2017

8000 7600 7200 6800 6400 6000

7,583.75 18.43

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing APRIL 7, 2017 45.00 46.50 48.00 49.50

P50.080 CLOSE

51.00

HIGH P50.080 LOW P50.225 AVERAGE P50.166 VOLUME 504.500M Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, April 7, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.1730

Japan

Yen

0.009025

0.4528

UK

Pound

1.247300

62.5808

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128712

6.4579

Switzerland

Franc

0.995322

49.9383

Canada

Dollar

0.745601

37.4090

Singapore

Dollar

0.713216

35.7842

Australia

Dollar

0.754500

37.8555

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655408

133.2298

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

13.3798

Brunei

Dollar

0.710682

35.6570

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.028961

1.4531

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

13.6622

Euro

Euro

1.064700

53.4192

Korea

Won

0.000885

0.0444

China

Yuan

0.144970

7.2736

India

Rupee

0.015479

0.7766

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.225479

11.3130

New Zealand

Dollar

0.696800

34.9605

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032745

1.6429 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market gains; Megaworld up T he stock market rose Friday on better economic prospects forecast by the Asian Development Bank on the Philippines, ignoring losses in the rest of Asia.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 18.43 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,583.75 on a value turnover of P9.7 billion. Gainers beat losers, 93 to 80, with 63 issues unchanged.

The ADB on Thursday said gross domestic product growth was expected to accelerate to 6.6 percent in 2018 from 6.4 percent this year or once the government expanded public infrastructure investment.

“The Philippines is in a sweet spot for economic growth. The

biggest contributor to growth is investment, both public and private, exceeding the growth contribution from consumption,” ADB country director Richard Bolt said.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, surged 6.2 percent to P3.94.

The company registered a net profit of P11.63 billion in 2016, up 12 percent from P10.39 billion in 2015, led by a double-digit growth in rental revenues.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the larg-

est fastfood chain, advanced 5.2 percent to P210.40, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty gained 2.7 percent to P1,173.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei rose 2.1 percent to P80.55.

Asian energy shares, meanwhile, rallied with oil prices Friday after the US launched missile strikes on Syria, fanning geopolitical concerns in the crude-rich Middle East and raising the prospect of friction with Russia.

Eyes are also on Florida as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump move into day two of a relationship-building summit, which comes after months of accusations by the US tycoon that Beijing was killing US jobs and

manipulating its currency.

Trump ordered a huge assault on the Shayrat Airfield in Syria in retaliation for a chemical attack with a sarin-like nerve agent that Washington blamed on President Bashar al-Assad.

The attack came just hours after Russia warned that there could be “negative consequences” if the US took military action against Syria, which it is backing in a civil war.

The news sent stocks, which had been mostly in the black, into reverse and safe-haven assets such as the yen and gold soaring.

Oil prices initially surged two percent.

The news dragged on the majority of Asia’s stock markets, with Seoul closing down 0.1 percent, Hong Kong 0.6 percent

down in the afternoon and Singapore off 0.5 percent. Wellington, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok were also in the red.

However, Tokyo ended 0.4 percent up despite a soaring yen, which was sitting at lows not seen since November.

Shanghai added 0.2 percent and Sydney ended up 0.1 percent.

Gold, which along with the yen is considered a safe bet in times of turmoil and uncertainty, also jumped more than one percent to $1,266.

Oil prices, which had been lower in early morning trade, jumped as the attacks led to concerns about supplies in the Middle East.

However, the gains were pared in the afternoon and both main contracts were a little more than one percent higher. AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.17 67,000 48.5 35,900 105.3 2,493,240 3.95 71,000 120.6 4,187,820 1.22 70,000 41.45 592,300 16.2 152,300 20.7 607,700 0.69 20,726,000 87.3 5,457,670 0.7 119,000 14.76 12,300 25.2 5,000 57.3 24,890 242.4 500 118 110 86.8 930 39.4 43,500 213.2 955,290 1,720 35 79.6 14,040

211,340 1,733,005 262,761,463 280,860 510,917,799 78,030 24,542,975 2,467,350 12,652,245 14,711,810 475,186,127.50 83,450 181,398 126,000 1,425,017.50 121,246 12,980 80,768 1,696,770 203,697,132 60,200 1,117,372

1,525,700 8,851,401 -121,970,054 9,212,345 -2,460,830.00 -2,416,610 -63,050 251,341,095.50 965,239 17,360 1,665,660.00 34,432,324 -137,703

41.8 5.13 0.8 1.41 18.38 0.247 96.55 7.59 16.34 167.1 23.05 14.44 67 88 1.98 5.94 11.98 12.48 9.45 6.09 6 21.55 72.5 12.14 14.8 7.76 1.55 200 4.98 3.8 30.85 25.6 17.58 277.4 0.241 7.2 3.64 8.74 11.42 2.14 8.3 1.9 72.05 4.86 290.8 4.8 2.01 2.74 13.2 4.55 0.143 1.38 165 4.13 1.56 1.01

INDUSTRIAL 42.2 1,337,500 5.3 937,100 0.8 382,000 1.41 300,000 19.3 5,600 0.255 3,110,000 96.55 90 7.59 49,802,700 16.8 866,100 170.1 90 23.5 145,400 14.44 11,300 67 9,080 90 1,540 1.99 224,000 5.96 9,500 12.02 104,300 12.66 5,276,700 9.55 3,430,200 6.26 3,049,600 6.1 15,295,800 21.55 1,940,300 72.9 72,600 12.14 3,100 15.06 237,600 7.77 6,802,300 1.61 770,000 210.4 1,410,280 5.09 1,288,300 3.8 11,000 31.05 2,323,000 25.6 509,900 18.22 4,458,600 278 307,460 0.245 31,320,000 7.2 1,026,700 3.7 636,000 8.77 4,459,200 11.42 300 2.15 274,000 8.33 3,191,800 1.9 332,000 73.95 296,740 4.88 162,000 299.8 62,960 4.85 112,000 2.02 72,000 2.74 95,000 13.2 1,029,100 4.75 183,000 0.147 8,820,000 1.44 400,000 165 1,467,350 4.22 4,000 1.56 1,158,000 1.01 15,000

56,367,905 4,936,076 306,930 425,390 105,836 784,790 9,118.50 391,315,470 14,440,728 15,096 3,384,665 163,532 608,374 137,742 447,460 56,770 1,268,310 66,605,848 33,264,538 19,111,326 93,038,905 42,323,230 5,290,437.50 39,494 3,550,338 53,878,642 1,214,280 293,384,164 6,596,602 41,800 71,850,790 13,057,555 81,887,084 86,131,124 7,923,850 7,440,091 2,328,910 39,193,004 3,426 589,190 26,852,643 631,280 21,823,786 790,720 18,873,378 544,830 145,320 261,260 13,613,598 860,100 1,308,920 565,340 252,968,724 16,700 1,813,250 15,150

-11,190,105 316,636 -9,450 -52,420,378 -1,729,752 -11,750 499,150 -1,230 -47,551,468 -7,744,973 -6,774,716 44,371,132 7,417,250 130,558 -3,063,268 12,429,409 111,392,286 -30,715.00 36,780,645 -264,025 4,401,522 30,336,202.00 -106,000 2,153,400 -7,875,378 -1,430,266.00 1,970,770.50 146,400 -324,514 424,130 35,720 -96,684 44,700 90,139,597 -211,950 -

0.385 75.1 13.86 6.32 0.51 0.56 870 8.65 12.22 7.9 6 0.181 1,195 6.44 81.55 4.48 5.49 1.07 7.98 15.68 6.57 0.057 1.96 107 2.81 747 0.87 1.42 280 0.3 0.185

0.375 74 13.42 6.3 0.42 0.435 862 8.48 11.88 7.71 5.41 0.181 1,145 6.21 78.9 4.48 5.49 1.04 7.8 15.5 6.4 0.055 1.95 103 2.71 734.5 0.87 1.38 274.6 0.285 0.185

HOLDING FIRMS 0.38 790,000 74.5 1,211,810 13.6 13,937,700 6.32 27,400 0.48 191,810,000 0.55 100,800,000 863 175,570 8.52 309,200 12 26,463,500 7.8 148,600 5.41 2,500 0.181 50,000 1,173 234,020 6.21 11,400 80.55 3,173,640 4.48 5,000 5.49 100 1.05 2,385,000 7.97 324,700 15.5 1,522,800 6.56 34,513,500 0.056 35,030,000 1.95 4,905,000 106 497,490 2.71 161,000 738 697,220 0.87 2,000 1.42 228,000 280 18,120 0.3 570,000 0.185 70,000

297,200 90,542,617 190,296,730 173,106 90,832,400 50,301,300 152,104,460 2,631,485 317,901,826 1,152,858 14,705 9,050 274,743,025 71,201 255,764,837 22,400 549 2,519,970 2,587,928 23,730,172 225,255,737 1,950,430 9,591,800 52,398,153 442,840 516,523,210 1,740 318,810 4,989,892 162,750 12,950

14,828,885.50 9,511,872 -4,823,500 33,412,625 -591,043 -89,393,730 -6,240 28,150,980 80,816,708.50 168,378 -12,131,704 149,680,705 58,800 15,813,393 199,370,015 27,600.00 -1,278,248 -

6.82 0.98 6.49 2.31 1.37 35.7 4 5.14 5.5 0.51 1.03 1.26 0.158 0.54 55.5 0.183 1.67 0.99 1.18 3.97 0.295

6.79 0.95 6.48 2.27 1.28 34.6 3.9 5.1 5.5 0.5 1.03 1.22 0.156 0.52 54.05 0.176 1.65 0.97 1.18 3.71 0.27

PROPERTY 6.79 381,900 0.97 834,000 6.48 700 2.29 91,000 1.32 21,169,000 35.4 7,417,500 3.91 7,118,000 5.1 114,300 5.5 1,000 0.5 6,618,000 1.03 25,000 1.26 70,000 0.158 9,100,000 0.54 782,000 54.2 287,520 0.18 4,080,000 1.65 4,223,000 0.98 1,864,000 1.18 3,000 3.94 128,837,000 0.275 147,760,000

2,600,485 805,390 4,537 207,610 28,408,240 263,061,235 28,059,380 583,227 5,500 3,320,210 25,750 86,600 1,429,640 413,020 15,641,037.50 729,530 6,994,580 1,824,260 3,540 501,215,840 42,098,350

-1,772,225 -3,888 -228,820 84,733,255 -23,950 -1,955,120 102,820 19,090 -1,810 -3,301,960 213,826,400 303,950.00

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.1 ASIA UNITED 48.25 BANK PH ISLANDS 105 BDO LEASING 4 BDO UNIBANK 121 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.11 CHINABANK 41.5 COL FINANCIAL 16.4 EAST WEST BANK 20.6 MEDCO HLDG 0.72 METROBANK 86.95 NTL REINSURANCE 0.7 PB BANK 14.72 PBCOM 25.2 PHIL NATL BANK 56.1 PHIL STOCK EXCH 242.6 PHILTRUST 118 PSBANK 86.9 RCBC 38.8 SECURITY BANK 210.4 SUN LIFE 1,720 UNION BANK 79.5

3.17 48.5 107 4.07 122.5 1.22 41.5 16.4 21.1 0.73 87.4 0.71 14.76 25.2 57.5 242.6 118 87 39.4 214.4 1,720 79.65

3.1 47.8 105 3.95 120.6 1.05 41.3 16.2 20.5 0.68 86.6 0.7 14.72 25.2 56.1 242.4 118 86.8 38.8 210 1,720 79.5

ABOITIZ POWER 41.9 AGRINURTURE 5.22 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.8 ALSONS CONS 1.42 ASIABEST GROUP 18.86 BASIC ENERGY 0.25 BOGO MEDELLIN 103.7 CEMEX HLDG 7.7 CENTURY FOOD 16.38 CHEMPHIL 167.1 CIRTEK HLDG 23.05 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.5 CONCEPCION 67.2 CONCRETE A 88.5 CROWN ASIA 1.98 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.94 DEL MONTE 12.28 DNL INDUS 12.66 EEI CORP 9.6 EMPERADOR 6.1 ENERGY DEVT 6 FIRST GEN 21.85 FIRST PHIL HLDG 73 GINEBRA 12.76 HOLCIM 14.8 INTEGRATED MICR 7.88 IONICS 1.62 JOLLIBEE 200 LMG CHEMICALS 5.48 MABUHAY VINYL 3.8 MANILA WATER 30.95 MAXS GROUP 25.75 MEGAWIDE 17.6 MERALCO 277.4 MG HLDG 0.244 PANASONIC 7.24 PEPSI COLA 3.69 PETRON 8.81 PHINMA 11.42 PHINMA ENERGY 2.16 PHX PETROLEUM 8.35 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.9 PILIPINAS SHELL 72.35 PRYCE CORP 4.86 PUREFOODS 300.2 RFM CORP 4.8 ROXAS AND CO 2.01 ROXAS HLDG 2.76 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.3 SPC POWER 4.75 SWIFT FOODS 0.143 TKC METALS 1.39 UNIV ROBINA 174.5 VICTORIAS 4.13 VITARICH 1.56 VULCAN INDL 1.01

42.3 5.31 0.81 1.43 19.38 0.255 103.7 8.1 16.8 170.1 23.5 14.5 67.2 90 2.01 6 12.4 12.74 9.79 6.33 6.12 22.25 73.1 12.76 15.12 8.07 1.62 210.4 5.48 3.8 31.05 25.8 18.52 283.2 0.265 7.3 3.73 8.85 11.42 2.16 8.49 1.91 74.3 4.9 300.6 4.9 2.02 2.76 13.4 4.75 0.151 1.44 177.4 4.22 1.58 1.01

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

0.385 74.7 13.42 6.3 0.46 0.475 865 8.5 11.92 7.8 6 0.181 1,145 6.21 78.9 4.48 5.49 1.05 7.98 15.66 6.4 0.057 1.96 104 2.74 738.5 0.87 1.38 274.8 0.285 0.185

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

6.81 0.97 6.49 2.3 1.31 35.1 3.91 5.14 5.5 0.51 1.03 1.26 0.157 0.52 54.3 0.18 1.66 0.98 1.18 3.71 0.295

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PHIL ESTATES 0.315 PHIL REALTY 0.62 PRIMEX CORP 4.69 PTFC REDEV CORP 28 ROBINSONS LAND 23.7 ROCKWELL 1.78 SM PRIME HLDG 29.9 STA LUCIA LAND 1 SUNTRUST HOME 0.86 VISTA LAND 5.19

0.32 0.66 4.7 28 24.7 1.8 31 1.04 0.89 5.2

0.3 0.62 4.38 28 23.7 1.77 29.8 1 0.86 5.15

0.32 0.64 4.63 28 24.1 1.77 29.85 1 0.87 5.2

1,490,000 38,460,000 479,000 2,100 5,433,200 279,000 21,844,000 13,081,000 127,000 1,887,900

474,050 24,628,410 2,196,320 58,800 131,635,840 496,090 661,728,900 13,303,560 109,800 9,794,138

6,300 1,280,000 16,873,420 114,662,270 6,306,972

2GO GROUP 12.04 ABS CBN 46.05 ACESITE HOTEL 1.44 APC GROUP 0.52 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 ASIAN TERMINALS 12.1 BERJAYA 5.32 BLOOMBERRY 8.06 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.072 CALATA CORP 2.1 CEBU AIR 97.8 CENTRO ESCOLAR 10 DFNN INC 8.4 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.59 EASYCALL 4.5 GLOBE TELECOM 2,080 GMA NETWORK 6.91 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.9 GRAND PLAZA 14.04 HARBOR STAR 3.49 IMPERIAL 3.54 INTL CONTAINER 90.75 IP EGAME 0.0093 IPM HLDG 8.99 ISLAND INFO 0.183 ISM COMM 1.29 JACKSTONES 3.6 LBC EXPRESS 15 LEISURE AND RES 4.44 MACROASIA 4.34 MANILA JOCKEY 2.46 MELCO CROWN 6.64 METRO RETAIL 3.82 NOW CORP 3.05 PAL HLDG 5.4 PHIL SEVEN CORP 153 PHILWEB 8.01 PLDT 1,719 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.59 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.425 PUREGOLD 43.85 ROBINSONS RTL 76 SBS PHIL CORP 6 SSI GROUP 2.23 STI HLDG 1.1 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2.24 TRAVELLERS 3.2 WATERFRONT 0.395 WILCON DEPOT 5.21

12.22 46.5 1.44 0.53 0.047 12.1 5.49 8.48 0.073 2.12 98 10 8.6 2.63 4.5 2,100 7.07 16 14.04 3.49 3.72 91.1 0.0093 9 0.185 1.34 3.6 15.2 4.46 4.68 2.56 6.74 3.82 3.05 5.5 164 8.11 1,771 1.61 0.43 44 78.95 6.18 2.23 1.1 2.4 3.22 0.4 5.27

11.2 45.95 1.42 0.5 0.044 12.1 5.32 8.05 0.071 2.08 97 10 8.35 2.59 4.5 2,014 6.8 15.86 14.04 3.29 3.54 89 0.0091 8.95 0.18 1.29 3.58 15 4.35 4.33 2.45 6.57 3.69 2.94 5.35 153 7.82 1,717 1.58 0.42 43.15 76 5.91 2.21 1.05 2 3.2 0.395 5.12

SERVICES 11.5 1,479,600 45.95 37,500 1.42 3,000 0.51 4,527,000 0.044 139,700,000 12.1 200 5.49 9,500 8.35 16,088,800 0.073 23,400,000 2.11 1,241,000 97 492,570 10 1,000 8.35 49,000 2.63 23,000 4.5 1,000 2,070 38,065 6.8 2,911,800 15.88 14,100 14.04 200 3.35 2,722,000 3.58 86,000 89 2,205,440 0.0091 50,000,000 9 259,000 0.18 4,210,000 1.34 308,000 3.58 11,000 15 40,200 4.37 891,000 4.68 3,225,000 2.47 229,000 6.74 15,397,400 3.75 1,406,000 2.99 2,257,000 5.45 37,600 160 200,080 7.92 884,200 1,730 188,020 1.61 14,385,000 0.425 1,010,000 43.6 3,997,800 78.95 727,150 5.92 156,300 2.21 800,000 1.08 7,133,000 2.15 631,000 3.21 200,000 0.4 180,000 5.16 18,040,100

17,147,802 1,727,000 4,300 2,293,200 6,286,400 2,420 50,965 134,519,229 1,683,140 2,603,150 48,169,594 10,000 411,445 60,140 4,500 78,956,110 20,257,455 224,178 2,808 9,157,090 310,810 199,824,127 455,200 2,328,150 766,680 402,150 39,400 605,020 3,913,340 14,456,640 566,020 103,143,900 5,242,100 6,740,970 204,813 32,014,020 7,100,554 328,586,420 23,072,960 425,350 174,308,430 56,510,196.50 927,173 1,771,050 7,608,180 1,370,340 640,690 71,850 94,155,381

202,700 24,000 13,725 607,013 113,340.00 24,862,739.50 17,129,100 86,820 55,200 53,201,963.50 -24,050 -43,500 -208,680 -2,538,190 13,749,208 -927,210 -80,180 -1,903,505 69,295,330 -403,500 -13,622,135 9,944,223.50 -553,980 1,314,300 -91,980 204,780 63,900 34,345,722

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

0.0034 1.42 5.33 11.5 1.77 1.95 0.59 0.395 9.16 2.7 0.25 0.179 0.197 0.011 0.012 1.8 6.11 2.13 0.88 0.012 4.19 0.013 8.48 3.38 150.1 2.57 0.0084

0.0034 1.57 5.35 11.6 1.8 1.95 0.64 0.4 9.18 2.76 0.255 0.18 0.198 0.012 0.012 1.82 6.28 2.13 0.9 0.012 4.19 0.014 8.5 3.38 152.9 3.14 0.0084

0.0033 1.42 5.3 11 1.77 1.95 0.59 0.395 8.8 2.68 0.25 0.176 0.194 0.011 0.011 1.8 6.04 2.06 0.87 0.012 4.19 0.013 8.32 3.23 150.1 2.57 0.0084

MINING & OIL 0.0034 90,000,000 1.5 9,719,000 5.34 33,500 11.5 5,400 1.8 4,000 1.95 11,000 0.63 3,716,000 0.4 800,000 9 1,400 2.7 644,000 0.25 30,000 0.18 5,400,000 0.194 1,520,000 0.011 48,100,000 0.011 300,000 1.82 350,000 6.17 7,037,000 2.12 93,000 0.87 143,000 0.012 400,000 4.19 20,000 0.014 590,300,000 8.5 1,887,300 3.29 2,856,000 150.8 632,250 2.93 785,000 0.0084 1,000,000

304,200 14,635,540 178,530 61,910 7,170 21,450 2,306,460 318,950 12,630 1,743,470 7,550 954,580 300,510 529,500 3,500 632,110 43,477,292 192,820 126,300 4,800 83,800 7,675,900 15,946,671 9,399,580 95,427,313 2,329,620 8,400

3,300 -4,271,790 -1,601 -48,320 294,690 -176,400 -26,674,868 -2,692,291 13,120 525,907 -5,740 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2I

46.65 534 527 104.6 117.9 6.18 1.04 107.8 1,074 105.3 2.34 81 78 78.5

46.65 534 527 104.6 117.9 6.31 1.04 107.8 1,075 105.3 2.34 81 78 78.5

46.5 528.5 525 104.6 117.9 6.18 1.04 107.7 1,031 105 2.12 80.4 77 78.2

PREFERRED 46.5 2,000 528.5 1,700 525 1,000 104.6 10 117.9 10 6.19 1,009,700 1.04 50,000 107.7 900 1,075 16,565 105 5,000 2.13 28,000 80.5 30,400 77 14,430 78.5 52,370

93,060 903,965 526,440 1,046 1,179 6,291,694 52,000 96,980 17,462,175 525,564 61,230 2,447,580 1,124,560 4,108,414

-65,160 -4,671,661 105,200 -31,590 -

LR WARRANT

2.39

2.4

2.3

WARRANTS 2.38 449,000

1,055,500

-

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.6 6.6 10.2

3.72 6.71 10.54

3.6 6.6 10.2

SME 3.71 6.65 10.48

557,550 1,374,175 14,779,850

-29,680 665,000 634,782

126.4

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 124.6 126.2 70,330

8,774,475

1,247

NAME

OPEN

MS FIRST METRO ETF 124.7

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES

38,130,416

INDUSTRIAL

194,968,465

HOLDING FIRMS

420,515,677

PROPERTY

424,884,110

SERVICES

324,174,245

MINING & OIL

766,386,439

GRAND TOTAL

2,170,901,922

154,000 206,500 1,411,600

VALUE 1,898.90 (down) 4.92 1,728,188,932.53 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,148.11 (down) 24.20 2,063,415,725.73 HOLDING FIRMS 7,656.52 (up) 49.85 2,556,655,193.40 PROPERTY 3,310.40 (up) 24.80 SERVICES 1,591.40 (up) 2.14 1,771,853,253.05 MINING & OIL 12,097.97 (up) 88.41 1,398,676,579.13 PSEI 7,583.75 (up) 18.43 196,720,386.646 All Shares Index 4,524.16 (up) 15.35 9,740,999,400.39 Gainers:93; Losers: 80; Unchanged: 63; Total: 236

SMC gets P10b from listing of ’22 bonds

By Alena Mae S. Flores SAN Miguel Corp. has raised P10 billion from the successful listing of its 2022 bonds, the second tranche of an offering under the P60-billion shelf registration earlier approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

San Miguel senior vice president and treasury head Sergio Edeza said the company would issue the balance amounting to P30 billion “sometime in the future.”

The company plans to use the proceeds from the bond offering to settle the conglomerate’s $300-million loan with the Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ Ltd. maturing in November.

“Proceeds of the bond offering will be used mainly to refinance our US dollar denominated debt,” Edeza said.

The bonds were listed at Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Friday. The five-year bonds carry an interest rate of 5.1923 percent annually.

San Miguel tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., BPI Capital Corp., ING Bank, RCBC Capital Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and Standard Chartered Bank to handle the issue.

San Miguel earlier raised P20 billion to finance dollardenominated debts.

The company raised P6.9 billion from the series 5-year Series A Bonds due 2022 with an interest rate of 4.8243 percent per annum, P7.3 billion for the 7-year Series B Bonds due 2024 with an interest rate of 5.2840 percent per annum and P6 billion for the 10-year Series C Bonds due 2027 with an annual fixed interest rate of 5.7613 percent.

San Miguel in 2016 posted a net income of P52 billion, up 80 percent from P28.9 billion in 2015, as most of its units delivered strong growth.

IMI buys 80% of UK-based company INTEGRATED Micro-Electronics Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., is acquiring 80 percent of STI Enterprises Ltd., an electronics manufacturing services company based in the United Kingdom, as part of diversification.

IMI said the acquisition would strengthen its industrial and automotive manufacturing competencies, broaden customer base, give it access to the UK and facilitate its entry in the aerospace and defense sectors.

“IMI’s investment in STI is part of AC Industrial’s deliberate and focused strategy to own, develop, enable, manufacture and commercialize disruptive technologies and solutions across various industries, including industrial and automotive. The addition of STI to AC Industrials is also expected to generate significant synergies with other business units within the group,” IMI chief executive Arthur Tan said.

STI has factories in Hook and Poynton in the UK and Cebu.

It is a specialist contract electronics manufacturer, serving world-class customers in highreliability industries by providing a complete set of electronics design and manufacturing solutions in both printed circuit board assembly and full boxbuild manufacturing “We are excited to partner with STI and establish our manufacturing presence in the UK. As we ramp up our investments in industrial technologies, we can greatly benefit from STI’s solid manufacturing and engineering capabilities and foothold in the complementary segments of aerospace, industrial, and defense,” Ayala chairman and chief executive Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Finish strong, follow up gently’ Real estate tips from Miriam Quiambao-Roberto Honoring the best in PH real estate. Top guys behind the

PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017 are, (from left to right): Mary Ann Marquez, area project sales manager, KOHLER Philippines; Terry Blackburn, founder & managing director, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Property Report; Lindsay John Orr, chairman, Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines, Inc. (chairman of the judges panel); and Lars Wittig, country manager, Regus Philippines.

Full shortlist announced for Philippines Property Awards 2017 Some 20 firms vie for industry plums for real estate excellence

WHAT’S THE RUSH? Real estate mover and shaker Quiambao-Roberto believes little actions leave a lasting impression, and possible business in the future.

F

ROM the glamorous stage, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto is now a wife, mother, TV host, and a property manager/real estate broker to boot. Juggling all of these roles, Quiambao continues to learn, and ostensibly do well.

As the Lamudi Philippines Brokers Awards Night draws near, aspirants are getting hyped up to know what it takes to be one of the best brokers in the country. Quiambao-Roberto recently shared the secrets of her success. Here are some tips from the 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up.

Arrive on time or earlier than scheduled According to Quiambao-Roberto, being early at the venue sets the tone for the presentation. As owner of Q Estates Management and managing director of 3Win Realty & Development Corporation, she regularly attends meetings, and she says arriving ahead allows one to settle in to the venue before a presentation, avoiding having to rush and be unkempt.

“For brokers and in anything actually where one wants to appear as profes-

sional, I would suggest you come on time,” Quiambao-Roberto said. “This will allow you to relax a little and settle in, and not rush because you’ve found an ample parking space or the venue itself beforehand. If you are meeting with a seller, it also allows you to prepare with them way before the buyer arrives.”

Preparation Is key There are no retakes when making a live presentation to a client, QuiambaoRoberto said, so preparation is very important. More than arming yourself with the right words, coming confident and prepared ensures that the clients feels a professional kind of care from you.

“If there are documents that might come up in the meeting, you should already have acquired these beforehand,” she said. “If you’re the selling broker, you want to make sure you’ve done your due diligence, so that the person you are selling to does not experience problems.”

“Always take note that your reputation is also on the line, so you want to make sure that you are showing your fellow brokers and their buyers, or sellers, the professionalism they deserve,” Quiambao-Roberto added. “For instance, you should avoid occurrences where you will present a property for sale that will turn out as a problematic property, and will cause delay in the process due to your lack of research.”

The way you present yourself matters “The way you carry yourself, and the way you look, are the first measure to your character,” Quiambao-Roberto said. “Going beyond aesthetics, clients prefers to listen to a presentable speaker, and keen to do business with someone knows how to care for himor herself.”

“When you introduce yourself, it is important to give them a nice, firm handshake. Not too long, not too short, not too strong, not too limp but just right,” she illustrated. “Remember as well that eye contact shows confidence and that you are secure about yourself and your job.”

Business doesn’t end Even if the presentation did not end in a deal, it is still vital to leave a good lasting impression. Quiambao-Roberto stressed that business doesn’t end when the presentations are finished. Being appreciative and sending follow-ups can build relationships that all started with the initial meeting.

“It would be nice if you could send them birthday cards or Christmas cards, flowers, or a decently-priced bottle of wine,” she suggested. “Nothing too expensive, but just something they can remember you by. Those little actions will mean a lot to your clients.”

THE complete 2017 shortlist for the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards was announced Thursday, featuring previous winners and up-andcoming developers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Spanning the residential, commercial and design sectors, the final shortlist is led by 2016 Best Developer winner Megaworld Corporation, which is known for pioneering the integrated urban township concept in the country.

Presented by title sponsor Kohler, this year’s competition will collect a total of 25 official nominations. Megaworld projects are competing against each other in various categories, including Best Luxury Condo Development and Best High End Condo Development for Metro Manila, Best Retail Development, and Best Residential Architectural Design.

Developers Robinsons Land Corporation and ArthaLand are joined by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life) in second place with five nods each. Philam Life, currently the largest insurance firm in the country, made the cut for its long-awaited office building located in Cebu Business Park.

New categories The fifth edition of Awards is opening doors to new categories in the expanded 2017 programme. For the first time, the panel of judges will honor developments that incorporate universal design elements. “Universal design is the design of a built environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability,” explained Terry Blackburn, managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards.

A total of 89 entries were received this year, following a six-month nomination and judging process supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest accountancy and auditing firms.

Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala dinner and awards presentation ceremony on May 4 at the Fairmont Makati.

Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo will be giving the opening keynote address, and discuss the impact of the country’s tourism sector on the rapidly-growing real estate market.

Personality of the year A special award will be also be presented to Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick D. Go at the awards night. He was chosen by the editors of Property Report magazine as the 2017 Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year for “leading the company that transforms people’s dreams into reality through real estate projects that last generations.”

Main competition category country winners in the Philippines will advance to the two-day PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand finale this November at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore.

GREEN ADVOCACY PARTNERSHIP. Concepcion Building and Industrial Solutions (BIS) recently partnered with contractor companies from NCR, Luzon, and its Regional Office in Cebu to complement its integrated solutions offering, and sustain the booming construction industry. The tieup involves training workshops (see photo) by Concepcion BIS on green air conditioning technologies, highlighting the use of R-410A refrigerants with zero ozone-depleting potentials. The partnership is part of the company’s commitment to switch all of its product lines to environmentallyresponsible refrigerants. “We believe that the private sector has the capability to steer the construction industry towards mitigating the impacts of climate change,” said Rajan Komarasu, group director of Concepcion BIS.

DAIICHI TOP-OFF. Daiichi Properties recently held topping-off rites for the Finance Center, its 42-story premium grade building in Bonifacio Global City. The project, located at the corner of 26th and 9th avenues in BGC, will be completed in the second quarter of 2018. The Finance Centre was designed by renowned architectural firm Gensler, which also designed the headquarters of Facebook, Airbnb, and Uniqlo. At the topping-off rites were (from left to right): Jose Lucio Mendoza (AVP operations, EEI); Andres Tumbokon III (VP operations, EEI); Antonio Pascua (senior executive vice president, EEI); Salvador Uy (President, Daiichi Properties); Charmaine Uy (senior vice president, Daiichi Properties); Celedonio Jose (director, Aidea); Reynaldo Fuentez Jr. (VP for project management group, Daiichi Properties); Dennis Abcede Jr. (vice president, DA. Abcede & Associates); and Bernard Parajado (project director, Daiichi Properties).

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

Light up those spaces

Clean infrastructure. Steltz has a range of LED

luminaires that throws down direct or indirect light, with adjustable hanging projectors.

G

ood lighting, so studies say, can create a more pleasant environment that improves one’s mood, create a sense of place and desired atmosphere, and boost productivity.

But what’s good lighting? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety defines it as providing enough illumination so that people can see printed, handwritten or displayed documentst clearly but are not blinded by excessively high light levels (a cause of glare).

THE ‘EYES’ HAVE IT. Flos Kap round and Kap square lights are easy on the eyes, and quite stylish.

Architectural lighting that more than illuminates

Seamless blending The Steltz Gallery distributes lighting solutions that are backed by history, research and constant innovations. Widely known as a local supplier of high-end lighting sculptures from all over the world, Steltz has an impressive portfolio. European lighting expert, Flos, is one of their brands: it covers a whole range of products that are easy on the eyes, and stylish to boot. These are advanced lighting solutions that brighten areas while seamlessly blending with walls, ceilings and outdoor spaces of homes, resorts, hotels, condominiums and other establishments.

Among Flos’ architectural lighting solutions are the Black Line, for glare-free lighting in extremely compact dimensions; and the Tracking Magnet, which offers flexibility and adaptability as the fixtures are contained in a magnetized rail for flush, surface, or suspended installation with minimal impact on architecture.

Professional help The new Infrastructure line, meanwhile, is a modern interpreta-

tion of the Bauhaus style with a durable tubular steel profile with a magnetized rail to be used for surface installations of one, or more parallel lines. The line has a range of LED luminaires that can offer direct or indirect light, with adjustable hanging projectors.

Steltz (www.steltzinternational.com.) can help clients for their lighting needs, including proper placement of lights, wattage and deciding on the right fixtures. They can also recommend architects, designers and consultants with whom they have previously worked or collaborated to customers looking for experts in lighting designs.

‘VECINOS’ BY THE SEA. AboitizLand, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently launched Seafront Residences, a 43-hectare beachside residential development in San Juan, Batangas. The project will accommodate 800 homes, and serve more than 1,000 ‘vecinos’, or residents, a term used by the developer to refer to people who live in the communities it builds. “Our aim is to curate communities so that our vecinos can live better, more fulfilled lives,” said Patrick Reyes, President and COO, AboitizLand. Seafront Residences is the first build-out property of AboitizLand. It’s partners include DPZ Partners; SC&A Architects and Planners; Budji Layug+Royal Pineda Designs Architects Inc. for architecture and interior design; Crearis Corp. for landscape architecture; and GHD Pty Ltd for site infrastructure and utilities design.

‘Manila still first in ban on smoking’

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Sandy Araneta WITH the City of Manila being the first local government unit in the Philippines to enforce a citywide smoking ban way back in 1969, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Friday said he is elated he has maintained the capital city’s distinction as a “model city” in the anti-smoking campaign.

Estrada said he believes that with the recent passage of Ordinance No. 7812, or “The Smoke-Free Ordinance of the City Government of Manila,” he has cemented Manila’s title as the pioneer city that introduced a comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance 48 years ago.

“Our city has always been the first in putting premium to public health,” the mayor said. “With our new smokefree ordinance, we will show to everyone that we are indeed serious in taking care of the people’s health.”

Warning smokers the city will not be lenient in enforcing the anti-smoking law that prescribes up to P5,000 in fine and three-day imprisonment, Estrada said he will see to it that every violator “will learn a lesson or two and serve as an example to others.”

Upon the urging of thenManila Mayor Antonio Villegas, Estrada recounted that the city council enacted Ordinance No. 6842 on Jan. 17, 1969, which strictly prohibits smoking in buildings, bars and restaurants, factories and plants, public theaters, inside elevators, and in public utility vehicles.

Violators back then were fined P100 and imprisonment of 20 days, or both.

“Even before a national law against smoking was passed, Mayor Villegas made Manila as a nonsmoking city that prohibited smoking inside the buildings, including the public transports and movie theaters,” Estrada noted.

After quitting smoking last December, Estrada ordered a citywide smoking ban last February, calling on the Manileños to follow his example.

“I will not remind our countrymen again. The bad effects of smoking on health is not a joke,” he said.

On March 30, the Sangguniang Panglungsod unanimously approved in third and final reading Ordinance No. 7812 or the “Smoke-Free Ordinance of the City Government of Manila.”

Authored by Councilor Casimiro Sison, the new ordinance is intended to support the implementation of the old law, Ordinance No. 7748 that has been in effect since 1991.

It prohibits smoking in all enclosed spaces and establishments such as bars, restaurants, public theaters, and malls; factories and plants, public utility vehicles, classrooms and school grounds, hospitals and clinics, and markets, among others.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

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A reminder of Bataan Day M

By Honor Blanco Cabie

OUNT Samat, Bataan—Two days before the full moon in April, many elderly Filipinos will join the younger generation of their countrymen mark, yet again, the day Filipinos and their American comrades surrendered to Japan’s Imperial troops on April 9.

The surrender, under the scorching Philippine sun that summer, had its genesis with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on Dec 7, 1941, Dec 8 in the Philippines.

The attack prompted the United States’ immediate declaration—the day after—of war against Japan. The war in the Pacific theater had begun.

Germany and Italy, both allies of Japan, declared war against the United States and Britain, igniting the global war.

The war in Europe itself was triggered by the invasion of Poland by the Germans on Sept. 1, 1939.

But the war was fundamentally a conflict between two ideologies: Democracy and totalitarianism. When Japan was included in the alliance of Germany and Italy, they were called the Axis Powers.

By 1941, Japan, with an expanding population, was on its way to conquer other territories, two of which were Manchuria and Indochina.

This brought the Philippines yet again on the war map after Emperor Hirohito’s Imperial Forces and Kamikaze fighters occupied the country for three years and put their foot down on civil liberties.

This rudely interrupted the 10-year preparatory period for the restoration of Philippine Independence, known as the Commonwealth.

The country’s economy was pushed to meet the demands of the Japanese war efforts, its educational

structure dismantled to enable the Filipinos to think along Tokyo’s track, and political life was shaped The celebration of the summer surrender—on April 9, 1942—of Filipinos and American troops to the Japanese forces comes amid a fast changing political and economic landscape as the Philippines continues to make a pivot towards other countries.

Exports to Hong Kong have increased by 20.7 percent, followed by those from China (23.6 percent, the US (21.2 percent), Singapore (16.8 percent), the Asean countries (19.3 percent) and the EU countries (82.5 percent).

In contrast, sales to Japan, the country’s top export destination decreased by 6.6 percent.

Since the 1980s, the Philippines has opened the domestic economy to foreign markets, and established a network of free trade agreements with several countries.

The United States is one of the Philippines top trading partner. In 2010, according to US Department of Commerce data, trade between the Philippines and US amounted to $15.4 billion. The US was also the Philippines’ largest foreign investor, with foreign direct investment close to $6 billion at the end of 2009.

The war veterans, the commentariat and history buffs will once more gather at the memorial shrine complex in the town of Pilar overlooking Manila Bay established to honor and remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during the bloody second world war.

The park, which echoed with gun bursts in April 1942, has become a tourist attraction and consists of a Colonnade and a large Memorial Park, which was commissioned in 1966 by then President Ferdinand Marcos, a decorated soldier during the war, for the 25th anniversary of World War II. Historians say the white Memorial Cross stands as a remembrance to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of Bataan.

The 73,665-hectare shrine complex—designed by Lorenzo del Castillo and landscaped by Dolly QuimboPerez, also includes a war museum with a wide array of collections from paintings of Filipino heroes, to armaments used by the Filipino, American and Japanese

forces during the battle.

From the Colonnade and the Cross, there is a panoramic view of Bataan, Corregidor Island and, on a clear day, the country’s capital city of Manila, some 50 kms across the often-placid Manila Bay. War veterans will once more recall on April 9 that among the fiercest battles were fought on the scorched slopes of Mount Samat.

It was on April 9, 1942 when some 78,000 Filipino and American troops surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Forces, in the words of its commanding officer Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainright, Jr., “to end the useless effusion of blood” on the peninsula.

The Battle of Bataan had ended. But it was, in the view of a soldier who fought there, the beginning of yet another battle—not to fight but to stay alive.

It was on the slopes of this mountain that battlescarred and exhausted American and Filipino soldiers surrendered to the Japanese, ending the organized resistance of the US Armed Forces in the Far East in the early months of the Pacific war.

Only 54,000 men, including some from Pinili in far Ilocos Norte, survived the subsequent “Death March” of 112 kms on hot, dusty roads across the Bataan peninsula to San Fernando in Pampanga before the train ride to a piteously congested prison camp in the now lahar-devastated Central Luzon Plains town of Capas in Tarlac.

The town is about 10 kms northwest of the site of the Kamikaze—sometimes referred to as the Divine Wind —Airfield in Mabalacat, off the northeast perimeter fence of Clark Economic Zone.

But many, decades after the notorious Death March, waited in vain for justice. In March 2004, one of those who participated in the Death March, retired Col. Bartolome Gacad, wore on his death bed a T-shirt that read “Justice for the Filipino WW II veterans.”

It was a powerful reminder of a controversy that had resonated for decades, after what military historians had described as one of the worst atrocities of World War II. Each passing year, the veteran lines were getting thinner. But their search for justice was a continuing, if painful, drama.

CdO swimming resort reopens after 20 years

By Lance Baconguis

RESCUE TRAINING. Summer is also the perfect time for training in water-based

search and rescue operations, as proven by this team of Pagsanjan’s ‘Wasar’ group practicing with the Philippine Army under the initiative of Mayor Girlie ‘Maita’ JavierEjercito and former governor Jeorge ‘ER’ Ejercito. Roy Tomandao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—After more than 20 years of neglect, the city government-owned Lawndale Spring swimming pool complex has completed its reboot, and opens to the public on April 8 in time for the summer season.

Constructed in the 1980s, Lawndale Spring was constructed by the city government to commemorate its city sisterhood with Lawndale, California, USA. The spring is surrounded with lush forests, and the spring produces 600 gallons of fresh, cold water per minute.

The redesigned resort now has five pools, including an Olympic-sized pool.

It also features a separate pool for persons with disability, with ramps and handle bars.

The two kiddie pools also feature a ramp for easy access for PWD children.

Machines filter the water in the pools, to ensure it is clean and fit for swimming.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said he is happy with the result of the project to reinvigorate the tourism site.

“Obviously, we are happy with the result, this is just a start, we can do more, develop this site even more,” Moreno said. “With the limited resources we

have, this is more than we can ask for.”

According to Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, the city spent P20 million to redevelop the complex.

The entire complex was demolished and redesigned, the old lone swimming pool was covered, and the water source was recovered and rehabilitated, Pascual said.

The resort now employs 10 lifeguards who are trained and certified by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department in life saving and basic life support. They are also certified by the Philippine Red Cross certification for Basic Life Support.

The City Tourism Office said the resort is already fully booked with reservations for the entire month of April. Nipa huts and concrete cottages are available for rent. It also has a barbecue area.

Pascual said the resort prohibits alcoholic beverages and smoking. “Since this is a public and family resorts, in line with anti-smoking in public spaces campaign of the government,” he added.

Moreno said it is imperative the city government invests in the development of Lawndale Spring, “not just to make it as tourism attraction in the city, but in the near future, for the entire region.”

Camiguin all set for ‘Panaad,’ influx of 40k tourists to island

By Lance Baconguis

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Camiguin Island is all set and ready for the annual “Panaad,” a weeklong Holy Week observance where more than 40,000 tourists flock to the island province.

Panaad is the equivalent of the Catholic “Panata” in the Tagalog region. Tourists who participate in the rite would have to walk the island’s 64-kilometer circumferential road and climb the walkway leading to Mount Hibok-Hibok, where Stations of the Cross are located.

Devotees usually start their walk around the island at 5 p.m., completing it within 24 hours before climbing the Walkway in Catarman town.

Police Supt. Wilbur Salaguste, Camiguin Provincial Police Deputy Director said they have already recalled all police officers assigned to the island and have canceled all leaves. “All our police have been accounted for, and we are all ready for the influx of tourists,” he said.

Police will be deploying Explosives and Ordnance Division operatives at the Benoni port as well, he added.

Salaguste also added the provincial government has prohibited drinking and smoking in religious sites.

Data from the Camiguin Tourism Office shows the island’s room occupancy during Holy Week grows 100 percent, while other tourists would camp out in beaches, along the road, and other tourist destinations.

Early tourists to Camiguin take a picture in front of the cross marking the island’s popular Sunken Cemetery. The island province expects a huge influx of tourists for the Holy Week. Lance Baconguis

Mayor Sara promises support for Davao airport development

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte has vowed to support the improvement of the Davao International Airport here.

Duterte said though the development or transfer of the airport is under the national government’s purview, she will fully support its development.

“My take is just that Davao City

should have its own airport. To improve it? I will definitely support it,” the mayor said.

The proposal of the development of the Davao airport, also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, has been around as early as 2014, Duterte noted. The proposed modernization of the airport would cost P40.57 billion.

Several International governments

are considering partnering with the government to develop the airport.

Recently, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad expressed the interest of United Kingdom to partner with the Philippines in developing the Davao airfield.

“I know from the people I’ve spoken here that the next face of Davao Airport is coming along. The [sea] port is something that were also interested in,” Ah-

1

mad said.

During the visit of Chinese 3rd Vice Premier Wang Yang, the Davao airport project was also proposed to the city for a possible public-private partnership.

City Planning and Development Office head Ivan Cortez said the Chinese are proposing a floating airport for the international flights, while the current airport would accommodate domestic flights.

“China is suggesting that we have another airport for international flights,” Cortez said. “We have a regular meeting with the six-division China construction company, and they are saying that we just need to tell them what we need and they will provide it.”

The proposed Davao airport project is already with the national government’s PPP Board.

World

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

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Samsung heir accused of bribery S EOUL―South Korean prosecutors Friday accused the heir to the Samsung business empire of embezzling funds, committing perjury and playing a key role in a corruption scandal that led to the ouster of former President Park Geun-Hye.

A bound and handcuffed Lee Jae-Yong, the vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, arrived at the Seoul Central District Court as his trial opened Friday.

Lee, who was arrested in February, has been charged with paying nearly $40 million to the now-impeached president’s

22. In addition to the lower generation cost of the power supply from SMEC, DORELCO is also entitled to a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD), if conditions are met, equivalent to three percent (3%) of the total of the Capacity and Energy Charges and a Collection Efficiency Discount, again if conditions are met, equivalent to: Collection Efficiency Levels

Discount, PhP/kWh

Below 65%

None

66% to 75%

0.05

76% to 85%

0.10

86% to 95%

0.15

96% and above

0.20

23. In compliance with Rule 20 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure relative to the submission of supporting documents and information for the approval of the PSA and the rate structure embodied therein, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC attach the following documents to form integral parts hereof: Annex Documents/Information O and Details of the PSA: series a. Executive Summary b. Sources of Funds/Financial Plans ■ Debt/Equity Ratio ■ Project Cost ■ Computation of Return on Investment (ROI)/Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) ■ Certification from the Bank/Lending Institution specifying the principal amortization, term and interest during the cooperation period of the loan agreement c. Purchased Power Rate ■ Breakdown of the base prices ■ Sample Computation of Power Rates with the supporting documents on the assumptions taken ■ Rate Impact Study/Simulation ■ Statement of impact on the overall rates of DORELCO once the contract is approved ■ Basis/Rationale of indexation and level of indexation d. Cash Flow ■ Initial Costs ■ Breakdown of Operating and Maintenance expenses ■ Minimum Energy Off-take (MEOT) P

32. These annexes contain numbers, data, formula, methodology, and calculations involving valuable and sensitive commercial, financial information reflecting SMEC’s business operations and financial trade secrets. Therefore, SMEC’s confidential, proprietary, and private information included in the aforesaid annexes should be protected from public dissemination. Otherwise, such information can be illegally and unfairly utilized by business competitors who may use the same for their own private gain and to the irreparable prejudice of SMEC. Negotiations with prospective customers may also be affected; 33. Similarly, applicant DORELCO humbly requests for the confidential treatment of Annexes “V and series” hereof, consisting of the MOA among Region 8 ECs, e-mails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding, Information Memorandum, Final Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, Bid Evaluation Slips, Comparison of Bids, and Notice of Award, respectively.

These annexes show the individual offers of the bidders which participated in the R8 JCPSP. The Region 8 ECs, DORELCO included, are bound by their undertaking to secure and keep in confidence the offers and the proposed terms of supply, so as not to prejudice or pre-empt any future CSPs in which these bidders will participate. Otherwise, DORELCO and the rest of the Region 8 ECs may be held liable for damages for breach of confidentiality, and eventually, risk their good relations with the suppliers concerned; 34. Accordingly, it is respectfully submitted that Annex “P”, Annex “Q” and series and Annexes “V” and series, must be accorded confidential treatment. As such, they are to be used exclusively by the Honorable Commission and for the sole purpose of evaluating this Application, thereby protecting these data from unnecessary public disclosure;

for

R

Details of the Fuel Procurement Process

S

Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) between NGCP and EC, if applicable

the

24. Further, in compliance with Article VI, Sections 1 and 2 of the Honorable Commission’s Guidelines for the Recovery of Costs for the Generation Component of the Distribution Utilities’ (DU) Rates, copies of the foregoing are, likewise, attached to the .Joint Application as annexes and made integral parts hereof: Annex T U V and series

W and series X and series Y and series Z

Documents/Information Relevant technical and economic characteristics of the generation capacity, installed capacity, mode of operation, and dependable capacity Costs analysis of the proposed pricing provisions of the PSA Details of the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) undertaken by leading to the selection of SMEC as its supplier, including invitations to participate and submit proposals, Terms of Reference (TOR), proposals and/or tender offers received by R8 JCPSP, Joint Bids and Awards Committee (JBAC) Evaluation Report; R8 JCPSP ‘s Board Resolution confirming the said JBAC Evaluation Report, and the Notice of Award to SMEC (Confidential) Details of the interconnection facility of the Sual Coal Fired Thermal Power Plant DORELCO’s latest Distribution Development Plan (DDP)

DORELCO’s Load Forecast Projections, Power Demand and Supply Scenario and Average Daily Load Curve DORELCO’s Demand Side Management (DSM) Program that could be implemented by EC if approved by the Honorable Commission AA SMEC’s latest Audited Financial Statements (AFS), Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows and Operating Expenses as an IPPA Administrator AA-1 Certification from the engine manufacturer or SMEC of the net heat rate in liters per kWh AA-2 Updated Certificate of Compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission 25. Furthermore, applicants DORELCO and SMEC are reserving their right to submit other documents, either in the course of the hearing or as may be required by this Honorable Commission.

26. The Joint Application is consistent and in accordance with Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9136, or EPIRA, declaring as a policy of the State, among others, “to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power:” and Section 23 thereof, that “To achieve economies of scale in utility operations, distribution utilities may, after due notice and public hearing, pursue structural and operational reforms such as but not limited to, joint actions between or among the distribution utilities, subject to the guidelines issued by the ERC (which) . . . shall result in improved efficiencies, reliability of service, reduction of costs and compliance to the performance standards prescribed in the IRR of this Act” and that all distribution utilities shall have the obligation to supply electricity in the least-cost manner to its captive market subject to the collection of retail rate duly approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission;” 27. The Joint Application is likewise consistent with DOE Department Circular No. DC2015-06-0008 which mandates all distribution utilities to undergo Competitive Selection Process (CSP) in securing Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) which will ensure security and certainty of electricity prices of electric power to end-users in the long term, as well as with ERC Resolution No. 13, series of 2015, which requires that “PSA shall be awarded to the winning Generation Company following a successful transparent and competitive selection process. A CSP is successful if the DU receives at least two (2) qualified bids from entities with which the DU is not prohibited from entering into a contract for power supply in accordance with Rule 11, Section 5 (b) of the EPIRA IRR.” 28. The PSA with SMEC was made to ensure the continuous supply of power to EC and due to the former’s competitive pricing structure and other favorable terms of its contract, which will redound to the benefit of the latter and its end-consumers in terms of reliable and affordable power supply; IV.

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS

29. Applicants manifest compliance with the pre-filing requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following: 29.1 Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of Pasig City, Municipality of Tolosa, and the Province of Leyte, to be appended as Annexes “BB”.

“BB-i” and “BB-2”. respectively; 29.2 Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of general circulation within DORELCO’s Franchise Area, to be appended herein as Annex “CC”: and 29.3 Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended herein as Annex “CC-1”. and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “CC-2”: V. MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF ANNEXES “P” “0” and “V” 30. Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, a party to any proceeding before the Honorable Commission may request that certain information not be disclosed and be treated as confidential, by describing with particularity the information to be treated as confidential, specifying the ground for the claim of confidential treatment of the information and, if applicable, specifying the period during which the information must not be disclosed; 31. Applicant SMEC respectfully moves for the confidential treatment of Annexes “P” and “Q”. “Q-1” and “Q-2”” hereof, consisting of SMEC’s Sources of Funds and Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions. These annexes, exclusively owned by Applicant SMEC, contain information which are considered part of its business and trade secrets. As such, SMEC has the sole proprietary interest and will be unduly prejudiced should they be disclosed to the public;

ical cases involving unhealthy relations between politicians and businessmen”.

“In the course of providing bribes, Lee Jae-Yong embezzled company money, illegally diverted domestic assets abroad, hid illegally-earned incomes and committed perjury at parliament”, the prosecutor said.

Defense lawyers have said Lee and the others deny all the charges.

They say the prosecutors’ formal indictment is sketchy, with some accusations only backed up by circumstantial evidence.

Samsung has insisted the payments to Choi were charitable contributions it was obliged to make under pressure from officials, and not bribes.

“The Choi case has left a deep scar in history but it has

also provided momentum to re-establish the rule of laws by dint of people’s power”, the prosecutor said.

Ousted president Park was thrown into jail last week after a court ordered her arrest in connection with the sweeping corruption scandal that brought millions of people onto the streets and saw her impeached.

Her close confidante Choi is also in custody and on trial for forcing top local firms including the tech giant to “donate” nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations which she allegedly used for personal gain.

Lee’s arrest, the first for a Samsung chief even though his father was twice convicted of bribery, sent shock waves through the company and triggered the announcement of a major reform of its top-down management style. AFP

35. In accordance with Section i(b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC submit one (1) copy each of Annex “P”. Annex “Q” and series and Annexes “V” and series in sealed envelopes, with the envelope and each page of the documents stamped with the word “Confidential”.

VI.

PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

36. All the foregoing allegations are re-pleaded by reference in support of herein Prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority to implement the subject PSA; 37. DORELCO and SMEC pray for the issuance of a Provisional Authority or interim relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may he acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.”

Details of the Power Rate Calculations and Financial Model (Confidential)

Q, Q-1 Contracts for the Supply, Construction and Supervision and Power Plant (Confidential) Q-2

close friend Choi Soon-Sil, allegedly as bribes to secure policy favors.

Four other Samsung executives have also been charged.

Special Prosecutor Park Young-Soo said in his opening statement that Lee’s case is “one of the most deep-rooted and typ-

38. In recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of time is customarily needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC seek the kind consideration of the Honorable Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally; 39. Owing to the short term of the contract, which is only for a period of two (2) years, a Provisional Authority is all the more imperative to allow the timely delivery of energy by SMEC to DORELCO, which is set to start on 26 December 2016 at 12:00 A.M. in order to avoid their exposure to the WESM; 40. The additional power from SMEC is needed to curtail any power interruptions that may be experienced by DORELCO’s member-consumers due to inadequate power supply in the Region; 41. To further support the Prayer for Provisional Authority, an affidavit emphasizing the necessity thereof is attached hereto as Annex “DP”, to form an integral part hereof; 42. Finally, the following annexes are attached in compliance with the additional requirements of the Technical Working Group for write-ups on subject documents/information: Annex EE

Documents/Information SMEC Shareholders Agreement

EE-1 Renewable Energy Service/Operating Contract from the Department of Energy (DOE) EE-2 Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Confrimation of Commerciality by an RE Developer and after due confirmation by the DOE EE-3 Explanation on the non-applicability of potential cost of ancillary services EE-4 Consistency/inconsistency of the Sual Coal Fired Power Station with the DOE’s PDP EE-5 SMEC as an IPPA project EE-6 Explanation on the non-applicability of the MEOT provision on the SMEC contract EE-7 Status of the ECs’ Transition Supply Contract with the NPC/PSALM EE-8 Non-applicability to electric cooperatives of document showing list of board of directors and board members related to the ultimate parent company, its subsidiaries and all its affiliates

SAMURAI DOLL. Yutaro Nakamura, an employee of Seibu Department Store, displays a traditional samurai doll with motifs of Japanese comedian Pikotaro, made by doll maker Kyugetsu for Children’s Day, in the Ikebukuro shopping district of Tokyo. AFP

EE-9 Write-up on SMEC's IPPA Agreement PRAYER WHEREFORE, the foregoing premises considered, the Joint Applicants Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DORELCO) and San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC) most respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission: 1.

Pending hearing, ISSUE an Order provisionally approving the Joint Application and the PSC thereby authorizing DORELCO and SMEC to immediately implement the rate structures therein;

2.

ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “P”, “Q”, “Q-1”, and “Q-2”, and “V and series” and all the information contained therein as confidential, directing their nondisclosure to persons other than the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, continuously protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same separate and apart from the records of the case, and ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, pursuant to Rule 4 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure; and

3.

After due notice and hearing, ISSUE a Decision approving the Joint Application and the PSC between DORELCO and SMEC, and authorizing DORELCO to charge and collect the fees therein from its member-consumers.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are, likewise, prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 25 April 2017 (Tuesday) at three o’clock in the afternoon (3:00 P.M.), at DORELCO’s principal office in National Highway, Brgy.

San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 14th day of March 2017 in Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO Standard – Apr. 1 & 8, 2017

Pakistan hotline offers safe space for women LAHORE-When Pakistani social media starlet Qandeel Baloch was found strangled, a crime to which her brother proudly confessed, thousands of women posted messages denouncing her murder―only to face abuse and threats themselves.

Nighat Dad, a human rights activist who founded Digital Rights Foundation, which advocates for free speech and against harassment, said her phone began ringing off the hook with women seeking advice, fearing they could be targeted next.

She had offered counseling and legal guidance to such victims since setting up her organization in 2012. But the volume of requests shot up after Qandeel’s murder last summer.

In an effort to deal with this fresh wave, Dad decided to create a hotline in December that began operating from her office in Lahore and now handles up to dozens of calls a day.

The result: a safe space for Pakistani women in this deeply patriarchal and religiously conservative country, where online threats sometimes translate into offline violence.

No case epitomizes this phenomenon better than that of Baloch, a polarizing figure who had gained an online following of millions for her daring selfies and provocative videos, including one attacking politicians for discouraging Valentine’s Day.

It was too much to handle for her brother Waseem, currently on trial for her murder, who cited her “intolerable behavior” as the reason behind his crime―one of around a thousand so-called honor killings that take place in Pakistan every year.

The risk is especially high for women from conservative backgrounds, who can at times be blackmailed for even having an account on Facebook or using their real picture.

Another common problem is the issue of sexual blackmail -- including when a boyfriend seeks nude or semi-nude photos from his girlfriend and later uses the material to manipulate her, threatening to release the images if she does not comply with his demands.

Eman Suleman, a 25-year-old undergraduate student at Lahore’s Beaconhouse National University, found herself at the receiving end of a concerted hate campaign when she and her fellow students put together an exhibition featuring bloodied menstrual pads to spark a conversation about periods.

Instead of the passionate debate they had hoped for, they received threats.

“These anti-secular pages started putting up pictures of us with our personal information then people started messaging us with threats like burn them,” she said.

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

Moscow criticizes US action

World

MAKESHIFT BARRICADE. Iraqis stand on a street blocked by a make-shift barricade made from destroyed cars in the Mosul al-Jadida neighborhood in the western part of the northern city of Mosul on April 5, 2017, as Iraqi forces advance in their offensive to retake the city from Islamic State fighters. AFP

MOSCOW—Moscow slammed the US strike on a Syrian airbase Friday as “aggression against a sovereign state”, and suspended a bilateral agreement to help avoid clashes in the skies over the war-torn country.

“President Putin considers American strikes on Syria aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international norms, and under an invented pretext,” said the statement by the Kremlin press service posted on the official website.

US President Donald Trump ordered a military strike on a Syrian air base at 0040GMT, in retaliation for what he said was a “very barbaric attack” Tuesday that is suspected to have contained a nerve agent.

Moscow has been flying a bombing campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar alAssad’s forces since September 2015 and on Wednesday said it would continue to back the regime.

The Russian foreign ministry announced the suspension of a memorandum signed with the US in October 2015 which set up a hotline to avoid clashes between their air forces in Syrian airspace as they carried out separate bombing campaigns.

“We call upon the UN Security Council to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the situation,” the ministry said in a statement, calling the strike “thoughtless.” AFP

US missiles strike Syria airbase

B

EIRUT―US forces fired a barrage of cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase Friday in response to what President Donald Trump called a “barbaric” chemical attack he blamed on the Damascus regime.

The massive strike―the first direct US action against President Bashar al-Assad’s government and Trump’s biggest military decision since taking

office―marked a dramatic escalation in American involvement in Syria’s six-year civil war.

It followed days of outrage at the images of dead children

and victims suffering convulsions from the suspected sarin gas attack in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun.

US officials said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from Navy ships in the Mediterranean at the Shayrat airfield at 3:40 am (0040 GMT), targeting the base from where Washington believes Tuesday’s deadly attack was launched.

Calling the strike a “flagrant aggression”, the Syrian army said it had killed six people and caused extensive damage to the base.

The attack was hailed by the Syrian opposition and supported

by US allies including Britain, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

But it was denounced by Assad allies Iran and Russia, with Moscow warning that it would inflict “considerable damage” on USRussia ties and halt an agreement with Washington aimed at avoiding clashes in Syrian airspace.

Trump announced the strike in a brief televised address delivered hours after the UN Security Council failed to agree on a

probe into the suspected chemical attack.

Syria’s military has denied ever using chemical weapons, but Trump accused Assad of a “very barbaric attack” in which “even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered.”

At least 86 people, including 27 children, were killed in Khan Sheikhun and more than 500 wounded.

“Tonight I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end this slaughter and bloodshed in Syria and also to end

Missile attack praised BERLIN―Syrian President Bashar al-Assad bears “sole responsibility” for the US strike on a regime airbase, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande said in a joint statement on Friday.

“After the chemical weapons massacre of April 4 on Khan Sheikhun in northwestern Syria, a military installation of the Syrian regime was destroyed by a US air strike last night,” the statement, issued after a morning phone call, said.

“President Assad bears sole responsibility for this development.”

“His repeated use of chemical weapons and his crimes against his own people call for sanctions, which France and Germany already demanded in the summer of 2013 after the massacre of Ghuta,” the site of another chemical weapons attack.

They added that “France and Germany, together with their partners and within the framework of the United Nations, will continue their efforts to hold President Assad responsible for his criminal deeds”.

Berlin and Paris “jointly call on the international community to join forces for a political transition in Syria in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communique,” they said, referring to a statement issued on June 30 2012 by the UN-backed Action Group for Syria. AFP

terrorism of all kinds and all types,” Trump said.

The missiles were fired from the USS Porter and the USS Ross, which belong to the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet and are in the eastern Mediterranean.

The strike targeted radars, aircraft, air defense systems and other logistical components at the base south of Homs in central Syria.

US officials said measures had been put in place to avoid hitting sarin gas they said was stored at the airfield. AFP

Turkey welcomes US move

PROTEST. A protester waves the Serbian flag during a protest in front of the government building in Belgrade. Thousands of mostly young people protested for the third consecutive night against outgoing Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic’s election for the country’s next president. AFP

China’s Xi warns of deteriorating situation in Syria BEIJING―China on Friday warned against “further deterioration” of the situation in Syria, just hours after a US air strike on a Syrian airbase in response to a suspected chemical attack.

The warning came as Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump at his Florida resort in Mara-Lago, where the Chinese leader had just hours earlier extended an invitation to the billionaire politician to pay a state visit to China later this year, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

China was “concerned” by the recent events in Syria, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular press briefing, adding: “What is urgent

now is to avoid further deterioration of the situation.

“We oppose use of chemical weapons by any country, organization or individual in any circumstance, for any purpose,” she said.

The massive strike―the first direct US action against President Bashar al-Assad’s government and Trump’s biggest military decision since taking office―marked a dramatic escalation in American involvement in Syria’s six-year civil war.

Six people were killed and serious damage caused, according to the Syrian army.

News of the air strike overshadowed a two-day tete-a-tete between the Chinese president and his US

counterpart, which concludes Friday.

The meeting is the first face-toface encounter between the leaders of the world’s two largest economic and military powers since a US election that featured frequent barbs at China’s “rape” of the American economy.

Shortly after his dinner with Xi, Trump announced the strike in a brief televised address delivered hours after the UN Security Council failed to agree on a probe into the suspected chemical attack.

During the meetings, Trump agreed to visit China “with pleasure”, saying he hoped to visit at an early date, according to Xinhua, citing officials.

Trump had personally informed

the Chinese head of state of the Syrian strike, a White House official told AFP. China is a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, and consistently says the crisis needs a “political solution”.

But it has six times voted alongside Russia to veto UN Security Council measures aimed at addressing the conflict -- including one in 2014 seeking the investigation of war crimes in the country.

Declaring it in America’s vital national security interest to prevent the spread of chemical weapons, Trump accused Assad of a “very barbaric attack” in which “even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered.” AFP

ANKARA―Turkey on Friday welcomed a US missile strike on a Syrian regime airbase in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack, calling for a no-fly zone in the country to prevent further bloodshed.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the strike against the Sharyat airbase in Homs, northern Syria, was “a positive response” to the “war crimes” of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

“In order to prevent similar massacres from happening again, it is necessary to enforce a no-fly zone and create safe zones in Syria without further delay,” he added in a statement.

He said the destruction of Sharyat airbase marked “an important step to ensure that chemical and conventional attacks against the civilian population do not go unpunished.”

US President Donald Trump ordered the military strike on the base in retaliation for what he said was a “very barbaric attack” when dozens were killed early on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun in Idlib, northwestern Syria.

The Turkish health ministry on Thursday said initial analysis suggested victims were exposed to the deadly nerve agent sarin.

Kalin said the incident in Idlib demonstrated the regime’s “complete disregard” for a political transition and efforts to enforce a ceasefire agreed late last year and sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

QUIET HAVEN IN BORACAY. Sun Villa Hilltop located at Station 2 is perfect for those looking for calm, intimate refuge to relax in the bustling paradise that is Boracay.

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Sun Villa Hilltop’s Pavilion Restaurant and Lounge offers a convenient venue for meetings and exclusive events

Oasis of calm and serenity in Boracay A midst the hustle and bustle of Boracay is a private villa that offers an oasis of calm and quiet – the Sun Villa Hilltop. Located at Station 2, The Sun Villa Hilltop is a quiet refuge nestled in a lush tropical garden on top of a hill.

Laze around and have fun with your loved ones on lounge chairs by the resort’s poolside

Enjoy a goodnight’s sleep after a long day of frolicking on the shores of Boracay in the resort’s comfortable rooms

Perfect for those who seek a more intimate setting, the 12-room boutique hotel has cozy and comfortable rooms that satisfy your accommodation needs. All rooms are air conditioned, with private toilet and bath, hot and cold shower, free Wi Fi, cable TV, among other amenities.

In addition to its top-class facilities is the spacious Pavilion Restaurant and Lounge where you can savor a variety of Filipino and other food specialties, drinks and snacks while gazing at the outdoor gardens and swimming pool. An ideal place for lounging with loved ones, Sun Villa Hilltop’s Pavilion Restaurant and Lounge is also the perfect venue for meetings and exclusive events.

Sun Villa Hilltop’s swimming pool is the ideal place to laze around or take a dip and have fun with your loved ones. If you

desire some quiet, alone time, you can also lounge on the chairs by the poolside while reading your favorite book.

After a long day of frolicking on the shores of Boracay, pamper and soothe your tired body, mind and spirit with relaxing massages and other spa treatments at Sun Villa Hilltop’s SunSpa. The SunSpa offers a wide array of massages and other beauty services that match your rejuvenating needs like Body Massage, Bentosa (Cupping) Body Massage or Stone Massage.

Sun Resorts Boracay also has two other charming resorts, Sun Villa Beachfront, an 18-room boutique resort located along the middle of White Beach, between Stations 1 and 2; and Sun Garden Hilltop, a haven of peace and quiet designed for the budget conscious traveler located at Station 3.

For more information, visit www.boracaysunresorts.com.ph/ or follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ sunresortsboracay. For inquiries and reservations, email info@boracaysunresorts.com.ph or call (02) 813-1338 / 893-7293 or (6336) 288-4410 / 2881306.

Wishing on a fountain MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

How did this practice of throwing coins in the fountain start? Some say that, in the early days, clean water was very hard to find and when they finally have it, villagers would consider it a gift from their gods.

They would then build a well or a fountain with a small statue of their god lording over the area, making it look like a shrine.

Of course, grateful villagers would present gifts or anything of value to these gods, while some would toss a coin, as they pray for something they need.

I remember my childhood years in Cebu,

my mother would tell my siblings and me to toss a coin into Fuente Osmena and make a wish each time we were there for our Sunday afternoon stroll.

In my travels as an adult, I have seen this practice all over the world each time I’d pass by a fountain, I’d always see hundreds of coins shimmering in the bottom, even in fountains inside a mall. A small fountain in Changi Airport in Singapore had lots of coins in the bottom as it is in the dancing fountain at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The most famous, and also considered the most beautiful fountain, is Fontana di Trevi in Rome. Built at the end of the 21-kilometer Virgo aqueduct, named after the goddess who guides warriors to clean water, the fountain gets an average of 3000 coins (Euros) a day! Thank goodness for this, Caritas has the funds to give food and shelter to the poor.

The surge of coin tossers into the Trevi Fountain started after the hugely popular romantic film, Three Coins In The Fountain, was shown in 1954. In the movie, a local guide told one of the lead characters that if she tossed a

coin over her shoulder and if it landed directly into the water, she would return to Rome one day. If she tossed two coins, she would meet a Roman lover and, if she tossed three coins, the Roman lover would marry her.

With such a come-on, it’s small wonder Trevi is the “richest” among all the fountains in the world. But, will it continue to be so?

Just the other night, Okada Manila, the country’s biggest (on a 44-hectare spread) and the most lavish integrated resort development, unveiled what will soon be known as the largest multicolor dancing water fountain in the world.

In a dazzling launch ceremony hosted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, the show featured international multi-awarded singer, songwriter and record producer Robin Thicke. Asia’s Got Talent finalist Gerphil Flores also showed off her enviable vocal chords, accompanied by the 40-piece Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

The dancing fountain, developed by world-famous WET, has 739 water nozzles supported by underwater robots, 2611 col-

The dazzling launch of the fountain was capped with a thunderous pyrotechnics display right above the fountain lake

YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE Innkeeper: The room is $15 a night. The rate goes down to only $5, if you make the bed yourself.”

Guest: OK, I want to save, I’ll make my own bed.

Innkeeper: Good. I’ll get you some nails and wood.

The world-class Okada Manila facade glows in the sunset

Okada Manila’s 9.2-acre fountain lake is now the biggest multicolor dancing water fountain in the world

ored lights, and 23 speakers across a 9.2-acre man-made fountain lake. Its central design is patterned after the eight-petals of the Sampaguita, our national flower.

At the center of this design, water jets soar high, allowing the projection of abstract videos from both sides, synchronized with the fountain’s performance, creating a breathtaking scene.

The Fountain Show may now be seen for free from any part of the 800-meter long glass corridor surrounding the fountain. This corridor forms a complete circle, connecting one end of Okada Manila to the other. The circular walkway has some of the best restaurants, a total of 40 in the entire property, and shops offering the most coveted retail brands in the world.

Although the 993 luxury accommodations in the hotel component of the integrated resort are not yet officially opened to the public, Management decided to make available 116 de luxe guest rooms simultaneously with the launch to

give way to popular clamor from the metro’s well-heeled, who couldn’t wait to experience the designer amenities and cutting edge technologies offered by the hotel in its rooms.

The vast area covered by this brand-new, world-class and extremely mesmerizing dancing fountain will certainly allow more people to watch the show, which is scheduled from 6PM to midnight, hourly.

I’m sure hordes of eager tourists visiting this new attraction at Okada Manila will now start tossing their coins for their wishes, which makes me wonder—will this fountain dislodge Trevi from its perch as the “richest” fountain in the world? Whether or not, Okada Manila’s Fountain will give more of us more opportunities to wish for something, as we toss our coins into the water, or into the machines next door.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Life

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SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Immerse in the Spanish way of life F

OR many, especially the work weary, there comes a time when you are beset by a desire to consume – art, architecture, culture, history, elegant cityscapes, and exquisite cuisine. If you crave for all these and more, there’s no better time than to plan a trip to Spain, stat!

BUT now comes the age-old question in travel: Madrid or Barcelona? Why not visit both? With Emirates, you can fly to Madrid and then fly out from Barcelona – or vice versa.

From its hub in Dubai, Emirates flies to both cities daily. From the Philippines, the airline currently operates 25 flights to the global hub (18 weekly flights from Manila and seven from Cebu/Clark), so you don’t have to miss important appointments just to catch your flight.

For a premium experience, you can catch Emirates’ A380 flights. Two A380 aircrafts fly to and from Barcelona while Madrid is serviced by one A380 aircraft and another Boeing 777 daily. Aboard Emirates’ flagship A380 aircraft, you can enjoy a variety of premium facilities: from Private Suites and Shower Spas in First Class, to flat-bed seats and Onboard Lounge in Business Class, to extra leg room and custom lighting in Economy Class. You can also experience Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system ice where you can enjoy over 2,500 channels of films, TV shows, music and games, inflight Wi-Fi and gourmet cuisine.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is known for its elegance and polish. Although most of its infrastructures are decidedly more modern, the city is designed to hint at its centuries of history. Its intriguing stories are interlaced in the city’s art, atmosphere, and food. Emirates flies to Madrid from Dubai twice daily via EK 141 departing Dubai at 7:35 a.m. and arrives in Madrid at 1:25

p.m. (local time); and EK 143 departing Dubai at 2:35 p.m. and arrives 8:20 p.m. in Madrid.

Take advantage of the limitless art and culture options in Madrid. Spend a day museum hopping and let the Spanish way of life permeate your being. For art aficionados, don’t miss the art triangle: the Prado Museum, which is home to more than 9,000 pieces, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Lose yourself in old-world Spanish culture at the Teatro de la Zarzuela. The 19th century theater, where the Filipino term sarsuwela originated, hosts everything from musical theater to opera and ballet.

Art truly runs deep in Madrid even on the nightlife scene. As you check out choices for lounges, cafes or music venues, look for Club Musee, a club that doubles as an art gallery.

Eat like a Madrileño as you explore the city’s gastronomic pleasures. Sample local cuisine at food markets Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Anton, or give in to delicious tapas paired with a refreshing glass of beer or good wine at Gran Via. You can also dine in the oldest restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botin, which has been open since 1725.

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, you can choose to explore the historical city or lounge on the beach. Or both. Emirates flies twice daily to Barcelona from Dubai. EK 185 departs Dubai at 8:15 a.m. and arrives 1:25 p.m. in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, EK 187 departs Dubai at 3:45 p.m. and arrives 8:55 p.m in Barcelona served twice daily with an Emirates

Emirates’ A380 flights let you enjoy the art, food, and scenery of Madrid and explore the historical city of Barcelona

A380 service, in a three-class configuration.

If you choose on stay on dry land, you’ll never run out of things to do. For history buffs, soak up Spanish art and culture in the Picasso Museum, Museum of History of Barcelona and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.

Leave enough time to marvel at famous architect Antoni Gaudi’s work.

First stop, the iconic Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s important structures.

Other places you mustn’t miss include the Gaudi-designed Park Güell, and his houses – Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

After a full day of sightseeing, catch your breath at El Raval which is frequented by the creative types. Here you can browse the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and explore the cozy cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art

Level up the adventures this summer Urbanize, a one-stop shop for urban adventurers, has the city dweller’s needs covered with bags, wallets, hydration gear, tech, audio peripherals, organizers and more, equipping them for whatever adventure they wish to embark on.

Urban escapades The daily grind can make city dwellers half-blind to the charms of the city we call home. This summer, however, take the time to rediscover forgotten urban escapes and explore new sites and adventures. Be it a day out or a weekend of urban exploits, pack all essentials in the stylish Sherpani Pica Ember Bag. Its three large pockets can accommodate a slew of personal necessities with another small pocket in the front, allowing quick access to important items such as a power bank. A flap zipper provides se-

most-enjoyable city sound trip.

Hassle-free weekend getaways Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand in any one of the beaches a couple of hours away from the city for an exciting weekend getaway. Relax with friends and family while recharging for the week ahead.

Pack all beach essentials in the Focused Space Seamless Camo backpack.

This compact and stylish backpack is expandable and features a large-capacity main zip compartment and fully-padded structured body. If the weekend trip needs squeezing in some work time, a padded compartment can hold a laptop securely.

For other accessories such as an extra tote or a beach hat, the Qliplet Super Clip offers a convenient carrying soluJelt Graphite Belt is an elastic and buckle-free belt

Qliplet Super Clip offers a convenient carrying solution

curity and an adjustable cross-body strap facilitates easy carrying.

Stay hydrated during a long stroll in the neighborhood park or a visit to an art museum with the Hydrapak Stash, which can hold a liter of water in the most stylish way possible. This durable, flexible and leak-proof water bottle is collapsible, making it even easier to carry around.

Complement the amazing city views with the right music with the Elecom Grand Bass Wireless Headphones. Besides delivering powerful bass, these headphones are designed to prevent unpleasant vibrations and rolling for the

tion. This versatile modified carabiner provides a slip-free, heavy-duty, secure way to hang everything, just about everywhere.

Handle cooking or whatever activities that may require some tools with the Urban Gear Multi-Tool New Design. This handy multitool packs a Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a knife, a carabiner and a bottle opener.

Capture all summer and bonding moments with Instagram-worthy smartphone shots and videos. The Elecom ZeroShock iPhone 7 Case protects smartphones from accidental drops and scratches.

house cinemas.

Stroll along Barcelona’s boulevards in Las Ramblas. Immerse yourself in the Catalan way of life as you explore the cafes, restaurants, shops and watch street performers that populate the famous promenade. But don’t leave Las Ramblas without sampling authentic Catalan cuisine in La Boqueria, the largest food market in Europe.

With its more than 4km of coastline, Barcelona is home to many surfers and sun worshippers alike. Some beaches you can check out during your visit include Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach, Bogatell Beach, and Ocata Beach among others. Each of these beaches attract a different crowd so you’re sure to find something you like.

To get to Madrid and Barcelona, take any of the 18 non-stop weekly flights

Urban Gear MultiTool New Design has Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a knife, a carabiner and a bottle opener

Fun jet-setting If summer in the country becomes unbearably hot or a new experience is the priority, get ready for an overseas adventure with all the right gear specifically designed to make overseas adventures more convenient.

The Loqi Woman’s Haori with Cranes Luggage Cover will give any nondescript luggage a fiery personality with its red-hot Japanese print. Besides being extremely beautiful to look at, this ultradurable luggage cover is water-resistant yet washable.

Make the tedious task of checking in at the airport hassle-free with the Jelt Graphite Belt, a retro-inspired elastic belt that is buckle-free and comfortable. It will never set off the metal detectors, reducing airport check-in time and stress.

Loqi Woman Haori with Cranes Luggage Cover

Sherpani Pica Ember Bag lets you pack all your essentials

from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Dubai International Airport.

Flight EK 333 departs Manila at 5:40 p.m. and arrives 11:05 p.m. in Dubai.

Flight EK 335 departs Manila at 12:20 a.m.and arrives 5:35 a.m. in Dubai.

Flight EK 337 departs Manila at 6:40 a.m. and arrives 11:35 in Dubai.

If you’re coming from the VisayasMindanao region and Northern Luzon, you may take Emirates’ daily DubaiCebu-Clark-Dubai circular flight. Flight EK 338 departs Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 5:25 p.m. and arrives 6:45 p.m. at Clark International Airport.

It then makes its way to Dubai from Clark at 8:20 p.m. arriving in Dubai at 1:25 a.m. the next day.

From Dubai, Emirates offers convenient and seamless connections to your flight to either Madrid or Barcelona.

Explore new places and savor the sights and sounds without having to worry about valuables. Protect credit cards and other important items with the Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Luxe Neck Stash. This wearable accessory uses a special RFIDblocking material to prevent unwanted scans. It has adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit and is soft enough as to not irritate the skin.

The PacSafe RFIDsafe TEC Anti-Theft Wallet, a slim and secure bi-fold wallet uniquely designed to accommodate up to 13 cards, is perfect for preventing card and cash theft. This ultra-lightweight wallet is heat-welded to reduce back pocket bulk while blocking unwanted electrical scans and preventing theft of personal data and credit card information.

Gear up for that unforgettable summer adventure at Urbanize, with branches at the UP Town Center, Gateway, Shangri-La, Glorietta 3, Uptown BGC, Venice Grand Canal, Kiss & Fly NAIA Terminal 3, Alabang Town Center, The District-Imus, Solenad, and Serin-Tagaytay.

For more information, like Urbanize on Facebook, follow @urbanizeph on Instagram or visit www.urbanize.com.ph.

Exciting new partnership GETGO by Cebu Pacific has partnered with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) through the recently launched “Points to Fly, Points to Drive” campaign.

The alliance between the country’s fast-rising loyalty rewards program and the world-renowned car manufacturer aims to strengthen their commitment to provide rewarding and innovative products and services to their customers.

“Through our partnership with HCPI, loyal GetGo members can expect even more exciting benefits and promos that can make their everyday spend rewarding as ever,” said Nik Laming, GetGo Loyalty Division general manager.

GetGo Loyalty Division general manager Nik Laming and HCPI president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara sign the partnership of the two companies

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

ABS-CBN champions media and information literacy

M

ORE than a thousand students of mass communication across the Philippines gained a more informed and critical understanding of the media in last February’s 11th Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) at St. Mary’s College Quezon City campus and beamed live via satellite to the Visayas State University.

“Media and Information Literacy: Understanding Media in Today’s Changing Society” was the theme of the three-day annual media conference organized by ABS-CBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE). It featured notable news and entertainment media practitioners who shared their expertise and experiences to the next generation of Filipino mass communicators.

In his opening remarks, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak emphasized the importance of media literacy

nowadays, when everyone can freely disseminate information on social media. He encouraged students to use their voices in a positive way, and create content that is truthful, inspiring, and empowering.

“Explore, enjoy, tell stories, grab opportunities, and break boundaries with your new media playgrounds. But for the sake of the future generations, be responsible.

Discern. Have discipline. Make the world better,” he said.

Katigbak also shared with them the three roles of media: to report and stay committed to pursuing the truth, to advocate and take a stand on fundamental issues, and to take part in nation-building through serving the country not only through news, stories and entertainment, but also through action.

Citing ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation as an example of how media can make a direct impact on people’s lives, Katigbak reminded the delegates that to be a media practitioner is ultimately to be of service to the public.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News head Ging Reyes also underscored the importance of media literacy, especially as mainstream media is said to be facing challenges they have never encountered before.

Reyes said the media should react to disruptions and navigate through distractions constantly but should never lose sight of their mission to work for an enlightened

PHILIPPINE pride, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, was given a touching musical tribute before she relinquished her crown as Miss Universe. Her struggles as a breadwinner, a showbiz personality and a successful pageant queen were set into music and performed by the theater group, Stages.

One of the ancillary events of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant, Queen of the Universe: A Tribute to Pia Wurtzbach was held at the Harbor Tent of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex.

The 86 candidates vying for the title of Miss Universe were also present in the event.

Aside from the musical, the beautiful ladies and guests were treated to good food and fun activities, such as the #SingConfidentlyBeautiful Challenge courtesy of Grand Videoke, the country’s leading videoke brand.

This challenge was essentially a group singing competition, participated by three teams, all composed of this year’s Miss Universe candidates. The rules were simple: each team must pick a song, sing it until the first chorus, and the group with the highest score wins.

The most memorable moment came midway during the final group’s performance.

To everyone’s surprise, the Queen herself, Pia Wurtzbach,

ABS-CBN officials (from left) Carlo Katigbak, Ging Reyes, Liza Aleta, Cory Vidanes and Laurenti Dyogi share information and answer questions during the open forum of 11th Pinoy Media Congress at St. Mary's College Quezon City campus

public, which is the foundation of any democracy.

“As the world became more advanced, and more dangerous, so did our work as journalists. But this is part of our evolution. What should remain solid and constant is our courage, dedication, resilience and adherence to our values,” she said.

Focusing on the issue of misinformation online, ABSCBN News Public Service head and Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo head Rowena Paraan also gave away tips in detecting fake news and

Pia sings confidently

BEAUTIFUL WITH A HEART

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach beams with pride after receiving a Grand Videoke unit

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, April 8, 2017

ACROSS 1 Long-tailed flier 5 Conks out 10 How much to take 14 Tarzan’s title 15 Virginia caverns 16 John, in Siberia 17 By Jove!

18 Gives a thumbsup 19 Peddle 20 Bull penners 22 Mesh 24 Knocks firmly 27 Sax mouthpiece 28 Doubt 32 Knights’ wear 35 Home page addr.

36 Like “The Twilight Zone” 38 Stretchy fabrics 40 Heron cousin 42 News summary 44 Biting fly 45 Hurricane courses 47 Fit for a queen 49 Turn down the lights 50 Groovy 52 Connected to the matter at hand 54 Hong — 56 Widespread

57 More than doubled 60 Caterpillar foot 64 Tighten 65 Silly 68 The “Elephant Boy” 69 Beggar’s shout 70 Peace Prize name 71 Neither ahead nor behind 72 Corp. section 73 Palette adjunct 74 Hardens, as glue DOWN 1 Hang onto 2 Evil ensign 3 Golf hazard 4 Tribal council 5 “Kiss my grits” waitress 6 Puffin’s kin 7 Baha’i origin 8 Stratum 9 Solar — 10 Splitting up 11 Part of the range 12 Told the cops 13 Draw to a close 21 Satisfy more than fully 23 Veneer wood 25 Wharf 26 More peeved

28 One-liner 29 Kind of renewal 30 A-list types 31 More companionable 33 Ronstadt or Hunt 34 Carpet spoiler 37 Not apathetic 39 Bill, briefly 41 Most iffy 43 Sanskrit dialect 46 What red means 48 Out in — field 51 Surfing the web

53 Rhymes 55 Whence Columbus 57 Chaucer offering 58 Mounties grp.

59 Applies makeup 61 Chalet feature 62 Be a party to 63 Grayish horses 64 Fictional collie 66 Once named 67 Wright wing?

encouraged students to develop the habit of fact-checking. She said, among the obvious signs an article is a fake news story are if the article is poorly written and if there are no mention of sources.

Other communication experts that served as resource speakers were ABS-CBN News chief of reporters Lynda Jumilla, broadcast journalists Ted Failon, Ces Orena-Drilon, and Jeff Canoy, VERA Files Trustee Ellen Tordesillas, Ramon Tuazon of the Commission on Higher Education, and ABS-CBN News

joined Miss Ecuador Connie Jimenez, Miss Guyana Soyini Fraser, Miss Jamaica Isabel Dalley, Miss British Virgin Islands Erica Creque, and Miss Paraguay Andrea Melgarejo, in singing Rihanna’s “We Found Love”. This led to the delight of the more than 300 people in attendance.

Inspired by the crowd, the ladies from this group received a nearperfect score of 99 and eventually emerged as winners of the challenge.

Each member of the team received a Grand Videoke unit as prize.

Pia, coaxed by the excited crowd, gave a rousing rendition of the Taylor Swift hit “Shake It Off”. That delighted and elated the well-dressed crowd. After the performance, the host awarded Pia with a Grand Videoke unit of her own.

“Pia has given us so much pride and joy to our nation, and we’re just glad that we are able to honor and thank her for what she’s done,” says Johenson Tan, marketing manager of Grand Videoke. “This is also our chance to showcase to the world our culture and our passions. And when we talk about passion, I don’t think there’s anyone more passionate about singing, than us Filipinos,” he added.

You can try Grand Videoke at your favorite appliance stores and record bars – SM Appliance, Gadgets Hub at The SM Store, Astroplus, Odyssey, and Robinsons Appliance, and many more. You may also visit www. grandvideoke.com for a complete listing of stores.

head for Futures, Standards and Ethics Chi Almario-Gonzales, PLDT vice president for Digital Marketing Strategy Carlo Ople, ABS-CBN head for Digital Media Services Dennis Lim, ABSCBN Film Restoration head Leo Katigbak, renowned scriptwriter and book author Ricky Lee, The Greatest Love head writer Jerry Gracio, ABS-CBN International Sales and Distribution head Leng Raymundo, ABS-CBN head of Research for Channel 2 Liza Aleta, ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. managing director Mark Yambot,

and ABS-CBN business unit head Ruel Bayani.

Students also had the chance to exchange views with ABSCBN officials led by Katigbak, Reyes, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and head of TV Production Laurenti Dyogi, and enjoyed performances by Kapamilya artists like Elmo Magalona, Diego Loyzaga, Ylona Garcia, the cast of “Langit at Lupa” and boy groups Hashtags and BoyBandPH. On Saturday, the delegates also attended the Adobe Studios bootcamp for aspiring online creators, the Ricky Lee scriptwriting workshop for students, the BMPM Citizen Journalism workshop, film screenings of restored classic flicks Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and Magic Temple, and tours inside the ABS-CBN Compound and in the Pinoy Big Brother house.

ABS-CBN’s PMC was given an Award of Excellence by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ Anvil Awards in 2008 and by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines’ Philippine Quill Awards in 2007 for its noble purpose of shaping young minds and preparing future media practitioners. This year, PMC had its biggest turnout with almost 1,400 delegates, raising its overall total of attendees in 11 years to over 9,000.

ABS-CBN TVplus boosts ABS-CBN’S TV ratings in 2017

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017

ISAH V. RED

F

OR most women, four men after each of them can really be electrifying.

Not for Billie, the character actress Barbie Forteza plays in the Kapuso primetime series Meant To Be. In the recent episodes of the show, the four hunks—Ethan (Ivan Dorschner), Andoy (Jak Roberto), Jai (Addi Raj), and Yuan (Ken Chan)—have admitted they like Billie sending her to a frenzy as the admission confused her all the more.

Billie is saddled with the problem of choosing one among the four, and so, with the consent of her parents, she is allowing all four to a formal courtship.

Among the four, it’s going to be “may the best man win” mode.

The show seems to have a very strong appeal among audiences of different generations. As it is, Meant To Be is one of the highest rating show on primetime TV. It is even giving the Ian Veneracion-Bea Alonzo tandem in A Love To Last a run for its money.

The senior citizens are enjoying the role of Gloria Romero in the series as Lola Madj a grandmother in touch with what the new generation (millennials) are up to and how they are with relationships.

Generation Y have something to look forward to in the show

Barbie Forteza's character Billie is a rose torn between four lovers, namely Yuan (Ken Chan), Andoy (Jak Roberto), Ethan (Ivan Dorschner) and Jai (Addi Raj) in the Kapuso primetime series 'Meant To Be'

Barbie puzzled

by 4 hunks’ attention as their favorite ’80s teeners Manilyn Reynes, Tina Paner, Sheryl Cruz, and Keempee de Leon steal the thunder from the younger cast of the show every now and then.

What can I say now Janno Gibbs has returned to GMA and join the fun along with Reynes and De Leon? It’s a riot every time he is in a scene with Reynes, Paner, Cruz and De Leon. Now, are you asking why the show is very popular? Watch it and you will see why. *** My young helper greeted me last Saturday when I arrived from an appointment with excitement, “Sir, bakit may Ika-6 Na Utos na kanina pagkatapos ng Eat Bulaga?”

She has been following the

'Ika-6 Na Utos,' which stars Sunshine Dizon, Gabby Concepcion and Ryza Cenon, now airs every Saturday

afternoon series since it premiered months ago and continues to watch it (while I am out of the house) and updates me on what has been happening with Rome (Gabby Concepcion, Emma (Sunshine Dizon) and Georgia (Ryza Cenon).

Apparently, the audience likes this kind of dramaturgy (love triangle with the other woman stealing the husband and eventually the situation takes a U-turn with the wife now trying to steal the husband from his mistress).

The Saturday episode is a big bonus to the series’ fans, as they can’t get enough of its fiveday airing. Especially now that Rome is bent on pursuing Emma and convince her to live with him again as husband and wife

Adelantada, Osang and Velma dance with zumba master Balang

with their son.

Fans of Emma are celebrating as Rome has decided to leave Georgia. What will happen to Angelo (Mike Tan) who has promised Emma marriage? *** It will be a sizzling Sarap Diva today as bekis compete with each other.

Adelantada, Osang and Velma in their summer wear will try to impress the special celebrity judges, #summergoal body Kris Bernal and zumba master Balang.

They will compete first in ZumBALANG challenge.

Who will survive the dance showdown with Balang, “Sing Sisid” with Kris Bernal and the nosebleeding Question and Answer portion will be next with Bernal.

Who will emerge victorious among the three bekis and who will be “crying under the heat of the sun”? That’s what we will be watching today in Sarap Diva after Maynila on GMA.

ABS-CBN has enjoyed a significant boost in TV ratings with the help of ABS-CBN TVplus, the country’s first digital terrestrial television product, which has already sold 2.6 million units since its launch in 2015.

According to data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN’s audience share in Mega Manila increased to 36 percent in 2017, compared to 30 percent in 2015, as more households are able to experience crystal clear viewing experience with ABS-CBN TVplus. ABSCBN’s ratings in Mega Manila also rose to 14 percent from 11 percent in 2015.

ABS-CBN TVplus’ promise of clear picture as well as additional premium channels with no monthly fees also enticed consumers, having penetrated up to 26 percent of the C2D homes in 2017.

The news was shared with advertisers in the ABSCBN trade event titled “Ikaw ang Sunshine Ko Isang Pamilya Tayo” held March 30, which showed the increasing demand of viewers for TVplus boxes.

Meanwhile, the trade event also showcased the newest ABS-CBN teleseryes that viewers should watch out for in the coming months. Teen King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are set to return to television in fantasy-series La Luna Sangre.

The most-awaited comeback of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, meanwhile, will be witnessed in Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin.

Also part of the newest offerings of the Kapamilya network are drama series Kung Kailangan Mo Ako starring Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona, and Pusong Ligaw with Beauty Gonzales and Bianca King.

ABS-CBN still remains as the true home of Asianovelas as Korean dramas Legend of the Blue Sea, Goblin, Weightlifting Fairy, Hwarang, Doctor Crush, and W bring kilig to viewers.

Fans can also look forward to the return of reality shows Bet On Your Baby hosted by Judy Ann Santos and The Voice Teens with coaches Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Sharon Cuneta.

Teen King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are set to return to television

Celebrating ‘Disney’s Beauty And The Beast’ IT’S a tale as old as time for kids of all generations, all ages. And in line with the live action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, SM celebrates the story and characters audiences know and love with an enchanted castle, as well as toys and accessories that relive Belle’s fantastic journey.

Now showing at SM Cinemas nationwide, Beauty and the Beast is a stunning cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Directed by Bill Condon and written

by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos, the film is inspired by Disney’s 1991 animated film of the

same title. An adaptation of Jeanne-Marie Leprince’s de Beaumont’s fairy tale, it is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mandeville Films.

Be our guest at the Beast’s Enchanted Castle at The Block Atrium at SM North Edsa with a dazzling showcase of Belle’s favorite things like the Enchanted Mirror, and the Library. You can also meet Lumière—The Casanova of all candelabras, Beast’s majordomo Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts and her son Chip Potts. Mallgoers will have the rare opportunity to see Belle’s yellow ball dress and Beast’s blue suit, the the clothes worn during the

The dazzling Enchanted Castle centerpiece at The Block Atrium at SM City North Edsa

iconic ballroom scene of the original animated movie that shows Beast and Belle falling in love.

The iconic The Enchanted Rose from the movie is exhibited both at The Atrium under bell jar, and at the Skygarden, as a magical 15-ft giant bloom.

The Enchanted Rose was given to the Prince by the Enchantress when she punished him. She left him the rose, promising him that it would bloom until his twenty-first year: If he learns to love and earns love in return before the last petal fell, the spell would be broken. If he fails, he would be a beast forever.

Bring home the magic with delightful Beauty and the Beast bags from SM Accessories Kids: drawstring backpacks and tote bags with designs that narrate Belle and Beast’s enchanting love story, these are available at the SM Accessories Kids department of all SM Stores.

There are also beautiful Disney’s Beauty and the Beast dolls and enchanted playsets for the little princesses and the kids at Toy Kingdom Express outlets in SM Stores and Toy Kingdom Stores in most SM Supermalls.

Be part of the magic with Beauty and the Beast at SM.