Manila Standard - 2017 April 27 - Thursday

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The Manila Standard Champions will be planting 800 mangrove trees in Calatagan, Batangas. The activity is open to volunteers willing to donate their time and efforts to such a worthy cause. Also, watch for our special CSR Issue on Saturday, April 29, 2017 to find out how you can join the project.

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VOL. XXXI • NO. 72 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Asean heads fret over sea conflicts

READY SECURITY. A Marines anti-aircraft

gunner and two tanks from the Philippine Army take space along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City Wednesday as part of the 2017 Asean summit security, with regional leaders starting their meeting tomorrow, which the government has declared is a special non-working holiday.

Norman Cruz

By John Paolo Bencito, Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo LEADERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations expressed concerns over the escalation of tension in the South China Sea, but made no mention of the landmark arbitral ruling that the Philippines won against Beijing, a draft copy of the chairman’s statement showed.

The draft chairman’s statement, excerpts of which were obtained by the Manila Standard, reiterated the importance of a peaceful settlement of disputes over the contested waters in the South China Sea. “We shared the serious concern expressed by some leaders over recent developments and escalation of activities in the area which may further raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region,” the draft communique, expected to be finalized over the course of meetings of the Asean Summit, read.

“We reaffirmed the importance of enhancing mutual trust and confidence, exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities, avoiding actions that Next page

AFP tightens ‘terror watch’ SUMMIT PROTEST. Filipino activists wearing masks depicting

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping link arms during a news conference Wednesday to protest the Philippines hosting of the Asean summit.

Norman Cruz

Duterte’s drug war, PH charm in focus

By John Paolo Bencito

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is set to enjoy much-wanted foreign support for his deadly drug war when he hosts Southeast Asian leaders at a Manila summit this week, observers say.

Duterte’s unpredictable foreign policy is also expected to be in focus at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Asean event, with confusion surrounding his approach to Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea. It will be closely watched for how Duterte, who has shocked

with curse-laden tirades against the United States and the United Nations, handles hosting his first major diplomatic event.

“This will be a very interesting time. Everyone thinks he is a very charismatic leader, he speaks off the cuff,” a Southeast Asian diplomat involved in the summit’s preparations said.

The crackdown on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups about a possible crime against humanity, has been a defining theme of Duterte’s first 10 months in power.

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Looks out for terror-linked Arabs, other foreign groups

T

HE military is watching Arab and other foreign nationals who might be supporting terrorist groups in Lanao del Sur and other parts of the country, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Wednesday.

“There are some sightings... but there are Arabs going there on the pretext of setting up foundations or doing religious teaching, so we are not really sure,” Año said in Fili-

pino. “It is part of the intelligence task to see if these foreigners are supporting local terror groups, including those of Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon.”

Earlier, Año said that about 37 Maute Group members, including three Indonesians and a Malaysian, were killed in military operations in Lanao Del Sur from April 21 to 24.

The operations were designed to degrade the capability of the Maute Group.

After its major victory over the Maute Group, the military has doubled security measures in all vital government and private installations, particularly as the As-

Lab cop dumped cop to marry Sayyaf terrorist

By Francisco Tuyay THE female police officer romantically linked to an Abu Sayyaf terrorist had married him years ago, police officials said Wednesday.

Central Visayas Police Regional

Office commander Chief Supt. Noli Talino said Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza had converted to Islam years ago so she could marry Reener Lou Dongon.

In an interview, Dongon said he and Nobleza were married.

Nobleza had been married to Supt.

Allan Nobleza, who at the time was an attaché to Pakistan. Their marriage was annulled in 2010.

Nobleza married Dongon sometime between then and 2013 and stayed in Bukidnon and other parts

THE Department of Agrarian Reform declared on Wednesday null and void the selling and leasing out of the farm lands awarded to the farmer-beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita Inc. “Buying or leasing is against the law,” Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano said.

He threatened to throw the full force of the law against those who would defy the order.

“This is a decisive action to defend and assert the rights of the farmers to own and cultivate their awarded farm lots,”

he said.

Because of the department’s order, he said, the vast Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac was now under the full control of the farmerbeneficiaries.

Mariano’s order came after a three-week validation of the estate’s 10 barangays placed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

The findings showed that local politicians and other influential personalities had “duped” the beneficiaries within the past three years since the distribution of the certificates of land ownership award.

Next page

June pretrial of Marcos protest

By Joel E. Zurbano THE preliminary conference on the case filed by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Supreme Court in connection with the vice presidential race in the May 9, 2016 elections has been set in June this year.

The June 21, 2017 date of the preliminary conference comes a year after the namesake and Next page

of Mindanao.

Nobleza was the deputy chief of the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory in the Davao region before her arrest in Bohol.

She was arrested with a 60-year-old Next page

Cayetano: ‘Torre’ far from over

DAR voids Luisita land deals High court sets

By Rio N. Araja

sociation of Southeast Asian Nations summit unfolds.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Tabak Division, said security measures were intensified in areas where many people congregate as a safeguard against possible retaliatory attacks.

Under tight watch are the provinces of Zamboanga, Iligan, Marawi City, Lanao del Norte and adjacent areas where the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf had links.

Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz

BACK HOME. Five Filipino seafarers arrive at the Naia Terminal 1

Tuesday after their Nigerian abductors released them after they were seized in the waters of Abuja, Nigeria. The five are seeking President Rodrigo Duterte’s help through the OWWA. Eric Apolonio

A LAWMAKER on Wednesday criticized the Supreme Court’s lifting of its Temporary Restraining Order on the construction of the 49-story Torre de Manila condominium along Taft Avenue in Manila.

House deputy speaker and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano said the fight against the project of Next page

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THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Sara won’t take Rody’s place

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

D

AVAO CITY―Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday shrugged off her father’s endorsement to continue his war on drugs once he leaves the presidency and he feels she wants to take his place.

The younger Duterte said her “Don’t believe PRRD,” Sara said. father Rodrigo is just too fond “Digong is always like that. of her, and that is the reason he He is so in love with me that he keeps dragging her name into can’t think of anyone else.” anything when it pleases him.

In past interviews Sara had nev-

er mentioned any plans to seek a position in the government.

But last week her father said when launching Cinelokal that if the Filipino people were looking for someone who could continue his anti-drug campaign, then they should choose his daughter Sara.

“Kung wala na kayong makuha na ibang presidente, iyan ang kunin ninyo. Patay lahat. Ubos iyan.

Noon drug pusher lang, baka [sa susunod] pati botika owner diyan patay na. Ibang klase ang babae

na ‘yan,” the President said.

He said if Sara had not decided to run for mayor of Davao City, he would not have joined the presidential race.

He has previously said he could only entrust Davao City to her daughter since she was experienced.

Sara said she would continue to support and defend her father, especially now that a case had been filed against him in the International Criminal Court following his deadly war against drugs.

AFP...

From A1

The death toll in Lanao del Sur fighting has risen to 38 Maute bandits and several others critically wounded during four days of ground and aerial bombardment on their encampment in Brgy. Pagalungan.

In Manila, the police and military have tightened security around the periphery of the Asean Summit venue, the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City and in areas where the delegates and foreign dignitaries are billeted.

Herrera said added checkpoints were in place.

At present, a battalion of ground troops remained on the outskirts of Piagapo and adjacent municipalities pursuing the bandits who fled to forested areas.

Several improvised bombs and components were seized from the bandit bunkers.

Some 2,000 residents had left their homes and sheltered in government centers to escape being caught in the crossfire between Maute and attacking soldiers.

Francisco Tuyay and PNA

High...

From A1

only son of the late former strongman Ferdinand Marcos filed an election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

In a resolution, the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, said “the PET granted protestant’s [Marcos’] motion for the setting of the preliminary conference and has set this case for preliminary conference on June 21, 2017, at 2 in the afternoon, without prejudice to the Tribunal’s resolution of all remaining pending incidents.”

The Court also said it will conduct the preliminary conference on Robredo’s counter-protest on the same date. It ordered Marcos and Robredo to file their preliminary conference briefs with it and serve the same on the adverse party at least five days before the date of the preliminary conference.

Both parties were required to file their respective preliminary conference briefs.

Four months ago, Marcos’ legal counsel George Erwin Garcia filed a four-page Ex-Parte Motion asking the Court to expedite his election protest by setting his case for preliminary conference.

Marcos said it was about time the PET issued the notice for preliminary conference since the last pleading joining the issues in his case had been filed and served as early as Sept. 9, 2016.

Garcia said under Rule 29 of the 2010 Rules of the PET, the preliminary conference should have been set after the filing of the last pleading.

He said the setting of the preliminary conference was important because it would set in motion the issues to be resolved, the list of witnesses and the evidence to be presented as well as the schedule of the hearings and the revision of the ballots in the protest.

“This is important because the preliminary conference will set into motion Senator Marcos’ election protest so it can finally move forward,” Garcia said.

Marcos filed an election protest against Robredo in June 2016, contesting 39,221 clustered precincts which are composed of 132,446 established precincts. Robredo, meanwhile, filed a counter-protest, questioning 8,042 clustered precincts that are composed of 31,278 established precincts.

COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with officers of the Philippine Chinese Charitable

Association Inc. Board of Directors led by its Chairman Emeritus and President James Dy during a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on April 26. Other PCCAI officers in attendance include Florante Dy, chairman emeritus and Benito Goyokpin, chairman. Also in the meeting are the officers of the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. and JTC Group of Companies. Malacañang Photo

Asean...

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may further complicate the situation, and pursuing peaceful resolution of disputes, including through full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS],” it added.

Asean leaders also cited the importance of “maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in and over-flight over the South China Sea.” In a television interview, Asean National Organizing Committee Director-General Ambassador Marciano Paynor on Wednesday said that the Philippines, as host country, is expected to remain neutral by not mentioning the country’s victory before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2015.

“There is a possibility that it will be excluded in the chairman’s statement as the discussions are still ongoing,” Paynor told GMA News.

“It is a work in progress, the draft is being made. If you are the chair, your views must be neutral. You have to take a neutral stance. The other leaders, they look up to you, but you cannot impose your own issues and decisions,” he added.

Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, how-

Duterte’s...

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Duterte has relentlessly railed against the mostly Western critics of his drug war, angrily demanding they respect him while in turn using abusive terms to describe them.

Duterte hogged the headlines at another Asean leaders’ summit in Laos last year when he called then US president Barack Obama, who was also attending, a “son of a whore” for criticizing the drug war.

The mood will likely be far calmer in Manila for the twoday annual event starting Friday, with Duterte to enjoy drug war backing from most of his guests, according to observers.

“I sadly expect Duterte will promote his drug war because he knows there will be no contrary words from the other Asean leaders,” Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights

ever, described the present draft of the communique as “disappointing,” which reflects a “minimum expectation of positive leadership to be attributed to the Philippine chairmanship” in dealing with the ongoing sea row with Beijing.

“The draft of the chairman’s statement is deeply disappointing and, if not revisited, would manifest an absence of the desired leadership,” Del Rosario said.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar, however, said the chairman’s statement will still need the approval of all Asean member states.

“The chairman’s statement is still being finalized and will be issued right after the summit. So at this point we cannot say with certainty how the statement will read in its final version,” he said in a text message to reporters.

“Drafts can evolve very quickly especially since we are only a few days away from the summit itself.

The final version will be issued after the summit, taking into consideration the views of all Asean member states,” he added.

During the Committee of Permanent Representatives to Asean Meeting on Wednesday, first of the many meetings as part of the 30th Asean Summit, the CPR exchanged views on possible outcome documents and various initiatives for the 50th AMM and other ministerial meetings and the 31st Asean Summit in November, which will also be held in the Philippines.

Reports suggested that the draft chairman’s statement, which was Watch’s Asia division, told AFP. “The region is falling deeper into dictatorship, repression and rights abuse.”

Among the heads of undemocratic regimes who will convene in Manila are Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, as well as the leaders of Laos and Vietnam.

Cambodia’s Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has faced allegations of corruption and vote rigging, will also attend.

Lauro Baja, a former Philippine foreign undersecretary and ambassador to the United Nations, agreed Asean leaders would back Duterte’s drug war while in Manila, or at least keep any concerns to themselves.

“I expect them to support the efforts of the Philippines to curb the drug menace, period.

Without talking about how we

already drafted ahead of April’s summit, would touch on issues of common concern among Asean members, including a “heading” expressing concern over tensions in the Korean Peninsula and the plight of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, which has prompted criticism from international groups.

While leaders of the 10-nation regional bloc expressed the same serious concern over China’s “continued and escalating reclamation activities” in disputed areas of the South China Sea during the last ASEAN summit in Vientiane last year, the bloc avoided mentioning the landmark ruling favoring the Philippines in its row with Beijing.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now the rotating chairman of the Asean had earlier opted to sign agreements on joint coast guard patrols with Beijing instead of pursuing the line of the previous administration for China to abandon its claims over contested waters “to lower regional tensions.”

The same document echoed the possible completion of a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea within the Philippine chairmanship.

“We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea [DOC] in its entirety. We were pleased with the progress to complete a framework of the Code of Conduct [COC], in order to facilitate the early adoption of the COC within the Asean-China process,” the communique said. achieve that,” Baja said.

Baja said that, even if leaders did disapprove of Duterte’s tactics, they would observe a longstanding Asean policy of non-interference in each others’ affairs.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s contradictory statements on the Philippines’ approach to its dispute with China over rival claims in the South China Sea will be under close scrutiny.

Duterte rejected the policy of his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, who forcefully challenged Beijing through legal and diplomatic avenues including Asean events.

Duterte adopted a more pragmatic approach, remaining mostly silent on Philippine concerns while seeking billions of dollars worth of Chinese trade and aid.

But early this month Duterte announced he had ordered his troops to occupy islands under Philippine control in the South China Sea.

Busan: MRT needs fixing

By Rio N. Araja and Darwin G. Amojelar THE maintenance contractor of the Metro Rail Transit 3 said on Wednesday that its regular contract is “not anymore sufficient to correct the MRT-3’s track condition.”

At a news conference in Quezon City, Charles Perfecto Mercado, corporate secretary and legal counsel for Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI), said the system’s rails need to be immediately replaced to fix the constant breakdown in train service.

He likened the system to senior citizens and said BURI was there to “assist and maintain the cars.”

The train system has a 350,000 passenger capacity a day against its actual daily number of over 500,000 passengers.

“That is also stressful,” Mercado said.

“Not all glitches are maintenance issues, and not all of them are a failure,” he added.

The 18-year-old MRT line 3 system is an aging system, he said, and they had recommended the replacement of rails from the start.

“Our government has its own priorities. The Department of Transportation and MRT 3 are doing their best to expedite to fix the rails. We have to wait,” he said.

“I would like to emphasize, we are closely working with the government. We do not fight one another. What a waste if we do not do our job. The execu-

Lab...

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woman, the 13-year-old son of Raja Solaiman Movement founder Akmed Santos at a checkpoint in Clarin town Saturday evening after a gunfight in which four bandits were killed.

Among those killed were ASG sub-leader Askhali Misaya, alias Abu Rami, responsible in the beheading of two Canadian nationals—John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and German Jurgen Kantner.

Nobleza said they were in Inabanga to provide medicine to a

DAR...

From A1

The lots awarded to the 4,000 farmers had been leased or bought by local politicians or the aryendadors.

Mariano reminded the aryendadors or buyers of the rights and obligations of the CLOA holders, such as the 10-year prohibitory period for the buying, leasing and selling of awarded lots.

“The [validation] study revealed that local politicians, utilizing an illicit leaseback system known as aryendo, have duped thousands of cash-strapped agrarian reform beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita into letting go of the farm lots already awarded

Cayetano:...

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construction firm DM Consunji had raised the people’s consciousness on the importance of preserving the Philippines’ historical landmarks.

“With the Supreme Court’s recent decision, it looks like the so-called Pambansang Photo bomber will forever cast a long and dark shadow over the Rizal Monument,” said Cayetano, a former senator.

“This brings much sadness to me and the heritage advocates because it degrades the sacredness of the Rizal Monument.

“After being the centerpiece of the historic Luneta landscape for more than a century, the shrine built in honor of our national hero will now have to share the iconic skyline of Rizal Park with a towering condominium.”

Cayetano said she intended to file a bill that would ensure full protection of the country’s

tive [branch] is measuring us.

Sooner or later, we can get what we want.”

He said they would make recommendations not only on the rail replacement, “but on cars, too.”

In an April 19 letter, the DoTr through Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez Jr. called the attention of BURI over a series of disruptions at the MRT line 3 and directed it to explain in seven days why its contract must not be terminated in accordance with the provisions of law and contract on termination for convenience and failure to satisfactorily perform work obligations.

“The seven-day period will end on Friday. It is quite hurting . Everyday, we are being crucified in the media. In the Constitution, there is due process. We do not want to be prejudged. We are still hoping to wait for the seven days. We really are hurting. That’s why we are forced to invite you [to a conference],” Mercado said.

Chavez reacted to 116 unloading incidents at MRT line 3 due to technical problems from January to April 19.

In 2016, there were at least 586 unloading incidents.

Chavez earlier said they would begin the partial termination process for contracts on signaling and general overhaul of 43 trains for P888 million and P907.4 million, respectively.

Despite the glitches of the rail system, they have satisfied their contractual obligations with the Transportation department and wounded ASG bandit.

A raid on Nobleza’s house yielded firearms, ammunition and bomb components.

Reports said Dongon served as a leader of the Khilafa Islamiya and was arrested in Marawi City sometime in 2013. He had in his possession 29 blasting caps and other bomb components.

He was released, however, because the warrant of arrest was for his younger brother.

He was also among the group responsible for the bombing of Mazandria Hotel along JR-Borja Street in October 2012 that killed two people and wounded two police officers. to them,he said.

The study, conducted from March 6 to March 24 and April 3 to 7, revealed that within the last three years, almost 4,000 ARBs or 83 percent out of the total of 5,212 beneficiaries were not in possession of their awarded lands.

The aryendadors gained possession of the awarded lands when the beneficiaries faced financial difficulties, such as the lack of funds to produce crops or when there was an illness in the family.

Mariano slammed the local politicians for preying on the weaknesses of the farmers.

“The practice of aryendo is illegal and a willful and deliberate obstruction in the delivery of the agrarian reform program,he said. national heritage sites, and to include not just their physical integrity but also their visual corridors, “so that this does not happen again.”

Cayetano was among those who fought the construction of the high-rise condominium project that allegedly sticks out like a “sore thumb” along the line of sight of the Rizal Monument.

“I do not regret fighting for this. It is a fight that has brought to the consciousness of our people the importance of protecting and preserving our cultural heritage and historical landmarks,” Cayetano said.

“And I remain hopeful that this will make people and government officials more vigilant and responsible when it comes to preserving these sites.”

Cayetano led the Senate probe into the construction of Torre de Manila in 2014. The probe uncovered how the zoning laws in Manila were sidetracked to allow the construction of the condominium.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Customs files case vs real estate developer THE Bureau of Customs has filed a complaint against real estate developer New San Jose Builders Co. and its three surety companies for its failure to settle their tax obligations with the agency.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said San Jose builders owed the agency more than P947 million in duties and taxes on their importation for the construction materials to build the multi-billion peso Philippine Arena in Malolos, Bulacan.

The Customs said San Jose posted bonds to cover duties and taxes for its shipments since it did not have certificates of tax exemption from the Department of Finance.

“The company imported construction-related items from 2012 to 2103. It made the importations when it built the Philippine Arena,” the BoC said in a statement.

The construction firm posted bonds amounting to P947, 292, 025.72 issued by its three surety companies, Centennial Guarantee Assurance Corp., Intra Strata Assurance Corp. and Philippine Fire and Marine Insurance Corp. Vito Barcelo

Feb tourist arrivals hit 4-year high THIS year’s increase in tourism arrivals continued through February, breaking the month’s records of visitor arrivals since 2013, according to official figures released by the Department of Tourism on Wednesday.

A total 579,178 visitors were recorded in February, an increase of 27.81 percent over the past four years and 5.36 percent higher than the same period last year, disclosed Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. Visitors from South Korea topped all other markets in February, reaching 150,598, representing 26 percent share of total inbound traffic in the Philippines and a 9.51 percent increase in Korean arrivals from the same period last year.

“We have maintained and even increased figures from South Korea and we expect to see further growth, as Korean tourists perceive our country as a distinctive global destination built on unique experiences and rich natural beauty,” said Teo. Completing the top five markets for the period are United States with 137,598 (23.76 percent); China with 78,251 (13.51percent ); Japan with 53,957 (9.32 percent); Taiwan with 20,472 (3.53 percent), respectively.

Sandy Araneta

Solon seeks incentives for film makers SENATOR Sonny Angara is seeking tax incentives and other perks for foreign film makers should they shoot their movies here in the Philippines.

The incentives are contained in Angara’s Senate Bill 1330, shortly titled, “Philippine Film and Television Tourism Act.” If enacted into law, he said this would make locally-shot international movies huge “advertising billboards” that will surely generate the interest of foreign tourists to include the Philippines in their list of destinations.

“Film tourism is a growing phenomenon wherein tourists visit destinations that they saw in movies, televisions, or videos.

We have to take advantage of this trend by encouraging foreign film producers to shoot here in the Philippines in exchange for certain benefits, in addition to best locations for movie making,” Angara said.

Section 9 of the bill specifically grants an international or foreign film or television production tax and duty free importation of filming equipment, to be determined and endorsed by the Philippine Film and Television Tourism Authority (PFTTA), which shall be created to run the affairs related to film and television tourism.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

BEST POLICY.

The Police Community Relations Group of the Philippine National Police led by Chief Supt.

Gilbert Cruz has opened for children inside Camp Crame an Honesty Store where they can buy toys by their lonesome by paying the merchandise in an honesty drop bottle without the sharp eyes of the cashier to teach children about honesty.

Manny Palmero

‘61% Oks House proposal to reimpose death penalty’ T HREE of five Filipinos approve the revival of the death penalty, described previously by then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte as not a crime deterrent but meant for retribution, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released this week.

The March 25 to 28 survey showed 61 percent of 1,200 respondents approved a proposal by the House of Representatives to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes while only 23 percent disapproved.

A similar bill is pending before the Senate.

The poll results suggested what some described as a

“good” net approval of +38, which is the difference between the percentage of respondents who approved and disapproved of the proposed law.

In the SWS scale, a score of at least 30 qualifies as “good” while ratings 50 above are “very good” and marks 70 above are “excellent.”

The survey was conducted

in the same month the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 4727, a measure which seeks to reimpose death penalty to strengthen the government’s war on drugs.

The same survey found that 52 percent of Filipinos have “little or almost no knowledge” about the bill while 48 percent have “either extensive or partial but sufficient knowledge.”

SWS noted there was higher approval for the bill among those who were knowledgeable about it.

The net approval rating was highest at a “very good” +59 among respondents with “extensive” knowledge about the proposal.

This was followed by a “very good” +51 among those with “partial but sufficient knowledge”; a “good” +30 from those with “only a little knowledge;” and a “neutral” net zero among those with “almost no knowledge.”

The pollster added the proportion of knowledgeable respondents was highest in Metro Manila at 54 percent, followed by “Balance Luzon” at 51 percent, Visayas at 49 percent, and Mindanao at 37 percent.

Last year, then presidential candidate Duterte said he would restore the death penalty if he won the election in May, indicating after it was clear he had won that he preferred capital punishment by hanging rather than by

lethal injection.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the survey results “affirm” Duterte’s leadership platform, which added was anchored on peace and order, and his stance against illegal drugs and criminality.

Abella said the survey also proved the House of Representatives’ passing of the death penalty bill was “on the right track and accurately reflects the pulse of the Filipino people.”

“The President is determined to fulfill his promise to make a safer and more secure place for the people and eventually pave the way for sustained economic progress to uplift the lives of the Filipinos especially the poor,” he said.

Du30 asked to seek clemency for OFWs in jail

By Vito Barcelo FAMILIES and friends of three overseas Filipino workers Alicia Dalquez, Mary Jane Veloso and Rose Dacanay who were all sentenced to death appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to save them and seek clemency from leaders of countries where they committed their alleged crimes.

Dalquez was sentenced to death in UAE after she accidentally killed an Emirati police who attempted to rape her, highly placed government officials said.

The fate of Dalquez lies in the hands of her victim’s children, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi said the Court of Appeals in Al Ain Judicial Court had released a decision on the

appeal to commute the death sentence on Dalquez. She appealed on the basis of honoring her right to self-defense.

Dalquez, from General Santos City, was imprisoned in December 2014, after being convicted of murdering her male employer, a police officer.

In related developments: *The government has suspended the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate for OFWs who were employed under the direct hiring scheme which was banned by the Department of Labor and Employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered the suspension of issuance of OEC for OFWs following reports that some employees of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration have been extorting money from OFWs in

exchange for the processing of exemptions from the direct hire ban.

Meanwhile, Delia Veloso, the mother of convicted drug trafficker Mary Jane, and the kin of other OFWs on death row trooped to Malacañang to seek the help of President Duterte.

Veloso was with Dalquez and Editha Dacanay, whose daughters were also on death row in the Middle East.

She said that April 29 marks the second year anniversary of Mary Jane’s temporary reprieve from execution in Indonesia.

The DFA said the government was doing everything to help Veloso, Dalqeuz and Dacanay and was facilitating legal assistance.

The families and friends of the three OFWs have asked for prayer for their their return alive to the Philippines.

Labor leaders to meet President

By Vito Barcelo and Sandy Araneta VARIOUS labor leaders will meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on May 1, Labor Day in Davao City, to discuss several issues, particularly the banning of contractualization and endo schemes which continue to exist despite the issuance of the Department of Labor and Employment order 174.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the department was honored the President himself would grace the main Labor Day celebration.

Meanwhile, student activists belonging to Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan and Kaisa UP vowed to attend the Labor

Day celebration instead of hitting the beaches.

The students plan to mobilize and march side-by-side with laborers under socialist group Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino towards the foot of Mendiola bridge to press for the total abolition of all forms of contractual employment.

Both groups are also calling for the rejection and repeal of the recently issued DoLE Order 174 which allows employers to hire the services of manpower agencies in supplying their companies with temporary work units instead of regularizing employees after the probationary period.

Dozens of their members held a noise barrage at Philcoa Wednesday to call on President

Duterte to fulfill the promise he made exactly one year ago in the Luzon leg of the 2016 presidential elections.

“Like our parents who are laborers, we are dissatisfied with Department Order 174. It failed to even make a dent to curb the systematic and legalized circumvention of workers’ constitutional rights,” said Spark’s spokesperson, Jade Lyndon Mata.

“It is easier for many to conclude that nothing has changed since Duterte took over from Noynoy Aquino. The retention of neo-liberal economic policies, including contractualization, will ultimately lead to the erosion of his popularity,” Mata said.

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

On the Court’s court

L

AWYER Jude Sabio has filed a 78page “communication” to International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, asking him to prosecute President Rodrigo Duterte and 11 other officials for “mass murder or extrajudicial executions constituting crimes against humanity.” According to Sabio, the war on drugs has caused the death of 1,400 in Davao City and more than 8,000 across the country.

Reactions have been swift. No less than the New York Times has supported Sabio’s move, with a scathing editorial calling on the world to condemn Duterte. “This is a man who must be stopped,” the Times

Adelle Chua, Editor

editors said.

But many point to the timing of Sabio’s action, saying it was meant to embarrass Mr. Duterte as he hosts this week’a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Philippines is this

year’s chairman of the regional bloc.

Palace officials are livid. Solicitor General Jose Calida, himself one of the 11 other officials mentioned for promising to defend policemen accused of summary killings if the killings were committed as part of the war on drugs, says he will initiate a disbarment case against Sabio for filing baseless suits before the ICC. Calida also described Sabio as a compliant stooge of the yellow cult.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said the

complaint would amount to nothing if Sabio’s case would rest on the testimony of self-confessed assassin Edgar Matobato, whom he represented during the Senate hearings on alleged extra-judicial killings.

But all these reactions may be premature—as Sabio’s request might be, according to lawyer Emil Maranon III, in a piece published in Rappler.

Maranon says Sabio faces the hurdle of proving the unwillingness or inability of the government to prosecute Duterte. There has been no

impeachment trial yet on the matter, and neither unwillingness nor inability has been established. There has been no unjustifiable delay.

Moreover, the principle of complementarity says that crimes must first be prosecuted domestically before they can be elevated to the ICC. The legal and political noise regarding the haling of Mr. Duterte to the ICC can be silenced by the Court itself, which sooner or later is bound to say whether it can even act on Sabio’s “communication”—only a state en-

tity can file a complaint, according to rules—in the first place.

Only the ICC can establish whether said rules apply to what Sabio has raised, and eventually whether the charges against Mr. Duterte and his officials have basis.

It must not matter whose lawyer, or whose stooge, Sabio is—if he is anybody’s stooge at all.

We trust that the Court in all its sobriety, disinterestedness and legal brilliance, will weed out these confounding factors and look at the case for what it is.

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

Sleeping with the enemy

Condemn this LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES SOME see a coincidence where others perceive a conspiracy.

But when the New York Times publishes yet another scathing editorial against President Rodrigo Duterte, in reaction to an unusual, highly irregular and suspiciously timed filing before the International Criminal Court, you’d have to be really clueless if you can’t connect the dots yourself.

“Let the world condemn Duterte” is the headline of the latest NYT screed against the Philippine president, which eggs on the ICC to “send an unmistakable signal to Mr. Duterte that he may eventually have to answer for his crimes.” Reprising a call it made an earlier editorial it published against the president, the paper said favorable ICC action on the case filed earlier

this week by lawyer Jude Sabio “would encourage governments to take measures against him, such as imposing tariffs on Philippine goods.”

I don’t know why the NYT has decided to go ballistic on the ICC filing against Duterte, especially since it doesn’t even mention that the US has not allowed the court to have jurisdiction over the American government. And it blows my mind that the newspaper I have always admired can so cavalierly conclude that Duterte is already a criminal, when Sabio’s pleading—to say nothing of all the various moves to hold the president accountable criminally —has not gotten anywhere yet.

But we’ve all seen this before, haven’t we, this arrogance of the Western media that is using all of its influence in order to stampede courts of law and world opinion? We’ve seen it all the way back to the end of the 18th century, when American publishers like Hearst, Pulitzer and Luce thought nothing of bludg-

eoning their own and other governments into acting to “save” smaller countries—the fledgling Philippine nation included— from themselves.

Going back to the present, the

The savage words of NYT are even more dangerous than anything Duterte can say, being based on lies.

NYT and its local collaborators in the Philippine media are very much aware that the Sabio filing (there is really no “case” to speak of yet) in The Hague last Monday is nowhere near a resolution

of the case of alleged extrajudicial killing perpetrated in Davao City when Duterte was mayor.

As the editorial admits, the court “was created to prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes among member countries only when their national courts are unwilling or unable to do so.”

But at the same time, NYT boldly claimed that “there is already more than enough evidence for a preliminary investigation” gathered by Sabio from opposition politicians and antiDuterte human rights bodies, as well as the president’s own “savage words.” And right there, we are back to the turn-of-the-century world expositions, where American politicians imported Igorot tribesmen to show how these little brown Filipinos don’t even know enough to tell right from wrong, or to see who is really a savage and who isn’t.

The savage words of the NYT editorial may not sound like Duterte cursing out and threatening

the drug dealers. But they are even more dangerous than anything the Philippine president can say, because they are based on the self-serving allegations made by Filipino opposition politicians in league with the Western press in order to subvert a popular and legally elected government—and its popular and much-admired campaign against a terrible social menace. *** The Sabio filing has been described by Malacañan Palace as an ill-disguised attempt to embarrass the Duterte administration as it starts hosting duties for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Nations in Manila. As one relative of a prominent US-based, anti-Duterte Filipino-American businesswoman once boasted, it doesn’t have to be true, it just has to sound that way—at said the proper time, if I may add.

The anti-Duterte faction in Filipino politics and their Turn to A5

THE foiled attempt of the Abu Sayyaf to kidnap local and foreign tourists in Bohol has just gotten more complicated with the arrest of Police Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza. She and a known Abu Sayyaf bomb maker, Reener Lou Dongon who learned his trade from the notorious Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, were arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Bacani, Clarin, Bohol.

As it turned out, Nobleza who is married and is 49 years old and Dongon, alias Kudre, 25, are lovers. Chief PNP Bato de la Rosa is therefore right when he said that Nobleza is sleeping with the enemy.

President Duterte was also understandably furious when informed of what Nobleza did.

Since the President said that he was willing to eat the liver of those remaining three Abu Sayyaf in Bohol, perhaps he might consider adding the liver of Nobleza to the mix.

Kidding aside, what could have motivated Nobleza to throw away everything that she has worked for in order to work for the Abu Sayyaf? The simple and obvious answer is probably because of love. But it could be a little more complicated than that. Nobleza after all, is 24 years older—old enough to be Dongon’s mother.

She could have been converted to Islam. Throughout the history of warfare and espionage, sex has been used as a powerful weapon to gain advantage over ones’ enemy. We have seen this depicted in many movies and have read many accounts in best-selling books of good people being made to help the enemy.

Often, it was a case of women seducing men. There are however, times when it is the other way around. The earliest known story of this so called honey trap is all too familiar to all of us. It is the story of Samson and Delilah who revealed to the Philistines the weakness of Samson for 1100 pieces of silver.

Fast forward to the 20th century was the case of the Dutch spy Mata Hari who was executed in 1917 for passing secrets to the Germans. The case of Mordechai Vanunu, the Israeli who Turn to A5

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Opinion

I AM now in Baguio City, a Ongpin bought this property week after Holy Week, thinking which he envisioned as a citrus that my wife, my daughter and orchard. In fact, on top of the I could have a pleasant break hill is still his three-room cabin from the maddening crowd and which I saw when he invited me. the stressful traffic of Metro I visited the place again a Manila. few days ago and many changI was wrong. While our trip es have since taken place. The was pleasant, actually being in road, which used to be full of Baguio is no longer something potholes, is now paved. It is to crow about. Session Road, amazing how Alphaland has where my favorite restaurants changed the landscape. Some used to be, has become a bump- 300 homeowners now live here. er-to-bumper experience. It’s The master plan of these just like Edsa! lodges was completed in the Burnham Park, where I used US. It is the same planner who to take my children, is no longer worked on Balesin Island Club. enjoyable. The place has be- The lodges are being sold indicome a mess. I was told that vidually as horizontal condoduring the Holy Week, people miniums, and the land will be just parked their cars at Burn- proportionately owned as well. ham Park and slept there beThere is adequate security; cause hotels were packed. And the property will be enclosed by since there were no toilet facili- a concrete 8-foot security peties, they just did there what had rimeter fence. All the amenities to be done. Yuck! you can think of are also there.

Indeed, Baguio City has Some 50 lodges will be deceased to be a place for lowland- livered by yearend; another 100 ers and tourists. It’s dirty. Park- are forthcoming next year, and ing is a chore. It is estimated 150 in 2019. that the population of 350,000 Alphaland thinks of everygets bloated during the summer. thing, indeed. Along the road, The only a commercial place in Bacenter will be guio that reconst r ucted. mains pleasIt will house Bobby Ongpin’s the best resant is Camp John Hay. We taurants and were booked Alphaland thinks shops—even at the Forest of everything. a laundromat!

Lodge Hotel There will right beside be three helipads.

The Manor.

Here you can I asked, still smell the pine trees, an at- how many have made reservatraction which is slowly disap- tions? I was told the line was pearing. very long notwithstanding that Somehow the mayor of the the introductory prices were at city, its representative in Con- P40 million to P50 million. I gress and old residents of Ba- can only dream of staying there guio should get together and since the price is beyond me. redesign the city—if they do *** not think it’s too late. It’s a pity.

I am told that the “five-six” What has happened to the once- Indian Singhs are back in busifamous summer capital of the ness, capitalizing on the counPhilippines? try’s underground economy. *** The Duterte administration Last year when I was also has threatened to outlaw the here, I took the time to look at lending practices of these moBobby Ongpin’s Baguio Moun- torcycle-riding Indians because tain Lodges. It is now called the of their usurious interest rates.

Forbes Park of the city because But when small Filipino busiof the construction of high-end nesses earn the trust of these mountain lodges on a 78-hec- lenders, it is so easy to borrow tare property. This used to be money. It’s a fact of life that Ongpin’s summer retreat desti- some Filipinos are afraid to go nation, when he was still man- to banks. So this lending pracaging partner of SGV. tice continues to thrive.

Condemn...

From A4 Western and Philippine media collaborators do not want Duterte to look good before the countries in the region and elsewhere, which is why they have to synchronize the Sabio filing on the week of the opening of the Asean Summit here. In much the same way that a congressman filed an impeachment attempt against Duterte on the last day that Congress was in session, the enemies of the president aren’t really seeking his ouster, just his demolition through welltimed propaganda.

The Western media’s complicity in the timing of this latest attack is understandable, given their hatred of Duterte. But I really have a problem with the Filipinos involved in the ICC non-case, who gleefully join in the conspiracy to shame their

Sleeping...

From A4 revealed the secrets of Israel’s nuclear capability was seduced by a woman in London, presumably a Mossad agent and lured to Rome where he was captured by Mossad agents.

In 1987, Clayton Lonetree became the first US marine to be convicted of espionage. His crime? He passed secrets to the Russians after being seduced by a Russian female agent. In 1978, Sandanista agent Nora Astorga, lured a Nicaraguan general to her bedroom where the general

own country when they should be celebrating it for hosting an important regional event.

Then again, these are politicians who venerate a family whose patriarch was convicted of crimes against his own people during World War II. Why shouldn’t the acolytes of this most opportunistic and hypocritically self-righteous of clans not allow themselves to be used similarly in the present time, when Filipinos are just beginning to enjoy the return of real pride in their country and government?

Let the world condemn the West for trying to impose its will on a smaller, weaker country by unleashing its propaganda dogs on the Philippines.

I urge Filipinos to reserve their condemnation for the Filipino collaborators of these foreign meddlers, especially the enablers of people like Sabio and the Yellow politicians funding him. was killed. When it comes to the use of female spies to target persons of interest for blackmail or recruitment, no one beats the Russians in this game. It has been said that the Russian government does not ask female spies to die for their country. The government asks them to lay down for their country. The East German intelligence Stasi however, did the opposite. They sent Romeos to the then West Germany to seduce middle aged female secretaries working for important officials.

This appears to be what happened to Nobleza. A young man seducing a middle-aged woman.

For Nobleza, it appears

A5

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The cost of terrorism

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

‘Forbes Park’ in Baguio City

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ EARLY April, the US Embassy released a travel advisory warning its citizens against going to Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Bohol. Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa confirmed the threats of kidnapping within the area but did not disclose the group being monitored. He played down the threats by assuring that the police are prepared.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, dismissed the allegations and assured the public that there was no threat of terrorism over the area. Days later, the AFP encountered the suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Bohol where a policeman and three soldiers were killed. Around 700 residents fled the area and sought refuge from nearby barrios due to the clash. After this encounter, more countries issued warnings against traveling to the Philippines such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The series of abduction and beheadings which started decades ago continue even after we have transitioned to a new administration. Last year, two Canadian hostages were beheaded due to unmet ransom demands.

In February, a German who was kidnapped in November 2016 was also killed. This April, a fishing boat captain who was abducted last December and one of the soldiers involved in the peace process were the latest victims of such barbaric killings.

We are alarmed by the continuing acts of terrorism and extreme violence by the Abu Sayyaf group. Although the number of its members has been reportedly reduced to 200-300, the Abu Sayyaf is relentless.

A collateral victim to these terrorist activities is the tourism industry, given the chain of travel warnings issued by many countries against the Philippines. The Department of Tourism announced increasing number of visitors in January 2017 from their report released last March. While we acknowledge this upward trend, I fear that we may not maintain this momentum because of the successive killings by terrorist groups in the various islands of the Phil-

ippines. Just recently, there were reports of possible movement of a small faction of the Abu Sayyaf group to Palawan, one of the Philippines’ primary tourist destinations.

In the 2017 GAA, the budget for AFP and the PNP generally increased. Worth mentioning is the 600 to 800 percent increase in the intelligence funds of the AFP General Headquarters, the Philippine Army, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, compared to 2016’s budget. According to a DBM report, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency received a P285 million allocation for “intelligence gathering, coordination, and integration, including the formulation and implementation of Anti-Terrorism measures.” Such increase raises the expectations of better performance of the said agencies.

However, it does not appear to be so.

We now ask, where did these funds go? According to news reports, these were being used solely for intelligence on the anti-drug war. Only if such funds, which were approved last year, were allocated genuinely to anti-terrorism measures and investigations, the government could have easily suppressed

the Abu Sayyaf group. These millions could be better allotted to joint investigations and surveillance with the US military, for example, since they have the capacity to obtain such classified information earlier than the local police. The military could have aggressively wiped out this 300-member group, instead of allowing this reduced number to commit more crimes and take more innocent lives. An all-out war, similar to Estrada’s campaign against the MNLF, may be promptly launched with the increased funding of the military.

We are near the end of the First Session of Congress.

Soon, budget deliberations will commence. I am disturbed and, at the same time, dismayed at how the approved budget, particularly for military intelligence and defense, is being used. We have repeatedly called on the administration to put our attention to other pressing issues. I am, once more, urging the administration to look into other problems such as terrorism which gravely affects the safety and well-being of our citizens and tourists, and tarnishes the reputation of our country as a safe place for tourism and foreign investments.

How science sorts fact from alternative fact deavor and some people in any field are likely to employ those more careful, smarter, slower modes of cognition.

Kahneman told me he believes the methods of science do nudge people to put the evidence first, ahead of their preconceived ideas. But there is no single method for doing this. He said different methods of doing science sometimes lead people to different conclusions—or if they are dogmatic enough, different facts. In psychology, for example, giving volunteers tests via computer can yield different results from very similar experiments where a human administers questions.

Such alternative facts are even more striking today in cosmology, where there’s now a controversy about how fast the universe is expanding. Some astronomers using supernova explosions as a measuring system get one answer, while others using microwaves from the big bang arrive at another.

What makes the astronomers’ alternative facts different from Kellyanne Conway’s is that the scientists on both sides used legitimate methods to arrive at their conclusions, and they all recognize that someone must have it wrong. If coming up with an inaugural crowd estimate were a game like guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar, then Conway could have offered an alternative guess—but not an alternative fact.

The assertion that set off the whole “alternative facts” debate was this: Trump’s inauguration crowd was much smaller than the one that gathered for Obama in 2009. The method behind the fact was aerial photography. But using a method that has not been specified, Sean Spicer, Trump’s press secretary said, “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period.”

You don’t have to be a scientific realist to pick the side that’s likely to be closer to the truth.

YOU have the facts; now share them, reads an advertisement urging me to buy a gift subscription to Scientific American.

Perhaps we’re seeing a backlash against Kellyanne Conway’s infamous “alternative facts,” or a response to fears that the US has entered a post-truth era. One way or another, facts have become a hotter commodity than coconut water and kale.

But how do any of us know for sure that the facts we believe are the real ones? Should you go with what your smartest friends post on social media? What you were taught in school? What the newspapers report? Wikipedia? The pages of Scientific American?

The bad news, scientists warn us, is that our brains are problematic places to seek reliable facts. In a new book titled “The Enigma of Reason,” for example, the authors—two cognitive scientists—assert that humans use reason more often to bolster their existing ideas (and egos) than to find the truth. In another recent book, “The Knowledge Illusion,” cognitive scientists Philip Fernbach and Steven Sloman show how most people think they know much more than they actually do.

Princeton University psychologist Daniel Kahneman was a pioneer in cataloging the glitches in human thinking. When I got a chance to talk to him about facts last month, he said we humans tend to think we’re basing our beliefs on solid evidence when we’re really just cherry-picking anecdotes or plain telling stories to support our existing beliefs.

We think we’re making evidence-based decisions, but often we’re doing it backwards.

This poses a puzzle. If humans have so much trouble gazing past our navels, how have we managed to learn so much about the origin of our species, the birth of our planet, and the infancy of the cosmos? How

has science zoomed in to show the tiny working parts of atoms, and zoomed out to show us a universe of 40 billion galaxies?

Over the decades, scientists have found all kinds of rules and patterns in the natural world that have led to life-saving drugs, airplanes, MRI imaging, devices that give us directions instantly by bouncing signals off satellites, and more. Perhaps there’s something about the scientific method—or methods—that help us transcend the misleading tendencies of the human mind.

This seemed like a question for a philosopher of science, so I called Tim Lewens of Cambridge University, author of the book “The Meaning of Science.” His answer was encouraging for seekers of truth, though it might surprise some students of science.

For one thing, he said, there’s no universally agreed-upon definition of the scientific method. “It’s hard to come up with a categorization of the scientific method that fits with all the sciences and nothing but the sciences,” he said. One standard definition, which you might have encountered in school, says the scientific method consists of “systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.” But not all scientists agree. For the last few months I’ve been asking researchers from various fields to define the scientific method, and I’ve received dozens of different interpretations—with varying degrees of agreement with (or scorn toward) the official version.

Instead, different fields have come up with different methods—such as the use of certain statistical tests, or X-ray crystallography, or injecting drugs into mice. Some scientists only work in the realm of theory.

What they share is a common ethic: It’s understood that good science requires asking honest

questions and seek answers in a careful way.

Over time, science has become more modest in its promises, said Lewens. After Isaac Newton formulated his laws, scholars thought his physics was the absolute truth and that the world couldn’t possibly work any other way. Then Einstein came along and burst the bubble with relativity, which better conforms to experimental tests and offers a different understanding of the nature of space, and gravity. Your GPS wouldn’t work without it.

Scientists rarely talk about facts—a word that implies something immutable. They talk about measurements, which are subject to error and open to interpretation, and theories, which are provisional and therefore amenable to upgrades or wholesale revision. To many, it feels self-evident that science is progressing toward truth, even if we’re not there yet or may never get there.

The belief that science is approaching truth is called scientific realism, Lewens said. Not everyone subscribes to it—some philosophers and even a few scientists think new scientific ideas are useful but not necessarily steps toward a larger truth. But Lewens counts himself as a scientific realist, because in so many areas new ideas do build on or refine earlier ones. Science does seem to be getting somewhere.

And while lots of studies point to human fallibility, that doesn’t preclude our ability to do good, truth-seeking science.

“It’s a presupposition of these studies that at least some of us can get the right answer some of the time,” he said. The right answer takes slower, more effortful thinking.

This kind of thought is what Kahneman describes in his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” For some people, the slower thinking system is on permanent vacation, but science is a group en-

Bloomberg

that love is the motivating factor. Reports has it that her relationship with her husband is strained, not to mention the fact that they are separated because of her husband’s assignment as our Police attaché in Pakistan.

Nobleza therefore is what we might term as the ideal target for recruitment: Lonely and in need of companionship. Fortunately for us, she is not very bright.

She is careless, clumsy and has committed many mistakes.

But credit must be given to the people and our security services in Bohol. Throughout this ongoing Bohol episode, the people have been quick and

alert for very suspicious people and have alerted the police in a timely fashion and the police and Military in turn also responded quickly and aggressively.

Could there be others like Nobleza out there? We do not know.

But those who wish us harm will do everything to get the better of us. Vigilance is therefore always important. There are many lessons to be learned in this ongoing Nobleza story and that it is important to have an informed and alert citizenry. It is because of them that this kidnapping attempt was foiled.

The last week has also been very positive for the PNP and the

AFP. We were able to prevent what could have been another big black eye for the country.

Imagine if the Abus succeeded in kidnapping foreign tourists.

With the Asean summit in Manila, the damage would have been incalculable. The AFP was also able to account for a sizable number of terrorists from the Maute group including four foreigners. This is also quite an accomplishment.

For Nobleza, it is safe to say that her career is all but over.

She faces the prospect of a long jail term as multiple charges will now be filed against her both criminal and administrative.

Since this is the first time that a member of our security services is known to have been turned around to work for the enemy, it should be a wakeup call for us.

There must now be a review of protocols and our counter intelligence units should find out if there are more Noblezas in our midst. Regulations should be formulated if there are none to prescribe the conduct of members of the AFP and PNP when they come into contact with the MILF, CPP/NPA, and other terrorist groups to include with the way police and military personnel interact when they make contact with foreign officials.

By Faye Flam

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 A6 Standard TODAY Manila

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NBI summons SSS brass T

By Francisco Tuyay

HE National Bureau of Investigation will summon Social Security System Chairman Dean Amado Valdez and other officials to shed light on the alleged P74-million scam for the printing of “document forms” at the National Printing Office.

Sources at the NBI confirmed to Manila Standard that its AntiFraud Division chief, lawyer Irvin Garcia, has issued a subpoena for the SSS chairman and others who could give the bureau information about the alleged NPO anomaly.

The same sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that Valdez is not a suspect in the irregularities, but merely a

resource person whose opinion on the alleged double contract awarded to four security printers could prove vital to investigators.

It was also learned that Valdez, former dean of University of the East College of Law, had requested NBI Director Dante Gieran— his former student—to hasten the bureau’s investigation.

Valdez was scheduled to face

the probers on Friday, April 28. But since it was declared a special non-working holiday in light of the country’s hosting of the Asean meetings, it was reset next week.

The bureau has also summoned current and former officials of the NPO to elaborate on the issue.

Reports said the NPO had signed a P74million contract with Western Visayas Printing Corp. but still granted work orders to a “big three” of printers—Best Forms Security Printer, owned by Benjamin Yam, Tri-Print Work of Ramil Tamayo, and Metro Color of Celso Viray.

In the wake of these reported transactions, NPO Bids and Awards Committee chairman Sherwin Prose Castañeda quit his post along with 10 other BAC officials.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office, through Communications Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Enrique Tandan,

BFAR halts sale of corals in Cartimar

has found “sufficient basis” to refer the matter to the NBI for further investigation. The PCOO supervises the National Printing Office.

“The [PCOO] investigation uncovered several irregularities and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act [or Republic Act 9184] and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act [RA 3019], among others,” said Tandan.

Castañeda, who is also the NPO’s deputy director, had denied irregularities on the contract.

The NBI will look into allegations on the realignment of the contract to other contractors after it was awarded to the Western Visayas firm, the Standard sources said.

The bureau will also ask Ruben Dancel, former chief of the NPO’s Production Planning and Control Division who has knowledge on the bidding process of the printing contract, to execute his affidavit to determine if the national printer had given due process to the cancellation of Western Visayas’ contract.

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the National Bureau of Investigation recently stopped the illegal sale of assorted corals and other prohibited species in Cartimar, Pasay City.

A total of 3,788 pieces of both hard and soft corals, coral stones, and pebbles were seized by the NBI- Environmental Crime Division and BFAR’s law enforcement group.

Five stalls were caught selling corals during a buy-bust operation, while two other stores were apprehended through “plain view doctrine.”

The law enforcers found corals and juvenile clam species on the stores’ shelves.

Based on their initial investigation, the corals were gathered from Lubang Island off the coast of Mindoro.

Republic Act 10654 or the amended Philippine Fisheries Code prohibits gathering, possessing, commercially transporting, selling or exporting ordinary, semiprecious and precious corals, whether raw or in processed form by any person or corporation.

The confiscated items were brought to the evidence impounding area of the BFAR for preservation. Experts from the National Fisheries Research Development Institute, the agency’s research arm, are currently identifying the species of the corals.

Apart from the corals, 14 seahorses, 34 giant clam species, and two helmet shells were also seized by the authorities. The NBI has already filed a case against the violators.

Congress tries to head off crash of housing program

By Maricel V. Cruz CONGRESS will exercise its oversight powers to prevent the possible collapse of the government’s housing program, following the left-leaning urban poor group Kadamay’s arbitrary takeover of housing projects in Bulacan, Negros Occidental Rep.

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ LnB President

Alfredo Benitez said on Thursday.

“While P5 billion in annual funding for socialized housing may not be enough to cover the overall needs of the country, the funds appeared to have been directed to implement housing projects that the supposed beneficiaries would not want to occupy,” lamented Benitez, House committee on housing and urban

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. ROMEO C. MEDINA MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR. ARMANDO P. PADILLA

ABSENT: Councilor VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Sick Leave “ LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY -Sick Leave ====================================================================== On motion presented by Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-036 on second and final reading.

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-036 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut, Jr., Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. A.P. Padilla and Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr. Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. M.A.M. Ortega, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY TO NEGOTIATE, ENTER INTO AND SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) AND ALL PERTINENT DOCUMENTS RELATIVE THERETO, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI, WITH LAGUNA WATER DISTRICT AQUATECH RESOURCES CORPORATION (LARC) REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WATER SYSTEM IN MAKATI HOMEVILLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, A RELOCATION SITE OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI IN BARANGAY DAYAP, CALAUAN, LAGUNA, SUBJECT TO EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. WHEREAS, in 2007, the City Government of Makati bought a forty (40) hectare property in Barangay Dayap, Municipality of Calauan, Province of Laguna for the purpose of building a housing project and to accommodate more than six thousand (6,000) families, that used to live in danger zones or public properties of the city;

thousands of housing units intended for uniformed military and police personnel in San Jose del Monte and Pandi in Bulacan.

He earlier warned of a possible collapse of government’s housing program unless “a swift review and redirection of the housing programs is pursued” by the National Housing Authority.

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

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. ROMEO C. MEDINA MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

ABSENT: Councilor VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Sick Leave “ LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY -Sick Leave ======================================================================== On motion presented by Hon. M.A.M. Ortega, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Resolution No. 2017-037 on second and final reading.

CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-037 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I.N. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut, Jr., Hon. M.A.M. Ortega, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. V.V. Hilario, Jr. and Hon. E.D.E. Villamor Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino and Hon. A.P. Padilla A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI, THE DONATION OF THREE (3) UNITS OF FAZZINI BABY INCUBATORS, FOR THE USE OF OSPITAL NG MAKATI (OSMAK), FROM THE OSPITAL NG MAKATI FOUNDATION AND TO SIGN THE DEED OF DONATION AND ALL PERTINENT DOCUMENTS RELATIVE THERETO, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. WHEREAS, Ospital ng Makati Foundation, an organization duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, aims to contribute in providing quality medical services most especially to indigent patients residing in the City of Makati; WHEREAS, on the other hand, Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK), a healthcare facility owned and managed by the City Government of Makati, offers medical, diagnostic and/or therapeutic services to various patients, whether Makati residents or not; WHEREAS, upon the initiative and endorsement of the Ospital ng Makati Foundation, the City Government of Makati is made recipient of the following:

WHEREAS, such housing project is known as Makati Home Ville Development Project;

Quantity Brand Model Origin

WHEREAS, uplifting the welfare of the people of the City of Makati is the priority of Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay’s leadership and administration. Thus, each program or project sought to be implemented is part of the overall goal of improving the quality of life and providing its people with quality public services;

: : : :

WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, pursuant to Sec. 8 (a) (6) of R.A. 7854, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of Makati, hereby authorizes the Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay to negotiate, enter into and sign a MOA, and all pertinent documents relative thereto, with LARC regarding the construction of a water system at Makati Homeville Development Project in Brgy. Dayap, Calauan, Laguna.

WHEREAS, Sec. 8 (a) (6) of R.A. 7854, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of Makati, provides that the City Mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, to authorize the Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay to negotiate, enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and all pertinent documents relative thereto, on behalf of the City Government of Makati, with Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corporation (LARC) regarding the construction of a water system in Makati Homeville Development Project, a relocation site of the City Government of Makati in Barangay Dayap, Calauan, Laguna, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, pursuant to the abovementioned provision of law, hereby authorizes the Honorable Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay to accept the three (3) units Fazzini baby incubators from the Ospital ng Makati Foundation.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 26 April 2017.

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO SICK LEAVE HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO - Presiding Officer SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA MARIE ALETHEA SJ. CASAL-UY GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO DIVINA A. JACOME LUIS S. JAVIER JR. ROMEO C. MEDINA MA. ARLENE M. ORTEGA NELSON S. PASIA ENRICO J. PUNO MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

LnB President

ARMANDO P. PADILLA

ABSENT: Councilor VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.-Sick Leave “ LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY -Sick Leave ================================================================================= On motion presented by Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, which was duly seconded by all Members present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Makati approved City Ordinance No. 2017-059 on final reading.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2017-059 Authors: Hon. M.C.M. Yabut, Hon. M.A.S.J. Casal-Uy, Hon. D.A. Jacome, Hon. G.I. de Lara-Bes, Hon. N.S. Yabut Jr. and Hon. M.A.M. Ortega Co-Authors: Hon. S.C. Aspillaga, Hon. F.T. Eusebio, Hon. L.S. Javier, Jr., Hon. R.C. Medina, Hon. N.S. Pasia, Hon. E.J. Puno, Hon. M.R.C. Tolentino, Hon. E.D.E. Villamor and Hon. A.P. Padilla AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNT OF FIVE BILLION FOUR HUNDRED SIXTEEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 5,416,964,000.00) AS SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO. 2 FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2017, INTENDED TO MEET THE BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS OF VARIOUS PRIORITY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT AS STATED IN LBP FORM NO. 9, FUNDS OF WHICH SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THE FUNDING SOURCES STATED IN LBP FORM NO. 8, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAWS AND AUDITING RULES AND PROCEDURES. WHEREAS, Section 321 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states that: “Section 321. Changes in the Annual Budget. Xxx After the local chief executive concerned shall have submitted the executive budget to the sanggunian, no ordinance providing for a supplemental budget shall be enacted, except when supported by funds actually available as certified by the local treasurer or by new revenue sources. xxx” (Emphasis supplied.)

WHEREAS, Section 1 of Administrative Order No. 47, dated 12 April 1993, issued by then President of the Philippines Fidel V. Ramos, which amended Section 1 of Article 417 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that: “Section 1. Article 417 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(a) When supported by funds actually available as certified by the local treasurer:

WHEREAS, in the MOA hereto attached and made an integral part of this Resolution, the LARC will bind itself to construct a water system in Makati Home Ville Development Project;

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

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

“No ordinance providing for a supplemental budget shall be enacted except for the following:

WHEREAS, for and in consideration of the goodwill, assistance, liberality and generosity of the Ospital ng Makati Foundation, such foundation hereby voluntarily and freely gives, transfers and conveys, by way of donation, unto the City Government of Makati, for the use of Ospital ng Makati, three (3) units of Fazzini baby incubators, and ensures that the same are free from all liens and encumbrances;

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corporation (LARC), City Law Department, Engineering Department, Office of the City Administrator, and other departments/offices concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

Anna Leah E. Gonzales

“Art. 417. Changes in the Annual Budget. — Changes in the annual budget may be done through supplemental budgets.

Three (3) units Fazzini Baby Incubator BB-100 Italy

Standard Configuration: • Transparent hood with six (6) hand ports • Two lateral access doors, infant bed and mattress • Water collecting system • I.V. pole • Mounted on trolley 4 castors (2 with brake)

WHEREAS, in the light of the abovementioned purpose, the City Government of Makati requested the Laguna Water District Aquatic Resources Corporation (LARC) for the operation and management of a water system in the said housing project; WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Makati and LARC is necessary in order to achieve and guide the parties in carrying out the abovementioned purpose;

development chairman.

Benitez called for the execution of an “urban renewal program” that would have in-city and near-city housing for the thousands of informal settler families. He said government could address the huge housing backlog “by merely allocating 30 percent of idle lands for the homeless.”

The lawmaker led an ocular of the

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, to authorize the Honorable Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay to accept the donation of three (3) units of Fazzini baby incubators, for use of Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK) from the Ospital ng Makati Foundation and to sign the Deed of Donation and all pertinent documents relative thereto, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished the Ospital ng Makati Foundation, Ospital ng Makati, Office of the City Administrator, General Services Department, Makati Health Department, City Law Department and all offices, departments and agencies concerned for their information, guidance and reference.

Funds actually available refer to the amount of money actually collected as certified by the local treasurer at any given point during the fiscal year which is over and above the estimated income collection for that point in the year. Thus, funds are actually available when realized income exceeds estimated income as of the said fiscal year. Funds are likewise deemed actually available when there are savings. For this purpose, savings refer to portions or balances as of any given point in the fiscal year of any programmed or allotted appropriation which remain free of any obligation or encumbrance and which are still available after the satisfactory completion or the unavoidable discontinuance or abandonment of the work, activity or purpose for which the appropriation was originally authorized, or which result from unobligated compensation and related costs pertaining to vacant positions and leaves of absence without pay. xxx” (Emphasis supplied.)

WHEREAS, the Office of the Mayor, through the Budget Department, has accordingly prepared the Statement of Supplemental Appropriation No. 2 (LBP Form No. 9), a copy of which is hereto attached as Annex “A” and made an integral part hereof.

WHEREAS, the city government has available funds for appropriation by way of supplemental budget in the amount of Five Billion Four Hundred Sixteen Million Nine Hundred Sixty-Four Thousand Pesos (Php 5,416,964,000.00), which remain unencumbered and unobligated, coming from the following sources: (a) 2016 Actual Collection of the Estimated Income; (b) Savings from 2016 Budget; and (c) Reversion of Continuing Appropriations of the Office of the Mayor & 20% Development Fund. The Statement of Funding Sources (LBP Form No. 8) and Certification of Availability of Funds issued by Ms. Jesusa E. Cuneta, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Treasury Department, and Mr. William B. Dayrit, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Accounting Department are attached herewith as Annexes “B” and “C”, respectively, and made integral parts hereof; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED, AS IT IS HEREBY ENACTED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN IT BY LAW, IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, that: Section 1. The amount of Five Billion Four Hundred Sixteen Million Nine Hundred Sixty-Four Thousand Pesos (Php 5,416,964,000.00) as Supplemental Budget No. 2 for Calendar Year 2017, intended to meet the budgetary requirements of various priority programs and projects of the City Government as stated in LBP Form No. 9, funds of which shall be taken from the funding sources stated in LBP Form No. 8, subject to applicable laws and auditing rules and procedures.

Section 2. Let copy of this Ordinance be furnished the City Budget Department, Accounting Department, Finance Department, Office of the City Administrator, City Law Department and all other concerned offices/departments for their information, guidance and reference.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, in its Regular Session held on 26 April 2017.

ENACTED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF MAKATI, METRO MANILA, MANILA in its Regular Session held on 26 April 2017.

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. SHIRLEY C. ASPILLAGA

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. MARIE ALETHEA S.J. CASAL-UY

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. PASIA P

HON. GRAZIELLE IONY N. DE LARA-BES

HON. NELSON S. P PASIA HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. FERDINAND T. EUSEBIO

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

HON. ROMEO C. MEDINA

HON. MA ARLENE M. ORTEGA

P HON. NELSON S. PASIA

HON. ENRICO J. PUNO

SICK LEAVE

HON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO

SICK LEAVE HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

HON. VIRGILIO V. HILARIO JR.

HON. ON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO

HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

HON. ON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

HON. MARY RUTH C. TOLENTINO

HON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR HON. DIVINA A. JACOME

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. EVELYN DELFINA E. VILLAMOR

ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT HON.

SICK LEAVE HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. LUIS S. JAVIER JR.

HON. ON. MARIA CONCEPCION M. YABUT

SICK LEAVE HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

SICK LEAVE HON. LEONARDO M. MAGPANTAY

HON. NEMESIO S. YABUT JR.

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President Certified true and correct by:

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

HON. ARMANDO P. PADILLA LnB President

Certified true and correct by:

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

Certified true and correct by: Attested by:

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Attested by:

ATTY. DINDO R. CERVANTES Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Attested by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer Approved by:

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY City Mayor

HON. MONIQUE Q. LAGDAMEO Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer (MS-APR. 27, 2017)

(MS-APR. 27, 2017)

(MS-APR. 27, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Thais, Power Smashers primed up for spikefest T

HE Power Smashers will be relying on their veteran Thai reinforcements when they shoot for another title crack in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference beginning Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Matt Palasan in action

Palasan, Pagente rule HEAD jr. net Iloilo leg TOP seed players Matt Palasan and Gennifer Pagente displayed impressive performances to clinch separate titles in the fifth leg of 19th HEAD Junior Tennis Satellite Circuit recently at the La Paz Tennis Club courts in Iloilo City.

Palasan rallied past Cebuano Venz Alforque, 4-6, 6-0, 6-4, in the 18-and-under boys’ singles finals to bag the crown, while the No. 1 Pagente whacked Bliss Bayking, 6-2, 6-2, in the 16-and-under girls’ singles championship round to win the title.

The tournament is supported by Chris Sports, the nationwide sports retail chain, Toalson strings, UBE Express, the Premium Airport Bus Service, media partners People’s Television, Aksyon Sports, Business Mirror, Philippine Locale, Cook, Health and Fitness, Pilipino Mirror and Philippines Graphics.

In other boys’ singles finals results, Khenz Justiniani blasted Axl Lajon Gonzaga, 7-5, 6-2, for the 12-and-under crown, while Raven Hitosis won over Jericho Ong, 6-2, 6-4, to claim the 14-and-under crown and Venz Alforque crushed Jon Dreve Jimenea, 6-4, 6-1, for the 16-and-under trophy.

Alexie Santos defeated Bliss Bayking, 6-0, 6-2, to gain the 18-andunder girls’ singles title, while Theresa Claire Nacito beat Avril Andrea Suace, 6-3, 2-6, 10-7, for the 14-and-under girls’ title, and Erika Ayson bested Ma. Hannah Divinagracia, 6-4, 6-4, to win the 12-andunder girls’ trophy.

Ma. Hannah Divinagracia, meanwhile, bashed Jade Ibabao, 4-0, 4-2, to win the 10-and-under unisex crown of the satellite tennis junior competition organized by HEAD Philippines distributor Dynamic Sports.

The doubles’ champions were Derrick Guillano and Ma. Hannah Divinagracia (10-and-under unisex); Jann Guillano and Rupert Tortal (14-and-under boys); Venz Alforque and Mark Crisosto (18-and-under boys); Theresa Claire Nacito and Avril Andrea Suace (14-and-under girls); and Alexie Santos and Stephanie Crisosto (18-and-under girls).

Cuizon, Aussie lass top PPS Mactan net meet CHAD Cuizon kept his hot streak going, nailing another 10-and-under crown while Ashley McKenzie of Australia made the most of her vacation and came away with a two-title romp in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Mactan leg regional age group tennis tournament in Cebu yesterday.

The 10-year-old Cuizon trounced doubles partner Douglas Maravillas, 4-1, 4-1, to sweep the first two legs of the Visayas summer tour after the Centrex, Lapu-Lapu rising star clipped Jovani Dimate, 4-1, 4-0, in the Consolacion stop of the circuit sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/ CEO Bobby Castro and presented

by Slazenger last week.

McKenzie, whose mother is a Cebuana, bounced back from a failed title crack last week by stunning top seed Lyra Repollo, 6-4, 6-1, in the semis then whipping Nicole Villar, 6-0, 6-1, to snare the girls’ 16-U diadem in the Group 2 tournament backed by Asiatraders Corp. and the new Unified tennis group, led by

PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s and B-Meg. The Queenslander earlier grabbed the 14-U plum with a 6-4, 6-2 reversal over Repollo then teamed up with her victim to crush Kiersten Albofera and Villar, 8-1, for the 14-U doubles crown.

Cuizon and Maravillas also ran away with the 10-U doubles title with a similar 8-1 triumph over Axel McKenzie and Scofeld Tabura as Cuizon bagged another MVP plum and Ashley McKenzie snared the coveted individual honor in the distaff side.

In other results, Balamban, Cebu’s JP Silmaro took the boys’ 12-U title with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Cuizon while Sofia Melencion from Consolacion scored a 1-0(ret.) win over Khymberly McKenzie for the girls’ 12-U diadem.

Unranked Gabriel Trazo from Asturias, Cebu shocked top seed Cesar Salimbangon, 6-1, 6-4, to snatch the boys’ 14-U crown while Bohol’s Jericho Otico subdued Neil Limpangog, 7-6(2), 6-2, for the boys’ 16-U title.

Amporn Hyapha and Kannika Thipachot have been training with the local Power Smashers as early as two weeks ago, making them ready to slug it out with the five other squads vying in the seasonopening conference of the 14th season of the league, the former Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

TODAY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that on 28 December 2016, Cotabato Light and Power Company (CLPC) filed an application dated 9 December 2016 seeking the Commission’s approval of CLPC’s capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects for calendar year 2016, with prayer for provisional authority.

3.

4.

5.

0-0

Sin 3 VCB replacement

DPWH Request: Line Rerouting of Salimbao Feeder 3 & 4 from Salimbao SS to Notre Dame Avenue Upgrading of SCADA hardware

6.4.

The “Residual” project includes the “Replacement and Upgrading of Distribution Lines, Distribution Transformers, Poles, KWHR Meters, and Streetlights for Maintenance and New Application” project which is a set of recurring CAPEX projects.

6.4.1.

7.

“Poles, Towers & Fixtures” and “Overhead Conductors and Devices” components address the need to replace wooden poles to ensure public safety. Further, there are road widening projects of the DPWH that necessitates the relocation of poles and its accessories. Lastly, the projects ensures that new customer applications are readily acted upon.

“Line Transformers” project likewise address the requirements of new applicants while also answering for the maintenance of the existing equipment.

“Power Conditioning Equipment” project tackles the necessity of having readily available equipment and accessories to be installed in the distribution lines in order to maintain the voltage quality at an acceptable level. “Meters, Instruments & Metering Transformers” component undertakes to replace electromechanical meters to electronic meters as a measure to prevent rampant tampering and illegal tapping. This component is also needed for CLPC’s elevated meter centers and meteron-pole projects.

“Streetlights and Signal Systems” component plays a vital role in the safety and security of streets covered by the CLPC Franchise Area.

7.2.

The “Buildings & Land Improvement” project involves the development and improvement of CLPC’s facilities and sites among of which include sites for the proposed warehouse, Salimbao poleyard fence, and renovation of the covered court. By enhancing CLPC’s said facilities, the quality of service of service to the customers is improved.

The “Telecommunications” project pertains to the installation of IP Cameras in the three substations of Salimbao, Sinsuat and Malagapas and the replacement of old and/or obsolete VHF Radios. The project will safeguard CLPC’s substations which are vital facilities for its operation. Being able to monitor activities in the structures proximity in high definition will help deter and prevent unwanted circumstances. The VHF mobile radios need to be replaced in order for crews to function efficiently and safely as communication and the timely dispatch and relay of information are crucial in CLPC’s operation.

7.3.

The “Tools and Work Equipment” project comprises the acquisition of tools needed by the Transmission & Distribution Department to perform its various tasks and replacement of old equipment that have ceased to function. The project aims to update the work equipment with new technology to provide more efficient and safer tools for the CLPC’s employees. The repairs, maintenance and replacement of tools are essential in the continuous operation of the Transmission and Distribution Department.

7.4.

The “Transportation” project includes the acquisition of brand new Insulated Mini-bucket.Truck for PMD and A-Team operation particularly for Elevated Meter Centers (EMC) project implementation and maintenance. The project addresses the increasing number of EMC Cluster installation in the CLPC Franchise Area. The trucks can penetrate interior and remote areas not passable by trucks for

Php2,032,632.56

Line Transformers

Php6,012,712.38 Php363,577.80

Street Lights and Signal Systems

PhP18,299,971.49 Php1,450,739.49

NON-NETWORK Buildings and Improvement

PhP2,027,899.00

Telecommunications

Php321,700.00

Tools and Work Equipment

Php3,037,270.24

Transportation

Php6,480,810.00

Office Furniture and Equipment

Php300,000.00

Computer Equipment (Software & Hardware)

Php2,727,027.65

POWER PLANT Indent Spare Parts - Mirrlees Engines

Php840,242.26

Replacement of Uniclose Pumps for Unit 7 TOTAL 2016 CAPEX

Php160,000.00 PhP 61,107,986.57

Table 1:2016 CAPEX Projects

10. The detailed justifications, technical analysis, economic analysis and alternatives considered, if availing, for CLPC’s CAPEX program for CY 2016 are discussed in detail in Annex “A” of this Application.

11.

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

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

12. 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 CLPC, but also to the livelihood and everyday lives of the consumers may be mitigated by the immediate approval of the CLPC 2016 CAPEX projects.

13. Thus, pending final approval, there is an urgent need for a provisional authority for CLPC to immediately implement its proposed 2016 CAPEX Projects. In support of the prayer for the grant of the provisional authority, attached as Annex “B” is the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark Sam Banluta, Engineering Group Manager of CLPC. 14. The foregoing CAPEX for CY 2016 are indispensable for the systematic and economic expansion and rehabilitation of CLPC’s distribution facilities and ensuring compliance with safety, performance and regulatory requirements. The benefit arising from these CAPEX projects will ultimately redound to the endconsumers of CLPC in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply.

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

Pending trial on the merits, immediately issue a PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY authorizing CLPC to implement, its Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Year (“CY”) 2016.

2.

After due hearing, APPROVE WITH FINALITY, CLPC’s proposed Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Year (“CY”) 2016.

Other relief 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 17 May 2017 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Ave. cor Sales St., 8000 Davao City, Philippines.

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) 2)

The “Non-Network” category includes: 7.1.

Php8,689,358.44

Overhead Conductors and Devices

Meters, Instruments and Metering Transformers

The “Substation Rehab: Upgrade of Sinuat 3 Feeder Breaker and Replacement of Station Batteries of Salimbao Substation” project which involves the replacement of SIN 3 feeder breaker, form the Oil-Blast Circuit Breaker (OCB) to Vacuum Circuit Breaker, situated at Sinsuat Substation within CLPC Compound, and the replacement of station power batteries of Salimbao S/s. The project shortens the downtime maintenance period needed during repair and preventive maintenance. Also, being an environment conscious entity, CLPC considers the oil in an OCB flammable and dangerous, therefore posing a great risk and hazard to human health and nature.

The “Other Networks: Upgrading of SCADA Communication Hardware” project. This involves the acquisition of WI-MAX (Base, CPE & Accessories) to upgrade the communication system of CLPC. The WI-MAX update will provide high speed wireless mobile data and telecommunication technology that will deliver a fast wireless broadband access as an alternate or back-up to cable and DSL and will give a diverse source of internet connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity hotspots. This project enables CLPC to have a faster, more efficient and reliable communication environment that enables the delivery of quality services to the consumers.

Poles, Towers & Fixtures

Power Conditioning Equipment

iv. Residual; Non-Network Projects; and Power Plant: Acquisition of Indent Engine Spare Parts and Replacement of Uniclose Pumps for Mirrlees Engines

6.3.

Php1,527,000.00

RESIDUAL

New Line: DPWH Request: Line Re-routing of Salimbao Feeder 3 & 4 from Salimbao SS to Notre Dame Avenue

The “New Line: DPWH Request: Line Re-routing of Salimbao Feeder 3 & 4 from Salimbao SS to Notre Dame Avenue” project, which re-routes the existing Salimbao Feeder 3 & 4 from old bridge to the new bridge due to the deteriorating condition of the old bridge.

PhP 5,156,245.26

OTHER NETWORK

Network; i. Substation Rehabilitation: Upgrade of Sinuat 3 Feeder Breaker and Replacement of Station Batteries of Salimbao Substation;

6.2.

Php440,000.00

NEWLINE

The CAPEX projects under the “Network” category are as follows: 6.1.

Php1,240,800.00

Salimbao S/S Battery Station

iii. Other Network Projects: Upgrading of SCADA Communication Hardware

6.

COST

SUBSTATION REHAB

CLPC’s 2016 CAPEX program is categorized as follows:

0-0-0-0 0-0-0

DESCRIPTION NETWORK

As such, CLPC, in pursuit of its duty to better serve its customers, and in accordance with Section 20 (b) of Commonwealth Act No. 146 2, hereby applies for the approval of the Honorable Commission to implement its Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Year (“CY”) 2016.

00-00-00-00-00-00

00-00-00-00-00-00

PROJECT SUMMARY

Thus, for CLPC to pursue its mandate under its franchise and the EPIRA, it is necessary for CLPC to continuously invest in the improvement of its system and services to better serve its customers.

b. c.

The “Computer Equipment (Software & Hardware)” project involves the acquisition of Technical References, Software & Licenses, and Computer Hardware. The project will provide power system analysis and simulation software which are prevalent in electrical engineering practice. The software aids CLPC to evaluate its distribution system loss segregation program and simulates the technical loss of their distribution network and for calculation of short circuit currents.

The total estimated cost of CLPC’s CY 2016 CAPEX is Php 61,107,986.57 and the complete list of CLPC’s 2016 CAPEX, together with its estimated cost, is as follows:

Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (“EPIRA”), under Section 23 thereof, obligates a distribution utility, such as CLPC, to provide distribution services and connections to its system for any end-user within its franchise area consistent with the distribution code.

Further, distribution utilities share in the objective of the EPIRA to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.1

ii.

7.6.

9.

CLPC is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with office address at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. CLPC is duly authorized distribution utility of electric power to the end-users in the City of Cotabato, and portions of the Municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat, province of Maguindanao (”CLPC Franchise Area”) pursuant to its franchise under Republic Act No. 10637. It may be served with orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through its undersigned counsel at the address indicated below.

a.

The “Office Furniture and Equipment” project involves the acquisition of equipment to be used to provide timely compliance to customer and regulatory requirements and CCTV cameras to intensify security within CLPC’s premises.

The “Power Plant” category involves the “Acquisition of Indent Engine Spare Parts and Replacement of Uniclose Pumps for Mirrlees Engines” project. This project aims to acquire parts for the maintenance of the Mirrlees engines of the Power Plant which is crucial to sustain its operation.

CLPC alleged the following in its Application:

2.

7.5.

8.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 6/45 4 3 2

ERC CASE NO. 2016-205 RC

COTABATO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (CLPC), Applicant. x---------------- --- --- --------x

1.

Open Conference titles in 201314, making them the imports to watch in the upcoming tournament backed by Asics and Mikasa and organized by Sports Vision.

Pamilar is also pinning his hopes on the Pacres-Bicar duo.

“We’re doing well when Pacres arrived and Bicar is also doing good and I’m still deciding right now who between her and Guillema would take the starting setter job,” said Pamilar.

The Power Smashers will take on the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, the defending champions, at 4 p.m. in the opener with Pamilar upbeat of their chances.

installation and maintenance purposes. This will facilitate work orders and avoid delay in attending customer’s requests.

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

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

Zaragosa cruises to PH amateur golf quarters RUPERT Zaragosa picked up two easy wins and nailed the first quarterfinal berth as the fancied bets breezed through the Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Golf Championship at the Orchard Golf and Country Club’s Player course in Dasmariñas, Cavite yesterday.

Zaragosa, who closed out with a bogey-free 69 to top the 36-hole stroke play elims Tuesday, toppled No. 32 Alexi Garzon, 8&6, in the first match of the knockout phase then clobbered Japanese Takuya Kawamura, 6&5, in sweltering afternoon play to advance to the Last 8 of the annual event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

No. 2 Jolo Magcalayo struggled but hurdled Korean Won Yong Hwi just the same, 2&1, to arrange a second round duel with Lester Lagman, who nipped another Korean, Back Seung Hyeon, 1-up, in the lower half of the 32-player draw in the men’s side of the weeklong event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association P0 M+ of the Philippines and backed

by Cignal and Metro Pacific Investment.

P0 M Third seed Luis Castro also fashioned out an easy 7&6 romp over Peter Asinas, DIGITS No. 4 and defending champion Noel Langamin routed Tommy Leong, 5&3 and DIGITS fifth ranked Jonas Magcalayo scored a walkover win EZ2 over Gabby Macalaguin.

V-League where it all started.

While he has noted the team’s camaraderie and cohesion in practice, coach Nes Pamilar has stressed the need for the locals to step up and provide the two Thais the needed support offensively and defensively.

“Their conditioning is good but what we need right now is for the local players to help them,” said Pamilar.

Arellano U’s Jovielyn Prado, UST’s Dimdim Pacres and Alina Bicar and San Sebastian’s Vira Mae Guillema and Katherin Villegas banner the Power Smashers’ local unit raring to mix it up with the fancied names in the sport, including Alyssa Valdez of Creamline, Myla Pablo of Pocari Sweat, Amy Ahomiro of Perlas, Joy Cases of Air Force, and Grethcel Soltones of BaliPure.

Hyapha and Thipachot have actually played for Pamilar when they steered the Power Smashers to the then Shakey’s V-League

3)

The petitioner’s name and address; 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 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) 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 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 10th day of March 2017 in Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO 1 2

Section 2 (b) of the EPlRA. Public Service Act

(MS-APR 27/MAY 4, 2017)

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

A8

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

Sports

James Harden of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP

Rockets oust OKC Thunder; Spurs, Jazz seize 3-2 leads L

OS ANGELES—James Harden scored 34 points and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious effort from Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook to oust the Thunder from the NBA playoffs on Tuesday.

The Rockets beat the Thunder 105-99 to win their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series four games to one.

Rockets reserve Lou Williams scored 10 of his 22 points early in the fourth quarter as the Rockets responded to a sensational third quarter from Westbrook, who carried his team to a 77-72 lead going into the final period.

Westbrook scored 10 straight

points in one stretch and finished with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists in the third.

But Williams opened the fourth with two free throws, and added three more from the line along with a three-pointer as the Rockets regained the advantage with Westbrook on the bench - and they held on even after Westbrook reentered the game as the Thunder missed a string of shots.

Westbrook finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but connected on just two of his 11 shots in the final period.

The defeat brought a close to a historic season for Westbrook, who joined Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to average a triple-double and beat Robertson’s 55-year-old record for most tripledoubles in a regular season with 42.

In withstanding Westbrook, the Rockets showed they have plenty of defensive ability to go with their free-wheeling offense.

“We’re not just a three-point shooting team,” said Harden, who scored 13 of his 34 points in the final eight minutes. “We get after it on the defensive end. We’re overlooked.

We have been all year. But we’re not really worried about it. We go out there and compete at a high level on both ends of the floor.”

In the second round the Rockets will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Memphis Grizzlies.

Spurs, Jazz in command The Spurs, seeded second in the West behind the Golden State Warriors, seized a 3-2 lead in their series Tuesday with a 116-103 victory in San Antonio.

Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points, Patty Mills added 20 and Tony Parker chipped in 16 as the Spurs bounced back from a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Grizzlies in game four.

Reserve point guard Mills made

five three-pointers, four of them in the fourth quarter en route to his career-high playoff scoring total.

The effort from Australia’s Mills helped thwart a Grizzlies rally. Memphis trailed by 18 with less than two minutes to play in the third quarter, but a 17-3 scoring run saw them pull within four points with nine minutes to play.

“We made shots, that’s what we didn’t do the last game,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose team will try to wrap up the series in game six on Thursday in Memphis.

The Utah Jazz are also closing in on a second-round berth after a 96-92 victory over the Clippers in Los Angeles. AFP

PBA All-Star festivities swing over to Lucena

Cyrus Baguio is shown with two participants of the cage camp held by the PBA as part of the PBA All-Star festivities.

RIGHT after the Cagayan de Oro festivities, the PBA/ Gilas Pilipinas delegation swings over to Lucena in Quezon on Thursday for an All-Star extravaganza that will include the keenly awaited skills competitions.

The PBA Luzon selection takes its turn to challenge Gilas Pilipinas in the All-Star Friday spectacle—sponsored

by HMR Trading, Mueller, Peak, Crystal Clear, Anako, Davco, Smart, Cloudfone and Petron—also featuring the title defenses of Rey Guevarra, Terrence Romeo and Maverick Ahanmisi in the All-Star side events.

Another highlight of the Lucena event at the Quezon Convention Center is the announcement by Gilas coach Chot Reyes of his Final 12 for the SEABA Championship

slated May 12-18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Reyes will be with PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa and Quezon Gov. David Suarez as he names the 12 players shortly after the Gilas-PBA Luzon showdown.

Matthew Wright, Bradwyn Guinto, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Arnold Van Opstal, Ed Daquiaog, Almond Vosotros, Jonathan Grey, Raymond Almazan, Norbert Torres and Allein Maliksi make up the Gilas roster versus the PBA Luzon selection bannered by Gilas veterans Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva and Jayson Castro.

Alex Cabagnot, LA Tenorio, Marcio Lassiter, Stanley Pringle, Jay Washington, Paul Lee, Mark Caguioa, Arwind Santos and Ranidel de Ocampo complete the PBA cast to be

handled by coach Leo Austria.

Several other PBA stars are appearing in Lucena to slug it out in the slam dunk competition, three-point shootout and the Obstacle Challenge presented by Cloudfone.

Ahanmisi defends his Obstacle Challenge crown against Alaska’s Simon Enciso, Blackwater’s Roi Sumang, GInebra’s Sol Mercado, GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle, Mahindra’s Revilla, NLEX’s Eman Monfort, Meralco’s Daquiaog, Phoenix’s RJ Jazul, Star’s Justin Melton and San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot.

Romeo, the three-point winner in Palawan in 2015 and at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last year, tries to match Mark Macapagal’s three-peat from 2010-12 as he defends his crown against a roster of challengers led by 2013 winner Chris Tiu.

Mariners to represent Visayas in UA 3x3 national finals UNIVERSITY of Cebu will represent the Visayas region in the Under Armour Under-18 3x3 Tournament set April 28 to 30 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

The Mariners sealed the slot following a 15-14 win over University of Visayas in the Cebu leg championship game at the City Sports Club, Ayala Center.

The quartet of John Bryl Cuyos, Alen Pelegrino, Emmanuelle Bautista and Virlou Orquez and their coach Jover Samonte thus earned an all-expense paid accommodation and round-trip to Manila for the UA national finals.

University of Southeastern Philippines Foundation tabbed third place in the Cebu leg that attracted 73 teams and 300 players from Cebu and neigh-

boring provinces in the region.

The event, supported by PDI and Business Mirror, with event partners Gatorade, Wilson, Crystal Clear, De Los Santos Medical and Innewvation, aims to select players who will compose the national team to the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup from May 26 to 28 at the Cyberjaya Gem-In Mall in Malaysia.

The Under Armour 3x3 Tournament now heads to the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City from April 28 to 29 at the Bonifacio Global City, where players from Manila and nearby areas can get a chance to vie for spots in the national 3x3 team.

To drumbeat the activities in the coming weekend, the first-ever UA Basketball Clinic was held on Wednesday at the Bonifacio Global

City Love Court at 4 p.m.

The venue is located at 32nd Avenue corner 9th Street in Taguig City.

In the clinic, newest UA gears was introduced while selected participants of UA 3x3 and the Under Armour Basketball Clinic got first-hand trial runs from well known top-caliber coaches in the country namely coach Louie Gonzales, Christian Luanzon, Eddie Laure and Eric Dela Cuesta at the Love Court.

Aside from the 18-under division, Under Armour also created an Open Category for passionate basketball players, local or non-resident, aged 19 to 50 as they also get the chance of pitting their skills against different teams.

Visit www.ua3x3.com for more information about the Under Armour 3x3 The University of Cebu Mariners squad with Under Armour Southeast Asia 2017 Tournament.

3x3 tour with commissioner Joe Lipa (right)

NCR team smashes 4x100m swim mark

By Peter Atencio SAN JOSE de Buenavista, Antique—New records continued to be set in the Palarong Pambansa here.

A team of record breakers didn’t mind the fading sunlight when they smashed the 4x100 meter medley relay meet mark by almost six seconds in the swimming meet of the 2017 Palarong Pambansa at the Binirayan Sports Complex here.

Maurice Sacho Ilustre anchored NCR to an amazing 4 minutes, and 1.16 seconds clocking, smashing the two-year record that he and his teammates set back in 2015.

University of the East’s Jerald Jacinto and University of the Philippines Integrated School tanker Drew Magbag were the new faces that were with Ilustre and Andrei Pogiongko in resetting their old clocking of 4:07.00.

For Magbag, it was his second record-breaking feat for the day after he earlier beat teammate Mark Rotoni’s preliminary feat of 2:28.85 with a better 2:28.28 showing in the secondary boys’ 200-meter breaststroke.

Both Magbag and Rotoni erased the previous record set by their coach Rafael Chua of 2:30.42 back in 1998. Rotoni settled for the silver behind Magbag in the finals.

Ilustre now has four golds after he broke the year-old 54.15-second course mark with an improved 52.97 second clocking in the 100m freestyle.

“These guys swam together for the first time. They needed time to adjust,” said their coach Gavino Roxas after the foursome notched 4:07.51 in the preliminaries.

Nicole Pamintuan and Bela Magtibay also claimed recordbreaking times for NCR in the 200-meter individual medley and the 200-m breaststroke events of the secondary girls.

Meanwhile, Kate Julienne Martinez of Negros Region and Ana Marie Eugenio of Region 1 set new records in athletics.

Martinez, who is from Bago City, had 35.56 meters on her last attempt in the elementary girls’ discus throw for a new record after seven years.

“Nag-focus lang po ako, at binilisan ko lang po iyung bato,” said the 5’2” Martinez, who erased Western Visayas bet Maika de Oro’s best heave of 33.07 meters back in 2007.

On the other hand, Eugenio ran barefoot and reached the finish line of the elementary girls’ 400-meter hurdles in 1:08.03, surpassing the 1:08.6 performance of Northern Mindanao’s Junelou Cabal in 1998.

Illegal betting stations get GAB’s wrath THE Games and Amusements Board, led by Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra, recently issued a Cease and Desist Order addressed to all Off-track betting stations and Off-cockpit betting stations with no local business permit from their cities and municipalities.

The business permit issued by the LGUs is one of the mandatory requirements for the issuance of a new GAB permit and also the renewal thereof. This business permit must be submitted not later than the last day of March of every year, otherwise, the OTBs cannot operate.

“We discovered that many OTBs and OCBs operate without local business permit and GAB issued permit. So, we issued a cease and desist order which took effect on April 3, 2017. We need to stop these illegal OTB and OCB operations.

Undeniably, they have become rampant nowadays,” said Mitra.

When the order took effect, there were around 55 OTBs and OCBs which failed to secure permits from their respective LGUs and the GAB. “We have closed 21 since the April 3. The remaining OTBs and OCBs are currently being closely monitored by GAB personnel to ensure strict compliance with the order,” Mitra said.

The GAB is mandated to combat and prevent the existence and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other forms of organized illegal gambling connected with all play-for-pay sports and amusement games.

In order to stay true to its mandate, the GAB ensures that all OTBs and OCBs follow the rules of the government on permits and licenses, Mitra explained .

SMC investing P554b in toll roads

B3

Business

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

B1

IN BRIEF

Conglomerate SM Investments Corp. announces key organizational changes as Henry Sy Sr. steps down as chairman to become chairman emeritus. Shown leading the SMIC stockholders' meeting at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City are (from left) SMIC vice chairman Henry Sy Jr.; Felicidad Sy, wife of Henry Sy; and SMIC vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson.

Bobby Cabrera

PLDT announces new streaming box

PLDT Inc. announced Wednesday the next-generation TVolution streaming box for customers. PLDT said it worked with streaming pioneer Roku Inc. to deliver to customers a fully proven solution that is easy to use and loaded with great content.

PLDT and Roku made the announcement at the Asia Pacific Video Operators Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

“Filipinos will be the first in Asia to stream the best in entertainment using the proven Roku streaming platform,” said PLDT first vice president and head of Home business Oscar Reyes Jr. “PLDT Home subscribers will be able to enjoy the Roku Powered TVolution boxes in combination with our fast and reliable fiber broadband connections with speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second,” he said.

The new TVolution streaming box will come with over 50 streaming channels including popular services such as the Philippines’ biggest pay TV provider Cignal, Southeast Asia’s biggest video-on-demand provider iflix, the world’s leading internet television service Netflix and largest video sharing website YouTube.

“More Filipinos are streaming their favorite TV shows at home. By combining the best of the Roku Channel Store with leading local streaming services, PLDT will offer the most compelling video portfolio in the Philippines,” said Reyes.

Budget deficit narrows to P61.5b

By Julito G. Rada THE government’s budget deficit narrowed to P61.5 billion in March from P74.4billion a year ago, as revenue collections continued to outpace the growth of expenditures, the Bureau of the Treasury said Wednesday.

“The first-quarter fiscal gap stands at P83 billion, P30 billion lower than the amount recorded for the same period in 2016,” the Treasury said in a statement.

Revenue collection climbed 14 percent in March to P180.2 billion from a year ago. This brought total collection in the first quarter to P532.4 billion, up by 11 percent from the same period last year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s collection increased 11 percent in March to P117.4 billion and 12 percent in the first quarter to P370.4 billion.

Customs’ collections rose 15 percent in March to P37.3 billion, net of the P803 million in tax refunds. This improved its first-quarter collection by 15 percentto P104.1 billion.

Income generated and collected by the Bureau of the Treasury amounted to P9.6 billion in March, down 14 percent from a year ago. First-quarter BTr income also declined 8 percent to P22.9 billion.

Meanwhile, government expenditures increased 4 percent in March to P241.7 billion and 4 percent in the first quarter to P615.4 billion.

Data showed interest payments accounted for 16 percent of total expenditures, down from 17 percent a year ago.

Netting out interest payments from expenditures, the government recorded a P30.2-billion primary deficit in March and P14.9 billion in the first quarter.

The national government ran a budget deficit of P353.4 billion in 2016, or 190 percent higher than P121.7 billion a year ago. The 2016 deficit, however, was 9 percent lower than the revised program of P388.9 billion for the year.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

Henry Sy steps down as chairman of SMIC S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

M INVESTMENTS Corp. on Wednesday announced key organizational changes to support the conglomerate’s next phase of growth, as retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. steps down as chairman of the board.

SMIC said in a statement its board conferred upon Henry Sy Sr. the role of chairman emeritus, in recognition of his role as the founder of SMIC and all its core businesses.

The board then approved the appointment of Jose Sio as the new chairman of the board and Frederic DyBuncio as president.

DyBuncio will replace Harley Sy who will remain as executive director of the board.

“These changes affirm the continuing role of professionals in executing the larger vision of

SM while further strengthening the group’s good governance and sustainability practices,” SMIC said.

DyBuncio said in a news briefing following the company’s annual stockholders the conglomerate would continue to focus on core businesses of banking, property and retail.

He said the group would also continue to look for investment opportunities that could complement existing businesses.

Sio said the new appointments in the conglomerate signified the

Sy family’s plan to professionalize the management in preparation for the future.

“We are preparing the third generation of the Sy family. As you know the third generation are immersed within the SM group and we are preparing them to take their leadership position in the near future,” Sio said.

Sio has been SMIC’s chief finance officer for 26 years and was instrumental in supporting the phenomenal growth of the conglomerate and its subsidiaries.

He instilled strict financial discipline across all businesses that later helped the company achieve optimal results even as the whole group maintained a sound and stable financial position.

DyBuncio joined SM Investments in 2011 as senior vice president and eventually as ex-

ecutive vice president handling the company’s portfolio investments. This portfolio has since grown to include Belle Corp., Atlas Mining, the Net Buildings, CityMalls, MyTown and most recently 2Go. DyBuncio brings with him a wealth of experience in banking where he spent over 20 years with JP Morgan Chase and its predecessor companies.

Meanwhile, the SMIC board also approved the election of former University of the Philippines president Alfredo Pascual as independent director replacing Ah Doo Lim who joined the board in 2008 and served the full term as an independent director.

SM Investments said net income rose eight percent in 2016 to P31.2 billion, as revenues climbed 9 percent to P362.8 billion.

IPC taps Singapore firm to boost services

LOCAL cloud services and data center pioneer IP Converge Data Services Inc. said it formed a strategic partnership with 1-Net in Singapore to strengthen the data center services of both providers amid growing demand in Asia.

IPC said the move was a part of longstanding plan to equip customers with an interconnected data center network built for an increasingly digitized economy.

IPC and 1-Net are both data center providers that operate carrier-neutral and telco-grade internet data centers in the Philippines and Singapore, respectively.

Recent reports from Structure Research, an independent research and consulting firm, projected continued growth in data center demand in Asia. Singapore is considered a default location for international expansion to the Asia-Pacific region. Global companies are increasingly building their own data centers in Singapore, as well as outsourcing to professional data center services providers.

“Our partnership with 1-Net virtually expands the data center footprint of both companies. Gaining access to data center facilities in Singapore enables our enterprise customers to extend their network into the more mature market in Singapore, and likewise offers the same benefit to regional players present in Singapore who are looking to expand into our bustling Philippines economy for business expansion,” said IPC chief executive Reynaldo Huergas.

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing April 26, 2017

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

Foreign visitor arrivals rose 5% in February

By Othel V. Campos INTERNATIONAL visitor arrivals increased 5.4 percent in February from a year ago, in line with the Tourism Department’s goal to attract 7 million foreign tourists this year.

Data showed visitor arrivals hit 579,178 in February, the highest on record for the month.

The department said arrivals also climbed 27.8 percent over the past four years.

Arrivals from South Korea increased 9.5 percent in February to 150,598 visitors and accounted for 26 percent of total inbound traffic.

“We have maintained and even increased figures from South Korea and we expect to see further growth, as Korean tourists perceive our country as a distinctive global destination built on unique experiences and rich natural beauty,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. Other top sources of foreign visitors in February were the United States with 137,598 or 23.7 percent from the total pie; China with 78,251 or 13.5 percent; Japan with 53,957 or 9.32 percent; and Taiwan with 20,472 or 3.5 percent.

Other markets also showed an increase in February, as Austra-

lian arrivals rose 9.32 percent to 20,157 visitors and Canadian arrivals increased 21.4 percent to 19,016. Arrivals from the United Kingdom grew 15.7 percent to 15,226.

Among the top 12 markets, Germany registered the highest per capita expenditure in February at P60,260.45 per arrival. The United Kingdom followed with a per capita spending of P47,533.15; Canada with P43,761.75; Korea with 38,714.46; and France with P37,354.40.

The Philippines also welcomed a total of 8,176 cruise passengers through various ports

in the country.

Manila remained the country’s top cruise destination with recorded arrivals of 2,785 passengers, followed by Boracay with 1,145, Bohol with 692 passengers and Pangasinan with 640 passengers.

“These numbers show that cruise tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the Philippine tourism. This certainly gives us a positive outlook for the country’s cruise tourism market for this year,” Teo said.

Combined results in January and February accounted for 17.3 percent of the tourism sector’s target of 7 million arrivals

Agriculture allows 7m kilos of pork shipments

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

GOING DIGITAL. Department of Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim, Idea Space executive Diane Eustaquio, Endeavor Philippines managing director Manny Ayala, Microsoft Philippines chief executive Cian O’Neill and GE Digital general manager for Asean Alvin Ng answer questions during the GE Digital Advantage Forum at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Manny Palmero

THE government allowed the importation of 7 million kilograms of pork covered by the minimum access volume to help temper the high prices in the market, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.

Piñol said in a Facebook post that President Rodrigo Duterte called his attention to the rising prices of pork in the market two weeks ago, prompting him to arrange a series of meetings with hog raisers.

Piñol said he appealed to hog raisers to control the price of live weight, so as not to further push up the price of pork.

“In the meeting, they all pledged to help. In spite of that, prices of pork continued to rise prompting me to call the technical team to assess

the situation. As of 1 p.m. [Wednesday], the Department of Agriculture decided to allow the importation of 7-million kilos of pork covered by MAV to address the uncontrolled increase in the price of pork in the market,” Piñol said.

He said he approved the recommendation of the technical team in view of the “seeming insincerity of the hog raisers I talked with last week.”

“I made an appeal that the price of live weight be controlled so that I will not be unduly pressured by the consumers. It seems my appeal fell on deaf ears, hence this move to allow importation. This would mean that meat importers will be allowed to bring in 7-million kilos of pork to stabilize the price in the market.

I have already informed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea of this decision,” said Piñol.

7,726.45 25.99

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing APRIL 26, 2017 45.00 46.50 48.00 49.50

P49.780 CLOSE

51.00

HIGH P49.645 LOW P49.780 AVERAGE P49.699 VOLUME 620.400M

P480.00-P700.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.75-P49.56 Unleaded Gasoline P29.23-P33.96 Diesel

OPRICES IL TODAY

P32.85-P41.15 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, April 26, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.7130

Japan

Yen

0.009004

0.4476

UK

Pound

1.283500

63.8066

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128550

6.3906

Switzerland

Franc

1.006543

50.0383

Canada

Dollar

0.736703

36.6237

Singapore

Dollar

0.717463

35.6672

Australia

Dollar

0.753200

37.4438

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652590

131.8682

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

13.2572

Brunei

Dollar

0.714898

35.5397

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029087

1.4460

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.5355

Euro

Euro

1.093000

54.3363

Korea

Won

0.000889

0.0442

China

Yuan

0.145241

7.2204

India

Rupee

0.015550

0.7730

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.228885

11.3786

New Zealand

Dollar

0.694500

34.5257

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033192

1.6501 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Metrobank expects loans to grow 20%

By Julito G. Rada METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, said Wednesday it expects loans to increase 20 percent year-onyear in 2017, driven by the robust domestic economy.

Metrobank senior vice president Jette Gamboa said in a news briefing in Makati City the bank was in a position to sustain the 20-percent loan growth achieved last year.

“We are so optimistic to sustain that growth this year,” Gamboa said, adding the bank was more bullish on the infrastructure projects of the government.

She said Metrobank would support downstream lending.

She said the bulk of Metrobank’s total loan portfolio was composed of commercial lending, followed by con-

sumer lending.

“The 20-percent growth last year was actually a reflection of the strong economic growth,” she said. Gamboa said the more robust outlook for the economy this year would translate into a higher growth of its core businesses, particularly loans.

Metrobank said it was putting up a $2-billion medium-term note program in a bid to have a maximum flexibility in accessing markets and maximizing opportunities to raise funding for future growth.

Metrobank said the issuance of notes pursuant to the program should be subject to favorable market conditions, any applicable regulatory requirement and certain closing conditions and deliverables that are usual and customary for transactions of such nature.

Market extends rally S TOCKS rose for a fifth day, sending the benchmark index to a new six-month peak, following another record close on Wall Street, with investors optimistic before Donald Trump’s promised announcement of much-vaunted tax reforms.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, advanced 25 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 7,726.45 Wednesday. This brought total gains this year to 12.9 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also climbed 15 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 4,612.80, on a value turnover of P6.5 billion. Advancers outnumbered losers, 98 to 81, while 55 issues were unchanged.

Fourteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by MRC Allied Inc. which jumped 8.9 percent to P0.43 and Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp. which climbed 5.5 percent to P7.49. Bloomberry Resorts Corp. rose 4.6 percent to P9.40.

Meanwhile, Asian markets also traded higher Wednesday. After shooting out of the blocks Monday in response to Emmanuel Macron’s election

triumph in France’s election first round, trading floors remain buoyant thanks to a strong start to the US earnings season and Trump’s expected stimulus.

The positive sentiment has also been boosted by a slight easing of tensions over North Korea and hopes a feared shutdown of the US government can be averted, after the president appeared to soften his stance on congressional funding for his Mexican border wall.

Optimism, at a premium for the past few weeks—owing to geopolitical tensions and Trump’s failure to push through key legislation—is swirling around markets again, sending the safe-haven yen lower and thus boosting Japanese stocks.

Tokyo’s Nikkei ended up 1.1 percent, while in late trade Hong Kong was 0.4 percent higher, its fifth straight day of gains.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

NAME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.01 13,000 48.6 1,100 104.9 867,380 120.6 2,543,600 1.26 112,000 35.5 1,389,700 16.2 37,800 21.25 5,943,000 7.75 600 0.69 117,000 800 2,330 0.66 648,000 85.5 866,590 0.74 1,000 16.1 179,900 66 1,501,990 239.2 100 110 220 89.5 3,030 53.9 794,450 214 712,770 1,700 235 79.75 20,990

39,400 53,685 90,886,179 306,647,321 131,190 49,275,270 611,030 126,304,680 4,650 76,970 1,864,000 431,910 74,019,278.50 740 2,871,566 97,008,236.50 23,954 23,400 271,185 42,801,376 152,802,376 399,500 1,673,452

39,045 26,801,335 -49,275,438 5,776,390 260,520 -72,242,045 40,000 14,717,128.50 763,220 31,625,724 309,159.50 -27,781,108 -85,000 -

42.55 5.7 0.8 1.5 18.68 0.247 7.78 16.7 23.3 14.2 73.8 81.8 80.75 1.9 12 12.8 9.2 6.28 6.01 21.5 73.4 12.34 7.71 1.59 212 65 4.88 3.75 31.9 24 17.72 282.2 0.24 6.35 3.7 8.91 11.36 2.15 8.4 1.98 72.2 5.4 300 4.8 2.73 13.72 4.45 0.148 1.37 172.1 1.67

INDUSTRIAL 42.8 826,700 5.73 932,700 0.81 420,000 1.52 772,000 18.9 17,400 0.247 5,250,000 7.78 3,981,200 16.78 1,244,700 23.5 163,700 14.2 1,200 74 35,510 81.8 630 90 2,340 1.92 755,000 12.1 7,300 13 1,487,500 9.76 4,726,300 6.41 2,850,200 6.1 7,946,900 21.5 2,202,300 73.5 21,300 12.34 8,100 7.79 1,545,000 1.6 1,095,000 214 619,240 65.1 470 5.08 2,133,000 3.75 1,000 32 1,485,100 24 294,900 17.98 2,247,100 283 120,960 0.242 4,110,000 6.35 1,000 3.73 878,000 8.95 4,890,500 11.38 20,200 2.15 860,000 8.5 2,541,600 1.99 628,000 72.9 479,540 5.48 651,500 301.8 4,010 4.83 25,000 2.77 19,000 13.86 692,800 4.45 40,000 0.149 9,890,000 1.37 62,000 174.5 588,910 1.68 2,188,000

35,387,815 5,378,008 341,080 1,166,960 325,906 1,305,050 31,101,030 20,887,734(7, 3,827,440 17,040 2,629,054 52,206 208,854 1,441,900 87,844 19,296,072 45,582,626 1 18,145,494 48,126,270 47,419,795 1,567,794 100,442 12,131,677 1,751,530 132,357,742 30,552 10,687,360 3,750 47,527,300 7,099,075 40,497,748 34,217,446 991,780 6,355 3,271,570 43,776,898 230,246 1,859,770 21,799,644 1,256,680 34,928,525.50 3,542,338 1,209,022 120,460 52,370 9,584,610 178,000 1,482,930 85,000 102,330,152 3,678,530

8,785,345 17,919 -9,258,931 327,124.0004) 168,170 663,310 -1,920 15,087,728 ,738,112.9998 -123,653 55,450 -21,227,615 755,057 2,110,910 24,024,096 9,400 -8,106,945 -4,210,380 -4,355,866 -9,739,334 4,900 49,980 1,832,177 -158,380 461,629 6,556,695 1,080,000 783,970 48,300 2,634,476 -55,360 4,336,049 -674,080

0.36 75.35 14.62 1.14 6.2 0.43 0.435 868 8.4 12.78 7.85 5.8 0.194 1,241 6.16 83.75 0.99 7.4 15.88 0.405 6.57 3.5 0.056 1.86 108.2 2.67 724 1.4 292 0.28 0.2 0.26

HOLDING FIRMS 0.365 710,000 76.9 1,497,720 14.92 11,510,100 1.14 5,000 6.2 4,900 0.445 85,130,000 0.45 29,370,000 879 160,400 8.45 1,217,800 13 20,789,300 7.9 75,200 5.8 5,300 0.2 280,000 1,267 243,530 6.16 49,100 84.85 1,735,000 0.99 967,000 7.75 440,600 15.96 2,414,300 0.405 1,720,000 6.68 8,665,500 3.5 1,000 0.058 22,250,000 1.86 21,000 109 117,160 2.8 216,000 731 350,940 1.4 96,000 293.2 4,210 0.28 190,000 0.2 30,000 0.26 20,000

257,550 115,420,019 171,015,894 5,700 30,390 38,991,800 13,578,850 140,527,375 10,293,279 270,339,006 590,385 30,740 55,560 309,000,825 309,541 146,679,804 966,280 3,405,360 38,559,514 699,000 57,609,762 3,500 1,262,610 39,070 12,745,408 613,200 256,204,880 134,400 1,234,344 54,050 6,060 5,200

55,412,957.50 2,305,210 70,536,335 346,501 89,672,488 517,315 8,160.00 58,152,625 60,914,640.50 100,000 -2,354,900 19,357,288 24,310,485 1,710 1,981,272 120,348,460 -484,232 -5,800 4,060 5,200

1,483,079 21,308,450 510,790 38,466,970 438,277,425 29,021,270(4, 260,927 3,756,050 325,420 412,740 27,644,590 2,534,470 19,876,174.50 26,619,000 340,620 4,817,390 1,526,300 4,315,470 101,762,040 217,632,700 210,350 12,514,030 4,167,440

-260,484 -58,000.00 32,840 -90,524,885 995,239.9996) -395,100 266,100 -226,470 35,700 518,240 296,317 -25,900,000 19,390 3,397,570 21,189,410 -236,650 -68,200 -

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.04 ASIA UNITED 48.8 BANK PH ISLANDS 104.9 BDO UNIBANK 120.3 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.2 CHINABANK 35.5 COL FINANCIAL 16.1 EAST WEST BANK 21.8 FILIPINO FUND 7.75 FIRST ABACUS 0.65 MANULIFE 800 MEDCO HLDG 0.67 METROBANK 86.5 NTL REINSURANCE 0.74 PB BANK 15.8 PHIL NATL BANK 63.65 PHIL STOCK EXCH 242.4 PHILTRUST 100.1 PSBANK 89.5 RCBC 53.7 SECURITY BANK 215.4 SUN LIFE 1,700 UNION BANK 79.75

3.04 48.85 104.9 121 1.26 35.5 16.2 21.8 7.75 0.69 800 0.68 86.5 0.74 16.2 66.2 242.4 110 89.5 55 216.8 1,700 79.8

3.01 48.6 104.6 120.1 1.15 35.4 16 21 7.75 0.64 800 0.66 85.15 0.74 15.7 63.65 239.2 100.1 89.5 53.05 213 1,700 79.2

ABOITIZ POWER 43 AGRINURTURE 5.79 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.82 ALSONS CONS 1.55 ASIABEST GROUP 19 BASIC ENERGY 0.247 CEMEX HLDG 7.81 CENTURY FOOD 16.8 CIRTEK HLDG 23.3 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.2 CONCEPCION 74.8 CONCRETE A 87 CONCRETE B 80.75 CROWN ASIA 1.92 DEL MONTE 12.12 DNL INDUS 12.94 EEI CORP 9.21 EMPERADOR 6.4 ENERGY DEVT 6.08 FIRST GEN 21.7 FIRST PHIL HLDG 73.65 GINEBRA 12.42 INTEGRATED MICR 7.84 IONICS 1.6 JOLLIBEE 214 LIBERTY FLOUR 65 LMG CHEMICALS 4.91 MABUHAY VINYL 3.75 MANILA WATER 32.6 MAXS GROUP 24.7 MEGAWIDE 18.44 MERALCO 282.2 MG HLDG 0.245 PANASONIC 6.4 PEPSI COLA 3.76 PETRON 8.91 PHINMA 11.42 PHINMA ENERGY 2.18 PHX PETROLEUM 8.55 PHX SEMICNDCTR 2.05 PILIPINAS SHELL 72.2 PRYCE CORP 5.43 PUREFOODS 300 RFM CORP 4.8 ROXAS HLDG 2.74 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.74 SPC POWER 4.45 SWIFT FOODS 0.148 TKC METALS 1.37 UNIV ROBINA 173.5 VITARICH 1.7

43.1 5.81 0.82 1.55 19 0.25 7.9 16.9 23.5 14.2 74.8 87 90 1.93 12.18 13 9.99 6.44 6.13 22 73.8 12.5 8 1.62 215 65.1 5.1 3.75 32.6 24.8 18.5 284 0.247 6.4 3.79 9 11.42 2.18 8.65 2.05 73 5.49 301.8 4.83 2.77 13.92 4.45 0.152 1.38 174.5 1.72

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.365 ABOITIZ EQUITY 77.65 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 14.64 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.14 ANSCOR 6.2 ATN HLDG A 0.435 ATN HLDG B 0.445 AYALA CORP 878 COSCO CAPITAL 8.48 DMCI HLDG 13.12 FILINVEST DEV 7.85 FJ PRINCE A 5.8 FORUM PACIFIC 0.204 GT CAPITAL 1,263 HOUSE OF INV 6.2 JG SUMMIT 84.95 LODESTAR 1 LOPEZ HLDG 7.76 LT GROUP 16.1 MABUHAY HLDG 0.415 METRO PAC INV 6.61 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.5 PACIFICA 0.058 PRIME ORION 1.87 SAN MIGUEL CORP 109.5 SEAFRONT RES 2.67 SM INVESTMENTS 727 SOLID GROUP 1.4 TOP FRONTIER 293 UNIOIL HLDG 0.29 WELLEX INDUS 0.203 ZEUS HLDG 0.26

0.37 77.9 14.92 1.14 6.21 0.475 0.475 879 8.52 13.22 7.9 5.8 0.204 1,279 6.39 85 1.02 7.76 16.12 0.415 6.69 3.5 0.058 1.87 109.5 2.88 736 1.4 293.8 0.29 0.203 0.26

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

OPEN

6.79 1.07 2.47 1.46 35.55 4.11 5.25 0.495 0.99 1.31 0.155 0.54 53 0.7 0.177 1.74 0.99 1.06 4.18 0.41 0.33 0.6 4.51

6.83 1.18 2.47 1.47 36.2 4.13 5.27 0.5 1 1.41 0.176 0.54 53 0.71 0.182 1.74 0.99 1.07 4.19 0.435 0.335 0.63 4.74

6.79 1.05 2.35 1.35 35.55 4.05 5.25 0.49 0.98 1.31 0.155 0.52 51.5 0.7 0.174 1.71 0.98 1.04 4.1 0.365 0.32 0.6 4.48

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

26.4 1.76 3.29 30 1.01 0.9 5.28

26.6 1.79 3.34 30.15 1.02 0.9 5.28

26.1 1.76 3.29 29.85 0.99 0.9 5.23

26.3 1.76 3.33 29.95 0.99 0.9 5.28

611,800 345,000 79,000 6,903,700 1,576,000 30,000 2,692,400

16,086,510 610,700 262,510 206,675,550 1,580,620 27,000 14,185,131

4,714,190 -176,000 49,522,300 -30,000 -654,909

2GO GROUP 12.04 ABS CBN 46 ACESITE HOTEL 1.43 APC GROUP 0.51 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 ASIAN TERMINALS 11.22 BERJAYA 5.55 BLOOMBERRY 9.05 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.085 CALATA CORP 1.96 CEBU AIR 109 CENTRO ESCOLAR 10.32 DFNN INC 8.8 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.64 EASYCALL 3.6 FAR EASTERN U 970 GLOBE TELECOM 2,080 GMA NETWORK 6.18 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.26 HARBOR STAR 3.2 IMPERIAL 3.55 INTL CONTAINER 89 IP EGAME 0.0092 IPEOPLE 12.68 IPM HLDG 9.01 ISLAND INFO 0.184 ISM COMM 1.4 JACKSTONES 3.66 LBC EXPRESS 15.62 LEISURE AND RES 4.2 MACROASIA 4.8 MANILA JOCKEY 2.44 MELCO CROWN 7.1 METRO RETAIL 3.7 NOW CORP 2.88 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.86 PAL HLDG 5.33 PHIL SEVEN CORP 170 PHILWEB 7.85 PLDT 1,758 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.53 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.42 PUREGOLD 41.8 ROBINSONS RTL 80 SBS PHIL CORP 5.97 SSI GROUP 2.32 STI HLDG 1.08 TRANSPACIFIC BR 1.91 TRAVELLERS 3.18 WATERFRONT 0.465 WILCON DEPOT 5.26

13.2 46 1.47 0.53 0.046 11.96 5.6 9.4 0.089 2.04 109 10.32 8.8 2.64 3.8 970 2,150 6.2 16.3 3.38 3.66 89.35 0.0092 12.68 9.01 0.186 1.41 3.76 15.62 4.3 4.83 2.48 7.49 3.7 2.97 11.88 5.5 172 7.85 1,795 1.57 0.42 42.35 80.05 6 2.34 1.08 1.91 3.26 0.51 5.46

12.04 45.9 1.42 0.51 0.044 11.22 5.55 9.04 0.082 1.96 107.8 10.32 8.8 2.64 3.6 970 2,070 6.16 16.24 3.2 3.53 88.75 0.0092 12.68 8.99 0.183 1.36 3.55 15.02 4.2 4.72 2.36 7.1 3.66 2.88 11.68 5.33 170 7.77 1,733 1.53 0.415 41.75 79.4 5.91 2.29 1.05 1.91 3.18 0.43 5.23

SERVICES 12.88 2,232,800 46 25,500 1.47 33,000 0.52 2,000,000 0.044 118,900,000 11.96 1,100 5.55 2,200 9.4 23,185,100 0.087 187,200,000 1.99 8,852,000 108 308,120 10.32 300 8.8 5,000 2.64 134,000 3.8 8,000 970 400 2,150 47,930 6.19 138,600 16.3 62,000 3.25 2,157,000 3.57 19,000 89 1,275,910 0.0092 6,000,000 12.68 400 9 311,100 0.185 3,000,000 1.4 709,000 3.7 123,000 15.2 7,200 4.28 527,000 4.83 372,000 2.48 8,000 7.49 18,337,400 3.68 268,000 2.92 2,148,000 11.68 14,500 5.5 11,600 170 167,260 7.8 304,000 1,795 129,895 1.56 12,666,000 0.42 290,000 42 1,029,000 79.7 860,970 5.95 93,500 2.31 1,651,000 1.08 2,732,000 1.91 1,000 3.26 1,415,000 0.485 7,850,000 5.42 38,296,700

28,570,296 1,171,855 47,650 1,041,200 5,276,000 12,564 12,215 212,134,392,100 15,991,360 17,673,290 33,292,942 3,096 44,000 353,760 29,600 388,000 102,052,340 856,964 1,009,732 7,124,220 68,170 113,640,017 55,200 5,072 2,797,430 553,460 988,550 442,880 109,880 2,222,100 1,770,500 19,460 136,162,672 989,110 6,276,420 171,246 63,055 28,435,540 2,371,992 229,734,215 19,680,950 121,150 43,208,975 68,555,068 ( 560,641 3,806,860 2,917,560 1,910 4,540,560 3,786,000 205,548,511

6,550,462 -7,100 58,400 ,856,671.0001 63,600 113,720.00 11,766,646 41,274,880 -28,735,485 -420,000 23,750 18,511,050 -84,880 -75,890 -18,260 -74,149 10,485,975 6,777,390 -15,894,295 17,662,634.5) 644,460 356,330 -384,190 238,400 38,865,021

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

0.0034 1.54 5.49 14.3 1.7 1.68 0.92 0.425 8.89 2.6 0.25 0.183 0.011 0.011 1.66 6.2 2.14 0.45 0.87 0.011 4.05 0.013 8.53 3.13 149.6 2.75 0.0088

0.0034 1.55 5.5 14.4 1.74 1.69 0.95 0.435 8.89 2.62 0.255 0.184 0.012 0.011 1.79 6.34 2.15 0.45 0.87 0.011 4.08 0.013 8.74 3.16 150.8 2.81 0.0088

0.0034 1.5 5.3 12.18 1.7 1.65 0.9 0.42 8.36 2.57 0.249 0.183 0.011 0.011 1.65 6.18 2.08 0.45 0.87 0.01 4.05 0.012 8.53 3.09 149.4 2.69 0.0088

MINING & OIL 0.0034 6,000,000 1.51 3,630,000 5.3 49,400 13.48 13,200 1.74 14,000 1.67 212,000 0.92 5,237,000 0.43 2,040,000 8.85 300 2.61 690,000 0.255 70,000 0.183 1,120,000 0.012 20,800,000 0.011 100,000 1.7 312,000 6.23 1,394,000 2.15 34,000 0.45 190,000 0.87 2,000 0.011 20,000,000 4.08 50,000 0.013 18,500,000 8.74 315,400 3.11 431,000 149.8 930,560 2.8 48,000 0.0088 5,000,000

20,400 5,505,930 267,271 173,774 23,880 353,690 4,802,540 872,050 2,610 1,793,090 17,540 205,010 233,900 1,100 526,480 8,714,919 72,300 85,500 1,740 219,100 203,700 229,700 2,722,050 1,342,150 139,420,386 130,090 44,000

-2,660 -283,630 91,000 781,000 5,000 -1,833,784 9,100 2,386,678 9,952,489 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B PCOR PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

46 530 108.5 104.5 520 5.75 1,024 1,031 1,150 81 78 79.5 79.5 78.15

46.2 530 108.5 105.5 520 5.75 1,024 1,031 1,150 81 78 80.2 79.5 78.15

46 530 108.5 104.5 520 5.7 1,024 1,031 1,150 81 78 79.5 79.45 78.1

PREFERRED 46.2 23,300 530 70 108.5 300 104.5 450 520 4,000 5.7 1,215,500 1,024 30 1,031 500 1,150 5 81 25,000 78 6,900 79.6 317,480 79.45 500 78.1 13,400

1,076,140 37,100 32,550 47,035 2,080,000 6,939,125 30,720 515,500 5,750 2,025,000 538,200 25,239,966 39,734 1,046,665

282,100 37,620 5,974,590 1,431,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.34

2.34

2.26

WARRANTS 2.27 199,000

453,080

-

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.8 6.75 9.41

3.87 6.75 9.69

3.7 6.65 9.4

SME 3.83 6.74 9.55

302,370 473,774 26,926,749

10,076,915

128

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 127.4 128 2,290

292,175

-

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

MS

PROPERTY 6.8 217,700 1.1 19,043,000 2.35 212,000 1.38 27,320,000 35.8 12,238,700 4.1 7,085,000 5.27 49,700 0.49 7,610,000 1 330,000 1.35 302,000 0.172 163,330,000 0.52 4,783,000 51.5 383,790 0.7 38,020,000 0.18 1,920,000 1.74 2,779,000 0.99 1,543,000 1.06 4,058,000 4.15 24,655,000 0.43 538,640,000 0.32 640,000 0.63 20,159,000 4.69 904,000

FIRST METRO ETF 127.8

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

19,737,998

INDUSTRIAL

87,366,931

HOLDING FIRMS

194,199,237

PROPERTY

888,508,069

SERVICES

449,424,050

MINING & OIL

87,313,760

GRAND TOTAL

1,729,521,835

81,000 70,800 2,817,500

VALUE 1,896.08 (down) 0.41 1,011,941,463.30 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,421.87 (up) 3.04 1,000,256,774.70 HOLDING FIRMS 7,867.04 (up) 22.87 1,666,029,295.235 PROPERTY 3,356.90 (up) 4.72 SERVICES 1,635.71 (up) 23.20 1,197,348,848.10 MINING & OIL 12,095.55 (up) 43.48 1,384,495,298.25 PSEI 7,726.45 (up) 25.99 168,003,537.124 All Shares Index 4,612.80 (up) 15.92 6,456,070,984.71 Gainers: 98; Losers: 81; Unchanged: 55; Total: 234

Shanghai edged up 0.2 percent, extending the previous day’s advance after suffering a sell-off in recent weeks on concerns about a government crackdown on leveraged investments.

Sydney finished 0.7 percent higher while Seoul jumped 0.5 percent. Wellington surged 1.6 percent and there were also gains in Singapore, Taipei and Jakarta.

In early European trade London dipped 0.1 percent, Paris lost 0.3 percent and Frankfurt was flat.

Asian traders were given a strong lead from Wall Street, where the Nasdaq broke through the 6,000 marker for the first time and the Dow jumped more than one percent on strong earnings reports.

Attention now turns to Washington where the White House will unveil its longawaited tax reforms, with speculation of huge cuts in personal and corporation tax.

The policy, along with plans to boost infrastructure spending and slash red tape, were among the key drivers of a global markets rally that followed Trump’s November election win.

With AFP, Bloomberg

Wilcon reports P12.3b in sales

By Jenniffer B. Austria NEWLY listed Wilcon Depot Inc. said net income in April to December reached P887 million, on strong sales and store openings.

Wilcon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange ninemonth sales surged 96.7 percent to P12.3 billion. Wilcon began operations on April 1, 2016 when the retail business and assets were transferred from parent company Wilcon Corp.

Prior to the transfer of the retail operations, Wilcon Corp. registered net sales of P3.7 billion and net income of P269 million based on audited statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.

Gross profit amounted to P3.3 billion translating into a gross margin of 26.8 percent, while operating profit reached P1.04 billion for an operating margin of 8.5 percent.

“Sales from our existing stores were augmented by the opening of two new stores in 2016, one in Molino, Cavite in April and another in Sta. Rosa, Laguna in September. These areas have seen remarkable growth in real estate development particularly in the horizontal housing segment, Wilcon’s natural market,” Wilcon chief finance officer Mark Andrew Belo said.

“These stores along with the existing ones in the same region are expected to contribute more to the Company’s revenues in many years to come given the demographics of their locations,” he said.

Belo said the company exceeded some of its sales volume targets and managed operating expenses, which contributed to better margins and higher net income.

“We have initiated and closed a number of initiatives this year, including expansion of our own brands in product categories where we saw the market potential.

We hope that these initiatives along with our planned store expansion will bear fruit and sustain our growth trajectory in the next few years,” Belo said.

Business

B3

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

SMC investing P554b in toll roads

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp. is spending P554 billion to build new expressways and expand existing toll roads, its top executive said Wednesday.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang made the announcement as San Miguel Holdings Corp. and state-run Philippine National Construction Corp. signed an agreement Wednesday to jointly undertake the expansion of toll

roads under their existing joint venture.

The expanded road network will include extension of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project and the Metro Manila Expressway, or C6/Skyway Stage 4.

New FDA chief initiates reforms WITH most millennials opting for a healthy lifestyle, the food, cosmetics and drugs sector is witnessing robust sales and drawing a number of local and foreign manufacturing and trading companies.

Surging sales, however, do not guarantee quality and may harm the unsuspecting public if the government fails to effectively regulate the production and distribution of such food, cosmetics and drugs products.

The Food and Drugs Administration, as regulator of the products, must assume a proactive role to protect the interest of consumers and assure them their value for money. The new FDA chief so far has attuned herself to the nature of the sector. The reforms she initiated in the FDA so far are paying off, despite a reported strong opposition from shadowy characters bent on perpetuating the old malpractices in the agency.

New FDA director-general Nela Charade Puno, after assuming office late last year, went to work right away In improving the agency’s internal systems. FDA is one agency that had stood on the way of the progress of the industries it regulates due to inefficient and tedious processes. Applicants for the registration of products, for instance, had to wait for a long time before getting the needed approval.

The slow process, perhaps, could be one of the reasons why unregistered food, cosmetics and drugs products had proliferated in the market. Many ran out of patience and decided to bring their products to the market sans an FDA seal of approval.

The problem at the FDA was a no-brainer. Puno ordered the speeding up of approval processes. She laid down policies on a 72-hour turnaround time and zero backlog goal. What this means is that applications should get either a nod or a no within a threeday period—not three months, not three years.

Puno also directed the FDA’s enforcement unit with the support of the Philippine National Police to step up the drive against counterfeit medicines, food and cosmetics.

Sources said Puno’s directives drew a vehement reaction from some quarters within the FDA and its mother agency, the Department of Health. This is understandable. It seems there are elements who make money from the turtle-paced processes and illegal products. Some really benefit from the misery of others.

These elements may have underestimated Puno’s resolve to make her agency more efficient. Despite the opposition from within, the industry she regulates has recognized the improvements she has made.

Industry support Just recently, a big pharmaceutical association batted for the inclusion of the FDA in an inter-agency committee on generic drugs, whose creation has been proposed by the Board of Investments.

The proposed inter-agency committee will include the Departments of Trade, Health, Science and Technology and Finance, as well as the Intellectual Property Office. The FDA was not included in the initial draft and its involvement was supposed to be through the DoH. The Philippine Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry called for giving the FDA a seat in the proposed inter-agency body, independent from the slot of the DoH. The PCPI said the FDA was “an indispensable party” in the committee, citing the reform initiatives of the agency.

“The FDA under director-general Nela Charade Puno has been leading the way in instituting reforms that will benefit the public and also the industry,” the PCPI said. The support was a welcome and surprising development.

Industries in the past had consistently complained of the inefficiency of their respective regulatory agencies. In some instances, they called for the revamp or outright abolition of the agencies.

This is understandable. The inefficiency of such agencies have serious negative effects on their business and public service goals.

Puno’s FDA has become an exception. Now, the biggest industry association in the pharmaceutical sector is openly speaking about the positive effects of the reforms in her agency.

Two other associations—the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines—have joined the PCPI in giving credit to the FDA. The FDA leadership is serious not just with internal reforms but with law enforcement as well. Puno has tapped the Philippine National Police to team up with the FDA in an all-out war against unregistered, counterfeit and fake drugs and cosmetics products.

While previous FDA officials had been contented with merely issuing warnings and advisories against such products, Puno went out of her way to make sure the local market was rid of unregistered and counterfeit products through the law enforcement powers of her agency.

Puno, of course, knows that she is up against major adversaries.

She has stepped on big toes and those adversely affected by the reforms will not take things sitting down. She should expect a counter effort, even a black propaganda. She is up against syndicates that make a lot of money duping unsuspecting customers into buying fake or counterfeit drugs and cosmetic products. She should be even more careful of the “syndicates” inside her very own agency.

There are elements there who have perpetuated inefficient systems that give room for corruption. Her reforms are depriving these elements of the money that private entities are forced to shell out just to get the required paperwork done fast.

But some young and idealistic government officials are willing to take risks to improve our lives.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandard.net or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Under the agreement, SMHC and PNCC will build San Pedro-C6 Laguna Lake Road, extending the South Luzon Expressway from San Pedro, Laguna and passing along the shores of Laguna Lake and ending at C6 in Taguig.

Other projects are TanauanTagaytay Expressway or Sky 8; TR5 which will extend SLEx from the end of TR4 in Pagbilao, Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon; Sky 7, which will connect Taguig to Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City; Buendia Interchange and Ramp Extension to Macapagal Boulevard; and Sky 9 or the Pasig River Alignment which will included ramps to Buendia, Pioneer and

Bonifacio Global City.

SMHC and PNCC are joint venture partners in Citra Central Expressway Corp. and Citra Intercity Tollways Inc., the concession companies of Skyway Stages 3 and 4, respectively.

Through its legislative franchise, PNCC has the authority to construct, maintain and operate SLEx and Skyway Stages 1, 2, 3 and all extensions, linkages or stretches from any part of the existing toll roads.

“San Miguel and our long-time partner, PNCC, are committed to do everything we can to deliver the infrastructure projects that fall within our concession agreement,” Ang said.

“A dynamic, job-creating

economy needs good infrastructure and a good transport system. We need to fast-track infrastructure spending to significantly improve investment into the Philippines.

Good roads, good airports, good ports―all of this was needed yesterday, ” he said.

PNCC president and chief executive Mario Espinosa said the company was looking forward to exploring with SMHC the possible stretches, linkages and extensions that could be built from the toll roads of existing joint venture companies.

“This augurs well for the recent extension of PNCC’s corporate life by another 50 years, which was directed by President Rodrigo Duterte,”

Espinosa said.

Ang said the memorandum of agreement’s signing was a reiteration of the firms’ existing agreements, and that both parties were looking to speed up the process of prioritizing and constructing identified projects.

“Within the next year or so, we hope that work can begin on the extension of SLEx, Skyway Stage 3 and C6. We have within our agreement all the extensions that will help us create an entire seamless network of roads and expressways connecting Metro Manila to neighboring provinces.

We will operate, between us, the most extensive network of Philippine tollways,” Ang said.

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM

TODAY

GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308 GSIS ACQUIRED ASSETS FOR DISPOSITION

PROVINCE

District/Subdivision

City/Municipality

Property Location

TCT/CCT No.

Lot Area (sqm) Offer / CMV ( ₱ )

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

Metro Manila Metro Manila Metro Manila Metro Manila Metro Manila Metro Manila Metro Manila Cavite Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan Bulacan

EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan EP HOUSING PROJECT, Western Bicutan SOLDIERS HILLS IV, Molino ROCKA VILLAGE II, Tabang ROCKA VILLAGE II, Tabang LAS VILLAS DE STO. NIÑO, Perez STALLION HOMES, Brgy. Guijo STALLION HOMES, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Yakal

Taguig City Taguig City Taguig City Taguig City Taguig City Taguig City Taguig City Bacoor Plaridel Plaridel Meycauayan San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City San Jose Del Monte City

B002 L071 Ph 2 Road Lot 23 B002 L080 Ph 2 Rd Lot 23 B002 L096 Ph 2 B003 L021 Ph 2 Road Lot 23 B007 L013 Ph 1 B013 L017 Ph 1 B022 L006 Ph 2 Road Lot 9 B012 L020 Ph 4 Almond Drive B015 L012 Ph 7 St Francis St. B016 L020 Ph 7 St. Paul St. B004A L015 Ph 3A (1) St. Anthony/St. Vincent St. B002 L014 Ph A2 B002 L002 Ph B B004 L001 Ph O B001 L011 Ph E2 B001 L014 Ph E2 B001 L021 Ph C1 B001 L031 Ph C1 B002 L012 Ph E2 B002 L018 Ph E2 B002 L024 Ph E2 B003 L012 Ph E2 B003 L032 Ph C1 B004 L001 Ph E2 B004 L010 Ph E2 B005 L009&L010 Ph E2 B005 L011 Ph E2 B005 L014 Ph F1 B005 L016 Ph F1 B004 L011 Ph O2 B005 L011 Ph O2 B001 L003 Ph C1 B001 L017 Ph E2 B001 L019 Ph C1 B001 L020 Ph C1 B001 L022 Ph E2 B001 L025 Ph E1 B001 L030 Ph C1 B002 L002 Ph D B002 L005 Ph D B002 L008A Ph D B002 L010 Ph E2 B002 L011 Ph D B002 L011 Ph E2 B002 L021 Ph E2 B002 L022 Ph E2 B002 L035 Ph B B003 L009&L010 Ph E2 B003 L014&L015 Ph E2 B003 L019 Ph C1 B003 L030 Ph C1 B005 L005 Ph E2 B005 L006 Ph E2 B005 L008 Ph E2 B005 L015 Ph E1 B005 L017 Ph E1 B005 L018 Ph E1 B006 L001 Ph E2 B006 L007 Ph E2 B006B L003 Ph D B007A L004 Ph D B007B L004 Ph D B007B L005 Ph D B007B L007 Ph D B001 L019 Ph F1 B003 L009 Ph F1 B005 L017 Ph F1 B006 L020 Ph F1 B004 L002 Ph O2 B004 L012 Ph O2 B004 L015 Ph O2 B004 L016 Ph O2 B005 L013 Ph O2 B006 L002 Ph O2

6681 6688 7052 7062 23255 23306 6783 T-361969 T-129954 T-124073 T-59.892 (M) T-347440 (M) T-343113 (M) T-77.819 (M) T-187669 (M) T-191474 (M) T-156434 (M) T-156877 (M) T-191485 (M) T-187681 (M) T-187683 (M) T-203848 (M) T-148781 (M) T-203877 (M) T-203886 (M) T-203840 (M) & T-203841 (M) T-281829 (M) T-15383-P (M) T-15111-P (M) T-17421-P (M) T-17435-P (M) T-153803 (M) T-191477 (M) T-167837 (M) T-161730 (M) T-191481 (M) T-281796 (M) T-183592 (M) T-185291 (M) T-185294 (M) T-191463 (M) T-191483 (M) T-186012 (M) T-191484 (M) T-191488 (M) T-187684 (M) T-281799 (M) T-203838 (M) & T-203839 (M) T-203863 (M) & T-203864 (M) T-153824 (M) T-148779 (M) T-203850 (M) T-203844 (M) T-203842 (M) T-281841 (M) T-281824 (M) T-281827 (M) T-191489 (M) T-191495 (M) T-175967 (M) T-183619 (M) T-169850 (M) T-167854 (M) T-167855 (M) T-15693-P (M) T-15397-P (M) T-15612-P (M) T-15386-P (M) T-17425-P (M) T-17411-P (M) T-17406-P (M) T-17427-P (M) T-17408-P (M) T-17433-P (M)

100.00 100.00 129.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 122.00 104.00 106.00 248.00 150.00 121.00 166.00 90.00 100.00 126.00 113.00 90.00 90.00 100.00 96.00 128.00 85.00 90.00 203.00 100.00 120.00 120.00 146.00 155.00 133.00 90.00 131.00 258.00 114.00 93.00 187.00 130.00 136.00 214.00 90.00 120.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 180.00 199.00 204.00 137.00 110.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 127.00 114.00 147.00 214.00 148.00 120.00 116.00 221.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 81.00 141.00 126.00 181.00 121.00 81.00

Minimum Acceptable

Property Classification

Occupancy Status

Bidding Date

2,640,000.00 2,713,333.33 3,528,600.00 2,633,333.33 3,066,000.00 3,048,000.00 2,620,000.00 950,000.00 683,733.33 898,266.67 2,198,400.00 783,600.00 660,000.00 1,157,666.67 632,000.00 892,000.00 638,466.67 605,900.00 492,000.00 562,000.00 618,000.00 628,400.00 1,105,200.00 454,500.00 627,000.00 944,900.00 546,000.00 622,666.67 624,000.00 685,800.00 1,191,500.00 1,449,700.00 520,333.33 1,788,300.00 1,174,466.67 1,073,000.00 534,500.00 863,366.67 853,000.00 677,600.00 974,066.67 540,333.33 667,200.00 488,500.00 445,000.00 723,000.00 1,264,000.00 977,500.00 1,098,000.00 845,766.67 579,666.67 765,000.00 765,000.00 828,000.00 732,000.00 1,149,000.00 761,000.00 642,766.67 656,866.67 752,100.00 993,400.00 684,133.33 593,333.33 595,466.67 1,051,800.00 726,000.00 702,666.67 859,000.00 537,300.00 702,966.67 638,466.67 928,300.00 616,966.67 464,966.67

House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot

Unoccupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Unoccupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Unoccupied Unoccupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Unoccupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied Occupied

13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 13-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17 20-Jun-17

Place of Bidding

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offer shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2.

Dropping of bid envelopes inside the designated bid box will be on the date of auction from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Opening of Bids will immediately follow.

3.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty.

The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4.

Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he wants to buy, as long as, he posts a bidder’s deposit for each property in an amount provided below. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5.

Purchase offer may either be in Cash or through External Financing Institution.

6.

A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. Name and complete address of the bidder b. Exact address of property you are interested to bid c. Transfer Certificate of Title No. d. Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) e. 10 % Bidder’s Deposit equivalent to 10% of the total amount of Bid Offer f. Signature of the bidder/representative

7.

Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and shall not be lower than the Minimum Bid Price of the property published in the newspaper or posted in the GSIS website. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

8.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System

9.

The following shall be inserted in the sealed bid envelope: a. properly accomplished Bid Form (form can be downloaded from www.gsis.gov.ph) b. Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative d. pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable

10.

The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope) (Address of Property you want to bid) Block No. ______ Lot. No. ______ Phase No.____ Name of Subdivision Address of Subdivision TCT NO. _______ Mode: __________ Cash __________ thru External Financing Institution Name of Bidder: Mailing Address:

11.

Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through External Financing Institution (EFI) shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from External Financing Institution and insert inside the bid envelope.

12.

The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. he/she is present during the bidding b. participated in actual bidding c. presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy: c.1 Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property c.2. Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding.

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer.

Instead, he/she shall pay the equity in cash as stated in Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS). The equity shall be computed as the difference between the Letter of Guarantee from the bank and the offered bid amount.

14.

The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within the day of the actual bidding, the following documents: a. duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (form can be downloaded from www.gsis.gov.ph); b. photocopies of two valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); c. Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/partnership, if applicable; d. Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; e. current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.

15.

A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. In case the bid is thru EFI, the equity shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of Letter of Guarantee (LOG) by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the LOG and the Offered Bid Amount.

16.

Upon issuance of the NOAS to the highest/winning bidder, the Bidder’s Deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

17.

Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS shall result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s deposit.

18. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the GSIS shall write the second highest bidder to confirm if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS will require him/her to pay the non-refundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued NOAS. 19.

GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

20.

For inquiries, you may call Real Property Accounts Management Department at telephone nos. 479-3536 or 976-4619.

(MS-APR. 26/27/28, 2017)

Ray S. Eñano, Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

Business

US-Canada trade row erupts W ASHINGTON―Trade tensions spiked between Washington and Ottawa on Tuesday as President Donald Trump accused Canada of being “very rough” on America and threatened to retaliate against restrictions on US dairy products.

Trump also touted his administration’s surprise decision late Monday to rekindle an old trade conflict with America’s second-largest trading partner by slapping new tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber.

“People don’t realize, Canada has been very rough on the United States. Everyone thinks of Canada of being nice but they’ve outsmarted our politicians for many years,” Trump

told a group of farmers at the White House.

He said Canada was hurting American dairy farmers near the border, from Wisconsin to New York, by blocking dairy exports “and we’re not going to put up with it.”

Trump’s aggressive comments echoed a tweet he sent earlier in the day, just hours after the Commerce Department announced it was imposing tariffs of up to 24 percent

on Canadian softwood lumber, which it says is improperly subsidized.

Trump-Trudeau call Addressing reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the twin disputes underline the problems with the North American Free Trade Agreement linking the United States with Canada and Mexico, which Trump has vowed to renegotiate.

“If Nafta were functioning properly, you wouldn’t be having these kinds of very prickly and unfortunate events back to back,” Ross said. “They are generally a good neighbor. That doesn’t mean they don’t have to play by the rules.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the

unexpected burst of tough rhetoric by vowing his government would be “very firm in defending Canada’s interests.

But Trudeau also said his officials “will work constructively together” with the United States to find a solution.

The prime minister telephoned Trump late Tuesday to underscore that the US take on softwood lumber was “baseless.”

Trudeau “refuted the baseless allegations by the US Department of Commerce and the decision to impose unfair duties,” his office said.

Trump’s White House acknowledged the two leaders discussed Canadian lumber and the dairy trade in the US state of Wisconsin. “It was a very amicable call,” a statement said.

The softwood lumber dispute between Washington and Ottawa has also seen many twists and turns for nearly 35 years, with US producers accusing their Canadian counterparts of exporting lumber at subsidized prices, harming American businesses.

The wood is a major part of the massive US construction and home-building industry –an economic bellwether. Most US homes are made with wood framing and some entirely of wood.

In the long-standing dispute, the Commerce Department announced late Monday that after talks with Ottawa failed to yield an agreement, it would impose duties of between three and 24 percent on softwood lumber, used for flooring, siding and other building products. AFP

Markets climb as Nasdaq hits 6,000 NEW YORK―Stock markets mostly rose Tuesday following the previous session’s record runs triggered by the firstround result of France’s presidential election.

Gains were strongest in the US, where the Nasdaq surged above 6,000 for the first time and the blue-chip Dow index jumped more than one percent following several strong earnings reports from big companies.

The increases were more modest among European equity indices, while the euro reached its highest level so far of 2017 against the dollar.

Global shares had soared Monday after centrist Emmanuel Macron topped the initial vote and looked well on course to beat far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in the May 7 run-off.

“Markets have continued their push higher from yesterday, although at a much more relaxed pace,” said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG trading group.

“The immediate impact of Macron’s first-round success is wearing off, but the relief is still palpable among investors.”

The outlook also improved for the euro currency, which no longer looks vulnerable to a so-called Frexit threatened by Le Pen. “The risk of both the euro zone and the broader European Union unraveling dissipated in a meaningful way with centrist Emmanuel Macron finishing first in last week’s preliminary election and projected to take the next and final round of voting on May 7,” said Joe Manimbo, senior market analyst at Western Union Business Solutions. AFP

Pedestrians walk in front of an electronics stock indicator flashing the closing rate of the Tokyo stock exchange in Tokyo on April 26, 2017. Tokyo stocks rose for a fourth successive day on April 26 as part of a global rally, buoyed by solid US corporate earnings and a slide in the yen. AFP

US new home sales fastest in 8 months WASHINGTON―Sales of new homes in the United States forged higher for the third straight month in March, hitting the fastest pace since July, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday.

The acceleration came as the volume of new houses for sale reached its highest level in nearly eight years, pointing to homebuilders’ efforts to meet consistently strong demand in a tight market.

Housing analysts say the recovery has produced an exceptionally tight market, with supply failing to keep pace with a rebound in demand driven by steady job creation and rising wages.

American homebuyers snatched up newly built singlefamily homes in March at an annual rate of 621,000, seasonally adjusted, the highest in eight months and a sharp 5.8 percent above February’s alreadystrong result, according to the report.

The unusually warm weather in January and February unpinned sales over the winter and analysts only expected a very modest increase last month.

But sales for March were a stunning 15.6 percent higher than the same month of 2016.

The Commerce Department estimated the stock of homes for sale at 268,000, the highest since July 2009, in the depths of the Great Recession.

However, the brisk sales pace meant supply was actually falling and was estimated at only 5.2 months, down 3.7 percent over February.

In a further sign of the tight market, the average home price rose 7.5 percent for the month to $315,100 but this was up only 1.2 percent from March 2016.

The rising prices was in line with the Case-Shiller home price index, released earlier Tuesday, showing the 20-city composite index rose 0.7 percent from February.

Analysts, however, cautioned that the Commerce Department’s monthly sales numbers were volatile and often subject to large revisions.

Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics said the increase of 34,000 home sales was “dwarfed” by a margin of error that was greater than 90,000.

“Moreover, the mortgage applications numbers, which tend to lead new home sales by about three months, suggest that we should expect lower sales over the next three months.” AFP

Australia inflation rate moves back into RBA target range SYDNEY―Australia’s annual inflation rate has moved back into the central bank’s target range for the first time in more than two years, data showed Wednesday, all but ruling out more interest rate cuts.

Consumer prices rose 0.5 percent in the March quarter, taking the annual rate to 2.1 percent, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. This was up from 1.5 percent in October-December, but slightly below forecast.

The reading is within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2-3 percent target band for the first time since the September quarter of 2014, boosted by price rises for petrol and electricity, which was partly offset by a drop in the cost of fruit.

Underlying inflation, which smooths out volatile price swings, was at 1.8 percent.

The dollar slid to 75.09 US cents, from 75.54 US cents, after the figures came out.

Analysts said the data reduced any likelihood of more cuts to interest rates, which are already at record lows, as the RBA juggles a booming property market with mixed economic data.

“The rise in underlying inflation in the first quarter, coupled with the RBA’s financial stability concerns, dramatically reduces the chances of any further interest rate cuts,” said Capital Economics’ chief Australia economist Paul Dales.

“That said, price pressures and economic growth are not strong enough to warrant interest rate hikes. Interest rates are unlikely to rise above 1.5 percent this year or next year.”

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver agreed.

“With inflation moving in the right direction and given the RBA’s increased emphasis on an inflated Sydney and Melbourne housing market and rising household debt, the RBA is unlikely to

make any adjustments to interest rates any time soon,” he said.

“We expect it to keep the cash rate at 1.50 percent for the next year at least.”

The Reserve Bank slashed rates 300 basis points between November 2011 and August last year to support non-resources industries as the economy transitions out of a mining investment boom. It has remained on hold since then.

Its board next meets on May 2. AFP

The concerns and warnings in economic reports READERS of the annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund reports on the preceding-year performance and near-term prospects of the Philippine economy tend to focus on the elements of the reports that are positive in tone, especially growth figures. They tend to give little attention to, or completely disregard, parts of the reports that are negative in character, such as expressions of concern or words of caution.

This is particularly true of government officials, who are inclined to like reading only good things about the Philippine economy and to disdain reading about misgivings, concerns and uncertainties. They don’t want anything to spoil whatever good things the WB and IMF reports have to say. This is a dangerous attitude because expressions of concern and words of caution are there for a reason: they are meant to alert the policymakers to the dangers and risks that may be lurking in the environment in which the Philippine economy operates.

This year’s WB and IMF reports on this country’s economy are cases in point. The WB’s April 2017 Philippine Economic Update, titled “Advancing the Investment Agenda,” forecasts

that the Philippine gross domestic product will maintain this year its 2016 growth rate, to wit, 6.9 percent. Such a growth rate would be close to the midpoint of the 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth range that the government has programmed for this year.

A trifle less exuberant, the IMF projects 6.8-percent growth for Philippine GDP in 2017. In its 2017 World Economic Outlook, the IMF says that Philippine economic growth will “remain robust,” led by strong domestic demand and a recovery in exports.

Economists of both the government and private sector were quick to seize upon the GDP growth rates projected by the Bretton Woods twins—the highest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – and to suggest that the 6.9 percent and 6.8 percent growth projections were sure things.

But they missed the words of caution and concern that accompanied those forecasts.

In its report the World Bank stressed the importance of “the government’s commitment to further increasing public infrastructure investment” for the sustenance of this country’s growth momentum. The Secretary of Finance

has made clear that attainment of the Duterte administration’s infrastructure targets depends on the availability of the incremental resources to be generated by the tax reform package that is now before Congress. As of this writing, the package is still at the committee-hearings stage in the House of Representatives. It is unlikely to clear the Lower House before the first session of the 17th Congress goes into adjournment.

The World Bank report also speaks of support for the Philippine economy from “recovery among other emerging markets and developing economies.” In effect, the bank is saying that the strength or weakness of that recovery will affect the prospect of attainment of its 6.9 percent 2017 growth forecast for Philippine GDP. On the other hand, the IMF report speaks of “(s)pillovers from slower growth in China or higher global financial volatility.” It also speaks of “(p)rotectionist policies in advanced economies (having) an overall negative impact in Asia, including the Philippines.” Furthermore, the report speaks of “higher commodity prices [resulting] in faster inflation.”

Words of concern and caution in economic

reports are not there without reason. They have significations. After all, economic reports are not intended to be goody-goody documents.

The authors of the 2017 World Bank and IMF reports on the Philippines wrote about the possibility of protectionist policies in advanced countries, recovery in regional markets, infrastructure targets and commodity price movements in order to make the point that their 6.9 percent and 6.8 percent GDP growth forecasts, respectively, might not be attained if certain positive conditions—the ones they indicated – fail to materialize.

Readers of reports on the Philippine economy should get themselves to read them in their entirety —the good things as well as the bad. They fail to do so at their peril.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

225 QC scholars get BPO training

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Rio N. Araja OVER 200 students who availed of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista’s technical scholarship grant have formally received their certificates of completion after successfully finishing the contact center competency course.

All beneficiaries are residents of the city and have finished high school, the mayor said. A simple ceremony was held at the inner lobby of the Quezon City Hall, where the 225 graduates received their certificates.

The scholarship grant is a project of Bautista, who wanted the city’s youth to acquire technical skills and help them get jobs in the fast-rising business process outsourcing industry.

The students were subjected to 120 hours of intensive skills training in the communication and technology course.

The program is an undertaking of the city government’s Public Employment Services Office in partnership with the Scholarship and Youth Development Program and Information and Communication Technology- Global Service Outsourcing Task Force.

REAPING RICE. Farmers manually harvest rice with care in a rice field in Libungan, North Cotabato on Tuesday. Libungan is in the northwestern part of the province and is one of its main rice producers. It also sits at the boundary of the towns of Alamada, Banisilan and Carmen. Omar Mangorsi

Erap gives RPT ultimatum W

By Sandy Araneta

ITH a staggering P16 billion in uncollected real property taxes, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Wednesday issued an ultimatum to 89,000 delinquent property owners in the city to settle their tax dues or lose their properties in due time.

Estrada gave the delinquent taxpayers until June to pay up, or else the city government, in accordance with the law, will be constrained to auction off their properties to recover the unpaid taxes.

“I’m appealing to the property owners to please settle your tax obligations,” Estrada said. “Otherwise, we will be compelled to

conduct public auctions where you will definitely lost ownership of your properties.”

Estrada pointed out the money to be collected from RPT payments will mean so much to the city government in funding socioeconomic programs for the poor, and improving the delivery of basic services to every Manileño.

To ease the burden of the property owners, Estrada signed last January Ordinance No. 8516, cancelling the 40-percent increase in RPT rates that was supposed to take effect this year.

The RPT increase was supposed to be the continuation of the 60-percent increase that had been collected starting Jan. 1, 2014, but Estrada said it is no longer necessary because of the improved financial status of the city government.

City Treasurer Rizal Del Rosario said they have started sending out notices by mail to each of the 89,000 delinquent property owners since January, informing them of their tax dues.

Two more written notices will be sent later on, including the required publication of such notices

in major newspapers, before the Office of the City Treasurer can set the date for the public auction, according to Del Rosario.

“As of now we’re still in the process of complying with these prerequisites. Once we have done all these, and those delinquents have not paid up yet, we can issue the Warrant of Levy, for an auction,” he explained.

“So I’m asking them to come up and pay. Once their properties have been auctioned, it’s a pity, they would even blame the city,” Del Rosario pointed out, adding that the public auction tentatively set on June will be the first comprehensive auction of delinquent properties since 2013.

From October 2015 to June 2016, he said the city government implemented a tax am-

nesty for negligent RPT payers, where they were able to collect P1 billion.

While it is impossible to have a 100-percent collection, Del Rosario said they hope to collect at least P1.5 billion from the overdue tax dues.

“If we can collect P1.5 billion, that would be good enough. That would be very good,” he said.

Once a property is auctioned to a winning bidder, Del Rosario explained the delinquent owner still has one year to redeem it by paying the bid price plus twopercent interest per month and the expenses incurred by the Office of the City Treasurer in conducting the auction.

“Now if they can settle it before June, they can avoid these penalties,” Del Rosario stressed.

San Juan hospital groundbreaking rites set May 2

By Honor Blanco Cabie THE upgraded San Juan Medical Center, fully owned and operated by the City Government of San Juan, will have its groundbreaking ceremonies on May 2.

The half-billion-peso Center, at the old San Juan City Hall compound along N. Domingo St. in Barangay Balong-Bato, has a floor area of 7,130 square meters.

The 10 a.m. ceremonies will be led by Health Undersecretary Achilles Bravo, Mayor Guia G. Gomez, city hall officials, Medical Director Apolinario Esquivel Jr. and Hospital Administrator Immaculada Mauricio.

The center, which has been operating for 20 years, will henceforth be known as the Dr. Lorenzo M. Hocson Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Hocson, the Center’s director from 1995 to 2008 when he died following a heart attack at the age of 55, was a cousin and personal doctor of thenPresident Joseph “Erap” Estrada and his mother, Doña Mary.

An artists’ perspective of the expansion of the San Juan Medical Center, which will be renamed to Dr. Lorenzo M. Hocson Memorial Hospital once its P500-million renovation is finished.

Officials said the increase in number of patients admitted at the hospital suggested the need for more beds to the present 150.

Hospital authorities have seen a need to rehabilitate, reequip and modernize the existing San Juan Medical Center “to provide quality medical and diagnostic services under one roof for our city’s constituents.”

In their project brief submitted to Mayor Gomez, they said there is a need for more beds “since there has recently been

an increase in patient census, especially those with intensive care needs” considering that currently, there are only five ICU beds in SJMC. “Moreover, it is important to note that the SJMC has not been able to fully maximize its authorized bed capacity of 150 beds, which would sufficiently meet this increased demand.

An addition of 80 to 100 beds to complement the current bed number will suffice.”

Hospital officials added the

expected project impact on beneficiaries include: Patients will be assured of beds in the wards as well as in the ICU and will no longer need to be transferred to different hospitals due to the shortage or unavailability of beds.

Patients will be able to avail themselves of various special ancillary procedures and tests without having to be conducted by ambulance for these services at other facilities, and for which they have to usually

pay a high price.

For patients under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Point-of-Care Program and Senior Citizens which employs a “no balance billing policy” under PhilHealth regulations, the presence of additional ancillary and modern services within the hospital premises will assure them of no out-of-pocket expenses for their diagnostic examinations which they currently have to avail of at outside facilities.

Bus crash survivors get aid, but more help sought

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Survivors and families of the victims of the recent bus crash here have received financial assistance from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the provincial government here.

Edgar Soriano, LTFRB chief, said the agency gave P20,000 each to the kin of those who perished in the crash in Carranglan, Nueva

C1

Ecija last week, while P10,000 were handed out to those injured now recuperating at the Veterans Regional Hospital in Bayombong town, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital in Bambang town, and the Indigenous Peoples Hospital in Aritao town.

“We are still waiting for others to come and claim their assistance. We have established an assistance desk for the victims’ needs,” Soriano said.

Of the survivors whose inju-

ries have been treated have already checked out from the hospitals, their bills shouldered by the VRH and NVPH. Gov. Carlos Padilla also vowed to provide assistance to the crash survivors, such as P15,000 in burial assistance for the families and P6,000 for those injured. The aid, he said, will be facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

“Hospitalization bills of the injured victims at the NVPH

were shouldered by the provincial government as per instruction of Governor Padilla,” said Rachel Magday-Itchon, Nueva Vizcaya media relations officer.

Earlier, health workers appealed for assistance from religious and other organizations to provide social welfare services to the survivors of the bus crash.

“We are calling for the help of benevolent individuals and groups to share their resources in any form such as food and other needs of the

patients,” said Letty Puguon, acting administrative officer of the NVPH in Bambang town.

“They also need psychological, psycho-social and spiritual services from our religious sector and from those experts in stress debriefing situations,” she said.

“They are still coping with the tragedy and trauma, that is why we need the assistance of other individuals to help them cope and recover from their trauma and tragedy,” said Puguon. With PNA

IN BRIEF Bataan dad seeks urban planning help BALANGA CITY, Bataan— A Sangguniang Panlalawigan member is seeking the help of 11 municipal mayors and the city mayor here to conduct an inventory of housing and commercial facilities and come up with a workable and systematic urban planning scheme.

Board Member Rolly Tigas, chairman of the SP Committee on Housing and Land Utilization, said the inventory of housing and commercial establishments in the province would be the first phase to solving the anticipated shortage of houses while the local economy continues to grow with the expansion of the seven ecozones and one tourism enterprise zone in the province.

Tigas, from the first district of Bataan, said real estate and property management developers from Metro Manila and Central Luzon have exercised utmost prudence based on market demand and scientific land development analysis in constructing private subdivisions and business complexes near the province’s industrial zones.

“The province should oversee the processing of housing data to competently pinpoint the areas suitable for healthy conditions toward well-planned development in achieving inclusive growth,” the board member added.

Butch Gunio

Suan to sue Uy over job-order workers CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A city councilor is planning on filing appropriate charges against Vice Mayor Rainier Joaquin Uy for disapproving the former’s job-order employees.

Councilor Lordan Suan said he is considering filing a complaint of grave abuse of discretion against Uy before the Office of the Ombudsman for not allowing the minority members of the city’s legislature to have their own “JO” workers.

Suan is chairman of the council’s blue ribbon committee, and is affiliated with the local political party Padayon Pilipino. He is also a member of the minority bloc of the Liberal Party-dominated City Council.

Both Suan and Uy are residents of the vote-rich Barangay Carmen in the city’s first congressional district.

During the regular Council session on Monday, Uy openly accused Suan of nepotism for supposedly hiring his relatives as his JO workers. But Suan said technically he has not committed any wrongdoing since none of his kin have been employed as members of his staff. Lance Baconguis

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 Standard C2 TODAY Manila

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED SALOMAGUE PORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PORT OF SALOMAGUE, CABUGAO, ILOCOS SUR

FOR THE PROPOSED ZAMBOANGA PORT EXPANSION PROJECT, PORT OF ZAMBOANGA, ZAMBOANGA CITY

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 152,196,809.05 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Salomague Port Improvement Project, Port of Salomague, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, (LFP NLZ No. 001-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 229,773,025.63 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Zamboanga Port Expansion Project, Port of Zamboanga, Zamboanga City, (LFP ZBA No. 002-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Extension of RC Pier (Area=1,647 sq. m.) B. Construction of Cruise Ship Berth (Area=1,100.45 sq. m.).

Completion of the Works is required in 420 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of RC Platform (Area=2,115.00 sq. m.) B. Back-up Area (Area=15,871 sq. m.) C. Port Lighting System. Completion of the Works is required in 480 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project.

The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 24 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 24 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 24 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on 24 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

•

Required PCAB Registration: Large A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – April 27, 2017

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 168,755,280.74 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation at Ports of Puerto Princesa and Coron, Palawan (LFP PLW No. 003-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 185,446,621.82 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation at Davao Entrance Channel, Davao Port, Davao City, (LFP DVO No. 004-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction, Delivery and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation System B. Supply, Construct and Delivery at Staging Area of Solar-Powered Lighted Buoy Assembly C. Offshore Commissioning, Testing and Observation of Aids to Marine Navigation. Completion of the Works is required in 120 calendar days.

Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction, Delivery and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation System B. Supply, Construct and Delivery at Staging Area of Solar-Powered Lighted Buoy Assembly C. Offshore Commissioning, Testing and Observation of Aids to Marine Navigation. Completion of the Works is required in 120 calendar days.

Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 25 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 25 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 25 May 2017, 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on 25 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – April 27, 2017

S

AN MIGUEL CORP., through a leading construction company, will hire former drug dependents to help build the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 project until 2020.

Quezon City Police District Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, and the representatives of SMC and EEI Corp. signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding to provide jobs for drug users who have surrendered since the implementation of the Philippine National Police’s Operation Tokhang.

Belmonte, chairperson of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council, welcomed the commitment of SMC, EEI, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and QC Liga Ng mga Barangay to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

The city government has adopted various sustainable programs for drug users who surrender, such as alternative learning system, livelihood and vocational skills building, spiritual programs, and employment assistance.

Belmonte thanked Eleazar for his suggestion to Frederick Ramos, head of security of the MRT L ine 7 project, to give work to drug surrenderers.

Eleazar was responsible in recruiting drug dependents to work on the rail project.

“While enforcement is very im-

portant in the fight against crimes and illegal drugs, other interventions such as prevention, rehabilitation and livelihood being provided by the public and private sectors of the community is important as part of their corporate social responsibility,” Eleazar said.

Meanwhile, to augment the shortage of vehicles used in responding to the health needs of Quezon City residents, the city government through the Office of Councilor Roderick Paulate distributed nine service vehicles to the City Health Department and five barangays.

The donation of the vehicles was authorized under City Resolution 6317-2015, authored

by Councilors Raquel S. Malangen and Alexis R. Herrera, which gave Mayor Herbert Bautista the go-signal to purchase the vehicles using the funds allocated to the office of Paulate.

Four Suzuki APVs were given to the City Health Department and five others were distributed to Barangays Payatas, Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Batasan Hills and Bagong Silangan.

“We allocated vehicles for the Health Department so our health workers can do their jobs better in taking care of the health of our residents,” Paulate said.

Cordillera autonomy is ‘cure for injustice’

By Dexter A. See

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OFFSHORE INSTALLATION OF AIDS TO MARINE NAVIGATION AT DAVAO ENTRANCE CHANNEL, DAVAO PORT, DAVAO CITY

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

By Rio N. Araja

Standard – April 27, 2017

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OFFSHORE INSTALLATION OF AIDS TO MARINE NAVIGATION AT PORTS OF PUERTO PRINCESA AND CORON, PALAWAN

•

SMC hiring ex-druggies for MRT job

Standard – April 27, 2017

BAUKO, Mountain Province— Granting autonomy to the Cordillera region is “the only justification” the national government could give its residents for the injustice that it had committed in neglecting the region’s development in the past.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said this during the historic re-engagement forum organized by the Cordillera Regional Development Council on Monday.

Domogan, who chairs both the RDC and the Regional Peace and Order Council, said this injustice was evident in reading the minutes of the Constitutional Convention (ConCon) that drafted the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

It showed that “the framers of the fundamental law of the land recognized the fact that the national government

neglected the development of Mindanao and the Cordillera in the past several decades, and the ultimate justification for it to correct its injustice to the two regions is to grant the said geographic areas autonomous status,” the mayor said.

That, Domogan stressed, “should be one of the unifying factors” for Cordillerans to be aggressive in grabbing the opportunity to establish their permanent identity in a legitimate region “that will translate to progress for all.”

Achieving autonomy, he said, will not be for the present generation of Cordillerans but will be for the benefit of the future generations “who will be the one to reap the fruits of the region’s overall development, as a result of devolving most of the functions of the national government to the autonomous regional government in the future.”

SNAP-Magat firm marks first decade SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela—It was 10 years ago since the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant transitioned from a state-run asset to a privately owned and operated facility under SN Aboitiz Power or SNAP. Today, it continues to be a positive force in the industry and its host communities, its chief executive said Wednesday.

“As Magat Hydro enters its 10th year, we will ensure that it continues to provide not just power, but ‘positive power’ the kind that helps sustain the environment and uplift communities, the industry, and the economy, SNAP president and CEO Joseph Yu said.

“It has always been reward-

ing and fruitful years. All our achievements could not have been carried through successfully without our combined relentless efforts in achieving a common goal.”

When SNAP took over Magat, “it was important to ensure its longevity and to raise its operating efficiency. In 2014, we completed the half-life refurbishment to ensure Magat remains available and operates efficiently throughout its life span,” Yu stressed.

Lawyer Mike Hosillos, SNAP’s chief corporate service officer, agreed. “The first 10 years of our operation provided a lot of resources and benefits to our host communities,” he said. Jessica M. Bacud

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Japanese suffering from crisp shortage TOKYO―Legions of Japanese crisps addicts are suffering and it doesn’t look like they’ll be getting their full fix anytime soon.

The country is in the midst of a dire crisps shortage after violent typhoons wiped out potato crops in top tuber producing Hokkaido.

The unprecedented series of storms last year has forced chip makers Calbee and rival Koikeya to halt the production of some of their most popular flavors―including pizza and French salad.

Pictures online have shown store shelves bare and bags have been selling for inflated prices on Internet auctions.

Calbee, Japan’s top snacks maker, has stopped selling about 30 kinds of crisps in all or part of the country since the middle of April.

“We don’t know when we’ll be able to restart,” company spokesman Masaya Kawase told AFP on Wednesday.

“Potatoes are only harvested once a year.”

A dizzying number of government regulations on potato imports is exacerbating the shortage problem.

Japan may not usually be associated with crisps, but industry figures show they rake in nearly 163 billion yen ($1.46 billion) in annual sales. AFP

RESERVE YOURAD SPACE NOW! email us at advertise@ thestandard. com.ph or call us at 832-5547

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES April 2015, Petitioner and Joel got engaged, and later, in October 2016 REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Joel manifested his intentions for National Capital Judicial Region Petitioner and Jaelle to join him in the Branch 209 United States. Thereafter, Petitioner Mandaluyong City and Joel applied for Consular Report IN THE MATTER OF PETITION of Birth Abroad and U.S. Passport for FOR CORRECTION OR Petitioner and Jaelle. As part of the CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES application, a consented DNA testing IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE was conducted. However, the results of the DNA test show that Jaelle is BIRTH OF JAELLE CLAIRE excluded as a biological child of Joel, ACANTILADO BRADLEY thus Jaelle does not have a valid claim to derivative U.S. Citizenship. Hence, NIKKI JOY H. ACANTILADO, the instant Petition is filed to establish that Jaelle is not the biological child Petitioner of Joel and to correct or cancel the entries in the Certificate of Live Birth -versus - SP. PROC. NO. to reflect Jaelle’s true and correct civil R-MND-17-00792-SP status.

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MANDALUYONG CITY and JOEL CLIFFORD BRADLEY, Respondents x---------------------------------------x

ORDER On 28 February 2017, Petitioner Nikki Joy H. Acantilado (“Petitioner”), filed the instant Petition for Correction or Cancellation of Entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Jaelle Claire Acantilado Bradley (“Petition”).

Petitioner alleges that she is the biological mother of minor Jaelle Claire Acantilado Bradley (“Jaelle”) born on 28 January 2015 in Mandaluyong City. Respondent Joel Clifford Bradley (“Joel”) is the father of Jaelle and fiancé of Petitioner. The subject matter of the instant Petition are the entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Jaelle pertaining to her last name and all of the entries pertaining to the father, which are all sought to be corrected or cancelled. Petitioner and Joel met in March 2014 and dated, during which sexual relations happened between the two. In July 2014, Petitioner learned that she was pregnant and told Joel that he is the father. Joel, who was then in the United States, provided financial support to defray expenses for the pregnancy. On 28 January 2015, Petitioner gave birth to Jaelle, but the Certificate of Live Birth was not immediately registered due to Joel’s absence in the Philippines at the time. On 17 March 2015, Petitioner and Joel applied with the Civil Registry of Mandaluyong City for the delayed registration of Jaelle’s birth.

Joel acknowledged Jaelle as his daughter and affixed in the Certificate of Live Birth his name as the father. As a consequence, Jaelle used the last name of Joel. In

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. Let this Petition be set for hearing on 6 June 2017 at 8:30 o’ clock in the morning before this Court located at 2nd Floor, New Hall of Justice Bldg., Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City.

Notice is hereby given that anyone who has any objection to the Petition should file on or the date of hearing his opposition thereto with a statement of the grounds therefor.

Let this Order be posted on the Bulletin Board of the Court and published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, both at Petitioner’s expense.

Finally, furnish the Office of the Solicitor General and the respondent with a copy of this Order and the Petition at Petitioner’s expense.

SO ORDERED. 7 March 2017, Mandaluyong City, Philippines (Sgd.) MONIQUE A. QUISUMBINGIGNACIO Presiding Judge Copy furnished: OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village Makati City OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR Hall of Justice, Mandaluyong City THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Mandaluyong City OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-RTC Mandaluyong City NIKKI JOY H. ACANTILADO 209 Blk. 37, Marinella Street Welfareville Compound Mandaluyong City ATTY. JEFFREY P. OMADTO Counsel for Petitioner 162 General Kalentong Street Mandaluyong City 1550 JOEL CLIFFORD BRADLEY 2609 S 304 Street Federal Way, WA 98003 United States of America

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

C3

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF PUERTO PRINCESA PORT, PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF LAMAO PORT, LIMAY, BATAAN

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 76,647,252.17 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Puerto Princesa Port, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, (LFP PLW No. 005-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 31,370,762.17 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Lamao Port, Limay, Bataan, (LFP BNA No. 006-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths of the Port to a designed depths of 6.0m., 10.0m. and 11.0m. below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 150,000.00 cu. m.)

B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 180 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 29 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 29 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depth of 5.50 meter below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 90 calendar days.

Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 29 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 29 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

•

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – April 27, 2017

(MS-Apr. 27, May 4 & 11, 2017)

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

Standard – April 27, 2017

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF CALAPAN AND ROXAS PORTS, ORIENTAL MINDORO

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF TUBIGON PORT, TUBIGON, BOHOL

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF GUIUAN PORT, GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 34,455,338.72 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Calapan and Roxas Ports, Oriental Mindoro, (LFP MDO No. 007-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 35,110,026.17 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Tubigon Port, Tubigon, Bohol, (LFP BHL No. 008-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 35,110,026.17 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Guiuan Port, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, (LFP ELS No. 009-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths and maneuvering areas of the Ports to a designed depth of 6.00 meter below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m.)

B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 90 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 30 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 30 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depths of 5.00 and 6.00 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 90 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 30 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 30 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 11 May 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 31 May 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 31 May 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depth of 5.00 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 90 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – April 27, 2017

ATTY. ELMER NONNATUS A. CADANO Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – April 27, 2017

Standard – April 27, 2017

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

C4

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

Missile defense unit reaches South Korea

World

Resistance to Trump marks first 100 days

N

EW YORK―Judges, mayors, comedians and activists mobilized through social media―the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency has spawned a multi-faceted resistance hindering the Republican’s efforts to enact election promises.

Widespread liberal outrage at the billionaire’s election spilled over into the Women’s March, which set the tone the day after his inauguration when millions of people poured onto streets across the United States.

The first head-on collision came a week later on January 27 when the White House issued its first travel ban, suspending visaholders from seven Muslim majority countries and Syrian refugees indefinitely.

That weekend, hundreds of travelers were blocked at airports around the world as US lawyers and the powerful American Civil Liberties Union immediately

contested the legality of the order.

That scored an early victory for the opposition movement, a nebulous raft of groups largely watched rather than led by the Democratic Party. The travel ban was suspended by a George W. Bush-nominated judge in Seattle, James Robart.

The Trump administration returned with a modified ban on March 15, reducing to six the number of implicated countries and excluding those with valid visas.

Another federal judge, Derrick Watson in Hawaii, blocked it again on the grounds that it was reasonable to conclude it was

intended to “disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose.”

Yet the battle against restricting immigration goes on. Thousands of people demonstrated on behalf of immigrants in February and March on a near daily basis.

On the campaign trail, Trump promised to expel millions of illegal immigrants. Shortly after he took power, his team ordered federal agents to crack down on undocumented migrants with a criminal record.

The Democratic mayors of the country’s three largest cities, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago―Bill de Blasio, Eric Garcetti and Rahm Emanuel respectively―immediately moved to shore up their status as “sanctuary” cities for migrants.

With police chiefs by their side, they vowed to protect migrants who had not committed violent crimes while detentions of illegal immigrants sowed panic among

undocumented communities.

Sam Abrams, who teaches political science at Sarah Lawrence College, said the mayors acted “in ways that they have never acted before.”

But perhaps the toughest critics are on television, late-night comedians blurring the lines between politics and entertainment, the most widely watched of which is long-running NBC weekly show “Saturday Night Live.”

Alec Baldwin’s caricature of Trump, Melissa McCarthy’s of White House spokesman Sean Spicer and the lampooning of the week’s events make regular news headlines.

“It is hard to say just how important it is, but SNL, when they pick on someone, it becomes iconic,” said Abrams. Their portrayal of one time Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin had a disastrous impact on the 2008 race, he said. AFP

SEOUL―US troops began delivering a missile defense system that has infuriated China to a deployment site in South Korea Wednesday, amid heightened tensions over the North’s nuclear ambitions.

Washington is urging Beijing―Pyongyang’s sole major ally―to do more to rein it in, but the Asian giant has reacted with fury to the planned installation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD system.

The US and ally South Korea say its deployment, agreed last year, is intended to guard against the missile threats from the nuclear-armed North.

But China fears it will weaken its own ballistic capabilities and says it upsets the regional security balance.

TV footage showed large trailers in camouflage paint carrying what appeared to be missile-related equipment entering a former golf course in the southern county of Seongju on Wednesday morning.

Hundreds of residents―who are concerned over the potential environmental impact―protested angrily, some clashing with police. More than 10 were injured including three who were hospitalized, activists said.

Seoul’s defense ministry said Wednesday’s move was aimed at “securing operational capability of the THAAD as soon as possible”, with a goal of fully installing the batteries by the end of this year.

The South is holding a presidential election next month to choose a successor to ousted leader Park Geun-Hye, and Seoul and Washington are press-

ing ahead with the deployment with some candidates ambivalent over the system, including front-runner Moon Jae-In, of the left-leaning Democratic Party.

His spokesman Park KwangOn expressed “strong regret” at the delivery, saying it ignored “required procedures”.

“This move has shut off any room for policy considerations by the next government and it is very improper,” he said.

Beijing condemned the move, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang telling reporters the THAAD deployment “severely undermines China’s strategic security interests”.

“It helps in no way to achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula and regional peace and stability,” he said, adding China would “take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests”.

Beijing has imposed a host of measures seen as economic retaliation against the South, including a ban on tour groups.

Retail conglomerate Lotte, which previously owned the golf course, has also been targeted, with 85 of its 99 stores in China shut down, while South Korea’s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor said Wednesday its Chinese sales fell 44 percent last month.

THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight.

The latest move comes as the tension soars on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North and warnings from the administration of US President Donald Trump that military action was an “option on the table”. AFP

HK activists arrested and charged HONG KONG―Two Hong Kong independence activists who were barred from taking up their seats as lawmakers last year were arrested and charged Wednesday over the chaos at the city’s parliament.

Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching were arrested at their apartments Wednesday morning and were charged with illegal assembly and attempted forceful entry into the legislative chamber, Yau told reporters.

The pair belong to a new movement calling for a complete split from China for semi-autonomous Hong Kong, as concerns grow the city’s freedoms are under threat.

The calls for independence grew out of the failure of the mass Umbrella Movement rallies in 2014 to secure political reform and have infuriated Beijing.

The latest arrests come after nine pro-democracy activists -- including student protesters and lawmakers -- were charged last month for their roles in the 2014 protests in a move slammed by rights groups.

The crackdown also comes ahead of an expected visit by China’s President Xi Jinping to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover of the city by Britain back to China in 1997 on July 1.

The charges against Yau and Baggio relate to them trying to barge in to a legislative council meeting in November after they had been barred pending a court decision over their disqualification.

They first ran into the main chamber before security tried to bundle them out.

Once removed, they and their supporters tried to push their way into a committee room to which the disrupted session had been moved.

In the ensuing chaos, they clashed with security with at least three staff taken to hospital and police called in.

Speaking to reporters outside the police station where they were charged, Leung said they had done nothing wrong as they should have been allowed into the chamber while they awaited the result of their court hearing.

He called the charges “totally unreasonable”.

“Authorities suppressing the will of the people is abundantly clear,” added Yau. Despite being elected by the public, the pair were never allowed to take up their seats after protesting at their swearing-in ceremony last October.

They deliberately misread their oaths of office, inserted expletives and draped themselves with “Hong Kong is not China” flags.

Beijing intervened to ensure they were not given the chance to retake their oaths by making a special “interpretation” of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

The ruling said that any oath taker who does not follow the prescribed wording of the pledge, “or takes the oath in a manner which is not sincere or not solemn”, should be disqualified.

After the interpretation, Hong Kong’s High Court ruled to disqualify them both.

That move was heavily criticized by prodemocracy activists and legal experts as a massive blow to Hong Kong’s judicial independence and sparked demonstrations by both pro-Beijing and pro-independence groups.

Yau and Baggio were bailed and will appear in court Friday. AFP

STORM BREWING. A woman watches children on a beach as storm clouds gather in the easterns suburbs of Sydney on April 26, 2017. AFP

New anti-Maduro march planned in Venezuela CARACAS―Protesters in Venezuela plan a high-risk march against President Nicolas Maduro Wednesday, sparking fears of fresh violence after demonstrations that have left 26 dead in the crisiswracked country.

The opposition urged protesters to march on central Caracas, a pro-Maduro bastion where the seat of government is located.

Previous attempts to reach the city center have degenerated into clashes between riot police and stone-throwing protesters.

The center-right opposition blames Maduro for severe shortages of food, medicine and other essentials in the oilrich country.

Twenty-six people have died so far this month in violence around the protests, including four minors, according to Attorney General Luisa Ortega.

Maduro put the figure at 29 deaths in a speech Tuesday evening, without giving details.

“Twenty-nine of our countrymen have been murdered, and the right-wingers are to blame. The people are demanding justice,” he said.

Maduro, the heir of the leftist “Bolivarian revolution” launched by the late Hugo Chavez in 1999, says the shortages and the protests are part of a US-backed plot to topple him.

The crisis deepened late last month when the Supreme Court moved to seize power from the National Assembly, the only lever of state authority Maduro and his allies do not control.

The court partly backtracked after an international outcry. But the opposition was further galvanized when authorities banned senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles from politics.

In just under a month of unrest, more than 400 people have been injured, and nearly 1,300 arrested, the attorney general said.

That includes 14 arrested journalists, their union said Tuesday, condemning the figure as “alarming.”

More than 100 journalists have been assaulted while covering the protests, it added, accusing the national guard of “harassing, beating and intimidating” reporters.

The opposition accuses the government of using the security forces to repress peaceful protests, and of sending armed thugs to attack them.

The government in turn accuses the opposition of paying armed agitators to stir up violence.

Maduro has resisted more than a year of efforts to force him from office, though he said over the weekend that he

was willing to hold regional elections that have been postponed indefinitely.

With few options left to get rid of him before the end of his term in 2019, the opposition is urging all-out street rallies to push for elections.

“We cannot give up. If we manage to keep up this pressure we will achieve change,” said senior opposition lawmaker Freddy Guevara, rallying support for Wednesday’s protests.

The opposition said it would try to march on the offices of the national ombudsman, Tarek William Saab, whom it accuses of betraying his duty to defend Venezuelans’ human rights.

The Organization of American States has meanwhile called an extraordinary meeting on the Venezuelan crisis Wednesday. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro has previously described Maduro as a “dictator.” AFP

Life

The different structures in Pico de Loro Cove were carefully planned to fuse with the cove’s natural topography and features

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS

D1

A tale of

MODERN NATURE

H

AMILO Coast is a place of many stories — brimming from its vast, pristine coastline that opens up to rich marine life and abundant flora and fauna.

The stories also traverse from all of the beach resort town’s 13 coves that reach out to the West Philippine Sea: each one as breathtaking as the other.

As much as it is a showcase of nature’s beauty, Hamilo Coast also presents structures carefully master-planned to seamlessly fuse with its natural topography and features. Perched atop Hamilo Coast’s maiden community, Pico de Loro Cove, the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel is a sight to behold. The glass enclosure frames panoramic views of the cove and the infinity of sea into an artwork of paradise waiting to be appreciated from afar.

The chapel is also a product of sustain-

The St. Therese Chapel is a favored wedding venue of members

able features where solar power-assisted air conditioning units are utilized, and the architectural design is made sure to maximize natural light, adding ambience to an already charming backdrop.

With the St. Therese Chapel tucked perfectly in between the lush environs of Pico de Loro Cove, the entire property may serve as an ideal venue for weddings and special occasions aside from prayer and

meditation. The lush open spaces, tree canopies, and the calm Pico Beach all contribute to Pico de Loro Cove’s seamless fusion of nature and design providing certain areas for tranquil pursuits and festivities.

Envision saying ‘I dos’ amidst the sun, the sea, and the lush landscapes. Aside from Sunday and special mass celebrations, the St. Therese Chapel is a favored wedding venue of members who choose

The St. Therese Chapel provides a visual structure that is one with nature

this scenic paradise as a witness to their personal vows. Add a touch of magic to your own tale of love with awe-inspiring vistas of the entire property from the chapel. Here, verses of romance are told in the few seconds the sun meets with the sea. Such cherished moments are captured once in a couple’s lifetime. At St Therese Chapel, worthwhile family occasions are wrapped somewhere in the comforts of

nature’s charm – in an ambience that provides countless vivid recollections.

While it is a venue for undisturbed peace and solemn celebrations, the St. Therese Chapel stands to be a firm testament of Hamilo Coast’s commitment to sustainability. Hamilo Coast strives to make sure that development and preservation can co-exist, thus providing a visual structure that is one with nature.

Hospital expands maternal ICU PREGNANCY and childbirth are major life events, and all pregnancies involve a certain degree of risk to both mother and baby. While many pregnancies are without any complications, some encounter life-threatening events for the mother or for the fetus.

When critical complications arise during pregnancy, patients may need care from specialists in a health care facility that offers specialized, intensive care to ensure the best possible outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

The Medical City (TMC) is home to one of the country’s few maternal intensive care units that provide comprehensive high-risk perinatal services com-

bined with holistic care by experienced, highly-skilled medical professionals.

TMC recently launched its expanded Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU) to accommodate more high-risk patients. Strategically located within the Delivery Suite, the MICU offers more privacy for the care of high-risk mothers and provides adequate space for the multidisciplinary team of experts so they can attend to their patients with ease. Maximizing TMC’s broad range of medical fields with the highest levels of expertise, MICU offers intensive monitoring of mother and baby in close coordination with other clinical departments, such as nursing, internal

The Medical City expands its Maternal Intensive Care Unit to accommodate more high-risk mothers and other patients

medicine, and surgery, among others.

Previously, MICU could only accommodate up to two patients at a time. The new and enhanced MICU now has seven beds, each equipped with a continuous electronic fetal monitor connected to a central monitor, which allows close and strict antenatal surveillance.

Medical devices such as fetal heart rate monitoring devices, maternal vital signs monitors (for blood pressure, pulse, and other signs), and an ultrasound machine are ready for use when necessary. Other equipment such as infusion pumps, blood warmers, and blood filters are also available.

The specialty beds have removable headboards and adjustable positions.

Adequate lighting for bedside procedures, suction equipment and hypo/ hyperthermia blankets are also readily available when needed.

Whether a pregnancy is considered high-risk due to hypertension or a heart condition, multiple births, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, or for any other reason, MICU’s highly trained team works together to give the mother and baby the best care possible. The multidisciplinary team is usually composed of experts from Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neonatology, Obstetrical Anesthesia,

MICU offers intensive monitoring of mother and baby in close coordination with other clinical departments such as nursing, internal medicine, and surgery, among others

Genetics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Nursing, and Laboratory departments.

“Our goal at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is to deliver the most comprehensive quality care for all mothers including high-risk pregnant mothers and their babies.

The recent expansion of the MICU and the establishment of the High Risk Clinic will be crucial for us to attain this goal,” says Dr. Cecilia Vicencio, chairman, TMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“With our team of experienced and competent medical professionals, modern facilities, and advanced technology, we would like to reach more patients especially those needing our expertise in perinatal care,” adds Dr. Irene Quinio, training officer, Section of Perinatology.

MICU accepts patients with critical complications of pregnancy including hypertensive disorders, preterm labor, second and third trimester bleeding, disorders of the amniotic fluid, fetal growth restriction, and complicated multi-fetal pregnancies (discordant twins, one fetal-death-in-utero, and conjoined twins).

Expectant mothers with worsening or poor control of medical conditions but not requiring intensive care at the Adult ICU are also eligible for MICU admission. These medical conditions include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, bronchial asthma, chronic hypertensive vascular disease, hematologic and neurologic disorders, and maternal infections such as pneumonia, pyelonephritis, acute gastroenteritis, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Continued on D2

Life

D2

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

for students in Mandaluyong F

OCUS Global Inc. celebrated its 25th anniversary by granting full scholarships to 25 students of Mandaluyong Manpower and Technical Vocational Training Center, a TESDAaccredited government institution under the office of the City Mayor of Mandaluyong.

Considering that the company’s business expertise is in the field of home furnishing, 10 students in Carpentry Course and 15 students in Ref & Aircon Technology Course were chosen as recipients of the scholarship grants, some of them are persons with disability (PWD).

“I am happy to turn over 25 scholarships to the young people of Mandaluyong because Focus Global’s very first office 25 years ago was located in this city and we still have that showroom on Pioneer to this day. This is our way of giving back to the city where we started,” says Focus Global President Stephen Sy. The official turnover held recently at the Atrium Executive Building at Mandaluyong Municipal Hall and was graced by Congresswoman Queenie Gonzales, Mandaluyong Mayor

From left: Merlita Tampingco, OIC/Administrator, Mandaluyong Manpower Technical and Vocational Training Center; Arra Valle, Focus Global HR Supervisor; Stephen Sy, Focus Global President and CEO; Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos; Des dela Torre, Focus Global Service Manager for Home Furnishings Division; Aline Lopez, Focus Global AVP for Home Furnishings Division; and Mel Mendoza Focus Global Senior HR Manager.

Menchie Abalos, the city Councilors of Mandaluyong, and some of coordinators and trainors from the Mandaluyong Manpower and Technical Vocational Training Center.

Focus Global aims to provide educa-

tional and employment opportunities to the scholars by giving full financial support to the students who wish to learn and hone technical skills and earn gainfully from them. Upon graduation, the scholars will be given the option to

join the workforce of Focus Global, Inc. Should they choose otherwise, they are free to pursue and flourish their careers in a workplace of their choice.

On its 25th year, the company partnered with Mandaluyong Manpower

and Technical-Vocational Training Center (Welfareville Compound), the largest settlement for the indigent and marginalized residents of the city.

This training center caters to less fortunate youth and adults who aspire educational achievement and work opportunities.

Having the same vision to help in the community, Mandaluyong Manpower Training Center eagerly partnered with Focus Global for its scholarship project. Both are looking forward to having a fruitful collaboration in giving these scholars a better chance for a brighter future.

“We are happy to support Mandaluyong Manpower and Technical Vocational Training Center. This initiative is very meaningful to us because training people/employees and helping them reach their potentials is one of our core values.

We look forward to seeing the students’ growth, from studying to gainful employment,” Sy adds.

Focus Global, Inc. is the exclusive Philippine distributor of highly acclaimed international home furnishing brands such as Sub-Zero built-in refrigerators, Wolf and Miele premium appliances, SieMatic kitchen cabinets and B&B Italia, and Ethan Allen furniture, among others.

The company has built a reputation not only for its high quality products and excellent after-sales service, but also for its competent design assistance.

For more information about its brands, log on to www.focusglobalinc. com or call 705-9999 for inquiries.

Shaping next generation of Pinoy workforce

GAOC Dental Clinic opens its 6th branch at SM Seaside City Cebu

Dental clinic on an expansion mode GAN Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), the leading dental clinic in the Philippines, and one of the best in South East Asia, is expanding its world-class dental services to the Queen City of the South with the opening of its 6th branch at the SM Seaside City Cebu.

With prime location, Cebuanos can now have access to the highest standards in dental care with GAOC’s stateof-the-art equipment and highly skilled and experienced dental practitioners who have completed their training in top-notch hospitals, universities, and global institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. The clinic’s signature elegant and inviting ambiance also makes any

patient feel welcomed and relaxed.

Founded by Dr. Steve Mark Gan, GAOC takes pride in its unparalleled excellence in oral care including oral diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental implantology, and jaw reconstruction. His acumen for world-class dental treatments and top-notch customer service has led him to become the choice of celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and socialites.

For more details, go to www.gaocdental.com or follow GOAC Dental on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Or personally visit GAOC at the 3/F, SM Seaside Cebu or book an appointment at 0917-825-4262.

Protect family from disease-carrying insects IT IS the time to be reminded of the current threat of diseases like Diarrhea, Dengue and Typhoid Fever.

It is always your best bet to protect your home from pests. And, when it comes to protecting your home against mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches, Temox Multi-Insect Killer is also your best bet.

Proudly Filipino-made, FDA-approved Temox ascribes to international standards of product safety and envi-

ronmental protection. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Keep your families safe everyday.

Basta Peste , I -Temox Mo! Temox multi-insect killer is available at leading supermarkets and drugstores in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Bohol and Metro Davao. For more information visit their website at www.temox.ph like them on facebook : www.facebook.com/temox. ph or inquire@monsi.ph or call 416-3231.

MCDONALD’S Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to shape the next generation of the Filipino workforce through employment programs such as the Special Program of Employment for Students or SPES. In a recent gathering between the quick service restaurant chain, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Public Employment Service Office (PESO), McDonald’s celebrated and further solidified its partnership with the two organizations as they work together in service of the Filipino youth.

“As we start 2017, McDonald’s is excited for a stronger and more collaborative partnership with DOLE and PESO for SPES and other programs. McDonald’s Philippines is committed to being a partner in growth through employment,” said McDonald’s Philippines VP for Human Capital Group Chona Torre.

SPES was launched by DOLE to give deserving high school, college or vocational/technical students, and out-ofschool youth an opportunity to finance their education and eventually obtain regular employment. Screened with the help of PESO, participants undergo a 52-day employment program where they get to learn both technical and soft skills as they work for different companies. McDonald’s was the first quick service restaurant chain to get on board the program, where beneficiaries undergo the same training that regular McDonald’s service crewmembers experience.

Hospital...

From D1 Dr. Quinio adds that pregnant patients whose medical conditions are stable but the fetal condition is a priority are likewise admitted at the MICU. An example is a mother with fetal heart rate abnormalities that warrant close fetal monitoring and may require immediate interventions and invasive procedures.

These patients would benefit most from a referral to the Perinatology service.

Other conditions requiring admission to

Since 2011, McDonald’s has been closely working with partners DOLE and PESO in growing the SPES program. From just 32 restaurants, the program now runs in 380 McDonald’s stores in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This translates to over 13,000 SPES beneficiaries, with 15 percent absorbed as regular employees of McDonald’s Philippines at the end of 2016. McDonald’s is eyeing more SPES beneficiaries this 2017, particularly in provincial area as it opens more new stores.

Last year, McDonald’s also inked its partnership with JobStart, a 6-month program that aims to prepare young Filipinos for employment by providing them with career coaching, life skills, technical trainings, and internship opportunities with different employers from various industries.

Aside from growth in sales and restaurants in 2016, McDonald’s Philippines also grew in terms of its people, with over 50,000 regular employees nationwide.

DOLE-NCR Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete and McDonald’s Philippines VP for Human Capital Group Chona Torre with Ronald McDonald

the MICU include post-operative pregnant patients with stable hemodynamic status; those with multiple injuries but with stable cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic status; those with toxic ingestion and drug overdose but with no threat of acute decompensation of major organ systems; and severely-ill pregnant patients who are ideally admitted in the Adult ICU but are in active labor.

In case there is a need for immediate delivery and the baby needs special attention, TMC also has a developmentally supportive, family-centered Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This unit specializes in the care of critically ill

or premature newborn infants and is staffed by competent neonatologists and other allied medical practitioners.

Outpatient continuity of care is provided to patients previously admitted to the MICU through the High Risk Clinic located in the Women’s Health Care Center. The High Risk Clinic is a venue for consultation with TMC’s Perinatologists that specialize in the care of high risk pregnancies.

For more information, please call the Women’s Health Care Center at 9881000 ext. 6336 or visit www.themedicalcity.com/services/department-ofobstetrics-and-gynecology.

Partnership for Mindanao ‘rainforestation’

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, and the Hineleban Foundation have joined forces for a “rainforestation” project in the mountain ranges of Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, as well as a transformational business partnership with the indigenous peoples (IP) and Muslim residents of the project site.

Present at the signing were BPI Foun-

dation Executive Director Fidelina Corcuera, Sustainability Officer Diane Figueroa, Hineleban Foundation Chairman Urooj S. Malik, and IP Support Officer Neil Konrad D. Binayao III. “With its rich biodiversity, natural resources, and agricultural potential, Mindanao was known as the land of promise and food basket of the country.

However, due to the loss of forest cover,

Mindanao has experienced a drastic decrease in rainfall and river water resulting in extended dry spells. Conversely, Mindanao suffered from massive flooding during the rainy season. Both conditions resulted in a decrease in agricultural productivity and a reduction in crop cycles leading to poverty and hunger in the region,” said Malik. “’Rainforestation’ of the mountains of Mindanao is the

only long-term solution to attaining food self-sufficiency.”

“This is BPI Foundation’s first project located in ARMM, specifically in Lanao del Sur, one of the region’s poorest provinces. Through our three-year partnership with Hineleban Foundation, we hope to restore 100 hectares of denuded watershed in Lanao del Sur,” said. Corcuera. “Another important component of

the project is the capacity development of the IPs and Muslims living in the vicinity of the watersheds on food security and sustainable livelihood. Some of the livelihood initiatives include production of industrial crops such as coffee, cacao and bamboo. These initiatives will help the communities increase their income and become more financially empowered even after the project ends.”

Kenny G live in Manila today and tomorrow

T

HE record breaking, platinum-selling saxophonist, Kenny G, whose melodies are recognized world-wide, is in Manila for a limited-engagement today and tomorrow at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Marriott Resort World Hotel in Pasay City.

The performance is through the courtesy of Sanre Entertainment, the same company that featured Arnel Pineda’s solo concert at the same venue, and recently brought Journey to the Mall of Asia.

Kenny G’s April 27 performance is a sell out.

Tickets to the second night (April 28) are still available at the Ticketworld outlet.

Rene Walter, the innovative powerhouse leader behind Sanre Entertainment, said Kenny G’s performances in Manila will be recorded for two

separate Pay-Per-View concerts airing soon.

Kenny known for his soothing, melodic brand of popular music to Manila gives The Newport Theater an intimate ambience for his performance.

Kenny G has popularized instrumental, stylized songs that have sold in the tens of millions, yet still strike a personal note with each listener. With album titles such as Breathless, I’m in the Mood for Love, Going Home, Rhythm and Romance, and Heart and Soul, it makes one wonder just how many romances have blossomed listening to Kenny’s music?

The Seattle-born-and-bred musician got his first break in a jazz-fusion band and produced his first solo album Kenny G in 1982. But it wasn’t till his hit, “Songbird,” from his Duotones album that his career took off to the stratosphere. “A saxophonist can be just as expressive as a good singer,” Kenny said. “The success of ‘Songbird’ proved I was right.”

‘Songbird’ was inspired from his move from his hometown of Seattle to Los Angeles and since then his music has been performed or played in everything from the 1994 FIFA World Cup to the soundtracks of several movies, most notably The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. His sixth studio album, Breathless, was released in 1992, and went on

to become the best-selling instrumental album ever, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide, selling 12 million copies in the United States alone, and was the recipient of the Grammy Award for the Best Instrumental Composition.

The list of Kenny’s achievements and collaborations are like a Who’s Who of the music world. Kenny has worked with everyone from Celine Dion to Frank Sinatra, George Benson to Toni Braxton.

He has played at the White House, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and has performed at State events and toured the world. However, if you were to ask him about his biggest accomplishments, it probably wouldn’t have to do with record sales or sold out venues. In his earlier career, rather than hardcore jazz followers, Kenny G had always drawn fans of R&B/pop music, probably due to the fact that two of his early albums, G-Force, and Gravity were funk-oriented, until ‘Songbird, he acknowledged.

Kenny G’s Manila performances are brought to you by Propectin, Maserati & Bose In Special Cooperation with Mr. Yank Barry & Global Village Champions.

ABS-CBN turns into campus ABS-CBN capped another successful edition of “Pinoy Media Congress” (PMC) recently. It hailed the first winner of the PMC Online Video Competition and turned ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center into a campus for one day with workshops, tours, and screenings for hundreds of communication students from all over the Philippines.

Far Eastern University (FEU) BK8 List, which pokes fun at cliché scenes in the movies, bested Saint Louis University’s Neutral, which features

a masked person going around Baguio City in search for people like him, and UP Diliman’s take on Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s Dasalan at Tocsohan entitled Los Mandamientos in the PMC Online Video Competition, which aimed to give students a chance to pitch their creative ideas for an original series to ABS-CBN. Apart from cash prizes, the three finalists were also given the opportunity to be part of ABS-CBN multichannel network Adober Studios’ growing number of content creators.

After two days of plenary sessions on topics and issues related to the conference theme “Media and Information Literacy: Understanding Media in Today’s Changing Society,” delegates were given a chance to participate in an activity that they believe can best help them prepare for their chosen career path.

Aspiring writers for TV and film registered for the Scriptwriting workshop of Ricky Lee, who taught them how to develop stories that will connect with viewers.

The writer of many classic films and ABS-CBN’s creative manager likened the process to giving birth, telling the participants that just like a newborn that just came out of the womb, their first drafts will look messy and unpolished. However, after cleaning it and giving it time to grow, it can develop to a good story.

At the Adober Studios boot camp, delegates were guided on how to conceptualize, write, shoot, and edit original online c o n t e n t .

A B S - C B N ’s multi-channel n e t w o r k brought in the crew behind Unspoken Rules, a popular online series featuring c o m m o n beliefs about

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, April 27, 2017

ACROSS 1 Litter 6 Chip in 10 Those guys 14 Agave 15 On — — with 16 Red on the inside 17 Go biking 18 Chevalier musical 19 Mine and thine 20 Custody 22 Adds up 24 Go right 26 Made catty remarks 27 Perfumed pouches 31 Language suffix 32 Built-up 33 Pipe down!

36 Ms. Hagen of films 39 Bearing 40 Puts on 41 Do a barber’s job 42 Boathouse gear 43 Shade-loving plant 44 In a crazy way 45 Damage the finish 46 “20,000 — Under the Sea” 48 Lumber 51 Solomon, to David

52 Rustics 54 Big name in geometry 59 Lurch 60 Eggnog time 62 Pablo’s girl 63 Klein of fashion 64 Hurt in the bullring 65 Hard-luck case 66 Fling 67 Zipped along 68 Nab DOWN 1 Sort 2 Paris streets 3 Aussie rockers 4 Leave a mark 5 Kind of lamp 6 Old crone 7 Sweeping, as a story 8 Nigerian city 9 Victorian quality 10 Road company 11 — couture 12 Goofed up 13 Predicament 21 Clammy 23 “Oh, nonsense!”

25 Slalom runs 27 Heavyweight sport 28 Tune for a diva 29 10-4 buddy 30 Chinese dynasty

34 Kind of rack 35 Europe-Asia divider 36 Lahore language 37 Roofing piece 38 Grant and Irving 40 Phrasings 41 Catch for speeding 43 Pay attention 44 How-to books 45 Sugar trees 47 Job-ad letters 48 Good, to Pedro 49 Broken mirrors,

maybe 50 Pry 52 Baby sitter’s bane 53 Wizened 55 McCartney’s “— People” 56 Elvis’ daughter 57 Disney CEO Bob — 58 Risk it 61 Went first

love and friendship, to assist the participants in doing their own videos. Delegates got to experience the creative process behind the viral videos they used to just watch on YouTube or on social media.

Future journalists and reporters enlisted for the “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo” citizen journalism workshop, where they were taught again the basics of news writing, while a professional photojournalist showed them how to use their smartphones to shoot, edit, and disseminate their own reports. Participants even got to take home BMPM backpacks and kits that they can use as they begin their journey as young citizen journalists.

Meanwhile, over 200 students also got the opportunity to tour inside ABS-CBN’s studios in Quezon City, as well as inside the famous Pinoy Big Brother house. Here, delegates saw firsthand how the country’s most watched programs are being produced, as tour guides also explain to them the basic equipment and setups used in the shows.

Finally, delegates also flocked to the free movie screenings of classics Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and Magic Temple in ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater, courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Restoration, which promotes preservation and appreciation of Filipino film classics.

Over 1,000 mass communication students gained a more informed and critical understanding of the media at the 11th Pinoy Media Congress (PMC), on Feb. 16 and 17 at the St. Mary’s College Quezon City campus, and beamed live via satellite to the Visayas State University (VSU).

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.

Japan’s best shows on Sony Gem

“Guardian of Beauty” starring Chinese actors Xi Xiao Lu and Zhang Yi

PICK up cooking tips from half-Filipino and half-Japanese heartthrob Mocomichi Hayami as he cooks gourmet dishes in the comfort of his home on Sony GEM’s MOCO’S Kitchen via SKY Select.

MOCO’S Kitchen is one of many exciting shows on Sony GEM, Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia’s newest channel that features the best shows and movies from Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Other shows to check out are Guardian of Beauty, Drops of God, Gokusen – The Third Series, and Masquerade 2017.

As an extra treat, all SKYcable and Destiny Cable subscribers who will add Sony GEM to their line-up from March to June will get the chance to win cool gadgets such as Sony Xperia phones, handycams, and wireless Bluetooth speakers with the grand winner taking home a Sony Playstation PS4 Slim, VR box, and camera. Just fill out the entry form at mysky.com.ph/gempromo.

The channel earlier offered for free will continue to be available on SKY via its on-top channel subscription service, SKY Select, for only P50 a month. Subscribers in Metro Manila and nearby areas can watch it on channel 116, while subscribers in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio can tune in to channel 222.

Get it via SKY Select as a stand-alone channel for P50 per month.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

H

OW far can relationship goals stand the ultimate test when real or reel celebrity couples find themselves in an unfamiliar world?

Sunday afternoons will be extra fun and challenging with Heart EvangelistaEscudero as she starts a new chapter in her career on television hosting a realitygame show with celebrity couples.

Heart, literally, step outs of her comfort zone in Follow Your Heart.

The reality-game show is GMA Public Affair’s newest show and it dares real and reel celebrity couples to face demanding challenges like common folks do.

Each episode features two celebrity pairs that will take on the challenges of raising children – and money – for their respective adoptive family. Together, they will look after the children and perform household chores such as washing clothes and cooking.

It’s a show where drama, action, and entertainment are rolled into one.

The task does not end there as the celebrity couples must battle it out in a series of fun games where cash prizes are at stake and given to their newfound families. The winning host family will receive P50,000 while a consolation prize of P25,000 goes to the non-winning host family.

Fans will definitely see another side of Heart in her latest project. “Never

been seen iyong mga ginagawa namin. Matutuwa sila dahil mas makikilala nila kami bilang mga artista, kung sino kami sa totoong buhay,” says Heart.

Aside from hosting the show, Heart immerses herself in the challenges as well. “Ginawa ko iyong mga challenges. And iyong iba mahirap siyempre dahil summer pero sobrang ang dami kong natutunan,” says the Kapuso actress-host.

“Expect [na] nila na talagang lahat kami na mafifeature sa show [ay] mag-i-step out talaga sa aming mga comfort zones,” she adds.

In the pilot episode, Follow Your Heart went to Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna with celebrity couples Mark Herras and Winwyn Marquez and LJ Reyes and Paolo Contis. From making and riding their own rafts to fishing, the Kapuso stars took on the various challenges to win the game.

Mark and Winwyn accompanied the hardworking couple Lotlot and Romeo Sales who builds makeshift boats that tourists ride to cross Lake Pandin. Lotlot, now seven months pregnant, helps out by pulling the rope that moves the raft across the lake. The couple has eight children.

Meanwhile, LJ and Paolo take on the tasks of couple Orlando and Gina Tolentino. Like Lotlot, Gina also works the rafts on Lake Pandin.

Orlando, on the other hand, is a fisherman. Gina the following morning sells the catch he gets from the lake at dusk.

LJ and Paolo won the challenges over Mark and Wynwyn. Orlando and Gina received P50 thousand while Lotlot and Romeo P25 thousand.

Who will join Heart on Sunday in Follow Your Heart? Watch it at 5 p.m. on GMA7.

Heart

Evangelista -Escudero

In “Follow Your Heart,” GMA-7’s newest reality game show, Heart Evangelista also immerses herself in challenges contestants have to go through

WITH the success of his debut solo EP A New Strain, former Urbandub front man Gabby Alipe is on a high these days.

“Visions,” his first single as a solo artist, became a radio hit— and its successor “Paalam” is poised to do the same.

Since many good things have been coming his way lately, Gabby and his record label MCA Music decided to pay it forward by supporting School-in-a-Bag, a program run by Smart Communications. The program aims to make learning easier for students in disadvantaged areas by giving them digital learning tools. Those tools include a solar panel for electricity, a laptop, a tablet, mobile phone, a pocket WiFi with starter load, an LED TV, and a wide variety of study modules.

According to Darwin Flores, Smart’s vice president for Community Partnerships, School-in-aBag is the leading telecom company’s attempt to bring people together using technology.

“The people of the Philippines have been divided by geography for the longest time,” says Darwin. “So Smart came up with School-in-a-Bag to unite them by giving people Internet access.

This is part of our digital inclusion efforts. We want to enable children in even the most remote of areas to participate in the global knowledge economy. There’s so much to learn out there, and School-in-a-Bag will help them gain access to that wealth of information,” Flores said.

So far, School-in-a-Bag has made learning easier for the students in far-flung “un-energized” schools, like Rawang Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal. Most of the children who go to school have never seen, much less used, desktop computers and tablets. But thanks to Smart, second grader Katrina Apelada can now familiarize herself with such gadgets and figure out how to use

steps out of her comfort zone

them to improve her grades. Teachers can also make their classes more dynamic and interesting, using the learning tools School-in-a-Bag contains.

Rawang Elementary School is just one of 18 schools in remote areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that received Schoolin-a-Bag units. Most recently, two island schools in Coron, Palawan—Banuang Daan Elementary School and Cabugao Elementary School—got their own units, and Gabby himself delivered the MCA Music School-in-a-Bag package.

Gabby decided to get on the School-in-a-Bag train because he’s a big believer in the power of education. The schools Gabby went to shaped him as a musician and songwriter. Not only did his classes teach him how to write well, but it was in high school that he began his musical journey. Had he not been able to finish his studies, his life would probably have turned out very differently.

That’s why the Cebuano rocker was so eager to get involved with School-in-a-Bag in the first place.

He wanted to give students a chance to change their lives by encouraging them to stay in school. He believes School-in-a-Bag will help them become more motivated to do so.

Luckily, Gabby has the full support of his label. After all, MCA Music is all about music, charity and hit makers like Gabby who love to pay it forward.

Interested parties can also give the gift of digital learning to more schools all over the Philippines by sponsoring a School-in-a-Bag. Each unit costs P100,000. For more information, email TechnoCart@smart.com.ph.

For booking inquiries, please contact Kerwin Rosete of MCA Music Artist Management at 916-2504 local 107, 0920-9682991 or email mcabooking@ umusic.com.

Primetime royalties Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, stars of the top-rating drama on Kapuso Network

Fans rave about ‘kilig’ scenes in

‘DESTINED TO BE YOURS’ GMA Network’s primetime series Destined To Be Yours continues to win in the ratings game every night as it keeps viewers hooked on the romantic story of Benjie (Alden Richards) and Sinag (Maine Mendoza).

Based on Nielsen Phils. TAM’s National Urban Philippines people data, the show registered an average rating of 10.7 percent April 3 – 19 (April 9-19 based on overnights) beating its counterpart show on ABSCBN, My Dear Heart, which only got 9.8 percent.

Meanwhile, fans swooned and gushed over the latest episodes where Benjie and Sinag finally made peace and are on their way to becoming

friends again. Benjie attends the radio station’s company outing and joins games where both he and Sinag are forced to be close to one another.

Trish (Thea Tolentino) arrives then and sees the two of them together and finds out from Tala that Sinag was Sunshine all along—a revelation that infuriates her.

Moreover, Catalina (Ina Feleo) isn’t done trying to sabotage Benjie’s career at their architectural firm. She sets up Benjie to make it seem that he accepted dirty money from the project they were working on.

Don’t miss the kilig-filled story of Destined To Be Yours weeknights after Encantadia on GMA Telebabad.