Manila Standard - 2017 May 23 - Tuesday

VOL. XXXI • NO. 98 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

FIRST MEETING. President Rodrigo

Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss matters at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in Lima, Peru on Nov. 19, 2016. They are expected to meet again in Moscow as the Philippine leader embarks on a five-day official visit. Presidential Photo

Du30 eyes Russian arms PH foreign policy seen veering away from US

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte flew to Russia on Monday to meet his hero, seek arms and steer his nation’s foreign policy course further away from longtime ally the United States.

The five-day trip will cement a dramatic improvement in ties between the two nations since Duterte came to power last year and began unravelling the Philippines’ decades-long alliances with the United States, which he accuses of hypocrisy and bullying.

Duterte on Thursday will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin,

whom he has described as his “favorite hero” and proclaimed a personal bond because of mutual passions such as guns and hunting.

Duterte said on Friday one of the top priorities of his trip was to secure Russian precision-guided bombs to use on Islamic militants in Mindanao.

“If they can spare us with the pre-

cision guided [bombs],” Duterte said when discussing the purpose of his trip.

“We have so many smart bombs but not as accurate.”

Duterte’s seeking of weapons from Russia comes as he dials down cooperation with the United States, the Philippines’ former colonial ruler that

has for decades been its most important military ally and protector.

He has scaled down the number and scope of annual military exercises with the US, barred Filipino forces from joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea, and called for the withdrawal of American troops from the Philippines.

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‘War displaces 31m; China tops victims’ list’ MORE than 31 million people were displaced in their own countries by conflict, violence and disasters in 2016, with China and the Philippines among the worst affected by natural calamities, a new report by a monitoring center said Monday.

China tops the list of new displacements due to disasters, with 7.4 million people driven from their homes, followed by the Philippines (5.9 million), India (2.4 million) and Indonesia (1.2 million).

DISTRACTION?

A Filipino taxi driver displays a religious icon inside his vehicle in Manila on May 22, 2017. Philippine authorities have banned hanging rosaries and religious icons off car dashboards because of safety concerns, prompting an outcry from the Catholic Church which insists they offer divine intervention on the nation’s chaotic roads. The ban, which will take effect on May 26, is part of a wide-ranging new law aimed at eliminating distractions for drivers. AFP

BIFF’s bomber killed

By Francisco Tuyay A TERRORIST trained in bomb-making techniques by a Malaysian-trained extremist was killed in a firefight with police and military forces in Maguindanao early dawn Sunday.

Police reports identified the slain bomb expert as Muhammad Ali, alias Abu Mohammad, resident of Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi, Maguindanao.

The bomb expert, a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, was slain after he resisted security forces serving a search warrant against him, sparking a skirmish in the village of Capiton.

Ali was facing charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, according to the search warrant issued

by Judge Alandrez Betoya of the Regional Trial Court 12 Judicial Branch 15 in Cotabato City.

Records showed that Ali is a BIFF bomb instructor and Next page

Rosaries added to banned ‘distractions’ AUTHORITIES have banned hanging rosaries and religious icons off car dashboards because of safety concerns, prompting an outcry from the Catholic Church, which insists they offer divine intervention on the nation’s chaotic roads.

The ban, which will take effect

on Friday, is part of a wide-ranging new law aimed at eliminating distractions for drivers.

These include talking or sending messages or using navigational aids on mobile phones, putting on make-up, and eating or drinking coffee while driving, said Aileen

Lizada, spokeswoman for the national transport regulatory agency.

But it is the ban on the religious icons and trinkets—which visitors to the Philippines inevitably see hanging off rearview mirrors in taxis and jeepneys—that has stirred the most controversy.

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These displacements are expected to increase in the future as the impact of climate change becomes more acute, said the report.

The Democratic Republic of Congo had a spike of 922,000 new displacements caused by conflict last year, more than Syria with 824,000 and Iraq with 659,000, said the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Disasters displaced three times more people than conflicts, with Next page

Benham gets renamed; Beijing sidesteps threat PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order officially renaming Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise” to use the resource-rich territory off the coast of Aurora province.

He signed Executive Order 25 on May 16 renaming the 13-million-hectare area undersea landmass off Aurora.

“All departments, subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall henceforth

use and employ the name ‘Philippine Rise’ in all official documents in referring to the undersea feature,” the EO says.

In other developments: • China on Monday sidestepped claims by Duterte that it had threatened to go to war over the disputed South China Sea. Duterte, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing last week, Next page

Buy local goods, govt men urged

Oil prices hiked by 70c/liter

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DAVAO CITY―President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday all government employees should use Philippine-made products as he bragged about his Ibarrabrand watch that was made in the Philippines.

The watch has foreign parts but was assembled in the Philippines.

“It’s an elegant one. Very nice, and I’m going to wear it proudly as a Philippine product,” Duterte said.

He said a friend gave the watch to him but asked him to Next page pay for it.

THE oil companies raised pump prices by as much as P0.70 per liter as the international traders speculated on the possibility of extending the oil producers’ oilsupply cuts into 2018.

They raised the price of kerosene by P0.70 per liter, gasoline

by P0.65 per liter and diesel by P0.60 per liter effective 6 a.m.

Tuesday.

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will increase the price of diesel by P0.60 per liter and gasoline by P0.65 per liter effective 6 a.m. of May 23, 2017,” the Next page company said.

MARITIME WOES. Members of Kabataan party-list troop to the Chinese Embassy in Makati City demanding that the Duterte administration take a more aggressive stance after China allegedly threatened to go to war over maritime claims. Norman Cruz

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News

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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Serve in provinces, lawyers told

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Supreme Court on Monday administered the oath-taking of 3,747 new lawyers who hurdled the 2016 Bar exams.

The new lawyers were joined by their families at a special session of the Supreme Court for the oath-taking ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Addressing the new lawyers, Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno cited the significance of the 2016 Bar results where all top 10 came from provincial law schools.

It was the first time that no graduate from a law school in Metro

Manila placed in the top 10.

Sereno said this was an indication of the dispersal of quality education throughout the country as she urged the new lawyers to practice law in their own provinces and hometowns.

Associate Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., who served as the chairman of last year’s Bar exams, agreed.

“We definitely need lawyers in the provinces and in provid-

‘War...

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Du30...

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most of the 24 million people affected hit by suddenonset weather hazards such as floods, storms, wildfires and severe winter conditions.

Jan Egeland, the head of the NRC, said the shocking figures show the need to focus as much on people displaced inside their countries than on refugees who flee across borders.

“Internally displaced people now outnumber refugees by two to one. It is urgent to put internal displacement back on the global agenda,” said Egeland.

Afghanistan ranked fourth in terms of displacement caused by conflict, with 653,000, followed by Nigeria with 501,000 and Yemen with 478,000.

Of the 6.9 million people driven from their homes due to conflict, 2.6 million live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Internal displacement is overshadowed by the current global focus on refugees and migrants, said the monitoring center.

More aid was spent last year on refugee resettlement than in the countries where the crises began, it added.

There was a total of 40.3 million people displaced by conflict and violence in their countries by the end of 2016 —a figure that has nearly doubled since 2000 and has increased sharply over the last five years. AFP

BIFF’s...

From A1 prodigy of slain Usman Bassit, the former head of the Special Operations Group of the BIFF, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Usman was killed last May 4, four months after his Malaysian bomb-trainer, Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan was slain in a botched police operation that resulted in the death of 44 members of the Special Action Force troopers in the Mamasapano village of Guindalungan, Maguindanao in January 2015.

Ali was the object of a years-long hunt for his involvement in various bomb attacks against military detachments in Maguindanao.

During the actual search minutes after the slaying of Ali, police and military personnel recovered from his supposed hideout one 60mm mortar, a fragmentation grenade, and an Ingram machine pistol.

Also seized from Ali’s safe house were seven 9-volt batteries, 16 blasting caps, nine battery connectors, four cutting tools, four cell phones, a handheld radio, a detonating cord, one Globe Positioning System device and a laptop computer.

The killing of Ali came just a week after security forces pinned down 10 suspected members of the BIFF in a clash in the outskirts of Bual village in Sultan Kudarat.

With Florante S. Solmerin

The shift occurred as China has become more assertive in challenging US might in the region by expanding its presence in the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety.

Despite China’s expansionism extending into areas of the sea claimed by the Philippines, Duterte has been determined to pivot his nation’s foreign policy away from the United States in favor of Beijing and Moscow.

This has partly been due to China and Russia supporting or at least not criticizing his controversial war on drugs, which has left thousands of people dead and led to warnings by rights groups that Duterte may be orchestrating a crime against humanity.

Duterte has railed against the United States, particularly when Barack Obama was president, for criticizing the drug war.

On a state visit to China last year, Duterte announced the Philippines’ “separation” from the United States.

“I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world--China, Philippines and Russia. It’s the only way,” he

Benham...

From A1 said Friday the leaders had raised conflict as an option to resolving their competing claims to the waters.

“I really said it to their face.

That is ours and we intend to drill oil there,” said Duterte, who claimed he made the comments public in response to domestic criticism he was being too weak with China over the row.

“And they told me: ‘Well, we’re friends. We do not want to quarrel with you. We want to maintain the present warm relationship. But if you force the issue we’ll go to war.’”

• Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said he had advised Duterte

ing legal aid services to the poor and marginalized,” he said.

Sereno also reminded the new lawyers to be true to their oath and always uphold the rule of law.

“Preserve and defend the rule of law. Arm yourselves with idealism, passion and knowledge of the law,” the Chief Justice told the new lawyers, whom she described as the “lifeblood of the legal profession.”

“Do not waver, uphold the truth and dispense justice.

Know that inequality and poverty exist. Serve the people,” Associate Justice Marvic Leo-

nen posted in his Twitter account.

Velasco pointed out that this batch represents one of the highest passing rates in the history of the Bar exams or 59.06 percent of the total of 6,344 takers who completed the exams in November last year.

It was the second highest passing rate in the history of Bar exams since 1954 when the passing rate was 75.17 percent.

“The exam was fair and reasonable. Many actually thought it was difficult,” he said.

Karen Mae Calam of the University of San Carlos Law School in Cebu City topped the 2016 Bar exams with an aver-

age of 89.05 percent.

In an interview with reporters before the ceremony, she said her achievement comes with a big pressure for her to do well in law practice.

“When a very big blessing comes your way, there is always a responsibility. In every action that I’m doing, many people will be observing. But that’s okay as long as within yourself, you’re confident of what you’re doing,” she said.

The new lawyers will sign the Roll of Attorneys in the Supreme Court to officially become lawyers and will each be assigned a Bar Roll Number that they will use in law practice.

said in Beijing.

Duterte, who describes himself as a socialist, and Putin first met on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru last November.

“Historically, I have been identified with the Western world. It was good until it lasted. And of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations,” Duterte told Putin then.

Since then, two Russian Navy flotillas have visited Manila.

“The Russians are with me, I shall not be afraid,” Duterte said while touring the Russian Navy’s guided missile cruiser Varyag during a port visit to Manila last month.

The Philippines and Russia established diplomatic ties 41 years ago but, until Duterte took office, relations remained relatively low key.

This was partly due to the Philippines’ alliance with the United States.

Philippine-Russian trade last year totaled just $226 million, according to government data.

Philippine-US trade was worth more than $18 billion last year.

Relations remain at the “nascent stage,” but this will change, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Cleofe Natividad told reporters in a briefing on Duterte’s trip to Russia.

“We consider this visit as

a landmark that will send a strong message of the Philippines’ commitment to seek new partnerships and strengthen relations with non-traditional partners,” she said.

Duterte visiting Moscow will be a “propaganda victory for Putin and a soft-power coup for Russia,” said Richard Javad Heydarian, a foreign policy analyst in Manila.

“It will be their way of poking the eye of America.”

Before leaving for Moscow, Duterte told Russian journalists in Davao that he is open to seeking new defense alliances, including fresh arms deals with Russia and China.

Despite the country’s existing Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington, Duterte said he will make good of his promise to realign with Moscow and Beijing.

Duterte said he would no longer buy arms from the United States, which imposes human rights conditions on such weapons sales.

“Russia sells arms; it does not impose any conditions,” he said.

“America is double talk. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. So there will always be a problem, there will always be misconceptions and probably a dislike, if not hatred for one another,” he

added.

Bringing with him members of his Cabinet and a large business delegation of more than 200 businessmen seeking trade opportunities, Duterte said his visit will correct the country’s “over-dependence” on the United States.

“Russia must cease to be at the margins of Philippine diplomacy. Over dependence on traditional partners has limited our room to maneuver in a very dynamic international arena,” Duterte said before leaving the country.

“My visit underscores the independence of the Philippines’ foreign policy and the firm resolve to broaden the horizons of friendship and cooperation with other nations.

“This is a strategic oversight that has led to many missed opportunities for our country. I am determined to correct this,” he said.

In the same interview with the Russian media, Duterte revealed that he had turned down an invitation to attend US President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January in favor of first visiting Russia.

“I have not been there. I have been invited to attend the swearing-in of Trump, but I said ‘not yet because I have to go to Russia’,” Duterte said.

AFP, John Paolo Bencito

to revisit the joint-patrol exercises with the Americans of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s threat of war.

In a statement, the senior diplomat, who pushed for filing a case and won against China’s excessive claims to the disputed sea, said reviving such activities would help the country defend its national interest and territorial integrity.

“The joint patrol of our EEZ with the US and possibly other partners would be a combined strategic and tactical move for the Philippine government in defending our national interest and territorial integrity,” Del Rosario said.

• More senators on Monday joined the call of former Su-

preme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio to immediately elevate the threat that the Chinese President allegedly issued against the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations.”

They were Panfilo Lacson, Franklin Drilon and Francis Pangilinan.

“Obviously, veiled or not that’s threat. To say that, when he mentioned, assuming President Duterte’s paraphrase was accurate, obviously what the Chinese president said was a threat,” Senator Lacson said.

Duterte has also instructed the Foreign Affairs Department “to notify concerned international organizations” of the change in the name of the seismically active undersea region and extinct volcanic ridge.

The Philippine Rise contains vast undersea deposits of minerals like nickel, copper and silver, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, who led a three-day expedition aboard the M/V DA-BFAR early this month, said his department wanted to focus on exploring the region’s potentials for food security.

The United Nations Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf in 2012 approved the Philippines’ claim for the extended continental shelf after Manila successfully proved that it was part of Isabela province’s extended continental shelf. John Paolo Bencito, AFP,

Rosaries...

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Roughly 80 percent of the Philippines’ 100 million people are Catholic, a legacy of centuries of Spanish colonial rule that ended in 1898, and the religious icons in vehicles are seen by many as offering God’s protection while driving.

“This is an overreaction, insensitive and lacks common sense,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary for public affairs at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said Monday.

“With these religious images, drivers feel they are safer, that there is divine intervention and they are being guided and protected.”

Piston, an association of jeepney drivers and owners, also criticized the plan, saying there was no data showing rosaries and religious trinkets caused accidents.

“Do not meddle with the drivers’ faith in God,” Piston president George San Mateo said.

Senator JV Ejercito urged the Department of Transportation and the Land

Transportation Office to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act until confusion about the law’s implementing rules and regulations is ironed out.

“Looks like their officials did not understand the essence of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. They have made matters complicated, when it is basically just about banning the use of cellphones while driving,” said Ejercito, vice chairman of the Senate public services committee.

Ejercito added that cellphones when used for navigational purposes should be permitted to aid motorists to steer clear of heavy traffic.

He said a ban on attaching phones with navigational applications onto the dashboard made no sense.

“It is counter-intuitive when using Waze or other navigation apps since the use of the cell phone is less dangerous if it is within the line of sight. Every second that the driver’s eyes are on the road counts.

It’s more dangerous if they have to bend [to look at the map],” he said.

For this reason, Ejercito said the Transportation Department should reconsider

Sarah Susanne D. Fabunan and Macon Ramos-Araneta

the strict provisions against placing cellphones within the line of sight of drivers.

“We rarely hear of road accidents that result from the use of navigational apps.

Definitely, texting and tinkering with a mobile phone while driving is a no-no. But when it is used as a navigational aid and it is properly placed, it is okay,” he said.

LTO chief assistant secretary Edgar Galvante, meanwhile, urged the codification of laws related to the Anti-Distracted Driving Act to avoid confusion among motorists.

“What is being banned is the use of electronic devices where the driver might lose his focus while driving when he is using the gadget. This is being done so that accidents will be prevented. Sometimes accidents might even be tragic. That is why the government has implemented stricter measures,” Galvante said during Monday’s Samahang Plaridel, Kapihan sa Manila Hotel.

Galvante noted that there are other laws where it is unlawful to place objects on top of the dashboard of a vehicle where the line of sight of the driver is distracted.

Macon Ramos-Araneta, AFP, Sandy Araneta

Russian honorary degree for Rody

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will receive an honorary doctorate from a Russian university in his visit to Moscow this week after declining a similar award from the University of the Philippines last month.

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations or MGIMO will confer the degree on Duterte on Wednesday, the second day of his four-day official visit to Russia, according to a schedule released by Malacañang.

Duterte, who is expected to deliver a policy speech at Moscow’s premiere school for international studies and foreign policy, will discuss his independent foreign policy and thoughts on achieving peace and security in the region.

The honorary degree will be the first that Duterte will receive as President.

The MGIMO has granted an honorary degree to former President Fidel V. Ramos, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the late Singaporean prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Duterte declined the University of the Philippines’ offer to confer a Doctor of Laws honorary degree on him in April this year.

“With due respect to the University of the Philippines, I do not accept [awards] even when I was mayor. I do not accept. As a matter of personal and official policy, I do not accept awards,” Duterte said.

“I am not rejecting it. To use [the] word reject is not good.

I simply declined. I do not accept ever since,” he added.

With PNA

Oil...

From A1 Phoenix aside, Seaoil Philippines, PTT Philippines, Eastern Petroleum and Flying V also raised their prices while the other oil distributors were expected to follow suit.

The price increases on Tuesday would be the second for May after two consecrative weeks of price cuts.

On May 16, the oil companies implemented a P0.30 per-liter increase in the price of gasoline but diesel and kerosene prices stayed the same.

According to the Energy Department, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and the 11 non-Opec producers including Russia, which had pledged to reduce their output, will gather on May 25 in Vienna to review and possibly extend their six-month agreement to extend their supply cut, which expires at the end of June.

The department said analysts were of the opinion that US oil production could still threaten to disrupt the market balance unless the Opec cuts were deepened.

US oil production had reportedly soared by 10 percent since mid-2016, and to 9.3 million barrels per day.

There were also reports that North Sea oil production, generally seen in terminal decline, was expected to jump by a net 400,000 barrels per day in the next two years.

Buy...

From A1 “He sent it to me,” Duterte said.

“He said ‘I will not give it to you because that is graft and corruption.

Just use it and if it is worth your while and durable, pay for it.”

Duterte has told the generals in the police and military to wear Marikina-made boots to help the shoe industry.

He said the shoes he would be wearing on his trip to Russia was Marikina-made and very durable.

He said he hoped that, someday, all the shoes issued to the police and military would be made in Marikina.

“All we have to do is to fund them [the shoemakers in Marikina], buy them the machines and they can make good shoes,” Duterte said.

He said Filipinos must promote their own products since no foreign country would promote them in behalf of the Filipinos.

News

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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Justice probes prosecutor’s slay

By Jun David and Rey Requejo

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GOVERNMENT prosecutor was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding men in front of his house in Caloocan City Monday morning.

MORNING SHOCKER. A state prosecutor was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding men in front of his home in 210-B P. Galauran St., Barangay 63, West Grace Park, Caloocan City on Monday morning. Police identified the victim as Diosdado Azarcon, 57, of the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office. Azarcon was walking to his car when he was repeatedly shot by the assailants. Andrew Rabulan

Pope Francis appoints new bishop in Batanes

By Vito Barcelo POPE Francis has appointed Filipino priest Fr. Danilo Ulep as the new bishop of the Prelature of Batanes, a group of islands located at the northernmost tip of Philippine territory.

The 54-year-old priest from the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao will succeed Bishop

Emeritus Camilo Gregorio, 77, who retired after serving the prelature for almost 14 years.

The new bishop will be the fifth bishop of the Batanes Islands.

Ulep said he was “surprised” but “humbled” by the appointment.

“This will be the first time that I will be uprooted in my native place because

By Joel E. Zurbano

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HE Metro Manila Development Authority will begin today (Thursday) apprehending motorists violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Law. Former President Benigno Aquino III signed in July 2016 Republic Act 10913 which prohibits drivers to use mobile communication devices when behind the wheel and even when stationary during traffic or on stop lights. The law stated that writing, reading, sending a text-based message, making phone calls, or

watching movies, surfing the internet, reading an e-book or performing any sort of computation on a mobile device by a motorist is not allowed.

“Yesterday, we have a meeting and we were given copies of the law, distributed to our district officers and briefed them about it. We will start apprehending tomorrow

I’ve been here in Cagayan since birth.

This is what they say you have to leave everything and everyone behind literally,” he said.

“I didn’t realize that God has other plans for me,” Ulep said. “It’s a challenge that God has given me, a new mission that I’m going to embark on this time around with a bigger responsibility.”

[May 18],” said Victor Nuñez, MMDA legal and legislative staff officer.

“We will deploy men and there will be spotters. In every group, there will be one who will issue citation tickets against violators who will be flagged down when they were caught.”

Nuñez said the first offense has a fine of P5,000, the second offense goes up to P10,000 while P15,000 for the third offense including suspension of the driver’s license for three months and P20,000 for the fourth offense including revocation

Ulep said he would be sad to leave the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao but was “looking forward” about going to Batanes with only about 20,000 Catholics from six parishes.

The prelate said he had just visited the place for the first time late last year for a four-day vacation together with some other priests of the archdiocese.

of the driver’s license.

Heavier penalties that will be imposed for Public Utility Vehicle drivers, and drivers of school service vehicles or drivers of a common carrier of flammable or toxic materials. Those caught in violation within a 50-meter radius of a school will be fined P30,000 and driver’s license suspension for three months.

The law also covers motorcycles, trucks, cargo haulers carrying hazardous or flammable materials; and cyclists, pedicabs, ‘kuligligs’ and animal or human-powered vehicles.

Caloocan City prosecutor Diosdado Azarcon was shot three times in the head right outside his home along Capas Street, Barangay 63 near 9th Avenue.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II immediately directed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the killing of Azarcon.

Initial report said that shortly after 8 a.m. Azarcon was about to approach his car parked a few meters from his home when he was shot by motorcycle-riding suspects numbering to six, all wearing face masks. The motorcycles were had no license plates.

The suspects on board three motorcycles fled after the shooting incident, the report said.

The NBI has already dispatched a team to investigate the shooting of the prosecutor.

Azarcon is the fourth prosecutor attacked since October 2016.

Last February, Surigao City Prosecutor Manuel Navarro Tesioma was shot outside his house. Early this year, Quezon City Prosecutor Noel Mingoa was shot at close range while outside a restaurant along Commonwealth Avenue.

In October last year, Mat-i City Prosecutor Rolando Acide was shot to death outside Mat-i City Hall of Justice.

The law, however, clarifies that it is not considered as distracted driving if the driver is not holding the mobile device like when in hands-free function, using the speaker phone, earphones and microphones.

Provided, that the placement of the mobile device or handsfree device does not interfere with the line of sight of the driver.

There are also exemptions to the provisions of the law: When used for emergency purposes such as an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, or health emergency.

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Opinion

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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EDITORIAL

Giving it a name

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order 25 renaming Benham Rise, the 13-million hectare undersea landmass off the coast of Isabela province, to Philippine Rise.

Five years ago, the United Nations Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf approved the Philippines’ claim to the underwater plateau, believed to have vast deposits of nickel, copper and silver. The Philippines successfully proved that Benham

Adelle Chua, Editor

Rise was part of its extended continental shelf.

The Agriculture Department is also studying its potential for food security.

According to the EO, all agencies of the government shall use “Philippine Rise” in lieu of the old name, which

reflects the name of the American surveyor who discovered it.

But why only now?

The change in name five full years after the granting of the Philippine claim is significant. Last year, Chinese ships were spotted surveying the region even as China claimed innocent passage and freedom of navigation.

The Philippine Rise lies east of Luzon Island, it is unimaginable how China could even contemplate the

thought it might have rights at all, unlike its assertions in 90 percent of the South China Sea west of Luzon. Assertion would be good reason to rename the underwater mass.

Assertiveness would also be a good virtue in the face of threats and double talk from anybody from the international community.

For example, President Duterte reported that China’s leader Xi Jinping threatened to go to war over disputed ter-

ritory—but continues to act warm toward it. Now other officials are warning the President against what may be perceived as inconsistency when he says what he wants to pursue an independent foreign policy.

An associate justice of the Supreme Court, Antonio Carpio, has advised Mr. Duterte to elevate the threat of war to the United Nations. But even if we did involve the UN—again—and even if it decided in our favor—again—this is no

guarantee that we would now adopt a more assertive stance towards China. Just look at what happened with the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Names are significant, sure. But it is what the administration does and does not do in response to threats—implied or otherwise—that will show how serious it is in defending what is ours. This will in turn define others’ behavior toward us.

Reforming the Bar and legal education

maintenance provider Busan, through its local joint venture BURI, of rehabilitating only 48 LRVs.

YESTERDAY, May 22, the country gained a few thousand more lawyers—nearly 4,000 in fact. They were so many that their oath-taking had to be held at the Mall of Asia arena and not the usual venue at the Philippine International Convention Center.

It remained a solemn occasion, the new lawyers uttering their oath with the Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno presiding in the special en banc session of the Supreme Court.

A few weeks ago, during the national convention of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of what the new lawyers did yesterday: “Taking our Oath seriously is the first step in understanding our role as lawyers in ensuring that the Rule of Law is maintained and impunity prevented. It tells us that, in the face of misinformation and confusion, we have a duty to always be candid and truthful not only to the courts but also to our clients and also to the public. It tells us that, in the face of clear and patent injustices, we have an affirmative duty to not turn a blind eye but to do what we can to help. It tells us that, in the midst of impunity and a rising tide of hopelessness about the rule of law, we are called to bring hope to our people.”

To bring hope to our people, lawyers must however be trained and formed well. They must be equipped with both technical skills and provided with practical ethical frameworks that will guide them to make good moral decisions in the face of complex situations and challenges.

Unfortunately, the Bar exams and Philippine legal education (the latter is the outcome of the former) do not prepare future lawyers for the needs of the country. It does not give them tools to navigate the post-millennium era and the dilemmas it brings.

2016 was a good year for bar takers. I unreservedly praise the Bar Committee Chair of the Supreme Court, Justice Presbitero Velasco, for the way he designed and conducted last year’s exams.

He coordinated with the deans of the country’s law schools, listened to their concerns, gave comfort and assurances to the takers (going room to room and extending exam hours), and most important of all guided the examiners, whom he personally chose, to be reasonable in checking the exams.

Justice Velasco’s stewardship of the bar exams is best practice.

It should be emulated.

Turn to A5

Turn to A5

Sumitomo offers to return LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES YESTERDAY was a Monday and commuters jammed the MRT3, as usual. At around 8:20 a.m., somewhere in the northbound line in Cubao, Quezon City, a train stalled because of what the Department of Transportation called “technical problems.”

It was the first of three such incidents, quickly followed by two more a little later at the Magallanes station, in the same rushhour morning.

DoTr classified yesterday’s breakdowns as Category 3 problems, the second-worst in their rating system, which meant that the trains that broke down were not put back in operation. They followed 14 similar serious problems on the line that began on May 15, according to the MRT website.

The million or so Metro Ma-

nilans who rely on the commuter trains every day are aware that traveling by rail these days is a touch-and-go deal. They may or may not make it to work or school on time on any given day.

But there seems to be some hope on the horizon as far as the MRT-3 is concerned: Japanese keiretsu Sumitomo has expressed a desire to return to the job of maintaining the breakdown-prone Edsa line.

Sumitomo did a fine job of ensuring that the MRT-3 trains and everything else related to the railway system worked, until it was unceremoniously replaced as overall maintenance provider by the Department of Transportation and Communications in 2010, early in the Noynoy Aquino administration. That’s when the previous government came up with the highly-suspect scheme that effectively ruined the Edsa line by eliminating Sumitomo’s single-provider system.

According to highly-placed sources in the Department of Transportation, which replaced

the DoTC, top transport officials of the Duterte administration have already been informed about (and are now studying) Sumitomo’s planned return. Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade’s

Commuters don’t really care who operates the MRT trains, as long as they don’t break down like clockwork.

go-ahead is needed to approve the plan of Sumitomo to once again take over the most patronized of the three existing commuter train lines in Metro Manila.

Sumitomo’s contract expired early in the Aquino administration and was extended several times for six-month periods by DoTC Secretaries Mar Roxas and Joseph Emilio Abaya. Eventually, Abaya gave out choppedup pieces of the maintenance contract to companies with suspicious track records and capitalizations, eliminating the “single point of responsibility” that experts said caused the MRT-3 to deteriorate rapidly to its current broken-down state.

The DoTC under Abaya has always maintained that the old Czech-made trains of the MRT were the reason for the frequent breakdowns. But Sumitomo has always kept the same rolling stock that Abaya and his men wanted to replace in good running order, leading to suspicions that some DoTC merely wanted to purchase new trains and make hefty commissions from the purchases. *** According to sources close to the negotiations, the proposal calls for Sumitomo returning to

work on MRT-3 maintenance and operations under the old “system guarantee” scheme through the Metro Rail Transport Corp., which originally contracted the Japanese firm. MRTC’s plan, stated in a letter to Tugade, calls for an investment of P7.5 billion to rehabilitate the system, with Sumitomo doing the work, in 24 months.

The proposal will not cost the government any money and will not require government guarantees. It will require an increase in fares, though, with a provision that the eventual fares will not be more than the cost of a trip of the same distance in an air-conditioned bus on Edsa, and a return of operations and maintenance work to the private firm MRTC. MRTC-Sumitomo’s plan will entail the rehabilitation of 73 existing light rail vehicles (LRVs) of MRT-3. This compares to the current contract of Korean

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Opinion

LAST week, for our 62nd wedding anniversary and also Mother’s Day, I wrote about how I met my wife.

Many people called or sent me a text message congratulating us.

Some asked how we lasted this long at a time when many married couples break up due to a host of reasons.

For one thing, it takes education to go through the travails of married life. Certainly it is not a bed of roses. My wife and I knew what we were getting into.

While my wife had advantage in background—being the granddaughter of Nicolas Capistrano Sr., who was a revolutionary leader during the Philippine-American war and the only daughter of Dr. Vicente Capistrano of Cagayan de Oro City, and on the maternal side, the granddaughter of the late Congressman Ruperto Kapunan of Leyte—I had enough going for myself, having been an Atenean and a lawyer.

My late father, Emiliano Sr., was a district supervisor of schools. He and my mother were devout Catholics, teaching me the rudiments of life, and making sure I knew right from wrong.

Husband and wife must share, if not the same, close background.

This is why I cannot believe that an educated rich boy can have a successful marriage with a poor girl from the province. That only happens in the movies.

Another essential ingredient in a successful marriage is trust—in each other and in God. There were highs and lows.

We had years when I did not have enough money to meet the mortgage payments, or go on vacations or buy things for the family.

My wife and I love praying together. We believe this can indeed move mountains. We passed this on to our children.

During hard times, we simply tried our best. My wife helped me a lot when I was having trouble making ends meet as a journalist. She worked hard sewing pillows and selling these to friends and acquaintances. She decorated homes and offices, being gifted with a knack for this.

My gulay, at times my wife earned more than I could imagine! Indeed there is no substitute for patience and hard work.

So my advice to newlyweds: love one another, have faith in God, trust each other, and pray. *** Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre wants to have Janet Lim Napoles, the mastermind of the P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Funds scam, a state witness. PDAF, also known as pork barrel, is public money allocated to members of Congress supposedly for projects for their constituents.

As state witness, Napoles is expected to rat on past and present legislators who benefited from the fund.

President Duterte has said he believes Napoles is the least guilty among those accused.

I don’t know where the President based his statement. Investigation shows the scam could not have been possible without Napoles. In fact, she got commissions ranging between 40 percent and 60 percent from legislators.

The word “mastermind” was not used to refer to her for nothing.

And as mastermind, it was Napoles who was the most guilty.

No wonder, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales swore to block moves to make Napoles a state witness. Carpio-Morales has all the evidence to indict those involved in the scam.

I also believe that the Duterte administration should indict many more who profited from that scam.

The previous administration was selective in its prosecution.

It detained then-senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla, but I am sure many others, including members of the Liberal Party, were also part of the scam. *** The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Office has exonerated the cops in that Tondo precinct where the secret jail was found. The cramped cell, the entrance to which was hidden behind a cabinet, held a dozen men and women. It did not have sufficient ventilation and the prisoners were made to use plastic bags as toilets.

The secret cell was discovered by the Commission on Human Rights. The police officers said the detainees were held there because of congestion in the main jail.

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa defended the Tondo policemen.

The CHR has already filed a case of violation of the Anti-Torture Act. While those detained may not have been physically tortured, keeping them in a secret jail was also a form of mental torture—a violation of the law.

But did we really expect the PNP Internal Affairs Office to find fault in their fellow cops?

This shows us the mentality of the police force —yes, those who are supposed to protect and serve us. *** The appointment of Danny Lim as chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority brings to fore the need for an elected governor of Metro Manila Commission. Remember how it was during the Marcos regime, when the former First Lady Imelda Marcos was governor of the MMC. The individual local government units in Metro Manila have many contradictory and confusing ordinances. This is why an appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will only find it difficult to coordinate and find solutions to the metro’s problems hounding its 12 million residents.

Other cities in the region— Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore, for instance—have governors that can coordinate the ordinances of their cities.

For instance, while Makati allows banned vehicles on a day of the week, so long as there’s one or several senior citizens inside the vehicle, the ban won’t apply.

But other cities don’t respect such exemption. There’s also the problem of garbage—where to dump them.

The appointment of an MMDA chairman is not the solution.

The final solution is an elected governor.

Sumitomo...

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during the Aquino years.

But DoTr is torn between the high cost of bringing back Sumitomo and the prospect of keeping the trains running. Other options are also on the table, like striking a deal directly with the Japanese and even with the Czech company which delivered the original MRT trains that are still in use today.

If you ask most commuters, I’m sure they don’t really care who operates the trains, as long as they don’t break down like clockwork.

They could even conceivably agree to pay more, if the trains can just get them to where they want to go.

Alternatively, they also want to lynch Abaya and other DoTC officials who ruined what was once such a great way to get around the city, especially when the trains stall.

Given the chance, they just might do that yet.

Janet Lim Napoles cannot be the least guilty among the accused in the pork barrel scam.

MRTC commits to show dramatic improvement in the train service a year after bringing back Sumitomo and taking over operations. The Sobrepena-owned company, which still claims ownership rights to the troubled train line despite government’s takeover of maintenance and operations, promises to return the long-forgotten safe, comfortable and reliable service of the MRT-3 during the Arroyo years at the end of two years.

Will Tugade and his team agree to the MRTC-Sumitomo proposal?

According to my sources, the government has no doubt that the Japanese service provider can bring back efficiency to the troubled line that was almost destroyed by Abaya

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Carping Carpio

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

State witness?

No!

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

FORMATION GARY OLIVAR I WAS pleasantly surprised the other week to read a recent column by former Chief Justice Art Panganiban, where, to paraphrase, he ended by counseling his fellow jurists not to disrespect the prerogatives of the Executive.

Notwithstanding his avowed judicial activism and his often pro-PNoy politics, it was good to note that the former CJ still remembers, and abides by, first principles.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the honorable Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who of late—perhaps out of boredom with his non-CJbefitting duties—has taken upon himself the additional burden of instructing a mere mayor from Davao City how to run this country.

Carpio was the only nonPNoy appointee among the four justices who voted against former President Arroyo, thereby outdoing the two PNoy appointees who did vote to release her from detention.

Was his exceptionalism purely the product of his brilliant intellect, and not at all influenced by the bad blood that grew over the years between him and the lady President who gave him and The Firm all the breaks during happier times?

Not likely, to say the least. But it should reassure us that Carpio is not afflicted by any inclination

towards excessive gratitude—or, perhaps, any kind of gratitude at all. *** Right now, Carpio is confining his unsolicited advice to Duterte to foreign policy issues, specifically our troublesome relationship with China. But tomorrow, who knows where he’ll be going with this?

Sagacity unchallenged is sagacity unbounded. Let’s try and parse what he’s been saying.

When Duterte let slip in public that Chinese President Xi had threatened to go to war over our maritime dispute with them, Carpio immediately jumped on his soapbox.

1. “The threat of China to go to war against the Philippines…is a gross violation of the UN Charter, UNCLOS, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia!”

2. “As a nation that…has renounced war as an instrument of national policy, the Philippines’ recourse is to bring China’s threat of war to another UNCLOS arbitral tribunal!”

3. “The President has the constitutional duty to use all legal means under international law to protect Philippine EEZ!” 4. “The President cannot simply do nothing, or worse, acquiesce to China’s action, for inaction is the opposite of protecting Philippine EEZ!” [Quotes taken from this newspaper, the Inquirer, and the Philippine Star last Sunday] *** Notice how cleverly the honorable Senior Associate Justice dissembles. This non-lawyer col-

umnist would beg to point out the following: 1. The Chinese threat could be up to fourth-hand information: first, as issued by President Xi; second, as translated by his interpreter; third, as filtered through Duterte’s understanding and recollection; and lastly (if Carpio simply read about it) as reported by some online or offline source.

Are we being asked now to go to court—let alone to war—over a fragmentary third- or fourthhand statement?

2. In part because of our Constitutional renunciation of war, one legal way to respond to any threat from Xi is, as Carpio proposes, to go back to UNCLOS for another ruling. BUT it is also perfectly legal, as Duterte has decided, to first try out exhaustive diplomatic consultations, whether multilateral or bilateral.

Both approaches are legal. So why is Carpio’s choice the only correct one, while the President’s choice amounts to “doing nothing”?

3. Carpio implies very clearly that Duterte’s “inaction” will somehow weaken or invalidate the earlier UNCLOS ruling in our favor. By contrast, the President, in his usual earthy fashion, says the ruling “will be there for all time and it will always bug China.”

So who’s right between the two? To be specific: Is Carpio willing to go on the record and tell us that, yes, there’s some kind of statute of limitations on the UNCLOS ruling?

Because right now, what Duterte’s obviously doing is to use that ruling as part of his diplomatic armory, in his own way and his

own time, instead of relying exclusively on legal theory or the courts.

That’s what Presidents are elected to do. It’s not what Supreme Court justices are supposed to do. *** If Carpio is really getting bored with just being a Supreme, here’s a short list of things out in the real world that he and his colleagues could work on: One, unclog the dockets of case backlogs and find ways to speed up the work of the courts. The judges should be tired by now of hearing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

Two, stop the odious practice of issuing temporary restraining orders over the slightest excuse. This abuse of judicial privilege for a heady taste of Executive power may suit some judges, but it will screw up the infrastructure-building plans that drive DuterteNomics.

Three, prepare for the run-up to a federal and parliamentary make-over of government by studying how the judicial system can likewise be appropriately reorganized. For example, there may be not one, but three supreme courts: One to rule on Constitutional issues alone, a second to handle disputes between the States, and a third to review regularly-appealed decisions as per current practice.

These are all exciting and meaningful reforms for someone like Carpio to sink his teeth into, so that he can leave the President alone to do his job as well.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

The thirteenth placer HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA THE recent appointment of Alan Peter Cayetano to the top post in the Department of Foreign Affairs has left a vacancy in the Senate.

Cayetano was last elected to the Senate in May 2013. His term as senator would have ended in 2019.

Even before the recent confirmation of his appointment by the Commission on Appointments, Secretary Cayetano has already gone to work. Fortunately, Cayetano is not too keen about the proposal of ex-House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for the Philippines to pursue a joint exploration of the resources in the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea with Communist China and Vietnam. Cayetano has correctly but politely insinuated that if the joint exploration suggested by De Venecia requires Manila to renounce Philippine sovereignty over maritime territory which, under international law, belongs to the Philippines, that joint exploration will be in violation of the Constitution. Sovereignty cannot be given away through a mere executive agreement over disputed waters.

At any rate, De Venecia’s proposal comes as a big surprise to many. Having relegated himself to the wings of the political stage for the past several years, De Venecia has suddenly appeared from nowhere to propose something that may prejudice the interests of the Republic of the Philippines. His sudden return to mainstream poli-

Reforming...

From A4 Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that 2017 and future years will be the same as the 2016 bar exams.

As in the past, it will be, in the end, be up to the Chair of the Bar Committee. 2016 could start a trend—or not. It might even be the case that future Chairs would feel that with so many new lawyers admitted yesterday, the country might benefit from low passing rates for the next few years.

This would be unfortunate, even harmful. Aside from being unjust to future bar examinees, it would signal that the class of 2016 did not deserve their success. It would make passing the bar arbitrary, depending on the year you take it and who the Bar Chair is that year.

I recommend that the Supreme Court decide with finality the nature of the exam, determine the level of expertise needed to pass them, and establish some standard of reasonableness that binds future Chairs and the examiners they choose. I suggest that the best way is to do this is to decide what is the right passing percentage for any given year.

For me, it is time to transform the

tics is highly suspect, considering that he has all the badges of a traditional politician.

Going back to the vacancy in the Senate created by Cayetano’s departure from the legislative branch of government, that vacancy may be filled only by way of a special election to be called

by Congress, as mandated under Section 9, Article VI of the Constitution.

Congress, however, is not legally obligated to fill the vacancy.

This is clear from the aforecited provision of the charter, which uses the modal “may,” as in “a special election may be called to fill such vacancy ...” Under the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code, twelve senators are elected every three years, for a term of six years.

The last election for 12 seats in the Senate took place in May 2016.

Senator Leila de Lima placed last among the 12 winning candidates.

Thirteenth place went to Francis Tolentino, the ex-chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority whose departure from that agency is not lamented by many.

Some observers have raised the query—may the thirteenth placer in the May 2016 senate elections fill the current vacancy in the Senate created by Cayetano’s appointment as DFA head? The answer is in the negative.

As pointed out above, any vacancy in the Senate may be filled only by way of a special election called by Congress. This means that the 13th placer does not automatically become a senator. From a electoral perspective, installing the 13th placer in office is untenable because the 13th placer was

rejected by the electorate in the polls. Therefore, allowing the 13th placer to fill the vacancy left

by Cayetano is both unconstitutional and a repudiation of the popular will.

This view is not without precedent. When Benigno Aquino III won the presidential elections in May 2010, he vacated his seat in the Senate halfway through his six-year term. In other words, his victory in the presidential election created a vacancy in the Senate. Back then, the 13th placer in the May 2010 Senate race had hoped to fill the vacancy created

by Aquino III simply because she was the 13th placer. Her hopes were dashed by legal experts who cited the constitutional procedure for filling vacancies in the Senate.

When a senator is elected to a six-year term by the sovereign Filipino people, that senator should serve the full six-year term. Allowing the senator to resign before the end of his or her term to assume a post in the executive or judicial department is a defiance of the sovereign popular will.

It may be argued that a senator may not be compelled to continue holding office against his will because that is tantamount to involuntary servitude, something prohibited by the Constitution. That may be so, but since no person can be compelled to run for public office, a candidate for the Senate is deemed to have waived his or her right to invoke the constitutional prohibition against involuntary servitude the moment he or she declared himself to the voters as one who willing to work as a senator for a term of six years.

Therefore, a senator or a representative who cuts short his or

her term to assume public office elsewhere actually shortchanges the electorate who installed him in office. Since the Constitution provides that public office is a public trust, shortchanging the electorate amounts to a violation of the public trust.

That anomaly was, to some extent at least, addressed by the Omnibus Election Code, prior to its subsequent amendment. Under the original Code, a senator who runs for president or vice president is considered resigned from his post in the Senate. Sadly, a law enacted by Congress repealed that provision and allowed a senator to return to his or her post in the Senate in the event that his or her bid for the presidency or vice presidency is unsuccessful.

That amendment mocks the constitutional dictate that public office is a public trust, because it allows opportunistic politicians to speculate on their chances of winning higher public office while holding on to their current positions.

Legal experts believe that the amendatory law in question is unconstitutional because that specific provision which allows defeated senators to re-assume their posts in the Senate is a mere “rider” in the law. Riders—stealthy insertions in a legislative enactment and which evade getting mentioned in the title of the legislative enactment concerned—are prohibited by the Constitution.

Many incumbent politicians have benefitted from that anomalous amendment to the Omnibus Election Code. Senators Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero, Antonio Trillanes, and Gregorio Honasan are in that list.

bar exams and make it nothing more than a licensure exam. In similar exams for different fields (engineering, medicine, CPA), the average passing rates every year range from 40 to 60 percent. Most graduates of the good schools pass licensure exams and only the worst performers in those schools or those who graduate from diploma mills fail.

The bar exams should be limited to the basic subjects all lawyers must know adequately—Political law, Civil Law (that may include some commercial law like the Corporation Code which can substitute such of the more archaic Civil Law subjects), Criminal Law, and Remedial Law (including Legal Ethics and Legal Forms). There is no justification for including Labor Law and Tax Law and most Commercial Law subjects that are highly specialized.

The Bar exams should be regionalized, initially in one additional exam venue each in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao but eventually aiming for even more regional venues.

The current system penalize the provincial takers not just in the high costs of coming over to Manila for a month during the exams but by depriving them of their usual family and other support systems. This year, the best provincial schools did

well; if exams are regionalized, they will do even better.

Reforming the Bar exams can hopefully lead to the radical transformation of legal education. Currently, law schools and law professors teach according to the demands of the bar exams as currently designed and conducted. Freed from its strictures, law schools can be more innovative in their curriculums, including offering more electives Among others, non-law subjects should be offered and students could be offered specialized tracks. We must also teach more international law subjects as well as expose future lawyers to new technologies and the challenges they bring. In addition, creative teaching methods could be employed to ensure better learning such as extensive use of moot courts and negotiation exercises.

A personal bias for me is for law schools to produce more human rights and alternative lawyers. Society needs such lawyers so much with human rights and social injustice so rampant. I hope such lawyers eventually ascend to positions of power and responsibility in our country. Happily, we do have the examples of Vice President Leni Robredo, who worked for years in Saligan, and Supreme Court Jus-

tice Marvic Leonen, my fellow cofounder of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, of alternative law colleagues who have done well and doing good for the country.

Finally, legal education must include moral formation. For this, I quote again from Chief Justice Sereno’s IBP speech when she shared a tool that that has helped her live out the lawyer’s oath: “It is a tool from the words of St. Paul, a refocusing of the mind to look at the horizon of hope, and the posterity that is before us. He says: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Legal education must refocus the mind—to look at the horizon of hope and posterity. The ordinary bar subjects will not do that.

The usual so-called, bastardized way law professors use the Socratic method will result in the opposite outcome. To get there, the exams must be changed and with it the old ways of teaching the law.

Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

News

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House to defy DU30’s wish on age of criminal liability

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE House of Representatives will defy Malacañang on the desire of President Rodrigo Duterte to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 to nine years old, a House official said on Monday.

Rep. Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro, House committee on justice chairperson, said his panel may opt to may decide to “enhance” Republic Act 9344, the Juvenile Justice

and Welfare Act instead.

“I do not want to preempt what the committee will say but maybe [I can reveal that] as early as now, I was briefed by my committee secretary that

there are various options now being pursued," Umali said at a news briefing.

“One of which, and this is something very new, perhaps tomorrow [Tuesday] we’ll understand it more thoroughly, we’ll just enhance the existing law,” Umali added.

But Umali could not tell yet which particular provisions will be amended.

Umali said, however, that the House justice panel may not give in to the desire of President Duterte to lower the age of crimi-

nal liability from the current 15 to nine years old to stop crime syndicates from using children to evade the law.

“That is the possibility. But I do not want to preempt the decision of the committee,” said Umali, a former key ally of the Aquino administration.

Duter te has blamed the Juven ile Justice and Welfare Act and its author Senator Francis Pangili nan for produci ng “generat ions of cr i m i nals.”

RA 9344 raises the minimum

age of crimimal responsibility from 9 to 15 years old.

The President said the current law has allowed children, regardless of the gravity of the offense, to go scot-free and be released on the same dau they were arrested.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez last year filed House Bill 2 that reverts back to nine the age of criminal liability, as the current law was “pampering youth offenders who.commit crimes knowing they can get away with it,” Alvarez said.

Senator’s namesake killed in Caloocan

By Jun David A NAMESAKE of Senator Joel Villanueva and another drug suspect were killed after battling authorities in separate buy-bust operations in Caloocan City.

Police identified the fatalities as the namesake of the senator and Michael Veras, of Barangay 168 Deparo, this city. Villanueva is a former village watchman of Barangay 18.

Initial police investigation showed the incident stemmed from a buy-bust operation on Sunday before dawn by the Drug Enforcement Unit Barangay 18, targeting to capture Villanueva.

While dealing with undercover operatives, Villanueva sensed he was being set up, the authorities said. Villanueva immediately pulled out his firearm and fired at the policemen.

The police fired back until Villanueva fell and died, the report said. Found in the crime scene were a .45 caliber pistol, an empty cartridge and seven plastic sachets with suspected shabu.

Villanueva was said to have been removed from being a barangay tanod owing to his alleged drug activities. He was also among those who turned themselves in during the height of Oplan Tokhang.

He was on parole for a murder charge.

Meanwhile, Veras was killed during an encounter outside his house. His unknown companion managed to elude arrest.

Police were able to recover the suspect’s .38 caliber pistol with three live ammunition.

Also taken were three spent shells and three plastic sachets of suspected shabu.

Duterte signs four new EOs PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte signed four new executive orders modifying the rates of import duty for various imported products under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, including information technology products; capital equipment, spare parts and accessories and and certain agricultural products.

Duterte’s Executive Order No. 20, signed on April 27 but was made available to the media on Monday, modified the multi-year tarriff schedule, including nomenclature and rates of import duty on various products under Section 1611 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. “There is a need to ensure that the high economic growth currently being enjoyed by the country is sustainable and inclusive, and will benefit future generations of Filipinos,” Duterte said in the EO. “It is the policy of government to create an enabling environment for the growth and international competitiveness of Philippine industries that will create and preserve employment opportunities and increase incomes,” he added.

The new EO stated that a new multi-year tariff schedule will promote transparency and stability, facilitate trade and enhance consumer welfare.

“The articles specifically listed... shall be subject to MFN [Most Favored Nation] rates of import duty in accordance with the schedule indicated opposite each article,” the EO said.

Among the imported products covered under the EO were meat, dairy products, furniture, and minerals.

Executive Order No. 21, meanwhile, modified the nomenclature and rates of import duty on certain information technology products to comply with the country’s tariff commitments under the World Trade Organization-Information Technology Agreement (WTO-ITA).

The Philippines signed the ITA in 1997 and was ratified by the Senate a year after. John Paolo Bencito

Customs seizes 1-m fake Nokias

NEW TRUCKS. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines officials led by Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco attends the blessing ceremony of newly-acquired 19 units of pick-up trucks for distribution to various facilities nationwide. Eric B. Apolonio

‘Whole story must be told on MRT mess’

By Sandy Araneta THE whole story must be told regarding the mess in the Metro Rail Transit 3, and not just rely on the contract signed for the purchase of the trains, former MRT general manager Al Vitangcol said during a forum in Manila on Monday.

Vitangcol is scheduled to speak before a Senate investigation today (May 23, Tuesday) on the MRT mess.

“This will be a chance that the public could be informed and what is the whole truth. We have revealed a lot. All that I would be revealing has basis and documents to prove,” said Vitangcol during Monday’s Samahang Plaridel, Kapihan sa Manila Hotel.

Vitangcol, however, declined to name who else might be involved in the mess.

“Last year, my affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court constitutes 70 percent of the real story.

The 30 percent, I’m still writing about it. But no one read this, even the Supreme Court said that the af-

fidavit I have filed is [just] noted,” said Vitangcol.

Vitangcol also said the complaint against him is only a scheme of the past administration.

“The Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman even said it’s not just Vitangcol who should be charged. But the Ombudsman said it’s only Vitangcol and absolved the other former officials of the DoTC. All the problems in the MRT started due to the three ‘I’s’, which are Ignorance, Incompetence, and Inefficiency,” said Vitangcol.

Vitangcol cited as an example of the anomalies is that all projects, including those in the attached agencies, and all the biddings, were centralized, which caused delays.

When asked to comment regarding former Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Vitangcol said: “If he did not make a mistake, his mistake was he became derelict in his duties. He did not conduct inspections or reviews.”

“They should review what hap-

pened in the past, and not just rely on the contract,” said Vitangcol.

Vitangcol said that, in 2010, there were two Philippine government delegations who went to Dalian, China to inspect the facilities.

“I do not know if this was an allexpense paid trip. But the bidding was done only in 2013 and approved in 2014. Why did they go there [that early]?,” he said.

When asked if there will should be charges against other higher government officials of the administration of then President Benigno Aquino III, such as former Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas, or even officals in Malacañang, Vitangcol said, “usual suspects,” all those involved must be charged and investigated.

However, Vitangcol said he doubts other higher officials wil be charged because of the line of questioning made by the Senate committee.

“I doubt that would happen. We saw the line of questioning during the public hearing. They are concentrating on contracts and

the things that happened. But as I said, this is huge. They must check on what happened before, before the contract was signed, and what happened after this. If they do not check on what happened in the past, I doubt it,” he said.

Vitangcol stressed that “if they check on the past, it might be possible that all the other personalities involved will be dragged into the investigation.| “It might be possible if the line of questioning of the committee is correct. But if they will focus only on the contract itself, they cannot see anything above board,” he said.

“They must investigate further from the start. In 2010, there were people who went to Dalian, and bidding was on 2013, awarding was 2014. What is the connection? If I will be asked, we must investigate this furthermore” said Vitangcol.

“In 2015 and 2016, there was an investigation already on MRT issues, but I was not invited. Our story will not be complete if we do not speak. It is still lacking,” he said.

Jaleco, former NPC president, writes 30 FORMER National Press Club (NPC) president and Manila Chronicle editor Reynaldo D. Jaleco passed away last week.

He was 89.

Jaleco started his career in journalism as a copy reader for the pre-Martial Law Manila Chronicle and then worked his way up to become reporter and then news editor.

He also headed the Chronicle News Service as editor before becoming president of the NPC in 1968.

After Martial Law was declared in 1972, he put up his own publishing company and published several magazines,

IN BRIEF

including Focus Magazine, Accent Magazine, and Philippine Magazine, over a period of 30 years.

Jaleco is survived by his wife Ofelia Jamerlan, sons Rodney and Bing, daughter Regina, daughters-in-law Zeny and Stella, grandchildren RP, Ynez, Bea and Pocholo, great grandchildren Prince, Paolo and Solaris, brother Felicisimo, and sister Delicia.

His remains lie in state at the Nobility Room of the Loyola Memorial Chapels Commonwealth in Quezon City. Cremation will be on Friday, May 26.

NEWS FORUM. Land Transportation Office Chief Edgar Galvante (right) and former MRT Line 3

general manager Al Vitangcol answer questions from newsmen during the weekly Samahang Plaridel Kapihan sa Manila Hotel on Monday, May 22. Ey Acasio

THE Bureau of Customs seized nearly P1 million worth of fake Nokia 3310 phones from two passengers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Guangzhou, China.

The seized items, which were intentionally disassembled to avoid paying taxes, were found inside five cartons, according to Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

When asked, suspects Lao Alikhan Unos and Hadji Unis Saaduddin Lao failed to show import documents, including a permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.

The two arrived from Guangzhou, China at the Naia 2 but were stopped upon arrival at the airport.

A report from Major Jaybee Raul Cometa, head of X-Ray Inspection Unit, said the cartons were marked “X” during X-Ray examination.

“In the presence of our agents, we physically examined the luggage and found the contraband,” Cometa said.

Nepomuceno recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violation of an NTC memorandum circular and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Earlier, the BoC also caught a Chinese national who tried to smuggle into the country Nokia 3310 mobile phones at the Naia 2.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon reminded consumers to make sure that the goods, especially imported mobile phones, they are buying are not fake.

"Of course, some consumers would rather patronize fake phones which are relatively cheaper than the original ones but they should also be wise enough to know the difference,” Faeldon said.

The seized mobile phones and chargers are now in the custody of the BoC. Vito Barcelo

EU delegation hosts national debate COMING off from the Europe Day celebration last week where the theme was promotion of rights of children and youth, the EU Delegation to the Philippines will again show its commitment to children and youth rights as they host yoEUth debate on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at De La Salle University Manila.

“The future of the world and of the Philippines is with the children and the youth. We want to hear their voices,” said Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the EU Delegation.

The yoEUth debate will focus on the issues of human rights in business and economic freedom.

Representatives from nine schools from all over the Philippines, and three interns from European Union Member States, are participating in the event coorganized by the EU Delegation, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), and DLSU Manila.

DLSU Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman, UP Visayas, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Mindanao State University, University of San Carlos Cebu and Xavier University Cagayan de Oro have signed up to participate.

The debate will be in town hall and Asian parliamentary formats.

Sports

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Pacto, Casas seek emotional victory

R

OBERT Pactolerin and Cassius Casas can’t help but turn nostalgic as they brace for the revival of the ICTSI Philippines Masters starting tomorrow (Wednesday) at its home course at Villamor Golf Club.

They hope not only to turn back the hands of time but also turn back the young guns in this one particular tournament so dear to them for its lore and tradition.

“It’s nice to have the Masters back here at Villamor. It’s been a long time,” said Pactolerin,

who has ruled this event many times over during his prime.

“But times have changed, we have matured and a lot of young, talented players has emerged through the years.”

The Masters used to be one of local version’s four majors— the others being the Philippine

Open, the President’s Cup and the National PGA—and its annual staging always drew huge international participation and crowds.

But though Villamor looks vulnerable to this generation of long hitters, Pactolerin said the tight, tree-lined military layout remains challenging even to the toughest pros.

“You need to hit accurate drives or the trees will come into play. A little miscue will result to a double or triple bogey,” said Pactolerin.

While the likes of Clyde Mondilla and Tony Lascuña remain

the early favorites in the P2 million event, Pactolerin maintains the desire to win is still there which he hopes to display, along with his familiarity with the par72 layout.

Casas, who edged Pactolerin in a thrilling playoff to win the last Masters in 2000, also keeps a positive outlook heading to the 72-hole championship sponsored

by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “We can still win, We still have the power although we have to be consistent with our putting which I believe will decide this week’s winner,” said Casas, who

used to dominate the local circuit until the tour was shelved due to the ban on sin products from sponsoring sports tournaments.

Still, focus will be on Mondilla, who is coming into the event brimming with confidence after humbling Lascuña and Miguel Tabuena by one at the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship.

Lascuña is also out for redemption, guaranteeing another four-day shootout for the top P360,000 purse among the country’s leading pros and a slew of international aces.

Mondilla and Lascuña, along with Casas and the other top pros

test the Villamor layout one last time in today’s pro-am tournament where they will be paired with officials and guests of the event’s chief backers, including ICTSI, BDO, KZG, Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, Sharp, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and PLDT. Heading the foreign challenge are Americans Nicolas Paez, Keoninh Leonen and Paul Harris, Peter Stojanovski of Macedonia, Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Japanese Joichiro Kawada, Korean Park Jun Sung and Aussies Nathan Park, Jason Dawes and David Gleeson.

Pola hosts 2nd stop of National Motocross THE 2017 Pola, Oriental Mindoro, National Motocross Championship, the second stop of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association’s series fires off on May 28 (Sunday) at the municipality of Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

This is the first time that a national motocross tournament of this magnitude is happening in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, which is expected to draw riders and crowds from neighboring municipalities of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Luzon and even Visayas and Mindanao.

The event was made possible through the initiative and efforts of Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Leandro ‘Dodjie’ Panganiban Jr. and Vice Mayor Jennifer ‘Ina’ Cruz, with the support of Provincial Governor Alfonso V. Umali Jr. and 1st District Congressman Paulino Salvador C. Leachon.

Even national motocross riders coming from Manila, led by multi-titled and reigning NAMSSA Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres and Moy Flores, are coming over to pit guts and skills with their rivals and local hopefuls. They are

the lead riders of the Philippine NAMSSA Motocross Team.

Veteran riders, led by Jun San Andres and other junior categories riders, together with bets from the enduro, intermediates, novice and beginner classes, are also joining the event serving as the tuneup race before the roster of participants heads to the FIM Asian Motocross Championship on June 11 at the Sta. Monica Raceway, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Pola’s new motocross race track was designed and built under the supervision of NAMSSA, in accordance with the technical and safety standards of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sports, of which the NAMSSA is the sole Philippine member.

Trophies are at stake in the 14 national and 3 local support categories for a total of 17 national classes to be run.

“Everything is set. The riders are all excited. Everyone’s raring to give motocross fans of Pola, Oriental Mindoro a motocross competition to remember,” said Macky Carapiet, NAMSSA president.

Robert Pactolerin (left) and Cassius Casas hope not only to turn back the hands of time but also turn back the young guns in this one particular tournament so dear to them for its lore and tradition.

Air Force, Adamson IXs post shutout triumphs San Lorenzo FANCIED Air Force and Adamson U came away with shutout victories over their respective rivals to serve notice of their bid in the Cebuana Lhuillier-ASAPHIL Summer Grand Slam National Open Fast Pitch softball tournament at the Bonifacio and St. Francis fields in Cabuyao City late Sunday.

The Air Force batters kicked off their title-retention drive with an 11-0 rout of the Cebu City side in the Open men’s division while the Falcons, the reigning UAAP champions,

proved too much for the Manila City Team I squad, 10-0, in women’s play of the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL).

Ateneo matched AdU’s emphatic start with a 7-0 romp over Cabiao, Nueva Ecija while Dasmariñas, while Cavite smothered Manila City Team 2, 19-0, in the 11th season of the tournament, also held as part of selection process for the future national team.

“As we continue to build the path towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, we at ASAPHIL are relentless in our goal to find and train local softball stars, and this tournament serves that purpose,” said ASAPHIL and Cebuana Lhuiller president Jean Henri Lhuillier. “Year after year, we are treated to highly competitive teams pitted against each other. This year is no different and I can’t wait to see how they are going to battle it out in the next couple of days.”

The Philippine Youth team

also rapped Tanauan, Batangas, 4-1, but struggled past UP-Diliman, 5-4 while Sta. Maria, Bulacan thumped Rizal Technological U, 12-0 and Makati City survived Tanuan, Batangas, 7-6, in the event which drew 46 teams nationwide.

In other results in the ladies division, UP Team 2 retired De La Salle-Zobel, 2-0, but fell to University of the East, 2-9, while San Miguel, Bulacan also blasted DLSZ, 12-0.

In the Men’s Club category,

Alasba Bicol ripped the home team Cabuyao Transformer Galvatron, 10-2, but absorbed a stinging 0-9 defeat to Air Force while Philippine Army held off Zamboanga, 2-0.

In the Men’s Cup A division, the ADMU Coaches crushed the Binangonan, Rizal squad, 14-4, while the Entom Tigers also routed the Cabuyao Transformer Megatron, 7-0.

RTU won over Cabuyao Transformer Optimus Prime in a heated 7-5 match but bowed to San Rafael, Bulacan, 1-7.

Generals, Red Cubs continue winning ways in Martin Cup

PSC MUSEUM. Rio Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn

Diaz, right, hands her medal to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez to be preserved at the PSC Museum along with her Olympic competition uniforms during a courtesy visit at the PSC office in Malate, Manila. Also in photo are (from left) PSC Commissioners Arnold Agustin and Celia Kiram, Diaz’s mother Emelita and PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez. Diaz will grace the opening of the PSC-backed Summer Children’s Games 2017 slated to open at 8 a.m. on Thursday at the Rizal Park in Davao City.

THE Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the San Beda Alabang Red Cubs continued their winning ways in the ongoing 23rd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball tournament.

The Generals turned to their free throws in the final minute as they waylaid a foul-troubled Center Escolar University Scorpions, 88-81, at the St. Placid gymnasium inside the San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola.

Sidney Onwuberre led with 23 points, and he joined Francis Munsayac and two other teammates who sank four crucial charities in the last 57 seconds for the Generals.

The Generals went on to post their fourth straight triumph in Group B of the senior division.

This put them in the solo lead and in contention for a quarterfinals seat.

William Zuno and Marlon Mahilum showed the way for the Alabang Red Cubs in their 93-85 stopping of the Lyceum Junior Pirates in the junior division.

Zuno and Mahilum made 27 and 16 points, respectively, for the Alabang Red Cubs, who also earned win no. 4, and this put them on top of Group A in the junior division.

In other junior games, Letran put away Rich Golden Montessori School, 103-56, to hike their record to 2-1 in Group B. Jere Cruz and Migo Asuncion had 18 points in powering La Salle Greenhills past St. Patrick, 74-73. They improved to 2-2 in Group A. Ramon Cuadra shot 19 points for San Beda-Manila in their 83-74 win over Paco Citizens Academy Foundation.

Athletics’ body tests its national squad in performance trials THE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association successfully staged recently its first of two phases of performance tryouts at the Philsports track oval for members of the national athletics team vying for slots in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games from August 19 to 30.

Heading the aspirants who registered new personal bests is hurdler Patrick Unso who topped the 110m Hurdles with a season’s best 14.27s.

Unso, incidentally, completed a double victory by eclipsing his fellow team members in the 100m with a 10.74 secs performance. Unso, a former member of the De La Salle University track team in the UAAP and son of PATAFA Sec Gen, Nonoy Unso, aims to improve his bronze-medal performance in the 110m hurdles in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games.

As a fitting follow up to the time trials, a 30-strong team composed of athletes and

coaches heads on June 4 to the Hong Kong Sports Institute for a seven-week intensive training. The Hong Kong training marks the first time the PATAFA will send a delegation for training outside the country. The HKSI training is fully supported by the Philippine Sports Commission with the assistance of the Ayala Corporation and the UCPBGEN. A day before the departure for HKSI, of the bulk of the national team, PATAFA will hold its second and last per-

formance trials to serve as the final cut for the remaining events with slots to be filled up. To date, 17 national athletics team members have already achieved the SEA Games bronze medal standard.

Touted to have strongest chances of winning the SEA Games gold are EJ Obiena for pole vault, Eric Cray for the 400m hurdles, and Mark Harry Diones for the triple jump. Hopes for gold are high for the men’s and women’s 4 x 100 meter relay.

makes it 4 in a row in MBL Games Tuesday:

(FEU-NRMF gym) 6 p.m. • MLQU-Victoria vs. PCU 7:30 p.m. • FEU-NRMF vs. PNP

COLEGIO de San Lorenzo-V Hotel made it four wins in a row by beating Philippine Christian University, 77-71, even as Diliman College-JPA Freight Logistics survived a scare by nipping Philippine National Police, 67-66, in the 2017 MBL Open basketball tournament at the PNP Sports Center in Camp Crame.

The Blue Griffins finished off the Dolphins behind the brilliant court generalship of Dominic Formento and defensive efforts of import Soulemane Chabi Yo during their tensely-fought encounter.

Formento finished with 14 points, including four three-point shots for the Griffins of CdSL president Monneth Balgan, manager Jimi Lim and coach Boni Garcia.

Chabi Yo, the 6’6” standout from Benin, Africa, added 12 points, while providing a dominating presence inside the shaded area in the tournament sponsored by Smart Sports, Starbread, Dickies Underwear, Ironcon Builders and Gerry’s Grill.

Chino Maravilla contributed 12 points and James Castanares had 10 points for CdSL, which also won over Emilio Aguinaldo College, MLQU-Victoria Sports and Wang’s BallclubAsia Tech.

Mike Ayonayon and Von Tambeling, finished with 20 and 17 points, respectively, for the Elvis Tolentino-mentored Dolphins, who suffered their first setback in three games.

Yves Sazon added 15.

Diliman-JPA leaned on the powerful inside game of African reinforcement Alex Diakhite to escape with its second straight win against PNP. But the Blue Dragons of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, businessman Jerry Alday and coach Rensy Bajar dodged a bullet from the Responders when Cyril Santiago missed a potential game-winning jumper as time expired.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

Sports

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

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Melindo wins light flyweight crown

By Randy Caluag ALA Boxing’s pride Milan Melindo crowned himself the new International Boxing Federation (IBF) light f lyweight world champion following first-round knockout win over Akira Yaegashi Sunday evening at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.

Going for his third attempt at a world title, Melindo didn’t allow the golden opportunity to slip from his fists as he finished off the Japanese champion on his third fall to the canvass.

The first knockdown came via a left hook, sending Yaegashi on his pants. He beat the mandatory eight-count.

A few seconds later, Melindo sent Yaegashi to the floor again with a barrage of uppercuts to the jaw. He managed to stand up and beat the count.

Although he looked to have recovered from the fall, Yaegashi would not be saved from the third fall.

Melindo, relentlessly sustained his attack and caught the Japanese again with one-two, left-straight combination to finally stop Yaegashi, just 15 seconds before the end of the first round.

Melindo (36 wins, with 3 KOs and 2 losses) earned the right to fight Yaegashi for the title after beating Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. for the interim IBF belt. The 29-year-old Melindo failed in his first attempt at world title.

He is now one of the four Filipino world boxing champions, the three being WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, IBF junior bantamweight Jerwin Ancajas and stablemate Donnie Nietes (IBF f lyweight).

Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) fires the game winning three-point shot during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference Finals on May 21 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

Bradley’s triple tows Celtics past Cavaliers L

OS ANGELES —Avery Bradley rattled in a game-winning three pointer at the buzzer as the Boston Celtics clawed their way back into the Eastern Conference final with a 111-108 win over Cleveland Sunday.

Boston cut the Cavaliers series lead to 2-1 as their improbable victory came despite the absence of star guard Isaiah Thomas, who is out for the remainder of the NBA season with a hip injury.

“Everybody had to step up their game, especially with one of our brothers down,” Thomas’ replacement Marcus Smart said.

“We haven’t really had a great shooting performance this series, but tonight was one of those nights. We fought and came out

with the victory.”

Game four of the Eastern Conference finals is Tuesday.

Cleveland not only surrendered a 21-point lead in game three but blew chances to set a playoff record for consecutive wins (14) dating to game five of last year’s finals, and to become the fourth team in history to start the playoffs 11-0.

“I didn’t have it tonight,” James said. “We have been playing so well, but when another team is playing that well then you know that the team that

gets the last shot is going to win.”

Smart scored a career-high 27 points and Bradley added 20.

“The key for us was to chip away,” said Bradley of the Celtics, who made 18 three-pointers for the game. “We needed to get stops and make plays on the offensive end.”

Al Horford added 16 points and Kelly Olynyk contributed 15 off the bench for the Celtics, who were beaten by an average of 28.5 points in the first two games.

The Celtics also kept Cavaliers superstar LeBron James in check Sunday.

James finished with just 11 points on four-of-13 shooting and was held scoreless in the fourth quarter. He also had five turnovers.

Kyrie Irving paced the Cleveland offense with 29 points and Kevin Love added 28 points and 10 rebounds. Tristan

Thompson scored 18 points.

The Cavaliers shot just two-of-17 from three-point range in the second half but still led by as many as 21 points in the third.

Cleveland dominated the Celtics so thoroughly in the first two games that not many gave Boston a chance on Sunday, especially without their top player Thomas in the lineup.

But Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue expected Boston to battle to the end.

“They have a scrappy team,” he said.

Coming into Sunday’s contest, the Cavaliers had lost just one game at home to an Eastern team in the playoffs dating to 2015.

“You have to have some type of adversity to be successful,” James said. “So I am happy it happened now. We have to regroup and get back to playing desperate basketball.” AFP

BaliPure seeks semifinal slot BALIPURE seeks to firm up its semifinal bid as it goes up against a struggling Creamline side today even as the Power Smashers step up their own drive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Water Defenders checked an impending skid and subdued the Perlas Spikers in five at the Philsports Arena last Sunday, grabbing the lead at 6-2 heading to the crucial stretch of the doubleround elimination of the seasonopening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

But they will be facing a Creamline squad reeling from a five-set setback to the Power Smashers, also last Sunday, that continued to hurt the Cool Smashers’ bid for a spot in the Final Four of the league backed by Mikasa and Asics.

Creamline stayed at fifth with a 3-5 and though the Cool Smashers remain in the semifinal

Games today

1 p.m. – Café Lupe vs IEM (men’s) 4 p.m. – Power Smashers vs Air Force (women’s) 6:30 p.m. – BaliPure vs Creamline (women’s)

hunt followi ng a cha nge i n for mat, a not her loss would further diminish the crowd favorites’ chances.

Game time is at 6:30 p.m.

Inspired by their 17-25, 2522, 25-18, 18-25, 15-10 win over the Cool Smashers, the Power Smashers aim to join the idle Perlas side at third at 5-4 as they clash with the lowly Air Force Lady Jet Spikers at 4 p.m.

Air Force is way off the ranking with a woeful 1-7 card with two games left in the double-round elims among six teams where the top two automatically advance to the semis and the last four clashing in a round-robin quarters for the last two Final Four seats.

While BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb is expected to lean again on his explosive pair of imports in Jennifer Keddy and Jaroensri Bualee and local aces Aiko Urdas, Grethcel Soltones and Risa Sato, counterpart Oliver Almadro hopes to draw solid games from his locals outside of Alyssa Valdez.

Imports Laura Schaudt and Kutika Kaewpin fired 16 hits apiece to back Valdez’s 17-point effort against the Power Smashers but the likes of Pau Soriano, Coleen Bravo, Jema Galanza and Aurea Racraquin must step up after combining for just nine points.

Meantime, Hyapa Amporn and Kannika Tipachot hammered 17 hits apiece while skipper Jovelyn Prado added 10 and Andrea Marzan scored seven hits as they starred in the Power Smashers’ come-from-behind win over the stunned Cool Smashers.

UAAP board promises innovations

BaliPure import Jennifer Keddy (8) defies Perlas’ Sue Roces (3) and Amy Ahomiro’s (16) defense with a kill during their PVL Reinforced Conference match at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan Sunday.

Olympic heartbreak drives Askren

ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren (left) attacks opponent Nikolay Aleksakhin during their bout inside the cage. ONE Championship

ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren defends his world title against Malaysia’s Agilan Thani at ONE: Dynasty of Heroes May 26, Friday in Singapore.

The unbeaten Askren says his heartbreaking elimination during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games which shattered his childhood dream fuels his drive to be the best in his sport.

The American split his two matches, losing to Cuba’s Ivan Fundora on points before successfully pinning Hungary’s Istvan Vereb. That loss would be enough to eliminate him from the field. It has left a sour taste in his mouth to this very day.

“The heartbreaking thing about the Olympics is you’ve got to wait four years (for another chance). You do not get another chance next week or next month or next year. You do not have another chance. This is not like fighting, where you know you can bounce back and win a title a couple of months later,” he said.

“The Olympics is every four years, and so losing and knowing that essentially I had put a lifetime of work into that moment, I kind of knew at that point I probably would not have another shot. But even if I did, it will be four years away. That was really hard to swallow.”

Although it clearly frustrated

Askren, he was not going to let that loss, or any other loss, break him. If anything, it would drive him. The American is a methodical competitor, and after every rare defeat he has suffered, he analyzes his mistakes, learns from them, and grows as a martial artist.

“I think every loss helps you in some way, shape or form. That loss in the Olympics taught me that maybe I was not reaching far enough on the tactical aspect. There was one move in that match that I was not familiar with. But now that I know it, it is so stupid that I got caught in it. That was what caused me to lose that match,” he said.

NEWLY introduced events, more nighttime games and use of the best venues available are in store in Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Board member Anton Montinola of host Far Eastern University said these are in store for the league in the coming year.

They are all set to introduce 3x3 basketball and cheer dancing competitions for high school girls.

These two new events are expected to make the season more fan-friendly, and athletefriendly, according Montinola, who is set to become the chairman of the UAAP board of management.

“We want to have a fan friendly 80th season. And that’s more interaction between fans and athletes,” Montinola said.

An star weekend for women’s volleyball is also in the works. That will be towards the end of the volleyball competitions next year.

On the other hand, night games are expected to bring in more fans.

And they will soon hold all games in beach volleyball and football matches in the evening.

Most of these games will be held at the Mall of Asia grounds, and venues where fans are expected to come and watch.

The coming season will carry the theme: “Go for Great.” Peter Atencio

Review of system loss cap urged

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Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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IN BRIEF

Palawan nickel firm defends tree cutting

IPILAN Nickel Corp. said it complied with all local laws and regulations in relation to its tree-cutting operations in Palawan province.

Brooke’s Point Palawan Mayor Jean Feliciano earlier said she would press charges against the mining company for allegedly cutting down trees despite the cancellation of its environmental compliance certificate.

Ipilan Nickel said in a statement it was issued a special tree cutting and Earth-balling permit by authority of the Environment secretary on May 25, 2016 with a validity of one year.

The company said the permit allowed the company to earth-ball 14,439 trees and cut 13,490 trees in an area covering 52 hectares. The mining company said coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office for the tree-cutting operations began on the Feb. 1, 2017. INC said all trees that were to be cut were inventoried and marked by the Environment Department.

Anna Leah E. Gonzales

Robinsons Bank cleared to raise P3b

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved Robinsons Bank Corp.’s application to issue long-term negotiable certificates of deposit worth at least P3 billion.

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral, issued MB Resolution No. 717 approving Robinsons Bank’s plan, with an option to increase the issue size up to P5 billion in case of oversubscription.

Robinsons Bank, the banking and financial arm of the JG Group of companies, said the issuance would have a term of five and one-half years and a rate of 4.125 percent annually. The interest payments will be made every quarter in arrears.

The instruments are negotiable and insured with the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. up to P500,000.00 per depositor.

LTNCDs are tax-exempt for qualified individuals if held for more than five years.

The minimum investment is P50,000 with increments of P10,000. The offer period is from May 23 to June 2, 2017 while the issue date is on June 14, 2017. BPI Capital Corp. is the sole lead arranger and selling agent together with Robinsons Bank.

The LTNCDs will be listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp on issue date.

Robinsons Bank president Elfren Antonio Sarte said the proceeds of the LTNCDs would support the bank’s growth initiatives.

Robinsons Bank will issue credit cards soon.

PLDT divests from Spi

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. divested its remaining stake in business process outsourcing provider SPi Global Holdings Inc. Partners Group, a global private market investment manager, agreed to acquire SPi Global, which is controlled by CVC Capital Partners and PLDT Global Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of PLDT. The transaction valued SPi at $330 million.

PLDT, through PGIC, has an 18.32-percent economic interest in SPi. PLDT sold its BPO businesses owned by its then wholly owned subsidiary—SPi Global Holdings, Inc.—to Asia Outsourcing Gamma Limited, a company controlled by CVC, in 2013.

PLDT then reinvested about $40 million of the proceeds from the sale in the said business.

AOGL subsequently divested its healthcare BPO and customer relationship management businesses in 2014 and 2016, returning $53 million in proceeds to PLDT through PGIC. “Completion of this acquisition by Partners Group will be subject to certain closing conditions,” PLDT said.

Cash distributions to PLDT will be determined after the acquisition is completed.

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing May 22, 2017

GMA 7-AFP PARTNERSHIP. GMA Kapuso Foundation, the socio-civic arm of GMA Network Inc., signs a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to further strengthen the implementation of its public service projects. Shown during the signing ceremony are (from left) AFP Major Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, Major Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, GMA president and chief operating officer Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson, GMAKF founder and Ambassador Mel Tiangco, GMAKF executive vice president and chief operating officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog and AFP Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista.

Dennis Uy sells 25% Phoenix stake for P4b D

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AVAO CITY-based businessman Dennis Uy sold a 25-percent stake in Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. to a Singapore-based company for P4 billion in a bid to finance a $300-million resort and casino in Cebu province.

Phoenix Petroleum said in a filing with the stock exchange major shareholders Udenna Corp. and Udenna Management & Resources Corp., two companies led by the Uy family, sold a combined 25-percent ownership in Phoenix Petroleum to ES Consultancy Group Inc.

ES Group acquired 340.27 million common shares in Phoenix Petroluem through special block sale at P12 per share, a 5.4-percent premium over the stock’s closing price of P11.38 per share on Monday.

ES Group is a company that focuses on financial strategy,

corporate mergers and acquisitions, as well as joint ventures.

Udenna Group said it welcomed the entry of ES Group in Phoenix Petroleum.

Proceeds from the sale will give Udenna additional equity capital, thereby strengthening its balance sheet to support other businesses.

In particular, it will finance the property developments that Udenna Development Corp. will undertake in the future, it said.

The additional capital will provide a part of the required funds for the development of Lapu-Lapu Leisure Mactan, a $300-million integrated resort and casino planned on a 12-hectare prime beachfront in the prov-

ince of Cebu.

“Our investments in UDEVCO are anchored on our shared vision for the Philippines to become a premier destination for business and tourism,” Uy, the founder and chairman of Udenna said.

“We hope to support the country’s manufacturing and tourism sectors, among others, through our property developments. We believe these will ultimately translate to employment and better living for the Filipino people,” Uy said.

The Udenna Group maintains control over Phoenix Petroleum, a company whose listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2007 helped accelerate its growth outside Mindanao.

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,806.57 38.95

PESO-DOLLAR RATE Closing MAY 22, 2017

45.00 46.50 48.00 49.50

P49.770 CLOSE

51.00

HIGH P49.700 LOW P49.780 AVERAGE P49.753 VOLUME 429.100M

P435.00-P680.00 LPG/11-kg tank P37.65-P49.80 Unleaded Gasoline P26.70-P31.91 Diesel

OPRICES IL TODAY

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

Duterte signs order to extend BoI incentives

By Othel V. Campos PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 22 extending by another year the duty-free incentives enjoyed by companies listed with the Board of Investments in importing capital equipment.

The order signed on April 28, 2017 is expected to attract more innovation-led and technologydriven investment projects, according to the BoI. It replaced EO 70 that expired on May 9, 2017.

Under the EO, qualified BoIregistered business enterprises are exempt from paying duties when they acquire capital equipment from other countries classified

under the specific chapters of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The duty exemption, however, will only be granted upon the issuance by BoI of a certificate of authority to the importing company.

The privilege strictly applies to equipment not manufactured locally or of insufficient supply domestically and for the exclusive use of the registered firm, BoI said.

Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the grant of the capital equipment incentive remained an important measure to further promote and drive more high-value, impactful and socially-relevant investment projects into the country.

Rodolfo said this would be most helpful to companies that were just in their start-up years and those that were expanding or modernizing their facilities.

“The measure also augurs well with the agency’s 2017 Investment Priorities Plan which encourages more innovation-driven and jobgenerating investment projects that will eventually lead us to modernize the Philippine economy,” said Rodolfo.

The 2017 IPP brings significant additions and changes, aligned with the President’s zero + 10-point socio economic agenda, the aspirations embodied in AmBisyonNatin 2040 and the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

Apart from innovation-driven projects, the new IPP also includes broad changes including further emphasis on inclusive business for agribusiness and tourism; broadened coverage of manufacturing; information technology and IT-enabled services for the domestic market and telecommunications services for new market players.

The IPP also covers environment and climate change-related projects; LGU-initiated PPP projects; drug rehabilitation centers; state-of-theart engineering, procurement and construction services; and the lifting of geographical restrictions for most agriculture and tourist accommodation facilities.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, May 22, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.9060

Japan

Yen

0.009007

0.4495

UK

Pound

1.299600

64.8578

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128498

6.4128

Switzerland

Franc

1.027221

51.2645

Canada

Dollar

0.739809

36.9209

Singapore

Dollar

0.721813

36.0228

Australia

Dollar

0.745000

37.1800

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653717

132.4364

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

13.3072

Brunei

Dollar

0.719217

35.8932

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029189

1.4567

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.5888

Euro

Euro

1.119800

55.8847

Korea

Won

0.000895

0.0447

China

Yuan

0.145201

7.2464

India

Rupee

0.015489

0.7730

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.231481

11.5523

New Zealand

Dollar

0.692100

34.5399

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033343

1.6640 Source: PDS Bridge

Govt sells P15-b T-bills as rates fall in all tenors

By Julito G. Rada THE government sold P15 billion worth of Treasury bills Monday amid strong market demand that pulled down interest rates across all tenors.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed total tenders for the 91-, 182 and 364-day T-bills reached P55.12 billion, or more than three times the P15-billion offering.

“The auction committee decided to fully award the Treasury bills offered at auction today [Monday]. With the auction going more than three times oversubscribed, the 91-, 182, and 364-day T-bills were awarded at an average rate of 2.148 percent, 2.494 percent, and 2.835 percent, respectively, all lower than previous auction rates,” the Treasury said in a statement.

“The auction attracted P55.12 billion in total tenders, highlighting ample liquidity and strong interest in short-dated government

securities,” it said.

Total tenders for the 91-day or three-month instruments reached P23.9 billion, but the committee rejected P17.9 billion of the bids.

The 182-day or six-month papers lured total bids of P13.945 billion but P8.945 billion were rejected.

Meanwhile, total tenders for the year-long instruments reached P17.225 billion, but P13.225 billion of them were rejected.

The Bureau of the Treasury earlier raised a total of P175 billion from the latest issuance of three-year retail treasury bonds including those generated from roadshows conducted nationwide.

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

“We received more than P500 billion and accepted more than P105 billion in addition to P70b from the auction,” de Leon said in a statement.

ASEAN-SAP PARTNERSHIP. The Asean Foundation and SAP announce a strategic partnership

to create positive social impact in South East Asia. The two groups aim to support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in building a cohesive regional community and deliver inclusivelyshared economic benefits by encouraging strategic and innovative participation of youths and social entrepreneurs. Shown during the signing of the partnership agreement are (from left) Asean Foundation program manager Mahmudi Yusbi; Dr. A.K.P. Mochtan, Deputy Secretary-General of Asean for community and corporate affairs; Asean Foundation executive director Elaine Tan; SAP Southeast Asia president and managing director Scott Russell; head of corporate affairs Eugene Ho; vice president Elaine Liew; and SAP Indonesia managing director Megawaty Khie.

B2

Business

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PNOC, Osaka Gas hold talks over big gas project

By Alena Mae S. Flores PHILIPPINE National Oil Co. and Osaka Gas of Japan recently held talks over the proposed liquefied natural gas integrated systems project, the state-owned firm said.

PNOC president Reuben Lista met with Osaka Gas manager Takato Senoo and country representative Kiyoshi Sakiyama on the government’s planned 200-megawatt LNG power plant and terminal.

Osaka Gas is engaged in upstream, midstream and downstream energy projects throughout the world, including LNG terminals, pipelines and independent power projects, particularly in Southeast Asia, Australia and North America.

The Japanese company has stakes in six LNG carriers. Osa-

ka Gas also operates two worldclass LNG receiving terminals, including the Himeji and the Senboku terminal.

Osaka Gas was initially in talks with Manila Electric Co. for the possibility of putting up an integrated 1,500-MW LNG facility but the plan did not push through.

PNOC, meanwhile, is entertaining over 34 local and foreign companies who expressed interest in the planned integrated LNG project in Batangas.

Lista earlier said he expected the companies to consolidate and form consortiums for the $1-billion to $2.4-billion LNG project.

PNOC will also utilize banked gas from the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan as a steady source of fuel for its planned power plant.

Stock market climbs; EastWest, ALI advance S TOCKS climbed Monday, tracking the movement of Asian markets led by the advance of energy shares as oil prices rose toward $51 a barrel.

issues were unchanged.

Thirteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by East West Banking Corp. which climbed 2.8 percent to P24.

EastWest is reportedly involved in talks with a minority investor.

Property developer Megaworld Corp. climbed 2.6 percent to P4.35, while Ayala Land Inc. rose 1.9 percent to P38.10.

Meanwhile, energy and raw-

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, rose 38 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 7,806.57, as five of the six sectoral indices advanced.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also gained 20 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 4,654.93, on a value turnover of P12 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 96 to 92, while 42

materials shares posted the biggest moves on the MSCI Asia Pacific Index. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said all producers participating in a deal to limit output agree on extending the cuts by nine months.

A rally in Tencent Holdings Ltd. helped send Hong Kong shares back to a 22-month high. The won surged even after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on Sunday.

The pound fell as the UK threatened to exit talks on its departure from Europe.

Global equities are close to a record as investors bet global growth can withstand political turmoil in the U.S. and Brazil, as well as further increases in interest rates. Money managers

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.1 231,000 49.7 42,200 105.9 1,518,430 4.05 6,000 121.4 1,054,000 1.55 634,000 36.4 1,609,400 16.18 40,500 24 6,910,200 8.35 200 0.7 14,827,000 90 4,192,100 0.72 19,000 15.4 105,100 25 300 67.9 649,490 240 300 112 170 88 160 58.6 1,197,080 216 388,870 1,605 140 86.35 17,410 1.18 21,000

952,640 2,090,520 160,822,602 24,200 127,960,817 973,420 58,462,250 658,072 165,570,065 1,608 10,649,050 376,512,975 13,680 1,619,050 7,510 44,134,486.50 72,000 18,900 14,176 70,004,055.50 84,004,328 225,420 1,497,139 24,780

1,912,190 -30,490,596 -65,473,060 22,450,390 -426,474 -85,494,125 -265,770 71,124,222.50 -16,384,736.50 -19,152,123 -6,469,320 72,225 1,070,423.50 -

39.55 5.9 0.83 1.61 21.65 0.265 7.1 17 175 22.8 14.34 73.95 80 1.92 5.71 11.54 12.76 10.04 6.8 5.98 19.48 70.1 13.2 14.6 9.48 1.55 201.4 4.5 3.65 31.3 18.48 19.2 277.2 0.243 6.08 3.39 10.56 3.5 11.48 2.1 11.14 1.93 67.6 5.9 289 4.75 3.25 13.02 4.5 0.146 1.35 161 1.59 1.08

INDUSTRIAL 39.65 1,367,300 6.02 1,502,600 0.84 316,000 1.64 1,715,000 21.65 19,500 0.265 16,580,000 7.14 1,016,900 17.5 1,033,600 175.1 160 23.3 296,600 14.8 35,800 74 24,800 80 1,050 1.92 428,000 5.8 9,000 11.62 41,100 12.78 2,009,200 10.1 454,700 6.84 1,219,400 5.99 7,996,400 19.56 3,151,600 70.5 39,580 13.32 60,700 14.78 108,000 9.67 2,454,600 1.58 2,037,000 202.2 387,630 4.56 249,000 3.66 28,000 31.4 1,456,900 19 1,099,700 19.48 1,767,400 277.4 110,080 0.243 1,170,000 6.08 206,700 3.42 48,000 10.66 11,155,100 3.5 25,000 11.48 1,000 2.12 560,000 11.38 2,525,100 1.93 1,103,000 67.8 1,461,880 5.9 108,900 295 4,520 4.75 114,000 3.25 38,000 13.02 182,200 4.5 121,000 0.146 280,000 1.39 235,000 163.3 582,350 1.73 23,837,000 1.08 34,000

54,257,580 9,015,476 262,340 2,805,810 428,125 4,457,200 7,254,565 17,934,934 28,011 6,877,655 513,624 1,835,177.50 84,470 827,510 51,480 476,780 25,665,450 4,601,072 8,331,176 47,942,961 61,585,826 2,783,470.50 808,708 1,595,492 23,673,240 3,173,500 78,659,114 1,130,210 102,790 45,727,680 20,708,720 34,403,124 30,556,466 285,780 1,257,534 163,420 119,024,046 87,500 11,480 1,180,770 29,068,688 2,159,100 99,145,447.50 644,110 1,329,614 541,540 125,010 2,392,322 544,500 40,880 319,050 94,972,660 39,675,430 36,720

-42,061,815 1,695,079 4,830 290,900 -48,477 3,718,110 54,737.50 11,600 -7,265,534 -402,152 3,041,947 108,335 -35,832,452 645,151.50 689,538 4,244,423 79,380 -16,667,100 5,168,220 -6,323,310 -23,075,386 20,869,296 101,950 -4,459,302.00 248,780 -125,520 912,110 -22,453,764.50 -212,400 475,000 521,178 -14,806,940 -2,051,320.00 -

0.375 76.8 15 1.15 6.07 0.35 0.35 879.5 8.17 13.36 7.87 6.19 0.199 1,259 6.92 84.05 4.5 1.03 7.19 16.26 6.7 0.059 2.13 109.1 2.97 779.5 1.49 210 310 0.205 0.245

0.365 75.75 14.72 1.12 6 0.335 0.33 864 8.14 13.22 7.78 5.9 0.198 1,235 6.59 82.5 4.5 1 7.02 15.9 6.58 0.058 2.06 108.8 2.81 775 1.37 210 308 0.202 0.245

HOLDING FIRMS 0.365 2,600,000 76 4,930,970 14.98 11,036,600 1.14 51,000 6 64,500 0.34 9,190,000 0.335 1,260,000 872 114,610 8.14 635,600 13.36 4,585,200 7.87 114,300 5.9 13,700 0.198 170,000 1,235 96,765 6.92 11,400 83 2,703,090 4.5 1,000 1.02 1,794,000 7.08 125,400 15.96 2,289,100 6.59 17,837,100 0.058 36,090,000 2.08 1,270,000 109 314,860 2.92 156,000 779 232,780 1.37 2,522,000 210 10 308 2,720 0.205 350,000 0.245 300,000

955,650 374,772,782 164,861,560 58,110 388,496 3,115,400 426,100 100,041,765 5,179,961 61,173,840 894,525 82,791 33,680 119,699,330 76,951 224,339,827 4,500 1,820,320 893,951 36,543,182 117,748,927 2,102,700 2,644,690 34,320,492 455,960 181,255,730 3,588,590 2,100 840,594 71,150 73,500

73,000 281,501,937.50 22,757,590 23,842,640 2,850,423 40,241,202 -628,749 -49,832,650 -9,333,916 -742,869 -928,258 -16,909,336 14,560,781 16,768,770 -1,507,500 -680,052 -

6.64 1.22 2.26 1.35 38.25 4.18 5.32 6 0.51 1.05 1.43 0.158 0.56 50.45 0.7 0.158 1.64 1.07 1.03

6.55 1.19 2.25 1.32 37.55 4.11 5.28 6 0.495 1.05 1.34 0.156 0.53 49.5 0.69 0.157 1.61 1.05 1.02

PROPERTY 6.59 348,400 1.19 3,754,000 2.25 347,000 1.33 2,472,000 38.1 13,565,700 4.12 1,091,000 5.29 10,400 6 900 0.51 6,440,000 1.05 4,000 1.39 704,000 0.158 1,210,000 0.53 5,856,000 50.2 180,570 0.69 210,000 0.158 470,000 1.63 1,614,000 1.06 6,606,000 1.02 153,000

2,293,041 4,500,210 780,800 3,292,960 515,084,500 4,520,090 54,970 5,400 3,221,465 4,200 958,710 188,960 3,205,610 9,025,407 145,900 73,990 2,627,850 7,003,050 156,850

-1,236,106 -6,650 -112,362,825 466,730 -342,190 -410,000 -7,800 158,680 -3,238,646 -145,210 -128,890 -31,800 -

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 4.12 ASIA UNITED 49.5 BANK PH ISLANDS 106.3 BDO LEASING 4.02 BDO UNIBANK 121.5 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.48 CHINABANK 36 COL FINANCIAL 16.4 EAST WEST BANK 23.45 FILIPINO FUND 7.73 MEDCO HLDG 0.7 METROBANK 89 NTL REINSURANCE 0.72 PB BANK 15.5 PBCOM 25.05 PHIL NATL BANK 67.5 PHIL STOCK EXCH 240 PHILTRUST 110 PSBANK 89.6 RCBC 57.95 SECURITY BANK 216 SUN LIFE 1,605 UNION BANK 84 VANTAGE 1.18

4.2 49.7 106.9 4.05 122.1 1.58 36.8 16.4 24.25 8.35 0.74 90.1 0.72 15.5 25.05 68.2 240 112 89.6 58.95 218 1,629 86.35 1.18

4.09 49.3 105.2 4.02 121 1.48 35.9 16.12 23.35 7.73 0.69 88 0.72 15.4 25 67.2 240 110 88 57.9 215 1,605 84 1.18

ABOITIZ POWER 39.9 AGRINURTURE 6 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.84 ALSONS CONS 1.62 ASIABEST GROUP 22.45 BASIC ENERGY 0.27 CEMEX HLDG 7.11 CENTURY FOOD 17 CHEMPHIL 175 CIRTEK HLDG 23.25 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.38 CONCEPCION 73.95 CONCRETE A 81 CROWN ASIA 1.92 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.71 DEL MONTE 11.8 DNL INDUS 12.76 EEI CORP 10.18 EMPERADOR 6.88 ENERGY DEVT 5.99 FIRST GEN 19.76 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70.4 GINEBRA 13.4 HOLCIM 14.88 INTEGRATED MICR 9.86 IONICS 1.56 JOLLIBEE 203 LMG CHEMICALS 4.6 MABUHAY VINYL 3.7 MANILA WATER 31.4 MAXS GROUP 18.5 MEGAWIDE 19.2 MERALCO 278 MG HLDG 0.245 PANASONIC 6.1 PEPSI COLA 3.44 PETRON 10.7 PHIL H2O 3.5 PHINMA 11.48 PHINMA ENERGY 2.11 PHX PETROLEUM 11.16 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.97 PILIPINAS SHELL 68 PRYCE CORP 6 PUREFOODS 289 RFM CORP 4.77 ROXAS HLDG 3.36 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.18 SPC POWER 4.5 SWIFT FOODS 0.146 TKC METALS 1.36 UNIV ROBINA 161 VITARICH 1.6 VULCAN INDL 1.08

40.1 6.05 0.84 1.65 22.45 0.275 7.15 17.5 175.5 23.35 14.8 74 81 1.95 5.8 11.8 12.8 10.2 6.88 6.05 19.8 70.6 13.4 14.9 9.86 1.58 206.8 4.66 3.7 31.4 19 19.6 278 0.245 6.1 3.44 10.72 3.5 11.48 2.12 11.68 1.97 69.5 6 295.2 4.77 3.36 13.28 4.5 0.146 1.39 164.3 1.73 1.08

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

0.365 76.8 14.72 1.12 6.07 0.34 0.33 864.5 8.15 13.24 7.8 5.9 0.199 1,259 6.59 84 4.5 1.01 7.19 16.26 6.6 0.059 2.13 109 2.81 775 1.43 210 310 0.202 0.245

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

6.6 1.21 2.25 1.34 37.55 4.18 5.32 6 0.5 1.05 1.34 0.156 0.54 50.45 0.7 0.158 1.62 1.05 1.03

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

4.24 0.375 0.36 0.76 4.1 24.45 1.69 3.25 32.55 0.99 0.9 5.2

4.42 0.385 0.36 0.77 4.1 24.45 1.7 3.25 33 1 0.9 5.24

4.23 0.37 0.34 0.73 4.1 23.95 1.69 3.25 32.55 0.98 0.89 5.18

4.35 0.385 0.35 0.74 4.1 24 1.7 3.25 32.8 0.98 0.89 5.23

89,055,000 97,100,000 1,390,000 14,913,000 144,000 1,341,200 708,000 187,000 7,386,400 2,114,000 157,000 5,956,400

389,550,150 37,040,100 485,200 11,142,610 590,400 32,226,155 1,197,830 607,750 242,424,210 2,084,380 139,820 31,103,993

159,449,840 -130,400 -6,445,395 49,192,060 4,354,306

2GO GROUP 17.26 ABS CBN 43.6 ACESITE HOTEL 1.6 APC GROUP 0.52 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.046 ASIAN TERMINALS 11.06 BERJAYA 6.08 BLOOMBERRY 9.6 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.087 CALATA CORP 1.99 CEBU AIR 98.6 DFNN INC 8.9 GLOBE TELECOM 2,014 GMA NETWORK 6.14 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.1 HARBOR STAR 2.92 IMPERIAL 3.47 INTL CONTAINER 99 IPM HLDG 8.95 ISLAND INFO 0.182 ISM COMM 1.34 JACKSTONES 3.68 LBC EXPRESS 17 LEISURE AND RES 4.11 MACROASIA 4.35 MANILA JOCKEY 2.38 MELCO CROWN 8.5 METRO RETAIL 3.84 MLA BRDCASTING 16.02 NOW CORP 2.65 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.54 PAL HLDG 5.4 PHIL SEVEN CORP 170 PHILWEB 8.25 PLDT 1,638 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.52 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.405 PUREGOLD 43.35 ROBINSONS RTL 83 SBS PHIL CORP 5.88 SSI GROUP 2.63 STI HLDG 1.11 TRAVELLERS 3.49 WATERFRONT 0.69 WILCON DEPOT 5.41

17.26 43.7 1.61 0.55 0.046 11.06 6.08 9.98 0.089 1.99 100.5 8.9 2,020 6.17 16.36 2.94 3.49 100.3 8.95 0.182 1.4 3.72 17 4.12 4.35 2.38 8.68 3.93 16.02 2.65 11.54 5.4 180 8.6 1,640 1.55 0.42 44 83.85 5.88 2.66 1.11 3.5 0.69 5.43

17.04 43.5 1.53 0.51 0.045 11.06 5.8 9.6 0.087 1.96 98.3 8.9 1,990 6.13 16.1 2.89 3.46 99 8.85 0.181 1.34 3.51 16.4 4.01 4.28 2.38 8.46 3.79 16 2.57 11.54 5.3 170 8 1,622 1.51 0.4 43.05 83 5.81 2.55 1.1 3.45 0.65 5.39

SERVICES 17.1 187,400 43.65 34,600 1.53 16,000 0.51 6,236,000 0.045 47,400,000 11.06 20,000 6 26,700 9.61 12,171,200 0.087 16,850,000 1.99 1,624,000 99.7 218,420 8.9 20,400 2,000 36,580 6.16 135,400 16.36 60,600 2.89 502,000 3.48 32,000 100 2,261,020 8.94 343,000 0.181 4,710,000 1.4 445,000 3.72 137,000 16.4 8,100 4.12 915,000 4.3 1,132,000 2.38 5,000 8.6 8,393,000 3.84 3,368,000 16 4,400 2.58 930,000 11.54 2,100 5.4 5,700 177 50 8.33 3,133,700 1,627 95,215 1.55 5,855,000 0.405 940,000 43.05 1,848,100 83.55 1,507,890 5.81 379,700 2.59 8,365,000 1.11 3,511,000 3.46 620,000 0.67 4,647,000 5.39 4,600,500

3,210,846 1,509,820 25,630 3,299,080 2,140,900 221,200 160,286 118,775,589 1,475,640 3,195,990 21,752,114.50 181,560 73,172,660 833,264 984,986 1,458,310 111,130 226,081,395.50 3,064,640 854,000 605,420 491,840 134,572 3,734,020 4,869,840 11,900 72,159,611 12,893,620 70,404 2,413,680 24,234 30,305 8,740 26,116,235 155,196,570 9,022,800 388,100 80,035,355 125,824,781.50 2,224,182 21,763,950 3,868,380 2,148,970 3,063,950 24,849,643

990,960 -471,800 -36,000 -25,238,431 57,030 12,276,585.50 178,000 -39,801,365 -214,356 43,500 76,063,628 1,419,900.00 -19,663,536 -7,608,220 -137,230 -8,345,826 -30,673,045 -22,950 6,228,940 42,957,994.50 1,029,841 9,797,490 385,750 -210,840 -6,600 19,285,364

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

0.0032 1.98 5.25 11.64 2.2 2.24 0.91 0.41 8.97 2.5 0.25 0.189 0.192 0.011 1.86 6.16 2.2 0.5 1.07 5.53 0.013 8.93 3.48 158 0.0089

0.0032 2 5.25 13.46 2.2 2.24 0.91 0.41 8.97 2.5 0.255 0.194 0.199 0.012 1.86 6.26 2.22 0.5 1.07 5.77 0.013 9.15 3.58 159.5 0.0089

0.0032 1.94 5 11.64 2.2 2.24 0.89 0.395 8.39 2.44 0.249 0.189 0.191 0.011 1.8 6.08 2.15 0.5 0.97 5.53 0.012 8.93 3.37 157.5 0.0089

MINING & OIL 0.0032 2,000,000 1.96 4,555,000 5 167,600 13.46 1,700 2.2 8,000 2.24 1,000 0.89 1,791,000 0.395 670,000 8.96 6,000 2.49 2,200,000 0.25 570,000 0.192 3,770,000 0.199 890,000 0.011 34,400,000 1.8 861,000 6.26 964,200 2.21 20,000 0.5 90,000 1 1,256,000 5.69 348,900 0.013 94,400,000 9.15 423,600 3.39 13,350,000 157.9 1,052,510 0.0089 1,000,000

6,400 8,956,560 840,752 20,136 17,600 2,240 1,606,100 265,100 53,759 5,409,610 142,020 722,160 172,910 378,700 1,553,510 5,984,929 43,860 45,000 1,253,180 1,979,015 1,142,500 3,850,706 45,996,620 166,392,133 8,900

642,640 -8,041 205,820 39,800 1,418,357 -57,000 226,208 360,510 23,159,327 -

AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF F GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

513.5 104.5 112.5 5.85 1,008 1.1 1,029 1,019 107.5 77.1 81.1 76.25 78.2 78.4 79

513.5 105.4 112.5 5.85 1,008 1.1 1,029 1,020 107.5 77.1 81.1 76.3 78.2 78.4 79

508 104.5 112.5 5.83 1,008 1.08 1,028 1,019 107.5 77 81.1 76.25 78.2 78.1 78.9

PREFERRED 508 1,950 105 3,410 112.5 450 5.83 19,400 1,008 250 1.08 128,000 1,028 50 1,019 590 107.5 20 77.1 860 81.1 170 76.25 10,270 78.2 6,800 78.1 64,180 78.9 66,200

996,890 357,954 50,625 113,424 252,000 138,670 51,410 601,690 2,150 66,292 13,787 783,089.50 531,760 5,023,849 5,229,600

45,636 -

LR WARRANT

2.3

2.3

2.23

WARRANT 2.25 166,000

373,650

-

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

4.1 6.28 8.46

4.15 6.39 8.64

4.08 6.28 8.31

SME 4.15 6.29 8.32

459,500 224,206 30,084,645

309,171

129.3

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 129.3 129.3 1,970

254,721

-

NAME

OPEN

MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

MS FIRST METRO ETF 129.3

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

33,465,323

INDUSTRIAL

440,430,914

HOLDING FIRMS

101,085,812

PROPERTY

265,517,411

SERVICES

797,855,885

MINING & OIL

164,989,656

GRAND TOTAL

1,807,042,171

112,000 35,600 3,547,500

-

VALUE 1,937.07 (up) 12.40 1,106,354,550.65 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,070.73 (up) 58.36 5,028,222,996.46 HOLDING FIRMS 7,933.27 (up) 15.04 1,504,094,294.60 PROPERTY 3,539.17 (up) 41.40 SERVICES 1,616.40 (up) 8.47 1,306,161,315.18 MINING & OIL 12,589.46 (down) 6.24 2,787,326,423.90 PSEI 7,806.57 (up) 38.95 246,869,595.246 All Shares Index 4,654.93 (up0 20.68 12,010,052,528.04 Gainers: 92; Losers: 96; Unchanged: 42; Total: 230

will be scrutinizing minutes released this week from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, with a more than 80 percent chance that rates will go up again next month.

An agreement will come as a big relief to oil traders concerned about a pick-up in US shale production as well as increasing output from northern Africa.

Crude prices, which had already rallied about 2 percent Friday on hopes for a deal, built on the gains in Asia, in turn firing energy companies.

Hong Kong-listed CNOOC jumped 0.8 percent and PetroChina was 1.5 percent up, while Woodside Petroleum piled on 1.9 percent in Sydney with Rio Tinto more than three percent. Japan’s Inpex rose more than one percent.

The advances helped drive gains in wider stock markets.

Tokyo ended 0.5 percent higher, Hong Kong jumped 0.9 percent in the afternoon and Sydney added 0.8 percent.

Seoul was 0.7 percent higher and Singapore put on 0.2 percent while Taipei, Manila and Jakarta also climbed. However, Shanghai ended 0.5 percent down.

“The solid rise in oil and commodity markets helped lift prices and sentiment,” Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader, said.

With Bloomberg, AFP

Maynilad exploring Indonesia for projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria MAYNILAD Water Services Inc., the water utility unit of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is looking for bulk water projects in Indonesia as part of regional expansion.

Maynilad chief finance officer Randy Estrellado said in a recent interview the company was interested in participating in bulk water projects in various key areas in Indonesia including Bali and Jakarta.

“We are active in looking for projects, as mostly the projects being offered to us are bulk water projects,” Estrellado said.

Maynilad signed an agreement with an Indonesian firm in November 2016 to put up a joint venture company that would provide water and wastewater services in Indonesia.

Under the plan, Maynilad and joint venture partner PT Moya Indonesia would create a company called PT Water Tecnologia Indonesia.

PT Moya Indonesia would own 51 percent of the new company while Maynilad would have the remaining 49 percent.

The joint venture company would offer various water services including pipe network design and installation, nonrevenue water and wastewater management, Maynilad said.

Estrellado said the joint venture company was still in the process of being incorporated.

Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez earlier said the company was one of the four firms pre-qualified to bid for a water concession project in Jakarta.

The project involves bulk and water distribution to roughly 500,000 households.

Maynilad is a consortium made up of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., DMCI Holdings and Marubeni of Japan. It operates the water concession in the west zone of Metro Manila.

Maynilad reported a 26-percent decline in core net income in 2016 to P7.2 billion from P9.7 billion in 2015 following the expiration of the water utility firm’s income tax holiday.

Business

B3

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

THAI PARTNER. PetroEnergy Resources Corp.’s wind power unit, PetroWind Energy Inc., the developer and operator of the 36-megawatt Nabas-1 Wind Power Project, welcomes its new investor, BCPG Public

Company Ltd. Shown at the signing of the shareholders’ agreement are (from left) EEI Power Corp. president and chief executive Jose Castillo, PetroGreen Energy Corp. president Milagros Reyes, BCPG senior vice president Charnvit Trangaddisaikul, and CapAsia Singapore Co. chief executives Craig Martin and Devarshi Das.

Review of system loss cap urged

By Alena Mae S. Flores

S

ENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to conduct a periodic review of the system loss program to encourage power suppliers to engage in more efficient processes.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, also asked the ERC to speed up the assessment of the program to facilitate the early implementation of new system loss caps that would reduce the charges of private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to consumers.

“The ERC should have a regular mechanism that will study the system loss every so often,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He noted the long gap between the last ERC regulation of the recoverable system loss charges, which was in 2008, and the ongoing review of the program. Gatchalian

“The last caps are still in the 2008 levels. The ERC can do a review of the program at shorter intervals. The utilities are now more efficient in power generation and distribution because they are already equipped and very knowledgeable on how to reduce their system losses,” he said.

ERC is currently assessing the system loss program, and is set next month to start public consultations and group discussions on the proposed new caps submitted by a third party that reviewed documentary submissions of distribution utilities and electric cooperatives.

The new caps, once approved, will take effect in 2019 for private

distribution utilities, and in 2020, for electric cooperatives. The next scheduled assessment will be after four years for private utilities, and six years for rural cooperatives.

“I find this too long. It is only 2017, that’s two more years.

There must be a way that the caps can be changed more regularly.

Remember that a day saved is a day advantage to the consumers.

Consumers should not continue to be burdened with a high cost of system inefficiency,” the lawmaker said.

Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 1188, which seeks to reduce the existing system loss cap for private distribution utilities to 5 percent (from 8.5 percent), and

Guangxi charter flights to PH sealed

Increased remittances foster inclusive growth

By Julito G. Rada HIGHER remittances from overseas Filipino workers significantly contribute to a wider financial inclusion and foster a more active microenterprises sector in the country, a Finance Department study shows.

A research led by Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran found out that greater investments in infrastructure could also be an effective way to attain a more inclusive economic growth and accelerate poverty reduction.

“This study by the DoF—its first major research paper for the year and led by Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran— noted that higher remittances by overseas Filipino workers also foster economic inclusion because many of these remitters’ beneficiaries in the country end up lending cash to micro-enterprises if not

becoming micro-entrepreneurs themselves,” the report said.

Remittances account for about 10 percent of gross domestic product annually. Remittances in 2016 grew 5 percent over a year-ago level. The government expects a conservative 4 percent growth this year.

“We are submitting our first major research paper for 2017— on the factors that determine movements in poverty incidence,” Beltran, who is also the DoF’s chief economist, said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Beltran said based on an analysis of poverty incidence movements between 1985 and 2013 plus pertinent policy reforms initiated over that 28year period, the DoF research project noted that GDP real growth, wider fiscal space (through higher CCT and infrastructure) and higher microfinance coverage contributed positively to poverty reduction.

By Othel V. Campos

NEW GE PRODUCT. GE and PowerEdge Solutions introduces the new TLE Series CE UPS to the Philippine market. The new series combine high reliability, efficiency and power to offer a blend of smart software, diagnostics and real-time, multimode energy savings. GE Energy Connections—industrial Solutions commercial leader for Asean/Korea and Japan Francis Ang and product analytics specialist Dario Mazzoleni Ferracini showcase the new TLE Modular 30-180kVA.

For French voters, no Duterte and no Trump UP UNTIL the first week of May 2017 it seemed like the voters of the world had decided to go down the road toward selection of unsensible and reckless candidates as national chief executives.

Given the victories of Rodrigo Duterte in this country and Donald Trump in the US, that appeared to be the trend.

Then came May 6, 2017. On that day the voters of France went to the polls and elected by a wide majority – almost 67 percent of the vote – Emmanuel Macron of the En Marche party as president of France. The former economy minister of the outgoing Socialist government defeated the National Front’s Marine le Pen, who had finished second in the first round of voting.

In electing Donald Trump, the American people – more precisely, 48 percent of them – placed in the White House a person who had promised to sever or downgrade the US’s longstanding institutional commitments – to the North Atlantic Trade Association (NATO) and the North American Free Trade

to 10 percent (from 13 percent) for electric cooperatives. The measure also proposes the exemption of system loss charges from value added tax.

Gatchalian said Manila Electric Co. had maintained a system loss charge of 6.5 percent and that lowering this to five percent could possibly reduce the current cost of electricity by P0.12 per kilowatt hour, or a consumer savings of approximately P3.38 billion per year.

He said lowering the system loss cap for the worst performing electric cooperatives would lead to reduced costs of P0.26 per kWh, or annual savings of P2.8 billion for consumers in covered jurisdictions.

Association (NAFTA) and the TransPacific Partnership (TPP), in particular – and to do things destructive of American relations with allies and friendly countries (including the building of a wall between Mexico and the US, the prohibition of travel to the US from certain Muslimmajority countries and the branding of China as a currency manipulator), and had denounced the mainstream media as purveyors of false facts.

The election of Rodrigo Duterte by 38 percent of the electorate has proven to be equally disruptive of longstanding diplomatic, social and economic arrangements. True to his campaign promises, the former mayor of Davao City lost no time launching a so-called war on illegal drugs that has received widespread international condemnation because of its ferocity and its patent disregard of human rights. Mr. Duterte has responded to the condemnation with profane language toward the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and the US State Department.

In the latest manifestation toward foreign critics of his war, Duterte has informed EU

of the Philippines’ rejection of future grants.

A campaign-promise compliance with more serious implications for the Philippines’ long-term stability has been Mr. Duterte’s foreign-policy pivot away from the Philippines’ principal ally and economic partner – the US – and toward China and Russia. The most worrisome result of the pivot has been the Duterte administration’s unwillingness to take a firm stand against China on the issue of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration award favoring the Philippines.

Like Trump, Duterte has maintained an antagonistic attitude toward the mainstream media, particularly those that have been staunchly critical of his war on illegal drugs. These include one of this country’s broadcast networks and one of its leading newspapers.

No such nonsense for France’s voters.

Faced with a choice between a sensible and mature candidate like Emmanuel Macron and a reckless and immature candidate like Marine Le Pen, the French electorate overwhelmingly chose the former.

Macron campaigned on a platform that

called for France’s maintenance of its EU and NATO ties; Le Pen would have taken France out of both institutions. Macron favored the continuance of France’s immigration policy, though with closer vetting of would-be immigrants; like her friend across the Atlantic, Le Pen favored a virtual closure of France’s immigration door. And while Macron exhibited an attitude of non-trust toward Russia, Le Pen sought to develop a close relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Rodrigo Duterte received the votes of only 38 percent of this country’s electorate and Donald Trump won over Hilary Clinton only because of the anachronism known as the Electoral College System. But the French voters left no doubt as to where they stood on the issue of the leadership of their country, giving Emmanuel Macron fully two-thirds of the total vote.

For France’s voters, a sensible Presidential choice like Macron. No Duterte. No Trump.

Vive la France.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

THE Tourism Department has closed a deal with Chinese state-owned Guangxi Tourism Development Group Co. Ltd. to mount charter flights directly from Guangxi province to Davao, Cebu and Clark.

The deal signed in China during the “Belt and Road Forum” will add to the list of air carriers that directly serve 13 Chinese cities to and from Manila, Kalibo Cebu and Laoag.

“This undertaking will open up secondary gateways in the Philippines to the Chinese market and bring in additional tourists from mainland China,” said Tourism secretary Wanda Teo. She said the deal was a “winwin” situation for the two parties as the department can identify the ideal destinations and packages for the Chinese groups, while the latter’s vast marketing network opens more opportunities for the Philippines “We are excited about Guangxi’s commitment, as we tap its 55 million population of what is considered the Asian center of economy and finance,” Teo added.

Meanwhile, tour operator Sun Fair International, which has offices in Xiamen and Hong Kong, has already committed additional an 10,000 Chinese tourists from the cities of Shanghai, Xiamen, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hong Kong and Beijing starting this month.

Sun Fair International said the additional Chinese tourists comprised a diverse group of leisure travelers from divers and adventure seekers to rollers, businessmen, culinary travelers shoppers, and even employees on company paid tours.

The proposed local destinations include Manila, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Surigao, Subic, Negros Occidental.

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

B4

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Business

Cathay Pacific sacks 600 in major change

HONG KONG―Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific said Monday it would cut 600 staff including a quarter of its management, as part of its biggest shakeup in two decades to repair its bottom line.

In March the company posted its first annual net loss in eight years, citing intense competition as lower cost airlines, particularly from mainland China, eat into its market share.

It pledged at the time to slash costs by 30 percent after its $74-million net loss in 2016 reversed a $773 million profit in the previous year.

In a company statement Monday, the airline said it would shed 190 management roles as well as 400 nonmanagerial positions at its Hong Kong head office.

“We have had to make tough but necessary decisions for the future of our business and our customers,” said CEO Rupert Hogg.

“Changes in people’s travel habits and what they expect from us, evolving competition and a challenging business outlook have created the need

for significant change.”

No pilots, cabin crew or frontline employees would be affected but they would be asked “to deliver greater efficiencies and productivity improvements,” the statement said.

Aviation analyst Corrine Png told AFP the company was moving “in the right direction” as it looked to transform the business and improve cost competitiveness.

“The challenge is when you start to cut staff head count... you really have to keep the staff morale high,” she said.

“They haven’t really touched the frontline―pilots, cabin crew, customer service―so at least this part hopefully will reduce the possibility of compromising the product.”

Singapore Airlines also reported a net loss of Sg$138.3 million ($99.4 million) in the fourth quarter last Thursday, causing full-year net profit to drop by more than half from the previous year.

It said in a statement that a “wide-ranging review” of the company’s network, fleet, services and organizational structure was underway. AFP

TROUBLED STORE. A French union Unsa (National Union of Autonomous Unions) member gestures during a demonstration of employees of

Eram group, owner of Tati department store on May 22, 2017 in front of the Ministry of Labor in Paris, as Tati payment stoppage raises concerns about 1,700 jobs. Five companies submitted an offer for a takeover of Tati store which is in payment stoppage since April 29, 2017. AFP

Oil rises, extends gain toward $51

O

IL extended gains toward $51 a barrel as Saudi Arabia said all producers participating in output cuts agree on prolonging the deal through the first quarter of 2018.

Futures climbed as much as 1.1 percent in New York after advancing 5.2 percent last week, the biggest weekly increase since March. An extension into next year will help producers reach their goal of trimming global stockpiles to a five-year average, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said

Sunday. In the US, drillers targeting crude added rigs for an 18th week.

Oil has climbed as Saudi Arabia and non-Opec member Russia rally support for a ninemonth extension to the outputcut deal by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies. While stubbornly

high global inventories have taken longer-than-expected to drain, signs that US supplies are starting to ease is adding to optimism. Opec meets in Vienna on Thursday.

“The market is gaining confidence from the agreement being adhered to and the material difference to the supply balance that’s expected over time,” said Ric Spooner, an analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. “Oil is unlikely to advance too far. Higher, sustained prices run the risk of an increase in US production.”

West Texas Intermediate for June delivery, which expires

Monday, rose as much as 56 cents to $50.89 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Total volume traded was about 42 percent above the 100-day average. The more-active July contract gained 33 cents to $51 at 7:45 a.m. in London.

Brent for July settlement climbed as much as 56 cents, or 1 percent, to $54.17 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices rose 5.5 percent last week. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $2.91 to July WTI. Iraq’s Oil Minister Jabbar AlLuaibi said almost all countries

participating in the cut had agreed to extend it, though there was no consensus yet on how long the extension should be. “Some ministers say nine months, some ministers think six months,” al-Luaibi said Sunday in an interview in Jordan. Iraq is Opec’s second-largest producer; Saudi Arabia, the biggest.

Rigs targeting crude in the US are on the longest run of gains since August 2011, and climbed by 8 to 720, according to data Friday from Baker Hughes Inc. The pound fell as the UK threatened to exit talks on its departure from Europe. A rally

Casino plan angers rural Japan as MGM, Sands favor big cities

By Lisa Du, Yuki Hagiwara and Grace Huang TOKYO, Osaka and Yokohama are emerging as likely candidates for casino resorts under the Japanese government’s new bidding framework, triggering criticism from smaller cities that say it undermines Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s goal of reviving rural areas.

Most global casino operators have indicated an interest in building resorts only in any of the three cities, given their relatively high population and proximity to major international airports. To be selected, operators and municipalities will have to team up and submit a concrete proposal to the government, according to guidelines published this month.

“The guidelines have changed the power structure between operators and local governments,” Yoshinobu Nisaka, governor of Wakayama prefecture in western Japan, said at a news conference at the Japan Gaming Congress on May 11. “Where did the view that this was for local revitalization go?”

Officials from other localities that have raised their hands to attract casino resorts have also criticized the process, saying it will lead to big operators only wanting to partner with large cities.

“This morning’s newspaper made me so disappointed,” Hiroya Ebina, the mayor of Kushiro, a town in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, said on May 11 when the new framework made headlines in Japan.

Major Cities Las Vegas Sands Corp. is eyeing the three large cities,

A boat sails near Yumeshima island, top, in Osaka. Osaka, Japan’s third-biggest metropolis, proposed the reclaimed island in Osaka Bay as the casino resort site after lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Restoration Party and other groups submitted a bill to legalize casinos to parliament in December.

Bloomberg

according to the chief executive officer of its Singapore operation.

“The location that works best for our business model is the major cities so we’re talking about Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka,” Marina Bay Sands CEO George Tanasijevich said in an interview on May 11.

“We need to be in a major city that’s connected to a major international airport so we can bring in the millions of people that we want to host at our property,” he said, adding a large local business community would also be a prerequisite.

Ed Bowers, executive vice president of global development for MGM Resorts International, also said a big local population would be required to justify the investment.

“MGM’s business model is to build large-scale destination

resorts with lots of stuff that cost a lot of money,” he said. “So it needs to be in a high density population area, and obviously the ones to be mentioned are Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama. So we’re focused on those three.”

Casino development is seen as a potential boon to the gaming industry in Japan, given the nation’s wealthy population, proximity to China and familiarity with forms of wagering such as pachinko―a ubiquitous pinballlike game―and horse and boat race betting.

Revenue from casino resorts in Japan could eventually reach $25 billion a year, which would make it the second-biggest gambling market in the world, trailing only Macau based on 2015 numbers, according to investment bank CLSA Ltd. Such resorts will also include entertainment venues,

hotels and restaurants, as well as so-called MICE space for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

Not all operators have written off the possibility of a casino in a smaller area.

“We are currently exploring opportunities in both urban and regional markets,” said Steven Tight, the president of international development for Caesars Entertainment Corp.

Barriers Remain Partnerships between major casino operators and large municipalities are still far from certain.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who faces local elections in July, hasn’t made casinos a priority. Yokohama has officially expressed interest, though the bay city near Tokyo faces a mayoral election in July where casinos

could become a focal point.

In Osaka, questions have been raised over the adequacy of facilities in the proposed site.

“The Osaka site’s infrastructure requirements are extensive and will require cooperation of both private sector and government,” MGM’s Bowers said.

While key details such as taxes and the level of access to casinos by Japanese nationals have yet to be decided, the latest bidding framework means operators and local governments will need to accelerate talks on any tieups, Morgan Stanley analyst Praveen Choudhary wrote in a note to clients.

“All markets will likely have a good sense of who they want to partner with before the implementation bill is passed,” he said.

Lawmakers are fleshing out the bill, which is expected to be completed during summer in Japan before it’s debated and voted on in the extraordinary session of parliament in the fall.

Any implementation law will also need to address ways to treat problem gambling in Japan, where public support for casinos is low and there is a lack of regulation to deal with addiction to activities such as pachinko. Fewer than 25 percent of Japanese people supported the legalizing of casino gambling, according to a survey conducted by the Kyodo news agency after the initial law was passed last December.

“I think what’s on people’s minds right now is the issue of responsible gaming and gaming addiction,” Tanasijevich said.

Bloomberg

in Tencent Holdings Ltd. helped send Hong Kong shares back toward a 22-month high. The won surged even after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on Sunday.

Global equities are close to a record as investors bet global growth can withstand political turmoil in the US and Brazil, as well as further increases in interest rates. Money managers will be scrutinizing minutes released this week from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, with a more than 80 percent chance that rates will go up again next month. Bloomberg

Japan in trade surplus again TOKYO―Japan posted a trade surplus for the third straight month in April helped by a further rise in exports including to the United States, official data showed Monday.

American President Donald Trump has vowed to root out “unfair” trade practices around the world and target countries, including Japan, that contribute to America’s nearly $50 billion a month trade deficit.

Trump has assailed Japan for allegedly devaluing the yen to boost exports, grouping it with countries he says are taking “advantage” of the US. Despite the rhetoric, Washington―which cooperates closely with Japan on a range of global and security issues― has yet to make a formal request for bilateral trade negotiations in specific sectors with Tokyo.

In April, Japan logged a trade surplus in goods of 481.7 billion yen ($4.3 billion), the finance ministry said, marking the third straight month in the black.

Overall exports rose 7.5 percent thanks to brisk shipments of chip production machines, steel and motors, while imports jumped 15.1 percent on the back of growing domestic demand.

Japan said last week that its economy―the world’s third largest―grew 0.5 percent in the first three months of 2017, its fifth straight winning quarter and the longest expansion in more than a decade. AFP

Dog saves 2 boys in fire at Padcal

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Dexter A. See TUBA, Benguet—Saved by man’s best friend.

That’s what happened to Wilbur Santos, 14, and his younger brother Kurt, 12, when fire broke out in their house at the mine camp of this town’s Sitio Padcal, where Philex Mining Corp. has its goldand-copper operations, while they were sleeping on Saturday, May 13.

When Wilbur rose from the bed as he heard Miztah, the family’s pet dog, making considerable noise by barking and scratching the door of their room, he saw their house filled with a heavy smoke.

It was around 11 p.m. when he woke up his younger brother, then they ran outside through the backdoor, and found their house on fire. They immediately roused their neighbors from sleep to help them put out the fire, which was triggered by faulty electric wires.

Philex Mining officials said safety personnel have been investigating the incident.

Left alone in the eight-bedroom bungalow while the rest of the occupants were either at work or on vacation, the two boys fended for themselves with the help of their neighbors, who used pails and buckets of water, as they waited for a fire truck, which managed to completely extinguish the fire by 1:10 a.m., Sunday.

“I was so nervous when I was called from my work station underground,” said the boys’ father, Lander, 36, a first-class production miner at Padcal’s Mine Crushing and Ore Handling Department.

In an interview, he added, “I was told there was a fire at our place, and I thought of my two boys who were sleeping when I left our house. My heart beat very fast, as I was worrying about them.”

He thanked the heavens when he saw that his two children were safe, never mind all their appliances and personal belongings that went up in smoke with the gutted building.

“If our dog Miztah did not bark and wake us up, I just don’t know what had happened to me and my younger brother,” Wilbur said.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

No guns for MTPB enforcers

By Sandy Araneta

M

ANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has dismissed the idea of issuing service firearms to members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau.

Estrada believes arming civilian traffic enforcers will create more problems than solutions.

“No, not yet, we will study this first,” Estrada said during a press briefing at City Hall, where he was asked if he is open to the idea of arming MTPB enforcers

with sidearms at least.

“We will not just issue [guns].

I will think about it,” Estrada pointed out.

Nevertheless, the mayor said he will consult the matter to Chief Supt. Joel Coronel, director of the Manila Police District.

MTPB chief Dennis Alcoreza is also against arming traffic enforcers.

“It’s not necessary, I think. It takes great responsibility to have a gun. It might even be a problem,” Alcoreza stressed.

“Our traffic enforcers need more rigid training, and of course, they should mentally and emotionally fit to carry a gun,” he said.

There have been few suggestions to arm MTPB enforcers for self-defense amid several incidents where they were harassed by angry and unruly motorists.

While aware that being a traffic enforcer is a hazardous job,

Estrada said he sees no need to give them firearms, as it is prone to abuse.

“The MPD, in the first place, is always at hand to protect them,” he said.

Estrada recently fired five MTPB traffic enforcers after being found positive for using illegal drugs.

They were identified as Rommel Santos, 40; Randy Luangco, 28; Marcelo Tinao, 39; John Lennon Dalisay, 27; and Enrico Dalisay, 39.

With the dismissal of the five enforcers, Estrada said MTPB is now “100 percent drug-free.”

Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra, the founder of the city’s shoe industry.

According to Camille Fernandez, assistant product manager of Pioneer Adhesives Inc., Grupo Sapatero was started to assist its members and mount programs like free training and workshops.

This effort was greatly supported by the local government of Marikina City through the Marikina Shoe Industry Devel-

opment Office or MASIDO. “Pioneer Adhesives Inc., as a leading Filipino-owned company, has always been dedicated to helping the local industry because we also believe in the quality of Filipino craftsmanship,” Fernandez said.

“We saw the need to support the shoemakers and manufacturers, who are continues to craft dikit-tibay (stick-strong) and tatak (brand) world-class products. They have also been doing their best to re-

vive the glory of the Marikina shoe industry,” she added.

With stiff competition from cheaper imported brands, the country’s shoe capital has experienced a decline in production. The industry also had to contend with fewer expert cobblers. Many of them having been forced to look for other forms of employment.

Despite these realities, the local shoemakers remain resilient in making world-class quality

footwear. Most of the small and micro-scale manufacturers also continue the art of crafting quality shoes, passing on the legacy to the next generation of cobblers.

Among these shoemakers is Rolando “Tatay Oly” Santos, an expert cobbler credited as the “Presidential Shoemaker.” As one of the first beneficiaries of Pioneer Contact Bond and now a member of Grupo Sapatero, he encouraged his fellow shoemakers to continue doing their craft.

E-trikes, ‘CHARM’ launched in Isabela

By Abe Almirol CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela—In pursuit of its dream to meet the “Smart City” standards outlined in a 2016 local ordinance, the city government here collaborated with various stakeholders to launch the first electric-powered vehicle charging station in the Cagayan Valley region, along with several E-trike prototypes.

Dubbed as the “Charging in Minutes” or CHARM project, Cauayan City paraded prototype models on Monday in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Isabela State University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and various private sector groups who make and sell E-bikes and E-Trikes.

Quoting a report from Asia Climate Journal, DOST Region 2 Director Sancho P. Mabborang said the E-trikes “will decrease carbon monoxide emission by 260,000 tons if we replace

The last time arming the civilian traffic enforcers came out was during the term of then Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino sometime in 2011.

Tolentino had made the proposal after an MMDA traffic enforcer was shot by an irate motorist whom he accosted for a traffic violation in Mandaluyong City.

Tolentino’s predecessor, Bayani Fernando, also suggested arming the traffic enforcers not with guns but jungle bolos.

This idea, however, was shot down after being met with criticisms.

WINNING E-JEEP. For leading the e-Jeepney revolution in the Philippines, Muntinlupa City’s e-Jeepney Ride For Free has bagged the Best Customer Experience award in the UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) Awards 2017 held in Montreal, Canada. Muntinlupa’s e-JRF was the sole Philippine entry in the competition, which bested entries from United Kingdom, India, and Oman in its category. Out of 240 entries from 40 countries, Muntinlupa emerged as one of the best public transport modal share systems worldwide.

Grupo Sapatero formed to aid Marikina cobblers PIONEER Adhesives, Inc., makers of Pioneer Contact Bond, has successfully launched Grupo Sapatero, an association of local shoemakers and manufacturers, in a bid to uplift the shoe industry in Marikina City.

The shoemakers who gathered at the event launch were declared the first members of Pioneer Contact Bond’s Grupo Sapatero. It was held at the historic Kapitan Moy Events Place, the 200-year-old house of Don

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100,000 gasoline-fed tricycles with electricity powered ones.”

The “Charging in Minutes” station was strategically located near the gate of ISU Cauayan City campus as budget conscious college students were being eyed as primary users of E-bikes and E-trikes.

Engineers Leo Allen Tayo and Rovinna Janel Cruzate from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute of UP Diliman were the brains behind the charging station’s design.

CHARM was made commercially viable by DOST’s funding support.

Tayo said local stakeholders who are willing to develop costefficient prototypes would solve The Cauayan-based Ropali Group of Companies, owned by businessman, Bob Alingog gave the public a preview the affordability issues raised by of smaller and cheaper E-trike prototypes at the launch of the first ëCharging in Minutesí or CHARM station DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi, near the gate of Isabela State University campus in Cauayan City. Abe Almirol who shot down the $500-million Asian Development Bank-funded The P450,000 price tag of the istrano, a top official from the The Ropali Group paraded project to replace 100,000 gaso- DOE’s abandoned prototype Ropali Group based here, who cheaper and smaller prototypes line-fed tricycle units with energy is simply not affordable to the is leading a team working on E- designed to accommodate two efficient electric vehicles. masses,” says Christopher Cap- Trikes and E-Bikes. passengers only.

IN BRIEF Caloocan prosecutor dies in front of house A GOVERNMENT prosecutor was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding men in front of his house in Caloocan City Monday morning.

Caloocan City prosecutor Diosado Azarcon was shot three times in the head outside his home along Capas Street, Barangay 63 near 9th Avenue.

Initial reports showed that shortly after 8 a.m. Azarcon was about to approach his car parked a few meters from his home when he was shot by six motorcycle-riding suspects, all wearing face masks.

The suspects on board three motorcycles fled after the shooting. Azarcon is the fourth prosecutor attacked since October 2016, police records showed. Jun David

Gunmen claim life of MPD cop in car A MANILA Police District policeman was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen early Monday morning in Tondo, Manila.

The MPD identified the victim as PO2 Frederick Tolentino.

He was driving his car along Quezon Street at around 2:30 a.m. when he was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle.

A second set of gunmen on another motorcycle then drove up and likewise opened fire on Tolentino, witnesses told investigators. The suspects sped away towards Pacheco Street.

Tolentino had gunshot wounds in the neck, back and head. His car had four bullet holes on the windshield, and four more on the passenger side window. Sandy Araneta

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LGUs

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

P6-b Galera wind farm stopped P

By Robert A. Evora

UERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro— Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan has ordered a renewable energy company here to stop all illegal activities in its wind farm project site after it allegedly violated the town’s environmental, health and safety standards.

The order of Mayor Ilagan to Philippine Hybrid Energy Systems Inc. came on the heels of mounting complaints against PHESI’s construction activities that resulted in the mas-

sive erosion and siltation of Mt. Baclayan watershed, the main source of fresh and potable water being used by residents.

The Puerto Galera chief local government executive stressed

that while the “local government fully supports development projects, such as this renewable energy project, the mandate of protecting the general welfare of the community must come first and taken care of.”

Joan A. Yap, Puerto Galera environment and natural resources officer, said in her report to the mayor that PHESI’s construction activities of its substation in upper Baclayan “contaminates the water supply in the surrounding areas of Navinasan, Baclayan, Hondura, Tabinay River and Balatero River once the rains fall.”

Heavy siltation of Balatero River due to erosion also affected Ponderosa River, in Barangay San Isidro (White Beach).

They also complained of mud and silt flowing into the Hondura Bay, a fishing ground, in Barangay Poblacion. Also affected by siltation is the Tamaraw Falls, a favorite scenic spot frequented by local and foreign tourists, located along the roadside going to Puerto Galera town proper.

The local government was incensed by PHESI’s non-compliance with two previous notices, dated March 20 and April 18, this year, to “stop immedi-

ately all illegal activities” in its project site.

The power company also failed to “submit plans and other supporting papers” demanded by the local government. “It has no action plan for environmental restoration,” Yap said.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, through its action officer, Engineer Rodrigo Manongsong, said that “due to continuous damages and effects of the PHESI project at the mountain area of Baclayan, the main water source,” it has not provided mitigation plan to protect the en-

vironment, the reason why there are continuing erosion, flooding and siltation in the area.”

This PHESI’s “non-compliance to install mitigating measures will totally damage the property and lives of the people that adversely affects the tourism industry of Puerto Galera,” the MDDRMC official added.

Mayor Ilagan will meet Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and newly-designated Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to consult them on what proper action can the local government do regarding the violations committed by PHESI.

P15-P25 wage hike in CAR okayed

By Dexter A. See BAGUIO CITY—The Cordillera Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has approved a P15 to P25 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners covering all industries in the region, effective 15 days after the wage order’s publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Augusto Aquillo, RTWPBCAR board secretary, explained workers in Tabuk City received the highest daily wage increase at P25, wherein P10 was included in their previous basic pay of P265 plus an additional P15 in their cost of living allowance or COLA. That made the new daily wage at P290 for all industries employing 11 or more workers. Those employed in industries having 10 workers and below will be receiving a P280 daily wage, with the P10 added basic pay and P15 COLA from their previous P255 daily pay.

Under Wage Order No. RBCAR No. 18, workers in industries employing 11 workers or more in Baguio and La Trinidad will be receiving P300 daily wage from the previous P285. Those in industries employing 10 or less workers in the same area will be receiving P285 daily wage from the previous P270.

ELDERS’ SANTACRUZAN. Around 200 senior citizens representing the six districts of Quezon City dressed in festive colors in joining the city’s 1st Senior Citizen Grand Santacruzan. The parade was held on May 16 at the Quezon Memorial Circle and organized by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, with the theme, ‘Senior Man May Flores Din, Sagala sa Circle 2017.’

Vizcaya’s Ammungan festival begins

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Provincial officials here today opened the three-day 9th Grand “Ammungan” (Gathering) Festival of the province, starting with the Agri-Trade Fair at the provincial capitol grounds in this town.

Gov. Carlos Padilla, Vice Gov. Lambert Galima Jr. and the provincial board mem-

Injured job-order worker denied aid Tigaon, Camarines Sur known as the Partido Area, reported LEGAZPI CITY—A job order he was lifting a collapsed conworker of the Department of crete kilometer sign on May 10 Public Works and Highways in through his grip when the heavCamarines Sur had his middle yweight concrete sign fell on right-finger amputated follow- his hand and eventually hit and ing an accident while on duty crushed his finger bone. and now fears his employment The report said the crushed may no longer be renewed. finger forced the doctor to have A father of five, Garry it amputated as the only option Chavez, is a maintenance work- to avoid infection. But Chavez er assigned to Sangay town dilemma worsened in that being under the Camarines Sur 3rd out of work while recuperating District Engineering based in from the wound, he could not sustain his medical needs, as the Manila DPWH mainteStandard TODAY nance officials reportedly told him the office does TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS not have budget for medicine for In connection with the Company’s Annual casual employees.

Stockholders’ Meeting to be held on 31 May Regional direc2017 and in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Advisory dated 06 May tor Danilo Ver2015, the Company’s latest Interim Unaudited sola could not Financial Statements with Management’s be contacted for Discussion and Analysis for the period ended 31 March 2017 (SEC Form 17-Q) have been comment, but posted on its website and can be accessed and his executive asdownloaded at: http://www.harborstar.com.ph/ sistant, lawyer investors/pse_disclosures.

Felix Brazil, said The Company shall likewise provide the he had just talked stockholders, upon request, a hard copy of SEC with the TigaonForm 17-Q for the period ended 31 March 2017. based District For this purpose, stockholders may contact Ms. Dianne So or Ms. Kath Castro at (+632) 886Engineer Gemma 3703.

Timbang at the regional office.

Timbang told him IGNATIUS A. RODRIGUEZ there was no such Corporate Secretary incident in her district.

By Manilyn B. Ugalde

(MS-MAY 23, 2017)

bers led the ribbon cutting of the Agri-Trade Fair participated in by more than 40 local product exhibitors of the province.

“This is an opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products so they will benefit from this celebration,” said Maybelle Dumlao-Sevillena, provincial administrator and director-general of the festivities.

She said local entrepreneurs have not maximized the previous celebration of the festival, because most of the exhibitors who were put in the frontline came from other provinces.

More than 500 tilapia fingerlings were also handed to the province’s mayors to help their respective fisherfolk earn more income.

Among the local products exhibited were furniture,

wood carving, handicrafts and souvenir items, soft brooms, organic fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, home decors, landscaping models, bonsai varieties, processed foods and cultural products, among others.

Padilla and his wife Ruth, a former gover nor, visited the exhibitors’ booths with other provincial and municipal off icials.

Laoag Brigada Eskwela hailed

By Brenda Jocson

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte—Officer in Charge Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joel B. Lopez said schools are now ready for the upcoming school year with the success of the Department of Education Schools Division of Laoag City’s 2017 Brigada Eskwela held from May 15 to 20. “[We are ready] because we have the support of our stakeholders… [We can say] that our schools are in good hands because we have the surrounding stakeholders who keep on providing us the necessary support and assistance,” he said.

A “Partner Appreciation” culminating program was held at the Ilocos Norte National High School on May 22, as SDO Laoag City’s way of expressing gratitude to the stakeholders which include city and barangay officials, CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Parents Teachers Associations, alumni, balikbayan and all the volunteers.

More than 13,000 volunteers registered for the weeklong Brigada Eskwela. The division was able to generate P3,816,322.50 as of May 18.

“As a way of saying thank you for your support, we shall continuously do our part so that your children who are under our care will be given quality education,” Lopez added.

He guaranteed that all teachers of DepEd Laoag City are all committed to educating their pupils and students. “No class shall be left unattended. That is our primary program for next school year.”

Through the annual Brigada Eskwela, he said that the spirit IFUGAO DELEGATION. Members of the Ayangan, a sub-tribe of the Ifugaos, arrive at the provincial of bayanihan and volunteerism capitol in Bayombong town to join the festivities of the 9th Grand Ammungan Festival. The festival are being kept even in this age highlights gathering of tribes for the 178th founding anniversary celebration of Nueva Vizcaya from May of modern technology.

22 to 24. Ben Moses Ebreo

World IN BRIEF Cats counter stress at Tokyo firm TOKYO―Workaholic Japan is known for long office hours and stressed out employees, but one company claims to have a cure: Cats.

A total of nine fluffy felines eat, sleep and walk freely in the small office of IT firm Ferray in Tokyo.

Hidenobu Fukuda, who heads the firm, introduced an “office cat” policy in 2000 upon request from one of his employees, allowing staffers to bring their moggies to work.

“I also give 5,000 yen ($45) a month to those who rescue a cat,” he said of his charges.

Other Japanese companies are also allowing animals in the office to help reduce stress and anxiety.

At Oracle Japan, an Old English Sheepdog named Candy works as a “greeting and healing ambassador”, according to the company website.

The company said it has had an office dog since 1991, and Candy, the fourth one, now has Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Meanwhile, Pasona Group “hired” two goats in 2011 and two alpacas in 2013 as fulltime employees, partly for healing purposes.

Tokyo is also home to some 60 registered cat cafes, thanks to a growing number of feline lovers.

Eri Ito, who works at Ferray, says she is sold on the animal’s soothing ways.

“Cats are sleeping just beside us... It’s healing,” Ito said.

But there is also a downside to having felines in the office, Fukuda admitted.

“Sometimes a cat will walk on a phone and cut off the call, or they shut down the computers by walking onto the off switch,” he said. AFP

Six more Japanese held in China TOKYO―Six Japanese citizens have been detained in China for alleged illegal activities, officials in both nations said Monday, more than doubling the number previously held in the country.

Relations between the two nations have been marred by several irritants, including a maritime territorial dispute and lingering tensions over Tokyo’s history of aggression in the first half of the 20th century.

China had already detained five other Japanese citizens since 2015, largely on suspicion of spying.

Four of them have been brought before criminal courts, according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.

Six other men―three in Shandong province and three in Hainan province―were detained in March, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told a regular press conference.

Citing “the nature of the issue”, he offered few details.

“We’ve been notified by the Chinese authorities that they violated domestic laws,” he said, adding the government is “discussing the issue through our diplomatic missions abroad”.

Suga did not answer when asked whether Tokyo had protested to Beijing over the issue.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the six were being investigated and Japanese consular officials had been notified.

“Chinese authorities have been investigating illegal activities,” she said, declining to provide details and referring journalists to “competent authorities in China”.

The latest detentions bring the number of Japanese held in China to 11, a foreign ministry official told AFP. AFP

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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More Africans living better A BIDJAN, Ivory Coast―Africans are seeing a steady improvement in the quality of their lives, with some countries even nearing world averages, says a wide-ranging report out Monday on the continent’s future.

While large portions of the continent’s 1.2-billion people live in poverty, many of Africa’s 54 nations have made significant progress in health, education and standard of living.

“At least a third of African countries have now achieved medium to high levels of human development,” said the report published by the African Development Bank, referring to a composite measure of a nation’s condition.

“North Africa has the highest levels, approaching the world average, but all sub-regions have seen steady improvement” since the turn of the 21st century, it added.

Despite the advances, some 544 million Africans still live in poverty, according to the report titled “African Economic Outlook 2017”.

Rwanda recorded the most progress, followed by Ghana and Liberia in the fight against poverty since 2005. One of Rwanda’s key efforts was a communitybased health insurance system that by 2010 had covered nearly 9 in 10 of its people.

At the same time, north African nations Egypt and Tunisia have health insurance systems that cover 78 percent and 100 percent respectively of their residents.

Spending on education, which is considered key for development, is above six percent of gross domestic product in South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique and Tunisia. While Nigeria puts less than one percent of its GDP into schooling.

According to World Bank figures, European Union nations spent an average of 4.9 percent of their GDP on education in 2013.

In central Africa, where school completion rates for girls are the

lowest on the continent, the gap with boys is increasingly narrowing. Nearly three times as many girls finished secondary education in 2014 than a decade prior.

Gender equality is on the rise in several nations -- including Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda -where women “achieve almost equal levels of human development as men,” the report said.

While there are bright spots in Africa’s move toward better income, education and health, serious challenges remain in the fight against poverty.

One of the main ones is the lack of access to cooking fuel, electricity and sanitation. The needs may not come as a surprise given some 645 million people in sub-saharan Africa live without electricity.

The future is also not very bright for many of the continent’s young people, nearly half of whom are unemployed. One of the key problems is that many receive an education that does not give them marketable skills.

“The greatest contributor to economic growth is not physical infrastructure, but brainpower, what I refer to as ‘grey matter infrastructure’... Stunted children today leads to stunted economies tomorrow,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina said in 2016.

The report sees reasons to be hopeful for the economy this year, predicting a 3.4 percent expansion after weak 2.2 percent growth in 2016.

However, the future rebound assumes that “the recovery in commodity prices is sustained, the world economy is strengthened and domestic macroeconomic reforms are entrenched,” the report said. AFP

PHOTOCALL. Australian actress Nicole Kidman poses on May 22, 2017, during a photocall for the film ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. AFP

Trial of alleged Turkey coup ringleaders begins SINCAN, Turkey―The trial opened on Monday of more than 220 suspects, including over two dozen former Turkish generals, accused of being among the ringleaders of the attempted coup last year aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey blames the attempted July 15 putsch on the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a claim he strongly denies. But Gulen is one of the 221 suspects named in the indictment.

Gulen―who lives in selfimposed exile in the United States―is among nine of the 221

suspects who remain on the run with the remainder appearing in court.

The suspects were paraded into the courtroom inside a prison complex in Sincan outside Ankara by security forces in front of television cameras, AFP correspondents said.

Several dozen protesters holding Turkish flags booed at the suspects, shouting “we want the death penalty” with placards saying: “For the martyrs and veterans of July 15, we want the death penalty”.

Twenty-six generals are among the charged suspects, in-

cluding former air force chief Akin Ozturk and Mehmet Disli, the brother of senior ruling party lawmaker Saban Disli.

Also on trial is colonel Ali Yazici, Erdogan’s former military aide.

The case is being heard in Turkey’s largest courtroom, which was purpose-built to hear couprelated trials and has space for 1,558 people.

There was heavy security in place, with a drone flying overhead and armored security vehicles on site, an AFP correspondent said.

Several of those on trial are

accused of leading the “Peace At Home Council”, the name the coup plotters are said to have given themselves on the night of the failed overthrow.

The charges against them include “using coercion and violence in an attempt to overthrow” the parliament and the Turkish government, “martyring 250 citizens” and “attempting to kill 2,735 citizens”, Hurriyet daily reported on Sunday.

The attempted putsch left 248 people dead, according to the Turkish presidency, not including 24 coup-plotters killed on the night.

The trial is one of many being held across the country to judge the coup suspects in what is the biggest legal process of Turkey’s modern history.

The vast Sincan courtroom has already hosted in February the opening of the trial of 330 suspects accused of murder or attempted murder on the night of July 15.

More than 47,000 have been arrested on suspicion of links to the Gulen movement in an unprecedented crackdown under a state of emergency that was imposed in the wake of the coup.

AFP

Jailed governor appeals blasphemy conviction

SUNNY DAY IN FRANKFURT. The sun shines on a rapeseed field in Muenzenberg near Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on May 21, 2017. AFP

JAKARTA―Jakarta’s jailed Christian governor Monday appealed his conviction for blaspheming Islam, his legal team said, as the United Nations stepped up the pressure on Indonesia to overturn the controversial sentence.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, was jailed for two years earlier this month for insulting the Koran, a shock decision that has undermined a reputation for religious tolerance in the world’s most populous Muslimmajority country.

Lawyers for Purnama, who is currently in detention, filed the appeal to the High Court in Jakarta. They believe the judges’ decision did not properly take into account testimony from defense witnesses, lawyer Ronny Talapessy told AFP “The verdict not only stunned us and the prosecutors, the whole world was left in disbelief,” Talapessy said.

The lawyers also urged the court to release Purnama, Jakarta’s first non-Muslim governor for half a century and its first ethnic Chinese leader, on bail while his appeal is ongoing.

The sentence was widely criti-

cized as too harsh after prosecutors had demanded that he be given just two years’ probation.

Prosecutors in the case have already filed an appeal against the decision to jail Purnama.

The appeal came as a group of UN human rights experts urged Indonesia to free the 50-year-old and repeal the country’s blasphemy laws, which critics say have been repeatedly used to target minorities.

“We urge the government to overturn Mr. Purnama’s sentence on appeal or to extend to him whatever form of clemency may be available under Indonesian law so that he may be released from prison immediately,” said a statement from the experts, who included special rapporteurs on freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Purnama was hauled into court last year to face trial for allegedly insulting Islam while campaigning for re-election, after the claims sparked major protests in Jakarta.

He offended Muslims after quoting a passage from the Koran, which he said his opponents were using to trick people into voting against him.

Some interpret the verse as meaning Muslims should not vote for nonMuslim leaders. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Three climbers die on Everest

World

‘Missile set for deployment’ S EOUL―North Korea on Monday declared its mediumrange Pukguksong-2 missile ready for deployment after a weekend test, the latest step in its quest to defy UN sanctions and develop an intercontinental rocket capable of striking US targets.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said the North’s leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw Sunday’s launch, which sparked a fresh chorus of international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions.

The missile tested was the Pukguksong-2, which uses solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, KCNA said.

So far almost all the North’s missiles have been liquid-fuelled, which have to be painstakingly filled with propellant before launch, while solid fuel missiles can be fired far more rapidly.

That would dramatically shorten the time available for any attempt to intervene and prevent a launch, requiring any such decision to be taken much more quickly.

Seoul military officials have previously said the Pukguksong-2―a land-based version of Pyongyang’s submarine-launched weapon―uses solid fuel.

Kim said “with pride” that the Pukguksong-2 was a “very accurate” missile and a “successful strategic weapon”, KCNA said, adding he “approved the deployment of this weapon system for action”.

The launch “completely verified” the reliability and accuracy of the device, and its late-stage warhead guidance system, KCNA said, adding the test results were “perfect”.

Images carried by the Rodong Sinmun―the official mouthpiece of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea-sshowed a smiling Kim clapping surrounded by his aides in an outdoor observation post as the missile shot up into the air.

It also had several pictures of the Earth said to have been taken from the rocket from space―the first such pictures released by the North.

Kim “said he was very happy to see pictures of the Earth taken by our rocket and that the world looks beautiful”, KCNA said, adding that he ordered the missile to be “rapidly mass-produced”.

The missile, which was described by Washington as medium-range, was fired from Pukchang in South Pyongan province and traveled about 500 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan, according to the South’s armed forces.

The rocket used a cold-launch system, KCNA said.

The technology uses compressed gas to propel a missile upwards before its engine ignites in midair. It is considered safer and also makes it easier to hide the launch location.

A spokesman for Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters that South Korean and US intelligence authorities “assess that North Korea secured meaningful data in advancing the reliability of its missile technology through yesterday’s missile launch”.

But he added: “Our position is that the stable re-entry of the warhead needs more verification.”

The US, South Korea and Japan sharply denounced the launch and jointly requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, which will be held Tuesday.

The launch came just one week after the North fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile, which according to Pyongyang was capable of carrying a “heavy” nuclear warhead”. AFP

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS. Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields arrives at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards presented by Virginia Black at the T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

China calls for dialog after missile test BEIJING―China called on Monday for dialogue to ease the tensions on the Korean peninsula after North Korea carried out a new missile test.

“The [UN] Security Council has clear stipulations prohibiting DPRK against using ballistic missiles and China opposes this as well,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing, using the initials of North Korea’s official name.

“The situation on the Korean peninsula is complex and sensitive. We urge all sides to avoid provoking each other and continue on the right track of dialogue and consultation,” she said.

North Korea on Monday declared its medium-range Pukguksong-2 missile

ready for deployment after a weekend test, as it seeks to develop an intercontinental rocket capable of striking US targets.

China, Pyongyang’s main diplomatic and economic ally, has come under pressure to use its influence to compel North Korea to rein in its missile and nuclear programs.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday in response to the latest ballistic missile test.

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said last week the United States was working with China on a new sanctions resolution.

Meanwhile, North Korean state airline Air Koryo has abruptly halted its

new route between Pyongyang and the Chinese border city of Dandong, local airport and ticketing officials told AFP. It was not clear when the suspension started or the reason for the decision.

North Korea’s state news agency had announced the new service on March 28.

A woman at a local air ticketing company confirmed the suspension, saying that they “informed us to stop selling tickets about one month ago. They didn’t tell us why.”

Air Koryo flights on older routes, between Pyongyang and the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shenyang, were still available online. No one answered the phone at the airline’s Beijing office. AFP

KATHMANDU―Three climbers died on Everest over the weekend and another is missing, officials confirmed Monday, in one of the deadliest episodes on the peak since an avalanche swept through base camp and killed 18 two years ago.

More than a dozen climbers have been rescued from the 29,030-foot) mountain in the last three days after running into difficulties on the world’s highest peak, helicopter rescue operators told AFP. The weekend fatalities appear related to altitude sickness and bring the death toll to five during a season marked by unpredictable weather, strong winds and unusually cold temperatures.

The weather calmed over the weekend, opening a narrow window for climbers to make a bid for the top.

Despite the large numbers crowding towards the peak, there have been no reports of long queues.

Over a hundred climbers are expected to attempt to summit from Nepal’s south side on Monday before the weather changes in the next few days and brings strong winds, according to forecasts.

“Today there might be as many at 150 climbers reaching the top from the Nepal side, but it isn’t a record number,” Ang Tsering Sherpa, head of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, told AFP. In 2012, 255 climbers summited from both sides of the mountain in a single day, Sherpa said.

Slovak climber Vladimir Strba was found dead on Everest on Sunday, a few hundred metres from the summit, Kamal Parajuli of Nepal’s Tourism Department confirmed.

He was above the 8,000 meter mark―known as the mountain’s “death zone”―when he died, an area that also claimed the life of American climber Roland Yearwood on Sunday.

The death zone is notorious for its difficult terrain and thin air, where low levels of oxygen heighten the risk of altitude sickness.

An Australian climber died on the Tibet side of the mountain, local media reported, quoting the Tibet Mountaineering Association.

The 54-year-old from Queensland was reportedly hit by altitude sickness after reaching 7,500 meters and died as he was trying to descend. His name has not yet been officially released.

A fourth climber has been missing since Saturday when he lost contact shortly after reaching the summit.

His Nepali guide managed to reach Camp 4, just below 8,000 meters, but sustained severe frostbite. Officials originally said he had been found unconscious.

A search is under way for the climber, who is from India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh, but authorities at base camp were unable to contact the rescue team on Monday. AFP

Students walk out on Pence

TOMATO FESTIVAL. This photo taken on May 20 shows people participating in a tomato festival at a garden in Beijing. AFP

WASHINGTON―Dozens of students at Indiana’s Notre Dame University protested White House policies on Sunday by walking out of a commencement speech by Vice President Mike Pence, who criticized political correctness at American colleges.

The members of the graduating classdressed in cap and gowns together with some two thousand classmates―stood up and quietly left the school’s football stadium when Pence began delivering his speech, videos posted online showed. Others cheered and some booed.

Notre Dame, in the city of South Bend, is one of the country’s most prominent Catholic universities.

Pence, who received an honorary degree from the university, said that “far too many campuses across America have become characterized by speech codes, safe zones, tone policing, administration-sanctioned political correctness―all of which amounts to nothing less than suppression of the freedom of speech.”

“These all-too-common practices are destructive of learning and the pursuit of knowledge, and they are wholly outside the America tradition,” he added.

A religious social conservative, Pence is a former Indiana governor who was born in the state and also served as one of its

representatives in Congress for 12 years.

The protest comes amid a mounting controversy over what constitutes free speech at college campuses since the election of Donald Trump as president in November, with students objecting to appearances by divisive conservative figures. Some schools have canceled events.

In addition to Pence’s record as governor, the protesters said they wanted to voice objections to Trump’s threat to civil liberties and policies such as his attempts to ban travelers from some Muslim-majority countries.

“The participation and degree-conferring of VP Pence stand as an endorsement of policies and actions which directly contradict Catholic social teachings and values and target vulnerable members of the university’s community,” Notre Dame student Xitlaly Estrada said in a statement by the student group WeStandForND, which organized the protest.

More than 100 people walked out, organizers said. Many wore rainbow pins or flags, a symbol of gay pride.

Pence delivered his speech while Trump was on the first day of his first trip abroad as president. In a speech in Saudi Arabia, he called on Middle Eastern leaders to help defeat Islamist extremism. AFP

Life CULTURE & MEDIA

EN POINTE

Exploring G the world on TIPTOES

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

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RACEFUL, strong, and well traveled, you’ll never think dancers Jamil Montibon (22) and Jessa Balote (19) grew up in the slums of Tondo and used to scavenge for a living. They are scholars of the country’s premier classical dance company, Ballet Manila. The two have been to some of the most prestigious theaters around the world, performing before world leaders and society’s elite.

Yet, their journey to success wasn’t easy. In fact, it was—and still is—riddled with trials. As they continue to dance their way out of poverty, Ballet Manila helps them to realize their dreams.

“Ballet Manila has helped me aspire for more,” shares Montibon.

“Before I joined the company, I was resigned to the fact that I will probably spend the rest of my life on the streets, collecting trash.

Ballet Manila has made me realize that I have something to offer to the world. Now, my dream is to become a soloist and travel to more places. I really want to see The Kremlin Ballet Theatre with my own eyes!”

Both Jamil and Jessa are proud products of The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila—an institution celebrating 20 years of classical dancing education this month with a recital titled Just Dance 20.

To date, dancing has taken the two off the streets of Tondo and brought them to Hong Kong, South Korea, and London. Ballet Manila ensures that their scholars always have a fruitful experience whenever they travel. The company allots time for them to enjoy and immerse themselves in the local culture of the places they visit.

“I really love going to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland is probably my favorite place in the world. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would actually be able to go there,” Balote says.

Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde handpicked the two to become part of the company’s Project BalBal let Futures program. According to Elizalde, it was their distinct physical attributes that made her decide to include the two in the program.

“One attribute of Jessa that allowed her to stand out among those who auditioned before is her ability to turn out her legs,” says the famous Prima Ballerina. “Meaning, her ability to ro rotate her legs 90 degrees to the right and left. Also, she had re really clean lines. Meanwhile, the strength of Jamil’s legs really impressed me. We asked him to jump on the very first day of the auditions, and he just soared.”

Since their acceptance to the ballet company, the two went through classical dance training based on the famous Vaganova style of dancing. Considered by experts and dance enthusiasts as the best in the world, the Vaganova technique served as the foundation of Elizalde’s long and fruitful career—allowing her to reach her dreams of becoming a famous prima ballerina and traveling to places she never thought she’d see in her lifetime.

“Ballet has given me so much and I know that it can give the same to others. The key is really to just keep pushing yourself and to con constantly open yourself to learning—not just from your teachers, but from your peers as well. I know for a fact that the Philippines has so much hidden talent waiting to be discovered, and some of those, like Jessa and Jamil, are often hidden away from the spotlight. And that’s why Ballet Manila continues to run Project Ballet Futures.”

Ballet Manila’s Project Ballet Futures is a scholarship program that scouts for potential ballerinas and danseurs in some of the most deprived neighborhoods all over the country. Once accepted, all scholars get free meals, transportation, supplements, dancing gear, and allowance in addition to the full dance scholarship. The program recently held another round of auditions where it accepted a total of 17 new scholars.

“The beauty of dancing is not limited to performances. It transforms people for the better, and that’s one message we want to send out to everyone. Dancing—especially ballet—offers so much more than superficial beauty. It instills discipline and helps uplift spirits,” ends Elizalde.

From the streets of Tondo to global stage, Jamil Montibon and Jesa Balote showcase their talent as proud products of The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila

Coffee table book celebrates Haring Ibon NATURE lovers enthralled by our very own Philippine Eagle for being one of the world’s most beautiful and majestic creatures will welcome the recent launching at the National Museum of the coffee table book, Haring Ibon – The Great Philippine Eagle by Alain Pascua, co-founder of the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines, Inc. (WBPP), and concurrently Undersecretary of Education for Administration.

The author’s photographs of wild birds have graced numerous local and international publications and fora including an exhibit at the National Museum entitled Birds and Climate Change.

Recently, his photographs were featured in the newly published books Owls of the World, A Photographic Guide by Heimo Mikkola, and Woodpeckers of the World, A Complete Guide by Gerald Gorman. The photographs also graced the banner masthead and the bird section of the EDGE of Existence website of the Zoological Society of London, the only global conservation initiative to focus specifically on threatened species that represent a significant amount of unique evolutionary history.

Pascua is deeply involved in conservation and part of the global team of wildlife authors and photographers of the Focusing on Wildlife website at www.focusingonwildlife.com whose mission is to promote wildlife conservation by changing attitudes towards nature and helping people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. He is one of the Species Champions of the website.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, otherwise not known for penning book reviews, insightfully writes on the first page of Haring Ibon, “This coffee table book provides us with a glimpse of the dramatic daily journey of one of the world’s rarest and critically endangered birds. It brings us to the wonderful settings that virtually give the readers a sense of adventure and an almost real-life experience of how these eagles exist in the wild. May this publication successfully showcase your artistic ideas and unique skills in photography as well as your efforts to portray the plight of the Philippine eagles.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Angel C. Alcala, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and National Scientist, writes in the book’s preface, “Although the Philippine Eagle has been written about in several articles and books, this is the first time that the magnificent bird is given prominence in a whole book through documentation – with more than 100 photographs of the eagle’s breeding biology and early life history in its natural nesting site at Mt. Apo Natural Park. The major focus of many of these pictures was the nesting site and environs (the original eagle habitat) at Mt. Apo and the early development of the eaglet Sinabadan in the nest.” Sinabadan means unity in the dialect of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe which plays an important role in the conservation of our National Bird.”

The Philippine Eagle is the largest eagle in the world, standing at three feet or roughly a meter tall with a wingspan of about seven feet.

Its presence has been documented in Luzon, in Leyte and Samar in the Visayas, and in Mindanao. The only bird of prey with blue-gray eyes, it is further distinguished by its head crest of brown and white feathers which it can raise or lower at will.

The first ever sighting of the Philippine Eagle was recorded in 1896 in Paranas, Samar by John Whitehead who called it Pithecophaga jefferyi or Monkey-eating Eagle. In 1965, wildlife biologist Dioscoro S. Rabor called the world’s attention to the eagle’s dwindling population. A year later, President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared it protected species. He established a conservation program for the bird in 1969 and renamed it the Philippine Eagle in 1978. President Fidel V. Ramos proclaimed it the National Bird of the Philippines in 1995. In 1999, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada declared the fourth to the tenth of June every year as Philippine Eagle Week to instill the importance of the bird as a biological indicator of the forest ecosystems, as a national symbol, and as a unique living element of the country’s heritage.

Flying on top of the food chain as one of the most powerful birds in the world, the Philippine Eagle preys on monkeys, lemurs, civets, bats, rats, monitor lizards, snakes, squirrels, birds, deer, boars, pigs, and chickens. Its beaks and claws are strong enough to carry and rip wide open its prey’s carcass.

The Philippine Eagle is one of the world’s most rare raptors, critically endangered because of the continuing loss of its natural habitat (the country’s old growth forests) and hunting, an activity that remains rampant and unchecked even while it is illegal. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, there are no more than 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles remaining in the wild. Inherently territorial, these birds keep their borders exclusive to their families to the extent of engaging in fierce battles with any eagle that may enter or encroach on their territory. The few eaglets that survive nature and man are sometimes lost, too, some orphaned or killed during these territorial disputes.

Even if present forest cover is maintained, the National Bird will remain critically endangered species, as its heirs will not have adequate territory to rule. It is of utmost importance, therefore, to increase the forest cover; protect the remaining virgin and old growth forfor ests from any incursions; and reclaim, regrow, and expand buffer zones and coverage. Only then, with our intervention, can the PhilipLORD OF THE FOREST. The Philippine eagle, known as one of the world’s most powerful birds, is given prominence in a new book that features 100 photographs of the bird, its nesting ground, and early life history.

pine Eagle surmount its critical condition. But all that is a tall order.

Nonetheless, befitting the times, the coffee table book, Haring Ibon – The Great Philippine Eagle, celebrates this gift of nature as a unifying symbol of the Filipino nation’s aspiration to soar to greatness.

For more information on Haring Ibon – The Great Philippine Eagle, visit www.haringibon. com or email alainpascua@haringibon.com.

Life

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

VISUAL ARTS

Art in Aura

A

RT in Aura highlights SM Aura Premier not only as a premier retail and dining destination, but also as a proponent of “Art with a Purpose;” art that aims to be able to create a thriving community of artists and art lovers.

With that, the mall has tapped young artists Anina Rubio, the Kapwa Group’s Archie Oclos and Mercedes Olondriz to create larger than life murals in the Grand Staircase area.

Rubio is a freelance visual artist who takes the inspiration from nature and her travels. Her works are a clear ref lection of her love for the outdoors as well as her mantras in life. She teaches calligraphy and

painting, and does murals. She is also a co-producer and painted artworks for the 2016 independent film, Sakaling Hindi Makarating.

Her Art in Aura mural is called Through the Cracks, in which the design revolves around concrete plants and basic backyard weeds, which are neglected, but shows similar characteristics to Filipinos, such as resiliency and adaptability. Illustrated line art of waves flow through all the walls

Mercedes Olondriz (inset) brings her larger-than-life art entitled “Flaura” to SM Aura’s grand staircase

Street artist Archie Oclos before his artwork called “National Treasure,” which celebrates the works of legendary artist Whang Od and T’boli dream weaver Lang Dulay (right photo)

to give a sense of nature as well.

Oclos of the Kapwa Group graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts major in Painting.

A street artist by heart, he has already received multiple awards in national art competitions and participated in numerous group exhibits over the last few years.

Oclos’s mural, National Treasure, puts emphasis on the Philippine’s rich culture and heritage. His work celebrates two of the country’s National Treasures: Whang Od, the legendary tattoo artist from Kalinga (north) and Lang Dulay, the T’nalak weaving master of the T’boli cloth.

For this, he incorporates the eleele ments of the tribal tattoos and the T’boli cloth in his design.

Another artist, Mercedes Olondriz, has been heavily influenced by her upbringing, in Asia and Europe.

She aims to evoke some kind of cognitive reflection in the context of human locale, the natural world, the environment, and her surroundings.

Her Art in Aura, Flaura, is about the Philippine Schefflera plant. Her idea is to bring nature and organic elements back into places within the urban landscape.

Art in Aura is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM Aura Premier.

THEATER

Come Home to REP in one musical night

(Top Row L-R) Wilfrid and Maritess Magcase (Middle Row L-R) Carlo Calma, Dominic Galicia, Emmanuel Miñana, President of SSI Group, Inc. Anthony Huang, Rustan Commercial Corporation Member of the Board Maritess Tantoco-Enriquez, Anna Angara, sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario, Eric Paras, Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, Dan Lichauco, and Merchandising Group Manager of Pottery Barn Group Regina Bonoan (Bottom Row L-R) Susan Joven, Nina Huang, Jason Buensalido, Joey Yupangco, and Chito Antonio

PREMIER theater company Repertory Philippines, more popularly known as REP, marks its golden year with a phenomenal celebration. All the brightest stars of theater are coming together on one stage for a one-night-only gala musical, REP 50 Years of Telling Stories, on June 11 at the Theatre at Solaire.

Fifty years, 80 seasons and over 443 productions later, REP continues to stage the best productions from Broadway and the West End, showcasing local talents to promote the performing arts in the Philippines. REP not only mounts the most impressive productions—the company also takes pride in its homegrown talents.

In this momentous occasion, watch the performances of such theater luminaries as multi-awarded actors Monique Wilson, Leo Martinez, Joy Virata, Arnel Ignacio, other bright and upcoming talents, and the personalities who have been part of the REP family

#ComeHometoREP. To celebrate REP’s 50th anniversary, numerous Reppers who have gone on to establish careers abroad, put up theater companies of their own, and received high acclaim for their work, are coming back to the place where they all started.

You may have been part of REP’s story in one way or another, so come to the theater and look back at some of REP’s most memorable moments. See how they continue to evolve with the times and why REP dares to keep telling relevant stories and aspire to touch lives for another 50 years.

Catch REP 50 Years of Telling Stories on June 11 at the Theatre at Solaire.

Tickets are available at REP (843 3570) or Ticketworld (891 9999).

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @ repphils on Twitter.

DESIGN

Pottery Barn’s designers’ circle rewards program INFUSE your personal touch and style to create a truly warm and welcoming ambience. Transform any space into a beautiful setting or a house into a home with fine furnishings from Pottery Barn, the premier destination for home and décor.

From the living room to dining room, bedroom and bath, Pottery Barn adds that perfect touch to create a comforting, yet contemporary feel in your home. With its wide palette of soft textures and versatile fabrics, Pottery Barn offers its customers timeless collections of unparalleled quality, style and value.

Pottery Barn recently hosted an intimate gathering at its flagship store in Central Square with esteemed presence of architects, interior designers, and style purveyors, namely Anna Angara, Carlo Calma, Chito Antonio, Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario, Dan Lichauco, Dominic Galicia, Emmanuel Miñana, Eric Paras, Jason Buensalido, Joey Yupangco, and Wilfrid and Maritess Magcase.

At the event, SSI Group, Inc. President Anthony Huang and wife Nina along with Maritess Tantoco-Enriquez, Rustan Commercial Corporation member of the board treated guests

Carlo Calma, Rustan Commercial Corporation Member of the Board Maritess TantocoEnriquez, Merchandising Group Manager of Pottery Barn Group Regina Bonoan

to a private tour of the store and introduced Pottery Barn’s newest Designers’ Circle Rewards Program.

Through this members-only initiative, Pottery Barn aims to help designers bring to life their style visions through special rewards, promos and discounts, and access to exclusive products reviews and events.

“Pottery Barn has an uncompromising devotion to quality, and this is seen and felt in all of its collections and fam-

ily brands such as West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids. With its extensive selection of home furnishings – from décor to furniture and more, Pottery Barn helps interior designers meet the demands of their discerning clientele. With Pottery Barn, you are assured of quality pieces that exude warmth and a timeless appeal,” says Anthony Huang, President of SSI Group, Inc. Now, designers can have their pick of elegant pieces that blend seamlessly with any style. From the classic to the contemporary, from rustic to industrial chic, exclusive collaborations, handcrafted collections and one-of-a-kind, multi-function pieces offer an assortment of relaxed versatility. Be inspired to decorate your spaces and make every room your obra maestro.

At Pottery Barn, find everything you’ll need to make your style visions come to life.

In the Philippines, Pottery Barn is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central and Estancia at Capitol Commons.

Visit facebook.com/PotteryBarnPH or follow @potterybarnPH and @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.

Arkwiz winning team from National University

Arkwiz 2017 awards top students in quiz bee STUDENTS from the Architecture programs of various colleges and universities were recently awarded at Arkwiz 2017, an annual inter-school architectural quiz competition hosted by the UP Architecture Forum – the longest standing student organization in the UP College of Architecture, at the Toyota Asian Center Auditorium in University of the Philippines-Diliman.

This year’s theme was Building Science.

In previous years, Arkwiz has touched on topics, such as Ancient Architecture, Philippine Architecture, and Building Technology.

Named champion at the event was National University, composed of Artus Enriques, Tracy Joy MagpayoCamara Laman, Ritchell Lozares, Paul Lorenzo, and Nielson Corres.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) won second place, with the duo of Serknight Benoya and Kenny Roger Laconza.

Rizal Technological University’s team of Jahrvie Garcia, Ricardo Galang, Ricky Oreo Lacerna, Arra Mae Espana Era was in third place.

DLS-CSB’s John Ramsu Miguel Marquez and Andrea Nicole Narca came in fourth.

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Bigger, amazingly fun new season of

‘CELEBRITY AlDub thanks Kapuso BLUFF’ fans in US, Canada T

"Kalyeserye" main cast reunite onstage in a series of shows in North America

THOUSANDS of Kapuso fans from various states in the US and Canada came out in full support to see the phenomenal AlDub love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza during their US shows dubbed, KS sa US on April 9 and 12.

The events held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California and at the Kings Theatre in New York were the first international shows headlined by Alden and Maine (Yaya Dub), popularly known as AlDub from Eat Bulaga’s “Kalyeserye.” “The comic trio of Jose Manalo (Lola Tinidora), Wally Bayola (Lola Nidora), and Paolo Ballesteros (Lola Tidora) were with the love team, too.

As soon as Alden and Maine arrived, the US-based AlDub Nation and Dabarkads welcomed them with open arms even at the airport. Their fans were very xcited to meet the cast of the hilarious Eat Bulaga segment that they followed dearly on TV. The shows were overflowing with laughter and kilig as the crazy gang entertained them with their spontaneous banters along with song and dance numbers.

Members of AlDub Nation even came with banners and wore fan shirts to show their support to Alden and Maine. The crowd

was extremely satisfied with the shows’ outcome which were a hit to the Kapuso abroad of all ages.

Alden expressed his appreciation to the Kapuso fans abroad for su/pporting their show.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nakisaya sa amin sa Kalyeserye sa US. We really had fun, sana po ay napaligaya namin kayo sa pagbisita namin sa LA at New York. We love you, mga Kapuso Abroad,” Alden said.

Maine echoed Alden’s sentiment and encouraged the Kapuso abroad to watch out for Kalyeserye’s upcoming return. “Abangan po nating lahat ang pagbabalik ng Kalyeserye, hindi po natin alam kung kailan pero sabay-sabay po tayong magulat. Maraming salamat po ulit sa pagsuporta sa Kalyeserye at sa Kalyeserye sa US.” The KS sa US concert was made possible by GMA Pinoy TV, GMA’s flagship international channel, which served as the Exclusive Media Sponsor in cooperation with Happy Box Productions.

Meanwhile, fans can see more of Alden and Maine on GMA Pinoy TV weeknights on their primetime series Destined to be Yours while Alden with Jose and Wally color their Sunday afternoons with Sunday PinaSaya.

HE Filipinos’ favorite alloriginal Pinoy comedy game show is back.

Beginning June 3, Celebrity Bluff makes a big comeback with wholesome fun and exceptional entertainment for the whole family.

This multi-awarded Kapuso game show returns to Filipino homes with award-winning comedienne and actress Eugene Domingo as host and esteemed actor and ace TV host Edu Manzano as special bluffer.

Eugene is looking forward to once again spread good vibes and laughter to the viewers.

“I am excited for the show to start again. I’m so in love with my work. I’m so inspired with making people happy, and I have accepted the fact na ‘fact na fact’ na my mission here in my life is to make people smile and feel good about everything.”

Edu, on the other hand, said he is thrilled to work with the Kapuso comedienne since he is amazed by how she flawlessly delivers comedy in her own ways.

“Ako personally this is a new thing for me. This is my first time to really work with Uge. Bilib ako sa kanya eh. Sinasabi nga nung marami sa ating mga pinakatanyag,

pinakasikat na humorists or comedians, it’s hard to make people laugh than to make them cry. So, I’m looking forward to working with Ms. Eugene Domingo,” says Edu. Also joining the fun every Saturday night are comedian Boobay as bluffer and Kapuso boy band One Up with their “kilig” performances.

Celebrity Bluff features three pairs of celebrity contestants as they attempt to outsmart one another by answering questions to be able to advance to the jackpot round where the winning team could take home half a million pesos.

For its newest season, the program offers back-to-back star-studded pilot episodes with Pambansang Bae Alden Richards and comedian Brod Pete as bluffers.

All set to vie for the grand prize are lka6 Na Utos stars Sunshine Dizon and Ryza Cenon; real-life best friends Andrea Torres and Rochelle Pangilinan; and Jennylyn Mercado and Sheena Halili.

Kapuso love teams Joyce Ching and Kristoffer Martin and Mulawin vs. Ravena stars Bea Binene and Derrick Monasterio, Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix join Celebrity Bluff’s fun-filled initial episodes.

Celebrity Bluff is under the helm of Director Rico Gutierrez and will air every Saturday, beginning June 3, after Magpakailanman on GMA 7.

Must-see film for students AT THIS time of geo-political conflicts and controversies, an emerging genre of independent films seeks to fulfill a new mandate of elevating film artistry and surfacing relevant issues, especially for the youth.

A full length feature film to hit the major cinemas starting tomorrow, is a values-laden film with an arresting tagline Bawa’t Paninindigan, May Kapalit (Every conviction demands a sacrifice).

An award-winning advocacy film, Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo, written and directed by Dominic P. Nuesa, is an action-filled story of two brothers reunited despite being separated by conflicting beliefs, and the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers, in the thick of the decades-old war against terrorism. It stars a talented, award-winning cast that includes Ping Medina, Bong Cabrera, and Mike Liwag.

The film is notable in its research-based authenticity, and its handling of the delicate subject of the raging controversy

in southern Mindanao, a very timely theme. It heightens awareness of the issues while taking great care not to polarize the audience.

Inspired by the real stories of Special Operations soldiers in the country known as the Philippine Scout Rangers, Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo is an intense film that introduces brothers Jamiluddin (Cabrera) and Omar (Liwag) along with Sgt. Benjie Calayan (Medina) within the terrorist infested island in Southern Philippines.

Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo (The Sun Behind You) is also nominated in the prestigious week-long Nice International Awards (2017) this year in the most coveted categories such as Best Director (Nuesa), Best Lead Actor ( Liwag), Best Supporting Actor (Medina), Best Editing – Javier Abola, and Best Sound – Greg Rodriguez III. Produced by independent outfit An Earth Below Productions, Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo has already won five

A scene from Dominic Nuesa's "Ang Araw sa Likod Mo"

international awards – Best Film in Auckland International Film Festival, Global Award Winner at the Europe-based ARFF (Around Films International Film Festival), and Awards of Recognition for Feature Length, Best Actor (Cabrera) and Best Supporting Actor (Liwag) at the Accolade Global Film Competition in the United States.

The film is a tribute to heroism and sacrifice, and challenges us to be more knowledgeable and understanding when trying to make sense of violence and national security. Fighting for a cause, or making a stand, one eventually must sacrifice something and ultimately asks if it was worth it.

Highly recommended for

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

ACROSS 1 Stir up 5 Volcano goddess 9 Now 14 Lhasa — 15 Hydrox rival 16 Large antelope 17 Aussie city 19 Revises 20 Opposite of post21 Ancient colonnade 22 Faulty 23 More bold 25 Theater award 26 Mr. Turner 27 Backer 30 Find repugnant 33 Express uncertainty 34 Dust cloth 36 Decorate gifts 37 Ice cream and root beer 38 Glass square 39 Diamond — 40 Vacation spot 41 Fixed the pilot 42 Unruly curl 44 Uproar 45 Ape a pig 46 Pop’s pop 50 Leading edge 52 Bump into 53 Galley slave’s

tool 54 Handle with ease 55 Book of words 57 “Tiny Alice” playwright 58 Silver and Howard 59 Hawaiian port 60 Pancreas or liver 61 “Do as — —, not ...”

62 Check DOWN 1 Gangplanks 2 Wagner opus 3 Cays 4 Tennis stroke 5 Sulked 6 Miscalculation 7 “One For My Baby” singer 8 Nondiscriminatory hirer abbr.

9 Crawling with 10 Popular songs of yore 11 Rostrum 12 Busy insects 13 Fabric meas.

18 Willow shoot 22 Roughly 24 Layover 25 Winfrey of talk shows 27 Outlet danger

28 — hygiene 29 Rajah’s wife 30 Belt maker’s tool 31 — -a-brac 32 Ring around the moon 33 Lax 35 Hear clearly 37 Bluff 38 Sean of films 40 Dazzled 41 Gaucho’s rope 43 Like some socks 44 Like an evening

gown 46 Ms. Davis of films 47 Column order 48 Abdul or Zahn 49 Pyromaniac’s crime 50 Plug up 51 “Fancy” singer 52 Electrical units 54 Jokester 55 — -Star Pictures 56 Cousins of “er”

students, Francis Estrada, an educator (former president of the Asian Institute of Management and chairman of the AFP MultiSectoral Governance Council) swears, “The film provides a real perspective of the conflict from the ground. To our youth and students, it could be a useful segue to a serious discussion of the roots of the conflict - and its possible long term solution.”

Rated PG by the MTRCB, Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo opens in theaters nationwide tomorrow from An Earth Below Productions, Overmind and HERO Foundation.

Check the film’s trailer here: https://www.facebook. com/AngArawSaLikodMo/ videos/252284628564649/

TV host and comedienne Eugene Domingo returns as host of "Celebrity Bluff" new season

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Brillante

Mendoza MENTORS 10 UPCOMING DIRECTORS

GODFATHER. Seasoned director Brillante Mendoza will serve as "Parrain" or "Godfather" of the upcoming La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde during the Cannes International Film Festival

B

RILLANTE Mendoza is now at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival (May 2123) as mentor of 10 upcoming directors from different countries. It was also announced during the press conference held at the SM Megamall Director’s Club that Institut Français invited the director to be the parrain (godfather) of La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde during the Cannes International Film Festival.

As parrain, Mendoza shares his own experiences and brings a unique support to this new generation of directors, selected for their talent, daring and perseverance. This year’s batch of directors come from South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mali, Myanmar, and Peru.

This year is La Fabrique’s ninth edition. Mentors through the years play a very important role for the full working program. They are chosen among the Festival de Cannes awarded directors and also for their south-north relation and concern.

Mendoza follows in the footsteps of previous mentors, like Chinese film director and screenwriter Jia Zhan-Ke, French film director and writer Claire Denis, Brazilian filmmaker and film producer Walter Salles, Haitian filmmaker of both documentary and feature films Raoul Peck, Palestinian film director Elia Suleiman, Portuguese director Maria de Medeiros, French film, TV, and stage actress Elsa Zylberstein, Argentine film producer, editor and director Pablo Trapero, French film director and screenwriter Sandrine Bonnaire, Cambodian documentary film director and screenwriter Rithy Panh, French actress, artist and dancer Juliette Binoche and film director and producer Abderrahmane Sissako.

La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde is a professional program set up by Institut Français’s Cinema’s Department, to encourage the emergence of rising talents developing their first or second long-term feature.

A full working program conceived in tight relation with the Festival de Cannes and the Marche du Film, La Fabrique aims at helping the achievement of the projects through a privileged access to international film industry networks. Its high-quality workshops or its various professional meetings have given the projects carriers opportunities to find international co-producers.

Director Brillante Mendoza’s is the first Asian to win the prestigious Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his film Kinatay in 2009. Last year, Mendoza’s Ma’Rosa was in the festival’s Main Competition where Jaclyn Jose won the prestigious Best Actress award.

Charo Santos fulfills cowgirl dream in Masbate “MY DREAM is for the Masbate Rodeo Festival to be on every Filipino’s bucket list. My dream is for the Rodeo Festival to be top-of-mind among adventureseeking tourists. My dream is for the world to know and experience the paradise islands of Masbate,” shared CharoSantos-Concio in a speech she delivered at the recently concluded Rodeo Festival 2017 in Masbate City. She was the guest speaker upon the invitation of the Rodeo Masbateno Inc. (RMI).

ABS-CBN’s Chief Content Officer took a break from her busy schedule and traveled all the way to Masbate City to fulfill her dream of becoming a cowgirl. She recounted how she once dreamt of becoming a cowgirl and shared how delighted she was to experience the cowgirl life in Masbate, the home of the Rodeo Festival.

Clad in a cowgirl costume complete with hat and boots, she lauded the people of Masbate for preserving and enriching the rodeo tradition in the province. She also took notice of how picturesque Masbate’s landscape is—a stark contrast from the cityscape that the ABSCBN’s top woman executive is so accustomed to.

“This is such a unique experience for me. I used to just watch this on TV but it is different when you experience it first-hand,” said Santos-Concio. She even recalled that a cowgirl from Masbate was once featured in Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), the top-rating drama anthology program she hosts on ABS-CBN. MMK was

the first national TV program that featured Masbate’s rodeo tradition.

Now on its 24th year, the Rodeo Festival is an annual celebration showcasing the science of animal handling.

One of the main reasons for the longevity of the Festival is its reputation for animal safety.

Judge Manuel “Bebot” Sese, president of the Rodeo Masbateno, Inc. (RMI), shared that the people of Masbate welcomed Charo Santos-Concio warmly because they saw how she genuinely appreciated the province and its rodeo tradition.

“All praises for the province’s national beauty, Charo was also able to visit a ranch and observed some ranch activities,” said Sese. “We at RMI are very thankful to Charo for gracing this year’s Festival. We hope that more and more people will be able to visit and enjoy our province and the Rodeo Festival just like Charodid,” he added.

The main attraction of the annual Festival is the National Rodeo Finals in which students and professionals compete in cattle lassoing wrestling on foot, steer lassoing on horseback, steer wrestling from horseback, casting down, two-person carambola, fourperson carambola, bull riding, and load carrying.

All these events originated from day-to-day ranch practices making them authentic and truly anchored on animal welfare and safety.

ABS-CBN's Chief Content Officer Charo SantosConcio clad in a cowgirl costume during the recently concluded Rodeo Festival in Masbate

Matteo Guidicelli, Sun Life launch ‘vlog’ on investing

sadfsadfsadgmsadiog ads9ug0sdag09sadgsdagsadg Sun Life Ambassador Matteo Guidicelli (center) at the launch of Sun Life's latest financial literacy campaign

ACTOR Matteo Guidicelli, in cooperation with Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI), laucned a series of vlogs (video blogs), which aims to teach Filipinos about how investing can help make their #lifegoals come true.

Dubbed Make It Mutual, the vlogs tackle topics relevant to personal finance, such as growing one’s money, beating inflation and investing regularly. To make it easy for the viewer to relate these to real life, the modules shall be demonstrated in themes familiar to them, like travel, fashion, and fitness, among others.

All videos will be shared via social media to make it readily accessible.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead another financial literacy campaign for SLAMCI. It’s definitely relevant and timely,” Matteo said. “I myself have life goals I’d like to pursue, and I’m happy to share that ever

since I ‘made it mutual’ with SLAMCI, I’ve been well on my way to achieving all those goals. It would be great if more Filipinos can experience the same.”

The latest in SLAMCI’s efforts to boost financial literacy among Filipinos, “Make It Mutual” aims to encourage Filipinos to invest in mutual funds so they can achieve their life goals. The company was also behind the “Slam the Scam” campaign, which likewise starred Matteo, who shared tips on what to consider when choosing an investing company in order to avoid dubious organizations.

According to SLAMCI President Valerie Pama, the company is committed to helping more Filipinos discover the benefits of investing so they may reap its rewards. “We all have goals that we’d like to accomplish, such as buying a house or a car, traveling to a dream destination, or

planning a wedding. These are goals that require a significant amount of money, and sometimes, Filipinos become discouraged knowing how much they need to raise to be able to fund their dreams,” she said. “We’d like to show them that by saving and investing in mutual funds, all their dreams can become a reality. They simply have to ‘Make It Mutual.’”

The “Make It Mutual” campaign is just the first of Sun Life’s series of financial literacy initiatives this year. According to Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa, more will be launched in the coming days as Sun Life rolls out its Financial Independence Month campaign in June. “We remain committed to this cause. Sun Life is always eager to promote it in ways that are creative, relatable, easily understandable,” she said.

“We will never tire of advocating financial literacy to Filipinos.”