Manila Standard - 2017 June 05 - Monday by Manila Standard

TERROR ATTACKS IN LONDON: 7 DEAD, 48 HURT LONDON―Three assailants smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking revelers in a popular nightlife hub with knives, leaving seven dead in the third deadly terror attack in Britain since March. (Related stories on C4) Britain’s main political parties temporarily suspended campaigning for Thursday’s general election and Prime Minister Theresa May held an emergency meeting fol-

lowing the rampage on Saturday evening. “It has now been conﬁrmed sadly that seven members of the public have died,” in addition to the three suspects, London police chief Cressida Dick said. An Australian and four French nationals were among the 48 people rushed to hospital after the attack. In Manila, Malacañang on Sunday consoled with the families of the victims of

the London attacks. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and the families of the very sad events in London,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement. May’s Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, joined by other parties, although local campaigning Next page will continue.

RAMPAGE. Police ofﬁcers and members of the emergency services attend to a person

injured in an apparent terror attack on London Bridge in central London on June 3, 2017. Police ﬁred shots after reports of stabbings and a van hitting pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday in an incident reminiscent of a terror attack in March just days ahead of a general election. AFP

VOL. XXXI • NO. 111 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘I could bomb Marawi’ Duterte, however, says he abides by the rules By Sandy Araneta

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he could end the fighting in Marawi City in three or more days, but said he could have ended it in 24 hours were he not bound by the Geneva Convention.

UNMASKED. Police Director Oscar D. Albayalde holds up a photograph of Resorts World gunman Jessie Javier Carlos, a father-of-three, who had turned to be a gambling addict. Photo below shows RW employees lighting candles at a memorial honoring co-workers and guests who were killed after Carlos set ﬁre to the hotel-casino on June 2, 2017. AFP

“Truth be told, were it not because government is bound by rules and the values of civilization, I [could] end this war in 24 hours. You know, I’ll just bomb everything. I have 10 new jets. All I have to do is to bomb the whole place and level it to the ground,” Duterte said in a speech during his visit to soldiers wounded in action at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City. But bound by international laws, Duterte said troops did Next page

1,200 IS ‘killing machines lurk in PH’ THERE are about 1,200 Islamic State group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian defense minister told an international security forum Sunday. Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants ﬁghting under the IS ﬂag in Marawi city, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants “killing machines” and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them. “I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia,” Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Next page

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AN ARMED man who killed 37 people when he set ﬁre to a Resorts World Manila casino was a father of three from Manila motivated by heavy gambling debts and not terrorism, police said Sunday. The identiﬁcation of the assailant as Jessie Javier Carlos, a Catholic, proves that claims by the Islamic State group that it was responsible for Friday’s attack were false, Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters. “We reiterate that this is not an act

of terrorism but this incident is conﬁned to the act of one man alone,” Albayalde said as he sat alongside Carlos’s parents and wife at a press conference held to announce the identity of the attacker. Albayalde said Carlos was aged 43, had three children and had been banned from all casinos in April by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. following a request from his family because of his gambling addiction. “He is heavily indebted due to

being hooked to casino gambling. This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents,” Albayalde said. “He was barred by Pagcor from all casinos because of the request of next of kin. This could have probably triggered him. That’s why he was so mad at casinos.” Carlos walked into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic riﬂe and a bottle of

27m back to school amid shortages By John Paolo Bencito MORE than 26.9-million kindergarten, elementary and high school students who will troop back to school today will have to contend with more classroom shortages and a lack of teachers as the nation welcomes its ﬁrst batch of Grade 12 pupils under its

Battle for Marawi resumes after 4-hour lull; 179 freed A FOUR-HOUR humanitarian ceasefire on Sunday allowed the rescue of 179 residents trapped by the fighting between Maute group terrorists and government troops in Marawi City, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. Padilla said two people were injured, however, when fighting occurred during the temporary lull. “There were skirmishes that occurred during the humanitarian pause this morning. Third party facilitators helped orchestrate and manage the humanitarian ceasefire. Around 179 trapped civilians were rescued today,” he said. The ceasefire ended at noon. Some 120 Maute terrorists and 38 government troops and policemen have been killed in fighting

that broke out May 23 in Marawi City. The terrorists also executed 19 civilians. Government forces have bombarded Marawi with air strikes and waged fierce street-to-street battles with hundreds of gunmen since they began a rampage through residential areas waving the black flags of the Islamic State. Authorities said Sunday they had finally been able to negotiate a ceasefire with the militants to allow those trapped to be released, although continued fighting throughout the morning meant it was not put into place as hoped. “There are 2,000 people who need immediate help [after] 13 days without food,” Zia Alonto Next page

Senior High School program that added two more years to its basic education system. On the second year of the full implementation of the K-12 program, the enrollment in both public and private schools this incoming school year is projected to reach 26,969,816 students, an 8.2-percent increase from the

previous year’s 24.9-million students, data from the Education department showed. Some two-million students will enter kindergarten while the bulk of the enrollees are in the elementary schools at 14.4 million. Another 7.7-million students are enrolled in junior high school or Next page

CA revives P2.2-b case vs Revillame By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals has revived the P2.2-billion compulsory counter suit that television giant ABS-CBN Corp. ﬁled against former Wowowee host Willie Revillame for breaching his contract with the network seven years ago. The court’s Special Seventh Division held that Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 76 erred when it dismissed ABSCBN’s counter-damage suit on the ground of forum shopping. ABS-CBN is seeking damages of P1.7 billion as of November 2010 plus P426,917,646 for Next page

WELCOME BACK. Kindergarten teacher Maritess Morales writes a welcome message for her students on a blackboard in Rosauro Almario Elementary school in Tondo, Manila a day before public schools open . Norman Cruz

News

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Dialogue, using another name for the IS group. The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hotbutton issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon. Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city center nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants. “How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive,” said Ryacudu, a retired general. “We have to find... complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so that’s why it’s our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters.” Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him. “I really don’t know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less,” he told reporters. But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces. Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya. “Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident,” David said. He added that the foreign fighters used “back channels” in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups. AFP

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Adiong, spokesman for the provincial crisis management committee, said. “We do not know if the ceasefire has been breached,” he said, adding that a sudden surge in fighting had hampered the rescue efforts. Scores of people made a daring dash for safety on Saturday, including one of Marawi’s most respected politicians who had hidden 71 Christians in his home and led 144 people through downtown streets strewn with rotting corpses. The militants behind the violence in Marawi mostly belong to a local group called the Maute and the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang which had pledged allegiance to IS and rejected official peace talks. Sunday’s ceasefire was initially reached following a meeting last week between President Rodrigo Duterte and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the nation’s biggest rebel organization which offered to broker a halt in hostilities using contacts with the fighters in Marawi, Adiong told dzBB radio. Unarmed MILF rebels had a four-hour window until noon to take civilians to safety, government rescue coordinator Naguib Sinarimbo said. But an Agence France-Presse reporter said there was a sudden burst of gunfire and an explosion as rescue teams were entering the city. A Muslim separatist rebellion in Mindanao has killed more than 120,000 people since the 1970s. The MILF has signed accords with the government aimed at forging lasting peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy. But small hardline groups, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf, have refused to negotiate and sought to unite behind IS. The clashes in Marawi erupted when security forces raided a house to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, regarded as IS’s leader in the Philippines. He is on the US government’s list of mostwanted terrorists. AFP and PNA

NBI joins probe of RW attack T “The NBI has actually started the investigation already,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in a text message. He made the statement even as Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said the Philippine Games

and Amusement Corp. should make sure there’s a counseling program available to gambling addicts and those whose lives have been destroyed by gambling. “This should be implemented by Pagcor and all with casino

franchises,” Pimentel said following the attack at the upscale hotel in Pasay City. The attacker had brought a carbine and gasoline to the casino, set fire to some areas and then locked himself in a room, set himself on fire and then shot himself. He was later identified as Jessie Carlos, a former tax specialist at the Finance department. Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Sunday appealed for tougher gun control measures following the deadly attack on June 2. “In the interest of public safety, we really need stronger gun control measures, said Pimentel, a member of the House committee

‘I could...

this war will end. All I would say is fire at will at anything moving and bomb the whole place and that is it. But we cannot do it,” he said. “And that is why we are also suffering great losses. But of course, most of them are enemies,” he said. In the same speech, Duterte lambasted Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza, who was arrested for being an agent for the Abu Sayyaf, saying she was a traitor and should be hanged in public. “I will not hesitate to do it if it comes to that. I will hang every traitor of the government,” Duterte said. “Martial law is still not finished. I will report to the nation what we did and why we did it.” The military missed its June 2 deadline to take full control of Marawi City from the Maute terrorist group. It is also unlikely to meet its July deadline to significantly weaken the Abu Sayyaf, which operates in the Basilan and Jolo. On Saturday, Duterte said people involved in illegal drugs and providing funds and protection to the Maute group would be arrested soon. “In the days ahead we will arrest all of them. Number one is

the producer of shabu, those funding terrorists, they will all be arrested, whether politicians or not,” Duterte said during his visit in Cagayan de Oro City. “We will charge you accordingly. We will detain you more than six days. There will be at once an inquest and if there is probable cause, I would like them to be detained forever,” Duterte also said. Duterte did not provide names. However, he said there are several drug personalities in Marawi City, where more than 200 Maute group members are believed to be still holed up more than a week after the ISIS-inspired group’s attack last May 23. “There are a lot of them here in Marawi. That’s why the supply of shabu here in Cagayan de Oro does not end, “ Duterte said, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said on Monday that the Maute group, drug lords and politicians involved in illegal drugs are protecting each other. On Wednesday, Dela Rosa said the PNP will take advantage of Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao to address the problem of narco-politics in Mindanao.

Division had been deployed in the university belt and other areas to respond on any potential bomb threats. “We are on full alert in Metro Manila. We are setting up police assistance desks and explosive ordnance personnel in case we receive bomb threats,” Albayalde said. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said while her department was prepared to welcome students, there would always be difﬁculties that could not be avoided. “Generally, we are ready but we can’t avoid that there would still be things that are lacking,” Briones told reporters. “This is not to deny that there will still be shortage, but we still have 10 months coming to ﬁll in that gap. “It’s very clear that there is a shortage of classrooms on a daily basis in certain places. We’re still trying to address the classroom backlogs and we have a situation that the number of learners is in-

creasing, hence the need to build more classrooms.” By June 5, some 55,680 classrooms or 51.59 percent of the total 107,920 classrooms would have been completed and available for use. While it is nearly done with its backlogs in 2014 (84.11 percent classrooms completed) and 2015 (72.38 percent classrooms completed), the Education Department has only completed 15.35 percent of its 2016 targets, contributing to a completion rate of 51.59 percent from 2014 to 2016. For senior high school alone, while the department has already completed a total of 25,498 classrooms, it has yet to build some 23,796 classrooms from the budget allocated from 2014 to 2016. The department also has yet to close the gap in the classroom shortage, which is now at 41,880 from the previous years budget. With Francisco Tuyay

Instead they “started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really,” he said, adding that he too heard a shout of: “This is for Allah.” Dick declined to give any further details about the attackers, but added: “At the moment we believe there were three attackers and we believe they are dead.” The attack came only minutes after the end of the Champions League ﬁnal between Real Madrid and Juventus, in an area teeming with bars where many fans were watching the football on television. Britain was already on high alert following the attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England. The national threat level was brieﬂy raised to its highest level, and troops deployed at key public sites. May chaired an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday morning. its compulsory counterclaims on the basis of forum shopping considering that the issue was still pending before the Supreme Court. The appellate court also agreed with the television network that it was not barred from suing over a breach of contract just because the agreement had ceased to take effect on Sept. 10, 2011. “The trial court is perfectly aware that in dismissing the counterclaims before it on the basis

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Justice department on Sunday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe into the attack at Resorts World Manila on Friday that left 38 people dead including the gunman.

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their best to ensure no civilians would be killed. Despite the ﬁghting in Marawi City, which led Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao, the President said the republic was well and stable. “There are pockets of war ﬁghting in Mindanao and we are still assessing the environment vis-àvis the NDF [National Democratic Front] and NPA [New People’s Army],” said Duterte. Duterte also said he would assume full responsibility for the bombings missions in Marawi, saying that they were carried out upon his orders. The enemy has no compassion, he said, shooting everyone, including civilians. “But we cannot just press the trigger of a machine gun and say to whom it may concern,” he said. “We have to get close to the target and be precise with our shots.” At the same time, Duterte said he would not hesitate to bomb targets that cannot be taken at a huge cost to soldiers’ lives. “That’s why I said, in 24 hours,

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grades 7 to 10, while 2.8 million are in senior high school including the first batch of Grade 12 learners. In other developments: • There are no security threats in Metro Manila as thousands of policemen will be deployed in the key areas leading to schools across the country to ensure the safety of some 26.9-million students who will be returning to school today, an official said Sunday. “Intel from the PNP [Philippine National Police] shows there is no security threat in Metro Manila and the entire National Capital Region,” Ramon Pranada, operations officer of the Quezon City Police District, told reporters in Pasig City. • In Metro Manila, Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said members of the police Explosive Ordnance

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Security was already a major feature of the campaign, after 22 people were killed in the Manchester concert bombing on May 22, claimed by the Islamic State group. As they attacked revelers around London Bridge, the attackers wore what looked like suicide vests which turned out to be “hoaxes”, police said earlier. “They were stabbing everyone. They were running up and going ‘This is for Allah’,” a man called Gerard told the BBC, adding that he had seen the three assailants stabbing a girl as she cried for help. Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men come out of a white van after hitting pedestrians and thought they were going to help.

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each week that Revillame continued violating his contract, P20 million in moral damages, P20 million for exemplary damages and another P20 million in attorney’s fees and litigation expenses. The appellate court agreed with ABS-CBN’s argument that the lower court should not have dismissed

on national defense and security. “While Carlos may not have used his ﬁrearm to kill people, he did use the weapon to try to raid the casino cashier’s cage and to sow mayhem that took a lot of innocent lives.” Aguirre said the NBI probe was independent of the investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police. “There are several questions that remain unanswered and the NBI hopes to help in providing answers,” he said. “I have instructed the NBI to look into all possible angles including terrorism.” Among the issues raised dur-

ing the incident were the identity of the attacker and his motive: Whether it was a robbery or a terror attack. The PNP has already downplayed the possibility that the incident was a terror attack even after the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria owned up to it in its website. The police said it was a case of robbery as the suspect stole some P113 million worth of VIP casino chips before setting casino tables on ﬁre using a bottle of gasoline, pointing out that he did not shoot any of the casino guests and staff. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

Overnight, she said: “Our thoughts are with those who caught up in these dreadful events.” London’s Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan described the incident as “deliberate and cowardly”, adding: “There is no justiﬁcation whatsoever for such barbaric acts.” Asked if the election would still go ahead, he told the BBC: “One of the things the terrorists hate is democracy... I’m looking forward to voting on Thursday.” It is the latest in a string of attacks to hit Europe, including in Paris, Berlin and Saint Petersburg. France said four of its citizens were injured in the attack, one seriously, and President Emmanuel Macron said his nation was “more than ever at Britain’s side”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination.” AFP with Sandy Araneta

gasoline, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex, according to police accounts. Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and Carlos was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police had said. Security footage of the incident released on Saturday showed the gunman calmly and slowly walking through the casino and firing into the air most of the time, apparently as warning shots for people to leave. At one point he fired at security guards when they confronted him, but missed. After they ran away, he calmly walked up some stairs. The video also showed him breaking into a secure room where chips and money were being kept, apparently intent on stealing what he could. Carlos set alight many gambling tables, which police said was probably an attempt to create a diversion so he could escape. At Sunday’s press conference, Carlos’s tearful mother said he had been a good man who committed the violence because of his gambling addiction. “We ask for forgiveness. My son was a good child to us. But since he started playing at the casinos, that’s all he did. He did not visit us. It was painful for us not to see him,” said his mother, Teodora Carlos. Albayalde said Carlos had worked in the Department of Finance but had been sacked because he had lied on official forms about unexplained assets and properties. A 2014 government press release explaining the sacking described Carlos as a tax specialist, who had been fired for not declaring properties and for taking mysterious loans far more than a bank would lend. Authorities had repeatedly insisted on Friday and Saturday the attack was not terrorism-related but a bizarre robbery attempt by a deranged man. But IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its “fighters” carried out the attack. President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly warned that IS is gaining a greater foothold in the Philippines. Those concerns escalated when militants flying black IS flags rampaged through the Philippines’ main Islamic city in the south nearly two weeks ago, triggering clashes that are still continuing and have left roughly 200 people dead. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 in a bid to quash the rising IS threat, and said he was prepared to impose military rule nationwide if terrorism spread. However, Duterte and his police chiefs insisted that the casino attack was not terrorism-related.

After identifying Carlos as the attacker on Sunday, Albayalde repeatedly sought to discredit IS. “We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes, whether foreign or local,” Albayalde said. He also urged the public not to spread false speculation about the incident. “We ask for people to stop spreading false speculation linking this act to terrorism. Again, as we always maintained, this is not an act of terrorism. Help us build peace here in our region by spreading only the truth,” Albayalde said. Carlos, whose last known address was in Sta. Cruz, Manila, was separated from his wife, Jen Carlos, with whom he had a son and two daughters. The gunman’s wife was silent during the press conference, which she did not finish. Despite revelations about the gunman, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez insisted that the attack Friday was an act of terrorism. “The ultimate consequence of the attack on Resorts World is an act of terrorism. Let us stick to the definition of terrorism. Anybody who, with premeditation harms and kills people indiscriminately is a terrorist. Whether or not the perpetrator is a member of a known terrorist organization or a lone wolf acting independently, he is a terrorist. This is happening all over the world,” read Alvarez’s statement sent to the media. “Our authorities should not lull our people into complacency by dismissing the incident as a common criminal act. Neither should they relax just because they refuse to label the incident as such.” Duterte flew to Manila Saturday night to go to the wake of some of the fatalities in the Resorts World Manila attack. In Veronica Funeral Homes, Duterte met privately with the bereaved families of four of the victims, Hing Tung Tsung, Lai Wei-Chung, Lai Yu-Chieh and Carmelita dela Cruz. Around midnight, the President went to the nearby Rizal Funeral Homes, also in Pasay City, to pay his respects to another victim of the incident, Eleuterio Reyes. He then proceeded to Heritage Park in Taguig to pay his respects to Raoul B. Viray and Elizabeth Gonzales. Viray was a shipping industry official. Gonzales was the wife of Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. Duterte dispelled speculations that the Resorts World Manila incident was a terror attack. “That is not the work of the ISIS. The work of the ISIS is more cruel and brutal. They would just simply kill people for nothing. Not even for a reason. And that was the reason why the world today has bonded together to fight the scourge of terrorism,” Duterte said. AFP with Sandy Araneta, Rio N. Araja, Julito G. Rada and PNA

of forum shopping, it would, in effect, be antecedently resolving the very question raised before the Supreme Court, the court said. “That is, whether our Former First Division correctly declared that appellant ABS-CBN indeed engaged in forum shopping. Hence, in actually doing so, the trial court rendered moot and moribund exactly what was for the Supreme Court to decide.” The CA also said the trial court

erred when it dismissed ABSCBN’s compulsory counterclaims for the reason of expiration of the agreement. “The parties certainly stipulated that the agreement would cease to take effect on September 10, 2011. But it is clear that appellant ABSCBN counter-sued appellee Revillame for purported violations of the agreement committed during its effectivity, the court said. “The conclusion of the agree-

ment cannot be interpreted as a bar which would [prevent] appellant ABS-CBN from seeking judicial recourse for violations allegedly committed by appellee Revillame during the life of the contract.” In 2010 Revillame ﬁled an P11million damage suit against his old employer and asked the court to make a judicial conﬁrmation of the end of his contract with ABSCBN.

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Opinion

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

These troubled times

EVEN people died in a series of terror attacks across London Saturday evening following reports that a van mowed down ﬁve or six pedestrians on London Bridge. In the nearby Borough Market shortly afterward, police responded to a knife attack in an area packed with popular restaurants. The attacks come less than a month after a suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device at the exit of an arena where a sold-out concert had just ended in Manchester, England. Twenty-three people, including children, were killed.

Here at home, a masked gunman with an assault riﬂe shot up and set ﬁre to gaming tables at Resorts World Manila before setting himself ablaze Friday morning. When the smoke cleared, 37 casino employees and guests were dead of suffocation. While the authorities are adamant that this was not an act of terror, it certainly has all the hallmarks of one—it strikes fear in our hearts and causes us to doubt our own safety, even in the mundane activities of our daily lives. Instead of a casino, the gunman could just as well have gone on a rampage at a mall,

a bus terminal or a busy government ofﬁce. Instead of those unfortunate souls who died at Resorts World, it could have been us. Clearly, from what the police have revealed, the Resorts World attacker was not some fanatic brainwashed into committing a terrorist act, but “an emotionally disturbed person who apparently engaged in a criminal action.” But isn’t this precisely the type of unstable, lone wolf that terrorist groups such as the Islamic State recruit and use to carry out their cowardly attacks these days?

And isn’t it the very definition of “emotionally disturbed” to strap a bomb packed with shrapnel onto one’s chest and to detonate it among innocent civilians? Or to enter a casino with an assault rifle, set fire to gaming tables and cause panic among the people there? Like other countries, we must now come to grips with this new form of terrorism in which the sowers of fear are “emotionally disturbed individuals” who have nothing to lose. In computer systems, there is always a balancing act between usability and

security. You can make a system more secure by putting more passwords in place—but putting too many such checkpoints will make the system unusable. This is the same kind of balancing act that society confronts today. How much of our open, democratic way of life should we give up in exchange for a greater sense—or illusion—of security in the face of these terror attacks. We need to be cautious that we do not exchange one form of terror for another, in which the state is the terrorist.

Requiem for the dinosaur

lacking a quick response team that could have dealt with the situation the moment the gunman was seen on closed circuit television camera as he sat on the casino backstairs. Because the casino’s security people were not armed, it took some time before the gunman was neutralized. In the meantime, casino patrons were stampeding for the exits as fire started to sweep the curtains and floor carpeting. Floor carpeting is f lammable because of the fabric it is made of. It is treated with cleaning chemicals especially since countless casino patrons walk over it every night. Three days after the incident, the police came out with the identities of the dead. I was looking for some familiar names, friends I know who frequent Resorts World Casino almost every night. To my relief, I did not see names of

I READ an essay on the jeepney last Wednesday in the Taipei Times. It was an AFP special report which I later read once again in the online edition of this paper. “Our inefficient dinosaur, the jeepney, must now be relegated to the museum. It is dirty, inefficient, unhealthy,” the AFP report quotes DoF Secretary Carlos Dominguez. The “king of the road” has become an obsolete “dinosaur.” In its ode to the jeepney, the feature quoted a 55-year-old father of seven calling his rather dilapidated, smoke-belching, rusting vehicle thus: “This is like my wife. My jeepney and I are together every day.” And worried about his fate on account of a vehicle modernization program of the government, Peter Dallos says that he is angry because “I will lose my job… forced to go home to my province, become a bystander and starve.” There is a sure element of pathos here, multiplied by the thousands as owners and drivers of 15-year-old jeepneys are phased out of Metro Manila’s streets, for good. The essay brings to mind a meeting of the executive committee of the DoTC under then secretary Hernando B. Perez. Back then, all the agency heads and undersecretaries of the huge department in charge of air, land, sea and rail transport, plus communications by posts and telegraph (the internet and the cellphone was so new then, and had hardly made inroads into the country) would meet with the boss, secretary Nani, once a month to discuss policy and problems. It was a good arrangement. Inter-agency problems could be ironed out fast. Moreover, DoTC policies would be threshed out in participatory fashion. On one such meeting, I had the effrontery to propose that the department should implement a phaseout of jeepneys, a program of attrition where the license to operate old jeepneys in Metro Manila would no longer be renewed, consigning them instead to the provinces, along with a freeze on the approval of new ones. In time, I said, the jeepneys could be gradually replaced by more modern buses which aside from being more fuel-efficient, could load more passengers. The secretary smiled. “Maganda iyan”, he remarked, “pero politically explosive. Ang daming boto niyan.”

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The murky world of casinos THERE’S a lot to be said about people whose worlds have turned to the murky world of casinos. While some only go to casinos to pass the time and perhaps take a chance at a game of cards or a lucky number at the spin of the roulette wheel, there are many who have lost their souls to addiction to gambling. Observe the regular high rollers at the baccarat or black jack table. Their alert, calculating demeanor turns to a dazed, volatile temperament when they start losing thousands and sometimes millions of pesos on bets. One such person was the lone gunman who went on a rampage at the Resort World Casino in Pasay. He had been losing thousands and perhaps millions of pesos after a streak of bad luck. He came back, armed with sub-machine gun and a can of gasoline. He wanted to set the world on fire—literally, Re-

sorts World Casino and Hotel. He did both, killing 37 casino patrons and employees in a deadly night of rampage. Most of the fatalities died from smoke inhalation and not from gunfire, according to police investigators. Many of the victims locked themselves in rooms to escape the gunman’s wrath, not knowing they would die from smoke inhalation. It was a senseless act committed by a deranged man who lost it all, including his mind. After setting fire to several gaming tables on the second floor, he then broke into the cashiers counter to steal millions of pesos in casino chips. Apparently, he does not know that the chips he took won’t be of any use; they were going to be demonitized almost immediately even if he was able to escape. The gunman, finally identified by police as Jessie Carlos, a former tax specialist at the

There are many who have lost their souls to addiction to gambling.

Department of Finance, killed himself in one of the hotel rooms. Carlos’ rampage brings to mind another incident in 1986 when Jaime Balabat, after losing hundreds of thousands of pesos at a casino, went to collect real estate commission from TV celebrity Elvira

Manahan. Unable to collect, he hammered Manahan to death. As there was outrage at the failure of intelligence by the authorities in the ongoing siege in Marawi City, there is now an outcry about security lapses in the Resorts World carnage. It’s easy to claim failure of intelligence or security lapses despite the fact that the concerned people were doing their best. Failure of intelligence basically can be traced to lack of intelligent people who should be doing this job. In the case of Marawi, it would be the local government people or barangay officials who should have noticed the influx of newcomers to the community. They should have reported it to the Philippine National Police or military contingent in the city. At Resorts World, the establishment can be faulted for

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

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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Romel J. Mendez Art Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

Tax reform and poor consumers VOTING 246-9 with one abstention, the House of Representatives last week approved on third and f inal reading the so-called TR AIN Bill, or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, the f irst of the Duterte administration’s muchvaunted tax refor m package. The rationale is founded on government’s vision to reduce poverty, achieve high middle income status with a target of $4,000 per capita gross national product in an environment of national and regional peace. To achieve these goals, investments will require additional funds of around P1 trillion per year on top of the current levels. While just taxation and infrastructure are certainly laudable and long-overdue, upon closer scrutiny, the implementation of TRAIN is set to unduly burden the already difficult life of low-income consumers. On one hand, the proposed tax package seeks to lower the rate of personal tax income, allowing workers to take home more from their wages. To cite, some 1.8-million minimum wage earners will be exempted from income tax. This extra money, however, can effectively be eroded by the higher prices of goods and services that would predictably arise from the increase in excise taxes of oilbased products. In particular, consumers of 12 mostly oil-based prod-

ucts, such as estimated the open unleaded and potential imthoughts leaded gasopact of the bill line, diesel, on inflation. orlando and liquefied Critics in oxales petroleum gas, the House of can witness a Representadrain in their tives have deresources. The TRAIN Bill cried the Duterte administraseeks to raise the excise taxes tion’s aggressive ‘railroading’ on these commodities by P3 of the TRAIN saying that the per liter by 2018, P2 per liter oppressive taxes will run over more by 2019, and another P1 all Filipinos, and most espeper liter by 2020. This already cially the poor. casts a wide net. After all, a Bothersome is how the perbulk of the country’s public ennial problems of plugging utility jeeps and buses run on the leaks in tax collection and diesel and many homes rely on spending is not being given LPG. due attention. Some studies, Outside this, the proposal is for instance, have shown that especially punitive in the case a substantial level of revenue of buyers of new vehicles, who generation are achievable will have to pay an additional through measures like intax of between three and 120 creasing the efficiency of the percent for vehicles that cost Bureau of Customs’ tax colP600,000 up; consumers of lections, checking rampant sugar-sweetened beverages, smuggling, and minimizing whose juice drinks, soft drinks, corruption. and instant coffee mixes are set Also critical is the governto be levied a P10-hike of ex- ment’s policy shift in its precise taxes a liter; and renters ferred funding mode from of houses or apartment units Public Private Partnership to with rental fees below P10,000, Official Development Assistamong others. ance. The implications of this Many of these will victim- shift cannot be overstated, ize the poor, contrary to the especially to the ordinary avowed spirit of the tax reform taxpayers, who, on one hand, package. In particular, the are the ultimate beneficiconsumption of coffee mixes, ary of Duterte’s Build Build powdered concentrates, and Build mantra, but will also soft drinks is heavily skewed collectively finance, directly toward the D and E demo- or indirectly, the envisioned graphic. But even outside this, boom. some economists say the govThe foremost advantage of ernment has severely under- the PPP model, of course, is

its reliance on private-sector resources, taking advantage of the high liquidity in the local financial market and in the process saving the government from additional debt and foreign exchange risk. Experience also teaches us that the private sector has had better expertise and therefore success in terms of efficiently building and operating infrastructure projects. The sluggish pace of many PPP ventures is not inherent to the model, as some officials point out; in many cases, issues like cost overruns arose due to failures of coordination and planning, chief of which fall on the government’s side. On the other hand, arguments against ODA include the lack of accountability stemming from an administration’s six-year term limit, the strings typically attached to ODA funding, and the user-pay principle, which saves Filipino taxpayers who will not use the project from the undue burden of subsidizing it. Thus, the implications of the passage of the Duterte administration’s tax reform package are many and multifarious, some of which go beyond taxation. But if the ultimate destinations are social justice, inclusive growth and sustained national development, the rails of the TRAIN Bill must be built through the most sensible route, something that intervention from our senators will hopefully ensure.

Game Theory and Trump’s climate negotiations By Mohamed A. El-Erian THE run-up to the announcement by President Donald Trump on Thursday that the US was withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement illustrated the inconsistent approaches being taken by America and other major countries. The longer this persists, the greater the possibility that America’s pursuit of short-term benefits in certain areas would come not just at the risk of longer-term damage, but would also undermine an overall global construct that has served it well and could still do so over time. After earlier threats to dismantle the North American Free Trade Agreement and impose punishing tariffs on China and Mexico, Trump alerted the other 194 signatories of the 2015 Paris accord that the US was thinking about withdrawing from this laboriously negotiated agreement. This was met with dismay from several leaders of US industry, countries, the United Nations and the Catholic Church, among others. It also led other systemically important countries to announce a commitment to abide by the terms of the agreement,

regardless of what the US ended up doing. In this case, unlike with international trade, Trump made good on his warning. He announced that the US would no longer be part of the accord, stop meeting financial and other requirements, and only rejoin if terms were renegotiated in his nation’s favor. Also, in contrast to existing trade arrangements where America’s major trading partners (Canada, China and Mexico) signaled openness to negotiation before the US took unilateral action, the rest of the world’s positioning on the Paris accord issue failed to be sufficiently enlightened by the insights of game theory. As a result, it was ineffective in the short run and will likely prove unsustainable over the longer term. To best understand this in simplified game theoretics, and using its terms, think of the US as now having decided to play what used to be a cooperative global game in an uncooperative manner. Given that it is the most powerful country in the world, it is a credible approach for the US and one that, in certain circumstances, could even deliver im-

mediate gains in the short term. situation than they would have In the particular case of the otherwise realistically attained Paris accord, for example, the had they cooperated in a credpossible short-term benefits ible fashion. If they care about come from the notion that the environmental sustainability, US can free-ride on the climate and they must, they would then commitments of others, while have no choice but to try and minimizing its own financial come together with the US in contributions and retaining pursuit of a new collective sowide flexibility on how it pro- lution to a common problem motes and uses its energy re- and a shared responsibility. sources. Over the longer term, In the interim, the potential however, the absence of the US damage would not be limited to would severely undermine the the environment. Given the deep beneficial impact of the agree- nature of cross-border interconment. And since the US cannot nections and interdependencies, insulate itself from the effects such episodes erode the integrity of global climate change, it and effectiveness of the global would also face an array of en- system, threatening costly fragvironmental and environment- mentation that reduces win-win related threats. outcomes, undermines collecThis situation also puts other tive action and forces a greater participants in a tough position. need for self-insurance by indiWhile other nations can col- vidual countries. lude and try to go it alone, their Bloomberg collective action is unlikely to be sufficient to meet the objectives of the accord, which was meant to be a building block rather than a destination. They would find themselves locked with the US in a “prisoner’s dilemma”—that is, Fr. Aquino’s column will a scenario in which both resume soon. parties end up in a worse

The murky... From A4

But the wife of a Pampanga congressman was among the 37 who died. We do not know if she was a regular casino-goer people I know. They probably did not go or was just at the wrong place at the wrong that night or were some of the lucky ones time. For sure, security will be tight at the who escaped during the mad stampede other casinos in town after the Resorts World rampage. for the exits.

Gambling is a big-time, profitable business. The country wants to compete with Macau and Singapore in getting its fair share of gambling money and the foreign tourists who come, not just to gamble but also to see some of our renowned tourism spots.

Requiem...

tangas-Laguna-Cavite corridor would be hastened. The secretary was from Batangas City, mismo. But as things turned out, the MICT was expanded. Look at the traffic congestion it has spawned. I read somewhere that the major port operator, ICTSI is finally looking at Cavite as a new location for a container terminal, somewhere near the Sangley area. It’s a location more than 25 years late. *** Former senator Orly Mercado once remarked that the problem with us Filipinos is we cannot seem to see beyond the tip of our (flat) noses. Lee Kuan Yew saw how Singapore was in 1960, and envisioned how it ought to be in 1980, thence 2000, and beyond. He built his city-state one part of a grand vision at a time. Tayo? One problem at a time, often too late and after the problem has festered without solution, creating crisis and chaos. The other day, a two-meter-long part of the international (and domestic) airport runway

From A4

Earlier on, in fact during my first job in government as Postmaster-General of the then Bureau of Posts, the organizers of an international conference of dentists that was to be held in 1986 saw me about a proposed commemorative stamp which had already been approved by my predecessor until the Edsa revolt installed a new government.. They wanted assurance from me that the same would be pursued. They showed me artworks of their proposed stamps, and one of these featured a colorful jeepney. I initially objected to the jeepney feature, arguing that what was then considered an icon of Philippine culture was something that we should not promote, because it was archaic and a step backward from the transport viewpoint. But I relented because apparently they had incurred expenses in having an artist design the proposed stamp. Besides, I could see that the dentists thought the jeepney, with its colorful sari-manok de-

sign, was a source of national pride. Today, in the age of Duterte, when “change” has become policy and praxis, regardless of the political cost, the jeepney is to finally be phased-out. It will be difficult, and many will be displaced from their current livelihood. But it must be done. *** Harking back to those times, I remember that it was also suggested to secretary Nani not to allow the expansion of the international container terminal in the Port of Manila. The use of containerized cargo was relatively new in the country at the time. Most were still loaded and unloaded break-bulk, which was time-consuming and inefficient. The suggestion was for containerized cargoes to be unloaded in the Port of Batangas instead, which was then being built under a Japanese loan facility. Subic at the time was still an American naval base. Traffic will be congested in the metropolis as soon as container trucks use our narrow streets as they travel from port to warehouses and factories. Besides, if Batangas port were to be utilized, the industrialization of the Ba-

Lessons from a tragedy THE lives and property lost in the Resorts World tragedy would not be in vain if we recognize, and learn from, the lessons it brought. One is a lesson in disaster preparedness. Many died because they were asphyxiated from the smoke caused by the burning of carpets and other items by the suspected gunman. Because those in rooms heard numerous loud gunshots, they did not know whether to run out to escape or hide in their rooms. No one was leading anyone out even if the gunman wasn’t firing at people. If the managers on duty and the staff of Resorts World had prior training on disaster management, they would have been able to check all the rooms as the chaos went on and led the way out to trapped people. They would also have known that the gunman was not firing at people and therefore what needed to be done was to lead people to exits. This reminds me of the day the strongest earthquake hit the Philippines—the one that destroyed Baguio, La Union and other provinces in the north. I was then a young lawyer working in a law firm in Makati. When the tremors started I took cover under my desk. What amazed me was that our boss was going around the rooms checking on each of us instead of taking cover himself as the quake was so intense things were falling from tables and it was difficult to keep one’s balance while standing. If only someone like him were in the Resorts World when the tragedy struck. Another lesson from the tragedy is the need for better security management. What begs to be answered is how the gunman was able to bring into the casino hotel high-powered firearms. There was obviously a lapse in the system of screening incoming guests. And this lesson should cascade to all establishments because there There must is no longer any safe place on the planet against all be new protocols sorts of disasters, whether caused by terrorists or plain in disaster lunatics and psychos. It has preparedness crossed my mind many times that malls, supermar- and leadership, kets and grocery stores are ticking time bombs. The security security systems in many such establishments are far management, from reliable. Very often, dealing with nextguards in entrances use a small stick—rather than of-kin, and media a metal detector—to peer routinely into handbags responsibility. and backpacks as though their sticks have eyes and noses that can detect deadly weapons and metals. Third, when disasters happen, the families of victims should not be left outside waiting for news, or worse, the bodies of the confirmed dead. I saw on TV how the parents and next of kin of those who were trapped inside Resorts World were railing and crying in anger, disgust and frustration outside the premises. Media persons had a field day interviewing relatives of victims many hours after the incident as they were all just standing outside, in grief. In situations like this, parents and relatives of victims should be brought to a comfortable holding area with a person of authority who can explain to them what is going on as well as professional coaches like psychologists who can help them through their agony. Leaving them on the streets aggravates their suffering and worsens their anger and frustration. Finally, the biggest lesson should be learned by news reporters and media practitioners, including those who write for social media. In the Resorts World tragedy, a social media-news outfit immediately reported that the casino hotel was under attack by the ISIS. This news spread like wildfire such that even the airports locked down. All flights were canceled. A ground crew of the Philippine Airlines narrated that there were talks of hiding the planes as these might be targeted by the terrorists. The flight cancellations caused needless losses to airlines and undue stress and inconvenience to passengers. Worst of all, because the tragedy happened at a time when Marawi city was still under siege by the Maute band of terrorists which traces its links to the feared ISIS, the false media reports immediately sent a message to the rest of the world that truly, the Philippines is an unsafe place to be. Thus, several countries immediately sent out advisories to their citizens against traveling to the Philippines. The media, both mainstream and internet-based, must learn to check and double check the accuracy of their facts before shooting out reports that can cause panic. For the sake of those who lost their lives, this tragedy must be studied and remembered for the lessons it brought. And such lessons must lead to new protocols in disaster preparedness and leadership, security management, dealing with victims’ relatives, and media responsibility. Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com Visit: www.jimenolaw.com.ph was damaged. Not the fault of Naia GM Ed Monreal who has been doing a marvelous job despite inherited problems, but because of poor maintenance and natural wear and tear, while his predecessor slept in blissful nonchalance. Of course, the entire airport complex, from runway to four terminals, has seen better times. The façade is beautiful, and quite modern when it was first built some 40 or 50 years ago. But while our neighbors envisioned terminals and runways good for the next 50 or more years (as in Changi, Chep Lap Kok, Kansai, Pudong) ours has remained an icon of obsolescence. The LRT Line from Baclaran to Balintawak was one of the first in Southeast Asia when Marcos built it in 1986. Look at it now, and look at how LRT 1, 2 and MRT have failed to provide the kind of quick

and efficient mass transport that our once “poorer” neighbors have. And weep. Opportunities lost. Meanwhile, tempus fugit. Time, as they say, marches on. *** Last week, senator Eva Estrada Kalaw, a feisty leader, a fervent nationalist, a great friend, was laid to rest. I wish I could fly back to the country to personally condole with her family but I was sidelined by a bad cold in Taipei. Tita Eva was a mentor along with Tito Doy Laurel in the incipient stage of the fight against dictatorship, when I was deputy secretary-general of the Unido. Later, she was appointed chairperson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office by President Joseph Estrada, a position I now hold. She will be greatly missed. Ave atque vale. Hail and farewell.

News

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov't agency urges seafarers to be more computer-literate

Fuel tax to hike transport fare, group warns

By Macon Araneta

By Rio N. Araja

UE to the ever-changing technology in ship management, the Philippines needs to enlist more computer-savvy seafarers and port workers in the next 10 years, said Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Dr. Marcial Quirico Amaro III.

During the launching of the 10year Maritime Industry Development Program in Partnership with SM Global Pinoy, Amaro said the computer-literate seafarers and port workers will sharpen the country’s competitive edge. The need for the industry to retool must go hand in hand with the measures to counter the ballooning shortage of seafaring ofﬁcers, Amaro said.

“We are still among the leading providers of seafarers in the world but many countries are studying to be equally competitive if not more competitive and are ready to take our place if we fail to cope with the changing times. They are just waiting for us to lose our competitiveness,” Amaro said. The Marina ofﬁcial noted that said this particular demand of the maritime manpower sector

is one of the reasons for launching the MIDP and come come up with plans and programs that will make seafarers and workers more competitive. “We want to be able to produce doable and sustainable programs coming from all stakeholders in the industry to be able to produce highly qualiﬁed seafarers. We also want to create a robust shipbuilding industry, a dynamic shipping hub and sustainable ﬁshing sector to make the Philippines a major maritime country in the world,” said Amaro. Glenn Ang, senior vice president for Operations and Program director of SM Global Pinoy said SM Prime has always been ready to help seafarers grow and improve their value in the global scene to make them more competitive He said they recognizes the

Filipino seafarers’ contributions to the country’s economy pegged at around P270 billion a year. He said they are proud to be part of the initiatives to improve the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers and honored to be once again part of this event to help our seafarers. He added that SM will always be in support of any program that helps uplift the quality of life of the OFWs who are the country’s true modern heroes. SM’s Global Pinoy program is SM Cares’ﬂagship project that honors OFWs and their families by providing them with exclusive perks, privileges and promos as well as seminars to open opportunities for business endeavors for their families. Meanwhile, Amaro said it was the ﬁrst time in several decades that the Department of Trans-

portation through the Marina, is drawing up a 10-year development plan for the entire maritime industry which includes manpower training and development, regulations, shipyard, local and overseas shipping and fishing. While the Philippines is an archipelagic country, he said it has not maximized its strategic location in Asia to become a major maritime and seafaring nation. He also said there are many challenges in the maritime industry especially with respect to manpower development of seafarers and port workers. He stressed that the country needs to move fast in order to cope with the shortage of merchant marine officers as it currently suffers a shortage of 16,500. The figure is expected to increase to 92,000 in 2020 and balloon to 147,000 in 2025 due to the ever-increasing demand.

MEDICAL FACILITY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is greeted by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Ofﬁce chairman Jose Jorge E. Corpuz (second from right) and general manager Alexander F. Balutan (center) on board the BRP Davao del Sur at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City on May 31. The President led the commissioning of the vessel, during which the PCSO donated medical equipment worth P 9,146,780.00 for the newly acquired Strategic Sealift Vessel’s Medical Treatment Facility. This will be used for their medical operations, surgeries, and treatments for patients during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response situations. Malacañang photo

MAJOR transport groups on Sunday proposed to the economic managers of the Duterte administration the review of the planned imposition of a P6 excise tax on petroleum products under the tax reform package. Lawyer Vigor Mendoza II, a former party-list representative and now chairman of Kilusan sa Pagbabago sa Industriya ng Transportasyon, raised concern over adverse effects of the additional fuel tax on top of the 12-percent value-added tax on commuters. “The cost of transportation would go up as part of a domino effect,” he said. Because of the added excise tax, the public transport sector is left with no option but to ask for a P10 minimum fare for the ﬁrst four kilometers from the current P8 minimum fare, he said. “Just to give you more statistics per the University of the Philippines National Center for Transport Studies, 52 percent of the drivers in Metro Manila take home P200 to P400 per day. If you increase the excise tax by P6, this means a reduced take-home by P120 to P180 per day,” Mendoza told the Manila Standard. “Take-home pay will drop to P80 to P220 per day, or by 45 percent to 60 percent.” The public, not only the transport sector and its stakeholders, would have to bear the brunt of the P6 excise tax if an enabling bill is passed at the Senate and House of Representatives, he said. Transport modernization could not even cushion the impact of the added tax, he said. “Jeepney modernization will not cut it [impact] as government cannot fund everything on the ﬁrst day. The provincial drivers are worse off as their income levels are [much] lower. What do we say to these drivers?” he asked. “We in the transport sector are also calling on our lawmakers both from Congress and Senate to carefully examine and evaluate the proposed P6 excise tax on diesel and gasoline.”

Ban on PBA’s ‘Mr. Excitement’ arrested in pot session toxic toys approved by House By Rio N. Araja

A HOUSE of Representatives’ panel has approved a consolidated bill that seeks to regulate the importation, manufacture, distribution and sale of children’s products containing hazaradous chemicals. The House Committee on Welfare of Children, chaired by Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Divina Grace Yu, approved the consolidated measure entitled “Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Act.” Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, one of the bill’s authors, warned against the harmful effects of toys that are laden with toxic materials. “The effect on children cannot be underrated. These chemicals have long-term effects on child development and are at times fatal. Thus, the proliferation of these items in the market should be regulated and penal sanctions should be imposed on the violators of the law,” she said. Under the bill, the Food and Drug Administration shall prepare a list of hazardous chemicals which are to be banned or prohibited from being used in the manufacture, production, and preparation of children’s products. The said list will be subject to review at least every two years.

FORMER Philippine Basketball Association player Paul Alvarez was arrested during a supposed pot session in Quezon City on Saturday night. Quezon City police Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said

the former basketball star “was caught using shabu with two others in a hidden den.” Eleazar said policemen were about to serve an arrest warrant against Alvarez for an earlier case of slight physical injury when he got into a brawl in a bar on Timog Avenue in October last year.

But when the operatives entered the barbershop in Brgy. Sikatuna, they caught Alvarez red-handed sniffing shabu. The police recovered five sachets of shabu worth P15,000, five aluminum foil strips with traces of shabu, and other drug paraphernalia from Alvarez and his two com-

panions—Mohammad Dana, 29, and Ray Allan Cruz, 36. The three suspects, who all tested positive for drug use, were charged with violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Alvarez rose to fame in the PBA where he earned the moni-

ker “Mr. Excitement” for his slam dunks and high-leaping moves. Since he retired in 2005, he was involved in a string of cases such as mauling his live-in partner in Baguio City in April and beating up a taxi driver and a female television reporter in August 2007.

Ex-LTO chief wants online registration for cars, drivers A FORMER chief of the Land Transportation Ofﬁce has joined mounting calls for the modernization and automation of the vehicle registration process. Former LTO head Alberto Suansing, who is now an ofﬁcial of the Toll Regulatory Board and a leader of a non-government organization espousing road safety, said government should seriously consider proposals of various stakeholders. “LTO should have gone online for its vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal a long time ago,” Suansing said. The Philippine Road Board has also pushed for the modernization and automation plan for LTO. The online car registration will simplify the procedure, thereby reducing red tape and expediting transactions within the agency. The LTO has been surrounded by allegations of corruption and irregularities amid delays in releasing vehicle registration documents and driver’s licenses.

NO BOMBS HERE. Manila Police District Bomb Squad personnel inspect a couple of suspicious bags left outside the United States Embassy along Manila's Roxas Boulevard at 2:00 p.m. of Sunday by an unknown individual. Ey Acasio

Sports Pocari nears ﬁnals Games tomorrow (Philsports Arena) 10 a.m. – Sta. Elena vs Cignal (men’s) 1 p.m. – Army vs Air Force (men’s) 4 p.m. – Pocari Sweat vs Power Smashers (women’s) 6: 30 p.m. – Creamline vs BaliPure (women’s) POCARI Sweat blew a two-set lead but proved steadier in the decider as it carved out a 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 15-12 decision over the Power Smashers to close in on the other finals berth in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference in San Juan late Saturday. The Lady Warriors fell short by four in power attacks against the Power Smashers, 48-52, but made up for the slack with solid blocking, 15-13, while producing two aces more than their stubborn rivals, 8-6, to clinch the victory in their side of the best-of-three semis series. Earlier, top seed BaliPure rallied past Creamline, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-21, to likewise move a win from advancing to the finals of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Michelle Strizak fired 20 points while Myla Pablo blasted in 16 hits and Jeanette Panaga and Desiree Dadang combined for 27 markers as the defending champions kept their win run going following a sweep of the quarters round to clinch the No. 3 seeding. Thai import Kannika Tipachot matched Strizak’s output but Hyapa Amporn and Jovelyn Prado combined for 29 hits but the Power Smashers’ hot rally fizzled out in the stretch of the fifth set.

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Paralympic Summit to rally support for PH para athletes THE Philippine Paralympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PHILSPADA) will hold the first Philippine Para Sports Summit that will focus on the Parlympic movement in the country on June 9 at the Microtel, Technohub in Quezon City. PPC, the National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines and PHILSPADA are the organizations spearheading the activities and operational requirements of elite athletes with a disability (orthopedic disability, cerebral palsy, visual impairment and mental disabilities).

tify local and international goals to enable Filipino para athletes to achieve sporting excellence to excite and inspire the world. Another goal of the convention is to find ways to develop para sports as a tool for changing the lives of Filipinos with disabilities With the theme “Transcend- while contributing to the developing Barriers Through Sports,” the ment of an inclusive society. One one-day gathering of sports offi- hundred participants are expected cials, athletes, coaches and train- to attend from various sports orgaers, sports doctors, marketing ex- nizations including national sports perts and policy makers who are associations, non-government orthe key players in the industry will ganizations, private corporations look into the state of Paralympic and the government sector. Sports in the Philippines to idenThe past decade saw the rise of

Filipino Para athletes in the global arena such as Josephine Medina, the para table tennis player who gave the country its second Paralympics Bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, sixteen years after powerlifter, Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, got the first ever Bronze medal in the Sydney Paralympic Games in year 2000 and Ernie Gawilan, the legless swimming sensation discovered from Davao City, who is a consistent Gold medalist in the ASEAN Para Games ever since becoming a member of the national team. There has also been an increase in

number of para athletes and their participation in local, regional and international competitions. Support and recognition from government and private partners, have also improved over the years. The summit hopes to provide PPC-PHILSPADA with additional muscle and momentum as it strengthens itself to capably enact its comprehensive Mid-Term National Para Sports Development Program. The program will open up more opportunities for para-athletes from grassroots to the elite level of competitions.

Betten seals Regent 5150 Subic repeat

SUBIC—Sam Betten clinched a three-peat while Dimity Lee Duke scored a breakthrough triumph as the Aussies asserted their might in the rain-drenched Regent 5150 Triathlon yesterday. Taking advantage of the relatively cooler environs brought by the heavy morning showers, Betten stormed ahead in the swim and never relinquished control en route to posting a milestone treble in the annual Olympic-distance race produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and sponsored by Regent Foods. Betten negotiated the wet course in 1:55:58 to beat compatriot Mitch Robins by nearly five minutes. Robins (2:00:27) settled for runner-up for the second straight year even as American Iain Alexandrinis (2:01:46) took the bronze in the prestigious 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run race that Three-peat champ Sam Betten (left) and Dimity-Lee Duke celebrate at the finish line after topping their respective divisions in the drew close to 1,000 participants from 27 countries. Regent 5150 Triathlon in Subic yesterday. “It was really tough. The rains made things really hard, especially in the bike. But the organizers made a good decision changing the course to make it safer. It was a good race, and to win this race three years in a row, it’s such an amazing feeling,” said IT’S what you might call dominance. doesn’t matter where we end up as long far as movements and improvements that “Boss Alfrancis is a coach, so he Betten. Teams from the giant conglomerate as we continue winning,” added Victole- transpired within the three teams under knows what basketball is all about. He The 6-foot-4 Betten emerged out the waSan Miguel Corp. were able to finish 1, 2 ro, whose team put together a five-game the SMC stable. knows how to interact with the players. ters of Acea Beach after 19 minutes and 57 and 3, respectively as Barangay Ginebra, winning streak heading to the playoffs. “Ever since he came here, malaki ang He knows when coaches are performseconds, putting some distance on Robins San Miguel Beer and Star ended up in a Rene Pardo, the long-time team execu- ipinagbago ng takbo ng mga teams. He ing to the task and most of all, he’s on (21:30) and Alexandrinis (21:34). He added three-way tie for the lead at the end of the tive of the old Purefoods franchise, who started as consultant of Ginebra, then top of everything to make sure that all two minutes to his lead in the ride on the elimination round of the PBA Commis- continuously serves as the team’s repre- became the head coach and brought three teams would remain competitive. wet roads and maintained it running home sioner’s Cup. sentative to the PBA board, deflected the the team to the finals after a 0-4 start,” He was able to bring the good rapport to Remy Field’s track oval. The three teams wound up with a 9-2 credit to the man who made responsible added Non, San Miguel Beer’s repre- among the coaches and the players and “I felt really good out there. The heat mark with the Gin Kings taking the top in bringing Victolero on board -- Alfran- sentative to the PBA board. “When was able to bring in the good mix of wasn’t too bad so I didn’t have to push quite seed and the reigning three-time cham- cis Chua. my BFF (Chua) became our sports di- players and coaches,” added Abanilla, hard (than usual), which was really advantapion Beermen grabbing the No. 2 seat. “I think credit should be given to Boss rector, he was able to set the direction team manager of San Miguel Beer, who geous to me,” he said. Both squads will carry a twice-to-beat Alfrancis Chua, who made things pos- within the three teams. San Miguel like Chua started out as coach. advantage heading to the playoffs. sible in bringing Chito Victolero to be- won three straight all-Filipino, GineIn the 42-year history of the PBA, no After podium finishes the last two ediThe Hotshots, the team that had the come our head coach,” Pardo said. “He bra won a championship for the first team within one stable was able to finish tions, Duke finally hit paydirt as she rose to inferior quotient, settled for no. 3, but was also the one who initiated the James time in eight years and Star made in the top three and share the lead at the the throne with her 2:13:32 effort. that won’t be a problem for head coach Yap-Paul Lee trade and look what is hap- significant improvement the past two end of the eliminations. Duke worked her way up from fourth in Chito Victolero, who guided the team’s pening to us now. He has been helping us conferences.” SMC’s dominance was clearly felt in the swim, catching up with early pacesetter rise this season following a turbulent the past few years and look at where we Abanilla knows where Chua is com- the past 10 conferences as all teams from Laura Wood at the latter part of bike then campaign under then head coach Jason are right now.” ing from and he wasn’t surprised why the stable -- San Miguel Beer, Ginebra putting the hammer down in the 10K footWebb. Like Pardo, fellow executives Robert the former coach-turned executive was and Star -- have at least won a championrace to seal the deal. Wood clocked 2:15:11 “We’re happy at where we are right Non and Gee Abanilla of San Miguel able to know the nitty-gritty of a basket- ship each with TNT and Rain or Shine for silver while Anna Eberhardt (2:15:48) now. The players worked hard for this. It Beer lauded Chua’s big involvement as ball organization. sneaking in by winning a title apiece. landed third.

Chua lauded for rise of 3 SMC teams in pro loop

Arcilla, Iglupas share tennis honors Treat, pal fall JOHNNY Arcilla clipped Noel Damian, 6-2, 6-4, to nail another men’s crown while Khim Iglupas rallied past Christine Patrimonio, 6-4, 7-6(6), to snare the women’s title in the first Albay National Open at the Lignon Hills Tennis Club in Bicol yesterday. Arcilla, 37, used his power and experience to overwhelm Damian, breaking his eighth-ranked rival right in the first game then in the seventh. Damian, 20, held his ground in the first six games of the second but yielded the marathon seventh game before the duo held serves the rest of the way. Arcilla dropped just four games on his way to the finals, crushing Fritz Verdad, 6-0, 6-0, in the semis, while Damian upended No. 5 Eric Jed Olivarez, 6-1, 6-4, to earn a crack at the crown in the P250,000 event hosted by Gov. Al Francis Bichara through Lignon Hills Tennis Club president Nards Gonzales. The win, which came on the heels of his 6-4, 6-4 victory over absentee PJ Tierro in the Brookside Open in Cainta last April, set the veteran Davis Cupper for another possible sweep of the Open titles staked in the Palawan Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Padala tennis calendar. Next up is the Olivarez Open in August then the Pintaflores Open in San Carlos, Negros in November and the Dagitab Tennis Festival Open in Naga City, Cebu in December, according to PPS-PEPP sports program development director Bobby Mangunay. But while Arcilla romped off with another easy win worth P30,000, Iglupas needed to fight back from 2-3 deficits before outlasting Patrimonio in a thrilling second-set duel and pocket the P20,000 purse. Coming off a 1-0(ret.) win over Aileen Rogan in the semis, Iglupas yielded the first game but struck back from a 1-3 hole by holding serve in the fifth game and breaking the Brookside Open titlist in the next to draw level. After both traded breaks, the Cagayan de Oro ace held serve in the ninth then broke Patrimonio again in the next to steal the set.

Johnny Arcilla (center) and Khim Iglupas (left) hold their trophies as they pose with Lignon Hills tennis Club president Nardz Gonzales after ruling their respective divisions in the ﬁrst Albay National Open Tennis Champions in Bicol over the weekend.

THE pair of Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas capitalized on three service breaks to ease out Fil-American no. 38 Treat Huey and Denis Istomin, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, in the second round Saturday. This allowed Bopana and Cuevas to advance to the third round in the men’s doubles of the 2017 French Open Tennis Tournament at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. Bopana and Istomin also eked out 7 aces to their rivals’ 4. In other matches, Juan Sebastian Cabal moved into the third round with Robert Farah after they won over David Marrero and Tommy Robredo, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. Peter Atencio

Meralco maintains perfect record MERALCO Manila maintained its perfect record in the Philippines Football League with a 2-0 home victory over the gritty Davao Aguilas last Saturday while Ceres Negros edged Global Cebu, 1-0, in a thrilling ﬁrst ‘Visayas Clasico’ at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The Sparks leaned on goals from Curt Dizon and James Younghusband in each half at Rizal Memorial Stadium as they rolled to a fourth victory just before the international break. Leftback Jeffrey Christiaens scored the only goal in the 83rd minute at Panaad where midﬁeld dynamo Stephan Schrock made an instant impact in his return

to the Bacolod-based club, assisting on the matchwinner. The Busmen’s breakthrough victory against their biggest rivals came just three days after their AFC Cup Asean zonals conquest of Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim. Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic took pride in his squad’s performance. “Defensively they were very strong,”We insisted, and we scored ﬁnally and I’m very happy for the players,” said Vidakovic whose squad has four points from two matches.

Dragons, Cubs win THE Chiang Kai Shel Blue Dragons and the San Beda-Rizal Red Cubs extended their run of wins following lopsided triumphs in the junior division Thursday in the 23rd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball tournament. Jason Celis struck with 23 points for the Blue Dragons as they crushed St. Patrick School, 90-70, at the San Beda-Manila gymnasium in Mendiola. The Blue Dragons, who took a 21-10 advantage in the first period, assured themselves of a semifinal slot in Group A after posting their seventh straight win. It was the Blue Dragons’ third straight win this week after they earlier overpowered San Beda-Alabang, 87-44, and Manila Patriotic School, 111-77. Eduardo Velasquez fired 13 points to lead the Red Cubs to a 78-68 swamping of the Letran Squires in this cagefest supported by Armor On Sportswear.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Sports

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

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

ON TO THE NEXT ROUND.

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina celebrates after winning her tennis match against Poland’s Magda Linette at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open in Paris. AFP

Oliva completes 7-for-7 sweep at PH swimfest LOS BANOS—Filipino-American Nicole Oliva capped her memorable debut in the Philswim National Swimming Championships on Sunday, collecting two more gold medals in completing a perfect 7-for-7 sweep of her events at the Trace College pool here. Underscoring her status as a swimmer to watch in the 29th Malaysia Southeast Asian Games, Oliva ruled the women’s 50-meter backstroke in 30.89 seconds before winding up her campaign in handily annexing the 100-meter freestyle crown in 58.08 seconds. A rising star in the prestigious Santa Clara Swim Club in California, the Grade 10 St. Francis Student earlier won the 200, 400 and 800-meter freestyle and 100 and 200-meter backstroke mints in the three-day meet supported by Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission. “This was a good experience for me because I was able to adjust to the local conditions, which I think will be the same in Malaysia,” said Oliva of her experience in the meet organized by the Philippine Swimming Inc. and backed by Arena, Wilcon Depot, COL Finance and Dunn Edwards Paints, Philippians 4:13, Nagaraya, Veloci and Nutritive Snack Food Corp. Already eyed in the US as a potential Team USA member, she thanked PSI secretary general Lani Velasco for wooing her convincingly in suiting up for the home country of her parents, Mark and Cynthia. “I seriously thought about representing the Philippines last year and Tita Lani played a big role when she showed me the opportunity I might have in competing her,” the swimmer said. “I believe this was good decision.” Oliva bared that she would be joining the junior swimmers who will undergo a training camp at her club next week and was hoping that she might get a chance to represent Philippines in the world championships next month in Budapest, Hungary as part of her SEA Games buildup.

James needs road win OAKLAND—LeBron James has won a road game in an NBA record 29 consecutive playoff series and the Cleveland superstar must stretch that streak for the Cavaliers to defend their title. Golden State owns a home-court edge in the NBA Finals and opened the best-of-seven championship series with a 113-91 home triumph, although James will have another chance to win at Oakland in game two Sunday. If “King” James and the Cavaliers don’t take advantage at Oracle Arena, the Warriors will stretch their NBA playoff win streak record to 14 games and could become the first champions to run undefeated through the playoffs by winning Wednesday

and Friday in Cleveland. The 32-year-old playmaker has won a road game in 35 of 38 playoff series over his 12 NBA playoff campaigns, last failing to do so with Cleveland against Orlando in the 2009 Eastern Conference finals. “He’s a great player,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Anytime you want to win a championship, you have to win on the road. And we understand that. With Golden State having home court the last three years, we know it’s going to be tough.

“You have to win on the road to be great.” James, who last month overtook Michael Jordan to become the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring leader, was coached by current Warriors acting coach Mike Brown with the Cavaliers, who appreciates the streak and the longevity James has shown in reaching eight career NBA Finals, the last seven in a row. “It just speaks volumes to who he is as a player. He’s one of the greatest all time,” Brown said. “When you have his ability, when you have his intelligence and feel and all that other stuff, you’re able to lead your team in difficult situations and

tough environments. And he’s done that for many years. So you take your hat off to him.” James is 3-4 in NBA Finals appearances but his teams, the Cavaliers and Miami from 2011 to 2014, are 1-7 in NBA Finals openers. “That’s testament to where he has kept his team together and helped them overcome tough situations and still come out on top,” Brown said. For his part, James said his attitude about a playoff game doesn’t change whether he is playing before supportive fans in Cleveland or crowds yelling against him on the road. “I approach every game the same way, no matter if I’m at

home or on the road,” James said. “But I understand the road is very challenging, especially when you get to this level. “It’s very difficult to win on the road and I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that in my career.” - ‘A lot of confidence’ James says he is too busy adding to his legendary legacy to stop and ponder it greatly. “I don’t get caught up in what I’ve done over the years,” James said. “I get drawn in too much of what I’m doing right now in the present and my only focus is what I can to help this team be better for game two.” AFP

Oliva

Instructor High expectations for F2 Logistics, Foton in PH Superliga wins gold in pre-AIMAG kick-boxing By Peter Atencio ANGELO Chung won his first gold medal in the kickboxing event of the 2017 Pre-Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games tournament at the Harrison Plaza in Manila. The 43-year-old Chung, who spent many years in the Middle East as a fight instructor, topped the 68 to 70-kg low kick class after winning by unanimous decision over Jervie Tuason. “Dinaan ko sa mga combination kicks na natutunan ko sa yaw-yan kampilan,” said Chung, who will now be evaluated if he will get a chance to see action in the tournament proper of the AIMAG from Sept. 17 to 27 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Other winners were Robin Catalan, who won via unanimous decision against Jeronil Borres in the 57kg class. Camilo Rey Seneres and Jeric Magno both settled for bronze in the 57-kg full contact kickboxing category. Jervie Tiongco trounced Adrian Francisco in the 51-kg low kick category. Finishing third were Jayson Mark Vedana and Jun Mar Cabasag. Other winners were Ralf Francisco (63kg low kick), Angelo Chung (68-70kg low kick), Jeremy Bastian (75kg full contact) and Ruben Arnaldo (67kg full contact). On the other hand, 23-year-old Richelle Piollo claimed two gold medals in two wrestling disciplines.

THE champions of last year – F2 Logistics and Foton – march to the battleﬁeld with high expectations when the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference erupts this Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan. The Cargo Movers will be parading the core of reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University, while the Tornadoes will come up with a revamped roster in this prestigious club tourney bankrolled by Rebisco, Belo, Asics, Mikasa, Senoh and Grand Sport with TV5 as ofﬁcial broadcast partner. With star blocker Mika Reyes now playing for a different team, all eyes will be on UAAP Most Valuable Player Majoy Baron as she gets a bigger role in the rotation of

the Cargo Movers, who ruled the PSL All- ion a new look. With more than half of their champion Filipino last year. The 5’11” Baron will be backed by her team gone, the Tornadoes recruited Nica La Salle teammates led by star libero Dawn Guliman, Heather Guino-o, Kyle Negrito, Macandili, Desiree Cheng, Tin Tiamzon, CJ Rosario and Roselyn Doria to back National Team star Jaja SanAduke Ogunsanya, Carmel tiago, Maika Ortiz, EJ Laure, Saga and another former Games on Tuesday (FilOil Flying V Center) Ivy Perez, Jen Reyes and MVP in Kianna Dy. 5 p.m. – Foton vs Cherrylume veteran playmaker Rubie de Veterans Aby Marano, 7 p.m. – Cocolife Cha Cruz, Kim Fajardo and Leon. vs Generika-Ayala Ara Galang will remain the They will be supported by anchors on offense, while Iumi Yongco, Shang Berte Cherry Nunag, Fritz Gallenero and Shawna- and Glayssa Torres. Lei Santos were also inserted for additional “I believe this is a ﬁghting team,” said power. Foton team manager Diane Santiago, addUnlike the Cargo Movers, the reigning ing that her sister in injured quicker Dindin queen of the Grand Prix – Foton – will fash- Manabat was assigned by Serbian head

coach Moro Branislav to serve as trainer. “As much as possible, coach Moro wants Dindin to remain involved with the team while she’s still in the process of recovery. Her appointment (as trainer) will surely prepare her for her comeback next conference.” Foton will open its campaign against rookie team Cherrylume in the ﬁrst game while Cocolife tangles with Generika-Ayala in the second match of the opening-day double-header, where half of the ticket sales will be donated to the medical fund of Olympian Ian Lariba. The league goes full blast with its opening ceremonies on Saturday (June 10) also at the same venue.

Rebisco steadfast in its PH volleyball support By Peter Atencio THE Rebisco PSL-Manila Team may have lost all its game in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championships in Ust, Kamenogorsk in Kazakhstan. But, their main sponsor and supporter isn’t keen on giving up on the newly formed national club squad. They’re expected to remain intact and get more exposure in more international meets. Lulu de la Pena, assistant vice president-marketing communications of Rebisco Philippines made this assurance following the return of the Rebisco-PSL Team to the country. “We are steadfast in our intent and desire to grow the sport and help support volleyball in the Philippines,” said de la Pena. Rebisco-PSL ended their campaign by bowing to Vietin Bank, 13-25, 18-25, 15-25, to place 8th.

In that final game, Vietin wore down the Filipinas with excellent floor defense, ekeing 13 digs against Rebisco’s five. The Rebisco Spikers led, 9-4, in the first set, displaying their individual skills and great defense. But the Vietnamese soon caught up and moved away, breaking an 18-all standoff to claim the set. Filipino superstars Jaja Santiago had 17, while Gonzaga and Aby Marano each added 10 markers. De la Pena said plans for more international stints are still in the pipeline for the squad. “Marami pang effort. There is a strong collective push to grow the sport and improve on the performance of the players,” she said. Rebisco PSL Manila is backed by Asics, Grand Sport and Turkish Airlines. Love for the sport, according to de la Pena, is what drives

Members of the Rebisco PSL-Manila team are shown prior to their Asian sojourn. Rebisco to continue its support for the national club team. It all began with Rebisco president Jonathan Ng showing his support to the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the

Philippines five years ago. From there, Rebisco provided logos of the Fudgee Bars to the Lady Eagles’ uniforms. Soon after, passion for helping women’s volleyball picked up when they were eventually

asked to support the national club team. “Malungkot nga lang na ‘di pa nananalo. Pero, marami pang effort ang kailangan dito and that is what we will do,” she vowed.

PetroEnergy readies expansion B3

IN BRIEF Tax reform positive for PH credit rating THE passage of the comprehensive tax reform program is positive for the country’s credit rating provided there will be no dilution in revenues, Swiss ﬁnancial services company Credit Suisse said in a report over the weekend. “Latest tax reform bill [is] positive for credit rating. We believe what matters most from the credit rating agencies’ perspective is the revenues generated over time, and not just one year’s revenues,” Credit Suisse said. It said while the revised version of the bill implied that some revenues would be back-loaded, the total tax receipts generated by 2020 would be actually quite similar. “We estimate that with the additional tax reform revenues, the government can raise spending by 1 percent of GDP while still lowering overall government debt metrics. We see a good likelihood that Fitch will upgrade the Philippines to BBB, from BBB- [positive], if the tax reform bill eventually passes as it is written,” it said. Credit Suisse warned that a signiﬁcant dilution of revenues could be negative for credit rating and infrastructure push. The bill is now headed to the Senate, where it could face more resistance, after the House passed the bill last week.

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

GBP buys 50% of Alsons unit By Alena Mae S. Flores

LOBAL Business Power Corp., an energy producer led by Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp., acquired a 50-percent stake in the coal holding unit of Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc.

Alsons, the publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group and a long-time Mindanao investor, signed an agreement with GBP, a leading power producer in the Visayas. The agreement gives GBP a 50-percent stake in Alsons Thermal Energy Corp., the holding company for Alson’s baseload coal-fired power plant assets. The two parties did not disclose the financial details of the transaction. “The new partnership with Alsons presents a significant milestone for us, through GBP, to enter the fast-growing and dynamic Mindanao market given

Alsons’ proven, long-standing and successful track record in owning and operating power plants in Mindanao,” Metro Pacific and Global Business Power chairman Manuel Pangilinan said in a statement over the weekend. He said the strategic acquisition was in line with Metro Pacific’s commitment to further bolster infrastructure investments in all parts of the Philippines. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership that combines GBP’s technical competencies and strengths in the Visayas with ACR’s long years of experience in Mindanao as the island’s first independent power producer,” Alsons chairman and president Tomas Alcantara said. “We believe that this partnership will greatly benefit power consumers particularly in light of the planned interconnection of the Mindanao and Visayas grids which we strongly support. We are sure that this alliance with GBP and MPIC will make us a more formidable enterprise, more competitive and more resilient in meeting the challenges of the present and those that are yet to come,” Alcantara said.

Pangilinan earlier announced a “big investment” in Mindanao during Metro Pacific’s annual stockholders’ meeting but did not share further details. “GBP was established out of the need for adequate, reliable and cost-efficient power supply in the Visayas. Now that the region’s baseload power requirements have been secured, we are delighted to have another opportunity to be of service to emerging markets like Mindanao and help drive the nation forward through our new partners,” GBP president Jaime Azurin said. GBP earlier announced plans to double or more than double its capacity to 1,500 megawatts to 2,000 MW in the next five years from 854 MW at present. ING Bank N.V. acted as Alsons’ sole financial adviser for the transaction while the law firm of Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose served as its legal adviser. Macquarie Capital acted as sole financial adviser and Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law acted as the legal adviser to GBP.

Julito G. Rada

Vegetable garden opens in Quezon City THE Agriculture Department opened a community vegetable garden in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City to ofﬁcially launch the Urban Agriculture-Pagkain Para sa Masa program. Agriculture ofﬁcials joined Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte in opening the Bahay Toro communal vegetable garden beside the barangay’s covered court. Agriculture Undersecretary Ranibai Dilangalen said urban residents should start growing their own food to ensure they eat safe and fresh produce and save money. The agency also offers assistance to communities engaging in mushroom culture, hydroponics and aquaponics. “Urban gardening is easy. It also doesn’t require a big land area to start with,” Dilangalen said. Belmonte cited 166 urban farmers in her jurisdiction and Quezon City plans to expand the number of urban gardens. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

INNOVATION ROADMAP. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (third from left) and Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (second from right) sign the

memorandum of understanding on Inclusive Innovation Roadmap in Makati City on June 1. The memorandum will establish the technical working group that will oversee the implementation and formulation of the Inclusive Innovation Roadmap, which will eventually push forward the competitiveness of Philippine micro small and medium enterprises in the global value chain.

SteelAsia proposes 8-year buyout San Miguel interested in MRT 3 of National Steel in Iligan for P7.4b By Darwin G. Amojelar By Othel V. Campos STEELASIA Manufacturing Corp. proposed an eight-year compensation program to acquire National Steel Corp. and pay P7.4 billion worth of debt incurred by the steel company based in Iligan City. Industry group Philippine Iron and Steel Institute said these were among the important points included in the proposal submitted by SteelAsia to the Trade Department. “We’re not asking for any tariff protection. What we want to do is to settle all the pertinent liabilities and create a modern facility that can manufacture medium and large products,” said Pisi president Roberto Cola, who is also the vice president of SteelAsia. Cola said there would be many parties involved in the planned acquisition including creditors such as local banks, an Indian group that formerly owned the facility, the liquidator and the government which

still has a 12-percent stake in National Steel. Cola said the local government of Iligan City, the site of the complex, was asking for P4 billion in unpaid real estate taxes while bank loans may reach P3 billion. National Steel also has P400 million in unpaid electricity bills. “The ﬁrst step is for all parties to agree to allow us to take over. The process is not that simple since there are liabilities that we already agreed to shoulder and the permitting process alone will take us one year,” he said. Cola said as most National Steel’s equipment had been cannibalized and the plant had been idle for a long time, SteelAsia was planning to build a new plant with new equipment. SteelAsia initially plans to put a section mill that will easily cost P150 million and a large plate mill or rolled steel mill. Cola said SteelAsia was most interested in the more than 200-hectare property that included a port with industrial zoning.

SAN Miguel Corp., the proponent and builder of Metro Rail Transit Line 7, said it is also interested in rehabilitating, operating and maintaining MRT Line 3. “If the government is willing, we can submit. We have expressed our interest long ago,” San Miguel president and chief operating ofﬁcer Ramon Ang said. Ang said he was willing to work with the group of businessmen Manuel Pangilinan, Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Henry Sy for the MRT 3 upgrade. Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp., a company led by Pangilinan, said last month it would submit a new offer to rehabili-

tate and upgrade MRT 3. MPIC submitted a proposal in 2011 to the Transport Department for P524-million investment to rehabilitate and upgrade MRT 3. MRT 3, which runs along Edsa from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City, serves more than 500,000 passengers a day, beyond its rated capacity of 350,000. The line has a ﬂeet of 73 Czech-made air-conditioned rail cars. San Miguel is currently building the P69.30 billion MRT 7 project, a 23-kilometer elevated railway from North Ave., Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province. The project will have 14 stations, namely: Quezon North

Avenue Joint Station; Quezon Memorial Circle; University Avenue; Tandang Sora; Don Antonio; Batasan; Manggahan; Dona Carmen; Regalado; Mindanao Avenue; Quirino; Sacred Heart; Tala; and San Jose del Monte. Once the MRT-7 is built, it will only take 30 minutes to commute end-to-end, compared to the current two-hour travel time. The project also has a road component―a 23-kilometer stretch that will start at the Balagtas Interchange of North Luzon Expressway and end in an intermodal terminal in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. This will provide provincial buses with an alternate route to San Jose and will help decongest Edsa.

Meralco allocates P18b for capex POSITIVE OUTLOOK.

Rick Santos, president and chief executive of real estate service and workplace solutions advisor Santos Knight Frank, said the outlook for the Philippines real estate industry in 2017 remains rosy after capping a ﬁrstquarter performance marked by sustained expansion across all sectors. Santos led a news brieﬁng on the real estate industry at Makati Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City. Lino Santos

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. is seeking approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission to implement an P18-billion capital expenditure program for fiscal year July 2017 to June 2018. The company said the 2018 capex program was geared towards providing reliable service to customers. Meralco said it lined up projects to ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of the distribution system, while providing for the forecasted load growth within its franchise area. Meralco said its 2018 capex program was driven by several factors such as adequate infrastructure to meet growth in peak demand and customer connections; refurbishment projects to ensure sustained network efficiency, power quality and reliability; compliance to statutory and regulatory requirements and support for the public-private partnership projects, These projects include the expansion of Balibago substation (P183 million), expan-

sion of Santolan substation (P181.9 million), development of Eton Centris substation (P461 million), development of Bridgetown substation (P552 million), development of Carmona substation (P518.7 million) and development of McKinley Hills substation (P440 million). Meralco’s residual capex projects included distribution transformers, poles and towers distribution, information technology equipment and distribution transformers. “In light of the resulting beneﬁts of Meralco’s 2018 capex program in the overall service to the electricity consumers, Meralco respectfully submits that the building block component, particularly the return of capital and return on capital associated herewith, should be considered, as a deferred amount to be included in the calculation of Meralco’s next reset rates, from the time the capex is put in service an considered used and useful,” it said. Meralco said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act required distribution utilities to provide services and connections to customers.

Business

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock index seen testing 8,000 level By Jenniffer B. Austria

TOCKS are expected to test the 8,000-point level this week, on increasing optimism about the Philippine economy. Concerns over the negative impact of the incidents in Marawi City and Resorts World Manila on the domestic economy, however, could temper the extent of market’s rise, analysts said over the weekend. Philstocks.ph trader Justino Calaycay said the Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, remained resilient amid emerging risks, both at home and abroad, and would likely stay strong on positive economic developments.

“Rising inflation, prospects of higher oil prices, a less-than-projected GDP in first quarter, unimpressive earnings cycle, changing dynamics in the global order lit up by an unpredictable US, increasing probability of more frequent US rate tweaks as well as the BSP [Bangko Sentral], martial law in Mindanao are but some of the subjects preoccupying investors’ minds, individually and collectively,” Calaycay said. “Yet, it isn’t only the Philippine market that is showing signs of a revived bull. US stocks have risen to records. The bias for equities appears to be a shared preference across global investors,” he said. The PSEi last week advanced 1.3 percent to close at 7,867.49 on June 2, while the broader all-share index climbed 1.2 percent to 4,689.88, after Congress approved the government’s first tax reform package.

Except for holding ﬁrms and mining and oil, all sub-indices ended higher last week, led by services which rose 4.7 percent and property which went up 3.7 percent. Foreign investors were net buyers by P1.28 billion last year, as total foreign buying reached P17.1 billion while foreign selling amounted to P15.86 billion. Top gainers last week were Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. which jumped 12.2 percent to P67.50, East West Banking Corp. which rose 10 percent to P25.70 and index heavyweight PLDT Inc. which climbed 8.3 percent to P1,744. Among the heavy losers were Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. which declined 5.3 percent to P64.20, GT Capital Holdings Inc. which shed 4.8 percent to P1,189 and DoubleDragon Properties Inc. fell 3.5 percent to P48.75.

Higher public ﬂoat to discourage IPOs VETERAN stockbroker Vivian Yuchengco said the decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission to double the minimum public ownership requirement for all listed companies to 20 percent by 2020 could discourage new initial public offerings. Yuchengco, a director of the Philippine Stock Exchange, said in a chance interview companies planning to list with the stock exchange might be turned off by the new requirement.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

MAY 29-JUNE 2, 2017 Close Volume

Value

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

4.35 49.85 123.90 104.90 4.10 1.50 37.4 10 16.16 26.7 7.76 0.69 1.64 810.00 0.750 85 0.8 15.6 25.50 69.30 89.5 108.3 239.8 65.05 224.2 1650.00 84.55 1.2

905,000 269,770 11,801,500 9,099,190 146,000 769,000 2,789,600 1,900 298,300 6,521,000 50,200 59,000 284,000 700 138,369,000 9,172,790 6,053,000 224,300 18,300 3,479,480 720 460 4,020 2,220,450 5,698,900 205 393,940 509,000

FINANCIAL 3,825,610.00 13,445,875.00 1,447,635,565 959,806,424.00 590,090.00 1,132,900.00 104,085,195.00 18,987.00 4,813,544.00 171,148,480.00 389,361 40,610 466,050.00 568,500.00 107,122,500.00 687,331,418.50 4,752,100.00 3,460,772.00 465,550.00 239,761,043.00 64,069.50 51,480.00 961,170.00 142,860,508 1,248,452,412.00 338,250 33,298,664.50 609,790.00

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Basic Energy Corp. Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co À’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. À’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods À’ Shakeys Pizza SPC Power Corp. Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

39.4 7.98 0.82 1.79 28.85 0.270 100 14.34 7.3 17.7 170 23.3 80 85.1 74.8 2.05 5.28 11.84 12.460 15.78 9.85 6.95 6.06 1.78 18.96 71.6 13.50 14.80 10.52 1.780 214.00 61.05 4.2 3.69 25.50 32.75 19.4 19.4 0.246 271.00 6.20 3.33 10.68 5.21 10.24 1.97 9.60 2.07 69.5 6.12 4.70 1.84 4.72 296.2 13.3 5.21 0.150 1.39 159.6 4.24 2.11 30.05 1.11

17,599,700 19,661,100 3,823,000 37,663,000 5,816,300 83,570,000 1,220 26,400 24,106,600 10,174,900 50 1,861,000 240 100 7,700 11,420,000 2,903,200 44,000 49,731,000 118,544,800 14,920,200 9,824,900 87,565,700 30,000 14,890,600 1,109,770 433,700 2,766,000 12,174,600 12,738,000 5,164,400 20 1,502,000 54,000 17,200 4,804,200 11,079,900 8,024,900 4,270,000 672,750 196,200 36,581,000 94,530,100 1,362,000 449,700 17,376,000 8,676,500 7,812,000 9,135,390 2,237,300 985,000 1,000 6,501,000 17,370 9,661,700 1,565,400 8,760,000 867,000 14,578,310 12,000 81,740,400 3,300 8,957,000

INDUSTRIAL 314,253,107,929.00 150,877,541.00 3,192,250.00 67,337,730.00 173,855,870.00 21,994,150.00 122,942.00 380,624.00 180,898,732.00 180,391,464 8,500.00 42,919,755.00 7,987,208.00 8,609.00 572,052 23,195,210.00 15,892,645.00 510,104.00 622,762,286.00 1,863,292,134.00 148,547,602.00 68,304,097.00 529,473,392.00 52,790.00 283,620,022.00 78,540,208.50 5,802,376.00 40,901,492.00 124,418,521.00 23,411,360.00 1,079,469,514.00 1,320.00 6,413,600.00 193,380.00 419,580.00 156,185,665.00 210,620,842.00 154,879,930.00 1,037,780.00 184,191,508.00 1,228,324.00 123,264,680.00 1,042,695,522.00 6,389,370.00 5,130,718.00 35,021,910.00 85,529,917.00 16,021,730.00 607,641,831.00 13,693,706.00 4,622,380.00 1,840.00 27,251,480.00 5,176,146.00 126,623,430.00 7,792,459.00 1,326,300.00 1,186,000.00 2,353,820,644 50,200.00 212,742,100.00 102,110.00 10,396,340.00

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `B’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Lopez Holdings Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.380 75.80 14.74 1.22 6.13 0.350 0.350 892 1198.00 8.16 13.66 5.9 7.74 0.210 1202 7.50 80.00 5.1 5.1 1.06 7.4 16.06 0.400 6.37 3.24 0.0600 1.050 2.040 2.49 106.00 2.74 767.50 1.41 0.87 304.000 0.2900 0.2300 0.250

34,990,000 13,192,180 206,196,600 2,274,000 44,200 75,500,000 10,190,000 2,084,710 25 10,628,900 57,134,600 200 198,600 7,530,000 2,109,630 1,248,600 11,723,490 59,000 800 89,663,000 7,052,300 5,511,700 260,000 166,099,400 11,000 252,700,000 302,000 2,238,000 13,000 545,270 812,000 2,279,210 2,537,000 10,000 24,170 1,890,000 11,640,000 2,840,000

HOLDING FIRMS 13,556,050.00 285,669,297,316.00 3,166,930,996.00 2,734,710.00 270,183.00 27,445,550.00 3,766,550.00 1,820,932,925 29,950.00 87,240,817.00 769,736,048.00 1,165.00 1,514,304.00 1,590,710.00 2,512,763,270.00 9,768,767.00 945,066,776.50 293,360.00 4,080.00 100,773,990.00 51,103,023.00 88,368,706.00 104,450.00 1,053,793,013.00 36,000.00 14,616,460.00 292,810.00 4,541,490.00 32,410.00 58,116,772.00 2,238,620.00 1,766,549,735.00 3,531,660.00 8,700.00 7,411,930.00 541,650.00 2,615,990.00 696,020.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `B’ Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Interport À’ Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

6.250 1.20 6.80 2.290 1.210 41.300 4.05 5.16 5.3 6 0.530 1.14 1.450 0.160 0.520 48.95 0.680 0.160 1.65 1.11 0.99 4.12 4.54 0.340 0.4000

2,014,600 46,521,000 11,600 3,961,000 39,877,000 85,926,400 10,616,000 82,639,500 270,100 2,200 158,868,000 1,492,000 3,273,000 40,860,000 9,291,000 2,372,800 63,978,000 2,740,000 30,914,000 80,161,000 7,618,000 27,000 275,708,000 395,690,000 55,800,000

PROPERTY 12,668,176.00 56,660,870.00 79,645.00 9,683,560.00 50,250,170.00 3,468,825,730.00 43,920,680.00 431,702,617.00 1,428,905.00 12,940.00 84,108,890.00 1,661,940.00 4,814,400.00 6,631,430.00 4,836,600.00 113,001,510.00 43,631,920.00 436,020.00 51,893,150.00 87,402,600.00 7,637,880.00 111,210.00 1,292,534,060.00 135,672,400.00 21,897,850.00

MAY 22-26, 2017 Volume Value

4.12 50 120.90 105.40 4.05 1.48 37.35 8.99 16.3 25.7 7.75 0.67 1.65 820.00 0.700 88.85 0.72 15.4 25.00 68.00 89 113.9 242 62.75 217.6 1600.00 84.45 1.16

766,000 160,420 6,700,260 8,759,940 76,000 1,419,000 5,140,300 1,100 451,200 16,433,900 1,100 30,000 78,000 490 26,604,000 11,594,200 863,000 659,300 22,000 5,739,450 5,070 2,240 5,040 4,989,490 2,111,770 260 102,310 169,000

3,111,930.00 7,971,879.00 810,445,884 925,477,358.00 306,280.00 2,128,820.00 189,243,220.00 9,846.00 7,313,416.00 404,770,380.00 8,583 20,100 131,850.00 389,850.00 18,818,460.00 1,032,018,321.50 626,340.00 10,179,404.00 550,890.00 390,859,373.00 448,861.50 251,733.00 1,200,680.00 300,332,517 457,707,890.00 423,170 8,708,682.50 198,070.00

39.6 7.4 0.84 1.67 23.95 0.270 115 14.72 7.4 17.7 165.3 23.3 79.8

7,699,000 26,389,100 4,763,000 18,699,000 302,500 54,160,000 160 53,700 33,892,500 7,429,700 230 1,458,400 3,710

305,395,455.00 171,603,984.00 3,989,010.00 30,275,030.00 7,096,490.00 14,490,300.00 17,471.00 772,846.00 254,061,005.00 129,517,458 39,797.00 33,664,035.00 297,258.00

73.9 1.99 5.8 11.54 12.720

2,699,050 11,734,000 279,900 170,600 20,404,100

199,729,103 22,955,410.00 1,597,515.00 1,963,720.00 260,488,502.00

10.30 6.85 6.01

15,162,400 8,130,200 34,005,400

159,142,424.00 56,003,163.00 204,191,822.00

19.6 71.35 14.40 14.86 9.8 1.850 201.40

12,057,700 560,890 235,900 2,356,300 14,018,700 26,256,000 2,076,380

236,356,922.00 39,764,160.50 3,167,630.00 34,972,444.00 134,966,892.00 45,560,870.00 422,219,658.00

4.37 3.66 25.65 32.1 19.42 19 0.246 270.20 6.20 3.38 10.76 3.51 11.48 2.10 10.22 1.94 64.2 5.98 4.66 2.34 3.48 299.6 13.08 4.5 0.150 1.41 166 4.28 2.09 31.50 1.06

1,570,000 57,000 10,800 6,718,200 7,773,700 11,397,800 4,417,000 1,719,890 1,121,900 365,000 35,277,911 30,000 91,900 3,242,000 54,734,500 3,022,000 11,007,040 5,862,300 660,000 23,000 918,000 14,160 4,222,800 188,000 1,730,000 944,000 6,583,260 64,000 215,010,000 1,700 267,000

7,024,040.00 207,160.00 264,410.00 214,171,710.00 152,969,228.00 221,645,018.00 1,350,860.00 875,591,612.00 7,049,324.00 1,234,210.00 505,330,452.00 105,050.00 1,054,088.00 6,791,520.00 541,704,948.00 5,909,440.00 730,730,254.50 34,606,966.00 3,115,280.00 52,560.00 3,104,750.00 4,207,742.00 56,120,742.00 846,000.00 254,360.00 1,315,620.00 1,099,348,265 265,880.00 410,591,340.00 53,260.00 288,040.00

0.365 75.95 15.30 1.17 6.10 0.355 0.355 866

10,940,000 9,805,040 62,612,100 1,467,000 113,400 69,200,000 10,760,000 1,313,740

3,995,100.00 745,819,612.50 948,662,924.00 1,721,380.00 690,094.00 24,122,650.00 3,748,500.00 1,141,746,580

8.19 13.40 6.1 7.74 0.198 1189 7.50 83.00 4.16

6,528,500 46,831,400 32,900 368,600 1,110,000 928,890 792,100 8,552,130 2,000

53,320,857.00 629,624,312.00 191,577.00 2,858,924.00 218,760.00 1,117,941,660.00 5,769,895.00 710,809,050.50 8,660.00

1.03 7.2 16.22

20,169,000 2,812,800 10,262,700

21,122,490.00 20,045,854.00 164,825,598.00

6.49 3.24 0.0590

99,735,200 5,000 242,400,000

652,701,204.00 16,230.00 14,105,260.00

2.060

2,362,000

4,884,850.00

108.50 2.84 777.00 1.44 0.89 308.000 0.2800 0.2020 0.245

1,003,820 3,097,000 1,234,010 5,016,000 150,000 29,950 1,270,000 2,210,000 430,000

109,182,541.00 9,311,650.00 962,676,570.00 7,128,870.00 129,900.00 9,214,506.00 360,450.00 438,900.00 105,350.00

6.480 1.21

3,229,700 37,052,000

20,932,512.00 44,897,990.00

2.400 1.260 40.000 4.2

2,561,000 49,168,000 57,751,600 14,861,000

5,966,620.00 63,128,230.00 2,245,966,100.00 62,337,350.00

5.3

249,200

1,316,064.00

0.510 1.09 1.460 0.157 0.510 48.75 0.680 0.156 1.68 1.05 1.04 4.12 4.62 0.360 0.3350

69,482,000 165,000 4,101,000 8,980,000 18,156,000 1,258,030 15,812,000 4,160,000 29,917,000 36,943,000 1,715,000 61,000 372,349,000 364,450,000 8,980,000

35,654,995.00 179,340.00 5,842,350.00 1,404,490.00 9,553,280.00 61,759,844.00 10,764,750.00 659,340.00 49,440,470.00 38,622,400.00 1,757,120.00 251,020.00 1,663,786,640.00 136,256,900.00 3,030,150.00

STOCKS

MAY 29-JUNE 2, 2017 Close Volume

Value

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

0.730 28.50 3.9 25.00 1.75 3.28 33.75 1.02 7.2 0.890 5.530

278,319,000 300 3,147,000 17,905,700 3,088,000 158,000 76,433,100 19,042,000 1,100 4,083,000 46,759,300

134,233,890.00 8,550.00 12,313,520.00 446,356,285.00 5,332,280.00 517,150.00 2,571,535,755.00 19,337,160.00 7,860.00 3,677,380.00 257,187,008.00

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. À’ IPeople Inc. À’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Wilcon Depot

28.35 42.75 2.17 0.520 0.050 11.08 5.8 9.30 0.0900 2.15 98.5 9.61 8.50 2.32 3.30 1000 2160 6.08 16.30 13.16 2.87 100.9 3.47 12.66 8.90 0.190 1.3600 3.74 16.44 3.95 0.99 4.46 16.00 2.37 9.67 3.67 2.710 11.58 5.30 2.98 8.22 170.00 11.58 1830.00 0.400 1.610 44.70 87.95 5.98 2.68 1.140 3.13 1.010 6.070

13,987,800 141,200 16,700,000 9,078,000 162,600,000 40,200 74,700 97,732,100 204,220,000 33,659,000 1,143,950 2,000 991,900 54,000 12,000 690 443,190 1,707,800 406,700 500 10,004,000 13,707,810 502,000 300 1,587,000 50,350,000 4,637,000 1,640,000 137,300 3,788,000 471,000 1,916,000 3,400 287,000 37,749,300 8,383,000 11,294,000 29,100 64,200 5,000 2,300 106,440 22,344,500 1,937,285 6,410,000 55,758,000 14,260,100 5,700,170 604,200 35,670,000 57,022,000 38,007,000 446,050,000 202,057,400

SERVICES 371,461,798.00 6,076,625.00 34,801,290.00 4,614,880.00 7,262,500.00 448,590.00 419,394 943,706,753.00 17,680,490.00 73,664,830.00 114,162,478.00 19,220.00 8,493,306.00 127,470 39,980.00 669,900.00 943,886,730 10,382,687.00 6,559,556.00 6,580 29,414,700.00 1,392,493,070.00 1,783,380 3,798.00 14,154,740.00 9,474,100.00 6,434,710.00 5,964,750.00 2,274,174.00 15,074,820 433,600.00 8,515,610.00 13,017,040 659,460.00 370,818,891.00 30,683,920.00 29,905,110.00 337,130.00 341,393 14,900.00 18,906.00 18,070,599.00 244,546,962.00 3,420,745,245.00 2,527,450.00 89,173,000.00 628,897,830.00 494,239,527.50 3,621,420.00 95,774,750.00 64,937,250.00 121,624,230.00 399,175,060.00 1,173,197,145.00

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Atok-Big Wedge À’ Benguet Corp À’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0032 1.69 5.00 15.50 2.2000 2.2500 0.88 0.390 9.90 2.450 0.300 0.180 0.200 0.010 0.0100 1.79 6.2 2.18 0.4500 0.9700 0.0100 0.0110 6.07 9.00 3.19 0.0100 157.50 2.61 0.0100

441,000,000 69,507,000 427,600 38,600 57,000 27,000 3,099,000 14,120,000 633,600 6,331,000 18,390,000 24,690,000 2,410,000 65,400,000 34,000,000 2,153,000 11,170,400 1,670,000 1,380,000 852,000 343,400,000 5,000,000 2,888,800 2,877,600 5,249,000 131,200,000 4,441,440 233,000 35,000,000

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Alco Preferred B Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

42 106 514 520 105 112.5 114.1 520 5.83 1006 1020 1.09 109.5 1049 1110 1012 104.3 108 77.2 81.95 76.2 78.15 80.7 77.45 78.1 79.2

413,200 147,760 5,890 4,510 58,900 23,990 12,680 3,130 662,800 5,175 2,070 218,000 8,820 975 25 3,165 27,420 5,000 19,270 37,370 71,940 47,700 365,410 21,450 35,240 104,450

LR Warrant

2.150

WARRANTS & BONDS 1,533,000 3,331,650.00

Makati Fin. Corp. Italpinas Philab Holdings Xurpas

2.93 4 6.02 8.16

7,000 2,442,000 663,000 12,740,000

First Metro ETF

131.5 10

USD DMPL A1

MAY 22-26, 2017 Volume Value

0.750 28.90 3.88 24.90 1.75 3.29 32.80 1.02 7 0.880 5.410

123,028,000 2,500 1,253,000 7,327,500 1,514,000 1,342,000 32,210,900 33,499,000 18,100 762,000 55,421,500

90,495,250.00 69,880.00 4,925,850.00 177,163,680.00 2,590,570.00 4,397,910.00 1,058,170,105.00 33,302,240.00 126,330.00 686,910.00 300,029,180.00

19.7 43.25 1.59 0.510 0.045 11.96 5.61 10.20 0.0890 2.1 100 10.08 8.80 2.42 3.50 970 2096 6.09 16.20 13.50 3.07 102 3.65 12.66 8.90 0.181 1.3300 3.69 17.18 4.08 0.92 4.41 16.00 2.42 9.7 3.61 2.580 11.52 5.35 2.98

4,974,000 168,000 93,000 21,442,000 151,100,000 22,400 180,000 57,073,200 410,200,000 23,082,000 1,140,150 35,000 381,600 54,000 8,000 2,500 201,400 1,748,600 337,600 1,000 11,606,000 8,007,130 537,000 47,300 1,629,400 23,870,000 3,571,000 255,000 70,000 5,241,000 126,000 3,066,000 4,400 197,000 58,229,300 19,167,000 6,187,000 17,200 23,300 6,000

92,902,768.00 7,301,210.00 149,640.00 10,986,790.00 6,806,400.00 249,946.00 1,028,731 561,614,571.00 36,394,730.00 47,945,220.00 113,193,530.50 341,192.00 3,287,951.00 131,910 28,030.00 2,426,200.00 412,009,860 10,684,686.00 5,475,756.00 13,500 33,950,740.00 806,026,536.00 1,952,030 578,772.00 14,530,791.00 4,329,910.00 4,786,250.00 915,190.00 1,165,646.00 21,126,560 116,660.00 13,279,650.00 70,404 459,940.00 527,274,329.00 70,802,480.00 15,971,410.00 197,844.00 124,475 18,480.00

172.00 10.06 1744.00 0.400 1.620 43.30 85.00 5.90 2.66 1.070 3.51 0.670 5.420

5,060 33,041,000 574,805 7,510,000 84,457,000 13,022,600 6,800,550 1,270,200 44,185,000 29,859,000 9,966,000 29,891,000 44,709,400

868,760.00 305,900,797.00 961,719,775.00 3,011,400.00 134,682,880.00 561,644,995.00 569,399,111.00 7,361,564.00 115,720,260.00 33,017,850.00 35,341,610.00 19,508,840.00 241,327,396.00

MINING & OIL 1,413,400.00 120,668,930.00 2,141,005.00 550,590.00 121,720.00 58,760.00 2,621,900.00 5,611,700.00 6,094,437.00 15,366,600.00 5,406,150.00 4,614,560.00 472,190.00 721,500.00 374,000.00 3,690,620.00 69,012,978.00 3,619,030.00 636,400.00 834,040.00 3,616,600.00 53,800.00 13,937,649.00 25,970,104.00 16,974,150.00 1,603,300.00 701,226,127.00 608,510.00 298,100.00

0.0033 1.88 5.12 13.00 2.1000 2.2600 0.88 0.410 8.88 2.450 0.285 0.191 0.200 0.011 0.0110 1.72 6.39 2.25 0.4750 1.0300 0.0110 0.0110 5.98 9.08 3.34 0.0130 157.80 2.63 0.0086

221,000,000 36,877,000 719,800 21,400 56,000 4,000 27,756,000 1,390,000 30,700 14,238,000 17,780,000 13,090,000 3,680,000 823,200,000 170,200,000 1,975,000 10,767,800 706,000 327,000 3,597,000 69,200,000 26,000,000 7,009,200 3,207,600 20,652,000 337,200,000 5,586,190 178,000 26,000,000

708,700.00 70,105,240.00 3,631,277.00 359,588.00 117,340.00 8,880.00 23,881,310.00 554,650.00 262,245.00 34,768,820.00 4,909,270.00 2,496,120.00 721,400.00 9,088,400.00 1,914,300.00 3,577,030.00 68,559,883.00 1,564,880.00 158,265.00 3,614,220.00 733,900.00 286,000.00 41,607,031.00 28,711,975.00 70,603,280.00 4,158,000.00 887,765,330.00 472,990.00 225,100.00

PREFERRED 17,351,075.00 15,682,592 3,036,925.00 2,331,620 6,176,475.00 2,520,860.00 1,447,816.00 1,603,360.00 3,870,063.00 5,211,400.00 2,113,325.00 237,640 952,590.00 999,865.00 27,675.00 3,207,540.00 2,865,381.00 541,658.00 1,488,758.00 3,045,196.50 5,515,148.00 3,725,499.00 29,229,637.00 1,660,075.00 2,766,269.00 8,260,205.00

43.5 106 516.5 520 105 112.3 115 512 5.8 1008 1022 1.07 108 1029 1100 1016 105 110 77.2 81.2 76.25 78.2 80.8 77.2 78.5 78.5

52,200 45,640 26,940 18,430 62,990 1,200 55,300 3,800 1,506,700 250 1,505 230,000 4,170 3,160 2,000 1,505 14,120 5,200 53,110 134,420 121,910 104,480 50,000 43,010 419,530 250,100

2,261,915.00 4,838,035 13,820,880.00 9,536,190 6,613,286.00 134,860.00 6,349,500.00 1,946,250.00 8,743,809.00 252,000.00 1,537,725.00 248,960 450,632.00 3,251,600.00 2,200,000.00 1,532,845.00 1,482,405.00 572,184.00 4,091,298.00 10,887,643.00 9,305,274.50 8,170,336.00 4,030,958.50 3,356,870.00 32,883,829.00 19,646,121.00

2.260

835,000

1,874,670.00

4.25 6.27 8.19

939,000 506,200 11,934,000

3,910,780.00 3,163,671.00 98,471,387.00

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 40,980 5,372,946.00

130.5

30,260

3,927,100.00

DDOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 2,000 20,031.00

30,500

315,663.20

SME 20,510.00 9,902,870.00 4,037,849.00 102,592,776.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Waterfront Phils. Abra Mining MRC Allied Ind. Oriental Pet. À’ Phil. Realty À’ Megaworld Pacifica À’ Alliance Global Inc. Boulevard Holdings Wilcon Depot

VOLUME 446,050,000 441,000,000 395,690,000 343,400,000 278,319,000 275,708,000 252,700,000 206,196,600 204,220,000 202,057,400

STOCKS Aboitiz Power Corp. Aboitiz Equity Ayala Land `B’ PLDT Common Alliance Global Inc. SM Prime Holdings GT Capital Universal Robina Eagle Cement Ayala Corp `A’

VALUE 314,253,107,929.00 285,669,297,316.00 3,468,825,730.00 3,420,745,245.00 3,166,930,996.00 2,571,535,755.00 2,512,763,270.00 2,353,820,644.00 1,863,292,134.00 1,820,932,925.00

“I think SEC chairman Teresita Herbosa has to review what she is doing because worldwide, [minimum public float requirement] it’s only 10 percent,” Yuchengco said. Yuchengco said the SEC’s move would result in reduced trading volume in the stock exchange instead of improving the liquidity in the market. “What we need here is not liquidity. What we need is for the government to be more capital markets friendly, not always harassing the stock exchange,” Yuchengco said. PSE chairman Jose Pardo said the doubling of the minimum public ownership requirement to 20 percent “is a big leap”. Pardo said while the timing was a debatable issue, the SEC needed to consider the current market side of the exchange. “The timing is always a debatable issue and we could are argue for either side. There are pros and cons. But we still have to increase the size of the market. So it is a big leap from 10 to 20,” Pardo said. The SEC issued last week the draft rules that would gradually increase the public float of all listed firms to 15 percent by 2018 and eventually to 20 percent by 2020. The SEC also wanted upcoming IPOs to have a public float of 20 percent. It said the move aimed to promote the development of the Philippine capital market and encourage the widest participation of ownership in enterprises. Jenniffer B. Austria

Smart’s internet is fastest —study By Darwin G. Amojelar SMART Communications Inc. overtook rival Globe Telecom Inc. in terms of average download speeds for both 3G and LTE nationwide, according to a study by J.P.Morgan. J.P.Morgan’s Asia Network Quality study, which cited crowd-sourced data gathered by wireless coverage research ﬁrm OpenSignal, showed Smart LTE service was leading nationwide, with average download speed of 11.64 megabits per second on the country level compared to Globe’s 6.65 Mbps. The May 2017 report also showed Smart was leading across areas in terms of LTE service, with average download speeds of 12.52 Mbps in Metro Manila, 11.96 Mbps in the Visayas and 9.44 Mbps in South Luzon. Globe had average download speeds of 6.79 Mbps in Metro Manila, 6.91 Mbps in the Visayas and 6.45 Mbps in South Luzon. “PLDT’s Smart has signiﬁcant momentum across all circles measured. This likely implies a higher likelihood of market share gains going forward, with potentially better pricing power,” J.P.Morgan said in the study which covered the months of February to April 2017. Smart also led in terms of 3G speeds nationwide, posting 2.29 Mbps average download speeds on a country level compared to Globe’s 2.08 Mbps. Across areas, average download speeds on Smart’s 3G service were at 3.41 Mbps in Metro Manila, 1.74 Mbps in the Visayas and 1.82 Mbps in South Luzon.

Business PH seeks to boost ties with Mexico By Julito G. Rada THE Philippines will seek to strengthen trade and investments cooperation with Mexico. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement over the weekend he had discussed ways to heighten cooperation on trade and investments between the Philippines and Mexico in a recent meeting with Mexican Ambassador to Manila Julio Camarena Villaseñor. The meeting focused on Mexico’s concerns on the avoidance of double taxation, which also includes an exchange of information on tax matters between the two countries to combat evasion. They also discussed Mexico’s proposal to do away with the triangulation of the exchange rate between the Philippine peso and Mexican peso, which means the two currencies are traded in the foreign exchange market without having to go through the US dollar conversion process. “Our portfolio in the Philippines is getting bigger and bigger. This agreement (on the avoidance of double taxation) is very important,” the Mexican ambassador told Dominguez during their meeting. With Ambassador Camarena at the meeting was Coca-Cola FEMSA president Fabricio Ponce. Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world, and is also in the beer industry through its ownership of the second largest equity stake in Heineken. Camarena said aside from Coca-Cola FEMSA, other Mexican companies like cement and building materials manufacturer Cemex and the appliance company Mabe had substantial investments in the Philippines.

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PetroEnergy readies expansion By Alena Mae S. Flores

ISTED PetroEnergy Resources Corp. plans to boost the capacity of solar, wind and geothermal projects over the next two years at an investment cost of P6.7 billion. PetroEnergy vice president Francisco Delﬁn Jr. told reporters over the weekend it was boosting the output of its 14-megawatt Nabas wind project, the 19-MW Tarlac solar facility and the 10MW solar hybrid plant with a battery option in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. “And of course you have the 12-MW Maibarara 2, which is already nearing completion,” he said. Delﬁn said the comnpany

planned to expand its 50-MW solar plant in Central Technopark, Tarlac City by another 49 MW. The solar project, completed in 2016 inside an economic zone, is owned by unit PetroGreen Corp. and EEI Power Corp. The proposed expansion called Tarlac-2 solar power project is set for completion by the ﬁrst quarter next year with the project cost estimated at P2.4 billion. PetroEnergy is preparing the expansion of its 36-MW Nabas

wind project in Nabas, Aklan. The wind plant is owned by a joint venture between PetroGreen, BCPG Wind Cooperatief U.A. and EEI Power. The wind project, which was completed in 2015, consists of 18 wind turbines with a capacity of 2 MW each. The 14-MW Nabas-2 expansion, meanwhile, will have four to seven wind turbines and is estimated to cost P1.6 billion. Delﬁn said expansion of the 20-MW Maibarara geothermal project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is ongoing. The geothermal project, completed in 2014, is a joint venture between PetroGreen, Phinma Energy Corp. and PNOC Renewables Corp.

The 12-MW expansion costing P1.9 billion is set for completion in the fourth quarter. Power from the geothermal project will be sold to Phinma Energy. PetroEnergy is also putting up a 5-MW to 10-MW solar power project in Puerto Princesa set to start commercial operations in the ﬁrst quarter next year. It is estimated to cost P855 million. “The three are what we may call planning stages because we are not going to deal them without a secure offtake agreement,” Delﬁn said. “We are in the process of securing and negotiating offtake agreements.” He said solar and wind plants were fully subscribed so the company’s avenue for securing offtake was through private

bilateral contracts with distribution utilities and electric cooperatives, ecozone locators or through private retail electricity suppliers. “Those are the different options for the contracts of these three other expansion projects,” he said. Delfin said the company might look into hydro projects but nothing was firm at the moment. “The definite expansion plans are the four projects but if for some reason, one or two these do not pan out.... we can consider other projects that are not included,” he said. PetroEnergy has an existing capacity of 100 MW and is confident of boosting it to 200 MW with the expansion.

7-ELEVEN IN BICOL. Philippine Seven Corp. expands to Bohol with the opening of its very ﬁrst 7-Eleven store in the island located at the Arcom Center in Poblacion, Panglao.

Bohol is the fourth major island where 7-Eleven will open its doors. PSC started its expansion outside Luzon in 2012 in Cebu, 2013 in Bacolod, 2014 in Iloilo and 2015 in Boracay. It plans open seven more stores in Bohol by the end of the year, and is looking at a total of 30 outlets in the next three years. Inaugurating the Bohol store are (from left) Violeta Apolinario, PSC human resources division head; Liwayway Fernandez, operations division head; Jose Victor Paterno, president and CEO; Anecita Arcay, Arcom Center lessor); and Gil Abad, Visayas regional operations manager.

PH records 20% gain in internet speed SPC Power upbeat on power, AKAMAI, a leading content delivery network services provider for media and software delivery, and cloud security solution, has come out with its State of the Internet Q1 2017 Report. AKAMAI said the Philippines, along with Thailand and China, led the Asia Paciﬁc cluster in gains with each country enjoying a 20 percent quarterly boost in average connection speeds. AKAMAI clocked the Philippines’ average connection speed in the ﬁrst quarter of 2017 at 5.5Mbps, up 20 percent quarter-on-quarter, and 57 percent on year. The last three quarters of of the report showed a consis-

tent improvement in the Philippines’ average mobile connection speed. AKAMAI also cited the Philippines’ improvements in other categories. On the “above 4 Mbps broadband adoption” category, the Philippines’ adoption rate is now at 39 percent, representing a growth rate for the country of 26 percent on quarter and 111 percent on year. On the “above 10 Mbps broadband adoption” category, the Philippines’ adoption rate is now at 11 percent, representing a growth rate for the country of 53 percent on quarter and 330 percent on year. On the “above 15 mbps broadband

adoption” category, the Philippines’ adoption is now at 6.2 percent adoption, representing a growth rate for the country 72 percent on quarter and 509 percent on year. “Although the Philippines has the lowest ranking among Asia Paciﬁc countries/regions for this metric, as well as some of the broadband adoption metrics, ﬁrst quarter announcements suggest it may see improvements to its infrastructure in coming years, as President Duterte approved a plan to deploy a national broadband network at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion to $4.0 billion (P77 billion to P200 billion,” the report said.

Finding your drive by going for a higher purpose By Gabriel Sison WITH the term coming to an end, I looked back at what was discussed, the lessons learned, and these new tools will equip us to make better decisions in the future. After completing our service leadership, understanding potential pitfalls in decision making based on immediate cost and integrating learning from other subjects, implementing a social business just became closer. Open to possibilities Working with Guanella Home and learning more about PWD’s opened my mind to the possibilities of marginalized people making an impact on society. People with down syndrome were able to put up different businesses, namely restaurants, art gallery, clothing and many others. The consistent value among them was not letting disabilities crush their dreams. Their creativity, innovation and belief in one’s self propelled them to reach for their dreams. The people and environment near them also played a major part by providing a support system and conditions conducive to chal-

lenge status quo. These personalities achieved great heights and defied societies norms not through financial motives but in pursuit of uplifting others. Search for meaning I read a book written by Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning. It narrates the trials and realizations he experienced while in a Nazi concentration camp. He wrote that success is an unintentional consequence of dedicating one’s self for the benefit of others, for a higher purpose. It is wrong to place money or fame as the primary goal as it is temporary and does not provide satisfaction. Businesses integrating multiple stakeholders like Jaipur rugs, where its founding principle and core competency was for the betterment of others, are the hardest ones to beat and are the most fulfilling. The impact of their actions ripple far beyond their financial earnings, empowering communities and opening opportunities for generations to come. Pursue innovations for others Personally, I feel my drive is only sustained by pursuing innovations for others, where many would stand

to benefit. By empathizing with a network beyond those who may be able to provide favors for us, we are capable of achieving greater developments. Our life is but a passing breeze in our vast world, happiness is fleeting but meaning is enduring. Let us focus our greatest skills and efforts for the benefit of others and you will be amazed of what you can do. Don’t think that these thoughts are impossible as the power of the mind is strong. After all, before it was done, it was dreamt of. What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve. The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business. This essay is part of a journal he kept in fulfillment of the requirements of the course, Lasallian Business Leadership with Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics. Visit his blog at http://gabrielsison.blogspot.com/. The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

eyes renewable energy projects LISTED SPC Power Corp. is bullish on the prospects of the power sector and plans to go into renewable energy investments as a platform for its expansion program. SPC Power chairman Alfredo Henares said in a statement the company remained upbeat on its outlook of the energy sector. He said the company was seeking new opportunities in renewable energy projects, including hydro, geothermal and biomass power plants. The company also has not abandoned plans to pursue coal-ﬁred power projects and power barges. SPC Power posted a consolidated income of P1.788 billion in 2016, or equivalent to a P1.16 earnings per share from P1.51 billion in 2015. “These resulted from the strong performance in each of the company’s core segments, power generation and distribution,” SPC Power said. The company’s ﬁnancial condition improved with capital growing to P8.9 billion, or equivalent to P5.96 per share. SPC Power de-

clared a dividend payment of P0.40 per share. “Moving forward, the group will continue to focus on further improving efficiencies and leveraging existing business assets to sustain or improve profitability,” SPC Power chief finance officer Reynante Del Rosario said SPC Power owns the 55-MW Naga LandBased Gas Turbine Power Plant in Colon, Naga, Cebu. SPC Power, along with partner Kepco Philippine, also owns a 200-MW coal plant in Naga that was completed in 2011 to augment power supply in the Visayas. Visayas’ power reserves remain thin. The plant, majority controlled by Kepco Philippines, was built under a build-operateown agreement with the government. The company owns the 32-MW Power Barge 104, 77-MW Panay diesel plant and 16-MW Bohol diesel plant. SPC Power is composed of a group of local businessmen led by Henares and Dennis Villareal as president, Kepco Philippines and other minority investors. Alena Mae S. Flores

GMA FOUNDATION PARTNER. GMA Network Inc.’s socio-civic arm GMA Kapuso

Foundation teams up with Ideal Vision, one of the country’s leading eye care services and products company. Ideal Vision will provide 2,100 pairs of eye glasses for GMAKF’s Kapuso 20/20 Eye Project, which will be conducted in August coinciding with the Sight Saving Month. Signing the partnership agreement on May 29 at the GMA Network Center in Quezon City are GMAKF founder and Ambassador Mel Tiangco (right), GMAKF executive vice president and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog (center)and Ideal Vision assistant vice president for marketing Joy Go.

Business

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

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

US jobs figures mixed in May

EU calms nervous industries vs China AS the European Union forges closer ties with China, the bloc is also moving to calm concern that Chinese exporters will destroy EU-based industries ranging from steel to solar. The EU will retain the scope to impose hefty levies against Chinese businesses that sell goods below cost in Europe under a planned tariff overhaul, according to Salvatore Cicu, an Italian member of the European Parliament. Europe is revamping the way it calculates duties on these “dumped” imports in response to longstanding Chinese demands for more favorable trade treatment. “We want to give a political message―especially to China―that we are open for trade, but EU industries mustn’t be penalized,” Cicu, who is steering a draft law on the controversial issue through the 28-nation Parliament, said in an interview at the assembly’s headquarters in Strasbourg, France. “We can find an effective compromise.” At a June 1-2 meeting in Brussels, Chinese and European leaders continued to chart a path to closer trade and investment ties. The EU is seeking to create stronger international bonds without reigniting a populist wave in Europe that rallied against globalism’s negative effects on domestic industries and workers. Meanwhile, the bloc is telling China that more open trade with Europe first requires fewer barriers to foreign investment in the Chinese market. After Chinese President Xi Jinping used the Davos forum of global business and political elites in January to portray his country as a champion of free markets, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said she’s still looking for results. “We are all waiting now for the remarks by the president to translate into action and make trade and investment more open,” Malmstrom told an EUChina business conference in Brussels on June 2. Disagreements over trade prevented both sides from drawing up as planned their first-ever statement on climate change and clean energy at the summit, according to an EU official, who said the discord over commercial matters had no impact on the unity over global warming. Bloomberg

RUSSIAN DIPLOMACY. Russian President Vladimir Putin (center) stands among Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (second from left), Moldovan President Igor Dodon (right) and Austria’s Chancellor Christian Kern after a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg on June 2, 2017. AFP

Skepticism mounts for US rate hikes on weak ﬁgures hile Janet Yellen and her Federal Reserve colleagues are poised to raise interest rates at their meeting this month, investors increasingly doubt the central bank’s projection for additional hikes following soft reports on US employment and inﬂation.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. on Friday pushed back its forecast for a third rate increase this year to December from September. Trading in futures contracts shows odds of a September increase have dropped to just one in four, and investors are now pricing in less than one rate hike in 2018 for the ﬁrst time since the eve of the US elections in November. Fed ofﬁcials speaking on Friday expressed no disappointment with the payrolls gain of 138,000 last month, which was below economists’ expectations. Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker called it a “good number,” while Dallas Fed Pres-

ident Robert Kaplan said “if we are not at full employment, we are moving closer.” “I’d be very surprised if they didn’t hike in June, given all the signals that they have sent,” said Jonathan Wright, an economics professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. While he still expects two more interest-rate increases this year, the probability has increased that the Federal Open Market Committee will move only in June, he said. The Labor Department report showed the jobless rate fell to a 16-year low of 4.3 percent, which is below the level the FOMC estimates to be full

employment. Monthly payroll gains are averaging 162,000 this year, a step down from the 2016 pace of 187,000. Average hourly earnings rose 2.5 percent from a year earlier, indicating a tightening labor market hasn’t brought an acceleration in wages. The FOMC, last raised rates in March and at the time projected two additional increases this year and three in 2018. Those quarterly forecasts will be updated this month. “The Fed has little credibility,” said Ward McCarthy, chief ﬁnancial economist with Jefferies LLC in New York. Investors expect “the Fed to again back away from raising rates at minimal provocation. That is the legacy of the FOMC rate hikes underachieving relative to FOMC projections for so many years.” If Yellen decides to push forward in September, the FOMC may be forced to engage in a

“public campaign” of fairly explicit signals for a rate hike similar to what occurred in March, he said. The Fed’s Beige Book on Wednesday cited a variety of anecdotes of worker shortages and isolated pay raises across the central bank’s 12 districts. There was a manufacturer in the Chicago region raising pay 10 percent to attract workers. In the Atlanta district, construction work was delayed because of an inability to fill positions. In the Cleveland area, a transportation firm gave drivers a raise amounting to 7.5 percent to retain them. Yet overall, there’s no sign the tightening labor market is lifting inflation, which has been under the Fed’s 2 percent target for every month but one for the last five years. The Fed’s preferred measure of prices, excluding food and energy, rose just 1.5 percent in April from a year earlier. Bloomberg

WASHINGTON―US unemployment fell to a 16-year low in May but monthly job creation has slowed sharply in the past three months, creating a mixed picture of the labor market. The contrasting data could muddy the waters ahead of a Federal Reserve decision on interest rates later this month. The economy added just 138,000 net new jobs in May, well below analyst expectations, and average job creation for the last three months slowed to 121,000, after the payrolls data for April and March were cut by a combined 66,000, the Labor Department reported Friday. However, the jobless rate decreased by a tenth of a point to 4.3 percent. But while that drop looks like good news, it also reflects the fact that some workers left the labor force, with the closely-watched labor force participation rate falling 0.2 points to 62.7 percent. As it has done in recent months, the White House once again hailed the good news in the labor market. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the employment report showed “Americans seeking jobs are having more success finding them than at any point in the last 16 years.” “There’s a lot of positive signs coming out of the job market,” he told reporters. President Donald Trump has vowed to add 25 million new jobs to the economy over a decade, but economists say this goal is unrealistic and the latest data may bolster that view, especially with increasing reports that firms are struggling to fill open positions. The employment report came a day after Trump announced he was withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Paris climate agreement in a bid to preserve US jobs. However analysts say the US stands to gain more by participating in the development of renewable energy. One in every 50 new jobs added in the United States in 2016 was in the solar industry. Jim O’Sullivan of High Frequency Economics was among those who said the weakness in job creation last month likely was due to volatility and distortions from seasonal adjustments applied to the data. “Through the volatility, we believe the trend in employment growth remains more than strong enough to keep unemployment trending down and the trend in wage gains upward,” he said in a research note. AFP

Will it ever open? Berliners laugh, cry over long delayed airport By Marie Julien BERLIN, Germany―Lufthansa had its planes ready and German Chancellor Angela Merkel was lined up for the ribbon-cutting ceremony―all was in place for the opening of Berlin’s stateof-the-art airport on June 3, 2012. Except the airport itself. Five years on, and the BER airport remains unfinished, shuttered and a byword for fiasco in a country usually better known for its engineering prowess and obsession with punctuality. Construction had begun back in 2006 for the mega-project set to replace the German capital’s two aging and saturated airports―Tegel and Schoenefeld. But the opening of BER, on the southern outskirts of Berlin, was scrapped a month before Merkel was due to inaugurate the site in front of 10,000 guests. The problem related to the fire alarm and smoke extraction system―but it soon emerged that this was far from the only issue. Besides a litany of technical faults that included a roof twice the authorized weight, there were planning errors, suppliers going bankrupt, and suspicions of corruption. Finally the scandal cost Berlin’s former mayor Klaus Wowereit his job. Meanwhile BER’s building costs more than tripled from the 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) initially budgeted

This ﬁle photo taken on September 11, 2012 shows passengers bridges on the tarmac of the Berlin-Brandenburg International airport (BER) during a visit to the building site in Schoenefeld near Berlin. AFP

to more than 6 billion euros ($6.7 billion) to date. Authorities are running quirky weekly visits to the airport for a fee, but at 10 euros a head, they are doing little for the bottom line. No ﬂights While the airport remains shut, its runways are occasionally being used by neighboring Schoenefeld airport, which was once the air hub of communist East Berlin and is undergoing its

own renovation. Other infrastructure linked to BER has to be constantly maintained so it will be ready when the airport ﬁnally opens its doors. To ensure that the rail tracks and stations built for the airport remain operational and free of mould, an empty regional train circulates on the route two nights a week. The ghost trains will continue their lonely trips until the day the terminal

opens, says Deutsche Bahn. At the nearby Hotel Steigenberger, eight housekeepers and technicians maintain empty rooms―even though the hotel “is not expected to open before the actual inauguration of the airport,” according to its operator Deutsche Hospitality. Travelers booking flights on websites are already offered the choice of landing at Tegel, Schoenefeld or BER― except that those who pick the third choice find no available flights. On Berlin roads, signs showing the way to the airport are, for now, simply crossed out. Running joke Lufthansa spokesman Wolfgang Weber recalled the day the airport was meant to open, with one of the carrier’s Airbus jets set to be the first on the tarmac. Germany’s largest airline had a “big plan” to bump up the number of direct flights from Berlin to other destinations from eight to 45. Tickets were sold, planes readied and personnel hired, he said, but “step by step, we cut down this flight plan”. Today, Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings link Berlin to 30 destinations from Tegel airport, and the carrier has kept BER off its flights plans for coming years. “We need a date―and to have that date at least a year in advance,” said Weber.

But to avoid yet more embarrassment, authorities have not set a new date. Thomas Winkelmann, the boss of Air Berlin, has acknowledged “the limits of Berlin in terms of infrastructure.” In April―despite the carrier’s name―he decided to boost the western city of Duesseldorf as a base for its long-haul flights. For now, BER is a running joke among Berliners. Some have suggested the sweeping and deserted site as a possible nuclear waste storage site. Others, picking up on the Internet meme of “Chuck Norris facts,” say only the reputedly omnipotent US martial arts film hero can rescue the project now. One joke reprised former East German leader Walter Ulbricht’s notorious denial in 1961 that the communists were going to erect a wall around West Berlin―“Nobody intends to build an airport.” The football club Darmstadt, after its relegation following a loss to Hertha Berlin, sniped at its adversaries on Twitter that “we landed in League 2, but you are still landing at Tegel.” Even Germany’s usually dour finance ministry joined the fun in a video presenting Germany as this year’s G20 summit host, with an image of the airport and the admission “we are not perfect.” AFP

LGUs

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

NAIAX OPENS. San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade flash their fists during the inauguration of the Naia Expressway in Pasay City on Thursday night. Norman Cruz

Erap to meet security firms F By Sandy Araneta

OLLOWING the attack at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has ordered the Manila Police District to maintain its highest defense readiness condition to frustrate any security threats in the country’s capital. This as Estrada announced he will be meeting with private security agencies, particularly those guarding big hotels, gaming areas such as casinos, malls,

and similar establishments, to reassess their security measures and capabilities in the wake of the recent incident. “The incident at Resorts

World highlights the need to reexamine the readiness of the security officers of business establishments. We should not let that incident to happen again,” Estrada said. He also conveyed his deepest condolence to the families of 37 people who died in the rampage. “On behalf of the people of the City of Manila, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased. May the souls of their loved ones find eternal rest,” said Estrada. He likewise called on the public to refrain from spreading

speculations about the incident, particularly in the social media, “that only ignite unnecessary tension and panic among the populace.” Amid fears of “small-scale” terrorist attacks in Metro Manila, the mayor assured that the city’s 4,600-strong police force has been in heightened alert in the past several weeks. MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel confirmed he has received instructions from Estrada to set up a meeting with various private security agencies and “in-house” security units of

business establishments in the city anytime this week. “Also, the Mayor reminded us to keep our full alert status until such time the tension at Resorts World has died down, kasi we don’t know kung meron pang similar attacks…so we have to prepare for similar threats,” he said. Coronel said he is coordinating with the PNP-Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (Sosia) in Camp Crame to help in the consultative meeting with the security officers and agencies operating in Manila.

‘Mommy Sobria, 18, crowned Miss Makati 2017 enforcers’ to issue OVRs too MANILA’S “mommy” traffic enforcers—mothers who work as part-time traffic aides—will soon be authorized to apprehend and issue traffic citation tickets to erring motorists, according to Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada. Estrada said the first batch of women traffic enforcers are now undergoing rigid training and seminar on advance traffic management to upgrade their working knowledge about the different types of traffic violations and the traffic rules and regulations of the city. “We’re now upgrading their skills and technical know-how because probably within the year, we will be issuing them OVRs (Ordinance Violation Receipts) to apprehend traffic violators,” the mayor said. Estrada said the mommy traffic enforcers have exceeded his expectations. “They’ve shown dedication to their job and have proven to be of big help to our traffic management units,” he said. Members of this women’s corps of traffic enforcers, now numbering 240, are deployed outside the elementary school campuses across the city with only one primary mission: To help the schoolchildren cross the street and get to school or their home safely. “So far, we’ve been getting positive feedbacks concerning our mommy traffic enforcers. Indeed, we can trust them with the safety of our children, being mothers themselves,” Estrada said.

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Nicole Sobria won the Miss Makati 2017 crown, besting 11 other candidates in the pageant’s coronation night held on Friday evening at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Manila Hotel. Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the crowning ceremony and congratulated the five-foot seven inches tall Sobria, who stood out among the candidates with her statuesque beauty, wit and intelligence. “The City of Makati proudly presents the new Miss Makati who embodies the qualities of an empowered woman, one who can greatly inspire other women to pursue their dreams with confidence, courage and perseverance,” Mayor Abby said. The newly crowned Miss Makati 2017 will serve as an ambassador of goodwill, representing the country’s financial capital in its various pursuits and advocacies. These include the promotion of Makati as the premier investment and tourism destination in the country, and youth and women empowerment. The mayor exhorted Miss Makati to “carry the torch of our city’s culture, people and lifestyle to instill pride in the heart of every Makatizen.” Sobria is from Brgy. Tejeros and a second-year student at the De La Salle University taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She was born on July 3, 1998.

Another candidate, Ms. Heidi Santos of Brgy. Southside, was named Ms. Makati Tourism 2017. She also won the Miss Makati Social Media Award that earned her P20,000 worth of gift packs. Miss Makati 2017 took home P150,000 as major cash prize, an iPhone 7, overnight stay for four at Las Ventanas Tagaytay, overnight stay for two at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Discovery Primea, personality development course at John Robert Powers, various gift items and gift certificates worth thousands, among others. Miss Makati Tourism won an P80,000-cash prize, an iPhone 7, personality development course at John Robert Powers, gift items and gift certificates. The Miss Makati 2017 pageant, now on its 27th year, was one of the highlights of the citywide celebration of the 347th foundation day of Makati. It was hosted by Ding Mercado. The board of judges in this year’s pageant was chaired by Cory Quirino, TV Host and beauty pageant titleholder; with members Cesar Campos, chairman and CEO of Cenel Development Corp.; Dindo Fernando, vice president of External Affairs, Ayala Land Inc.; Boysie Villavicencio, artist and painter; and beauty queen maker and fashion designer Renee Salud. Entertainment numbers were provided by Leo Tavarro Valdez,

Miss Makati 2017 Nicole Sobria (left) poses with Miss Makati Tourism 2017 Heidi Santos after the coronation night of their beauty pageant on Friday night.

Abby Asistio, and RJ Dela Fuente. Other candidates who made it to the top 12 of this year’s Miss Makati search were Rachelle Hijazi (Pitogo), Francine Nicole Villava (Carmona), Deanne Claribel Lejano (South Cembo), Sherrie

Beatriz dela Cruz (Poblacion), Joan Cel Cuizon (Carmona), Alexandra Que (Guadalupe Viejo), Jane Usison (Bangkal), Ma. Krizel Pido (Pembo), Alyanna Gamboa (Guadalupe Viejo), and Juliecar Faith Amian (Guadalupe Nuevo).

Help desks ready in Taguig schools By Joel E. Zurbano THE Taguig City government will deploy personnel to set up Help Desk Stations in all public schools in the city to assist parents and students relating to the opening of classes on Monday. “On June 5, we will be setting up Help Desk stations in all schools to assist the parents and students, especially the transferees,” Local School Board [LSB] head Dr. Natividad Jimenez said. The National Maintenance Week, popularly known as Brigada Eskwela, was also held from May 15 to May 20 in 23 elementary schools and 13 secondary schools of Taguig. Brigada Eskwela showcased the modern way of “bayanihan” among teachers, parents, students, volunteers and other members of the community. Under the program, different sectors helped in the repair of school buildings, and ensured cleanliness in their premises. According to Jimenez, the students have already received their free uniforms from the Taguig government. The girls received three blouses and two skirts, while boys got three polos and two pairs of pants. High school students are also set to receive Physical Education uniforms. Students will be receiving a complete set of notebooks, pencils and ball pens. Additional items will also be given to grade schoolers such as sharpeners, crayons, a pair of scissors, pad papers and health kits (for preschoolers up to Grade 3) containing powder, toothpaste, face towel and bath soap. “Grab bags” or emergency kits will also be provided to elementary students.

Bautista: Don’t let kids ride overloaded tricycles QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista is calling on parents to pay extra attention to the safety of their children by not letting them ride overloaded tricycles. The mayor likewise reminded parents to follow the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act, which prohibits children from riding motorcycles.

“Don’t put the life of your child in peril. The laws are there to safeguard public safety. With or without law enforcers, we should follow the law to the letter as these were enacted for the welfare of the public,” Bautista said. The mayor has ordered Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety

to prioritize the safety of the students when more than two-million students begin to flock the streets for the opening of classes on Monday, June 5. The DPOS has started deploying additional traffic constables in the city’s major thoroughfares such as Quirino Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Com-

monwealth and Katipunan Avenues. DPOS constables will also be deployed in schools on Monday. “Officers have been deployed and assigned to schools as early as 5 a.m.,” DPOS Traffic Operations Division assistant head Roselier Arbolado said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

Standard MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 C2 TODAY Manila

Senate to probe crop smuggling L By Dexter A. See

A TRINIDAD, Benguet—Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Sunday the Senate committee on agriculture will be conducting an inquiry this month relative to the unabated smuggling of agricultural crops that have caused the drop in the prices of locally produced vegetables, which has greatly affected the sources of livelihood of NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION ERRORS & Filipinos engaged in the OMISSIONS The public is hereby notified that CORTEXPH INC., a corporation organized and existing under agriculture sector. In Classified Philippine laws, with registered address at 15/F Enterprise Center Tower I 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo de Roxas Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City, Philippines, will be DISSOLVED through shortening of corporate term in accordance with Section 120 of the Corporation Code. The corporation’s dissolution will take effect upon approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the amendment made on the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation to shorten its corporate term.

Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

(MS-MAY 29, JUNE 5 & 12, 2017)

Ejercito revealed the committee chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar will be appraised by the Bureau of Customs regarding the agency’s accomplishment in curbing the smuggling of agricultural crops, one year

INVITATION TO BID 1. The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act CY 2017 intends to apply the sum of Forty Million Eleven Thousand Ninety Five Philippine Pesos (PhP40,011,095.00) for the projects listed below. Bids received in excess of each ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening: ABC (PHP)

Cost of Bidding Documents (Php)

Procurement of Nucleic Acid IB No. Amplification Technology10,011,095.00 2017-257 Isothermal for Detection of Dengue Virus Hiring of an Event Organizer IB No. for the Conduct of ASEAN 30,000,000.00 2017-261 Conference on NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) TOTAL 40,011,095.00

Single Largest Completed Contract At least Twenty Five Percent (25%) of the ABC within the specified period in the Section III. Bid Data Sheet At least Fifty Percent (50%) of the ABC within the specified period in the Section III. Bid Data Sheet

25,000.00

2. The DOH now invites Bids from eligible Bidders for the procurement of the above-caption projects. Delivery of the Goods as specified in Section VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within the specified years from the date of submission and receipt of bids a contracts similar to each of the above-cited procurement projects stated in the Bidding Documents. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. 3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/ fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. 4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents for each procurement package listed above may be acquired by interested bidders on 05 June 2017 to 27 June 2017 from the address above and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB Resolution No. 04-2012, dated 24 February 2012, in the amount specified above. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders who are interested to participate shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. Bidding Documents Fee may be refunded in accordance with the aforementioned Guidelines based on the grounds provided for under Section 41 of 2016 Revised IRR of RA 9184. 6. The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference and the Submission and Opening of Bids at the COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall be opened to all interested parties on the schedule given below: IB No.

IB No. 2017-257 IB No. 2017-261

Name of Contract

Activity (Date & Time)

Procurement of Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology-Isothermal for Detection of Dengue Virus Hiring of an Event Organizer for the Conduct of ASEAN Conference on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Pre-bidding Conference

Submission and Opening of Bids

13 June 2017; 10:00 A.M.

27 June 2017; 09:00 A.M.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address stated below. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated below: Form of Bid Security Cash, Cashier’s/manager’s check issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank. Bank draft/guarantee or irrevocable letter of credit issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank: Provided, however, that it shall be confirmed or authenticated by a Universal or Commercial Bank, if issued by a foreign bank. Surety bond callable upon demand issued by a surety or insurance company duly certified by the Insurance Commission as authorized to issue such security. Bid Securing Declaration

Amount of Bid Security (Not less than the required percentage of the ABC)

Two percent (2%)

Item

Item / Description

Rental of Heavy Equipment for Solid Waste Management System

Approved Sources of Contract Budget Cost of Bid for the Documents Fund Duration Contract

Location

St. Francis 1, Limay, Bataan GEN FUND

Rental of Transport Equipments for Limay Limay, Bataan Public Schools

Rental of Transport Equipments for Municipality of Limay

SEF

Limay Bataan GEN FUND

30 Days.

660,000.00

1,000.00

24 Mos.

6,336,000.00

10,000.00

24Mos.

13,728,000.00

15,000.00

Five percent (5%) No percentage required

8. The DOH reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 9. For further information, please refer to: COBAC-C Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830 (SGD) NESTOR F. SANTIAGO, JR, MD, MPHC, MHSA, CESO III Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC - C Chairperson

Bidders is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest of outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. Open competitive bidding procedures will be conducted using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion, evaluation and post-qualification procedures as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184.

Construction of Covered Brgy. Duale, Court at Kinaragan Limay, Bataan Elementary School

SEF FUND

180 Days

6,731,731.37 10,000.00

180 Days

7,895,899.00 10,000.00

Construction of School Canteen at Lamao Elementary School at Limay Elementary School

Brgy. Townsite, Limay, Bataan

SEF FUND

Construction of School Canteen at Lamao Elementary School

Brgy. Lamao, Limay, Bataan

SEF FUND

180 Days

8,277,427.00 10,000.00

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents. The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows: Activity Schedule Purchase of Bid Documents June 5 – June 23, 2017 Pre-bid Conference June 14, 2017, 1:00 P.M. Submission of Bids June 27, 2017, 1:00 P.M. Opening of Bids June 27, 2017, 2:00 P.M. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said conference. Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend 0the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders. For further information, please refer to: RAQUEL A. LEONGSON Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 05 June – 26 June 2017 from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00) It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Date and Time

Venue

Conference Room, 2ndFloor,Limay Municipal Building Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Building Conference Room, 2nd Floor,Limay Municipal Building

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 13 June 2017, 10:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-B Secretariat at the address below on or before 26 June 2017, 9:00 AM All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Pre-bid Conference Submission and Opening of Bids

June 16, 2017, 2:00 P.M. June 28, 2017, 10:00 A.M.

Bid opening shall be on 26 June 2017, 9:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The pre-bid conference is open to all interested parties who have or have not bought the bidding documents.

Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without hereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The DOH reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please contact:

COBAC B SECRETARIAT Department of Health 2nd Floor, Building 6, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003 Tel. No. 651-7800 Loc. 1625 – 1627; Telefax No. 711-6061 Website: www.doh.gov.ph

MS. RAQUEL LEONGSON Procurement Office Ground Floor Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite, Limay, Bataan Tel. 61-8060 (SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC CHAIRMAN (MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

Name of Project/ Contract

Location

Sources of FUNDS

Reinforced Concrete Drainage System Brgy. Kitang, at Roxas St., Brgy. Limay, Bataan GEN FUND Kitang Fabrication, Delivery and Installation of Brgy. Towsnite, GEN FUND Work Stations at Limay, Bataan Limay Municipal Building

(MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

(SGD.) MA. CAROLINA V. TAIÑO, CPA, MGM, CESO IV Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC B Chairperson

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Duration

Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

90 Days

655,293.00

1,000.00

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCUREMENT OF CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE CONDUCT OF A NATIONAL SURVEY ON ORAL HEALTH (NSOH) IN THE PHILIPPINES REI-CS-GOP-2017-014 1.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Ten Million Philippine Pesos (PhP10,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Conduct of a National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH) in the Philippines. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposal.

The DOH now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Conduct of a National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH) in the Philippines. Eligibility documents of interested consulting firms must be duly received by the COBAC B Secretariat on or before June 13, 2017, 9:00 A.M. at COBAC Conference Room, G/F Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from COBAC Secretariat, COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 05 to July 17, 2017 from the address above upon payment of applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB in the amount of Ten Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP10,000.00).

Mechanical Works with Electrical Supply Lines at Limay Polytechnic College(LPC)

Brgy. Reformista, GEN FUND Limay, Bataan

180 Days 18,098,870.00 25,000.00

180 Days 17,500,000.00 25,000.00

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents. The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows: Activity Schedule Purchase of Bid Documents June 5 - June 26, 2017 Pre-bid Conference June 16, 2017, 1:00 P.M. Submission of Bids June 28, 2017, 1:00 P.M. Opening of Bids June 28, 2017, 2:00 P.M.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. 5.

The COBAC shall draw up the short list of consulting firms from those who have submitted Expression of Interest, including the eligibility documents, and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The criteria and rating system for short listing are: a) b) c)

Applicable Experience (60 %) Qualification of Personnel (35 %) Current Workload (5 %)

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of R.A. 9184. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said conference.

Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality-Cost Based Evaluation Procedure (QCBE). The Procuring Entity shall indicate the weights to be allocated for the Technical and Financial Proposals. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

The contract shall be completed within one (1) year.

10.

For further information, please refer to:

The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders. For further information, please refer to: RAQUEL A. LEONGSON Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

(SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman (MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

June 5 - 23, 2017

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay through the GEN FUND Budget Year 2017 invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts;

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Activity

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay through the SEF FUND Budget Year 2017 invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts; Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Issuance of Bidding Documents

INVITATION TO BID

Duration

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project. Delivery of the Goods is required within the period specified under SECTION VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Schedules and venue of the procurement activities are as follows:

INVITATION TO BID

Sources of FUNDS

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from Municipality of Limay Bataan, upon accomplishing a bidder’s information sheet and payment of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

Location

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Forty Five Million Philippine Pesos (PhP45,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Computer Tablets under IB No. 2017-263. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Prospective Bidders should have completed at least one (1) similar contract equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the contract to be bid, within five (5) years immediately preceding the deadline for submission and receipt of bids.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

Name of Project/ Contract

Municipality of Limay through the Bids and Awards Committee now invites bid for the above-mentioned Goods. Bids received in excess of the ABC and late bids shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bids must be delivered to the specified venue/address on the date and time stated herein. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

(MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF COMPUTER TABLETS IB NO. 2017-263

Municipality of Limay, Bataan invites PhilGeps registered suppliers to bid for the following item:

PROCUREMENT OF VARIOUS GOODS AND SERVICES

will report to us that no smuggler was arrested or charged,” Ejercito said. “Something must be done to erring BoC officials who were actually remiss in their duties in allowing the smooth entry of smuggled agricultural crops to the country, which had directly affected the source of livelihood of our farmers.” Allowing the free entry of smuggled agricultural crops to flood the country’s market is considered as economic sabotage, the lawmaker stressed, because it will significantly affect the source of livelihood of nearly 60 percent of the country’s population, which is producing agricultural crops.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Invitation to Bid

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Name of Contract

vegetables, which are openly sold in Divisoria and Cebu and being shipped through the Cagayan de Oro port. These compete directly with locally produced crops, which results in the drop in their buying prices. Based on evidence obtained by local farmers, Chinese carrots that were smuggled into the country took four months before they were rotten, while Chinese potatoes that were sneaked into the various ports germinated instead of rotting after three months of being stocked by one of the trading associations, proof of the unabated smuggling of agricultural crops in the country. “It will be unacceptable and unforgivable if BOC officials

Municipality of Limay Province of Bataan Bids and Awards Committee

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

IB No.

after the implementation of the anti-smuggling of agricultural crops law. He warned BoC officials to be realistic about their report on if there were smugglers of agricultural crops who were apprehended and charged with economic sabotage, pursuant to the provisions of the law, because the Senate “would be constrained to make drastic actions against them if it will be uncovered that they were remiss in the performance of their duties.” Provincial officials led by Gov. Crescencio Pacalso and concerned farmers associations brought to the attention of Ejercito during his visit here Saturday the unabated smuggling of

(MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

(SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman

COBAC B SECRETARIAT Department of Health 2nd Floor, Building 6, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003 Tel. No. 651-7800 Loc. 1625 – 1627; Telefax No. 711-6061 Website: www.doh.gov.ph

(MS-JUNE 5, 2017)

(SGD.) MA. CAROLINA V. TAIÑO, CPA, MGM, CESO IV Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC B Chairperson

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

IN BRIEF Musicians slam Trump’s Mexico wall TIJUANA―German and Mexican artists staged a show on the border with the United States in protest at Washington’s plans to build a wall, thrilling hundreds but infuriating supporters of the controversial plan to stop the flow of illegal migrants. The musicians took part Saturday in a “Tear Down this Wall” event organized by the Dresden Sinfoniker orchestra at a park in the Mexican city of Tijuana at the foot of the metallic fence that divides the two countries. The show was originally due to take place on both sides of the border, but US authorities denied permission to hold the crowd-funded event on their side, citing security concerns. Just before the concert began, orchestra director Markus Rindt shared his thoughts on the barriers that separate people around the world. “Pieces of metal are for recycling and when they are on a wall, we should instead use them to build musical instruments, not to separate people,” he told the audience. Rindt was a young man in 1987 when Ronald Reagan urged the then-Soviet Union to “Tear down this wall” in Berlin―the quote that inspired his project. Next to the Tijuana Lighthouse, artists and their assistants observed a minute of silence in memory of the migrants who died trying to cross the barrier built more than two decades ago. US President Donald Trump made expanding the border wall with Mexico one of his leading campaign themes, claiming criminals and drug traffickers were flooding over the southern US border. He also insisted that Mexico would pay for the new wall. Mexico has so far steadfastly refused, and Trump has yet to secure any of the billions of dollars in congressional funding needed to start his flagship project. AFP

Stampede in Turin leaves 1,000 injured TURIN―At least 1,000 people were injured, seven seriously, after a bomb scare triggered a stampede among Juventus fans watching he Champions League final in Turin, local authorities said Sunday. AFP reporters witnessed the chaotic scenes that ensued in a packed square 10 minutes before the end of the match on Saturday evening. The panic seemed to have been triggered by fireworks being let off and one or more people shouting that a bomb had exploded -- a notion that quickly filtered through the crowd. The incident compounded a miserable night for supporters of Juventus, who lost the Cardiff final 4-1 to Real Madrid. It also underlined the impact recent acts of terror are having on a jittery public across Europe and the problems now faced by organizers of any mass gathering of people following the Bataclan, Paris and Manchester concert attacks. The scare in Turin came just minutes before another deadly attack unfolded in London with assailants driving a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and assailants going on a stabbing spree before being shot dead by police. Most of the injured in Turin were treated for cuts and bruises but seven had to be admitted to emergency units at local hospitals. Local media reported that a seven-year-old boy was in a coma with severe chest injuries after being trampled in the crush. Several thousand fans had turned up to watch the match on a giant screen erected by the local authorities in the city’s Piazza San Carlo. AFP

MASS. Pope Francis swings a censer in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary during a Pentecost mass on June 4, 2017 at St Peter’s square in the Vatican. AFP

Talks to save oceans kick off M IAMI―World leaders convene at UN headquarters next week for the first major bid to solve the toughest problems facing our oceans, from coral bleaching to plastic pollution, overfishing and rising seas due to climate change.

The Ocean Conference in New York June 5-9 attempts to rally nations big and small to make meaningful changes to preserve what is arguably the Earth’s most important resource, experts say. US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord is expected to be a hot topic at the talks, which no high-ranking US ofﬁcials are expected to attend. But despite Trump’s decision Thursday to end US participation in the Paris deal, which drew worldwide condemnation, experts at the Pew Charitable Trust said the United States has been a part

of crafting a broad “call to action,” and is expected to sign it. “We are committed to halting and reversing the decline in the health and productivity of our ocean,” says the three-page document, which also expresses alarm at the impact of climate change on the ocean. The call to action is expected to be signed and released some point during the week-long conference, which will bring government ofﬁcials, ocean advocates and some heads of state to New York. The US pullout from Paris means other nations will lead the way at the UN talks, particularly

small island nations that have the most to lose. “How can you worry about someone who is not in the room?” said Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, permanent representative to the United Nations for Seychelles. “Look at who is here, who is sitting in the front row, and say, ‘Now what are we going to do about this?’” The world just marked its three hottest years in modern times. And the oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, protecting the planet from the full brunt of climate change. Melting glaciers and sea ice at the poles threatens swell sea level to the point of washing away entire islands and populated coastlines―home to 37 percent of the planet’s population―in the coming decades. Just 20 inches (half meter) of sea level rise could displace 1.2 million people from islands in the

Caribbean Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Recent studies have shown the troubling extent of plastic pollution, even in the most remote parts of the world. An uninhabited island in the south Pacific, Henderson Island, thousands of miles from civilization was recently shown to be piling up more than 3,500 pieces of plastic per day. Even year, more than eight million ton of plastic washes into the oceans, costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems and killing an estimated one million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and untold numbers of fish. And famous coral reefs, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are suffering from hot temperatures like never before in modern times, with mass bleaching and die-offs continuing unabated for the past two years. “Small island states cannot afford to be dismayed or feel down

or depressed about any of this,” said Jumeau during a UN press conference. “We are reaching out to all the friends of the oceans that you can think of to meet the challenges that we face.” Previous global meetings on problems facing the oceans have taken place, but the World Wildlife Fund’s John Tanzer described this one as “historic” because the talks are under the auspices of the United Nations for the ﬁrst time. “The reality is that oceans have been in steep decline for at least the last 50 or 60 years,” Tanzer, global oceans lead at WWF, told AFP. “Here we are in 2017, and it is impossible to talk of anywhere in the world’s oceans as being pristine,” he said. Speciﬁcally, nations will talk about how to meet the 2015 UNadopted Sustainable Development Goal 14, to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.” AFP

Distracted Congress presents a problem WASHINGTON―Donald Trump may have managed to unilaterally reject a global climate pact, but the US president faces uphill battles to achieve his legislative priorities, with Congress consumed by division and distracted by Russia probes and looming fiscal deadlines. When he addressed a gathering Thursday in the White House Rose Garden, Trump used his executive authority to declare that “we’re getting out” of the Paris climate accord. It is less simple on Capitol Hill, where political novice Trump has endured a rough education in Washington deal-making since taking office in January. In the opening months, he has learned how little control he has over Congress, even when its two chambers are led by his own Republican Party. Lawmakers return to Washington on Monday under pressure to advance Trump’s agenda, notably bills to repeal and replace Barack Obama’s health care reforms and overhaul US tax law. In the absence of major legislative victories, and with crises roiling the White House―including a bombshell report that Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner sought a secret communications link to Russia―the Trump administration is desperate for a rallying win. But there is a shrinking window for success; Congress has just seven work weeks before its members head home in late July for a summer recess that lasts until early September. White House officials have pri-

vately expressed frustration with the slow pace on Capitol Hill, as well as some embarrassment about how an initial effort to ram health care changes through the House of Representatives collapsed in March. A revised Obamacare repeal bill passed the House in May, and Senate Republicans are crafting their own version. But even Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has acknowledged it will be difﬁcult to pass it through the Senate, where Republicans have a narrow 52-48 majority. “Hopefully Republican Senators, good people all, can quickly get together and pass a new (repeal & replace) HEALTHCARE bill,” Trump tweeted Wednesday, in a more-than-gentle nudge. In a sign Trump was losing patience, however, he urged the Senate to change its longstanding rules and “switch to 51 votes” to pass health care and tax reform with simple majorities instead of the 60 votes needed to overcome opposition blocking tactics. But despite weeks of closeddoor meetings, Republican senators have yet to unveil a new health bill. The effort took a crushing blow last month, when a nonpartisan congressional study estimated the new House plan would leave 23 million more Americans uninsured than under current law. Still, number two Senate Republican John Cornyn assured that an Obamacare repeal will be ready by the summer recess. “We’ll get it done by the end of July at the latest,” he told the Chad Hasty radio show. AFP

PRAYER. A Samaritan worshiper prays on top of Mount Gerizim near the northern West Bank city of Nablus

as they celebrate the Shavuot festival at dawn on June 4, 2017. Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai seven weeks after the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. The Samaritan religion is based on four principles of faith, one God - the God of Israel, one Prophet - Moses Ben Amram, the belief in the Torah the ﬁrst ﬁve books of the Bible and one holy place - Mount Gerizim. AFP

Polls to test strongman’s popularity PHNOM PENH―Millions of Cambodians voted in local polls on Sunday, testing the political temperature of a country rife with tension between its strongman premier and an embattled opposition determined to end his threedecade rule. Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest serving leaders, has run Cambodia for 32 years. Supporters see the 64-year-old as a beacon of stability while detractors accuse him and a coterie of allies of huge self-enrichment, corruption and autocracy. Sunday’s vote in more than 1,600 communes―village clusters―is viewed as a warm-up for next year’s national elections.

But the opposition has been hammered by a crackdown in recent months, with critics jailed and the main political rival to Hun Sen ﬂeeing overseas to escape charges. “I voted for a change, I want to try new leaders,” Tara, a 30-yearold garment factory worker, told AFP after casting her vote for the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) at a polling booth in the capital. “I want the country to be more progressive, I want mutual respect for human rights,” she added. Hun Sen cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 7am (0000 GMT) in Takhmao, a town on the outskirts of Phnom Penh where

he has a residence and a nearby bodyguard unit stationed. He declined to speak to media but appeared relaxed, smiling and waving to voters as he passed. Many supporters cited Hun Sen’s oft-repeated mantra of stability as they backed his Cambodian People’s Party. “I voted for his party because he has done many good things for the country,” 68-year-old Rath Chy told AFP. “I need peace, stability and development.” The last time Cambodians went to the polls―national elections in 2013-the CNRP made huge gains, spurred in part by a signiﬁcant appetite for change among young voters. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

World

DAY 2. This was the atmosphere during Pepsi’s Rock The South Festival-Day 2 in Heritage Park on June 3, 2017 in Cullman, Alabama. AFP

Popular area now target of terrorists LONDON―A historic part of London that fell into decline after the closure of the docks, the scene of Saturday’s terror attack is now a bustling part of London where hipsters and City workers rub shoulders. The London Bridge and Borough Market area is also very multi-ethnic and international, frequented by foreign tourists, with a popular backpacker hostel and student accommodation nearby. An Australian and two French nationals were among the 48 people rushed to hospital after the attack, in which three assailants smashed into pedestrians in a van before attacking passers-by with knives. The stabbings occurred at Borough Market, a food market that dates back centuries and is housed in an elegant 19th century structure surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants filled with young revelers. The market is next to Southwark Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, and at the southern end of London Bridge where the attackers plowed their van into pedestrians before going on a rampage. The modern bridge was built in the 1970s, replacing earlier crossings in the same area going back to the Roman era, and is the subject of the old nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down”. The area’s cobbled streets contrast with the skyscrapers cropping up in the area, including The Shard―a towering glass structure which at (1,016 feet is Britain’s tallest building. “It’s an area that has completely transformed in the last 15, 20 years,” Peter John, the leader of Southwark Council, told the BBC on Sunday. “It’s such a vibrant part of our city that has been impacted in this way. It’s horrific.” But he added: “This is an amazingly diverse borough and nothing will change.” According to a picture taken by Italian documentary filmmaker and photographer Gabriele Sciotto, the three attackers were shot dead between the Wheatsheaf pub and a fruit and vegetable stall at Borough Market. Minutes earlier the trio had smashed through pedestrians in a hired white van, stopping outside The Barrowboy & Banker, another pub on Borough High Street whose name evokes the area’s strong links with the City of London financial hub across the river. AFP

Balmy night out turns to horror LONDON―Just minutes before Saturday’s terror attack in London, pubs were crammed with revelers enjoying a balmy night out in a trendy part of the city, many of them watching the Champions League final on big screens. And then terror struck yet again at London’s heart as a van smashed into pedestrians before its occupants went on a stabbing rampage, bringing bloodshed to the streets of the British capital. Within minutes, six people had been killed and three attackers shot dead by armed police. Dozens more were wounded. People enjoying their evening out near the River Thames told of how their night became a nightmare in seconds as they witnessed the attack unfold. First, a white van veered wildly into pedestrians crossing London Bridge, with those who managed to avoid the attack rushing to aid those who were hit. The van deliberately swerved into groups of people at speed, eyewitnesses said. “I saw this van going left and right, left and right, trying to catch as many people as he could,” Alessandro told BBC radio. “There were five or six people that we tried to help, they were young people.” Mark, another witness, was in the middle of London Bridge, taking pictures of Tower Bridge downstream. “It was swerving from side to side. I could see it hitting people,” he said of the van. “It hit one person about 20 foot in the air. Poor girl. I just saw her bounce up in the air. “There must have been about five or six people on the ground, they must have been seriously in-

jured,” he told BBC radio. London resident Dee, 26, said she was sure it was a terror attack as the van careered southwards over London Bridge. “And then there was a man with a knife, he was running, he came down the stairs and went to a bar,” she told AFP. After the van crashed right by Southwark Cathedral, the stabbing spree began, with the attackers descending into Borough Market, a popular area of trendy bars and eateries on the south side of the bridge. Taxi driver Chris told LBC radio he saw men brandishing long knives emerging from the van. “Three men got out with long blades, 12 inches long and went randomly... stabbing people.” Witness Eric saw the trio get out of the van and thought they were going to help those who had been hit. However, they were “kicking them, punching them, and took out knives. It was a rampage.” They then ran towards Borough Market with a shout of “this is for Allah”. Alex Shellum, who was in The Mudlark pub near London Bridge said he saw a young woman stagger in. “She was bleeding heavily from the neck and from her mouth,” he said. “It appeared to myself and to my friends that her throat had been cut,” he told the BBC. Police held people inside bars and restaurants for their own safety, telling them to get under the tables. They were later asked to leave with their hands on their heads. Frightened people were led away as police ofﬁcers screamed at them to run. Many were in tears, with friends supporting each other along the road. AFP

Outrage and solidarity over ‘cowardly’ London attacks P

ARIS―British and world leaders on Sunday condemned the attacks in Central London, reacting with both outrage and solidarity.

NINTH INSTALLMENT. Actress/Producer Kat Kramer poses with her poster during ‘Kat Kramer’s Films That Changed the World’ Presents ninth Installment on June 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Trump offers help in response to attacks WASHINGTON―President Donald Trump offered US help Saturday to Britain in response to the twin attacks in London that killed six people, after a van plowed into pedestrians and assailants stabbed others. In a call with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump “offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice,” a White House statement read. The president also offered his condolences over the “brutal terror attacks,” which police said also left at least 20 people wounded. Three attackers were shot dead by police. “Whatever the United States

can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!” Trump wrote earlier on Twitter. Early on, with the situation in London still ﬂuid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted ban on travelers from six mainly Muslim countries. The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that the plan be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts. Without mentioning the London events speciﬁcally, Trump tweeted: “We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an

extra level of safety!” Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter. The State Department condemned the “cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians.” “We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request,” a statement read. “All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.” The Homeland Security Department said that “at this time, we have no information to in-

dicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States.” “We are in contact with and stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the United Kingdom as they respond, investigate and recover,” it added. In New York, authorities deployed an increased police presence in heavily trafficked pedestrian area. The New York Police Department’s counter-terrorism unit stressed, however, that “there are no specific/credible threats to #NYC.” “New York City stands with the people of London. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the courageous first responders,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. AFP

Britain London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the attack was “a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night,” adding: “There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts”. Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the “terrible incident in London” was being treated as “a potential act of terrorism” and said she would hold emergency ministerial talks later in the day. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn: “Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.” Scottish Nationalist Party leader Nicola Sturgeon: “Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.” US US President Donald Trump: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!” State department called the assaults “cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians” and added: “The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request.” US pop star Ariana Grande whose concert in Manchester last month was the scene of a deadly suicide bombing, tweeted simply: “Praying for London.” European Union European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker: “Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.” France President Emmanuel Macron: “In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at Britain’s side. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.” Canada Canadian President Justin Trudeau: “Awful news from London tonight. We’re monitoring the situation.” Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: “Prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London.” New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English: “New Zealand’s thoughts are with the victims of today’s attack, along with their families and friends. Our hearts go out to you. Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people.” AFP

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

Maja Blanca by Brgy. Manuyo Uno

COOKING competition participated in by all 18 barangays of Las Piñas City was held during the 4th Food Festival at Villar SIPAG, Pulang Lupa Uno in the city.

The barangays competed for the best viand cooked in a Filipino way with native ingredients and a dessert. Senator Cynthia Villar, director of Talon Dos’s Pamplina Con Carne and Turon Surprise took home the grand prize at Las Piñas’s 4th Food Festival the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), said the food festival emerged as an annual celebration where communities in Las Piñas get together for a friendly competition. “The festival is also a venue for foodies from nearby cities and provinces where they could sample delicacies creatively and expertly prepared by residents,” Villar said. Barangay Talon 2 won P20,000.00 and trophy as grand winner for its entry—Pamplina Con Carne and Turon Surprise. First runner up was Barangay Manuyo 1, they took home P15,000.00 and trophy for their entry—Crispy fried Tilapia and Maja Blanca. Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno won P10,000.00 and trophy as 2nd runner up for their Spicy Cheesy Tahong and Alpahor. The cooking competition entries were judged according to the following criteria: 1. Overall impact and plating, 30 percent; 2. Taste, 30 percent; 3. Creativity and visual appeal, 15 percent; 4. Technique used, 15 percent, and 5. Hygiene and sanitation, 10 percent. Last year’s grand winner was Barangay Talon 2 for its Ube Creamy Fiesta and the Green Medley entries. First runner up was Barangay Manuyo 2, for its entry— Nutella Nestle Cream Delight and Capt. Nery Season Green Salad. Barangay Talon 4 was 2nd runner up for their Mangoes and Cream in Malunggay crepe with Malunggay Ice Cream and Green Salad with Apple Walnut. During the festivities, a food exhibit with 50 exhibitors coming from Las Piñas and other cities and provinces was also held. Showcased were local delicacies and products for sampling and selling, as well as fresh or ready to eat foods, processed foods, snacks and beverages, and fresh garden or farm produce. This year’s event partners were Unilever, Knorr, Apicius Culinary and Hotel Management School, Elba, Silver Swan Sen. Cynthia Villar (right) awards the grand prize to Brgy. Talon 2 Pulang lupa Uno representatives receive their prize and Golden Oats.

Life FOOD

FRIENDLY COOKING COMPETITION

Talon Dos‘s main dish entry

at 4th Las Piñas

Food Festival

Manuyo Uno’s Crispy Fried Tilapia

Pulang Lupa Uno’s Alpahor

Mediterranean menu by Chef Luis Chikiamco IN THE most recently held Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series, Discovery Primea’s Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco brought with him a delicious menu inspired by Mediterranean restaurant Tapenade and his most practical tips for gourmet cooking at home. Aspiring cooks gathered together at the Maya Kitchen to learn straight from a culinary great. As the Executive Chef of Discovery Primea, Chef Luis creates the finest and most sumptuous dishes. And all participants were excited about having the chance to take a glimpse at some of his Tapenade-inspired favorites. Showcasing the bold flavors of the entire Mediterranean region— Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, and Morocco—Restaurant Tapenade has been a definite crowd pleaser for its incredible range of flavors and dishes: from handmade pizzas to lamb kebabs, from rib-eye steaks to tagines, and more. For the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series, Chef Luis brought a Tapenade-inspired menu, which the participants can recreate at home. He began his demonstration by showing how to put together a light and easy Melon and Mozzarella salad. This was followed by how to perfectly cook a medium-to-mediumrare Ribeye Steak “Tagliata” and a hearty Spaghetti Alla Gricia. The last dish of the demonstration was a flavorful Arroz Caldoso with assorted seafood. After the cooking demonstration,

all the participants were able to taste and enjoy Chef Luis’ creations. More than just learning new recipes, the participants gained valuable insights from Chef Luis himself who believes that everyone can cook well as long as they put their hearts into it. Chef Luis also puts value into programs like the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series, because of the opportunity it brings to aspiring cooks. “A cookbook gives you tips and techniques, but when you try it out, it doesn’t always come out the same way,” shared Chef Luis. “Usually by seeing the cooking done in action, you understand the technique more.” The Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series features culinary greats like Chef Luis Chikiamco to share their original recipes, tips, techniques and personal stories. The Culinary Elite Series is open to everyone with a passion for cooking and who would love to learn straight from a professional. For more information on this and on other course offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com, email contactus@themayakitchen. com, or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City. You may also call 892-1185 or 892-5011 local 108 or +63929 679 6102.

Discovery Primea’s executive chef Luis Chikiamco presents his Mediterranean dishes at the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series

Like and follow Maya Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram @TheMayaKitchen1 and follow us on Twitter @TheMayaKitchen.

Life

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

BREAKING THE FAST THE JOYCE OF EATING

Quaker’s Life Hack

JOYCE BABE PAÑARES

LOVE Sunday mornings best. At the crack of dawn, my mother will leave for the market, and return about an hour and a half later with fresh meat and vegetables and all other ingredients she needs for her well-planned menu for the week. The aroma of whatever she has cooked for breakfast would wake me up from my slumber, literally dragging me by the nose from my bed to the dining table. Some Sundays, she’d serve prawns cooked in garlic and butter along with sinigang na tadyang ng baka. Or salmon head in miso and crabs cooked in 7Up. Rice would always be piping hot, and whenever possible, mom would always buy me my favorite dessert – ripe jackfruit. Our household of two is, in a way, different when it comes to breaking the fast. Sure, there would be the occasional corned beef or hotdog or seafood cup noodles (but with egg, crab stick and squid balls), but most of the time, our first meal of the day is as heavy as possible. Or as I’d say when I post photos of mom’s dishes on social media: breakfast of champions. But not everyone has the luxury of time to prepare breakfast every day. For people who are always on the go, breakfast is whatever is their first meal of the day, regardless of whether that meal is served at 8 a.m. or at 12 noon. Others would simply drink coffee and they are good to go. What people fail to realize is that skipping breakfast and starting the day hungry lead to unhealthy choices. And the adage

Quaker’s Overnight Oats are convenient for people who are always on the go, such as television and events host Joyce Pring who likes hers topped with sliced apples. Mix equal amounts of oats and milk in a jar, and top with your favorite fruit – strawberries, blueberries, or apples – for a delicious and healthy breakfast. You can also add peanut butter or chocolate drizzle for a more decadent flavor.

that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is more than just that – it is a scientific fact. Within the first 30 minutes of waking up, it is important to start up your metabolic system with a good meal to get the strength and endurance to go about your day. Eating oats then becomes the perfect and most convenient fix for people on a constant morning rush. “A lot of people actually think that oatmeal is hard to prepare. But it’s actually easy to do and is a really convenient and healthy breakfast option. It’s high in fiber and is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals to give you the energy to start the day and keep you going,” said Anne Remulla-Canda, Quaker’s marketing manager for nutrition. And with Quaker’s new Overnight Oats, Filipinos now have an even more convenient way to enjoy healthy mornings. “By preparing your breakfast the night before, there is now no reason to skip the most important meal of the day. Come morning, just grab you jar of Overnight Oats and have a quick breakfast fix at home or at your office. What’s great about it is you can customize it to your taste,” she added. For actress Lauren Young, the best part about Overnight Oats is how easy it is to prepare.

“All you need to know are three steps: place the oats in the jar, soak oats in milk, and add your toppers. That’s it! Pop it in the fridge and you’ll have a nutritious and satiating breakfast that will get you through the busiest mornings,” Young said. “It is about finding what you like and making it convenient for you,” Young added. Model and television host Patti Grandidge said with several choices of fruits all year round, she can have a variety of toppings every day. “The concept of Overnight Oats is literally a life hack. You can prepare it in under a minute. And with many fruits that are in season, you are assure of a healthy and delicious breakfast,” she said. So next time you feel like skipping breakfast, grab a jar of Overnight Oats instead and start your morning right. For feedback, send comments to joyce.panares@gmail.com

BREW AND SIP

Have a Nice Day

Meatless Asian inspired dishes (from left) Piaya Halo-Halo Ice Cream Sandwich with Latik, Quorn Xiumai with Truffle and Quorn Crispy Parcels with Pickled Papaya Garlic Vinegar, and Sweet and Sour Quorn with Baked Eggplant and three-grain Fried Rice

MEATLESS DINING DELICIOUS and healthier versions of your favorite meals are now possible as Quorn, the world leader in meat-free food, is now available in leading supermarkets in the country. Quorn, from the United Kingdom, offers a range of deliciously meatfree protein products. It enables you to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite meals—whether you go for ingredient-type products that allow you to cook from scratch like chunks or grounds, or for ready-tocook options like nuggets. Its main ingredient is Mycoprotein – a naturally healthy protein that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and has zero cholesterol. Available all over Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Quorn was introduced in the Philippines last year in events that enticed Filipino foodies—including the staunchest meat eaters—with savory dishes featuring meat-free versions of chicken nuggets and grounds. With its spot-on taste and texture that replicates that of real meat, Quorn has convinced even the likes of noted chef, restaurateur, and hardcore carnivore Florabel Co-Yatco who “couldn’t tell the difference” between Quorn’s crispy

Quorn Foods CEO Kevin Brennan

chicken nuggets and the real deal. “My young daughter eats them,” she says. “I could eat five of them!” With Chef Florabel being one of its earliest and biggest advocates, Quorn announced its much awaited

availability in a press event held at Florabel restaurant at Estancia in Pasig. The event also featured one of Quorn’s newest advocates – Chef JP Anglo of the widely successful Filipino restaurant Sarsa. Guests were treated to a collaboration of the two top chefs as they served various Asian-inspired dishes such as Quorn Xiu mai with Truff le, Quorn Crispy Parcels with Pickled Papaya and Garlic Vinegar, Quorn Satay and Inasal, and Sweet and Sour Quorn with three-grain Fried Rice. Guests were pleasantly surprised with how the product was able to replicate the taste and texture of meat, showing its versatility in the various dishes prepared. Filipinos can also make healthier versions of their favorite meals as Quorn is now available in leading supermarkets, like S&R, Rustan’s, Shopwise, SM Supermarket, SM Savemore, SM Hypermarket, Robinsons, Puregold, Metro Gaisano, Landmark, Waltermart, Hi Top, Citimart, and Jenra. Learn more about Quorn by visiting www.Quorn.ph or www.mycoprotein.org and don’t forget to like Quorn™ Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuornPH.

AMIDST the trend of fancy coffee shops, Healthwell Nutraceuticals offers its healthy ready-to-drink coffee at a low price. Nice Day Coffee comes in a new affordable White and Cleanse, which is available at SRP P13.95 per sachet and Slim at P12.95, lower compared to its counterpart priced at P15.90. “Enjoy the same benefits of Nice Day Coffee variants Slim, White and Cleanse at a lower price,” says Healthwell President Paulo Legaspi. Nice Day Coffee is available at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Puregold, and Mercury Drug Store. Nice Day Coffee Cleanse uses coconut sugar, which is rich in potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6. Compared to brown sugar, coconut sugar has 36 times the iron, four times the magnesium, and over 10 times the amount of zinc. Nice Day Coffee White contains glutathione, collagen and sucralose. The famous glutathione not only whitens skin, but also detoxifies harmful compounds so that they can be removed from the body, and has an anti-aging effect. The unique ingredient of Nice Day Coffee Slim, on the other hand, is sucralose, an artificial sweetener made from sugar but is not recognized by the body as a carbohydrate and so has zero calories compared to sucrose or table sugar, which contributes 16 calories per teaspoon. Sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sucrose but does not cause dental problems and is safe for use even by children, pregnant and nursing women, and people with diabetes.

B ITES

Yummy and healthy snacking MAYORA Philippines recently launched CalCheese, a new cheese wafer biscuit for the wais mom. Yummy and healthy, CalCheese is made from real cheddar cheese and milk, making it a source of calcium and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and B12. These nutrients help in a child’s development by boosting their immune system, strengthening their bones, and giving them energy all throughout the day. “These days, parents lead very busy lives. We juggle our work, family time, and errands all in one day, but we make sure that our kids get the best, especially when it comes to food,” explained Maica Rivera, brand manager for Mayora Philippines - Biscuits. “This is why I’m happy to introduce CalCheese to the wais Filipino moms because I believe it is a snack the whole family will come to enjoy and love.” CalCheese is available in supermarkets and sari-sari stores nationwide. Moms and their kids can also watch out for the nationwide CalCheese School Tour where Mayora Philippines will give out 1 million CalCheese samples to 500 schools. For more information visit mayora.com.

MONDAY, MONDAY,JUNE JUNE5,5,2017 2017

Now a Kapamilya, fans celebrate Richard’s TV comeback AFTER a one-year hiatus from the limelight, Richard Gutierrez is back with a big bang. He recently signed a movie and television contract with ABS-CBN. Yes, the former GMA Prime Time King is now a Kapamilya! “I guess, this is a perfect time for me to make a career change. As everyone knows, I’ve been away from mainstream showbiz for more than a year, which was my personal choice. But at this point, I’m back, re-energized and raring to work once again. I believe the timing was perfect. Everything fell into its proper place,” he avers. His maiden project for the Kapamilya network is the highly anticipated La Luna Sangre where he plays the role of Sandrino, the king of vampires. “It excites me to the hilt because it has always been my dream to delineate the role of a vampire on screen. As an actor, it’s one of my choicest characters to breathe life to. After reading the script, the story line and the character description, I knew right away that this is a very good comeback project for me.” Apart from La Luna Sangre, he is also slated to do a movie with former screen partner Angel Locsin for Star Cinema. “That’s right! I consider these developments as a blessing. I thank God for opening doors of opportunities for me now. As I’ve said earlier, everything happened smoothly, sans any glitches. So what I can only say is that I’m happy to be here!” The handsome star was with the rival network for a long period of time and this he will always be thankful for. “That’s 12 fruitful years with GMA. I’m grateful to them for what they’ve done for me throughout my stint with them. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy to be where I am today. I’m thankful but is also looking ahead. I just have to give my best once again,” Richard states. ******** Now that she has officially started taping for the grand prime time soap La Luna Sangre, Kathryn Bernardo admits her being under pressure. “Well, who wouldn’t be?” she says. “For one, this is the first time that I’m doing a genre of this type. I now realize that an action-fantasy is not easy to do. Mounting the scenes is already a gargantuan task. “When I first read the script, I instantly knew that there would be lots of fight scenes. Initially, I didn’t know what could happen. It’s good that I was able to train Wushu for a number of days before the principal photography. At least, I was given ample preparations. It’s a huge challenge for me that’s why I’m quite nervous.” Despite this, the popular star feels excited about the project. “Oh, yes! In fact, when I read the script, I couldn’t help but finish the entire first week. I think the story is gripping. I hope the viewers will have the same level of excitement. I’m sure they will enjoy the program. I can now imagine how the scenes will be fantastically executed!” Kathryn reveals that the fact Angel Locsin originally portrayed her role in the story is an additional pressure on her part. “Everyone knows how highly-competent an actress she is. She did very well in ‘Lobo’ before. For one, she can do action sequences with much ease and confidence---a proof of her versatility. As for me, it’s my maiden venture in this kind of genre. But rest assured that I will exert my best efforts to be credible in my portrayal!” In this much-anticipated vehicle, she is paired once again with Daniel Padilla. “Yes! We’re excited because our roles here are very different from what viewers usually see. It’s not really that mature but just according to our actual age. Yes, there are still cute scenes but definitely, there’s depth in the motivation of our characters,” ends Kathryn.

Members of Chicago tribute band

Chicago’s greatest hits with Kenny Cetera live at RWM

“Y

OU sound just like me,” says Chicago front man Peter Cetera to younger brother Kenny as they sang a duet of “If You Leave Me Now” onstage at the Cannery in Las Vegas in 2012. This year, Kenny Cetera brings his own line up of seasoned musicians to give Filipino audiences an unforgettable Chicago Experience live at Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) on June 16.

With his tenor voice that complements Peter’s baritone, Kenny has contributed so much for the legendary band by providing back-up vocals to several tracks in the band’s top-selling album 17 and being a member of its ensuing tour. Besides recording with renowned singer, songwriter and producer David Foster for the album, Kenny also had the opportunity to work with such music luminaries as Richard Marx, Kenny Rogers, WILDFLOWER once again hit a new all-time high national TV rating on May 29 just as the ABS-CBN series started its second season, which promises viewers a wilder viewing experience. According to data from Kantar Media, it hit 25 percent in nationwide TV ratings compared to its rival program that only goT 15.2 percent. The show also won its timeslot in total urban and rural Philippines, Mega Manila, and Metro Manila In the said episode, viewers were captivated by the intense encounter between Arnaldo (RK Bagasting) and Nanay Carlota (Anna Abad Santos) as well as Ivy’s very emotional moment when she found Carlota’s body lifeless. Wildflower is one of the most watched series on primetime today. When asked what paved the way for the show’s success, business unit head Ruel Bayani said, “It’s really the story, the great ensemble work of the cast headed by Maja Salvador, and the teamwork of our directors, staff, and crew.” “We are just as excited and challenged to take this wildest journey with our audience and make it something we will all enjoy and learn from,” he added. Meanwhile, Salvador is very thankful for the support viewers have given the program. “We would like thank our viewers for the love and support they have given us in our first season. This second season, we promise to give your wilder revelations and wilder plot twists. We hope you continue loving and supporting us,” Salvador said in an interview. Things will definitely get wilder as tension rises even higher. With Nay Carlota’s death, Ivy is further motivated to put the Ardientes down. What will Ivy do to give justice to Carlota? There is also no stopping Diego (Joseph Marco) from running for governor of Poblacion Ardiente against his brother Arnaldo. Wildflower airs weeknights before TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, June 5, 2017

ACROSS 1 Weightlifter’s pride 4 Gourmet bird 9 “You Really — Me” 12 Cartel 13 Powerful engine 14 Shades 16 Wild party 17 High-end wristwatch 18 — Khan 19 Fund-raiser 21 Restrains Rover 23 Temple city — Picchu 25 Starbucks orders 26 Utterly miserable 29 Kind of bore 31 Sudden gust of wind 32 Leap in a tutu 33 Raucous laughs 37 Cadge 38 Ballpark events 41 High note 42 McEntire of country 44 Gorby’s realm 45 Wouldn’t hurt —— 47 Prefix for media 49 Creaks 50 “You bet!” in

Bonn 53 Pastel color 55 Psyched up 57 How-to books 61 Laura or Bruce 62 Blackball 64 Heal over 65 It can be near or far 66 Custom 67 Comes to the conclusion 68 Ave. crossers 69 Made a heap 70 Kiki or Joey DOWN 1 Aves have them 2 Warrant off. 3 Plots 4 Exacting 5 “— the raven” 6 Website, for short 7 Fiji discoverer — Tasman 8 Light, soft wood (2 wds.) 9 Horrible 10 Word of duty 11 Snicker (hyph.) 12 Consumer org. 15 Talk back 20 Ipso — 22 Battery size 24 Fork, maybe 26 A.D. or D.A.

27 Rainbow band 28 Lintel companion 30 Route for BenHur 32 Witty remark 34 Westwood sch. 35 Astute 36 Divers’ milieus 39 Stopped (2 wds.) 40 Plastic wrap 43 Totals 46 Intent 48 Cousins of “um” 49 Stared angrily

50 Green gem 51 Districts 52 The pits 54 Reflection 56 Mr. Arnaz 58 Teen woe 59 Fill the hull 60 Mex. gentlemen 63 MD airport code

Julio Iglesias, Bill Champlin, and ABBA’s Agnetha Faltskog throughout his career. Staying true to his native Chicago roots, Kenny formed his own band that proves to be the closest to recreate such classic songs as “Hard Habit to Break,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Colour My World,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and many more. After captivating audiences from all over

the US, Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience comes to Manila for a one-night only concert to perform the greatest hits of Chicago. Performing with an organized seven-piece rock and roll horn and rhythm band, Kenny Cetera captures the groove and driving harmonies of the original, superimposed by his powerful vocals and giving Chicago fans a good dose of their nostalgic pop rock favorites in every performance. Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience live at the NPAT is presented by RWM in cooperation with Steve O’Neal productions. Tickets are now available at the RWM Box Ofﬁce and all TicketWorld outlets. Citibank cardholders may also avail of the Watch and Dine promo to get tickets plus Php400 food vouchers honored at selected RWM signature restaurants. Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 9088833 for more details.

‘Wildﬂower’ opens season 2 with all-time high national tv rating

"Wildﬂower" lead star Maja Salvador

Senate President Koko Pimentel (left) with Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017

ISAH V. RED

N THE last day of the Senate session, around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Cavite Vice Governor Ramon ‘Jolo’ Revilla III, son of actor and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and grandson of former senator and actor Ramon Revilla, Sr. took his oath as one of the newest members of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) before Senate President Koko Pimentel. PDP Laban was the political party under which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ran in the last elections. PDP Laban promotes freedom, unity, justice, equality, social responsibility, independence, effective mobility, nationalism and federalism. With their left arms raised, Revilla, Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, QC Congressman Alfred Vargas, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and the entire City Council took their oath to carry on the party’s ideals and principles especially in serving their constituents. Pimentel said, “PDP Laban is in unity with our Chairman, Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in ﬁghting crimes, corruption and illegal drugs.” The challenge is in the hands of the new members. “As a new member of PDP Laban, I am committed to bring our party’s programs and projects to our province. The interest of the people should be the ﬁrst priority. With the help of the Caviteños, I am sure that I will be able to do my responsibilities to the party and to the province,” Revilla said. The oath taking ended with everybody shaking hands using their left hand as a symbol of unity for the party. ***

Jessica Soho

Rock N’ Soul Diva Aicelle Santos is still a Kapuso when she renewed her contract with GMA Network on May 30. Aicelle has been with the Kapuso network for a decade and a year. She treats the network as her second home,. “Una sa lahat, thank you Lord sa blessings, and siyempre sa GMA sa patuloy na pagtitiwala nila sa akin. Dito talaga ako nag-grow. Hindi ka naman basta basta mag-go-grow kung yung environment mo hindi ka tinuturing na pamilya. So lahat, from the staff, mga bosses, mga nakatrabahong artista, isang pamilya talaga, kaya yung pagmamahalan kitang kita. And I’m staying because they trust me kaya I’m very thankful.” The Kapuso singer/actress is also in Afternoon Prime series Impostora with Kris Bernal and Rafael Rosell. She is very happy to be one of the cast saying the viewers will deﬁnitely enjoy watching the remake for its relatable storyline. “I’m playing Deedee, the best friend of Nimfa played by Kris Bernal. Siguro makikita ng viewers si Aicelle somehow dun sa character na pinoportray ko. Mapapanood sa Impostora yung story ng friendship at pagiging totoo sa sarili, pero andun yung may mga pangarap na gustong abutin, ano ba yung kailangan mong ipagpalit para maabot yung mga bagay na yun,” she said. *** Four George Foster Peabody Awards, 11 New York Festival Gold Medals, three Emmy nominations…

Cavite Vice Gov

JOLO REVILLA

joins President’s political party

this unprecedented record makes GMA Network the most internationally awarded in Philippine Television, a success primarily brought about by its News and Public Affairs programs. This year, GMA Network’s Public Affairs Department celebrates three decades of public service. It was in 1984 when the ﬁrst GMA Public Affairs program was born with Viewpoint, a talk show hosted by Dong Puno. In 1987, an in-house Public Affairs team was formally setup in the network. Weekly talk shows soon followed with Weekend with Velez hosted by Jose Mari Velez, Firing Line with Teddy Benigno, Issues and Answers with Art Borjal, and The Probe Team with Cheche Lazaro. Three decades later, GMA Public Affairs has grown into a department now producing 27 (13 programs air on GMA and 14 on GMA News TV) of the most watched, most awarded and most admired programs on Philippine television including I-Witness, Reel Time, Front Row, Reporter’s Notebook, Imbestigador, Wish Ko Lang, and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho among many others. To mark this milestone upon hitting its 30th year, GMA Public Affairs will air a special documentary, Sa Serbisyong Totoo, Nabago ang Buhay Ko, which will present a few of the life-changing stories aired by GMA Public Affairs programs over the past decades. The special will revisit inspiring people whose lives signiﬁcantly changed after being featured on GMA Public Affairs programs. It will also showcase some of the most powerful stories that the group has produced: stories that initiated viewers to move, encouraged government to act, reconnected families, and were instrumental in giving their subjects a new lease on life. The special, hosted by Jessica Soho, airs June 25 on GMA.

Singer-actress Aicelle Santos

KFC’ first Filipino Colonel IT WAS just a week ago when KFC Philippines launched the first nationwide search for KFC’s First Filipino Colonel, which threw fans into a frenzy. Three senior actors vying for the title went face-to-face to audition for the role of a lifetime. Donning the iconic Colonel Sanders white suit, black string tie, and black frames, each actor showcased his best impression of the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken founder. The winner, as predicted by the majority, was none other than the original cool dad of Filipino movies, Ronaldo Valdez. A film and TV actor with a career spanning over 50 years, Valdez brings to the table his indubitable similarity to Colonel Harland David Sanders, the culinary genius behind KFC’s secret 11 herbs and spices recipe. Beyond just looks, as the two can pass off as twins, Valdez also shares Colonel Sander’s fatherly personality, passion for one’s craft, and penchant for greattasting chicken. “I am proud and honored to

be KFC’s First Filipino Colonel. Even before auditioning, I was already a big fan of KFC. My goto order is the Original Recipe chicken paired with a side of rice and unlimited gravy,” shared Valdez. Contenders, Leo Martinez and Pen Medina congratulated Valdez and offered their words of wisdom to the winning Filipino Colonel. “Wala ka dapat kilingan dahil masarap lahat ng KFC chicken,” said Batangueño funnyman Martinez. “Career-in mo ‘yan kasi kung ako ‘yong nanalo, ka-careerin ko ‘yan,” exclaimed the awardwinning indie actor Medina. “We’re excited to have Ronaldo Valdez on board as KFC’s First Filipino Colonel. I am confident that he can fulfill his duties as Colonel while adding his own Pinoy flair to the iconic fried chicken forefather. This is just the start of many more good things to come for the brand and we look forward to the same level of support from our consumers,” said KFC Philippines General Manager Chacha Juinio.

Senior actor Ronaldo Valdez

Globe LIVE wows theatre lovers with four musical productions this year GLOBE LIVE takes on four top-notch theatricals this year. Filipinos will see major productions starting with Disney’s Newsies premiering on July 7, followed by West Side Story on Aug. 10, then the classic Sound of Music on Sept. 27. Globe LIVE will cap the year off with Menken & Ahrens’ A Christmas Carol in December. Globe customers can get access to all these exciting productions with the best deals and exclusive discounts! For more information, go to http://go.globe.com.ph. For ticket purchases, visit https://www. ticketworld.com.ph.