Manila Standard - 2017 June 13 - Tuesday

Du30 to US: Thank you

By John Paolo Bencito and F. Pearl A. Gajunera

VOL. XXXI • NO. 119 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

PH asserts control of Benham THE Philippine flag was flown over the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, as part of the 119th Independence Day celebration Monday.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Robispierre Bolivar confirmed the symbolic affirmation of the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the vast underwater ridge 250 kilometers east of Dinapigue, Isabela.

The United Nations approved the Philippines’ undisputed territorial claim over the rise in 2012.

Armed Forces of the

By John Paolo Bencito

I

SLAMIC State-inspired extremist groups and foreign terrorists who joined their ranks had originally wanted to occupy three cities in Mindanao, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday.

FREEDOM DAY SCENES. From Manila to Marawi, the freedom cry reverberates as the nation marks its 119th Independence Day on June 12, 2017. Clockwise: The Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; soldiers salute during a tearful ceremony dedicated to the scores killed during a battle to force out terrorists in Marawi City; militants get into the act at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani memorial wall in Quezon City; Caloocan City joins the celebration led by Mayor Oscar Malapitan and Supreme Court Associate Justice Mariano C. del Castillo; Vice President Leonor Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, pitching in for President Rodrigo Duterte, raise the flag at Manila’s Rizal Park. Norman Cruz, Andrew Rabulan, Manny Palmero and AFP

Oil prices cheaper by P1.20/liter

Rody tells LP: Come clean

By John Paolo Bencito FORMER President Benigno Aquino III and his allies had spent their six years in office accusing former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of being corrupt, but must now answer for the corruption during their term, President Rodrigo Duterte said over the weekend.

Responding to criticism by the Liberal Party officials of the Aquino administration who questioned his declaration of martial law in Mindanao, President Duterte said they should respond instead to their “six years of corruption.”

Duterte also challenged the martial law critics to live in Marawi, Zamboanga and Jolo to see if they might change their minds.

“It’s so easy to talk [and] to criti-

cize,” Duterte said.

Several corruption scandals hit the administration of President Aquino, who ran on the “straight path” anti-corruption platform.

These include a multi-billionpeso scam in which pork barrel funds were siphoned to non-existent organizations, a questionable maintenance contract for the commuter train system, the proliferation of drugs in the national penitentiary, and the rampant smuggling of agricultural commodities, including rice.

Aquino’s allies in the Liberal Party in both chambers of Congress have been vocal in criticizing Duterte for his bloody war on drugs and his declaration of martial law in Mindanao in response to a terrorist attack on Marawi City.

Free public Wi-Fi: Sona promise fulfilled PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte fulfilled one of his campaign promises during his first State of the Nation Address last year after the government rolled out free public Wi-Fi across the 24-kilometer stretch of Edsa starting Independence Day on June 12.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology

“They were trying to take over [a] much bigger [territory],” Cayetano said. “Not only Marawi City [but] at least two or three cities in Mindanao.”

Cayetano said the Islamic State was looking for new areas for their caliphate because if they lose the war in Iraq and Syria, they will need another base.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said the attack on Marawi City was carried out on direct orders from Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The plot to take over more cities, however, was foiled when government troops

launched a preemptive raid on Marawi to capture Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the Abu Sayyaf group and the Islamic State’s “emir” of Southeast Asia, Cayetano said.

“We saw money coming in and we already saw… narcopoliticians were joining,” he said.

He added that Indonesia and Malaysia have offered to share intelligence information to crush extremism at the regional level.

A security official who requested anonymity told the Manila Standard that IS-inspired extremists were planning terror attacks in Davao

City, some areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato City, as well as the cities of Zamboanga, Lamitan and General Santos.

Abu Sayyaf attacks in Palawan were also a possibility, the security official said.

Security officials said they were also closely monitoring movements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which was establishing networks in the Davao region.

On Sunday, Duterte said he’d received information from his security officials saying the ISIS leader ordered the conduct of terroristic activities in the Philippines. Next page

Void ML petitions, SC urged

By Rey E. Requejo

By Alena Mae S. Flores

By John Paolo Bencito

Next page

Govt foils ISIS plot to take over 3 cities

Next page

THE oil companies cut pump prices by as much as P1.20 per liter effective Tuesday to reflect the downward movement of world oil prices.

Prices will go down by P1.20 per liter of kerosene, P0.95 per liter of diesel and P0.80 per liter of gasoline as a result.

Petron, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Seaoil Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines and Flying V announced the price cuts and the other companies are expected to follow suit.

Oil prices have been going down as US crude oil and gasoline inventories continue to surge despite the production cuts by the members and non-members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Opec met late last month and approved the extension of its production cuts for another nine months to support oil prices amid the supply glut.

The Philippines imports over 90 percent of its fuels while pump prices are adjusted weekly to reflect the price movements abroad.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday thanked the United States for providing technical assistance in the government’s battle against Islamist terrorists in Mindanao, after more than a year of cursing at Washington for criticizing his

bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

While insisting he did not seek US help to end the siege in Marawi City, Duterte on Sunday softened his critical stance toward the country’s longstanding ally.

“My quarrel was not with the Americans, but that son-of-a-bitch [President Barrack] Obama,” Duterte said. “My quarrel

will be making high-speed internet connectivity available at street level on Edsa with access points available in all Metro Rail Transit stations and in between stations, Malacañang said.

“Free Wi-Fi internet access, one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address, is fulfilled this month,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in

a speech in Mandaluyong City.

“This is just the beginning.

Apart from MRT Edsa, we hope to install wireless internet access points in other public places and transport terminals as mentioned by [President Duterte].”

Abella made his statement even as Senator Ralph Recto, the main proponent of the free public Wi-Fi bill, approved by Congress, will Next page

MALACAÑANG has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions seeking to void President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation placing the entire Mindanao under martial law following the attacks by the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.

In a 45-page comment, the Executive department, through Solicitor General Jose Calida, sought the dismissal of three consolidated petitions assailing the legality of Duterte’s Proclamation 216 for lack of merit.

Calida says the declaration should be accorded the presumption of constitutionality as it is within the powers of the President under Section 18 of Article VII of the Constitution.

He says Duterte’s decision to declare martial law was based on factual reports from the Armed Next page

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the fiberglass-encased flag was planted on the underwater plateau by divers at a depth of 57 meters.

President Rodrigo Duterte renamed the underwater region from Benham Rise to Philippine Rise last month following sightings of a Chinese survey ship in the territory.

China had denied that the ship was surveying the Philippine Rise.

In Manila, Vice President Leni Robredo led the Independence Day celebrations after President Duterte skipped the ceremonies because he was “too tired” from staying up late, the Palace said.

“You know the President has been working 24-7, meeting the troops, meeting the commanders, and then late last night, visiting the wounded and [the families of soldiers who were killed in the fighting in Marawi City]. So that’s why this morning, he didn’t feel that well,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the President also had important matters to attend to, including the situation in Mindanao.

In his first Independence Day message, Duterte called on his countrymen to help preserve Philippine sovereignty as a way to honor the country’s heroes.

“Let us pay homage to their heroism by preserving our sovereignty and performing our own civic r ig ht s and responsibilities,” Duterte said.

“The journey to freedom was a long and arduous one—which our countrymen paid for with blood, sweat, and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice,” he added.

Robredo stressed that the nation should not forget the country’s present and past heroes.

“We hope we would not forget the heroism of countrymen, especially our soldiers who are fighting now in Marawi,” the vice president said.

“The lessons from people before us, we hope we would not forget them. We always pray that they would be protected,” Robredo added.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno said the judiciary remains committed to defending the freedoms that the nation’s heroes fought for.

Sereno also paid tribute to “those who have fought for and continue to fight for our country’s freedom and sovereignty” and also to the country’s “fallen heroes present and past, all of who sacrificed lives and wealth, safety and comfort.”

“The Judiciary pays homage to all Filipino heroes; draws inspiration from them; reflects with sorrow on the fallen in Marawi; and renews its commitment to the people to defend their freedoms,” said Sereno, who begged off the invitation to raise the flag at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan for Independence Day to prepare for the oral arguments on petitions against President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law proclamation.

Also on Monday, three replicas of ancient balangay (wooden boat) carrying the Philippine flag sailed Manila Bay as part of the Independence Day celebration.

The voyage called “Layag ng mga Balangay para sa Kalayaan” started from Pier 13 past 9 a.m. going to the Manila Yacht Club and back at Pier 13 at 11 a.m. The boats sailed again in the afternoon from Pier 13 going to the SM Mall of Asia. Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, John Paolo Bencito, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

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DoT pitch: Experience the PH

By Sandy Araneta

T

HE Tourism department launched on Monday, Independence Day, a new tourism campaign highlighting the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality.

The department dropped its popular “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign and replaced it with the new campaign with the theme “Experience the Philippines.”

“When you’re with Filipinos, life is better, says the key mes-

sage of the campaign launched during the simultaneous flagraising ceremonies nationwide.

The minute-long clip “Sights” shows a Japanese retiree named “M. Uchimura” enjoying island-hopping in the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan, dancing

with the locals at the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, riding an all-terrain vehicle in the Paoay Sand Dunes, and enjoying a snack on the cobblestoned Calle Crisologo in Vigan.

“Here, you don’t have to see the sun to discover radiance; you don’t have to see colors to experience vibrance; you don’t have to see smiles to know you are safe; you don’t have to see to feel you are home, says Uchimura in a voice-over.

Towards the end of the commercial, Uchimura, who wears a hat and sunglasses, takes out

his walking stick to navigate Calle Crisologo and reveals he is blind.

According to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, the commercial goes beyond featuring the country’s top destinations but, more importantly, it encourages tourists to experience the Philippines to know how it is to be a Filipino.

“We are shifting our focus in our promotional campaign toward the unique experiences that each destination could offer and Filipino hospitality and security,” Teo said.

“The basic elements of fun re-

mains as it is truly the Filipinos who make the total tourism experience fulfilling and memorable.

The heart and essence of the tourism thrust is the people.”

The commercial depicts the true story of a retiree who may have been handicapped by blindness but then experienced the joy of Filipino hospitality during his memorable stay in the Philippines.

It is the second of a series of advertisements that the department will roll out in the coming months and will be shown internationally on television and its roadshows.

Govt...

tacular event to show that IS had arrived in the Philippines.

President Duterte has said the militant attack was part of a wider plot by IS to establish a base in the southern region of Mindanao, and declared martial law there to quell the threat.

But the military has struggled to defeat the heavily-armed gunmen, who have used hostages and pre-existing bomb-proof tunnels to entrench their positions.

“As you know the target was to liberate Marawi today, June 12, but... you can see how complex the problem is and how many new developments there are,” Cayetano told reporters in Manila.

On Sunday, the region’s military chief, Lt.-Gen. Carlito Galvez, told a news conference that the fight would be “most difficult, deadly, bloody, and it will take days and months to clear up.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a captured militant told the military the IS chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had directly “incited” the gunmen to attack the city of 200,000.

As the conflict intensifies, the US embassy in Manila said on Saturday American forces were providing assistance to the Filipino troops, although it declined to give details for security reasons.

The two countries are bound by a 1951 mutual defense treaty, though Duterte has tried to steer the Philippines away from US influence since he became president last year.

On Monday, the Justice Department asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to allocate resources for the detention of members of the Maute terrorist group and their supporters.

Authorities arrested last week Cayamora and Farhana Maute, parents of brothers Omar and Abdullah who are leading the terrorist group that attacked Marawi City.

Some of their relatives have also been arrested as authorities confiscated cash and various types of firearms. With Rey E. Requejo, AFP

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DIGNIFIED TRANSFER. President Rodrigo R. Duterte honors the fallen Philippine Marines killed in the antiterror operations in Marawi City during the dignified transfer of their remains at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, on June 11, 2017. As Commander-in-Chief, President Duterte joined by officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines condoled with the bereaved families. Presidential Photo

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was with the State Department and Obama who were reprimanding me in public as if I were a federal employee.”

Unlike Obama, President Donald Trump has been very supportive of his anti-illegal drug campaign, Duterte said.

Duterte thanked the American forces on the ground providing assistance to Filipino troops, albeit reluctantly.

“I have to be thankful. It’s already there,” he said.

Duterte said he can’t do anything about the pro-American sentiments of the military, many of whom were educated in US schools.

“This is really their sentiment, our soldiers are really pro-American, that I cannot deny,” the President said.

“Almost all officers will go to America to study... That’s why they have rapport and I cannot deny that,” he added.

Since Saturday, American Special Forces have provided help in aerial surveillance and targeting, electronic eavesdropping, communications assistance and training.

The military confirmed that while US forces were providing technical assistance, they did not join in the fighting.

Duterte, who came to power a year ago, has taken a very hostile Edsa from Cubao to North Avenue and from Guadalupe to Taft Avenue, which is expected to be operational before the President’s second State of the Nation Address in July.

The third and last stage will cover the entire stretch of Edsa outside the reach of MRT, from MOA to Balintawak. This is expected to be completed by the end of August this year.

The latest World Bank report on broadband speeds says that every 10-percent increase in broadband internet penetration translates into a 1.38-percent increase in a country’s gross domestic product growth.

“It has been shown that internet penetration correlates closely with economic growth,” Abella said.

During his first Sona, Duterte vowed that the government would provide free Wi-Fi services in public areas nationwide.

not only make internet services available to all Filipinos but will also ensure that broadband services are faster and more efficient.

The bill is now ready for Duterte’s signature after both houses of Congress ratified the reconciled version.

ICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said the government requested the telecommunication companies to maintain at least a twodigit speed or higher.

“I specifically requested not less than two digits. This is the promise of our President, or they [telcos] will feel the wrath of the government,” Salalima said.

The first stage of the DICT’s free public Wi-Fi project covers all MRT stations and Edsa from Guadalupe to Cubao at street level.

The second stage will cover With Macon Ramos-Araneta

stance towards Washington and vowed to abrogate various agreements signed between the two countries, including the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and announced Manila’s “separation” from Washington and shift towards Beijing and Moscow—all because of their criticism of his anti-drug campaign.

Washington’s envoy to Manila, Sung Kim said the US will continue to provide support to the military in the battle against extremists, but declined to say what kind of help his government was providing.

“I don’t think it is appropriate [to reveal] technical details of what we are providing,” he said when asked if US troops have been deployed to Marawi.

US Secretary of state Rex Tillerson said that his country “proudly stands” with the Philippines in its fight against terrorism in Marawi City, Mindanao.

In a statement, Tillerson said that the American government admired the resilience and strength of Filipino people in times of conflict.

“The United States proudly stands with the Philippines as a longstanding ally, especially as the country confronts challenges associated with terrorism and extremism, including recent attacks in Marawi City and elsewhere,” Tillerson said.

“We admire the resilience and strength of Filipino people in battling adversity and building a more prosperous and secure future,” he added.

The United States’ statement came days after its embassy confirmed that the US forces arrived in the Marawi to crush the Maute Group, through the Philippine government’s request.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, 1st Infantry Battalion spokesman, said the assistance of the US was limited to technical support.

Tillerson said the American government will honor the 50year US-Philippine alliance.

“On this special day, we honor the enduring US-Philippine alliance, built on our shared democratic values, growing commerce, and strong people-to-people ties,” he said.

“On behalf of President Trump and the American people, congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Republic of the Philippines as you commemorate your 119th Independence Day on June 12,” he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday the help of the US troops in the Marawi siege was vital to providing troops with information about precise movements on the ground.

“What General [Carlito] Galves did was, he brought three people with equipment that can help with the surveillance of the movements of the enemy not only in Marawi but the entire Lanao Del Sur,” Lorenzana said.

The Defense chief added that the central bank and the Finance department were already tracing the source of the P72.9 million in cash and checks found in a Maute house in Marawi City.

The military’s engineering brigade, he also said, was on standby to help residents of the city rebuild their houses and government facilities.

He said he has already recommended a draft executive order to rehabilitate Marawi City at an initial cost of P10 billion.

Leftist groups on Monday criticized the involvement of American troops in the Marawi City siege.

The peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said the United States had a long history of instigating proxy wars.

“Wherever there is US involvement and presence of US troops, there is war and destruction, the group said in a statement.

The Gabriela Women’s Party also denounced the involvement of US troops, saying this showed the continued subservience to foreign interests.

“A country that gave rise to terrorists and launched wars in many parts of the globe should have no business in crushing terrorists and in supposedly restoring peace in Marawi City.

US troops must be immediately kicked out,” Gabriela Party-List Rep. Emmi De Jesus said.

Earlier, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate also questioned the presence of US troops in Marawi City.

“The question is did the US troops know beforehand that there would be a Maute/ISIS attack but allowed it to happen as payback for President Duterte’s anti-US rhetoric?” Zarate said.

“Are they now just offering their support because it is almost over and they want to again have a pretext for an anti-terror campaign in the Philippines?”

Zarate said. “We must always be wary of US support.”

With Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, Sandy Araneta and Maricel Cruz

Cayetano said the Indonesian foreign minister proposed a dialogue on how radicalization can be solved on a regional scale.

“We want to coordinate very well with Indonesia and Malaysia so they won’t also suffer at the hands of extremists,” Cayetano said.

“But the President knew at the start of his term that, as the allies become more successful in Syria and Iraq, they [Islamic State] will be looking for a land base, and Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines will be a potential target to them,” Cayetano said.

In Marawi City, troops raised the Philippine flag to mark Independence Day Monday in a tearful ceremony dedicated to the scores killed in the conflict.

Thousands of soldiers, advised

by US Special Forces, are locked in fierce combat with hundreds of insurgents who overran Marawi City on May 23, flying black flags of the Islamic State group and using up to 2,000 civilians as human shields.

As gunfire rang out and planes flew bombing raids to pummel districts of the largely-abandoned city, a crowd of soldiers and officials gathered outside a nearby government building to raise the Philippine flag.

“This is dedicated to soldiers who offered their lives to implement our mission in Marawi City,” said Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of a Philippine Army brigade fighting in Marawi.

The annual ceremony marks the anniversary of an armed revolt against Spanish colonial rule.

Fighting in the city has left 58 soldiers and police and more than 20 civilians dead, the military said, estimating that almost 200 militants have been killed in the clashes.

Tens of thousands have fled Marawi, which is the Catholic country’s most important Muslim city, since troops unexpectedly interrupted plans by the fighters to take over Marawi in a spec-

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Forces as well as on the intelligence information submitted to him.

“There is nothing arbitrary in this reliance as the President― given his vast responsibilities as head of state, chief representative in foreign affairs, and commander-in-chief of the Philippine armed forces―could not be reasonably expected to personally determine the veracity of all these reports,” Calida says.

He disputes the petitioners’ claims that there is no factual basis to justify the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

He says there exists a rebellion that poses a threat to public safety in the entire island, and that it was the main basis for the proclamation. He says the terrorist group Maute is linked to the Islamist State in Iran and Syria.

“The facts relied on by President Duterte for the issuance of Proclamation 216 sufficiently establish the existence of a rebellion in Mindanao,” Calida says.

“ISIS-inspired local rebel groups have taken arms against the Philippine government for the purpose of removing Mindanao from its allegiance and of depriving the Chief Executive of his prerogatives therein.”

Calida also rejects the argument of the petitioners on the lack of recommendation from or consultation with the ranking de-

fense and military authorities as reportedly admitted by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when he briefed members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“The recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense, or any member of the Executive Department for that matter, is not a condition precedent to the President’s exercise of his power to proclaim martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus,” Calida said in his comment.

“Consequently, the absence of such positive recommendation does not affect the validity of Proclamation 216; neither does it impact on the sufficiency of the factual basis for its proclamation.”

Calida says the petitioners failed to justify the need for the Supreme Court’s intervention on the declaration.

As a result, he seeks the dismissal of the three consolidated petitions by opposition lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, local Mindanao leaders led

by Lumad leader Eufemia Campos Cullamat, and a group of women from Marawi led by Norkaya Mohamad for their failure to prove the grave abuse of discretion on the part of the President in issuing Proclamation 216.

“Quite the contrary, the Proclamation is amply supported by facts that a rebellion does exist, and the public safety requires it,” Calida says.

The high court will hear this case in a three-day oral argument starting today.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Panel ends RWM inquiry, to craft legislation

By Maricel V. Cruz THE joint panel in the House of Representatives looking into the tragic Resorts World Manila incident will conclude its inquiry on Wednesday by crafting significant legislation that will prevent a repeat of the incident.

Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusements, said that “it is our responsibility in government to make sure such catastrophes do not happen again.”

Tambunting said his panel, together with the House committees on public order and safety, and tourism, would assert its power to equip the security and intelligence agencies of government with the necessary tools to prevent such crimes as the bloody hotel-casino incident in Pasay last June 2 that killed 37 people.

“We cannot allow the Philippines to be a place where perpetrators can easily commit these acts which result in the loss of life and property. Enough is enough,” Tambunting said.

As the joint committees conduct its probe into the incident, Tambunting said that as chairman of the House committee on games and amusements, there are two main issues which he wants to look into.

“The first issue concerns the security plans of our government agencies in cooperation with the private sector,” Tambunting said.

“The Philippines is on the verge of becoming one of the world’s entertainment capitals.

We will not be able to achieve this if our visitors, investors, and the Filipino people in general do not feel safe. If we do not shape up our security measures, what happened at Resorts World Manila could also happen in our other hotels, casinos, stadiums, concert halls, and other places where a lot of people gather.”

Secondly, Tambunting said the joint committee intents to address gambling addiction and the agenda to promote responsible gaming in the country.

“Let me make myself clear: Gambling in itself is not wrong.

What is wrong is when a person becomes obsessed with gambling to the point of spending what one needs to support one’s family or to fulfill other just obligations, as provided in a document by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference,” Tambunting said.

BARRED. Cause-oriented groups were barred by anti-riot policemen from marching near the US Embassy in Manila on Independence Day but later continued their picket along Kalaw Street where they chanted slogans against the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Ey Acasio

CA issues show order vs House leadership

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Court of Appeals has issued a show cause order requiring the leadership of the House of Representatives and the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms to explain why they should not be held in contempt for their refusal to comply with its earlier directive to present before it the detained six employees of the Ilocos Norte provincial government.

In an order, the CA’s Special Fourth Division directed Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to submit an explanation why they should not be cited for contempt for defying its order to present the six employees of the provincial government before the appellate court last week.

The show cause order, which also addressed to House Sergeant-At-Arms retired Lt. Gen. Roland M. Detabali, was issued after the House leadership defied its order to present detained petitioners—Genedine D. Jambaro,

Encarnacion A. Gaor, Josephine P. Calajate, Eden C. Battulayan, Evangeline C. Tabuluog, and Pedro S. Agcaoili Jr.—before the Court, and its subsequent order for their immediate release.

The appellate court has warned Detabali that he will be cited for contempt if he ignores the order for the third time.

Lawyer Butch Catubay, legal counsel of the so-called “Ilocos Six,” said that the CA has already ruled that it has jurisdiction over the petition of the detained employees since it is a “matter of a

habeas corpus case.”

The appellate court said that the jurisprudence and the decisions of the court are “concurrent with the Supreme Court and the Regional Trial Court when it comes to habeas corpus cases.”

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and lawyer Vicentito Lazo echoed Catubay’s statement, emphasizing that “it is not a question of ‘powers and jurisdiction’ between CA and SC for it is a habeas corpus case, and “under an existing law the CA has jurisdiction to the said cases.”

“We must follow the rule of law,” he added.

Former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, who also serves as lawyer of the “Ilocos Six,” described the interrogation last May 29 led by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo “Rudy” Fariñas with the House Committee as “coercive” and “amounting to torture.”

“This torture has been continuing by their indefinite detention in degrading and inhuman conditions and direct assaults on their ‘dignity as human persons’ and blatant violations of their human rights,”

Mendoza lamented.

Last June 9, the CA’s Special Fourth Division composed of Associate Justices Stephen C. Cruz, Edwin D. Sorongon and Nina G. Antonion-Valenzuela granted the petitioners’ plea for an order compelling the House of Representatives and its Sergeant-At-Arms to release them from detention in the Lower House.

Accompanied by the legal counsels of the ‘Ilocos Six’, the CA sheriff attempted to serve the order of release twice, on June 9 and 10 but was repeatedly rejected by the House.

The CA process server is expected to file his reports tomorrow, June 13, to the Clerk of Court of the Fourth Division after they were not allowed to enter the House to serve the “immediate” order to release the six detained employees.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny TyPimentel, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Accountability, explained that they have not received an order from the Speaker to “immediately release” the six employees, thus declining once again the CA order.

Marawi residents to get Comelec IDs Assert independence, bloc THE Commission on Elections is looking to distribute temporary voters’ identification cards to registered voters who were affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi City.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body’s en banc approved the issuance of the temporary IDs which will be given to those who fled the city due to the clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group.

“The Commission en Banc passed a resolution giving free temporary IDs to registered voters of Marawi. The temporary IDs of Marawi voters can be distributed in evacuation centers,” she added.

It was reported that more than 200,000 people have already been displaced from Marawi City

since the hostilities erupted last month.

The polł body official noted that the temporary voters’ IDs are going to help identify evacuees, who are often left without any proof of identities after being displaced.

“When people are dislocated or evacuated because of armed conflict, it is very helpful if they have a governnent ID,” Guanzon explained.

She added, “The military and police ask for IDs at the checkpoints. Voters ID, even if temporary, are valid.”

The city has over 54,000 registered voters.

A voters’ ID is issued to all registered voters. It is a valid ID recognized by all government offices and banks, but it is not a requirement for a person to vote. PNA

EYE CARE. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander F. Balutan (right) supervises the distribution of 300 pieces of reading glasses for free to indigent patients during the medical, dental and optical mission of the charity agency, as they participate in the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Luneta Park on Monday. With him are Dr. Eveylin Dalida (third from right), officer-in-charge of Ideal Vision and Joseph Manjares (second from right), administrative officer III of PCSO’s Medical Services Department. Joseph Muego

tells judiciary, Congress

By Macon Araneta THE Senate Minority Bloc on Independence Day called on various institutions of democracy such as the Congress and Supreme Court to assert their independence.

“Now, more than ever, it is important for our democratic institutions to show their independence amidst the complicated and divisive political environment that we have today,” they said in a statement.

The Senate Minority Bloc is composed of Senators Franklin M. Drilon as the minority leader, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Benigno Paulo “Bam” Aquino IV, and Leila de Lima, all belonging to the Liberal Party; Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV; and Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros.“We will not be able to protect our people if we do not preserve our independence and integrity as institutions of democracy,” they said.

“Let us not allow others to dishonor and disrespect our institutions, because doing so is an insult to the memory of the brave and selfless Filipinos who fought for our freedom as a nation,” said Drilon.

Pangilinan and Aquino said that the people should continue to guard the democracy in light of the proliferation of “fake news” and misinformation.

“With the growing social media, there is proliferation of fake news that threatened the truth and caused confusion. We want Filipinos to be free from fake news and lies,” said Pangilinan, also Liberal

Party president.

“We fought for independence from foreign rule. We fought for freedom from a ruthless dictator,” he added.

“We fought for independence from foreign rule. We fought for freedom from a ruthless dictator.

Now, we fight terrorism, encroachment on our territory and our freedom to dissent,” he said.”Now, we fight terrorism, encroachment on our territory and our freedom to dissent. In an era of fake news, rabid online persecution and weak political institutions, we need to fight for our democracy now more than ever,” Aquino said.

Trillanes, on the other hand, said that “it is in everyone’s interest that we guard the independence of our institutions.”

“As we celebrate our Independence today, let us breathe life to the liberties that were fought for us by our forerunners by defending the independence of our institutions and by keeping dissent alive in the face of tyranny,” Trillanes said.

Hontiveros, for her part, said that “independence and freedom will have no sense without democracy.”

“Our freedom can only be guaranteed by strong democratic institutions. I call on the public to honor thesacrifices of our heroes by opposing a Martial law declaration that is not compliant with the constitution. Let us always remember, the promised order of tyranny will never bring us to full democracy,” she added.

Group urges workers: Defend freedoms

By Vito Barcelo THE labor group Partido Manggagawa called on workers to defend political freedoms and be vigilant in protecting the liberties and freedoms amidst the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and the extrajudicial killings due to the war on drugs.

PM chairman Rene Magtubo had earlier stated its opposition to the imposition of martial law in Mindanao.

“Even as workers are aware of the defects of the trapo democracy we have, the rights and freedoms Filipinos possess at the moment is better than having none at all under a martial law or authoritarian regime,” Magtubo said.

“Martial law in Mindanao is a disproportionate response to a localized issue and said it is a transgression of the Constitution as only rebellion and invasion, not terrorism, are the basis of imposing military rule,” he added.

“More than two weeks since its declaration, martial law has not helped in putting down the Maute group. What martial law has done is unnecessarily sacrifice workers’ and people’s rights in the guise of suppressing terrorism.

Reports of the dispersal of a labor strike by soldiers in Compostela Valley is just the harbinger of such abuses under a martial law regime,” he said.

“The accounts of abuses in Mindanao due to martial law is no different from the cases of extrajudicial killings or arbitrary arrests of labor unionists because of the war on drugs. In the bloody month of September 2016, seven labor leaders and farmer activists were killed vigilantestyle, among them a PM organizer in Cebu City.

That same month, a union president was arrested in Tarlac on trumped up charges of drug possession,” Magtubo said.

“While employers’ groups were among those welcoming the declaration of martial law, workers will be at the forefront of resisting the repression of civil liberties,” Magtubo added.

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Opinion

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Independence

W

HEN the Philippine flag was first hoisted in Kawit, Cavite 119 years ago, the conditions were different and the aspirations of the Filipino people were a far cry from what they are today.

Then, what was being celebrated was independence from the colonizers, who came to our shores, stayed for more than 400 years, and dominated—suppressed—our way of life.

That independence was short-lived.

When we started governing on our own, other evils threatened to conquer us.

We tried to ward them off.

We are still doing that.

Adelle Chua, Editor

Indeed to be free is not the be-all and end-all of our existence. What we do with that freedom is as crucial as enjoying that freedom in the first place.

In this case, many challenges threaten to shackle us and leave us with just a few options in building our nation.

First, poverty. While it is true that the Philippines has managed to achieve a sta-

ble economic growth in the past few years, the benefits of that growth have not yet trickled down to those who need it most. Millions still count themselves poor and hungry, with no viable, sustainable income sources.

The Duterte administration has acknowledged the need for boosting infrastructure—the next few years will show us whether these efforts are enough to make a dent.

There, too, is the problem of peace and order, from the fighting in Marawi, to the crimes being committed with impunity on the streets, to the perennial threat of terror-

ism. President Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao to show he is serious about protecting the citizenry from these forces. The people understand he is resolute about this, but we need to be assured that the measures, while drastic, will continue to be within the bounds of the law.

Corruption continues to hound the nation. Public officials only change faces and political affiliation, but the culture of bad governance continues. It can be so easy to resist age-old practices and even well-meaning crusaders and reformers find themselves unable

to change the habits of their institutions.

Finally, there is no true freedom when the boundaries are blurred.

We continue to suffer needling by China in the South China Sea, and the administration’s responses to it have been, at best, uninspiring. We need to hear more of Mr. Duterte’s assertiveness—the kind he uses on other countries that try to ‘meddle’ in our affairs—so that our giant neighbor to the west may take us seriously. He himself said in his Independence Day statement, that we can pay homage to our heroes by preserving our

sovereignty.

We have no issue with the President missing the Independence Day rites on Monday. We completely understand he needs to recover after an exhausting trip down south, meeting with the families of slain soldiers. But we look to him to show us that independence does not equal isolation and refusal to consider other points of view.

To imagine there is absolute independence— from colonizers, or from modern-day challenges— would be foolhardy. Fighting the good fight every day is enough.

Winning against China

The photo-optics LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES “OPTICS MATTER,” said one Facebook friend, referring to the absence of President Rodrigo Duterte at the ceremonial flagraising at Manila’s Rizal Park during yesterday’s Independence Day celebrations. He was throwing out the inside-the-Beltway term for public perception, appending the still-cool “matter” to it, even if he made it sound to a lot of people like Duterte had committed some serious if obscure ophthalmological transgression.

But I understood why Duterte’s critics were once again on the attack. As Leah Navarro, the former singer who sold her soul to the Yellows, explained in a tweet, Noynoy Aquino “never missed a single Independence Day flagraising.”

It was a perfect opportunity for

the opportunistic anti-Dutertes, who had fallen silent for the most part because they were afraid of catching the so-called Senator Risa Honti-virus: Appearing, in their hatred of the president, to be siding with the terrorists laying siege to Marawi City – and paying dearly for it.

Besides, because Duterte was not at Rizal Park, only Vice President Leni Robredo was there to give a snappy salute to the national tricolor in her updated Filipiniana terno. And Leni, who has been eerily silent in the past couple of weeks, got to pretend for a few minutes that she was actually the Commander-in-Chief.

This was Independence Day that Duterte had trampled under his Marikina-made shoes, the Yellows thought. Surely, there was no way this failure in political optics could be forgiven.

But the Yellow “opticians” were wrong again. And they really should’ve gotten a clue when Duterte cancelled the traditional Independence Day vin d’honneur

at Malacanang, the formal toast with the diplomatic corps in Manila on the eve of the high national holiday.

Duterte cancelled the event for the same reason that he decided not to go to Japan for a scheduled trip, and for the same reason that

Good optics are good, but leadership and empathy in times of war are way better. he cut short his visit to Russia when the Marawi conflict broke out: He had to be close to the troops who were fighting the war against terrorism on home soil.

It turned out that Duterte had

once again met with the families of the soldiers who died in Marawi, spending the night condoling with them as had become his custom since the fierce fighting for the city began. Duterte chose to be with the kin of the latest batch of the 58 soldiers already slain by terrorists and with his generals to oversee the war in Marawi instead of being with Leni in raising the flag at Luneta.

Duterte ignored the photooptics of ceremony, which were suddenly of primordial importance to the Yellows. Was that really a bad thing? *** Less than two years ago, the president who never missed an Independence Day flag-raising had a great chance to come up with an optical illusion of his own. But Aquino, as is his wont, decided to be himself and to stick to his peculiar set of priorities, optics be damned.

When the bodies of the 44 members of the elite PNP Special

Action Force arrived at Villamor Air Base after being collected from a blood-soaked corn field in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Aquino was nowhere to be found.

It turned out that Aquino had chosen to be present at the opening of a car assembly plant of Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi in Laguna when the bodies of the massacred SAF members—whom he had sent to their deaths in the hands of Moro separatists. Aquino’s reason for not being present at the air base made for equally bad optics (in the correct, instead of the optician’s, use of the term): he said he did not want to intrude on the grief of the slain soldiers’ relatives.

This is the difference between the two presidential absences. One decided that he had to be with his slain soldiers and their families, forsaking ceremonial events by doing so, while the other dreamed up an excuse not to be with his dead troops and their grieving kin —especially because a foreign car company was going to give him

THIS is the final column based on Justice Antonio Carpio’s ebook The South China Sea Dispute: Philippine Sovereign Rights and Jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. I summarize here Justice Carpio’s interpretation of the decision of the arbitral tribunal in the Permanent Court of Arbitration that upheld the Philippine positions on most issues. I also share Justice Carpio’s suggestions on how the Arbitral Award can be enforced.

On the Scarborough Shoal, the Tribunal ruled that the Shoal is a high-tide elevation entitled to a 12-nautical mile territorial sea but not to a 200-NM exclusive economic zone since obviously it is not capable of human habitation. The territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal, which includes the lagoon, is however a traditional fishing ground of Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen. In any case, China cannot prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing in the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal.

China claims the Scarborough Shoal because the shoal was allegedly the observation point in the South China Sea where Guo Shoujing erected in 1279 CE an astronomical observatory. This claim is belied by the fact that China had already identified Xisha (the Paracels) as the observation point when China presented its argument against Vietnam in 1980. As clearly pointed out

by Carpio: “The biggest rock on Scarborough Shoal is just 1.2 meters above water at high tide, and not more than six to 10 people can stand on it. It is physically impossible to erect, or operate, the massive astronomical observatories of Guo Shoujing on the tiny rocks of Scarborough.”

As regard the environment, the arbitral tribunal ruled that China violated its obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to “protect and preserve the marine environment” when China: (a) Dredged and built islands on seven reefs; (b)Failed to prevent its fishermen from harvesting endangered species like sea turtles, corals, and giant clams in the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal.

Other issues raised on which the arbitral tribunal has ruled are: China violated the exclusive right of the Philippines to its EEZ when China: (a) Interfered with Turn to A5

Turn to A5

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Opinion

THE late Speaker Ramon Mitra once said: Give members of Congress a piece of toilet paper and they will enact a law.

Mitra may have been exaggerating, but, Santa Banana, the most ridiculous, idiotic and even insane things often come out of the lips of congressmen!

Take for instance the move of the House of Representatives to take over the functions of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (on the grant of permits for small-town lottery), the Games and Amusement Board and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (after that incident at Resorts Worlds Manila where a gambling addict went berserk and set the tables on fire. Thirty-eight people died).

My gulay, for politicians to take over the functions of the PCSO, GAB and Pagcor would be a ticket to corruption. The scandal that might ensue could be bigger than the pork barrel scam.

My gulay, the PCC is negating what the DICT is trying to do—improve the industry for the benefit of Filipinos.

So what is the agenda of Balisacan and the PCC? This shatters my belief in the free market.

*** President Duterte and the military should refrain from announcing deadlines about the liberation of Marawi City from the Islamic State-inspired terrorists still laying siege there.

As of last Sunday, the death toll on the government side was already 58, while an estimated 158 terrorists have been killed. The Mautes have also killed 21 civilians.

With announcements that the military and police would liberate Marawi, things could only get worse before they get better. The terrorists are inside mosques and tunnels in the city.

The frequent announcements about the liberation of Marawi, when we all know that the con*** flict is still raging, only makes Domestic and foreign inves- the public doubt the capability of tors often say that the biggest government to stop the Mautes. road blocks they experience There are already unconfirmed here are red tape, corruption and reports that the terrorists, some lack of infraof them restructure. turning home I would like to from the Midadd: Too much dle East, have government regalready gone Imagine if ulation and unto other Minddue intervention. congressmen took anao cities.

An example of on all of these This is so they this would be the could make the insistence of the functions. island a hub of Philippine ComIS and eventupetition Commisally establish a sion to review the caliphate there.

P70-billion acIt is difficult quisition by PLDT and Ayala-con- to predict what would happen trolled Globe of San Miguel-Telstra next in Marawi City, much even before the PCC’s implement- more when the Maute-Abu ing rules were released.

Sayyaf would give up. But one The PCC subsequently filed thing is sure—there will be a petition before the Supreme more deaths on both sides, and Court last April, through the So- among civilians. licitor-General, to lift the Court of Appeals’ temporary restrain*** ing order. PCC chief Arsenio I was shocked to read the reacBalisacan said the commission tion of House Speaker Pantaleon would not back down and would Alvarez to the petition of lawnot be intimidated by companies yers and former public officials that have grown accustomed to when he said that he would tear unregulated business practices up the decision of the Supreme that hamper competition and ul- Court if the latter nullifies the timately hurt consumers. resolutions of Congress supportIn other words, Balisacan has ing the President’s declaration of already made up his mind to re- martial law in Mindanao. view the transaction AND renAlvarez made his point clear. der it illegal.

I find his reaction arrogant.

Santa Banana, that deal was Even President Duterte said he nothing more than an acquisi- would comply with whatever the tion of assets from SMC and not Supreme Court decides. an attempt of PLDT and Globe Yes, there is such a thing as to perpetuate their duopoly. It separation of powers among the was a move to modernize the three branches of government. telecom industry for the benefit It’s the Supreme Court, not Conof all consumers. gress, that interprets the law.

The Philippines has long been suffering from slow in*** ternet service.

My good friend Rene GoThere is already the National lanco, an investment banker, Telecommunications Commis- wrote me a letter complaining sion regulating PLDT and Globe about Gloria Maris restaurant in and the newly formed Depart- Greenhills. It refused to honor ment of Information and Com- his senior citizen card. munication Technology. How He complained to the cashier much more regulation can the and the manager, Gloria Chu. government think of?

They told him that his senior And now comes the PCC citizen card number did not apseeming to tell PLDT and Globe: pear in the restaurant’s registry.

“I want everything under my Rene told them that the rescontrol. You can’t have a deal taurant must just comply with without my saying so.” the law and not question it.

The photo-optics From A4 a guided tour of the wonders of their car-making facility.

What made it worse was that Duterte chose to be with soldiers who died fighting off terrorist attackers in Marawi. Aquino was merely scared of facing up to the consequence of his sending an elite force to its extermination on orders from his foreign patrons in Washington to get terrorist bombmaker Marwan—after he had abandoned them when they ran out of ammunition without artillery and air support as they were withdrawing.

Mamasapano was very bad optics. And yesterday at the Luneta was supposed to be good press for Leni, for a change—until her sympathizers turned it into terri-

ble optics by trying to make Duterte look like he had somehow failed to perform his job by not standing on ceremony to be where it really mattered.

Teddy Boy Locsin, the acidtongued pundit who has made it his life’s work to expose the hypocrisy of the Yellows, said it best, as he often does. Replying to an online critic of Duterte’s, who noted the President’s absence at Rizal Park, Locsin tweeted that the flag-raising ceremony was “[n]ot important. He is where the flag is embattled, the Commander-in-Chief of those fighting for one indivisible Republic.”

Yes, good optics are good. But leadership and empathy in times of war are way better.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ID 119

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Worse than pork barrel

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

FORMATION GARY OLIVAR AS WE celebrated the 119th anniversary of our Independence Day yesterday, the best online tribute was a photo gallery of the soldiers who gave their lives in the Marawi fighting. I counted 58 photos as of writing, and unfortunately that number is bound to increase.

There was the young son of an Army sergeant, the lone survivor of a firefight trapped in his position, who called in an airstrike on himself just so he could also send his attackers to their paradise.

Later posts called the story fake, but the jihadists are also pretty adept with social media, prompting the AFP to ask Facebook to close down some 70 jihadist accounts for spreading terrorist lies and propaganda.

And there was First Lieutenant Savellano, a good-looking young man who’d spent time at West Point while at the Philippine Military Academy. He’d led the troops who discovered the P79-million cash cache of the Maute gang, only to be cut down days later, putting an end to his plans for getting married and starting his own family, no different than the rest of us.

Most of these soldiers are the sons of farmers, laborers, career military and policemen, government clerks, housewives. Their code is very simple: duty, honor, country. They matter-of-factly put their lives on the line every day, they stoically bury their dead one day and then go out and do the

same thing all over again the next day.

It’s to young men and women like them that we owe whatever benefits independence has brought us. It’s their memory that we honored by our celebration yesterday. *** A notable feature of the Marawi fighting was the technical support provided by US troops in the area, largely through reconnaissance overflights that must have provided invaluable intel to our troops on the ground.

Their assistance was covered by existing security agreements, and so President Duterte need not have been advised beforehand by his generals. But to his credit, given his well-known views about Americans, he thanked them afterwards for the assistance, just as presumably he would have thanked anybody else who might have come in with help, in line with his new opendoor foreign policy.

Naturally, a lot of pro-American types couldn’t help making comparisons with China. After all, while American troops were out there shoulder to shoulder with us against a common terrorist threat, it’s Chinese troops who’ve been busy putting barracks and runways on newly constructed artificial islands within our UNCLOS-defined areas of responsibility, whenever they’re not taking potshots at our fishermen or threatening our President face to face about going to war over maritime territory.

One’s bile may indeed rise if you look only at what’s happening now. But from the longer view backward, our 120-year relationship with the Americans has also seen its share of troubles, as re-

cently as the rape-murder cases involving visiting US servicemen, and as far back—if you want to go that far—as the massacres committed by the new US colonizers during the pacification campaign at the turn of the 19th century.

Looking forward—which is what really matters—substantiating the independence that we celebrated yesterday means getting away from unhealthy dependencies, making new friends while trying to keep the old, and looking out only for number one: ourselves. Permanent selfinterest in the way we run our affairs is the least we owe to all those soldiers who died, and will still die, to keep us free. *** Luckily for Americans, the empathy of Filipinos for them is so strong that even diehard leftists end up seeking refuge there, or somewhere similar.

I’m sure that if the gang presently based in Utrecht had become eligible for refugee or even resident status in the US, they might have ended up there instead. Certainly none of them went knocking at the door of then-communist China or, heaven forbid, still-communist North Korea.

One leftist who ended up spending many years in the States was Bal Pinguel, the UP firebrand speaker who went underground during martial law, reportedly led the resistance in Samar, and spent five years in prison. Although it was already well into the Cory presidency in 1992, he sought refuge in the States, where he worked for many years with the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker NGO based in Philadelphia.

Last week, while watching TV in

his living room, Bal suddenly succumbed, most likely to a heart attack. A US-based former comrade commented that Bal always seemed sad, as if mourning the lack of success of the revolutionary movement he gave so much to. I’d like to think, though, that despite his progressive viewpoint until the very end, he’d finally come around in his final days to a real appreciation of what a working, market-based democracy can do for its people, even for fierce critics like him.

Another notable whom I’d also like to honor in memoriam is Dr. Amado Castro, the founding dean of the UP School of Economics.

Dean Castro was my economic history professor at UP and one of two graduate school teachers of mine—the other at Harvard—who made me read my final exam to him because he couldn’t decipher my atrocious handwriting. If he remembered me at all just for that, I’d be immensely flattered. *** After those obits, let me close with a life-celebrating congratulatory note to the parents of Hiyas Hila, the US-based pianist and music professor who performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto 23 last Sunday with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the CCP. Hiyas is a daughter of my fraternity brod Tony, who teaches at La Salle, and one of her siblings is a member of Bloomfield, the local retro Beatles band. When one encounters such musical genes in a family, hope invariably springs up—for the country, for what’s good, for life in general.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

Philippine independence revisited HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA IN 1898, AND after almost 400 years of Spanish colonial abuse, Filipino revolutionaries proclaimed the independence of the Philippines in Kawit, Cavite, under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo. Yesterday marked the 119th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain.

History records the Philippine Republic under Aguinaldo as the first republic in Asia. Sadly, Aguinaldo’s republic was not only shortlived; it was plagued with controversy.

The republic was short-lived because while the Philippine revolution was taking place, the United States declared war on Spain, and won it. In the end, Spain lost to the Filipino revolutionaries, and to the Americans as well. However, instead of conceding defeat to the Filipinos, Madrid opted to sell the Philippine Islands and other Spanish territorial possessions in the Pacific and the Carribean to the Americans by way of the Treaty of Paris. That way, Spain avoided the embarrassment of yielding the islands to the Filipinos, and even made a lot of money in the end.

After buying the Philippine Islands from Spain, the United States decided to retain ownership of the archipelago, and proceeded to colonize the islands under a new political dispensation. The Filipino revolutionaries were declared counter-insurgents, and after winning the inevitable war against Aguinaldo’s forces, America’s hold on the Philippines was firmly sealed.

Most history textbooks end the narrative of this segment of Philippine history with the establishment of American colonial authority in the islands after the PhilippineAmerican War. Many textbooks suggest that America stole the independence of the Filipinos from Spain.

A complete account of that period must include the fact that Germany and Russia also had their eyes set on the Philippine Islands at the time Spain was losing its fight with the Filipino revolutionaries. It just so happened that the United States declared war on Spain, and won that war with its naval muscle.

In other words, it is possible that if the United States did not enter the picture in 1898, Germany or Russia would have made imperial intrusions into the Philippine Islands, and any of them could have installed itself as the new colonial overlord in the archipelago.

At that time, both Germany and Russia were monarchies, and their governments had no tolerance for freedom, especially freedom among their colonial conquests. From the European perspective back then, colonial expansionism was all about business and profit, not freedom for other people.

In that sense, it may be argued that the Philippines was better off having the United States as its colonial adversary, instead of Germany or Russia. America espoused far more extensive liberalism than the Germany or Russia did, and if American colonial behavior in the Philippines during the first decade of the twentieth-century was objectionable, German or Russian rule in the islands at that time would have been far worse.

Under America, Filipinos were introduced to public, secular education, as epitomized by the es-

tablishment of the University of the Philippines. Through public education, many Filipinos were given a realistic chance at improving their lot, which was virtually impossible during the Spanish colonial period when education was accessible only to the wealthy and the well-connected. The Philippines under a colonial government operated by Germans or Russians would have only continued with the same, oppresive system employed by their fellow Europeans – the Spaniards.

The controversy that stalked Aguinaldo well into the decades after the Philippine Revolution of 1898 was the execution of Andres Bonifacio, the original leader of the Katipunan forces which overthrew the Spaniards. According to some history textbooks, Bonifacio was given a sham trial for alleged treason, found guilty, and was summarily executed in the mountains of Cavite. The controversy is that Aguinaldo is suspected of having a direct hand in the elimination of Bonifacio because the latter proved to be his competitor for the presidency in an independent Republic of the Philippines.

It is also alleged that Aguinaldo could have stopped the execution of Bonifacio, but did not do so, or took his time on the matter.

Whatever participation Aguinaldo had in the execution of Bonifacio is not the concern of this essay. What must be emphasized is that Aguinaldo, a recruit to the Katipunan which was then headed by Bonifacio, was winning his battles against the Spaniards, while Bonifacio was not as successful. From the perspective of every soldier, war is about winning, not losing. Perhaps, the sentiment of the revolutionaries went with Aguinaldo for that reason.

Another controversy of the Revolution was the unceremonious capture of General Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela by American troops who were assisted by Filipinos from Macabebe, Pampanga.

The participation of the Macabebes in the capture of Aguinaldo eventually encouraged many natives of Cavite to dislike anybody from Pampanga. While the animosity has dissipated through the decades, there are several native Caviteños who still harbor the resentment today.

What the history textbooks do not discuss is that even if the capture of Aguinaldo in Palanan had not taken place, the collapse of the Philippine Republic would have been inevitable. The revolutionaries did not have enough firearms and military hardware to fight the Americans.

Moreover, the Americans were slowly succeeding in pacifying the islands through the free public schools they were introducing in the occupied territories.

With American colonial rule firmly in place in the Philippine Islands after a captured General Aguinaldo took his oath of allegiance to the United States, Filipinos inevitably embraced the new political order, but retained the old, deplorable social system obtaining in the islands during the Spanish colonial era. The rich Filipinos who kept close ties with the Spaniards were buttering up to the Americans, and oligarch families remained wealthy and exploited their close political ties with the leaders of the American colonial government.

The system eventually paved the way for a pro-American political elite that openly advocated independence from the United States for populist reasons, but who privately espoused a colonial dependence to America. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

crossed the path of Philippine vessels at high speed.

In conclusion, Justice Carpio suggests ways forward in the enforcement of the arbitral award, namely: (a) Enforcement of the award by the world’s naval powers with respect to freedom of navigation and overflight for military vessels and aircraft; and, (b) Enforcement of the award by the Philippines with respect to its exclusive right to exploit the resources of its EEZ in the South China Sea. On the first enforcement method, Justice Carpio observed that naval powers such as the United States, France and Great Britain can enforce the award by sailing and flying, and conducting military activities, in the high seas and EEZs of the South China Sea. On the second method of enforcement, the Philippines can do several things, such as suing in a jurisdiction that ratified UNCLOS, move before the International Seabed Authority for the

suspension of China’s exploration permits in the area, move before the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for the suspension of China’s application for an ECS in the East China Sea, can negotiate its maritime boundaries with Malaysia (EEZ and ECS) and Vietnam (ECS), applying the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling that no geologic feature in the Spratlys generates an EEZ and that the nine-dashed line has no legal effect on maritime entitlements, can delineate its ECS from Luzon and file its claim with the CLCS, there being no legal impediment from the nine-dashed line, and the Philippine navy and coast guard vessels and aircraft can continue to patrol Philippine EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. As a final word, Justice Carpio emphasized that the leaders of our nation must exercise utmost deliberation, consistency, and perseverance in seeking ways to en-

force what the arbitral tribunal has finally awarded to the Philippines as its own EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. Silence or inaction is no way to go as this can be interpreted as a state’s acceptance of a factual or legal situation.

It is fitting to end this series this week, when we celebrate Independence Day of the Philippines.

There can be no real independence without securing our sovereignty.

President Duterte’s approach to foreign policy, while laudable for its independence, has been reckless on its defense of national territory. Thankfully, we have Justice Antonio Carpio to remind our leaders of what needs to be done, I reiterate what I said at the beginning of this series, Justice Tony is a hero, a defender of the country’s territory and of our Constitution.

Let’s be thankful for that.

Winning...

From A4 fishing activities of Filipino fishermen within Philippine EEZ, including imposing a fishing moratorium within Philippine EEZ; (b) Interfered with petroleum activities of Philippine-commissioned vessels within Philippine EEZ; (c) Failed to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing within Philippine EEZ; and (d) Constructed an artificial island and structures on an LTE (Mischief Reef) within Philippine EEZ. China also violated its obligation not to aggravate the dispute during the arbitration when China: (a) Dredged the reefs, reclaimed and built the islands while the proceedings were ongoing, and; Destroyed the evidence of the natural condition of the geologic features at issue when China dredged and reclaimed them while the proceedings were ongoing.

Finally, China violated its obligation to observe maritime safety when Chinese coast guard vessels

Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

News

A6

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bucor admits: We can’t manage Davao penal farm T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Bureau of Corrections admitted on Monday that it is not capable of managing the 5,308.36-hectare banana plantation inside the Davao Penal Colony reservation, which is currently being managed by the Tagum Agricultural Development Co. Inc.

BuCor Director Benjamin delos Santos made the admission even as he said that he is still waiting for the final recommendations of the Department of Justice as well as the House of Representatives, which conducted the inquiry into the 25-year joint venture agreement between BuCor and Tadeco.

The DoJ exercises administrative supervision over the agency.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier sought a legislative probe into the BuCor-Tadeco JVA over

the DPC’s property allegedly for being grossly disadvantageous to the government. He questioned, among others, the firm’s annual payments for both lease and profit sharing as only a fraction of the prevailing market rate.

While waiting for the final recommendations of the DoJ and the House committees on justice and on good governance and public accountability, Delos Santos admitted that as far as the agency is concerned, “we do not have the

capability and expertise to manage the plantation.”

De los Santos made the statement after the DoJ’s fact-finding committee earlier made an observation that the BuCor-Tadeco JVA is “fraught with infirmities.”

There are still 12 years remaining under the JVA, which provides that the government should receive a guaranteed payment of P26.542 million per year for the lease of the land or P5,000 per hectare.

Tadeco president and chief executive officer Alex Valoria earlier told lawmakers that the government, without spending a single centavo, earned a total of P142.72 million in 2016 alone, representing a 45-percent share under the joint venture agreement. Tadeco is owned by the family of Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. “All of our contingency planning will be subject to the final

outcome of the congressional investigation and recommendations of the DoJ,” Delos Santos said, when asked if BuCor already has a plan should the lease contract with Tadeco over the DPC property is canceled.

DoJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre vowed to come up with final recommendations after reviewing the contract, which he said aims to maximize the government’s resources to generate funds for the social and infrastructure programs of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aguirre, who noted that the JVA was renewable for another 25 years, admitted it would be difficult to renegotiate the terms of the agreement at this point.

The DoJ secretary, however, was caught unawares that the primary goal of the joint venture agreement was to rehabilitate the inmates of Dapecol.

“I was not informed that this contract constitute some parts of rehabilitation of the inmates,” Aguirre told lawmakers during a congressional hearing on the contract.

Under the deal, Tadeco committed to use inmates from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm and pay them “minimum daily wages” and provide them with “necessary emergency medical measures.”

“I can say, however, that the relationship between Tadeco and the Bureau of Corrections is a joint venture with the purpose of reeducation and rehabilitation of inmates to ready them for eventual release to society together and in conjunction with the development of the lands covered in the joint venture agreement, one must look at the entire JVA and not pick and choose specific provisions,” Valoria said, adding that of the 12,000 workers, 1,000 of them are DPFF inmates.

Don’t abuse hazard lights —MMDA

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority has warned it will apprehend motorists found to be abusive of turning on hazard lights while parking illegally on secondary and major thoroughfares.

“We are calling on the public to be careful and avoid activating hazard lights. Please, don’t abuse that, it is only for emergency utilization. You will be apprehended for that,” said MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos.

The MMDA made the warning after it observed that a number of motorists use hazard warning lights as an excuse for parking illegally, especially on secondary roads.

Authorities reminded the public that hazard warning lights should be used only when the vehicle has broken down in a hazardous or dangerous location that may affect other traffic; the vehicle has broken down on the motorway and has stopped on the hard shoulder, and when the motorist intend to warn following drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

Meanwhile, the MMDA also asked school administrators to enforce a 15-second policy for students alighting from or boarding vehicles in front of schools to avoid road congestion in the area.

The appeal came as the opening of classes in private schools in the National Capital Region starts this week.

The MMDA said that traffic was heavy during morning and late afternoon hours due to the surge of the students in and out of the school. It added that congestion alone is not only a matter of concern, but also the safety of students, saying erring drivers seem to pay no attention to safety areas such as school zones.

Recently, the agency relaunched a massive repainting of all pedestrian lanes, particularly those within the immediate surroundings of schools in Metro Manila, in time for the school opening.

“For the past several weeks, we have been coordinating with school offiials for our Back-to-School [program],” said Victor Nuñez, MMDA liaison officer.

Nuñez said the agency will also deploy 2,300 personnel to man traffic on major roads leading to big schools and universities, especially along Katipunan Avenue, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue and Ortigas Avenue.

MILITARY HARDWARE. Civilians get to experience firsthand the feel of sniper rifles and high caliber machine guns displayed by armed forces personnel at a booth at the green area of Manila’s Quirino grandstand during the 119th celebration of Philippine Independence. Ey Acasio

‘Promote fairness in free irrigation’

By Rio N. Araja A LARGE group of rice farmers on Monday urged Senator Cynthia Villar to set an exemption in the provision of free irrigation service.

In an interview, Benjamin Villanueva, National Confederation of Irrigators Association Inc. secretary-general and Region 4A Federation of Irrigators Association Inc. president, said Villar’s Senate Bill 140 or the Free Irrigation Reform and Restructuring Act of 2016 must provide an exemption to promote equality and fairness, level the playing field and “truly address the real problem at the ground between the poor rice farmers and the wealthy landowners, mostly judges and politicians.”

“Free irrigation must not cover land in excess of three hectares,” he told the Manila Standard.

Villar, Senate committee on agriculture and food chairperson, said the government should provide free irrigation service to revive the agricultural sector and foster sustainable livelihoods among farmers through improvement in farm productivity and increased income.

She filed a measure granting free irrigation for all farmers and stop the collection of such fees and other charges under the power of the National Irrigation Authority.

The senator said “farmers are among the country’s poorest, the present system where farmers who could not pay are deprived of irrigation services is unfair.”

Silvestre Bonto, NCIA president, along with Villanueva, dismissed Villar’s statement, saying many of the landowners are rich, and that they must be charged of irrigation fees.

He, however, lauded the initiative of Villar to create a technical working committee to seek the point of view and position of the NCIA. “The bill does not provide fishponds, and banana and pineapple plantations with free irrigation. When we came into the picture, we suggested to spare only those three hectares and below from paying irrigation fees, including small communal irrigation systems,” he said.

CBCP urges Qatar OFWs: Be vigilant

By Vito Barcelo

ART BOOTH. An artist from the National Center for Culture and Arts displays his painting skills to visitors at the NCCA exhibit booth at the Quirino grandstand green area during the 119th celebration of Philippine Independence. Ey Acasio

THE Catholic Church on Monday urged all overseas Filipino workers in Qatar to be vigilant amid an ongoing diplomatic crisis in the Middle East, and advised them to frequently monitor the situation.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines migrants ministry said OFWs should remain calm, closely monitor the situation, and coordinate with Philippine authorities.

“We are so worried about our OFWs but we are optimistic they will not be affected,” Santos said.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said that there are around 900,000 OFWs working in the Middle East..

“We also urge and pray that our OFWs will be always vigilant and always stay away from false and violent ideologies,

denounce anything and anyone which propagates hate and destruction,” he said.

Santos said that he is praying that diplomatic ties and cooperation will return among the Gulf countries Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and the Maldives broke relations with Qatar accusing it of supporting extremism.

The Arab nations said they would also suspend all air, sea and land transport with Qatar, a home to more than 130,000 Filipino workers.

“We are hoping that tension will ease, peace reigns conflict be solved, mutual understanding again be realized,” the bishop added.

“For Gulf countries know and accept that our OFWs come only for work as to help and improve the lives of their loved ones back home, not for any political nor ideological motives,” he added.

DoH-Mimaropa completes 9th batch of Wasar training

By Macon Ramos-Araneta on June 9, 2017.

THE Department of Health— Mimaropa (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard—Palawan District has successfully completed the 9th batch of Water and Search and Rescue (Wasar) Training for water personnel attendants for Puerto Princesa City

DoH-Mimaropa Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said there were 33 candidates who qualified and completed the five-day training which was held in different areas of the city from June 5 to 9, 2017.

“We are hoping to finish our target of 500 lifeguards within this year if whenever possible, so that we can ensure that all sig-

nificant marine areas in Palawan will have a trained lifeguard to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of people who will engage in water activities in these beaches and resorts,” he said.

He said there were 46 candidates during the start of the training but due to the rigorous exercises and drills of the WASAR course, 13 trainees were forced to quit due to health reasons.

“It is important to have a clean bill of health if a candidate plans to join the training, that is why a physical examination is required to ensure that every trainee is fit to undergo the five-day training,” Janairo emphasized.

“Trainees must abstain and desist from their usual habit of smoking and excessive drinking of liquor because these will only slow their reflexes and reduce

body coordination and weaken their lungs,” he added.

Janairo again reminded the trainees to continue their healthy lifestyle practices to keep them alert, healthy and strong while on duty.

From March 24, 2015 to present, there are now a total of 271 Wasar trained personnel and 28 certified lifeguards in the province of Palawan.

Sports

A7

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Cavs, Warriors vow to get physical as tension boils O AKLAND—Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue wants to see a tougher tone from the defending champions in their do-or-die showdown Monday with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

The Warriors lead the bestof-seven series 3-1 but missed a chance to clinch with a 137-116 loss Friday at Cleveland, the more intense and physical Cavaliers ending Golden State’s unbeaten playoff run at 15 games.

“First three games we were being too nice, helping guys up off the floor, smiling, I didn’t like that,” Lue said Sunday. “Talking trash, being physical, whatever you got to do to get that edge, you got to do it.

“They’re coming right after us so we have to go after them. I don’t see anything funny or anything to smile about. Hitting, be-

ing physical, we have to do that.

Talking trash or knocking guys on the floor, whatever you got to do, you got to do it.”

Expect the battle to be joined as the Warriors, on the brink of an NBA title but coming off their first loss in two months, try to clinch before home supporters.

“You don’t want to keep letting the series prolong, so you have to come out with a killer instinct and a punch-face mentality,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said.

“I expect us to come out guns blazing. You get punched in the face you want to respond. We know what it takes to win a cham-

pionship. We know what we have to do.”

The Cavaliers became the first team in NBA Finals history to rally from 3-1 down last year in dethroning the Warriors.

Now Cleveland is trying to become the first playoff team to overcome a 3-0 deficit, but that requires a road win Monday.

“We have to bring our best game every game against this team. They create so many different problems out on the floor, so much firepower, that we always have to play great in order to win,” Cavaliers superstar LeBron James said.

“If you don’t do something well, they will make you pay for it, so we have to be 20 times better in this building and we understand that... If we don’t protect the ball, we don’t limit their three-point shooting, then we can get blown out.”

LeBron, K.D. talking trash James, who said he isn’t interested in playing in the new Olympic basketball 3-on-3 event, said he and Warriors star forward Durant will continue to exchange trash talk.

“We’ve been on each other a lot throughout these first four games,” James said. “It’s probably going to stay that way and we’ll see what happens after that.”

What could be a coronation might also give the Warriors a coronary issue. They lost game five at home last year on the way to dropping the series. They added Durant, seeking his first NBA title after leaving Oklahoma City, but a loss would bring a game six Thursday in Cleveland and perhaps a winner-take-all Sunday showdown in Oakland.

“They’re going to view this as a game seven situation,” Cleveland’s Richard Jefferson said. “For

Magcalayo, Corpus top Ciputra world golf

us, every game’s a game seven.

But for them, this particularly is from the standpoint of they don’t want to go back to Cleveland and they understand that anything can happen in game seven.”

Green said the chance to sweep was a distraction more so than the now-ended chance to become the first champion to roll unbeaten through the playoffs.

“It’s natural for you to look up and see the finish line right there, and you tend to focus on that instead of the task at hand,” Green said. “We understand that.

“You just think it’s going to happen. Then all of a sudden you get smacked in the face and it’s like: Whoa. You remember what can be, what can happen.”

Not since 1996 had a team up 3-0 failed to sweep in the final.

But not since 1951 has a team down 3-0 forced a seventh game in the finals. AFP

Stephen Curry (second from right) , Shaun Livingston (right), Kevin Durant and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors look stoic during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

Manila Southwoods reclaims Champion Infinity golf crown MANILA Southwoods—Masters reclaimed the Champion Infinity Luzvimin golf crown in style, closing out with a whopping 196 points and beating last year’s winner Del Monte by 42 points at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club in Clark, Pampanga over the weekend.

Annika Guangco saved her best for last and sizzled with 55 Molave points, while Lora Roberto shot a 49 and Claire Ong and Ma. Rafaela Singson each carded 46 points as the Carmona-

based ladies totaled a 558 to dominate the premier Diamond division of the grand 25th staging of the event organized and conducted by Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.

Del Monte, which snared the crown at Rancho Palos Verdes last year, shot a 177 but failed to match Southwoods’ explosive finish and wound up with a 516.

Forest Hills-Nicklaus placed third with a 494 after a 163 while Negros Occidental-I and Camp John Hay took the next two spots

with 487 and 411 after a 171 and 149, respectively.

Valley Golf, behind Joy Sevilla, Inez del Rosario, Violy Pegels and Cielo Fregil, fought back with a 159 and grabbed the crown in the Emerald division with a 471, 13 points ahead of Orchard-I, which also rallied with a 161 for a 458, while erstwhile leader Villamor-I hobbled with a 141 and dropped to third at 455. Camp Aguinaldo placed fourth at 438 after a 144 while Alabang-I and SouthwoodsLegends ended up fifth and sixth

at 437 and 424 after a 161 and 147, respectively, in the event backed

by Lexus, Metro Pacific, CranUTI, Great Depot, Inc. Srixon and Vermogen.

Pueblo de Oro, led by Julianne Borlongan, Gladys Opitz, Alethea Gaccion and Chit Lastimosa, wavered with a final round 122 but coasted to a seven-point win in Ruby division with a 374. Bacolod battled from No. 4 to take runnerup honors at 367 after a 133 while Manila Golf slipped to third at 367 after a 123 followed by Forest

Hills-Palmer (108-349), Tagaytay Highlands (120-340) and Apo Golf (115-324) in the tournament presented by Champion Infinity.

Villamor-2, headed by Bea Tronco, Glo De Villa, Mary Anne Reyes and Marthy Fernando, also held sway and nailed the Pearl division crown despite a 108 for a 341, 19 points ahead of Alabang-2, which made a 117 for a 322, while Baguio shot a 114 for third at 314 followed by Orchard-2 (101-282), Victorias (90-273) and Negros Occidental-2 (80-251), respectively.

FRIENDSHIP GAMES. The Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association sent a delegation to the first-ever PCYAA Joint High School Team-Taiwan Friendship Games from June 4 to 11 in the cities of Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung. This season’s host, Grace Christian College, through the leadership of its president Dr. James L. Tan, VP for Student Affairs Judith L. Tan and Sports Director Bonnie T. Tan, led the delegation composed of 15 players, 12 school officials and board members representing the eight PCYAA schools, along with head coach Raymund Barretto Tiongco and assistant coach Steven Julian Go Tan. Comprising the basketball team pooled from the PCYAA member schools are Lance Graeham Chan, Maynard Nielsen Yap, Matthew Aaron Ang, Joao Carlo Filipino, Mallechi Colby Lim, Carlo Ismael Lim, Lamz Kendrick Tan, Daniel Marlon Manalang, Rafael Ckenji Pangilinan, Jad Racal, Hans Daniel Faith Ong, Harley Bryant Ching, Marcus Nthan Lu, Sebastian Choi and John Andrew Ing. Aside from Grace Christian College, the other schools in the PCYAA are St. Peter The Apostle School, MGC New Life Christian Academy, Pace Academy, Jubilee Christian Academy, St. Jude Catholic School, Uno High School and Philippine Cultural College.

CARL Corpus bucked a final round struggle and carded a 74 to capture the Class A crown then partnered with Jolo Magcalayo to clinch the team championship in the Ciputra World Junior Golf Championship in Indonesia last weekend.

Corpus built enough cushion with a 73-73-72 stint in the first three rounds at the Damai Indah Golf and posted a one-stroke victory over Japanese Taiga Semikawa in the individual competition on a four-over 292 aggregate in the combined Class A-B sides.

Semikawa rallied with a 71 but fell short at 293 while Magcalayo skied to a 79 and wound up tied for sixth at 307.

But the Filipino golfers’ combined 292-307 outputs for a 599 netted them a huge 15-stroke triumph over the Indonesian-I pair of Jonathan Wijono and Emmanuel Suryadinata (298-316614) while Glenn Yuwono and Kentraro Nanayama of Indonesia-3 ended up third at 615 on a 307-308.

Corpus and Magcalayo’s victories augured well for their buildup for the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in August where they are two of the nominated players of the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Tipped to lead the girls’ SEA Games team are Yuka Saso and Harmie Constantino along with Sunshine Zhang.

Constantino, meanwhile, wound up joint eighth in the girls’ Class A with a 226 after a 75, 12 shots off winner Taglao Jeeravivitaporn of Thailand, who closed out with a 69 for a 214 and a two-stroke victory over Japanese Sara Ota, who sizzled with a 66 for a 216.

Constantino and Zhang (82245) ended up fifth among 11 squads in girls’ team play with a 471 with Thailand-2 running away with the crown on a 434 total, five ahead of Japan.

PSA tackles skating, horse racing THE sport of Kings and ice skating will be featured in the resumption of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum today at the Golden Phoenix Hotel (along Macapagal Ave. Sunrise Drive) in Pasay City.

Officers of the Philippine Racing Commission grace anew the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Golden Phoenix Hotel, Accel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, to talk about the second leg of the country’s Triple Crown Series. The race is set on June 18 at the Sta. Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.

Talking about the big racing event are Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez and Commissioners Bienvenido Niles, Lyndon Guce, Atty. Wilfredo De Ungria, and Executive Director Dr. Andrew Buencamino. They will be joined by Philippine Racing Club Racing Manager Antonio Alcasid Jr. facilities manager Shirley Balaong, and executive secretary Joanna Goli.

The first half of the forum aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918, will have the SM Skating, which successfully held the recent Southeast Asia Challenge in Cebu City, where the country won eight gold medals.

SM Skating is also hosting the Philippine Ice Hockey tournament set June 14 to 17.

FEU-Gerry’s Grill downs Colegio de San Lorenzo in MBL caging LOTTO RESULTS Game today (FEU gym) 6 p.m. FEU-NRMF vs. Diliman

DEFENDING champion FEU-NRMFGerry’s Grill flashed its old, deadly form to bring down erstwhile unbeaten Colegio de San Lorenzo-V Hotel, 91-57, and boost its chances in the 2017 MBL Open basketball championship at the PNP Sports Center in Camp Crame.

Glen Gravengard and Clay Crellin provided the 1-2 punch for the Tamaraws,

who virtually settled the outcome of the match with an avalanche of baskets in the first 10 minutes.

Gravengard, the Fil-German sensation who is seeking to land a spot in the PBA, scored 21 points with four three-point shots, while Crellin, the league’s runaway MVP awardee last year, added 18 points capped by a couple of thunderous dunks.

Veteran Erwin Sta. Maria added 12 points for the Nino Reyes-managed Tamaraws, who secured their fifth win in six matches in this eight-team tournament

sponsored by Smart Sports, Star Bread, Dickies Underwear, Ironcon Builders and Gerry’s Grill.

All other players fielded in by coach Pido Jarencio, including former UST star Kareem Abdul and Moustapha Arafat, did well for the victory they dedicated to assistant team manager Ricky Simpao.

Simpao, a staunch supporter of the team, passed away due to heart attack at 2 a.m. last Saturday. He was 54.

“This win is for our manager [Simpao],” said Gravengard, who hit his first four

shots in the Tamaraws’ blinding start that took the fight out of the Griffins.

Dominic Formento finished with 14 points for the Boni Garcia-mentored Griffins,who never recovered after falling behind by double digits early in the game.

CdSL top gunner Soulemane Chabi Yo was also held to only five points—his lowest production in seven games—by the tight defense of Abdul and Arafat.

No less than PNP Chief Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa attended the game, along with MBL vice chairman Jimi Lim.

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

P0 M+ P0 M

Sports

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

A8

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Water Defenders shoot for equalizer Games tomorrow (Philsports Arena) 10 a.m. – Army vs Sta. Lucia (men’s – for third) 12 noon – Air Force vs Cignal (men’s – for title) 4 p.m. – Creamline vs Power Smashers (women’s – for third) 6:30 p.m. – BaliPure vs Pocari Sweat (women’s – for title)

DOWN in a short title series, BaliPure remains hopeful of pulling it off although it would need to neutralize Pocari Sweat’s formidable pair of reinforcements to earn a shot at the Premier Volleyball League crown.

Drawing added firepower from debuting import-replacement Krystal Rivers, the Lady Warriors battled back from one-set down to sweep the next three, including the last on deuce points, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 26-24, in the opener of their best-of-three series for the PVL Reinforced Conference title at the Philsports Arena late Saturday.

Game Two is set at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, also to be shown live on S+A Channel 23.

The top seeded Water Defenders had looked forward to a big night after taking the opening frame but failed to sustain their charge in the face of the Lady Warriors’ mighty comeback, anchored on the powerhitting Rivers.

The former US NCAA Division 1 player from University of Alabama who replaced injured Bosnian middle blocker Edina Selimovic struggled in the early going but settled down in time and came away with a topscoring 20-hit output, including three kill blocks.

The Water Defenders actually appeared headed to forcing a decider when they tied the count at 24 in the fourth but yielded the next two points, enabling the Lady Warriors to secure the win and move a win from keeping the crown they won last year.

But BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb is expected to come up with adjustments to contain Strizak and Rivers in a bid to equalize and force a sudden death for the coveted crown in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka during the men’s final tennis match at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open in Paris.

Rafael Nadal coasted to a record 10th French Open title on Sunday, demolishing Stan Wawrinka in a brutally one-sided final which also earned the Spaniard a 15th Grand Slam crown. AFP

Buoyed by French Open win, Nadal eyes Wimby P ARIS—Rafael Nadal will resume his bittersweet relationship with Wimbledon buoyed by his recordbreaking French Open but wary of the traps which have ensnared him at the All England Club.

The 31-year-old Spaniard routed Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros on Sunday 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 to become the first man in history to win the same major 10 times.

That took him to 15 Grand Slam titles, one ahead of Pete Sampras and just three behind the 18 of old rival Roger Federer.

Next up on the Slam list in three weeks’ time is Wimbledon where Nadal was champion in 2008 and 2010 and runner-up in 2006, 2007 and 2011.

However, his last four visits have all ended with defeats to opponents outside the top 100.

“It’s a while since I didn’t play a very good Wimbledon. It’s true that after 2012 what happened with my knees has made it tougher and tougher to compete on grass. That’s the reality,” said Nadal.

Injury forced him to skip Wimbledon in 2009 and 2016 while the years 20122015 saw him lose to Lukas Rosol (world ranked 100), Steve Darcis (135), Nick Kyrgios (144) and Dustin Brown (102).

In that spell, a fourth round run in 2014 was his best effort.

Nadal admits that if he suffers a new problem with his knees on the Wimbledon grass, where the lower bounce of the ball piles more pressure on the legs and joints, then his visit to London may again be short-lived.

“I love grass, everybody knows, and it’s a surface that I really enjoyed a lot playing on. And I missed playing at Wimbledon,” said Nadal.

“So I hope that my knees hold well and I can have the preparation that I really need and the preparation that I want.

“So if that happens, why not? If I have pain in the knees, then I know from experience that it’s almost impossible. Because I need to feel strong and have low, powerful legs to play well in Wimbledon.

“If I don’t feel that, then probably my chances are not there, no? But if I am healthy and I am able to have the right preparation and feel healthy during Wimbledon, then probably gonna have my chances to play well.”

Nadal’s resurgence is one of the tennis storylines of 2017 along with the similar rejuvenation of Federer who defeated him in the Australian Open final in January.

Before his title triumph on Sunday, his most recent Grand Slam title came in Paris in 2014 and he admitted that there were doubts over whether or not he’d recover his former powers.

“I have doubts every day but that’s good as it makes me work hard with more intensity,” he said.

“You have to be humble and accept that you have to work to improve things.

“I have doubts today, I had doubts in

the last three years, I will have doubts in a few days.

“Life is never clear. If you have no doubts, then you are very arrogant. I am not an arrogant person.”

After winning his ninth Roland Garros and 14th major in 2014, Nadal’s best performance at the Slams was two quarterfinal spots.

His world ranking slipped as low as 10 in 2015 and his 2016 French Open was ended prematurely after the second round by a wrist injury.

But he dominated the clay court season this year with titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

He lost just one match on clay while his win on Sunday took his Paris record to a staggering 79 wins and just two losses.

That series of success started in 2005 with a maiden French Open win and Nadal admitted he was surprised to still be playing.

“In 2005, I thought in 2017 I’d be fishing on my boat in Mallorca. I didn’t really think I’d have such a long career and win so many tournaments,” he added. AFP

Hockey, Generals, Knights book semis seats net ball THE Emilio Aguinaldo College Philippines Fighting Maroons regulation when Jason Jordan teams are Generals and the Letran Knights and the Diliman College Blue split his charity shots. booked tickets to the semifinals Dragons are still fighting it out Jeo Ambohot made 20 points ‘self-funded’ after stopping separate rivals Sat- for the other semifinal berths. for the Knights, including a cru-

Players of the EAC Generals and the AMA Titans battle for the rebound.

urday in the quarterfinal round of the 23rd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball tournament.

The Generals needed an extra period to repulse the AMA Computer University Titans, 79-74, at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola The Knights turned to the free throw line to turn back the National University Bulldogs, 84-79, in this cagefest supported

by Armor On Sportswear.

The La Salle Green Archers, the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, the University of the

So splits point with Indian GM in Altibox Norway chess FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So played to another safe draw in Round 5 of the ongoing Altibox Norway Chess 2017 at the Clarion Hotel Energy in Stavanger, Norway.

The 23-year-old So split his point with Indian GM Viswanathan Anand in 33 moves of another Guioco Piano game.

Anand kept a tight watch on the queenside after the black-playing So advanced a pawn to b4.

Later, a series of exchanges took place at the b5 square, leaving both players

So

with just three pawns when it was over.

So finished with a total of 2.5 points in a four-way tie for third place with Fabiano Caruana, Sergei Karjakin and Anish Giri.

GM Hikaru Nakamura stayed in the solo lead

with 3.5 points.

That’s after he drew with Vladimir Kramnik in 49 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

Levon Aronian and Kramnik are second with three points.

Aronian failed to move ahead after he split the point with Maxime Vachier Lagrave in 38 moves of a Ruy Lopez.

Caruana drew with Karjakin in 73 moves of Petrov, while Giri played world no.

1 Magnus Carslen to a draw in 41 moves of a Guioco Piano. Peter Atencio

The Generals got two triples from Irvin Mendoza and Jethro Mendoza, when they made an effort to move ahead in overtime.

With the count tied at 69-all in regulation, the Mendozas unloaded their treys in the last 3:30, giving them 75-69 cushion.

“This will be our first time in the semifinals,” said Generals coach Ariel Sison.

Jerome Garcia fired a gamehigh 17 points for the Generals, while the Titans were led

by Graham Owen and Jerome Gragasin with 18 points.

The Titans tied the match in

cial three-point play in closing seconds.

In the women’s division, Khate Castillo banged in 19 points for the La Salle Lady Archers in their 73-60 swamping of the University of the Philippines.

Ria Nabalan tallied 11 points for the National University Lady Bulldogs in beating University of the East, 47-43.

In the junior division, Harvey Pagsanjan delivered 30 points for Hope Christian School as they won over EAC, 87-71, while Letran put away the NU Bullpups, 82-64.

TNT Katropa seeks 2-0 lead; Ginebra tries to bounce back

By Jeric Lopez TNT KaTropa shoots for a commanding 2-0 lead over Barangay Ginebra as their best-of-five semifinal showdown resumes in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Game 2 is scheduled today at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tropang Texters are looking to grasp an even bigger lead to move a step closer to the finals.

They were able to seize a 1-0 lead after a systematic beatdown of the Gin Kings in the opener.

TNT KaTropa took Game 1, 100-94, last Sunday after controlling the con-

test and withstanding a late rally by Ginebra.

Tropang Texters import Joshua Smith was a big difference thus far, throwing his weight in the paint and making it difficult for Ginebra to operate on both ends.

The backcourt of Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy were also thorn on the side of the Gin Kings as their wizardry and scoring helped the Texters’ cause.

For the Gin Kings, they are looking to equalize and avoid a deep 0-2 hole.

As of this report, Star is eyeing a 2-0 lead of its own as it is battling San Miguel Beer in Game 2 of their own semis clash.

By Peter Atencio THE national squads in indoor hockey and net ball will go on their own to the 29th Southeast Asian Games.

Teams formed by their respective national sports associations will compete in the games without any support from the Philippine Sports Commission.

SEA Games task force head Tom Carrasco confirmed this after around 733 athletes, coaches and officials have been listed to go to the Games.

“They’re all self-funded,” said Carrasco.

He explained that the said athletes being sent to the events are at the developmental level.

There’s a 12-member national men’s team and 12-member women’s squad that’s been formed in indoor hockey.

On the other hand, a 12-member all-female squad has been assembled in handball.

The PSC is spending more than P50 million to get the national squad ready for the Games.

And the expenses are for equipment alone, executive director Carlo Abarquez said.

Focus on support for the national delegation’s needs is also being done to ensure the success of the Philippines’ campaign in the Games, according to Abarquez.

Qatar Air defies Gulf sanctions

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IN BRIEF BSP asks banks to upgrade cards BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas will require banks to put up provisions for possible losses that could be incurred due to their delayed migration from the current magnetic stripe cards to the more secure EMV or Europay Mastercard Visa chip cards.

Incoming Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., who will succeed outgoing Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. on July 3, said the loss provisioning would be equivalent to the loan loss provisions set up by banks. He said it would also be useful for operational risk.

“If banks are already delayed in terms of compliance with the EMV migration, they have to estimate the possible losses due to fraud because of not being EMV compliant... that is equivalent to loan loss provisions. They will have to set up provisions for possible losses,” Espenilla said.

He said there would be a final and ‘hard deadline’ for banks to completely migrate their cards to EMV and the regulator’s move to require the lenders to set up loss provisioning would “motivate banks to expedite the adoption [or migration] to EMV.” Julito G. Rada

Business

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

PLDT expects higher income

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. expects “better” earnings in the first half of 2017, boosted by its fixed line business, its top executive said.

“It’s better than last year,” PLDT chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said, when asked about expectations for first-half earnings.

The company posted a net income of P12.46 billion in the first half of 2016, down 33 percent from P18.72 billion in the same period in 2015.

PLDT, partly owned by Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd. and Japan’s NTT group, said net income amounted to P4.95 billion in January to March, down 20 percent from P6.21 billon it earned in the same period last year.

Core profit, which excludes foreign exchange gains or losses and other non-recurring income, also dropped 26 percent to P5.3 billon from a year earlier.

Eric Alberto, chief revenue officer of PLDT, said the financial performance was stabilizing in the second quarter, led by Home and enterprise business and the mobile segment.

“We’re seeing signs of stability and hopefully that will allow us to find a new base by which to develop a breakout point in growth,” Alberto said.

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Peza slams 2 gaming free ports

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Monday criticized two free ports in Cagayan and Aurora for authorizing online gaming operators to locate in IT parks designed for business process outsourcing companies and registered with Peza.

Peza said Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority allowed online gaming companies to operate within Peza-accredited business processing outsourcing establishments.

Peza director-general Charito Plaza said the government was quite liberal in allowing non-

Peza locators to inhabit BPO buildings.

She said Apeco included in its charter a clause providing that it could allow its companies to locate in any Peza economic zone, without informing Peza.

Plaza said in the case of Ceza, the decision would be

dependent on the Office of the Solicitor General’s opinion if Ceza gaming operators would be allowed into BPO buildings in Metro Manila while the construction of the infrastructure to support online gaming in Cagayan was still ongoing.

“While we were given authority by Malacanang to issue operating permits to Apeco, Ceza and Pagcor, the last hurdle will be the building owners, whether or not they will accommodate online gaming into their premises,” Plaza said.

“We realized this is going to be a political decision, so we sought the guidance of Malacañang. We don’t want to get embroiled in this kind of issue. My

earlier pronouncement was that any type of gambling is not a mandate of Peza,” Plaza said.

Plaza said Peza had recently learned that some BPO companies were supporting online gaming operations in payroll, auditing, backend and technical services.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the third party seeking access to operate inside BPO buildings, is the most qualified to be given the permit to operate under Executive Order No. 13, according to Peza.

EO 13, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2017, is a priority measure that aims to curb illegal gambling and any acts similar to it.

Plaza said while gaming operators authorized by Apeco and Ceza were enjoying incentives, Pagcor was not receiving similar perks from the government because it was not registered with Peza.

Pagcor is the sole licensee of Philippine offshore gaming operators. Online gaming firms need to secure such permits from Pagcor for an annual fee of $100,000.

Peza advised these companies to secure Philippine offshore gaming permits from Pagcor.

“If the government wants to legalize online gambling, they have to do it properly and orderly. These are the few steps that will help online gaming become legal,” Plaza said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. (third from left) receives The Asian Banker Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award in Singapore. In the same event, the BSP was also named “Best Macroeconomic Regulator in AsiaPacific.” With Tetangco are (from left) Paul Chow, former chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchange and member of The Asian Banker advisory council; former Congressman of the United States Barney Frank, co-author of the Dodd-Frank Act; Professor emeritus Alain Chevalier of ESCP Europe and member of TAB Advisory Council; Foo Boon Ping, managing editor of TAB; and Emmanuel Daniel, founder and chairman of TAB.

Health groups back tax reform proposal TWO pro-health organizations expressed their support for the proposed Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Act of the Duterte administration, saying the bill’s provisions on fuel tax adjustments would help curb the worsening air pollution responsible for lung cancer and other deadly respiratory ailments.

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc. said the additional revenues to be collected from the proposed higher taxes on petroleum products should be used to fund healthcare programs and other initiatives to improve the physical health and well-being of Filipinos.

The two groups also lauded the Finance Department, which helped craft the Train bill, for pursuing health-friendly tax policy.

“It is our view that the imposition of excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel can help promote the health of the people,” provided that the funds to be collected from this effort would be used to improve the health of Filipinos and support research on alternative fuels and studies in the Philippine setting to better define the disease burden resulting from combustion of fossil fuels, PCCP said. Julito G. Rada

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Tetangco gets lifetime leadership award from Asian Banker

By Julito G. Rada OUTGOING Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., who is set to end his second six-year term on July 2, received the ‘Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award’ from The Asian Banker.

The Singapore-based financial publication cited the remarkable contributions of Bangko Sentral to the country’s financial services industry and the economy under Tetangco’s leadership.

The Asian Banker also cited BSP as a pillar of strength for the Philippine economy and the ‘Best Macroeconomic Regulator in Asia-Pacific.’

The awards were given during ceremonies held at the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singa-

pore on June 8.

Emmanuel Daniel, chairman of The Asian Banker, described Tetangco as being instrumental in helping the Philippines transform from a speculative- to an investment-grade economy. “[Tetangco] made a huge difference... lifting his country to becoming investment grade and stepping high and tall in the league of nations,” Daniel said.

He described Tetangco as “one of the most respected and highly regarded regulators to hail from Asia.” “[Y]our career in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, culminating in your position as governor from 2005 to present, is a significant hallmark in the development of the financial services industry in the Philippines,” the magazine

said in its letter of invitation to Tetangco.

It also said that Tetangco “demonstrated skill in guiding the macroeconomic policy in the Philippines” so the country could “benefit from its potential as a robust and sustainable fast developing country.”

Tetangco said in his acceptance speec that he shared the award with the men and women of the BSP, which helped provide the Philippines an environment that was conducive for sustainable strong economic growth.

Under Tetangco’s watch, the BSP has been able to keep inflation manageable and succeeded in bolstering growth and stability of the banking sector through sound and pre-emptive monetary policy and bank regulations, respectively.

Bangko Sentral also pioneered projects and programs toward financial inclusion.

“I am convinced that aiming for more inclusive economic growth is a fitting anchor to public service… and aspiring for a more inclusive financial system is a proper guidance to central banking,” Tetangco said. “[I]f governments, central banks included, are to be truly significant and meaningful to the people they serve, inclusivity should be at the top of their agenda,” he said.

Tetangco started his career in central banking in 1974. He rose from the ranks until being appointed Governor in 2005. He was reappointed for another sixyear term in 2011, becoming the first BSP governor to serve for

two terms.

He will be replaced by Nestor Espenilla Jr., who is currently deputy governor of the BSP in charge of bank examination and supervision.

Tetangco joined a short list of central bankers and regulators who were also awarded the Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award by The Asian Banker. The others were Liu Mingkang, exchairman, China Banking Regulatory Commission (2012); Dr. Zhou Xiaochuan of the People’s Bank of China (2008); and Dr. Ishrat Husain, former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (2005).

The award from the Asian Banker was one of the many awards and recognitions that Tetangco has received while at the helm of the BSP.

SMC set to extend Skyway to San Jose del Monte City

By Jenniffer B. Austria SAN Miguel Corp. said it plans to start the construction of Skyway Stage 4―a 58-kilometer expressway that will begin at the existing Skyway to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province via C5.

The conglomerate said it was one of the projects that were part of strategy to invest in new growth sectors while strengthening core businesses, ten years after its diversification into high-growth industries from being a food and beverage conglomerate.

San Miguel said in an annual report that would be presented during the annual stockholders’ meeting Tuesday it would continue to add scale to new businesses by building additional power plants and toll roads.

The conglomerate said that over the next there years, its toll road network was expected to reach 308 kilometers, accounting for 54 percent of the country’s total road network, up from the current 48 percent.

The conglomerate said it would also begin work on South Luzon Expressway Tollroad 4―a 57-km, four-lane toll road that will extend the existing South Luzon Expressway from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon province.

It is also currently in the process of constructing Skyway Stage 3, the remaining section of Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, the modernization of the Boracay Airport and construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 and the Bulacan bulk water projects.

San Miguel said it would also expand its core business. Units San Miguel Brewery Inc. and San Miguel Pure Foods Company Inc. started executing their respective expansion programs.

ING’S NEW CENTER. ING is moving its global shared services center in Manila to the newly built World Plaza of Daiichi Properties on 5th Avenue corner 30th Street on a Peza-registered IT park in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Shown are staff members of ING Business Shared Services at the new location which features cool and collaborative office spaces that reflect the culture of The Netherlands-based global financial giant, Filipino ingenuity and ‘bayanihan’.

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Business

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Total profit of listed firms hit P683b Weak peso to weaken C

By Jenniffer B. Austria

consumer spending

By Julito G. Rada

HOUSEHOLD spending in the Philippines is expected to post a slower growth this year because of rising consumer prices and a weaker currency, Business Monitor International, a unit of Fitch Group, said in a report over the weekend.

“In US dollar terms, household spending growth will experience a significant deceleration from 6 percent in 2016 to 0.8 percent in 2017 as we forecast the Philippine peso to depreciate against the US dollar over 2017,” BMI said.

“With that said, household spending will grow at an annual average of 8 percent between 2017 and 2021, reaching $337 billion up from $232 billion in 2017,” it said.

BMI expects essential spending to remain dominant over its forecast period and account for 74 percent of total household spending in 2017 and 75 percent by 2021. Essential items include food, beverage, housing, clothing, utilities and basic services.

Essential spending is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 9.5 percent between 2017 and 2021, with non-essential spending growing at an average rate of 8.4 percent over the same period.

“As a result of low average incomes and a large rural population, essentials will continue to account for the majority of household spending in the medium term at least. Food and nonalcoholic drinks, housing and utilities and transport will continue to account for the majority of household retail spending, rising from 74 percent of total spending in 2017 to 75 percent by 2021,” it said.

The increasing cost of housing and utilities will demand a greater portion of household income over the coming years. Albeit declining, the share of household spending on food and drink will remain the largest, forecast at 37.3 percent in 2021 (down from 38 percent in 2017), it said.

“Non-essential spending is expected to continue to account for a roughly stable portion of total household retail spending over our forecast period. Real wages are steadily on the rise, however, which should boost spending in the non essentials sector over the long term, and will prompt consumers to upgrade to higher quality essentials,” BMI said.

OMBINED net earnings of listed companies at the Philippine Stock Exchange increased 17.8 percent in 2016 to a record P683.3 billion from P580.15 billion in 2015, on better performance of business segments and lower operating costs.

Data from PSE showed the 2016 figure was the highest consolidated net income of listed companies since the local bourse started tracking the cumulative profit of listed firms.

Combined corporate revenues of listed firms also rose 6.6 percent to P7.29 trillion last year from P6.84 trillion posted in 2015.

Total net profits of the 30 companies comprising the PSE index went up 12.1 percent to P472.93 billion. PSEi

member firms also accounted for 69.2 percent of the total market’s net profit.

“We are hopeful that the profitability shown by listed companies in 2016 will be sustained through 2017. We believe that the growth story of the country is very much intact and this should continue to attract investors into our stock market,” said PSE president Ramon Monzon.

PSE said all sectors posted higher net profits in 2016 with the the services sector showing the biggest gain of 34.7 percent to P93.60 billion on robust revenues from constituent companies.

The aggregate net income of mining and oil firms climbed 21.7 percent to P13.91 billion, on higher revenues and better gold prices while companies in the industrial sector saw a 19.9-percent increase in net income to P156.93 billion, mostly on lower operating expenses and improved sales.

Combined profit of holding firms also increased 19 percent in 2016 to P212.68 billion on higher income from business units while the consolidated net income of banks and other financial services companies reached

P114.38 billion, up by12.3 percent from a year ago.

Companies in the property sector registered a 4.5-percent growth in net profit on higher real estate sales and rental income.

Meanwhile, the PSE also reported a robust 27.8-percent increase in online stock market accounts to 302,516 from 236,669 in 2015.

“Technology has played a big role in the growth of our investor base over the years. We are pleased to see that more Filipinos have continued to adopt online trading to invest in the stock market,” Monzon said.

PSE said the continued growth in online accounts translated into higher trading activity.

About 53.7 percent of total market transactions, measured in terms of number of trades, were accounted for by online accounts in 2016. This was the first year that online transactions were responsible for more than half of the market’s total transactions.

Online trades registered a 41.4-percent growth in value turnover, which translated into a 9.3-percent share in the market’s total value turnover.

SWEDISH TIES. Auditing firm KPMG R.G. Manabat and Co. further strengthens its economic ties with Sweden as it hosted a knowledge-sharing luncheon with Swedish

Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries (third from right). KPMG RGM&Co. is taking the lead in bringing more Swedish businesses to the country. Shown with Fries are (from left) KPMG RGM&Co. advisory partner Michael Guarin, chief finance officer Pacifico Castañeda, tax principal Maria Carmela Peralta, vice chairman and chief operating officer Emmanuel Bonoan and vice chairman and head of advisory Henry Antonio.

PAL reopens flights between Manila and Kuala Lumpur

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINES Airlines said it resumed daily service between Manila and Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, after a three-year absence, to serve close to 800,000 overseas Filipino workers.

“The resumption of PAL flights between Manila and Kuala Lumpur will help foster economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia. Most importantly, it addresses the clamor for a

direct service between the two capital cities,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista, said.

“Through PAL flights and code-share partners, we can carry passenger traffic from Kuala Lumpur to China, Japan, South Pacific and North America and thus enhance our Asean network,” he said.

The decision to return to Kuala Lumpur came after PAL and Malaysia Airlines expanded their code-share arrangement.

The enhancements include code-sharing

on 12 domestic Malaysian destinations and nine domestic Philippine destinations. PAL is deploying the Airbus A321 on the route.

PAL is taking delivery of seven brand new aircraft worth over $550 million within the second half of 2017 as a part of its fleet expansion and modernization program.

The airline led by tycoon Lucio Tan expects delivery of two Boeing 777-300 ER in December and five next-generation Bombardier Q400 in July to November.

The twin-engine A350-900 will become PAL’s new flagship aircraft.

PAL ordered six A350s, with an option for six more. The aircraft is capable of flying non-stop from Manila to New York.

The additional B777-300 ERs will be deployed to the London and North American routes.

PAL’s parent firm PAL Holdings Inc. earlier posted a total net loss of P904.7 million in the first quarter, a downturn from P2.71-billion income last year.

DoE identifies sites of new power plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Department has identified ideal locations to ensure optimal generation of new power plants to meet 43,765 megawatts in additional capacity by 2040.

“We have already indicated the ideal locations of needed generation capacities, after considering all the important factors,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a recent forum.

Cusi said Luzon had several ideal locations for new power plants. These include a 50-MW facility in Bay, Laguna; 50 MW in Lumban, Laguna; 300 MW in Muntinlupa; 300 MW in Malaya, Rizal; 50 MW in Labo, Camarines Norte; 50 MW in Naga; and 50 MW in Daraga, Albay.

Cusi said ideal locations in the Visayas include a 100MW power plant in Compostela, Cebu; 100 MW in Mactan, Cebu; 100 MW in Corella, Bohol; and 50 MW in Calbayog, Northern Samar.

“And for Mindanao, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat and Agusan del Sur are ideal sites,” the energy chief said.

These include a 100-MW plant in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; 100-MW plant in Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; and a 100-MW facility in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. “Hopefully, with ‘Duterteconomics’ attracting the adequate level of private investment, we can reach our targeted additional power capacity by year 2040 of 43,765 MW,” Cusi said.

The department set a 70-percent baseload, 20-percent mid-merit and 10-percent peaking requirement for power generation.

“This is the so-called 70-20-10 ideal proportion…It is the ideal mix targeted by the administration as part of its inclusive growth agenda in the energy sector,” Cusi said.

He said the exploration and use of indigenous sources of energy like renewables, fossil fuel and alternative fuel would continue as a matter of policy.

UNILEVER TAPS FIRST GEN. Unilever Philippines and First Gen Corpo. through its licensed retail electricity supplier, First Gen Energy Solutions Inc.,

sign an agreement for the supply of renewable energy to Unilever’s facilities. Shown during the signing ceremonies are (from left) Unilever Philippines vice president for sustainable business and communications Ed Sunico, Unilever vice president for procurement Christian Byron, Unilever Philippines vice president for supply chain operations Marika Lindstrom, Unilever Philippines chairman and chief executive Benjie Yap, First Gen chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez, First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno, First Gen executive vice president Richard Tantoco and First Gen senior vice president Victor Emmanuel Santos.

San Miguel plans to venture into geothermal energy CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. plans to acquire the geothermal projects owned by Pan Pacific Power Philippines Corp., its top executive said over the weekend.

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the company was studying the possibility of joining the geothermal development sector.

“In talks. Still on study,” Ang said in a mobile message, when

asked for comment.

Sources said San Miguel advanced the funding for the development of Pan Pacific’s geothermal projects.

Pan Pacific’s power projects include Mt. Cagua-Baua geothermal prospect in Cagayan Valley, Cervantes geothermal prospect in Ilocos Sur and Abra geothermal prospect in Abra.

San Miguel’s diversification into

geothermal projects would further expand its energy portfolio which now includes coal, hydro and natural gas.

San Miguel said it would also venture into renewable energy to provide cost-effective alternatives for Filipino consumers. The group is particularly interested in exploring investments in hydro, solar and tidal energy sources.

It targets to end 2017 with a to-

tal capacity of 3,363 megawatts, up from 2,763 MW as of end 2016.

San Miguel trades the capacities of the Sual and Pagbilao coal plants, the San Roque hydro power plants and the Ilijan natural gas power plant.

The company owns a 60-percent stake in the Angat hydro power plant and is nearing the completion of the first phase of its power plants in Malita, Davao del Sur and Limay, Bataan.

Business

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

China, Singapore pledge cooperation

NEW CRUISE ROUTE. A picture taken on June 11, 2017 shows the “Moby Dada” moored in the harbor of Bastia, Corsica, during the inauguration of a new line between Nice and Bastia by Moby Lines company. AFP

CHINA and Singapore pledged to cooperate on trade and regional infrastructure projects, in a sign the countries have begun to repair ties strained amid security disputes in Southeast Asia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan said Monday in a briefing in Beijing they reached agreement to work more closely on China’s “Belt and Road” trade and infrastructure initiative. Balakrishnan described ties as “strong” and said China’s relationship with Southeast Asia was “stable, calm and positive.”

“We had in depth talks and reached a lot of consensus on bilateral, regional issues and shared interests,” Wang said. “Both of us are of the view that, against the background of a backlash against globalization, China and Singapore, as the champions of regional integration, need to work together to address challenges and uphold common interests.”

The remarks suggest that Singapore’s efforts to paper over diplomatic tensions with its largest trading partner are paying off. The city-state of 5.3 million had found itself in Beijing’s cross-hairs over its military ties with Taiwan, support for the US naval presence in the disputed South China Sea and

perceived lack of support for the Belt and Road program.

Singapore didn’t receive a formal invitation from China to attend a Belt and Road summit in May, Bloomberg News reported last month. A shipment of Singaporean infantry carrier vehicles that had been used in military exercises in Taiwan was seized and held in Hong Kong for two months before being released in January Balakrishnan described Singapore as a “strong believer and supporter” of the Belt and Road plan and pledged to establish a financial cooperation platform with China.

“China-Singapore relations are in good working order,” he said.

“They are strong, with the potential to grow even stronger.”

The two countries accounted for $66 billion in two-way trade last year, represented 13 percent of Singapore’s global total. Singapore is also China’s second-largest investor, with $6.18 billion last year, according to official China figures.

Wang said Singapore was an important clearance center for the yuan.

“To advance the Belt and Road initiative we need financing,” he said. “We hope that cooperation with Singapore will draw upon Singapore’s strengths as a financial center.” Bloomberg

Qatar Air defies Gulf sanctions Q ATAR Airways struck a defiant tone and vowed to continue expanding, even as its state owner is sanctioned by neighboring countries in an escalating political standoff that’s threatening to choke the tiny nation’s economy.

The Persian Gulf’s second-largest carrier will introduce a record number of 24 destinations in the next year, including ultra long-haul routes to Santiago de Chile and Rio de Janeiro, the company said Sunday in a statement. To serve

the growing network, Qatar Airways will add 66 Airbus SE A350 planes over the coming five years.

Despite the sanctions, “Qatar Airways continues to operate to the rest of its network as per its published schedules with day-to-day adjustments for operational and commercial efficiencies, which is standard airline practice,” the company, led by chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker, said in the statement.

The airline’s ambitious growth plan could be stunted amid an unfolding diplomatic spat over Qatar’s alleged support of extremism. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates last week suspended ties with Qatar, shut down flights and severed air, sea and land links. Flights to cities that normally cross the Arabian Pensinsula,

Leading the way to rice self-sufficiency THE recent distribution of the 2016 Rice Achievers Award came at a time of intense debate over whether the government’s rice policy should be aimed at self-sufficiency rather than security. As their advocacy suggests, the self-sufficiency folk believe that this country is capable of competitively producing its entire rice requirement; on the other hand, those who are pushing for rice security argue that the Philippines should leave rice production to countries that can produce the staple more efficiently and should, instead, aim toward ensuring that this country always has a sufficient supply of rice.

The Rice Achievers Awards are given to provinces. Five of the seven top producers in 2016 are located in Luzon: they are Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan and La Union.

The remaining provinces are in Mindanao – Lanao del Norte and Compostela Valley. Last year was the fourth successive year in which Bulacan was a top-seven producer.

The recipients of the 2016 Rice Achievers Awards have one thing in common. Their rice farms have an ample supply of water for irrigation. Northwestern Luzon (La Union, Pangasinan) have rivers that flow down from the Cordillera range. Northeastern Luzon has the mighty Cagayan River. And Central Luzon, in which Bulacan is located, has the Pampaga River. Central Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao (Lanao del Norte and Compostela Valley) have two of this country’s longest rivers – the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the Agus – flowing through them.

The award-winning provinces of 2016 are by no means this country’s only big rice producers. There are many others.

In the Southern Tagalog region (Region IV-A and the eastern part of Mimaropa) there are the Mindoro provinces, Laguna and Quezon. The provinces through which the Bicol River flows, particularly Camarines Sur, likewise are big rice producers.

Iloilo is one of the nation’s biggest rice producers, thanks in large part to the Jalaur River. Indeed, Iloilo probably produces enough rice to feed the entire island of Panay.

The island of Leyte, also, produces plenty of rice – enough to feed its component provinces as well as the provinces of Samar.

As already indicated, Mindanao, with two of this country’s longest rivers, is a very well-watered island and therefore can feed the provinces of the four regions into which it is divided (Regions IX to XII and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao). Lanao del Norte and Compostella Valley are just two of Mindanao’s big rice producers. The nation’s second largest island is one big breadbasket.

In accepting the Rice Achievers Award for his province, the provincial agriculturist of Bulacan said something that was very significant. He said that Bulacan had maintained its above-national-level average yield despite the increasing inroads of land conversion to non-agricultural uses. What he was talking about was one word: productivity. Rising productivity is the answer to land conversion. With even a modest increase in productivity in all of this country’s farms, national self-sufficiency in rice would be well-nigh achievable.

The 2016 Rice Achievers Awards were a big plus for the rice self-sufficiency side of the rice self-sufficiency versus food security debate.

including destinations in Africa, South America and southern Europe are being diverted.

The sanctions come as the airline seeks to turn Doha into a global super-hub to rival the Dubai base of local rival Emirates. Both carriers are competing for high-paying inter-continental transfer passengers. In 2017, Qatar Air expanded its wide-body jet fleet to send more long-haul travelers through Doha, added destinations and bought stakes in key partner airlines.

Net income for the year ended March 31 rose 22 percent to 1.97 billion riyals ($538.7 million), Qatar Air said Sunday. Revenue rose 10 percent to 38.9 billion riyals. The state-owned carrier added 10 destinations and carried 32 million passengers, up from 26.6 million a year earlier.

The airline said growth in the fiscal year was

challenged by supplier issues, such as Airbus A350 production delays and engine problems with the A320neo. The airline and Airbus have reached an agreement to convert its remaining A320neos on order to A321neos, according to the statement.

As of March 31, Qatar Air’s fleet of 196 planes included 16 A350-900s and 30 Boeing Co. 787s.

The airline expects to get its first Airbus A3501000 in 2017 and add 29 A350-900s and 37 A3501000s over the next five years.

Its new destinations in the last fiscal year included Adelaide, Australia, and Yerevan, Armenia. The airline has a 20 percent stake in British Airways parent IAG SA, a 10 percent stake in South America’s biggest carrier, Latam Airlines Group SA, and is buying a 49 percent stake in Italian carrier Meridiana Fly SpA. Bloomberg

China launches world’s largest floating solar farm

By Julien Girault BEIJING―As the United States was withdrawing from the Paris climate pact, China’s clean energy ambitions were being reflected in the launch of the world’s largest floating solar farm.

The 40-megawatt power plant has 160,000 panels resting on a lake that emerged after the collapse of a coal mine in central Anhui province.

It is part of Beijing’s effort to wean itself off a fossil fuel dependency that has made it the world’s top carbon emitter, with two-thirds of its electricity still fueled by coal.

The solar facility went online around the time of President Donald Trump’s much-criticized June 2 decision to withdraw from the international accord aimed at saving the planet from climate change catastrophe.

His move shifted the spotlight onto China and whether it will take on the leadership mantle in the fight against global warming.

Days after his announcement―and by coincidence―Beijing hosted an international conference on clean energy.

It was an opportunity for China, which already produces two-thirds of the world’s solar panels, to boast of its commitment to accelerating investment and reforms for greater use of renewable energies.

“The US’s withdrawal from the Paris agreement offers China an unprecedented opportunity to take the lead in climate change,” energy expert Frank Yu of Wood Mackenzie consultancy told AFP.

This photo taken on June 10, 2017 shows greenhouses built with solar panels on their roofs, in Yang Fang village in Anlong, in China’s southwest Guizhou province. The combination of greenhouses and solar power generation is part of a $294-million project which when completed will deliver 150 megawatts of electricity and provide jobs for 2000 people. AFP

China dominating The Beijing forum put a spotlight on efforts by Chinese authorities and companies to develop renewable energy.

“Beijing may feel like it’s dominating the game,” especially because “China is already moving rapidly―with or without the US―in terms of investments” and innovation, Alex Perera, director of the WRI Energy Program, told AFP. It has been the world’s largest investor in clean energy since 2012, spending $88 billion on wind and solar power last year, according to Bloomberg News.

China’s solar capacity more than doubled in 2016. The official goal is for 20 percent of Chinese power consumption to

come from low-emission energy, including nuclear, by 2030, compared to 11 percent currently.

“We must take these promises seriously,” said Helen Clarkson, president of the Climate Group.

Beijing hopes to combat endemic air pollution, but is also motivated by financial interests, as the country “is already reaping the economic benefits” of clean energy, Clarkson said.

‘Wake people up’ With the US administration out of the Paris pact, China has signaled its readiness to deal with US local governments to advance its climate agenda.

California Governor Jerry Brown used the Beijing conference to

seek partnerships with China on climate change, and was given the redcarpet treatment by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Brown, who has criticized Trump’s June 2 decision, signed a memorandum of understanding with Xi as well as an agreement with Sichuan province.

“I’m trying to wake people up to deal with climate change,” Brown told AFP in Beijing.

“China is an ally in that and it has tremendous resources and I want to work with those resources in a way that will accelerate our climate action,” he said.

Xie Zhenhua, China’s top climate negotiator, made it clear at the clean energy forum: “We will

not only continue to strengthen cooperation with California, but also strengthen the concrete cooperation with other US states, cities, enterprises and scientific research institutions in fields including clean energy.”

US energy secretary Rick Perry was also at the forum but failed to get the same reception as Brown, meeting China’s seventh-ranked official instead of Xi. Perry insisted Washington was not stepping back from its clean energy commitment.

“It’s good for China to step in and take on the issue and to attempt to be the leader in the world for emissions reduction,” he said, adding: “The fact of the matter is the US is number one still.” AFP

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

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Business Price of S. Arabia cigarettes doubles

‘BETHESDALAND.’ People visit “Bethesdaland,” where Bethesda Softworks LLC showcases the company’s new video game experiences, at the major Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2017. AFP

RIYADH―The price of a pack of cigarettes doubled for Saudi Arabian smokers on Sunday under first-time tax measures to help the kingdom cope with a drop in oil revenues.

Residents of the world’s biggest oil exporter long enjoyed a tax-free and heavily subsidized existence but a collapse in crude prices since 2014 sparked cutbacks and a search for new revenue.

The “selective tax,” effective from Sunday, raised the price of tobacco 100 percent, to between about 18 riyals ($4.80/4.30 euros) and 24 riyals ($6.40/5.70 euros) per pack.

The cost of energy drinks also doubled and the price of soft drinks rose 50 percent, according to the General Authority of Zakat and Income Tax. Cigarettes and fizzy drinks are popular in Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is banned.

One smoker, Hamad al-Ishewan, 33, told AFP the new tax won’t affect his habit “even if it was 100 riyals for a pack.”

But at a shop in Riyadh’s west, Naif al-Rashid, 25, said he has now sworn off energy drinks.

“Raising the price of energy drinks is a good thing, because most of those who consume them are youngsters and that affects their health,” Rashid said.

Saudi Arabia’s implementation of the new tax follows an agreement among the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and is line with International Monetary Fund recommendations.

GCC states also intend to introduce a value-added tax of five percent on certain goods in 2018.

Since last year Saudi Arabia has pursued a wide-ranging social and economic reform plan to develop its industrial and investment base while boosting small- and medium-sized businesses.

The effort aims to create more jobs for Saudis and reduce reliance on oil revenue.

After collapsed income from crude led to a record $98 billion (87.5 billion euros) deficit in 2015, the kingdom cut subsidies on fuel and other utilities, delayed major infrastructure projects, and temporarily halted public service benefits. AFP

Pound struggles after shock UK vote

H

ONG KONG—The pound struggled on Monday to bounce back from last week’s sharp losses that came in the wake of a shock British election result that has thrown the country into uncertainty.

Sterling took a beating on Friday after Prime Minister Theresa May’s ruling Conservative Party lost their Westminster majority, days before it starts crunch talks with the EU on exiting the bloc.

May called the election three years early in a bid to

strengthen her hand in looming Brexit negotiations, but the gamble backfired spectacularly and now she must rely on the support of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party.

“With May’s leadership teetering on the brink, the UK steps ever so closer to the ca-

lamitous Brexit cliff edge scenario,” Stephen Innes, senior trader at OANDA, said in a note.

“Certainly, prolonged uncertainty would argue for a deeper correction on Sterling as May’s diminished Brexit mandate scenario plays out.”

The pound sank to a sevenweek low of $1.2636 at one point Friday before recovering slightly. In early Asian trade Monday it was at $1.2750.

On equity markets technology firms tumbled, in line with losses in New York, where the Nasdaq was dragged down by

big losses in big-name firms including Apple, Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet.

In Tokyo, Sony lost 1.2 percent and Sharp dived more than three percent, while in Seoul Samsung lost almost two percent. Hong Kong-listed Tencent was 2.2 percent off.

On broader markets Tokyo ended 0.5 percent off, while Hong Kong shed 1.2 percent lower and Seoul gave up one percent. Taipei slipped 0.9 percent and Shanghai closed 0.6 percent down.

“There’s a chance US inter-

net technology stocks that have propelled a global stock rally will now serve as a buzz kill,” Mitsuo Shimizu, deputy general manager at Japan Asia Securities in Tokyo, told Bloomberg News.

Analysts described the movements as a rotation in which investors were taking profits from highly valued sectors and putting the funds in areas that have underperformed, such as financials, energy and retailers.

Dealers are now waiting for the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting, which ends Wednesday. While the central bank is

Spain’s ‘jamon’ attracts Chinese consumers

By Emmanuel Michel JABUGO, Spain―The aroma is so extraordinary it’s like “a punch in your mouth” says Luqi Wu, one of several Chinese businessmen standing in a cellar in southwestern Spain surrounded by thousands of hanging ham legs.

While he samples the product, three of his colleagues learn to cut the ham as finely as possible―a crucial detail that they will put into practice back in Shanghai at tasting events for their own customers.

The world’s top pork consumer, China has started getting a serious taste for Spain’s world-famous “jamon” which is sold there as a luxury product and is getting one over on its French and Italian competitors.

“At the beginning, customers were just looking for elegant products because they’re rich,” says Wu, a sales manager at Jiarui Fine Foods, a Chinese company that specializes in importing luxury gastronomy products.

“But more and more they want to learn more and educate themselves... to know why it’s so good and why it’s got such a high price.”

3,000 euros a ham leg The Italians got into the Chinese market early on with their Parma ham.

But Spain soon caught up and is now leading sales of dry-cured ham in the Asian powerhouse, making 1.8 million euros ($2 million) in sales last year excluding Hong Kong, according to the French Federation of Pork Industries (FICT).

By comparison, Italy made 1.4 million euros in 2016 and France tailed far behind with just 30,000 euros, as there is only one producer in the country equipped with the necessary authorization to sell ham in China compared to 13 in Spain.

So it was that in March, several Jiarui Fine Foods employees travelled to the village of Jabugo in the southern hills of Andalusia, invited by the Cinco Jotas brand that specializes in high-quality ham.

In pasturelands covered in oak trees, herds of purebred black Iberian pigs gobble the last acorns of winter―the very food product that gives the ham its unique hazelnut taste after a three-year maturing period.

There, Cinco Jotas workers give the Chinese sales managers a run-down of

The world’s top pork consumer, China has started getting a serious taste for Spain’s world-famous “jamon” which is sold there as a luxury product. AFP

how the dry-cured ham is made.

They will use this knowledge to attract customers in China where classic drycured ham sells for 10 to 20 percent more than in Spain, and the highest quality ones command even fatter margins.

A leg of “pata negra” ham, the most sought-after, can go for up to 3,000 euros in Hong Kong.

Forced to diversify Like 12 other Spanish ham makers, Cinco Jotas got authorization to sell its ham in China at the beginning of the decade, and the world’s most populous country has now become its number one market after Spain.

According to Jialin Shen, head of Jiarui Fine Foods, the overall market for highquality ham in China is between 20,000 and 30,000 units a year.

Rene Lemee, head of Cinco Jotas’s international department, travelled to China 16 times last year and has a dozen sales managers working there.

In his office hangs a world map with China at the center, “to understand their point of view.”

And the effort has paid off as sales of Spanish dry-cured ham in China have doubled between 2012 and 2016, says Jesus Perez Aguilar, spokesman for the Inter-professional Association of Iberian Pork.

“China has become the second foreign market for Spain’s porcine sector, after France,” he says.

He adds that sales abroad took off after Spain suffered a crippling economic crisis in 2008 when a domestic property bubble burst, compounding the global financial crisis, pushing the companies to seek new export markets.

Risk of copycats But for Ibericos Torreon, a mediumsized company based in Salamanca in the northwest―another major producing region―success was not immediate.

The firm was forced to patiently go from trade fair to trade fair to introduce their product to the Chinese, who were more used to adding pork in soups or fragrant dishes rather than eating it on its own. AFP

widely expected to lift interest rates, its post-meeting statement will be pored over for clues about policymakers’ plans for future increases and their view on the world’s top economy.

The euro edged up slightly as it became clear that the party of new French President Emmanuel Macron was heading for a huge majority after Sunday’s first round of voting for the National Assembly.

In early European trade London slipped 0.5 percent, Paris eased 0.4 percent and Frankfurt was off 0.3 percent. AFP

Oil prices climb on glut drop OIL extended gains as Saudi Arabia and Russia sought to reassure investors that coordinated production cuts by Oped and its partners are draining a global glut.

Futures rose as much as 0.7 percent in New York after climbing 0.4 percent Friday.

Inventories are declining and reductions will accelerate in the next three to four months, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said at a briefing in Kazakhstan with his Russian counterpart, Alexander Novak.

Russia is committed to doing everything it can to balance the market, Novak said.

Oil is trading below $50 a barrel amid speculation increased US supplies will counter production curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including nonmember Russia. American drillers targeting crude added rigs for the 21st straight week, the longest run of gains in three decades, according to data Friday from Baker Hughes Inc. “Global stockpiles are coming down steadily, it’s just that it has started from a very high level,” said Gordon Kwan, a Hong Kong-based analyst at Nomura Holdings Inc. “Opec doesn’t need to expand the size of production cuts because the last thing they want is a big, unsustainable gain in prices.”

West Texas Intermediate for July delivery rose as much as 32 cents to $46.15 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and traded at $45.96 at 2:48 p.m. in Hong Kong. Total volume traded was about 6 percent below the 100-day average. Prices increased 19 cents to close at $45.83 on Friday, trimming the weekly decline to 3.8 percent. AFP

LGUs

AGUINALDO SHRINE RITES.

Senator Panfilo Lacson and Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo lead the flag raising ceremony in celebration of the country’s 119th Independence Day at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Monday. See related story below. Norman Cruz

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

1,493 Makati students get cash rewards today T

By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Makati City government will give cash incentives to 1,493 honor graduates in the city’s public elementary, junior and senior high schools for school year 2016-2017 in line with the program aim to motivate students achieve their goals.

Mayor Abigail Binay will lead the 2017 Annual Recognition and Awarding Ceremonies (Gawad Parangal) to be held at the University of Makati (UMak) Grand Theater on June15.

For elementary honor graduates, the awarding ceremony is scheduled in the morning, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Junior and senior high school honor graduates will take their turn in the afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Binay said the Gawad Parangal, one of the city’s long-standing tradi-

tions, aims to encourage students to continue excelling in their studies.

“This is our way of recognizing students who have put in extraordinary effort to excel in their studies. Their achievements serve as a shining tribute to our significant investments in their proper education,” she said.

In addition to cash incentives, the city is also set to raffle off 50 brand new laptops among the awardees to further help them in sustaining academic excellence.

Out of the 1,493 awardees this year, 656 come from Grade 6, 827 from Grade 10, and 10 awardees from Grade 12. Those who finished “with the highest honors” will receive P10,000 each. Those recognized “with high honors” will receive P8,000 each, while those who graduated “with honors” will receive P6,000 each.

Christian Andre Digas of the Higher School ng UMak (HSU) has been named as the lone graduate conferred with the highest honors among honor graduates from Makati public schools in the past school year.

At the elementary level, Rizal has the most number of honor graduates: 83 with honors and one with high honor. It is followed by Fort Bonifacio having 79 graduates with honors and two with high honors, and East Rembo having 47 with honors and four with high honors.

West Rembo has 26 with hon-

ors; Guadalupe Viejo, 11 with honors and one with high honors; Makati Elem., 13 with honors and two with high honors; Pembo, 37 with honors; Comembo, 42 with honors and three with high honors; Tibagan Integrated, nine with honors and one with high honors.

Hen. Pio del Pilar Main, 18 with honors and one with high honors; Hen. Pio del Pilar, 25 with honors; Bangkal Main, 15 with honors and one with honors; Bangkal I, nine with honors; and Bangkal II, five with honors.

Benitez Main, seven with honors; Nicanor Garcia, eight with honors; Jose Magsaysay, eight with honors; Maximo Estrella, 10 with honors; Cembo, 35 with honors and three with high honors; South Cembo, 16 with honors and one with high honors; Pitogo, 15 with honors and two with high honors; Nemesio Yabut, 11 with honors.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Over 1k Manileños finish skills training

By Sandy Araneta OVER 1,100 poor Manileños have become skilled workers through the job-and-livelihood skills training program of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

In congratulating the 1,147 new graduates of the Manila Manpower Development Center, Estrada said he hopes the skills they learned would help them land jobs or start their own small businesses.

“Manila, our city, has the highest rate of poverty incidence and the most number of jobless individuals. This program is just part of our unending efforts to provide you with all your needs to find a job or start up your own businesses,” Estrada said during the graduation ceremonies for the MMDC graduates at the City Hall.

Under the supervision of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, MMDC offers underprivileged residents free 20day courses on various skills

Cavite Reps. AA Advincula (3rd District), Roy Loyola (5th District), and Luis Ferrer IV (6th District), with Tanza Mayor Yuri Pacumio and Gen. Mariano Alvarez Mayor Walter Echevarria graced the rites at the Aguinaldo Shrine.

Some hooligans tried to disrupt the speech of Senator Lacson before being apprehended by the local police. The group’s leaders were arrested and detained at the Kawit municipal police station.

In General Trias City, local officials led by Mayor Antonio Ferrer led the wreath laying in the monument of Gen. Mariano Trias beside the historic St.

Francis of Assisi Church in the city proper.

Trias was the first Vice President of the Philippines, serving under Aguinaldo.

In Noveleta town, Mayor Dino Reyes Chua and town officials led the parade from the municipal hall in Poblacion to Barangay San Rafael II at the historic Calero Bridge, to commemorate the Battle of Calero during the War of 1898.

Noveleta officials are petitioning to rename the bridge back to Calero Bridge after it was officially named in honor of the late Senator Antero Soriano, who hails from Amaya in Tanza, according to Mayor Chua.

By Rio N. Araja

Taguig ‘ID’ job fair a big hit THE city government of Taguig held its first Independence Day job fair at Vista Mall in Barangay Ususan on Monday where job applicants can be hired on the spot.

The Independence Day job fair, organized in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, aims to provide a venue for Taguig residents to look for employment that will help further improve the living conditions of their families.

“We hope that through this job fair, we will be able to assist applicants who are in search of jobs and help the employers in finding the competent workers for their businesses,” said Public Employment Services Office (PESO) officer-in-charge Mr. Norman Mirabel.

According to Mirabel, they chose to hold the job fair on Independence Day to make it more accessible to Taguig job applicants, who will receive a free orientation before being

endorsed to their potential employers.

PESO expects over 500 job hunting applicants in the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Most of the companies participating in the job fair are situated in the city. Positions offered in the fair will range from professional and technical-vocational workers, customer service representatives, call center agents to reporting specialists, technical support representatives, and collection officers.

and programs such as Hotel and Restaurant Services, Massage Therapy, Barista, Cooking and Food Preservation, Baking, Beauty Care, Unisex Haircutting, Solar Nightlight Assembly, Garment Trade, Silkscreen, Fashion Jewelry Making, Curtain Making, Manicure/Pedicure, Beads Assembly, Throw Pillow Making, and Dressmaking.

MDSW chief Nanet Tanyag said the 1,147 graduates belong to the March, April, and May batches; one of the successful graduates was a Tondo resident who was born without a right leg.

“We’ve been telling them that physical disability is never a hindrance to work hard and improve their lives. With these courses, they can even be hired abroad,” Tanyag said.

Tanyag cited the case of Sarah Villarama of Tondo who completed Throw Pillow- Making and Curtain-Making courses despite having only one leg.

21 QC leaders now with PDP-Laban

Ping, Cavite brass lead rites KAWIT, Cavite—Cavite leaders led by Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson—who hails from Bayan Luma, Imus City—led the 119th Independence Day celebration at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Barangay Kaingen here on Monday.

Lacson, together with Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, Cavite Governor Boying Remulla, Commodore Adeluis Bordado representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Kawit Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo led the wreath-laying rites at the tomb of the country’s first President, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, at the back of the shrine with a 21-gun salute through the Philippine Navy Corps.

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BONIFACIO TOO. Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan (left) and

Supreme Court Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo (center) wave flags at the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City in celebration of the country’s 119th Independence Day. Jun David

AT LEAST 21 barangay executives in Quezon City’s District 1 have joined the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan to support the Duterte administration’s agenda.

In an interview, District 1 Councilor Peter Anthony “Onyx” Crisologo said the local officials took their oath as new members of the PDP-Laban as the first step to unify, get down to work and ensure that the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte is achieved at the grassroots level.

“We are working for our city and the country,” he told the Manila Standard.

A basic membership seminar was held last March prior to the barangay of executives’ oathtaking before District 1 Rep. Vincent Crisologo.

The 21 officials, led by Emma Lourdes “Apple” de Jesus, vowed to help the President’s anti-drug campaign and good governance.

The young Crisologo has expressed appreciation to the efforts of the barangay executives to help pursue the campaign of the President against narcopolitics.

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LGUs

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

12 hurt as van falls off 30-ft. cliff

Isabela gets P1.19-b agri aid

By Ben Moses Ebreo

By Abe Almirol

RESPECTS TO RIZAL.

Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Ejercito and former Laguna governor Jeorge ER Ejercito lay flowers at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Don Manuel Soriano town plaza along with World War II veterans to celebrate the country’s 119th Independence Day on Monday. The event had the theme ‘Pagbabagong SamaSamang Balikatin’ (Carrying Change Together). Roy Tomandao

NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino Province —A dozen people, including the driver, were seriously hurt when a van fell off a 30-foot cliff in Barangay Sangbay here, police in this town confirmed.

The Philippine National Police in Nagtipunan said the incident took place around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday along a hilly portion of the road connecting Quirino and Aurora provinces.

Initial investigation by the police points to a mechanical defect as the cause of the crash.

The driver of the van bearing plate number XJA 832 was identified as Mardy P. Biscara, 34, a resident of San Antonio, Ramon, Isabela.

“The injured passengers and driver were brought to the Maddela District Hospital,” Nagtipunan PNP’s PO2 Jose Ambatali told the media.

They are Jonar Aragon (32 years old), Jean Aragon (34), Lena Aragon (8), Sander Aragon (5), Kyle Aragon (3), Carlo Benabice (12), and Henry Benabice (60), all residents of Barangay Ligaya, Aglipay, Quirino; Cyrelle Biscara (5) of San Antonio, Ramon, Isabela; Christian Jones Ballesteros (11) of Santa Ana, Manila; Ricky Belmonte (36) of Barangay Dibul, Saguday, Quirino; and Uying Carbonel (56) of Magsaysay, Saguday, Quirino.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has cited Region 2 with the most road crashes in the past five years. The most recent tragedy in the region was bus that fell off the national highway along Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, killing 33 and injuring 41 people.

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AUAYAN CITY, Isabela—The Department of Agriculture recently gave P1.19 billion in assistance to this province to boost local farmers’ agricultural production.

The funding assistance was given by Agriculture Secretary Manuel Piñol in his recent visit to this province.

The fund was allocated as follows: P325 million for rice program, P7.14 million for livestock, P26 million for the High Value Crop Development Project, P78 million for corn and cassava development program, P26 million for the Philippine Rural Development Project, P229 million for farm to market roads, P80 million for the fisheries sector, and P50,000 for the Philippine Carabao Center.

Gov. Faustino Dy said the assistance will be a great help for farmers in improving their production and recovering their losses brought by the recent typhoons that struck parts of the province.

Dy said Piñol also vowed to provide P100 million for the credit assistance program for farmers with a minimal interest of 6 percent per annum.

He said the loan assistance will be made available by farmers’ cooperatives where members can avail of a P50,000 maximum loan.

Meanwhile, Cauayan City will build a P400-million sports complex to host the 2019 Cagayan Valley Athletic Association meet.

Mayor Bernard Dy said the documents for the sports complex projects are now being processed to fast-track its construction, which is expected to start this year.

He said a loan from a government bank will help augment the financial resources of the city government to build the project in Barangay Cabaruan.

The funding requirements will be allocated for the construction of the sports complex and its facilities with P300 million while P100 million will be used to fund the concreting of access roads and lighting facilities.

“We hope that by the middle of the year, the construction will start and is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2018,” Dy said.

Nutritionist eyes impact of funds to Vizcayanos BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— Evaluators of the National Nutrition Council recently urged local officials to consider researching the effects of funded nutritionrelated programs, projects and activities meant to combat malnutrition in the province.

Ellen Ruth Abella, NNC evaluation team leader, said officials need to know the costbenefit of the funds allotted by the provincial government to

track how these funds are being spent and their impact on the lives of poor villagers.

“This is important so that we can evaluate the effectiveness of our funded programs, projects and activities to our targeted families,” Abella said, during the recent exit conference tendered for the NNC evaluation team at the Pasalubong Center in this town.

The NNC evaluators were in

the province to check the sustainability of the nutrition program implementation in the province, Nueva Vizcaya being a “Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition” in Cagayan Valley.

Abella made the challenge after the NNC team learned that most of the provincial government’s programs, projects and activities are integrated in reducing the number of malnutrition

incidence in the province.

She also praised the various interventions and initiatives of the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units, which contributed to the reduction of malnutrition here.

Among these initiatives of the provincial government are the support of the provincial board in crafting nutrition-related local ordinances and resolutions, the Search For “Idol

Kong Pamilya” and “Idol kong Entrepreneur,” a centenarian ordinance, and regular provision of livelihood and food production funds to the poor.

“All of these programs, projects and activities must be evaluated as to their costbenefit component, so that we can fully maximize our resources to the fullest and to the most number of beneficiaries,” Abella said. Ben Moses Ebreo

IN BRIEF Quirino road rehab projects near finish CABARROGUIS, Quirino—Several road projects that will link this province to its neighboring provinces in Cagayan Valley are about to be completed.

Thelma Bicarme, Philippine Information Agency chief, said these projects are construction and rehabilitation of national roads funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways regular funds.

These road projects are the rehabilitation of slips, slopes collapse and slide along the Junction Victoria-Maddela, Quirino—Alicia, Isabela—Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya boundary, improvement and widening of the Junction Dumabato in Maddela and Aglipay towns and the carriageway improvement including the drainage of Junction Mangandingay, Cabarroguis town to the Isabela province boundary road in Saguday town, also in Quirino.

“Based on the DPWH report, it is almost complete. These projects are part of the 12-road rehabilitation and construction under the 2017 regular infrastructure program of the DPWH-Quirino District Engineering Office,” Bicarme added. Ben Moses Ebreo

Villanueva eyeing Baguio dialysis center BAGUIO CITY—Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday expressed his full support in establishing a dialysis center here.

Villanueva met with Mayor Mauricio Domogan to discuss the idea of establishing a dialysis center, which he said will ease the financial burden of a lot of patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

Department of Health figures showed that the number of Filipinos who receive dialysis treatment nationwide jumped from 10,000 in 2013 to 14,000 in 2016.

“The worsening problem of our people who need dialysis treatment is alarming, and the cost of treatment is very high. We hope that through this project with Mayor Domogan, we can help ease their financial burden,” Villanueva said during a consultative meeting at the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades. Dexter A. See

BEST PERFORMING COPS. Five members of the Nueva Vizcaya police force were awarded with

medals for their outstanding performance that led to the arrest of most wanted drug personalities in Nueva Vizcaya. Rep. Luisa L. Cuaresma of the lone district of Nueva Vizcaya and Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Leomar Abugan conferred the awards during the commemoration of the 119th Independence Day at Camp Saturnino Dumlao in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Abe Almirol

52-MW hydro project gets FPIC

By Dexter A. See TABUK CITY, Kalinga—A tribal leader and barangay official have revealed the proposed 52-megawatt mini-hydroelectric project along the Chico River was given the free and prior informed consent by the affected indigenous peoples.

Bagumbayan Punong Barangay Andrew Cos-agon said barangay officials always study which projects will be beneficial to the development of the standards of living and quality of life of their constituents.

That is why Cos-agon said it is “unfair for those opposed to the project to attack even their personal lives” just because their opposition to the power plant was not given due course by their fellow IPs. “We always put the interest of our constituents above our personal interests when deciding on issues that we believe will be instrumental in enhancing their living conditions. We want our constituents to have better lives compared to their life now,” Cos-agon stressed.

He underscored the renewable energy project is not a mega-dam facility as claimed by some religious leaders and the opposition because it is a runoff-river hydro plant, one of the most acceptable types of power generation facilities because of its lesser impact to the state of the environment and the areas to be affected.

World IN BRIEF Iran tracks down, kills IS suspects TEHRAN-Iran has tracked down and killed several suspected jihadists, including the alleged mastermind of the twin attacks in Tehran last week, a security official and a minister have said.

Dozens of suspects have been arrested since the attacks on Wednesday killed 17 people in the first assault in Iran to be claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

Police late Sunday killed four IS suspects in the southern province of Hormozgan, the ISNA news agency on Monday reported police chief Azizollah Maleki as saying.

“Two of the killed criminals were foreign nationals... while the identity of other members is being investigated,” Maleki said, adding that weapons and an IS flag were seized during the raid.

Iran has said five Iranians, who had joined IS and traveled to its Iraq and Syria bastions, carried out Wednesday’s attacks on the parliament and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Late Saturday, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi said the alleged mastermind behind the attacks had been tracked down and killed outside the country.

“The mastermind who controlled the team... who had fled outside the country... paid the price for his crimes, with the cooperation of intelligence services of allied countries,” Alavi told state television, without providing further details.

At least 41 IS suspects have been arrested since the attacks, according to Alavi, who said Iran has dismantled suspected jihadist cells with increasing frequency in recent months. AFP

Zoo toasts birth of panda cub TOKYO―A Japanese zoo celebrated the first birth of a baby panda in five years Monday, with the tiny cub small enough to fit in the palm of a human hand.

Eleven-year-old mum Shin Shin gave birth just before noon, officials at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo said in a statement.

Pandas are born pink, hairless and weigh around 100 grams―so small it can be difficult to determine their sex.

“There have been cases where the sex of a panda has been wrongly determined several years after its birth,” a spokesman told AFP Shin Shin, who mated with male Ri Ri in February, had earlier given birth in 2012― the first time at the zoo in 24 years, but the cub died from pneumonia six days later.

The mum-to-be delighted huge crowds of well-wishers in Tokyo last month as she sat lazily munching on bamboo and playfully rubbed the husks on her furry belly before being moved into confinement.

Giant pandas are painfully bashful animals and clumsy lovers, with males often miscalculating when a female is in the mood for love and frequently baffled by the mechanics of mating, according to experts.

In the event the cuddly creatures do feel a romantic spark, sex is frequently over too quickly to impregnate the female, who is only receptive to the proposition for two or three days a year between February and May. Meanwhile, Shin Shin’s happy news has already had an economic impact on local businesses with one Chinese restaurant’s shares soaring by 38 percent in response.

The Totenko chain restaurant already reported a jump last month on news of a possible pregnancy. Its main outlet is near the zoo so a panda baby is expected to boost the numbers of visitors to the area. AFP

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Group backs HK democracy T

AIPEI―Lawmakers in Taiwan launched a new group to help promote democracy in Hong Kong on Monday, a move likely to rile Beijing ahead of the 20th anniversary of the handover of the city from Britain back to China.

CELEBRATION. Indian Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty poses for a photograph at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Hindi film ëBorderí, produced and directed by J. P. Dutta, in Mumbai on June 11, 2017. AFP

Refugee in Lebanon finds dream at sea JIYEH, Lebanon―Ali Kassem had never seen the sea before he fled his home in Syria for Lebanon, but now he’s a regular in the waves and dreams of his own surf school.

Dressed in a purple wet suit, the 17-year-old confidently coats his board with wax and smears sunscreen on his face before dashing into the sea.

He disappears behind one wave and another until his small figure is barely visible from the beach at all, as though he were headed for the horizon.

“When I’m on my board, I feel free. I feel like I’m in another life,” the teenager says shyly at a beach in Jiyeh, 30 kilometers (south of Beirut.

Kassem is from Aleppo city, though he says he remembers little from his childhood in Syria.

His father has worked in Jiyeh for the past 25 years, and after Syria’s conflict

erupted in March 2011, he decided to bring his family to Lebanon as well.

Kassem has two brothers and three sisters, but speaks little about his family and his life before he became a refugee.

A third brother died in the conflict, “killed in Aleppo at the beginning of the war”, he says, without giving more details.

His life now is dominated by surfing.

“Surfing is like an art. It allows me to express my personality,” he says, his eyes sparkling in his tanned face.

“I become someone else. I have more confidence in myself.”

Kassem’s entry into surfing came through Ali el-Amine, who became his mentor after meeting him in 2015.

At the sandy Jiyeh beach, a popular spot for surfers, Amine spotted Kassem trying his luck in the waves with a makeshift board.

“He was trying to surf with a piece

Midler is named best actress in Tony Awards

NEW YORK―Bette Midler won best actress in a musical while an edgy new tale of millennial angst scooped six awards including best musical at Broadway’s equivalent of the Oscars for US theater.

The glitzy revival of “Hello, Dolly!” starring the 71-year-old Midler and the breakout “Dear Evan Hansen,” about wanting to belong and the might of social media, spotlighted different sides to New York’s famed district, which last season grossed a record $1.45 billion in earnings.

If other award ceremonies have featured a never-ending stream of jokes about President Donald Trump, Sunday’s Tony Awards, hosted by double Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, were more politically restrained.

The gong was Midler’s first Tony in a competitive category and comes half a century after the famed, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter made her Broadway debut. She received a special Tony award in 1974.

The singer, who shimmered in a silver sequined gown, called the show “one of the greatest professional experiences of my entire life”

of polystyrene he had cut into a plank shape,” says the 34-year-old, who runs a surf school in Jiyeh.

“He was very thin and wearing nothing but shorts. I was afraid he would drown,” he says.

But after watching for a few minutes, Amine’s fears began to recede.

“He knew exactly what he was doing,” he says.

Kassem had spent long hours observing surfers in the water at Jiyeh before deciding to try himself.

“I didn’t know this sport existed. The first time I saw the surfers, I wanted to try it,” he says with a smile.

Amine decided to take Kassem under his wing, offering him a spot at his surf school and giving him a wet suit and board “on the condition he was good in class and behaved with his parents”. AFP

Taiwan and Hong Kong are thorns in Beijing’s side―both saw huge anti-China protests in 2014, known respectively as the Sunflower Movement and Umbrella Movement.

The ties with self-ruling Taiwan have worsened under China-skeptic President Tsai Ingwen, who took office last year.

Beijing still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified and wants Tsai to acknowledge that the island is part of “one China”, which she has refused to do.

In semi-autonomous Hong Kong, frustration at a lack of political reform and fears that freedoms are under threat have led to the emergence of groups calling for self-determination or even independence from China, infuriating Beijing The new “Taiwan Congressional Hong Kong Caucus” comprises 18 lawmakers who say they want to help promote democracy in Hong Kong, including Huang Kuo-chang― one of the leaders of the Sunflower Movement and now a lawmaker with the New Power Party, which he heads.

Four other NPP legislators are part of the caucus, with the other members coming from Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party.

“We have seen that the Beijing government continues to suppress Hong Kong people’s pursuit of true democracy,” Huang told reporters Monday.

The caucus would offer “assistance” by helping campaigners and lawmakers in both places to exchange views and discuss public policies, he added.

Huang and other top activists from the Sunflower Movement have been barred from entering Hong Kong since 2014.

High-profile Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and lawmakers, including Joshua Wong and Nathan Law, also attended the launch.

Law described Taiwan as an “ally”.

“We need to be united and share our experiences more as we are faced with suppression,” Wong added.

The 20-year-old emphasized that he did not advocate independence for Hong Kong-his and Law’s party Demosisto is calling for selfdetermination.

But political analyst Willy Lam said Beijing would not differentiate between independence activists and campaigners like Law and Wong.

Lam predicted Chinese authorities would “ferociously attack” the new group as evidence of collusion between pro-independence forces.

Taiwan has never formally declared independence from China and Beijing has said it would react with force if it ever did.

Tsai’s DPP is traditionally pro-independence, fueling Beijing’s suspicion of her government.

Hong Kong is deeply divided into those calling for more democracy and pro-China voices as it approaches the July 1 handover anniversary.

Law was attacked by pro-Beijing demonstrators at Hong Kong airport in January on his return from a trip to Taiwan.

Wong and Law were both greeted by proChina protesters in Taipei on that visit, during which they participated in an exchange of views between the democratic movements of Hong Kong and Taiwan. AFP

and gave thanks to make-up artist for making her “look 30 years younger.”

“This thing has the ability to lift your spirits in these terrible, terrible times,” said Midler, an outspoken Trump critic, in a speech that extended well past her allotted time at Radio City Musical Hall.

“Hello, Dolly!” won four Tonys, including best revival of a musical but “Dear Evan Hansen” was the star of the night with six, including best musical and leading actor for its 23-year-old star Ben Platt.

The homegrown production, which started Off-Broadway, tells the story of Evan Hansen, a highschool senior with social anxiety whose life is turned upside down after a classmate commits suicide.

Another new US production, “Oslo,” that was inspired by the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Norwegian husband and wife diplomats behind the 1993 Oslo Accords won best play.

The play has won rave reviews and a Hollywood movie adaptation is also in the works, planned

by Marc Platt, producer of “La La Land,” which won six Oscars at TONY AWARDS. Allison Janney attends the 2017 Tony Awards-Red Carpet at Radio City Music Hall on June this year’s Academy Awards. AFP 11, 2017 in New York City. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Hideouts spill secrets of Cold War

World

CLASH. Teargas from security forces enshrouds protesters from the Rif movement during clashes after a demonstration against the government in al-Hoceima on June 8, 2017. Police fired tear gas as clashes erupted with demonstrators in the Moroccan city of Al-Hoceima, epicenter of a protest movement that has shaken the northern region for months. The northern port city in the neglected Rif region has been rocked by social unrest since the death in October of a fishmonger. AFP

Plane forced to land in Sydney SYDNEY―A China Eastern passenger plane made an emergency landing in Sydney after a huge hole appeared in one of its engine casings and forced it to turn back just after taking off.

Terrified passengers described a very loud noise soon after flight MU736 left Sydney Airport for Shanghai at 8.30pm (1030 GMT) on Sunday.

Crew cleared seats near the affected engine and turned the flight back. No one aboard the twinengine Airbus A330 was injured.

China Eastern said the crew found damage in the casing of the air inlet in the left engine.

“The crew... decided to return to Sydney Airport immediately,” an airline spokeswoman added in an emailed statement to AFP. “The returned aircraft is currently under investigation at Sydney Airport.”

Images posted on social media showed a large hole ripped in the casing.

An unidentified passenger told broadcaster Channel Seven: “We, like, went up in the air and all of a sudden, I heard like ‘z-z-z-z-z’ and it was really, really loud. It kind of smelled like burning.

“Oh, I was scared. Yes. I was really scared. Our group was terrified.”

Another passenger told Channel Nine that “the wing to my left just started making a massive amount of noise and they cleared all of the seats”.

AirlineRatings.com editor Geoffrey Thomas said investigators would be looking at whether the acoustic paneling of the engine had become detached, citing a similar incident in mid-May involving an Egypt Air A330.

He said the panel might have come back and been sucked into the engine.

Thomas said an Airbus airworthiness directive issued in 2011 and updated in 2014 noted that some operators had found acoustic paneling in the cowling area was disbonding.

“It was a problem that they knew about and airlines had been warned and had been required to inspect their engines and if necessary replace the panels,” he added.

“Whoever is looking after the maintenance of the engines, whether it is the airline or the engine maker, it’s their responsibility.” AFP

KOCEVJE, Slovenia―Almost three decades after the end of the Cold War, secrets from the era of espionage and power games are now resurfacing in Slovenia.

In Kocevje, a forested region in the south, authorities have opened a massive 1950s bunker― complete with tunnels, narrow passages and chunky blast-resistant steel doors―to the public this month for the first time.

Until recently, the existence of the 800-squaremeter labyrinth had still been a secret, albeit not a very good one.

“There have always been rumors about it” among locals because of its location on a sealedoff military base, newly-appointed bunker guide Mihael Petrovic told AFP. For the underground tour, visitors are taken from the town of Kocevje to the Skrilje bunker in small vans and asked to leave their mobile phones at the entrance.

Those wishing to get a more authentic taste of life under the communist regime can choose to be blindfolded during the 15-minute ride to the hideout.

A portrait of Yugoslav strongman Josip Broz, nicknamed “Tito”, sternly watches over streams of tourists as they amble between dusted-off outdated machines, switchboards and screens.

Although it is smaller than other bunkers, its mint condition provides an excellent insight into Slovenia’s communist past, said Petrovic.

“People now have the opportunity to learn about a period of our history that is far too little known,” he added.

Tito ruled over the former Yugoslavia from 1945 until his death in 1980 in Ljubljana, having been named president for life.

He oversaw a Socialist regime that was far from democratic but nevertheless much softer than behind the Iron Curtain.

The leader is admired notably for driving out the Nazi German occupying forces in World War II with his partisan fighters and standing up to Russian leader Joseph Stalin.

But critics accuse him of being responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of political dissidents. AFP

Full US statehood supported S AN JUAN―Puerto Ricans voted overwhelmingly Sunday to become a US state in a non-binding referendum―but the result was marred by an extremely low turnout after opposition parties called for a boycott of the poll.

With virtually all results in, 97.2 percent backed statehood, 1.5 percent supported independence and 1.3 percent opted for no change, but just 23 percent of the 2.2 million-strong electorate cast a ballot.

Despite the low turnout, Governor Ricardo Rossello vowed to push for the territory to become the 51st US state after casting his vote for statehood.

“We will go before international forums to defend the argument of the importance of Puerto Rico being the first Hispanic state in the United States,” Rossello said.

An unincorporated US territory under American control since 1898, Puerto Rico lacks sovereign powers―an urgent problem as it grapples with public debt of $73 billion and its economy stumbles.

Rossello, who heads the prostatehood New Progressive Party, said his government would fight “in Washington and throughout the world” for the Caribbean island territory to be accepted as the 51st US state, and for Puerto Ricans to gain “all the same opportunities” as other American citizens.

The US Congress would need to approve any upgrade to statehood.

The opposition Popular Democratic Party had said “statehood will win by a landslide” because of the boycott by opposition parties, which supported the status quo as a US territory.

The Puerto Rican Independence Party had called the vote a “farce.”

But the Rossello government

insists statehood is the answer to the financial crisis hanging over the island of 3.4 million, where some 45 percent of the population live in poverty.

After the votes were tallied, the Popular Democratic Party called the vote a waste of public money and a stinging humiliation for the government.

The ruling party “is a victim of its arrogance, abuse of power and ideological narcissism,” said one of its senators, Anibal Jose Torres.

But voters backed statehood.

“I hope after 100 years of being a territory of the United States, we can send a message to Congress in the US that Puerto Rico is ready to do something with its future,” said Marco Rodriguez in Guaynabo.

Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917. But they are not allowed to vote in presidential or congressional elections unless they reside in the mainland United States. Sunday’s referendum was the fifth on the territory’s status -- dating back to 1967.

The Rossello government has been criticized for spending $7.5 million on the referendum at a time when financial difficulties have forced it to close 163 public schools and cut back in other areas.

The question of status is “fundamental” to breaking free from economic turmoil, said Christian Sobrino, chief economic advisor to the government.

“It is because Puerto Rico is in an unequal relationship” with the US government that the bankrupt island’s finances are now under a largely US-appointed control board, he told AFP. AFP

CONFERENCE. Actress Lynda Carter and ‘Wonder Woman’ director Patty Jenkins pose together as they at-

tend the Bethesda E3 conference at the LA Center Studios on June 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The E3 Game Conference begins on Tuesday, June 13. AFP

Brazilian elite mourn crisis and no champagne RIO DE JANEIRO―From the exclusive members’ room overlooking Rio’s stunning horse racing track and the sheer cliffs of the Corcovado, Brazil’s crisis seems remote. But even high society suffers―in its own way.

“We used to drink champagne,” says Teresa Aczel Quattrone, 70, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, pearl necklace and chunky gold bracelets at Sunday’s Grande Premio Brasil, the country’s biggest

horse race of the year. “Now, we drink beer.”

At first glance, the scene in the members-only Salao das Rosas, or Roses Room, looks closer to the 1920s, when the Jockey Club hippodrome was built, than the increasingly chaotic Brazil of 2017.

It can be hard remembering this is the same country where President Michel Temer risks tumbling in a corruption scandal and the economy, with unemployment at nearly

14 percent, is in shambles.

Under a chandelier, Brazil’s upper crust tuck into an endless loop of nibbles and alcohol brought by waiters on silver trays. Financial constraints may mean the ice buckets contain beer instead of champagne, but still it’s chilled and comes served in tall glasses.

The dress code is Brazilian-style glamor: all over-the-top hats, revealing dresses, and every telltale

sign of cosmetic surgery. In midafternoon, seven willowy models in flowing long dresses enter the room for no other apparent reason than to add to the already sumptuous atmosphere.

And in a final throwback to the Brazil of decades past, the almost exclusively Afro-Brazilian cleaning staff, serving almost exclusively white guests, wear traditional black maids’ uniforms with white lace trim.

The disconnect between the gilded few and the mass of Brazilians struggling through the aftershocks of a two-year recession was not lost on all club members.

“Despite this glamor that you see, the city has the worst unemployment in Brazil. This doesn’t reflect Rio de Janeiro,” conceded IT specialist Flavio Duarte, 49, who came with his wife and horse-loving 10-year-old daughter Luana. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

CULTURE & MEDIA

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

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HE Dirty Watercolor, ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s painting exhibit that drew international media attention for using Manila’s dirty water samples as medium, won a Silver and Bronze award at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards.

‘Dirty Watercolor’

exhibit wins 2 Tambulis

MURKY MEDIUM. ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s ‘Dirty Watercolor’ exhibit, which showcased artworks using dirty water from Manila’s polluted estuaries, won Silver and Bronze awards at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards.

The country’s top local artists used water samples from Tullahan River and Marikina River, among others, in creating artworks that depict everyday life along Metro Manila’s riverbanks; the money raised from the exhibit will help rehabilitate Manila’s polluted estuaries

VISUAL ARTS

Creative paintings

by artists with autism THE artworks of artists with autism serve as inspiration for the functional merchandise in Design, Art, Autism, a collaborative presentation produced by Unilab Foundation (ULF) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB), on Thursday, June 15.

The exhibit will feature the paintings of Jorel Alegre, Vico Cham, Julyan Harrison, Chico Joaquin, Samantha Kaspar, Karl Oliveros, Muneer Pena, and Daniel Sanchez.

It will likewise include text and videos aimed to inform the viewers on basic information about autism, the latest developments in research and scientific findings about the condition, and will discuss the practice of art therapy, and the role it plays in their development. All of these are geared toward fostering awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with autism.

As a response, the students of Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising, Industrial Design, and Architecture programs will explore the patterns, colors, shapes, forms and symbols from the pieces to create furniture and decoThe ‘Design, Art, Autism’ features artworks of artists with autism as well as merchandise inspired by said works of art

rative objects, garments and jewelry, footwear and bags, grills and lighting fixtures, and even toys.

The event is made possible through the college’s Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) and the Center for Campus Art (CCA).

CCA Director Architect Gerry Torres said the exhibit will introduce the artists to the design world, as well as exposure to its community to new possibilities in the realm of merchandise.

“A part of the show will be dedicated to organizations that work with Persons with Disability (PWD),” he added.

“These initiatives have enabled their employment, and have made higher education more accessible. Individuals like their art coaches, teachers, siblings and most especially their parents, who play vital roles in the development of the artists, will be highlighted.”

Design, Art, Autism will be on display from June 16 to July 29 at the SDA Gallery, 12th floor De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

FRENCH pianist François Chaplin performs with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of French classical music on June 22, 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to celebrate 70 years of friendship between France and the Philippines.

Ravel Unraveled commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Amity on June 26, 1947 formally establishing diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines. French-Philippine bilateral ties 70 years later have entered a period of renewed dynamism in all aspects and a series of high-level political exchanges, including the first visit of a French head of state to the Philippines in 2015.

Chaplin trained at the Paris Conservatory under the tutelage of Bulgarian pianist Wentsislav Yankoff, and later, of French pianist Jean-Claude Pennetier.

Chaplin is one of the most renowned classical pianists in France today, having recorded the complete works for piano by Claude Debussy and Frédéric Chopin’s complete nocturnes. He has performed both as a soloist in prestigious concert halls across the globe, from Paris to London to Mexico, and with prominent orchestras such as the Japan Philharmonic and the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic.

Chaplin is also a piano professor at

The exhibit, held at Rockwell last month and curated by Cid Reyes, was recognized in the Care for the Environment (Bronze awardee) and Public Relations (Silver awardee) categories as it sought to help rehabilitate Manila’s polluted estuaries and rivers through art.

In its three-day run, the exhibit raised over P1.3 million for the foundation.

The concept proposed by TBWA\ Santiago Mangada Puno had ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya gathering the country’s top local artists who had to use water samples from Tullahan River, Cainta Creek, Marikina River, Taguig Estuary, and Binondo Canal to create artworks that depict everyday life along Metro Manila’s riverbanks.

Some of the paintings featured in the Dirty Watercolor art exhibit showed children swimming in polluted waters and families living under bridges.

“Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig” was the prime beneficiary of ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya’s Dirty Watercolor exhibit.

The Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards is organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) to recognize excellent integrated marketing communications campaigns that pursue and promote social good.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Ravel unraveled

Pianist Francois Chaplin performs at the ‘Ravel Unraveled,’ a show which is part of yearlong festival that celebrates 70 years of friendship ties between France and the Philippines

the Versailles National Music Conservatory and has led master classes on French music at the Conservatory of Saint Petersburg and the University of Montreal, among others.

Ravel Unraveled not only marks the 70th anniversary of French-Philippine relations through music, but also symbolizes solidarity between the two countries. The proceeds of this concert will benefit the rehabilitation and hous-

ing projects of the France-Philippines United Action (FPUA) Foundation, the first foundation in the world to be administered by a French Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The FPUA was created following the passage of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Today, the foundation works with French donors to implement programs on housing rehabilitation, health, and Turn to D2

MUSIC CONCOURSE

Filipino choir to compete in France THE Florilège Vocal de Tours, the only international choral competition in France participated by both large and small ensembles of equal or mixed voices, will soon play host to several international award-winning teams.

Choirs will compete in three categories: a program where the songs are selected by the organizers; a free program where participants choose their pieces; and a Renaissance round.

Coro San Benildo, the resident choral group of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), will join in all three.

A distinguished jury of international personalities from the world of choral singing will hail the winners in each contest, culminating in the Grand Prix de la Ville de Tours, in which two groups from the Philippines have won in the past – The Ateneo College Glee Club in 2000 and Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2006.

The regional champions are set to compete in the European Grand Prix

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Coro San Benildo is set to compete in the three categories of Florilege Vocal de Tours in France

for Choral Singing, considered to be the Olympics for choirs, in Maribor, Slovenia next year.

Coro San Benildo, led by choirmaster Lorenzo C. Gealogo, is under the management of the college’s Office of Culture and Arts. Having participated

in numerous festivals and competitions, it has successfully transformed into a globally competitive group. Its strong sense of showmanship and innovation has garnered numerous coveted awards and gained worldwide recognition.

Life

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

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Now retired, Lorli Villanueva plunges into book writing

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RITING a book has been on her bucket list for many years. It took her retirement from showbiz and academe to finally sit down and finish it.

The good news: actress-academician Lorli Dima-ala Villanueva is not fully retired at 71. She has written, not just one, but two books to boot.

The books—Dancing with the Dictator and Realms of the Unknown—were launched simultaneously on June 1 at Limbaga 77 restaurant with a star-studded line-up of special guests in attendance.

Of Dancing with the Dictator, Lorli writes, “People ask why I have chosen to write this story only now. I ask myself that, too. I realize it is not because of fear, lack of words to describe this part of my life or any other reason, but rather about knowing how my many experiences in life have made me see a clearer picture of how I have evolved to what I am... a quiet, listening, feeling, person, forgiving and flexible with the demands of life.”

She continues, “I have led a very colorful life and the journey still continues but with stillness in my heart. My Marcos experience is only one of those.”

Dancin’ is a personal account of how Lorli was “invited” by then-President Ferdinand Marcos and was held for five days in Bataan to entertain a special guest. The book reveals the inside story of such an episode which Lorli is revealing for the first time.

As Lorli puts it, she came home from years of teaching and school admin-

istration in New York only to witness more unrest and controversy spawned by the late President’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

During a live interview with TV anchor Luchie Valdez-Cruz on Reaksyon, she openly voiced her opinion about wanting Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

She says, “To me, he is part of Philippine history, regardless of how we look at him. Even Stalin, Mussolini and Idi Amin were given their rights as president. Why can’t we do the same?

“There is too much pain and hate, personal motives and politics around us.

We make our lives difficult to live.

Many have stunted their personal lives by not moving on.”

All experiences, Lorli says, are building blocks to a better person. Her experience with President Marcos is a part of that.

Of Realms of the Unknown, she writes, “As a young girl in the elementary grades, I would walk home from La Paz Elementary School in Iloilo City with my best friend and classmate, Miriam Defensor (Santiago), every day to my grandmother’s house along the banks of the Iloilo river. We would go through a pathway behind small huts among cogon fields and thick shrubs. We would steal

Daniel Razon

launches second coffee table book Daniel Razon’s ‘Get It Straight with Daniel Razon Coffee Table Book’ is a compilation of his encounters and experiences with the country’s movers and shakers

BREAKTHROUGH and Milestones Productions International, Inc., (BMPI), in cooperation with National Book Store, will launch Dr. Daniel Razon’s second coffee table book.

Nine years after the publication of Razon’s In my Eyes – a collection of everyday scenes, familiar faces, landmarks and beautiful sceneries that he, himself, captured on camera, the notable journalist and television personality takes pride of The Get It Straight with Daniel Razon Coffee Table Book, a compilation of encounters and experiences with the movers and shakers of the country that he put to words and images.

The book is based on what transpired in the UNTV program Get It Straight (GIS) with Daniel Razon, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m..

The topics for each personality presented in the book are political in nature, which make for a good focal conversational piece among family members, friends, and acquaintances.

This coffee table book is designed to pique the interest of people in a

country, like the Philippines, which has developed a culture of politics, and is populated by citizens that breathe the same.

The book aims to provide the readers information and personal views of the featured guest who was at the center of the issue at hand or the important event.

Since man’s memory fails to preserve the personalities and circumstances behind special, serious, and controversial events that shaped our own personal conduct as we deal with situations that affected us in striking ways, the book targets to remind us of who the people were; when, where, and why it took place; and how this part of history happened.

The book will be launched 2 p.m. today at the National Book Store Glorietta 1, in Makati City.

Some of the respected names in the political arena featured in the coffee table book are expected to grace the occasion, in a GIS-like program format with a twist.

Ravel...

The Embassy of France to the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the SSI Group, Inc., with its continuous commitment to provide Filipinos with quality lifestyle options, present Ravel Unraveled as part of “PhilFrance: Feel French!”, a year-long festival to celebrate the 70th year of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines. This concert is also made possible through the generous support of SSI Group brands Lacoste and Longchamp, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, and Air France.

Tickets priced at P3,000, P2,000, P1,000 and P800 are available by contacting the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

From D1

children’s welfare. Upholding the principle of “Building Back Better Communities,” FPUA has completed two rehabilitation sites in Daanbantayan, Cebu, and provided over 200 disaster-resilient houses in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Philippine Red Cross. A third village with 46 permanent houses and a multi-purpose center will soon be completed in Bogo, Northern Cebu, which is expected to benefit more than 250 persons who still live in disaster risk areas.

Actress-academician Lorli Dima-ala Villanueva launches her two books, ‘Dancing with the Dictator’ and ‘Realms of the Unknown’

tubo (sugar cane) by pulling them off the trains that passed through the rail tracks hidden by the thicket. At a certain part of the path, I would always be greeted by happy little people who would hold my hand, prancing along, until Miriam and I get to the back gate of my grandma’s home. They would then conveniently let go of my hand and disappear back into the thickets. I never ever considered that unusual. Looking back, as a young girl, did I encounter dwarfs back then? “ I know we live in a world where other worlds exist. Though many do not believe this, it does not matter to me, because the realms of the unknown are real to me.’’

Jaime T. Licauco, the country’s foremost expert on paranormal experiences, wrote the introduction to Realms.

This, she says, is just her story.

“My closest explanation would be: God created the world with body and spirit.”

Lorli may be better known among culture buffs as an award-winning actress on stage, TV and films. Among her outstanding film credits are remarkable roles in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Bayan Ko, Lunes, Martes, Miercules,

Lorli’s book launch at Limbaga 77 restaurant has a star-studded lineup of special guests

Oro, Plata, Mata, Paraisong Parisukat, among others.

Lorli has a master’s degree in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University on a Fulbright scholar-

ship. At the time she retired, she held the lofty position of deputy chair, Graduate School of Education and Special Education,Touro College University System in New York.

Season of exciting finds at NBS THE end of summer vacation means one thing: back-to-school season. The rush to find the best deals on school supplies is starting, and families get together to prepare for the next school year.

It may be a busy time, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. At National Book Store, back-to-school season is a time for endless discoveries for every family. Convenience, budget-friendly options, and a superb selection await every customer at National Book Store.

Convenience at your fingertips

Grab & Go packs are as convenient as their name suggests. With everyone’s favorite back-to-school items together in one pack, you can just pick one and head straight to the cashier. There’ll be no need to visit different aisles looking for those individual items, saving both time and energy.

The store layout has been improved as well, making it easier to go around and shop for the items you need. Tables and shelves are clearly labeled, and items are carefully arranged to make the most of your shopping experience.

If you can’t find the time to go to the store, NBS still has you covered. Call the delivery hotline 8888-627, or shop online at their website, www.nationalbookstore.com.

Call the hotline, give the list of supplies you need, and have them shipped to you. If you’re not sure what items to get, NBS customer service specialists can recommend supplies for every grade level so you can pick what’s best for your needs.

Shop online and enjoy a dedicated back-to-school section when you go to the NBS website. You can shop by grade level to immediately see the recommended supplies for each one.

Just choose what you need, check out, and have the items delivered to your home.

Orders worth P1,000 or above get free

National Bookstore managing director Xandra Ramos-Pasilla and Daphne Osena-Paez

shipping. The convenience and ease of perience. That’s why National Book Store stress-free shopping is simply priceless! also offers lunch boxes, mosquito patches, personal care products, as well as emerBest buys for every budget gency, survival, and first aid kits.

National Book Store knows that eveBeyond that, National Book Store exry back-to-school shopper has an idea of clusively houses world-renowned brands how much they’ll spend this season, so whose products add style and inspiration they have the best deals for every pos- to the back-to-school experience. sible budget.

For budding artists, the Swiss fine Go for the Low Price Deals if you are art brand Caran d’Ache School Line is a looking for items at P20, P50, or P100 must-have. Its colored pens and pencils each. Buying 12 notebooks for the price deliver highly-pigmented colors unlike of 10 is now an option! Get the most out any other. For high schoolers and college of every peso with the Budget Bundles. students who do drafting and sketching, For affordable and quality school sup- Blackwing Pencils are the best of the baplies, look no further than Best Buy. sics and a long-time favorite.

But, National Book Store didn’t stop For those who want pens that will there. For every P500 purchase, you can make them stand out in class, Online, a get a colorful backpack for just P100. brand from Germany, is a great choice.

And for every P1,000 purchase, you And for the college fashionistas, Kate will get a free tote bag to carry all your Spade’s stylish stationery can complenew school supplies in. ment their everyday style.

A superb selection: From faves to finds

For more updates, follow them at @nbsalert on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, School supplies aren’t the only items and YouTube; and visit the NBS Blog at students need to enjoy their learning ex- blog.nationalbookstore.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

A

S FATHER’S Day rolls around, iWant TV pays tribute to dads of all personalities, portrayed comically by iconic Filipino actors. Watch these real-life dads play memorable characters on iWant TV this June, and look back on all the different ways fathers show their love for their children.

5 TYPES OF PINOY DADS portrayed by iconic actors

starring Judy Ann Santos, the legendary FPJ as Badong portrays this type of dad perfectly. He comes to the rescue every time his daughter needs him, even if it’s to beat up a bunch of bullies because that’s how he shows his love.

3. The Torpe Dad, portrayed by Dolphy in Daddy o, Baby o Many Pinoy men are torpe not just when it comes

Tony Labrusca, Mikayla Ramirez, Bryan Santos, and Michael Agassi.

La Luna Sangre is the third installment in the series that began with Lobo (2008) starring Angel and Piolo Pascual, then followed by Imortal Angel and John

Dolphy and Gio Alvarez

1. The Kengkoy Dad, portrayed by Dolphy in Home Along Da Riles the Movie Like Mang Kevin Cosme in this iconic seriesturned-movie, this Pinoy dad keeps his family at ease by keeping his sense of humor even in times of hardships. When a suitor attempts to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage, his response is “Hihingiin ang kamay ng anak ko? Bakit?!

Ooperahan ba yon? Puputulin?”

2. The Astig Dad, portrayed by Fernando Poe, Jr., in Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko Known as the scary, intimidating super protective, very street smart, and tough dad, in the movie co-

to love. Dolphy plays Mario, who adopts a strongwilled child, forming a strong bond with her and successfully matching her problem-child tendencies with affection. However, when it comes to dealing with women and people out of his comfort zone, Mario (like most torpe dads) would prefer remaining in the background shyly.

4. The Iron-Fist Strict Dad, portrayed by Joseph Estrada in Ang Tanging Pamilya This kind of dad is all too familiar for many Pinoys today. Estrada plays the father of Toni Gonzaga, who is to be married to her online LDR boyfriend.

This kind of dad is usually the traditional type who will never give up his daughter to a stranger—much less someone she met online. Mahigpit dads usually take a lot of convincing, wooing, and patience before they let their beliefs change because they believe the

old-school methods of parenting are best.

5. The Malambing Dad portrayed by Tirso Cruz III in Bekikang Cruz portrays the more modern Pinoy dad who supports his kids with whatever they decide—even if it means their son is gay. Cruz plays the dad of Beki, a man who has known that he’s gay since childhood.

He has no problem showing his soft side, and is supportive but protective Beki, even making sure that his child can defend himself against the inevitable bullies.

Catch these iconic actors in these classic movies this month on iWant TV and celebrate all the different kinds of dads this Father’s Day. Also available are past and current episodes of ABS-CBN’s series. Catch Box Office King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo in the much-awaited new series La Luna Sangre on June 19 with episodes airing both on TV and on iWant TV. Joining the famous love team are superstars like Angel Locsin, John Lloyd Cruz, and Richard Gutierrez, as well as Ina Raymundo, Victor Neri, Joross Gamboa, Sue Ramirez, Hannah Ledesma,

Lloyd two years later.

To watch your favorite Kapamilya shows and more on iWant TV, simply log-on using your email address or mobile numbers. iWant TV is open to ABS-CBN Mobile, Smart, Sun Cellular, Talk ‘N Text and PLDT Home subscribers.

ABS-CBN’s iWant TV is the first and only overthe-top (OTT) service in the country that delivers content via the internet without a fixed monthly subscription fee.

As ABS-CBN rapidly transitions into an agile digital company, iWant TV gives Kapamilya fans access to their favorite shows online, wherever they go at any time they want. Users can keep up with Kapamilya teleseryes, shows, actors, and have access to exclusive content, with iWant TV’s vast library of content, categorized and labeled conveniently.

The making of a new musical comedy classic SISTER Act is unquestionably one of the best-loved and acclaimed musical acts on Broadway in the last decade. With its hilarious scenes and entertaining songs and dance numbers, a ludicrous story, and an inspired cast of talented actors, singers and dancers, the musical has wowed huge audiences of cheering and screaming fans that packed theaters and arenas everywhere and turned every performance into a certified hit.

Aside from being a box office phenomenon, Sister Act has left a significant and permanent imprint in musical theater history as it reaped wide acclaim and commendations from fans and critics who hailed it as a new musical comedy classic.

Filipino music lovers and theater-goers will get the chance to enjoy the same world-class quality of acting and music-making when Sister Act comes to Manila for a two-week presentation starting on June 27 at the Theatre at Solaire at Entertainment City in Paranaque City.

Ovation Production, in association with Broadway Entertainment Group and Troika Entertainment, is bringing the show for the first time to the musical theater scene as part of its American production’s Asian tour for 2017. The Manila run ends on July 9 with no extension.

Behind the huge success of the musical is the creative team of Whoopi Goldberg as producer, Jerry Zaks as director and Alan Menken as musical director whose combined talents, skills and expertise have brought about an inspired collaboration that produced one of the most successful Broadway musicals of the present time.

For Goldberg, who also starred in the musical’s original 1992 film version, she considered it

“a magical experience” for a producer to hear people laugh and cheer they way they do at Sister Act, a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they are expecting.

“This is nothing but a really good time,” she pointed out. “There’s nothing but fun in the show. It’s fun and it’s moving and it’s music you wanna be part of and you know…group of people that you wouldn’t mind spending time and you leave the theater feeling good…It’s pure unadulterated fun.”

Zaks, on the other hand, said: “I think when you look at a nun, you assume a kind of, I don’t know spirituality and other worldly…like they should be playing under different rules, but you know what they want to rock just like everybody else. The show will be funny, funny, funny, smart funny and then very touching.”

Menken acknowledged that “Sister Act is actually his first musical written directly for Broadway, saying “I love this show so much.

I’d go through it all again, gladly for Sister Act, I always wanted to do something in and all those rich soil of the Set of Seventies pop style.”

He described the show as “the ‘70s style disco, funk, psychedelic soul. For that, I drew inspiration from Donna Summer, Curtis

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, June 13, 2017

ACROSS 1 Whaler of fiction 5 Shade-loving plant 10 Wheat center 14 Bunyan’s ox 15 Pentium producer 16 “Instead of” word 17 Movie-set workers 18 Natural ladle 19 Rainbow goddess 20 Spatter 22 Deli sandwiches 24 Make fun of 25 Keenan or Ed 26 Clever retort 30 Hardens 35 Guitar, slangily 36 Refrain syllables 37 Hindu, probably 38 Lightning bug 41 Olive stuffer 43 Candice’s dad 44 Lair 45 Drops on the grass 46 Deal with (2 wds.)

47 Like always 50 “Slither” actor 53 Kind of system 54 Like some decks

58 Snuggle 62 Willy or Shamu 63 Synonym scouter 66 Eleventh — 67 Disagreeable person 68 Miffed, plus 69 Hence 70 — mate 71 Drew to a close 72 Woodland creatures DOWN 1 The rudiments 2 Dwell on 3 “Green Mansions” hero 4 Yard-sign start 5 Whiskey and soda 6 Sean Lennon’s mom 7 Three before V 8 Bathrobe fabric 9 Standish standin 10 Honey-tongued 11 Aer Lingus base 12 Curb 13 Rumple 21 Close kin 23 Fix, as a copier 25 Yr. parts 26 Sidewalk — 27 Water or rust

28 29 31 32

On-ramp sign Coral formation Wind dir.

Grammy winner — Ronstadt 33 Delayer’s motto 34 Very white 39 Hit the buffet 40 Lady’s apparel 41 Pricing word 42 Like a paragraph 44 Amorous Juan 48 Hard water?

49 Grabbed a cookie

51 Lofty abode 52 Festoon 54 Makes soaking wet 55 Larry, Moe and Curly 56 Freedom org.

57 Ring up 59 Corrida sight 60 Sled event 61 Psyche’s suitor 64 Roam around 65 Bastille Day season

Mayfield, Lou Rawls, The Four Tops, The Spinners, The Bee Gees, Gloria Gaynor, The Floaters. And traditional musical theater, of course. But it has a lot of fun with very traditional styles.

Based on the 1992 hit comedy movie of the same title, Sister Act made its Broadway debut in 2011 following its world premiere in 2006. The musical has since gained international renown as America’s new musical comedy classic.

It brings to the musical theater scene a stage re-creation of the music and general story of the motion picture comedy, but with all-original score and script and spectacular production design.

The musical will take the audience’s breath away as it follows for two-and-a-half delightful hours the funny adventures of Deloris Van Cartier, a Vegas wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime committed by her gangster-boyfriend. For fear for her life, she is placed by the police under protective custody and taken to a place anyone would think to look – a convent.

Disguised as a nun named Sister Mary Clarence and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Sister Act is Ovation Productions’ second Broadway musical presentation, with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast two years ago at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as its first.

Tickets prices are P6,500, P5,500, P4,500, P3,500 and P1,500. Available online at www. ticketworld or call (02) 981-9999.)

Pia joins returning Miss Universe 2017 candidates for charity event

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Addy Raj as Jai

Help Billie decide who among four guys is her

Ken Chan as Yuan

‘MEANT TO BE’ G

MA Network’s top-rating and wellloved primetime series Meant To Be is nearing its finale and fans are growing more abuzz on who Billie’s (Barbie Forteza) prince charming is.

Jak Roberto as Andoy

Jai Patel (Addy Raj) is the Indian playboy who fell for Billie and changed his ways to prove his love.

Yuan Lee (Ken Chan) is the illegitimate son of a wealthy Chinese businessman who used to be arrogant and conceited to Billie, until he started falling for her.

Ethan Spencer-Hughes (Ivan Dorschner) is the dashing halfBritish, half-Filipino chef and the most responsible among the four.

Andoy de la Cruz (Jak Roberto) is the nice, torpe, and humble Filipino promdi who strives to be successful in life.

Four eligible, handsome boys are vying to be Billie’s ka-Meant To Be and GMA 7 is giving the viewers and avid fans and followers of the lead stars the

FROM Surigao del Sur in Mindanao, Jhon Clyd Talili emerged as the grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids,” edging out four fellow grand finalists in the singing competition’s grand finals in It’s Showtime on June 10.

He impressed the hurados and viewers with his performance of “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” and garnered the highest average score of 89.90 percent from the combined judges’ scores and madlang people’s text votes.

As the “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” grand champion, he won P1 million, a house and lot, and a negosyo package.

He beat contenders (second placer) Keifer Sanchez, who received P200,000 and (third placer) Mackie Empuerto, who took home P100,000. Fourth placer Sheenna Belarmino and fifth placer Francis Concepcion were given P50,000 each.

Netizens tuned in to and tweeted about the grand finalists’ performances and Jhon Clyd’s victory, pushing the event’s official hashtag

chance to choose who among them will win Billie’s heart.

Voting is now open on www.GMAnetwork. com/MTBvote and will end on June 18 (11:59 p.m.). Each participant is limited to 10 votes per day and must follow promo mechanics posted on GMA Network’s official website. One vote is equivalent to one raffle entry and four lucky participants will win amazing prizes.

The official list of winners will be announced on GMA Drama’s official Facebook page and GMA Network’s website on June 23.

Who among the four boys deserve Billie’s love the most?

Don’t miss the chance to vote and witness the grand finale of Meant To Be soon on GMA.

Ivan Dorschner as Ethan

SO, YOU think Miss Universe fever is over? Not quite so, as a number of our favorite candidates who participated in the 65th Miss Universe pageant held here in Manila just a few months back returned.

Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach led the returning Miss Universe candidates Noelia Freire (Spain), Jamie-Lee Faulkner (Great Britain), Kezia Warouw (Indonesia), Kiran Jassal (Malaysia), Camila Barraza (Kosovo), Rebecca Rath (Belize), and Dang Thi Le Hang (Vietnam) at a charity event for children last weekend in Binondo, Manila and in all other events and functions.

More specifically, the Miss Universe beauties, through the Miss Universe Organization, in partnership with San Miguel Corporation and the San Miguel Foundation, be will be awarding scholarships to children under the care of nonprofit organization Hope for Change Philippines.

One hundred elementary, high school and college beneficiaries got to meet the beauty queens and interact with them through several activities, including local games like piko, tumbang preso, sipa and pabitin.

The highlight of the SMCsponsored event was San Miguel Foundation’s formal grant of a scholarships to cover Grade One to Senior High School beneficiaries of Hope for Change, who come from Smokey Mountain.

The San Miguel Foundation, which celebrates its 45th anniversary, has advocated education for the youth and has spent close to P200 million alone for education-related projects.

These include the construction of classrooms in poor communities and providing scholarships.

“The Miss Universe Organization is well-known for its annual pageant but it also has a strong foundation for giving back. The contestants and titleholders are provided a platform and they work closely with various organizations to address critical issues affecting people not only in their home countries but all over the world,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang. “We are proud to work together and we’re honored to welcome back the contestants,” he added.

Meanwhile, SMC subsidiaries Petron Corporation, San Miguel Brewery Inc. and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will help celebrate the return of the Miss Universe candidates through a series of product engagements that will align with values of diversity and empowerment.

JHON CLYD TALILI is ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan Kids’ grand champion

#TNTKidsGrandFinals to the top of Twitter’s trending topics list in the Philippines and worldwide.

Aside from their vocal battle, Jhon Clyd, Keifer, Mackie, Sheenna, and Francis also gave a special performance of “Stand by Me” to pay tribute to fathers everywhere in time for next week’s Father’s Day. After “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids,” the popular vocal competition will continue to

look for the best singers in the country as the second year of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” kicked off yesterday featuring the return of the gong and punong hurado Rey Valera.

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” in It’s Showtime airs on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167) 12 noon, Monday to Saturday.

To watch the episodes, login to iWant TV or on skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

Surigao del Sur's pride John Clyd Talili

Love for family triumphs in ‘MY DEAR HEART’ finale THE lessons about love, family, and acceptance in ABS-CBN Kapamilya series My Dear Heart have captivated viewers of all ages every night, giving inspiration to audiences nationwide and leaving a mark on their hearts. As the series approach its finale week, viewers keenly await the fate of Heart (Heart Ramos) and if she is now truly safe from the wrath of Doc Francis.

In a much anticipated confrontation scene, Doc Margaret (Coney Reyes) conveyed an important lesson to viewers when she told Doc Albertus (Robert Arevalo) that no amount of fortune or success could match the value of family. From being cold hearted, Margaret showed to viewers that people can change as her love for her family became stronger and learned to accept her mistakes.

Aside from Margaret, Heart has also set as a good example especially for young audiences. With a heart full of love, she serves as a source of strength for her family, became an instrument in changing people’s lives, and proved that love always prevails over hatred.

Life’s struggles also did not hinder Jude (Zanjoe Marudo) and Clara (Bela Padilla) to fight for their child. They remained strong amidst all the challenges they faced and grateful for all the blessings they received, bringing inspiration to viewers nationwide.

The cast of the top-rated family drama, "My Dear Heart" led by Coney Reyes (center)

And while Gia (Ria Atayde) grew a stone cold heart, she eventually showed the caring and loving woman that she truly is as she exhibited determination to heal and save her daughter’s life from danger.

Because of its inspiring story, the show is a consistent toprater in its timeslot. According to data from Kantar Media, My Dear Heart recorded an all-time high national TV rating of 32.6 percent and remained unbeaten by its rival shows.

The show is also a hit among netizens, as it consistently trends on Twitter and garners thousands of praises and tweets every night.

Now nearing its finale, My Dear Heart still has a lot of explosive surprises that viewers should not miss. While Francis (Eric Quizon) went to jail for poisoning Heart, his father Albertus continues their mission and does everything to bring Margaret down and destroy her reputation. But Jude, Clara, Margaret, and Gia will remain strong to protect Heart and give all the love she needs for her recovery.

Will Albertus’ plans succeed? Will Heart survive her illness? What potential dangers will Heart’s family face?

My Dear Hear airs weeknights on ABS-CBN or ABSCBN HD (Skycable ch 167).

Watch the show’s previous episodes on iWant TV or on skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

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