Manila Standard - 2017 June 24 - Saturday

OMAR MAUTE ‘KILLED’ IN CLASH—MILITARY

By Florante S. Solmerin and John Paolo Bencito OMAR Maute, one of the two leaders of the group of terrorists waging war against the government in Marawi City, is dead, the military said Friday.

In a press conference in Marawi City, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesman Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said there was a “strong indication” that Omar was killed during military operations two weeks ago.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año told reporters that Omar may have been killed in an encounter with soldiers.

But intelligence sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were still checking the

veracity of the information and said other reports said Omar and his brother Abdullah had already escaped Marawi. ‘‘We have to get proof to make sure Omar was really dead. We say now he is dead and tomorrow we might see Omar is alive,” the source said.

The source added that what was confirmed was that a younger Maute brother, Madi, had been killed. ‘‘The intelligence sector has been receiving various signals, too, that Omar and Abdullah and their men were already out from Marawi. Those who were left in the war zone are Indonesians, Malaysians and Tausugs. These are members of the Abu Sayyaf. We believe the Maute’s already es-

caped because they knew the way out, unlike these foreign terrorists and Tausugs who are not familiar of the landscape of Marawi,” the source said.

The source added that the center of battle now was inside a affluent neighborhood with big, fortified houses that had tunnels and basements underneath them that were used as escape routes and storage for food and arms.

There was no concrete evidence either that Isnilon Hapilon, the ISIS-anointed leader in Southeast Asia, remained in the war zone, the source said.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier offered a P10-million reward for Hapilon and P5 million each for Omar and Abdullah Next page

ABDULLAH MAUTE

OMARKHAYAM MAUTE

All-Moro peace deal eyed

By John Paolo Bencito

VOL. XXXI • NO. 130 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

THE government plans to convene an “All-Moro Convention” to merge its two separate peace agreements and between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front to finally answer the “Bangsamoro question,” which has been the root of the centuriesold conflict in Mindanao, a senior Cabi-

net official said Friday.

Following the ongoing siege of Marawi by the Maute terrorists, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Abul Kahyr Alonto said the failure to address the Bangsamoro Question “has invited the invasion of foreign Daesh extremism such as ISIS.” “Towards this end, aware of the two Next page

Australia joins PH war ADF jets boost PH fight vs terrorism

By John Paolo Bencito

T

WO Australian spy planes will start flying missions in Mindanao in the fight against Islamist extremists terrorizing the area, a move that the Palace and the Defense Department welcomed Friday.

AIR SUPPORT. Student-activists shout anti-martial law slogans during a protest in Manila on June 23, 2017, calling for President Rodrigo Duterte to end the martial law. The fighting began on May 23 when hundreds of militants rampaged through Marawi, the most important Muslim city in the mainly Catholic Philippines, waving the black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group. Inset shows a file photo of a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion taking off at RAAF Pearce Base in Perth. AFP

Peace panel vouches for Aglipayan bishop

By John Paolo Bencito THE government peace panel on Friday told the Justice Department to expedite the release of an Aglipayan bishop who was nabbed along with an alleged high-ranking communist leader in Ozamis City last month.

Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III and panel members urged the department to look into the case of Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Carlos Morales and release him on “humanitarian grounds” after he was mistaken to have helped NPA leader Rommel Salinas.

Salinas has pending arrest warrants for “destructive arson, murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder and robbery.”

Meanwhile, the communist rebels still in the underground will remain immune from arrest or surveillance after the updated list of consultants covered by the Next page

‘Kill Duterte’ BIFF’s desperation vow—AFP

By John Paolo Bencito THE military on Friday described as a “desperate pronouncement” the threats made by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to kill President Rodrigo Duterte and ransack his hometown of Davao City.

Following the BIFF’s incursions into Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, which triggered clashes with the military and left two

militiamen and a number of the gunmen dead and sent hundreds of residents fleeing, the militants said they will shoot to kill Duterte following the continuing military operations despite Ramadan.

“We will shoot to kill you Duterte, and wherever you ask for help Duterte you can never wipe us out,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the military said it might recommend the lifting of President Duterte’s martial law

proclamation once government forces liberated all of Marawi City as it expressed confidence it could free it completely before the remaining 30 days of martial law lapsed.

“We see that it won’t reach another 30 more days,” Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Carlito Galvez said in a radio interview.

“We really see that we can get it and clear everything in Marawi.”

But Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said it would still depend on Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the military if martial law would be extended before the 60-day constitutional limit was over.

“That will depend on the recommendation of the secretary of National Defense, of the Armed Forces who are the implementors of martial law,” Abella told reporters in Davao City.

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Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, however, emphasized that the government was capable of bringing down the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City, where fighting erupted May 23.

“Like the President said, we’re quite capable at this stage,” Abella said. “We welcome any support, but at this stage we take the lead, along with the regional states around us.”

“Our defense officials are in close coordination with their Australian counterparts in their offer of providing surveillance support,” he added.

Abella said that the two Australian spy planes is another way to boost the military’s capabilities in the ongoing fight against extremist groups.

“In every military operation, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capability are very important,” he said.

The Australian government on Friday said its spy planes would start flying missions over Mindanao as a way to help Manila Next page

Humanitarian crisis worsening—IRC Anti-fake news bill:

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan ONE month into the conflict in Marawi City, many humanitarian needs still need to be filled as the fighting between government security forces and the Maute Group continues without an immediate end in sight.

In a report, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Friday there was still a need to support more than 200,000 displaced people with food, drinking water, sanitation facilities and health care.

“The situation is far from over.

Fighting is ongoing and the civilians who are trapped or are displaced continue to face challenging situations,” Roberto Petronio, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Mindanao, said.

He made the statement even as the farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said the prolonged martial law in Mindanao and the intensifying military operations to flush out the Maute and BIFF groups had already adversely affected agriculture and food production.

“The expanding humanitar-

ian crisis resulting from President Duterte’s martial law declaration and the government’s all-out war will lead to worsening hunger and poverty especially in Mindanao,” KMP secretary-general Antonio Flores said.

“President Duterte will have to answer for that situation. His apology will not suffice. He should lift martial law and rebuild what he helped destroy.”

The ICRC has been supporting people in need since the fighting began by evacuating more than 700 people from Marawi City.

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Pros, cons weighed

By Rio N. Araja and John Paolo Bencito A UNIVERSITY of the Philippines professor said on Friday that the anti-fake news bill, if passed, is “too dangerous.”

Danilo Arao of UP’s College of Mass Communications was referring to Senate Bill 1492 or An Act Penalizing the Malicious Distribution of False News and Other Related Violations by Senator Joel Villanueva.

The bill describes false news as those that intend to sow panic,

division, chaos, violence and hate as well as those that besmirch one’s reputation.

“What constitute panic, division, chaos, violate or hate?” Arao said. “Even a simple mistake without any malice, an honest mistake for that matter, can be interpreted as fake news or information.

“Even ordinary people can fall prey to the law, he added. “Legislation is not necessary to address the issue of fake news.”

“The solution to the problem of fake news or information whether Next page

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

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'

Remnants of life in war-torn city

By Ayee Macaraig

DUSTY teddy bear strewn on the floor, family photos on a wall and dried underwear on a clothesline are among the few remnants of life in deserted homes of a Philippine city left in ruins by war.

A

A dog eats the carcass of a cat on a street littered with rubbish where soldiers patrol, while military planes and helicopters continue the relentless bombing of Islamist militants hidden in other homes a kilometer (half a mile) away.

Nearly all of the 200,000 residents of Marawi have fled since hundreds of gunmen linked to the Islamic State group went on a rampage on May 23, trigger-

ing a conflict that has destroyed entire districts and left the others vulnerable to looting.

Marawi has long been the Islamic cultural and commercial capital of the mainly Catholic Philippines, with a lake and cool mountain air making it a popular summer retreat, but parts now resemble the war-ravaged Syrian city of Aleppo.

Its residents are left in torment in nearby evacuation centers or

friends’ homes, waiting for the fighting to end and find out what has become of their homes.

“Maybe there is nothing left.

Our home may have been reduced to ashes. We heard our village was bombed and our house is just made of wood and bamboo,” Rasmia Abdullah, 24, told AFP with watering eyes in a crowded gym close to Marawi.

“It’s very painful because we were already rebuilding our house after a fire when the war broke out. Now we really have nothing.”

The war has also ended all types of business in Marawi —a city renowned for its traders—and locals fear looting has stripped well-off homes that were known to keep vaults of cash, jewellery and heirlooms.

But the impact is hardest on poor residents such as Abdullah, a mother-of-three and a banana and rice cake vendor, who fled Marawi with only the clothes on her back and leaving her wares to rot.

“If I could only save the machine I used to make rice cakes, I would do that to make a living.

It pains me that the city I grew up in, all I worked for was gone and I don’t know how to bring it back,” she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern Philippines immediately after the militants began their rampage in Marawi, which he said was part of an effort to establish a local IS caliphate.

Duterte has deployed the full force of his military to end the

uprising, most notably with a US-backed bombing campaign that has flattened entire neighborhoods.

However, the militants still hold three of the city’s nine districts, according to the government, using hostages as human shields while sheltering in bombproof basements and countering with brutal urban warfare.

Sixty-seven soldiers and police have been killed, according to the military, which estimates nearly 300 militants have died.

As the fighting continues with no signs of a quick resolution, the government and aid workers are starting to plan for the rehabilitation of the city on a scale as massive as for the most powerful typhoons that regularly smash the Philippines. AFP

Australia...

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counter the terrorist threat.

Fighters linked to the Islamic State group have been battling troops for a month around Marawi City in a conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives.

Canberra, which has an extensive defense cooperation program with Manila, said two high-tech AP-3C Orion aircraft will provide surveillance support to the Philippine military.

“The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests,” said Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne, using an Arabic acronym for IS. “Australia will continue to work with our partners in Southeast Asia to counter it.”

She recently spoke with her Philippine counterpart, Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana, about how Australia could help and “we agreed the best way to defeat terrorism in our region is for us to work together.”

The versatile AP-3C Orion’s usually patrol maritime borders and played a prominent role in searching for missing Malaysian Airlines plane MH370, which went down in the remote Indian Ocean off Australia in 2014.

“With these AP-3Cs from the ADF, our troops can benefit from enhanced airborne surveillance of the area any time of the day thereby improving operations on the ground,” said Lorenzana.

The Defense chief said, however, that the deployment of the Orion surveillance planes will not require the embedding of ADF personnel with Filipino troops on the ground.

Earlier, the United States military also provided technical assistance to the Philippines in the form of air surveillance to assist ground troops pinpoint the exact location of terrorist snipers hiding in trenches and bunkers.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across Mindanao, home to 20 million people, on May 23 immediately after fighters flying the IS flag rampaged through Marawi.

Their assault on the city ignited an unprecedented urban war, which Duterte has warned is part of an IS campaign to establish a base in Mindanao.

The fighting has left Marawi, the most important Muslim city in the Philippines, largely in ruins. With Francisco Tuyay, Sara Susanne Fabunan and AFP

ABANDONED PLACE. A government soldier stands next to abandoned houses and shopfronts near the frontline in Marawi as hundreds of

gunmen linked to the Islamic State (IS) group went on a rampage on May 23, triggering a conflict that has destroyed entire districts and left the others vulnerable to looting. AFP

Omar...

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Maute. The US State Department also has a standing reward of $5 million for the capture of Hapilon.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año insisted that Hapilon was still inside Marawi, and said that Omar Maute was most likely dead. ‘‘Abdulla is still alive… inside Marawi,” he added.

Since May 23, 280 terrorists, 60 government troops and 26 civilians have died.

Military officials also said the country’s porous border in the south enabled 40 foreign terrorists to slip into the country.

‘‘These foreign terrorists slipped into our country using our backdoor in the south because it is very porous,” Eastern Mindanao Commander Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a news briefing in Davao City. ‘‘And we are not also discounting the possibility that some may have slipped into the country through our airports and seaports. So I guess we have to really tighten and enhance our security measures as far as immigration is concerned,” he said.

Gapay said that authorities have identified the foreign terrorists in the country, most of whom are Indonesians and Malaysians. Others came from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

On Thursday, Año said that some

Humanitarian...

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Already in the first week, the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross distributed two-week food rations, household and hygiene items for the displaced people in Saguiaran, including those staying with relatives.

Over the last four weeks, the ICRC has delivered large quantities of medical supplies to rural health units and hospitals in the region that were overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people.

Anti-fake...

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published or posted on social media is self-regulation through and information and education campaign,” Arao said.

Villanueva’s bill aims to punish violators who spread fake news with a hefty penalty depending on the na-

Peace...

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Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee was recently deposited in The Netherlands, government negotiators said Friday.

Government peace negotiator Angela Librado-Trinidad said the list, encrypted in USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash disks and a back-up security drive and locked in a safety deposit box, contains photographs and the real identities of

40 foreign terrorists are already in the country with the numbers expected to rise in the coming months.

Año, who is also the martial law administrator, said as ISIS fighters face defeat in Mosul in Iraq, they are expected to head to Asia, particularly to the Philippines.

Also on Friday, the Justice Department filed before the Cagayan De Oro Regional Trial Court a case for rebellion against three suspected members of the Maute terrorist group arrested in Iloilo last Sunday.

In an amended information made public Friday, the department charged Aljadid Pangompig Romato alias Hadid, Faridah Pangompig Romato alias Faridah Serad and Abdulrahman

Together, PRC volunteers and ICRC specialists continue to address water and sanitation issues in the Saguiaran evacuation center.

“Our situation inside the evacuation center is not easy―it’s humid during the day but it’s too cold at night,” Casamudin Riga, a 51-year-old trader from Marinaut village in Marawi, said.

“As evacuees, we don’t have much choice. I’m just grateful because at least my family is complete and we’re safe. We hope that we can return to our homes soon and start again.”

In the first week of the clashes, the ICRC also tried to intervene for the safe evacuation of civil-

ture of crime committed, while public officials facing stiffer penalties.

Villanueva expressed alarm over Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II’s false claim linking several opposition lawmakers to the conflict in Marawi City, and the spread of false information about the Marawi situation.

“The problem of fake news is not an issue of a court of law, but a court

the rebel consultants who are still underground.

Aside from Librado-Trinidad, former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza from the GRP panel likewise joined the depositing of the JASIG list, along with NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili and senior adviser Luis Jalandoni.

Morales was held on May 12 at a military checkpoint together with Salinas.

The bishop claimed he did not know Salinas who flagged him down and asked for a ride, and several weeks before the

D. Serad alias Serad, Abdul Raman Dimakuta with rebellion.

The three accused were arrested Sunday while on board a 2GO vessel in the port of Iloilo reportedly bound for Manila.

Authorities confiscated two pieces of non-electric blasting caps, 3.5 meters of detonating cords and 1.5 meters time fuse and components of improvised explosive device.

The special panel of prosecutors created by the Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II recommended the indictment the three underwent an inquest proceeding Thursday.

Two panels of prosecutors have been tasked to handle the cases against members of the Maute group.

With Rey E. Requejo

ians trapped by the fighting.

However, due to the deteriorating security situation, a humanitarian ceasefire had not been possible.

“We are extremely worried about those who are still trapped in Marawi and continue to urge all parties to the conflict to allow them to leave the area safely. We hope the fighting will end soon,” Petronio said.

The ICRC also continues to followup on the conduct of hostilities and the treatment of civilians and of the people detained in relation to the conflict.

With Sandy Araneta

of public opinion,” Arao said.

“As far as newspapering or the social media platform is concerned, the answer is self-regulation.”

Also on Friday, Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson denied that she herself was a purveyor of fake news.

In a television interview, Uson said she double-checks her facts in her controversial posts and “gets the

canceled fifth round of peace talks in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Morales told police investigators he just took pity on Salinas, who was carrying several bags.

Bello told the Justice Department that priests and bishops of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente had been “assisting the government in its peace efforts and initiatives especially in facilitating the release of captured soldiers and military officers or members of law enforcement agencies.

He said another prelate of the IFI,

news right on the spot.”

“First, I have all the numbers of the Cabinet members, and the no. 1 on my list is DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello and if there is an announcement about our OFWs, like the one that happened in Doha, I can talk to him personally. I also double check,” she said in Filipino.

“The purpose of fake news is to deceive, and I haven’t done that.”

Bishop Felixberto Calang, had been actively participating in the GRP-NDF negotiations in Europe as an independent observer.

On several occasions, Calang served as third- party facilitator in the release of government soldiers and policemen captured by rebels belonging to the New People’s Army, the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The Philippine government and the NDF have resumed their peace negotiations under the Duterte administration after these collapsed in 2011.

All-Moro...

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conflicting tracts in the separate

peace process involving the MILF and the MNLF of brother Nur Misuari, and their concomitant complexities apropos convergence―we are determined immediately to convene, with the official blessings of the President, the All-Moro Convention to expedite inclusivity or the participation of all sectors of the Bangsamoro,” Alonto said.

The former Marawi city mayor and MNLF leader said the convergence of the two separate peace tracks in the Bangsamoro peace accords would be beneficial should the government proceed with its plan to form a federal type of government for Mindanao.

“The All-Moro Convention will prepare the common Moro platform in the form of a proposed consolidated and comprehensive Moro law based on consensus, inclusivity and convergence in line and in preparation for federalism, which the Convention will submit to the Constitutional Commission that will prepare the draft of the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Philippines,” Alonto said.

The MILF has finished its draft for its Bangsamoro Basic Law through the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and it is up for Duterte’s signature before being sent to Congress.

The administration, meanwhile, is engaging with the MNLF through a separate fiveman panel, which has yet to lay down their proposals for the intended Bangsamoro federal region.

Duterte had earlier said that Misuari was not receptive to joining the MILF-led BTC due to their differences, but had expressed willingness to work with the new government.

Alonto, however, who leads a separate MNLF faction, said the Marawi tragedy should propel Moro groups to look at the merits of federalism as proposed by Duterte, who is trying to address the failed peace process in the previous administrations.

‘Kill...

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Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander and martial law spokesman Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay described the BIFF’s threat as a “desperate pronouncement” after they were pushed back by the military.

“Desperate because what happened in Pigcawayan recently was somehow a diversionary attack resulting from the major setbacks they have been experiencing in their stronghold in Maguindanao, specifically the SPMS box, because our forces there have intensified their operations against the BIFF,” Gapay said.

SPMS box refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona in Maguindanao, where the BIFF operates.

Abella said the BIFF rebels could not harm Duterte.

“They can’t carry out attacks against Duterte],” Abella said.

“The local Muslim community, the Maranaos especially, do not want this… These are isolated groups that are brilliant in media manipulation ... but they do not have the necessary support coming from the ground.”

Amid the threats, the military said the Presidential Security Group had made some adjustments from time to time to ensure Duterte’s safety.

“Every engagement is a different one so it depends on the area of engagement. They have to make adjustments,” Gapay said.

He said the BIFF likely had a “technical alliance” with the Maute group that wreaked havoc in Marawi City.

He insisted that the incident remained isolated and not a spillover as Duterte had earlier warned.

“As far as tactical alliance is concerned, that is very possible and we have seen that in some operations wherein BIFF fighters are sending augmentation to not just Maute but also other local terrorist groups in the country,” Gapay said.

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Million-tree challenge tops target —MWSS

A MILLION TREES. Representatives from participating agencies show their pledge of commitment to the Annual Million Tree Challenge, a reforestation project of MWSS. They

are (standing, from left) PWWA president Eulogio Agatep, representatives from DENR-NCR and DENR-Region IVA; Manila Water president and CEO Ferdinand dela Cruz; ABSCBN Bantay Kalikasan managing director Susan Bautista-Afan; MWSS Administrator Rey Velasco; Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez, MWSS-RO chief regulator Joel C. Yu, Communications Consultant Melandrew Velasco as representative to the Department of Education; representative from General Nakar, Quezon. (Seated, from left to right): representative from San Miguel Corporation; UP Mountaineers vice-president Patricia Carmela Pangatungan; representative from the DENR-NGP; Media Touchstone Ventures Inc. VP for Operations Michelle C. Manuel as representative to the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines; and World Wide Fund (WWF) president and CEO Jose Angelito Palma.

National ID system bill passage sought A DUTERTE ally in the House of Representatives on Friday said Congress has readied the needed funding requirement once the proposed measure establishing the Filipino Identification System (FilSys) is enacted.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, said it is high time that Congress approved the national ID system.

He said terrorism has become the biggest threat to national and global security and so the government must have the tools to distinguish law abiding citizens from lawless elements—by having every Filipino citizen a national ID. “There should no longer be a reason to delay the passage of the National ID system. We have enough funds to make it happen. We already passed it in the committee on appropriations which I chair,” said Nograles as he expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would soon debate and pass the measure in plenary.

“I am confident that after the House passage, the measure would be able to gain enough support in the Senate. We want to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism and criminality,” Nograles said.

Nograles said that the FilSys would be machine-readable identification cards which could contain multiple data which can be used not just for identification but also for other government transactions. It can be used as a social security card, a tax information card, health card and other government-issued identification cards.

He added that through FilSys, the government will be saving millions of pesos that are spent in the production of different types of cards.

“Unlike before, identification cards can now be embedded with digital chips so instead of having too many cards, a person would need a single card for all his government transactions because all the needed information can be stored there.

It is cheaper and definitely more convenient for both the government and our citizenry,” Nograles said.

At the same time, Nograles also agreed with President Duterte’s observation that it is easier to fight and defeat Islamic extremism in Mindanao through federalism. He said he believes the move to amend the Constitution and pursue and federal system of government will go full blast after the president delivers his State of the Nation Address.

Maricel V. Cruz

Lawmakers urge banks to protect depositors M

By Maricel V. Cruz

EMBERS of the House of Representatives’ committee on banks and financial intermediaries chaired by Rep. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar are pushing for a stronger and ample security and protection for bank depositors following the Bank of the Philippine Islands data processing error and alleged skimming of automated teller machine (ATM) deposit accounts of Banco de Oro Unibank.

This came after the Evardone panel conducted a probe into the system glitch encountered by the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Ako Bicol party-list Reps. Alfredo Garbin and Christopher Co earlier filed a resolution to determine the root cause of the BPI computer glitch and come up with the needed safeguards in order to prevent such incidents from happening again not only in BPI but

in other banks and financial institutions.

Evardone said the House under the stewardship of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez initiated a congressional probe into the incident to protect the consumers, especially the depositors, and the banking industry.

Evardone said the objective of the inquiry is to help stabilize, uphold, and promote the interests

of the depositors and the banking industry.

During the hearing Thursday, BPI officials led by its president and chief executive officer Cezar Consing explained that the “data processing error” which happened last June 7 and 8, 2017 was due to human error and not hacking.

The bank official apologized over the incident and assured the lawmakers and the public that the bank is doing everything to prevent such incident from happening again.

The BPI officials also clarified that the reported millions or billions in account postings was only a hoax.

Rep. Edgar Sarmiento of Samar said that there should be a “safety net” and “check system” within the BPI after learning from bank officials that there are only two persons who are entrusted to handle the bank’s programming system.

Sarmiento asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to be on top of the situation and expressed hope the BSP would ably exercise its regulatory power over the banking industry.

Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. of Negros Oriental lamented that the BPI is entrusting the fate of millions of its depositors in the hands of only two people.

“Human error is not a glitch and that the bank’s system may not be safe since it could be circumvented by human intervention,” Teves said.

Teves asked BPI officials to look into reports that unscrupulous individuals are in collusion with BPI personnel in committing bank skimming and other bank theft.

Rep. Gus Tambunting of Parañaque City) also urged the BPI to provide safeguards so that the depositors’ hard-earned money is not lost.

Tambunting said that depositors, especially the ordinary ones, do not keep a record of their ATM transactions.

Rep. Harry Roque of Kabayan party-list, a BPI depositor, said he lost P10,000 as a result of the system error. But Roque said his “lost” money has already been restored in his account per the advice of his bank manager.

ON THE eve of Arbor Day and to cap the Environment Month, the Annual Million Tree Challenge, a reforestation project of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, has surpassed its one-million target on its maiden year as multisectoral stakeholders pledged some 1.8 million trees during the kickoff launch at Ipo Dam on June 23, 2017.

“This Annual One-Million Tree Challenge serves as a way to protect our six targetted watersheds namely La Mesa, Ipo, Angat, Umiray, Laguna Lake and Marikina River,” said MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco. “But this can’t be done over five years. We are hopeful that through this noble project and the steady support of everyone particularly our three concessionaires—Maynilad, Manila Water and Bulacan Bulk Water—we will be able to protect our vital water sources, prevent flooding and mitigate other natural disasters.”

The MWSS annual million tree challenge is aimed at planting million trees in five years under the Duterte administration.

Two weeks ago, the project had an initial pledge of 1,050,000 trees but is now close to two million committed trees for this year alone.

Present at the kick-off event on Friday were Manila Water President Ferdinand M. De La Cruz, Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez, MWSSRO Chief Regulator Joel C. Yu, ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan managing director Susan Bautista-Afan, Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) president Eulogio Agatep, UP Mountaineers vice-president Patricia Carmela Pangatungan, WWF president and CEO Jose Angelito Palma, and representatives from the DENR-NCR, DENR REG-IV OIC, San Miguel Corporation, Department of Education, and Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines.

The Department of Natural Resources National Greening Program through Regional Director Millia—which originally committed 66,000 trees —upped the agency’s share to 500,000 trees, and San Miguel Corporation through Bulacan Bulk Water with initial commitment of 100,000 trees added 200,00 more trees to be planted for a total of 300,000 trees.

PHA member-doctors back ‘asin’ bill 7 nominees

By Rio N. Araja DOCTORS belonging to the Philippine Heart Association have thrown their fully support to the proposed “asin” tax.

In an interview, incoming PHA president Jorge Sison of the Manila Medical Center said too much salt is bad to one’s health.

He said they welcome the proposed bill to impose tax on salted products in excess of the allowed daily salt intake as part of a health measure.

Meanwhile, Ronald Cuyco, a newly elected PHA board of director and a specialist in echocardiography discipline at the Philippine Heart Center, said many of the processed food has salt content not good to one’s heart, kidney and blood pressure.

“The government through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. has been spending too much money for the health-care and treatment

of its members. “Asin” tax could be a preventive measure.”

“The bill is right. But we have to calibrate our action so as not to affect the poor sector,” Cuyco said.

Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete filed House Bill No. 3719 seeking to impose a P1 tax for “every milligram of sodium in excess of one-third to the allowable daily intake of sodium chloride” as prescribed by the Department of Health. He said salt was a silent killer that could trigger higher blood pressure.

Meanwhile, PHA welcomed Sison to head the organization.

He will replace outgoing PHA president Raul Lapitan on July 1.

Sison vowed to focus on the agenda to transform the PHA into a league of advocates, a hub for cardiovascular research and a socially relevant PHA. “The cardiologist’s role is not only to treat cardiovascular diseases but to prevent them,” he said.

TIMELY HELP. Medical responders from MMDA and Philippine Red Cross try to remove under a car a forwarder messenger identified as Benjoe Palarca who was hit by a private vehicle along the service road in Roxas Boulevard near the US Embassy on Friday. Palarca suffered a leg fracture and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Norman Cruz

shortlisted

by JBC for SC vacancy

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Judicial and Bar Council has submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte a shortlist of seven nominees to replace Supreme Court vice Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes who will retire on July 6.

In its session on Friday, the seven-member council voted to endorse to the President the nomination of six Court of Appeals justices and an academician for an SC post.

Those who made it to the shortlist include CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr., CA Associate Justices Rosmari Carandang, Jose Reyes Jr., Apolinario Bruselas, Japar Dimaampao and Amy Lazaro-Javier and Centro Escolar University School of Law and Jurisprudence Associate Dean Rita Linda Jimeno.

The voting took place after the JBC conducted public interviews last Monday of eight of the 12 aspirants where they were asked to answer questions relevant to the burning issues of today, about their knowledge of law and jurisprudence, as well as personal circumstances.

Under the Constitution, the President has 90 days from the time of vacancy to make his third appointment in the SC.

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Hard talk

S

ENATOR Antonio Trillanes’ unfortunate appearance on the BBC show HARDtalk this week tells us a few things about the difference between talking with conviction and talking, period.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, his supposed involvement in the Davao Death Squad as alleged by a self-confessed killer, the crisis in Marawi City, martial law, and Trillanes’ experience as a coup plotter twice over.

At one point, the host, Stephen Sackur, asked Trillanes if he was a democrat—meaning, if he was committed to democracy—but looked frustrated when the senator talked instead about his party affiliations. We all know these don’t mean anything in this part of the world.

Sackur stated his observations

about the Philippine situation, after which he asked Trillanes to react to them. For instance, the former noted Filipinos must really prefer to be governed by an iron fist. Mr. Duterte had always talked menacingly about what he intended to do about drug pushers, drug addicts and other criminals.

And yet he won the presidency, and one year into the job continues to enjoy high popularity among the people.

Not for long, Trillanes warned.

He said the only reason Mr. Duterte remains popular is his efficient propaganda machine. People would soon see through this, and the numbers would slip.

As for the campaign against illegal drugs, Trillanes said the drug of choice among Filipinos was marijuana, and not shabu, and that the numbers were high in Metro Manila but not nationwide.

“He created his own crisis,” he said of the President.

Sackur said he was perplexed why Trillanes would give so much faith to the testimony of Arturo Lascañas, who has confessed to killings through his membership in the deadly squad. Trillanes did not deny that he helped secure Lascañas at the time of the Senate hearings. Now Lascañas is a fugitive.

He does not believe martial law is a cure to the problem in Marawi; enhanced military intelligence is.

And when Sackur brought up the issue of his two attempts to topple a government, Trillanes said there were remedies now—as if these remedies had not always

been there during his more adventurous days.

Finally, he called the President an anomaly and said the economy was growing respectably in spite of him, not because of him.

Sackur may have been right to describe Trillanes as one of Mr. Duterte’s fiercest critics. What he missed was the fact that not all critics are created equal.

There are legitimate critics, and their voices must be heard as they point out the numerous weaknesses and excesses of the Duterte administration. They focus on acts, statements and decisions, and not the personalities who make them. They do not stop at criticizing; they propose solutions and offer to help.

Indeed, many answers are demanded of Mr. Duterte as he deals with several crises in his one-year-old administration. His

mindset, words and demeanor still lack presidential quality. He is too lenient with select members of his team, rewarding them instead of sacking them, for bungling the job.

Trillanes, however, is never the right person to criticize anybody.

He carries too much baggage and questionable intentions. That perpetual scowl on his face is a giveaway to the fact that he will never find anything positive about anyone he has branded as an enemy.

It is good to disagree and to talk tough to each other as the situation requires. Trillanes’ brand of hard talk, however—unfounded, unyielding and utterly embarrassing—has no place in constructive conversation.

It was painful to watch that interview, but even more devastating to be reminded we pay Trillanes for doing what he does.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Separation of powers

alized because of this.

While some would say that LGBT persons are already accepted in our society as manifested by the fact that more and more are coming out, I would say that no, we are far from being accepting. Rather, at this point, the most that can be said is that we are becoming more tolerant.

Being politically correct in relation with the LGBT community is not easy basically because we need to unlearn many things besides learning new ones. Struggling against heterosexism and stereotyping people is not easy. This is similar to the women’s struggle which, up to now, is still being waged. Wanting to be PC, to be inclusive and non-discriminatory is also a process. And sometimes, there will be lapses.

I came across an article of apology written by Esquire Magazine because of a piece it published on the purposive

STUDENTS of basic political science are taught that in a government system patterned after the American model, and the one in the Philippines is an example, power is divided among three branches of government—the executive, the legislative, and the judicial departments. As the traditional explanation has it, the executive enforces the law, the legislature enacts laws and repeals them, and the judiciary interprets the law.

The principle behind this division of power among these three departments is called “separation of powers.” Each department is a co-equal branch, supreme in its own sphere and independent of the other two. That notwithstanding, because they are parts of a whole, each co-equal department is a coordinate branch, which must work together in order to carry out the objectives of the Constitution—the charter which created them in the first place.

Separation of powers suggest checks and balances.

Each department must check each other so that no abuses are committed by any branch.

In the American context, the separation of powers among three departments of government was conceived by the drafters of the Constitution of the United States primarily to see to it that no single branch of government gets to be too powerful. In the same context, when one branch of the government gets too powerful, the two other departments must step in and dilute the excess or abusive exercise of power by the over-zealous branch.

To repeat, separation of powers requires each branch to observe due courtesy to each other. This means that one department of the government cannot order the other branches around, in the absence of any mandate from the Constitution to do otherwise.

The recent controversy involving the House of Representatives and a division of

Turn to A5

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Political Correctness 101 POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO WORDS have power, and by your words you shall be known.

This is some sort of a motto that I personally subscribe to. Simply put, we have to be careful with what we say. Our words reveal the kind of person we are.

Our words define us.

In the old days, we were thought to be polite and respectful to people from childhood.

Remember the subject, Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) from grade school?

We were drilled in the definitions of virtues like honesty, courtesy, punctuality, humility, patience, being respectful, etc. We were taught how to act and what to say in various situations. We were molded to be decent persons.

I do not know if GMRC is still

taught in schools but the lack of good manners has become noticeable more and more in everyday situations and in people’s manner of speaking. The thing is, good conduct should not go out of style.

Outside of the basic GMRC, nowadays, we are also expected to be politically correct, or PC. The term “political correctness” is used to describe the avoidance of language and actions that are seen as excluding, marginalizing, or insulting groups of people who are considered as disadvantaged or discriminated against.

Being politically correct has to do with respect for human rights.

It goes against discrimination and marginalization on the basis of distinctions such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender orientation or identity, and disability. The basic premise is that all persons, no matter their stations in life are equal and possess the same rights and freedoms as others.

Being PC requires that we are mindful of our words precisely because words we use reflect how we regard others. They reveal our biases, and thus, discriminate against others. For instance, the word “man” was used in the old days to refer to both men and women. Remember the term, “equality for all men”? This was so because during those days, women were only appendages, some say, properties of men. Women did not count. The justification that men already included women is no longer acceptable. Doing this does not only make women invisible, but also implies that the standard for being a human being is being male.

Thus, gender-neutral terms replaced many words. The “man” in many terms was replaced by “person” or another word. Thus, chairman became chairperson, utility man is utility person, fireman is firefighter, etc. This is in recognition of the fact that women can occupy

positions, and do jobs that used to be exclusively reserved for men—that women are equal with men. This is an example of being PC. Some would say that this is unimportant and I would disagree. Words reinforce our values, our belief systems.

One reason why discrimination persists is because of language, the words we use. If we keep on using discriminatory terms, people believe, and marginalization continues.

Being PC is dwelling not on distinctions between people but the acceptance that we are all equal persons.

A group of people that is commonly discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression is the LGBT community—lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons. Many people still consider the LGBT as not normal, and therefore, “lesser” persons and they are margin-

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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ManilaStandard

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

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Managing Editor Associate Editors City Editor Opinion Editor

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Night Editor Art Director Chief Photographer

Opinion

WHEN some ingratiating lackeys invited the US Special Forces to help us during the siege of Marawi City, this column made a prediction that the country would be in for a long haul in combating Islamic terrorism. It was not a guess but a dreadful premonition.

Thus, when it came to the knowledge of the terrorists that the US has officially joined the war, that gave the Maute and its ISIS confederates reason to create a diversionary tactic to prolong the conflict and make it more bloody and costly for President Duterte and to our patriotic soldiers.

Evidence has been piling up that the US is engaged in a double-dealing game of openly fighting against Islamic terrorism but covertly supporting it. Notably, US involvement has always been confined to securing the arrest, dead or alive, of terrorists that crossed the red line of kidnapping and killing (beheading) Americans citizens like the costly mission to get Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman in May 2015.

Outside of that framework, the US remains open to anybody willing to buy arms.

In fact, it tried to cover up its participation in bagging the two terrorists. Even if our SAF were successful in getting Marwan and Basit, we nonetheless paid a costly price because 44 of our men were killed.

Accordingly, the firefight lasted for ten hours and the ewan-ko-ba President just waited for inst r uctions, probably from US officials overseeing the operations. Some say Noynoy was watching the beleaguered SAF desperately holding on to their position in “real time” because US drone in the area was monitoring the fight. Whatever one says, the fact is that 44 SAF members were killed because of the $5-million bounty for Marwan and $2 million for Basit.

The decision of Noynoy not to prosecute the killers or even point the blame to the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front told us that his policy was what the US wanted him to do. Some political analysts are even of the belief that the problem that has spilled over to our country has nothing to do with ideology. Instead it is caused by the need to sustain the sagging US economy considered to be on the verge of collapse. The US is using the historical enmity between Christians and Muslims to fuel a continuing war in what Professor Samuel Huntington called “Clash of Civilization.”

The situation now in Marawi City is no different. US participation is without the permission of President Duterte. What is strange is, as soon as it became clear to the terrorists that US Special Forces are present and giving their technical support to our soldiers, they opened a new front. Later they launched an attack in North Cotabato. The attack was initiated by elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

There is much evidence to support this theory. After the collapse of communist bloc, the merchants of war have to look for another enemy to sustain their business. Fervor and ignorance make many Muslims ideal disposable soldiers. Where there is conflict, Wall Street and the US mili-

tary industrial complex see an opportunity to make money, and money serves to cover the deep crevice caused by increasing foreign debt, continuing erosion in the value of the US dollar, widening trade deficit and an overall decline trade dominance.

The US today is the only country that relies on arms sales to prop-up its receding global economic dominance that unavoidably would require the maintenance of a big and strong armed forces. It is the number-one trader of arms to the leading autocratic and barbaric governments known to openly support international terrorism to advance one fanatical variety of Islam known as Wahhabism. It is paradoxical for while Saudi Arabia is America’s number one buyer of arms, the US is spending much to maintain the military superiority of another barbaric state—Israel.

In the post-Cold War era, the ideology that was committed to waging “wars for national liberation” was substituted by theocratic ideology led by bigoted religious leaders bent on restoring a caliphate. It is this intensifying religious war of attrition that the US has been exploiting to sustain the need for arms. The only drawback is that both sides are so obfuscated in their hatred that they could no longer see that the US is making profit out of the lives and blood of their children.

For instance, events in Syria are telling that the US is openly supporting ISIS and Jabhat al Nusra against the government of Bashir al-Assad in Syria. The US downing of a Syrian Su-22 fighter-bomber on mission to bomb ISIS position in Tabqah is more than enough to remind us of the danger in seeking US assistance. All attempts to prevent Syrian planes from bombing ISIS positions is to write on the wall that US planes will provide air cover to terrorist lairs in Syria and is determined to secure their supply lines.

The US defense that the downing of the Syrian jet was an act of self-defense is preposterous and just crazy. How could the US raise that when it has no right to be there as it was not invited by the legitimate and sovereign Syrian government? The situation has reached a critical level that Russia has to cancel all agreements on military cooperation with the US in Syria.

The same possibility could happen here. The entry of the US gave it a bargaining leverage to derail President Duterte’s much talked-about independent foreign policy.

Given this situation, we can conclude that the conflict in Mindanao is an extension of the business of war the US has been promoting—one that pits Muslims against Muslims.

It is a transaction of guns for oil. As trader, the US does not question the religious affiliation of its buyer, but only asks if it has the money. This explains why US arms sales end up as the standard weapons for both the MNLF and MILF. Although the MILF has been fragmented into several factions sporting different names, they remain one and committed to creating an Islamic state dominated by Sunni followers and ideologically guided by those autocrats in Saudi Arabia.

US participation does not enjoy the permission of President Duterte.

rpkapunan@gmail.com

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The new martial law

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

In for the long haul

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

AT THE resumption of the Supreme Court oral arguments on the declaration of martial law last June 14, Wednesday, Solicitor General Jose Calida argued the case for the government—that President Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 was constitutional and in conformity with the constitutional requirements.

At the start, Calida gave a short narrative of the events that led to the issuance of this Proclamation placing the entire Mindanao under martial law. He proposed that if there is sufficient factual basis to declare martial law then it cannot be said that the President acted with grave abuse of discretion; that the burden is on the petitioner, not the respondent, to prove that there is insufficient factual basis for such declaration. He argued that the clashes between the Maute Group and the government point to the existence of rebellion which endanger public safety. These attacks by the rebels do not only occur in Marawi but also in other parts of Mindanao, he said.

Justice Mariano del Castillo asked: What is so fearsome about martial law, and why not just invoke the calling-out powers of the President? Calida said that in the President’s judgment martial law was the necessary tool to quell the rebellion. To the question by Del Castillo that the military was caught by surprise by the Maute attack, Calida answered that intelligence gathering is not perfect. He also said that there are linkages among the terror groups all around Mindanao. This warrants the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao.

Justice Antonio Carpio asked if there is any report that Maute have staged rebellion in other areas of Mindanao. Calida said that the terrorist group

Separation...

From A4

the Court of Appeals invites a discussion of the principle of separation of powers.

It will be recalled that six officials of the Ilocos Norte provincial government were summoned by the House to appear before an inquiry into the alleged anomalous purchase of vehicles in the amount of P66.45 million. As expected, the provincial officials appeared at the House inquiry.

When the six officials refused to answer questions from the panel, they were cited in contempt and ordered detained

by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Thus, they were detained beginning May 29.

The six officials questioned their detention by filing a petition for habeas corpus in the Court of Appeals. On June 9, the special fourth division of the appellate court, composed of Justices Stephen Cruz, Edwin Sorongon, and Nina Antonino-Valenzuela, ordered the release of the provincial officials provided that they post bail. The House refused to comply with the order of the appellate court.

Political...

From A4

change of name of transgender man international artist formerly known as Charice Pempengco to Jake Zyrus. Esquire thought the piece was funny but many netizens called them out on this. This piece has

had capability to sow terror in other parts of the island.

Carpio however that rebellion requires actual rebellion—not merely capability.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said that in declaring martial law, the legal standards must be made known. What are the parameters of the powers in the exercise thereof; that the factual basis must have connection with the necessity.

Calida, citing the constitutional provision, stated on the other hand that the Court may only review the factual basis but not the necessity for declaring. The chief justice, however , citing the constitutional provision, emphasized the phrase “when public safety requires it” which makes necessity, other than factual basis, reviewable by the court.

For his part, Justice Marvic Leonen explained that just possession of the flag with the Arabic script known as the Shebab in itself is not conclusive proof that it belongs to ISIS. In fact, Maute can be a criminal group pretending to be affiliated with ISIS. He said that it is possible that what happened in Marawi is simply “pintakasi” because the firefight was initiated by the military when they tried to arrest Isnilon Hapilon.

He asked Calida whether it is possible for ISIS conduit terror group to establish a caliphate in Southern Mindanao, to which the former answered in the affirmative. Leonen, however, mentioned a security expert saying that it is not possible because of ideological disharmony.

According to Justice Leonen, the problem in Marawi must be seen from the lens of the Islamic faith. Leonen then gave a discourse on the different Muslim sects particularly the difference between Sunni and Shia to be able to determine whether the Maute-ISIS are real or mere pretenders. So, according to Leonen, the propaganda of the Maute should be taken with a grain of salt, that is, the government should not take the raising of the ISIS

flag hook line and sinker. He said that the proclamation of martial law may only be a reaction to the government’s failure of intelligence. He also draws attention to a name referred to as “boy” and “baby” contained in Arrest Order No. 1 which could mean that any person bearing these names could be arrested. He likewise scrutinized other official documents, including General Order No. 1, issued by the government after the declaration of martial law.

The most telling, and probably the most important exchange in the oral arguments was between the Solicitor General and Justice Carpio. The former asked: What are the powers of the President under martial law vis-à-vis callingout powers? If my readers recall the first column of this series, I pointed out the distinction between these two commander-in-chief powers in terms of when they can be used. Carpio explained to Calida that martial law in fact does not really confer new powers to the president that he does not yet possess. To the surprise of many, Calida agreed and even described martial law as calling-out powers “with an exclamation point” or “in steroids.”

He recalled the latter description after Chief Justice Sereno reminded him that steroids have proven to cause long damage to the health of people who abuse them.

This exchange affirmed the proposition that I have been arguing for weeks now, that martial law has been sanitized by the 1987 Constitution. Historically, this was a power granted to the President during the war with the US colonizers using the power against Philippine insurgents in the PhilippineAmerican war early in the 20th century. The 1935 constitutional convention put it in as the delegates anticipated World War II and to counter the threat of communist insurrection.

Ferdinand Marcos, however, twisted it and used martial law to establish a dictatorship, pur-

portedly to build a new society but really just to stay in power and for him and his cronies to plunder our economy. The 1987 Constitutional Commission, after debating whether martial law should even be a power granted again to a President, decided to compromise and allowed such power but sanitized so never again would we have a Marcos. Thus, martial law cannot abolish legislative councils, derogate the Bill of Rights, supplant civil courts, and replace local governments.

This is the genius of the framers of the 1987 Constitution: in defanging martial law, it reduced the power and made it equivalent to the calling-out power which allows the President to order the Armed Forces of the Philippines to suppress lawless violence.

Indeed, all the actions of the President and the military to address the Marawi crisis does not require martial law.

Martial law’s impact, as Calida himself says, is psychological rather than legal. This is not to say it has no impact on real lives: for those in war zones, in urban poor areas, and in rural areas, armed groups always pose a threat to the security of individuals and communities. Martial law enhances that threat and makes the military more intimidating. In Marawi, that might be welcome, but in other places, where there is conflict because of social injustice, martial law can lead to abuse of power.

The new martial law has no legal consequences but it does have real outcomes. The terrorists in Marawi seem to be liking it, basking in the international attention and recognition they are getting. Civilians in Mindanao both welcome and are threatened by it. We will see in the days ahead, especially if it is extended to the whole country, whether this new martial law is good or bad for the country.

Several days ago, a furious Alvarez denounced the order of the Court of Appeals on the ground that the appellate court has no jurisdiction over the House of Representatives. He also threatened to dissolve the appellate court and to pursue the disbarment of the three justices.

Alvarez lamented that the Court of Appeals is not coequal to Congress, and precisely for that reason, the appellate court cannot issue orders to the House. He emphasized that the Court of Appeals is not even mentioned in the Constitution, and is merely a creation of law.

In that regard, Alvarez threatened to dissolve the appellate court, apparently by legislating it out of existence.

The speaker also said that Justice Valenzuela should have inhibited herself out of delicadeza because she used to be an associate in the law firm of Estelito Mendoza, a lawyer of one of the provincial officials.

For those who are not in the know, Mendoza is a high-end lawyer whose clientele include the rich and the powerful. He was also the solicitor general during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos.

As solicitor general, Mendoza

defended the martial law edicts of President Marcos.

So far, the three justices of the Court of Appeals who issued the controversial order have not commented on the matter.

From all indications, Speaker Alvarez has enough grounds to say that the Court of Appeals is not a co-equal body of the House, precisely because it was not created by the Constitution but by a legislative act back in 1935. This explains his resistance.

Pursuant to the principle of separation of powers and the traditional courtesies that go with it, legal disputes at the highest levels of government, particularly when the President of the Philippines or Congress is directly involved, should be within the exclusive domain of the Supreme Court.

Since the issue in the habeas corpus petition of the provincial officials is purely a legal question—the legality of their detention for contempt of the House—the petition should have been filed directly with the Supreme Court and not with the Court of Appeals.

Under Section 5, Article VIII of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction

over habeas corpus cases, and in cases where only a question of law is involved. More importantly, it is a co-equal branch of Congress.

The dissolution of the Court of Appeals threatened by Speaker Alvarez is another matter. Under Section 2, Article VIII of the Constitution, Congress is prohibited from enacting any law reorganizing the judiciary when such law undermines the security of tenure of judges and justices.

Thus, if the law contemplated

by Alvarez is for the sole purpose of getting rid of the Court of Appeals, that law is bound to be challenged on constitutional grounds.

As to the plan of Speaker Alvarez to cause the disbarment of the justices of the Court of Appeals involved in the controversial order, pursuing that is his prerogative, but the ultimate authority on the fate of the justices concerned is the Supreme Court. At any rate, if Alvarez files disbarment charges against the three appellate court justices, the ensuing proceedings will be the right forum for the three justices to explain the reasons for the issuance of the controversial directive.

since been taken down and the magazine published “We Were Wrong to Make Fun of Jake Zyrus, and We’re Sorry.” This piece is not only a very decent apology, it is also educational and must be read by everybody.

The first article was not politically correct and the people behind it, the whole magazine even, saw and admitted

the lapse in judgment on their part. Apologizing when one has committed a mistake, or a wrongdoing though not intentional, is not easy. However, being able to own up and mean it shows strength of character. Esquire should be lauded for doing this and more importantly, for meaning and wanting to be politically correct.

If we believe in human rights and equality, we must choose our words. Our words have power—they can discriminate against, or empower, others. Let us choose the latter.

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Republic of the Philippines StandardENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

TODAY

News

A6

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VlSAYAS-MINDANAO INTERCONNECTION PROJECT, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY, ERC CASE NO. 2017-034 RC NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Applicant.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 22 April 2017, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed an Application seeking the Commission’s approval of its Visayas - Mindanao interconnection project, including therein a prayer for provisional authority.

In the said Application, Applicant alleged the following: THE APPLICANT 1. NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANS CO) pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPlRA). NGCP was also granted by Congress the franchise under R.A. No. 9511 to operate, manage, and maintain the nationwide transmission system of the Republic of the Philippines.

STATEMENT OF THE CASE 2. One of NGCP’s functions and responsibilities enumerated in Section 9 of the EPIRA is to improve and expand its transmission facilities, consistent with the Philippine Grid Code and the Transmission Development Plan (TDP), to adequately serve generation companies, distribution utilities and suppliers requiring transmission service and/or ancillary services through the transmission system: Provided, That NGCP shall submit any plan for expansion or improvement of its facilities for approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission. Also, pursuant to its franchise, NGCP is authorized to construct, install, finance, manage, improve, expand, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, repair and refurbish the present nationwide transmission system.

3. Pursuant thereto, on 13 November 2015, NGCP filed an Application before the Honorable Commission, docketed as ERC Case No. 2015-201RC, seeking authority to conduct a desktop study and hydrographic survey for the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project via the western route. With the provisional authority issued by the Honorable Commission through its Order dated 21 January 2016, NGCP conducted the survey that confirmed a feasible interconnection route.

4. To finally complete the interconnection of Visayas and Mindanao Grids that: (i) will allow excess generation in one grid to be exported to another; (ii) promote competition in the electricity market nationwide through the electricity market; and (iii) aid the Visayas Grid during peak intervals when the solar plants are not delivering power, NGCP seeks the immediate approval of this application to implement the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project (VMIP).

STATEMENT OF FACTS 5. The interconnection of the Visayas and Mindanao Grids was first conceptualized in the early 1980s through the study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Its primary purpose is to ensure reliable power supply among the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids through exporting excess power to areas with deficiency; and maximize the potential generating production capacity of the three grids.

6. In March 2011, the Department of Energy directed NGCP to lead the conduct of the assessment of the interconnection of the Visayas and Mindanao Grids. In 2015, NGCP considered an interconnection through the western route via Zamboanga del Norte to Cebu Island or to Negros Island.

7. The result of the survey shows a favorable route along the Zamboanga del Norte to Cebu Island route because it has low to moderate gradients and mild seawater current. A comprehensive detail of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project is discussed in the Detailed Project Discussion attached as Annex “A.” 8. In addition to the survey, NGCP also examined the supply outlook to determine the capacity that can be exported by the Luzon and Mindanao grids to ease the power deficiency in Visayas. The results are as follows: a. the Luzon Grid will have generation surplus with the committed power plants until 2023 and with the indicative power plants beyond 2030;

Manila deploys 2,400 cops for Eid’l Fitr rites

By Sandy Araneta and Vito Barcelo

MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said a strong contingent of 2,400 policemen have been assigned to protect the city, as well as the prayer rally at Rizal Park that will begin on the evening of June 25, Sunday, up to the morning of June 26, Monday.

“We’re going to secure the prayer activity for our Muslim brothers who will be celebrating the end of Ramadan. We have assigned 2,400 policemen in this activity, to include area and perimeter security and traffic management,” Coronel said.

Of the 2,400 policemen, 500 will specifically secure the Quirino Grandstand and the Golden Mosque in Quiapo.

MPD public information chief Supt. Edwin Margarejo said policemen will be deployed as early as 4 a.m. for the prayers which will start at 5 a.m. and end at 9 a.m.

Plain clothes officers will be deployed as early as Saturday or Sunday to help in intelligence gathering and support special reaction units.

“Influx of religious Muslim personalities are expected to celebrate the festivities and the congressional

M

ANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has ordered the city police to heighten security measures ahead of the Eid’l Fitr festivities this weekend to ward off potential plans by militants to launch attacks on vital facilities in the capital city.

Estrada said he has been assured by the Manila Police District that a sufficient number of police personnel will be assigned to secure the city, particularly on Sunday when Muslims hold an overnight prayer rally at Rizal Park.

“We don’t expect any major security threat in the city but to be sure, we will implement stringent security measures to maintain peace and order,” Estrada said at the sidelines of the awarding ceremonies for outstanding barangay officials at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday.

Estrada said police must remain vigilant throughout the festivities by taking preventive measures and preparing for a quick response should terrorist cells and criminal

organizations make any move.

Malacañang declared June 26, Monday, a regular holiday for Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan fasting month.

Under Republic Act 9177, Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan is a regular holiday throughout the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, said that it is necessary to declare June 26 a regular holiday to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Muslim celebration.

Article 169 of the 1977 Presidential Decree 1083 states that Eid’l Fitr is recognized as one of the legal Muslim holidays.

prayers. We will be deploying more than 500 police personnel,” Margarejo said during a press briefing.

“Aside from that, we will place advanced command posts. We will issue a traffic advisory by Sunday.

We will also deploy ambulance or help units in the area of activities,” Margarejo said.

The MPD expects more than 2,000 people to attend the festivities and congregate at the two venues.

“Last time, more or less, 2,000 participated. So, we expect even more this year,” he said.

The police remain on full alert status, ready to act against any threat although no report of any threat has been received as of this posting.

“We did not receive any, but this will serve as a challenge for the MPD to strengthen the police visibility, target hardening and intelligence gathering,” said Margarejo.

As directed by Estrada, Coronel said the MPD has increased the monitoring of militant groups and has readied its units to counter potential terrorist threats, especially in key locations such as the Quiapo Muslim community, the Grand Mosque, and other places of worship.

b. the Visayas Grid will have a generation deficiency during times where Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) and diesel plants are not generating; c. the Mindanao Grid will have excess generation even during dry season until 2030 with the indicative plants.

9. The deficiency of capacity in Visayas may be supplied by importing power from Luzon and Mindanao. The following are the scenarios simulated until 2025, consistent with the planning horizon of the Transmission Development Plan:

Visayas Deficiency

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

(206)

(278)

(352)

(430)

(510)

(615)

Luzon Maximum Export

100

105

115

140

160

180

Supply Shortfall/Potential Import from Mindanao

106

173

237

290

350

435

Note: All values In the above table are m MW unit .

10. Based on the simulation results, a maximum of 435 MW may be drawn from Mindanao to supply the deficiency in Visayas. Hence, a 450 MW Visayas - Mindanao interconnection capacity is required to provide sufficient supply to Visayas within the planning horizon.

11. With this favorable outcome of the desktop study and hydrographic survey, NGCP evaluated several channels for the interconnection wherein the Cebu (Magdugo Substation) and Zamboanga del Sur (Aurora Substation) with converter stations located in Sibonga, Cebu (Visayas side) and Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur (Mindanao side) option has emerged as the most technically feasible option. Also, the VMIP includes a provision for expansion of up to 900 MW to ensure that its ultimate capacity can be accommodated and integrated with the long term vision for the unification of the Philippine Grid.

THE PROJECT 12. The Project involves the interconnection of Visayas and Mindanao grids via Cebu and Zamboanga. The converter stations in Visayas and Mindanao will be located in Sibonga, Cebu and Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, respectively. The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system will be linked to the existing Alternating Current CAC) system via Magdugo Substation (SS) in Visayas and direct connection to the New Aurora SS in Mindanao.

13. The Project will have the following major project components: a. converter stations (CS), including associated electrode stations and electrode lines in Sibonga, Cebu and Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; b. cable terminal stations (CTS) in Santander, Cebu and Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte; c.expansions in Magdugo SS and New Aurora SS; d. 92-kilometer ±350kV HVDC submarine cable between Santander CTS and Dapitan CTS; e. 50-kilometer ±350 kV HVDC Over Head Transmission Line (OHTL) from Santander CTS to Sibonga CS/SS; f.135-kilometer ±350kV HVDC OHTL from Dapitan CTS to New Aurora CS/SS; and g. new substation in Umapad, Cebu including associated transmission line extensions from Cebu- Lapu Lapu transmission lines; 14. The estimated cost of the project is Fifty One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety six and 70/100 Million Pesos (PhP51,696.70Mn) and is estimated to be completed in forty six (46) months.

Allegations in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Approval 15. The Project is aimed to support the government’s undertaking to establish the unified electricity market in the country.

16. Without the link between the Visayas and Mindanao Grids, the potential energy resources optimization will not be realized and there will be no flexibility in sharing of reserve capacity between major grids. With the establishment of the unified electricity market, the implementation of Project would create a more liberalized, robust, and competitive market for the country.

17. Both the installed capacity mix and energy mix of each major grid as shown in the attachments of the Detailed Project Description, respectively, shows that: Luzon is a coal and natural gas dependent grid; Visayas is a coal and renewable energy dependent grid; while Mindanao is a coal and hydro dependent grid. The differences in the installed capacity mix and in the gross generation mix would provide optimization opportunities in the electricity market in supplying the loads.

18. A copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Engr. Fernando S. Javier, Head of the Mindanao System Planning Division, Transmission Planning Department of NGCP, is hereto attached as Annex “B.” PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, NGCP most respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission: 1. Immediately ISSUE an Order provisionally authorizing the implementation of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project; and 2. APPROVE, after notice and hearing, the Application for the implementation of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project.

NGCP prays for other equitable relief.

The Commission has set the said Application for hearing on the following dates: DATE AND TIME

VENUE

PURPOSE

7 July 2017 1:00 P.M.

ERC Visayas Field Office, St. Mary’s Drive Banilad, Cebu City

Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and expository presentation

13 July 2017 1:00 P.M.

ERC Mindanao Field Office Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales Street, Davao City

Expository presentation

20 July 2017 1:00 P.M.

ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case lnay become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: i. The petitioner’s name and address; ii. The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and iii. A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

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

WITNESS, the Honorable Officer-in-Charge of ERC ALFREDO J. NON, and Commissioners GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 5th day of June 2017 at Pasig City.

FORAND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION: JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Commissioner (MS-JUNE 16/24, 2017)

EXCELLENCE AWARDS. The Private Infra Dev Corp., operator of Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway recently conferred the TPLEX Excellence

Awards on Transport Engineering to top graduates of the University of the Philippines-Institute of Civil Engineering during the Institute’s annual recognition event. These graduates demonstrated exemplary performance on subjects related to road transport engineering. Shown in photo with TPLEX Marketing and Business Development Head Tony Reyes (3rd from right) are (from left) Emilio Tombocon, president of UP-Engineering Research and Development Foundaton Inc.; Ricardo Sigua, director of UP-ICE; awardees Jayvee Paraiso, John Tanap and Samantha Ko; and Dr. Rizalinda de Leon, dean of UP College of Civil Engineering. (Not in photo is awardee Nicole Panelo). PIDC will continue to recognize students and graduates who have strong potential to develop projects related to infrastructure and road safety and help in nation-building. PIDC targets to complete the 88.85 kilometer TPLEX from Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union in 2018. With a completed distance of about 70 kms. , TPLEX has made travel from Quezon City to Baguio City safer and faster in 3.5 hours or less.

Ombudsman indicts 3 ex-GSIS employees

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman announced on Friday the conviction of three ex-Government Service Insurance System employees for graft in connection with the irregular release of loans.

The Ombudsman said the Pasay City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 114 Judge Edwin Ramizo has convicted then computer operator IV Clemente Flojo, data controller IV Reuben Cellona and computer terminal operator IV Emmanuel Valera, and sentenced them to a jail term of six years.

The lower court also ordered the perpetual disqualification of Flojo, Cellona

and Valera from holding public office.

Ramizo said the three accused were found to have demanded and received P55,000 in 2004 in exchange for the approval of the enhanced salary loan applications of 22 employees from the Philippine Postal Office.

Several witnesses surfaced and testified of the loan applications from July to November 2004 which were previously rejected by the GSIS. But the three accused “conspired in padding the payroll of the PPC employees in order to be qualified to avail of the enhanced salary loans,” the decision read.

In addition, GSIS officials testified that Flojo and company padded the

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as: UNIT 36 – A RESIDENTIAL Notary Public for Quezon City STUDIO TYPE WITH BALCONY CONDOMINIUM UNIT LOCATED UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES AT THE THIRD FLOOR LEVEL OF Mortgagee, “PINE CREST BUILDING 3” WITH AN AREA OF 24.14 SQUARE -versusCASE NO. FRE #17-778 METERS, MORE OR LESS. in the diagrammatic floor plan EXTRAJUDICIAL appended to the enabling or FORECLOSURE OF master deed of the condominium REAL ESTATE project annotated on TRANSFER MORTGAGEUNDER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE ACT NO. 3135, AS N-324780; N-324781 which AMENDED embraces and describeds the MARILOU M. GHOSE married to land located at AURORA BLVD., SANJAY KEVIN GHOSE COR. BALETE DRIVE, NEW represented by their Atty.-In-fact, MANILA, QUEZON CITY with an Theresita M. Banlasan area of SEVEN THOUSAND SIX Mortgagor/s HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVEN x-----------------------------------x FIFTY-TWO (7,677.52) NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL AND Square Meter, is registered in the SALE name of: Pursuant to the terms of the Owner: MARILOU M. GHOSE Real Estate Mortgage dated and notarized on 22 April 2016, MARRIED TO SANJAY KEVIN executed by MARILOU M. GHOSE GHOSE BOTH OF LEGAL AGE, married to SANJAY KEVIN FILIPINO AND INDIAN CITIZEN Address: OMAN, AIR PO BOX GHOSE, both represented herein by their duly designated Atty. 58, PC-III-SEEB, MUSCAT OMAN. In-fact, Theresita M. Banlasan All sealed bids must be submitted by virtue of Special Power of to the undersigned on the above Attorney dated April 21, 2015, with stated time and date. residence and postal address at In the event the public auction 61, Brgy. Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City, should not take place on the said Mortgagor/s, in favor of UNION date, it shall be held on July 18, BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, 2017 at 9:00 in the morning or Mortgagee, to satisfy the mortgage soon thereafter at the same place indebtedness in the total amount without further notice. of PESOS: ONE MILLION Pursuant to law, copies of this EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY TWO Notice shall be posted for not less THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED than twenty (20) days in at least TWENTY SEVEN & 98/100 (PHP three (3) public places in the City/ 1,852,427.98) Philippine Currency, Municipality where the mortgage exclusive of accrued interest as of property is located and shall be June 01, 2017; excluding attorney’s published once a week for a least fees, expenses of foreclosure three (3) consecutive weeks in a sale and other charges, the newspaper of general circulation undersigned Notary Public for before the date of the foreclosure Quezon City, hereby gives notice sale. to all parties concerned and to the Done at Quezon City, June 7, public in general that on July 11, 2017 at 9:00 in the morning or soon 2017. thereafter at the main entrance/ (Sgd.) ATTY. ROWENA DE lobby of the City/Municipal Hall CASTRO MATIRA of Quezon City, he/she will sell Notary Public at public auction to the highest bidder and for cash, in Philippine Warning: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or otherwise mutilate Currency, the property covered the instant notice form and its place

by Condominium Certificate of until after the date of the public Title 004-2015020828 issued by auction sale.

Registry of Deeds for Quezon Copy Furnished: City, including the improvements ASSET RECOVERY GROUP BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES thereon and more particularly UNION UnionBank Plaza, Meralco Avenue described as follows: Corner Onyx & Sapphire Roads,

Office of Atty. Rowena De Castro Matira

Registry of Deeds for Quezon City

Condominium Certificate of Title No. 004-2015020828 (Republic Act No.: 4728)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City MARILOU M. GHOSE married to SANJAY KEVIN GHOSE 61, Brgy. Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo city

(MS-June 24, July 1 & 8, 2017)

salaries encoded in the membership administration base and that subsequent to the granting of such loans, the salaries were reduced back to their original and correct level.

The loan applications were all granted and released in one day contrary to the regular three to four days processing period, according to the Ombudsman, citing the lower court’s decision.

The court found that the applicants gave facilitation money to the accused ranging from P500 to P2,500 in exchange for loans ranging from P89,336 to P154,008.

“By virtue of this padding-reduction process, the concerned PPC employees successfully secured and obtained loans

in amounts higher than what they were legally entitled to,” the decision stated.

“In the course of the administrative investigation, it was found that the payroll padding would not have occurred without the direct participation of GSIS personnel who had access to and knowledge of the Membership Service Profile, which contains the name, birth, position and salary of GSIS members.

The prosecution aptly proved that accused requested and in fact received consideration not only in cash but also in kind in exchange for facilitating the loan applications by “doing something” on the rejected applications which was effected by altering and/or padding the salaries of the loan applicants.”

Pasig River ferry system suspended

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Friday it has suspended the operation of the Pasig River Ferry system due to carpets of water lilies that clogged the river from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Lawton in Manila.

“Ferry service is temporarily closed today, June 23, 2017.

River is not navigable and not safe to travel for commuters due to excessive water lily. Please wait for announcement of resumption. Thank you,” the MMDA said in its advisory.

The water lilies that clogged

the river during the rainy season came all the way from Laguna Lake and it has long been the problem affecting the operation of the ferry river system since the time of former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino who served under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos said the water lilies entangle the ferry’s propeller, preventing the boats from traveling at normal speed. He said propellers have to be elevated so that tangled water lilies and even pieces of trash can be removed.

“Our present cleanup resources is not enough to totally regulate its [wa-

ter lilies] proliferation,” said Orbos, who earlier called for an interagency approach to curb the problem.

The interagency approach would involve concerned government agencies and local government officials.

“This will include the Pasig River Rehabilitation Center, Laguna Lake Development Authority, as well as LGU affected, including Rizal and Laguna.”

Last Monday, the MMDA also decided to operate half-line, carrying passengers only from PUP station in Manila to San Joaquin station in Pasig City, to give way for its scheduled boat repairs and river clearing operations.

Malate blast due to gang war

By Sandy Araneta THE spokesman of the Manila Police District said on Friday that the bomb explosion outside a police station in Malate was possibly due to a gang war and not an act of terrorism.

MPD public information office chief Supt. Edgar Margarejo said there was no casualty in the blast at the Arellano Police Community Precinct early Friday morning.

Margarejo said three vehicles were damaged, including a Toyota Fortuner, a Ford Everest, and a motorcycle.

“We cannot consider this an act of terrorism. First, a sign of terrorism is it is premeditated, well-planned, and expected, if it is an act of terrorism, there are casualties,” Margarejo said.

Margarejo said they are looking at gang war as the possible motive behind the attack.

“In here, there was no casu-

alty and the possible motive we are looking into, considering it is a depressed area, is a group versus another group, a war between two groups in Tuazon Street and Zapanta Street,” Margarejo said.

“That’s our focus of investigation now, but we are not ruling out all the possibilities or other motives,” he added.

Margarejo said the yet-to-beidentified perpetrator threw an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade just outside the police station.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Lascuña edges closer to title with 68; Ababa, Alido 3 back A NTIPOLO—Tony Lascuña put up a pair of three-birdie strings to close out both nines, hiking his lead to three shots over Jhonnel Ababa and Ira Alido with a three-under 68 in the third round of the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Flashing vintage form, Lascuna showed up fellow veteran Ferdie Aunzo and rookie Alido with his near-impeccable game in another hot, humid day at the Nicklaus layout, producing eight birdies, including three straight from Nos. 6 and 15, against a dou-

“The course remains tough even in the absence of the wind,” said the 46-year-old Lascuña, citing the narrow fairways and deep ravines that could make or break one’s title bid in the event sponsored by ICTSI. “You have to be precise off the tee since a slight mistake will cause you trouble,” he said. “I also dread the backnine since it’s an uphill stretch and I easily get weary now because of my age.”

But the Manila Masters winner at Eastridge, who ruled this event via a whopping 11-shot romp over Zanieboy Gialon and Orlan Sumcad last year, seemed not to get tired of winning as Las-

ble-bogey and three bogeys.

The last, on No. 18, marred what could’ve been a solid windup for Lascuña although it enabled Ababa and the rest of his pursuers to stay within striking distance with 18 holes to play in the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI.

cuña looked fine at 10-under 203, three ahead of Ababa, who shot a 67, and Alido, who bounced back with a 68, for 206s.

Ababa, out to snap a long title spell, sustained his second round 66 with three birdies in the first six holes but he dropped a shot on No. 13 before hitting back-to-back birdies from No. 16 to remain in contention.

Alido actually held his ground when ranged against Lascuña and Aunzo in the featured flight, turning in a gutsy 33 and bucking a bogey-bogey mishap from No. 14 with two birdies in the last three holes to spark hopes for a breakthrough and a crack at the top P550,000 purse

in his rookie season in the circuit backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.

Gialon closed out with three straight birdies and shot a 69 but the runaway winner in the last leg at Calatagan stood four strokes adrift at 207 while Miguel Tabuena turned a one-over card to a three-under 68 with four birdies in the last 11 holes. He, however, could only pool a 208 to stay five behind Lascuña although the young former Philippine Open champion had rallied from seven down to snare the Luisita crown last month.

Manila, Ceres try to regain winning ways Games Saturday

(Rizal Memorial Stadium) 4 p.m. Meralco Manila vs Stallion Laguna (Panaad Stadium) 7 p.m. Ceres Negros vs Kaya Makati

PACESETTER Meralco Manila and powerhouse Ceres Negros seek to return to their winning ways when they host Stallion Laguna and Kaya Makati, respectively, tomorrow in the Philippines Football League.

The Sparks clash with a winless Stallion side at 4 p.m. at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, before the Busmen battle Kaya Makati at 7 p.m. at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Posting 16 points from six matches, Meralco owns a one-point advantage over JPV Marikina at the top of the table.

But the Sparks are in for a stern test against a desperate Stallion side that has picked up only two draws from its first six matches.

Stallion is coming off a goalless stalemate against Davao Aguilas at home last Sunday in Binan, while Meralco dropped points for the first time this season after the Sparks were held to a scoreless draw by Davao in Tagum City last Wednesday.

While the Sparks seem to have no trouble finding the back of the net this season, scoring has been a problem for Stallion. Coach Ernie Nierras’ men have yet to score since Matthew Nierras banged home a late equalizer in the 1-1 draw with Global last May 21.

The scoreless spell doomed Stallion in losses to JPV Marikina (0-4) and Kaya FC Makati (0-1) just before the international break early this month.

Sparks captain James Younghusband remains doubtful due to an ankle injury, but younger brother Phil seems to have found his scoring boots, finding the back of the net in the last two matches.

The Busmen are undergoing a rough patch after losing to JPV Marikina, 1-2, at Rizal Memorial Stadium last week as well as an early exit in the Singapore Cup last Tuesday when they bowed to Hougang United, 0-1, in an upset.

Solid iron play helps Tony Lascuña net birdies, including one at the backside.

Games Tomorrow

(Batangas City Coliseum) 5 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Sta. Lucia 7 p.m. – Foton vs Petron

BATANGAS CITY—After posting an incredible come-from-behind conquest, Foton marches back to warzone to formally secure the top spot in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Batangas City Coliseum here.

The Tornadoes clash with heavyweight Petron at 7 p.m., while F2 Logistics and Sta. Lucia collide in the 5 p.m. opening salvo of this crucial double-header battle bankrolled by Rebisco, Belo and Gold’s Gym, with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Still unbeaten in five outings, Foton is just a win away from sweeping the preliminaries, while Cignal is not far behind with a 4-1 win-loss card after dominating Petron, 11-25, 25-23, 29-27, 26-24, in a thrilling battle that featured six of the 14 members of the national women’s volleyball team late Thursday.

Veterans Honey Royse Tubino, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis were impressive as they took turns in piercing the defensive blanket set by frontliners Ria Meneses, Mika Reyes and Remy Palma while setter Chie Saet did a fantastic job setting up the plays.

Tubino had 16 points, while Gonzaga and Daquis submitted 14 markers apiece for the HD Spikers, who dug deep into their well of experience to thwart the uprising of the star-studded Blaze Spikers in the crucial stretch of their battle that was also backed by Senoh, Mikasa, Mueller, Asics and Grand Sport.

But still, all eyes will be on Foton.

After launching a massive revamp in the off-season, the Tornadoes pulled off a stunner as they posted three straight victories to emerge on top of Pool B in the first round of preliminaries.

FEU faces Colegio de San Lorenzo for crown Witness rise of Brisbane’s Horn on S+A IT will be defending champion FEU-NRMF-Gerry’s Grill vs Colegio de San Lorenzo-V Hotel in the championship of the 2017 MBL Open basketball tournanent.

FEU-NRMF averted another major meltdown to subdue Diliman College-JPA Freight Logistics, 82-76, while CdSL-V Hotel completed a stunning reversal to beat Philippine Christian University, 95-83, and set up a winnertake-all title showdown at the FEU-NRMF gym in Fairview.

Christian Manalo and import Moustapha Arafat provided the endgame heroics for the Tama-

raws, who squandered several double-digit leads in the first half and fell behind by 10 points before recovering in time to escape with the win.

Manalo scored 10 of his teamhigh 16 points during a see-saw battle in the fourth quarter to lift the Tamaraws of owner-manager Nino Reyes and coach Pido Jarencio to victory over the hardfighting Dragons.

Arafat scored the team’s last five points—a three-point play off a foul by Diliman counterpart Alex Diakhite and two pressurepacked free throws—to seal the

Game Saturday:

(FEU-NRMF gym) 7:30 p.m. -- FEU-NRMF vs.

CdSL-V Hotel

win for the Tamaraws in the tournament sponsored by Smart Sports, Star Bread, Dickies Underwear, Ironcon Builders and Gerry’s Grill.

Jhaps Bautista also finished with 16 points and ex-PBA star Jerwin Gaco added 13 points for FEU-NRMF, which blew a huge 20-point lead and lost to Diliman, 84-90, in their semis game last Tuesday.

Last year’s MBL MVP Clay Crellin contributed nine points, six in the fourth quarter.

Diakhite, Diliman’s “Tower of Power” who led the league in scoring during the elimination round, topscored with 20 points while being matched against Arafat and former UST center Kareem Abdul.

The 6’8” Diakhite had eight points in the third quarter when the Rensy Bajar-mentored Dragons outscored the Dragons, 31-15, to erase the Tamaraws’ double-digit lead and take a 60-55 lead going into the payoff period.

TOP CHESSERS. Jonathan

Jota (third from left) topped the seniors’ division of Shell’s longest-running chess tilt held at SM City Batangas recently, followed by second placer Romulo Curioso Jr. (2nd from left). Named top female player in seniors’ play was Venice Vicente (4th from left). Leading the awarding of trophy and cash prizes for the Southern Luzon leg of the 25th Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship was Maeleen Pastrano, (left) and Shell Tabangao Refinery Manufacturing Excellence Manager. Aside from Shell Rimula, Shell Helix, Shell Advance and McDonald’s, the search for chess talents is also being held in partnership with SM Supermalls.

Responders hold twice-to-beat edge THE PNP Responders hope to make the most out of their twiceto-beat advantage over the DoJ Justice Boosters at the start of the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off semifinals on Sunday.

But NCRPO Chief PDir. Oscar Albayade said it will take a huge effort on their part to beat the Justice Boosters.

“Kailangan practice siguro nang maayos. Practice kami the whole week and of course, rest kami the day before. So, kailangan matalo namin ang DoJ,” said Albayade.

The Responders are determined to put an end to the DoJ’s campaign in the league using the tactics that made them win before.

Foton seeks top spot in PSL

Games Sunday

3 p.m. PNP Responders vs DOJ Justice Boosters 5 p.m. AFP Cavaliers vs Judiciary Magis

Assistant Coach SPO2 Alfred Suarez said: “Mas mabilis ‘yung DOJ so magpe-prepare kami na mas dapat na mabilis kami sa kanila. At the same time, mag-eensayo kami as a team para mas madali ang pasahan namin, madali kami maka-convert.”

On the other hand, the DOJ Justice Boosters are positive in their journey towards the final round.

DoJ Head Coach John Agbayani Jr. expressed, “[Nu’ng] makapasok kami ng

semis, sobrang saya ng team.

So siguro mas ma-inspired sila na mag-ensayo. Hopefully, makalusot kami ng semis tapos championship. Siguro, gagawa kami ng mga bagong play.”

If the Boosters win, they will face the Responders in a do-or-die match.

But if the Responders win, the DOJ exits the league, with the PNP advancing to the final round, waiting for the winner of the AFP-Judiciary clash.

Watch the heart-pounding UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off Semifinal Round that kicks off on June 25 at Pasig City Sports Center, The PNP Responders’ PSupt Dexter Vitug SAF (3) tries to to be aired live on UNTV, with live recover the loose ball during their game with the DoJ streaming via untvweb.com.

Justice Boosters in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off.

BEFORE the much-awaited fight of the “People’s Champion” Manny Pacquiao in the “The Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs.

Horn” on July 2, get to know his opponent first, Jeff Horn, known in the boxing circles as the “Brisbane Hornet” in a two-part special airing on S+A this Monday and Tuesday at 9 p.m.

“Jeff Horn: Brisbane Hornet” will focus on the sensational rise of the Australian boxer, who was a P.E. teacher before he decided to put on his gloves full-time and then competed for the flag in the 2011 World Boxing Championships after being named the Australian champion in 2009 and 2011.

After fighting in the 2012 London Olympics, he went pro and set an impressive record of 16 wins, no losses, and one draw with 11 knockouts. See what the fuss on Pacquiao’s next foe is about as S+A features Horn’s fights against former IBF welterweight contender Rico Mueller of Germany on June 26 at 9pm, and against former IBO welterweight champion Ali Funeka of South Africa on June 27, also at 9 p.m. on S+A. With his recent sensational wins, Horn hopes to upset all-time great Pacquiao when they face each other on July 2 at the Suncorp Stadium in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia.

ABS-CBN acquired the exclusive rights to the pay broadcast of the “The Battle of Brisbane” in a deal between ABS-CBN Sports and the Pacquiao camp forged last June 9.

SKYcable subscribers can catch the fight live, commercial-free, and in high-definition on SKY Sports PPV at 9 a.m. for only P949 by texting PACQUIAOPPV to 23662.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN mobile prepaid and postpaid subscribers can also watch the entire fight card live online, via iWant TV, also for P949 by texting PACHORN to 2366 from June 26 until July 2, 11 a.m. The streaming of the undercards begins at 9 a.m. on July 2 with the main event, “Pacquiao vs. Horn” airing at 11:30 a.m.

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

Sports

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

A8

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

Spieth storms into early golf lead HARTFORD—-Jordan Spieth posted the lowest opening-round score of his career Thursday with a 63 at the Travelers Championship.

The 23-year-old Spieth, who is coming off a disappointing tie for 35th at the US Open, made his eighth birdie of the round on his last hole to seize a one-shot lead in his first career appearance at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship.

Rory McIlroy, who is also playing in the event for the first time, shot a 67 after missing the cut last week at the US Open.

Tied for second were Johnson Wagner and Brett Stegmaier after posting 64s in the morning. Spieth played in the afternoon at par-70, 6,841-yard River Highlands course.

Spieth, who has finished in the top 10 six times in 15 events this year, hit eight of 14 fairways in regulation and 15 of 18 greens while needing 27 putts.

Two-time major winner Spieth built on the momentum from his final-round 69 at the US Open, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt on the first hole Thursday.

“That one going in on the first was big for me,” Spieth said. “And then I made one on the fourth that was a putt that required a lot of precision, kind of a right-edge putt.

“When that one went in is when I really started to feel good with the putter.”

Stegmaier, a Connecticut native who has missed the cut in eight of his last 10 tournaments, reeled off seven birdies in a nine-hole stretch through the middle of the opening round.

His lone blemish was a bogey at number nine, his final hole of the day, as he matched his low round on the PGA Tour.

Wagner got off to a hot start, holing out a 69-foot chip from off the first green. Wagner entered the tournament having missed the cut in his last five starts. The last of his four career wins came at the 2012 Sony Open in Hawaii. AFP

Markelle Fultz, selected number one overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, talks with the media at the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. AFP

Bulls hit reset button with Butler trade; Fultz is no. 1 N EW YORK—The Minnesota Timberwolves swung a deal with the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler on Thursday, reuniting the former first round NBA draft pick with his former coach Tom Thibodeau.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the trade during the 2017 entry draft.

Butler was dealt for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to Finland’s Lauri Markkanen.

Also going to Minnesota are the rights to Justin Patton, who was picked at No. 16 by the Bulls.

In 2011, Butler was the 30th overall pick by the Bulls. He averaged a career-high 23.9 points last season as the Bulls were 41-41 and qualified for the playoffs as the eighth seed in

the Eastern Conference.

Thibodeau coached Butler from 2011 to 2015. He joined the Timberwolves last season with the titles of coach and head of basketball operations.

By obtaining Butler, the Timberwolves are taking on the final three seasons of the $95 million deal he signed after the 2014-15 season.

LaVine is coming off a torn ACL. Before getting hurt, LaVine shot 46 percent and averaged a

career-high 18.9 points per game.

Markkanen averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his only season of US college basketball at Arizona.

Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz is a self-described hard worker and that diligence paid dividends Thursday as the Philadelphia 76ers made him the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA entry draft.

The 76ers acquired the top pick in a trade with the Boston Celtics a week ago, allowing them to move up and select the 19-year-old American.

“I figured out I had a chance to make it there [the NBA] probably in my 11th grade,” said Fultz, who played for the University of Washington Huskies last season. “I just realized that I was doing stuff

that other kids weren’t doing and it just started to work out for me.”

The Los Angeles Lakers used the second pick to choose University of California at Los Angeles point guard Lonzo Ball.

The choice of Fultz fits in nicely with Philadelphia’s rebuilding program.

“I’m very excited really, just like the fans in Philly, how they back up their players and everything like that,” Fultz said. “And I’m just looking forward to going in there and giving it my all and hopefully changing the program around.”

This was one of the youngest drafts in league history as a record 16 freshmen—or first year American college players— were selected in the first round.

The 19-year-old Fultz, who is

the club’s fourth top overall pick, averaged 23.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals over 25 games last season for a Huskies team that was 9-22.

He joins a young squad that features Australian forward Ben Simmons, another top draft pick who missed all of last season with a foot injury; Jahlil Okafor and 2017 NBA rookie of the year finalists Joel Embiid and Dario Saric.

That young core of talent is expected to provide a base to rebuild the team and if Fultz, Simmons and Embiid can stay healthy they could evolve into a solid big three.

Since 2003, the 76ers have won only one playoff series, and they have only one winning season since 2005. The Sixers went 28-54 last season. AFP

Lagawe school boys win 1st gold Eze will

By Peter Atencio

The boys of Lagawe Central School summon every inch of their strength to rule the guyyudan and win the 1st gold in the Gender and Development Indigenous Games.

LAGAWE, Ifugao Province—The boys of Lagawe Central School pulled hard and quick to win the first gold medal in the two-day Gender and Development Indigenous Games here.

Their coach, Chrisopher Narciso, told the 10-member squad to give it a quick pull, and they did.

This earned LCS the elementary boys’ crown of the guyyudan, or tug-of-war competitions when it was over at the grassy grounds of the Provincial Capitol Plaza.

In doing so, the Honnie Dumanalam-skippered team needed to pull of a 2-game sweep of their best-of-three finals’ showdown with Burnay Elementary School.

“This game is naturally played by the Ifugao. In the end, it became

a battle of strength,” said Narciso.

Later, Don Bosco High School claimed the secondary girls’ honors of the guyyudan when they won over Lagawe National High School, 2-1.

In their struggle to reach the finals, Lagawe CS first got past Boliwong Elementary School, 2-0, at the start of the single-round eliminations.

Then, they overcame a stronger Tungngod side, 2-0, in their second encounter.

The boys of Tungngod earned the right to face Lagawe CS after first hurdling Caba ES and Cudog ES. Tungngod eventually placed third with its 0-2 setback to Lagawe CS. “Ninenerbiyos kami nu’ng umpisa.

Pero nawala na nu’ng nagsimula na ang laban,” Dumanalam, a sixth

grader, and a member of the Tuwali tribe.

In all of their matches, they relied on the heavy-built Jose Punadwan to be the anchor by throwing all of his weight while staying at the back.

They were also supported by schoolmates Yashiv Binwag, Christian Bulahao, Denver Diaz, Steve Tanggay, Austin Manghi, Jaylord Kimayong, Miles Malagda and Zoilo Salazar.

This earned the boys of Lagawe the top purse of P7,000, while the kids of Burnay took home P5,000.

Commissioner Celia Kiram said in her opening speech that kids need to be involved in sports that speak of their identity.

“This program is part of a bigger Indigenous Games that we are planning to have in the Cordillera Region,” said Kiram.

PH volley teams to train abroad IN A bid to come up with a better finish in the 29th Southeast Asian Games, the Larong Volleyball sa Pilpinas, Inc. will be sending its men’s and women’s teams to separate trainings abroad.

LVPI acting president Peter Cayco yesterday announced that the men’s national team will be flying to Seoul in South Korea on July 20, while the women’s national team will be going to Okayama City and Kobe in Japan on July 17 in preparation for the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Cayco said the foreign training would be a major boost to the country’s campaign in the biennial meet, especially since they are gunning for a podium finish after more than a decade of drought.

“Returning to the medal podium has to start somewhere,” said Cayco, who was tasked by the federation

to run the national team program. “Hopefully, this (foreign) training of our men’s and women’s national teams will be the start. We have to work hard if we want to go far in the international arena.”

All eyes will be on the women’s team.

After finishing fifth in the previous SEA Games in Singapore, the women’s team will undergo grueling training in Okayama City until July 26 before moving its camp to Kobe where it will face topnotch Japanese university and club teams.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the league is fully supportive to this endeavor. In fact, they adjusted their schedule to accommodate the 17-day training, which would pave the way for a better finish in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the SEA Games this August.

“We prioritize the national team more and we have allowed and encouraged our players to attend all practice sessions organized by the LVPI,” said Suzara, who stands as special adviser to the national team program.

“We should work together for a common goal of sending the Philippines back to the international medal podium.”

Suzara emphasized that Japan is an ideal place to train.

“The Japan training is very important. It is the same program that gave us the gold medal in the 1993 SEA Games,” said Suzara, who used to be the secretary-general of the Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association.

“We need to work on our defense, especially our floor defense. I’m sure it will be harnessed in Japan.”

BROOK LOPEZ GRACES AXA PH-NBA PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH. NBA star

Brook Lopez, the Brookyln Nets’ all-time scoring leader who was recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, was the guest of honor during the official launch of the partnership between AXA Philippines, the number one global insurance firm for eight consecutive years now, and the National Basketball Association, the world’s most popular league, held at the Hard Rock Café in Makati recently.

As part of the partnership, AXA Philippines will serve as the Presenting Partner of NBA 3X Philippines, a 3-on-3 tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams from all over the country and authentic NBA entertainment.

AXA Philippines will also support the Jr. NBA Philippines, the league’s youth basketball program for boys and girls, by providing travel insurance for participants embarking on an overseas NBA experience trip later this year.

Shown in photo are (from left) Carlo Singson, NBA Philippines Managing Director, Brook Lopez, and Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and CEO.

have big shoes to fill for Altas THE Perpetual Help Altas will bank on 6’11” Prince Eze now that Bright Akhuetie is gone.

With Eze around, the Altas still have a chance to duplicate last year’s finish in the 93rd National Collegiate Athetlic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Eze is expected to make his presence felt for Perpetual Help when it parades a veteran roster as action unfolds on July 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Akhuetie has transferred to the University of the Philippines at the end of Season 92 as a misunderstanding with the coaching compelled him to pack up and leave.

The Altas will make an effort to try and match their Final Four finish last year.

They were one game away from advancing to the finals when they lost to the San Beda Lions, the eventual champions.

Perpetual Help coach Nosa Omorogbe said Eze will need a lot of help from his teammates in order for the team to duplicate last year’s finish.

“We will need contribution not just from Eze, but all the players,” said Omorogbe, who is also a Nigerian.

The Altas has kept the core of its old team intact as they still have AJ Coronel, Gab Dagangon, JG Ylagan, Kieth Pido, Flash Gordon Sadiwa and Jack Hao, among others.

While it has a seasoned roster, Perpetual Help had a hard time adjusting to Akhuetie’s absence in the pre-season.

They won only three of their eight games and failed to make it to the quarterfinals.

Peter Atencio

Ayala issuing P30b in bonds

B2

Business

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

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

NFA eyes additional rice imports

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

T

HE National Food Authority will discuss possible additional imports this year as the agency’s buffer stocks are still insufficient to cover the 30-day requirement during the lean season.

The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council requires the NFA to maintain a rice buffer stock good to last for 15 days at any given time and for 30 days at the onset of the lean months. The country’s daily consumption rate requirement is currently at 32,720 metric tons or 654,600 bags.

The National Food Security

Council earlier recommended the immediate importation of 250,000 metric tons of rice to beef up NFA’s buffer stocks for the lean season.

“The NFA management’s position is we are hoping that there will be an increase to 250,000 metric tons. But we will prioritize the 250,000 metric tons first. We will discuss it with the

executive committee within the NFA,” said NFA special assistant to the administrator Rachel Miguel.

“We are following the LEDAC policy that the buffer stock is enough for 15 days for the whole year and 30 days for the lean months. If we need to comply with the 15 days and 30 days, then the (stocks) is really not enough,” added Miguel.

The NFA’s buffer stocks are only enough for six days.

Despite the 250,000 metric tons of rice imports earlier approved, the NFA’s buffer stocks is still 17 days short equivalent to 544,000 metric tons.

“We are not saying it (additional imports) is urgent but when it

comes to policy, it is really not enough,” said Miguel.

NFA spokesperson Marietta Ablaza earlier said the first tranche of the 250,000 metric tons of rice imports was expected to arrive by the end of next month.

Ablaza, however, said the NFA was still waiting for the NFA Council resolution approval of the terms of reference for the importation.

“We are still waiting for resolution so that we could immediately publish the bidding,” said Ablaza.

This year’s importation will done through a government-toprivate scheme to augment the agency’s buffer stock for the coming lean months of July to

September.

Instead of limiting the bidders to government counterparts, private suppliers from participating countries may now be allowed to participate in the bidding, making the whole process covered by the Government Procurement Reform Act, unlike the current government-to-government scheme.

Miguel said the TOR for the imports was expected to be finalized within the next few days, “It has already been drafted.

We are just finalizing it because during the last meeting, there are some suggestions so we are incorporating it in the draft. Definitely we will come up with the TOR next week,” said Miguel.

Budget deficit in May hit P33.4b

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. celebrates its 10th year anniversary as a listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange with the ceremonial ringing of the bell to start Friday’s trading. At the ceremony are (from left) Vista Land independent directors Ruben Fruto and Marilou Adea, Vista Land director, chief financial officer and controller Cynthia Javarez, Vista Land director and managing director of commercial division Camille Villar, Senator Cynthia Villar, Vista Land president and CEO Manuel Paolo Villar, Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr., PSE chairman Jose Pardo, PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon, PSE director Ma. Vivian Yuchengco and PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran

Vista Land bares P42-b projects, sees banner year

By Jenniffer B. Austria HOMEBUILDER Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. plans to unveil P42 billion worth of projects this year, higher than the original target of P30 billion, as it expects 2017 to become a banner year for the company.

Vista Land president Manuel Paolo Villar said in an interview following the 10th listing anniversary at the Philippine Stock Exchange that the company had also increased its planned capital spending this year to P35 billion from P30 billion.

Vista Land as of the first quarter of the year launched P12 billion worth of projects and posted reservation sales of P16 billion,

up 12 percent year-on-year.

“We are confident about the prospects for our company. In addition to the expansion of our rental spaces, which provides stability to our existing core and stable end-user housing business, we will continue to open in new areas across the Philippines as we move to be present in 200 cities and municipalities,” Villar said.

He said the company was expected to post double-digit growth in revenues this year while its net income is targeted to increase in the high singledigit level.

Villar said the company plans to hit 1 million square meters of gross floor area this year in the

leasing business and 1.3 million by 2018. The bulk will come from commercial and shopping malls it will build under the Starmall and Vista Mall brands.

Vista Land has 17 shopping malls, with 12 under construction and slated for completion over the next two years.

Vista Land said it planned to expand its geographic reach to 200 municipalities and cities over the next two years from current 121 to strengthen its leadership in the house and lot segment of the residential market, .

Vista Land is one of the few publicly-listed real estate companies that generates over half of its real estate revenue outside mega Manila.

The company’s net income quadrupled to P8 billion in 2016 from P2 billion in 2007 for a compounded annual growth rate of 17 percent.

“2017 promises to be another banner year for Vista Land. We are pleased to have been able to achieve solid growth over the last decade and should have no problem continuing the trend this year,” said Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. “We are bullish for this year and our positive outlook is due to the continued expansion of our commercial assets in addition to our core housing business on the back of sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” he added.

Claims of P12-b deposit due to BPI glitch a hoax SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has expressed concern over the handling of bank malfunction incidents during the Senate hearing on the recent disruptions of banking operations experienced by Bank of the Philippine Islands and Banco de Oro. “We must be very careful not only on the part of the Senate but also on the part of the media,” Drilon said, “and we should not speculate because we must reassure our people of the stability of the banking industry.”

The biggest threat to the “stability of the banking industry” are some irresponsible elements of social media, who were cited for having spread rumors damaging to the banking industry through fake news of P12 billion being credited to their accounts.

“Those who posted P12 billion, P8 billion, P1 billion—they are all false,” BPI executive vice president Ramon Jocson said, adding “the documents they presented to the public and to the TV stations

Automotive makers may alter sales goal THE automotive industry may adjust sales forecast higher as soon as discussions at the Senate about the proposed tax reform measure are finalized.

Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. president Rommel Gutierrez said the industry was still on track with the self-imposed target of 450,000 units.

“To adjust the targets we need the certainty of discussions at the Senate,” he said after seriously considering the forecast might go either way.

Gutierrez said the group submitted the same position paper to both Congress and Senate.

“If you look at our position paper, we proposed what we deem are justifiable adjustments to all the segments, all the brackets. We are all ears to the Senate discussions,” he added. Othel V. Campos

Sale of Malaya power plant on

By Julito G. Rada

THE government posted a budget deficit of P33.4 billion in May after recording a surplus a month ago as government spending outpaced revenue collections, data from the Bureau of the Treasury on Friday show.

The May deficit was P15.8 billion higher than the P17.7-billion gap a year ago. This brought the deficit in the first five months to P63.6 billion, 15 percent lower than P75.1 billion a year ago.

Revenue collections for the month increased 14 percent to P228.3 billion from P199.8 billion a year ago, bringing collections in the first five months to P996.5 billion, up 8 percent from the P925.4 billion a year ago.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue raised P158.7 billion in May, bringing the agency’s Januaryto-May collections to P716.8 billion, up 9 percent over last year’s level.

The Bureau of Customs bounced back strongly from the contraction it experienced in April, with collections coming in at P39.6 billion, up 23 percent or P7.5 billion year-on-year—the fastest growth attained for the first five months.

Cumulative collections amounted to P174.9 billion, up 13 percent from the 2016 level.

“Bulk of revenue growth for the month of May can be attributed to non-tax revenues, particularly the Bureau of the Treasury’s income, which also rebounded from the previous month’s contraction to register at P18.0 billion, P12.2 billion more than the income posted for the same month last year, and partially offsetting the P20.8 billion YoY decline recorded last month, as remittance of dividends on share/ stock holdings of the government from GOCCs started to come in,” the Treasury said.

IN BRIEF

and radio stations were all doctored and fake.”

Sources said when checked out by the public, the P12-billion hoax and other altered information and screen shots did not actually generate much traction and notice among others involved in social media.

The incredulously fake news are not readily accepted by the public in general as they can see.

Jocson said the claim of a client that her money ballooned to more than P12.4 billion after the glitch was impossible as the client must have a P200-million deposit a day to have at least P1 billion in an account for five days.

To emphasize how much of a concern fake news could be destructive, Senator Joel Villanueva filed a bill seeking to “penalize any person or group who maliciously spread false news in traditional and online media (and) fines ranging from P100,000 to P5 million and one to five years imprisonment are the penalties specified.”

THE Energy Department will proceed with the privatization of the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Pililla, Rizal within the year.

“DoE’s position is to proceed with privatization but to require the winning bidder to convert either to LNG (liquefied natural gas) or coal,” Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III said.

Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. has put on hold the bidding for the Malaya power project pending the issuance of the terms of reference on the department’s proposed conversion proposal.

“Of course, to be fair there will be safeguards such as conversion to occur when there is sufficient available supply of LNG. In any case, conversion of MTPP by a winning bidder in the future would require DoE guidance and approval,” Pulido said.

Pulido said the privatization would push through within the year as “it was put on hold in order to revise the TOR to reflect the requirements for conversion.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Dominguez bullish on China-led bank THE Duterte administration is looking forward to working with the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has already made “great strides” in providing financial support to its partners even if it has been in operation for just two years, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

“We look forward to working with them and of course benefiting from loans and grants from the AIIB,” a Department of Finance statement Friday quoted Dominguez as saying on the sidelines of the 2nd annual AIIB meeting held in Jeju Island in South Korea. Dominguez for the first time attended the AIIB meeting as a member of its board of governors.

“I’m very happy to note that they have made great strides and in fact have lent more on their own than in partnership with others,” said Dominguez. Julito G. Rada

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, June 23, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

BANKING FRAMEWORK. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (center) concludes the signing of the Letter of Intent to formally begin negotiations under the Asean Banking Integration Framework with Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) chairman Muliaman Hadad in a ceremony held in Jakarta. OJK (Financial Services Authority) is the Indonesian banking regulator. Under ABIF’s broad guidelines, BSP and OJK will hammer out a bilateral agreement on the establishment of Qualified Asean Banks between the two countries. With them are (from left) OJK chief executive functioning as non-bank financial institutions supervisor Firdaus Djaelani, BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. and OJK vice chairman Rahmat Waluyanto.

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

Japan

Yen

0.008983

0.4521

UK

Pound

1.268300

63.8297

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128233

6.4536

Switzerland

Franc

1.029018

51.7874

Canada

Dollar

0.755744

38.0343

Singapore

Dollar

0.719476

36.2091

Australia

Dollar

0.754100

37.9516

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654069

133.5713

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

13.4184

Brunei

Dollar

0.716897

36.0793

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029438

1.4815

UAE

Dirham 0.272301

13.7041

Euro

Euro

1.115500

56.1398

Korea

Won

0.000879

0.0442

China

Yuan

0.146267

7.3612

India

Rupee

0.015482

0.7792

Malaysia

Ringgit 0.233345

New Zealand Dollar

0.726300

Taiwan

0.032866

Dollar

50.3270

11.7436 36.5525 1.6540 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks extend losses; Melco falls

S

TOCKS fell for a fourth day Friday, tracking the regional market as falling oil prices continue to temper sentiment in the global markets.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 44.17 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,814.17 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Gainers, however, edged losers, 100 to 98, with 48 issues unchanged.

Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp., which operates the City of Dreams Manila casino complex, tumbled 4.3 percent to P9.38, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. declined 2.5 percent to P33.20.

Universal Robina Corp., the

biggest snack food maker, lost 2.1 percent to P161.50, while Wilcon Depot Inc. sank 4.6 percent to P7.90.

The rest of the Asian markets, meanwhile, limped into the weekend, with energy firms still struggling after a bruising few days, while investors eye Donald Trump’s revised healthcare bill hoping its success will open the way for his economic agenda.

Crude enjoyed a rare positive day on Thursday after hefty selling that sent it to a 10-month low, but the gains were small

change as concerns over a global supply glut and US production overshadow output cuts by Opec and Russia.

The sharp losses―oil is down around 25 percent from its recent highs seen in January―has bloodied energy firms and, despite another pick-up in the commodity, they continue to struggle.

In Hong Kong CNOOC and PetroChina were in retreat, while Sydney-listed Woodside Petroleum and Inpex in Tokyo were also down.

“Falling oil prices continue to temper sentiment in global macro markets and while the Nervous Nellies take solace as oil prices base overnight, don’t get too comfortable as the oil patch narrative will likely be the primary catalyst in the coming months,”

said Stephen Innes, senior trader at OANDA. Tokyo’s Nikkei ended 0.1 percent higher, while Shanghai gained 0.3 percent.

Sydney put on 0.1 percent, Singapore fell 0.2 percent and Wellington was off 0.1 percent.

Seoul was barely changed and Hong Kong was up 0.1 percent in afternoon trade.

Traders are tracking events in Washington where Republican Senators unveiled a revised healthcare bill to unpick Obamacare, which market players hope will be able to pass through Congress.

Markets went south earlier this year when an initial draft failed at the first hurdle as Trump was unable to win enough support even in his own party―fueling

concerns about his plans for other policies such as tax and infrastructure spending.

Republicans hold 52 out of 100 seats in the Senate and the latest, if still controversial, bill is designed to find an agreement between the conservative wing and more moderate Republicans. “(The) Senate’s health care bill is ready for a vote,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

“That the GOP and president need this is no understatement politically. Because of the nuances of US budgetary policy and rules, the resolution to health care is a prerequisite to president Trumps tax plans.

“Or at least they become more problematic to structure if health care is not resolved.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.1 131,000 52 96,420 104.7 1,404,320 120.6 2,189,070 1.3 27,000 36.85 71,300 16.34 66,200 29.5 1,732,000 0.66 1,000 0.7 3,932,000 86.95 1,586,950 0.95 3,064,000 15.44 43,300 67.5 133,670 243.4 210 113 200 89 1,630 58.9 135,920 220.2 506,750 1,595 85 85.2 14,700 1.28 95,000

536,660 4,979,057 146,987,153 264,032,376 34,680 2,630,935 1,071,142 51,325,635 660 2,761,130 137,595,006.50 2,983,000 667,992 9,031,672 50,794 22,617 144,737.50 8,001,495.50 111,657,688 135,850 1,252,247.50 121,600

3,153,749.50 -6,426,489 -18,201,489 420,600 -32,480.00 1,153,760 140,000 43,439,375.50 160,500 -3,068,264 9,600 -3,390 1,780 7,170,816.50 -76,098,976 -98,816 -

39.45 7.88 0.83 1.56 26.6 0.27 7.2 18.3 165.3 23.65 14.16 78 76.5 1.97 5.41 11.8 12.2 16.04 9.75 7.36 6.01 1.81 18.6 70 15.1 13.28 13.48 1.77 211 3.86 3.51 24.95 30.75 19.4 19 261 0.241 7.4 3.15 9.54 6.26 10.7 1.94 9.32 69.5 6.9 313 4.35 4.99 2.41 12.76 5.12 0.148 1.38 161 2.2 31.55 1.07

INDUSTRIAL 39.75 1,058,100 7.96 1,198,300 0.85 1,073,000 1.57 759,000 27 256,100 0.275 1,750,000 7.2 2,271,500 18.4 222,500 165.3 20 24 1,073,900 14.16 1,400 82 2,450 76.55 3,120 2.03 1,363,000 5.41 14,000 11.8 1,700 12.34 1,940,900 16.08 1,590,400 9.76 5,205,900 7.47 2,531,500 6.07 6,201,400 1.81 3,000 19 811,700 70.4 23,600 15.2 57,800 13.3 340,000 13.5 2,284,000 1.77 351,000 211 564,330 3.86 138,000 3.7 27,000 24.95 100 31 122,800 19.48 224,600 19.08 1,606,100 261 1,572,160 0.246 2,190,000 7.45 137,900 3.16 174,000 9.62 1,263,200 6.32 275,000 10.7 100 1.95 1,007,000 9.45 626,300 69.55 65,130 6.91 292,700 319 10,140 4.45 177,000 5 43,200 2.52 1,653,000 12.9 2,554,200 5.16 3,800 0.148 2,310,000 1.42 53,000 161.5 2,302,630 2.2 10,219,000 32 4,500 1.07 55,000

42,018,800(16 9,557,019 903,000 1,191,680 6,963,600 477,400 16,687,023 4,088,666 3,306 25,569,005 19,824 194,340 238,836 2,732,080 75,940 20,060 23,795,708 25,598,364 50,940,901 18,879,366 37,623,926 5,430 15,315,954 1,659,688 877,864 4,534,006 30,990,900 624,380 119,364,392 534,480 95,860 2,495 3,799,895 4,378,226 30,579,298 411,027,886 531,250 1,028,705 548,530 12,180,327 1,750,351 1,070 1,968,860 5,902,930 4,532,027.50 2,021,685 3,224,510 788,390 216,047 4,116,620 32,927,768 19,576 348,430 73,180 373,426,541 22,763,180 143,870 58,850

,119,185.0002) 311,240 -34,775 -27,000 -9,251,333 1,871,786 -8,631,535 124,400 -3,284,744 201,210 93,610.00 5,192,992 -10,775,382 -6,441,414 987,609.50 -129,920 -2,942,862 -2,800,116 -74,854,364 -36,000 252,335 11,676 5,383,958 -129,608,056 321,140 7,976,826 9,750 -313,740 2,169,685.50 1,158,900 2,291,372 152,573 955,000 -3,892,170 -41,106,419 26,750.00 25,600 -

0.36 74.2 14.22 1.24 6.27 0.34 0.355 837 7.84 14.56 7.6 6.2 0.199 1,197 7.88 78.7 5.53 5.9 1 7.31 14.42 0.44 6.18 3.19 0.054 2.15 101.5 2.62 777 1.51 300 0.285 0.215 0.244

HOLDING FIRMS 0.375 960,000 75.85 681,970 14.54 3,949,100 1.24 277,000 6.56 45,800 0.355 11,230,000 0.36 1,280,000 840.5 251,260 7.89 1,016,200 14.64 9,592,100 7.75 36,500 6.2 33,500 0.207 520,000 1,206 76,940 7.88 100 79 1,272,060 5.81 4,100 6.48 10,900 1 927,000 7.4 624,900 14.48 7,159,300 0.44 90,000 6.2 10,345,800 3.2 5,000 0.054 9,900,000 2.16 2,106,000 102.6 186,740 2.69 37,000 783 377,600 1.62 13,538,000 303.6 12,880 0.285 150,000 0.215 430,000 0.244 120,000

353,350 51,678,430.5 14 57,133,706 346,720 294,659 3,993,750 459,850 211,399,985 8,009,846 140,356,610 279,430 207,700 105,360 92,794,310 788 100,451,584 ( 22,885 73,981 927,690 4,607,736 103,743,572 39,600 64,118,931 15,990 535,180 4,592,930 19,119,354 99,230 295,712,670 21,447,990 3,903,464 42,750 92,590 30,380

,523,111.0001 24,165,824 126,000 -14,400 8,607,860 -1,056,444 55,855,222 -63,550 4,140 -12,764,200 19,023,704.5) 494,510 -33,078,534 17,880,557 2,969,240 -16,233,825 278,900 -2,993,188 -

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 4.12 ASIA UNITED 51.4 BANK PH ISLANDS 105 BDO UNIBANK 121.1 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.28 CHINABANK 36.95 COL FINANCIAL 16.06 EAST WEST BANK 29.5 FIRST ABACUS 0.66 MEDCO HLDG 0.71 METROBANK 86.1 NTL REINSURANCE 0.96 PB BANK 15.38 PHIL NATL BANK 68.5 PHIL STOCK EXCH 243.6 PHILTRUST 113.1 PSBANK 89 RCBC 58.9 SECURITY BANK 221.4 SUN LIFE 1,600 UNION BANK 85.15 VANTAGE 1.28

4.14 52 105 121.2 1.3 37 16.34 29.9 0.66 0.72 87.05 1.03 15.44 68.5 243.6 113.1 89 58.95 221.4 1,600 85.25 1.28

4.03 51.4 103.3 120.4 1.28 36.8 16.04 29.25 0.66 0.7 86.1 0.95 15.38 67.3 240 113 88.05 58.75 220 1,595 85.15 1.28

ABOITIZ POWER 39.8 AGRINURTURE 8 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.84 ALSONS CONS 1.58 ASIABEST GROUP 28.05 BASIC ENERGY 0.28 CEMEX HLDG 7.49 CENTURY FOOD 18.3 CHEMPHIL 165.3 CIRTEK HLDG 23.65 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.16 CONCEPCION 78 CONCRETE A 76.6 CROWN ASIA 2.01 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.45 DEL MONTE 11.8 DNL INDUS 12.28 EAGLE CEMENT 16.1 EEI CORP 9.79 EMPERADOR 7.4 ENERGY DEVT 6.01 EUROMED 1.81 FIRST GEN 19 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70.4 GINEBRA 15.2 HOLCIM 13.5 INTEGRATED MICR 13.5 IONICS 1.82 JOLLIBEE 212.8 LMG CHEMICALS 3.93 MABUHAY VINYL 3.6 MACAY HLDG 24.95 MANILA WATER 31 MAXS GROUP 19.4 MEGAWIDE 19.12 MERALCO 261 MG HLDG 0.245 PANASONIC 7.44 PEPSI COLA 3.16 PETRON 9.56 PHIL H2O 6.7 PHINMA 10.7 PHINMA ENERGY 1.99 PHX PETROLEUM 9.33 PILIPINAS SHELL 69.5 PRYCE CORP 7.03 PUREFOODS 315 RFM CORP 4.5 ROXAS HLDG 5.18 SFA SEMICON 2.42 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.04 SPC POWER 5.12 SWIFT FOODS 0.149 TKC METALS 1.38 UNIV ROBINA 167.5 VITARICH 2.3 VIVANT 31.6 VULCAN INDL 1.07

39.8 8 0.86 1.59 28.25 0.28 7.52 18.5 165.3 24 14.16 82 76.6 2.04 5.45 11.8 12.34 16.28 9.95 7.49 6.09 1.81 19.02 70.45 15.22 13.5 13.76 1.83 212.8 3.93 3.7 24.95 31.1 19.58 19.12 263 0.248 7.53 3.17 9.7 6.7 10.7 1.99 9.45 69.7 7.03 319 4.5 5.18 2.54 13.04 5.16 0.152 1.42 167.5 2.33 32 1.07

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.375 ABOITIZ EQUITY 75.85 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 14.48 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.26 ANSCOR 6.27 ATN HLDG A 0.34 ATN HLDG B 0.355 AYALA CORP 855 COSCO CAPITAL 7.85 DMCI HLDG 14.7 FILINVEST DEV 7.74 FJ PRINCE A 6.2 FORUM PACIFIC 0.207 GT CAPITAL 1,212 HOUSE OF INV 7.88 JG SUMMIT 79.25 KEPPEL HLDG A 5.53 KEPPEL HLDG B 7.05 LODESTAR 1.01 LOPEZ HLDG 7.31 LT GROUP 14.7 MABUHAY HLDG 0.44 METRO PAC INV 6.18 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.19 PACIFICA 0.055 PRIME ORION 2.24 SAN MIGUEL CORP 104.9 SEAFRONT RES 2.7 SM INVESTMENTS 785 SOLID GROUP 1.51 TOP FRONTIER 305 UNIOIL HLDG 0.285 WELLEX INDUS 0.216 ZEUS HLDG 0.255

0.375 75.85 14.6 1.28 6.59 0.36 0.365 857 7.9 14.76 7.75 6.2 0.208 1,213 7.88 79.55 6 7.05 1.02 7.4 14.7 0.44 6.21 3.2 0.055 2.25 104.9 2.7 785 1.64 305.8 0.285 0.216 0.255

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

0.64 4.18 24.9 1.72 3.2 34.2 1.02 7.29 0.9 5.9

0.65 4.23 24.9 1.78 3.23 34.25 1.03 7.29 0.91 5.95

0.63 4.16 24.05 1.72 3.2 32.95 1.01 7.29 0.9 5.8

0.63 4.2 24.1 1.76 3.23 33.2 1.02 7.29 0.91 5.93

16,857,000 248,000 2,052,100 106,000 289,000 11,522,900 2,042,000 100 51,000 5,829,100

10,657,820 1,042,230 49,683,275 184,960 925,140 382,425,315 2,079,600 729 45,910 34,319,499

65,320 217,620 12,530,905 28,900 -161,096,515 -204,000 -9,095,854

2GO GROUP 24.35 ABS CBN 43.2 ACESITE HOTEL 1.67 APC GROUP 0.5 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 ASIAN TERMINALS 10.92 BERJAYA 5.4 BLOOMBERRY 9.75 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.091 CALATA CORP 2.16 CEBU AIR 99.05 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.99 DFNN INC 8.56 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.54 GLOBE TELECOM 2,092 GMA NETWORK 6.12 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.96 HARBOR STAR 3.02 IMPERIAL 3.46 INTL CONTAINER 100.3 IPM HLDG 8.75 ISLAND INFO 0.19 ISM COMM 1.37 JACKSTONES 3.5 LBC EXPRESS 16 LEISURE AND RES 4.36 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.1 MACROASIA 6.36 MANILA BULLETIN 0.62 MANILA JOCKEY 2.27 MELCO RESORTS 9.78 METRO RETAIL 4.56 MLA BRDCASTING 15.6 NOW CORP 2.6 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.42 PAL HLDG 5.2 PAXYS 3.08 PHIL SEVEN CORP 170 PHILWEB 10.94 PLDT 1,825 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.55 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.4 PUREGOLD 45.15 ROBINSONS RTL 88 SBS PHIL CORP 6.3 SSI GROUP 3.56 STI HLDG 1.47 TRANSPACIFIC BR 1.88 TRAVELLERS 3.36 WATERFRONT 0.92 WILCON DEPOT 7.54

24.85 43.4 1.7 0.5 0.047 10.92 5.55 9.82 0.092 2.16 99.1 9.99 8.6 2.54 2,120 6.15 15.96 3.06 3.46 100.4 8.8 0.199 1.42 3.56 16.32 4.36 1.63 6.48 0.63 2.37 9.78 4.66 15.6 2.65 11.42 5.2 3.08 170 11.16 1,838 1.56 0.4 45.15 88 6.8 3.62 1.49 1.88 3.45 0.92 7.9

24.15 42.7 1.65 0.495 0.042 10.9 5.4 9.58 0.089 2.13 94.5 9.52 8.5 2.52 2,092 6.11 15.6 3 3.46 97.8 8.7 0.19 1.37 3.5 15.72 4.32 1.1 6.2 0.6 2.26 9.38 4.46 15.6 2.6 11.26 5.1 3.08 169 10.74 1,820 1.55 0.39 45 87.85 6.3 3.4 1.43 1.86 3.36 0.87 7.43

SERVICES 24.6 268,800 42.9 21,300 1.7 295,000 0.495 146,000 0.045 262,800,000 10.9 3,700 5.55 3,200 9.58 6,653,200 0.091 34,430,000 2.14 2,215,000 97 548,630 9.52 7,000 8.6 209,800 2.52 9,000 2,118 28,555 6.13 42,200 15.94 34,100 3.05 666,000 3.46 5,000 98.25 2,575,420 8.8 345,000 0.193 45,350,000 1.38 56,000 3.56 15,000 16.32 6,000 4.32 275,000 1.63 13,680,000 6.35 1,728,100 0.62 562,000 2.34 68,000 9.38 31,840,600 4.6 14,933,000 15.6 100 2.63 1,246,000 11.28 51,100 5.2 8,500 3.08 1,000 169 820 11.06 975,800 1,829 87,660 1.56 845,000 0.39 260,000 45.1 835,400 87.9 1,100,790 6.8 17,460,100 3.6 19,515,000 1.43 25,645,000 1.86 7,000 3.4 4,419,000 0.88 19,726,000 7.9 25,379,100

6,596,320 917,580 494,900 72,620 11,861,500 40,346 17,745 64,285,326 3,112,980 4,747,200 53,074,328.50 66,847 1,789,380 22,740 60,255,950 258,817 543,580 2,022,900 17,300 253,153,733 3,016,550 8,855,820 78,540 52,560 95,322 1,193,480 20,510,560 10,914,600 346,730 155,150 299,901,063 68,399,930(30 1,560 3,267,710 578,354 43,919 3,080 139,330 10,725,396 160,298,705 1,311,140 103,150 37,661,405 96,819,736 116,399,443 69,610,890 37,048,310 13,060 15,028,170 17,486,020 196,011,367

120,510 3,900 4,112,973 -325,950 8,729,201 -630,171 -1,662,390 27,090.00 -25,935,041 -506,200 82,260 -26,140 -2,065,112 -34,559,822 ,258,360.0002) 490,640 3,080 -47,530 -559,798 46,604,665 -4,650 -2,243,235 43,893,868.50 13,777,596 -1,551,350 11,355,510 -2,330,150 66,750 62,617,219

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

0.0029 1.66 5 2.06 0.9 0.4 9.34 2.46 0.3 0.181 0.192 0.011 1.9 6.17 2.07 0.53 0.95 0.01 0.01 5.97 0.012 8.9 2.95 160.9 2.78

0.003 1.66 5 2.06 0.91 0.4 9.34 2.47 0.3 0.182 0.192 0.011 1.99 6.25 2.11 0.53 0.99 0.01 0.01 6.03 0.013 8.9 2.98 164 2.78

0.0029 1.63 5 2.06 0.89 0.4 9.03 2.45 0.29 0.181 0.192 0.011 1.9 6.17 2.05 0.495 0.95 0.01 0.01 5.97 0.012 8.8 2.95 160 2.7

MINING & OIL 0.003 625,000,000 1.63 2,291,000 5 26,700 2.06 25,000 0.91 1,006,000 0.4 260,000 9.03 6,300 2.46 1,108,000 0.295 30,000 0.182 820,000 0.192 70,000 0.011 700,000 1.95 143,000 6.25 691,700 2.05 17,000 0.5 802,000 0.99 154,000 0.01 7,500,000 0.01 40,000,000 6.03 85,400 0.013 4,700,000 8.9 446,000 2.97 947,000 160.4 1,455,240 2.7 71,000

1,812,900 3,765,550 133,500 51,500 906,090 104,000 57,099 2,728,130 8,850 148,570 13,440 7,700 273,350 4,299,615 35,050 409,090 146,880 75,000 400,000 512,294 58,900 3,960,469 2,806,740 233,616,857 192,940

104,400 8,200 -13,500 -663,410 -61,360 -585,999 -3,920 -400,000 -1,329,294 -224,530 86,572,220 -

AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H

515 515 105.1 116.5 520 5.81 1,011 1,017 1,129 1,013 106 77 80.3 77.05 80.4 78.5 78.9

515 515 105.2 116.5 520 5.86 1,011 1,017 1,129 1,013 106 77 80.3 77.8 80.4 78.5 79

515 512 105 116.5 520 5.8 1,011 1,017 1,129 1,013 106 77 80.3 77.05 79.55 78.5 78.05

PREFERRED 515 150 512 300 105 55,400 116.5 370 520 40 5.85 2,251,000 1,011 520 1,017 25 1,129 125 1,013 1,200 106 8,000 77 2,020 80.3 1,250 77.8 2,530 79.55 27,020 78.5 4,600 78.05 95,000

77,250 153,630 5,818,551 43,105 20,800 13,152,075 4 525,720 25,425 141,125 1,215,600 848,000 155,540 100,375 194,959 2,158,233 361,100 7,502,817

,443,125.0003 596,625 -361,100 -

LR WARRANT

2.4

2.4

2.26

WARRANTS 2.27 261,000

597,930

-

4.06 6.08 8.12

3.95 5.82 8.02

SME 4.06 6 8.08

367,190 90,299 16,115,018

1,050,264

118.4

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.7 117.9 6,310

744,580

-

10.5

DDS 10.5

159,319.40

-

NAME PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

MS ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

4.05 6 8.08

FIRST METRO ETF 118.4 8990 HLDG 6.1 A BROWN 1.54 ARANETA PROP 2.52 ARTHALAND CORP 1.15 AYALA LAND 39.85 BELLE CORP 3.83 CEB LANDMASTERS 5.69 CEBU HLDG 5.27 CENTURY PROP 0.54 CITY AND LAND 1.1 CITYLAND DEVT 1.43 CROWN EQUITIES 0.21 CYBER BAY 0.51 DOUBLEDRAGON 46.9 EMPIRE EAST 0.71 EVER GOTESCO 0.162 FILINVEST LAND 1.74 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.27 IRC PROP 0.98 KEPPEL PROP 4.14 MEGAWORLD 4.61 MRC ALLIED 0.385 PHIL ESTATES 0.375

6.14 1.58 2.52 1.16 39.95 3.84 5.78 5.28 0.54 1.1 1.47 0.21 0.52 47 0.72 0.162 1.74 1.27 1.02 4.14 4.61 0.39 0.375

6.08 1.53 2.52 1.14 39.2 3.76 5.65 5.27 0.53 1.04 1.41 0.191 0.51 46.8 0.7 0.158 1.71 1.24 0.98 4.14 4.53 0.375 0.36

PROPERTY 6.08 185,600 1.57 6,725,000 2.52 4,000 1.14 1,605,000 39.45 6,720,700 3.78 1,654,000 5.65 11,729,200 5.27 20,400 0.54 36,005,000 1.09 61,000 1.47 168,000 0.193 141,790,000 0.51 2,568,000 47 70,300 0.71 1,240,000 0.158 760,000 1.73 7,659,000 1.26 12,104,000 1.02 1,489,000 4.14 20,000 4.54 15,817,000 0.375 44,940,000 0.36 100,000

1,130,348 10,511,410 10,080 1,831,010 ( 265,136,220 6,285,000 66,837,188 107,514 19,316,280 64,580 241,370 28,290,780 1,310,800 3,299,115 879,720 120,680 13,244,750 15,183,380 1,497,130 82,800 71,951,730 17,013,550 36,150

-502,685 849,880 156,179.9997) -134,767,870 167,490 1,972,291 -5,377,000 53,700 -56,190 -762,540 1,718,590 63,000 5,957,340 3,800,000 -

USD DMPL A1

10.48

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,234,129

INDUSTRIAL

76,183,335

HOLDING FIRMS

77,385,704

PROPERTY

334,149,610

SERVICES

572,968,011

MINING & OIL

688,617,963

GRAND TOTAL

1,766,651,475

10.48

91,000 15,400 1,999,700

15,200

VALUE 1,927.04 (down) 1.80 746,073,353.75 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,035.94 (down) 49.94 1,563,259,948.308 HOLDING FIRMS 7,783.12 (down) 17.86 1,198,277,988.29 PROPERTY 3,615.11 (down) 62.08 1,714.25 (down) 4.51 1,060,259,373.98 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,480.90 (up) 18.00 2,057,284,930.46 PSEI 7,814.17 (down) 44.17 256,548,554.817 All Shares Index 4,679.29 (down) 20.23 6,899,023,940.80 Gainers: 100; Losers: 98; Unchanged: 48; Total: 246

Ayala to issue P30b in bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. plans to issue up to P30 billion in debt securities under a shelf registration program.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the filing of a three-year shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission worth up to P30 billion.

The amount of debt securities may be issued in one or more tranches as may be determined by the company within a period in accordance with the SEC rules.

Ayala will sell the debt securities to the general public.

This will be the second shelf registration program filed by the conglomerate.

Ayala in January completed the issuance of P10 billion worth of fixed rate bonds due 2025, the second and last tranche of its P20 billion threeyear fixed rate bond program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ayala plans to use the proceeds of the bonds to refinance the group’s outstanding bond issuance of P10 billion that matured in April.

Ayala, which has core investments in real estate, banking and telecommunications and water utility, has been expanding into infrastructure, power generation, manufacturing and logistics.

To finance its expansion plans, the group earlier allotted P185 billion in capital expenditures this year, up 13 percent from a year ago.

A large portion of the amount would be spent by from Ayala Land Inc., which has set aside ₱88 billion mainly to bankroll the completion of several real estate projects. Globe Telecom Inc. earmarked ₱37.5 billion to drive its data network infrastructure upgrades.

Maynilad building 4 sewage facilities

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales MAYNILAD Water Services Inc., which holds the water concession in the western part of Metro Manila, will build four new sewage treatment plants in the next five years.

Maynilad said it would spend P21.1 billion to establish STPs in Kawit, Las Piñas, Caloocan and Muntinlupa, as well as install 160 kilometers of sewer lines for the conveyance systems.

Maynilad said once completed, the facilities will have a combined treatment capacity of about 120 million cubic meters per year and serve 2.1 million customers.

The new infrastructure is part of Maynilad’s ₱30.6-billion wastewater management program from 2018 to 2022.

Maynilad said part of the ₱30.6-billion wastewater management program budget would also be used for the upgrade of treatment technologies used in existing STPs to make them compliant with the new effluent standards imposed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, about ₱318 million of the programmed budget is intended for the procurement of 56 new vacuum truck units that can offer septic tank cleaning services to more customers.

The rest of the budget will go to sewer network repair and rehabilitation, lot acquisitions, and retrofitting of wastewater facilities.

Maynilad’s five-year wastewater management program, which will be funded by loans from local and international banks and by internally generated funds, is expected to generate about 93,500 jobs.

World

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

B3

ZENAIDA F. FLORES, Plaintiff,

Ex-president’s friend gets 3-year jail term S EOUL―The woman at the center of South Korea’s corruption scandal, Choi Soon-Sil, was handed a three-year jail term for bribery Friday in the first of a string of criminal cases against a figure dubbed the “female Rasputin”.

The scandal involving Choi and her longtime friend, disgraced ex-president Park GeunHye who was ousted in March, has rocked the political and business elite.

Choi was found guilty of abusing her ties with the president to force professors at Seoul’s Ewha Woman’s University to admit her daughter to the prestigious school and attempting to bribe teachers into giving good grades.

The Seoul Central District Court handed down a three-year sentence on charges of bribery and obstruction, less than the seven-year term the prosecution had demanded.

Choi pleaded not guilty, telling the court that she never asked for special treatment for her daughter, Chung Yoo-Ra. But the judges said that Choi had abused her influence to get her daughter into the school and awarded good grades, despite a poor attendance record.

A state probe revealed that the school had admitted Chung at the expense of better-qualified candidates -- a revelation which touched a raw nerve in educationobsessed South Korea.

“She committed too much wrongdoing to consider the actions were out of love as a mother who wants the best for her child,”

the court said.

A former Ewha University dean and the university’s former head of admissions―who were both found guilty of complying with Choi’s requests―were both handed two years and 18 months in jail.

Seven other people involved in the scandal were given prison terms or suspended sentences.

Chung’s university position and her high school diploma have already been revoked, following an official probe which found her high school attendance and test grades had been forged.

Choi also faces charges that she accepted millions of dollars in bribes from Samsung, South Korea’s largest conglomerate, to finance her daughter’s equestrian training and luxurious lifestyle in Europe.

She is also charged with forcing business companies to donate tens of millions of dollars to two dubious foundations she controlled.

Park is also on trial over the

TODAY

National Capital Judicial Region Branch 216, Quezon City

claims.

Choi and Park could face decades in jail if convicted on the charges of extortion and abuse of power.

The 20-year-old daughter, an Asian Games equestrian gold medalist, fled to Europe last year but was extradited from Denmark in April to face possible charges for her role in the scandal.

Prosecutors have twice sought to arrest her over her role in the scandal, arguing that Samsung had sponsored her equestrian training.

She initially denied any knowledge, but later admitted under questioning that she was aware that Samsung were bankrolling her.

Samsung’s heir Lee Jae-Yong, who has also been arrested and is currently on trial, has denied asking for policy favors when he met Park, arguing that Samsung was a victim of blackmail by the expresident and Choi. AFP

versus

R-QZN-16-00362-CV For: Annulment of Deed of AbsoluteSale dated January 6, 2011 and Cancellation of Adverse Claim and Damages

LUCIMAR B. REJUSO and REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY Defendants. x---------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WHEREAS, on February 1, 2017, upon motion of plaintiffs, through counsel, the Hon. Alfonso C. Ruiz II, Presiding Judge of this Court, issued an Order in the above-entitled case which reads as follows: “At today’s hearing on the Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication, Atty.

Jesus Roberto D. Bernabe, Jr., counsel for the plaintiffs appeard.

Damages; and to pay litigation expense and costs of the suit.

Such other reliefs that are just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

Respectfully submitted. 12 January 2016.

Makati City for Quezon City.

UY EMBUSCADO LAW Counsel for the Plaintiff Unit 211 2nd Floor Makati Executive Tower 1 Dela Rosa St., Pio Del Pilar, Makati City uyembuscado@gmail.com

By: ELVIS S. UY Roll of Attorneys No. 49767 IBP Lifetime No. 05291-04/12/05-CALMANA PTR No. 4253405/01-24-14-Makati City MCLE Compliance No. IV-0005377/March 29, 2012 Mobile No. 0917.521.1229 Email: elvisuy1229@gmail.com

JESUS ROBERTO D. BERNABE, JR. Roll of Attorneys No. 60596 IBP No. 963860-2/18/13-PPLM PTR No. 2765619/2-17-14-Manila MCLE Compliance No. IV-0019727/May 23, 2013 Mobile No. 0925.8898.654 Email: jr14bernabe@yahoo.com

The motion is granted.

SO ORDERED. NOW THEREFORE, defendant LUCIMAR B. REJUSO is hereby summoned and required to file her Answer to the Complaint with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 216, Hall of Justice Bldg., Quezon City, within sixty (60) days from the day after the date of publication of this summons, serving a copy thereof upon plaintiff’s counsel, Atty. Jesus Roberto D. Bernabe, Jr. of Uy Embuscado Law Located at Unit 211 Makati Executive Tower 1, Dela Rosa Street, Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. If you fail to file an answer within the aforesaid period, the plaintiff will take judgment against you by default and demand from this Court the reliefs prayed for in said Complaint.

Let this summons together with the complaint be published at the expense of the plaintiff, in a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City and throughout the Philippines.

Copies of the summons and this Order are likewise ordered sent by registered mail at the last known address of defendant at the expense of the plaintiff. Said defendant is required to file her Answer to the Complaint with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 216, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City, within ninety (90) days from the date of publication of this summons.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, February 15, 2017.

(Sgd.) ATTY. LUCITA D. MASANGKAY-CRISTI Clerk of Court V

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Regional Trial Court NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 216, Quezon City

VERTIFICATION and CERTIFICATION I, Zenaida F. Flores, Filipino, of legal age, married and a resident of Mahogany Street, Vista Real Subdivision, Quezon City, after having first been duly sworn in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the petitioner in the captioned case and I have caused the preparation of the present complaint; I have read and understood the same and the allegations therein are all true and correct of my personal knowledge and based on authentic records; 2. I hereby certify that I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different Divisions thereof, any branch of the Regional Trial Courts, or any other tribunal or agency; and that no such action is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different Divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; 3. To the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding involving the issuance of owner’s duplicate copy of transfer certificate of title is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency; 4. If I shall thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency, I shall notify the Court, tribunal or agency within five (5) days from such notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of January, 2016, in Quezon City.

Zenaida F. Flores Affiant

ZENAIDA F. FLORES, Plaintiff,

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this 12th day of January 2016 in Pasig City, -versus- CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-16-00362-CV affiant exhibiting to me her Tax Identification (For ANNULMENT OF DEED OF Number 153-097-441 as proof of her competent ABSOLUTE SALE DATED JANUARY evidence of identity, and I hereby certify that I 6, 2011 AND CANCELLATION OF personally examined the affiant herein and that ADVERSE CLAIM AND DAMAGES) I am fully satisfied that she voluntarily executed LUCIMAR B. REJUSO and the foregoing petition and she understood all the REGISTER OF DEEDS OF allegations herein.

QUEZON CITY, Defendants.

COMPLAINT

Doc. No. 246 Page No. 51

COMPLAINANT, through counsel and unto this Book No. 13 Honorable Court, most respectfully state that: Series of 2016.

1. Complainant, ZENAIDA F. FLORES, is a Filipino Citizen, of legal age, married to Reynaldo G. Flores, and currently residing at 15 Lauan Drive Vista Real Executive Village, Brgy. Batasan Hills, Quezon City where she may be served with summons and other processes of the Court.

2. Defendant, Lucimar B. Rejuso, is a Filipino citizen, with principal address at No. 76 Calbayog St., corner Libertad St., Mandaluyong City where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Court.

3. Respondent REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY is a government entity with office address at Office of the Register of Deeds, Quezon City, where it may be served with summons and other Court Processes.

4. On 4 January 2011, Clarissa Rodriguez sold to the plaintiff that certain parcel of land covered by the Transfer of Certificate of Title No. N-293227 of the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City by virtue Deed of Absolute Sale which was duly notarized by Atty.

Dulcisimo G. Hinanay, Jr. dated February 23, 2011 under Notarial Register Doc. No. 215, Page No. 43, Book II, Series of 2011.

ANNEXES ANNEX A

Photocopies of the Transfer Certificate of Title and the Deed of Absolute Sale are hereto attached and made integral parts thereof and marked as Annexes “A” and “B”, respectively.

RACE. This photo taken on June 22 shows teams competing in a dragon boat race in Huangping in China’s southern Guizhou province. AFP

Trump, China envoy discuss North Korea WASHINGTON―China’s top diplomat told Donald Trump that Beijing was willing to keep working with Washington to defuse tensions on the Korean peninsula―days after the US leader implied that Chinese efforts had failed.

The meeting between State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Trump at the White House on Thursday also came after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged China to step up diplomatic and economic pressure on the North over its nuclear weapons.

The meeting was reported by China’s foreign ministry. There was no White House statement on the get-together, which had not been mentioned in the president’s

daily schedule.

“China is willing to maintain communication and coordination with relevant parties including the United States to ease tensions on the peninsula,” Yang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Trump told Yang he looked forward to “enhancing cooperation” with China on the denuclearization of the North, the ministry said in a statement.

On Wednesday Yang and top General Fang Fenghui met with Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the State Department to discuss North Korea and other regional issues.

Hours before the talks began, Trump sent a tweet that appeared

to suggest China’s President Xi Jinping had come up short on reining in its neighbor.

“While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!” Trump tweeted.

Trump did not elaborate on what might happen next if China, by far the North’s most important trading and diplomatic partner, is out of ideas.

Trump, who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail, has turned to Beijing to help pressure its ally North Korea, prompting concern among Asian partners that America might go easy on Beijing over its expansive claims in the disputed South

China Sea. Trump, who met with Xi at his luxury resort in Florida in April, also confirmed he would visit China later this year, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Tillerson said Wednesday that China had a “diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they wanted to prevent further escalation in the region”.

For their part, the Chinese envoys pressed for negotiations, proposing again a “dual-track approach” in which North Korea would suspend its nuclear and missile activities while the United States and South Korea would halt large-scale military exercises.AFP

Noisy New York wants to turn down the volume NEW YORK―Car horns, sirens, drilling, jet overflights and restaurants where diners have to yell to be heard―New York is one of the loudest cities in the world.

But America’s most populous metropolis, known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” has launched a unique experiment seeking to provide New York with the technology to dial down the volume and address noise pollution.

The five-year, $4.6 million project―the brainchild of researchers at New York University, working in concert with city residents and city hall―is using machine learning technology and sensors to build a sound library.

The idea is to record the full panoply of noises in the city of 8.5 million residents and use artificial

intelligence so that machines can recognize sounds automatically, ultimately giving authorities a way to mitigate noise levels.

“It is like living in the middle of a soccer stadium sometimes,” says Gregory Orr, a filmmaker from Los Angeles who has lived in New York for 19 years.

“Even the squirrels have to chirp louder in the city in order to be heard over the din,” he jokes.

Juan Bello, head of the “Sounds of NYC” project and associate professor of music technology at NYU, says noise is “consistently the number one civil complaint” to the city’s 311 telephone hot line for non-emergency services, instituted in 2003.

Researchers installed the first sensor boxes, which transmit data

through wifi, on New York University buildings in Greenwich Village.

They’re now installing sensors across Manhattan and Brooklyn at spots selected for their diverse sounds. By the end of the year, there should be 100 in place.

“There are plenty of studies that show that noise has a tremendous impact on health, both short-term and long-term,” says Bello, citing heart conditions, hearing loss and hypertension, which then have a significant economic impact.

Educational performance is also shown to suffer among children subjected to high noise levels.

In Manhattan, Bello says the effects are amplified by skyscrapers,

which form “canyons of sound” and make everything louder.

“A lot of the sounds that you get in New York would not be so loud in other places, because of the specifics of the topology of the city,” he tells AFP. That was the concept from which the project was born, and it is being financed by the National Science Foundation.

The sensors are programmed to record no more than 10 consecutive seconds to avoid eavesdropping on conservations and posing confidentiality problems.

Researchers hope to index thousands of sounds which, with the help of New Yorkers, will be carefully annotated and help computers identify the source of nuisance sound immediately.AFP

5. After paying the purchase price, Clarissa Rodriguez turned over all the necessary documents evidencing the sale including but not limited to owner’s original copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title No. N-293227 and tax declaration. Copy of the Acknowledgment Receipt evidencing full payment of the contract price is hereto attached made an integral part hereof and marked as Annex “C”.

6. Thereafter, after paying the corresponding taxes due thereon, plaintiff successfully transferred ownership under her name sometime on 2013, and is now covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 0042013013357 of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City.

ANNEX B

Attached are copies of proofs of payment of documentary tax and capital gains tax as well as issuance of appropriate Certificate Authorizing Registration dated 23 August 2013 made an integral part hereof and marked as Annexes “D” to “F”.

And a photocopy of the Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2013013357 evidencing transfer of ownership is also attached and marked as Annex “G”.

ANNEX C

7. Thereafter, to plaintiff’s surprise, there was annotation in the memorandum of encumbrances of the TCT No. 004-2013013357 pertaining to an adverse claim dated October 18, 2012 relative to the execution of an alleged Deed of Absolute Sale by Clarissa Rodriguez in favor of herein defendant.

The annotation of adverse claim at the back portion of the subject title is hereby bracketed made an integral part and sub-marked as Annex “G-1”.

8.

Based on the annotated adverse claim, defendant made it appear that on 6 January 2011, Clarissa Rodriguez entered into the Deed of Absolute Sale in his favor over the property covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 293227.

9. Plaintiff wasted no time and made the necessary call to Clarissa Rodriguez.

Clarissa Rodriguez categorically denied any participation, knowledge or whatsoever in the execution of the alleged Deed of Absolute Sale. She likewise denied the authenticity, due execution and has no knowledge or participation in the execution of the alleged Deed of Absolute Sale. To attest truthfulness of the foregoing, she executed her Sworn Statement dated 13 December 2013.

Photocopy of which is hereto attached to form integral part hereof and marked as annex “H”.

10. By the foregoing acts, defendant did not act with justice, observe honesty and good faith, and did no give utmost consideration to the rights of the plaintiff.

11. The Deed of Absolute Sale dated 6 January 2011 should therefore be declared null and void and be annulled by this Court for being spurious.

Consequently, the annotation of adverse claim should be cancelled for lack of any legal basis.

12. Consequently, by virtue of the unlawful act of the defendant, Plaintiff suffered sleepless nights, mental anguish, serious anxiety, wounded feelings, and moral shock as a result of defendant’s wrongful act, he should be liable to pay One Hundred Thousand (Php 100,000.00) Pesos.

13. In order to serve as an example or correction for the public good and to deter the defendant from further committing the same wrongful act and omission, he should be adjudged liable for exemplary damage in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00).

14. By respondent’s unlawful acts, plaintiff was constrained to engage the services of counsel to vindicate its violated rights and to protect its interest and agreed to pay the sum of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) as Attorney’s fee not including appearance fees.

ANNEX D

ANNEX E

ANNEX F

ANNEX G

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that, after notice and hearing, judgment be rendered in favor of the plaintiff: 1. Declaring null and void and the annulment of the Deed of Absolute Sale dated January 6, 2011 for being falsified; 2. To the Register of Deeds of Quezon City to direct cancellation of the annotation of adverse claim; and; 3. To declare defendant to pay the plaintiff the sum of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) by way of attorney’s fees; One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) by way of Moral Damages; Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) by way of Exemplary

ANNEX H

(MS-June 10, 17 & 24, 2017)

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

B4

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

CREATURE COMFORTS. Units in ‘The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue’ are furnished with built-in beds, cabinets, and air conditioner. Dedicated desks, either under the bunk bed or across it, provide multifunctional spaces.

Dorm living set to go in BGC 1500 beds open for corporate leases F

ORT Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC) recently kicked off its first dorm development in Bonifacio Global City.

Dubbed ‘The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue’, the project is a dormitory building created for the city’s hundred thousand-strong workforce. It will rise on 5th Avenue , across St. Luke’s Medical Center, and accessible to major thoroughfares EDSA, Kalayaan Avenue, C-5 Road, and 32nd Avenue.

FBDC is looking at BPO and office workers as potential occupants. Over 350 units in 16 floors will provide a total of over 1,500 beds. Each unit is fully furnished with a bed and mattress, workstation, wardrobe cabinet, toilet and bath, and a mini kitchen.

Strong demand

ONE’S OWN GARDEN VIEW. Ayala Land (ALI) kicked off this week the first phase of the P65-billion

“There is a strong demand for living spaces inside BGC, especially from employees,” said Eli Yaneza, FBDC business development manager. “From current estimates of 120,000, we are expecting about a hundred thousand more workers coming in until 2019. FBDC wants to provide them alternative and relatively more affordable housing options to save them hours of commuting into the city considering the traffic congestion these days,” he said FBDC is now accepting partnerships with corporate accounts through lease arrangements for their employees. A handful of locators have already expressed interest to include accommodations in The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue as part of their compensation package.

The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue serves as FBDC’s exploratory project on the trend of co-living ─ a modern, urban lifestyle that puts a premium on openness, sharing, and collaboration.

FBDC broke ground in December last year after the project was awarded to infrastructure conglomerate Megawide. The project will start operating by the start of 2019.

Vertis North estate in Quezon City, which includes both the mall and hotel components. The first phase of the 45-hectare development includes Ayala Malls Vertis North, which opened around 20% of the total development last June 9 and Seda Vertis North, the largest hotel under the Seda brand that houses 438 rooms. ALI spent P32 billion for the construction of six residential developments, the mall, hotel, as well as for the development of land. The mall will have a leasable area of 40,249 square meters which will be occupied by retailers catering to the millennial generation. The project will offer concepts such as Japan Town, Korean Town, and Urban Turf that primarily focus on different dining options based on these themes.

REPUBLIC CEMENT PLANT GIVES POWER BOOST TO BULACAN. Luzon Continental Land Corporation of the Republic Cement Group, Meralco and key officials from the municipal government of Norzagaray, Bulacan, recently broke ground on a project that would help provide electricity to two barangays in the province, namely San Mateo and Minuyan. A seven-kilometer distribution line will be installed along Alagao road, enabling the barangays to have future access to power. Republic plans to pursue similar projects in area. Photo shows (from left) Engr. Rodel de la Torre, relationship manager, corporate business group, Meralco; Atty. Angela Edralin, director for environmental performance and community relations, Republic Cement Services, Inc. (RCSI); Engr. Joey Pamintuan, implementation team leader, Plaridel Sector, Meralco; Hon. Edmar Tovillo brgy. captain, Minuyan; Hon. Frederico Cruz, brgy. captain, San Mateo; Hon. Geronimo Cristobal, Jr., Mayor, municipality of Norzagaray; Felipe Baniqued, Jr., President, Luzon Continental Land Corp. ; Rene Sunico, President, Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc.; PV Aquino, director for public affairs, RCSI; Atty.

Anda Bolinas, director for strategic lands and sustainability, RCSI.

LAID BACK AT EAST BAY. Rockwell Primaries’ East Bay Residences offers a safe haven for families south of Metro Manila. Of particular interest are the garden bi-level units (see photo) targeted for families who are looking for a place to grow. These premium units let every family member enjoy a cozier space in terms of design and functionality: a master bedroom with a built-in walk-in closet, two additional bedrooms, three toilets and baths, plus a maid’s room and powder room. “With the two-level units, you can have a home that blends the vibrancy of the south with the benefits of living in a Rockwell community,” said Malou Pineda, senior vice president, Rockwell Primaries .

Araw ng Maynila 446th Foundation Day

Beauty pageant caps week-long 446th Araw ng Maynila festivities

A

FTER a week of festivities, Manileños culminate their celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila today, June 24, with the coronation of Miss Manila 2017.

Manila Mayor “Erap” Estrada, who kicked off the celebrations last June 18, with a Grand Parade, will cap the celebrations with tonight’s Grand Coronation of the annual Miss Manila 2017. The beauty pageant will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

From Paris of the East to Global City

“The City of Manila has come a long way from being a ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and ‘Paris of Asia’ to a highly urbanized Global City,” the Manila mayor said. “Together, we celebrate our 446th Foundation Day with a vision of bringing back our beloved city’s former glory and beauty.”

From a cash-strapped city with an unpaid debt of P5.5 billion in 2013 when he assumed office, Estrada said, the city has fast regained its financial stability. This he credited to the cooperation and sacrifice shown by the Manileños.

“In the years to come, I am sure the City of Manila will continue to realize gains in economy, education, employment, health, and housing, among others, because we have proven that we can work together,” he added.

Established as a city on June 24, 1571 under the Spanish rule, Manila, back then, had become the “Pearl of the Orient” due to its central location in the Pacific sea trade routes and the “Paris of the East” for its exquisite beauty.

In 2012, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network listed Manila as a global city.

Since assuming office in 2013, Estrada has been working to bring back the beauty and old glory of the capital city through his P100-million urban renewal program and a wide range of projects and promotional activities.

To kick off the 446th Araw ng Maynila festivities, a Grand Parade was held from last June 18, Sunday. The parade was participated in by the different offices and units of the local government, as well as their private sector partners, and showcased their different programs and services for the city’s residents.

Last June 19 and 20, Estrada bestowed honors to outstanding city employees, teachers, judges, prosecutors, and policemen.

On June 21, the city held the annual “Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Awards,” which recognizes and pays tribute to Filipino artists who have excelled in the fields of architecture, painting, and fields of art and culture through the yearly Simultaneously, the city government launched an outdoor exhibit called “BalikTanaw sa Maynila” along Roxas Boulevard. The three-day event (June 19 to 21) offered a “throwback” experience of what the city looked like during the early 19th century.

Fun and games

On Thursday, it was fun and games at the city hall as Secretary to the Mayor Ed Serapio led a fun-filled game of “Jack En Poy” for city hall officials and employees at the city hall quadrangle.

The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), meanwhile, also lined up three activities for Manila’s elderly: a Zumba dance class at the Luneta last June 21, the

THE FILIPINO, SETTING A GLOBAL STANDARD IN PORT MANAGEMENT. The Manila International Container Terminal combines leading-edge technologies and decades of port management expertise to provide the country with port services at par with the world’s best.

The MICT is one of the best examples of Public-Private Partnerships, offering the best value for the government and the Filipino people.

MICT is the flagship operation of ICTSI, the Philippines’ leading port operator with a portfolio of 29 terminals in 19 countries.

MICT

PHILIPPINES

www.ictsi.com Manila-Guam basketball tournament from June 19 to 21, and the “Gabi ng Parangal” last June 22 where Estrada honored centenarians, surviving war veterans, and the 343 incumbent barangay chairmen who are already senior citizens.

The mayor also cited top individual and corporate taxpayers in Manila at a ceremony held yesterday at

the Manila Hotel.

Today’s festivities begin with a Thanksgiving Mass at San Agustin Church at 8 am, whih Mayor Estrada is expected to attend.

At 7 pm, Estrada will preside over the Grand Coronation Night of the annual 2017 Miss Manila pageant at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Estrada revived the pageant in 2013 in a bid to cement Manila’s place in the world map of tourism.

This year’s Miss Manila will serve as the ambassadress of the city and be involved in the city’s charitable projects as well as represent the country’s capital in various events and functions. With a report from Meryll del Rosario

‘SEA OF BEAUTY’. Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada poses with the 30 lovely candidates of Miss Manila 2017 pageant during the media presentation held at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, June 15. To his left is his daughter Jackie Ejercito, pageant director and chairperson of MARE Foundation. The annual beauty tilt revived by Estrada in 2013 is the highlight of the week-long celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila. Photo by Joel Santos

Araw ng Maynila 446th Foundation Day

Pia lookalike is early favorite in A

Miss Manila 2017

MODEL and student who bears a striking resemblance to Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, is one of the early favorites in the Miss Manila 2017 pageant organized by Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

Glenn Aeela Krishnan, one of 30 young Manileñas vying for the Miss Manila 2017 title, has slowly been gaining a lot of online supporters, most of whom are Pia fans who mistook her for the beauty queen’s younger sister.

The pageant is one of the highlights of the 446th Araw ng Maynila weeklong celebrations, which kick off today, June 24.

The winner will be crowned at tonight’s Grand Coronation Night at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The titleholder will become the Manila’s ambassadress and will be involved in the city’s charitable projects and will represent the country’s capital in various events and functions.

The winner will also receive P1 million worth of prizes consisting of a management contract, and P500,000 cash. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runner-ups will win P350,000, P250,000, P150,000, and P100,000 cash prizes, respectively.

A model and student of Trinity University of Asia-College of Business Administration, Krishnan is the younger sister of former courtside reporter Ganiel Krishnan, who finished third in the Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 beauty pageant. Their mother is a Filipino, while their father is Indian-Singaporean.

Krishnan is featured on Mayor Estrada’s official Facebook page “Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada” (https:// www.facebook.com/mayorjosephestrada/).

Netizens immediately noticed the similarities between Krishnan, whose photo was placed side by side Pia’s on the faceook account.

The same photo of Krishnan could also be seen in the Facebook page’s “Miss Manila 2017 (swimsuit)” album (https://www. facebook.com /pg /mayor josephest r a d a /photos/?t ab =albu m&albu m _ id=140357623196568).

“Me hawig nga”, one netizen named Lilian Rosales commented.

“Akala ko si Pia ‘yung isa,” added Queen Mae Recapente Ambetic.

Yet another netizen named Canon Montecillo described Krishnan as a “potential title holder.”

Pia and Krishnan have actually already met at an event in January. Their photo, which was uploaded on Instagram, garnered over 2,300 “likes” just a few days after it was posted.

The beauty tilt was revived by Estrada when he assumed office in 2013 as the highlight of the yearly Araw ng Maynila celebrations. Estrada revived the annual pageant to bring attention to the city’s rich culture, and “to the beauty, intelligence, inherent generosity, and kindness of the Manilenya.”

The beauty pageant, he said, symbolizes his administration’s continuing vision to bring back Manila’s old beauty and as Asia’s “Pearl of the Orient.”

He recounted that Miss Manila originated from the Miss Carnival Queen in the early 1900s, a title subsequently won by his mother Maria Marcelo in 1925.

DOPPELGANGER. Miss Manila 2017 candidate Glenn Aeela Krishnan has been making waves on the Internet due to her striking resemblance to Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. In the official Facebook page of Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada (https:// www.facebook.com/mayorjosephestrada/), this young model has been gaining a lot of supporters, one of whom even described her as a “potential titleholder”. This particular photo of Krishnan could also be seen in the Facebook page’s “Miss Manila 2017 (swimsuit)”

The 30 candidates of Miss Manila 2017

The Pearl of the Orient celebrates its 446th year MANILA has served as the country’s international gateway and center of development. Four centuries have passed since Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who was later appointed the country’s first governor-general, and his men disembarked in Manila in 1571. Since then the city has f lourished to become one of the world’s global cities—progressive, cosmopolitan, vibrant.

It was in Manila where economic, political, and religious affairs were centered. The Spaniards established their government in

Manila and soon proclaimed the city as as the Philippines’ capital on June 24, 1571.

Over time, churches and schools were founded by Spanish priests. Roman Catholicism started to propagate, headed by Augustinian friar Andres de Urdaneta and was later followed by Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuits, and Augustinian priests. In 1574, Manila was recognized under the authorization of Spain and the Vatican as the “Distinguished and Ever Loyal City” and center of Catholicism, as well as of the Philippines.

In line with Manila’s founding date, June

24, 1958 was declared as the city’s foundation day by former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. This was later changed to ‘Araw ng Maynila’ in 1963 by Antonio Villegas who was Manila’s mayor that time.

Araw ng Maynila was declared as a special non-working holiday by Mayor Joseph Estrada through proclamation 1029. This year’s Araw ng Maynila is a week-long celebration, highlighted by a Thanksgiving mass at San Agustin Church followed by the grand coronation night of Miss Manila 2017. –Meryll Del Rosario

A PIECE OF OLD MANILA.

The reconstructed gate of Fort Santiago, in Intramuros.

Photo by Igel Manalo/ wikipedia

Araw ng Maynila 446th Foundation Day

Manila deploys 2,400 cops

to secure Eid al-Fitr celebrations M ANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has ordered the city police to ramp up security measures ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festivities this weekend to ward off potential plans by militants to launch attacks on vital facilities in the capital city.

Estrada said he has been assured by the Manila Police District (MPD) that a sufficient number of police personnel will be assigned to secure the city, particularly tomorrow when Muslims hold an overnight prayer rally at Rizal Park.

“We don’t expect any major security threat in the city but to be sure, we will implement stringent security measures to maintain peace and order,” the Manila mayor said at the sidelines of the

awarding ceremonies for outstanding barangay officials at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, June 21.

Estrada said police must remain vigilant throughout the festivities by taking preventive measures and preparing for a quick response should terrorist cells and criminal organizations make any moves.

Malacañang declared June 26, Monday, a regular holiday for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan

fasting month.

MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said a strong contingent of 2,400 policemen have been assigned to protect the city, as well as the prayer rally at Rizal Park that will begin on the evening of Sunday, June 25, up to the morning of Monday, June 26.

“We’re going to secure the prayer activity for our Muslim brothers who will be celebrating the end of Ramadan. We have assigned 2,400 policemen in this activity, to include area and perimeter security and traffic management,” he said.

As directed by Estrada, Coronel said the MPD has increased the monitoring of militant groups and has readied its units to counter potential terrorist threats, especially in key lo-

cations such as the Quiapo Muslim community, the Grand Mosque, and other places of worship.

On Wednesday, Estrada sought to calm down the public’s anxiety over the leaked memorandum of the Valenzuela City police baring the supposed plan of Maute group to conduct bombings in Metro Manila, including Quiapo.

“The likelihood of an imminent threat is very, very minimal here in the City of Manila, so there’s nothing to worry about,” the Manila mayor assured.

On Monday, a copy of the alleged memorandum from the Station Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the Valenzuela City Police Station revealing the purported plan of the Maute group to bomb several locations in Metro Manila were

circulated in Facebook.

The one-page memorandum dated June 16, 2017 and with a subject line “Plan (sic) Bombing in Metro Manila” stated that Maute group led by Mambang Maute and Abu Hidaya Maute are “planning to conduct bombing (sic) in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati.”

Signed by one Chief Insp. Jowilouie Bonaobra Bilaro, SIB chief, it directed the Police Community Precinct (PCP) commanders to “please take appropriate action, initiate counter security measures to prevent government casualty and attacks from the enemy, particularly PNP stations/AFP units and vital installations in your respective AORs (area of responsibility).”

‘COMPARABLE TO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN SINGAPORE’

Manila completes P300 million upgrade of Ospital ng Maynila IN YET another milestone in Manila’s healthcare program, the city government led by Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada last week unveiled a fully-renovated and modernized Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, one of the city’s six public hospitals.

Through the P300 million fund allotted

by Estrada, OMMC is now comparable to modern and fully equipped government hospitals in Singapore, according to hospital director Dr. Rachel Marinas.

“Yes, we’re a public hospital built for indigent patients. But with the improvements introduced by Mayor Estrada, we’re now like a private hospital, and we can even compare our hospital to public hospitals in Singapore, which has some of the best healthcare in the world,” Marinas said.

Dra. Loi Ejercito, who represented her husband during the hospital’s blessing on Wednesday—part of the week-long celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila on June 24 – expressed amazement by the OMMC’s complete transformation.

“Namangha ako sa ganda ng ospital niyo,” Ejercito said. “Alam niyo naman si Mayor, ‘pag nagpa-repair ‘yun, talagang maganda. Napakaganda po.”

She said this is Estrada’s “gift” to poor Manileños who could not afford quality healthcare services that are normally expensive in private-run hospitals: “Ang gusto niya, kung anong meron ang mga mayayaman, meron din ang mahihirap.”

Built in 1969 during the time of Mayor Arsenio Lacson, the 300-bed OMMC has undergone complete facelift under Estrada – new building and lobby, new Operating Room complex, surgery, and ICU wards, and modernized Medicine, Ophthalmology, and Pediatrics departments.

The hospital also procured brandnew, state-of-the art medical and labo-

ratory equipment such ECG machines, 2D echo machine, evoke otoacoustic emission machine, biological refrigerator, phacoemulsification machine, morgue freezer, video laryngoscope, fully automated hematology analyzer, coagulated analyzer, chemistry analyzer, digital flouroscopy and x-ray machines, among others.

Marinas said all these equipment and medical services are free of charge to every Manileño.

“Walang bayad, ang ganda pa. Kahit ‘yung mga X-ray, MRI, walang bayad, lahat. We are lucky to have a mayor like Mayor Estrada. And we have the best and competent doctors and medical staff here,” she added.

When he assumed office in 2013, Estrada initiated a P500-million rehabilitation of all the six city-run hospitals and 59 community health centers, including the acquisition of a long line of state-of-the art hospital equipment and facilities.

One of the six hospitals, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, has already been ISO-certified recently. The other city-run hospitals are Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, and Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC).

On November 2016, Estrada acquired a P36-million state-of-the-art CT scan machine for GABMMC, the latest addition to the long list of brand new medical equipment he has recently purchased to modernize the six public hospitals of the city.

On April of the same year, the city government acquired a P117-million MRI machine for the Ospital ng Maynila on top of more brand new CT scans and digital X-ray machines.

Estrada also put up a dialysis center and an Eye Care Center at GABMMC recently.

On behalf of Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Dr. Loi Ejercito leads the blessing/inauguration of newly-renovated facilities and equipment at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) on Wednesday, June 21, as part of the week-long celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila on June 24. Estrada has allotted P300 million for the full renovation and modernization of the city-run hospital, which OMMC director Dr. Rachel Marinas said is now comparable to modern, fully-equipped government hospitals in Singapore, which has one of the best healthcare programs in the world. Photos by Joel Santos

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE bolsters PCSO’s war vs illegal gambling

By John Paolo Bencito

W

HILE former officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office have allegedly fallen prey to accepting money from illegal gambling operators, PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan, a retired Marine Corps general, said that ending corruption in his agency starts with him.

Balutan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, earned the monicker “mandirigma” (warrior) for his long years of fighting in conflict areas in Mindanao. He was given another “war” assignment

by President Rodrigo Duterte -- to wage battle against the illegal numbers games across the country.

Balutan said he is simply applying what he has learned from his long years in active service to achieve higher revenues while stamping out illegal gambling.

“Having served the military for so many years, the attributes and traits that I got from the Armed Forces, I was able to apply them here at PCSO. And our leadership turned into good results,” Balutan told Manila Standard in an interview.

“Number one for me is leadership by example. No leader, no commander can demand respect from his subordinate if he does not set the example. That’s it. You walk the talk, you do what you preach. It makes a big difference in character and we use that, we apply that in PCSO,” he added.

While President Duterte’s marching orders to weed out illegal gambling in the country seemed to be a daunting task, PCSO under Balutan’s helm may have already found the solution to win the campaign.

Balutan said they have now successfully increased revenues and engaged former ‘jueteng’ players to “turn legal” while running after those who use the agency’s flagship Small Town Lottery game as front for illegal gambling activities.

Upholding its mandate to generate funds from responsible gaming activities, PCSO was able to generate more than P36.56 billion from its overall sales last year and is expected to post a higher growth by the end of 2017.

These revenues allow the agency to fund its various charitable programs for poor Filipinos.

With the STL’s expansion topping the PCSO’s Sustainability and Transforma-

General Manager Alexander F. Balutan

tion Plans, Balutan said they expect to earn as much as P27 billion more once all of the 92 Authorized Agent Corporations become operational.

“So far, since we assumed leadership last year, we have successfully increased our revenues. In 2016 alone, we profited P6.46 billion as against our 2015 revenues from STL alone. Also in our lotto (digit games), we’ve also increased sales. We are gaining ground,” Balutan said.

From 18 Authorized Agent Corporations in 2015, more than 50 are now operational to date. The PCSO board recently approved the authorization of 36 more AACs to help increase the agency’s revenues, Balutan said.

From January to May 2017 alone, STL sales amounted to P5.18-billion or an increase of more than 173.38 percent from only P2.06 billion for the same period last year.

While STL remains the agency’s second major revenue generator, next only to the lotto game at P28.7 billion, Balutan said there remains a great potential to generate more revenues to fund the agency’s charitable programs and at the same time curb the operations of illegal numbers games such as jueteng.

Challenges ahead

While the profitability of illegal gambling operations have already registered a marked decline due to the strengthened STL, some roadblocks remain as the government continues to weed out corrupt activities funded by jueteng lords.

Balutan noted that some former jueteng operators, such as Bong Pineda and Charing Magbuhos, have already shifted toward STL operations, which ensures that taxes are directly paid to the PCSO. “We continue to gain ground and continue to implement reforms. But corruption is still rampant because of illegal gambling but we are fighting this.

If there is illegal gambling, the games [could] still be used to bribe people on the ground,” Balutan said.

As for those who still chose to continue with their criminal activities, Balutan said authorities are using the full might of t h e

law in its crackdown against the illegal numbers game.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently issued Executive Order No. 13 declaring a war on illegal gambling, which resulted in the arrests of collectors (kubrador), their immediate supervisors (cabo) and operators in many parts of the country.

As for those who turned legal, an estimated 550,000 employees of AACs are now benefitting from the gains of the government’s legal numbers game— receiving a monthly compensation of P6,000 regardless of their educational attainment, experience, or age.

“When the AACs reach 92, that number will increase to 900,000. That is the employment potential. We hope this will have a bandwagon effect,” Balutan said.

In the coming days, PCSO’s focus is to overcome challenges in STL operations, including the resistance of local officials who have benefitted from jueteng money for the longest time.

Some 29.4 percent of revenue from STL operations goes to the Charity Fund used for the various health and charitable programs of the agency, including the Individual Medical Assistance Program with more

than 300,000 beneficiaries in 2016.

Other revenues of the STL go to the operating fund (14.7 percent), prize fund (53.9 percent) and printing cost (two percent).

sales agents, with majority coming from informal sectors. The poor, jobless and those who were not fortunate enough to obtain college degreesrepresent the bulk of retailers and sales agents of PCSO. Asked on what the public should expect from PCSO in the future, Corpuz candidly remarked, “Expect better games and improved services.

We also plan to improve our on-line games with the public bidding for the five (5) years lease of our Nationwide Online Lottery System. After 20 years, it’s time for PCSO to use better, if not the best, lottery system the market has to offer, under terms most

advantageous to the Government.”

“Trabaho lang po itong mga reporma sa STL at aming on-line games ay para sa mga kababayan natin. Ang PCSO ay Serbisyo, Trabaho, Laro.

Makakaasa po kayo na ang bawat taya ninyo ay aming gagamitin sa kawanggawa.” Corpuz added.

Corpuz compulsorily retired from the Philippine National Police on November 2, 2015. He also served as Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) under the Office of the President from July 1 – August 15, 2016 before assuming his post as PCSO Chairman on September 13, 2016.

Future plans

With the PCSO’s day-to-day operations on his hands, Balutan said he wanted to increase the agency’s revenues to help more Filipinos in need.

“Many of our plans are aligned with the President’s 10-point socio-economic agenda, with the PCSO funding medical and health programs of the government and also alleviating the poor provinces identified by the NAPC (National AntiPoverty Commission),” he said.

“Our dream is for the PCSO to help more beneficiaries and we can do that by increasing our revenues,” he added.

Another goal is to “have a branch in every province” nationwide, from the current 57 PCSO branch offices, to reach out as widely as possible to those in need of charity services.

“If we could increase the number of PCSO branches, of course we would spend more but in turn, the government can help more and we can have increased partnerships with more hospitals,” Balutan said.

“Shepherding Reforms at PCSO” BARELY a year serving as PCSO Chairman, Jose Jorge E. Corpuz, accomplished where many have failed before him.

Corpuz is credited for shepherding reforms in Small Town Lottery (STL), the Government’s answer to jueteng, masiao, last two and vari-

ations of illegal numbers games, by requiring higher monthly remittances from STL Authorized Agent Corporation and introduction of rigid controls to guarantee higher tax remittances to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and bigger share for PCSO’s charity fund to help sustain and pro-

Chairman Jose Jorge E. Corpuz during the launch of expanded Small Town Lottery (STL)

mote assistance for medical and hospitalization of needy Filipinos.

PCSO is proud to be among the elite large corporate taxpayers in the country after settlement in October 2016 of the agency’s tax deficiencies from 2006 to 2014 which reached P13 Billion, before the BIR approved its compromise to P3.8 Billion before tax abatement.

“We are remitting about P5 Billion per year to BIR and with the expansion of our Small Town Lottery (STL) nationwide, the Board hopes to increase our tax remittances this year to help finance the nation-building programs of President Rodrigo R. Duterte”, said Corpuz.

While illegal gambling operators and financiers are feeling the heat of the Government’s campaign against illegal gambling, Corpuz explained, “We expect resistance and unwarranted attacks against PCSO yet we will remain steadfast. We are confident that our clientele and the public understand that PCSO’s fight against competing illegal numbers games is geared at giving back better services.”

PCSO is engaged in the holding and conduct of State-run lotteries, funds generated are earmarked for medical and health programs including welfare programs. The agency also generates job opportunities through its distributors, retailers and field STL

By Honor Blanco Cabie

M

OUNT RUSHMORE, South Dakota— Daily, but particularly in summer when South Dakota’s sun is nearly unforgiving, local and foreign tourists visit the historic “Shrine of Democracy” brought to life in the Museum and Gallery here.

The Museum and Gallery showcases scores of paintings, sculptures, and work models of Gutzon Borglum, son of Danish immigrants, who dreamed and conceived in 1924 the monument at Mount Rushmore in Keystone near the Black Hills.

The Shrine traces the country’s history by way of its leaders, from its birth (George Washington) through its early growth (Thomas Jefferson), preservation (Abraham Lincoln) and later development (Theodore Roosevelt).

Seventeen years later, Rushmore was transformed, with four enormous faces, six stories high, peering literally into the Black Hills.

But the monument was seen as an insult to the native peoples—the Lakota Sioux—who had considered the Black Hills of South Dakota sacred for millennia, which makes the land today, because of what some historians call “the passions of a few artists, hallowed in a different way.”

Mount Rushmore’s hometown Keystone was founded in 1891 with the discovery of gold-bearing quartz at the present site of the Keystone Mine, and the town “boomed” three years later with the discovery of a large gold vein a few hundred yards away from the Keystone Mine.

Visitors—many from other states of the United States as well as foreigners from Europe and Asia, including families of Filipinos, Japanese, South Koreans and Chinese—walk along the Avenue of Flags as they inch closer to the viewing deck for a closer view of the Rushmore monuments, described by Borglum himself as “colossal, in keeping with America’s achievements.”

The flags, seen by officials as powerful symbols to remind Americans of their common heritage, history, and ideals, represent the 50 states, one district, three territories and two commonwealths of the country.

The flags—the Avenue of Flags was initially established as part of the celebration of America’s Bicentennial at the request of an unidentified visitor—are arranged in alphabetical order with the A’s on the walkway near the concession building and the W’s near the Visitor Center/Museum, with park rangers discreetly visible nearby to give assistance.

At the Museum, visitors get the full Rushmore experience, with a film view of the 60-year-old Borglum and his crew—whose names are etched in stone at the Avenue of Flags—work on the face of the monuments in bosun’s chairs hung from thin cables.

“Truly, an entertaining, exciting, and most informative tour for the whole family,” one Asian visitor was overheard as whispering while walking closer to the viewing deck, which could be further enriched with a lengthy presidential trail at the foot of the imposing cliffs and rocks were it not for the searing heat—nearly 26 degrees Celsius—and the long trail.

Repeat visitor Harmony Quinto, who traveled seven hours by road all the way from Colorado via Wyoming, suggested to her Filipino friends on the same road trip to have a taste of the “Jefferson ice cream”—so called because the first brand came from suggested ingredients of the former President—near the Avenue of the flags to beat the heat.

At the Gallery, visitors discover what motivated Borglum to conceive the monument and pursue the dream at age

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

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Life TRAVEL AND LEISURE

HERITAGE SYMBOL. The 6-story Presidents monument at Mount Rushmore, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, traces the history of the United States by way of its leaders.

‘Shrine of Democracy’ in the

‘Sacred Land of Heroes’

The flags at the Avenue of Flags remind Americans of their common heritage, history, and ideals.

60 that men half his age would not attempt.

An 1868 treaty deeded the Black Hills land to the Sioux “in perpetuity” but when gold was discovered six years on, the United States reclaimed it.

Historians say in 1876, when all Lakota bands were ordered onto reservations, the great chiefs Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and Gall organized a resistance that destroyed the Seventh Calvary against Gen. George Custer’s Last Stand, at the Little Bighorn.

But in less than two years Crazy Horse was dead, and the Sioux’s fate was sealed.

In 1939, historical records suggest the Sioux invited Boston-born sculptor Korezak Ziolkowski to carve the image of their own hero, Crazy Horse, into a Black Hills mountain 27 kilometers southwest of Rushmore.

Unlike the Mount Rushmore monument, Crazy Horse would be sculpted in the round: the great chief, in the saddle of a horse, his arm outstretched.

The memorial would also dwarf Rushmore at 563 feet high and 641 feet long, making it the largest monument on earth.

Ziolkowski died in 1982, and historians have found it impossible to predict

a completion timeline but the project’s motto of “never forget your dreams” continues.

But there are other things that rock in the Black Hills, as visitors, with passion for adventure, would discover.

The locals divide South Dakota geographically, even culturally, into “East River” and “West River” and the geographical differences could not be more profound and visible to even the eye of a first-time visitor.

Scientists have variously described the Black Hills as “the oldest mountain range on the continent,” “a mountain range, separate and distinct,” or “con-

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taining the highest point between the Rockies and the Pyrenees.

Geologist Jack Redden, who mapped the entire Black Hills, characterized it as “a geological dome on the front range of the Rockies.”

Whatever, officials say over eons of time, winds and water have eroded the Hills—“from the high rugged spires of the center stretching out to the Badlands and prairies of the High Plains, exposing multiple layers to create a great museum of geological time.”

The Black Hills has also been said to contain “the richest 160 kilometers of gold on Earth.”

Rock hounds go to the area to explore or stake mining claims on more than 250 species of minerals and precious metals.

Rugged geological outcroppings, myriad mineral deposits and rock beds can be found, according to officials, throughout the area.

Quartz, copper, silver, lead, mica, feldspar and several other minerals glitter along the snaking roadside in beautiful and fascinating formations.

Loosely translated in white culture as “Black Hills,” the ancient mountain range called “Paha Sapa” by the Lakota people who consider it sacred land, was formed, according to geologists, in sedimentary layers in an inland sea some 65 million years ago.

Dinosaurs roamed until molten granite intrusions forced their way upward to form the peaks at the center of what is now Black Hills.

Volcanic activity forced the layers of the earth upward and outward and, with time and erosion, they formed concentric geological circles that, when viewed from above, resemble an oblong target with distinct rings.

Whatever people have said of Keystone, Black Hills and Mount Rushmore and the carefully sculpted monument on white rocks caressed several thousand feet high by the South Dakota winds, the inky shade of Ponderosa pines, the lush green of the forests, through grays and deep reds of the inner circles of shale to the pale beige of the rocky and dry sandstone cliffs, any visit here is, like some Asians have said, “worth a lifetime.”

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Life

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

T

HE location and shape of the city of San Juan earn for it this tagline, although other drumbeaters at City Hall prefer a more eloquent tag—The Historical City of Excellence. Thanks to a well-run local government, the city’s “excellence” stems from its being a consistent recipient of the Department of Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance. This award certifies that the city has an effective Financial Management, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, Environmental Protection, BusinessFriendly Government, and Peace and Order.

The city’s 600-hectares comprise less than one per cent of the area covered by the National Capital Region, but its central location has easily made it a hub of history, culture and commerce. Six years ago, it clinched the top spot in the list of highly urbanized cities in the country, made possible by City Hall’s solid management, fiscal efficiency, and progressive policies.

The city’s most popular historical spot is the Pinaglabanan Shrine. It is inside a mini-park, with a sculpture

by Eduardo Castrillo as its centerpiece, commemorating the Filipinos’ first-ever battle in the 1896 revolution against the more-than-300-years of Spanish colonization. This heroic event ignited the patriotism of our forebears and eventually led to our Independence in 1898.

Thanks to the very amiable City Tourism Officer Allenmarie “Lheng” Alejo, I became aware of many other things that make San Juan interesting.

Spirituality has reigned supreme in the

Senator JV Ejercito using a firehose to get everybody wet in his path (left) and Mayor Guia Gomez leading her constituents (right) during the Wattah-Wattah Festival

The heart of the metro city, tracing back to the 17th century when the Dominicans built a Retreat House that eventually became the Santuario del Santo Cristo. In 1894, the equally historic Pinaglabanan Church was put up. And somewhere in one of the city’s winding roads, the Iglesio Ni Cristo Bishop’s Palace dominates the landscape.

Of course, who among us hasn’t been to the Greenhills Shopping District?

This center of commerce has made the city the “tiangge capital” of the metropolis, with a wide array of affordable electronics, apparel and even pearls, to satisfy the most discriminating shopper. Our country’s only Music Museum is right in the midst of the district, surrounded by a plethora of culinary specialties offered by eating places ranging from fine dining restaurants to food stalls.

Today is a very special day for the city as it stages its very popular Wattah-Wattah Festival, in celebration of the city residents’ devotion to St. John the Baptist. Started by former Mayor and now Senator JV Ejercito, the event calls for city residents having fun spraying each other with water, including non-residents who pass through any of the city’s streets. It is pretty much like the Songkran Festival in Thailand.

The good Senator and his mother, Mayor Guia Gomez lead what they refer to as the “Watercade” where they are perched on top of fire trucks navigating the city’s streets, pointing the water

city. Not only do the residents have an efficient leader, they also have a caring mother.

Mayor Gomez’s passion for public service, good governance, efficient health and education services has created for the city an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth of all types of business enterprises. Although she was reluctant, at first, to take on the challenge of continuing the good work started by her son, Senator JV, she eventually, and rightfully so, heeded the city constituents’ clamor for her professional skills and motherly guardianship.

The city now has a new, impressive City Hall, a Museo ng Katipunan, the San Juan Sports Arena, and the first incity medium-rise housing facility called St. Josephville, where 300 families, fire victims two years ago have been relocated. This facility was built with the support of the National Housing Authority. Several pumping stations have been completed, with more still being Attractive fire trees serve as backdrop to Eduardo Castrillo’s sculpture in the built, all designed to significantly rePinaglabanan Shrine duce the number of flooded streets durhoses on everybody along the way, all schools also participate, to add color ing typhoons and monsoon rains. in the spirit of fun and kinship. and pageantry to the occasion.

Not one to rest on her laurels, MayThis one-week festival starts on the Three-termer Mayor Gomez, with or Gomez continues to build facilities day marking the anniversary (its 10th the support of her son, Senator Ejercito, that cater to the welfare of her constitthis year) of San Juan’s progression from has done wonders for the city and its uents. Very soon, the city will have a a First Class City to a Highly Urbanized residents. Driving around the city, one 100-bed public hospital, a new Justice City. In fact, when I had the chat with easily notices the well-paved and well- Hall, a Disaster Management Center, Tourism Officer Alejo, everyone in her lit roads, clean sidewalks, traffic police, a K-to-12 School Building, a Science office was busy preparing for the first and a flourishing business community High School, Voctech Center, a Kaactivity of the week, Family Day, a spe- for large, medium, and small enter- bayanan In-City Housing and a Batis cial treat for City Hall employees and prises. The professional management In-City Housing. their families. Programs, Barely two years more to games and food were bego before the end of her last ing readied for the afterterm, “Inday Ging’s” focus noon event in the Pinaglaon public infrastructure has banan Park, right across made San Juan a livable city Q: Why did the woman cross the road? from the City Hall. of high standards. Her heart A: That’s not the point. What on earth is she doing The fun and colorful is in the right place, and it out of the kitchen? weeklong celebration continues to beat for her peoalso includes Zumba Sesple…and that endlessly beatsions, a Fun Run, Bike ing heart has, in turn, made Rides, and a street dancing competition skills, style and the caring persona of her city, The Heart Of The Metro. among the city’s eight public elementa- “Inday Ging,” as her constituents refer ry schools. Although they are not part to the personable and friendly mayor, For feedback, I’m at of the competition, the city’s private have accelerated the progress of the bobzozobrado@gmail.com

YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE

Filipina recognized in Hospitality and Management forum Customers who gas up at Caltex has a chance to win ‘Transformers’ items or a new car

Caltex unleashes ‘True Power from Within’ CALTEX, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), unveiled its “True Power from Within” nationwide promotion for Caltex customers. The promotion runs until July 31 in conjunction with the release of the latest Michael Bay global blockbuster movie, Transformers: The Last Knight.

From now until July 31, any purchase of Havoline, Delo or Techron Concentrate Plus promotional packs will also be rewarded with a Transformers: The Last Knight t-shirt, or microfibre towel. Purchases will also be entitled to a grand lucky draw, where one prime prize winner rides away with a Vespa scooter—a tribute to new Autobot character, Sqweeks. Other prizes include 5x Bose speakers, and 10 winners of Robinsons shopping vouchers (worth P2400 each). Promotional packs are available while stocks last at selected shops and Caltex service stations nationwide.

Driving into any Caltex service station until July 31 with a minimum fuel

purchase of P500 (net discounts) will give customers the opportunity to win more prizes in the last raffle draw. On the first draw on June 20, 10 won Star Cash (worth P10,000 each). On Aug. 14, the grand draw will give away 15 winners of Starcash (worth P10,000 each), with one lucky motorist to drive home the grand prize: a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro RS A/T, complete with P100,000 worth of Caltex Star Cash.

“There’s always been more to Caltex products than meets the eye.

Our range of engine oils and improved fuels is designed to shield engine parts from harmful deposits, protecting engine performance and your vehicle investment from within, giving you optimized driving performance and fuel economy with continued use. Our new movie tiein makes every journey with Caltex a more rewarding one,” said Peter Morris, Chevron’s Country Chairman for Philippines.

A FILIPINO female academician and industry practitioner has received the Prix d’Excellence Vatel (Vatel Excellence Award) during the recent 11th Vatel International Convention, a week-long seminar and workshop on hospitality and management, held in Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius.

Lorena “Lhoree” Valerio, a full-time professor at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM), was honored with the 2017 Innovation and Research Award for her dissertation Hospitality Management Students Experiences and Views on the Integration of Facebook in Promoting Classroom Communities of Practice.

Valerio’s paper explored how Facebook can be used to supplement face-to-face courses as a means of enhancing students’ sense of society and, thus, promote classroom communities of practice.

Four other SHRIM faculty, namely, Marie Castro, Tiffany Santuyo, Chef Kim Castillo, and Chef Jester Arellano, shared their researches at the conference, which was featured in Vatel’s research journal, Les Cahiers International de Tourisme (International Tourism Journal), published by its Centre International de Recherche Vatel en Tourisme et Hôtellerie (Cirvath).

Valerio teaches professional and major courses in Hospitality Management, Hotel Sales and Marketing, Events Management, Personality Development, and Front Office Operations. She has likewise developed modules on management and human resource at Benilde’s graduate institution.

Valerio is a facilitator, trainer, and speaker of The Philippine Society for Training and Development (PSTD) and was a former member of its Board of Trustees. She has also served under People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Ariva Events Management, TeamAsia, and Step Up International. She was Chairperson of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)’s Sponsorship and Membership Committees for two consecutive years (2006-2007), and was the former director of Sales and Marketing of three hotel properties under the

Hotel La Corona Group in the Philippines.

Vatel, a worldwide network of hospitality and management institutions, has an existing partnership with DLS-CSB to offer a Double Bachelors and Masters Degree programs.

For 35 years, Vatel has prepared students for middle and higher management posts in the international hospitality and tourism industry. It has 31 schools around the world with more than 7,000 students presently enrolled its programs. It has more than 29,000 alumni in its roster, who occupy management and leadership positions in global hotels and restaurants.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Professor Lorena ‘Lhoree’ Valerio

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017

Miss Global 2016 sits as judge in local pageant Angela Bonilla of Ecuador is in Manila to fulfill her duties and commitment as the reigning Miss Global and will grace the Miss Global Philippines 2017 coronation night. She will also sit as a member of the board of judges of the pageant tonight at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

The stunning Latina beauty from San Miguel de Urcuqui, Imbabura, a province north of Ecuador, recently brought cheers to the students of the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City, accompanied by the Miss Global Philippines Organization, headed by Pauline Sofia Laping and Miss Global 2016 First runner-up Camille Hirro.

The 25-year-old Journalism student of Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja has travelled around the

second home. She will be travelling in other tourist spots in the country, like Palawan and Boracay, to help the Miss Global Philippines Organization’s mission to promote Philippine tourism.

Bonilla joined Miss Ecuador and Miss World Ecuador pageants before winning the Miss Ecuador Earth 2015 title. She had also conducted a beauty workshop with the 22 candidates of Miss Global Philippines 2017, which included single mothers, a victim of abuse and a deaf model.

Bonilla, as Ambassador of Goodwill for the Miss Global Organization’s campaign to protect people against human trafficking and abuse, visited Vietnam for a charity to raise funds for families at a ward in Hoa Quy, and in Cambodia to promote environmental tourism.

Ecuadorian beauty and Miss Global 2016 Angela Bonilla is currently in Manila to help choose the Philippine delegate to this year's Miss Global pageant

‘West Side Story’ in Manila GLOBE Telecom’s original productions arm Globe LIVE adds another top theater production to its roster by bringing in 10-time Oscar winning Broadway musical-- West Side Story.

In partnership with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Filipinos will be able to relive the musical masterpiece on Aug.10 at The Theatre at Solaire.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and dubbed as “The No. 1 Greatest Musical of all time” by The Times, West Side Story will captivate the audience with its top-notch choreography and excellent musical score.

“This year, we will own the stage. From locally producing

Bonilla, the third Ecuadorian to win a beauty title in the country following Miss Earth 2011 Olga Alava and Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin, is very open to any opportunities the country may offer. A look-alike of actors Eula Valdez and G Toengi, Bonilla has been seen in various GMA shows like Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Eat Bulaga and Unang Hirit while promoting the Miss Global Philippines 2017 pageant. – Eton B. Concepcion

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, June 24, 2017

ACROSS 1 — and now 5 “So long!”

10 Long white robes 14 Wagon pullers 15 Evita or Juan 16 Swindle 17 Gets some sun 18 Great care 19 Room service item 20 Working cats 22 Auditorium guides 24 Narrow inlet 25 Japanese verse 27 Skyline feature 31 Saddle part 35 Goes first 36 Piece of linoleum 38 Retiree’s kitty 39 Happy sighs 40 Torn piece 41 Chemist’s workplace 42 Before marriage 43 Cod kin 44 Enjoy a rose 46 Quivering dessert 49 Cubism founder 51 Shakespearean lover boy 53 Head gesture 54 Haphazard

57 Hay fever culprit 61 Shampoo additive 62 Please greatly 64 Disney CEO Bob — 66 Gull’s cousin 67 Ceremonies 68 Political campaign 69 Style of jazz singing 70 Used up money 71 Hubbubs DOWN 1 Dog days weather 2 Midterm or final 3 Setting for betting 4 Made certain 5 Charm 6 Cherished 7 Hibernian 8 Time period 9 Not becoming to 10 Legendary king 11 Handed-down stories 12 Tusked critter 13 The — the limit!

21 Takes tea 23 Travel on powder 26 Zonked out

27 Street vernacular 28 Snicker (hyph.)

29 Palette adjunct 30 Flammable gas 32 Rubs the wrong way 33 Eurasian range 34 Cello player — Casals 37 Peeve 40 Glows 44 Flat boat 45 Amber wine 47 Fiery 48 As well

50 Take into the body, as food 52 Sound off 54 Charlie Brown epithet 55 Obi-Wan player 56 Mrs. Charles 58 Two fives for —— 59 I say!

60 Retro art style 63 Gloss destination 65 Lawyer’s thing

high-energy dance routines that will set the stage on fire!

All Globe customers get a 20 percent discount on West Side Story tickets bundled with tickets to another Globe LIVE and 9Works Theatrical production show, Disney’s Newsies. For West Side Story tickets alone, all Globe customers get an exclusive 10 percent off. Both ticket discount deals are offered until June 30 only.

Disney’s Newsies will run from July 7 to 20, while West Side Story will run from Aug. 10 to 27.

For more information on West Side Story, go to http:// glbe.co/newsieswsstickets.

For ticket purchases, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph/ westsidestory‎.

FRENCH HIP-HOP SHOW

at SM Aura Premier Darkest event in cycling history now an HBO special

IN 1982, during a dark and fictitious time in cycling history, doping of virtually all of its competitors marred the sport’s most venerable and time-honored race. Riddled with nefarious characters, that year’s competition was a hornet’s nest of moral depravity.

Through the perspective of five riders, Tour De Pharmacy gives an inside look into the grim realities of the darkest event in a sport notoriously tainted by controversy.

Starring and executive pro-

Showbiz personalities as school inspiration

globe since winning in Manila in September 2016.

“I am so excited to be back in Manila and I look forward to the Miss Global Philippines finals where I will be sitting as judge, the first time I will be doing the task,” the Latina actor who models for Cyrus Models, said in an interview. Bonilla, who fell in love with the beauty of the islands, particularly, Bohol and the warm and friendly Filipinos, considered the Philippines her

American Idiot, A Christmas Carol, and Disney’s Newsies, to presenting big theatrical shows such as Wicked, this 2017, Globe customers are in for a wonderful theatrical ride,” shares Senior Adviser for Creative Marketing & Multimedia Businesses also Executive Producer of Globe Live Joe Caliro.

“With a lot of theatricals to choose from this year, Globe customers will also have access to exclusive ticket deals to better enjoy their experience.”

West Side Story tells of the rift between an American and Puerto Rican gang alongside the classic love story between Maria and Tony. Set in the heart of New York City in the 1950s, the audience is in for

THE hottest stars are also role models for today’s students and their parents who work hard to give them the gift of education. Carla Abellana, Benjamin Alves, Maine Mendoza, and Agot Isidro are just some of the stars that graduated from college with honors.

Aside from getting inspiration from these celebrities, parents will also get encouraged to send their kids to school with good news about more affordable back-to-school items. Recently, even electricity rates have been going down, which could mean additional pesos for school expenses.

Meralco has announced another electricity rate drop in June, an alltime rate reduction of P1.43 per kilowatt-hour on the heels of an earlier price decline of P0.29 per kWh in May. This amounts to a PhP286 decrease in the total bill of a residential household consuming 200kWh. The June rate’s decline is mainly due to a refund by Meralco as well as the cheaper cost of producing power. This translates to more money allotted to budget for other household costs like emergency fund, gas allowance, and food allowance, among others.

Savings from lower electricity rates are very timely, as parents need all the help to cover expenses at the start of the school year.

duced by Andy Samberg and written and executive produced by Murray Miller, this fictional, none-too-serious look at that sordid event debuts on July 9 at 10 p.m. exclusively on HBO. The special will also be streaming on HBO GO. Among the notables making appearances in Tour De Pharmacy are: John Cena, Daveed Diggs, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Julia Ormond, Dolph Lundgren, James Marsden, Kevin Bacon,

Nathan Fielder, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Joe Buck, Mike Tyson, J.J. Abrams, Phylicia Rashad, Chris Webber, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Lance Armstrong.

Tour De Pharmacy marks Samberg and Miller’s second collaboration for HBO under their Legends of Sport banner, following the 2015 mockumentary 7 Days In Hell, which was called a “bawdy, outlandish skewering of tennis” by the New York Times, and “strange and splendid” by the Los Angeles Times.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 Produced by KimXian Around The Globe Inc. (KATG) and line produced

by Cornerstone Concerts, it is one extravaganza highlighting the music side of a famous face whose fan base here and especially abroad, is phenomenal.

It is high time that his amazing musical gift, somehow overshadowed by his mainstream movie career, be put on display for his fans and curious spectators to celebrate with.

Joining him on stage are Jona, Matteo Guidicelli and soul supreme KZ Tandingan as very special guests. Knowing that he is more identified with film than music, Xian himself has raised the bar, polishing his talent and spending more time rehearsing. This one serious guy is ready to take the stage with a bang, one that sounds loud yet sweet, melodic and passionate.

A totally different Xian will be showcased that night now that he is even more mature with his craft.

It will truly be a celebration with his followers all over the world. Xian is American-born but grew up very much a Filipino, in sentiment and style. A Star Magic talent, he bagged instant fame when he played the role of Andy in the series My Binondo Girl.

Clearly a man that wears many hats, Xian, a psychology student back in California, gained fan attraction as a model before eventually showing his charisma as a film actor. When he returned to Manila, he became a basketball scholar at University of the East.

As a child, he already expressed interest in music and quickly learned to play musical instruments including the piano, trombone, saxophone and guitar. He once joined a symphonic band.

Xian released his debut album So It’s You in 2012. It became platinum. His follow up XL2 came two years later containing “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo” and his version of “Si Aida o Si Lorna o Si Fe.” He sang the theme to My Binondo Girl, “Ako’y Sayo Lamang.”

Last year he staged his first concert A Date with Xian to good acclaim.

He is also a health-buff; his athleticism extends to running.

This year he is expected not just to win dates, but to get the nods of even the toughest-to-please music critics.

For Xian, more than proving to everyone his legitimacy as a musician, he wants everyone to just enjoy the music to be shared on concert night.

Music fans may have seen him in concert tours with other Star Magic acts. But on July 15, it will definitely be him, his act. Don’t be surprised if after the show, he becomes known as the heartthrob who really can sing and play.

Directed by Alco Guerrero and musical direction

by Chino David, Songs in the Key of X is in essence blending showbiz charm with music credo that Xian can always provide.

For tickets, call 891-9999, log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or visit @ ticketworldinc on Instagram.

Xian Lim showcases gift of music A

few years ago, actor-singer and heartthrob Xian Lim performed with the ABSCBN Philharmonic Orchestra in Aliw Theater before selected students that wanted to get a glimpse of him.

Somehow his boy-next-door appeal alone made everyone in the hall screaming. But, a serious look at how he performed on the piano should make a strong case that he was playing alongside an esteemed orchestra (conducted by Gerard Salonga) for one main reason – Xian can really play.

Boy, he did beyond expectations!

His image of him serenading a delirious crowd while on a grand piano comes to mind as his major concert at The Theater At Solaire is close by.

It will be on July 15. The title, Songs In The Key of X, strongly implies his musical sense and skills, particularly with singing and playing instruments.

On that day, at eight in the evening, Xian will showcase his talent in music through songs that best capture his timbre and soul.

Multihypenate Xiam Lim will serenade his fans once more in a one-night concert at The Theater At Solaire

GMA Telebabad keeps winning hearts of viewers MAY it be fantasy or reality, GMA Telebabad steadfastly brings exciting twists and heroic characters weaved through compelling and interesting storylines.

From the imaginative and plot-driven sequel Mulawin Vs. Ravena, to the out-of-thisworld kilig brought by My Love From The Star, up to the endearing and relatable characters of Meant To Be, GMA Telebabad has definitely become a nightly habit of Kapuso viewers.

Suspense, drama, and action isn’t lost in the fascinating series Mulawin Vs. Ravena as the story gets more thrilling.

Gabriel (Dennis Trillo) is out for blood and has taken upon himself to search for the sugo and son of Alwina (Heart Evangelista) and Aguiluz, Almiro (Derrick Monasterio). Will he be able to complete his mission and kill Almiro?

But Alwina, as a mother, will go to great lengths to protect her son.

However, will she be there always to make sure nothing bad will happen to Almiro?

Dominic Zapata directs alongside Don Michael Perez who is also the head writer of the telefantasya.

GMA Network’s local adaptation of the acclaimed Korean series My Love From The Star keeps its viewers hooked on the show’s episodes.

The tragedy of Rachel Andrada (Rhian Ramos) is causing a major stir in the industry. Will the police find out the truth about Ra

Cuerva) is standing by her side.

While he may still seem cold and somewhat distant, Matteo is now warming up to Steffi and is protecting her from people who are out to hurt her.

Under the direction of Bb. Joyce Bernal, My Love From The Star continues to captivate viewers with the extraordinary love

story of two different beings from separate worlds—an alien and a human.

Meanwhile, last night Billie’s (Barbie Forteza) ultimate “Ka-Meant To Be” was revealed, after six months of keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats.

LA Madridejos directed the toprating primetime series.

Dennis Trillo as Gabriel, the future leader of the Ravenas

AS actors, directors and producers gathered at the French Riviera to celebrate the 70th Cannes Film Festival, incredible talents brought radiance and elegance to the red carpet wearing pieces from the watchmaker-jewelers’ audacious collections.

The epitome of glamor, Jessica Chastain, Piaget’s international brand ambassador, member of jury this year, wore a shining ring in white gold set with a cushion-cut emerald from Colombia (approx. 6.08 carats) and diamonds from the new High Jewellery Collection Sunlight Journey.

During the closing ceremony, Chastain paired her showstopping gown with audacious earrings in white gold set with diamonds as well as a ring featuring a stunning white diamond from Piaget’s new High Jewellery collection Sunlight Journey.

Olga Kurylenko, respected actress and Friend of the Maison trampled the red carpet in Piaget jewelry wearing a stunning pair of earrings in pink gold set with diamonds and a ring in pink gold set with a cushion-cut diamond from the new High Jewellery Collection Sunlight Journey.

Portuguese actress and friend of the Maison, Maria Joao, added a touch of flamboyance to her outfit tonight on Red Carpet, choosing to wear radiant ring and earrings in white gold set with diamonds from the High Jewellery collection Sunlight Journey.

Piaget is exclusively available at The Silver Vault, Rustan’s Makati and City of Dreams Manila.

American actress Jessica Chastain brings Hollywood glam on Cannes red carpet

Derrick Monasterio as the half mortal Almiro

chel’s death? Did she really commit suicide or was she murdered?

And with Steffi (Jennylyn Mercado) being blamed for the death of her rival, will she be able to rise up again and redeem herself? However, through all these, Matteo (Gil

Stars in Piaget high jewelry on 70th Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet

Heart Evangelista playing the role of Alwina, the prophesized chosen one