Manila Standard - 2017 June 30 - Friday

PRESIDENTIAL AIM. President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday has an

eye on one of the rifles donated by the People’s Republic of China during the ceremonial turnover of free military assistance at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. Malacañang Photo

VOL. XXXI • NO. 136 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘Judge me, but be fair’ Du30 says he’ll rate himself only if he outlives his term

By John Paolo Bencito

China vows more aid to fight terror

P

“I do not make any assessment. I [will] only make [an] assessment after my term,” said Duterte, who rose to power on a strong plurality vote.

“If I get to live, then I’ll tell you. If I don’t exist anymore by that time, you make your own assessment. Just be fair,” he added.

Campaigning on a platform of change, Duterte’s strong, often incendiary rhetoric has unnerved not only the staunchest of critics but the international arena as well as he made waves over his staunch defense of the drug war, his foreign policy shift, and his promise to address rebellion and conflicts in Mindanao, inequality and his push for federalism.

“You cannot judge the first year because the concluding programs or projects aren’t there yet. What we can only say is that he’s on the right track, both in terms of promises he said and its actual impact to our society,” analyst Ramon

BEIJING―China vowed Thursday to continue providing the Philippines with “necessary assistance,” a day after Beijing donated thousands of weapons to the country to help its fight against Islamist gunmen.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a visit by his Philippine counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano and pledged China’s help with reconstruction efforts in the war-torn southern city of Marawi.

“Yesterday, the first batch of emergency assistance was delivered to the Philippines,” Wang told a joint news conference in Beijing.

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Four more plotters fall

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Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, said.

“If his slogan is the measurement, there really is huge change—his one whole year is like three years already. There really is contrasting facts compared to the previous administration, there really has been accomplishments,” he added.

While there are still five years to go to his term and changes are inevitable, the fulfillment of many of his bold and controversial pledges has yet to be fully realized.

“It’s unfair to judge him that he can do everything in the first year. This is simply a barometer of the direction where the administration is heading,” Ronald Mendoza, dean of the Ateneo School of Government, said.

Citing “reformists pushing against vested interests” like Cabinet Secretary Next page

Keep out of harm’s way, Duterte exhorts civilians

By Nash B. Maulana and Rey E. Requejo PANDAG, Maguindanao— Four people arrested in a raid in Barangay Kayaga here on Wednesday formed part of a larger group plotting a terror attack to divert government attention from the Marawi siege, officials said Thursday.

Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu (2nd District Maguindanao) said the police raid

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday described his first year in office as a rollercoaster ride and declined to say how well he thought he did.

By John Paolo Bencito

TOP MODEL. Filipino-German Maureen Wroblewitz is the first representative from the Philippines to win Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5, earning for the 19-year-old a modeling contract from Storm Model Management, a fashion spread and cover on Nylon Singapore and brand new Subaru Impreza. Bernadette Lunas

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday told the military to kill all the terrorists holed up in Marawi City, even at the risk of harming civilians who are caught up in the battle.

Speaking before troops at the 120th anniversary of the Presidential Security Group on Wednesday, Duterte assured soldiers that he will protect those who follow his instructions.

“Do not hesitate to kill just because there are civilians there. It is the duty of

the civilians to flee or seek cover,” the President said.

“We will face charges [of] massacre,” he continued. “You know, a bullet can hit through and through. For every shot, every squeeze [of the trigger, you get three or four bursts. Just keep on pressing it [until] it can kill everybody.”

The ongoing siege has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents after terrorists from the Maute group stormed Marawi City on May 23 and flew the black flag Next page

Top papal aide accused of child sex abuse Drug addict scores amid war on narcs SYDNEY—From country priest to trusted top papal aide, the rise of Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric George Pell has been plagued in its twilight by sordid controversies from the past.

To his admirers, the 76-year-old

cardinal embodies the orthodox traditions of Australian Catholicism, but to his critics he represents an institution that has failed to properly deal with child sexabuse allegations.

Pell, who was charged Thurs-

day with historical child sex abuse, strongly denies the allegations and says he had no knowledge of widespread pedophilia in the church in Australia, even suggesting a conspiracy to bring him down.

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Growers and Exporters Association president Alexander Valoria appealed to the government to heed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s call and take into account the damage being inflicted by the communist

METH addict Reyjin is still able to score on the front lines of the Philippines’ drug war, living proof that a year of fear has failed to kill the illegal narcotics trade as promised.

President Rodrigo Duterte swept to an election victory last year largely on a pledge to wipe out his nation’s illegal drugs trade within three to six months, saying he would do so by killing thousands of people.

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Defer talks with Reds—Davao traders with the communist National Democratic Front until the group could demonstrate its sincerity in pursuing peace.

TWO business leaders of Davao Davao City Chamber of ComCity on Thursday urged the gov- merce and Industry Inc. president ernment to put off its peace talks Ronald Go and Pilipino Banana

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales and Maricel V. Cruz

JUST IN CASE. Schoolchildren from Bagong Diwa Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila participate in Thursday’s simultaneous earthquake drill throughout the country, which sits on a ring of fire and has several fault lines. Lino Santos

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FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

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Duterte stands by Leyte cops

By John Paolo Bencito POLICEMEN implicated in the killing of Rolando Espinosa Sr. —the former mayor of Albuera, Leyte who was implicated in the illegal drug trade in Eastern Visayas—“will walk out free men,” President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday.

“And for those who are facing charges, they can be very sure that they will walk out free men. Wala kayong problema basta diyan [you’ll have no problem with that],” the President said at the event commemorating the 120th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group at Malacañang.

Duterte reiterated this in a separate speech during the turnover ceremony of China’s military assistance to the country in Angeles, Pampanga.

The President said he will never allow the Leyte cops tagged in the shooting of Espinosa—who was inside his cell at the Baybay, Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail after being arrested on drug charges —to rot in prison just for doing their job.

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Born in 1941, he grew up in the rural Australian town of Ballarat where he was a keen member of his college debating team, a lead actor in school productions and a champion Australian Rules footballer.

His devout Catholic mother was reportedly pleased that her son decided to pursue a career in the Church, whereas his father, an Anglican, was bewildered that he turned down a contract from one of the country’s top football teams.

Having chosen a religious path, he completed part of his studies in Rome before being ordained as a priest for the Ballarat diocese in 1966.

As his star rose, he went on to become Archbishop of Melbourne and then Sydney at the behest of Pope John Paul II and in 2003 was named to the Vatican’s powerful College of Cardinals, a position that allowed him to vote for the next Pope of the day.

Then in 2014 he was handpicked by Pope Francis to make the church’s finances more transparent.

“Cardinal Pell is one of the greatest churchmen that Australia has seen,” former conservative Australian Prime Minister Tony Abott has said. AFP From the pulpit, and publicly, Pell has espoused traditional Catholic values, from a tough stance on euthanasia and gay marriage to his rejection of climate science and criticism of the harsh treatment of asylumseekers. AFP

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insurgents on Mindanao’s businesses.

The two made their plea even as a lawmaker on Thursday urged the Duterte administration to pursue the resumption of its peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front, calling it a “saving grace” for his presidency.

Rep. Ariel Casilao made the call as President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to deliver his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, when he is expected to speak of the government’s desire to end Asia’s longest running communist insurgency.

“We all know that his appointments of the progressive C abinet members are connected with the talks with the NDFP, hence, his pro-people governance is only manifestation of his peace agenda and inclusive governance,” Casilao said.

Valoria said the NDF obviously had no control over its armed unit―the New People’s Army―which had continued its attacks on government installations and on private businesses, especially those operating banana and pineapple plantations in Mindanao.

‘Imee must attend House probe’

By Maricel V. Cruz

committee on good government and public accountability, said the subpoena ad testificandum to Marcos dated June 25 had been signed.

Pimentel said Marcos’ failure to attend the probe would be enough ground for her to be cited in contempt and to be arrested.

He said his committee will serve the subpoena.

“Failure to comply with this

order is subject to penalty under the law,” the subpoena says.

Marcos earlier maintained she would not attend the congressional probe on the advise of her brother, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as she might also be detained at the Batasan Complex with the “Ilocos Six.” The six officials are accused of evading questions on the P66.45-million fund, Ilocos

Norte’s share of the excise tax on tobacco products.

Pimentel earlier stood pat on the position of the House leadership to ignore Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s request not to push through with its “showcause order” against three Court of Appeals justices who ordered his committee to release the six officials.

Alvarez had called the three officials “idiots.”

Filipino. “Rather than developing relations with new partners, we antagonized those who have helped us in the past.”

Baviera said, however, that the administration needs to clearly spell out its position on the South China Sea dispute, even as ties between Manila and Beijing have warmed.

“It’s positive that the crisis in our relations with China has already been tempered. The pressure on the security people who are always concerned with China has lessened,” she said.

“But for those who rely on our legal rights—fishermen, our right to oil and mineral resources and exploit our exclusive economic zone—one year is not enough to clearly state the position on this,” she added.

War on drugs While support remains high for the President’s hardline campaign promises—the eradication of criminality and the illegal drug menace—the administration should remain open to criticisms and fix many of its loopholes, analysts said.

“If you look at international evidence on an anti-drugs campaign, many will say that the punitive approach isn’t working. Many countries, like Thailand, Portugal, Colombia--they already changed their strategy,” Mendoza said.

Saying that he won’t let the country go to the dogs, Duterte waged his controversial drug war, in which 3,151 people have died from July 1, 2016 to June 13, 2016 alone, government statistics showed.

Official data from the Philippine National Police have also pegged the total number of homicide cases at 9,432 from July 2016 to March 2017.

Of this number, 1,847 deaths were said to be drug-related, while 1,894 were not. The remaining 5,691 cases, or about 60 percent of the total figure, were still under investigation.

Duterte’s anti-narcotics drive has also resulted in a 26.45 percent drop in the estimated total drug market, and a 28.57 percent reduction in index crime, accord-

ing to PNP data.

But the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo by alleged rogue cops inside the headquarters of the Philippine National Police last October added to the long list of controversies hounding the PNP, considered one of the most corrupt institutions in the Philippines and has shaken the credibility of the institution most vital to Duterte’s war on drugs.

Human Rights Watch said Duterte’s war on drugs has resulted in a “drug-related overcrowding of jails, and the harassment and prosecution of drug war critics.”

This, the New York-based group said, has caused a steep decline in respect for basic rights.

Mendoza said that the government needs to emphasize other options in combatting the drug menace, other than the punitive approach.

“There are many parts of the system that aren’t given much emphasis. For example, the health approach in combatting drugs and treatment [of drug pushers]. The government needs much support,” he said.

Economy Casiple said that while the administration has done well on the economy, current reforms need to be sustained.

He said that programs seen to spur the country’s growth, including the Build, Build, Build, the new Philippine Development Plan, and the comprehensive tax reform package (CTRP) have yet to see results.

“The President’s pronouncements that he won’t be changing the basis of economic policies, that he doesn’t want to rock the boat, are good,” Casiple said.

Philippine Exporters Confederation chairman Sergio OrtizLuis said that businesses remain confident to the administration as long as it supports their needs and maintains a healthy environment to conduct business.

“Regardless of how he behaves… as far as we are concerned we’re getting what we want in terms of direct foreign investments and in terms of tourism,” he said.

Mixed messages One problematic area is the President’s changing policy statements, which give the impression of incoherence, analysts said.

“The ideal of course is that you will not send a signal of incoherence. That when you say something in the morning, you’ll not change that by afternoon,” Mendoza said.

Casiple said that the President’s often changing rhetoric should be taken with a grain of salt unless he has done something tangible.

As an example, Casiple cited the President’s statement that he would expel the US Special Forces from Mindanao—which never materialized.

“For him, it’s an advantage to be difficult to read, but a President has to take it seriously,” Casiple said.

Marawi and martial law While the government is not entirely to blame for the Marawi siege, Mendoza cautioned against Duterte’s pronouncements that he might extend martial law in Mindanao.

“It sends a wrong signal and gives a different perception to tourists, investors, the rest of the world that the institutions cannot put down terrorists—meaning, our institutions are weak if there is need to extend it,” he said, adding that there are actions that the government and the military can take without the need to declare military rule.

“If they are trying to extend martial law or expand the scope, maybe we are sending the wrong message to the international community,” he said.

Casiple also said the lack of a strong and credible political opposition would have implications on democracy.

“There was no agreement formally between the administration and the opposition. There’s no modus vivendi. Until now, the battle still continues by other means,” he said, citing the air of political divisiveness in the country.

But the government will not have too much to worry about because the opposition is too weak to pose a political problem, he added.

Marawi's P20-b rehab plan gets under way

not be used for security reasons.

“Now it’s diluted, and getting a hit takes more effort,” he said.

Still, the price of the lowerquality shabu has remained steady since October at P150, according to Reyjin.

He said hooded gunmen had shot dead a drug dealer near his house over the past year, while the bodies of two other alleged users were found in his community.

But Reyjin said this had not stopped others from getting into drugs, singling out several 15 year olds who picked up bottles for recycling for a living.

Reyjin said many of his friends had been on lists of drug suspects drawn up by local officials and submitted to the police. He said he was not yet on the lists, though admitted his jobless wife was petrified.

“She fears I will get myself killed, so she forbids me from going out at night,” he said.

Critics of Duterte’s crackdown have claimed that, besides thousands of people being murdered and the rule of law breaking down, such a drug war is unwinnable.

“We could not win the war on

drugs through killing petty criminals and addicts,” former Colombian president Cesar Gaviria wrote in an opinion piece for the New York Times.

“I hope Mr Duterte does not fall into the same trap.”

Duterte, who has typically countered critics of his drug war with abusive tirades, responded to Gaviria’s advice by describing him as “that idiot,” Police have killed 3,116 drug suspects in the crackdown, according to official figures.

Another 2,098 people have been killed by unknown assailants in drug-related crimes, while there have been 8,200 more murders with no known motive, according to the police.

While Duterte has insisted that his police officers are killing drug suspects only in self defense, he has also conceded the force is “corrupt to the core.”

He made the admission in January after it was revealed police in an antidrug unit kidnapped a South Korean businessman to extract a ransom from his wife, then murdered him in police headquarters. AFP

relations,” Duterte said.

The US Embassy said earlier this month that special forces were also assisting the Philippine military, although Duterte had said recently he had no knowledge about US technical assistance to the troops fighting in Marawi.

China’s foreign ministry on Thursday confirmed that the Chinese defense ministry had delivered a “batch of counter-terrorism material” at the request of the Philippine government but did not elaborate on its contents.

The Philippines, which has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, has long relied on US-supplied arms.

But in a swipe at America―

which has criticized his flagship war on drugs―Duterte has said he will seek more weapons from China and Russia.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, who formally handed over the weapons on Wednesday, said a “second batch” would soon be delivered.

“The donation is not big but it is big in the sense that it marks a new era in relations between our two militaries,” Zhao said.

Philippine troops, backed by air strikes and artillery, have battled for over a month to drive the extremists out of Marawi but the militants have fought back.

AFP, with Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

S

PEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez has signed a subpoena to compel Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos to attend the July 25, 2017 resumption of a congressional probe into the alleged misappropriation of P66.45 million in public funds, an official said Thursday.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, head of the House

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Leoncio Evasco who wrestled over the country’s rice importation policy, Mendoza said that the administration “stands a chance” to fix the country’s long-standing problems.

What remains to be seen from the Duterte administration, Mendoza said, are “strong institutions” that would ensure that the change he promised would outlast his term.

“Our concern is, what will happen when the President is gone?

What will happen when his administration is over? What have they built that will outlast the administration? In terms of the continuity of reforms, what is the administration’s game plan?” he said in Filipino.

Foreign policy If there is one area that the administration has already succeeded in bringing change, it is foreign policy.

“Definitely, there really is change that was introduced when it comes to our foreign policy.

First of all, pursuing an independent foreign policy,” Dr. Aileen Baviera, a professor at the University of the Philippines-Asian Center, said.

Before leaving for Jakarta last year, Duterte introduced his “independent foreign policy” shift in the face of what he described as attempts by foreign governments to meddle in local affairs.

The President then defiantly announced during his visit to Beijing his “separation” from the United States, and the strengthening of ties with China and Russia.

Amid threats over possible sanctions as a result of his bloody drug war, Duterte announced that he would no longer accept development aid from the US and the European Union.

Duterte’s attempt to retool his relationships with other countries may have strained relations with traditional allies like the United States, however.

“There were some missteps in the beginning,” Baviera said in

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Duterte fulfilled his vow on the death toll, drawing condemnation from rights groups who warned he may be orchestrating a crime against humanity as police and unknown assassins filled slums with bullet-ridden corpses.

But, as the President marks a year in office on Friday, the drug trade continues and hopes of a quick end to the war have long faded.

“I can buy anytime I want, except when the police patrols are out at night,” Reyjin, a father-ofthree, said as he recounted how he had maintained his addiction to the crystal methamphetamine known locally as “shabu.”

Reyjin, a high school dropout and part-time construction worker, said the meth supply tightened in the first three months of the crackdown and the price doubled to P200 a pop.

But Meth flooded back in around October, although the quality went down, according to Reyjin, who asked his real name

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“In the future, in keeping with the Philippines’ needs, we will continue to provide necessary assistance and help.”

The small shipment of assault and sniper rifles and ammunition is the first example of Chinese military aid since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to move away from Manila’s traditional ally America and seek Beijing’s support.

The weapons shipment, worth some 50 million yuan ($7.35 million) “highlights the dawn of a new era in Philippine-Chinese

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backed by the Philippine Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, yielded too much firepower to protect the small amount of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and cash seized from them.

Mangudadatu, a member of the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RLAARMM), said it appeared that the suspects had firearms to carry out terror attacks.

Police identified the arrested men as Jerry Talib, 39, of Barangay Digal in Buluan town, although his identification card showed he worked in Kabuntalan town as “escort,” Danny Karatuan, 34, and Roy Datukala, 27, both of Kayaga; Jomar Jainal, 20, of Barangay Damalusay, Datu Paglas, and Gole Mangandaong of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.

Taken from the suspects were tools and equipment typically used by gunsmiths, 30 pieces of 9mm live ammunition; a Bushnell rifle scope, a digital camera and cellphones, a laptop computer; a CCTV camera; pieces of unassembled firearms parts; a homemade shotgun; magazines of different firearms, one live hand-grenade, and P16,000 cash.

The Justice department, meanwhile, sought the suspension of proceedings in the rebellion cases it filed against arrested members and supporters of Maute terror group before the Cagayan de Oro Regional Trial Court.

The DoJ made the move as it awaits action by the Supreme Court on its request to transfer the trial and detention of the accused to Taguig City.

By John Paolo Bencito THE government has begun preparing the masterplan for the P20-billion rehabilitation of Marawi City, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said Thursday.

Following attacks by the Islamic State-inspired Maute group, Villar said his department’s priority at the moment is to upgrade the evacuation centers located throughout Mindanao.

“The President wants to implement the rehabilitation very quickly. So, we’ve been preparing for this over the past few weeks,” he added.

The department will build hundreds of bunkhouses to temporarily shelter families rendered homeless by the ongoing hostilities between the military government and the Maute terror group in Marawi City.

Public Works Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut said the temporary shelters for Marawi families would be well built using good quality materials.

Yabut said the DPWH is part of the National Oversight Committee that will be responsible for conducting clearing operations, and doing damage assessment on infrastructure and facilities such as roads, bridges, water supply systems, government centers, schools, public markets, houses, mosques, churches and other vital structures, and the preparation of design plans and programs of work. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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of the Islamic State over the city.

On a separate occasion, Duterte played down suggestions that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front might be able to help negotiate with the Maute terrorists.

He said the fighting in Marawi would not stop “until the last terrorist is taken out.”

At the same time, Duterte said he was cutting many of his public engagements until the Marawi crisis is over, so he can focus on boosting the morale of soldiers fighting the Islamic State-inspired terrorists in the war-torn city.

“You know you’d see me less… less of me until the Marawi incident is over,” Duterte said at the 140th anniversary of the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association in Manila Hotel on Wednesday night.

“Ill be at camps. Everyday, I’ll be flying to military camps really just to raise the morale,” he added, eliciting applause from the audience.

Earlier, Duterte tried to dispel rumours about his health by poking fun at those who were spreading rumors that he was in a coma.

The Palace had earlier said the President remains “alive and well” and experiencing no health problems despite his disappearance from the public eye for unusually long periods this month.

Known for a busy schedule and lengthy speeches—often several times a day—Duterte has been out of the limelight for long stretches of time this month, fueling rumors that he is suffering declining health.

Questions about Duterte’s health were first raised when he missed the Independence Day rites on June 12 and stayed out of sight until June 16.

The President was again absent from the public eye from June 21 to 25, but on June 26 (Tuesday) he resumed his public engagements.

With Sandy Araneta

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FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF HRW report on human rights assailed THE government isn’t sitting down on the thousands of deaths as a result of the bloody drug war waged by the Duterte administration, Malacañang said Thursday amid criticisms by New York-based Human Rights Watch for calling the first year of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte a “human rights calamity.”

“The government is not sitting down, watching lives being wasted just like—just this way,” Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Paz Banaag said in a Palace news briefing.

Banaag said that the HRW seemed to have overlooked the gains achieved under Duterte’s presidency, especially in the war on drugs.

“We don’t feel good about the comments of the Human Rights Watch. We have to realize that the President stood and won on a platform of genuine change,” she said.

“Human Rights Watch should not brush aside all the programs especially on the enforcement side [of the war on drugs].”The government has made “so much sacrifice” after carrying out about 62,000 anti-illegal drug operations in trying to weed out the illegal drug menace, Banaag added.

John Paolo Bencito

Palace mum on China’s call for ‘greater role’ MALACAÑANG on Thursday remained silent on how China’s call for a “greater role” on defense cooperation in relation to the fight against terrorism would affect its relations with the country’s traditional ally, the United States.

“We cannot comment yet on how this would affect because it’s not yet there, with—insofar as the treaties with the United States is concerned,” Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Paz Banaag said in a Palace news briefing.

On Wednesday, Beijing donated more than 3,000 units of rifles and some 6 million ammunitions to help Manila in its battle against Islamist gunmen who are holed up in Marawi City.

At the same time, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua expressed Beijing’s intentions to have a greater role in the Philippines’ ongoing pursuit against Islamic Stateinspired militants—including the possibility of joint training, intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.

The small shipment of assault and sniper rifles and ammunition is the first example of Chinese military aid since Duterte threatened to move away from Manila’s traditional ally America and seek Beijing’s support.

The Philippines, however, has a mutual defense treaty with the United States and has long relied on US-supplied arms.

John Paolo Bencito

NGOs file graft raps vs ERC on Meralco deal TWO non-government organizations filed on Thursday graft raps against officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission before the Office of the Ombudsman over the suspension of a competitive selection process in the procurement of power supply.

Sanlakas and Freedom from Debt Coalition represented by lawyer-secretary general Aaron Pedrosa and secretary general Samuel Cesar Gamboa, respectively, along with a journalist, Heidi Nicodemus, sued Commissioners Josefina Patricia Magpale Asirit, Alfredo Non, Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc and Geronimo Sta. Ana. They accused the energy officials of entering into a supposed “sweetheart” deal with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), saying this caused undue injury to the public by giving the power firm unwarranted benefits over the suspension of the competitive selection process.

Rio N. Araja

DIPLOMACY. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) shakes hands with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano at the end of a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on June 29, 2017. AFP

Kidnapping in 2017 down, police say K IDNAPPING incidents in the country decreased, with only nine cases recorded for the first semester of this year.

This was bared by Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group spokesperson Supt.

Abelardo Borromeo in a press briefing Thursday.

He said that the latest figure is only 31 percent of the 29 in-

cidents recorded for 2016.These cases victimized 16 people including eight Filipinos, six Chinese and two Indians.

Also, Borromeo said that the figures for the first half of 2017 is only equivalent to 24 percent

of 38 cases recorded in 2015 and 18 percent of the 49 kidnapping incidents posted in 2014.

The PNP-AKG spokesperson also added that all nine kidnapping cases for the first six months of 2017 were recorded in the Metro Manila area and none of them were perpetrated by terrorists and organized crime groups.

All of the above-mentioned cases are perpetrated by indi-

viduals merely for money, Borromeo said.

The PNP-AKG spokesperson said that kidnapping cases in the Philippines spiked in 2013 with 52 recorded incidents and 26 in 2012.

Of the nine recorded cases for the first half of 2016, 60 percent or five of these were considered solved as the victims were all rescued and released

by PNP operatives. PNA

Trust fund for soldiers’ kin sought

By Macon Araneta SENATOR Chiz Escudero on Thursday sought to create a P20-billion trust fund for active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who are either killed or wounded in the line of duty.

“The officers, men and women of the AFP and the PNP deserve nothing less than a reasonable and tangible recognition of their dedication and commitment to the country, especially their families who, when they are killed or wounded in action or operation, are somewhat left hollow both emotionally, spiritually and financially,” he said.

Escudero added that “given the sad state of our military and police in terms of compensation and benefits with regard to their sworn duty to protect and secure

the State, preserve and maintain peace and order, it is imperative that we make comprehensive and institutional all reasonable assistance that may be accorded them by the State.

Escudero proposes Senate Bill No. 1491, or the Comprehensive Social Benefit Program of the Government, which envisions the institutionalization of the trust fund, which will be established and developed by the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

According to the senator, this will cover the necessities and basic needs of the families and dependents of soldiers, policemen, policewomen who are killed or wounded in legitimate operations sanctioned by the government.

The P20 billion, to be earmarked for the trust fund, will be used to finance five types of as-

sistance: full scholarship, financial, shelter, health and medical care, and cost of living.

The trust fund will be implemented and managed by a board composed of the Office of the President, the DILG, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Commission on Higher Education, the AFP and the PNP. According to Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, the biggest chunk of the trust fund will go to the education of the children of military and police officers killed in action. He said children of a soldier or police officer killed while in the performance of duty will be given priority in any applicable law providing free tertiary

education.

“The gallantry, bravery and heroism in making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag, freedom and democracy can never be understated. We should honor them according to what they truly deserve,” he said.

Earlier, Senator Sonny Angara called for the immediate passage of bills granting special financial assistance and benefits to uniformed and law enforcement personnel in the wake of intense firefights between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.

“As the siege by extremist groups continue to drag on in Marawi City, our brave soldiers need all the support they can get.

It’s unfortunate that this conflict has cost the lives of many of our troops. Nakikiramay po tayo sa kanilang mga pamilya,” Angara said.

DoT failed to use full budget in 2016

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Tourism has failed to use 41.55 percent of its budget in 2016, equivalent to P1.522 billion, and had lapsed and had to be returned to the Bureau of Treasury, according to the Commission on Audit report released on Wednesday.

The CoA said the reversion of the agency’s budget represented lost opportunities for the government and poor planning of expenditure programs by the tourism officials.

DoT received notices of cash allocation of P3.664 billion in 2016 for the payment of salaries, personnel benefits and operating expenses. Its total expenses for the year amounted to only P2.141 billion.

A breakdown of the P1.522billion reversion showed the Office of the Secretary posted the biggest chunk of unused budget with P1.39 billion, followed by the department’s Region 4-B with P24.08 million and Region 6 with P19.016 million.

CoA said Region 11 efficiently used its budget of P25.56 million, followed by the department’s National Capital Region that posted a reversion of only P38,840.66.

“The reversion of lapsed/unutilized notices of cash allowances to national treasury reflects management’s failure to maximize the use of its authorized cash allocations/ funds, thus its inability to provide the public the optimum services it intended/expected to deliver,” the report read.

Alvarez to highlight govt war on drugs in meeting

By Maricel V. Cruz

RELEVANT TOPICS. Susan ‘Toots’ Ople (left), president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, discusses

the problem of the OFWs in the Middle East while lawyer Sam Inocencio (right), national director of International Justice Mission waits for his turn to tackle child trafficking as well as online sexual exploitation of children in the country during the Pandesal Forum held at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Thursday. Manny Palmero

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is expected to discuss the accomplishments of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs before nine Asian nations during the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly scheduled meeting to be held in the country next week.

Alvarez said he will lead Philippine lawmakers in highlighting the country’s gains in the anti-drug campaign when the 10-member countries of the AIPA hold its 13th Meeting of the AIPA Fact Finding Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on July 4 to 8, 2017.

Alvarez, who is AIPA president, said he will lead the efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for stronger regional cooperation in the drive

against illegal drugs.

Deputy speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu will present the Philippine Country Report in his capacity as head of Philippine delegation.

“We really have to concentrate on drug problem because it destroys the country’s peace and order,” Abu said.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who is a member of the Philippine delegation as chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said that “we have to be proud of what the President has been achieved in the fight against illegal drugs. Many lives are at stake because of this problem.

Just recently the suspect in the San Jose del Monte Bulacan massacre admitted that he was high on drugs when he committed the gruesome killings of five members of a family.”

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Mega infra projects

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday approved nine flagship infrastructure projects that would cost over P738.08 billion in his bid to put the Philippines close to the economic progress achieved by the country’s neighbors in Southeast Asia.

Finishing the mega projects before the end of President Duterte’s term may be an impossible task, but laying the groundwork and starting their construction sooner

Adelle Chua, Editor

than later will already be an achievement for a country that has neglected infrastructure for so long.

Majority of the projects approved by the board of the

National Economic and Development Authority headed by President Duterte himself are rail networks designed to decongest traffic and improve connectivity.

The Philippines, for the first time, will also build a more efficient subway rail system that could extend beyond the capital region to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province in the north and Dasmariñas City, Cavite in the south.

Railways, including one being planned in the Tagum-Davao-Digos area in Mindanao, will provide a faster and more reliable transportation system. They can transport people as well as crops to their destination and market without traffic normally encountered on roads.

They also open new economic opportunities along the towns and cities where the railway tracks will pass

through. Take the case of the P211.4-billion Malolos-Clark Railway Project (PNR North 2) of the Department of Transportation.

The project aims to build a commuter line and airport express railway between Malolos and Clark Green City through Clark International Airport. New businesses and livelihood opportunities are expected to rise along the Malolos-Clark route once the railway is com-

pleted. Jobs away from Metro Manila will be created along the new railway corridor.

The Transportation Department as the lead agency in these railway projects must act fast and waste no time in the construction of these projects. The socalled golden age of infrastructure in the Philippines cannot be done overnight. But doing the spadework at once will start the ball rolling.

PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

No such thing as a constitutional crisis

anti-Sun Tzu for China to help its potential enemy become strong enough to fight it. China will be nice to us, but not too nice. *** Thus, it’s really up to us to make ourselves stronger. We need a foreign and defense policy that makes sense for us. Geopolitics is important but we’re too weak to make that our primary focus. Our focus needs to be domestic security against the likes of the CPP-NPA-NDF, the Muslim secessionists and terrorists (they are sometimes separate and sometimes the same).

But, our long-term vision needs to be focused on protecting our waters, which is not necessarily a military or naval concern. It should really be more of a Coast Guard matter.

The Coast Guard, which is the police of our waters, is essentially a civilian force. Focusing on the Coast Guard sends the message that we are not militarizing our seas, unlike the

I HAVE been asked in interviews repeatedly whether I saw a constitutional crisis looming in the stand-off between the Court of Appeals and the congressional committee that ordered LGU officials of Ilocos Norte detained.

There is no such thing as a constitutional crisis—if by that is meant some kind of impasse brought about constitutional provisions. What there can very well be is the refusal of one or the other branch of government to comply with provisions of law.

On the one hand, the House of Representatives asserts its right to inquire in aid of legislation, and to cite for contempt those who disregard its summons or refuse to answer its queries. On the other hand, the Ilocos Norte officials who have been held in detention for some time now claim a violation of their fundamental liberty and have sought the relief made available by the Rules of Court.

The Lower House says that it does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals over it. The question really is whether or not the Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over a petition for a writ of habeas corpus—and without a doubt, it has. And since the writ is directed at anyone holding another under restraint or detention, then the force of the writ applies to the Committee of Congress that has ordered the detention of those it believes to be in contempt of its powers.

I do not think that the proposition that only the Supreme Court can issue writs of habeas corpus against Congress when it orders the detention of a recalcitrant witness will find much support in constitutional theory or in jurisprudence.

Were it a question of the Court of Appeals enjoining a strictly legislative act such as the sessions of Congress for the passage of a law, or the conduct of committee hearings in aid of legislation, or the canvass of returns for elections to the office of president or vice president, it would be easier to be partial to Congress’ protests against encroachments by the Court of Appeals. But the writ of habeas corpus is a writ of liberty—it is issued to

Turn to A5

Turn to A5

The China pivot LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES TODAY, the start of the second year of the Duterte administration, I give way to the views of historian Van Ybiernas on one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s most controversial and radical policy shifts: The so-called pivot to China.

Ybiernas writes: The Philippines is still many decades away from being able to take credible control of the seas that are part of our 200-km exclusive economic zone. Decades of reliance on the United States’ protection and benevolence is the reason for this weakness.

In those years of friendship and alliance with the US, it was never the American intention to help us achieve the ability to protect our own territory independently. We might even say that the US was making sure we

continued to rely on them for our external defense.

Of course, our friendship with China won’t be any better. China isn’t going to help us become strong enough to resist their encroachment on the West Philippine Sea. However, China is the region’s largest, richest and most powerful nation, and it doesn’t really make sense for us to antagonize China.

During the Aquino administration, China saw us as an American puppet, an errand boy sent by big, bad US to harass them.

The Duterte administration decided that it wanted to pivot away from complete reliance on the US and be less antagonistic towards China. That didn’t sit well with the US and their plans in the region.

The American strategy—at least during the Obama years— was to avoid direct conflict with China. Instead, the US wanted to mobilize its allies in the region to inflict a million paper

cuts on China, which pissed Beijing off against Manila and others who went along the American hub-and-spoke game plan.

Things got ugly when Obama sought to keep Duterte in check

‘Our longterm vision needs to be focused on protecting our waters, which is not necessarily a military concern.’ by pressuring him through a shaming campaign, a non-stop barrage of criticism against alleged human rights violations committed during the early days

of the War on Drugs. In addition, Obama also sought to use a strategy employed by his predecessors going back to the postWorld War II era: Use American money to bribe us. Or in this case, to blackmail us.

Sadly for Obama, American money isn’t what it used to be.

And the Philippines isn’t as poor as it used to be.

Donald Trump is more conciliatory than Obama. He replaced the meddlesome Ambassador Philip Goldberg with a more reserved Sung Kim. Also, the US under Trump isn’t as pushy as before. I figure it has more to do with Trump’s massive domestic problems—he doesn’t need more problems overseas—rather than a real shift in American policy towards the Philippines, which I think has not changed.

China will be supportive of the Philippines under Duterte.

We’ve seen the humanitarian aid and military assistance for Marawi. But don’t expect China to be really helpful. It would be

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Opinion

THIS refers to the article “Promote fairness in free irrigation” which came out June 13 in your newspaper.

The article quoted the statements from the National Confederation of Irrigators Association urging Senator Cynthia Villar to “set an exemption in the provision of free irrigation service.”

Please be informed that the bill sponsored by Senator Villar, Senate Bill 1465 under Committee Report 103 or the “Free Irrigation Service to Small farmers act of 2017” exempts small farmers —those whose combined farmholdings cover an area of not more than five hectares—from paying the irrigation service fees.

In coming up with five hectares, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank poverty thresholds were considered.

Unpaid irrigation fees shall be collected and will be for the account of the National Government.

Our farmers are already reaping the benefits of free irrigation with the inclusion of P2 billion in the 2017 national budget to cover the ISF being collected

from farmers, but Senator Villar sees the need to legislate free irrigation to make it permanent.

The bill, which enjoys the overwhelming support of senators, was passed on second reading last May 31 and will automatically pass third reading after three days based on Senate rules. The bill will be formally passed on third reading when sessions resume in July for the second regular session of the 17th Congress.

As chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Villar has been guided by the fact that Filipino farmers and fishermen are still among the poorest in the country and there is a need to immediately implement policies and programs to help them improve productivity and income.

The enactment of a law freeing small farmers from the burden of paying irrigation service fees will significantly reduce production cost, hasten productivity and increase the income of farmers.

RHAEGEE TAMANA Director Office of Senator Cynthia Villar

The real source of China’s trafficking problem

By Adam Minter

from unusual, either: Throughout China, the families of young men spend years saving enough money to pay a proper bride price so their sons can marry and carry on the family line.

Predictably, unsavory entrepreneurs long ago recognized the opportunities in China’s expensive markets for brides and labor. Even before China’s factory wages began to rise, forced labor —often in government detention —was common. In recent years, as some of those camps have been dismantled, China has seen a surge in imported factory labor, most notably from North Korea, which garnishes the majority of its overseas workers’ wages.

China has also seen an influx of women trafficked as brides for prices well below those paid for Chinese women. In one northern Chinese village where the price of a Chinese bride reached as high as $64,000 in recent years, a broker was offering Vietnamese brides for around $18,500. According to Vietnamese law enforcement, nearly 4,500 Vietnamese women fell prey to traffickers between 2011 and 2015—70 percent of them bound for China.

Cambodian and Laotian women have experienced similar waves of human trafficking, while North Koreans—attracted to a better life—are easily exploitedon the Chinese side of their border. And things are little better for some local citizens: Cases of child trafficking, often for future marriage, may number in the tens of thousands per year.

There are no easy ways to reduce the financial incentives to traffic women, children and workers in contemporary China.

As a legacy of past policy mistakes, the problem will take as many years to remedy as it did to create. Nonetheless, recognizing those errors is an important first step, and current efforts to reverse China’s population control policies should bear fruit over time.

More immediately, the government could devote more resources to aiding and training local law enforcement to combat traffickers, as well as hasten efforts to reform China’s outdated residence permit laws, which leave migrants vulnerable to coercion by local authorities and criminals. As with the reversal of the one-child policy, such reforms would make China a more humane place for all its citizens.

THE US State Department’s decision to name China one of the world’s worst offenders in human trafficking was greeted with predictable resentment in Beijing.

With some justification, Chinese officials argue that they’re at least trying to tackle a difficult problem, and in any case, that they hardly belong in the same category as egregious regimes such as North Korea and Sudan. But the fact is that China’s trafficking issues are at least in part a legacy of government policies—and they won’t be resolved until that link is acknowledged and addressed.

The shadowy nature of human trafficking makes it difficult to develop a complete statistical portrait of the problem, whether in China or anywhere else. China’s Ministry of Public Security can point to some successes: In 2015, authorities arrested 1,932 suspected traffickers, and convicted 1,362 individuals for the trafficking of women and children. But those numbers— though significant—don’t tell the whole story in a country where there are more than 200 million migrant workers, as well as porous borders that allow for the easy movement of people between China and its neighbors.

Two factors account for much of China’s trafficking problems.

Most importantly, the country’s notorious and now-defunct “onechild policy” long combined with a cultural preference for sons to slow China’s population growth and skew its gender ratio. In the countryside, where the bias in favor of males is strongest, there are reports of towns that feature 150 boys for every 100 girls (the normal gender ratio is 106 boys to 103 girls). Over time, this trend has produced China’s notorious “bachelor villages”—rural hamlets that are home to lots of marriageable men but few women.

Meanwhile, employers in China’s manufacturing centers face shortages of workers and rising wages as China’s working-age population shrinks.

Second, rising affluence has exacerbated a range of social problems linked to China’s gender imbalances. Dowries have skyrocketed in recent years—especially in the countryside—as women have become scarcer. One 2011 studyfound that the bride price in one rural village had increased seventy-fold between the 1960s and 1990s. That’s far Bloomberg

No...

From A4 safeguard a fundamental right that outweighs whatever interest Congress my have in detaining the witnesses.

If, however, the Lower House persists in the belief that the Court of Appeals is bereft of jurisdiction to issue a writ of habeas corpus against it, then

that is exactly what the office of certiorari is for—the prerogative writ by which is questioned the exercise of jurisdiction: its lack, its excess or the arbitrariness and despotism with which it is exercised. There will be no constitutional crisis were the Lower House to take the legal step of filing with the Supreme Court a petition for certiorari, questioning the Court of Ap-

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Stirring a hornet’s nest

MAIL MATTERS

Small farmers exempt from irrigation fees

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO WHAT is it about President Rodrigo Duterte that gets his dander up whenever questions about his health arise? During his speech before the anniversary of the Presidential Security Group at Malacañang this week, Mr. Duterte deviated from written remarks to single out former senator and now Manila Times columnist Francisco “Kit” Tatad.

Tatad must have stirred the hornet’s nest when he wrote that the President had been absent from the public eye for four days because he went to China for medical consultation. Tatad said he sourced his information from a Palace official whom we would not name lest he lose his job. For writing about it in his column, Tatad fueled further speculation that the President is sick. Word going around is the President could be cancer-stricken. We are not going to add to this unconfirmed diagnosis. Even the “doctor” in the House, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, is unusually quiet about it.

Usually, Alvarez who practices psychiatry without license would quickly label those critics

as crazy and say they should be committed to a mental hospital.

This he did with detained Senator Leila de Lima.

The President’s health is the paramount concern of the Filipino people particularly the 16 million who voted him to the presidency. Should he not come clean with a medical certificate attesting to his health? This he should do instead of going ballistic and taking it out on journalists who also have a duty to serve their readers.

Instead, the President, using his most colorful language, lashed at Tatad, saying the former Marcos press secretary knew about the hospital in China because this was where Tatad went to correct a flawed circumcision.

I asked Kit whether he saw and heard Digong’s diatribe. He laughed it off, his way of telling me he’s not going to stoop to the level of a former Davao mayor who is out of his depth as president of the republic.

Another Palace “doctor,” Secretary of Miscommunications Martin Andanar came out with his own diagnosis that “the President is in the pink of health.”

Coming from Mr. Paandar, that statement is as just about as credible as his claim that he speaks for the President. According to Palace sources, Andanar has been told to shut up

and let Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella to do the talking.

Abella, with his deep and somber voice, is more acceptable to Malacañang reporters.

They know whereof he speaks as he enjoys the President’s confidence. Abella, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno are three of the President’s most able Cabinet members.

Heard in the grapevine is that Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade could be on way out.

Lest we are accused of purveying fake news, let me be clear that this story is still being verified and the President, we are told, would make an announcement sometime this week on whether Tugade will be kept or sacked.

Nearing the delivery of his State of the Nation Address to a joint session of Congress on July 24, Duterte who will complete his first year as President is expected to talk about his accomplishments and challenges in the next five years of his term.

To be fair, Duterte can be credited for his war on illegal drugs despite allegations of extrajudicial killings of suspects.

The people, according to both Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia surveys, are behind Duterte’s drug war, brutal as it may be. The President’s issu-

ance of an executive order on freedom of information is also a feather in his cap.

The administration, however, can be faulted for not dismantling the onerous contractualization of workers. After so much hemming and hawing, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello admitted it cannot be done this year and the workers will have to wait another year. But Filipino workers cannot wait another year to bring food to the table for their families. Many of them are filing job applications overseas.

This of course works to the advantage of the administration.

Jobs overseas provide an outlet for the easing of a social volcano from erupting. Foreign currency remittances of these “new heroes” help prop up the economy.

Big business, a source of political campaign funds, will be left untouched. Continuation of the profitable “contractualization” scheme means they won’t have to pay for workers’ benefits like social security, retirement and separation pay, PhilHealth and 13th month bonus. The business establishments under this status quo setup do not have to deal with a pesky labor unions.

With this, nearly everybody would be happy—big business, the administration and the politicians. That is, everybody, but the workers.

Nine things in Du30’s Year 1 brothers Abdullah Maute and Omarkhayam Maute. It will take at least P20 billion to rehabilitate Marawi, the Philippines’ premier Muslim city. That is a very small amount. The government, I estimate, would have spent by now P20 billion in trying to contain the Philippine loyalists of ISIS. 3. Slowing economic growth.

The World Bank in April this year projected economic growth rate of 6.9 percent for 2017 and 2018. Those figures seem to me now overly optimistic.

The economy grew by just 6.4 percent in the first quarter this year, down from seven percent earlier projected by Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, and from 6.9 percent in the first quarter of 2016. After hitting a seven-quarter-high 7.1-percent growth in third quarter 2016, the economy has slumped to 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter 2016 and to 6.4 percent in the first quarter 2017.

A property developer I interviewed last month confided that sales of condominium units have suddenly slowed down.

Under BS Aquino III, a donothing president, the economy grew as high as 7.8 percent (in 2013). Duterte is very passionate about growth and has assembled a topnotch economic team to deliver it. The team promptly designed a P9-trillion infra spending program in the next six years. Their start has been rather slow. BS Aquino did not know how to spend P1 trillion for infra in six years.

Duterte’s team will spend beginning 2018 P1 trillion for infra every year for five years—P1.35 trillion in 2019, P1.497 trillion in 2020, P1.668 trillion in 2021, and P1.898 trillion in 2022. Can the bureaucracy handle that

much money without significant leakage? Usually, in infra as much as 30 percent goes to graft.

From infra alone, graft could be P500 billion a year or P2.5 trillion in five years.

A deteriorating peso-dollar rate is usually a sign of trouble.

The peso has hit 50.50 per US dollar, the lowest in 10 years. A devaluing peso means money flowing out of the country because of higher importations, weak exports, dollar salting, investments being cashed in and leaving for safer grounds, and pure speculation.

4. The President’s health has become an issue. Twice in two weeks, Duterte disappeared from public view for four days.

Speaking before a Chinese charitable organization Wednesday, the President disclosed “you will see less and less of me,” adding “until the Marawi incident is over.”

I had a boss who used to have dialysis at least once a week. He routinely disappeared once a week for three days for several months, until he had a kidney transplant.

Then he lived for at least 10 years after the transplant.

5. The slow takeoff of the “Build, Build, Build” Golden Age of Infrastructure. The government will do away with Public-Private Participation program in building roads, highways and major infra projects.

That means the private sector, usually very competent and efficient and therefore, faster, in completing projects, is out.

Government will do most of the work and funding for infra. So same question: Does the government have what economists call absorptive capacity to handle P8.4 trillion worth of infra. If the infra program cannot take off properly and adequately,

Duterte won’t be able to reduce poverty incidence to single digit, from 21.6 percent of the population at present.

6. The slow takeoff of the tax reform program.

Tax reform is supposed to increase taxes by P306.6 billion in its first year, under Package One – a lower personal income tax rate, expansion of value added tax (on sugar,candies, orange juice, and some say even salt), automobile and oil excise tax.

The Senate will likely torpedo those taxes. Reason: The senators handling tax reform are up for reelection.

7. Failure to curb government corruption significantly.

8. Failure to solve traffic in Metro Manila, especially on E. Delos Santos Avenue. Instead of improving, Edsa traffic has worsened. It now takes over two hours to commute from East Avenue in QC to New World Hotel in Makati. I should know, I took that route at 11:15 a.m. yesterday and I arrived at the hotel at 1:40 p.m. From Magallanes on SLEX to Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong is also two hours in the early evening. I should know. I take that route once a week.

The now-notorious MRT 3 still breaks down three times a day, if it runs at all.

9. Failure to curb red tape.

It still takes three months to process one’s passport. You still cannot get your plastic driver’s license and your new car plate.

My driver got his plastic license one year after application.

Even if you are able to secure your passport, it is no better in quality and look and feel than the previous passport. Even if you get a new car plate, it is still no better than the old car plate.

stupid policy of Aquino, which highlighted the acquisition of old, converted naval ships, which he and fellow Three Stooges Albert del Rosario and Voltaire Gazmin amusingly brandished against China in the West Philippine Sea. All in all, the trio of Duterte, Delfin Lorenzana and Alan Pe-

ter Cayetano seems to me light years better than the moronic trio of Aquino, del Rosario and Gazmin. We need to stay the course and slowly develop the ability to effectively patrol our waters through the Coast Guard, not the Navy (unless we want to antagonize our neighbors). This is the policy that makes sense.

Domestically, we need to weed out the terrorists in Mindanao and end the Communist insurgency and Islamic secession-

ist problems once and for all.

Afterwards, we also need to shift away from a focus on the military to an enlargement of our police. The PNP needs to become bigger in number and resources.

In the 21st century, at least, when countries all over the world are turning their backs from the Cold War geopolitical hangover and focusing instead on domestic issues, the threat of inter-state wars is dwindling.

International relations scholars have noticed this trend for at least two decades now: conflict is moving away from state versus state and heading towards conflict within the state.

This is a trend that I think will continue for decades, and I think we need to recalibrate our strategic thinking when it comes to security concerns. Thus, after one year of the Duterte administration, I think we’re headed in the right direction.

peals’ actions in regard to the petitioners’ prayer for relief by way of habeas corpus. Snubbing the Court of Appeals surely triggers a dangerous stand-off, but clearly, the Court of Appeals is not to blame—because a legal avenue is open by which to question its acts.

And lest it be forgotten, the power to cite for contempt can itself be abused. The House

Committee has warned the detainees that they will continue to languish in detention unless they tell the truth. Does this mean that the Committee knows the truth and demands of the witnesses that they echo what they think they know?

That would be a very dangerous notion of contempt, because it would demand prescience if not clairvoyance on the part of

witnesses. Will they be free of the pall of contempt if they indict Imee Marcos? When a witness answers: “I do not know”, “I was not privy to the transaction”, “I am not sure of the answer”, are these not answers? I do not know of any rule of evidence that characterizes these as being irresponsive to a contemptuous degree.

No, there is no such thing as a

constitutional crisis. What there can be are high officials of the land overtaken by a sense of the augustness of their positions who will not submit to any arbiter of norms higher than themselves.

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ ON THE 356th day in office of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, nine remarkable things have stood out. They are: 1. The vicious war on drugs (WOD).

It is not clear who is winning.

According to the Philippine National Police website, 3,151 drug personalities have been killed by the police, 84,467 have been arrested, and 1.3million drug addicts have surrendered after 62,751 anti-drug operations.

Yet, no major drug lord has been killed or arrested, except perhaps for that mayor who was jailed and killed apparently while trying to resist an arrest or search warrant—inside a police jail.

Despite the viciousness of the WOD, recent drug busts have run into billions—P6 billion in San Juan City, Metro Manila, P2 billion in Valenzuela City, P10 million in Marawi City.

One positive dividend of the WOD—a sharp decline in petty and big-time criminality like kidnapping. In one month, the police reported a 49-percent reduction.

2. The war in Marawi.

It is not clear who is winning.

Again, the government cannot claim it is winning the war. As of June 28, 2017, 397 have died—299 terrorists or rebels, 71 government troopers, and 27 civilians. The army recovered 358 enemy firearms and rescued 1,711 civilians. The government has not arrested nor killed the three top leaders of the Islamist extremists or terrorist group—Isnilon Hapilon, and the

The China...

From A4

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A6 Standard

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

Manila

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Japanese wanted by Tokyo is arrested

By Vito Barcelo A JAPANESE, who claimed he was suffering from terminal cancer, was arrested by Immigration authorities for defrauding an insurance firm of more than 22 million yen or roughly P9.8 million by falsifying his medical insurance claim.

Immigration agents arrested Suzuki Yuya, wanted by authorities in Tokyo for involvement in insurance fraud and swindling.

The 38-year-old Japanese was nabbed by BI operatives at his residence in Pearl Street, South Greenpark Village, Severina Avenue Km. 18, Parañaque City.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued a mission order for Yuya’s arrest at the request of Japan’s national police agency through the Japanese Embassy in Manila which informed him that the fugitive had been hiding in the country for more than three years.

Morente said Yuya was already an undocumented alien when arrested as his passport was canceled by the Japanese government.

He said aside from being an undocumented alien, the Japanese would be deported for posing risk to public safety and security due to his being a fugitive from justice.

Yuya has an outstanding warrant of arrest issued by Japanese Court in Tokyo on March 16, 2017, according to Bobby Raquepo, BI-FSU head Raquepo said Yuya was charged with committing health insurance fraud from which the latter allegedly earned more than 22 million yen in September 2010 when he falsely claimed before a medical insurance company that he was being treated for cancer.

It was learned that Yuya was also charged with defrauding another victim of more than 490,000 yen after inducing the latter to invest in coin trading.

SECURING WATER. Water supply-related officials flank MWSS administrator Reynaldo Velasco (4th from right) after speaking at Finex’s ‘Water Security Forum Series 4: Averting a Crisis’ —a bid by Finex to raise awareness on how government and private agencies can work together to reduce risks and improve capacity to ensure long-term water security.

Firetrucks supplier welcomes DoJ probe regarding defects

By Sandy Araneta

T

HE country representative of a joint venture between the Philippines and China, who supplied the “defective” firetrucks of the Bureau of Fire Protection, on Thursday welcomed the investigation to be conducted by the Department of Justice, saying they have nothing to hide and the defects of their firetrucks have been fixed.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Notice is hereby given that ATLAS CONSOLIDATED MINING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (“AT” or the “Corporation”) will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM” or the “Meeting”) on 27 July 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the Function Room 1, SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City (1300) for the transaction of the following business: AGENDA I. II. III.

IV. V.

Call to Order Proof of Notice of Meeting & Determination of Quorum Approval of the Minutes of: • Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on 29 April 2016; and • Special Shareholders’ Meeting (SSM) on 21 February 2017 Annual Report for 2016 Amendment to AT’s Articles of Incorporation: Article VII, increase in the authorized capital stock (ACS) VI. Issuance of 1,472,500,000 shares & waiver of the conduct of public or rights offering VII. Election of Directors (including Independent Directors) VIII. Ratification of acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management IX. Appointment of External Auditor X. Other Matters XI. Adjournment Only Shareholders of record as of 1 April 2017 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. The Shareholders’ list is available for inspection at the principal office located at the 5F FiveE-com Center, Palm Coast Avenue corner Pacific Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City (1300) (the “Office”). The Stock and Transfer book of the Corporation will not be closed.

Any Shareholder who wishes to authorize a proxy to act for and in his behalf during the Meeting must submit a duly accomplished proxy to the Office on or before 20 July 2017.

Validation of proxies is set on 21 July 2017.

Please bring proper identification card/s to facilitate registration which will start at 1:00 p.m.

Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1 June 2017.

Thank you.

Maria Eleonor A. Santiago Assistant Corporate Secretary EXPLANATION OF AGENDA ITEMS Proof of Notice of Meeting and Determination of Quorum: The Corporate Secretary will certify that copies of the Notice and Agenda of the AGM with the Information Statement and Proxy Form were sent to Shareholders of record as of 1 April 2017 as well as the date of publication of Notice in newspapers of general circulation. The Corporate Secretary will further certify the existence of a quorum. The Shareholders present, in person or by proxy, representing a majority of the outstanding capital stock shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Approval of the Minutes of the AGM on 29 April 2016 and SSM on 21 February 2017: The Minutes of the AGM held on 29 April 2016 and SSM on 21 February 2017 will be posted at the Corporation’s Website. A resolution approving the minutes will be presented to the Shareholders for approval.

2016 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements: The President will report on the Corporation’s financial and operating results for the year 2016. The Audited Financial Statements (AFS) as of 31 December 2016 are embodied in the Information Statement to be sent to Shareholders at least 15 business days prior to the AGM. The AFS have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC), the Board of Directors (BOD) and audited by the external auditor. A resolution noting the Report and approving the AFS will be presented to the Shareholders for approval.

Amendment of AT’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI): The BOD resolution amending Article VII of AT’s AOI will be presented to the Shareholders for their approval. The amendment pertains to the increase in the capital stock of AT to Php8.89billion divided into 8.89billion shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share of stock.

Waiver of the conduct of a rights or public offering: The minority Shareholders present or represented at the Meeting will be asked to approve the waiver of the conduct of a rights or public offering for the 1,472,500,000 shares to be subscribed and issued equivalent to 25% of the aggregate increase in the capital stock of the Corporation from Php3b to Php8.89b divided into 8.89b shares of common stock.

Election of Directors (including Independent Directors): The nominated directors were determined to be qualified and competent by the Nomination Committee after their qualifications were duly reviewed. The Corporation’s Nomination Committee recommends their election. The list of nominees and their profiles are provided in the Information Statement and in the company website for examination by the Shareholders.

Ratification of acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors (BOD) and Management for 2016 All acts, resolutions and proceedings of the BOD, BOD Committees and the Management of AT from the date of the last AGM to the date of this Meeting, including all significant related party transactions, will be presented to the Shareholders for their approval and ratification.

Re-appointment of SGV as External Auditor The BOD, based on the recommendation of the ARMC, endorses the re-appointment of Sycip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV) as the Corporation’s external auditor for 2017.

Other Matters Other business as may properly come before the meeting may be raised. The Chairman will decide whether such business may be properly taken up in the meeting or in another Shareholders’ meeting or other proper forum.

“We are very much willing to be investigated by the DoJ,” Peter Go Cheng, Kolonwell Trading chief and authorized country representative of joint venture of Kolonwel Trading and Hubei Jiangnan Special Automobile Co. Ltd., told a press conference in a restaurant in Manila.

Kolonwell is the Philippine counterpart of a joint venture with China firm Hubei Jiang-

nan Special Automobile Co. Ltd. (Hubei).

“The firetrucks have no factory defects,” Go Cheng added.

“Most of the defects are minor and caused after two years of use and some by untrained BFP personnel,” he said.

“These are being addressed, and most have been fixed,” he said.

BFP Public Information Chief Maj. Ian Manalo also confirmed that all firetrucks that were delivered by Kolonwell and Hubei were in order.

Manalo said even though some have defects, this was because the firetrucks had been used for about two years.

The DoJ is set to investigate the reported anomaly in the P2.577-billion contract for fire trucks that the BFP entered into with Kolonwel Trading and Hubei Jiangnan Special Automobile Co. Ltd., the FilipinoChinese joint venture during the previous

administration.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he would order a probe following the Commission on Audit report, which cited some irregularities in the 2015 deal.

Aguirre said the DoJ had concurrent jurisdiction with the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate corruption charges, citing as precedent the department’s fact-finding probe on the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam during the previous administration.

Go Cheng said the two companies involved in the joint venture already complied with the requirements they were asked to submit, including winning in the pre-qualification and post-qualification bids.

He said all specifications by the Bids and Awards Committee of the BFP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government were all met.

‘Gov’t to save P6.5b with brgy polls postponement’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Richard Gordon said Thursday the government would be able to save P6.5 billion with the deferment of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections set for Oct. 23.

“We should postpone the barangay elections because it would cost us P6.5 billion. We could save funds. We are spending an awful lot in the Marawi fightings,” said Gordon.

Instead of spending money for the conduct of the elections, Gordon said the Philippine government should just focus on the Marawi situation.

Gordon said if it were up to him, the next barangay elections could be held either in 2018 or in 2022 instead of this year.

Gordon also said his proposal to postpone the elections was warmly welcomed by the Liga ng mga Barangay in Quezon City.

During the Liga’s convention in Tagaytay, Gordon disclosed he favored postponing the local polls to save on government expenditures.

The senator said for him barangay chairmen

who were notorious for involvements in shady activities should not be extended.

“Good barangay captains should be extended. But we should remove those who are bad, based on charges properly filed. We must remove from office barangay chairmen who are involved in drugs, those involved in crimes.

Hold-over in the meanwhile. But we have to study it further,” he said.

The senator sought the village chiefs’ commitment to ensure their respective barangays would be free of drugs and would not be invaded by insurgents and possible terrorists.

“You have to commit to watch over your respective puroks tightly to ensure that they are insulated from drugs, from insurgents and from possible terrorists. Barangay captains should help in the fight against drug,” he said.

There are pending bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives to move this year’s elections to October 2018 and to May 2020, respectively.

The said elections were originally set for Oct. 31, 2016 but moved to Oct. 23 this year.

MMDA mapping out plans to ease vehicular traffic in critical areas

By Joel E. Zurbano METRO Manila Development Authority officials are mapping out plans with community leaders in connection with the traffic measure to be enforced in Balintawak, Quezon City, which was on the list of most critical areas along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue with the worst traffic situation.

Village officials led by Chairman Che de Jesus of Barangay Apolonio Samson met with Edison Nebrija, MMDA supervising officer for operation, and other

agency officials to discuss the traffic management plan to be implemented in the area.

The MMDA recently identified Balintawak Market Road and other six areas where commuters and motorists are experiencing monstrous traffic that need the emergency powers of President Rodrigo Duterte to resolve.

The six other choke points along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue are Aurora Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, Ayala Avenue and Taft Avenue.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim late last week led the clearing operations of illegally parked vehicles and vendors in the area.

He reiterated that it formally turned over the maintenance of the cleanliness and orderliness of the place to the concerned local officials, particularly the barangay executives.

Lim said his agency had repeatedly conducted operations in the area but it could not utilize MMDA personnel and resources all the time in clearing the place of road obstructions.

Gunshowcreates fundfor heroes ofMarawiCity THE Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines will honor members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines who are risking their lives to save Marawi City from lawlessness.

World shooting champion Jethro T. Dionisio, AFAD president, said that aside from financial assistance coming from their ranks, AFAD will also be accepting care packages and donations at the 25th Defense & Sporting Arms Show on July 13 to 17, at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City for the socalled “modern day heroes.”

“We honor our soldiers & policemen in Marawi for their patriotism, courage & sacrifice,” AFAD said in a statement. “Let’s show our appreciation for our soldiers and policemen in Marawi!”

Being a long time partner of the PNP in promoting responsible gun ownership, AFAD, now on its 28th year, has honored numerous men in uniform who have rendered exemplary service to their fellow countrymen in the past years.

AFAD will set up a special booth for the PNP and AFP which will be in charge of accepting donations for policemen and soldiers defending Marawi City.

Dionisio expressed belief the country’s responsible firearms owners who will visit the DSAS will heed to the call for support and assistance for the heroes of Marawi City since they share with the government forces a common goal of promoting peace and order in their respective communities.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Novak seeks answers after decline L ONDON—Just 12 months ago, Novak Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon with the world at his feet, but he returns to the All England Club with his career in crisis after an astonishing fall from grace.

Having finally succeeded in his quest to win the French Open last year, Djokovic appeared poised to join the tennis immortals.

The Serb was the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time and had won Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015, adding to his 2011 triumph.

So when he strolled onto Court One to face Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon third round there appeared no end in sight to Djokovic’s reign as the sport’s preeminent force.

Instead, he gave such a curiously lethargic performance that Querrey was

Novak Djokovic

able to win the rain-interrupted encounter to end the then world number one’s streak of 30 straight Grand Slam match victories.

It was a seismic shock and plunged Djokovic into a tail-spin.

Djokovic has lurched from one problem to another in 2017, losing to world number 117 Denis Istomin in the second round of the Australian Open.

Having parted with coach Boris Becker at the end of last year, he has split with long-time associate Marian Vajda.

Djokovic has also taken to consulting regularly with ‘spiritual adviser’ Pepe Imaz, a former player who runs a tennis

academy in Spain for underprivileged children, called “Amor y Paz” (love and peace).

In recent months Imaz’s influence has been seen in Djokovic’s new habit of forming a heart shape with his hands and gesturing to the crowd after he wins a match.

Unfortunately for Djokovic, those displays of affection have been few and far between as he slumped to surprise defeats against Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev, hungry youngsters who displayed the drive so noticeably missing from his game in recent months.

John McEnroe is concerned with Djokovic’s desire to show the softer side of his personality has robbed him of the ruthless streak needed at the highest level.

“From an emotional standpoint he perhaps felt he wanted to bring in somebody

who wants to give people a lot of hugs.

That does not necessarily translate to having that killer instinct,” McEnroe said.

“It does not automatically lose it, but you don’t want to get into a situation where it is all peace and love and then have to go out and try to stomp on somebody’s head in competition.”

Describing the changes as “shock therapy”, Djokovic hired American legend Andre Agassi as his coach in time for the French Open.

But Agassi failed to deliver an immediate improvement as Djokovic crashed to an embarrassing quarterfinal defeat against Dominic Thiem at Roland Garros.

The 6-foot ‘bagel’ handed to him in the third set by the Austrian was the first time he had suffered such an indignity in 12 years and he was accused of giving up as the defeat became inevitable. AFP

Team PH sweeps Nicklaus International golf tourney THE 11th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational concluded its international final with Team Philippines, Derek Ramsay and John Estrada, sweeping the title.

The tournament’s ultimate event was played at New Albany Country Club outside of Columbus, Ohio on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Known as the Tournament of Champions, the international finals of the JNII brings together the two-person team winners of JNII national tournaments held over the past 12 months in select countries. This year, teams from four countries advanced to play for their country in the 36-hole international final sponsored by the Nicklaus Companies.

The award-winning duo of actors from the Philippines, John Estrada and Derek Ramsay, won the competition with a net 15-under score. They held off a valiant effort by the Indonesian duo of Edwin Abeng and Pedro Limardo, who played the back nine 6-under par to finish with a net 10-under score.

The five-stroke difference doesn’t reflect how close the challenge was for the Filipino movie stars. Ramsay sank two clutch birdie putts from 15-feet on 16 and 17 to hold off the Indonesian charge.

Ramsay, who is not a stranger to representing his country in the field of sports, said after the win, “That was awesome! We had a comfortable lead making the turn and lost our focus. The great play by the Indonesians made it close. What a great feeling to win, but regardless, this event is a chance of a lifetime.”

Ramsay became close friends with his playing partner and fellow actor Estrada after filming Trophy Wife in 2014.

“Definitely, this is one for the books. At least for me, unlike Derek here, it’s my first time to represent my country in the field of sports. It amazes me how you guys made this happen. I never thought it could be this grand.

How I wish I can do this again, of course with my brother here,” Estrada said.

“It’s so organized from start to finish, even during the National Finals in the Philippines.

In Ohio, we were treated like pros, and every day, we received a gift package with our names on it. This is the best golf experience that nobody should ever miss!” added Ramsay.

“The JNII is a big deal in the Philippines,” said Estrada. “Rustan Marketing Corporation through Jack Nicklaus Philippines puts on a great tournament, which attracts a great field of players. Until now, I can’t believe we won our national championship, and winning this—now, it’s a dream come true.”As unexpected as their win in the national tournament, the first day of the international tournament applied the same Peoria system as the national final but the second day followed the players’ handicaps established during the first day of tournament.

Players who enter national JNII events get Playing partners John Estrada and Derek Ramsay, far right, of Team Philippines, swept the International Finals of the Jack Nicklaus a chance to win great prizes, including an ex- International Invitational. pense-paid VIP trip to play for their country in the Tournament of Champions and watch the Memorial Tournament by invitation of Mr. Jack Nicklaus presented by Nationwide, an event played at nearby Muirfield Village THE Shell National Youth nament. The top three and (born between 2004 to 2009), School in Cavite snaring the Golf Club on the PGA TOUR. The champi- Active Chess Championships the No. 1 female player from juniors for 13 to 16 years old kiddies plum and Lyceum’s ons were given VIP access and a clear view braces for a full-packed field each category will gain berths (born between 2000 to 2003) Jonathan Jota dominating the and seniors for 17 to 20 (born seniors play. of the 18th hole where they got to see the top when the second leg of the five- in the national finals.

Others who advanced in Registration is on-going on between 1996 to 1999) for stage regional circuit resumes PGA players in live action. the national finals set Oct. JNII events are open to recreational golfers on July 8 and 9 for the National a first-come, first-served ba- boys and girls.

The country’s longest- 7-8, also at SM MOA, were of all skill levelswho get to experience com- Capital Region stop at SM Mall sis with slots limited to 400. petitive golf in a relaxed, social atmosphere of Asia’s Music Hall in Pasay. For details, contact tourna- running talent-search kicked runners-up Daniel Quizon Keen competition is seen ment coordinator Alex Dinoy off its milestone 25th season (juniors), Mark Jay Bacojo that promotes camaraderie and interest in the game. For additional information, visit jni- as top players and rising stars at 0922-8288510. Registration in Batangas City last month (kiddies) and Romulo Cuigolf.com, follow the action on social media from the leading Metro Ma- forms can also be downloaded with Philippine Science High rioso Jr. (seniors) along with on facebook.com/JNIIGolf and Twitter @ nila schools and nearby cit- from www.shell.com.ph/shell_ School’s Stephen Rome Pan- top female players Kylen Joy gilinan winning the juniors Mordido (juniors), Daren dela jniigolf; and for instant updates in the Phil- ies slug it out for top honors chess. Fee is pegged at P100.

Events on tap are the kid- crown, Michael Concio Jr. Cruz (kiddies) and Venice Viippines, follow @JackNicklausPh on Insta- in various divisions of the 9-round Swiss system tour- dies for players aged 7 to 12 of Dasmariñas National High cente (seniors). gram and Facebook.

Huge field seen in NCR Shell Chess

Negros still unbeaten at home in PH Football League Premier Volley Games Tomorrow

(Quirino Stadium, Vigan) 4 p.m. Ilocos United vs FC Meralco Manila (Panaad Stadium, Bacolod) 4 p.m. Ceres-Negros vs Stallion Laguna CERES Negros sustained its hot streak at home with a 5-1 drubbing of Stallion Laguna while Global Cebu bounced back with a crucial away victory Wednesday night in the Philippines Football League.

A hattrick from Spanish striker Fernando Rodriguez boosted the Busmen to their second straight win and third at home as they moved up to fourth spot ahead of Kaya Makati on goal difference.

Over at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City, Global returned to winning ways with a 2-1 nipping of the Davao Aguilas who remained winless this season.

An early goal gave Global the lead before Guinean striker Sekou Sylla doubled the advantage. Richard Talaroc pulled one back for the Aguilas, but Global hung on to pick up three points just four days after losing to JPV Marikina.

Global climbed to third spot with 13 points on four wins and a draw, while Davao remained in sixth with four points.

Bienvenido Marañon accounted for the two other goals for Ceres at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, taking his tally to six goals for the season, tying JPV Marikina’s Takumi Uesato on top of the scoring chart.

Ceres took the lead in the 18th minute when Junior Munoz found Marañon unmarked inside the box before the Spanish midfielder wrongfooted Stallion keeper Roland Sadia.

Stallion equalized nine minutes later with Jess Melliza dispossessing Ceres goalkeeper Roland Muller before finding the back of the net.

The Busmen regained the lead in the 37th minute with Marañon grabbing his second goal before Rodriguez scored the first of three goals at the stroke of halftime.

Rodriguez’s pinpoint strike in the 57th minute made it 4-1. He completed his hattrick in the 84th minute, firing into the roof of the net.

“I’m very happy to help the team to win the game,” said Rodriguez who was actually making his debut in the PFL, replacing injured compatriot Antonio Bello in the lineup.

League on S+A

Stallion Laguna goalkeeper Roland Sadia denies Fernando Rodriguez of Ceres Negros a scoring opportunity as Stallion teammate Terrence Linatoc looks on in their match last Wednesday.

With intact roster, Water Defenders eye breakthough WITH an intact roster, BaliPure hopes to finally hit paydirt when it resumes its quest for a breakthrough victory in the Premier Volleyball League which kicks off its second conference tomorrow at the Filoil Arena in San Juan.

The Water Defenders failed to sustain a first-set romp and fell short in the end, dropping a sorry 25-20, 17-25, 17-25, 19-

25 setback to the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors in the recent Reinforced Conference finals.

But they remain upbeat of their chances in the new tournament with coach Roger Gorayeb to bank on the team’s chemistry and experience.

“Unlike other teams, we weren’t able to get marquee players but we’re relying on our familiarity with one an-

other to carry us through this conference,” said Gorayeb.

The team is expected to draw strength and inspiration from the likes of NCAA MVP Gretchel Soltones, also the Reinforced Conference second best spiker, talented playmaker Jasmine Nabor, the much-improved Risa Sato and the ever-reliable Lizlee Ann Pantone, Aiko Urdas. Jorelle

Singh and Jerrili Malabanan.

Also tipped to raise the level of their respective games are Iris Oliveros, Alyssa Eroa and Macy Mendiola.

With the imports out of the way, Singh, who didn’t see much action in the first conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Asics, is expected to get more minutes while

Malabanan, a fast emerging star from Far Eastern U, is also tipped to make more impact this conference.

“Jorelle will definitely get to play more as well as Jerilli, who was really impressive last conference,” said Gorayeb.

From third place last year to runner-up early this season, there’s no way but up for BaliPure.

THE 2017 season of the Premier Volleyball League resumes on Saturday with eight teams contending for the inaugural Open Conference Cup championship.

Seeing action right away are the Creamline Cool Smashers and Adamson Akari Lady Falcons at 4 p.m., followed by Perlas Spikers and the Hair Fairy Air Force Lady Jet Spikers at 6:30 p.m., to be aired LIVE from the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan City on S+A on free TV, S+A HD on cable TV, and via livestreaming on premiervolleyballleague.com.

Back in the title hunt is Reinforced Conference champion Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, which will be bringing back their three-headed monster in Myla Pablo, Melissa Gohing, and Jessey De Leon and their runner-up BaliPure Water Defenders, still led by Reinforced Conference Best Setter Jasmine Nabor, 2nd Best Outside Spiker Grethcel Soltones, and a muchimproved Jerrili Malabanan.

The Cool Smashers will rely once more on the exploits of PVL’s first Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, who is reuniting with former Ateneo teammate Jia Morado. Also returning are the Perlas Spikers led

by Amy Ahomiro, Suzanne Roces, and Kat Bersola; the Power Smashers, still led by NCAA MVP Jovielyn Prado, Dimdim Pacres, and Alina Bicar; and Hairy Fairy Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, bannered by veterans Wendy Semana, Joy Cases, and Iari Yongco.

The Open Conference also features two collegiate teams: Akari-sponsored Lady Falcons, led by former Cool Smasher Jema Galanza and their new addition, former DLSU Lady Spiker Christine Joy Soyud; and the UP Lady Fighting Maroons headlined by former UAAP Rookie of the Year Isa Molde and Diana Carlos.

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

P0 M+ P0 M

Sports

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

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FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

KaTropa, Beermen break PBA standoff

By Jeric Lopez WHO will have the leverage?

In a nip-and-tuck war, it’s essential for the combatants to gain every advantage they can get and that’s exactly what San Miguel Beer and TNT KaTropa are thinking of as they break the tie in their continuing best-of-seven championship showdown in the finals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 proves to be critical as both protagonists fight for control at 7 p.m. tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The intense and highly-competitive finale continued to roll the other night in Game 4 with both teams seeking different agendas.

Eventually, it was the Tropang Texters who emerged victorious, 10297, to avoid a 1-3 deficit and instead, square the series off at 2-2.

With an even playing field now, the finalists are expected to go all out to inch a step closer towards claiming the coveted championship.

After a sub-par Games 2 and 3, TNT reinforcement Joshua Smith bounced San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo (15) drives to the hoop against TNT KaTropa defender Troy Rosario. Fajardo, who fouled out in Game 4 which led to the TNT victory, will be back strong in Game 4, tallying 20 aching to bounce back in Game 5. points and 15 rebounds to lead the Tropang Texters.

It was then TNT star Jason Castro who finished off the Beermen in the waning minutes with his dazzling offense on his way to 17 points.

This one-two punch needs to continue playing well for the Texters to repeat over the Beemen, who on the other hand needs Best Player of the Conference Chris Ross, who only had eight points in Game 4, to regain his touch to get back on track.

San Miguel twin-towers June Mar “If Manny puts his mind to it he destroys cause Manny is that quick.”

RISBANE, Australia—Australian challenger Jeff anybody in the world. He’s busted up some Fortune said he gave Horn no chance of Fajardo and Charles Rhodes also need Horn has made a massive blunder by not training of the greats. Jeff Horn is the guy to knock causing a major upset against the warrior to stay out of foul trouble to give their against superior sparring partners in the United out and we’re in the hurt business.” known as ‘Pac Man’. team a better chance of winning.

Fortune, who once fought against Lennox “People say ‘well, Manny hasn’t In four games thus far, the duo, due States in preparation for Sunday’s title fight, Manny Lewis, said Horn should have spent eight knocked anyone out in years’ but these to Smith’s inside incursions, found Pacquiao’s team says. weeks in America against the best available are AAA guys, with pro-level experience, themselves in foul trouble for most current or former world champions,” ForThe legendary 38-year-old Filipi- Thursday the ‘Fighting Schoolteacher’ sparring partners. part of games, limiting their minutes “Then you might have given him a real tune said. no, one of the greatest fighters of his hasn’t done his homework and will be and their contributions.

“This guy (Horn) has nowhere near the generation, is widely tipped to over- outclassed by the master eight-weight shot if he’d been training with A-grade In fact, Fajardo fouled out in guys all the time,” he said. experience at all. He hasn’t walked out in come the unbeaten Horn in front of world champion.

Game 4, paving the way for TNT “Instead he’s been using (Filipino) Czar front of 50,000 people, ever. an expected 50,000 people at Bris“Manny is one of the greats and KaTropa to execute easier down “Nerves take a lot out of you when you bane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Jeff Horn is in a different league,” Amonsot as a sparring partner and he is the stretch with him being out in nowhere near as fast as Manny. fi ght.

It’s actually terrible, there’s nothing Pacquiao’s Australian strength and former heavyweight fighter Fortune the crucial juncture of the contest.

“Horn won’t know what hit him be- you can do about it, happens to all of us. conditioning coach Justin Fortune said told reporters.

Horn will be outclassed says Pacquiao’s trainer

B

Noah, Tankoua reinforce Red Lions

Chris Paul joins Harden in Houston after trade LOS ANGELES, United States—Chris Paul was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday in the first major NBA talent move of the off-season with free agency looming Saturday.

The 32-year-old point guard, who helped the United States win Olympic gold in 2008 at Beijing and 2012 at London, joins shooting guard James Harden in what might be the NBA’s most dynamic backcourt next season.

In exchange, the Rockets sent the Clippers seven players – Sam Dekker, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Wiltjer – plus a 2018 first-round NBA Draft pick and $661,000.

“Any day you can acquire a Hall of Famelevel player is a good day for the franchise,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.

“It’s a weapons race in the NBA and you’re either in the weapons race or on the sidelines.

We felt with Harden in his prime, Chris Paul in his prime, this gives us a real shot to chase the juggernaut teams that are out there and puts us right there with them.”

That’s a remark aimed at the Golden State Warriors, who added forward Kevin Durant to star guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and won the NBA crown this year, downing

a Cleveland team in the final led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

While players and teams can begin free agency talks, no deals can be signed until July 6.

The Rockets, who won NBA crowns in 1994 and 1995, have not suffered a losing season since 2005-06 but have reached the Western Conference final only once in 20 years, losing that to eventual champion Golden State in 2015.

“Since winning back-to-back championships, the pursuit of a third title has remained the ultimate goal for our franchise,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said.

“We feel that combining two of the league’s greatest players in James Harden and Chris Paul, operating in Coach (Mike) D’Antoni’s system, gives us a championship caliber team that will compete at the highest level for years to come.”

Las Vegas oddsmakers trimmed the Rockets’ odds of winning next year’s NBA crown from 30-1 to 15-1 after the move was revealed while dropping the Clippers’ chances from 40-1 to 100-1.

ESPN reported the Rockets would attempt to land forward Paul George, who has said he wants to leave Indiana and is being eyed by the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland among others.

By Peter Atencio

PH WINS HOSTING RIGHTS. Team Philippines, led by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios (right), displays the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 streamer transferring hosting rights to the country during the handover ceremony in Nantes, France recently. With him are officials of the French basketball federation and local organizing committee and FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann (beside Barrios).

Karatedo national team will train in Germany THE national karatedo team is set to leave for Germany for a training camp and prepare for the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Karatedo Federation Raymund Lee-Reyes said around 13 athletes will be sent there.

Reyes said the national squad will be there for around 20 days.

At the same, they will also join competitions in order

to get themselves in shape.

Among those going to Germany are Rexor Tacay, Engene Stoner Dagohoy, John Michael Vincent Badil, Jayson Ramil Macaalay and Sharief Afif.

Also going are OJ De los Santos and Mae Soriano.

Then, there’s Carmelo Patricio, Stoner Dagohoy, Erika Samonte, Juna Suqui, Kimberly Madrona and John

Paul Dejar.

Reyes said that with the tough field in the Games, they expect to win at least one medal.

He added the morale of the squad is high and they are prepared and now 70 percent ready.

“Ready na sila. Palaban talaga ang team,” said Reyes.

Peter Atencio

CAMEROONIANS Cameroonians Donald Tankoua and Arnauh Noah are coming aboard as the San Beda Red Lions’ foreign players this season.

San Beda team manager Jude Roque said this as squad finalized its rosters for the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.

This means that their third foreign cager in reserve, Eugene Toba, will sit out the season when the cagefest reels off on July 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“After hours of deliberation, we decided that Tankoua and Noah should stay as San Beda’s foreign players in Season 93,” said Roque.

Tankoua is returning after injury. He tore an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) late in the second round of elimination which put him out of commission.

Noah, who replaced Tankoua, got a chance again to join Team A after he snared the Finals MVP in last year’s successful title run.

On the other hand, Toba, will wait another year to get his chance to suit up for the Red Lions.

Noah will be a starter for the team while San Beda waits for Tankoua to fully recover.

Business

URC sees recovery of Vietnam business B2 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, June 29, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.4370

Japan

Yen

0.008906

0.4492

UK

Pound

1.292800

65.2050

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128149

6.4635

Switzerland

Franc

1.042318

52.5714

Canada

Dollar

0.767048

38.6876

Singapore

Dollar

0.723589

36.4957

Australia

Dollar

0.764000

38.5339

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654280

133.8739

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.4495

Brunei

Dollar

0.720981

36.3641

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029420

1.4839

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.7333

Euro

Euro

1.138000

57.3973

Korea

Won

0.000879

0.0443

China

Yuan

0.147065

7.4175

India

Rupee

0.015504

0.7820

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.232775

11.7405

New Zealand

Dollar

0.730400

36.8392

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032879

1.6583 Source: PDS Bridge

IN BRIEF

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

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

TATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said Thursday it lifted the gaming suspension against Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., the operator of gaming and entertainment complex Resorts World Manila.

Pagcor said in a statement TIHGI had taken action to address the issues in its safety and security procedures. It said, however, that the lifting of the suspension order “does not disregard TIHGI’s officers and personnel from any criminal liability” from the June 2 robbery/

arson incident that happened in Resorts World Manila.

“With the lifting of the suspension order, Pagcor enjoins TIHGI as well as all gaming operators to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not

happen again,” the gaming regulator said.

TIHGI said with the lifting of the suspension order on the company’s provisional license to operate casinos and other gaming facilities, Resorts World Manila resumed gaming operations on June 29.

“With Pagcor’s assistance and guidance, we can now start the difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our responsibility to take care of our 6,000 staff and personnel,” said RWM president and chief executive Kingson Sian.

“We are bringing back the gaming operations on the ground and third floors of our integrated

resort. The second floor will no longer be used for casino operations and will be utilized for other non-gaming purposes instead,” Sian said.

TIHGI said among the security and safety improvements it implemented were the hiring of Blackpanda as the new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems, increasing the number of xray machines and metal detectors and doubling up of deployment of guards with firearms.

It also conducted additional safety and security seminars for employees, had a professional structural engineers assess build-

Anchor Land acquires Boracay, Palawan lots ANCHOR Land Holdings Inc. is venturing into tourism business with the acquisition of properties in Boracay and Palawan, two of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Anchor Land vice chairman Steve Li said in an interview following the annual stockholders meeting said the company was now finalizing the master plan and the design for the 26,000-squaremeter beachfront property in Boracay and a 3,000-sqm property in Coron, Palawan “We are now in the designing stage and we will most likely to launch these tourism projects next year,” Li said.

Based on initial plans, the Palawan property will have a boutique hotel while the Boracay property will have a hotel resort and a residential development.

Li said the company decided to venture into tourism projects because of the growing interest from foreign investors and tourists in the Philippines.

“Tourism is a sunshine industry and we have seen a lot of foreign tourists coming to Philippines,” Li said. Jenniffer B. Austria

ing to ensure structural integrity and obtained fire safety inspection certificate from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, Pagcor also lifted the suspension order in consideration of TIHGI’s 6,000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihood were affected.

Pagcor said the government was losing an average of P14 million a day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension order.

The share price of TIGHI rose 0.3 percent Thursday to close at P3.41.

BSP expects stable prices

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to reduce power rates in Luzon by P0.5565 per kilowatt-hour for the monthly fuel and purchased power costs incurred in 2016.

PSALM, in its application for the true-up adjustments of fuel and purchased power costs and foreign exchange related costs of National Power Corp., sought to refund consumers in Luzon over a one-year period.

It also asked the regulator to implement a P0.8349-per-kWh refund for Mindanao customers but asked for a recovery or increase in rates of P1.0677 per kWh for Visayas customers to reflect the adjustments in fuel and purchased power costs from January to December last year.

PSALM said the rate recovery across all grids would be implemented over a one-year period.

PSALM, which manages the assets and liabilities of Napocor said the adjustments reflected the difference between the actual costs incurred during the period and actual revenues generated by fuel and purchased power costs.

Alena Mae S. Flores

CENTURY Properties Group Inc. expects to generate P10.6 billion in revenues from affordable housing and tourism-related projects, a top executive said Thursday.

Century Properties chairman Jose Antonio said in an interview following the company’s annual stockholders meeting that the expansion into affordable housing would help drive faster earnings growth.

Antonio said the construction of affordable housing units would require shorter time than residential towers and projects. This means that the company would book revenues faster, he said.

“The big picture for housing in the Philippines is a very big gap between demand and supply,” said Antonio, who also serves as the Philippines’ special envoy to the US. Antonio said by 2020, the company would offer 20,000 units annually at a price of P1.1 million to P1.8 million pesos for an average of 45-square-meter house and lot.

The company initially launched a 3,000 affordable housing development in Tanza, Cavite, in partnership with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B1

Resorts World’s suspension lifted

PSALM to reduce Luzon power rates

Century Properties eyes 20,000 houses

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

ELECTRIC VEHICLES SUMMIT. The First Asean Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit opens at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, bringing together over 600 industry players and stakeholders from Asean countries to discuss technology, innovation, policy, regulatory, environmental, and market topics that impacts all aspects of the industry’s value chain. Shown are during the opening of the summit are (from left) Electric Vehicles Association of Malaysia president Tan You Soon, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. president Rommel Gutierrez, Board of Investments executive director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, Trade assistant secretary Rafaelita Aldaba, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines president Rommel San Juan, Manila Electric Co. vice president Raymund Ravelo, Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand president Yossapong Laoonual and Greenlots Singapore regional manager for Asia Terence Siew.

Groups file charges vs four ERC commissioners

By Alena Mae S. Flores VARIOUS groups filed criminal charges against high-ranking officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly allowing Manila Electric Co. to sign power supply agreements without the benefit of public bidding.

Cause oriented group Sanlakas and Freedom from Debt Coalition filed the charges against ERC commissioners Josefina Magpale-Asirit, Alfredo Non, Gloria Yap-Taruc and Geronimo D. Sta. Ana. The complaint excluded ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar who is still under mandatory suspension from Malacañang.

“The respondents herein opted to delay the mandatory

implementation of the competitive selection process, a power supply procurement methodology, which promotes the welfare of consumers by requiring power supply agreements to be bidded-out, instead of negotiated, by the distribution utilities and the generation companies,” the groups said in the complaint.

The groups said this caused “undue injury to the public who now have to suffer higher electricity rates from the disadvantageous PSAs entered into by these DUs and generation companies.”

The complaint said the commissioners adjusted the rules and implementation of the CSP, enabling Meralco to push through with its PSAs without a transparent and public bidding.

The complaints said that as

Favila returns as member of BSP’s Monetary Board

By Julito G. Rada FORMER trade secretary Peter Favila will return as a member of the Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

President Rodrigo Duterte also named Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. vice chairman Antonio Abacan Jr. as a member of the sevenman body which is responsible for setting the policy interest rates of Bangko Sentral.

Abacan and Favila will replace Armando Suratos and former Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Alfredo Antonio who are scheduled to step down this year.

Duterte retained former National Economic and Development

Authority director-general Felipe Medalla in the board.

Medalla, Favila and Abacan will serve a fixed term of six years each as provided under the New Central Bank Act. The newly-announced appointments complete the membership of the board, which also includes Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Juan De Zuniga Jr., Valentin Araneta and incoming BSP governor and MB chairman Nestor Espenilla.

Favila returns to MB three years after serving in the board from 2008 to 2014. He served as trade secretary from 2005 to 2010, president of the Allied Banking Corp. and Philippine National Bank. He was also a former chairman and president of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

directed by DOE/ERC Res. No. 13, S. 2015, all power requirements of all distribution utilities were to be procured by competitive bidding starting Nov. 7, 2015.

“However, the rules on the CSP were suspiciously adjusted on March 15, 2016, four months after the CSP has already been in place. The ERC issued Res. No. 1, S. 2016, clarifying CSP and re-stating its effectivity date to April 30, 2016. The resolution left the door open for the Meralco to skip the competitive selection process,” said Sanlakas secretary general Aaron Pedrosa, who filed the charges on behalf of the group.

The filing of the complaint followed the submission of petitions for intervention with the ERC on Meralco’s pending power supply

ARC’S AWARD.

ARC Refreshments Corp., the Philippines licensed bottler of RC Cola International Georgia, USA, wins a prestigious Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award in Bangkok, Thailand for the ARC Young Leaders Camp – the beverage company’s foremost program for youth empowerment and development. Shown receiving the award are ARC Refreshments senior manager for marketing services Rizza Alfonso (left) and executive vice president and chief operating officer Gerry Garcia.

agreement applications.

The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, along with Sanlakas, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Freedom from Debt Coalition, Koalisyong Pabahay ng Pilipinas and other member organizations of the Power for People organization filed separate petitions questioning the applications.

“The approval of Meralco’s PSAs would lead to 3,551 MW of coal entering the pipeline, which would pose great harm to the people’s health and livelihood, as well as the environment and the climate,” said Ceed convenor Gerry Arances in a statement.

“But on top of this, Filipinos will end up paying more for electricity if Meralco would have their way,” Arances said.

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said Thursday inflation is expected to remain stable in the coming months, in the absence of upward price pressures.

“Right now we don’t see anything [that could push inflation higher] because the probability for a neutral weather condition is now higher,” Guinigundo told reporters at the sidelines of an event at Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

“So that means better conditions for the rest of the year.

Normally, there are floods or drought [in the latter part of the year] and it impacts the prices of commodities, particularly agricultural products. But we don’t expect these to happen,” Guinigundo said.

He said the additional adjustments in jeepney fares outside Metro Manila was already factored in by Bangko Sentral’s Monetary Board when it revised downward the inflation forecast this year.

Guinigundo said even the impact of the first package of the tax reform program next year would be manageable.

Guinigundo said that on food prices, the National Food Security Council, where the BSP Governor sits as one of its members, already approved the importation of additional 805,000 metric tons of rice under the 2016 minimum access volume.

The government earlier said the move would help ensure adequate supply and stable prices within the reach of low-income families.

The Monetary Board kept the benchmark interest rates steady last week, on lower inflation and robust domestic economic growth.

Interest rates were kept at 3.5 percent for overnight lending, 3 percent for overnight borrowing and 2.5 percent for deposit facilities. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market tumbles; peso hits 10-year low

By Julito G. Rada

B

OTH the peso and the local stocks tumbled Thursday, after the International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook for the US economy and amid the strong demand for the dollar near the end of the second quarter.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 69 points, or 0.9 percent, to close at 7,788.06 Thursday, as all six major sectors declined.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also tumbled 34 points, or 0.7 percent to settle at 4,662.65, on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 135 to 78, while 40 issues were unchanged.

Five of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by retailer SSI Group Inc. which gained 1 percent to P4.16 and food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. which advanced 0.9 percent to P161.50.

The peso lost three centavos to close at 50.53 per dollar Thursday, its weakest level in more than 10 years. Total volume turnover reached $564.7 million, lower than $1.279 billion on Wednesday.

“Basically if there is some downgrading of the US economic prospects, that’s a negative to emerging markets because the US continues to be an important trading partner,” Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters at the sidelines of an event at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. “[The US continues to be a major] source of investments – whether portfolio or foreign direct. So that could be a negative,” Guinigundo said.

The International Monetary Fund revised its 2017 GDP growth forecast for the US downward from 2.3 percent previously to 2.1

percent, citing the inability of the administration of President Donald Trump to implement its economic policies.

The multilateral lender also reduced its growth forecast for the biggest economy in the world in 2018 to 2.1 percent from 2.5 percent.IMF said in a statement the Trump administration “intends a wide-ranging overhaul of policies, although a fully articulated policy plan has yet to emerge.”

Meanwhile, Asian equities markets followed Wall Street up, boosted by a recovery in technology firms and a rally in banks after the Federal Reserve agreed to plans by all 34 large US lenders seeking to provide big payouts to shareholders after passing stress tests.

Tokyo ended 0.5 percent higher, Hong Kong added one percent, with banking giant HSBC surging more than five percent.

Shanghai was 0.5 percent higher and Sydney jumped 1.1 percent. Seoul was 0.8 percent higher and Singapore jumped 1.2 percent, while Wellington and Taipei also posted strong gains. With Bloomberg, AFP

URC sees recovery of Vietnam business

By Jenniffer B. Austria FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. said it expects its Vietnam business to rebound in two to three years from the impact of a food scandal last year.

URC president and chief operating officer Lance Gokongwei said in an interview following the company’s annual stockholders meeting Wednesday the company was initially seeking to recover 60 percent to 70 percent of peak sales this year.

Its Vietnam business hit peak sales of $20 million to 25 million in early

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.05 42,000 55.55 93,020 104.9 2,661,330 121 1,022,410 1.27 118,000 36.75 295,500 16.1 700 29.25 1,242,300 0.69 792,000 1.77 329,000 820 440 0.68 10,622,000 86.8 2,068,990 0.94 681,000 15.56 52,400 25.6 13,000 66 100,390 240.4 1,340 113.3 80 88.05 220 58.7 90,810 219.8 553,460 1,610 280 85.2 52,230 1.47 3,203,000

168,190 5,160,308 278,595,871 123,889,193 149,920 10,847,775 11,330 36,439,705 532,310 581,750 364,645 7,304,100 179,635,581.50 631,890 812,358 332,800 6,692,970 322,928 9,061 19,371 5,330,623.50 121,573,398 450,800 4,449,688 5,029,680

3,009,681 61,208,699 -5,068,722 31,720 5,214,925 20,355,765 20,100 301,500 3,645,678 90,160 72,120 1,791,014.50 -43,379,338 -205,150.50 11,600

38.45 7.72 0.85 1.49 28.45 0.26 7.14 18.2 165.2 25.1 14.18 85.4 85.1 1.96 5.25 11.86 11.98 16 9.85 7.31 5.97 1.7 18.74 69.95 15.18 13.22 13.4 1.6 205.4 60 3.5 24.05 30.95 18.9 18.66 259 0.245 7.1 3.18 9.77 6.1 10.72 1.92 9.45 67.5 6.92 312 4.43 4.9 2.49 13 5.1 0.145 1.37 161 4.12 2.05 1.03

INDUSTRIAL 38.9 1,710,300 7.8 1,990,800 0.85 254,000 1.49 1,448,000 28.7 285,300 0.26 22,710,000 7.15 2,270,300 18.4 364,100 165.2 350 26.45 1,497,200 14.18 200 85.4 10,440 85.1 10 1.97 251,000 5.25 98,600 11.88 54,200 12.2 6,332,600 16 14,276,100 10.26 5,773,300 7.6 2,267,000 6 14,784,400 1.75 30,000 18.78 444,200 70 78,070 15.18 18,900 13.3 91,300 13.5 2,671,600 1.6 3,070,000 205.4 474,770 60 13,300 3.56 111,000 24.95 300 31 1,401,800 19.2 316,500 18.66 2,641,500 259.4 1,202,920 0.246 500,000 7.1 6,900 3.18 155,000 9.8 4,159,900 6.3 457,900 10.72 800 1.94 813,000 9.45 971,800 67.5 8,936,030 6.95 877,500 316.8 3,800 4.46 570,000 4.9 363,100 2.49 1,342,000 13.16 788,500 5.1 287,800 0.146 690,000 1.37 29,000 161.5 1,532,350 4.12 4,000 2.09 6,414,000 1.03 1,527,000

66,174,995 15,523,952 218,070 2,171,150 8,425,335 5,992,100 16,287,838 6,703,900 57,820 38,810,455 2,836 897,734 851 493,810 521,800 643,818 77,290,420 233,318,530(17 59,274,518 17,155,088 88,661,749 51,650 8,346,860 5,464,374.50 287,154 1,213,720 36,362,758 4,984,230 98,471,140 798,000 397,950 7,400 43,457,110 6,069,538 49,871,962 314,326,560 123,250 49,675 498,550 40,918,817 20 2,922,097 8,576 1,567,310 9,275,761 616,311,434.50 6,124,594 1,190,166 2,538,770 1,816,197 3,395,340 10,347,284 1,485,653 100,530 40,040 247,620,157 16,580 13,371,390 1,598,650

-14,478,145 2,352,000 295,500 2,300 -3,298,876 5,101,342 -91,875 -91,175 383,282 -3,219,982 ,861,110.0003) 493,248 10,452,095 -41,641,206 -680,958 2,974,882.50 -792,680 1,729,020 248,000 -34,468,514 18,000 3,809,875 -449,282 -17,803,474 -7,212,390 176,720 ,255,723.9996 43,890 -25,090 -195,465 -2,733,798 1,198,780 81,704 2,472,040 49,000 653,400 6,360,896 926,981 18,575,458 2,623,840 -116,600

0.37 75.8 14.56 1.23 6.65 0.35 0.36 844 1,100 7.96 14.6 7.78 6.2 6.1 0.207 1,210 7.88 80.6 5.98 5.66 6.16 1 7.35 14.7 0.44 6.43 3.2 0.054 1 2.21 2.7 104 2.73 794 0.96 1.55 303 0.31 0.215 0.25

0.365 75.4 13.9 1.18 6.4 0.34 0.36 838 1,001 7.87 14.2 7.75 5.9 6 0.201 1,188 7.8 80.25 5.7 5.44 6.16 0.98 7.19 14.46 0.405 6.26 3.18 0.053 0.99 2.16 2.65 102.5 2.7 784.5 0.9 1.45 302 0.28 0.214 0.244

HOLDING FIRMS 0.365 1,320,000 75.7 1,187,760 14 4,829,000 1.22 12,000 6.4 87,600 0.345 2,660,000 0.36 10,000 840 346,260 1,063 105 7.9 944,200 14.34 15,501,000 7.78 128,800 6.2 37,700 6 3,000 0.207 20,000 1,190 83,540 7.88 11,600 80.5 2,029,590 5.98 55,700 5.44 56,800 6.16 100 0.98 2,962,000 7.25 1,071,400 14.46 3,852,200 0.41 640,000 6.37 30,511,100 3.2 8,000 0.054 75,100,000 0.99 90,000 2.16 2,976,000 2.7 163,000 103.7 83,820 2.73 11,000 790 420,820 0.91 272,000 1.46 2,718,000 303 1,330 0.29 6,700,000 0.214 310,000 0.25 260,000

482,100 89,825,014.50 67,830,646 14,580 561,580 912,200 3,600 291,099,305 110,350 7,456,692 223,817,390 1,001,175 232,880 18,200 4,080 99,617,210 90,549 163,361,463.50 326,196 310,843 616 2,926,860 7,778,312 56,373,170 265,150 193,169,980 25,540 3,986,340 89,920 6,484,810 437,520 8,674,968 29,870 331,900,800 250,320 4,067,110 402,346 1,977,950 66,600 63,500

36,500 9,362,131.50 -30,786,156 14,795,055 4,504,968 83,213,958 -775 8,250,365 48,162,209 -2,072,992 -27,573,136 20,250 24,058,639 15,900 32,520 -132,500 1,301,701 106,495,920 -9,400 166,100 -90,840 -5,600 -

6.01 1.55 2.54 1.13 40.05 3.89 5.64 5.32 0.58 1.2 1.71 0.191 0.52 48 0.71 0.156 1.74 1.31

5.99 1.3 2.5 1.1 38.85 3.82 5.31 5.27 0.54 1.05 1.5 0.185 0.5 47.1 0.7 0.156 1.7 1.23

PROPERTY 5.99 333,100 1.35 44,611,000 2.54 4,000 1.12 6,671,000 39 10,385,400 3.82 1,119,000 5.36 18,543,900 5.32 14,500 0.54 55,449,000 1.14 770,000 1.68 17,332,000 0.186 31,730,000 0.5 3,493,000 48 184,800 0.71 2,309,000 0.156 80,000 1.71 2,134,000 1.25 25,615,000

1,998,301 64,275,120 10,040 7,396,280 408,655,600 4,320,080 100,750,252 9 76,890 30,672,240 880,200 28,096,310 5,958,570 1,775,850 8,799,045 1,636,160 12,480 3,645,620 32,359,220

-1,025,733 -3,600,370 11,000 -32,189,475 36,800 ,554,747.9996 -4,345,640 -11,500 -734,660 27,900 1,266,875 -856,970 73,130 65,000

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 4.02 ASIA UNITED 55.4 BANK PH ISLANDS 105 BDO UNIBANK 122 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.3 CHINABANK 36.8 COL FINANCIAL 16.2 EAST WEST BANK 29.5 FIRST ABACUS 0.7 IREMIT 1.86 MANULIFE 829.5 MEDCO HLDG 0.7 METROBANK 86.6 NTL REINSURANCE 0.94 PB BANK 15.6 PBCOM 25.6 PHIL NATL BANK 67.5 PHIL STOCK EXCH 242.8 PHILTRUST 113.2 PSBANK 88.05 RCBC 58.85 SECURITY BANK 220 SUN LIFE 1,610 UNION BANK 85.25 VANTAGE 1.4

4.05 55.6 105.2 122.2 1.3 36.9 16.2 29.5 0.7 1.86 830 0.71 87.3 0.96 15.6 25.6 67.9 243.8 113.3 88.05 58.85 220 1,610 85.3 1.7

4 55.3 103 119.7 1.27 36.55 16.1 28.8 0.67 1.7 820 0.68 86.3 0.92 15.5 25.6 66 240.2 113.2 88.05 58.05 219.2 1,610 85.15 1.4

ABOITIZ POWER 39.15 AGRINURTURE 7.81 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.86 ALSONS CONS 1.49 ASIABEST GROUP 28.45 BASIC ENERGY 0.275 CEMEX HLDG 7.22 CENTURY FOOD 18.5 CHEMPHIL 165.2 CIRTEK HLDG 25.1 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.18 CONCEPCION 86.4 CONCRETE B 85.1 CROWN ASIA 1.97 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.4 DEL MONTE 12 DNL INDUS 12.3 EAGLE CEMENT 16.36 EEI CORP 9.85 EMPERADOR 7.56 ENERGY DEVT 6.08 EUROMED 1.7 FIRST GEN 18.8 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70.3 GINEBRA 15.18 HOLCIM 13.3 INTEGRATED MICR 13.7 IONICS 1.67 JOLLIBEE 209 LIBERTY FLOUR 60 LMG CHEMICALS 3.63 MACAY HLDG 25 MANILA WATER 31.1 MAXS GROUP 18.9 MEGAWIDE 18.94 MERALCO 263 MG HLDG 0.249 PANASONIC 7.2 PEPSI COLA 3.3 PETRON 9.92 PHIL H2O 6.1 PHINMA 10.72 PHINMA ENERGY 1.95 PHX PETROLEUM 9.5 PILIPINAS SHELL 69 PRYCE CORP 6.92 PUREFOODS 318 RFM CORP 4.45 ROXAS HLDG 5.1 SFA SEMICON 2.58 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.16 SPC POWER 5.26 SWIFT FOODS 0.146 TKC METALS 1.4 UNIV ROBINA 162.6 VICTORIAS 4.17 VITARICH 2.1 VULCAN INDL 1.05

39.2 7.89 0.87 1.51 30.35 0.275 7.25 18.5 165.2 26.5 14.18 86.4 85.1 1.98 5.4 12 12.3 16.6 10.4 7.64 6.08 1.75 18.88 70.3 15.3 13.32 13.9 1.69 210 60 3.73 25 31.1 19.22 19.04 264 0.25 7.23 3.3 9.92 6.52 10.72 1.95 9.62 69.05 7.01 318 4.46 5.1 2.59 13.18 5.3 0.146 1.4 162.6 4.17 2.12 1.06

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.365 ABOITIZ EQUITY 75.8 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 14.56 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.18 ANSCOR 6.65 ATN HLDG A 0.345 ATN HLDG B 0.36 AYALA CORP 841.5 BHI HLDG 1,001 COSCO CAPITAL 7.9 DMCI HLDG 14.6 FILINVEST DEV 7.75 FJ PRINCE A 6 FJ PRINCE B 6.1 FORUM PACIFIC 0.201 GT CAPITAL 1,204 HOUSE OF INV 7.8 JG SUMMIT 80.25 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.7 KEPPEL HLDG A 5.48 KEPPEL HLDG B 6.16 LODESTAR 1 LOPEZ HLDG 7.34 LT GROUP 14.66 MABUHAY HLDG 0.41 METRO PAC INV 6.41 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.18 PACIFICA 0.054 PRIME MEDIA 1 PRIME ORION 2.21 REPUBLIC GLASS 2.65 SAN MIGUEL CORP 104 SEAFRONT RES 2.7 SM INVESTMENTS 794 SOC RESOURCES 0.96 SOLID GROUP 1.52 TOP FRONTIER 303 UNIOIL HLDG 0.28 WELLEX INDUS 0.215 ZEUS HLDG 0.244 8990 HLDG 6 A BROWN 1.49 ARANETA PROP 2.5 ARTHALAND CORP 1.12 AYALA LAND 40 BELLE CORP 3.88 CEB LANDMASTERS 5.56 CEBU HLDG 5.29 CENTURY PROP 0.57 CITY AND LAND 1.05 CITYLAND DEVT 1.5 CROWN EQUITIES 0.19 CYBER BAY 0.51 DOUBLEDRAGON 47.8 EMPIRE EAST 0.71 EVER GOTESCO 0.156 FILINVEST LAND 1.73 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.29

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1.05 4.46 0.375 0.355 0.61 4.13 24.6 1.73 33.5 1.02 0.91 6.03

1.08 4.46 0.385 0.36 0.64 4.19 24.6 1.74 33.8 1.04 0.91 6.03

1.02 4.32 0.375 0.355 0.61 4.08 23.7 1.73 32.7 1.01 0.9 5.89

1.04 4.4 0.38 0.36 0.63 4.08 23.7 1.74 32.75 1.01 0.91 5.92

717,000 48,517,000 38,750,000 200,000 9,192,000 183,000 2,702,000 173,000 5,930,200 2,084,000 113,000 7,348,900

749,370 213,106,710 14,774,450 71,050 5,721,750 749,490 64,639,355 299,710 195,317,490 2,132,460 102,730 43,477,760

-10,500 -73,811,990 -1,103,800 -63,000 -9,729,655 -86,500 -30,910,140 900 -2,887,256

2GO GROUP 23.8 ABS CBN 43 ACESITE HOTEL 1.69 APC GROUP 0.495 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 ASIAN TERMINALS 11.28 BERJAYA 5.39 BLOOMBERRY 9.09 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.089 CALATA CORP 2.07 CEBU AIR 98.35 DFNN INC 8.45 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.31 FAR EASTERN U 970 GLOBE TELECOM 2,108 GMA NETWORK 6.12 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.7 GRAND PLAZA 14.5 HARBOR STAR 2.97 IMPERIAL 3.4 INTL CONTAINER 101.9 IPM HLDG 8.8 ISLAND INFO 0.186 ISM COMM 1.35 JACKSTONES 3.49 LEISURE AND RES 4.34 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.88 MACROASIA 6.43 MANILA BULLETIN 0.61 MANILA JOCKEY 2.25 MELCO RESORTS 9.15 METRO RETAIL 4.83 MLA BRDCASTING 15.6 NOW CORP 2.7 PAL HLDG 5.16 PAXYS 3.07 PHIL SEVEN CORP 177 PHILWEB 10.7 PLDT 1,860 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.54 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.4 PUREGOLD 45.1 ROBINSONS RTL 87.85 SBS PHIL CORP 6.16 SSI GROUP 4.12 STI HLDG 1.54 TRAVELLERS 3.41 WATERFRONT 0.83 WILCON DEPOT 7.98

23.85 43 1.69 0.51 0.045 11.28 5.65 9.4 0.089 2.07 98.5 8.62 2.31 970 2,108 6.14 15.98 15.9 2.97 3.4 101.9 8.8 0.19 1.38 3.54 4.4 1.94 6.92 0.61 2.34 9.28 4.84 15.6 2.72 5.18 3.07 177 10.94 1,870 1.56 0.4 45.2 88 6.21 4.33 1.54 3.49 0.86 8.04

23.25 42.3 1.6 0.495 0.044 11.28 5.3 9.09 0.087 2.03 98.1 8.45 2.31 970 2,022 6.11 15.68 13.16 2.9 3.4 99 8.75 0.186 1.35 3.49 4.3 1.67 6.23 0.6 2.2 8.78 4.55 15.6 2.62 5.1 3.07 177 10.6 1,800 1.54 0.395 44.9 87.35 5.96 3.99 1.42 3.39 0.82 7.89

SERVICES 23.35 198,900 42.6 37,300 1.6 618,000 0.51 175,000 0.044 48,500,000 11.28 1,000 5.62 107,500 9.12 13,037,000 0.088 32,790,000 2.05 1,792,000 98.5 82,140 8.5 12,700 2.31 75,000 970 27,580 2,040 35,480 6.12 126,300 15.98 5,100 14.1 114,700 2.91 1,164,000 3.4 9,000 99.5 1,546,630 8.79 265,000 0.187 7,330,000 1.38 188,000 3.54 40,000 4.3 943,000 1.7 4,863,000 6.68 4,441,700 0.6 594,000 2.34 138,000 8.88 9,082,300 4.79 8,806,000 15.6 100 2.64 894,000 5.1 19,000 3.07 1,000 177 40 10.86 451,500 1,800 104,305 1.54 5,062,000 0.395 1,250,000 45 2,093,800 87.85 942,980 6 1,726,300 4.16 51,374,000 1.46 47,570,000 3.41 6,056,000 0.84 12,044,000 7.95 6,408,500

4,687,575 1,588,445 991,070 86,745 2,138,500 11,280 596,299 120,270,375 2,907,190 3,668,030 8,075,643 107,832 173,250 26,752,600 73,337,140 772,729 81,186 1,713,960 3,407,730 30,600 154,437,697.5 ( 2,329,200 1,375,150 255,840 140,740 4,093,990 8,824,780 29,932,836 356,760 305,520 81,463,423 41,578,380 1,560 2,372,850 97,230 3,070 7,080 4,901,676 189,942,635 7,806,730 495,500 94,196,055 82,868,758.50 10,501,746 215,333,350(35 70,070,910 20,740,170 10,072,220 51,005,623

153,200 31,300 18,746,027 48,820.00 1,208,457 -35,699,800 35,400 3,400 19,856,984.5) 517,740 -1,051,200 -773,050 -7,036,058 650,960 3,070 7,080 -313,274 -37,822,650 548,760 14,374,425 30,753,523 66,160 ,305,459.9999) 1,778,090 451,250 83,000 7,493,231

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK 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 PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.003 1.76 5.1 13.2 0.98 0.4 9.4 2.55 0.295 0.18 0.195 0.011 1.96 6.46 2.06 0.81 1.01 0.011 0.01 7.5 0.012 3 8.91 2.99 161.2 0.0092

0.003 1.8 5.25 14.9 1 0.4 9.4 2.55 0.295 0.18 0.195 0.011 2.03 6.56 2.06 0.81 1.01 0.011 0.011 7.5 0.013 3.3 9.08 3.04 162 0.0092

0.0029 1.72 5.1 13.2 0.92 0.39 8.49 2.49 0.29 0.177 0.192 0.011 1.95 6.31 2 0.69 0.94 0.01 0.01 7.08 0.012 2.83 8.89 2.99 160.8 0.0088

MINING & OIL 0.003 1,468,000,000 1.73 19,132,000 5.2 414,000 14.9 500 0.92 2,877,000 0.39 1,970,000 8.9 197,200 2.5 2,269,000 0.29 20,000 0.179 7,680,000 0.192 2,220,000 0.011 1,800,000 1.95 437,000 6.31 2,468,900 2 284,000 0.71 24,611,000 0.98 466,000 0.011 6,500,000 0.01 30,900,000 7.36 981,000 0.012 2,300,000 2.99 47,000 8.98 551,100 3 564,000 161 871,480 0.0088 11,000,000

4,353,800 33,853,520 2,149,416 6,770 2,714,780 772,250 1,697,374 5,699,060 ( 5,850 1,369,640 427,790 19,800 859,410 15,772,659 570,330 17,892,730 449,040 68,400 310,000 7,113,191 28,400 140,450 4,947,665 1,702,190 140,436,190 11 99,100

899.9999 -866,070 332,419.9997) 164,000 -158,480 -1,811,195 6,140 72,000 66,600 -120,000 -325,040 -53,476 -60,800 ,973,242.9996 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B PCOR PREF 2A PF PREF 2 SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

42.2 515 523 107 105.5 114.4 520 5.88 1,005 1,019 1,039 1,013 1.95 77 80.9 79 80 78.5 79

42.2 515 523 107 105.5 114.4 520 5.95 1,005 1,020 1,039 1,013 1.95 77 81 79 80 78.5 79

41.95 515 523 107 105.5 110.6 520 5.88 1,005 1,019 1,039 1,013 1.95 77 80.9 79 80 78.5 79

PREFERRED 41.95 33,100 515 20 523 540 107 46,600 105.5 70 110.6 106,140 520 930 5.9 2,380,800 1,005 500 1,020 2,010 1,039 2,200 1,013 305 1.95 3,000 77 60 81 17,290 79 20,000 80 25,300 78.5 63,000 79 12,930

1,392,780 10,300 282,420 4,986,200 7,385 11,741,334 483,600 14,018,872 502,500 2,048,900 2,285,800 308,965 5,850 4,620 1,400,011 1,580,000 2,024,000 4,945,500 1,021,470

-1,317,270 -101,650 -8,596,302 -1,039,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.27

2.28

2.25

WARRANTS 2.26 81,000

184,070

-

3.92 6.04 8.95

3.86 5.86 8.5

SME 3.92 5.87 8.6

1,846,580 417,099 71,851,052

77,600 -54,740 23,244,347

FIRST METRO ETF 118.4

119.2

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.7 117.7 27,490

3,262,236

-

USD DMPL A1

10.48

10.48

DDS 10.48

25,571.20

-

NAME

OPEN

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

MS ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.91 5.87 8.7

10.48

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

25,020,762

INDUSTRIAL

121,757,343

HOLDING FIRMS

157,623,366

PROPERTY

343,853,009

SERVICES

279,393,873

MINING & OIL

1,588,691,931

GRAND TOTAL

2,525,154,381

476,000 70,400 8,240,100

2,440

VALUE 1,928.66 (down) 7.90 925,458,382.67 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,957.41 (down) 23.55 2,240,185,338.32 HOLDING FIRMS 7,808.88 (down) 18.28 1,579,925,719.13 PROPERTY 3,571.40 (down) 68.43 1,695.78 (down) 36.59 1,279,206,493.20 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,579.31 (down) 72.37 1,429,879,309.641 PSEI 7,788.06 (down) 69.12 243,494,163.48 All Shares Index 4,662.65 (down) 34.55 7,775,527,170.00 Gainers: 78; Losers: 135; Unchanged: 40; Total: 253

2016, but sales tumbled to $2 million to $3 million after the Ministry of Health in May 2016 issued a ruling to recall one batch of C2 Lemon 350 ml (manufactured on Feb. 4, 2016) and one batch of Rong Do cup 240 ml (manufactured on Nov 10, 2015).

“We looking at two to three years before we can get back to that level,” Gokongwei said.

Gokongwei said the company already relaunched C2 and Ron Do as high-quality brands of URC with a fresher look and packaging.

The group also plans to rebalance its overall product portfolio in Vietnam to minimize risk by strengthening both beverage and snack food categories.

Gokongwei said that in the Philippines, URC would have a stronger focus on the quality of products while simplifying business structure. It also plans to see fewer product launches, with more focus on products with greater chance of success and higher margins.

URC recently sold its Philippine license for Hunt’s, the country’s leading pork & beans brand to Century Pacific Group Inc. “We want our products to be focused on our strategy which is ‘ready-to-go food’ whether snacks or beverages.

Hunt’s didn’t fit in in that category because it requires home preparation. We want products that can be consumed on the go,” Gokongwei said.

Gokongwei expressed concern over the government’s move to implement higher taxes on salty snacks and sweetened beverages, which were the core business of the group.

Eagle’s profit rises 30% to P1b EAGLE Cement Corp., the newly listed cement manufacturing company led by businessman Ramon Ang, said first-quarter net income climbed 30 percent to P1.03 billion from a year ago.

Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-quarter net revenues also increased 19 percent to P3.77 billion from P3.17 billion it registered in the same period last year.

The cement firm said its strong distribution network contributed to the company’s strong first-quarter performance.

The company said it remained optimistic about the cement industry given the government’s pronouncement of increased infrastructure spending under the P8trillion “Build Build Build” plan.

Eagle Cement said to maintain market leadership, it would complete its third integrated cement production line in Bulacan, which was expected to be operational by 2018. This would boost the company’s annual capacity by 2 million metric tons to 7.1 million MT. It is also set to start construction of a fourth integrated cement production line in Cebu along with supporting facilities in the Visayas and Mindanao to penetrate the cement market in the region.

Eagle Cement said it was actively seeking expansion as local demand for cement constantly increased.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Motoring

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

B3

T

HE NLEX Corporation is currently building additional roadways and expanding the capacity of the San Fernando City interchange.

It will build two completely new bridges to be used as a separate carriageway in order to ease mounting traffic in the area – and to match the accelerating growth of trade and commerce in this capital city of Pampanga. Within sight at the interchange alone are two of the biggest malls of major supermall builders. Also part of the project is the conversion of the east and west rotundas into signalized intersections. Project completion is set for July.

“We are building these P223.5 million-peso enhancement in our road infrastructure to match the fast-paced growth of San Fernando City,” said NLEX Corporation president Rodrigo E. Franco, adding that it will result in greater travel convenience for businesses in the City and nearby areas. Aside from the NLEX San Fernando City Interchange capacity expansion, the tollway company has also completed other projects in the region recently --- the 64-lane kilometer expressway from Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan to San Fernando City and from Dau to Sta. Ines in Mabalacat City.

Nlex revs up expansion in Fernando interchange

Caltex unveils service station in Muntinlupa CHEVRON Philippines, Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, has inaugurated its newest service station along Caltex West Service Road, Cupang, Muntinlupa as part of its thrust to instigate further growth in the country’s most developed regions.

Dubbed as the Emerald City of the Philippines, Muntinlupa serves as a commercial, trade and investment hub, with numerous multinational corporations, tourist destinations and high-end residential communities located in the city.

CPI seeks to further enrich the lives of Filipino motorists and businesses in the area through its innovative Euro4-compliant product portfolio and quality service.

“Chevron hopes to help spur progress in Muntinlupa by addressing the growing fuel energy needs resulting from the tourism and investment boom across the city. Chevron’s successive retail service station expansion of almost 700 sites is proof of our unwavering drive to cater to the growing pool of businesses and motorists in hypergrowth areas such

as Muntinlupa,” CPI Country Chairman Peter Morris shares.

Caltex fuels, including Euro-4 complaint variants such as Caltex Silver with Techron, Caltex Platinum with Techron and Caltex Diesel with Techron are all designed to deliver lower emissions, higher performance and cleaner engines.

About Chevron Philippines Inc. Chevron Philippines Inc. has been operating in the country for more than 90 years. Caltex™, its retail brand, offers high quality products and services. There are close to 700 service stations strategically scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago and employees working in several areas of business such as Marketing, Lubricants and Terminal operations. The Chevron products that are available in the Philippines include Caltex with Techron® fuel and Caltex Diesel with Techron®D, Havoline® and Delo® oils.

More information on Chevron Philippines Inc. is available at www.caltex.com/ph.

Hybrid, EVs shine at Asean Summit ELECTRIC AND HYBRID vehicles are expected to be the stars of the show at the forthcoming 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit at the World Trade Center from June 29 to 30, 2017.

Member companies of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines will display their latest electric vehicles. The big boys from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) on the other hand will showcase their latest state-ofthe-art electric and hybrid vehicles that are expected to bring in the crowd.

AS THE transport, construction, and general manufacturing sectors progresses with the growth of the Philippine economy, innovations in lubricants technology are continuously developed and formulated by global energy, gas, and lubricants leader Shell to power the changing needs of partners in these industries.

This was highlighted in the Shell Technology Forum held at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, as the event underscored the value of synergies to sustain growth among businesses, as well as the economic momentum of the country which was projected to reach 6.8 percent growth this year.

The day-long forum organized by energy and gas technology leader Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation and hosted by Shell Global Lubricants, gathered industry and government experts from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Congressional Committee of Transportation, and Shell technology experts, together with the company’s distributors and customers.

The 6th annual gathering, aptly themed Synergy: Innovate.

Learn. Collaborate. this year, drives Shell Lubricant’s commitment to continue its 100-year leg-

EVAP and CAMPI are organizing this first-ever 1st ASEAN EV & Hybrid Summit with the Board of Investments and Meralco. EVAP President Rommel Juan says that another highlight of the Summit is a free exhibit featuring the latest in EV and hybrid technology that is sweeping the ASEAN region. “Come see the latest technology from battery chargers and charging stations to electric motors to controllers to locally-produced EVs to hybrid cars and SUVs”.

Expected to be sure crowd drawers are those gleaming

vehicles at the CAMPI booths where Nissan will be showcasing the compact Note and Leaf cars. Mitsubishi will bring in the i-Miev car and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Outlander SUV PHEV. Toyota will put on display the popular Toyota Prius PHV plug-in hybrid car and the luxurious Lexus NX 300h.

In a statement, Juan expressed his gratitude to CAMPI for believing in EVAP’s advocacy of advancing electric and hybrid vehicle technology applications nationwide. “The CAMPI display

Shell powers technology forum for innovation

Dr. Felix Guerzoni, Product Application Specialist for Shell Lubricants Technology, talks about how lubrication technology affects various industries in terms of cost, productivity and efficiency.

acy in the country that involves innovating to produce world-class lubricants, learning from customers and stakeholders through constant engagements, and shaping and strengthening partnerships towards achieving sustainable and attainable growth.

“We have invited speakers from government and our experts from the Shell Global Technology team to give us a view of upcoming developments in the economy,

the market, and technology so we can prepare for the future. In Shell, we’ve always believed in the power of synergy and strive to work together with our customers to find solutions to your lubrication-related issues, especially those that affect your cost, productivity, and efficiency. That is why we hold events like this to reconnect with key industry players and continue to invest in developing innovative lubricants

of their latest electric and hybrid vehicles speaks volumes of the commitment that they have for our common cause”.

Juan reveals that those going to the Summit will have first taste of riding an EV as local EV companies PhUV Inc. and KEA Industrial Corporation will provide free rides on board EJeepneys and ETrikes going to and from the venue. “Summit visitors will be shuttled for free to and from Microtel Hotel, Mall of Asia and the World Trade Center. Enjoy the silent, smoke-free ride of the vehicle of the future”. and services that meet the challenging demands of your operations,” noted JP Requejo, Shell cluster technical manager for South East Asia and Oceana, in his opening message.

The forum was composed of plenary sessions, where the government presented the country’s economic outlook, and Shell technology experts showcased the company’s technology leadership in lubricants.

Breakout sessions highlighting key areas on transport, construction, and general manufacturing followed, with discussions on lubricants solutions specific for each sector.

Delivering value for stakeholders through innovative lubricants technology is one of the ways the company reduces total cost of ownership which is the ability of engines to function for the long term with less maintenance and fuel costs.

Two of the company’s foremost lubricants technologies introduced at the forum was the newly reformulated Shell Rimula R4 L – a high performance diesel engine oil that provides robust protection for today’s engines, in line with the new American Petroleum Institute (API) CK-4 engine oil specification, and the new Shell Tellus S2 MX hydraulic oil, one of the first to meet the new Bosch Rexroth approval standards.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Edi tor DIN O DIREC TO III A ss t . Edi tor

B4

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

Isuzu Crosswind’s

final run

Joseph Bautista, Sales Division Manager of IPC and IPC President Hajime Koso pose for posterity with the Isuzu’s best seller.

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

T

ogether with the motoring media, Isuzu has explored every nook and cranny the country has to offer. Name the exotic destination, and most probably, Isuzu were the first ones to bring in the media for a ride and drive event in that picturesque place.

Now that the Isuzu Crosswind is on its final run after a dominant presence in the AUV market for the past 21 years, starting out as the Isuzu Hi-Lander in 1997 and as the Crosswind Sportivo in 2001 with 300K units sold, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) deemed it fit to organize a drive up to the Northern most tip of the country in Sta Ana, Cagayan.

With select members of the Motoring media in tow, IPC organized a three day drive with the 2017 Crosswind from Tugegarao up to Sta. Ana, Cagayan which is home to the in-

famous Port Irene. Participants of the event drove for six hours and were able to experience the dependability and consistency of one of the brand’s longest selling nameplates in the Southeast Asian region. The 130 kilometer route allowed us to experience the lush greenery of the North with its vast rice fields as we traversed the provincial coastal areas of Cagayan. We were divided into teams of four in six Crosswind units. Good roads allowed us to feel the comforts of the Crosswind with its cool climate control and double wishbone with torsion bar springs and sta-

Beauty and protection

by Foilacar

PROTECT your investment and give it that premium look with Foilacar. Known as the innovator in paint protection technology and colored film wraps, one can change the color of your car in a snap, without the hassles of going through a tedious paint makeover process. “My guideline is that Foilacar guarantees the paint job of the car to be preserved. We can guarantee it to be scratch and weather proof and can last for at least five years. After five years and you decide to sell the car, we simply remove the foil and your car’s paint job is still shiny from the day it left the showroom floor,” says Lester Codog, managing partner of Foilacar Industries.

Foilacar added another innovation to their services with Foiladip, a vinyl-based, automotive specific spray paint. It is available in a variety of finishes and color hues. A commercial success in the United States and Canada, FoilaDip’s propriety formula con-

tains UV protection additives that help maintain its finish for up to two years. An innovative feature of FoilaDip is its ability to “selfheal”, and stay malleable from the day it was sprayed on the car and up to the time you decide to peel it off. Instead of getting hard and brittle like auto clear, the topcoats stay flexible even over long periods of time and outdoor exposure.

This ability to remain flexible allows the topcoats to move and stretch with the rubber base coats when it’s time for removal.

Since Foilacar ventured into car wrapping in the domestic market, the company has remained as the standard for car paint protection and visual aesthetics. From celebrities, businessmen and corporate clients such as Volkswagen Philippines, Foilacar has earned the moniker of being the “Belo” of car design in the countryFor details, visit the Foilacar showroom at #10 Brixton Street, Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City or log on to the Facebook Page at Foilacar Industries.

bilizer bar at the front with Flex Ride suspension, which was designed for local roads. The reliable 85bhp 2.5-liter 4JA1-L turbo-charged engine hummed in authority as we put the pedal to the metal to reach our destination shortly before sundown.

Exterior-wise, the very sturdy stance and looks never left the 2017 Isuzu Crosswind. The multi-spoke silver alloy wheels provide accent to its tall stance, giving it a sportier look that can withstand the toughest weather conditions. “The Isuzu Cross-

wind perfectly characterizes the commitment that Isuzu has and would be delivering to the Filipino market. We will continue to find more ways to make this vehicle more Filipino-centric,” says IPC president Hajime Koso.

Improvements to this year’s variants include a single in-dash entertainment system that can accommodate DVD/CD/MP3/ WMA/JPG playback with front USB on the sliding cover was utilized during hour-long drives from point A to point B. The six speakers—two each in the front

and rear doors, plus a pair of tweeters—evenly distributed the sound around the cabin while in transit or even after having short stops during the trip. The 2017 Isuzu Crosswind is also perfect for getaways and short weekend drives, with class-leading third row space, perfect for fitting luggage for the whole family. No package or cargo would be left behind with the Crosswind as it has ample space inside the cabin as well as the roof rails which can be fitted with a roof basket for extra luggage space.

It’s been a good run for the Isuzu Crosswind with 111k units sold since 1997.

Also known in other parts of Southeast Asia as the “Panther”, this multi-purpose vehicle started production in 1991 and was developed in Indonesia with General Motors. It was also manufactured and sold in India under the name Chevrolet Tavera, which was equipped with a gasoline engine. In the Philippines, the Panther is known as the Hi-Lander, and was later rebadged as the Crosswind in 2001. It was given a major redesign in 2005 with minor facelifts introduced in 2007 and 2009. It is now on its second generation.

It was a memorable and fitting ride and drive tribute to Isuzu’s best selling variant which Filipinos have come to love as part of the Family. The Crosswind has made a lasting impression in the local automotive scene that this writer is a proud owner of a Crosswind Sportivo XUV. IPC have also revealed that they have supplied dealers with more than enough parts and accessories for the Crosswind variants for maintenance purposes to last for the next ten years.

Aston Martin unwraps electric concept LESS than two years after being unveiled as a concept, Aston Martin is confirming that the allelectric RapidE will enter production in 2019.

Set for a limited production run of 155 cars, RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model.

As such it spearheads development of the brand’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy laid out by Aston Martin’s President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, in the company’s Second Century Plan.

RapidE sees a continuation of the collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering who worked on the original RapidE Concept. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire, Williams Advanced

Engineering will assist Aston Martin with the complex task of engineering integration.

Based upon the forthcoming Rapide AMR concept, RapidE will deliver four-door sports car looks and dynamics of the Rapide S powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-liter V12 engine.

More information will be revealed about the RapidE’s all-electric powertrain in due course. Thhe instantaneous delivery characteristics of electric motors means the RapidE will offer a unique driving experience of a kind not experienced before in an Aston Martin.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the RapidE: “Having unveiled the

RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production.

RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zeroemission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that

stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”

Paul McNamara, Technical Director at Williams Advanced Engineering said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always worked collaboratively with its customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy efficient solutions. For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important as legislation demands more energy efficient vehicles.

This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”

Pampanga hosts biz delegation of Taiwan

By Romeo Dizon LUBAO, Pampanga—An 18-businessman delegation from the Republic of China or Taiwan visited Pampanga on Thursday to explore expansion and new investment programs in the booming province.

The delegation, composed of presidents, CEOs and company chairmen are interested in opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, construction, renewable energy, manufacturing, and other industries in the province.

Led by Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office Representative Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, the delegation vowed not only to expand but also to increase their investments in the province, not only for generating more jobs but also to give opportunities to those in need.

The delegation made their commitment during a meeting held at the Pradera Verde theme park here with provincial officials led by Governor Lilia Pineda and 2nd District Rep. Gloria Arroyo.

Lin said the delegation included Allan Lin, president of Taiwan Association Inc.; Willy Chua and Hazel De Las Alas of Teco Industrial Park; Feng-in Hong of Formosa Heavy Industries Corp.; C.T Wong of Highlander Orchids; Billy Huang of Fil-Chin Love and Cares Foundation; Tayson Hsieh of Atlas Nutrition; Johnny Lu of Green Era Biotech Corp.; Jack Lin of Grobest Feeds Philippines; Bernardo Angeles and Kelly Huang of Lung Yue Construction; and Harrison Lan, director of Taiwan Trade Center.

Lin said the businessmen are interested in investing and expanding in Pampanga because of its strategic location and the presence of air and sea transport terminals, which are vital in doing global business.

“Pampanga is not only blessed with geography as center of Central Luzon but with presence of Clark International Airport, Subic seaport and expressways, plus talented and hardworking human resources,” Lin said.

According to Lin, 3,000 Pampanga natives are now working in Taiwan.

To better improve the skills of local workers, Lin said they are planning to put up free digital education courses.

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

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GOLDEN HARVEST. Enticed by the golden shower tree in full bloom in her family’s backyard in Magsaysay Village, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, ‘Jussan,’ a college student at the University of the Philippines in Baguio, gathers the tree’s flowers, which can be used for herbal and medicinal purposes. Ben Moses Ebreo

Makati touts digital change M

By Joel E. Zurbano

AKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay underscored the importance of streamlining transactions with government in enhancing the Philippines’ competitiveness as she presented the newly launched Makatizen Card project at the 5th Annual Ease of Doing Business Summit in Pasay City.

The National Competitiveness Council had invited Binay to share the city’s efforts toward digital transformation with the summit participants, which included top government and private sector officials working together to raise the country’s global competitiveness.

“Making transactions with government easier, faster and less cumbersome will go a long way

in enhancing competitiveness in your respective localities and industries,” said Binay during the event held at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The mayor cited public private partnerships or PPPs as the best way to bring about digital transformation for Makati and other localities.

“Our vision is for PPP to be-

come the linchpin to propel our infrastructure development program.

The City of Makati is fully committed to strengthening its partnership with the private sector. We recognize the indispensable role of such a partnership in revolutionizing the way government serves the people, and moving our communities forward,” Binay said.

Last May 30, the city government entered into a landmark agreement with Globe Telecom, which led to the launching of the Makatizen Card. The unified, multipurpose governmentissued citizen ID consolidates all health and social benefits for over half a million residents and city hall employees.

“Our first PPP venture in information technology was initiated through an unsolicited project proposal from Globe Telecom and

iBayad Online Ventures, which offered to supply 500,000 Makatizen Cards at no cost to the city government,” said Binay.

The mayor said with its acceptance of the Proof-of-Concept Makatizen Card powered by the digital platforms of G-Xchange, which manages GCash, and iBayad Online Ventures, the city government has taken the first step towards building a cashless ecosystem for its citizens.

“This means free all-in-one access to the city’s financial and social services,” she said.

GCash will serve as the financial service provider for the card while iBayad will deploy the point-of-sale terminals and build the merchant network where the cards will be accepted.

In addition to gaining instant access to the benefits provided under

IN BRIEF

Ecozone pushes gender equality

Aritao eyes P15-m multi-use building ARITAO, Nueva Vizcaya—The local government here will be building a P15 million multi-purpose building to promote economic growth and peace among its villagers.

Vice Mayor Ruben Sayo said the project is one of the investment opportunities the municipality will offer for hosting two major alternate roads to Baguio City and Metro Manila.

“This public project will be built within our town’s growth center to boost our economic potential,” he said.

The town serves as a shortcut entry point to Baguio through the Vizcaya-Benguet road and leads toward Metro Manila via Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, especially during lengthy traffic jams along the Dalton Pass area in Sta. Fe town.

Sayo said a public terminal for buses will also be built to help commuters deal with lengthy trips outside and within the Cagayan Valley region. Ben Moses Ebreo

By Brenda Jocson

Free baby kits for moms in Navotas MAYOR John Rey Tiangco led the distribution of baby kits to moms at the Navotas City Hospital on Thursday.

The kits included a cotton roll, a bottle of alcohol, baby bath soap, cotton buds, disposable diapers, four “onesies,” a baby bag, and a baby box that can also serve as a crib.

With Tiangco were Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, members of the City Council, and City Health Officer Dr. Christia Padolina.

Tiangco handed the kits after the inauguration of the hospital’s hemodialysis unit last June 24, which coincided with the celebration of the 10th cityhood anniversary of Navotas. Jun David

GenTri ‘Masa Masid’ program launched GENERAL TRIAS CITY—The local government here led by Mayor Antonio “Ony” Ferrer and local police chief Superintendent Sandro Jay Tafalla led the orientation of the “Masa Masid” Program at the Barangay Pinagtipunan covered court on Thursday.

The LGU and officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government explained to 33 barangay chairmen and kagawad the community based program for preventing corruption, illegal drugs and criminality in barangays.

Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV, Vice Mayor Morit Sison, provincial board member Kerby Salazar and city councilors attended the forum, which is the acronym for the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga or Masa Masid.

the city government’s Yellow Card, Blu Card, and other programs, Makatizen card holders also get the convenience offered by a variety of digital and mobile services, including cashless transactions.

“Aside from making day-today tasks much more convenient for Makatizens, the project also allows greater transparency in the implementation of the city’s various social welfare programs, thereby ensuring the right people receive the right benefits in the most efficient way,” Binay said.

The card will be used for direct and real-time crediting of salaries and benefits to the GCash wallets of employees, distribution of cash gifts for senior citizens, providing health card beneficiaries with instant access to services, and remitting allowances of students and scholars.

COMMENCEMENT. Senator Cynthia Villar delivers her inspirational speech as the guest speaker during the recognition rites and hooding ceremony of the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2017 at the school’s Umali Auditorium in Los Baños, Laguna on June 24. Villar joined UPLB Dean of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Eduardo B. Torres and Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez in urging the new graduates to develop dairy products and improve farming in their communities. Roy Tomandao

QC emergency response set

By Rio N. Araja ON ORDERS of Mayor Herbert Bautista, Quezon City is ready to respond to any emergencies this rainy season.

Karl Michael Marasigan, the city’s disaster risk reduction management chief, said the city’s quick response team is always ready to be deployed in cases of emergency.

The team has been placed on constant yellow or standby alert right after the Philippine Atmos-

pheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s declaration of the rainy season on May 30, Marasigan said.

He said rescue boats have been prepositioned in several flood-prone areas in case residents need to be evacuated from their houses due to flooding.

The disaster risk reduction management chief convened an emergency meeting of its technical working group to assess the city government’s state of

preparedness owing to heavy rains that occur nearly each day.

Daisy Ortega, Pagasa senior weather specialist, took part in the meeting and advised the city government that the probability of tropical cyclones occurring this year was high.

Representatives of member agencies of the technical working group presented their respective plans in the event of flood, controlling disease outbreaks, and heavy traffic brought about by heavy rainfall.

SANTA ANA, Cagayan—To help the government address gender discrimination and inequality, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has conducted orientation seminars on government policies pertaining to women’s issues.

Joyce Marie Jayme-Calimag, Ceza public relations chief, said the ecozone has gathered its employees both based here and in Manila to orient them on the Magna Cara in Women or Republic Act 9710, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877) and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262).

“Our objective is to include raising consciousness among our Ceza employees on the value of dignity of every individual, promoting respect for human rights and upholding human dignity,” Calimag said.

She said the holding of orientation seminars at Party Beach Resort in Rapuli, Santa Ana, the Ceza Freeport headquarters and in their Pasig City office is in line with Ceza’s advocacy to promote gender equality and development and to foster a professional and harmonious relationship among its employees.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

Manila

Standard

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TODAYJUNE 30, 2017 FRIDAY,

Solons to focus on S&T/R&D bill T HE House of Representatives has prioritized the Science for Change Program (S4CP) bill, authored by Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, when it resumes sessions in July.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez initiated the move, Salceda said.

The S4CP bill, which the House Committee on Science and Tech-

nology has already approved, aims to accelerate investments in science and technology and boost scientific innovations and inven-

tions, and research and development, to enhance the country’s global competitiveness.

Salceda, who authored the bill in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and the country’s S&T-R&D community, also principally authored two other urgent measures, both considered game changers. They are

Republic of the Philippines

InvItatIon to BId for the InStaLLatIon, ConfIGUratIon, deveLoPMent and teStInG of dof-CMIo It dISaSter reCoverY and BUSIneSS ContInUItY PLatforM ServICeS

3.

The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of FIFTEEN MILLION PESOS (PhP 15,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Installation, Configuration, Development and Testing of DOF-CMIO IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Platform Services (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Platform Services. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the ABC for the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004 Invitation to Bid for Supply, Delivery and Installation of Soundproofing in the DOF Building (3rd Floor – 6th Floor) 1.

2.

3.

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting on June 30, 2017 up to July 19, 2017 at the BAC Secretariat General Services Division, 8th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Roxas Blvd., Manila and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00), pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the DOF, provided that the Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

7.

ACTIVITIES Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents

SCHEDULE June 30, 2017 starting June 30, 2017

Pre-Bid Conference Request for Clarification Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin Deadline for Submission of Bids Opening of Bids

July 7, 2017, 1:00 pm July 9, 2017 (by email) July 12, 2017 July 19, 2017, 9:45 am July 19, 2017, 1:00 pm

Bid opening shall be on the date indicated above at the DFG Conference Room, 4 Floor DOF Building. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

9.

The DOF reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. In instances, that may arise and not specifically mentioned herein, the DOF shall resolve bidding issues by resorting to and applying the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

10.

Transmission: Powershift, with two-and four-wheel selector mode

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

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders starting on June 30, 2017 – July 19, 2017 at the BAC Secretariat, 8th Floor, EDPC Building BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP25,000.00) for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

7.

The DOF will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 a.m., July 7, 2017 at the DFG Conference Room, 4th DOF Building, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

8.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the BAC Secretariat, 8th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., corner Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila on or before 9:30 a.m. on July 19, 2017 . All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

th

For further information, please refer to:

The DOF now invites bids for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Soundproofing in the DOF Building (3rd Floor – 6th Floor). Completion of the Works is required in 120 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat at the address given below during office hours.

Bids must be delivered to the BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 8th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila on or before July 19, 2017, 9:45 am. The bidders shall drop their duly accomplished eligibility requirements, technical and financial proposals in two (2) separate envelopes in the bid box located at the abovementioned address. All the bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Instructions to Bidders (ITB) Clause 18.

8.

Location: Region VII Project Description:

4.

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows:

9.

Contract Duration

ABC

75 c.d.

12,500,000.00

Power output: 110 Hp Maximum Torque: 520 Nm Electrical System: 12 volts

Brakes: Disc brakes with selector, parking brake Hydraulic system: working pressure of 210 bars Steering system: Orbitrol Hydraulic with three modes steering consisting of front wheel steering, all wheel steering and crab steering Tires: 28 inches diameter, front and rear Performance: Operating weight: 9,000 kgs. Loader with fork Attachment: 4 x 1 bucket; width: 2400 mm; capacity; 1.1 cu.m.

Reach at Ground level: 1,300 mm Digging Depth: 115 mm reach at full height: 4,450 mm Hinge Pin Height: 3,450 mm, dump height: 2,650 mm Break out force: 7,400 DAN Lifting capacity to Maximum Height: 3,500kgs Backhoe Attachment: Dipperstick, slideshift, backhoe bucket capacity: 0.24 cu.m.

Bucket width: 760 mm with digging reach at maximum height: 3100 mm Bucket Rotation: 200 degrees, digging height: 6400mm Digging Reach at Ground Level: 5800 mm with digging depth: 5800 mm Bucket Curling Force: 6400 DAN, Dipperstick Crowding Force: 4600 DAN Mandatory Attachment and Accessories: 1.Airconditioned cab 2.4-in-1 bucket 3.Backhoe Bucket 4.Hydraulic Breaker Piping Circuit 5.Tool Kit and Manuals After sales service maintenance and spare parts are readily available within the country.

Bid Documents Fee: Php 25,000.00 The local Government Unit of Sevilla, Bohol has availed a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) – Tagbilaran City Branch for the purchase of one (1) unit brand new heavy equipment ( Loader/Backhoe)

2.

The Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, through the Bids and committee now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply and delivery of the aforementioned equipment with an Approved Budget for the Contract of Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 12,500,000.00). Price quotation shall include freight on board, VAT, custom clearance charges and other costs of handling and other related charges. The unit shall delivered at LGU-Sevilla, Bohol within seventy five (75) calendar days reckoned from the date of receipt of the Notice of Award and Purchase Order.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding using the non-discretionary “PASS/FAIL” criterion as specified in the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. July 19, 2017 at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by any interested Bidders or his duly authorized representative from the BAC Secretariat upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php 25,000.00) which shall be available during office hour from June 29, 2017 to July 17,2017.

5.

The Municipal Government of Sevilla will hold a Pre-Bid conference open to all interested Bidders on July 5,2017 at 9:00 AM at the Mun. Conference Hall, 2nd floor Municipal Building, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol.

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

6.

Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project with a single largest contract of at least 50% od the Approved Budget of the Contract.

7.

Bidder/s should have unit/s operating anywhere in the country and must have a service facilities complete with fast and medium moving spare parts and standard tool as well as special tools to service this equipment and qualified personnel/ technicians to service the machine.

10. For further information, please refer to:

(SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and BAC Chairman

(SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF-BAC Chairman (MS-JUNE 30, 2017)

Purchase of Heavy Equipment (Loader/Backhoe) Engine: 4.5 Liter Diesel, turbo-charged, after-cooled, four cylinder, common rail fuel injection, four-wheel drive

1.

BAC Secretariat 8th Floor EDPC Buidling, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard Malate , Manila Telephone No. 526-8475 Fax No. 525-4227

Ms. Lilia R. Tan, Head- BAC Secretariat Department of Finance BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 8th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone N.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph / mepajuelas@gmail.com

INVITATION TO BID FOR:

The Department of Finance (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of THIRTY SEVEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PhP 37,200,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Soundproofing in the DOF Building (3rd Floor – 6th Floor consisting of 514 window panels). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

6.

researchers play in the country’s race for global competitiveness.

He urged the NIP graduates and professors to support S4CP and challenged them to “take your success to the next level... having reached another milestone, one that equipped you with knowledge and understanding as you will face more challenges ahead.”

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bohol MUNICIPALITY OF SEVILLA

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

2.

proposed P21-billion R&D budget that will double yearly over the next five years, and could reach P672 billion in 2022.

The country’s total R&D budget for 2017 is only P5.8 billion.

Addressing the graduates of UP’s National Institute of Physics Class 2017 last week, Salceda cited the crucial role scientists and

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

1.

the Universal Access to Tertiary Education bill, now awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), the government’s comprehensive tax reform package, now with the congressional bicameral committee.

The S4CP measure, also dubbed as “Science for the People,” has a

(MS-JUNE 30, 2017)

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

8.

The Bidder/s should submit a notarized letter of authority from the manufacturer/supplier authorizing the bidder to participate in the bidding.

9.

The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II – Instruction of Bidders

10.

Interested Bidders must submit their Bids at the BAC Secretariat on or before July 18, 2017 until 12:00 noon. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form indicated in the Bid Documents. Late Bids shall not be accepted Bid opening shall be at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon on July, 18 2017 at the Municipal Conference Hall, 2nd floor, Municipal Building, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol.

11.

The Municipal Government of Sevilla, Bohol reserves the right to accept or reject any bid or to annul the Bidding process, and to reject all bids to any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

Bids and Awards Committee.

(SGD) ARTEMIO D. PERIN BAC Chairman Municipal Hall Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol 0998-884-6108/0977-817-4101

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

(MS-JUNE 30, 2017)

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF R.C. PIER PORT OF LUCENA, BRGY. TALAO-TALAO, LUCENA CITY

FOR THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF BREAKWATER PORT OF NASUGBU, BRGY. WAWA, NASUGBU, BATANGAS

FOR THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF R.C. WHARF PORT OF GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 73,662,504.11 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction of R.C. Pier, Port of Lucena, Brgy. Talao-talao, Lucena City (LFP MRQ No. 0162017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 47,543,771.31 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Extension of Breakwater, Port of Nasugbu, Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas (LFP BGS No. 017-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 24,524,056.36 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Extension of R.C. Wharf, Port of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (LFP ELS NO. 018-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of Back-up Area B. Construction of R.C. Pier C. Mooring and Fendering System. Completion of the Works is required in 420 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 30 June 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

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

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 12 July 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 25 July 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 25 July 2017, 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

For further information, please refer to:

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of Breakwater Extension (Length = 40.00 l.m.). Completion of the Works is required in 240 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 30 June 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

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

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 12 July 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 26 July 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 26 July at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 30 June 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

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

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 12 July 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 27 July 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 27 July 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

For further information, please refer to:

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – June 30, 2017

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

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

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Extension of R.C. Wharf B. Mooring and Fendering System. Completion of the Works is required in 270 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Standard – June 30, 2017

Standard – June 30, 2017

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

CLASSIFIEDS

Standard

TODAY

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

Republic of the Philippines GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308 GSIS ACQUIRED ASSETS FOR DISPOSITION

C3

PROVINCE District /Subdivision

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the public that the Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) No. C-0027340 dated June 04, 2004, jointly issued by the DOF, OSS Center and of the Bureau of Customs, in the name ASTROBAG MFG. CORP. has been lost and is hereby CANCELLED.

In Classified Ads section

This is in compliance with Department Order No. 26-01, Section 5 (b) dated November 05, 2011.

must be brought

(MS-JUNE 30, 2017)

to our attention

RT-23492 (302329) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TITLE NO. 384 SQ. METERS METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT AREA: REG. OWNER: SPS. HERMINIO BRANCH XL (40) – QUEZON CITY DOMINGO AND

the very day the

SPS. FIDEL M. PASION JR. and CESARIA A. PASION, Plaintiff/s.

advertisement

LOCATION:

-versus-

CARMELITA MAGNO 49 CENTRAL BOULEVARD, Q.C. (P. Tuazon, Quezon City)

notice to all interested parties and to the public in general.

HERMINIO DOMINGO Defendant/s x--------------------------------x

We will not be

That on July 19, 2017 at 10:00 o clock in the morning at the 3rd floor Hall of Justice Quezon City will sold at PUBLIC AUCTION to the GREETINGS: highest bidder for cash the described WHEREAS, by virtue of the WRIT properties to satisfy the said execution OF EXECUTION dated MAY 26, and sale.

2009 issued by Judge JOSEPHUS JOANNES H. ASIS of Metropolitan Please be guided accordingly.

Trial Court branch XL (40) Quezon Quezon City, Metro Manila, May 19, City, for recovery of the principal 2017. amount of P 119,217.00 plus cost, (Sgd.) ANDRES R. LACORTE interest, attorneys fees and expenses in the above-entitled case, levy was SHERIFF III made by the Sheriff of this Court on WARNING: September 10, 2009 thru the Register It is absolutely prohibited to remove of Deeds of Quezon City the rights, Deface, or destroy this Notice of Sale interest, and participation of said on or before the date of the sale, defendant HERMINIO DOMINGO, in Under penalty of the law. the REAL PROPERTY including its (MS-June 23, 30, Jul. 7, 2017) improvements described as follows:

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

2 Bulacan 3 Bulacan 4 Bulacan 5 Bulacan 6 Bulacan

NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of

CIVIL CASE NO.: 05-34708 the said WRIT and in accordance with Rule 39, Sec. 19 of the Rules of Court, FOR: SUM OF MONEY the undersigned Sheriff hereby gives

is published.

1 Bulacan

7 Bulacan 8 Bulacan 9 Bulacan 10 Bulacan 11 Bulacan 12 Bulacan

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY

-versus-

FRE NO. 11673

MARVIN N. SALUM Mortgagor. x--------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on April 24, 2015, by MARVIN N. SALUM, -No. 258 Ilang Ilang Rairbow V5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City/Lot 244-Y-2, Psd-007404-033382-D Sta. Genoveva St., Gulod, Quezon City/Rainvow V-5, Bagumbong, Caloocan City, Mortgagor in favor of HOME DEVELOMENT MUTUAL FUND(otherwise known as Pag-Ibig Fund) Mortgagee, to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of Php3,535,691.14 as of January 31, 2017 inclusive of interest and penalty charges, together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on July 27, 2017 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will sell thru public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in Philippine Currency, the following described real property/ ies with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 004-2015005189 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 244-Y2, OF THE SUBDN. PLAN, PSD-007404-033382-D, BEING A PORTION OF LOT 244-Y, FLS-2877-D, LRC REC. NO. 5975), SITUATED IN THE BRGY. OF GULOD, QUEZON CITY, M-MANILA, IS. OF LUZON. BOUNDED ON THE NW., ALONG LINE 1-2 BY SANTA GENOVEVA ST. 6.00 M. WIDE; ON THE NE., ALONG LINE 2-3 BY LOT 244, FLS-2877-D; ON THE SE., ALONG LINE 3-4 BY LOT 110, FLS-2592-D; AND ON THE SW., ALONG LINE 4-1 BY LOT 244-Y-1 OF THE SUBDN. PLAN XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (100) MORE OR LESS. XXX XXX All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the aforesaid office on the above stated date and time.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a non-working holiday, it shall be held on August 3, 2017 at the same time and place without further notice.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, June 23, 2017.

(Sgd.) PEDRO L. BORJA Sheriff IV

Notice is hereby given that REPOWER ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Renewable Energy Developer of Hydropower Resources (10 MW Pulangui IV Hydroelectric Power Project) in Maramag, Bukidnon to avail of the incentives under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513).

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) NESTOR P. ARCANSALIN Director Resource-based Industries Service

Medco Holdings, Inc. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Medco Holdings, Inc. will be held on August 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Brasserie 21, 21st Floor, Security Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Only stockholders of record in the books of the Corporation at the close of business on October 24, 2016 (record date) will be entitled to vote at the meeting. Please bring some form of identification, such as passport, driver’s license or company I.D. in order to facilitate registration, which will start at 9:00 a.m.

31/F, Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave., Makati City 811-0465 to 66, 840-3549 (fax)

INVITATION TO BID FOR June 30, 2017 The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government-CMGP Program invites all interested contractors to apply for eligibility and to tender bids for the following projects.

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

Duration/ Completion of Works 170CD

163CD

Bid Documents Fee P 50,000.00 25,000.00

Pre-bid Conference

Bid Sub.& Opening

ABC

July 7, 2017 10:00AM

July 20, 2017 2:00PM

51,309,000.00

July 7, 2017 10:00AM

July 20, 2017 2:00PM

41,592,000.00

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino now invites bids for following projects listed above. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 AM to 4:00PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from June 30, 2017 to July 20, 2017 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount stated opposite each project.

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at the BAC Secretariat, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, upon payment of the applicable non-refundable fee. The Pre-Bid Conference shall open only to interested parties who have purchased the BD’s.

Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 7, 2017, 10:00AM at Special Projects Unit Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 20, 2017, 2:00PM at Special Projects Unit Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

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

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualification.

The Provincial Government of Quirino reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

6.

7.

8.

20 Bulacan

Property Location

TCT/CCT No.

Lot Area (sqm)

Minimum Acceptable Offer / CMV (₱)

Property Occupancy Bidding Date Place of Bidding Classification Status

Meycauayan

T-59.892 (M)

248.00

San Jose Del Monte City

B004A L015 Ph 3A (1) St. Anthony/St. Vincent St. B001 L003 Ph C1

T-153803 (M)

133.00

2,198,400.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17 Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, 1,449,700.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

San Jose Del Monte City

B001 L020 Ph C1

T-161730(M)

258.00

1,174,466.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B001 L021 Ph C1

T-156434 (M)

126.00

638,466.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B003 L019 Ph C1

T-153824 (M)

137.00

845,766.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B003 L030 Ph C1

T-148779 (M)

110.00

579,666.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B003 L032 Ph C1

T-148781 (M)

128.00

1,105,200.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B005 L015 Ph E1

T-281841 (M)

150.00

732,000.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B005 L017 Ph E1

T-281824 (M)

150.00

1,149,000.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B001 L019 Ph F1

T-15693-P (M)

221.00

1,051,800.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B003 L009 Ph F1

T-15397 P(M)

120.00

726,000.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B005 L014 Ph F1

T-15383-P (M)

120.00

622,666.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B005 L016 Ph F1

T-15111-P (M)

120.00

624,000.00 House & Lot Unoccupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B005 L017 Ph F1

T-15612-P (M)

120.00

702,666.67 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B006 L020 Ph F1

T-15386P(M)

120.00

859,000.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B002 L004

T-340782 (M)

100.00

568,333.33 House & Lot Unoccupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B009 L018

T-368322 (M)

100.00

568,333.33 House & Lot Unoccupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B028 L009

T-342801 (M)

80.00

549,333.33 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B002 L014 Ph A2

T-347440(M)

150.00

783,600.00 House & Lot Unoccupied 15-Aug-17

San Jose Del Monte City

B002 L002 Ph B

T-343113(M)

121.00

660,000.00 House & Lot Occupied 15-Aug-17

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

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

2.

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

3.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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

Signature of the bidder/representative

7.

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

8.

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

9.

The following shall be inserted on the sealed bid envelope: a. the properly accomplished downloadable bid form b. Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative d. pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable e. proofs of occupancy (see No. 12.c.1 and c.2)

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

(

Special Projects Unit Conference Hall 2nd Floor Capitol Commercial Building Capitol Compound, Cabarroguis, Quirino

2.

5.

18 Bulacan

(MS-JUNE 3 0, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF QUIRINO Cabarroguis -oOoBIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

4.

17 Bulacan

(Sgd.) Pauline C. Tan Asst. Corporate Secretary

MARVIN N. SALUM, No. 258 Ilang Ilang Rairbow V5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City Lot 244-Y-2 Psd-007404-033382-D Sta. Genoveva St., Gulod, Quezon City Rainvow V-5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City (MS-June 30, July 7 & 14, 2017)

1. PB-CW-2017-011 Rehabilitation of NRJCajel -Luttuad-La Paz Road 2. P B - C W- 2 0 1 7 - 0 1 2 Rehabilitation of NRJ-San MarcosBalagbag-Saguday Road Venue of Procurement Activities

16 Bulacan

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS:

WARNING:

Name of Project/Project

15 Bulacan

19 Bulacan

ELENITA A. ATIENZA It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy Vice President this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the date of the Loan Remediation Group 14TH FLR. JELP Business auction sale under penalty of the law.

Solution Center No. 409 Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City 1552

1.

14 Bulacan

(MS-JUNE 30, 2017)

(Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII and Ex-Officio Sheriff Copy Furnished:

13 Bulacan

N OTICE

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as Pag-Ibig Fund) Mortgagee,

LAS VILLAS DE STO. NIÑO, Perez FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Mulawin FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES I, Brgy. Narra FRANCISCO HOMES III, Muzon FRANCISCO HOMES III, Muzon FRANCISCO HOMES III, Muzon STALLION HOMES, Brgy. Guijo STALLION HOMES, Brgy. Mulawin

City /Municipality

Engr. Dencio A. Pagbilao Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee Province of Quirino

Name of Bidder: Mailing Address: 11. Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through External Financing Institution (EFI) shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from External Financing Institution and insert inside the bid envelope.

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

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/she shall pay the equity in cash as stated in Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS). The equity shall be computed as the difference between the Letter of Guarantee from the bank and the offered bid amount.

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

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding.

16. In case the bid is in CASH, the 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

17. In case the bid is thru EFI, the equity shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of Letter of Guarantee (LOG) by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the LOG and the Offered Bid Amount.

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

+639175007275 +639177756155

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

(SGD) DENCIO A. PAGDILAO BAC Chairman

(MS-JUN 30, 2017)

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE NOW! email us at advertise@manilastandard.com.ph or call us at 832-5547

20. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the GSIS shall write the second highest bidder to confirm if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS will require him/her to pay the non-refundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued NOAS. 21. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

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

(MS-JUNE 29/30 & JULY 1, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

C4

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

S. Korea’s president arrives in US capital WASHINGTON―South Korea’s President Moon Jae-In arrived in Washington Wednesday on his first overseas trip since taking office, for planned talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

Moon, who backs engagement with nuclear-armed North Korea, was to meet Thursday with Trump during his first foreign outing since being sworn in last month after a landslide election win.

Late Wednesday, he was scheduled to take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at a war memorial in Quantico, Virginia, and later was to attend a summit with Korean and American business leaders.

His agenda on Thursday includes meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and an evening visit with the US president and First Lady Melania Trump, including a reception and dinner.

On board his flight to the United States, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

“Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze,” he said.

“We should start dialogue with North Korea,” he said, but with conditions, saying that “at least, North Korea should restrain itself from further nuclear and missile tests and promise a nuclear freeze before fullfledged dialogue for nuclear dismantlement can start.”

“A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement.”

Washington, South Korea’s security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests―including five since Moon’s inauguration.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and whose administration has said military action was a possibility. AFP

IN HAPPIER DAYS. This file photo taken on July 16, 2008, shows Pope Benedict XVI, accompanied by Cardinal George Pell, waving to the crowd at the World Youth Day festivities in

Sydney. Cardinal George Pell said on June 29, 2017 that he would take a leave from the Vatican to return to Australia to fight child sex abuse charges after being given strong backing from Pope Francis, who has not asked him to resign from his senior Church post. AFP

Francis backs cardinal over sex-assault case V ATICAN CITY―Cardinal George Pell said Thursday he would take leave from the Vatican to return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges after being given strong backing from Pope Francis, who has not asked him to resign from his senior Church post.

Hours after becoming the highest-profile Catholic cleric to face such charges, the Vatican finance chief said he had been a victim of “relentless character assassination” and vowed to clear his name and return to work.

“I am looking forward finally to having my day in court. I am innocent of these charges,” the 76-year-old said at a press conference. “They are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me.”

Pell, unofficially considered the number three in the Vatican hierarchy, said he had been in close contact with Francis.

In a strongly supportive state-

ment, the Vatican said Pell’s staff would continue his work in his absence and noted Francis’s respect for the Australian’s “honesty” and “energetic dedication” to his work on Church financial reform.

“The Holy See expresses its respect for the Australian justice system that will have to decide the merits of the questions raised,” the statement said.

“At the same time, it is important to recall that Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable the acts of abuse committed against minors; has cooperated in the past with Australian authori-

ties ... has supported the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors; and finally, as a diocesan bishop in Australia, has introduced systems and procedures both for the protection of minors and to provide assistance to victims of abuse.”

The tone of the statement echoed Francis’s comment last year that Pell, one of his closest advisers, should not be subject to “a media verdict, a verdict based on gossip”.

Police in the Australian state of Victoria announced earlier that Pell had been charged with “historical sexual assault offenses” and ordered him to appear in a Melbourne court on July 18.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters there were “multiple complainants” but did not give further details of the charges.

A lawyer for two unidentified men who had made abuse claims against Pell said they were “over the moon” about the charges.

“It’s been very difficult for them to stick their neck out,” the lawyer, Ingrid Irwin, told Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper. “To come out against someone who is second to God, in some people’s minds, has caused all sorts of problems for them.”

The repercussions for the Church could be significant, the editor of the Australian online forum Catholica, Brian Coyne, told AFP. “This is the most senior person in the church who has ever been charged and the implications are both huge for the future of the Catholic Church in this country and internationally,” Coyne said.

SNAP, a US-based network of survivors of clerical abuse, praised the Australian authorities’ action.

“We hope it will inspire other countries to follow in their footsteps,” spokeswoman Joelle Casteix said. “Sexual abuse thrives when it is allowed to flourish in secrecy.” AFP

After 30 years, Sony to cut records again

PREMIERE. Zendaya and Michael Keaton attend the premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ at the TCL Chinese Theater on June 28, 2017 in Hollywood, California. AFP

TOKYO―Three decades after it abandoned vinyl production, Sony says it will start making records again on the back of surging demand for the retro music format.

A factory southwest of Tokyo will be churning out freshly pressed records by March next year, Sony Music Entertainment said Thursday.

The Japanese giant stopped making vinyl records in 1989, a company spokesman said, as consumers flocked to compact discs and other emerging music technology.

Major music market player Japan produced nearly 200 million records a year in the mid-seventies, according to the country’s recording industry association.

Sony was a major global player in the development of CDs, which have since taken a back seat to downloads and music streaming.

Vinyl has been making a global comeback as it attracts not only nostalgic older consumers but also younger generations.

Japan’s sole record maker

Toyokasei is struggling to keep up with the resurgence in vinyl demand, the influential Nikkei newspaper reported.

Sony is now scrambling to find older engineers familiar with how to make records, it added.

Panasonic relaunched its legendary Technics SL-1200 turntable several years ago as the market picked up.

Sony did not say what music it will release in record format. The Nikkei said the lineup will include popular Japanese songs from the past, including Sony-owned titles, as well as chart-topping contemporary albums.

Global vinyl revenue will top $1.0 billion this year while sales of CDs and digital downloads continue to fall, according to estimates from consulting firm Deloitte.

In Britain, where vinyl’s rebirth has been particularly pronounced, records generated more revenue than advertising-backed tiers of streaming platforms last year. AFP

China’s Xi starts three-day HK visit HONG KONG―President Xi Jinping arrives in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark 20 years since it was handed back to China by Britain, with leading democracy activists already in police custody after a protest in the politically divided city.

The three-day visit is Xi’s first since becoming leader in 2013 and comes at a time when there are growing fears that Beijing is threatening semi-autonomous Hong Kong’s freedoms.

High-profile pro-democracy campaigners―including Joshua Wong and young legislator Nathan Law―were arrested Wednesday night for causing “public nuisance” after staging a protest outside the convention center that will host some of the anniversary events, a stone’s throw away from the hotel where Xi will be staying.

More than 20 activists remained in custody Thursday morning as supporters gathered at the police station where they were being held.

“They want to prevent people like Joshua Wong and Nathan Law from going onto the streets,” said fellow activist Derek Lam who was among supporters waiting outside.

The area around the convention center has been cordoned off by giant water-filled barricades and police have said they are taking “counter terrorism security measures” to ensure Xi’s safety.

Animosity towards Beijing has grown in recent years, particularly among young people.

The failure of mass rallies in 2014 to win democratic reform has sparked a new wave of “localist” activists, keen to emphasize Hong Kong’s own identity, with some calling for a full split from the mainland.

Since the return to China in 1997, the city has been governed under a “one country, two systems” deal that gives it rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary.

But there are now concerns Beijing is trampling the agreement by interfering in a range of areas, from politics to education and media.

Chinese authorities and local officials insist Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous status is intact, but have railed against calls for self-determination or independence. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

SHOPPING

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

CRYSTAL BEAR. The Swarovski Crystal Society's 2017 Annual Edition Bear Arcadia and Bear Cubs mark the 30th year of SCS.

SWAROVSKI

Crystal Society celebrates 30 years I

T IS thanks to a small crystal mouse, created in 1976, that tens of thousands of people in over 125 countries now celebrate their love of crystal.

On May 6, the Swarovski Crystal Society celebrated its 30th anniversary in the Philippines at Rustan’s Makati.

Many crystal enthusiasts, some have been members since the very beginning, gathered to witness the beauty of the special edition pieces.

Every five years the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) celebrates an anniversary. For each of these anniversaries, the SCS has launched a special Jubilee Edition commemorating the occasion and 2017 is no exception.

The SCS Jubilee Edition Swans is an exquisite tribute to this noble bird and its offspring, symbolizing a sense of belonging to the Swarovski Family. Swans have always been part of the Crystal Creations assortment, but Swarovski has never created a swan with cygnets for SCS before.

This family scene represents the

LACOSTE has developed for Novak Djokovic an eponymous clothing line to be worn on the court. These outfits have been specially designed to kit out the champion during the Grand Slam’s tournaments as well as dress him for the other tournaments of the season.

The Novak Djokovic collection is a line of performance products that fuse functionality with style. This wardrobe for players, who, like Djokovic, pay attention to all the details of a game, is available in Lacoste boutiques.

All the collection items were engineered from materials handpicked for their quality and performance. Every detail is geared towards comfort: ergonomic stitching prevents chaffing while the cuts bring about ease of movement.

Novak Djokovic’s signature is printed on the left sleeve of the polo shirt whose graphics are inspired by the lines of a tennis court. Varying touches of blue, white, and red challenge the plain background in order to bring about a relaxed and quintessentially French style.

White or black shorts come to complete the silhouette.

Djokovic made his entrance on the Parisian clay courts, displaying the Crocodile of his new Lacoste outfits during the 2017 French Open, In the Philippines, Lacoste is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc., and is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Fairview Ter-

strong and enduring connection between the mother and her babies.

Martin Zendron designed this family to be a symbolic thank you to the loyal crystal lovers, who have been following Swarovski perhaps since the very beginning of SCS, or at least for a long period of time.

The SCS Annual Edition 2017 also pays tribute to the bear mother, a strong and powerful yet caring and protective animal, executed in crystal with 925 facets. The Bear Arcadia sparkles in Sunray, a stunning new crystal color developed to mark the 30th anniversary of the SCS, which exudes warmth when the sun shines through it. One paw is engraved with the name Arcadia, the Swarovski logo, the designer’s initials, and the year of issue 2017. Display this breathtaking piece together with the SCS

Bear Cubs to create a delightful family scene.

Members of the Swarovski Crystal Society were able to enjoy the privilege of celebrating with the brand and purchasing the special edition, exclusively available to them.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of seven loyal SCS members namely, Eddie Chua, Eleanore Go, Loris Luakian, Shirley Ng, Teresita Rosario, Ronald Uy, and Janyka Villacorta.

Become a member of the SCS and choose from either one-year or threeyear membership. After this time, the membership will automatically expire unless otherwise extended. Regardless of the length of membership chosen, collectors can look forward to a number of exclusive benefits and advantages only available to SCS members, like complimentary issues of Swarovski Magazine and annual crystal membership gifts.

Swarovski is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-la, GateSCS members join in the celebration of the crystal house's anniversary way, Alabang and Cebu.

THE NEW CROCODILE

races, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 3, Newport Mall, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall

of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao and Veranza KCC Mall. Lacoste Accessories is located at Gateway Mall and Glorietta 4.

Lacoste's Novak Djokovic collection is a line of performance products that fuse functionality with style

D1

Life

D2

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

MARKETPLACE BY RUSTAN’S M

new home in San Juan

ARKETPLACE by Rustan’s recently opened a branch on Connecticut St. in San Juan, bringing in fresh goods, quality products from top international and local brands, and signature service to discerning shoppers in the area.

San Juan Vice Mayor Janella Ejercito Estrada joined Rustan Supercenters Inc. (RSCI) CEO Irwin Lee in leading the traditional bread breaking ceremony to celebrate the store opening.

Also in attendance were RSCI executives including Senior Vice President for Operations Stephane Pariente, Vice President for Merchandising Non-Food and Support Division Kerwin Legarde, Vice President for Merchandising Food Division Karen Rodas, and Vice President for Project and Properties Division Nercy Torilla, as well as partner from Northeast Square Pamela Sy. This latest branch is the first Marketplace by Rustan’s in San Juan. Regarding their decision to open a store in the area, Lee shared, “With the products that we carry and bring from all over the world, we believe that Marketplace by Rustan’s has a differentiated proposition that this community would benefit from—especially with the unique offerings we have.” He continued, “Other than all the excellent products, we also want shoppers in San Juan to experience our famous brand of service.”

Marketplace by Rustan’s San Juan also features the popular Sushi Bar, Deli and Gourmet-To-Go, in addition to carefully selected fresh produce, high quality meat, poultry and seafood, top international brands, and local favorites.

With more store openings lined up for the next couple of months, and renovations of existing branches to keep up with the brand consistently raising standards, Filipinos can expect a taste of the world much closer to home with Marketplace by Rustan’s.

For more info, visit www.rustansfresh. com, follow and like rustansfresh on Facebook, and @rustansfresh on Instagram and Twitter.

From left: Senior Vice President for Operations Stephane Pariente, Vice President for Project and Properties Division Nercy Torilla, San Juan Vice Mayor Janella Ejercito Estrada, (RSCI) Chief Executive Officer Irwin Lee, partner from Northeast Square Pamela Sy, Vice President for Merchandising Non-Food and Support Division Kerwin Legarde, and Vice President for Merchandising Food Division Karen Rodas led the opening of Marketplace by Rustan's in San Juan Marketplace

by Rustan’s Connecticut San Juan features carefully selected fresh produce and top international brands, as well as the popular Sushi Bar

Shoes and video game DIESEL and Street Fighter V get together for a limited edition sneaker collection.

This collaboration celebrates Street Fighter 30th anniversary and merges the spirit of the game with elements of Diesel DNA. Street Fighter, the legendary video game created in 1987 Chun Li The first female fighter of the video game is on a sneaker that brings her name, a blue and yellow pair. Her original attack is Spinning Birdkick.

by Capcom, came back last year with its latest edition, Street Fighter V. Drawing inspiration from five key characters, each shoe bears distinct details on the heel counter and outsole that are uniquely to their respective characters.

Ryu The protagonist of the series inspired the white sneaker with black and red details. On the sole, his unmistakable attack: Denjin Hadoken.

Nash One of the main warrior of the videogame, his sneaker is the black one with yellow and military green details, his unique attack Sonic Boom.

Birdie The hulking black British punk rocker warrior gives his name to the 5th shoe of the edition, on the sole Horn Bull.

M. Bison The principal antagonist of Street Fighter is on the red sneaker with white and black details, on the sole Psycho Power.

Diesel produced 5,000 pairs for this limited edition sneaker collection daring to the next level, from the digital fighter to the urban warrior.

The collection is available on the Diesel e-commerce and selected stores in August.

In the Philippines, Diesel is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Greenbelt 3 and Power Plant Mall.

Making waves at racing bike fest KTM Philippines made waves during the recently concluded 11th Inside RACING Bike Festival and Trade Show, the biggest gathering of motorcycle manufacturers and enthusiasts held at the World Trade Center.

Making its presence felt in a huge way, KTM Southeast Asia Managing Director Julian Legazpi, Sales Director Gianluca Lozzi, and Adventure Cycle Philippines Inc. President and COO Dino Santos, showed off the exciting, high-powered line of KTM motorcycles—all “Ready to Race”— including the 200 Duke which comes available in the market at P147,000.

The event also saw the introduction of 18-year old racing wunderkind Ralph Kenneth Torres, the first sponsored rider to the prestigious KTM RC Cup Asia at the challenging Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia until November. Torres has over a decade’s experience on the track, bagging numerous trophies both locally and internationally, among them: the 2015 MOTO IR Champion; 2013 Golden Wheel Award Scooter Champion; 2012 IRGP Scooter Champion; 2010 115cc Underbone King Overall Champion; and the 160cc Scooter Class Overall Champion.

Motorcycle aficionados and racing enthusiasts joined KTM in its excitement including Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, Wheeltek Big Bikes Division General Manager Bobby Orbe, motorcycle legend Max Kienle and television and movie actor and KTM fan Paulo Avelino.

KTM Philippines also took the opportunity to proudly announce the forthcoming opening of the KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing Philippines, Inc. (KAMMI) plant in Laguna, a joint-venture partnership between Ayala Group and KTM

AG of Austria, that will eventually export motorcycles to China.

KTM motorcycles are available in existing and expanding KTM dealerships nationwide. For the full listing, visit www. ktm.ph. For details about the KTM RC Cup Asia, go to www.ktmrccup.com.

KTM Southeast Asia managing director Julian Legazpi and Southeast Asia sales director Gianluca Lozzi

KTM Philippines-sponsored rider Ralph Kenneth Torres with his dad Charlie

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

PEOPLE

...are not talking about

...are talking about

Meant To Be The romantic drama bade television goodbye on a high note last Friday with ratings three points higher than its average viewership. But fans were not satisfied on how the series ended. The network launched an online poll so fans could choose who they want Barbie Forteza’s character to end up with in the series’ finale. However, the ending was already decided long before they launched the poll.

So, what do we call this kind of scheme?

Ask the fans. They feel cheated.

Myrtle Sarossa She used to struggle in academics when she was in elementary. But the avid cosplayer has proven that her performance in primary school wouldn’t define her capability to excel in college. Amid the challenge of juggling her time between work and school, Myrtle received a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication with Latin honors. This is the kind of celebrity success story people would like to hear about.

Tom Rodriguez The I Heart Davao star is living up to everyone’s expectation.

From portraying unconventional characters in movies and television series, Tom is giving his all to earn the approval of viewers and critics. His efforts are definitely paying off after earning another Best Actor nomination from an international award giving body. Tom is nominated as best actor at the Madrid International Film Festival for his portrayal of a rising politician in a political thriller, Magtanggol.

Anne Curtis The fans of the Kapamilya star are buzzing with excitement. According to Viva Entertainment chairman Vic del Rosario, the entertainment company is brewing a big project for the actresshost. Without giving too much away, the Viva top gun said that Anne would star alongside a popular Korean star in an upcoming movie. Fans are now in frenzy specially when Del Rosario flew to South Korea over the weekend to finalize the plans.

High-speed sci-fi action

James Reid Team Real, the moniker for James Reid and Nadine Lustre for taking their relationship to a different level admitting the real score between them last year, might not remain as “real” for long. Recent events suggest that the showbiz “real deal couple,” which faces negative publicity of late, is giving JaDine fans alarming signals. Most recent of which was when James said he would choose his friends over his girlfriend if she couldn’t get along with them.

That must be a Freudian slip, don’t you think?

Alex Calleja in CINEMO’s ‘Lakas Tawa’

VALERIAN, also known as Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, is the visually captivating new movie from renowned filmmaker Luc Besson, legendary director of The Fifth Element and Lucy, starring Cara Delevingne and Dane Dehaan as the unlikely duo tasked to protect the galaxy.

Set in the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHann) and Laureline (Cara Delavigne) are special operatives charged by the Minister of Defense with keeping order Sci-Fi action “Valerian” is throughout the human terri- a film based on a popular tories. They are tasked with science fiction comics series protecting the intergalactic “Valérian and Laureline” planet Alpha who after years of prosperity is attacked by an unknown threat.

The movie is based on the groundbreaking French science fiction comic novel Valerian and Laureline written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières. It was first published in 1967 and has since inspired a generation of writers, artists and filmmakers.

The film stars, apart from DeHann and Delavigne, Clive Owen, Ethan Hawk and Rihanna. It is also written and produced by Besson.

Valerian opens July 21 in cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films. Trailer link: https://www.facebook.com/ ViewersChoicePH/videos/1282899245169487/

ALEX Calleja, Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World 2016 competition finalist, is bringing stand-up comedy to television with his new show, sure to make Kapamilyas laugh, Lakas Tawa on ABS-CBN TVplus’ CineMo. Calleja places a high value on originality. His top tip for aspiring comedians is to write their own jokes. “You just have to be original.

Write your own joke, have your own persona, identity, tackle topics that you relate to,” says the finalist in DZMM TeleRaydo’s stand-up comedy contest LOL: Laugh Out Loud in 2008.

He displays his knack for comedy as a writer in It’s Showtime, but feels some pressure headlining a TV show by himself. “The pressure is on me because I also write the show. But it’s a pressure that is fun. Writing for a sitcom is different because actors deliver the lines. In this stint, the jokes come out of my own mouth,’’ he said.

In the show, his jokes tie together to form a narrative or monologue.

Audiences can expect him to impart little nuggets of wisdom along the way through Lakas’ Tawa’s “Aleksyon of the Day,” one of the show’s sub-segments.

This solo TV stint debut comes 10 years after Alex left a career in IT and programming. He followed his passion to make people laugh and found himself writing for Kapamilya shows like It’s Showtime!, Goin’ Bulilit, and CineMo’s Sunday sitcom, Funny Ka, Pare Ko.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Friday, June 30, 2017

ACROSS 1 Fixation 7 Maiden-name indicator 10 Gridiron play 14 Shack (hyph.)

15 IRS time 16 Reverberate 17 Island welcomes 18 Wheel part 19 “Mermaids” star 20 Vehement quarrels 23 Petty 26 Negatives 27 Lower in dignity 28 Long reed 29 Word to a mule 30 Blended whiskey 31 Decompose 32 Magna — laude 33 Wild duck 37 Jackie’s second 38 Size above med.

39 In time past 40 Recent (pref.)

41 Caine or Landon 43 “The,” to Wolfgang 44 Lion’s quarry 45 Royal pronoun 46 Deadpan actor — Sparks 47 Understands 48 Hot coffee hazard

51 Canadian prov.

52 Stanza 53 Solemn dedication to a goal 56 Leave out 57 Mare’s morsel 58 Saw 62 Chapeau’s place 63 Hwy. 64 Filmdom’s “Mistress of the Dark” 65 Romanov title 66 Some newlyweds 67 Installed in office DOWN 1 Marlins’ st.

2 Conger 3 Way of Lao Tzu 4 Fill the lungs 5 Horse’s digs 6 Arrange 7 Not broad 8 DeMille movies 9 Humorist — Bombeck 10 Acoustical measure 11 Sorenstam rival 12 “— a good time for you?”

13 From Oslo 21 Tooth coating

Maymay Entrata Her debut album just turned Gold in less than a week since it was launched. Wow, what a remarkable feat! We are surprised that many fans actually follow her career and go the extra mile to make sure their idol would succeed.

While many appreciate the kind of novelty Maymay is, their number is also proportionate to the people who echo the adage: May pera sa basura!

22 Liz or Rod 23 Buzz off 24 New Zealander 25 Prank 29 More enormous 30 Stormed about 32 Artist — Monet 33 Survived (2 wds.)

34 Disturbing emotion 35 Takes an apartment 36 Extinguish 42 Gunslinger’s wear

46 Straighten up 47 City in Switzerland 48 “Rob Roy” author 49 Arrives 50 Ekberg or Loos 51 Talk pointlessly 52 Thin material 54 Crocus “bulb” 55 Noted lithographer 59 Intelligence 60 Poet’s before 61 Family man

He has made a name for himself in the local stand-up comedy circuit with his group Comedy Manila. He has also seen himself compete in both local and international stand-up comedy contests such as the LOL: Laugh Out Loud stand-up comedy contest of DZMM TeleRadyo in 2008 to Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World competition in Finland last year.

Alex has high hopes for stand-up comedy in the Philippines and is proud of its achievement of breaking into mainstream media.

Lakas Tawa is seen three times a day on CineMo, at 10:55 a.m., 4:55 p.m., and 10:55 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Funny man Alex Calleja

‘Casual’ premieres on Sony Channel

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

D5Studio’s refreshing

show

GOING

CASUAL. Michaela Watkins, Tara Lynne Barr, and Tommy Dewey form the cast of Sony Channel’s latest family comedy, “Casual”

FOR MILLENNIALS

In the web series “Forever Sucks,” lead star Jasmine Curtis-Smith plays Izabel, a 170-year-old vampire mingling with mortals as a 21-year-old millennial.

E

VEN with a distinguished film and television career that has so far netted her not just one but two acting awards, the popular online series Forever Sucks has “a special place” in Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s heart.

The 23-year-old Filipino Australian actress said working on the last three seasons of D5Studio’s Forever Sucks has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

“This series has been the one project I’ve been most involved with in terms of sharing ideas when we have our usually senseless but also inspiring conversations,” she quipped.

“The producers, production staff, crewmen, our director (Joel Ferrer) and the cast are like a close knit of friends but at the same time, very professional.

We’re always joking around on the set and often have to be reminded of our time restrictions for the day. As we balance our time for the project, it feels like home when I’m on the set.”

Working on Forever Sucks has also allowed Jasmine to become very attached to her character Izabel, the 170-year-old vampire pretending to be a normal 21-year-old who works in the graveyard shift of a call center.

“I love Izabel and her story through and through.

Her emotions are so pure and her history so heavy, I empathize with her so much that I look forward to tapings just so I could play Izzy again for the day,” Jasmine enthused.

Asked if she would change anything about Izabel if given the chance to have an input in the direction of her character, Jasmine insists there’s no need to change anything. But she does love the fact that she and the actors are allowed to give suggestions in certain scenes.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith (center) with fellow “Forever Sucks” actors Gab Pangilinan, Gio Gahol, Felix Roco and Sari Estrada

“I don’t think I’d change anything with her. It is evident that even our audience have formed an attachment to her life and especially her personal life,” she noted.

“My input comes in when we do our scenes and after speaking to Direk Joel. Sometimes ideas pop up while he tells me how he interpreted the scene, and he’s always game to try our suggestions. That always makes us feel involved more than we already are, a sense of really owning our characters, story, and the entire project.”

As for the show’s success, particularly with millennials that comprise much of its audience, Jasmine says she is not at all surprised with the solid, steady following of Forever Sucks.

“The concept of the show is refreshing for millennials.

It’s neither heavy nor shallow. It’s symbolic and also easy on the mind,” she pointed out.

“The timing is quicker than your regular series and so it doesn’t feel like a drag to watch. Everyone behind the show is emotionally invested ensuring the authenticity of everything we do. I also think it’s the collective feeling we have on set that translates

on the screen. It makes it the ‘Forever Sucks’ we’ve enthusiastically worked on the past year. Our little show that could.”

As for the prospects of returning for a fourth season or even a possible movie adaptation of Forever Sucks, Jasmine said, she and the rest of the cast and crew would be thrilled if it becomes a reality.

“I would definitely love a fourth season. A movie?

It would be interesting. Given that the material flow would still justify all the characters and Forever Sucks in totality from its original beginnings, we would love that for sure.”

In the third season of the hit web series, we find Izabel and Kiko (Felix Roco) struggling to keep up with their relationship – as they realize just how hard it is for a human and a vampire’s relationship to last forever.

Special guests for this season include Albie Casino, Malak So, Cedrick Juan and Amarra Ui. Forever Sucks Season 3 premieres on D5Studio next month. Past seasons can also be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/d5studio.

GET ready for a different spin on a family comedy with Casual, the latest TV series premiering on Sony Channel.

Nominated for the 2015 Golden Globe® Best TV series – Musical or Comedy, Casual premieres 8.30 p.m. on July 2 with returning series Younger on its 4th season on Sony Channel, also inJuly.

Casual is an offbeat comedy series with Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, and Tara Lynne Barr and follows the story of a dysfunctional family with a bachelor brother and his newly divorced sister. Together, they navigate through the crazy world of dating, while living in one roof again and raising a teenager.

“Casual tells a distinctive story of a non-traditional family and it does that with humor and heart,” said Virginia Lim, senior vice president and head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

“Casual fits into our strategy of serving premium content like returning series Younger to our audiences who have fallen in love with Sony Channel’s schedule of witty, sassy and contemporary programming.

The series is a perfect addition to our channel.”

Casual joins a robust lineup of primetime programming on Sony Channel’s ROFLing Sundays that includes Superstore and Younger.

The highly anticipated Younger returns for fourth season in July. After a headspinning cliffhanger in season 3 where Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) suddenly came clean to her work BFF, Kelsey (Hilary Duff), Liza must now deal with the consequences of her lie.

Liza’s love life is also hanging on a thread when Josh (Nico Tortorella) was just about to promise marriage but caught Liza kissing her boss, Charles (Peter Hermann). Are you #TeamJosh or #TeamCharles?

Younger returns 8 p.m on July 2 on Sony Channel.

For more information, visit SonyChannel.com or @ SonyChannelPH on Facebook and Twitter.

‘Manila X’ hits the spot

Australian singer-songwriter and YouTube sensation William Singe

MUSIC aficionados, fashionistas, millennials, and everyone in between flocked to Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati by the thousands to witness the much talked about second installment of Manila X. Considered the biggest, grandest style music event of the season, co-directed by Paolo Valenciano and John Lozano, Manila X effortlessly delivered its promise of assembling the biggest names in music and style in one spectacular stage.

Noted as the very first event in the Philippines to fuse together music and style, Manila X does not disappoint with its roster of musical artists that all brought the right amount of variety to cater to different tastes of music from rock stars like Franco to independent pop-R&B artists like Jess Connelly and rapper Curtismith.

Opening the show were Carlo Atendido accompanied by the A-Team and highlighted by a special segment featuring EuphoriaMaxx and brand ambassador Mr. World Philippines Sam Ajdani, followed by Tukari Sinati, Saydie, Ron Poe, Jess Connelly, and The Juans accompanied by their respective stylists and their models.

Among the crop of rising stars was Kiana Valenciano who had a lot to celebrate that night. Manila X served as the platform for BYS Philippines, one of the world’s fastest rising makeup brands, to debut Kiana as its official endorser. With the launch came a live performance from Kiana, wowing the audience with a surprise performance of DJ Moophs remix of her own single “Circles,” as well as her latest hit single “Does She Know” which continues to make waves in music

charts nationwide. Kiana’s performance was backed up by the A-Team as well as stunning visuals of her soon to be released BYS campaign.

KZ Tandingan also delivered a powerful performance with her one of a kind rendition of Gloc9’s “Sumayaw Ka” and “Sirena,” as she joined together the smooth stylings of R&B and rock as models sashayed down the runway.

The King Of Rock and The Voice Of The Philippines coach Bamboo also graced the event with a thrilling performance of crowd favorite hits, prompting the entire event grounds to dance and sing along as the performer conquered the stage.

It was no secret that a much-awaited performance of the night was that of international YouTube sensation William Singe. The Australian singer-songwriter was on the stage and sang several of his hit YouTube covers as well as his original singles before hordes of screaming, adoring fans. But the fun did not stop there as a special performance by Bret Jackson, Sam Concepcion, and super surprise guest James Reid followed.

The event was capped with DJ Tom Taus taking to the stage, joined by Concepcion and Kiana Valenciano for a couple of songs. It was without a doubt another successful run for Manila X and people can’t wait for next year’s installment.

Relive the spectacle of Manila X 2017 in its Asian TV premiere on Star World (Sky Cable Channel 48) at 9:00 p.m., with replays on July 1 (2: 30 p.m.), July 2 (1:40 p.m.), and July 2 (10:00 p.m.).

OPM rock icon Bamboo