Manila Standard - 2017 July 08 - Saturday

‘Terror forces down to 80’

By John Paolo Bencito

VOL. XXXI • NO. 144 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

TERRORIST forces in the besieged city of Marawi are down to about 80 men, the military said Friday, but still would not say when the fighting will end.

“The last estimate our ground commanders have is at 80, more or less, enemy forces still in the remaining areas,” Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen.

Restituto Padilla said in a Palace news briefing.

The number includes mostly members of the Maute group, Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon—the so-called Southeast Asian “emir” of the Islamic State, and other foreign fighters.

“As to when this ends, we don’t know… but it won’t last longer [since it’s been] many Next page weeks already,” he said.

Duterte hits new high Nets ‘very good’ rating, SWS says

By John Paolo Bencito, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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ANY Filipinos remained satisfied with President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration exactly a year after he took office last year, setting a “new personal record-high” in the latest Social Weather Stations survey released Friday.

AGONIZING AFTERMATH. Uprooted from their homes, residents stand next to their collapsed houses a day after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake

hit Tongonan in Leyte Thursday, where at least two people were killed and more than five people still trapped inside a collapsed commercial building, according to officials. Below, rescuers continue with their best efforts to recover trapped people from a collapsed three-story structure, made uglier by a car buried under the rubble. AFP

Du30 OKs pardon for 10 NDF members

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has granted conditional pardon to 10 consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in line with the ongoing peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

The political prisoners, who were convicted of charges, ranging from theft to multiple murder are Apolonio Barado, Arnulfo Boates, Barigueco Calara, Sonny Marbella, Manolito Matricio, Joel Ramada, Generoso Rolida, Jose Navarro, Ricardo Solangon, and NDFP consultant Emiterio Antalan.

As conditions for their release, the inmates are ordered to avoid “injurious or vicious habits,” allow the police to visit them for inquiries on their conduct or condition, endeavor to be employed regularly and support their families, and

Outages hit quake-stricken provinces

By Alena Mae S. Flores BLACKOUTS hit Bohol, Samar and Southern Leyte following the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that jolted Jaro, Leyte around 4 p.m. on July 6.

Panay, Negros, Cebu and other areas in the Visayas also experienced rolling blackouts and officials were still assessing when the power supply could be fully restored.

Residents fled their houses in panic overnight on Friday as aftershocks hit the central Philippines a day after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake killed two people and injured at least 72 others, authorities said.

Rescuers pulled out 13 trapped people from a collapsed commercial building late Thursday in the town of Kananga on Leyte island, near the epicenter of the quake, local officials said.

Three provinces in the region remain without power while all schools are closed in Leyte as authorities assess the damage.

“Some residents ran out of their homes when they felt aftershocks. Some had panicked but many stayed calm because we just had an earthquake drill and they know what to do in times of disaster,” Office of Civil Defense regional spokesperson Pebbles Lluz told AFP. Next page

ID for Muslims discriminatory—DND

By John Paolo Bencito DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday opposed the “discriminatory” plan of police and military officials in Central Luzon to issue mandatory IDs to more than 26,000 Muslims in the region to flush out terrorists.

“Personally, I think that what they are doing is discriminatory.

Why only Muslims? Why not require everyone to have an ID?” Lorenzana told the Manila Standard in a text message.

He said he had told the security officials to “reconsider their actions” and warned of negative

repercussions should they persist.

“The purpose may be noble but the unintended consequence is very divisive,” Lorenzana said.

On Thursday, some officials said the ID could help Muslim communities identify suspicious individuals so they could be reported to the authorities.

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Martial law ‘situationer’ out soon

TRIP POSTPONED. President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by se-

curity, dons military uniform and totes an armalite Friday as he tries to visit the besieged city of Marawi—postponed yet again by foul weather and other security concerns. Instead, Malacañang said the President visitred the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Iligan City. PCOO Photo

The Second Quarter 2017 survey, conducted through faceto-face interviews among 1,200 adult respondents, found 78 percent of respondents satisfied with Duterte’s performance, a threepoint increase from 75 percent in March, with dissatisfaction unchanged at 12 percent. The undecided dropped two points from 12 to 10 percent.

Duterte got a “very good” net

satisfaction rating of +66, which is three points above the very good +63 in December 2016 and March 2017, and is a new personal high, surpassing the previous record of +64 in September 2016.

The rise in Duterte’s overall net satisfaction was attributed to the “excellent” +73 (83 percent satisfied, 10 percent dissatisfied) rating he got in the Visayas, or Next page

Boxing body to review Pacquiao-Horn scoring THE World Boxing Organization has said it will review the scoring of the Manny PacquiaoJeff Horn welterweight title bout after the Philippine world champion’s shock loss, but the verdict will stand.

The WBO announced the move on its website after Pacquiao, backed by the Philippine

government’s sports regulatory body, criticized the referee and the judges and demanded a review.

The Filipino regulator, the Games and Amusements Board, has also called for potential sanctions on the referee and judges of the July 2 Brisbane bout if warranted.

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By John Paolo Bencito THE military on Friday said that it is set to hand over its assessment on the implementation of martial law as early as next week, before it expires on July 22.

Although they are still assessing the situation in Marawi City, where government forces have been battling local terrorist groups since May 23, the military expressed the need to submit their recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte before the 60th day of his declaration.

“Our assessment is ongoing.

So maybe we can give this the earliest by next week or before Next page Next page

TITLE SAFE. Jeff Horn’s upset victory over Emmanuel Pacquiao may

be reviewed and re-scored but the Australian’s welterweight world title is safe. The World Boxing Organization has agreed to a Filipino government department’s request to review Sunday’s fight after Pacquiao described the unanimous decision against him as ‘unfair.’ AFP

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

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SC nominees shortlisted

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Judicial and Bar Council has submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte a shortlist of the nominees aspiring for the Supreme Court seat to be vacated by Associate Justice Jose Mendoza, who will retire on Aug. 13.

The seven-member coun- members of the judiciary, after cil led by Chief Justice Maria its deliberations on Friday.

Lourdes Sereno approved the Six of the eight candidates shortlist, which comprises eight coming from the Court of Ap-

Duterte...

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an 11-point increase; and a “very good” +58 (73 percent satisfied, 15 percent dissatisfied) or 8-point increase in Balance Luzon, Duterte registered a 12-point decline in his home turf of Mindanao with an “excellent” +75 (83 percent satisfied, 8 percent dissatisfied); and a point in Metro Manila with a “very good” +63 (77 percent satisfied, 13 percent dissatisfied, correctly rounded) in June.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella played up the results of the latest survey.

“The survey result, 3 percent higher from March 2017’s 75 percent, is a clear indication of the growing confidence in the Chief Executive and his performance as the country’s leader,” Abella said, noting the public’s “tacit support” to President Duterte’s action following the rebellion in Marawi.

“This positive acknowledgment of the Filipino people further motivates the administration to work for the restoration of normalcy in Marawi and to start its rehabilitation as well as bring a comfortable life for all Filipinos, including Muslim Filipinos,” he said.

The survey, conducted from June 23 to 26 has sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages.

Lawmakers on Friday said President Duterte’s strong political will to resolve terrorism in Mindanao, and the drugs menace, and pursue programs promoting transparency and wellbeing of Filipinos were among the primary considerations for his high satisfaction rating.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said the President’s high net satisfaction proved the broad and deep public support for his swift and decisive action in addressing the conflict in Marawi City, including the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

“We must take note that this high rating is his personal best since he took office a year ago.

This strongly indicates that Filipinos support his strong-willed actions to prevent, by all legal means possible, the grim scenario of the terrorist group ISIS [Islamic State] setting up house in Mindanao and making it ground zero for its operations in Asia,” Villafuerte, House defense committee vice chairperson said.

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“The purpose of this review is to be able to give the fans certainty of who was the winner of the bout,” WBO president Francisco Valcarcel wrote to the Filipino regulator on Wednesday.

The WBO is to appoint five “anonymous competent judges from different countries to watch the bout without sound distraction” then tabulate their round-by-round scoring.

However, Valcarcel stressed the WBO did not have the power to reverse the decision of the fight judges.

“The decision of an official should only be revoked when fraud or violations of the law occur. I assure you that the officials who participated in this fight are all professional, distinguished, honest and honorable human beings,” he added.

He urged the Filipino body to give evidence of fraud or violation of the law, if any, to the Australian National Boxing Federation and the WBO.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, majority leader of the House contingent’s Commission on Appointments, said President Duterte’s record-high perfomance rating after his first year in office as shown by the latest SWS poll “only proves that he is doing a great job.”

Deputy speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu said the new high net rating of President Duterte “is a reflection of the people’s approval of his strong resolve to address the drug menace to ensure peace and order in the country as he also champions good governance to eliminate corruption.”

“The people also agreed that the President was right in declaring martial law to end the Marawi City conflict. He is a very decisive leader who is always there for Filipinos,” Abu added.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles said the high net rating of Mr. Duterte with notably improved ratings in Visayas and Luzon, “validate the support for President Duterte’s policies.”

“I am expecting results to go higher once the Build Build Build [infrastructure program] is in full force,” said Nograles.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the survey results showed that the present passed his first major test with the siege in Marawi.

“The true character of a leader is often revealed during times of crisis, and the Filipino people have responded positively to the fearless devotion displayed by the Commander-in-Chief and our soldiers in their mission to bring the Marawi crisis to an end,” Gatchalian said.

Senator JV Ejercito said people understand that the intention of declaring martial law in Mindanao was to resolve the rebellion in Marawi.

“Majority of the People in Mindanao specially are in full support because they want the crisis to end as soon as possible,” he said.

But opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV noted that in discussing the SWS results, apparently, the Marawi seige is the overriding concern of the respondents.

He said those from Luzon and Visayas most likely appreciated the AFP’s effective response to the Maute group, hence the increase in satisfaction rating.

On the other hand, he said the 12 percent dip in Mindanao shows a totally different and alarming picture.

Both the Filipino board and Pacquiao had criticized American referee Mark Nelson for supposedly allowing the rank-underdog Australian to get away with illegal tactics without giving him warnings or point deductions.

The loss sparked calls in the Philippines for the 38-year-old Pacquiao, a national icon after rising from poverty to win an unprecedented eight world titles in different weight classes, to retire and concentrate on politics.

Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had said they would advise him to quit boxing.

Pacquiao briefly retired from boxing last year to pursue his long-held political ambitions and was elected senator. But he quickly made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in November, saying he still felt like a youngster.

Pacquiao told a Manila television station a day after the bout that he will “think hard” about retiring.

The Filipino regulator and Pacquiao’s camp did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment on the WBO announcement.

peals were earlier also endorsed by the JBC to replace retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes.

They are CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and CA Associate Justices Rosmari Carandang, Jose Reyes Jr., Apolinario Bruselas, Japar Dimaampao and Amy Lazaro-Javier.

Those who also made it to the shortlist were CA Justice Ramon Paul Hernando and Sandiganbayan Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Duterte has 90 days to choose from the shortlist the successor of Mendoza, his fraternity brother at the San Beda College of Law-based Lex Talionis Fraternitas Inc. The JBC is constitutionally mandated to vet the nominees for the vacancies at the 15-member Supreme Court and the Office of the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman.

Besides Sereno, the JBC is composed of ex-officio mem-

bers Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguierre II, Senator Richard Gordon and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali.

The council’s regular members are retired Supreme Court Justice Angelina SandovalGutierrez, Lawyer Jose Mejia, representing the Academe, Milagros Fernan-Cayosa representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and retired Judge Toribio Ilao representing the private sector.

Martial...

Both Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa had said they would recommend an extention of martial law if the Marawi crisis remained unresolved, and to possibly cover the rehabilitation phase in Marawi.

Duterte previously said that the duration of martial law in Mindanao rests on the recommendation of security forces, saying that they are more familiar with the situation on the ground.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III on Friday said he agreed with Minority Leader Franklin Drilon that the President must inform Congress about any extension of martial

law before it ends on July 22.

He noted that extension must be requested before the end of the original term.

Drilon on Thursday said only Congress has the power to extend martial law as he noted that to advise the President to simply issue a new proclamation if Congress does not approve of an extension is “an insult to the Constitution.”

“The Constitution is clear that it is Congress that has the power to extend martial law and the President may only recommend it,” Drilon said.

“We need a briefing too on the progress of martial law from May 23 up to this time,” Pimentel said Friday. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

on the NDFP a bilateral ceasefire agreement and further undermine discussions on the substantive agenda such as human rights and international humanitarian law, socioeconomic and political reforms,” Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretarygeneral said.

“The release of all political prisoners, we repeat, is an issue of justice and should not be dependent on the whim and caprices of the military or even the President.”

In a media interview at Bukidnon on Thursday, Duterte said he would demand that extortion activities by the New People’s Army be halted first, before any talks between government and

communists could continue.

“I refuse now to resume the talks with them until they stop this extortion. Because people will say they are paying taxes, but they are not getting any protection from the NPA,” he said in Filipino.

“It’s plain extortion. And if they want to continue, to resume the talks, one of the things that I would demand would really be that they stop the extortion activities,” he added.

While he was Davao City mayor, Duterte had advised businessmen to give in to the New People’s Army’s demand for” revolutionary taxes” only to make an about-face today. With Rio N. Araja

“This must also be the practice in the region not only to protect the civilian populace but also vital government installations against terrorism,” Police Regional Office 3 Director Aaron Aquino said.

While the recent actions of security forces was “something

that has to be discussed,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the current drive against jihadists would be an opportunity to back the proposals for a national ID system.

“IDs will eventually be really necessary for the entire nation,” Abella said.

be reported, adding that foreign donations will be taken care of by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Finance.

“There will be appropriate reports to be prepared by the NDRRMC and the Inter-Agency Task Force Bangon Marawi, as a report to the public and to the donor countries on how it was spent. It’s our obligation and we will do that,” Padilla said.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said that since the donation drive started, the fund for soldiers killed now amounts to more than P3.2 million deposited through state-owned LandBank, while donations for Marawi internally displaced persons now totals P760,927.21.

Cash on hand meanwhile, from flag carrier Philippine Airlines is at P11,785.

A tent city to be converted as a temporary resettlement is already in the works after the inter-agency task force Bangon Marawi started to outline plans for recovery and reconstruction of the besieged city.

“And as of this morning, we were informed that based on the plans, there will be about 3,000 of these units that will be set up to act as the temporary shelter for our evacuees whose houses have been damaged during the conflict,” Padilla said.

He said, however, those residents whose homes had not been damaged by the conflict will be assisted in returning to their homes once the hostilities have ended and the all-clear signal has been given.

A temporary area for commercial establishments will likewise be provided to enable the

delivery of services and business transactions.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the public that the government will repair civilian homes which were damaged in the fighting once rehabilitation work in the area goes full swing.

“As the fighting [in Marawi City] winds down, there will be a survey here soon to assess the damage [here] so that we can have a ballpark figure to determine [how much money] we need to restore Marawi,” he said in Filipino.

“We will prioritize civilian homes [damaged in the fighting]. The President has promised to help everybody [in Marawi City] to rebuild their homes,” Lorenzana said.

Maute Group terrorists killed in the ongoing Marawi City conflict is now at 351, while firearms seized reached 425.

The number of civilians killed by the terrorists is placed at 39, while the number of rescued civilians is placed at 1,723.

Fighting in Marawi City broke out when government security troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and ISIS “emir” in Southeast Asia last May 23.

Senator Francis Escudero commended Lorenzana for admitting that his office and the military underestimated the strength of the Maute rebels who overran Marawi City.

Escudero said he welcomes Lorenzana’s admission, which he said was a good sign that the government is humble enough to admit their shortcomings.

He also said the admission is a necessary step towards finding a solution to the crisis.

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the 60-day implementation [as set by the Constitution] lapses,” he said in Filipino.

On Tuesday, Duterte scored a legal victory after the Supreme Court, voting 11-3-1, upheld the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 216, which declared martial law in Mindanao.

While he was on an official visit in Moscow, Duterte placed Mindanao under military rule and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao after the ISISinspired Maute group overran Marawi City.

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comply with orders that the Board of Pardons and Parole may make.

“Should any of the conditions be violated, the sentence imposed shall again be in full force and effect,” the documents on the conditional pardon, signed by Duterte on June 28, read.

The political prisoners were released from the New Bilibid Prison on the evening of July 6, the rights group Karapatan said.

“This should not be, in any way, used as a bargaining chip by the government to impose

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They said the practice of issuing IDs was a way of distinguishing long-time residents from new arrivals who could be terrorists.

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Padilla said it was up to the ground commander to determine if even stronger military action will be needed in Marawi, amid reports of more air raids were planned in the coming days to flush the terrorists out of the city.

“The amount of force applied to a specific target should be commensurate to the target that needs to be destroyed, so if it’s a small target, it’s a small ordnance. If it’s a big target, then it demands a bigger ordnance,” he said.

Padilla said that the offensive and clearing operations have been progressing well in all areas, with less than 1,000 houses and establishments in Marawi that still need to be cleared.

Troops are clearing at an average of a hundred a day, he said.

“We are doing everything we can to end this problem as soon as possible but you know that this operation isn’t that easy,” he said.

“The number of areas held by these terrorists is dwindling by the day and the more we get into the area of these problematic barangays, we are able to clear more of the remaining buildings that have been left,” he added.

The military on Friday assured the public that there will be transparency and accountability for the local and foreign donations for those affected by the conflict in Marawi City.

“Accountability and transparency have been a main consideration,” Padilla said.

Padilla said that donations given to fallen soldiers and victims of the Marawi conflict will

Funding for traffic crisis OKd THE head of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations said Friday his committee had approved the financing for House Bill 3 or the proposed “Traffic Crisis Act” that will grant emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to solve the traffic problem in the country.

“We have to equip the President with the necessary powers to address the immense and growing traffic dilemma, which affects not only Metro Manila but most of the country’s urban centers,” Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles said.

House Bill 3 was earlier passed by the House committee on transportation led by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento.

Nograles said the traffic gridlock in Metro Manila and in the other urban centers had become a national emergency that needed extraordinary measures to solve.

He said he believed the proposed Traffic Crisis Act and other vital legislation would be passed quickly at the plenary after the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 24 and the opening of the 17th Congress’ Second Regular Session on the same date. Maricel V. Cruz

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“Due to supply deficiency caused by the outage of power plants in Leyte, customers in Cebu, Negros and Panay may also suffer occasional power interruptions,” National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said in a statement.

The grid operator made its statement even as the National Food Authority on Friday said there was enough supply of rice in Eastern Visayas despite the earthquake.

NFA Administrator Jason Aquino said their rice inventory in the region was equivalent to 13 days of the daily consumption.

Meanwhile, aviation authorities ordered the temporary suspension of flights at the Ormoc Airport to repair the damaged portion of its runway.

The closure affected hundreds of air travelers who were stranded in Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport since Thursday afternoon.

National Grid said it was now conducting aerial and ground patrols to inspect the areas affected by the earthquake.

The Ormoc high voltage direct current transmission line and Ormoc Substation sustained damage while a tower along the 138-kV Ormoc-Togonan Line was found leaning but had been reinforced.

National Grid has also mobilized a crew to restore the Ormoc-Togonan 138-kV Line.

Another crew was sent to Kananga Switchyard, which is owned by Energy Development Corp., to help restore power.

National Grid’s CebuLeyte submarine cable and its Tabango Substation in Leyte continue to transmit power to Leyte Electric Cooperative V that serves the municipalities of Tabango, San Isidro, and Villaba.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi advised industry players to ensure the safe delivery of energy to consumers in the earthquake-affected areas.

His department said that, based on its latest monitoring, the Bohol Grid experienced total power failure because it was affected by the tripping of Ormoc-Maasin Feeder load involving 64.2 megawatts.

It said National Grid declared market intervention following the earthquake due to the isolation of the Leyte and Samar areas and the tripping of the Leyte-A power plant. With Anna Leah E. Gonzales, Joel E. Zurbano and AFP

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘BBL may be passed before Sona

By Macon Araneta THE proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to be submitted by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 18 or days before he delivers his second State of the Nation Adress will have a “fair chance” in Congress, said Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. “July 18 is the target date of submission. BBL has a fair chance this time,” Pimentel said.

PImentel said that some members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission have removed the unconstitutional aspects of the first BBL draft.

Pimentel, president of the ruling PDP-Laban, was referring to the proposal previously submitted by the Aquino administration to Congress. He noted that “there is no more Mamasapano negative effect at this time unlike before.”

The BBL filed during the Aquino administration formed the legal framework for the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

However, the proposal suffered a slow death in Congress following the controversial 2015 Mamasapano clash, which put in question the ceasefire mechanism between the government and the MILF. Over 60 people were killed, including 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF), after government troops engaged the MILF, its splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and members of private armies—in a gunflight.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a member of the Senate minority bloc, meanwhile, believes BBL has a slim chance of getting the approval of Congress.

“They said it needs to be passed, but it’s passage is uncertain. We have seen what happened during the time of President Aquino, although he was so popular. He pushed for it, but it was not passed.”

Aquino had wanted the Bangsamoro region to be established before his term ends in 2016.

He had asked the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass the law that would implement the peace deal with the MILF before he delivers his last Sona in 2015, but it did not happen.

LAKE HIGHWAY. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar with Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano officially opens the 3.2 kilometer Laguna Lake Highway, which is expected to reduce

travel time from Taytay, Rizal to Bicutan, and Taguig from one hour to just 30 minutes. The P512-million Laguna Lake Highway Project from Napindan to M.L. Quezon Avenue was built in two phases, Phase I and Phase II to ease congestion of water from the Laguna De Bay. Norman Cruz

DOTr expects to issue new vehicle plates in September T

By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Transportation department said it expects to issue new vehicle plates with additional security features by September this year.

The agency also said the Land Transportation Office is currently embarking on its proposal to locally produce plates in order to expedite production time and avoid short-

ages in the future.

The LTO stressed its commitment to normalize the process in the production and distribution of license plates as the current backlog has been iden-

tified to be at least a million vehicle plates.

“While we are trying to address the current backlog in the production and distribution of license plates, we are also serious in apprehending elements who illegally produce, distribute and use fake plates,” LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said.

On Wednesday, a joint operation was conducted by the Quezon City Police District—District Special Operations Unit, the Philippine National Police

Anti-Carnapping Unit and the LTO-National Capital Region in the residence of couple Jahaziel Alcantara (32 years old) and Kristine Nemenzo (22 years old) in Sitio Veterans, Brgy. Bagong Silangan in Quezon City.

Prior to the operation, authorities conducted a test buy operation on June 22, 2017 after receiving reports of the couple’s alleged illegal activities. A search warrant was secured on July 3, 2017 from QCRTC Branch 78.

Recovered and seized from

Solon seeks salary increase for teachers

By Maricel V. Cruz A MILITANT lawmaker on Friday batted for salary increases for teachers and other government workers, urging President Rodrigo Duterte to make good on his promise to grant substantial pay hikes for state workers.

ACT Teachers Party-List Representative France Castro lamented that the much needed pay hike for teachers and other government workers may not be included in the Palace’s proposed P3.8-trillion national budget for 2018 as Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno was cold to the idea.

“The Philippine Development Plan for 2017 to 2022 is silent as to salary increases for government personnel, majority of whom are teachers and non-teaching staff. Two secretaries, including secretary Diokno who heads the Development Budget Coordination Committee which drafted the 2018 proposed budget, opposed pay hikes in government. This would mean that pay hikes in government are less likely to be found,” Castro said.

Even then, Castro said the salary increase for teachers and other government employees

is one of the very first things that ACT Teachers Party-List group will look for and pursue in President Duterte’s Sona and budget proposal.

“This would be the first budget proposal that the Duterte administration created from scratch. With a P3.8-trillion budget proposal and the Department of Education having the highest allocation, the Duterte administration is more than capable of providing teachers and other rank-and-file personnel significant change in their salaries instead of the loose change that they receive with Executive Order 201 of the previous administration. If he remains true to his earlier pronouncements, that is,” ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. Antonio Tinio, for his part, said.

The group reiterated its demand for P25,000 for Teacher 1 and P16,000 as minimum salary in government.

“We maintain our support for the just and resounding call of teachers, non-teaching employees and other government workers for salary increase and benefits that would help them live decent lives,” Castro added.

Castro recalled that Diokno, during the 2017 budget deliberations, said that substantial

FESTIVE MOOD.

salary increases demanded by teachers are “too ambitious” while Education Secretary Leonor Briones recently claimed that teachers are “not underpaid.

“On the other hand, President Duterte in a speech last July 28, 2016 said that salary increase for teachers will be next after giving pay hikes for the military and police. “Itong increase of salaries, ang sunod ko mga teachers,” he promised.

“With today’s rising prices of basic goods and services, they need more than what we are giving them now,” Tinio added.

“The DBM is so quick and agressive in pushing for new taxes yet brands just demand for substantial salary increases as ‘too ambitious,” he added.

The group also vowed to hold protest actions to demand for salary increase.

“We will continue to support and fight with the teachers and other government workers in their struggle for salary increase. We call on all teachers and government workers to unite and fight for their right for sufficient salaries and benefits in the coming State of the Nation Address of President Duterte,” Castro said.

Workers arrange the decors on top of the Pagoda in Bocaue Bulacan in preparation for the fluvial parade to be held in the coming town fiesta on July 9. Manny Palmero

Ex-judge gets new assignment

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman announced on Friday that former presiding justice Edilberto Sandoval of Sandiganbayan will head the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

“SP Edilberto Sandoval assumed office last Wednesday,” lawyer-media relations bureau chief Rawnsle Lopez told reporters.

Sandoval was an associate justice at the Sandiganbayan in 1996, and presiding justice in 2010. He retired from the judiciary in 2011 after serving the anti-graft court for 15 years .

the site were twenty-six (26) motor vehicle number plates, three motorcycle plates, 25 metal sheets, cold laminated board, a laptop, a pressing manual machine, a logbook and receipts of transactions.

The couple will face charges of violations of Presidential Decree 1730 (Syndicated printing, manufacture, distribution or use of fake LTO documents and plates) and Article 2, Section 31 of Republic Act 4136 or the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

WPP given to husband of massacre victims

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has provisionally included to the Witness Protection Program security guard Dexter Carlos, whose family was massacred in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan last June 27.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II signed the provisional admission of Carlos to WPP where he will be given protection to ensure his safety while the death of his family is being investigated and the police and the National Bureau of Investigation are still identifying the perpetrators.

Aguirre met with Dexter Carlos at the DoJ to determine the assistance that the government could give him and his relatives.

“Losing one’s family to criminals is a very hard experience for anyone, we should help him get the justice he deserves. The Department of Justice is more than willing to extend any assistance that he may need in getting justice for what was done to his family,” Aguirre said.

Besides security, Carlos was also given legal assistance by the Public Attorney’s Office.

Aguirre earlier directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation into the massacre.

Two days after the incident, the police arrested 26-year-old construction worker Carmelino Ibañes who reportedly confessed to killing all five victims using a knife from the house and raping the mother and daughter while he was drunk and high on shabu.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

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EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Throw them out

D

EFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is being too timid when he says he opposes sending erring cops to Marawi City to fight terrorists, but that is his personal opinion.

It’s still an opinion, and we completely agree.

This is after all another harebrained idea by the chief of the Philippine National Police, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, who has been known to bob his head in public, dress up as Santa Claus, break into tears during a Senate hearing and make a spectacle out of a push-up exercise for cops involved in the slaying of a Korean

businessman right within the headquarters of the PNP. Dela Rosa made this statement after two policemen from Mandaluyong were caught beating a man they had apprehended for violating curfew laws.

The administration has been known to go soft on their errant members, perhaps taking the cue from President Duterte himself who promised to protect them should they be

found guilty so long as they were doing it in the name of the war against drugs.

Look at what has happened to members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Region VIII who killed a suspected drug lord right in his own jail cell. They had been charged, all right, but the case had been downgraded to homicide—and the promise of pardon looms.

Dela Rosa’s proposal also prompted Provincial Crisis Management Committee spokesman and regional assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong to say Marawi is not a dump for corrupt and abusive

cops from the capital.

Earlier this year, cops with offenses from tardiness to alleged drug dealings were sent to Mindanao as some form of punishment.

More than ever, Mindanao needs good people. Erring policemen will become part of the problem, not the solution, in a place as precarious as Marawi. Dela Rosa’s penchant for throwing his cops in Mindanao trivializes the sensitive situation there and puts in danger the very people most in need of protection.

In the end, the proposal only betrays Dela Rosa’s misappreciation of the extent

of the problem and overestimation of the cops’ ability to change. Why, he even dared the media—needlessly so— to bet against him that the policemen would shape up in no time.

They will be the best cops they can become, he said.

We don’t believe so.

The only way to deal with cops that mar the image of the police force is to conduct swift investigations and kick them out of the institution.

They are an embarrassment, an abomination. There is no other place good enough to contain them. Certainly not in Mindanao.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Mitsubishi and World War II

a host of other issues involving the President, Duterte remains quite popular. His net satisfaction rating as of June, according to SWS, is a high +66.

Duterte gets what he wants when he wants it. There is no real opposition in government except for a handful of legislators. Many times, his, and his people’s way of doing things disregards due process. And due process and the rule of law are crucial for democracy to function.

The country is virtually under an authoritarian rule. No matter if the ruler is popular.

Why are people still supporting this president? Where did we go wrong?

The struggle to regain democracy and our freedoms lasted for decades. Thousands sacrificed even their lives for this fight.

This culminated in the Edsa people’s uprising. We ousted the

LAST June, the Mitsubishi company of Japan, known by its iconic trademark composed of three symetrically positioned diamonds, celebrated its centennial. Yes, the company which manufactures motor vehicles, elevators, and escalators known for their durability is 100 years old.

The Mitsubishi centennial was marked in the Philippines with a paid, two-page, full-color newspaper advertisement published in another daily newspaper. Accompanying the paid advertisement is a publicity article purporting to be a news story on the occasion.

As expected, the advertisement carried a detailed account of how the Mitsubishi automotive business started, and how the enterprise became successful.

Small photographs of all the vehicles manufactured by the company through the decades were prominently featured in the advertisement. Not much was said, however, about the company’s elevator and escalator business. Although the company also manufactured electric fans late in the twentieth century, there was no discussion of this business, either.

Surprisingly, however, the advertisement was conspicuously silent on the role the Mitsubishi company played during World War II. The historical record reveals that the Mitsubishi company manufactured the aircraft which Imperial Japan used in its surprise attack against the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941—the event which started the World War II in the Pacific—and which Japan used in conquering territory in mainland China, and in East and South East Asia, including the Philippine Islands.

Those planes were called “zeroes” because of the red circle painted on them, representing the rising sun of Japan.

Allied pilots grudgingly recognized the speed and maneuverability of the Mitsubishi zero. Precisely for that reason, the War Department of the United States saw the

Turn to A5

Turn to A5

Valuing democracy and human rights POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO MARAWI City remains to be under siege. The city is war torn. As of now, there is no accurate count of how many have perished in this war. More than 300,000 residents have been displaced, most are staying with relatives or friends in nearby towns, and some in evacuation centers. They do not know if they still have homes and livelihood to go back to.

Their future is uncertain.

The whole of Mindanao is under martial law and the threats for expansion in ML coverage and extension of timeframe persist.

The Supreme Court dismissed petitions questioning the legality of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial

Law by a vote of 11-3-1. Eleven (11) junked the consolidated petitions against ML, three (3) agreed to partially uphold the declaration, and one (1) voted to grant petitioners’ plea for the lifting of ML. This is alarming to many as the High Court’s ruling seems to have relaxed Constitutional safeguards against ML abuses.

In the meantime, the “war on drugs” continues, and people still get killed. Only this time according to reports, policemen bother to bring those they gun down to hospitals where many are declared “dead on arrival” or DOA. By so doing, these uniformed men are able to evade media coverage of the shooting and possibly the crime, and have effectively obliterated the probable crime scene. This is ingenious.

It is also notable that the count of victims of this “war on drugs” seems to have stopped.

But really, such count is very difficult to continue due to this new scheme used by the police in dealing with those they “get.”

The legislative branch, Congress, is, at this point, a stamp-pad Congress. Both

Where did we go wrong?

Houses are tightly controlled

by Duterte’s men. They are like meek sheep that follow the President’s wishes. So much for checks and balances in governance.

Fake news abounds. We even have officials in high positions who are themselves either the source, or propagator of “fake

news.” One even earned the monicker, “fake news king.”

Another, from being a blogger of pro-Duterte propaganda, is now the undersecretary of this administration’s official communications group.

It is no secret that President Duterte is not a fan of human rights. In fact, based on his statements, he despises them. It is not surprising that he continues to lambast and threaten critics, particularly, human rights advocates and activists. Sadly, many cheer him on.

If the most recent Social Weather Stations survey is to be believed, despite the several thousands killed in the name of “war against drugs,” the Marawi siege, the declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao, the Chinese incursions in disputed areas in West Philippine Sea, the unsolved and further deteriorating traffic and transport problems, and

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Opinion BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

A patriotic ruling WHEN the Supreme Court ruled as valid and constitutional the imposition of martial law in Mindanao by President Duterte, the majority of the justices exhibited a rare display of patriotism. Martial law is the ultimate recourse of the Motherland to protect our people.

The opposition can never preempt that by negatively branding martial law as an attempt to curtail our civil and political rights. It can never be less than that unless the one saying belongs to the opposite side.

When the opposition made up of the Liberal Party and the various militant Left organizations filed their petition, their motive is not really to uphold our freedom that is being threatened by misguided Islamic terrorists.

Instead, they wanted to project themselves into the limelight.

Politics being in their lifeblood, they have chosen to position themselves as hecklers.

While the great majority of Filipinos empathize with the tremendous sacrifices of our soldiers to contain the havoc of terrorism, the opposition and their strange bedfellows in the Left could not comprehend that the decision is not personal to President Rodrigo Duterte.

It was a reactive measure to counter the threat initiated by the terrorists.

They cannot insist that for martial law to fall within the penumbra of constit utionality, lawless violence, invasion and/or rebellion should exist.

The petitioners failed to realize that a mere attempt to deprive the state of its authority to govern is more than enough for the President to impose national emergency. These idiots forgot that under no circumstances will a sovereign and independent state allow any political or religious group to govern alongside with it in a given territory or jurisdiction. He who disagrees to this political postulate is free to side with the rebels and fight with them.

Moreover, calling them terrorists is not flimsy nomenclature. It is the result of their savagery and brutality in treating both civilians and captive prisoners. They initiated a new type of warfare called “asymmetrical warfare,” characterized by inflicting heavy casualties on the innocent civilian population.

Using the accurate legal term to justify martial law is in fact irrelevant. Rather, the opposition is seeking to appease the secessionist who often changes their attire to that of the terrorists as when the ewan ko regime of Noynoy Aquino attempted to grant the MILF their Bangsamoro Basic Law. Whether one would call their violent action an insurrection, uprising, bloody riot, mutiny or revolution, the fact is clear that it was the Maute terrorists and the local ISIS that declared war against the government.

The fact that it was they that commenced the violence, or call it war, this column need not read the reasoning of the lone dissenter, Justice Marvin Leonen.

Either Justice Leonen failed to comprehend what is going on in Marawi City or is simply blinded by his political prejudice against the administration.

His dissenting opinion reeks of flamboyance and arrogance. He failed to realize that the case to be resolved revolves around the facts of the case, which is for the court to answer the question whether the imposition of martial law was proper. He is not free to speculate on what will

happen if martial law is allowed because it will not resolve the question of the opposition.

Rather, Leonen maliciously omitted to cite the jurisprudence upholding the martial law imposed by Marcos as valid, legal and constitutional by the same court where he now sits as a misplaced member. Lucky for us, the outrageous view expressed by Leonen represents the lone opinion. Otherwise, the whole world will be laughing at us, seeing one justice pretending to argue on the constitutionality of martial law but miserably failing to fit his arguments with the facts of the case.

His opinion deserved to be treated as non sequitur for it contains nothing but tirades in behalf of the opposition. As justice, his duty is to cite jurisprudence to justify his position, not to articulate on the past or recite beatitudes on what we are supposed to do. For him to tread outside of his assigned task is to automatically reduce himself to what netizens referred to as a troll, out to besmirch the administration.

I could not stop my laughter when this “lipad” justice said, to quote: “Never again should this court allow itself to step aside when the powerful invoke vague powers that feed on fear but could potentially undermine our most cherished rights.

Never again should we fall victim to a false narrative that a vague declaration of martial law is good for us no matter the circumstances. We should have the courage to never again clothe author itar ianism in any disguise with the mantle of constitutionality.”

He added, “The ghost of Marcos’ martial law lives within the words of our Constitution and rightly so. The ghost must be rightly exorcised with passion by this court whenever its resemblance reappears.”

One could instantly notice the fallacy in what Leonen is talking about. First, why drag the high court by saying “never again will this court allow itself to step aside” when he was fully aware he represents an isolated opinion, which means he was only talking to himself? He should have the decency not to use the word “we” because he cannot speak on behalf of the Court. This explains why the justice who is assigned to write the decision or “ponente” always belongs to the majority view.

Second, it was both a deception and unethical for him to use the word “We” because he was never a victim nor was jailed during martial law. It was plain derogatory for Justice Leonen to use his dissenting opinion as his platform to propagandize and express misleading facts to denigrate the rightful exercise of power by the President.

Finally, the issue of martial law is more about what happened—that a war is raging in Marawi and other towns in Mindanao. The issue of martial law could only be resolved on the factuality of what happened there. To annul the declaration because some cynics are not in consonance with the decision of the President is to put the Republic in grave danger. Martial law is about reality and survival, and Justice Leonen, the same man who brokered for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, failed to comprehend this fact and insist in purposely misinterpreting the Constitution.

To annul the declaration because some cynics are not in consonance with the decision of the President is to put the Republic in grave danger.

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

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The heart of the martial law decision LAST Tuesday, the Supreme Court denied all three petitions that had asked it to invalidate Proclamation No. 216 of President Rodrigo Duterte. That proclamation had declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus over all of Mindanao. In what will now be known as Lagman vs. Medialdea, the Court exercised its power under the 1987 Constitution to review the sufficiency of the factual basis of such a declaration and found in favor of the President.

With the help of colleagues Regina Ongsiako and Edgar Bonto, I will be analyzing this historic decision in the next few columns. I have mixed feelings about the decision.

There are good doctrines, on jurisdiction for example and on the reiteration of the constitutional safeguards. For sure, the Supreme Court did not grant the President unlimited martial law powers. However, overall, the President is given wide latitude and discretion under this decision, potentially paving the way for abuse of martial law powers—if not by this president, by future ones.

This pro-executive bent by the Court is best seen in the heart of the decision, written

by Justice Mariano del Castillo, when the Court lays down the scope of its review which in turn determines the ultimate decision it will make. For this column, I will allow the Court to speak for itself.

On the test of sufficiency of factual basis: “The phrase ‘sufficiency of factual basis’ in Section 18, Article VII of the Constitu-

Mitsubishi...

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need to manufacture aircraft to match and, hopefully, outfight the zero.

Japan was so proud of the Mitsubishi zero that its propaganda corps broadcast a radio program called “the Zero hour,” which was named in honor of the aircraft. The radio program emanated from a Tokyo studio and was broadcast throughout the Pacific by a powerful transmitter. Although the radio program was named in honor of the zero, its programming was not just about the aircraft. The broadcast focused on Japanese propaganda and disinformation.

Why the Mitsubishi centennial advertisement published in the Philippines is silent on that important chapter in world history is unexplained.

The silence in the local Mitsubishi advertisement is merely another example of Japan’s controversial silence on the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army in mainland China and in the territories it occupied during World War II. Many history textbooks used in elementary schools in Japan today do not even mention the war. In the rare instances when the war is actually mentioned in the texts, some sugar coat-

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late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Edsa was a political transformation. We succeeded in reestablishing our democratic institutions. We won back our rights to vote, to free expression. These are very important gains but should have served as only the beginning.

The ultimate goal was supposed to be the betterment of the lives of the millions of ordinary Filipinos through good governance—real public service. Thirty years after Edsa, we should have been able to

tion should be understood as the only test for judicial review of the President’s power to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus under Section 18, Article VII of the Constitution.

The Court does not need to satisfy itself that the President’s decision is correct, rather it only needs to determine whether the President’s decision had sufficient factual bases, which facts or information are found in the proclamation as well as the written Report submitted by him to Congress.”

On the correctness of the decision of the President: “The Court does not need to satisfy itself that the President’s decision is correct, rather it only needs to determine whether the President’s decision had sufficient factual bases. Since the exercise of these powers is a judgment call of the President, the determination of this Court as to whether there is sufficient factual basis for the exercise of such, must be based only on facts or information known by or available to the President at the time he made the declaration or suspension which facts or information are found in the proclamation as well as the written Report submitted by him to Congress.”

On mistaken facts the President considered: “In determining the sufficiency of the factual basis of the declaration and/or the suspension, the Court should look into the full complement or totality of the factual basis, and not piecemeal or individually.

The Court’s review is confined to the sufficiency, not accuracy, of the information at hand during the declaration or suspension; subsequent events do not have any bearing insofar as the Court’s review is concerned.”

“As the President is expected

to decide quickly on whether there is a need to proclaim martial law even only on the basis of intelligence reports, it is irrelevant, for purposes of the Court’s review, if subsequent events prove that the situation had not been accurately reported to him.”

• The maxim falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus finds no application in this case. Falsities of and/or inaccuracies in some of the facts stated in the proclamation and the written report are not enough reasons for the Court to invalidate the declaration and/or suspension as long as there are other facts in the proclamation and the written Report that support the conclusion that there is an actual invasion or rebellion and that public safety requires the declaration and/or suspension.

On what the President can disclose to Congress and the public: “As to what facts must be stated in the proclamation and the written Report is up to the President. As Commander-in-Chief, he has sole discretion to determine what to include and what not to include in the proclamation and the written Report taking into account the urgency of the situation as well as national security. He cannot be forced to divulge intelligence reports and confidential information that may prejudice the operations and the safety of the military.

Similarly, events that happened after the issuance of the proclamation, which are included in the written report, cannot be considered in determining the sufficiency of the factual basis of the declaration of martial law and/or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus since these happened after the President had already issued the proclamation. If at all, they may

be used only as tools, guides or reference in the Court’s determination of the sufficiency of factual basis, but not as part of component of the portfolio of the factual basis itself.

Neither should the Court expect absolute correctness of the facts stated in the proclamation and in the written Report as the President could not be expected to verify the accuracy and veracity of all facts reported to him due to the urgency of the situation. To require precision in the President’s appreciation of facts would unduly burden him and therefore impede the process of his decision-making.”

Overall, according to the Court, its “power to review is limited to the determination of whether the President in declaring martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus had sufficient factual basis.” Thus, the Court would limit itself to “an examination on whether the President acted within the bounds set by the Constitution, i.e., whether the facts in his possession prior to and at the time of the declaration or suspension are sufficient for him to declare martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.”

In subsequent columns, I will write about other aspects of the decision, both at the good parts while highlighting my concerns. I will of course also summarize and reflect on the concurring decisions of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Justices Antonio Carpio and Benjamin Caguioa who ruled partially to grant the petitions as to the inclusion of the whole of Mindanao as well as the dissenting opinion of Justice Marvic Leonen.

ing is employed to dilute the intensity of the military atrocities committed. For example, the notorious Rape of Nanking, where many women and infant children were massacred mercilessly by Japanese troops, is referred to as the Nanking Incident, while the infamous Bataan Death March, where American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march for days under the summer sun without food, water, and sufficient rest, is called the Bataan Prisoner Trek, or words to that effect.

Even the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which compelled Japan to surrender in 1945, has been controversial. The atomic bombs are mentioned in the history textbooks, but the atrocities of the Japanese troops are downplayed.

This historical revisionism in Japanese textbooks has been the source of friction between Tokyo on the one hand, and Beijing, Taipei, and Seoul on the other.

It may be reasonably said that the Philippines has no quarrel with present-day Japan. Tokyo has been a reliable friend of the Manila since the restoration of diplomatic ties after the war.

This friendship notwithstanding, it would still be in the bet-

ter interest of historical truth had the role of Mitsubishi in the war been mentioned in the centennial advertisement. The war may be over, but it is only in remembering its horrors can war be effectively avoided by future generations of Filipinos and Japanese alike.

Perhaps, Japan can take its bearings from post-war Germany.

Despite Nazi Germany’s villanous role in World War II in Europe, post-war Germany readily acknowledged the atrocities Nazi troops committed during the war. Moreover, the German government has outlawed national socialism (Nazism) anywhere in its territory.

Because post-war Germany demonstrated remorse for what happened during the war by openly admitting its erroneous ways, the world did not find it difficult to accept post-war Germany back in the community of nations.

By reason of its contrite, postwar stance, German goods and products also found international markets rather quickly.

Although Mercedes-Benz provided Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler with quality vehicles, the brand is sought today by motorists all over the world who look for quality vehicles.

Bayer manufactured the

zyklon poison gas used in the extermination camps of the Nazis, but its household insecticides are still sold worldwide today.

The Adidas and Puma brands of athletic shoes are world-renowned in present times, even if their creators were staunch supporters of the Nazi government.

Hugo Boss designed the uniforms of Nazi soldiers, and yet the clothes bearing this trademark are bought by those who seek sartorial elegance from fashionable haberdasheries in Paris, Rome, and New York.

The Germans have shown that there is liberation in the admission of one’s faults. Perhaps the Mitsubishi company ought to follow the example led by the post-war Germans.

There is no doubt that despite its dark role in World War II, Japan has been well-behaved for the entire post-war period. Contemporary ties between Manila and Tokyo remain warm. More importantly, post-war Japan has never threatened any Asian neighbor with aggression.

As the leading industrial giant in Asia with a remarkable deportment in its international relations, Japan should not find it hard to openly denounce its role in the war, so as to establish itself as a benevolent leader in this part of the world.

prove to our people that democracy works, that good governance is achievable, and that public service under a democratic set-up for our people.

All the succeeding administrations after Edsa failed to achieve this. People have not learned that life under a democracy is better than life under a dictatorship. No wonder, there are those who claim the contrary to be true.

No wonder, many have become desperate and are now agreeing to very drastic, authoritarianlike measures implemented by this administration.

We should have nurtured

and strengthened our democratic gains. The mantra “Never Again” should have resulted in a populace that deeply values our freedoms and human rights.

It appears that we also failed in our responsibility to instill human rights education in our people.

Too many are unaware of what human rights are and how important these are in our lives. The battle ground is the communities where ordinary people live. Human rights advocates and activists cannot be content in preaching to the choir, or be content in being social media activists. We need

to directly communicate with people. We need to go to them, converse with them, learn from them so we may fully understand why many do not see the relevance of human rights in their very lives.

We need to address people’s apathy head on.

We need to go back to the basics. Human rights education is too important to forego. We need to protect our democratic gains so as not to lose our freedoms, our rights.

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News

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Angara welcomes tax reform package

UNITY IN PRAYER. Filipinos from various faiths—Catholic, Muslim and other Evangeliucal groups—gather at the Amoranto Theater in Quezon City Friday in response to the Pasa Lord Prayer Movement call by uniting in prayers at noon. Lino Santos

SENATOR Sonny Angara has welcomed the part of the proposed comprehensive tax reform package that seeks to exempt micro businesses and marginal income earners from income tax.

He said that would be a big ease to ordinary people whose small businesses would no longer be taxed.

“In this way, their businesses will be given the opportunity to grow bigger that would result to creation of more jobs,” said Angara, chairperson of the Senate Ways and Means.

Under present tax regulations, marginal income earners are selfemployed individuals deriving gross sales or receipts not exceeding P100,000.

Among them are farmers and fisherfolk selling directly to consumers, small sari-sari stores, small carinderias or turo-turos, and drivers or operators of a single unit tricycle.

Currently, marginal income earners are exempted from paying business taxes such as VAT and percentage tax but are still subject to income tax.

Micro businesses with assets below P3 million may be exempt

from income tax, pursuant to the existing Barangay Micro Business Enterprise law, but they need to register first at the City Office of the Treasurer in their area.

“By automatically exempting, in effect, marginal income earners and micro businesses from income tax, we would finally afford them equal protection and benefits that the minimum wage earners have long been enjoying,” the lawmaker said.

Under the bill approved by the House of Representatives, a distinction has been made between compensation income earners and the self-employed or professionals in the proposed new income tax regime.

According to the Department of Finance, it seeks to impose a one-time flat tax to self-employed and professionals to encourage these hard-to-tax individuals to voluntarily and timely comply with their tax obligations.

Angara said he would study carefully the various proposals on how to reform the tax regime for self-employed and professionals so it would ultimately benefit the small businesses.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Aquino: Erring cops must be fired

Drug rehab, treatment center to rise in Bansud, Or. Mindoro

SENATOR Bam Aquino on Friday supported Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s appeal, urging the Philippine National Police to rethink its policy of deploying erring policemen to Mindanao, saying the move would further reduce public trust in the police.

“Filipinos deserve an upstanding police force. Delinquent cops should be fired, not just reassigned and sent to Mindanao,” said Aquino.

He said it was important the public trusted policemen especially in Mindanao, under martial law and terrorism threat.

“We should send our best and brightest, not those who abuse their power,” added Aquino.

But Senator Francis Escudero said he did not see anything wrong in assigning erring cops to difficult posts like sending them to Mindanao while awaiting their suspension or dismissal for as long as criminal and administrative cases were filed against them.

“I don’t think they will dare bring with them their bad habits and may even learn a lesson or two from their exposure in such difficult assignments.

Aquino made the statement after the PNP shipped to Marawi two Mandaluyong policemen who were caught in video hitting with a “yantok” nightstick two men they arrested for drinking on the sidewalk.

In the 17th Congress, Aquino filed a bill that aimed to strengthen the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP to instill better discipline and performance among policemen.

The PNP “must clamp down on crime and corruption while fully abiding by the law and respecting basic human rights,” said Aquino in Senate Bill 1285 or the PNP Internal Affairs Service Modernization Act. The bill was endorsed by the IAS and was subsequently filed

by Aquino to help the PNP’s efforts to get rid of bad eggs in the organization.

The measure seeks to strengthen the IAS with provisions for autonomy and independence in its administration and operations and empowering it to instill discipline and enhance the performance of personnel and units of the PNP at all levels of its command.

“The bill expands the motupropio investigation powers of the IAS to cover all acts and omissions by PNP officers which might discredit them or hinder them from rendering their services effectively,” he said.

In addition, the measure mandates the prioritization of IAS functions, which promote character building, and carry out inspections, audits, intelligence operations and rehabilitation among officers. Macon Ramos-

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Araneta

T

HE P800-million Mimaropa Regional Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Center for drug surrenderers will soon rise in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro following the groundbreaking ceremony attended by the provincial and local government today.

Regional director Eduardo Janairo said the facility, which can serve more than 500 patients, would be the prime rehabilitation and recovery center for drug surrenderers of the five provinces of Mimaropa.

He said the facility would serve to augment the communi-

ty-based rehabilitation being facilitated by provincial and local government units.

“We need to strengthen our capabilities to handle severe drug addiction cases although most cases can be treated in outpatient centers, not all of these drug surrenderers can be admit-

ted to community based-rehab programs,” he said.

The health official said those who would be assessed and needing in-patient rehabilitation would only be admitted to the rehab center.

“That is why they must undergo the screening and assessment process,” he said.

The Dangerous Drugs Board lists 50 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers across the Philippines: 47 are residential while three are out-patient centers.

According to Janairo, there are currently 15 DoH-accredited physicians who handle the drug rehabilitation programs in Mimaropa; three in Palawan;

three in Marinduque; three in Romblon; two in Occidental Mindoro; and one in Oriental Mindoro.

As of June 30, 2017, there are 20,910 drug surrenderers in Mimaropa with 7,805 screened and assessed.

Oriental Mindoro holds the record with the highest number with 9,563 drug surrenderers and 4,361 screened and assessed; second is Palawan with 5,260 surrenderers and 1,279 screened; third is Occidental Mindoro with 3,770 and 1,315; fourth is Romblon with 1,401 and 89; and Marinduque with 916 and 761, respectively.

There were 39 successful

graduates of the DoH-Mimaropa Advance Intensive Care Treatment and Out-Patient Rehabilitation program in Calapan City in partnership with nongovernment organizations and the Calapan City Government.

In Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, 50 have completed the program in partnership with NGOs and the municipal government and the Philippine National Police of Bongabong.

“We need all the support of everyone to be able to address the needs of these drug surrenderers to lessen and eventually eliminate the consumption and trade of illegal drugs in the country,” Janairo added.

Ousted OFWs in S. Arabia assured of aid

By Vito Barcelo

NEW NLEX EXITS IN MEYCAUAYAN. NLEX Corp. president Rodrigo E. Franco (left) and Meycauayan City Mayor Henry R. Villarica (right) lead the opening and inaugural drive-thru of NLEX Pandayan Exit. Also aboard the lead vehicle are Bulacan 4th District Representative Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica (center) and Meycauayan City Vice Mayor Rafael S. Manzano Jr. (back). Two additional exit ramps for Meycauayan barangays were built—at the northbound portion of Brgy. Libtong and at the southbound segment of Brgy. Pandayan. All these in a bid to ease rush hour traffic congestion at the Meycauayan Interchange. Joining the inaugural drive-thru are: NLEX Corp. SVP for Communication and Stakeholder Management Romulo S. Quimbo Jr., SVP for Tollways Development and Engineering Raul L. Ignacio, and City of Meycauayan councilors. Vehicular traffic on both the east and west directions of the Camalig-Iba-Malhacan roads in Meycauayan has dramatically increased.

‘PH not directly affected by stricter labor laws’

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Philippines will not be directly affected by Thailand’s stricter labor laws which led thousands of illegal foreign workers f leeing from Bangkok immediately after its implementation, a senior Filipino official said Friday.

In an interview, Department of Foreign Affairs on Migrant Workers Affairs executive director Raul Dado said

most Filipinos working in Thailand have visas.

“Still my team is analyzing current news reports and that there’s a certain population they’re targeting, mostly Cambodia and Myanmar; these have illegals while the Philippines has mostly legal OFWs in Thailand,” Dado noted.

So far, there are tens of thousands of migrant workers, most of them from Myanmar, who escaped from

Thailand for fear of ar rest after authorities adopted the new labor r ules.

Dado said there were only 1,625 undocumented Filipino workers who may be affected by this new law.

So far, there are 16,704 Filipinos who are working and residing there, out of whom 14,981 are temporar y migrants and 98 permanent migrants.

THE Department of Labor and Employment has assured displaced overseas Filipino workers from Saudi Arabia of continued assistance while awaiting final court action on their unpaid wages and other monetary claims.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was doing all efforts to claim money from their financially-distressed companies in the kingdom.

Bello said the President was fully aware of the affected OFWs’ concern and would do everything for the welfare of OFWs. OWWA officials said they were coordinating with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Al Khobar to hasten the processing of the OFWs’ monetary claims before the Saudi court.

“I’m part of the team sent by Secretary Bello to monitor and follow up claims and we found out that the court decision is still under translation but there was already a partial decision which our OFWs will receive in due time,” the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Division chief Ceasar Chavez said.

He said they were going through the labor cases filed by around 100 OFW late-claimants so they could also receive their unpaid wages and benefits from their employers.

Meanwhile, Bello encouraged the OFWs who seek micro-finance loans to go to the OFW Bank which caters to the remittances and other banking needs of migrant workers.

“In October, the OFW Bank will start to operate so instead of applying loan to (sic) the LandBank or other banks, it is better to go to OFW Bank,” Bello said.

OWWA, together with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, continues to extend assistance to the repatriated OFWs through livelihood assistance and skills training.

Sports

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Bethanie suffers horrific injury

L

ONDON—Colourful US star Bethanie Mattek-Sands suffered an horrific knee injury at Wimbledon on Thursday which left her screaming in pain, pleading for help and officials accused of freezing in her desperate moment of need.

The distressing drama on Court 17, where the 32-year-old lay stricken for at least 20 minutes, pushed the title campaigns of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer onto the sidelines.

“Please help me! Please!

Please!” screamed Mattek-Sands as she clutched her right knee after collapsing running to the net in the first point of the deciding set of her second round match against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.

The women’s tour said MattekSands had suffered an “acute knee injury” and had been taken to hospital.

Cirstea questioned why it took so long for the medical team to arrive at Court 17 which is right next door to the tournament’s famed Centre Court.

“She was in shock. Her knee was in a very weird position. I’ve never seen anything like this except in the movies,” said Cirstea.

“And, yeah, I panicked a little

bit, as well. I called for help, but no one was coming.

“Everyone froze and I screamed something to the chair umpire.

Bethanie was saying ‘Sorana, please help me.’ But I felt useless.

I wished I could have done more.

“It felt forever for help to come.

It was me, her husband Justin and my physio. I don’t know for how long she was on the ground, but I would say 10, 15 minutes.”

The All England Club defended their response, claiming: “The first response to Court 17 was within one minute, by a qualified ambulance technician.

In a statement, they added: “The player was kept on court while pain relief was given.

“The player was then transferred directly to an ambulance and taken under emergency condi-

tions to a hospital.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic shrugged off sweltering 30-degree heat to breeze past outclassed Adam Pavlasek 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the third round.

The three-time champion brushed aside the 136rd-ranked Czech to make the last-32 for the ninth year in succession.

- Pliskova defeated Djokovic, the second seed whose shock third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon 12 months ago precipitated a worrying decline in form, will next face Ernests Gulbis.

“It was a very warm day, it wasn’t easy to play point after point and some long rallies,” said Djokovic.

Gulbis, a former top 10 player, sprang a surprise as the world

number 589 defeated former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

Third seed Federer continued his campaign for a record eighth Wimbledon title by seeing off world number 79 Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (7/0), 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round for the 15th time.”I struggled at the start and couldn’t find my rhythm,” said Federer, who dropped his first service game to trail 2-0 to his 79thranked opponent.

“But once I got rid of the nerves I played some inspired stuff.”

The Swiss star next faces German serve-and-volleyer Mischa Zverev.

US 17th seed Jack Sock suffered the biggest upset of the day, losing to 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2 to Austrian world number 217 Sebastian Ofner who had never played at the majors before this week.

Pocari Sweat eyes lead Games today

10 a.m. – Cignal vs Sta. Elena (men’s) 1 p.m. – Cafe Lupe vs IEM (men’s) 4 p.m.- UP vs BaliPure (women’s) 6:30 p.m.- Pocari vs Power Smashers (women’s)

DEFENDING champion Pocari Sweat shoots for a third straight victory and the solo lead as it tangles with the Power Smashers today (Saturday) in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

Reinforced Conference Finals MVP Myla Pablo is expected to lead the Lady Warriors again in their 6:30 p.m. duel with the Power Smashers following her 23-hit performance in their 2521, 22-25, 25-19, 28-26 win over the Perlas BanKo Spikers last Wednesday that kept them tied with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the lead at 2-0.

“We know she can play like this on a consistent basis so we expect another big game from her,” said Pocari coach Rico de Guzman, referring to the power-hitting former National U star, who has churned out a 20.5-point norm in the early going of the midseason conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Pocari kicked off its drive for a fourth straight championship in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Asics with a 21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21 victory over University of the Philippines last Sunday.

US player Bethanie Mattek-Sands (on the floor) is comforted by her husband Justin Sands as she gets attention from medics on court after suffering an injury during her women’s singles second round match against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on the fourth day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

Smile Train run for a cause set in Cebu

Frayna graces Davao chess BEFORE embarking on her European chess campaign next week, the country’s first Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna will grace the opening ceremony of the National Rapid and Blitz Team Championship Mindanao Leg on Saturday, 2 p.m. at NCCC Mall in Davao.

The 2-day tournament is organized by Artillery Foundation of the Philippines Incorporated, together with the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence and sanctioned

by National Chess Federation of the Philippines under the auspices of World Chess Federation.

The event is presented by Mattison International Foundation and Philippine Sports Commissions.

Expected to attend the ceremony are Davao City officials, led by Mayor Sarah Duterte, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs and Artillery Foundation of the Philippines Inc. Chairman Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero (ret.), BGen. Pedro Biasbas (ret.) and AFPI President and Corporate Secretary Col. Emmanuel Martin (ret.). Guest of Honor is PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

jan Pajarin, was born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate. Pajarin was a former beneficiary of Smile Train and has since been leading the charge in representing cleft patients all over the Philippines.

“The first time I met Rojan 7 years ago, you can’t talk to him like this,” said Kimmy CosetengFlaviano, Smile Train Country Director in the Philippines. “He’s very shy and if you talk to him parang natataranta siya na parang, ‘why are you talking to me?’ but now he’s very confident and you can see a lot of people who meet him would say, ‘your smile is even nicer than ours.’”

Other ambassadors participating in the race include Gene Tiongco, an active Smile Train volunteer surgeon, and Bing Benares, a swim coach and founder of Swimfit Swim School.

This is Benares’ first time to participate in a charity run and is a new Smile Train ambassador herself.

“I think there’s something bigger than sa ginagawa ko and it’s a different feeling when you are motivated for something na.

Siyempre, it comes also with an obligation na hindi lang sarili iniisip mo because you’re an ambassador, so you represent the group,” said Benares.

To prepare for the race, Smile Train coordinated with Second Wind, a running specialty brand store, to provide proper condiSMILE Train’s Team Empower is tioning exercises as well as speready to run for a cause in an Ironcialized apparel for the ambassaman 70.3 race in Cebu this August. dors in preparation for the race.

In partnership with the World Smile Train is a global Triathlon Corporation, which orcharity that has been making ganizes Ironman triathlon races waves throughout the world all over the world, they created an with its conscious effort at comevent which aims not only to raise bating the cleft lip and palate funds, but also expand awareness condition and has recently been difor the cleft problem. recting its focus to the Philippines.

The race will be held on Aug. 6 Since 2001, the charity had in Mactan, Cebu and is open to the already completed 50,000 propublic with Smile Train being reprecedures in the Philippines alone sented by 10 of their ambassadors. and more than a million throughOne of their ambassadors, Roout the world.

Cleft lip and palate is a common birth defect that can only be fixed through surgery. In the Philippines, one out of 700 live births develop clefts.

Gene Tiongco, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, has long been a volunteer and advocate in Smile Train’s efforts. In addition, he is also an avid runner and has already represented Smile Train in the Chicago (2014) and London (2016) marathons.

“Endemic siya here in the Philippines, even if you say you hold a lot of missions or operations, dumarating pa rin sila. Majority of them are from different, farflung [places]. The good thing lang is, especially with cleft lip, is amazing ang results.

Members of Smile Train Team Empower are shown here. They are (from left) Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Gene Dramatic ang results. Lifechanging talaga,” he said.

Tiongco, Bing Benares, Rojan Pajarin, Bernard Perez and Hector Uson from Second Wind. Nathanielle Punay

By Kevin San Pedro and Nathanielle Punay

F2 reaches Superliga championship round F2 LOGISTICS bested Cignal, 25-15, 25-15, 25-15, to advance to the finals of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan Thursday night.

The Cargo Movers’ strength and strategy overpowered the HD Spikers in just 63 minutes.

F2 Logistics will be up against the winning team in the Petron and Foton best-ofthree showdown which starts on Tuesday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Meanwhile, Cocolife and

Games Today (De La Salle Sentrum) 5 p.m. – Cherrylume vs Generika-Ayala 7 p.m. – Cocolife vs Sta. Lucia

Sta. Lucia battle each other to determine the 5th and 6th placers, while Generika-Ayala and Cherrylume clash for the 7th and 8th spots at the De La Salle Sentrum in Lipa City this Saturday.

Aby Marano and Ara Galang were forces to be reckoned with as they scored 11 points each. Marano also had five blocks.

The duo executed 18 of the squad’s 34 total spikes to demonstrate the Cargo Movers’ dominance.

But Majoy Baron, the De La Salle player who was crowned Most Valuable Player in the recent UAAP wars, performed outstandingly by delivering 10 aces and a block for a total of 10 points which provided her team a 21-12 advantage.

Marano’s block sealed the team’s victory.

“I think we already learned our lesson from our loss to Cignal in the first round,”

said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus, noting that their poor reception doomed their chances in their four-set defeat to the HD Spikers in the preliminaries.

“We worked hard on our receives and (their) fast attacks and concentrated on our blocking. I saw the great conditioning of the team so I had a feeling that we will end it early.”

De Jesus refused to speculate on his favored finals foe, saying that both Petron and Foton have what it takes to be worthy finals competitor.

Spruced-up Valley Golf & Country Club open to public THE newly-renovated driving range of the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City opens Saturday, with members and the golfing public assured of excellent service well into the night.

A double-deck hitting area with 16 bays per floor serves as the main attraction of the driving range, with a landing area of 240 yards and a width of 55 yards making it very friendly to the pros as well as the newbies.

The ground floor hitting area is manually operated and features partitions and swing mirrors so golfers can see how they swing.

The second deck also has 16 bays and swing mirrors plus an automated ball dispenser, according to Valley Golf president Isauro V. San Pedro Jr. The landing area is well lighted at night.

Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the driving range also features a Korean restaurant, members lounge, golf pro shed, tee girls shed and shower areas.

Soon to open are the indoor training facility, pro shop, snack bar, al fresco coffee shop, spa and barber shop, according to Valley Golf vice president Luis “Chito” S. Polintan.

All Valley Golf members and the public are assured of very reasonable rates. The driving range will also offer golf pro services with very competitive rates.

Discounts offered in PTT fun run CORPORATE and group discounts are being offered in the first-ever PTT Run for Clean Energy on July 16 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Grounds.

Groups of six runners or more from running organizations or corporate firms will enjoy a P50 discount in all categories. This means the discounted rate for the categories are P450 for the 10k, P250 for the 5k and P170 for the 3k.

“The important component of this fun run is the advocacy,” said Matt Ardina of the organising Subterranean Ideas. “The aim is to provide an information campaign about the use of clean energy. And PTT is a perfect partner for this cause as it is a strong advocate of environmental protection and preservation and listed as one of the world’s greenest companies. It’s Blue Innovation gasoline and diesel products have cleaner emission that also protects a car’s engine, apart from being fuel efficient and gives out better engine response.”

PTT Philippines is the local subsidiary of Thailand’s largest oil and gas company PTT Public Company Limited.

Android phones, a mountain bike, 50 gift packs from Leslie’s and first-aid kits from Medicard are some of the prizes up for grabs in the advocacy run.

The top three male and female runners of the 10k and 5k will get cash prizes and medals. All runners are entitled to win in the raffle of prizes.

Registration is ongoing at Chris Sports SM Manila. Listup is also accepted an hour before the categories during raceday at the CCP Grounds. Interested runners may call tel. nos. 09182392009, 09953248315, and landline 9759584 for more details.

The project is backed by Chris Sports, Leslie’s, the National Capital Region Athletic Association, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Kabaka Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Science in Sport, Medicard Foundation, Milcu, Cafe Amazon, PTT Lubricants, Sportsmanila.net and ET Manila, Business Mirror and Business Mirror Health and Fitness Magazine.

LOTTO RESULTS

Deseree Cheng of F2 scores against Paneng Mercado of Cignal. Roman Prospero

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

Sports

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

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

Obiena ends PH medal drought in Asian meet BHUBANESWAR, India—Ernest John Obiena finally broke the 8-year medal drought of the Philippines in the Asian Athletics Championships.

Obiena soared to a height of 5.50m in his last attempt to snatch the bronze medal in the biennial continental championships with Ding Bangchao of China taking gold and Masaki Ejima of Japan settling for silver.

Both Ding and Ejima have identical 5.65m performances, but the Chinese had fewer attempts to take the top spot.

The last time the Philippines won a medal in the championships was in 2009 in Guangzhou, China, when Marestella Torres leapt to a distance of 6.68m.

Obiena flew all the way from Formia, Italy where he has been training under the tutelage of legendary pole vault coach Ukranian Vitaly Petrov. He will resume his training in Italy until the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August.

“I will have to resume my final phase of training with coach Vitaly before I fly back to Manila in August. We still have so many aspects of my performance to polish, but I am very happy with what I have achieved so far. I hope I was able to make the Philippines proud,” said the 21-year-old vaulter who took a leave of absence from his studies to concentrate on his preparation for the SEA Games.

Obiena is now regarded as the shoo-in to win the SEA Games gold medal in the pole vault event. Patsapong Amsam-ang of Thailand managed only to clear 5.40m.

Other standouts from the national squad who gave remarkable performances were Anfernee Lopena, who advanced to the semifinal round of the 100m. The event will be held at 8:50 p.m. Manila time.

Lopena managed to move to the semis with his 10.86s clocking. He is one of the members of the 4x100m quartet, which set a new Philippine record during the Hong Kong Intercity Athletics Championships last June 25.

Sunang, meanwhile, struggled to get her mark in the women’s long jump and settled for fifth place with a 6.20m jump on her third attempt. Sunang is gearing up to regain her long jump title in the coming SEA Games. She owns the SEA Games record of 6.71m while her Philippine record stands at 6.72m. Sunang made the podium thrice in long jump in the Asian Championships, grabbing bronze in 2002, silver in 2005, and gold in 2009. Bui Thi Thu of Vietnam took the gold in this year’s edition with a 6.54m jump.

The next major competition in the offing for the national squad is the PreSEA Games Malaysia Open from July 16-18. Upon the return of the members of the national squad from HKSI, the entire athletics team is set to integrate and resume training at the PSC training camp in Baguio City.

7 teams advance to GSM 3-on-3 national finals SHOWING their never-say-die spirit, seven teams from North Luzon, Greater Manila Area and Visayas have already booked their tickets to the National Finals of the 2017 Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

Team Slaughter, composed of Reynald Ballesteros, Robert Caasi, Mario Torio, and Dennis Cuaresma, pipped Team Taha in Brgy. Caranglaan, Dagupan City to reign supreme in the Pangasinan regionals.

Team Cruz, comprised of Derick Villafuerte, Jomar Timple, Robert Sinnott, and Renzo Dalupang, beat Team Marcelo in Brgy. Cabaruan, Cauayan City to top the Isabela regionals.

Carrying Team Ellis, the squad of Angel de Leon, Kenneth Gomez, Mark Reyes, and Renato Liangco outlasted Team Tenorio in the Pampanga Finals in Brgy. Bulaon, San Fernando.

Antipolo, meanwhile, belonged to Team Jaworski, bannered by Christopher Ryan Hosseimi, James Patrick Abugan, Jomar Santos, and Marvin Mercado, as it topped Team Helterbrand in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City.

Team Mariano, composed of Dion Reverente, Ivan Moreno, Mark David Orias, and Mark Santos, bested Team Ferrer to top the regional finals in Brgy. CAA, Las Piñas City.

Tondo was for Team Slaughter, as the squad of Eduard Tubera, Arbel Villanueva, Kleirence Perez, and Richmond Gana clipped Team Mariano at Tondo Sports Complex.

Finally, Team Thompson, comprised of Matt Aaron Guzman, Johanis Marlu Sison, John Nino Melgar, and Leonel Tabornal, downed Team Cone at Teodisio Sports & Cultural Complex in Banga, Aklan.

UNDEFEATED. Dante Exum (left) of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket, leaving a Boston Celtics’ defender during the 2017 Utah Summer League at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz won, 68-65, to become the lone undefeated team in the Summer League (3-0). AFP

Lions expect tough grind vs Stags as NCAA begins

By Peter Atencio

S

AN Beda College is getting ready to fight their way back into the finals on two fronts when the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament begins with the men’s competition at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today.

For returning coach Boyet Fernandez, the defending champion Red Lions won’t be underestimating the San Sebastian Stags when they plunge into action in the opening game at 2 p.m.

Later at 4 p.m., the Arellano Chiefs take on the Allwell

Oraeme-less Mapua Cardinals.

Meanwhile, the Red Cubs will count on an almost intact roster when they start their own journey to regain the crown they lost last when junior action begins on Sunday at the Letran gym in Intramuros.

The Red Lions, who still have the core of the team that beat the Arellano University Chiefs in the finals, will be getting ready to meet a well-coached team in the Stags.

“They (Stags) won seven of nine games at the end of the second round last year. They did well in their pre-season matches. And it’s going to be a tough situation for us,” said Fernandez on their initial encounter with the Stags this season.

SSC is bracing for the return of Michael Calisaan, who is back in full strength after missing the early part of last season due to a motorcycle accident.

Calisaan is expected to be one of the reasons for the Stags’

sudden resurgence.

“You will see a different Calisaan this year,” said San Sebastian mentor Egay Macaraya.

Fernandez is counting on main man Robert Bolick to provide leadership, following a strong pre-season performance.

On the other hand, Javee Mocon, Jomari Presbitero, Ben Adamos, AC Soberano, Davon Potts and Cameroonians Arnauh Noah and Donald Tankoua are expected to provide experience with their steady presence on court.

Meanwhile, Red Cubs’ coach JB Sison said the team is hoping to do well when they start their campaign against the San Sebastian Staglets on Sun-

day at 1 p.m.

The squad lost only Miguel Bonalos, who transferred to La Salle Zobel.

In his place in rookie cager Kai Oliva.

Three players are recovering from injury and one of their guards in Evan Nelle is expected to rejoin them after a stint in China.

Sison said the squad will be prepared for a competitive season as the defending champion Mapua Red Robins are still the team to beat.

On the other hand, a stronger Letran Squires squad, as well as a better Lyceum Junior Pirates’ team and Staglets are also expected to pull off some surprises.

North is The Duel 5 champ

Members of Team North celebrate their victory over their Southern rivals.

BAGUIO—North checked another impending skid with a cluster of victories from the lesser lights and finally stopped South, 13 1/2-10 1/2, to clinch The Duel-North vs South 5 crown at the Camp John Hay Golf Club here yesterday.

The Northerners dominated the team play (fourballs and foursomes) in the first two days and took a three-point lead heading the 12 singles matches with Miguel Tabuena going 3-for-3 with a tough 1-up escape over Orlan Sumcad in the first match.

But Team South, which rallied from five down to snare the last Duel title in 2015 with

a dominating 9-3 romp in singles, looked headed for another reversal when it took four of the next five matches to pull within half-a-point.

But Randy Garalde, James Ryan Lam, Michael Bibat and Mars Pucay upended their respective fancied rivals to deliver the crucial victories for North, which forced a 6-6 draw in singles to complete the three-point victory in the local version of the Ryder Cup sponsored by ICTSI. Garalde, still winless on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, also went undefeated, humbling recent Calatagan leg winner Za-

Nowitzki enters 20th year with Mavs; Carter, Kings ink pact LOS ANGELES—Dirk Nowitzki will become only the second player to spend 20 NBA seasons with the same team after inking a new deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

A statement from the Texas franchise said Nowitzki will join retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as the only other member of the 20-season club when he returns for the 2017-2018 campaign.

US media reports earlier Thursday said Nowitzki had signed a two-year $10 million contract which would see him play on for two more seasons.

ESPN reported that the Mavs had agreed the deal after declining to take up a $25 million team option on Nowitzki, widely regarded as the team’s greatest ever player.

Terms of the deal, including the length of Nowitzki’s contract, were not revealed on Thursday.

There was little doubt that Nowitzki, 39, would remain in Dallas after indicating in April he wanted to stay on for at least one more season.

Nowitzki averaged 14.2 points in 54

games last season, his lowest average since his rookie season of 1998-99 when he contributed 8.2 per game.

Nowitzki has appeared in a franchise-record 13 NBA All-Star Games, and earned 12 consecutive All-NBA Team selections (2000-12). He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2006-07 season and voted MVP of the 2011 NBA Finals.

Nowitzki became only the sixth player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point mark this year when he broke the barrier in March.

The power forward has scored 30,260 points, making the top foreign scorer in the NBA of all-time. The Mavericks finished outside the playoff places in 11th spot this season with a 33-49 record Meanwhile, free agent Vince Carter, at 40 the NBA’s oldest active player, agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, US media reported.

The eight-time All-Star averaged 8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game for the Memphis Grizzlies

last season and said in April he hoped to extend his 19-year career after becoming a free agent.

Carter helped the Grizzlies reach the playoffs, and his physical skills —including his spectacular dunking ability—were on display in their first-round series loss to the San Antonio Spurs, when he became the oldest player to start a playoff game since Dikembe Mutombo for Houston in 2008. AFP

Dirk Nowitzki

nieboy Gialon, 5&3; Lam took the last two holes to stun two-leg winner Clyde Mondilla, 1-up; Bibat won Nos. 16 and 17 to trounce Rufino Bayron, 3&1; and Pucay won four in a fivehole stretch from No. 9 to whip Cassius Casas, 3&2.

North’s Gerald Rosales won No. 16 and went 1-up against Elmer Salvador but yielded the next before the duo halved the last hole for an all-square match, the same result posted by the Benjie Magada-Rene Menor in second-to-last face-off in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Velasco to represent PSC in Kazan confab HOW the Philippines is crafting its grassroots sports program will be presented in a ministerial conference for sports to be held in Kazan, Russia next week.

As a model for development for many countries, Philippine Sports Institute and national training director Marc Edward Velasco has been tasked by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “”Butch” Ramirez to represent the country in the meeting.

Velasco got his marching orders from Ramirez last Thursday following a meeting with Caroline Baxter Tresise, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Consultant on Youth and Sport Social and Human Sciences.

Baxter-Tresise met with Ramirez to discuss the level of involvement that UNESCO will have with the PSC and its programs.

She said the Philippines has formed a comprehensive sports policy that should be an example for many member states of the United Nations to follow.

The Philippines’ policy in sports, according to Baxter-Tresise is in the same mindset as that of the Kazan Action Plan, which leaders of many countries will include in their talks during the meeting in Russia, also known as MINEPS VI. “It’s really an opportunity to have a look into the Philippines’ sports policies, and to realign some of it with the Kazan Action Plan,” she explained. Peter Atencio

Filinvest unit raises P6b from bond issue

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Business

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

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

SMC puts up P2.4-b meat plants

By Othel V. Campos

S

AN Miguel Foods Inc., a unit of San Miguel Corp., is putting up two meat processing plants in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Pagbilao, Quezon with a combined project cost of P2.4 billion.

The Board of Investments approved the registration of San Miguel Foods as a producer of whole dressed chicken and further processed chicken parts— marinated and deboned—in February this year.

“The finished products will boost the domestic market demand with further processed chicken parts targeted for established fastfood brands like Jollibee, McDonald’s and KFC within Mindanao, South Luzon

and GMA areas,” said Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo Friday.

San Miguel Foods is a subsidiary of San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc., the food division of San Miguel, one of the country’s largest conglomerates.

San Miguel Foods has diversified products in the agro-industrial sector, with businesses ranging from commercial feeds and poultry to pork and beef.

The P1.3-billion Davao del

Sur and P1.1-billion Quezon projects will have mechanized, integrated processing facilities by utilizing the technology of electric stimulation in carcasses.

San Miguel Foods said the technology would improve the quality of chicken by enhancing bleeding capability of carcass and meat tenderness even without maturation by chilling process.

Both facilities will be constructed as “AAA” plants in compliance with the standards set by the National Meat Inspection Service.

The plants will have blast freezers, chilled holding rooms, cold storage for frozen products and corresponding utilities.

They will be also be equipped with cutting edge wastewater

treatment facilities in accordance with the Clean Air Act and rendering plants to convert solid waste into poultry meals for the company’s feed milling activities.

Rendering plants will be complemented with bio-filters to weed out any foul odors within the facilities.

Both plants are set to start commercial operations by January 2018 and create around 1,127 jobs in the local areas.

The Davao del Sur plant is expected to produce 17,215 metric tons of dressed chicken and 16,892 MT of further processed chicken parts annually, while the Quezon facility will have an annual production of 10,009 MT of processed chicken and 22,972 MT of further processed chicken

parts.

Accredited San Miguel Foods suppliers will provide the broilers.

San Miguel Pure Foods has allotted P56 billion in capital expenditures over the next three years to expand the production capacities of its poultry, processed meats and flour milling businesses.

Pure Foods president Francisco Alejo III said during the annual stockholders’ meeting earlier the group remained committed to its aggressive expansion plans by building new manufacturing production plants “We expect these expansions to be competed over the two to three years. Our capital expenditures roughly over the next three years is P56 billion,” Alejo said.

Company cleared to tear Sucat structure POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. issued the notice of award to Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corp. on the sale of the structures, equipment, auxiliaries and accessories of the decommissioned 850-megawatt Sucat power plant in Muntinlupa City.

Riverbend offered the highest offer during the third round of auction on May 31, besting two other companies with a P305.2million bid.

PSALM officer-in-charge Lourdes Alzona said the agency issued the notice to Riverbend on June 30, with the company directed to comply with one more requirement.

“There is still the posting of performance bond within 10 days from receipt of NoA,” Alzona said.

Riverbend can now dismantle, clean up and remediate the Sucat power plant site, which means the buyer should return the present site to ground zero (road level) free and clear of wastes, toxic substances, debris and structures.

The two other companies that joined the bidding were VPD Trading and G.G. Uy Bonapor Metal Contractor Co. with financial offers of P201.6 million and P168 million, respectively.

“The successful sale of this asset advances the interest of the government as the proceeds will be part of the additional funding source for the liquidation of National Power Corp.’s debts assumed by PSALM,” Alzona said earlier.

The Sucat plant was operational for 33 years before Units 1 and 4 were decommissioned in January 2000. Units 2 and 3 were shut down in January 2002. Alena Mae S. Flores

Forex reserves fell to $81.41 b in June THE country’s gross international reserves declined in the end of June to a three-month low of $81.41 billion, down $0.77 billion from $82.18 billion from the end ofg May 2017, due mainly to the government’s payments of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Friday.

Espenilla said the month-onmonth decline was triggered by outflows arising from the foreign exchange operations, and revaluation adjustments on central bank’s gold holdings resulting from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market.

“These were partly offset by net foreign currency deposits by the national government and income from the BSP’s investments abroad,” Espenilla said.

The end-June GIR level can adequately cover 8.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

Julito G. Rada

ePLDT says SMEs face cyber threats

The Board of Investments approves two chicken processing projects of San Miguel Foods Inc. Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (second from left) awards the certificates of registration to SMFI officers led by Victorio Antonio (third from left), assistant vice president and Strategic Project Manager, and Geloni Yap (right), external affairs manager. They are joined by BoI director for Resource-Based Industry Service Nestor Arcansalin (left).

Meralco rates increase slightly due to weak peso

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS of Manila Electric Co. will experience slightly higher rates in their July billing amounting to P0.0761 per kilowatt-hour.

Meralco said in a statement the overall electricity rate increased to P8.25 per kWh from last month’s P8.17 per kWh. “The slight rate increase this month amounts to around P15 increase in the total bill of a typical residential household consuming 200 kWh,” it said, adding the July rate reflected the refund of over-recovery on pass-through charges from January 2014 to December 2016 totaling around P6.9 billion.

The Energy Regulatory Com-

mission approved Meralco’s petition for a refund with a provisional authority for implementation on May 11, 2017 covering June to August 2017. The refund translates into around P0.79 per kWh for residential customers, excluding taxes.

The refund is not shown as a separate line item in the bill but is included in the different passthrough charges indicated in the bill, which include generation, transmission, and system loss charges and lifeline and senior citizen subsidies.

Meralco said the overall generation charge increased in July

by P0.0799 per kWh to P3.9385 per kWh from P3.8586 per kWh in June, mainly due to higher charges from the independent

power producers, or IPPs, and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM. The cost of power purchased from Meralco’s IPPs increased P0.1751 per kWh due to peso depreciation and lower plant dispatch.

Meralco said the weakening of the peso against the US dollar caused the increase in peso conversion of dollar charges of the IPP and power plants where Meralco has supply agreements.

The cost of power from the WESM, the country’s trading floor of electricity, also increased

by P0.4548 per kWh mainly due to billing adjustments, which include the additional compensation approved by Philippine Electricity Market Corp. for the

must-run unit operations of the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant from 2012 to 2015.

The Malaya plant, still owned by the government, is declared a must-run unit when power supply is short.

Meralco secured 40.8 percent of its supply from its IPPs and 12.4 percent from the WESM during the June supply month.

The cost of power from Meralco’s power supply agreements or PSAs decreased P0.0176 per kWh due to lower coal prices and improved average plant dispatch despite the upward impact of the peso depreciation. Meralco obtained the bulk of its requirements from its PSAs at 46.8 percent.

ecozone in western Pangasinan.

Xu Liang owner H.Y. Chen planned to build the required infrastructure, including a seaport in a span of three to four years, Plaza said.

H.Y. Chen is also the owner of the second tallest building in Taiwan, an 85-story edifice in Kaoshiung.

The proposed zone will be a mixed-used area that will be home to agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and cement companies.

The first project could be a petrochemical project that will be financed by Xu Liang.

The Chinese company will also invest P12 billion to build an IT building in the Manila.

It recently acquired the lot near Diamond Hotel where it will construct another IT building.

Xu Liang is an investor brokered by former House Speaker Joe de Venecia, said Plaza.

Othel V. Campos

SMALL and medium-sized companies are at risk of falling due to the proliferation of cyber threats, according to ePLDT Inc. “SMEs have become the prime target of cyber criminals because compared with larger companies, these emerging businesses have little to no cyber security strategy in place—making them easier to penetrate,” said Angel Redoble, ePLDT Group chief information security officer.

“What’s even more alarming is that hackers may use these growing businesses as their gateway to attack bigger companies—a scenario that is not entirely new in the digital era,” he added.

Redoble said budget constraints might limit leaders of these small businesses in deploying cyber security infrastructure, but they must at least work with professionals who had the right skills in combating cyber threats.

Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP: Payment deals exempted from SBL BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas approved the exclusion of the shortterm exposures of banks and quasibanks to clearing and settlement banks arising from payment transactions from the single borrower’s limit.

The regulator in a statement on Friday said the move was aimed to further promote the smooth functioning of financial markets and financial market infrastructures.

“Said exclusion was accorded as applying SBL to clearing and settlement accounts may impede financial market activities and fund transfers from one institution to another,” it said.

“Moreover, the distinct nature of clearing and settlement accounts as mere “pass through” for short-term payment transactions entails relatively low credit exposure to the clearing and settlement bank,” it said. Julito G. Rada

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, July 7, 2017

Big Chinese developer investing $360m—Peza POTENTIAL Chinese investments in Philippine economic zones are expected to amount to $360 million, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Friday.

Peza director general Charito Plaza said during the Maritime Silkroad China -Philippines Business Opportunities Matching Conference in Manila the investment proposal came from China’s biggest economic zone developer, Xu Liang Dragon Group.

“We finalized the discussions Thursday. This is one of the projects we are waiting.

This will add to the July investments,” she said.

The Peza board is expected to formally approve the Chinese investment proposal.

Peza has made arrangements to meet all mayors of the 10 municipalities that will be involved in the proposed 3,000-hectare

IN BRIEF

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency Unit US Dollar Peso

TOYOTA ECO FAIR. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. celebrates Environment Month by holding the 2017 Eco Fair at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. TMP aims to raise awareness about its environmental initiatives that are aligned with the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. TMP president Satoru Suzuki (second from left) officially opens the exhibit through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. He is joined by (from left) executive vice president for manufacturing and production control and logistics Tomohiro Iwamoto, senior executive vice president David Go, and senior vice president for manufacturing and PCL Luis Marcelino.

United States Dollar

1.000000

Japan

Yen

0.008834

0.4473

UK

Pound

1.297300

65.6888

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128041

6.4834

Switzerland

Franc

1.041233

52.7228

Canada

Dollar

0.770654

39.0221

Singapore

Dollar

0.723589

36.6389

Australia

Dollar

0.758500

38.4066

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654632

134.4173

Saudi Arabia Rial

0.266674

13.5030

Brunei

Dollar

0.720981

Indonesia

Rupiah 0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

1.4866

UAE

Dirham 0.272279

13.7868

Euro

Euro

1.142400

57.8454

Korea

Won

0.000865

0.0438

China

Yuan

0.146983

7.4425

India

Rupee

0.015451

0.7824

Malaysia

Ringgit 0.232721

0.029360

New Zealand Dollar

0.727300

Taiwan

0.032704

Dollar

50.6350

36.5069

11.7838 36.8268 1.6560 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks end flat; Metrobank up

T

HE stock market closed flat Friday following a sell-off on Wall Street, US jobs data coming in below par and a dive in oil prices fueling losses across the energy sector.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 1.02 points, or 0.01 percent, to 7,889.33 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Losers edged gainers, 104 to 102, with 46 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender, advanced 3.6 percent to P92.75, while Century Properties Group Inc. surged 8.3 percent to P0.65.

SSI Group Inc., a retailer of specialty brands, climbed 5.9 percent to P4.69, but East West

Banking Corp., the banking unit of the Filinvest Group, slumped 4.3 percent to P32 on profit taking.

Meanwhile, increasing expectations that global central banks are about to start winding down their easy money policies are also weighing on buying sentiment and dragging on the dollar.

With traders already nervous over North Korea’s latest missile provocation, analysts said there is little desire to buy risky

assets such as stocks.

US markets closed sharply lower after payrolls firm ADP said private-sector employers added far fewer jobs last month than had been forecast.

The reading fanned concerns about the government’s official figures later Friday as experts suggest another two hikes in US interest rates this year are no longer certain, stifling the greenback.

“Unless US economic data starts to improve again, the shortterm outlook for the US dollar is rather negative,” said AxiTrader market analyst Milan Cutkovic.

“Rate expectations have declined. The market is expecting only one more rate hike this year.

More importantly, the Fed is no longer the only hawkish central

bank amongst the developed economies.”

While the US is showing some signs of softening, the global outlook is improving, which has emboldened central banks to begin scaling back the accommodative measures put in place during the financial crisis.

Tokyo’s Nikkei ended 0.3 percent lower, while Hong Kong slipped 0.3 percent in the afternoon.

Sydney dived one percent, Seoul 0.3 percent lower and Singapore retreated 0.1 percent.

Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were also in the red. But Shanghai ended the day 0.2 percent higher.

The Bank of England, Bank of Canada and European Central Bank are among those looking

at tightening policies, bringing an end to the divergence that has supported the dollar for years.

The dollar edged up against the pound and euro Friday but held recent losses.

But it rallied against the yen after the Bank of Japan went on a bond-buying spree to lower yields on its benchmark 10-year notes, which had followed global rates higher Thursday, while there is also little expectation officials there will tighten policy any time soon.

Energy firms suffered hefty selling as oil prices tanked more than one percent, following a pick-up in US production while profit-taking kicked in after a surge of around 10 percent in the eight days up to the start of the week. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.93 50,000 57.9 44,970 102.9 2,311,770 4.07 61,000 123.8 1,299,900 1.32 217,000 36.75 438,200 16.2 1,400 32 3,767,100 7.92 300 0.67 56,000 1.8 132,000 860 350 0.69 1,935,000 92.75 7,354,220 0.89 773,000 15.62 73,900 25.75 1,400 67.45 16,650 253 770 120 400 90 1,720 59.6 445,770 220.6 189,360 1,625 215 85.2 6,550 1.45 2,766,000

196,500 2,590,617 237,997,458 248,870 160,850,551 277,580 16,106,455 22,680 122,386,060 2,376 37,500 238,750 299,295 1,351,680 675,508,473 690,940 1,153,440 35,320 1,116,421 193,936 50,740 154,800 26,715,535 41,803,142 350,825 557,926 4,133,640

238,495.50 -42,160,566 -49,011,314 2,520 3,789,270 -37,622,460 -2,800 330,582,829.50 150,600 348,309.50 -18,000 3,495,460.50 12,655,832 -57,575 106,500 -

39.8 8.47 0.84 1.45 32.2 0.26 7.15 18.62 28.4 14.14 65.45 74.5 1.96 5.27 11.6 12.28 15.84 9.9 7.96 5.97 1.7 18.68 69.95 15.32 13.64 14.76 1.7 206.6 60 3.81 3.59 31.8 19.4 18.62 265.6 0.249 7.14 3.2 9.76 6.75 10.36 1.94 10 69.1 6.42 308.6 4.29 5.01 2.3 13.8 4.5 0.145 1.35 163 2.06 30.95 1.07

INDUSTRIAL 40.2 2,689,000 8.47 1,481,100 0.85 10,820,000 1.45 3,238,000 32.8 165,300 0.27 23,750,000 7.15 1,520,300 18.7 578,200 29.2 635,900 14.14 100 66 1,333,870 74.5 350 1.98 293,000 5.28 95,900 11.88 15,500 12.3 3,097,500 15.86 825,300 9.99 799,200 8.03 1,370,500 6.04 18,936,700 1.7 5,000 18.7 1,380,600 70 93,410 15.4 44,000 13.64 171,700 14.9 4,934,500 1.73 723,000 208 278,640 60 900 3.82 149,000 3.59 55,000 31.9 999,800 19.9 2,154,300 18.84 497,000 266.6 479,090 0.249 210,000 7.3 37,900 3.25 2,690,000 9.77 1,513,100 6.96 250,400 10.5 1,900 1.98 3,085,000 10.22 2,180,800 69.2 5,945,260 6.45 54,700 309 4,360 4.4 325,000 5.03 73,100 2.39 2,325,000 13.96 280,800 4.5 906,000 0.146 3,840,000 1.4 1,290,000 164.3 2,052,120 2.13 5,108,000 30.95 300 1.08 102,000

108,590,270 12,757,381 9,293,530 4,746,800 5,443,240 6,332,850 10,895,413 10,848,190 18,485,255 1,414 88,037,622 26,075 576,560 505,732 180,188 38,102,750 13,100,794 7,974,089 10,980,767 114,132,854 8,500 25,831,924 6,538,127.50 676,614 2,363,272 73,803,804 1,244,210 57,864,556 54,000 573,320 197,450 31,877,235 42,773,142 9,352,662 127,810,774 52,290 276,411 8,741,290 14,823,933 1,721,353 19,820 6,059,050 22,208,180 411,412,472 352,215 1,347,090 1,419,110 368,181 5,543,470 3,903,724 4,100,180 559,360 1,784,690 336,996,890 10,669,380 9,285 109,660

-6,251,080 347,815 -6,880 -2,870,410 116,600 -3,654,850 -3,332,896 2,639,555 -4,361,571 1,188 5,457,260 2,347,900 646,877 5,765,994.00 54,220,625 12,589,396 -1,577,042 55,152 -230,244 -17,956,632 99,180 19,341,470 11,430 0 5,501,040 2,660,002.00 -251,626 1,306,874 -795,540 -461,816 156,610 102,370 -71,360 -140,384.50 -224,700 345,424 24,990 -14,130 -29,150 121,500 309,400 -40,991,047 929,730.00 -

0.37 75.85 14.22 1.3 6.53 0.345 0.355 870 8.26 14.82 7.76 6.49 1,205 7.7 80.7 6.44 5.5 0.99 7.29 15.6 0.415 6.8 3.6 0.056 1.13 2.45 103.5 2.7 793 0.92 1.47 303.8 0.285 0.222

0.365 75.3 14.12 1.25 6.5 0.335 0.335 869 8.1 14.7 7.7 6.21 1,198 7.51 80 6.3 5.34 0.97 7.16 15.46 0.415 6.64 3.34 0.054 1.03 2.38 102.7 2.7 786 0.91 1.45 302 0.285 0.207

0.365 75.35 14.16 1.25 6.53 0.335 0.335 870 8.2 14.7 7.76 6.49 1,200 7.7 80 6.3 5.37 0.98 7.29 15.5 0.415 6.7 3.6 0.056 1.05 2.4 103.5 2.7 791 0.91 1.47 303.8 0.285 0.207

142,450 26,736,536.50 29,523,250 620,920 381,691 751,600 196,750 104,371,960 4,122,464 101,870,600 35,510 435,154 470,312,710 67,228 9,341,774.50 650,045 35,195 1,509,420 24,594,593 67,541,882 186,750 353,302,309 684,970 4,738,340 163,900 27,417,660 7,318,123 62,100 123,536,630 48,380 834,940 2,881,986 28,500 134,670

-10,298,319.50 -1,069,238 -22,560,810 1,180,405 39,907,800 -15,477,525 -3,050,832.50 -29,997 -1,369,329 34,986,930 120,861,650 14,170 -1,222,447 -60,577,210 39,150 -484,274 -

6.17 1.39 6.4 2.49 1.18 40.05 3.95 5.45 0.66 1.27 1.55 0.186 0.55 47.2 0.82 0.157 1.74 1.58 1.16 4.66 0.385 0.365 0.64

6.08 1.34 6.4 2.49 1.14 39.8 3.86 5.34 0.6 1.13 1.48 0.184 0.51 46.5 0.76 0.157 1.68 1.39 1.1 4.57 0.375 0.355 0.62

PROPERTY 6.1 40,700 1.36 7,212,000 6.4 1,000 2.49 312,000 1.14 8,519,000 40 9,750,900 3.88 2,558,000 5.36 3,622,000 0.65 300,174,000 1.19 2,274,000 1.54 2,239,000 0.184 11,150,000 0.55 21,295,000 47.2 286,600 0.79 28,644,000 0.157 170,000 1.73 6,796,000 1.58 54,402,000 1.15 4,490,000 4.59 20,805,000 0.38 59,520,000 0.355 420,000 0.63 8,263,000

247,902 9,799,940 6,400 776,880 9,917,340 389,458,265 9,988,220 19,436,439 192,426,320 2,749,990 3,417,490 2,055,700 11,413,000 13,427,590 22,544,400 26,690 11,708,170 80,416,490 5,110,260 95,617,920 22,686,750 150,450 5,205,140

7,915 41,490 -361,050 119,770.00 -182,110,490 -1,336,990 -3,857,342 -57,929,590 6,150 -2,447,790 -9,223,355 2,185,710 -867,170 1,479,350 -207,000 -10,802,580 365,000 49,700 -265,600

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.93 ASIA UNITED 57.3 BANK PH ISLANDS 103.3 BDO LEASING 4.08 BDO UNIBANK 123.6 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.24 CHINABANK 36.7 COL FINANCIAL 16.2 EAST WEST BANK 33.6 FILIPINO FUND 7.92 FIRST ABACUS 0.66 IREMIT 1.8 MANULIFE 850 MEDCO HLDG 0.7 METROBANK 89.5 NTL REINSURANCE 0.89 PB BANK 15.6 PBCOM 25.05 PHIL NATL BANK 67.7 PHIL STOCK EXCH 252 PHILTRUST 133 PSBANK 90 RCBC 57.65 SECURITY BANK 221 SUN LIFE 1,630 UNION BANK 85.15 VANTAGE 1.51

3.93 57.9 103.3 4.08 124 1.32 36.9 16.2 34.1 7.92 0.67 1.84 875 0.71 92.95 0.91 15.7 25.75 67.7 253.8 133 90 61.1 221.4 1,645 85.2 1.55

3.93 57.3 102.8 4.07 123.5 1.24 36.7 16.2 31.9 7.92 0.66 1.8 850 0.69 89.35 0.88 15.6 25 66.7 250 120 90 57.65 219.4 1,625 85.15 1.41

ABOITIZ POWER 40 AGRINURTURE 8.53 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.84 ALSONS CONS 1.52 ASIABEST GROUP 32.7 BASIC ENERGY 0.27 CEMEX HLDG 7.18 CENTURY FOOD 18.62 CIRTEK HLDG 28.4 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.14 CONCEPCION 65.45 CONCRETE A 74.5 CROWN ASIA 1.97 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.27 DEL MONTE 11.6 DNL INDUS 12.34 EAGLE CEMENT 15.96 EEI CORP 10 EMPERADOR 8.03 ENERGY DEVT 5.99 EUROMED 1.7 FIRST GEN 18.78 FIRST PHIL HLDG 69.95 GINEBRA 15.32 HOLCIM 13.8 INTEGRATED MICR 14.8 IONICS 1.72 JOLLIBEE 207.8 LIBERTY FLOUR 60 LMG CHEMICALS 3.95 MABUHAY VINYL 3.59 MANILA WATER 31.9 MAXS GROUP 19.4 MEGAWIDE 18.68 MERALCO 267.6 MG HLDG 0.249 PANASONIC 7.14 PEPSI COLA 3.25 PETRON 9.82 PHIL H2O 6.75 PHINMA 10.36 PHINMA ENERGY 1.99 PHX PETROLEUM 10.4 PILIPINAS SHELL 69.35 PRYCE CORP 6.42 PUREFOODS 309.4 RFM CORP 4.3 ROXAS HLDG 5.01 SFA SEMICON 2.31 SHAKEYS PIZZA 14 SPC POWER 4.55 SWIFT FOODS 0.146 TKC METALS 1.36 UNIV ROBINA 164.4 VITARICH 2.09 VIVANT 30.95 VULCAN INDL 1.07

41 8.77 0.89 1.54 33.45 0.275 7.2 19 29.7 14.14 66.95 74.5 1.98 5.3 11.96 12.34 15.96 10 8.05 6.09 1.7 18.78 70.1 15.4 13.84 15 1.74 208.2 60 3.95 3.59 31.9 20 18.86 267.6 0.249 7.3 3.27 9.96 7 10.5 1.99 10.4 69.35 6.5 310 4.4 5.1 2.44 14 4.59 0.146 1.41 165.4 2.13 30.95 1.08

HOLDING FIRMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.365 ABOITIZ EQUITY 75.85 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 14.2 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.3 ANSCOR 6.5 ATN HLDG A 0.34 ATN HLDG B 0.355 AYALA CORP 869 COSCO CAPITAL 8.14 DMCI HLDG 14.8 FILINVEST DEV 7.76 FJ PRINCE A 6.21 GT CAPITAL 1,201 HOUSE OF INV 7.7 JG SUMMIT 80.6 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 6.31 KEPPEL HLDG B 5.4 LODESTAR 0.99 LOPEZ HLDG 7.18 LT GROUP 15.6 MABUHAY HLDG 0.415 METRO PAC INV 6.69 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.34 PACIFICA 0.054 PRIME MEDIA 1.04 PRIME ORION 2.4 SAN MIGUEL CORP 103.3 SEAFRONT RES 2.7 SM INVESTMENTS 793 SOC RESOURCES 0.92 SOLID GROUP 1.46 TOP FRONTIER 303.8 UNIOIL HLDG 0.285 WELLEX INDUS 0.221 8990 HLDG 6.08 A BROWN 1.39 ANCHOR LAND 6.4 ARANETA PROP 2.49 ARTHALAND CORP 1.14 AYALA LAND 40 BELLE CORP 3.93 CEB LANDMASTERS 5.41 CENTURY PROP 0.6 CITY AND LAND 1.13 CITYLAND DEVT 1.49 CROWN EQUITIES 0.186 CYBER BAY 0.51 DOUBLEDRAGON 46.85 EMPIRE EAST 0.76 EVER GOTESCO 0.157 FILINVEST LAND 1.7 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.39 IRC PROP 1.11 MEGAWORLD 4.66 MRC ALLIED 0.385 PHIL ESTATES 0.355 PHIL REALTY 0.62

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PRIMEX CORP 4.11 PTFC REDEV CORP 33.9 ROBINSONS LAND 24.55 ROCKWELL 1.75 SHANG PROP 3.21 SM PRIME HLDG 33.3 STA LUCIA LAND 1.04 STARMALLS 6.71 SUNTRUST HOME 0.93 VISTA LAND 6

4.2 35.2 24.8 1.78 3.28 33.5 1.08 7.29 0.99 6

4.09 33.9 24.2 1.75 3.2 33.25 1.04 6.71 0.91 5.95

4.1 34.5 24.45 1.78 3.28 33.3 1.06 7.29 0.98 6

712,000 400 2,862,000 113,000 421,000 1,401,100 12,199,000 2,600 4,453,000 1,756,800

2,944,500 13,755 70,128,330 200,020 1,351,360 46,638,300 12,951,240 18,036 4,268,270 10,516,331

-33,360 -1,058,355 64,000 -7,021,750 5,350 269,310 -4,249,482

2GO GROUP 24.1 ABS CBN 42 ACESITE HOTEL 1.56 APC GROUP 0.5 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 BERJAYA 5.35 BLOOMBERRY 9.79 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.09 CEBU AIR 97.15 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.88 DFNN INC 8.7 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.35 GLOBE TELECOM 2,058 GMA NETWORK 6.25 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.62 HARBOR STAR 2.96 IMPERIAL 3.41 INTL CONTAINER 99 IPEOPLE 12.14 IPM HLDG 8.75 ISLAND INFO 0.183 ISM COMM 1.47 JACKSTONES 3.54 LBC EXPRESS 15.96 LEISURE AND RES 4.86 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.77 MACROASIA 7.8 MANILA BULLETIN 0.63 MANILA JOCKEY 2.21 MELCO RESORTS 8.95 METRO RETAIL 5.15 MLA BRDCASTING 16.36 NOW CORP 2.61 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.52 PAL HLDG 5.2 PAXYS 2.88 PHIL SEVEN CORP 180 PHILWEB 10.9 PLDT 1,768 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.56 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.4 PUREGOLD 45.4 ROBINSONS RTL 88.05 SBS PHIL CORP 6.1 SSI GROUP 4.48 STI HLDG 1.57 TRAVELLERS 3.72 WATERFRONT 0.88 WILCON DEPOT 8.65

24.1 42.1 1.67 0.5 0.044 5.35 9.89 0.09 97.7 9.88 8.75 2.41 2,070 6.26 15.64 3 3.5 101 12.68 8.75 0.185 1.49 3.54 15.96 4.86 1.88 8.59 0.63 2.21 9.1 5.23 16.46 2.63 11.54 5.34 2.92 180 10.96 1,768 1.57 0.4 45.5 89.15 6.1 4.7 1.62 3.75 0.95 8.88

23.3 41.9 1.54 0.49 0.043 5.3 9.64 0.087 96.5 9.7 8.52 2.35 2,056 6.25 15.46 2.94 3.41 99 12.14 8.45 0.182 1.42 3.5 15.94 4.65 1.74 7.75 0.59 2.21 8.78 5.02 15.98 2.58 11.52 5.2 2.88 180 10.82 1,755 1.54 0.395 45.1 88 6 4.48 1.56 3.68 0.88 8.6

SERVICES 23.3 780,900 41.95 46,000 1.63 1,202,000 0.495 470,000 0.043 35,400,000 5.3 17,100 9.79 5,435,500 0.088 41,060,000 96.65 161,660 9.7 10,300 8.75 377,200 2.41 12,000 2,060 11,360 6.25 163,600 15.64 11,100 2.94 712,000 3.42 23,000 101 2,247,590 12.68 312,600 8.72 335,100 0.185 3,960,000 1.44 330,000 3.53 19,000 15.94 16,200 4.65 2,934,000 1.76 950,000 8.5 6,280,500 0.61 92,000 2.21 10,000 8.9 3,285,900 5.16 10,816,600 16.46 8,600 2.6 2,257,000 11.52 10,600 5.34 123,900 2.92 5,000 180 90 10.9 1,144,200 1,759 42,435 1.57 3,001,000 0.395 260,000 45.15 571,600 88 962,340 6.09 695,200 4.69 37,807,000 1.57 51,871,000 3.71 3,036,000 0.93 55,538,000 8.61 5,865,900

18,429,080 1,931,985 1,935,280 230,600 1,522,300 90,815 53,123,330 3,629,130 15,658,946.50 99,964 3,263,878 28,440 23,404,930 1,023,179 172,336 2,116,830 78,980 226,467,888 3,795,018 2,912,970 727,180 479,510 66,750 258,292 13,821,270 1,676,630 51,406,976 55,160 22,100 29,198,125 55,731,007 140,246 5,858,910 122,312 647,426 14,540 16,200 12,469,870 74,668,395 4,675,280 103,300 25,853,085 85,066,238.50 4,221,639 174,959,290 82,449,040 11,261,540 50,992,080 50,903,928

167,240 20,369,426.00 -223,984.50 1,281,516.00 -18,261,610 44,400 -30,138,277 7,200 -162,588 9,870 1,660 -2,614,214 3,848,571.00 -3,037,217 7,740 -2,900 -12,600 -2,006,824 -37,269,510 14,363,105 -24,839,919 -48,800 -28,083,480 -40,083,210 -922,950 -1,110,270 5,753,474

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

0.0029 1.76 5.2 1.07 0.385 8.78 2.58 0.285 0.182 0.19 0.011 1.91 6.59 2.01 0.64 1 7.08 0.012 2.62 9 3.03 160 0.0085

0.003 1.83 5.2 1.09 0.395 8.9 2.62 0.29 0.186 0.192 0.012 1.96 6.73 2.02 0.65 1 7.08 0.013 2.7 9.07 3.03 160.8 0.0085

0.0029 1.75 5.1 1.02 0.385 8.5 2.54 0.28 0.181 0.19 0.011 1.9 6.3 1.99 0.6 1 6.97 0.012 2.62 8.92 3 160 0.0085

MINING & OIL 0.003 673,000,000 1.81 20,008,000 5.12 234,600 1.03 9,407,000 0.39 1,110,000 8.5 32,300 2.6 1,670,000 0.29 410,000 0.184 11,770,000 0.192 460,000 0.011 63,900,000 1.92 276,000 6.3 6,292,900 2.01 177,000 0.63 1,444,000 1 29,000 6.97 688,200 0.013 52,300,000 2.7 143,000 9.04 664,300 3.01 698,000 160.3 762,920 0.0085 2,000,000

1,952,200 36,005,350 1,206,778 9,930,930 429,750 275,210 4,334,270 117,800 2,164,310 88,300 703,000 529,450 40,339,315 354,390 898,850 29,000 4,817,529 628,800 376,030 6,000,102 2,101,190 122,384,911 17,000

43,500 696,680 -12,827 348,300 39,000 -602,050 -55,100 9,600 -34,490 -4,983,084 0 -32,240 45,580 -184,345 27,090.00 12,217,062 -

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

41.65 514.5 523 105 112.4 512 525 6.07 1,002 1,019 1.05 108 1,035 1,129 1,016 2.35 77 81.1 76.2 80.1 78 77.2

42 515 523 105 115 512 525 6.07 1,002 1,019 1.05 108 1,035 1,129 1,016 2.35 77 82 76.3 80.5 78 78

41.65 514.5 512 105 112.4 512 525 6.04 1,002 1,018 1.05 108 1,030 1,129 1,016 2.35 77 81.1 76.15 80 78 76.6

PREFERRED 41.9 56,600 514.5 2,930 512 2,090 105 39,800 115 23,910 512 2,000 525 60 6.04 1,119,800 1,002 100 1,018 3,575 1.05 429,000 108 8,340 1,030 1,080 1,129 5 1,016 2,000 2.35 1,000 77 140 81.75 25,150 76.3 38,800 80.5 14,320 78 5,000 78 253,010

2,374,010 1,508,455 1,092,300 4,179,000 2,688,784 1,024,000 31,500 6,774,536 100,200 3,639,370 450,450 900,720 1,115,315 5,645 2,032,000 2,350 10,780 2,055,992.50 2,956,126 1,146,241 390,000 19,476,206.50

2,194,055 -3,578,575 228,800 1,999,400

LR WARRANT

2.6

2.64

2.46

WARRANTS 2.47 1,213,000

3,056,330

-

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.9 2.95 5.91 8.38

3.96 2.96 5.96 8.45

3.89 2.95 5.8 8.19

SME 3.89 2.95 5.89 8.22

1,182,810 61,960 483,505 45,998,928

-39,625 -6,365,775

119.2

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.5 119.2 5,300

631,530

4,768

10.5

DDS 10.5

26,250

-

NAME

OPEN

MS 390,000 354,220 2,084,900 494,000 58,700 2,210,000 570,000 119,990 503,900 6,894,300 4,600 68,200 391,920 8,800 116,540 102,300 6,500 1,543,000 3,417,600 4,356,100 450,000 52,562,800 196,000 85,530,000 154,000 11,371,000 70,890 23,000 156,200 53,000 575,000 9,520 100,000 610,000

FIRST METRO ETF 119.2 USD DMPL A1

10.5

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

21,946,607

INDUSTRIAL

115,932,011

HOLDING FIRMS

175,908,544

PROPERTY

578,654,247

SERVICES

283,726,281

MINING & OIL

847,732,441

GRAND TOTAL

2,029,873,021

10.5

303,000 21,000 82,700 5,560,400

2,500

VALUE 1,960.90 (up) 12.95 1,295,143,950.39 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,139.92 (down) 7.29 1,683,597,260.12 HOLDING FIRMS 7,897.29 (down) 26.84 1,396,991,971.92 PROPERTY 3,651.28 (up) 4.13 SERVICES 1,701.70 (up) 4.64 1,131,228,357.05 MINING & OIL 12,610.06 (down) 18.34 1,110,556,484.75 PSEI 7,889.33 (up) 1.02 235,703,156.96 All Shares Index 4,735.12 (down) 1.73 6,901,582,378.19 Gainers: 102; Losers: 104; Unchanged: 46; Total: 252

Filinvest unit raises P6b from bond issue

By Jenniffer B. Austria CYBERZONE Properties Inc., a wholly owned unit of Filinvest Land Inc., has successfully raised P6 billion from the issuance of fixed rate bonds on strong demand from investors.

Filinvest Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 5.5-year fixed rate bonds were 2.65 times oversubscribed from the base offer of P5 billion, prompting the company to exercise an overallotment option of P1 billion.

The bonds, which were listed with Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Friday, carry a coupon rate of 5.0496 a year.

Filinvest Land president Josephine Gotianun-Yap said the company would use proceeds from the offering to finance Cyberzone’s aggressive buildup program involving the construction and operation of five additional buildings in Northgate Cyberzone in Filinvest CIty, Alabang and three new towers in Cybezone Cebu in Lahug City.

“We continue to be optimistic about the BPO industry and the overall office leasing market,” Yap said.

Cyberzone”s BPO portfolio consists of 18 operational buildings with 239,823 square meters of gross leasable area.

Cyberzone in 2017 will complete three new buildings that will add 103,000 square meters of additional leasable space or a 43-percent increase from the end 2016 level.

“By 2020, CPI’s total GLA is targeted to increase to 492,720 sq.m,” Yap said.

The company tapped BDO Capital and Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp., EastWest Baking Corp. and First Metro Investments Corp. as joint issue managers and book runners of the bond offering. PNB Capital and Investments Corp and SB Capital are co-lead underwriters.

Zambo water firm reduces leakage

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales ZAMBOANGA Water Company Inc., a joint-venture company between Zamboanga City Water District and Manila Water Co. Inc., has recorded a cumulative recovered non-revenue water volume of 410,000 cubic meters in the second quarter of the year through its NRW or system loss reduction project.

The company said the volume represented an outperformance of 52 percent of its contractual target of 270,000 cubic meters during the period.

The 10-year contract which began in 2015 aims to reduce the water system losses in the city by implementing a network restructuring and active leakage reduction program.

The P300-million agreement between Zamboanga City and Manila Water aims to decrease NRW from almost 50 percent to 25 percent by the end of the fifth year.

The water firm will maintain the NRW up to the sixth year and extend technical assistance to the water district to ensure the gains of the project are maximized until the end of the 10th year.

Zamboanga Water said the network restructuring program involves the formation of 33 district metering areas that will be implemented until the end of year 2018. As of March, 26 DMAs have been commissioned, 18 percent more than the actual commitment of 22 for the period.

The active leakage reduction program focuses on extensive leakage detection and system repairs. Aggressive efforts for both programs have resulted in much lower NRW levels in the DMAs after only two years of operation.

Home / Design

B3

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BIG BUY IN MANHATTAN. Ascott Residence Trust (Ascott Reit) recently acquired the 224-unit DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York – Times Square South for US$106 million (See photo). The freehold property is located in

Midtown Manhattan near Times Square, one of the most visited locations in the world, with more than 40 million visitors each year. “This acquisition would strengthen our foothold in New York, which saw record high visitor arrivals in 2016,” said Bob Tan, Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited’s (ARTML) chairman. Ascott Reit’s serviced residences are mostly operated under the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset brands. They are mainly located in key gateway cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Melbourne, Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Ascott Reit is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest real estate companies.

OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN. Empty nesters, young professionals, or couples starting a small family, are taking a longer look at Pioneer Pointe in Mandaluyong, part of Filinvest Livable Condos. The 28-storey property is located near the bustling commercial and business districts of Mandaluyong City, Makati City, and Bonifacio Global City. Pioneer Pointe offers studio units ranging from 30.85 sqm to 40.39 sqm and two-bedroom bi-level and flat units ranging from 62.3 sqm to 73.52 sqm. Two-bedroom garden units are also available from 96.1 sqm to 110.8 sqm, including amenities such as a function room, swimming pool, and a pocket garden with a play area for children.

BANKING ON A PROMISE. Calmar Land Development Corporation, recently ventured into the economic housing segment

in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas (CALABARZON) market with its launch of Promesa in Barangay Bagong Poo, Pila, Laguna. Calmar Land’s project will span close to 5 hectares, with an inventory of 500 homes ranging in size from 44 to 84 square meters. Promesa is Spanish for “promise,” and reflects the developer’s commitment to contribute to the 5.5 million housing backlog in this market. At the launch were Engr. Reynaldo Calayan Jr. (3rd from left), president and CEO of Calmar Land, shaking hands wth Dennis Villavecer of the Laguna governor’s office. Joining them were (from left): Jose Alan Bacalando, Laguna branch head; Bobit Pablo, national sales head; Raymundo Alonso, chief operating officer; and chairman Florentino Vergara Jr., barangay captain of Barangay Bagong Pook.

RESORT-INSPIRED LIVING IN QC. DMCI Homes is bringing its signature resort-

MANDAUE EXPERIENCE. Despite the presence of transplanted big city malls, Parkmall in the Mandaue reclamation area in Cebu continues to be competitive. It is riding high on a three-year redevelopment agenda, the first phase of which is the construction of an expansion project called the West Strip which will house more tenants with longer operating hours to accommodate guests of nearby hospitals and hotels. Parkmall today enjoys increased foot traffic especially on weekends. Even at a time when retail shopping can be conducted over the Internet, Parkmall retained its charm to local shoppers with its diverse and evolving lifestyle and entertainment options.

inspired living and expansive public spaces along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, with the Infina Towers. The development features two towers - the north and the south, just a stone’s throw from the LRT 2 Anonas Station. Infina Towers offers a good place for startup families with its easy access to educational institutions such as University of the Philippines-Diliman, Miriam College and Ateneo de Manila University, as well as bustling businesses in nearby Araneta Center in Cubao area. The Infina Tower onebedroom units are great for rental investments at a price range of P2.46 million to P3.18 million. Two-bedroom units range from P3.89 million to P4.42 million. Three-bedroom units range from P6.12 million to P6.39 million. The north tower will turn over 40 levels of residential units on Sept. 2021.

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

B4

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

IGNITING THE SPARK. With the new SHS Building, DLSU-Vermosa students get to experience state-of-the-art facilities, and a learning-centered environment.

Cavite township gets Lasallian touch

CHASING DREAMS OF ATHLETIC GLORY. The Vermosa sports complex will have the Philippines’ first FINA-certifiable Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the country’s first IAAF-certified oval track.

A

YALA Land, Inc. recently opened De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) Vermosa Campus. Located within the mixed-use destination and the fourth largest estate of ALI, the campus joins residential, retail, and business spots in the 700-hectare estate in Imus, Cavite.

EXPANDING INTO THE OFFICE SPACE MARKET. Ortigas & Company, in

partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), recently unveiled the IBP Tower, a 27-storey building along Doña Julia Vargas Avenue corner F. Ortigas Jr. Road. The tower solidifies the developer’s foray in the office space market, following the offices in Estancia at Capitol Commons, Ortigas Building at the heart of Ortigas central business district, and the business and knowledge process outsourcing (BPO / KPO) firms housed in Transcom Center and Silver City at Frontera Verde. The IBP Tower has a 1,363 sqm. floor plate with retail spaces on the ground and 10th floor. At the launch were (from left): incoming IBP national president Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo; Ortigas & Company executive vice president, Atty. Michael David Abundo III; Ortigas & Company president and CEO Jaime Ysmael; president and chairperson of the 22nd IBP Board, Atty.

Rosario T. Setias-Reyes; former IBP president, Atty. Roan I. Libarios; former IBP president, Atty. Vicente Joyas, and IBP governor for Eastern Visayas, Atty. Elaine Batha

The school’s opening paved the way for the kick off of senior high school (SHS) classes for academic year 2017-2018 The DLSZ-Vermosa Campus is located within the Vermosa midtown, a pedestrian-focused, bikefriendly area, home to a campustype commercial district with a lifestyle mall as well as the Vermosa Sports and Lifestyle Complex.

DLSZ-Vermosa houses three primary school zones—academic,

sports, and cultural. Within the zones are facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, and faculty centers. Inside the academic zone are the administration building, middle (junior) and senior high school halls, and the Spark building.

certified track oval and football field—together with a performing arts theatre.

A unique feature of the complex is its Fédération internationale de natation (FINA)-certifiable Olympic-sized swimming pool, an International Association of Athletics World-class sport facilities Federations (IAAF)-certified oval track, motocross track, bike trail, There is also a sports complex— and a sports science laboratory with a Fédération Internationale that will serve as training facility de Football Association (FIFA)- for DLSZ’s athletes.

LGUs

Over 21k Makati pets get vaccines MORE than 21,500 pet owners in Makati have benefitted from the free anti-rabies vaccination operations conducted by the city government in 26 barangays since January this year.

In a report to Mayor Abigail Binay, Makati Veterinary Services Office chief Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas said her office gave free anti-rabies shots to 9,424 pets in District 1 and 12,160 pets in District 2.

Mangahas urged residents whose pets have not been vaccinated to bring their pets to the nearest MVSO office.

For District 1 residents, the MVSO at the Makati Central Fire Station on Ayala Avenue Extension corner Malugay St. (tel.no.

889-7949) is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents of District 2 may bring their pets for vaccination to MVSO at Cadena de Amor St., Brgy. Pembo (tel. no. 8968723) from Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Among the 26 barangays covered in the drive to date, Barangay Rizal posted the highest number with 2,703 pets vaccinated. It was followed by Pembo, 1,804; East Rembo, 1,762; West Rembo, 1,726; Bangkal, 1,272; Cembo, 1,199; Olympia, 1,183; Comembo, 1,139; Pio del Pilar, 1,102; and Palanan, 1,048; Poblacion, 836; Tejeros, 818; Guadalupe Nuevo, 725.

San Antonio, 655; Guadalupe Viejo, 649; San Isidro, 483; Pitogo, 422; La Paz, 420; Singkamas, 368; Valenzuela, 358; Sta. Cruz, 334; Dasmariñas, 199; Carmona, 189; Urdaneta, 96; Forbes Park, 63; and Northside, 31.

The citywide anti-rabies vaccination drive of MVSO is being conducted with the assistance of barangay health workers and personnel of the Makati Action Center.

Meanwhile, the MVSO also offers free anti-rabies vaccination during the Makati Lingkod Bayan Caravan which is held twice a month in the barangays.

The caravan is scheduled to visit Barangay Singkamas at F. Benitez Elementary School III along F. Nazario St. on Saturday, July 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Reports showed that the Philippines was listed sixth among the countries that still have reported cases of rabies, with around 200 to 500 people dying from the illness annually. Joel E. Zurbano

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

C1

Taguig giving Marawi P1.5m

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE city government of Taguig announced on Friday it is giving P1.5 million as relief assistance to Marawi City, which was declared under the state of calamity amid the ongoing armed conflict there.

City councilors approved a resolution following the proposal of Mayor Laarni Cayetano to appropriate funds to be send to the war-torn city in the province of Lanao del Sur. The resolution stated that the local council of Marawi declared the city under a state of

calamity through Resolution No. 60, following the attack of the extremist Maute Group in Barangay Basak Malutlut on May 23.

More than 30,000 families or 140,000 individuals have evacuated the city, while their homes and property were severely

damaged by the battles between the authorities and the terrorists.

“We are very eager in helping our brothers and sisters. We want them to feel that they are not alone in this battle. We want this simple act to give them hope in their hearts,” said Cayetano, who urged the council to provide the needed assistance to Marawi.

Cayetano also asked Filipinos to include the restoration of peace in Marawi in their prayers as she enjoined everyone to do what they could to help.

Meanwhile, Allison Lopez, chief information officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross, revealed that human-

itarian needs still exist in several areas in Marawi as the fighting continues.

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

“The situation is far from over. Fighting is ongoing, and civilians who are trapped or are displaced continue to face challenging situations. There is still a need to support more than 200,000 displaced people with food, drinking water, sanitation facilities and health

care in the coming weeks,” added Roberto Petronio, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Mindanao.

With various government agencies responding to the crisis and the arrival of more aid organizations, Petronio said coordination has become a major task. Regular meetings are held to identify gaps and to address current and future needs.

“Looking forward, the future needs of the displaced families will include support for their return to Marawi City, while those who cannot go home need temporary relocation or settlement,” he said.

GIFT GIVING. Pupils of the Sta. Cruz Day Care Center in Laguna led by their teacher Lucille M. De Leon receive school supplies from the officers and members of the Laguna Provincial

Advisory Council led by engineer Gomer B. Carta, the acting chairman (fifth from left), and the Laguna Provincial Police Office’s Deputy Police Director for Administration Supt. Melchor Salvadora (sixth from left), Public Information Office chief Sr. Insp. Gerry Sangalang (seventh from left), and Police Community Relations head Chief Insp. Pastor Castillo (second from left).

The turnover was part of the Laguna police’s 22nd PCR Month at the Camp Gen. Paciano Rizal in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Roy Tomandao

QC dads back proposal vs abuse of elderly

By Rio N. Araja THE Quezon City government is supporting a proposed measure in Congress protecting the elderly from abuse.

The 36-member City Council has passed Resolution 7093 to back House Bill 2989 or “An Act providing to the Elderly against Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, and Prescribing Penalties for Violation Thereof.”

The resolution said the country “does not have a law that specifically targets elder abuse as a criminal offense because of lack of specific studies relating to crime against senior citizens.”

The resolution, introduced and authored by District 1 Councilor Lena Marie Juico, noted that many elders or senior citizens are being abused or harassed, instead of being respected

and taken care of.

“Our elders, who have spent a portion of their existence to make sure ours would be a little bit better, are not in all cases respected and taken care of. There are those who are abused and harassed,” it read.

“The State engages to protect our senior citizens who are more prone to abuse and because of the weaker stage, have less physical and mental

agility to defend and provide protection for them,” the proposal added.

House Bill 2989 is authored by Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian.

“As the number of older Filipinos grows proportionately in this country, House Bill No. 2989 seeks to provide special protection for senior citizens through the prevention and deterrence of acts inimical to their security and safety,” the city resolution read.

SM farmers’ program holds successive festivals THE Farmers’ Training Program (Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan or KSK) of SM Foundation has continually benefitted the marginalized urban dwellers and small vegetable farmers in rural areas.

The program was recently launched in succession in Pasig; San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan; and Gapan, Nueva Ecija. After a season-long training, the participants are now equipped with the techniques to improve the quality of their crops and increase their yield.

Participants of the Urban Farmers’ Training Program in Pasig City showed off a bountiful harvest as they completed their training. Another harvest festival was held In Barangay Malinao by the trainees that included 4Ps beneficiaries. SM Foundation’s program partner in this endeavor was MacPlas Academy.

In Barangay Kaypian, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, 200 participants of the KSK training program also held the harvest festival prior to their graduation ceremony. In Barangay Pambuan, Gapan, 172 participants finished the training ahead of their own festival.

Among those present during the graduation at Gapan were Chito Macapagal, Head of SM Corporate Affairs and SM Foundation Trustee; SMFI AVP for Outreach and Livelihood Programs Cristie Angeles; Harbest Agribusiness Corp. President Toto Barcelona; SM City Cabanatuan Mall Manager Mark Herrera; and SM Cabanatuan Supermarket Store Manager Donna Mallari.

SM Foundation’s KSK beneficiaries in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan show off their harvest.

‘Divisoria, other areas to stay clean’

By Sandy Araneta MANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada on Friday ordered the city’s Task Force Manila Cleanup to keep Divisoria Market and other vending areas clean and organized so as not to contribute to traffic congestion.

The city government has since allowed the limited operation of the night market in Divisoria, but Estrada said it does not mean they are now tolerating illegal vendors anywhere in the city.

“Of course we won’t allow chaos to reign again in Divisoria so we have to impose certain regulations,” Estrada pointed out.

“We have to be very strict particularly when it comes to the cleanliness of the area,” he said.

The Manila Night Market was Estrada’s idea in 2013 to continue giving opportunities to vendors who were displaced in the process of clearing out the sidewalks and streets during daytime.

In Divisoria, specifically between Abad Santos and Asuncion streets, vegetable and wet goods vendors are allowed to operate from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In compliance with Estrada’s instructions, Task Force Manila Cleanup chief Che Borromeo said a permanent contingent of 90 personnel composed of 50 clearing crews and 40 street sweepers are stationed in Divisoria.

The team is tasked to discipline vendors by keeping them in designated areas and collecting and cleaning up their garbage at dawn, Borromeo said.

At Blumentritt, between Avenida to Aurora Boulevard, and Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, similar operations are being conducted every day to keep traffic flowing.

Borromeo said the mayor’s instructions are clear: Do not allow the occupation of the city’s precious roadways and sidewalks again, especially in the Divisoria area.

Since June last year, Estrada has intensified the city government’s road and sidewalk clearing operations, driving away more than 3,500 illegal vendors and removing countless number of obstructions and illegal structures.

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SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

Docs hit costly food allergy tests A GROUP of allergists—doctors who specialize in treating allergies—has warned the public against the practice of some doctors or diagnostic centers that offer certain expensive tests to detect suspected food allergies, which they said could lead to “unwanted consequences” and “unnecessary expenses” for patients and families involved.

In a position statement, the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said it does not support the practice of offering certain food intolerance tests—such as serum IgG testing, which can go for thousands of pesos per test—“given

the evidence against the validity of such tests.”

“The PSAAI does not recommend the use of food-specific IgG testing for purposes of identifying or predicting adverse reactions to food,” said the group, which was founded by 11

Filipino allergists in 1972 and currently counts over 110 doctors and medical practitioners among its members nationwide.

Persons with suspected food allergies go to allergists to interpret the result of these tests, which in turn “may lead to unwanted consequences when incriminated foods that are welltolerated by patients are removed from the diet,” the group’s statement added.

This can lead to clinical consequences such as nutritional deficiencies or even malnutrition, according to PSAAI. “This can also lead to unnecessary expenses on the family of these patients because these tests are even more

expensive than accepted allergy skin tests or serum specific IgE tests,” the group added.

“The results of these IgG tests have serious consequences, such as compelling the individual to undergo expensive and complicated diets, or be prescribed unnecessary medications, which can lead to stress, anxiety and eventual depression,” the position statement said.

“Well-tolerated foods, then, should not be removed from the diet even in the presence of positive IgG tests,” added the group, which will hold a public forum on allergies on July 9 in celebration of National Allergy Day 2017 at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City.

A quick internet search shows serum IgG food allergy tests cost around $350 to $450 (P17,700 to P22,700) abroad. “Once patients get their results with positive results to several food items, they then go to the allergists for interpretation of these results,” the PSAAI noted.

However, the allergists’ group, led by its president, Dr. Maria Carmela Agustin-Kasala, said this type of food intolerance test “is not a diagnostic test for any allergic condition” for the following reasons: • Elevated IgG levels, specifically IgG4, indicate tolerance to a particular food allergen.

• Development of tolerance

means that the patient will not react to a food antigen.

• Allergic conditions, on the other hand, are caused by the action of IgE antibodies, not IgG antibodies, on the target organ.

Allergic diseases, being IgEmediated hypersensitivity reactions, can have an early phase and late phase component.

• Therefore, only specific IgE testing is useful, together with a good clinical history and physical examination, in making a definitive diagnosis of any allergic condition.

Neither is specific IgG testing recognized as a test for the diagnosis of any food intolerance, the PSAAI statement added.

Espino pitches to Asian biz heads

By Dexter A. See

DONATE A BOOK. Members of SM Santa Rosa’s security personnel recently conducted a book donation drive for Aplaya National High School in Santa Rosa City, Laguna as part of

their corporate social responsibility program. School district supervisor Rosemarie Fantony received the books, which were mostly personal properties of SM’s security personnel as well as donations from shoppers. SM Santa Rosa security manager Edna Gonzalez (fourth from right), SM security officer JM Tajao (fourth from left) and SM security representative Vincent Romero (right) led the turnover together with SM’s security team. Also in photo are Raydan Bogs del Puerto (sixth from left), property custodian of Aplaya Junior High School, and Rommel Macarubo (third from right), high school property custodian. Roy Tomandao

‘Build Atimonan power plant now’ NON-GOVERNMENT organizations in Atimonan, Quezon, together with allied groups of Atimonanin workers and residents, recently gathered at the office of the Energy Regulatory Commission in Pasig to rally their support for the planned construction of the power plant of Atimonan One Energy Inc. Among the groups who traveled for several hours from Quezon Province to show their support were Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisdang Balubad, Lubi, Talaba at Kilait (SMM BALTAK), Barangay Tanod Federation, OFW Federation, Carinay Homeowners Association, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), Livelihood Program of Atimonan Tricycle Association, Inc. at Farmers Federation.

According to Greg Garcia, chairman of SMM BALTAK and spokesperson of the allied groups of NGOs and Atimonanins, they hope the construction of the project starts soonest.

The project is the proposed 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant by Atimonan One Energy in Barangay Villa Ibaba in the Quezon town.

“We believe that this power plant will help progress the development of Atimonan, resulting to improved quality of life of us Atimonanins,” said Garcia.

“We hope it starts immediately. The residents strongly support this project,” he added.

Atimonanins recognize the benefits the project will bring to their town. They said Atimonan One Energy has been continuously aiding their community development projects since the early stages of the project.

Pangasinan surgical caravan launched LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Department of Health Surgical Caravan, dubbed “ToDOHalaga, May Tsekap Na, May Operasyon Pa” provided more health services for the poorest of the poor to help alleviate their medical woes.

In partnership with the Provincial Health Office headed

by Dr. Anna Maria Theresa de Guzman, the DOH launched the surgical caravan on June 30 at the Hotel Consuelo Resort and

Chinese Restaurant here.

The caravan, which aims to offer minor to major operations for free to indigent constituents in need of surgical procedures, is currently underway at the Urdaneta District Hospital.

Western District Hospital will host the caravan on July 10 to 14 for the first set of profiled patients cleared to undergo surgery.

About 770 beneficiaries from all over Pangasinan were pre-

identified and profiled for the surgical caravan during checkups conducted by the different municipal health units.

Assistant Health Secretary and DOH Region 1 Director Myrna C. Cabotaje revealed that the caravan is an offshoot of the Philippine Health Agenda–Checkup program.

It aims to deliver medical interventions in line with the PHA guarantee of Service Delivery Networks, where health care pro-

viders are organized to ensure the public of easy access to highquality services regardless of the patients’ financial capacity to pay.

Representatives from DOH, host hospitals UDH and WDH, visiting hospital Region 1 Medical Center, and local government officials collaborated for fund and resource sharing, identification and clearance of beneficiaries, and implementation arrangements for the caravan. Dexter A. See

DIGGING IN. Caloocan

City Mayor Oscar Malapitan leads a tree-planting activity in the northern part of the city in a bid to prevent flooding and provide better scenery in the locality.

Jun David

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan— “Make our home, your home.”

In saying this, Gov. Amado I. Espino III urged hundreds of business executives and investors who attended the recent Asia CEO Forum held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City to choose Pangasinan, owing to the wide range of investment opportunities and tourist attractions the province offers.

“We can assure you that in Pangasinan, you will not only explore limitless investment opportunities but you will also be enthralled by over a hundred wonders,” Espino, who led the Pangasinan delegation, told the investors present during the event.

The governor encouraged investors to take a serious look at five major investment areas of the province: agriculture (food and fish processing), tourism (accommodation facilities, restaurants, terminals, pasalubong centers, recreation centers, theme parks, museums and farm tourism site); business process outsourcing; renewable energy; and ecozone development.

Espino bared that qualified enterprises to locate in the province shall enjoy fiscal incentives enshrined in the Pangasinan Investments and Incentives Code of 2016 (which amended the investment code of 2003)—one of the first provincial ordinances passed under his administration.

Under the Code, investors may avail the following: one year to five years full exemption from payment of governor’s permit on business activities, full exemption from payment of annual fixed tax for every delivery of truck or van, and full exemption from the share of the province based on the payment of Basic Real Property Tax acquired or built purposely for the project.

As main presenter, Espino likewise highlighted the gains of the province in agriculture, tourism, employment services and peace and order.

Meanwhile, city mayors Arthur Celeste (Alaminos), Joseres Resuello (San Carlos), Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV (Urdaneta) and Belen Fernandez (Dagupan), along with municipal mayors Kim Amador (Manaoag), Simplicio Rosario (Binmaley), Michael Cruz (Umingan) and Eric Versoza (Dasol) pitched their respective areas’ potentials for businesses and investments.

5 GSIS branches get seal for exemplary service STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System has garnered the most number of Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence for exemplary frontline service in Region 3 in simple ceremonies held in Pampanga.

The five GSIS branch offices that earned the coveted Seal are Bulacan,

Cabanatuan, Pampanga and Tarlac as well as the Iba extension office.

GSIS chairman Francisco Duque III received the recognition on behalf of the pension fund.

The branch offices garnered an “Excellent” rating (90 to 100 percent with passing marks in all sub-areas) under the Anti-Red

Tape Act-Report Card Survey and passed the two levels of validation conducted by the Civil Service Commission.

ARTA-RCS rates agencies based on clients’ perception and feedback on the quality, efficiency and adequacy of different frontline services of government agencies.

It also checks if agencies comply with ARTA provisions including the observance of the No Noon Break Policy, no fixing activities, wearing of easy-to-read IDs or nameplates by frontline service providers, and presence of public assistance and complaints desk. Feedback on customer satisfaction is also obtained

through ARTA-RCS. “It has been a remarkable journey for GSIS. From a failed rating of 74 percent in 2012, it topped the back-to-back ARTA surveys in 2014 and 2015 when GSIS earned the highest percentage of offices nationwide that have been rated Excellent,” Duque said.

World IN BRIEF Fresh G20 clashes erupt in Hamburg HAMBURG―Protesters clashed with police, torched patrol cars and blocked roads in the German city of Hamburg on Friday in fresh violence just before the start of the G20 summit, police said.

“An operation is under way against violent individuals” who threw petrol bombs and set fire to patrol cars near a police station in the city’s Altona district, federal police said on Twitter.

In the west of the city, a “plume of black smoke” was rising, and cars in some areas had been set alight, the local Hamburg police said separately.

Police said demonstrators had blocked several intersections and so-called transfer corridors―roads designated to help delegations move between meetings.

On Thursday, a planned peaceful march by around 12,000 people protesting against globalization turned violent.

At least 76 police officers were injured, a Hamburg police spokesman told AFP. Friday’s clashes occurred as the leaders from the world’s 20 biggest developed and emerging economies were to begin a two-day meeting focusing on trade, terrorism, climate change and other key global issues.

Hamburg, a vibrant port city, is a citadel of leftwing radicals and authorities have long been bracing for possible violence on the sidelines of the summit.

The German police officers’ union GdP on Friday hit out at the anarchist groups called the Black Blocks, accusing them of “hijacking peaceful demonstrations by tens of thousands of people to deliberately attack” the police. AFP

Tiananmen report author jailed BEIJING―A prominent Chinese labor activist was sentenced Friday to four and a half years in prison for “inciting subversion” through a written account of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, his lawyer told AFP. Liu Shaoming, a former factory worker, was detained in southern Guangdong province in May 2015 after describing his involvement in the pro-democracy movement on a US website.

Liu’s lawyer, Wu Kuiming, told AFP the verdict was announced by the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court.

“His crime is ‘inciting subversion of state power,’” Wu said. “The evidence is some online articles he wrote to recall the June 4 event.”

Wu said they will appeal the court decision.

Several Chinese rights advocates have been jailed for trying to keep alive the memory of the Tiananmen Square prodemocracy movement that was crushed by the military.

Hundreds of civilians―over 1,000 by some estimates―are believed to have died in the crackdown.

Liu, who was featured earlier this year in the documentary “We the Workers,” traveled to Beijing to join the student-led demonstrations.

According to Amnesty International, he was also a member of China’s first independent trade union.

“This is a most callous and unjust verdict against Liu Shaoming,” William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International, said in a statement.

“He is a prisoner of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released. All that Liu Shaoming is guilty of is the legitimate exercise of his freedom of expression.” AFP

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

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Trump, Putin in showdown H

AMBURG-US President Donald Trump meets Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the first time Friday, in an eagerly awaited encounter at a G20 summit marked by the growing divide between America and its Western allies.

NEW BOOK. Best-selling author Laura Dave visits Build Series to discuss her newest novel ‘Hello, Sunshine’, in New York City. AFP

Mongolians vote in presidential runoff ULAN BATOR―Mongolians cast ballots on Friday in the country’s first-ever presidential runoff after the first round of elections failed to produce a clear winner following campaigns tainted by corruption scandals.

Many voters in the vast, resource-rich nation of three million people sandwiched between Russia and China were so fed up with their politicians that they launched a campaign to submit blank ballots.

Businessman and judoka Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), who led the first round, faces parliament speaker Mieygombo Enkhbold of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP).

Enkhbold eked out a mere 0.1 percent victory over the Mongolian Revolutionary People’s Party’s Sainkhuu Ganbaatar in last week’s election, which was mired in controversy.

Ganbaatar cried foul and demanded a recount, but the result was eventually confirmed.

Mongolians disillusioned by their

politicians launched the “White Ballot” campaign, also dubbed “#WhiteChoice”, to encourage people to vote blank.

Mongolian election law stipulates that a candidate must garner at least 51 percent of the vote to secure the presidency.

If neither candidate reaches this number, the parties will be required to nominate different representatives for an entirely new election.

At the First Secondary School of Ulan Bator, a prestigious high school where a photo of Enkhbold hung in a hallway dedicated to famous alumni, a 30-yearold small business owner said he voted for Battulga.

“I will never vote for Enkhbold, because he sold the open spaces in our city,” Byambiin Ragchaa said. “When he was mayor [of Ulan Bator], a weird building was constructed just in front of my apartment, and it blocked the sun.”

Both Battulga and Enkhbold were linked to scandals ahead of the firstround vote.

A video showed Enkhbold and two MPP officials allegedly discussing a $60

billion tugrik ($25 million) plan for selling government positions.

Battulga was haunted by reports of offshore accounts attached to his name, as well as the arrests of several of his associates by Mongolia’s anti-corruption body last spring.

But in the nearly two weeks between the first round and the runoff, public opinion appeared to turn in favor of the brash businessman, said Julian Dierkes, a Mongolia scholar at the University of British Columbia.

“It does seem a little bit like Enkhbold is, if not nosediving, certainly not on the upswing,” Dierkes told AFP. He noted that the MPP, which holds the majority of parliamentary seats but not the presidency, announced Tuesday that Mongolian parents would be a given a monthly 20,000 tugrik ($8) allowance for every child.

The move is at odds with the country’s promise to limit mass cash handouts in order to meet the requirements of its $5.5 billion International Monetary Fund-led bailout. AFP

On the eve of a face-off that carries consequences for world crises including the wars in Syria and Ukraine, Trump set the tone Thursday with a strong attack against Moscow for its “destabilizing” actions.

The property tycoon and the ex-KGB agent’s first meeting promises to be dissected frame by frame, with their handshake and body language to be scrutinized for any sign of rapprochement or estrangement.

“While Trump’s pro-wrestling approach is showy, bombastic and impulsive, Putin thrives on judo’s discipline and mental toughness, where a core technique is to keep an opponent off-balance and exploit his weakness,” noted Derek Chollet from think-tank German Marshall Fund.

“How these contrasting styles of machismo interact... will likely be the defining feature of their relationship moving forward.”

The Kremlin said the meeting was crucial for regional security and stability, with Putin saying earlier this year that US-Russia ties appeared to have deteriorated under Trump.

The blockbuster bilateral comes on the sidelines of what is expected to be the most fraught G20 summit in years in the German city of Hamburg.

Trump’s “America First” and climate skeptic stance are set to test the relationship with longstanding allies, while North Korea adds more volatility to global security.

Scenes outside the heavily guarded conference hall were also stormy, as anti-globalization protesters fought running battles overnight with police, who fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse extreme-left Black Bloc militants late Thursday.

Trump had alarmed Western partners wary of a resurgent Moscow with his refrain on the campaign trail pledging to have a “great relationship with Putin and Russia”.

But amid accusations that Moscow had a hand in propelling him to the White House, Trump finds himself in a tight spot over his complex relationship with the Russian leader.

In a key speech in Warsaw marking his first stop on his European tour, Trump fired a rare salvo of criticism.

“We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes―including Syria and Iran―and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself,” he told a cheering crowd of 10,000.

He admitted that Moscow “may have” tried to influence the 2016 election that brought him to power, but also suggested others too may have been involved and blamed predecessor Barack Obama for failing to act.

When Trump and Putin sit down for their afternoon meeting, they will not be short of crucial issues to discuss, including the wars in Syria and Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear program and efforts to combat terrorism.

A White House source confirmed to AFP that Trump will only be joined in the meeting by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and a translator, an extraordinarily small cast list that raised concerns among experts. AFP

Japanese rescuers search for missing after floods ASAKURA, Japan―Rescuers in Japan are scrambling to find more than 20 people missing after huge floods swept across the country’s south this week, killing six and leaving a trail of destruction.

Raging rivers overflowing with water and mud have devastated swathes of Kyushu―the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands―after heavy rainfall, sweeping away roads and houses and destroying schools.

Thousands of rescuers have been fighting through thick mud and battling the rain to search for missing and stranded people, with more than 1,100 believed to be cut off according to public broadcaster NHK. The government said Friday that six had been killed, while 22 remain unaccounted for.

NHK footage showed rescuers removing the body of a victim from a damaged home and heavy machines moving rocks and dirt to clean roads.

A number of fallen trees were shown smashed into houses in the hard-hit Fukuoka prefecture city of Asakura, which saw more than 50 centimeters (almost 20 inches) of rain in a 12-hour period to Wednesday night.

Vehicles could also be seen overturned or buried in mud and reinforced river banks destroyed by raging water. Military trucks

and rescue vehicles competed for space on the city’s streets.

NHK said local authorities were dispatching helicopters to pluck people out of isolation, showing footage of stranded elderly residents being rescued.

It added that local authorities were rushing to restore access to regions cut off by the landslides and floods.

In the nearby city of Hita in neighboring Oita prefecture, Masayoshi Arakawa said he had experienced heavy rains in the past but this year’s deluge was unexpected.

“A few years ago I had no problems so I thought that’s how it would go again and so I decided to spend the night at my house last night,” he told AFP late Thursday at an evacuation shelter.

“But when I went out to see how it was outside, I became frightened.”

The government’s top spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, told a press conference that some 12,000 police, military, firefighters and coast guard personnel were taking part in rescue operations.

As of Thursday they had recovered 522 people, and a further 15 on Friday.

“Heavy rain is forecast to continue intermittently,” Suga said, while calling for continued vigilance. AFP

BULL RUN. Participants fall down in front of a Cebada Gago fighting bull on the first day of the San Fermin bullrun festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2017. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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World

UN ready to adopt treaty banning nuclear weapons U

NITED NATIONS―A global treaty banning nuclear weapons is set to be adopted at the United Nations on Friday despite opposition from the United States, Britain, France and other nuclear powers that boycotted negotiations.

Supporters describe the treaty as a historic achievement but the nuclear-armed states have dismissed the ban as unrealistic, arguing it will have no impact on reducing the global stockpile of 15,000 nuclear weapons.

Led by Austria, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and New Zealand, 141 countries have taken part in three weeks of negotiations on the treaty that provides for a total ban on developing, stockpiling or threatening to use nuclear weapons.

Advocates hope it will increase pressure on nuclear states to take disarmament more seriously.

“This will be a historic moment,” Costa Rica’s ambassador, Elayne Whyte Gomez, the president of the UN conference on the treaty, said on the eve of the adoption.

“The world has been waiting for this legal norm for 70 years,” she said, calling it a “response for humanity.”

None of the nine countries that possess nuclear weapons-the United States, Russia, Britain, China, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel-took part in the negotiations.

Even Japan―the only country to have suffered atomic attacks, in 1945―boycotted the talks as did most NATO countries.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley came out strongly against the ban when negotiations opened on March 27, saying “there is nothing I want more for my family than a world with no nuclear weapons, but we have to be realistic.”

“Is there anyone that believes that North Korea would agree to a ban on nuclear weapons?” she asked.

Nuclear powers argue their arsenals serve as a deterrent against a nuclear attack and say they remain committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The decades-old NPT seeks to prevent the spread of atomic weapons but also puts the onus on nuclear states to reduce their stockpiles.

Impatience however is growing among many non-nuclear states over the slow pace of disarmament as are worries that the weapons of mass destruction will fall into the wrong hands.

Disarmament campaigners say the treaty will go a long way in increasing the stigma associated with nuclear weapons and will have an impact on public opinion.

“The key thing is that it changes the legal landscape,” said Richard Moyes, director of the British-based organization Article 36.

“It stops states with nuclear weapons from being able to hide behind the idea that they are not illegal.”

“This is really about removing the prestige from nuclear weapons,” said Beatrice Fihn, director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

“They are seen as something very valuable and as giving power. This is supposed to remove that.”

During a meeting at the General Assembly, the treaty is expected to be adopted by consensus by the conference of nations that has negotiated the document without the nuclear powers and their allies. AFP

PERFORMANCE. US singer and guitarist Larry Graham and Graham Central Station perform during the 24th edition of the Cognac Blues festival in Cognac on July 6, 2017. AFP

Rescue plan for mafia children ROME―It is one of the most secretive organizations in the world, with power passed through blood ties and family loyalty. But Italy’s ruthless ‘Ndrangheta mafia may have met its match.

Judges in the country’s deep south have been placing the offspring from Italy’s most powerful criminal organization into care in a bid to save them from following their grandfathers, fathers and uncles down the path to prison.

Initially the project sparked controversy, with the Church in particular protesting the tearing of children from homes.

But four years after it launched in the crimeplagued Calabria region, the government has signed a protocol that will not only unlock fresh resources but could also see the scheme applied nationwide in other mafia strongholds.

Dubbed “Liberi di Scegliere” (Free to Choose), the program has so far seen 40 youngsters sent to live with foster families or in communities in secret locations across the country where they learn about life beyond the clans.

“The issue is extremely delicate and we’re walking a thin line,” admitted Interior Minister Marco Minniti, as he presented the new protocol this weekend along with Justice Minister Andrea Orlando.

“And yet there are situations in which a country’s democratic institutions have to intervene in intra-family relations to guarantee the freedom of minors,” he said.

The name ‘Ndrangheta comes from the Greek for courage or loyalty and the organization’s brutal enforcement of codes of silence make it very difficult to penetrate― and equally as difficult to leave.

Judge Roberto Di Bella, who launched the project at the juvenile court in Reggio when he realized the minors coming before him were the children of those he had put away in the 1990s, told AFP “the results have been extraordinary”.

“The kids go back to school, they take part in socially useful activities, they reveal talents and potential that had been repressed by their sphere of provenance,” he said. AFP

Argentina still chasing elusive economic recovery BUENOS AIRES-Mauricio Macri promised a free-market revolution in Latin America’s third-biggest economy when he took over as president of Argentina.

A year and half on, Macri is facing midterm elections in October, and his people are still waiting―a third of them living in poverty.

The millionaire businessman and former football executive vowed to achieve “zero poverty” by rolling back 12 years of leftist policies after he took office in December 2015.

But the great recovery is slow in coming.

“You don’t get to paradise from one day to the next,” Macri’s chief of staff Marcos Pena admitted recently.

“We still face enormous challenges.”

On taking office, Macri insisted that stabilizing the public finances was the way back to growth and prosperity.

He launched unpopular public budget cuts and settled debts to foreign creditors whom his predecessor Cristina Kirchner had defiantly branded “vultures.”

He scrapped export and currency controls, devaluing the peso to try to make Argentina more competitive.

And he tried to rein in inflation which at 40 percent last year was sorely hurting Argentines’ wallets.

Pena said in May that Argentina had exited recession. But economists are not convinced over the strength of the

recovery.

“Eighteen months into the government’s term, Argentina has lifted exchange-rate restrictions and paid off its debts to the ‘vulture funds,’” economist Pablo Tigani told AFP. “But the macroeconomic situation has got worse.”

Macri’s government caused a stir last month by issuing a 100-year sovereign bond. Investors lapped it up.

“The government is taking advantage of the low level of debt that the Kirchners left,” said Carugati.

“But maintaining the deficit through debt only works as a temporary measure.”

The debt sale raised jitters among Argentines with painful memories of the

country’s catastrophic default in 2001.

The economy ministry says Argentina’s public debt, at 54 percent of the gross domestic product, is currently lower than that of various emerging economies such as Brazil.

“We should stay calm,” said Nicolas Dujovne, commenting on the debt sale.

“We can use this mechanism as a transition measure until we finish lowering the deficit and defeating inflation.”

Despite the sale, US investment bank Morgan Stanley the next day maintained its rating of Argentina as a “frontier economy.”

“That is a real insult because a frontier country is like a crazy country,” said Tigani. AFP

Pyongyang celebrates ICBM test PYONGYANG―Fireworks lit up the sky over Pyongyang’s Juche Tower as North Korea celebrated its launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, a milestone in its decades-long weapons drive.

The stone monument to the ideology of founder Kim Il-Sung stands in the center of the capital, topped by a red glass flame.

Under current leader Kim Jong-Un, Kim’s grandson, the isolated, impoverished country has made rapid progress towards its dream of building a missile that can deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States.

On Tuesday―the United States’ Independence Day―it launched a Hwasong-14 rocket that analysts and overseas officials said had a range of up to 8,000 kilometers, which would put Alaska and Hawaii within reach.

Kim, who personally oversaw the launch, described it as gift to “American bastards”.

Thousands of officials, soldiers and citizens gathered in the capital on Thursday night to rejoice.

“We enthusiastically celebrate the successful test launch of the intercontinental ballistic rocket, the greatest landmark in the history of

our republic,” read a banner across Kim Il-Sung Square.

Attendees included Kim Yong-Nam, the titular head of state, and top general Hwang PyongSo, the state Korean Central News Agency reported.

Speakers “warmly congratulated the national defense science soldiers on striking the US imperialists on the face”, KCNA reported.

If “US imperialists commit even the slightest military provocation” against the North, it cited them as saying, its army would “show to the world how the territory of the US will be reduced to ashes”.

The crowds listened impassively, before women in traditional dress and men in shirts and ties danced in formation on the plaza. The first song was “Glory to General Kim Jong Un”, KCNA reported.

North Korea, which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, is subject to multiple sets of United Nations sanctions over its weapons programs, and the launch triggered a new round of condemnation and anger, with the US and its allies seeking toughened measures at the Security Council. AFP

MARCH FOR JUSTICE. Thousands of supporters of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party leader walk during the 22nd day of the ‘March for Justice” in Duzce on July 6, 2017. AFP

Life

MODERN BRIDGE. The futuristic design of the Rama VIII Bridge, the farthest point of Chao Phraya River cruise, is impressive.

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

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HIS is how Thais refer to Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, which anybody who visits the city is likely to see. It MERCURY RISING is the major waterway

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO that cuts through it, coming from its origin in the northern part of the country and flowing south for 372 kilometers until it opens into the Gulf of Thailand. Every time I visit the city, I always promise myself to try the River Cruise, which I’ve heard so much about.

Unfortunately, my business chores during every visit never leave me time for such leisure activity.

On a recent trip to Bangkok, however, I found myself with an evening free from business obligations so I immediately decided to book the luxury river cruise. I sure am glad I did.

The Grand Chaophraya Cruises’ point of embarkation is at the pier behind the plush River City Mall, one of the city’s popular shopping centers. I made sure my ticket entitled me to a dinner seat at the open-air top deck, to better enjoy the sights we would pass by. The boat has a capacity of 500, so this many people queued up at the pier, as we waited for embarkation time.

Even before we boarded the boat, we were already treated to colorful and graceful Thai dances performed by some of the boat’s crew on the pier’s landing in front of the vessel’s gangplank. After the “mini-show,” we were then allowed to find our way to our assigned seats. Mine was towards the boat’s bow, which was perfect for me, so I could easily take photos of the attractions along the way.

The boat’s charm, through its carefully chosen décor and subdued lighting, immediately made me feel comfortable.

As the boat started to sail, the food service staff opened the sumptuous buffet and a string and percussion band entertained guests with perky music, bringing some of us to the dance floor. The delicacies on the buffet alone made the 900 baht (P1300) I paid for the dinner cruise ticket worth it. Not only did the buffet offer delicious Thai cuisine but it also had American and Spanish dishes. The spread was certainly eye candy for any foodie.

The two-hour cruise took us on a leisurely sail along the meandering Chao Phraya River, as we enjoyed looking at a remarkable blend of modern and ancient Thai architecture, exemplified by the elegantly futuristic Rama VIII Bridge and the stunningly beautiful, typically Thai-designed Grand Palace.

Most of the impressive structures one sees along the way are the city’s landmark hotels. The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Millenium Hilton, Shangri-La, Sheraton and a few others, all glowed in the evening horizon, like bejeweled monoliths that adorn the riverbanks. This captivating scenery, coupled with the cool evening breeze blowing from all directions made for a very relaxing experience.

Among the beautiful attractions along the river, the Grand Palace, indeed, stands out. The golden trimmings in its architecture make the structure shine brightly in the horizon. This complex of buildings used to be the official residence of the Kings of Thailand until 1925. The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej did not stay there and chose to reside at the Dusit Palace instead, where his successor and son, King Vajiralongkorn also now resides. However, royal ceremonies and state functions are still held at the Grand Palace.

The River of Kings

The golden trimmings of the beautiful Grand Palace lights up the horizon

The sight of the 17th century Wat Arun, or The Temple YOUR SATURDAY of Dawn, another landmark CHUCKLE along the river bank, is also captivating. Named after the Three guys, stranded on a Hindu god, Aruna, the temdesert island, find a magic ple’s distinctive spires illumilantern containing a genie, nate the evening sky. Actuwho grants them each a ally, what makes the temple wish. The first guy wishes popular is its being a symbol he was off the island and of the radiations of the mornback home. The second guy ing sun because the first light wishes the same. The third of the morning sun bounces guy says “I’m lonely. I wish off the temple’s surface, givmy friends were back here.” ing it an elegant pearly hue.

The other landmark that impressed me was the Wat Phra Kaew, regarded as the most sacred in Thailand because it houses the Emerald Buddha, the most powerful religio-political symbol of Thai society. The venerated stature is considered the country’s protector, bringing prosperity to the population. The Emerald Buddha is a dark green standing statue, 26 inches tall and is carved from a single jade stone. “Emerald” in Thai actually means deep green color and does not refer to the precious gemstone. As proof of how much the Thais revere the statue, only the Thai King and the Crown Prince are allowed to touch it.

The awesome Rama VIII Bridge is the farthest point for the cruise, as this is where the vessel turns around to sail back to its starting point. The very modern cable bridge has an asymmetrical design and took three years to build. It has an inverted Y-shaped pylon, with 84 cables arranged in pairs on its main, 300-meter-long span, making it one of the world’s largest asymmetrical cable bridges.

There were many other beautiful, photographable attractions along the way but space constraints prevent me from naming each one of them. Suffice it for me to say that the cruise gave my appreciation of Bangkok, as a tourist destination, another perspective, a shining, shimmering, splendid one at that! Most of all, I can proudly say I have sailed along The River of Kings!

Our cruise vessel sets sail

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

WITH more relaxed visa restrictions for Philippine tourists in recent years, travel to Taiwan has been more convenient.

To make Taiwan be the first choice among other destinations, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is inviting Filipinos to join the 2017 Travel Madness Expo (TME) at SMX Convention Center, Manila until July 9 to experience the beauty of Taiwan all year round.

The flight time between Taiwan and Philippines is merely two hours. Taiwan offers diverse and abundant types of tourism activities. To address the market in the Philippines, measures like relaxing the Visa-free terms and conditions, providing the simplified process of Visa application for premium and MICE groups, and putting Philippines into the e-Visa program from October last year boost the two-way development of economics, culture and civil exchange.

At the 2017 TME, the Taiwan Pavilion will provide guests with marvelous performances and activities, such as traditional acrobatics by MHD Diabolo Art Taiwan to demonstrate the passion and power of Taiwan; DIY painting of bamboo bungle to experience the cultural creation in rural life; nails painting and modeling balloons for you to enter the dream land ahead; cotton candy making by national pastry chef to share the sweet happiness all around you and the Taiwan traditional food tasting – Aiyu jelly and tea eggs.

So come and enjoy the vibe with Taiwan.

Must-visit Taiwan

The 2017 Travel Madness Expo will provide guests with marvelous performances and activities such as traditional acrobatics, DIY painting, nails painting, and more.

Life

D2

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

By Ayunan Gunting-Al-Hadj

V

ACATIONING in the country’s various destinations can get exhausting. It’s more of an exodus and less of a break since it often seems that everyone in the city happens to be in the place you chose to get away from it all.

But there are a few places that still manage to retain a semblance of serenity, even during the height of the summer rush.

The Montemar Beach Club Resort is such a place. Nestled on the coast of Bagac in Bataan, its location is perfect for nature lovers. This province is blessed with a picturesque and mostly unspoiled landscape. The municipality of Bagac, for instance, is laid back and it is surrounded by majestic hills that overlook the West Philippine Sea. Most of its coves are undiscovered and primarily explored by campers and backpackers who happen to be in the know.

On the other hand, Montemar is for those who want to savor Bataan’s natural charms without having to give up the comfortable amenities of a luxury resort.

It’s located in a secluded area, away from the town proper and crowded resorts.

The service the courteous staff provides is world class and the accommodations are luxurious. Its 89 guestrooms are housed in elegant two to three story building clusters ensconced throughout the sprawling property. Guests can choose a room that can accommodate couples and small families. Whether it be a twin-sharing room, a suite, loft or two-level family guestroom, guests will have a view of either the garden or the ocean. And of course, they come with the amenities the most discerning guests can never do without.

What makes Montemar so appealing is that having been built in the 1970s, the rooms are spacious and most of them have high ceilings. Guests don’t feel cramped. Rest assured these rooms

Living the easy life in Bataan’s premiere resort

Montemar offers a taste of Bataan’s natural charms with the comfortable amenities of a luxury resort, perfect for weary travelers looking for a new and uncrowded getaway

have all been refurbished and updated to cater to today’s travelers who require such sophisticated technology such as Internet connectivity, among others.

Happily, Montemar’s developers chose not to squeeze in as many rooms for the sake of profit. The result— even during peak seasons and when it’s fully booked, the resort is never crowded. It is perhaps the reason why its clientele remains loyal since after all, it’s impossible to relax and recharge in a place teeming with people.

Furthermore, the clusters were situated in a way to make it easy for guests

Care-free travel with Secura IT IS still time for Filipinos to unwind and engage in different activities, from swimming to going on road trips with friends. But having fun doesn’t mean neglecting security.

Wherever they may be heading, travelers who value style and security can count on the Lewis N Clark Secura series, which features an edgy style and the latest technology, to help make adventures hassle-free and more enjoyable.

The Secura series is Lewis N Clark’s latest foray in creating stylish solutions

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The Secura RFID-Blocking AntiTheft Convertipack solves the problem of having different bags when traveling. The convertible three-in-one

to access Montemar’s sports and food amenities. It takes just a short stroll to the two swimming pools, the restaurant, and the other sports facilities. Golf carts aren’t necessary since the stroll promises to be relaxing, what with the landscaped gardens that have an abundance of tropical flora.

Montemar’s full service restaurant is the La Marea, which serves Continental and Filipino breakfasts and an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The beach is the main attraction of Montemar and guests can enjoy the water sports amenities including the jet skis and other fun rides

This place isn’t just for vacationers.

Conference rooms and functions rooms are designed and equipped to accommodate seminars, private parties, and even wedding receptions. And because of its sports facilities, Montemar has been a popular choice for corporate team building activities.

Having been around for almost 40 years now, Montemar has gained a reputation for its expertise in providing a tranquil getaway for the stylish set. It’s the grand dame of Philippine resorts and it’s constantly modernized to remain competitive. Yet perhaps guests keep coming be-

cause of its old world allure and hospitality. Also a big plus is the fact that it takes less than a three-hour, stress free drive through the immaculately maintained highways of Bataan.

Indeed, to our eye, Montemar brings us back to a time when the traffic wasn’t too heavy and the drive to one’s destination was scenic and not too long. Well, one doesn’t need to reminisce since this can still be done today—and in high style—at the Montemar Beach Club.

For more information, please contact (02) 811-5496 or e-mail reservations.mbci@gmail.com

bag offers adventurers and jetsetters a shoulder bag, cross-body bag and backpack in one. It is equipped with a lightweight, flexible, and slash-resistant Magnaloft fabric in crucial compartments. Travelers can also deter grab-and-go thieves by safely securing the bag to a chair, bar or even post.

Stylish jet-setters can count on the Secura R F I D - Blo c k i n g Anti-Theft Messenger bag, which offers durability, a lightweight and classy design, and security features for hassle-free vacations. The bag allows quick access to smartphones, pens, lip balms, and even a USB drive through an exterior pocket that can be locked for extra security.Stay organized while traveling

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ter bottles, sunglasses, tissues, fans, umbrellas and hats for a great outing.

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Secura RFID-Blocking AntiTheft Commuter

Embarking on a hassle-free, carefree getaway is now easier than ever with the Secura RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Commuter. You don’t have to leave essentials behind with its large storage capacity, making these ideal for traveling

Secura RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Satchel

Those hoping to pack more items for their weekend won’t go wrong with the Secura RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Satchel, which is equipped with a wide array of locking pockets and compartments for better travel organization and security.

For more information on Lewis N Clark’s Secura series, visit www. lewisnclark.com or www.urbanize.com. ph, like UrbanizePH on Facebook or follow @urbanizeph on Instagram.

Secura AntiTheft CrossBody

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Bangkok remains top destination, Singapore attracts top spending tourists WHILE Bangkok remains the most visited destination in Asia Pacific, Singapore continues to lead the Thai capital in total visitor expenditure, according to the latest findings from the Mastercard Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2017 shared at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Bangkok.

Over the past two years (2015-2016), Singapore has tracked a strong 18.0 percent leap in visitor spend. One of only five destinations of the top 20 by total expenditure to reach a minimum spend of $200 per day, Singapore attracted the highest spending visitors at $254 per day, followed by Beijing ($242), Shanghai ($234), Hong Kong ($211) and Taipei ($208).

According to the Index’s findings, 2016 was an exciting year for tourism in Asia Pacific. Fueled by increasing consumer wealth amongst Asia Pacific’s emerging markets, the region’s thriving tourism industry continues to show vigorous progress. It is the

world’s fastest growing region for international tourism by GDP contribution, with tourism making up 8.5 percent of Asia Pacific’s GDP and 8.7 percent of total employment last year.

Overnight arrivals make an unprecedented jump

Half of the top 20 most visited destinations in Asia Pacific saw more than 10 percent growth in international overnight arrivals from 2015 to 2016. Destinations that benefitted most from this growth include Northeast Asian and Southeast Asian markets—Seoul (32.7 percent), Osaka (23.8 percent), Bali (22.5 percent), Tokyo (22.2 percent), Hokkaido (21.9 percent), Chiba (21.5 percent) and Pattaya (20.6 percent).

This growth provides significant opportunities which governments, tourism bodies, and merchants can benefit from, including greater economic, cultural and infrastructural development. To ensure sustainable growth, public and private sectors

are working to create more welcoming spaces for visitors and residents alike—as well as more seamless ways to get around destinations.

Overall, overnight arrivals to the 171 Asia Pacific destinations in 2016 stood at 339.2 million (9.8 percent CAGR from 2009-2016), led by Bangkok, which tracked 19.3 million visitors. Singapore (13.1 million) came in second place, followed by Tokyo (12.6 million), Seoul (12.4 million) and Kuala Lumpur (11.3 million). China stands as Asia Pacific’s most avid outbound travel market, having contributed 55 million international overnight visitors to the region last year or 16.2 percent of the total.

Total nights stayed hit new highs

Visitors to Asia Pacific destinations are traveling to the region more, and doing so for longer periods. In 2016, visitors to the region stayed for a total of 1,768.7 million nights, an 8.1 percent CAGR from 1,023.1 million nights in

2009. Bangkok took the lead with 87.6 million nights, while Sydney came in second place with 87.5 million, followed

by Kuala Lumpur at 76.7 million.

In particular, Sydney’s second-place position is especially outstanding compared to its number of overnight arrivals. Taking 20th place in the latter ranking, Sydney’s ratio of average number nights stayed versus number of overnight arrivals is shared by fellow Australian destinations Melbourne and Brisbane on the Index. As many tourists have to travel a distance to reach Australia, they are more likely to stay for longer periods to make their journey worthwhile.

Overall visitor spend leaps almost twofold

Spurred by Asia Pacific’s burgeoning middle class, overall tourism expenditure in the region jumped from $141.5 billion in 2009 to $244.9 billion in 2016, an 8.2 percent CAGR Moreover, Asia Pacific’s top 20 source mar-

kets contributed $201.5 billion to the region’s tourism revenues in 2016.

The mass of tourists from Northeast Asia have helped to boost these earnings. Key findings from the Index revealed China (17.7 percent) and South Korea (8.8 percent) as the largest contributors to tourism expenditure in Asia Pacific. In fact, these two markets were also top source markets for Singapore (China #1), Bangkok (China #1) and Tokyo (Korea #1, China #2), the region’s leading destinations by visitor expenditure. As renowned global shopping and dining locales, they are popular amongst affluent Chinese and South Korean tourists seeking new shopping or culinary experiences.

Part of Mastercard’s commitment to supporting the region’s tourism industry, the Asia Pacific Destinations Index analyzes travel journeys across 171 Asia Pacific destinations to help the travel industry, government and stakeholders better understand and cater to tourism demand.

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

F

ILIPINO director Eric Matti has been chosen to be part of the panel of judges for the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild.

He will lend his hand in the selection process of HOOQ’s South-East Asia wide project that aims at turning the most imaginative TV series ideas of filmmakers into reality.

“I believe the Philippines still has a lot of undiscovered filmmakers out there just waiting for their big break. The HOOQ Filmmakers Guild, will give them a chance to see their ideas become reality, and hopefully inspire others pursue their dream,” Matti told guests at the media launch of the region-wide search for the most creative filmmakers.

Matti is the third judge in the selection of the five pilots to be produced and the full series thereafter. The other two judges are from Indonesia – Mouly Surya, a critically acclaimed director who recent screened at Director’s Fortnight in Cannes, and Nicholas Saputra, an award-winning actor and documentary producer.

Matti says he is “humbled” to be chosen by HOOQ. “I think it’s inevitable that everywhere in the world everyone is moving online and to be part of it from the beginning is really special. We already see the shift to online viewing

by Filipinos, and HOOQ offers an international opportunity for us to share our content stories and bring it to the global stage.”

Matti also co-founded (and co-owns) Reality Entertainment, a film production company with Lily Monteverde’s son Dondon, which is producing the On The Job (OTJ) sequel and series together with HOOQ. The OTJ movie and sequel is set to premiere later this year.

“We want OTJ to be special so we don’t want to rush anything. We are putting together a bigger idea and a grander story because we are also launching it as a movie which will help in bringing the story out first and creating more interest and entice them

Erik Matti joins Asian panel for HOOQ Filmmakers Guild

Filmmaker Erik Matti (second from right) joined by HOOQ Team led by Country Manager Jane Cruz-Walker (center)

to watch the series on HOOQ.” Asked what he is looking for in an entry, Matti explains “My main goal when I went back to do movies was to create something for the local market but with big potential for international crossover. If you look at the successful international movies, they have a strong local voice but at the same time very universal themes.”

“HOOQ’s mission’s has always been ‘a million stories for a billion people’ and how do we populate this for our customers? By finding more avenues for more filmmakers to bring their stories to HOOQ and HOOQ Filmmakers Guild is one of those opportunities,” notes Allison Chew, head of Brand and Communications of HOOQ. Chew adds that while HOOQ already

has the best of Hollywood content, they noticed a shift in the viewing habits of their subscribers, who are shifting from Hollywood to local content.

She adds that HOOQ wants to invest to bring in more local content. “While we already have lots of local/ regional movies what’s been missing are long form productions—such as TV series. There are a lot of amazing stories to be told but there are no opportunities for films that do not fit basic format. We want to give filmmakers a chance to tell stories whether it is a 4 hour story or 25 hour story-- and those formats sit perfectly on HOOQ. “Ever since we announced On The Job: The series, we have gotten a lot of inquiries from filmmakers as to how they too can be part of this opportunity. This is the future. We know that Filipinos are

very good storytellers so much more we can explore. This opportunity not only for new filmmakers but also for seasoned ones as this is also an opportunity for them to spread their wings so to speak,” says Jane Cruz-Walker,HOOQ Philippines Country manager.

“There is incredible talent for TV series making in Asia, and we want to give opportunities to film professionals to turn these amazing ideas into reality.

HOOQ is built in Asia for Asia and we want to give Asian filmmakers the power to create quality entertainment that gives our customers that escape into worlds of romance, action, adventure and even heroism, all in the setting of their backyard. HOOQ Filmmakers Guild does just that, making Asia the nation from which great TV arises!”

Uncover stories on the peculiar and unknown on History THERE are mysteries we just can’t resist solving, and unusual stories we need to hear. Satisfy your curiosity about peculiar creatures, long forgotten valuable items, risky businesses only for the brave, and why people stop at nothing to acquire their own treasures by tuning into History this July.

In the new series JFK Declassified: Tracking Oswald, former CIA agent Bob Baer and an elite team of investigators go on a global hunt to piece together the complex story of one Lee Harvey Oswald. What motivated him to assassinate then US President John F. Kennedy? Did he have accomplices? Find out starting July 19, 9:55 p.m..

Up next is the sixth season of Counting Cars premiering July 24, 9:55 p.m.. Discover how Las Vegas legend Danny “The Count” Koker acquires, restores and customizes classic vehicles and turns them into moneymaking highway gems.

Then dive deep and seek out dangerous underwater creatures from piranhas, giant tiger sharks to man-eating crocodiles beginning July 14, at 9 p.m.. In the second season of Chasing

"Chasing Monsters" (top) and "Counting Cars" Season 6 (bottom) headline roster of new shows on History Channel this month

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, July 8, 2017

ACROSS 1 Bleak 5 Green gem 9 Punch 12 Guru’s practice 13 Track standout Jesse — 15 Morse invention 16 Frame of mind 17 Make joyful 18 Go to earth 19 Actress Meryl — 21 Least able to retain water 23 “A Holly Jolly Christmas” singer 25 Road map nos.

26 Omaha’s state 30 Willowy 34 Lamb’s pen name 35 Cows’ chews 37 Epic by Homer 38 Apiece 39 Bad guy 41 Sorority letter 42 Actor Braugher 44 Potter’s oven 45 Detect 46 Powerful beams 48 Horse chestnuts 50 Social climber 52 Watch’s face 53 Tinkered 57 Like a wedding cake

61 Kind of molding 62 Fountain in Rome 64 Concern 65 Attired 66 Rathskeller mug 67 Make fall 68 Olive in the comics 69 Fawn’s parent 70 Cult DOWN 1 Workout sites 2 Show team spirit 3 Composer — Stravinsky 4 Fortified wine 5 “My Cousin Vinny” star (2 wds.)

6 Boring tool 7 Real bargain 8 Go in 9 — de vivre 10 Augments 11 Red vegetable 14 Installs in office 15 Woodworking tool 20 Mrs. Peron 22 Bacon or Kline 24 Lurk 26 Himalayan country 27 Helen, in

Spanish 28 Tweeters 29 Bob Hope specialty (2 wds.)

31 Fresh 32 Nevadan lake 33 Makes changes 36 Madrid toast 39 Founder of sci-fi 40 Egging on 43 Took it easy 45 Chooses 47 Places in order 49 Chiang — -shek 51 Lahr and Parks

53 Somewhat, in music 54 Ill-favored 55 Greenish-blue color 56 Bug repellent 58 One in a million 59 Guitarist — Clapton 60 Govt. branch 63 Airline ticket word

Monsters, witness how monster fish adventurer Cyril Chauquet tries to capture the colossal marlins in Costa Rica,which have injured and killed locals.

Immerse yourself in nights of HandsOn History every Thursday from 9 to 11:45 p.m.. Discover how personalities in these various series preserve their own way of life and culture. Forged in Fire sees four blade smiths in a weapon forging competition, while Swamp People follows alligator hunters and their high-risk business. Mountain Men, on the other hand, opens your eyes to how men try to make a living in the mountains despite record low temperatures, frostbite and seized engines.

While season 10 of Storage Wars welcomes seasoned auctioneer Emily Wears and delves into how storage unit auctions are the newest source of untapped treasure. Get a taste of what this kind of auction world looks like by tuning in every Tuesday, 9 p.m., from July 11.

Season 11 of The Pickers follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they hunt down forgotten objects and lost artifacts. Premiering July 19 and airing every Wednesday at 9 p.m., this season finds the two skilled pickers making a back-room deal with a former arms dealer.

Said Chief Executive Officer of HOOQ Peter Bithos.

HOOQ calls for film professionals, be it directors, producers or scriptwriters to send in scripts and treatments for a TV series idea they have. From these, the five best scripts, regionally, will be given a funding of $30,000 to be converted into a pilot episode that will debut on HOOQ. Submissions can be from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. The best out of these five pilot episodes, decided by HOOQ subscribers and a star-studded judging panel consisting of the top film talents around Asia as well as Hollywood (to be announced), will be converted into a full series produced and aired on HOOQ. The search for the HOOQ Filmmaker Guild began June 5and will be open for entries until Aug, 15.

Applicants must be either in film school or working as professionals in the film industry with prior film production experience. They are to submit the script and treatment for a mini-series or a full series with a maximum of 13 episodes for a single season in order to qualify. There will be no restriction to genre, however submissions and productions must be in the language of the applicant’s country.

The winning series will be part of HOOQ’s new original productions including Critical Eleven and Sweet 20, which hit cinemas last month while Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts and OTJ 2 are scheduled to come out later this year.

For more information and how to join please visit: https://campaign.hooq.tv/ filmmakersguild2017/

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

IN ‘MY LOVE FROM THE STAR’

Crispin Pineda takes Spanky

Manikan’s role F ROM the stellar visual effects to the out-of-thisworld kili, GMA Network’s ISAH V. RED local adaptation of My Love From The Star has undeniably become a nightly favorite of Kapuso viewers. Unfortunately, due to poor health, one of its actors, Spanky Manikan who plays the role of Mr. Jang, will no longer be in the series as he was advised to rest.

During the show’s early stages, the elderly actor expressed his excitement to be part of the hit Korean series and even declined offers for other projects so he could focus on My Love from the Star.

Gil Cuerva, who plays the role of his dear friend Matteo Domingo, is sad that he has to leave but wishes him well. “I think working with Tito Spanky is one of the best things that can happen to a new actor, like myself. He’s a man with so much wisdom and being the newbie that I am, I was always looking for someone I could ask questions, get advice from, and he was the perfect person to give me a lot of advice, a lot of tips. Ultimately, he is really a great actor to have scenes with and even though the time we spent together wasn’t that much, he somehow has been a mentor to me when it comes to acting. Sir Spanky, get well soon, we miss you. And I hope that our paths will collide again in the future,” he says.

Meanwhile, the other members of the cast also expressed their feelings; saying they will miss having him in the show but understands that it is in his best interest to take a break.

Glydel Mercado, who plays Lynelle Chavez, has nothing but praises for the actor. “Si Tito Spanky, as a co-actor, siyempre alam nating lahat na napakagaling niyang aktor talaga. Ang galing niyang ka-eksena, madali siyang katrabaho kasi alam niya lahat ng gagawin niya once na dumating siya sa set. Tito Spanky, hope you get well soon and we’re praying for you and may God bless you always.”

My Love from the Star’s antagonist Gabby Eigenmann, who portrays Jackson Libredo, also said, “Tito Spanky, get well soon and I pray that you get better any time soon. Of course umaasa ako na makatrabaho pa rin kita and it’s always a joy to

be working with you. Mahal ka namin,” he says.

Taking over Manikan’s role, is Crispin Pineda. The guys behind the show are confident that he could portray the endearing and lovable character of Mr. Jang effectively, like Manikan. *** In today’s episode of Sarap Diva, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and her guests will never run out of hugot.

Among Songbird’s special guests today, before Eat Bulaga, is the lead star of Mulawin vs Ravena, the actor tagged in the Kapuso network as the Kapuso Drama King, Dennis Trillo.

Expectedly, cross-dressing comedians Boobay and Inday (Teri Gian) will try to join the jumble.

Though you have been “friendzoned,” are you still hoping fate will change? Have you tried loving someone who is another person’s squeeze? Have you been cheated by the person you thought loyal to you? But deep in your heart you’re still the winner.

Is your favorite shong in the Top 5 Hugot Songs of Sarap Diva?

If your feeling hungry, Songbird prepared BBQ Braised Pork for her guests.

Sarap Diva airs after Maynila, Saturdays on GMA 7. *** I was talking to a few showbiz insiders recently and one of the more interesting topics was the Golden Dove Awards organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

On its 25th year now, the Golden Dove has clearly withstood the test of time. Though there is no question about its durability, its credibility, particularly in the TV category, is another story.

For the longest time, the Kapamilya Network has dominated the Golden Dove Awards. Not that ABS-CBN has anything to do with it. ABS-CBN is a member of the

Dennis Trillo (second from left) is Regine Velasquez-Alcasid's special guest in today's episode of 'Sarap Diva"

Senior actor Crispin Pineda joins the cast of GMA 7's primetime offering, "My Love from the Star"

Cinemalaya 2017 in August

Newly-crowned Miss Global Philippines 2017 Mary Ann Mungcal

KBP, but its closest rival – GMA Network – is not.

You see, the Golden Dove Awards is exclusive to members of the KBP. It is a “for members only” award-giving body.

Given this, how does this affect the credibility of the Golden Dove Awards?

Well, the KBP membership might have a ready answer for that. Why doesn’t the Kapuso network apply for re-instatement as a member? That is, of course, out of the question, as we all know there are issues the GMA top guns don’t agree with KBP. In the local TV landscape, for awards to be acceptable, the competition betwen ABS-CBN and GMA Network must be underscored amid minor players, the other networks on both free-toair TV and cable TV. With GMA out the Golden Dove categories, can any other network measure up to ABS-CBN? I don’t think so.

Is it finally time for the KBP to pull the plug on the Golden Dove Awards?” I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future. *** Mary Ann Mungcal from Pampanga was crowned Miss Global Philippines 2017 on June 24, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in the glittery coronation night attended by beauty pageant denizens that filled the humungous theater to the rafters.

Mungcal bested 21 other candidates for the right to represent the country at the 2017 Miss Global pageant later this year in Cambodia.

The new Miss Global Philippines hauled the lion’s share of special awards, including the much-coveted Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. Last year’s winner Camille Hirro, who

was 1st runner-up in Miss Global 2016 passed the crown to her.

Rowee Sasuluya was first runner-up, while Jacqueline Mayoralgowas second runnerup. Ma Mhaelen Mae Patano and Fina Gulapa were third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Actor Derrick Monasterio and TV host Luanne Dy served as the show’s masters of ceremonies.

The coronation night will be telecast tomorrow in SNBO on GMA Network. *** Just an announcement, The Eddys, the awards given by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, will happen tomorrow night at Kia Theater, 7 p.m. with a red carpet before the actual awards show.

This is the first time a group of entertainment editors of newspapers (broadsheets and tabloids) have gotten together and lent their experience and expertise in judging movies and honor outstanding works of actors, directors, writers, and other craftsmen and technicians in the movie industry.

The Eddys will also honor outstanding individuals in the industry, like Lily Monteverde of Regal Entertainment as Producer of the Year, Boy Abunda as a TV personality who has a special heart for the movies (Joe Quirino Memorial Award), and Lav Diaz who became an internationally acclaimed filmmaker after years of being a showbiz writer/ columnist (Manny Pichel Memorial Award).

The Eddys will be hosted by father-son tandem of Edu and Luis Manzano with special performances by some Kapuso stars, including James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Martin Nievera and the ASAP Birit Queens.

ONE of the most anticipated events in local cinema is the annual Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition, which highlights productions by independent and upcoming filmmakers, It is held from Aug. 3 to 14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Malls Cinemas.

Finalists for this year’s full-length film category include the entries of Iar Lionel Arondaing, an AB Multimedia Arts student, and Thop Nazareno, an AB Multimedia Arts alumnus, both from the Film Program of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Arondaing’s Sa Gabing Nanahimik Ang Mga Kuliglig questions the priestly vow of secrecy when a woman admits during confession that she killed her friend in a fit of marital jealousy. Both are haunted by their conscience as they come to the terms with crime.

Written and directed by Arondaing, it stars Ruby Moreno, Alex Medina, Karl Medina, and Ronwaldo Martin.

Nazareno’s Kiko Boksingero is a coming-of-age tale of an 11-year-old boy, who idolizes Manny Pacquiao and wants to grow up as a boxer. In the course of the film the boy unravels his identity as he attempts to overcome his mother’s death.

Kiko Boksingero stars child actor Noel Comia Jr. with Yul Servo and Yayo Aguila. Nazareno directed it from Denise O’Hara and Ash Malanum’s screenplay.

Apart from screenings, the event also hosts other filmrelated activities, such as the Cinemalaya Film Congress, a two-day conference that looks at all aspects of independent filmmaking and distribution, and the Cinemalaya Sine Taktakan, a forum with the year’s new batch of filmmakers, among others.

To date, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival has supported and promoted the production of 127 full feature independent films and 106 short films. Through the annual festival, it has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, Filipino film classics, art films, documentaries, and shorts.

Since its inception in 2005, many of the movies that debuted in the affair have won accolades for the country both in local and international competitions and festivals.

For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www. cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and its Facebook page, or call CCP Media Arts Office at 832-1125 local 1704 to 1705 and CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

Finalists of this year's Cinemalaya Full Length Film Category