Manila Standard - 2017 July 14 - Friday by Manila Standard

‘Unfriendly’ Korean fighter jets grounded By Francisco Tuyay

MILITANTS’ ARCHENEMY. This photo, taken on June 24, but released only on July 13, shows a Philippine Air Force South Korean-made FA-50 fighter aircraft flying overhead while targetting militant Islamist positions in Marawi City. ‘Friendly fire’ from a fighter jet has left two soldiers dead and 11 injured as government troops try to crush the militants. AFP

Reduced scope of martial law eyed—top cop By John Paolo Bencito

THE newly acquired FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea have been grounded after a “friendly fire” incident killed two soldiers and injured 11 others, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Thursday. “The FA-50 will momentarily be pulled out from deployment until the investigation is finished and once we ascertain the reason

why the bombs went off target,” AFP spokesman Restituto Padilla said in a news conference. “The AFP is suspending the use of that particular aircraft. For any further airstrike until such time that the cause of the accident has been determined, or the failure of the equipment has been determined,” he added. This was the second time troops were killed in a friendly Next page

OFFICIAL ESTEEM. Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa clasps a 5.56 mm K3 SAW gun, formally known as Light Machine Gun, M249, the American adaptation of the Belgian FN Herstal, of the Philippine Government Arsenal during the 25th Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City Thursday. Manny Palmero

SECURITY ofﬁcials are considering proposals to reduce the scope of martial law in Mindanao, but maintained calls for its extension before it lapses on July 23. At the sidelines of a gun show opening in Mandaluyong City, Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa insisted that they would be asking for an extension of martial law, based on his last conversation with Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año. “We might reduce its scope. [AFP chief General Eduardo Año] and I spoke about the possibility of reducing its scope or [having] martial law over the whole of Mindanao still,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa said they need to submit their recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte before martial law lapses on July 23. “The military will have their own perspective—for tactical reasons or strategic reasons, why martial law should be extended,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino. “On my side, from the law enforcement perspective, what are the investigative reasons we need to extend it. We will make our position paper.” Duterte on May 23 placed the entire Mindanao under martial rule following clashes between government forces and Islamic State-inspired extremists in Next page Marawi City.

VOL. XXXI • NO. 150 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Turkish group probed Imee, ‘Ilocos Six’ ask SC for TRO vs House inquiry By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz ILOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to take jurisdiction on the habeas corpus case of the

six detained Ilocos Norte ofﬁcials pending before the Court of Appeals following the House of Representatives’ refusal to release them on the order of the Court of Appeals. In a 67-page petition Marcos and the so-called “Ilocos Six”―Pedro S. Agcaoili Jr., Encarnacion A. Gaor, Josephine P. Calajate, Genedine D. Jambaro, Eden C. Battulayan and Evangeline C. Tabulog―sought a temporary restraining order stopping the investigation of the House committee on good govern-

ment and public accountability of Ilocos Norte’s alleged misuse of P66.45 million in tobacco excise funds. Marcos on Thursday also denounced what she described as a “hostage crisis” in Congress Next page

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s reinstatement of a police ofﬁcer accused of rubbing out a town mayor inside a Leyte provincial jail last year drew an angry re-

Transparency in China package vowed BEIJING―The ﬁrst projects that will take off as part of the Chinese development package to help the Philippines are the simpler ones that will be built for free to ensure they

ALACAÑANG on Thursday vowed to hold accountable organizations abetting terrorism amid accusations from the Turkish ambassador to the Philippines that a terrorist organization that instigated last year’s failed coup in Turkey has branched out to the Philippines.

By Joel E. Zurbano

FOR HER PEOPLE.

will be transparent and corruptionfree, an ofﬁcial said here Thursday. Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana was responding to the question how to avert the recurrence of shady Chinese dealings with the

By John Paolo Bencito

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the military is verifying the statement of Turkish Ambassador to Manila Ester Cankour that Turkish terrorists, particularly the Fetullah Gulen Movement, is already in the Philippines. “We will investigate organizations abetting or aiding terrorism and will hold them accountable, especially those that may be Next page

‘Rubout’ cop back, sparks uproar

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos shows Thursday a copy of an Omnibus Petition she ﬁled before the Supreme Court for and on behalf of the House-detained ‘Ilocos 6’ asking the high court to assume jurisdiction over their petition for habeas corpus. Norman Cruz

By Macon R. Araneta

Palace: Fetullah Gulen a terror front?

Philippine government. “The challenge here is how to do it and avoid the problems we’ve had in the past,” Sta. Romana said. He also said President Rodrigo Next page

sponse from lawmakers Thursday, including administration ally Senator Panﬁlo Lacson. “There is one phrase to describe this whole damn thing,” Lacson, a former police chief, said. “P-----ina! [Son of a bitch!]”

“It is not even a reinstatement,” he said, one day after Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa ordered Supt. Marvin Marcos back to active duty, despite homicide Next page

CA justice named to high court By Rey E. Requejo and John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has promoted Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. to associate justice of the Supreme Court to replace Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes, who retired on July 6. Duterte also appointed retired general Eduardo del Rosario chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, taking over the post from Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Next page

SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS. Zoo founder Manny Tangco presents

Thursday at the Malabon Zoo and Botanical Garden the pigeons of the world exhibit and tiger cub named ‘Tiger Economy—the pigeons symbolizing the Filipinos’ yearning for peace in Marawi City and in the world and ‘Tiger Economy’ symbolizing the aspiration for a prosperous economy. Andrew Rambulan

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‘Quake response satisfactory’ By John Paolo Bencito

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the government’s response to the 6.5-magnitude earthquake and the aftershocks that struck Leyte. In a situation briefing in Ormoc City, Duterte vowed that the money spent on disaster mitigation will not go to waste as in the previous administration.

“I am satisfied with the reports and the actions taken. I hope that we have done something to show to the people that government is working,” Duterte said.

Turkish...

‘Unfriendly’...

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working as fronts for terrorist and criminal activities, as alleged by the ambassador,” Abella said. He added that Manila is “working closely with all other nations to combat terrorism,” which is now “a global threat that can be better addressed through a uniﬁed effort.” On Wednesday, Cankour claimed that the Fetullah Gulen Movement led by a USbased cleric, has found its way through a school in Zamboanga, opened in 1997, and two other schools in Manila. “This is their façade, thinking them as civic education institutions and innocent charity organizations. That will be a huge mischaracterization, that is wrong. They are the façade. They talk about inter-faith dialogue, but they are concealing themselves,” she said, adding that the group’s presence in the Philippines is “a bad thing” because it is a terrorist group. But one of the leaders of the movement, Cihangir Arslan, denied the ambassador’s accusations. “We strongly assail the accusation made by the ambassador against us, our group. “We’re not terrorists and we are here in the Philippines in goodwill,” Arslan told the Manila Standard in a phone interview. Arslan said the accusations amounted to political persecution by the Turkish government against their movement. “We’re not terrorists. Our group was and will strongly oppose this treatment by our own government against us just because we’re vocal in condemning the totalitarian system of the Turkish government and rampant corruption,” Arslan said. The Turkish government blames Gulen, a US-based cleric, and his followers, for orchestrating last July’s attempted coup, in which rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and ﬁghter jets, bombed parliament and tried to abduct or kill President Tayyip Erdogan. More than 250 people died and 2,000 more were injured, Cankour said. Foreign Affairs spokesman Robispierre Bolivar said the government would look into the ambassador’s warning. “We take seriously allegations of the presence of terrorists in our country and we have been looking into the matter,” he added.

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ﬁre incident in Marawi. In May, an Air Force SF-260 jet dropped its payload on members of the 55th Infantry Battalion, killing 10 soldiers. Despite Wednesday’s incident, Padilla said the FA-50, equipped with Sidewinder air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles, has been effective in providing air support. “The success rate of the aircraft is very high. Out of the 70 plus missions, this is the only time when you had one wayward bomb that didn’t hit its target,” he said. Three other bombs from the FA-

“There is a government, a functioning one. Your money is protected, everything will be put to good use and there will be no corruption in the next five years. I will never ever tolerate corruption.” The administration is working toward getting the situation in Leyte back to normal, but Duterte said “if there is any lack of immediate response” from the government, that would be because everything was focused on the besieged

city of Marawi. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said there would be no problems on the release of the needed funds for the rehabilitation of the quake-struck areas, particularly Ormoc and the nearby town of Kananga. In a separate interview, Duterte said the government was working on how to hasten the delivery of services to the quake-struck areas. “We are here to help you. The government has pro-

grams on how to speed up the delivery of services,” Duterte said in a recorded message through Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux Uson. On July 6, a magnitude-6.5 earthquake struck at 4:03 p.m. around Jaro town in Leyte but the tremors were felt in most of the Visayas. It was then followed by another magnitude-5.8 earthquake on June 10 with the epicenter in Ormoc town.

50 hit Maute group terrorists, he added. The Armed Forces has 12 FA-50 ﬁghter jets bought by the previous administration from Korean Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion. While the Korean jets are grounded, the military can still use its other air assets, including the OV 10 and MG-520 bombers, and attack helicopters against terrorist positions in Marawi City, Padilla said. In Wednesday’s incident, the jet ﬁghter dropped four bombs, one of which missed its intended target and hit a building near some soldiers, Padilla said. The building collapsed and fell on the government troops, killing

two of them. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed regret over the friendly fire incident, saying it reflected the “harsh nature of urban warfare where soldiers operate in tight spaces and in close proximity to the enemy.” Lorenzana acknowledged that retaking the last positions still held by the terrorists was proving difficult because civilians were still trapped in the battle zone, where the enemy uses hostages as human shields and children as combatants. “Our resolve to end the situation, however, has not wavered. In fact, we are now more determined than ever to finally eliminate these

terrorists, and we will not stop until evil is vanquished, not only in Marawi City, but also in the whole of Mindanao,” he added. Malacañang on Thursday expressed regret to the families of two slain soldiers killed by friendly ﬁre. “On behalf of the President, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the two soldiers who were killed in yesterday’s airstrike accident while ﬁghting Maute rebel remnants,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Abella said the government would investigate the incident to avoid similar accidents in the future. With John Paolo Bencito

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The basis of his declaration was challenged before the Supreme Court, but the high tribunal upheld the constitutionality of martial law in a majority decision. On Wednesday, Dela Rosa said that martial law should be extended for another 60 days or the maximum period allowed by law, as the problems caused by Islamic State-inspired terrorists have not yet been fully addressed. “If the law allows 60 more days, [then it’s]

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charges ﬁled against him for the killing of former Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. last year. “Rather, it was a back-to-duty status after serving his four-month suspension order incorporated in a slap-on-the-wrist administrative penalty,” Lacson told GMA News Online. “According to the decision, Marcos was not physically present when the raiding team killed Espinosa and Raul Yap, but outside supervising the operation. The others were given demotions and a six-month suspension. This effectively disregarded the conspiracy angle,” he said. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV slammed Duterte. “Duterte not only set the murderers free, he now gave back their badges and guns so they could murder again with impunity. Why? Because Duterte fears that these policemen might rant out on him for what they know about his involvement in the Espinosa murder,” said Trillanes. Duterte said earlier he wants Marcos reinstated despite the criminal charges he is facing. He also reiterated that he will pardon Marcos, if he is convicted. The Justice department has downgraded the charge against the accused police ofﬁcials from murder to homicide. The 11 members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group led by Marcos were orginally charged with murder for killing Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul

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as a result of the case of the Ilocos Six who are being detained at the Batasan Complex for refusal to answer questions on the alleged fraudulent use of the P66.45-million tobacco excise funds. “If there is terrorism in Marawi, there is a hostage crisis in Congress,” Marcos told reporters. She said there was no irregularity about the decision of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to purchase some P66.45 million worth of vehicles using the excise funds without the beneﬁt of a public bidding. Marcos and the Ilocos Six also appealed to the high court to order the release of the provincial ofﬁcials whose habeas corpus case remained unresolved by the appellate court and its earlier orders for their immediate release repeatedly ignored by the House of Representatives. The petitioners named as respondents

60 days. If the problem can’t be solved for another 60 more days, then we’ll apply for another extension,” Dela Rosa told Manila Standard in a chance interview. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla however, insisted that before martial law in Mindanao can be extended, a detailed assessment on the prevailing security situation has to be done. “We have stated our position that the AFP will conduct an assessment on the need to extend or not martial law. That assessment will then recommend our position for the Commander-in-Chief’s perusal and approval. Let us wait for that. What-

Yap inside the Leyte sub-provincial jail in Baybay City on Nov. 5, 2016. The other accused are Senior Insp. Deogracia Pedong Diaz III, Chief Insp. Calixto Canillas Jr., Inspector Lucresito Candelosas, Senior Police Officers 2 Benjamin Dacallos and Antonio Docil, Senior Police Officer 1 Mark Christian Cadilo, Police Office 3 Norman Abellanosa, Police Officers 2 John Ruel Doculan and Jaime Bacsal, and Police Officer 1 Jerlan Cabiyaan. Four other police officers were charged for the murder of Espinosa —Supt. Santi Noel Matira, Chief Inspector Leo Daio Laraga, Senior Police Officer 4 Melvin Caboyit and Police Officer 3 Johnny Abuda Ibanez—while four others for murder of Yap—Senior Inspector Fritz Bioco Blanco, Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito Duarte, Police Officer 2 Lloyd Ortiguesa and Police Officer 1 Bernard Orpilla. Abellanosa, Laraga and witness Paul Olendan were also indicted for two counts of maliciously obtaining search warrants. Trillanes noted that it was Duterte who had Marcos and company reassigned to CIDG Region 8, and that he overruled Dela Rosa when he relieved the police superintendent who was implicated in the illegal drug trade by Espinosa. “Then just a few weeks after, Espinosa ended up getting murdered by Marcos’ group,” said Trillanes. Senator Risa Hontiveros also criticized the administration, saying the move was outright obstruction of justice from the highest

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, House committee chairman and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel and House sergeant-atarms Roland Detabali. “It is not likely that a decision on the habeas corpus case is forthcoming,” the petitioners said citing the July 7, 2017 letter of Associate Justice Edwin Sorongon. The petitioners told the high court that the House inquiry was ““not in aid of legislation” but a “ﬁshing expedition to determine the guilt of respondent Fariñas’ political enemies” in violation of the petitioners’ right to due process. They also said the House committee had subjected the six employees to psychological torture and intimidation. Marcos described the House inquiry into Ilocos Norte’s use of tobacco excise funds as a “witch-hunt.” She said the House investigation obviously stemmed from her political rivalry with Fariñas in Ilocos Norte. “This started from local politics, so we should just bring the ﬁght back to Ilocos Norte,” Marcos said.

ever the Commander-in-Chief’s decision is, the AFP will be ready to comply and implement,” Padilla said. Once the AFP finishes its assessment and recommendations, these will be forwarded to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also martial law administrator. He will forward the findings to Duterte for review. “The declaration of martial law goes out of effect at the end of 60 days and the recommendation and decision to extend it must done before it ends,” Padilla added. Under the 1987 Constitution, martial law is limited for 60 days and needs the approval of Congress for any extension. With PNA

level of governance and executive promotion of extrajudicial killings. “For those who still deny that there are state-sanctioned killings, here is damning proof,” she said. Hontiveros reminded President Duterte that the Senate, including his allies, unanimously recommended the filing of murder charges against the policemen led by Marcos. “The Senate and even the National Bureau of Investigation concluded that the death of Espinosa is a case of extrajudicial killing. How can President Duterte dismiss those findings? For the President to order the reinstatement of Marcos absolves him and his men of any wrongdoing,” she said. The senator also rued Dela Rosa’s support for the reinstatement order. Dela Rosa said that “it would be a waste anyway” not to let Marcos work since he was getting paid. “I expect better thinking from the PNP chief. We let a murderer have a free pass and go back to the uniformed service because his suspension is a waste of money? Let me remind my mistah and old friend, the PNP chief, that the real criminal waste of taxpayers’ money are bad cops and injustices,” Hontiveros said. “It is quite disturbing considering that the NBI and the Senate findings point to murder. We hope the members of the Senate majority who signed the committee report will close ranks and fulfill its duty to act as a check and balance on the executive branch,” added another opposition senator, Francis Pangilinan. Trilannes, Hontiveros and Pan-

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Evasco who held it in a hold-over capacity. Del Rosario is the former head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and administrator of the Ofﬁce of Civil Defense under the previous administration. The HUDCC post was once held by Vice President Leni Robredo before she quit after being barred by Duterte from attending Cabinet meetings. Reyes, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and brother of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez at the Utopia fraternity, has been with the judiciary for 30 years. Now 67, the 177th associate justice of the high

gilinan belong to the opposition bloc in the Senate and all members of the Liberal Party, the political party of former President Benigno Aquino III. Four months ago, the lawmen involved in the killing of Espinosa appealed to the Justice department to review the criminal case filed against them. They filed a petition for review before the office of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II seeking the dismissal of the murder charges against them. The policemen asked Aguirre to reverse the resolution of the prosecutors who found probable cause in the charges and approved the filing of the murder case before the Baybay City, Leyte regional trial court. They claimed there was intention to kill Espinosa and Yap, and said they only defended themselves from the two inmates inside the Baybay City sub-provincial jail who first fired shots at them while they were serving search warrants. Before his death in a supposed shootout with lawmen inside his jail, Espinosa Sr. said in a TV interview that a senator, a congressman and police officials were on his list of those with links to the drug trade, but refused to name them. Espinosa also implicated Marcos in the drug trade. The Palace defended Duterte’s move, saying Marcos had served his suspension and is eligible to be back on duty. “The President respects and abides by the rule of law,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. With John Paolo Bencito

court only has three years to serve before his mandatory retirement age of 70. His father, Andres Reyes Sr., also served as presiding justice of Court of Appeals while his grandfather, Alex Reyes, served as a justice in the high court. Reyes was chosen from a shortlist of seven nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council last month. He topped the list after earning the unanimous votes of all seven members of the council who are tasked to vet the nominees to judicial posts. He is Duterte’s third appointee to the high court. The President earlier promoted Sandiganbayan Justice Samuel Martires and CA Associate Justice Noel Tijam to the high court. Duterte is also expected to

appoint another justice to the high court for the post to be vacated by the retirement of Associate Justice Jose Mendoza in August. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno leads the JBC, the seven-man council constitutionally tasked to screen the nominees for the vacant posts in the judiciary and the Ofﬁce of the Ombudsman. The two ex-ofﬁcio members are Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for the executive and Senator Richard Gordon for Congress. The regular members of JBC are retired Supreme Court Justice Angelina SandovalGutierrez for the retired magistrates, lawyer Jose Mejia for the academe, lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and retired Judge Toribio Ilao for the private sector.

Corrections chief quits over drug trade revival By Rey E. Requejo BUREAU of Corrections Director Benjamin delos Santos resigned Thursday following the resurgence of illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Delos Santos said the resumption of the illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary had made him “irrelevant.” In a text message, he said: “The issue about the resurgence of drug trade has made me irrelevant. My irrevocable resignation effective immediately was filed thru Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II. I will refrain from further comments and take the vow of silence.” Delos Santos was appointed to the top BuCor post only last December. He was a graduate of the Benedictine-run San Beda College of Law in Mendiola, Manila and a fraternity brother of Aguirre and President Rodrigo Duterte at the Lex Talionis Fraternity. Prior to his appointment to the BuCor, Delos Santos served with the PNP-CIDG where he earned his star rank. Aguirre earlier disclosed illegal drugs-related activities had again resumed inside the national penitentiary though he clarified that it was not on the same level as the previous leadership. Duterte last year said 75 percent of all illegal drugs in the country came from drugs syndicate operating at the NBP. The resumption took place despite the tight security measures being imposed by the authorities at the NBP, particularly at the maximum security compound where a contingent of elite police Special Action Force commandos are deployed to guard high-profile detainees, including convicted drug lords. However, Aguirre said most of the drug transactions took place at the NBP’s medium security compound.

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Duterte’s call for a new independent foreign policy cut the Philippines’ dependence on the United States and made it more friendly with China while also boosting relations with Russia. “We try to separate our foreign policy at least from the US,” Sta. Romana said. But he said that did not mean abandoning the Philippines’ military alliance with the US. Sta. Romana said the economic team composed of Social Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and the Department of Trade and Industry had not actually signed a single contract with the Chinese government about the promised development projects in the Philippines. He said they were still trying to introduce a system of accreditation, and that the challenge was how to minimize the potential for a repeat of what happened in the past. “We want to avoid that of course,” he said. “And there is a need to make it transparent, how to make sure that the terms are acceptable and won’t be something that will be a burden to future generations. Basically, it has to be in accordance with Philippine laws.” The projects being given for free by China to the Philippines include the two bridges in Pasig, where the groundbreaking will be in the second half of this year. Three other projects are the Chico River irrigation project, a dam and the South rail. Several high-ranking government ofﬁcials, including former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Mike Arroyo, had been involved in the controversial $329-million NBN-ZTE deal, but the Arroyos have been then cleared of the charges in connection with the deal.

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Aguirre asked to explain fiscal’s suspension By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals has ordered Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to explain the suspension of Manila City Prosecutor Edward Togonon for not releasing three people from police custody despite the dismissal of the charges against them. In a resolution dated July 5, the CA’s Fifth Division directed Aguirre to answer the petition filed by Togonon questioning his 90-day suspension order. The appellate court gave the Justice secretary 10 days from receipt of notice to comply with the order and file his comment. The controversy arose after Aguirre suspended Togonon last month for not following his Department Circular No. 4, which allows a respondent in cases involving violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act to walk out of detention even if the case is pending for automatic review before the DOJ. The DOJ chief designated Alexander Ramos, director of the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program and a fraternity brother of Aguirre and President Rodrigo Duterte in San Beda College of Law-based Lex Talionis Fraternitas, as officer-in-charge of the Manila prosecutor’s office. Togonon was suspended after an inmate, 61-year-old Api Ang, died due to an illness while in custody of the Manila Police District despite the dismissal of the drug raps against him and his three companions. Ang and three other suspects—Betty Chan, Luz Chan and Henry Go Bernales—were arrested on Nov. 21, 2016 after authorities conducted a raid on Ang’s unit at Good Life Hotel in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Seized from the raid were illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Records showed that Ang was charged for possession of illegal drugs and violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition (Republic Act 10591). The cases were filed with the Manila Regional Trial Court on Feb. 9, two months before his death due to acute coronary syndrome. The complaints for violation of RA 9165, RA 10591 and obstruction of justice against Betty Chan, Luz Chan, and Bernales were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

SECURITY BRIEFING. President Rodrigo Duterte is joined by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as he is briefed on one of the technologies used by the National Security Council during the council’s 67th anniversary celebration at the Tejeros Hall of Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 12, 2017. Presidential Photo

Poe to defend bill granting Du30 powers vs traffic mess By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Grace Poe will defend anew the bill granting emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte when Congress opens its second regular session on July 24, saying that the debilitating trafﬁc crisis puts a toll on the country’s economic growth.

Last December, Poe, chairperson of the committee on public services, endorsed Senate Bill No. 1284 or the Trafﬁc and Congestion Crisis Act which she authored. She said legislators have yet to approve the measure a year after President Duterte declared that he wants Congress to do its part in addressing the trafﬁc congestion.

“We hope to resume deliberations when session reopens, and as sponsor, we want this bill passed before the year ends,” Poe said. She added that the emergency powers bill, if passed, will allow the use of alternative methods of procurement for faster implementation of transportation projects. She is hopeful that

it remains a priority of the Senate in addressing the traffic mess that hounds commuters and motorists everyday. “There are still a few more senators who have questions about the bill,” she said. Poe has maintained that ending the daily agony and sufferings of our commuters is long overdue and believes that any further delay in solving the traffic crisis is denying them the basic rights and due service they deserve from the government. Despite sponsoring the bill, Poe said that if enacted, the measure will be FOI-compliant, fiscally responsible and would adhere to deadlines. She said the massive transportation projects will be up for public scrutiny. Malacañang and Congress officials had earlier met to list 10

priority measures which included the emergency powers to solve trafﬁc in Metro Manila and other urban areas. The proposed emergency powers bill authorizes the President, through his appointed Trafﬁc crisis manager, to use alternative methods of procurement under existing laws to expedite the implementation of key transportation projects. The measure covers land, sea and air transport that sets parameters on how to exercise the emergency powers. With regards to the Freedom of Information bill, Poe expressed optimism that the anticorruption measure will be approved by the Senate. She said her committee on public information and mass media will schedule the FOI for plenary debates

so the bill will advance. She said that the measure will breathe life to the people’s right to information on matters of public concern as enshrined in the Constitution. The Philippine Business Groups-Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines has included the emergency powers bill and FOI bill in their 12 priority wishlist that they want Congress to pass to improve the business and economic climate in the country. Meanwhile, Poe is also set to endorse the creation of a National Transportation Safety Board that will conduct independent investigations on transport-related accidents on land, air, maritime and rail in order to solve the current incoherent setup of several agencies investigating different transport incidents.

Filing of graft raps vs ex-solon okayed Gutierrez THE Office of the Ombudsman has approved the filing of graft charges against former Eastern Samar Rep. Marcelino Libanan over the alleged fertilizer fund scam. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that graft investigators have found probable cause to indict Libanan and 11 other former provincial officials and private individuals in connection with the procurement of 4,328 bags of fertilizer

worth P6.1 million. Likewise, former Eastern Samar Gov. Clotilde Salazar, agriculturist Jesus Agda, accountant Vener Dulfo, Bids and Awards Committee chairperson Vilma Bormate, vice chairperson Necitas Ponferrada and BAC members Samson Nervez and Manuel Japson are also included in the charge sheet. The Ombudsman said that AKAME Marketing International owner and general manager Edilberto Apostol as well

as employees Cecilia Apostol, Mary Jane Fabian and Kevin Ed Apostol would also be indicted. The probe showed that the Eastern Samar provincial government purchased NBEM-21 Microbial Inoculant Soil Activator in March and April 2004 through direct contracting instead of public bidding.”Respondents’ manifest partiality is more evident when they procured fertilizers from a non-licensed company,” the Ombudsman said. PNA

DoLE reiterates appeal to OFWs on ‘amnesty’ By Vito Barcelo

SOLIDARITY FOR GROWTH. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu (center) leads a symbolic solidarity pose during a four-day congress organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for research and development experts from the 10 members of the Asean region, China, South Korea, and Australia, to discuss strategies in protecting the ecosystem and biodiversity in urban areas. Joining Cimatu are, from left: Sunwoo Bae, program ofﬁcer of the UN Institute for Training and Research— International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders of Jeju, South Korea; Architect Felino Palafox Jr., principal architect of Urban Planner; Director Henry Adornado of the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau; Dr. Bharat Dahiya, an urbanist at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University; Roberto Oliva, executive director of the Asean Centre for Biodiversiy; and Simplicia Pasicolan of the ERDB, overall coordinator of the congress.

THE Department of Labor and Employment reiterated its appeal to overstaying and undocumented overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia to avail of the Saudi government’s amnesty program which was extended for another 30 days. Migrante International has estimated that there are at least 12,000 undocumented OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but the Labor department claimed that only around 6,000 Filipino workers availed of the amnesty program. Labor Undersecretary Dominador Say said 600 stranded and undocumented OFWs in the Arab country will be repatriated by the government in the coming weeks. “We continue our efforts in processing the travel documents of our stranded OFWs in Saudi. We urge them to take advantage of the amnesty extension and immediately avail of the amnesty grant and the government will take care of the repatriation

process,” Say said. The Labor ofﬁcial said another 400 OFWs in Saudi have registered to avail of the program. Say encouraged the remaining stranded and undocumented OFWs in Saudi to take advantage of the amnesty extension because Saudi authorities will immediately start their crackdown as soon as the amnesty program ends. “Some OFWs choose to stay, stressing that they could still work for at least a month and save money before going back home. Others are not eligible for the amnesty, such as those with absconding cases, and other violations. For those eligible OFWs, we urge them to register and let the government bring them back home,” Say added. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had also sent an augmentation team in Saudi to accommodate more registrants of the amnesty. The team left on July 11 and will help expedite the processing of documents of the OFWs.

denies tax evasion charges By Rey E. Requejo ACTOR Richard Gutierrez on Thursday denied the P38.57million tax evasion charges filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue before the Department of Justice. Gutierrez showed up before the DOJ and submitted his counter-affidavit seeking dismissal of the complaint for lack of probable cause. According to his lawyers, the actor no longer has any tax liability as the amount cited by the BIR in the complaint has already been paid. In a complaint filed last April, the BIR alleged that the 33-year-old actor allegedly failed to declare P39.6 million in sales from April to December 2012. His company, R Gutz Production Corp., allegedly did not file income tax return and value-added tax during the same year. Gutierrez’s company declared P311,111 in sales in 2012. However, its clients said they bought P39.9 million from the entertainment firm during the same period, based on a list of purchases. The BIR said they had notified Gutierrez about his tax liabilities three times.

Opinion

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EDITORIAL

Funding ‘Dutertenomics’

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s P8.4-trillion infrastructure program under the “Build, Build, Build” mantra over the next five years is unprecedented and ambitious. It can be done but funding the massive program will depend on Congress, which has the task of identifying and passing the revenue measures to bring the infrastructure projects to fruition.

The chairman of the House committee on appropriations said Congress would ensure funding support for the infrastructure modernization program,

Adelle Chua, Editor

touted as the core of the government’s new economic master plan called “Dutertenomics.” Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles,

the panel chairman, sounded upbeat on the chances of the legislative body in drawing up the necessary revenues to bankroll the construction of the projects, initially costing at least P1.13 trillion in 2018, P1.18 trillion in 2019 and P1.29 trillion in 2020. Nograles recognizes the real impact of the infrastructure program on national economic development. He says the logic of Dutertenomics is simple and practical. If we mod-

ernize our infrastructure, he says, we will modernize the economy down to the farthest municipality. And everything else will follow. Infrastructure projects like rail networks, toll roads, airports and everything that will speed up the delivery of farm produce to the market and make public commute faster and more efficient could bring about a balanced economic development, especially in long-neglected regions in Mindanao and the

Visayas. New railways, bridges, expressways and subways will instantly generate employment in the initial stage, spur local and foreign investments and ultimately make a significant dent on the fight against poverty. Nograles added a “balanced economic development will help deny the enemies of government reasons for their rebellion.” The government has several options to fund the infrastructure pro-

gram. It can borrow from local and foreign sources to partially finance the projects or let the private sector do the job to preserve the fiscal integrity. But Congress must also do its part of identifying revenues and passing a national budget supportive of the infrastructure projects. Foreign and local investors will not subscribe to the plan if the government itself is not dead set on having the wherewithal to finance the projects. PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

The legal system of a federal Philippines

The law and diplomacy LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES SENIOR Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is a man who fully understands the law, especially as far as the continuing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea is concerned. Unfortunately, the controversy over who owns what part of the sea and the resolution of this longrunning conflict are not simply matters of law. On the first anniversary this week of the landmark ruling by the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration, Carpio told a forum in Manila that he was aghast that the Duterte administration had set aside the decision that favored the Philippines. Carpio, who was an adviser of the Philippine government in the arbitral case

filed in 2013 and which nullified China’s claims to most of the contested sea, described the current government’s policy on the dispute as “without discernible direction, coherence or vision.” I have several concerns about Carpio’s opinion on the foreign policy initiatives of President Rodrigo Duterte, specifically on the Chief Executive’s decision to undertake an independent external position. The first has to do with Carpio’s continued and unwelcome incursions into an area that is really the province of the Executive, not the Judiciary. I appreciate Carpio’s efforts in making the case that the Philippines is the rightful owner to the areas of the sea that Manila is claiming, efforts which were instrumental in securing the favorable ruling from the arbitral body. However, I do not see why Carpio insists on speaking out on the matter, which is no longer a legal question. Foreign policy, after all, is the

exclusive province of the Executive. And Carpio should realize that Duterte and his Department of Foreign Affairs must be allowed to implement programs that they believe will be good for the government and the people it serves.

Carpio may know the law, but Sta. Romana knows China.

As far as I know, Carpio is no longer involved in the crafting and implementation of current foreign policy. As a Supreme Court justice who really should speak through his decisions, Carpio must no longer be mak-

ing statements that can be construed as the position of the highest court in the land, where he still serves. It’s different when former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, for instance, makes the similar statements. And Del Rosario did and continues to make them, by the way, even if simple prudence and propriety should dictate that he should no longer act like he is still the chief implementor of the Philippines’ foreign policy. *** Besides, the Duterte government never abandoned the PCA ruling, contrary to Carpio’s legalistic definition of the President’s statements to “set aside” the decision. The justice himself said in the same forum, after all, that the DFA “thankfully” clarified that there was no abandonment. Far from being directionless, what the government actually did, according to Ambassador to Beijing Chito Sta. Romana, was

to focus on diplomacy in order to mend fences with China for mutually beneficial relations instead of harping on the decision. The ruling will always be there and will always be in our favor, after all, even if enforcing it will be truly problematic. Carpio may know the law. But Sta. Romana, one of the most inspired appointments of Duterte in my opinion, knows China. And our ambassador, an Emmy-award winning television journalist who has been in China since 1972, has long been critical of the “hard power” approach of the previous administration to the territorial dispute, which Carpio seems to be still enamored with. “If we push China, it will push back harder, and then where would we be?” Sta. Romana told me in an interview. (It would have been different if China had agreed beforehand that it would abide by any PCA ruling on the dispute. But China

THE Commerce Clause of the US Constitution has generated a respectable body of jurisprudence on the limits of state legislatures in respect to interstate commerce. The basic persuasion, of course, is that no state shall be free to write into law protective measures favoring its own citizens that may provoke other states to retaliate with equally protective measures —to the detriment of national commerce. But the recondite tests—including heightened scrutiny and the balancing of interests applied to the state’s exercise of police power—point to the issues we may reasonably anticipate, should we rewrite our Constitution to make of the Republic a federation. Each region will have a legislature of sorts—whether styled congresses or assemblies. But it does not follow that there will be a distinct civil code, a code of commerce or a penal code for each region. It is however one of the promises of federalism to Muslim Mindanao that Shari’a shall, in those parts of the Philippines, fully apply, save those provisions that run contrary to constitutional guarantees. And conceivably, the same promise is made to the Cordilleras, although most of the provinces had once voted in a plebiscite against an autonomous region. This is the reason that I earlier wrote that an asymmetrical federal republic seems to be the more reasonable proposition: Regions enjoying powers of the state devolved in different measures. At one time, the states of the United States had common law governing commercial dealings, whether within the state, or interstate. But as the market increased in complexity as did relations and transactions between market-players, common law was stretched taut, and soon, each state crafted laws dealing with such matters as negotiable instruments, securities, anti-trust and even commercial contracts. Gradually, the US, where common law is enshrined in the Constitution, arrived at the same realization Roman jurists did centuries earlier: The desirability of a code. Hence, a Uniform Code of Commerce that was offered to each State as a model and that, in many parts of the US, was simply enacted Turn to A5

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Opinion FORMATION GARY OLIVAR

Chinese puzzles LAST May, I wrote a piece criticizing the Honorable Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Antonio Carpio, for wading into the fray over our maritime dispute with China with his unsolicited advice to Duterte about how to be a president. The other day, there was Carpio again, this time at a forum on the China dispute organized by StratBase’s Dindo Manhit, in the company of PNoy’s former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. Both men may fairly be described as the parents of the UNCLOS arbitral ruling in our favor. This is an unenforceable international court judgment that nonetheless the two of them regard as some kind of magic wand, which if they waggle vigorously enough at the Chinese bogeyman will somehow make that recently-conjured monster disappear from the West Philippine Sea. This time, Carpio went even farther and accused the President outright of lack of strategy in dealing with the Chinese on this issue. In his own lofty words, it’s a foreign policy “without discernible direction, coherence or vision…[that] relies more on improvisation than long-term strategy.” *** Well. Those are fighting words. And so, what would constitute an acceptable strategy to Carpio’s thinking? Perhaps arguing homologically, the honorable SAJ a p p r ov i n g ly cited the case of Nicaragua. After that country won a ruling from the International Court of Justice stating that the US had violated international law by supporting the right-wing “Contra” guerrillas, Nicaragua every year sponsored a resolution in the UN General Assembly that would require the United States to pay reparations. Every year the support for the US dwindled, until in the final vote only two allies remained (Israel and El Salvador). But did the US end up paying? Not on your life, and for a very simple reason: The US enjoyed the veto power of a Security Council permanent member—the same veto power, by the way, that China also enjoys. So what kind of strategy is Carpio proposing when there isn’t even a meaningful victory within reach? Whether legally in the UN or militarily in battle, who’ll be willing or able to enforce that ruling against a country like China? *** The military angle crossed my mind often while I was listening to Victor Corpus hold forth on the same issues the other day at a kapihan in Kamuning Bakery, the increasingly iconic pet project of Philippine Star columnist Wilson Flores. Most people are aware of the colorful battlefield history of the former PMA instructor turned NPA commander turned AFP general. But fewer may know that Vic also earned a graduate degree from Harvard, in the Kennedy School program. When it comes to foreign policy and security strategy, I’ll take his advice any day over that of a Supreme Court associate justice, no matter how senior. There is, in fact, a strategic framework for Duterte’s actions

on the South China Sea. It starts with the fundamental reality of geopolitical conflict between the United States and China in our region. China believes it is being slowly encircled by the US and its allies, primarily through the movements of US surface and submarine naval forces. This encirclement threatens its access to oil and other vital commodity imports through the Malacca Straits, the only available shipping lane to China from the Middle East. Encirclement also exposes China’s coastal cities to a possible first strike from US nuclear submarines running deep within the Marianas trench. Recent and current US pronouncements and actions provide prima facie evidence for this encirclement theory. Whether or not this evidence precludes reasonable doubt is immaterial. The perception by China is what matters, because that is what it acts from. *** And so, believing its very survival to be at risk, the Chinese state has been fortifying its defenses, including islands that we and other countries are disputing with them. It isn’t oil, or fishing, or underwater methane that primarily motivates these fortifications. Neither is the Philippines, or Vietnam, or any other neighbor capable of provoking them as sharply as Chinese President Xi intimated, when he told Duterte to his face that China would go to war with the Philippines if we tried to force the issue. The perceived existential threat posed by the US Navy in the waters surrounding China is what truly has them on edge. In that light, nothing we could say or do against them will deter the Chinese, not when they believe their very survival is at stake. And even if we were so minded, we can rely neither on our own immature military capabilities nor on the hedged US intervention ostensibly promised by our mutual defense treaty with that country. This is why Duterte has chosen to pursue the only options afforded to him by this strategic view: leverage our geopolitical position to extract economic concessions from the Chinese, on one hand, while building up our own military capabilities over time, on the other—and that includes fortifying the islands that we do control, no different from the Chinese. Getting the country militarily into shape may require innovations like restoring ROTC, or drafting college graduates into two- or three-year compulsory military service, as Israel and South Korea do. If that happens, it will be interesting to see how all those keyboard war freaks in this country will react. *** The President, like Justice Carpio, is a lawyer. But, unlike Carpio, he appreciates that realworld battles are not confined to courtrooms. And also unlike the SAJ, he is responsible for the well-being of the entire country, not just the well-being of this or that court ruling, regardless of its authorship.

Who will be willing or able to enforce that ruling against a country like China?

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

The United States, which the government of Noynoy Aquino wrongly believed would back up its territorial claim, has not was never a party to the pro- done anything to enforce the UN ceedings and has basically dared body’s decision—nor is it likely anyone to enforce it after it was to anytime soon. Meanwhile, Duissued.) terte came into power, unveiling a

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The year after BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO IT HAS been a year since the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in our favor that parts of the South China Sea are within our territorial waters. But the Duterte administration’s soft approach to the issue was not to pressure China into accepting the Hague Tribunal ruling. “I was aghast that the President used the words ‘setting aside’ the favorable Hague ruling, “said Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, when he spoke at a forum marking the first anniversary of the landmark decision. The raison d’ etre of this socalled soft approach was to save a big power like China from losing face in the international community. But what did we get from Beijing in return? Aside from the easing of restrictions on our banana exports, Filipino fishermen were able to return to traditional fishing grounds in Panatag Shoal. Big deal. Chinese patrol boats still ply the waters within our territory although they don’t drive away our fishermen anymore. What about those billions of pesos China infused into the Philippines’ ambitious Build, Build, Build infrastructure program? Everything has its price. Duterte may dislike foreign aid with strings attached. Still, the

Official Development Assistance be it from China or other countries has its quid pro quo in many forms, including looking the other way if the donor is encroaching in our backyard or fencing us with their military bases. We got rid of the US bases in Subic and Clark only to allow another foreign power in. While Manila can thank Beijing for the assistance, it should be seen in its proper light. This is an appeasement present a lover gives to his mistress in exchange for staying on as the other woman. Economic experts believe that if the Philippines pursues The Hague ruling, it would reap bigger returns to be drawn from the exploration of oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile the Chinese continue to fortify their man-made islands with military installations even as we adopt a policy of appeasement. This can only whet the appetite of an unsatiable neighbor. We wonder what advice or counsel our Philippine ambassador to Beijing, Chito Sta. Romana, is giving to the President vis-à-vis bilateral relations with China. Hardeep Singh, chairman of the Research and Information Development, warned the Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be cautious in accepting financial aid from China. Speaking at a recent forum with Asean journalists in New Delhi, Singh Puri said developing countries should take advantage of China’s loan assis-

tance but must make sure they can pay over the years and that these infrastructure projects are viable. There are many shortcomings in the past Aquino administration but filing a case before the Hague Tribunal to challenge China’s sweeping claim of the South China Sea has to be its one of, if not its only, major accomplishment. Unfortunately, Duterte might have imperiled the country’s security and squandered his own political capital by snuggling up to China. Only time will tell if it’s the right policy to play up to China while disengaging from traditional allies like the United States and the European Union with whom we do much trade. Security, trade and high esteem in the international community are not achieved by narrowing our friends and multilateral relations. How will Duterte explain or justify this benign neglect of our victory in the Hague Tribunal when he delivers his second State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress on July 24? For sure, we will witness the nodding heads and rounds of applause by the Duterte-dominated House of Representatives. To do so would entail the plus and minus of such a policy, including an accounting of the financial assistance granted by China to defray the staggering cost of the administration’s ambitious infrastructure projects. But because we have the masses who can relate to Duterte’s “kanto boy” antics and

language, the conscripted Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia surveys will still come out with Digong enjoying high acceptance ratings. Such is the state of affairs in this country. The people get the kind of leaders they deserve. Flirting with Russia No, we are not talking about Duterte’s flirting with Vladimir Putin. From what is emerging in the current controversy over the Trump campaign team’s dalliance with a Russian operative, things could get messy. No one in Washington is saying the “I” word yet by political opponents of President Donald Trump and critics like the New York Times. But impeachment, if the allegations are proven that Donald Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort who are key members of the Trump campaign team, met with Russian lawyer and Kremlin operative Natalia Veselnitskaya to get dirt to derail Hillary Clinton’s White House bid, is a possibility. The meeting according to the NYT report took place at the Trump Tower in New York If Trump is not impeached for tainting a sacred American political process, he just might go the way of former President Richard Nixon who had to resign because of his role and cover-up in the break-in of the Democrat headquarters in the Watergate apartment complex in Washington. Like Gerald Ford, Vice President Mike Pence might suddenly find himself in the Oval Office.

Martial law espresso (2) imminent (required by the 1935 Constitution) but actual and necessary (as required by the 1987 Constitution). Since the requirement is actual, the President cannot declare martial law in other places by simply anticipating that the rebels could be going to these other places, or a “spillover.” This is why, Carpio agreed with martial law in Marawi only and not for the entire Mindanao because there is not actual rebellion –yet—outside Marawi. Because of the above restrictions, I liken Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao to coffee espresso—coffee dispensed in a small cup, seemingly strong (in coffee flavor) but with lesser coffee content than a regular cup of coffee. I also call it martial law express—in the manner restaurant chains, supermarket chains, and even banks call their small or ad hoc branches “express”— a small unit operation without the whole menu of services or products offered by their regular branches. In his dissenting opinion, Senior Justice Antonio Carpio offers even more restrictions. “The 1987 Constitution does not automatically vest significant additional powers to the President under a state of martial law or suspension of the privilege of the writ. However, a declaration of martial law or suspension of the privilege of the writ has a built-in trigger mechanism for the applicability of other constitutional provisions that may lawfully restrict the enjoyment of constitutional rights, provided there are existing laws specifically authorizing such restrictions,” Carpio writes in his 13,500-word dissenting opinion. Carpio pretends to raise the specter of a Marcos-era martial law then proceeds to contradict

himself, in very fine and cogent language. He recalls: “When President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972 under the 1935 Constitution, he abolished Congress, shut down media, imprisoned leaders of the political opposition, packed the Supreme Court with his law school classmates and loyalists, and ruled by decree - thereby making himself a dictator for over 13 years until the people ousted him from power in 1986.” Duterte salivates at having such a Marcos-type martial law, saying his martial law “will not be any different from what Marcos did.” Unfortunately, the 1987 Constitution does not allow him to back that rhetoric with action. Carpio reminds the President: “The review power of the Court, as well as of the Legislature, on the Presidents exercise of his Commander-in-Chief powers was precisely written in the 1987 Constitution as a checking mechanism to prevent a recurrence of the martial law of Marcos. The 1987 Constitution further mandates that a state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution. It is apparent that President Duterte does not understand, or refuses to understand, this fundamental principle that forms part of the bedrock of our democracy under the 1987 Constitution, despite his having taken a solemn oath of office to “preserve and defend the (1987) Constitution.” With his martial law, Marcos was able to take over enterprises like public utilities (power plants, radio-television stations and telephone companies) and businesses like banks and didn’t return them to their original owners until his ouster in 1986. Under the 1987 Constitu-

tion, the President can take over business enterprises like power plants, television stations, and businesses affected with public interest—but he needs a law from Congress to do so. Marcos never needed a law; he simply produced his own law or decrees. Today’s President cannot do that. Moreover, Carpio notes, “counsel for petitioners (Lagman et al) and the (Solicitor General) share the view that martial law under the 1987 Constitution does not significantly give the President additional powers. Indeed, there are only incremental accretions of power that automatically attach under a state of martial law. The significant additional powers that the President can exercise under a state of martial law require laws to be enacted by Congress.” Finally, there is now a law which places members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police under the jurisdiction of civilian courts (not military tribunals) for abuses or offenses committed in the performance of their duties. Notes Carpio: “To date, no statute confers jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are unable to function. On the contrary, Republic Act No. 705562 even strengthened civilian supremacy over the military by returning to the civil courts the jurisdiction over certain offenses involving members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other persons subject to military law, and the members of the Philippine National Police, repealing for the purpose certain presidential decrees promulgated during the Marcos dictatorship.”

into law by state legislatures. That will not preclude our regional legislatures in the Philippines from enacting commercial laws (once more, it matters little whether they will be called Acts or Ordinances because their statutory status will be clear) that address the particularities of a region. Where indigenous communities live side by side with Filipinos absorbed by main-stream culture, then it may be necessary to provide

for transactions between indigenous communities and others—and these may include the codification of customary law that, in turn, will call for very serious and studious anthropological research. One criterion in American jurisprudence that will certainly be inapplicable in a federal Philippines is the doctrine of “original powers” that can be summarized thus: When a power of the United States is one that the states originally possessed, then the US Congress cannot trump such power by federal legislation. In the Philippines, states or regions have no original powers, be-

cause they were not original configurations. The United States was formed from colonies turned states surrendering some of their powers—though not all—that the United States might exist. Not so, in the case of the Philippines, for what was original is Las Filipinas that was a Spanish colony, the Republic that declared its independence in 1898 and was “granted” independence by the United States in 1946. Another factor that will of crucial importance is that some resources will be found in one or the other region that are vital to the national economy: Consider hydroelectric,

geothermal or other sources of renewable energy. But all of this is really part of that greater challenge about determining the extent that we go federal—and the salutary realization that there is no fixed formula for a federal republic, that tough decisions, forged by listens of history as well as the pressures of contemporary life that militate against crippling tribalism, must be made about devolution, decentralization and empowerment.

policy of strengthening ties with all countries, especially our neighbors (to include China and Japan) for the economic benefit of all. This is where diplomacy is different from the law. If Duterte, who is himself a lawyer, was not also a realist politician,

he would have harped on the ruling instead of deescalating the brewing conflict with China and ushered in improved economic cooperation that benefits the people of both countries. I have always wondered why there are still those who believe

that the Philippines cannot have good relations with everyone, especially since going to war with any other country is definitely not an option for us and when those good relations benefit us economically. And I am glad that the Philip-

pines’ foreign policy is no longer in the hands of those who think the law is more important than peace and prosperity, especially if the law cannot be enforced without us—and probably us alone—waging a war that we will never win.

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ CAN President Duterte declare martial law in the manner Ferdinand E. Marcos did in September 1972? The answer is no. This is because under the 1987 Constitution, martial law is limited by three things, as enumerated in the dissenting opinion of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in the Supreme Court’s 11-3-1 July 4, 2017 decision finding factual and constitutional basis for Dutere’s May 23 martial law declaration (Proclamation 216) in the whole island of Mindanao. The three restrictions: One, the ability of Congress and all legislative assemblies in the country to legislate or enact laws. With this ability, the rule of law prevails. Two, the continuing operation of all civil courts which cannot thus be supplanted by military courts. With the operation of civilian courts, the Rules of Court continue to be applicable. Three, the ban against arbitrary arrests. In general, no one can be arrested without an arrest warrant. The military can arrest a suspect for rebellion without warrant but it must be for his immediate prosecution and he must be charged within three days (36 hours without martial law). This kind of arrest without warrant is like arresting a suspect who is being arrested for committing a crime in the presence of the arresting officer. Under Philippine law, rebellion is reckoned as a continuing crime. Also, rebellion must not be

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BoC computer system hacked by smugglers? A By Maricel V. Cruz

PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Thursday warned smugglers had apparently gone high-tech and might have compromised BoC’s computer system with the aggressive anti-corruption campaign in the Bureau of Customs under Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-List Rep. Jericho Nograles said reports reaching his office said the P6.4 billion worth of shabu seized by the BoC at a warehouse in Valenzuela managed to slip through the tight Customs protocols because of the tampered computer system that manages the classifications of shipments. This, as Nograles urged Com-

missioner Faeldon to look into the matter as he recommended a thorough review on the BoC’s computerization contract during the Aquino administration. He pointed out that botched shipment of the P6.4 billion worth of shabu might just be one of the many shabu shipments that slipped through the BoC’s green lane.

“We need to find out if the BoC computer system has been compromised due to remote hacking or there are some BoC personnel with access to its computer system who are working with smugglers. I would not be surprised if the people who are operating the system are the very same people who are now involved in this high-tech smuggling scheme,” Nograles said. Nograles said the BoC has adopted an automated system of classifying shipments and this is managed by the bureau’s Risk Management Office. “Shipments with ‘green lane’ designations are favored importers with long and unblemished record in their transactions with the BoC,” he said. Importers given the green lane designation can expedite their

import and export transactions through the so-called selectivity system which automatically instructs an exporter/importer to pay their documentary stamp through an authorized agent bank and can immediately proceed to load or unload their shipment without going through any documentary scrutiny by the BoC. Nograles said this kind of privilege was given to highly reputable importers and exporters and had a long and impeccable record with the BoC such as the big retail stores and big distributor chains of various goods and commodities. “In short, you can’t be designated into the green lane if you are a first-timer of a small-time importer or exporter. This is reserved for big corporations, retail companies and distribu-

Govt warns prospective jobseekers By Vito Barcelo

tion chains,” Nograles said. To ensure that the classification is corruption free, Nograles said the BoC had adopted an automation system whereby its computer system automatically classified its clients based on the BoC computer database of its importers and exporters. Had it not been for the tip from the International Enforcement Cooperation Division of AntiSmuggling Bureau of the Chinese Customs agency, the shabu shipment would have never been discovered, Nograles said. “The automated classification was made precisely to deter BoC people from extending favors to certain importers but it’s another problem if smugglers are actually capable of tampering with the actual computer system,” Nograles said.

Abandoned children’s needs are addressed PAMPANGA Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has filed a bill seeking to strengthen, facilitate and simplify the adoption process of abandoned children. In her House Bill 5090 or the Act Codifying the Alternative Child Care Laws of the Philippines, the former president said she wanted to address the worsening problem of neglected and “overage children” not fit for adoption. Arroyo said her bill had moved to put all laws relating to the care of abandoned and neglected children into one law to streamline the proceedings undertaken to put them into adoption. “The government has to step up its drive to solve the worsening problem of ‘unadoptable’ and overage children ‘not fit for adoption’ due to the long and complicated process of domestic and inter-country adoption,” Arroyo said. “This bill seeks to address this problem by creating a ‘one-stopshop code’ whereby those who seek to adopt and/or foster care will be easily facilitated to the best interest of every child available for adoption and/or foster care,” she added. The United Nations Children’s Rights and Emergency Relief Organization data chalked up about 1.8-million abandoned children in the Philippines, Arroyo said. To facilitate the adoption process, Arroyo’s bill provides for the creation of a National Child Care Authority which will be the sole authority to accept, evaluate and decide all applications for local and inter-country adoption. “The establishment of NCCA, implementing the various alternative child care laws to be known as the ‘Alternative Child Care Code’ will not only improve and speed up the process of adoption, foster care and guardianship but will also increase its fiscal capacity thereby improving its services offered to stakeholders,” Arroyo said in the bill’s explanatory note. Under the measure, the NCCA, to be headed by an executive director, shall have two divisions: The Domestic Child Care Division and Inter-Country Child Care Division. Maricel V. Cruz

CONTINUING TRAINING. The Special Reaction Unit of the Manila Police District, which includes a bomb squad, conducts Thursday assault training exercises at the MPD headquarters as part of a regular training. Norman Cruz

THE government warned prospective Filipino jobseekers looking for work as English teachers in China as there was still no formal agreement with the Chinese government to hire more Filipinos as teacher and domestic workers. The Department of Labor and Employment issued the warning following reports that a website was enticing potential jobseekers to apply as English instructors in China despite lack of official arrangement between the two countries. The department said they were still awaiting the official formalities with the Department of Foreign Affairs to hire Filipino English teachers after China reported it planned to hire English teachers from English speaking nations. “China is now planning to open opportunities for Filipinos’ legitimate employment as English teachers. They expanded their definition of Englishspeaking countries. They said native-speaking countries and countries that were colonized by these English-speaking countries,” Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta Romana, said. He said the Philippines was covered under the expanded definition since the Philippines was a US colony and English was taught and spoken widely in the country. China said it wanted to hire more Filipinos to teach in its universities. “They laid the groundwork... meaning college degrees particularly in teaching English or education that you can actually teach not only in elementary and high school and also in the university if you have that competitive degree,” he said. He said negotiations are ongoing and will “soon” be finalized. China is also planning to hire “English-speaking” Filipino domestic workers. If hired, a Filipino teacher would receive a basic monthly salary of RMB5,000 to 8,000 or P35,000 to P56,000 for those working in training schools while public and private schools give higher salaries to as much as RMB20,000 to 30,000 or P140,000 to P210,000 depending on the experience and load.

Lawmakers prod ERC to hasten review of Meralco deals LAWMAKERS have asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to compel its technical working group to expedite the review and evaluation of the deals entered into by the Manila Electric Co. so that all questions and suspicions about the contracts would now be addressed. The lawmakers sought the expeditious review by the ERC TWG during the joint hearing earlier conducted by the House of Representatives’ committees on energy, and on good government and public accountability. This was after the panel acted on House Resolution 566 filed by Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate seeking an inquiry into the alleged midnight deals of the Meralco-affiliated generation companies and the ERC which may be disadvantageous to the public and cause power rate hikes. During the hearing, Rep. Gil Acosta of Palawan questioned the slow review of the

ERC TWG on the matter. “The ERC commissioners are empowered by law to supervise its TWG so it can fast-track the review of the Meralco deals,” Acosta said. Acosta said the slow review of the TWG was the primary cause of delay in the construction of the Atimonan 1 Power Plant. “The ERC is unable to grant its approval because the board is still waiting for the work of its TWG,” said Acosta. Acosta advised the ERC to strictly follow the timeline it provided and come up with a resolution no longer than five to six months. The committees then ordered the participation of the ERC chairman and chief executive officer in their next hearing, warning that they would subpoena the officer in case of non-compliance. Similarly, the committee requested for supporting documents to be submitted during the next hearing such as the minutes and copies of the Meralco

power supply agreements. In pushing for the probe, Zarate said the key objective of the inquiry was primarily to look after the welfare of the consumers and to determine whether Meralco’s PSAs were in violation of the company’s franchise provisions and whether the ERC’s decision to extend the enforcement of the mandated competitive selection process was meant to accommodate Meralco. Zarate recommended the careful examination of the Meralco and ERC deals to ensure these would genuinely benefit consumers amid allegations of ‘anomalies’ in the agreements. He cited as an example the construction of the Atimonan 1 Power Plant in Quezon province which costs about P112-billion annually for Meralco consumers, or about P2.2 trillion over the 20 year and six months contract. Zarate also said the agreements between Meralco and the seven power suppliers did

not undergo proper bidding. Initially, the ERC Board announced the deadline for submission of all the documents required in the application for CSP for distribution utilities entering into PSA was November 2015. The ERC said the deadline was then extended to April 2016 to accommodate certain inquiries. But the committee said the decision raised suspicions as the actions taken by ERC were seemingly done to accommodate Meralco. But Rep. Eugene De Vera, ABS party-list, said Meralco entering into a 20-year contract was highly questionable because its franchise was only valid for the next 11 years. House minority leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez urged the ERC to protect the credibility of its institution and prove in Congress that the deal wouldl not favor Meralco but the consumers. Maricel V. Cruz

Coron theme park is opposed By Rio N. Araja

FUN KITCHEN. Students of the Special Science Elementary School in Barangay Pagasa in Quezon City join Monsanto Philippines during the launch of the latter’s ‘Fun Kitchen’ on Wednesday aimed at promoting agriculture biotech to address malnutrition to celebrate Nutrition Month. Manny Palmero

THE oldest ethnic group of indigenous peoples in Central and Northern Palawan has opposed the construction of a 400-hectare underwater theme park in Coron. In a news conference in Quezon City Wednesday night, Anita Blanco, chieftain of Marcilla, Coron, said the development of a park project could only destroy Palawan’s coral reefs and marine resources, and badly affect the fishing livelihood of the residents. “We call on President Rodrigo Duterte to step into our appeal not to push through with the plan to build a theme park in the area,” she told reporters. Despite the assurance of

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo that the commitment of the developer—the US television network Nickelodeon—not to destroy the corals and the island’s biodiversity, the Tagbanwa people of Palawan asserted their rights to ancestral domains, including the sea of Coron. “We have already been devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” and in fact, have not yet recovered from its adverse impacts. We cannot imagine another damage to be done to our environment if the theme park project pushes through,” Blanco said. Prudencio Calix, chieftain of Concepcion, Busuanga, for his part, said things would aggravate with the project implementation. “We live in the island. There

are security personnel there because of a pearl farm operation. If we will have a theme park there in Coron, can you imagine what will happen to us?” he asked. “The government must look into this, and not in the plan to favor Nickelodeon.” Blanco and Calix were joined by Larry Orongan of the Social Action Center-Taytay, Palawan, and Feriolo Bacnan, chieftain of Sagrada, Busuanga. The Nickelodeon management will build a floating restaurant and hotel with a transparent flooring to see the corals in Coron. The concerned local government units there opposed the plan and expressed fear the theme park development could destroy the corals.

Sports

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Saso ups lead to 4 in jr world golf S

AN Diego—Yuka Saso completed another solid round with back-toback birdies for a three-under-par 69 and a four-shot lead in the 15-18 years’ division even as Rianne Malixi moved with a shot of the girls’ 9-10 years leader in the second round of the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) here.

Proponents of the National MILO Marathon link their cups as a sign of unity during the event’s launching. They are (from left) Rio dela Cruz and MILO executives Joey Uy, Ricky Ballesteros, Willy Ong, Robbie de Vera and Lester Castillo. Ey Acasio

Runners face new challenges in MILO race By Patricia Bianca S. Taculao NEW areas will be featured in the 41st season of the National MILO Marathon. Urdaneta, Laoag and Roxas City were added to this year’s 16-leg competition, which will showcase new and exciting challenges for the runners. MILO Philippines Sports Executive Robbie De Vera said it is MILO’s mission to engage more Filipinos to adapt an active

and healthy lifestyle. Through the addition of key cities, the MILO National Marathon would widen its grasp and reach out to more participants. The National MILO Marathon launched the official opening of its 41st season. This season boasts of new race locations and features for the expected 200,000 participants from different parts of the country to partake in the 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km and 42k distance categories.

“Magsama-sama, Tumakbo, Matuto” is the central theme for this season, driven by values— like discipline, resilience and determination, which MILO believes the runners can take with them everyday. “In the National MILO Marathon, we see people from all walks of life who come to run, to learn, and to live. This year, we shine the spotlight on the runners who are learning along the way and taking these lessons beyond the finish

line to shape their lives,” said De Vera. The launch of the tournament also debuted the new Age Group Category which is an added feature in the 21k and 42k distance races. The new highlight will allow the participants to track and compare their performance with those of others in similar age groups. It is also intended to encourage runners to reach their personal goals and to attract more people in higher categories.

Malixi put herself in contention with a four-under-par 68 at Sycuan Oak Glen, gunning down birdies on four of her first five holes. With a 142 total, the 10-year-old Malixi will challenge Canada’s Michelle Liu, who shot a 69-141, for the crown in the final round. Unlike Malixi, the 16-year-old Saso will have two more days to work on a Junior World title that seemed in the bag when the Fil-Japanese held a four-stroke lead in the final round last year, only to throw it away and eventually settle for third. Two days of solid play at Torrey Pines North put Saso on the right track again. Opening her bid with a six-under 66, Saso kept her rivals at bay with a steady iron play that saw her hit 13 greens in regulation. Saso was carrying just a one under card after her second bogey for the day on the seventh, when she rolled in an 8-foot birdie putt on the seventh, her 17th hole, before chipping to within gimme distance on her last hole for her fifth birdie. “I’m very happy with the way I’m playing, but I need to keep my focus. Last year’s experience proves that it’s easy to lose a big lead and it’s important for me to just keep grinding until the very last hole,” said Saso, who is set to compete in two major USGA events after the Junior World. Conditions in the afternoon were a lot tougher, but Saso showed her game was ready for the strong winds and faster greens. And her rivals better step up. Aside from Saso and Malixi, only Eagle Ace Superal managed to f ind her way into the Top 10 of the 43 players sent to the event by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines. Superal tied for seventh in the girls’ 11-12 with her 71-144, but was seven strokes behind Yui Mori of Japan, who carded a 67-137. Sean Granada was the best performer among the boys bets, carding a 71-143 to move up to a share of 17th.

PH Blu Girls holds off Taiwanese in Canada meet THE Philippine Blu Girls completed their domination of opening round games in the Canada Cup International Softball Championship, thwarting No. 9 Chinese Taipei, 11-7, to top Pool B in Surrey, British Columbia Wednesday. The Blu Girls broke away from a tied game at 7 with four runs in the seventh frame courtesy of Kaitlyn Suitos, Gabrielle Maurice, Kailee Cuico and Garie Blando as the Phl beat Chinese-

Taipei for the first time in the last 10 years. The victory came on the heels of their shock 6-2 upset over No. 3 Canada in the opener of the annual event Tuesday. It was actually the 17th-ranked Pinay softbelles’ fourth straight triumph, counting their back-to-back triumphs over world No. 10 Mexico at the end of the World Cup of Softball XII last week where they finished seventh. They also upended

No. 4 Australia in the world tilt. “The Blu Girls are on a roll, proving that the Philippines can truly excel in softball. Our victory over powerhouse teams Canada, Australia, Chinese Taipei and Mexico show how our national team has greatly improved and is better equipped for the challenges of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier, who’s throwing

his full support in the Blu Girls’ bid for the next Olympics. Against the Taiwanese, the Blu Girls actually led at 7-1 after a five-run, six-hit outing at the top of the fifth. But they yielded five runs off five hits in the bottom of the same frame and the gametying run in the sixth. But they unleashed a strong finishing kick to foil their fancied rivals. Gabrielle Maurice and Kailee Cuico gave Phl a 9-7 cushion with

back-to-back RBI doubles then Garie Blando belted a two-run homer to pull away after the top seventh. Jessica Lange and the Blu Girls defense then retired the Taiwanese side in the bottom play to notch their second straight win. In other games, Mexico outclassed NJCAA 2-0, Australia routed Calahoo Erins 5-2, Venezuela blasted Canada Junior 13-2, and Japan blanked Quebec Rebelles 13-0.

Megabuilders face IEM, eye win no. 4 AFTER a pair of lopsided triumphs over lowly teams, newcomer Megabuilders braces for a tougher challenge when they square off with Instituto Estetico Manila in tomorrow’s (Saturday) resumption of the Premier Volleyball League Men’s Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan. The Volley Bolt actually debuted with a five-set reversal over the fancied Army Troopers before toppling Café Lupe and Gamboa Coffee Mix via a pair of three setters. That put Megabuilders on top with Cignal TV with 3-0 cards with the Volley Bolt hoping to build on their strong start as they gear up for tougher battles against the league’s fancied teams. Against the IEM Phoenix Volley Masters, coach Dante Alinsunurin is confident he could again draw superb games from his starters, including Francis Saura, Fauzi Ismail, Madzlan

Games tomorrow 10 a.m. – Café Lupe vs Air Force (men’s) 1 p.m. – IEM vs Megabuilders (men’s) 4 p.m. – Pocari Sweat vs Creamline (women’s) 6:30 p.m. – Power Smashers vs Perlas (women’s)

Gampong, Vincent Ogoc, Kim Malabunga and Bryan Bagunas. Gametime is at 1 p.m. after the 10 a.m. clash between defending champion Air Force and winless Café Lupe. Megabuilders has actually banked on its net defense in its early surge with Saura and Malabunga emerging the top blockers with 0.91 and 0.73 averages by set three weeks into the midseason conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. As a team, the Volley Bolt has produced a league-leading 32 kills blocks for a 2.91 norm but the IEM side could pose a real challenge as the top digging team while emerging second to Cignal TV in setting.

Shell Chess NCR leg champions. Dale Bernardo (center) of Far Eastern University topped the

seniors’ division of Shell’s longest-running chess tilt at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. With him in photo are Francois Marie Magpily (right) of General Pio National High School, juniors’ champion and also the Top Female player awardee; and kiddies’ champ Cyrus Vladimir Francisco (left) of San Beda College. The three received their trophies and cash prizes from WIM Mikee Charlene Suede, a former Shell Active Chess participant and the ﬁrst Filipina to win the Asian Juniors Chess Championship, and Karla Lukban Zarate, Shell ER Brand Adviser. Aside from Shell V-Power, Shell Advance, Shell Rimula, Shell Helix, Shell Fuel Save and Shell Card, the country’s longest-running search for chess talents sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines is also being held in partnership with SM Supermalls.

Palawan to host Asian jr slugfest Guevarra, Aguilar seek By Kevin San Pedro PPS repeat in Naga City EXCITEMENT and expectations arise as Puerto Princesa welcomes the Asian Junior Boxing Championships on Aug. 1 to 8. This marks the first time the Philippines will be hosting a major international boxing tournament since the Asian Youth Championships in 2013. Preparations are already underway as event officials are expecting as much as 20 to 30 countries participating in the tournament, with Philippine Sports Commission

Chairman Butch Ramirez ordering the PSC to allocate both financial and human resources to aid the organizers. The tournament was originally planned to be held in Davao, but Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez and Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron insisted to play host to the event in light of recent events in Mindanao. Boxers aged 15 to 16 will compete for the titles, with the country’s top athletes already undergoing rigorous training under veteran Ronald Chavez, according to the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Executive

Director Ed Picson during an appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “Ito ‘yung grassroots talaga and we know for a fact that our counterparts in other countries put a lot of emphasis on this age group,” said Picson. With the Southeast Asian Games and World Championships also in the works, the ABAP is working full time to accommodate all the tournaments. “This is as important to us (as the two),” Picson said. “Kasi dito lahat manggagaling lahat yan, ‘di naman pwede nasa elite ka kaagad.”

GLYDEL Guevarra and JB Aguilar hope to bring their winning act to Naga, seeking another pair of victories in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis tournament which gets going today (Friday) at the Naga City Tennis Courts in Camarines Sur. The duo nailed two victories each in the Iriga stop of the year-long, nationwide circuit last week with Guevarra, one of the local aces, and Aguilar from Camalig, Albay upbeat of their chances to score a repeat in the 12- and 14-and-under divisions of the Group 4 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro and presented by Slazenger. Close to 150 entries are vying in various age group titles in the four-day event,

capping the two-week swing of the circuit backed by Asiatraders Corp. and the new Unified tennis group, led by PPSPEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s and B-Meg in the region. Also seeking back-to-back wins are boys’ 18-U titlist Walter Luzon, 16-U winner Osward Hernandez, girls’ 18-U titlist Nica Alanis and 16-U winner Patricia Corporal. The chase for top honors in the 10-unisex is expected to be fierce among Raymond Corporal Aa Aguilar, JP Suavillo and Angelica Idioma with last week’s Marcel Corea winner opting to skip the Naga leg. For details, call PPS-PEPP sports program development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Coach E starts new classes on July 15 in 5 venues THE Coach E Basketball School, a school known for its small coach-to-student ratio, resumes its program with the unveiling of its new classes beginning July 15 in five different venues. Classes of the school that offers personalized training for boys and girls four to 16 years old, will run until Sept. 3 and culminates with its traditional Hoops Festival on the final day. The sessions will be held at The Zone in Makati, Mother Goose Nursery School in San Juan, Greenmeadows Subdivision in Quezon City, Valle Verde 2 in Pasig and Ateneo de Manila University covered courts in Quezon City. July 15 to Sept. 3 sessions at The Zone, Mother Goose Nursery School and Greenmeadows will begin every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Classes in Valle Verde 2 Pasig and Ateneo covered courts will also be held every Saturday starting July 15 and ending on Sept. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. Pending confirmation from San Beda Alabang, organizers of the Coach E Basketball is targeting its Saturday sessions on July 22 with a 2 to 4 p.m. schedule. Coach E Basketball School, which has Molten as its official ball, offers eight sessions per semester. Kids are being assessed on the first day based on their skill level to determine the module which will be given to them. The 2017-2018 School Year, tri-mester program will also be held on Oct. 14 to Dec. 3 for the second semester and Jan. 13 to March 4, 2018 for the third semester. Dates could change depending on the weather condition or emergency cases. Parents can enroll their kids thru Coach E’s pre-enrollment program and online payments can be made at https:// ph.speedycourse.com. Participants can also be registered via walk-in during the first day of class. For more details, call 668 4347, 631 1195 or 0908 884 6947. Interested parties may also e-mail coachebasketball@gmail.com.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 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

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Perpetual files protest, wants victory over Blazers upheld Games Today (The Arena in San Juan) 8 a.m. JRU vs Perpetual Help (jrs) 10 a.m. EAC vs LSGH (jrs) 12 nn JRU vs Perpetual Help(srs) 2 p.m. EAC vs CSB (srs) 4 p.m. LPU vs San Beda (srs) 6 p.m. Lyceum vs San Beda (srs)

PERPETUAL Help has filed a protest on the decision of the NCAA forfeiting its 6965 win over St. Benilde Tuesday after its players wore the wrong uniform. In a protest sent Wednesday to the NCAA, the Las Pinas-based school asked the NCAA that its victory over the Blazers be upheld and questioned why they were penalized twice, first by awarding a technical free throw to St. Benilde before forfeiting their won game. NCAA Management Committee chairman Fr. Glyn Ortega, OAR, of host San Sebastian yesterday said they are currently tackling the issue. “We’re still deliberating on it today (yesterday),” said Ortega. The forfeiture came after the Altas wore their dark maroon uniform instead of the designated white jersey. The Mancom also forfeited Perpetual Help’s juniors’ game against La SalleGreenhills, which actually won, 64-60. Perpetual Help was surprised why commissioner Arturo “Bai” Cristobal and the Mancom allowed the game to push through when they could have decided to just default the game. A source privy to Perpetual Help said the school admitted its fault of not getting their white uniform in time and would have readily accepted a decision from Cristobal and Mancom had they decided to default it in favor of St. Benilde. Instead, the game pushed through resulting in forfeiture. St. Benilde coach TY Tang agreed that the game shouldn’t have happened. “For me, the game should have been over before it started,” said Tang. Meanwhile, the San Sebastian Stags sustained their early momentum and repulsed the Arellano University Chiefs, 86-65, last night at the Arellano University gym in Legarda. Michael Calisaan tallied 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for the Stags as they posted their first win in two games in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tour nament.

SMASHED. Bernadeth Pons of Petron uses all her might to score against Abby Marano and Kim Fajardo of F2 in Game 2 of their teams’ Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference best-of-three ﬁnal series at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Roman Prospero

Melo to Rockets in works; Osman heads to Cavaliers N EW YORK—Carmelo Anthony could join Chris Paul on the Houston Rockets under a trade deal the New York Knicks are seeking while the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Turkish forward Cedi Osman, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The network’s website reported the Knicks and Rockets are exploring a swap involving as many as four teams in order to send the 33-year-old playmaker to Texas, with Anthony willing to drop a no-trade clause to make the move. Three-time Olympic cham-

ference led by reigning champion Golden State with another star trio in Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. Anthony, born and raised in New York, signed a five-year deal worth $124 million (108.6 million euros) when former Knicks team president Phil Jackson took over but New York pion Anthony would add an has struggled even as Anthony inside threat for the Rockets has compiled career averages alongside what could be the of 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 NBA’s most potent backcourt assists and 1.1 steals. combination in guards Paul The Rockets could meet Anand James Harden. thony’s $26 million salary for That could make Houston a next season but likely would also legitimate title contender in a offer an exit clause that could alpower-packed Western Con- low Anthony to test free agency

and let the club escape a salary cap hit of $27.9 million for the 201819 campaign. Anthony, who averaged 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds last season, would have to cost the Rockets some significant salary reduction in trade exchange as Houston is already $15

million over the NBA salary cap for next season. Meanwhile, the 2016 NBA champion Cavaliers continued their revamp after falling to Golden State in the finals for the second time in three years by landing Osman, 22, on what ESPN said was a three-year deal for $8.3 million. AFP

Carmelo Anthony

Ravena UNTV Cup cagefest donates P3.15 million to charity won’t turn pro yet By Peter Atencio FOR now, former Ateneo point guard Kiefer Ravena is still not keen on moving up to the professional ranks. His stint for Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team in the 2017 William Jones Cup and the coming Southeast Asian Games is on his mind. And this will be his main focus in the next two months. “‘Yung sa pagiging pro, set aside ko muna, specially with 2 or 3 major tournaments coming up. Now it’s time to prepare for the Jones Cup,” said Ravena. Ravena talked about his commitments last Wednesday during the team’s sendoff at the Bar One restaurant of Crowne Hotel in Ortigas. He said he expects a decision on the next stage of his career when his stint with Gilas this year is finished. Ravena was in the company of top Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials, led by SBP vice chairman Robbie Puno and Butch Antonio, and assistant coach Josh Reyes, along with members of the team. They were joined by the team’s major sponsor, Chooks to Go, with president Ronald Mascarinas gracing the event. Gilas’ coming stint is expected to be tough. Reyes said the presence of Canada and Lithuania in the weeklong meet makes it so. This could be strongest team that will be fielded in the competition after Mighty Sports-Philippines won it last year. The team is bannered by Blackwater’s Mac Belo, who is back after suffering a meniscus tear on his left knee that required surgery. He joins fellow Gilas cadets Matthew Wright, RR Pogoy, Mike Tolomia and Carl Bryan Cruz in the cagefest.

The AFP Cavaliers, the champion of the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off and led by AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Narciso A. Vingson Jr. (in white polo shirt) receive their trophy and giant replica of their P1-M check from Dr. Daniel S. Razon, President and CEO of UNTV-BMPI. AFP’s chosen beneficiary is the AFP Educational Benefit System Office.

THE UNTV Cup was in a generous mood recently at the Araneta Coliseum as it handed out a total of P3.15 million for charity. P1 million was given to the newlyestablished Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Baskebolista sa Pilipinas Foundation for the benefit of former basketball professionals in need of medical assistance. Meanwhile, off-season game champion AFP Cavaliers also received P1 million for the AFP’s Educational Benefit System Office, which grants scholarship to orphans and children of soldiers killed and wounded in action. “Emotional ‘yung usapan namin, iaalay natin ito doon sa mga kasama nating sundalo na namatay sa Marawi, sa pamilya nila. Kaya pursigido talaga ‘yung team,” said Cavaliers’ head coach Sonny Manucat. On the other hand, runner-up PNP Responders offered their P500,000 prize to the families of policemen killed and wounded in action in Marawi City. For securing third spot, the DOJ Justice Boosters received P250,000. Fourth placer Judiciary Magis got

Federer: Take a break, that’s how it’s done LONDON—Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic may be battered and bruised but Roger Federer has handed them the blueprint to keep playing into their mid30s—take a risk, take a break. As defending Wimbledon champion Murray hobbled to a quarter-final defeat against Sam Querrey, cursing his long-standing hip problem, and three-time winner Djokovic quit against Tomas Berdych with a right elbow injury, Federer was cruising into his 12th semi-final at the All England Club. Both world number one Murray and the struggling Djokovic hinted at taking a break from the sport but are wary of the US

Open fast approaching in six weeks’ time. In contrast, Federer, who will be 36 in August, has defied the passing years to stand just two wins away from a record eighth Wimbledon title. “Federer is playing the best tennis ever at the age of 35 because he has got everything right in the rest of his life too,” Boris Becker told the BBC. When Federer lost to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semifinals in 2016, he immediately shut down the rest of his season. It meant he missed the Rio Olympics and the US Open having already skipped the French Open after undergoing knee surgery.

He finished 2016 having played just 28 matches. While he rested up, Murray and Djokovic battled for the world number one spot. The British star ended 2016 having fought through 87 matches while Djokovic played 74 times. In 2017, Federer has featured in just seven tournaments, winning the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami Masters as well as the Halle grass-court title. Perfect balance His win loss-record is currently 29-2. He also skipped the 10-week clay-court season which culminated in Rafael Nadal strolling to a 10th Roland Garros title.

Murray has already taken part in 11 events this year with a winloss ratio of 25-10. Djokovic, down at four in the world rankings, his lowest since 2009, has slugged through 12 tournaments, including two trips to the Davis Cup. He has 33 wins on the season and eight losses. Federer believes he has found the perfect balance, playing at the right times and resting when required. “Once you hit 30, you’ve got to look back and think of how much tennis have I played, how much rest did I give my body over the years, how much training have I done, did I do enough, did I overdo it or not Federer enough,” he explained. AFP

P200,000, while the fifth and sixth placers, Senate Sentinels and BOC Transformers received P100,000 each. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa palagiang pagsuporta ng ating mga kasama sa Church of God International, ang palaging pagsuporta ni Brother Eli Soriano sa atin pong mga ginagawa at sa lahat ng mga tumatangkilik at tumangkilik at patuloy na tumatangkilik sa ating ginagawang liga ng mga public servants, ang UNTV Cup,” said UNTV Cup founder Kuya Daniel Razon, who is pleased to know that the league is now being imitated, a proof that it has inspired others to do good as well. “Nabanggit nga nila mayroon daw magpapasimula rin na isang liga ng mga public servants, sabi ko salamat naman at nagbubunga ang ating ginawa at meron ng gumagaya. Sabi ko nga sa kanila sa doon sa mga gumagaya sa ating konsepto, gayahin na rin nila pati ‘yung mga papremyo na ibinibigay natin para mas maraming magbenipisyo sapagkat itong ating ginagawa na liga na ito ay nakatungkol pa rin sa paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan.”

Business

Megawide set to buy stake in rail project B2

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, July 13, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.5790

Japan

Yen

0.008839

0.4471

Pound

1.288800

65.1862

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128026

6.4754

Switzerland

Franc

1.036162

52.4080

Canada

Dollar

0.784498

39.6791

Singapore

Dollar

0.726058

36.7233

Australia

Dollar

0.767500

38.8194

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656254

134.3507

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

13.4881

Brunei

Dollar

0.723432

36.5905

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029394

1.4867

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.7712

Euro

1.141400

57.7309

Korea

Won

0.000879

0.0445

China

Yuan

0.147301

7.4503

India

Rupee

0.015516

0.7848

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.232992

11.7845

New Zealand

Dollar

0.725800

36.7102

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032970

1.6676 Source: PDS Bridge

IN BRIEF Foreign funds pull out $461m

FOREIGN fund managers withdrew their investments from the domestic financial markets in the first half, after the US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates. Data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that registered foreign portfolio investments or hot money posted a net outflow of $461 million in January to June, a reversal of the $594-million net inflow recorded a year ago. Gross inflows reached $8.323 billion in the six-month period, down from $8.5 billion a year ago, while total outflows widened to $8.784 billion from $7.9 billion. Bangko Sentral said fund managers’ net withdrawals was triggered by the “US air strike against Syria, global terrorist attacks, interest rate increases by the US Federal Reserve, political turmoil in the US, and the closure order for several mining companies in the country.” Portfolio investments posted a net inflow of $79.56 million in June. Julito G. Rada

CoMP to castigate erring mining ﬁrms

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines said Thursday it will not tolerate wrongdoings within the mining industry. The group made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte warned mining companies that he would “cut off their heads” if they would not rehabilitate the farmlands damaged by irresponsible mining. CoMP said mining companies had a clear responsibility to manage their impact on the environment, guarantee the full and complete rehabilitation of mined-out areas and ensure that communities get their fair share in the beneﬁts from mining. “Strict regulation and monitoring by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau especially of the small-scale mining sector, will be key to ensuring that the environment is adequately protected, and that more trees are planted in mining areas,” said Ronald Recidoro, vice president of CoMP. “The Chamber of Mines does not condone wrong-doing within the industry. Erring mines must be prosecuted and made accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Recidoro said. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

Transco eyes P20-b loan to ﬁnance FiT

STATE-OWNED National Transmission Corp. plans to raise up to P20 billion to settle its unpaid obligations to renewable energy developers now estimated at P8 billion under the feed-in tariff regime, an ofﬁcial said. “We are looking for funds so that we can cover the backlog without interest for the government,” TransCo president Melvin Matibag told reporters. “There is no exact amount yet for the loan but it should be something to cover our backlog which is already P8 billion,” he said. TransCo received billings from renewable energy developers with a combined capacity of 1,107.8 megawatts amounting to P30 billion . It paid only about 72 percent, leaving around P8 billion in outstanding obligations. Matibag said TransCo was looking at taking out zero-interest loans from the World Bank or the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, payable in 30 to 40 years. Alena Mae S. Flores

PAL set to resume ﬂights to Abu Dhabi

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Thursday it will resume nonstop thrice weekly flights between Manila and Abu Dhabi on Oct. 31 on expected improved demand in the fourth quarter. PAL earlier announced the temporary suspension of Abu Dhabi flights starting July 8 because of the overcapacity in the Middle Eastern market. PAL said by the end of the year, it would provide a bi-class service (business and economy) across all its Middle East routes in a bid to compete with other carriers. PAL also serves other Middle East destinations including Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh. PAL earlier said it would take delivery of seven brand new aircraft worth over $550 million in the second half of the year as a part of its fleet expansion and modernization program. The airline led by tycoon Lucio Tan expects delivery of two Boeing 777300 ER in December and five nextgeneration Bombardier Q400 in July to November. Darwin G. Amojelar

SUNSHINE HEROES. Dole Philippines teams up with Gone Adventurin’ and Mother Earth Foundation to launch the Sunshine Heroes campaign—a sustainability initiative that

involves putting up material recovery facilities in selected schools in Metro Manila and encouraging students to bring recyclable waste to the facilities. Shown during the launching of the campaign, along with the Sunshine Heroes mascots are (from left) public relations manager Amor Maclang, Dole Asean cluster general manager Noel Casanova, Dole Asia vice president for marketing and innovations Ashvin Subramanyam, National Solid Waste Management Commission ofﬁcer-in-charge Eligio Ildefonso and Gone Adventurin’ chief executive Ashwin Subramaniam.

San Miguel acquires Australian wine bottler By Jenniffer B. Austria

ONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Thursday it acquired wine bottler and packaging company Barossa Bottling Services Pty. Ltd. of Australia. Barossa became San Miguel’s third packaging acquisition overseas this year. San Miguel said in a statement international packaging unit San Miguel Yamamura Packaging International Ltd., through its Australian subsidiary San Miguel Yamamura Australasia Pty. Ltd., had acquired Barossa for an undisclosed amount. Barossa is a specialist and independent contract wine bottling and packaging facility, serving artisan wineries in South Australia.

It operates one ﬁlling line that runs 2,700 bottles an hour. San Miguel said with the latest acquisition, its packaging group expected the contribution of its Australian and New Zealand businesses to reach close to Au$300 million. “We remain bullish on the Australasian market and will continue to look for bigger and better opportunities in that region. In the meantime, our Philippine operations will continue to expand to meet growing domestic and export demands,” San Miguel president and chief operating ofﬁcer Ramon Ang said. The conglomerate said that as a part of SMC packaging arm’s continued venture in the Australasian region, the SMYPIL group acquired the assets of Endeavour Glass Packaging Ltd. in New Zealand, and 100-percent shares in Portavin in Australia earlier this year. The packaging group also acquired the

cork and wine closures business of Vinocor in 2015, and Cospak, another major packaging provider from the region in the previous years. Ang said in May that the conglomerate was spending $700 million to build an integrated packaging facility in Davao. Ang said the facility located within the company’s 2,000-hectare industrial estate would have a glass manufacturing plant with a capacity of 800,000 metric tons, as well as a plastic and carton converting plant. Construction is set to start in the third quarter of the 2017, with completion expected over the next two years. San Miguel’s packaging unit posted a 3-percent increase in revenues in the ﬁrst quarter to P25 billion while, consolidated operating income rose 2 percent to P2.3 billion, as a result of improved efﬁciencies and cost management.

11 foreign ﬁrms join PH rice supply auction By Anna Leah E. Gonzales ELEVEN foreign private companies bought bid documents to participate in the auction to bring 250,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, state-run National Food Authority said Thursday. NFA said the list of bidders included Olam International Limited, Ponglarp Co. Limited, Thai Hua Co. Limited, Vietnam Southern Food Corp. II, Gentraco, Gia International Corp., Louis Dreyfus Company, Vietnam Northern Food Corp. (Vinafood I), Capital Cereals Co. Ltd., Asia Golden Rice Co. Ltd. and Thai Granlux Int’l Inc. “ As much as possible, we invite prospective bidders. We are discussing all to prevent failed bidding,” NFA deputy

administrator and chairman of special bids and awards committee Tomas Escarez said during the pre-bidding conference. The National Food Security Council earlier recommended the immediate importation of 250,000 MT of rice to beef up the buffer stock for the lean season. This year’s importation will done through a governmentto-private scheme to augment the agency’s stock for the coming lean months of July to September. Instead of limiting the bidders to government counterparts, private suppliers from participating countries may now be allowed to participate in the bidding, making the whole process covered by the Government Procurement Reform Act, unlike the previous

government-to-government scheme. NFA said the 250,000 metric tons would be divided into eight lots. Of the total volume, 20,000 MT would be discharged in Poro Point, La Union, 30,000 MT in Batangas, 100,000 MT in Manila, 25,000 MT in Tabaco, 25,000 MT in Cebu, 25,000 MT in Cagayan de Oro City, 15,000 MT in Davao and 10,000 MT in General Santos. The arrival of the shipments will be in August until September. Under the terms of reference for the importation, prospective bidders may bid for any of the lots provided that the bid must be the minimum/maximum of the imported rice allocated per lot but the maximum quantity to be awarded per supplier must not be higher than 50,000 MT. The bidding process will

be on July 25. “The opening of the bids and award of the contract to the bidder with the lowest calculated responsive bid shall be on a per lot basis. Rice must be shipped in break bulk,” said NFA. The government budgeted P5.6 billion for the importation of 250,000 metric tons 25-percent brokens long grain white rice well-milled. NFA said the bases of the computation were the prevailing freight on board price, expenses rates of freight, insurance and other incidental/ dispersal costs and foreign exchange rate at P50 per US dollar. “We want more private sector participation. The government to private scheme is a collective decision of the NFA Council,” said NFA.

Car sales rose 14% to 37,631 in June By Othel V. Campos VEHICLE sales increased 14.1 percent in June to a record 37,631 units from 32,993 units a year ago, two industry groups said Thursday. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report sales in June also went up 6.1 percent from 35,459 units delivered in May. “The overall sales last June is relatively higher compared to that of May’s due to the wellmaintained inventory levels helping the prompt delivery of vehicles amongst the major players. All these factors led to our improved sales in June 2017. In addition to a good stock level, manufacturers maximized “dealer push” that brought higher sales specifically to their key models,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez. Record sales in June brought total deliveries in the first half to 196,164 units, up by 17.1 percent from 167,480 units sold in the same period in 2016. Data showed both passenger car and commercial vehicles segments posted incremental sales in June and in the first half of the year. The passenger cars segment saw a 14.4-percent increase in sales to 13,677 units in June from 11,951 units sold in the same month last year. Passenger car sales reached 67,180 units in the first half. Meanwhile, the commercial segment also went up 13.8 percent to 23,954 units in June 2917 from 21,042 units a year ago. Most categories within the segment posted growth except for light trucks, and trucks and buses category IV whose sales slid 11.5 percent and 24.9 percent, respectively, on a month-on-month basis.

Japan Tobacco confirms talks to acquire Mighty By Julito G. Rada JAPAN Tobacco International Inc. on Thursday confirmed that it is in talks to acquire local cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. “We can confirm that we have entered into exclusive talks with Mighty Corp. on the sale of its cigarette manufacturing and distribution business and assets,” JTI, the company behind global cigarette brands Winston, Camel, Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Sobranie and Mevius, said in a statement. The confirmation came a day after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement that Mighty Corp. offered to settle P25 billion worth of tax liabilities with the gov-

ernment upon the completion of a P45-billion deal with JTI. JTI did not give further details on the ongoing discussions with Mighty. “Until an agreement is signed, we are not in a position to comment any further,” JTI said. Information on its Web site showed that JTI is the international tobacco division of Japan Tobacco, a leading international tobacco product manufacturer. The company is based in Geneva, Switzerland and sells its brands in 120 countries. JTI was formed in 1999 when Japan Tobacco Inc. purchased, for $7.8 billion, the international tobacco operations of US multinational company R.J. Reynolds.

TEAM ENERGY’S AWARDS. TeaM Energy Corp. receives three awards for business communication excellence during the 15th Philippine Quill Awards hosted by the International Association of Business Communicators. It gets an award of excellence for its 2015 sustainability report “Strength in Synergy” and two awards of merit. Shown receiving the awards are (from left) TeaM Energy associate for external affairs Mary Rose Roxas, assistant vice president for corporate affairs Maria Teresa Lopez, associate for external affairs Angela Rebueno and head of external affairs Froilan Gregory Romualdez III.

Business

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; DMCI tops gainers

TOCKS declined Thursday to end a twoday advance, as investors booked proﬁt from select blue chips while awaiting clarity on the timing of the next US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 1 point to close at 7,936.85, as three of the six major sectors declined. The heavier index, representing all shares, also dropped 1 point to settle at 4,753.72, on a value turnover of P9.2 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 105 to 88, while 56 issues were unchanged. Six of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by DMCI Holdings Inc., the investment company of the Consunji family, which rose 1.1 percent to P15.10, while

Bank of the Philippine Islands, the country’s second largest lender, went up 0.6 percent to P103.70. Security Bank Corp. gained 0.3 percent to P220.80. Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly surged Thursday, extending a global rally that saw another record on Wall Street. In closely watched testimony to Congress, Janet Yellen said the central bank would keep lifting borrowing costs as long as the world’s top economy showed improvement, taking into account inﬂation remained below its two percent target. The remarks lit a ﬁre under equities, with the Dow posting its highest close, on the prospect that money would continue to be cheap for the time being. “The market is upbeat as Yellen’s comments suggest a slower pace of rate increases and that bodes well for liquidity conditions and stocks,” Banny Lam, head of research at CEB International Investment Corp. in Hong Kong, told Bloomberg News. Hong Kong jumped one percent to its

highest level since mid-2015 and Sydney climbed 1.1 percent. Singapore gained 0.6 percent and Seoul was 0.7 percent higher, with Wellington and Taipei also well up. Shanghai was 0.2 percent stronger after data showed Chinese imports and exports both rose more than expected in June thanks to a pick-up in global demand. Tokyo’s Nikkei ended flat with early gains eroded by a stronger yen, which hit exporters. However, while equities were on the rise the dollar came under pressure as expectations for further monetary tightening from Washington this year eased. There had been talk of late that the Fed would announce up to two more increases in rates before the year’s end. “Markets seem to have concluded that ... Yellen just blinked, now less confident that inflation is on track towards the Fed’s two percent target, with obvious implications for what that might mean for Fed policy,” Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Aus-

Megawide set to buy stake in rail project By Darwin G. Amojelar MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. is acquiring a controlling stake in a consortium that will build an elevated railway linking Quezon City and Manila. A Brown Company Inc. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the consortium of East-West Rail Transit Corp. gave Megawide the right to participate in the PNR East West Railway Project as an additional consortium member. The existing members of the consortium are A Brown, Netcore Dev’t. Ltd. and Venere Holdings Ltd. Megawide was also given the right

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.75 20,000 58.5 54,790 103.7 1,706,770 3.96 12,000 124.5 1,945,020 1.38 102,000 36.6 257,800 16.1 3,200 31.35 851,900 7.92 6,700 1.76 85,000 870 460 0.7 1,733,000 94.3 3,371,420 0.85 966,000 15.5 63,500 24.6 5,100 67.8 124,540 249 440 115 640 88.1 50 59 72,800 220.8 1,005,710 1,660 350 86 1,740 1.37 138,000

73,750 3,192,788 176,965,235 47,740 241,392,943 140,100 9,444,000 51,550 26,926,995 53,067 147,590 400,200 1,196,610 317,921,407.50 821,590 984,324 127,450 8,413,256 108,000 72,400 4,405 4,290,642 221,904,268 581,000 149,704 188,370

3,021,963 -100,992,891 16,915,856 -16,300 740,250 1,044,905 -44,000 0 -19,276,082 51,000 1,164,868 2,861,378 131,279,312 -332,000 -21,506 -

40 8.54 0.84 1.44 30.25 0.27 115.6 7.05 18.24 29.25 14 68 69.45 2 5.47 11.5 12.4 15.52 11 7.94 5.71 1.75 18.7 68.25 14.8 13.34 15.5 1.95 213 64 3.98 3.45 24 31.75 19.8 18.22 267 0.242 6.88 3.16 7.11 9.6 7 10.3 1.91 10.3 67.9 6.26 304.8 4.5 5.09 2.6 13.02 4.48 0.144 1.36 162.1 4.07 2.07 30.1 1.03

INDUSTRIAL 40.3 848,900 8.78 1,776,100 0.84 1,549,000 1.46 1,020,000 30.35 333,800 0.27 8,930,000 135 3,380 7.06 3,887,400 18.4 319,100 29.6 745,800 14.14 9,300 69.6 1,311,610 71 590 2.05 882,000 5.47 4,000 11.5 24,400 12.4 1,094,900 15.52 2,980,000 11 4,994,300 7.94 2,475,500 5.75 27,588,600 1.78 34,000 18.78 1,904,000 68.4 96,040 14.8 15,300 13.4 165,700 16.32 3,857,600 1.95 6,736,000 214.6 814,280 64 1,600 4.05 1,456,000 3.45 2,000 24.95 2,000 32.5 233,600 20.2 730,700 18.26 6,504,400 268 413,040 0.25 920,000 7.1 12,100 3.2 3,106,000 7.18 197,800 9.6 987,000 7.58 2,954,800 10.3 33,400 1.95 1,913,000 10.5 3,484,700 68 1,251,500 6.35 26,600 304.8 5,750 4.55 536,000 5.1 238,800 2.71 3,534,000 13.02 6,863,400 4.5 1,194,000 0.148 2,910,000 1.39 37,000 162.7 2,276,620 4.07 1,000 2.07 22,684,000 30.1 900 1.03 116,000

34,147,760 15,466,165 1,307,370 1,479,710 10,132,140 2,417,600 416,990 27,455,295 5,867,730 22,198,755 130,522 91,119,302 41,829.50 1,795,240 21,880 280,756 13,652,768 46,377,782 57,230,764 19,750,487 158,769,127 59,970 35,748,300 6,582,441 227,760 2,218,242 61,242,454 13,510,380 174,865,786 102,400 6,104,080 6,900 48,665 7,590,230 14,846,316 119,054,390 111,131,286 227,080 83,499 9,879,910 1,428,335 9,508,967 21,127,867 344,262 3,688,500 36,492,836 85,173,665 167,659 1,753,648 2,430,260 1,218,249 9,552,120 90,771,158 5,417,240 424,620 50,790 370,322,459 4,070 48,884,110 27,150 120,060

-5,273,745 2,666,585.00 263,500 -12,367,344 1,570,426 151,000 2,222,229 6,016,536 13,386,970 -5,274,062 7,025,879 -48,247,512 -5,412,666 -4,247,338 158,178 5,563,362 410,700 20,658,412 876,060 6,834,935 210,050 -90,372,400 -47,662,870 -575,900 -325,672 -3,880 1,375,066 1,329,994 -33,020 -1,598,200 527,660 638,415 878,340 -19,363,170 -79,347,826 -1,950,660 3,070 -

0.375 75.8 14.16 1.24 6.88 0.34 0.34 881.5 8.05 15.4 7.8 0.213 1,213 7.79 81.5 5.99 5.42 5.79 1 7.15 16.9 6.79 0.053 1.12 2.33 103.4 2.7 807.5 0.94 1.47 303 0.29 0.231 0.295

0.365 75.15 13.96 1.2 6.58 0.33 0.33 857.5 7.85 15 7.7 0.196 1,195 7.79 79.5 5.7 5.42 5.37 0.99 7.08 16.08 6.68 0.052 1.07 2.27 102.4 2.62 791 0.94 1.45 299.2 0.285 0.21 0.25

HOLDING FIRMS 0.375 450,000 75.7 1,352,420 14 6,098,100 1.21 130,000 6.85 192,600 0.335 2,050,000 0.33 940,000 870 357,860 8 1,163,400 15.1 22,271,800 7.7 1,600 0.213 1,750,000 1,200 201,815 7.79 3,000 80 1,325,910 5.8 28,000 5.42 3,000 5.79 10,400 0.99 629,000 7.11 964,900 16.64 7,015,800 6.7 38,631,600 0.053 15,310,000 1.12 58,000 2.28 1,296,000 103.4 138,630 2.7 22,000 791.5 486,270 0.94 100,000 1.45 688,000 303 5,450 0.29 600,000 0.221 200,000 0.285 16,330,000

167,100 102,361,306.50 85,517,710 157,010 1,297,897 687,400 314,200 312,204,560 9,260,504 338,654,292 12,380 345,810 242,461,205 23,370 106,464,208.50 163,310 16,260 55,932 624,250 6,858,473 117,108,510 259,053,034 801,180 64,260 2,964,890 14,282,796 57,800 385,415,280 94,000 1,004,370 1,636,888 171,450 44,660 4,592,900

-9,329,493.50 -22,231,456 -1,340 -41,961,240 -2,227,531 74,839,902 110 -23,786,520 18,526,455.50 -19,800 -4,992,684 14,666,948 49,792,043 -57,000 7,232,803 -221,076,515 14,500 -226,218 -130,000

5.99 1.49 2.45 1.15 42 3.83 5.3 0.69 1.2 1.65 0.212 0.54 48.8 0.8 0.165 1.93 1.84 1.1

5.97 1.37 2.41 1.12 41.05 3.77 5.2 0.65 1.16 1.56 0.196 0.52 47 0.75 0.162 1.88 1.68 1.06

1,570,946 31,102,640 1,473,050 4,586,110 474,417,625 5,350,180 34,088,635 80,321,360 560,690 11,835,420 13,479,110 3,079,410 222,824,385 8,539,030 34,050 29,055,970 122,483,310 1,791,010

-1,234,199 -419,000.00 132,102,995 -228,540 30,712 -5,004,780 1,440,000 -62,100 -763,730 1,476,900 1,546,900 388,730 -3,362,220 19,440

HIGH

LOW

AG FINANCE 3.66 ASIA UNITED 58 BANK PH ISLANDS 103.3 BDO LEASING 4.04 BDO UNIBANK 124.5 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.38 CHINABANK 36.6 COL FINANCIAL 16.2 EAST WEST BANK 31.85 FILIPINO FUND 7.92 IREMIT 1.75 MANULIFE 870 MEDCO HLDG 0.69 METROBANK 94.8 NTL REINSURANCE 0.87 PB BANK 15.52 PBCOM 25.1 PHIL NATL BANK 67.8 PHIL STOCK EXCH 245 PHILTRUST 112 PSBANK 88.1 RCBC 58 SECURITY BANK 221 SUN LIFE 1,660 UNION BANK 86.1 VANTAGE 1.37

3.75 58.5 105 4.04 125 1.39 36.7 16.2 32 7.93 1.78 870 0.7 94.8 0.87 15.54 25.1 67.8 249 120 88.1 59.5 221.2 1,660 86.4 1.38

3.66 57.25 102.9 3.95 123.4 1.35 36.6 16.1 31.35 7.92 1.71 870 0.68 94.1 0.84 15.5 24.6 66 245 112 88.1 58 219.2 1,660 85.8 1.36

ABOITIZ POWER 40.25 AGRINURTURE 8.69 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.85 ALSONS CONS 1.47 ASIABEST GROUP 30.3 BASIC ENERGY 0.275 BOGO MEDELLIN 115.8 CEMEX HLDG 7.06 CENTURY FOOD 18.6 CIRTEK HLDG 30.35 CNTRL AZUCARERA14.08 CONCEPCION 69.45 CONCRETE A 69.5 CROWN ASIA 2.01 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.47 DEL MONTE 11.58 DNL INDUS 12.6 EAGLE CEMENT 15.6 EEI CORP 11.46 EMPERADOR 8.1 ENERGY DEVT 5.86 EUROMED 1.75 FIRST GEN 18.7 FIRST PHIL HLDG 69.4 GINEBRA 14.92 HOLCIM 13.48 INTEGRATED MICR 15.86 IONICS 2.01 JOLLIBEE 213 LIBERTY FLOUR 64 LMG CHEMICALS 4 MABUHAY VINYL 3.45 MACAY HLDG 24.05 MANILA WATER 32.5 MAXS GROUP 20.6 MEGAWIDE 18.32 MERALCO 268 MG HLDG 0.242 PANASONIC 6.9 PEPSI COLA 3.16 PETROENERGY 7.3 PETRON 9.62 PHIL H2O 7 PHINMA 10.4 PHINMA ENERGY 1.94 PHX PETROLEUM 10.32 PILIPINAS SHELL 68 PRYCE CORP 6.3 PUREFOODS 305 RFM CORP 4.5 ROXAS HLDG 5.12 SFA SEMICON 2.63 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.72 SPC POWER 4.56 SWIFT FOODS 0.144 TKC METALS 1.36 UNIV ROBINA 163 VICTORIAS 4.07 VITARICH 2.12 VIVANT 30.1 VULCAN INDL 1.03

40.3 8.78 0.85 1.47 31 0.28 149.8 7.1 18.66 30.8 14.14 69.6 71 2.05 5.47 11.58 12.68 15.6 11.8 8.1 5.86 1.78 18.8 69.9 15 13.48 16.36 2.13 215.8 64 4.25 3.45 24.95 32.75 20.7 18.5 271 0.25 7.1 3.2 7.35 9.75 8.2 10.4 1.96 10.6 68.1 6.35 305 4.6 5.13 2.74 13.72 4.57 0.148 1.39 163.1 4.07 2.21 30.7 1.05

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.375 75.2 14.1 1.24 6.58 0.34 0.34 878 7.97 15 7.8 0.196 1,202 7.79 80.85 5.83 5.42 5.37 1 7.15 16.08 6.73 0.053 1.08 2.29 103.2 2.62 791.5 0.94 1.45 302 0.285 0.21 0.25

8990 HLDG 5.98 A BROWN 1.41 ARANETA PROP 2.42 ARTHALAND CORP 1.14 AYALA LAND 42 BELLE CORP 3.79 CEB LANDMASTERS 5.3 CENTURY PROP 0.66 CITY AND LAND 1.2 CITYLAND DEVT 1.58 CROWN EQUITIES 0.206 CYBER BAY 0.52 DOUBLEDRAGON 47.45 EMPIRE EAST 0.77 EVER GOTESCO 0.162 FILINVEST LAND 1.9 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.73 IRC PROP 1.08

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

MEGAWORLD 4.8 MRC ALLIED 0.35 PHIL ESTATES 0.41 PHIL REALTY 0.67 PRIMEX CORP 3.99 PTFC REDEV CORP 38.95 ROBINSONS LAND 24.4 ROCKWELL 1.78 SHANG PROP 3.29 SM PRIME HLDG 33.65 STA LUCIA LAND 1.04 STARMALLS 6.68 SUNTRUST HOME 0.95 VISTA LAND 5.99

4.82 0.355 0.415 0.7 4.4 41.7 24.5 1.82 3.29 34 1.04 7.38 0.95 6

4.68 0.34 0.38 0.66 3.86 38.95 24 1.78 3.2 33.3 1.02 6.68 0.93 5.92

4.72 0.34 0.385 0.68 4.4 39.95 24.3 1.79 3.2 33.6 1.02 7.38 0.94 5.97

33,577,000 48,000,000 6,220,000 84,640,000 9,898,000 500 3,008,400 141,000 810,000 8,492,300 2,354,000 200 107,000 1,562,000

159,062,760 16,554,600 2,444,450 57,727,420 40,042,480 19,950 72,924,885 252,410 2,597,880 284,917,680 2,416,120 1,406 100,990 9,303,691

-25,455,400 -53,450 -252,200 -546,850 -9,485,900 -114,550 -38,152,940 -2,912,632

2GO GROUP 23.1 ABS CBN 42 ACESITE HOTEL 2.01 APC GROUP 0.49 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.044 BLOOMBERRY 9.6 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.087 CEBU AIR 98.3 DFNN INC 8.65 EASYCALL 3.25 GLOBE TELECOM 2,094 GMA NETWORK 6.22 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.48 HARBOR STAR 2.93 IMPERIAL 3.44 INTL CONTAINER 103 IPM HLDG 8.7 ISLAND INFO 0.184 ISM COMM 1.5 JACKSTONES 3.39 LBC EXPRESS 16.1 LEISURE AND RES 5.1 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.95 MACROASIA 8.88 MANILA BULLETIN 0.59 MANILA JOCKEY 2.29 MELCO RESORTS 9.2 METRO RETAIL 4.55 MLA BRDCASTING 16.2 NOW CORP 2.74 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.52 PAL HLDG 5.3 PAXYS 3.08 PHIL SEVEN CORP 170 PHILWEB 11.44 PLDT 1,745 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.6 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.45 PUREGOLD 46 ROBINSONS RTL 87.8 SBS PHIL CORP 6.08 SSI GROUP 5.09 STI HLDG 1.58 TRAVELLERS 3.47 WATERFRONT 1.32 WILCON DEPOT 8.7

24.8 42.1 2.08 0.51 0.045 9.98 0.088 98.3 8.65 3.25 2,114 6.23 15.5 3.1 3.64 103.5 8.7 0.187 1.55 3.42 16.1 5.2 1.96 9.79 0.61 2.29 9.21 4.55 16.7 2.74 11.54 5.3 3.44 180 11.44 1,761 1.6 0.455 47.25 91 6.19 5.2 1.61 3.57 1.43 8.76

23.1 41.9 1.78 0.49 0.043 9.6 0.086 97.5 8.6 3.2 2,042 6.2 15.48 2.88 3.44 101 8.46 0.184 1.45 3.35 15.6 4.86 1.82 8.88 0.59 2.22 9 4.23 16.2 2.62 11.5 5.24 2.9 170 10.86 1,700 1.58 0.43 46 87 6.06 4.76 1.56 3.45 1.23 8.36

SERVICES 24.3 1,628,100 42 29,600 1.82 4,540,000 0.51 600,000 0.044 15,300,000 9.7 19,840,800 0.087 18,540,000 98 49,260 8.6 27,000 3.2 5,000 2,084 48,395 6.22 309,100 15.48 10,000 3.06 3,216,000 3.51 135,000 102.2 586,090 8.59 341,000 0.185 1,420,000 1.47 2,147,000 3.4 223,000 15.8 8,600 4.95 2,014,700 1.93 1,330,000 9.65 7,504,600 0.61 200,000 2.22 29,000 9 6,939,400 4.23 29,348,000 16.7 700 2.62 1,820,000 11.5 14,000 5.3 24,500 2.92 1,263,000 180 280 10.98 4,246,600 1,700 134,800 1.6 2,093,000 0.435 12,390,000 46.95 1,570,400 87.95 248,630 6.06 1,408,600 4.76 19,363,600 1.58 20,646,000 3.48 2,490,000 1.28 132,026,000 8.44 12,473,900

39,156,845 1,243,070 8,785,080 295,700 675,100 194,221,202 1,613,150 4,828,535.50 233,200 16,150 100,983,500 1,920,514 154,900 9,684,350 477,370 59,906,726 2,923,379 263,250 3,187,910 753,570 138,370 10,043,988 2,539,560 70,381,787 121,680 65,010 62,838,523 128,629,150 11,640 4,835,410 161,150 128,650 4,173,350 49,510 46,921,366 230,305,315 3,335,050 5,463,850 73,677,155 21,885,991 8,680,132 96,953,864 32,717,550 8,658,740 176,186,990 106,789,949

1,067,515 -113,610.00 94,080,636 -602,985 -15,800,430 -63,300 14,019,126 8,820 -80,500 106,860 170,194 -4,242,792.00 -34,923,450 10,750 1,607,680 -11,512,042 -89,275,005 604,200 -442,500 21,494,640 -3,644,173 603,376.00 2,982,130 1,796,110 769,470 22,134,565.00

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

0.0029 1.75 5.13 2 2.01 1.04 0.395 8.57 2.81 0.29 0.198 0.199 0.011 0.012 1.94 6.39 2 0.68 1.12 0.01 0.011 2.72 9.04 3.15 161 0.0085

0.003 1.75 5.38 2 2.01 1.04 0.4 8.57 2.82 0.295 0.214 0.214 0.012 0.012 1.94 6.55 2 0.68 1.12 0.011 0.011 2.72 9.1 3.25 162.6 0.0085

0.0028 1.71 5.13 2 2.01 0.99 0.39 8.52 2.66 0.29 0.198 0.199 0.011 0.012 1.86 6.2 1.98 0.64 1.08 0.01 0.01 2.63 8.92 3.08 160.1 0.0085

MINING & OIL 0.0029 672,000,000 1.72 7,221,000 5.38 520,900 2 10,000 2.01 1,000 1.02 6,543,000 0.39 880,000 8.52 14,600 2.66 4,583,000 0.295 50,000 0.202 40,640,000 0.207 12,490,000 0.012 32,000,000 0.012 2,000,000 1.86 1,116,000 6.2 5,265,700 1.98 113,000 0.66 819,000 1.08 674,000 0.011 26,600,000 0.01 900,000 2.7 56,000 9.04 1,682,800 3.14 8,673,000 160.5 1,200,890 0.0085 1,000,000

1,948,300 12,446,060 2,746,769 20,000 2,010 6,614,460 347,100 124,610 12,518,410 14,550 8,297,940 2,552,950 361,900 24,000 2,117,110 33,455,362 224,150 538,700 738,190 279,200 9,700 151,210 15,213,779 27,388,890 192,655,077 8,500

-98,600 172,000 314,908 505,800 -241,160 540 -440,410 -1,689,475 5,185,098.00 -1,511,120 43,839,140 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

42 515 105 112 115 5.92 1,010 1,019 1.05 1,036 1,100 1,015 76.75 81.1 76.5 78 78.7 78.05 78.85

42.3 515 105.4 112 115 5.94 1,010 1,019 1.05 1,036 1,100 1,015 76.75 81.5 77 79 78.7 78.05 78.85

41.9 515 105 112 115 5.92 1,005 1,019 1.05 1,036 1,100 1,015 76.6 80 76.5 78 78.7 77.6 78.85

PREFERRED 42.2 987,400 515 50 105.4 26,410 112 390 115 2,000 5.94 15,500 1,005 3,350 1,019 45 1.05 215,000 1,036 540 1,100 2,275 1,015 500 76.6 3,870 81 20,260 77 99,400 79 38,300 78.7 6,800 77.6 80,200 78.85 35,250

41,477,250 25,750 2,783,490 43,680 230,000 91,992 3,370,750 45,855 225,750 559,440 2,502,500 507,500 296,502 1,634,409.50 7,617,100 3,000,800 535,160 6,250,290 2,779,462.50

-37,613,760 -1,613,287.00 -

LR WARRANT

3.13

3.16

2.98

WARRANTS 3.01 1,681,000

5,103,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.95 5.71 8.34

3.95 5.75 8.4

3.88 5.63 8.24

SME 3.9 5.63 8.24

841,570 1,073,113 13,704,941

-2,860 -644,505

120.2

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.7 120.2 15,890

NAME

OPEN

PROPERTY 5.99 262,800 1.47 21,574,000 2.42 609,000 1.13 4,040,000 41.55 11,415,900 3.78 1,411,000 5.23 6,520,900 0.65 121,651,000 1.19 475,000 1.58 7,333,000 0.196 65,530,000 0.53 5,819,000 47.5 4,650,400 0.77 11,094,000 0.165 210,000 1.88 15,320,000 1.84 68,273,000 1.08 1,664,000

FIRST METRO ETF 119.9

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

18,976,017

INDUSTRIAL

140,541,040

HOLDING FIRMS

121,224,423

PROPERTY

546,703,685

SERVICES

334,009,322

MINING & OIL

827,198,877

GRAND TOTAL

1,990,723,863

215,000 188,300 1,650,800

1,906,148

VALUE 1,973.16 (up) 1.33 1,655,757,990.57 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,132.91 (down) 13.01 1,790,520,762 HOLDING FIRMS 7,917.90 (up) 6.99 2,152,464,754.453 PROPERTY 3,729.21 (down) 2.44 1,692.63 (down) 10.11 1,697,835,026.55 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,744.01 (up) 5.20 1,595,291,834.88 PSEI 7,936.85 (down) 1.52 320,842,587.229 All Shares Index 4,753.72 (down) 0.95 9,230,240,920.38 Gainers: 88; Losers: 105; Unchanged: 56; Total: 249

to acquire up to 60 percent of the equity of the special purpose company for the project. The consortium will now be composed of EWRTC, Alloy MTD and Megawide. PNR East-West Railway Project will involve a 9.77-kilometer railway from Diliman, Quezon City along the corridor of Quezon Ave. to Espana Boulevard in Manila, the third most traversed passage in Metro Manila. Megawide president Edgar Saavedra said the company’s participation in EWRP was a continuance of its vision for nation building. “Megawide supports the Duterte administration in its push for reliable, sustainable transport infrastructure. A solution is needed for Metro Manila’s worsening traffic congestion and we believe efficient mass transportation is the answer,” he said. Saavedra said Megawide’s core competence was being an engineering and construction conglomerate. “Engineering and construction are vital components in any infrastructure project. In fact, they are the basis of Megawide’s capability in infrastructure development. This will guide our participation and vision for EWRP,” Saavedra said. Megawide build various Philippine infrastructure projects such as the PPP for School Infrastructure Project Phases 1 and 2, which entailed the construction of almost 10,000 classrooms across Luzon; Mactan-Cebu International Airport which was awarded as Asia Pacific Regional Airport of 2016; and the Southwest Integrated Transport System, the country’s first integrated land transport hub which will have a connection to LRT Line 1.

Maynilad spending P378m for sanitation By Anna Leah E. Gonzales WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said Thursday it will spend P378 million for its ﬁve-year sanitation program until 2022. Maynilad said of the total amount, P318 million would be used to purchase 56 vacuum truck units to offer septic tank cleaning services to more customers. These include smaller VTUs (4 cu.m. capacity) that can enter narrow alleys so that formerly inaccessible houses may be reached and provided desludging services. The remaining amount will go to the purchase of additional septage treatment equipment, which is needed to accommodate the expected increase in septage collected from septic tanks. Maynilad said the P378million sanitation program was a part of the company’s overall P30.6-billion wastewater management program for the next ﬁve years. “We appeal to our customers to have their septic tanks desludged because not doing so will result in serious environmental, health, and safety risks to their family and community,” Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez said. Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is the agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for the west zone of the Greater Manila area.

Motoring

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

4 ways to shrink carbon footprint

esearchers in Sweden have identiﬁed the top four things people can do to reduce their carbon footprint, but warned on Tuesday these steps are rarely promoted in the public sphere. The report in the journal Environmental Research Letters described a “missed opportunity” to let people know the most effective steps they can take reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a primary driver of global warming. “We found there are four actions that could result in substantial decreases in an individual’s carbon footprint: eating a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, living car free, and having smaller families,” said lead author Seth Wynes of Lund University in Sweden. “For example, living car-free saves about 2.4 tons of CO2 equivalent per year, while eating a plant-based diet saves 0.8 tons

of CO2 equivalent a year.” Avoiding airplane travel saves about 1.6 tons of CO2 equivalent per trip. By far the biggest action was having one less child saves an average of 58.6 tons of CO2equivalent emission reductions per year, the report said. “A US family who chooses to have one fewer child would provide the same level of emissions reductions as 684 teenagers who choose to adopt comprehensive recycling for the rest of their lives,” it said. These four steps were identified from an analysis of 39 peer-reviewed papers, carbon calculators, and government re-

Car-free living is one of the ways, researchers say.

ports that calculate how individual lifestyle choices may reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When researchers looked to see which anti-carbon actions were

FASTLANE Hyundai chalks up record sales; PCs lead “HARI’s aggressive growth in the first half of 2017 is a strong testament to the impact we have set in the hearts of the Filipino people. A responsive automotive market, together with our highquality, best-in-class, and customer-focused products and services, keep us on track for another record-breaking year.” - Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, once again breaches the three thousand mark by closing June 2017 with 3,203 units. This pushed 1st semester sales to 17,364 up by 6% as compared to the 16,362 units sold in the same period of 2016. At the forefront of HARI’s favorable performance is its volume driver, the Passenger Cars (PC) segment, which grew by 7% from 11,207 units in the first half of 2016 to 12,037 units in the same period of 2017. Credit goes to the Accent, which remains as the brand’s top-selling nameplate, with 7,711 units sold in 2017. The Light Commercial Vehicles

promoted in Canadian textbooks and government communications in the United States, Australia, Europe and Canada, they found a general focus on “incremental

changes with much smaller potential to reduce emissions.” For instance, commonly promoted government strategies included changing light bulbs and

comprehensive recycling. Researchers said these steps are respectively eight and four times less effective than a plantbased diet. None of the Canadian textbooks mentioned limiting family size as a way of reducing one’s carbon footprint. Streamlining the message from schools and from governments could make major steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions beneath the levels needed to keep the planet under 2 degrees Celsius of climate warming, researchers said. “There are so many factors that affect the climate impact of personal choices, but bringing all these studies side-by-side gives us confidence we’ve identified actions that make a big difference,” said Wynes. “Those of us who want to step forward on climate need to know how our actions can have the greatest possible impact.” AFP

Isuzu PH seals partnership with Tesda-accredited school

(LCV) segment was not to be outdone as total 1st semester sales reached 5,327 units, a 3% increment from the previous year’s 5,155 sales. Growth in this segment is largely attributed to high pickup for the brand’s utility truck, the H-100. Sales and Economic Outlook Philippine GDP grew slower than expected at 6.4% in the first quarter of 2017, falling below the projected 6.5% to 7.0% by the government but still placing ahead of other ASEAN nations. The decrease was mainly due to the slowdown in the implementation of infrastructure projects and the high base effect from the election spending of the 1st Quarter of 2016. The second quarter GDP is projected to remain within the 6.5% to 7.0% rate as increased infrastructure spending continues to fuel economic activity. Strong economic growth, stable prices, and low oil prices due to increased oil production allow the Philippines to continue to offer good opportunities in the automotive market. All these signs prove positive for Hyundai in reaching its full potential in sales and achieving another milestone year.

Maximizing carpark space PROPERTY owners and business establishments that have parking space have the edge in terms of customer service. Visitors and tenants need not worry about having their cars falling prey to towing companies, abusive traffic enforcers and criminal elements because of the safety and security provided by Smart Parking. Emicor, the company which innovated Smart Parking technology in the country and the premier supplier of automotive lifts to major car dealers is offering a solution to automotive dealers, automotive manufacturers, building operators and car collectors a parking solution to maximize the potential of their real estate. Suitable for areas with existing structures and limited parking spaces, Smart Parking will only require a minimal space equivalent to two parking slots or 32 square meters. Ingress and egress is not a problem due to an optional electric turntable that can be installed in five days, which includes machine calibration, testing and personnel operation training. One of their practical parking solution is the Tripark/Quadpark technology which can accommodate three to four cars/SUV’s. With a lifting capacity of 3000kg, this Smart Parking

unit has a hydraulic overload protection system; automatic shut off; manual lock release, space saver with adjacent units sharing two cars per post. “This is ideal for commercial areas, business centers and car dealerships which require lots of space. Lexus USA have installed this Smart Parking system in their dealers,” says Gilbert Pinuela, Head of Parking Solutions for Emicor Inc. “The unit itself is 100 percent made in Korea, apart from the motor which is made in Germany. Smart Parking carries a 10-year warranty with a lifespan of 25 years,” he adds. Other advantages of Smart Parking include maximizing your limited space; security against theft; safety because the structure can withstand an M8 earthquake and 250kph winds; quick installation in a matter of days and environment friendly.

Isuzu pesident Hajime Koso and JZGMSAT Vocational School Administartor III Benito Reyes during the contract signing.

AS PART of its 20th year anniversary, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has signed a partnership with Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School for Arts and Trades, in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that imbibes a knowledgesharing culture in the society. Last week, both parties, headed by IPC President Hajime Koso and School Administrator III Benito Reyes signed the memorandum of agreement at JZGMSAT Campus located in Biñan, Laguna. Operating for almost 57 years, JZGMSAT, is a TESDA-administered school that provides National Certificate (NC) courses for different vocations and currently offers NC Levels I and II for Automotive Servicing. In this partnership, IPC is committed to share its expertise on Diesel engines through its “Train-the-Trainer” program, as well as donate Isuzu test engines for practical application. Under this training program, IPC will conduct classes on Diesel Engine

Technology which includes topics on Conventional Fuel System, the ins and outs of a Common Rail Fuel System and over-all Engine Management. Participated not only by JZGMSAT Automotive Servicing trainers, this project also covers giving training to TESDA regional trainers assigned within the CALABARZON area to imply a broader reach in the region. “Through this partnership, we would like share with them our company’s core expertise on Diesel Engine Technology. By conducting training and practical applications to their automotive trainers, we hope that we can increase their level of competency specially on diesel engines. Eventually, these topics will be discussed to their students which will help them gain that diesel technology advantage,” said Koso. To add to the school’s automotive engine shop, IPC gave three Isuzu engines, namely the 4JJ1-TC and 4JB1-TC for practical training and

one unit of the Isuzu 4JA1-L cutaway, ideal for detailing and parts recognition. “We are very grateful to Isuzu Philippines for choosing us to be their partner for their 20th Anniversary - CSR activity. The technical knowledge they will share is valuable to add to the level of competency of our trainer. These test engines are also beneficial, as our students can now conduct practical training on newer models,” said Reyes. Over the years, IPC has been an advocate of different CSR activities but according to Koso this particular activity is very close to the company’s heart. “We’re happy to invest on knowledge by imparting our expertise and skills to institutions such as JZGMSAT. Knowledge inspires innovation. Innovation, on the other hand, is the key to a healthy economy. I am hoping that our joint efforts can change lives,” added Koso.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Civic Type R vs Impreza WRX STi

Motoring BATTLE ROYALE

By Dino Ray V. Directo III

HE STAGE is set for the inexorable face-off between two of Japan’s ﬁnest car makers. Battle lines have been drawn, in fact, with Honda Car’s Philippines Inc (HCPI) opting to ﬁnally bring in limited quantities of the Civic Type R, ending two decades of waiting in the wings for local car enthusiasts and collectors. Not to be outclassed, Subaru via Motor Image PH is fielding its refreshed version of the Impreza WRX STi in its rarefied local stable. Honda’s launch of the first ever Type R variant to be sold locally coincides with the Type R’s 25th year of exciting the global audience with its raw power and innovative design features. “Honda’s Type R models have always represented the purity of the original concept of minimizing weight while maximizing power, responsiveness, dynamic stability and braking performance, which aims to deliver the most rewarding driving experience, both on the road and on the race track,” says Spencer Kuan, Product Development of HCPI. Raining on Honda’s parade is its rival, Motor Image Ph. Three years since the introduction of the fourth generation WRX STi, the 2018 version boasts minor updates, highlighted by the new front fascia, upgraded suspension system, new 19-inch wheels on STIs, improved Brembo brakes, and a new performance package for the WRX. ”One of the competencies of the WRX STI will always be that 300hp Turbo Engine delivering power to all four wheels of the car with the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive System, which is a core technology of Subaru. This enables the driver to drive with more confidence with assurance that the car has maximum grip on the track. It will be

The first Civic Type R to be sold locally boasts an awesome 310 bhp. exciting to see these two icons go at each other on track,” says Uzzi Ascuncion, Marketing Specialist of Motor Image PH. As these two titans of speed jockey for position, it may worth prying into the features of both cars to see which among the two will appeal to the local market. For starters, the Civic Type R has been engineered from the ground up and this Fifth generation variant sits on a global platform and brings to the fight a potent 2.0-liter VTEC TURBO engine with a maximum power output of 310 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that is further enhanced by a rev match control system which enables the car to sustain maximum power during gearshifts. The rev-matching function can be switched on or off in the user settings for the car, regardless of which driving mode is selected. All of the power is transmitted to its front wheels through an exceptionally responsive helical limited-slip differential (LSD) that provide the Type R’s with strong cornering traction. The WRX STI keeps its turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that makes 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a CVT version is optional according to Motor Image Ph. Chassis comparison The All-New Civic Type R

features a bespoke chassis, suspension, and steering setup for a more responsive handling as well as improved high-speed stability. Up front, the Type R sports a lower-arm-type front MacPherson strut suspension that minimizes torque steer and maximizes handling. While at the rear, a multilink suspension setup helps the All-New Civic Type R improve its stability when braking as well as reducing the vehicle’s body roll movement when cornering. It also features a revised four-wheel Adaptive Damper System that delivers superior ride quality and exceptional road performance. Subaru’s WRX STi has a retuned suspension and its electrically assisted power steering has been revised. The STI’s Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD), the heart of its allwheel-drive system, switches to a purely electronically controlled limited-slip diff, which Subaru claims to be smoother and is quick to respond. The brakes on the STI also have been upgraded. The yellow-painted Brembo monoblock calipers have six pistons in the front and two in the rear. Larger-diameter rotors are cross-drilled for better heat management, and new pads cover more surface area for better fade resistance. The STI rolls on 19inch Y-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/35R-19 tires. To harness all that VTEC power, Honda has the Type R equipped with front brakes ven-

tilated and cross-drilled 350mm disc punctuated by a 4-piston caliper Brembo brake package. In other words, this Honda rocket stops at the driver’s beck and call. Exterior While the Impreza WRX STi boasts minor changes such as new grille designs, larger air intakes, and wider mouths, with a redesigned LED headlight cluster that swivel in turns, the Type R has an aggressive front grille, a wing type spoiler, and Vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line. The front and rear bumpers and side skirts also sport a carbon fiber effect and sporty red accent line, which runs around the entire vehicle. The sharp and aggressive front

grille is an interpretation of Honda’s family ‘face’, incorporating the signature Honda front full LED headlights with auto leveling and auto on/off that complements each distinctive feature. The Type R is also equipped with a new lightweight aluminum hood with hood scoop to provide higher air intake to the turbo. And to keep the All-New Civic Type R’s massive airflow, three fully-functional tailpipes are positioned at the rear lower center of the car. Main tailpipes on either side deliver exhaust from the engine, while a unique, smaller center tailpipe controls the sonic tone of the engine. Similar to previous Civic Type R models, it is adorned with Honda’s famous red

‘H’ badge. Filling the enlarged wheel arches are 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels with 245/30 R20 tires. As of press time, Subaru has not yet revealed the retail price of its prized fighter. For Honda on the other hand, 80 blokes with P2,980,000 of chunk change will have their Civic Type R’s delivered to them starting this September with two color hues to choose from: the Championship White and Rallye Red. As the market awaits the arrival of these street brawlers from Japan, the question now is, will the market choose VTEC Power over the revered Boxer engine? We’ll see by the last quarter of this year.

The Impreza WRX STi brings to the table a tweaked chassis and a more agile unit.

Shell , Ducati renew winning technical partnership SHELL and Technical Partner Ducati recently announced at Borgo Panigale, Italy the extension of their agreement for another three years. The move will take their iconic partnership past the 20-year mark, making it one of the most enduring and recognised technical partnership in the world of premier motorcycle racing. The new agreement will also see the launch of a brand new, cobranded Shell Advance motorcycle oil – Shell Advance Ducati, bringing all developments from the motorsport arena to owners of Ducati road bikes from their first ride and beyond, as service fills of Shell Advance motorcycle oil are introduced to the partnership for the very first time. The technical partnership between the two world-famous brands has been a major success both on and off the track, enabling the continued development of Shell Advance motorcycle oils and Shell V-Power performance fuels in the most demanding

settings for the benefit of bikers around the world. Shell is committed to producing smarter products and concept lubricants for millions of motorists all over the world, making their vehicles perform better on the road while making every journey convenient and memorable. “Shell Advance motorcycle oil and Shell V-Power performance fuel have been instrumental in the success that Ducati Corse has

achieved, aiding our race performance with improved speed and continued reliability. Our road bike customers have also benefited from this collaboration, with innovative products born on the track, designed to protect their Ducati engines and help them outride any challenge. We are glad to see the partnership extend for three years and I’m sure will prove to be another successful chapter in our long and illustri-

Ducati factory riders Jorge Lorenzo (left) and current MotoGP Riders’ Championship front runner Andrea Dovizioso (right) both race on bespoke race formulations of Shell Advance motorcycle oil.

ous history together,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. Shell and Ducati began their journey together in 1999, with Shell supporting Ducati Corse in the World Superbike Championship, before the two later joined forces for the MotoGP World Championship. The partnership is one of the most successful in premier motorcycle racing, with over 150 race wins, seven Riders’ World Titles in MotoGP (2007), and the World Superbike Championship (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008). All race bikes used by the Ducati Corse factory team in MotoGP run on bespoke race formulations of Shell V-Power performance fuel and Shell Advance motorcycle oil. Carol Chen, General Manager for Shell Consumer Lubricants Marketing, said: “Shell’s relationship with Ducati is truly a partnership that has stood the test of time, and together, we have overcome challenges at the very

Claudio Domenicali (left), CEO of Ducati Motor Holding and Carol Chen, Lubricants B2C General Manager at Shell celebrate the partnership renewal at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, Italy. pinnacle of motorcycle racing. This extension in our cooperation is an exciting opportunity for us to take it to even greater heights so that our partners at Ducati can continue to outride the competition on track.” Ducati not only uses Shell products on the track, but also chooses Shell Advance Ultra motorcycle oil as the first fill for every Ducati road bike that leaves its factory in Bologna, Italy. The new co-branded motor-

cycle oil, Shell Advance Ducati, will be available exclusively to select Ducati aftermarket dealers and workshops starting this year. Shell is a global leader in power, energy, and gas technology committed to providing motorists with smarter products and concept lubrications as well as educating motorists on smarter use of energy through better driving behaviors, while building smarter infrastructure to promote smarter mobility and energy efficiency.

LGUs

Sultanate to revive religious tolerance

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Nash B. Maulana BULUAN, Maguindanao— Revisiting history and tradition is essential to “correcting historical injustices on the Bangsamoro,” which is a prominent line in President Rodrigo Duterte’s speeches when it comes to the so-called Moro issue. Political officials and traditional leaders, mostly Maguindanaons, witnessed Wednesday the ascension to the throne of Sultan Mohamad Kuso Kanibpal Mangudadatu as Sultan Tambilawan II sa Buayan. Tambilawan is the name of the 19th century Sultan of Kudarangan in Cotabato Upriver Valley, the great grandfather of Sultan Mangudadatu. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, great grandson of the first Tambilawan, said one laudable trait of the old Moro nobles was being friendly to people of other nations, religions and tribes. The current Sultan and his nephew, Governor Mangudadatu, both said that “in the face of religious-based bigotry generated by the emergence of extremism, the old Moro character of being friendly to the Christians should be emulated by the young generation of the Moro people.” Not quite clear to many, the oft-repeated Duterte line “correcting the historical injustices done to the Bangsamoro” is a quote from the letter sent by Ustadz Hashim Salamat, then Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to the government of the United States of America under the George W. Bush presidency, on Jan. 20, 2003.

Sultan Mohamad Kuso Kanibpal Mangudadatu

FUNNY CANDY. Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch chief Supt. Vicente Cabatingan shows photo evidence of suspected marijuana mixed in chocolate and jelly recovered from the house of suspect Bobby Albert Bobcock (inset) at the latter’s home in San Pedro City, Laguna. See story below. Roy Tomandao

QC ready for P20-b casino By Rio N. Araja

UEZON City lawmakers are planning to introduce a regulatory system on the operation of games of chance, including casino games, a year before the construction of a P20-billion hotel and casino here in 2018.

District 4 Councilor Ivy Xenia Lagman said they have already laid out provisions to regulate the operations of a casino as embodied in a proposed ordinance she and fellow Councilors Franz Pumaren (District 3), Raquel Malangen and Marvin Rillo (District 4), and Godofredo Liban II (District 2) had authored.

“I know they [casino operator] want to put up such. There are feelers, but we have not received any formal [document],” she told the Manila Standard . “We are just readying regulations on games, including casino [games] before any casino [resort] is put up,” Lagman added.

To be covered under the proposal are electronic games, bingo, carnivals, casino, off-track betting station, cockfighting, and other games of chance. Any city resident who enters and plays in such gambling establishments must pay a P1,500 entrance fee for every consecutive 24 hours, and/or P30,000 to any establishment requiring an annual membership fee, the proposal adds. While the operation of a casino could bring large revenues to the city government, Lagman said “the welfare of the people” is also important. “If you look at the proposed [gaming] measure, there are too many restrictions,” she added.

Casino mogul Enrique Razon, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. chairman and founder, is pushing for the construction of a P20-billion hotel and casino that will rise in a P1.9 billion 15,676-square meter lot on the Vertis North development along Agham Road that may start mid-2018 and could be finished in 2019. The property was acquired from the National Housing Authority by Sureste Properties Inc., the hotel and resort development arm of Bloomberry. Razon is the owner and operator of the highly successful Solaire Resort and Casino at the Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

Bar that sold liquor to minors shut down

‘Drug tests for all Malolos officials’ By Orlan L. Mauricio MALOLOS—Mayor Christian D. Natividad on Thursday ordered all barangay captains, councilmen, and barangay tanod (watchmen) to undergo drug tests and submit the results to his office immediately. Natividad, a lawyer, was fuming after city police operatives on Tuesday killed four members of a drug-robbery syndicate and arrested a barangay tanod whose lair was less than a kilometer away from the city hall here. He also ordered a random drug test for all city employees and tasked city police chief Supt. Henryl L. Bruno to strictly supervise and monitor the conduct of the drug tests for all city officials. The mayor is the son of the late Bulacan Rep. Teodulo Natividad, who authored the creation of the Dangerous Drugs Board four decades ago. “Our policemen are almost not sleeping, and there are some of them who got injured, and yet

there is a barangay tanod who was supposed to be our partner against drugs that was arrested,” Natividad told local newsmen. Police identified the slain suspects as Ronald Gaben alias “Tonton,” Paquito Bernardo, Angelito dela Cruz alias “Toto,” and Rodolfo Roberto alias “Dolfo,” all residents of Barangay Caniogan. The arrested barangay tanod was identified as Rodolfo Leoncio, who was unharmed. In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., police said the suspects were cannibalizing a stolen motorcycle when police swooped down on the gang’s hideout owned by “Tonton” Gaben, said to be the leader. An hour-long gunbattle ensued at the hideout in Barangay Caniogan, as the suspects scampered in different directions after they were surprised by the lawmen. Police recovered a .45 cal. pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, two improvised shotguns, one overall

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad confronts drug suspect and barangay tanod Rodolfo Leoncio (right) in front of city police chief Supt. Henryl L. Bruno, Caniogan Bgy. Capt. Precy Mateo (beside Leoncio), and other barangay officials.

uniform said to be used in the gang’s robbery activities, three stolen motorcycles, and undetermined grams of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia. “In spite of our serious and relentless grassroots campaign to eradi-

cate the drug menace in the city, the fact that some tanod who are the first line of watchkeepers in the barangay are drug-infected is really alarming,” Natividad said. Bulacan is back in the news for drug-related crimes, as two weeks

ago, five members of the Carlos family were raped and massacred in the City of San Jose Del Monte, alleged carried out by drugcrazed suspects—three of which have been found dead, supposedly slain by vigilantes. With PNA

Laguna cops nab makers of marijuana-laced candies By Roy Tomandao SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna— Police here have vowed to be more vigilant around schools in the area following the arrest of two persons selling chocolates and jelly candies laced with marijuana, which children could eat and potentially lead to their sickness or death. The police’s Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch, Special Weapons and Tactics group, and a Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency team on Saturday arrested Bobby Albert Bobcock, 31, at his home at Park Spring Village in Barangay San Antonio here. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Jan Allen Ledesma, 23, who was caught peddling the marijuana-laced candies near the Malayan College campus in nearby Cabuyao, Laguna. Ledesma is a computer engineering student at the college. Each piece of candy cost up to P500 depending on how much mar-

Under Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9487, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. must obtain the consent of the local government unit that has a territorial jurisdiction over the operation site. District 2 Councilor Roderick Paulate told the Manila Standard “the welfare of the constituents matters, too.” Meanwhile, District 1 Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. said “no, I do not want (a casino operation here) ever since before.” Lagman, however, gave the assurance of strict regulation of “games of chance” in the city and the establishment of a “code of practice for responsible gambling.”

ijuana it contained, Cabatingan said. In a report to Senior Supt. Cecilio Ramos Ison Jr., Laguna police acting provincial director, Laguna PIB head Supt. Vicente Saspa Cabatingan said recovered from Bobcock were nine bricks of marijuana worth P250,000, assorted pieces of laced chocolate, molds for the candies, and drug paraphernalia. Recovered from Ledesma—a native of West Molino in Bacoor, Cavite—were a plastic bag containing

jelly allegedly laced with marijuana, a small glass jar of marijuana-laced chocolates, a wooden pipe, a grinder supposedly used for the marijuana leaves, a cellphone and P1,000 in marked money. “Some college students use this marijuana chocolate and jelly flavor, but its effect on the body of the user was dizziness,” Cabatingan said in his report. Cabatingan said mixing marijuana in candies seemed to be a new way for dealers to conceal the

drugs, as the suspects said they learned how to spike candies with marijuana through online videos. Police were armed with a search warrant for Babcock’s house issued by Judge Agripino Morga of the San Pablo City Regional Trial Court in Laguna. The suspects were brought to the Cabuyao police station for safekeeping, and will be subjected to drug tests and laboratory examination at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna.

DAVAO CITY—The bar here that allegedly sold liquor to minors has been shut down by the Davao City Business Bureau, after authorities discovered the business did not even have a license to operate. Art’s Venue was earlier ordered to pay a fine of P3,000 for violating the law that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. However, upon inspection by operatives of the Business Bureau, they found out that Art’s Venue had been violating provisions of the Revenue Code of Davao. Lawyer Marissa Marasigan Torrentera, officer-in-charge of the Business Bureau, said the bar, owned by Rolanjay Mistral Artiaga, was operating without a business permit, a violation of Section 87, Article 1 of the Revenue Code of Davao. It was also discovered that the bar only has three employees. But even if it was shut down, the Vices Regulatory Unit said Art’s Venue would still be paying the P3,000 fine for selling liquor to the youth. VRU chief Voltaire Engracia said the fine was slapped on the bar as it was the first time the establishment was caught violating Ordinance No. 06402 and Section 7 of the Davao City Ordinance No. 0292-06 or the Children’s Welfare Code.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

LGUs

Standard

TODAY FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

NV drug support training set Cruz in Bagabag town, died after firing at PO2 Mcren Jhon G. Alvaran, who posed as a AYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—A buyer in an operation planned drug support recovery training will be by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Philipconducted here next month to prepare pine National Police and the individuals to support the rehabilitation and Philippine Drug Enforcement development of suspected drug users. Agency in Region 02. “Investigation disclosed that Maybelle Blossom Dum- the schools but also the com- after the transaction was conlao-Sevillena, provincial ad- munity as well,” Dumlao-Se- summated, the suspect was able to sense that the one whom he ministrator, said the training villena said. will be conducted by the Saint The end goal of the KKDK sold ‘shabu’ was a police ofMary’s University in this is to train individuals so they town, in partnership with the may eventually become part of Psychological Association of the team who will facilitate the the Philippines-Task Force on drug recovery support program Drug Recovery Support and in their respective communities. Saint Louis University SunTarget participants are psyf lower Children’s Center. chologists, social or commuThe trainer’s training for nity workers, guidance counthe community-based relapse selors, nurses, and other allied prevention program entitled professionals. “Katatagan Kontra Droga sa However, also in BayomKomunidad” aims to train the bong, a suspected drug pusher participants in facilitating re- died after firing at policemen lapse prevention program mod- following a buy-bust operation ules in the community level. at Sitio Batulan of Barangay “This is in support to Presi- Buenavista here. dent Duterte’s cause for a drugHarold M. Wachorna, a.k.a. free environment, not only for “Aloy,” a resident of Santa

By Ben Moses Ebreo

ficer,” a statement from Bayombong police said. “The suspect drew his revolver from his waist and immediately fired at PO2 Alvaran, who was posing as the buyer, wounding him on the left side of his stomach. The policeman’s backup returned fire, hitting the suspect in the head and body,” the report added. Alvaran and Wachorna were brought to the Veterans Regional Hospital for treatment,

but the latter was declared dead on arrival. Police scene-of-crime operatives recovered from the suspect P500 in marked money and other cash, a small sachet containing suspected shabu, a cellular phone, a black wallet containing assorted cards, a black gun holster, four live caliber .38 bullets, and a Yamaha motorcycle bearing plate number BS7043, the report added. With Abe Almirol

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education Region III SCHOOLS DIVISION OF AURORA San Luis 3201 San Luis, Aurora

INVITATION TO BID The Department of Education Schools Division of Aurora through the Government Appropriations Act (GAA) 2016, intends to apply the sum of FORTY EIGHT MILLION SIX HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 48,620,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contracts (ABCs) to eligible payments under the contract for the following projects under Batch 1 – 2017 (BUB). The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites Contractors to bid for the hereunder cluster of projects. Bids received that exceed the ABC per lot/cluster shall be rejected at bid opening. School No.

School Name

No. of Sites

Location

Total Physical Target

ABC (Php)

CLUSTER 1. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at AV Mijares ES and Four (4) CLs at Aurora NSHS 1 A.V. MIjares ES 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 Aurora National Science High 2 1 Baler (Capital) 4 1,605,000.00 School SUB-TOTAL 2,810,000.00 CLUSTER 2. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at Aurora NHS and Three (3) CLs at Baler NHS 1 Aurora NHS 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 2 Baler NHS 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,410,000.00 CLUSTER 3. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at Calabuanan ES and Three (3) CLs at Calabuanan NHS 1 Calabuanan ES 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 2 Calabuanan NHS 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,410,000.00 CLUSTER 4. Repair/Rehab of Four (4) CLs at CT Valenzuela ES and Five (5) CLs at Diego Ortiz ES 1 Carmen T. Valenzuela ES 1 Baler (Capital) 4 1,005,000.00 2 Diego Ortiz ES 1 Baler (Capital) 5 1,605,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,610,000.00 CLUSTER 5. Repair/Rehab of Six (6) CLs at Obligacion ES and Three (3) CLs at Reserva ES 1 Obligacion ES 1 Baler (Capital) 6 2,405,000.00 2 Reserva ES 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 3,610,000.00 CLUSTER 6. Repair/Rehab of Eight (8) CLs at Ruperto Zubia ES and Two (2) CLs at Setan ES 1 Ruperto Zubia ES 1 Baler (Capital) 8 2,245,000.00 2 Setan ES 1 Baler (Capital) 2 805,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 3,050,000.00 CLUSTER 7. Repair/Rehab of Five (5) CLs at Suklayin ES and Three (3) CLs at Mariano L. Sindac ES 1 Suklayin ES 1 Baler (Capital) 5 1,805,000.00 2 Mariano L. Sindac ES 1 Baler (Capital) 3 1,205,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 3,010,000.00 CLUSTER 8. Repair/Rehab of Four (4) CLs at San Ildefonso ES and Two (2) CLs at Francisco Benitez ES 1 San Ildefonso ES 1 Casiguran 4 1,315,000.00 2 Francisco Benitez ES 1 Casiguran 2 815,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,130,000.00 CLUSTER 9. Repair/Rehab of Two (2) CLs at Dumaguipo ES and Two (2) CLs at Martin Esteves ES 1 Dumaguipo ES 1 Casiguran 2 815,000.00 2 Martin Esteves ES 1 Casiguran 2 815,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 1,630,000.00 CLUSTER 10. Repair/Rehab of Two (2) CLs at Abuleg ES, Three (3) CLs at Dinalungan CS and Four (4) CLs at Ditawini ES 1 Abuleg ES 1 Dinalungan 2 835,000.00 2 Dinalungan CS 1 Dinalungan 3 1,210,000.00 3 Ditawini ES 1 Dinalungan 4 1,610,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 3,655,000.00 CLUSTER 11. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at Emeterio Inocillas ES and Three (3) CLs at Juan C. Angara MNHS 1 Emeterio Inocillas ES 1 Dinalungan 3 1,205,000.00 2 Juan C. Angara Memorial NHS 1 Dinalungan 3 1,210,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,415,000.00 CLUSTER 12. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at Mapalad ES and Three (3) CLs at Mariano D. Marquez MNHS 1 Mapalad ES 1 Dinalungan 3 1,210,000.00 2 Mariano D. Marquez MNHS 1 Dinalungan 3 1,210,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,420,000.00 CLUSTER 13. Repair/Rehab of Three (3) CLs at Ibona NHS, Three (3) CLs at Matawe ES, Four (4) CLs at Umiray ES and Six (6) CLs at Dingalan CS 1 Ibona NHS 1 Dingalan 3 1,205,000.00 2 Matawe ES 1 Dingalan 3 1,210,000.00 3 Umiray ES 1 Dingalan 4 1,410,000.00 4 Dingalan CS 1 Dingalan 6 1,800,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 5,625,000.00 CLUSTER 14. Repair/Rehab of Two (2) CLs at Dibayabay ES, Two (2) CLs at Dikapinisan ES, Four (4) CLs at Baler CS, Two (2) CLs at Diotorin ES and Two (2) CLs at Kamalatan ES 1 Dibayabay ES 1 San Luis 2 835,000.00 2 Dikapinisan ES 1 San Luis 2 835,000.00 3 Baler CS 1 Baler (Capital) 4 1,600,000.00 4 Diotorin ES 1 San Luis 2 835,000.00 5 Kamalatan ES 1 San Luis 2 725,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 4,830,000.00 CLUSTER 15. Repair/Rehab of Five (5) CLs at San Luis CS and Five (5) CLs at Bacong ES 1 San Luis CS 1 San Luis 5 1,360,000.00 2 Bacong ES 1 San Luis 5 1,605,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 2,965,000.00 CLUSTER 16. Repair/Rehab of Six (6) CLs at Dipaculao NHS and Four (4) CLs at Dipaculao CS 1 Dipaculao NHS 1 Dipaculao 6 1,600,000.00 2 Dipaculao CS 1 Dipaculao 4 1,440,000.00 SUB-TOTAL 3,040,000.00

Contract Duration

NEW STORAGE. Officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate new fuel storage tanks at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. facility at the Subic Bay Freeport on Monday. Pictured are (from left) Subic Bay Metropolitan Administration senior deputy administrator Ramon Agregado, Ayta tribal elder Bonifacio Florentino, PCSPC chairman Michael Rodriguez, SBMA chairman Martin Diño, Aboitiz Construction president and COO Alberto Ignacio Jr., and PCSPC president and CEO David Attewill. Butch Gunio

60 CD

45 CD

60 CD

Firm launches ‘Project Seeds’ SUBIC, Zambales—An energy company building a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant here has launched “Project Seeds” that promotes gardening in schools. “We will supply eight elementary schools in Barangay Cawag with vegetable seeds and gardening implements,” said Jason Gavina, Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) Corporate Social Responsibility officer. “What makes this special is that employees from our mother companies, suppliers, and partners contributed for the project,” Gavina added. RP Energy is a consortium composed of Meralco PowerGen

ERRORS & OMISSIONS In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as Pag-Ibig Fund) Mortgagee, -versus-

TOTAL

48,620,000.00

The DepEd, Schools Division of Aurora, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the above-mentioned works. Prospective bidders must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, and whose value, adjusted to current prices using the NSO consumer price indices, must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy-five (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be inspected or purchased at DepED - Schools Division Office of Aurora, Brgy. Bacong. San Luis, BAC Secretariat upon accomplishing a bidder’s information sheet and payment in cash of a non-refundable fee by interested biddersin the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) for Bid Documents less than 5M and Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) for Bid Documents more than 5M to the DepED, Schools Division Office, Aurora Cashier. Only bidders who purchased the Bidding Documents will be allowed to submit bids (ITB 6.8). It may be viewed or downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), www.philgeps.net, and the website of the Procuring Entity, https://sdoaurora.wordpress.com, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The schedule and venue of the procuring activities are as follows: ACTIVITY

DATE and TIME

Issuance of Bidding Documents

July 14, 2017 to August 06, 2017

Pre-Bid Conference

July 24, 2017 @ 9:00 AM

Submission of Bids

August 07, 2017 @ 9:00 AM

Opening of Bids

August 07, 2017 @ 9:30 AM

VENUE BAC Seretariat, DepEd SDO, Brgy. Bacong San Luis, Aurora SDO Aurora, Conference Hall, Brgy. Bacong, San Luis, Aurora SDO Aurora, Conference Hall, Brgy. Bacong, San Luis, Aurora SDO Aurora, Conference Hall, Brgy. Bacong, San Luis, Aurora

Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to order or download the electronic copy of the Bidding Documents from the PhilGEPS website: www.philgeps.net, for them to be included in the Document Request List of the project. All particulars relative to Eligibility, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Bids must be delivered to DepEd Schools Division Office Conference Hall, DepEd Schools Division of Aurora, San Luis Aurora on or before the date and time stated herein. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend the Bid Opening. Late bids shall not be accepted. DepEd Schools Division of Aurora reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, declare a failure of bidding, not award the contract, or annul the bidding process without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: LAILA L. HERNANDEZ Head Secretariat - DepEd, SDO, Brgy. Bacong, San Luis, Aurora Contact No. 0977-804-0047 lailahernandez0109@yahoo.com

(MS-JULY 14, 2017)

(SGD) EMILYN D. MACARAEG BAC Chairperson

FRE NO. 11673

MARVIN N. SALUM Mortgagor. x--------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on April 24, 2015, by MARVIN N. SALUM, -No. 258 Ilang Ilang Rairbow V5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City/Lot 244-Y-2, Psd-007404-033382-D Sta. Genoveva St., Gulod, Quezon City/Rainvow V-5, Bagumbong, Caloocan City, Mortgagor in favor of HOME DEVELOMENT MUTUAL FUND(otherwise known as Pag-Ibig Fund) Mortgagee, to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of Php3,535,691.14 as of January 31, 2017 inclusive of interest and penalty charges, together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on July 27, 2017 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will sell thru public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in Philippine Currency, the following described real property/ ies with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 004-2015005189 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 244-Y2, OF THE SUBDN. PLAN, PSD-007404-033382-D, BEING A PORTION OF LOT 244-Y, FLS-2877-D, LRC REC. NO. 5975), SITUATED IN THE BRGY. OF GULOD, QUEZON CITY, M-MANILA, IS. OF LUZON. BOUNDED ON THE NW., ALONG LINE 1-2 BY SANTA GENOVEVA ST. 6.00 M. WIDE; ON THE NE., ALONG LINE 2-3 BY LOT 244, FLS-2877-D; ON THE SE., ALONG LINE 3-4 BY LOT 110, FLS-2592-D; AND ON THE SW., ALONG LINE 4-1 BY LOT 244-Y-1 OF THE SUBDN. PLAN XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (100) MORE OR LESS. XXX XXX All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the aforesaid office on the above stated date and time. Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a non-working holiday, it shall be held on August 3, 2017 at the same time and place without further notice. Quezon City, Metro Manila, June 23, 2017.

(Sgd.) PEDRO L. BORJA Sheriff IV (Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII and Ex-Officio Sheriff Copy Furnished:

WARNING:

ELENITA A. ATIENZA It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy Vice President this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the date of the Loan Remediation Group 14TH FLR. JELP Business auction sale under penalty of the law. Solution Center No. 409 Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City 1552 MARVIN N. SALUM, No. 258 Ilang Ilang Rairbow V5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City Lot 244-Y-2 Psd-007404-033382-D Sta. Genoveva St., Gulod, Quezon City Rainvow V-5 Bagumbong, Caloocan City (MS-June 30, July 7 & 14, 2017)

Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp. “We intend to use the harvest for a school feeding program,” Gavina said. Judy Espiritu of RP Energy’s CSR department said schools received vegetable seeds and gardening implements, which included rakes, sprinklers, shovels, and trowels. Two weeks ago, the energy company also donated 100 solar lamps to elementary students, and two computer sets to Kinabukasan Integrated School in Cawag. RP Energy is also conducting the “Protect the Bay Initiative”

program in the area aiming to promote environmental awareness, create livelihood for village people, and curb illegal fishing activities. Part of the initiative is the “Basura Palit Gamit Eskwela” program, where the energy company exchanged the trash collected by students from Cawag’s coastline with school supplies during a recent coastal cleanup. RP Energy is developing a state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula, and will be using environmentfriendly technology for its power plant, Gavina said. Butch Gunio

ERRATUM

Only stockholders of record in the books of the Corporation at the close of business on July 7, 2017 (record date) will be entitled to vote at the meeting. Please bring some form of identification, such as passport, driver’s license or company I.D. in order to facilitate registration, which will start at 9:00 a.m. And not as published. (MS-JULY 14, 2017)

IN RE: PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF DIVORCE AND DECLARATION OF LEGAL CAPACITY TO REMARRY R-QZN-16-12573 JERRRAMY ALBERGA PREMIA, Petitioner, -versusSHINOBI SHINOZAWA, THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF QUEZON CITY AND THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), Respondents. x----------------------------------------x

ORDER

A verified petition was filed by petitioner, through counsel, praying declaring and recognizing the divorce or the dissolution of marriage between the petitioner and the respondent, and ordering the registration of the divorce or the dissolution of marriage between the petitioner and the respondent which was celebrated in Quezon City on April 18, 2012. The petition dated November 4, 2016 alleges that the petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, married to the respondent, and a resident of Armel 2 Subd., Belong Compound, Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal; that the respondent is likewise of legal age, Japanese, divorced, and a resident of 180-3 Yukisaki, Yuki City, Inbaraki Prefecture, Japan and has no known residence in the Philippines; that the petitioner married the respondent in Quezon City, Philippines on April 18, 2012; that the married couple cohabited in the Philippines by staying in the petitioner’s present residence in San Mateo, Rizal for a week after the celebration of the marriage, and both migrated to Japan thereafter, and lived together in the residence of the respondent in Yuki City, Japan; that unfortunately, the marriage failed due to irreconcilable differences, hence, the parties by agreement filed for divorce in Japan to dissolve their marriage in accordance with Japanese laws, and it was granted on December 16, 2015 with in Philippine court for the recognition of the divorce from Japan so she could have legal capacity to remarry under Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines; that the petitioner has to prove as a fact before a competent court in the Philippines; that the petitioner has to prove as a fact before a competent court in the Philippines that the dissolution of the marriage decreed by a foreign country is valid and indeed allowed under the foreign laws of that country.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—This province’s public hospitals are expected to improve their services with the installation and adoption of the Department of Health’s Integrated Hospital Operations and Management Information System. Dr. Edwin Galapon, provincial health officer, said IHOMIS is the software developed for electronic medical records and hospital information system “for effective and quality health care by providing timely, relevant and reliable information.” This system serves the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) requirements for electronic claims and member verification, and DoH reporting necessities implemented in 100 government hospitals. “The provincial government manages five hospital facilities, and with this systems and technology, we can further improve our services for the benefit of our patients,” Galapon said. DoH officials said IHOMIS is provided for free to interested government hospitals, including the training and technical support subject to comply with standards of the DoH’s Health Facility Development Bureau, the acceptability of the hospital information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in place, the commitment for hospital management and operation support, and availability of at least two IHOMIS system administrators. It uses ICT to enable equitable access to health care services, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, easier access to secure real-time and quality health data, and information for evidence-based decision making. “This plan helps hospitals facilitate service delivery, make processes and management more efficient especially for populace seeking services,” Galapon said. Ben Moses Ebreo

Republic of the Philippines

There was an error in MEDCO HOLDINGS, INC. Annual Stockholders’ meeting publication last June 30, 2017. The second paragraph should have read as:

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila Branch 223

Vizcaya hospitals to adopt e-system

the petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, a newspaper of daily circulation in the Philippines before the hearing to be selected by raffle pursuant to PD 1907, at the expense of the petitioner. Let also copies of this Order be posted at the lobby of (1) Quezon City Justice Hall, (2) Quezon City Hall and (3) Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, at least twenty (20) days prior to the scheduled hearing. Let copies of this Order be furnished to Jerramy Alberga Premia at his last known addresses, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the National Statistics Office, the Civil Registrar of Manila, the Office of the Solicitor General, and the Office of the City Prosecutor. The petitioner is directed to furnish the said government offices with a copy of the petition and its annexes within five (5) days from receipt of this Order and manifest to this Court their compliance herewith. It appearing on the petition that the respondent Shinobu Shinozawa, is a resident of No. 180-3, Yukisaku, Yuki City, Inbaraki Prefecture, Japan, let a copy of this Order be furnished to said respondent by way of personal service through the Department of Foreign Affairs all at the expense of petitioner. Let a copy of this Order together with complaint and annexes be furnished the Office of the Legal Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who is directed to personally serve copies of the same to respondent Shinobu Shinozawa, at resident of No. 180-3, Yukisaku, Yuki City, Inbaraki Prefecture, Japan. The said office is also directed to make a return to this Court, within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, April 21, 2017. (Sgd.) HON. CARIDAD M. WALSELUTERO Presiding Judge Atty. Robert Natividad Counsel for the Petitioner 15 V. Hilario Street, Sta. San Mateo Jerramy Alberga Premia Armel 2 Subdivision, Belong Compound,Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal The Office of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village Makati City The Local Civil Registrar Quezon City

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT – TWO FAILED COMPETITIVE PUBLIC BIDDINGS NOTICE FOR NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT In view of the two (2) failed biddings for the Procurement of an Independent Administrator for the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) for 2017 (Covering 2015 & 2016 Data) through its Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) invites Phil-GEPS registered suppliers, to apply for eligibility and to participate in the negotiation for the Procurement of an Independent Administrator for the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PHEITI) for 2017 (Covering 2015 & 2016 Data) in accordance with Section 53.1 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (R-IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. The Approved Budget for the Contract is Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P8,500,000.00). The schedule of bidding activities are as follows: ACTIVITIES Posting of Service Quotation Issuance and Availability of Service Quotation Preliminary Conference Issuance of Amendments/Clarifications Submission of Eligibility, Technical Components and Financial Documents

SCHEDULE July 14, 2017 Starting July 14, 2017 July 21, 2017, 10:00 a.m. July 26, 2017 (by email) August 2, 2017, 9:45 a.m.

The complete set of Tender Documents may be purchased at the SBAC Secretariat c/o Procurement Management Division, 8th Floor EDPC Building, Roxas Blvd., P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila upon payment of the applicable fee for the tender documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) not later than the submission of the proposal. Suppliers who have been declared “eligible” during the first two-failed biddings need not pay for the tender documents. The suppliers shall drop their duly accomplished quotation proposals in sealed envelopes in the box located at the Procurement Management Division, 8th Floor, EDPC Building, Roxas Blvd. cor. P. Ocampo St., Malate Manila. Interested suppliers may obtain further information from the SBAC Secretariat at telephone number 526-4786 during office hours. DOF reserves the right to waive any formality in the responses to the eligibility requirements and to this invitation. DOF further reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or declare a failure of quotation or not award the contract, and makes no assurance that the contract shall be entered into as a result of this invitation without thereby incurring any liability in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The Local Civil Registrar Manila The Civil Registrar of Manila

(SGD) ELEAZAR C. CESISTA Director III and SBAC Vice-Chairman

The City Prosecutor’s Office

Department of Justice Building Quezon City Hall Compound, Elliptical Road, Philippine Statistics Office WHEREFORE, finding the Petition (formerly National Statistics Office) sufficient in form and in substance, Solicarel Bldg., I & II R. Magsaysay the same is given due course. Set the Blvd.,Sta. Mesa, Manila

hearing of this case on September 15, Office of the Legal Affairs 2017 at 8:30 in the morning, on which Department of Foreign Affairs date and time, any interested person 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City may appear and show cause, if any, why (MS-July 14, 21 & 28, 2017)

(MS-JULY 14, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Prejudice and pride at Korea gay march

IN BRIEF Warning over extended US sanctions THE party of Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir said Thursday it would hold the United States responsible for any insecurity in Sudan after Washington extended the decades-old sanctions against Khartoum. “The people who took this decision [of extending sanctions] will bear the responsibility of any political or security impact resulting from this decision,” the deputy chief of Bashir’s National Congress Party said. “This decision will encourage the rebels and armed groups to start their activities and disturb security in Sudan and across the region,” Ibrahim Mahmoud said. Bashir on Wednesday suspended talks with Washington aimed at ending the sanctions, a day after US President Donald Trump postponed a decision on whether to lift the trade embargo permanently until October 12. His predecessor Barack Obama had eased the sanctions in January, but kept Sudan on review for six months, a period that ended on Wednesday. Obama had made the permanent lifting of the sanctions dependent on Khartoum’s progress in five areas of concern at the end of the review period. The areas of concern―or “five tracks”―include giving more access to humanitarian workers in war zones, counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, an end to hostilities against armed groups in Sudan and halting support for the insurgents in neighboring South Sudan. Washington imposed a complex set of economic sanctions on Sudan in 1997 for its alleged backing of Islamist militant groups. Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a US commando raid in Pakistan in 2011, was based in Khartoum from 1992 to 1996. Washington also justified the embargo with accusations of scorched-earth tactics by Khartoum against ethnic minority rebels in war-torn Darfur. AFP

Japan protests armed North Korean boat TOKYO―Japan has lodged a protest with Pyongyang after one of its patrol vessels was chased by an apparently armed fishing boat believed to be from North Korea, the government said Thursday. The incident occurred Friday in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast, Tokyo said. The fisheries agency ship was on patrol when it was pursued by “a vessel of unknown origin which had what appeared to be a gun”, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters. “The patrol ship suffered no damage as it urgently left the area for safety,” Suga said. “Given the high possibility that the vessel is linked to North Korea, we have lodged a strong protest through the embassies in Beijing,” said Suga, who noted Japan had observed the ship’s crew and collected other information. Japan and North Korea do not have diplomatic relations but Tokyo sometimes makes diplomatic protests to Pyongyang by having its embassy in the Chinese capital contact North Korea’s. Japan’s Sankei Shimbun newspaper, quoting fisheries agency sources, said the North Korean ship pointed the gun at the Japanese vessel. Suga withheld comment on what the ship was doing in the waters. News reports, however, said the incident took place near a squid-fishing area where North Korean ships often operate. AFP

HARVEST TIME. A Bulgarian family collects tobacco using ﬂashlights in the early morning to escape the heat near the village of Karchovsko. AFP

China claims abiding by N. Korea sanctions B EIJING―China insisted Thursday it was abiding by UN sanctions on North Korea despite a jump in its trade with the nuclear-armed nation that comes amid the growing US calls for Beijing to rein in its neighbor.

Sino-US relations have soured in recent weeks as President Donald Trump has urged Beijing to step up diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions. Tensions rose after North Korea’s test this month of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the US mainland. Despite Washington’s calls for action, trade between China and its neighbor increased 10.5 percent to $2.5 billion in the ﬁrst six months of the year compared with the same period last year, including a 29.1-percent jump in exports. But customs administration

spokesman Huang Songping said Beijing was upholding the UN sanctions against the regime of Kim Jong-Un. “Simple accumulated data cannot be used as evidence to question China’s severe attitude in carrying out UN Security Council resolutions,” Huang told a news brieﬁng. He pointed to a 13.2-percent drop in imports from North Korea in the same period as an example of the pressure, adding that there had been sharp decreases every month since March. “UN Security Council sanctions are not a total ban on shipments. Trade related to DPRK

people’s livelihood, especially those that reflect humanitarianism should not be influenced by the sanctions,” Huang said. China announced in February the suspension of coal imports from the North, striking a blow at a major source of income for the hermit state. Huang said coal imports dropped by three-quarters in the first half, and all those shipments had been made before February 18. Trump has complained that trade increased between the two despite calling on his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to use the nation’s unique diplomatic and economic clout over North Korea as leverage. “Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40 percent in the first quarter. So much for China working with us -- but we had to give it a try!” Trump tweeted on July 5. Previous Chinese customs data showed two-way trade with

the North had risen 30.6 percent in dollar terms in the ﬁrst three months of the year. The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday that Washington would crank up pressure on China to ensure it implements sanctions over the missile test. She told the Security Council last week that the US planned a new resolution that would also ensure existing measures are enforced. “We’re going to push hard against China because 90 percent of the trade that happens with North Korea is from China, and so while they have been helpful, they need to do more,” she told CBS television. The Trump administration angered China last month by imposing sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash and approving a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. AFP

SEOUL―Thousands of people will march through Seoul to support gay rights in this Saturday’s Pride parade, and probably just as many conservative Christians will urge them to “repent” for their “sins”. Religious South Koreans have been a loud fixture at the annual parade for years, holding a rival anti-homosexuality rally while trying to physically block the march. Their presence is the most visible display of intolerance towards sexual minorities in the tradition-bound society, where religious belief is widespread and many homosexuals stay in the closet due to fear of discrimination and social isolation. Homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea. But gay, lesbian or transgender rights remain politically unpopular. Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-In―a former human rights lawyer―said he “opposed homosexuality” during a campaign debate in April. His conservative opponent and eventual runner-up said homosexuals should be “punished severely for living against divine rules”. Gay rights activists say that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance, particularly among young people, and participation at Pride surging since the first parade in 2000, when only 50 attended. But the event’s growing profile has unnerved South Korea’s conservative Protestant church groups, which have millions of followers, enormous political lobbying power, and see homosexuality as a psychological illness to be “healed”. Every year, they petition authorities not to allow public venues to be used for the event, and stage a boisterous prayer rally at which they sing hymns through giant loudspeakers intended to drown out the sound of the parade. Some wave banners accusing homosexuals of pedophilia and bestiality and turning the capital Seoul into “Sodom and Gomorrah”, while others scream insults. “We do not want them to showcase homosexuality in public, which can corrupt the minds of our children,” said pastor Hong Ho-Soo, secretary general of the Homosexuality Countermeasure Council for Korean Churches. AFP

Eastwood casts real-life heroes in terror film LOS ANGELES―Clint Eastwood has cast three young Americans who stopped a terrorist attack on a high-speed train to play themselves in “The 15:17 to Paris,” according to US media. Anthony Sadler, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and US Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone were traveling through Europe when they overpowered a man with an AK-47 on a Paris-bound service carrying more than 500 passengers. “Eastwood began a wide-ranging search for the actors who would portray the three Americans. The studio and Eastwood made their choices but at the 11th hour decided to have Sadler, Skarlatos and Stone portray themselves,” Variety magazine reported on Tuesday. The film follows the course of the friends’ lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing to the series of unlikely events leading up to the thwarted attack. They leaped into action and stopped heavily armed Ayoub El Khazzani from completing an attack on the train from Brussels on August 21, 2015. The three have since been hailed as heroes both in the United States and in France, where they were awarded the Legion of Honor, the country’s highest decoration. Starring alongside the real-life heroes are Jenna Fischer (“Hall Pass,” TV’s “The Office”) and Judy Greer (“War for the Planet of the Apes”) and Ray Corasani, the Hollywood Reporter said. Eastwood’s last two films―”Sully” and “American Sniper”―were also about real-life heroics, but this is the first time he has used real life people to play their characters. He directs from a screenplay by Dorothy Blyskal, based on the book “The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes,” by Sadler, Skarlatos, Stone and Jeffrey E. Stern, 87, is also co-producing the Warner Bros. Film. AFP

SEVENTH BULL RUN. Participants run ahead of Nunez del Cuvillo’s ﬁghting bulls during the seventh bull run of the San Fer-

min festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 13, 2017. Each day at 8:00 am hundreds of people race with six bulls, charging along a winding, 848.6-meter (more than half a mile) course through narrow streets to the city’s bull ring, where the animals are killed in a bullﬁght or corrida during this festival, immortalized in Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’ and dating back to medieval times, and also featuring religious processions, folk dancing, concerts and round-the-clock drinking. AFP

World

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Lula gets almost 10 years for graft BRASILIA―Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for graft in a stark fall from grace for the iconic leftist leader. Lula, who ruled Brazil from 2003-2010, was convicted and handed a 9.5-year prison term on Wednesday for accepting a luxury seaside apartment and $1.1 million, the latest twist in a giant corruption probe engulfing Latin America’s largest economy. But anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro said the 71-year-old Lula would remain free pending an appeal―something his lawyers immediately said they would lodge. “We are appealing and will prove his innocence,” the lawyers said in a statement sent to AFP. The conviction nevertheless landed a heavy blow on the prospect of Lula making a political comeback in presidential elections due in October next year. The verdict also sent a dramatic message to much of Brazil’s political class that they, too, risked falling afoul of the antigraft drive. Even the current president, Michel Temer, has been charged with taking bribes and several of his ministers have resigned after corruption claims were made. The sea change has come about because of Operation “Car Wash,” a sweeping probe looking into a giant embezzlement and kickbacks scheme involving state-owned oil group Petrobras, construction firms and several political parties―Lula’s Workers’ Party chief among them. But while many Brazilians welcome the long-overdue clean-up, the uncertainty is hobbling their country’s struggle to exit from a historic recession. The verdict against Lula “all but rules him out of the running for next year’s presidential election,” said Capital Economics, an economic analysis firm. It said the court’s decision was “likely to give a near-term boost to Brazilian markets” as the likelihood waned of Lula, a former union leader, returning to power and quashing needed economic reforms championed by Temer. Lula has repeatedly denied taking any bribes during or after his presidency. He has described the investigation against him as a campaign to prevent his return to power. AFP

SECURITY MEETING. French President Emmanuel Macron (3rdR) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2ndL) attend a Franco-German joint defense and security cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 13, 2017. AFP

Trump arrives in Paris with scandal in tow P ARIS―Donald Trump arrived in Paris on Thursday for a presidential visit filled with Bastille Day pomp and which the White House hopes will offer some respite from the rolling scandal back home.

Air Force One touched down at Paris’ Orly airport shortly after 0630 GMT, with the US president beginning a 24-hour trip that coincides with France’s national day on Friday and the 100th anniversary of US involvement in World War I. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the 71-year-old stepped onto French soil for the ﬁrst time as president hoping the visit will distract from weighty allegations that his family and inner circle colluded with Russia to win the 2016 US election. The scandal has put his son and top aides in legal jeopardy and cast a pall over his efforts to remake American politics.

During the lightning visit, Trump―who sees himself as a transformative ﬁgure in US politics―will be the guest of honor festivities marking a pivotal point in the French Revolution, after a trip to Napoleon’s tomb and a Michelin-starred dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Trump and his host, recentlyelected French President Emmanuel Macron, will watch troops parade down the Champs-Elysees and mark 100 years since America entered World War I on France’s side. Macron, 39, is hoping to use the weight of history and French grandeur to charm the unpredictable Trump―six weeks after welcom-

ing Russia’s Vladimir Putin at the grandiose Palace of Versailles. In London, Berlin, Brussels and Paris, European leaders are wondering how best to handle the US president, whose nationalist “America First” agenda has upended transatlantic relations. Macron hopes to build a relationship with the new occupant of the White House that might enable him to influence US policy or, at the least, help avoid serious strains between the EU and Washington. There are already tensions over climate change and trade, while Trump was openly critical of the EU last year and snubbed a handshake with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their first meeting in March. “It’s very difficult to play chess with a man whose strategy is a complete mystery and whose only consistency is his

pursuit of American national interest,” foreign affairs expert Bertrand Badie of Sciences Po university in Paris told AFP. “To imagine that you might change his mind on something is simply mad.” Talks between the two leaders are expected to focus on joint efforts to combat the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, where American and French troops are in action side-by-side. They will dine together at the Jules Verne restaurant up the Eiffel Tower, enjoying stunning views of the French capital along with their wives Melania and Brigitte. Trump and Macron appear to have little in common, with their views at odds on everything from globalization to immigration. Macron was even described as the “anti-Trump” during his run for the French presidency this year. AFP

Japan’s NHK sorry over Hitler T-shirt

PRESENT. Abby Elliott attends Build to Discuss The Show ‘Odd Mom Out’ on July 12 in New York City. AFP

TOKYO—A former internet tycoon who wore a Hitler T-shirt on a talk show sparked anger in Japan, with the broadcaster forced to apologize over it. Maverick businessman Takafumi Horie is the founder of popular Internet service provider Livedoor, who spent nearly two years in jail for accounting fraud before his release in 2013. Appearing as a guest on the “Gogo Nama” talk show Wednesday, the ﬂamboyant dotcom entrepreneur donned a black T-shirt with a caricature of Adolf Hitler on it and a peace symbol next to the words “NO WAR”. Despite what public broadcaster NHK called the shirt’s “anti-war writing”, the Hitler imagery drew a barrage of criticism with a number of viewers contacting the program as others took to social media. “The T-shirt is not appropriate because it evokes Hitler,” one viewer said according to an NHK spokesman, while another commented: “Even though it says ‘no war’ I don’t understand why he wears it”.

An NHK announcer apologized to “those who felt uncomfortable” at the end of the program. Horie, who wrote a book titled “My Struggle”―evoking Hitler’s infamous “Mein Kampf”―fired off a tweet defending the top while dubbing his critics “weak minded”. “I’ve worn the T-shirt with Hitler screaming NO WAR with a peace mark a number of times but it caught fire for the first time,” he wrote, adding a Japanese character for laughter. “In my view, you can’t escape seeing it as a T-shirt with a message praying for peace.” He added: “There are so many people who don’t understand humour.” Periodic actions and comments in Japan deemed antiSemitic have sparked controversy and international criticism, though they tend to be blamed on ignorance rather than malicious intent. Just last month, Japan’s central bank reportedly apologized over an official’s praise for Hitler’s economic policies. AFP

Uighur Muslims struggle in China KASHGAR, China―Worshipers quietly passed through metal detectors as they entered the central mosque in China’s far western city of Kashgar under the stern gaze of stone-faced police ofﬁcers. The increasingly strict curbs imposed on the mostly Muslim Uighur population have stiﬂed life in the tense Xinjiang region, where beards are partially banned and no one is allowed to pray in public. For years, the square outside the mosque in Kashgar was packed with teeming crowds as worshipers jostled for space to unroll their prayer rugs and celebrate the end of Ramadan. But no longer. This year, an eerie silence hung over the plaza outside the imposing prayer hall as devotees gathered to mark the end of a month of fasting― the lowest turnout in a generation according to residents. Authorities declined to comment on the numbers. But local businessmen told AFP the government had used the multiple checkpoints encircling the city to prevent travelers to Kashgar from joining Eid prayers. “This is not a good place for religion,” said one trader. Beijing says the restrictions and heavy police presence seek to control the spread of Islamic extremism and separatist movements, but analysts warn that Xinjiang is becoming an open air prison. China is “essentially creating a police state of unprecedented scale,” said James Leibold, an expert on Chinese security at Australia’s La Trobe University. The government began ramping up security and religious restrictions in Xinjiang in 2009, following a series of riots in the regional capital Urumqi that left around 200 dead. In March, President Xi Jinping ordered security forces to build a “great wall of steel” around the region after Uighurs claiming to belong to a division of the Islamic State group in Iraq threatened to return home and “shed blood like rivers”. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

SHOPPING

AP introduces Recycle Your Blues, a denim drive campaign that invites everyone to donate any old pair of denim jeans at their nearest Gap store. Upon donation, participants receive a 40 percent off voucher for their next denim purchase. The campaign will run through Aug. 31.

Shaping the world one denim at a time

Gap believes that one pair of denim jeans can do a world of good to someone in need. All donations to Recycle Your Blues will benefit Hands On Manila, a volunteering organization committed to empowering individuals to act as citizens and realize their ability to contribute to the community. Hands On Manila will not only be using the denim for donations, but also in creating a livelihood program which aims to teach the urban poor how they can recycle old jeans. Through Gap and Hands On Manila, everyone gets an opportunity to connect and become contributing members of the Filipino community by the simple act of donating their denim jeans.

Elevated American Style

Gap is one of the world’s most iconic

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

RECYCLE your Blues

DONATE YOUR DENIM.

Gap invites everyone to help shape the world by donating any old pair of denim jeans, which will benefit the livelihood programs of Hands On Manila.

apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes. From fashionably distressed to slim to classic fit, Gap jeans are available across many fits, styles, washes and sizes. Customers are sure to find a pair (or multiple) that are comfortable, stylish and f lattering. There’s nothing more allAmerican than Gap’s classic, contemporary jeans paired with a polo shirt, sweater, or blouse, and as a family favorite of mom, dad, daughter or son, there is a match for every style.

3 faces of Milanos man

Be stylish in school

CLOTHES, it has been said, make the man. And with this, it can be said, so does his footwear as he walks in style. This is especially true during weekends when he is in the relax, recharge, and reboot mode, away from weekday challenges. Milanos from SM Shoes has an exciting range of casual footwear that will work wonders for one’s weekend wardrobe whether on holiday, in the city, or in fun occasions. Milanos suggests casual footwear options for three types of men. Jon Lucas walks in style during weekends with loafers and boat shoes from Milanos

SM Shoes and Bags offers a wide variety of choices for children

KIDS will be in style and comfortable with SM Shoes and Bags. Classic black school shoes are updated for a new generation of students; while rubber shoes—ranging from sneakers to high performance options—making going back to school really cool. Durable back packs, small bags, chil-

dren’s trolley bags are not only colorful, but guaranteed the best prices and quality are also available at SM Shoes and Bags department. Go to school in style with shoes and bags from SM Shoes and Bags department available at all The SM Stores nationwide.

Tony Labrusca likes to walk on the unconventional side with boots

Ballerina slipper and Mary Jane like styles for feminine little schoolgirls

From comfy slip-ons to tie-ups, the black leather shoes will make little boys ready

Boyband finalist James Ryan likes to keep fit and fab with sneakers and casual shoes

Boyband finalist James Ryan is always the life of the party or any get-together. His high energy is contagious, and is friends with everyone. His choice of footwear for weekends? Sneakers and casual shoes from Milanos. Jon Lucas has a preppie persona, and with that loves weekends with family and friends. Loafers and boat shoes from Milanos are perfect for these weekend getaways. Model Tony Labrusca has a non-conventional streak in him, always on the lookout for adventure, and exploits beyond the welltrodden path. Boots from Milanos complement his cool personality. The Milanos collection is available exclusively at The SM Store.

Life

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Crate & Barrel’s World Whisky Day celebration

N CELEBRATION of World Whisky Day, Crate and Barrel and Malt Manila with Diageo, recently treated guests to an exclusive master class featuring globally renowned mixologist Enzo Lim, at Crate&Barrel Makati.

cocktails in the comfort of their homes. Lim whipped up four summer themed cocktails, all using whisky as the base. These included the Big Breakfast Sour—a mixture of baconwashed Bulleitt bourbon, pandanhoney syrup and orange shrub; and the Banana Bulleitt—Bulleitt bourbon, banana, ginger sweet and sour, and club soda. For Doña Sol, he mixed masterfully Johnnie Walker Black, Cinzano Rosso, jugo de naranja and Manille liquier de Dalandan; while summer cocktail Standing on a Beach included sea salt with Johnnie Walker Black with Lagavulin 16, pandan-honey syrup, and herb vinegar.

World Whisky Day invites Gastropub in New York, he made his everyone to try a dram and celecountrymen proud when his special brate the water of life Blair Bowman cocktail won the People’s Choice founded it in 2012 at the University Award during the 8th Annual Emof Aberdeen. It is all having fun with bassy Chef Challenge in Washingwhisky, making it enjoyable to drink, ton DC in 2016. but at the same time cautioning everyAnd guests were in fine one to drink whisky responsibly. spirits as he shared Whisky, after all, is one of the with them tips most iconic drinks of true lovers on how to enterof alcohol and is the foundation of tain with whisky some of the most wonderful drinks known to man. And World Whisky Day, celebrated in May, is a great opportunity to expand one’s palCocktail Mixing Glass, a ette, and share one’s experiences classic mixing handmade by with friends. the glassmakers of Krosno; Musician turned master mixoloBar Spoon with Muddler smartly styled for maximum gist, Lim, is the perfect person to cocktail convenience; and a stir things up in the celebrations. Cobalt Double Old Fashioned The co-owner of Maharlika FiliGlass from Krosno pino Moderno and Jeepney Filipino

HE IS a provider, a hero, and a friend all wrapped into one—he is dad. Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, encourages us to express our love to our dads with the Dapat Lang advocacy campaign, where it emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing for the family, for others, and society as a whole. Like everyone else, our dad also long for expressions of love, and we can do so through these simple deeds: Plan an adventure-filled day outdoors. Make everyday more interesting and bond with the family by planning an adventure-filled day with dad. Take a short hike, fly a kite, go fishing, take a road trip, set-up a picnic at the park, or have an outdoor barbecue. Without a doubt, it will be a very memorable celebration for all. Cook his favorite food. Occasions, like the past Father’s Day, mean malls will be jam-packed, and restaurants will have long waiting queues. Instead of spending the day at the mall, opt to celebrate at home by arranging a nice dining table set-up and cooking his favorite dishes. Adding your own touch through the dishes is another way of making this day even more special. Have a game night. Have fun with games like

Zojirushi's lunch jar provides a complete and convenient way to pack food that will stay fresh the whole day

Zojirushi products makes going back to school a delight ONE of the most important concerns of parents as their children go back to school, is the kind of food and quality of nourishment their kids have daily. Sometimes, even if they are hands on in preparing lunch and snacks, keeping them fresh and a delight to eat from the time of preparation may be a tough challenge. Zojirushi, the leading Japanese home and kitchen lifestyle brand, continues to leverage the latest technologies that create a constant stream of high-quality products. Having established itself as a top manufacturer of vacuum bottles since 1918, Zojirushi’s new line of lunch jars will definitely provide that freshness and convenience that moms and dads are looking for. With its vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction, heat is easily preserved for up to 12 hours. Most models come with bags

and chopsticks and have a number of layers for varying consumer needs. Tumblers are also a favorite among Zojirushi patrons as beverages stay in their preferred temperature for up to 24 hours, hot or cold. They come in a variety of colors and designs that are not only chic but also functional. A special stainless-coating protect these tumblers from corrosion, discoloration, and odor. Zojirushi is a welcome treat that will surely provide a sense of satisfaction and contentment for Filipino consumers. A new line of products is available at its showroom on the ground floor of Greenhills Promenade and at department stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.zojirushi.com.ph and follow Zojirushi Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Master Mixologist Enzo Lim during his exclusive master class at Crate&Barrel Makati

All cocktails were prepared using Crate&Barrel bar essentials - cocktail mixing glasses, jiggers, shakers, and bar spoons with muddlers. These were delightfully served in Crate and Barrel glasses – from highballs to double oldfashioned to sparkling wine glasses.

Entertain like a pro and shake up these cocktails in the comfort of your own home with the help of Crate and Barrel’s bar essentials and drinkware. Crate and Barrel is located in SM Aura Premier, SM Makati and SM Megamall.

A day with dad

You don't need to spend a fortune to make your dad happy, simple treats like cooking his favorite food is enough to make him feel loved and special

charades or board games. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and spend time with loved ones. Make a handmade gift. Who says you need to spend a lot of money to give dad a gift? A simple handmade greeting card, letter, or even putting

together basic tools that he can use to repair things at home will definitely mean the world to dad. To know more about Solane, visit their new website, www.solane.com.ph, and Facebook page, www.facebook. com/solane.ph.

Strengthening Japanese business ties TOP local audit and tax advisory services firm KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG RGM&Co.), a member of KPMG International, recently hosted a cocktail celebration for its Japanese clients and the Japan business community here in the Philippines. The special guests were Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and KMPG Japan Chairman Tsutomu Takahashi. Leading the local team was KPMG RGM&Co. Chairman and CEO Roberto G. Manabat, who welcomed both Lopez and Takahashi, noting that the event aimed to highlight – and further bolster – the close economic ties between the Philippines and Japan. KPMG RGM&Co. Vice Chairman, COO and Head of the Japan desk Emmanuel P. Bonoan then introduced Lopez, who extolled the strong trade relations between Japan and the Philippines. “Japan is our largest trade partner,” Lopez emphasized. “The Philippines has a trade surplus with Japan, which is also the largest Official Development Assistance donor to our country. “ Takahashi, introduced by KPMG RGM&Co. Chairman and CEO-designate Sharon G. Dayoan, expressed his utmost appreciation for the warm welcome and the attendance of those present. “The mission of KPMG is towards the growth and prosperity of Japanese companies, and to support cooperation and improve communication between KPMG Japan and oth-

KPMG Japan chairman Tsutomu Takahashi and KPMG RGM&Co. chairman and CEO Roberto G. Manabat

er member firms,” he remarked. KPMG RGM&Co., which marks its 10th year of providing professional audit, tax, and advisory services in the country, has lined-up a slate of activities and events leading up to its grand celebration in the second quarter of 2017.

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

...are not talking about

PEOPLE

...are talking about

Jake Zyrus The real Charice, since the Charice that we knew was just “a role” she played for having no choice but to, has just released a new single. And gender or sexual orientation aside, the single, which is a revival of a JR Siaboc original, is a feel good song and well sang. The only trouble is, like Charice “the biretera,” Jake Zyrus, the diminutive trans man, is just a novelty and business-wise is difﬁcult to sell. We don’t think we already have a market for her or for him. Louise de los Reyes After cutting her ties with GMA Network and signing up as a Viva artist, she also had expressed her intention to do projects with ABS-CBN. Her wish was granted. She started appearing in FPJ Ang Probinsyano and soon in La Luna Sangre playing a bit role. She’s been relegated no doubt. From being a star in her own soap, now she’s just one of the faces in the background.

La Luna Sangre There are many big things happening for the top–rating series. First, its lead stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were named most beautiful by a popular magazine (although being beautiful is really subjective). The series is also a consistent trending topic on Twitter every single day. In fact, it starts trending early in the morning or more than 12 hours before a new episode airs. And ﬁnally, it has maintained double-digit ratings giving its rival a hard time to keep up. By the way, ratings are from AGB Nielsen, the one that GMA Network trusts more. Rhian Ramos At the recently concluded The Eddys, the Kapuso actress was one of the stars that people were excited to see. Arriving fully made up, Rhian’s presence made a bold statement: You don’t attend an awards show only because you’re the winner. You’re there to celebrate with people who believe in local talents. Nora Aunor was also in the event but walked home empty handed. But they are gracious enough to support the cause The Eddys would like to bring forth.

Manny Pacquiao To save the “champion” boxer’s face from embarrassment, the Philippines Games and Amusements Board requested a new set of independent judges to rescore his ﬁght with Australian boxer Jeff Horn. The request was granted, but as expected, the result was the same. Had Pacquiao been the same “superstar boxer” that he was, the decision would have been different. But we are not seeing Pacquiao retiring anytime soon. You know, greed. He will still milk the sport even if means losing at every game he plays.

AlDub One of the most read fashion magazines in the country has just announced that the issue featuring Alden Richards and Main Mendoza is the magazine’s highest selling issue. It can be recalled that the magazine had already featured other love teams, who are viewed as the most popular ones, but they didn’t sell as much as AlDub did. It just simply proves that AlDub is still a force to reckon with. The couple just needs a good project, which should also receive full support from its own network.

‘Pipo’ wins viewer’s choice in Jamaica A SHORT film about a boy who wants to have his family picture taken by an old and grumpy photographer for his school assignment won the viewer’s choice award during the Asian and Middle Eastern Film Night of the fifth Gatffest Film Festival in Kingston, Jamaica on June 24. Pipo with Maliksi Morales in the title role bested films from Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan in the said category of the festival. Chanel Latorre, Ramon Palencia, and Katherine play members of Pipo’s family, while Lou Veloso plays the role of the photographer. Director Richard Legaspi was among the filmmakers from 28 countries who showed their works during the festival that vied for awards in 14 other categories including best directing, most original screenplay and best international film. Gatffest, initially introduced in 2013 as the Greater August Town Film Festival and hailed as “the Carribean’s premier film festival,” was organized by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Centre for Tourism and Policy Research. UWI CTPR Director and professor Ian Boxill pointed out that although there has been an increase in the number of Jamaicanproduced films, several filmmakers still find it difficult to show their films in movie theaters and traditional media. Thus, he stressed that Gatffest remains relevant not only to local filmmakers but also to those from other countries who similarly want an outlet for securing an audience and screening their works. With the theme “From the Streets to the Screen,” the film festival

featured panel discussions, trainings and workshops in film and video production, and provided a venue for filmmakers to express themselves and to deal with issues in their respective communities. Through the film, Legaspi raises concerns brought about by poverty and environment-related issues and also pays tribute to manual film cameras as well as all the photographers who people often fail to acknowledge for documenting precious moments in their lives.

The cast of the indie ﬁlm "Pipo" led by Makisig Morales (second from right)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Friday, July 14, 2017

ACROSS 1 Barge 5 Singing group 10 Harsh 14 Superman’s mom 15 Shelf 16 — -de-camp 17 Sharif of film 18 Ice-skating jumps 19 Dots in the Seine 20 — oldie 22 Acidity 24 Large deer 26 Norwegian monarch 27 Surveyor’s instrument 30 Hitches a ride 34 Big clumsy guy 35 Battery’s “+” end 38 Eat soup impolitely 39 Colony member 40 Cranky person 42 Evergreen tree 43 Public tiff 46 Op art pattern 48 Mai — 49 Filament 51 Melodious 53 Miscalculates 55 Actress — Watson

56 Tinkering with 60 Changes smoothly 64 Russian range 65 Jeweler’s lens 67 Sincere 68 Shop window word 69 Tempts 70 Ms. Bombeck 71 Writer Blyton 72 Movie double’s job 73 Fine particle DOWN 1 Tramp 2 Hunter’s garb 3 Type of exam 4 Keeper 5 Rattling 6 Witch’s curse 7 Verse forms 8 Ice hut 9 Consequence 10 Profitable 11 Miff 12 Dangerous March date 13 Muddle 21 Lanchester of “Bride of Frankenstein” 23 Team cheers 25 Attack, as a castle 27 Crunchy bread

28 Cowboy’s home 29 In the wake of 31 Civilian clothes 32 Musician — Eno 33 Fresh growth 36 Laurel and Hardy 37 Rousseau opus 41 Most prudish 44 Harassed amiably 45 Countess’s spouse 47 St. —’s fire 50 Dental equipment

52 Filled highway cracks 54 Muzzle 56 Use solder 57 Qom’s country 58 “Soft Watches” artist 59 Meditation guide 61 Inca Empire, once 62 Deli meats 63 Wooden strip 66 Desk item

American actress Hayley Atwell in procedural drama "Conviction"

Compelling courtroom drama on Sony THIS month, the ﬁght for justice begins for those who have been wrongly convicted as they have one last hope for an acquittal in the legal procedural series Conviction on Sony Channel. Highly skilled defense attorney Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell), who is also the daughter of a former U.S. president, is blackmailed into heading the newly created Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), a department under the New York County District Attorney’s Ofﬁce tasked to investigate cases where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction. To avoid imprisonment and further embarrassment, Hayes reluctantly accepts her new job but realizes that this might be the opportunity for her to rebuild her integrity and gain the respect she deserves. Every week, Hayes and her

team of lawyers, investigators, and forensic experts work together to identify and examine cases that made the headlines. With only ﬁve days on each case, they have to determine if any evidence was tampered, a confession was invalid, or a witness has been compromised that might overturn the conviction. To come to a conclusion, Hayes and her elite group will question if the system failed, if jobs were carried out, if there was a cover-up and - the most important of all—if justice was served. Conviction premieres on July 20 and airs Thursdays at 8:50 p.m., on Sony Channel. Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cignal Channel 120, G Sat Channel 48, and Cablelink Channel 39.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017

Bieber, Grande, Sheeran, 5SoS, etc. in Smart concerts

BANG BANG.

Pop diva Ariana Grande to stage "Dangerous Woman Tour" on Aug. 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena

RITNEY Spears was just the tip of the iceberg that is Smart Music Live’s rest-of-year concert lineup. Prior to the pop superstar’s June 15 takeover of the Manila concert scene, Smart Music Live also strung together a series of live acts featuring Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes, David Guetta and a U2 Fly-Off affair promo.

Smart subscribers were not only given free premium tickets during the first half of 2017 but were treated to meet-and-greets and press events like that of Shawn Mendes’ pre-show perks. In the case of Britney fans, winning subscribers were able to board the Smart Music Live Party Bus where the “toured a la Britney” before experiencing Piece of Me at the Mall of Asia Arena. But Smart is not done yet. Things are just heating up for lucky Smart music fans as they are in for an immersive concert experience like never before… one big music name after another. Justin Bieber headlines the all-star forthcoming concert series experience like never before alongside Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher of Oasis, and In the Mix’s 5SoS, Dnce, Two-Door Cinema Club, Dua Lipa, Daya, and Zara Larsson. Smart subs to get first dibs on Bieber tickets In September, Justin Bieber leaves everything on the Manila stage for the second time with his ongoing Purpose World Tour. Justine Bieber will punctuate his "Purpose Tour" Last Monday, Bieber announced he would at the Philippine Arena on Sept. 30 include Manila as part of his Purpose World Tour and Smart subscribers had a first crack at the tickets through an exclusive ticket selling In the Mix gathers the following in one concert event on Aug. 17: 5SoS, Dnce, Two-Door activity on July 7, ahead of the rest. Concert is set on Sept. 30 at the Philippine Cinema Club, Dua Lipa, Daya and Zara Larsson. Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran will bring his muchArena. The pop superstar has churned out some of anticipated 2017 tour to Manila on Nov. 7. The the biggest hits in recent years including the Guardian rated the concert with four out of five lead single from the album Purpose called stars before describing it as “sparky, sexy and “What Do You Mean?” and other hits “Sorry,” unstoppable.” The English singer-songwriter “Love Yourself,” “Let Me Love You,” “Cold is expected to rock the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds with hits like “The A-Team,” “Thinking Water,” and his own version of “Despacito.” Billboard praised Bieber’s vocals in Purpose Out Loud,” “Shape Of You” and “Castle On The calling it “smooth as ever” while Entertainment Hill.” The last two songs are from his latest hotWeekly described it as “a concert that shows, selling album “Divide.” Immersive concert moments like never beyond a doubt, that Bieber is back.” before Ariana resumes Dangerous Woman tour Smart Music Live brings concert experience Ariana Grande is the artist of the moment. She has exhibited how exactly it is to rise from tragedy and use her influence to bounce back from the horrific Manchester bombings during her Dangerous Woman tour in United Kingdom. But she’s back and she’s bringing all the light and love with her when the “One Last Time” hit-maker performs at the Mall of Asia Arena her Dangerous Woman tour on Aug. 21. New York Times called Ariana’s Dangerous Woman “a show of confidence, prowess and aplomb” which describing the performer as “a former child star who got national exposure on Nickelodeon, [she] flaunts professionalism, not skin or profanities.” Prior to Ariana’s grand party, Liam Gallagher of Oasis will stage his own Australian rock band 5 Seconds of Summer will headline concert at the Arena on Aug. 14 before the "In the Mix" concert series on Aug. 17

Milesexperience releases new single

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will serenade his fans on Nov. 7

like never before with free coveted tickets given away to subscribers of Smart. Apart from free tickets, music fans are also treated to behindthe-scene events, meet-and-greet moments, and other perks and privileges all exclusive to Smart subscribers. Don’t forget to look for the Smart booths during concert nights and other pre-event engagements to win souvenirs, premium items and experience not just the your favorite artist and his or her hits but take home a piece of them as well. Expect more unique perks and privileges in the next major concerts presented by Smart. To win tickets and unforgettable perks and prizes, track the #SmartMusicLive hashtag and follow Smart’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Visit smart.com.ph for more details. Bieber’s Purpose tour, Ariana’s Dangerous Woman, Liam Gallagher’s Manila concert and In the Mix are made possible through Music Management International (MMI) Live.

Student rates, more promos for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino AS IF audiences need more reason to watch the ﬁlms of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), the Film Development Council of the Philippines has recently announced that cinemas nationwide will be offering student rates during the event, P150 for students in Metro Manila, and P100 for students in provinces outside Metro Manila. This is on top of more promos offered by the different circuits nationwide from Aug.16-22.

“We are very happy with the support of the cinemas in making our Filipino films for PPP much more accessible to the public, especially to the youth,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. “Each film in Pista offers a different perspective on the different aspects of life and communicates these messages artfully and creatively through film. We believe that students and our youth would greatly benefit from

watching these movies which are more than entertaining, but to an extent educational,” she added. In addition to the student rates, cinemas nationwide will be offering a 4+1 promo – buy four tickets and get one for free. PPP is a partnership between FDCP and all cinema chains in the Philippines. Tune in for more news on PPP by liking the ofﬁcial page or emailing chairliza@fdcp.ph.

MILESEXPERIENCE may yet be another story of an indie-band-turned-signed-artist-success in the local music industry. The group—composed of Miles Bondoc on vocals and guitar; Justin Teano on guitar; Ian Diaz on bass; Guido Hizon on keyboard and Timothy Odulio on drums—is poised to conquer new territories with the release of its brand new single “Sunshine” under MCA Music. What’s even better is that MilesExperience brings with it a package of immense talent and dedication to the craft honed from years of indie music passion. “Sunshine” conveniently symbolizes a process of “rebirth’ of sorts for the band. The members describe the sound of it as “festive, like a peaceful morning. Something that could probably signal our exit from sadder lyrics.” Revealing that the inspiration behind the song is “a surprisingly good morning after a stressful night,” the band confesses that it is now “looking at the brighter side of things even through the heat.” “Sunshine” is going to be a part of an upcoming album to be released under the same major label. MCA Music Management has also signed up MilesExperience under its roster of artists including Gabby Alipe, Somedaydream, Jason Dy, and Darren Espanto to name a few. Miles has this to say about the major change in the band, “There are some changes and we’re still trying to jive with the system but all in all, it’s a wild ride. We’d like to thank MCA for putting their trust in our band. Our team just got bigger with the management’s leadership.” MilesExperience started out as a band from UST formed by friends who share the same passion for music. They previously released songs “Love Supreme” and “Silakbo” which became big hits in the indie scene, as well as “Anggulo” which was also used as the theme song for a European series from a major local TV network. Their new single “Sunshine” proves it’s potential as the single launch was greatly supported by radio - Jam 88.3, Mellow 94.7, PinasFM 95.5, Play FM 99.5 and Monster RX 93.1 “Sunshine” is available through digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes and streaming at Spinnr, Apple Music, and Spotify. For bookings and inquiries, contact MCA Music Artist Management at +639989741162 or email mcabooking@umusic.com. For more updates and information on MilesExperience, log on to the following pages: Facebook- MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Instagram- mca_music, Twitter@mcamusic.

Milesexperience is a ﬁve-piece band that promotes alternative and indie music