Manila Standard - 2017 August 03 - Thursday

NOKOR LEADER A MANIAC—DUTERTE

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VOL. XXXI • NO. 170 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CELEBRATION MOOD. This July 28, 2017 picture released by Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency the next day shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un celebrating a test launch (left photo) of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Hwasong 14, at an undisclosed place in North Korea, with Kim boasting his nation’s ability to strike any target in the United States, including New York—a potent challenge to President Donald Trump. AFP

BoC chief strikes back at politicos

By Vito Barcelo CUSTOMS Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon lashed out at his critics Wednesday, saying he would not allow any politician to meddle in the promotion of bureau employees so that they could put their own people in place.

Faeldon, pressured by lawmakers to resign after Customs examiners allowed 600 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine) slip into the country in May, turned the table on his critics at a press conference, saying they should be ashamed of themselves for trying to influence his office to promote employees who are not qualified.

“Shame on you,” Faeldon said.

“That is a form of corruption.”

Some politicians, he added, also wanted a say in job assignments so that their own people could get plum posts.

“The biggest problem of the bureau is corruption. First, the procurement process of our personnel is a big problem. We allow politicians, government officials to send their people, force them here. The congressman, the councilor, the barangay captain, the governor— believe me, most of them also have importation companies [or] forwarding companies,” Faeldon Next page said.

Duterte vouches for Faeldon but...

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

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he continues to trust Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, but said he would wait for the results of congressional investigations into the failure of Customs examiners to stop the entry of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China.

“I believe in his integrity,” Duterte said of Faeldon on the sidelines of ceremonies to mark the 113rd anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. “[But] let the investigation go to its end.

Let them wind up…. I want the report… then I will review it and I

FIELDING QUESTIONS. Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon answers reporters’ questions Wednesday during a news briefing at the Bureau of Customs, with his bureau under scrutiny by the Senate and the House of Representatives regarding the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China which the BoC seized. Norman Cruz

Chief Justice faces impeachment rap

By Maricel V. Cruz AN ANTI-CRIME watchdog group filed an impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno Wednesday, but failed to get any congressman to endorse it—a constitutional requirement for the

process to move forward.

The complaint filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption accused Sereno of committing a culpable violation of the Constitution when she issued an order creating the new Judiciary Decentralized Office and reopened the Regional Court

New laws: 10-year passport; 5-year driver permit; free Wi-Fi

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday signed into law three bills extending the validity of Philippine passports and driver’s licenses, and establishing free Internet access in public places.

Republic Act No. 10928, which amends Republic Act No. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, extends the validity of Philippine passports up to 10 years, except for individuals under 18 years of age, who will still have passports with five-year validity.

Former President and Pampan-

ga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said she was elated that extending the passport validity had been signed by President Duterte.

“Extending the passport validity from five to 10 years has been one of the first bills [House Bill No. 487] I filed at the start of the present Congress because I have always believed that the 5-year validity is too short considering the tedious process and the cost required to renew a passport,” Arroyo said.

“With this new law, I am hopeful that Filipinos’ unimpaired exercise of their constitutional right to travel will be enhanced,” she Next page added. twitter.com/ MlaStandard

Administration Office in Western Visayas in the absence of an authority from the court en banc.

The VACC also alleged that Sereno violated the Constitution when she appointed lawyer Solomon Lumba. The group said the law provides that appointive government Next page

will be fair.”

On Wednesday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez disowned a two-sentence statement released

by Malacanang being attributed to him, claiming that Faeldon still enjoys the “full confidence and trust” of the President—adding that no

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday defended the bloody raid that led to the deaths of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and 15 other people, insisting that drug suspects who put up a fight against the police should end up dead.

“The police and the military should make sure that their enemies are dead. Otherwise, if the other guy can still pull the trigger,

you will end up with a dead police or a dead… soldier,” Duterte said on the sidelines of ceremonies marking the 113th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“I don’t want to be embarrassed. I declared war against drugs, so don’t embarrass me,” he said, addressing the police in Filipino.

Parojinog, who was among the politicians tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as a narco-politician, was killed in a pre-dawn

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By Francisco Tuyay

Arroyo bill takes up the cudgels for women

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raid, along with his wife Susan, siblings Mona and Octavio, and 11 security personnel and supporters.

Parojinog’s daughter, Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog, was said to be in a relationship with detained drug lord Herbert Colanggo.

“You are up against an organization. Parojinog has been there and you can ask the ordinary citizen of Ozamiz. Ask them how

ISIS threat looms over Manila meet

WOMEN DISCRIMINATION.

PAMPANGA Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday filed a bill aimed at allowing women, whose marriages have

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Rody defends cops in Ozamiz raid

Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez comments Wednesday on the measures prohibiting discrimination against women in hiring and promotion of workers during the Committee meeting on Labor and Employment at the House of Representatives.

By Maricel V. Cruz

one is off the hook yet.

“It is not my statement,” Dominguez said in a chance interview with reporters.

He said of Faeldon: “Nobody is safe. Even me.”

The Palace later said the statement was erroneously attributed to Dominguez.

“Secretary Dominguez merely confirmed that a meeting with various officials transpired. On the other part of the statement released yesterday, as we learned, various officials also attended the meeting wherein the President expressed confidence in Commissioner Faeldon, and told him to serve the country,” Communications Assistant Secretary for Content and Messaging Rachel

been dissolved, anulled or women who are legally separated, or abandoned, to revert to the use of their maiden name without a court order.

In her House Bill 6028, the

manilastandard.net

former President said current laws did not give the women the power to use their maiden surname despite legal separation or dissolution of her marriage without a court order.

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THE United States, one of three nations which provided surveillance aircraft for the government in Marawi City, envisions a dangerous level of threats from the Islamic State to the Philippines and other Asian countries, a senior official from Washington has said.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson projected such threats ahead of his four-day Asean tour intended to formulate a mechanism that would address the ISIS Next page threats.

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Economic sabotage charges vs Sunvar

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday threatened to file economic sabotage raps against the owners of Sunvar Realty Development Corp., for refusing to return the Mile Long property in Makati to the government.

“If I could prove...economic sabotage, then I will file cases against them for economic sabotage,” Duterte said in a speech during the 113th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Duterte said the company’s owners had been holding the property for almost 50 years, but he insisted they needed to vacate the property as a result of the lack of a formal contract.

“The lease contract has already expired [but] you continue to lease it,” Duterte said.

“So what does that mean? It means swindling on a large scale because that is money that you should surrender.”

Duterte urged them to settle their tax liabilities with the BIR. Duterte in his previous speeches vowed to recover the Mile Long property in Makati.

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“Their people are here to protect the interests of their bosses. So until we fix that first, corruption here will continue,” he said.

In a recent run-in, Faeldon’s chief of staff, Mandy Mercado Anderson, rejected an endorsement from Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, saying that the candidate for promotion was not qualified.

“They want me to influence the promotion board so that their people here would be promoted,” Faeldon said. “And I tell them right in their face I will never lift a finger to influence promotions here. That is a form of corruption.”

Faeldon said President Rodrigo Duterte called him into a meeting at the Palace Tuesday and told him to continue serving the country.

“After the meeting, the President told me, ‘I trust you, so my marching order to you is to continue to serve this country.

I do not need personal loyalty but I want you to continue to be loyal to this country,’” he said.

He also told his detractors to stop treating the bureau as if it were their property.

“This is the Filipinos’ Bureau of Customs, so don’t act like you own this,” he said.

They can get mad at me but as long as I’m here I will continue to say no to them,” he added.

“They even want to dictate assignments. You put this guy here. Why will I allow that?” he said in Filipino. “They should become commissioner so they will take responsibility for all the stupidity here. I am the one being blamed for all the lousiness here, when they are the ones trying to put people here who are so lousy.”

Faeldon said he did not name the politicians when he met Duterte, saying that was not his style.

But he also said he was angry at politicians who are making the bureau more corrupt.

“I do not want to humiliate anybody. We are all workers in the government but I am appealing to you. Stop it. Stop it because it doesn’t do anything good for this country. You know it’s wrong…. This is a very corrupt bureau and you are making it more corrupt. Please stop it,” he said.

“It won’t work anymore,” he added. “You can get mad at me and try your best to boot me out of here every day… As long as I am here, I will continue to say no to you… Those of you with the most number of requests, that’s why you’re so mad at me now.”

He urged legislators to pass a law that would prohibit public officials from making personnel recommendations in the bureau.

“Let’s leave to the President to recommend, anyhow, he has the power to appoint,” he said.

News

NoKor leader a maniac—Du30 T

HE missile tests by North Korea must be stopped, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday as he expressed concern that Pyongyang’s actions could escalate the tensions in the region.

“That Kim Jong-un. You know, if that guy… I do not think that he is ready but he is playing with dangerous toys,” Duterte said in his speech during the 113th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Using characteristically crude language, Duterte teed off against Kim ahead of a regional security meeting in Manila where the hermit state’s ballistic missile tests will be a hot agenda item.

“He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice,” Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech.

“That son-of-a-whore maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because [if] a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I don’t know what will

happen to us. We won’t be able to plant anything productive.”

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority said Roxas Boulevard will be closed on Aug. 8 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Asean will be discussing North Korea during its meeting here.

The MMDA said Roxas Boulevard from P. Burgos to Buendia will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Motorists should take the following alternate routes: Roxas Boulevard, P. Burgos, Finance Road, Taft Avenue, Buendia, Roxas Boulevard to Macapagal to Diokno to destination.

Only Asean delegates and

Duterte...

would only be suggestions because that’s the prerogative of the President,” he said.

Lacson also said he does not know if the President will listen to the recommendation of the Senate and House once they are done with their separate investigations.

Detained Senator Leila De Lima said the ongoing investigation on the large-scale smuggling of methamphetamine (shabu) from China “betrays a glaring inadequacy of the anti-illegal drug program of the government.”

“While our law enforcers focus their attention on going after street peddlers and drug addicts, less efforts have been placed on other, perhaps more important, aspects of the war on drugs: supply and demand reduction,” she said.

She added that without the tip-off from Customs officials in China, the drugs would have been distributed all over the country by now.

“This can only lead to two conclusions: first, that China is not doing enough to prevent the exportation of shabu from their country; and second, our Bureau of Customs is almost utterly incapable of preventing the entry of illegal drugs,” she said.

During his testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee, Faeldon admitted that they do not have the capacity to screen all incoming shipments.

Senator Richard Gordon said the new system being implemented at Customs could have allowed more illegal imports to be released.

That system, put in place by Faeldon, limits the issuing of alert orders to his office, through the Command Center under Gerardo Gambala.

Gordon said he did not buy the explanation that the shipment for EMT Trading was put in the Green Lane because the head of the BOC-Risk Management Office, Labert Hilario, had failed to update the entries for the shipment.

Gordon also said bigger ship-

ments of shabu might have already go through Customs.

Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday joined calls for Faeldon’s resignation.

House minority leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez also dared Faeldon to name lawmakers who were trying to influence assignments and promotions at the bureau.

“It is a shame that the agency responsible for the entry of goods in the country failed to stop illegal drugs from coming in, in the midst of the President’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs,” Suarez said.

He said Faeldon must go for embarrassing the President.

Deputy Minority Leader and Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza also called for Faeldon’s resignation.

“We blame the Bureau of Customs for the entry of the P6.25 billion worth of shabu into our country, legally at that. Thousands have been killed in the government’s ongoing war on drugs but it is ironic that the entry of shabu continues unabated.”

Dominguez, meanwhile, urged the BIR and Customs to go after more “big fish” like Mighty Corp., which offered the government P25 billion to settle its tax deficiencies.

“You better line up another big one. Next year, if possible, catch somebody, another big fish,” Dominguez told Dulay and Faeldon at a recent meeting of the Finance Department’s executive committee.

“People should pay attention to paying their taxes, because we are serious about doing it… We are not out for publicity.... We are out for big amounts. I mean, our time is limited so let’s go for the big ones,” Dominguez said.

He said P20 billion to P30 billion more from tax cheats would be a “good target.”

Dominguez said the Finance Department would also launch its own investigation into the P6.4billion shabu shipment, but would wait until Congress had complet-

ed its own probes.

“It is better to do it in sequence so we have something to start with,” Dominguez said.

“We will wait for the results of the investigation of the legislature.

We must respect them,” he added.

At a congressional hearing Wednesday, suspended Customs risk management officer Hilario told lawmakers he tried to request an alert order on the shabu shipment but Import Assessment Division Director Milo Maestrecampo failed to act on the request.

“The importations should have been put on hold and there should have been a physical examination.

All the contents of the container, they would be opened and examined if they were declared correctly,” Hilario said.

“Had my request been approved, inside the BoC, we would have already known that it contained the [metal] cylinders [that contained the drugs],” Hilario added.

Maestrecampo, for his part, said he was not in the position to issue the alert order because only the Command Center could do that.

“What I have is recommendatory power to [issue an] alert,” he said.

But House Majority Floor Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas disputed Maestrecampo’s claim, saying that a Customs memo showed only Maestrecampo could take action.

Also on Wednesday, the Justice Department issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against businessman Richard Tan and six other persons tagged in thel smuggling of the shabu shipment.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II directed the Bureau of Immigration to monitor the possible flight of Tan alias Richard Chen, Chen Yu Long and Ken Joo Lung and subjects of the ongoing investigation.

Tan in the owner of the warehouse in Valenzuela City where the shipment was seized. With Julito G. Rada

ISIS...

threats and how to prevent them. ‘‘I think our next steps on the global war to defeat ISIS are to recognize ISIS is a global issue,” Tillerson said.

In Manila, Tillerson is to participate in the Asean Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit Ministerial, the US-Asean Ministerial, and the Lower Mekong Initiative Ministerial conferences.

During these meetings, Tillerson will meet with his counterparts and discuss several issues including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maritime security, and counterterrorism.

After his engagement in Manila, Tillerson will then fly to Thailand to visit the tomb of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and engage Thai officials on the enduring US-Thailand partnership and regional issues.

In Kuala Lumpur, he will meet officials to discuss strengthening cooperation on issues regarding the 60th year of US-Malaysia bilateral relations. With Sara Susanne Fabunan, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Florante Solmerin, Nash Maulana, and John Paolo Bencito

From A1

Queenie Rodulfo said in a text message.

On Tuesday night, Duterte met with Faeldon after some 600 kilos of shabu from China slipped past Customs examiners in May. At that meeting were Dominguez, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and BIR Commissioner Cesar Dulay.

He met with lawmakers an hour later.

Both chambers of Congress are conducting a probe into the entry of the illegal drugs, and a number of lawmakers, including Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, have called for Faeldon to resign over “gross incompetence.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who was at the meeting with Duterte, said he believed Faeldon’s fate depends on the findings of ongoing investigations into the drugs smuggled in from China last May. “That is my impression--that the continued stay of Faeldon will be influenced and will be determined on the basis of the findings of both houses,” Drilon said.

He said the President is eagerly awaiting the recommendation of both the Senate and the House panels.

“Speaker [Pantaleon] Alvarez and Rep. [Rodolfo] Farinas were also present. Our agreement in the Senate is we will try to finish as soon as possible and we will submit our recommendation to the President,” Drilon said.

In the meeting Tuesday night, the President told lawmakers that he would wait for the results of the congressional probe.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who was also present in the Malacañang meeting with the President, said he does not know if Faeldon will be retained or dismissed.

“Nobody can tell the President to fire him. Of course there could be some suggestions but that

Chief...

From A1

officials shall not hold another public post unless provided for by law.

The group also questioned Sereno’s appontment of lawyer Brenda Jay Mendoza as Philippine Mediation Center Office chief by a mere memo and without concurrence from the rest of the justices.

The VACC also alleged that Sereno committed an illegal act when she granted members of her staff travel allowances charged to the Supreme Court without court en banc approval.

The group added that Sereno betrayed the public trust over her failure to fill up some vacant positions in the Supreme Court, such as deputy clerk of court and chief attorney, which have been vacant for more than three years; and the two positions for assistant court administrator, which have been vacant for over four years.

New...

From A1 Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said the bills were antired tape measures that hopefully would cut the queues and the time in applying for what were essential documents used by millions of Filipinos.

He noted that extending the legal life of a passport and a license is a commonsensical solution to the inconveniences experienced by the public in the course of acquiring them.

Sereno, an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III, is the third chief justice to face an impeachment case.

Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide faced impeachment in 2007 but the complaint did not prosper.

But efforts by Aquino to unseat ate Chief Justice Renato Corona succeeded as he was found guilty of failing to disclose bank accounts in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Lawyer Larry Galdon, president of the PDU30 Constitutional Reform to Federalism, said he also planned to file a complaint over the P5.1 million spent to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser for the Chief Justice.

“She used public funds to finance her extravagant and lavish lifestyle by ordering the purchase of a brand-new luxurious Toyota Land Cruiser 2017 model as her personal vehicle, amounting to more than P5 million,” Gadon said in his 54-page impeachment complaint.

With Rey E. Requejo “The benefit of having a fiveyear driver’s license is sadly diluted by the continuing non-availability of the license cards. We hope this will lead to the wiping out of the backlog in delivery,” said Recto.

Another important reminder, he said, is that the longer validity of these documents should not prompt an increase in their price tags.

He said the established rule in setting fees for government-issued documents is that whatever charges imposed should merely recover the cost in processing and

From A1

‘‘We see elements of ISIS in the Philippines, as you’re aware, gaining a foothold. Some of these fighters have gone to the Philippines from Syria and Iraq,” Tillerson told a press briefing at the White House Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

ISIS stands for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and is an extremist militant group that rules by Wahhabi/Salafi law.

In Arabic, the group is also known as Daesh. An example of ISIS is the terrorist group that is known for kidnapping western journalists and aid workers as part of their tactics.

The two other countries which have provided surveillance aircaft are Australia and Japan.

Tillerson, who will have a fiveday official travel to Manila, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur starting this weekend, told reporters they were currently in dialogue with officials in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to address the producing them.

“In short, fees to be retained by the DFA and the LTO must be just enough to recoup expenses in rendering this public service, and not to profit from it,” said Recto.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, the issuing authority for Philippine passports, “may limit the period of validity to less than 10 years, whenever in the national economic interest or political stability of the country such restriction is necessary,” the RA stated. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel Cruz and PNA

guests may pass through the Philippine International Convention Center and Sofitel from Aug. 2 to 8.

The MMDA said it will likewise impose a truck ban along Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue to P. Burgos due to the Asean Ministers Meeting on Aug. 8.

The affected trucks may turn right to Edsa and turn left to South Superhighway to Port Area.

Duterte said North Korea’s ongoing missile tests could turn the Far East into an arid land if something went wrong.

Over the weekend, North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that appeared to have the range to hit the

United States, prompting a fresh round of condemnation from the United States, China, Japan and South Korea.

That led Kim to boast he could strike any target in the United States.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Asean.

The ministers will express “grave concern” over North Korea’s nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairman’s statement obtained by AFP and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the Asean Regional Forum.

John Paolo Bencito with AFP

Priest posts bail THE priest who was caught taking a 13-year-old girl to a motel was released after posting a 120,000peso bail, police said Wednesday.

Marikina Police Chief Roger Quesada said Msgr. Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos, 55, was facing charges of human trafficking after allegedly attempting to have sex with a teenager he was about to meet through a pimp, who was also a minor.

He said Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, head of the Eastern Police District, had ordered a thorough investigation of the case following reports that the priest had already met with the minor twice and had sex with her once.

Quesada made his statement even as the Catholic Church hierarchy said Wednesday there would be no cover-up in the investigation of Lagajeros’ case.

The Catholic Diocese of Antipolo said it was taking all necessary actions provided under canon in Lagarejos’ case.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines is conducting a separate investigation of the case. Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

Rody...

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many police have died,” he said.

The police said the Parojinogs were killed in a shootout and denied suggestions that they were the victims of a rubout.

In his speech at the same event, Duterte claimed the Parojinog family had been running Ozamiz like it was a feudal state.

He said his order to the military and the police was to destroy the organization, both the suppliers and the buyers and everybody connected with the organization because they keep the illegal drug trade alive.

Duterte also fended off criticism of the police decision to serve the search warrant in the middle of the night.

“A warrant of arrest can really be served any time of the day or night,” he said.

The death toll from the police raid in Ozamiz City reached 16 following the death of another relative of slain Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., police said Wednesday.

Daryl Parojinog, the mayor’s nephew who was wounded in the raid, died, their family lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said Tuesday.

Detained Senator Leila de Lima questioned the serving of warrants under the cover of darkness and the disabling of the CCTV cameras before the police raid. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Arroyo...

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In a related development, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he was not bothered by his wife’s opposition to the passage of the marriage dissolution bill he was supporting in Congress, saying everyone was entitled to his or her own opinion.

Alvarez’s estranged wife, Emelita, was earlier quoted in reports as saying she opposed the dissolution of marriage bill her husband was seeking to give priority to.

Mrs. Alvarez said the bill “is gender biased” and would put women at a disadvantage as they are expected to carry the burden of caring for their children.

News

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF CTA junks Napoles daughter’s appeal THE government scored another victory against alleged corruption after the Court of Tax Appeals dismissed a motion of Jeane Napoles, youngest daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, to drop the P17.5-million tax case evasion case filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Associate Justice Lovell Bautista of the Third Division ruled that there was “no justifiable reason” to dismiss the case based on the younger Napoles’ argument that her criminal liability was dissolved when the BIR filed a similar tax evasion case against her mother.

Jeane Napoles’ tax evasion case stemmed from a complaint filed by the BIR before the Department of Justice in 2014.

The DoJ, after finding probable cause, filed the complaint with the CTA. Jeane, according to the BIR, violated Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for allegedly failing to file her income tax return and pay her income tax for the year 2011, despite her acquisition in that year of a condominium unit at Ritz Carlton in Los Angeles, California in the United States worth $2 million. Rio N. Araja

Bad weather cancels six local flights SIX domestic flights have been canceled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport due to bad weather condition, officials of the Manila International Airport Authority said on Wednesday.

In an advisory, the MIAA -Media Affairs Division said four flights of Cebu Pacific Air and two others from Philippine Airlines - PAL Express were canceled on Wednesday due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon in the region.

Those canceled were Cebu Pacific flights 5J-647 and 5J648 to and from Puerto Princesa; 5J-325 and 5J-326 to and from Legaspi, and PAL Express flights 2P-2815 and 2P-2816 to and from Davao.

The management of the airlines apologized to the affected passengers who they offered options to rebook their flights within 30 days from original departure date, or for full refund of travel fare.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority also suspended the operation of its Pasig River Ferry System from Lawton station in Manila to Pinagbuhatan station in Pasig City due to severe rains.

“Due to heavy rains, visibility and river current is unpredictable. As such, the operations of the Pasig River Ferry System is suspended today until further notice, for the safety of passengers and boat crew.

Please be guided accordingly.

Thank you,” the MMDA stated in its Wednesday advisory.

Classes in all levels in cities of Muntinlupa and Las Piñas, and in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite and Rizal were also suspended on Wednesday. Joel E. Zurbano

IMPEACHMENT. Officials of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and Vanguard of the Philippines Constitution, Inc., led by Dante Jimenez (middle) and lawyer Eligio

Mallari (left) filed five impeachment cases against Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno at the Office of the Secretary General at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Senators unite to fight for free tuition for SUCs M

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

AJORITY of the senators on Wednesday vowed to fight for a free education program in state universities and colleges after Duterte administration’s economic managers said that the government cannot afford to fund the free college tuition bill should it become a law.

Senator Win Gatchalian vowed to fight for the allocation of P15 billion in the 2018 national budget to fund the continuation of the free tuition program in SUCs as the Senate prepares to begin budget deliberations.

“The lack of funding for the free tuition program in the proposed budget submitted by Malacañang can be addressed by creating another budget insertion,” Gatchalian said.

Based on informal discussions with his colleagues on

the sidelines of Tuesday’s Senate session, Gatchalian expressed confidence that a majority of senators would support moves to make the necessary adjustments in the budget to continue the free tuition program currently being implemented for the 2017-2018 schoolyear.

“At this point, we have the numbers to make it happen,” said Gatchalian, one of the main proponents of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act, the landmark free tuition measure which passed the Senate earlier this year.

Gatchalian reminded the administration that expanding access to higher education among poor and working-class households should be one of the central pillars of its socioeconomic

agenda.

“I have said time and time again: A college education is one of the strongest weapons a person can wield in the fight against the inter-generational evil of poverty. I urge the Duterte administration to take this maxim to heart by devoting more resources to expanding access to educational opportunities at the tertiary level,” said Gatchalian.

“I hope that our economic managers would reconsider their opposition on full government subsidy of tuition fee in State Universities and Colleges [SUC],” he added.

If the government can spend P70 billion a year for Conditional Cash Transfer, which is a dole out, Gatchalian believes there is no reason why the govenrment

can’t spend P28 billion for higher education.

“I would rather invest for higher education since this is the best way out of poverty and not through dole outs. “I urge our economic managers to reconsider their position by pushing for free SUC education so we can have a college graduate in every Filipino family,” he said Senator Sonny Angara, for his part, said they will surely refile a version purged of what the executive branch saw as the objectionable provisions if the President vetoes the measure, but he still hopes it won’t happen.

He conceded that a veto override, to be mustered by twothirds of members in each house of Congress, is nearly impossible if not extremely difficult.

Du30 hits back at PNoy on drug war DoJ junks

By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday lashed out at his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III who had questioned the effectiveness of the government’s war on drugs which the former president said has yet to produce results.

“Pumasok ka sa droga, PNoy. Kung hindi ka maputulan ng ulo. G*** ka,” the President said in a speech during the 113th founding anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

He likewise said that many of the top officials during Aquino’s term, such as General Vicente Loot had links to the illegal drug trade.

In a chance interview, Duterte scored Aquino for criticizing his anti-drug campaign, when he has done nothing to curb the drug menace during his term. “Kasi sabi niya walang nangyari sa campaign. Tignan naman niya. In all of his six years, he was only able to seize 3,045 kilos of shabu. Akin one year pa lang, I am nearing 3,000 [kilos],” the President said.

“Alam naman ng tao [kung anong nangya-

yari] nung panahon niya,” he added.

Palace officials also had a mouthful to say against the former president.

“With all due respect to former President Aquino, the results of PRRD’s anti-illegal drug campaign speak for themselves,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“Comments like that from past leaders imply a jaded cynicism borne of a history of political opportunism,” he added.

Asked in an interview during the death anniversary of his mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino on Wednesday —Duterte’s predecessor taunted the drug war being waged by the present administration, saying that nothing has changed when it comes to statistics on drug users during his term and the present.

“Ang sasabihin ko lang, nung kami 1.8 million [users]. Tapos sa isang taon nito na may all-out na kampanya laban sa drugs, 1.8 million pa rin ang sinasabi ng survey at survey na nila ‘yan,” Aquino said.“Parang wala yatang nangyari,” he added.

“Maganda sanang [mai]paliwanag ‘yung

bakit parehong pareho ‘yung mga numero.”

Abella, who is currently in the United States, said that Duterte’s drug war resulted in the unprecedented voluntary surrender of more than 1.3-million drug personalities while 96,703 drug personalities have been arrested in the first year of the drug war— compared to 77,810 drug personalities arrested in the six years of Aquino’s term.

Abella added that more than 2,445.80 kilos of shabu has been seized in Duterte’s first year compared to the 3,219.07 kilos of shabu seized during Aquino’s full six years in office.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo likewise said that it was during Aquino’s six year term as president that the illegal drug trade took off in an unprecedented rate.

He added that it was the brash, “unschooled” Duterte who waged a war against the drug menace, and not Aquino who failed doing so.

“PNoy’s comment on President Duterte’s war on drugs being ineffective is shamelessly cocky and an outrageous chutzpah,” he said.

HIV/AIDS spread in PH ‘a national emergency’

By Bill Casas

PROTEST ON WHEELS. A group of motorcycle riders stage a protest rally in front of the Senate gate to condemn a Senate bill on the implementation of new plate numbers for motorcycle in a bid to stop the proliferation of crimes involving riding-in-tandems. Lino Santos

THE Philippines’ human immunodeficiency virus epidemic is a “national emergency,” the head of the AIDS Research Group of the health department’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine said Monday.

Dr. Rossana Ditangco warned that the government’s current approach to the epidemic means that “we can’t control the rapid rise of HIV infection.”

“Ditangco is no fear-monger.

The latest statistics from the UNAIDS’ 2017 report indicates the rate of HIV infection in the Philippines has become the highest in the Asia Pacific region. That data demonstrates

that in 2016, 83 percent of new infections in the Philippines occurred among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men,” said Carlos Conde, of Human Rights Watch, on Wednesday.

The sharp rise in new HIV infections in the Philippines since 2010 stands in sharp contrast to decreasing or stagnant rates of new infections in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Department of Health data indicates that the country’s HIV infection rate grew by 140 percent from 2010 to 2016, with two out of three new HIV infections among 15 to 24-year-old men who had sex with men.

plea of accessory in Jee slay

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has junked the plea of funeral owner Gerardo “Ding” Santiago to exonerate him of involvement in the kidnapping and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo. In a three-page resolution released Wednesday, the DoJ through Justice Undersecretary Raymund L. Mecate, dismissed the petition for review filed by Santiago for failure to comply with the requirements on appeal.

Under Section 12 (b) of Department Circular No. 70 dated July 3, 2000 or the National Prosecution Service Rule on Appeal, a petition for review may be dismissed for failure to comply with the following requirements: Petition was filed out of time or beyond the 15 day reglementary period; no duplicate original or certified true copies of the questioned joint resolutions have been attached; no proof of service of copy of the petition to the Prosecutor General; and no copies of the complaint-affidavit, counter-affidavit and other evidence submitted by the parties during the preliminary investigation.

In Santiago’s case, the petition for review was filed beyond the 15 day period, the DoJ said, noting that the respondent filed his petition for review on July 5, 2017, a day late because the 15-day deadline from June 20, 2017 when he received the resolution was July 4.

The resolution also pointed out that no duplicate original or certified true copy of the questioned resolution has been attached to his petition for review.

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Accustomed

W

E DON’T know whether current Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon will end up staying or going, but one thing is certain: He is neither the first nor last commissioner to encounter difficulty whipping the agency into shape even if he came with sincere intentions and a definite plan.

The Bureau of Customs is one of two agencies by which the government collects revenues. The Bureau of Internal Revenue is tasked to tax people and entities, while Customs collects duties from the goods that come into our shores. Year after year, however, the bureau fails to achieve its collection targets. These lost revenues could be put to use in boosting infrastructure and social services.

The BoC’s notoriety is legendary. It has always landed on the list of agencies perceived most corrupt.

Stories of the lavish lifestyle of many Customs employees despite their meager salaries have persisted. Powerful factions in the bureau have made any semblance of lasting reform impossible.

As an example, five years ago,

2,000 container vans on the way to the Port of Batangas disappeared; they have never been found. The lack of indignation over this incredible event betrays our collective resignation to the bureau’s character.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed former Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon to the hardship post last year. Faeldon was known for staging mutinies against the government; it was believed he would have the will to disrupt a flawed system that rewarded incompetence and protected—some say encouraged—corruption. He even brought with him his team of Magdalo soldiers, the same men who riled against the corruption taking place in the military.

But a shipment of shabu worth

P6 billion was cleared by the bureau and found its way to a Valenzuela warehouse. Faeldon said the risk management officer who did not alert the system that the shipment contained illegal drugs “is nowhere to be found.” This is primarily why lawmakers are now calling for his resignation.

Of course, there is a power play.

Faeldon’s chief of staff called the Speaker of the House of Representatives an imbecile, saying the Speaker’s office was trying to strong-arm Faeldon into appointing an official they deemed not qualified. Even the Executive department seems conflicted as to whether or not Faeldon continues to enjoy the President’s trust.

The current controversy over the leadership of the bureau is tempo-

rary; a permanent cause for concern is that a revenue-generating agency of government cannot seem to get past its reputation of being a hotbed for corruption. Whoever sits at the helm of the BoC has the grave responsibility —and the danger—of dismantling the environment that has enabled this system for so long. That the problem has always been there does not weaken the argument, the urgent need, for a solution.

Faeldon is facing trouble today; tomorrow, another commissioner will find himself or herself in the same predicament. A drastic, sweeping move to change the bureau is in order—one that would make entrenched syndicates realize that finally, their days are numbered.

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

War of words

Noynoy on drugs LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES MAYBE Noynoy Aquino was “triggered,” as young people say these days, because—as one of the media outlets that still cannot resist fawning over all things Yellow reported—President Rodrigo Duterte did not lay a wreath at the grave of Noynoy’s mother Cory.

But whatever it is that motivated him, Cory’s son recently gave a stinging critique of Duterte’s anti-drug war: “It’s like nothing happened.”

Aquino explained that he had actually brought down the number of drug users in the country during his term without resorting to an all-out war like Duterte has. And Noynoy said it would be good if the current administration can explain why the number of drug users nationwide has remained the same since his term, despite Duterte’s campaign.

The often unheard-from former president also had a thing or two to say about the killing of Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. and more than a dozen others at the mayor’s residential compound last Sunday. As if reminding us of his obsession with the minutest details of covert police-military operations, the commander-inchief of the Mamasapano Massacre wondered why not enough raiders were hurt in the firefight that took place before dawn.

“The raiders and those raided were about the same in number,” Aquino said, citing newspaper reports. “Assuming that the victims went into hiding after they were first fired upon, perhaps there should have been more casualties on the police side.”

See, this is why voters last year turned out in droves not only to elect Duterte but also to reject Aquino, represented by his sidekick, Mar Roxas. Noynoy displayed once again his “lovable” qualities of detachment from reality, an infinite capacity for lying and his propensity to claim

that he achieved more than he did, despite all evidence to the contrary.

But let’s break down Aquino’s fake news, why don’t we? Let’s first look at the his analysis of the

office in 2010, the official estimate of the number of addicts was at 1.8 million. He said he was able to bring this number down to 1.3 million without a Dutertestyle campaign, only to witness, by 2015, the number return to its 2010 level of 1.8 million. Up to now, according to Aquino, the number is the same, which is why he is questioning the efficacy of Duterte’s war on drugs.

Now, as I recall, Aquino is citing figures of the Dangerous Drugs Board which were in direct conflict with the estimates made by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. PDEA, through its head at the time, former general Dionisio Santiago, was the source of the three million estimate; this is why Duterte, who has since put Santiago at DDB, fired Aquino’s appointee at that agency for misrepresenting the severity of the national problem despite the figures presented by PDEA—which is more believable since Santiago and his agents have verified inanti-drug campaign. formation “on the ground,” as Aquino said that when he took they say.

Aquino displayed once again his detachment from reality, his infinite capacity for lying and his propensity for claiming undue credit.

Aquino lied when he said he brought down drug addiction because he never, for some reason, even openly acknowledged the problem. In six State of the Nation Addresses, in fact, Aquino never once mentioned the drug menace, even if the heads of anti-narcotics agencies during his time regularly briefed him about the fact that more than 90 percent of all barangays nationwide had already been infiltrated by drug pushers.

But Aquino says he was the one who brought down the number of addicts without lifting a finger.

Only a diehard Yellow will believe that, of course. *** Then there’s Noynoy’s belief —stolen directly from Senator Kiko Pangilinan—that the fact that there were no casualties on the police’s side in Ozamiz City put in question the official report of a firefight. Like Pangilinan, Aquino seems to believe that policemen have to have died, or else Turn to A5

WHAT started with a lot of goodwill, optimism and euphoria has now degenerated into an open war of words between President Duterte and Jose Maria Sison who are both trying to negotiate a peace deal to end the 48-year-old communist insurgency.

The President has basically accused Sison of cowardice for living in comfort in the Netherlands while his communist cadres are doing the fighting for him. He challenged Sison to come back to the country to personally lead the fighting as he is doing with his military troops and police personnel.

Sison responded by saying that he does not have to prove anything because he knows how to choose his battles. This may just be psychological warfare on the part of the President, but it does show the extreme difficulty of trying to make peace with a revolutionary movement like the CPP/ NPA. The President has just issued an order to the Chief of the Philippine National Police to go all out and destroy the CPP/NPA in the Island of Negros. This is easier said than done but shows the level of his frustration. We also do not know whether this order represents a permanent shift in policy to all-out war. One thing seems to be clear, the President cannot seem to make up his mind, whether to continue talking with the CPP/NPA in the face of their continuing attacks on government forces or fight until the CPP/ NPA is finally defeated no matter how long it takes.

The President is clearly angered at what he believes is the treachery of the CPP/NPA. After all that he has done like releasing many jailed leaders and the appointment of many NDF leaders to his cabinet, he is not getting any reciprocal gestures from the other side. Instead, the CPP/NPA is intent on embarrassing him at every opportunity.

This is what is eating President Duterte. He is beginning to realize that making peace is a lot more complicated after all. Currently, the CPP/NPA has got the better of the government in the peace negotiations. The peace process has been going on since the administration of the late President Cory Aquino, yet not much has been achieved.

It was even during her administration that Joma Sison was released from detention. After his release, he wasted no time in regaining the active leadership of the CPP/NPA. Realizing that he Turn to A5

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

I AM not at all surprised at the claims of Senator Panfilo Lacson that payoffs from entrenched smugglers averaged between P27,000 and P36,000 per container. He got this information from Customs brokers.

No less than Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon says that about 10,000 containers are cleared by Customs every day. Santa Banana, that is a payoff of P270 million daily, and P78.5 billion yearly!

Lacson also said that the 3 p.m. Friday habit of Customs personnel continues. They go to a restaurant on Remedios Street in Malate to share the payoffs. When I was covering Customs many years ago, this was already the norm. It has not changed. You can go to Remedios and ask the waiters there.

This is the practice in the main office; we can only imagine how it is in other parts of the country. If you wonder why illegal drugs still proliferate, now you know why.

This is why President Duterte seems to have no end in his war against illegal drugs.

As I have said so many times before, as long as there is demand, there will be no end to the supply.

Let us rewind a bit and look at Customs today, headed by former mutineer Nicanor Faeldon. Some P6.4 billion worth of shabu entered the country through the green/ express lanes. The shipment was later on found in Valenzuela City.

Even granting that the Customs chief was not involved, it is clear that there was smuggling of contraband. Who got the payoffs? We will never know.

Several lawmakers want Faeldon to resign for incompetence. It appears Faeldon would not resign; only the President can fire him, he says. Some people just do not have delicadeza.

He was summoned to Malacañang and there Mr. Duterte reportedly told him to stay on because he still enjoyed his confidence.

I think the President should fire all Customs employees from top to bottom.

In contrast, President Duterte set to work immediately upon assuming office.

He vowed to eradicate illegal drugs.

Every time BS Aquino opens his big mouth, he only reminds us of his incompetence, vindictiveness, and lack of empathy and compassion for the poor.

Aquino made these statements during the death anniversary of his mother, hailed by some as an icon of democracy. Icon? She did not restore democracy in 1986; she was a mere beneficiary of People Power.

To all Cory Aquino an icon of democracy is a distortion of history. *** The culture of impunity in the killing of drug suspects is disturbing. The police now claim that narco-politicians fired back at them when they tried to serve warrants.

At least the Parojinogs of Ozamiz were not in isolation like Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

What disturbs me no end is that people have become too de se n sit i z e d to the killings.

I think the President should fire all Customs employees from top to bottom.

*** Reports have it that former President BS Aquino III is critical of President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

Let me ask him: What did you do during your six-year administration? Nothing!

*** Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano announced that the Philippines and China have agreed to jointly explore the South China Sea, I was disturbed. This is a violation of the Constitution.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said that the language of the Constitution is explicit that the exclusive economic zone is part of the national territory for the enjoyment and exploitation exclusively of Filipinos.

Carpio explained that while the government may enter into contracts with China or other countries, such contracts cannot be done through sovereign agreements.

I agree with Carpio. What Cayetano is proposing is tantamount to conceding sovereign rights to China.

Cayetano should know that Scarborough Shoal is defined as part of Philippine territory.

Carpio said that should the Duterte administration pursue this plan, that would imply that we recognize the sovereignty of China.

Carpio added the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration only resolved the maritime dispute but not the territorial one.

Noynoy...

From A4 no gun battle really took place.

Think about that for a moment. Then remember that Aquino allowed 44 elite police commandoes to die in a cornfield in Maguindanao two years ago, all because, in his desire to do the bidding of his American overlords who wanted to capture a Malaysian bombmaker, he forgot about the troopers he had sent into Moro rebel country after they had completed his “mission.”

By Aquino’s standards, the Mamasapano Massacre must have been an unqualified success, judging purely from the number of deaths on the government side. The armchair special-ops agent president, who has been widely criticized for not sending air or artillery cover to the Special Action Force commandoes trapped by rebel fire in that godforsaken battlefield, seems to think so little of the lives of our men in uniform to this day that he will doubt the legitimacy of an operation where none of them die; shouldn’t he be applauding them instead for staying out of harm’s way and still getting the job done, if he had half a brain?

As for me, I don’t really criticize Aquino as much as I used to, mainly because he has wisely chosen to keep quiet since retiring to his refurbished Times Street man-cave. But Aquino still cannot resist coming out once in a while and reminding me—and many others who now see him for the fraud that he is—of why I was so unrelenting in my criticism to begin with.

Stay at home and shut up, Noynoy. Conserve your energy for when you start defending yourself in court against all the charges that are coming your way.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The BoC drug mess

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Payola by the billions

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ PRESIDENT Duterte is serious in eradicating illegal drugs in the Philippines. We witnessed how he combated illegal drugs during the first year of his term, which significantly decreased the number of illegal drug users in the country. In his second State of the Nation Address, he said the war against illegal drugs would continue because he believes that it is root of evil and suffering.

Both Houses of Congress are currently investigating the P6.4-billion drug smuggling attempt in the Bureau of Customs. On May 26, 2017, the National Bureau of Investigation discovered a 605-kg shabu shipment

in a warehouse in Valenzuela City.

The shipment passed through BOC’s super green lane (SGL), a channel that did not require inspection; thus, the contraband was not detected. The shipment was consigned to EMT Trading, with its sole proprietor, Eirene Mae Augustino Tatad. As per BoC guidelines, the SGL is for listed companies accredited by the SGL Committee. These are the multinational corporations or the top 1000 corporations in terms of duties and taxes paid. Hence, how was this shipment able to slip the hands of BoC officials despite their strict requirements and operating procedures?

The BoC has been consistently involved in corruption, which puts the agency’s integrity in question. It has partially lost the confidence and respect of many local and multinational businesses and Filipino taxpayers.

BOC is the second highest revenue-

generating government agency, the source of funds for the implementation of our nation-building programs.

But here is another controversy that involves the agency; and worse, it is about illegal drugs. This drug mess, once again, tarnished the integrity of the agency and its officials. It is a disgrace for the agency responsible for the entry of goods in the country that it failed to stop illegal drugs from coming in, in the midst of the President’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. This is very alarming. It does not only damage the reputation of Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, but it also embarrasses the President for appointing him into that position.

With all of these controversies involving the BoC, some of which remains unresolved, how will the bureau get out of this mess? I call on the Commissioner to face the

consequences of his actions and to take full responsibility in fixing this mess and in restoring the integrity of the agency. This is also high time to implement Republic Act No. 9335 or the Lateral Attrition Law. Punish those who are behind their targets and reward those who are efficient.

This way, we can improve the performance of tax collectors; thus, improving the collection efficiency of the BIR and the BoC. Early this week, the Development Budget Coordination Committee kick-started the 2018 national budget briefing and we will soon get busier with the budget deliberations. I hope that we soon find light in the BoC drug scandal.

The investigations should terminate soon so that Congress can focus on the 2018 budget, the “budget that reforms and transforms,” for the benefit of the Filipino people.

Yes to the dissolution of marriage bill THE Philippines and the Vatican are the only two states in the world without a divorce law, and while the Vatican is not expected to pass one for obvious reasons, the Philippines should.

For many couples whose marriages have failed for whatever reason, the lack of a divorce law is cause for frustration and a sense of unfairness, because divorce is a right enjoyed in all other countries, where for the most part it is affordable, convenient, and easy to access.

Yet these same positive factors that make obtaining a divorce trouble-free, detractors say, will lead to the detriment of the institutions of marriage and the family, and ultimately society.

How can a marriage last, they argue, when at the slightest sign of difficulty or adversity, one spouse or the other can easily leave it? Marriage is not, the saying goes, like hot rice that is spat out when it burns the tongue. The first few years are often rocky as spouses go through an ad-

justment period, and crises flare up as they go through life. It is the tough times, they insist, that strengthen a marriage.

But this is a simplistic view that fails to take into account other problems that make it not just expedient but necessary for a couple to part ways. One of them is domestic violence.

The Philippine Commission on Women website cites statistics from the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey, which found that “one in five women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical violence since age 15; 14.4 percent of married women have experienced physical abuse from their husbands; and more than one-third (37 percent) of separated or widowed women have experienced physical violence, implying that domestic violence could be the reason for separation or annulment.”

That last phrase is most telling.

These are findings of a government agency, and should be among the reasons for a careful and ultimately positive consideration of a divorce bill.

Before the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act was enacted, it was difficult for an ordinary person to seek legal redress in domestic violence cases. For instance,

in the early 2000s, a policeman at a Makati City precinct told me that wife-beating was “away magasawa”—a fight between a married couple—and that they could not intervene.

Around that same time, I discussed the matter of domestic violence with wealthy members of an upscale church in Makati City.

One woman vehemently denied my narrative, saying she could not imagine a husband beating his wife, nor a father his daughter. I glanced at her pricey Epi leather Louis Vuitton handbag and figured this was a woman of privilege who had grown up loved and coddled by the men in her family.

But just because what I described was not part of her reality does not mean it was untrue. It just meant that she was a person who had little experience and knowledge of the world outside of her elitist enclave.

This is similar to the mindset of many detractors of the divorce bill.

Because they are Catolico cerrado, or have not been held down by the neck and punched repeatedly in the body so that no marks or bruises will show to other people, or have not stayed up all night waiting for a spouse who is spending it with

someone else, they see no reason for having a law that will set free victims of violence, infidelity, and other indignities and cruelties.

They only see their side—that a divorce bill would be against their religion’s tenets or their own sensibilities and customs. This is insensitivity to the plight of others.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s proposed bill on the dissolution of marriage is a progression of all the divorce bills that other lawmakers have drafted throughout the years.

While it seems self-serving—Alvarez has admitted to an extramarital relationship—it is still something that can transform for the better the lives of many Filipinos trapped in shattered marriages.

Alvarez has neatly sidestepped the contentious issue of divorce by using the term “dissolution of marriage.”

Both terms mean the same, but the latter perhaps is more palatable to nitpicking naysayers.

Whatever it’s called, as long as the outcome is what is needed, then pass it already. It’s long overdue. *** Dr. Ortuoste is a Californiabased writer. FB: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, IG: @ jensdecember, @artuoste

Is John Kelly really in charge? trainwreck around will become dent's reputation, making even clear by gauging progress on these legitimate threats useless and generally destroying the president's THE blunt truth is that all of this fronts. bargaining position across the has been perfectly predictable from Firing more people board.

Day One. Donald Trump has been The big question is whether Kelrunning the White House the way Prioritizing policymaking Jimmy Carter did for almost his ly can really clean house, ridding What would represent a big entire presidency, and Bill Clinton the administration of the unqualidid for his first several months. It fied, inept gang of competing pow- step up for this White House? just doesn't work, even with an en- er centers which have made the Building a policy shop that's acgaged and skilled politician (that is, first six-plus months of Trump's tually able to, well, propose poliClinton) in the Oval Office. With presidency far more of a disaster cies. For example, it might help than necessary. get a tax bill passed if the White an amateur? Chaos.

House was actually able to offer John Kelly, who served for a long Adding qualified staffers something more than vague outtime as a general and a short time Kelly dismissed Scaramucci, lines of ideas of notions of prinas President Trump's homeland security secretary, probably isn't but what kind of talent is he able ciples. the best fit for White House chief to recruit? Will that person, for a Managing the of staff. But he has two advantages change, actually have proper expeexecutive branch over Reince Priebus: extensive ex- rience for that job? Will candidates Let's see whether the White perience working in government who dropped out of the running in and the power to do his new job the past because of the toxic work House starts reining in excesses properly. So perhaps he'll turn out environment and political situation in executive branch departconsider serving an operation led ments and agencies, and pushto be better at the job. ing harder for the president's Everyone in the White House by Kelly? program in others. And, yes, now reports to Kelly, who sent a Subtracting empty threats let's see if basic professionalism dramatic signal on his first day Let's see whether the White returns to the White House. It by firing communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Still, that House stops issuing threats it can't would be a positive sign if, for was the easy part. In the coming possibly back up. Every empty example, they could start proofweeks, Kelly's ability to turn this threat further damages the presi- reading for spelling before issu-

By Jonathan Bernstein

ing statements.

But Trump will be Trump

My View colleague Timothy L. O'Brien is certainly correct that Donald Trump remains the most important problem in his own administration, and that really sets limits as to how well any of this can work. He's never going to learn his brief. He's never going to keep his mouth shut when he should, or deliver appropriate remarks without extensive hand holding, and even then it'll always be hit or miss. The best possible Trump administration might be a lot better than what we've seen to date, but it's never going to be good, and some of the damage already done (and time already wasted) can't be wished away.

The Russia scandal almost certainly is going to get worse.

Kelly can't fix the Trump administration. Not even James Baker on his best day could do that. But there are always degrees of dysfunction, and it's possible that the chaos could be turned down a notch. Or possibly even two. Bloomberg

War...

From A4 will eventually be captured again or even killed in an encounter, he fled the country to the Netherlands where he lives in relative comfort with the support of the Dutch government to this day. Although his official designation is that of a consultant to the NDF, he is not fooling anyone because he is the top gun of the CPP/NPA. One question that the government must answer before it starts to change its mind again and go back to the negotiating table is the admission coming from the NDF that it does not control all the communist forces on the ground. This question arose after a series of attacks on government forces in Mindanao and the Visayas resulting in many casualties. If this is the case, why should the government even bother talking to the NDF at all if it cannot

guarantee compliance to any agreement? Is the government prepared to go ahead with the talks and just go after the small groups of independent local communist forces after an agreement is signed with the NDF? It is a question that needs to be answered because the government appears to be letting the CPP/NPA have their cake and eat it, too. If allowed, the situation may develop like the peace deal with the MILF. Yes, we signed a peace deal with the major group but the government must still contend with other groups like the Maute group, IS, Abu Sayyaf and MNLF. With this in mind, the government would be hard pressed to explain why it will sign a peace deal with the CPP/NPA unless our negotiators are so desperate to sign any agreement.

Since trust seems to be lacking from both sides, perhaps the government should take advantage of the lull in the negotiations to go back to the drawing board to come up with a better game plan. The government must remember that it has been negotiating with the same group of people whose objectives have never changed since the time of the first Aquino administration.

The government on the other hand has had different panels every time a new administration takes over—a decided disadvantage when it comes to negotiations.

Currently, the CPP/NPA has never been better than at any time in its struggle. They continue to collect their evolutionary taxes to support the lifestyle of their leaders and their own military operations.

Some of their leaders are now high

officials in government. Some are even in the inner sanctum of power in Malacañang. There are also others who are in the media trying to influence public opinion.

For all intents and purposes, the CPP/NPA leadership must be concluding that more than half the battle is won already and all that remains is a little more push and they would be in the Promised Land.

But there is something that they have failed to accomplish and President Duterte is quite right on this.

It is their failure to get one of their leaders elected to national office.

Let us continue to seek peace but not at any price. If the government decides to go back to the negotiating table, it should do so only after a thorough review of a negotiating position that it is prepared to defend at all costs.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

News

Standard

A6

TODAY AUGUST 3, 2017 THURSDAY, mst.daydesk@gmail.com

STL operations increased—PCSO

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s small town lottery operations in the country has increased from 18 to 92, thus bringing more revenues for the government.

During a hearing conducted by the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations on the agency's proposed P3.7-trillion national budget for 2018, PCSO chairperson Jose Jorge Corpuz told lawmakers

that the expansion of STL operations was intended to turn gambling lords into “gaming lords.”

“It is converting illegal to legal, so the government will benefit. We know there are illegal activities on the ground.

We encourage them to be legal,” Corpuz said.

Corpuz said the government expects P18.32 billion in 2017 in revenues from 92 STL operators, or 183 percent higher from P6.46 billion last year.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, the panel chairperson, said efforts to impose restrictions on STL must be done with the same effort to stop the operations of illegal number games.

“The ones we will allow to enter, we will help play [the game].

After we control the game, that's the time we will impose all the

restrictions you want,” Corpuz told Nograles.

“We will also look at the bigger picture since we just opened the market. We will turn these gambling lords into allies of the government,” he added.

Corpuz also asked Congress to review the law mandating the agency to provide for mandatory contributions. “[We are asking Congress to] amend the mandatory contribution because it is eating up our charity fund,” Corpuz said, adding that “40 percent of charity fund goes to mandatory contribution.”

The PCSO, being one of the government revenue-generating agencies, is mandated by special laws to provide funds to at least 27 republic acts.

The PCSO’s total retail receipts are projected to increase by 31 percent or P51.88 billion in 2017 from the P39.56 billion in 2016. The projected net receipts for 2018 is P60.9 billion, Corpuz said.

Based on its budget presentation, the PCSO said lotto continues to account for the bulk of PCSO revenues. However, it decreased by 1 percent to P28.59 billion in 2017, from P28.77 billion in 2016.

But for 2018, it is projected to increase by 8 percent to P30.9 billion.

Another PCSO game is Keno, which is expected to earn P4.95 billion in 2017 and P5.6 billion for 2018.

The PCSO’s sweepstakes’ revenue is expected at P17.5 million this year and P1 billion next year.

The PCSO Charter provides that 55 percent of net receipts shall be allocated to the payment of prizes, 30 percent to charity and social programs and 15 percent to operating expenses and capital expenditure.

Bill to increase car registration fee hit

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Ralph Recto on Wednesday said the proposal to raise car registration fees will result in a triple whammy for car owners, as there are proposed additional taxes on motor vehicles and the fuels that run them.

In a statement, Recto said the proposal, also known as the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge, a medium passenger car with a gross vehicle weight of 1,601 kilos to 2300 kilos, will be charged with P6,552 from the current P3,600 as registration fee.

The current rates were pegged in 2004, as the fourth tranche of the fees mandated by RA 8794, which took effect in 2000.

Recto said that one of the weaknesses of the DoF-endorsed proposal is that it merely revises the rates stipulated in RA 8794, when the pressing revisions it needs cover the way the collections are earmarked and spent.

He added that “the more than 17 years that the law has been in effect provides a trove of reform opportunities which can remedy inherent defects in the utilization of MVUC income.”

Recto said that records show that over P135 billion was collected in road user’s tax from 2000 to 2016 and added that “a special audit conducted by the CoA in 2009 already flagged weaknesses in fund use which should have triggered remedial measures.”

“It is time to end MVUC’s protected status as automatic appropriations whose utilization is outside the ambit of Congress. At present, the fund is exempt from the scru-

tiny of the representatives of the people,” he said.

Recto noted that there are seven unelected bureaucrats comprising the Road Board who decide on its use, even as the Constitution states that no fund must leave the Treasury without an appropriation from Congress.

The senator said that “for the sake of transparency, it must be included in the itemized listing of the DPWH’s annual budget. Booking it as an off-budget account distorts the picture of total infra spending.

Second, it is time to revisit the manner by which the funds are apportioned.”

At present, collections are divided into four special accounts: Special Road Support Fund (80 percent), Special Road Safety Fund (7.5 percent), Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (7.5 percent), and Special Local Road Fund (5 percent).

The CoA has repeatedly tagged irregularities in the use of the vehicle pollution control fund. In 16 years, P10.6 billion had been allotted for clean air projects, whose benefits, if any, are concealed by the smog of the metropolis.

“Third, the menu must be revamped. A perpetual negative list must be put in place. The procurement of road signs, highway barriers, reflectorized signs, in gigantic quantities in the past, should be rationalized. The Philippines is abloom in signs but lacking in road order.

Fourth, is the need to align a portion of MVUC collections in solving road congestion. We should smash current orthodoxies like the manifest bias of the fund toward paving asphalt,” Recto said.

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE

CRUSHED. Members of the Department of Public Order and Safety and Tricycle Regulatory Unit of Quezon City use heavy equipment to crush 80 units of colorum tricycles at the Amoranto Stadium grounds in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Congress to get ‘lower’ budget for 2018

By John Paolo Bencito DESPITE being filled with known allies of President Rodrigo Duterte, Congress will have a slightly lower budget of P14.67 billion than the previous year under the President’s proposed P3.767trillion budget for 2018.

Duterte’s 2018 appropriation for Congress is 2 percent lower

generous increases in their proposed appropriations for next year—including the Senate, led

by Senate President Aquilino Martin Pimentel III which will have a budget of P4.2 billion from P4.19 billion in the previous year.

The Senate Electoral Tribunal will get a P270-million funding, slightly higher than the P257 million in 2017 while

InvItatIon to BId Procurement of varIouS medIcaL, dentaL and LaB0ratorY eQuIPment cY 2017 PuBLIc BIddInG no. vmc-2017-018 The Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC), through the General Appropriations Act/Income CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of Philippine Currency: Forty Five Million Three Hundred Thirty Four Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Six Pesos and 97/100 Only (PhP 45,334,896.97) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the Procurement of varIouS medIcaL, dentaL and LaB0ratorY eQuIPment cY 2017 under PB No. VMC-2017-018. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The VMC now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the procurement of the abovecaptioned package. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, entitled “Instructions to Bidders”.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “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” and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to Republic Act No. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4.

Only Bids from Bidders who passed the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents entitled, “ITB”.

The Bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine the responsiveness of the bid submission to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated And Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the VMC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-4:00pm (Monday to Friday) starting August 3, 2017.

6.

The VMC will hold a Pre-bid Conference for this bidding activity on August 9, 2017, 1:00pm at the Valenzuela Medical Center, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference. Those who have not purchased the bidding documents may act as observers and submit written queries, subject to the guidelines as stated in the IRR of RA 9184.

7.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount as follows: P1 - P1,000,000.00 – P1,000.00; P10,000,001.00-P20,000,000.00 – P15,000.00; P1,000,001.00-P5,000,000.00 – P5,000.00; P20,000,001.00-above – P25,000.00; P5,000,001.00-P10,000,000.00 – P10,000.00; The method of payment will be in cash, manager’s check, bank guarantee or surety bond. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective bidder or his authorized representative. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity; Provided, that Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

8.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before August 23, 2017, 1:00pm, at the VMC BAC Secretariats’ Office.

9.

Bid Opening and Eligibility Check will be on August 23, 2017, 1:00pm. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late submission of bids will not be entertained. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the prescribed form, amount and validity period.

10. The Valenzuela Medical Center reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariats’ Office, Valenzuela Medical Center, Annex Building, 2nd Floor, Padrigal St., Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625

INVITATION TO BID The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites consultants/ suppliers/manufacturers/distributors/contractors to bid for the hereunder project: Approved Budget Bidding for the Contract Documents Fee (ABC)

Items ITB - GS-20170403-01 Two (2) Years Security Guard Services for Various LANDBANK Branches and Extension Offices Lot No. of No. Area Guards 1 North National Capital Region 157 (NCR) 2 South NCR 159 3 LANDBANK Plaza and Other 126 Installations 4 Region XII 152 5 Region III-A 89 6 Region IV-B 91 7 Region IV 76 8 Region V 86 9 Region III-B 62 10 Region II 73

Delivery Period

By Vito Barcelo

Schedule of Deployment: Thirty (30) calendar days, per office, after receipt of Notice to Proceed P 78,441,388.63

P

39,300.00

78,123,459.52 74,881,270.62

39,100.00 37,500.00

52,473,957.51 32,433,585.00 30,771,273.17 24,016,740.55 23,204,876.54 22,085,549.50 21,466,891.96

26,300.00 16,300.00 15,400.00 12,100.00 11,700.00 11,100.00 10,800.00

Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, with an amount of not less than 50% of the ABC. The Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs).

The schedule of activities are as follows: ACTIVITIES 1. Issuance of Bid Documents 2. Pre-Bid Conference

3. Submission / Opening of Bids 4. Post-Qualification 5. Notice of Award

SCHEDULE August 3 to 24, 2017 August 10, 2017 - 2:00 PM Bidding Room, 25th Floor, LANDBANK Plaza Building 1598 M. H. Del Pilar corner Dr. J. Quintos Streets, Malate, Manila August 24, 2017 - 11:00 A.M. Procurement Department, 25th Floor, LANDBANK Plaza Building 1598 M. H. Del Pilar corner Dr. J. Quintos Streets, Malate, Manila August 25 to 31, 2017 September 5, 2017

Bid documents will be available to prospective bidders upon payment of the applicable Bidding Documents fee to the LANDBANK Cashier.

LANDBANK reserves the right to (a) reject any and all bids at any time prior to the award of the contract; (b) waive any minor formal requirements in the bid documents; (c) accept such bids, it may consider advantageous and beneficial without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

(sgd)JOSEPH T. NOCOM, MD, FPOA Chairperson Bids and Awards Committee

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (MS-AUG. 3, 2017)

the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal will receive P182-million from P169 million in the previous year.

Some 31 priority measures by Duterte are currently being tackled in Congress, including the revision of the Constitution, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Tax Reform Act, Amendments to the Social Security Act, and the National Land Use Act.

DoLE warns vs bogus labor inspectors

1598 M.H. Del Pilar corner Dr. J. Quintos Streets Malate, Manila Tel. Nos. 522-0000, 551-2200 connecting all departments

Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

1.

than the P14.9 billion it enjoyed in the previous year—with the House of Representatives, led by Duterte ally Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, getting P9.35 billion this year from P9.68 billion in 2017; even as the Commission on Appointments stands to receive P240 million from P673 million in the previous year.

All other branches in the legislative branch will receive

THE Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday warned the public from bogus labor inspectors following the arrest of a man who tried to extort money from a trading company for allegedly committing labor law violations.

Jorge Domasig Dimayuga was arrested in an entrapment operation by the police in Meycauayan, Bulacan, the DoLE said in a statement.

“We would like to inform our employers and the general public that Mr. Dimayuga, a resident of 3060 San Agustin Village, Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City, is not in any capacity connected with the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 and its seven Field Offices. Furthermore, he is not authorized to hold Joint Assessments [JAs] or any type of regulatory functions mandated by this office. Please do not engage with this person,” Labor regional director Ana Dione said.

Dimayuga was charged with robbery extortion and usurpation of authority for posing as a Labor Laws Compliance Officer.

She said the DOLE Bulacan Field Office received a call early this month from Ben-Ben Trading/Classic Particles Manufacturing Ltd. Co.—a firm operating in Meycauayan, Bulacan—to verify if a certain ‘Jorge Dimayuga’ was employed with the DoLE. She added that the poseur was also asking money from the company in exchange for exempting the company from being subjected to a DoLE joint assessment or inspection.

DoLE Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio also filed charges against Dimayuga for falsifying her signature in the said “Notice of Assessment.”

The evidence against Dimayuga presented to the Prosecutor’s Office include the marked money and falsified identification cards and documents.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports Wrecking Balls rip Troopers, nail semis Games Saturday

(Semifinals) 10 a.m. – Megabuilders vs Air Force (m) 1 p.m. – Cignal HD vs Sta. Elena 4 p.m. – Creamline vs BaliPure (w) 6:30 p.m. – Pocari Sweat vs Hair Fairy Air Force (w)

STA. Elena Construction survived a strong Army challenge in the third set and hacked out a 2517, 25-19, 29-27 victory yesterday to clinch the fourth and last semifinal berth in the men’s division of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

League-leading scorer Berlin Paglinawan unloaded a matchbest 20 hits, including 18 on kills, to help power the Wrecking Balls past the Troopers and into a Final Four duel with the top seeded Cignal TV HD Spikers.

Sta. Elena romped past Café Lupe at the close of the elims to finish tied for fourth with Army at 4-3, forcing a sudden death for the last semis seat.

The other semis pairing pits No. 2 Mega Builders against third seed defending champion Air Force.

The Final Four will be held Saturday alongside the explosive semis matches in the women’s side of the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Asics.

Top seed and unbeaten Creamline faces Reinforced Conference runner-up BaliPure while defending champion Pocari Sweat, which also ruled the seasonopening tournament, battles third seed Hair Fairy Air Force.

Isaah Arda, Paolo Publico and Israel Encina each chipped in 10 points for the Wrecking Balls, who also beat the Troopers, 2515, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23, in their elims face-off last July 16.

This time, the Wrecking Balls made sure the match wouldn’t extend to another set.

“The boys were just determined to get the win,” said Sta. Elena coach Arnold Laniog.

Paglinawan delivered the clutch hits in the third set when the Troopers hung tough on deuce points before losing steam in the end.

A7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

RWM Masters set Nov. 8

By Kevin San Pedro and Nathanielle Punay

P

REPARATIONS are in full swing as Resorts World Manila hypes up the fifth edition of the Resorts World Manila Masters.

In collaboration with Asian Tour, the leading professional golf organization in Asia, and Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, which has hosted the tournament since its inception, this year’s iteration is headlined by a charity initiative for those that were affected by the recent attack at Resorts World Manila.

“It is in loving memory of the employees and guests we lost during a senseless incident,” said Resorts World Manila CEO, Stephen Reilly. “By integrating a charity component into the tournament this year, we stand by our commitment to honor our dear departed whilst helping this they left behind move forward.”

The proceeds will benefit the

families of Resorts World Manila employees and guests who were affected by the incident.

Asian Tour has also expressed its support with its CEO Josh Burack hoping that this fundraising activity will bring some measure of relief to the families.

The press conference was the first of a series of activities priming the tournament and will be followed by a Media Golf Day on Oct. 6, a Professional-Amateur Tournament on Nov. 7, and finally a Player’s Press Conference to wrap up preparations which will be held a day before the tournament proper on Nov. 8.

Robert Sobrepeña, chairman of Manila Southwoods and Country Club, and Jeff Kimble, Asian Tour

Commercial Director, stressed the importance of the tournament to the progression of golf as a known sport in the Philippines and an independent source of tourism itself.

“Golf tourism is becoming very important in Asia,” said Kimble.

“In this platform that Resorts World has put together, there has been a lot of benefit for the Philippine tourism in general. An Asian Tour TV Broadcast goes out to 750 million households in 180 countries across the globe. Last year, the Philippine broadcast went to 32 countries through 40 different broadcast television stations. It generates about US$60M, showing how wonderful this country is; the hospitality, the great golfing club locations and the great weather.

That has to be a powerful thing for the Philippines and Tourism in general.”

Reilly added that through the joint effort of Resorts World, Asian Tour and Southwoods, the success of the Masters has permanently elevated the Philippines

Jeff Kimble (left), Commercial Director for Asian Tour, Stephen Reilly (center), Resorts World Manila CEO, and Robert Sobrepena, Chairman of Manila Southwoods and Country Club, hold the trophy to be used for this year’s Resorts Word Manila Masters. Nathanielle Punay

as a prime destination choice for golf.

It is yet to see its first Filipino champion, but possible Filipino

‘Underdog’ Bolt ready to defend world 100m crown

MANILA TOURNEY. Manila Sports Council Chairman Philip Cezar is shown with members of the champion District 1 Basketball

Team, which ruled the men’s division of the 4th Palaro ni Erap Para sa Batang Maynila Inter-District Basketball and Volleyball Tournament 2017 at the San Andres Sports Complex. The sportsfest, organized by MASCO, and overall Tournament Director Jun Usman, is the sports developmental project of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. The elimination round of the tournament was held at the Dapitan Sports Complex, Tondo Sports Complex, Andalucia Sports Complex and Rasak Sports Complex. District I also emerged champion in the boys’ division, with District 2 and District 4 emerging winners in the men’s and women’s volleyball competitions, respectively.

Young guns brace for Olivarez Cup showdown THE country’s leading and upcoming junior players gear up for a fierce duel not only for titles but also for ranking points in the PPS-PEPP Olivarez Open regional age group 2017 which gets going tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 4) at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Close to 300 age-groupers, led by winners in the ongoing Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit, will dispute the eight division titles staked in the Group 1 tournament put up by the Olivarez family as part of its long-time commitment to develop the sport and help in the country’s talent-search.

event along with Rep. Eric Olivarez and Dr. Pablo Olivarez.

The top three placers in all agegroup categories will also gain ranking points for a chance to compete abroad and free training under the program of the Unified Tennis Group, composed of Cebuana Lhuillier, PPS-PEPP, Wilson, Toby’s, BMeg, Citigreen, Babolat, Tru-Flez and all regional allies from Regions 1-18.

“It is our desire to help develop the sport and produce worldclass players because we believe Filipino netters can be at par with the world’s best given the exposure and motivation,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/COO

Cagayan de Oro’s Ma. Aubrey Calma, Nicole Ann Bautista from Malita, Davao, Cavite’s Denise Bernardo and Davao’s Patricia Velez banner the girls’ 18-andunder division with Ramon Bentillo from Sultan Kudarat, Davao’s Lordrenz Pacheco, Cavite’s Laurenz Quitara and Makati’s Athan Arejola leading the boys’ cast in the premier side of the week-long tournament backed by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

“This is going to be exciting with all the winners in the PPS-PEPP legs raring to prove their worth against each other,” said Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who helped put up the

Bobby Castro.

To accommodate the big number of entries, a series of qualifiers will also be held in the boys’ 14-, 16- and 18-U divisions, according to tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay. For details, call 0915-4046464.

The Olivarez Cup Open will cap the two-week long tennis festival with the country’s aces, led by defending champions Johnny Arcilla and Khim Iglupas, slugging it out for top honors in the event set Aug. 11-16.

Other players to watch this week are Cebu’s Connor Cuizon, Mlang, Cotabato’s Tennielle Madis, Alexi Jarata from La Un-

ion, and Cavite Kean Enriquez (10-unisex), Andre Jarata, Sam Nuguit from Las Piñas, Mlang’s Cedric Pamplona, Kabacan, Cotabato’s Reyman Saldivar, and Tiffany Nocos and Khyberly McKenzie from Cebu (12-U); John Velez from Davao, Daniel Estanislao from Malabon, Makati’s Ed Angara and Leyte’s San Andrei Lago, and Sydney Enriquez from Zamboanga, Sultan Kudarat’s April Bentillo, Alabang’s Nina Sandejas and Kryshana Brazal from Cainta (14-U); and Marcus del Rosario from Alabang, Gen. Santos City’s Klyde Lagarde and Danna Abad from Davao and CdO’s Gennifer Pagente (16-U).

Curry’s modest goal in Web.com golf: Make the cut

Stephen Curry

LOS ANGELES—Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and two-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, has a relatively modest goal when he tees it up on the Web.com golf tour Thursday.

“I want to make the cut, of course,” Curry said after a practice round at Stonebrae Golf Club in Northern California on Tuesday.

The cut in last year’s Ellie

Mae Classic, part of the Web. com Tour that is the talent pipeline to the US PGA Tour, was three-under par.

Curry acknowledged that to finish 36 holes at three-under, “I’ll have to play probably the best two rounds of golf of my life.”

But, he added: “Why not take advantage of the opportunity I’ve got right now?”

Known for his long-range shooting touch on the NBA

court, the talented amateur golfer admitted he was nowhere near matching the distance of the pros he’ll be facing.

“Most of the courses I play, I’m not playing their yardages and I don’t hit as many drivers off the tee,” he said. “So I just have to get comfortable with hitting the driver a lot more.”

Curry will be playing Thursday alongside defending champion Stephan Jaeger, who fired the

first 58 recorded in a US professional tournament when he went 12-under in the first-round last year.

But Curry, who was invited by organizers to play the event back in June—during the Warriors triumphant NBA Finals run over the Cleveland Cavaliers—was looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s my one week to try it,” he said. “Because I don’t know if I’ll ever do this again.” AFP

PH Rugby gets ready for 1st ChildFund Pass It Back Cup CHILDFUND Pass It Back, an innovative sport for development program managed by ChildFund and partnering in the Philippines with the Philippine Rugby Football Union, is hosting the PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup on Aug. 5.

The competition will consist of 25 teams of more than 250 participants from the cities of Bacolod, Bago, and Talisay.

The competition is the culminating event of the first season of a program that was launched for

golfers to grace this year’s tournament are Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que, Miguel Tabuena and Antonio Lascuna.

the first time in the Philippines in February 2017. Twenty young adults, with no rugby or life skills coaching experience, were trained to become PRFU coaches and deliver an integrated rugby and life skills curriculum that promotes young people’s health and wellbeing, and provides important leadership and life skills learning opportunities.

ChildFund Pass It Back is a part of the Rugby World Cup 2019 IMPACT Beyond program, which aims to grow the game across Asia

in the lead up to the first Rugby World Cup to be held in the region. The program in the Philippines is supported by the Australian Government through its Asia Sports Partnerships initiative.

“The coaches and children are really excited about the PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup,” said PRFU Development Officer Anne Sajorne. “They are excited to wear jerseys designed by the teams and to have a great day of fun together. We are also really excited to welcome a delegation

from the Japan Rugby Football Union, which includes top level athletes, to inspire our players to stay with the sport!”

“PRFU is really pleased with the progress of this program and the feedback from the players and coaches,” said PRFU Secretary General Ada Milby.

“The ability to demonstrate that a program can successfully meet a 50% minimum participation target with girls is also a very big win for our union and for women in sports. This is in part due to

ChildFund Pass It Back’s safeguarding practices. ChildFund’s expertise in this area was recently recognised by the Beyond Sport Awards, where it won the UNICEF Safeguarding Children in Sport Award.”

ChildFund Japan Philippine Office Country Director, Rina Munsayac, said: “This partnership has been a learning experience for all stakeholders involved and we are looking forward to see all the hard work come together in such a special event.”

LONDON—Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt labelled himself the underdog as he seeks to round off his glittering individual track career with the defence of his world 100m title this week.

“That’s what I keep reading and what my team keeps telling me, so I’ve got to prove myself again,” the 30-year-old said in a warning shot to pretenders to his crown in the blue riband event of the IAAF World Championships.

Bolt started this season in sluggish form, running two 10sec-plus times before finally hitting some form at the Monaco Diamond League.

“The last race I ran was 9.95sec, which shows I’m going in the right direction,” he said.

“It’s a championships and the two rounds always help me. I’ve been here many times. It’s go-time, so let’s go!”

He added: “Usain Bolt has retired unbeaten in an individual event, unbeatable, unstoppable— for me that would be the best headline!

“If I show up at a championships you know I’m fully confident and ready to go, and my coach, I’m ready to go.”

Bolt refused to single out who would be his closest rival for the 100m, with heats on Friday before the semi-final and final on Saturday at the same stadium in east London where he won treble gold at the 2012 Olympics.

“The seven people who are going to be in that race with me, they’re the biggest challengers,” he said.

Bolt has dominated sprinting since taking double individual gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, going on to win a further six Olympic golds and also picking up 11 world titles.

He also holds world records of 9.58 and 19.19sec in the 100 and 200m, both set when winning at the 2009 Berlin worlds.

Bolt admitted that he hoped his records would last.

“I want to brag to my kids when they’re 15, that I’m still the best,” he joked.

- 200m in 2008 the best In a glitzy press conference organised by his long-term sponsors Puma and hosted by Welsh ex-hurdler Colin Jackson, Bolt picked out his then-world record breaking victory in the 200m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as the stand-out performance of his career.

“It’s definitely Beijing (Olympics), the 200m, because I never knew I could break the world record,” he said.

“That was my main dream growing up—I always wanted to be Olympic 200m champion.

When I broke the record I didn’t know how to react.”

And he insisted that motivation was not lacking despite having devoted his life to the track since the age of 10.

“Every year you find something else to motivate you,” he said. “I love competition, I thrive on competition, and I want people to run fast to push me.

“I’m comfortable saying I’m a legend because I’ve proved myself.

“I didn’t know I would be 100m world record holder growing up, I had no idea.

“Anything’s possible, you’ve just got to put it in your head and work for it. There are no words to explain what I’ve done over the years, and I’m really proud of myself.” AFP

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

P0 M+ P0 M

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

A8

THURSDAY, August 3, 2017

Sports

RMSC will not be sold —Ramirez

By Peter Atencio

Barangay Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar (25) drives strong to the hoop against Kia Picanto defender Jayson Ballesteros (81). Ginebra trounced Kia, , in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup last night, Wednesday August 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barangay Ginebra destroys hapless Kia Picanto, 120-99

By Jeric Lopez

I

NSIDE dominance was the key for Barangay Ginebra as it muscled its way to a 120-99 drubbing of Kia Picanto for its second straight win to continue its climb in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Justin Brownlee had his best showing in the conference thus far, flirting with a triple-double with a game-high 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as he once again provided what his team needed to lead the way for

the Gin Kings.

He had plenty of help from teammates as three more Ginebra chargers scored in doublefigures.

Greg Slaughter continued his progress, scoring 18 points and

grabbing six rebounds while Mark Caguioa added 16 more markers.

Both of them came off the bench.

LA Tenorio was once again steady, giving Ginebra 10 points and five assists for more help.

Barangay Ginebra moves up to 2-1 in the standings while the Picanto remained win-less, losing its fourth straight to fall to a dismal 0-4 card at the bottom.

Wasting no time, Ginebra established its game very early, zooming in to a huge 28-13 spread after the first 10 minutes with ferocious start.

It protected that lead at the end of one quarter, 33-18, and it basically held on for good and cruised until the final horn as the

team continued to impose its will for the second straight game.

At the half, the Gin Kings held a 15-point lead, 58-43.

Back-to-back triples by Brownlee and Tenorio gave Ginebra a huge 64-43 cushion with just a minute into the second half.

Ginebra’s biggest lead stood at 34 points after three straight jumpers from Caguioa to open up the fourth to make it 98-64.

Reden Celda led Kia with a team-high 21 points off the bench.

Meanwhile, a battle between two titans is occurring as of this report as Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beer is renewing its rivalry with TNT KaTropa in a

Mitra wants to expand membership in OPBF

Knights take on Blazers

By Randy Caluag

Games today (Aug. 3) 2 p.m.- Letran vs St. Benilde (jrs) 4 p.m.- Letran vs St. Benilde (srs)

LETRAN shoots for its third victory and first streak of the season as it hosts a demoralized College of St. Benilde in today’s 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Letran Gym in Intramuros, Manila.

The Knights are riding the crest of an 82-75 win over the Arellano University Chiefs, last year’s runners up, Tuesday and will book win No. 3 and their first back-toback win if they could hurdle the Blazers in their 4 p.m. duel.

“We hope this win could start something big for us,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa.

Letran will face a St. Benilde team still licking its wounds following an embarrassing 55-98 loss to solo leader and unbeaten Lyceum of the Philippines University last Tuesday.

It was a game to forget for the Blazers as the 43-point rout was the highest losing margin by any team this year.

The 40 turnovers was another season-worst record that resulted to a season-high 46 points off it including 26 off fastbreaks, another season-best mark.

Napa and the Knights though aren’t taking the Blazers lightly.

“They’re a resilient team and we expect them to bounce back from that loss. We just have to be ready,” said Napa.

Rey Nambatac shone the brightest in Letran’s recent triumph after he scored 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter although transferees Jeo Ambohot and Jeremiah Taladua, who stole some of the spotlight.

rematch of the Commissioner’s Cup finals.

Both teams are going for a second consecutive win.

The Scores: BARANGAY GINEBRA 120—Brownlee 26, Slaughter 18, Caguioa 16, Tenorio 10, Aguilar 9, Ferrer 9, Taha 8, Ellis 8, Cruz 6, Thompson 4, Devance 4, Jamito 2, Marcelo 0, Helterbrand 0, Mariano 0.

KIA PICANTO 99—Celda 21, Khobuntin 16, Cummings 14, Revilla 9, Paniamogan 7, Corpuz 7, Nimes 6, Ballesteros 6, Camson 6, Yee 5, Elorde 2, Jaime 0, Salva 0, Deutchman 0, Galanza 0.

Quarter scores: 33-18, 58-43, 92-64, 120-99.

THE sale for the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is no longer pushing through because there is a greater interest in the preservation of the 83-year-old sports complex.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez announced this development following talks with various interest groups which will pitch in for the preservation of the historic place.

“After one year of negotiation, it was not more of the price. But, it was more of preserving what the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is all about,” said Ramirez.

He said talks have been fruitful with officials National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which is the overall policy making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.

Officials of the NCCA said there will be funds for the renovation of the facilities at the Vito Cruz arena in Malate, Manila.

More funding assistance will also come from the National Historic Institute following more consultations, according to Ramirez.

Aside from this, the office of Congressman Crystal Bagatsing of the fifth district of Manila will also shell out funds to help rehabilitate RMSC since this is in her area of responsibility.

Ramirez said they have already informed the city government of Manila of their decision to put on hold their side of the negotiations.

The PSC chief said in his letter to Estrada that this decision was “in relation to the PSC’s commitment to provide a quality sports experience and a better sporting environment for the welfare of the national team.”

Earlier, the group of businessman Enriquez Razon revealed plans to convert the RMSC into a sports, recreational and business center.

The developers have plans of preserving the baseball field, the football field, the martial arts clubs and the basketball courts.

On the other hand, the places which the developers will not preserve, will be developed into a high rise residential area.

Newly designated Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Abraham Kahlil Mitra (2nd from left) with his predecessor Juan Ramon Guanzon (3rd from left) during the handover ceremony at the office of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) in Makati City. Witnessing the rite were GAB Deputy chief of boxing division Jackie Lou Cacho and international promotermatchmaker Brico Santig of Highland International Boxing Promotions.

GAMES and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra will make extra efforts to promote and expand membership of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) in his capacity as newly named chairman of the oldest boxing organization in Asia.

Former GAB chief Juan Ramon Guanzon handed over the OPBF reigns to Mitra on Tuesday during the OPBF ratings at the GAB office in Makati City. In the Philippines, where boxing is regulated by a government agency, it is customary for the GAB chairman to also head the OPBF in a parallel capacity.

Mitra, who was appointed to the GAB post by President Rodrigo Duterte, will have his first major task as host of the OPBF 55th year convention, which is slated Nov. 9-11 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. ith OPBF as secretary-general.

“It is with great pride and humility

that we take over the reign of the very prestigious OPBF from a very worthy predecessor Manong Monju Guanzon,” said Mitra.

In his bid to make the 2017 OPBF convention the biggest ever in terms of participation, Mitra said member delegates from different countries will be accorded free registration and hotel accommodation.

“Contrary to the wrong notion, boxing is actually growing in Asia. Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam are opening their doors to professional boxing,” said Mitra.

“We will also try to invite guests from other non-member countries in Asia to observe our organization, which is the oldest and richest in history in Asia.”

The OPBF was formed by boxing commissions from the Philippines, Korea and Japan in 1954 as Orient Boxing Federation before it was changed to its current name in 1977 when Australia joined the fold.

The OPBF helped form the World Boxing Council in 1963.

Mitra is also a member of the WBC board

PSC inks pact with USANA Health OFFICIALS of the Philippine Sports Commission are confident that they have gone a step further in providing for the nutritional needs of athletes that are under its care.

The agency, led by Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, signed a two-year deal with USANA Health Sciences to help addresses the health needs of around 300 elite national athletes.

Philippine Sports Institute head and national training director Marc Edward Velasco said this is just a start.

“This will be a good example for Philippine sports, that we can work with corporate entities and really

push forward for sports development. We hope USANA will also get involved with our grassroots program,” said Velasco, who took the lead in the initial talks with executives of USANA, a global nutritional company.

Ramirez said the partnership is timely and comes at a time when the agency is getting frustrated with its plans to put up a five-star canteen inside the Philsports complex that will provide for nutritious meals for athletes.

“When I was informed by Marc [Velasco] about the partnership, my immediate answer is yes,” Ramirez said.

The plans to put up the canteen will have to wait till the end of the December because of the difficulty that the agency is encountering with the government procurement procedures.

He added that the agency will have to be patient as they await the construction of the PSC High Performance Center, and the purchase of biomechanical and training equipment.

USANA, whose nutritional products have been certified safe for athletes by the World Anti Doping Agency, signed the deal with Aurora Gaston, vice president for Philippines and Indonesia. Peter Atencio

PSC, PSI and USANA officials—from left: PSI national training director Marc Velasco, PSC chairman William Ramirez, USANA Philippines and Indonesia VP Aurora Mandanas Gaston, and USANA field supervisor Lerwin Onanand—sign agreement to provide supplements for PH athletes. Peter Atencio

AEV registers net profit of P10.3b B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

JG Summit diversifies into digital financing

CAMPAIGN VS FRAUD.

The Trade Department sign memoranda of agreement with the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to protect consumers against fraudulent, deceptive and manipulative schemes in buying products or services in the market. Signing the agreement in Ortigas Center are (from left) NBI intellectual property rights division chief Glenn Ricarte, PNP director-general Ronald Dela Rosa, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Nica director Rodolfo Arciaga.

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE JG Summit Holdings Inc. said a unit teamed up with the founders of internet giants Skype and LU.com to form digital financial services marketplace to address the financial needs of underbanked consumers and micro and small and medium enterprises in the Philippines.

JG Summit said in a disclosure to the stock exchange subsidiary Express Holdings Inc. signed a partnership with China-based Oriente to establish technology firm that would enable Filipinos to tap into credit facilities to fund their financial needs.

The joint venture is in the pre-operating and developmental stage and is expected to be launched in early 2018.

“Leveraging its experience building internet giants LU.com and Skype, Oriente is using technology and data science to tap into JG Summit’s resources to enable online peer-to-peer lending and wealth management at attractive interest rates,” said JG Summit president and chief operating officer Lance Gokongwei.

Oriente was established by the co-founders of Skype and Lucom in April 2016 to address a multi-trillion-dollar problem in emerging markets–the lack of affordable credit, even for the salaried middle class.

JG Summit, quoting a World Bank study, said close to 90 percent of adult Filipinos were not covered by a credit bureau and many people resorted to informal means to borrow money.

JG Summit also cited Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ data that out of the 43 percent of the population who saved money, only 14 percent of households maintained a deposit account and 68 percent kept their savings in unsecured places.

Hubert Tai, chief executive of Oriente and co-founder of LU.com, said the partnership with JG Summit aimed to create a digital infrastructure and social ecosystem to fuel financial inclusion, enabling credit and wealth accumulation.

BIR, Customs ordered to catch more ‘big fish’

By Julito G. Rada

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Wednesday ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs to run after more “big fish,” as the government intensifies its campaign against tax evaders.

Dominguez gave the marching orders to the heads of the two agencies to work closer together in catching more “big fish” who were cheating the government of billions of pesos in taxes following the government’s successful campaign against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp., resulting in the biggest tax haul ever from a single entity in history.

Dominguez’s directive came on the heels of President Duterte’s order in his second State of the Nation Address to accept Mighty

Corp.’s settlement offer of P25 billion, representing its deficiency excise and income taxes, along with the voluntary shutdown of all its operations.

“You better line up another big one. Next year, if possible, catch somebody, another big fish,” Dominguez told BIR commissioner Caesar Dulay and Customs commisioner Nicanor Faeldon at the recent DoF executive committee meeting.

“People should pay attention to paying their taxes, because we are serious about doing it… We are not out for publicity, like some other administration. We are out for big amounts. I mean, our time is limited so let’s go for the big ones,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said another P20 billion or P30 billion would be “a good target” for the BIR and BOC to make in running after tax cheats.

Dominguez earlier said the government’s total take from Mighty Corp.’s settlement offer was expected to reach P30 billion, including the value-added tax to be paid from the

sale of Mighty’s assets to global cigarette manufacturer Japan Tobacco International.

JTI, which will acquire Mighty’s assets and distribution network, agreed to provide an interim loan to Mighty to pay off the latter’s tax liabilities.

Dominguez attributed the success of the government’s campaign against Mighty to the close coordination and exchange of information between Dulay and Faeldon.

“We all work as a team. It’s not one or the other, it’s everybody together,” he said.

A manager’s check amounting to P3.44 billion, covering Mighty’s excise tax liabilities, was issued on July 20 by JTI and deposited at the SSS branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines in Quezon City. The amount represented the initial tranche of Mighty’s settlement offer.

The balance of P21.5 billion will be paid on or after the closing of the proposed deal with JTI, which was up for approval by the Philippine Competition Commission.

Energy awaits report on Meralco contracts

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Department on Wednesday asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to resolve the pending issues hounding the power supply agreements signed by Manila Electric Co. with generation companies.

“The PSAs submitted with ERC [have] an issue. It has been talked about and we will wait for their decisions, their findings.

There are issues raised against it,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said, when asked about a presentation by research firm The Lantau Group that power rates could actually go down if Meralco’s PSAs were not approved.

“They [ERC] have to make a decision. They have to make a thorough study of the matter and come up with a decision and make sure that it is the right decision because there are questions raised against it,” Cusi

said.

Sarah Fairhurst, founding partner of strategy and economic consulting firm The Lantau Group, said the non-approval of Meralco’s PSAs would create a “contracting gap” that would allow “cheaper options to creep into those gaps.”

Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor, has around 3,551 megawatts of supply agreements with seven power generators pending with the ERC. The regulator vowed to act on the applications within three months from early July.

Meralco’s supply agreements drew opposition from various groups with some questioning the company’s submission of applications a day before the competitive selection process deadline.

“Non-approval of Meralco PSA’s re-opens the competition,” Fairhurst said in a presentation delivered during a recent energy forum.

income is less than P4.25 billion, or 25 percent better versus the P3.4 billion we booked in 2016,” Moncupa said in a statement.

“It now appears that we will not be sad. Income growth will likely be higher than 25 percent.

Based on the first half 2017 results and the trajectory of our businesses, we have a chance to end 2017 with above industry average return on equity. We are now looking at 2017 full-year

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, August 2, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

50.3970

Japan

0.009062

0.4567

Yen

UK

Pound

1.320800

66.5644

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127987

6.4502

Switzerland

Franc

1.035626

52.1924

Canada

Dollar

0.797830

40.2082

Singapore

Dollar

0.736648

37.1248

Australia

Dollar

0.796700

40.1513

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654210

133.7642

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266681

13.4399

Brunei

Dollar

0.733945

36.9886

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.030048

1.5143

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

13.7232

Euro

Euro

1.180200

59.4785

Korea

Won

0.000892

0.0450

China

Yuan

0.148787

7.4984

India

Rupee

0.015603

0.7863

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.233427

11.7640

New Zealand

Dollar

0.746500

37.6214

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033072

1.6667 Source: PDS Bridge

IN BRIEF Govt eyes unsolicited bids for LNG facility

THE government is now looking at unsolicited bids for the development of the country’s first liquefied natural gas hub, as state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. has yet to find an acceptable government-to-government proposal from six countries.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told reporters that PNOC, which was tasked to implement the planned “common carrier” liquefied natural gas receiving and distribution infrastructure, had not submitted any shortlist to the department for evaluation.

“None yet. They are still working on the framework. They are still completing it. They have not chosen,” Cusi said.

PNOC earlier announced that it received government-to-government proposals from China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The proposals are being evaluated based on five key components including LNG storage, liquefaction, regassification, power plant and distribution channel. Sources said PNOC was not happy with the proposals from the six countries.

“We will open it [to unsolicited proposals] to get what is really beneficial for the country,” Cusi said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Study says security concern highest in PH

CONSCIENTIOUS MINING. Philex Mining Corp. president and chief executive Eulalio Austin Jr. (standing, right) and senior vice president and Padcal Mine resident manager Manuel Agcaoili (left) lead the entrance procession of the introductory rites during a thanksgiving mass at the APP Sports Center Sitio Padcal, Barangay Camp 3 in Tuba, Benguet. Austin appeals to officials and employees to be steadfast in their faith and to continue improving Padcal operations. The company’s Silangan project in Surigao del Norte needs $800 million to begin operations.

EastWest Bank’s income jumped 60% to P2.5b in first half EAST West Banking Corp., the financial arm of the Filinvest Group, said Wednesday net income in the first half jumped 60 percent to P2.5 billion from a year ago on sustained growth of core businesses.

EastWest vice chairman and chief executive Antonio Moncupa Jr. said the first-half performance was aligned with the bank’s income guidance of at least P4.8 billion for 2017.

“We will be sad if our 2017

B1

income of at least P4.8 billion,” Moncupa said.

The net profit booked in the first six months sustained the 70-percent and 54-percent growth in 2016 and first quarter of 2017, respectively.

Total assets grew 20 percent to P310 billion, driven by the growth in loan portfolio. Total loans increased 19 percent to P212 billion, led by the 34-percent growth in consumer loans.

Consumer loans accounted for

71 percent of the bank’s total loans.

EastWest maintained its industry leading net interest margin of 7.8 percent. Interest margin net of provisions for loan losses, a metric that makes comparison among banks more meaningful, was at 6.1 percent for the period.

Net interest margin net of provisions for loan losses of listed universal and commercial banks stood at 3.3 percent in 2016.

Deposits increased 24 percent

to P255 billion as of end-June.

“The bank’s operating leverage continues to improve as we complete our store expansion program. Our businesses, particularly consumer loans and deposits, continue to post robust growth. On the other hand, credit costs tapered off as asset expansion were more on secured and lower credit cost sectors,” said EastWest president and deputy chief executive Bobby Reyes.

Julito G. Rada

FILIPINO consumers recorded the highest level of concern about security issues among the 13 countries surveyed in the 2017 Unisys Security Index.

The overall Unisys Security Index for the Philippines is 243 on a scale of 0 to 300, considered a serious level of concern and is 70 points or 40 percent higher than the global average.

The Unisys Security Index is a global study that gauges the attitudes of consumers on a wide range of issues related to national, personal, financial and Internet security.

The study polled 1,000 adults in the Philippines in April 2017. Other countries surveyed were Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, UK and the US. “Consumers are concerned about the issues that are most likely to impact them personally,” John Kendall, director of border and national security programs, Unisys said.

“Approximately nine in ten Filipinos are seriously concerned about identity theft, credit card/debit fraud and computer security reflecting the very real threat that their personal details may be stolen and sold on the dark web – highlighted by last year’s breach of the Philippine voter registry database,” he said.

The report said the top areas of security concern for Filipinos were identity theft, natural disaster, bank card fraud and viruses/hacking.

Darwin G. Amojelar

B2

Business

THURSDAY,AUGUST 3, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSE’s net income falls 7.4% to P345m

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange said Wednesday net income in the first half fell 7.4 percent to P345.1 million from P372.7 million recorded in the same period last year which included non-recurring gains.

The local bourse operator said first-half operating revenues grew 18.1 percent to P662.5 million from P560.8 million a year ago, on higher listing and trading-related fees.

Listing related fees, which accounted for 45 percent of total revenues, jumped 37.1 percent in the first six months, following three initial public offerings and 12 additional/follow-on listings.

The IPOs in the first half were Wilcon Depot Inc., Eagle Cement Corp. and Cebu Landmasters Inc. Other big deals during the six-month period were the P60billion stock rights offering of BDO Unibank Inc. which raised P60 billion and China Bank which generated P15 billion in fresh capital.

Trading-related fees also went up by 12.2 percent in the first half, as trading volume at PSE rose 7 percent to P994 billion from P932 billion in the same period last year.

Market extends losses; Vitarich, EastWest rise

S

TOCKS fell for a third day, bucking the gains in other Asian markets, as more companies released second-quarter earnings reports that fell below expectations.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, shed 33 points, or 0.4 percent to close at 7,872.65 Wednesday, as three of the six major sectors declined. The bellwether was still up 15.1 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also tumbled 16 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 4,707.74, on a value turnover of P7 billion. Advancers edged

losers, 99 to 92, while 55 issues were unchanged.

Nine of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by agriculture company Vitarich Corp. which climbed 7 percent to P2.30 and developer Philippine Estates Corp. which advanced 3.3 percent to P0.62.

East West Banking Corp. rose 2.8 percent to P33.05.

Meanwhile, a fifth consecutive record close on Wall Street

helped fuel further gains for Asian stocks on Wednesday, with bullish sentiment boosted by strong results from Apple and benign world economic data.

Traders took heart from the iPhone maker’s stronger-than-expected results for the past quarter as well as accelerating eurozone growth and upbeat Chinese manufacturing figures.

Higher revenues and profits at Apple helped trigger fresh buying in Tokyo as a range of Japanese companies supply components for the California-based company’s smartphone and other devices.

The Nikkei was up 0.4 percent by the break, while Shanghai―which closed Tuesday at a record 2017 high―edged ahead while Hong

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.8 41,000 59.45 58,930 103.6 1,503,350 3.94 14,000 126 4,800,260 1.35 115,000 36.45 40,500 16 81,200 32.95 5,229,900 8.07 600 1.64 20,000 960 220 0.69 4,737,000 86.5 3,312,500 0.81 186,000 14 43,600 24.95 1,100 67.5 106,580 241 1,370 119 1,130 90 250 56 156,410 229 228,040 1,705 10 86.25 42,210 1.36 129,000

153,880 3,494,084.50 157,807,439 55,620 611,965,051 150,390 1,473,320 1,300,620 172,512,850 4,842 32,900 211,200 3,338,620 286,981,070 150,780 607,738 27,215 7,185,269.50 326,374 134,470 22,500 8,770,464.50 52,255,768 17,050 3,639,572.50 174,840

2,610,886.50 3,522,213 235,663,923 -90,570 640,800 -72,290,055 58,765,515 5,934,948 3,158,329 6,797,712 -17,050 120,427 -

38.85 9 0.82 1.37 30.15 0.255 165.2 6.01 18.32 29.9 15.16 73 69.45 1.96 5.28 11.48 12.14 14.86 13.36 7.46 5.93 17.1 65.5 14.56 13.12 13.34 2 218 61.2 3.73 3.33 31.3 19.46 17.86 272.4 0.241 10.82 3.16 7.53 9.35 7.2 10.2 1.86 11.84 66.3 6.7 306 4.42 4.25 2.78 13.02 4.9 0.145 1.22 151 3.93 2.12 1.02

INDUSTRIAL 39 1,658,300 9 1,729,900 0.84 464,000 1.38 805,000 30.75 81,000 0.26 18,370,000 168.5 230 6.05 5,866,900 18.5 219,200 30.5 1,076,400 15.16 6,100 73 35,000 69.45 410 1.97 125,000 5.28 57,000 11.58 1,100 12.2 1,354,400 14.9 1,393,700 13.64 5,241,800 7.62 825,000 5.95 9,384,800 17.1 2,429,000 65.7 163,560 14.56 5,000 13.22 111,500 14 2,514,700 2 3,684,000 218 571,170 61.2 400 3.75 39,000 3.33 32,000 31.5 1,127,100 19.5 2,032,200 18.1 1,856,800 273.6 312,440 0.243 940,000 13.14 984,200 3.16 30,000 7.54 1,924,900 9.35 3,170,700 7.95 1,331,300 10.2 72,900 1.87 1,680,000 12.16 1,634,300 66.4 187,280 6.81 1,138,600 308 65,260 4.49 85,000 4.3 20,000 2.93 2,356,000 13.26 267,300 4.99 69,000 0.145 210,000 1.3 1,255,000 154.8 1,030,860 4.07 5,000 2.28 45,815,000 1.08 332,000

64,728,465 15,834,498 385,190 1,107,810 2,467,910 4,733,950 38,964 35,695,192 4,068,194 32,999,910 93,098 2,555,000 28,540 245,350 300,960 12,688 16,538,474 20,745,094 71,836,198 6,249,425 55,831,775 42,377,348 10,757,342 72,800 1,471,692 35,246,092 7,557,550 125,835,618 24,480 146,260 106,560 35,765,770 39,625,102 33,591,970 85,998,544 226,810 12,023,364 94,930 15,221,953 30,012,442 10,290,371 743,860 3,138,490 19,662,792 12,433,371.50 7,722,191 20,096,244 379,150 86,110 6,848,320 3,522,028 342,990 30,470 1,629,370 158,722,273 20,070 103,313,030 356,230

21,128,240 7,685,721 9,610 -2,541,900 -17,097,119 2,239,080 1,887,000 -2,555,000 -88,200 5,544,898 3,050,744 9,574,170 2,771,140 20,657,917 -7,025,564 -1,745,428 72,800 587,434 -8,379,920 49,210.00 -3,107,366 -106,560 798,045 2,747,936 -6,856,184 -15,943,214 22,220 -404,500 3,448,695 -190,800 323,590 -999,140 10,249,165.50 1,165,020 929,742 -249,540 12,900 275,990 2,749,594 219,610 14,500 -67,022,053 -5,211,780 -

0.405 75.5 14.52 1.13 6.97 0.325 0.32 889.5 7.85 16.28 7.85 6.09 0.232 1,222 8.37 78.4 4.65 5.61 5.59 1 6.97 18.2 0.495 6.77 0.048 0.98 2.1 101 2.7 829 1.77 304.2 0.295 0.25 0.24

0.39 72.5 14.32 1.13 6.86 0.315 0.32 855 7.67 15.5 7.6 6 0.22 1,200 8.01 74.3 4.65 5.6 5.59 0.99 6.8 17.8 0.445 6.66 0.047 0.98 2.07 100.2 2.65 797 1.71 302 0.28 0.233 0.24

HOLDING FIRMS 0.395 10,900,000 72.5 629,380 14.32 15,471,100 1.13 23,000 6.96 114,300 0.325 1,690,000 0.32 1,190,000 860 277,380 7.7 761,300 15.5 3,573,500 7.85 83,000 6.09 15,100 0.22 1,980,000 1,210 101,635 8.05 34,600 75.25 2,623,720 4.65 1,000 5.6 13,800 5.59 2,100 0.99 896,000 6.88 367,100 18 5,898,100 0.465 1,280,000 6.66 12,003,900 0.048 9,300,000 0.98 2,000 2.1 277,000 100.4 153,980 2.7 34,000 797 605,150 1.74 3,789,000 304.2 8,380 0.285 590,000 0.248 3,540,000 0.24 130,000

4,286,150 46,180,418.50 222,456,970 25,990 787,272 534,300 380,800 239,692,335 5,873,891 56,426,876 638,737 90,859 442,660 123,009,780 281,662 198,001,528.50 4,650 77,300 11,739 888,430 2,522,231 106,273,518 612,600 80,483,389 438,200 1,960 578,020 15,479,063 90,380 490,012,715 6,617,040 2,548,624 168,050 873,050 31,200

-85,900 8,840,248 -20,794,178 96,000 -11,812,795 -2,611,852 21,996,882 471,287 9,035,145 -63,057,182 -704,097 -12,537,792 -142,000 7,186,483 -5,307,078 105,369,070 1,265,060 -1,006,902 39,620 -

5.72 1.52 2.31 1.03 42.2 3.79 4.83 5.35 0.55 1.22 1.55 0.192 0.52 46 0.73 0.164 1.8 1.6

5.62 1.44 2.25 1.01 40.95 3.73 4.66 5.34 0.53 1.18 1.5 0.188 0.5 45 0.72 0.16 1.75 1.51

PROPERTY 5.63 1,697,700 1.46 12,104,000 2.25 762,000 1.02 2,727,000 41.9 7,309,300 3.79 4,684,000 4.75 2,035,000 5.34 31,700 0.54 31,471,000 1.18 35,000 1.54 261,000 0.19 7,410,000 0.51 1,008,000 45.05 580,200 0.73 372,000 0.164 1,160,000 1.79 41,596,000 1.58 14,330,000

9,640,211 18,055,140 1,726,480 2,776,240 306,136,810 17,681,870 9,693,560 169,285 16,953,810 41,340 397,110 1,407,540 513,540 26,371,975 269,630 186,100 74,280,490 22,328,310

-5,693,023 577,090 123,646,620 -67,730 471,200 -1,183,120 -18,880 380,000 1,378,720 22,630 56,435,380 1,526,610

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.7 ASIA UNITED 59.4 BANK PH ISLANDS 106 BDO LEASING 3.98 BDO UNIBANK 125 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.3 CHINABANK 36.1 COL FINANCIAL 16.16 EAST WEST BANK 32.15 FILIPINO FUND 8.07 IREMIT 1.65 MANULIFE 960 MEDCO HLDG 0.7 METROBANK 86.85 NTL REINSURANCE 0.81 PB BANK 14.1 PBCOM 24.7 PHIL NATL BANK 67.4 PHIL STOCK EXCH 237.8 PHILTRUST 119 PSBANK 90 RCBC 56.5 SECURITY BANK 230 SUN LIFE 1,705 UNION BANK 86.25 VANTAGE 1.36

3.8 59.5 107 3.98 131.7 1.35 36.45 16.16 33.4 8.07 1.65 960 0.72 87.05 0.82 14.2 24.95 67.5 241 119 90 56.5 232 1,705 86.35 1.36

3.7 58.65 103.6 3.94 125 1.3 36.1 16 32.15 8.07 1.64 960 0.69 86.25 0.81 13.42 24.6 66.45 237.8 119 90 55.95 227 1,705 86 1.35

ABOITIZ POWER 39.5 AGRINURTURE 9.25 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.83 ALSONS CONS 1.38 ASIABEST GROUP 31.1 BASIC ENERGY 0.265 BOGO MEDELLIN 165.2 CEMEX HLDG 6.12 CENTURY FOOD 18.32 CIRTEK HLDG 31.45 CNTRL AZUCARERA15.16 CONCEPCION 73 CONCRETE A 70 CROWN ASIA 1.96 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.28 DEL MONTE 11.6 DNL INDUS 12.14 EAGLE CEMENT 14.88 EEI CORP 13.4 EMPERADOR 7.65 ENERGY DEVT 5.95 FIRST GEN 17.5 FIRST PHIL HLDG 65.8 GINEBRA 14.56 HOLCIM 13.2 INTEGRATED MICR 13.38 IONICS 2 JOLLIBEE 223 LIBERTY FLOUR 61.2 LMG CHEMICALS 3.8 MABUHAY VINYL 3.33 MANILA WATER 32.45 MAXS GROUP 19.5 MEGAWIDE 17.9 MERALCO 278 MG HLDG 0.241 PANASONIC 11 PEPSI COLA 3.16 PETROENERGY 7.93 PETRON 9.6 PHIL H2O 7.63 PHINMA 10.26 PHINMA ENERGY 1.86 PHX PETROLEUM 11.96 PILIPINAS SHELL 66.4 PRYCE CORP 6.74 PUREFOODS 307 RFM CORP 4.49 ROXAS HLDG 4.25 SFA SEMICON 2.78 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.08 SPC POWER 4.98 SWIFT FOODS 0.145 TKC METALS 1.34 UNIV ROBINA 154 VICTORIAS 3.93 VITARICH 2.14 VULCAN INDL 1.02

39.5 9.26 0.84 1.39 31.1 0.27 189.8 6.17 18.7 32 15.38 73 70 1.97 5.28 11.6 12.3 14.9 13.88 7.66 5.97 17.7 66.5 14.56 13.22 14.22 2.1 224.8 61.2 3.8 3.33 32.45 19.52 18.2 278.4 0.243 14 3.17 8.12 9.65 7.95 10.28 1.88 12.34 66.4 6.85 308 4.49 4.33 2.98 13.3 5 0.147 1.34 156.1 4.07 2.32 1.1

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

0.395 75 14.34 1.13 6.86 0.325 0.32 870 7.67 16 7.6 6 0.22 1,205 8.37 77 4.65 5.61 5.59 1 6.97 18 0.445 6.66 0.048 0.98 2.1 101 2.65 808 1.71 303.6 0.295 0.233 0.24

8990 HLDG 5.72 A BROWN 1.44 ARANETA PROP 2.31 ARTHALAND CORP 1.03 AYALA LAND 41 BELLE CORP 3.78 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.67 CEBU HLDG 5.35 CENTURY PROP 0.53 CITY AND LAND 1.18 CITYLAND DEVT 1.5 CROWN EQUITIES 0.188 CYBER BAY 0.5 DOUBLEDRAGON 45.5 EMPIRE EAST 0.73 EVER GOTESCO 0.16 FILINVEST LAND 1.76 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.53

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1.01 4.85 0.345 0.61 0.56 4.75 25 1.76 3.24 33.85 1.02 7.47 0.89 5.95

1.02 4.97 0.345 0.66 0.57 4.82 25.6 1.79 3.24 34.5 1.02 7.47 0.9 5.99

1.01 4.71 0.335 0.59 0.55 4.75 24.3 1.76 3.24 33.75 0.99 6.61 0.88 5.88

1.01 4.71 0.34 0.6 0.56 4.78 24.65 1.77 3.24 33.85 0.99 7.47 0.89 5.99

350,000 67,073,000 24,260,000 102,055,000 6,741,000 278,000 2,321,000 126,000 6,000 6,624,500 1,445,000 1,400 234,000 1,471,800

355,010 323,363,030 8,285,800 64,895,590 3,732,530 1,331,200 ( 57,920,335 223,940 19,440 224,796,735 1,443,240 10,075 207,830 8,782,467

-112,007,290 -734,400 -587,900 45,600 458,879.9998) 18,159,150 -17,247,280 -2,907 1,517,030

2GO GROUP 22.55 ABS CBN 43.9 ACESITE HOTEL 1.8 APC GROUP 0.64 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.041 BERJAYA 5.4 BLOOMBERRY 9.05 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.079 CEBU AIR 103.5 DFNN INC 10.82 EASYCALL 3.22 GLOBE TELECOM 2,130 GMA NETWORK 6.2 GOLDEN HAVEN 15.28 HARBOR STAR 2.81 IMPERIAL 3.31 INTL CONTAINER 105.8 IPEOPLE 12.56 IPM HLDG 8.6 ISLAND INFO 0.175 ISM COMM 1.32 JACKSTONES 3.15 LBC EXPRESS 15.98 LEISURE AND RES 4.47 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.75 MACROASIA 11.88 MANILA BULLETIN 0.57 MANILA JOCKEY 2.35 MELCO RESORTS 8.9 METRO RETAIL 3.86 MLA BRDCASTING 18 NOW CORP 2.21 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.46 PAL HLDG 5.21 PHIL SEVEN CORP 166 PHILWEB 9.2 PLDT 1,631 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.57 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.4 PUREGOLD 47.1 ROBINSONS RTL 87 SBS PHIL CORP 6.1 SSI GROUP 4.43 STI HLDG 1.48 TRAVELLERS 3.39 WATERFRONT 1.4 WILCON DEPOT 8.74

23 43.9 1.94 0.64 0.043 5.4 9.2 0.08 104.7 11 3.22 2,130 6.21 15.58 2.82 3.38 106 12.56 8.6 0.175 1.42 3.15 15.98 4.47 1.92 12.12 0.57 2.4 8.96 3.92 18 2.23 11.48 5.26 170 9.28 1,656 1.58 0.405 47.2 87.2 6.16 4.6 1.55 3.49 1.45 9

22.5 43.4 1.8 0.6 0.041 5.4 9.02 0.076 102.9 10.8 3.22 2,042 6.15 15.2 2.7 3.27 103.6 12.56 8.5 0.17 1.32 3.14 15.32 4.29 1.75 11.82 0.57 2.35 8.81 3.85 18 2.19 11.46 5.09 166 9 1,603 1.57 0.395 46.5 84 6.05 4.43 1.48 3.39 1.3 8.69

SERVICES 22.65 69,600 43.5 38,900 1.85 1,263,000 0.6 5,846,000 0.042 23,100,000 5.4 100 9.1 9,721,200 0.078 43,780,000 103.1 960,150 11 231,500 3.22 1,000 2,054 41,295 6.15 121,400 15.54 17,700 2.71 4,498,000 3.38 102,000 105 961,810 12.56 300 8.59 320,000 0.17 2,580,000 1.34 262,000 3.15 117,000 15.32 12,900 4.29 2,837,000 1.79 4,456,000 11.92 2,405,100 0.57 12,000 2.4 116,000 8.95 1,332,600 3.87 2,250,000 18 400 2.22 1,341,000 11.48 3,600 5.09 13,000 168 1,600 9.26 248,300 1,603 238,245 1.58 6,471,000 0.405 2,040,000 47 3,674,500 85.4 708,620 6.06 1,190,300 4.49 8,634,000 1.54 27,052,000 3.49 384,000 1.33 80,705,000 8.88 2,715,400

1,580,015 1,694,505 2,365,770 3,532,610 967,200 540 88,490,996 3,381,180 99,256,805 2,535,306 3,220 85,045,500 750,116 272,824 12,283,860 335,920 101,007,014 3,768 2,746,400 443,750 359,410 367,590 198,888 12,275,780 8,183,930 28,796,170 6,840 276,440 11,912,472 8,722,280 7,200 2,959,170 41,258 66,552 268,970 2,275,771 388,150,300 10,206,620 817,900 172,697,140 60,539,836.50 7,324,029 38,830,300 41,144,900 1,335,720 112,009,680 24,234,786

11,400 8,200 70,787,375 -2,014,550 70,123,060 119,400 -52,010,910 250,130 3,290 4,550,353 154,900.00 -1,774,440 965,440 365,217.00 354,360 11,000 95,878 5,290,505 2,398,170 141,834,720 14,917,249 6,847,040 2,524,510 -10,350 -707,110 -1,473,004

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

0.0029 1.61 5.3 13.8 1.85 1.85 1.2 0.385 8.55 2.68 0.315 0.191 0.201 0.01 1.9 6.1 1.95 0.63 1.05 0.01 0.01 0.012 2.58 8.81 3.49 167 0.0081

0.003 1.61 5.4 14.78 1.87 1.85 1.23 0.385 8.84 2.73 0.325 0.197 0.207 0.011 1.92 6.18 1.96 0.63 1.1 0.011 0.011 0.012 2.58 8.96 3.51 170 0.0081

0.0028 1.57 5.25 13 1.85 1.85 1.17 0.38 8.41 2.66 0.315 0.188 0.199 0.01 1.8 6.07 1.92 0.62 1.05 0.01 0.01 0.012 2.52 8.81 3.38 165 0.0081

MINING & OIL 0.0029 96,000,000 1.57 1,779,000 5.25 226,000 14.72 4,100 1.87 2,518,000 1.85 70,000 1.21 2,498,000 0.385 430,000 8.41 7,300 2.69 2,321,000 0.315 2,560,000 0.19 28,590,000 0.207 22,900,000 0.011 102,800,000 1.85 431,000 6.16 1,709,600 1.96 55,000 0.63 538,000 1.05 488,000 0.011 38,700,000 0.011 8,800,000 0.012 21,600,000 2.52 3,000 8.96 995,100 3.44 1,925,000 165.9 1,239,480 0.0081 2,000,000

278,200 2,812,270 1,197,051 55,502 4,680,650 129,500 3,006,130 164,500 63,078 6,245,750 816,150 5,489,680 4,716,070 1,128,200 791,210 10,504,692 107,420 333,930 526,220 421,100 89,900 259,200 7,620 8,864,706 6,624,080 206,418,331 16,200

130,606 -939,100 4,673,620 918,582 -13,720 -12,100 34,800 -17,762 -92,600 -52,165,746 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF F GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

44.2 516.5 105 108 5.98 1.06 1,013 105.1 76.5 80.4 77 81.05 79 78.65 79.5

44.2 516.5 105 108 6 1.06 1,013 105.4 76.55 80.4 77 81.5 79 78.65 80

44.2 516 105 108 5.98 1.06 1,013 105 76.5 80 77 81.05 79 78.65 79.5

PREFERRED 44.2 100 516 13,350 105 100 108 130 5.98 165,300 1.06 41,000 1,013 370 105.4 99,200 76.55 1,030 80 44,550 77 13,560 81.5 129,710 79 16,380 78.65 7,700 80 62,210

4,420 6,889,350 10,500 14,040 989,094 43,460 374,810 10,416,100 78,796.50 3,578,640 1,044,120 10,568,998 1,294,020 605,605 4,975,610

-716,280 -

LR WARRANT

2.52

2.53

2.4

WARRANTS 2.42 883,000

2,159,520

36,450

SME 3.84 5.4 6.93

NAME

OPEN

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

MS ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.84 5.25 7.2

3.84 5.44 7.4

3.82 5.25 6.9

234,000 54,400 6,199,500

896,160 287,374 43,938,506

0 -20,517,706

FIRST METRO ETF 120

121

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.5 119.5 190,410

22,979,659

-

10.5

DDS 10.5

49,350

-

USD DMPL A1

10.5

TRADING SUMMARY

10.5

SHARES

VALUE

FINANCIAL

20,851,062

1,312,851,990.88

INDUSTRIAL

128,287,707

1,175,305,093.79

78,835,236

1,635,904,787.663

HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY

342,596,369

1,204,122,111.42

SERVICES

244,224,065

1,364,596,126.05

MINING & OIL

341,343,849

265,764,385.092

GRAND TOTAL

1,162,818,360

7,026,653,515.85

4,700

FINANCIAL 1,958.25 (up) 5.98 INDUSTRIAL 10,975.41 (down) 36.74 HOLDING FIRMS 7,827.91 (down) 88.77 PROPERTY 3,737.71 (up) 23.93 SERVICES 1,657.60 (down) 10.12 MINING & OIL 12,847.92 (up) 19.24 PSEI 7,872.65 (down) 33.95 All Shares Index 4,707.74 (down) 16.17 Gainers: 99; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 55; Total: 246

Kong also gained in morning trade.

Sydney stocks were a rare negative in the region after commodity prices fell.

“Equities... continue to flourish as earning reports drive stocks to new highs,” said Stephen Innes, who heads Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda “The Dow reached a newall time high for a fifth consecutive session, nibbling at the key 22k mark.”

Analysts attributed the gains to strong international economic data, including reports showing eurozone growth accelerated slightly in the second quarter and Chinese manufacturing activity rose in July.

US earnings have been strong. Through July 28, companies in the S&P 500 earned 9.1 percent more in the second quarter compared with the year-ago period, according to Factset.

The Dow rose 0.3 percent to 21,963.92, its fifth straight record, after getting to within 10 points of hitting 22,000 for the first time.

“It’s a continuation of the bullish momentum,” said Karl Haeling of LBBW. “Earnings are good.”

London’s FTSE 100 rose 0.7 percent, with enginesmaker Rolls-Royce shooting over 10 percent higher after exceeding expectations by posting a half-year pre-tax profit of €1.94 billion ($2.57 billion), traders said.

With AFP, Bloomberg

Rival TV networks see higher ratings

By Darwin G. Amojelar BOTH ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. said Wednesday they sustained higher television ratings nationwide in July.

Data from Kantar Media showed ABS-CBN posted a nationwide average audience share of 46 percent in July, or 12 percent higher than rival GMA’s 34 percent.

ABS-CBN’s primetime block recorded an average audience share of 51 percent, a 19-point lead over GMA’s 32 percent. In the morning block, ABS-CBN gained an average audience share of 40 percent in July, versus GMA’s 31 percent.

ABS-CBN had 44 percent audience share in the noontime block, versus GMA’s 39 percent percent.

In the afternoon block, ABS-CBN had 43 percent versus GMA’s 38 percent.

GMA, meanwhile, said it ruled across all day parts in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement for July with an average total day people audience share of 43.5 percent, higher than ABSCBN’s 37 percent based on the data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA said that in Urban Luzon, it maintained a strong lead from morning to evening block with an average people audience share of 50.3 percent, besting ABS-CBN by 19.5 points.

Nielsen uses about 900 more homes surveyed in total urban and Rural Philippines, while Kantar uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

Business

B3

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

AEV registers net profit of P10.3b Cement firms slam unfair competition SUBSTANDARD imports are threatening the existence of legitimate cement companies in the Philippines. If left unchecked, the shipments could render the billions of pesos invested by Philippine cement companies to waste and steal Filipino jobs.

A group of importers challenging a recent order by the Department of Trade and Industry to require cement importers to comply with the Import Commodity Clearance regime has triggered a war in the billion-peso cement industry.

The importers do not want to be covered by the ICC requirement, saying local cement manufacturers are also importing from other countries but are not subject to the DTI directive. The department, however, said local manufacturers were using their local brands for their import, and were thus risking their reputation and market share if the cement they import turned out to be substandard or even expired.

This is a risk that importers do not face because they merely act as middlemen who do not put their companies’ names on the cement label. The DTI actually made the right intervention to protect consumers from inferior and substandard cement products but, more importantly, preserve local jobs and businesses.

The local cement companies have invested billions for their production plants, injecting much needed capital to support the Philippine economy.

Local cement investors created jobs during plant construction and actual operations. These are permanent, competitive and good paying jobs that have partially addressed unemployment in the Philippines.

“If we allow unbridled competition from foreign suppliers through their agents (or importers), we are endangering not only the consumers but our very own local industries,” one industry executive said.

The Philippines has one of the weakest industrial bases in Asia. “We have a very small manufacturing base which is one of the reasons why we can’t achieve industrialization. If we allow the cement industry to face unfair competition from foreign manufacturers, we might as well kiss another industry goodbye,” the executive said.

The Philippines can allow imports, especially when supply is tight. But it must ensure that any imported cement are of good quality by requiring the importers to comply with the ICCs that involve quality inspection by a third party right where the cement is being manufactured overseas.

“With the ICC requirement, we can en-

sure accountability because we will know that the importers sourced their cement from legitimate and quality producers that comply with international quality product standards,” the industry executive said.

Infra sector in peril The inferior quality of imported cement and that of steel can have a disastrous effect on the construction sector and the economy as a whole. A consumer welfare advocacy group earlier sought tougher government action against the proliferation of imported substandard construction materials currently flooding the local market.

“Government indifference to the unabated importation of low quality construction materials specifically cement and steel could embolden unscrupulous traders to capitalize on this irregularity even at the extreme prejudice of the integrity of the Philippine construction industry,” said Oliver San Antonio, spokesman and counsel of the National Coalition of Filipino Consumers.

San Antonio cited recent news reports about alleged foreign-made adulterated cement and substandard steel being sold in the domestic market.

“Cement and steel form the very foundation of our houses and buildings. Our government must ensure that substandard imported materials do not contaminate local supplies, especially since there has been a spate of destructive earthquakes and typhoons recently,” San Antonio said.

He noted that the Philippines is located in an earthquake and typhoon zone, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

“This is why it’s extremely vital that we use only the best building materials to ensure public safety,” San Antonio added.

In December 2016, the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, the umbrella organization of the local steel industry, revealed that “substandard and uncertified steel bars” were used in the buildings that were damaged during the 2013 Cebu and Bohol earthquakes.

Substandard cement and steel were reportedly procured from China and Vietnam.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandard.net or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Mindanao is a huge, non-homogenous island

IT IS almost certainly correct to say that when President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao and its adjacent islands under martial law, the great majority of the Filipino people questioned the placement under Proclamation No. 216 of the whole of this country’s second largest island.

Their disagreement with the coverage of the Proclamation found resonance in the dissenting opinions of a minority of the members of the Supreme Court. Why did the entire island have to be placed under the control of the military when only Marawi City and its environs were under attack from the Maute forces, the dissenting justices asked. There was no evidence, they argued, of any Maute-related uprisings in other parts of Mindanao.

In my view the dissenting justices were absolutely right in their contention.

Marawi City and its immediately surrounding area are not Mindanao. They represent only a small part of the island.

Marawi City is no more Mindanao than Bayombong is the whole of Northern Luzon or Naga City of the whole of Southern Luzon. The Philippines is not a small country – it is about as large as Great Britain – and Mindanao is not a small island.

The distance from the southernmost point of the Zamboanga peninsula to Surigao City and the distance from Dipolog City to Davao City are both close to 1,000 kilometers. Truly, Marawi City is a very small part of a very large island.

Not only is Mindanao characterized by hugeness; it is also characterized by nonhomogeneity. Mindanao is diverse in several ways: in terms of religion (Christian, Muslim and Manobo), in terms of ethnicity (Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakan and lumad) and in terms of economic development (fairly well developed, some-

what developed and still largely agricultural). Thus, it makes little sense to treat Mindanao as if it were a homogeneous, non-diverse whole.

In terms of economic development, Mindanao is divisible into four geographical terms, namely, the Northern Corridor (stretching from the Misamis provinces to the Surigao provinces, including Buidnon, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the western island provinces, Central-Southwestern Mindanao and the Davao provinces. Of the four areas, the Northern Corridor provinces are comparatively the most developed, with the cities of Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Butuan as the growth leaders. Second in terms of economic development are Davao City and the three Davao provinces. The area around General Santos City – better known as Gensan – is a locus of rapid growth, but Central-Southwestern Mindanao has remained still largely agricultural in character. The same is true of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the three nearby island provinces, with Zamboanga City as the exceptions to the still-largelyagricultural character of that part of Mindanao.

Two things are clear about the second largest island of this country. The first is that Mindanao is a huge piece of real estate and places like Marawi City are only a small part – a very small part – of an enormous whole. The second is that making policy for all of Mindanao on account of something that has happened in Marawi or Zamboanga City is every bit as irrational as making policy for the whole of Luzon on account of something that has occurred in Tuguegarao City or Legazpi City.

The essence of the dissenting justices’ position against the placement of the entire island of Mindanao under martial law is that all Mindanaoans should not be made to suffer for something bad that has happened in a small part of their island. I fully concur in their dissent.

E-mail: romero.business.class@gmail. com

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A

BOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc., the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, reported a 2-percent decline in first-half net income to P10.3 billion from P10.5 billion in the same period last year.

AEV said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it recognized non-recurring losses of P495 million in January to June, versus a gain of P100 million last year, on from foreign exchange losses from the revaluation of dollar denominated loans.

“Without one-offs, AEV’s core net income increased 3 percent year-on-year from P10.4 billion to P10.8 billion,” the company said.

The company, however, ended the second quarter with a consolidated income of P5.6 billion, up 3 percent from P5.4 billion in the same period last year.

Aboitiz Equity’s unit Aboitiz Power Corp. posted a net income of P9.7 billion in the first half, down 2 percent from a year ago, given non-recurring losses of P744 million, versus last year’s gain of P130 million from foreign exchange losses.

“Our core power generation and power distribution businesses have continued to post significant growth. Our new power plants are contributing significantly while our existing power plants are continuously improving in

terms of availability and reliability,” said Aboitiz Power president and chief operating officer Antonio Moraza.

“We will continue, likewise, to take advantage of the economic growth in our franchise areas by providing reliable and cost-effective power coupled with the best possible service,” said Moraza.

He said Aboitiz Power’s projects in the pipeline were on track and continued to be aligned with the balanced-mix strategy.

“These projects will push us to reaching our target of 4,000 MW of net attributable capacity by 2020,” Moraza said.

Aboitiz Equity’s banking unit Union Bank of the Philippines recorded net income of P4.3 billion in the first half, or percent higher than P4 billion earned in the same period last year.

The bank’s net income growth was attributed to the sustained growth in recurring income coupled with trading profits. The bank’s resources hit P548.billion as of end June.

Aboitiz Equity’s food business contributed P717 million to the group’s income in the first half, down 19 percent from P885 million in the same period last year on higher raw material and operating costs.

The company’s real estate segment Aboitiz Land and its subsidiaries registered a net income of P202 million, up 138 percent from P85 million in the same period last year.

Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc.’s contribution to Aboitiz Equity’s income reached P494 million in January to June, a decline of 43 percent from P869 million a year ago.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

Business

Crude falls as Libya floods market

By Conor Molumby and Rupert Rowling

L

IBYA’S crude shipments jumped to a new three-year high last month, dealing a fresh blow to Opec and allied oil-producing nations as they battle to restrict a global supply surplus that’s depressing prices for the commodity.

The North African nation shipped about 865,000 barrels a day of crude in July, tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show.

That was a gain of 11 percent from June, which was already the highest since at least July 2014.

Oil, meanwhile, extended its decline below $49 a barrel as industry data showed US crude stockpiles expanded, adding to a glut.

Futures slid as much as 1.1 percent in New York after losing 2 percent Tuesday, the first drop in seven sessions. Inventories rose by 1.78 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report. Energy Information Administration data Wednesday is forecast to show stockpiles decreased for a fifth week. Opec output climbed in July as Libya boosted supply, according to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, oil companies and shiptracking data.

West Texas Intermediate for September delivery dropped as much as 52 cents to $48.64 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and was at $48.75 at 7:45 a.m. in London. Total volume traded was at about the 100-day average. The contract lost $1.01 to $49.16 on Tuesday.

Brent for October settlement was 41 cents lower at $51.37 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices fell 94 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $51.78 on Tuesday. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $2.50 to October-delivery WTI. The pace at which Libya can revive crude sales is critical for the oil market because, along with Nigeria, the nation wasn’t bound by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries supply restrictions that helped limit supply this year. Domestic conflicts mean the two nations can pump at will while other producer states are depriving themselves of export revenues. Nigeria is also boosting output as a militant campaign is quelled.

Libya’s revival “hurts Opec’s efforts to re-balance the oil market,” said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank AG. It comes at a time when other countries that agreed to curb production are starting to comply less strictly with the accord, he said.

The total output from Opec members in July rose 210,000 barrels a day from June to reach 32.87 million barrels a day, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Libya led the gains. An expected crude-price recovery has failed to materialize since January, the start point for when Opec, along with non-member nations including Russia, agreed to restrict collective output by about 1.8 million barrels a day.

It may be a challenge for Libya to maintain its current rate of exports, according to Torbjorn Kjus, chief oil analyst at DNB Bank ASA. “It would be a surprise if they could keep production stable,” he said, adding that there are still too many groups and people battling for a share of the country’s oil sales. Bloomberg

RAMPAGING DOW. Tourists pose for a picture with the Bull on August 1, 2017 in New York, as the Dow approaches the 22,000 mark. Wall Street opened on the upside, with the Dow pushing further higher after having finished Monday at a fourth-straight record high, and nearing breaking through 22,000 points for the first time ever. AFP

Venezuela eyes Plan B if US bans oil imports VENEZUELA’S state-owned oil company and its partners have quietly started working on a Plan B to find markets for the country’s crude oil if the White House ratchets up sanctions and bans imports.

Venezuela’s oil exports are vital to the cash-strapped country, prompting officials to look for alternate destinations and sources of revenue, according to people familiar with the situation.

About a third of all oil produced in Venezuela is processed at American refineries on the Gulf Coast. Shipments to the US were worth about $12 billion last year.

The US, currently the largest single buyer of Venezuelan crude, sanctioned President Nicolas Maduro Monday after he held elections over the weekend for a new assembly that will

rewrite the constitution. Meanwhile, Wall Street bankers are keeping their distance from Simon Zerpa, the 33-year-old vice president of finance at Petroleos de Venezuela SA, the state oil company, after the Trump administration levied sanctions against him and 12 other Venezuelan nationals last week.

“If a country decides to stop buying Venezuelan oil, there are many markets in the world were you can send Venezuelan oil to,” Ricardo Menendez, the country’s planning minister, told reporters Sunday in Caracas. “We already export to others parts of the world and have very strong relations from a geopolitical standpoint with Russia, China and India.”

Venezuela may find that buyers in other countries come at a

cost.

PDVSA and other exporters would be forced to sell crude at deeper discounts in other parts of the world than the US, the people said. While China and India, already heavy takers of Venezuelan oil, are seen as the obvious destinations, shipments to Asia may be restricted by limited capacity at Venezuelan ports, they said.

PDVSA didn’t return messages seeking comment.

Fewer than half of Venezuela’s main loading points are prepared to load supertankers, the most cost-effective way to transport oil to the Far East. That would likely push more Venezulean crude to Europe, where its oil would face steep competition from more-established grades from the Middle East and Europe, the people said.

Apple beats profit estimates, boosting share price

By Glenn Chapman SAN FRANCISCO―Apple on Tuesday reported stronger-than-expected results for the past quarter, with higher revenues and profits, delivering a boost to its share price.

Profit climbed 12 percent to $8.7 billion, and revenue rose seven percent to $45.4 billion, with the California-based company selling 41 million iPhones in the fiscal third quarter to July 1.

Shares rose nearly six percent to $159.01 in after-market trades that followed released of the earnings report.

“We’re happy to report our third consecutive quarter of accelerating growth and an all-time quarterly record for services revenue,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said in a release.

Apple has been highlighting the increasing amount of money it brings in selling digital content and services to people using its popular devices.

The move is seen by some as an effort to assure investors that the company’s fortune doesn’t rest solely on sales of iPhones, which have been its main revenue driver.

Apple also highlighted that 61 percent of the revenue in the quarter came from outside the United States.

However, revenue in the important China market slipped 10 percent from a year earlier to slightly more than $8 billion.

Apple last month removed software allowing internet users to skirt China’s “Great Firewall” from its app store in the country, sparking criticism that it was bowing to Beijing’s tightening web censorship.

Chinese internet users have for years sought to get around heavy internet restrictions, including blocks on Facebook and Twitter, by using foreign virtual private network (VPN) services.

Beijing mandated in January that all developers must obtain government licenses to offer VPNs, leading to the Apple decision.

“We would rather not remove the apps, but like in other countries, we obey the laws where we do business,” Cook said during an earnings call.

“We are hopeful that over time, the restrictions we are seeing are loosened, because innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate, and I know that is a major focus there.”

Cook maintained that the App Store in China

A screen displays products during the grand opening of the Apple Inc. store in the Westfield Corp. World Trade Center retail complex in New York. Bloomberg

remained stocked with VPN apps, including creations from developers outside that country.

Cook sidestepped a question regarding talk by US President Donald Trump that Apple planned three big new US plants.

When asked about the Trump talk, Cook said Apple felt a responsibility to increase economic activity in this country but said nothing of building more manufacturing facilities here.

Cook said Apple has already created two million jobs in the US, about three quarters of those developers making software for its devices.

“I think the developer community will be the largest contribution Apple can make,” Cook said.

He added that Apple buys lots of money on goods and services from US suppliers, and recently launched a fund to promote US manufacturing.

That fund was started with a billion dollars, some $200 million of which is going to Corning Glass to expand a US plant for making screens for Apple mobile devices, according to Cook.

Apple is also investing in education programs teaching technical skills, and is likely to hire more workers.

“That is what we are doing from a job growth point of view and we are very proud of that,” Cook said after outlining efforts that did not include Apple building factories.

Trump vowed while campaigning that he would force Apple to bring production to US soil.

Anniversary iPhone?

The quarterly update for the world’s most valuable company showed it was able to keep positive momentum even as some consumers waited for the anticipated 10th anniversary iPhone expected later this year.

While iPhone sales in the quarter rang up at the high end of Apple’s forecast, Cook said a “pause” in buying due to rumor of an anniversary model arriving later this year kept the number from being even higher.

But Apple still faces pressure with an increasingly competitive smartphone market dominated

by Samsung and others using the Google Android operating system.

Apple is seeking to diversify its product line with the Apple Watch, digital content and other services, but the iPhone accounted for more than 60 percent of revenue in the past quarter.

Sales of Apple Watch and iPad climbed in the quarter.

Analyst Patrick Moorhead at Moor Insights & Strategy said Apple delivered strong results, calling it “a very good quarter driven by strong iPhone sales, but all product and service categories had improvements.” AFP

Another alternative on the table would be to increase oil processing domestically. The option has limited effect, since the country’s refineries are experiencing multiple outages and breakdowns due to lack of maintenance.

PDVSA’s refineries were operating at 43 percent of capacity in June. If they were operating at full rates, they could offset the loss of the US market for the most part, according to the people. At full rates, the refineries in Venezuela could take an additional 550,000 barrels a day.

That compares with 741,000 barrels a day imported by the US last year. The ramp-up in oil processing would produce a surplus of oil products that could eventually bite back at US refineries.

Bloomberg

Toyota, Nissan beat American car firms TOYOTA Motor Corp. stood out as the only major automaker to increase US sales last month and Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. both beat projections as demand at traditional US automakers slumped.

Sales at Toyota rose 3.6 percent in July, defying estimates of a decline of about the same magnitude. While sales at Nissan dropped 3.2 percent and slipped 1.2 percent at Honda, analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected larger declines.

The Japanese manufacturers came out best in the worst month for the US auto industry since August 2010, a year after the federal government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program to stimulate demand. Traditional Detroit automakers such as General Motors Co. are also competing with luxury brands that are offering more SUV models―and selling them at larger volumes―than ever before.

“That market share now is being spread amongst a greater competitive set,” said Peter Nagle, senior automotive economist with IHS Markit. Detroit’s major automakers “are suffering as a result of that.”

Honda, which lifted its outlook for full-year operating profit, saw its shares climb 3.9 percent in early trading in Tokyo on Wednesday, the biggest jump since the beginning of January. Toyota’s stock gained 0.6 percent and Nissan added 0.5 percent.

Toyota’s RAV4 crossover model notched up more than 40,000 sales. That’s a monthly volume that only full-size pickups typically achieve.

Hyundai-Kia sales tumbled 18 percent, the largest decline among the major automakers and a worse performance than analysts projected.

Meanwhile, sales at GM plunged 15 percent in its home market in July, the biggest drop in more than a year. Its Detroit rivals didn’t fare much better: Ford Motor Co. reported its biggest sales decline since October and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV had its second worst tumble this year.

The disappointing showing by local manufacturers underscores how Detroit has been struggling to live up to President Donald Trump’s prediction that it would become “the car capital of the world again.” Bloomberg

LGUs

Two bus terminals in Pasay shuttered

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

C1

By Joel E. Zurbano TWO more bus terminals on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue were ordered closed on Wednesday for continuing to defy a policy being enforced by the government aimed at easing traffic along the 23.8-kilometer highway.

The terminals along Edsa southbound near Tramo Street in Pasay City were being occupied by four provincial bus firms—Bragais Liner, Pamar Bus Co., St. Jude Bus Lines, and San Rafael Transit.

Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Danilo Lim and officials of the Pasay City Business Permit and Licensing Office served the cease-and-desist orders against the operators of the two bus terminals, which they said were non-compliant to the agency’s “Nose-In, Nose-Out” policy and other ordinances being enforced by the local government unit.

Lim said the MMDA also noticed the terminals had no facilities for the convenience of the passengers.

Bragais was the same bus firm involved in a notable road accident three years ago. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board had ordered the suspension for 30 days of 19 units of the bus company after one of its buses figured in an accident in Camarines Sur, which left five persons dead and 15 injured on Holy Wednesday in 2014.

Seven months ago, the MMDA inspected and found nine out of 16 provincial bus stations in Pasay City violating the “Nose-In Nose-Out” policy despite warnings given late last year. Most of the bus companies lacked the maneuvering space at their own terminals, a clear violation of the policy.

The MMDA initially offered the bus companies the South-West Interim Provincial Bus Terminal in Paranaque City being operated by the agency, but the firms refused.

The “Nose-In Nose-Out”

BACOOR FLYOVER. Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla (left in both photos) had separate meetings with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar (left photo) and DPWH Undersecretary. Catalina Cabral (right photo) to discuss the flyover project at the intersection of Molino Boulevard and Daang Hari in Bacoor, Cavite. They also discussed the additional budget to its proposed P240-million allocation for the flyover’s new design and some issues like drainage and evacuation centers. ‘This will be a great help for commuters of Bacoor and Las Piñas affected by traffic congestion in the area,’ Revilla said. Lino Santos

Muslims back Erap’s efforts

By Bill Casas

M

USLIM leaders in Quiapo are praising Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s tireless efforts to maintain peace and order in the local Muslim community and prevent communal discord between Muslims and Christians.

When the ISIS-inspired Muslim extremists attacked Marawi City, Hajji Moh’d Ersad “Bebot” Malli said Estrada immediately moved to secure the Quiapo Muslim community and protect Muslim residents from discrimination and anti-Muslim sentiment.

“I’ll give Mayor Estrada a grade of 100 percent for his support to the Muslim community,”

Malli, administrator of the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo, said.

Even before the breakout of violence in Marawi and the bomb explosions in Quiapo last May, Malli pointed out that Estrada has been going out of his way to improve the standard of living of both Muslim and Christian residents of the community.

“The bombings only served to strengthen the Muslim community’s relationship with City Hall under Mayor Erap,” the Muslim leader stressed, referring to the twin incidents of bombings in Quiapo last May that resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 20 others.

The Manila Police District (MPD) has concluded that the attacks were not terror-related.

Following the blasts, Estrada and MPD director Chief Supt.

Joel Coronel opened talks with the Muslim clerics and barangay leaders to work out a joint security arrangement to protect the community and the entire city from possible spillover of violence from Mindanao and other security threats.

“It’s really important to meet

and communicate. Now peace and order has returned to our district,” Malli said.

Through Estrada’s peace initiatives, Malli said the observance of the recent holy month of Ramadan was generally peaceful, with thousands of visitors trooping to the Golden Mosque during “Tarawih,”, the Muslim equivalent of the Christians’ Evening Mass during Christmastime.

“We thought only few people would attend the Tarawih prayers, but we saw a lot more coming,” Malli recounted. “Not only Manilans were coming, but those from Pasig, Fairview and other areas came to our mosque.”

He attributed it to concerted efforts of the city government and the Muslim community to erase the social stigma against

QC gives out PWD gear, wheelchairs

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Wednesday ordered the distribution program of wheelchairs under the “Handog sa Bayan, Serbisyong Caravan” to ensure the effective delivery of basic health and services to underprivileged city residents.

Aside from wheelchairs, canes, walkers and crutches, Bautista ordered the city government to set aside a one percent of the annual budget for programs that will redound to the benefit of persons with disability.

He said the move is imperative to the city government’s continuing effort to mainstream PWDs in all government programs, and to open opportunities toward an inclusive society for all.

“What the city is doing is planning our investments for us to able to address the city’s various health challenges, especially those concerns affecting PWDs in the city,” he said.

Based on the latest summary distribution report submitted by Emy Duran, officer in charge of the city’s rapid team, 3,678 wheelchairs, 868 canes, 182 walkers and

147 crutches have already been distributed by the city government.

“What we are doing right now is provide mobility to physically challenged but underprivileged city residents,” she said, adding the beneficiaries are those who really cannot afford to buy a wheelchair.

Benjamin Agustin, 60, of Barangay Commonwealth, is one of the 4,000 physically challenged city residents that were provided free wheelchairs by Bautista for the past three years.

Meanwhile, the search is on for this year’s outstanding residents and organizations of Quezon City.

“The search process formally begun with the convening of the Board of Judges headed by former UP president Dr. Emerlinda Roman, also 2007 Gawad Parangal Awardee,” Dr. Manuel S. Alba, exofficio chairman of the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal, said.

Among the recipients of last year’s Gawad Parangal were: the late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, and actress Jaclyn Jose.

Healthy school food for Navotas

By Jun David

GOOD RELATIONS. Angelito R. Ravanera (in barong), Director of the National Police Commission in Region 4A, pins the ‘Medalya ng Papuri’ (medal of honor) on Police Supt. Chitadel Gaoiran, chief of the Police Regional Public Information Office, during the traditional flag raising ceremony on Monday in celebration of the 22nd Police Community Relations Month at Camp Gen. Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna. Ravanera was also the guest of honor and speaker. Roy Tomandao

Boy Scouts laud Herbert’s leadership over 25 years QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has been recognized by the scouting movement for his leadership and support to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Quezon City Council for the past 25 years.

“Honorable Herbert M. Bautista has been a long-term con-

tributor to scouting, serving the board for 20 years in the roles of member-at-large, senior vicechairman, and council chairman,” council scout executive Dr. Antonio Merino said.

The BSP Quezon City Council also recognized Bautista for being the pioneer and progressive

peace-loving Muslims brought about by the Maute group’s killing of innocent Christians and non-Muslims in Marawi.

On the issue of drugs, Malli said that both Muslim and Christian residents are now helping the MPD in ridding the Quiapo Muslim community of drug peddlers.

“The Golden Mosque area is OK now, it’s drug-free. It used to feel like a market for drugs before,” he said.

Malli expressed the Muslim community’s gratitude to Estrada for assisting Marawi residents who have sought refuge in Manila, foremost of which was the therapy and trauma treatment program the City Hall had initiated to aid displaced schoolchildren now enrolled in local public schools.

advocate for the environment and climate change issues.

Quezon City is the first city in the Philippines to implement a Green Building Ordinance, an ordinance requiring the design, construction, retrofitting of buildings, other structures and, movable properties to meet

minimum standards of a green infrastructure.

“He is leading the city to reduce its carbon footprint through the shift of public facilities towards alternative energy sources, wider installation of systems for resources, reuse, and restrictions in the use of

non-biodegradable materials, such as, plastic bags,” Dr. Merino added.

Mayor Bautista as the council chairman of BSP Quezon City, led the construction of a three-storey annex building and provides financial assistance of more than P1 million annually.

NAVOTEÑO parents are now assured their kids will only get healthy food from school canteens, following the city’s implementation of the Department of Education Order 13 series of 2017.

The Navotas Schools Division Office held a forum for principals, canteen managers, and clinic teachers on the Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverages in Schools.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco expressed support for the policy, saying it helps secure the health of young Navoteños.

“It has been our goal to require schools to prepare only healthy food for our students.

We are grateful that DepEd shares and supports our advocacy,” Tiangco said.

Under the mayor’s direction, Avot John, the official mascot of Navotas, visited all public elementary schools to promote healthy lifestyle to Navoteño students.

Based on studies, 79.7 percent of Filipino children nationwide aged five to 10 are malnourished, prompting the intensified campaign for the provision of balanced and healthy food in schools.

According to the DepEd order, school canteens will limit their preparation of foods high in fat and sugar, and ensure that students are provided with a complete mix of go, grow, and glow foods.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

Standard THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 C2 TODAY Manila

Pangasinan nears free public Wi-Fi L

By Dexter A. See

INGAYEN, Pangasinan—Free Internet access in Pangasinan will soon be a reality, as Gov. Amado I. Espino III and Department of Information and Communication Technology Director Cheryl C. Ortega have signed an agreement to establish PIPOL KONEK, a free public Wi-Fi service in public places in the province.

DICT Assistant Secretary Alan A. Silor, Digital Communities Program for Countryside project manager Engineer Enrico Toledo, and DICT Mindanao Cluster 1 Director Maria Teresa

M. Camba signed as witnesses at the Sison Auditorium.

Espino thanked the DICT officials “for bringing noble and timely projects to Pangasinan.”

More than 400 participants

ANNEX F

1. Applicant’s Name: Dow AgroSciences B.V., Philippine Branch 2. Applicant’s Address: 23F 6750 Building, Ayala Avenue, 1221 Makati City, Philippines 3. Telephone Number/ Facsimile Number, E-Mail Address of the Applicant: Tel. : 02 819-1986 local 2203 Fax : 02 815-2180 or 02 840 2352 Email : BGErmita@dow.com 4. Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative: Bella Victoria G. Ermita Regulatory Specialist 5. Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use (mention the crop, transformation event, new trait conferred, name of the gene transferred, method of transformation, and advantages of the trait conferred): DAS-40278-9 corn plants have been genetically modified by WhiskersTM method using silicon carbide fiber-mediated transformation to transfer vector DNA, containing the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase-1 (aad-1) gene into corn cells. The aad-1 gene expresses the (AAD1) protein from Sphingobium herbicidovorans, that provides tolerance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and the aryloxyphenoxypropionate, or “fop”, family of herbicides including quizalofop, which are valuable tool for weed control.

6. If to be imported, Country (ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article United States of America, Canada 7. Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment (summarize human and animal health and environmental assessments done and studies implemented indicating potential effects on human and animal health and the environment)

Foods and feed derived from DAS-40278-9 maize can be considered equivalent to existing food and feeds based on information provided on the genetic material, history of human consumption, the nutrient and anti-nutrient components, and the similarities between the usage of non-transgenic corn and DAS-40278-9 maize.

The AAD-1 protein was assessed for any potential adverse effects to humans or animals. A step-wise, weight of evidence approach assessed the potential for toxic or allergenic effects from the AAD-1 protein.

Results of the over-all AAD-1 protein safety assessment indicate that it is unlikely to cause allergenic or toxic effects in humans and animals.

Nutrient composition analyses of maize forage and grain of DAS40278-9 maize plants with the composition of a non-transgenic control maize was compared. These analyses measured key nutrient and antinutrient levels in DAS-40278-9 maize that was unsprayed, sprayed only with 2,4-D herbicide, sprayed only with quizalofop herbicide or sprayed with both 2,4-D and quizalofop. The compositional analyses indicated that DAS-40278-9 maize is substantially equivalent to non-transgenic maize and does not confer unexpected or unintended effects.

PIPOL KONEK—one of the three flagship programs launched by DICT along with the National Government Portal and the National Broadband Plan that would serve as the country’s data backbone—was earlier launched

by DICT and envisioned to provide free Internet access in municipal plazas, public schools, libraries, hospitals, rural health units, police stations, and state universities, among other areas nationwide.

The project was initially launched to service fourth to sixth-class municipalities nationwide. In Pangasinan, it currently serves the towns of Laoac and Sta. Maria, and the City of Dagupan.

ANNEX F

PUBLIC INFORMATION SHEET FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING PROPOSAL FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING OF DAS-40278-9 MAIZE

converged for the two-day conference in Lingayen to share each center’s achievements in reaching the unserved and underserved communities in the country. They represented Pangasinan-based TECH4ED Centers, and 11 other province-based centers from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, and Rizal.

At the conference dubbed “Empowering Communities through Digital Opportunities,” Silor presented the agency’s milestones in raising awareness on DICT’s efforts in eliminating the digital divide to create digital inclusion through TECH4ED and PIPOL KONEK.

Environmental assessments of DAS-40278-9 maize were carried out by field testing DAS-40278-9 maize in the major maize growing regions in the US. Results demonstrated that DAS-40278-9 maize and conventional maize are equivalent, and there was no evidence indicating that the occupational hazards associated with the cultivation, storage, handling and processing of DAS-40278-9 maize are any different from conventional maize.

8. Brief Summary of Potential Benefits (Describe how the new trait will benefit farming, the farmer, the environment, and society as a whole)

PUBLIC INFORMATION SHEET FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING (to be accomplished by the Applicant and notarized) PROPOSAL FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING OF DAS-81419-2 SOYBEAN 1. Applicant’s Name: Dow AgroSciences B.V., Philippine Branch 2. Applicant’s Address: 23F 6750 Building, Ayala Avenue, 1221 Makati City, Philippines 3. Telephone Number/ Facsimile Number, E-Mail Address of the Applicant: Tel. : 02 819-1986 local 2203 Fax : 02 815-2180 or 02 840 2352 Email : BGErmita@dow.com 4. Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative: Bella Victoria G. Ermita Regulatory Specialist 5. Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use (mention the crop, transformation event, new trait conferred, name of the gene transferred, method of transformation, and advantages of the trait conferred): Soybean transformation event DAS-81419-2 carries three genes cry1Ac(synpro), cry1Fv3, and pat which express two insecticidal proteins, Cry1Ac and Cry1F, and phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT), respectively. The newly introduced proteins provide protection against several lepidopteran pests of soybean, including soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includens), velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), and tolerance to glufosinate. DAS81419-2 was developed through the use of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

6. If to be imported, Country (ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article United States of America 7. Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment (summarize human and animal health and environmental assessments done and studies implemented indicating potential effects on human and animal health and the environment) Foods and feeds derived from DAS-81419-2 soybean can be considered equivalent to existing soybean foods and feeds. DAS81419-2 is not materially different from conventional soybean except for the introduced insect resistance and herbicide tolerance traits.

DAS 81419-2 soybean has been shown to be compositionally and nutritionally equivalent to conventional soybean. Moreover, since DAS 81419-2 soybean is considered to be comparable and substantially equivalent to commercial soybean, the substitution of traditionally bred soybean by DAS 81419-2 soybean will not be of any nutritional significance for any population groups. Safety of the Cry1Ac, Cry1F, and PAT proteins to humans has been established based on their 1) lack of acute toxicity in mice, 2) rapid digestion in simulated gastric fluids, 3) lack of homology with known protein toxins or allergens and 4) heat lability.

Environmental assessments of DAS-81419-2 soybean were carried out by field testing DAS-81419-2 soybean in the major soybean growing regions in the US. Results demonstrated that DAS-81419-2 soybean and conventional soybean are equivalent, and there was no evidence indicating that the occupational hazards associated with the cultivation, storage, handling and processing of DAS-81419-2 soybeans are any different from conventional soybean.

Herbicide tolerant crops have played and continue to play a central role in improving agricultural productivity and protecting the environment.

Over-reliance on a single herbicide can shift weed populations to less susceptible and potentially more troublesome species. To preserve the efficacy and economic benefits of herbicide tolerant crops, farmers are encouraged to adopt weed management programs that utilize herbicides (2,4-D and quizalofop) with multiple modes of action.

DAS-40278-9 maize trait will provide growers with greater flexibility in herbicide usage for the improved control of key broadleaf weeds; allow an increased application window for effective weed control; provide an additional herbicide mode of action to delay the development of herbicide resistance in other weeds; and enable the use of a fop herbicide (such as quizalofop) for commercial grain production and as a selection agent in breeding nurseries.

8. Brief Summary of Potential Benefits (Describe how the new trait will benefit farming, the farmer, the environment, and society as a whole)

9. Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted (for FFP; for Commercial Propagation)

9. Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted (for FFP; for Commercial Propagation)

DAS-40278-9 maize has been approved for import, food, and/or feed uses in Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Japan, South Africa and Taiwan.

DAS-40278-9 maize has been approved for propagation in United States of America, Canada and Brazil.

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from date of publication) on the Proposal for the Importation of DAS-40278-9 maize for direct use as food and feed, or for processing Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number 521-1080 Fax Number 521-1080 E-Mail bpibiotechsecretariat@yahoo.com Approved for Publication:

In recent years, crop and yield losses by defoliating insects have been significant in some soybean producing regions around the globe. Four lepidopteran species are particularly problematic for soybean production and chemical insecticides can have limited efficacy in controlling lepidopteran infestations. Narrow application windows, the emergence of insecticide resistance, and public pressure for reduced pesticide use limit the desirability of this approach to pest management. DAS-81419-2 soybean offers several potential benefits, which include an efficient and environmentally sound alternative to chemical insecticides, and greater durability and improved insect resistance management.

DAS-81419-2 soybean has been approved for import, food, and/or feed uses in the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

DAS-81419-2 soybean has been approved for propagation in the US, Brazil, and Argentina.

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from date of publication) on the Proposal for the Importation of DAS-81419-2 Soybean for direct use as food and feed, or for processing Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number 521-1080Fax Number 521-1080 E-Mail bpibiotechsecretariat@yahoo.com Approval for Publication: VIVENCIO R. MAMARIL, PhD. Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:

VIVENCIO R. MAMARIL, PhD. Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me by Vivencio R. Mamaril known to me to be the same person who presented the foregoing instrument and signed the instrument in my presence, this 3rd day of April 2017 at Taguig City, affiant exhibiting to me his GSIS#2001089805 issued on________ at_________.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me by Vivencio R. Mamaril known to me to be the same person who presented the foregoing instrument and signed the instrument in my presence, this 3rd day of April 2017 at Taguig City, affiant exhibiting to me his GSIS#2001089805 issued on________at_________.

According to Knowledge Education Center Chairman Engineer Mario Antonio V. Aya-ay, PIPOL KONEK has a multi-level registration system that determines data allocation per user.

A user can choose among Level 1 (50 mbps)—anonymous gadget log-in; Level 2 (100150mbps)—requires user to register with an email account; and Level 3 (300mbps)—where user is required to register using a Citizen’s Digital ID for their daily internet data allocation.

Topics tackled during the twoday event were best practices from five TECH4ED Centers, Cyberproofing, Virtual Awareness, Skills Development and Enhancement Program for On-

line workers, online English teaching, Agri E-marketing, and data visualization and infographics.

The free hotspots aim to improve communication, stimulate socio-economic growth, and accelerate social and educational opportunities.

During the Governor’s Fellowship Night, the governor took pride in recalling the leadership of his predecessor and father, current Rep. Amado T. Espino Jr. The elder Espino spent his nine years as governor “in making massive improvements in the province through good governance and programs, which improved lives of fellow Pangasinenses,” the son said.

NGCP trains officers in Bataan, Zambales BALANGA CITY—The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines will conduct communications training for energy information officers in the provinces of Bataan and Zambales next month in Subic.

“We want to help energy information officers better communicate with the electric-consuming public,” said NGCP Regional Corporate Communication officer Fely Francisco. “The training also aims to help them to always provide timely and accurate information to the public.”

Information officers and personnel of Penelco, Zameco I, Zameco II, OEDC, and other companies in the power industry will be invited in the training. PIA Bataan manager JM Garcia will be resource speaker in the training.

“NGCP and PIA recognize the important role of electric cooperatives in our daily lives. We aim to bring them closer to the people and the people closer to them

through fast and reliable communication,” Garcia said.

The electric transmission company is also working closely with the local media for effective power reporting and accurate information dissemination. Toward that end, the NGCP Bataan Energy Press Corps was formed recently.

The NCGP previously conducted a seminar for engineers and personnel of electric cooperatives and companies in the province of Zambales and Pampanga.

About 35 participants mostly engineers from Zambales 1 Electric Cooperative Inc., Zambales 11 Electric Cooperative Inc, Olongapo Electricity Distribution Inc., Subic Enerzone Corp., and San Fernando Electric Light and Power Co. attended the two-day seminar on Overcurrent Protection Relay held at Subic Park Hotel.

NGCP Protection Services Division Unit Head Engineer Rodel Concepcion was the resource person. Butch Gunio

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF GUIUAN PORT, GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 35,110,026.17 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Guiuan Port, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, (LFP ELS No. 019-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depth of 5.00 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged/excavated soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 90 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 03 August 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 14 August 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 30 August 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 30 August 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539 PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) (MS-AUG. 3, 2017)

(MS-AUG. 3, 2017)

M. Standard – Aug. 3, 2017

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

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Homeless tent city appears in central Sydney

LIGHTNINGS IN THE PARK. Lightnings flash over the windmills of the Odervorland wind energy park near Sieversdorf, eastern Germany, on August 1. AFP

SYDNEY―A homeless tent city has sprung up outside Australia’s central bank in the heart of Sydney, sparking a war of words over who should deal with it.

More than 50 people are camping in the city’s Martin Place, home to high-end office buildings and glitzy stores.

While some have accepted offers of help and accommodation elsewhere, others have arrived to take their place.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore blamed the swelling numbers on “decades of gutless inaction” on homelessness from successive New South Wales state governments.

The city council, she said, had no power to remove them, and called on the state government to provide more affordable housing.

“It’s not illegal for people to be homeless―for some people it’s an inevitable consequence of the housing affordability crisis in Sydney,” Moore said in a statement this week.

“We have the power to move structures and make places safe. But we don’t have the power to move people on. The police have the power to do that. We’re not calling on the police to do that. But that’s the reality.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian insisted it was up to the City of Sydney to find a solution, saying government officials had been to the site dozens of times but many people refused to leave.

“It concerns me that people who are sleeping in tents in Martin Place are refusing to get help, refusing to receive help, and I frankly think it’s unacceptable,” she said. AFP

Alien Trump descends on Mexico M EXICO CITY―His skin is blue, his face contorted and his eyes bulge from his head, but the hair is unmistakable: that alien in the giant billboard over one of Mexico City’s busiest roads is Donald Trump.

In case the US president’s distinctive blond swirl didn’t tip you off, the artist has put an American flag in the background and framed the whole thing with Trump’s campaign slogan: “Make America great again.”

Ironically, this extraterrestrial Trump has landed in Mexico because he could not find a home in the United States.

American artist Mitch O’Connell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic “They Live.”

But what began as a publicity poster turned into a zeitgeisty political statement, he told AFP. “I was drawing a poster of the ‘They Live’ alien and the TV was on my drawing table. There was Trump, campaigning or doing something on television. And that hair is so distinctive. I’m looking at my drawing and at his hair and I said, ‘That hair would look fantastic on this alien,’” he said in a

phone interview from Chicago.

“They Live,” a satirical sci-fi movie starring late pro wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, is the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see that Earth’s ruling class is in fact made up of aliens who manipulate people via the mass media to spend money and accept the status quo.

O’Connell said his 21st-century take on the film resonated at a moment when reality TV star and real-estate billionaire Trump was starting his improbable rise to the presidency.

“Reality kind of just turned into this drawing.

It was not meant to be political, but it just kind of evolved,” he said.

“People had huge reactions to Trump and they loved the movie, those two things together: America getting stranger by the week with Trump running and Trump as president.”

O’Connell, 56, initially tried to get the work displayed on a billboard in the United States, but said he was rejected in several cities―despite raising $3,000 online to fund the project.

“Major billboard companies, I think they were actually worried about getting people protesting.

There was an actual real possibility that Trump would tweet about them or bash the company,” he said.

A Mexico City gallery then stepped in to get

the work displayed in Mexico, the target of much vitriol from Trump.

Trump kicked off his campaign in June 2015 with a tirade against Mexican immigrants, whom he referred to as drug dealers, criminals and rapists.

Anti-Mexican rhetoric was central to his campaign, with Trump vowing to deport Mexican immigrants en masse, make Mexico pay for a wall on the border and tear up the US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

“Trump’s first [campaign] speech was calling everybody from Mexico rapists and thieves and how he was going to build this majestic wall to keep them out,” O’Connell said.

“Mexico being the only place where I can get this billboard erected, it was a wonderful ironic twist ending to the story.”

In Mexico City, the billboard has met with bemused approval.

“To me, artistic expression related to Trump is a really good thing, in the sense that it has an impact on society, because this is kind of how we all feel, right?” said Carla Baeza, an employee at a telecommunications company in the capital.

“I think the artist wanted to capture the essence of how Trump treats Mexicans. He doesn’t respect us much,” said computer programmer Julio Acuña. AFP

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.

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF FIRST NAME

The public is hereby notified that Urbano Noel S. Ponteres resident of Buacao, Clarin, Bohol has filed with Local Civil Registry Office of Clarin, Bohol No. MP CFN-0001-2017 for Change of First Name from URBANO to URBANO NOEL in his Certificate of Live Birth.

He was born on December 20, 1962 at St. Mary`s Hospital Manila and was recorded under Registry No. 3372. Ground for filing the petition is he has habitually and continously used URBANO NOEL and he is publicly known in the community with that first name.

(MS-AUG. 3 & 10, 2017)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that PUEBLO DE ORO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, with office address at 17/F Robinsons Summit Center,6783 Ayala Ave., Makati City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an expanding developer of economic and low-cost housing project (La Aldea Del Mar Phase 4) with a capacity of 374 economic and low-cost units on a non-pioneer status, with project site Sitio Judas Belt, Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Officer-In-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-AUG. 3, 2017)

Shiites prepare to protest over Afghan attack HERAT―Shiites prepared to take to the streets of Afghanistan’s Herat Wednesday following a deadly mosque attack as anger grew over the authorities’ failure to prevent the latest assault on the minority community.

Thirty worshipers including young children were killed and 64 injured when suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the Jawadya mosque in the western city near the Iranian border late Tuesday.

Nobody has so far claimed the attack, but it came a day after the Islamic State group said it had carried out a deadly assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul as it extends its footprint in the war-torn country.

Shiites, a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them.

“We are going to bury the bodies this afternoon and then hit the streets demanding justice,” said a sobbing Farhad Dost, whose cousin died in the attack.

“I lost all my loved ones, they even killed children as young as seven. This wasn’t an attack on Shiites, this was an attack on all Afghans, all Muslims,” he told AFP. Members of the Shiite community said police had abandoned them after the two attackers struck at around 8:00 pm (1530 GMT) on Tuesday.

“The police checkpoint is around 100 meters from the mosque. They didn’t even try to stop the attackers. They all fled when they heard the blasts,” said a distraught Dost.

Angry locals then clashed with the police and set the checkpoint on fire, according to witnesses who reported that officers opened fire, injuring some demonstrators.

Farhad Afshar rushed to the mosque, where worshipers had gathered for prayers, after hearing the explosion. AFP

Brazil’s Congress to vote on Temer’s corruption trial BRASILIA―Brazil’s center-right President Michel Temer faces a vote by lawmakers Wednesday to decide whether to put him on trial for corruption in the latest political turmoil shaking Latin America’s biggest country.

A deeply unpopular veteran of the ruling PMDB party, Temer is accused of taking bribes from a meatpacking industry executive―part of a wider scandal sucking in major politicians of every stripe.

If two-thirds of THE deputies in the lower house of Congress accept the charge, Temer will be suspended for 180 days and face trial at the Supreme Court.

The upheaval comes only 12 months after the same lawmakers ejected Temer’s leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff in an impeachment trial.

Analysts say Temer has enough support to stop a two-thirds majority, in which case the charge would be thrown out.

The first question, however, is whether the vote will take place. Many in the opposition have vowed not to show up, preventing the chamber from reaching the necessary quorum of two-thirds or 342 deputies.

The strategy would be to postpone the vote and increase pressure on Temer, who has been lobbying energetically for it to go ahead so that he can put the issue behind him.

“Every day, new information comes in on other corruption cases involving the government,” Paul Pimento, from Rousseff’s leftist Workers’ Party, said.

“The more of this that comes to the attention of voters and Congress, the greater the chances of us getting the votes to remove Temer.”

Temer is the highest-profile target in the Operation Car Wash anti-graft probe, which has uncovered rampant bribery and

embezzlement in big business and high politics.

He has historically low five percent approval ratings and expectations are that top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot could file a second criminal charge―for obstruction of justice―in the coming weeks.

In the current charge, Temer is alleged to have been the intended recipient of $150,000 in cash that a close aide was caught carrying in a suitcase in Sao Paulo.

The money was allegedly part of a steady flow of bribes to Temer from the JBS meatpacking giant.

In a separate investigation, prosecutors cite a secretly recorded late-night meeting between Temer and one of JBS’s owners, Joesley Batista. In the recording, Temer allegedly is heard authorizing hush money payments to a onetime senior politician convicted of corruption, Eduardo Cunha.

Batista gave prosecutors the recording as part of his cooperation in a plea deal, one of the many that Car Wash investigators have used to build graft cases.

But Temer has proved a canny operator in Brazil’s toxic political landscape.

Rousseff claimed to have been the victim of a coup mounted by the right, including Temer, who was her vice president.

Once impeachment proceedings began, she was swiftly pushed out.

Temer, however, has shored up his own teetering coalition with political patronage and support from business interests that back market reforms aimed at strengthening Brazil’s tepid recovery from recession.

“Five major parties have already decided to back the president and that alone comes to 200 votes,” said an aide.

House Speaker Rodrigo Maia, a Temer ally who would become interim president if a trial started, says he wants the vote to go ahead on time. AFP

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

InvItatIon to BId Procurement of maGnetIc reSonance ImaGInG (mrI) - reBId PuBLIc BIddInG no. vmc-2017-019 1. The Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC), through the General Appropriations Act/ Income CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of Philippine Currency: Seventy Million Pesos Only (PhP 70,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the Procurement of maGnetIc reSonance ImaGInG (mrI) - reBId under PB No. VMC-2017-019. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The VMC now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the procurement of the above-captioned package. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, entitled “Instructions to Bidders”.

3. 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” and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to Republic Act No. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4. Only Bids from Bidders who passed the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents entitled, “ITB”. The Bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine the responsiveness of the bid submission to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated And Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the VMC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-4:00pm (Monday to Friday) starting August 3, 2017.

6. The VMC will hold a Pre-bid Conference for this bidding activity on August 9, 2017, 10:00am at the Valenzuela Medical Center, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference. Those who have not purchased the bidding documents may act as observers and submit written queries, subject to the guidelines as stated in the IRR of RA 9184.

7. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos Only (P25,000.00). The method of payment will be in cash or manager’s check. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective bidder or his authorized representative. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity; Provided, that Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

8. Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before August 23, 2017, 10:00am, at the VMC BAC Secretariats’ Office.

9. Bid Opening and Eligibility Check will be on August 23, 2017, 10:00am. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late submission of bids will not be entertained. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the prescribed form, amount and validity period.

10. The Valenzuela Medical Center reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariats’ Office, Valenzuela Medical Center, Annex Building, 2nd Floor, Padrigal St., Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 (sgd) JOSEPH T. NOCOM, MD, FPOA Chairperson Bids and Awards Committee (MS-AUG. 3, 2017)

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

World

ON THE BEACH. People enjoy the beach at sunset in the Cava díAliga on the Mediterranean island of Sicily on August 1, 2017. AFP

Missile fires up fears for US-Korea alliance S EOUL―North Korea’s latest missile test has extended the range of its weapons to much of mainland United States and raised a new fear in the South: would Washington protect Seoul when that could put American cities in danger?

The US is security guarantor for the democratic and capitalist South, where 28,500 US troops are stationed to defend it from Pyongyang after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a ceasefire instead of a peace treaty.

The alliance with Seoul has also been a key pillar of Washington’s geopolitical strategy in Asia, where China is increasingly flexing its muscles as it seeks military clout commensurate with its economic might.

But last week’s intercontinental ballistic missile test put major US cities including Chicago and Los Angeles within range of a poten-

tial attack from the nuclear-armed North.

Now South Korean media and experts fear that could cast a cloud over US commitment to the alliance, long described as “rock solid” by both sides.

“Would the Trump administration protect us from an attack from the North when doing so could risk putting the US in danger of a nuclear attack?” JoongAng Ilbo, a major Seoul newspaper, said in an editorial.

It was only “a matter of time” before the North develops a fullyoperational, nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US, it

said.

And at that point, it concluded gloomily, the answer “may not be yes”.

There remain doubts whether the North has mastered the technology needed for a missile warhead to survive re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, or if it can miniaturize a nuclear weapon to fit into a nose cone.

But it claims to have done so, and has undoubtedly made rapid technological advances since Kim Jong-Un came to power in 2011, with the young leader overseeing three nuclear tests and a string of missile launches.

The North has for decades demanded the US sign a peace treaty with Pyongyang and withdraw its troops from the South.

Visiting US politicians always pledge that Washington is committed to the alliance. Vice-President Mike Pence, who toured the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas in April, called it

“ironclad and immutable”.

But South Korea’s top-selling daily Chosun Ilbo questioned those reassurances following the ICBM test.

It was “hard to expect the US to help the South” if that risked a nuclear attack on America, it said in an editorial Monday, and followed up Tuesday warning: “The worst-case scenario is US troops withdrawing from the Korean peninsula.

“That is what North Korea ultimately wants,” it added. “For South Koreans who have grown used to decades of protection from the US Forces Korea, that prospect is almost unimaginable. But the reality is that things are heading in that very direction.”

At the same time, South Koreans fear the possibility of a preemptive strike by the US against the North, which could trigger devastating consequences even without Pyongyang resorting to nuclear weapons. AFP

Samsung heir takes stand to deny charges SEOUL―The heir to the world’s top smartphone maker Samsung took the stand Wednesday in his corruption trial, to be questioned by prosecutors about the scandal that brought down South Korea’s last president.

It was the first time Lee JaeYong, vice president of Samsung Electronics and the son of the Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-Hee, had faced interrogation since the high-profile proceedings began in March.

The 49-year-old, under detention while the trial is underway, took the stand in a Seoul court wearing a shirt and dark blazer.

He bowed slightly towards the three judges on the podium as his

co-defendants, an army of lawyers, and a packed courtroom looked on.

Lee and four other Samsung executives are accused of bribing the powerful confidante of then-President Park Geun-Hye with millions of dollars to win presidential favors and ease a controversial 2015 merger deal.

The merger was seen as a key step in ensuring an untroubled power transfer to Lee from his father.

Park was formally impeached and removed from power in March after public uproar over her questionable ties with confidante Choi Soon-Sil sparked mass nationwide protests for months.

Choi―daughter of a shady late

religious figure who was Park’s mentor for decades―is currently on trial for using her presidential ties to force top South Korean firms including Samsung to “donate” nearly $70 million to nonprofit foundations which she controlled.

Park is also detained and on trial on 18 charges including coercion, abuse of power and bribery for offering policy favors to tycoons who bribed Choi. She is also accused of letting Choi, who has no title or security clearance, handle a wide range of state affairs including senior nominations and even her daily wardrobe choices.

Park has denied all wrongdoing and blamed Choi for abusing their

friendship.

Samsung, the single largest donor to Choi’s foundations, also separately gave her millions of euros to bankroll her daughter’s equestrian training in Germany.

Lee has denied all wrongdoing, arguing he was not aware of Choi’s existence until recently, and that Samsung was pressured to pay the money and did not seek any policy favors in return.

Choi Gee-Sung, a former Samsung Electronics vice chairman and a co-defendant―took the blame in his testimony on Wednesday, saying Lee was not involved in daily business decisions made by other senior executives such as himself. AFP

Spain hosts annual exodus to N. Africa ALGECIRAS―It’s the largest annual human migration in Europe: millions of people from France, Belgium and Italy cross Spain every summer to spend their holidays with family in north Africa.

This year, close to three million are expected to make the trip there and back through 16 ports in Spain, Morocco and Algeria in an exodus that presents a huge logistical challenge.

In 2016, Spain’s civil protection agency registered 2.8 million passengers crossing the country, and it expects even more to make the trip this year.

As a result, some 13,000 police officers have been mobilized on the Spanish side, along with translators and Red Cross volunteers.

Said Arrhamani, who lives in France’s northeastern Ardennes region, knows the route off by heart, having done it since he was a kid when his family would spend their summer holidays in Rabat in Morocco.

It’s now his turn to drive his four young children more than 2,000 kilometers down to the port of Algeciras in Spain’s south, through which more than half of those crossing the country transit.

“Thirty years ago, this was pretty unhealthy,” says the 36-year-old in the port where a hectic atmosphere reigns, with cars, trucks and buses filling all available parking spaces, waiting to board ferries.

“We could wait two days before boarding, and there were traffic jams that reached the outskirts of Algeciras.

“Now there are agents who speak to us in French and guide us until the end.”

As drivers approach southern Spain, road signs also appear in Arabic giving directions to the ports.

At the Algeciras port, most cars-some modest, others expensive―are filled with clothes, food, nappies and blankets.

While some holidaymakers eat and chat, others sleep inside their car or lie down on carpets in the shade, and still more smoke hookah pipes.

Children play football nearby.

“We left Nice [in southeastern France] yesterday at nine at night, and we arrived this afternoon,” says Karima Bel Hafout, traveling to Rabat via Tangier with her husband and two children.

“It’s close to 2,000 kilometers, but we save 2,700 euros ($3,200) compared to taking the plane.”

Others have taken the bus, and arrive even more tired.

“I’ve done my back in trying to sleep,” says Hamid Hafid, with a mix of resignation and humor, having come from Agen in southern France.

“It’s hard and long,” adds his friend Said Khadrouf, drinking from his water bottle.

After spending time back home, they will all go back north again in August and the first half of September under the watchful eye of Spanish security agents.

To avoid illegal immigration and fearing extremist attacks, agents from 16 other European countries have been mobilized to work with officers in Spain.

Last year, they checked 1.6 million passengers, Spanish police said.

Manuel Alcazar, the port’s chief of protection, says all this activity takes its toll on the port, one of the biggest in Europe.

Sitting in front of a high-definition screen in his office, where he examines the footage of close to 700 security cameras, he explains that on peak days, authorities give priority to passengers.

This, however, means that the loading of trucks carrying merchandise goes slower.

And this is an important part of the activity of a port which deals with merchandise from Spanish textiles group Inditex, spare parts for car-maker Renault, which has a factory in Tangier, agricultural products and seafood. AFP

Global warming reduces protein in key crops, says study MIAMI―Rising carbon dioxide levels from global warming will drastically reduce the amount of protein in staple crops like rice and wheat, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of growth stunting and early death, experts warned Wednesday.

Researchers say they still don’t understand how or why carbon dioxide emissions sap protein and other nutrients from plants, but the mystery is one that could have devastating consequences across the globe.

An additional 150 million people globally may be at risk of pro-

tein deficiency by 2050 because of rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere said the report in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

The study, led by Harvard University researchers, is the first to quantify the impacts of global warming on the protein levels of crops.

It relies on data from open field experiments in which plants were exposed to high concentrations of CO2.

Global dietary information from the United Nations was used to calculate the impact on people

who live dangerously close to the edge when it comes to getting enough protein. Without it, growth is stunted, diseases are more common and early mortality is far more likely.

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fossil-fuel burning that helps trap heat around the Earth. Without stark action, these emissions are expected to climb in the decades to come, resulting in rising seas, hotter temperatures and more extreme weather events.

A leading hypothesis was that CO2 might increase the amount of starch in plants, thereby decreas-

ing protein and other nutrients.

But lead author Samuel Myers, a senior research scientist in Harvard University’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health, said that experiments did not back up the theory.

“The short answer is we really have no idea,” he told AFP. “We’ve looked into it pretty extensively.”

Protein was not the only nutrient to take a major hit.

Other research has shown that rising CO2 will cut key minerals like iron and zinc in staple crops, leading to further nutritional defi-

ciencies worldwide.

Researchers calculated that by 2050, higher CO2 concentrations will sap the protein contents of barley by 14.6 percent, rice by 7.6 percent, wheat by 7.8 percent, and potatoes by 6.4 percent.

“If CO2 levels continue to rise as projected, the populations of 18 countries may lose more than 5 percent of their dietary protein by 2050 due to a decline in the nutritional value of rice, wheat, and other staple crops,” said the report.

A full 76 percent of the people on Earth rely on plants for most of their daily protein, particularly in

poor areas of the globe.

The hardest hit areas are expected to be Sub-Saharan Africa, where millions already don’t get enough protein in their diets, and South Asia where rice and wheat are common staples.

India alone may lose 5.3 percent of protein from a standard diet, putting a predicted 53 million people at new risk of protein deficiency.

Researchers said solutions may include cutting carbon emissions, supporting more diverse diets, enriching the nutritional content of staple crops, and breeding crops

R

EP. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar launched recently Living Better With Lupus, which, she says, explains the symptoms, though not readily recognizable, and why so little is known about the disease.

A young legislator, wife and mother, the Diwa Party-List representative adds Living Better with Lupus is a comprehensive guide for lupus patients and their families.

It is a very personal project of Aglipay-Villar, whose own condition she discovered 10 years ago as a young lawyer.

Married to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, with whom she has a two-year-old daughter, Emma Therese, it took time before she ascertained her condition, since the symptoms of lupus could be mistaken for other medical conditions. Worse, there are only few specialists handling lupus cases in the country.

Seven months after Hope for Lupus Foundation, Inc. was launched, it has come up with a comprehensive guide to help lupus patients and their families understand better and cope with the life-threatening disease.

“After setting up the foundation, I already pitched the idea for a book,” she said. “Many suggested that I talk about my own experience with lupus, but I wanted more than that. I don’t think people would really be interested (in my story) but (more in) something they can refer to. I wanted something that would be really useful.”

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a life-long disease in which the body’s immune system turns on itself and attacks the organs, mistaking them as foreign and harmful.

Common symptoms are the butterfly rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, shortness of breath, painful joints and muscles, frequent mouth sores, excessive hair loss, pale skin, fever and fingers that turn white or blue after exposure to the cold.

Many of the 15 chapters open with short introductions by Aglipay-Villar recalling her experience with the disease. Some chapters have notes written by other patients. “I did not experience all the symptoms, so I invited other patients to share their experiences,” she said.

The book also takes the reader into a friendly Q&A on how the disease affects various parts of the body. The 195-page book also deals with issues

Life

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

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LIVING WITH LUPUS. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar shares her story dealing with lupus, as well as valuable information from medical experts and other patients in her book ‘Living

Better with Lupus’

Book on Lupus informs readers

on the medical condition that patients and their families are likely to ask.

The legislator had valuable assistance from three professors of rheumatology at the Philippine General Hospital – Dr. Angeline Magbitang-Santiago who helped conceptualize and stage at the Cultural Center of the Philippines the Lupus Butterfly Warriors photo exhibit

that highlighted the strengths of lupus patients; Dr. Evelyn Osio-Salido who has published a research paper on SLE; and Dr. Geraldine Zamora-Racaza who is involved in various pro-poor voluntary medical efforts.

An initial 4,000 copies are available at National Book Store and Fully Booked branches.

Aglipay-Villar wrote the chapter on dealing with lupus during her pregnancy. She has a lupus complication called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (Apas) where antibodies in the patient’s body mistakenly attack the fetus. This condition makes the pregnant woman with lupus susceptible to miscarriages and blood clots.

Diwa Party-list representative Emmeline Aglipay-Villar writes a book on lupus

Her obstetrician had to partner with a pediatric cardiologist when she was pregnant to ensure that the child she carried would remain safe. This meant regular ECGs for baby Emma when she was still in Aglipay-Villar’s womb.

Emmeline did not hesitate to tell Mark her condition before they got married in 2014.

Live life the best possible way

Nestle Health Science regional business head Paul Bruhn and regional consumer care team’s Serene Lee

Zsa Zsa Padilla and daughter Coco Quizon

Father and son Ramon and RJ Jacinto

MANY associate those in the 50s and above to be slowing down in life. This mindset hinders them from doing the many things they still can achieve—exploring a new country? Learning a new hobby or sport? When it comes to experiencing “firsts,” millennials and their adventurous spirit usually comes to mind. But what these parents of millennials may not realize at first is with the age of wisdom comes new possibilities that will encourage one to never stop exploring.

Boost, a nutritional powdered supplement drink from Nestle Health Science is specially formulated for adults 50 and up to address their nutritional needs as they age in order to get the most out of life—to live up and be their best.

“We believe we have the responsibility to provide nutritional therapies that change the way we approach health, and ultimately help create a better quality of life for our consumers,” says Paul Bruhn, regional head of Nestle Health Science AOA. “We recognize the increase in aging consumers who now live longer, and we aim to empower them to take action to manage the age-related changes they experience and help them stay healthy,” he added.

Research shows that special nutrition may help to manage the normal changes our bodies go through during life. It is important to consider that nutritional needs tend to evolve with time and gradual changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and metabolism often develop. That is why Nestle Health Science developed the Boost range. It takes into consideration what nutrition may be lacking in the diets of adults 50 and up, and these oral nutritional supplements can positively impact their nutritional intake to help them stay healthy and active.

Boost recently brought together a few of the country’s personalities and their children to show us how baby boomers and millennials are more alike than we think.

“I realized that age is never an excuse to stop yourself from trying new things,” shares Ramon Jacinto. “I see it in my kids and if I want to be youthful like them, all I need to do is believe that I can still do as much as they can!”

Ramon’s son, RJ, agrees saying, “I notice that dad has been more daring. Ayaw magpatalo sa millennial!”

“It’s refreshing hitting new milestones at this age. And I think I can go on doing just that till I hit 70!” shares Quinito Henson When asked about a surprising ‘first’ she saw her mother accomplish, Coco Quizon, daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla shares, “I remember when my mom and I tried to learn how to drive together a few years ago. We pretty much quit soon after because we were hitting every curb!”

“I was usually so scared of driving; there’s so many different things to worry about,” Zsa Zsa adds, ”But then one day, I surprised her by picking her up for dinner.”

“I still don’t drive or have a license, so good job for her!” Coco says.

It is recommended to drink Boost one to two times a day, as part of a balanced diet. “It has been proven that we should eat five small meals a day and not let ourselves go hungry because then, the body will start to store fat to have some energy on reserve. Eating one big meal for lunch or dinner is not wise because we pack all the calories in one go. Hence, Boost is perfect for my in-between meals. I can put it in my shaker and just add water,” says Ruby Gan. Boost is currently available in Mercury Drug Stores and comes in three variants: Optimum 800g P1,560 and 400g P797, Energis 480g P595, and Mobilis 405g P595. For product delivery, you may contact nestlehomecare@ rbc-mdc.com.

For more information, you may visit Boost’s Facebook Page @ NestleBoostPH.

Life

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Cycling for health and friendship I

N LINE with the ongoing celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines, members of the diplomatic corps and cycling enthusiasts joined in the recent Tour de Manille (Tour of Manila) cycling race at the SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex.

A joint project of the Embassy of France, together with Firefly Brigade, Inc. and SM by the Bay, the Tour de Manille aims to strengthen the common passion of French and Filipinos for cycling, and to also affirm France’s commitment to reinforcing global camaraderie through sports.

The Tour de Manille is inspired by the Tour de France, considered the biggest annual sporting event in the world, and gives mallgoers a glimpse of how biking can bring people together for good health, good friendship, as well as to help save the environment.

“The catchphrase of this Tour de Manille event should be ‘One more bike, one less car’,” Yves Zoberman, French Embassy Cultural counselor said in a press conference held at the Biker’s Café prior to the event.

Firefly Brigade, Inc. President Jack Yabut shared his group’s advocacy to promote bicycle riding for clean air and sustainable transportation. “Bicycling is a very economical way to travel. It answers congestion and promotes mobility,” he said.

Yabut also mentioned cycling’s health benefits: helping in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and improving one’s physical condition The Tour de Manille covered a five-kilometer route for different categories including a Fun Ride and Chase for everyone; as well as Competitive Races for more advanced bikers. The latter included the Sportive Class for Men, Sportive Class for Women, and Le Grand Spectacle Elite Pro-Class.

Rustom Lim of Team 7-Eleven Road Bike Philippines won the Le Grand Spectacle Elite Pro-Class category. RJ Peralta, also from Team 7-Eleven, and Ronnel Hualda of Team Go for Gold placed second and third, respectively.

In the Sportive Class for Men category, Niño Jazul of Team Excellent Noodles placed first, followed by Julius delos Reyes of Team Standard Insurance in second place and Juan Carlos Barrios of Team Spacool in third place.

Professional women cyclists Avegail Rombaon and Marella Salamat, both from the Philippine National Team Corratec Pilipinas bagged first and second places respectively in the Sportive Class for Women category. Melissa Jane Haroda of Team Philippine Air Force finished third.

The riders received the symbolic Medallion Rouge (Red Medal) for courage, inspired by the Tour de France where they award the Red Number for the most aggressive rider, while the top three winners in each category received medals and cash prizes.

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou flagged the Le Grand Spectacle Elite Pro-Class category of the Tour de Manille. He was joined by Yabut, French Embassy Audiovisual Attaché Martin Macalintal, and Firefly Brigade Consulting Race Director and 7-Eleven-Road Bike Philippines Team

Director Ric Rodriguez.

The Tour de Manille is part of “PhilFrance: Feel French!” a yearlong festival to celebrate 70 years of friendship between France and the Philippines.

Bikers’ Café, Bike Town Cyclery, DataOne Asia, Peugeot Philippines, Seafood Island, Shimano, SM by the Bay, and 7-Eleven supported the event. Other partners included ABSCBN News Channel, L’Officiel Manila, Manilascope, Rogue Magazine, and Solar Sports.

The first edition of the Tour de Manille is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM.

The Le Grand Spectacle Elite Pro-Class category of the Tour de Manille is a fierce but friendly competition with participants from the country’s best road race cycling teams

Sportive Class for Women category winners: Avegail Rombaon (middle) won the first place, Marella Salamat (left) bagged second, and Melissa Jane (right) took the third spot

Harnessing sun’s power for free electricity at home

The Vaseline Healing Project promotes the importance of skin health by distributing Vaseline products in resettlement areas

Improving skin health THE Philippines is no stranger to natural calamities. According to the World Economic Forum, from 1995 to 2015, there were a recorded 130 million Filipinos affected by natural disasters. In 2015 alone, the Philippines was the 4th highest ranking disaster-hit country in the world.

While most efforts are focused on immediate disaster relief, a common concern that is often overlooked is skin health. Based on data from the World Health Organization, Skin Disease was the third top cause of morbidity in Philippine evacuation centers. Exposure to the elements and overcrowded living conditions can aggravate simple skin concerns, like extremely dry skin, cuts and burns, and turn them into serious skin health issues if left untreated.

Simply providing the right personal care products can go a long way, instilling dignity and confidence in those living in the wake of crisis and disaster, so that they can go back to work or school.

The Vaseline Healing Project

In 2015, Vaseline, together with the global humanitarian aid organization, Direct Relief, created The Vaseline Healing Project, an aid effort to provide product donations, healing missions and training programs to critical areas and help people in emer-

Sportive Class for Men category winners (from left): Second placer Julius delos Reyes of Team Standard Insurance, first placer Niño Jazul of Team Excellent Noodles, and third placer Juan Carlos Barrios of Team Spacool

gency situations. To date, the Vaseline Healing Project has reached 2.4 million people across 41 countries, including USA, Ecuador, South Africa and India.

The Vaseline Healing Project was first established in the Philippines in 2015, in response to aid efforts required by thousands who lost their homes during Typhoon Haiyan. Together with Direct Relief and local partner IPIF, The Vaseline Healing Project extended medical assistance in the form of a medical mission and distribution of Vaseline products to hundreds of residents living in the resettlement area. There, medical assistance was provided for patients who had developed skin problems, such as dermatitis, impetigo, and fungal infections.

While most people associate Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to a quick remedy for simple issues like chapped lips, dry skin or cracked heels, it can also help address and prevent more pressing skin concerns.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly can be used to prevent bacteria from entering small cuts, soothe minor burns, neutralize itchiness, and prevent blisters, among others.

The Vaseline Healing Project works to promote the importance of skin health, as it continues to deploy aid efforts in areas of the Philippines that need it the most.

Witness The Vaseline Healing Project at work: http://bit.ly/2sX0ASl

EVEN Superman gets his energy from the earth’s yellow sun. This energy has been available to us for free for centuries.

Ralph Kim, a Korean national, saw firsthand the energy problems in the Philippines when he came here in 2013.

He has since felt a burden to help.

Kim was baffled about the fact that the Philippines has abundant sunlight, but a shortage of electricity supply and that the cost of electricity is continuously rising due to demand. Electricity used in the Philippines comes from coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy.

“Sunshine is a gift from God. It is clean and free. We should use it,” thought the Korean businessman who is also a Taekwondo and Aikido instructor.

So he opened the Unique Korean

Corporation, a company that supplies solar energy to residential, commercial, and industrial clients from the Sky Taeho main factory in Korea.

“You can make your home fully powered by the sun. Imagine the savings you’ll have in your electric bill! You can save 100 percent,” says Kim, who takes pride in his company’s latest technologies such as the Eco-Generator that offer long-term savings to clients.

Unique Korean Corp.’s team of professionals share Kim’s mission of protecting the environment by using solar energy – a clean, renewable and domestic energy source.

Many solar power businesses are coming out in the market. Kim says the difference of his product is that it uses

just one machine – a whole package of solar technology in a single machine that does not take up a big space, very easy to install, and can be used 24/7.

“Very simple diagram. You just need a few materials like brackets and wire.

You can also choose how many solar panels you want,” says Kim. The company installs within a day in Metro Manila, and a few days in provinces.

Machine prices range from P40,000 to P250,000 and return of investment is as little as three years. After that, you get free electricity for many many years.

Visit Unique Korean Corp. at Unit 101 Sycamore ARCS1 Buencamino St., Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City. Call 835-9251 / 0929 640 3000 for inquiries.

The Unique Korean Corp. offers easy to install machines that transform solar energy into electric power

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

Kapuso claims ‘SONA 2017’ is most watched coverage nationwide

Math made easy with "MathDali" hosts Robi Domingo and Igi Boy Flores

Knowledge Channel offers new approaches to learning KNOWLEDGE Channel’s original programs are giving students a chance to gain knowledge, solve problems, and learn skills in more ways than one with original programs like MathDali and Knowledge on the Go. With MathDali, solving math problems becomes less intimidating. It features Robi Domingo with Joj and Jai Agpangan, Igi Boy Flores and Vic Robinson, in a series of video tutorials, where they tackle topics mostly taken up at the fourth grade using a mix of animation, student-friendly language, and tips and tricks to make concepts more understandable.

Knowledge Channel has made the program available on YouTube, giving students the option to pause the video as needed, and learn at their own pace. The tutorial episodes are conducted mainly in conversational Filipino, making it easy for schoolchildren to

follow.

Meanwhile, Knowledge on the Go takes learning outside the classroom as host Marlo Mortel visits schools and invites students to participate in the three-minute “quizzes.” The students are asked to roll the dice and answer a question based on different subject categories, and win prizes for participating. The show also instills in students the idea that it is sometimes okay to commit mistakes as long as they learn from them.

It’s the first time a Knowledge Channel show takes place on the ground, with the show segments being shot in different schools.

MathDali airs Monday to Sunday at 10:20 a.m., 3 and 5p.m., while Knowledge on the Go airs after MathDali that also airs on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 8 a.m..

Knowledge Channel is available on ABS-CBN TVPlus, SKYcable, and SKYdirect.

A

S PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, GMA News once again stood out as the most trusted source of news and information, both onair and online, so the network claims.

Based on overnight data from Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement NUTAM), more Filipinos tuned in to GMA’s live telecast of Pres.

Duterte’s speech making the network’s SONA 2017 the most watched coverage nationwide with 37.4 percent people shares.

It bested ABS-CBN’s Pangako ng Pagbabago: SONA 2017 (34.3 percent).

GMA-7’s coverage registered an even bigger margin in Urban Luzon with overnight people shares of 43.2 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 26.2 percent.

Further, leading local news channel GMA News TV delivered

Based on overnight data from Nielsen Philippines, GMA Network's coverage of the 2017 SONA garnered 37.4 percent viewership nationwide or 3.1 points higher than its rival's rating.

up-to-the-minute reportage and in-depth analyses from experts on the President’s second SONA via the special coverage SONA ni PDU30 anchored by Jessica Soho and Arnold Clavio.

It posted nationwide people shares of 8.4 percent; winning over TV5’s SONA coverage,

which only got 3.9 percent. It also recorded a bigger margin in Urban Luzon with 11 percent people shares as against TV5’s 2.4 percent.

GMA News was also the goto news source online. GMA News’ Facebook Live reached a total of 2,657,146 video views as

of 6:30 p.m. of July 25, while ABS-CBN News only got a total of 1,646,732. On YouTube, GMA News’ live stream of President Duterte’s SONA was also the most watched, with 180,704 view counts as of 4:30 p.m. of July 25, way ahead of ABS-CBN News’ 36,962.

Jumpstart your career and business with DZBB Trabaho Negosyo Fair DZBB Super Radyo is once again providing a one-stop shop for thousands of job hunters and new breed of entrepreneurs as GMA’s flagship AM station continues its groundbreaking public service, DZBB Trabaho Negosyo Fair today and tomorrow at the Ground Floor Activity Center of Robinsons Las Piñas.

Local and overseas opportunities await Kapuso job seekers as more than 50 companies from different industries have been invited to join the two-day fair.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and small to mediumscale business owners will also get to learn tips

on how to start or improve their business. Three batches of business seminars each day will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the UP Institute of Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) during the two-day event.

Each seminar schedule will accommodate 60 participants per batch with the first slot beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the last ending at 5:30 p.m..

Government agencies such as the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Statistics Authority,

Public Employment Service Office, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, City Government of Quezon City, and the City Government of Muntinlupa will offer services for preemployment requirements. Help desks and free resume printing services will also be available on-site.

The DZBB Trabaho Negosyo Fair will be held at Robinsons Las Piñas Ground Floor Activity Center and is open to everyone from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..

For more details, tune in to Super Radyo DZBB 594khZ or call (02)333-7162.

Jazzin’ up August

HERE’S the best-kept secret in town for you to know. There’s a hub of good food, fine wine and spirits, and all that jazz in Manila’s swanky business and lifestyle district, and that’s in Arya Plaza along McKinley Parkway in BGC. The Arya Plaza is a destination-dining haven featuring carefully curated restaurants such as Arroz Ecija, Basil, Fukudaya, Foundry by Smith Butcher, and Lemuria.

This nook is away from the maddening bustle of the city, plus it has ample guest parking. A rarity these days, don’t you agree?

This August, the weekly musical rendezvous continues with Arya Rhythms happening every Friday evening. Someone once remarked, this fare reminded him of somewhere in Europe – nice crowd, laidback vibe, and a great al fresco venue.

The place doesn’t charge entrance fees to these events, if you may wish to take note of that.

Area One will play the best of The Beatles tomorrow. The group is composed of seasoned musicians and performers led by John Lesaca, together with Cash Manalang, and TV director Bert de Leon. This is the group’s encore at the Arya Plaza, because the crowd can’t just get enough of them.

Johnny Alegre will perform side by side with Chillitees on Aug. 11. Alegre needs no further introduction as he is known in the industry as one of the

most prominent Filipino jazz guitarists and composers. Chillitees, featuring Dan Gil and Uela Basco, on the other hand, is taking the center stage with their signature urban and soulful vibe in lyrical Tagalog.

The Executive Band will play their big band music on Aug. 18. This group is composed of heavyweights – founded by then Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus in 1957, now led by his son, Francis – the Band is a band of corporate bigwigs a.k.a the executives.

In celebration of National Heroes Day, all Filipino jazz stars will rule the stage on Aug. 25. It will be a powerhouse OPM jazz performance with Henry Katindig, Colby de la Calzada, Jun Viray, Jong Cuenco, Sandra Lim - Viray, Megan Herrera, Jeanie Tiongco, and Sandra Lim - Viray in the limelight. They’re all Arya favorites and for sure, this gang is up to a great night of music and entertainment!

To reserve a table for dinner during these live jazz nights, please call 0917 585 8708. Performance nights start at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. only.

To get to The Arya Plaza from Makati, take McKinley Road straight to McKinley Parkway (just go straight after the first traffic light) where you will have a view of Arya Residences. Turn right at the first corner (Rizal Drive) where you will see the entrance to Arya Plaza and to the basement parking to your left.

in ARYA PLAZA

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, August 3, 2017

ACROSS 1 Large lizard 5 Rattle 10 Watch pockets 14 Valhalla host 15 Trojan War cause 16 Mayberry kid 17 Earthenware jar 18 Ticket info 19 Room price 20 Vendors 22 Classified 24 Clean the pots 25 Fizzy drinks 26 Cook over charcoal 28 Nap 32 Words from Scrooge 35 Beery or Webster 37 Low scores 38 — of Base 39 Shake 41 Famous mummy 42 Shoplifter 44 Senor’s son 45 Early movie vamp 46 Recluse 48 — Lee Masters 50 Pipe wood 52 Put in office 55 Used tire

58 NFL player 60 Length x width 61 Punjab potentate 63 Cupola 64 Catchall abbreviation 65 Banded quartz 66 Cable channel 67 Football’s — Rozelle 68 Garment maker 69 Marsh grass DOWN 1 Not bad 2 Doesn’t do much 3 Purple hue 4 Similar things 5 Blackening 6 Garlands 7 Hirt and Gore 8 String quartet member 9 Prepares dough 10 Read palms 11 Silica mineral 12 Seize with the teeth 13 Bird food 21 Setting of Swed. and Switz.

23 Pool-table surface 25 Grayer

27 Kind of chop 29 Mlle. in Barcelona 30 — de France 31 Film terrier 32 Hot soak 33 Yearn for 34 Beneficiary 36 Farm worker 39 Eager 40 As one 43 Warm greeting 45 Animal raiser 47 Coronets 49 Yeasty brew

51 “Haste makes waste,” e.g.

53 Lock up 54 City near Phoenix 55 Boat runway 56 Cleveland’s lake 57 Put a toe in the water 58 Overfeed 59 Split in two 62 Talk, talk, talk

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

MUSICAL MASTERPIECE.

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid launches an album, a joint recording project with ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga

ISAH V. RED

A

RARE occurrence in Philippine recording happened recently.

And, what’s that?

A pop artist and an orchestra collaborating on an album has never happened in the annals of local recording until lately.

I am referring to NakaLokal, Ogie Alcasid’s debut on Star Music.

After his refreshing return to ABSCBN last year, Alcasid makes another soaring move as a Kapamilya with NakakaLokal, a first-of-its-kind musical collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

This is the first joint project of the orchestra with a solo artist in an album, a history-in-the-making in the local music industry.

The symphonic music of the orchestra, led by its music director Gerard Salonga, complements Alcasid’s music.

“A song always sounds best when it’s with the orchestra as there are a lot of things you can’t do with a software that the orchestra can deliver. One of my biggest dreams was to work with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and it was a blessing they said ‘yes’,” Ogie shared.

The award-winning artist’s new collection has 10 tracks, six of which are original including “Nakakalokal,” “Ikaw ang Tanging Pag-ibig Ko,” “Akala Ko,” “Di Na Muli,” “Di Ka Pababayaan,” and “Do You Wanna Dance With Me.”

ABS-CBN PHILHARMONIC

and OGIE ALCASID collaborate on an album

He is most excited about the song “Nakakalokal,” which has been chosen as the official theme song of this year’s songwriting competition, Himig Handog PPop Love Songs.

“It has brasses, with the horn section, with guitar and strings. It proudly showcases Pinoy music at its best,” he revealed.

In addition to his new songs, Alcasid has a medley with another OPM icon and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez who is his wife. These include classic hits “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” “Pangako” and “Hanggang Ngayon.”

The singer-host-actor also has three cover songs in this highly anticipated album. These include “Kailangan Kita,” the theme song of Star Cinema’s film with the same title starring Claudine Barretto and Aga Muhlach; “Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap” from the top-rating ABS-CBN teleserye Lobo starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual; and “Ikaw Lamang,” the theme song of the film Dubai,” also a Star Cinema production starring John Lloyd Cruz, Barretto and Muhlach.

The multi-awarded artist has released more than 20 albums in the past with gold, platinum and double platinum feats, highly contributing to the local music scene with songs he wrote that incude well-loved and timeless love songs and unforgettable performances.

NakakaLokal is out now on digital stores worldwide and available at all record and video stores nationwide for only P350. *** It was a night of glitz and glamor as Mary Divine Sagaral Austria celebrated her birthday. July 16 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City saw the gathering of Manila’s beautiful set that includes Cory Quirino, Ricky Davao, Jay Manalo, EJ Falcon, Ara Mina, Jean Saburit, Eva Eugenio, Imelda Papin, Aubrey Miles, Jessa Zaragoza ,Darius Razon, Andrea Brillante, fashion designer Boy Lizaso, and Becky Garcia, Al Perez, to name a few.

Austria joined by her famous husband Tam P. Austria, daughter Sistine A. Van Loan and son Mike Austria and their families mingled with their invited guests.

The celebration opened with a worldclass production of the Club Mwah performers, thanks to Pocholo Malillin.

A fashion show featuring Boy Lizaso’s creations followed. Mike Austria’s band provided music to the event hosted Johnny Litton.

Jay Park to join David Foster and Anggun at Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 judges’ table AXN announced that international pop sensation Jay Park will join the judges’ table on the highly anticipated Asia’s Got Talent Season 2.

Park, an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and savvy entrepreneur, CEO and founder of two successful record labels, will take the coveted hot seat alongside the show’s returning judges, the 16-time Grammy Award-winning music producer David Foster and internationally acclaimed singer and World Music Award winner Anggun.

The three judges, who have arrived in Singapore to start production of Asia’s Got Talent, will be tasked with judging hundreds of acts from 17 countries across the region.

“Asia’s Got Talent may reach a lot of people, but mostly it unifies a lot of countries together and that’s what I’m most excited to see - the people. I’m looking forward to being amazed, shocked, motivated and inspired,” said Park who is no stranger to discovering and developing talent. “I’m excited to be a part of the show, and I’m looking forward to joining the incredible David and Anggun to discover the next generation of Asian stars.”

Commenting on his return to Asia’s Got Talent, the worldrenowned producer and hit songwriter David Foster said, “Asia really impressed me in the first season. The talent was truly world-class. However, this season I set my sights even higher and I expect to find the next Asian international superstar. I’m also excited to team up with the gorgeous Anggun again and to work alongside Jay.” Anggun, who recently completed over 30 sell-out concerts in France and Belgium and recently received a gold sales award for her latest French-speaking album in France added, “I may live in Paris, but my heart is in Asia. I love seeing emerging talent from this part of the world. I wish every act all the very best for a great performance, and I hope that Asia’s Got Talent can be the launching pad for their dreams to take flight.”

The record-breaking series, which set new ratings records for the English general entertainment genre during its run in 2015,

will return to AXN in October. Over the course of 10 captivating episodes – comprising five judges’ auditions, three semi-finals, the finale and the results show – contestants will battle it out for the grand prize of $100,000.

Virginia Lim, senior vice president and head of Production, Content and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, said, “We are thrilled with the judges’ table this season as each judge brings their own style, voice and skillset to the show. Jay has a massive fan base in Asia, so AXN viewers will be excited that he has been selected to join an already powerful judges’ table featuring David Foster and Anggun.

“While the first season of Asia’s Got Talent on AXN rocked the region as the no.1 show in primetime, the second season promises raise the ante and cement the show’s place as the biggest, most mesmerizing talent contest in the world.”

Singapore-based actor/ models Alan Wong and Justin Bratton will host the show.

South Korean-American singer Jay Park with fellow "Asia's Got Talent" judges David Foster and Anggun, and show hosts Alan Wong and Justin Bratton

Discover kids with amazing talents in the UK edition of the hit show, "Little Bog Shots"

NINE-YEAR-OLD John Philip Bughaw, or more affectionately known as Balang, the boy who set social media on fire with his viral dancing videos will make his British TV debut as guest on Little Big Shots UK at 8 p.m. on DIVA today.

The UK version of the hit family variety franchise is hosted by award winning actress and comedienne Dawn French, best known for her role in the hit U.K. comedy French and Saunders.

Little Big Shots trains the spotlight on some of the world’s most talented children. With no prizes at stake, no winners or losers and no competition, the show is simply a showcase for three- to 13-year-olds to take to the stage and show that you don’t have to be a grown-up to be a star performer.

The centerpiece of the series is an enormous revolving stage. On one side is a sofa for French and the pint size prodigies to get to know each other; and on the other is the all-important performance space, which is as versatile as the variety of talent on offer.

Each episode will unveil aspiring young acts from the UK and around the

More amazing talents in ‘Little Bigshots UK’

world, with talents that range from black belt karate champions to classical music masters and miniature chefs. There are tiny dancers, young soul sensations, audacious scooter stunt kids and spelling bee specialists who are only just out of nursery.

Prepare to be amazed, astounded and awe-inspired as these wonderful Little Big Shots take to the stage and reveal their extraordinary talent and skills.

Joining Balang on the first episode of the brand new series are: Ballroom and Latin dancing sensations Joshua and Kerry, 9, from Ireland; gifted pianist Leo, 8, from Manchester; football fanatic Braydon, 7, from Warrington; the phenomenally talented jazz singer Angelina, 10, from Norway, and Kung-Fu warrior Junayde, 7 from London.

Brimming with charm, fun, enthusiasm, and with skills that would put plenty of adults in the shade, the Little Big Shots may be small in stature, but are guaranteed to be a tornado of talent.

DIVA is seen on Sky Cable Ch. 37,Destiny Cable Ch.40 Cignal Ch.125, and Cablelink Ch. 32 cable operators nationwide