Manila Standard - 2017 August 25 - Friday

VOL. XXXI • NO. 192 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Faeldon: Lacson’s son into smuggling

By Vito Barcelo and Macon RamosAraneta

R

ESIGNED Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon on Thursday hit back at Senator Panfilo Lacson, accusing the senator’s son and namesake Panfilo Lacson Jr. of smuggling in cement worth billions of pesos.

TAKES REVENGE. Resigned Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon (top) shows to media the interior of his residence in Taytay, Rizal to show, according to him, that he is not corrupt—then, at his news conference Thursday, says he will file smuggling charges against the senator’s son Pampi (left below, with President Rodrigo Duterte’s son Paolo), for smuggling 67 shipment of cement belonging to a company named Bonjourno which he says is owned by Lacson Jr.

In a press conference, Faeldon said that as a private citizen, he will file smuggling charges against the senator’s son for smuggling 67 shipment of cement belonging to a company named Bonjourno which he said is owned by Lacson Jr. Faeldon came out with the expose after Senator Lacson said in his privilege speech that the former Customs chief received P100 million as “pasalubong” or a welcome gift when he assumed the post last year.

Lacson also claimed Faeldon and several high ranking Customs officials receive weekly “payola” or “tara” from big importers for the troublefree release of their shipments.

Reacting to the allegations, Lacson said it would not make sense for him to expose Faeldon if he knew the former Customs commissioner had something to throw back at him or his son.

In a press conference, Lacson said he always reminded his son to be on the level in whatever

Avian flu strain can be fatal to humans

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Agriculture Department said Thursday the bird flu outbreak in San Luis, Pampanga had tested positive for the H5N6 strain, a strain that could be transmitted to humans.

“Based on the results from the Australia Animal Laboratory, they already tested the N subtype and it tested positive for the N6,” said Arlene Vytiaco, head of the Animal Disease Control Section of the Bureau of Animal Industry.

“It is a strain that could be transmitted to humans, but the rate of transmission is very, very low.”

In other developments: • Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the strict monitoring of the wildlife being brought into or out of the country as part of the government’s intensified campaign against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Cimatu recently issued a memorandum ordering all regional directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to boost their surveillance in the ports of entry to curb wildlife trafficking.

• The country has 17.3 million kilograms of chicken in cold storage, and of those 8.9 kilograms are imported and 8.39 Next page

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‘Jaguar’ ‘Paolo never asked for special favors’ rejects drug raps FORMER Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon on Thursday said Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and the socalled Davao Group never asked for special favors from him.

“No, there was nothing illegal that he requested from me,” he told a press conference in Taytay, Rizal.

“I think he respects me too much because of my relationship to his father and I don’t

believe Pulong will ever do that. Personal experience, Vice [Mayor] Pulong has never asked me [for] any illegal activity,” he added.

On the so-called Davao Group, the resigned Customs chief said he never met the group nor received any favors from them.

“No one has ever introduced himself to me as Davao group and asked for illegal request,” Faeldon said.

On Tuesday, self-confessed Customs “fixer” Mark Taguba showed the Senate blue ribbon committee a text message he supposedly received mentioning the names “Paolo” and “Pulong” before he met with Davao councilor Nilo “Small” Abellera Jr. to personally pay a P5-million “enrollment fee” that would allow his shipments to go through the Bureau of Customs “without being alerted.”

Poll peers dare Andy to quit or take a leave

Tug of war over Kian’s eyewitnesses

By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz

PUBLIC Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta on Thursday asked Senator Risa Hontiveros to turn over three eyewitnesses in the killing of 11th grader Kian Loyd delos Santos by police during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City on Aug. 16.

Acosta also revealed that the murder charges against the policemen involved in Kian’s death will be filed before the Department of Justice today (Aug. 25).

Acosta said she supported the

SIX commissioners of the Commission on Elections on Thursday urged Chairman Andres Bautista to take a leave of absence or to resign over allegations of ill-gotten wealth.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Commissioner Arthur Lim said Bautista must take a a leave or quit the Comelec because, given his problems, “he

could no longer perform his duties well as chairman of a constitutional body.”

“I would like to emphasize very strongly that when we came out to speak about this, it does not mean we believe he is guilty.

He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. I know he can defend himself and take legal remedies,” he told reporters.

Lim was joined by the five other commissioners—Christian Next page

‘No such things as quota’ THE chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, Director Oscar Albayalde, has denied allegations that police officers are given a “quota” in the government’s war on drugs.

The allegations followed the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos on Aug. 16, and the sudden spike of fatalities in antinarcotics operations in Bulacan and Manila.

At least 80 people were killed in just three days of anti-drug operations last week.

“The quota was never there. In fairness to our President [Rodrigo Duterte] he never gave us any quota. In fairness to our chief of PNP, he never gave us any quota,” Albayalde told ANC. Duterte earlier said his government was willing to carry out Next page

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

statement of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II that the witnesses should be under the custody of the witness protection program (WPP) of the Justice Department.

“Senator Risa should now turn over their custody to the DOJ and NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] because the Delos Santos family has chosen our office to handle their case,” she said, in an interview.

She also said Hontiveros’ custody of the three witnesses—including two minors—was temporary.

“The family of these witnesses initially sought her help, but the parents of the minors have already

decided to recall the custody of the witnesses from the senator,” Acosta said.

Acosta has confirmed that a fourth eyewitness was already in her office’s custody.

“We will apply for WPP coverage of the witness after the filing of the complaint for murder before the DOJ tomorrow [Friday],” she added.

The PAO on Thursday stood by the findings of the autopsy performed by its forensic experts, which showed that Kian was shot three times, twice a point-blank Next page

By Rey E. Requejo CEBU-BASED businessman Peter Lim on Thursday showed up before the Justice Department to submit his counter-affidavit denying the charges he is trading in illegal drugs filed against him by the Philippine National Police.

Lim, who wore a mask and sunglasses, submitted his counter-affidavit seeking the dismissal of the charges against him and called them “baseless and nonsensical.”

He said he had never been involved in the illegal drug trade in Central Visayas as claimed by the police, and that he never met Marcelo Adorco or Kerwin Espinosa or the other respondents tagged in the illegal drug trade.

He also denied he was the alias Jaguar in the government’s narco list and recalled that he even presented himself before the National Bureau of Investigation earlier.

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DO YOU SWEAR... Police

suspects in the Kian Loyd delos Santos killing—PO1 Jeremias Pereda, PO1 Jerwin Cruz and PO3 Arnel Oares (far left)—swear during the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs public hearing Thursday while Mrs. Lorenza delos Santos and her husband Saldy, the victim’s parents (left) listen to the suspects’ testimony during the hearing.

Lino Santos

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Sereno rejects impeach charges

By Rey E. Requejo CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday rejected the allegations in the impeachment complaint filed against her in the House of Representatives, saying she was a prudent public servant who had a clear conscience and who lived a modest life.

She made the denial when she faced reporters in her annual meetthe-press event held in Cebu City, and for the first time since several groups sought her impeachment.

“I have always lived a life of modesty. I have been prudent in the use of the Court’s resources,” Sereno told reporters.

“All the expenses for judicial reforms, my travels, my security and vehicle requirements are all regular and aboveboard.”

Sereno said the public documents released by the high court to the impeachment complainants would vindicate her.

The complainants had cited her alleged undisclosed assets in her Statement of Asset, Liabilities and Net Worth and extravagant spending of judicial funds, including her purchase of a P5-million Toyota Land Cruiser and her first-class travels aboard airplanes.

In a decision on Aug. 8, the high court granted the request of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc., the complainants in the first complaint against Sereno in the House of Representatives, for several documents that allegedly would support their claims against the chief justice.

Among the records ordered released to the VACC and VPCI were the high court’s revocation of Sereno’s order in 2012 to reopen a regional constitutional administrative office in Cebu without the high court’s approval.

The high court also granted the release of Sereno’s memorandum appointing lawyer Solomon Lumba as her staff head and the subsequent letter of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio withdrawing his signature in that appointment over an internal issue.

In another ruling on Aug. 15, the high court granted the release of additional documents against Sereno as requested by lawyer Larry Gadon, who is set to file a second impeachment complaint against her.

Avian...

From A1 million kilograms are from local producers, according to Elias Jose Inciong, president of the United Broiler Raisers Association.

“This volume is more than enough for the country’s consumption and there is no need to import,” Inciong said.

He said the country’s per capita consumption of chicken was 35 kilograms in 2016, an increase of more than 100 percent from 15 kilos in 1986 and indicating that the upswing in chicken consumption was a fairly recent phenomenon.

Vytiaco said many countries with the H5N6 had reported no human cases, and those that had it included Myanmar and Laos.

“There are a lot of countries which have this but only less than 20 people were reported to be affected and they were mostly from China,” Vytiaco said.

“It is a good thing that the Department of Health conducted surveillance in the farm workers and households [in Pampanga], and there were no other flu-like symptoms aside from those two that were earlier reported but that also tested negative for bird flu.”

Vytiaco said that while H5N6 could be transmitted by direct contact with birds or materials contaminated by the sources of infection, it was unlikely that the virus could be transmitted by human-to-human contact.

According to the 2016 Avian Influenza Protection Program Manual of Procedures of the BAI, bird flu is transmitted to humans by close contact with infected birds or through inhalation or contamination with infected discharges, feces or sick birds; virus is excreted in feces, which dries, is pulverized, and is inhaled; the flapping of wings hastens transmission.

“It could be transmitted by direct contact. If a human-to-human transmission occurs, we call that pandemic influenza but for this strain it is unlikely because it only causes low morbidity plus the mortality rate is even lower,” Vytiaco said.

“We are doing what we can to contain it and the fact that there are no reports of people with flu-like symptoms is good. But we cannot be complacent. We have to complete the protocol stated in the Avian Influenza Protection Program.”

‘Humanitarian catastrophe’ F IGHTING in the troubled southern Philippine region of Mindanao has combined with extreme weather events to create a “humanitarian catastrophe,” French aid groups said Wednesday.

Around one million people have fled their homes in the region, according to Thibault Henry, head of the Philippines chapter of the charity Acted.

“Basic needs are not covered,” Henry told AFP. “Clearly it’s a huge humanitarian

crisis, a catastrophe, that will affect the region for many years,” he said, noting that more than half of the population lives in poverty.

In early July, a top government official estimated the number of displaced at 400,000.

The Moro Islamic Liberation

Front, the Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, and government forces, with US military backing, are battling militants who support the Islamic State group in the region.

Hundreds of IS supporters occupied parts of the city of Marawi in late May in a conflict that has claimed more than 700 lives.

Mindanao was struck by typhoons in 2012 and 2013 and a drought in 2016, Henry noted, adding that other rebel movements affected other parts of the region.

Vanessa Cardamone of Handicap

Faeldon...

company—Bonjourno—was able to import billions of pesos’ worth of cement in 67 shiploads.

He also said Lacson Jr. wanted to pay only 50 percent of his freight cost.

Moreover, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines named Bonjourno as the biggest cement smuggler, Faeldon said.

“I guarantee you, Senator Lacson, the document your son presented to me wasn’t genuine,” Faeldon said.

Faeldon said the fact that Lacson Jr. was undervaluing his cargo was a clear case of smuggling.

He said that this is why Senator Lacson wanted him out of the bureau, because he was afraid that his son would be exposed.

Faeldon also suggested that the senator himself was somehow involved.

“We have now evidence sir. This is what you should worry about sir, because we are getting close to exposing you,” Faeldon said.

Faeldon also accused Lacson’s son of trying to bribe his staff when he personally brought money to the Custom’s office.

But Senator Lacson dared Faeldon to file charges against his son, saying it makes no sense for him to expose illegal activities at the BOC if his son were involved in smuggling.

“It doesn’t make sense that I will expose the shenanigans in the BOC, if my son is cheating on taxes as Faeldon is now accusing him of.

The logical thing for me to do is not to make the exposé’ and just keep quiet,” Lacson said.

Lacson rejected Faeldon’s insinuation that he was somehow involved in Bonjourno.

“First, I have nothing to do with my son’s business activities; second, there is no smuggling of cement as it is not subject to customs tariff and duties but only subject to VAT, which my son said when I checked with him just now, they always pay; third, he should have filed charges against my son if he now says, he’s into smuggling,” he said.

“Fourth, it doesn’t make sense that I will expose the shenanigans in the BOC, if my son is cheating on taxes as Faeldon is now accusing him of. The logical thing for me to do is not to make the exposé and just keep quiet,” he added.

Lacson said he told his son to prepare all documents related to his business, following Faeldon’s allegations.

Lacson said after his privilege speech, Faeldon kept texting him, asking him at one point why he chose to destroy those who are not corrupt.

“I don’t know what he means by that, but I did not reply anymore.

Until today [Thursday] while I

From A1

business dealings he would have and said he would be the first to castigate him, and even file charges against him.

Lacson said he is willing to face any Senate investigation into Faeldon’s allegations.

“I’m not hiding anything and my son assured me that he’s not hiding anything,” Lacson said.

At his press conference, Faeldon said he had documents to show that Lacson’s son was smuggling in cement, with the first shipment containing 6,000 metric tons valued at P34 million coming in on July 12, 2016.

“Another shipment with 5,202 metric tons of cement valued at P29.3 million came on July 13 and a third on July 15, with 13,000 metric tons valued at P106 million. A fourth shipment was brought to Legaspi City, with 4,250 metric tons valued at P24 million,” he said.

Lacson Jr. owned an undervalued shipment of cement that Faeldon said he discovered during his first days in office.

“We discovered the smuggled shipment during [our] first 12 days of office in Customs,” Faeldon said.

Faeldon added that Lacson Jr. had only P20,000 in capital but his

Poll...

From A1 Robert Lim, Al Parreño, Luie Tito Guia, Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon and Sheriff Abas.

Lim, however, said none of the problems arising from Bautista’s situation affected the integrity of the May 2016 automated elections.

“Regarding the Smartmatic and 2016 election, don’t worry. The election was clean and generally peaceful. The election was beyond question,” he said, referring to the accusations of defeated vice presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that said Smartmatic changed the server script without proper authority.

Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said the Comelec en banc will have to resolve the leadership vacuum should Bautista take a leave or quit.

“We have to vote as a majority. We are six. We need four [votes],” he told reporters. In the meantime, he added, business must go on as usual at Comelec.

Arthur Lim said Bautista left Wednesday’s budget hearing in Congress so he could take his children to a guidance counsellor.

He said when Bautista left, the House of Representatives threatened to give the Comelec a P1 budget, but they were able to convince the lawmakers to reset the budget hearing.

“The chairman is a good person. But we have to set aside his goodness from work. He gave priority to his children.

I would also do the same thing if I am in his shoes. Family is first,” he added.

“An impeachment complaint has already been filed against him duly endorsed by three members of Congress, hence, it will now go through the process of hearing and voting. The possibility of impeachment looms. If

‘No...

From A1

more killings in legitimate police operations if this would reduce “what ails the country.”

“If we could kill 32 [in the drug list] every day then maybe we can reduce what ails this country,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city government of Makati is set to impose curfew hours for minors to protect and save the children from getting involved in illegal drugs and other criminal activity.

The move came amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Delos Santos’ killing in the police operations “Operation Galugad” in Caloocan City.

Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay called on members of the City Council for the immediate passage of the proposed Child Protection Ordinance, which prescribes curfew hours for children below 18 years old from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. daily.

“We are pushing for the passage of the Child Protection Ordinance primarily to lessen the exposure of children

impeached, he will have to stand trial before the Senate. Before this, he and his wife have filed charges and counter-charges against each other. The grounds cited in the impeachment complaint as well as the accusations that have been hurled between the spouses are utterly serious and partake of possible criminal liability. The effects and consequences of the impeachment and conviction by the Senate acting as impeachment court will be life-changing, if not catastrophic. Newspaper reports have it that the Bureau of Internal Revenue and other agencies will conduct their own investigations even as the Senate committee on finance is already on the move,” the commissioners’ twopage statement read.

“Unfortunately, Chairman Bautista has not made good on his promise that he would inform us soonest on his course of action of either a leave of absence or resignation. More than two weeks have elapsed since then.”

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said the House would most likely attend to the impeachment complaint against Bautista next month, after it finishes its budget hearings.

He said Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has 10 days to investigate the complaint, after which the House committee on rules, which Fariñas heads, will refer it to the House committee on justice to decide on the form and substance.

Reps. Harry Roque of Kabayan party-list, Abraham Tolentino of Cavite and Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu endorsed the complaint.

Paras accused Bautista of betrayal of public trust and culpable violations of the Constitution for his alleged failure to declare his true wealth in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as exposed by his estranged wife, Patricia Paz. With PNA to various forms of violence and criminality and prevent them from becoming either the victims or the offenders themselves,” said Binay.

Binay, who also chairs the Makati City Council for the Protection of Children, also called on parents and guardians to work together with the city government in promoting a safe and secure environment for their children and wards.

“We are counting on your full cooperation and support to ensure the safety and well-being of our young constituents,” she said.

Binay also expressed confidence that the City Council would recognize the necessity of the ordinance and give it due priority, noting its impressive record of 73 ordinances and 54 resolutions passed during the first half of the year.

Under the proposed ordinance, it shall be unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly permit or allow a child to remain in any public place within the city during curfew hours.

Any public place includes streets, highways, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, vacant lots, parks, alleys, play-

Tug...

From A1 range, contrary to the findings of a police autopsy that he was shot only twice from a distance.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO’s forensic laboratory director, said their independent autopsy showed Kian suffered a third gunshot wound on his back, aside from the two to his head.

Erfe said trajectory studies showed the gunman shot Kian in the back from two feet away before shooting him again twice, pointblank in the ear.

“We saw there were burn marks on the gunshot would and skin inside his ear, which means the gun was near his ear when it was fired,” he said in Filipino.

Based on the angle of the entry wounds, Kian was already flat on the ground when he was shot pointblank.

Acosta said these findings showed Kian was intentionally killed.

In an interview on radio dzMM, she said if the victim is shot from the back, there is an element of treachery.

“This isn’t just homicide,” she said.

“There are elements of murder.”

Aguirre, who has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe on Kian’s death, earlier said that the witnesses should be transferred to the custody of the WPP. He expressed concern that the three witnesses could be polluted after they were taken into protective custody by Hontiveros, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The DOJ chief pointed out that the WPP—not the office of a senator— has the mandate to protect witnesses.

The three police officers behind Kian’s death—Police Officer 3 Arnel grounds, curbs, gutters, driveways, walkways, and public buildings.

Other places deemed public include common areas in and about churches, apartment buildings, office buildings, hospitals, schools; shops and places of entertainment such as computer shops, internet café, movie theaters and similar places or establishments; and places of amusement and eating places, whether inside or outside a motor vehicle, or other unsupervised places, among others.

However, the proposed ordinance also cites instances when a child is exempted from curfew hours.

The child is exempted when he or she is accompanied by the child’s parent, guardian, or other adult person having care and custody over the child, provided that the child is not being used for any illegal activity or crime; when the child is doing emergency errands for his or her family; or when the child is going home from work, school or religious-related activity, provided that the child will submit a certificate of attendance of said activity. Joel Zurbano

International said conflict combined with extreme weather events had created a “complex crisis.”

She said only six percent of those displaced are in camps, while most are lodging with private individuals.

For his part, Javad Amoozegar of the French charity Action Contre la Faim said humanitarian aid is falling far short of needs.

“The Philippines is at the bottom of the list... forgotten by the news,” he said. “Most donors look at the number of victims before mobilising. Here the people aren’t dead yet, but we want to help them so they

was in the budget briefing [for the Defense Department], he has been calling and texting me. I no longer responded,” Lacson said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned the timing of Faeldon’s exposé.

“Why only now, 24 hours after Senator Lacson’s expose?” he said.

He branded Faeldon’s move as an “act of desperation.”

“I have full faith in the uprightness of Senator Lacson and his family,” Drilon said.

Without any evidence other than Faeldon’s allegations, Drilon said he would oppose any investigation.

“It will be a waste of time and will simply be used as a venue for character assassination,” he said.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. also asked why Faeldon did not lift a finger to act on the alleged smuggling activities of Lacson’s son when he was still head of Customs.

“Why would he attack only now after he was attacked by Senator Lacson?” he said.

“We have to make sure that this is not a diversionary [tactic] on the issue. And Faeldon should state everything he knows about every one involved in suspicious activities in Customs and not only concentrate his return fire on the person who exposed the tara system n BOC,” Pimentel said.

don’t die.”

The 10,000-strong MILF has been leading a decades-long rebellion to establish an independent or autonomous homeland in Mindanao for the mainly Catholic Philippines’ Muslim minority.

Hardline militants including former MILF members oppose any form of peace with the government, and some have in recent years pledged allegiance to IS. The MILF has repeatedly warned that if the peace process collapses it will lose many of its younger members to IS-aligned groups.

‘Jolina’ worsens into TD

A LOW pressure over east of Catanduanes and Eastern Samar has developed into a tropical depression named “Jolina,” weathermen said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Thursday the southwest monsoon affecting the western section of Luzon would cause rains over parts of the Catanduanes and Samar islands.

Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, eastern Visayas, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Quezon and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and possible occasional heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, isolated light to occasionally heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning.

Meanwhile, moderate to strong winds will blow from southwest to south over Luzon, and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from south with slight to moderate seas, Pagasa said.

With Rio Araja and PNA

Oares and Police Officers 1 Jeremiah Pereda and Jerwin Cruz—earlier claimed that they killed Kian after he shot it out with them, but tests on Kian’s hands showed no gunpowder residue, and CCTV footage showed the boy being dragged to an alley by two policemen.

The three policemen and their superior, police community precinct 7 commander Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, were already relieved and put under restrictive custody.

At a Senate hearing on the killing, the three policemen involved in the shooting said it was not Kian that they were seen dragging on the CCTV footage, but an informant, contradicting a statement Wednesday by the PNP Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo.

Triambulo said Wednesday that two of three police officers involved admitted it was Kian they dragged, not an informant.

But before the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, Cruz, Pereda and Oares said it was their “asset” they were seen dragging.

When Senator Grace Poe asked why they had to drag their informant, Cruz responded, saying their “asset” did not want to be known as a police asset.

Cruz admitted that it was he and Pereda who were seen on camera dragging a boy, but insisted it was not Kian.

“We do not know Kian,” Cruz added.

Cruz and Pereda said they were after a different target on the night Kian was killed, but they failed to answer when asked if they were the ones who killed the 17-year-old student.

They then refused to answer more questions, and invoked their right against self-incrimination.

Caloocan City police Station 7 commander Chief Inspector Amor

Cerillo earlier said in the hearing that ballistics examination showed that the slugs found in the crime scene matched the firearms of Oares.

The policemen appeared before the Senate inquiry without a counsel.

Oares said they would answer questions about Kian’s death “next time.”

Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed dismay over their decision not to answer questions despite the assignment of a Senate lawyer to act as their counsel.

“You akready have counsel, but still, you won’t answer. With that demeanor, the perception of the three of you will be affected,” said Lacson. He said his committee would respect their decision but required them to bring their own lawyer to the next hearing.

Responding to a query from Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV if the killing of Kian was justified Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said “only criminals and murderers would shoot a suspect on his knees face down.”

“I cannot justify that, your honor, shooting someone who is kneeling down,” he added in Filipino.

“As for me, if Kian was kneeling and was shot in the back, then you are a criminal, a murderer and not a law enforcer,” she said.

Dela Rosa said he had no orders to launch anti-drug operations when Poe asked if the recent overnight drug raids were conducted based on the PNP chief’s instructions.

“Our units are taking the cue from the words of the President that our antidrug operations are unrelenting. We will just continue this since day 1 of this administration,” Dela Rosa said.

“My general policy to all operating units is to continue, just continue the war on drugs,” he added.

‘Jaguar’...

at the Manila City Hall where the city prosecutor’s office was located was better than in the Justice Department.

“Did you see the number of people around? We could not be sure about the security. It was a personal decision that he made,” Loja said.

“Access to this place [DOJ] is available to anyone who can come in regardless. Unfortunately, the panel is unable to appreciate the fear that my client has regarding the safety of his life.”

But the DOJ panel rejected the explanation and still required Lim to appear before them, prompting the lawyer to return to the department in the afternoon with her client.

Apart from Lim, Adorco and Espinosa, the other respondents in the complaint filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group are inmate Peter Co, Max Miro, Lovely Adam Impal, Ruel Malindangan and Jun Pepito.

Co and Espinosa appeared in the hearing and submitted their affidavits.

The other respondents were given until the next hearing on Sept. 6 to file their respective answers.

From A1

But Lim hurriedly left the department in the afternoon after subscribing to his affidavit before investigating Assistant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes.

His lawyer Majilyn Loja told reporters he did not want his filing of his counter-affidavit covered by the media.

Earlier in the day, Lim did not attend the preliminary investigation hearing where Loja submitted the counter-affidavit he subscribed to before Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Antonio Valencia in the Manila City prosecutor’s office Aug. 22.

Loja cited her client’s security concerns in deciding to subscribe to his affidavit before the Manila prosecutor’s office.

“He has enumerated the confluence of events why he’s fearful for his life. It is quite specific as to the reasons why he is unable to appear before today’s preliminary investigation,” Loja said.

She said Lim felt that the security

News House OKs authority for DPWH to cut trees A PANEL in the House of Representatives has approved a measure that seeks to authorize the Department of Public Works and Highways to cut, ball, transfer, dispose or plant trees when implementing national or local infrastructure projects such as, but not limited to, clearing of road right-ofway and site clearing, development or preparation.

The House committee on natural resources approved House Bill 4208, authored by Rep. Bayani Fernando of 1st District, Marikina City, which grants the DPWH exemption from securing tree cutting, earth-balling, transfer, disposal and planting permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its agencies.

The agencies include the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Forest Management Bureau and the local government unit concerned.

Rep. Arnel Ty of LPGMA Partylist, the panel chairperson, said the bill was supported by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Ty said Alvarez gave them directives to call on the DENR and the DPWH to have some executive arrangement between the two government agencies to not wait for the approval of the bill and to start the balling out of trees which are obstructing roads and causing accidents.

Ty said the Department of Energy and the DENR already signed a memorandum of agreement in removing electrical posts that are hazardous to motorists.

Fernando, meanwhile, said he filed the bill to put the authority on roadways with the road engineers.

Fernando said the main consideration in the design of the roadways was safety for the motorists and the public as well as fast travel speed.

Maricel V. Cruz

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LTFRB tells commuters: File gripes vs overcharging drivers

By Rio Araja

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is urging commuters to file complaints against drivers of ride-sharing firm Grab who are overcharging their passengers.

Meanwhile, a transport group urged the LTFRB on Thursday to impose a P6-billion fine against Uber System Inc. for the operation of 50,000 unregistered units in Metro Manila.

Vigor Mendoza II, Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon president, said he filed a manifestation to sanction Uber with a much higher amount of fine, and to reject Uber’s offer to settle a P10-million fine in lieu of a one-month suspension.

He said the law provided that a driver without a 45-day provisional authority must pay a P120,000 fine for each unit.

The P6-billion fine was arrived at when “you multiply 50,000 units by P120,000,” he said.

Uber’s P10-million offer, he added, was tantamount to paying for 84 units only.

LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said such move would ensure that Grab’s dynamic pric-

ing scheme would be within the price cap for transportation network companies.

“We have talked with the management of Grab and they reiterated that they are within the cap. We have warned them that we will restrain them if they were found to have violated. If there are any complaints, we will address them as well,” Lizada said in an interview with reporters Wednesday.

She said Grab officials explained that their price surge was dependent on hours and road conditions where there was high demand for passengers.

The LTFRB, in its order dated Dec. 27, 2016, directed Uber and Grab to limit their maximum price surge to twice the rates for time covered and distance traveled excluding their base fares.

Grab country head Brian Cu earlier

said price surge was limited at 1.4 times its regular rate, or about P20 to P50, after its competitor Uber was suspended for a month by the LTFRB. Meanwhile, Lizada said the suspension against Uber still stood despite its disclosure in a board hearing that it had provided P100 million as financial assistance for the affected transportation network vehicle services drivers.

“That is their obligation to the TNVS who they put at risk. LTFRB cannot be faulted as we are doing everything to put a stop to this. We only want that the welfare of those affected TNVS will be protected,” she said.

Lizada said the agency would review Uber’s petition asking that it pay a P10 million fine in lieu of the one month suspension, and come up with a decision the soonest. With PNA

House creates TWGs to draft PH Federal Constitution

By Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal for a federal system of government finally started moving as the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments created four technical working groups, composed of its members, which will draft the Philippine Federal Constitution.

Each of the four groups will handle specific areas to be covered in the drafting of the new Federal Constitution, according to Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, the panel chairperson.

TWG 1, chaired by Rep. Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon of Negros Oriental, will handle the provisions on the Executive-Legislative (Articles VI and VII); New article on Federal and Regional Powers, Numbers of States; and Local

Government and Taxation/Allocation of Resources (Article X).

TWG 2, chaired by Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro of Capiz, will draft the provisions on the Judiciary (Article VIII); Amendments or Revisions (Article XVII); Suffrage (Article V), Citizenship (Article IV); and Bill of Rights (Article III).

TWG 3, chaired by Rep. Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental, will prepare the Preamble; National Territory (Article I); Declaration of Principles and State Policies (Article II); General Provisions (Article XVI); and Transitory Provisions (Article XVIII).

Lastly, TWG 4, chaired by Rep. Vicente Veloso of Leyte, will handle Social Justice, Labor and Others (Article XIII); Education, Science and Others (Article XIV); National Economy and

Patrimony (Article XII); New article on the Bill of Duties; Accountability of Public Officials (Article XI); and Family (Article XV).

Mercado said the committee found it prudent to come up with a draft Philippine Federal Constitution to guide the House members when they deliberate on proposals to shift from unitary to federal system.

Mercado said discussions on federalism should focus on providing solutions to the country’s economic problems, especially poverty, the peace and order situation, and the fight against illegal drugs.

Several lawmakers came up with their respective suggestions on how the TWG could function effectively in drafting the President’s proposal for a shift to federal form of government.

Rep. Lord Allan Velasco of Marindu-

que proposed that the committee should ask the House members to provide their inputs in the drafting of the new Federal Constitution so that the various TWGs could incorporate them in their deliberations.

Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. of Negros Oriental suggested that a member of a particular TWG might also submit proposals to the other TWGs, even if he is not a member of such groups.

Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera of MATA party-list recommended that the various TWGs consult the various government agencies during their deliberations to come up with a more comprehensive draft Charter.

Veloso suggested the committee should increase the membership of TWG 1, as the areas it would handle formed the essence of the federal system.

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

More dreaded bird flu

A

DEADLIER strain of the bird flu virus in San Luis, Pampanga should keep the government on its toes. The Department of Agriculture has just confirmed the virus that downed thousands of fowls in the town tested positive for the H5N6 strain that could be transmitted to humans.

The strain, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry, could cause flu-like symptoms when transferred to humans, but such transmission rate is very low. Myanmar,

Laos and Vietnam have found the similar H5N6 strain in their poultry farms but reported no cases of human infections.

Only 20 persons so far have been reported

to be infected with the strain, mostly from China. The H5N6 strain could be transmitted through direct contact with birds or materials contaminated by the sources of infection. The bureau says bird flu is transmitted to humans by close contact with infected birds or through inhalation or contamination with discharges of sick birds. The virus is excreted in feces,

which dry and is later inhaled. The flapping of the wings hasten transmission.

The possibility that humans can get infected with the bird flu strain should force the agriculture and health departments to impose more stringent measures in containing the outbreak.

They must ensure that all birds in the affected and surrounding areas are immediately culled.

While flu-like symptoms on humans so far have not been reported, authorities cannot be complacent. Strict biosecurity or quarantine measures must be applied because the virus can easily spread to the whole of Luzon.

The government may expand the socalled “controlled areas” to restrict the movement and sale of chickens and other fowls to the market.

Quarantine officials

must be pro-active in monitoring the movement of the animals to effectively contain the outbreak.

The bird flu virus is exacting a heavy toll on the country’s poultry sector and its export, as consumers restrict their chicken intake. A prolonged outbreak, meanwhile, will set back the economic development of the countryside and deal a severe blow to small entrepreneurs.

PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

Fallacy as the new normal

Using Kian LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES NOT A few friends of mine were genuinely outraged by the killing of Kian Loyd delos Santos in the beginning. And I think that’s because I don’t have a lot of politician-friends.

Kian’s was, indeed, a heartwrenching story. Grade 11 student, 17 years old, apparently executed by overeager policemen who could no longer tell who the drug dealers and the innocent bystanders were—who wouldn’t be angered by that?

But as the politicians started to jump on the “justice for Kian” bandwagon, especially those of a certain anti-Duterte persuasion, the tide started to turn. In the face of a coordinated assault that was no longer about justice for a slain young man, but which morphed into a campaign to get the president using his now-

famous previous statements defending the police and vowing to kill drug pushers, the popular support began to wane.

As politician after politician started visiting the young man’s wake, as the media started reporting on the killing 24/4 in screaming headlines and everyone from misguided diplomats to Catholic Church leaders started to condemn the incident, people began to wonder if this was not really about justice. It was propaganda overkill—and even the people who were originally outraged wondered if the noise was not really a diversion intended to make us forget about, say, the travails of a certain Andy Bautista.

Of course, the other too-obvious reason for this turn of events was the declaration by President Rodrigo Duterte that he was not going to back the three Caloocan City cops believed to have killed the young man. In fact, Duterte ordered the three lawmen arrested, detained and convicted,

if they had violated the law.

And so, the wind was knocked out of the sails of the politicians who wanted to use Kian’s killing as yet another weapon to bring down Duterte. The presi-

It’s sad that Kian was used after his death by politicians who really don’t care if he gets justice or not. dent nimbly avoided the trap set for him by his political enemies, leaving the would-be avengers with what they really had in the beginning: the case of a young man apparently killed by

a bunch of trigger-happy cops, nothing more, nothing less.

But the politicians had already scheduled a Senate hearing yesterday and could no longer back out without declaring to everyone that they were really in it to get the president. So they went through the motions of trying to get to the bottom of the incident, but it was clear that their heart was no longer in it.

This was why senators like Risa Hontiveros used yesterday’s hearing to defend her boneheaded strategy of taking custody of some witnesses, a la Matobato, even if she laid herself open to charges of tampering with their important testimony. It was why Senator Franklin Drilon could grill Caloocan City prosecutor Darwin Canete about the latter’s supposed inclusion in Duterte’s list of drug dealers, when Canete wasn’t even on trial.

It was why Senator Bam Aquino could make a long introductory speech that signified nothing except his bias against the

police, absent a real investigation. And why Senator Joel Villanueva could use the hearing to learn about forensics and criminology, perhaps for some future academic credits.

Ultimately, I think, it was also why the senators agreed to hold a closed-door session with the witnesses at the hearing’s end. They were no longer convinced that they could make the story bigger than it was, in order to cast a wider net and to snare bigger fish, despite their efforts of an entire afternoon.

I predict that these senators, especially those who were clearly in it only for the weaponizing of Kian’s death against Duterte, will soon lose what remains of their interest in the case. Which means that they will wait until the next case that comes down the road that they can link to the President to and try to milk that one, in the hope that they will finally hit the jackpot.

IN A recent Facebook post, Dr. Jemy Gatdula of the University of Asia and the Pacific School of Law and Governance did a taxonomy of the most frequently committed fallacies on social media, in relation especially to political issues. When bishops decried Kian’s murder only recently, there almost immediately followed a flurry of regurgitated issues about clergy abuse of minors. There was also posed what, I can only presume, was meant to be rhetorical question: “Bakit hindi kayo nag-ingay nung may pinatay ag ginahasa ang mga adik?”

It is not the fallacies that alarm me, because they can occur even in the discourses of the learned—of course, at a very high, almost indiscernible, degree of subtlety. But the fallacies on Facebook and other social media sites are blatant and arrant. What makes me quake in my shoes though is that they are no longer recognized as fallacies and have in fact been accepted as the “rhetoric” of the age. Fallacy is irrationality and to make it the mode of thinking is pathetic, tragic even. By the way fallacies like those pointed out by Jemy—tu quoque, argumentum ad hominem, ignoratio elenchi—were traditionally called “material fallacies” to distinguish them from the “formal fallacies” that had to do with the form of one’s argument: drawing a conclusion from two negative premises, for example, or maintaining an undistributed middle term.

In symbolic logic, formal fallacies consist in violating the rules of validity and the rules of substitution, and bungling the norms of quantities. Material fallacies by contrast have to do with what you say, with what you argue. When a bishop cries out “This is murder” and you answer “Direct your priests first who molest children”, the fallacy should be clear. The question is whether the deed is murder or not. The molestation issue is quite another — which is not to say that it is not a legitimate issue.

I am more interested in the antidote to the creeping illogicality that is ensconcing “irrationality” as the new “normal”.

One immediate response that Turn to A5

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

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Opinion FORMATION GARY OLIVAR

How the businessmen vote THE other day, we got a peek at what foreign businessmen think of the Duterte administration’s performance so far. The picture is generally positive, but with some alarums starting to be raised about peace and order.

In a preview of an impending official statement, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), comprising the business chambers of the US, Canada, EU, Japan, Korea and Australia-New Zealand, expressed their “full support and confidence” in the Duterte administration. They approvingly noted that the economy is doing very well, and expressed appreciation that Congress has been aggressive in amending “some laws” to open up the economy.

As for areas needing improvement, they stressed the importance of keeping infrastructure projects moving along, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and further easing restrictions on foreign investment.

One notable bear was the Korean chamber president, who said that Korean companies were already planning to leave the Philippines for Vietnam, where they see lower costs (as much as a third of ours) and easier ways of doing business. He blamed higher logistical costs due to our lack of infrastructure, as well as “additional costs” being demanded by Customs and other government agencies.

On recent controversial peace and order and human rights issues, the ever-prudent businessmen basically danced around the question. They simply described peace and order “in any country” as a critical factor affecting investment decisions.

on “additional costs.” Perhaps the shooting war that’s erupted between Senator Panfilo Lacson and former Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon will give us an excuse to finally push through radical reforms at an agency that over the decades has become the poster child for corruption. Two ideas come to mind for starters: a forensic audit of the bureau by the World Customs Organization, which comprises 95 percent of the world’s customs agencies; followed by resurrecting a bill from former President Gloria Arroyo’s time to replace the bureau with an independent, non-budgeted internal revenue authority.

Charter change—We hear that the proposed draft of a new Constitution will drastically reduce protectionist as well as statist language and limit Constitutional restrictions on foreign equity only to ownership of land. Restrictions on foreign investment should be the flexible subject of legislation, not permanently enshrined in the Constitution. That’s how pretty much every Asian country—including communist ones like China and Vietnam—does it, except for us.

Peace and order—On this issue, what foreign businessmen dislike is uncertainty. What they like are positive steps being taken, such as what they’re seeing from Duterte.

They won’t be anguished by human rights issues as long as these do not create reputational problems for their companies. Don’t expect them to be picketing the International Criminal Court in The Hague anytime soon. *** We’ll close by wishing our fellow columnist Jose “Babe” Romualdez the best of luck in his new assignment as our ambassador to the United States. Babe is a veteran of public relations and publishing, a very affable man with a very recognizable family name, whom we’re sure will easily win new friends and keep old ones for the Philippines among his American audience.

Job one for our new ambassador is to counter the growing animosity against us within the US government—albeit apparently confined only to Capitol Hill and “deep state” bureaucrats at Foggy Bottom—over drug war and human rights issues. His should be a credible alternative voice to the organized Fil-Am destabilizers, led by Loida Lewis, who continue to believe that they’re wiser than the 80+ percent of Filipinos who actually live here and continue to support Duterte.

Job two for Ambassador Babe is to engage the US in our strategic agenda, which includes DuterteNomics, the push for federalism, the war against terror, and rebalancing our foreign policy. Americans must be made to appreciate that Philippine efforts to maintain peace in the region—even if we have to eat humble pie again and again—also serve to keep American soldiers and sailors out of harm’s way. This is something that we won’t even bother charging them for.

*** What are the biggest implications of the foreign chambers’ comments for what ought to be the agenda of the administration?

We think that the following initiatives bear highlighting: “Build Build Build”—It’s an almost existential imperative that we aggressively catch up on infrastructure, considering that in 2015 according to the World Economic Forum, we ranked dead last among the “big six” Asean states (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and us) in each and every infrastructure category surveyed: airports, seaports, rail, roads and bridges, telecoms, you name it.

Tax reform—However, as the song from “Sound of Music” reminds us, “Nothing comes from nothing.” Spending on infra will require spending money. And yet the first of five tax reform bills from the administration has already been diluted from an original net gain of P164 billion, down to P134 billion after making it through the House, and may very well drop to below P100 billion in order to clear the Senate. That means cutting back infrastructure plans by at least 40 percent, or almost half. Are all those lost projects—over P60-B worth— really worth the reelection of senators too scared to do the right but unpopular thing?

Anti-corruption—The foreign Readers can write me at gbolibusinessmen, not surprisingly, singled out the Bureau of Customs var1952@yahoo.com.

Using...

From A4 (I think that the effort to link the President’s son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, to smuggling at the Bureau of Customs has also panned out.

Since the Customs controversy has now degenerated into a battle of claims and counter-claims between Senator Panfilo Lacson and former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, the controversy seems to have entered another dead end for the anti-Duterte campaign.)

It’s sad that Kian delos Santos was used even after his death by politicians who really don’t care if he gets justice or not, as long as they have another reason to bludgeon the president.

And that—and their impending abandonment of the case —is just as outrage-inducing as what the Caloocan policemen

actually did to the young man. *** But don’t you just love how Drilon can turn from defense lawyer and obstructor of justice to deep-diving prosecutor and seeker of the truth in just the space of two days?

Fresh from his stint of lawyering for Bautista last Wednesday, running interference for the beleaguered Commission on Elections chairman in the face of questioning by his colleagues, Drilon converted himself into the scourge of the police and other authorities in Kian’s case yesterday.

It’s enough to take your breath away, this virtuoso display of shape-shifting rolereversal. Bravo, senator; I’m now an unabashed fan.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

A5

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MVP takeover of MRT BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO FINALLY, there is hope for commuters to get relief from the daily grief of taking the Metro Rail Transit Line 3. Reports of Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s takeover of MRT should bring much needed reforms in the operation of the public transport system.

Manny Pangilinan, MPIC chief honcho, said his group is prepared to buy out the shares of government and other private sector stakeholders. No definite amount for the sale of shares was provided by the MPIC conglomerate. But knowing the financial capacity of MVP and his Salim partners in Indonesia, the takeover of the vital public transport system should signal the easing of traffic along Edsa. Let’s hope the Light Rail Transit that runs from Baclaran along Taft Avenue to the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan gets the same attention as the MRT. For sure, the new MRT owners will raise fares to recoup their investment and capital outlays for additional new carriages and replacement of the noncompatibility of the MRT old rails with the wheels of the new trains bought from the Chinese company Dalian. But commuters would be willing to increase fares as long as the trains are working and running on time.

MMDA, BOC

Retired General Danny Lim, Metro Manila Development Authority, chairman, is already doing his part in clearing Edsa of illegal bus terminals within the city. These bus terminals contribute to the congestion of the circumferential highway. We would like to think this corner helped in the removal of these bus terminals through its constant nagging in several columns.

President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, has accepted the resignation of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and replaced him with former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency head Isidro Lapeña. This can only indicate the President is aware of the gravity of the drug problem that his relentless bloody war on drugs is being circumvented by his Chinese friends in Beijing.

Shabu laboratories that have sprouted around the country are also being operated by Chinese nationals as shown by the number of arrests made.

Whether Lapeña can clean up the endemic corruption at the BOC is a big challenge. In the words of Senator Panfilo Lacson during the Senate investigation on how P6.2 billion worth of smuggled shabu cleared Customs through the green lane, corruption at Customs is so deep and no matter who heads it,” he will be only eaten up and swallowed by the system.”

In a press conference held yesterday, Faeldon said he told President Duterte to relieve him “while I can still recognize my-

self.”

The Senate inquiry into the extent of corruption at Customs has taken an ugly turn.

The names of presidential son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte was dragged into the case as part of the Davao group which allegedly has a big influence in the release of cargo at the BOC. Yesterday outgoing Customs Commissioner Faeldon, in turn implicated the son of Senator Lacson as one of the biggest smuggler of cement into the country. He said that Panfilo Lacson, Jr.’s company, Buon Giorno with only a paid-up capital of P20,000, imported millions of pesos in cement. During his press conference, Faeldon waved documents he supposedly had against Lacson and his son.

He then distributed the documents to members of the media.

Can Lapeña do something about the institutionalized corruption at the BOC? Corruption, as every one knows, is so pervasive at the country’s main gateway for goods and other imported products. From the time the smuggled shipment is landed at the port of entry in Manila, corruption starts at the assessment and inspection section and down the line up to the final exit gate where complicit guards want a piece of the action.

Lifestyle checks on Customs personnel, it seems, are not working. Even lowly employees at the BOC are widely known to own pricey houses, several rental apartments and expensive cars. Yet, they have not been prosecuted. This culture

of impunity is a major factor in the continuation of corruption at Customs and other government agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Bautista case It looks like things are coming to a head against Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista. Lawyers Manuelito Luna and Ferdinand Topacio are at the forefront of the impeachment case against Bautista. An impeachment process has been initiated at the House of Representatives. But based on the evidence gathered by Topacio and Luna, the House will have to act and start an impeachment hearing. Not to do so would make the House remiss in their constitutional duty.

Aside from not reporting his true financial state in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as required of public officials, Bautista admitted he received payment as referral fees from the Divina Law Firm for referring Smartmatic as client. His estranged wife Patricia also provided documents. As everyone knows, there is a conflict of interest here because the Venezuelan company is the counting machine system provider for elections supervised by the Comelec.

This issue raises concern about the integrity of elections held under Bautista’s short watch as Comelec chief. This includes the 2010 national and local elections.

Hooray for Ambassador Babe VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ TODAY, I will use only a portion of my regular column space and reprint en toto the sponsorship speech of Senate President ProTempore Ralph G. Recto at the Commission on Appointments the other day endorsing the confirmation of Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States of America.

Babe is a good friend and fellow journalist. He is a colleague, being the president of the Manila Overseas Press Club, where I am the chairman, and vice president of the Rotary Club of Manila, where I have been a member since 1989.

If you listen to President Duterte, Babe’s main mandate is to seek the return of the now-famous Balangiga bells of which there are three. The bells were seized by American invading forces in 1901 from the Catholic church of Balangiga town as war trophies after

Filipino revolutionaries killed 78 US soldiers in the largest single battle loss then by the US Army in any engagement ever.

In reprisal, according to Wikipedia, General Jacob H. Smith ordered that Samar be turned into a “howling wilderness” and that any Filipino male above ten years of age capable of bearing arms be shot. From the burnedout Catholic town church, the Americans looted three bells which they took back to the United States as war booty. Smith was court martialed for the Balangiga massacre but he was basically treated with kid gloves by the US army command.

Here is Ralph Recto’s endorsement speech: Our soon-to-be man in Washington DC is no babe in the woods in US affairs.

Though principally based in Manila, he has enough contacts in the American capital that he can be considered a Beltway insider.

So wide is his network, I was told, that should Trump drain the swamp, those flushed away and those who will remain are surely

friends of his.

So wired is he with the beating heart of the US government, that a friend has joked that if the nominee decides to swim across the Potomac unannounced, someone in Foggy Bottom will be waiting with a set of dry clothes for him.

But more than connections, he has many other competencies, not to mention the communication skills, which make him a fine diplomat.

He is articulate in both the spoken and written word. He was a TV reporter, and remains a working journalist, churning multiple columns in a week, in addition to running a publishing house.

Though he has not held public office, he dabbles in policy, which qualifies him as a public intellectual whose views shape major decisions taken by those in power.

He is an influencer, but of the cerebral kind, whose contributions to civic debates are not confined to 140-character blasts, or troll-friendly memes, but in well thought-out think pieces.

The CA briefing paper says he is an Americanophile, which is

good, because it means that he is abreast with US developments, and attuned to policy debates that would have an impact on our country.

Mr. President: He will be going to the US capital during one of the lowest points of Philippine-US relations.

But I believe that he can heal whatever fissures there are, and correct whatever misconceptions have arisen in recent months.

Luckily the two countries’ relationship is so deep, and so is the knowledge of the person who will represent our interests.

And he knows how important his mission is, at a time when shifting geopolitical tides and changing global trade winds could lead us to perilous shoals, that after decades of refusing public appointment, this patriot has finally accepted one.

Thus, it is with pleasure that I second the confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Jose Manuel Romualdez as our ambassador to the United States of America.

posed “analysis” that follows a story. When one reads what the textbooks suggest to be the “point” to the story—ano ang pangaral—one is met with a barrage of non sequiturs. And if teachers unctuously drill into the students these supposed “lessons” that do not follow, except by fallacy, from the story told, then our grade school pupils become oriented very early in their formative years to the errant ways of sophistry!

One other important dimension of coping with this debilitating plague of illogicality is being serious about science education, and having genuine scientists (not only “majors in science education”) teaching our students. The scientific method is the model of systematic thinking, which is not to say that the only important issues in life are

scientific. But we sorely need the regimentation of scientific thinking to keep otherwise wayward minds on the track of right thinking. And it is a pity that science receives miserable treatment at the hands of ill-prepared teachers. Students mindlessly perform experiments, and then arrive at “conclusions” that they did not really draw but that are suggested either by the mediocre textbook or the equally mediocre teacher.

When they say “it follows that”, it is seldom the case that they really see how it follows, if it really follows at all.

Then there is the role of media. While we do not expect entertainers, comedians and clowns to talk to each other in syllogisms, flooding entertainment space with stupidity beyond redemption cannot but have ill effects on a nation that

is glued to television, and that laughs boisterously at the fallacious quips and skewed reasoning of clowns masquerading as artists. Art is an exercise in thoughtfulness. The appreciation of a Monet or a Picasso or a Caravaggio painting calls for more than whimsical cogitation. And the thoughtfulness with which one follows a Mozart sonata or the movements of a concerto is incompatible with the muddleheadedness that has apparently infected a considerable part of the nation.

Illogicality is a disease, a dreadful disease. It is not only a matter of neatness in argumentation. It has to do with the conclusions we draw about how we ought to live our lives and the answers we give to the perennial questions that, because they are asked, continue to assure us that we are human!

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Fallacy...

From A4 comes to my mind is to consign the unreasonable to impertinence. Huwag patulan. When a dolt advances a patent illogicality as some kind of argument, it behooves the rational to ignore it and to deny it the dignity of genuine discourse. The most one can and should do is to say why one is not going any farther with the exchange: Iniiba mo ang usapan. Period. The apostolate of irrationality flourishes only to the extent that its apostles have an audience — but when it becomes clear to them that no one really indulges in their brand of intellectual decadence, then they are silenced into irrelevance.

But I have to turn once more to education. It starts with the textbooks that grade school children use, even under the supposedly improved K to 12 program. I have read some of the materials, and many pages are peppered with fallacies that then enter into the fabric of thought of children. One good example comes from the sup-

I have to turn once more to education.

rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_ aquino@ sanbeda. edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com

News

A6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Data migration’ system launched

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman and the United States of America Embassy launched on Thursday the first-ever data migration system for purposes of case records and management system.

Aside from Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and US Ambassador Sung Kim, representatives from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the United States Agency for International Development and institutional partners took part in the event.

The data management system is a project initiative of the Ombudsman, along with the INLA and USAID, to digitize the case records of the Ombudsman and its sectoral offices.

The project takes off from the data migration project for the central office and is envisioned to strengthen the complaint and case monitoring system developed in-house to ensure completeness, accuracy and security of case records.

“I cannot overemphasize the importance of data integrity. It is an intangible tool for any public institution to effectively perform its mandate,” Morales said.

“The Ombudsman values the delivery of information in real time, anytime, all the time, as information without integrity is a waste of time and other resources.”

Sung Kim expressed the US government’s commitment in supporting the mandate of the Ombudsman through the provision of a technical assistance programs, as the data management system.

“The DMS program is a prime example of a strong partnership among agencies and institutions based on unified anti-corruption goals,” he said.

INVESTMENT SHOW. Leyte (1st District) Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (left) delivers her message of support to more than 700 business delegates during the Regional Road Show 2017 Investment Priorities Plan of the Department of Trade and Industry at Alejandro Hotel in Tacloban City. Ver Noveno

Build resilient buildings —Hans Sy

DFA opens more slots for passport applicants

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

SINCE the “Big One” can strike anytime, the only Filipino member of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction said that all business establishments in the country should be Disaster Risk Reduction resilient.

Recognizing the urgency of being prepared for a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered for the immediate creation of a government agency-- the Department of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

In response to the directive, real estate mogul Hans Sy exhorted all businesses to ensure that all their critical structures should not just follow the Local Building Code but also upgrade and retrofit in the interest of safety and protection of lives.

“An efficient and resilient critical infrastructure is for the overall well-being of a nation, its citizens, its economy,” said Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Chief Renato Solidum has repeatedly warned that almost 50,000 lives in Metro Manila alone will be lost once a 7.2-magnitude hits the National Capital Region.

While nobody could be prepared adequately for an earthquake, Solidum said it is important that efforts are being undertaken to prepare for earthquakes.

“The enormity of the problem needs to be examined not only with response but also on the prevention side. No country can be ever ready if the focus will only be on the response side that is why it is important for us to focus on disaster preparedness and mitigation,” he added.

Sy said this move is also for the greater safety of the communities, customers and the general public and would translate to immeasurable returns.

Sy said that being DDR resilient should be seen as an investment such that “investing in resilience is definitely one of oue key strategic goals.”

“This is key in keeping the business stable and highly sustainable,” said Sy, the only Filipino member of the UNISDR Arise (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies).

“We are here, we want to be part of the solution,” said Sy as he enjoins the private sector to effectively support and promote the benefits of DRR. “SM Prime allocates 10 percent of capital expenditure for DRR in construction of buildings. By investing in resilience, we minimize vulnerability, better safeguard physical assets, reduce expense, and contribute to local government efforts, Ultimately, we are able to better protect lives, and have safer, healthier, happier communities,” he said.

T

HOUSANDS of appointment slots are now available to those who wish to apply for and renew their passports, after the Department of Foreign Affairs implemented sweeping reforms.

DFA Assistant Secretary Frank Cimafranca of the Office of Consular Affairs said an additional 94,350 slots were opened from July to August, while thousands more will be opened tomorrow, Aug. 25, for September appointments.

Cimafranca said of the slots opened last month, 62,450 additional slots were made available after the DFA increased the consular offices’ appointment quotas,

while the remaining 31,900 came from the cleaning up of bogus appointments created by unscrupulous individuals.

“The goal is to serve as many people as we can efficiently and effectively, so those slots had to be cleaned up. And that’s what we did,” he said in a statement released by the Taguig Local Government, an agency that currently helps the DFA to disseminate announcement and statement from

the agency and DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

He said the increase in additional slots has been complemented by an increase in personnel in charge of processing documents.

For example, in the Aseana office, the DFA’s main processing center for passports, he said the increase in personnel has resulted in a 73.6 percent increase in the capacity to accept and process daily appointments---from 1,900 to 3,300.

The increase in personnel has also led to the moving up to earlier dates of about 900 appointments, and has resulted in the reduction of suspended applications under investigation—from 33,000 on Aug. 2 to zero (0) as of Aug. 18, Cimafranca said.

“Let’s take one step at a time.

But so far, so good,” he added.

To prevent the unnecessary use of slots, Cimafranca issued a guideline that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, pregnant women and minors (seven years old and below) may just walk in without prior appointment with the DFA when renewing or applying for passports.

Cimafranca said they may use the courtesy lane upon arrival, and present their IDs. Cimafranca also reminded the public that the appointment slots are free.

He added that fixers should not be entertained.

Meanwhile, the Local Government of Taguig will be officially one of the agencies that will disseminate statements and other foreign-related issues.

According to DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar, the agency needed a “wider audience” for their daily statement and press releases.

“Those are official DFA press releases. Taguig City PIO (Public Information Office) was kind enough to help us disseminate it to a wider audience since they have media contacts which may be different from the DFA’s,” Bolivar said.

He said that the Taguig City PIO is tasked to release foreign-related issue that may affect the public.

“Could we agree that there is a distinction between issues which are purely foreign policy and those which directly affect the public at large and deserve to be heard by a wider audience, such as more slots for passport application?,” Bolivar said.

US Admiral meets Du30, AFP officials

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

DEMOLITION JOB. Members of a demolition team demolished 70 houses and structures located along M. Naval St. in North Bay Boulevard North, Navotas City on Thursday. Andrew Rabulan

Bishop alarmed by EJKs in Caloocan, Navotas

By Vito Barcelo CALOOCAN Bishop Pablo Virgilio David expressed concern over the spate of extrajudicial killings in the cities of Caloocan, Navotas and Malabon which has turned his diocese into a “killing field.”

“To be honest, I have lost count.

They are just too many. I have heard it many times during confession, which I cannot disclose to the public,” David said.

The prelate noted that the number of victims of vigilante-style or unexplained killings is much higher compared to those from legitimate police operations.

In the past, he said that 60 percent of the fatalities were victims of sum-

mary executions while the remaining 40 percent were killed in encounters with police.

Lately, however, he said that the number of those killed by unidentified assailants already rose to 80 percent.

“We don’t know who they are.

They roam around our streets, especially in informal settler communities almost every night.

I don’t know why they are invisible,” David said.

The incoming vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines also called for witnesses and vital information to solve the murder cases.

He said it’s about time to speak up and come out in the open by taking

a cue from the family of slain Grade 11 student Kian delos Santos who strongly fought for justice.

“We plead with them to please come out. But can I blame them if they are not willing to because of fear for their lives? But now, I am happy that at least there is one case where the witnesses are testifying,” he said.

At the same time, he called on the police authorities to do their job as law enforcers and protector of human rights.

“I will never condemn the whole institution for the mistakes of some but they should cooperate because that means you are also preserving the integrity of your institution,” David added.

COMMANDER of the United States Pacific, Command Adm. Harry Harris Jr. met with President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss US support to the Philippines on its ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Marawi, interoperability between the two militaries, and regional threats, the US Embassy in Manila said Thursday.

Harris also met with secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Eduardo Año, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano, and later travelled to Zamboanga to meet Commander of Western Mindanao Command Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. “Adm. Harris participated in a wreath laying ceremony on Aug. 23 at the Heroes’ Cemetery, or Libingan ng mga Bayani, in Taguig to honor the sacrifice of the brave Filipino military heroes buried there,” the embassy said.

The US’s Admiral’s meetings focused on upcoming bilateral engagements, recent aid and military assistance that the US government has provided to the Philippines, as well as opportunities for additional support to Marawi.

Col. Ernest C. Lee, chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group in the Philippines, formally transferred a new 28M Class Tethered Aerostat Radar System to Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Joseph Ronald Mercado in a turn-over ceremony at the Naval Education and Training Command in Zambales on Aug. 22, 2017.

Mercado was the guest of honor and keynote speaker, and US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski also delivered remarks during the turnover.

The 28M Class TARS is a self-sustained, rapidly deployable, unmanned lighter-than-air platform which can rise to an altitude of 5,000 feet while tethered to a single cable.

Meanwhile, 16 Philippine Naval Information and Communication Technology Center personnel are engaged in a rigorous six-week training program at the NETC in Zambales to learn assembly, handling, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the TARS. “These 16 students will become instructors for the next class of operators,” the US embassy said.

Through the donation, the PN is expected to enhance its capability in Maritime Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance by effectively detecting maritime and air traffic within the country’s coastal waters using sensors.

Moreover, it will also be utilized in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations.

The TARS includes a weather station that provides telemetry data for the monitoring of ambient temperature, pressure, wind speed and other pertinent parameters to successfully operate the system.

Sports

A7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Bagatsing racefest eyes record

F

ORMER Manila congressman Amado Bagatsing believes that the 9th staging of the Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Memorial Racing Festival on Sept. 2 and 3 at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite will erase its previous sales record of P43,281,228.

“With the help of everyone, I hope we can eclipse the previous record of P43 million, which we achieved in 2014,” said Bagatsing during the press launching of the racing festival Thursday at the Passion Restaurant of Resorts World Manila.

Bagatsing is confident of achieving the sales milestone as they are bringing together the fastest thoroughbreds in the country today,

featuring stakes races from the Philippine Racing Commission’s Division I to Division III, including special races from major corporate sponsors and partners of the Bagatsing Family.

Recent Triple Crown winner Sepfourteen is taking part in the premier Challenge Cup of the festival and will clash head on with last year’s TC winners.

A parallel gaming industry

entity, the Manila Cockers Club, will sponsor one of the races in a show of support and unity with the horse racing industry.

The theme for this year’s Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Racing Festival is: “UNITY: Race as One” and will feature horses from all three Racing Clubs in a special feature race.

“We are luring the cockfighting aficionados as well. There are about 1,500 municipal halls in the country today, but there are some 2,000 cockpits. If we can lure them to horse-racing, then that would be great. The Bagatsing Racing Festival is a start,” added Bagatsing.

The Festival is held in honor of the late Manila Mayor and former Congressman, Ramon D. Bagatsing Sr. The memorial event aims to

continue his legacy of supporting the horse racing industry and provide social and public welfare assistance through the Kabaka Foundation, mirroring two of his past office’s mandate the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Red Cross.

Already in its ninth installment, the racing festival brings more excitement and premium horse racing prizes across the weekend.

Sponsored cash prizes spread over the two-day event await the winners.

The cash prizes, along with the traditional gift prizes for the winning horse’s team, will be awarded beginning September 2, while the more luxurious prized races will be held the following day.

Major sponsors include the Philippine Racing Commission,

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Resorts World Manila and Solaire Resort & Casino.

Among other race sponsors include Manila Jockey Club, City of Dreams, Tiger Resorts & Leisure, EEG Development Corporation, and Smart Communications.

The Philippine Racing Commission has fully supported the rejuvenation of the industry and this year’s Bagatsing Racing Festival will serve as the springboard for more collaborated efforts to usher in a new era of milestones for the horse racing industry.

In nearly a decade of its continued existence, the Bagatsing Cup and the Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Racing Festival, have been established as some of MJC’s premier events in its racing calendar.

Baulete, Bandolis lead net winners ILIGAN City native Rovie Baulete and Tubod, Lanao del Norte bet Kristin Guia Margarrette Bandolis, with two individual titles each, led the winners at the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

Baulete posted a straight set 6-3, 6-4 victory over city mate Annamae Mendoza for the girls’ 16-0under crown but, was pushed to a third set by the same foe in the finals of the 18-under before pulling off a come from behind 3-6, 6-1, 10-8 win for the title.

Bandolis took on the Insong siblings in both the 12-under and 14under finals for her twin titles in the tournament co-sponsored by Dunlop Sports as the official ball.

Bandolis swept Girly Mae Insong, 6-3, 6-2, in the finals of the girls’ 14-under while earlier, she took out Jamie Insong, 6-1, 6-0 for the 12-under championship.

Other familiar names also shone in the tournament, part of a nation-wide grassroots tennis developmental program now on its 11th year already.

They are Tubod native John Steven Sonsona, winner in the boys’ 18-under after disposing of Marawi City’s Duma Hakim Boloto, 6-3, 6-1 in the finals and 16-under champion from Dipolog Stephen Zion Guia as he posted a three set victory, 6-3, 3-6, 10-8, over Sonsona in their championship match; and Nash Agustines from Oroquieta City who ruled the boys’ 12-under by beating local bet Heinz Asian Carbonilla, 6-3, 7-5, in the finals.

“We are very happy with the turnout of entries in this leg as it shows the strong interest of local people in tennis and that is why we will continue looking at the Mindanao area to discover and develop young tennis talents,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier.

In the other categories, Zamboanga del Sur’s Eric Jay Tangub took home the boys’ 14-under crown following a 6-2, 6-2 win over local player Brent Signmond Cortes; while Vince AJ Bering, also from Lanao del Norte, had a 4-2, 5-3 win over Abdel Qadzri Matarul of Zamboanga del Sur to rule the 10-under category.

Proponents of the Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Memorial Racing Festival link hands during a press conference at the Resorts World Manila. They are (from left) Atty. Ed Francisco, Kabaka president; Atty. King Reyno, MJCI President; Rep. Amado Bagatsing; Rey Emprimiado, PCSO Director; and Willy de Ungria, Philracom Commissioner. Lino Santos

Sky PPV subcribers to get rewards AS heartfelt gratitude to all those who will subscribe to the much-awaited Mayweather vs McGregor match on SKY Pay-Per-View Sports, a viewer gets 100 points on Kapamilya Thank You, ABS-CBN’s newly launched customer loyalty program.

The earned points may be

availed as SKY billing rebates, a gift certificate at the ABS-CBN store, or as a donation to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Tulong Center, among others.

The year’s biggest fight will be broadcast live from the TMobile Arena in Las Vegas commercial-free, and in high definition on Aug. 27, 9 a.m.

Redemption of the rewards may be done only if subscribers have registered at the Kapamilya Thank You program’s website: thankyou.abs-cbn.com.

The Mayweather-McGregor fight on SKY Sports PPV offer is available to subscribers of ONE SKY, SKYcable, Destiny Cable, SKYdirect, and SKY-

broadband via SKY on Demand for only P950.

Subscribers can catch the fight by calling 418-0000 or their local SKY office, texting BOXINGPPV to 23662 or by visiting www.mysky.com.ph/ boxi ngppv. SKYdirect postpaid subscribers on the other hand can text SKY to 23668.

PCU subdues Lyceum of Subic, 74 to 72 PHILIPPINE Christian University rode on the heroics of Von Tambeling to subdue of Lyceum of Subic, 74-72, for its second straight win in the 17th NAASCU men’s basketball tournament at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.

Tambeling, one of the Dolphins’ most trusted men in offense, nailed a difficult jump shot near the shaded area to give PCU the lead for good, 73-72, with 22.3 seconds left.

After a botched play by Lyceum, Tambeling made one of two free throws for the final score.

The win was a fitting follow-

up for PCU, which debuted with an upset 89-88 overtime win over defending champion St. Clare College last Aug. 17.

Yves Sason finished with a double-double performance of 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Dolphins.

Mike Ayonayon added 18 points and five rebounds, while Tambeling contributed 17 points and four rebounds.

Allen Fomera carried the fight for the Sharks with 21 points and six rebounds.

Sharing the limelight were

Rizal Technological University, which overwhelmed new member St. Francis of Assisi College, 67-56; and Enderun Colleges, which outsteadied Manyel Luis Quezon University, 78-68.

Three players combined for 39 points for the Thunder, who won over City University of Pasay, 90-74, last Tuesday.

The scores: First game RTU (67)—Tabi 14, Bangeles 14, Liquinan 11, Señires 8, Tilos 7, Estoce 5, Reyes 4, Redondo 0.

St. Francis (56)—Tolosa 16, Lar-

otin 14, Parcero 9, Derama 4, Cruz 4, Chu 3, Cristobal 2, Ceguerra 2, Madrid 2, Lanoy 0, Cenita 0 Quarterscores: 15-13, 37-22, 56-35, 67- 56 Second game PCU (74)—Sason 24, Ayonayon 18, Tambeling 17, Saldua 6, Castro 3, Mescallado 3, Palattao 2, Abrigo 1, okoronkwo 0 Lyceum-Subix (72)—Fomera 21, Del Rosario 11, Castillo 10, Djilla 8, Sunguad 7, David 5, Jacaban 4, Pelaez 3, Macatlang 3, Saludo 0 Quarterscores: 27-7, 45-26, 58-44, 74-72

Phoenix National Slalom 8th leg at Robinsons Nova THE eighth leg of the Phoenix National Slalom Series erupts this Sunday at Robinsons Novaliches.

Powered by Phoenix Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate fully synthetic oil, the slalom event starts with the registration at 8 a.m. Unlimited practice runs are set from from 8 to 10 a.m. Drivers with practice coupons are the only ones who will be accommodated to have practice runs after 10 a.m. Free slalom clinics will be offered at 9 a.m.

Each participating driver will receive 4 liters (gallon) of Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic Oil. Organizers will continue holding the Slalom Too Class, wherein Clubman and experienced drivers can join. This class will not have a 360-degree turn and professional drivers are not allowed.

To accumulate points for the overall and class champions, contenders must use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine or 75% of the series and possess the Automobile Association of the Philippines Clubman license. All drivers will be charged an additional one-time P300 per leg for the AAP

Clubman License.

The National Slalom Event is affiliated with the AAP and FIA and is the longestrunning motorsport discipline in the country.

The 2017 RACE National Slalom Series is presented by Phoenix Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic Oil, with major sponsors Federal Tyres, Outlast Battery and Robinsons Novaliches. It is also supported by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter; Aeromed, Cars Unlimited Fairview and Mark Young Racing, together with media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Car Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine and Ride and Drive Philippines.

Winners of the seventh leg last Aug. 13 will get their awards on Sunday.

The ninth leg will be on Sept. 10 at NFA Compound Cabanatuan City, while the 2nd leg of the Phoenix Slalom Invitational is on Sept. 3 at Robinsons Calasiao Pangasinan.

For details, contact Bing Bang O. Dulce at tel. nos. 9286951, 09228165344 or 0917-8119337 and email racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or like the event’s Facebook page.

Beram will shoot for his second gold medal when he competes in the finals of the men’s 400-meter run later in the day.

Aside from Beram, also seeing action are veteran Narcisa Atienza, who began her campaign in the women’s heptathlon, while Janry

THE 16 “Ganado Sa Buhay” teams are now complete as four more teams booked their tickets to the 2017 Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament National Finals.

Team Helterbrand, bannered by Noriel Guerrero, Jonathan Ablao, Vijay Viloria, and Firmorico Francisco, imposed its dominance and ruled Brgy. Catbangen, San Fernando, La Union, last edging Team Taha, 21-18 in the regional Finals.

Meanwhile, Team Slaughter, carried by Jan Michael Auditor, Edrian Lao, Christian Floyd Taboada, and Randy Colinia, downed Team Tenorio, 21-12, to rule Brgy. Pasil in Cebu City last Saturday.

Simultaneously, Team Tenorio, which consists of Mikko Estrellante, Jed Edulan, Alvin Calatayud, and Reggie Rivera, also earned its spot in the big dance, fending off Team Caguioa, 16-12, in Brgy. Crossing Bayabas, Toril District in Davao City.

Team Taha, comprised of Lemuel Bulanon, Vhal Valenciano, Nino Atamosa, and Sylvester Moreno, wrapped up the regionals as it edged Team Tenorio, 2118, to win in Brgy. San Jose, Sitio Burayan, Tacloban City in Leyte.

Showing their never say die spirit, the 16 regional champions converge on Sept. 1 at SM Megamall Activity Center for the knockout phase of the National Finals.

The last two remaining teams proceed to play on Sept. 3, Sunday, with the championship game set before the Manila Clasico duel between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Star Hot Shots at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The last 3-on-3 team standing will be named as the 2017 Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 National Champion, taking home the P50,000 cash prize, a trophy, and Ginebra San Miguel products.

Floyd vs Conor at Kia Theatre UFC world cha mpion Conor McGregor and undefeated poundfor-pou nd world boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. will clash in a much-awaited duel at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday, Aug 26 at 9 p.m. (Sunday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. Manila Time).

While a throng of MMA and boxing fanatics are expected to descend upon the so-called “Sin City,” local fans wanting to get in on the action may do so, Vegas style, courtesy of a giant screen and live HD broadcast of the fight Sunday morning.

Sports fanatics can enjoy the Pay-Per-View screening of the fight at Kia Theatre in Araneta Center, Quezon City. Tickets to the PPV come in affordable rates, with promo package choices for VIP and Loge seats that include food and drinks, through Ticketnet.

It is said that the seed was planted for this year’s most anticipated sporting match back in April 2015 when, in an Esquire article by writer Chris Jones, then-rising MMA fighter McGregor was quoted, “If I fought Floyd, I would kill him in less than 30 seconds.”

That quote from the UFC champ spread like wildfire. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe credited social media’s role in getting this fight set up.

Adding fuel to the fire, Mayweather even tweeted a fake poster in jest that read “Mayweather Conor Live on Pay-Per-View” early last year. Fans picked it up and talked relentlessly online about a supposed rivalry between Mayweather and McGregor. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mayweather’s PPV joke has come true and you don’t have to fly to the US to witness this unbelievable event.

LOTTO RESULTS

Dr. Peewee Mendiola makes his move.

Boxing...

From A8

Ginebra 3-on-3 National Finals set

Ubas and Fil-Am Tyler Ruiz were to contest the gold in the long jump at 8 p.m.

On Friday, former SEA Games long jump queen and Rio Olympic veteran Marestella Sunang-Torres will see action with Kay Santos in the long jump while Melvin Calano was slated to compete in the men’s javelin throw.

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

Beram, Toledo turn instant sensations KUALA LUMPUR—Entering the 29th Southeast Games, Trenten Beram and Aries Toledo were just a pair of nobodies in the national track and field team.

That all changed Wednesday night as the unheralded Filipino duo hogged the spotlight with impressive debuts in the biennial meet’s athletics’ competition at the colossal National Stadium inside the KL Sports City here.

Long overshadowed by Jeson Ramil Cid, the 2015 Singapore SEA Games silver medalist, Toledo took the winner’s podium first, making his maiden SEA Games appearance very memorable as he ruled the men’s decathlon in overpowering fashion.

Trailing Thai Suttisak Singkon, who took the decathlete gold in 2014 Incheon Asian Games, by nine points after the penultimate event— the javelin throw—the 27-year-old pride of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija settled the issue with a runaway triumph in the 1,500-meter race.

He took the gold in the 10-event discipline with 6,894 points, relegating the fancied Thai to the silver (6,678), to establish himself as Southeast Asia’s best all-around male athlete.

Toledo then revealed that that he grit his teeth in completing the decathlon despite his aching body telling him to stop.

“Ginawa ko lang ang nararapat kahit ang likod ko, ‘yung braso ko (sa javelin throw), ‘yung buong katawan ko,” said the athlete, his body practically wrapped in pain-relieving tape.

“Sabi ko sa Itaas na huwag akong bibigay dahil kailangan to para sa Pilipinas.”

The wiry and dusky athlete added that he wouldn’t even be here had he not broken Jeson Ramil Cid’s national decathlon record in the Thailand Open last June with a tally of 7,127 points, surprising his illustrious teammate’s old mark of 6,924 points.

Beram, on the other hand, was just as pleasantly surprised by his golden debut in the men’s 200-meter run, avenging fellow Fil-Am Eric Shawn Cray’s loss in the men’s century sprint to hometown boy Khairul Hafiz Jantan, who placed a distant fourth.

Eumir Felix Marcial of the Philippines (Blue) celebrates after being announced as the winner of his match against Pathomsak Kuttiya of Thailand (Red) in the finals of the men’s middleweight class of the 29th Southeast Asian Games boxing competition. PSC Media

Boxing, lawn bowls deliver 3 golds for PH K

UALA LUMPUR—The boxers delivered as expected but the real surprise for Team Philippines were the lawn bowl athletes midway into the 29th Southeast Asian Games.

Filipino-British newcomer Marvin John Tupas announced his arrival in style while Eumir Felix Marcial affirmed his status as one of the region’s heaviest puncher as they clinched the gold medal in their respective weight classes Thursday at the Malaysia International Trade and Convention Center here.

Tupas didn’t waste precious time as he landed a big right straight right into the face of Adli Hafidz Bin Mohd Pauzi of Malaysia in the first eight seconds before unloading a barrage of body punches with more than two minutes left to win the gold medal in the light heavyweight class via a stoppage in just 21 seconds.

“I didn’t expect the fight to end this soon,” said Tupas, a member of the British army who is seeing action for the Philippines for the first time after walking-in to express his intention to don the national colors. “It was so good to win my first gold medal for the country.”

Prior to that speedy stoppage, Marcial worked hard for three rounds before securing a unanimous decision victory over Pathomsak Kuttiya of Thailand in the middleweight class.

Despite being bothered by a painful left hand, Marcial poured everything he had to outbox the Thai and clinch his first gold medal since ruling the wel-

terweight class in the Singapore SEA Games in 2007.

“I really wanted to knock him out to avenge the setback of Carlo (Paalam) and Ian Clark (Bautista),” said Marcial in Filipino. “But I couldn’t punch with my left hand. I just tried to fight the pain because boxing is our life.”

The two-gold medal finish is quite an achievement for vaunted Philippine boxing squad, especially since the organizers limited the number of events and made some questionable calls.

Falling by the wayside was Paalam, while Olympian Charly Suarez and Bautista settled for bronze medals in the light flyweight and flyweight, respectively, and Mario Fernandez claimed the silver following a sorry setback to Chatchai Butdee of Thailand in the bantamweight class.

But if hopes were high on the boxers, another gold medalist in the national lawn

SMB tries to get back on track vs GlobalPort

Teodoro carries Bombers

By Jeric Lopez

Games Today

(The Arena in San Juan) 8 a.m. LSGH vs Arellano (jrs) 10 a.m. Lyceum vs Mapua (jrs) 12 nn CSB vs Arellano (srs) 2 p.m. Lyceum vs Mapua (srs) 4 p.m. EAC vs UPHSD (srs) 6 p.m. EAC vs UPHSD (jrs)

TEY Teodoro was on fire in the last five minutes.

He scored 19 points, spiked by four triples to power the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers to a 73-62 smashing of the San Sebastian Stags at their own home court in Recto, Manila last night.

The 5’9” Teodoro connected twice in a row in the last 3:32, allowing JRU to move away for good and earn their fifth victory in eight games in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The Heavy Bombers’ third consecutive triumph allowed them to solidify their grip on fourth position.

“Nagising na. Sabi ko sa kanya, to be part of the rotation, you have to learn everything. To have respect, you earn it. You want minutes, more minutes, you work for it,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

When Teodoro’s triples found their mark, the Heavy Bombers’ pressure defense began taking its toll on the Stags, who fell behind on three turnovers in the ensuing play.

JRU eventually enjoyed a 70-60 spread on another triple, this time from Jed Mendoza, with 5:14 to go.

In the junior division, newcomer Neil Villapando stepped up just in time to help the San Sebastian Staglets find their rhythm in the third period and stop the JRU Light Bombers, 71-60, at the SSCRecoletos gymnasium in Manila.

Peter Atencio

bowls squad made heads turn upon their return to the biennial conclave.

After missing the past four editions of the SEA Games, the country’s lawn bowls; squad pulled off a shocker as it won the gold medal in men’s fours event.

The quartet of Emmanuel Protacio, Ronald Lising, Leoncio Carreon and Cuarte Robert Guari edged heavyweight Malaysia, 16-14, in the finals to clinch the gold medal in their its first SEA Games action since 2007.

Composed of Zulhimie Redzuan, Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple, Safuan Said and Daeng Dhadry Dahasry, the home team was no match to the Filipinos’ accuracy and precision.

The Thais settled for the bronze.

Also adding to the country’s golden harvest late Wednesday were Trenten Berram and Aries Toledo, who ruled the men’s 200-meter run and men’s decathlon, respectively.

Turn to A7

TWO ALTA AWARDS FOR MANILA GOLF. The Manila Golf Club and Country Club garnered

two awards from the prestigious Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards 2017 in Singapore, one for the club as an Outstanding Golf Tourism Destination in Southeast Asia, and the other for General Manager San Agustin Albina as Outstanding GM in the Philippines (Top 10). GM Albina said that Manila Golf and Country Club was cited for its exclusivity, personalized service and outstanding golf course and amenities, making it a top golf destination in the country in 2016 during the tenure of MGCC’s former president Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards, endorsed by the Asian Tourism Ministries, are handled by Asia Leading Resorts Inc., which supports, promotes and develops the Asian Lifestyle Tourism destinations by identifying and gratifying brilliance and stirring its partners to continually raise the standards of their product and service offering. Each year, ALR manages and administers a comprehensive Lifestyle Tourism programme across a range of awards developed to recognize the industry’s most vital sectors and product offerings.

GRANDSLAM-seeking San Miguel Beer looks to keep in step with the other top-tier teams as it attempts to get back on track against a feisty GlobalPort side, even as two teams in the lower echelon clash in the continuation of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. The Beermen (2-1) and the Batang Pier (2-2) are set to test each other at 7 p.m. in the main event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

Three hours prior, TNT KaTropa (22) and fading Phoenix (2-5) figure in an important match at 4:15 p.m. as both teams are in need of a victory to keep up with the pack.

Following its 2-0 start, San Miguel Beer suffered a roadblock and would now have to find its groove again to stay in the upper half with the teams upfront.

Missing the services of main man June Mar Fajardo the last time out due to injury, the Beermen tasted their first defeat of the tournament, falling to league-leading Star, 10498, last Aug. 4.

With 20 days of rest, San Miguel is fresh and more importantly, it is ex-

pected to have Fajardo back in the fold to help the team.

However, the Batang Pier is ready to put on a fight as it hopes to keep its momentum going with ace Terrence Romeo back in harness after his stint with the national team.

GlobalPort thwarted hapless Kia, 102-90, last Sunday and is now looking to pull off an upset win over the Beermen for a possible second straight victory.

It has been a roller-coaster ride so far for the Tropang Texters in the tournament as they have alternated wins and losses.

After changing their import from Michael Craig to Glen Rice Jr., TNT KaTropa, missing some of its star players who were with the national team, didn’t find success as it suffered a terrible beatdown at the hands of Rain or Shine last Sunday, 105-73, its worst loss of the season.

The Texters will now look to bounce back against the ailing Fuel Masters, who have lost five in a row after winning their first two outings.

Just last Wednesday night, Phoenix suffered yet another lopsided loss at the hands of the Hotshots, 100-81.

Huelgas: Nutrition and strengthening program were key

By Peter Atencio HARD work and commitment during training kept triathlon champion Nikko Huelgas focused.

This got him the gold in the 29th Southeast Asian Games and he even towed his teammate John Chicano to the silver.

The 25-year-old Huelgas, who claimed a second straight goldmedal finish in the Games, said he was about to give up on his

plans to be part of the national squad to the Games as so many races went bad for him. One time, he suffered from a bum stomach while in another, he was hounded by mechanic troubles that saw him lose an elite level race.

But things turned around last January when he talked to his manager Mel Macasaquit on the prospects of getting a sponsor to help him and his teammates prepare for the SEA Games this year.

“I needed to reinvent myself. I needed to change my program. A good nutrition and strengthening program will make you better,” said Huelgas, who was training with John Chicano in Subic Bay, Olongapo at that time.

Fortunately for Huelgas, he and Macasaquit were able to get the commitment of Ronald Mascarinas, president and CEO of Bounty Fresh and Chooks to Go. For the last six months, Masca-

rinas committed himself to helping provide recovery meals for the national squad with their daily supply of roast chicken.

“Next we knew, we were getting the medals,” said Huelgas, who was treated to a surprise dinner testimonial on Wednesday evening by Mascarinas at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center.

Mascarinas expressed his gladness over the feat of Huelgas and the rest of the national men’s and

women’s triathlon team that made 1-2 finishes during the Games.

“It’s another reason for the country to celebrate. Nikko is one of our most promising athletes.

He is one of the few athletes who can cross the qualifying times for the Olympics,” said Mascarinas.

With Huelgas’ feat, Mascarinas said he is excited to extend support to him and the national squad until the 2020 Olympics if ever Huelgas qualifies.

Business

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, August 24, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.2020

Japan

Yen

0.009173

0.4697

UK

Pound

1.280200

65.5488

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127792

6.5432

Switzerland

Franc

1.036162

53.0536

Canada

Dollar

0.796495

40.7821

Singapore

Dollar

0.734916

37.6292

Australia

Dollar

0.790200

40.4598

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654985

135.9405

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

13.6539

Brunei

Dollar

0.732225

37.4914

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029985

1.5353

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.9412

Euro

Euro

1.181000

60.4696

Korea

Won

0.000888

0.0455

China

Yuan

0.150207

7.6909

India

Rupee

0.015615

0.7995

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.233754

11.9687

New Zealand

Dollar

0.722400

36.9883

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033036

1.6915 Source: PDS Bridge

IN BRIEF Xianglu Dragon ready to invest in PH CHINESE conglomerate Xianglu Dragon Group confirmed Thursday its programmed investments in a petrochemical, oil refinery, cement and industrial complex in Western Pangasinan and a major tourism and IT services center and a hotel in Metro Manila that the company submitted to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

XDG, in a statement, also dismissed as political harassment the charges raised against company chairman You-Hao Chen by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office.

XDG said no less than Peza directorgeneral Charito Plaza and a seven-man team from Peza visited Xiamen City in Fujian, headquarters of XDG for an ocular inspection and confirmed XDG and Chen’s massive petrochemical complex and large hotel investments in Xiamen and in the nearby city of Fujian in Southern China.

XDG said the proposed Philippine projects are part of the group’s thrust to further its reach in industrial, petrochemical, and real estate projects outside China, where it is already a leading player in these fields. The group is also one of the large hotel and real estate developers in California, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.

XDG said it has rapidly diversified its holdings abroad under the helm of founder You-Hao Chen, a Chinese citizen who had been subject of political persecution in Taiwan under the ruling DPP political party.

XDG said Chen is excited over the Philippine projects because of the strong ties between XDG’s headquarters in Xiamen, and the Philippines. “I have strong sentimental and emotional ties to the Philippines because 90 percent of Filipino-Chinese can trace their ancestry back to Xiamen. This will be our way to further solidify our ancestral bond,” said Chen.

Manila power rates at par with Singapore THE Philippines’ power rates are among the highest in Asean, but are at par with Singapore, the Energy Department said in the newly released Power Development Plan for 2016 to 2040.

Data from the Energy Department’s PDP showed the Philippines and Singapore’s power rates were at the same level at P5.84 per kilowatt-hour for industries.

The Philippines, however, has a higher rate for commercial customers at P7.49 per kWh, compared with Singapore’s P7.29 per kWh. Household or domestic rates in the Philippines were at P8.90 per kWh, higher than Singapore’s P7.27 per kWh. “Philippine power rates across the three sectors are among the highest in Asean but at par with the level of Singapore. A major reason for these higher prices is the absence of government subsidies,” the report said.

Power rates of industries of Thailand were at P5.37 per kWh, Malaysia at P4.71 per kWh and Indonesia at P1.66 per kWh. Commercial rates in Thailand were at P5.37 per kWh, Malaysia at P4.97 per kWh and Indonesia at P2.15 per kWh. Domestic or household rates in Thailand were at P5.52 per kWh, Malaysia at P6.02 per kWh and Indonesia at P1.29 per kWh. “In addition, taxes, fees, and other charges are also levied on the power industry sectors composed on the generation, transmission, and distribution levels which constitute a portion on electricity rates in the Philippines,” it said. Alena Mae S. Flores

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

B1

Group: Expired cement rampant

By Othel V. Campos

A

CONSUMER advocacy group asked the Trade Department to investigate the alleged proliferation of substandard imported cement at local hardware stores.

The National Coalition of Filipino Consumers said it submitted pieces of evidence to the Bureau of Product Standards showing that expired, mislabeled and unlabeled cement was being sold and used in several provinces and parts of Metro Manila.

It submitted proofs like photos of the questionable products and purchase receipts as evidence.

Coalition spokesperson and legal counsel Oliver San Antonio said the group conducted initial investigations

and test buys after receiving reports that substandard cement was being sold in areas like La Union, Davao and Caloocan City.

“We received initial reports from consumers that expired imported cement was being openly sold in the marketplace, so we conducted our own investigations. The reports turned out to be true,” San Antonio said.

“We were actually able to buy expired cement in La Union and in Davao, and that’s just an initial sampling.

We’re sure there are more substandard cement in other parts of the country being offered to unsuspecting consumers,” he said.

The consumer group said “old cement” was not setting well and was likely to fail compression tests that aimed to check whether a product was still in prime condition.

San Antonio said the group had purchase receipts and photos of hardware stores and public works projects using old, mislabeled and substandard cement.

“When we inspected the construction site of a

Caloocan City high school in early August, we saw hundreds of cement bags, labelled with the Buffalo Cement brand from Vietnam, being used to build a four-story structure,” he said.

The group said that based on data it collated, the labels of questionable products had a manufacturing date of December 2016. It said this meant the products were about nine months old already and were in violation of the maximum six-month shelf life imposed by the Trade Department.

According to the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 07:2005, “cement remaining in bulk storage at the plant/storage silo prior to shipment for more than six months, or cement in bags in local storage in the hands of a vendor for more than three months, needs to be retested.”

San Antonio said the same “expired” Buffalo brand of cement was also being sold in La Union when the group went to check consumer complaints earlier this month.

Govt cheers P110-b foreign investments

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PayPal optimistic on PH operations GLOBAL digital payment leader PayPal said it is optimistic about the Philippine market given the rising number of freelancers in the country.

“The Philippines is our fastest growing market in Southeast Asia in terms of business and consumer sectors. It is the second largest market in Southeast Asia and as a proportion of Philippine population, the Philippines has the largest proportion of freelancers in the world,” Rahul Shinghal, general manager of PayPal Southeast Asia, said.

The Philippines has about 1.5 million freelancers, while India has 5 million freelancers.

“PayPal has always been supportive of freelancers and MSMEs [micro and small medium enterprises] in Southeast Asia, ensuring the our customers get the best tools to move and manage their money seamlessly as they take charge of their cross-border business. The launch of the PayPal Business App is a testament to that,” Shinghal said.

“As the Asean integration spotlights entrepreneurs, we are doing our own part in empowering the community by providing new services and programs that could accelerate their opportunities in line with Asean’s Money, Markets and Mentor’s framework,” Shinghal said. Darwin G Amojelar

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

IPP ROADSHOW. Board of Investments executive director Raul Angeles presents the 2017 Investment Priorities Plan during an IPP roadshow at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban City. The roadshows are part of BOI’s advocacy to promote the 2017 IPP around the country. The IPP theme “Scaling Up and Dispersing Opportunities” guides domestic and foreign investors in matching their entrepreneurial and financial capacities with the identified opportunities to steer the country’s economic growth to a broader and sustainable path.

MetroPac to hire logistics consultant METRO Pacific Investments Corp. said Thursday it shortlisted six global strategic consultants that will help the infrastructure conglomerate evaluate and fine tune its logistics expansion plan.

The six shortlisted strategic consultants are Logistics Bureau, McKinsey& Co., Armstrong & Associates, Boston Consulting Group, Partners in Performance and LCA. Metro Pacific said it would select the final consultant this month.

The strategic consultant, for a period of three months, will help evaluate Metro Pacific’s thrust to aggressively expand its logistics business.

The hired consultant will help Metro Pacific identify opportunities in the whole logistics industry and and the supply chain needed.

Metro Pacific president Jose Ma. K. Lim earlier said the group’s logistics plan was currently being refined and the company was taking a wide look at the industry to identify specific areas where it should focus on.

Several companies are getting into the logistics sector because strong demand for logistics services as the domestic economy continues to expand. The lightly regulated sector offers the prospect of attractive returns.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Henry Sy’s wealth hits $18b

By Jenniffer B. Austria TYCOON Henry Sy emerged as the wealthiest person in the Philippines, with his net worth jumping to $18 billion this year from $13.7 billion in 2016, as the economy continued to expand under the Duterte administration, according to Forbes Asia magazine’s 2017 list of 50 richest Filipinos.

Forbes Asia said the total net worth of the 92 year-old founder of SM was three times higher than his closest runner-up John Gokongwei, 91, of JG Summit Holdings Inc., whose wealth shrank to $5.5 billion from $6.8 billion last year.

Enrique Razon Jr., the 57-year-old owner of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. and gaming firm Bloomberry Resorts Corp., placed third with a net worth of $4.3 billion, up from 2016’s $3.5 billion.

Lucio Tan amassed $4.2 billion to place fourth, while Jaime Zobel de Ayala ranked fifth with $3.7 billion.

Rounding up the top 10 list of Philippines’ richest are David Consunji of DMCI

Holdings with $3.68 billion, George Ty of Metrobank with $3.6 billion, Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods Corp. with $3.4 billion, Andrew Tan of Alliance Global Group Inc. with $2.5 billion and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp. with $2.3 billion.

Forbes Asia said seven of the 10 biggest dollar gainers had sizable interest in construction and property development to support the current administration’s thrust to improve infrastructure in the country.

The magazine said half of the 50 richest tycoons saw a reduction in their net worth because of volatile political conditions.

The net worth of businessman Alfredo Yao was reduced to $600 million as the share price of listed Macay Holdings dropped 26 percent on government’s plan to impose taxes on sugary drinks.

Edgar Sia, who was last year’s biggest gainer, fell to 21st spot from 17th place last year as the stock price of DoubleDragon Properties Inc. declined.

Meanwhile, businessman Eusebio Tan debuted on Forbes Asia’s list this year, as the share price of STI Education surged over 140 percent over the past year.

THE Finance Department said the recent decision of two foreign companies to invest P110 billion in local companies reflects a vote of coincidence in the Duterte administration.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement the move by Macquarie Infrastructure Management (Asia) Pty. Ltd. and Arran Investments to pump P65 billion into the Philippine energy sector was a vote of trust and confidence by foreign investors in the Duterte administration and its socioeconomic reform agenda anchored on high and inclusive growth.

A consortium of investors comprising funds managed by Macquarie Infrastructure Management and Arran Investments formed Philippines Renewable Energy Holdings Corp. and offered to acquire up to 31.7 percent of Energy Development

Corp., a renewable power producer, for $1.3 billion or about P65 billion.

Macquarie Infrastructure Management is a member of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, one of the world’s largest infrastructure asset managers. Arran, meanwhile, is an affiliate of the GIC Pte. Ltd., which manages Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The consortium plans to buy 6.6 billion to 8.9 billion common shares of EDC, mostly from minority shareholders, at P7.25 per share, or a maximum total price of P64.525 billion ($1.28 billion). The tender offer is expected to close on Sept. 18.

Dominguez said that along with the P45-billion investment of Japan Tobacco International, following its acquisition of Mighty Corp., the total foreign direct investment from these two sectors alone would reach P110 billion.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market returns to 8,000; IMI up

S

TOCKS rose slightly Thursday to end a threeday decline and push up the benchmark index above the 8,000-point mark, ahead of a meeting of global central banks.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, picked up 6 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 8,004.93, as three of the six major sectors advanced.

The heavier index, representing all shares, went up 3 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at 4,739.80, on a value turnover of P4.6 billion.

Gainers outnumbered losers, 98 to 83, while 62 issues were unchanged.

Eleven of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by semiconductor company Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. which surged 8.7 percent to P14.68. Casino opera-

tor Bloomberry Resorts Corp. climbed 2.9 percent to P10.58, while miner Nickel Asia Corp. gained 2.9 percent to P7.09.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets on Thursday brushed off Wall Street’s retreat, with analysts playing down Donald Trump’s government shutdown threat and the focus turning to a key central bankers’ meeting.

In a firebrand speech to supporters, the embattled US president warned he was ready to shut down federal business to push through his controversial Mexican border wall, while also threatening to tear up a trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.

The outburst fueled concerns that the nascent administration is struggling to find consensus on Capitol Hill―even with its own Republican party―raising questions about Trump’s ability to push through promised tax cuts, deregulation and infrastructure spending.

It also led to a warning from Fitch that it would review its US sovereign rating if the

government was shut down.

Hikaru Sato, senior technical analyst at the investment strategy section of Daiwa Securities, said: “Trump’s remarks are likely to keep impacting the markets for now―at least until Congress resumes.”

All three main indexes in New York ended in the red.

However, House Speaker Paul Ryan said there would not be any closure of government, while analysts also pointed out that such a crisis was unlikely and Trump was probably bluffing.

“It’s Congress which will decide on the debt ceiling limit and avoid the shutdown― not the president,” said AxiTrader chief market strategist Greg McKenna.

He was also confident Trump’s economic agenda could be pushed through, adding: “It’s likely the Congress will need to work out what it wants to do on tax cuts. I’m still expecting some progress there in the months ahead.” With AFP, Bloomberg

Ayala allotting P1.3b for FamilyDoc clinics

By Othel V. Campos AYALA Healthcare Holdings Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., is spending up to P1.3 billion to expand the chain of FamilyDoc clinics to a hundred facilities by 2020, a top executive said Thursday.

FamilyDoc general manager Paul Darocca said in a news briefing the company planned to bring down the cost of healthcare in as many areas as possible.

“We need partners to be able to see this program through. GE Healthcare has been providing us with the technology for less. The

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

NAME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.49 17,000 59.5 11,800 105 644,630 3.9 17,000 127.5 1,363,290 1.36 26,000 35.9 123,400 16 1,700 32.3 410,000 7.98 600 0.68 3,000 1.65 10,000 910 350 0.71 20,277,000 89 3,093,440 0.98 4,082,000 13.2 37,000 60.45 56,620 240 570 112 290 88.15 390 51.6 20,850 254 524,770 1,795 215 86.45 570 1.4 83,000

75,230 700,876 67,675,319 66,300 173,865,954 35,360 4,440,970 27,192 13,278,800 4,788 2,040 16,510 320,845 14,733,050 275,203,879 4,052,950 487,206 3,431,393.50 136,356 32,885 34,397.50 1,073,171 132,329,264 386,925 49,219.50 117,690

560,686 -10,110,537 19,500 -75,692,991 -4,105,095 -898,860 4,649,958.50 109,600 -3,337,954 192,141 16,596,716 -125,925 4,322.50 -

39.6 9.26 0.81 1.37 24.25 0.239 150.2 5.99 16.98 32.05 22.5 63.5 75 1.9 5.38 11.2 10.5 15.1 12.9 7.1 6.85 16.82 67.75 12.38 13.54 1.8 238 59.55 3.5 3.3 31.2 18.88 17.88 268.4 0.232 10.8 2.92 7.13 9.51 7.25 10 1.79 11.58 65.75 6.7 311.8 4.29 4.3 2.37 12.8 4.5 0.143 1.23 150.4 3.71 2.07 1

INDUSTRIALS 39.95 973,700 9.34 2,933,500 0.81 529,000 1.39 419,000 24.3 24,600 0.243 290,000 152 240 6.14 19,668,800 17.3 1,125,300 32.85 592,100 22.95 34,800 63.5 6,230 80.9 2,130 1.92 456,000 5.4 88,500 11.2 39,500 10.76 10,290,200 15.1 1,299,300 13.4 3,492,800 7.15 333,700 6.92 3,616,800 16.84 3,660,000 67.95 739,490 12.42 55,000 14.68 6,229,700 1.84 150,000 240 291,780 59.55 150 3.5 168,000 3.48 82,000 31.4 253,200 19.3 190,400 17.9 435,500 268.4 530,610 0.232 6,310,000 10.8 27,500 2.99 228,000 7.13 269,100 9.51 1,105,000 7.6 3,400 10 20,000 1.85 1,004,000 12 1,545,000 65.95 69,880 6.71 99,600 312 37,080 4.31 170,000 4.3 9,000 2.49 773,000 12.96 589,000 4.53 82,000 0.143 330,000 1.23 27,000 151.3 680,190 3.71 21,000 2.1 11,511,000 1 100,000

38,794,960 27,356,943 429,420 578,760 604,155 69,830 36,102 120,858,837 19,154,318 19,211,805 794,060 397,953.50 166,717 872,590 477,847 443,478 109,427,630 19,689,304 46,670,428 2,383,362 24,910,051 61,947,996 50,280,918 683,348 87,299,920 275,090 69,861,114 8,932.50 588,350 274,030 7,948,540 3,646,884 7,805,480 143,166,388 1,484,200 299,068 671,740 1,922,888 10,556,983 25,405 200,000 1,842,610 18,334,372 4,603,082.50 671,414 11,574,596 731,270 38,750 1,867,100 7,637,392 371,110 47,920 33,210 102,886,440 77,960 24,245,360 100,000

13,744,160 -1,541,575 31,542 -65,340,549 2,544,230 48,750 -1,918.50 -369,900 2,242,902 2,990,810 -1,877,436 -1,236,008 6,418,637 -31,584,640 2,583,102 -67,770 19,896,646 17,709,878 132,400 3,288,320 -49,562 -5,340,646 -45,798,690 -305,930 29,380 -1,001,837 464,150 -10,200 -1,615,511 45,627 -1,838,412 34,400 150 1,900,634 17,410 -1,357,086 2,066,020 -

0.365 74.25 13.78 7.05 0.315 900 7.94 15.98 7.52 6.25 0.201 1,155 71.95 5 0.91 7.3 17.66 6.64 0.045 2.13 99.7 2.72 825 1.63 303 0.295 0.205 0.23

0.35 73.1 13.6 7 0.31 898 7.74 15.7 7.5 6.23 0.2 1,122 71.15 5 0.9 7.08 17.18 6.5 0.044 2.06 99.3 2.62 815.5 1.6 302 0.29 0.205 0.228

HOLDING FIRMS 0.355 2,760,000 74.25 432,380 13.72 1,237,900 7.05 1,000 0.31 630,000 899 330,660 7.88 1,752,900 15.8 6,332,600 7.5 29,000 6.24 3,500 0.201 90,000 1,138 179,375 71.8 456,350 5 100 0.9 305,000 7.3 701,200 17.52 3,088,000 6.5 15,532,300 0.045 3,900,000 2.13 366,000 99.7 51,470 2.62 44,000 816.5 131,720 1.6 931,000 302 330 0.29 1,980,000 0.205 270,000 0.228 110,000

978,900 32,035,911.50 16,960,038 7,040 197,050 297,243,830 13,849,038 100,438,306 217,578 21,848 18,010 204,655,810 32,741,421.50 500 274,710 5,057,908 53,791,276 101,627,521 174,400 756,080 5,128,429.50 115,910 107,685,740 1,499,090 99,852 574,700 55,350 25,240

10,338,742.50 -2,270,940 148,666,185 -1,983,536 14,717,270 -18,846,660 11,662,984.50 1,352,217 -11,450,564 -13,251,349 -3,011,105 -36,589,740 243,890 6,046 -

5.35 1.29 6.8 2.24 0.94 42.6 3.68 5.23 5.28 0.54 1.32 1.61 0.246 0.5 44.45 0.71 0.168 1.93 1.64 0.98 4.94 0.28 0.59 0.52

5.33 1.21 6.8 2.22 0.9 42 3.6 5.1 5.25 0.53 1.29 1.55 0.237 0.49 44.1 0.7 0.157 1.88 1.61 0.96 4.86 0.275 0.54 0.5

2,831,173 22,275,470 18,360 49,100 2,513,660 171,437,025 457,930 18,172,623 26,319 6,190,850 194,100 2,157,410 10,142,090 241,230 3,241,560 131,070 330,280 15,459,420 3,784,180 97,490 100,485,570 1,633,600 16,526,770 616,560

-2,374,153 52,400 59,510 43,267,680 14,670 -506,035 912,540 -79,500 -527,020 1,439,390 35,000 5,330,710 32,200 42,080,790 66,000 -145,770 -

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FILIPINO FUND FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

4.48 59.4 105.6 3.9 127.8 1.36 36 15.96 32.9 7.98 0.68 1.66 919.5 0.7 89 1.03 13.12 61.1 240.6 114 88.2 51.65 255 1,795 86.45 1.45

4.5 59.5 105.6 3.9 128.2 1.36 36.05 16 32.9 7.98 0.68 1.66 920 0.75 89.2 1.03 13.2 61.1 240.6 114 88.2 51.8 256 1,800 86.55 1.45

4.25 59.2 104.7 3.9 126.7 1.36 35.9 15.96 32.2 7.98 0.68 1.65 910 0.7 88.8 0.98 13.12 60.45 236.2 112 88.15 51.3 249.8 1,795 86 1.38

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP PUREFOODS RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

39.6 9.3 0.83 1.37 24.95 0.239 150.2 6 17 32.7 23.6 64 83 1.91 5.43 11.98 10.6 15.1 13.3 7.25 6.86 17.2 68 12.46 13.54 1.86 239.4 59.55 3.51 3.5 31.7 18.96 17.98 271.4 0.24 11.2 2.97 7.15 9.6 7.65 10 1.81 11.84 65.85 6.7 313 4.32 4.35 2.43 12.98 4.5 0.147 1.23 151.4 3.72 2.07 1

39.95 9.4 0.83 1.39 25 0.243 152 6.21 17.3 32.85 23.6 64 83 1.92 5.43 11.98 10.76 15.24 13.4 7.3 6.92 17.26 68 12.48 14.68 1.86 240.4 59.55 3.59 3.54 31.7 19.3 17.98 271.8 0.24 11.3 2.99 7.25 9.7 7.65 10 1.87 12 66 6.88 313 4.33 4.35 2.49 13 4.55 0.147 1.23 152.4 3.72 2.14 1

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

0.36 73.55 13.68 7 0.315 899.5 7.93 15.72 7.5 6.25 0.2 1,122 71.2 5 0.9 7.15 17.22 6.6 0.045 2.12 99.7 2.72 825 1.62 303 0.29 0.205 0.23

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY

5.35 1.28 6.8 2.22 0.9 42.5 3.6 5.22 5.25 0.53 1.29 1.6 0.245 0.5 44.25 0.71 0.165 1.88 1.62 0.96 4.92 0.28 0.54 0.51

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

5.35 23.45 1.8 34.75 1.01 7.65 0.87 5.94

5.5 23.5 1.8 34.75 1.01 7.65 0.89 5.97

5.19 23.3 1.78 34 1 7.4 0.86 5.9

5.19 23.4 1.78 34 1.01 7.4 0.87 5.92

4,814,100 2,390,200 138,000 4,801,500 144,000 200 133,000 1,412,400

25,576,170 55,960,550 247,110 164,423,885 145,210 1,505 114,670 8,364,022

-386,244 -18,069,320 -67,332,925 -4,438,483

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN HAVEN HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PHIL RACING PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

19.66 41.95 1.69 0.63 0.039 10.82 10.3 0.073 106.5 9.36 10.24 8.18 2.17 3.23 970 2,050 6.11 16 2.32 3.15 106.5 11.2 8.6 0.178 1.36 3.05 15.46 4.7 1.51 10.7 0.57 2.42 8.65 4.26 21.2 2.28 11.12 5.13 8.16 174 10.7 1,730 1.6 0.395 47.9 88.95 5.92 4.19 1.42 3.43 1.22 8.8

19.7 41.95 1.7 0.64 0.039 10.82 10.64 0.074 108.4 9.36 10.5 8.18 2.17 3.23 970 2,050 6.14 16.2 2.4 3.15 106.5 12.42 8.6 0.178 1.36 3.09 15.9 4.73 1.67 10.7 0.57 2.42 8.8 4.27 23.5 2.32 11.12 5.19 8.16 174 10.76 1,732 1.6 0.4 48 90 5.92 4.24 1.46 3.43 1.26 8.93

18.92 41.5 1.62 0.61 0.039 10.82 10.3 0.073 106.1 9.32 10.08 7.72 2.17 3.23 970 2,030 6.08 15.96 2.32 3.06 105 11.2 8.45 0.173 1.33 3 15.46 4.49 1.49 10.44 0.57 2.4 8.65 4.2 19.16 2.28 11.1 5.13 8.16 174 10.3 1,715 1.58 0.39 47.8 88.95 5.91 4.14 1.42 3.4 1.2 8.55

SERVICES 19.2 41.7 1.65 0.62 0.039 10.82 10.58 0.073 108 9.32 10.5 8 2.17 3.23 970 2,050 6.12 16.18 2.36 3.06 105.7 12.42 8.54 0.176 1.34 3.09 15.9 4.55 1.62 10.5 0.57 2.4 8.75 4.26 21.2 2.32 11.1 5.16 8.16 174 10.6 1,732 1.6 0.4 48 90 5.92 4.24 1.44 3.41 1.2 8.55

243,100 16,200 146,000 4,703,000 16,900,000 500 12,306,600 7,260,000 1,650,390 4,500 6,928,500 364,900 2,000 2,000 510 10,435 334,400 862,300 196,000 37,000 408,840 26,700 330,000 3,140,000 75,000 28,000 13,600 1,253,000 4,594,000 943,500 80,000 75,000 1,638,400 1,040,000 20,600 460,000 13,200 1,300 7,000 50 2,521,200 47,145 2,289,000 610,000 1,429,300 567,840 151,200 1,890,000 7,666,000 205,000 8,713,000 3,082,300

4,667,392 675,520 242,340 2,893,220 659,100 5,410 129,582,008 531,180 178,081,073 42,040 71,847,884 2,892,000 4,340 6,460 494,700 21,276,330 2,044,403 13,913,576 463,440 114,130 43,297,106 331,370 2,829,400 547,200 100,150 84,590 211,852 5,719,620 7,367,090 9,932,424 45,600 180,080 14,328,353 4,414,890 451,307 1,056,040 146,704 6,726 57,120 8,700 26,527,398 81,435,115 3,647,920 242,200 68,585,295 50,796,052.50 893,634 7,960,870 11,073,700 698,310 10,720,750 26,571,160

138,650 41,319,126 78,171,735 -287,902 40,941 46,640 239,400 -61,220 6,801,465 329,130 496,760 -94,520 -73,840 -96,165 921,720 -57,120 -3,078,250 6,095,610 -403,000 1,933,865 30,223,095.50 1,249,590 5,122,090 351,050 -128,500 -363,618

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET A BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 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

0.0028 1.63 4.85 1.85 1.8 1.22 0.385 8.37 2.6 0.275 0.182 0.192 0.01 1.96 6.95 1.94 0.52 1.15 0.012 0.013 0.012 2.55 8.43 3.87 171 0.008

0.0029 1.63 4.9 1.85 1.8 1.26 0.385 8.37 2.6 0.28 0.183 0.192 0.011 2.03 7.19 1.96 0.54 1.16 0.013 0.015 0.013 2.55 8.48 3.97 172 0.0081

0.0027 1.6 4.75 1.83 1.8 1.18 0.385 8.31 2.57 0.265 0.18 0.192 0.01 1.96 6.85 1.87 0.52 1.12 0.012 0.013 0.012 2.55 8.41 3.82 169.2 0.008

MINING & OIL 0.0028 76,000,000 1.62 2,011,000 4.8 146,000 1.83 49,000 1.8 2,000 1.25 4,811,000 0.385 10,000 8.31 7,200 2.57 7,200,000 0.275 4,090,000 0.183 2,930,000 0.192 160,000 0.011 17,300,000 1.99 1,028,000 7.09 24,586,100 1.93 100,000 0.53 48,000 1.14 504,000 0.012 318,600,000 0.014 162,600,000 0.013 224,600,000 2.55 1,000 8.43 171,200 3.91 2,763,000 171 293,020 0.0081 4,000,000

212,400 3,246,140 706,500 90,530 3,600 5,848,160 3,850 60,152 18,516,120 1,114,150 528,990 30,720 178,500 2,060,070 173,751,870 189,950 25,050 572,310 3,826,900 2,241,400 2,835,800 2,550 1,446,023 10,782,550 50,047,226 32,200

-4,850 246,510 945,360.00 -6,520,847 -28,000 -134,196 10,060 24,950,411 16,000

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

41.2 518 105.5 112 114.9 520 5.8 1,020 108 1,015 104.5 77 81 77 81.8 79.3 80.3

41.35 518 105.5 112 115 520 5.82 1,020 108 1,016 104.5 77 81 77 81.8 79.3 80.3

41.15 518 105.5 112 114.9 520 5.8 1,020 108 1,015 104.5 76.6 81 77 81.7 79.3 80.3

PREFERRED 41.35 148,900 518 100 105.5 600 112 20 115 1,720 520 50 5.81 533,900 1,020 950 108 80 1,016 1,065 104.5 10 76.6 4,820 81 30,200 77 6,700 81.7 12,500 79.3 17,950 80.3 10

6,138,205 51,800 63,300 2,240 197,676 26,000 3,099,719 969,000 8,640 1,080,990 1,045 369,427 2,446,200 515,900 1,021,460 1,423,435 803

-82,400 -2,084,719 -2,430,000 515,900 -

LR WARRANT

2.75

2.75

2.54

WARRANTS 2.59 685,000

1,779,720

-

2,364,420 151,065 23,469,923

258,170 17,884 -10,192,471

158,571

12,100

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 5.34 1.24 6.8 2.24 0.93 42.6 3.61 5.16 5.28 0.53 1.32 1.61 0.24 0.5 44.15 0.7 0.167 1.9 1.62 0.98 4.9 0.275 0.59 0.51

530,300 17,942,000 2,700 22,000 2,713,000 4,048,700 126,000 3,528,900 5,000 11,594,000 149,000 1,372,000 42,210,000 483,000 73,400 186,000 2,010,000 8,095,000 2,337,000 100,000 20,556,000 5,890,000 28,824,000 1,205,000

SME ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

3.95 5.11 5.72

4.06 5.11 5.73

3.92 4.95 5.49

FIRST METRO ETF

121.1

121.1

120.8

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

31,073,031

INDUSTRIAL

86,620,961

HOLDING FIRMS

41,832,820

PROPERTY

167,843,910

SERVICES

96,716,185

MINING & OIL

854,314,600

GRAND TOTAL

1,283,245,717

4.06 5.07 5.57

590,000 30,300 4,222,600

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 121.1 1,310

VALUE 1,997.15 (down) -3.37 760,664,127.27 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,137.07 (down) -2.53 1,094,088,406.01 HOLDING FIRMS 7,846.2 (up) 32.57 1,023,884,118.762 PROPERTY 3,764.71 (down) -9.14 1,719.22 (up) 7.86 633,948,314.95 SERVICES MINING & OIL 13,016.08 (up) 62.5 821,788,308.64 PSEI 8,004.93 (up) 6.18 278,376,821.8436 All Shares Index 4,739.8 (up) 3.36 4,638,894,076.48 Gainers: 98; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 62; Total: 243

cost of diagnostics in our clinics is very affordable even for the low income families,” he said, during a briefing for the Hospital Management Asia Conference in Bonifacio Global City. AC Health teamed up with GE Healthcare to use the latest medical equipment in FamilyDoc clinics.

AC Healthcare currently has 11 FamilyDOC clinics located in Las Piñas, Parañaque and Cavite. Its target is to have 24 clinics by end-2017 and 100 clinics by 2020.

“AC Health recognizes the gaps in primary care in the Philippines and seeks to address the current challenges such as long wait times, and the unavailability of doctors and staff. We recognize that middle-class patients are underserved, but willing to pay for quality healthcare if it gives them good value for money.

Through our FamilyDOC, 3-in-1 community-based clinics, we are committed to making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for middle-class communities,” said Darroca.

Meanwhile, GE said the collaboration with AC Healthcare would be a key to realize the Philippine government’s initiative of widening healthcare in the country.

“We feel extremely privileged to have a partner such as AC Health, which believes in the importance of healthcare towards nation-building.

By leveraging each of our strengths and experiences, I am confident we can implement solutions that address both healthcare access and affordability for Filipinos,” said GE Healthcare Asean president and chief executive Myra Eskes.

PLDT’s enterprise business expands

By Darwin G. Amojelar TELECOM and digital services provider PLDT Inc. plans to make 2017 the best year for its enterprise business unit as it continues to post double-digit growth, on the back of the growing appetite of businesses and the government for data and digital services.

PLDT said enterprise revenues grew 11 percent in the first half to P16.8 billion, powered largely by data and ICT revenues which increased 18 percent to P10.9 billion. As a result, the share of data and ICT revenues improved to 65 percent of the total from 61 percent a year ago.

The enterprise group has organized itself according to industry verticals. PLDT said the key verticals that provided the most robust growth in the first half were the banking and financial services, the outsourcing industry, the IT and gaming sector, the public sector and regional businesses and SMEs. “We are growing at a rapid pace and in the right places.

First, we are growing at rates much faster than competition, and at higher levels vis-a-vis the key industries we are serving. This means we are increasing our overall market share. Second, our largest areas of growth are in data and ICT services, which are truly business enabling, and favor us with stronger and stickier engagements across all our corporate segments, whether large enterprise or SMEs,” said PLDT executive vice president and chief revenue officer Ernesto Alberto.

Motoring

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

B3

Ultimate track day for Golf GTI enthusiasts V OLKSWAGEN Philippines held recently the “Volkswagen Driving Experience” for its Golf GTI owners and potential customers at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

The track day, held in partnership with dealers Volkswagen Bonifacio Global City and Quezon Avenue, provided an exciting venue and occasion for Golf GTI owners to experience for themselves the performance, handling, and ride capabilities of their own Golf GTI units, which has been widely considered the German marque’s “ultimate sports car.”

Apart from offering owners the chance to push their GTI to its limits in a safe, secure, inter-

national-standard raceway, Volkswagen Philippines also gave would-be buyers the chance to test drive a Golf GTI unit and a Golf GTI with Oettinger Kit and ABT Power-up Module.

On the track, the 7th generation “ultimate sportsman” of the Volkswagen sports car family showed all participants how a 2.0-liter turbocharged stratified injection (TSI) engine mated to a 6-speed dual shift gear (DSG) transmission feels like when all

Golf GTI : At home on the race track.

220 Ps of power and 350 Nm of torque are let loose.

The numerous twists and turns of the speedway also highlighted the Golf GTI’s exceptional sports suspension, enhanced by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS plus technology, and engine drag torque control. Braking safety was assured with the 16-inch front ventilated and rear disc brakes with red brake calipers.

The multi-awarded Golf GTI also proved that “true style and performance” are the hallmarks of the model, as the GTI roared up and down the track in its signature exterior package of 18inch Austin alloy wheels, sporty bumpers, grille, LED tail lamps, sporty spoiler, dual tailpipes, BiXenon headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRL) and dynamic headlamp control.

The Golf GTI with Oettinger Kit and ABT Power-Up Module, on the other hand, made the Golf GTI look and feel even more at home on the race track, with its Oettinger Aerodynamic package that includes the addition of a twopiece front spoiler with a splitter, side skirts and a rear apron insert with diffuser. The ABT PowerUp Module, coupled with petrol provided by official fuel partner Shell, gave test-drivers a taste of the 32-percent increase in power and 20-percent increase in torque (from 220 Ps to 290 Ps and 350 Nm to 420 Nm, respectively), making the Golf GTI capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 254 kph.

Not all Golf GTI units that attracted attention were on the track. A Golf GTI with ABT package on display highlighted exterior enhancements, such as

The Volkswagen Golf GTI with Oettinger Kit and ABT Power-Up Module unleashed all 290 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque in the safe confines of an international-class raceway.

head lamp cover, front grille and front spoiler, side skirts, FR20Sport Alloy Wheel Set with 235/30 R20 tires set, a rear skirt set (with rear diffuser and quad tailpipe), and rear muffler mounting kit.

The test drive sessions were organized and safely conducted before lunch and late in the afternoon, with proper briefing sessions held at the Shell Suite and Shell Garage.

The Oettinger Kit and ABT package are dealer options, and do not affect applicable warranties on the Golf GTI units fitted with them.

Test drives of Volkswagen’s model lineup of the Beetle Club Edition, Passat mid-sized premium sedan, Tiguan compact SUV,

Touran MPV, Jetta sedan, and the Golf GTS were held simultaneously outside the track and around the Clark Freeport Zone, in which the event’s official hotel partner Quest Hotel is also located.

More than just a track day, the “Volkswagen Driving Experience” highlights the many lifestyle possibilities of owning an iconic Volkswagen sports car, and the fellowship enjoyed

by Golf GTI owners across various communities. The Golf GTI is more than the “ultimate sports car,” because with Volkswagen, It’s More Than Just a Car. For more details on the Golf GTI, and to arrange a test drive, log on to www.volkswagen.com. ph, or visit any of the eight dealerships located at: Volkswagen BGC

at 938 28th Street City Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City; Volkswagen Quezon Avenue at 1229 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City; Volkswagen Alabang at Unit 4 Molito Lifestyle Building, Commerce corner Madrigal Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Volkswagen Greenfield District Service Center at 833 Sheridan Street, Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City; Volkswagen Pampanga at McArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Volkswagen Cebu at A. Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City; Volkswagen Iloilo (upper ground level of SM Iloilo along Benigno Aquino Sr. Avenue), and Volkswagen Bacolod (along Araneta Street, Singcang, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental).

FASTLANE Shopping convenience by Blade WITH over 50 stores nationwide strategically located in SM, Robinsons and Ayala Malls, Blade is recognized as the country’s largest automotive accessories and parts retail chain.

With globally popular brands such as Sparco, OMP, Goodyear, Polaroid and Chupa Chups and car care products such as Sonax, Wurth, Megiuars and Mother’s among others available in their network of stores, Blade has carved itself a respectable niche in the aftermarket industry as the ultimate automotive lifestyle store in the domestic market. The brands we carry are all alicensed and Blade is an official distributor of the aforementioned brands. All branded merchandise that we carry are original and licensed,” explains Albert Go of Blade.

They also have an extensive line-up of audiovideo products such as Pioneer and an array of safety gadgets dashboard cameras from brands such as Blaupunkt and Poloroid. Blade Auto Center’s line of car accessories and gadgets are reasonably priced due to its high purchase volume. “Savings are passed on to the customers.

With our network of 50 locations, Blade is able to negotiate for the lowest cost,” adds Go. Trained personnel are on hand to assist and answer any inquiries, plus installation of accessories is also an option for consumers.

With stores conveniently located in malls nationwide, customers can shop in a relaxed and cool environment with professional sales representatives on hand to offer advice and technical information about the products.

Button will drive the carbon composite bodied Mugen-Motul NSX GT. Team MUGEN is optimistic about its chances in this weekend’s 1000km race.

Jenson Button suits up for Mugen-Motul TEAM MUGEN becomes the center of attention on August 26, as it competes for championship points with McLaren-Honda Formula One driver Jenson Button joining the fray on Round 6 of the Super GT Series 46th Internation SUZUKA 1000km using the NSX Concept GT powered by Motul. Also known as the “Suzuka 1000km The Final”, the Formula One ace joined the team last June 6 and 7 for tire testing and car familiarization at the Suzuka Circuit. “After driving an NSX CONCEPT-GT at Honda Racing THANKS DAY last December, I became interested in racing in SUPER GT. I spoke with Honda and they have given me a chance to race at the Suzuka 1000km.

As a F1 driver and a member of TEAM MUGEN, I will push to win. I am very much looking forward to racing in front of my Japanese fans again,” states Button. The F1 ace is familiar with the Suzuka track since it’s currently the home of the Japan Formula One Grand Prix.

Team MUGEN will participate in the SUPER GT SERIES GT500 using the NSX-GT with three drivers, Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima as regular drivers alongside Jenson Button. “We are delighted to confirm that Jenson will be driving for TEAM MUGEN in the Suzuka 1000km. He is

an extremely talented and experienced driver, and we hope he will have a great race. Hideki Mutoh, Daisuke Nakajima, and Jenson Button is an exciting and formidable driver line-up and we are confident TEAM MUGEN will be able to show our best performance at the final ever Suzuka 1000km,” explains Nagataka Tezuka, Director for Team Mugen.

The NSX-GT is a dedicated race car that’s only loosely related to the Acura NSX supercar currently on sale. It’s almost all carbon fiber and in line with the regulations of its GT500 class, it features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, a 6-speed sequential transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The Suzuka 1000km is the longest-running car race in Japan, held annually since 1966. 2017 will be the last time Suzuka will host the race followed by new endurance race starting from 2018.

Motul has been a long and loyal partner in this highly competitive arena through its successful technical partnerships with different teams, beginning with NISMO in 2003 and expanding to others in the years since. By working closely with all the Japanese manufacturers, Motul constantly upgrades and improves the lubricant technology available to its teams and ultimately to its consumers worldwide. Dino Ray V. Directo III

Motoring

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

B4

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

Age

is just a number

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

T

HIS sports utility has been in the market since its debut at the North American International Auto Show in 2003. When it finally got approval for production due to the positive consumer response, Toyota rolled out the production version in 2005. Built by Toyota’s truck subsidiary Hino Motors and based on a Land Cruiser Prado platform, the FJ Cruiser was a commercial success.

With around 222, 246 units of the Toyota FJ Cruiser sold from the year 2006 up to the time its production was discontinued in 2016, this SUV was big in the U.S. market during its early years due to its retro styling and performance. It had Land Cruiser blood and genes running through its veins after all. When sales declined in the latter part of the 2016, the FJ was then exported to foreign markets such as the Middle East and Australia and it would eventually find its way here in the Philippines in 2014 where it gained a loyal following specifi-

cally among off-road enthusiasts.

They seem to like the looks of this modern take on the iconic FJ 40 Land Cruiser, which is evident on the round headlights, pronounced front fenders, chunky C-Pillars and a white roof with color coded exterior and cabin center console.

Despite its popularity in the domestic market, the FJ also has a healthy dose of critics, most specially among Ilocanos like this writer who cringes every time gasoline prices spikes up. Think of the FJ as an expensive trophy wife, she’s high maintenance, guzzles a lot booze, yet she is gorgeous

The “Retro” look of the FJ Cruiser hits the sweet spot for consumers

enough for men to do her bidding.

It had that effect on me. So how does a 13-year old SUV compare with the latest 4WD monsters out in the market? This writer found out after spending a few days with this TRD version and taking it for a drive around the dirt trails of Rizal.

Jumping in through the suicide doors, a basic interior welcomes you which includes a 4WD lever and an audio system that reminds you of the nineties. The dashboard features basic controls and in keeping with the “retro” feel of the interior, there’s a good old fashioned pitch and roll indicator with a compass right smack

in the middle of the dashboard. One can immediately feel that this SUV was built and engineered with the U.S. market in mind. There’s a lot of room in the cabin and the space between the front driver and passenger reminds you of the H1 Hummer. Forget about holding hands and getting intimate up front unless if you’re Shaquille O Neal.

Driving it around paved roads for the duration of my test drive was a comfortable experience.

It’s not an “86” or a Corolla, so a minor re-adjustment is needed once you get behind the wheel of this two-ton metal beast. Given its

high ground clearance, don’t expect it turn like a train on rails on corners and during downhill runs, you might feel a bit of slack when braking, so the key here is to relax and enjoy the ride of the FJ and lap up those deep potholes. You can hardly feel it with this SUV because it is more at home off-road.

The gas guzzling 268 bhp 4.0 liter quad cam V6 is matted to a five-speed automatic transmission and this baby has the grunt for fast sprints. The lack of a diesel powered version is what hunkers down the sales potential of the FJ, especially after the launch

of the Toyota Fortuner and the new Land Cruiser.

Priced at P1,886,000, this baby is a steal for SUV enthusiasts and for Land Cruiser loyalists. Never mind the lack of creature features, this baby looks good and it gets the job done. The FJ Cruiser is not everyone, because if you want something more practical, better get a Fortuner or a RAV4. But then again, if you’re into supermodels and you don’t mind her being the most practical or her knowing the equation to E equals MC squared, get it. What matters is she’s good in the sack.

Mazda Philippines sets record first half sales BERMAZ Auto Philippines (BAP), the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, posted another record-setting feat, in July, as it carried on with a strong yearon-year upward trend in total sales performance for the first seven months of 2017.

July’s sales figure of 418 units was the 6th month beginning January this year that Mazda Philippines broke its own monthly sales record since 2013 when BAP took over the distributorship of the brand. BAP has also exceeded its quarterover-quarter sales performance this year. Year to date, July sales of 2,521 units is 14.5% better over the same period last year, and is the best sales period year-over-year for the company.

“We are encouraged by the market’s continuous strong demand for Mazda vehicles this 2017, as in the past years since Bermaz took over the distribution,” shared Steven Tan, president and CEO of BAP. “Our total sales performance since January 2017 is the best it has ever been since BAP began its operations. We are looking forward to a continuous push for the second half of the year as we aim to again exceed our targets. Our latest Kodo: Soul of Motion-inspired and SKYACTIV Technology-equipped models launched only recently have been instrumental

in reinvigorating the Mazda badge and establishing our position as the premium Japanese brand.”

Since their public reveal at the Manila International Auto

Show last April, both CX-5 and CX-9 premium crossovers have attracted much attention and reservations. Boosted by strong demand, the incoming shipment of CX-5s will

increase starting this August, reaching a total of more than 800 units by the month of November. Moreover, Mazda Corporation Japan has increased this year’s Philippine allocation of the new CX-9 to more than 300 units, also to be delivered by the same month. This ensures ample supply to meet the high demand for the premium SKYACTIV 2.5-Liter Turbocharged 7-seater crossover.

Mazda Philippines also unveiled the muchanticipated MX-5 RF two-seat, retractable fastback sports car last April 2017. Since Janu-

ary of this year up to July, the company has shipped 113 MX-5 sports cars, 85 of which are the RF Retractable Fastback variant.

The top-selling Mazda2 subcompact sedan and hatchback line was also updated with GVectoring Control and 2017 design specifications only this June. All Mazda dealerships continue to run the Zoomfest promotion for select models up to August 31, 2017 offering noteworthy discounts and deals for select models in cooperation with EastWest Bank.

Upward trend for Mazda Philippines as it posts its highest January to July performance in the last six years this 2017.

Bermaz Auto Philippines took over the Mazda distributorship in the country in 2013.

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

C1

SAN JUANICO STRETCH.

Traffic is light on a weekday afternoon at a section of the San Juanico Bridge, the country’s longest bridge that spans the island provinces of Samar and Leyte. Built in 1972, San Juanico continues to be one of the mostvisited landmarks by foreign and local tourists alike. Sonny Espiritu

‘Decide on north terminal now’

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Thursday urged the Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to decide swiftly on a proposal to open an integrated bus terminal in the northern part of Metro Manila to “once and for all” ease traffic on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue.

“I’m calling on the MMDA site of the proposed north bus and the DOTr to decide on the terminal posthaste. Please make

it fast because we are getting quite impatient,” he said after a meeting of the Metro Manila Mayors Council.

Bautista, the council chairman, said Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan has already identified a site for the proposed integrated bus terminal, “but the DoTr apparently prefers to locate the facility within the railway line.”

The construction of an interim northern provincial bus terminal near the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City has been on the MMDA’s drawing board since 2013.

The facility is designed to be

an endpoint for over 370 provincial buses arriving in the capital from Pangasinan, Tarlac, and other parts of northern Luzon.

Provincial buses would no longer be allowed to enter Edsa once the north bus terminal starts operating.

“The congestion at Edsa is heavier in areas where provincial bus terminals are located. Like in the Tomas Morato area, buses enter smaller roads built for only light vehicles. Aside from congestion, those buses can easily tear up the roads, prompting us [local governments] to give way for repairs,” Bautista said.

“We local officials are being blamed, particularly the mayors, for such. So now, I’m calling on our partners in the national government to be decisive and act immediately on the matter.”

Meanwhile, Bautista said the city will develop seven foreclosed properties in District 3 as socialized housing sites for informal settler families located in Kaingin 1 and 2, Barangay Pansol.

From 2005 to 2007, seven properties with a land area of 8,456 square meters located within Kaingin 1 were forfeited in favor of the city government.

Mauling of PWD traffic cop blasted MANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada on Thursday condemned the mauling of a disabled traffic volunteer by a group of teenagers in what appeared to be a minor traffic spat last Sunday.

Estrada also offered assistance to the family of traffic volunteer Ricardo Cabuluson, including the payment of his hospital expenses, as he tasked police and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to investigate the incident.

Cabuluson, 35, works as a traffic volunteer of MTPB. Cabuluson has since become an Internet sensation when one of Estrada’s Facebook fan pages (Manila Mayor Joseph Erap Estrada) posted a video showing Cabuluson manning traffic at the corner of Quirino Avenue Extension and Zamora Street in Paco in the heat of the sun and still carrying his crutches.

“This is an unfortunate incident that should not have happened in the first place. We must teach our children how to respect other people, and it is never right to resort to violence to settle differences,” Estrada said, referring to the eight minors who attacked the hapless traffic volunteer.

Cabuluson, he stressed, is “a hero in his own right” for helping the city government manage the flow of traffic in the city’s major thoroughfares.

“His help is invaluable. He deserves all the respect and gratitude,” Estrada added. “We need everyone’s support in resolving our traffic problems, that’s why we even tap ‘mommy’ traffic enforcers to assist us.” Bill Casas

LAS PIÑAS-MMDA MEET. Representatives of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority presented the result of the study it undertook to

effectively manage the traffic situation in Las Piñas City. Mayor Mel Aguilar (center) received the report from MMDA represented by Michael Salalima (deputy chief of staff), Roy Supremo Dan Taguinod (executive director, Traffic Discipline Office), and Col. Mosacala M. Lacsasa (deputy director, Discipline Office). Also present during the presentation were members of the city council and the various department heads.

Caloocan steps up anti-rabies program THE city government of Caloocan has intensified its anti-rabies program to reduce the risk of people dying from the disease.

Based on the city veterinarian office’s report to Mayor Oscar Malapitan, 40,804 dogs were vaccinated from January to July this

year. Of this total, 30,678 were given at District 1 and 9,530 in District 2, while 596 dogs were brought to their office for vaccination during the period.

City veterinarian Dr. Teodoro Rosales said the highest number of animal bite cases was usually

registered during summer season, when pets are irritable owing to the heat.

The mass anti-rabies vaccination in barangays aims to reach the animals in order to prevent rabies and to promote responsible pet ownership through seminars.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches of animals and can cause death when left unchecked.

Dogs account for 99 percent of all rabies cases, although cats and monkeys are also known sources of rabies. Jun David

‘Dubai’ housing set for 32 families

By Bill Casas A TOTAL of 32 more informal settler families at the Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila will soon receive their own house-and-lots through the “Dubai” housing program of Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Estrada said they are only completing the documentary requirements before formally awarding the certificates of usufruct to the second batch of beneficiaries, who are all longtime residents of Baseco, one of the largest urban poor communities in Metro Manila.

“I hope it is clear to everyone that we are serious in providing every poor Manileño a decent home of their own, not in remote faraway place, but right here in the City of Manila where they live and work,” Estrada said.

He was elated to award the houses and lots to the poor beneficiaries, knowing “it will dramatically change their lives.”

“As the City mayor, I won’t stop until I have given the poor Manileños everything they deserve to have: quality healthcare, education, jobs, and most importantly, housing,” Estrada added.

The new homeowners will get to own units at the P44.5million village in Sitio Dubai, Baseco put up by the city government February 2016 in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government-Manila.

The 3.5-hectare site will provide permanent settlements to hundreds of ISFs in the impoverished community of close to 60,000 people. Each house has a 30-square meter floor area and can be extended with a second floor.

Estrada awarded the first units to the first group of 32 ISFs on August last year.

Navotas gains seal of child-friendly local governance THE Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children has conferred the 2016 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance to Navotas City in recognition of its sustainable programs and projects for the welfare of children.

The city government, through the leadership of Mayor John Rey Tiangco, ensured

that children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation are upheld and given priority in planning, budgeting, legislation and delivery of services.

“Our children are the hope and future of our city. We should always protect and advocate for their rights and well-being,” Tiangco said.

The chief executive added that the childfriendly city seal of Navotas resulted from the concerted efforts of the city government’s employees, officials and stakeholders to make Navotas a child-sensitive community.

The SCFLG is given to LGUs that passed the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit done by the Inter-Agency Monitoring

Task Force composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Other Metro Manila cities have also received the seal. DILG-Navotas Director Sudi Valencia received the award on behalf of Tiangco and other city officials. Jun David

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Standard FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 C2 TODAY Manila

Just 7k in CAR avail Tesda grants B

By Dexter A. See

AGUIO CITY—Only 7,000 Cordillerans have availed of the government’s Training For Work Scholarship Program for various competencies that will help them find employment in the future, the regional Technical Education and Skills Development Authority announced Thursday.

Rafael Abrogar II, TESDACAR regional director, said 23,000 TWSP slots are still available for interested Cordillerans wanting “to acquire their

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

desired skills for gainful employment in the future, to help uplift the living condition of their families once they will land in good paying jobs.”

Tesda is running the TWSP in partnership with the different accredited technical-vocational educational institutions and provincial training centers in the region.

Based on the impact evaluation study conducted on graduates of various technical-vocational courses last year, Abrogar said at least 70 percent of the graduates at the national level were able to be self-employed or gainfully employed, while the remaining 30 percent were searching for suitable jobs that match their acquired skills.

On the regional level, he claimed that the employment rate of TWSP graduates last year was a high 86 percent, which is an indication of the employability of skilled Cordillerans once they acquire their national certifications in the competencies they have chosen.

For 2017, Abrogar admitted the employment rate of the tech-voc graduates is “very low” at 28 percent, because the actual monitoring of their employment is still underway based on the required sixmonth monitoring period set by the Tesda central office.

He encouraged tech-voc graduates in the region to report to the institutions where they graduated to inform the administration of their current status, to help the schools and the agency account for those who availed of the government scholarship.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to improve the earlier recorded employment rate of our graduates after most of them shall have been accounted for,” Abrogar stressed.

“We also want the graduates to help us in the monitoring by voluntarily reporting to the institu-

tions where they graduated and provide the needed information whether or not they have already acquired jobs, they are self-employed or they are still looking for jobs that suit their competencies,” he added.

Abrogar said Tesda-CAR has spent P23 million to shoulder the scholarship of the 7,000 Cordillerans under the present administration. The funds are meant for the 30,000 scholarship slots that should have been distributed to the different barangays in the region based on the agency’s barangay skills mapping.

Notice of Loss Stock Certificate

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.

Notice is hereby given that Anthony M. Te loss his Stock Certificate Number 553 representing 350,000 common shares in Asian Appraisal Company Inc. (AACI). Please take further notice that after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of last publication, if no contest has been presented to AACI regarding said certificate of stock, the right to make such contest shall be barred and said corporation shall cancel in its books the certificate of stock which has been loss and issue in lieu thereof a new certificate of stock unless a bond for issuance of new certificate before the expiration of one (1) yearis secured.

(MS-AUG. 11,18 & 25, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY (CvSU) Don Severino De Alas Campus Cavite, Philippines (046-4150010-012) www.cvsu.edu.ph INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID (INFRASTRUCTURE/CIVIL WORKS) The CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, through its Bids and Award Committee (BAC), invites all interested bidders/ contractors with size range of Medium A to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: Name of Project Location Brief Description Contract Duration Approved Budget For the Contract

: CONSTRUCTION OF ACADEMIC BUILDING AT BACOOR CAMPUS : BACOOR CAMPUS, CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, BACOOR, CAVITE : CONSTRUCTION OF 5-STOREY BUILDING : 270 CALENDAR DAYS : P 19,286,000.00

Prospective bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the projects. 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 (IRR).

The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities Schedule 1. Issuance of Bid Documents August 24, 2017 to September 12, 2017; 8:00AM-5:00PM August 31, 2017; 1:00 PM; S.L. Lasap Hall, Administration Building, Cavite State University, 2. Pre-bid Conference Indang, Cavite 3. Opening of Bids September 12, 2017; 1:00 PM; S.L. Lasap Hall, Administration Building, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos Only (P 25,000.00) to the CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY Cashier.

Pre-bid conference shall be open only to all interested bidders. Bids must be delivered to the Office of the BAC Chairman, Administration Bldg., CvSU, Indang, Cavite on or before the abovementioned date and time. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and amount. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ authorized representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY (CvSU) assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. CvSU also reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to Contract Award without incurring any liability to the affected bidders, waive any required formality therein, and to award the Contract to the bidder whose bid proposal as evaluated is most advantageous to the University.

Approved by: (MS-AUG. 25, 2017)

(sgd) CAMILO A. POLINGA, PhD BAC Chairman

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2, Karangalan Village, Cainta. Rizal INVITATION TO BID BOARD & LODGING FOR THE REGIONAL TRAINING ON MASTER TEACHERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 1. The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON, through the HRTD funds FY 2017 intends to apply the sum of Four Million Nine Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand (Php4, 998, 000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Board and Lodging for the Regional Training on Master Teachers Development Program.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON now invites bids for the Board & Lodging for the Regional Training on Master Teachers Development Program. Delivery of the Services is expected for the Contract duration.

Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. (i) Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON (BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hour at 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 22, 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 (Five Hundred Pesos (Php500.00). Note: For the procurement, the maximum fee for the Bidding Documents for each lot shall be based on its ABC, in accordance with the Guideline issued by the GPPB: provided that the total fees for the Bidding Documents of all lots shall not exceed the maximum fee prescribed in the Guidelines for the sum of the ABC of all lots).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6. The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON will hold a Pre-Bid Conference3 on August 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. to be held at the Director’s Office Conference ROOM, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 11, 2017 at 10:00 am. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on September 11.2017 at the Director’s Office Conference Room. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8. The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON 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.

9. For further information, please refer to: Ann Geralyn T. Pelias DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Drive, Cainta. Rizal 647-7487 & 647-4914 www.depedcalabarzon.ph (SGD) ANN GERALYN T. PELlAS BAC Chairman 3 1

Mav be deleted ill case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000.00) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

NEW HPG CHIEF. New Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group Director Chief Supt. Arnel B. Escobal rides a big motorcycle as he visits the

HPG Region 4A Calabarzon headquarters led by Supt. Peter Dionisio (second from right). Escobal challenged the region’s HPG officers and men to fight highway robbery and all forms of criminality to protect the civilians. Roy Tomandao

Tesda honors staff on 23rd year S. Pablo event set for ‘old techies’

By Jun David

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will honor its outstanding employees who have rendered exemplary service to the government agency during its 23rd anniversary.

Tesda Director-General Guiling Mamondiong said the agency will recognize employees with Loyalty, Model Employee, and Perfect Attendance awards.

Twenty employees from the Central Office who have served the agency for 10 years or more will be given Loyalty Awards, while the Model Employees Award will be divided into four categories—Category 1 (first

level employees with salary grades 1 to 12), Category 2 (second level, salary grades 13-23), Category 3 (salary grade 24) and Category 4 (third level salary grade 25 to 27).

Tesda will also present 14 Kabalikat Awards to industry partners, local government units, legislative partners, development partners and national government agencies that work hand-in-hand with the agency in providing public service.

Tesda will hand out the Tagsanay Award to trainers in both government and public technical vocational institutions and Tesda technology institutions, where 29 will vie

for the recognition.

Likewise, Tesda will honor the outstanding graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training who have made a mark in their chosen careers under the self-employed category (seven candidates), wage-employed category (14), and Batang Tesda Award.

Tesda will also launch the Regional Performance Award in three regions as it celebrates its employees who were born in the months of July and August.

Mamondiong has encouraged the public to avail of the skills training program of Tesda, which they may use for local and foreign employment.

Former Candaba mayor

bats for clean air

ADVERTISING executive Normita L. Evangelista, a former mayor and vice mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, has taken on a new challenge.

“Babes,” as Evangelista is fondly called, has witnessed the seriousness of air pollution and other environmental concerns in her town and province during her stint in the local government. Now that she is out of government, she has embarked on a campaign for clean air and environment.

Back in circulation in the local advertising world through Medialine, the advertising agency she founded and serves as its chief executive officer, Evangelista has joined a team introducing in the market a fuel additive that assures motorists of less toxic emission of their vehicles, thereby helping maintain clean air and environment.

The product is Xp3, produced by a company in San Diego, California and exclusively distributed in Asia, including the Philippines,

by FuelDirect. Besides its less toxic emission, Xp3 improves

combustion, increases engine power, reduces fuel consumption, reduces corrosion, and stabilizes light and heavy oils.

Evangelista and her team have been going around provincial capitals in Luzon and various offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau to conduct product demonstations of Xp3.

Two months ago, they held a demo at the DENR-EMB Office of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Engr. Art F. Punzalan, in the City of San Fernando, and at the King’s Royale Hotel and Resort in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Later, they went to Bicol to introduce Xp3 to Albay Gov. Art Bichara and some construction firms in Legaspi City.

In April this year, they conducted a test demo at the DENR main office in Quezon City.

The DENR-EMB has already released the results of the demo signed by Jacqueline A. Caancan, in-charge, Office of the Director and concurrent Assistant

Director of the EMB. Clean air and environment is a national concern in the face of climate change, “the universal phenomenon that has brought nations all over the world together,” Evangelista said. Even President Rodrigo Duterte, in his second State of the Nation Address, discussed climate change as he urged all government agencies to act on the problem.

The DENR recently hosted the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment in the City of Manila. Among the environmental concerns taken up were climate change, transboundary haze pollution, nature conservation and biodiversity, and environmental education.

Evangelista said she is just doing her share in keeping the air and environment clean by introducing Xp3 to the market.

“As Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu emphasizes, the problem of air pollution can be mitigated through community efforts with every one contributing to ensure clean air and environment,” she said.

SM CITY San Pablo has prepared an upbeat “Oldies but Techies” event to keep senior citizens connected to the modern world.

Niña Wong, SM San Pablo PR manager, said: “It’s innate for Filipinos to sing and everyone knows how have fun with karaoke and with the popularity of smartphones its nice to teach our elderlies on how a portable rechargeable wireless bluetooth speaker microphone works. It’s really like a new skill set for our seniors knowing that they can do karaoke anytime anywhere.”

She said the technology refresher program, which is implemented in all SM City’s supermalls nationwide, is one of the many programs for senior citizens under SM Cares in partnership with its mall tenants.

In SM City San Pablo, they have partnered with Ace Hardware in teaching the seniors on how the portable mic works. The event was held in the Cyberzone area and it was a fun afternoon filled with music. Some of the shoppers showed support by singing along the senior participants.

“We really want to make our grandparents feel welcome and special from the moment they enter our malls until even they leave,” Wong said.

To date, the mall has granted free movie pass for seniors in the city daily, and other social programs benefiting the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors here. Roy Tomandao

(MS-AUG. 25, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

C3

They don’t want to be journalists in Mexico

PARASAILING. A picture taken on August 23, 2017, shows someone parasailing at sunset in Dubai. AFP

Myanmar urged: End Rohingya restrictions YANGON―Myanmar must scrap the restrictions on the movement and citizenship for its Rohingya minority if it wants to avoid fueling extremism and bring peace to Rakhine state, a commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan said Thursday.

Rights groups hailed the report as a milestone for the persecuted Rohingya community because the government of Aung San Suu Kyi has previously vowed to abide by its findings.

The western state, one of the country’s poorest, has long been a sectarian tinderbox, and mainly Buddhist Myanmar has faced growing international condemnation for its treatment of the Muslim Rohingya there.

Annan was appointed by Suu Kyi to head a year-long commission tasked with healing longsimmering divisions between the Rohingya and local Buddhists.

On Thursday it released a landmark report, warning that failure to implement its recommendations could lead to more extremism and violence.

“Unless current challenges are addressed promptly, further radicalization within both communities is a real risk,” the report said, describing the Rohingya as “the single biggest stateless community in the world”.

“If the legitimate grievances of local populations are ignored, they will become more vulnerable to recruitment by extremists.”

Among the key recommendations was ending all restrictions on movement imposed on the Rohingya and other communities in Rakhine, and shutting down refugee camps―which hold more than 120,000 people in often miserable conditions.

It also called on Myanmar to review a controversial 1982 law that effectively bars some one million Rohingya from becoming citizens, to invest heavily in the region and to allow the media unfettered access there.

The commission’s task became increasingly urgent after the army launched a bloody crackdown in the north of Rakhine following deadly October attacks on police border posts by a previously unknown Rohingya militant group.

More than 87,000 Rohingya have since fled to Bangladesh bringing with them stories of murder, mass rape and burned villages in what the UN says could constitute crimes against humanity.

The Annan commission’s findings will put pressure on Suu Kyi’s government to implement its calls for sweeping changes in Rakhine. AFP

Floods in South Asia kill more than 1,000 N EW DELHI―The death toll from the floods sweeping South Asia has climbed above 1,000, officials said Thursday, as rescue teams tried to reach the millions stranded by the region’s worst monsoon disaster in recent years.

Thousands of soldiers and emergency personnel have been deployed across India, Bangladesh and Nepal, where authorities say a total of 1,009 bodies have been recovered since August 10 when intense rainfall started falling.

Twenty-six bodies were found Wednesday in Bihar, a hard-hit state in India’s east, taking the death toll there to 367, said Anirudh Kumar, a top state disaster management official.

“We still have nearly 11 mil-

lion people affected in 19 districts of the state,” he told AFP, adding 450,000 flood evacuees had taken shelter in government refuges.

In neighboring Uttar Pradesh, floods have swamped nearly half the vast state of 220 million, India’s most populous.

Disaster management agency spokesman T P Gupta told AFP said 82 people had died and more than two million affected by the disaster there.

The state borders Nepal,

where 146 people have died and 80,000 homes destroyed in what the United Nations is calling the worst flooding in 15 years.

Nepal’s home ministry warned the death toll could rise as relief teams reach more remote parts of the impoverished mountainous country.

In the Himalaya region in India’s northwest, landslides caused by heavy rain have claimed 54 lives, the vast majority in one huge avalanche of mud that swept two buses off a mountainside.

The situation was slowly easing in West Bengal and Assam, two states in India’s east and northeast where 223 people have died.

Floods in Assam―the second wave to hit the state in less than four months―have wrought widespread destruction, killing

71 people and swathes of native wildlife, including a Bengal tiger and 15 rare one-horned rhinos.

In the low-lying state of West Bengal, where 152 people have died, hundreds of thousands have escaped submerged villages by boats and makeshift rafts to reach government aid stations.

Across the border in Bangladesh, water levels were slowly returning to normal in the main Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers.

The government’s disaster response body said Thursday the death toll stood at 137, with more than 7.5 million affected since flooding hit the riverine nation.

Nearly 350 people died in the first wave of floods that began in mid-July in India’s western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and several remote northeastern states. AFP

VERACRUZ―When Mexican student Carlos David Chavez told his father he wanted to be a journalist, the reaction was dramatic: “They’re going to murder you!” he said.

It is an understandable response.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with more than 100 murdered since 2006.

The most recent killing was Tuesday, when a small-town investigative reporter named Candido Rios was gunned down with two other victims in the violent state of Veracruz.

The eastern state, which has a nasty history of drug cartel wars and corrupt politics, is the deadliest for journalists: at least 20 have been murdered here since 2010.

Asking questions about multibillion-dollar mafias or government graft can be a deadly job in Mexico.

That, together with salaries as low as $300 a month and scarce job opportunities, has made journalism an unpopular career.

“The appetite to be a real reporter, the kind that goes into the field to chase down information, has diminished enormously. Especially for crime reporting,” said Marco Malpica, head of the communications department at Veracruz University.

Just 20 percent of his 200 students want to be actual journalists.

“And most of those want to cover sports or finance or be TV anchors,” he said.

The university’s 63-year-old journalism school has the oldest public program in Mexico, and has seen applications fall by 35 percent in the past five years.

The country’s premier private journalism school, Carlos Septien Garcia, in Mexico City, has seen enrollment drop by nearly 32 percent in the past decade.

It is the same trend at Latin America’s largest university, the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

“Young people are going more for marketing, production and television directing. They want to be on TV,” said Victor Manuel Juarez, spokesman for the university’s department of political and social sciences.

The declining number of journalists will have a damaging long-term effect on Mexico’s development as a democracy, warns the media watchdog Article 19. AFP

Thai lawyer drops suit against BBC reporter PHUKET―A Thai lawyer has dropped a criminal defamation suit against a BBC journalist over his investigation into foreigners being scammed out of retirement homes in the country, the broadcaster said Thursday.

Jonathan Head, the BBC’s Southeast Asia correspondent, faced up to five years in jail after his report exposed how two foreign retirees had properties on Phuket island stolen from them by a network of criminals and corrupt officials.

Rights groups said the case highlighted how Thailand’s broad defamation and computer crime laws impede investigative journalism and make it difficult to uncover wrongdoing in an endemically corrupt country.

The lawyer who brought the suit―Pratuan Thanarak―decided to drop the charges against Head on the first day of the trial on Wednesday.

“The plaintiff has withdrawn his case against BBC journalist Jonathan Head,” the BBC said in a short statement.

Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand but they often get around the prohibition by putting assets in the name of Thais, or by setting up majority Thai-owned shell companies.

The 2015 BBC report detailed how a network of Phuket criminals, aided by corrupt officials, stole properties from foreigners by forging land title transfers or company ownership records.

One of the victims who featured in the report, British national Ian Rance, was named as a co-defendant in the defamation suit. Charges against him were dropped on Thursday.

Rance said he lost $1.2 million worth of properties after his thenwife and a gang of moneylenders forged property paperwork.

According to the report, Pratuan admitted on tape to certifying Rance’s signature without him being present, a move that helped the wife transfer his properties out of his name.

She was later convicted and jailed for the scam.

But Rance has been hit by several legal cases since going public, a common outcome for whistle blowers in Thailand, which markets itself as a dream retirement destination for wealthy foreigners.

“I am sad to reflect that many others, both Thai and foreign investors and business people, may be defrauded in a similar manner,” Rance told AFP after his case was dropped.

He added that he had been left penniless by his unsuccessful attempts to recover his stolen properties through the Thai courts.

Unlike many countries where defamation is a matter for the civil courts, in Thailand it is a criminal offense.

Private citizens can also launch their own prosecutions and are not forced to pay costs if they lose. AFP

LAUNCH DINNER. Stephen Colletti, Laura Marano and Greer Grammer attend the Ted Baker A/W ‘17 Launch Dinner at Sawyer on August 23, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

World

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

Terror cell in Spain avoided detection MADRID―The jihadist cell behind last week’s twin attacks in Spain was built around a “guru” and went completely offline to avoid detection by anti-terrorist police, experts said.

The group managed to evade authorities so well that even a giant explosion at their bomb factory in Alcanar, where police later uncovered massive quantities of ingredients to build TATP, was not at first linked to the jihadists. Investigators only made the connection after their vehicle rampages in Barcelona and the nearby seaside town of Cambrils.

Experts say the key reason was the way the group was formed.

The “propaganda and recruitment techniques” are like those of a cult, said Lurdes Vidal, director of the European Institute of the Mediterranean.

“The role of the family is emphasized, the group is a closed circuit, and everything is done to stop things from getting out,” she said.

And at the heart of the group, “there is a central person who unites everyone, who provides Salafist answers to youths who may have lost their bearings,” said French former intelligence officer Alain Rodier.

That key person in this case was the Moroccan imam, Abdelbaki Es Satty, who was killed in the blast accidentally triggered by the jihadists themselves.

He may have presented two different faces to people of Ripoll, the small town where he and many of the suspects lived, said Alberto Bueno, a member of the International Observatory of Studies on Terrorism.

“He shows one face when he preaches at the prayer hall in Ripoll, and the other of radicalization,” said Bueno, a researcher at the university of Granada, in Southern Spain.

The unity of the group is further compounded by the fact that many of its members are siblings, noted the expert, pointing out that among the dozen suspects are four sets of brothers.

Yves Trotignon, a former member of France’s anti-terrorist authorities, noted that the setup featuring relatives was also seen among the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York or the March 11, 2004 train bombing in Madrid. AFP

AFTER THE STORM. A woman walks past a plastic advertising sign draped over a traffic light in Macau on August 24, 2017, a day after Typhoon ‘Hato’ hit the city. The death toll from Hato rose to at least 16 on August 24 after the storm left a trail of destruction across southern China, blacking out Macau’s mega-casinos and battering Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. AFP

Severe typhoon leaves 16 dead in South China M ACAU―The death toll from Severe Typhoon Hato rose to at least 16 Thursday after the storm left a trail of destruction across southern China, blacking out Macau’s mega-casinos and battering Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.

Eight died in the gambling hub of Macau, where local media showed cars underwater and people swimming along what are normally streets. The enclave’s famed mega-casinos were running on backup generators.

A man was killed after being injured by a wall that blew down, another fell from a fourth floor terrace and one was hit by a truck.

The Macau government said two bodies were found in a flooded car park early Thursday, but details on the remaining victims were not immediately available.

Footage published Thursday

on the website of Apple Daily showed water gushing into an underground car park, with people wading through neck-deep water littered with debris as one man shouted in panic. It was not clear if it was the same carpark where the bodies had been found.

“I have never seen Macau like this since I came here in the 70s,” a taxi driver aged in his 50s who gave his name as Lao told AFP. He added he thought authorities had reacted too slowly and did not do enough to alert residents of the coming storm.

“It’s like they were trying to gamble with their luck... because Macau had been lucky before,” he added, saying there was not enough time for residents to prepare or buy groceries.

The enclave’s sprawling Venetian casino resort had been on back-up power Wednesday and without air conditioning or proper lighting, according to one source.

A member of staff at the Grand Lisboa Hotel in central Macau told AFP Thursday that it was still without electricity and water and that its casino and restaurants were closed following the typhoon.

The city’s gambling industry generated over 220 billion patacas ($27.29 billion) in revenue in 2016, over half of its annual GDP, as it hosted more than 30 million visitors.

AFP reporters saw debris scattered on roads, with a shipping container washed up on its side on one street in front of a temple.

Residents holding plastic buckets were also seen lining up for water from fire hydrants.

Ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong resumed Thursday morning but passengers said they experienced delays.

In Hong Kong, Hato―whose name is Japanese for “pigeon”― sparked the most severe Typhoon 10 warning, only the third time a storm of this power has pounded the financial hub in the past 20 years.

The city could have suffered losses of HK$8 billion ($1.02 billion), Chinese University of Hong Kong economics professor Terence Chong told AFP, referring to the value of its daily GDP. More than 120 were injured as the city was lashed with hurricane winds and pounding rain. However, one 83-year-old man earlier thought to be a victim of the weather had committed suicide during the typhoon. AFP

Long wait over citizenship crisis

PREMIERE. Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton arrive to the Premiere Of DIRECTV And Vertical Entertainment’s ‘The Layover’ at the ArcLight Hollywood on August 23, 2017, in Hollywood, California. AFP

SYDNEY―Australia’s conservative government will have to wait at least two months to discover if its key members will survive a dual citizenship crisis that has put its one-seat parliamentary majority under threat.

Seven lawmakers from across the benches have so far run afoul of an obscure constitutional rule which bars dual citizens from parliament.

The Liberal-National coalition’s slim majority in the lower house is on the line after Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce discovered he had New Zealand citizenship.

A court ruling disqualifying him could potentially topple Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s government.

Five cases-Joyce, National Party senator Matt Canavan and three other senators from minor parties―were referred to the High Court, with the chief justice determining Thursday that they would be heard on October 10-12.

“There is an obvious public urgency in relation to this matter to clarify the situation,” Attorney-General George Brandis told reporters.

“We look forward to the

speedy resolution of the matter.”

Brandis said the court would examine seven cases during the three-day seating in Canberra.

The total includes another two senators caught out by the law, the Nationals’ Fiona Nash and independent Nick Xenophon.

The government had hoped the hearing would occur in September to dispel uncertainty created by its biggest crisis since it was returned to power in mid-2016.

The saga began in July, when Greens co-deputy leader Scott Ludlam resigned after revealing he had dual AustralianNew Zealand citizenship.

Other politicians followed, including Canadian-born Greens senator Larissa Waters and Canavan, who stepped down as resources minister after finding his mother signed him up to Italian citizenship in his 20s.

Australia-born Joyce―the leader of the rural-based Nationals―earlier this month found out he had automatically acquired New Zealand citizenship through his Dunedin-born father.

Nash, Xenophon and Indianborn One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts have also been under a British citizenship cloud.

Xenophon told Sky News on Wednesday he wanted a citizenship audit of all lawmakers, adding: “If I’m in strife, then there will be dozens of others in strife in the parliament.”

Despite the cloud hanging over his government, Turnbull has repeatedly expressed confidence that the High Court would not disqualify the politicians.

“I am very, very confident that the court will find that those members that have been caught up in this dual citizenship issue by reason of descent will be found not to be disqualified,” he told reporters Wednesday.

The dual citizenship rule was originally inserted into the 1901 constitution to ensure parliamentarians were loyal solely to Australia.

However, critics say it is out of step with the country’s modern reality, where 50 percent of the population are either foreign born or the children of immigrants. AFP

Maduro critic says her life’s in danger BRASILIA―Venezuela’s fugitive former top prosecutor resurfaced in Brazil on Wednesday claiming to possess “a lot” of proof of President Nicolas Maduro’s corruption and warning that her life remains in danger.

Days after a dramatic escape from chaotic Venezuela, Luisa Ortega, 59, turned up the heat on Maduro, who has asked Interpol to issue a “red notice” warrant for the arrest of his critic.

Ortega―speaking at a crimefighting conference in the Brazilian capital with representatives from the Latin American regional trading alliance Mercosur―said Maduro enriched himself in a massive corruption scheme uncovered at Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht.

“I have a lot of proof, concretely in the Odebrecht case, which implicates many highranking Venezuelans, starting with the president of the republic,” she said.

“The rule of law has died” under Maduro, she said, suggesting the country has become a criminal haven where evidence in organized crime cases tends to “disappear.”

“There are many in Venezuela who have an interest in stopping investigations of corruption cases or cases related to drug trafficking or terrorism,” she said.

The move came as US Vice President Mike Pence vowed Washington would not allow “the collapse of Venezuela,” amid a political crisis triggered

by Maduro’s decision last month to set up a new constitutional body, in a move widely seen as a power grab.

“The collapse of Venezuela will endanger all who call the Western Hemisphere home,” Pence said in remarks delivered Wednesday before some 600 people at a Catholic church in Doral, the heart of Miami’s Venezuelan community.

“We cannot and will not let that happen,” he said, adding that “working with our allies in the Latin American region, the US will confront and overcome all who dare to threaten our wellbeing.”

Ortega, who fled to Colombia from Venezuela with her husband German Ferrer last Friday, said she was still in danger. AFP

Life

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

SHOPPING

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

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CITY LIVING

gets a personal touch SLEEP TIGHT. PBA courtside reporter Apple David inspires a bedroom design that's pleasing and cozy.

P

ERSONALIZATION is non-negotiable these days, especially when it comes to our living spaces. Now more than ever, they’re made to reflect what the people who live in them love and are better suited to their lifestyle.

Filipino homes, particularly in urban areas, are no exception, having come a long way from their traditional design and function to adapt to the hustle and bustle of city living.

This year, Shangri-La Plaza’s Urban Filipino Home exhibit showcased the vibrant character and creativity of personalities from different fields as they styled living spaces inspired by their passions and pursuits.

From Aug. 15 to 23 at the mall’s Grand Atrium in the Main Wing, mall guests saw the display and were inspired by the aesthetics of fashion icons Rajo Laurel and Jappy Gonzales, interior designer Jie Pambid, musicians Karylle Yuzon and Jed Madela, lifestyle columnist Stephanie ZubiriCrespi, TV personalities Tintin and Julius Babao, PBA courtside reporter Apple David, and Xandra Ramos-Padilla of National Bookstore and Anvil Publishing House.

Each designer’s space was curated to

embody the individual interests of the celebritiies using selections from the Shang’s very own lifestyle brands.

“Here at the Shang, we’re all about helping you live out your dream lifestyle,” says Shangri-La Plaza executive vice president and general manager Lala Fojas. “After the first home exhibit we held two years ago, we wanted to continue inspiring our guests to create spaces that they feel are truly theirs.”

The featured stylists selected items to furnish their spaces from brands Bo Concept, Luxe Room, Sheridan, Rustan’s Department Store, Steltz Lighting, Restoration, Tempur, Design Pod, Sealy, La-Z Boy, Shelter, Ego Italiano, La Sedia, Ariston, GE Monogram, Hacker, True Value, Ashley Furniture, Simmons Gallery, Blims, Slumberland, and Shell Canvas.

For inquiries, call 370-2500 loc. 597 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage. Follow the Shang on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Work in a pod

IRYS, a product of Clestra Hauserman, is a prefabricated and removable pod that caters to the need for an enclosed area in an open-office floor plan

From left: Shangri-La Plaza executive vice president and general manager Lala Fojas, Shang Properties marketing director Milen Treichier, Jie Pambid, Rajo Laurel, Apple David, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Karylle Yuzon, Tintin and Julius Babao

By Bernadette Lunas Photos by Sonny Espiritu THERE was a time when offices are divided by floor-to-ceiling partitions and each employee is confined either in a private room or a cubicle. Then companies in the Silicon Valley brought down the dividers, introducing the open-office model—and many industries followed suit.

Open-office floor plan is ideal in many ways: it inspires collaboration, it promotes transparency, and it is more cost-effective on the part of the employer. But working in such environment, where everyone can see what you’re doing, listen to what you’re saying, and smell the food you’re eating, can be distracting and affect work performance.

Several studies prove that.

“When we meet with clients, we ask them what they want to achieve in the workplace. Normally they would say they want to achieve brand recognition, engagement of people, retention of employees, and productivity,” Ultra Modular Concepts, Inc. (UMCI) president Milen Batungbacal told Manila Standard. UMCI is a distributor of office partitions and furnishings in the Philippines.

In open offices, employers and employees look for a space where they can work or do things (such as make a phone call) privately as well as a spot delegated to meet and collaborate. Thus UMCI brings Clestra Hauserman’s IRYS. IRYS is a prefabricated and removable pod with walls, ceiling, and door but is not connected to the building’s structure. This modular system is bringing partitions back, but with more flexibility, as it is easy to set up, transform, and relocate.

IRYS is built from Bridge, another Clestra product, a system of two walls connected by a ceiling—ideal for collaboration. Add the glass walls and you

Clestra managing director for South Asia Gilles Marino sits inside an IRYS modular office

get IRYS. The pod can be customized depending on the needs of the company. It comes with its own lighting, electrical connectivity, a sliding or swing door, and magnetic walls to hold pens and gadgets. A whiteboard or the Clestra Mediawall (a large high definition screen perfect for presentations) can be mounted inside or outside.

“With Bridge, they have a space where they can collaborate. If they want privacy and they want to isolate themselves, they can go inside the IRYS and close the doors,” Clestra managing director for South Asia Gilles Marino explained during the product’s Manila launch.

Marino said it only takes half a day for four people to mount IRYS. UMCI founder and luxury car distributor Wellington Soong added that a modular office system, such as IRYS, comes in handy for multinational companies which may have visiting direc-

tors or CEOs. He said, “It can be their temporary office. Or if a visitor arrives, you can have a private space where you can talk.”

Early adopters of open-office setup such as banks, insurance, BPOs, and ICT companies are taking advantage of dynamic modular office space solutions, according to Soong.

Aside from Bridge and IRYS, UMCI is also bringing Clestra’s Fizz Box, a soundproof space where employees can talk or make phone calls without being disturbed. Fizz Box comes in several sizes—from vintage London phone booth-inspired model to a curved, more spacious design—and offers a variety of integration options such as cable racks, sound baffle panel, USB ports, electrical plugs, and switches.

“Through Clestra Hauserman’s innovations, UMCI is proudly bringing home the solution to create authentic and inspiring spaces to keep employees healthy and productive,” declared Ba-

Life

D2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

THE PEARL TRADERS OF MARANAO

Praying for peace in Marawi Text and photos: Ayunan G. Gunting-Al-Hadj

L

ADY Jasmin is one of the oldest pearl stalls at the Greenhills Shopping Center (GSC).

On a Sunday afternoon, Subaida Batua, the owner, is entertaining a customer while her husband, Sirad, takes a late lunch of Muslim fare—turmeric rice and beef rendang. Her daughter Jasmin, 40, grew up with the family business since the Batuas put up their first stall in Virra Mall in 1979.

Some 160 pearl traders, mostly Maranaos from Lanao del Sur rent over 300 display shelves of pearls and fancy jewelry in 1,200 sqm of space. Their stalls are either branded after their jihad name or family member. The GSC jewelry section has become a microcosm of the Maranao community: The traders are related to each other either by blood ties or long-time friendship. The men retreat to the Greenhills Masjid, a few meters away, for their prayers.

“It’s important to have a mosque near our work,” says entrepreneur Normina Macaurog in Tagalog. “Our earnings mean nothing without a mosque to sustain us.”

To protect their trade, the sellers formed the Greenhills Muslims Traders Association, which handles the lottery for the slot rentals. Their membership also guarantees the customers that they are legitimate entrepreneurs selling real pearls. Longtime vendors, such as the Batuas, pay more for a permanent spot. Yet, a portion of the fee goes to either the charity or the mosque, according to Muslim tradition.

The traders have only two things in their mind: peace in Marawi and surviving the challenges of pearl trade.

“Every family here has a relative in Marawi that either perished or displaced by the war. Some relatives lost businesses or properties,” says Jasmin. Their hope is that their prayers reach their home province.

The Batua couple began selling antique furniture, and jewelry and baskets in the ‘70s in Manila. When Virra Mall opened its flea market in 1979, Subaida found a niche by selling freshwater pearls. Back then they were more expensive since pearl culture farming was still in its infancy in the Philippines.

By the mid-‘90s, the family would go to Tahiti for the trade fairs and the Paspaley Pearling Company, a wholesaler in Australia.

However, the brownouts in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s affected their business. It picked up slowly in the ‘90s.

Like most Muslim traders, components such as settings and chains are imported from Hong Kong. The advent

The jewelry section of Greenhills Shopping Center has over 300 display shelves of pearls and fancy jewelry sold by mostly Maranao pearl traders

Jasmin Batua of Lady Jasmin, one of the oldest pearl stalls at the GSC

of pearl farms made pearls more affordable and accessible.

The pearls are sourced from Palawan and China, while the most expensive ones are kept in vaults. The traders themselves assemble the inexpensive jewelry.

The more expensive accessories are either made by plateros or imported from Hong Kong.

The traders are mum about their sources.

The Batuas moved to GSC in 2006 when developer, Ortigas & Co. assigned

the jewelry section to the Muslim traders. Connoisseurs note that GSC is known for trendy pearls. Many of the freshwater pearls have been treated to create champagne or silvery or greyish shades while others are bleached for a perfect white sparkle.

The place is ideal for bargain hunters who can get a pair of stud earrings for P50 to P100.

Jasmin debunks the notion that pearls sold in GSC are fake, because they are cheaper than those sold in department

stores. On the contrary, when customers buy unknowingly faux pearls, they can complain to the mall management.

The errant trader, if found guilty, is prevented from renewing the rent.

Majority of sellers in GSC treat their business with respect.

The sales reach a peak from November to February. Tourists and balikbayans are the largest bulk of customers.

Nadj Yusoph Dimaporo has pedigree. Her maternal grandfather is Datu Samaladeg. Her uncle’s father is the late politician Mohammad Ali Dimaporo whose clan comes from a sultanate.

Still, she prefers running her business called Nouran and Nadine, and moonlights as a creative jewelry designer.

A longtime balikbayan customer and events producer tapped Nadj to make crowns for Miss Earth Canada and Miss Grand Canada. She assembles the pearls and crystals with wires to make regal crowns.

Nadj began selling pearls at a mall in Bonifacio Global City. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos frequented her stall to buy 50 to 100 pieces of necklaces for Christmas presents.

She moved to GSC for the customer traffic, and GSC has since been designated as a tourist destination for pearl bargain hunters.

At Nouran and Nadine stall, a choker with a mother-of-pearl pendant surrounded with freshwater pearls costs P3,000. The pearl brooches from Hong

Kong range from P1,500 to P2,500. A long strand of freshwater pearls costs P1,500 while a short strand of perfectly round and white pearls fetches P3,000. A pair of diamond-studded pearl earrings costs P1,500.

Foreigners prefer freshwater pearls for their irregular shapes which make them unique and organic.

Asked how the customer could differentiate one stall from the other, Nadj says one has to look closely. The sellers have their interpretation of micron strands and pearls formula.

“If they see a salable design, expect it to be copied,” she notes.

Since 1998, Normina Macaurog and her husband Faizal Pangantin, owners of the Nurfaidah stall, have made their presence in Greenhills. The couple sources its pearls from Japan, the Philippines, and China. Normina assembles the micron bracelets band stainless steel bands with baroque pearls. A set of earrings and a ring costs P35,000 to P50,000. Long freshwater pearls with jade and turquoise fetch P2,500 while the commercial-grade South Sea pearl necklace costs P12,000. A chain bracelet of baroque pearls costs P1,500 to P3,500.

“We entered the pearl trade because it’s honest,” says Normina. “When our relatives see that the business is doing well, they follow. Maranaons are inborn traders. We don’t like war. We just want to make a clean living.”

SM KIDS CASTING CALL

The final runway at SM Makati WHAT does it take to be a model?

Young kids, four to 12, recently had a glimpse of life on the runway and photo shoots during the recent SM Kids Casting Call Grand Finals, the culmination of a nationwide search, held recently at SM Makati.

And it was a dream come true for eight-year old Claudia Westfall (SM City Cagayan de Oro) named the 1st Grand Winner of SM Kids’ Casting Call.

Claudia displayed confidence in every step she took on the runway in her SM Kids outfit, and stood out in the fashion photo shoot. Her mesmerizing young beauty plus SM Kids fashionable ensemble stood out on the runway.

Claudia received amazing prizes including P20,000 worth of SM gift certificates and a chance to model for SM Kids.

All 10 finalists, each took on a solo spot on the runway to showcase their SM Kids outfits and participated in a fashion photo shoot, impressed the judges.

“They are like professional models,” observed model Hideo Muraoka, who was one of the judges, It’s obvious that

SM Kids Casting Call grand winner Claudia Westfall of SM City Cagayan De Oro

they are enjoying it.”

Tracy Garcia, former Project Manager of GMA Films and Talent Manager for GMA Artist Center, was impressed by the young talents, while TV host, beauty model, and architect Shamcey

Supsup-Lee, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up, has some words of advice to the young models.

“You can do modeling at a young age,” she said, “but education is important, and you have to excel in school as

Finalist Angelo Justin Bernardo from SM City San Lazaro

well.”

Other winners included six-year-old Ashley Princess Duprey (SM Seaside City Cebu) who charmed her way to become 1st runner up; and nine-year old Liam Thaddea Paglicawan (SM City

Lucena) named 2nd runner up. They received P15,000 and P10,000 worth of SM gift certificates, respectively Clothes from the SM Kids Casting Call final runway are available at SM Kids department of The SM Store.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

PEOPLE ...are talking about Joshua Garcia The 19-year-old Kapamilya is tapped to star in an upcoming TV series and has just wrapped up filming for a movie with Julia Barretto. And it’s only been just a few months ago when we last saw him on TV in another TV drama. There’s no denying that Joshua is the busiest teen actor in town and his star is one of the brightest, too.

Even without his brewing romance with Julia, which adds spice to his career, with his talent and looks alone, Joshua can really take off.

"Umbra" tackles traditional folklores and modern urban legends

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino From Wednesday last week until Tuesday this week, movie theaters screened only Tagalog films. And for some interesting reason, moviegoers did not complain. In fact, they gladly watched some of the films featured in the festival and raved about them on social media. The weeklong festival, according to FDCP Chairman Liza Diño had earned P127 million, a figure that exceeded their expectation. But to be honest, the festival would have actually earned more than that if all of the films featured in the festival had the same level of commercial appeal.

PH first original horror animation series on iWantTV

My Korean Jagiya Kapuso’s original series, which sees the network’s collaboration with Korean talents, is doing well in the numbers game. While we are still waiting for Kantar’s data, AGB Nielsen already said that it has trampled its competition. Obviously, Heart Evangelista’s character’s demise in Mulawin vs Ravena paid off as she’s earning some good reviews for her performance in the romantic drama, too.

...are not talking about John Paul Laxamana The filmmaker is very proud of his film’s performance at the recently concluded Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. It was named Audience Choice for being the festival’s top grosser. But this feat seemed to have gone into Laxamana’s head already since he antagonizes everyone who tries to criticize his film. Why can’t he accept the fact that he cannot please everybody especially those who saw the film and thought it was a cheap version of 500 Days of Summer and Forrest Gump?

Edgar Allan Guzman After hopping from one station to another, the actor is now back to “where he belongs.” It can be remembered that from GMA Network (2006-2008) he hopped to TV 5 (2011-2014) and then to ABS-CBN (2014-2017). Now, the actor made a sweeping statement saying that Kapuso Network is the only station that gives him so much importance. We just hope that he stays Kapuso for good because if our memory serves us right he also said that ABS-CBN was the one that gave him the most exposure and importance that his career needed.

Mulawin Vs Ravena The series is down to its last four weeks and the plot thickens with Dennis Trillo’s character finally becoming the ruler of the Mulawins. You see, they already have a good story at hand, but the only problem, which the series has been facing since day one is its ratings performance. Are we going to see any changes in the last four weeks that Mulawin Vs Ravena will be on air? Maybe if the Mulawins fly like eagles and not like flightless birds, then they can still turn things around.

‘Scenezoned’ Season 2 on a meaningful journey to 8 of the Philippine destinations GET ready for another round of adventures as Globe presents the second season of Scenezoned, an online video series featuring eight popular personalities on a meaningful journey to the Philippines’ finest.

Taking them to these wondrous locations is the Philippine Airlines, the official airline partner of Scenezoned.

The new season will follow personal journeys of people like celebrity Solenn Heusaff, model and host Tommy Esguerra, and LA Aguinaldo, who each travel to a different location in the Philippines. Each one of them takes the trip with #ThePLAN in mind: A very personal goal, like conquering a long-held fear or tracing their family roots.

Each odyssey is set against the backdrop of the untamed natural beauty of their destination, like Biri Island in Northern Solenn draws inspiration from the locals of Biri Island in Northern Samar for her newest art piece.

Samar or Tacloban’s Yolanda Beach.

This season, Solenn Heusaff, a Scenezoned for the community, with #ThePLAN to rise up mainstay, returns for the first episode, and #ThePLAN is to find a subject for her newest and come back stronger and better. Their own art piece. She makes her way to Biri Island and journey to overcome defeat and disillusionment is overwhelmed by the scenic vistas, even as helps them identify with the ongoing struggle she meets the locals and learns more about their of the people of Tacloban, who themselves display great resilience as they rebuild their lives.

Chris Everingham and Evan Spargo of communities post-Typhoon Yolanda.

In its first season, Scenezoned won accolades the Philippine National Rugby Team, also called the “Volcanoes”, featured in the second from the Adobo Design Awards for Film episode, travel to Tacloban to run rugby clinics Advertisin, and its flagship episode, featuring

Solenn’s exploration of the World’ Most Beautiful island, Palawan, topped the YouTube Ad Leaderboard for the second half of 2016.

In the same season, other personalities like Wil Dasovich, Alex Diaz, and Katarina Rodriguez traveled the Philippines, sampling the best that the country has to offer: From the hottest chili pepper in Bicol, to the deepest caves in Samar, to the most enchanted island of Siquijor.

The series garnered praise from critics and customers alike, for its ability to captivate viewers with the beauties of the Philippines.

This season, Scenezoned will present six more personalities traveling the country, each one equipped with a Samsung Galaxy S8, their personal mission, and #ThePLAN to see it through. The first and second episode of the second season are now up on YouTube. com/Globeph. New episodes will be up every two weeks, inspiring customers to go out themselves and achieve their own goals.

With Globe and #ThePLAN, customers have the power to create the life they want without limitations, just like Solenn and the rest. The larger-than-life data pack that comes with ThePLAN gives them access to great entertainment from Netflix, Spotify, Pokemon Go, Viber, and many more. Customers also get 1 free app of their choice along with unlimited calls and texts. Get to know more about ThePLAN at globe.com.ph/postpaid/theplan.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Friday, August 25, 2017

ACROSS 1 Wordplay 4 Garbage 9 Wallet stuffers 13 Before, in verse 14 Port-au-Prince site 15 Nor’easters 16 Went on the lam 18 Dramatist Henrik — 19 Provide eats 20 Vendor 22 Keep in thrall 25 Team 26 Semester finals 28 Glittering adornments 32 Type of luck 35 Zillions 37 “Hasta —!”

38 Letter after pi 39 Scare silly 41 Hope or Newhart 42 Heart outlet 44 Viscount’s superior 45 Dust cloths 46 Those people’s 48 Steel plow inventor 50 Linen color 52 Bake 56 Bending 59 Orange Bowl

city 60 Like an acrobat 61 Turn aside 64 Clear 65 Brought to a close 66 Joule fraction 67 Bound upward 68 Set to go 69 Cereal grass DOWN 1 Dove’s goal 2 Cosmopolitan 3 Robin domiciles 4 Insect’s middle 5 Dashed 6 Help out 7 Ladder rung 8 Conceals 9 Scene 10 Last word in an ultimatum 11 “Faint heart — won ...”

12 Job application info 15 In a reeling manner 17 Glitterati member 21 Morse signal 23 Low tract 24 Chew the scenery 27 Famed viol.

29 “Fancy” singer

30 Open-mouthed 31 Shows distress 32 Heck!

33 Yikes! (hyph.)

34 Greater in number 36 Becomes a dad 39 Very thirsty 40 Went by quickly 43 Male fashion accessory (2 wds.)

45 Historical memento 47 Delhi honorific 49 Cure

51 Out, at the dentist’s 53 Spud 54 Grinding material 55 Mountain range 56 Shivery feeling 57 Costa — 58 Mr. Roddenberry 60 Everybody 62 Watchdog org.

63 Showed the way

HORROR story buffs and believers of the supernatural will see their favorite legends come alive in Umbra, the country’s first original horror animation series produced by ABS-CBN’s iWant TV. UMBRA: Anino Sa Dilim is a new original series that re-tells age-old stories of encounters with the supernatural handed down from generations of Filipinos.

Every episode brings a different myth to life, tackling both traditional folklore and modern urban legends, or “sabi-sabi.”

Viewers will enjoy the retelling of the stories Filipinos everywhere grew up hearing.

The first episode deals with the myth of the White Lady from Mindoro known as “Lugay,” for her waist-length white hair.

The famous legend is known throughout the province, with firsthand accounts of encounters with this supernatural being.

In fact, director Ruel Ascuncion said the story is based on real experiences. “Many locals from Naujan, Mindoro have experiences with ‘Lugay,’ and this story tells my uncle’s own experience,” he said.

As the story goes, a man

rides through a cemetery, only to suddenly find a white lady or “Lugay” chasing him and eventually hitching a ride on his motorcycle. The faster he goes, the tighter the “Lugay” holds on.

The series is the first of its kind on iWant TV, as animators and storytellers collaborate to bring the stories to life in the digital sphere. Soon, fans of the series will be able to download the UMBRA app, which will allow users to “experience” the monsters through augmented reality gaming, creating a truly immersive digital content experience. The web series is just the beginning of a slew of immersive content experiences from ABS-CBN’s digital properties that marry technology with creative storytelling from the country’s number one entertainment company.

Umbra airs new episodes every Tuesday, with the first available for free. iWant TV originals are available to ABSCBN, Smart, Sun, Talk n’ Text, and PLDT subscribers and can be accessed on iwantv.com.ph.

The episodes are best viewed with earphones on for the full, thrilling experience.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017

What if you woke up in a different body? and hired professional Korean actors for the soap, including one of the country’s sought-after actors, David Kim, who has appeared in renowned K-dramas such as Iris 2, Glamorous Temptation, and currently, The King Is In Love.

David’s career began early and has been acting since he was in high school. “It was by chance that I made my debut,” he says. “I was approached by a photographer when he saw me on the streets. He took my photo and he eventually introduced me to an entertainment management company.”

At that time, teen love dramas were a trend in Korea and David was grateful to be cast by a major broadcasting company. “Our drama was the most popular one and it ran for two years. Personally, that drama was the most memorable one,” he happily shares.

My Korean Jagiya is David’s first international stint by a foreign production and shot in a foreign country. On why he gladly accepted the role, David says that he’s always up for a challenge. “This drama is really interesting and I was lucky to get a chance to experience something new and something different compared to all the projects I’ve done in Korea,” he exclaims.

David plays the role of Kim Ji Hu, Jun Ho’s (Alexander Lee) older brother and the eldest son of Madame (Michelle Oh). His character seems cruel as he steals his younger brother’s girlfriend, but David says that there are reasons behind Ji Hu’s actions, which will be revealed later on in the show.

Amateur photographers to capture the ‘lenscape’ of pop culture VIEWERS are set to uncover the region’s next top amateur photographer on the fourth season of Southeast Asia’s first and top photography reality competition series Photo Face-Off, History Asia’s original production, presented by Canon Photomarathon.

The newly expanded six-part, one-hour format follows the photography adventures of the largest crop of 23 contestants from eight territories who will overcome exhilarating challenges to capture stunning photo stories of popular, socially rending and culturally relevant subjects and interests of today.

Photo Face-Off Season Four airs every Thursday at 9 p.m. exclusively on History.

The fourth successive season of Photo Face-Off welcomes back Justin Mott, the resident chief judge and award-winning professional photographer that everyone loves to beat.

Vibrant, fun and talented Singapore-based Kelly Latimer also returns to host the series, just months after welcoming her newborn. She is a popular personality who has hosted a range of programs from motorsports, football, gaming to current affairs.

The first five one-hour episodes of Photo FaceOff Season 4 will sweep across Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. In each of their respective home countries, four local amateurs compete against each other for the single country representative spot in the season’s grand final.

A contestant in action during "Photo face-Off" episode

Speed, Theme and Face-Off photography challenges in each episode test the contestants’ skills, knowledge and creativity to the limit. Speed challenges drive contestants to think on their feet in a race against time; themed challenges force contestants to deliver on a client’s creative brief; and a final face-off between the two remaining contestants decides who wins a ticket to Chiang Rai, Thailand for the final. Mott also competes during the Face-Off and if he is outdone, the winner bags an additional cash prize and bragging rights for beating the award-winning professional.

A wild card is then thrown in the fray as selected amateur photographers from Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan will jostle for an additional spot in the final to join the country representatives in competition.

A taste of the challenges that await the shutterbugs include shooting a bowl of shaved ice dessert before it melts under the hot noon sun; getting action shots for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ride operator while going on the bumpy journey themselves, and capturing wedding pictures against white snow – in warm and humid Southeast Asia!

The photography adventure will unfold against the backdrop of some surprising and colourful locales such as quaint Malacca in Malaysia, historical Intramuros in the Philippines, and idyllic Bintan in Indonesia – in addition to the bright lights, hustle and bustle of the capital cities.

Prizes at stake include a Canon DSLR, an allexpenses-paid trip to participate in the esteemed Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship, as well as cash prizes. Together with Justin, local expert guest judges from each territory will judge the works of contestants.

Viewers can also pick up a fresh array of practical photography advice and handy tips from the judges that they can put into everyday use from Photo Face-Off.

FREAKY. Vhong

Navarro and Lovi Poe reunite in a Regal offering "Woke Up Like This," a story of two characters who fall victims to an odd twist of fate

I

F I were gay dreaming to be a woman, I’d be very euphoric. Or if my female lesbian friend is wishing to be loved truly by her beloved, she’d probably feel even more rapturous.

Well, that’s not the case with Vhong Navarro and Lovi Poe in the Regal Films’ latest family comedy for all ages, Woke Up Like This.

The characters the two actors play in the movie get the surprise of their lives when one day both of them wake up in another body of the opposite gender.

Those who have seen the rough cut of director Joel Ferrer’s movie agree Woke Up Like This is Vhong and Lovi’s funniest.

Regal is known for producing movies for the entire family just like the Ai-Ai de las Alas’ starrer Our Mighty Yaya, which made quite a killing at the tills.

Also, Regal adapts to the times as even the film’s title was coined and made popular by the millennial generation.

In the film, Vhong plays Lando, the King of the Basketball Court.

A hardcore cager, he is a dutiful son who takes on the role of the head of the family when his father (played by Joey Marquez) meets with an accident and injures himself on the hard court.

Lando’s dream of being part of a prestigious basketball league is sidelined when he wakes up one day in the body of a woman he barely knows.

Lovi, meanwhile, is Sabrina. Tagged as the Ramp Queen, she is beautiful, svelte and very competitive, too.

Her fate as a sought-after model vying for the Supermodel of the Whole Wide Philippines crown suffers a setback when she finds herself trapped in a man’s body.

The mystery behind Lando and Sabrina’s switch is the subject of Woke Up Like This endless comic twists.

Lovi gets ample comic support from equally kikay co-stars Cora Waddel, Yana Asistio, and Dionne Monsanto.

Joey and Bayani Agbayani, on the other hand, lend winning comic timing in hilarious scenes like that of Vhong’s shower scene as Sabrina.

Woke Up Like This may be Lovi’s first comedy movie but she managed to pass the test with a new monicker, “LPJ,” which stands for “Lovi Poe Jr.” The actress’ dad, the late Fernando Poe Jr., was himself a natural comedian aside from being local filmdom’s action king.

As for Vhong, he has proven his knack for

ISAH V. RED

comedy once too many but he offers fresh “hugots” and comic style that would endear him even more to local audience.

The two lead actors’ performance in Woke Up Like This pays off handsomely as the film’s trailer earn almost 10 million views on social media.

Even their mall shows are sell outs.

As bonus, Vhong’s fellow It’s Showtime hosts plus a handful of basketball players have agreed to do cameos in Woke Up Like This now cinemas nationwide. *** Heart Evangelista is getting multiple two-thumbs up for her table setting on her dining table at home.

Her followers have been blasting her Instagram post showing her dining ware. Among the photos she posted is the Fil-Spanish dinner set up.

She also posted photos of her dinner plates with European and Chinese history motif.

She is also allowing her followers a peek to parts of her new house where she and husband, Senator Chiz Escudero,, are living now with the latter’s twins.

But Heart doesn’t like to have her new home featured in any magazine or newspapers because as she said she still needs to fix things up.

Three years in the making, Heart save up everything she earned for the house.

If the pre-nup is followed, the house is really Heart’s.

Heart is busy promoting My Korean Jagiya, the new series she stars in on GMA Network with Korean actors Alexander Lee and David Kim. But Heart is painting again after she put it on hold when she became busy with Mulawin vs Ravena and taping for My Korean Jagiya in Korea.

“In between taping, did this on-the-spot painting for a short film. Can’t wait to share it with you!” says Heart of her new work.

Heart also traveled to Europe for the Paris fashion week. *** GMA Network proves once again to be the Heart of Asia as it proudly presents its first-ever original Filipino-Korean series, My Korean Jagiya.

To give viewers the full experience, cast members and the crew flew to the Land of the Morning Calm

K-Drama star David Kim is proud of his special participation in "My Korean Jagiya"