Manila Standard - 2017 September 9 - Saturday

HURRICANE IRMA SHATTERS HOMES, MULTIPLE RECORDS

VOL. XXXI • NO. 207 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

FLORIDA, USA—Hurricane Irma, rampaging across the Caribbean towards the Bahamas and south Florida, is smashing not only homes and hotels but weather records as well.

The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history has killed at least 14 people after tearing through the Caribbean, and is no on course to “devastate the United States,” the Federal Emergency Management

ON A RAMPAGE. The handout photo, courtesy of the Dutch Department of Defense on Sept. 7, shows houses and cars damaged after the passage of Hurricane Irma, with 295 kms per hour winds, which rampaged across the Caribbean towards the Bahamas and south Florida, while a rare and powerful 8.4 magnitude earthquake (inset) strikes southern Mexico Thursday, with seismologists warning of a tsunami of more than three meters. AFP

Agency has warned.

Irma is now heading towards Florida, which is on high alert and has ordered half a million people to evacuate. The Carolinas and Georgia have also declared emergencies.

The Category 5 storm, had maximum sustained wind speeds of 295 kilometers per hour on Thursday (Friday in Manila), according to the US National Hurricane Center, for more than 33 hours, longer than any cyclone of comparable power ever recorded, France’s weather service said.

“Such an intensity, for such a long period, has never been observed in the satellite era,” which began in the early 1970s, said Etienne Kapikian, a forecaster at Meteo France.

Meanwhile, in Manila, the Philippine government has placed its embassies in Washington and Mexico on a higher state of readiness to allow them to immediately come to the rescue of Filipinos in the United States and the Caribbean who may be impacted by Hurricane Irma.

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Rare quake hits Mexico, leaves 15 people dead MEXICO CITY—A rare and powerful 8.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico late Thursday (Friday in Manila), killing at least 15 people as seismologists warned of a tsunami of more than three meters (10 feet).

Luis Felipe Puente told the Televisa network that 10 had died in Oaxaca state,

three in Chiapas and two in Tabasco.

The magnitude-8.4 quake struck shortly before midnight Friday near the Guatemala border.

The quake hit offshore in the Pacific about 120 kilometers southwest of the town of Tres Picos in far Next page

Sabotage plot bared Du30: Arnaiz was a relative

EJK no way to run govt —bishop; bells toll for casualties

By John Paolo Bencito

T

HE spate of deaths of teenagers in police operations were meant to sabotage the government’s antidrug campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday.

By Macon RamosAraneta MANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle called for church bells to toll for five minutes at 8 p.m. every day starting Sept. 14 in the Archdiocese of Manila as he issued his strongest statement against the growing death toll in the government’s anti-drug campaign.

“The tolling of church bells in the evening to pray for the dead is an old Next page

MARY’S NATIVITY. Students of the Benedictine-run Saint Scholastica’s College in Manila hold a rosary for peace and justice Friday to mark the birthday of the Blessed Virgin. The Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on its traditional fixed date of September 8, nine months after the December 8 celebration of her Immaculate Conception as the child of Saints Joachim and Anne. Norman Cruz

All but one Maute dead; AFP seeks more funds to end war Mocha’s fate Padilla also said they beJohn Paolo Bencito The rest are believed to have DNA testing, they could not been killed,” said Armed say for sure that the reports of lieved that Abu Sayyaf leader hangs; Palace By MILITARY officials said Forces of the Philippines their death were true.

Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called Friday that all of the Maute spokesman Brig.

Gen. Res“But information on the of the Islamic State in ruling awaited brothers, except Omar, may tituto Padilla in a briefing in ground, along with those rev- emir Southeast Asia, was still in THE decision on whether or not to suspend Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson will be up to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, a Palace official said Friday following her supposed violation of a government policy banning officials inside casinos.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Uson’s immediate superior, said an internal investigation was now ongoing after Uson was seen doing nightly gigs at Resorts World, a popular entertainment complex in Pasay City.

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already be dead.

“They have reason to believe that only one of the Maute brothers remains in the fight, and this is Omar.

Malacañang.

Padilla acknowledged that until the bodies of the five other Maute brothers are recovered and subjected to

elations from hostages who have gone out of the area, and other information available to the troops point to this development,” he added.

Marawi.

He said if rumors that he had fled Marawi were true, he would no longer be recognized as the group’s leader. Next page

In a speech in Digos City, the President told Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa to examine the spate of killings more closely, because the police campaign was being deliberately derailed.

“Be wary, someone is sabotaging us,” he said.

The President revealed that 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz, who was killed in Caloocan City by the police in a shootout, was a distant relative through the mother’s side.

“This I can tell you—one of those killed was my relative. Carl Angelo Arnaiz was my relative. Would I agree to have him killed by the police? Me? Will I allow the police to kill my relative?”

Police said Arnaiz had robbed a taxi, then engaged them in a shootout in which he was killed. An autopsy showed signs of torture, however.

SENATOR Richard Gordon warned former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon Friday that he will be detained if he continues to refuse to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, which is investigating the

smuggling in of P6.4 billion worth of shabu in May. The hearings of the committee, chaired by Gordon, will resume Monday.

“If he refuses to answer [our questions], we will go to the next step, which is to put him under formal arrest,” Gordon said, saying Faeldon

By Maricel V. Cruz

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Marcos centennial party: Friends, foes invited FORMER First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos is throwing a gathering for the birth centennial of her husband at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, and has invited

her colleagues at the House of Representatives—both friends and foes.

The invitation said the gathering would be for the “commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of President Fertwitter.com/ MlaStandard

dinand Edralin Marcos” on Monday at 9:30 a.m. A short program and lunch will follow, it said.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said he was Next page

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National ID approved on final reading

Pasay jail awaits defiant Faeldon

By Macon RamosAraneta

But Duterte insisted that someone was out to discredit him, and dared his critics to hold massive rallies against the war on drugs.

“Let them shout, give them the space. We won’t be cowed,” the President said in Filipino.

The latest victim of the war on drugs was 14-yearold Reynaldo de Guzman, the companion of Arnaiz who went missing on Aug. 18. His body was found in a creek in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, with more than 30 stab wounds and his face was wrapped in packaging tape.

On Aug. 16, 17-year-old Grade 11 student Kian Loyd delos Santos was beaten and shot dead by policemen who claimed he fired on them first. Their account was contradicted by CCTV footage, eyewitnesses and autopsy

READY FOR ARREST. Resigned Bureau of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon, with supporters, says in a televised news conference Friday he will voluntarily turn himself in to the Senate on Monday not to attend the probe on the smuggling of P6.4-billion illegal drugs from China but to have himself arrested. Manny Palmero manilastandard.net

THE House of Representatives on Friday approved on third and final reading the proposed National Identification System despite opposition from some lawmakers.

Voting 142-7, the House passed House Bill 6221 that seeks to establish an identification system that will provide official identification to every citizen.

The bill is also known as the “Filipino Identification Next page

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JV sees China hand in shabu

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR JV Ejercito said Friday he was beginning to suspect that China had been deliberately turning a blind eye to the drug problem as the biggest bulk of shabu and other illegal drugs in the Philippines was coming from that country.

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findings that showed the boy had not discharged a weapon before he died.

In the face of growing outrage at the killings, Malacañang said it was the responsibility of parents to keep their children away from harm.

Despite Duterte’s vow to keep the streets safe, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella advised parents to keep their children from straying out of their homes to avoid adding to the grim statistics of people killed in the drug war.

“What can we say is that as far as we can, we try to maintain more solid family relationships to be more careful in terms of the children’s activities,” Abella said.

“And again, as we reminded, to keep them away, to make sure that they are kept away from questionable activities, to warn them again and again, not to even to be physically near, not to entertain suspicious activities or even companions. To be careful,” he added.

Abella denied that the deaths represented a crisis, but said they were “a growing concern.”

He said scalawag cops have no place in the Philippine National Police and welcomed a Senate investigation into the deaths.

“The Executive [and] the Philippine National Police will cooperate with the Senate investigation and any other investigations called for,” he added.

The police last year suspended the drug war for an “internal cleansing” after crooked cops, on the pretext of carrying out the war on drugs, kidnapped then killed Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

When the anti-drug campaign was revived, more than 80 drug suspects were killed in a span of four days—including teenagers

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could be detained in the Senate, or in a jail cell in Pasay City or in Muntinlupa.

Faeldon said he will go to the Senate on Monday to have himself arrested, but he would not go to attend the hearing.

In a letter sent to the committee, Faeldon said he will no longer attend congressional inquiries as he no longer has faith in the system because of the partiality of some senators who have maligned him.

“I will no longer attend inquiries of both houses of Congress until a competent court has clearly defined the limitations of the privilege of legislative immunity vis-a-viis the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens of this country. All rights guaranteed under the Constitution and all other laws must be respected,” Faeldon said.

Instead, Faeldon called on senators and congressmen to immediately file their cases against him and the rest of his team in court

Delos Santos, Arnaiz and De Guzman.

Rights group Karapatan said the series of killings should not only be blamed on the police, but also on Duterte, who gave his imprimatur for these killings.

“There is an increasing pressure to review and altogether overhaul the drug war campaign. The anger over this campaign should be directed not only to its implementer--the PNP-but also its main engineer, President Rodrigo Duterte himself. There is no hope in a government that murders the youth. It is high time to break our silence and take an active part to end the killings,” the group said in a statement.

The Justice Department said Friday that it has filed 19 criminal cases in various courts in connection with deaths that resulted from the administration’s intensified anti-drugs campaign.

In a report, the DOJ revealed that 19 murder and homicide cases are now being prosecuted in court, 13 of them arose from the killing of alleged drug users or traffickers during law enforcement operations, while the six killings were committed “outside of legitimate police or law enforcement operations.”

Of the 19 cases, nine were filed before various courts in Metro Manila, four each in Calabarzon and Bicol, and two in Mindanao.

The DOJ report also showed that DOJ’s National Prosecution Service received 71 murder and homicide complaints from July 1, 2016 to August 22, 2017.

Of the 71 complaints, 45 stemmed from legitimate law enforcement operations while 26 were outside legitimate operations.

Nineteen of the complaints have since been forwarded to the courts for trial, 17 are still pending resolution, and 35 have been dismissed.

The DOJ released the data amid public outrage over the deaths of Delos Santos, Arnaiz and De Guzman. so that justice would be served.

He added that Senate security can even carry him after his arrest and force him to attend the Senate hearing on Monday but he will not participate.

Gordon said Faeldon’s refusal to answer questions during the hearing amount to defiance that could lead to his incarceration.

He guaranteed Faeldon would be afforded the opportunity to answer the allegations against him, including those of Senator Panfilo Lacson, who said he received millions of pesos in bribes.

“I assure him, and I’m sure Senate President [Aquilino] Pimentel [III] would also assure him that he will be allowed to speak, defend himself and explain himself,” Gordon said.

He said so far, Faeldon is only accountable for his negligence.

“In fairness to Faeldon, his only fault, he was way over his head and surrounded by pythons. So I haven”t been saying anything against Faeldon, except that he’s guilty of negligence,” he said.

“It’s like the Opium War in the 18th century, when the Chinese battled the illegal opium shipments to China by foreign traders, mostly British,” Ejercito said.

He said the situation in the Philippines now was quite the same, with the difference that some Chinese were possibly the major distributors of illegal drugs to the Philippines.

He said the Duterte administration should focus on China as a result.

“I believe we can never win the war against illegal drugs as long as our fight is confined to the streets and the killing small narcotics retailers, pushers and drug addicts,” Ejercito said.

“This strategy will only pile up the body bags.”

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the government’s war against illegal drugs, which was launched after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency.

The latest illegal drug haul in the country, involved P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China. The drugs were discovered inside the Hong Fei Logistics warehouse in Valenzuela

that is owned by Chen Ju Long alias Richard Tan, a Chinese citizen from Xiamen.

“We hope to be seeing the big fish in handcuffs” Ejercito said.

“We need to closely coordinate with the Chinese authorities. If they’re really a sincere ally, they can put a stop to the shipments of illegal drugs to the Philippines.”

ANOTHER CASUALTY. An alleged member of a gunrunning syndicate whom police identified as Mark Ian Herrera was killed during police operation last Sept. 7, 2017 in Barangay Barugo, Caloocan City. Police have intensified their campaign against crimes side by side with the war on illegal drugs. Andrew Rabulan

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At the same time, Padilla said the military has spent P3 billion so far to battle the Islamic extremists in Marawi City, and would need more money to continue the fight.

“The cash register is clicking daily as the fighting goes on, and this will be costly for our government,” Padilla said.

“This is why our government has seen it fit to provide the Armed Forces of the Philippines additional funds to allow us to secure the things we will need to finish this fight,” he added.

He said the military would need P1 billion more to replenish munitions, fuel and other materials in the war effort, but gave no timetable for the campaign.

The crisis in Marawi City poses a serious threat to the government of Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte, who has deployed thousands of troops and imposed martial law across the southern third of the country.

Padilla, however, said the government will not negotiate with former Marawi City mayor Omar Solitario Ali, who again sent a text message to Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza offering to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for the safe passage of Maute gunmen.

“The Chief of Staff [Gen. Eduardo Año] conveys that we stand by the policy of no negotiations with whatever terrorist groups there are,” Padilla said. “Any negotiation will just prolong the conflict.”

Instead, Padilla called for the former mayor’s arrest.

“Solitario should not be taken seriously because he is a supporter of bandits in Marawi. He should be arrested because he is one of those who instigated the conflict.” With AFP

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“We have seen how powerful and destructive Hurricane Irma is,” Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said after receiving initial reports of the damage the category 5 hurricane had inflicted on several Caribbean islands.

“We should not be taking any chances and should be ready to assist our nationals who may get caught in the middle of this storm,” Cayetano added.

He said he had instructed Chargé d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Ambassador Eduardo De Vega of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico to be ready to deploy teams to hurricane-affected areas in case there were Filipino nationals there who would need assistance.

Cayetano had also instructed the office of the Migrant Workers Affairs to make sure that funds were available to assist Filipinos who would be affected by the hurricane.

Described by weather experts as the most powerful storm in the Atlantic in over a decade, Irma left a trail of death and destruction after it swept across the islands of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Barthelemy, and St. Martin. With Sara Susanne Fabunan

not aware whether President Rodrigo Duterte was invited to the gathering.

Asked if he found anything wrong with it, he said, “The Marcos family are (sic) entitled to their own event, if they want to celebrate the birth anniversary of former President Marcos, it’s up to them. We’re not connected to the Marcoses,” Andanar said.

Early this week, the President issued Proclamation

310 declaring a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte in commemoration of the Marcos’ 100th birth anniversary.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he did not get an invitation and had no plans of going.

Two of the critics of the late dictato—Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin—received an invitation.

Since the family’s return to the country, they have been in the political scene, holding elective positions

in their home province, Ilocos Norte. Imelda Marcos is serving term as a district representative and Imee Marcos, the eldest child, is current governor.

Bongbong Marcos served as senator from 2010 to 2016, before running for Vice President and losing to Leni Robredo. He has a pending electoral protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

In November 2016, Duterte ordered the burial of Marcos’ remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani amid protests.

already decided to stop performing in casinos since that was not allowed.

“Before [Assistant Secretary] Mocha entered the government service, she asked permission in my office if we [could] honor her entertainment contract, and we did as long as it [was] according to law.

There is no law being violated here,” he said.

Asked if Uson had asked permission to perform in casinos, Andanar said: “There was none. Her request was just for us to honor the contracts she signed with the Mocha Girls.”

Uson was present during the deliberation for the PCOO’s budget for 2018, but she refused to face reporters.

John Paolo Bencito

She said this might be used in the war on drugs through “intensified surveillance” and “state profiling.”

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao called the bill an “authoritarian measure.”

“It will transform our country into a police state where the people will be under constant shadowing by government agents, which would be a gross violation of the right to privacy, liber-

ty, safety, security and life,” Casilao said.

De Jesus and Casilao are both members of the leftleaning Makabayan Bloc.

But the bill’s proponents led by former speaker and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the Filipino Identification System would cause all citizens to be responsible for their wellbeing and accountable for their actions.

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“We are forwarding the matter to the OES [Office of the Executive Secretary],” Andanar said.

Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular 6 bans government officials, soldiers and people below 21 years old in casinos.

Andanar said Uson had

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System,” and it would establish a National Identification Database System to be known as the Filipino Identification System or FilSys. One of the bill’s oppositors, Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus, was apprehensive over the plan to put up a National ID System.

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Filipino custom that has almost disappeared. Now is the right time to revive it,” the cardinal said.

“We cannot allow the destruction of lives to become normal. We cannot govern the nation by killing. We cannot foster a humane and decent Filipino culture by killing,” Tagle said in his letter Friday.

He also urged Catholics to show solidarity with those who have been killed, and to extend empathy and spiritual support to their families.

“If there are cases of killings in your parish community, I ask our pastors and lay leaders to take time to go to the wake in order to bless the departed and to be one with the grieving families in sorrow and in hope,” the cardinal said.

Lingayen-Dag upan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, and San Jose, Nueva Ecija Bishop Roberto Mallari had also called for the ringing of church bells amid the widespread killings.

Militant farmers, meanwhile, led a Black Friday protest in Mendiola to bring to Malacañang’s doorstep the strong public call to stop the daily killings.

“Duterte is walking on blood with the unspeakable number of Filipinos killed in the name of the government’s war against drugs,” said Antonio Flores, secretary-general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, in a statement.

“The situation has gone worse and we see no letup with the killings. The crazed and deranged killings have got to stop. Bodies are piling up. The bloodthirsty killers protected by the state must be quelled. The lethal combination of PNP’s Operation Double Barrel and AFP’s Oplan Kapayapaan have killed thousands,” Flores said.

As of September, 82 farmers and activists were killed by suspected military elements while tens of thousands drug suspects were reportedly killed by police and gun-for-hire.

“What kind of government would allow the mass slaughter of its people, the brutal killing of minors and children? We are sickened with the Duterte government’s all-out war against the people,” said Flores. With John Paolo Bencito, Bill Casas and Rio N. Araja

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southern Chiapas state, the US Geological Survey said, putting the magnitude at 8.1.

Mexico’s seismologic service however gave a magnitude of 8.4, which if confirmed would be the most powerful ever recorded in this quake-prone country.

Two people were crushed to death in Chiapas when buildings collapsed on them, said local officials and Mexican Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong.

In Manila, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology allayed fears of a tsunami to hit 21 provinces facing the Pacific Ocean, following the earthquake that struck off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.

Ishmael Narag, Seismology Division officer in charge, said the Batanes group of islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental must not worry about a possible tsunami occurrence. With Rio Araja

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Bucor gets new deputy directors

By Rey E. Requejo

M

ALACAÑANG has appointed three new deputy directors at the Bureau of Corrections, an agency under the administrative supervision of the Department of Justice.

Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte designated Melvin Ramon Garrido Buenafe, Valfrie Gacias Tabian, and Heriberto Obias Olitoquit as BuCor’s new deputy directors.

Buenafe replaced former BuCor Deputy Director Rolando Asuncion, while Tabian and Olitoquit assumed the posts vacated by Ricardo Pasamba and Martin Perfecto.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has taken

over the leadership and management of BuCor, while awaiting the President’s appointment of a new director for the agency.

In Department Order No. 505 dated July 27, Aguirre said he "shall directly supervise the management and operations of the BuCor, which are not within the ministerial powers of its Officer-in-Charge."

“The concerned officials and employees of BuCor are directed to submit and bring the undersigned’s attention all matters that are

beyond the authority of the BuCor officer-in-charge,” the directive said.

The DoJ chief made the decision following the irrevocable resignation of BuCor chief Benjamin Delos Santos last July 13.

The order is effective immediately and remains in force until further orders or until a new BuCor director-general has been appointed.

Aguirre formally recommended to President Duterte newly appointed head of the Dangerous

Drugs Board and retired Gen. Dionisio Santiago as delos Santos’ replacement.

“In my humble opinion, General Santiago can very well lead the BuCor,” Aguirre said in his letter to Duterte.

Santiago headed the DDB after Duterte fired Benjamin Reyes for contradicting him on the number of drug addicts in the country.

Apart from being a former AFP chief-of-staff, Santiago also headed the Philippine Drug Enforce-

Vizcaya gov bans tourists from cave sites

PRAYER RALLY.

Muslim groups and human rights advocates hold a prayer rally in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Makati City to demand for the end of the Rohingya humanitarian crisis as thousands of Rohingyans had been killed in clashes between government forces and the minority group. Lino Santos

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Governor Carlos Padilla here Thursday has discouraged local and foreign tourists from visiting the world-class cave systems in Kasibu town following a recent bloody encounter between the New People’s Army and government soldiers.

He ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Provincial Tourism Office to make an advisory over the social media regarding the unstable peace and order situation in Kasibu town, home of the Capissaan Cave System, particularly barangay Capissaan.

“We are advising tourists planning to come to our province and visit our cave systems here to temporary suspend their itinerary until such time that their security and safety will be assured by our authorities concerned,” Padilla said during the meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council yesterday.

He made the statement after Philippine National Police officials bared the ongoing heightened military operations in the upland barangays of Kasibu town which also hosts the gold-copper project of Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. in Barangay Didipio.

Padilla also asked officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Provincial Engineering Office to advise private contractors to suspend their works near the hotspot areas to prevent being affected by the military operations.

Government infrastructure projects are being implemented in barangays Muta and Papaya, among others in Kasibu towns.

ment Agency and was a former head of BuCor from June 2003 to September 2004.

Aside from NBP, BuCor’s other operating units include Abuyog Penal Colony in Leyte, Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm.

Importers group seeks pre-shipment test PHILIPPINE Cement Importers Association executive director Dani Enriquez has reiterated his group's stand in favor of pre-shipment testing of imports, saying that “good quality products mean good business.”

The PCIA said that no industry group can claim monopoly when it comes to concerns about consumer welfare and protection, which should be foremost for all industries whether or not their products are included in the De-

partment of Trade and Industry list under mandatory conformance certification.

Reacting to statements made by certain local cement manufacturers that “pre-shipment testing is a diminution of the minimum requirements of the standards conformity of cement thereby prejudicial to consumer’s safety and lives”, Enriquez noted that “they may have misunderstood the content of the new DAO presented by DTI-BPS last 08 Aug. 8, 2017. It

proposes processing of conformance certification using Scheme 5 of PNS/ISO17067 consistent with the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade administered by the World Trade Organization."

The scheme offers an option for importers to apply for either a PS License or a Batch Certificate (Import Commodity Clearance) through a Pre-shipment Test Report or Product sampling upon arrival.

“Actually, what the PCIA is proposing is to have a pre-shipment

test on top of the PS License,” added Enriquez.

“I don’t see the diminution there when we, in fact, are proposing to add another testing process or step in the already WTO- and ISO-compliant DTI-proposed Certification Procedures. In addition, we are also proposing that there be a 10 percent surety bond for all these cement importations to be released only once they passed the DTI product verification test,” Enriquez said.

i-ACT intensifies clearing operations along QC roads

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Inter-Agency Council for Traffic has intensified road clearing operations in Quezon City in cooperation with the city government.

The latest operation, which was conducted simultaneously in the areas of Commonwealth Avenue, Tandang Sora, Luzon Avenue, Litex, and within the vicinity of the Quezon City Memorial Circle, resulted in the impounding of 44 vehicles. According to i-ACT chief Thomas Orbos,

his team fixed the loading and unloading bays along Commonwealth Avenue.

The group will also remove the lane separators in the area to help ease traffic congestion due to the construction of the Metro Railway Transit Line - 7 while EEI Corporation, the project's contractor, likewise committed to install their own closed-curcuit television cameras in the area as well as provide flagmen to help in traffic management.

Meanwhile, a motorist identified as Jeremy Robeo has been slapped with criminal charges after he tried to bribe MMDA traffic aide Bobby Caindoy and volunteer Martin Lapid with P500 after he was apprehended for traffic violation.

Volunteer Jun Vialu immediately contacted the nearest police precinct to apprehend Robeo who was brought to the Central Police District Station 6 and was later brought to the Quezon City Hall of Justice for inquest.

“We applaud the actions of our enforcers in rejecting the bribe of an apprehended motorist. This action reflects the culture change in the agency and that more and more of our enforcers are making the right choice in performing their duties with untainted integrity,” said Orbos.

“Let this incident be a reminder to all motorists to deal with our enforcers with utmost respect and never corrupt them in the performance of their duties.”

PCG gets five high-speed patrol boats

RIVER OF PLASTIC. Members of Environmental watchdog Greenpeace host a boat tour along Pasig River to show the magnitude of plastic waste being dumped from the mouth of the San Juan river. The group also released a GPS-equipped buoy to track the movement of plastic wastes. Norman Cruz

TO BOOST the Philippine Coast Guard’s capability to perform its mission of maritime security and safety, maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, as well as offshore patrol of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, the Department of Transportation signed a contract with maritime technology expert and ship-builder, OCEA S.A. of France, for the acquisition of five brand-new highspeed Coast Guard Patrol Boats.

In a ceremony held Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2017, Transport Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and French Embassy Representative Laurent Estrade witnessed the contract signing between DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe A. Judan and OCEA Maritime Safety and Security Director Fabrice Weinbach for the supply and maintenance of Coast Guard patrol boats.

Under the Contract, OCEA will sup-

ply, deliver and maintain four brand new 24-meter Fast Patrol Boats and one brand new 84-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel being acquired by DOTr for the use of Philippine Coast Guard. The Contract, amounting to €97,032,507, is part of a French ODA loan, which was previously used in part for the GMA RoRo Ports project.

Following the contract signing, the Transportation Chief expressed appreciation to the government of France for helping the Philippines' maritime capability and supporting its efforts to make Philippine seas safe and secure from lawless elements.

For his part, Estrade reaffirmed the French government's strong commitment and support to Philippine government's resolve to improve its maritime capability. "We are very pleased to witness the signing of this very important contract," he said.

IN BRIEF Migrants outraged over end of DACA THE International Migrants Alliance (IMAUSA) expressed on Friday the outrage of millions of people by the decision of the TrumpPence administration to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ‘Program for undocumented youth and students.

“Once again, the fascistic character of this administration rears its ugly head to eliminate even this temporary form of relief for the 800,000+ undocumented recipients who were given only temporary authorization to work, go to school, or join the military, instead of having to live in fear of potential deportation,” the group said. Bill Casas

Chiz dismayed over PH schools ranking SENATOR Chiz Escudero expressed dismay over the performance of universities and colleges in the Philippines since only University of the Philippines was included in the world university rankings.

“I commend UP for advancing in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, however, this is dismal since no other Philippine universities entered the global rankings," lamented Escudero.

The senator, chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, also said this only shows that even the Philippines’ leading universities are struggling in the global arena.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

MMDA penalizes MRT-7 contractor THE Metro Manila Development Authority has penalized the private contractor of Metro Railway Transit-Line 7 project for blocking two lanes of Commonwealth Avenue when it parked a crane that caused monstrous traffic in the area early this week.

MMDA assistant general manager for planning Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said a P25,000 fine was slapped against EEI Corp. for obstructing the traffic flow in the area near University of the Philippines-Ayala Land Technohub.

"They parked the crane and occupied two lanes of Commonwealth.

The motorists and the commuting public were affected," said Garcia.

"There was an agreement that before they make a decision, they will first inform the MMDA. We know that we need a project like this one but the contractor should also know and comply with our guidelines."

Joel E. Zurbano

‘Balik-scientists’ program backed A HOUSE leader on Friday batted for the passage of a measure providing a package of incentives and privileges to entice scientists and highly-skilled technicians of Filipino descent to work in the Philippines over the short or long term.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villaguerte urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to prioritize the passage of his House Bill 6057., or the proposed "Balik-Scientists’’ Program. Maricel V. Cruz

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

On fire

A

SSISTANT Secretary for Communication Margaux Uson is a polarizing figure.

It could be because of her interesting beginnings. She started her career not as a public communicator or a staff member at a government office but as an entertainer.

She led—no, still leads—a group of women who charm their audience with provocative outfits and songand-dance numbers.

It could be because she fancies herself a force to be reckoned with on social media. She wrote—no, still writes—in vociferous defense of Mr. Rodrigo Duterte, then-candidate and now-president, and in

great disdain of anybody who dares criticize him.

What is galling is how she gets away with her infractions when anybody else would have been dealt with harshly, especially by an administration that shows no mercy when it feels like it.

This week, for instance, we discovered that Uson has continued to perform with her dance group at a casino even after her appointment to the Palace communications team.

She holds the post with the mandate to stop fake news and with a salary many others with advanced degrees and solid experience could only dream of.

It’s not as though Uson were the first misbehaving member of the

communication team. Look at the series of blunders by the Philippine News Agency. She adds a nice touch, though—remember that misleading photo which she defended as symbolism?

But it’s more than juggling multiple jobs. A Palace circular bans the entry of all government officials, soldiers and individuals below 21 years old in casinos. How long would the assistant secretary have continued to perform had she not been called out?

Ms. Uson has been boldly flouting the law because she says her superiors knew of it. Her immediate boss, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, however, said he had

discouraged her from performing in venues like casinos.

Discouraged?

There was a recent trend on social media calling for the sacking of Ms. Uson, but Andanar took the time to play with words: Not #FireMocha, he said, but #MochaOnFire—much to our amusement.

Who’s on fire is the people, sick of impunity committed on all fronts and in all forms by those who count the President on their side.

The communication team keeps bungling its job but sends us a message loud and clear: That incompetence and arrogance are indeed a deadly combination, and with the likes of them around, we better get used to it.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Revoke tax-exempt status of the Church

Killing our young POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THE country has been gripped with dread these past weeks because of the spate of brutal murders of young men possibly by members of the Philippine National Police. President Rodrigo Duterte has, from the start of the last campaign period stressed that he would wage a war against illegal drugs to save the future of our youth. He said from the onset that this war would be bloody.

Sixteen million voters put Duterte in Malacañang, the so-called “war against drugs” is waged, and indeed, it is as bloody as movie scenes from the times of the barbarians. An estimated 13,000 suspected

drug users and peddlers have been brutally killed since the big majority of them belonging to the poorest segments of our society.

Many of the killings happened while in custody of the police who alleged that said suspects resisted arrest and/or assaulted the authorities. With the dead numbering to thousands, it is not surprising that people say that there is a pattern in this madness.

The night of Aug. 14 to 15 was bloodiest when police operations dubbed as “one time, big time” resulted in the killing of 32 drug suspects in Bulacan.

In response, Duterte even said that this was good and if done every day, perhaps the drug problem will be abated.

The following night as part of the “one time, big time operation”, 17-year-

old Kian Loyd delos Santos, son of a domestic helper in the Middle East and a sarisari store owner, was murdered by Caloocan police in an anti-drug operation.

Kian, a grade 11 student, was never in the police’s

Mr. President, the people are furious. drug watch list. Neighbors and school teachers attested that he was a good boy who was never in trouble in school and in the neighborhood.

The police had a different story. They said that Kian was identified as a drug “runner” by another

arrested suspect. The police also said that Kian shot them first which prompted them to shoot back in selfdefense. This killed the teenager. His body was found in a fetal position holding an old rusty gun with his left hand despite his being right handed. Two sachets of shabu were also allegedly found with Kian.

This version was belied by the CCTV footage and witnesses to the killing.

The video showed Kian being dragged by two men in civilian clothes (later identified as members of the Caloocan police) towards the spot where the boy’s body was found. Witnesses said that Kian was assaulted by the men, forced to hold the gun and run. Kian is said to have begged for his life before he was shot.

This 17-year-old suffered three gunshots in the head.

Just after a few days of Kian’s killing came the death of 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz also at the hands of Caloocan Police.

Carl, who lived in Cainta, was also a son of an OFW mother, and a former student of the University of the Philippines. He went missing for ten days with 14-year-old Reynaldo de Guzman. Carl’s father said that the young man was only going to buy snacks but was next found dead in a morgue in Caloocan City.

The police said that Carl held up a taxi driver, was accosted but shot the police first which resulted in a shootout that killed him.

The authorities also said they found three sachets of suspected shabu and marijuana leaves in a backpack carried by the boy.

However, the autopsy reports told a different story

from the police allegations.

Carl died from five gunshot wounds in the torso area.

He was probably lying or kneeling down when shot several times. His body bore marks indicating that he was tortured before being killed.

Carl’s parents could not believe that their son could have done what the police said he did. They said that Carl was not into drugs, did not own a gun, much more shoot one.

Carl’s case drew national attention because it came on the heels of what happened to Kian. People were wondering where Carl’s companion, the 14-year-old Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman was since he disappeared with Carl.

A few days later, Reynaldo’s body was found floating in a creek in Gapan, Nueva

AS EVERY course in representative government points out, the right of the citizenry to criticize the government emanates from the fact that tax payments made by the citizens fund all government operations.

Because of their tax-free status under the 1987 Constitution, organized religions, therefore, are not supposed to criticize the way the goverrnment is run. In other words, they can’t have their cake and eat it, too.

Sadly, the restriction is more honored in breach than in compliance because many organized religions openly support and endorse partisan candidates for elective public office, and meddle in the affairs of the government. Some even dictate what its faithful may or may not watch in the cinemahouses.

Take for instance the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, who was the archbishop of Manila during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, and thereafter. While Cardinal Sin was all praises for the Marcos couple whenever he officiated masses at Malacañang during the martial law years, the cardinal also maintained extraordinarily warm ties with leaders of the political opposition. He was particularly partial to ex-Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo, a staunch defender of the Catholic Church during his time.

Because Cardinal Sin knew that it was better for him to have the strongman in Malacañang as a friend instead of an enemy, the cardinal did not put up any serious protest against the extensive family program launched by the Marcos administration. Sin also refrained from making critical remarks against the strongman regime.

Whenever Cardinal Sin’s photograph with President Marcos is published in the newspapers,

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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 Donald Trump’s Fed

Revoke...

From A4

Sin was always all smiles.

The cardinal never protested the publicity he got with Marcos.

Cardinal Sin’s role in the so-called February 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution made him a national hero in the eyes of the anti-Marcos camp and its publicists. Because President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, who seized power in Edsa 1986, openly acknowledged that she owes her presidency to the cardinal, Sin became a major power broker in the Aquino administration. The extent of his influence was second only to Aquino’s brother, the lackluster and arguably unpopular Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. In the 1992 presidential elections, it was evident that Cardinal Sin wanted Ramon Mitra Jr., who was a Roman Catholic, to win over Fidel Ramos, a protestant. Alas, the cardinal’s influence was no longer there. Ramos was proclaimed winner even when he only a plurality president, with second placer Miriam Defensor-Santiago protesting the outcome of the polls. Mitra placed fourth.

For the virtual entirety of the Ramos administration, Cardinal Sin was its staunchest and loudest critic, especially of the family planning methods endorsed by Ramos’ health secretary, Juan Flavier. Pressed by the news media to explain why he was breathing down on Ramos when he didn’t even vote for Ramos, Sin publicly announced rather ludicrously that he openly campaigned for Mitra but secretly voted for Ramos. Holy smokes!

That’s political duplicity plain and simple.

Luis Cardinal Tagle is Cardinal Sin’s successor.

While Cardinal Tagle does not find it irregular for the Church to meddle in the affairs of the government, he takes offense when a citizen criticizes the Church for its meddling in government affairs.

For example, when an Intramuros tourist guide had had enough of the clergy’s interference in Philippine politics, the tourist guide went to the Manila Cathedral and in the middle of a meeting of church officials, he displayed the sign “Padre Damaso,” a name associated with the villanous friar in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. The tourist guide wanted to remind the contemporary Catholic clergy that they were going back to the wicked ways of

union of Church and State.

Manila church officials immediately filed criminal charges against the tourist guide, which ultimately ended up in the conviction of the latter. Cardinal Tagle later appeared on television and said that the church had already forgiven the tourist guide, and it just so happened that it was the “people of the Philippines” who pursued the case against the accused.

What hogwash! Every law student knows that a criminal case of the nature filed against the tourist guide would not have ripened into a conviction were it not for the active prosecution of the case by the private offended party, in this case the church officials of Manila. Tagle probably thought that television is patronized only by the gullible.

The clergy preach that people should forgive other people because there is virtue in being forgiving. This is also one of the lessons taught in the Lord’s Prayer.

When the Manila clergy pursued the criminal case against the tourist guide, it seems like the clergy forgot to practice what they have been preaching.

While humility is another virtue priests preach during their sermons, the priests running a famous university in Manila practice the opposite. The private security guards of this university are required to stand at attention each time a priest walks by. This special treatment is not even accorded to lay faculty members of that university Ranking officials of the Catholic church in the Philippines travel the streets using an entourage of highend luxury vehicles. They wear jewelry and nice leather shoes. What happened to their vow of poverty?

About a month ago, the news media reported a priest who was caught with a minor girl inside a motel.

After high church officials relieved him of his duties, nothing was heard from him again. Anyway, is celibacy among the clergy in danger of extinction?

Tuition in Catholic schools are very steep, thus making basic education beyond the reach of poor Filipinos.

Fees for church weddings, baptisms, and confirmations are also costly. Considering that the Church is tax-exempt, where does all that money go?

Since President Rodrigo Duterte is serious about constitutional changes, he ought to revoke the tax-exempt status enjoyed by all organized religions under the 1987 Constitution.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Justice Carpio’s lessons about governance

Bloomberg editorial Even more than before, President Donald Trump now has the chance to entirely reshape the Federal Reserve. Janet Yellen’s term as chair ends early next year, and her deputy, Stanley Fischer, has just resigned, citing personal reasons. Soon Trump will be able to appoint a new person to the top job and three other positions on the sevenmember board—not counting the one he’s already given to Randy Quarles.

Fischer’s departure, coming months earlier than expected, is a serious loss. His combination of intellect, experience and collegiality is virtually irreplaceable One of the world’s most distinguished macroeconomists, he conducted influential research while a professor at MIT, co-authored standard texts, and was a revered teacher—among his former students are Mario Draghi, head of the European Central Bank, and former Fed chief Ben Bernanke. He held the top economics jobs at both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, was a vice chairman of Citigroup, and between 2005 and 2013 was the notably successful head of Israel’s central bank.

A luminary among central bankers, Fischer was amply qualified to run the Fed. That he was content to serve as No. 2, acting as Yellen’s close ally, attests to his lack of vanity. His hallmarks as a communicator of the Fed’s thinking, a role he recognized as crucial, were clarity and open-mindedness. All these traits will be sorely missed.

The case for reappointing Yellen, which Trump hasn’t yet ruled out, just got stronger. Fischer’s exit raises the premium on continuity, expertise and experience, and the current Fed chair embodies all three.

History’s verdict on presidents rests more than they might wish on the competence of the Fed during their time in the White House. When it comes to those other Fed appointments, the president would be smart to reflect on what made Fischer such a good choice and strive, for his own sake as well as everybody else’s, to choose as wisely.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

THIS and my column on Tuesday serialized the commencement speech delivered by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to the graduates of the Ateneo School of Government last August 26, 2017. Carpio has served in government for some 20 years, in both the executive and judicial branches, first as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) and then as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court where he is now the most senior member. I personally know of Justice Carpio’s work as a colleague in the cabinet of FVR and a legal scholar who has studied his jurisprudence and his work on the South China Sea. Even if I have disagreed with him a few times, I consider Justice Carpio a true patriot, the strongest defender of the Constitution and our national sovereignty at this time, a legal giant, and a senior statesman.

Familiar with both his legal and governance work, I can affirm that Justice Carpio approaches his role in government as a problem solver. It is from this perspective that he shared with our graduates, mostly also public servants, lessons from his journey in government.

The first experience Justice Carpio shared in his speech was how the FVR administration succeeded in breaking the telecommunications monopoly of PLDT. He recalls:

“I remember clearly how it happened. One day the President called me to his office and told me that the PLDT people were badmouthing me. Then the President asked me: “Where is that Executive Order on interconnection that you prepared. I will sign it now.”

So, I rushed back to my office to send the President the Executive Order for his signature. And that is how we broke the telecom monopoly. Soon, four new telecom players entered the market, and they were promptly interconnected with PLDT. Some of these new telecom players offered fixed landlines within two weeks from application. Others offered on demand mobile handsets for free in exchange for long-term subscriptions.

The 15-year waiting time to get a landline was obliterated by the stroke of the President’s pen.”

Justice Carpio emphasized the lesson from that experience. According to him: “There are critical bottlenecks in our economy that severely obstruct development. Many of these bottlenecks can easily be removed by mere executive action if there is political will from the President. Yes, political will is absolutely needed but unfortunately there is often a scarcity of political will. The opening of the telecom industry in 1993 was timely because it prepared the economy for the digital age – for the coming of the internet, the call centers and the BPO industry.

The ease of access to land and mobile lines increased the velocity of business

transactions and leveled the playing field.”

Another problem confronted by the FVR administration was the state of state of our domestic shipping industry. As Carpio describes it: “The domestic shipping industry was hobbled by the ‘prior operator rule’ which accorded preference to the existing operator to service a route whenever a new entrant came in offering to fill up an underserved demand in the route. The prior operator rule practically gave a monopoly to the existing operator. This prevented competition and resulted in very poor service to the public for several decades.”

Carpio recalls how he explained to the President that the “prior operator rule” was not a law but merely an administrative regulation.

The original purpose of this rule was to provide a sustainable traffic to shipping companies that opened new routes. Unfortunately, over time the “prior operator rule” shielded the first operators from competition and became a source of inefficiency with the first operators ending up being complacent. Naturally, services deteriorated while also becoming more expensive. Carpio proposed to the President Ramos an Administrative Order revoking the “prior operator rule” which was approved.

According to Carpio” “Suddenly, shipping companies entered old underserved routes with roll-on, roll-off vessels that connected many of our islands.

Efficient sea transport between many of our islands

took off . . . The revocation of the “prior operator rule” paved the way for a nautical highway that would link the Philippine archipelago from Batanes to Sulo.”

The lesson: “There are incentives designed originally to attract investors to enter pioneering industries but these incentives later on become bottlenecks in the efficient delivery of goods and services to the public at reasonable cost. The incentives become a tool by industries to capture the government agency regulating them. Incentives can be justified if the industry is taking baby steps, but no industry should remain an infant forever. Incentives should always have sunset provisions to allow competition to come in as the natural market force to provide efficient goods and services at reasonable cost.”

Finally, Justice Carpio shared the lessons learned from the FVR administration’s attempt to stop jueteng, the illegal numbers game. After studying the problem and looking at options, including the experience of other countries, Carpio recommended that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office put up a state lottery to compete with and eliminate jueteng.

According to Carpio, while the state lottery was successful in eliminating jueteng in Metro Manila, the results were mixed in the provinces. The reason: “In towns where the mayors issued permits to lotto outlets, the lotto gained market share against jueteng which greatly declined. However, many town mayors refused to give permits to lotto out-

lets in their towns and the people could not buy lotto tickets. In those places, jueteng continued to flourish. What the PCSO did was to directly open PCSO lotto outlets in those towns because the PCSO, being a government agency, need not secure a mayor’s permit to open an office anywhere in the Philippines. But it is always an uphill battle fighting the town mayor.”

The lesson from the attempt to abolish jueteng is sobering. Carpio pointed out how the jueteng operators in the Philippines have become so influential that many mayors are reluctant to against them. The solution for Carpio is massive education: “The schools, public and private, should incorporate in their curriculum materials explaining why jueteng is a rigged game, an elaborate and devious scam, that sucks the last centavo from the poorest of the poor in our society. It is really a pity that jueteng operators continue to prey on the poorest sector of our society. Let the school children echo this to their elders. So, the jury is still out whether the state lottery can finally eliminate jueteng nationwide.”

On Tuesday, I will write about Justice Carpio’s reflections on his experiences reforming administrative law and judicial proceedings in the country. I would also be remiss if I do not write about this statesman and legal giant’s advocacy on the South China sea.

Facebook: https://web. facebook.com/deantonylavs/ Twitter: tonylavs

BRICS and the western economic order BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—is the most dynamic economic grouping to ever emerge or to inferentially compete with the traditional western economic blocs led by the US. Though the members are much less than the 195 countries in the world today, geographically four of its members, namely Brazil, China, India and Russia rank as among the biggest in land area, with Russia having an area of 17.1 million square kilometers. In terms of population, four of its members, namely Brazil, India, China and Russia stand as among the biggest, with China having the highest in the world with a population of 1,388,232,693 billion as of 2016.

Although the founding members have not issued a declaration to compete with the existing financial institutions created by the US and its Western European allies including Japan, neither has the group taken the cudgels to revive the antagonistic Cold War posturing that brought economic ruin to them instead. Nonetheless, BRICS, since its founding in 2009, has phenomenally evolved and is causing much anxiety for the US and its allies all feeling the breeze of changing winds

Killing...

From A4

Ecija. Reynaldo’s head was covered in plastic and packaging tape, his feet tied, and his body bore no less than 30 stab wounds. Some of these wounds could have been made by a knife that is at least nine inches long. Authorities said that the boy has not been dead long before he was found.

blowing from west to east.

Among the top 10 economies of the world, China now ranks no. 2. It is predicted by many to surpass the US anytime as the world’s leading economy not to mention the serious drawback of the US being the biggest debtor-nation in the world today with debts amounting to $19.8 trillion.

Adding economic power, two other members, India and Brazil, are included in the world’s top ten economies. Taking their economies and population together, they already account to 23 percent of the world’s economy and 43 percent of the world’s population.

Unlike those groupings created by the West, member-countries are fully conscious that their organization must live up to their role of promoting peace by possibly avoiding mixing up economic development with international politics which is rooted on national interest. Unlike the traditional military alliances which has for its object of achieving strategic advantage or parity of forces, BRICS aims to achieve a variant approach based on an inter-connective, integrated and cohesive economic development simplified in that golden rule of win-win solution.

As the US and its Western allies continue to pursue the interventionist approach of relying on alliances, it has always brought mankind to the doorstep of war. Ac-

cording to Forbes, the US in 2016 remains the highest in incurring a defense expenditure of $611 billion or representing about 36 percent of the world’s total. This is followed by China with $215 billion or 13 percent; Russia $69.2 billion or 4.1 percent; Saudi Arabia $63.7 billion or 3.8 percent; India $55.9 or 3.3 percent, France $55.7 billion or 3.3 percent; UK with $48.3 billion or 2.9 percent; Japan with $46.1 billion or 2.67 percent; Germany with $41.1 billion or 2.4 percent; and South Korea with $36.8 billion or 2.2 percent. What is revealing is North Korea, considered by the US as the most troublesome state, spent only about $7.5 billion for its defense in 2017 which is not even included in the list of the top 25 countries spending for their defense, a study made by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

US defense expenditures in comparison to its NATO allies already indicate that it is the one propping up the alliance, which equivocally mean it has a greater say on the decision-making process. While on the surface, NATO presents itself as a formidable alliance, underneath is the increasing rumblings and disenchantment among allies in analyzing the objective of the alliance, indicating that each has a different national interest but relying on the framework of the alliance. This resulted in NATO supporting the inter-

ventionist policy of the US in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and in advancing NATO’s defense perimeter further to Eastern Europe with some of its members questioning their contribution which eats up much of their national budget. In 2016, the US has contributed $649.931 billion or 72.2 percent to the NATO alliance followed by the United Kingdom with $59.699 billion or 6.6 percent; France with $43.864 billion or 4.9 percent; Germany with $39.743 billion or 4.4 percent.

On the other hand, the decision by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the BRICS summit at Xiamen after that long standoff over Dokhlam Plateau in Bhutan was telling that the two leaders would not allow their political differences to override the beneficial prospects of economic development agenda. This now explains why BRICS, in so short a time, has managed to secure financial support from member-states. It is the value of economic inter-connectivity that guides the members to cherish political stability more than anything else. In the St. Petersburg summit in 2013, China committed $41 billion for the pool; Brazil, India and Russia $18 billion each; and South Africa $5 billion. The New Development Bank, which had an initial capitalization of $100 billion, has a reserved currency pool worth over $100 billion. By the

end of October 2014, Brazil trimmed down its US government holding to $261.7 billion; India $77.5 billion; China $1.25 trillion; South Africa $10.3 billion.

The approach made by BRICS is a move towards a positive direction. As Xinhua wrote in an editorial, “Committing to the common prosperity and development of all the countries in the world, BRICS has become an increasingly important building block of the global economy. First, the establishment of the NDB (New Development Bank)—and the CRA (Contingent Reserve Arrangement) will inject dynamism into the cooperation among BRICS countries and set an example for the South-South cooperation. The bank and the fund will enhance the economic autonomy of BRICS countries. They also have great significance for helping BRICS nations and even more developing countries to obtain funds for infrastructure projects as well as to counter emergency solvency crisis or liquidity crisis. The cooperative mechanism of BRICS countries has become a paradigm and important platform for the South-South Cooperation. x x x Second, the set up of the NDB and the CRA shows that BRICS countries have enough strength and confidence as they have great market potential and policy space.”

If Reynaldo was with Carl when the latter was killed, then he was the only witness to the killing of Carl. He could not be left alive.

Reynaldo was tortured in a most barbaric way. It will be remembered that at the start of this “war on drugs,” victims were also covered with packaging tape with cardboards saying that they were drug dealers/pushers.

Was the manner by which Reynaldo was killed an at-

tempt to cover the identity of his murderers? Were they trying to make it look like some vigilante, or even drug addict killed the tiny Kulot?

This war on drugs is killing innocent people, even our youth. President Duterte said that he is waging this war to protect the young but in truth, they are being savagely murdered.

Kian, Carl, and Reynaldo could have been my, or your sons, brothers, or friends.

They did not deserve to die.

None of the 13,000 did no matter if they were suspected of being drug users or pushers. Due process must be observed.

President Duterte must put a stop to this madness.

He must make these policemen face the consequences of their actions instead of condoning their abuses.

They are supposed to protect, not murder the people.

Mr. President, the Fili-

pino people are furious.

The manner by which this war against drug you lead is turning out to be a war against the very people you have sworn to serve and protect. This is killing our youth, our future. You are the one who can stop this, NOW.

rpkapunan@gmail.com

bethangsioco@g mail. com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

A6

World

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Irma surges toward Bahamas N

ASSAU―Theodore Major heard the call to evacuate loud and clear as Hurricane Irma tore towards the Bahamas, but he’s staying put on his island even if it means putting his life at risk.

“Yeah, well, I will take my chances,” said Major, who is normally a professional diver on the sundrenched island of Inagua.

“I stayed to ride out the storm... I just don’t want to leave my home.”

After leaving a trail of death and destruction in the Caribbean, Irma is now surging northwards and the Bahamas―a normally idyllic Atlantic archipelago―is one of the next in the path of the Category

Five hurricane.

Forecasters say that Irma is likely to barrel into the Bahamas on Thursday night, with southeastern islands taking the full brunt of its fury.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis issued an evacuation order on Tuesday for all residents in the southeast to head to the main island of New Providence, home to the capital Nassau.

“Do not put your life and

those of your loved ones at unnecessary risk,” Minnis urged.

“Do not be foolish and try to brave out this monster storm. The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm.”

The government on Wednesday evacuated approximately 1,000 residents from Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay and Ragged Is-

land.

Residents were flown to New Providence where the majority were placed in shelters throughout the island.

Many did not hesitate to obey the order, such as 79-year-old Iva Nixon who was evacuated from Inagua.

“I feel good, because at this time, you shouldn’t think about material things.

You should think about lives,” she said.

But others are prepared to take their chances in the face of the storm which is packing winds of up to 295 kilometers (183 miles) per hour.

Major’s wife and two daughters were among those evacuated from Inagua on Wednesday but he and his 22-year-old son have decided to stay behind on the island.

“I’m not afraid because what happens, [will] hap-

Hungary slams plan on migrants BUDAPEST―Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday launched a fresh attack on an EU plan to share thousands of migrants around the bloc, saying that forcing his country to partake in the scheme bordered on “violence”.

The comments came a day after the European Court of Justice, the bloc’s top court, rejected a legal challenge to the relocation plan lodged by Hungary and Slovakia.

They also followed criticism by EU chief JeanClaude Juncker who earlier this week chided Budapest for demanding extra money for border security while refusing to partake in the mandatory migrant redistribution scheme.

“Solidarity is not an à-la-carte dish,” Juncker had said in a letter to Orban on Tuesday.

The Hungarian leader, who has previously called immigration the “Trojan Horse of terrorism”, said he was “stunned and puzzled”

by Juncker’s response.

“The interpretation of the principle of solidarity described in your letter is in essence the transformation of Hungary into an immigrant country, against the will of the Hungarian people,” Orban said in a letter to Juncker, published on the government’s website on Thursday.

“In my view, this is not solidarity, this is violence.”

Unlike other European Union member states, Hungary did not have a “colonial past”, Orban added. AFP

APPROACHING DISASTER. Debris and trash are seen on a beach in Cap-Haitien as Hurricane Irma approaches. Irma was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 295 kph as it followed a projected path that would see it hit the northern edges of the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Thursday, continuing past eastern Cuba before veering north for Florida. AFP

California court deals another blow to Trump’s travel ban LOS ANGELES―A federal court in California dealt a new blow Thursday to the Trump administration’s travel ban, ruling that some refugees must be allowed into the country.

It is the latest twist of the legal wrangling touched off by President Donald Trump’s ban, first announced in January with little notice and widely criticized as discriminatory against Muslims. Trump says it is needed to keep out terrorists.

In the new ruling, the US Ninth Circuit of Appeals, based in San Francisco, upheld a ruling by

a court in Hawaii, a decision against which the administration had appealed.

The new decision states that the ban must exclude “refugees who have a formal assurance from an agency within the United States that the agency will provide or ensure the provision of reception and placement services to that refugee.”

It could pave the way for the entry of some 24,000 refugees whose asylum requests had already been approved.

And as the US Supreme Court had ruled in July, the three-judge

panel in San Francisco confirmed that the ban cannot be applied to grandparents and other close family members living in six mainly Muslim countries and seeking to visit relatives in the United States.

The Supreme Court ruled in late June that the 90-day travel ban, purportedly aimed at better screening out potential security risks, can be broadly enforced for travelers from the six mainly Muslim countries “who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.”

Days later, the Trump adminis-

tration interpreted that to mean that only “close family” was exempted.

It defined this as the parents, spouses, children, sons- and daughtersin-law, siblings and step- and halfsiblings of people in the United States.

The California court said Wednesday the administration “does not offer a persuasive explanation for why a mother-in-law is clearly a bona fide relationship in the Supreme Court’s prior reasoning, but a grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or cousin is not.” AFP

Britain backs plan to expel North Koreans from EU

TAPA, Estonia―Britain backed Friday moves to expel North Korean workers from the European Union as part of fresh sanctions to punish Pyongyang after its latest nuclear test.

Foreign minister Boris Johnson told AFP there was a “wide measure of agreement” among his EU counterparts to forge ahead with new measures against Kim Jong-Un’s regime after it carried out its sixth nuclear test on Sunday, its most powerful to date.

Washington is pushing for a UN Security Council vote on a resolution calling for tough new measures on the North, including an oil embargo, an asset freeze on Kim and an end to payments of North Korean guest workers.

Johnson said talks with his EU counterparts in Tallinn on Thursday had produced a “very very wide measure of agree-

ment” on the need to do more to pile pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program.

“In a lot of EU countries there are a lot of DPRK workers who are sending remittances back to North Korea,” Johnson said. The North’s official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“There are sanctions you can impose, you can send them back and there’s a wide measure of support for that,” Johnson told AFP during a visit to British troops on a NATO base in northern Estonia.

When asked, Johnson confirmed he supported sending North Korean workers home from the EU. Overseas workers, most of them posted in China and Russia, are a key source of revenue for Pyongyang. European diplomats say there are around 300 North Korean workers in the bloc, most of them in Poland. AFP

PROTEST. A Rohingya refugee living in Malaysia cries as he offers prayers during a protest against the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, in Kuala Lumpur, on September 8, 2017. Hundreds of protestors chanting “Long live Rohingya” demonstrated outside the Myanmar embassy in the Malaysian capital to condemn the deadly violence against the Muslim minority. AFP

Turks, Caicos bracing for hurricane LONDON―The Turks and Caicos islands were bracing for Hurricane Irma on Thursday as the storm hurtled through the Caribbean at breakneck speeds.

The government of the British territory told residents and tourists to stay inside, as the Category 5 super storm approached.

“Conditions have begun to deteriorate over the Turks and Caicos.

Residents in the Turks and Caicos islands should remain indoors until the all clear has been given,” the territory’s Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies announced.

It warned of extensiveto-severe flooding and coastal residents should move to higher ground to escape the expected storm surge.

A self-governing part of the United Kingdom, the Turks and Caicos are home to around 52,500 people. The archipelago of around 30 islands is situated about 1,000 km southeast of the United States Governor John Freeman said some low-lying islands were being evacuated.

“We have started to fill our shelters because a number of people who live in very low-lying areas are very vulnerable,” he told the BBC. “We’ve also engaged in terms of getting people off the island who are here, North American tourists and others.”

Russia claims killing top IS leaders MOSCOW―Russia claimed Friday to have killed several top commanders of the Islamic State group in an air strike in Syria, including the “Minister of War” and the so-called Emir of Deir Ezzor.

“As a result of a precision air strike of the Russian air forces in the vicinity of Deir Ezzor city, a command post, communication center and some 40 ISIS fighters have been killed,” the Russian defense ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“According to confirmed data, among the killed fighters are four influential field commanders including Deir Ezzor emir Abu Mohammed al-Shimali,” the ministry said.

Gulmurod Khalimov, who is known as the IS group’s Minister of War and the highest-ranking defector from ex-Soviet Tajikistan, suffered a “fatal injury,” it added.

Russia’s SU warplanes dropped “bunker buster” bombs on the fighters as they were meeting near Deir Ezzor to discuss how to respond to the advance of the Syrian army, Moscow said.

Backed by Russia, Syrian troops on Tuesday broke through a years-

UN: More than 1,000 may have been killed in the violence in Myanmar SEOUL―More than 1,000 people may already have been killed in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, mostly members of the Muslim Rohingya minority, a senior United Nations representative told AFP on Friday―around twice the government’s figure.

“Perhaps about a thousand or more are already dead,” said Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar.

“This might be from both sides but it would be heavily concentrated on the Rohingya population.”

In the last two weeks alone 164,000 mostly Rohingya civilians have fled to Bangladesh, overwhelming refugee camps that were already bursting at the seams.

Others have died trying to flee the fighting in Rakhine state, where witnesses say entire vil-

lages have been burned since Rohingya militants launched a series of coordinated attacks on August 25, prompting a militaryled crackdown.

The Rohingya have long been subjected to discrimination in mostly Buddhist Myanmar, which denies

them citizenship and regards them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even if they have lived in the country for generations.

The figures given by Lee, a South Korean academic, in an interview in Seoul, are far higher than official tolls, which total 475. AFP

Sports Arellano tries to boost PVL semis bid

REIGNING NCAA champion Arellano takes on Adamson University today, shooting for a third straight victory and a boost to its semifinal drive in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Lady Chiefs, led

by Jovielyn Prado, swept their first two matches in emphatic fashions, shutting down the St. Benilde Lady Blazers and the San Beda Red Spikers in straight-set fashions to move two wins away from securing a spot in the Final Four in this short season-ending conference of the league organized

by Sports Vision.

But the Bustillos-based squad remains wary of Adamson in their 4 p.m. duel as the Lady Falcons, headed by the league’s current top scorer Christine Soyud, underscored their readiness to take on the league’s top teams by upending the UP Lady Maroons in five sets in Group B last Monday.

Focus will also be on the 6:30 p.m. clash between Ateneo and Far Eastern U, the two other fancied bets in the league also serving as part of the participating teams’ buildup for their respective collegiate leagues.

The Lady Eagles, spearheaded by Bea de Leon and Kat Tolentino, and the Lady Tams, topbilled by Bernadeth Pons and Toni Rose Basas, also fashioned out a pair of 3-0 routs of the Jose Rizal U Lady Bombers and the San Sebastian Lady Stags, making their face-off a duel for the lead in the tough Group A which also includes powerhouse National U. Both matches can be viewed live via streaming on www.sports.abs-cbn. com/livestream/pvl.

The top two teams from each side after the single round elims will advance to the crossover semis of the league backed by Mikasa and Asics, making each game crucial.

Meanwhile, Ateneo tangles with UST at 8 a.m. while La Salle battles FEU in two equally exciting matches in the men’s side of the country’s premier volleyball league.

The Eagles and the Tigers both swept their first two games, guaranteeing a slam-bang action between two of the league topspiking teams.

It’s Stephens vs Keys for title

N

EW YORK—Americans Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, both struggling with serious injuries just three months ago, advanced to their first Grand Slam final at the US Open on Thursday.

Stephens, who missed 11 months with a left foot injury before returning in July, outlasted seven-time Slam champion Venus Williams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5.

“I’m super happy to be in a Grand Slam final,” Stephens said. “To do it here, my home slam, is obviously more special. I think this is what every player dreams about.”

US 15th seed Keys, who had left wrist surgery for the second time in 10 months after a firstround French Open exit,

routed US 20th seed CoCo Vandeweghe 6-1, 6-2 in 66 minutes to complete the first all-American US Open final since Serena Williams beat sister Venus in 2002.

“It still doesn’t feel real.

I’m still shaking,” Keys said. “I played pretty well.

There’s a lot of things in my head right now so I’m struggling to come up with words.

“I knew I had to rise to the occasion. I’m just happy to be in the final.”

The friends and Fed Cup

Keys

Stephens

teammates will meet Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the biggest match of either’s career for a top prize of $3.7 million (3.07 million euros).

“I’ve known her for a long time. She’s one of my closest friends on tour,” Stephens said. “I love her to death.

And it’s not easy playing a friend.”

Stephens, who was wearing a walking boot

in June and ranked 957th in July, has won 14 of her past 16 matches, with semi-final runs at Toronto and Cincinnati.

“I have no words to describe what I’m feeling, what it took to get here, the journey I’ve been on,” Stephens said.

“It’s incredible. I don’t know how I got here. Your guess is as good as mine. Just hard work. That’s it.”

Stephens beat Keys in the second round at Miami in 2015 in their only career meeting.

“Sloane is a new person right now,” Keys said. “She’s so excited to be out on the court again. I’m excited we get to play each other in the US Open final.”

Stephens needed a thrilling break at love in the penultimate game and closing hold of serve to deny twotime champion Williams her first US Open final in 15 years.

“I just worked my tail off and tried to run every ball down and here we are,” Stephens said. “It required a lot of fight and a lot of grit.”

Now 83rd, Stephens is the lowest-ranked Slam finalist since unranked Justine Henin at the 2010 Aus-

tralian Open and the lowest at the US Open since unranked Kim Clijsters won the 2009 title.

Stephens, who beat Williams in the first round of the 2015 French Open in their only prior meeting, will jump into the world top 25 next week with the victory.

US ninth seed Williams could not overcome 51 unforced errors that doomed her bid to become the oldest women’s singles finalist in US Open history at age 37.

“It was definitely well competed,” Williams said.

“In the end she won more points than I did and that’s what it added up to.

“Just made so many errors at the end there... I wasn’t playing well. Just wasn’t playing well.” AFP

Valdez, Robi lead UAAP Greats’ special

Members of the 65-and-above team of the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association celebrate after retaining their title in the 26th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fil-Chinese cagers retain 3 ASEAN titles KUALA LUMPUR—Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association stamped its class once again, retaining its three division titles in runaway fashion in the 26th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament yesterday at the MABA gym here.

The 65s leaned on a big second quarter performance to score an inspiring 64-31

win over Hatyai of Thailand and set the tone for the team’s triumphant day.

Achit Kaw, Johnny Chua, Antonio Go, Zotico Tan, Sunny Co and William Lao starred for the 65s, with Kaw leading the team with 14 points, while Chua and Tan combined for 18 points.

As expected, the 60s drew significant numbers from for-

mer PBA players Aris Franco and Elmer Reyes, ex-La Salle star Kenneth Yap and Andrew Ongteco, to dump Pontianak of Indonesia, 67-39.

“It was a nice win since everybody contributed to our title win” said coach Edster Sy, who also called the shots for 65s.

Others who delivered for the 60s were Conrad Siy,

Danny Ching, Danny Co, Jose Lao and James Chua.

Their massive title wins came two days after FCVBA boss Jimi Lim was elected deputy president of the association.

“This year is very memorable for FCVBA, we hope we can sustain our dominance in the league,” said the Ironcon Builders owner, who was elected to the post unopposed.

VOLLEYBALL phenom Alyssa Valdez, Kapamilya host Robi Domingo and former UAAP courtside report Ganiel Krishnan will join forces to show some of the greatest athletes and moments in the country’s premier collegiate league to jumpstart UAAP’s milestone 80th season.

The trio will feature the likes of Ian Lariba, Danny Florencio, Lydia De Vega, and Robert Jaworski in the “UAAP Greats” TV special, which will air this Saturday at 1 p.m. on S+A and S+A HD, right after the grand opening ceremony of UAAP Season 80 at 12 noon, courtesy of this year’s host the Far Eastern University.

Alyssa, Robi, and Ganiel will take us through a time travel of sorts to the greatest winning streaks, individual performances, championship runs, and tandems that have dotted the 80 years of UAAP, while the ceremony promises to bring back the legends from each school to welcome the new season, which has the theme “Go for Great.”

Moreover, S+A will also introduce new features in

its UAAP coverage, starting with a new batch of courtside reporters, which include Miguel Dypiangco (NU), Tonie Moreno (UST), Eileen Shi (DLSU), Martie Bautista (ADMU), Nicole Sumangui (AdU), Agatha Uvero (UP), Migs Gomez (UE), and Sydney Crespo (FEU). Former courtside reporters Krishnan, Pauline Versoza, Angelique Manto, and Ira Pablo will also return to serve as “UAAP Insiders” that will offer viewers and netizens with exclusive bits and features on UAAP teams and its players.

This year also marks the reinvention of the magazine show “Upfront at the UAAP,” with original host Janeena Chan being joined by new hosts Martin Javier, Turs Daza, and Manto in presenting in-depth and fun features on the lives of the athletes on and off the playing courts. ABS-CBN Sports will also launch a UAAP microsite, www.uaap80.com, which will house all updates, stories, and videos for the season. A special edition UAAP Magazine will also be coming out within the season.

Warriors vow to do better as UAAP season gets under way UNIVERSITY of the East head coach Derrick Pumaren felt disappointed last season.

But with an intact core this year, Pumaren is hopeful that the Warriors will be better when Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament starts today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Warriors, who were

tied for last place last year with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, clash with the National University Bulldogs at 2 p.m., before the Ateneo Blue Eagles take on the Adamson Falcons at 4 p.m.

“We have an all-Filipino lineup. May five rookies iyung team.

Disappointed ako sa performance last season, but hopefully this team will be competitive this

Games Today (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. UE vs NU 4 p.m. Ateneo vs Adamson

time,” said Pumaren.

Veterans like Alvin Pasaol, a 6’3” forward along with Phillip Manalang and Clark Derige will banner the UE Warriors.

Meanwhile, the UAAP Board of Trustees has officially allowed foreign players Ibrahim Ouattara

Burlington celebrates 50th year SPORTS patron Burlington Industries Philippines Inc is celebrating its golden anniversary this 2017.

To mark its 50th year, the main backer of the 2003-04 RP Youth cage team and the Basketball Tips with Norman Black, is sponsoring several tournaments in the metropolis such as the All Stars 3x3 Retro Basketball at the World Trade Center.

The leading hosiery firm will also tie up with the The Coordinating Group for PETA’s “A Game of Trolls” on Sept. 10 in cooperation with Divina Law, Medical One and DCI. Other projects lined up are the upgrade of the equipment of the Caloocan East Fire and Rescue Volunteer Brigade and community programs in Barangay San Antonio in Makati.

BIP Inc. manufactures and distributes Burlington socks, underwear and accessories.

Other brands are BioFresh, Puma, Bally and Knit.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

of the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas’ Steve Akomo to play for their respective teams starting on Sunday.

The two were earlier declared ineligible because of UAAP’s plans to impose a two-year residency period.

But the board decided to give the two the green light following a meeting of the UAAP board of

directors yesterday.

Ouattara, a 6’9” slotman from Mali, will debut for the Maroons when they meet the UST Tigers.

On the other hand, Akomo, a 6’9” Cameroonian, will suit up for the Tigers in the same game.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will also have Mark Olayon, Wilson Bartolome, Nico Abanto, Shannon Gagate, Mark Acuno and Jason Varilla.

Phoenix slalom returns to Cabanatuan

Milo Rivera of Tough Gear Racing will again be a marked man as the Phoenix National Slalom Series heads to Cabanatuan City on Sunday.

EVERYTHING is all set this Sunday as the RACE Motorsports Club 2017 Phoenix National Slalom Series returns to the NFA Compound Cabanatuan City for its ninth leg.

It will mark the second time this year that a national slalom leg, powered by Phoenix Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate fully synthetic oil, is held at the NFA Compound venue, though the support of Mayor Jay Vergara, Eugene Mintu, Michael Mendoza and Joey Vergara.

Registration is set starting at 7 p.m.

No practice runs will be held in order for the event to finish early as the venue is not equipped with lights. Official runs will start as early as 9 a.m. Free slalom clinics are set from 9 to 10 a.m.

Each participating driver will

receive four liters (one gallon) of Phoenix Accelerate Full Synthetic Oil, plus additional freebies.

The awarding of trophies to all winners will be given right after the event at the Pig Stop Bar and Grill at Melencio St, also at Cabanatuan City, owned by Daryl Flores and Mikko Briones.

Overall and class champions are allowed to accumulate points if they use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine legs or 75% of the series. They also must possess the Automobile Association of the Philippines Clubman license, worth a one-time fee of P300 per leg.

The event is affiliated with the AAP and FIA and is the longestrunning motorsports discipline in the country.

Expected to participate are the Club Slalom Series champi-

PH Sports Institute suggests more coaching clinics in Luzon

By Peter Atencio TABUK City—More coaching clinics and seminars will have to be conducted in the northern Luzon region.

Officials of the Philippine Sports Commission said this after they

experienced a big turnout during their three-day seminar and clinics ended Thursday in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

“So far, Marami ang nag-participate. Ngayon, more than 200,” said Edwin Llanes, who is the Philippine Sports In-

stitute’s coordinator for Northern Luzon.

Many teachers from the public schools showed interest and validated the need to push for the scientific method of training student athletes.

This week, the PSI, under national training

director Marc Edward Velasco, dispatched coaches and sports science specialists and experts to the provinces of Vigan, Abra, Kalinga, Ifugao and Isabela.

The coaches and sports science specialists, who were sent shared

their knowledge on the proper coaching techniques during a series of lectures.

Around 200 attended in the Kalinga area, 186 showed up for the Abra lectures and 190 came to the Vigan event in Ilocos Sur.

ons, headed by Milo, Noel and Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear, Carlos and Inigo Anton of Mark Young Cars Unlimited, Dr. Peewee Mendiola of Team Big Chill, Speedjav Racing Team, AF Racing Team, Team Comet Tarlac, Jemag Racing Team and teams from Baguio and Pangasinan.

The 2017 RACE motorsports Club National Slalom Series is presented by Phoenix Premium Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate Full Synthetic Oil, with major sponsors Federal Tyres and Outlast Battery.

It is also supported by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter, media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Car Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine, Ride and Drive Philippines and Driven2ride.ph. and the medical personnel from the Mayor’s Office, courtesy of Mintu.

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

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

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Sports

Bayron grabs lead with 68

Rufino Bayron fails to rescue a par from the bunker on No. 15 for a bogey that snapped a run of his under-par card.

Alaska rips GlobalPort for 2nd victory in a row

By Jeric Lopez

G

AINING some steam, Alaska kept its momentum going as it routed GlobalPort, 101-88, for its second straight win to keep its sagging hopes of making the Top 8 alive in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Buck Henton contin- game-highs of 36 points ued his tear, producing and 21 rebounds on top

of four assists to spearhead the Aces.

Alaska, after snapping its 14-game losing streak and 0-6 start to the conference, has suddenly racked up two wins in a row to improve to 2-6 and keep its chances of making the quarterfinals alive.

On the other hand, GlobalPort suffered its second straight loss to fall to 3-5.

Entering the fourth with the game hanging in the balance with a 67-

all count, Alaska stepped it up when it mattered in crunch time.

The Aces erected a decisive 12-4 run in the latter part of the period to carve a double-digit lead, 88-78, with around four minutes left.

They never looked back and finished the task to keep their tournament alive.

Calvin Abueva added 12 and Jvee Casio scored 11 for the Aces.

The scores: ALASKA 101—Henton 36, Abueva 12, Casio 11, Thoss 10, Baclao 8, Racal 7, Encisio 7, Exciminiano 6, Banchero 2, Pascual 2, Mendoza 0, Cruz 0.

GLOBALPORT 88— Holloway 25, Anthony 19, Cardona 12, Guinto 10, Cortez 9, Romeo 5, Arana 4, Grey 2, Baracael 2, Celiz 0, Paredes 0.

Quarters: 26-18, 4645, 67-67, 101-88.

FIFA Football Project inaugurated at MJC’s San Lazaro Leisure Park

Pirates nail 11th straight win

MANILA Jockey Club Inc., the country’s premier horse racing club and one of Asia’s oldest, in partnership with the Philippine Football Federation will be hosting the inauguration and turnover ceremonies of the FIFA Football Turf Project Saturday at the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Carmona, Cavite.

The project, formalized in April 2014, aims to build a football complex and stadium at SLLBP featuring a prestigious FIFA certified 2-Star artificial pitch.

With the field now completed, the partnership looks forward to developing related appurtenances including locker rooms, dormitories and other training facilities. In the

Games Tuesday

(The Arena in San Juan) 12 noon Arellano University vs MU (jrs) 2 p.m. Arellano University vs MU (srs) 4 p.m. UPHSD vs San Sebastian (srs) 6 p.m. UPHSD vs SSC (jrs)

By Peter Atencio THERE’S no stopping the Lyceum Pirates in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

As the Pirates posted their 11th straight win—an 83-69 rout of the College of St. Benilde Blazers, LPU assistant coach Jeff Perlas is becoming aware of what the team needs to work on as the season progresses.

“Other teams are catching up. They are learning how to counter our press and we must do something about it,” said Perlas on behalf of coach Topex Robinson after the game at The Arena in San Juan.

CJ Perez, who is the top MVP candidate, eked out 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Pirates, while Jesper Ayaay added 12, including seven in the first period.

Earlier, the San Beda Red Lions, with assistance coach JB Sison calling the shots, smothered the Mapua Cardinals, 88-70, for their ninth straight win and 10th overall against one loss.

The Red Lions banked on AC Soberano, who led with 17 points including three triples, while Javee Mocon posted 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Batang Pier top gun Terrence Romeo, who averages 22.8 points per game, was limited by the Alaska defense and foul trouble to only five points in 26 minutes of play.

Once again, Stanley Pringle, who is taking a leave of absence to attend to his ailing father in the United States, missed the game for GlobalPort for the second straight time.

Action continues today as a critical match-up

between top-tier teams takes place out of town.

Meralco (5-2) and Star (4-2), currently in third and fourth places, battle each other at 5 p.m. at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna today to see who keeps its place inside the top four.

Both teams are coming off losses in their last assignments.

TAGAYTAY—Ruf ino Bayron hobbled at the finish and barely grabbed the lead with a 68 as Tony Lascuña wavered with a 73 in windy condition at Taal Splendido in the second round of the $100,000 ICTSI Splendido Classic here.

Bayron bogeyed two of the last four holes in a shocking meltdown for a player who impressed the elite PGA Asia Tour field with his awesome shotmaking and superb iron game that netted him a bogey-free 69 Thursday and a six-birdie feat after 14 holes yesterday.

But he succumbed to pressure when the going got tough in the closing holes and stumbled to his first bogey on No. 15 off a bunker play then dropped another shot on the closing hole.

Still, his seven-under 137 shoved him past Lascuña on the leaderboard as the latter slid to second at 138 with a one-over card after a 65 while Jhonnel Ababa also moved into contention with at 139 with three others after a gutsy bogey-less 68 in scorching heat.

“With Lascuña and Ababa, this is going to be a good fight,” said Bayron, who last won in the Orchard Championship in 2014 and missed the cut in the PGT Asia Tour kickoff leg at Southwoods last month. “But I have to play steady and be consistent with my shots.”

After an impressive 65 in the first round and an opening birdie on No. 10 yesterday, Lascuña struggled the rest of the way, limping with five bogeys against three more birdies but fell just by one stroke with 36 holes to play in the 72-hole championship sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. “I couldn’t hit the shots that I wanted.

I could’ve gone low again but no luck with my shots,” rued Lascuña, who vowed to rebound with a low score in the pivotal third round today.

Aerial view of MJC-PFF’s artificial pitch

Superliga All-Stars bag bronze in Thai meet THE Philippine Superliga All-Star team closed its campaign on a high note as it prevailed over Khonkaen Star Volleyball Club, 25-18, 25-22, 32-34, 25-22, for the bronze medal in 2017 Annual Princess Maja Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup yesterday in Sisaket, Thailand.

After a sizzling start, the PSL stars flirted with disaster in the third set before unleashing a strong finishing kick in the fourth to coast to their third place victory.

The win marked the first time that a foreign team won a medal in the tough Thai tourney.

PSL Grand Prix cham-

pion Foton represented the country when the tourney was still known as Sealect Tuna Women’s Volleyball Championship last year, but the Tornadoes wound up sixth despite the presence of American imports Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer.

It was also the first time for the PSL selection team to win a medal after seeing action in the Thai-Denmark Super League in Thailand and FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in Philippines last year as well in the AVC Asian Women’s Club World Championship in Kazakhstan early this year.

PSL president Ramon

“Tats” Suzara lauded the team for a job well done, saying this victory brings pride and honor to the country following the national team’s sorry performance in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

“I’m very proud of the team for bringing pride and honor to the country and the league as well,” said Suzara, a ranking executive of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and a member of the International Volleyball Federation.

“This is a prestigious Thai tourney with world-class players. It gave our players a good exposure while displaying their talents for the interna-

tional volleyball community to see. We’re glad and proud with this victory.”

PSL All-Star team head coach Shaq Delos Santos credited the players for their inspiring performance, claiming they were very motivated and ready to win.

“They came here in high spirit and very motivated to win,” said Delos Santos, the Petron mentor who steered the PSL stars to an impressive win over Rangsit University before dropping a pair of heart-breaking losses to Thai powerhouse Bangkok Glass and PEA-Sisaket, which was composed of the nucleus of the Thai national team.

pipeline is the construction of a 25,000-seater stadium with VIP viewing boxes, media center, dressing rooms and concessionaire booths.

The day will also host the groundbreaking ceremony of the PFF House of Football and National Football Center, effectively making the SLLBP complex as a football mecca of the Philippines. Apart from being a training center of the National Teams, the site will also host international friendlies, competition matches and other related events.

Expected to attend ceremonies are officials from the FIFA Congress, PFF Board of Governors, Asian Football Confederation, ASEAN Football Federation, the Manila

Jockey Club, the national government and business partners of the Club.

The FIFA Football Turf Project inauguration along with the PFF House of Football and National Football Center groundbreaking ceremonies coincide with Manila Jockey Club’s 150th Anniversary celebration this year.

Its partnership with the PFF pays tribute to its heritage as one of the earliest football clubs in the country. In the early 1900s, MJC had its own football club formed after the Philippine-American War which competed with local teams such as the Manila Sporting Club, Paris Club, Sandow Athletic Club and the Bohemian Sporting Club.

Giant-killer Jota whips Antonio in Battle of GMs chess tourney LYCEUM of the Philippines’ standout Jonathan Jota pulled off another major upset, this time beating defending champion GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in the third round of the Battle of GMsNational Chess Chsmpionships at Alphaland Makati.

Jota played an inspired game with the disadvantageous black pieces to clinch his second upset win in as many days, while keeping the highly favored Antonio winless so far.

The 20-year-old Business Management student of Lyceum, who upset GM Darwin Laylo in the first round last Wednesday, climbed into a three-way tie for the lead, with IMs Haridas Pas-

cua and Chito Garma with 2.5 points out of a possible three.

Pascua outdueled reigning national junior champion John Marvin Miciano, while Garma split the point with United States-based GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. to join Jota in the lead in the 12-player, roundrobin tournament or organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission.

Top seed GM John Paul Gomez and IM Paolo Bersamina battled to a draw to share fourth to sixth places, with Jeth Romy Morado with two points Morado split the point with Michael Concio, at 12 the youngest participant.

Melco set to redeem P8b worth of bonds

B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

B1

PH inflation manageable

By Julito G. Rada

I

NFLATION will remain manageable in the coming months despite the acceleration in August consumer prices to a three-month high of 3.1 percent from 2.8 percent a month ago, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said Friday.

The faster inflation was primarily driven by higher increases in the prices of food, transport, water, electricity and fuel. The August rate was also faster

than 1.8 percent a year ago. This brought inflation in the first eight months to 3 percent, the midpoint of the target range of 2 to 4 percent for the whole year.

“Inflation rate for August increased to 3.1 percent, reflecting (Department of Finance’s) internal forecast. The uptick is driven both by food and non-food items. Vegetable prices increased due to recent weather disturbances and fuel price hikes also drove transportation price increases,” Beltran said in his Economic Bulletin on Inflation released Friday.

“Core inflation of 3 percent indicates that headline inflation for the next few months may be around that neighborhood. Nevertheless, this is still within the monetary

target range, giving ample space for maneuver to address both domestic and external disturbances,” Beltran said.

DoF data showed that the core inflation of 3 percent in August was higher than 2.1 percent a month ago and 2 percent a year ago.

Philippine Statistics Authority data showed the indices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased 6.3 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (2.8 percent); transport (4.4 percent); communication (0.3 percent); recreation and culture (1.4 percent); and restaurant

and miscellaneous goods and services (2.2 percent).

The rest of the commodity groups either had slower annual add-ons or retained their previous month’s rates.

Food inflation rose to 3.7 percent in August 2017 from 3.4 percent in July 2017. This was mainly due to faster price increases in vegetables, fish, corn, flour, bread and other cereals.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said one cause for higher increases in food prices was Typhoon Jolina last month, which

affected agriculture in Central Luzon, especially in Aurora province.

Pernia, however, said inflation was still expected to remain well within government’s target for the year of 2 percent to 4 percent despite accelerating for the second time in a row.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the within-target path of inflation gave the Bangko Sentral the flexibility to assess its monetary tools to enhance further its responsiveness to the evolving requirements of the economy.

Coco sector needs more investments

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales nuts per tree yearly is ridic-

OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. confers awards the winners of the 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in ceremonies at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City. Shown during the awarding rites are (from left) Aniceto Sobrepeña, president of Metrobank Foundation; Alfredo Ty, chairman of Federal Land; SSG Narding Pascual, Lt. Col.Elmer Suderio, Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog (all soldiers), Jennifer Rojo, Dr.Alonzo Gabriel, Dr. Esperanza Cabrera, Edgar Alago, (teachers) PS Supt. Joel Doria, PCI Rosalino Ibay Jr. PO3 Shiela May Pansoy (police officers) former speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty. Sonny Espiritu

Cusi eyes $400-m China loan to rehabilitate Agus plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores CEBU CITY—The Energy Department is working with the Finance Department to firm up possible funding of around $400 million from the Chinese government for the rehabilitation of the 982-megawatt AgusPulangi hydro power plants in Mindanao.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told reporters after an investment energy forum that the department was coordinating with Finance on the possibility of securing a loan from China to rehabilitate the

power plants.

“It’s up for rehab... I think, (the) China government is providing $400 million. The direction is to rehabilitate and operate...

Concession loans carry lower interest,” Cusi said.

Cusi said the department had not firmed up the entire cost of rehabilitation.

He said rehabilitating the plant before its privatization would help increase the valuation of the plant.

“It’s under the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) that we have to privatize. Let’s rehabilitate first so we can gener-

ate better price,” the energy chief said.

State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. plans to start the rehabilitation of the plant by next year.

PSALM officer-in-charge Lourdes Alzona said the government was looking at rehabilitating the plant before privatizingit to generate more investor interest and higher value.

“There’s the oversupply, and then the condition of the plant. To improve the value, rehabilitate first. What is being looked at now is what type of rehab and when will

it be completed,” Alzona said.

The official said PSALM was identifying several options for the rehab.

“Because there is oversupply (in Mindanao), let’s take advantage... until next year, we should rehab. We hope to start (next year).

It will take time not only months, depending on what is being rehabilitated. We cannot do it simultaneously (all units),” Alzona said.

PSALM manages the assets and liabilities of National Power Corp. as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act

of 2001.

PSALM is also tasked to privatize the remaining power assets of the government such as the Agus-Pulangi hydro plants in Mindanao.

The Finance Department is pushing for the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi power plants before its privatization.

Some of the Agus units were constructed as early as the 1950s and many sectors have been calling for an extensive rehabilitation of the facilities so they can operate at an optimum efficiency.

IN BRIEF Govt cites MRT 3 losses of P80.3m THE Transportation Department has incurred revenue losses amounting to P80.3 million due to poor maintenance works of Busan Universal Rail Inc. at the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 system.

Transport Undersecretary for Rail Cesar Chavez said the agency suffered huge revenue losses due to service interruptions, train removal from service and train derailments caused by BURI’s poor and negligent maintenance work.

Chavez said because of service interruptions and train availability from the period from January 9 last year to June 18, 2017, the Transportation Department penalized BURI amounting to P27.57 million.

He said the penalties imposed on BURI amounting to P27.57 million “are not enough to offset the revenue losses of P80.3 million.”

“It is therefore imperative to immediately terminate the services of said maintenance provider in order to prevent further losses and inconvenience to the government and riding public and more importantly, exposing the riding public to danger and safety hazards,” Chavez said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Concepcion Midea says sales to double CONCEPCION Midea Inc., a joint venture between Concepcion Industrial Corp. and China’s Midea, said it expects sales to double this year, boosted by a strong consumer spending and the booming economy.

Raul Joseph Concepcion, chair and chief executive officer of CIC, said the company was forecasting sales of air-conditioners, microwave ovens, washing machines, rice cookers, refrigerators and a host of home appliances to hit more than P1 billion this year, up from P584 million in 2016.

“The long-term prospects of the Philippine economy are very attractive. The level of income is growing and our industry is expanding by double digits,” Concepcion said.

Since CMI was formed three years ago, the company’s product line has grown tremendously, complemented by the expansion of its sales network through out the country.

“When we formed the partnership with Midea in late 2013, we were traditionally involved in air-conditioning, laundry, refrigerators,” Concepcion said. Darwin G. Amojelar

ROBINSONS ENERGY SUPPLIER. Global Business Power Corp. through official retail energy arm, Global Energy Supply Corp., signs a power supply agreement with Robinsons Land Corp. under the retail competition and open access scheme. Global Business Power will supply 22 megawatts of power to various RLC developments in the Visayas. The contract covers Robinsons malls in Bacolod, Dumaguete, Tacloban, Roxas, Iloilo, and Cebu. Signing the agreement are (from left) GBP first senior vice president Elisa Dayao, RLC president and chief operating officer Frederick Go and GBP president Jaime Azurin.

THE government must invest more to improve the country’s coconut industry as exports from the sector could potentially reach $6 billion, a former agriculture secretary said yesterday.

“The coconut industry’s vast potential to earn more has never been tapped because of numerous issues bugging the industry,” said former agriculture secretary William Dar. Dar, who is also the founding president of Inang Lupa Movement Inc., said the Philippines could triple its revenues from coconut exports by increasing the productivity of coconut trees to 150 nuts per year using dwarf hybrids developed by the Philippine Coconut Authority. Hybrids start bearing fruits in three to four years compared with seven years for the tall traditional varieties.

“Our current yield of 46

Emotors, Net Group sign e-shuttle service

By Othel V. Campos EMOTORS Philippines Inc. and the Net Group signed a partnership agreement to launch and promote sustainable e-vehicle shuttle service among the Net Group’s seven buildings within the Bonifacio Global City.

E-Motors president Beth Lee said the partnership was a landmark agreement, being the first private sector-led sustainable transportation scheme within the Bonifacio Global City.

“This is a pioneering effort of a corporate entity using electric vehicles to shuttle employees, company officers and tenants within BGC on their way to work and going home, providing ease of mobility for the Net Group building occupants,” she said at the launch of the shuttle service Friday.

Emotors based on a turnkey package agreement will provide an initial seven units of e-trikes that will ferry select Net Park and Net Lima employees and tenants through the first point-to-point routes at Market Market.

The company will be responsible for hiring the drivers who are mostly women, the upkeep and maintenance of the e-trikes.

The scheme will run for a pilot period of three months starting October until December 2017 Lee said the partnership would also help address three social factors—women’s welfare, job generation and protection of the environment.

Net Group co-president Ramon Fernando Rufino said the transportation scheme was a way of caring for Net Group building occupants and employees and provide them with quicker and more comfortable travel time to the office.

Increased social benefits seen under tax package AN ESTIMATED P30 billion in additional oil excise tax collections are expected to go to social benefits programs in 2018 once the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) is passed by the Congress in full, a high-ranking Finance official said Friday.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the government would implement its biggest social benefits program yet once the TRAIN is passed by the Congress in full, given that almost P30 billion or 40 percent of incremental revenues from the adjustments in oil excise

tax collections estimated at close to P74 billion in 2018 will go to targeted subsidies for the poor and other social mitigation measures.

Chua said a key component of the social benefits program was the targeted cash transfer, in which the poorest 10 million households in the country would be given bi-annual subsidies to shield them from the impact of the revenue-enhancing measures under the TRAIN. Chua, updating Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on the tax reform package during a recent Department of Finance executive com-

ulously low, considering that in India, the average is five times over at 250, in Mexico 300, and in Brazil 400 nuts,” Dar said.

“In fact, 300 nuts per year can be achieved in well-managed plantations by augmenting hybrid technology with good agricultural practices,” he added.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the country had 3.565 million hectares, or 26 percent of total agricultural lands, planted to 339 million bearing coconut trees, tended by 3.4 million farmers, who are mostly poor.

“Besides low yield and aging trees, the country’s coconut industry supply chain is largely made up of unorganized, small, marginal farmers who are inefficient and thus skew economies of scale regarding input supply, primary processing, marketing, and transport,” said Dar.

mittee meeting, said each household qualified to receive the TCT would get P1,200 in the first quarter of the year, and another P1,200 in May before the beginning of the school year, or a total of P2,400 for the entire year as provided under the TRAIN. Under House Bill 5636 or the version of the TRAIN approved by the House of Representatives, the funds will be secured from the additional revenue from the adjustments in oil excise taxes expected to reach P74.4 billion in 2018, the targeted first year of implementation of TRAIN. Julito G. Rada

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, September 8, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.0230

Japan

Yen

0.009222

0.4705

UK

Pound

1.310300

66.8554

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127969

6.5294

Switzerland

Franc

1.052189

53.6858

Canada

Dollar

0.825696

42.1295

Singapore

Dollar

0.746324

38.0797

Australia

Dollar

0.804600

41.0531

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654844

135.4581

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.6058

Brunei

Dollar

0.743550

37.9382

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.030230

1.5424

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.8921

Euro

Euro

1.202500

61.3552

Korea

Won

0.000887

0.0453

China

Yuan

0.154202

7.8678

India

Rupee

0.237643

12.1253

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.056596

2.8877

New Zealand

Dollar

0.723100

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033398

36.8947 1.7041 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks close flat; PLDT dips

T

HE stock market closed virtually flat Friday as stocks start to consolidate, with investors waiting for developments abroad in the absence of catalysts in the local front.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost just 0.23 point to end at 8,022.75 on a value turnover of P7.9 billion.

Gainers edged losers, 99 to 92, with 55 issues unchanged.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications company, fell 1.7 percent to P1,695, while conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. rose 1.4 percent to P6.76.

Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan climbed 3.4 percent to P14.70, while DMCI Holdings Inc., which is into power generation, mining,

water distribution and property, gained 1 percent to P15.76.

The US dollar, meanwhile, tumbled to its weakest level since the start of 2015 amid fading expectations of another US rate this year. Stocks declined and havens including gold and the yen rallied as North Korea tensions and natural disasters unsettled investors.

The dollar’s decline deepened as traders girded for economic damage to Florida from Hurricane Irma, set to make landfall on Sunday. The most powerful earthquake this century shook

Mexico, adding to investor anxiety and sending the peso weaker.

The euro extended its march above $1.20 as 10-year Treasury yields fell toward 2 percent.

Gold headed for a third week of advance ahead of a potential North Korean missile launch, while copper led most industrial metals lower and crude oil dropped.

A robust economic recovery amid stubbornly low inflation in the euro region is helping propel the common currency’s surge of more than 14 percent against the dollar this year. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on Wednesday expressed concern about the euro’s strength without offering any suggestion on how to to address it as policy makers

edge toward settling the future of their bond-buying program.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley was the latest US central banker to lay out his views ahead of a policy-setting meeting later this month as expectations for an interest-rate increase have been scaled back. Dudley reiterated the need to continue raising rates while conceding that the Fed may have to rethink its inflation model.

Meanwhile, the threat from North Korea lingers. US President Donald Trump said it’s not “inevitable” that the US will wind up in a war with North Korea over its continued development of nuclear weapons, though military action remains an option. Pyongyang may test a

missile this weekend to coincide with its “founding day” on Sept.

9.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.3 percent to 374.00 as of 9:35 a.m. in London. Stocks The MSCI All-Country World Index gained 0.1 percent to 480.17, the highest in more than a month. Futures on the S&P 500 Index decreased 0.3 percent to 2,457.50, the lowest in more than a week.

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.3 percent to 1,134.35, reaching the lowest in almost three years on its seventh straight decline. The euro gained 0.2 percent to $1.2051, hitting the strongest in almost three years with its fifth consecutive advance. The Japanese yen climbed 0.8 percent to 107.63 per dollar, the strongest in 10 months. With Bloomberg

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.61 232,000 59.55 23,370 103.5 1,895,530 127.7 2,043,810 1.43 1,067,000 36 34,400 16 5,500 30.35 768,300 8.58 9,400 0.68 3,000 1.69 38,000 0.7 2,836,000 86.45 1,779,160 0.91 3,200,000 13.06 6,500 25.5 3,700 60.15 7,130 236.6 50,430 115 260 53.8 150,460 243.4 588,420 1,805 50 86.9 7,040 1.36 21,000

1,072,020 1,390,001 194,945,608 261,137,044 1,519,230 1,237,785 87,540 23,329,825 80,412 2,040 63,210 1,997,660 153,834,320 2,960,720 85,168 94,850 429,391 11,900,458 29,739 8,104,079.50 143,151,740 90,250 611,538.50 28,040

1,330,501 -129,953,774 -47,167,009 -29,060 -68,400 -5,849,295 10,998 -68,314,365.50 123,650 -18,075 -1,623,454 25,925,490 -

39.7 8.63 0.8 1.44 20.25 0.243 139.8 5.99 17.3 35.55 22.6 62 79.25 95 1.91 5.4 11.32 10.32 14.96 14.5 7 6.88 1.8 17.58 67.65 13.9 12.08 15.24 1.77 244 4.1 3.3 22.25 30.3 19.36 16.76 268.8 0.231 11 3 6.77 10.22 7.05 10 1.82 11.8 66.35 6.9 309 4.28 4.38 2.47 12.48 4.51 0.143 1.18 152.2 3.72 2.21 28.1 0.96

INDUSTRIAL 39.8 1,051,500 8.8 2,512,900 0.82 1,646,000 1.44 368,000 21.45 147,400 0.245 2,330,000 143.8 1,160 6 2,156,500 17.36 1,045,600 36 579,800 23.3 9,200 64.95 1,190 83 1,590 95 100 1.91 1,129,000 5.47 48,800 11.64 10,400 10.32 2,237,400 15.04 422,600 14.58 1,455,100 7.03 1,443,400 6.89 8,764,700 1.8 11,000 17.74 1,582,300 67.95 123,000 14.28 4,700 12.1 97,200 15.24 379,800 1.78 303,000 244 522,760 4.35 1,974,000 3.31 222,000 23 3,200 30.8 425,800 19.5 553,600 16.8 2,734,600 269.6 457,190 0.236 2,970,000 11.3 33,500 3 203,000 6.88 27,400 10.34 3,195,400 7.1 31,000 10.08 6,000 1.82 1,287,000 12 416,900 66.7 48,550 6.99 36,600 309 480 4.35 322,000 4.48 243,000 2.5 163,000 12.5 1,965,900 4.51 29,000 0.143 480,000 1.21 100,000 153.5 499,140 3.73 14,000 2.22 1,481,000 28.1 300 0.98 520,000

42,010,595 22,027,895 1,331,290 532,170 3,147,215 577,640 172,002 12,940,559 18,139,984 20,855,825 210,325 74,579.50 130,920 9,500 2,163,570 267,361 121,332 23,201,482 6,348,678 21,251,960 10,140,331 60,390,078 19,800 28,070,466 8,350,425 65,952 1,175,854 5,820,348 540,210 129,372,536 8,345,340 739,650 73,455 13,014,785 10,761,944 45,983,670 123,191,896 686,440 374,870 614,360 188,084 33,153,400 220,034 60,356 2,342,760 4,987,268 3,233,684.50 253,206 148,730 1,396,990 1,069,360 404,730 24,594,544 131,740 68,760 119,320 76,574,656 52,370 3,288,190 8,430 506,440

2,947,720 407,754 -4,171,971.00 7,880,566 819,310 -20,970 -9,600 -1,171,846 2,720,252 -2,676,618 -9,908,390 6,407,589 -309,090.00 2,983,833 -25,466 -892,980 -566,056 231,700 -2,359,954 -8,750 -423,680 -5,344,440 2,048,490 -6,108,300 -18,928 -240,260 445,500 4,819,230 714 1,559,740 361,894 -731,607 62,911 -62,000 501,620 840,960 -19,840 -10,273,664 13,650 17,850,337 -55,300 -

0.355 74 14.7 1.13 7 0.315 0.305 920 8.33 15.78 7.52 0.198 1,130 8.05 73.6 5.26 0.93 6.91 17.76 0.43 6.8 0.052 2.06 98.8 2.66 822 1.48 183.2 300 0.28 0.199 0.23

0.35 72.75 14.22 1.08 6.6 0.315 0.305 911 8.08 15.56 7.5 0.198 1,105 8.05 72.05 5.2 0.9 6.84 17.48 0.415 6.68 0.05 2.05 96.65 2.66 814.5 1.44 183.2 299.6 0.28 0.196 0.22

HOLDING FIRMS 0.355 4,270,000 72.75 1,612,200 14.7 15,916,500 1.13 8,000 6.99 25,400 0.315 360,000 0.305 21,580,000 913 108,410 8.1 1,955,800 15.76 9,638,500 7.52 25,000 0.198 50,000 1,110 187,970 8.05 30,000 73.5 827,030 5.26 4,500 0.92 1,883,000 6.89 427,000 17.5 2,209,500 0.43 2,670,000 6.76 39,060,900 0.05 25,840,000 2.06 203,000 97 309,020 2.66 2,000 818 187,440 1.48 519,000 183.2 50 300 4,020 0.28 10,000 0.199 430,000 0.22 1,380,000

1,495,550 117,618,249.50 230,940,094 8,990 172,539 113,400 6,581,900 98,960,295 15,975,236 151,685,282 187,560 9,900 209,300,315 241,500 60,407,226.50 23,526 1,710,250 2,939,949 38,715,248 1,125,300 263,795,820 1,302,750 418,150 30,272,876 5,320 153,192,985 761,690 9,160 1,204,396 2,800 85,110 308,700

-23,609,881.50 39,248,838 -6,581,900 -53,037,945 4,255,812 -18,438,146 -117,750 -51,039,550 -16,577,316 1,655,831 -14,363,792 103,656,193 -2,874,072 -59,053,410 -179,880

5.3 1.31 6.8 2.45 1.07 43.5 3.84 5.03 5.34 0.53 1.3 1.55 0.236 0.495 44.75 0.7 0.154 1.92

5.24 1.22 6.8 2.42 1.02 42.9 3.8 4.9 5.34 0.51 1.29 1.53 0.227 0.495 43.35 0.69 0.154 1.87

4,364,936 27,702,380 329,800 51,340 3,794,250 449,734,885 1,669,220 8,591,510 4,272 6,391,230 281,500 62,750 3,571,460 9,900 23,273,805 3,010,000 23,100 29,210,920

-3,650,325 1,862,490 -17,680 43,107,135 251,920 299,700 141,500 45,800 -3,208,855 -2,229,500 14,343,470

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

4.65 59.3 102.7 128 1.43 36 15.9 30.45 9.1 0.68 1.64 0.71 87 0.96 13.08 26 60.2 236.2 112 52.45 243 1,805 86.9 1.32

4.79 59.55 103.7 128 1.45 36 16 30.55 9.1 0.68 1.7 0.71 87 0.96 13.16 26 60.3 239 115 54.45 247 1,805 86.9 1.36

4.6 59.3 102.1 127.5 1.38 35.9 15.9 30.25 8.35 0.68 1.64 0.7 86.3 0.91 13.06 25.5 60.1 235.8 112 52.45 241.2 1,805 86.85 1.32

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG 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 VIVANT VULCAN INDL

40.4 8.65 0.81 1.44 21.45 0.248 139.8 6.02 17.42 36 22.6 65 79.25 95 1.94 5.4 11.32 10.42 15.06 14.86 7.17 6.9 1.8 17.58 67.9 14.16 12.1 15.3 1.82 245.8 4.22 3.49 22.25 30.9 19.5 16.96 269.6 0.24 11.4 3.05 6.9 10.56 7.15 10.02 1.82 11.8 66.7 6.99 310 4.28 4.4 2.5 12.7 4.54 0.147 1.2 153 3.72 2.25 28.1 0.98

40.4 8.96 0.82 1.45 21.85 0.25 148.9 6.02 17.46 36.15 23.3 65 83 95 1.94 5.5 11.68 10.5 15.08 14.88 7.18 6.9 1.8 17.84 68 14.28 12.1 15.44 1.82 251.4 4.45 3.49 23 31 19.5 16.96 269.6 0.24 11.4 3.06 6.9 10.58 7.15 10.08 1.83 12 66.9 7 310 4.35 4.48 2.51 12.7 4.55 0.147 1.21 154.3 3.75 2.26 28.1 0.98

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

0.355 74 14.24 1.13 6.92 0.315 0.305 920 8.26 15.6 7.5 0.198 1,115 8.05 73.6 5.2 0.92 6.91 17.76 0.42 6.69 0.052 2.06 96.65 2.66 822 1.48 183.2 299.6 0.28 0.196 0.229

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

5.25 1.3 6.8 2.43 1.03 42.9 3.84 4.94 5.34 0.52 1.29 1.53 0.234 0.495 44.25 0.7 0.154 1.88

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

1.56 1.02 5.33 0.29 0.55 0.51 5.98 28.65 23.7 1.78 3.27 33.6 1.02 0.87 5.96

1.57 1.02 5.34 0.33 0.55 0.52 6.02 28.65 23.7 1.81 3.28 33.6 1.03 0.87 6.02

1.49 0.98 5.21 0.285 0.53 0.51 5.85 28.65 23.25 1.78 3.27 33.3 1.02 0.87 5.94

1.52 0.99 5.27 0.33 0.54 0.52 5.91 28.65 23.35 1.78 3.28 33.5 1.02 0.87 5.99

6,368,000 559,000 38,163,800 228,700,000 3,262,000 1,333,000 571,600 600 2,040,300 247,000 110,000 6,173,400 1,056,000 154,000 1,862,200

9,733,140 558,820 200,417,038 70,980,100 1,758,690 680,840 3,377,177 17,190 47,852,820 439,990 360,000 206,505,905 1,082,440 133,980 11,146,886

15,100 28,397,912 170,100 -771,303 -10,691,245 -73,501,860 -4,014,689

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN HAVEN HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS 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

19.5 40.6 1.6 0.55 0.039 5.04 11.8 0.073 108 9.29 10.5 7.75 970 2,038 6.09 19 2.98 3.09 105.8 12.4 8.48 0.169 1.35 15.9 4.56 1.49 12.44 0.56 2.37 9.47 4.2 18.2 2.5 11 5.18 3 8.25 170 10.4 1,720 1.7 0.405 51.8 96.3 5.75 4.61 1.52 3.48 1.23 9.3

21.75 40.6 1.62 0.56 0.04 5.04 11.94 0.074 110.5 9.29 10.64 7.77 970 2,038 6.09 20 3 3.09 107.3 12.4 8.48 0.172 1.37 15.9 4.58 1.56 12.64 0.59 2.38 9.5 4.2 19.8 2.58 11.04 5.18 3 8.25 170 10.54 1,729 1.7 0.405 52.8 96.3 5.9 4.61 1.52 3.58 1.25 9.5

19.5 40.45 1.57 0.54 0.039 5.04 11.44 0.073 108 9.28 10.5 7.52 970 1,992 6.06 19 2.83 3.03 105.6 12 8.41 0.169 1.35 15.7 4.5 1.45 11.92 0.56 2.37 9.13 4.16 18.2 2.49 11 5.11 3 8.25 168 10.3 1,688 1.65 0.405 51.05 93.5 5.75 4.47 1.49 3.45 1.22 9.3

SERVICES 20.9 40.6 1.6 0.55 0.039 5.04 11.66 0.074 109.7 9.28 10.56 7.75 970 2,000 6.07 19.42 3 3.03 106 12.38 8.45 0.169 1.35 15.7 4.5 1.48 12.04 0.56 2.38 9.2 4.17 19.48 2.5 11.04 5.11 3 8.25 170 10.3 1,695 1.66 0.405 51.15 95 5.86 4.47 1.49 3.56 1.24 9.4

314,500 26,600 286,000 1,080,000 18,600,000 1,000 10,217,500 5,550,000 785,370 10,500 1,612,600 82,400 780 25,385 166,500 1,101,300 4,262,000 15,000 1,007,940 7,000 361,000 3,290,000 140,000 2,200 513,000 4,622,000 6,911,400 5,000 107,000 7,658,700 1,143,000 2,100 3,524,000 4,800 16,300 3,000 1,000 760 484,600 74,760 13,506,000 80,000 1,947,510 1,163,460 34,800 2,262,000 4,972,000 1,165,000 3,999,000 3,952,000

6,608,796 1,079,370 452,320 597,540 736,900 5,040 119,156,474 408,890 86,142,054 97,544 17,058,572 629,276 756,600 50,854,615 1,011,018 21,484,882 12,500,920 45,630 106,980,066 85,002 3,056,030 557,040 189,140 34,660 2,322,930 7,010,660 83,867,936 2,830 254,640 70,952,000 4,766,680 40,404 8,932,220 52,832 83,300 9,000 8,250 129,045 5,028,342 127,058,985 22,540,390 32,400 101,061,291 110,493,566.50 203,414 10,155,460 7,455,930 4,114,670 4,937,070 37,249,790

-9,055 -61,600 13,957,338 31,642,160 -738,364 -39,900 -24,892,975 -322,482 242,380 -7,597,983 24,762 -21,175 -77,500 176,586 -5,574,367 -97,980 9,000 -71,331 815,640 -63,267,340 -131,310 40,870,646.50 -889,764 -383,800 2,488,240 -10,500 3,154,881

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

0.0028 1.72 5.21 1.88 1.86 1.28 0.385 8.32 2.62 0.275 0.183 0.199 0.011 0.012 2.03 7.97 1.93 0.52 1.18 0.013 0.012 2.46 8.79 4.85 178 0.008

0.0028 1.78 5.8 1.88 1.86 1.31 0.385 8.71 2.7 0.275 0.187 0.199 0.011 0.013 2.08 8.17 1.93 0.54 1.18 0.013 0.013 2.67 9.04 5.05 178.1 0.008

0.0026 1.71 5.2 1.88 1.86 1.27 0.385 8.32 2.6 0.265 0.182 0.199 0.01 0.012 2.03 7.85 1.85 0.52 1.13 0.012 0.012 2.41 8.79 4.71 174.2 0.008

MINING & OIL 0.0028 417,000,000 1.75 13,687,000 5.57 1,074,900 1.88 20,000 1.86 5,000 1.29 3,334,000 0.385 10,000 8.6 700 2.65 8,566,000 0.275 350,000 0.185 3,850,000 0.199 10,000 0.011 271,000,000 0.012 21,600,000 2.08 600,000 7.98 14,143,700 1.9 83,000 0.54 31,000 1.15 775,000 0.012 29,100,000 0.013 600,000 2.67 59,000 8.9 1,399,700 5.05 9,962,000 178 316,490 0.008 6,000,000

1,131,500 23,933,060 5,976,470 37,600 9,300 4,307,350 3,850 5,980 22,736,910 93,000 711,690 1,990 2,975,000 259,300 1,236,070 113,464,794 155,350 16,380 895,710 351,200 7,400 143,120 12,518,834 48,696,710 56,264,468 48,000

900,450 -26,912 9,300 -13,000 -112,570 12,000 -153,750 41,271,887 1,850 12,050 392,401.00 1,120,350.00 -13,815,867 -

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

40.55 525 525 106 105.5 111.9 516 5.8 1,011 1,023 1,119 1,012 76.5 81.75 80.5

40.55 525 525 106 105.5 111.9 516 5.8 1,020 1,025 1,119 1,012 76.5 81.75 80.65

40.45 525 521 106 105.2 107.3 516 5.79 1,010 1,023 1,119 1,012 76 81.5 80.5

PREFERRED 40.55 116,200 525 90 521 1,770 106 1,500 105.2 10,000 107.3 110 516 10,000 5.79 116,900 1,020 5,520 1,025 3,895 1,119 40 1,012 730 76 62,050 81.5 48,850 80.65 4,170

4,706,365 47,250 927,770 159,000 1,052,530 12,263 5,160,000 677,425 5,625,205 3,984,595 44,760 738,760 4,732,198 3,986,275 336,210.50

-334,475 53,000 -445,245 -4,237,127 -

LR WARRANT

2.61

2.62

2.6

WARRANTS 2.6 86,000

223,710

-

609,790 45,630 10,075,625

-17,560 -580,369

244,050

-

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 5.25 1.22 6.8 2.42 1.05 43.2 3.82 4.92 5.34 0.51 1.3 1.55 0.231 0.495 43.5 0.69 0.154 1.88

831,500 22,152,000 48,500 21,000 3,615,000 10,405,000 437,000 1,740,000 800 12,383,000 218,000 41,000 15,550,000 20,000 533,300 4,315,000 150,000 15,398,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

4.41 5.49 6.18

4.49 5.49 6.18

4.36 4.99 6.06

FIRST METRO ETF

121.4

121.5

120.9

T RADING S UMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

4.4 5 6.06

SME

139,000 9,000 1,652,200

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 121.5 2,010

SHARES

VALUE

15,822,357

920,679,778.90

53,995,821

952,813,257.15

170,040,591

2,092,072,969.94

PROPERTY

385,826,031

1,414,211,168.79

SERVICES

118,837,331

2,201,598,971.17

MINING & OIL

803,782,385

296,039,897.087

GRAND TOTAL

1,550,106,748

7,888,391,477.04

FINANCIAL 1,970.92 (up) 2.16 INDUSTRIAL 11,226.99 (down) 16.32 HOLDING FIRMS 7,890.98 (up) 9.67 PROPERTY 3,785.31 (up) 3.86 SERVICES 1,736.73 (down) 9.67 MINING & OIL 13,814.62 (up) 159.91 PSEI 8,022.75 (down) 0.23 All Shares Index 4,763.30 (up) 0.46 Gainers: 99; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 55; Total: 246

Melco set to redeem P8b worth of bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria MELCO Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp. said its board approved the redemption of up to P8 billion from an outstanding P15 billion in fixed-rate corporate notes.

Melco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the P15billion corporate notes issued on January 2014 due 2019 carried a fixed rate of five percent a year.

The notes redemption is pursuant to the notes facility and security agreement signed by the company with Australia and New Zealand Group Ltd. and Deutsche Bank AG as joint lead underwriters and Philippine National Bank as facility agent.

“The source of funds for the Philippine Notes Redemption would be entirely from Melco Leisure’s cash on hand,” Melco said.

Melco, a unit of Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. of Hong Kong, is the developer and operator the $1.3-billion City of Dreams Manila, a casino, hotel, retail and entertainment integrated resort located on a 6.5-hectare property within the Pagcor Entertainment City.

Melco in June announced plans to increase its capital base to up to P11.9 billion in preparation for an equity raising activity to finance expansion and pay debts.

“The reason for the proposed increase in the authorized capital stock of the corporation... is to enable the corporation to tap into any potential funding raising opportunities, in the form of equity offering..., ” Melco said.

Melco registered a net income of P352.2 million in the first six months of the year, a reversal from a loss of P1.42 billion year-on-year on significant increase in revenues from gaming operations.

Aboitiz, TNG okay electricity agreement

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. will supply the power requirements of The Net Group, or TNG, as it expands operations under the open access and retail competition or RCOA regime.

TNG is one of the pioneers in green buildings in the Philippines. It recently added its seventh green building, its biggest to date, with Net Park at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Aboitiz Power has started providing electricity to all TNG properties in Metro Manila since 2013.

Under the RCOA, power consumers with an average monthly demand of at least 1 megawatt can choose from among licensed retail electricity suppliers accredited with the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“When we did open access, it was very challenging in the beginning. Luckily, we found a partner with a great track record and who is very willing to work closely with us to go through the requirements, technical procedures, and even the documentation,” TNG co-president Ramon Rufino said.

Rufino said the open access regime allowed his company allowed to explore several opportunities and suppliers who could meet its requirements.

LGUs

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

B3

Aussies eye investments in ARMM C

OTABATO CITY—Australian investors are keen to pour in capital in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which officials said can be a “vote of confidence” amid the Marawi City crisis.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman of the ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments, said the Australian business interest in the region came after RBOI joined in the recent Philip-

pine Investment Mission and Roadshow to Australia led by the Board of Investments central office in Manila under its Philippine Investment Promotion Plan.

The PIPP serves as the

BOI’s investment programming platform composed of all investment promotion agencies. The investment promotion agencies made a pitch to Australian investors in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in the second week of August.

In his letter, Mastura, Eduard Alcordo, president of the Australia Philippines Business Council, said there are at least four prospective Australian investments in the ARMM.

One of them is Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs), or a firm active in mortgage lending, investment banking, fund management, property investment, and high-tech investment. It has explored the feasibility of developing REITs in the country.

Alcordo has asked Raj Palacios, APBC member and former executive director of Public Private Partnership Center, to contact ARMM with the view of

signing a letter of intent to invest in the region.

The Sun Valley (HK) Group, a milk company that runs dairy farms in Australia, is interested in building milk storage facilities in Mindanao, particularly ARMM, since Mindanao is nearer to the country than Luzon.

Lionel Henderson, the director of Agriculture of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the premier Australian Government-

funded research organization, was introduced to Mastura during the investments roadshow.

Mastura said the CSIRO would be interested to work with ARMM on this project if it has farmers with access to land, even land not suitable for rice or staple foods.

There may even be assistance on funding and grants.

As witnessed by the Philippine investment mission team to Australia, the SR Clean and Green Energy,

an outfit whose owners are from Tawi-Tawi Province in the ARMM, signed a LOI to explore future collaborations during the team’s investment mission in Sydney.

The fourth investment is Halal chicken processing for export from ARMM to Muslim Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East and Australia. Australia, a nonMuslim country is among the leading exporter of beef to the Middle East and live cows to Indonesia. PNA

DoH: Air ambulances resume Mimaropa duty

By Macon Ramos-Araneta authority to regulate air THE air ambulances for the Mimaropa region has resumed its regular flights and is serving emergency patients in remote and farflung areas in Palawan anew, the Department of Health said Friday.

DoH–Mimaropa Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has already issued the airplane an Airworthiness Certification, meaning it is now “in a condition allowing for safe operation.”

Janairo said all the needed parts were replaced and the air ambulance was duly inspected and certified 100 percent fit to fly.

“We now have a new Globe hotline (09175531651) for the air ambulance, which will be open 24/7 to accommodate texts and calls of patients needing emergency assistance.

The Smart hotline (09985492585) will remain in effect,” he added.

Under Republic Act 9497, the CAAP has the

transportation in the country to ensure the safety, quality and reliability of air transport services for the riding public.

According to Janairo, the DoH-Mimaropa air ambulance averages two to three flights a day.

A total of 99 patients have been transported by the two air ambulances from February 9 to July 31 this year, the agency said.

Among the regular patients transported were from the islands of Cuyo, Magsaysay, Balabac, and Brooke’s Point in Palawan.

Even emergency patients from nearby Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi are being transported and brought to the nearest health facility in Palawan, the DOH director said.

“We are also expecting a plane donation, one Cessna 182Q aircraft, from a nongovernment international organization based in the United States that may also be used in transporting emergency patients in Mimaropa,” Janairo disclosed.

PITC-DND DEAL. Dave M. Almarinez, president and CEO of the Philippine International Trading Corp. (second from left), and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (second from right) hold the signed agreement for their procurement programs together with Board of Investments Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (left) and Senator Cynthia Villar (right), who was guest speaker during the 44th anniversary celebration of the PITC at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Roy Tomandao

Iloilo City to host farm tourism conference-festival in October THE country’s emerging farm tourism sector gets another major push as a driver of inclusive economic growth at the 5th Farm Tourism Conference and Festival set at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City from October 2 to 4.

Themed “Improving Farm Tourism through Enrichment of Local Products and Culture,” the gathering will be

attended by farmer-entrepreneurs, local government executives, tourism and agricultural officers, and community stakeholders.

The event is organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the Department of Tourism (DOT) the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Province of Iloilo, City of Iloilo, and the Department of

Agriculture.

According to ISST president and event director Mina Gabor, the Conference will focus on the unique fusion of farming and tourism that will empower local communities, provide diversified income for farmers, and encourage sustainable practices for food security.

“Farm Tourism attracts visitors and travelers to farm areas,

generally for educational and recreational purposes that encourage economic activity to provide farm and community income. It is one of the country’s sunshine industries which can be developed because of the agricultural nature of the economy,” she said.

There will also be a Farmers’ Market where fresh and locally-grown agricultural

produce will be on sale.

Delivering the keynote addresses are guests of honor Tourism Undersecretary Silvino Tejada and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona.

Tejada heads DoT’s newly-created Ecotourism, Farm Tourism and Faith Tourism Advocacy portfolio which puts emphasis on the new industry sectors.

IN BRIEF QC donates computers, fans to general hospital THE 36-member Quezon City Council has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Herbert Bautista to sign a deed of donation of computer sets and industrial fans to the Quezon City General Hospital without cost.

District 1 Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. authored City Resolution 7144, allowing Bautista to approve the donation of three laptop computers and three industrial fans to the hospital.

The laptops and industrial fans were purchased through the initiative of another District 1 councilor, Anthony Peter Crisologo.

The city as donor shall assume all fees and costs of the donation after the turnover of the ownership of the items to the recipient institution.

In another development, City Resolution 7142, introduced

by District 6 Councilor Melencio Castelo Jr., gave Bautista the green light to sign a deed for the donation of two computers to Barangay Gulod in District 5 at no cost.

The computers were purchased through the initiative of District 5 Councilor Karl Edgar Castelo. Rio N. Araja

MisOr cites impact of agri programs CAGAYAN DE ORO—The Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office has released P58 million in funding for projects to local farmers from January to August 2017, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said.

Of the amount, P39 million came from the provincial government, while P19 million was sourced from the national government.

Dr. Benjamin Resma, Mopao chief, said these projects include the distribution of seedlings and fingerlings to farmers and fisherfolk, as well as for farm and fishing equipment and irrigation facilities to improve production output.

“We dispersed tilapia fingerlings for our fishery production. Aside from these, we are also able to give molasses to these farmers who are into organic farming,” Resma said. PNA

YOUTH VISIT. Youth officials of General Trias City pose with Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis ‘Jon Jon’ Ferrer IV

(seated) during their visit at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Tuesday as part of the city’s ‘Linggo ng Kabataan’ project. Also in photo are Cavite Councilor’s League (CCL) federation president Kerby Salazar and GenTri Councilor Jonas Labuguen. The youth officials acted as ‘little local officials’ of the city government of General Trias for a week during the celebration.

UMak...

From B4

Mae Turingan, Andriana Angelika Umengan, and Dave Jerome Villaraza.

UMak is known for pioneering in course offerings that adhere to the “Think global, act local” paradigm. Its Center of Pharmacy offers a six-year ladderized program consisting of the following twoyear courses: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmaceutical Technology; Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with added speciali-

zation in Pharmaceutical Marketing, and Doctor of Pharmacy.

UMak president Tomas Lopez said the program has been designed so that graduates of Associate of Applied Science in Pharmaceutical Technology can already work competently as skilled pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in settings such as a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy or a healthcare institution.

On the other hand, those who want to be a licensed pharmacist may continue for two more years

to obtain a degree in Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, which offers added specialization in Pharmaceutical Marketing.

Lopez said that the added specialization in pharmaceutical marketing equips graduates with needed skills for a career in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, management, market research or related fields within the health care industry. He noted that the university has been in collaboration with pharmaceutical industry players to strengthen the graduates’ competencies in the said fields.

Ilocos Norte earns Best Booth award in PH Travel Mart THE Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, partnering with 12 private business stakeholders, won first runner-up for “Best Booth” at the 28th Philippine Travel Mart last September 1 to 3.

A travel expo held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Travel Mart gathers local government units along with hospitality and business establishments to showcase their best packages, promotional deals, and other tourism-related services.

According to Provincial Tourism Officer Aian Raquel, Ilocos Norte’s participants were “very satisfied with the result of their sales— that’s the best indicator of the success of our presentation because this is a trade show.”

“It is important that we were able to promote our province through the sales of our private counterparts,” Raquel added.

Ilocos Norte’s booth was inspired by the Paoay Convent Ruins, one of the more recently opened tourist attractions in the town of Paoay. The actual Ruins are situated to the left of the San Agustin Church, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The booth was designed by Ohm David, a renowned set director and designer of local and international theater acts. He also designed the Taoid Museum of the Ilocano Cordilleras, which opened in Laoag City in 2015.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION QUEZON CITY -oOoIN RE: PETITION / APPLICATION FOR NOTARIAL COMMISSION (2017-2018) FOR AND IN QUEZON CITY ATTY. RONALDO O. MACALANDA ATTY. MARIA CECILIA Y. OLIVA ATTY. PEDRO M. TRESVALLES ATTY. LARA MAE N. ACOSTA ATTY. ELENA P. OCAMPO ATTY. EMILIANO A. MACKAY ATTY. FELIPE N. EGARGO, JR. Petitioners.

ADM. MATTER NO. NP-329 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-330 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-331 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-332 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-333 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-334 ADM. MATTER NO. NP-335

NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of the above-named petitioners shall be held on SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE of the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT of QUEZON CITY. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file with the Executive Judge a verified written opposition thereto before the date of the summary hearing.

Pursuant to Sec. 5 of A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, let this notice of hearing be published in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle and at the expense of the petitioners, as well as posted in a conspicuous place in the offices of the Executive Judge and of the Clerk of Court.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, August 31, 2017.

(Sgd.) CECILYN E. BURGOS-VILLAVERT Executive Judge (MS-Sep. 9, 2017)

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

UMak hits 100% pass rate in boards

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Houses, gifts for Marawi

By Vito Barcelo and Romeo Dizon

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways will build 275 transitory houses for the Marawi City siege evacuees costing P241 million, which can accommodate 1,100 families.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said Friday the department is now working on timely completion of site development works where the first batch of transitory houses for evacuees from the three-month-long battles between Maute Group terrorists and government

forces will be built.

“The area being developed by DPWH in Barangay Sagongsongan, Marawi City, can accommodate 1,100 families,” Villar noted.

“Currently, we are preparing a portion of the site where the National Housing Authority can build a

total of 275 transitory houses,” he said.

A total of P241.69 million is allocated for the land development of Sagonsongan Village, Villar said. This will cover the clearing and grubbing, fuel and model house, asphalt overlay and drainage works within the site.

“Additional four-hectare and two-hectare sites were proposed by Marawi City officials,” he said.

“Once the sites are developed, NHA may begin the construction stage of the needed transitory shelters of Marawi siege internally displaced persons (IDPs),”

Villar said.

Villar also vowed to provide for latrines and water supply in all the nine evacuation centers for IDPs from the Marawi conflict.

“DPWH trucks have delivered water for the IDPs and backfilling materials to compact muddy grounds,” he said.

Lanao del Norte evacuation centers in Pantar; Pantao-Ragat; Beroni, Balo-i; and Barangay Landa, BaloI have likewise received water, water tanks, deep well pumps, and insulators to cool down DSWD and DOH tents, along with

gravel to improve pathways, roadways, and muddy grounds.

DPWH is a member agency of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Housing Sub-Committee, tasked to construct temporary and permanent shelters including provision of utilities.

The department also heads the Reconstruction SubCommittee, which is responsible for the reconstruction, repair, and rehabilitation of all national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings.

The DPWH has also conducted quick response

activities in evacuation centers including the distribution of relief goods and water supply, installation of latrines, improvement of deep wells, pathways, roadways, and flooring.

Qualified dependents of soldiers and policemen who were killed in action in the Marawi siege operation were also employed by the DPWH. Meanwhile, in Clark Field, Pampanga, World Medical Relief Inc. announced it is donating $20 million (about P1.016 billion) worth of hospital equipment and medicines to Marawi City.

CV rabies cases and deaths up in 2nd qtr CEBU CITY—The Department of Health said cases of human rabies and deaths due to animal bites have increased in Central Visayas in the second quarter of this year.

During the period, five deaths—two in Cebu Province and one each in Bohol, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City—were reported out of 20,591 rabies cases.

This surpassed the four deaths reported in the first quarter of the year, two each in Cebu Province and Mandaue City, out of 19,382 recorded cases.

The ratio of deaths to cases—about one in 5,000—is slightly higher in the first half this year compared to the same period in 2016, which saw 59,773 cases and eight deaths.

“As of now, although the 3rd quarter isn’t finished yet, which is from July to September, the estimated number of deaths in rabies will reach 15,” DOH-7 Regional Rabies Program Manager Dr. Joanri Riveral said.

Cebu Province, which recorded the highest number of rabies cases with 11,536 and two deaths last year, remains on top of the list with 7,084 and two fatalities. PNA

MAYORS SHOOT. The League of Municipalities of the Philippines Laguna Chapter conducted

the first Laguna Mayor’s League Shootfest, headed by LMP chapter president Sta. Maria Mayor Tony Carolino (shooting) with the support Pagcor Chairman Andrea Domingo. Carolino (in green shirt, inset photo) later poses with the participant-mayors (from left) Mayor Popoy Sandoval of Pangil, Edwin Pangilinan of Famy, former Kalayaan mayor Teddy Adao, Ronald Ubatay of Lumban, Milbert Oliveros of Cavinti, George Berris of Calauan, and range officer Daryl Sandoval of the PPSA at the Villa Samonte Firing Range in Barangay Lewin Lumban, Laguna. Roy Tomandao

Unicef, IOM build disaster-resilient center in Borongan

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE United Nations Children’s Fund and the International Organization for Migration joined local partners and the government of Borongan, Eastern Samar to inaugurate a disaster-resilient evacuation center.

Called “Arayupan ha Borongan” (Shelter of Borongan), the building has three key functions: as a social space for the community, a life-saving shelter during natural

disasters, and a temporary shelter to accommodate evacuees after an emergency.

The Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries and most affected by climate change. With any disaster, children become the most vulnerable.

This evacuation center, built to withstand strong typhoons and earthquakes can play a big part in preparedness efforts, and become a safe space for children and families affected,” Unicef Representative

Lotta Sylwander said at the inauguration ceremonies.

In 2015, UNICEF and IOM sought to enhance the network of evacuation centers in Eastern Samar. The programme integrates the design and construction of disaster resilient community buildings to reduce disaster risk and strengthen disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.

Arayupan ha Borongan is designed to provide life-saving shelter for up to 350 persons during and after a natural disaster. The design reflects

lessons learned from various disaster response. It maximizes natural light and ventilation to reduce the need for electric power, which often fails during an emergency.

The design features strong sightlines to minimize bullying and gender-based violence in crowded emergency situations, and incorporates ramps, handrails, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities with improved access for children, elderly and people with disabilities (PWDs).

San Jose del Monte celebrates 2nd Tanglawan Festival SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan—San Joseños gathered in different venues in the City of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM), Bulacan from September 3 to 10 to witness the second Tanglawan Festival.

From the word “ilaw”, the Tanglawan Festival symbolizes the light that will guide the San Joseños to a more sustainable city. Tanglawan Festival boasted not only the city’s colorful culture and tradition, but also the exceptional traits of its locals. Said festival was offered to St. Joseph the Worker, the light who guides the San Joseños.

“Sa atin pong mga taga-lungsod, sa ating pamilyang San Joseño, ito na po tayo sa ating pangalawang pagkakataon na ipagdiwang ang ating Tanglawan Festival. Ito po ay binuksan natin sa ngalan ng ating Mahal na San Jose Manggagawa at iyan po ay magbibigay tanglaw sa ating lungsod. Mabuhay po tayong pamilyang San Joseño,” said Rep. Florida “Rida” P. Robes.

A God-fearing realm

Tanglawan Festival kicked off with a Misa ng Pasasalamat celebrated by Rev. Fr. Arvin Ray C. Jimenez. Attended by all the government officials and workers of the local government unit of CSJDM, the homily of thanksgiving mass

was also part of the 117th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, with the theme “Tugon sa Hamon ng Pagbabago: Malasakit ng Lingkod Bayani”.

“There’s a need for an appropriate response to the challenge that comes before us, and the challenge comes to be caring public servants. Malasakit and pagpapakasakit in our own words,” said city administrator Dennis M. Booth, Ph.D. Tanglawan Festival likewise showcased livelihood trainings, cooking demonstrations, and trade fairs to provide San Joseños alternative sources of income and among which were MarAcademia de San Lorenzo’s dancers perform in San Jose del Monte’s Tanglawan Festival. keto Trade Fair, Magsasaka Aming centered on its transition from a simple “Tanglawan is part of the celebration Pag-asa, and candy and pastry making. municipality to a rising city. of our cityhood anniversary and on top The thanksgiving Mass was followed of that, we want to uncover our com- Attempt to break a world record by a ribbon cutting of the Marian Exhibit mitment to the Lord Almighty,” said The city will also attempt to break the to show the devotion of San Joseños to the Mayor Arturo B. Robes.

Guinness World Record for the Largest LanBlessed Virgin Mary. The Marian Exhibit tern Parade, which was set by Singapore and showcased different images of the Virgin People-engaging activities was achieved by 10,568 participants.

Mary to inspire San Joseño devotees.

The city government recognized its “Every day, from morning to evenSayawan sa Tanglawan was held to show employees who showed exceptional ing, we prepared programs for the San several traits of St. Joseph the Worker. Said loyalty and performance in work.

Joseños. Our main highlight was our event was participated in by 26 schools and Dubbed as “Gawad Katapatan”, the attempt to break the Guinness record barangays of the city. A parade of floats city government had 78 recipients of for the world’s largest lantern parade featuring St. Joseph using recycled mate- loyalty service awards, three nominees set by Singapore. We will try to beat rials, as well as the city’s natural bounties for Civil Service Commission Honor it with approximately 21,000 people on followed the event.

Awards, and six retirees. This event September 8,” said mayor Robes.

By Joel E. Zurbano THE University of Makati has achieved a 100-percent passing rate in the Pharmacist Licensure test given by the Board of Pharmacy last month, Mayor Abigail Binay announced on Friday.

Binay commended the 10 graduates of Bachelor of Science Pharmacy-College of Allied Health Studies who were among the 2,784 passers out of 5,079 examinees throughout the country.

The 10 board passers are namely—Abdel Rauff Baharan, Kristelle Kylah Cabuso, Cristina Ching, Jan Maverin Cruz, Madame Myrin Donato, KC Rolainne Gabriel, Rhea Mae Laolao, Mary Jane Miguel, Karen Mae Pascua, and Jasmin Kae Sistoso.

“We take pride in the achievements of our homegrown professionals. They do justice to the sizeable investments being made by the city government in the education of the youth,” Binay said.

The mayor reiterated her challenge to the UMak officials and faculty to aim for a 100 percent passing rate in all related board examinations. “Our university has already produced board topnotchers and consistently maintained high passing rates over the years. Let us set the bar higher and aim for 100 percent,” she urged.

The 10 board passers comprised the second batch of graduates of the UMak Center of Pharmacy, the first of its kind in the country, which was opened in 2012 to address the growing demand for pharmacists. Last year, its first batch of graduates also posted a 100-percent passing rate.

Last July, 29 UMak graduates also passed the Radiologic Technology Licensure Exam, achieving an 80.56 percent passing rate which is higher than the national average passing rate of 46.36 percent.

The newly-certified Radiologic Technologists from UMak were Mikaela Balagapo, Vername Bueno, Axl Calixto, Jose Paolo Cruz, Kimchille Diaz, Dessa Joy Dineros, Jillian Mae Dipalac, Roger Louise Gonzaga, Gerlie Gonzales, Paul Jacob Ibañez, Angela Grace Irlanda, Ivy Hope Labador, Nikee Marie Likiyan, Joshua Lennin Llorente, Maridel Mabanag.

Sydny May Mapua, Karissa Mariano, Kim Darryl Olaya, Anna Palabyab, Zenilie Perez, Diosa Rasonable, Hannah Rivera, Jonadab Robledo, Clariza Jane Sanchez, Kris Zhel Solis, Kayla Marie Suyat, Rizza Turn to B3

Las Piñas River Drive formally opened by Villar

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar on Friday inaugurated the Las Piñas River Drive, a new road aimed at shortening the travel time to and from the southern Metro Manila city.

The senator joined local government and barangay officials, officers of the different subdivisions in Las Pinas, representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the city’s non-government organizations in the inauguration.

“We would like to thank the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for swiftly addressing our concerns of traffic and constant flooding in Las Pinas through this project. Through this new road, we are certain of a shorter and a more convenient travel time for the people of Las Pinas and for all those who travel to and from our city,” said Villar.

“More importantly, this new road and the other road infrastructure developments will make Las Piñas more attractive to investors,” she added.

K

APAMILYA hunk Gerald Anderson continues to attribute his great physique, his disarming smile, and youthful glow to a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and a regular dose of CosmoCee. This is the reason Bargn Pharmaceuticals has renewed the good looking actor as the official celebrity endorser of its flagship brand CosmoCee formulated with citrus bioflavionoids – a known natural source of vitamin C. Because of its natural ingredients, CosmoCee is non-acidic, which makes it safer for everyone. Furthermore, CosmoCee, said Bargn’s Nino Bautista and Red Gatus, boosts the immune system, provides extra energy, vitality, and even helps maintain good skin elasticity, exactly what Bargn Pharmaceuticals is aiming to provide: products that are made of rich, natural components to address a myriad of needs. Their commitment to health and wellness has led them to constantly innovate in the field of “cosmoceuticals,” “neutraceuticals,” pharmaceuticals, vitamin supplements, and even cosmetics.

Established in 2006 by Nino Bautista and John Redentor Gatus Jr., Bargn has rapidly emerged as the premier integrated neutraceutical, beauty, and vitamin company in the Philippines with a vastly strong presence in 10 countries worldwide.

This year, Bargn has opened its brand new and fully integrated manufacturing facility, Bargn Laboratories, in Dasmarinas Technopark. The 6800-sqm property is Bargn’s biggest to date. Their vision is to create a facility that will include pharmaceutical and cosmetics in the next five years. Bargn proudly manufactures and distributes CosmoSkin, CosmoBody Elite, FiberMaxx, and Cosmo Cee, and it aims to keep launching new products every year.

Gatus is very excited about the company’s continued growth, “This new plant is just the beginning of more exciting things for Bargn. Our sights are set on creating more products that will address the growing demand for natural ingredients.”

Bautista, Bargn’s co-founder, commits to “developing only the best products in order to stay true to the vision of the company.”

Gerald has complete trust in CosmoCee. With his active lifestyle, constant travels, and late nights on the set, he needs to keep himself healthy and strong in order to be the best at what he does.

Currently, Gerald is one of the leads in ABS-CBN’s top-rating daily series Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin, reuniting him with Kim Chiu and Jake Cuenca, his co-stars in the mega hit series Tayong Dalawa in 2009.

One of Gerald’s passion projects is the Gerald Anderson Foundation, that provides assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard K-9 Search and Rescue Unit, which recently celebrated its first year anniversary. Aside from this, Gerald is also actively helping the Cottolengo Filipino, Inc. – an institution for children with special needs. This foundation became very close to his heart after working on his hit TV series Budoy.

Gerald has also become passionate on spending his birthdays with cancer patients of Cancer Warriors Foundation. His soft spot for soldiers also prodded him to organize a special screening of AWOL for the wounded soldiers of Marawi.

Gerald is able to do all these rigorous activities by keeping himself fit. As a spirited

Life

isahred@gmail.com

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

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Bargn Pharmaceuticals co-founders Red Gatus and Nino Bautista

GET ACTIVE with Gerald and CosmoCee

triathlete for over a year now, he trains four hours every day every time he prepares for meets and competitions all over the world.

In the recently concluded Ironman in Cebu where he participated in the bike relay, his group “Team DeRosa” placed fourth overall. Among his many other athletic endeavors, Gerald has also participated in the Los Angeles 42K marathon in March. He is also an avid basketball fan and played in the Star Magic All-Star Game for the “Blue Team,” which won against Daniel Padilla’s “Red Team.” Gerald scored an impressive 42 points, leading his team to victory.

One can only wonder how one man is able to do all these and excel at the same time. “I think the key here is balance. Balance your time, balance your diet, and balance your exercise. “That’s why I am so

thankful to Bargn Pharmaceuticals, because CosmoCee is really helping me maintain overall wellness and health so that I can do all the things I love,” says Gerald who takes CosmoCee twice a day as recommended.

This renewal brings a much-needed revitalization to a partnership that truly works. Gerald Anderson is the perfect personification of CosmoCee’s ideals: youthfulness, health, and vigor.

“Gerald is the perfect embodiment of one of our best-selling brands, CosmoCee. I think, among the roster of great young actors in the industry today, Gerald is one of the few who really value total, holistic health and wellness. It’s very evident in the way he makes time for fitness even with his busy schedule,” explains Bautista.

Gerald Anderson’s youthfulness, health, and vigor, make him the perfect embodiment of CosmoCee

HATE YOUR TATTOOS?

Regine Tolentino (left) gets health and energy boost from Organique Açai Freeze Dried Capsule.

With her in photo are Organique Inc.’s Cathy Salimbangon and Lerma Sta. Cruz.

Now you can have it removed

Immunity booster you can carry anywhere ACTRESS, TV host, fashion designer, fitness and Zumba icon Regine Tolentino lives a hectic life with shows, events, and dance rehearsals to attend to daily. “I can’t afford to slack not only because this is the lifestyle I got used to but because I love the activity. For me it’s not work but a way of life already. That’s why I can’t miss taking this valuable part of my routine – even before I take my breakfast.” Regine shares.

This essential part of her daily routine is no less than Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule. Each capsule is made from 100 percent pure açaí berries (pulp and skin) that are harvested fresh, straight from the Amazon rainforests in Brazil and produced exclusively by Organique, Inc., a Filipino company committed to bringing the gift of natural wellness to Filipinos and help them improve their wellbeing.

Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule contains powerful antioxidants as measured by ORAC values. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values measure the amount of antioxidant per 100 grams of herb and botanical products and research shows that açaí berries contain a whopping 100,000 units.

Antioxidants breakdown the free radicals in our bodies that if unchecked can

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer

cause damage to our cells resulting to a wide range of illnesses and diseases.

They benefit the body primarily by boosting the oxidation and ridding of free radicals and improving the immune system leading to disease and illness prevention, skin disease, heart health and memory health. It also has other equally potent nutrients like minerals, and vitamins to help strengthen an individual’s immune system to be able to combat the daily stresses of a harsh, toxic environment and prevent the onset of debilitating illnesses.

Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule comes in a box of 10 blister packets. Each pack contains 10 capsules that are stuffed with the best nutritional defense your body needs to give you the energy, mental clarity, heart health and memory booster.

As Organique’s ambassador for the Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule, Regine embodies what the brand and product stand for—beauty, fitness and wellness. “I take Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule daily, without fail before I eat my breakfast. I feel energized, alert and active the whole day, ready to take on the day’s challenges,” Regine reveals, admitting that ever since she took Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule, she noticed

that her colleagues and friends say she’s livelier and glowing than ever. “I noticed the same thing! I feel more on top of my game, being able to do more than my usual already-busy schedule. Even when I sleep late, I wake up feeling rested and not fatigued. Another plus is my skin, I know confidently, that I look younger too.”

For Regine, Organique Açaí Freeze Dried Capsule is the best natural thing she discovered to help improve her overall health and wellbeing. “Plus, they’re convenient to bring, and do not occupy a lot of space in my bag or pocket!”

Meanwhile, all health and wellness enthusiast should mark Oct. 8 on their calendars as Organique takes your journey to health and wellness a notch higher through the Organique Purple Run at 4 a.m. at McKinley West in BGC, Taguig.

Be ready for action-packed activities that will give your body the energy and boost it needs. Prepare to sweat it out as you run the 3k, 5k and 10k courses with family and friends. A Zumba workout will be part of the activity as participants will also receive colored powder, inflatables, drumbeaters, photowall and to complete the road to wellness –Organique Açaí products, too.

PICOWAY is an innovative dual wavelength picosecond laser from Syneron Candela that can remove multi-colored tattoos, recalcitrant tattoos (tattoos that have been proven to be resistant to nanosecond laser treatment) and benign pigmented lesions on any skin type. It is the world’s first and only dual laser device with proprietary PicoWay technology that has dual wavelengths in one laser system.

“The two wavelengths treat the widest range of tattoos, the most tattoo colors and types, and dermal and epidermal pigmented lesions. It works on large spot sizes to enable deep penetration when needed. It has the highest peak power for effective energy over the broadest range of spot sizes. And its shortest picosecond pulses mean effective, yet lower energy for less risk of side effects,” explains Dr. Joan Clarence Morallo, who was chosen to be one of the key opinion leaders in the world for Picoway.

PicoWay’s unique mode of action is based on delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy to the tissue. These bursts of energy create a photomechanical impact which breaks up the tattoo ink or pigmentation into smaller, more easily eliminated particles.

PicoWay treatment is indicated for all skin types.

“Ideally, the wavelength selected for eradication of the tattoo should be highly absorbed by the tattoo pigment and only minimally absorbed by other chromophores in the skin. Treatment of tattoos can therefore be performed with minimal adverse effects on normal skin structures,” says Dr. Mor-

allo, head of Clarence Anti-Aging, Slimming and Dermatology Centre, the first and only one in the Philippines to have the PicoWay technology.

Clarence is a one-stop center with a variety of non-invasive, safe and proven methods to enhance body shapes and improve appearances. Besides Picos, Clarence offers anti-aging treatments, body slimming and contouring procedures, and facials and peels such as the Hydra Facial, Clear and Brilliant, Thermage, Doublo-SHIFU, HIFU Doublo-S Face and Neck lifting and tightening, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), Dermal fillers, Botox, CoolSculpting, NIR Firmage, Cellulishock, Mesotherapy, Thermawrap, MTone, Ultratight Tripollar, RF Monopolar, LipoContour, Aqualyx, Acne treatment, Medical Facial, Acne Oxygen Facial Mist, Oxygen Facial, AGAS Whitening Facial, Diamond Peel, Diamond Peel Extreme, and Glycolic Peel.

Visit Clarence Anti-Aging, Slimming and Dermatology Centre at 2nd Flr. Mila Holdings Bldg., 28 Jupiter St. Corner Astra St., Bel Air, 1209 Makati City Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm. Call them at (02) 8972348,0998-5733348, or 09065459628. Email info@clarencemd.com or check out www. clarencemd.com for inquiries and more information.

Dr. Joan Clarence Morallo of Clarence Anti-Aging, Slimming and Dermatology Centre

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Alden Richards still

TechnoMarine’s brand ambassador

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ECHNOMARINE renewed Alden Richard’s as its brand ambassador, making him still one of the faces of the Swiss watch brand.

Richards, who is the other half of the phenomenal love team AlDub, is now busier than ever from being a mainstay of Eat Bulaga and Sunday Pinasaya to his fruitful recording career, string of modeling engagements, as well as philanthropic work and extreme sports.

“We are pleased and excited to continue working with Alden”, states John Paul Paglinawan, TechnoMarine brand manager.

“We believe that he truly carries the spirit that TechnoMarine embodies, that of giving your best and living life to the fullest.”

Alden Richards, who is equally excited, expressed his sincerest appreciation to the Swiss watch brand and shared, “I am very thankful for TechnoMarine’s continued trust and the confidence they have placed in me and am honored to remain the face of the brand.”

As he renewed his partnership with TechnoMarine, Alden is proud to wear the TechnoMarine Ocean Manta watch, one of his favorites from the Manta collection.

TechnoMarine Ocean Manta’s exceptional motion in design of 48mm case size in a black face with a California Dial, and remarkable Swiss made technical prowess water resistance of 200 meters, is a bold and perfect match for a man like Alden who is confident and chooses to stand out.

Founded in Switzerland in 1997, TechnoMarine focuses on active luxury with its combination of quality, sophistication, and originality. TechnoMarine constructs each watch with the highest of standards; each timepiece engineered using the finest materials to produce the balance of durability and elegance for which the brand is known.

It’s no wonder then that Alden Richards keeps in step—and in time—with TechnoMarine.

TechnoMarine is available in all TechnoMarine boutiques at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, and all MyDiamond boutiques nationwide.

Pambansang Bae Alden Richards renews his contract with luxury wristwatch brand

Marian Rivera plays super teacher Known in her home network as Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes makes her much-awaited comeback to GMA Telebabad via Super Ma’am.

The TV star pointed out that it’s been her long-time dream to become a teacher, which is why she’s immensely excited about this fantasy-action series. “Ang Super Ma’am ay kwento ng isang guro na ayaw mag-give up sa pagtuturo dahil love at passion niya talaga ang pagiging teacher. May mangyayari sa kanyang isang malaking pagbabago na magli-lead sa kanya para tumulong sa kapwa niya. Kaya nga dream come true itong role ko kahit sa palabas lang,” she says.

Apart from being a teacher, Marian also exclaimed her excitement to play a superhero again and dedicates this series to her loyal fans and supporters. “Maraming nagre-request na maging super hero ulit ako, so para sa kanila talaga itong Super Ma’am.” She adds that she can’t wait to reveal the costume and weapon she will use and hopes that the viewers will like them as much as she does.

In the upcoming series on GMA’s Primetime block, Marian is Minerva Henerala, a high school teacher often teased and pranked by her students because of her weird looks and eccentric personality. She firmly believes that mythical creatures called Tamawo exist and an encounter with one transforms her life in unimaginable and extraordinary ways.

By day, she is a good teacher to her mischievous students. But unknown to most, she is a femme fatale heroine—a Super Ma’am—that goes on fantastic adventures in warding off evil forces lurking among the human world.

Completing the star-studded cast are Al Tantay, Jackie Lou Blanco, Jerald Napoles, Kim Domingo, Meg Imperial, Matthias Rhoads, Joyce Ching, Kristoffer Martin, Kevin Santos, Shyr Valdez, Ashley Ortega, Jillian Ward, Enrico Cuenca, Julius Miguel, Andrew Gan and making a grand comeback in GMA is seasoned actress Helen Gamboa.

Returning Kapuso Carmina Villarroel graces the series as an important guest, along with Dina Bonnevie.

Also playing a very special role is Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

Super Ma’am debuts on Sept. 18.

Binibini Queens serenade grandparents on #LOL Day How do you show love for your lolo and lola?

Araneta Center pays tribute to all grandparents with #LOL Day: Love Our Lolo and Lola Day tomorrow.

With activities happening in Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza, and a main event unfolding at the Gateway Mall activity area, the goal is for them to have a lot of fun with their families.

As a special treat, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Elizabeth Clenci and Binibining Pilipinas International Mariel de Leon will serenade the lolos and lolas in Gateway Mall. Elizabeth is a bassist and has toured with blues artist Claude Hay in Australia before she won Binibining Pilipinas International. Mariel, on the other hand, is an actor and a classically trained singer who has been part of the Opera Belles.

The Quezon City Performing Arts Choir will also serenade the audience in Gateway Mall while artists from Filipino Portrait Artists Guild will hold a live sketching activity at the venue.

However, it’s not all fun and games on #LOL Day.

The Araneta Center is using this celebration to inspire people to care for their elders by focusing on their health and wellness.

By presenting at least P600 worth of single receipt, senior citizens are entitled to free health check-ups, and enjoy the program with health talks and product sampling at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza.

Registrants will also have a chance to win exciting prizes in all malls via games and raffle draws.

In Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza, seniors can join the Zumba party led by the award-winning Philippine Twiinz Alec Pang and Manny Licsi. Joining the high-energy duo are certified Zumba instructors Bryan Sanipa, Michael Lyon Partosa, Anet Buena, Ted Jimenez, Norman Buena, Harrich Kubong, Jenny Juntila, and Gina Matias.

Meanwhile, in partnership with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Araneta Center will host a watercolor art therapy session for elders from Barangay Socorro, Quezon City.

Facilitated by artists from Grupo

Kwadro, the session will be held at the Gateway Gallery today. #LOL Day: Love Your Lolo and Lola Day is also running a digital contest where those who share their memorable stories about their grandparents will have a chance to win a buffet meal for the whole family at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Show your grandparents some love by taking them to #LOL Day: Love Our Lolo and Lola Day at the Araneta Center 10 a.m. tomorrow. Share your own #MyAranetaLOLDayStory on social media.

For more details on, please visit www.aranetacenter.net, or visit its social media pages on Facebook, as well as Instagram at @Araneta Center.

Binibini Queens Elizabeth Clenci and Mariel Rodriguez

Watch ‘The X Factor UK’ finale live SKY, the country’s leading cable TV provider, and RTL CBS Entertainment are teaming up to send one subscriber and a companion to watch the finale of the star-making talent show The X Factor UK in London in December.

The singing competition that

produced hitmakers James Arthur and Little Mix can be seen every Sunday and Monday, same day as the US, at 10:30 a.m. on RTL CBS Entertainment, with an encore at 9 p.m..

The contest is open to all SKY subscribers with RTL

CBS Entertainment in their channel line-up.

Interested participants should go to www.mysky.com.ph/ xfactoruk to answer the form and say why they want to watch the The X Factor UK live.

Deadline for entries is on Oct.15, and the winner will be

announced on Oc. 22.

RTL CBS Entertainment is on SD channel 53 and HD channel 196 in Mega Manila.

Regional subscribers can view it on SD channel 616 and HD channel 739, while it’s available to SKYdirect subscribers on channel 35.

"The X Factor UK" finalist James Arthur

Marian Rivera plays her dream role in the newest Kapuso series

Home / Design

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 Joel D. Lacsamana,, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

WHERE THE SEA MEETS THE CITY

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ZUELA Cove, a brainchild of Aviana Development Corp., a joint-venture company of the Alcantara Group of Companies (AG) and Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), will soon rise as a waterside business and residential center in Davao City.

A 25-hectare development located at Km 7 Lanang, the P20 billion project offers Davao denizens home, business, and lifestyle options—all in one location, and marked by open spaces and a splendid view of the Davao Gulf.

Azuela Cove’s masterplan includes The Shops, which will be home to local food favorites as well as classic national and international dining establishments, and St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), which is set to open in 2022.

An early locator is Ayala Land Premier

(ALP), which will develop the first condominium towers in the district. Interim facilities include The Tent, a 2,000 sqm. air-conditioned events tent, and The Sports Hub, which includes a 90m x 58m soccer field.

Azuela Cove will be designed with sustainability in mind: aside from the site being hazard-resilient, it will nurture an existing regenerated forest, adapt a landscaping design that makes use of mostly native plant species, and have rainwater catchment facilities.

Gold standard

MASS HOUSING USING TOPNOTCH ENGINEERING. Developer 8990 Holdings Inc. (8990) and infrastructure company Megawide Construction Corporation (Megawide) recently partnered to build Urban Deca Homes Ortigas, a P14 B project which is Megawide’s largest contract for a single private sector EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction) project. The 13-hectare development in Pasig City will feature 24 residential buildings with a total of 18,993 units and a mall. As an EPC contractor, Megawide will undertake site development as well as civil, structural, architectural and MEPF (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection) works. Urban Deca Homes Ortigas is the second project for the 8990-Megawide partnership. Last year, the two companies broke ground for the construction of Urban Deca Homes Manila, a 13-building development in Tondo with a total of 13,012 residential units. At the signing were Megawide president & COO Edgar Saavedra, VP for operations Ronald Paulo, 8990 chairman Mariano Martinez, Jr., and COO Willibaldo Uy. ‘OTIS SWEET RIDING!’ Elevators have been around for thousands of years, but only when Elisha G. Otis invented the world’s first safety break in 1852 did elevators become a safe and reliable mode of transportation. Otis ushered in the age of elevators in the Philippines, making mobility possible in larger buildings ever since. Over 80 years later, Otis, through Concepcion-Otis Philippines, Inc. (COPI), a joint venture between Otis and Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), builds state-of-the-art elevators, using green technology, which reduces energy consumption and costs. Recently, Otis was given an award for Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) initiatives, from the OTIS regional office.

Rajan Komarasu, group director of Alstra, the commercial division of CIC, told the Manila Standard that residential and commercial developments have been driving the demand for elevators and escalators in the Philippines. Alstra houses Otis, along with the brands Carrier and Toshiba. “The increase in larger projects involving taller buildings in Visayas and Mindanao, along with the continued growth of the BPO industry, also fuels this demand,” Komarasu said.

JOSEPHINE GotianunYap, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Development Corp. and flagship business Filinvest Land Inc., is always on the look-out for new opportunities within the real estate industry, particularly endeavours that personify elegance, attention to detail, quality materials, and craftsmanship. Currently, Filinvest Land has set its sights on the Filigree, a project that it claims sets the “gold standard” in the local property scene.

“Filigree is the new symbol of excellence in the luxury real estate segment ,” said Mrs. Yap. “By having a keen understanding of our market, we are able to create signature

projects that are tailor fit to, and even go beyond, their discriminating needs.”

Nestled in an exclusive area in Filinvest City, Alabang’s garden central business district is Botanika Nature Residences, a low-density residential development that offers generous living spaces in a convenient condo setting.

Other Filigrees are Bristol at Parkway, located at Parkway Avenues in Filinvest City; the Beaufort in Bonifacio Global City’, a two-tower condominium that with a commanding view of the Manila Golf; and the Enclave Alabang, a 13-hectare residential subdivision along the upscale section of Daang Hari Road.

‘Techie’ creature comforts

OKADA Manila pampers its guests, especially in every one of its 993 rooms and suites, and more so in all of its Inax-outfitted bathrooms and toilets.

Inax Satis is one of the the world’s most compact, fully-automated tank- less toilet systems, from Lixil, a maker of sanitary wares.

Inax gave Japan its first bidet toilets, from its inception in Japan, and through 50 years of cutting edge shower toilet technology, as one of Lixil’s products, Inax Satis provides Okada Manila with ‘plasmacluster technology’ that cleans even the air after every use, hands-free convenience with its fully automated system and an automatic seat and cover with a built-in sensor to open and close its lid whenever it detects the presence of a user.

Lixil is heavily involved in the housing and building industry. Its portfolio spans everything from technologies that revolutionize how people interact with water in their daily lives, to a full lineup of products and services for houses and major architectural projects.

Seclusion and convenience DEVELOPER DMCI Homes combines quiet living and easy access with Calathea Place, its 1.54 hectare development currently being built along Dr. A Santos Avenue(formerly Sucat Road) in Paranaque City.

Only 3.8 kilometers away from the South Luzon Expressway, going to Makati Central

Business District, Calathea Place is near commercial centers like SM BF Parañaque, Santana Grove, Puregold Sucat, and Alabang Town Center, giving residents a bevy of choices for recreation. Calathea Place offers a comfortable lifestyle experience for homeowners with its greeneries, open spaces,

breezeways, atriums and leisure-inspired amenities.

Once completed, the sanctuary will feature four medium-rise residential towers, namely, Zebrina and Leonia, both eight storeys high, as well as Lavender and Marantina, which will have twelve floors apiece.

Dino Ray Directo III, Editor

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Trucks &Buses

Tips for safely sharing the road with Big Trucks 1.

Avoid blind spots around large trucks. If you can’t see a truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you.

2.

Do not pass a truck on the right while the truck is turning right.

Trucks must swing wide to the left to negotiate right turns safely.

3.

Do not cut in front of any large vehicle because they require much more distance to stop in comparison to cars.

4.

When passing a semi, wait until you can see the entire cab in your rearview mirror before pulling in front of the truck.

5.

Give trucks at least four to six seconds of space in wet conditions and at highway speeds.

6.

Do not cut off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach your exit or turn.

7.

Slow down when driving through work zones. Nearly one-third of work zone fatal crashes involve large trucks.

8.

Always drive defensively, and never aggressively. Over half of traffic fatalities can be linked to aggressive driving behaviors.

9.

Stay focused on the road. Do not text or use your cell phone while driving.

10. Always wear your seatbelt.

Cautious, attentive drivers make public roads safe for all motorists. You can also help by notifying traffic safety agencies of crashes, unsafe drivers, unsafe roadway conditions, and other situations that can lead to accidents.

Why overloading is dangerous Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III

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CSR: Hino supports Phil–Nippon Technical HINO Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, expands its CSR program with a donation to the Phil – Nippon Technical College.

HMP, in partnership with its principal, Hino Motors Ltd., donated major assemblies such as Engine, Transmission, and related parts of Japan to upgrade PNTC’s Powertrain training programs. The donation includes the Hino J08 series diesel engine, which was developed for Hino medium duty trucks and buses, and two types of transmission and differential systems.

These were turned over to PNTC during a ceremony held last September 4 at the PNTC Laguna Campus and attended

by HMP President Hiroshi Aoki, HML Senior General Manager Takeshi Yasuda, and HML Deputy General Manager Hiro-

shige Fukuoka.

PNTC offers technical skills and Japanese language training programs designed to meet the standards of Japanese companies. Graduates of the school are referred to affiliate Japanese companies through HML Japan. Since 2015, PNTC has sent more than 250 graduates to Japan.

“We are very excited about this new project we have with the Phil – Nippon Tech College. As we affirm our commitment to sustainable community with excellent skill sets, we also continue to provide uncompromising reliability, safety and economy in transport as a one-stop shop for quality trucks and buses,” said Aoki.

HMP’s annual CSR program comprises various activities, including tree planting, medical missions, Brigada Eskwela and bloodletting projects.

AXIMIZING or overloading your truck is a great cause of concern for the logistics industry. While it may earn more money and less travel/delivery time for the parties involved, this practice of overloading can lead to unsafe situationsorworse, injuries and fatalities.

Overloaded trucks are among the leading causes of road accidents.

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that 1.25 percent of the World population dies of road accidents and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reports that in 2014 alone, 483 people were injured, 28 of which were caused by overloaded buses.

Herein are the primary factors to consider when overloading your cargo truck or delivery van.

Higher risk of accidents Overloading violates a number of government regulations such as RA 8794 otherwise known as the Anti-overloading law. When a vehicle is overloaded the braking distance increases and leads to the driver misjudging the stopping distance. Additionally, tire failure rates are higher because when the load increases, the tires run hotter and the center of gravity is raised; which adds to rollover risk.

When a load is overweight, unbalanced, overloaded or shifts while moving, the

chances of the driver losing control of the vehicle goes up. Even if a vehicle does not exceed the payload limits — if it is improperly loaded it can cause the truck to be off balance, which makes it more likely to roll over even when it under the payload limits.

Axle stress and breakage Regardless of the vehicle weight being within the OEM limits, the vehicle may still be overloaded if a portion of the maximum payload of the truck is on just one axle. Load distribution is equally important as overloading the truck by weight. If the rear axle is carrying more than 90% of the total load, the front axle does not have enough weight n the driving surface which can cause premature wear and tear on suspension components, brake system and tires.

Costly maintenance and repair Because overloading shortens a truck’s service it also increases operating expenses. Surveys show that overloading is actually the #1 cause of unscheduled maintenance on for fleet trucks. The manufacturer of the truck set the GVWR to what the vehicle can safely stop, carry and perform at an acceptable level.

When payload and weight distribution is not considered it can result in equipment failure, personal injuries as well as possible liabilities. Fleet managers need to avoid modifying trucks in order to carry greater payloads like changing tire sizes or adding spring kits, air shocks, heavyduty brakes, or anti-sway kits. Often the components can add significant weight to the chassis and that reduces the available payload by several hundred pounds so the modifications can defeat the purpose.

Metal FRESH

Landing Gears for trucks by JOST JOST landing gears are extremely versatile and have proven themselves time and again in daily use. Virtually any customer specification can be satisfied thanks to the flexible and modular design of the Modul series. The range includes landing gears both for standard applications (Modul B) and for special applications (Modul C). All landing gears in the Modul series have a patented drive whose internal design provides optimum protection, eliminates the need for maintenance and offers many other advantages during operation. For example, the large lift by one turn of the crank with a low cranking force makes operation easy and convenient. Switching between high and low gear is quick, easy and safe. The modular design also allows a variety of versions with different mounting and bolting heights, crank and connection shaft lengths, and foot types.

All Modul landing gears are protected against environmental influences and falling rocks by a high quality powder coating. JOST regularly tests the high stability and safety of the landing gears during series production based on the strict AAR standard.

JOST truck parts are exclusively distributed by Pioneer Truck Parts and Equipment Corporation. For more information, visit their showroom at 341 G. Araneta Avenue, Bgy. Santol, Quezon City, Philippines or call (02) 713-1998/7882190 or log on www.pioneertrucks.ph

But mainly it creates unsafe situations and changes the integrity of the vehicle. Also, modifications can result in warranty claim denial and increase liability exposure in the instance of an accident.

Overloaded trucks is one of the primary cause of road deterioration. Public roads and bridges have specific weight limits, so if overloaded trucks frequently use our public roads, deterioration of the asphalt or cement is hastened.

Prevention is better Being hands-on is the best way to determine if vehicles are being overloaded. Go into the field and assess usage. Drivers may request the wrong vehicle for fleet application, meanwhile, the fleet manager is thinking everything is fine. In the field, check for sagging rear-end; premature brake wear, irregular tire wear; and loose, unresponsive steering and suspension, all of which indicate overloading. Clean out unnecessary items and maintain tighter inventory control of what is carried in the vehicle.

Additionally, fleet managers can design loading areas to force workers to distribute the freight weight correctly. Routes can also be scheduled to help position for weight distribution, not just delivery time. Properly training drivers on loading technique are also important. Eliminate unnecessary shelving or equipment and during the training process be sure to train forklift operators on freight distribution.

Overloading is unsafe, entails cost, and highly risky. Be proactive, make sure it’s not just lip service when it comes to curbing overloading. Protect your fleet. Better to be safe than sorry.