Manila Standard - 2017 September 19 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

Sept. 21 National Day of Protest—Du30 By John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte declared Sept. 21 “a National Day of Protest” in anticipation of threats of massive demonstrations to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dicta-

tor Ferdinand Marcos and the abuses under his regime. “September 21 is not a holiday. I have declared it as a day of protest,” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview during the wake of a slain cop in Caloocan. The President said he would suspend government work and

classes during that day, adding that all those who want to protest, including those from government can demonstrate. “All of those who wanted to protest against the government, against the police and even the police — go down here and protest,” he added.

Duterte even dared the communist New People’s Army to bring the protests to Manila, as he vowed not to arrest them. “The military said that the rebels, the red army — come down here, I will not arrest you. I will not arrest you but do not, for the Next page

VOL. XXXI • NO. 217 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

SHIELD NO MORE. Horacio II and Carmina Castillo (below) weep after their 22-year-old son Horacio III (above), a freshman law student of the University of Santo Tomas, was found dead in a funeral parlor in Sampaloc, Manila early Monday, apparently a victim of hazing by the Aegis Juris fraternity, whose Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina has been identified as a frat member. Divina has barred all officers and members of Aegis Juris from entering and attending classes ‘to ensure unobstructed investigation.’ Norman Cruz

UST law student dies from hazing Six frat men hunted; DoJ orders probe

Traffic men urged: Go easy on lawmakers

By Bill Casas and Rey E. Requejo

22-YEAROLD freshman law student of the University of Santo Tomas died after undergoing hazing, allegedly by members of the Aegis Juris fraternity, police said Monday.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano HOUSE Majority Floor Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas on Monday appealed to traffic enforcers to go easy on lawmakers committing traffic violations by exempting them from arrest. He made his appeal during the hearing by the House committee on transportation, led by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento. He was with the members of the InterAgency Council on Traffic or I-ACT that briefed the Next page

Rody vows to keep CHR Sayyaf chief must die in Marawi—military ‘hanging’ till Gascon quits BySolmerin Florante S. and John AFTER Congress moved to defund the Commission on Human Rights with just a budget of P1,000, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday vowed to leave it hanging as long as his top critic, chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon, stayed in the agency. “We’re not abolishing the Human Rights Commission, but they’ll stand by as long as Gascon is there,” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview in Caloocan City. He also said he would invite the UN’s Human Rights

Commission to set up a satellite ofﬁce in the country, since the CHR would be practically useless. Amid Gascon’s call for the President to “elevate the level of discourse,” he said in a separate speech that he never accused Gascon of being a pedophile “just for fun.” In the House of Representatives, at least three lawmakers defended their decision to support the P1,000 budget for the CHR. Party-List Reps. Eugene de Vera of ABS party-list, Next page

Paolo Bencito

ISNILON Hapilon, the Abu Sayyaf leader reportedly designated the “emir” of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, must die, Armed

Forces chief Eduardo Año said Monday. “We don’t want Isnilon to leave Marawi alive,” Año said at a press brieﬁng at Camp Aguinaldo. Año said Hapilon was still alive in Marawi but separated from the remain-

ing Maute group terrorists, contradicting claims that the Abu Sayyaf leader had ﬂed the battle zone through an underground tunnel, and that he had escaped to Basilan. The Armed Forces chief said three terrorists who

A CATHOLIC priest kidnapped by Islamic State supporters when they occupied parts of Marawi City nearly four months ago smiled and called for prayers Monday after escaping. Fr. Teresito Suganob appeared at a press conference at military headquarters in Manila after he was rescued

and Macon RamosAraneta

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Priest on Maute ordeal: I’m physically strong late on Saturday, when the military said it overran the militants’ control center inside a mosque in Marawi. “Thank you and I pray for you, God bless you all. Pray for me, for my recovery,” said Suganob, commonly known as “Father Chito,” as he smiled and waved to reporters.

In jocular mood despite his ordeal, the heavily bearded but apparently well-fed Suganob declared: “I am physically strong and handsome. That’s it for now.” Hundreds of gunmen rampaged through Marawi on May 23 and then occupied key districts in what authorities Next page

Narcs put one over Faeldon, P6-b shabu rap BoC men for conspiracy case pretrial under way By Rey E. Requejo

BRONZE STATUE. Workers are occupied Monday installing a life-size bronze statue of former secretary of Justice Jose Diokno, a firm human rights advocate, in front of the Commission on Human Rights Office in Commonwealth, Quezon City. The CHR is an independent constitutional office created under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, with the primary function of investigating all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights in the Philippines. Manny Palmero

surrendered said that of the Maute brothers, only Omar was still alive. “There are two main groups. One is led by Hapilon, who came from Basilan, and there’s the group led by Omar,” Año said.

Horacio Tomas Castillo III died of a massive heart attack due to injuries consistent with hazing, the initial autopsy by the Manila Police District medico-legal team said. Both Castillo’s arms showed severe blood clotting, possibly from being beaten with solid objects, and there were cigarette burns and drops of candle wax on different parts of the body, the MPD said. On Sunday, Castillo was found on a sidewalk along Balut in Tondo, Manila. A concerned passerby brought him to Chinese General Hospital where he was pronounced Next page dead on arrival.

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has asked the Department of Justice to indict former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and 11 other Customs ofﬁcials for conspiracy to import illegal drugs and protecting or coddling drug trafﬁckers in connection with the smuggling of a P6.4-billion shabu shipment facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

HAND HEAVE. Rescued Catholic priest Father Teresito Sug-

anob waves to journalists Monday as he is presented during a news conference at the military headquarters in Manila following his Sept. 16 rescue in Marawi City where he was kidnapped by Islamic State supporters. AFP

seized in May. In a 23-page complaint filed on Monday, the PDEA sought the prosecution of Faeldon and the other Customs officers for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Faeldon and other Customs officers were also accused of obstruction of justice by “harboring or concealing or facilitating the escape” of the people behind the shabu shipment.

THE Justice Department on Monday started its preliminary investigation of the drug-smuggling charges ﬁled against three Filipino-Chinese businessmen and seven others in connection with the smuggling of a P6.4-billion shabu shipment seized in May. Dong Yi Shen alias Kenneth Dong appeared and submitted his counter-afﬁdavit

Impeach-poll chief case weak?

manilastandard.net

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives’ committee on justice may dismiss the impeachment complaint filed against Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista for “insufficiency in form,” a House official said Monday.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, the panel chairperson, said the committee would apply the same rule it applied on the impeachment rap ﬁled against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. “The committee will have to be consistent, subject to

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Iloilo mayor indicted for graft By Rio N. Araja

MBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted on Monday Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for graft or violation of Republic Act 3019 in connection with a supposed anomalous towing deal in 2015.

Mabilog, accused by President Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in the illegal drugs, and Plaridel Nava II, a city councilor, will face trial before the Sandiganbayan. On April 8, 2014, the city council approved

Sayyaf.. From A1

The Catholic priest, Chito Suganod, told the military that he and dozens of hostages were captives of the Maute group, who were deployed in the Bato Mosque before a military assault on Saturday. Suganod said up to 50 hostages were still in the hands of the Mautes. President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ruled out the possibility of negotiating with the remaining terrorists in Marawi, who were considering releasing the remaining hostages in exchange for their safe passage out of the city. “Impossible. I will not even agree to look at them,” the President said in a chance interivew during the wake of a policeman slain in Caloocan City. “This will not end until the last terrorist is taken out—that is my order to the Armed Forces and even the police,” he added. The President said he was particularly worried about the fate of the female hostages. “There are reports that they were being repeatedly raped every night. That’s a gross violation of the rights of a human being and an affront on the dignity of Filipina women,” he said. A military spokesman on Monday urged hostages in Marawin to just wave a white flag if they are being forced to fight on the side of the terrorists. “Should they wave a white flag, the shooting will stop to give way for the verification of those who’ve waived their flags,” military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a Palace news briefing. “However, if they show signs of hostility, our soldiers have the right to defend themselves or neutralize the targets,” he added. Padilla said the military would take care of hostages that try to escape. “We know the rules of engagement. We know the rules of war. And if there’s a white flag flying out there for an individual, we will respect his right and he will be treated well,” he added. Padilla said there were still about 40 to 60 hostages. Government troops have already captured the command center of Maute group, the Islamic State supporters who have besieged Marawi City for nearly four months.

Rody... From A1

Anthony Bravo of Coop Natcco and Aniceto Bertiz III of Acts-OFW, at a news conference Monday, said it was only proper for the Commission headed by Chito Gascon to get a miniscule budget for not performing its functions as guardians against all forms of abuses involving civil and political rights. The three lawmakers were among the 119 House members who supported the motion of SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante to reduce the 2018

Narcs... From A1

Meanwhile, Faeldon on Monday sought the suspension or expulsion of Senator Panfilo Lacson after he filed an ethics complaint against the senator before the Senate

a regulation ordinance incorporating the use of a wheel towing clamp as part of its towing ordinance. On Feb. 17, 2015, the council passed a resolution giving Mabilog the green light to sign a memorandum of agreement between the local government and 3L Towing Services for the implementation of the city’s clamping ordinance. Under the arrangement, 70 percent of the fines collected would be given to the towing company, while the remaining 30 percent would go to the Iloilo City government. Two weeks later or on Feb. 27, 2015, Mabilog wrote an urgent letter to councilors and informed them of the suspension of the agreement due to “some technical issues.”

UST... From A1

MPD chief PSSupt. Joel Napoleon Coronel said they were looking at the involvement of at least six members of the Aegis Juris fraternity, and possibly alumni and faculty members who were said to be involved in the hazing over the weekend. “We are coordinating closely with the family, especially the parents, who are providing us with the material information regarding the activities of their son last Saturday night who they claim was supposed to attend the reception or initiation rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity,” Coronel said. He also said they were coordinating with UST, which condemned all forms of hazing and vowed to punish those responsible for Castillo’s death. The UST Faculty of Civil

Priest...

Law ordered the preventive suspension of all officers and members of the Aegis Juris fraternity. “Members of this group… would not be allowed to enter the campus or the Faculty of Civil Law or attend classes until further orders,” UST Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina said, in a memo posted Monday on Facebook by the Varsitarian. Divina said the investigation would be immediately conducted so that “appropriate sanctions [could] be imposed.” Horacio Castillo Jr., the victim’s father, cried after they were informed of the autopsy results. He asked that those responsible for his son’s death face the consequences of their crime. Earlier, the victim’s mother, Carmina Castillo, told radio dzBB that their son told them he was invited to join a fraternity. He told them the

said was an attempt to establish a Southeast Asian base for IS in the Philippines. More than 800 people have been killed and large parts of Marawi have been destroyed in the ensuing fighting, which has seen the militants defy a US-backed military campaign that has included heavy bombing. Suganob was taken hostage along with about 13 parishioners from a Marawi cathedral on the first day of the fighting. The militants later released a video showing themselves vandalizing the cathedral. A video released by his captors in late May showed Suganob standing in the rubble of buildings in Marawi asking President Rodrigo Duterte to withdraw troops and stop the military offensive. Suganob said at the time that the gunmen were holding 240 “prisoners of war,” including teachers, carpenters and household workers. They were mostly Christians and local tribespeople. “We want to live another day. We want to live another month,” Suganob said in the video as gunfire was heard in the distance. One escaped hostage later told authorities that Suganob had been forced to serve as a cook for the militants, according to the then-military spokesman Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera in early July. This was one of many reports that the militants were forcing their hostages to work as slaves. Authorities said the hos-

tages’ roles included carrying the gunmen’s food and ammunition, serving as stretcher-bearers for their wounded, collecting munitions and even acting as human shields. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Monday that 673 militants, 47 civilians and 149 soldiers had been killed in the fighting. He said there were 40 to 60 hostages still in the hands of the militants, adding some were still being forced to fight on the side of the gunmen. There were up to 80 fighters on the IS side but they could include some of the hostages, Padilla said. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) thanked the military and government for the safe rescue of Suganob. Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña, member of the CBCP’s Commission on Culture, commended the military for its efforts in rescuing Suganob and other hostages abducted by the terrorists. “I am happy receiving messages about Fr. Chito’s rescue no matter how hazy they are,” Dela Pena said. Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza confirmed that Suganob was rescued last Sept. 16, 2017 in an area near Marawi City’s second biggest mosque in Bato District. However, Dureza declined to give more information because of ongoing military operations in the area with the hope of rescuing more civilian hostages. AFP with Vito Barcelo

CHR’s proposed P678 million to P1,000. “I stood by my vote to slash the CHR budget for [sic] P1,000. We have reviewed the performance of the Commission and we believe it fails to do its mandate,” De Vera said. A case in point cited by De Vera was the “lag-lag bala” incident involving an overseas Filipino worker named Gloria Ortinez who fell victim to the bullet-planting racket at the Ninoy Aquino International Airpot in 2015. De Vera said the CHR had been silent about this issue

which victimized many individuals. Bravo said the CHR must investigate all forms of human rights violations regardless of political color or political affiliations. He also slammed the CHR’s alleged partisanship in dealing with cases of alleged summary killings. “The P1,000 does mean the amount was the value of human rights but the fact that the CHR is not performing its mandate to guard against all abuses,” Bravo said. John Paolo Bencito and Maricel Cruz

ethics committee. Faeldon asked the committee led by Senator Vicente Sotto III to find Lacson guilty of unethical, unparliamentary and improper conduct as a senator. Faeldon said Lacson violated his constitutional rights through calumny, the abuse

of his privilege as a senator and serious misconduct. PDEA also asked that Faeldon and the other respondents be indicted for corruption and negligence. The other respondents are Customs directors Milo Maestrecampo and Neil Anthony Es-

From A1

On May 19, 2015, 3L proprietor Leny Garcia wrote Mabilog and offered to withdraw from the agreement “amidst the legal issues confronting it and submit to legal processes prescribed by laws on government bidding and procurement.” As committee on transportation chairperson, Nava accused Mabilog of actually owning the towing company, and that Mabilog had direct financial interest in the agreement. “Mabilog allegedly employed his services to perpetuate and consummate his illegitimate, immoral, dishonest and underground acts and transactions with private groups and corporate personalities doing or intending to do business in the city of Iloilo by using his

power and influence as the chief executive of the city government,” the Ombudsman said, quoting Nava. Moreover, Nava alleged Mabilog instructed him to look for someone they could trust to stand as a dummy owner, and to estimate the cost and expenditures for the proposed business venture on clamping services. Based on the complaint, Nava regularly reported to Mabilog about the status of the business venture, and that the mayor handed him P500,000 in business capital contribution on June 16, 2014. The Ombudsman said Mabilog also reportedly expedited the release of the business and mayor’s permits of the towing company.

Consultants cost SRA chief's post By John Paolo Bencito

tion, particularly in the University of Santo Tomas that values and promotes charity and compassion. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators be meted the appropriate sanctions and brought to justice. “Investigation is ongoing to ferret out the truth, determine liability and institute the necessary legal actions.” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe Castillo’s death and build a criminal case against the perpetrators. “The DOJ condemns any act of senseless violence committed against our youth and against any innocent person for that matter,” Aguirre said, in a statement. “As a parent myself, I feel their loss and anguish. We will endeavor to see to it that those who are responsible

will be held accountable to the full extent of the law,” said Aguirre who himself is member of a fraternity, Lex Talionis of San Beda College of Law School, along with President Rodrigo Duterte. The MPD earlier reported that a concerned citizen found Castillo at H. Lopez Boulevard and Infanta Street in Balut, Tondo, at about 8 a.m. Sunday. He was taken to Chinese General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Castillo’s family learned about the incident about 1 a.m. Monday, when the student’s mother received a text message from the Chinese General Hospital. His bloated body bore bruises, cigarette and candle wax burns. Crying, his father also told radio dzBB that he had tried to dissuade his son from joining the fraternity.

Sept. 21...

tion convener and Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) national president, said they oppose martial law because it will add to the socioeconomic burden of Filipinos and strip them of civil, political and cultural rights. Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis, said they are against Duterte’s threat of martial law. “When our brothers the jeepney drivers and those in the transport sector protest, his answer is martial law,” he said in Filipino. A candlelight vigil is set at 6 p.m. in Mendiola on Sept.

20. The next day, there will be a transport and people’s rally from 8 to 11 a.m. and a march to Morayta then Welcome Rotunda for Bayan and Movement Against Tyranny’s rally at Luneta Park. Duterte said he will “not hesitate to impose martial law all throughout the country and order the arrest of everybody” if communist rebels will resort to violence in the streets. Also on Monday, the Office of the Civil Defense said nationwide earthquake drills set for Sept. 21 were not meant to undermine protests against the government.

SUGAR Regulatory Administration chief Anna Rosario Paner has been sacked over allegations of corruption in the agency. “I have already removed many people. The latest one was Paner of the Sugar Regulatory [Administration],” Duterte said in his speech before public attorneys. Duterte referred to Paner as the official who allegedly gave her consultants a monthly salary of P200,000 per month—something that insulted him the most. “Let me remind the secretaries, the directors: do not do that. You’ll be giving consultants more than P200,000 a month? Are you fooling me?” “T***. Kung ganito lang ang sweldo dito, alis na ako,” he added. In a speech earlier this month, Duterte threatened to abolish some government agencies, including the Road Board and the Sugar Regulatory Authority after apparently gaining his ire. Duterte reiterated his vow to stop graft and corruption. “Let me remind everybody [in the] Executive department. You have no indulgence to pay back anyone becausee you were not elected,” he said in Filiupino. Duterte himself appointed Paner, a former chief executive of the Negros-based listed company Victorias Milling Co. Inc. to be the new head of the SRA. The SRA is classified as a Government-Owned and/ or Controlled Corporation, putting it under the Governance Commission for GOCCs, with the administrator subject to annual performance review. Executive Order No. 18 requires the SRA “to promote the growth and development of the sugar industry through greater participation of the private sector and to improve the working conditions of the laborers.”

Traffic...

Transportation Office and the Metro Manila Council composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors. The MMDA on Monday said the members of the Metro Manila Council will decide whether they will give “parliamentary immunity” to lawmakers who will be caught violating traffic rules. Assistant General Manager for Planning Jose Arturo Garcia made the statement in reaction to Fariñas’ appeal.

The MMC is the governing board and the policymaking body of the MMDA. Fariñas said lawmakers were covered by “parliamentary immunity” as provided by Section 11, Article VI of the Constitution. “It is called Parliamentary Immunity that is universally accepted,” Fariñas told reporters in a Viber message. But some legal experts expressed belief that the constitutional provision was applicable inside Congress.

Fariñas appealed to transport officials and the officials and the members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Traffic to exempt lawmakers from traffic-related offenses attending sessions at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. He said as provided by the rules, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez may surrender to authorities the House members who had violated traffic rules once the session was finished.

final collegial action/approval thereon,” Umali said in an interview. He said his panel would assess the form and substance of the Bautista impeachment complaint during its scheduled hearing on Wednesday. In related developments: • The Office of the Ombudsman has summoned the wife of Bautista, Patricia Paz, to shed light into his alleged ill-gotten wealth and non-declaration of assets and properties. Lorna Kapunan, Patricia Paz’s legal counsel, said the Ombudsman had begun its fact-finding investigation into the Comelec chief’s illgotten wealth. She and Patricia Paz went to the Ombudsman out of respect even if the National Bureau of Investigation had already stepped into the matter, she said. She added they told the Ombudsman they did not want to preempt the NBI’s ongoing probe. The poll chief declared a P176.3-million asset in his

Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, but Patricia Paz claimed her husband owned several properties not declared in his SALN, and that he was maintaining ghost employees at the Comelec. • Sereno’s spokesperson said Monday the chief justice had been professional with her dealings with fellow Supreme Court magistrates despite differences of opinion. This, despite reports Sereno has been unpopular among her colleagues, with two justices allegedly willing to testify against her. Speaking to ANC, lawyer Carlo Cruz said debates stemming from disagreements, and even elevated voices, were but normal among Supreme Court justices, and this did not affect their work. “Nobody’s perfect with interpersonal dealings with people... the Chief Justice is professional just like all the other magistrates in the Supreme Court,” said Cruz. “There may be debates, disagreements, discussions.

There may be elevated voices. But these magistrates, after everything’s been said and done, they are brethren. They are friends,” he added. Cruz maintained that resignation had never been an option for Sereno as she was determined to maintain the dignity of her office and preserve the judiciary’s independence. The House justice committee last week found the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon against Sereno sufficient in form and substance. Former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed the complaint against Bautista for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution over allegations of ill-gotten wealth. The complaint was endorsed by at least three lawmakers. The complainants of the Bautista impeachment used improper verification form that failed to state their common knowledge of the charges they alleged or based on authentic records. With Rio Araja

trella; intelligence officers Joel Pinawin and Oliver Valiente; Manila International Container Port district collector lawyer Vincent Phillip Maronilla; Faeldon’s fiancée, lawyer Jeline Maree Magsuci; and Customs employees Alexandra Ventura, Randolph Cabansag, Dennis

Maniego, Dennis Cabildo and John Edillor. PDEA said the importation of the illegal drugs would not have been possible if not for the “incompetence and corruption of the Bureau of Customs officials.” “The said incompetence

and corruption effectively shielded and facilitated the escape of Chen Ju Long and prevented his immediate arrest and prospective prosecution for the importation of 602.279 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu,” the complaint says.

initiation was already over and the welcome event, an overnight drinking session, would be held on Saturday at UST. Horacio never made it home. “We received news report that a UST law student, Horacio Castillo III, died in an alleged hazing incident involving the Aegis Juris Fraternity,” UST said in a statement. “No words can describe our sadness for this unfortunate incident.” “We express our profound sympathy and offer our prayers to his family for their pain and anguish—a pain that we share seeing that the life of our very own student, with all of its aspirations and potentials, taken away because of a senseless act. “At the same time, we condemn in no uncertain terms hazing in any form or manner. Violence has no place in an academic institu-

From A1 life of me, I’m asking you do not commit a crime. No vandalism, no everything,” he said. The police and the army will be in their barracks, and only traffic enforcers would be around, he said. Militant groups said they would join the mass protest on Sept. 21. The No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition said they will protest the continued fuel hikes and taxation as well as President Duterte’s use of martial law as a threat. George San Mateo, coali-

From A1

lawmakers on their plans, programs and projects in preparation for the holiday season. I-ACT is composed of the Philippine National PoliceHighway Patrol Group, Department of Transportation and Communications, Metro Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land

Impeach-poll... From A1

P6-b... From A1

denying the charges he is importing illegal drugs. He was earlier arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents over a rape case and is now detained in the Parañaque City jail. Another respondent, importer Eirene May Tatad, also denied knowledge of the shipment containing 605 transparent plastic bags of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Three other respondents―Filipi no - Chi nese businessman Chen Ju Long alias Richard Chen and customs brokers Mark Ruben Taguba II and Teejay Marcellana―either appeared in the hearing or sent their lawyers but did not submit answers. As a result, Assistant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes gave them more time to file their counter-affidavits in the next hearing on Sept. 25. Reyes said the rest of the respondents who failed to appear before the hearing―Li Guang Feng alias Manny Li and Taiwanese nationals Chen Min and Jhu Ming Jyun―had lost their opportunity to answer the charges, and that the complaint against them had already been considered submitted for resolution. Rey E. Requejo

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

Group asks subsidy for workers By Vito Barcelo

ABOR group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said it will not contest the P21 wage increase in basic pay issued by the wage board but it will ask President Rodrigo Duterte for additional government cash subsidy to help minimum wage earners cope with the expensive cost of living not only in Metro Manila but in other regions as well.

“We will no longer pursue our plan to ﬁle an appeal on the wage order issued by the wage board giving workers in Metro Manila a P21 wage increase in their basic pay. What we will pursue is to ask President Duterte again

to grant our request to him to provide a P500 monthly subsidy or P16 a day for all minimum-waged earners, not just in Metro Manila but to all workers nationwide, to augment workers’ purchasing power to cope with 3.1 percent-

and-rising inﬂation and surging cost of living,” ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said. “The President has promised genuine change. Well, this is the right time to tilt the balance in favor of the

workers who have been living way below the poverty standard and fulfill his vow for real reforms in view of the few elites who hoards the wealth of our country and control our democratic system,” Tanjusay said. He added that the workers also deserve government cash assistance for helping the Philippine economic Gross Domestic Product to an average high of 6.9 percent. “Government, not just employers, business owners and capitalists, should contribute by rewarding workers who are helping the country

economically grow with their toil, sweat and blood despite of low wages, difficult and stressful working environment,” Tanjusay said. The Regional Tripartite and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region granted a P21 wage hike in the basic to workers in NCR amid the P184 wage increase petition filed by ALU-TUCP on June 6, 2017. The minimum wage in NCR will become P512 effective first week of October next month. On the other hand, the average daily minimum pay for all 16 other regions nationwide is at P300 a day.

However, with the 27.79 percent erosion of the daily pay, the purchasing power of the forthcoming P512 daily salary to buy goods and services is only P376 a day—which is way below the P1,200 a day, the amount the ALUTUCP said needed by a family of five persons to survive in one day above poverty level. The ALU-TUCP government subsidy proposal was submitted to Duterte on April 26, 2017. The increase will be initially sourced from the excess and unspent funds allotted to government departments and agencies within the fiscal year.

Du30 won’t comment on Jinggoy’s release ByJohnPaoloBencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday refrained from talking about Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was released on bail by the Sandiganbayan. “No,” Duterte said, waving his hand and appearing disinterested. “Ask the Sandiganbayan, it’s not my territory.” Incarcerated Senator Leila de Lima earlier branded Estrada’s release from detention as the height of the Duterte administration’s “trademark impunity,” as she raised doubts over the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division’s decision to grant Estrada’s petition for bail, an appeal the division junked last year under a different set of judges. “Is the judiciary now introducing new procedure and doctrines just to accommodate the whims of the President?” De Lima said in a statement. “After a previous bail denial on the ground that the evidence against Estrada is strong, a reconstituted Sandiganbayan division with Duterte appointees suddenly finds cause to set Estrada free not because they now find the evidence weak, but because the court thinks that Estrada is not a flight risk,” she added. Estrada, who was accused of plunder and 11 counts of graft and corruption, was released from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center after posting a P1.3-million bail on Saturday.

CA upholds decision on appeal bond THE Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court’s decision allowing a private firm to post an appeal bond with the Department of Public Works and Highways in connection with the firm’s protest questioning the bidding process of a multimillionpeso road project in 2012. At a media briefing, Redentor Viaje, legal counsel of RC Tagala Construction, said the appellate court issued a ruling in their favor last week and ordered the DPWH to accept the firm’s appeal bond. The order affirmed Lucena City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 53 decision, directing the DPWH’s Quezon 1 Engineering District Office to accept RC Tagala’s bond of P256,917.75 and recognize the protect of the company in accordance with the provision of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Law. “This case clearly demonstrates how the procurement agencies of our government offices, desperately tried to twist the law, or frustrate the spirit of the law or at least minimize the irregularities in the bidding processes,” Viaje said. Rio N. Araja

PH to provide assistance to Myanmar

NEW TOUR OF DUTY. Commanding Officer Ramilo B. Trinidad and Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Steve C. Morata lead the oathtaking of

Philippine Navy Seaman Second Class 2 Nolly Datoon and Jeric Tanding aboard BRP Lake Caliraya (AO81), a tanker ship of the Philippine Navy on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 at South Harbor, Manila as the two extend their tour of duty at the same vessel. The event is part of the reenlistment procedure of the personnel of the Philippine Navy where they take their oath every three years as an acknowledgment of serving again the AFP regular force. Norman Cruz

SPD orders relief of 31 Pasay PCP policemen By Joel E. Zurbano SOUTHERN Police District director Tomas Apolinario on Monday ordered the relief of the entire force of a police community precinct in Pasay City following reports that some of their ofﬁcers pocketed the money of a theft victim last month. A total of 31 policemen, including PCP-3 commander Chief Insp. Remedio Terte,

were relieved and placed under ﬂoating status at the National Capital RegionPersonnel Holding and Accounting Unit and SPD headquarters in Taguig City. Apolinario said the relief of PCP 3, Libertad, Pasay City Police Station and their reassignment at the District Headquarters is a normal process while their case is being investigated. He added this is also one way to pave

way to the investigation that the SPD will be conducting. “We have been receiving reports of irregularities and malpractice being committed by some of our personnel and I do not want that this will further worsen. Hence, I have to nip it in the bud. They must answer for their acts. Should they be found out to be responsible later on, appropriate charges will be lodged against them criminally

and administratively,” he said. Terte will be replaced by Chief Insp. Marvin Oloan from the PCP-7. SPD spokesperson Jenny Tecson said 34 personnel from the SPD Public Safety Batallion will replace the 30 other relieved police personnel. “The District Director had once again reminded the personnel particularly the PO1s to equip themselves

with the knowledge on legalities. He is hopeful that what have had happened in Pasay would be the last incident that SPD will be dragged in,” said Tecson. Meanwhile, Pasay City police chief Senior Supt. Dionisio Bartolome welcomed the said measures taken by the SPD leadership and said that he will not interfere nor inﬂuence whatever result of the investigation.

Caloocan cops face robbery, child abuse raps By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday has formed a task force to investigate on the reported use of a minor by Caloocan policemen allegedly to rob a house they raided last Sept. 7. Aguirre said that the Department of Justice task

force on child protection has been ordered to probe the allegation against the 13 Caloocan policemen involved in the raid on house of Gina Erobas where they ordered a child to steal some P26,000 worth of valuables. “Part of my directive is for the DOJ Task Force to ﬁle the necessary charges against the responsible persons who

have committed any act which is tantamount to child abuse,” the DOJ chief said, in a statement. “Evidently, any act which inﬂicts physical or psychological injury, cruelty to or the neglect, sexual abuse of, or which exploits, a child is child abuse. Cases of child abuse should be punished to the full extent of the law,” he

added. Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza has called on the DOJ to pursue cases under Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act” against the policemen involved in the operation. The lawmaker also called on the Philippine National

Police administration to dismiss them from service. Close-circuit television footages showed the policemen robbing the house using a minor. The policemen were not in uniform and did not have a search warrant when they raided the house of Erobas. They also did not ﬁle a spot report on the raid.

Face gambling crisis, PCSO urges PNP THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Ofﬁce urged the Philippine National Police to face the problem of illegal gambling head on, instead of harassing Authorized Agent Corporations that were authorized by PCSO to operate the Small Town Lottery. PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan said the PNP would likely get better results if they stage real operations against illegal gambling syndicates instead of raiding governmentauthorized STL operators who are running legitimate businesses. “We are aware that STL is being used and abused

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by some illegal gambling operators to legitimize their business, that they have been using it as a front to cover their illegal operations, that is why we are urging the PNP to do their job to go after these gambling lords who are using PCSO products as cover for their illegal operations,” Balutan said. He said that the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation should arrest the gambling syndicates who are operating in the guise of STL, including STL collectors who moonlight as illegal bookies and seem to think they will not be arrested

and can freely operate illegal numbers game under the guise of STL in their areas of operations. Balutan made the remarks after Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal complained during a congressional hearing last Wednesday that illegal gambling lords are still operating in his district. “I’m speaking on what is going on in my province, particularly in my district, so that this will be stopped. This was stopped prior to the granting of authorization of your STL players there but it has now resumed in the guise of STL,” Oaminal said during the hearing.

HOME AGAIN. SPO2 George Rupinta reunites with his family after he was released by the New People’s Army in Maco, Compostela Valley Province on Sept. 15, 2017. Rupinta was held captive for over three months. Presidential Photo

THE Philippines is ready to provide humanitarian assistance directed towards the Northern Rakhine state if the Government of Myanmar requests such assistance, Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said. Bolivar said DFA chief Alan Peter Cayetano is currently coordinating with all members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations about the human rights violations in Myanmar. “SFA, as Chair, is currently coordinating with all Asean Member States, especially with the Government of Myanmar, on this matter,” Bolivar said. Bolivar said that Cayetano is also coordinating with the Myanmar Foreign Minister to relay the Philippines’ offer of assistance. “As Chair of Asean, the Philippines is coordinating with the Government of Myanmar and the other Asean Member States to determine what assistance Myanmar may need and request on the humanitarian front and to identify the best modalities to deliver such assistance,” Bolivar said. Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Lawmaker bats for ‘green jobs’ investment A HOUSE leader has pushed for “green jobs” investments in the country following the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 10771, otherwise known as the Philippine Green Jobs Law. “The Philippines is now officially a green investment hub,” Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, said. Through this law, Nograles said that businesses that are involved in selling or trading goods and services that promotes environmental protection and climate-change mitigation would be given huge fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Nograles is the main author and brainchild of the landmark measure. Maricel V. Cruz

Opinion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

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Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Grinning and bearing it

E ONLY meant to tell an anecdote. But the general manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Thomas Orbos, got a scolding from his boss, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, after telling some friends he had to take “habal-habal”—a backride on a motorcycle—in order to get to an agency event on time.

The mode of transportation, while cheap and fast, is dangerous. It’s of course, and practically unbecoming of a public ofﬁcial of Orbos’ stature. Still he felt he had no other choice to get from one

place to another given the horrible trafﬁc situation in the metro. It’s a feeling familiar to millions of motorists and commuters here in Metro Manila. On a daily basis we are plagued by the

hopeless trafﬁc situation, made worse by rain or a weekend or a payday— for those who do get paid —or the decrepit state of our public transportation. But because we are who we are, we shrug off the hassles or the risk or the cost, and get creative just to get by. It’s a testament to our positive, cheery nature. We feel the inconvenience and rant about it to our friends or on social media, but the next

day we’re back again. We take advantage of the many different ways we can survive. This is the same resilient, positive spirit that has enabled Filipinos to maintain a happy disposition despite all the cultural, political, religious and practical blows we have been receiving all these years. It’s largely a good thing. We have never been one to ﬁxate on our miseries. Always the ﬁrst to make light of our mis-

fortunes, we manage to crack jokes amid tragedy. This trait likely helps us cope with our troubles and allows us to resist its dampening effect on our disposition. Unfortunately, it is easy to confuse resilience with fatalism. At the very least our ofﬁcials are not justifying the trafﬁc as a sign of economic progress. The problem is still there, and must still be solved as it has gotten worse. More

than a year into an administration that promised drastic change, all we seem to be seeing is the “drastic” part and hardly the “change.” Faithful, fatalistic followers that we are, we continue to wait—stand in line, endure the immobility, hang on to the rhetoric, keep our true sentiments to ourselves —for just a bit of relief. In this age of much lower expectations, just a bit already counts for a lot. TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

It’s possible DURING the 2016 election campaign when then-candidate Rodrigo Duterte said he would fix our peace-and-order problems, I praised him. I said to myself that for once, after six years of the do-nothing President Benigno Aquino III, we can have a strong leader who can occasion change for the country. Santa Banana, when President Duterte assumed office and the police was emboldened by his words supporting them, that began a killing spree. Drug suspects were killed, and this led to collateral problems of vigilante and extrajudicial killings. Then I said to myself that there must be something wrong. Sure, Mr. Duterte is so focused on eradicat-

President Duterte faces more problems now than Marcos did in 1972.

The search continues LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES THIS time, it’s September 21. This Thursday is the latest date chosen in the never-ending search by the anti-Duterte crowd for a significant day that will, they hope, lead to the downfall of the president. By the end of 2017, which will be upon us soon, those who seek to remove President Rodrigo Duterte will have cycled through an entire year, beginning with the Feb. 25 anniversary of the “people power” revolt in 1986, in their search for the ultimate protest action. So far, they tried every politically impor-

tant date available, including Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary and National Heroes Day just last month, in their campaign to muster up a crowd big enough to suit their dreams of a mass protest that will shake up Duterte and force him, perhaps, in the Marcos manner, to flee the palace without a fight. It is a fool’s errand, this insistence on gathering up a big enough crowd that will make a president with approval ratings in the mid-eighties cower in fear. Especially since Duterte has always maintained that anyone can stage a protest for whatever reason, as long as they do not inconvenience the rest of us. Ultimately, it is based on a narrative that has no

factual moorings—that of a bloodthirsty, fascist tyrant who will suppress the people’s rights wholesale, including their right to call him a bloodthirsty, fascist tyrant in a peace-

If recent history is any indicator, this new Tindig group will suffer the same fate as MAT. ful assembly attended by priests, nuns and all manner of supposedly democracy-minded citizens. And in the end, the failure of these forces (such

as they are) to muster up a crowd that will number more than the statues at their beloved People Power monument is a testament to their irrelevance, to their being out of step with what the people really want. But they go on, nonetheless. Only yesterday, a group calling itself Tindig Pilipinas was launched by the usual suspects, supposedly to organize the impending “mammoth” rally to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. The creation of Tindig Pilipinas followed the birthing of the Movement Against Tyranny only last Aug. 28, for much the same reason. After the initial hype—and after the parents of teenage murder victim Kian delos Santos

did not attend the launch as the guests of honor, having decided that it was Duterte who could give them the justice that they sought —nothing more was heard from this MAT. If recent history is any indicator, this new Tindig group will suffer the same fate as MAT. And the same people will try again, at some future significant date, to rouse a public long made weary of their remonstrations and demonstrations. (The Facebook page of MAT has still not gathered more than 3,000 “likes,” which will not even give the group a slot in the Malacañang press briefing room under the new blogger-friendly guidelines. No wonder Edwin Lacierda, the former Goebbels of the pre-

vious administration, is now calling for anti-Duterte forces to stop being keyboard warriors and convert themselves to “road warriors”—as if the Yellows’ abject failure to gather supporters online can alchemically be transformed into huge crowds of protesters to make the “tyrant” quake in his Marikina-made boots.) On Thursday, the protesters promise nothing new except the presence of Rafael Mariano, the farmer-leader who lobbied hard for confirmation by the Commission on Appointments and, after failing to do so, became an anti-Duterte campaigner overnight. Mariano will be joined this week by people he would probably never

Turn to A5

ing the drug menace but he does not see that the problem is so deeply rooted in poverty. It’s more than just a peaceand-order problem. This is why the triad from China was able to slip in 604 kilos of shabu through the Bureau of Customs, in connivance with Customs officials. If this can happen in Manila, just imagine what can go on in subports in other areas of the country. Remember we have porous borders. For as long as there is demand, the supply for illegal drugs continues. This is also why I say that there should be rehabilitation of all drug addicts. In fact, this should be a priority of the President. RehabiliTurn to A5

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Opinion It’s... From A4

tation, however, is difficult because it is costly. You need billions of pesos to put up facilities and to hire the right doctors and other personnel. This is where the health aspect comes out as well. Drug addiction is both a psychological and physiological issue. The sooner Mr. Duterte realizes that killings are not the solution, the better it would be for everybody. *** Killings of teenagers by the police led to outrage among the people, the Church, civil society—and all for good reason. This was followed by the insane effort of President Duterte’s allies at the House of Representatives to give a P1,000 budget to the Commission on Human Rights. The chairman of the CHR, Jose Luis Martin Gascon, was an appointee of President Aquino and he tried to go after alleged human rights violations of the Duterte administration. Does the President realize that the war on illegal drugs has also become a war on human rights? Gascon is not the CHR. *** Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the architect of martial law under the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, believes that Mr. Duterte has bigger problems than what Marcos had in 1972. Enrile, who served for 17 years under Marcos as defense minister, said that when Marcos declared martial law, he only had the communist insurgency and the Muslim independent movement to worry about. These days, President Duterte has to deal with many problems including ISIS, Abu Sayyaf, Maute and many others. This is what Enrile thinks when President Duterte threatened to declare martial law nationwide. I believe Enrile. He knows whereof he speaks. When I am asked the same question—if I think President Duterte will declare martial law with all that is happening—I say “that’s a big possibility.” Santa Banana, President Duterte may even declare a revolutionary government! I am not wishing he would do it, but the fact that terrorism is already upon is, the President does have the power to declare martial law when public safety requires it. *** Santa Banana, here we go again. I refer to the possibility of negotiating again with the communist rebels. President Duterte said he would still consult with his security advisers, it appears they have not learned enough why the communist insurgents have not yet come to an agreement with the government. The communists say one thing and do another! It all boils down to sincerity and good faith. While President Duterte has bent over backwards to accommodate the communists, they do their worst in the countryside. The communists almost always go to the negotiating table with blood on their hands. Mr. President, don’t you realize that the communists are not sincere? Why are you still talking to them? *** If it’s true that no less than six Supreme Court justices are willing to testify against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in her impeachment trial, then it will be difficult for her to hurdle it. Who these justices are has not yet been made public. If the late Chief Justice Renato Corona was convicted for merely not declaring everything in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, how much more Sereno? The damning testimony of her colleagues just might mean the ouster of the chief justice!

From A4

*** Speaking Mariano and the radical Left to whose fold he has returned, they have somehow taken to calling Duterte an equal partner in what they are now calling a “US-Marcos dictatorship.” I don’t seem to recall any Philippine president standing up to our former colonial

IF THE President goes ahead with his half-serious offer to declare Thursday a holiday for the benefit of anti-martial law activists, we can expect some colorful sights again at this year’s commemoration of the declaration of martial law in 1972. The dominant color will be red, of course, as the Left parades the colors of an ideology that has long shrunk to just two countries in the world: Cuba (but wait until Raul Castro starts getting real chummy with the newly-reopened US Embassy in Havana) and North Korea (at least until the pudgy little peacock at its helm is overthrown by a combination of US/South Korean artillery and air power and a China-inspired palace coup, our base-case scenario). Not far behind will be the yellows, whose colors are fading even faster than the reds. At least the Left can boast of giants of the peasant and working-class struggles, like Crisanto Evangelista, Pedro Abad Santos, the Lava and Taruc brothers. Who hoists the yellow colors—Cory and Noynoy Aquino? Eeew.

masters like Duterte has, and yet he has now—to the Left, anyway—become as much of an American puppet as, say, Noynoy Aquino. This is “revisionist history” in the extreme, something that the Yellow administrators of Ateneo de Manila who put up their online martial law museum want us to rail against. And if Mariano and the Left had not played footsie with the new pro-American puppet for so long (say, while Mariano was serving in the Cabinet), it would actually be believable. But the truth is, the Left would eventually get around to calling any Philippine president a US lackey, even Duterte with his now-famous anti-American mouth. Yes, the same mouth that earned him the ire of the “coconuts” (you know, brown outside but white inside) among us for embracing both China and Russia. Time to rework the old slogans, comrades. For your own credibility’s sake.

*** The latest development involving the beleaguered PNP almost surprised me out of my seat. But you can bet that the boys and girls with their placards and streamers either missed it or willfully ignored it. I’m talking about the decision of the redoubtable head of Metro Manila’s police, NCRPO Director Oscar Al-

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Kudos

bayalde, to relieve no less than the entire police force of Caloocan City. Yes, all 3,500 policemen from that now-notorious city are now looking for assignments elsewhere. But this doesn’t include the suspects behind the killings of teenagers Kian, Carl, and Kulot, as well as other monitored crimes like robberies committed during household raids. Unluckily for them, reassignment will be the least of their worries. So far not a single policeman from elsewhere in Metro Manila has volunteered for replacement duty in Caloocan. This can be ascribed to the natural solidarity of men (and women) in uniform with each other. But the problem can be fixed by simply identifying likely replacements and then ordering them to obey orders. Even during the martial law years, I don’t remember a similar case of such draconian discipline of an entire police force en masse. Of course, the extent of the rot inside the Caloocan organization probably justifies the severity of an action that is simultaneously preventive, reformative, and punitive. Our hat goes off to P/Director Albayalde. Since the vast majority of drug-related crimes take place in Metro Manila, he deserves our best wishes.

*** Another kudos, albeit hedged, goes to the muchmaligned LTFRB on their latest attempt to properly regulate transport network vehicles like Uber and Grab. It may be recalled that this agency started by suspending the operations of Uber for a month, went on to urge commuters to use other TNVs (in blatant violation of the law), and then ended by imposing a very steep fine of P190 million on Uber before they could do business again. The real loser in every single move they made was the riding public, who’re supposed to be the first object of LTFRB’s loyalty as a government agency. To this day I still can’t figure out what drove this agency to such irrational behavior: hubris, thick skin, peanut-sized brains, or all of the above. However, they may have finally redeemed themselves with their latest decision: To increase the pricing on taxicab meters so that taxicabs can effectively charge the same as the TNVs. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what will happen next. Like lemmings, the riding public will migrate en masse to TNVs, whether it is Uber, Grab, or other new op-

erators who can offer the same quality of service: Clean and new vehicles, clean and polite drivers, on-time pick-up without ever being turned down, even the convenience of credit-card payments. The only way the taxicab operators can hold on to their business is to improve their own operations and clean up their act. It will be a repeat of the “cellular wars” decades ago, when fossilized landline giant PLDT lost its shirt to mobile operators like upstart Smart and then Globe and Sun. *** There is, however, a big caveat in all of this: The LTFRB must NOT unreasonably restrict the freedom of the TNVs to add vehicles and drivers and expand operations in order to meet rising demand. Otherwise the purpose of the entire reform is defeated. The riding public will end up stuck with the same shoddy taxicab service, BUT at much higher cost. Despite past evidence to the contrary, we don’t think LTFRB would be that hare-brained, ham-handed, or short-sighted. Even God in His heaven above can’t possibly think we deserve such a fate. Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

Robredo wins big in PET ruling THE Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal issued a crucial 34-page resolution dated 29 August 2017. In essence, the Court junked losing vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ petition to declare null and void Vice President Leny Robredo’s proclamation over unauthenticated Certificates of Canvass generated by the Consolidation and Canvass System. The rationale of the Court—for practical reasons and “prompt disposition of the case.” In junking Marcos’ first cause of action to nullify the 2016 elections, the PET said that it would be “an exercise in futility and would have no practical effect.” In effect, the PET upheld the integrity of the 2016 polls. According to its resolution: “To be sure, the Tribunal cannot allow this exercise to even begin especially if it were to consider the amount of resources and time it will demand from the Tribunal . . . Even if protestant [Marcos] succeeds

in proving his first cause of action, this will not mean that he has already won the position of vice president as this can only be determined by a manual recount of all votes in all precincts . . . And if this is a relief protestant has clearly stated he is not praying for, then, allowing the first cause of action to continue would be an exercise in futility and would have no practical effect.” This was a big victory for Robredo and brings the protest closer to resolution in her favor. It must, however, be pointed that the tribunal granted the Marcos’ second and third causes of action. Robredo’s camp and supporters must remain vigilant because of this. The second cause of action requires the revision or manual recount of the actual ballots to determine the votes cast in all the 36,465 protested clustered precincts while the third Cause of Action sought the annulment of election results for the VP position in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan, on the ground of terrorism, intimidation and harassment of voters as well as pre-shading of ballots in all of

the 2,756 protested clustered precincts in the areas. Accordingly, the tribunal ordered the retrieval of all the ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia in three provinces that Marcos wants included in a pilot recount namely Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental to start the ballot revision. The PET also granted the motion of Marcos to decrypt and print the ballot images from the SD cards from the three pilot areas in order to aid the PET in the prompt disposition case. The three pilot provinces were chosen from the 27 provinces and highly urbanized cities listed in the election protest of Marcos. Both counsels for the parties welcomed the PET’s ruling. Lawyer Victor Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, saying while they would have preferred for the Tribunal to look into the alleged anomalies in the implementation of the Automated Election System under the first cause of action, they would abide by the Tribunal’s decision in the interest of expediency. On the other hand, Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s counsel, expressed confidence the tribunal’s decision would eventually

lead to the dismissal of Marcos’ poll protest, saying the PET’s action practically affirmed the credibility of the May 2016 automated balloting. With this resolution the vote count will now proceed on the designated areas. To make out his allegations of poll cheating supposedly perpetrated by the Robredo camp, Marcos will now have to present evidence, testimonial and documentary and go beyond the realm of speculations and unfounded allegations. This means that Marcos’ camp has to present more or less 8,100 witnesses and voluminous documents which is a daunting task by any standard. News reports have said that Marcos will now dispense with these witnesses, an admission that they have nothing to add. Revision committees will then be constituted for the opening of the concerned ballot boxes, recount and tallying of the votes. The evidence will then be received by a hearing commissioner or commissioners designated by the tribunal. This will be followed by the filing of the parties’ respective memoranda and finally the promulgation of the tribunal’s decision.

As to when the case will be resolved, it is difficult to predict. The latest ruling is a victory for Robredo because the tribunal in effect upheld the integrity of the 2016 polls and this includes the proclamation of VP Robredo. One must note that this is the 5th electoral protest before the PET and the last prior four protests were all dismissed when intervening events transpired which compelled the tribunal to dismiss the case. The electoral protests between Miriam Defensor-Santiago vs. Fidel Valdez Ramos in 1996, between Ronald Allan Poe vs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005, Loren B. Legarda vs. Noli L. De Castro in 2008, and Mar Roxas vs. Jejomar Binay in 2016 were all dismissed either because the protestant was subsequently elected or the protest became mooted by the results of the elections. If we go by these precedents, chances are the present Marcos electoral protest is bound to follow the same fate as its precursors. My advice to Senator Marcos. Forget the protest. Instead, for the sake of your political future, run for the senate in 2019. Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

Arguments pro and con re P1,000 CHR budget (PART 1) HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

The search... associate with, had he become a full-fledged member of the Cabinet—Senators Antonio Trillanes and Risa Hontiveros, the prime movers of Tindig. I wonder how many “mass actions” that end in whimpers of abject defeat these people will stage until they get the inescapable message: The people are not coming and they are not even amused. Protesting will always be their right, of course, never to be suppressed. The participation of the people, however, is something they know they can never demand—unless they become, by some fortuitous event, the tyrants they warned us so lustily against.

FORMATION GARY OLIVAR

Trying to keep up at the very end of the line are the nearly-forgotten military adventurists like the Magdalo, whose braggadocio has been deflated like so much hot air by a series of failed coups over the years. Intellects diminish while egos inflate the farther back the line you go, until you run up against the likes of Trillanes and Alejano, our own versions of “the mouths that roared.” This motley crew is now throwing up one “multisectoral group” after another, like the “Movement Against Tyranny” or the latest one, “#Tinig Pilipinas.” The same tired threnody of xenophobia, class envy, and victimhood is simply repackaged into catchier slogans. The older the wine gets, the shinier the wineskins become. You can almost set your watch by the reliability of this chronology every 21st of September.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

THE House of Representatives actually did it. Last week, the House voted to allot an annual budget of P1000 to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for 2017. In doing so, President Rodrigo Duterte’s political allies in the House saw to it that the president’s displeasure towards the CHR, its chairman in particular, was communicated to all and sundry in “budgetary language.” For the past three weeks, Duterte had been lamenting what he considered a biased CHR, one which supposedly saw only the alleged faults of the Duterte administration. Duterte called the incumbent CHR chairman both a stooge of the Liberal Party and a rabid supporter of ex-President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and her son, ex-President Benigno Aquino III. Duterte’s dislike for the current CHR leadership seems akin to his disdain for Leila de Lima, who was CHR head before President Aquino III appointed her Secretary of Justice. At any rate, the question that arises is this—Is the House of Representatives vested with power to allot a P1000 annual budget for the CHR for fiscal year 2017?

Before that question is answered, an overview is necessary. The CHR is an “independent” office created under Section 17, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution. As provided in the charter, the CHR is composed of a chairman and five members, and they hold office for a term fixed by law. The term “independent” means that unlike other agencies in the executive department, the official acts of the CHR cannot be reviewed or overturned by the president. Since the creation of the CHR is mandated by the Constitution itself, Congress has no power to abolish it through legislation. Congress, however, has the power to fix the term of office of the CHR chairman and members by way of a law duly enacted, as stated in the Constitution. It has been said that Congress has the power of “the purse” as seen in its exclusive authority to appropriate how much public money a government agency may spend. In a system of checks and balances, Congress is empowered to use the power of “the purse” precisely to check government offices which, in the well-considered view of Congress, have not been performing their duties satisfactorily. Thus, Congress has the inherent power to decide on how much a government

agency may spend every year, unless the government agency concerned is guaranteed fiscal autonomy by the Constitution. As the term is used in the Constitution, “fiscal autonomy” means that the current annual appropriation for an agency cannot be less than the previous year’s appropriation for that same agency, and that the annual appropriation for that agency shall be automatically and regularly released. Now for the arguments. An editorial published last week in another newspaper denounced the budget reduction, calling it a violation of the “fiscal autonomy” the CHR is “entitled to” under Section 17, Article XIII of the Constitution. Whoever wrote that editorial should read the Constitution again. Actually, the Constitution guarantees fiscal autonomy only to the Supreme Court, Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Audit (COA), and the Office of the Ombudsman. There is nothing in Article XIII of the Constitution which mandates the fiscal autonomy of the CHR. The Constitution’s conspicuous guaranty of fiscal autonomy for the Supreme Court, CSC, Comelec, COA and Office of the Ombudsman, vis-a-vis the conspicuous absence of any such

guaranty for the CHR, indicates that the Constitution did not intend to grant fiscal autonomy to the CHR. Section 17(4), Article XIII of the Constitution appears to echo that observation because the provision merely reads—“the approved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be automatically and regularly released.” It does not prohibit the reduction of the budget of the CHR. It is also a postulate in the construction of the language of the Constitution that “what the law does not include, it excludes.” Since the Constitution excluded the CHR from the list of offices entitled to fiscal autonomy, then no fiscal autonomy may be invoked for the CHR. Be that as it may, in 2006, the Supreme Court categorically ruled that the CHR does not enjoy fiscal autonomy, unlike the Supreme Court, CSC, Comelec, COA and the Office of the Ombudsman. From a constitutional perspective, it is evident that Congress has the power to reduce the annual budget of the CHR as it sees fit, much like the annual budget of other government agencies. The House has done precisely that, when it allotted a P1000 annual budget for the CHR. At least two senators, however, have opined that by reducing the annual budget of the CHR to a ridiculously

low P1000, the House has virtually abolished the CHR in violation of the Constitution. Abolishing an office created under the Constitution is one thing. Reducing its budget is another. Difficult legal questions arise, however, when the budget of an agency created by the Constitution is reduced by Congress to an impractical amount, and P1000 is an impractical amount. For instance, if, in the well-considered opinion of the House, a particular agency of the government which does not enjoy fiscal autonomy has not been doing its job as mandated by law, isn’t the House vested with the power, pursuant to the principle of checks and balances obtaining in the government, to check this problem through the exercise of its power of “the purse?” Of course it is. Just how much money a particular government agency ought to be allotted for its annual budget is, undoubtedly, a prerogative of Congress. Suppose, the House changes its mind and instead of the P1000 it approved, it allots say P24 million for the CHR for 2017, will that be any different from the P1000 appropriated by the House for the CHR? What would happen if the House insists that the CHR should tighten its belt, in the same way that other agencies are required to do so?

US flies bombers over Korea SEOUL―The US flew four stealth fighter jets and two bombers over the Korean peninsula on Monday in a show of force after North Korea’s latest nuclear and missile tests, South Korea’s defense ministry said. Four F-35B stealth fighters and two B-1B bombers flew over the peninsula to “demonstrate the deterrence capability of the US-South Korea alliance against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats”, the ministry said in a statement. They were the first flights since the North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3 and staged an intermediate-range missile test over Japan last Friday, sending regional tensions soaring. The US jets few alongside four South Korean F15K jet fighters as part of “routine” training, the statement said, adding that the allies would continue such exercises to “improve their joint operation capabilities against contingencies”. The previous such flights were on August 31. The US is ramping up the pressure on the North, with its ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley warning that Pyongyang would be “destroyed” if it refused to end its “reckless” weapons drive. The subject is set to dominate US President Donald Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly and his meetings with South Korean and Japanese leaders this week. Tensions flared again when Kim Jong-Un’s regime tested what it termed a hydrogen bomb many times more powerful than its previous device. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 Standard A6 TODAY Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor Manila

‘Sanction Myanmar’s army’ M

YANMAR―Pressure grew on Myanmar Monday as a rights group urged world leaders to impose sanctions on its military, which is accused of driving out more than 400,000 Rohingya Muslims in an orchestrated “ethnic cleansing” campaign.

PROTEST. Members of Islamist groups gather to LAY siege ON Myanmar’S embassy for the recent violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, on September 18, 2017. Bangladesh police braced on September 18 as around 20,000 Islamist hardliners marched on Myanmar’s embassy to protest against the violence driving the Rohingya Muslim minority out of the Buddhist-majority nation. AFP

Over 10,000 Bangladeshis rally for Rohingya DHAKA―Bangladesh police braced Monday as more than 10,000 Islamist hardliners marched on the Myanmar embassy to protest against the violence driving the Rohingya Muslim minority out of the Buddhist-majority nation. A huge crowd of demonstrators in white robes chanting “God is great” assembled outside Bangladesh’s largest mosque ahead of the planned “siege” of the Myanmar embassy in the capital Dhaka. Police ramped up security amid fears of violence after the hard-line Hefazat-e-Is-

lami group vowed to station hundreds of thousands of followers outside the diplomatic mission. “So far, more than 10,000 people have joined the protest,” local police chief Mahmudul Haq told AFP, adding extra officers had been deployed across the city. Hefazat officials put the figure much higher, saying more followers would join the demonstration throughout the day. The UN says more than 410,000 Rohingya refugees have poured into Bangla-

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desh since a fresh outbreak of violence in Myanmar’s westernmost Rakhine state on August 25. Many of those crossing the border bring harrowing tales of rape, murder and arson at the hands of Myanmar’s security forces and Buddhist mobs. The plight of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority who are reviled and denied citizenship in Myanmar, has roused emotion across the Islamic world, with protests held in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Images purportedly showing atrocities against the Rohingya have flooded Bangladeshi social media, triggering an outpouring of sympathy. Separate rallies in Bangladesh attracted at least 15,000 supporters who chanted slogans against Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Many homegrown Islamist groups are calling on the government to go to war with Myanmar and liberate Rakhine for the persecuted Rohingya minority. AFP

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The call from Human Rights Watch came as the UN General Assembly prepared to convene in New York, with the crisis in Myanmar one of the most pressing topics. The exodus of Rohingya refugees from mainly Buddhist Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh has sparked a humanitarian emergency. Aid groups are struggling to provide relief to a daily stream of new arrivals, more than half of whom are children. There are acute shortages of nearly all forms of aid, with many Rohingya huddling under tarps as their only protection from monsoon rain. Myanmar hinted Sunday it would not take back all who had fled across the border, accusing those refugees of having links to the Rohingya militants whose raids on police posts in August triggered the army backlash. Any moves to block the refugees’ return will likely inflame Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, who will urge the General Assembly to put more global pressure on Myanmar to take back all the Rohingya massing in shanty towns and camps near the border. Human Rights Watch also called for the “safe and voluntary return” of the displaced as it urged governments around the globe to punish Myanmar’s army with sanctions for the “ongoing atrocities” against the

Rohingya. “The United Nations Security Council and concerned countries should impose targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on the Burmese military to end its ethnic cleansing campaign against Rohingya Muslims,” the group said in a statement. It called on the General Assembly to make the crisis a priority, urging countries to impose travel bans and asset freezes on Myanmar officers implicated in the abuses, as well as to expand arms embargoes. Myanmar’s army was hit with sanctions during its 50-year rule of the country. Most have been lifted in recent years as the generals have allowed a partial transition to democracy. “Burma’s senior military commanders are more likely to heed the calls of the international community if they are suffering real economic consequences,” said John Sifton, HRW’s Asia advocacy director. Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi is preparing in a televised speech Tuesday to address the nation on the crisis for the first time. The Nobel peace laureate has angered the international community with her near-silence on the plight of the Rohingya and her failure to condemn the actions of the army, with whom she has a delicate power-sharing arrangement. AFP

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF CURRIMAO PORT, CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF ABRA DE ILOG PORT, ABRA DE ILOG, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF NASUGBU PORT, NASUGBU, BATANGAS

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 55,517,135.45 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Currimao Port, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, (LFP NLZ No. 027-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 23,141,940.75 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Abra de Ilog Port, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, (LFP MDO No. 0282017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 20,669,470.90 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Nasugbu Port, Nasugbu, Batangas, (LFP BGS No. 029-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging of right side berth of Pier 1 to a designed depth of 8.0 meter below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 100,000.00 cu. m.), Offshore Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site B. Excavation of Rock Formation near the Passenger Terminal to a designed depth of 3.0 meter below MLLW (Total Volume to be dredged = 3,200 cu. m. of broken rocks/corals, Land disposal of excavated soil materials 5.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 165 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 19 September 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 28 September 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 16 October 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents. Bid opening shall be on 16 October 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. •

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to:

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depth of 5.00 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 45,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 75 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 19 September 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 28 September 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 17 October 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents. Bid opening shall be on 17 October 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. •

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

M. Standard – Sept. 19, 2017

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 19 September 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 28 September 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 17 October 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents. Bid opening shall be on 17 October 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. •

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depths of 5.50 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) (Total Volume to be dredged = 40,000.00 cu. m.) B. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 70 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

M. Standard – Sept. 19, 2017

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

3-way PAL golf fight looms C EBU City – Scoring will be low when the three-cornered fight for the centerpiece Championship Division crown of the PAL Ladies’ Interclub tees off on Tuesday at treelined Cebu Country Club here. With lift-clean-and-place rules to likely be in effect and with tournament director Henry Arabelo setting the course up to be “generally fair” at just over 5,100 yards, Manila Southwoods-

Masters, Cebu CC and Pradera Verde virtually have the green light to target flags. SW-Masters guns for a seventh straight title with a core now made up of Sofia

Chabon and Mika Fortuna, and the Carmona-based squad is expected to have its hands full against the equally young and talented hosts and newcomer Pradera. Rains the past few days have softened the age-old layout, with Arabelo saying that he would likely be forced to apply preferred lies rules. The weather, Arabelo said, has not been bad that a repeat of what happened last year in Baguio where the tournament was shortened

to 54 holes will not happen. “It doesn’t look that way, although it has been raining the past few days that winter rules would likely be enforced,” Arabelo said while supervising the official practice round on Monday. “We will finish this year and we see a very tight fight.” Chabon and Fortuna will carry the fight for SW-Masters with Pauline del Rosario turning pro earlier this year and Abegail Arevalo failing to get a leave from her stud-

ies at San Jose State University in the United States. Yuka Saso and 13-year-old Annika Pineda-Cayabyab will spearhead Pradera, which will make its debut with a team that has an 18-year-old as its oldest player. Cebu CC will be playing with a distinct advantage having familiarity of the tough layout as it tries to finally break SW-Masters’ stranglehold ever since this event was revived in 2010. This year’s PAL La-

dies Interclub sponsors are Primax Broadcasting Network, Mareco Broadcasting Network, Fox Sports, Travelife Magazine, People Asia, Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Travel Now Magazine/ TouchPay, Bombardier, PLDT and Mastercard. Support also comes from TFC, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation, Asia Brewery Inc., Alaska Corporation, Eton Properties, Trinity Insurance and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Relive Melindo’s heroic title defense

DESPITE blood streaming from his busted eyebrows, Milan “El Metodico” Melindo did not let his fellow Filipinos, who came in droves, go home sad as he scored a critical knockdown against challenger Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler en route to a split decision win in his first title defense last Saturday (September 16) in “Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory.” Pinoy boxing fans, who missed the twin airings on free TV last Sunday on ABS-CBN and ABSCBN S+A will have not just one, but two more chances to relive Melindo’s heroic stand this week. S+A will be re-airing the fight card this Thursday at 12 noon before the NCAA games for the day and on Friday at 6 p.m. right after the NCAA games. Melindo, who retained his IBF Light Flyweight title and improved to 37-2 with 13 KOs, ditched his usual counterpunching style and was the more aggressive fighter than his dangerous South African opponent Budler, who held the IBO Light Flyweight belt. Suffering cuts from accidental head butts, ”El Metodico” dug deep to will a win for the Philippines. “He thought I can’t see his punch because of the blood coming out of my eyes. It’s lucky that

MMDA, Las Pinas, Mandaluyong begin bids with victories Games Tuesday, Sept. 19 ‘17 (Navotas Sports Complex) 6:00 p.m. Marikina vs. San Juan 7:30 p.m. Navotas vs. Valenzuela MANDALUYONG, Las Piñas and MMDA started their respective campaigns in the Metro Basketball Tournament on a high note by beating separate opponents last Sunday at the Makati Coliseum. The Tigers handed Makati a second straight loss 107-87, the Home Defenders outclassed Taguig, 84-72, while the Black Berets defeated Isang Pateros, 101-91, as they joined Paranaque for the joint early lead in the South Division of this PBA-backed tourney, which forms part of the Metro Manila Sports Fest under the auspices of the Metro Manila Development Authority and has “Mobile App ng Bayan” Barangay 143 as co-presentor, Synergy 88 as main sponsor and Spalding as official ball. San Juan, meanwhile, eyes a share of the lead with Manila in the North Division as it battles 16-and-under champion Marikina, while Valenzuela plays for the first time in the tourney against Navotas in games Tuesday at the Navotas Sports Complex. The Whatta Whatta take on the All-Stars in the 6 p.m. first game looking to follow up with another win its 9291 overtime upset of Quezon City last Sept. 10 on a buzzerbeating triple by John Kenneth Zamora. The Workhorses debut against host BIDA in the 7:30 p.m. second game of this twomonth long tourney which also has San Miguel Corporation, World Balance and Higer Bus as major sponsors.

I was still able to hit him, and I credit the crowd for cheering me on, it helped me a lot. I was hurt in the fight but my heart kept telling me that I have to win,” Melindo said post-fight. Aside from Melindo, Jonas “Zorro” Sultan also wowed the crowd as he outpointed former two-division world champ John Reil “Quadro Alas” Casimero in the biggest win of his budding career to earn a possible title shot against reigning IBF Super Flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas. Another promising prospect in Kevin Jake Cataraja also claimed victory by way of a second round knockout against Wiljan Ugbaniel while Jason Pagara’s charge for a world title has been put on hold after a draw with Kenyan James Onyango. Fight fans can also catch up to the latest MMA ONE fights in the ONE Championship highlights show airing every night on S+A and S+A HD. In the latest fight card, “Total Victory,” Filipino strawweight Roy Doliguez defeated Yago Bryan and compatriot Ramon Gonzales scored a submission against fellow flyweight Liu Deligerihu Lu while headliner Geje Eustaquio was on the losing end of a close and tough fight against former ONE Flyweight world champion Kaitar Akhmetov.

Participants of the past staging of the Hong Kong Cyclothon are shown here negotiating the race course.

Hong Kong Cyclothon slated HONG Kong Cyclothon 2017 invites cycling enthusiasts from Hong Kong and around the world to join the intense race and celebration in Hong Kong this October! Hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board October 8, the Hong Kong Cyclothon will gather some 5,000 local and international cyclists in a race of speed and endurance. The 50km and 30km rides, in particular, offer a precious opportunity for riders to pedal through the diverse cityscape of Asia’s World City. Streaking on bike across three bridges, including Tsing Ma Bridge, is an exclusive and breathtaking experience on the 50km ride. This unique ride is a “must-do” for cycling amateurs and professionals alike. Top cyclists from around the world will take part in the first-ever UCI Class 1.1 road race organized in Hong Kong and experience the city’s enchanting appeal and applause from enthusiastic spectators and visitors. Join the passionate crowd in front of Victoria Harbour and cheer for the professional riders in the heart of the Event Capital of Asia! The 50km and 30km rides offer a precious opportunity for cyclists to pedal through various iconic landmarks in Hong Kong Cyclothon 2017. Visitors can watch the exciting race and cheer on the top international cyclists up close along the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront.

Malacanang-PSC edges NHA Games Sunday (Pasig City Sports Center) Game 1: Judiciary Magis vs Ombudsman Graft Busters, 4 p.m. Games 2: GSIS Furies vs AFP Cavaliers, 5:30 p.m. SEASON 5 runner-up team Malacañang-PSC Kamao did not give in to the challenge the NHA Builders brought into the UNTV Cup hard court. Kamao beat the

Builders, 92-90, in an action-packed main game in Sunday’s triple header. Kamao head coach Louie Gonzales said, chemistry is a key to winning. “Ang sabi ko sa team ko before entering this game, ang chemistry, iyan ang pinakamalakas na weapon natin entering this season, and it showed,” said Gonzales. Eric dela Cuesta carried the MalacañangPSC hoopers byy scoring 29 points. Dela

Cuesta and Christian Luanzon, who made 22 points, were hailed the Best Players of the Game. “First game of the season, ang gusto lang namin noong huli is to come out with a fighting chance. Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon sa last minute, and we were able to pull it off. We just kept fighting,” Luanzon said. On the other hand, Coach Bennet Palad vowed to recover from the loss.

“Nawala ang momentum namin, sayang din, namigay kami nang namigay ng bola noong last few minutes, the last few seconds. Pero next time babawi kami,” Palad said. Prior to this, in the first game, the Department of Agriculture Food Masters slammed Razon the PDEA Drug Busters in their debut game 104-100. In the second game, the DOH Health NHA Builders’ Alvin Vitug (no. 9) tries to block the shot of Malacañang-PSC Achievers stunned the Kamao’s Eric Dela Cuesta in their elimination round match of the UNTV Cup COA Enablers, 122-95. Season 6.

Leishman fends off Rose for BMW crown CHICAGO—Marc Leishman fired a final-round 67 on Sunday to complete a wire-to-wire victory in the BMW Championship, beating Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler by five strokes. Australia’s Leishman had seized control of the penultimate event in the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs with a scintillating 62 on Thursday. He started the fourth round at Conway Farms with a five stroke lead that twice dwindled to two shots over Rose before Leishman finished confidently, with birdies in three of the last four holes. He rolled in a 19-footer from the fringe at the 72nd hole to celebrate his third US PGA Tour title with a 23-under par total of 261. The victory was a vindication after Leishman was unable to close out a win two weeks ago at TPC Boston, where his challenge was doomed by five bogeys on the back nine. “There’s probably a few little scars from two weeks ago,” Leishman said. “I was really determined to not let that happen again, to try and give myself a big enough buffer that I could get it done. “And I got it done.” Leishman’s 261 was a record

total for the tournament and his 23-under tied the tournament low in relation to par, set by Dustin Johnson last year. England’s Rose had seven birdies -- and an ill-timed bogey at 17 -- in a 65 for 266. Fowler had five birdies in his four-under 67 to join Rose on 18-under. Former world number one Jason Day of Australia was alone in fourth after a 69 for 268. Leishman, who won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March, moved to fourth in the FedEx Cup standings going into the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta. Only the top 30 players in the standings advance to the season finale, where a $10 million playoff bonus will be up for grabs. - Garcia East Lake bound The four players who moved into the top 30 this week included Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who jumped from 34th to 25th in the standings with a tie for 12th. Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson came up just short in his bid to book a Tour Championship berth. Garcia was embroiled in a lengthy rules discussion at the 18th, where his second shot landed on the rocks aside a creek. AFP

PH jiu-jitsu bets near medal rounds

Marc Leishman of Australia kisses the Wadley Cup after winning the BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club on in Lake Forest, Illinois. AFP

So makes World Cup semis By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So turned back Russian foe Vladimir Fedoseev, 1.5-0.5, to reach the semifinals of the FIDE World Cup of Chess 2017 in Tblisis, Georgia. So, using the Petrov Defense, first drew with Fedoseev in 19 moves, before posting a win in 83 moves. He will next face Chinese GM Ding Liren, who advanced to the semis after turning back Richard Rapport, 1.5-0.5.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave also reached the semis with Levon Aronian after prevailing over Peter Svidler, 2.5-1.5. Aronian earned his spot when he outplayed Vassily Ivanchuk, 1.5-0.5 In beating Fedoseev, So gained an advantage with his bishop e1 move that protected the king. This forced Fedoseev to move back a fifth ranked pawn and a bishop away from the center. From there, So took control of the center with his bishop.

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan—Jiu-jitsu specialist Marc Alexander Lim and wrestler Jonathan Maquilan defeated their rivals to move closer to the medal rounds on Monday in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The 20-year-old Lim beat Arslan Setdarow of Turkmenistan, 4-0, in the men’s Ne-waza -69kg division to the disappointment of an adoring crowd at the Martial Arts Arena here. The 2015 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships bronze medalist scored four points with two minutes and 40 seconds left in the first round after locking Setdarow in a superior position. Lim, who hails from Davao City, faces Ibrahim Abdulla Mohammed Alhosani of United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals.

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

P0 M+ P0 M

PBA quarterfinal cast sealed early

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

By Jeric Lopez

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

THERE are four more playdates remaining in the elimination round of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup, but the cast for the quarterfinals is already complete. It is rare for the cast of the playoffs to be completed this early, but for this tournament, the smoke cleared earlier than expected. The eight teams that will compose the playoffs are Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, NLEX, San Miguel, TNT KaTropa, Star, Rain or Shine and Blackwater. Blackwater’s 118-105 rout of GlobalPort last Sunday paved way for most of these mentioned teams to officially earn a berth in the next round. The Elite’s victory earned itself, San Miguel Beer, TNT KaTropa, Star and Rain or Shine outright

Sports

San Beda, Letran are chess champs Basketball Games Today (The Arena in San Juan) 12 nn EAC vs JRU (jrs) 2 p.m. EAC vs JRU (srs) 4 p.m. Arellano vs Letran (srs) 6 p.m. Arellano vs Letran (jrs)

Gennady Golovkin (left) and Canelo Alvarez both celebrate after the final round of their WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The boxers fought to a draw and Golovkin retained his titles. AFP

Golovkin-Alvarez II could be in the works

AS VEGAS—A somber Canelo Alvarez was left wondering what more he could have done to wrest the middleweight world titles away from Gennady Golovkin after their controversial 12-round draw on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old Mexican star said he executed his game plan the way he wanted to, but missed his big chance when he failed to knock the champion out in the 10th round. “I wanted to finish him off, but he was a stong opponent with lot of experience. It didn’t unfold the way I

wanted it too,” Alvarez said. Former two division champion Alvarez connected with a devastating punch series about 30 seconds into the round. A rubbery-legged Golovkin then went into a defensive shell, shook the cobwebs off, and managed to stay on his feet. It was a rare moment of vul-

nerability for Golovkin who has never been knocked down in his pro career and, before that, in 350 amateur fights. Until his last two fights, which both went the distance, Golovkin had been jackhammering his way through the middleweight division. In March, he showed he could go the distance and win over Daniel Jacobs but their 12-round fight snapped a string of 23 consecutive knockouts for Golovkin. “I thought I won the fight,” Alvarez said. “I was superior inside the ring. I won at least seven, eight rounds. I was able to counterpunch and

even make Gennady wobble a couple of times. “It is up to the people if we fight again. I felt frustrated over this draw.” Golovkin and Alvarez now look set to rule the resurgent middleweight division for years after their slugfest ended in a stalemate. The controversy came via the judges -- one of whom scored the nail-biting fight 118-110 in favour of Alvarez. The evenly-matched fight was so close it could have gone either way. Challenger Alvarez fought well enough to win on his own but Adalaide Byrd’s mind-boggling

scorecard fuelled conspiracy theories on social media. Judge Don Trella had it 114-114 while Dave Moretti scored it 115-113 in favour of Golovkin. Golovkin got his first taste of Nevada-style judging in his Sin City boxing debut, but despite the kerfuffle he still managed to keep his World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles. Asked about Byrd’s lopsided scorecard, which had Golovkin winning just the fourth and seventh rounds, he replied, “unbelievable”. AFP

SAN Beda College downed Lyceum of the Philippines University, 3-1, to claim the seniors’ title, while Letran trounced Perpetual Help, 3.5-.5, to snare the juniors’ crown in the 93rd NCAA chess competitions at the LPU Auditorium over the weekend. FIDE Master Mari Joseph Turqueza and Marc Christian Nazario delivered the wins on boards one and three, while McDominique Lagula and Prince Mark Aquino split the point with Romulo Curioso Jr. and Virgen Gil Ruaya on second and fourth boards, respectively, to complete the Lions’ successful title defense. The Squires, for their part, relied on triumphs by Christian Mark Daluz, Melito Ocsan, Jr. and Eric Robert Yap on the first three boards, while Alexis Anne Osena halved the point with Jerome Angelo Aragones to

seal the championship. Perpetual Help, however, will go home knowing it defied the odds as it carved out one of its best finishes in the sport after a long while. Meanwhile, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers will try to get back on the winning track when they clash with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2 p.m. today in the 93rd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan. After absorbing a 109115 setback at the hands of the Arellano Chiefs last Sept. 7, the Heavy Bombers are looking for a win that will keep them safe in solo fourth place. They have a 2-game lead over the San Sebastian Stags and the Knights with their 7-4 record in fourth. Doing so will keep the Heavy Bombers in contention for the Final 4. Peter Atencio

Lady Maroons stay in hunt

Rivera-led Sunweb wins title

Games Saturday 8 a.m. – NU vs UP 10 a.m. – La Salle vs Ateneo 4 p.m. – UP vs San Beda 6:30 p.m. – SSC vs Ateneo

By Peter Atencio TEAM Sunweb, with Filipino-Amnerican rider Coryn Rivera taking part, claimed its first title of the 2017 UCI Road World Championships in Bergen, Norway. They took the women’s team time trial after beating 2016 winner Boels Dolmans by 12 seconds. The six riders are made up of Rivera, Lucinda Brand, Leah Kirchmann, Floortje Mackaij, Sabrina Stultiens and Ellen van Dijk. According to cyclingnews.com, Team Sunweb rode a well-paced race. They tackled the steep climb after 30 kms, with a careful pace, before finishing with four riders in 55 minutes and 41 seconds at the end of the 42.5km course. Boels Dolmans started last, but struggled to match Team Sunweb and finished 12 seconds slower. The Cervelo-Bigla team took the bronze medal, finishing 28 seconds slower. Canyon-SRAM took fourth at 1:04, with Team Virtu placing fifth at 2:51. The Danish team lost world time trial champion Amber Neben early in the race after she dropped her chain.

tickets to the quarterfinals, while eliminating the Batang Pier and Alaska in the process. While the top eight teams will march to the quarters, GlobalPort, Alaska, Phoenix and Kia are the four teams that are bound to have an early vacation after finishing their remaining games. Yet, there are still a lot of things to be settled as teams continue to jockey for better positioning. The top four finishers will enjoy a twice-to-beat incentive against the lower seeded teams in the quarters. As of now, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco are the two teams guaranteed of a top four, while the two other slots are up for grabs. Competing for those remaining incentives are NLEX, TNT KaTropa, San Miguel, Rain or Shine and Star.

UP’s Diana Carlos (left) hammers in a kill against St. Benilde’s Ranya Musa and Diane Ventura during their PVL Collegiate Conference duel at The Arena in San Juan.

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines chalked up its second straight shut-out win after a five-set defeat to Adamson, crushing St. Benilde side, 2519, 25-13, 25-19, to bolster its semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday. Save for their shaky windup in the first and third frames, it was all the Lady Maroons’ show as the Diliman-based squad ripped the Blazers’ defense with 38 spikes and produced eight blocks and seven aces to complete the 67-minute romp. UP thus forced a three-way tie for second with Arellano and San

Beda behind Adamson’s 3-0 card heading to the homestretch of the single round elims of the seasonending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Diana Carlos hammered in 14 hits, including 12 attack points, while Marian Buitre added 10 hits and Isa Molde and Justine Dorog added eight markers each for the Lady Maroons, who survived the Blazers’ fierce comeback from 8-19 down in the third to within 19-21. Coming off a huddle, the Lady Maroons scored the last four points to frustrate the Blazers with setter Rose Mary Cailing finishing off the Taft-based squad on a 1-2 play. Cailing also outclassed St. Benilde’s playmaker Pauline Cardiente with 24 excellent sets, 15 more than her counterpart. The Blazers’ struggled with their offense all game with Marites Pablo, Diane Ventura and Ranya Musa scoring four

Hamilton warns of Ferrari Formula 1 fightback

SINGAPORE—Lewis Hamilton warned the Formula One championship was far from over after Ferrari’s first-lap disaster in Singapore put him in the driving seat for his fourth world title. The Mercedes driver said he was expecting a strong response from Ferrari after both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen went out after a crash at the first corner. Hamilton had laboured in qualifying, starting from fifth, but he drove brilliantly in the wet and under lights to open up a potentially decisive 28-point lead over Vettel in the standings.

The 32-year-old Briton has now won the last three races, but he said there was still a long way to go with six grands prix left in the season, starting with Malaysia next week. “Honestly, I think it’s going to be very close in the next races,” he said, warning that Ferrari would be particularly strong in Japan and Brazil. “It’s hard to predict.” Hamilton was one of only 12 drivers to finish the first wet race on the floodlit streets of Singapore, which started with a game-changing smash and saw three safety cars. Pole-sitter Vettel and third-placed Raikkonen sandwiched Red Bull’s

Max Verstappen going into the first corner, resulting in a crash which took out all three and also ended the race of McLaren’s Fernando Alonso. Asked whether it was karmic retribution for Azerbaijan, when Vettel finished ahead of Hamilton despite driving into him, the Briton told Sky Sports: “I don’t know if it’s karma but whatever it is I will definitely take it.” - ‘You shouldn’t take those risks’ Verstappen said Vettel’s move to cut him off at the start was an unnecessary risk by the German, who held a 20-point lead in July but may

points each at best with team practically closing in the first and last sets on the Lady Maroons’ series of unforced errors. The loss, its third straight, also virtually booted out St. Benilde from the Final Four race in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Asics. Earlier, Far Eastern U joined Ateneo in the men’s Final Four with a 25-22, 27-25, 25-21 victory over winless St. Benilde for a 4-1 card. National U also stayed in the semis hunt as it subdued UST, 25-21, 17-25, 27-25, 25-23, for a 2-2 slate. The Tigers dropped to 2-3 while the Blazers bowed out with a 0-4 mark. Ateneo took the first semis berth with a sweep of its first five games with La Salle eyeing the third seat with a 3-2 card while NU and UST are fighting it out for the last spot.

now have seen his season go up in smoke. “If you are fighting for the world championship you shouldn’t take those risks squeezing someone that much. You can see what happens,” Verstappen told Sky Sports. For Vettel, a four-time winner in Singapore, it was a miserable night and contrasted with his joy after qualifying, when he pulled out a mesmerising lap to grab pole. “There is nothing we can do now and for sure it is bitter, and it’s a pity we couldn’t show our pace today,” he said. AFP Hamilton

PSALM pushes sale of property holdings B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

Stocks rally toward 8,300 S

TOCKS rallied for a ﬁfth day, sending the benchmark index Monday to a new all-time high near 8,300 points, following a record-breaking Wall Street session amid optimism the US will pursue a peaceful resolution to North Korea’s nuclear threats.

IN BRIEF GMA-7 expands in the south

GMA Network Inc. said Monday it is beefing up its presence in southern Philippines amid growing sales from local advertisers. “Regional TV is fiscally very healthy and we remain optimistic that the strong performance of our nine regional stations and offices will continue, most especially that the key local markets are booming, “ Oliver Victor Amoroso, vice president and head of GMA’s regional TV department, told reporters in a press briefing. Amoroso said the network was expecting total advertising revenue of P120 million from local advertisers this year, higher than P103 million last year. GMA Regional TV registered a 6-percent increase in local sales to P75 million in the first half from a year ago. The network recently unveiled local news program One Mindanao, which features comprehensive and in-depth delivery of news and information in the region “We continue to strengthen our local news programs, through beefing up our content, which cater to distinct regional taste,” Amoroso said. Darwin G. Amojelar

BoI clears coconut oil project

THE Board of Investments said it approved the P55.9-million investment project of Rizal VCO Phils. Corp. as a new export producer of virgin coconut oil. The project qualified under the export activities list of the 2017 Investment Priorities Plan. The company is expected to produce up to 748,800 liters of VCO annually in its plant in Bocaue, Bulacan where operations started in August with 15 personnel. The project utilizes a process that will convert refined/bleached/ deodorized coconut oil into VCO, a process which they claim is groundbreaking in the country. The RBD coconut oil will be mixed with their proprietary mixture of herbal extracts composed of papaya, banana, carrot and calamansi that will serve as the catalyst to convert the RBD coconut oil to VCO. The production system is mostly “hands-free” from raw material reception up to loading of final output. To attain the finished VCO product, the firm uses a centrifuge separator machine and a filtering machine to deliberately remove “fatty” content that is formed after a day of mixture and fermentation. “This innovative approach would sustain the growing popularity of coconut oil products in our export markets which will bring more jobs and additional income opportunities for our countrymen,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

BDO cited as preferred employer

BDO Unibank Inc. has been named again as one of the top 10 companies Filipinos aspire to work for and the only bank which made it to the inﬂuential list initiated by online recruitment site Jobstreet.com. Based on the 2017 Jobstreet. com Top Companies Report, BDO placed 6th overall in the category “Top Ten Companies Filipinos Aspire to Work For” and was cited for its global reach, job security and work-life balance. Jobstreet conducted a survey involving 3,658 Jobstreet.com account holders, mostly from the National Capital Region (57 percent). Among the respondents are junior executives (40 percent), fresh graduates (28 percent), supervisors and middle managers (21 percent) and those in upper management (11 percent). When looking for an employer, Filipino jobseekers prefer job security, career advancement opportunities and promotions, and better perks and beneﬁts. “Job security is this year’s primary consideration among jobseekers as to their ideal employer,” Jobstreet.com Philippines country manager Philip Gioca said.

HOPE FOR MARAWI. AAI Group of Companies, through its corporate social responsibility arm AAI Charity Foundation Inc., turns over 500 school kits to Philippine Business for Social Progress. The kits, each consisting of school bags with a set of two T-shirts, shoes and umbrellas, will be given to pupils of Sultan Conding Elementary School in Marawi City who were displaced by the armed conflict. Shown are (from left) PBSP Luzon regional center manager Kristine Rivadelo, PBSP executive director Reynaldo Antonio Laguda, AAI Charity Foundation executive director Irene Timtiman and Black Arrow Express chief strategist and vice president Marcom John Walter Baybay.

Infra spending good for PH economy—Fitch By Julito G. Rada THE Duterte administration’s push to spend more on infrastructure and education will be good for the economy in the long run, Business Monitor International, a unit of Fitch Group, said in a report Monday. The government proposed a P3.77-trillion budget for 2018, a 12.4-percent increase over this year, to fund infrastructure projects and subsidize tertiary education. “Although the projected targets seem overly-ambitious, we believe that the government’s focus on infrastructure and education spending will be supportive of growth over the short

and long term,” BMI said. President Rodrigo Duterte certified as urgent the proposed P3.77-trillion national government budget for 2018 to encourage Congress to expedite its enactment. The budget, if passed, would be 12.4 percent larger than the 2017 budget of P3.35 trillion and would translate into a budget deficit of 3 percent of gross domestic product. The budget would also account for 21.6 percent of 2018 GDP, according to government estimates. “Although we regard the fiscal plan as overly ambitious, with the government likely to miss both its revenue and expenditure targets,

we expect the government’s focus on improving infrastructure and education to be supportive of growth over the short and long term,” BMI said. BMI predicted that the Philippines’ ﬁscal deﬁcit as a share of GDP would widen to 2.9 percent in 2018, from a projected 2.7 percent in 2017, with revenue and expenditure likely to reach 15.5 percent and 18.4 percent of GDP, respectively. The government’s infrastructure program, called “Build, Build, Build,” will receive P1.097 trillion or almost a third of the 2018 budget. Education will receive P691.1 billion, mostly to fund the construction of ad-

ditional 47,000 classrooms, rehabilitation of 18,000 classrooms, purchase of 84,781 chairs, and creation of 81,100 teaching positions. The Public Works Department will get P643.3 billion, a 37.5-percent increase from its 2017 allocation of P467.7 billion while the Department of Transportation would have P73.8 billion. The “Build, Build, Build” program is a part of Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda and aims to see infrastructure spending as a share of GDP increase to 5.4 percent in 2017 and 7.4 percent by 2022, from an average of 2.9 percent during the Aquino years (2010-2016).

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, jumped 113 points, or 1.4 percent, to close at 8,294.14 Monday. It was also up 21.2 percent since the start of the year. The broader all-share index also gained 50 points, or 1 percent, to settle at 4,886.48, on a value turnover of P8.1 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 121 to 83, while 46 issues were unchanged. Thirteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by developer Filinvest Land Inc. which climbed 5.4 percent to P2.13 and conglomerate Ayala Corp. which advanced 4.7 percent to P972. SM Investments Corp., the holding company of tycoon Henry Sy, rose 4 percent to P868.50. Meanwhile, Asian markets posted healthy gains on Monday following another record ﬁnish on Wall Street, while the focus turns to the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting later in the week. Investors will be keeping a close watch on the US central bank as policymakers have to deal with the fallout from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which hammered the country and are expected to hit economic growth. While it is tipped to keep borrowing costs on hold, the bank’s plans for cutting back crisis-era bond-buying stimulus and any signals for the future of interest rates will be pored over. However, analysts were

DOTr open to Bulacan airport without subsidy

Remittances expected to grow faster

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation is open to San Miguel Corp.’s proposed international gateway in Bulacan province as long as there is no government guarantee, a top ofﬁcial said Monday. “There’s a letter from them [San Miguel]. We told them that we are ready to talk, subject to existing laws and regulations and there should be no government guarantee or subsidy,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. Tugade also said there should be no provision in the contract that the operations of the airlines would be transferred to the proposed airport. “If that is okay with them, we are ready to talk,” he said, adding the project should be approved by the National Economic and Development Authority and President Rodrigo Duterte. “There’s also a Swiss Challenge,” he said, referring to to right of other parties to challenge the original proposal. San Miguel offered to build the new airport north of Manila, a revision from its 2014 proposal for a $10-billion airport on a reclaimed part of Manila Bay in the southern part of the metropolis. The conglomerate wanted to build an airport with at least four runways and covering 2,000 hectares in Bulacan towns near Manila Bay.

MINDORO SOLAR FARM. Solar Philippines is constructing a 4-megawatt solar-battery farm in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, to bring 24/7 power to 20,000 Filipinos for the first time ever. The company has also installed solar panels on rooftops, including the school here, as a part of Paluan’s “Solar Cooperative.”

PSALM defends decision to terminate contract with Phinma Energy

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, September 18, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.2420

Japan

Yen

0.009003

0.4613

Pound

1.356500

69.5098

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127898

6.5537

Switzerland

Franc

1.040583

53.3216

Canada

Dollar

0.820277

42.0326

Singapore

Dollar

0.743605

38.1038

Australia

Dollar

0.799700

40.9782

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651465

135.8664 13.6642

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

Brunei

Dollar

0.740850

37.9626

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0039

Thailand

Baht

0.030230

1.5490

UAE

Dirham

0.272294

13.9529

Euro

1.192200

61.0907

Korea

Won

0.000882

0.0452

China

Yuan

0.152672

7.8232

India

Rupee

0.015599

0.7993

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238777

12.2354

New Zealand

Dollar

0.727600

37.2837

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033262

1.7044 Source: PDS Bridge

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. on Monday defended its decision to terminate the contract with independent power producer administrators such as Phinma Energy Corp., the power arm of the Phinma Group. “In every decision we make, we ensure that we strictly followed what is written in the IPPA AAs [administration agreements], putting in mind that PSALM’s paramount role is to uphold the interest and welfare of the government and to protect it from ﬁnancial repercussions when issues arise such as the non-compliance with contractual obligations,” PSALM ofﬁcer-in-charge Lourdes Alzona said in a statement.

unsure about any further increases this year with inflation remaining subdued –apart from a bigger-thanexpected jump in August— and other indicators still soft. Despite the likely move to tightening, stock markets remain buoyant and on Friday the Dow and S&P 500 each closed at all-time highs. In Asia on Monday Hong Kong ended up 1.3 percent, Shanghai closed 0.3 percent higher and Sydney rallied 0.5 percent. Singapore added almost one percent, with Seoul jumping 1.4 percent and Taipei up 0.5 percent. Japanese markets were closed for a public holiday. “Ultimately draining the economy of cheap money can’t be viewed as a positive for markets accustomed to feeding off central bank largess. Why investors are so complacent is a mystery, but perhaps the reality check will set in midweek,” said Stephen Innes, head of AsiaPacific trading at Oanda. While the Fed mulls its next move the pound continues to shine against the dollar after the Bank of England last week indicated it will likely tighten monetary policy itself very soon. After a big increase in inflation, the bank’s governor Mark Carney said Thursday the chances of a hike had increased, followed on Friday by another board member signalling a move in “the coming months”. With Bloomberg, AFP

Phinma Energy filed a complaint and sought a temporary restraining order against PSALM with the Makati City regional trial court last week for terminating their agreement and forfeiting on the company’s performance bond. Sources said some companies aside from Phinma Energy also encountered difficulties in its IPPA agreement with PSALM for the Unified Leyte Geothermal power plants strips of energy. The strips cover 240 MW, of which 200 MW were auctioned and 40 MW were retained by PSALM as security asset. Aside from Phinma Energy, PSALM awarded 40 MW to FDC Utilities Inc., 40 MW to Unified Leyte Geothermal Energy Inc. and 40 MW to Aboitiz Energy So-

lutions Inc. Around 3 MW was allotted to Waterfront Mactan Casino Hotel Inc., 20 MW to Good Friends Hydro Resources Corp. and 17 MW to Vivant Energy Corp. PSALM said deﬁciencies in obligations on the part of the IPPAs were addressed according to the terms stipulated under the IPPA administration agreement. It said IPPAs’ contractual obligations to PSALM were privatization proceeds utilized for paying IPPs for the costs incurred in producing electricity. “Non-compliance will compel PSALM to contract new loans to shoulder these obligations to the detriment of the government and consumers. These borrowings will be recouped from consumers in

the form of universal charges,” PSALM said. PSALM said the IPPA administrators were aware and “considered the market risks inherent in the business and have studied business strategies that will allow them to yield proﬁt margins.” “As to the implementation of Uniﬁed Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, through PSALM trading strategies, it is ensured that the strips of energy are fully dispatched, providing IPPAs security from market volatility. PSALM assists IPPAs in their bilateral contract applications with the Energy Regulatory Commission by providing them support documents used as basis for approval by the regulatory body,” it said.

ING Bank expects remittances from Filipinos working overseas to grow faster in the third quarter, following the 7.1-percent expansion seen in July. ING Bank chief economist for Asia Rob Carnell said in a report Monday the start of the third quarter looked promising for remittances. “OFW remittance growth in the third quarter will likely be faster than the second quarter growth of only 2 percent. July OFW remittances were up 7.1 percent year-on-year. Some positive base effects helped since July 2016 remittances contracted by 5.4 percent,” Carnell said. He said remittances from the US, the Middle East and Asia―accounting for 80 percent of the seven-month 2017 total remittances―recorded a 9.7 percent, 6.7 percent and 9.7 percent increase year-on-year in July, respectively. Carnell said the remittance growth in August might be slower, weighed down by negative base effects. “Remittances after August will likely see a more moderate pace of around 5 to 6 percent,” he said. Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that money sent home by overseas Filipino workers increased 7.1 percent in July to $2.283 billion from $2.131 billion a year ago on sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas. Julito G. Rada

Business

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Uy eyes Megawide’s Cebu project By Jenniffer B. Austria

AVAO City-based businessman Dennis Uy expressed interest to team up with Megawide Construction Corp. to develop a four-hectare property adjacent to the Mactan Cebu International Airport into a mixeduse real estate project with hotel and gaming components.

Megawide chief marketing ofﬁcer Louie Ferrer said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting that Uy’s Udenna Corp. was one of the four groups that expressed interest in the Megawide project. Megawide said it would select a partner for the project within the year. Udenna is already building a $300-million integrated resort and casino on Punto Engaño Peninsula in Lapu-Lapu City. “This will complement his casino,” Ferrer said.

Meanwhile, Megawide said it was interested in getting a foreign partner for the proposed $1-billion East-West Railway project, a 9.77-kilometer railway from Diliman, Quezon City along the corridor of Quezon Avenue to España Boulevard in Manila. Megawide president Edgar Saavedra said the company planned to get a foreign partner with expertise in railway operations to help operate the project. Saavedra said the company would introduce a new technology for the construction of an elevated rail system and would also apply a different strategy in implementing the project. The company’s move to venture into transport projects such as mass railway transit, aside from developing airport and road projects, is a part of the group’s diversiﬁcation strategy. Megawide acquired in July a controlling stake in a consortium that will build an elevated railway linking Quezon City and

Manila. East-West Rail Transit Corp. agreed to give Megawide the right to participate in the unsolicited project as an additional consortium member with the right to acquire up to 60 percent of the special purpose vehicle for the project. Other members of the consortium are ERTWC and Malaysian ﬁrm MTD Alloy. Megawide said it would also pursue an unsolicited P209-billion proposal for the 50-year development of Manila-Cebu International Airport. The proposed project will have three phases, including the rehabilitation of MCIA’s existing runway and taxiways, construction of a second parallel and independent runway which will signiﬁcantly increase airside capacity and construction of a third terminal to accommodate additional passengers. It is also keen on bidding for the Clark Airport project slated later this year and other infrastructure projects that the government may bid out.

Sta. Lucia Land spending P15b in next three years PROPERTY developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc. said Monday it will spend P15 billion over the next three to ﬁve years to develop retail, commercial and retail establishments and complete several residential projects. SLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the planned investments would involve the construction of more retail, commercial and tourism-related establishments as a part of recurring income business to complement massive residential developments. These developments include

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.8 244,000 59.9 46,170 104 464,800 4.1 126,000 130.1 3,010,260 1.93 4,270,000 36 29,700 16 1,400 32.4 2,358,600 8.7 10,300 1.75 10,000 920 5,700 0.7 3,617,000 88.5 2,698,770 0.91 1,031,000 13.02 400 60.5 47,330 237.6 1,460 120 1,180 89 300 50.2 480,820 245 429,780 1,820 640 86.8 5,520 1.37 13,000

1,148,740 2,757,802.50 48,045,850 516,560 391,048,993 7,964,840 1,069,325 22,388 77,281,785 90,233 17,410 5,167,500 2,532,260 238,688,374.50 956,160 5,208 2,861,234.50 346,878 135,660 26,700 24,138,399.50 105,394,038 1,164,800 478,673 17,610

2,049,091 -18,220,938 -97,372,395 -1,220,500 -39,515 -13,544,450 -138,588,401 -325,780 -1,696,978 -168,696 -8,900 -5,617,948.50 -10,361,724 -

40.55 9.17 0.8 1.45 22.65 0.235 127 5.8 17.12 36.7 21.5 64 82.3 1.92 5.9 11.3 10.26 15.28 14.4 7.2 6.85 1.8 18.76 68.1 13.9 12.78 16.72 1.9 242.4 4.12 3.2 30.75 20.6 17.1 271.8 0.228 11.8 3 6.83 10.46 7.05 10 1.79 12.52 68.1 6.5 309 4.31 2 4.38 2.71 12.7 4.5 0.143 1.19 150.2 3.84 2.24

INDUSTRIAL 41.4 1,806,100 9.25 2,667,200 0.8 410,000 1.46 703,000 23.1 45,100 0.237 1,430,000 127.5 2,140 5.86 2,281,200 17.12 4,757,900 37.4 624,400 22.1 14,400 64 9,020 85 3,590 1.92 95,000 6.18 294,300 11.58 5,900 10.26 2,274,500 15.4 3,416,900 14.8 862,500 7.3 338,800 7.01 1,579,200 1.8 2,000 19 2,035,500 68.2 165,410 14.38 4,800 12.8 37,800 16.88 1,530,800 1.9 1,611,000 245 554,560 4.18 1,251,000 3.22 23,000 31 2,413,200 20.9 558,500 17.14 2,304,300 273 314,440 0.23 1,230,000 12.34 238,900 3 2,329,000 6.83 74,700 10.68 5,600,400 7.06 61,900 10 10,600 1.8 120,000 12.86 1,465,300 68.5 598,920 6.6 163,600 310 51,750 4.32 2,000 2 5,000 4.38 10,000 2.71 1,052,000 12.92 1,502,000 4.5 40,000 0.146 220,000 1.23 36,000 152 1,395,590 3.84 1,000 2.24 6,523,000

74,148,655 24,681,634 328,200 1,027,890 1,046,580 337,380 272,350 13,372,432 82,097,926 23,281,175 319,595 577,280 303,020 182,920 1,796,534 68,296 23,376,242 52,779,746 12,575,178 2,476,007 11,050,064 3,610 38,478,278 11,298,680.50 66,984 483,906 25,910,388 3,104,940 135,179,576 5,367,870 73,970 74,768,275 11,605,575 39,565,610 85,676,776 282,810 2,906,798 6,990,530 512,187 59,615,442 441,095 106,024 215,820 18,869,154 40,905,550.50 1,076,556 16,040,862 8,630 10,000 43,900 2,871,510 19,399,112 180,000 31,850 43,590 211,960,156 3,840 14,672,280

-20,117,015.00 5,312,106.00 14,600 113,190 -922,517 9,457,278 3,547,900 -575,360 -8,260 2,556,786 15,522,168 -3,541,390 -672,309 1,817,857 8,174,866 -2,572,393 -140,800 8,537,592 298,960 -53,015,286 -106,440 35,230 -7,926,320 1,913,445 20,158,776.00 20,985,000 -213,790 -1,422,984 122,400 -1,132,000 9,532,066 319,491 -459,504 164,800 -4,707,204 -45,762,955 -22,480

0.35 73.1 14.6 1.09 6.68 0.335 0.335 928.5 8.04 15.96 7.53 5 0.208 1,176 7.7 74.8 5.01 0.88 6.9 17.26 0.41 6.78 0.05 2.06 97.5 2.65 828.5 0.87 1.45 206.2 299.2 0.275 0.195 0.224

HOLDING FIRMS 0.355 100,000 73.95 1,208,300 14.76 6,759,600 1.1 92,000 6.9 5,800 0.345 19,750,000 0.35 2,940,000 972 712,160 8.08 1,808,400 16.04 9,460,900 7.74 36,300 5 84,100 0.208 40,000 1,199 79,475 8 160,400 76.6 855,780 5.01 14,700 0.89 528,000 6.94 566,600 17.48 1,618,300 0.415 20,000 6.92 19,480,600 0.05 29,210,000 2.07 1,156,000 98.1 159,680 2.65 52,000 868.5 1,062,760 0.88 200,000 1.47 835,000 206.2 10 300 11,880 0.28 230,000 0.195 480,000 0.224 130,000

35,400 89,420,293.50 99,611,062 100,980 40,244 6,832,300 1,020,350 687,151,390 14,593,193 151,981,860 280,712 423,412 8,320 94,590,270 1,277,725 64,814,537.50 76,779 475,640 3,935,339 28,256,028 8,250 133,718,196 1,469,550 2,384,710 15,643,404 137,800 915,066,620 175,000 1,218,110 2,062 3,561,740 63,500 93,650 29,120

13,328,754.50 -48,722,888 178,050.00 61,146,800 564,884 -106,870,566 8,320 11,292,765 17,178,474.50 -4,500 -328,448 -2,138,344 4,100 18,213,720 41,200 1,923,033.50 151,482,685 14,500 -1,079,798 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

4.6 59.7 101 4.1 128.9 1.75 36.05 15.88 32.4 8.72 1.73 905 0.71 88.1 0.91 13.02 60.5 237.6 114.4 89 50.8 250 1,820 86.7 1.33

4.99 59.9 104 4.1 130.6 1.96 36.05 16.1 33.1 9.15 1.75 920 0.71 88.65 0.96 13.02 60.5 237.6 120 89 50.85 250 1,820 86.85 1.37

4.6 59.55 101 4.09 128.9 1.71 35.95 15.88 32.3 8.33 1.73 905 0.69 88 0.91 13.02 60.2 237.2 114.4 89 50.05 244 1,820 86.7 1.33

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

40.8 9.2 0.8 1.47 23.1 0.238 127 5.8 17.4 36.7 22.45 64 82.3 1.94 6 11.6 10.4 15.36 14.64 7.31 6.97 1.81 19 68.5 13.9 12.9 16.72 1.94 243 4.45 3.25 31.5 20.6 17.26 275 0.23 11.8 3.06 6.87 10.62 7.29 10.08 1.8 12.52 68.35 6.5 310 4.31 2 4.48 2.75 12.7 4.5 0.143 1.22 153.7 3.84 2.29

41.4 9.33 0.81 1.47 23.5 0.238 127.5 5.88 17.4 37.5 22.45 64 87 1.94 6.19 11.6 10.4 15.68 14.8 7.34 7.01 1.81 19.06 68.85 14.38 12.9 17.2 1.97 245 4.45 3.3 31.5 21 17.3 275 0.232 12.58 3.06 6.9 10.74 7.29 10.08 1.8 13 68.6 6.79 310 4.32 2 4.48 2.75 13.02 4.5 0.146 1.23 153.7 3.84 2.29

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

0.355 73.95 14.62 1.09 6.68 0.335 0.335 928.5 8.08 16.5 7.53 5 0.208 1,189 7.7 75.4 5.28 0.9 6.9 17.3 0.41 6.79 0.051 2.06 97.5 2.65 833 0.87 1.47 206.2 300 0.275 0.195 0.224

0.355 74.45 14.86 1.1 7.05 0.355 0.355 975 8.1 16.5 7.74 5.26 0.208 1,201 8 76.6 5.28 0.91 7 17.62 0.415 6.94 0.052 2.07 98.45 2.65 870 0.88 1.48 206.2 301 0.28 0.2 0.224

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

5.08 1.21 7.6 2.36 1.1 45 3.86 5.1 5.25 0.52 1.32 1.54 0.234 0.49 41 0.69 0.156 2.03 1.49 0.98 4.5 5.38

5.1 1.23 7.9 2.4 1.12 46.1 3.94 5.2 5.33 0.53 1.36 1.55 0.241 0.495 42.95 0.7 0.156 2.15 1.6 0.98 4.5 5.5

5.07 1.19 7.5 2.36 1.09 44.75 3.84 5.08 5.25 0.5 1.31 1.52 0.233 0.49 40.6 0.68 0.149 2.02 1.48 0.95 4.12 5.37

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.375 0.53 0.5 6.16 25.35 1.78 3.26 34.8 1.04 0.89 6.38

0.39 0.53 0.51 6.2 25.8 1.81 3.26 35.05 1.06 0.89 6.38

0.375 0.495 0.495 5.99 25 1.78 3.21 34.2 1.03 0.88 6.3

0.39 0.51 0.5 5.99 25.8 1.8 3.21 35 1.03 0.89 6.36

92,380,000 12,008,000 3,016,000 2,385,900 13,603,000 1,698,000 35,000 15,258,000 7,717,000 13,000 5,417,400

35,446,350 6,129,520 1,499,455 14,512,926 345,655,535 3,056,700 112,570 532,990,100 8,071,470 11,550 34,438,203

46,700 -83,200 -190,723 15,312,940 32,100 -68,880,915.00 4,230,613

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

20.35 40.75 1.67 0.61 0.039 10.84 5.12 11 0.074 111.7 9.25 10.48 7.6 2,036 6.11 20 13.32 2.33 3 108.5 12.02 8.4 0.169 1.32 3.06 15.96 4.47 1.46 12.9 0.57 2.35 8.5 4.19 18.8 2.7 5.18 8.25 166 9.8 1,710 1.62 0.41 51.25 95.5 5.85 4.34 1.54 1.84 3.6 1.23 9.4

21.15 40.75 1.68 0.61 0.039 10.84 5.15 11.16 0.075 112.5 9.5 10.54 7.6 2,038 6.15 20 13.32 2.33 3 108.8 12.02 8.42 0.169 1.36 3.09 15.96 4.67 1.46 12.92 0.59 2.38 8.7 4.24 19.38 2.74 5.18 8.25 170 9.8 1,710 1.65 0.41 51.5 95.5 6 4.59 1.56 1.94 3.64 1.24 9.4

20.35 40.6 1.66 0.59 0.039 10.84 5.12 10.9 0.073 110.7 9.2 10.28 7.4 2,002 6.1 19.12 13.3 2.24 2.97 106.5 12.02 8.4 0.169 1.31 3.06 15.5 4.47 1.39 12.5 0.57 2.35 8.46 4.17 18.8 2.59 5.16 8.01 166 9.4 1,690 1.62 0.4 50.8 95 5.85 4.3 1.52 1.83 3.59 1.22 9.05

SERVICES 20.9 40.7 1.68 0.6 0.039 10.84 5.15 10.9 0.073 112 9.2 10.36 7.59 2,030 6.1 19.34 13.3 2.25 2.98 107.6 12.02 8.42 0.169 1.34 3.09 15.66 4.59 1.41 12.8 0.58 2.38 8.61 4.24 18.8 2.65 5.18 8.01 170 9.58 1,704 1.64 0.4 51.5 95.35 6 4.59 1.55 1.94 3.64 1.23 9.05

122,400 36,100 254,000 2,921,000 21,500,000 100 300 17,006,400 7,280,000 383,160 16,200 2,340,600 280,300 32,705 182,200 29,500 900 4,168,000 17,000 1,888,510 100 1,079,100 180,000 161,000 22,000 6,100 1,271,000 2,608,000 3,160,000 22,000 22,000 5,906,900 14,341,000 1,400 3,546,000 1,300 46,000 5,310 1,482,200 43,260 6,270,000 1,770,000 1,635,110 522,220 96,800 5,434,000 4,595,000 12,000 1,394,000 7,441,000 8,383,000

2,555,035 1,467,900 422,460 1,728,040 838,500 1,084 1,542 187,564,600 534,620 42,929,519 149,178 24,249,488 2,099,248 66,234,910 1,115,326 577,618 11,984 9,466,620 50,730 203,025,165 1,202 9,084,160 30,420 211,810 67,540 95,272 5,806,000 3,691,270 40,272,138 12,950 52,330 50,745,484 60,241,190 26,498 9,418,340 6,732 376,340 902,385 14,175,798 73,702,180 10,276,960 718,900 83,676,326.50 49,803,088.50 566,510 24,524,010 7,071,170 22,230 5,049,990 9,133,190 76,471,050

15 -282,200 -3,558,364 8,556,128 18,470 951,080 -374,228 10,128,170 200,000 -461,820 -63,556,034 -1,360 -89,640 28,800 10,876,998 1,143,815 627,910 -186,590.00 -194,040 1,353,485 274,810 65,100 -18,687,041 1,876,590 7,470,790 1,051,260 -1,419,470 6,150 -23,516,079

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

0.0026 1.68 5.02 1.82 1.49 0.395 8.38 2.65 0.27 0.183 0.01 2.07 7.6 1.84 0.52 1.02 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.52 8.69 5.28 48.4

0.0027 1.68 5.03 1.82 1.52 0.4 9.19 2.66 0.27 0.184 0.011 2.12 7.87 1.84 0.54 1.05 0.013 0.014 0.013 2.52 8.69 5.38 48.75

0.0026 1.65 5 1.82 1.43 0.395 8.38 2.6 0.265 0.181 0.01 2.07 7.48 1.8 0.52 1.01 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.42 8.54 5.09 47.55

MINING & OIL 0.0027 429,000,000 1.66 4,684,000 5.01 1,252,700 1.82 3,000 1.47 3,211,000 0.4 170,000 8.7 36,900 2.66 4,197,000 0.27 180,000 0.183 1,460,000 0.011 33,700,000 2.09 276,000 7.87 4,787,000 1.84 14,000 0.54 2,000 1.04 335,000 0.012 70,200,000 0.014 11,200,000 0.013 3,600,000 2.42 3,000 8.6 875,200 5.15 7,003,200 47.9 3,287,600

1,116,300 7,814,580 6,274,319 5,460 4,735,830 67,550 327,424 11,092,120 47,900 266,740 356,600 576,220 37,003,428 25,550 1,060 347,640 843,000 156,800 46,600 7,460 7,509,799 36,368,452 157,766,800

-171,400 83,500 -52,531 -34,600 -7,280 -1,485,280 -79,650 9,779,095 -5,400 -10,400 1,663,648.00 2,246,960 85,498,095

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

40.3 517 106 105.3 109.9 112.3 516 5.8 1,012 1,026 1.05 108 1,012 2.3 74 80.2 77 81 78.9 79.4

40.55 517 106 105.3 109.9 118.7 516 5.8 1,012 1,028 1.06 108 1,012 2.3 76.5 81.8 77 81.1 78.9 79.4

40.3 517 106 105.1 107 112.3 516 5.78 1,012 1,026 1.04 108 1,012 2.03 74 80.2 76 81 78.9 79.4

PREFERRED 40.55 71,900 517 50 106 1,470 105.2 2,600 107 23,150 118.2 10,480 516 3,400 5.8 87,100 1,012 100 1,028 10,005 1.04 2,002,000 108 20 1,012 50 2.03 3,000 76.5 1,310 81.8 80,080 76 120,700 81.1 22,940 78.9 6,420 79.4 1,060

2,912,895 25,850 155,820 273,550 2,477,618 1,226,730 1,754,400 504,580 101,200 10,279,540 2,102,080 2,160 50,600 6,630 98,165 6,550,371.50 9,175,200 1,859,544 506,538 84,164

2,876,400 -331,180 -

LR WARRANT

2.53

2.65

2.52

WARRANTS 2.6 473,000

1,223,740

-143,350

4,516,770 623,840 8,754,094

-2,313,880

2,620,651

50,400

PROPERTY 5.1 1.23 7.9 2.4 1.11 46 3.89 5.15 5.3 0.53 1.31 1.54 0.233 0.49 42.45 0.69 0.149 2.13 1.56 0.96 4.12 5.48

161,900 10,532,000 25,200 222,000 1,919,000 12,354,100 1,351,000 1,754,800 20,000 51,997,000 1,200,000 123,000 20,950,000 350,000 588,900 4,673,000 630,000 53,814,000 24,806,000 474,000 2,000 47,965,000

822,299 12,768,700 190,540 527,840 2,118,580 562,711,935 5,252,710 9,036,185 105,359 26,834,720 1,587,390 189,340 4,902,040 171,800 24,879,200 3,224,380 96,880 114,125,320 38,838,440 453,600 8,620 261,962,326

-12,653 12,000 -6,452,160 1,972,540 134,658.00 340,700 1,310 10,710 -297,695 -3,196,080.00 44,930,220.00 12,964,170 124,213,521

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

4.58 4.84 5.8

4.71 4.89 5.8

4.58 4.77 5.7

FIRST METRO ETF

123.5

125

123.2

USD DMPL A1

10.5

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

18,905,457

INDUSTRIAL

59,622,748

HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY

107,670,281 399,376,063

SERVICES

135,098,417

MINING & OIL

579,692,334

GRAND TOTAL

1,303,011,190

10.5

4.65 4.89 5.71

SME

966,000 130,000 1,527,900

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 125 21,080 10.5

DDS

4,800

VALUE 1,992.94 (up) 19.08 911,924,080.74 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,358.04 (down) 9.22 1,266,542,370.71 HOLDING FIRMS 8,234.38 (up) 184.28 2,398,678,068.70 PROPERTY 3,991.49 (up) 64.69 SERVICES 1,741.01 (up) 2.06 2,126,779,225.855 MINING & OIL 14,252.16 (down) 16.56 1,115,953,717.22 PSEI 8,294.14 (up) 113.29 272,801,897.194 All Shares Index 4,886.48 (up) 50.15 8,109,199,974.42 Gainers: 121; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 46; Total: 250

large-scale master planned residential estates including 14 golf courses. SLI said to ﬁnance the P15-billion capital spending, it planned to tap both the debt and equity markets. SLI raised P4 billion from issuance of ﬁxed-rate retail bonds last year. “The entry into the development of retail, commercial and tourism related establishments will cater to all of these communities that were formed in over 45 years of the group’s rich history,” SLI said. The company said that since 2015, it had aggressively increased developable properties by acquiring over 658 hectares of landbank while entering into joint venture agreements covering 991 hectares. Most of the properties it acquired are in Pangasinan, Bulacan, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon province, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Cebu, Zamboanga City, General Santos City and Davao. SLI, along with parent company Sta. Lucia Realty & Development Inc., developed over 220 projects covering over 10,000 hectares of land scattered throughout the country. The company said it aimed to leverage its expertise in retail from its current 200,000-square-meter mall in Cainta, Rizal. Jenniffer B. Austria

Max’s to open 7 Sizzlin’ Steak outlets in UAE RESTAURANT chain operator Max’s Group Inc. said Monday it signed a deal to bring restaurant brand Sizzlin’ Steak to the United Arab Emirates. Max’s Group said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it teamed up with Kasamar Holdings to build seven Sizzlin’ Steak outlets in UAE over the next ﬁve years. “We are witnessing the emergence of Sizzlin’ Steak as a global mainstream brand. At the same time, we are pleased with our partnership with Kasamar Holdings to introduce our hot plate concept to the UAE,” said Max’s Group president and chief executive Robert Trota. This marks the fourth development contract signed by Max’s Group for the year, adding to an active pipeline of more than 130 stores slated to operationalize in the coming years. Kasamar Holdings is a family-led enterprise based in Abu Dhabi engaged in three principal investment verticals: private equity and venture, real estate and public securities. KH operates one of the largest private healthcare providers in the United Arab Emirates. It also diversiﬁed interests in retail and medical equipment distribution. Kasamar Holdings plans to assemble a portfolio of acclaimed food brands that will primarily cater to the local market. “We are excited to enter this space with one of the most reputable food and beverage names from the Philippines. We genuinely believe in the uniqueness and value proposition offered by Sizzlin Steak,” Kasamar Holdings director Mo Bississo. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

PSALM pushes sale of property holdings

7-ELEVEN EXPANSION.

World-leading convenience store chain brand 7-Eleven branches out in Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, one of the upscale commercial business districts in the metro. At the Uptown Mall outlet opening are (from left) Arlene Bacani, business development specialist; Mark Raymond Serrano, business development supervisor; Krishield Sison, leasing manager, Megaworld Corp.; Bryan Ong, multiple 7-Eleven franchisee; Edgar Gabriel, business development section manager; Aimee Marquez, franchise upervisor; and Natallie Beduya, PSC public relations specialist.

Firms warned on data privacy PUBLIC and private companies that failed to beat the September 9 deadline for the registration of their data processing systems starting with the registration of their data protection ofﬁcer will be subjected to compliance checks, the National Privacy Commission warned over the weekend. “Failure to register may subject a company or an agency to compliance checks, compliance orders, and depending on attendant circumstances may be considered evidence of unauthorized processing, punishable under the Data Privacy Act,” said NPC chairman Raymund Enriquez Liboro. Since September 9 fell on a Saturday, a non-working day, the deadline automatically moved to the next working day, or September 11, 2017. “For one thing, in case an organization suffers a data breach in the future, its non-registration would imply lack of due diligence, critical in defending against charges of negligence,” he said. The commission will continue accepting registration papers from controllers and processors even after the Monday deadline. A compliance check by the commission is a comprehensive validation process based on 10 critical aspects of accountability, which the agency has termed as the data governance framework. It involves interviews, operations inspection, documents analysis and pertinent activities intended to appraise the organization’s culture of privacy. Othel V. Campos

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. is pushing the sale of its real estate assets to lower its debt, its top ofﬁcial said Monday.

Lopez woos American manufacturers By Othel V. Campos THE Trade Department urged American companies to strengthen business collaboration with investors and multinational corporations based in the Philippines. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez in a recent investments forum in the US met with different associations and business executives to offer opportunities in the Philippine manufacturing sector. Lopez presented the sound macroeconomic fundamentals of the Philippines to American companies and stressed the resurgence of manufacturing in the Philippines. Members of the American Apparel and Footwear Association in the same forum disclosed the potential relocation and expansion of their manufacturing fa-

cilities in the Philippines. Lopez encouraged AAFA members, which include Tellas Ltd. (formerly Luenthai USA), Under Armour Inc., Michael Kors (USA) Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Coach Inc., and the Ascena Retail Group Inc., (makers of Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant, Dressbarn, and Catherines) to take advantage of the extended duty-free treatment to Philippine exports of travel goods under the Generalized System of Preferences program. Meanwhile, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York noted that AAFA members and the brands they carry had increased their presence in the Philippines amid the huge domestic market, rapid economic growth and expanding middle class. Lopez also met with ofﬁcials

of a research-centric organization, the US-Philippines Society, for a collaborative project to streamline the country’s revenue-generating operations, respond to internal and external security concerns and mitigate the impact of global warming on vulnerable sectors. Shearwater CFO and COO Tom Kendrot joined the series of meetings with Lopez to conﬁrm Shearwater’s expansion through a third operation center in the Philippines opening in 2018 in Iloilo City. Shearwater is a US clinical solutions provider, with clinical process outsourcing operations in Taguig City and Cebu City. The expansion is expected to bring in an additional $7 million worth of investments and increase the company’s labor footprint in the country to 3,000 heads.

Oil prices maintain gains near $50 a barrel OIL held gains near $50 a barrel as the US rig count dropped the most since January after a record expansion earlier this year. Futures were little changed in New York after advancing 5.1 percent last week. Rigs targeting crude fell by seven to 749, according to data Friday from Baker Hughes. Drillers haven’t added any new machines during the past five weeks, capping in August the first monthly drop since May 2016. The third hurricane this month is tracking toward the Caribbean and strengthening along the way. While oil has rebounded this month and pushed above $50 a barrel last week, prices have struggled to hold at those levels this year as rising US output stifles supply curbs led

by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Insufﬁcient new investment in production is stoking risk of tighter supply, according to the International Energy Agency, which last week raised its 2017 demand growth forecast. “We’re seeing a little bit of a pause in the market, a wait and see approach after prices climbed to resistance above $50 last week,” said Ric Spooner, an analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. “There are some signs of an underlying increase in demand and the rig count decline indicates a bit of stabilization.” West Texas Intermediate for October delivery was at $49.99 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 10 cents,

at 7:51 a.m. in London. Total volume traded was about 40 percent below the 100-day average. Prices closed unchanged Friday at $49.89. Brent for November settlement added 4 cents to $55.66 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices rose 3.4 percent last week. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $5.14 to November WTI. The US rig count shrank in all four of the nation’s biggest oil basins last week, with Texas’ Eagle Ford and Permian regions leading the decline, data from Baker Hughes showed. American crude output has averaged about 9.23 million barrels a day this year, according to government data. Bloomberg

PSALM officer-in-charge Lourdes Alzona said the agency would also push through with the privatization of the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Pililia, Rizal this year pending the final terms from the Energy Department. “The remaining asset in our schedule this year is Malaya plant. While awaiting the needed direction, the focus is profiling our real estate assets in addition to liability management to service PSALM outstanding financial obligations,” Alzona said. She said the agency tasked to privatize government power assets planned to sell the real property assets as “long as legally feasible.” “We are coordinating with Peza (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) to maximize value of these assets,” she said. PSALM has real estate assets with an aggregate land area of around 100 million square kilometers, consisting of about 6,160 lots around the country. The agency said the figure might change subject to a “database clean-up.” PSALM said around 60 percent of total land area is found in Luzon, 39 percent in Mindanao and one percent in Visayas. The agency has already formulated a strategic plan to liquidate the real estate assets while generating the highest financial return to pay PSALM’s obligations. PSALM said the sale of the property assets would

lead to the reduction of the residual debt of the company, adding tax payments taxes and the money used to secure the holdings could be used for new power plants and other economic activities. Among the legally-feasible modes identiﬁed in the plan are through outright sale, lease and operation and management/maintenance by another person or entity. The plan proposes to privatize real estate assets in the sites of decommissioned power plants and in lands not related to power generation or under lease agreements, which were previously offered for sale to new plant owners or successor generating companies. They also include lands adjacent to or near privatized power plants or independent power producer plants and those near the remaining power and IPP plants of PSALM. Former PSALM president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. in 2014 disclosed the plan to sell PSALM’s real estate assets to further reduce the government’s energy sector debt. PSALM was support to start the privatization program for the real estate assets in 2015 after a board approval. Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, mandated PSALM to ensure the orderly privatization of government’s power and related disposable assets.

What the Senators should ask about TRAIN IF they are having difficulty fully comprehending TRAIN (Tax Reform and Inclusiveness), the Duterte administration’s four-part tax package, students of the nature and role of taxation should not be blamed. The truth is that TRAIN is turning on its head practically everything they were taught in Taxation Theory I class. The rationale underlying the Duterte administration’s tax reform package is indicated by the following quotation from Secretary of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez III: “The Duterte administration sees raising the oil excise tax as the best way to raise revenue after it lowers the personal income tax rates.” The economist’s-lingo translation of that statement would be that the Duterte administration sees raising a regressive tax —i.e., a tax on consumption—as the best way to raise revenues after it lowers the personal income tax rates (of lower-income taxpayers). TRAIN is retaining the top tax rates of 32 percent and 35 percent for incomes in excess of P2 million. This is contrary to what economists were taught in the course of their studies. They were taught two things about taxes. First, taxation should, to the greatest extent, be progressive, i.e., seek to reduce inequality in the income structure. Second, because of their proportionately heavier impact on the lower-income groups, progressive taxes should be preferred to regressive taxes. And, third, because of the relatively greater collection difficulty involved, administrative efficiency should be maximized in the collection of personal income taxes. Under TRAIN individuals earning up to P250,000 a year will be imposed a flat income tax of P2,500, as against the P50,000 that they

currently have to pay; the tax relief is P47,500. Individuals earning “more than P250,000 but not more than P500,000” currently have to pay income tax of P95,000, but with the implementation of TRAIN they will have to pay P32,500; the tax relief is P62,500. According to BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) records, individuals annually earning P250,000 or less accounted for 83 percent of all 2013 taxpayers. But there also will be relief for the remaining 17 percent of tax payers, i.e., who earn more than P50,000 a year, the three percentages—30, 32, 35 —of income-exceeding-a-certain-figure that they are currently paying will be adjusted downward every year until they reach 25 percent. There is a competitive element to this: the top individual income tax rate in most of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is 25 percent. The Department of Finance (DOF) has placed at P139 billion the revenue that will be foregone with the downward adjustments in personal income tax rates. Now, the regressive – i.e., excise taxation – part of the first TRAIN package. To compensate for the lost revenue, TRAIN is relying mainly on three measures, to wit, (1) an increase in the taxes on petroleum products, with the taxes indexed to inflation, (2) an expansion of its VAT (value-added tax) base through limitation of exemptions, and (3) a tax on “sugary” products. VAT exemption will be limited to raw food, health and education expenses and a few other essentials. DOF estimates that the combined revenues from these excise-taxation measures, considered against the P139 billion foregone revenue, will give rise to a net gain of P220 billion. Raising taxes on goods in order to be able to

make possible reductions in tax rates on incomes (including the personal incomes of the wealthy, which will gradually be taxed less): that really turns on its head the role and practice of taxation. When the ﬁrst TRAIN package goes up to their chamber, the Senators should ask themselves four things that have to do with making taxation policy an effective tool of economic development. The ﬁrst question is, what will be the likely outcome of placing more purchasing power at the disposal of taxpayers, especially low-income taxpayers, if —as is likely—most of the additional purchasing power will go towards consumption. Has a study been made of the Philippine economy’s capacity to absorb the resulting incremental demand? Second, does the use of excise tax revenues to fund income tax reductions mean that the DOF now considers excise taxation as the better approach to income-inequality reduction? Third, what happens to the past administration’s—especially the Aquino administration’s—campaign against high-income tax evaders, e.g. RATE (Run Against Tax Evaders) now that TRAIN intends to gradually reduce the tax rates for high-income tax payers? And, fourth, has DOF studied the price elasticities—the likely effect on consumer buying decisions—of the goods whose excise tax rates it proposes to raise? The right answers to these questions are crucial because, whereas excise tax revenues are mere estimates, personal income tax reductions, when granted, immediately become operational realities. There’s a TRAIN coming your way, Senators. Don’t let it run over you. E-mail: romero.business.class@gmail.com

thereon, to wit: REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OF TITLE NO. 004-2016013610 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERRIF QUEZON CITY BDO UNIBANK, INC., (formerly BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC.), Mortgagee/s, -versus-

FRE NO. 11806

RANDY MATITO REYES AND JONNA MANANGHAYA PINEDA, Mortgagor/s x-----------------------------------x

*Grass Residences” Tower 2 Unit No. 2736 Unit Type: 2 Bedroom deluxe with balcony Total Area: 51.59 square meter

In the diagramamatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on Transfer Certificate of Title NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL N-320819 which embraces and SALE OF REAL PROPERTY describes the land located at UNDER ACT 3135 Nueva Viscaya corner Misamis (AS AMENDED) and Nueva Ecija Streets, UPON extra-judicial petition Barangay Sto. Cristo, Quezon under ACT 3135, as amended City with an area of Thirty Six by ACT 4118 and pursuant to Thousand Two and Twenty the terms and conditions of the (36,002.20) square meter.” Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on JULY 19, 2016 All sealed bids must be by RANDY MATITO REYES submitted to the undersigned at AND JONNA MANANGHAYA the aforesaid office on the above PINEDA – No. 15 Sto. Niño, stated date and time. Bata, Paombong 3001, Bulacan / Unit No. 2736, Tower 2, Grass Interested parties are hereby Residences Condominium, enjoined to investigate for Nueva Vizcaya corner Misamis themselves the title/s to the and Nueva Ecija Street, said property/ies and the Barangay Sto. Cristo, Quezon encumbrances thereon, if any City, Mortgagor/s in favor of there be. BDO UNIBANK, INC. (formerly BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, In the event that public auction INC.), Mortgagee/s, to satisfy should not take place on said the mortgage debt in the date due to fortuitous event or amount of P5,627,742.68 as if the same be declared a nonof August 1, 2017 inclusive/ working holiday, it shall be held exclusive of interest, penalties, on October 24, 2017 at the attorney’s fees and other same time and place without charges together with all the further notice. lawful fees and expenses of Quezon City, Metro Manila, foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio AUGUST 22, 2017. Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his (Sgd.) ARNULFO O. LIM duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff IV hereby announces that on October 17, 2017 between the (Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Clerk of Court VII and at the Office of Clerk of Court Ex-Officio Sheriff & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., WARNING: It is absolutely Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon prohibited to remove, deface City, will SELL through public or Destroy this Notice of auction to the highest bidder Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the and for cash, in Philippine date of the auction sale under Currency, the following penalty of the law. described real property/ies with all the improvements existing (MS-Sep. 12, 19 & 26, 2017)

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

LGUs

Housing project in Tandang Sora OKd

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Rio N. Araja

Mindoro jail cleanup set By Macon Ramos-Araneta

EPARTMENT of Health-Mimaropa Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo has ordered the immediate disinfection and sanitation of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Jail due to the outbreak of chicken pox among inmates.

The move will also prevent the increasing number of skin diseases due to jail congestion, Janairo said. “The risk of infection is very high because of the overcrowded cells where inmates are being detained. That is why a regular dis-

infection and sanitation is a must, especially now that we have rising cases of chicken pox,” he said. “We must ensure that viruses and bacteria in all the cell blocks are eliminated and will not transmit infectious pathogens to in-

mates,” Janairo added. Bacteria, virus and other micro-organisms (such as chickenpox, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections) are transmitted through direct contact, which occurs when one person infects the next by direct person-to-person contact, and indirect contact, which occurs when an intermediate carrier is involved in the spread of pathogens (a microbe or microorganism such as a virus, bacterium or fungus that causes disease in its host). Data from the DoH-Mi-

maropa Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that as of Sept. 6, 112 inmates were afflicted with chicken pox, 64 with boils, and four with fungal infection. Janairo also disclosed that 50 inmates have cough, 15 have colds, and three with fever. Also, three inmates were found to be HIV positive. “These cases will further increase because of the overcrowded living conditions inside the jail that is why we have immediately conducted medical interventions to assure that each

of these cases will receive proper treatment and medical assistance,” warned Janairo added. Four DoH-Mimaroma staff were also infected with chicken pox during the mass screening for inmates held on Aug. 22 to 31 at OMPJ. As of Sept. 17, 868 detainees are currently admitted at OMPJ. The DoH official said misting operations were also done all over the provincial jail to eliminate mosquitoes and other insect-causing diseases. He said comfort rooms,

shower areas and living quarters were all sanitized. Various medicines such as amoxicillin, cloxacillin, fungal cream, multivitamins, anti-hypertension, lagundi, mefenamic acid, betadine and cotton were turned over to OMPJ including one box of disinfectant solution. The disinfection and sanitation activity at OMPJ was provided by DoHMimaropa in coordination with the officials of Bureau of Fire Protection and the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro.

Erap to hold chiefs liable for cops sleeping on duty By Bill Casas MANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Monday warned he will hold station and police community precinct commanders responsible for any misconduct committed by their men— especially those caught sleeping while on duty. Estrada has ordered the Manila Police District to look into the administrative liabilities of the 15 night shift police officers who were photographed sleeping while on duty at the Gagalangin Police Community Precinct in Tondo last week. “It was such a disappointment. We’ve been trying very hard to raise the image of our police force, the ‘Manila’s Finest’, and yet we hear of these incidents,” Estrada said. After consulting with MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel, Estrada announced station commanders and PCP chiefs will be

the first ones to be made to explain if similar incidents will occur in the future. “You’re the commanding officer. You should control and discipline your men, and that failure to do so would mean you’re not competent enough to hold your post. I tell you, you will be held liable,” Estrada warned. Under Section 51 of Republic Act 6975, as amended by Section 64 of RA 8551, governors and mayors have administrative and supervisory control over the local police units as deputized representatives of the National Police Commission. All 15 policemen of Gagalangin PCP have been temporarily transferred to the National Capital Regional Police Office headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig while under investigation, according to Senior Supt. Danilo Macerin, chief of the directorial staff of MPD.

OUT TO DRY. Fishermen take advantage of the afternoon heat to dry their catch at the beach in Buenavista, Marinduque. The island province is already experiencing the rainy season. Teddy Pelaez

San Juan City, JCI to host benefit concert for Marawi City THE San Juan City Government, in cooperation with three Junior Chamber International chapters in San Juan, will host a concert-for-a-cause for the victims of the Marawi siege on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Filoil Flying V Center. Mayor Guia Gomez said the city government would be collaborating with JCI Pinaglabanan, JCI Katipuneros and JCI Dambana to

raise funds for those affected by the long-standing conflict in Marawi City through the musical production “San Juan Para sa Marawi.” “We are grateful that we have this benefit concert as a platform for San Juaneños to share their sympathy and blessings to our brothers and sisters in Marawi. The San Juaneños are very kind and accommodating in nature and an event like

this is a great opportunity to further imbibe the spirit of bayanihan in the city,” Gomez said. The concert will feature the musical competence of industry names like Basil Valdez, Celeste Legaspi, Ryan Cayabyab and The Company. By purchasing a ticket for as low as P300, Gomez said concert goers would be able to enjoy quality entertain-

ment, and help those needing reconstruction of their destroyed city. Hundreds of armed extremists flying the black flag of the Islamic State movement occupied Marawi, the lakeshore capital of Lanao del Sur, on May 23. More than 800 militants, government troops and civilians have since been killed in the conflict, which forced thousands to flee

their homes in that erstwhile bustling city of Maranao culture. President Rodrigo Duterte, who said P50 billion would not be enough to rebuild Marawi, has deployed thousands of troops and imposed martial law across the southern third of the country to deal with the crisis, while the military launched a USbacked air campaign against the militants.

EGG Centers give Ecija education, disaster tools CABANATUAN CITY— Microsoft Philippines has partnered with the Department of Education and the provincial government of Nueva Ecija to launch the EGG Project, which aims to provide public schools here a free and easier way to access the Internet as well as a command center that residents can use in times of natural disasters. The launch of the EGG Classroom is in line with the DepEd’s study, which reveals that 29 percent or 13,500 out of 47,000 schools in the country has no computer laboratories, while 74 percent or 34,700 out of 47,000 schools has no access to the Internet. Through the EGG Classroom, students can utilize 16 laptops plus one main computer with Internet connection for research

and learning purposes, as well as access to DepEd content including subject curriculums. According to Microsoft Philippines Managing Director Bertrand Launay, this move is Microsoft’s way of recognizing how digital transformation is inherent in education. The EGG Project is also the first education-related venture of Microsoft outside Metro Manila. “There are still over 6,000 locations with no power and connectivity in the Philippines. In these off-grid locations, students trek long distances everyday just to get online to research important facts for their homework or get updated with the latest findings in science and technology and in current events,” Launay said. Ferdie G. Domingo

THE 36-member Quezon City council has given Mayor Herbert Bautista the green light to allocate a government-owned property in Barangay Tandang Sora for the development of a socialized housing site. Bautista signed Ordinance 2539, designating a 1,000-square meter lot to build homes for the informal settlers residing in the area for 40 years, and who have organized themselves into a homeowners’ association. The measure authored by District 6 Councilor Marivic Co-Pilar will benefit bona fide members of MCP II Bagong Pag-asa Homeowners Association Inc. Under the ordinance, the lot to be developed as a socialized housing site in Barangay Tandang Sora has been acquired by the city government through public auction last May 2014 and has never been redeemed within the one year redemption period as provided for in Section 261 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991. “To facilitate the development and improvement of the aforesaid property, there is a compelling need to declare it as Socialized Housing Site in order for the residents to avail of various benefits and exemptions accorded to socialized housing beneficiaries under, but not limited to, Republic Act No. 7279 and Batas Pambansa Bilang 220,” the ordinance read. Meanwhile, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines has partnered with the city’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Council in its advocacy to stop the spread of human immunodeficiency virus.

IN BRIEF Remulla turns over ambulances to GenTri GENERAL TRIAS CITY—Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla on Monday led the turnover of two ambulances and 50 closed circuit television cameras to the local government led by Mayor Antonio “Ony” Ferrer during the regular morning flag ceremony at the city esplanade here. Remulla joined his brother, former governor Jonvic Remulla, and Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer in handing over the keys of the ambulances to Barangay Tejero Chairman Jon Jon Cruz and Barangay Santiago Chairman Rolando Pagkaliwangan. The 50 CCTV units were distributed to teachers representing schools and officers of local homeowners’ associations. The units aim to enhance the emergency response capabilities of the city’s barangays and to increase security in schools and residential areas. Other barangays of the city are expected to receive their ambulances soon from the capitol. Also present at the ceremony were Cavite 6th District Provincial Board Member Felix “Jango” Grepo, CCL President Kerby Salazar, Vice Mayor Maurito Sison, and city councilors Christopher Custodio, Walter Martinez, Gary Grepo, Pafoo Lozares, Hernando Granados, Jowie Sinsay Carampot, Jonas Glyn Porto Labuguen, Mario Amante, Florencio Ayos and Liga ng Barangay President Constancia Felizardo.

Women’s livelihood training in Pangasinan

ORCHIDS IN BLOOM. Senator Cynthia A. Villar enjoys touring the Flower Area at the Quezon City Memorial Circle while enjoying the beauty of the local waling waling and other orchids in bloom during the 71st Midyear Orchid Show. Villar, chairman of the Senate committees on agriculture and food and environment, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the event sponsored by the Philippine Orchid Society in cooperation with Quezon City government, Quezon City Memorial Administration, and the special participation of Villar SIPAG, Del Monte Philippines and other plant society groups. Also on display are bonsai and succulent plants, garden accessories and fertilizers. The event included a trade fair, landscape exhibits, plant and orchid competitions, and daily lectures. Lino Santos

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Preparations are underway for the livelihood training venture for women from indigenous peoples’ communities and coastal areas organized by the Local Councils of WomenPangasinan Chapter. LCW Pangasinan Chair Marilyn S. Sison said the “Orientation Seminar on Skills and Product Enhancement” set on September 21 to 22 at the President Hotel in Lingayen serves as the kickoff event of the training. “This activity is an offshoot of the 1st Gayak Pangasinan ‘Women Leaders for a Cause’, a fund-raising event conducted by the LCW on April 7 at the Sison Auditorium in partnership with its development partners,” Sison said. “We seek to help level up the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries by having this LCW-Pangasinan-led project,” Sison added. Dexter A. See

NIWORLD Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive cruise line, will focus on four key travel trends in 2018: multigenerational travel, solo travel, wellness travel and a younger, adventure-seeking generation of river cruisers.

Life

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

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

“The nature of the travel industry is one that is constantly evolving,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “In order to maintain our highly esteemed status, Uniworld continues to be diligent about adapting our guest programming to offer passengers the best possible experience on any Uniworldcruise.”

Multigenerational Travel

The multigenerational departures include programming like hiking, cooking demonstrations and language lessons, as well as a visit to the BMW factory in Regensburg, white-water rafting, biking to Monet’s garden at Giverny, a culinary treasure hunt and learning how to locally harvest mussels on the Venice Lagoon. Departures are conveniently scheduled during summer and winter school breaks and there are services of two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for young travellers, in addition to local guides and young ambassadors to ensure a memorable and authentic travel experience for the entire family. All meals include child-friendly menus. Uniworld offers 50 percent savings off the cruise-only fare for young travellers aged four to 17 when traveling with an adult. EUROPEAN CRUISE. Uniworld lets travellers discover Central Europe with its Boutique River Cruises collection for multigenerational, solo, wellness, and adventure cruisers.

Discover Central Europe Solo Travel

To give travellers the most value and flexibility while traveling solo, Uniworld offers attractive promotions targeted specifically to solo guests. Uniworld encourages guests to embark on a voyage of self-discovery and in order to ensure this is possible, is waiving or reducing the single supplement fee in 2017 on 30 of its most popular itineraries. Uniworld provides solo travellers with a variety of all-inclusive itineraries that venture everywhere from Europe’s major cities, to the smaller, less travelled villages. With open seating at every meal and small group excursions, Uniworld provides solo travellers the opportunity to encounter fellow travellers and by doing so, delivers the perfect balance for those eager to see the world solo.

Wellness Travel

Wellness travel has had a tremendous impact over the years, largely due to the increased emphasis on a healthy lifestyle within the aging boomer population and the desire to maintain it while traveling. Uniworld offers onboard yoga and other exercise classes and a Traveling Lite menu of healthy culinary options. On all Uniworld itineraries, there is an exclusive guided onshore program that combines the love for travel with a physically active lifestyle, with select local experts so guests can best experience destinations from a unique, intimate perspective while cycling with complimentary bicycles provided by the ship.

Enjoy your meal with a view aboard Uniworld’s cruise ships

BY UNIWORLD—a new brand for adventure seekers 18-40 years old—which begin sailings in early 2018. Offering immersive and authentic experiences for the next generation of river cruisers, U BY UNIWORLD itineraries will focus on longer stays in major European cities, connecting explorers to local experiences and vibrant nightlife scenes, and offer a new culinary program, creaA Younger, Adventure-seeking Generation of River Cruisers tive mixologists, communal dining taUniworld recently announced U bles and international DJ’s onboard.

(Continued from last week.)

By Nickie Wang Oasis of peace

THE city is also the headquarters of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, located in Dashu District. The Buddhist monastery is the largest in Taiwan and covers more than 100 hectares. “It can take you two days just to see everything here. So, today we’ll just stay here for two hours and visit the museum and the Big Buddha,” our tour guide, hired by Jeron Travel and Tours Corp., said referring to the magnificent 108m-tall Fo Guang Shan Big Buddha, which is equivalent to the height of a 36-storey building. Another attraction in the city is the Lotus Pond, a man-made lake which features dozens temples, pavilions and pagodas including the prominent Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, a two seven-story pagodas guarded by crouching tiger and dragon statues. Visitors enter through the dragon’s mouth into a tunnel (inside the dragon’s body) with walls embellished with carvings. “Visitors exit via the mouth of the tiger for good luck,” Albert said during the tour. After going around Taiwan’s maritime capital, our group headed to the country’s oldest city called Tainan, which is some 50 kilometers from the port city of Kaoshiung. There, we met with a Filipino musician and composer Edgar Macapili who is now an adopted son of the Siraya Tribe after marrying a member of the indigenous tribe 20 years ago. Siraya is one of the 17 indigenous tribes

Enchanting Danube for 2018

A top trip to consider in 2018 is the Enchanting Danube itinerary, one that will largely appeal to those that love history, art, architecture, music and exquisite food and wine. Guests will travel on Uniworld’s S.S Maria Theresa which features ultra-luxurious accommodations and an array of thoughtful personal touches, ensuring a truly indulgent and unforgettable voyage along the Danube River.

The ship allows a maximum of 150 guests, with 57 service staff onboard. Ship amenities include the beautifully designed Viennese Café and Baroque Restaurant; Bar du Leopard, a wellequipped fitness centre; enclosed heating swimming pool and Serenity River Spa; intimate Lipizzan Cinema for onboard screenings of popular films; and the Habsburg Salon with a full-service bar where house drinks are served to guests on an unlimited basis.

Asia’s small but charming giant

For centuries, the enchanting Danube has cast its spell on poets, musicians and artists of all kinds. Uniworld’s locally-based destination experts will take guests well beyond the “must-sees” of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private earlymorning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna. A veritable showcase of the best of Central Europe, any culturally curious world traveller will love to travel down the river, visiting old-world capitals, charming towns and villages, and two nights onshore in the Bavarian capital of Munich. There, you can admire the alpine grandeur of “Mad” King Ludwig’s turreted masterpiece—the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle—and tour the futuristic BMW World, a tribute to the ingenuity of German engineering. To reach out to travellers seeking enriching and enticing experiences, and to encourage early bookings for next year itineraries, couples can save up to US$1,000 per person per cabin for selected itineraries. Cruises include scheduled airport transfers; all gratuities onboard and onshore; port charges; all meals with unlimited beverages including, incredible local wines, craft beers, premium spirits; daily guided shore excursions with options to personalize; insuite butler service; concierge services; 24-hour room service; and Wi-Fi. For more details, please visit www.uniworld.com/asia

fucianist Han Chinese and Taiwanese aborigine cultures. And they’re proud of it. Hence, indigenous tribes are being recognized by the government and are given the opportunity to revitalize their language and culture by setting up centers where they can preserve their history for the next generations to come.

Feels like home

The Pier 2 Art Ce nter in Kaohsiu ng contemporary street installatio , which features ns, is popular am local and foreig ong n tourists

TOURIST ATTRACTION. Tourism is one the highlights of Taiwan Expo 2017, happening at the SMX Convention Center from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Here is The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, a popular landmark among tourists in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City. in Taiwan but it hasn’t been officially rec- introduce their culture to many. still exist,” Macapili referring to Siraya ognized. Macapili and his wife are exert“This place is home to cultural activ- Scenic Area where clusters of the Siring all their efforts to get recognized so ists and they promote their culture and aya Tribe communities are located. they could build centers to revitalize and let the society know that Siraya people Taiwanese culture is a blend of Con-

From Tainan we headed to Sun Moon Lake in Taichung, which is probably Taiwan’s version of Tagaytay. From its terrain to architecture of edifices surrounding the body of water, the province resembles the chilly destination of Manileños back home. And interestingly, the merchandises sold at its local market are the same items you can buy in Baguio like the “barrel man,” phallic carvings, and the woven fabric we thought only exclusive to Ifugaos. Explanation to these similarities can also be found right at Wen Wu temple located on the perimeter of Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township. The temple sits on the mountaintop at an altitude of 954 meters, giving visitors the best view of the area. At the entrance of the temple, there’s a concrete map that depicts how Taiwanese ancestors traveled by foot just exactly how aboriginal people reached Philippines using land bridges. “These connections between the Philippines and Taiwan are still visible up to these days. We have similar cultures and that makes easy for Taiwanese and Filipinos blend and interact,” Representative Gary Song-Huann Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office told Manila Standard in Manila a few days before our trip. (To be continued)

Life

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

The business of tourism MERCURY RISING BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

HIS was the theme of the recent Tourism Forum hosted by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) at the SMX Convention Center, with Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo delivering the Keynote Address. It was an opportunity for me to link up with old-time friends in the Industry and also to catch up on the latest in the business that I have been involved with all my professional life. Secretary Teo reiterated the significant details of our country’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), which is the basis of all tourism-related events and strategies embarked on by the Agency starting this year until 2022. For those of us in the industry, we laud Secretary Teo’s having reactivated the Tourism Coordinating Council because the insights and input of representatives from the travel sector, the tourism stakeholders and from other government agencies who work with the Industry, have now been consolidated and included in the NTDP. The morning session explored how the tourism industry continues to be a good “transport system” for its inclusive growth and how this role needs to be further strengthened, as part of our country’s national agenda. Rolando, Tungpalan, NEDA undersecretary for Investment Program, detailed his agency’s current system, designed to be carried out until 2040, and which has been very effective in helping out business enterprises prosper, becoming competitive with those of our neighboring countries. It was also very comforting to see in the graph he showed that our country’s

the industry’s putting value on the shift date such business, hence, will require to sustainable tourism. trained Events Management individuals Before lunch was served, two more to be part of her team. “icons” in the tourism industry went up The morning session ended with a on stage to talk about the various jobs very interesting talk by Mori Rodriavailable to guez, chief fresh gradui n novat ion ates and officer of other careerEON Inc., YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE oriented indiabout the A recent newspapers article reported that a viduals. Jojo Philippine woman has sued a hospital saying that after C l e m e nt e , Trust Inher husband had surgery there, he lost all president of dex, which Rajah Tours sheds light interest in sex. A hospital spokesman replied, Philippines, on the Fili“Your husband was admitted in Ophthalmology; and Margie pinos’ trust all we did was correct his eyesight.” Munsayac, in society’s v ice -presikey institudent for Sales tions —the and Marketgovernment, ing of the Cebu-based Maribago Bluewa- business sector, media, non-governter Group, pointed out in detail the quali- mental organizations, the Church and fications required of those who intend to the Academe. From left: PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, and Tourism USec. Alma Rita Jimenez establish their careers in the Industry. Rodriguez highlighted in his Presentation that there is a rise in uncertainty all over the world. There is also a rise in social media’s ubiquity and its power to influence real-world outcomes. Also, there is an increase in demands placed on institutions to do well and to do good. The world is experiencing a crisis of trust, yet, here in our country, trust is on the rise, and the most trusted government officer is our President, while the government officer that has raked in the most number of negative comments in social media is the Vice President. All these interesting research output are published by EON Inc. in a report entitled, “The Philippine Paradox.” Presented by the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Global From left: Tourism Educator Paul Lim So, PTAA President Marlene Dado-Jante, Rajah Tours President Jojo Clemente, Hotel Industry veteran Rose Libongco, Maribago Bluewater Group’s Margie Munsayac, and HSMA President Christine Ann Ibarreta Leadership Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism, and Price Waterhouse Coopgross domestic product (GDP) grew by which was made up mostly of tourism Clemente stressed that, more than the er, this edition of the Philippine Tour6.5 percent during the second quarter of practitioners, how DTI has been helping qualifications, the person’s attitude and ism Forum certainly gave us a better this year, as agriculture recovered and the micro, small and medium enterpris- work ethics are the keys to a bright fu- perspective of the Business of Tourism government spending picked up. This is a es through incentives and easy-on-the- ture. For her part, Munsayac announced through a better understanding of Peobig improvement from the slowdown the pocket loans. What made his talk really that, in accordance with the DOT’s ple Development and the Industry’s Empast three quarters. significant was when he announced the move to increase MICE (Meetings, In- ployment Standards. Assistant Secretary of the Department Department’s move of “greening” the centives, Conferences, Exhibitions) of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ireneo tourism value chain, a noteworthy strat- business to our country, her hotels have For feedback, I’m at Vizmonte, shared with the audience, egy because the buzzword these days is upgraded their facilities to accommobobzozobrado@gmail.com

THE scorching heat of the sun is all but a memory immortalized in social media photos taken during your summer vacation. Now that the rainy season is finally here, there are fewer activities that Filipinos can enjoy—or so we think. Just when you think you can’t do more, you’ll be surprised that the rain lets you try exciting indoor and outdoor adventures whether alone or with friends and loved ones. So wear your jacket, bring your umbrella, and let Traveloka give you staycation ideas that are enough reasons to have fun this wet season.

Six staycation ideas

Eat out at hole-in-the-wall food communities

Long hours of staying indoors makes you crave for hearty meals from various cuisines. When there’s not enough food in the fridge or you have had pretty much everything delivered to your doorstep, it’s time to call your friends and head to either Buendia, Maginhawa, or Katipunan and hop from one restaurant to the next. You’re sure to find a place whether you’re feeling cozy, artsy, or simply hungry.

Go bargain-hunting in thrift shops!

Less is more with thrift shops patronized by shoppers from all over the metro. With the right amount of patience and energy, you can maximize your humble budget with a complete head-to-toe get up and even some DIY merchandise (pads, pens, stickers, pins, plants, toys—name it, they have it) in thrift shops around Escolta, Binondo, and Cubao. With your great finds, you have something new to use even when stuck inside the room.

Bond with friends in specialty indoor centers Make meet-ups more exciting by capping the night outside restaurants or bars. Are you in for adventure? Divide the group into teams and beat each other out in wall climbing facilities or trampoline parks. Want a friendly match but would rather sit comfortably? You can play at board game cafes. Want to know how great you are as a barkada? Solve mind-bending challenges in mystery rooms inside malls!

Don’t let rain put a damper on your adventurous spirit by embarking on fun journeys in and out of the metro

Learn a new skill or finish a project you love

Don’t let the rain stop you from having fun and ticking items off your to-do list. Watch videos online and learn how to dance, sing, cook, or draw. Take it a notch higher by sharing your new passion to friends and family. If you couldn’t find the time to finish that novel or movie because you were always out last summer, waiting for the rain to stop gives you plenty of free time, at last.

Rediscover your town

Don’t be a stranger in your own backyard. As soon as the rain permits, visit nearby museums, churches, landmarks, and heritage sites in your city. Metro Manila alone is filled with historical landmarks and indoor entertainment centers so you won’t run out of places to visit. Watch a show in Cultural Center of the Philippines or BGC Arts Center; or tour the National Museum in Manila, Book Museum in Marikina, or the Presidential Museum and Library in Malacanang.

Cover up and travel, regardless

Give in to the wanderlust in you as the Philippines offers thousands of locations that are best

Go to local destinations that are not only best visited during summer season but even during rainy days

visited at any time of the year. Hide away in Baguio and breathe fresh air from pine trees newlysoaked in rain. Take a road trip and conquer the waves of La Union and Zambales, since this is the best time for surfing. Conquer water sports like white water rafting and kayaking in Cagayan de Oro or Davao. You can also soak in waterfalls and hot springs that abound in Laguna and Quezon. Just remember, continuous rain makes roads and terrains more challenging so it’s always best to exercise caution. If you’re spending a day or two outside your home, it’s best to check in with a reliable and handy source for your hotel and flight booking needs! Ditch the paper, which can get soaked in water, and use your mobile phone instead! Simply install the Traveloka app, a one-stop shop app where you can find the best price for flights and hotels, while enjoying exclusive deals with no booking fee. Payment is flexible for all types of travelers as you can opt for offline and online methods using Visa, MasterCard or via DragonPay, which accepts major banks like BPI, BDO, Metrobank, Chinabank, RCBC, UCPB, and Landbank. You can also pay via Coins.ph wallet or overthe-counter at 7-11, M. Lhuillier, and Cebuana Lhuillier.Get updated on Traveloka exclusive promos and discounts by visiting www.traveloka. com/en-ph/ or downloading it on App Store for iOS or Play Store for Android users.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

ABS-CBN captivates more Filipinos nationwide in August

BS-CBN kept its lead in nationwide TV ratings in August, bringing values-oriented programs and relevant news stories to more viewers in the country.

Based on data from Kantar Media, the Kapamilya network recorded an average audience share of 46 percent in both rural and urban homes, or 13 points higher versus GMA’s 33 percent. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (38.6 percent) still led the list of most watched programs in August, thrilling more viewers as Cardo (Coco Martin) finally infiltrated the rebel group Pulang Araw. ABS-CBN’s newest talent-varietytalk show Little Big Shots (35.9 percent) instantly impressed viewers as it showcased the wit, charm, and talent of kids. The KathNiel-starrer La Luna Sangre (33.7 percent) was also a big hit among viewers as Malia (Kathryn Bernardo) and Tristan (Daniel Padilla) continue to fulfill their mission of ending the leader of evil vampires Supremo (Richard Gutierrez). Kapamilya network’s flagship newscast TV Patrol, meanwhile, remained the most preferred news program in the country in August, hitting 32.5 percent and beating rival program 24 Oras (19.4 percent). Wansapanataym (28.1 percent) gave viewers a magical treat every Sunday and highlighted lessons of love, sacrifice, and bravery to Pinoy kids through Super Ving

MOST WATCHED PROGRAMS. (Clockwise) "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," "La Luna Sangre," "TV Patrol,"

"Wildflower," and "Little Big Shots"

(Awra Briguela). MMK (27.4 percent) also gave inspiration to audiences nationwide with the real-life stories of letter senders, individuals who weathered different struggles. Wildﬂower set viewers and netizens abuzz with its wildest wedding episode and recorded an average national TV rating of 25.3 percent for August. Also landing on the top 10 list were Kapamilya comedy programs Home Sweetie Home (24.9 percent and Goin’ Bulilit (22.7 percent). ABS-CBN also won across all time blocks, particularly in primetime (6 p.m. -12 midnight), where it recorded an average audience share of 50 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent. The Kapamilya network also won in the morning block (6 a.m.-12 noon) with 40 percent versus GMA’s 30 percent, the noontime block (12 noon-3 p.m.) with 46 percent, compared to GMA’s 35 percent, and the afternoon block (3-6 p.m.)

with 43 percent, beating GMA’s 38 percent. ABS-CBN also beat GMA in other areas. More viewers tuned in to the Kapamilya network in Total Luzon with 42 percent versus GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas with 55 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent, and in Total Mindanao with 54 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent. As of June this year, ABS-CBN TVplus has already sold three million boxes nationwide since its launch in 2015 and significantly boosted ABS-CBN’s TV ratings. According to data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN’s audience share in Mega Manila increased to 36 percent from January to August 2017, compared to 30 percent in 2015, as more households are able to experience crystal clear viewing experience with ABS-CBN TVplus. ABS-CBN’s ratings in Mega Manila also rose to 14 percent from 11 percent in 2015.

ABS-CBNmobile marks KVIP Anniversary month ABS-CBNmobile recently partnered with OneMusicPH to give Kapamilya VIPs (KVIP) a front row, VIP experience through the onenight-only live and special musical performance of some of the country’s top singers including R&B King Jay-R, Joey Ayala, Bullet Dumas, Paolo Onessa, and OneMusicPH’s ﬁrst signed artist Volts Vallejo. The music fest was the main event of a month-long celebration of KVIP’s ﬁrst anniversary. The KVIP program gives ABS-CBNmobile users front row access to Kapamilya events and shows, for free. With it, fans of the ABS-CBN stars and shows have a chance to experience a host of privileges like live shows, front-row seats in concerts, and the chance to get up-close and personal with their favorite stars. For many KVIPs, participating in the Kapamilya Experience is a dream come true, and an opportunity for them to bond with their families as they participate in Kapamilya shows and events. Rebecca Villarante, a mom of adult children from Taguig, the KVIP experience is like coming full circle. When her children were growing up, Rebecca would take them to Kapamilya events, lining up for hours to watch live shows. Now that her children are working adults and members of the KVIP program, they no longer have to line up to the Kapamilya shows. This time, it’s her children who are taking her to experience the Kapamilya world. “Nagiging bonding na talaga namin yung mga ganito,” said Rebecca. “Ang ganda kasi sama-sama talaga kami nanonood ng channel 2 sa bahay, so pag nakakanood kami ng live, masaya talaga. At special occasion talaga siya,” she said. Rebecca and her family have won passes to experience Kidzania and Showtime thanks to KVIP. Meanwhile, Jeven Dela Torre, a young pawnshop manager from Meycauayan, Bulacan who considers himself as an ultimate Kapamilya fan, has been a KVIP since the launch of the program. He joins most promos, and has been lucky enough to win passes to Showtime, PBB Online, PBB Eviction, concerts like Jona Viray’s Queen of the Night, who is his ultimate idol, Banana Sundae, and recently, the Kidzania experience. For him, the KVIP experience is also a chance to make new friends in the Kapamilya family. “Ang saya talaga—minsan, parang sa Kidzania, kahit wala akong kasama, noong nalaman ko na nanalo ako, nag-leave talaga ako. Nagsamasama kami ng mga ibang KVIP, tapos naging new friends ko na rin sila. Kumbaga parang family talaga,” he said. ABS-CBNmobile also recently unveiled six new and exclusive experiences for KVIPs - a barkada night of play in Kidzania, an exciting afternoon of watching Team Red (Daniel Padilla) playing basketball against Team Blue (Gerald Anderson) in the Kapamilya All Star, an immersive experience visiting the set of La Luna Sangre,

Wansapanataym’s Amazing Ving, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.To date, there are more than 100,000 mobile users who have subscribed as KVIPs, and more than 50 exclusive experiences just for the KVIPs. According to Michelle Curran, Marketing head of ABS-CBNmobile, the aim of the KVIP program is to give Kapamilya audiences the full experience that goes beyond ticketed experiences. “Since most, if not all our subscribers are ABS-CBN fans, the KVIP program gives them access to experiences they won’t get anywhere else. It’s like they’ve really become part of the family.” The Kapamilya VIP (KVIP) experience is open to all active ABSCBNmobile prepaid and postpaid subscribers. To join, prepaid subscribers need at least a P10 load balance, while postpaid subscribers just need to have an active account. To register your ABS-CBNmobile number to KVIP, text KVIP <space> REG <space> Name/Address to 2131. Afterwards, pick a Kapamilya show or event by texting KVIP <space> keyword of the Kapamilya show or event to 2131. Meanwhile to view the available shows and events, text KVIP <space> LIST to 2131. Subscribers can send up to 10 entries in a day free of charge. KVIP winners will be notiﬁed through a call from an ABS-CBNmobile representative. For more information on KVIP, go to abscbnmobile.com/article/Kapamilya-VIP-8. ABS-CBNmobile 4G LTE SIMs are available in SM Stores nationwide. Do not miss the chance to become a certiﬁed Kapamilya VIP and meet your favorite Kapamilya stars. Visit abscbnmobile.com and follow ABS-CBNmobile in Facebook (facebook.com/abscbnmobile), Twitter, and Instagram (@abscbnmobile) for updates.

R&B singer Jay-R serenades a fan at the OneMusicPH fest, a one-nightonly musical show for Kapamilya VIPs

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, September 19, 2017

ACROSS 1 Tot’s wheels 5 Stir-fry need 8 Jam or pickle 12 Wahines’ dances 14 “Brian’s Song” star 15 Ms. Gluck 16 Like helium 17 Stats 18 Labor 19 Reading desk 21 Qualm 23 Footnote word 25 — Abdul-Jabbar 26 Colorado trees 30 Luau greeting 32 Rancher’s wear 33 Get real! (2 wds.) 34 Pitchfork part 38 Ocean fish 39 Jeer 40 “What’d — —” (Ray Charles tune) 41 In — (as found) 42 Flying piscivore 43 Webfoot 44 Delayer’s motto 46 Large blossoms 47 Say confidently 50 Yin complement 52 Nutritious legumes 54 Heavenly

59 Horse’s gait 60 Linear measure 62 Chew the scenery 63 Jack’s giant 64 Catches a crook 65 Chopped fine 66 Looks at 67 Location technique (abbr.) 68 Frosty coating DOWN 1 Famed groundhog 2 Viking letter 3 Guinness or Baldwin 4 Shopping plaza 5 Unnaturally pale 6 Klutzes 7 Unauthorized copy 8 Ripening 9 Marry on the run 10 Look pleasant 11 Hawthorne town 13 Rathskeller mugs 14 Motion picture 20 Hwys. 22 Super Bowl roar 24 Stonework

26 Performs in a theater 27 Feng — 28 Gasp 29 Military ornaments 31 Biology topic 33 Lot size, often 35 Help — — the way 36 LEM lander 37 Inspects 39 Coming to terms 43 Silenced 45 Meyers of

“Kate & Allie” 46 Anderson Cooper’s channel 47 Low voices 48 Twilled fabric 49 Nighttime noise 51 Contented murmurs 53 Ginger cookie 55 Sheik colleague 56 Focal points 57 Part of a list 58 Yield 61 NBC rival

‘Night King’

wins SKY GoT Cosplay Comp GAME of Thrones season 7 may have ended but the Night King certainly left a mark, as cosplayer Xidge Evangelista won the SKY and The CAGE (Cosplay Authority Global Challenge) Game of Thrones (GoT) cosplay contest at the recently held AsiaPOP Comicon at the SMX Convention Center. In a line-up of 12, consisting of Aryas, Daeneryses, and Jon Snows, it was Evangelista’s close to “reel” Night King costume that shone in NIGHT KING. Cosplayer Xidge the darkness of SMX’s Evangelista in his winning "Game of Hall F4, commanding Thrones"-inspired costume at the the awe and gasps of recently concluded AsiaPop ComiCon the crowd. He won $1,000 worth of prizes in cash and items, plus the title, Ruler of Westeros. The cosplay contest provided the culmination to SKY’s “GoT” season-long treats to avid fans, which included a wildly popular video of local ethnic music group Kontra Gapi’s rendition of the show’s theme, a character make-up transformation series on Youtube, and premium merchandise giveaways rafﬂe. Evangelista spent six weeks crafting his Night King costume, which was made of rubber, latex, and leather. With painstaking attention to detail, he and two of his friends were able to recreate the look of the whitewalkers’ Night King to the tee. However, it was the blue LED lights attached to the mask that really made the character come to life and bested the other participants. Fans who can’t wait for the next season of Game of Thrones can relive all the seasons of the phenomenal show by catching it on HBO Go, a mobile app exclusively offered to subscribers of One SKY Premium or SKYmobi. Call 418-0000 or your local SKY ofﬁce for more information, or visit www.mysky. com.ph.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

Weekend newscast anchors Pia Arcangel and Jiggy Manicad

ISAH V. RED

‘24 ORAS WEEKEND’ rules timeslot, beats competition

HERE was a time when TV stations, like government ofﬁces, rested on weekends. In short, the news and public affairs departments were nowhere in the programming grid of the channels. It seems with the advent of specialized broadcasting and news channels on satellite and cable channels, free TV stations felt the pressure to adapt to the evolving TV audience. And, that was how 24 Oras Weekend came about. It started as a special news program when there was important news the station needed to convey to the audience until such time the management decided t o

establish the newscast as part of the programming grid on Saturday and Sunday. On February 21, 2010, the weekend edition of 24 Oras was launched, replacing GMA Weekend Report. Former Balitanghali and current Saksi anchor Pia Arcangel and Reporter’s Notebook host Jiggy Manicad anchors the weekend edition. The newscast is GMA Network’s ﬂagship primetime newscast on Saturday and Sunday, and it remains the top news source of Filipino viewers nationwide every weekend. Data from the industry’s widelytrusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that from Aug.1 to Sept. 10, 2 (with Sept. 3 to 10 based on overnight data), 24 Oras Weekend topped the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with an average people rating of 8.4 percent. It beat TV Patrol Weekend’s average people rating of 5.5 percent. In Urban Luzon, 24 Oras Weekend toppled competition with an average people rating of 9 percent. TV Patrol Weekend only managed to get 4.1 percent. 24 Oras Weekend posted an even bigger margin in Mega Manila (based on ofﬁcial data as of Sept. 2) with an impressive 9.2 percent average people rating versus TV Patrol Weekend’s 3.4 percent. This comes on the heels of a consistently strong ratings performance this year, with the Kapuso weekend newscast averaging a 7.8 percent people rating in NUTAM from January to September 10. TV Patrol Weekend trails behind with 5.3 percent. The newscast has been consistently part of the list of G M A’ s t o p rating

NEW ADDITION. Young actor Albie Casiño joins the afternoon soap, "Pusong Ligaw"

He was also a member of GMA Team Everest, which reported on the historic climb of mountaineer Romi Garduce. It was the first time that a Philippine news organization broadcast live from the base camp of Mount Everest. In 2014, GMA News and Public Affairs won its fourth George Foster Peabody award for its coverage of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Manicad was at the forefront of that award-winning coverage – and was the first reporter to go live on Philippine television, reported the team’s first-hand experience, and showed videos of Yolanda’s wrath. Together with Jessica Soho. Also, Manicad and Arcangel coanchored a special edition of 24 Oras Weekend showing the aftermath and the start of rescue and relief operations. Arcangel started with GMA News in 2002 as a field correspondent and has been the anchor of 24 Oras Weekend since 2010. She started covering the police beat on the graveyard shift before she was assigned to cover Congress. Since then, Pia has covered a wide range of beats as a broadcast journalist—from politics, to human interest, and even sports. She was part of the GMA News team that covered the funeral of Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 2005. She also covered the Manny Pacquiao - Oscar dela Hoya match in 2008, and the first fight between Pacquiao and w e e k e n d Timothy Bradley in 2012. As a news anchor, Arcangel is known programs. Manicad has been in for her clear and concise delivery of broadcast journalism for two the news and strong interview skills. decades, anchoring as well f GMA Together with Arnold Clavio, she also News TV’s afternoon newscast co-anchors GMA’s late night newscast Quick Response Team (QRT). Saksi. Both Manicad and Arcangel have A hardcore news guy, Jiggy’s work reflects QRT’s tagline a passion for imparting lessons to the “Sumusugod kahit saan, sa youth. As his way of giving back, he conducts “Jiggy Manicad Stories,” a ngalan ng katotohanan”. He has gained the public’s free journalism lecture/workshop for admiration and respect through students. Arcangle, meanwhile, teaches his coverage of various national at Assumption College. *** and international events. Some There is more to look forward to in of these include being caught in between opposing parties GMA Network’s primetime series Alyas during the EDSA People Power Robin Hood after Solenn Heussaff 3, reporting on the tragic story of made her debut appearance on the show. In an interview, Solenn said how marine corporal Angelo Abeto (which won a Gold World Medal happy and overwhelmed she is to be part at the 2009 New York Festivals), of the sequel. When asked about what and covering the conflicts in she’s most excited about, fight scenes Mindanao and the wars in Iraq is her quick answer and attributed her yearlong training from her previous and Afghanistan.

series, Encantadia. This time around, Solenn says she is ready for more daring action stunts and has been preparing for months. She breathes life to the character of Iris Lizeralde, a wealthy and carefree high society ‘it’ girl who will later fall in love with Robin Hood (Dingdong Dantes). The wait was worth it as Iris’ hot and sultry entrance to the series wowed viewers and caught the attention of netizens. After an intense car chase, she bumps into Pepe but the two are off to a not-so-good start. Soon, Iris and Venus (Andrea Torres) will face each other and fans are already avidly waiting for this showdown to happen. Two beautiful and both remarkable women will be involved with the same man. Pepe is once again caught in the middle. Will he commit to the decision he already made or will his heart tell him otherwise? *** The Kapamilya network was recently honored by the ComGuild Awards, which recognizes the signiﬁcant contribution of broadcast and journalism professionals. Ted Failon led the winners from ABSCBN as he entered the Hall of Fame for Best AM Radio Anchor, while his show Failon Ngayon was also inducted to the Hall of Fame for Best AM Radio Program. Bandila, ABS-CBN’s late night news program, was cited as Best News Program of the Year. Other ABS-CBN journalists who won awards include Alvin Elchico (Best Male Field Reporter of the Year), Chiara Zambrano (Best Female Field Reporter of the Year), and Atom Araullo (Most Popular Television Personality of the Year). Meanwhile, MOR 101.9 disc jock DJ Cha-Cha was honored as Best FM Radio DJ, while Bobby Yan was hailed Best Lifestyle Program Host. The awarding ceremony is held annually during the Conference of Journalism and Mass Communication Students of the Philippines that is attended by student delegates from all over the country. *** A l b i e Casino

joins the cast of ABS-CBN’s hit afternoon series Pusong Ligaw as Leon, a teenager believed to be Tessa (Beauty Gonzalez) and Caloy’s (Joem Bascon) missing son. Just like Rafael, Leon was also found in a river when he was just about to turn a year old. Despite uncertainties, Jaime (Raymond Bagatsing) still made Tessa believe that they have already found her long lost child. Leon remains clueless as well, but saw the situation as an opportunity for him to pay his debts and get himself out of poverty. How long can Jaime deceive Tessa? As Marga (Bianca King) finds out about Leon, what will she do to hide the truth from Caloy? What will Caloy do once he finds out that he and Tessa have a son? Pusong Ligaw airs after It’s Showtime on ABS-CBN and on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). *** So Atom Araullo has disengaged himself from ABS-CBN. The now former broadcast journalist is bent on carving a niche in another profession. Can it be acting? He stars in Mike de Leon’s new film Citizen Jake. Here’s what Araullo said of his departure from the Kapamilya network: Working with ABS-CBN for over a decade has been an amazing adventure. However, the time has come to explore emerging opportunities and challenges beyond the organization. Although I am taking a new path, I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the company that helped me become the journalist I am today. To all the hardworking men and women of ABS-CBN, maraming maraming salamat. And here’s what ABS-CBN said: ABS-CBN has allowed journalist Atom Araullo to explore new interests in film, broadcast, and digital media outside of the company. Atom says the training and exposure he got from the network as reporter and TV host have equipped him to try out other opportunities in the media industry here and abroad. ABS-CBN wishes Atom all the best in his future endeavors. He will always remain a Kapamilya. Will the competing network be interested in the now movie star? I doubt it!