Manila Standard - 2017 October 26 - Thursday

GUERRERO TAKES OVER AS MILITARY CHIEF

(Story on A2)

KALASHNIKOV RIFLE. President Rodrigo Duterte appreciates an AK-74M Kalashnikov rifle, among those donated by Russia on Wednesday to the Philippines (left), as ties between Manila and Moscow get warmer under President Rodrigo Duterte. At right, the President does his signature pose during a photo op with Alibaba Group Founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma during a meeting at Malacañang. Presidential Photo

Russia donates trucks, firearms

Du30-Abe meet in Japan revisit

By John Paolo Bencito and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

By John Paolo Bencito RUSSIA has handed over shipments of assault rifles and army trucks to President Rodrigo Duterte, as he toured Moscow’s Pacific Fleet “Admiral Panteleyev” destroyer, docked at the Port of Manila.

The Philippines received 20 trucks, 5,000 units of AK-74M Kalashnikov assault rifles, one million units of 1943-type cartridges with steel core bullets, and 5,000 units of steel helmets as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pledge to Duterte during his less than 24-hour state visit to the European power earlier this year, which was cut short due to the Marawi crisis.

Aside from the Admiral Panteleyev, the sea tanker Boris Butoma likewise made a port call to Manila, coinciding with the arrival of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who visited the country to take part in the Fourth Asean defense chiefs meeting in Clark.

This is Russia’s third naval visit to the country—following the Udaloy-class destroyer Admiral Tributs and Slava-class Russian cruiser Varyag—since Duterte took office in June 2016.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu hailed the closer relations as he signed two agreements with his Filipino counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana.

“The Philippines is considered to be [a] key and prospective partner in Southeast Asia Next page

VOL. XXXI • NO. 254 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Hazing frat man turns state witness

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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MEMBER of the Aegis Juris who witnessed the initiation rites of slain University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo III has turned state witness and recounted the ordeal the victim suffered at the hands of his fraternity brothers, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II revealed Wednesday.

In a press conference, Aguirre said Mark Ventura, a former officer of Aegis Juris, his mother and counsel met with him and officials of the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday and recounted what Castillo went through before he died.

“He narrated to us what he know about what happened to Atio from the time of his admission as a neophyte of the Aegis

Juris fraternity until his initiation rites in the early morning of Sept.

17, 2017,” Aguirre said, referring to Castillo by his nickname. “Mister Ventura gave us the names.

After hearing the names, I immediately decided to place him under provisional acceptance of WPP [Witness Protection Program].”

Aguirre said Ventura was present not only during the initiation Next page

Andanar brands EU underlings ‘sex maniacs’

By John Paolo Bencito, Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Maricel V. Cruz COMMUNICATIONS Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday portrayed European officials who criticized President Rodrigo Duterte as sex maniacs while Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cay-

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will return to Japan at the end of the month to further enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries, the Foreign Affairs department said Tuesday. Next page

etano said the Philippines would still accept aid from the European Union as long as no conditions were attached that affect the nation’s sovereignty.

In a meeting in London with Duterte supporters, Andanar used the Visayan term “palaiyot,” which means someone given to excessive indulgence in sexual activity, to describe lower-level

EU officials who criticized the administration.

“Iyong mga maiingay na palaiyot, iyong mga maiingay, alam mo, ang problema sa kanila, hanggang ingay lang. Wala namang napatunayan. Kung tatanungin mo iyong kanilang mga Prime Minister, Presidente, iyon talagang namamahala sa Next page

HEROES MARCH. Commandos from the PNP Special Action Force who helped government troops beat the ISIS-inspired Maute group of terrorists get a hero’s welcome as they march in cadence at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City Wednesday. Ey Acasio twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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Eyebrows raised over Bautista bank stash

By Macon RamosAraneta SENATOR Francis Escudero said Wednesday 60 to 70 percent of Luzon Development Bank’s money were deposits to the accounts controlled by resigned Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista.

“He needs to answer some questions and explain,” Escudero said.

“Luzon Development Bank is not that big, but I’m not belittling it. Its assets are estimated at P5 billion.”

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on banks and institutions, said the first problem they saw before the hearing was, if the accounts of Bautista and the PCGG-sequestered bank

were combined, that would make up 60 to 70 percent of the deposits at Luzon Development Bank.

He said Bautista should answer why government-sequestered assets were placed in that bank.

“That’s a big question. The NBI also said during the hearing that all government assets should be deposited in a government bank,” Escudero said.

“It’s clear that in Metro Manila, there are many branches of Development Bank of the Philippines or LandBank, and the assets should have been deposited there.”

He said the sequestered money was deposited with Luzon Development Bank when Bautista was with the PCGG but he removed it when he left the agency.

Luzon Development Bank came under fire after Bautista’s

estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, claimed that the former Comelec chief maintained more than 30 bank accounts with the thrift bank with a total balance of P329 million.

Despite Bautista’s resignation, Escudero said, his committee was inclined to continue its probe on his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

In a previous Senate hearing, the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Fraud Division said the sequestered companies managed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government, with Bautista as chairman, also had accounts with Luzon Development Bank.

The accounts were opened in 2012 and closed “sometime” in 2016. Bautista assumed the post of Comelec chairman in 2015.

Maute created Suspect tags Drilon, Roxas division among drug protector; probe sought Maranao youth By Rey E. Requejo THE Maute group had tried to recruit Maranao youth from as far as Manila to join the siege of Marawi City which began on May 23, according to its Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra in an interview on News To Go on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, I found out that during the siege, there were many youth, even young professionals who were enticed to participate, in this militant group and in fact they were invited, in some colleges and universities in Manila,” Gandamra said.

Gandamra said the actions of the extremist group created a rift and sowed distrust among those affected by the battle, making the youth a vulnerable target for their propaganda even when they were far away from the battle.

The local government enlisted leaders to provide religious counseling to youth and other evacuees well before the liberation

manilastandard.net

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THE City Prosecutor’s Office in La Carlota City in Negros Occidental may proceed with the preliminary investigation on the allegation made by a drug suspect linking Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and former Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas II in the illegal drug trade in the Visayas, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Wednesday.

Aguirre said the affidavit submitted by Ricky Serenio, a confessed bagman of the Berya drug cartel, tagging the two Liberal Party stalwarts as protectors of notorious slain drug lord Melvin Odicta Sr. could be considered a formal complaint.

“The charges can undergo preliminary investigation,” Aguirre told reporters.

The Justice secretary said the National Bureau of Investigation Next page

‘Pinoys want druggies captured’

By John Paolo Bencito A VAST majority of Filipinos or 95 percent believe it is important that the police capture drug suspects alive, the latest Social Weather Stations survey showed.

In a survey fielded among 1,500 respondents—some 76 percent of those surveyed said it is “very important” for the police to capture drug suspects alive, while 19 percent said that it is “some-

what important.”

Only 5 percent of those surveyed said it was “not important” for them to be caught alive, with 3 percent saying that it is “somewhat not important” and only 2 percent saying that it is not at all important.

The need to capture suspects alive was the dominant opinion across all regions, covering Metro Manila and the balance of Luzon Next page

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Security, trade on Du30-Trump agenda

By John Paolo Bencito

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ECURITY and trade will be on top of the agenda when President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump meet at the sidelines of the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in November, the Foreign Affairs Department said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also said the firebrand US leader was skipping the East Asia Summit attended by all dialogue partners of the 10-member regional bloc.

“You’ve heard President

Trump [say] American first.

You’ve heard President Duterte [say] his life, his work is dedicated to the Filipino people,” Cayetano told reporters in a chance interview at the Manila South Harbor.

He made his statement even

Guerrero replaces Año as military chief of staff EASTERN Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero is the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replacing Gen. Eduardo Año who will retire today, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed to Manila Standard Wednesday.

Guerrero, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1984 and will retire by December, has long been rumored to be the next military chief, or at least a major contender for it, several times in the past year.

The new AFP chief was reported to have been eyed by Duterte to be his first chief of staff upon assuming the presidency last year, but the President opted to appoint Gen. Ricardo Visaya instead.

Año, who was Guerrero’s senior, was supposed to retire in June and to become the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government,

Andanar...

From A1 kanilang bansa, pati sila sumusuporta kay Presidente Duterte,” Andanar said on a video posted on the internet.

(The noisy sex maniacs,you know, their problem is that all they can do is make noise. They can prove nothing. If you ask their prime minister or president, those who are really in charge of their country, even they support President Duterte.)

He said Duterte’s critics should just have more sex instead of criticizing the President.

In a text message to Manila Standard, Andanar confirmed that it was him in the video, referring to organizations in Europe criticizing Duterte.

“Amongst DDS people, it was a comment made in jest,” he said.

In a separate video, Andanar claimed that those critical of Duterte do “have their own agenda.”

He said they were even bringing up the human rights of the Maute terrorist group

Russia...

From A1 and Asian-Pacific rim in general,” the Russian defense ministry quoted him as saying in a statement, adding it was the first time a defense minister from Moscow had visited the Philippines.

For decades, the Southeast Asian nation has been one of Washington’s most staunch regional military allies.

But Duterte, 72, has loosened that 70-year alliance.

Infuriated by American criticism of a controversial drug war which has claimed thousands of lives, Duterte repeatedly an-

Maute...

From A1 of Marawi this month to address the trust issues generated by the terrorist attacks.

Debriefings, psychosocial, cultural, and religious programs in evacuation centers were instrumental in building trust between the youth, the Maranao, and the government again, Gandamra said.

In a related development: • The Islamic State group sent at least $1.5 million to finance the recently ended siege of Marawi, with the assault leaders using the 2014 IS sei-

Guerrero but the war in Marawi City made him stay in his post.

Guerrero’s Eastern Mindanao Command has jurisdiction over the President’s home region of Davao City.

Other contenders for the top military post were Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., head of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), Lt. Gen. Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., the AFP Vice Chief of Staff, and Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff. John Paolo Bencito and Isnilon Hapilon, the Abu Sayyaf leader who was tagged as the emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.

Andanar was in the United Kingdom with Communications Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan to attend a two-day conference in Brighton called “Making All Voices Count, Policy and Practice Dialogue.”

In Manila, Duterte said the EU could “go to hell” if they won’t listen to his denials about the “fake news” regarding his war on drugs.

His statement came ahead of his meeting next month with Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council during the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which he chairs, Special Envoy to the EU Edgardo Angara confirmed.

“I’ve been trying to explain to them, but I said to them—if they listen to him [Angara], fine. But if not, they can go to hell,” Duterte said, chiding the EU for its ignorance about the recent spate of deaths in the country. nounced plans to shift Manila’s military dependence on the United States to procuring arms from China and Russia.

Duterte’s top security adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Russian donation would be of great help to the country’s poorly equipped military.

“It diversifies, it provides diversity to our kind of training to different technologies and different techniques. So that should be welcome addition,” Esperon told reporters.

He also gave assurances the country’s basic alliance with the United States “will remain strong as it is.”

United States Ambassador Sung Kim, meanwhile, played zure of the Iraqi city of Mosul as a blueprint, Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said.

But the battle defeats of the group in Syria and Iraq, and now the IS-aligned gunmen in Marawi showed a major vulnerability of the extremists: Their audacious territorial occupations tend to crumble over time as they’re cornered in urban settings by the relentless firepower of USbacked offensives.

The counterterrorism victories have given governments confidence that IS—which shocked the world with its rise a few years ago—could be stopped and defeated, said Año, who oversaw the military cam-

as another official said Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s meeting with senior US government officials was not the reason behind US President Donald Trump’s decision to skip the East Asia Summit.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., director general for operations of the Asean 2017 National Organizing Council, said the cancellation was due to a scheduling problem.

“The reason is he [Trump] would have been out of the US for too long,” Paynor told a news forum.

Cayetano said the US and the Philippines valued peace and security internally and within

the region, which included terrorism and the threat of terrorism and illegal drugs.

The Philippines would likewise explore having a bilateral trade agreement with Washington amid Trump’s protectionist trade tone, Cayetano said.

“They’re negotiating many regional and multilateral trade agreements but there’s a possibility that we will explore a bilateral agreement.

“How to better trade between the two countries. How to get more Filipino goods into the US and how to also support the US economy by us contributing also.”

Then candidate Trump

had argued for protectionism and asserted that decades of free-trade policies were responsible for the collapse of the American manufacturing industry.

Security concerns, meanwhile, is expected to focus on Trump’s call to American allies in the region to increase pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

The Philippines would be one of Trump’s final stops as he embarked on his Asian trip from Nov. 3 to 14, the White House said.

The American leader is expected to arrive in Manila on

Nov. 12 to attend the special gala celebration dinner for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In a statement, the White House said Tuesday that Trump would be returning to the United States on Nov. 14, which is the same day as the East Asia Summit in the Philippines.

Trump is slated to attend the Asean Summit the day before but he will not stay an extra day.

Another US delegation will attend the EAS, which will include more than a dozen Asian nations as well as Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

Hazing...

From A1

Castillo collapsed. This, Ventura said, was around 5 a.m.

Ventura said one member suggested that they drip candle wax on his body to see if he would respond to pain but the effort to revive him failed.

Then, a member with medical background was summoned to check on Castillo.

John Paul Solano then suggested that they take Castillo to the nearest hospital.

During the initiation, Ventura’s affidavit said, several other members were also present at the venue drinking and using a videoke machine to cover the noise.

Ventura’s affidavit is currently being evaluated by the Justice department to determine if he will qualify for a full coverage under WPP. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said John Paul Solano, the fraternity member who brought Castillo to Chinese General Hospital, was “lying through his teeth” when he claimed the initiate did not die due to hazing on Sept. 17 but due to a pre-existing heart condition.

“Now, Solano is not only fooling the Senate but he is fooling the entire nation,” said Zubiri. He said Solano should also be punished as well for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and perjury, he said.

“Regardless of any pre[existing] condition of which the parents completely deny, it’s ob-

vious that they are just trying to find excuses for Atio’s murder,” the senator said in a statement.

“So how can they explain the discoloration of the body due to massive hematoma?” Zubiri asked.

How, he added, could they dispute the medico-legal finding that Castillo’s DNA was found on the paddle used by the members to beat the victim, an act illegal under the Anti-Hazing Law. He said Solano’s statement disrespected Castillo, his family and the Filipino people.

Zubiri said it was clear that Solano was lying to protect his fraternity brothers.

On Tuesday afternoon, Solano, one of the primary suspects in Castillo’s death, said in his counter-affidavit that Castillo died of his preexisting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and because of this, Solano said he cannot be held liable for Castillo’s death.

But Castillo’s parents, Horacio Jr. and Carminia, denied that their son had any heart condition.

“He is a football player. He is very active,” Carminia said.

“He is a football player. He is a goal keeper. He has no heart disease.”

Horatio Jr. added: “You know that before he entered the university, he was required [to obtain] a medical certificate. He

was given a clean bill of health by the school.”

“What led to my son’s death was blunt [force] trauma coming from hazing that caused extreme pain and suffering to my son that caused... the heart attack,” he added.

Solano is one of the 18 Aegis Juris fraternity members indicted for violating Section 4 of the Anti-Hazing Law, robbery, perjury, and obstruction of justice.

A medical technologist, Solano was the one who was called to assist in trying to save Castillo after he collapsed during his hazing.

In his previous testimony, Solano said he was told to take Castillo to the Chinese General Hospital, even though the UST hospital was nearer. He was also told to lie and say that he happened to find Castillo on a Tondo street.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Solano was doing everything to derail the effort to find justice for Castillo.

“After filing a motion to throw away the strong evidence gathered by the police, he then files in his petition statements that are adverse to the case,” Gatchalian said. “Clearly, the AJ frat has complete control over him. However, he is not a competent doctor. His recent statements will not alter the real cause of the death of Atio, [which] is hazing.”

rites but a day before the incident and during a meeting after Atio’s death.

Quoting Ventura’s sworn statement, Aguirre said Castillo went through one week of service before the actual initiation rites. During this time, he was subjected to psychological and physical tests, and was humiliated, slapped, and told to carry out errands for the members.

The initiation rites began at 1 a.m. of Sept. 17, Ventura said.

At the start, Castillo was punched on his arms by about 10 fraternity members “hanggang pumutok” or until his arms turned black and blue and swelled, Ventura’s sworn statement said.

The master initiator, Axel Hipe, was to determine when the punching would stop. In Castillo’s case, the punching lasted an hour.

When the punching stopped, members used spatulas to tap Castillo’s arm to reduce the swelling and calm the muscles.

Then, he would be hit by a paddle 11 times.

After the third hit, the members asked Castillo if he could still endure the process, to which Ventura said Castillo answered yes.

However, after the fourth hit,

‘Pinoys...

From A1 (96 percent), and the Visayas and Mindanao (94 percent).

Some 77 percent, meanwhile, said they believe the police consider it important to capture drug suspects alive, with 51 percent saying it was “very important” and 25 percent saying it was “somewhat important” to the police that they capture suspects alive.

But 23 percent said they believed that capturing drug suspects alive was “not important” to the police— with 14 percent believing it is “somewhat not important” and 9 percent saying it is “not at all im-

portant” for them.

On several occasions, Duterte has urged law enforcers to shoot criminals who resist arrest.

“If he has no gun, give him a gun,” he said on one occasion.

The September 2017 survey, conducted from Sept. 23-27 had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages.

On Wednesday, the parents of slain teenager Kian Loyd delos Santos asked the Justice Department to criminally indict 12 more former Caloocan policemen for the killing of their son on Aug. 16.

During the continuation of the preliminary investigation, Saldy and Lorenza delos Santos sought the indictment of

down any US concerns about Duterte’s outreach to China and Russia and noted the United States, a former colonial power, was the country’s only treaty ally, with far deeper ties in the Philippines.

“I‘m not really threatened by this notion that China or Russia are providing some military equipment to the Philippines,” Kim told a small group of reporters traveling with Mattis.

“We have been providing very important equipment to the Philippines for many, many years. The fact that the Chinese and the Russians have provided some rifles, I‘m not sure is really such a cause for concern for the United States.” With AFP, Francisco Tuyay paign that ended the five-month siege in Marawi this week.

“They underestimated the reaction of the different countries in the world, the alliances,” he said.

The siege, launched on May 23, left more than 1,100 combatants and civilians dead, including more than 900 militants, and displaced some 400,000 residents, including the entire population of Marawi, a bastion of the Islamic faith in this predominantly Christian country of 106 million.

Gain control of Marawi City, after nearly five months of battle, saying that this is giving the government the “necessary leeway and maneuver room” to

the additional respondents in court.

In their reply-affidavit, they appealed to the DoJ panel to deny the defense of 12 policemen that they could not be held liable for Kian’s killing.

The complainants represented by Public Attorneys Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta argued that the additional respondents were part of the police team that conducted the antiillegal drugs operation where Kian was killed.

“It is worthy to note that the Philippine National Police [PNP], through its Internal Affairs Services [IAS] in its conduct of a motupropio investigation of the incident against all PNP Operatives of

Suspect...

From A1 would not be able to conduct a fact-finding investigation on the charges because President Rodrigo Duterte has already transferred the authority to pursue drug cases to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“The NBI might not be the proper agency because it is now the PDEA that is the lead agency. The President’s order specifically instructed other agencies to forward information or anything to PDEA, and then it’s up to PDEA to make appropriate request to a pardeal with jihadists, whose not yet entirely eradicated.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the emergency clamped down in Mindanao following the Marawi siege should remain until the end of the year to allow the military to address potential terrorist threasts.

Elements like the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other radicalized groups in Mindanao are yet to be completely quelled, despite government troops scoring a victory with the Marawi siege completely over, Duterte’s top security adviser said.

Caloocan Police Community Precinct No. 7, found all of the herein respondents liable for the death of Kian Loyd delos Santos,” the replyaffidavit said.

“From the foregoing, the herein respondents cannot deny the fact that the PNP-IAS has ultimately ruled out their claim that their operation is a legitimate police operation,” it said.

The respondent—Police Officers 2 Arnel Canezares, Diony Corpuz and Fernan Cano; and PO1s Reynaldo Dan Blanco Jr., Silverio Garcia Jr., Ronald Herrera, Myrldon Yagi, Christian Joy Aguilar, Ceferino Paculan, JRossillini Lorenzo, Erwin Romeroso and Fer-

ticular agency,” he said.

Aguirre made the statement in reaction to the affidavit submitted by Serenio to La Carlota City prosecutor’s office in Negros Occidental last Oct.18.

In his affidavit, Serenio accused Drilon and Roxas of partnering with Odicta to control “the illegal drug business in the Western Visayas-Panay/ Negros... by kicking out Berya Tolentino and Camaria group from their dominance as local drug suppliers.”

“Being in power with close association to the PNP, it was easy for the Roxas-Drilon tandem to paralyze, and eventually overthrow the Berya-Camaria drug operations and wipe out

Du30-Abe...

From A1 The agency said Duterte will be in Japan on Oct. 29 to 31 to discuss with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “matters of mutual interest to both countries.”

“Aside from bilateral issues in the economic, industrial, social and security arena, discussions are also expected to include regional developments including peace and stability in the region, particularly in the Korean Peninsula,” the department said.

Duterte is also scheduled

dinand Claro—already denied the charges in their answer filed earlier this week.

They are facing charges of murder, torture, planting of evidence and violation of domicile under Article 128 of the Revised Penal Code.

The initial complaint named only four policemen as respondents— Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares, and Police Officers 1 Jeremiah Pereda and Jerwin Cruz of Caloocan City police community precinct 7.

They also denied criminal liability in an earlier answer, claiming that they killed Kian after the student shot at them.

With Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

these groups from operating in the Negros Island,” read the affidavit furnished to the Department of Justice.

With the ouster of the BeryaCamaria duo, Serenio said Drilon and Roxas could turn over the drug operations in the region to Odicta.

“Indeed, the Negros market is bigger than in Panay or Iloilo, as confirmed in the declaration of President Duterte that the NIR is No. 3 as the most drug affected in the country,” Serenio said.

Odicta and his wife Meriam were shot dead by unidentified assailants last Aug. 29 upon their arrival at the Caticlan Jetty Port in Aklan. to meet other high-ranking Japanese government officials and the captains of industry.

Duterte’s trip to Japan trip was confirmed by Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga during a regular press conference in Tokyo.

“Japan and the Philippines have close ties and our strategic partnership can promote stability in the region,” Suga was quoted as saying in a Reuters report Wednesday.

Duterte and Abe were also expected to discuss regional developments including the tension in the Korean peninsula, Foreign Affairs said.

Jack Ma sets foot in Palace CHINESE billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma had a ‘perfect’ and ‘excellent’ meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday, as he called the country’s Internet service “not good” in an audience that included telco executives.

“Perfect... It was good,” Ma told reporters, who chanced upon him after meeting with Duterte and granted requests for selfies from the media and other Palace guests.

Prior to meeting with Duterte, one of the first things Ma noticed was the country’s Internet speeds were dismal and needed further improvement.

“I arrived late last night and I tried to test the speed of Philippine [Internet]. It’s no good,” the Alibaba founder said in an audience that included Ernest Cu, chief executive officer of Globe Telecom, and PLDT’s chief revenue officer Eric Alberto.

Ma, who rose from rags to riches, was bestowed a Doctor of Science in Technopreneurship by the De La Salle University.

Ma called for greater cooperation between government and the private sector, or risk throwing back relations to the 20th century.

“I encourage government, entrepreneurs, everybody to work together to improve speed and coverage of Internet,” he said.

“If we are not covering Internet, it’s gonna be worse just like a hundred years ago. Our cities, our countries are not connected,” Ma added.

The Philippines has the slowest average Internet speed in Asia Pacific with an average of 5.5 megabits per second (mbps), according to a May report by content delivery provider Akamai’s Global State of the Internet report.

John Paolo Bencito

NDF urges Rody: Scrap untenable conditions A TOP adviser to the National Democratic Front urged President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday night to drop “untenable” preconditions for the resumption of peace talks.

Luis Jalandoni, NDF senior peace adviser, said in a a television interview, the preconditions were unjustifiable, adding “The NDF is willing to resume peace talks with any regime that seriously wants to resolve the roots of armed conflict.”

“We have been informed of the possibilities, but have been told that it’s better to be quiet [on the details] for now,” he added.

The President insisted on a ceasefire between the Armed Forces and the New People’s Army while negotiators hammered out an agreement on social and economic reforms.

“It’s not tenable,” Jalandoni said.

“It’s clear to Duterte and to his advisers, and to [Labor Secretary and peace panel member Silvestre] Bello and the others. There cannot be such a thing as surrender, or a prolonged ceasefire without substantial inroads on basic social and economic issues.

The NDF will never agree.”

In a speech Wednesday night, Duterte acknowledged that the left always wanted to resume the talks, but he needed to “protect the people” amid their supposed attacks.

“Sometimes we attack each other. But at the end of the day, we find time for forgiveness and they always wanted and until now to resume the talks between government and me,” he said.

“But as President now, I carry the burden of governance and as a democracy. I am here as the President now and my main or fundamental duty is to protect the people and preserve the Republic of the Philippines. Nothing else would matter,” he added.

If the New People’s Army would continue to fight government, “that is not my position,” Duterte said.

John Paolo Bencito

News ‘Pulong’ to retire from politics in 2019

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Vice Mayor Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte on Monday announced that he would retire from politics come the 2019 election, but gave assurance that the e ‘CarpioDuterte’ tandem will still lead the city.

Paolo made the statement after his sister, Mayor Sara Duterte, announced that she will run as a representative of the 1st congressional district of Davao City.

“When Mayor Sara announced that she will file for a congressional seat in the 1st District, everybody’s asking me where I am going. It will still be a Carpio-Duterte tandem in the mayor and vice mayor, we are still talking to the other Duterte but definitely it will not be me,” he said.

He said that the husband of Mayor Duterte, Manases Carpio, is very qualified to lead the city with his background in the law profession, while talks are ongoing with the youngest of the Duterte siblings, Sebastian.

“If you will ask me where will I go, I will be going back to farming.

I am planning to retire,” Vice Mayor Duterte added.

Vice Mayor Duterte said that he had enough of politics and wanted to focus more on his family and to his small farm at the back of his house.

He said that his children have been affected by the issues thrown against him by his political enemies like Senator Antonio Trillanes.

Earlier, Vice Mayor Duterte said that his daughter, Sabina cried in front of him and his wife, January after hearing the accusations of Trillanes.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Estradas’ P2.9-billion tax case dismissed T

By Rio N. Araja

HE Court of Tax Appeals on Wednesday dismissed the P2.9-billion income tax case filed against former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and his wife Dr. Loi for violating the right to due process of the accused.

The CTA en banc affirmed the November 2015 ruling of the Second Division to clear the Estradas from violation of the tax code.

According to the CTA, the tax assessment made by the Bureau of Internal Revenue was void and unlawful, and that the bureau violated the rights to due process of

the Estrada couple.

Moreover, the court said the BIR anchored its tax assessment and case filed against the Estradas on a Sandiganbayan decision

convicting the ex-President of plunder.

The bureau also failed to submit to the court a copy of the Sandiganbayan decision in the plunder case.

In addition, the CTA said BIR was not able to conduct a separate tax audit, therefore there was no ground to accuse the Estradas of failure to declare their earnings, the basis of their income taxes.

The tax case stemmed from the accusations of BIR that the Estradas did not pay taxes on a combo account in the Equitable PCI Bank in the name of one Jose Velarde.

Businessman Jaime Dichavez claimed the Velarde account was his, but public prosecutors insisted the account belonged to Estrada and filed an impeachment complaint and a plunder case against him.

FARMERS’ PROTEST. Farmers from Bicol and Visayas and other groups who join the Lakbay Magsasaka hold a protest at Welcome Rotonda in Manila to seek justice and urged the government to end the killing of farmers. Norman Cruz

Bislig-based broadcaster killed in ambush

By Francisco Tuyay

Rolando Felix, police director of Caraga region, identified the slain media practitioner as Christopher Ivan Lozada, 25, of Prime Time Radio, based in Bislig City.

Felix said Lozada’s livein partner, Honey Faith Indog, who was hit by bullets in different parts of

her body, is still undergoing treatment at the Andres Soriano Hospital in Bislig City.

He said Lozada and his live-in partner were on board a Toyota Vios enroute to their residence when shot by the suspects aboard a van with no license plate at

the vicinity of P-5 Barangay Coleto, Bislig City at around 9:15 p.m.

Lozada died on the spot after the ambush.

Prior to the killing of Lozada, the radio broadcaster has received a threat message posted on his Facebook account by a still un-

known sender last Oct. 12.

The message had warned Lozada that he only had 95 days to live.

“95 days nlang ka,” the message in Visayan language said.

Felix said the Bislig City Police Station is investigating the incident.

Suspensions not healthy for business —Pimentel

A BROADCASTER was killed in an ambush by still unidentified assailants while his live-in partner survived the gun attack at a village in Surigao del Sur Tuesday morning.

In a report, Chief Supt.

By Macon Araneta

MMDA, Naia on full alert for the coming holidays

SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel III said on Wednesday that businesses will be adversely affected if Malacanñang suspends work in government offices during events like the transport strike, or declares extended stretches of work suspensions because of activities like the Asean Summit.

Pimentel cited the negative impact on the business sector by government directives suspending work in government offices in instances that do not include regular holidays or inclement weather.

“I believe that at some point we have to rationalize and limit our national and local holidays because we already lose so many work days a year because of extreme weather phenomena like typhoons,” the legislator said.

“If we want to attract investors and continue to grow our economy, we have to do this if we want to be able to compete with the other developing Asian economies,” he added.

Due to this, he called on the Executive Department to exclude the units involved in check clearing of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from work suspension orders to ensure that check clearing operations would remain uninterrupted.

By Joel E. Zurbano GOVERNMENT agencies have prepared measures aimed at ensuring safety and convenience of the people going to and coming from provinces for the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Beginning Friday (Oct. 27), the Metro Manila Development Authority will intensify its cleanup drive

in selected public and private cemeteries and memorial parks in the metropolis.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said 2,886 personnel composed of traffic enforcers and augmentation teams will be deployed in line with the government’s “Oplan Undas 2017 program from Oct. 27 until Nov. 2.

“No dayoff, no absent policy will be strictly enforced among our personnel,” he added.

Aside from the clean-up operations, the Road Emergency Group will set up tents to serve as public assistance centers with ambulances on standby in Manila North and South Cemeteries, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City and San Juan Public Cemetery for any medical emergency that may occur.

The agency will also dispatch members of the Reckless Driving Enforcement

Team, Anti-Jaywalking Unit and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group at the following bus terminals: Araneta, Cubao, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Pasay-Taft, Sampaloc, Dangwa and Mindanao Avenue to prepare for the expected influx of passengers.

The no dayoff and leave of absence policy will also be imposed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“This will be made as a

matter of procedure during full alert status,” said Jesus Martines, chief of the Manila International Airport Authority-Media Affairs Division.

MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said help desk, doctors and nurses, and staff from the Public Affairs Division will help organize things and assist passengers with their flight schedules and information especially domestic flights.

DoH holds two-day summit on non-communicable diseases DUE to the growing concern over the increasing number of younger people from the region’s low and middle-income groups who are dying prematurely because of non-communicable diseases, a two-day health summit was held in Manila starting on Wednesday.

OIC-Health Secretary Herminigildo V. Valle cited the pressing need to step up actions against NCDs and their risk factors in the Asean Region.

He said coordinated action is needed, and governments must take the initiative and be at the driver’s seat to bring in civil society, academia, business, legislators and policy-mak-

ers, and other stakeholders to promote health.

“Beating NCDs requires a comprehensive approach,” said Valte.

The Asean Conference on NCDs with the theme, “Working Together towards an Enabling Environment for a Healthy Lifestyle in the Asean Region.”

The three-day commemorative event, held during the Asean Chairship of the Philippines and the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Asean, is in fulfillment of the country’s international commitment to the Asean Health Cluster 1 Work Programme 2016-2020 on Promoting Healthy Lifestyle, duly endorsed by the Asean Health Ministers.

BANGON MARAWI STORE. Muslim women sell products made by IDPs (Internally

Displaced People) of Marawi presently housed in evacuation centers in Tugaya, Tamparan and Marawi City. The profits will go to the rehabilitation of Moro communities. The Marawi women sell their products at the DTI Building in Buendia, Makati City. Norman Cruz

Is Harry Roque the new Palace spokesman?

By Maricel V. Cruz KABAYAN party-list Rep. Harry Roque has yet to confirm his reported appointment as Palace spokesman.

“We will wait to see the President this week,” Roque said in a text message to reporters.

Roque’s statement came following a report that he will be appointed as Pesidential Spokesman to replace Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.

In her column at Malaya newspaper, Ellen Tordesillas quoted Roque as having said that he would meet with the President “by the end of the week.”

While Roque has yet to be appointed to a Palace post, Kabayan Party-list is now on its way to proclaim its third nominee, lawyer Ciriaco Calalang, who will replace Roque in the event that he is appointed as Palace spokesman.

Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan Party-list, the group’s second nominee, made the announcement as he welcomed reports that Roque will be appointed presidential spokesman.

Reports that erstwhile member of Kabayan Party-list lawyer Harry Roque is being considered for the post of presidential spokesperson is a positive development for his public service career,” said Salo, who is at odds with Roque over party matters.

But Roque laughed off at Salo’s statement. “Let them dream on.”

But Salo, who served as undersecretary of then Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said that “the podium there at Malacanñang is clearly a more powerful position although it is appointive, not elective in nature.”

‘Casino’ kidnappers want case junked

By Rey E. Requejo THE suspects in the abduction of a Chinese and two South Korean nationals who allegedly failed to pay their casino debts on Wednesday asked the Department of Justice to dismiss the charges against them.

In his counter-affidavit, Ernesto Marella denied that he and the other respondents held Chinese national Liu Xia and South Koreans Yeum Sunki and Park Pan Ho against their will, saying the three “voluntarily agreed to stay’ with them until they could settle their debts.

Marella claimed good faith on his part when he suggested to the three to stay at his residence in Guiguinto, Bulacan after they failed to pay their debts.

Marella added that he did not even ask them to pay for their stay in his residence.

“My purpose was not to illegally detain them as alleged but to provide them board and lodging as they have lost everything to gambling,” he said in a counter-affidavit.

He added that he allowed them to stay while they were working on how to settle their obligations.

If not for this, the complainants could have ended in a more dire situation since they have no money to pay for their stay in hotels, the respondent pointed out.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

A pre-existing condition

S

OMETIMES, we think we have heard it all—until we encounter stranger and more perverse things every day.

We try to be positive and see the good in other people’s intentions, but it turns out there is just bad faith—nothing else.

For example, the secretary of communications, The Most Honorable Martin Andanar, recently said the heads of other countries are actually supportive of President Duterte—it is their subordinates who are rabid critics because they are not having enough sex.

We would not flatter him by repeating his actual words.

We cringe to hear a spokesman for the President utter garbage. What an embarrassment to the man he tries to speak for, or ape. What an embarrassment before the rest of the world.

Remember this is not the first time Andanar has caused us to shake our heads in disgust.

But he still has his job so we guess this administration must

continue to value him, even as we have a hard time imagining why.

Another statement that makes us retch was one made by Aegis Juris fraternity member, John Paul Solano. The medical technologist said that the young man whom their brotherhood killed in September had a pre-existing heart ailment and that this was what caused his death—not the cruelty and violence dealt upon by those he had wanted to call his brothers.

To have a pre-existing heart illness means, as social media

users point out, that Horacio Castillo III could have died while sitting at home watching television or simply walking on the street. What an insult to anybody who hears it. We are amazed at the restraint of Castillo’s parents.

Solano and his ilk are still brazenly lying to save their skin when it is clear to all what truly happened to Castillo that day.

It’s a pre-existing condition indeed—to have no reverence for truth or decency.

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Hunger mitigation bill I KNOW that we Filipinos take politics three times a day and sometimes go on overdose or have indigestion.

I often ask myself why, when a new government comes to power, a persistent agenda is to oust all those appointed by the immediate predecessor.

That is exactly what is happening today with the impeachment cases brought against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales.

No doubt, those who stole from our coffers

Here’s an idea from Senator Bam Aquino.

Oops, she did it again LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES

SOMETIMES, I find myself praying that nothing bad happens to President Rodrigo Duterte, if only because I truly dread the assumption to the presidency of Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo.

This is definitely one of those times.

The constitutional successor to Duterte has come up with what she thinks is a brilliant idea: Preserve the ruins of Marawi City as a reminder to all of the bravery of the Filipino soldiers who fought IS-inspired terrorists there.

According to a report

in one newspaper, Robredo said: “We hope [the ruins] will be preserved because they will serve like a monument for [sic] the bravery of our soldiers and the residents of Marawi.”

Robredo, the report continued, said preserving the ruins would serve “as a lesson and a warning” on terrorism. What sort of lesson keeping Marawi untouched—and keeping its residents out —would teach, neither Robredo nor the report could say.

Robredo’s proposal, made as the Duterte government was setting into motion its plans to rehabilitate the war-torn city, reminded me again of what her political mentors

and enablers in the Liberal President Noynoy AquiParty did after they retook no retook the city and left Zamboanga City from it in ruins.

Then, as was common a small band of armed during that Moro rebpresidency, els who atthe govtempted to ernment occupy the It’s in Manila regional seemed to W e s t e r n statements lose interest Mindanin rehabiliao hub in like this that tating Zam2013. After make me boanga, engaging i nclu d i ng the rebels worry if there’s thousands in fierce really anything of evacuees hou s e - t o who were house fight- between forced to ing and Robredo’s ears. live in a city subjecting the city stadium. to heavy The United aerial bombardment that Nations and international presaged what took place rights groups criticized in Marawi four years lat- Aquino for abandoning er, the administration of the victims of its month-

long war and creating a “humanitarian crisis” that no one in government seemed to want to fix after the military had repelled the rebel attack.

Now, I can understand if Robredo wants to keep one or two structures in Marawi as they are, sort of like what the citizens of Berlin, Hiroshima and New York City did, as anti-war and anti-terror memorials. But keeping the entire city of Marawi in ruins, or even just the socalled “main battle area” that encompasses its entire downtown area as it is, is just plain wrong.

If Robredo’s proposal is adopted, what, exactly, would happen? The people of Marawi, who just want to return to their old

lives before the terrorists started their occupation of the city five months ago, would have nothing to return to.

The Veep’s call makes no mention of what to do with the displaced Marawi residents – if she wants them to move the city to an entirely new settlement elsewhere or to be dispersed all over the country. Will Marawi be replicated, house by house, building by building, in a new place, or will its residents be abandoned, Zamboanga fashion, in favor of keeping the current bombed-out ghost town that their city has become?

Also, I know that noted architect and urban planner Jun Palafox Turn to A5

during the past administration must be held accountable for their misdeeds. Look at the graft charges filed against former Transportation chief Joseph Emilio Abaya.

I also cannot understand why those who already ruled this country for six years would want to destabilize the Duterte administration.

What is peculiar to our country is that when you are not for the incumbent, you are against him. No wonder we are so divided as a nation.

Despite this, we don’t even have a credible opposition figure—not Vice President Leni Robredo, not Senator Antonio Trillanes, and not Senator Leila de Lima.

Turn to A5

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Opinion From A4

To me, this is the preted, Aquino’s proposal greatest tragedy in our does not intend to turn the politics. poor into pitiful recipients of leftover food. The food *** would still be fit for conSo many Filipinos sumption. go hungry every day.

With the Department And yet we know that of Social Welfare and so much food goes to Development as coorwaste in restaurants and dinating agency, the bill even in the kitchen of encourages food-related Filipino families. firms to enter into deal Wastage of food also with food banks. happens in food manuWe may not be aware facturing and process- of it, but charitable food ing establishments and banks have existed in distribution outlets. the country for some I am convinced we time now. can use the discarded but still edible food *** stuff to help the poor.

Santa Banana, Vice A bill in the Senate President Leni Robremay just create a mech- do wants the ruins of anism for this. Filed by Marawi preserved as a Senator Bam Aquino, monument tothose who Senate Bill 357 seeks sacrificed their lives to to prevent or at least liberate Marawi. minimize food waste by I would advise Roproviding for a system bredo to tell that to the of redistributing and re- hundred of thousands of cycling food waste.

Marawi residents who According to Aquino, lost their homes. the United Nations’ Food I don’t know what she and Agriculture Orga- wants to prove, really. Is nization says that more preserving ruins more than 40 percent of food important than having loss in developing coun- residents return to their tries like the Philippines homes? Robredo must happens before con- think so. sumption—or, during production, post-harvest*** ing and processing.

The problems of reAquino also pointed to signed Comelec chairthe research of the Interna- man Andres Bautista tional Rice Research Insti- are just beginning. tute that 15 percent of rice Despite the impeachlosses occur in the post-har- ment case against him vest stage alone. Have you being rendered moot seen palay on provincial and academic, he still roads, being dried? faces graft, possiIt is estimated that bly plunder, charges another 296,000 metric brought against him by tons of rice, valued at his estranged wife, PaP7.3 billion, is wasted tricia. in the country.

At least he would still The senator laments have his day in court. that these losses could I can only commishave been saved to feed erate with the Bautista more than two million children. Their mother Filipinos. seems determined to Lest the bill is misinter- put their father in jail.

Oops...

From A4

*** Speaking of unreliable people, I feel vindicated in my earlier belief that John Paul Solano, the Aegis Juris fratman who brought slain hazing victim Horacio Castillo III to the hospital after he “accidentally” found the body on a Tondo, Manila street, cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Solano has come up with a new whopper that is as big a lie as his first, to the effect that Castillo had a pre-existing heart condition that killed him

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

What’s next for Marawi?

Hunger...

was the originator of keeping parts of the city untouched as a war memorial (a fact that compounds Robredo’s “sin” by adding the element of plagiarism). But I’m sure that Palafox did not envision keeping all of Marawi preserved in its current state.

It’s statements like this that make me worry if there’s really anything between Robredo’s ears.

And makes me pore over every latest picture or video of Duterte, just to make sure he’s healthy enough to continue being president.

I’m happy to report that the president seems to be doing just fine.

For the vice president’s strange ailment, however, I think all of medical science has not yet found a remedy.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

while he was undergoing initiation and that he did not die because of any injuries he sustained at the hands of his so-called brothers.

The parents of Castillo, quite naturally, were aghast. Their son played football and was in the pink of health, they said; Solano is once again lying through his budding lawyer’s teeth.

I feel sorry for this young man, really, because he and his fellow lawyer-in-waiting brethren seem to have such a distorted view of the law and how it can be twisted in their favor. I know there are a lot of unscrupulous lawyers, but there seems to be an awfully high concentration of them who are members of Solano’s band of homicidal brothers.

Then again, why should anyone be surprised if the members of this University of Santo Tomas fraternity enables all the worst possible traits of young lawyers if their own dean and brother is involved in so many shenanigans himself? And yes, this is the legal luminary whose face they use to attract unsuspecting recruits like Castillo, to whom they teach a particularly virulent and twisted parody of the legal trade.

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ

AFTER five months of fighting in Marawi City against the ISISinspired Maute terror group, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana finally terminated all combat operations there last Monday. This announcement was made a week after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi, following the killing of the Maute leaders, Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

Achieving victory over Marawi did not come easy. The President declared martial

law over the whole of Mindanao on May 23, following the attack of the Maute group. It was reported that around 165 soldiers and policemen offered lives during the 154-day siege.

Nine-hundred twenty terrorists were killed.

Most of Marawi was damaged, and many residents were displaced.

About 1,780 hostages were rescued.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said, “We have successfully concluded what has been, so far, the most serious threat of violent extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.”

While I agree with this

assessment, we must acknowledge that the end of the Marawi siege does not put an end to the possibility of terrorism entering our country. President Duterte warned everyone of the evils of the ISIS ideology and called for our preparedness on possible terrorist activities in the future.

The President has earlier reported receiving terror plots in his office.

A bigger task now for the government is the rehabilitation of Marawi.

On June 8, President Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 3, which created Task Force Bangon Marawi, an inter-agency task force in charge of the

rehabilitation of Marawi City. Some of the agencies that would play a big role in this team are DSWD, DPWH, DILG, DepEd, DoH, DoE, DBM, and AFP. This group has come up with a master plan to rebuild Marawi and Lanao del Sur. It will cost the government more than P50 billion to restore the war-torn city. As funding, the DBM has allotted P5 billion from the 2017 budget and P10 billion from the 2018 budget, while the 2019 budget is yet to be determined. According to the DILG, the team has already started its rehabilitation efforts.

We must be clear. A

military victory is not necessarily victory in Marawi. The divide between Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the country is abysmal.

The bitter and bloody story is a painful wound in our nation’s history, made deeper by terrorists who antagonize the situation for their own interests. We cannot allow our Muslim brothers to feel neglected and alienated from the rest of the nation. The onus on the Government therefore, is to create projects and programs centered on providing education and opportunities, development, and infrastructure, for the entire island region.

A proper way to condole DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

ONE of the most difficult duties of a military commander is condoling with the family of a soldier who lost his life in the service of his country.

Whether one is a lowly platoon leader or the Commander-in- Chief, finding the right words and saying them in a way that will comfort the bereaved family is not easy.

One reason for this is that almost all of those soldiers who die in combat are young. This makes it hard for the parents or the young widow to accept the loss. Yet, condoling for commanders is a task that cannot be taken lightly and must be performed regardless of the level of command one is in.

In the United States, President Donald Trump is currently embroiled in a controversy about a call he made to condole with the widow of a young soldier, Sgt La David Johnson, who was killed in the African country of Niger together with four other soldiers. The controversy has been going for more than a week now and is not showing any sign of

abetting.

According to reports, in the call of President Trump to the widow, Myeshia Johnson, who was on speaker phone, President Trump said that the husband knew what he signed for but the loss still hurts anyway. The others who heard the conversation like Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said that the President did not mention the name of the dead soldier referring to him only as your guy.

This conversation has now become politicized especially when the White House Chief of Staff General John Kelly waded in an attempt to defend the President. General Kelly accused Congresswoman Wilson of being an empty barrel and said things about her which were not quite accurate as evidenced by a video of the incident that Kelly referred to.

This petty squabble is diverting the country from more pressing domestic and international issues like tax reform and the upcoming trip of President Trump to Manila to attend the Asean Summit.

President Trump also took on the widow by saying that what she is saying is not true. Why, one might ask is the Pres-

ident of the United States even entertain the idea of quarrelling with the widow of a soldier who just lost his life? Right now, no one can even provide a definitive answer as to why Sgt Johnson’s body was retrieved a mile away from the scene of encounter or why he was left behind during the evacuation. It would have been a lot better if President Trump exercised humility and simply explained that he was just trying to call to express his condolences.

If it did not come across well, that he is sorry and just move on instead of getting into a petty quarrel that he cannot win. Condoling with the family of a dead soldier and burying them is different from country to country. In the Philippines as well as the US, one could say that the practice is somewhat similar. In the old Constabulary days, when a member dies, a survival officer was designated.

He was the person who took care of all administrative details like burial and the provision for honor guards during the interment. The survival officer also completes all other paper works

so that the widow or the parents if the deceased was a bachelor gets all the death benefits and pension entitlements as soon as possible.

I do not know whether this is still being practiced today but it was one way of showing that the organization took care of its members even in death.

The practice of meeting the remains of soldiers by the President is somewhat new. As far as I know, it was US President Reagan who popularized it especially when more than 200 US marines were killed in Beirut by a single bomb.

Every President has his own style of expressing sympathy and no method is really better than the other so long as the bereaved family feels that the expression of sympathy is sincere. The worst display of indifference from a President that I have ever witnessed was when former President Aquino did not meet the remains of the Mamasapano casualties in Villamor Airbase and instead went to the inauguration of a car plant in Laguna. It was left to then Vice President Jojo Binay and former President Fidel Ramos

who met the remains. Of course, former President Aquino was also quoted as saying that he felt very uneasy going to the wake of people he did not know in life. Contrast this with President Duterte. He visits almost all the families of soldiers and policemen who have died in line of duty that one would think that it is the only thing he does. What the Commander-in-Chief does or does not do affect the morale of every man in uniform. The feeling that what they are doing is appreciated not only by the public but also their superiors goes a long way in motivating the fighting spirit of all soldiers and policemen. We have seen this in the happy faces of those soldiers belonging to military units returning to their home bases after their tour of duty in Marawi City. Unfortunately, about 165 of them will not return to their families. Unlike what is going on in the United States, there has been no reports of complaints being received because of failures on the part of the government to attend to the families of those who died in action and it should be kept that way.

It is really a small price to pay for their sacrifice.

The normalization of cruelty THE vitriolic attacks of several pro-administration social media personalities against a blogger not on their team is jaw-dropping in their meanness and cruelty.

Allan Troy “Sass” Sasot, Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto, and Lorraine Badoy (currently an assistant secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development) took shots at the character and physical appearance of Jover Laurio, the writer behind Pinoy Ako Blog (PAB).

Badoy was particularly contemptuous, saying Jover’s “ugliness is extraordinary, the dirt in her pusod is extraordinary, and so is the libag in her kili-kili.”

Lawsuits for libel are said to be brewing on both sides, but what emerges from this entire incident is that petty insults like these are becoming more common in social media conversations, particularly on

the pro-Duterte side.

Criticizing an opponent’s looks is the lowest blow of all and delivered when no logical or reasonable argument can be mustered.

This sort of name-calling should have been left behind in kindergarten. Badoy in particular, in the harshness of her words against Laurio’s looks, sounds like a child going “nya nya nya” because she can’t think of anything more compelling to say.

Why has an observable degree of the public discourse on the part of these and other social media personalities of the administration degenerated into crass ad hominem taunts tantamount to schoolyard bullying? And why has this type of interaction found acceptance among some Duterte supporters?

Pro-Duterte social media personalities have the avowed mission of expressing support for Duterte and counter criticism of him.

However, with his words and actions reaping mounting censure and rebuke, his bloggers now have a tough-

er task—instead of merely having to sing his praises, they have to not only deflect negative commentary, but also suppress it. From journalism or opinion writing, they have had to shift to being propagandists.

Propaganda, as Eric Hoffer says in “The True Believer” (1951), is a “formidable instrument” for persuasion and coercion. “To its skillful use we attribute many of the startling successes of the mass movements of our time, and we have come to fear the word as much as the sword.”

As to the latter, some of the pro-Duterte bloggers brag about the thousands or millions of “followers” they have on social media, implying their use as a weapon to influence and sway public opinion.

Many of their followers are the frustrated and disaffected members of society, who already share the opinions of these bloggers, who amplify their fears and frustrations and seek scapegoats to blame. “The acrid secretion of the frustrated mind,” says Hoffer, “though composed chiefly of fear and ill

will, acts yet as a marvelous slime to cement the embittered and disaffected into one compact whole. Suspicion too is an ingredient of this acrid slime, and it too can act as a unifying agent.”

Unkindness and petty meanness are generally regarded as deviant behavior.

In sociology, deviance refers to “an action or behavior that violates social norms.” What we teach our children is to be kind to others; saying hurtful things is considered wrong and against the norm, i.e. not normal.

However, the collective behavior of these bloggers, perhaps motivated by stress and frustration in their desire to reach societal goals (look up Robert K. Merton’s strain theory) through noninstitutional means (hence their use of social media), the institutional means perhaps not having worked for them, have caused a shift in what is now considered normal in discourse.

There is, however, a limit to what society will tolerate.

When this is reached, a pushback could occur.

What all this brouhaha

brings to mind is that for the hundreds of years of religious presence and education in this country, civilization and its emphasis on good conduct and morals remains a thin veneer. Savagery lurks under the surface of even the most highly educated and prominently placed in society, to burst forth without control.

There is no compassion to be found in some of the writings of these bloggers.

As a value, it has diminished in favor of a shrill, histrionic adulation that props up a rotten façade.

But the Internet keeps receipts, and the cruel and inhumane are on the wrong side of history. Now is their time, today is their day – but it won’t last forever. And there are those who will not forget.

Someday, hopefully soon, compassion and kindness will return to the discourse, and the orderly and logical exchange of ideas will once more bloom.

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer.

FB: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 A6 Standard TODAY Manila

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Xi retains power with no clear heir B

EIJING―President Xi Jinping was formally handed a second term Wednesday, with no clear successor emerging in a revamped ruling council, cementing his grip on power and setting the stage for him to dominate China for decades to come.

In a highly choreographed event, Xi led the new members of the elite Politburo Standing Committee in front of television cameras at Beijing’s massive Great Hall of the People after their selection by 204 party offi-

cials in a closed-door vote.

Xi, 64, secured a second five-year term as general secretary of the Communist Party after his political theory was enshrined in its constitution, giving him an inviolable mandate to rule

and possibly positioning him to retain power for much longer.

He was also reappointed head of the country’s Central Military Commission.

Premier Li Keqiang, 62, retained his seat on the seven-member committee while five other men―all little known outside China―replaced comrades who had reached an informal retirement age of 68.

In a speech, as the other members stood expression-

less in dark suits, Xi heralded a “new era” for the country under his rule and said the party “must get a new look and more importantly make new accomplishments.”

But the new ruling council looked decidedly old, raising doubts that any could succeed Xi. “Xi Jinping doesn’t want to share power. He doesn’t want someone breathing down his neck, preparing the succession,” Jean-Pierre Cabestan, China specialist at

Hong Kong Baptist University, told AFP. “He wants to keep pressure on everybody and enjoy power for five or 10 years without having his hands tied.”

All the committee’s members are at least 60 years of age. Under the current rules, they would be too old to serve the customary two terms as the party’s leader at the next congress in 2022.

Xi was elevated to the committee in 2007, when he was 54, and succeeded Hu

Jintao as general secretary and president five years later.

The new committee members are Xi confidant Li Zhanshu, 67, vice premier Wang Yang, 62, leading Communist Party theoretician Wang Huning, 62, party organization department head Zhao Leji, 60, and Shanghai party chief Han Zheng, 63.

Zhao, a Xi ally, was also appointed as head of the anticorruption agency, which has brought down 1.5 million officials including several of

the president’s rivals since 2012.

Despite their promotion to the nation’s highest leadership circle, they are likely to have much less influence than their predecessors under a newly empowered Xi. His reappointment capped a twice-a-decade congress of the Communist Party that gave him a freer hand to accomplish his ambition of turning China into a global superpower with a world-class military by mid-century. AFP

Fears rise over Hong Kong bookseller 'freed' by China HONG KONG―Concern was growing Wednesday over the whereabouts of dissident publisher Gui Minhai, who failed to contact his family after Chinese authorities said they had released him from detention.

Rights group Amnesty International questioned whether he was “genuinely free” and said his safety was at risk.

“As Gui’s situation is unclear and his family still can’t get in touch with him, we are worried whether he has been placed under house arrest at an unknown location,” Patrick Poon, China Researcher at Amnesty International, told AFP. “Without access to his family and a lawyer of his own choice, he’s at risk of torture. If he’s genuinely free, we ask the Chinese government to let him contact his family immediately.”

Gui’s daughter Angela, who

has campaigned vehemently for his release, said Tuesday she had not heard from her father since his supposed release last week and believed he had gone missing again.

The 53-year-old Swedish citizen and Hong Kong-based publisher, whose company was known for salacious titles about the lives of China’s political elite, disappeared in 2015 while on vacation in Thailand. He had been detained at an undisclosed location in China ever since.

He was one of five booksellers from the same firm to go missing and reappear in custody on the mainland.

In February 2016 Gui appeared on Chinese television, weeping as he confessed to involvement in a fatal car accident years before.

In another interview the same year, he also admitted trying to smuggle illegal books into China. AFP

Indonesian police seize 101 live pangolins on fishing boat PEKANBARU, Indonesia―Indonesian authorities have seized more than 100 pangolins, all of them alive, an official said Wednesday, a haul of the critically endangered species that conservationists estimate to be worth about $1.5 million.

Indonesian officials discovered the pangolins on Tuesday in a raid on a fishing boat off the east coast of Sumatra island, the navy said in a press statement.

Authorities were tipped off by local residents who said men were attempting to smuggle the scaly mammals to Malaysia.

Pangolins―docile animals

with a thick armor―are indigenous to parts of Southeast Asia and Africa and are the world’s most trafficked mammal.

Two men, aged 22 and 25, were arrested after they confessed they were paid money to transport the pangolins to Malaysia.

If found guilty the suspects could face maximum five years in prison and a Rp 100 million ($7,300) fine for violating Indonesia’s conservation law.

“We received 101 live pangolins seized by the navy yesterday [Tuesday] but four of them later died,” said the head of a local conservation agency. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE the

1.

2.

3.

WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY. Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attends a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow on October 25, 2017. AFP

Italy plies visitors with wine as it eyes tourism catch-up BOLGHERI, Italy―Eating lunch in Italy’s Bolgheri wine country, it is not hard to understand why the number of international visitors to this bucolic corner of Tuscany has doubled in five years.

“People have always come in the summer for the beaches,” says Riccardo Binda, cutting into a succulently tender slice of Florentine steak, grilled over embers.

“Now we’re getting visitors all year round. It’s something new that has developed as the reputation of Bolgheri’s wine has grown.”

Binda is the general manager of the local consortium of wine makers in an area known for its production of high-quality Bordeaux-

style reds.

Sourced from eighth generation master butcher Dario Cecchini and hung for 100 days, the T-bone he is eating is a popular choice.

On a sunny October afternoon, the Osteria Magona is packed and abuzz with the mingling murmurs of quiet foodie contentment and wine-fueled chat in English, French, German and Japanese.

It’s a scene to gladden the heart of Dario Franceschini, Italy’s culture and tourism minister, as he prepares the accounts on what is expected to be a record year for tourism.

The sector accounts for around 10 percent of the country’s GDP and

InvItatIon to BId for Procurement of Brand new comPuterIzed radIology SyStem (crS) IB no. 2017-323

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

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Eleven Million Philippine Pesos (PhP11,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Brand New Computerized Radiology System (CRS) under IB No. 2017-323. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project.

Delivery of the Goods is required within period specified under Section VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within the past two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

INVITATION TO BID The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites consultants/ suppliers/manufacturers/distributors/contractors to bid for the hereunder projects: Items

ITB - GS-20171017-01 Data Retention Storage

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

II. Infrastructure

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 26 October 2017 – 16 November 2017 from the address above 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 Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

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

6.

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 02 November 2017, 10:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the SCOBAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 16 November 2017, 9:00 A.M. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

ITB - CW-20171012-01 LANDBANK Leadership and Development Center Building Construction

P

125,871,849.00

13,000.00

Within forty five (45) calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP)

50,000.00

Project Completion: Within five hundred seventy (570) calendar days after receipt of approved Building Permit or NTP whichever comes later

The schedule of activities are as follows: ACTIVITIES

8.

The DOH 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.

3. Submission / Opening of Bids

9.

For further information, please refer to:

(SGD) MARIO C. VILLAVERDE, MD, MPM, CESO I Chairperson, Special COBAC

P 26,000,000.00

Delivery Period

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

1. Issuance of Bid Documents 2. Pre-Bid Conference

(MS-OCT. 26, 2017)

Bidding Documents Fee

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

Bid opening shall be on 16 November 2017, 9:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Special COBAC Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

I. Goods and Services

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

4.

has become a significant engine of growth for an economy emerging from years of stagnation.

A bumper summer season saw a 16 percent surge in the total number of visits to the country’s long coastlines, with the number of overseas customers up a little more than five percent.

But with just over 52 million foreign visitors in 2016, according to the UN’s World Tourism Organization, Italy still lags behind its comparable neighbors France, with 82 million visitors last year, and Spain with 75 million.

The minister is also acutely aware that much of the recent growth in tourism can be attributed to terror-

4. Post-Qualification 5. Notice of Award

SCHEDULE October 26 to November 23, 2017 November 9, 2017 - 2:00 PM Bidding Room, 25th Floor, LANDBANK Plaza Building 1598 M. H. Del Pilar corner Dr. J. Quintos Streets, Malate, Manila November 23, 2017 - 11:00 A.M. Procurement Department, 25th Floor, LANDBANK Plaza Building 1598 M. H. Del Pilar corner Dr. J. Quintos Streets, Malate, Manila November 24 to 29, 2017 December 5, 2017

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

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

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

ism-related security concerns that have diverted holidaymakers from Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey.

Against that backdrop, authorities are looking to bolster yearround arrivals and target visitors in search of more than a sun tan.

Foreign directors have been brought in to revamp some of the country’s major museums and art galleries, while a major upgrade of the Francigena pilgrim’s route reflects an effort to draw in more hikers and cyclists.

But according to designer and entrepreneur Franco Malenotti, the country is not making the most of its celebrated wines and rich culinary heritage. AFP

Police unmask 74-year-old 'ninja' burglar TOKYO―Japanese police have finally nabbed a nimble “ninja” thief who dressed in black and scrambled over walls to commit scores of break-ins over an eight-year career―and were astonished to find he was 74.

Police in the western Japanese city of Osaka had been stumped by a string of burglaries, their only lead being security camera footage showing an agile thief with a black neck-warmer pulled up to the nose and a parker hood down to the eyebrows.

“He was dressed all in black just like a ninja,” a senior official at the Kawachi police station told AFP. But the master thief made a mistake in May: his neck-warmer slipped and his identity was revealed on camera.

Police recognized their man as Mitsuaki Tanigawa, 74, who had a previous record of thefts.

They then started watching the aged crook and tried to trap him.

“Investigators watched him doddering out from his house like any other old man during daytime. He then went to an abandoned apartment room where he changed and waited until it got dark,” the official said.

“When he came out in the dark, he was all in black... He did not take ordinary streets, squeezing through tight spaces between houses and running on the tops of walls,” he added.

As investigators were unable to pursue the agile thief to catch him in the act, they finally pounced when he came back to his hideout at 4am after robbing an electronics store.

Under arrest, Tanigawa said he “hated working and thought stealing is quicker,” according to the police official.

He has been charged for over 254 break-ins for thefts totaling 30 million yen ($260,000) over the past eight years. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

StandardENERGY Republic of the Philippines REGULATORY COMMISSION TODAY

adjustments made for Allowed Outage, limitation due to dispatch order, Force Majeure of the Power Station, and allowable start-up time due to period of non-generation due to a Buyer dispatch order or an Allowed Outage, and any other hours as a consequence of Buyer’s failure to perform any of its obligations

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE POWER SALES AGREEMENT BETWEEN COTABATO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (COTELCO) AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION (WMPC), WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

A summation of the ED & TMED for a given Contract Year shall be made to determine true F during the Contract Year. Such yearly F factor shall be basis for adjustment of the CRF for the Contract Year. The adjustment shall be guided by the following conditions:

If ∑:ED > ∑TMED,F> 1, excess will be carried over to the next year, if the excess is attributed to an event initiated by the Buyer calling for the dispatch of the Power Station to deviate from the agreed Dispatch and Nomination Procedures (Schedule E), and which applies only on to scheduled maintenance of these generating units.

Applicant. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - x 2.

Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF)

23.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: The Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee (FOMF) covers the operating and maintenance costs of the Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:

Notice is hereby given that on 29 April 2016, Applicants Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Inc. (COTELCO) and Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) filed an Application for the approval of their Power Sales Agreement (PSA), with prayer for the issuance of a provisional authority.

Copies of WMPC’s Certificate of Incorporation, and Certificate of Filing of Amended Articles of Incorporation (“AOI”) with the attached Amended AOI issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Certificate of Filing of Amended By-Laws with the attached Amended By-Laws, latest General Information Sheet, and Audited Financial Statements for the year 2015 are attached hereto as Annexes “A’’ and series.

3.

Joint Applicants may be served orders and other processes through their respective undersigned counsel.

4.

Pursuant to Rule 20 (B) of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, approved by this Honorable Commission on 22 June 2006 in Resolution No. 38, Series of 2006, this Application is submitted to this Honorable Commission for its review and approval of the Power Sales Agreement (“PSA”) dated 15 April 2016 between COTELCO and WMPC.;

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION

A copy of the PSA is attached hereto as Annex “B.” COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 5.

In compliance with Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Joint Applicants have furnished the legislative bodies of each of the local government units where they principally operate a copy of the present Application with all its annexes and accompanying documents.

FOMR

=

Fixed O&M Fee Rate of Php 219.00/kw/month

CPIn

=

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

25.

DOE Accreditation. The Department of Energy has accredited the WMPC Power Station as a Block Power Production Facility under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 215.

Drastic Reduction in PSALM’s Supply. In addition, the main power supplier in Mindanao significantly reduced its allocations to distribution utilities, further aggravating the power shortage.

10.1.

The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (“PSALM”), which took over all the power generation assets of the National Power Corporation (“NPC”) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136, supplies the bulk of the power requirements of Mindanao.

PSALM likewise supplies a significant portion of COTELCO’s current power supply.

10.2.

However, PSALM has significantly reduced its firm supply commitments to distribution utilities in Mindanao, including COTELCO.

10.3.

NPC Certification. COTELCO has formally requested NPC for a certification on whether it will have available capacity and energy to supply COTELCO during the term of the PSA. NPC has not yet formally responded to such request.

A copy of the said request is attached hereto as Annex “E.” 11.

Necessity for Additional Power Supply. In order to ensure sufficient power supply to COTELCO’s customers, the power requirements within the franchise area of COTELCO should be adequately covered by supply contracts.

12.

In addition to the reduction in supply from PSALM, the power demand in COTELCO’s franchise area is expected to steadily increase. The expected increase is indicated in COTELCO’s Distribution Development Plan (“DDP”) and supply-demand projections.

Copies of COTELCO’s DDP and supply-demand projections are attached to the Application as Annexes “F” and “G,” respectively.

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

27.

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for as of December 31, 2013.

A copy of the said analysis is attached hereto as Annex “T.”

RATE IMPLICATIONS OF THE POWER SALES AGREEMENT

WPCo

=

EUn

=

Euro-Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

=

Euro-Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

FPPin

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period of price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

FPPIo

=

F

=

Where: F= Where: TMED

=

If ∑ED < ∑TMED,F< 1

Where: VOMF VOMFR ED CPIn

= = = =

CPIo

=

EUn

=

Euro-Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

=

Euro-Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

FPPIn

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period of price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

FPPlo

=

19.1.

19.2.

19.3.

Commencement of Supply. WMPC shall commence supplying power on the date designated by WMPC to COTELCO in writing as the date on which WMPC is ready to commence supply (“Commencement Date”).

19.4.

Term. The term of supply and purchase under the PSA shall be for ten (10) years from the Commencement Date, unless otherwise extended or renewed by mutual agreement of the parties in writing.

19.5.

On the 2nd anniversary of the Commencement Date, COTELCO shall have the option to terminate the PSA or to modify the Contracted Capacity, subject to the availability of supply and to a one hundred eighty (180)-day prior written notice. In addition, the parties can agree to increase or decrease the Contracted Capacity, subject to the same tariff.

19.6.

20.

Purchased Power Rate. For the supply of power by WMPC, COTELCO shall pay monthly payments based on the following formulas:

1.

Monthly Payments

Capital Recovery Fees Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee Actual Fuel Cost Start-Up Costs Replacement Capacity and Energy Costs Back-up Capacity and Energy Costs Value-Added Tax and other applicable taxes, if any

Start-Up Costs (SC) The Buyer, on a pro rata basis of the capacity of the Power Station allocated to the Buyer, shall pay the Seller Start-Up Costs for the cost of starting up the WMPC Power Station after a period of shutdown due to any reason attributable to the Buyer. The Start-Up Costs shall be computed based on the prevailing price of diesel fuel at the time of the Start Up and paid in accordance with the following: SC= (No. of Cold Start-ups x 600 liters x price of Diesel per liter) + (No. of Warm Start-ups x 300 liters x price of Diesel per liter)

=

32.1.

The financial model qualifies as a “trade secret” as contemplated under existing jurisprudence.

32.2.

In the case “Air Philippines Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc,”3 the Supreme Court defined “trade secret” as follows:

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 38.

As discussed above, PSALM has significantly reduced its firm supply commitments to COTELCO. Also, supply from PSALM is unreliable as PSALM often delivers much less than its supply allocation to COTELCO. Further, the El Niño phenomenon currently being experienced by the country has significantly reduced PSALM’s supply, as it is heavily dependent on hydroelectric power.

39.

In addition, the power demand in COTELCO’s franchise area is steadily increasing.

40.

Thus, in order of to help ensure sufficiency of power supply to COTELCO’s customers, the supply under the PSA must be available in a timely manner.

41.

Since the WMPC Power Plant is already existing and operating, it can readily supply power to COTELCO under the PSA as soon as the prayer for provisional authority is granted. A provisional authority will help ensure sufficiency of COTELCO’s supply in a timely manner, especially in view of the effects of the El Niiio phenomenon on COTELCO’s power supply.

42.

In view of the foregoing, Joint Applicants respectfully move for the provisional approval of the instant Application pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

43.

A copy of a sworn statement supporting the said motion is attached hereto as Annex “U.” PRAYER

WHEREFORE, premises considered, Joint Applicants COTELCO and WMPC respectfully pray that this Honorable Commission: 1. issue an Order declaring the financial model attached hereto as Annex “L” as confidential information within the purview of Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, as well as directing that the financial model be treated with confidentiality and be protected from public disclosure;

Warm Start-up (less than 10 hours of shutdown)

300

3.

immediately issue an Order provisionally approving the present Joint Application; and

4.

after due hearing, render judgment approving the Power Sales Agreement subject of the instant Joint Application, as well as the generation rate and adjustment mechanisms indicated therein.

Backup Capacity and Backup Energy Costs Fee (if applicable) The Buyer shall pay the Seller Backup Capacity and Energy Cost equivalent to the Monthly Payment had there been no Forced Outage.

Value Added Tax The relative Value Added Truces (“VAT”) of the above fee payments 12% shall be computed as follows:

VAT= (CRF + FOMF+VOMF +AFC+ Start- Up Cost+RCEC + BCEC) x0.12

Joint Applicants pray for other just and equitable relief under the premises.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 09 November 2017 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at COTELCO’s Main Office, Matalam, North Cotabato.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

For reference, sample computations of the rate considering various scenarios are contained in Schedule C of the PSA.

Monthly Actual Energy Delivered TMED

Theoretical Maximum Energy Delivered being the Contracted Capacity multiplied by the hours in the relevant month, less any

In accordance with Section 1, Rule 4 of this Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“ERC Rules”), Applicant WMPC respectfully moves that the financial model be treated as confidential information for the following reasons:

issue the corresponding Protective Order in accordance with Section 2 and 4 of the said Rule 4;

7.

20.1.

Basis for indexation. As indicated in the formulas above, the monthly fees to be paid by COTELCO are subject to adjustments based on various indices.

20.2.

The components of the Operation and Maintenance Fees representing foreign currency-denominated costs are adjusted based on the foreign exchange rate and the appropriate foreign price indices; those representing local costs are adjusted based on local price indices. The Actual Fuel Costs vary based on the applicable fuel cost index.

20.3.

Financial Model. WMPC’s financial model for the tariff is attached hereto as Annex “K.” As discussed below, the financial model is the subject of a Motion for Confidential Treatment of Information.

20.4.

For illustrative purposes, the capital cost inputs in the financial model include the book value of the Power Station as of December 2015, and the WMPC’s upgraded rehabilitation costs.

Sources of Funds/ Financial Plans.

21.1.

Debt Equity Ratio. The project was funded through loans and equity, with a debt equity ratio of 62:38.

21.2.

Computation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital. The nominal pre-tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”) of the project is 13.49%

21.3.

Project Cost. A breakdown of the total project cost of the WMPC Power Station is attached hereto as Annex “M.”

21.4.

Annual Interest. WMPC’s interest cost is 7% p.a.

1.

The petitioner’s name and address;

2.

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3.

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1. The name and address of such person; 2. A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3. The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable OIC Chairman and CEO ALFREDO J. NON, and the Honorable Commissioners GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 29th day of September 2017 in Pasig City.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal Service

A copy of the indicative term sheet reflecting the interest rate is attached hereto as Annex “N.”

Where: TMED

32.

2.

A copy of the computation of the WACC is attached hereto as Annex “L.”

F=

Php/Kwh 0.07

600

Replacement Capacity and Energy Cost Fee (if applicable) The Buyer shall pay the Seller Replacement Capacity and Energy Cost in accordance with the invoice provided by the supplier of Replacement Capacity and Energy Cost.

Where:

Rate Impact

Liters of Diesel Fuel

6.

Capital Recovery Fee Rate of PHP 250.18/kw/month Contracted Capacity Outage Factor as derived using the following formula to be used.

Php/Kwh 4.42

Type of Start-Up

CRF = CRFR x CC x F = = =

Generation Mix Rate without WMPC2

Cold Start-up (more than or equal to 10 hours of shutdown)

1.1 Capital Recovery Fee (CRF)

Where: CRFR CC F

Php/Kwh 4.49

In accordance with Sections 3 and 4, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, Applicant WMPC reserves the right to use the financial model and its contents as evidence, and respectfully moves for the issuance of a Protective Order.

Energy Delivered, kWh

CRF shall be computed as follows:

New Generation Mix with WMPC

37.

=

21.

81,040,842.56

Further, all parties furnished copies of the present Application are not furnished copies of the documents subject the present motion.

Efficiency Cap; 0.2464 kg/kWh 0.9855 kg/liter

Monthly Payments = CRF+ FOMF+VOMF +AFC+ SC+ RCEC +BCEC+Taxes = = = = = = = =

5,469,615.78

18,055,500.85

36.

=

The Monthly Payments shall be paid to the Seller on a monthly basis in accordance with the following formula:

Where: CRF FOMF VOMF AFC SC RCEC BCEC Taxes

955,969.43

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

EC

Effective Date. The obligations under the PSA shall become effective on the Effective Date, which shall be upon this Honorable Commission’s approval of the PSA and the pricing structure therein.

5.7215

In accordance with Section 1 (b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, an electronic copy of the financial model is contained in one compact disc and submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the word “Confidential.”

Fuel Cost; The average MOPS price of Bunker C Fuel Oil/Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) deliveries during the period of price determination in Peso/liter

8.

17,758,941.79

WMPC

35.

=

WMPC shall have the option of supplying the Contracted Capacity or any part thereof, from other sources, provided that the cost of such supply is lower than or equal to the cost of supply from the WMPC Power Plant. The cost of such alternative supply to COTELCO shall be a full pass-through cost to COTELCO.

19,864,555.35

4,204,859.00

Given the foregoing, the financial model qualifies as “confidential information” as defined under Section 2, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules.

FC

Supply of Power Requirements. Under the PSA, WMPC shall make available, reserve, guarantee and deliver to COTELCO the contracted electric power (“Contracted Capacity”) of five (5) MW and the Dispatchable Energy, as indicated in and subject to the terms and conditions of the PSA.

3,700,117.71

4.2234

The financial model discloses the basis for the tariff under the PSA. It includes all the formulas and calculations as well as the assumptions and values considered therein.

Where:

19. Salient Features of the PSA.

5.3686

TMI

34.

Total AFC =FC x EC x ED

A copy of a certification on the WMPC Power Plant’s SFOC is attached hereto as Annex “J.”

FDC (Mt. Apo)

Also, the financial model was prepared and developed for the exclusive use of WMPC, and is designed for the specific use of the company in its power generation business. Consequently, should the financial model be disclosed to the public, it could easily. be copied or used by WMPC’s competitors or other entities engaged in the power business for their own benefit, and to the prejudice of WMPC. Thus, the commercial value of the said model will be diminished significantly.

The Actual Fuel Cost (AFC) is the fee paid to the Seller as payment for the procurement and delivery of the fuel oil (Bunker C) used in the operation of the WMPC Power Station. The Actual Fuel Cost shall be computed as follows:

5.

26,715,915.80

31.

Actual Fuel Cost (AFC)

ED

5,285,869.61

33.

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO as of December 31, 2013.

The specific fuel oil consumption (“SFOC”) of the WMPC Power Plant shall not be greater than 0.2464 kg/kWh at plant site condition of 32 deg. C ambient temperature, and is based on the Plant’s use of bunker C fuel oil with a density of 0.9855 kilogram/liter.

5.0542

“A trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not possess the information. Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights.”

Variable O&M Fee, in Pesos Variable O&M Fee Rate of Php 0.18/kWh kWh delivered during the billing period Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO as of December 31, 2013.

=

18.

11,231,813.84

TSI

As mentioned above, the financial model attached as Annex “L” is hereby submitted under a motion to treat information confidential (“Motion”).

The Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee (VOMF) covers the cost of the use of, among other items, chemicals, lubricants and spare parts, that are directly related to the generation of the Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:

WPCo

The Generation Facilities. To supply power under the PSA, WMPC shall operate and maintain a bunker C-fired diesel power station with a total net generating capacity of 100 MW, located in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City (the “WMPC Power Plant”).

22.

Amount (PhP)

3,908,685.10

30.

Variable Operation & Maintenance Fee (VOMF)

WMPC offered to supply power to COTELCO from its 100 MW bunker C-fired diesel power generating plant located in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City.

COTELCO evaluated the offer and, as a result, it executed the PSA with WMPC for the supply of five (5) MW of power.

17.

Energy (kWh)

2.8736

Total 1

If ∑ED > ∑TMED,F> 1, excess will be carried over to the next year, if the excess is attributed to an event initiated by the Buyer calling for the dispatch of the Power Station to deviate from the agreed Dispatch and Nomination Procedures (Schedule E), and which applies only on to scheduled maintenance of these generating units.

4.

Rate (Php/Kwh)

NPC/PSALM

MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

14.

ABSTRACT OF THE POWER SALES AGREEMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

Power Supplier

If: ∑ED = ∑TMED,F = 1

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

Under the law, no contract for the supply of power can become legally effective unless approved by this Honorable Commission. Hence, this Joint Application.

The results of the said analysis are summarized in the table below.

Theoretical Maximum Energy Delivered being the Contracted Capacity multiplied by the hours in the relevant month, less any adjustments made for Allowed Outage, limitation due to dispatch order, Force Majeure of the Power Station, and allowable start-up time due to period of nongeneration due to a Buyer dispatch order or an Allowed Outage, and any other hours as a consequence of Buyer’s failure to perform any of its obligations

=

16.

29.

Monthly Actual Energy Delivered TMED

WPCn

Demand Side Management. A certification from COTELCO as regards demand side management is attached hereto as Annex “I.”

The procurement of additional supply from WMPC will help provide much needed peaking power to COTELCO and, based on the analysis, will result in an upward adjustment of Php 0.07 /kWh in COTELCO’s total generation costs.

A summation of the ED & TMED for a given Contract Year shall be made to determine true F during the Contract Year. Such yearly F factor shall be basis for adjustment of the CRF for the Contract Year. The adjustment shall be guided by the following conditions:

3.

In order to determine the impact of the implementation of the PSA on COTELCO’s generation costs, an analysis was conducted taking into consideration COTELCO’s projected demand and available supply from other suppliers.

28.

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF Outage Factor as derived using the following formula to used.

Procurement Process for Supply. Thus, COTELCO executed efforts to procure the appropriate power supply.

15.

A copy of the said COC is attached hereto as Annex “S.”

=

13.

An affidavit supporting the foregoing is attached hereto as Annex ‘’H.”

Certificate of Compliance. This Honorable Commission has issued the necessary Certificate of Compliance (“COC”) for the WMPC Power Plant.

WPCn

The insufficiency in the supply of electricity is further aggravated by the recent bombings of the transmission towers in Mindanao, which prevents the delivery of the electricity. Further, the El Niño Phenomenon currently being experienced by the country has drastically reduced the power supply in Mindanao, since it is heavily dependent on hydroelectric power.

10.

26.

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO as of December 31, 2013.

Shortage of Power Supply in the Mindanao Grid. The Mindanao Grid is currently facing a deficit in its power supply. The generating capacity in the Grid is no longer sufficient to meet the power requirements of Mindanao.

As a result, various parts of Mindanao have suffered from significant power outages, adversely affecting local businesses and the daily lives of all electricity consumers.

Fuel supply. In order to ensure the supply of fuel for the operations of the WMPC Power Plant, WMPC solicited offers from reputable suppliers in the area, and has contracted with the supplier which offered the best terms.

=

Furthermore, Joint Applicants have caused the publication of the present Application in its entirety, excluding its annexes, in a newspaper of general circulation within COTELCO’s franchise area.

9.

Also, the capacity to be provided by WMPC shall always be the Contracted Capacity. In case the actual capacity delivered by WMPC, as per dispatch order or limitation of COTELCO for a given billing month is less than the Contracted Capacity, the difference between the actual capacity utilized by COTELCO and Contracted Capacity for that billing month shall be deemed delivered to and utilized by COTELCO.

CPIo

STATEMENT OF FACTS

8.

22.4.

A copy of the said accreditation is attached hereto as Annex “R.”

Copies of the newspaper and the corresponding affidavit of publication are attached hereto as Annexes “D” and “D-1,” respectively.

7.

There is no minimum energy offtake under the PSA. As WMPC will dedicate the Contracted Capacity to COTELCO, the Capital Recovery and the Fixed Operations and Maintenance Fees are computed based on the Contracted Capacity as well as on the proportion of actual energy delivered to the energy that could have been delivered.

Environmental Compliance Certificate. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificates (“ECC”) covering the WMPC Power Plant. A copy of the ECC is attached hereto as Annex “Q.”

Where:

The corresponding proofs of receipt are attached hereto as Annexes “C” and series.

6.

22.3.

24.

THE APPLICANTS

Western Mindanao Power Corporation (“WMPC”) is a generation company duly authorized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal address at 4th Floor, Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Chino Roces Ave. corner EDSA, Makati City.

Offtake Arrangement. Under the PSA, WMPC shall make available, reserve, guarantee and deliver to COTELCO the Contracted Capacity, and COTELCO shall pay for such quantity of electric power. WMPC shall utilize such Contracted Capacity to generate energy for COTELCO.

A discussion of the fuel procurement process and a copy of the fuel supply agreement are attached hereto as Annexes “P” and “P-1,” respectively.

In their Application, COTELCO and WMPC alleged the following:

2.

22.2.

If: ∑ED < ∑TMED,F < 1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“COTELCO”) is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative organized and existing· under the by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, with office address at Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato, Philippines. COTELCO has a franchise to distribute electricity in the City of Kidapawan and the Municipalities of Makilala, Kabacan, Carmen, Mlang, Tulunan, Matalam, Pres. Roxas, Magpet, Antipas, Arakan, Banisilan, all in the Province of Cotabato.

Breakdown of Operating and Maintenance Expenses. A breakdown of the projected operating expenses is attached hereto as Annex “O.”

If: ∑ED = ∑TMED,F = 1

ERC CASE NO. 2016-074 RC

COTABATO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (COTELCO) AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION (WMPC),

1.

22.1.

Cash Flow.

1 2 3

Forecast energy purchased for April 2016.

Based on actual energy purchased for February 2016.

G. R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007.

(MS-OCT. 19/26, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

Sizzling Kershaw pitches LA to lead

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Clayton Kershaw pitched seven scorching innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros in game one of the World Series on Tuesday.

Backed by Justin Turner’s two-run home run and Chris Taylor’s lead-off homer, Kershaw steamrolled the vaunted Astros offense.

The temperature at first pitch of 103 F (39 C) was a record for a Major League Baseball playoff game, and a fitting cauldron for the opening clash in the bestof-seven series between teams that each won more than 100 regular-season games.

Kershaw set the tone by retiring the first three Astros batters.

Then Dodgers centerfielder Taylor smacked a towering homer off the first pitch thrown by Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel to put Los Angeles up 1-0.

It was only the fourth leadoff homer ever recorded in a World Series game one.

Keuchel, the 2015

Standhardinger, Ravena loom as top 2 draft picks

By Jeric Lopez

W

HETHER Kia keeps its top pick or San Miguel Beer successfully takes it, don’t expect the no. 1 draftee in the upcoming 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Draft to be a big surprise.

Regardless which team picks first once the dust settles, expect FilipinoGerman bruiser Christian Standhardinger’s name to be called first in the Oct. 29 event.

Since he declared himself

ITF still recognizes Olivarez as tennis chief PARAÑAQUE Mayor Edwin Olivarez will remain as the recognized president of the Philippine Tennis Association.

The International Tennis Federation said it has informed the board of trustees of the Philta and the Philippine Olympic Committee of their decision last Oct. 20.

ITF president David Haggerty said the Federation has been disappointed over the turn of events which have taken place after Olivarez stepped down in June 2016.

Since Olivarez resigned in 2016, the leadership of Philta has been bitterly disputed by the groups of Col. Salvador Andrada and businessman-sportsman Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Haggerty expressed understanding that Olivarez is now involved with commitments associated with his position as mayor and asked all parties concerned to take action.

Olivarez stepped down as president last year to focus on his job as mayor of Paranaque City.

“The PTA has experienced governance issues for over 12 months. The ITF is concerned that this is impacting Philippine tennis,” said Haggerty.

The ITF has told the Philta there will be no more elections until the constitution and bylaws of the association has been amended.

The Philta board of trustees have been given until Nov. 15 to act on Haggerty’s letter. Peter Atencio

for the draft even though he is still set to complete his commitment to Hong Kong in the Asean Basketball League season ahead, Standhardinger has been the consensus choice as top pick.

The dilemma at the mo-

ment is that the pending controversial trade, involving the Picanto, who is supposed to select first in the draft, and the Beermen, who are keen on sending players Jay-R Reyes, Keith Agovida and Rashawn McCarthy to Kia in exchange for the No. 1 selection, has still yet to be finalized.

The two teams have already submitted their proposal, but PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa is still in the middle of making a decision on whether to approve, veto

or revise the transaction.

Still, Standhardinger is expected to be the top pick.

As for the No. 2 selection, it is also no secret that amateur standout Kiefer Ravena from Ateneo De Manila will take the pick, which NLEX owns.

Ravena only solidified his standing in the draft as he dominated the draft combine and scrimmages held by the league this week to give scouts a better look at the aspirants.

The dynamic spitfire was named the Most Valuable Player in the mini-tourna-

ment held as he led his A-2 squad to the championship.

He also topped the vertical leap measurement in the draft combine.

After waiting several years to turn pro, Ravena believes he is now ripe to take on the big league.

“I’m really ready (for the PBA). At this stage, it’s time to realize my dream of playing in the PBA and doing my best there,” said Ravena.

While the top two picks are locks, the third pick owned

by Blackwater is where the

intrigue sets in.

The Elite are reportedly torn on who it will take with the No. 3 selection. They are further evaluating standouts Jeron Teng, Raymar Jose and Jason Perkins, all stars in the UAAP several seasons ago.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra is currently going for the kill as it is looking to finish off Meralco in Game 6 of their intense best-of-seven championship series in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup as of this report.

Archers crush Warriors, nail seat in Final 4

By Peter Atencio

POINT GUARD JAMES. Dwyane Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Cavs, with James acting as point guard, won, 119-112. AFP

TAKING control early, the defending champion La Salle Green Archers took their game with the University of the East Warriors quite seriously in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The Green Archers leaned on the big plays of Ben Mbala and the Rivero brothers, Prince and Ricci, in the first 10 minutes.

From there, the Green Archers went on to finish strong with a 99-78 swamping of the Warriors yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mbala ended his almost 25-minute stint on the

Games Saturday (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. UE vs Ateneo 4 p.m. FEU vs UP

floor with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Leonard Santillan had 14 points and 11 boards.

Their fourth straight victory gave them a 9-2 winloss record and the second Final Four semifinals seat.

Mbala and the Rivero brothers ignited a 14-4 run with their inside and outside presence as La Salle nursed a 28-18 spread at the end of the period.

Never letting go of their edge, the Green Archers went on to finish with a 53-34 lead at halftime.

The Warriors, now on the

brink of elimination at 3-8, drew big baskets from Alvin Pasaol, who shot 23 points.

The Green Archers’ straight up defense on the prolific Pasaol held him to just four points in the third as La Salle stayed ahead, 77-75, when the third period was over.

“Sabi ni coach, huwag kayo mag-rely sa score lang. Kailangan, maglaro kayo ayon sa mga pangyayari ng game,” said Rivero, who spoke on behalf coach Aldin Ayo. Ayo has been lying low for the last six games. He has been silent about the team’s fortunes this season.

And so far, he has not openly talked about La Salle’s campaign recently.

New faces steal show in Batang Pinoy Luzon

By Randy Caluag

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur—The Batang Pinoy Luzon got a glimpse of the future of Philippines sports yesterday here.

Young, tall and athletic, swimmer Jalil Taguinod of Santiago City, Isabela splashed his way to a three-gold medal haul at the pool of the Elpidio Quirino Stadium.

And over at nearby track and field arena, long-limbed Charles Andrei

Antones dominated the boys’ triple jump, winning the gold medal without much opposition.

Taguinod, who at 11 years old already stands 5’8”, topped the boys’ 12-under 50-meter breaststroke with plenty to spare.

He submitted the best time of 33.58 seconds, finishing several meters ahead of his closest pursuers, Sebastian Castro of Camarines Sur (39.27) and Zachary Canoof Pasig City ( 40.33), who settled for second and third, respectively.

The 6th Grader at Santiago City Montessori School won two golds on Thursday. He dominated the boys’ 12-under 200m individual medley with the best time of 3.58 and the boys’ 12-under 50m backstroke (32.92) Taguinod can still boost his gold stocks as he competes in the 100m and 200m breastroke and the 4x50 individual medley relay.

Standing 5’9” at age 14, Antones proved far more superior in the field as he leapt to 13.34-meter victory in

the 15-under triple jump, finishing way ahead of his competitors.

Second-placer Mark Dave Cebino of Pangasinan submitted a tally of 12.74 while third finisher Angelo Lopusta, also of Pangasinan, also of Pangasinan, had 12.42.

It was actually a good decision for Antones to focus his training on triple jump. He placed only third in the boys’ 14-under high jump event on Tuesday and failed to make it to the final round in long jump.

PPS Pintaflores hosts 2-week tennis festival A TWO-WEEK tennis festival, featuring the country’s leading age-groupers and elite players, gets going today (Thursday) with more than 300 junior players vying in the first leg of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala San Carlos leg regional age group tournament in Negros Occidental.

To accommodate the record number of entries, host and

sponsor Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr., the San Carlos City’s local government units (LGUs) and Criston Carmona, OIC for Negros Occidental of the organizing Unified Tennis Group, are tapping eight Sacata courts for the Group 2 tournament backed by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

All nine divisions feature 32-player draws, guaranteeing

five days of top-notch competition among the country’s top and rising junior players.

Elizabeth Abarquez, Aubrey Calma, Ellaine Bahonsua and Bless Coderos banner the girls’ 18-and-under section while Vhon Tudtud, Troy Llamas, Ibarra Ortega Jr. and Reynan Mahusay loom as the players to watch in the boys’ premier division of the event supported

by the UTG’s Cebuana Lhuillier, PPS-PEPP, Wilson, Toby’s, BMeg, Citigreen, Babolat and Tru-Flex.

“We take pride in assembling such a huge, talent-laden cast among our junior players. While the seeded bets are tipped to stamp their class, we also expect fresh faces to emerge,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

American League Cy Young award-winner, settled down to retire Turner, Cody Bellinger and Yasiel Puig and the duel between Kershaw and Keuchel was on.

“I felt good,” Kershaw said. “CT getting that monkey off our back and getting that first run across the board was huge.”

Three-time Cy Young award-winner Kershaw, making his first World series start, had faced just one batter over the minimum through the first three innings when Astros third baseman Alex Bregman broke through with a solo homer to lead off the fourth.

Bregman pounced on a waist-high fastball and powered it over the left field fence, drawing a grimace from Kershaw, who promptly struck out the next three batters.

It was the only hiccup for Kershaw, who surrendered three hits in seven innings with no walks and 11 strikeouts—one shy of his playoff record of 12. He threw 57 of his 83 pitches for strikes. AFP

Generika takes on Petron in Superliga Games Tomorrow: (Filoil Flying V Centre) 4:15 pm – Sta. Lucia vs Petron 7:00 pm – Generika-Ayala vs Cignal

G E N E R I K A- AYA L A tries to sustain early momentum when it clashes with Cignal in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix today (Thursday) at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Game time is at 7 p.m. following the encounter between full-tanked Petron and Sta. Lucia Realty in the 4:15 p.m. first match of this club tourney bankrolled

by Cignal, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller, Grand Sport, Rebisco, Island Rose, Cloudfone, UCPB Gen and Asics.

Both games will be shown live over ESPN5, the league’s official broadcast partner.

After absorbing a dismal straight-set loss to Petron over the weekend, Generika-Ayala made a massive rebound as it pulled off a thrilling 25-11, 23-25, 1625, 25-13, 15-9 victory over Cocolife late Tuesday.

In that match, import Darlene Ramdin came through with some clutch hits while Katarina Pilepic was on fire at the attack zone as the Lifesavers shattered an 8-8 deadlock before stepping on the gas and going for the kill.

Ramdin and Pilepic walked with 25 markers apiece, while the superb blocking of Gen Casugod and Chloe Cortez as well as the great floor coverage of libero Kat Arado kept the Lifesavers afloat in the crucial stretch of the nail-biting match.

“Good things happen when we’re having fun.

So I told the girls to just relax and enjoy the game,” said Generika-Ayala coach Francis Vicente.

“But our job is not yet done. We have to get a good rest and prepare for Cignal on Thursday. We know that Cignal is such a strong team. We have to be at our best against them.”

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

Bangko Sentral reduces weekly auction to P130b B3

Govt not in a hurry to open up construction

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry is not keen on immediately liberalizing the construction sector as favored by foreign advocacy groups and business chambers.

Trade Undersecretary for construction and Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines head Ruth Castelo said at a briefing Wednesday during the Asean Construction Summit in Pasay City the government was still assessing the liberalization of the construction sector.

“For different project levels, we have different equity participation. Right now we allow 100 percent foreign participation on projects with capitalization of P1 billion and up.

That’s as far as we can go for now. If we are to allow 100 percent foreign equity on any or all Philippine infrastructure and construction projects, we still need to determine up to what point can we allow this,” she said.

Big and small contractors in the Philippines are estimated at over 10,000.

“We should allow local contractors to flourish first. The Build Build Build program is an immense program but we believe these projects can be done by Filipinos. If we allow foreign contractors to come in 100 percent, they should at least bring in new technology and specialized work together with capitalization and the interest to invest in the Philippines,” Castelo said.

She added the private sector had a pending consensus to increase the salaries of construction wage workers by as much as P300 a day from the current minimum wage, as an incentive for workers to discourage them from going overseas for gainful employment.

The Build, Build, Build infrastructure program will need at least 2.5 million additional manpower to keep the projects going, on top of the 3.3 million workers currently employed by the industry.

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

‘SMART CITY’ PROGRAM.

B1

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, October 25, 2017

PLDT Inc. launches its initial rollout of digital enablement programs in converting local government units into ‘Smart’ cities. PLDT, led by chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan (third from left), and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council executive director and Office of Civil Defense administrator Ricardo Jalad (second from left) lead the launching during a conference in Makati. The services enhance local response units with communication tools in times of disasters and emergencies. Joining Pangilinan and Jalad are (from left) PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. executive vice president and chief revenue officer and ePLDT president and CEO Eric Alberto, League of Cities of the Philippines president and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, PLDT first VP and head of enterprise Jovy Hernandez, and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation president Butch Meily.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

51.5130

Japan

Yen

0.008780

0.4523

UK

Pound

1.313800

67.6778

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128138

6.6008

Switzerland

Franc

1.009184

51.9861

Canada

Dollar

0.789079

40.6478

Singapore

Dollar

0.733891

37.8049

Australia

Dollar

0.777500

40.0514

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653928

136.7118

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.7365

Brunei

Dollar

0.731208

37.6667

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.030148

1.5530

UAE

Dirham 0.272279

14.0259

Euro

Euro

1.176300

60.5947

Korea

Won

0.000885

0.0456

China

Yuan

0.150761

7.7662

India

Rupee

0.015366

0.7915

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236295

12.1723

New Zealand

Dollar

0.690000

35.5440

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033055

1.7028 Source: PDS Bridge

Peso plunges to 51.77 vs dollar

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE peso on Wednesday weakened to a new 11year low against the US dollar, pulled down mainly by the country’s widening trade deficit and speculations on who will be the next Federal Reserve chairman.

The local currency lost P0.23 to close at 51.77 from 51.54 on Tuesday. It was the peso’s weakest level in more than 11 years, or since 51.87 on July 25, 2006. Volume turnover reached $773 million, up from $551.2 million Tuesday.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said there was fundamental demand for US dollar for imports, outward investments and debt servicing.

“Beyond these, it looks like the market is betting on a hawkish candidate for US Fed chairmanship plus the recent positive news about the US economy. All of these have resulted in a strong US dollar,” he said in a statement.

But Guinigundo said markets and investors should not be overly concerned about the peso movements, noting that the currency was “flexible enough” to reflect the necessary adjustments in the macroeconomy to restore equilibrium.

“This is not the first time that we are hitting these lows in the peso dollar rate.

With exports continuing to rebound and with support from strong remittances and

BPO receipts, we should see some mitigation in both the current account and the exchange rate,” he said.

“We have seen how the peso had appreciated to nearly P40 a dollar to as low as P55 to a dollar but the economy remained strong, stable and resilient. There is much more than an exchange rate gyration,” Guinigundo said.

He said the strength of the greenback was the effect of higher corporate demand for imports and trade financing.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the weakening of the peso against the greenback was expected due to the rising importation of capital goods amid the fast-growing economy.

Latest data from the National Economic and Development Authority showed the trade-in-goods deficit in August widened to $2.41 billion from $2.13 billion a year

ago as imports outpaced exports.

Total exports increased 9.3 percent to $5.51 billion in August from $5.04 billion a year ago, while imports jumped 10.5 percent to $7.92 billion from $7.17 billion on year.

The Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee recently kept the peso-dollar exchange rate this year at P48 to P50, although conceding that global economic and political developments had been affecting the trend in emerging market currencies, including the peso.

But DBCC’s forecast for the years 2018 to 2022 was adjusted to 48 to 51 per dollar, due to the resumption of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy tightening that could put more pressure on the peso.

The peso sank to an all-time low of 56.45 in August 2004.

BoI clears P4.1-b solar power project in Tarlac THE Board of Investments granted fiscal incentives to the P4.15-billion solar energy project of Pilipinas Newton Energy Corp. under the Renewable Energy Act and the Investment Priorities Plan.

The company is building the solar project in San Manuel, Pangasinan, over a land area of approximately 70 hectares. It will use fixed photovoltaics modules for the generation of electricity with a peak capacity of up to 68.7 megawatts.

The company will tap 27 personnel when commercial operation starts in June 2018. Pilipinas Newton plans sell the power output to either distribution utilities or the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

The company chose Barangays San Bonifacio and San Roque in San Manuel as site of the project. The areas are classified as agricultural land with

IN BRIEF More liberal forex rules seen BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. expressed optimism the latest wave of foreign exchange liberalization will be rolled out soon before the close of the year.

At the sidelines of an event in Makati City on Wednesday, Espenilla said the latest foreign exchange liberalization, which could help address increasing financial requirements of the growing economy, was “being drafted right now.”

“I hope to see that before the end of the year,” Espenilla said, adding the liberalization would include the registration of foreign direct investments.

“Our target is to relax the registration requirements...

Basically, what we want to do is to do away with the registration process as a necessity to be able to access FX from the financial system,” he said.

He said Bangko Sentral wanted transactions to be reported to the regulator but not as a screening mechanism of what should come in or out.

“We are reforming the system such that if it’s possible, to do an electronic report, so you don’t have to even submit documents to the BSP. We’re going to do that not just for inward investments but also for foreign borrowings by private sector,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Petron to refinance securities PETRON Corp. is seeking approval of holders to refinance $750 million in undated subordinated capital securities issued in 2013.

Petron disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday it planned to amend the features of the securities listed in The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. “The company intends to issue new undated capital securities to repurchase, refinance and/ or redeem the 2013 securities and is seeking the proposed amendments by way of the consent

no irrigation and with majority of the land considered as grassland by the municipality of San Manuel under its comprehensive land use plan.

The site showed favorable conditions due to accessibility, proximity to the transmission tapping point, absence of tenants, availability of additional area for expansion, and good topography with minimal land movement need.

“The demand for power will continue to increase due to the ongoing industrialization in the country as it fuels the infrastructure expansion and the growth of the manufacturing industry. At the same time, we are already transitioning towards using more renewable energy in response to climate change as part of our National Renewable Energy Program,” Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

solicitation to confirm its ability to issue the new securities,” Petron said.

The country’s biggest oil company said the new securities were expected to be senior to the 2013 bonds until the latter is “repurchased, refinanced and/or redeemed.”

Petron issued the undated subordinated capital securities in two tranches at $500 million and $250 million, respectively, in 2013.

Petron, controlled by San Miguel Corp., owns a 180,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Bataan.

The company is also pursuing the expansion of its Bataan refinery and looking at leasing land at the industrial park of PNOC Alternative Fuels Corp. in Limay, Bataan.

The company offered to lease the property from staterun Philippine National Oil Co., which now operates the industrial park. Alena Mae S. Flores

Improved paint can labels sought A CONSUMER protection and a waste and pollution watch group have urged paint manufacturers to improve product labeling information to assist consumers in selecting paints that are not harmful to health, especially to children, women of child-bearing age and workers.

Laban Konsyumer Inc. and the EcoWaste Coalition issued the appeal as the UN-led International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action on October 22-28 gets underway with a focus on eliminating lead in paints, a common source of childhood lead exposure.

“Paint can labels are an important source of information that will help consumers in selecting products, which are suitable for their needs and which meet safety requirements such as the maximum permissible lead limit,” said Laban Konsyumer president Victor Dimagiba.

“Paint products should provide adequate information about lead and other chemicals of concern on paint can labels, and also provide a precautionary warning that disturbing lead paint creates hazardous dust that is harmful to children, pregnant women and workers,” he added. Othel V. Campos

Globe launches payment option

By Darwin G Amojelar

NEW AIRASIA ROUTES. AirAsia announces the start of flights from Manila to Bali, Jakarta in Indonesia and to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. To celebrate the expansion of AirAsia’s Asean connectivity, all-in promo fares are available from as low as P2,590 for travel period on 17 November 2017 to 30 April 2018 for Ho Chi Minh City. AirAsia starts flying to Jakarta on 9 January 9 and to Bali on January 19.

A Brown’s plants nearing completion

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONCEPCION, Iloilo— Peakpower Energy Inc., controlled by listed A Brown Co. Inc., is nearing completion of its peaking plants in Mindanao with a total generation capacity of 55 megawatts, an official said Wednesday.

Peakpower Energy president Roel Castro said the company also planned further expansion projects to boost its capacity by 70 megawatts.

“All expansion should be finished within the year, so that would bring us to a total of 55 MW of peaking plant in Mindanao,” Castro said.

Peakpower Soccsargen Inc. has just completed a 13.94-megawatt, bunkerfired power expansion project in General Santos City.

Peakpower Soccsargen earlier completed a

20-megawatt, bunker-fired power plant in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City.

“It’s a matter of weeks when we will declare commerciality. After some technical tests are done, (it is) finished,” Castro said.

The power plant, located within the compound of South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, will supply the peaking power requirements of the cooperative for the next 15 years.

Castro said Peakpower San Francisco’s 5.2-MW, bunker-fired project in Agusan del Sur was completed while a 10.4-MW expansion was nearing commercial operations.

He said Peakpower Bukidnon’s 10.4-MW power facility was also in the final stage of completion.

Peakpower Bukidnon is a party to a 15-year build-operate-maintain and transfer

agreement with Bukidnon II Electric Cooperative.

“We’re now on performance test but we’re scheduling it next month, in November. After that, that should be ready for commercial as well,” Castro said.

He said the company was bullish oo potential peaking plant power projects in Luzon and Visayas next year.

“We haven’t signed any contract yet. If I’m not mistaken, a potential of another 60MW to 70 MW,” Castro said.

A Brown earlier announced it was consolidating all peaking projects under holding company Peakpower Energy.

Peakpower Energy was set up to implement projects designed to generate peaking energy spread across several electric cooperatives in Mindanao and Visayas.

A SUBSIDIARY of Globe Telecom Inc. has raised the ante in mobile electronic payments war after launching a new payment option along with a unit of Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group.

The Ayala Group and Ant Financial Services Group, parent company of Alipay, through Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), launched a new payment option that allows customer to pay for goods and services by simply using their smartphones to scan QR codes displayed by merchants and establishments.

“In the past months, Ant Financial has worked closely with GCash product of Mynt, as we are dedicated to bringing digital financial services to our friends in the Philippines,” Eric Jing, chief executive of Ant Financial, said.

“Technology is helping more people to enjoy the benefits of digital financial services in a cost-effective, efficient and safe way. I hope we may share our technologies and experiences with our partner, helping them to better serve more local users,” Jing added.

He said the convenient daily life 520 million Alipay users are enjoying would soon be realized in the Philippines.

Alipay is a third-party mobile and online payment platform created by Alibaba Group and its founder Jack Ma. Ant Financial recently acquired a 45 percent stake in Mynt, while Globe Venture and Ayala hold 45 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rally; Ayala leads gainers T

HE stock market rose Wednesday following another record close on Wall Street overnight, as a fresh round of strong corporate earnings reinforced confidence in the global economy.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 23.43 points, or 0.3 percent, to 8,303.35 on a value turnover of P5.9 billion.

Losers, however, beat gainers, 107 to 91, with 39 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. climbed 2 percent to P1,019, while Security Bank Corp., the fifth largest lender in terms of assets, advanced 2.4 percent to P255.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. added 2.1 percent to P960, while Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. rose 2.7 percent to P2.64 after reporting a net profit of P799.9 million in the first nine months of 2017 from just P7 million year-on-year.

Meanwhile, a phenomenal run of 16

straight gains finally ended in Tokyo on Wednesday as a late bout of profit-taking saw the Nikkei close in negative territory for the first time this month.

However, most other Asian markets rose.

Caterpillar, considered a bellwether of economic optimism, and industrial giant 3M both posted healthy reports, helping the Dow to a sixth straight record in seven trading days.

The news boosted hopes for other companies as the earnings season gets into full swing.

“Last night’s report from Caterpillar, which beat profit and sales estimates, underwrote what has been improved sentiment about the outlook for global growth,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader, in a note.

Japanese shares ended the morning higher, putting them on course to extend a run never seen since the Nikkei’s creation almost 70 years ago.

However, traders who had helped push the market up more than five percent since September 29 decided to cash out in the afternoon and Tokyo ended down 0.5 percent.

The run had been fueled by hopes that reelected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would push ahead with further economy-boosting measures as well by ongoing weakness in the yen against the dollar.

“It’s no surprise to see the steam expire after days of rallies, as investors might want to take profit,” said Hideyuki Suzuki, head of investment information department at SBI Securities.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong added 0.4 percent in the afternoon following two days of losses. Shanghai closed up 0.3 percent after China’s President Xi Jinping unveiled his top decision-making body. This contained no potential successor, raising speculation he intends to stay on past the end of his second five-year term as ruling party chief.

Sydney, Seoul and Taipei each gained 0.1 percent and Singapore was marginally higher.

Mumbai’s Sensex surged one percent to a record high a day after India approved a $32 billion recapitalization plan for state-owned banks to help clean up their books and revive investment. With AFP

Global Ferronickel’s profit rose to P780m in 9 months

By Jenniffer B. Austria GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings Inc. said net income in the first nine months of the year surged to P780 million from just P7 million year-on-year, boosted by increased production and higher metal prices.

Global Ferronickel said in a disclosure to the stock exchange ninemonth revenues jumped 72 percent to P4.64 billion while EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) amounted to P1.4 billion.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.8 1,215,000 59.7 1,950 97.8 1,544,570 3.89 1,000 134 4,097,200 2.36 1,364,000 33.8 231,500 15.3 4,100 31.15 692,400 0.68 8,000 930 960 0.64 756,000 87 4,265,830 0.81 1,641,000 12.8 39,300 25 8,200 57.9 255,490 241.6 6,770 107 70 88 1,760 60.5 518,960 255 935,890 1,930 505 86.9 10,900 1.28 837,000

5,996,420 116,415 151,086,969.50 3,890 549,946,977 3,217,270 7,758,555 62,734 21,571,395 5,320 892,800 483,840 372,699,193.50 1,318,860 503,040 204,790 14,783,633.50 1,630,988 7,462 154,895 32,143,649.50 238,092,280 976,400 947,248 1,071,680

83,580 -23,119,030.50 -329,080,912 2,746,860 1,527,890 -3,960 -99,027,665 112,300 713,713.50 -154,895 -2,608,351.50 83,374,422 11,297 -

41.4 11.8 0.74 1.37 19.32 0.21 4.98 15.08 44.45 18.5 64.5 70 1.88 6.33 11.3 10.18 14.74 12.88 6.94 5.67 17.44 63.6 15.9 12.18 18.8 1.75 248.2 4.17 3.12 20.8 31 19.08 16.1 280.4 0.21 10.8 2.95 6.12 9.86 6.91 9.63 1.72 11.5 62 6.5 307 4.6 1.92 4.65 2.1 13 4.63 0.14 1.2 139 2.11 0.95

INDUSTRIAL 41.95 617,300 11.9 1,199,500 0.77 77,000 1.41 3,283,000 19.86 21,000 0.21 3,040,000 4.99 14,177,100 15.12 494,400 44.95 693,400 19.18 1,300 65 5,880 70 120 1.89 111,000 6.5 82,900 11.68 9,400 10.28 11,224,100 14.8 447,700 12.88 69,500 6.98 2,543,600 5.68 6,898,000 17.68 828,700 63.95 12,280 15.9 128,700 12.28 27,000 18.88 1,566,100 1.77 97,000 250 835,040 4.3 1,685,000 3.19 47,000 23 1,200 31.5 611,400 19.08 48,700 16.28 1,315,600 282.4 376,740 0.216 1,130,000 10.94 26,700 2.96 2,182,000 6.12 146,900 9.93 678,900 7.45 777,100 9.8 19,600 1.73 1,138,000 11.8 485,300 62.3 866,320 6.75 69,400 307 9,180 4.68 105,000 1.92 2,000 4.65 5,000 2.1 1,381,000 13 644,600 4.63 34,000 0.14 3,590,000 1.21 36,000 140 589,850 2.13 5,195,000 0.95 115,000

25,803,105 14,259,134 57,480 4,598,120 418,354 640,290 70,800,905 7,472,618 31,156,390 24,474 381,935 8,400 209,940 537,397 106,810 114,672,880 6,621,486 896,240 17,715,967 39,242,170 14,579,840 785,172 2,046,770 329,966 29,878,886 170,680 208,250,870 7,399,490 147,900 25,465 19,065,065 931,798 21,316,240 106,590,874 240,010 289,352 6,437,060 900,198 6,729,084 5,641,561 190,802 1,966,510 5,692,230 53,965,986 453,547 2,821,108 491,150 3,840 23,250 2,936,940 8,388,162 157,690 502,610 43,620 82,425,851 11,122,380 109,250

-290,780 275,880 10,600 -5,943,498 2,378,826 2,108,505 34,185 56,477,912 1,280,710 -185,574 -15,537,617 -560,209 896,968 -67,185 -190,460 206,222 72,243,696 -120,960 2,556,880 -5,730 1,302,594 -39,431,836 -12,620 -20,650 2,712,105 4,500 -45,966 945,340 840,296 13,059,446 -326,000 727,624 -121,380 -1,868,540 2,704,796 23,150 5,424,659 1,690,070 -

0.345 74.9 15.4 1.11 7.05 0.465 0.46 1,030 8.56 15.62 7.78 1,165 7.89 77 5.25 5.5 5.42 0.86 6.04 17.9 6.89 0.055 1.64 2.11 2.65 102.9 960 1.46 298.8 0.195 0.21

0.335 73.65 15.2 1.04 6.96 0.44 0.445 1,000 8.51 15.52 7.54 1,126 7.78 74.4 5 5.45 5.42 0.83 5.9 17.4 6.75 0.053 1.45 2.09 2.6 102 940 1.44 289.6 0.195 0.204

HOLDING FIRMS 0.345 70,000 74 521,020 15.3 6,927,100 1.11 4,000 7 39,700 0.465 17,170,000 0.455 3,170,000 1,019 253,150 8.53 5,428,900 15.52 8,384,400 7.7 21,000 1,127 116,625 7.89 200 77 612,510 5.1 10,900 5.45 200 5.42 700 0.84 176,000 5.9 336,500 17.88 376,400 6.89 12,162,600 0.055 39,440,000 1.49 4,969,000 2.09 407,000 2.6 20,000 102.7 424,480 960 247,690 1.44 647,000 298.8 14,040 0.195 260,000 0.209 240,000

24,000 38,564,091 105,955,576 4,240 277,344 7,781,900 1,430,150 257,465,650 46,317,340 130,199,658 158,672 132,616,755 1,567 46,457,069 55,102 1,095 3,794 148,440 2,016,628 6,728,950 83,088,322 2,142,710 7,502,290 850,770 52,800 43,553,982 236,329,220 936,210 4,142,252 50,700 50,130

-27,547,541.50 29,166,722 33,518,340 697,232 25,045,958 22,620 -87,161,520 10,612,364.50 1,055,568 1,865,160 -14,748,839 -1,080 91,250 21,232,180 -49,565,650 -37,700 -775,340 31,350

5.01 1.11 8.7 2.4 0.97 44 3.75 4.82 5.4 0.52 1.27 1.23 0.213 0.46 41.3 0.68 0.144 1.94

4.96 1.08 8.7 2.38 0.95 42.65 3.72 4.78 5.34 0.51 1.21 1.22 0.204 0.46 40.65 0.67 0.142 1.9

1,971,450 2,679,120 870 449,480 1,177,900 373,489,250 714,820 5,013,090 266,995 4,573,520 561,340 431,920 1,716,820 138,000 8,439,335 316,280 216,760 12,722,840

-1,537,660 -104,814,845 -434,460 1,196,650 53,395 520 82,800 1,988,600 -261,800 -2,294,130

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

4.6 59.7 97.8 3.89 136 2.46 33.5 15.9 31.25 0.66 930 0.64 89.5 0.82 12.8 25 57.9 239.4 106.3 88.05 62.15 253.8 1,940 86.95 1.37

5.1 59.7 98.05 3.89 138 2.46 33.8 15.9 31.25 0.68 930 0.64 89.5 0.82 12.8 25 57.9 241.6 107 88.05 63 255.4 1,940 86.95 1.38

4.6 59.7 97.5 3.89 133 2.31 33.4 15.22 31.05 0.66 930 0.64 87 0.79 12.8 24.55 57.65 239.4 106.3 88 60.25 249 1,930 86.85 1.26

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

42.05 11.84 0.76 1.38 20 0.214 5 15.2 44.6 18.5 64.5 70 1.88 6.48 11.42 10.24 14.84 13 7 5.68 17.6 63.6 15.9 12.2 19.14 1.75 248.6 4.55 3.12 23.25 31.5 19.2 16.1 287.6 0.21 10.84 2.95 6.43 9.94 6.91 9.65 1.73 11.7 62.75 6.5 307.2 4.65 1.92 4.65 2.19 13.1 4.63 0.141 1.25 139.9 2.15 0.95

42.15 11.94 0.77 1.43 20 0.214 5.02 15.3 45 19.2 65 70 1.91 6.51 11.68 10.28 14.9 13.1 7.02 5.73 17.68 64 16 12.4 19.42 1.78 250.8 4.6 3.19 23.25 31.5 19.2 16.44 287.6 0.216 10.94 2.96 6.43 9.94 7.59 9.88 1.75 11.8 62.75 6.78 307.6 4.8 1.92 4.65 2.24 13.18 4.66 0.141 1.25 142 2.16 0.95

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

0.345 74 15.4 1.04 7.05 0.455 0.445 1,000 8.55 15.6 7.72 1,165 7.78 74.4 5.03 5.5 5.42 0.85 6.04 17.4 6.83 0.054 1.61 2.09 2.65 102.2 940 1.45 290 0.195 0.204

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

4.97 1.09 8.7 2.38 0.96 44 3.72 4.8 5.4 0.51 1.21 1.22 0.205 0.46 41.15 0.68 0.143 1.91

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

1.52 0.77 5.37 0.315 0.395 0.51 6.55 24.85 1.82 3.13 36.1 1.02 7.34 0.87 5.68

1.52 0.8 5.37 0.32 0.395 0.52 6.75 25.65 1.82 3.2 36.15 1.03 7.34 0.87 5.81

1.49 0.75 5.24 0.31 0.38 0.5 6.55 24.65 1.81 3.1 35.4 1.01 7.34 0.85 5.62

1.49 0.78 5.28 0.31 0.38 0.51 6.75 25.5 1.81 3.2 36.1 1.03 7.34 0.87 5.81

19,464,000 3,299,000 39,635,000 11,830,000 2,710,000 5,598,000 1,305,700 1,440,400 63,000 452,000 6,711,700 1,962,000 100 92,000 9,091,600

29,165,240 2,528,600 209,567,111 3,714,900 1,051,250 2,831,880 8,736,022 36,565,540 114,290 1,403,690 239,877,110 1,996,480 734 79,040 51,704,088

60,063,463 32,560 -3,536,855 47,060 -130,049,735 -1,119,700 17,000 -1,279,870

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

20 38.85 1.6 0.53 0.05 5.05 9.75 0.07 109.6 8.98 9.8 7.07 2,044 5.98 19.48 2.59 102.9 12.1 8.4 0.157 1.36 3.06 4.02 1.38 19.6 0.55 2.87 7.2 4.02 16.3 2.26 10.9 5.1 2.9 8.58 1,740 1.38 0.39 51 93 6.04 4.12 1.63 1.9 3.95 1 8.5

20 39 1.6 0.54 0.052 5.1 9.86 0.07 109.6 8.98 9.9 7.75 2,044 6 19.52 2.6 102.9 12.1 8.4 0.157 1.37 3.07 4.09 1.42 19.86 0.55 2.97 7.2 4.13 16.3 2.26 11.02 5.1 3.04 8.58 1,762 1.39 0.39 51.2 93.5 6.04 4.18 1.64 2.1 3.95 1 8.54

19.8 38.6 1.58 0.53 0.049 5.05 9.69 0.07 106.8 8.98 9.54 7.07 2,000 5.94 19.2 2.42 101.6 12.1 8.3 0.154 1.36 3.05 4.02 1.3 19.04 0.55 2.84 6.95 4.02 16.3 2.2 10.9 5.05 2.77 8.36 1,701 1.36 0.39 50.85 92.5 6.03 4.09 1.61 1.89 3.85 0.94 8.43

SERVICES 19.8 38.8 1.59 0.53 0.052 5.1 9.84 0.07 107.1 8.98 9.56 7.75 2,018 5.99 19.2 2.52 101.8 12.1 8.38 0.154 1.37 3.05 4.03 1.33 19.1 0.55 2.89 6.95 4.11 16.3 2.21 11 5.05 3.04 8.36 1,720 1.37 0.39 50.95 93 6.03 4.17 1.63 1.89 3.85 0.96 8.49

14,500 11,200 63,000 327,000 43,140,000 4,600 5,662,100 6,390,000 193,930 2,600 1,251,600 38,400 9,935 432,600 60,900 5,682,000 557,080 200 365,100 4,200,000 135,000 62,000 389,000 2,714,000 3,122,800 89,000 720,000 1,733,800 251,000 700 825,000 12,500 300 45,000 303,900 73,970 3,361,000 1,420,000 3,289,530 1,082,050 71,500 489,000 6,672,000 9,000 721,000 8,071,000 1,481,900

287,834 435,340 100,240 173,380 2,208,480 23,260 55,529,203 447,300 20,789,913 23,348 12,126,345 276,948 19,996,730 2,580,085 1,185,584 14,331,680 56,724,897 2,420 3,058,350 647,340 184,860 189,300 1,569,840 3,649,210 60,373,912 48,950 2,057,620 12,138,341 1,030,040 11,410 1,822,930 137,130 1,525 128,870 2,560,933 127,611,675 4,609,980 553,800 167,599,860.50 100,621,118.50 431,245 2,020,750 10,845,690 17,230 2,779,760 7,807,290 12,553,504

7,920 -2,500 9,073,537 -3,500 -5,665,402 641,264 -7,549,580 27,480 -28,794,018 23,100 -491,880.00 182,660 -6,285,042 2,166,658 -8,140.00 -22,000 27,578,690 -201,980 -32,202,134.50 -33,977,633 363,006 618,340 4,435,030.00 544,100 104,830 7,108,139

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

0.0025 1.73 5.09 15 1.85 1.72 0.385 8.16 2.61 0.265 0.185 0.197 0.01 0.012 2.02 6.83 1.76 0.51 1.02 0.013 0.011 2.52 7.85 8.36 43.2

0.0025 1.8 5.1 15.48 1.87 1.77 0.385 8.3 2.76 0.265 0.189 0.197 0.011 0.012 2.07 7.11 1.76 0.52 1.04 0.014 0.011 2.52 7.85 8.49 43.9

0.0024 1.73 5 14.7 1.85 1.69 0.385 8.16 2.61 0.25 0.18 0.187 0.01 0.011 1.99 6.8 1.72 0.5 1.02 0.012 0.011 2.43 7.5 8.24 42.5

MINING & OIL 0.0025 88,000,000 1.74 12,833,000 5 41,000 15.44 23,200 1.87 14,000 1.72 20,866,000 0.385 150,000 8.17 1,800 2.64 36,194,000 0.265 30,000 0.183 40,820,000 0.189 5,000,000 0.011 40,300,000 0.011 100,300,000 1.99 2,616,000 6.8 8,369,100 1.75 108,000 0.5 1,286,000 1.03 543,000 0.013 301,100,000 0.011 98,100,000 2.43 19,000 7.5 3,488,200 8.43 2,574,500 42.55 3,192,200

219,400 22,642,590 208,090 342,332 25,990 36,072,970 57,750 14,718 96,843,920 7,800 7,447,170 950,930 439,100 1,103,400 5,323,030 58,004,672 186,010 643,620 559,770 4,018,200 1,079,100 46,260 26,669,081 21,527,535 137,048,045

151,060 321,760 -6,207,410 47,250 -874,660 -4,055,006 -1,611,181 3,158,547 -42,383,825

AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF PF PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H

532 107 118.6 510 5.69 1.07 1,008 76 81.25 77 78.1 80.55 78.5

532 107 118.7 510 5.7 1.08 1,011 76 81.25 77 78.1 80.55 78.5

532 106.5 118.6 510 5.67 1.07 1,006 75.35 81.25 76.45 78.1 80.5 78.5

PREFERRED 532 500 106.5 50 118.6 250 510 4,000 5.68 415,400 1.07 68,000 1,011 1,320 75.35 34,000 81.25 3,740 76.45 9,500 78.1 4,000 80.5 5,100 78.5 1,300

266,000 5,345 29,662 2,040,000 2,359,726 73,100 1,329,220 2,571,090 303,875 726,997 312,400 410,650 102,050

-2,275,094 -1,507,090 -

LR WARRANT

2.39

2.45

2.39

WARRANTS 2.44 43,000

102,940

-

PHILAB HLDG XURPAS ITALPINAS

4.2 5.4 5.65

4.2 5.45 5.87

3.9 5.4 5.6

4.1 5.4 5.87

215,000 511,800 808,200

868,070 2,768,506 4,632,354

-275,521 -

FIRST METRO ETF

126.1

126.1

125.1

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 125.6 14,220

1,784,288

-

USD DMPL A1

10.44

10.44

10.44

67,860

-

MS

PROPERTY 5.01 1.09 8.7 2.38 0.96 43.3 3.75 4.79 5.4 0.51 1.27 1.22 0.21 0.46 40.9 0.67 0.142 1.94

396,000 2,443,000 100 188,000 1,230,000 8,650,300 191,000 1,047,000 49,900 8,967,000 455,000 354,000 8,240,000 300,000 206,300 466,000 1,520,000 6,646,000

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

18,440,585

INDUSTRIAL

78,320,595

HOLDING FIRMS

102,509,650

PROPERTY

152,649,719

SERVICES

106,814,991

MINING & OIL

766,158,603

GRAND TOTAL

1,226,445,670

SME

DDS 10.44

6,500

VALUE 1,995.65 (down) -13.44 1,405,731,055.27 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,859.83 (up) 7.37 1,011,754,129.984 HOLDING FIRMS 8,535.64 (up) 112.88 1,159,684,412.37 PROPERTY 3,904.06 (down) -9.02 SERVICES 1,692.62 (down) -9.54 1,119,593,760.31 MINING & OIL 13,154.95 (up) 75.01 783,203,572.67 PSEI 8,303.35 (up) 23.43 421,513,062.249 All Shares Index 4,864.56 (up) 9.24 5,911,542,755.86 Gainers: 91; Losers: 107; Unchanged: 39; Total: 237

“We are in a business with high degree of operating leverage. We have successfully addressed both the revenue and cost side which directly translate to our bottom line,” said FNI president Dante Bravo.

“Such brisk growth reflects good progress on our previously announced productivity initiatives which drove higher shipped volume. We also benefited from improved selling prices, better product mix, and favorable foreign exchange rate,” he added.

Shipped volume rose 43 percent in the first nine months to 4.9 million wet metric ton.

Average realized price also climbed to US$18.77 per WMT, as more mediumgrade ore that commanded higher market prices were sold.

The product mix was 58 percent low-grade ore and 42 percent medium- grade ore compared with the previous year’s mix of 65 percent low-grade and 35 percent medium-grade ore.

“We continue to balance capital investments through our mineral exploration program as well as share buybacks. We have repurchased over P636 million worth of FNI stock year-to-date and we did this without raising debt levels. We financed the share repurchases from free cash flow because we are focused on long-term shareholder value,” Bravo said.

Gaming firm hikes net profit to P1.32b PREMIUM Leisure Corp., the listed gaming company of the SM Group, posted a net income attributable to parent of P1.32 billion in the first nine months of the year, up 112 percent from P624 million year-on-year.

PLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange attributed the profit growth to the continued rise in its gaming share revenue from the overall improvement in the Philippine gaming market, especially the gaming operations of City of Dreams Manila.

The increase in equipment lease rentals resulting from the higher national lottery of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for the year also boosted the company’s profits during the period.

Nine month-revenues jumped 54 percent to P3.84 billion from P1.35 billion in the same period in 2016.

Gaming share revenue from City of Dreams Manila, an integrated resort and gaming facility within the government-sponsored Pagcor Entertainment City, amounted to P2.16 billion, up 95 percent on year.

PLC, through its unit Premium Leisure and Amusement Inc., is a colicensee of City of Dreams Manila. The license entitles the company to a share in the gaming revenues.

Revenues from equipment lease rentals, commission and distribution income through its 50.1 percent owned subsidiary stood at P1.68 billion, up 21 percent from the same period last year, driven by higher Lotto and Keno sales as a result of higher jackpot prize games and the rollout of additional terminals.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

Bangko Sentral reduces weekly auction to P130b B

By Julito G. Rada

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas reduced the volume of the term deposit auction set on Nov. 2, 2017 to P130 billion from P140 billion due to sluggish demand for the month-long instruments.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said Wednesday investors mostly remained biased in favor of the shortertenored deposits in the face of possible rate increases from the US Federal Reserve before the close of the year and the lingering geopolitical uncertainty.

“The economy is able to turn around and use their deposits as indicated by high loan to deposit ratio. We should therefore adjust the volume of offerings particularly to the 28day TDF which has been undersubscribed

for the last two weeks,” Guinigundo said in a statement to reporters.

“As we continue to monitor the market, we shall consider the unfolding market behavior and response to these key developments and adjust the volume of our open market operations accordingly,” Guinigundo said.

The volume of P40 billion for the weeklong deposits will remain during the auction on Nov. 2. But the BSP reduced month-long deposits to P90 billion from P100 billion earlier.

On Wednesday, the P140 billion worth of term deposits offered by Bangko Sentral was undersubscribed by P23.45 billion due mainly to weaker demand for month-long instruments.

Data showed total tenders for the eight-day and 28-day deposits just reached P116.55 billion, P23.45 billion short of the total amount of P140 billion offered to market players.

The eight-day P40-billion worth of term deposits attracted bids of P40.868 billion with a weighted average accepted yield of

For For

AFTER trying hard in several Congressional sessions, the sponsors of the storm known as the national identification (ID) system finally achieved landfall recently. The House passed the national ID bill on third and final reading; and the measure has gone up to the Senate for that chamber’s consideration.

As in past Congresses, the current effort to get a national ID bill passed has been fiercely opposed by those who think in terms of George Orwell’s “Big Brother” and believe that the national ID system is the first step along the way to a state of national regimentation, in which the privacy gradually disappears and the authorities know everything there is to know about every citizen. But this time their arguments did not prevail against the counter-arguments of the bill’s proponents.

The most important of these counterarguments was the assertion that virtually all of the data that will go into each national ID card are already in the public domain and that the card will simply collate all of those data. The data that will appear in each national ID card are already indicated in such government issuances as drivers’ licenses, Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) membership cards, voters’ ID cards, applications for loans and requests for passports and other government documents. In other words, the information that will be sought for the national ID card is already available to the public in one place or another.

The other counter-argument that helped carry the day for the pro-national ID system’s proponents was the assertion that a national ID system, by facilitating identification of individuals, will be conducive to better governance and greater security. Knowing who and where the people of this country makes it possible for the authorities to implement national policies in an efficient and thorough manner.

Considering that this country’s population has passed the 100-million mark and continues to grow at a naggingly high rate, the administrativeefficiency factor is of critical importance.

What personal information should and should not be included in the proposed national ID card?

The answer is, only the information that the authorities need to be able to enforce the publicorder, health and fiscal laws. Any information in excess of data should be the subject of searching debate that takes into account privacy and administrative-necessity issues.

Let’s begin with a driver’s license and SSS and GSIS membership cards. All the personal data indicated in those cards—personal circumstances, personal residence, profession or business, professional or business address, next of kin—obviously need to be indicated in the national ID card. (But definitely not personal circumstances as religion or political affiliation).

Other data that should be included in the national ID card—in order to bring all the salient personal information under one roof, so to speak —are a citizen’s TIN (tax identification number) and voter’s ID number. The TIN will lead the way to the TIN owner’s fiscal relations with the government—including his business and financial dealings—and the composition of his immediate family. The voter’s ID will be of prime interest to the Commission on Elections and the political parties at election time; it will be confirmatory of the would-be voter’s true residence.

Two pieces of information that I personally feel should be included in the proposed national ID card are the card owner’s blood type and his attitude to organ donorship (wish/do not wish to donate), The blood-type information is of crucial importance in case of an accident; with the accident victim’s blood type indicated, first responders will not finish him off by giving him a transfusion of type A+ blood into his RH-negative veins.

There has been much debate as to whether information such as parents’ names should also be indicated in the proposed national ID card.

Some agencies and institutions use the maiden name of a card owner’s mother to confirm his identity. Assuming that there would be enough space in the proposed national ID card for this additional information, I personally would be willing to see it included in the card.

I have asked it before and I’m asking the question again: What’s the big fuss about a national ID system? Putting together in one card all the data that are available elsewhere about an individual is no big deal to me. “Big Brother” is still far away.

3.35 percent. The 28-day, P100-billion instruments lured tenders of just P75.687 billion and fetched a weighted average accepted yield of 3.49 percent.

The sluggish demand compelled Bangko Sentral to trimmed the volume of the 28-day instruments to P90 billion from P100 billion in its next auction on Nov. 2, 2017 to P130 billion.

Earlier, Bangko Sentral officials pointed to the successful issuance of retail treasury bonds by the Bureau of the Treasury in April as the main reason for investors’ less appetite for the month-long term deposits.

In April, the Bureau of the Treasury raised P175 billion from its three-year retail treasury bonds offering, including those generated from roadshows conducted nationwide.

Banks were also setting aside funds for their reserve requirement compliance.

Bangko Sentral adopted the interest rate corridor system in June last year so that through calibrated auctioning, the transmission of monetary policy would improve.

In InThe TheName NameOf OfAllah AllahMost MostGracious GraciousMost MostMerciful Merciful REPUBLIC REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUSREGION REGIONIN INMUSLIM MUSLIMMINDANAO MINDANAO PROVINCIAL PROVINCIALGOVERNMENT GOVERNMENTOF OFBASILAN BASILAN BIDS BIDSAND ANDAWARDSCOMMITTEE AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial ProvincialCapitol CapitolBldg., Bldg.,Isabela IsabelaCity, City,Basilan BasilanProvince, Province,7300 7300

fast fast

What a national ID should and should not contain

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business

Manila Manila

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InvItatIon InvItatIonto toB BIdId for for

results, results,

SUPPLY SUPPLYand anddELIvErY dELIvErYof ofConStrUCtIon ConStrUCtIonMatErIaLS MatErIaLSfor forthE thEConStrUCtIon ConStrUCtIonof of SUMISIP SUMISIPdIStrICt dIStrICthoSPItaL, hoSPItaL,BULI-BULI BULI-BULIBrGY., BrGY.,SUMISIP SUMISIPMUnICIPaLItY, MUnICIPaLItY,BaSILan BaSILan ProvInCE ProvInCE and andProPoSEd ProPoSEdConStrUCtIon ConStrUCtIonof ofdrUG drUGEdUCatIon EdUCatIonCEntEr CEntEr UUndEr ndErBaC BaCPPUBLICatIon UBLICatIon 011-2017 011-2017 1.The 1.The Provincial Provincial Government Government ofof Basilan Basilan intends intends toto apply apply part part ofof the the total total sum sum ofof Thirteen Thirteen Million MillionTwo Twohundred hundredfive fiveThousand Thousandand andNine NineHundred HundredFifty FiftyFour Four pesos pesos (P (P13,205,954.00),being 13,205,954.00),being the the approved approved Budget Budget for for the the Contract Contract for for the the SUPPLY SUPPLY AND AND DELIVERY DELIVERY OF OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MATERIALSintended intendedfor forthe thehereunder hereunderlisted listedprojects projectsas asstated statedbelow. below.Bids Bidsreceived receivedininexcess excessofof the theABC ABCshall shallbe beautomatically automaticallyrejected rejectedatatbid bidopening. opening.

Name Approved NameofofProject/Purpose Project/Purpose ApprovedBudget Budgetfor forthe theContract Contract

please please call call

A. A.CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTIONOF OFSUMISIP SUMISIPDISTRICT DISTRICTHOSPITAL, HOSPITAL,BULIBULIBULI BULIBRGY., BRGY.,SUMISIP SUMISIPMUNICIPALITY, MUNICIPALITY,BASILAN BASILANPROVINCE PROVINCE 1.1.PR PRNO. NO.E-171-2017 E-171-2017 2.2.PR PRNO. NO.E-172-2017 E-172-2017

Advertising Advertising Department Department 832-5547 832-5547 or or Email Email us us at at advertise@ advertise@ manilastandard.net manilastandard.net Manila

Manila Standard Standard TODAY

LETTER LETTEROF OFAPOLOGY APOLOGY I I have have made made several several posts posts inin my my Facebook FacebookAccount Account against against former former Party-List Party-List Rep. Rep. Francisco Francisco Ashley Ashley Acedillo Acedillowhich whichmay mayhave havecaused causedundue undue and andunfair unfairdamage damagetotohis hisreputation reputationas as well wellas ashis hisfamily. family.Consequently, Consequently,I Iwould would like to issue this formal and unequivocal like to issue this formal and unequivocal letter letterofofapology. apology.

I I sincerely sincerely apologize apologize toto Mr. Mr. Acedillo Acedillo and and his his family family over over the the said said Facebook Facebook posts posts which which was was made made by by reason reason ofof overwhelming overwhelming emotions emotions I I felt felt atat the the time time ofof my my FB FB posts. posts. I I hereby herebyaffirm affirmmy myundertaking undertakingtotorefrain refrain from from posting posting any any comments comments and/or and/or statements statements inin allall ofof my my social social media media accounts against Mr. Acedillo and accounts against Mr. Acedillo andhis his family. family.

I I further further apologize apologize for for any any inconvenience inconvenience that that resulted resulted from from my my Facebook Facebookposts postslast last30 30July July2017 2017and and 11-12 11-12August August2017.

2017.

Very Verytruly trulyyours, yours, Mary MaryPauline PaulineObias Obias (MS-OCT. (MS-OCT.26, 26,2017) 2017)

TODAY

SUB SUBTOTAL TOTAL B. B.SUPPLY SUPPLYAND ANDDELIVERY DELIVERYFOR FORCONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DRUG EDUCATION MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DRUG EDUCATION CENTER CENTER 1.1.PR PRNO. NO.E-176-2017 E-176-2017 SUB SUBTOTAL TOTAL GRAND GRANDTOTAL TOTAL

PP8,980,428.00 8,980,428.00 2,839,580.00 2,839,580.00 11,820,008.00 11,820,008.00

1,385,946.00 1,385,946.00 1,385,946.00 1,385,946.00 P13,205,954.00 P13,205,954.00

2.The 2.TheProvincial ProvincialGovernment GovernmentofofBasilan Basilannow nowinvites invitesbids bidsfor forSupply Supplyand andDelivery Delivery ofofConstruction Construction Materials Materials for for the the CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION OF OF SUMISIP SUMISIP DISTRICT DISTRICT HOSPITAL, HOSPITAL, BULI-BULI BULI-BULI BRGY, BRGY, SUMISIP CONSTRUCTION SUMISIPMUNICIPALITY, MUNICIPALITY,BASILAN BASILANAND AND CONSTRUCTIONOF OFDRUG DRUGEDUCATION EDUCATIONCENTER CENTER UNDER UNDER TRUST TRUST FUND FUND AND AND 20% 20% DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT FUND FUND OF OF THE THE BASILAN BASILAN PROVINCIAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT respectively.Bidders respectively.Biddershave havecompleted completedwithin withinten ten(10) (10)years yearsfrom fromthe thedate dateofofsubmission submissionand andreceipts receipts ofofbids, bids,aacontract contractsimilar similartotothe theproject. project.The Thedescription descriptionofofan aneligible eligiblebidder bidderisiscontained containedininthe the Bidding BiddingDocuments, Documents,particularly, particularly,ininSection SectionII,II,Instruction InstructiontotoBidders.

Bidders.

3.Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary 3.Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail pass/fail criterion criterion as as specified specified inin the the Implementing Implementing Rules Rules and and Regulations Regulations (IRR) (IRR) ofof Republic RepublicAct Act 9184 9184(RA (RA9184), 9184),otherwise otherwiseknown knownas asthe the“Government “GovernmentProcurement ProcurementReform ReformAct”.

Act”.

4.Bidding 4.Biddingisisrestricted restrictedtotoFilipino Filipinocitizens/sole citizens/soleproprietorships, proprietorships,partnerships, partnerships,or ororganizations organizationswith with atatleast leastseventy seventyfive fivepercent percent(75%) (75%)interest interestor oroutstanding outstandingcapital capitalstock stockbelonging belongingtotocitizens citizensofofthe the Philippines.

Philippines.

5.Interested bidders may obtain further information from The Provincial Government of Basilan and 5.Interested bidders may obtain further information from The Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect inspectthe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsatatthe theaddress addressgiven givenbelow belowfrom from8:00am 8:00amtoto5pm.

5pm.

6.A 6.Acomplete complete set set ofof Bidding Bidding Documents Documents for for letter letterAA may may be be purchased purchased by by interested interested Bidders Bidders from fromthe theaddress addressbelow belowand andupon uponpayment paymentofofaanonrefundable nonrefundablefees feesfor forthe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsinin the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00) and Five thousand the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00) and Five thousandpesos pesos(P (P 5,000.00) 5,000.00)for forLetter LetterBB and andaaseparate separate ONE ONETHOUSAND THOUSANDPESOS PESOS(P1,000.00) (P1,000.00)for forLetter LetterofofIntent Intent for foreach eachproject. project.

ItItmay mayalso alsobe bedownloaded downloadedfree freeofofcharge chargefrom fromthe thewebsite websiteofofthe thePhilippine PhilippineGovernment GovernmentElectronic Electronic Procurement Procurement System System (PhilGEPS) (PhilGEPS) and and the the website website ofof the the Procuring Procuring Entity, Entity, provided provided that that bidders bidders shall shallpay paythe thefee feefor forthe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsnot notlater laterthat thatthe thesubmission submissionofoftheir theirbids. bids.

7.The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 9:30 am, October 7.The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 9:30 am, October 30,2017 30,2017atatBAC BACOffice, Office,Provincial ProvincialCapitol, Capitol,Isabela IsabelaCity, City,Basilan BasilanProvince, Province,which whichshall shallbe beopen opentoto all allinterested interestedparties. parties.

8.Bids 8.Bidsmust mustbe bedelivered deliveredon onBid BidOpening Openingtotothe theaddress addressbelow belowon onor orbefore before10:00 10:00am, am, November November 11, 11, 2017 2017 atat BAC BAC Office, Office, Provincial Provincial Capitol, Capitol, Isabela Isabela City, City, Basilan Basilan Province.

Province. All All bids bids must must be be accompanied accompanied by by aa bid bid security security inin any any ofof the the acceptable acceptable forms forms and and inin the the amount amount stated stated inin ITB ITB Clause 18.

Clause 18.

Bids Bidswill willbe beopened openedininthe thepresence presenceofofthe thebidders’ bidders’representatives representativeswho whochoose choosetotoattend attendatatthe the address addressbelow. below.Late Latebids bidsshall shallnot notbe beaccepted. accepted.

9.The 9.TheProvincial ProvincialGovernment GovernmentofofBasilan Basilanreserves reservesthe theright righttotoaccept acceptor orreject rejectany anybid, bid,totoannul annulthe the bidding biddingprocess, process,and andtotoreject rejectall allbids bidsatatany anytime timeprior priortotocontract contractaward, award,without withoutthereby therebyincurring incurring any anyliability liabilitytotothe theaffected affectedbidder bidderor orbidders. bidders.

10.For 10.Forfurther furtherinformation, information,please pleaserefer referto: to: The TheBAC BACCHAIRPERSON CHAIRPERSON LGULGU-BASILAN BASILANBids Bidsand andAward AwardCommittee Committee C/O C/OBAC BACSecretariat Secretariat 2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol 2nd Floor, Provincial CapitolBuilding, Building, Isabela IsabelaCity, City,Basilan BasilanProvince, Province,7300 7300 Fax FaxNo.: No.:062 062200 2003416 3416&&062 062200 2003417 3417 (SGD) (SGD)INTAN INTANGORDANA GORDANAA. A.ABUBAKAR ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Chairperson,Bids Bidsand andAward AwardCommittee Committee

(MS-OCT. (MS-OCT.26, 26,2017) 2017)

MAYNILA, MAYNILA,PILIPINAS PILIPINAS

PUBLIC ADVISORY BSP BSP MAINTAINS MAINTAINS DYNAMIC DYNAMIC APPROACH APPROACH TO TO FOREIGN FOREIGN EXCHANGE EXCHANGE (FX) (FX) POLICY POLICY FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK The TheBangko BangkoSentral Sentralng ngPilipinas Pilipinas(BSP) (BSP)weighed weighedin intoday todayon onthe theissue issueof ofFX FXtransactions transactions conducted conductedin inthe theformal formalbanking bankingsystem systemand andthe theinformal informalmarket. market.

The TheBSP BSPhas hasbeen beentaking takingaaproactive proactiveapproach approachto toencourage encouragethe thegreater greateruse useof ofthe theformal formal FX FX markets markets through through well-thought-out well-thought-out policy policy liberalization liberalization and and streamlining streamlining of of procedures. procedures.AA series series of of policy policy reforms reforms has has been been undertaken undertaken over over the the years years with with the the objectives objectives of, of, among among others, others,facilitating facilitatingtransactions transactionswith withbanks banksand andgiving givingthe thegeneral generalpublic publicgreater greaterflflexibility exibilityin in managing managing their their investment investment portfolio portfolio and and cash cash flflows. ows. The The most most recent recent reforms reforms were were issued issued under underCircular CircularNo. No.925 925dated dated13 13September September2016 2016which whichincluded includedthe thefollowing followingreforms: reforms: 1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

Increased Increased the the amount amount of of FX FX that that residents residents may may freely freely purchase purchase from from banks banks without without supporting supporting documents documents for for non-trade non-trade current current account account transactions transactions from from US$120,000 US$120,000 for for all all clients clients to to US$500,000 US$500,000 (for (for individuals) individuals) and and US$1 US$1million million(for (forcorporates/other corporates/otherentities); entities); Allowed Allowed sale sale of of FX FX by by banks banks without without documentation documentation for for settlement settlement of of trade trade obligations obligationsup upto tothe thesame samethreshold thresholdamounts; amounts; Allowed Allowed residents residents to to deposit deposit FX FX purchased purchased from from banks banks to to their their FCDU FCDU accounts accounts pending pendingremittance remittanceto tointended intendedbenefi beneficiaries; ciaries;and and Allowed Allowed resident-to-resident resident-to-resident FX FX transactions transactions to to be be funded funded with with FX FX to to be be purchased purchased from frombanks. banks.

The The BSP BSP continues continues to to review review its its rules rules and and regulations regulations on on FX FX transactions transactions to to futher futher facilitate facilitate and and widen widen access access to to the the FX FX resources resources of of the the banking banking system, system, thereby thereby promoting promoting ease ease of of doing doing business, business, while while at at the the same same time time ensuring ensuring the the conduct conduct of of prudent prudent monetary monetary policy policyand andpromoting promotingaastrong strongand andstable stablefifinancial nancialsystem. system.

Banks Banks are are expected expected to to exercise exercise continued continued greater greater diligence diligence in in the the conduct conduct of of FX FX transactions transactionswith withtheir theirclients clientsunder underthe theliberalized liberalizedrules, rules,including includingthe theprompt promptsubmission submissionof of relevant relevantinformation informationto tothe theBSP BSPfor forpolicy policyreview/formulation, review/formulation,analysis analysisand andstatistics. statistics.

For Forinquiries, inquiries,please pleasecontact contactthe theInternational InternationalOperations OperationsDepartment: Department: E-mail: iod-ipds@bsp.gov.ph E-mail: iod-ipds@bsp.gov.ph Web: www.bsp.gov.ph Web: www.bsp.gov.ph Telephone: (632) Telephone: (632)708-7107 708-7107 Fax: (632) Fax: (632)306-3091 306-3091

B3

Republic Republicof ofthe thePhilippines Philippines Department Departmentof ofHealth Health CENTRAL CENTRALOFFICE OFFICEBIDS BIDSAND ANDAWARDS AWARDSCOMMITTEE COMMITTEE InvItatIon InvItatIonto toB BIdIdfor for thE thEProCUrEMEnt ProCUrEMEntof ofdELtaMEthrIn dELtaMEthrIn––rE-BId rE-BId IB IBno. no.2017-266-a 2017-266-a 1.

1. The TheDepartment Departmentof ofHealth Health(DOH), (DOH),through throughthe theGeneral GeneralAppropriations AppropriationsAct Actof of2017 2017 intends intendsto toapply applythe thesum sumof ofEighty EightyFive FiveMillion MillionNine NineHundred HundredThirty ThirtySeven SevenThousand Thousand Sixty SixtyNine NinePhilippine PhilippinePesos Pesosand andNinety NinetySeven SevenCentavos Centavos(PhP85,937,069.97) (PhP85,937,069.97)being being the theApproved ApprovedBudget Budgetfor forthe theContract Contract(ABC) (ABC)to topayments paymentsunder underthe thecontract contractfor forthe the Procurement Procurementof ofDeltamethrin Deltamethrin––Re-Bid Re-Bidunder underIB IBNo. No.2017-266-A. 2017-266-A.Bids Bidsreceived receivedinin excess excessof ofthe theABC ABCshall shallbe beautomatically automaticallyrejected rejectedat atbid bidopening. opening.

2.

2. The The DOH DOH now now invites invites bids bids for for the the procurement procurement of of the the above-captioned above-captioned project. project.

Delivery Delivery of of the the Goods Goods isis required required within within the the period period specified specified under under SECTION SECTION VI. VI. Schedule Schedule of of Requirements.

Requirements. Bidders Bidders should should have have completed, completed, within within two two (2) (2) yearsfrom yearsfrom the the date date of of submission submission and and receipt receipt of of bids, bids, aa contract contract similar similar to to the the Project, equivalent to at least twenty five percent (25%) of the ABC. The description Project, equivalent to at least twenty five percent (25%) of the ABC. The description of ofan aneligible eligiblebidder bidderisiscontained containedininthe theBidding BiddingDocuments, Documents,particularly, particularly,ininSection Section II. II.Instructions Instructionsto toBidders.

Bidders.

3.

3. Bidding Bidding will will be be conducted conducted through through open open competitive competitive bidding bidding procedures procedures using using aa non-discretionary non-discretionary“pass/fail” “pass/fail”criterion criterionas asspecified specifiedininthe the2016 2016Revised RevisedImplementing Implementing Rules Rulesand andRegulations Regulations(IRR) (IRR)of ofRepublic RepublicAct Act(RA) (RA)9184, 9184,otherwise otherwiseknown knownas asthe the “Government “GovernmentProcurement ProcurementReform ReformAct”.

Act”.

Bidding Bidding isis restricted restricted to to Filipino Filipino citizens/sole citizens/sole proprietorships, proprietorships, partnerships, partnerships, or or organizations organizationswith withat atleast leastsixty sixtypercent percent(60%) (60%)interest interestor oroutstanding outstandingcapital capitalstock stock belonging belongingto tocitizens citizensof ofthe thePhilippines, Philippines,and andto tocitizens citizensor ororganizations organizationsof ofaacountry country the thelaws lawsor orregulations regulationsof ofwhich whichgrant grantsimilar similarrights rightsor orprivileges privilegesto toFilipino Filipinocitizens, citizens, pursuant pursuantto toRA RA5183.

5183.

4.

4. Interested Interestedbidders biddersmay mayobtain obtainfurther furtherinformation informationfrom fromthe theCOBAC COBACSecretariat, Secretariat,G/F, G/F, Bldg.

Bldg. 6, 6, Department Department of of Health, Health, San San Lazaro Lazaro Compound Compound and and inspect inspect the the Bidding Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to to Friday.

Friday.

5.

5. AAcomplete completeset setof ofBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsmay maybe beacquired acquiredby byinterested interestedBidders Bidderson on26 26 October October––17 17November November2017 2017 from fromthe theaddress addressabove aboveand andupon uponpayment paymentof ofthe the applicable applicablefee feefor forthe theBidding BiddingDocuments, Documents,pursuant pursuantto tothe thelatest latestGuidelines Guidelinesissued issued by bythe theGPPB, GPPB,ininthe theamount amountof ofFifty FiftyThousand ThousandPhilippine PhilippinePesos Pesos(PhP50,000.00) (PhP50,000.00) ItIt may may also also be be downloaded downloaded free free of of charge charge from from the the website website of of the the Philippine Philippine Government Government Electronic Electronic Procurement Procurement System System (PhilGEPS) (PhilGEPS) and and the the website website of of the the Procuring ProcuringEntity, Entity,provided providedthat thatBidders Biddersshall shallpay paythe theapplicable applicablefee feefor forthe theBidding Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

6. The TheDOH DOHwill willhold holdaaPre-Bid Pre-BidConference Conferenceon on03 03November November2017, 2017,09:00 09:00AM AMat atthe the COBAC COBAC Conference Conference Room, Room, Ground Ground Floor, Floor, Bldg.

Bldg. 6, 6, Department Department of of Health, Health, Sta. Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

7.

7. Bids Bidsmust mustbe beduly dulyreceived receivedby bythe theCOBAC-A COBAC-ASecretariat Secretariatat atthe theaddress addressbelow belowon on or or before before 17 17 November November 2017, 2017, 9:00 9:00AM AM All All Bids Bids must must be be accompanied accompanied by by aa bid bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid Bidopening openingshall shallbe beon on17 17November November2017, 2017,9:00 9:00AM AMat atthe theCOBAC COBACConference Conference Room, Room,Ground GroundFloor, Floor,Bldg.

Bldg.6, 6,Department Departmentof ofHealth, Health,Sta. Sta.Cruz, Cruz,Manila.

Manila. Bids Bidswill willbe be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attendat atthe the address above.

Late bids shall not be accepted. address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

8. The TheDOH DOHreserves reservesthe theright rightto toreject rejectany anyand andall allbids, bids,declare declareaafailure failureof ofbidding, bidding, or ornot notaward awardthe thecontract contractat atany anytime timeprior priorto tocontract contractaward awardininaccordance accordancewith with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to to the the affected affectedbidder bidderor orbidders. bidders.

9.

9. For Forfurther furtherinformation, information,please pleaserefer referto: to: COBAC-A COBAC-ASecretariat Secretariat Department Departmentof ofHealth Health San Lazaro San LazaroCompound Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Tel.Nos. Nos.651-7800 651-7800local local1625 1625to to1627; 1627;1650 1650to to52 52 Facsimile FacsimileNo.: No.:741-9775; 741-9775;740-6830 740-6830

(MS-OCT. (MS-OCT.26, 26,2017) 2017)

(SGD) (SGD)GERARDO GERARDOV. V.BAYUGO, BAYUGO,MD, MD,MPH, MPH,CESO CESOIII III Undersecretary Undersecretaryof ofHealth Health COBAC COBAC––AAChairperson Chairperson

NOTICE NOTICE TO TO THE THE PUBLIC PUBLIC Please Please be be informed informed that that the the following following accountable accountable forms forms of of INVESTORS INVESTORSASSURANCE ASSURANCE CORPORATION CORPORATION (IAC) (IAC) have have been been lost: lost: TYPE TYPE OF OF POLICY POLICY

SERIES SERIES FROM FROM SERIES SERIES TO TO

JCR(2) JCR(2)--Personal PersonalBail BailBond Bond JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2) JCR(2)

14064 14064 17034 17034 17037 17037 17040 17040 14203 14203 14245 14245 17497 17497 17108 17108 14339 14339 14361 14361 14386 14386 14600 14600 14603 14603 14613 14613 16462 16462 21486 21486 14557 14557 20920 20920 20697 20697 20658 20658 12245 12245 20018 20018 17032 17032 13979 13979 16750 16750 17151 17151 14832 14832 14380 14380 22232 22232

14064 14064 17035 17035 17037 17037 17040 17040 14203 14203 14245 14245 17497 17497 17108 17108 14339 14339 14361 14361 14386 14386 14601 14601 14604 14604 14613 14613 16462 16462 21486 21486 14557 14557 20920 20920 20697 20697 20658 20658 12245 12245 20018 20018 17033 17033 13979 13979 16750 16750 17155 17155 14832 14832 14382 14382 22233 22233

CYAN CYAN

ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD -- Official Official Receipt Receipt (for (for General General Use) Use) ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD ORHO-OLD

137221 137221 137290 137290 137441 137441 137453 137453 137577 137577 137585 137585 137588 137588 137871 137871 137935 137935 138145 138145 138254 138254 137538 137538 140234 140234 154923 154923 138314 138314 140221 140221 164834 164834 146009 146009 138233 138233 138340 138340 138195 138195 137878 137878

137221 137221 137290 137290 137441 137441 137455 137455 137582 137582 137585 137585 137606 137606 137872 137872 137936 137936 138145 138145 138254 138254 137554 137554 140234 140234 154923 154923 138318 138318 140221 140221 164838 164838 146009 146009 138233 138233 138343 138343 138196 138196 137878 137878

Should Should you you have have any any of of the the foregoing foregoing IAC IAC forms forms in in your your possession, possession, please please coordinate coordinate with with our our office office immediately immediately and and bring bring the the said said form/s form/s to to our our office office within within thirty thirty (30) (30) days days from from the the date date of of this this publication, publication, for for possible possible replacement replacement of of the the form/s form/s or or reimbursement reimbursement of of payments, payments, ifif warranted. warranted. IAC IAC reserves reserves the the right right to to require require presentation presentation of of other other adequate adequate proof proof of of issuance issuance and/ and/ or orpayment paymentin inaddition additionto tothe thepresentation presentationof ofthe theoriginal originalform/s. form/s.

INVESTORS INVESTORSASSURANCE ASSURANCE CORPORATION CORPORATION Unit Unit 1/20th 1/20th Floor, Floor, BDO BDO Plaza, Plaza, Paseo Paseo de de Roxas Roxas near near cor. cor. Makati MakatiAvenue, Avenue, Makati Makati City City 1200 1200 Tel Tel Nos.: Nos.: (632) (632) 822-4000 822-4000 // 822-5000 822-5000 // 891-0994 891-0994 // 891-0996 891-0996 // 891-0976 891-0976 (MS-OCT. (MS-OCT.26, 26,2017) 2017)

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

thursday, october 26, 2017

LocaL government units

BUCKET AID. The Philippine Business for Social Progress recently conducted its fourth relief operations for people affected by the Marawi City conflict. With the help of volunteers (pictured) PBSP managed to distribute 1,047 non-food items (with plastic plates, cups, culinary utensils and health kits), 4,300 student kits and bags (with shirts, towels and a pair of slippers), 40 boxes of storybooks, reference materials and learning materials, and 50 sewing machines. This will be part of livelihood interventions for the early recovery of internally displaced persons in Marawi. Manny Palmero

Chamber grants E3 Award to Didipio

By Abe Almirol KASIBU, nueva Vizcaya— The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently cited Asia-Pacific miner OceanaGold for the Excellence for Ecology and Economy or E3 Award during the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel.

OceanaGold Philippines Inc. was cited for the use of green production technology in mineral processing and for the outstanding waste water management initiatives. The recycling of processed tailings water contributed significantly to conservation and at the same time, the innovation generated savings for the company, PCCI’s citation noted.

Jason Magdaong, Environment Manager, presented documentation of the firm’s best practices to the PCCI panel, along with other companies competing in the large enterprise category.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of this year’s Special Citation in E3 Award from the PCCI. It was a great privilege to be competing against other firms from various industries that have impressive environmental management systems in place,” Magdaong said.

David Way, Didipio Mine’s general manager, also expressed his appreciation after learning about the award. “As the government’s partner in development, we ensure that mineral extraction is carried out in the most responsible manner through our collective and dedicated efforts in improving our environmental performance,” he told Manila Standard.

Manila backs NLEX-to-SLEX connector road

By Bill Casas MAnILA Mayor Joseph Estrada has given his all-out support to the P23.3billion nLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, assuring the city government’s full cooperation in securing the road rights-of-way and in relocating any affected informal settlers.

Estrada said the eight-kilometer elevated highway that will link the north Luzon and South Luzon expressways will be beneficial to the City of Manila, as it will help reduce traffic congestion in the capital city’s major thoroughfares.

“I fully support the project,” Estrada said after meeting with representatives and engineers of the north Luzon Expressway Corp. at the Manila City Hall last Friday.

“This will help ease the traffic problem, not only in Manila, but the whole metropolis and other nearby cities.”

Estrada said that with the easing of traffic in the city, development in Manila, as well as in neighboring cities and provinces, “will be faster and better.” nLEX Corp. is the private sector partner of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the first PublicPrivate Partnership project approved by the Duterte administration.

Engr. Edward Castro of nLEX Corporation said 85 percent of the alignment of the nLEX-SLEX Connector Road will pass through the 38 barangays of the City of Manila.

111k motorists nabbed

By Joel E. Zurbano

M

ORE than 111,200 erring motorists were cited for various traffic violations during the series of road safety and clearing operations conducted by local enforcers in Makati City in the last nine months.

The city’s Public Safety Department also issued a total of 4,430 citation tickets during intensive on-street clearing operations in the barangays against illegal parking, illegal vendors, and other forms of road obstructions.

Because of these opera-

tions from January to August, the city government collected at least P46.5 million in fines, the PSD reported Wednesday.

Mayor Abigail Binay is urging all concerned government offices to work together to promote “safe and

walkable streets” in Makati, which would entail clearing the streets of illegally parked vehicles, illegal vendors, and other objects that impede the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

She also called on community leaders to do their part in the citywide campaign for safe and walkable streets, particularly by closely monitoring areas already cleared by the joint task force teams and ensuring that these remain free of any obstruction.

“Our efforts would be futile if the concerned baran-

gay captains and other officials fail to perform their basic duty of maintaining clean and orderly streets in their respective jurisdictions,” Binay said.

She reminded barangay officials that under the Local Government Code, they would be liable for negligence and dereliction of duty should they allow previously cleared areas to be blocked again by vehicles, objects and illegal structures.

The mayor exhorted barangay officials to continue cooperating with the

Task Force composed of PSD deputies and personnel from the Department of Environmental Services, Department of Engineering and Public Works, Makati Action Center and the Makati Police.

To date, the composite teams have covered 17 barangays in District 1, including Barangays Carmona, Bel-Air, San Isidro, Bangkal, Palanan, Olympia, Poblacion, Tejeros, Sta. Cruz, Kasilawan, Pinagkaisahan, Pio del Pilar, Valenzuela, Pio del Pilar, San

Lucman, magna cum laude at DLSU, adds to Meranaw pride

By Ayunan Gunting-Al-Hadj THEY say that a country’s hope lies in its youth. For the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, it gained another reason to hope.

Mishari Rashid “Teddyboy” Macaraya Lucman, son of ARMM Regional Vice Governor Haroun al Rashid Lucman and his wife Omaimah Macarayah, recently graduated magna cum laude from his BS Accountancy course at De La Salle University, one of the country’s most prestigious schools.

Teddyboy is the first Meranaw to achieve this feat at DLSU, his family said. Asked what drove him into taking BS Accountancy, he said he was inspired by his personal heroes: his parents, grandparents, and his late uncle, Atty. Dax Macaraya. They all have one thing in common: they are law advocates.

“Because of this, I grew up with a dream of becoming a lawyer someday, and to achieve this dream, I decided to take Accountancy because there seemed to be

Mishari Rashid ‘Teddyboy’ Lucman (third from left) with his family (from left) Ramboy Lucman, Haroun 1V Lucman, ARMM Vice Regional Governor Haroun Lucman, Omaimah Macaraya, Harissa and Salahuddin Lucman. Ayunan Gunting Al-Hadj

an informal consensus on it as the best preparatory course for law,” Lucman said.

He decided to enroll at DLSU “because of its reputation of being the premiere school for BSA in the whole country,” and in receiving the Vaugirard Scholarship, a full academic scholarship granted to public school students with high scores during the entrance exams.

As a Muslim who grew

up in a conservative family and neighborhood, Teddyboy found that his greatest challenge in his college life was the practice of his five daily prayers.

“I sometimes had classes scheduled during prayer times, so I always have to find a creative way to perform my prayers. Most of the time, I try to go to the nearest vacant room and pray there. The hassle can be painstaking, but the

relief and the happiness brought by prayers are far more overwhelming,” he says.

However, Teddyboy notes that his Meranaw background never hindered him from reaching his goals. The historical hardships of the Maranao tribe has let him realize life’s cruel realities at an early age, making him “hungry for progress, peace, and success.”

“It allowed me to have a vision that extends far beyond my own interests and a purpose that carries greater meaning. As a result, the sacrifices and struggles I go through become more meaningful and easier to bear,” he said.

He also notes their culture of “family first” gave him a great support system of family members believing and supporting him every step of the way.

This granted him energy through “all the tests God has given.”

Teddyboy is now preparing to take the board exams for Certified Public Accountants in May 2018, then take a break from academics and “go somewhere where I can finish memorizing the Qur’an.” Then he would take up law, or pursue a master’s degree in Islamic Banking and Finance or Economics.

As advice to fellow Meranaws, Teddyboy said: “Given the circumstances surrounding the Maranaos of today, I think the best advice I can give them is to have Sabr (the Islamic virtue of perseverance).”

PLDT ‘#READY’ program for LGUs

Launching the #READY project are (from left) PLDT and Smart EVP and Chief Revenue Officer and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto, NDRRMC Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan, League of Cities of the Philippines president and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, PLDT FVP and Head of Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation president Butch Meily.

LEADInG telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has launched a new program to provide local government units and communities with innovative digital platforms and services to improve public services, advance people’s welfare, and accelerate local economic and social development.

Through PLDT Enterprise, the first initiative under PLDT’s Smart City program is #READY, which provides LGUs digi-

tal communications and information management solutions that enable them to manage public safety, emergency and disaster situations more effectively.

“The #READY initiative falls under Public Safety – the first main pillar of our Smart City campaign,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“The other three major pillars are economic growth, citizen welfare, and digital infrastructure. These ini-

tiatives will equip our LGUs with the digital tools to build a connected, resilient, and sustainable community and move towards becoming a future-ready Smart City,” he added.

Under #READY, PLDT is working with the national Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to help LGUs better perform their roles as first responders and front liners during emergencies and disasters with the aid of digital solutions.

Antonio, San Lorenzo, and Legaspi Village.

In District 2, 10 barangays have been covered, namely, Barangays Carmona, Bel-Air, Valenzuela, Pio del Pilar, San Antonio, San Lorenzo, San Isidro, Bangkal, Palanan, Olympia, Poblacion, and Tejeros.

In its report to the mayor, the PSD tagged the top three violations as Disobedience to Traffic Controls and Signals with 30,088 tickets, followed

by Disregarding of Lane Markings (19,883) and Illegal Parking (13,152).

In BrIef Free Wi-Fi for Qc clinics QUEZOn City is urging the Department of Information and Communications Technology to include health centers in its Wi-Fi project.

The 36-member city council has passed a resolution asking the DITC to include health centers and other health-care facilities of the city government in the national government’s free Wi-Fi project.

District 6 Councilor Melencio Castelo Jr. introduced City Resolution 7229, citing a survey conducted by the city’s health department indicating a resounding agreement to the proposal.

“One hundred percent of the respondents gave their position of conformity with the proposal because browsing the internet, particularly the social media will ease their waiting time prior to medical treatment and/or consultation,” the resolution read. Rio N. Araja

cops ready for ‘undas’ CAMP VICEnTE LIM, Laguna—The Police Regional Office Calabarzon will marshal 7,567 policemen from its five Police Provincial Offices and the Regional Public Safety Battalion for the coming “Undas” or All Saints’ Day holidays from Oct. 31 to nov. 2.

The policemen will cover areas of convergence, transportation hubs, and route security, PRO Calabarzon said.

A total of 829 Assistance Hubs (formerly called Police Assistance Desks or PADs) will be established in cemeteries (450), commercial areas (53), parks and community centers (37), major tourist destinations (60), bus terminals (37), train stations (1) and seaports (14) across the region. Roy Tomandao

Life

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

shopping

thuRsday, octoBeR 26, 2017

c1

sports central’s new

adidas

HomeCourt concept store A

sPORtING venue inspired façade, a shoebase at Centerfield, a Team Room with a locker room feel, cutting edge athletic footwear and sports apparel like the warp knit collection.

“Impossible is Nothing,” as they say with Adidas, and sports Central’s new adidas HomeCourt Concept store on the ground floor of sM Megamall A brings together innovative design and innovative retail. the 279-square meter new store is designed as a retail space where consumers can experience the excitement and thrill of the game, and feel the energy of the fans. Customers are welcomed by a bold and distinctive Arena Facade, similar to the entry points of many sporting venues for adidas. Window displays let customers know the latest campaigns of the brand. the heart of the store is what adidas calls “the shoebase at Centerfield,” the prime spot where customers can check out the latest footwear across all sport categories in different formats. the concourse, surrounding the shoebase, is where adidas categories and sub-brands set up shop and engage with consumers. Instead of flashy designs, wall fixtures are simple metallic frames that leave the products to stand out on its own.

Another highlight is the team Room, a themed changing area that elevates the fitting experience with a team locker room vibe, allowing customers to feel like they’re part of the team. they are certainly in good company, as it also features adidas key athletes like Caroline Wozniacki, Damian Lillard and James Harden and their journey from their humble beginnings, giving consumers a deeper connection with and understanding of adidas. the new adidas HomeCourt Concept store is a sports lover’s dream destination with its wide selection of the trendiest and most complete original athletic footwear, sports apparel, and accessories. Again, “Impossible is Nothing” with adidas as it continues to develop cutting-edge products to help keep cool and comfortable during workouts. the adidas warp knit collection for training worn by supermodel Karlie Kloss, for example, looks as good as it performs. Warp knit is the latest knitting innovation with high compression and a blend of soft nylon fabrics to en-

The new adidas HomeCourt Concept Store in SM Megamall combines innovative retail and innovative design

sure seamless fit and ultimate comfort. your training or workout. Items may sports Central’s new Adidas HomeCheck out the warp knit collection of vary per branch.

Court Concept store at the Ground tees, tights, and halter bras in ultimate Be on top of your game and great style Floor of sM Megamall A. comfort, design, and performance for with shoes, clothes, accessories from Visit www.sportscentral.ph.

The new warp knit collection takes Karlie Kloss seamlessly from the gym to the office and everywhere in between

Adidas Philippines Manager Adrien Semblat checking out the adidas performance products

Healthy Options unveils holiday gift boxes

By Nickie Wang It’s never too soon to begin collecting ideas for the upcoming holidays, and Healthy Options’ “Light up your Christmas” event is just a perfect opportunity to gather inspiration and maybe even a few early Christmas gifts.

Last week, the leading all-natural product store unveiled its 2017 Holiday Gift Collection highlighted by huge gift boxes that enclosed healthy treats for shoppers. the launch also ushered in the “happiest time of the year” with an array of healthy goodies and personal care items.

“Healthy Option started in 1995, and since then we’ve been the country’s premiere all-natural product store. Now, we continue our tradition in giving our consumers a healthy option even this Holiday season with the

launch of 2017 Christmas gift collection,” said an executive of Healthy Options during a media event held at the store’s shangri-La Plaza Mall branch. the executive added that these “delightfully packaged” boxes are meant for gift seekers who are looking for items with premium quality. “these are specially curated selections of wholesome all-natural options that allow shoppers and gift receipts to feast on,” the executive added.

As the store lights up our Christmas with festive and healthy gift boxes ahead of everyone else, shoppers can choose from organic wines, sparkling juices, gift cards, and Christmas-exclusive grocery items. Light-themed gift boxes such as the sparkle Box, a gourmet selection of healthy treats, the Glow Box, perfect for quick and easy on-thego snacks that nourish, the Glisten Box,

a gluten-free selection of snacks and beverages to light up even those with food allergies and many more such as the twinkle, and shimmer boxes, each bring to the table their own health benefits and make gift giving easy to a wide variety of loved ones. the retail store also brings to its healthy holiday shoppers a Christmas experience full of light. Apart from a shopping destination for grocery items, shoppers can also light up their loved ones’ Christmas with all-natural and organic gifts for beauty. Gift sets inspired by clean and natural beauty can also be found in Healthy Options stores such as the Be Dazzling, Pure Radiance, and shine On selections. the unveiling of Holiday Gift Collection preceded the store’s annual gift show that happened from Oct. 20 to 22 in its shangri-La and Glorietta 2

Sparkle Box, a gourmet selection of healthy treats, is one of the curated gift boxes Healthy Options prepared for holiday shoppers

branches. Healthy shoppers were able to pre-order and got exclusive discounts and privileges during the gift show. One particularly exciting privi-

lege was to first witness the launch of the Healthy Options Private label, featuring Healthy Options’ own premium brand of gluten-free grocery items.

Life

c2

thursday, october 26, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Skin care products made of natural water from Kamaishi Iwate Prefecture

Right-angle socks made from cotton blended knit

Shirts made from organic cotton, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers

What is MUJI?

The Wall Mounted CD Player does not take much space in a room and lets you enjoy music in a simple way

M

UJI or Mujirushi Ryohin in Japanese, translates as “no brand, quality goods.” Since its inception, the brand has focused on creating quality products that are truly essential for one’s life without the unnecessary complexity. MUJI recently launched it’s “What is MUJI?” exhibit – an honest display of the brand’s mission and philosophy.

In the year 1980, MUJI was founded with an eye for creating low-cost, good quality products with its origin, a thorough rationalization of the manufacturing process. In creating products, MUJI reexamined their production process through three lenses: material selection, streamlining process, and packaging simplification.

Material selection For Japanese brand MUJI, choosing the best materials to create their products is of utmost importance. A considerable amount of attention is given to their selection process. MUJI travels around the world to source out the most suitable raw materials with quality as its deciding criteria.

Streamlining process The manufacturing process of how each product is produced is subject to careful scrutiny at MUJI. Unnecessary processes that have no bearing on a

product’s quality such as sorting, sizing, and polishing, are eliminated. Products that do not meet certain standards of size are turned into products for sale.

Through this, MUJI is able to focus on true quality and is able to reduce costs and eliminate waste.

Packaging simplification When packaging products, the brand highlights its natural color and shape instead of embellishing it. For this reason, MUJI uses bulk packaging and places products in plain, uniform containers. This approach helps conserve resource and reduce waste.

Thus, all MUJI products appear in simple packaging that bears only product information and the retail price – another testament to the brand’s simplicity.

These three lenses are the core principles of MUJI which remain unchanged to this day. This concept was built from the beginning to deliver goods and services with both the consumer and manufacturer in mind to realize MUJI’s vision

of creating simple and pleasant lifestyles. The essence of their products lies in its simplicity, flexibility, and modesty to fit different lifestyles and individual preferences. Like empty vessels, its simplicity and emptiness offer the ultimate universality by embracing the feelings and thoughts of all people. MUJI has been credited with being “resource-saving,” “low-priced”, “simple,” “anonymous,” and “nature-oriented.” Without placing a disproportionate emphasis on any one of these varied assessments, MUJI aims to live up to all. Today, there are more than 800 MUJI stores around the world, carrying more than 7,500

items ranging from clothing and household goods to food and even houses. But the foundation of its philosophy has not changed since the day it was conceived. MUJI continues to orient itself to the basis and universality of daily life.

Today, there are MUJI stores located in 28 countries/regions including Japan. It has been more than a quarter of a century since 1991 when MUJI started its global expansion from London and Hong Kong.

In the Philippines, MUJI has branches at C1 Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 3, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell, and Shangri-La Plaza East Wing.

Fabulous fashion finds at Resorts World Manila

GeT your fill of designer bags, shoes, and clothing at newly opened boutiques, 158 Designers’ Blvd., Salvatore Ferragamo, and Tommy Hilfiger at GF Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila.

158 Designers’ Blvd. has long been a fashionista favorite for its comprehensive lineup of coveted brands such as Kate Spade, Bally, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and more.

Italian leather goods specialist Salvatore Ferragamo and American leisure wear icon Tommy Hilfiger, provide classic, exquisitely made items for timelessly elegant looks.

The boutiques join Newport Mall’s impressive array of popular and luxury retail brands.

Newport Mall has a carefully curated lineup of shops tailored to meet every shopper’s needs— from local superbrand Bench to top global names such as Spanish fast-fashion house Mango, and ultra-exclusive Swiss watch and jewelry makers such Rolex and Charriol.

Newport Mall is also home to the Newport Ultra Cinema, which has been included in Architecture & Design’s list of 25 most beautiful cinemas in the world. Apart from featuring state-of-the-art visual and sound systems, the all-recliner theater provides butler service and unlimited servings of popcorn and soda for the ultimate movie experience.

As an added treat to shoppers, Newport Mall is offering free parking for guests with single or accumulated receipts worth at least P500 from any Newport Mall establishment.

Newport Mall hours are from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on 158 Designers’ Blvd.’ s outlet at Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila weekends.

Viber lets users change phone or mobile number sans the hassle of losing data

What went down at the launch of blk cosmetics Anne Curtis seems to be doing it all.

Just when you thought she might not have time for anything else, the self-confessed beauty addict recently launched her own makeup line called blk cosmetics.

“My fans and followers always ask me, what highlighter are you wearing?

What lipstick shade is that?” says Anne.

“My fans and friends know that I will never come out with a product I didn’t believe in, that I would use myself.”

Anne’s vision for blk is to bring quality makeup at affordable price and to make a woman’s beauty routine simple and uncomplicated. “I wanted to make sure that blk would be accessible to everyone who wants it, without compromising its quality.

My partners and I agreed that we saw a gap in the market for good-quality makeup Here is blk’s initial lineup of products: for beauty that’s made simple.

blk cosmetics All-Day Matte Powder Foundation, P399 Powder up with this compact foundation that has ultra fine pigments for seamless, buildable coverage—go medium or full, it’s up to you. The result is a fresh, soft matte finish—a gorgeously even complexion that looks like real skin, perfect for that awesome selfie. Bonus benefits: It also has built-in SPF 15 and is infused with anti-aging Vitamin e.

Comes in two shades: Natural Beige and Light Beige.

blk cosmetics All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick, P299 Think intense color at first swipe, a true matte finish—zero sheen, just allout boldness—and a non-drying, allday wear. The winning formula, which is enriched with Vitamin e and camellia oil, moves comfortably with your lips, never caking or feathering as you go from day to night.

Comes in six shades: Chic, Charming, Bubbly, elegant, Brave, Fearless

blk cosmetics Long-Lasting Liquid Matte Lipstick, P299

Anne Curtis launches her own makeup line BLK Cosmetics

to flatter every complexion: a matte contour, an iridescent blush, and a champagne highlighter. It’s also infused with Vitamin e to keep skin young looking.

Comes in two shades: Flushed (rose blush) and Sunkissed (peach blush)

blk cosmetics Brow Sculpting Pencil Duo, P249

Define, fill in, and groom brows in place with this pencil-and-brush duo. The triangle tip has a pointed end to create thin lines and a flat tip for thicker strokes, while the creamy pencil is infused with aloe vera to blk cosmetics Long-Lasting gently condition your strands. Apply lightly Liquid Eyeliner, P249 for a natural look or heavily for a full brow.

This smudge-proof, foolproof liquid Comes in two shades: Taupe and Nateyeliner glides like velvet, delivering ural Brown. intense pigment that lasts all day while also soothing your lids’ delicate skin blk cosmetics Lipsticks A certified lipstick junkie, it’s no blk cosmetics Contour, Blush, with aloe vera. No need for touch-ups— and Highlight Palette, P499 it can literally take you from your a.m. surprise that Anne’s favorites are the Achieving perfectly defined cheeks is workout to after-work cocktails. lippies, which come in three formulas. as easy as 1-2-3 with this three-step face Comes in two shades: Black and “Lipstick is my secret weapon,” she palette with expertly coordinated shades Brown. shares. “It makes all the difference!”

Treat your lips to the most comfortable matte lippie ever: The color payoff is beyond intense, the mousse texture dries to a freshly-blotted look with a soft matte finish—never tight or drying, thanks to hydrating Vitamin e and softening rosehip seed oil—and the pigment stays put all day long.

Comes in five shades: Brazen, Bold, Sassy, Sophisticated, Simple

blk cosmetics Velvet Lip Cream, P349 Nourish your kissers with our extra hydrating velvet lip cream, which protects and conditions with Vitamin e and camellia oil. One swipe is all you need for full, creaseless coverage—you get a beautiful solid hue with a smooth satin finish every single time.

Comes in four shades: Alluring, Refined, Classy, Flirty BLK is available in top Watsons stores nationwide, on ZALORA, and through www.blkcosmetics.com.ph.

Viber allows users to change phone number

without losing data

ONe of the world’s leading messaging apps, Viber is rolling out a major update that enables users to change their phone number, as well as their primary mobile device—without losing any of their data. The update continues to support the app’s efforts to create a seamless experience for users across the board. This update will create an easy and seamless experience for Viber users who need to change phone numbers or switch to a new phone.

The feature provides peace of mind for users who wish to preserve their conversations, contacts and other data while making the fairly common, and often stressful, move to a new phone number while on the same device and operating system. Viber detects when a new SIM card is on the device and prompts the change phone number flow. Within a few quick steps, the user can transfer all of their Viber data to the new number.

Users changing both their phone number and device on the same operating system, need only complete the change phone number flow on their old device before putting the new SIM in the new device and activating Viber.

Once a user changes their number, Viber will notify their contacts so that they have an opportunity to save the new phone number in their contact list.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

‘TABI PO,’ a graphic novel now a TV masterpiece

Shekhar Kapur heads SGIFF Asian Feature Film Competition international jury KNOWN to raise awareness and propel the careers of filmmaking talents in Asia, the 28th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) announced its Silver Screen Awards’ jury panel for both Asian Feature Film Competition and Southeast Asian Short Film Competition today.

Shekhar Kapur, an established film director with a strong presence in both Indian and Western Cinema, will serve as the head juror for the Asian Feature Film Competition this year. No stranger to a juror’s role at international film festivals, Kapur has previously served on the jury of the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, London Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival. He first gained global recognition with his film Bandit Queen (1994), which won rave reviews after premiering at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. He then introduced Australian actress Cate Blanchett to the world in his two historical biopics of Queen Elizabeth –Elizabeth (1998), which won six BAFTA Awards and seven nominations at the Academy Awards, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) that saw two Academy Award nominations, and walked away with one win.

A man of many talents, Kapur went beyond films and collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber to co-create the West End musical Bombay Dreams.

Joining Kapur on the jury are Hong Kong filmmaker Clara Law (Autumn Moon, 1992 and The Goddess of 1967, 2000), IranianAmerican screenwriter and director Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, 2014) and Head of Programming at the Locarno Film Festival Mark Peranson.

For the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, Programming Director of the Asian Future section at Tokyo International Film Festival Kenji Ishizaka will head the jury panel, which also includes Singapore filmmaker K. Rajagopal (A Yellow Bird, 2016) and Indonesian actress Marsha Timothy (Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts, 2017).

In selecting these talents as the jury panel, SGIFF Executive Director Yuni Hadi said, “Our jury members are prominent and

dynamic industry leaders in their own right. With their expertise and craftsmanship, we look forward to identifying talent and recognizing Asian features and Southeast Asian short films that stand out with their bold artistry and strong storytelling.”

Besides their jury duties for the Silver Screen Awards which will be held on Dec.2 at the Marina Bay Sands, some of the jury members, such as Shekhar Kapur and Clara Law, will also be conducting masterclasses during the Festival to interact and share their experiences with audiences. A series of short films by Ana Lily Amirpour including Six and A Half, her first and only film shot on film on Super 16mm, will also be screened as part of the Cinema Today section of the Festival.

The 28th SGIFF also announced a new Focus series as part of this year’s line-up – Histories of Tomorrow: Indonesian Cinema After the New Order.

Through film screenings and a panel discussion during the Festival, the series will showcase filmmaking in Indonesia as an embodiment of its independent and community spirit. The selected films share the common theme as agents of change that engage with social reality through cinema, which rose in prominence after the New Order. To encourage dialogues and foster a stronger audience-creator relationship, Indonesian film practitioners including the Co-Curator of the Focus programme, Adrian Jonathan Pasaribu – who is also Editor-in-chief of Cinema Poetica and Member of Indonesian Film Board – will be in town to engage with festival goers through a panel discussion.

The SGIFF is an event of the Singapore Media Festival, hosted by Infocommunications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA). SGIFF’s Official Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor since 2014, Marina Bay Sands; Official Festival Time Partner, IWC Schaffhausen; Official International Realtor, List Sotheby’s; Official Automobile, BMW and Official Airline, Singapore Airlines.

The full Festival line-up and ticketing details will be announced at the end of the month.

G

ROWING up, we were told countless tales about this infamous miscreation in Philippine folklore known as aswang. Always depicted as a flesh eating and ruthless creature hunting for its prey, is that what they really are – mindless killing ghouls?

Cignal TV, through its Sari Sari Channel, brings you a brave and bold TV series about the lives of aswangs in Tabi Po. Tabi Po tells the story of Elias, a neophyte aswang. Born from a tree during the country’s Spanish era, Elias embarks on a journey with two older aswangs, Tasyo and Sabel, in the quest to understand their true

WHISPER Philippines recently culminated their puberty education program, inviting 21 lucky students from Natividad High School, Pampanga, their moms, teachers, and representatives from the Department of Education.

A special forum about puberty and feminine hygiene was held along with an exclusive meet and greet with brand ambassador, Nadine Lustre. the new Whisper Cottony Clean with Dermacare Lotion was also introduced with dermatologist, Dr. Audrey Dy Chua present to discuss the importance of keeping vaginal skin moisturized and protected from discomfort and irritation especially during red days.

“Women are most vulnerable to chafing and rashes during their red days.” says Dr. Chua.

“Aside from keeping the area clean with regular washing, it’s important to choose sanitary pads that are made with quality materials that are gentle on the skin and offer fast absorption.” , We asked for how Nadine stays confident and unstoppable throughout her monthly cycle and she offers these tips: “I never leave home without my emergency period kit! Since I’m often at shoots, road shows, or events, I make sure to keep a stash of napkins and extra underwear in my bag!”

Since it takes some time for girls’ cycles to regularize, it’s important to stay prepared! More than anything, it’s tagos, or staining our clothes that worries women the most. In case a stain does get onto your clothes, a handy hack would be to apply some hydrogen peroxide onto the affected area then wipe off with cotton or tissue paper!

“I keep moving! Going to the gym and dance rehearsals help me manage stress and cramps that accompany my monthly period. Sa age niyo dapat nag- e-enjoy lang kayo, kasi pagtanda niyo, i-wisish niyo na maging bata kayo. ” Life should not stop during red days. Staying active throughout one’s menstrual cycle not only promotes healthy blood circulation but also helps us feel better emotionally. When we exercise, our body releases chemicals called endorphins. These interact with our brain and help lift our mood.

In order to easily move around during red days, a pad that is long enough and will stay in place is essential. While a regular pad does the trick for most women, it’s best to play on the safe side.

For heavy days and activities that require lots of movement, an XLong or XXLong pad might be best for effective coverage.

“Ask questions! My mom helped me through

Thursday, October 26, 2017

(2 wds.)

64 Guy 65 Hound’s track 66 Legislate 67 Smith or Jackson 68 Apple seed 69 Car loans 70 Travel on snow DOWN 1 Pool dimension 2 NW state 3 Severity 4 Laments loudly 5 No. crunchers 6 Go on the — 7 Tribute in verse 8 Not rural 9 Item to dunk (2 wds.)

10 Empty space 11 Lhasa — 12 Youthful one 15 Da Vinci masterpiece (2 wds.)

20 Sparklers 22 O.T. prophet 24 Of the Arctic 25 Stirs 27 Hoop site 29 Greenhouse tray 30 High-fashion mag

nature. Along the way, Elias meets Salome, a sex slave of the friars, and falls in love with her. In the middle of a rising revolution, Elias is forced to face his own battles – his love for Salome

versus his hunger for flesh, the growing rift between himself and Tasyo, the society’s stigma with aswangs, and the battle with his own inner demons.

Unlike anything on TV now, Tabi

Nadine’s All Day No Check tips for ‘adulting’

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Quaint weapon 5 “Pull” 10 Tank 13 Singer — Adams 14 San Diego pro 15 Brood 16 Lobby call 17 One-celled swimmer (var.)

18 River of northern France 19 Leather strips 21 Maroon 23 Steed 24 Canal site 26 Kitty’s greeting 28 Did 18 holes 32 Deli sandwich filling (2 wds.)

37 Absurd 38 Monogram pt.

39 Did a fall chore 41 Red-tag event 42 Mottled bean 44 Sent into exile 46 Practices theft 48 Metric prefix 49 Posh 51 Allow 56 Transportation container 59 Indistinct 60 Anything that entices 61 Toy soldier

After extensive preparation, Sari-Sari Channel airs the epic tale of "Tabi Po," a bold series that follows the lives of "aswangs" and the battle with their own inner demons

Po shows love, beauty, amidst the horrific lives of these creatures called aswang. Where did they come from? What is their purpose? Is there more to the massive killing, gore and bloodshed typically associated with them? Know the untold stories behind the aswang in this new cinematic TV masterpiece.

This series is a TV adaptation of Mervin Malonzo’s best-selling graphic novel series with the same title that won the National Book Awards for Graphic Literature.

Directed by award-winning director Paul Basinilio, Tabi Po stars a powerhouse cast led by Adrian Alandy as Tasyo, Phoebe Walker as Sabel, Jourdanne Castillo as Salome, and AJ Muhlach as Elias.

Find out which side will prevail, Elias’ true bloodthirsty nature or his deep feelings for the girl he loves the most?

This epic tale premieres tomorrow and will air every Friday at 8 p.m until Dec. 1.

Watch it on the Sari-Sari Channel on Cignal.

31 Changed hair color 32 Waiter’s rewards 33 Single entity 34 WXYZ, on a phone 35 Assailant 36 Put off to a later time 40 Lair 43 Earthenware jar 45 Target 47 Grew weary 50 Trawler gear

52 Knocks down 53 Taj — 54 Up in arms 55 Did steno work 56 Fall softly 57 Honda rival 58 Farm yield 59 Poker stakes 62 Punch 63 Harvest Moon mo.

puberty. Hearing her stories and advice they gave help me feel at ease during my red days! Hindi ako masyadong nahirapan. Very smooth yung experience kasi nandiyan yung mom ko. Siya ang nagturo sa akin kung ano gagawin at ano gagamitin.”

Red days tend to make women feel insecure, uncomfortable, and confused. For young ladies, puberty can be scary with all the sudden changes so she turns to her mom, ate or teacher who has been through it all.

Whisper Philippines conducts talks around schools across the country in order to help young girls understand what they go through during puberty. Beyond introducing the products, the initiative provides young girls with insight that is necessary to understand the changes that their bodies are going through. In 2016, the program has reached thousands of girls in public and private schools around the country.

Not all pads are created equally. A pad with longlasting 12-hour leakage protection and anti-leak barriers from all sides will be able to give women the peace of mind she needs but they should do more than just absorb and prevent leakage. Since the skin is at its most sensitive on that time of the month, it’s important that “skin care down there” is placed at the forefront. Whisper Cottony Clean with Dermacare Lotion has technology that makes the pad gentle on skin as it continues to promise up to 12 hours of leakage protection. It has chamomile and vitamin B5 forming a thin layer against the skin for extra care and protection reducing friction that cause redness, itch and rashes.

Viva Artist and Whisper Brand Ambassador Nadine Lustre (second from left) joined by Whisper Philippines executives in a recent media event

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

HEART

"My Korean Jagiya" star Heart Evangelista talks about her home and the space she created for her future child

getting ready

to be a

C

MOM

ONTINUING our conversation with Heart EvangelistaISAH V. RED Escudero recently, we drifted to the topic of motherhood. She giggled when she heard our question, “Are you and Chiz planning to have a baby soon?” And she, without hesitation answered, “Oo naman. It’s about time.

Yeah, it’s about time. I think it’s time. You know I’m so scared.”

Heart has been buying baby items for quite some time now.

In fact, she also has a nursery in the house she had built for her and Chiz. She said, “No, there isn’t a crib yet. In fact, there’s nothing in it yet.”

She hopes her friends would gift her what she would need for the baby.

“Oo. Pero ‘yung mga little things, like when I travel, ‘yung mga blankets, pillows. ‘Nung nagpagawa ako ng bahay, meron nang kwarto doon. So, may cabinet na, ‘dun ko sya nilalagay.

Yung mga iba lang. Kunyari may mga sale,” Heart said.

Heart’s new house has four rooms, “I really planned it na four kasi, two kids, si Chiz; my

SEVERAL GMA news and entertainment personalities were recently recognized at various shows.

At the 7th EdukCircle Awards, Kapuso talents dominated the list of winners in the news and public affairs category, with 24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez winning the Best Female and Male News Anchors, respectively.

Jessica Soho was voted the Best Magazine Show Host for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Sandra Aguinaldo’s I-Witness won Best in Documentary Program while Pinoy MD host Connie Sison won the Best Health Show Host. AHA! host Drew Arellano won Best Educational Show Host.

Gabby Concepcion was voted Best Actor for Television for Ika-6 Na Utos. And, Eat Bulaga! host Jose Manalo the Most Outstanding TV Personality in Comedy.

Korean actor Alexander Lee

working with my clutch line. So, medyo mahirap ‘yung clutch line ko. Matagal, mabusisi mabusisi.

I’m working on that and then, I’m working also, I’m finishing my 2018 collection for painting ulit.

Now I’m on my 20th painting. I did those in between taping.”

It was a lengthy conversation. In the coming installment we tackled how she is as a stepmother to Chiz’s two kids and her other plans apart from My

baby and Chiz, ‘cause I only want one.”

She added that one baby for her and Chiz is okay.

We asked her what if she’d conceive quadruplets? She was horrified at the idea saying, “Grabe naman. Isa lang, it’s not for ano, but I think I wanna make sure na, I give them the best, alam mo ‘yun. So, to make sure na okay sila. I think that’s smart.

Just a right family.

Heart stays most of the time in the nursery, “Well, the nursery kasi ‘dun ako nagpepaint habang wala pa kong taping. And ‘yung office ko, ‘yung attic.”

She said she is painting bags again, “I stopped kasi I’m

Korean Jagiya (with Alexander Lee), which is rating highly on primetime TV, weeknights on GMA Network. *** Did you know Heart and Alexander taught Chiz’s visitors on how to make finger heart?

In separate Instagram posts of Heart and Alexander on Chiz’s birthday where the entire cast of of Fil-Korean novela attended the celebration, the stars of My Korean Jagiya even found time to teach Chiz and his guests how to make finger heart.

Everyone at the party had a good time with both Heart and Alexander along with the other members of the cast.

Kapuso personalities honored at various award shows

EdukCircle's Most Influential Personalities: (from left) Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

EdukCircle also cited today’s hottest endorsers and most influential personalities.

Marian Rivera and Maine Mendoza were included in the

list of 5 Most Influential Female Endorsers of the Year, while Alden Richards in the list of 5 Most Influential Male Endorsers of the Year.

Dingdong Dantes was cited one of the 5 Most Influential Film Actors of the Year while Jennylyn Mercado in the 5 Most Influential Film Actresses.

Meanwhile, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), through its Program on Awards & Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, gave the

*** If you haven’t gotten enough of Pia Wurtzbach, that’s understandable. And you’ll be seeing more of Miss Universe 2015 on television.

Pia Wurtzbach signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN on Oct. 9. The beauty queen will soon be part of various programs and movies on the Kapamilya network including her regular appearances in the Sunday noontime show ASAP. When asked how she feels about being a Kapamilya, Wurtzbach shared, “I really trust ABS-CBN because I know that they’re going to put me on the right track.”

Outstanding Broadcaster Award to five Kapuso news personalities: Susan Enriquez, Steve Dailisan, Bernadette Reyes, Joel Reyes Zobel, and Ivan Mayrina.

PAO also conferred the Outstanding Reporter honor to Chino Gaston. The awards were given to individuals who have done exemplary work in their fields of service and who have helped PAO realize its vision and mission. Meanwhile, GMA News TV’s flagship newscast, State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, was recognized as the Outstanding News Program.

Ivan Mayrina earlier received the Award of Excellence in the Field of Broadcasting from the School Press Advisers Movement, Inc. (SPAM). With his award, Mayrina became the fourth recipient of the said award after Mike Enriquez, Jessica Soho, and Mel Tiangco.

SPAM, Inc., is an organization of campus journalism advisers from all over the Philippines.