Manila Standard - 2017 October 30 - Monday

SUNDAY BLAZE. Thick smoke billows from a residential area at Santiago Street corner Pedro Gil in Manila after a fire broke out around 9 a.m. on Sunday. The fire reached 4th alarm , with no reported casualty. Norman Cruz

VOL. XXXI • NO. 258 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Speaker overrules Sereno Marawi prepares to recover 700 cadavers THE government expects to retrieve more than 100 bodies of civilians from the main battle area in Marawi City, an assemblyman from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Sunday.

In an interview over radio dzBB, ARMM Assembly-

PDEA seizes P19b worth of narcotics OFFICIALS have dismantled 172 clandestine shabu laboratories and drug dens as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said that from June 2016 up to Oct. 25, 2017, 163 drug dens and nine clandestine shabu laboratories were dismantled while P18.85 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized, or an increase of P11.57 million from the previous month.

As of Oct. 25, 2017, 2,509.22 kilos of shabu worth P12.91 billion were seized, or an increase of P11.38 million compared with the 2,506.93 kilos Next page

man Zia Alonto Adiong said there were 61 people still missing.

“Actually, we’re expecting the worst,” he added.

“We are not causing any panic here or alarm, but we’re getting ready. We are expecting the worst.”

Adiong said the government had buried about 100 people at the Maqbara Public Cemetery, and was expecting to find the bodies of 600 to 700 members of the Maute terrorist group that had overrun the city on May 23.

“These are the Maute

fighters alone but they’re also looking at the possibility of finding civillians there,” Adiong said.

The military declared an end to the five-month siege in Marawi City on Oct. 23, after government troops Next page

1,175 temporary shelters for bakwit RECOVERY efforts for Marawi will begin with the building of 1,175 temporary shelters for residents who were displaced by five months of fighting, the chairman of the agency coordinating the activities of all government housing agencies said Sunday.

In an interview on radio dzBB, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman Eduardo del Rosario said Marawi City is on its way to an early recovery.

“Task Force Bangon Marawi will focus on providing temporary shelter

for those of our countrymen in Marawi who are still in evacuation centers,” Del Rosario said in Filipino.

The temporary housing units will be build in Barangay Sagonsongan, he said, adding that 500 to 600 units are expected to be turned Next page

Urges Chief Justice to confront accusers during House hearing

By Rio N. Araja

H

OUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has turned down the request of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to allow her legal counsel to directly crossexamine witnesses in the impeachment proceedings against her before the committee on justice, saying there is no provision for such a practice in the rules of procedure.

“That cannot be. The ac- examine [the witnesses],” cused here is not the lawyer. Alvarez said.

The lawyer cannot crossHe said Sereno should

By Bill Casas

IN DEMAND. Flower farmer harvests Malaysian Mums in time for the high demand during the annual celebration of All Saints’ Day/All Souls’ Day in Benguet and Baguio City. Dave Leprozo

Du30: Marawi in dire need of rehab assistance Pearl A. Gajunera

GREEN RIDE. An electric tricycle (e-trike) provided by the Manila City Hall offers visitors a free ride to and from the Manila North cemeter a couple of days before the All Saints’ Day. Ey Ecasio

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

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Lockdown routes to avoid in week-long Asean event

Manila cops fan out for undas rites MANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada on Sunday ordered the Manila Police District to field enough policemen to the city’s biggest cemeteries to maintain peace and order during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Next page

cross-examine the resource persons to be presented against her.

“She should face the proceedings because she is the accused. Now, if she does not appear, she should waive [her right]. If she does not face [the proceedings], she would lose the chance to defend herself [against] all that would be said against her,” he added.

Sereno’s lawyer and spokesperson, Josa Deinla, maintained that her lawyers have the right to crossexamine the witnesses as a matter of due process.

DAVAO CITY — Saying there will be grave consequences if the government fails to rehabilitate Marawi, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that he will be seeking significant assistance from Japan to rebuild the war-torn city.

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“I think the damage alone and the dimension of the distraction would tell Japan that we need our very best in their assistance. And I do not doubt that Japan can graciously give us the help that we [need],” Duterte told reporters here before leaving for Tokyo.

“Of course, we do not ex-

manilastandard.net

pect Japan would solve all the problems for us—but I would seek significant assistance, considering, as I said, the dimension of the destruction. I am hopeful that [Japan] can improve on these things because we really need to rehabilitate Marawi,” he added.

Next page

MOTORISTS are strongly advised to refrain from passing through designated lockdown routes in Metro Manila from Nov. 8 to 15 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy, the chairman of the Asean Committee on Security, Peace and Order, Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced the following

lockdown schedules: Nov. 8 (12:01a.m. onwards) - Partial lockdown of CCP Complex, Pasay City Nov. 11 (10:00 p.m. onwards) - Complete lockdown of SMX-MAAX Block, Pasay City Nov. 12 (12:01 a.m. onwards) - Complete lockdown of CCP Complex, Pasay City Nov. 13 (12:01 a.m. onwards) - Total lockdown Next page

Butanding among 34 endangered species—UN LIONS, chimpanzees, giraffes, leopards and a wide variety of sharks—including the whale shark known locally as “butanding”—received added protection at a UN wildlife conference in the Philippines, organizers said Saturday.

Some 34 endangered spe-

cies were selected to receive heightened conservation efforts at the Conservation of Migratory Species conference that just concluded in Manila.

Protecting migratory species poses particular difficulties since they cross Next page

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News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Hazing raps dropped for witness

By Rey E. Requejo

A

EGIS Juris Fraternity member Marc Anthony Ventura will soon be removed from the list of respondents in the criminal charges arising from the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio Castillo III, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Sunday.

He said Ventura will no longer be included as a respondent in the charges of murder, hazing and obstruction of justice filed by Castillo’s parents and the Manila Police District against 37 people after he expressed willingness to testify against those who were involved in the hazing that resulted in

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“Not one citizen can be denied the due process of law… because this is emphasized in our Constitution,” she said.

The camp of Sereno earlier filed a motion after the failure of the committee to act on her two letters dated Sept. 28 and Oct. 3, requesting that her lawyers be allowed to cross-examine witnesses against her.

Alvarez said due process would be strictly observed— if Sereno appeared before the committee to tell her side.

He dismissed allegations that the House leadership was trying to railroad the impeachment complaint

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wiped out the remaining terrorist force in the city.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., Task Force Ranao deputy commander, said the fighting took the lives of 920 Maute members and 165 government soldiers.

On Sunday, newly appointed Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero ordered the troops to eradicate all threats to peace and security.

In a statement Sunday, AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said this was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to eliminate lawless elements following the liberation of Marawi City from the hands of the Maute group.

Guerrero, who is concurrently Eastern Mindanao commander, was tasked to dismantle New People’s Army bands that are concentrated in the Davao Region, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao.

At the same time, he was also tasked to curb the spread of violence and terrorism in

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over to returning Marawi residents by December.

Del Rosario said the government is also pushing for the immediate restoration of power and water supply in the war-ravaged city.

“There are 96 barangays sa Marawi City, and we can say 33 barangays are in Ground Zero. For the 63 barangays that were least affected, we’d like power and water supply to be restored before the residents return,” he added.

Del Rosario said four contractors have been tapped to build the temporary shelters, and he has asked the local city government to provide land so that site development can begin right away.

Also on Sunday, peace advocate and actor Robin Padilla launched Tindig Marawi, an effort to rebuild the war-torn city.

Castillo’s death.

“Mr. Ventura will be dropped as a respondent.

That will be a consequence of his being a state witness,” Aguirre said.

Ventura was admitted to the Justice department’s Witness Protection Program after he went to the department and submitted a six-page afagainst Sereno.

Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, who chairs the committee on justice, said his panel could conduct a hearing on Sereno’s impeachment when Congress resumes session on Nov. 20, or after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, which is being hosted in Manila this year.

Umali said his committee has yet to decide whether to grant Sereno’s request to allow her lawyers to represent her and cross-examine the witnesses.

A private lawyer, Lorenzo Gadon, filed the impeachment complaint against Sereno for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes, including untruthful declaration of her wealth. his area of responsibility, especially during the Marawi City siege.

“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: Finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement against lawless armed groups,” Guerrero said in his assumption speech during the AFP change of command ceremonies on Thursday.

He also vowed to continue reform programs in the military, improve its capability, and revisit war-fighting doctrines in light of new “battlefield environments.”

“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advanced weapons systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms,” he said.

The new AFP chief also seeks to “refine internal processes including improvements on services and transparency and accountability of transactions.” PNA “Mindanao and peace are two things close to my heart,” Padilla said in Filipino.

“Ang Mindanao at kapayapaan ay dalawang bagay na malapit sa aking puso,” Padilla shares, explaining why the Marawi Siege that lasted for five months has impacted him in a big way.

After the fighting broke out in May, Padilla had started reaching out to friends, relatives and private companies to gather relief for those displaced by war. He also donated P5 million for psycho-social intervention for the children of Marawi, and distributed relief goods worth another P5 million to displaced residents of the city.

Realizing that the people of Marawi need so much more, he formed “Tindig, Marawi” as a springboard to generate more support from private individuals, corporations and organizations to support and help in the rebuilding of the city.

fidavit, where he implicated 23 fraternity members involved in the initiation rites for Castillo on Sept.17.

Aguirre said he found Ventura a credible witness after reviewing his eligibility for the WPP. “For you to be qualified under WPP, you should not appear to be the most guilty, and he is not the most guilty upon our assessment,” Aguirre said.

“We saw that it was very voluntary in his part to testify. He said he was ready to face the consequences of his decision with respect to his membership in the fraternity. He’s willing to be expelled.”

Aguirre said since Ventura was the lone witness, his testimony was necessary to successfully prosecute the peo-

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borders, including possibly moving to countries with less stringent wildlife protection systems, said Bradnee Chambers, CMS executive secretary.

“If the species is moving around all of these countries, everybody has to pitch in,” he said at the end of the week-long conference.

Lions, leopards and chimpanzees were singled out as needing more conservation work. The chimpanzee in particular is at risk as their numbers have dropped sharply in recent years due to habitat loss, the organizers said.

The giraffe, which is in decline throughout Africa with fewer than 90,000 animals left in the wild, was also listed.

All four of these African mammals were approved by a “wide majority” for additional protection measures, a CMS statement noted.

“Everybody in this room can identify with these animals,” Chambers said.

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seized last month with an estimated street value of P12.9 billion.

PDEA said authoarities also arrested 117,044 people involved in illegal drugs from July 2016 to Oct. 25, 2017.

Included in the total figure were 420 government workers of whom 181 were elected officials, 36 uni-

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He gave the order following the recent arrest of a suspected member of the Maute terrorist group in Quezon City.

At the same time, Estrada assured the public there was nothing to worry about since the police had not monitored any potential terror threats that could disrupt the long holiday up to the Asean Summit in November.

“The public, including

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The President noted that with Japan’s support to the government’s Mindanao peace and development efforts, Marawi will soon rise “as center of moderation and tolerance in Mindanao” after Islamic State-inspired extremists laid siege on the Lanao del Sur capital last May. The President likewise stressed that he would take “full responsibility” for the military-led action against jihadists in

ple liable for Castillo’s death.

“We don’t know if there will be more witnesses, but even if we only have him, his testimony is already strong enough,” Aguirre said.

In his affidavit, Ventura said the 23 members of the fraternity were all present during Castillo’s initiation held in the school library before dawn on Sept. 17.

Ventura gave nine new names: Edric Pilapil, Zach Abulencia, Daniel Ragos, Dave Felix, Sam Cagalingan, Alex Cairo, Luis Kapulong, Kim Cyrill Roque and Ged Villanueva.

He also confirmed the participation of fraternity president Arvin Balag, master initiator Axel Munro Hipe and 12 other members already charged before the Justice department: Ralph Trangia,

Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Mhin Wei Chan, Daniel Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Karl Matthew Villanueva, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro, Jose Miguel Salamat, Leo Lalusis, Alex Bose and Robin Ramos.

Ventura also claimed that a female companion of Bose was present in the library during the initiation rites.

He said the initiation rites started at 1 a.m. with a prayer, and that those present required Castillo to do some stretching before proceeding with the rites.

He then said the fraternity members started the hazing by punching Castillo’s arms.

They used spatulas in tapping Castillo’s arms to reduce the swelling and calm the muscles before hitting him with paddles.

After the third hit, the initiators asked Castillo if he could still endure the process, and to which he answered yes.

However, after the fourth hit the neophyte collapsed around 5 a.m.

Ventura then said they decided to summon another member with a medical background, John Paul Solano, to help revive Castillo.

They then carried Castillo to a pickup and set to bring him to a nearby hospital until Solano came and they decided to bring the neophyte back to the library to see if their member would be able to revive him.

When Solano failed to revive Castillo, they decided to bring him to the Chinese General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Less popular species also received additional protection, including 10 species of vultures.

Chambers said these birds provided a vital service by cleaning out carcasses, which prevents the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies.

Also listed was the whale shark, the largest fish in the world. Host country the Philippines had lobbied for this creature, which has become a major tourist attraction.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said among the measures agreed on is banning the practice of whale shark-feeding by tourists.

Scientists have said that feeding the sharks disrupts their natural cycle of migration, with many sharks opting to stay in the waters of Oslob, Cebu, where such feeding is practiced.

Tourists will also no longer be allowed to touch or get too close to whale sharks.

Three other shark species—the angelshark, the dusky shark and the blue

shark—were also listed along with three species of rays, the organizers said.

Activist charity group the Pew Charitable Trusts praised the CMS action, saying it was crucial to save these marine animals.

“In some regions, the newly protected shark species have experienced population declines of 50 percent or more,” Pew shark conservation expert KerriLynn Miller said in a statement.

Also listed was the Gobi Bear which lives in the wild regions shared by Mongolia and China. Only 45 specimens remain in the wild, the organizers said.

One of the breakthroughs of the meeting was the adoption of a “compliance review mechanism,” to check if member countries respect the protective lists, the organizers said.

Pew international conservation expert Max Bello said that even though the CMS lists did not provide for sanctions, many member countries still complied with them.

“It does work. It needs

more [authority] for sure.

But you can use it. It’s actually a very good tool,” he said.

“A year or two ago, I was helping some group in Peru in the coast of the South Pacific and we used CMS to convince the government of Peru to protect the giant mantas that come from Ecuador every year,” he recalled.

More than 120 states are party to the CMS, but this does not include China and many other Asian countries.

“We’re trying to work to bring China onboard as a member of the convention.

We have been engaging them and they are actually doing quite a bit,” Chambers told reporters.

China had already made some progress, banning shark fin soup in official banquets and announcing a ban on ivory by the end of 2017, he said.

“What it required is positive engagement with the country to see how to find solutions instead of just bashing the country and looking at the negative side.” AFP

formed personnel and 203 government employees.

Around 77,468 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted by joint law enforcement agencies during the period.

As of Oct. 25, 2017, the consolidated report showed that 3,967 drug suspects died during operations while 86 were killed in action and 225 were wounded.

Aside from PDEA, the agencies involved in antiillegal drug operations are

the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Customs.

Law enforcement agencies rescued 589 minors during anti-illegal drug operations from July 2016 to Oct. 25, 2017.

Aquino said PDEA will focus on high-value and high-impact targets as it strengthens its resolve to win the country’s war

against illegal drugs.

PDEA is also pushing for the establishment of community-based drug reformatory centers as after-care shelters for the thousands who had surrendered nationwide.

“We need to establish refuges to usher thousands of drug surrenderers on the road to recovery. These centers have the capacity to rebuild their shattered lives and make themselves whole again,” Aquino said. PNA

those visiting the cemeteries, need not be concerned on their safety. Police and other government security units are protecting us,” Estrada said citing the assurances of Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde.

Meanwhile, the prices of flowers have started to go up in the Dangwa flower market in Manila due to the coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Reports said some prices had even doubled, and that the vendors in Dangwa were hoping that sales would start picking up start-

ing Wednesday, All Saints’ Day. Estrada said the 4,600-strong city police force had been implementing its security measures since Saturday, Oct. 28.

MPD Chief Joel Coronel said an initial contingent of 750 policemen had been deployed since yesterday at the city’s four big cemeteries: The 54-hectare Manila North Cemetery in Sta. Cruz, La Loma Catholic Cemetery, Manila Chinese Cemetery and Manila South Cemetery, which is located in Makati City but

still part of the territory of Manila.

From 750 men, 550 more―or a total of 1,300 policemen―will be fielded come Nov. 1. Those do not include an additional 300 who will be deployed to the bus stations and major transport terminals in the city “We have already deployed advance personnel in the different areas in the cemeteries in Manila North, Manila South, La Loma and the Chinese Cemetery,” Coronel said in a recent interview.

Marawi amid threats by some residents there to file class suits against the government.

Duterte left the country for a two-day official visit to its top source of official development assistance where the threat of North Korean missiles and the enhancement of trade relations are expected to be at the very forefront of the talks.

The President will likewise meet today (Monday) with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who recently won a fresh mandate in the October snap elections, and Japanese Emperor Aki-

hito on Tuesday.

Duterte, who said he will “limit his mouth” during his meeting with Akihito, said he will bring the “warm greetings” of a grateful Filipino nation to the Japanese leader.

He said North Korea will be the “opening agenda” during his meeting with Abe as he stressed that a nuclear war in the region “is totally unacceptable.”

“We are worried, all of us.

If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong,” he said.

He also broached the idea that someone “has to talk” to North Korean leader Kim

Jong-Un for him to “tone down and stand down” following recent nuclear missile test launches.

The President’s visit to Japan comes ahead of Abe’s attendance at the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila in November.

Although not an Asean member, Japan is among the dialogue partners invited to the summit.

In 2017 alone, loans from Japan amounted to $4.84 billion, which is 44.83 of the total ODA received by the country during that period.

4 suspects nabbed for illegal drugs ANTI-NARCOTICS agents nabbed four drug suspects and seized P780,000 in cash in two separate operations Saturday night in Camarines Sur. Officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Ryan Medialdea, who claimed to be a nephew of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Romeo Guevarra alias Mansy or Amang and Christian Bañaria alias Chano.

The officials trapped the three at the Lendes Tourist Inn in La Medalla, Baao, Camarines Sur, and Seized P480,000 worth of shabu.

Elsewhere in the province, another buy-bust operation resulted in the arrest of a Leo Peyra at his residence in Barangay Santa Teresita, also in Baao, and the confiscation of P300,000 worth of shabu.

Meanwhilea, Malacañang said Sunday the Palace official who had the same surname as one of the suspects had denied knowing him.

“He [Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea] does not know the person,’’ Malacañang said in a statement. Bill Casas

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of Roxas Boulevard starting from Padre Burgos Ave. to Buendia Ave., Manila Nov. 13 (12:01 a.m. onwards) - Partial lifting of lockdown at SMX-MAAX Block, Pasay City Nove. 13 (12:00 noon onwards) - Lifting of lockdown for Roxas Blvd. (Padre Burgos Ave. to Buendia Ave., Manila) Nov. 14 - Continuous lockdown of CCP Complex, Pasay City Nov. 15 (12:00 noon onwards) - Partial lifting of lockdown for CCP Complex, Pasay City During a partial lockdown, pedestrians and vehicles without Asean IDs and decals are allowed to enter the above-mentioned routes provided that they pass through the vehicle and pedestrian security areas.

On days with a full lockdown scheduled, only pedestrians and vehicles with Asean IDs and decals will be allowed to pass while the general public will be denied access to these routes.

“With less that two weeks before the event, I urge the public to steer clear of said lockdown areas so that they will not be trapped just in case there is a passing convoy,” Cuy said.

He also advised the general public to refrain from passing through the North Luzon Expressway and Edsa as the stop-and-go scheme will be implemented every time an Asean convoy passes through these two major highways.

In Clark Freeport, Pampanga, two parallel runways of the Ed Clark International Airport will be converted into a huge parking lot for the aircraft of the visiting 15 heads of state attending the summit, from Nov. 13 to 17.

The former US Air Force base has two parallel runways measuring 6,400 meters long each and a width of 60 meters and 45 meters respectively. The base was abandoned by Americans when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

Supt. Michael John Riego, operation officer of the Pampanga Police Office said the official aircraft—three Boeing 747s, a Boeing777-300 and the Russian IL-96— used by the leaders from the United States, India, China, Japan and Russia will use the converted runways. Romeo Dizon

News

MoNday, october 30, 2017

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Expanded fare discount in the works and Regulatory Board last Oct. 28 entitles students to a 20-percent fare discount all HE Senate committee on year round including weekeducation has reported out a bill ends, summer breaks and that seeks to expand the coverage holidays, will take effect. commend the LTFRB of the 20-percent student fare discount to for“We recognizing the needs of include not only land transport such as our students. We have long jeepneys, buses, UV Express vans, taxis been pushing for the passage of such measure,” said Anand transport network vehicle services gara, chairman of the Senate Grab and Uber, but also air, water and ways and means committee.

The extension of student rail transport. fare discount not only durSenator Sonny Angara dum issued by the Land ing classes is also included said the new memoran- Transportation Franchising in the proposed measure.

By Macon Ramos

T

“But aside from this, we want the MRT, LRT and even the airfare and boat fare be included in the discount,” also said Angara, one of the authors of Senate Bill 1597 and vice chairman of the education committee.

Under the bill, all students enrolled in basic and tertiary education institutions, including technicalvocational institutions, will be entitled to a 20-percent discount on regular domestic travel fares upon presentation of their duly issued

school ID or current validated enrollment forms.

Students taking up postgraduate studies such as medicine, law, masteral and doctoral degrees, and other short term courses of seminar type will not be qualified to avail of the discount.

Meanwhile, Filipino students who will travel abroad for education, training, and competition will be exempt from the payment of travel tax upon proper showing of proof or documentation of intended purpose.

The proposed measure prohibits the availment of double discounts or combination of the student fare discount with other discount programs.

Land, water, air and rail transportation utilities that refuse to grant student discount will be penalized with a fine ranging from P5,000 to P200,000.

Angara said students need not wait for promo fares to save in going home to the provinces.

The family, he said, can

then use the savings from the fare discount for other school fees.

“Layunin nating pagaanin ang gastusin ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak,” said Angara, a known advocate of educational reforms, who is also one of the authors of the Free College Law. Angara likewise filed a bill granting five-percent discount on food, medicine, books and school supplies to all underprivileged students in the country.

LTO, Stradcom agree to start on clean slate phaseout agreement and allowed the government to tap a new IT provider.

A public transport group, the Transport Watch, lauded the move of the DoTr to end its legal disputes with Stradcom, welcome a public bidding and find a better data provider.

“The public is now assured of better services at the LTO,” Transport Watch convenor Tirso Paglicawan said.

Batocabe, however, said “but then, if the result is just to get a new provider with the same terms and conditions, Congress should exercise its oversight functions and look into this questionable deal.”

In 2011, the bid for the P8.2-billion LTO’s IT sytem was ordered, and that in 2012, the transportation department split the contract into two due to bidders’ failure to qualify for the contract’s broad scope.

By Rio N. Araja

WAteRSHeD PROtectION. MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco (with microphone) expounds on his call for enhanced watershed protection and management following his keynote presentation in an international water conference in Bohol. On his left is Manila Water President Ferdinand M. dela Cruz and other presenters. Close to a thousand delegates joined the conference hosted by the Philippine Waterworks Association with the theme ‘Shared Water Resources in River Basins for Sustenable Management and Development.’

A MEMBER of the House committee on transportation on Sunday supported the call for a new information technology provider for the Land Transportation Office.

AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe reacted to the settlement of disputes between the Land Transportation office through the Department of Transportation and Stradcom Corp. thus clearing the way for the government to search for a new IT provider.

“So long as the government can get more favorable terms and conditions compared to the old provider, then it is always worth to phase out the old [one],” he told the Manila Standard.

Last December, DoTr agreed to pay its P8-billion debt to Stradcom. Both parties signed a one-year

2 senators Iglesia holds largest outreach activity in local, foreign venues press for MSMEs’ support SINCE the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises comprise 99 percent of the businesses in the country and provide more than 65 percent of employment, Senator Cynthia A. Villar encourages the creation of more MSMEs. Another lawmaker, Loren Legarda sought funding support for the MSMEs to the tune of P1 billion each.

Villar took note of the fact that the MSMEs account for about one-third of the country’s gross domestic product.

At present, Villar, chairman of the Senate agriculture and food committee, said 50 percent of the MSMEs are involved in the food and beverage businesses.

“Thus, we want to teach and guide farmers and farm owners to engage in business to tap the business opportunities. We should also extend support through capacitybuilding strategies and to make them more competent and competitive in it,” said Villar.

The strategy, Villar said, is to first educate and train the farmers by providing them with affordable or free access to agri-related training seminars and courses and by removing the barriers to their success and development.

Due to this, the senator cited the need to enhance their technical expertise, financial literacy, access to credit and to hasten the mechanization drive in the agricultural sector.

Macon Araneta

THE Iglesia Ni Cristo successfully held simultaneous Lingap sa Mamamayan outreach activities last Oct. 29, in what was planned as the Church’s largest and farthest-reaching sociocivic initiative in its history.

This Lingap program, which provided livelihood and assistance programs to needy but deserving communities, was held to celebrate the 62nd birthday of

Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo on Oct. 31.

Free medical and dental clinics were held together with distribution of “goodie bags” in 106 locations nationwide spread all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and in several areas in Asia, Europe, America and Africa.

“Lingap’s continuing aim is to provide real and concrete assistance to local communities here and

abroad. We work together with local stakeholders in uplifting people’s lives.

As we build relationships with communities, we also strengthen our relationship with God,” Bro. Glicerio B. Santos Jr. emphasized.

The largest Lingap ever kicked off with outreach programs in Barangay Maharlika in Taguig City and Barangay Culiat in Quezon City, with a combined num-

ber of 40 doctors and 30 dentists providing free clinics and consultations. More than 100,000 “goodie bags” were distributed in both venues.

Aside from Lingap programs held all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, outreach missions were likewise conducted in several parts of the USA and Canada, northern and southern Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China, Ja-

pan, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia and various areas in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. An estimated 400,000 “goodie bags” overall were distributed in the country alone.

Santos credited Lingap’s success to Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo’s leadership, which was focused on further

strengthening the INC’s socio-civic character.

“Lingap, which we accomplish through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, does not choose whether those we help are INC members or not. The need to provide assistance to our brethren is universal, just as the fight against poverty is universal. We’re actually very thankful for this opportunity to be of assistance,” Santos emphasized.

ScARe-feSt.

Takutan sa Burgos is a yearly event along P. Burgos Street in Makati City. Known for its food and entertainment spots, the street is a favorite hangout of foreigners and the young who come to the event in Halloween-inspired attires. Takutan features the establishments and their entries in halloween costumes with cash prizes, street and band music and flash mob dancing.

Diana B. Noche

Child safety features in motor vehicles pressed THE New Vois Association of the Philippines is calling on the Department of Health and the Automobile Association Philippines to join the push for the immediate passage of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2017.

Einstein Rojas, a volunteer from NVAP and a road crash survivor, said the support of the

two institutions would be necessary if lawmakers are to see the importance in passing such a measure.

“We hope that the DoH and AAP would lend their vital support to push for the said measures, which aims to ensure safety of children in any form of motor vehicle while in transit,” said Rojas.

He said the DoH’s endorsement would be significant since it is very much aware of the ill effects of road crashes to a family, both economically and emotionally.

“Having the mandate of ensuring the health and wellness of the people, pushing for the child car seat law would allow the DoH to protect more Pinoys, especially children, from the dan-

gers of potential road crashes,” said Rojas.

The NVAP official said the AAP’s approval of the consolidated House Bills 1319 and 5595 would be crucial since the organization is a knowledge base when it comes to the general welfare of motorists in the country.

“Having the country’s biggest and oldest auto club on

board would be very much welcome since its very words supporting the measure would vouch that a child car seat is not a want but rather a need for motorists,” said Rojas.

Just last month, the House committee on transportation approved a bill requiring private vehicles to install car seats for children. Macon Araneta

A4

Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Unsafe streets

N

OW that the Philippine National Police has been relieved of its anti-drug duties, perhaps it can focus its substantial resources on making our streets truly safe.

Earlier this month, PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa twitted all the critics of the administration, calling them ingrates who should be thanking the police for the “better peace and order they enjoyed.

But now we invite the police chief to say that with a straight face to the four children of Gerardo Amolato Maquidato Jr., a GrabCar driver who was shot dead by carjackers posing as passengers on the evening of Oct. 26 in Pasay City —the sixth such incident against Grab drivers this year.

The murderers fled in Maquidato’s silver Innova.

Maquidato’s death was doubly tragic because he exemplified what we all hope public utility drivers would be— honest, courteous and kind.

In announcing his death, Grab Philippines paid tribute to their driver-awardee.

“Our prayers and sympathies go out to Mr. Maquidato’s family. He was a good father to his four children, a good friend to many of his fellow drivers, and a good driver who was always willing to outserve his passengers,” the company said in a statement.

Maquidato gained recognition on so-

cial media last year when he picked up a diabetic patient on her way to pick up bags of blood for her dialysis, then did not charge her out of kindness.

An initial police report said that a witness heard a gunshot at 7:50 p.m., on Oct. 26 and then saw a lifeless man pushed out a silver Toyota Innova by unidentified suspects along Bonanza Street in Pasay.

Grab said it is working closely with the PNP Highway Patrol Group to resolve the cases, and added that it is taking steps to come up with a technology-based solution that would reduce the chances of carjacking attempts against their driverpartners.

To date, however, we have heard little from the PNP itself.

The carjackers have proved themselves

ruthless, all too ready to kill the driver before taking his vehicle. The crime is committed, not against a large company, but against an individual partner of Grab who makes a living using his own vehicle—and his own labor.

Moreover, in attacking transport network vehicle services such as Grab, these criminals are dealing a serious blow to an industry that offers Filipinos a safe and civilized way of getting around the city, in an otherwise broken transport system marked by unsafe commuter trains, and undisciplined jeepney, bus and taxi drivers.

The police have proved themselves equal to the small-time drug pushers who have been killed by the thousands; can they stand up to carjackers who can actually shoot back?

That Facebook quiz might not be so innocent

By Kara Alaimo

Perception as interpretation PAREIDOLIA is the the esoteric term psychologists give to the phenomenon by which faces are recognized in clouds, patterns and figures in random configurations.

And while some are quick to class it with delusion, it would be more accurate, I believe, to refer to it as “the mind filling the gaps.”

The more intently one studies the matter, the clearer it becomes that all perception does involve “the mind filling in the blanks,” that all perception is interpretation. I stand

before a house, and my physical location in relation to the house gives me a profile of that house—not the entire picture, but one of its profiles, that is dependent on my standpoint. When I move around it, or fly above it, I get other profiles but mysteriously, I do not multiply the houses. When I am asked how many houses I see, there will be no hesitation on my part in declaring that I see only one house: somehow the brain (or the perceptive faculties) have filled in the gaps between the many profiles and the singularity of the object. And even should a different person stand exactly where I stood, the profile he would have would still be different,

The whole point to this bit of phenomenology is that both sides have a task. because standpoint includes one’s emotion dispositions and one’s life history. So it is that a newcomer to a building has a different perception from one that a resident for four years in the same building has, although it is the very same building they inherit.

Not that there are no cases of delusion. There are, of course, and quite plainly.

When one

“hears” voices although all those around who have no reason to prevaricate swear that they hear none, then clearly one has an auditory delusion. The point is that, in perception, there are some tests we commonly agree on as to whether something is “really” there or not— touching it, asking others whether they see it, using instruments to test, etc.— and when we all agree that there is nothing there over and above the protestations of a solitary claim that there is, then we say of the latter that he is suffering from a delusion.

That is what makes supernatural apparitions and conversations so problematic—which is not to say implausible!

Now, this piece of

phenomenology of perception is socially significant, because the raging debate between the President’s vociferous supporters and his equally shrill detractors is, in many respects, a debate over perception. While one side perceives him to be a determined reformer, undeterred by convention and unhampered by bourgeois niceties, who has fearlessly taken on the heretofore feared forces of the nation’s netherworld, others perceive him as a lawless despot, intent on subverting all existing institutions—sacred and profane—for his largely unarticulated agenda.

And just as in the case of the Rubin vase, one can carry on an endless—and really pointless debate—

about whether it is really two faces facing each other, or a goblet (because it is both depending on what one pays heed to), this might just be the kind of endless harping between the two camps.

And interpretation always has to do with our own emotional dispositions, our life-histories and our social contexts.

The whole point to this bit of phenomenology is that both sides have a task. Sometimes the ambivalence is calculated —because that is a strategic maneuver, but there is such a thing as the obligation (both ethical and legal) to avoid unnecessary ambiguity. In the case of the confounding facesTurn to A5

THE recent disclosures that Russians bought ads from Facebook, Google and Twitter to target US voters in 2016 have left lawmakers investigating how to prevent foreign interference in future elections. But there’s another alarming problem that Congress also needs to address: How to prevent domestic and foreign organizations from duping Americans out of information they unwittingly share on social media—and using the data to try to sway elections.

During the 2016 election, the Trump campaign hired Cambridge Analytica, an American affiliate of a British consulting firm, which built psychological profiles of over 200-million Americans in part by using information they shared on social media. For example, according to The New York Times, hundreds of thousands of Americans took personality quizzes spread by the firm on Facebook, which were designed to reveal how they score on measures of the so-called “big five” personality traits.

I’m willing to bet many of those test takers didn’t know their answers could be used by political consultants to profile and target them—and that they wouldn’t have taken the quizzes if they did.

Cambridge Analytica now says it didn’t use psychographic data when it worked for Trump (though reports it tried to get stolen data from WikiLeaks certainly call the firm’s ethical standards into question).

But it—or anyone else— could try to do so in a future election. That’s why Congress needs to act.

Of course, it should remain legal for an organization to post a question on social media and then list or use the aggregate results (for example, 45 percent of Americans believe x). But if organizations are going to extract personally identifiable information —PII, in industry Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

A5

Dumb and dumber?

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s disciples called Vice President Leni Rodredo dumb for suggesting to leave Marawi as it is and make the ruins as a monument to the ravages and evil of terrorism. Jumping at the Veep’s gaffe, Digong’s bubuyog (bees) seized the Robredo statement and went to town on it to portray the perils of having her lead the country as the constitutional successor.

While I agree that the Robredo statement was dumb, there are other people asking the question that if she is dumb, who is dumber?

Robredo or Duterte ? For telling European Union ambassadors assigned here “we don’t need your money, you can leave within 24 hours” Duterte could be regretting the hasty outburst. Here’s why: The European Union is considering the grant of 100 million euros for the reconstruction of

Marawi and development of Mindanao. This was according to the EU bloc Ambassador to Manila Franz Jessen who said the money would be granted in two tranches—55 million euros immediately for the rebuilding of war-torn Marawi and another 45 million for the extended development of Mindanao.

Funds and donations from the international community have started pouring in for Marawi.

The United States, Canada, Australia , Russia and Japan, including EU member Germany, are sending in foreign aid for Marawi. Most of Marawi’s houses and buildings are beyond repair as a result of five months of fierce fighting between the terrorists and government troops. Structures made of concrete were bombed by government planes to flush out terrorists using them as defensive positions.

But how did President Rodrigo uterte who is from Davao which is part of Mindanao react to the EU offer? During a scathing

speech, the diatribe-prone Digong told European ambassadors assigned in Manila to “pack up and leave within 24 hours.” This he said without checking his facts. The group was not an EU bloc mission.

The president bristled at the small group of little known European parliamentarians who assailed the alleged extrajudicial killings of suspects in the Administration’s bloody war on drugs In his usual umbrage, Duterte lashed out at the EU for meddling in the Philippines’ all-out war on drugs. He also denied he ordered the extrajudicial killings.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano made it official when he stated the Philippines will no longer accept loans and grants from the European Union.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, in an attempt to out-nonsense Digong even called Europeans as “sex maniacs, ” an allusion to a few Europeans arrested here for being pedophiles.

I’m not going to dwell over spilled milk regarding

the EU offer of financial aid. However, because President Duterte himself said war-ruined Marawi is going to need P50 billion to rehabilitate, the 55 million euros could have gone a long way not only for the city’s reconstruction but also to assist the dislocated people of Marawi recover their livelihood lost in the war when the Maute/ISIS terrorists laid siege to the city.

Mindanao, a vast group of fertile islands has long been touted as the “land of promise.” But Mindanao, even after a turnstile of Philippine presidents, remain only as such— neglected by a slew of presidential promises. It’s not just Duterte alone who’s responsible for the neglect but others before him. But Duterte is the first president from Mindanao, he has a golden opportunity to do something in his remaining five years in office. Will he, can he, deliver Mindanao’s decades of neglect , the benign kind that has metastasized into malignant with armed groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front and Moro National Liberation Front seeking to secede from the Republic.

Add the splinter bandit bands like the BIFF and the Abu Sayaff and you have a fertile ground for civil war in Mindanao.

Take a look at these figures in a Business Mirror front page report by Michael M. Alunan on why poverty prevails despite robust growth: “How come agriculture as a percentage of gross domestic product has steadily been declining?

Records from the National Economic an d Development Authority show that agriculture as a percentage of GDP has been dropping from 31 percent in the late 1960s to 29 percent in 1971, 23.5 percent in 1980, 22.47 percent in 1990, 17.5 percent in 2005, 15 percent in 2012, 10 percent in 2014 and 9.7 percent in 2016.”

There is no need to go on.

What the article essentially conveys is that there is no soil erosion of the land in Mindanao. The decreasing number of agricultural production is basically the erosion of leadership.

Those giant pumpkins are a marvel of science

By Faye Flam ONCE upon a time, before the development of modern plant breeding, it was only in fairy tales that a young lady could ride to a grand ball in a giant pumpkin. Now the biggest pumpkins are well able to accommodate several passengers. (The notion of pumpkin transport was made real this year when a man from Massachusetts put an outboard motor on his homegrown giant and piloted it across Boston Harbor.)

How is this biologically or physically possible? At the opening of this decade, growers of giant pumpkins saw a one-ton pumpkin the way runners once saw the four-minute mile. But the ton barrier was crossed in 2012, and record pumpkins have gotten larger every year. Surely there must be some maximum pumpkin size set by the laws of physics and the biology of squashes. Can they just keep getting bigger forever?

Watch out, say some scientists. Pumpkins could, in theory, get a lot bigger.

Zachary Lippman, a plant biologist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, has grown a few giant pumpkins in his day. He’s also an expert on the emerging technology known as gene editing—a new, precise way to make custom changes in DNA. Gene editing, using a tool called CRISPR, has

been in the news lately for its potential to correct genetic diseases in people, but Lippman believes that, just as with earlier forms of genetic engineering, the more immediate applications will be in agriculture.

Right now he’s working on applying CRISPR to tomatoes—tweaking genes to make them bigger, but also to make plants that are simply more prolific tomato producers. The older, more traditional form of gene editing usually involved transferring genes from one organism to another.

Scientists were still reined in by what nature provided.

CRISPR changed that, he said, by allowing people to alter the code letters in DNA directly and at will—like editing a Word document.

“It’s an unprecedented change in the way we approach biology and what’s possible in agriculture,” he said. And while the technique is more versatile than earlier forms of genetic modification, it’s also much close to traditional breeding, where people simply used nature, or sometimes X-rays, to induce variation and then breed those with desirable traits.

Armed with CRISPR, someone like Lippman could be dangerous in the field of giant pumpkin growing.

He said while gene-editing technology could potentially make bigger pumpkins,

Perception...

From A4

goblet puzzle, if the goblet were painted with some liquid in it, say champagne, then there would be more agreement that it is a goblet that is pictured, and not two faces.

In the case of the President if only there were more consistency and less dissonance between the off-the-cuff but serious remarks

That Facebook...

From A4

parlance—from things they post on social media, they should be required to disclose three things: who they are, how they’re funded, and how they’re going to use the data. That way, Americans can make informed decisions about whether they want to share their personal information.

There’s some precedent for this. Gary Nordlinger, a professional in residence at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management,

he sees giant pumpkins as an illustration of the incredible power of modern conventional breeding.

A grower named Howard Dill in Nova Scotia is credited with inventing truly giant pumpkins, said Lippman. Dill grew a 438.5-pounder in 1979, and then used selective breeding to bump up the size still more. Now all giant pumpkins originate from his seeds—called Dill’s Atlantic Giant.

Over the years, the genes for enormity have been further refined—and that means not just genes that control growth, Lippman said, but others that allow the plants’ leaves to take in more energy, and the stems, more water. But to get a really big pumpkin, he said, you need to push the envelope of nurture as much as nature.

Giant pumpkins need special mixes of nutrients, and hundreds of gallons of water.

But not too much water too fast. There are tragic stories of drenching rainstorms that caused prize giant pumpkins to explode.

So perhaps it’s not biology but physics that will put the upper limit on pumpkin size. Giant pumpkins are, after all, contending with a crushing force of gravity.

Georgia Tech engineering professor David Hu investigated the issue a few years ago, wondering just how much a pumpkin can

and the inevitable clarificationcum-explanation, there would be less acrimonious exchange.

There is something that the Chief Executive may want to learn from a precept of judicial ethics: The must not only be fair but must appear to be fair! On the part of the perceivers—which means us—the absolutization of a profile and the canonization of a viewpoint are most counterphenomenological.

Inevitably,

noted that, according to the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s code of ethics, pollsters can’t disclose information to clients or the public that could be used to identify people who participated in surveys without their permission.

Of course, advertisers target people based upon data we probably didn’t realize would be shared all the time. The majority of online ads today are bought through exchanges such as DoubleClick Bid Manager (which is owned by Google) and The Trade Desk.

take.

The laws of physics determine the optimal size for plants and animals, said Hu: a phenomenon called scaling. In a famous essay published in 1928, biologist J.B.S. Haldane explained that if you scaled up a man to 60 feet tall and proportionally increased his thickness and width, he would not be able to walk without breaking a leg, because each square inch of his leg bones would have to bear 10 times as much weight as that of a correctly sized man. That’s why bigger animals and plants have to be quite sturdy—or live underwater.

What does this all mean for giant pumpkins? To find out, Hu did what many physicists do: He developed a model. He studied the shapes of 50 giant pumpkins and he also used a special vice to squeeze a bunch of ordinary pumpkins, thus simulating the pressures of being giant. He found that indeed, plus-size pumpkins can’t look nice and round like their petite counterparts.

As Hu describes it in one of his scientific papers, gravity creates, “abnormally large tensile and compressive stresses on the pumpkin bottom and top, respectively.” What this means is they inevitably flatten and develop a lumpen shape, as if the mere act of existing has worn

they result in misjudgment and error. A single profile opens itself up to other profiles and a house that appears spic-and-span from the front, may be rotten and falling apart from the rear. The openness to a multiplicity of perceptions and the hospitality for variant profiles should make our experience of reality richer. That is what conversation, discourse and research are all about.

What allows what should be an

These platforms aggregate thousands of data points on individual consumers —like information from resorts about where they vacationed and data from auto loan provid ers about what kinds of cars they drive. So, for example, an advertiser can pay for an ad that reaches people in a particular ZIP code who own Priuses or have been to Disney World.

But that doesn’t make it right to dupe Americans out of more information without their knowledge.

We should have the right to keep knowledge about

them out.

It’s not just the size but the rate of growth that produces stress, he said. Pumpkins can put on 50 pounds a day in their peak growth periods, which puts them at risk of cracking. They grow through both the expansion of cells within the pumpkin and the creation of new cells through division, he said. Pumpkins are less prone to crack if they have the right combination of growth and division—you want the cells to divide faster at the weak points.

Beyond that, he said, the friction between the bottom of the pumpkin and the ground is so powerful that it inhibits the pumpkin from spreading out, often leading to a concave shape at the bottom.

Growers, he said, sometimes put slippery vinyl under their pumpkins to reduce the coefficient of friction.

In the absence of gravity, he said, a pumpkin could grow forever, which would make a great space station experiment. How could anyone doubt the space leadership of a country that produced a record-breaking pumpkin in zero-g? But Hu says that’s not yet necessary for pumpkins to get far bigger than the 2,600-plus-pound record holders of today.

There’s nothing in the laws of physics that say you can’t, in theory, get to 20,000 pounds —well big enough to ferry a whole town to the ball.

Bloomberg

enriching exchange to continue is desisting from dismissing one side as irrational—because that forecloses all further exchange, but, at the same time, to remain committed to allow the more reasonable position (of which, we beings of reason are always capable of deciding!) prevail! rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com

how we think anonymous if we so desire. That’s much more deeply personal than data about what we buy or where we went to school.

And such information could be much more useful to a political campaign or corporation trying to manipulate us.

Since quizzes and other questions posed on the internet are essentially just online polls, the same ethical standards should apply. Of course, compliance with the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s code of ethics is voluntary.

But the potential for a foreign government to use such data to try to influence a future election is such a serious threat to American democracy that we need a law to prevent this, rather than another industry code.

Congress should act now to protect us. In the meantime, let’s all be cautious about what we share on social media.

I’m guessing the folks who scored highest in conscientiousness on those Cambridge Analytica quizzes will be most careful.

Bloomberg

Responsible open-pit mining THE beleaguered mining sector recently obtained some sense of direction after the inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council officially voted to lift the ban on open-pit mining issued six months ago by former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez “provided that mining laws, rules, and regulations are strictly enforced.”

Lopez’s replacement, Roy Cimatu, said DENR would follow MICC’s recommendation, in what industry has lauded as positive development for the sector. “This will improve the investment climate of mining in the Philippines and lift the uncertainties for key projects,” said Chamber of Mines of the Philippines executive director Ronald Recidoro, according to reports.

Indeed, MICC’s recommendation and Cimatu’s concurrence represent a well balanced and science based move in contrast to the drawn-out and controversial policy stance of Lopez, an avowed environmentalist, who under her brief tenure put the whole mining industry in a precarious position, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Filipinos.

Not only that. As the Duterte administration embarks on ambitious infrastructure and industrial programs, the institution of a long overdue national resources roadmap could potentially play a crucial role not only in revenue generation but more importantly in the jumpstarting of new industries. Examples from all over the world throughout history tells us that the mining industry plays a critical role in the industrialization of an economy, which in turn is an important step in bringing about inclusive growth.

In many ways, it is thus reassuring that the voice of industry experts represented by the MICC finally It is legal, prevailed over the oftenemotional noise generated and it is by staunch anti-mining accepted. groups. The blanket ban, while pleasing such groups, was by no means a result of thoughtful process. Even Lopez herself was impressed by the open pit mining operations of Nickel Asia’s Taganito mine in Palawan, raising the soundness of a wholesale ban.

Also undeniable is the fact that the mining industry is the biggest contributor to the DENR’s reforestation program. Philex Mining Corp. on its own has planted more than 10-million trees.

Internationally, open-pit mining has long been an accepted method for mining. It is also legal according to the Mining Act of the Philippines.

The lifting of the ban also represents a golden opportunity for large-scale miners to take the lead in cleansing its ranks and weeding out the non-compliant mining operations to finally set a high standard for responsible mining. Already, the Chamber of Mines has vowed to continue to police its ranks and still improve its already stringent yardsticks, including self-regulation, Recidoro said.

With a restrictive policy out of the way, the much-maligned sector can define what constitutes responsible mining once and for all, in the process transforming the sector into a self-regulating industry that enforces compliance—and over-compliance, even—to environmental and safety standards.

For instance, the Chamber has recently adopted Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining program, which singles out the protocols regarding performances but also guarantees that key mining risks are managed responsibly. President Duterte himself cited the viability of the award-winning performance system.

Recidoro explained: “[Canada’s TSM officials] will conduct intensive workshops to our members

by December to teach them how to really do it. We will also sign a MOA (memorandum of agreement) to follow their standards and framework and implement it here.”

Other conversations that can start—or resume— following MICC’s decision is the inadequate cooperation among the DENR, mining firms, and local government units, which according to experts has resulted in the failure to maximize opportunities in the sector, including the production of higher-value mining products.

A productive first step can be in empowering agencies like the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau, which can guard against environmentally non-viable projects from even beginning, unlike the current set-up in which the DENR performs the contradictory functions of permit-giving and policing.

Other proposed solutions from mining experts include the provision of new guidelines for permanent surface modification and potential longterm rehabilitation, the enhancement of design or performance standards for open pit mines particularly on rehabilitation and restoration of mines, and a mechanism to ensure sufficient financial resources for the rehabilitation and restoration activities of the mining areas in the event that the mining ceases or completes its operation.

These recommendations bring to fore another problem: Small-scale mining operations, which are small in name but big in consequences, notably do not set aside rehabilitation funds to restore mined-out areas, effectively abandoning their host communities to deal with the harmful effects once the minerals have been depleted.

Dealing with these, among many other issues, will finally allow the harnessing of an estimated US$1.4 trillion in mineral reserves that now lay underground, unused. While it may take a long journey, the lifting of the open pit mining ban is a significant step towards unleashing the country’s mineral potential.

A6

PCSO@83

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PCSO soars to greater heights A

“change of mindset” was all that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) needed to effect sweeping changes — which led to widened charity services and increased revenue collections at levels never before seen in previous administrations.

From hogging the headlines over allegations of corruption during previous administrations, a ‘new day’ has now dawned at PCSO’s headquarters in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong.

Revenue generation have drastically improved — with its main lottery products diversified through the years, including the EZ2 lotto, Suertres, 4-digit lotto, 6-digit lotto

for Luzon, the National 6/42 games, the National Megalotto 6/45, the Nationwide 6/49 Super Lotto, Ultra Lotto 6/58, Monthly sweepstakes, Keno, STL, Scratch-it Kaskaswerte and KasCash. More lotto outlets and PCSO branches likewise opened in various parts of the country to serve the greater public.

Access to the agency’s charitable programs, meanwhile,

have greatly democratized.

People seeking medical assistance from the agency no longer have to endure long lines with the introduction of an online appointment system and increased visibility whether in government or private hospitals.

This year alone, PCSO’s revenues have significantly improved by 35.36 percent, owing to its P38.26 billion

HELPING HAND. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office extended assistance to Marawi siege fighter

Scout Ranger Company Commader Monroe Bongyad, whose son, Mon “Gabe” Gabriel, had been in and out of the hospital at least four times because of an abnormality called ‘intestinal malrotation.’ PCSO shouldered the baby’s hospital expenses and doctor’s fees. Joining the photo were Bongyad’s wife, Gina, PCSO Director Marlon Balite, General Manager Alexander Balutan, and Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz.

fund collection January to September—which is at least P10 billion higher than the funds collected for the same period last year.

PCSO General Manager Alexander F. Balutan attributes these developments to the warming trust of the Filipino

I

T is a great privilege and an honor to be a part of a principal government agency mandated to deliver charity service to millions of Filipino people.

As we approach the end of 2017, we are pleased that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has made our charity services more accessible and immediate through our PCSO ASAP (At Source Ang Processing) which is now available in 38 hospitals in Metro Manila and 8 hospitals in select provinces. It is expected to increase in the future.

The expansion of Small Town Lottery or STL and revision of the corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are projected to generate P50 Billion pesos for PCSO at the end of 2017 to efficiently carry out its programs, and support projects of various agencies which are mandated to receive part of our earnings.

As of October 2017, we have opened additional branch offices bringing the total to 60 thus reinforcing our alliance with public and private hospitals, local government units (LGUs) along with non-profit organizations delivering charity services in far-flung areas.

In our commitment to provide efficient and effective service to our stakeholders, we adhere to the best practices in corporate social responsibility including best practices in corporate governance.

I wish to express my gratitude to the Filipino people for your continued support and patronage of PCSO’s products and services.

Rest assured that we will continue to conceptualize gaming products not only to entertain the public but to generate more funds for the government’s health programs for the disadvantaged.

JOSE JORGE E. CORPUZ Chairman

I

t’s another year of charitable programs and services for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

For more than eight decades, PCSO never faltered in its commitment to generate funds in order to provide medical and health related assistance to Filipinos across the country.

As PCSO celebratesits 83rdAnniversary, I am proud to say that PCSO is “ONTHERISE”as revenue collection has immensely increased and charity services to the Filipino people has widened.

Aligned with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s social reform agenda for universal health care coverage and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals for health and wellbeing for the poorest of the poor and the marginalized, and as PCSO works for greater heights, we assure everyone that PCSO will continue to be of service to the Filipino people in providing medical and health related assistance. We will continue to conceptualize new games and improve our gaming products not only to entertain the public but also to generate funds for the government’s health programs and createmore jobs.

On the occasion of PCSO’s 83rd Anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude to the Filipino people for their unwavering support and patronage of PCSO’s product and services.

Likewise, let me congratulate the PCSO officials, employees and stakeholders for the success in implementing the programs and services of the Agency.

Happy 83rdAnniversary PCSO!!! … Mabuhay tayonglahat!...

“Bawat Taya Para saKawanggawa”.

ALEXANDER F. BALUTAN General Manager

people on the agency, which started 83 years with a mere ₱250,000 seed money loaned from the National Treasury— required for organizing the office and printing the tickets for the draw.

Created on October 30, 1934 as part of President Manuel

L. Quezon’s Act No. 301— the former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCS) had undergone several changes over the years as a state lottery and lead charitable arm mandated to do fund raising and provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services.

Turn to A7

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EFORE the year ends, exactly on the 30th of October this year, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will be 83 years older.

As mandated by RA 1169, PCSO is tasked to provide medical assistance to all Filipinos and source out funds for the purpose.

Since its creation as a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation, it has lived to its mission. The past years may not be perfect, but given the changes being instituted to make PCSO a relevant partner of the Office of the President and with the infusion of new corporate management technologies, we expect PCSO to be better.

The current challenges maybe great, but, with the energetic and proactive leadership we have at the top of the agency, we have nowhere to go but, ON THE RISE! To the men and women of the rank and file of PCSO, continue to pursue excellence in the delivery of services that we are tasked to do. Our relentless dedication will bring us further.

Cheers to the 83rd PCSO Anniversary!

MARLON U. BALITE Director

PCSO@83 PCSO soars....

From A6 “Our services have become more effective, and there had been more confidence ever from the people. More people are betting in our lottery and sweepstakes draws, from which we are sourcing our funds for charity services,” Balutan said.

“Our beneficiaries have widened and we are able to service more indigent patients and much of these were because of the efforts of our employees — there really is a change in attitude and mindset towards charity,” he added.

PCSO Chairman Jose Jorge E. Corpuz meanwhile, said that higher monthly remittances from STL Authorized Agent Corporation and introduction of rigid controls have led to higher tax remittances to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and bigger share for PCSO’s charity fund to help sustain and

promote assistance for medical and hospitalization of needy Filipinos.

Balutan also noted the “positive impact” of President Rodrigo Duterte to the agency, given his hardline stance toward illegal gambling.

Under the Duterte administration, the PCSO increased its revenues after it expanded its STL operations to 92 Authorized Agent Corporations (80 are now operational) nationwide that now earn P1.5 billion a month.

Compared to last year, the PCSO released more than P4.9 billion to Filipinos who availed of its Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) from January to September 2017, some 30.57 percent higher than last year’s figures for the same period.

The amount is estimated to have benefitted more than 225,437 indigent patients.

For its flagship Small Town Lottery (STL) program, the

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PCSO Officials led by its Chairman, Jose Jorge Corpuz, General Manager Alexander Balutan and PCSO Director Marlon Balite do the ‘finger heart’ gesture with PCSO service awardees during the agency’s 83rd anniversary celebration last October 26.

agency was able to contribute more than P750 million from its revenues to congressional districts, cities, provinces and members of the police and the military who are helping in its implementation of the program, which is aimed at eradicating jueteng and other illegal numbers games.

While illegal gambling operators and financiers are feeling the heat of the government’s campaign against illegal gambling, Corpuz said that they are working with government agencies, such as the National Bureau of Investigation and the police, to curb illegal opera-

tions.

“We expect resistance and unwarranted attacks against PCSO yet we will remain steadfast. We are confident that our clientele and the public understand that PCSO’s fight against competing illegal numbers games is geared at giving back better servic-

es,” Corpuz said.

The PCSO was able to increase the number of its branches to 60 “so more Filipinos can benefit from our expanded gaming products, like the Small Town Lottery (STL),” Balutan said.

The number of its assistance desks, the “At Source ang Processing” (ASAP) desks, were likewise expanded to 46 partner hospitals in several provinces “to speed up the medical aid that the agency extends to patients.”

Balutan and Corpuz vowed that they will continue to be true to their mandate, which is “to generate funds for the government’s charity services.”

“The biggest achievement we have so far since we took over is the image we have built for the agency, being transparent in our operations, the integrity of the games and the trust from the President and the general public.”

Sports

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

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

Archers notch year’s biggest blowout win, rip Tigers by 35

By Peter Atencio Games Saturday (Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. Ateneo vs UST 4 p.m. La Salle vs NU

PLAYING straight up defense did the trick for the defending champion La Salle Green Archers as they smothered the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 94-59, yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the end, the Green Archers pulled off the season’s biggest blowout in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament – a 35-point win that was bigger than their 11586 demolition of the same team in the first round.

“We played well on defense. We were able to get them to commit many turnovers and we were able to convert on transition offense,” said the Archers’ main man, 6’8” Ben Mbala.

Mbala, who led with 17 points and nine rebounds, has become one of team’s most eloquent spokespersons.

This is after coach Aldin Ayo decided to remain silent for the last seven games to focus on dealing with the team’s many ups and downs.

The Green Archers, who won by a bigger margin of 45 points with their 99-56 crushing of UST last year, have stretched their winning run to six and now have a 10-2 record in second place.

Marvin Lee shot 25 points, while Steve Akomo had 14 for UST. The Tigers, who have not won a single game in the last 12 outings, made an effort to take charge in the first period. They event got the lead on back-toback baskets from Akomo, 10-7, with 5:20 left.

The Growling Tigers’ hold on the lead did not last long.

Mbala stepped in with a couple of layups and Abu Tratter connected with his charities, handing La Salle a 15-12 lead with 1:52 remaining.

The Green Archers then held UST down to eight in the second period as they pulled away, 26-16, behind Tratter and Kib Montalbo.

With 4:47 left in the first half, Joshua Caracut’s attack saw La Salle take a 10-point lead over UST to 10, 30-20.

STRONG CONTENDERS.

The Men’s Division of the Philippine Rugby Union will see the Eagles RFC attempt to defend their Premiership title against formidable opponents including Makati Chiefs (in photo), Manila Nomads and current Philippine National Games Gold Medallists, Clark Jets.

The Makati Chiefs, with four Volcanoes fresh from the Southeast Asian Games and Asia Sevens Series, are strong contenders to compete for the top prize.

Standhardinger, Fajardo form scary SMB frontline

By Jeric Lopez

A

S EXPECTED, Christian Standhardinger was called first as San Miguel Beer officially made him the top pick in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Draft yesterday at Robinson’s Place Manila.

The gritty Filipino-German was the consensus choice as the No. 1 pick in pre-draft scouting and the projection was certainly on point.

San Miguel Beer dealt away three players, along with its 2019 first round pick just to get the first selection, where it ended up taking Standhardinger.

The No. 2 selection didn’t present any surprise as well as two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kiefer Ravena was taken by NLEX with its pick.

Blackwater went big with the No. 3 pick as it took versatile big man Raymar Jose, the latest MVP in the PBA DLeague.

Jason Perkins was taken at No. 4 by Phoenix, Jeron Teng ended up with Alaska at No. 5, Robert Herndon followed at No. 6 (GlobalPort), Rey Nambatac at No. 7 (Rain or Shine), Sidney Onwibere came at No. 8 (Phoenix), Lervin Flores was chosen at No. 10 (Star), Mac Tallo and Jon Gabriel were picked at No. 10 and 11, respectively, both for TNT KaTropa. The first round ended with newly crowned Governors’ Cup champion Barangay Ginebra taking shooter Jett Manuel at No. 12.

Standhardinger will first need to finish his obligations with Hong Kong in the Asean Basketball League before he

can formally take his talents to the PBA. He is bound to join the already stacked and star-studded San Miguel frontcourt of four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter in the already-loaded Beermen roster.

“I’m just so grateful that I can play in the PBA and for San Miguel. I’m looking forward to start,” said Standhardinger.

For Ravena, he is projected to be one of the focal points of NLEX’s offense as the Road Warriors aim to continue their improvement next season.

UST Tigresses overpower Lady Maroons, 78-63

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas overpowered University of the Philippines, 78-63, to regain solo second yesterday in the UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Bets Peñaflor came through with 15 points and nine re-

bounds in her return from one-game suspension as the Tigresses rose to 10-2.

With the win, UST moved half-a-game ahead of thirdrunning University of the East (9-2) in the race for the coveted twice-to-beat semifinals incentive.

Later, Adamson University, behind Nathalia Prado’s 21-point, 19-rebound outing, downed De La Salle, 67-60.

The victory further boosted the Lady Falcons bid to make it to the next round.

Now at 5-7, Adamson University is only trailing Far

Eastern University (5-6) in the race for the last semifinal berth.

The Lady Archers, who drew 28 points from Khate Castillo on a 8-of-22 shooting from the three-point area, absorbed their ninth loss in 11 contests.

The Lady Maroons, meanwhile, fell to 0-11.

Dodgers whip Astros, 6-2, level World Series HOUSTON—Two unlikely heroes, a pitcher who lost his only prior playoff start and a batter in an 0-for-13 slump, rescued the World Series title hopes of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

Alex Wood baffled Houston batters for 5 2/3 no-hit innings and Cody Bellinger snapped his drought with two crucial doubles as the Dodgers downed Houston 6-2 to level Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven final 2-2.

“It’s hard to put into words really right now. I needed a win and I was glad to keep us in it long enough to where our bats came alive,” Wood said.

“It’s a big win for us.”

Clayton Kershaw, an 18game winner, will face Astros ace Dallas Keuchel in a matchup of star left-handed pitchers Sunday, when the winner will reach the brink of a World Series crown ahead of game six on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

“I like where we’re at,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “There have been so many emotional swings and we’re dead even right now. It’s a threegame series and we’ve got our ace going tomorrow so I know in our clubhouse we feel good.”

The Dodgers seek a seventh championship but their first since 1988 while the Astros are trying for the first World Series title in their 55year history.

“It’s game five of the World Series, so there won’t be any need to press any buttons or let them know how big these outs are,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “Every game feels like a critical game.”

Wood, a 26-year-old US left-hander, sparked talk of the first World Series nohitter since New York Yankees’ legend Dan Larsen’s perfect game in 1956.

“He pitched an incred- Joc Pederson (31) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates hitting a three-run home run during the ninth inning against the Houston ible game,” Roberts said. Astros in game four of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. AFP “Woody’s command, his ‘compete’ was just off the charts. Woody set the tone for us -- just outstanding.”

But Houston’s George Springer blasted a 3-ball, AIDRIC Chan hobbled with a six- to be too big for his rivals to over- (76-233), Pierre Ticzon (78-236), 1-strike offering over the over 77 but still prevailed by six while come.

Don Petil (82-236), and Leandro Harmie Constantino beat Korean Shin He totaled a 212, six better than Bagtas (77-238). left-field wall in the sixth Seo Yun by seven with a one-under Carl Corpus, who matched par 71 for Constantino, meanwhile, turned inning for a home run on 70 as they shared the Elite division a 218 while Luis Castro finally broke what had appeared to be a shootout the only hit Wood surrencrowns in the 2017 NGAP Northern par with a three-under 68 to salvage into a final round blowout as the madered, giving the Astros Luzon Regional Golf Championship third at 219 in the 54-hole champion- ny-time national team mainstay, tied a 1-0 lead and ending the at Beverly Place Golf Club in Mexico, ship sponsored by the MVP Sports Shin after two rounds, saved her best Dodgers’ deepest World Pampanga yesterday.

Foundation and organized by the for last and fired a 35-35 for a 215 to Series no-hit bid.

After blowing the field with a 68 National Golf Association of the retain her crown in the event which “Once I was heading into and 67 in the first two days, Chan Philippines. served as part of the PLDT Group the fifth, I thought about it slackened a bit and closed out with Paolo Wong shot a 70 and finished National Amateur Golf Tour. a little bit,” Wood said of a 37-40 marred by six birdies and a fourth at 221 while Lanz Uy also Shin, who led in the first round, double bogey against a lone bogey. closed out with a one-under card for cracked under pressure, falling by his no-hit bid. “It has been But that hardly put a dent on his fifth at 224 followed by Kuresh Sa- two with a 37 start then holing out a whirlwind of emotion for overnight 12-shot lead which proved manodi (79-229), Kristoffer Arevalo with a 40 for a 77 and a 222. me. Kind of caught up to me between innings there.” AFP

Chan, Constantino cruise to regional wins

“I’m so overwhelmed. Pangarap ko na talaga itong makarating sa PBA since bata pa ako and dumating na siya,” said Ravena.

In the second round, John Grospe was taken first at No. 13 by NLEX, followed by Joseph Gabayni at No. 14 (Star), Emil Palma at No. 15 (Blackwater), Julian Sargent at No. 16 (Star), Louie Vigil at No. 17 (San Miguel), Davon Potts at No. 18 (Alaska), Jom Sollano at No. 19 (Rain or Shine), Gwyne Capacio at No. 20 (Star), Jason Grimaldo at No. 21 (Phoenix), Monbert Arong at No. 22 (TNT), Wilson Baltazar at No. 23 (Phoenix) and Andreas Cahilig (GlobalPort) at No. 24.

Westbrook leads OKC past Chicago LOS ANGELES—Russell Westbrook completed his collection with a triple-double on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, the only NBA team that had denied the Oklahoma City star the statistical feat.

Westbrook, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, scored 12 points with 13 rebounds and 13 assists in Oklahoma City’s 101-69 rout of the Bulls.

He’s the first player to post a triple-double -- notching double digits in three statistical categories -- against all 29 opposing teams in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, new arrivals in Oklahoma City this season, combined to drain nine three-pointers, Anthony scoring 21 points and George 20.

Kiwi center Steven Adams and Raymond Felton scored 12 points apiece as part of a balanced Thunder attack, and Oklahoma City held the Bulls to an anemic 28.2 percent shooting. “(Defense) just set the tone,” Westbrook said. “When we’re able to do that, it puts us in position to do good things.”

Friday’s defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, followed by a worrisome flight from Minneapolis to Chicago that left their charter plane with frightening damage, didn’t appear to affect the Thunder on court.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers was similarly disappointed after the Detroit Pistons handed his team their first defeat of the season, 95-87.

The defeat dropped the Clippers into second place in the Western Conference behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who defeated the Houston Rockets 103-89.

DeMarcus Cousins notched a triple-double and Anthony Davis returned from injury to score 30 points as the Pelicans downed the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-101 in New Orleans. AFP

PAL likely to register loss due to payment of charges B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

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PNOC chief faces Ombudsman raps IN BRIEF

By Alena Mae S. Flores

O

IL refiner and distributor Petron Corp. is set to file a case against Philippine National Oil Co. president Reuben Lista with the Office of the Ombudsman on alleged corruption and “unexplained wealth,” Petron’s top executive said over the weekend.

PH, Korea set to hold new air talks

THE Philippine air panel is set to hold air talks next month with its counterpart in South Korea to expand their air services agreement.

Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the air talks between the Philippines and South Korea were scheduled on Nov. 7 and 8 in Seoul.

The Philippine air services negotiating panel is composed of officials from CAB, Tourism, Transportation and Foreign Affairs departments, Clark International Airport Corp. and representatives of local airlines.

“The air talks is just to expand the current traffic rights because Korea is our biggest market and we need to address the need for more traffic rights,” Arcilla said.

The Philippines and South Korea last expanded their ASA in December 2015. Local airlines that have flights to Korea are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia, while Korean Air, Jin Air, Asiana Airlines and Air Busan fly to the Philippines. Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP revises liquidity risk rules

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, approved the revision of the guidelines on liquidity risk management for banks and quasi-banks to make sure they function smoothly not only during normal times but also in stressed conditions.

The revision amended the liquidity risk management guidelines which were first issued in 2006. Liquidity risk stems from the inability of a financial institution to meet its obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable costs.

“The guidelines emphasize the responsibility of the board of directors to clearly define the tolerance for liquidity risk in a manner that can easily be communicated and understood by personnel,” the Bangko Sentral said.

“On the other hand, it falls upon senior management to develop funding strategies that are aligned with the set risk tolerance. The strategies must ensure the availability of stable funding sources, the diversification of maturities and the preservation of alternative funding sources,” it said. Julito G. Rada

Hope now a certified ‘B Corp’

GENERATIONHOPE Inc., or Hope, the company that sells water under ‘Hope in a Bottle’ and uses its profit to build public schools, is the country’s first “Certified B Corporation”.

B Lab, a global non-profit organization, added Hope to the list of about 2,100 “B Corps” from 50 countries and over 130 industries working together toward one unifying goal: to use the power of business to help solve social and environmental issues.

“We feel honored to be part of the growing B Corp community, whose vision and values so closely align with our own: to connect the interests of business with that of society,” said Hope chairwoman Nanette Medved-Po. B Lab certifies companies based on how they create value for non-shareholding stakeholders, such as their employees, the local community and the environment.

This recognizes an increased emphasis on other stakeholder values, particularly social and environmental concerns.

This trend in corporate governance—which has led to the growth in “triple-bottom line” thinking—has fueled the emergence of the Certified B Corporation.

The first generation of B Corporations was certified in 2007, and the number of firms earning certification has grown exponentially ever since.

Hope was launched in 2012 and is run as a business, where all of the profits it makes go into building classrooms. It has so far sold over 10 million bottles with the help of corporate partners like 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Mercury Drug and Seda Hotels, allowing it to build almost 50 classrooms around the country. “We’re not a charity. We are a business. The difference is that when you buy Hope, you are voting with your peso to support public schools in the Philippines,” said Medved-Po.

TRAVEL EXECUTIVES. Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila hosted the recent meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, where the hotel’s newly appointed chief executive George Chou (fourth from right) was introduced. With Chou are Pata president Bob Zozobrado (fifth from left), Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International president Christine Urbanozo Ibarreta and other members of the Pata board of trustees. Pata, founded in 1951, is a not-for-profit membership association that promotes responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

Araneta to develop 140-ha. Caloocan business district

By Jenniffer B. Austria ARANETA Properties Inc., the listed company of businessman Gregorio Araneta, plans to develop a 140-hectare property in Caloocan City into a central business district, a top executive said over the weekend.

Araneta Properties chairman Gregorio Araneta III said the company’s property in Caloocan was a very good site for a business district because of the development of Metro Rail

Transit Line 7 in the northern part of Metro Manila.

“That would be my central business district because currently there is no central business district in Caloocan. It will be the best township development,” Araneta said.

The company plans to start developing the property in the next two years or once MRT 7 is completed, he said.

The property firm is reviewing its funding options to finance the devel-

opment of the project.

The Caloocan property is one the big pieces of land that Araneta plans to consolidate under his listed property firm. Aside from the Caloocan property, Araneta also consolidates additional properties in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan under the listed entity.

Araneta Properties is developing a 340-hectare property in Bulacan called Colinas Verdas in joint venture partnership with Sta.

Lucia Inc. It also teamed up with Ayala Land for the development of the 120-hectare Altarazza Town Center also in Bulacan.

Ayala Land earlier said it would spend P6.8 billion over the next five years to develop Altarazza, a mixed-use development with a residential component, a shopping mall, a hospital, a school and office buildings for business process outsourcing companies.

Petron president Ramon Ang said in a chance interview he would file the case against Lista this week before the Ombudsman on allegations of “unexplained wealth.” He did not provide further details, pending the filing of the case.

“We will file the case at the Ombudsman next [this] week,” Ang said.

The impending case is on top of the complaint filed by Petron against PNOC on Oct. 20 for alleged breach of a binding and compulsory sale-leaseback contract that threatens to hurt Petron’s operations.

Ang said PNOC’s move to create a negotiating panel was “too late [as] it’s been a year.” He said Petron offered to negotiate the agreement with PNOC as early as 2016.

“He is challenging us.

Now it’s us who are filing the charges against him,” Ang said.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who also sits as PNOC chairman, earlier directed the government’s oil and gas arm to negotiate with Petron. PNOC through Lista has been trying to get a higher lease rental from Petron, citing provisions in the current contract that were allegedly disadvantageous to the government.

Petron earlier said in a statement the company was

DoF bares plan to sell samurai bonds in 2018

By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government will likely issue samurai bonds next year in a bid to diversify sources of funding for infrastructure and development projects.

“We will probably do a samurai bond sometime next year, first, to diversify our sources. We haven’t done a samurai bond in a long time. But we have to get indication on interest rates and what the exchange risks are going to be,” Dominguez said over the weekend.

He said National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon was currently studying the terms for the bonds’ issuance.

Dominguez said it would be the right move to make issuances sooner than later,

in preparation for the government’s higher expenditure program for 2018.

A samurai bond is a yendenominated bond issued in Tokyo by non-Japanese companies, and is subject to Japanese regulations.

Dominguez also said he was hoping that the issuance of Panda bonds worth $200 million, which was announced in September this year, would happen before the close of the year.

A Panda bond is a Chinese renminbi-denominated bond from a non-Chinese issuer, sold in the People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, Dominguez said the planned $1-billion global bonds might be issued early January next year.

“Same thing, as I said the conclusion is better early than late,” he said.

Govt seeks US perks for bags and shoes

By Othel V. Campos

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS. Philippine Airlines president Jaime Bautista (right) turns over to Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei the chairmanship of the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines– symbolized by the perpetual compass trophy–at the conclusion of the first Philippine Aviation Day, organized by ACAP and sponsored by the International Air Transport Association at Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

Meralco’s generation unit asks ERC to approve supply agreements

By Alena Mae S. Flores MERALCO PowerGen Corp. is asking the Energy Regulatory Commission to act on pending power supply agreements with parent company and retailer Manila Electric Co. to ensure the security of supply in Luzon.

“For a time, I know ERC was in a period of flux. With ERC now stabilizing, we will go back to them and reappeal to them,” newly appointed Meralco PowerGen president Rogelio Singson said.

Singson, a former Public Works and Highways secretary, was also appointed as a senior vice president of Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor.

Meralco PowerGen is a wholly-owned unit of Meralco in charge of developing power generation projects. Meralco PowerGen plans to develop up to 3,000 megawatts of power projects.

Meralco has pending power supply agreements with the ERC for three power projects which are being developed by Meral-

constrained to seek judicial intervention when Lista communicated early this year that state-run PNOC would terminate the lease agreement with Petron.

Petron said PNOC’s action not only posed a threat to the company’s shareholders but to the broader economy that relies on its petroleum products.

Petron, in its complaint before the Mandaluyong regional trial court, through counsel Poblador Bautista and Reyes, asked for the issuance of a temporary restraining order to “stop PNOC from performing acts aimed at ousting Petron of its leased properties.”

“If PNOC will continue to disregard its reciprocal obligations on the conveyance of our land, then they should return the properties to us. Petron has invested billions of dollars on these properties. PNOC’s actions clearly jeopardizes the country’s fuel supply security and government’s thrust to develop key industries,” Petron said.

Petron has existing lease agreements with PNOC for the sites of its $3-billion refinery in Bataan, 24 bulk plants and 67 gasoline stations. The company supplies more than a third of the country’s petroleum requirements.

co PowerGen. Singson said the country would need additional busload capacity. He said Meralco PowerGen’s primary objective was to bring highly-fuel efficient and reliable power plants.

“We are now focusing on clean coal plants… The focus is on general direction of Mgen in terms of the needs of Meralco, where we want to go. The industry is changing. We are seeing some erosion in terms of energy sources. We think RE [renewable energy[ and LNG [liquefied natural gas]

will see a strong play in current sources,” Singson said.

Meralco PowerGen plans to build up additional capacities to secure Meralco’s future power requirements, aside from owning a stake in Global Business Power Corp.

“Two of our projects, Atimonan One Energy Inc. and Redondo Peninsula Energy are both shovel-ready to start construction. Beyond our apprehension regarding the price-and-period validity of our engineering, procurement and construction contracts and financ-

ing agreements, we are genuinely concerned about the power situation and the impact on the price in a supply-challenged environment, and we would like solutions to these,” Meralco president Oscar Reyes said.

Meralco PowerGen owns a majority stake in Atimonan One Energy Inc., the project company of the 1,200-megawatt ultra supercritical coal plant in Atimonan, Quezon.

The project is awaiting approval by ERC for a power supply agreement with Meralco.

THE Philippine government wants shoes and bags to be included in the list of export products with zero tariff rates under the US Generalized System of Preferences Plus.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez recently met with the American Apparel and Footwear Association in a regional gathering that was also attended by the Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines.

Lopez said he discussed the expansion of GSP―a trade arrangement that allows duty-free entry of specific Philippine products to the US—as well as the plan to explore further the possibility of having a more permanent FTA with US. “This is considered very important in our economic program under President Duterte’s administration which aims to accelerate job and income generation activities especially in the countryside and help reduce inequality,” Lopez said.

The industry currently employs around 300,000 workers and has the potential to increase employment to over 4 million if the Philippines attracts more investments into the garments and leather goods sector.

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MONDAY,OCTOBER 30, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock mart likely to trade sideways; eyes on earnings

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHARE prices are expected to trade sideways on thin volume on a shortened trading week. The financial markets are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday in observance of All Saints’ Day. RCBC Securities analyst Jeffrey Lucero expects earnings to take center stage this week as investors look for indicators and expansion plans for 2018.

“We expect the rollout of companies’ 2017 earnings results to influence stock price movement in the coming weeks,” Lucero said.

Among the companies that are expected to report their third quarter financial performance in the coming weeks are Ayala Land Inc., Ayala Corp., Globe Telecom Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. and Abotiz Power Corp.

The third-quarter earnings report that came out last week so far were

mixed, with Holcim Philippines and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. disclosing a decline in profit and Manila Electric Co. registering a three-percent increase in core net income in the first three quarters of 2017.

The PSEi last week fell 1.5 percent to 8,295.95, while the All Shares Index declined 1.1 percent to 4,857.56 as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the earnings releases.

Except for mining and oil and industrial indices which rose 1.9 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, all other indices posted week-onweek declines led by holding companies which dropped 2.56 percent, financial which dropped 2.4 percent and property which dipped 0.61 percent.

Foreign investors were net buyers for the week by P4.36 billion, while the average daily value traded stood at P7.2 billion from last week’s average of P9.7 billion.

PAL likely to register loss due to payment of charges

By Darwin G Amojelar

P

HILIPPINE Airlines said it expects to register a loss this year mainly because of P6 billion worth of unpaid navigational fees and other charges to the government.

“It will affect our cash flow, we will have to borrow money to pay for it. That’s the impact, its additional cost,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said, adding the airline would settle the debt before the end of the year.

Bautista said the airline was in talks with local banks to borrow money.

When asked if PAL would report a net loss this year because of the unpaid debt to the government, Bautista said, “ most probably, likely.”

PAL Holdings Inc., the parent firm of PAL, earlier reported a total comprehensive loss of P1.05 billion in the January-to-June period, a turnaround from a profit of P4.62 billion year-on-year.

Total revenues in the first half reached P67.76 billion, up 17.7 percent from last year’s P57.57 billion. Total expenses for the period increased 32.5 percent to P52.31 billion.

President Rodrigo Durterte earlier threatened to close the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 if PAL did not settle its unpaid navigational fees to the government.

PAL operates domestic and international flights at NAIA Terminal 2.

Bautista said PAL was finalizing a new proposal to the Manila International Airport Authority and Department of Transportation to

Manila Standard BuSineSS Weekly StockS revieW STOCKS

OCTOBER 23-27, 2017 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

4.76 59 138.00 98.00 33.6 3.90 2.30 15.88 32.05 8.23 0.65 1.7 935.00 0.650 88.95 0.81 12.8 25.00 57.90 90 101 242 59.05 252 1915.00 86.90 1.26

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ MG Holdings Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Phil H2O Pilipinas Shell Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42 11.78 0.76 1.38 19.78 0.228 102.2 18.40 4.66 15.28 186.9 70 44.5 65 1.92 6.36 11.68 10.300 14.66 7.10 5.77 12.66 17.7 63 15.20 11.90 17.42 1.750 249.80 4.29 3.19 22.90 30.6 19.3 16.4 290.00 0.216 10.80 2.9 9.95 6.34 7.5 62.6 9.69 1.71 11.42 6.72 4.68 1.92 4.77 307 2.07 13.1 4.63 0.140 1.21 142 3.25 2.12 28.50 0.94

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.340 74.90 15.88 1.10 7.01 0.440 0.440 1030 8.49 15.68 4.9 5.7 7.55 0.191 1140 7.75 74.60 5.5 5.39 5.37 5.7 0.8 17.96 0.380 6.7 0.0540 1.540 2.110 2.72 103.00 2.58 935.00 1.43 0.85 299.000 0.2700 0.1860 0.215

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings CEB Landmasters Cebu Prop. `A’ Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind.

5.210 8.50 1.08 2.400 0.980 43.350 3.76 5.4 4.85 5.82 0.520 1.24 1.230 0.199 0.475 40.8 0.670 0.147 1.50 1.94 0.78 4.16 5.32 0.315

Value

FINANCIAL 7,160,090.00 776,549.50 1,818,746,261.00 774,530,895.50 40,153,325.00 411,220.00 25,910,430.00 1,042,260.00 151,912,845.00 416,451.00 13,770.00 61,780.00 1,745,315.00 3,202,650.00 792,531,538.50 1,806,820.00 587,154.00 297,285.00 65,551,459.50 625,306.00 277,073.00 4,016,154.00 135,739,157.00 518,473,090.00 1,954,500.00 5,085,592.00 2,088,800.00 INDUSTRIAL 3,856,800 162,555,155.00 9,760,900 113,581,996.00 869,000 651,560.00 4,603,000 6,396,320.00 77,800 1,542,113.00 17,350,000 3,890,920.00 800 81,665.00 12,800 239,420.00 74,941,300 371,536,646.00 8,903,300 134,721,836.00 720 130,289.00 830 58,940.00 2,661,600 119,578,190.00 33,550 2,142,475.00 502,000 954,350.00 376,300 2,437,701.00 59,400 688,612.00 55,744,900 568,271,058.00 6,338,900 92,490,884.00 10,155,100 70,561,045.00 44,833,200 254,807,301.00 783,600 10,083,882.00 5,716,400 99,347,248.00 444,660 28,054,706.50 297,700 4,745,700.00 1,322,500 15,861,698.00 10,139,700 184,144,484.00 1,791,000 3,131,290.00 3,820,570 952,827,450.00 6,954,300 31,309,028.00 98,000 312,680.00 13,000 280,030.00 3,765,400 115,422,250.00 289,200 5,534,206.00 7,318,400 119,203,994.00 2,577,900 738,703,834.00 2,050,000 436,640.00 142,000 1,545,614.00 3,551,000 10,451,910.00 5,303,600 52,548,701.00 420,800 2,629,306.00 2,478,600 18,335,565.00 2,218,640 138,372,052.00 72,800 707,949.00 3,741,000 6,456,800.00 1,626,300 19,016,404.00 115,600 760,368.00 1,195,000 5,652,300.00 2,000 3,840.00 398,000 1,875,540.00 28,200 8,677,822.00 4,436,000 9,461,540.00 2,736,000 35,720,696.00 284,000 1,314,550.00 4,900,000 686,300.00 255,000 308,410.00 3,326,560 466,258,619.00 61,000 199,160.00 48,571,000 104,552,250.00 300 8,450.00 1,429,000 1,355,940.00 HOLDING FIRMS 950,000 319,200.00 2,907,110 215,414,696.00 31,506,500 482,806,398.00 16,000 16,840.00 596,500 4,196,665.00 161,010,000 72,271,150.00 37,310,000 16,730,900.00 2,006,915 2,041,321,725.00 26,741,700 227,379,283.00 28,718,300 447,132,526.00 1,000 4,900.00 600 3,360.00 80,600 608,660.00 2,800,000 540,310.00 601,795 693,755,135.00 183,200 1,421,589.00 3,136,460 235,413,738.00 48,500 248,131.00 4,700 25,350.00 2,700 14,534.00 22,596,300 143,508,065.00 10,278,000 8,464,830.00 2,732,600 48,680,422.00 250,000 95,450.00 93,100,400 630,331,948.00 177,160,000 9,607,080.00 18,459,000 29,705,440.00 1,793,000 3,753,670.00 24,000 63,460.00 2,355,280 241,948,355.00 36,000 92,890.00 1,533,810 1,451,462,980.00 3,552,000 5,118,740.00 43,000 36,560.00 47,840 14,120,186.00 160,000 42,450.00 2,160,000 407,000.00 2,010,000 414,240.00 PROPERTY 3,562,100 17,774,541.00 46,500 400,275.00 13,705,000 14,773,870.00 441,000 1,051,400.00 9,548,800 10,274,270.00 49,640,900 2,154,145,750.00 2,384,000 8,902,090.00 284,500 1,530,643.00 5,128,000 24,670,020.00 2,000 11,397.00 37,096,000 18,914,630.00 1,196,000 1,472,310.00 2,085,000 2,551,040.00 89,690,000 18,364,610.00 2,420,000 1,129,600.00 1,027,400 42,085,080.00 2,031,000 1,377,570.00 2,060,000 294,580.00 31,517,000 47,349,970.00 64,592,000 124,370,880.00 6,463,000 5,021,430.00 1,000 4,160.00 111,490,800 590,388,430.00 72,570,000 22,920,850.00 1,463,000 13,080 13,393,850 7,919,060 1,196,700 106,000 10,921,000 66,600 4,812,000 50,600 21,000 36,000 1,880 4,876,000 9,017,240 2,236,000 45,900 11,900 1,126,140 5,300 2,690 16,720 2,231,610 2,041,700 1,010 58,530 1,641,000

OCTOBER 17-20, 2017 Close Volume Value 4.46 59.2 143.00 98.00 33.4 3.91 2.27 15.9 31.05 8.25 0.65 1.71 960.00 0.660 92.75 0.82 12.8 24.75 58.60 88 108 238 59.8 263.2 1935.00 86.80 1.27

100,000 80,160 14,187,510 10,573,450 1,273,100 81,000 37,733,000 17,000 2,602,400 1,200 27,000 169,000 1,760 16,029,000 11,097,530 2,125,000 43,900 5,500 3,174,410 260 3,100 2,790 5,396,330 2,008,070 945 95,840 99,000

450,030.00 4,763,626.00 2,060,343,888.00 1,035,066,565.00 42,780,450.00 299,720.00 97,562,000.00 270,104.00 82,412,510.00 9,909.00 17,550.00 297,330.00 1,667,135.00 10,574,550.00 1,018,992,681.50 1,788,210.00 563,878.00 136,525.00 185,374,840.50 23,186.00 339,429.00 668,026.00 321,898,014.00 529,886,254.00 1,819,175.00 8,301,836.50 126,180.00

42.65 11.16 0.74 1.38 19.5 0.214 108 19.38 5.11 15.14 180 70 44.85 63.2 1.92 6.51 11.5 10.000 14.88 7.00 5.65 13.60 16.88 64 16.80 12.36 18.8 1.800 246.00 5.12 3.25 22.15 31.7 19.02 16.36 290.60 0.214 10.90 2.94 9.84 6.28 5.84 62.6 9.90 1.75 11.40 6.8 4.80 1.91 4.6 310 2.27 13.3 4.68 0.140 1.20 137 3.29 2.12 27.95 0.98

2,923,900 6,695,900 2,967,000 2,534,000 138,200 3,220,000 520 19,000 50,548,700 13,037,600 20 8,460 3,976,600 1,040,620 994,000 463,700 422,300 17,761,200 3,146,000 6,959,500 73,736,800 5,969,600 8,772,700 1,366,830 444,300 109,800 14,029,500 2,055,000 3,163,380 6,325,100 15,000 3,600 5,945,900 2,114,500 7,715,000 2,235,800 9,390,000 411,200 3,739,000 12,180,300 625,500 345,500 3,007,990 17,800 4,254,000 2,181,700 260,400 1,257,000 1,000 109,000 42,910 12,191,000 672,100 134,000 2,640,000 1,004,000 9,851,570 77,000 15,690,000 11,900 1,204,000

123,014,275.00 74,042,048.00 2,222,110.00 3,464,420.00 2,689,164.00 696,310.00 57,671.00 355,930.00 253,599,892.00 199,929,994.00 3,600.00 594,286.00 177,483,655.00 67,600,180.50 1,894,000.00 2,951,838.00 4,857,056.00 180,024,760.00 46,556,362.00 48,740,575.00 417,728,518.00 76,477,010.00 155,353,774.00 88,467,611.50 7,353,242.00 1,361,746.00 274,371,756.00 3,667,300.00 778,607,668.00 32,067,515.00 48,660.00 74,500.00 189,619,080.00 41,635,140.00 126,312,594.00 647,262,740.00 1,991,900.00 4,498,678.00 11,162,920.00 120,455,582.00 3,979,161.00 2,015,318.00 191,496,998.00 175,492.00 7,409,920.00 24,443,380.00 1,717,923.00 6,020,970.00 1,910.00 504,870.00 13,262,442.00 26,992,250.00 8,963,308.00 618,050.00 372,270.00 1,230,200.00 1,418,211,028.00 255,830.00 33,358,180.00 277,910.00 1,167,110.00

0.335 75.00 15.26 1.10 7.01 0.420 0.415 1070 8.49 15.60 4.9 5.1 7.57 0.198 1190 7.98 76.20 4.4 5.48 5.42 5.86 0.85 17.78 0.385 6.89 0.0530 1.520 2.070 2.65 102.50 2.63 979.50 1.48 0.85 299.000 0.2650 0.1890 0.209

3,570,000 2,767,140 32,819,100 753,000 278,400 109,550,000 33,179,000 4,347,640 6,597,900 17,681,000 7,700 2,300 242,700 1,090,000 862,710 187,900 3,692,690 34,000 2,600 500 24,424,700 3,864,000 5,015,400 50,000 50,234,000 90,480,000 24,988,000 1,556,000 21,000 2,393,520 105,000 1,067,050 4,215,000 275,000 14,890 420,000 2,750,000 2,740,000

1,213,900.00 207,262,397.00 517,374,048.00 771,540.00 1,935,488.00 46,818,800.00 17,918,300.00 4,724,266,265.00 55,931,213.00 279,508,900.00 38,253.00 11,730.00 1,832,252.00 215,160.00 1,061,597,455.00 1,503,047.00 280,587,448.50 155,120.00 13,622.00 2,710.00 141,948,210.00 3,242,050.00 87,733,998.00 19,250.00 344,987,379.00 4,738,960.00 43,120,090.00 2,232,130.00 55,650.00 244,163,590.00 271,050.00 1,037,742,220.00 6,165,720.00 233,650.00 4,443,448.00 112,950.00 523,180.00 575,020.00

4.930 8.53 1.08 2.370 1.000 43.150 3.77 5.25 4.84 5.8 0.510 1.26 1.220 0.211 0.465 42 0.680 0.144 1.53 1.94 0.82

3,352,000 33,200 31,313,000 1,734,000 29,767,000 65,412,900 2,883,000 26,700 3,955,000 10,600 26,626,000 686,000 879,000 129,470,000 3,210,000 1,204,400 5,415,000 350,000 34,932,000 78,877,000 6,494,000

16,733,800.00 282,535.00 35,088,860.00 4,074,160.00 29,902,430.00 2,806,572,450.00 10,898,040.00 140,189.00 19,353,440.00 60,305.00 13,608,750.00 846,030.00 1,088,010.00 26,706,960.00 1,503,500.00 50,514,655.00 3,733,950.00 50,870.00 54,115,140.00 156,144,610.00 5,325,010.00

5.3 0.315

120,572,500 97,210,000

650,804,862.00 31,128,100.00

STOCKS

OCTOBER 23-27, 2017 Close Volume

Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

0.3700 0.540 28.00 6.81 25.20 1.82 3.11 35.70 1.03 7.34 0.860 5.980

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

19.44 38.8 1.52 0.530 0.054 10.98 5.02 9.50 0.0690 107 8.98 9.4 2.01 7.56 3.26 960 2042 5.95 18.62 2.46 104 2.65 12.1 8.38 0.154 1.4000 3.25 15.22 4.00 1.31 18.88 16.30 0.550 2.87 6.7 4.05 2.200 10.96 5.10 2.99 7.8 181.00 8.05 1679.00 0.390 1.440 51.00 94.45 5.90 3.91 1.740 2.05 3.87 0.950 8.490

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0024 1.72 4.93 14.98 1.8700 1.8100 1.68 0.385 8.18 2.800 0.260 0.185 0.198 0.010 0.0110 1.94 6.78 1.75 0.4950 1.0100 0.0120 0.0130 7.55 7.88 0.0110 2.3300 42.55 0.0075

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ Alco Preferred B DD PREF First Gen F First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

39 532 520 107.3 106 107.9 118.6 510 539.5 5.66 1040 1030 1.07 110 1065 1150 1007 112.8 76 81.95 76.45 78.1 80.85 77.15 78.5 78.7 1.95

LR Warrant

2.410

Italpinas Philab Holdings Xurpas

6.43 4.05 5.34

First Metro ETF

125

USD DMPL A1

10.44

OCTOBER 17-20, 2017 Close Volume Value

Value

15,130,000 48,850,000 2,300 10,428,200 7,206,000 1,593,000 980,000 26,994,900 7,947,000 5,600 283,000 18,460,900

5,783,900.00 26,343,180.00 65,190.00 70,592,693.00 181,433,330.00 2,888,130.00 3,047,740.00 970,788,785.00 8,119,840.00 38,989.00 241,510.00 106,257,641.00 SERVICES 349,900 6,956,317.00 86,800 3,367,305.00 1,418,000 2,230,650.00 1,740,000 919,730.00 438,660,000 23,185,400.00 8,200 89,996.00 11,600 58,430.00 60,193,200 582,008,267.00 43,290,000 3,028,720.00 1,091,080 117,788,705.00 11,100 99,170.00 14,014,200 138,243,184.00 98,000 198,450.00 109,900 787,872.00 1,000 3,260.00 100 96,000.00 167,295 337,672,630.00 1,959,200 11,684,025.00 107,100 2,060,050.00 23,923,000 60,702,760.00 3,253,690 335,655,394.00 105,000 275,930.00 200 2,420.00 1,577,500 13,217,778.00 11,500,000 1,768,980.00 1,055,000 1,446,210.00 337,000 1,057,920.00 22,800 347,928.00 3,011,000 12,110,040.00 8,559,000 11,641,240.00 16,850,800 326,678,414.00 4,500 74,600.00 851,000 468,050.00 1,643,000 4,726,170.00 26,711,600 194,784,543.00 1,938,000 7,859,010.00 3,773,000 8,345,240.00 31,100 340,524.00 25,600 129,453.00 2,313,000 6,948,160.00 100 780.00 404,730 70,834,710.00 2,984,900 24,954,527.00 493,205 845,779,230.00 7,230,000 2,841,750.00 186,295,000 259,179,900.00 10,904,640 554,064,611.50 5,031,810 468,387,709.00 722,000 4,380,093.00 10,470,000 42,262,020.00 78,347,000 133,183,210.00 37,000 71,430.00 4,952,000 18,969,630.00 78,442,000 73,128,620.00 8,145,800 68,861,408.00 MINING & OIL 278,000,000 680,500.00 29,663,000 51,517,900.00 448,100 2,208,476.00 33,400 491,620.00 223,000 406,610.00 216,000 391,190.00 70,879,000 120,084,440.00 530,000 202,250.00 21,700 178,258.00 84,070,000 224,719,730.00 2,000,000 501,500.00 66,110,000 12,087,230.00 9,880,000 1,898,930.00 81,500,000 873,200.00 218,700,000 2,505,900.00 5,061,000 10,117,900.00 18,512,000 126,121,910.00 439,000 754,810.00 1,961,000 980,720.00 1,299,000 1,322,410.00 19,300,000 240,200.00 306,600,000 4,089,700.00 7,676,400 58,051,345.00 33,429,900 271,302,659.00 122,000,000 1,342,000.00 287,000 685,220.00 11,655,000 488,247,300.00 29,000,000 218,500.00 PREFERRED 440,100 17,160,310.00 33,650 17,901,800.00 440 228,800.00 8,300 893,300.00 30,280 3,199,256.00 350 37,765.00 1,050 121,902.00 4,000 2,040,000.00 2,990 1,613,105.00 1,683,200 9,553,823.00 1,525 1,556,000.00 205 211,225.00 335,000 354,900.00 40,160 4,337,630.00 2,000 2,130,000.00 55 63,070.00 11,640 11,749,695.00 300 33,840.00 78,380 5,915,448.00 371,440 30,133,916.50 26,670 2,392,237.00 25,760 2,011,856.00 226,850 18,179,533.00 13,440 1,063,286.00 96,700 7,643,880.00 170,000 13,390,142.00 7,000 15,300.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 669,000 1,589,500.00 SME 13,807,500 87,218,882.00 398,000 1,632,670.00 2,720,000 14,742,257.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 75,930 9,549,742.00 DDOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 149,550.00 14,280

0.4150 0.510

14,030,000 33,775,000

5,855,950.00 17,559,680.00

6.56 25.45 1.84 3.16 36.50 1.05 6.92 0.870 5.890

11,828,900 6,361,200 766,000 488,000 55,239,000 5,857,000 2,300 491,000 20,349,500

76,581,057.00 167,068,115.00 1,393,990.00 1,534,210.00 2,034,970,460.00 6,132,260.00 15,967.00 419,250.00 121,274,118.00

19.9 39 1.63 0.540 0.052 10.98 5.05 10.38 0.0700 112.2 8.99 10 2.1 7.55

319,900 272,200 1,072,000 7,317,000 349,280,000 15,000 6,400 61,343,600 76,770,000 1,848,960 3,700 20,639,900 9,000 1,218,300

6,310,356.00 10,800,975.00 1,737,520.00 3,916,100.00 17,216,960.00 164,700.00 32,425.00 634,566,378.00 5,394,260.00 207,583,892.00 33,071.00 197,142,897.00 19,160.00 8,642,131.00

2000 5.98 18.98 2.56 103.4 2.72 12.28 8.39 0.158 1.3900 3 16.04 4.04 1.47 19.04 16.90 0.560 2.95 7 4.15 2.220 10.92 5.08 2.86

415,135 2,163,100 599,600 63,089,000 4,102,300 104,000 14,800 1,605,500 11,350,000 412,000 1,204,000 60,700 2,751,000 49,844,000 30,498,000 9,700 1,258,000 1,198,000 28,006,500 3,706,000 5,916,000 30,600 16,500 4,000

842,208,160.00 12,964,857.00 12,137,196.00 150,746,320.00 422,629,306.00 288,580.00 175,904.00 13,469,748.00 1,766,180.00 564,950.00 3,833,990.00 962,596.00 11,222,920.00 75,381,810.00 571,046,863.00 166,684.00 706,720.00 3,410,020.00 193,631,062.00 15,272,150.00 13,371,840.00 337,488.00 155,859.00 11,440.00

175.00 8.56 1708.00 0.395 1.340 50.90 91.50 6.08 4.30 1.570 2.07 3.86 1.020 8.620

21,480 3,088,500 627,725 3,880,000 109,926,000 8,231,140 5,246,800 1,719,300 32,789,000 37,322,000 16,000 9,021,000 70,709,000 16,802,300

3,752,510.00 27,105,537.00 1,062,114,685.00 1,534,050.00 156,013,150.00 425,626,944.00 496,302,159.00 10,643,387.00 140,214,110.00 58,763,150.00 31,320.00 35,778,860.00 73,758,080.00 138,756,797.00

0.0025 1.72 4.87 16.28 1.8600 1.8800 1.6 0.380 8.21 2.580 0.260 0.185 0.196 0.010 0.0110 1.87 6.66 1.7 0.5000 1.0100 0.0130 0.0130 7.56 8.86 0.0120 2.4300 41.10 0.0076

521,600,000 36,757,000 2,161,300 15,200 165,000 1,729,000 11,868,000 1,170,000 89,900 9,339,000 1,290,000 66,040,000 5,200,000 105,500,000 800,000 3,248,000 20,071,800 201,000 772,000 872,000 56,500,000 252,700,000 4,033,600 35,726,300 268,900,000 191,000 17,356,300 27,000,000

2,692,700.00 64,526,160.00 10,991,866.00 242,276.00 305,780.00 3,308,260.00 18,579,880.00 444,300.00 730,295.00 24,463,940.00 325,750.00 12,678,700.00 1,047,900.00 1,089,100.00 8,800.00 5,977,580.00 138,567,409.00 339,880.00 393,140.00 890,320.00 682,400.00 3,091,300.00 30,967,583.00 314,569,390.00 3,194,400.00 471,480.00 738,436,825.00 203,500.00

38.5 532 515 107.5 107.5 105.7 115.1

74,700 13,260 12,020 13,000 215,970 260 78,320

2,878,800.00 7,139,150.00 5,808,710.00 1,397,500.00 22,829,945.00 27,944.00 9,007,632.00

540.5 5.66

650 1,938,300

351,350.00 11,038,219.00

1030 1.06 108.1 1065 1146 1013 100 75.95 81.25 76.5 78.1 82.7 77.15 79.5 79.5

8,130 119,000 27,940 4,940 9,585 10,485 55,400 54,170 125,490 34,850 27,000 131,300 122,370 708,330 109,310

8,377,700.00 126,080.00 3,018,864.00 5,261,100.00 10,984,450.00 10,628,685.00 6,019,635.00 4,092,314.50 10,199,985.00 2,663,980.00 2,108,700.00 10,736,325.00 9,447,309.00 56,224,685.00 8,673,522.00

2.400

373,000

909,890.00

5.55 4.35 5.52

12,110,600 392,000 2,433,200

69,440,690.00 1,748,650.00 13,437,177.00

127.6

54,320

6,969,450.00

10.5

40,590

434,623.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Apollo Global Oriental Pet. `B’ Abra Mining Manila Mining `B’ Premium Leisure Pacifica `A’ ATN Holdings A Philodrill Corp. `A’ Megaworld Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

VOLUME 438,660,000 306,600,000 278,000,000 218,700,000 186,295,000 177,160,000 161,010,000 122,000,000 111,490,800 93,100,400

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ Ayala Corp `A’ Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Investments Inc. SM Prime Holdings Jollibee Foods Corp.

PLDT Common Metrobank Bank of PI Mla. Elect. Co `A’

VALUE 2,154,145,750.00 2,041,321,725.00 1,818,746,261.00 1,451,462,980.00 970,788,785.00 952,827,450.00 845,779,230.00 792,531,538.50 774,530,895.50 738,703,834.00

build a new passenger terminal beside its current hub at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2.

“So whatever issue on the Pagcor [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. ] property will be resolved if our proposal is accepted by the DoT and approved by Neda [National Economic and Development Authority],” he said.

Pagcor had said PAL’s contract with a former management of the state-run gaming corporation only included the use of the rented property as “an aircraft parking ramp/ apron facility.”

It said PAL, thus, was prohibited from using the leased premises for any other business or purpose, including the construction of a new terminal without prior written consent from Pagcor.

PAL plans to build a P20billon passenger terminal at the former Nayong Pilipino complex, which could handle 12 million to 15 million passenger a year and feature aerobridges capable of serving 12 to 17 wide-bodied and single aisle jets.

PAL expects to start construction of the new terminal

by December 2020 and operate it by July 2021.

UBP sees net profit rising 50% this year

By Julito G. Rada

UNION Bank of the Philippines, the banking unit of the Aboitiz Group and one of the largest in the country, expects net income this year to increase 50 percent from a year ago even without the exceptional trading gains recorded in 2016.

Union Bank president and chief operating officer Edwin Bautista attributed the sustained expansion to the strength in core income.

“Last year we made about P10 billion net income... the growth rate was about 67 percent. Obviously, last year was an exception,” Bautista said, referring to trading gains realized mostly by banks in 2016.

“This year, the core income will continue to grow significantly although we don’t know what will happen to the trading income. But without the trading income... maybe... (we can grow by) more than 50 percent definitely,” he said.

He said Union Bank had a good chance of sustaining a loan growth of between 25 and 30 percent this year, mostly from consumers and small businesses that accounted for almost 50 percent of the bank’s clients.

Bautista said the bank was currently on a digitization thrusts in a bid to strengthen existing markets and make the system more flexible. “... All our digitization efforts have resulted in new businesses.... such as we can credit instantly... Banking can be 24 hours... Our systems are more flexible now...,” he said.

Bautista also said Union Bank remained open to new acquisitions, depending on how much added value it would gain on product range, new customer segment, and improvement in the bank’s presence, especially in the lower market such as small and medium enterprises.

Bautista said the bank remained strong, enough reason for them not to look for bigger partner. “We don’t need to raise capital right now because our growth in income has been very strong and we are on a sustainable growth path. (But) we are open to acquire for the right price,” he said.

Union Bank posted a record net income of P10.1 billion in 2016, up 67 percent from P6 billion in 2015. The profit translated into a return on equity of 16.9 percent.

Business/World

B3

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

With President Duterte , center, and FIBA officials Ingo Weiss , Hamane Niang and Lubomir Kotleba. Joining them are chairman emeritus of of Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Manny V. Pangilinan ( 7th) , Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (8th ) ; from left SBP official Butch Antonio, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez (6th at the back), Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go , SBP President Al Panlilio, and SBP executive director Sonny Barrios

PLAY LOUDER THAN EVER THAT was the battle cry of the consortium in its formal presentation of the Philippines’s bid to host the 2023 World Cup of the governing body of basketball, the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA).

This slogan was based on the bid’s features of simplicity, diversity and security.

Recently, the Samahan Basketbol ng Pilipinas or SBP, the national sports association (NSA) for basketball in the Philippines, headed by its Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan, made the bid presentation before a three-person FIBA Evaluation Commission that visited the country for this purpose.

Other SBP officials who accompanied MVP in the presentation were SBP President Al Panlilio and SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios.

The presentation host was none other than the reigning Binibining Pilipinas Universe, Rachel Peters.

The bid consortium was made up of the SBP, the Japanese Basketball Association, and the Indonesian Basketball Association.

The visiting FIBA Evaluation Commission was made up of FIBA Central Board members Hamane Niang of Mali and Ingo Weiss of Germany, as well as FIBA Senior Consultant Lubomir Kotleba of Slovakia.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano was also part of the team that gave the presentation, constantly stressing that the Duterte administration supports the bid. Aside from having the basic infrastructure in place, what sets this bid apart from others is the Filipinos passion for the game and its world-renowned hospitality.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, despite his hectic schedule, met with the visiting Commission. In that courtesy call, President Duterte expressed in no uncertain terms his support for the bid.

Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go — who, unknown to the general public, is a certified basketball aficionado and accomplished player (a 3-point artist in the tradition of Stephen Curry, Ray Allen or Larry Bird) — was, together with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, instrumental in making the call happened.

A brilliant political strategist who understands the people’s pulse, the President knows how sports, especially basketball, unifies the nation. One can just recall how the country comes to a standstill during a Manny Pacquiao fight.

Meantime, Executive Secretary Medialdea met the Commission several times during their stay here, a clear sign of the Philippine government’s support for the Philippine bid.

I was present at the formal bid presentation at the Conrad Hotel together with Maynilad President and incoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Chair Ramoncito Fernandez, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) President Butch Meily, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director and Sports 5 - ESPN 5 Head Patricia Bermudez Hizon, and SMART’s Julie Carceller, among others.

The atmosphere was a bit tense, perhaps brought about by memories of a recent bid in Tokyo for the 2019 World Cup. We were so close back then, but China’s infrastructure dominance swayed the decision in their favor. I still vividly recall shaking the hands of the legendary Yao Ming, who was magnanimous in victory .

The formal presentation itself was calm, cool, and composed, but not bereft of passion , which is the MVP way. He spoke highly of the Filipino passion for basketball and how, in the end, basketball will get a big boost in this part of the world if the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan are given this opportunity. Al Panlilio, while echoing the message of MVP, went into the details of the bid.

Indeed, who would have thought that the sport invented by James Naismith in 1891 at Springfield, Massachusetts would be the top player and spectator sport in the Philippines.

All in all, it was an excellent presentation. FIBA will announce the winning bidder during the Central Board meeting in Switzerland on December 09.

Till that time comes, my Kababayan and Kabasketball: #PUSO #LabanPilipinas!

Manny V. Pangilinan and President Duterte with FIBA officials

TATT00 FESTIVAL. A couple show off their body art at the Rites of Passage tattoo festival event in Sydney on October 29, 2017. The annual Rites of Passage tattoo festival attracts more than 250 local and international tattoo artists to Australia. AFP

Pro-unity protesters to gather in Barcelona B ARCELONA―Pro-unity protesters will gather in Catalonia’s capital Barcelona Sunday, two days after lawmakers voted to split the wealthy region from Spain, plunging the country into an unprecedented political crisis.

As Madrid moved to quash the independence bid, secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont was defiant Saturday, calling for “democratic opposition” to the central government’s seizure of regional power.

Puigdemont accused Madrid of trampling on the will of independence-seeking Catalans with the first curtailment of regional autonomy since Francisco Franco’s brutal 1939-75 dictatorship.

Spain is on a knife edge as it grapples with its worst constitutional crisis in decades, triggered by an unlawful Catalan independence referendum on October 1 that was shunned by many and marred by police violence.

Throwing down the gauntlet Friday, Catalan lawmakers passed a motion, by 70 votes out of 135 in the secessionistmajority regional parliament, to declare the region of 7.5 million

people independent from Spain.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy responded by deposing the regional government, dissolving its parliament, imposing direct rule and calling December 21 elections to replace them.

Rajoy’s intervention was “contrary to the will expressed by the citizens of our country,” Puigdemont said in a statement that he signed as “President of the Generalitat (government) of Catalonia”.

Barcelona readied for Sunday’s anti-independence march under the slogan: “Catalonia is all of us!”.

The rally is due to kick off at noon near where tens of thousands of people celebrated the new “republic” with song, wine and fireworks just

two days earlier.

Organizers of Sunday’s gathering had assembled hundreds of thousands of people for a similar protest in the city on October 8.

Participants will include representatives of three Catalan opposition parties―including Rajoy’s conservative Popular Party, in what may amount to the start of an election campaign.

Rajoy drew sweeping powers, approved by the senate, under a never-before-used constitutional article designed to rein in rebels among Spain’s 17 semi-autonomous regions.

He used these to axe Puigdemont, his deputy, regional ministers, heads of departments, and the chief of police.

The move has angered some Catalans. AFP

Some Russians craving return of monarchy MOSCOW―Mikhail Ustinov’s ancestors were executed in 1917 for supporting the czar, but a hundred years later the 68-year-old yearns for the return of monarchy to Russia.

“Russians are monarchists in their soul, even though the Soviets tried to destroy our soul,” Ustinov, who is a self-proclaimed spokesman for the Moscow monarchist community, told AFP in his small apartment on the outskirts of the Russian capital.

Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ustinov has dressed in stylized military fatigues in a nod to the officers of the czarist army who were fiercely loyal to the monarch and heav-

ily persecuted after the October Revolution.

Executed with his wife and children by the Bolsheviks in 1918, the last Russian czar Nicholas II was rehabilitated and buried in Saint-Petersburg in 1998 and canonized in 2000 by the Orthodox Church.

“I want to die wearing my uniform and declaring love for the czar, like my grandfather, greatgrandfather and all of my family,” said Ustinov, a portrait of Nicholas II behind him.

Ustinov said his family was decimated during the revolution, which he calls a “coup d’etat.”

More than 28 percent of Russians are in favor of the country

becoming a monarchy again one day, according to a study by VTsIOM, a state pollster, released in March. That figure increased from 22 percent in 2006.

Monarchy sympathizers are especially prevalent among the younger generation: 33 percent among those between 18 and 24 years old and 35 percent of 25-34 year-olds.

“We see clearly that the ‘Soviet’ generations resist this idea more than the younger people, for whom monarchy is one possible system of governance,” said sociologist Stepan Lvov who helped organize the poll.

“It’s as if the Soviet vaccine doesn’t work on them,” he added. AFP

Rohingya problem bringing down tourism YANGON―Only a few years ago Beyonce and Jay-Z were posing for photos among Myanmar’s famed temples, heralding the former junta-run country’s rise as one of the hottest new tourist destinations on the map.

But that dream is cracking as images of burned villages and Muslim Rohingya fleeing armyled violence in western Rakhine shock the globe, sparking outrage over a staggering scale of human suffering that has festered along the border.

Ever since the bloodshed broke out in late August, tourism operators have witnessed a cascade of cancellations, rippling fear

through a nascent industry that was gearing up for its high season in October.

“Almost all the trips scheduled for October and November have been canceled due to instability in the country, because of the situation in Rakhine state,” said Tun Tun Naing from New Fantastic Asia Travels and Tour, an agency that leads trips to the pristine beaches and mist-shrouded lakes that dot the lush country.

“Most groups in Japan, Australia and other Asian countries cited security reasons and some Europeans have clearly said they boycotted because of the humanitarian situation,” he told AFP.

In Yangon, a bustling city known for its crumbling colonial architecture, some foreign tourists could still be seen circling the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda that looms over the former capital.

But they admitted that the ongoing crisis is an awkward backdrop for their holiday.

“It’s very sad to see what the country is becoming, our guide told us that Muslims were dangerous and that they were not Burmese,” said French tourist Christine, who declined to give her surname, of a crisis that has spiked religious tensions in the Buddhist majority country. AFP

HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Expanded National Capital Region Field Office 2nd Floor, HLURB Building, Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Owner/Developer) has filed with this Board for a change in project area from 5,718 to 2,418 square meters covered by TCT No. 008-2017000266 for GRAND CENTRAL RESIDENCES located at EDSA corner Sultan St., Brgy. Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City. This project was issued License to Sell No. 27022 dated September 23, 2013 and Certificate of Registration No. 22332 dated July 29, 2010.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, OCT. 11, 2017 (Sgd) ATTY. NORMAN JACINTO P. DORAL Officer-In-Charge (MS-OCT. 23 & 30, 2017)

HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Expanded National Capital Region Field Office 2nd Floor, HLURB Building, Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City NOTICE Notice is hereby given that CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Owner/Developer) has filed with this Board a sworn registration statement for the sale of units at PIONEER HEGHTS I located at Pioneer Street, Brgy. Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City specifically described as Lots 2-C, 2-D and 2-E, Psd-00-036943, Lot 1-B, Psd-00-036942 and Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Psd-32695 under TCT Nos. 11182, 11183, 11184, 11188 (portion only), 98432 and 98419 (portion only) with total area of 4,831 square meters.

That the above owner/developer has issued an Affidavit of Undertaking in lieu of the proof of compliance to the modes and manners provided

by RA 7279 as amended by RA 10884. That within six (6) months after the issuance of the License to Sell, the owner/developer of the main project shall submit the proof of compliance per HLURB`s revised IRR by which the developer of the main project can fullfil and satisfy the balanced housing development requirement.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, OCT. 18, 2017 (SGD) ATTY. NORMAN JACINTO P. DORAL

Officer In Charge

(MS-OCT. 23 & 30, 2017)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERRIF QUEZON CITY

TYPE: 2BR AREA: 57.5 SQ.M. % PARTICIPATION: 0.125%

PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee, -versus-

FRE NO. 11740

SPS. DONNY DEL PRADO AND IVY E. DEL PRADO rep by LILIA DEL PRADO as Attorney-In-Fact.

Mortgagor/s x-----------------------------------x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended

by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on October 13, 2016

by SPS. DONNY DEL PRADO AND IVY E. DEL PRADO rep by LILIA DEL PRADO as Attorney-in-Fact.

–5F Cluster 7, Greenhills Garden Sqno.297, Boni Serrano Ave., Quezon City, Mortgagors in favor of PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee, to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of Php 2,118,218.79 as of June 21, 2017 plus accruing interest, and penalty and other charges together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on November 22, 2017 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will sell thru public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in Philippine Currency, the following described real property/ies with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit:

in the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE N-165131-33 which embraces and describes the land located at B. SERRANO AVE., CUBAO, Q.C. with an area of (10,444; 200 & 200) Square, Meter, xxx xxx All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the aforesaid office on the above stated date and time.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a nonworking holiday, it shall be held on November 29, 2017 at the same time and place without further notice.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, October 4, 2017.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL T. INSAME Sheriff IV

(Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII and Ex-Officio Sheriff WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or Destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the date of the auction sale under penalty of the law.

Copy Furnished:

ATTY. CONSTANTINO L. REYES 4th Floor PSBank Centre Bldg., No. 777 Paseo de Roxas Ave., cor. Sedeño St., Makati City SPS. DONNY DEL PRADO AND IVY E. DEL PRADO rep by LILIA DEL PRADO as Attorney-in-Fact.

CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE 5F Cluster 7, Greenhills Garden OF TITLE NO. N-004-2014027187 Sqno, 297, Boni Serrano Ave., Registry of Deeds-Quezon City Quezon City

GREENHILLS GARDEN SQUARE Unit 5F Greenhills Garden Square 7 Cluster 7, No. 297 Col. Boni 5F Serrano Ave., Quezon City.

CLUSTER: LEVEL: UNIT:

F

(MS-Oct. 16, 23 & 30, 2017)

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

monday, october 30, 2017

LocaL government units

QC Film Festival wraps up 5th year

By Rio N. Araja

ESTATE PLAN. Manuel Colayco, Tierra Maria project consultant, discusses to the media the estate’s affordable and modern houses—offering five times bigger space that can be used for gardening of organic plants and other purposes—during a tour at the site in Lipa City, Batangas. Manny Palmero

‘Yolanda’ housing czar hit

By Junex Doronio

C

eBU CITY—Barely a fortnight before the fourth anniversary of the Super Typhoon “Yolanda” that shocked the country, five barangays in Bugasong town in Antique suffered its worst flood in years.

The Kilusang Pagbabago chapter in Region 6 blamed the inefficiency of “Yolanda” housing czar and Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino for the flooding, after it con-

ducted a fact-finding mission in the area on Oct. 20.

That date is 20 days before the anniversary of the record breaking storm that carved a large path of destruction across the

Visayas last Nov. 8, 2013.

“Sa sinkwentay sinco anyos ko dya nga puyu sa Lacayon wara ko ka eksperyensia kang amu nga dya nga baha [In the 55 years of living in Lacayon, I have not experienced floods until now],” said Consolacion espino of Barangay Lacayon, Bugasong.

Lacayon residents have sought the help of Fr. Jose elmer Cajilig, KP lead convenor for Region 6, who subsequently vowed

to bring their concern of Lacayon residents to the attention of President Rodrigo Duterte through Cabinet Secretary Leoncio evasco Jr. Tagged as the fifth and the most devastating flood this year, the waters inundated Barangays Puho, Hatay-Hatay, Calog, Lacayon and Cubay in South Bugasong.

Some 35 residents, who attended a community dialogue conducted by a KP

team, pointed at a nearby housing project by the National Housing Authority.

They noted that the project, being constructed by eDDMARI Construction and Trading, will have 1,787 units once completed.

According to the residents, the construction firm bulldozed the hilly and forested portion of Barangay Lacayon and reclaimed four creeks.

The waters from the creeks are dumped into a single tributary when it rains, and

In BrIef

Valenzuela regales Miss Earth entries

THe Valenzuela City government proudly showcased their eco-tourism places to the candidates of Miss earth 2017 during their visit.

According to tourism officer and museum curator Jonathan Balsamo, the girls were “really fascinated” to discover a hidden paradise in the city “where one can experience peace and tranquility.”

Among the Miss earth candidates who visited Valenzuela were Yorbriele Ninoska Vasquez Alvarez, Venezuela; Kaylee Carlberg, US Virgin Islands; elizabeth Lee, Singapore and Faith Gennevieve Zawadi Landman, of The Netherlands.

Balsamo said, the candidates had time to relax and experience the rustic life in the city’s fishing village of Tagalag. “They tried pitching the line to catch fish in D’ Cove Pavilion and Fishing Ground, a private property developed into a tourist attraction that reflects what describes Barangay Tagalag— a rural attraction within an urban area.”

thus caused the flooding.

On Aug. 22, 2016, some 82 residents signed a complaint addressed to Mayor John Lloyd M. Pacete of Bugasong, Antique, a copy of which was furnished to the Presidential Action Center.

They said Pacete has not acted on the plea neither has he acted on a letter dated Jan. 29, 2017 from Presidential Action Center Director Jaime Llaguno Mabilin.

THe Quezon City government under the administration of Mayor Herbert Bautista recently held the 5th QCinema International Film Festival awards night as part of the celebration of the city’s 78th foundation anniversary.

“Local cinematography continues to be a source of pride and wholesome entertainment. All the participating movies fully deserve commendation, especially when locally produced films and our outstanding actors and actresses are now being acclaimed by international award-giving bodies during these festivals,” said Bautista, Quezon City Film Development Commission chairperson.

The QCinema International Film Festival competition has four categories—the Circle Competition featuring eight local full-length films, QC Shorts for eight short films, Asian Next Wave Competition and the newly added Rainbow QC composed of six local and international films for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The city government started the QCinema International Film Festival in 2013 to celebrate and showcase the unique and exemplary Filipino traditions through cinematography and also to support the national government’s campaign against movie piracy.

Acting Mayor Joy Belmonte led the QCinema awards night organized by the Quezon City Film Development Commission held Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 at Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Cubao.

‘miracle’ for 17 passenger TACLOBAN CITY—In what investigators said was a minor miracle, 17 passengers of a mini-truck survived a plunge off a cliff on Saturday night at Brgy. Soro-soro, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

The passengers just escaped with cuts and bruises after Demetrio Tewan Villegas Jr., 45, of Brgy.

Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte, drove the Suzuki Multicab off the curb and down the cliff, the vehicle turning turtle several times, at 9:50 p.m. Saturday, according to witnesses.

According to the Maasin Police, the vehicle was travelling from Ormoc City going to Brgy. Hanginan, in Maasin on a pilgrimage. Upon reaching the scene of the accident, the driver lost control of the steering wheel as the mini-truck rolled off the cliff.

The passengers were brought to Living Hope Hospital in Brgy. Isagani, Maasin for immediate medical treatment. Mel R. Caspe

8 Qc centenarians feted ‘LAKBAY ALALAY.’ The Department of Public Works and Highways of the Quezon Province’s 4th Engineering District shows it’s

ready for the ‘Lakbay Alalay’ motorists’ program for All Saints’ Day, starting at station 19 on the old zigzag road in Barangay Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon (inset photo). District engineer Cely S. Flancia and assistant district engineer Gener J. Abergas said their personnel are assigned 24 hours at the command center along Maharlika Highway for the holidays. Benjie A. Antioquia

PLDT SOS aids Cavite disaster drills THe province of Cavite recently held its third quarterly simultaneous earthquake drill in line with the national government’s initiative to promote disaster risk awareness and management among the general public.

In this quarter’s drills,

the participating local government units of Bacoor, Imus, General Trias and Silang took a step forward in community emergency management and response with the use of Smart SOS Dispatch–an end-to-end solution exclusively de-

veloped by PLDT enterprise to further strengthen emergency response and management systems in the Philippines.

The Smart SOS Dispatch is a comprehensive mobile solutions package that combines Smart’s

robust network coverage with the Genaker IP-based PTT (Push To Talk) service and NowForce emergency response application for rapid, long distance and high-speed communication between the command center and first responders.

‘Beware of pyramiding scams’

TRICK OR TREAT. Mayor Lourdes ‘Baby’ Cataquiz (left) of the City of San Pedro City Laguna hands a gift to a boy who attended the children’s the ‘trick or treat’ event in her office, complete with costumes ahead of Halloween. Roy Tomandao

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Cooperatives from Ifugao province gathered for the annual cooperative month celebration at the Tam-an Mountain Resort here with a clear message.

They warned the public to save their money in the cooperatives and to shy away from get-richquick pyramiding scams that already victimized many people in Ifugao and elsewhere.

During the solidarity night on Friday, a Banaue-based country

music band played an original composition that lambasted “Satarah” and “Three Angels”—two business schemes who are now being chased by authorities after allegedly carting away millions from innocent victims.

“Save your money the cooperative way, else ‘Satarah’ and ‘Three Angels’ will take them away,” the lyrics said, making the audience burst in thunderous laughter. The song also depicted the pyramiding schemes as “masked demons.”

THe Quezon City government has awarded P100,000 each to eight resident centenarians.

Among the centenarians in this batch are: eulogia Valderama Nava, Ceferino Quimson Sarmenta, Luz Lucia Reyes Fernandez, Josefa Lunar Garcia, Nieves Callauen Gines, esperanza Ruiz Hizon, Clarita Banas de Dios, and Caridad Iledan Ileto they each receive a plaque of appreciation and P100,000 cash.

The awarding of the cash incentive is in accordance with the recently approved ordinance that grants a P100,000 cash to Quezon City’s centenarians.

Mayor Herbert Bautista sees this as a fitting expression of gratitude.

“Imbes na nagbibigay tayo ng cake o kung ano-ano pa at least itong cash incentive, sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan, mas importante at mahalagang reward ang binibigay natin,” Mayor Bautista said during his recent State of the City Address.

Aside from the grant given by the Quezon City government, centenarians will also receive cash incentives from the national government.

Section 2 of Republic Act 10868 or the “Centenarians Act of 2016,” provides that all Filipinos who reach the age of one hundred (100) years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a centenarian gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) coming from the national government.

According to QC OSCA, there are 126 centenarians residing in Quezon City.

W

ITH an unprecedented growth in the last five years—on the average opening one restaurant every 70 days—The Moment Group is showing no signs of slowing down. If anything, it is gearing up for an even faster expansion, and with eyes on showcasing some of its brands on the international scene.

Life food

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com monday, octoBeR 30, 2017

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A Momentous 5th the joyce of eating Joyce BaBe Pañares

“We are growing pretty fast. And I don’t think we’re stopping any time soon.

If we can open one restaurant every 45 days, that would be a happy challenge,” said Abba Napa, one of the three hungry dreamers who founded TMG with eli Antonino and Jon Syjuco.

“The mindset of Filipino diners has changed in the last 10 years, and that is very exciting for us. eating and dining out is not just for nourishment but a social experience now, so you can push the envelope when it comes to creating dishes. I guess we are all foodies at heart,” she added.

TMG currently has 10 brands in its portfolio in 27 locations, with revenues growing by over 60 percent year-onyear in the past half-decade.

“The dream is to make it to 50 and build Moment to become something that can be constantly creating value and adding value to our industry, our dining scene and even to our society,” Napa said.

Napa led a small group of food writers last week for a seven restaurantswing at Bonifacio Global City – the place where TMG began in 2012 with its first concept restaurant, Cue Modern Barbecue, which has since closed but, who knows, could one day return.

The tour began at 8 Cuts, the pioneer in the better burger category and the first to offer handcrafted burgers with a full service. 8 Cuts brand manager Ian Palabyab served secret menu items, such as the special stacks sliders as well as new flavors of the onion rings which have gained cult-like following among return patrons.

Grass-fed cheeseburger from 8 Cuts

Steak aburi maki from Ooma. The Japanese casual restaurant is under the helm of The Moment Group, which is marking its 5th anniversary with a record of opening one restaurant every 70 days.

Phat Pho Manila, a partnership with Cebu’s Abaca Group, served grilled shrimp goi con, chicken satay, and the runaway winner of a dish Angus beef satay that was tender and flavorful, while ooma, TMG’s innovative Japanese casual restaurant, prepared ebi and kani aburi and steak aburi maki.

Mecha Uma’s camo onigiri, on the other hand, showed how Chef Bruce Ricketts intelligently combines ingredients that one would not immediately think would work together: chicken strips, egg, and umeboshi (pickled plum).

Din Tai Fung, a five-time Michelin Star awarded half-centur y-old Ta i w a n e s e brand with its worldfamous x i a o longbao,

Chocolate xiaolongbao – an innovation from the Philippine team of Din Tai Fung, and sumptuous pork sisisg from Manam’s.

rolled out new menu items that were prepared by its Philippine team: crispy chicken cutlet, stir-fried beef with scallions, three-cup chicken, crispy seafood noodles, mushroom fried rice, and chocolate lava xiaolongbao (this, in particular, was so well-received that it is now being served in other Din Tai Fung branches in Taiwan).

Manam, which offers classic and reinvented local dishes, including what is touted to be the best sisig in the capital, paired its pancit sisig with trio of bibingka – de leche, ube, and galapong of salted duck egg. Manam’s sisig, whether

The golden goose

Bar, listed by CNN as one of the “7 Most Intriguing Speakeasies in the World” that serves the most extensive range of liquors, spirits, and cocktails in the city.

“When we create concepts, the process comes from a place that is emotional and personal. It is not about trends, but about cuisine that we love,” said Napa, while lounging at Bank Bar and looking every inch a five-year winner.

“We want our restaurants to stand the test of time.”

For feedback, send comments to joyce.panares@gmail.com

Among best places to go to

by Chef Billy Cheong

DISCoVeR the true and classic traditional Hong Kong staple with the premium roast goose, whose recipe comes from the culinary experts of Guangdong Province, Nov. 6 to 21, at the authentic Cantonese restaurant, Lung Hin. With over 40 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industry, cuisine expert and guest chef Billy Cheong is coming to Manila to share his famous roasted goose recipe. Born in Macau to a family of connoisseurs in the culinary art from their home in Guangdong Province, Chef Billy had his early training from his grandfather, founder of Macau’s Lin Heung Chinese Bakery, and aunt, Cheong Lai Mui, chief chef of Republic of China’s first president’s wife.

As he was awarded Commanderie dea Cordons Bleus de France by Chaine des Rotisseurs in 2001, and with most influence by the China Hotel Awards in 2013, Chef Billy is the pioneer to bring Michelin-starred restaurant, Kam’s Roast Goose’s, to the Star Cruises in 2014, and to other Hong Kong restaurants—Crystal Jade, Ye Shanghai, and Tim Ho Wan. Coming from the neighboring Guangdong Province, and served in Hong Kong, the staple roast goose has been adored by many. Geese were marinated in a charcoal furnace at high temperature, creating that crispy skin, and divinely tender and flavorful flesh. This classic trademark of the traditional cuisine truly brings quality at every bite.

Guests can enjoy this golden dish prepared by guest chef Billy Cheong, for a la carte orders, half or whole. A set menu is also available with a line-up of other authentic dishes such as Steamed Garoupa with Shredded Pork and Shredded Mushroom Ancient Style, Fried Shrimp and Vermicelli in Xo Sauce, and Stir-fried Seasonal Hong Kong Vegetables with Garlic. enjoy and experience authentic Cantonese cuisine, with its finest flavors at Lung Hin, one of the signature outlets of the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award winner, Marco Polo ortigas Manila, located at level 44 of the hotel.

To know more about the hotel, visit www.marcopolohotels.com. Follow the Hotel in Facebook at facebook. com/MarcoPoloortigasManila or @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

in its original form or as pancit topping, has consistently impressed diners – “a delicate interplay between meat, tendon and cartilage, crispy skin and fat” as Anthony Bourdain once described the perennial Filipino favorite dish.

To cap the food crawl, we entered a regular-looking 7-11 store at the RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center. Inside is a secret door, where rows and rows of Jufran ketchup, Mang Tomas sarsa, and Datu Puti soy sauce and vinegar would greet the uninitiated. At the end of the dimly lit passageway, one thick velvet curtain away, is the Gatsby-like Bank

Chef Billy Cheong serves up his premium roast goose at Lung Hin in Marco Polo Ortigas on Nov 6 to 21

DeCISIoN-making is always tough.

No matter how much time and effort you spend in making a judgment call there is no guarantee that you will arrive at the right decision every single time. especially in today’s fast-paced environment where everyone’s pressed to act lightning quick, people have lesser patience and luxury of time to weigh their options thus, ending up making the wrong decisions. Case in point, it is now commonplace to hear mistakes such as sending a scathing email to the wrong person, carelessly ranting on social media, posting incriminating content online, and sharing or liking bogus messages without reading the entire context.

During these “what have I done” moments, it’s best to remember that things can still be turned around. But before you do anything rash, it would be wise to take some time out to contemplate, regroup and seek solace in familiar surroundings. one of the best places you can go to that can both soothe the heart and revive the body is Pancake House. A crowd favorite for generations, Pancake House is renowned for its cozy and warm ambiance and more importantly, its sumptuous and filling

comfort food.

Much like a well-loved friend who knows what you need when you need it, Pancake House’s extensive menu is a welcome respite to busy working professionals, families or anyone looking for a touch and taste of home because of its familiar and heartwarming offerings.

From its all-time classics like pancakes and waffles, satisfying special sets like the House Special Set and Pan Chicken Special Set, to mouthwatering mains like the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Hot Roast Beef and Arroz a la Cubana, among many other tasty dishes, you can be sure that whatever Pancake House meal you choose will always a good choice.

So turn your frown into a smile while enjoying a hearty meal at Pancake House, one of the most endeared casual dining restaurants in the country. Visit any of your favorite Pancake House branch nationwide.

Pancake House’s all-time classics in one plate

Life

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monday, october 30, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

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A look at everyone’s new favorite dish

ROM New York to Singapore, everybody is crazy about poke.

What started off as a traditional Hawaiian meal is fast becoming a convenient and healthy option for millions of people all over the world. In the Philippines, poke has become increasingly popular with restaurants such as Poke Poke leading the way.

In its simplest terms, poke is made from marinated cuts of fresh seafood that is served over a bed of rice. Poke first became popular in the 1970’s in its native Hawaii, when fishermen and seafood vendors began to use the dish as a way to extend the shelf life of fresh seafood.

Four decades later, poke is experiencing culinary acclaim the world over. Almost every major city across the world has its own thriving “poke culture” with cities and restaurants crafting their own personal and regional spin on the Hawaiian favorite. And in the age of social media, it was only a matter of time before the poke bowl won the hearts and mouths of Filipino foodies.

Locally, poke has seen increasing visibility in food parks and pop-ups across Metro Manila. This changed in late 2016 when Poke Poke opened its first branch at the estancia Mall, in Capitol Commons, Pasig City and established themselves as the “Purveyors of Poke.”

Poke Poke began as the collective brainchild of a group of friends that included business couple, Speedy and Alta Lyttle, and well-known executive chef, Kel Zaguirre; the fire starters of the famous Filipino restaurant, Locavore. Together, the group explored the creative and fiscal capabilities of the dish and began to tailor poke to suit the Filipino palate. “It was a big risk at the beginning”, shares co-owner Alta Lyttle. “More than anything, we wanted to capture families and health-conscious individuals. That

is why we made the decision to adjust poke to suit Filipino tastes.”

The resulting poke bowls became a fusion of Asian and Continental tastes with traditional Hawaiian sensibilities.

“People were hesitant at first because they were unfamiliar were with the concept (of poke)”, adds head chef, Kel Zaguirre.

“But once they tasted poke and became familiar with the dish, it opened their eyes to possibilities of what we can do and where we can go on a culinary level.

Since its launch, Poke Poke has expanded across the Metro with three

Poke Poke offers poke bowls that fuse Asian and Continental tastes with Hawaiian sensibilities

Sushi in bowl options offered at Poke Poke

additional branches, allowing more people access to their offerings.

“Since we’ve found our place in the market, Poke Poke has become the healthy alternative for people looking for a quick and delicious meal that won’t leave them feeling heavy or bloated”, says Speedy Lyttle.

It’s easy to see what makes poke such a memorable dish for diners. One single bowl can singlehandedly capture a collection of textures and flavors that are often enjoyed

separately. It’s new, exciting, and healthy.

At an age marked by constant discovery via social media, poke’s increasing popularity represents today’s consumer: fast and health-conscious, with a worldly outlook that craves constant discovery and the privilege to share new discoveries with the uninitiated.

The rise of poke is not a trend. It is a glimpse into the culinary habits of generations to come.

Moon Festival is about thanksgiving, reunions NexT to the Chinese New Year or Spring Festi- endar with the most beautiful full moon at night, for important positive role in Philippine economic val, the Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival this usually corresponds to late September to early and social development, and to also hoping to share (Zhōngqiū Jié in Mandarin and Tiong Chew Chue October in the Western Gregorian calendar with a unique festive Chinese tradition as part of the rich in Hokkien) is the second most important festi- full moon at night and this 2017 the Moon Festival multi-cultural Filipino national life, the Federation val in Chinese tradition with families and close fell on the night of Oct. 4. It was also celebrated of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Infriends gathering for reunions. dustry, Inc. (FFCCCII) hosted its In China’s southern Fujian first ever Moon Festival Lunchprovince, where most ethnic eon for the media on Sept.30 at Chinese in the Philippines trace its headquarters on the 7th floor their roots, a traditional dice of Federation Center, Muelle de game called pua tiong chiuw Binondo, Manila. was invented three centuries The FFCCCII was established ago by the great Ming Dynasty in 1954 for the main purposes of hero General Zheng Chengencouraging the Philippines’ gong with ge-pya or mooncakes ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs of different sizes as the prizes. nationwide not only to help inGeneral Zheng invented this exclusive and dynamic national citing dice game in xiamen City economic growth, but also to of Fujian province to keep his continue the Chinese commusoldiers from being homesick nity’s centuries-old tradition of during the annual Moon Festiphilanthropic or socio-civic enval, he led his soldiers to drive deavors such as the construction Dutch colonizers out of Taiwan. and donations of public school Another legend on the Moon buildings for barrios and other Festival was the use of moondisadvantaged communities, cakes to pass on secret messag- Mooncakes were said to contain secret messages on a rebellion plot by Chinese nationalists passed to support the Filipino Chinese es on a rebellion plot by Chinese around during the Mongols’ Yuan Dynasty volunteer fire brigades which nationalists, which successfully assist fire and other disaster overthrew the Mongols’ Yuan Dynasty. worldwide, especially in Asian societies like Chi- victims of all socio-economic backgrounds, and The Moon Festival is celebrated as a harvest fes- na, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Singa- assist other civic causes. The FFCCCII is headed tival for thanksgiving since ancient times on the pore, Malaysia and other places. by president Domingo Yap and its chairman emer15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calTo express gratitude and appreciation to the media itus Dr. Lucio C. Tan.

New Zealand chocolates on a roll down world’s steepest street WITH chocolates being a popular pasalubong from chocolates encased in hard orange shells. These are These delectable pocket-sized jaffas are linked Filipinos traveling overseas, the Kiwi treat jaffa will eaten by Kiwis by the millions, and are a must-try for to the city of Dunedin, New Zealand’s fifth largsurely be a hit. Native to New Zealand, jaffas are dark anyone born with a sweet tooth. est city. Dotted with impressive edwardian and Victorian architecture, the South Island city is home to one of the world’s most rare marine wildlife, the country’s grandest castle and oldest university.

It also has the landmark called Baldwin Street, which holds the title of the world’s steepest street.

On an ordinary day, the 350-metre Baldwin Street is a place for tourists to take quirky photos for their social media feeds and for locals to take their morning runs.

However, one annual event called Jaffa Race Day shows how much Kiwis love their jaffas.

Thousands upon thousands of jaffas are made to roll down the street’s steep incline, with 75,000 jaffas recorded for this year.

The sight of these chocolates tumbling down the slope for the winner’s slot is a tasteful visual treat that must be crossed from every traveller’s bucket list.

The race is the flagship event of the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival. The iconic Cadbury Jaffa has been made in the country since 1931. Cadbury Chocolate World, one of Dunedin’s popular tourist attractions, is set to complete by late next year its new chocolate factory that will feature a magical elevator, historic displays, and public open space – providing a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience.

Spectators await jaffas to roll down Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street located in New Zealand

Don Papa Rum is a great base for cocktails

Don Papa’s first cocktail competition in PH COCKTAIL competitions continue to be a popular trend among drinks brands worldwide. In 2014, Don Papa launched its first cocktail competition in the UK through a nationwide search for the next Don of Cocktails. The following year, the competition opened to The Netherlands, inviting the best bartenders in Amsterdam. In 2016, Don Papa Rum has expanded the cocktail competition, adding Denmark to its list, with each competition executed with a unique flair.

This year, Don Papa brought the cocktail competition to the Philippine shores where the cocktail scene continues to grow and develop with the rising number of cocktail bars and a blossoming bartending community. The competition was hosted in Downtown & Halstead featuring 13 of the best entries from bartenders across the nation.

With its overarching theme of Sugarlandia, the competition was graced by a distinguished panel of judges who represented different categories that are considered in a great cocktail: taste, balance, presentation, story, and use of the brand. each contestant presented their cocktails with passion and gusto, impressing the judges not only with its taste but the stories behind their creations.

The best four bartenders were chosen as the champions for this year’s cocktail competition.

Kathrin Osmillo of Oto charmed the judges with her story and presentation flair of the “La Fuerza” cocktail. John Robert Lorenzo of Samba at The Shangri-la Fort impressed the panel with his cocktail named “Corazon.” Abigael Quilal-lan of ABV showed her passion for cocktails with a poetry inspired creation called “Road Less Traveled”.

The final champion, Maxniel Seruelo, hails all the way from Prisma Boracay and showed everyone his masterpiece entitled “Audaz Filipinos”.

The winners will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Negros Island, Philippines. Part of this prize is a first class treatment and VIP access to Don Papa Rum’s distillery, one of the Philippine’s biggest producing sugar mills, and a luxury island experience in Punta Bulata resort.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

The cast of "Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted" during the movie's official media launch

A

N ALLSTAR cast of today’s best and hottest millennials and the mostpromising artists of their generation is in the movie claimed by the people behind it the scariest movie of the year. Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted begins scaring moviegoers in cinemas nationwide on All Saints Day.

Directed by Jose Javier Reyes (who was also behind the wildly

Powerhouse cast in

‘SPIRIT OF THE GLASS 2: THE HAUNTED’ successful film festival entry Spirit of the Glass in 2004), the 2017 version of the franchise focuses on the riveting story of three beautiful ladies of the new millennium – Bea, a stylist and fashion editor (played by Cristine Reyes); Lisette, an actress and diva (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2016 Maxine Medina who is being introduced in this film); and Chelsea, a commercial and advertising model (Ashley Ortega).

The three girls much desired reputation of being

the Girls of the Moment bask on their youth and popularity through social media. Each has a partner --- Bea is with Enzo (Daniel Matsunaga), an athlete businessman whose best buddy is Jag (Benjamin Alves), a scion of a rich family and boyfriend of Lisette, and Andre (Enrico Cuenca), Chelsea’s rich beau.

Young, beautiful and successful, they are completely unaware that they will be lured into the complicated world of the

supernatural because of an article inherited by Bea from her grandaunt – a Ouija board. Together with their boyfriends, the three girls unwittingly open the gates for three spirits in the other world to connect with them when they decide to play with the Ouija Board allowing disturbed souls to seek justice for a crime committed 50 years ago.

And then, the haunting begins.

The young cast members are so excited about coming together for this movie –

and the fact that this is a horror-supernatural-thriller adds to their overflowing enthusiasm. “We are very fond of watching scary movies. I think it is a millennial thing. That’s why, while we were doing this film, especially the super scary scenes, we were very excited. We had a lot of fun,” they chorused.

Reyes says, “Indeed, we all had fun. That is as much as I can say. We gave them a workshop to get to know each other since they were playing a barkada of

young professionals and I think they bonded a wee bit too much. They ended up being the most makulit set of actors on the set but not a single one had a diva moment nor made life difficult for me and the staff, despite the hectic working schedule; this is was one fun set,” he said.

The director also tells of the most fun he had while shooting the film. “When we did our rigging scenes where furniture pieces fly, glasses crash and the ghosts appear, I deliberately did not

inform the actors as to what will happen. The staff was only made to stand by in case one of the actors accidentally moved to an area where there was rigging. So when I said action, they did not know what to expect. They did not know chairs will fly or tables will spin or that a ghost will appear out of nowhere.

The screams --- especially of beautiful Maxine who is so matatakutin --- are very, very real.”

Spirit of the Glass 2:The Haunted, brought to you

by OctoArts Films in association with T-Rex Entertainment, is expected to equal, if not surpass, the earlier success charted by the first Spirit of the Glass (Rica Peralejo, Marvin Agustin, Dingdong Dantes, Jake Cuenca, Drew Arellano, Paolo Contis, Ciara Sotto and Alessandra de Rossi).

The sequel promises an even scarier and more haunting experience, especially if you watch it on opening day, Nov. 1 at your favorite theaters.

BARBIE, KEN

spread love, tears, kilig "Ika-6 Na Utos" lead cast Sunshine Dizon, Gabby Concepcion and Ryza Cenon

GMA’s Saturday afternoon line-up

KEEPS VIEWERS HOOKED

GMA Network’s powerhouse Saturday afternoon line-up remains the top choice of viewers as shown by Nielsen Phils. TAM data.

For the month of September, GMA’s Saturday afternoon block consisting of Ika-6 na Utos, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang! and Imbestigador dominated National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with an average people rating of 6.9 percent, besting ABS-CBN’s 5.5 percent.

In Urban Luzon, the Kapuso Network’s Saturday afternoon block beat competition with an average people rating of 7.4 percent. ABS CBN’s fell short with 4.4 percent.

GMA further cemented its winning streak in Mega Manila with a remarkable 7.8 percent average people rating versus competition’s 3.7 percent.

GMA’s winning streak continues this month. Partial October data (with Oct. 14 based on overnights) show Kapuso programs Ika-6 na Utos, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang! and Imbestigador winning over the competition and posting an average people rating of 6.9 percent in NUTAM. Loyal viewers of the highest-rating daytime drama Ika-6 Na Utos will have more reason to stay addicted to their favorite afternoon series with

the addition of new characters in the story played by Zoren Legaspi and Chynna Ortaleza.

Meanwhile, pioneering public service program Wish Ko Lang! hosted

by Vicky Morales continues to lord over its rival program. The first wish-granting program on Philippine television highlights inspiring stories of Filipinos who are able to overcome extraordinary situations.

Viewers are also glued to television to watch the country’s longest running investigative program Imbestigador with Mike Enriquez.

‘Imbestigador’ anchor Mike Enriquez

KAPUSO artists Barbie Forteza and Ken Chan’s first big screen outing as a team, the love story-romcom-drama This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, is touted to be one of this year’s muchanticipated theatrical releases.

Moviegoers and fans alike were all agog over the tandem’s scenes as well as the film’s fine quality when the full trailer of this Joel Lamangan opus first made its way on the different social media platforms.

Barbie and Ken initially caught the televiewers’ fancy when they were paired in the hit GMA Network series, Meant To Be. Thus was born the KenBie love team, which also gave birth to loyal followers who rejoiced especially when Barbie ended up in Ken’s arms in the series’ finale.

This time, the pair’s avid followers and fans need not wait any longer because the chemistry Barbie and Ken first displayed on television will be felt on the big screen very soon.

Thus Time I’ll Be Sweeter is so much different from the pair’s recently-concluded soap in that the film requires from Barbie and Ken much deeper emotional range without sacrificing moments of kilig, joy and laughter.

In the movie, Erika (Barbie) and Tristan (Ken)

are classmates in college.

Tristan is considered a campus crush due to his skills in swimming. He and Erika grow close to each other but then the latter is left with a broken heart when they parted ways.

Erika then graduates cum laude and succeeds as a field reporter. Tristan, on the other hand, ends up working for the family-owned airline company.

Their paths cross once more when an incident involving Tristan’s family and Erika’s career come Regal Films unveils its latest romantic comedy offering “This Time I'll Be Sweeter” starring Ken Chan and Barbie Forteza.

into play. The call of duty prompts Erika to communicate with Tristan for a follow-up on a story she did. That incident brings them closer again with Erika throwing in help so that Tristan may recover from a misfortune.

But, is Erika prepared to get hurt again? Can love be really sweeter t h e

second time around?

Moviegoers will definitely remember Barbie’s “Ang tanga ko!

Ang tanga ko!” scene after they have left the theater. Proof enough that she indeed is an actress to reckon with considering her triumph as best supporting actress in the international arena, no less.

Ken himself held his own and delivered such a strong performance, trained as he was as a lead star in his very own series, Destiny Rose, on GMA Network.

Thea Tolentino, meanwhile, co-stars as the “third wheel” to Erika and Tristan’s love story.

This movie serves as Barbie and Thea’s reunion project after working together in the successful GMA afternoon series, The Half Sisters.

Others in the cast are Ara Mina, Rey Abellana, Neil Ryan Sese, Yayo Aguila, Kim Rodriguez, Hiro Peralta, Akihiro Blanco, Jai Agpangan, Kaki Ramirez, and Fiona Young, among others.

Catch Barbie and Ken spread love, tears and romance in theaters nationwide starting Nov. 8.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

Hall ween special

SPOOK: Halloween in PH Halloween costumes and other stuff on sale are displayed at a store along Redemptorist market in Parañaque city, marking the start of the Halloween Season prior to the observance of All-Souls and All-Saints’ Day. Ey Acasio

By Peter Paul Duran

I

T’S That spooky time of the year again where ghastly ghouls and little cute fairies pop-up from every corner to trick or treat their way into getting those sweet confectionaries.

It’s that season where establishments go out and beyond to design their spaces with horrific edifices.

Everyone is in full force with their spooktacular specials, promos and gimmicks to trivialize the season.

But apart from celebrating the Halloween Season as ornamented as we do nowadays, the Philippines has and still approach All Souls and All Saints Day quite solemnly and with respect to culture and

traditions.

A week before Halloween is usually the start of preparations to commemorate the departed in most places in the Philippines. Families start to clean-up the graves of

their deceased loved ones.

These graves are sometimes painted anew, leaves and dust are swept, grasses cut and everything is ensured pristine for their visit in the coming days.

A couple of days before

Children gather at the Manila Police District headquarters to ask for treats in celebration of Halloween. Norman Cruz

A huge selection of creepy masks for Halloween is on display at Toy Kingdom in SM Megamall.

Lino Santos

October 31, people start their journey their respective provinces especially those who do not want to get caught in the gridlock that comes with the exodus of families leaving the metro for the holiday break.

It has become a standard picture when you see thousands upon thousands of commuters flock bus stations, airports, seaports and other terminals just to catch a ride back to their home town in time for November 1. This is pandemonium so don’t expect any solemnity in these days.

Preparing for All Saints Day- which the Filipinos still mistakenly celebrate in honor of their dearly departed (That’s actually what November 2 is for, but all is forgiven), families are busy with the food,

candles, snacks to bring to the cemetery.

Come November 1, which is All Saint’s Day by all means and definitions, majority if not all Filipinos observe this day to honor the souls of their departed loved ones. This is the day where memorial parks and cemeteries are filled to the brim and traffic is at a standstill, especially along these parks and cemeteries.

Law enforcement personnel are on heightened alert to keep the peace and orderliness of the season in check while LGUs help in maintaining the smooth flow of people visiting their departed.

In this time, flowers are offered to the graves of the dead as well as the offering of food in some provinces in the Philippines. Prayers

are also uttered and special masses are held to honor the saints.

When November 2 comes, the buzz and busyness of the previous day has toned down and the real somber begins.

The remaining families that have yet to visit their deceased take this time as an advantage to visit the graves of their departed without the hassle and all the ruckus unlike the preceding day.

For the rest of the people however, this is the day that the trip back to the metropolis starts and the normal routine resumes for most Filipinos.

The Holloween season here in the Philippines is an affair mixed with the new trends that are fun and exciting, but still, the values and the respect for the departed remain.