Manila Standard - 2017 December 29 - Friday

GOVT GETS TOUGH ON FIRECRACKERS’ SALE THREE days before New Year’s Eve, the Department of the Interior and Local Government warned any person caught manufacturing, selling, distributing or using illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics might be fined or imprisoned or suffer both penalties.

DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy said in a statement the government was serious in regulating firecrackers and would deal with those who would not abide by the law and regulations.

Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices states that any person who manufactures, sells, distributes or uses firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in violation of the provisions of this Act shall be fined from P20,000 to P30,000, or imprisoned between six months to one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

The license and business permit of manufacturers of illegal firecrackers shall likewise be canceled and their inventory and stock confiscated.

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STARS ALL. MMFF 2017 Best Actress Joanna Ampil (leftmost) with ‘Ang Larawan’ producer Celeste Legazpi (center) and members of the cast Rachel Alejandro, Dulce and Menchu Lauchengco during an impromptu performance after receiving the Best Picture plum Wednesday night. Sonny Espiritu

Musical movie wins top filmfest prize

By Nickie Wang and Joel Zurbano CULTURTAIN Musicat Productions’ Ang Larawan was adjudged Best Picture during Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi Ng Parangal Wednesday night at the Kia Theater in Cubao.

Based on A Portrait of the Artist as Fili-

Paolo, brod in-law sue Trillanes over shabu DAVAO CITY—Presidential son and resigned Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte and his brother-inlaw, lawyer Manases Carpio, on Wednesday filed a civil case against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for lining them to the smuggling of P6.4 billion in shabu through the Bureau of Customs.

The case, filed at the Office of the Clerk of Court on Dec. 27, was electronically raffled to Regional Trial Court Branch 15 under the sala of Judge Mario Duaves.

RTC Branch 15 clerk of court Kaiser Kate Narciso refused to show the complaints, however, saying only the involved parties are allowed to access the public documents.

“That is the policy of the court,” she said.

Duterte and Carpio were dragged into the smuggling scandal at the BOC when a witness said they were part of the Davao Group that facilitated shipments through the bureau in exchange for huge sums.

Both attended the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on Sept. 7 to air their side, although, Next page

pino by National Artist Nick Joaquin, the film, set in 1941 just before World War II in a mansion in Intramuros, Manila, edged out Dan Villegas’s All of You (3rd Best Picture) and Paul Soriano’s Siargao (2nd Best Picture).

The lone musical film entry at this year’s MMFF, which failed to make the Next page

VOL. XXXI • NO. 315 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Mindanao on path of brewing storm

By Othel V. Campos and Rio N. Araja

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CROWDED TERMINALS. Tens of thousands—nay hundreds—start to flock early Thursday at a provincial bus terminal in Cubao in Quezon City waiting for their respective rides going to their provinces north and south of the capital to spend the New Year’s Eve on Sunday with their families after spending the Christmas celebration in the National Capital Region. Manny Palmero

UN special envoys call on military to abide by PH deals tions have warned that the militarization of Mindanao could have a massive and TWO Filipino special rap- irreversible impact on the porteurs for the United Na- human rights of the island’s

By John Paolo Bencito

YEAR OF THE DOG. A female worker holds the 2018 calendar to attract customers along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the Year of the Dog, starting from Feb. 16. It is the New Year for Christians following the Gregorian calendar. Manny Palmero

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lumad communities.

“We urge the Philippines to observe its obligations under international law to protect the human rights of

indigenous peoples, including in the context of armed conflict,” said Victoria TauliCorpus, special rapporteur

NOTHER tropical depression is expected to hit Visayas and Mindanao anew on New Year’s Day even as provinces in the said areas have yet to recover from at least P1.24 billion in damages from Tropical Storm “Urduja” and Typhoon “Vinta,” the state weather agency said.

Field reports submitted to the Agriculture Department showed an estimated drop in production of 28,737 metric tons, with affected commodities Next page

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Jobless rate surged in last quarter

By Vito Barcelo THE unemployment rate in the Philippines increased to 5.2 percent in the last quarter of 2017 from 4.7 percent in the comparable period of 2016.

But the Department of Labor and Employment vowed

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to address the long-standing problem of unemployment and end the illegal practice of labor contracting, among other problems in the labor sector.

The DoLE said unemployed Filipino youth still accounted for more than half of the Philippines’ jobless

sector.

Some 1.560-million Filipino youth who belong to the 18-24 age bracket were jobless, according to the Philippine Statistical Authority’s Labor Force Survey.

The unemployment rate in 2017 was estimated at 5.2 Next page percent.

‘Faeldon’s OCD post a vote of confidence’

By John Paolo Bencito MALACAÑANG said Thursday former Marines captain Nicanor Faeldon, although previously implicated in the P6.4-billion shabu mess, still enjoyed President Rodrigo Duterte’s confidence—soon after he got appointed in the Office of Civil Defense.

“The appointment of Mr. Nicanor Faeldon as Next page

Palace mum on oust-CJ campaign THE Palace on Thursday remained mum on a proposal to delay the impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno until the second quarter of 2018.

In a radio interview however, Palace spokesman Harry Roque insisted that the Bangsamoro Next page

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Pinoys rate Senate ‘very good’

By John Paolo Bencito

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ANY Filipinos surveyed remain satisfied with the performance of key government institutions at the end of 2017, the latest Social Weather Stations poll revealed Thursday, with the net satisfaction ratings of the Senate still “very good” and the House of Representatives, Supreme Court and the Cabinet at “good.”

The latest survey, conducted from Dec. 8 to 16, found 69 percent of those polled satisfied and 14 percent dissatisfied with the performance of the Senate, with the net satisfaction ratings up to a “very good” +56.

But Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno remained unperturbed despite getting the lowest satisfactory rating among

the top five government officials in the survey.

Sereno’s lawyer Josa Deinla said her rating will not sidetrack her from implementing the reforms in the judiciary aimed at improving the country’s justice system and strengthening the rule of law.

The net satisfaction ratings of the upper chamber of the legis-

PUV upgrade program no anti-poor measure

By John Paolo Bencito THE Palace on Thursday denied that the government’s transport modernization program that begins next year is a measure aimed at inflicting suffering on the poor.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of Transportation is exhausting all efforts “not only to improve our transport facilities through the program but also to ensure our PUV drivers that their concerns regarding it will be addressed.

“The Palace clarifies that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Duterte Administration is not anti-poor, contrary to the claims of some transport groups.

“We assure Filipino jeepney drivers that this initiative of the government to improve our public transport sector will not put them out of business.”

Under the government’s mod-

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Basic Law and the shift to federalism—two of President Rodrigo Duterte’s pet bills—remain priority measures of the administration and should be passed immediately.

“We are leaving it to Congress to fulfill their obligation because they are an independent branch of our government,” Roque said in Filipino.

On Dec. 20, Senator Miguel Zubiri who chairs the Senate subcommittee on the BBL, asked the House justice committee to delay its impeachment proceedings against Sereno.

Zubiri has committed to conduct marathon hearings to

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cut in July when the criteria were based solely on scripts submitted to MMFF Executive Committee, earned a total five awards including the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Joanna Ampil, Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design.

It was a bitter sweet victory for the cast and crew of the musical as it struggles to stay in cinemas, having been dropped from more than 25 theaters across Metro Manila, just two

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Among the regions with high unemployment are Ilocos Region , National Capital Region, Caraga and Calabarzon.

The number of unemployed persons went up by 148,000 to 2.19 million while the number

ernization program, jeepneys 15 years and older will be replaced by electric-powered or Euro 4-compliant vehicles.

Euro 4 is a set of emission standards on particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.

The venerable jeepney, an icon of the post-war era, is powered by Euro 2-compliant engines.

Among the government’s efforts is the provision of a financing scheme for the acquisition of new units available through the Development Bank of the Philippines’ Support Alternative Driving Approaches Program and Land Bank of the Philippines’ Special EnvironmentFriendly and Efficiently Driven Jeepney Program.

The Finance department is offering a five-percent equity, 6-percent interest rate and a repayment period as long as seven years on top of the PP80,000 subsidy per unit to cover the equity payment.

be able to submit the priority measure for plenary approval

by March.

“I’m a bit nervous about the impeachment proceedings. I spoke to congressman Umali the other day and I said ‘Chairman Umali, if there is an impeachment, maybe it can be delayed until the second quarter because we have so many laws that need to be debated,” Zubiri said Filipino.

The Senate subcommittee on the BBL will conduct its next hearing on Jan. 18 next year, with Zubiri expecting more Cabinet members to attend the deliberations.

The Senate subcommittee will also schedule hearings in Mindanao provinces, including Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

John Paolo Bencito

days into the film fest, due to reported low ticket sales.

According to its producer Celeste Lagaspi, they have been “slowly” regaining screens as of Wednesday— thanks to fan outcry and positive reviews.

Meanwhile, Paul Soriano’s romantic island film Siargao went home as the most decorated film of the night.

It won a total seven awards including the Best Director plum for Soriano, the 2nd Best Picture award, Best Supporting Actress (Jasmine CurtisSmith), Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Theme Song (“Alon”

by Hale). of employed fell by 134,000 to 40.55 million, the DoLE said.

Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate decreased to 62.1 percent from 63.6 percent.

Among employed persons, workers in the services sector made up 57.0 percent of the total, followed by those in the agriculture sector (25.0 percent) and industry (18.1 percent).

Unemployment Rate in Phil-

lature rose by one grade from good to very good at +56 (correctly rounded) in December 2017 and up by 10 points from +46 in September 2017.

The 10-point rise in the overall net satisfaction rating of the Senate was due to increases of 23 points in Mindanao, 10 points in Balance Luzon, 3 points in Metro Manila and 1 point in the Visayas.

Fifty-nine percent of those polled were satisfied with the House of Representatives while 16 percent were dissatisfied with it.

The net satisfaction rating of the House stayed good at +43 in December 2017, up by 9 points from +34 in September 2017.

The 9-point rise in the overall net satisfaction rating of the House of Representatives was due to increases of 14 points

in Balance Luzon, 13 points in Mindanao, and 5 points in Metro Manila, combined with a 5-point decline in the Visayas.

The net satisfaction rating of the House of Representatives rose by one grade from moderate to good in Balance Luzon at +42 in December, up by 14 points from +28 in September.

Some 54 percent were satisfied and 17 percent dissatisfied with the Supreme Court, resulting in a net satisfaction of a “good” +37, up by 6 points to +37 in December 2017 from +31 in September 2017.

The 6-point rise in the overall net satisfaction rating of the Supreme Court was due to increases of 8 points in Mindanao, 6 points in Balance Luzon and 5 points in the Visayas, combined with a

1-point decline in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, the satisfaction with President Rodrigo Duterte’s cabinet was at 53 percent while 15 percent were dissatisfied, resulting in a “good” +38 net satisfaction.

The net satisfaction rating is up by 6 points from +32 recorded in September 2017.

The 6-point rise in the overall net satisfaction rating of the Cabinet was due to increases of 15 points in Mindanao, 8 points in Balance Luzon and 3 points in Metro Manila, combined with a 7-point decline in the Visayas.

The December 2017 Social Weather Survey was fielded among 1,200 adults and had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for the national percentages. With Rey E. Requejo

mindanao...

MT of rice were lost, affecting the livelihood of 31,749 farmers.

High-value crops suffered production losses of P443.92 billion or about 18,322 MT of destroyed crops planted to 2,141 hectares.

A total of 5,915 farmhands lost most of the high-value crops they cultivated in the past months.

Production losses in corn amounted to P103.73 million or about 4,261 MT from 5,734 hectares. Some 1,895 farmers were affected.

Some P6.6 million in poultry and livestock were also lost to the two storms. The two weather disturbances also destroyed P5.4 million worth of cassava.

The storms also damaged P73.7 million in agricultural infrastructure and P157,000 in fisheries facilities.

Families affected by Urduja, meanwhile, will get P103.3 million worth of assistance, an NDRRMC official said.

NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said the aid was extended to families through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in Mimaropa, Caraga, Regions V, VI, VII, VIII. Marasigan said 14 areas in Mimaropa and Region VIII were

placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of Urduja.

Areas under state of calamity are Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Ormoc, Leyte; Tacloban, Leyte; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Canavid, Eastern Samar; Llorente, Eastern Samar; Sta. Fe, Leyte; Tanauan, Leyte; Barugo, Leyte; Zumarraga, Samar; Biliran, Biliran; Eastern Samar; Northern Samar and Samar. Urduja affected 425,996 families or 1,780,163 persons living in 2,471 barangays in the six regions.

Some 810 families or 3,473 persons are still still being aided inside and outside evacuation centers.

President Rodrigo Duterte visited Lanao del Norte on Wednesday to assess the damage of “Vinta” and assured local officials of assistance for the province’s immediate recovery.

“I’m sure we still have some money to spare and supplies to share with you,” Duterte told local government officials during the NDRRMC briefing held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The Chief Executive also assured the local officials that he would convene a Cabinet meeting to determine what is needed for the province’s quick return to normalcy. With PNA

October, during the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

Congress this month voted to allow the extension of martial law for one more year.

The special rapporteurs expressed alarm that lumad famers were killed on Dec. 3 in South Cotabato.

“Thousands of lumads have already been forcibly displaced by the conflict and have seen their houses and livelihoods destroyed,” “They are suffering massive abuses of their human rights, some of which are potentially irreversible. We fear the situation could deteriorate further if the extension of martial law until the end of 2018 results in even greater militarization,” they said.

The UN rapporteurs said the government “must ensure that military personnel do not engage in violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples.”

“We fear that some of these attacks are based on unfounded suspicions that lumad are involved with militant groups or in view of their resistance to mining activities on their ancestral lands,” they added.

On Thursday, the Palace said it is ready to defend the legality of the martial law extension

before the Supreme Court, after opposition lawmakers claimed it was unconstitutional.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque denied claims that the martial law declaration in Mindanao, effective until Dec. 31, 2018 may lead to “extension in perpetuity.”

“The legal and factual bases of the martial law extension have been clearly established based on the security assessment by our ground commanders,” Roque said.

“We are thus, prepared to defend our position before the High Court,” Roque added.

Opposition lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to reject the Senate and House of Representatives’ approval of President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for a one-year extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.

They urged the justices to issue a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction to stop the extension of martial law in MIndanao, saying that there “was no actual rebellion” to justify it.

during the hearing, they invoked their right against self-incrimination.

The P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China, which slipped through the BoC, was later

seized in Valenzuela City.

In his earlier statement, Carpio admitted having visited BoC because he represents many clients who have transactions with the agency.

He said, “Senator Trillanes is imputing malice in saying that my appearance before the BOC is because of smuggling. He is

just a desperate rumor-monger who happens to be a senator.”

Also dragged into the controversy was Councilor Nilo “Small” Abellera Jr by Customs broker, “fixer” and witness Mark Taguba as a member of the so-called Davao Group that allegedly facilitated the release of the illegal shipment. PNA

ippines averaged 8.51 percent from 1994 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 13.90 percent in the first quarter of 2000 and a record low of 4.70 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016.

To address unemployment, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that in 2018, youth employment facilitation would further get a big boost as the

amended Special Program for the Employment of Students of the Department of Labor and Employment has expanded its benefits and coverage.

Bello said Republic Act 10917 would not only help poor but deserving students and out of school youth finish their education but also engage them in a viable employment-bridging program.

“Under the SPES law, we will not only be serving poor but deserving students and out-ofschool youth, but also dependents of displaced workers, and would-be displaced workers due to business closures or work stoppages, or natural calamities, who intend to enroll in any secondary, tertiary or technicalvocational institutions,” he said.

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including rice, corn, high-value crops, cassava, livestock and poultry, and agricultural and fisheries infrastructure.

As the government took stock of its losses, disaster officials are preparing for a low pressure area in the east of Mindanao. Once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility, the tropical depression will be named “Wilma.”

The weather bureau said the tropical depression could make landfall in Surigao on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said it was preparing for Wilma and making sure that its member-agencies are prepared to deliver help to areas that require it.

Field reports from the Urduja- and Vinta-affected provinces in Calabarzon, the Bicol region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, the Zamboanga peninsula, the Davao region, Soccksargen and the Caraga region showed that rice crops suffered the biggest loss amounting to P609.3 mllion planted to 50,793 hectares.

An estimated volume of 6,048

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on rights of indigenous peoples, and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, special rapporteur on internally displaced persons, in a statement from Geneva.

“This includes killings and attacks allegedly carried out by members of the Armed Forces against the indigenous communities,” they said, noting that the indigenous people were being forced from their ancestral homes.

“The very culture and ways of life of indigenous peoples are intimately entwined with their ancestral lands and environments,” they said.

“Forcing indigenous peoples to leave their homes has an incalculable impact on their very lives and ways of living—one that risks erasing their culture and existence from the heritage of the Philippines, eventually forever.”

Tauli-Corpuz and JimenezDamary said they were particularly concerned over the safety of lumad threatened by bombings and military attacks, amid reports suggesting that 2,500 lumad had been displaced since

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But Cuy said allowable consumer pyrotechnics or ‘pailaw’ might be used outside places of residence.

According to the law, the manufacture, sale, and use of the following firecrackers are strictly prohibited: piccolo or “scratch bangers,” pop pop, Goodbye Philippines or Crying Bading, Yolanda or Goodbye Napoles, Watusi, Pla-pla, Giant Kuwitis, Watusi or “dancing firecrackers,” Super Lolo, Atomic Big Trianggulo, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Pillbox, Boga, Big Judah’s Belt, Big Bawang, Kwiton, Bin Laden, Kabasi, Atomic Bomb, Five Star, Og, and Giant Whistle Bombs.

All firecrackers with gunpowder exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons are also banned.

Only the following firecrackers and pyrotechnics are allowed: Baby rocket, bawang, small triangle, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, and sky rocket (kwitis), sparklers, luces, fountains, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, and butterfly.

Meanwhile, Malacañang again appealed to the public to comply with the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic displays in welcoming the New Year.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year issued Executive Order 28, which provides for the regulation and control of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

“As the celebration of the New Year nears, we reiterate our appeal to all Filipinos to abide by these regulations,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Let us all have a safe New Year celebration,” he added.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police released a list of designated areas where “community fireworks display” could be done. John Paolo Bencito, Rio Araja and Joel Zurbano

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Deputy Administrator III of the Office of Civil Defense [on Wednesday] is part of the exclusive prerogative of the President,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

“The President is the appointing authority and Mr. Faeldon, with his new appointment, certainly enjoys the Chief Executive’s trust and confidence,” he added.

Even if he is still under detention at the Senate, Faeldon can discharge his functions, Roque said.

From the Defense Department, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed the appointment of Faeldon as deputy administrator, saying he “is honest” and “competent.”

“Nabakante yung Deputy Director III ng OCD (the Deputy Director (slot) of OCD III was vacant) and Undersecretary (Ricardo) Jalad was in the hunt for replacement. We did not request for Nick Faeldon, nevertheless we welcome him with open arms to team OCD. He is honest, dedicated, and competent and he would be an asset to the organization,” Lorenzana said in Filipino and English.

The OCD is one of the attached offices of the DND tasked to formulate a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster preparedness program.

It will be up to Faeldon if he will appear in the next Senate hearings on the shabu mess, whom he accused of “partiality” and maligning him and other innocent resource persons.

Since Faeldon has not been convicted of any crime yet, he is not barred from assuming an appointive or even an elective position, Roque adds.

The appointment came four months after the latter gave up his BoC post. With PNA

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New accused in ‘Father Pops’ slay T WO civilians charged for the killing of the priest Fausto Tentorio six years ago will no longer face the criminal complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Instead, the NBI will go after two military officials and nine other suspects after the Department of Justice panel released the findings of its investigation into the slaying of the Italian missionary and activist in 2011.

The DoJ ordered the NBI

to drop murder charges against Jose Sultan Sampulna and Dima Sampulna, who were suspected of gunning down Tentorio as he was about to board a vehicle inside the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Arakan, North Cotabato on Oct.

17, 2011.

The Justice department instead recommended charges against Philippine Army Lt. Col. Joven Gonzales and Major Mark Espiritu, along with suspected accomplices Jimmy Ato, Roberto Ato, Jan Corbala, Nene Durado,

Kaing Labi, Joseph Basol, Edgar Enoc, Romulo Tapgos, and William Buenaflor.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II previously issued Department Order No. 208, directing Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong to revisit the case, as the indictment of several persons implicated in the murder was stalled.

Corbala, Durado, Labi, Basol and Enoc, Ong said, were part of the “plain and simple

murder” of Tentorio, also known as “Father Pops,” who was killed by a lone gunman.

The panel said Robert and Jimmy Ato, Corbata, Durado, an unidentified motorcycle driver, and two others on board another motorcycle “took part in the execution” of the priest who was tagged as a supporter of the New People’s Army.

Corbala, the DoJ panel said, was a military asset who, in a meeting, told Du-

rado, Labi, Basol, Enoc, and Bayawan the military wanted Tentorio dead because he was supporting the communist rebels.

The soldiers did nothing “before and after” Tentorio was shot, the panel added, adding that the priest’s supposed affiliation with leftist groups was “not important” in the reinvestigation they conducted.

“The inaction of the military personnel before and

after the gunshots were fired reveal their complicity to the killing of Fr. Pops. Where conspiracy is established, the precise modality or extent of participation of each individual conspirator becomes secondary,” the report read.

Tentorio was the third priest of the Pontificio Instituto Missioni Estere (PIME or Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) congregation who was murdered in the Philippines.

Maynilad set to rehab Travel allowance hike for govt workers sought Angat-Umiray tunnel

By Rio N. Araja IN support of the government’s water security initiative, West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is putting in P375 million for the P749million project to rehabilitate one of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s common purpose facilities, the Angat-Umiray transbasin tunnel in General Nakar, Quezon.

The 13.4-kilometer transbasin tunnel, Maynilad said, is used to convey raw water from the Umiray River to Angat River, and is an important part of the water supply system of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, serving 90 percent of its population or about 16 million people.

One of the rehabilitation works and upgrades to be implemented is the retrofitting of intake and diversionary structures to withstand the effects of inclement weather such as severe flooding, the water firm said.

The MWSS project will also add new features to the transbasin tunnel for better resiliency, such as additional slope protec-

tion, revetment walls and steel sheet piles along the weir.

According to Maynilad, the rehabilitation project, targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2018, will help to secure the water supply of Metro Manila residents, just in case of supply uncertainties brought on by climate change.

“Through sustained investments in water infrastructure enhancements, we can continue to meet the drinking water needs of an ever-growing population. We fully support the MWSS in this endeavor,” said Maynilad president and chief executive officer Ramoncito Fernandez.

Previously, the water firm announced the completion of a P136-million pipe-replacement project in Parañaque City, which addresses the problem of leaks and breakages on the 30-yearold distribution system in Merville area.

In a statement, Maynilad said 20 kilometers of old, leaky pipelines were replaced. This will allow the company to recover 1.36 million liters of water per day that was previously lost to leaks.

3rd telco ‘with clout’ eyed THE government doesn’t want another “San Miguel” situation— that of a startup third player in the local telecommunications industry being swallowed up by the existing duopoly—and is looking for a company that “has the financial and technical clout to really compete” in the sector.

Undersecretary Eliseo Rio of the Department of Information and Communications Technology said Wednesday the government wants the third telco player “to be robust enough financially and technically to be able to compete and give the incumbent telcos a run for their money.”

Rio also reiterated to the cable news channel ANC that the government wants the third telco to focus on fixed line broadband instead of offering cellular data, the pillar of the current offerings of market leaders Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he wants the third telco player to be up and running within the first three months of 2018. He has asked China to invest in the sector, and China Telecom has responded by saying it is studying a possible investment in the Philippines.

The DICT officer-in-charge also allayed concerns that allow-

ing the Chinese to own a stake in the country’s telco industry may compromise the Philippines’ cybersecurity, noting that both Globe and Smart have already partnered with Chinese tech firm Huawei to upgrade their networks.

“Instead of starting to compete with the duopoly in mobile services, where they are already strong with two decades of infrastructure building and more than 105 million subscribers, the third player will compete initially in the fixed services, where the duopoly is weak, with only 17 percent establishments, homes and offices having internet access,” Rio said earlier in the week.

He said the third player could use the last mile infrastructure of electric companies that would team up with it.

“In case of Metro Manila and other densely populated urban areas, there are now technologies that offer residential customers high-speed Internet access through the air. The service is a fast and affordable alternative to cables and fixed lines, that can give symmetrical 100 Mbps [megabits per second] download and upload speeds to homes. And frequencies are available for this,” he said.

‘Allot ample time for air travel’

By Joel E. Zurbano CEBU Pacific Air and its sister airline CebGo on Thursday advised air travelers ahead of the New Year holiday rush to allot ample time to get to the airport to avoid flight delays, in anticipation of long lines at the check-in counter, security and immigration checks, and pre-departure requirements.

In an advisory, the airlines stated that Domestic Check-in counters are open three hours before the scheduled time of departure and four hours for international flights. All check-in counters close 45 minutes before the scheduled time of flights, except those exiting Dubai (one hour) and Shanghai (50 minutes).

Cebu Pacific has deployed roving check-in agents in all of the Philippine airports the carrier operates in, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and 4. The agents are equipped with iPads with the Levarti MAX Airport application, as well as portable printers.

This allows CEB terminal personnel to remotely check-in passengers, assign seats, facilitate payment for baggage and other ancillary services, and even print boarding passes.

CEB and Cebgo passengers may also check-in using the following options to cut the waiting and queuing time: • CEB Mobile Check-in. Download the official Cebu Pacific Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play and tap on the CheckIn option. CEB Mobile Check-in is available from seven days to four hours before an international flight, and up to one hour before a domestic flight.

• CEB Web Check-in. Visit the Manage Booking section of the Cebu Pacific website (http://www. cebupacificair.com). For international flights, web check-in is available from seven days up to four hours before scheduled flight departure.

Those taking domestic flights can do web check-in up to one hour before their scheduled departure.

CONGRESS wants to increase the daily local travel allowances of government workers with House Resolution 243, calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an executive order for it.

The resolution seeks to raise the travel allowance of government officials and personnel on official business to P2,000 a day, since the present rate of P800, regardless of the

user’s rank and destination, was “inadequate and no longer attuned to the times.”

The adopted resolution, authored by ABS party-list Rep. Eugene de Vera, asks the President to amend Executive Orders 248, 248-A and 298, the last one issued on March 23, 2004.

De Vera said there is a need to restructure the system of allocating travel allowances by implementing

a periodic increase, following the recent adjustments in the value of the peso.

“The amount for travel expenses specified in EO 298 was based upon the prevailing market prices during the time it was crafted, and thus does not truly reflect the current fiscal situation of the country,” the resolution read.

“Prices since 2004 have changed, and the real value of the amount of travel

expenses worth P800, 11 years ago, is not the same as it is today,” it added.

The P2,000 daily allowance proposal, De Vera said, is broken down into P1,000 for hotel fees and lodging, P600 for meals, and P400 for incidental expenses.

“Government must take the responsibility to provide travel allowances to its employees in fulfillment of their official duties and responsibilities,” he said.

De Vera added there is a need to enable proper representation by giving sufficient allowances commensurate to the duties and responsibilities and to the nature of the travel.

The order also stipulated that 50 percent of the prescribed P800 travel expenses shall be allotted for hotel or lodging, with 30 percent or P240 allotted for meals and the rest for incidentals. Rio N. Araja

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Opinion

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

End of the road

T

HE government will score a momentous victory if it succeeds in removing old jeepneys from the roads of Metro Manila.

The city’s loud and colorful jeepneys have become iconic and one of the popular transportation modes.

They are one of the most recognizable features in the metropolis and foreign tourists will readily associate the Philippines with the public transportation mode.

The jeepneys, how-

Adelle Chua, Editor

ever, have also become a symbol of traffic chaos, with many rude and undisciplined drivers contributing to road accidents. They are an eyesore, they are undependable and beat-up, and they pose risks to the riding public.

The government, in a bid to upgrade the jeepneys and professionalize the industry,

will start phasing out old units next month in line with its program to modernize public utility vehicles. Owners and operators are given a transition period of three years beginning January 2018 to purchase new units.

All PUVs that are over 15 years old under the program will be phased out and replaced with new models equipped with automated fare collection systems, digital security and dashboard cam-

eras, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, GPS tracking devices and speed limiters. The government is spending P843 million next year to jump-start the nationwide implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization program.

A P2.5-billion special financing plan from two state-run banks, meanwhile, will extend low-cost loans to enable PUV operators and drivers to acquire newly designed pas-

senger buses, vans and jeepneys.

The new PUVs will run either on Euro 4-compliant diesel engines that discharge 68 percent less particulate matter, 57 percent less nitrogenoxides and 50 percent less carbon monoxide, or on electric batteries that have zero exhaust gas emissions.

A critical feature of the modernization program is reforming the franchising system to strengthen control over

PUVs. Fewer new franchises will be issued to PUV operators and drivers, and they will be compelled to organize themselves into cooperatives or firms to build up accountability, enforcement and compliance. Each operator must have a minimum of 10 units to obtain a single franchise. Drivers running their own units will have to consolidate themselves into groups of at least 10 members to get a franchise.

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

Want to get rich?

Go to college

Geography and biblical history at Christmastime PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

MY DAD, ever the brilliant man that he is, asked me these questions in connection with the Christmas celebration. And if they are his questions, I presume others ask the same questions too. I happen to know the answers because four years of theology and of a Master’s in Higher Religious Studies should not be for nothing.

First, the term Palestine: In Old Testament and New Testament times (and there were serious differences between geographies in these periods), Palestine referred to that entire swathe now

going as far as Lebanon in the north, the Sinai in the South, Jordan on the East, and the Negev on the West.

So, Palestine was a region.

Second: The history and the geography 1500 B.C.: If we put the Exodus at around 1500 B.C. (whether it was a grand march into Canaan or a gradual occupation of the land), then the whole area West of the Dead Sea and of the Sea of Chinnereth (Sea of Galilee) and North of the Sea of Chinnereth was Canaan.

12th century B.C..: The Israelites arrived. A large part of what used to be Canaan was occupied by the Tribes of Israel: Ephraim, Judah, Gad Manasseh and Reuben virtually sur-

rounded the Dead Sea. Still farther north was Zebulun, and on the shores of the Sea of Galilee was Naphtali.

Northmost was Dan. 1000 B.C. (more or less): The Davidic Monarchy and the Davidic Dynasty. By this time, David had wrested control of all of Canaan 10th century B.C.: Sadly, two kingdoms arose instead of one: in the North, Israel, in the South, Judah with Jericho at the boundary.

721 B.C.: Samaria, capital of the Northern Kingdom, fell to the Assyrians.

587 B.C.: Jerusalem, capital of the Southern Kingdom, fell to the Babylonians. The people (at least the leading families and most of the inhabitants) were carried of into exile.

In Graeco-Roman times:

There were notably the following provinces: Iturea in the North Galilee south of Iturea Samaria south of Galilee Judea south of Samaria Idumea south of Judea

These are the facts as best we have them.

Strictly then, NO ONE was a Palestinian. He was either Galilean, Samaritan, Iturean, Judean or Idumean ( BTW, Herod was not Judean but Idumean). In fact, nobody called it Palestine. The term is used like “Near East”, “Middle East” and “Far East” were used

by Medieval writers referring to lands, places and peoples that were actually myriads of tribes and nations calling the lands they roamed whatever fancied them long before the Medieval Period.

Third: the Palestine of Jesus and Jerusalem So the Palestine throughout which Jesus preached and ministered included: Bethlehem which was in the province of Judea Nazareth and Capernaum which were northwards, in the province of Galilee and finally, back to Judea—specifically in Jerusalem, where he died.

In between Galilee and Judea was Samaria—and the Samaritans were the remnants of the Northern Tribes who were disdained

by the Judeans, considered heathen, in fact, hence the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, and of course, the paradox of the Good Samaritan.

So, as far as Biblical history goes—backed by the archaeological and historical evidence available—Jerusalem was the capital of Judah, and Samaria, of Israel.

In Roman times, it was the capital of the Jewish Province of Judea—which is why Pontius Pilate was Procurator there.

These are the facts as best we have them. rannie_ aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_ aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook. com

IN 2018, MORE than 1.149-million college-age students will enter college for free, thanks to the generosity of the Rodrigo Duterte administration, the progressive policies of some local governments, and the landmark social reform legislation authored principally by Albay Second District Congressman Joey Salceda, the so-called “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act” (Republic Act 10931).

Salceda’s original bill, House Bill 2771 served as the working draft for House Bill 2771 which became the basis for RA 10931.

Of some 55 free education bills filed in the 17th Congress, Salceda’s was the most liberal, using his experience in Albay and the Australian model. Albay eradicated poverty through free college education.

Salceda wanted nearly everything a student spends for college education to be free— tuition, cost of living, books, reviews, and even the pursuit of medicine and law. The Senate versions wanted just free tuition, period.

Salceda believes free college education is the best way to alleviate, if not eradicate, poverty.

“Without education and liberty, which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the result desired,” the Albay congressman quotes the national hero Jose Rizal.

In fact, under the 1987 Constitution, free college education is an obligation of government.

“That quality education is made accessible to all citizens, especially to the poor and the underprivileged, is a mandate of the State,” argues Salceda.

He quotes Section 1 Article XIV, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides: “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

Accordingly, the Constitution gives education the highest budgetary priority. Says its Section 5: “The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teachTurn to A5

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Opinion

By Armand Dean Nocum WE HAVE all come across horrifying stories about online bullying and unfortunately not a few of us, or someone we know, have once become targets of relentless trolling. Social media has certainly turned seemingly “normal” people into an online lynch mob.

The viral road rage video of a furious woman attacking an elderly taxi driver again illustrated the power and influence of social media. Netizens, always eager to serve their own brand of justice, have greatly helped bring attention to the taxi driver’s plight, prompting government authorities to act on the case with dispatch.

Sadly, this mob mentality in the social media has also exposed the evil within us: the ill-tempered woman has been incessantly attacked, ridiculed, cursed and threatened. Some have even wished that she be raped.

Other devious netizens even went to the extent of putting up a fake Facebook page under her name and posted nasty comments that appeared it was hers, adding fuel to the fire. In just short a time, the perpetrator has suddenly become a victim, too.

True, the woman should be held accountable for her actions. Treating the elderly with respect, after all, is ingrained in our hearts and minds as soon as we learn

to walk. She must face the consequences in a court of law—no buts, no excuses.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was right when he tweeted that the woman, despite her wrongdoing, should not be attacked in the social media: “We cannot defeat the wicked with wickedness or the cruel with greater cruelty because in the end only wickedness and cruelty triumph.”

Bullying, in whatever form, is horrible, but cyberbullying is much more extreme. Pretending to be the bringers of justice and defenders of the weak, we have unwittingly become social media vigilantes. We’re no different than the bad-tempered lady in the slapping incident, in fact, we’re worse. She slapped the driver in a fit of anger; we wished her death. Soon we will all forget about this unhappy episode but the woman’s life will never be the same again after all the public shaming she and her family have suffered.

For all the good that social media has created, promoting human interaction and kindness, this is the other side of this new technology that is destroying what it means to be human. Judging by the fuss and animosity generated by this incident in the social media, it seems that, yes, we have all forgotten to be human.

May God help us all.

Armand Dean Nocum is a former investigative journalist.

Want...

From A4

ing will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.”

That constitutional directive, however, has been honored more in breach than in compliance.

Under President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (February 1986June 1992), who was under the sway of foreign banks, the biggest budgetary allocation went to servicing foreign debts. Actually, she could have done much more good to her countrymen had she repudiated much of the $28-billion debts she inherited from Ferdinand Marcos and which she denounced as fraudulent. She would have gotten away with repudiation anyway. Western banks condoned half of the $33 billion debts of Poland in 1991. Germany was given a 15-billion-mark debt relief in 1953.

Under President Duterte, education has indeed been given the highest priority. P40 billion for free college in 2018 Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno says Duterte’s 2018 Budget has allotted P40 billion for free college education. The P40 billion covers 716,820 students in 113 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), 432,250 students in Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), for a total of 1,149,070. Also covered by the P40 billion are 148,000 enrollees in Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) which offers short-terms skills courses to high school or college dropouts.

Salceda filed his House Bill 2771, “An Act Operationalizing Universal Access to Tertiary Education and Therefore, Providing Free Higher Education in State Universities and Colleges and Further Creating the Higher Education Contribution System for Those in Private Higher Education and Local Community Colleges, Providing Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes,” on Aug. 9, 2016.

The measure was slow to take shape because of money problems (it could cause a budget deficit) and reservations by economists that college education should not be universally free but should be earned on merit.

It took the lower chamber five months to pass the final version, House Bill 5633, on May 29, 2017. The bill was sent to Duterte on July 5, 2017. It took the President 30 days before he signed the measure into law, on Aug. 5, 2017.

“The budget for free tuition is really quite large. It’s not a pittance. It’s going to be unsustainable over time,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. “Free college is an idea that has come prematurely,” objected Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “We should continue to strengthen basic education with focus on science, mathematics, and technology, the foundation for strong college education.”

Diokno thinks that even with government’s free college offering, “the poor will have slim chance of getting into college. They have a hard time finishing high school.”

Still, Salceda believes free college for the poor is a very good bet.

A management engineering graduate of Ateneo, he made his pile as Asia’s leading stock market analyst, working to multinational investment houses.

Among all outlets for investments, he points out, education offers the highest payback. The return is close to 15 percent, better than the 4.2 percent for bank deposits and stocks, and far better than the less than 3 percent for long-term bonds and housing.

At the workplace, workers who have had full education –that is, those who finished college enjoy, a 113 percent salary premium over those who just went to elementary school, 74 percent premium over those who went to high school.

“From a macroeconomic standpoint, education is important because it is so directly linked to productivity, which, in turn, is the critical determinant of the overall standard of living,” said former Federal Reserve Board Chair Bernard Bernanke in 2007.

For individuals, said Bernanke, the economic returns to education are substantial as well. In 2006, the median weekly earnings of college graduates were 75 percent higher than the earnings of high school graduates. In turn, workers with a high school degree earned 42 percent more than those without any diploma.” biznewasia@gmail.com

A5

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Sandra: STL scam

EVERYMAN

When netizens become enraged avengers

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is in disarray from the struggle for power between general manager Alexander Balutan and director Sandra Cam. Cam was fuming mad during her interview with Ted Failon over dzMM. She spoke lengthily about the scam of skimming of profits in the Small-Town Lottery. STL is the new cover of jueteng the multi-billion underground gambling nationwide.

Cam started blowing the whistle on PCSO officials whom she claimed spent more than P10 million for an employees’ Christmas party held at the five-star Edsa Shangri-La Plaza Hotel. Balutan, a retired gen-

eral, denied they had spent this much and said it was no more than P6 million. So P6 million for an office party is small for Balutan.

But why the posh Shangri-la Plaza Hotel? Balutan said most of the other venues were fully booked. Why then did PCSO officials not plan and book their event earlier? It shows planning is not in the vocabulary of the PCSO. Cam conceded that her allegations of STL profit skimming would be hard to prove because there is no paper trail. She suggested, however, a lifestyle check on ranking PCSO officials.

“How can there be a paper trail when all the gambling lords’ payments are in cash?” said Cam. Balutan claimed that PCSO revenues from STL earnings rose more than double. If so, Cam asked, why are the lines of indigent patients at the Philippine

Heart Center and National Kidney and Transplant Institute getting longer? She pointed out that patients needing extreme medical aid are only getting P5,000.

The amount is not even enough to cover transportation expense from the provinces, food and lodging in Manila.

Cam insinuated that perhaps the bulk of the STL earning is being paid out for public relations and advertising expenses. Which brings us to the question: Who is the official or non-official PR consultant of PCSO? I have heard of at least two names but I’m not at liberty yet to divulge who this highprofile PR personality is.

Following Cam’s lead, Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate sought a House investigation of PCSO disbursement of office funds. Zarate denounced PCSO officials for spending P6 million for the company’s Christmas

party. And yet, not enough money is being allocated for indigent patients needing medical attention.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte is going to look into Cam’s allegations and if found to have basis will sack certain PCSO officials With the pressure on the PCSO general manager, many are asking whether President Dutere will make him “alsa balutan” under the presidential policy of firing officials at the slightest whiff of corruption.

Duterte’s arch critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, said if that is the case then why was former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon who was linked to the P6-billion shabu shipment smuggled from China not completely barred from public office? Trillanes said he found it strange that President Duterte has appointed Faeldon as Deputy

Director of the Office of Civil Defense, an agency under the Department of National Defense. Faeldon is a retired army general.

Incidentally, whatever happened to Faeldon’s executive assistant Atty.

Mandy Mercado Anderson? The beautiful and outspoken BOC official called Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez “an imbecile” for meddling in the case of Ilocos Norte officials summoned to a House hearing on tobacco revenues. Faeldon had a bitter exchange of words with Senator Ping Lacson during the Senate inquiry on the shabu shipment.

Faeldon, Lacson and Trillanes are all former military officers. Faeldon is currently detained at the Senate holding center on contempt charges. Will Lacson and Trillanes allow Presidential Security Guards or DND troops to take custody of Faeldon?

‘Outstanding Filipinos’ the poor and middle-class, FORMATION a new Constitution starts being written, and even the GARY drug war comes under the OLIVAR even-handed leadership of the PDEA—we won’t be surMORE outstanding news prised if his ratings continue for the President from So- to surprise. cial Weather Stations’ newly completed fourth-quarter *** survey this month: His net If you too want to rack satisfaction rating improved up some kind of outstandby a full ten points to “very ing performance, you should good” at +58, from only know that a congressional “good” or +48 last Septem- committee has just passed ber. Over the same period, a bill seeking to declare the his gross satisfaction ratings Kalayaan islands “alienable improved to 71 percent in and disposable” to the priDecember from a lower 67 vate sector. percent in September.

These nine islands off PalEqually noteworthy, awan are part of the SpratDuterte’s net improvement lys and contain rich fishing by region ranged from a low grounds as well as reported +3 points in Mindanao (his significant reserves of oil home region where he al- and gas. If you’re wealthy ready polls stratospherically) and feeling adventurous, you to a confounding +14 points might want to invest in, or in “Balance of Luzon.” maybe even move to, KalayThe latter has always been aan. his weakest region, as I noted Unfortunately, these isin an earlier column where I lands also within the crosswondered why SWS doubled hairs of the Chinese, who’ve the sample size in this region been busy putting their perwhere he’s weakest. manent footprint—notice This President confounds we didn’t say boot soles— expectations by improving on various land formations his ratings at a time when around the West Philippine his initial honeymoon with Sea. the public should be starting That’s why you’d have to to wear off. Going into the be extra-adventurous to put new year—when infrastruc- your money into the comture projects break ground, mercial potential of Kalayincome taxes ease off for aan, let alone actually live

there. But if there’s anything that could slow down China’s maritime expansion, it would be the prospect of having to overrun the civilian population of another country on the islands they covet.

I’m put in mind of that lone Chinese youth standing in front of a tank during the Tiananmen uprising years ago. That was an iconic image seared into the world’s memory. I’m pretty sure it’s not a photo that China would want to build a portfolio around. But it will take enterprising Filipinos to take them on.

Unfortunately, even now some wet blankets are already accusing the House bill sponsors of selling out to China because the Filipino investors could simply “flip” their land titles over to the Chinese.

These wet blankets are probably the same people tearing out their hair over Duterte’s latest ratings.

and perhaps even the owners of the Davao city mall where nearly 40 call center kids died in a fire, allegedly because there weren’t any working fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or enough emergency exits.

In the wake of recent transport mishaps, Senator Grace Poe has revived calls to set up a national transport safety board, similar to the agency in the United States. As new infrastructure projects temporarily worsen traffic and driving conditions, as jeepneys go through a modernization program, as climate change increases weather risks for our passenger ships and planes—with all this uncertainty, a Philippine NTSB is in fact quite overdue.

Having said that, though, we must still continue to wait—perhaps in vain—for the people who ply their trade on our roads and seas—as well as those who manage venues where large crowds regularly congregate--to behave more responsibly. That’s really the only way to keep more of their passengers, and visitors, alive.

dation Inc, which has opened its search for the foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos for 2018.

The 10 awardees will comprise teachers, soldiers, and police officers who have rendered public service above and beyond the call of duty. Their work will have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and the country.

According to MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña, “we are looking for ordinary individuals with extraordinary accomplishments. By giving them due recognition, we hope to inspire the Filipino nation further in our collective task of building a strong and progressive society.”

Nominees must have at least 10 years of service, with at least “very satisfactory” ratings in their last 10 years. Each awardee will receive a PhP 1-million cash incentive, a trophy, and a gold medallion.

If you have anyone in mind, you can check out the foundation’s Facebook page, or go to www.mbfoundation.org.ph, or email them at outstandingfilipinos.mbfi@ gmail.com. But do so by end of February latest.

*** We turn now to less stellar examples of Filipinos, the non-outstanding kind. Those would include the provincial bus company involved in a road tragedy in Agoo, La *** Union that killed 20 people; Let me close on an upbeat the operator of the reportedly Readers can write me at overloaded ferry that sunk at note with this announcement the height of Typhoon Vinta; from the Metrobank Foun- gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

Bitcoin is an implausible currency

By Megan McArdle IS BITCOIN money, or a payment system? Mounds, or Almond Joy? Great taste, or less filling?

If bitcoin is good at both those jobs, then it’s probably got a bright future. If it’s good at neither of them … well, farewell, bitcoin, we hardly knew ye. In a previous column I tackled the question of whether bitcoin was going to replace existing payments systems, and concluded that well, no, probably not. So. Today we ask whether it makes good money.

So what of bitcoin-as-money?

That’s a complicated question, because money is an insanely complicated concept, even though it seems simple to us when we’re exchanging $5 for an Extra Value Meal. But economists broadly agree on two core functions of money: It is a medium of exchange, and a store of value.

A medium of exchange means that, well, people will give you stuff in exchange for it. And there are already places where people will give you real goods and services for your bitcoin. But there aren’t that many of them. For bitcoin to compete with global currencies, it’s going to need someplace on earth where you can confidently walk into most stores and expect them to quote you a price in bitcoin. Are we ever going to get there?

If you were a merchant, would you take an extremely volatile currency that, six months hence, might be able to buy you a car or a pack of Freedent gum? Heck, six hours can make a big difference in the price.

In general, merchants do not

like to accept payments that could be worth radically more or less than the posted price of the goods by the time they deposit the cash in their bank account.

If they do accept it, they will demand a premium to compensate them for the risk. Which will in turn make bitcoin less attractive to consumers.

When people sell something, they are effectively buying an option on future consumption, and they want to know how much that option will be worth before they trade real, valuable labor and raw materials for it.

In other words, while the buyer wants a medium of exchange, the seller wants a store of value.

Many things that we treat as stores of value are volatile.

Stocks are volatile. Bonds are volatile, at least compared to cash. Gold is volatile, and for a long time, gold was money in most of the Western world. It is still the favored investment for many people when things start going all to heck in the local or global economy.

And indeed, I find that a lot of the people who write me about bitcoin talk about it in exactly the same way that gold bugs talked about gold 10 years ago. They are particularly attracted to the fact that its quantity is strictly limited: There can never be more than 21-million bitcoins in existence. If you’re worried that your government is going to inflate away the value of your savings, that guaranteed scarcity is pretty valuable.

But in the West, where most of the world’s money is, how many people are worried about that?

Inflation is low. Moreover—and much more importantly—most

of the people with serious savings no longer do that saving in banks, where their savings is vulnerable to inflation risk. For most Americans, their biggest asset is their home, which is hedged against inflation, which is to say that home prices will rise along with the general price level. The equities in their 401(k)s offer a similar inflation hedge. Bonds are a bigger risk, but why would you take your money out of dollardenominated bonds and plunge it into a risky, volatile asset class like bitcoin when you could just buy a stock mutual fund? The mutual fund would invest your money in companies that make and sell real goods and services, rather than an elegant cryptographic solution of the Byzantine Generals problem.

I imagine that there are some bitcoin enthusiasts among my readership who are already muttering that that’s now, and what about later? The point of a gold standard is that no darned government can start inflating the currency to solve a political problem.

When that happens, we’ll need something that can hold its value as the government systematically pushes the economy into monetary ruin.

Because no government controls it, no government can inflate it. Or seize it (so the argument goes).

Which brings us to the thing that a lot of people seem to think bitcoin really is good for: hiding your money from the government.

Bitcoin has real advantages over gold if you are, say, attempting to get your money out of a country with strict limits on shipping currency abroad. It’s a lot easier to hide a USB drive than a

truck full of gold bullion, or even a foreign bank account stuffed with smuggled cash.

But bitcoin has real disadvantages, too: A USB drive is easier to steal, or lose, than a truck full of gold bullion. Moreover, gold does have actual uses: It is pretty to look at, and it also has some industrial applications, which means its value will never fall to zero, as bitcoin’s might. And bitcoin is a good bit more volatile than gold, which means that you could suddenly discover that your carefully smuggled savings are worth very little when you need them. Even if “when you need them” is “next week.”

Perhaps the biggest weakness, however, is that if bitcoin really turns out to be a good way to keep governments from controlling their economies and their citizenry, then governments will crush it.

When I bring this up, bitcoin enthusiasts tend to insist that this can’t happen. But in fact, bitcoin has already turned out to be in some ways uniquely bad at hiding money, because the blockchain is a ledger of every transaction; if you can trace an account to a real person, you know exactly what they’ve bought (as Silk Road customers discovered to their displeasure). Moreover, governments have, over the past 30 years, proven extraordinarily adept at crushing any threat to their power to monitor and tax their populace.

Tax havens, once thought to be invulnerable, have increasingly caved to pressure from rich-world governments that found an easy way to damage their business: threaten to make it difficult for them to move money in and out of large developed countries. Internet

gambling by US customers was effectively shut down the same way: Just tell payment servicers they were no longer allowed to process transactions with online casinos. Governments can do the same to bitcoin, closing off the points of entry into the real economy where bitcoins turn into cash.

Will there still be transactions taking place at the gray edges of the economy? Sure.

But they’ll be marginal, for illegal things like drugs or for gray-market transactions like used items sold by private sellers. Would you pay $18,000 or more for a bitcoin that was only good for those sorts of purchases? “Dirty green stamps” is a sort of interesting business model, but I’m not sure it’s a hugely profitable one.

The price of bitcoin seems to be driven by people who think that this can’t or won’t happen.

As a longtime observer of the extraordinary, and often unjust, lengths that governments will go to in order to maintain their control over the financial system, I think bitcoin’s true believers are wrong.

So when I ask “What is bitcoin good for?” the answer I come up with is “not enough to justify anything like these valuations.”

There are all sorts of interesting applications for cryptocurrencies andblockchains. But unless they become a global currency, or a global payment system, I don’t see why, 50 years from now, anyone is going to be willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to get their hands on one.

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DENR surpasses target

Gabriela pushes bill on occupational hazard

By Rio N. Araja

GABRIELA Rep. Arlene Brosas on Thursday called on senators to act swiftly on the immediate passage of the Occupational Safety and Health bill pending at the Senate for a year.

She made the appeal following the tragic death of 38 people in a fire that gutted Davao City's largest department store, NCCC Mall.

She alleged that the mall had no fire alarm, fire exits were blocked, and that sprinklers did not work in the 24-hour call center office of Connecticutbased market research company Survey Sampling International located inside the NCCC mall which is registered as an economic zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has already surpassed its 2017 targets in a number of priority programs as early as October, Secretary Roy Cimatu said Thursday.

“As of October, we have already met and even exceeded our annual targets in most of the program activities, with accomplishments ranging from 100 to 138 percent,” Cimatu said in a report he submitted to Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. The agency’s program

on solid waste management topped the list of its major accomplishments at 138 percent, having assisted 321 local government units on proper closure and rehabilitation of open and controlled dumpsites within water quality management areas and the Manila Bay region,

out of the original target of 233 LGUs. He credited the accomplishment to the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, as promised by Cimatu when he took over the agency from then secretary Gina Lopez last May. At 135 percent, the agency’s program on the management and protection of protected areas and ecotourism development was its second biggest accomplishment for the year with various protected area management boards approving a total of 997 resolutions from

the target of 736.

The completion rates of protected area managed and protected, blue/green brigades/volunteers engaged, and ecotourism facilities maintained and rehabilitated were 100, 108 and 103 percent, respectively.

As of September, the national greening program had a 116 percent accomplishment rate in terms of the number of persons employed —55,805 from the target of 47,981.

As regards the number of quality planting materials or seedlings, the program produced a total of 1.1 million, or 14 percent higher than its

target of 980,000.

As of October, the government’s flagship reforestation program covered an area of 178,148 hectares or 93 percent of the overall target.

According to Cimatu's report, the agency's clean water program also met its targets for the year.

The accomplishment rate in terms of the number of firms monitored for compliance with the Clean Water Act was 106 percent, while the number of new esteros and water bodies was at 109 percent and the number of water quality management areas operationalized was at 100 percent.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Bill on ‘Malunggay’ support pushed

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE INCREASE OF AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK OF CABANATUAN ELECTRIC CORPORATION, ERC CASE NO. 2017 -018 MC CABANATUAN CORPORATION,

ELECTRIC

Applicant. x-------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that on 07 November 2017, Cabanatuan Electric Corporation (CELCOR) filed an Application dated 02 October 2017 (Application) for the approval of the increase of its authorized capital stock.

In its Application, CELCOR alleged the following: 1.

Applicant is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with its office address at CELCOR Compound, Maharlika Highway, Barangay Bitas, Cabanatuan City, Philippines.

2.

Applicant is the franchise holder issued by the Congress of the Philippines, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9968, for the operation and maintenance of a power distribution system servicing the end-users in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

3.

Applicant had an authorized capital stock of Three Hundred Million Pesos (Php 300,000,000.00) divided into Sixty Million (60,000,000) shares with a par value of Five Pesos (Php 5.00) per share.

4.

In order to raise additional funding for the expansion and upgrade of its sub-transmission and distribution system as well as non-network projects and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Corporation Code of the Philippines, Applicant has determined the absolute necessity to increase its authorized capital stock to One Billion Pesos (Php 1,000,000,000.00) divided into Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) shares with a par value of Five Pesos (Php 5.00) per share.

5.

Out of the aforementioned increase in authorized capital stock, ThirtyFive Million (35,000,000) shares have been subscribed and fully paid

by Applicant’s stockholders-of-record, by way of declaration of stock dividend based on the Corporation’s unrestricted retained earnings as of 31 December 2015, which stock dividend declaration was duly approved by the Board of Directors at its regular meeting on 16 January 2016 and by the stockholders-of-record at their annual meeting held on 13 March 2016.

6.

The remaining balance of One Hundred Five Million (105,000,000) shares shall be available for subscription or sale to existing shareholders, or to other parties as the Applicant may determine, subject to compliance with the requirements and procedures under existing laws.

7.

This increase in capital stock has been duly approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders-of-record of Applicant and, in respect thereof, all other requirements of the Corporation Code have been complied with.

8.

In addition, the SEC has already approved the aforesaid proposed increase in the Applicant’s authorized capital stock as shown in the attached Certificate of Approval of Increase of Capital Stock dated 20 December 2016.

9.

In support hereof, Applicant hereto attaches the following supporting documents, to wit:

ANNEX NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

NATURE OF DOCUMENT Secretary’s Certificate attesting to the authority of Chairperson/ Chief Executive, Adoration C. Yatco, to initiate and file the Application Directors’ Certificate Amended Articles of Incorporation Certificate of Increase of Capital Stock (Applicant-Issued) Treasurer’s Affidavit Certificate of Approval of Increase of Capital Stock issued by the SEC Summary of Major Capital Projects

10. The approval of this Application shall enable Applicant to improve and enhance the quality of its services to the consuming public, and further accommodate prospective investors as a means of ensuring continued growth and development.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, the above premises considered, Applicant respectfully prays that upon due notice and hearing, the Honorable Commission grant this Application for the increase of Applicant’s authorized capital stock from Three Hundred Million Pesos (Php300,000,000.00) to One Billion Pesos (Php1,000,000,000.00).

Applicant further prays for such other remedies as may be deemed just and equitable.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 15 January 2018 (Monday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

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

The petitioner’s name and address; The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and iii. A statement of the relief desired.

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

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

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO, AGNES VST DEVANADERA, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 11th day of December 2017 in Pasig City.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION: JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal (MS-DEC. 29, 2017)

“The NCCC mall fire tragedy yet again exposes how Peza-registered ecozones are violating fire and occupational safety standards right under the government’s nose. We’ve seen this in the HTI tragedy in Cavite Export Processing Zone and in the Resorts World incident. How many more employees who have to risk their lives before inspection could be mandatory?" she asked.

"It’s disappointing that the Senate continues to sit on the Occupational Safety and Health bill, which was approved and transmitted by the House in December 2016, even if it's been certified as one of the priority bills,” she said. Rio N. Araja

THE POOR AMONG US. A badjao mother begs for a few pesos from passengers waiting for their departure at the Batangas pier. Teddy Pelaez

PH hands over Sto. Niño image to Czech Rep.

By Sara D. Fabunan PHILIPPINE Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Dr. Juan Dayang Jr. visited Křimice, Pilsen to formally hand over the image of the Infant Jesus of Cebu to Mayor Vít Mojžíš and Deputy Mayor Vladimír Lobkowicz at the Chapel of the Lobkowicz Castle.

The rare image of the Santo Niño was painted

INSPECTION. Quezon City Police District Director P/C Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar conducts an inspection at a fireworks store in Cubao Quezon City to ascertain if the store owner has a permit to sell firecrackers.

Manny Palmero

Manila

Standard

TODAY

on abalone shell by noted artist Noli Principe Manalang.

The handover was immediately followed by a concert of Jakub Ryba's "Czech Christmas Mass" performed by Tyla Theater in the full packed chapel.

CDA Dayang previously visited Křimice on Jan. 23, 2014 to visit the Zámeček Art College

when its faculty members and students designed two dozen poster designs to encourage support to victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines in November 2013.

CDA Dayang noted that the Philippines and the Czech Republic is celebrating its 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2018. He said that the image of the Infant Jesus of

Cebu is “our token of appreciation to the people of Křimice” and hopes that it will further strengthen Philippine-Czech religious and cultural ties.

The statue of the Santo Niño de Cebú resembles the Santo Niño de Praga, which draws Filipino Catholics to Prague and has become a cultural symbol of PhilippineCzech relations.

A LEADER in the House of Representatives is pushing for more institutional support for the malunggay industry to spur the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of the said "superfood."

Deputy Speaker and AAMBIS-OWA party-list Rep. Sharon Garin filed House Bill 6555, also known as the Malunggay Development Act, which seeks to establish a national program for the malunggay industry.

Garin said the bill aims to strengthen the development of malunggay products for domestic and international distribution, encourage its consumption among Filipinos with its given health benefits, and promote it as a viable crop for small and backyard farming for poverty alleviation.

Garin said that malunggay has been gaining international recognition as a "superfood" rich in nutrients and minerals as well as anti-oxidants and demands for exports have increased since 2013.

Malunggay, also dubbed as “The Miracle Tree” contains protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, and has long been used as herbal medicine.

“For all its benefits, it is surprising that most people simply consider the malunggay an ordinary backyard plant, and isn’t a staple in the Filipino diet," she said. PNA

Taiwan seeking Filipino scholars

By Vito Barcelo TAIWAN has opened various scholarship programs for qualified Filipino students who intends to pursue further studies in Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Taiwan and for those who like to learn the Mandarin Language.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said the Taiwan’s Ministry of Education will shoulder the tuition fees and 20,000 NTD or more than P30,000 every month as scholar’s stipend.

In a statement, Teco said the scholarship program is due to popular demand and the positive responses from the Filipino students in the previous years.

Taiwan‘s Ministry of Education has decided to offer more slots for the scholarships to give more chances for Filipinos to study in Taiwan, learn the traditional Mandarin language through a different approach, experience the rich and vibrant Taiwanese culture, and broaden their international perspectives through their dayto-day experiences there.

Starting Feb. 1, 2018, Taiwan through Teco in the Philippines will open the application for the following scholarship programs: Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship which allows applicants to choose to pursue either 2 months or 3 months intensive Mandarin courses subject to Teco’s approval. A monthly stipend of 25,000 NTD will be provided to cover all the expenses.

International Cooperation and Development Fund which covers full tuition fee, living expenses, economy class airfare tickets and textbook costs. Scholars pursuing Master’s will receive a monthly stipend of 15, 000 NTD and 20, 000 NTD for those pursuing Doctoral degrees.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Novak more dangerous than ever A BU DHABI—Former world number one and 12-time Grand Slam title winner Novak Djokovic will be more dangerous than ever when he makes his longawaited return from an elbow injury, top 10 rival Dominic Thiem said Wednesday.

Djokovic hasn’t played since retiring from his quarter-final at Wimbledon against Tomas Berdych in July, but the 30-year-old makes his comeback at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday before launching his competitive campaign as top seed at the Qatar Open next week.

“We all know what Djokovic is capable of,” said Austria’s Thiem who is also

playing in the six-man Abu Dhabi field.

“But now, if his injury is fine, he’s probably more dangerous and better if he had some time to recharge.

I think everybody wants to know how he’s playing again and we’ll see his first matches here.”

Thiem feels Djokovic could make the same impact as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who came back from injuries this year.

Federer won the Australian Open and a record eighth Wimbledon while Nadal claimed a 10th French Open and the US Open in a Slam sweep for the two veteran stars.

Nadal and Federer also ended the year at one and two in the world.

“I think we can expect the same from Djokovic because he is in the same league as Roger and Rafa. He is also one of the greatest players of all time,” added Thiem who claimed his first ever win in six meetings over Djokovic at the French Open quarterfinals in June.

“It’s going to be an exciting year. There are players returning from injuries, but

apart from Novak, nobody else will make a comeback like Roger and Rafa.

“It’s too tough. I think everybody can look forward to a great and tense start of the season.”

Also back in action in the exhibition tournament, which starts at the Zayed Tennis Centre in the UAE capital from Thursday, is former women’s number one Serena Williams.

The 36-year-old American was last seen in action winning the Australian Open for a modern-era record 23rd Grand Slam title in January.

She then took a sabbatical to give birth to her first child, Alexis Olympia, in September.

Williams takes on reign-

ing French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in a match scheduled just before the men’s final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening.

Another player in the field looking to build on his successful 2017 is South African Kevin Anderson.

The world number 15, who reached the final of the US Open before losing to Nadal, also welcomed the return of Djokovic and Williams.

“It is dubbed an ‘exhibition’, but the tennis this week in Abu Dhabi is great—it is very competitive and everyone is going to give it their all. So, it would be a good way to return for both these players,” said Anderson.

“I think it is great. We all

are eager to see what Novak is going to do when he comes back. And I heard just yesterday that Serena is coming here, so it is obviously very exciting for the tournament.

“Serena is the greatest women’s tennis player of all time, and perhaps the greatest competitor—man or woman— that I have seen. It has been a long break for her, but I am sure she will come back more determined than before to succeed.”

The men’s field in Abu Dhabi features US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut and 20-yearold Russian Andrey Rublev apart from Djokovic, Thiem and Anderson. AFP

Yacht crown at stake as jury hears protest SYDNEY—The official winner of this year’s dramatic Sydney to Hobart yacht race could be determined as early as Thursday, as an international jury assesses the fate of supermaxi Wild Oats XI after her record finish.

Wild Oats surpassed last year’s record time by several hours when she crossed the finish line late Wednesday, but her ninth line honours victory remains in the balance after second-placed LDV Comanche lodged a protest.

The battle between the 100 footers was the highlight in the fast-paced race, as competitors sped down Australia’s east coast in the 628-nautical mile (1,163-kilometre) bluewater classic, aided by favourable winds.

Comanche owner-skip-

per Jim Cooney said the complaint was about a near collision between his superyacht and Wild Oats, which appeared to tack too late when exiting Sydney Heads on Tuesday.

“It was a port/starboard infringement. We were the right-of-way boat. They were the give way boat... and they left it until far too late to tack and they tacked right in our water,” Cooney said.

“We had to take evasive action or possibly take both of us out of the race. We could have taken their backstay out, they could have broken our bowsprit.”

An international jury in Hobart will assess the evidence against Wild Oats from 3.00pm local time (0400 GMT), with a decision likely later Thursday, organisers told AFP. AFP

PROSPERITY WINS JUVENILE RACE. Trainer Renato Yamco, representing Leonardo Javier Jr., owner of winning horse Prosperity, is shown with winning jockey Mark Angelo Alvarez during the awards rites of the P2.5 Million Philippine Racing Commission’s 2017 Philracom Juvenile Championship at the Saddle & Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite recently.

The win netted Javier Jr. the first-place purse of P1.5 million. Yamco and Alvarez are joined by (from left) Philippine Racing Club Manager Antonio Alcasid, Philracom Commissioner Lyndon Guce and Dr. Regalado Garcia III.

Sacramento...

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TANAUAN ARE U18-CHAMPIONS. Tanauan A fashioned a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Sta. Maria, Bulacan in the finals of the 2017 Cebuana Lhuillier ASAPHIL U-18 Women’s Softball Championship recently in Marikina City to win its first national softball crown. The weeklong tournament attracted its biggest field of 27 teams coming from all over the country. Photo shows the champion team, led by head coach Ramil Mercado and MVP Royavelle Palma, a rookie pitcher of the PH Blu Girls.

Jimmy Butler scored 12 of his game-high 39 points in overtime to power the Minnesota Timberwolves over visiting Denver 128-125 for their fifth win in a row.

Will Barton led Denver with 28 points and his two free throws with five seconds remaining in regulation to force over-time.

Anthony Davis scored 33 points, DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points and 14 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo passed out a career-high 25 assists to power the New Orleans Pelicans to a 128-113 victory over visiting Brooklyn.

“We had (48) baskets with 40 assists, so that speaks for itself,” Rondo said. “It wasn’t just me.

It was our team, a collective ef-

fort. The ball was hopping and we were making plays for each other.”

Teammates raved about Rondo, Davis saying, “To get 25 is pretty incredible,” and Cousins saying, “We looked like the Harlem Globetrotters at one point.”

Jrue Holiday added 23 points and E’Twaun Moore had 20 for the Pelicans, who won their third consecutive game. The Nets, losers in seven of their last eight starts, were led by Caris LeVert’s 22 points.

Kris Dunn scored 17 points, including two free throws with 7.8 seconds remaining to spark the Chicago Bulls over the New York Knicks 92-87.

Lauri Markkanen finished with 12 points for the Bulls, who have won nine of their past 11 games. K ristaps Porzingis led New York with 23 points. AFP

Hot Shot proves size not a hindrance NEW YORK—Known as the “Michael Jordan of dwarf basketball,” Jahmani Swanson is only four foot five, but he’s now a Harlem Globetrotter, electrifying fans in the culmination of a childhood dream.

Signing with the worldfamous exhibition team earlier this month for their 2018 world tour, the 32-year-old was mobbed on court by dozens of fans queueing for a photo or an autograph after his first appearance.

Born and bred in Harlem, a New Yorker through and through, who’s Globetrotter nickname as “Hot Shot,” his debut at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn proved that he is already the team’s most popular player.

A social media sensation with a litany of YouTube videos dubbed “Mani Love,” “Lil Engine” or “The Athlete” that showcase his unique style of play, dribbling the ball between the legs of challengers, thrashing actor Jamie Foxx in a one-onone or shooting a hoop from all angles.

“I think he’s a nice addition, just because of his size.

That brings a lot of attention to him,” says Kenyon Pickering, who watched the game with his children. “He’s definitely

going to sell a lot of tickets.”

Swanson, who is at least 22 centimeters (over eight inches) shorter than any other Globetrotter ever, is excellent advertising for the entertaining team who have dazzled millions around the world with basketball wizardry.

But if he’ll take part, along with the rest in the entertainment, then “Hot Shot” is anything but a curiosity—he is a real basketball player through and through.

Questions and doubts about his abilities are nothing new —he grew up with them, being stared at, pointed at and made fun of.

“I’m proving myself everyday,” he smiles.

“Every gym, every city I walk into, people are staring down, some are laughing, asking ‘who is little dude?

What can he do?’ And that first shot, or that first move, people are going crazy.”

Born to a dwarf mom and an average height dad, Swanson learned to dribble and walk at the same time, recalls mom Sabrina.

‘Feel seven foot tall’ He quickly became inseparable from the ball, keeping a portable hoop and playing day and night, driving the neigh-

bors crazy. “I used to read my book and dribble the basketball at the same time,” he says.

When he started playing organized basketball at the age of eight or nine, Sabring says “they wanted to treat him a little different. I told them: ‘no, treat him like everybody else’.”

But if he had to work 10 times harder than anyone else, Jahmani proved himself a formidable player, mastering the basketball and shooting a hoop designed for players at least well over a foot (40 cm) taller.

His mom only ever treated him and his brother as though they were average size people. “She prepped us... That’s how I live my life. When I’m walking the street, I feel like I’m seven foot tall.”

His role models were not dwarf players or the smaller men in the NBA, but the towering legend of them all—six foot, six Michael Jordan.

“Everything he did, I practiced,” he says. Sometimes he even sticks out his tongue, Jordan-style as he goes to the basket.

Fifty-year-old Sabrina couldn’t be prouder.

“He didn’t make the NBA but he’s entertaining and inspiring the whole world

Harlem Globetrotter’s ìHot Shotî Swanson plays against the Washington Generals at the Barclays Center in New York. Known as the “Michael Jordan of dwarf basketball,” Jahmani Swanson is only four foot five, but he’s now a Harlem Globetrotter, electrifying fans in the culmination of a childhood dream. AFP

on how you could do anything you want if you put your heart and soul to it,” she says.

“We don’t want to let it go to his head. That’s why I stay around.”

Her son is enjoying every moment.

“I dreamed of this moment

as a kid,” he says. “I never thought I’d be a Harlem Globetrotter. It makes this a Cinderella magical story. It’s just amazing. The journey. The work. Practicing everyday.

Overcoming adversity. Proving to people that I could be here, that I could play.” AFP

Lions’ Cleary pledges to donate brain to research NEW YORK—Detroit Lions offensive tackle Emmett Cleary pledged Wednesday to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation to help research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other head injuries.

CTE and other serious brain injury issues have nagged the NFL in recent years. Three Boston University studies on CTE this year included tests on 111 brains of deceased former NFL players that showed evidence of CTE in all but one.

“Everyone in football should be supportive of this research,” Cleary said in a posting on the Legacy Foundation website.

“You have responsibility to your teammates, other players in the league, and the next generation of football players to support the research.”

Cleary, 27, joins Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Eric Winston as active NFL players who this year donated their brains to research.

“Football has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my life. I love the game and I hope it continues to flourish,” Cleary said. “Anyone involved with the game should be aware and proactive about research and the long-term wellbeing of the players. Why wouldn’t I pledge to donate my brain?”

ParaTriathlon group formed THE Triathlon Association of the Philippines has announced the formation of the Philippine ParaTriathlon Committee with veteran management consultant and sportswriter Lito Cinco as Chairman, together with members Sarita Zafra, Anton Tangan, head coach Anthony Lozada and Fabie David as core group members and TRAP Secretary General Tom Carrasco as adviser.

The group has already finalized its basic plans and programs aimed at developing paratriathlon in the country with the objective of forming a national training team of paratriathletes by the first quarter of 2018.

From whose ranks, representatives to next year’s Asian Paratriathlon Championship set in Albay in August, the 2019 ParaGames to be held parallel with the SEA Games that the Philippines will host, and the 2020 Paralympics, shall be culled.

TRAP is one of the few National Sports Associations already working towards this goal of developing programs for the differently-abled athletes, specifically for paratriathlon.

“PWD-athletes need understanding, they are not begging, they need opportunity and not pity and we are committed towards attaining our goal of giving those interested the opportunity to become members of the Philippine paratriathlon team in the future and bring honor to themselves and to the country,” said Carrasco who is the Vice President of the Philippine Paralympic Committee, with Mike Barredo as President.

Cinco has already touched base with the Cebu Paratriathlon community and is eyeing local Alex Silverio, who has already completed a triathlon event recently, and the Philippine Marines as possible source of potential athletes.

“We are all working here as volunteers and we just want to do our share of helping PWDs by providing them the chance of becoming paratriathletes . At the same time, TRAP will already include a paratriathlon category in all its National Age Group Triathlon series in 2018,” Cinco said.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Sports

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Arellano starts defense of crown DEFENDING champion Arellano University tries to extend its reign to another season as it tackles Mapua, even as last year’s losing finalist San Sebastian parades a decimated line up without its leader Grethcel Soltones as it faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo at the start of the women’s division of the 93rd NCAA volleyball tournament on Jan. 4 at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Chiefs will be playing almost the same cast that won last year’s championship, headed

by Regine Anne Arocha, Necole Ebuen, Andrea Marzan and Jovielyn Grace Prado as they battle the Lady Cardinals at 1:30 p.m.

Considered as the underdogs after finishing second in the elimination round, AU defied the odds and beat San Sebastian, which swept its way straight to the finals, in three games in the championship round to clinch the former’s second crown.

In contrast, San Sebastian lost Soltones, the league’s three-time MVP, and several key players and will be using the minimum nine-player line up that includes Premier Volleyball League veterans Alyssa Eroa, Vira May Guillema, Joyce Sta. Rita and Dangie Encarnacion.

Worse, Julie Ann Tiangco, who is expected to take up a bigger role following the departure of the veterans, hurt her knee recently.

“For different reasons, half of my players from last year are gone. Now I just have to make the most out of the remaining players and hope for the best,” said SSC coach Roger Gorayeb.

The SSC-EAC duel is set at 12 noon.

Injury sidelines Nadal B R I S B A N E —Wo r l d No.1 Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Brisbane International with a knee injury, but said he still intends to play in next month’s Australian Open.

The Spaniard, who hasn’t played since losing to David Goffin at the World Tour Finals in London, was scheduled to start his season in Brisbane this weekend, but said he would now not be coming.

“I am sorry to announce I won’t be coming to Brisbane this year,” Nadal said on Twitter on Thursday.

“My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year’s long season and the late start of my preparation.”

But Nadal said he still planned to play in the year’s opening Grand Slam tournament, starting in Melbourne on January 15.

“I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th (of January) in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open,” he added.

Reports casting doubt over Nadal’s recovery from an injury to his right knee surfaced last week when he pulled out of an exhibition in Abu Dhabi this week and took at least four days off from practice. AFP

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) glides to the hoop for a slam dunk against the Sacramento Kings on December 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. AFP

Sacramento Kings beat Cavs, 109-95 W

ASHINGTON—Sacramento’s Vince Carter came off the bench to score 24 points and fellow reserve Willie Cauley-Stein added 17 points and nine rebounds to power the host Kings over the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-95.

LeBron James compiled a triple double in a losing cause with 16 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds while Kevin Love scored a teamhigh 23 points as every Cavalier who played also scored.

Tyreke Evans scored 32 points and added seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over the host Los Angeles Lakers 109-99. Brandon Ingram led the Lakers witrh 23 points.

Elsewhere, Kevin Durant scored 21 points to lead six

double-figure scorers for defending NBA champion Golden State and the Warriors pulled away in the third quarter to beat Utah 126-101 Wednesday.

The Warriors hit 33of-46 shots in the second half, outscoring the Jazz 42-22 in the third quarter to blow open a close game in which Durant—who added six rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots—didn’t play in the fourth quarter.

“Utah played really physical and they played defense

like we hadn’t seen before,” Durant said.

“We knew in the second half they would tire out because they were moving around a lot so we stayed with our offense and in the third quarter we started pulling away.”

Pat McCaw added a season-high 18 points off the bench while Klay Thompson and Nick Young each scored 15 points for the Warriors, who own the NBA’s best record at 28-7.

Rodney Hood scored 26 off the bench to lead Utah.

Oklahoma City’s win streak reached six games as Paul George scored 33 points on 11-of-17 shooting and Russell Westbrook added 30 points and 13 assists in the Thunder’s 124107 home triumph.

“We took the shots that were good for us,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said.

“When you’re trying to play and figure all that out, it just takes time. They’ve been eager from day one to keep getting better.”

Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams each added 18 points for the Thunder (20-15) while C.J. Miles led Toronto (23-10) with 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 16.

Kyrie Irving scored 21 points and passed out eight assists for the Boston Celtics in a 102-91 victory at Charlotte. Al Horford added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who lead the Eastern Conference at 28-10.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum scored 18 points, Terry Ro-

Kingad resumes pursuit of dreams

zier had 15, and Shane Larkin contributed 11. Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 24 points.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 15 points to lead six Dallas double-figure scorers in a 98-94 victory at Indiana.

Harrison Barnes and Yogi Ferrell each had 13 points for Dallas.

The Pacers (19-16) were without top scorer Victor Oladipo, who was sidelined by a sore right knee.

Dennis Schroder scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 113-99 home upset of Washington.

Ersan Ilyasova contributed 20 points while Marco Belinelli added 19 off the Atlanta bench. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 20 Turn to A7 points.

Rain or Shine guns for PBA lead; Alaska battles TNT

By Jeric Lopez RAIN OR SHINE wants to gain a piece of the lead even as three other teams try to break into the win column at the resumption of the 2017-18 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Elasto Painters (1-0) go for their second straight win when they play Blackwater Elite (0-1) 4:15 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City tonight.

Following that is an explosive match between TNT KaTropa (0-1) and the Alaska Aces (0-1) at 7 p.m. with both teams still

in search of their first win.

The Painters can tie early leaders San Miguel Beer and NLEX Road Warriors, who are both off to a 2-0 start, with another win.

Rain or Shine banked on its experienced gunners to take down TNT, 82-79, last week. The Elasto Painters were in their element in that bruising, physical match.

Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia hopes his team can sustain its nice start heading into the New Year.

“We got the start that we want and it’s about our consistency now,”

said Garcia.

The Elite wasn’t as fortunate in its debut as it bowed to Meralco, 98103, also last week.

Both the Texters and the Aces dropped their initial assignments.

While TNT lost to the Elasto Painters, Alaska got blown out by Magnolia, 108-95, last Dec. 20. The Aces were underwhelming during their opener.

“It was just a bit disappointing for us to start like that after developments in our preparation,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

“We’re hopeful we can pick it up and shake off the jitters.”

Alaska Aces guard Jvee Casio (42) protects the ball against TNT’s RR Garcia.

Alaska battles TNT today.

EVERY time Danny “The King” Kingad steps into the ONE Championship cage, it is in pursuit of a lifelong dream, one that he has had since a young boy growing up in Baguio City in the Philippines. That dream is to become a martial arts world champion.

Having already conquered the Filipino and regional wushu scene, winning several titles along the way, only one target remains —the ONE Flyweight World Championship.

Although he fell short in his first bid against reigning kingpin Adriano Moraes this past November, Kingad reflects on what had gotten him to this point, and the desperate need for some order in his once-turbulent life.

“I played baseball in school when I was younger.

I was a lot scrawnier then, just a regular teenager who loved to party and hang out with friends. You could say I was a bit of a troublemaker back then,” said Kingad.

“I was out of control at times, but nothing out of what you would normally expect from a rebellious teenager. It was not until I discovered martial arts that my life took direction.”

Kingad discovered his talent for martial arts during his sophomore year at Pinsao National High School, when his cousin urged him to practice wushu. He made the institution’s varsity team, followed by the college wushu team at the University of the Cordilleras.

However, it wasn’t until Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao took him under his wing and mentored him that his future changed from bleak to promising.

Cagulangan, Greenies prepare for NCAA junior basketball action

By Peter Atencio FINALS MVP Joel Cagulangan is getting ready for another title conquest when the 94th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament comes around.

With four teammates graduating, after La Salle Greenhills’ championship in in Season 93, the 17-year-old Cagulangan will be among players who will be back to lead the Greenies in their bid to keep the crown they won at the expense of the

San Beda Red Cubs last November.

“Lahat ng teammates ko, gusto ng back-to-back. Lahat ng teams nakatingin sa amin kasi kami ang defending champion,” said the 5’11 Cagulangan.

Those who will remain with Cagulangan are upbeat that they can pull it off again.

The Greenies earlier felt that they could not win the crown and that season 94 will be their year.

“Alam namin na kaya namin this season, Pero, prefer namin mag-champion next year. Pero,

iyun nga, nagtiwala kami sa mga coaches. Lahat ng pinagagawa sa amin, sinunod namin. Kaya, nakuha namin ang championship,” said Cagulangan.

The 5’8” Cagulangan finished the season with an average of 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.4 steals.

He scored his highest when the Greenies lost to the Letran Squires, 86-89, towards the end of the eliminations.

The season ended with the Greenies carving out a 75-74 win

in Game 3 over the defending champion Malayan Red Robins at the Arena in San Juan.

Joshua David led with a seasonhigh 27 points and came off with a big steal in the remaining four seconds to power the Greenies to their first ever championship conquest.

The 6’0” David made up for a two missed free throws in the last 14 seconds with a steal off a fallen Warren Bonifacio, forcing a turnover with four ticks to go.

Cagulangan, who is the finals MVP, delivered 19 points, with his two chari-

ties in the final 37.3 seconds off Carl Lacap’s foul allowing the Greenies to finalize the count and overtake the Red Robins for the last time.

Four players will not be around next season. They include senior player Joshua Marcos, Karl Belgica, Jesmar Pedrosa and Albert Bordeos who are graduating.

Among those remaining with Cagulangan and David are Jared Lao, Inand Fornilos, Nikki Perez, Sidney Mosqueda, Diego Morales, Joshua Dela Cruz, 6’9” Ladis Lepalam and Mark Daniel Sangco.

Golden Haven acquires Bria Homes for over P3b B2

PAL obtains two Boeing 777-300ER

By Darwin G. Amojelar FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines said it will deploy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for its routes from Manila to North America to increase capacity in these flights.

The airline, led by billionaire Lucio Tan, recently took delivery of two Boeing aircraft which brought PAL’s fleet count to 88.

The spacious and luxurious 777, fitted with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, is expected to delight passengers on PAL’s longhaul flights.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista earlier said the additional seats and capacity would enable PAL to increase frequencies on trans-Pacific flights to the US Mainland and Canada.

PAL also uses Boeing 777 for its Manila-London flights.

The new acquisitions are part of the airline’s fleet modernization program, which, together with route network expansion and service innovations, is in line with PAL’s vision to be a five-star, full service national carrier of the Philippines.

PAL earlier posted a net loss of P3.5 billion in January to September, a significant downturn from the P2.96 billion total comprehensive income recognized in the same period last year.

Revenues in the ninemonth period rose 15.6 percent to P98.63 billion from P85.35 billion a year earlier.

Passenger revenues increased to P81.96 billion from P71.47 billion, while cargo revenues went up to P6.09 billion from P4.94 billion.

Total expenses grew 27.3 percent to P103.82 billion from P81.55 billion, led by more flight frequencies and introduction of new routes.

Flying operations expenses increased 32.5 percent to P56.80 billion on higher fuel costs.

The escalation in average jet fuel price per barrel from $65.90 in 2016 to $73.92 in 2017 and the additional flights operated during the period resulted in a 50.4-percent increase in fuel costs.

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 2017

B1

Villar group spending P175b grammed three-year capital expenditures would go to real estate development and the balance for the leasing, retail business HE Villar group of and new businesses such as hotels, schools companies led by and hospitals. billionaire Manuel Villar said the group in 2018 would spend P50 billion.

Villar plans to spend P175 “We are very bullish in the coming year billion in three years from as we take advantage of the various collab2018 to 2020 to aggressively orations among our companies in addition expand its housing, retail, to the sustained sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” Villar said. education, hotel and health “Our various expansion programs implebusinesses. mented in our property development inVillar, who now focuses on expand- cluding memorial parks, malls and retail ing his business empire after becoming a businesses are yielding positive results and senator, said about 60 percent of the pro- are taking advantage of the significant syn-

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

ergies that we have unlocked,” he said.

The group’s listed property firm, Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., will pursue a plan to put up malls and residential projects in the countryside as it aims to deliver doubledigit growth in the next three years.

All Value Holdings Corp., Villar’s retail holding firm, will also aggressively expand by adding more supermarket, bakeshop and coffee shop outlets across the country.

Funding for the group’s capital spending will primarily come from internally-generated cash and borrowings, he said.

“We still have room for a pubic offering

by Starmalls. Vista Land could raise more from bonds,” Villar said.

Villar said he was also considering an ini-

tial public offering for its retail businesses, either all under All Value or individually, once the numbers reached a critical mass and their profitability was already proven.

All Value businesses include AllHome, a home improvement and builders’ center; All Day Supermarket; All Day Convenience Store; Coffee Project; Bake my Day pastry shop; and new concepts such as All Sports and All Toys.

Villar said to serve the growing needs of Vista Land’s residential developments, the group also planned to grow Georgia Academy from three schools now to 13 next year.

The group is also set to open more hotels over the next three years under the Mella brand.

Employees of Clark hit 107,694 in November

By Othel V. Campos

SECURITY BANK’S 300TH BRANCH. Security Bank Corp. opens its 300th branch in San Jose, Nueva Ecija to extend its wide range of financial services and continue the delivery of better banking experience in the countryside. Leading the ribbon cutting ceremony are San Jose Mayor Mario Salvador (fourth from left) and Security Bank vice president and North Luzon area head Ferdie Uy (right). Security Bank now has 300 branches and 667 automated teller machines in the country.

BoI approves a modern P490-m sugar mill in Negros Oriental THE Board of Investments said Thursday it approved a P490-million sugar mill project of HDJ Bayawan Agri-venture Corp. after it qualified under the manufacturing activities/agro-processing category in the 2017 Investment Priorities Plan.

The sugar mill is located on a five-hectare area in Barangay Bugay, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

The mill has a capacity to process 427,050 50-kilogram bags of raw sugar annually and 7,665 metric tons per year of molasses, a sugar byproduct.

IN BRIEF Power supply contracts key

BANKS prefer lending to renewable energy projects with power supply contracts than those with feed-in tariff, an official from one of the country’s biggest lending institutions said Thursday.

“Even years before, we always prefer lending without FIT as long as there is a contract. We were always concerned, not only in the Philippines, they always change the FIT laws in the future,” BDO Capital and Investment Corp. president Eduardo Francisco, said in a chance interview.

Francisco said even without the FIT, the per kilowatt-hour incentive charged by renewable energy development projects, “we never had a problem with that as long as they have good off-take contracts.”

“We want bilateral contacts, we like the SPUG (Small Power Utilities Group or off-grid areas) and everything where there is real need,” he said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Batangas cargo tariff raised

STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority granted the request of Asian Terminals Inc. to increase cargo tariff at the Batangas Container Terminal Phase 2.

PPA said it approved the nine-percent upward adjustment for foreign containerized cargoes handled at the Batangas Container Terminal Phase 2.

ATI started implementing the increase in cargo tariff on November 27.

ATI-Batangas is the operator of Batangas Port Phase 1 as well as the cargo handling service provider of Phase II, or the international container terminal of the same port.

The company earlier said it expects the delivery of two additional quay cranes, four more rubbertired gantry cranes and other cargo handling equipment by 2018 in line with ATI’s plans of doubling BCT’s capacity to over 600,000 teus (twenty-foot equivalent units).

PPA earlier transferred the authority to approve and issue berth assignments at the Port of Batangas,

The plant started operating commercially in December 2017 with at least 151 personnel.

“The establishment of the new sugar mill plant will dramatically reduce the cost of transporting sugarcane among farmers within the area by as much as P600 per ton. Farmers will now have greater flexibility on where to send their sugarcanes for milling,” Rodolfo said.

The nearest existing sugar mill sites, before the project was established were 50 kilometers away in

Sta. Catalina, Bai City and Kabankalan City and transporting sugarcane to these sites cost P650 per ton.

Sugar is the generic name for sweet, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are

used in food. There are various types of sugar derived from different sources.

Simple sugars are called monosaccharides and include glucose (also known as dextrose), fructose, and

galactose. The most widely used sugar which is used in a wide variety of foods is sucrose, commonly known as “table sugar” or “granulated sugar.”

Othel V. Campos

Phase I to ATI-B starting February 1, 2017.

Darwin G. Amojelar

RE won’t burden consumers

ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday allayed concerns the pursuit of clean and renewable energy will burden electricity consumers.

“The RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standards) for On-Grid rules outlined various safety nets to protect the electricity end-users and to ensure that this new venture will not result in higher electricity rates,” Cusi said in a statement.

Cusi reacted to studies that consumers may have to shoulder more than P100 billion annually by 2030 under the government’s plan for a 35 percent renewable energy share in the fuel mix as contained in the renewable energy portfolio standard rules.

“The DoE, after consultations with consumer groups and industry players, clarified this policy and placed the ‘no higher rates’ condition in the department circular itself,” Cusi said.

Cusi said distribution utilities and other mandated participants should undertake a competitive selection process to ensure the “no higher rates” policy.

Alena Mae S. Flores

BSP: Inflation manageable

THE current manageable inflation environment could be sustained over the medium term although there are upside risks to the inflation outlook, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said on Thursday.

He issued the statement after the Development Budget Coordination Committee on Dec. 22 decided to keep the current inflation target of 2 percent to 4 percent from 2018 to 2020.

“Inflation projections and expectations continue to indicate that inflation could settle within the current inflation target, although there are upside risks to the outlook,” Espenilla said in a statement.

“The inflationary impact of the potential increases in international commodity prices is assessed to be moderate, supported by lower pass-through to inflation of exchange rate and external commodity price inflation,” he said. Julito G. Rada

EMERGENCY RESERVOIR. Manila Water Company Inc. holds a ceremonial groundbreaking for its Emergency Reservoir Project at Cainta Elementary School in Barangay San Roque, Cainta, Rizal. Lowering the time capsule are (front row, from left) Rizal board member Ross Glenn Gongora, Cainta Elementary School master teacher Mercy Riosa; Manuel Nivera, chief of the Curriculum Development Division of the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council; Manila Water president and chief executive Ferdinand Dela Cruz; Maidy Lynn Quinto, group director for corporate project management of Manila Water; Cainta mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto; and Cainta councilor Lincoln Felix.

EMPLOYMENT at Clark Freeport Zone exceeded 100,000 as of November, according to Clark Development Corp.

Data showed the number of jobs in the former US military base reached 107,694 as of November, up 10.5 percent from 97,467 a year ago.

This job generation was an all-time high since the Freeport was converted from a military facility in 1995. The recent hires were from 943 registered enterprises and some government agencies.

CDC noted that at the peak of stay of American troops in Clark, there were only about 20,000 workers inside the former US military base.

The stronger workforce in Clark attested to the sound investment climate and economic policies of the new administration, the agency said.

Among the biggest contributors of jobs in Clark are Japanese-owned Nanox Philippines with 7,926 workers; Sutherland Global Services Philippines, Inc. with 6,071; iQor Philippines Inc. with 5,857; L&T International Group Phils. Inc. with 5,200; and Yokohama Tire Phils. Inc with 2,858.

Nanox traced the manpower increase to the signed agreement with CDC and Clark International Airport Corp. for the P731-million expansion project two years ago.

Industrial firms employ the biggest number of workers accounting for 49,055 workers or 46 percent of the total while the ICT/business process outsourcing sector is the second largest employment contributor with 22,883 or 21 percent.

Employment generation is also expected to increase significantly once the components of the New Clark City project of state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority starts to take form.

Mechanical error caused printing of faceless P100 bills—BSP

By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday confirmed that mechanical and technical error caused the printing of a number of faceless P100 bills that netizens criticized on social media.

Bangko Sentral managing director for currency subsector Carlyn Pangilinan said in a news briefing the incident was an “isolated case.” She said only 33 pieces of the

faceless banknotes were misprinted.

“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas immediately initiated an investigation on whether these bills originated from the BSP. Having found these to be issued by the BSP, an inquiry was made into the printing-machine error that caused it,” said Pangilinan.

She said the error was caused by a glitch in one of the rulers of the printing machines. She said the 33

defective banknotes were what the Bangko Sentral traced and documented.

She said of the 33 defective bills, 19 pieces were already collected or returned to the BSP. She said the faceless banknotes were still legal tenders, but because some of the needed security features were not there, holders of the defective bills should return them to the BSP. Pangilinan said the Bangko Sentral previously used

manual quality control for printed banknotes and none of this incident happened.

She said the BSP was now using machine quality control “that is why maybe some pieces of defective banknotes pass through unnoticed.”

Last week, a Facebook user posted a picture of faceless P100 bills that she withdrew from an ATM of a Bank of the Philippine Islands branch in Eastwood City in Quezon City.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Golden Haven acquires Bria Homes for over P3b

By Jenniffer B. Austria GOLDEN Haven Inc., a death care development and services company owned by the Villar group, is diversifying into mass housing with the acquisition of Bria Homes Inc. for P3.014 billion.

Golden Haven said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the acquisition of Bria Homes, a company owned by Cambridge Group Inc. Cambridge is also controlled by Villar-led Fine Properties Inc. Golden Haven said the acquisition would enable it to diversify its real estate business by entering into the mass housing market.

The company said it would accelerate growth and enhance profitability through the creation of additional revenue streams independent of its current business and allow the company to maximize the value of its land bank by providing other avenues for its utilization.

Under the plan, Golden Haven will acquire Bria Homes at P301.42 per share. The board of Golden Haven approved the issuance of 150 common shares to Cambridge Group via a private placement at the subscription price of P20.0935 per share for a total of P3.014 billion.

Stocks rise to new record; peso climbs to 49.9 a dollar S TOCKS closed at a new record high in the penultimate trading session of the year, following the movement of Asian markets while the peso climbed to a six-month high on strong remittances.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, jumped 44 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 8,535.09 Thursday, eclipsing the previous all time high of 8,523.07 on Nov. 6. This brought total gains this year to 24.8 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also

went up 3.9 percent to P102.90 and restaurant operator Jollibee Foods Corp. which rose 2.1 percent to P254.

At the currency market, the peso gained 6 centavos to close at 49.98 against the US dollar Thursday from 50.04 Wednesday. It was the local currency’s strongest level since it settled at 49.91 against the greenback on June 19, 2017.

“Domestic fundamentals remain attractive. Lately reinforced by TRAIN [Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Act] approval,”

climbed 22 points, or 0.5 percent, to finish at 4,963.70, on a value turnover of P6.4 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 107 to 105, while 38 issues were unchanged.

Thirteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second largest lender, which

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said in a statement.

Espenilla also said the stronger peso was due to a “combination of strong remittances and equity inflows as well as US dollar softness over uncertainty of impact of US tax legislation.”

Latest data showed that money sent home by overseas Filipinos grew 8.4 percent in October to $2.275 billion from $2.099 billion a year ago, the fastest in seven months, fueled by the increase in remittances

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.35 33,000 59.25 10,740 106.7 1,302,360 3.89 28,000 158.2 3,058,090 2.02 190,000 33.2 103,300 15.5 52,200 31.95 2,619,200 1.79 200,000 940 780 0.58 204,000 102.9 3,340,090 0.99 744,000 11.7 42,200 57.8 41,850 234 23,960 100.5 120 88.95 380 55.4 106,610 252.2 147,890 1,950 5 86.75 5,820 1.24 114,000

110,870 638,095 139,129,940 106,790 480,203,021 381,740 3,432,425 819,300 83,648,510 346,710 733,220 118,050 338,062,374.50 731,620 500,580 2,410,452 5,605,700 12,006 33,801 5,906,148 37,499,238 9,750 505,913.50 141,360

542,480 89,306,202 131,523,851 233,300 -59,635,795 131,814,956.50 9,900 35,100 806,889.50 184,080 -4,156,662 5,432,808 101,019 -126,480

41 12.02 0.6 1.34 16.6 0.214 117.1 4.75 15.98 188 44.85 19.8 63.5 1.92 5.63 10.8 11.06 14.5 11.9 7.25 5.62 16.9 62.8 27.05 10.72 18.24 2.15 248.8 4.09 3.06 20.75 27.95 18.1 17.94 321.2 0.198 8.15 2.13 6.09 9.24 6.01 8.4 1.54 12.56 60.7 6.55 529.5 4.97 2.15 1.95 13.38 5.35 0.132 1.2 151 2.89 1.87 0.77

INDUSTRIAL 41.45 1,352,000 12.32 1,465,600 0.62 1,016,000 1.34 577,000 17.36 26,500 0.214 740,000 129 230 4.8 3,453,000 16.04 148,200 188 220 45.5 632,400 20.4 2,600 63.5 50,000 1.92 72,000 5.63 4,000 11 36,800 11.06 12,234,200 14.68 238,100 12.1 680,200 7.29 2,201,800 5.7 9,900,000 16.96 439,300 63.2 72,260 27.15 84,800 10.74 73,500 18.74 326,800 2.2 1,745,000 254 871,930 4.1 199,000 3.2 36,000 21 6,000 28.05 1,059,200 18.4 280,700 18 2,075,700 324 267,700 0.204 310,000 8.69 3,100 2.13 8,291,000 6.09 17,000 9.28 4,134,500 6.15 343,000 8.4 27,500 1.55 365,000 12.88 10,134,900 60.85 302,200 6.81 1,170,400 530 14,890 5 184,200 2.31 36,000 1.96 113,000 13.48 221,100 5.4 150,700 0.133 12,270,000 1.21 129,000 155 1,501,850 2.94 9,000 1.95 12,019,000 0.8 1,495,000

55,959,690 17,955,420 620,360 773,680 449,726 158,600 29,423 16,525,090 2,373,416 41,420 28,466,905 52,173 3,175,000 138,380 22,520 397,510 135,711,182 3,477,772 8,217,698 16,099,684 56,176,503 7,448,264 4,555,678 2,303,370 792,036 6,056,080 3,807,400 221,813,808 816,430 113,000 125,500 29,709,940 5,175,882 37,353,334 86,740,588 62,100 26,073 17,817,750 104,232 38,405,024 2,101,568 231,000 565,370 131,729,886 18,375,649.50 7,671,897 7,896,590 920,967 82,850 221,440 2,981,794 819,435 1,633,530 159,300 232,050,585 26,060 23,540,260 1,191,830

18,570,230 -1,193,830 30,500 -327,470 1,513,780 -3,175,000 -214,920 -1,471,468 2,022,058 4,572,802 1,226,495 -28,769,663 3,094,552 2,318,203 -65,345 -298,080 1,586,494.00 -21,830 104,826,510 15,500 -6,106,440 2,559,528.00 24,893,820 50,366,298 -7,472,360 34,164 -17,631,315.00 -410,660 -19,350 10,659,334.50 -7,468,965 -4,820,060 -897,003 -41,100 1,074,830 102,790,149 -1,433,480 -

0.31 73.15 16.12 7.04 0.435 0.485 1,030 7.74 14.6 7.8 5 5 1,287 7.36 73.25 6.08 0.72 5.65 19.36 0.315 6.82 3.37 0.045 1.2 2.04 2.64 112.6 2.67 1,000 1.6 284 0.22

0.305 71.5 15.88 7.03 0.42 0.475 1,015 7.7 14.34 7.71 5 5 1,279 7.36 72.1 6.04 0.69 5.58 19.1 0.315 6.76 3.32 0.044 1.1 2.04 2.52 111.2 2.58 980 1.53 277 0.22

HOLDING FIRMS 0.31 590,000 73.15 850,940 15.94 4,578,700 7.04 16,000 0.425 8,460,000 0.475 7,030,000 1,022 191,515 7.73 1,641,900 14.5 4,536,400 7.75 9,400 5 2,000 5 20,000 1,285 119,585 7.36 800 73.25 1,484,860 6.07 5,100 0.71 179,000 5.65 10,920,200 19.2 1,231,500 0.315 140,000 6.8 12,399,100 3.32 14,000 0.044 6,400,000 1.2 464,000 2.04 103,000 2.6 385,000 112.1 319,100 2.63 112,000 980 276,060 1.55 949,000 284 7,830 0.22 10,000

180,250 61,910,668.50 73,305,074 112,545 3,612,500 3,366,350 196,495,985 12,670,256 65,748,624 72,898 10,000 100,000 153,678,200 5,888 108,302,645 30,915 125,040 61,389,285 23,679,482 44,100 84,216,630 46,560 281,700 522,980 210,120 1,002,240 35,748,165 291,160 274,635,585 1,479,470 2,200,648 2,200

49,067,360.50 10,356,834 1,510,850 44,862,640 2,615,614 10,588,934 88,266,105 86,909,164 2,898,209 -6,088,292 62,029,386 -363,480 -3,181,390 118,278,650 157,910 -2,200

6.78 1.01 13.2 2.35 0.89 44.8 3.86 4.95 5.7 0.49 1.1 1.16 0.227 0.455 41 0.66 0.145 1.9 1.45 0.76 5.19 0.34 0.365 0.63 5.95

6.66 0.99 12.06 2.28 0.87 43.8 3.82 4.77 5.43 0.475 1.1 1.1 0.21 0.45 40 0.64 0.136 1.87 1.42 0.73 5.13 0.335 0.36 0.6 5.5

11,773,940 1,812,600 1,245,572 102,700 752,120 637,800,660 2,616,620 6,694,270 106,804 2,092,800 5,500 46,490 7,291,320 157,550 11,596,120 326,940 86,450 6,610,810 4,135,870 260,250 174,051,435 6,209,600 206,800 4,742,260 36,114,805

-3,284,083 19,800 376,775,845 108,950 -248,620 42,133 -1,568,000 213,240 3,884,190 -325,660 1,611,060 631,100 -53,103,679 6,700 -444,709

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

3.45 59.75 105.5 3.76 156 2.05 33.3 15.7 31.85 1.73 942 0.57 98.85 0.98 11.8 56.4 234 100 88.95 55.7 254 1,950 86.6 1.25

3.45 59.75 107.5 3.89 158.5 2.05 33.3 15.7 32 1.82 942 0.58 102.9 1 11.9 57.9 235 100.5 88.95 56 254.6 1,950 87 1.25

3.25 59.25 105.5 3.76 155.2 1.95 33.2 15.5 31.8 1.71 940 0.57 98.85 0.95 11.7 56.4 233 100 88.95 55.35 251.6 1,950 86.6 1.23

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

41 12.48 0.61 1.35 17.9 0.214 150 4.78 16 188 45 20.75 63.5 1.94 5.63 10.8 11.08 14.5 12.1 7.3 5.64 16.94 63 27.8 10.8 18.4 2.17 248.8 4.09 3.1 20.85 28.3 18.74 18.1 322.8 0.198 8.5 2.2 6.16 9.35 6.25 8.4 1.56 12.56 60.75 6.6 529.5 5 2.79 1.95 13.4 5.35 0.137 1.25 153 2.89 1.91 0.77

41.45 12.5 0.63 1.38 17.9 0.222 150 4.85 16.04 194 45.5 20.75 63.5 1.94 5.63 11 11.1 14.68 12.1 7.32 5.72 17.2 63.2 27.8 10.8 18.74 2.27 257 4.12 3.2 21 28.5 18.9 18.1 324.8 0.205 8.69 2.2 6.16 9.41 6.25 8.4 1.56 13 60.85 6.81 533.5 5 2.79 1.97 13.6 5.5 0.137 1.26 155 2.94 1.99 0.82

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FJ PRINCE B GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV MJC INVESTMENTS PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG

0.305 72.5 15.88 7.03 0.435 0.485 1,029 7.74 14.4 7.8 5 5 1,280 7.36 72.1 6.08 0.72 5.62 19.3 0.315 6.77 3.35 0.044 1.14 2.04 2.64 111.5 2.58 989.5 1.55 281 0.22

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

6.78 1 13.06 2.28 0.89 43.8 3.82 4.86 5.43 0.49 1.1 1.13 0.212 0.45 40.55 0.66 0.138 1.88 1.43 0.73 5.15 0.34 0.36 0.61 5.59

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

33.2 21.55 2.05 3.15 36.8 1.01 8.5 0.85 6

34.05 21.7 2.18 3.2 37.7 1.01 9.2 0.86 6.08

33.2 21.4 2.02 3.13 36.8 1.01 8.2 0.84 5.91

34 21.4 2.12 3.2 37.35 1.01 9.17 0.84 6.08

1,700 1,048,100 1,582,000 886,000 7,305,500 237,000 13,600 35,000 1,616,600

57,105 22,556,735 3,341,400 2,775,810 273,009,650 239,370 121,976 29,550 9,774,942

-6,760,500 -2,120 -2,756,810 41,235,985 -1,765 1,688,605

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

19.5 34.7 1.45 0.465 0.043 11.62 4.87 10.84 0.07 99.9 8.65 8.88 7.12 2.6 16 1,828 5.76 21 12.1 4.16 2.8 106 12.9 8.35 0.143 1.4 3.07 4.03 1.18 22.1 0.54 4.51 7.5 3.9 15.8 2.79 11.1 5.25 2.81 8.3 115 7.46 1,480 1.34 0.35 51 95.3 5.5 3.2 1.63 2.64 4.07 1 8.2

19.5 34.7 1.45 0.465 0.043 11.62 4.87 11.1 0.071 100 8.65 8.95 7.12 2.6 21.9 1,860 5.8 26 12.1 4.44 2.8 106.5 12.96 8.35 0.143 1.45 3.17 4.1 1.22 22.6 0.57 4.96 7.6 3.92 15.8 2.8 11.1 5.25 2.83 8.5 116.6 7.72 1,510 1.35 0.35 51.1 96.2 5.6 3.22 1.64 2.99 4.07 1.01 8.22

19.22 34.5 1.4 0.465 0.042 11.62 4.87 10.7 0.069 98.7 8.64 8.78 7.12 2.38 13.8 1,802 5.76 20.2 12 3.99 2.75 105.6 12.6 8.34 0.141 1.36 3.06 3.99 1.16 22 0.54 4.36 7.4 3.79 15.8 2.71 11.1 5.12 2.8 8.3 114.5 7.35 1,475 1.32 0.34 49.8 94 5.45 3.15 1.62 2.5 3.98 0.97 8.1

SERVICES 19.28 34.6 1.4 0.465 0.043 11.62 4.87 10.94 0.071 100 8.64 8.8 7.12 2.44 17.5 1,850 5.78 21.8 12 4.39 2.8 105.9 12.96 8.35 0.142 1.37 3.17 4.04 1.2 22.5 0.57 4.96 7.53 3.79 15.8 2.77 11.1 5.12 2.82 8.5 115 7.7 1,480 1.33 0.35 50.6 95.5 5.45 3.2 1.64 2.8 4 0.99 8.17

99,700 59,200 362,000 950,000 12,300,000 5,000 2,000 3,463,100 4,610,000 513,530 7,200 1,268,100 100 209,000 1,031,800 31,445 186,800 360,500 5,900 9,586,000 25,000 708,990 24,900 140,000 2,780,000 1,544,000 78,000 872,000 140,000 1,808,800 18,000 6,326,000 1,116,600 1,333,000 200 3,633,000 26,600 4,800 116,000 11,000 47,150 912,400 99,505 395,000 710,000 145,080 207,160 145,200 569,000 7,865,000 8,861,000 1,595,000 2,574,000 4,627,400

1,926,078 2,048,395 519,740 441,750 527,400 58,100 9,740 37,833,232 324,560 51,052,003.50 62,218 11,202,815 712 518,830 18,340,260 57,911,985 1,079,356 8,067,620 70,914 40,804,530 69,900 75,157,977 321,432 1,168,820 396,000 2,146,500 241,650 3,510,620 165,840 40,465,350 10,230 28,951,420 8,382,806 5,093,350 3,160 9,995,080 295,260 24,978 327,320 93,100 5,408,325 6,846,164 148,454,465 529,370 247,900 7,343,041 19,727,581 801,705 1,815,990 12,858,720 24,680,790 6,393,380 2,551,000 37,828,328

819,470 -12,670 42,000 18,604,076 14,409,394.50 -504,610 22,348 763,355 -110,000 1,189,650 14,015,079 100,100.00 577,010 -12,000 -10,431,865 2,950,789 -2,573,550 -1,560,406 -275,124 53,926,620 -29,050 719,194.50 -3,122,287.50 -86,870 -1,807,340 587,900 345,700.00 35,330 20,161,569

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

0.0022 1.57 4.66 1.73 1.71 1.59 0.31 7.2 2.6 0.218 0.151 0.153 0.0092 1.76 6.36 1.54 0.445 0.92 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.01 5.75 7.79 37 0.0067

0.0022 1.6 4.84 1.74 1.73 1.6 0.315 7.31 2.6 0.22 0.152 0.153 0.0092 1.76 6.39 1.54 0.445 0.92 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.02 5.78 7.85 37.5 0.0067

0.0022 1.54 4.66 1.72 1.71 1.54 0.31 7.09 2.58 0.218 0.15 0.153 0.009 1.69 6.3 1.4 0.44 0.92 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.01 5.6 7.68 36.9 0.0067

MINING & OIL 0.0022 94,000,000 1.54 5,261,000 4.76 209,000 1.72 26,000 1.73 9,000 1.58 2,465,000 0.31 170,000 7.09 500 2.59 1,028,000 0.22 50,000 0.15 8,480,000 0.153 510,000 0.009 176,000,000 1.69 460,000 6.34 1,932,900 1.52 227,000 0.44 60,000 0.92 1,536,000 0.012 1,500,000 0.012 700,000 0.012 900,000 2.02 2,000 5.78 302,900 7.78 949,400 37.5 6,514,700 0.0067 2,000,000

206,800 8,178,050 1,002,470 44,830 15,530 3,856,040 53,000 3,578 2,658,300 10,980 1,275,540 78,030 1,592,600 784,860 12,275,213 328,140 26,450 1,413,120 18,000 8,400 10,300 4,030 1,726,737 7,365,315 241,005,400 13,400

-288,120 -43,090 -1,035,920 5,180 -3,500 -95,423 145,000 394,463 169,141 -16,853,960 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3B SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C

34.3 536 108 106.8 113.9 108.5 5.67 109.4 1,060 1,140 1,000 108.8 2 76.25 81

34.8 536 108 106.8 113.9 117 5.67 109.4 1,060 1,140 1,000 108.8 2.06 76.5 81

34.2 525 108 106.7 113 108 5.67 109.4 1,060 1,140 1,000 108.8 2 76.25 80

PREFERRED 34.8 14,000 535 30 108 18,450 106.7 50 113 50 117 15,000 5.67 2,300 109.4 200 1,060 5 1,140 5 1,000 50 108.8 4,990 2.06 45,000 76.5 6,500 80 37,000

482,920 15,960 1,992,600 5,336 5,659 1,673,995 13,041 21,880 5,300 5,700 50,000 542,912 90,180 495,750 2,965,530

-3,430.00 7,371 38,250 -

LR WARRANT

2.45

2.54

2.43

WARRANTS 2.54 75,000

187,410

-

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

12.58 2.9 3.9 5.67

14.98 2.98 3.96 5.67

11.7 2.84 3.75 5.41

11.8 2.85 3.75 5.54

260,572,858 146,410 480,730 16,031,925

-585,176 790,228

FIRST METRO ETF

128.8

130

128

4,075,089

-56,760

43,000

-

MS

PROPERTY 6.69 0.99 12.5 2.35 0.87 44.65 3.86 4.94 5.7 0.48 1.1 1.16 0.223 0.455 40 0.64 0.145 1.89 1.43 0.73 5.15 0.335 0.365 0.63 5.9

1,759,600 1,820,000 99,400 44,000 861,000 14,305,700 680,000 1,368,000 19,300 4,350,000 5,000 41,000 32,910,000 350,000 287,100 503,000 620,000 3,506,000 2,890,000 354,000 33,768,600 18,370,000 570,000 7,650,000 6,202,700

USD TECH B2

1

TRADING SUMMARY

1

SHARES

FINANCIAL

12,369,902

INDUSTRIAL

105,729,520

HOLDING FIRMS

63,558,111

PROPERTY

146,119,733

SERVICES

108,892,086

MINING & OIL

305,443,332

GRAND TOTAL

764,750,909

1

SME

19,542,700 51,000 125,000 2,888,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 130 31,520 1

DDS

43,000

VALUE 2,202.75 (UP) 28.16 1,101,155,106.83 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,277.52 (UP) 88.46 1,376,854,134.112 HOLDING FIRMS 8,606.49 (DOWN) 13.97 1,168,991,191.45 PROPERTY 3,975.86 (UP) 25.36 SERVICES 1,617.93 (UP) 4.11 1,230,816,662.945 MINING & OIL 11,510.51 (UP) 125.24 958,448,314.45 PSEI 8,535.09 (UP) 44.18 283,983,829.237 All Shares Index 4,963.70 (UP) 22.19 6,401,556,897.82 Gainers: 107; Losers: 105; Unchanged: 38; Total: 250

from both land- and seabased workers.

This brought cash remittances in the first 10 months to $23.056 billion, up 4.2 percent from $22.124 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets rose Thursday following gains on Wall Street, but with trading thin leading into the New Year break there was little to drive prices at the end of a stellar year for global equities.

But analysts warned the dollar could face pressure despite expectations for more Federal Reserve interest rate hikes over the next 12 months.

“The dollar bears are getting their last licks in for 2017 perhaps foreshadowing of things to come in 2018,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda.

“The bears took their cue from the Conference Board consumer confidence index, which fell to its lowest level since November 2016, indicating that consumer spending may have peaked after this year’s blowout holiday season for shoppers. And retail sales data could struggle in the face of even the most modest of US rate hikes in 2018.”

The greenback edged down against the yen, pound and euro, while it was also weaker against most high-yielding currencies including the Australian dollar, South African rand and South Korean won.

With AFP, Bloomberg

MRC bares 10-year expansion program

By Alena Mae S. Flores LISTED MRC Allied Inc. said it will pursue aggressive opportunities in the renewable energy sector next year following the passage of a higher excise tax on coal.

“With the new tax law being implemented next year and with coal becoming less and less viable option as an energy source, the shift into clean and renewable power source is timely,” MRC Allied president Gladys Nalda said in a statement.

The higher excise tax on coal is expected to make renewable energy projects more competitive, the company said.

“We are open to pursuing all types of energy provided it is clean or renewable. We will also continue with our buy or build strategy as we add more energy projects to our portfolio. We will be more aggressive in seeking partners in order to achieve our target capacity,” Nalda said.

Nalda said the company would increase its renewable energy target to 10,000 megawatts in the next ten years.

“We are looking at a target of at least 10,000 MW of clean and renewable energy in 10 years. This will be equivalent to about P80 to P100 billion or more in terms of capital investment depending on the technology or resource,” she said.

Nalda said 2017 was both “challenging and fulfilling.”

“It was a challenge to transition MRC into an energy company from its portfolio of property development and mining exploration. But with the help of our new board, new management, new organizational thrust―we were able to overcome this challenge,” Nalda said.

World

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

B3

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Mountain of garbage haunts Bali K

UTA, Indonesia―Bali’s palm-fringed Kuta beach has long been a favorite with tourists seeking sun and surf, but nowadays its golden shoreline is disappearing under a mountain of garbage.

LEADERSHIP RESOLVE. Chinese paramilitary police officers cross a road in Beijing on December 28, 2017. China’s paramilitary police force will soon be

commanded by the Chinese Communist Party’s armed forces, a report said on December 27, the latest sign of the leadership’s resolve to centralize power. AFP

Jordanian graffiti artists brighten Amman’s drab streets AMMAN―Dreadlocked university student Suhaib Attar clutches a can of spray paint as he sets to work on the latest gloomy corner of Jordan’s capital that he has turned into his canvas.

The leading light of a tiny group of graffiti artists, the 25-year-old is on a mission― daubing flowers, faces and patterns across Amman to bring more color to the lives of its four million inhabitants.

“Our city is beautiful but it needs to be brightened up,” Attar tells AFP. The aim is to “transform these great big walls of dull concrete into an expressive painting that is full of life,” he says.

Built on seven hills that give their names to the main districts, Amman has been home to a small graffiti community for some years.

And while they may num-

ber fewer than 10, the artists have been busy.

Their eye-catching designs have begun popping up around the city center―especially the oldest Jabal Amman and Jabal al Lweibdeh neighborhoods where lots of foreigners live.

In a conservative society like Jordan’s the graffiti artists have constantly had to challenge convention to carve out a niche for their works.

But the art still faces limits like other forms of expression―and Attar says he steers away from politics and religion.

“I avoid topics that may shock some people who do not understand this art yet,” the street artist explains.

Art student Suha Sultan has experienced first hand the suspicion―and hostility―that sometimes meets her work.

“I was doing a large portrait of a tribal man and passers-by started questioning me, lecturing to me because I was up a ladder among a group of men,” she recounts.

“They interrogated me about the meaning of my graffiti.”

Sultan says that as she walks around Amman she itches to use her skills to revitalize the many soulless expanses of wall she sees. AFP

Medical aid 40 dead, dozens wounded in multiple blasts in Kabul for poorest of the poor in Gabon LIBREVILLE, GABON―”Here you’re in the heart of precarious living,” one of Gabon’s first medical responders says in Kolo Ngoum, a grubby shanty suburb of Libreville that has seen no doctors in ages.

Residents initially express surprise at the arrival of an ambulance belonging to the SAMU-Social (Service for Urgent Medical Aid), but once they see stethoscopes and other common instruments, they smile with reassurance.

“This is a good initiative,” says Natanael, in his 30s and sporting dreadlocks. “We thought all this was reserved for other people.”

Launched five months ago, the Gabonese SAMUSocial is starting to take roots in the capital.

It offers free medicines and health care along with lodging and psychological aid for the “poorest of the poorest”, according to its founder and chief coordinator, Wenceslas Yaba.

One of the teams was making a local visit to Kolo Ngoum, where makeshift homes cling to a bushy, filthy hillside.

“Everyone here lives in the dregs,” Natanael explains. “Carrying the sick up to the road on our backs is really hard.”

Medical staff tramp sinuous alleys to seek out ailing people with no chance of a taxi fare, let alone a hospital fee.

One nurse calls to an obese elderly woman “who hasn’t moved from her bed for weeks”, according to her roommate.

The nurse notes that the woman “is suffering from hypertension and at risk of getting bedsores”.

The time has come “to involve her family in moving her” to help ease her pains, she says. AFP

KABUL―At least 40 people were killed and dozens more wounded in multiple blasts at a Shiite cultural center in Kabul on Thursday, officials said, in the latest deadly violence to hit the Afghan capital.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the Taliban was quick to deny involvement in the assault near the Afghan Voice Agency, a media outlet which earlier reports had suggested could have been the target.

Deputy interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP the blasts were in fact aimed at the Shiite Tabayan cultural centre.

“A ceremony was being held to mark the 38th anniversary of Soviet invasion in Afghanistan when the explosion went off,” he said.

“We have 40 killed, 30 wounded, but this is not the final toll. It might go up.”

Rahimi said the main blast was followed by two smaller bomb explosions that did not cause casualties.

Kabul has become one of the deadliest places in wartorn Afghanistan for civilians in recent months, as the Taliban step up their attacks and the Islamic State group seeks to expand its presence in the country.

Friday’s assault comes days after a suicide bomber killed six civilians in an attack near an Afghan intelligence agency compound in the city, which was claimed

by IS. The Middle Eastern jihadist group has gained ground

in Afghanistan since it first appeared in the region in 2015 and has scaled up its attacks in Kabul, including on security installations and the country’s Shiite minority.

A hospital official told local TV that 18 wounded had been brought to his facility.

“Five of the wounded are in critical condition and our doctors are working to save their lives,” Sabir Nasib, head of Istiqlal hospital, said.

A man attending the anniversary ceremony said he heard a “big boom”. AFP

Plastic straws and food packaging are strewn between sunbathers, while surfers bobbing behind the waves dodge waste flushed out from rivers or brought in by swirling currents.

“When I want to swim, it is not really nice. I see a lot of garbage here every day, every time,” Austrian traveler Vanessa Moonshine explains.

“It’s always coming from the ocean. It’s really horrible,” she adds.

Often dubbed a paradise on earth, the Indonesian holiday island has become an embarrassing poster child for the country’s trash problem.

The archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China, and a colossal 1.29 million metric tons is estimated to be produced annually by Indonesia.

The waves of plastic flooding into rivers and oceans have been causing problems for years―clogging waterways in cities, increasing the risk of floods, and injuring or killing marine animals who ingest or

Putin calls Petersburg blast an ‘act of terror’ MOSCOW―Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called an explosion that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket, wounding 13 people, “an act of terror.”

“As you know, an act of terror took place in Saint Petersburg yesterday,” he said at a meeting of military officers in the Kremlin.

The homemade bomb went off in a locker at the supermarket on Wednesday evening, officials said.

Anna Mityanina, vice governor of Saint Petersburg, which is Russia’s second city, said on Twitter that of the 13 wounded eight remained in hospital care.

Five people declined to be hospitalized, she added.

The explosion occurred

cy of strategic patience”.

Tensions have escalated dramatically on the Korean peninsula this year after the isolated but nuclear-armed regime staged a series of atomic and intercontinental ballistic missile tests―and as US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un traded personal insults.

Washington wants North Korea to abandon its nuclear program and has spearheaded three rounds of UN sanctions against the isolated regime, restricting crucial exports of coal, iron, seafood and textiles from the cash-starved state. AFP

Ukraine, pro-Russia rebels swap hundreds of prisoners GORLIVKA, Ukraine― Ukraine and Russian-backed rebels have swapped hundreds of prisoners in the wartorn east of the country, one of the largest such exchanges since the outbreak of an insurgency almost four years ago.

The swap of captives on a dusty road close to the town of Gorlivka, 40 kilometers northeast of the rebels’ stronghold of Donetsk on Wednesday was an attempt to revive a tattered peace deal between the Kiev army and rebels from the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

The war in the former Soviet republic broke out in April 2014, after Russia annexed Crimea the previous month.

The conflict has already claimed more than 10,000 lives. A series of truce deals has helped lower the level of violence but did not end the bloodshed.

In the first exchange since September 2016, the Russian-backed eastern militia handed 73 prisoners over to Kiev. The Ukrainian side released 233 rebels and their supporters, officials from both sides said. AFP

at around 1845 local time (1545 GMT) as Russians geared up to celebrate the New Year―the country’s biggest holiday―followed by Russian Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7.

Officials earlier said 10 people had been injured, saying the bomb had the power equivalent to 200 grammes of TNT. In a sign of the severity of the situation, the case was overseen by Russia’s National Anti-Terror Committee even though authorities initially opened a probe into attempted murder.

The committee said the explosion went off after “a criminal placed an unidentified explosive device in a storage locker.” AFP

Defeated Moore files challenge

Tillerson defends foreign policy record at year’s end WA S H I N G T O N ― T h e United States’ top diplomat defended his country’s foreign policy record on Wednesday, saying progress had been made in the last year to rein in North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and to counter the “immense challenges” posed by Russia, China and Iran.

In an opinion piece in the New York Times, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said some 90 percent of Pyongyang’s export earnings had been cut off by a series of international sanctions after the Trump administration “abandoned the failed poli-

become trapped by plastic packaging.

The problem has grown so bad that officials in Bali last month declared a “garbage emergency” across a six-kilometer stretch of coast that included popular beaches Jimbaran, Kuta and Seminyak.

Officials deployed 700 cleaners and 35 trucks to remove roughly 100 tons of debris each day to a nearby landfill.

“People with green uniform were collecting the garbage to move it away but the next day I saw the same situation,” said German Claus Dignas, who claimed he saw more garbage with each visit to the island.

“No one wants to sit on nice beach chairs and facing all this rubbish,” he added.

Bali’s rubbish problem is at its worst during the annual monsoon season, when strong winds push marine flotsam onto the beach and swollen rivers wash rubbish from riverbanks to the coast, according to Putu Eka Merthawan from the local environment agency. AFP

SELF-DEFENSE CAMP. An Indian girl takes part in a self-defense camp at a police training

school in New Delhi on December 28, 2017. Over a hundred women and children participated at the opening ceremony of the self-defense training winter camp being organized by the special police unit for women and children. AFP

WASHINGTON―Defeated US Senate candidate Roy Moore has filed a last-minute legal challenge to his stunning loss at the hands of Democrat Doug Jones in a special election held in the right-leaning state of Alabama earlier this month.

Christian conservative Moore, a former judge who failed to overcome damaging accusations of sexual misconduct including molesting a teenage girl, submitted his complaint a day before state officials are due to certify the result, according to his campaign.

Jones won 49.9 percent of the vote compared to Moore’s 48.4 percent, a margin of nearly 21,000 votes out of the 1.3 million cast.

The result dealt a stinging blow to President Donald Trump who had given Moore his full-throated support, and narrowed his party’s control of the legislature’s upper house to 51-49.

But Moore’s campaign on Wednesday alleged it may have been rigged.

“The purpose of the complaint is to preserve evidence of potential election fraud and to postpone the certification of Alabama’s Special Election by Secretary of State John Merrill until a thorough investigation of potential election fraud, that improperly altered the outcome of this election,” the statement said. AFP

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

LocaL government units

friday, december 29, 2017

POTTER’S HAND. A potter molds a clay jar at his shop in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The centuries-old city is renowned for its handcrafted earthenware, pottery and decorative ornaments used in landscaping displays. Lino Santos

130 CL cop chiefs on New Year alert

By Romeo Dizon CAMP oLIVAS, Pampanga ―Chiefs of police in 130 areas in Central Luzon were ordered to step up their campaigns against prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics as the Police Regional office 3 aims for zero casualties ahead of celebrations for the coming New Year on Monday.

Police Supt. Fe G. Grenas, PRo3 chief information officer, said the mobilization orders include the police chiefs of the 14 cities in Central Luzon.

The region includes Bulacan, long considered the top fireworks-making province in the country, and several cottage-style pyrotechnics makers in Pampanga and across Central Luzon.

Grenas said the police is coordinating with the 3,103 barangays in the region, whose leaders will determine the time, duration, and places where the fireworks and pyrotechnics will be used during the celebration.

The efforts of PRo3 under Chief Supt. Amador Corpus is working well, as no casualty has been reported thus far as of Dec. 28, in contrast to the 85 fireracker-related injuries last year, she added.

If the people will heed the warning of Corpus not to use illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics but instead use other forms of merriment, injuries can be avoided in welcoming the new year, Grenas said.

“Based on our assessment, the region, which usually starts using firecrackers during the Christmas celebration, was very peaceful last Dec. 25,” the police officer said.

QuezoN City continues to strengthen its partnership with other countries as Mayor Herbert Bautista recently led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine-Israel Friendship Park at the Quezon Memorial Circle with the officials of the embassy of Israel and Quirino Foundation.

The Philippine-Israel Friendship Park will feature a marker to honor the late President Manuel L. Quezon’s effort to save the lives of over 1,000 Jewish refugees during World War II. The marker also commemorates the vote made by the Philippines that favored the partition of Palestine and the recreation of the state of Israel.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines effie Ben Matityau also mentioned the “open Doors” monument, located at Rishon Lezion Memorial Park in Tel Aviv in Israel that commemorates and honors Filipinos and President Quezon, during the ceremony.

President Quezon has been compared to oskar Schindler for allowing Jewish refugees to enter the Philippines during Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s reign.

Schindler is a German businessman who saved hundreds of lives of Jews from Hitler’s persecution by providing them jobs in his industrial factory. His life was made into the award-winning film “Schindler’s List.” Rio N. Araja

More QC infra in 2018

By Rio N. Araja

F

oR 2018, Mayor Herbert Bautista has vowed to implement more infrastructure projects in Quezon City.

He assured the city’s three million constituents that the city government is committed “to continue implementing political and economic reforms designed to achieve good governance and the best public service.”

Bautista, a three-term mayor, earlier told reporters he would rather concentrate

on doing his best for the city than think of politics.

A multilevel parking building is rising inside the City Hall premises so that parking for the public becomes easier, he said, adding: “our target is for this to be usable come the peak taxpaying season the first quarter of 2018.”

Building regulatory offices and a one-stop facility for building permits is also in the mayor’s plans.

“I still have a year and five months before the next elections [in May 2019]. All I want is to be at my best at the remaining months of my term,” he said.

Bautista is believed to be running for a seat in Congress in the city’s District 3 against last-term Councilor Allan Benedict Reyes in 2019.

The mayor also wants Quezon City to be a smart city. He has ordered de-

partment heads to pursue development of the city’s infrastructure, such as more Bistekville housing units and school buildings, and the redevelopment of some major areas into medical and historical tourism spots.

As far as governmental reforms, Bautista said they have wiped out corruption significantly, eliminated red tape, and launched various innovations, such electronic payments of taxes, to ease the burden of the taxpayers.

For 2017, Bautista took pride in saying that the

city’s total annual income reached P15.18 billion from taxes and fees. He said they can surpass 2016’s budget target with a surplus of P16.1 million.

The socialized housing tax and idle land tax, he added, have generated P503.54 million that would sustain the city government’s many shelter programs.

“As assessed by the National Competitiveness Council, Quezon City is No. 2 in economic dynamism in the country, beaten only by Pasay City, which has been

able to expand its area available for business by reclaiming land from Manila Bay,” he said in his recent State of the City Address.

The city is home to 72,538 registered business establishments as recorded in 2017’s first nine months, against 69,204 establishments for the whole year of 2016, he added.

While more business operations is a welcome development, Bautista said, servicing that many enterprises is a “constant challenge each peak taxpaying season.”

Aboitiz biz join hands for storm victims’ relief

Shown at the inauguration of the new General Trias City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (inset) are Nanding Olimpo (fifth from left) and CDRRMO Chief and City Councilor Hernando Granados (fifth from right), who lead the ribbon-cutting of the new building at South Square Village in Barangay Pasong Kawayan II. Also in photo are (from left) Councilors Mario Amante, Jowie Sinsay, Walter Martinez, Mayor Antonio Ferrer, Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis ‘Jon Jon’ Ferrer IV, Vice Mayor Morit Sison, and Councilors Jonas Labuguen, Vivencio Lozares and Gary Grepo.

New buildings mark GenTri’s 2nd year as city GENERAL TRIAS CITY― Mayor Antonio “ony” A. Ferrer recently led the celebration of the city’s 2nd cityhood anniversary by presenting a number of infrastructure projects completed this year.

“As a major thrust, the city government is geared to increase its capacity to address the needs of more

GenTriseños through much-needed structural improvement in various facets of public service,” Ferrer said.

To enhance resiliency and disaster preparedness, a new two-story building is now up at South Square Village in Barangay Pasong Kawayan II to house the City Disaster Risk Re-

Davao school gains 8 classrooms SeCuRITY Bank Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of Security Bank Corp., has formally turned over a two-story, eight-classroom school building for the students of Davao City National High School in Davao City.

SBFI chairman Rafael F. Simpao Jr. led the turnover ceremony with SBFI trustee/corporate secretary Melissa Aquino, Security Bank branch Banking Group head Leslie Y.

Quezon City hosts PH-Israel Friendship Park

Cham, Davao City Councilor Pilar C. Braga, education program supervisor Marcelo o. Roco of the Department of education, and Public Schools District supervisor Wenefredo o. Cagape, who is also the Principal of DCNHS. Davao City National High is a top performing school that earlier this year saw its students winning the second prize in the Plant Sciences category during the Intel-International Science and engi-

neering Fair, held in Los Angeles, California.

The science fair is one of the largest and most prestigious high school science research competitions in the world. Their winning entry, entitled “Insecticidal Activity of Acacia (SamaneaSaman) Bark extract Against Adult Rice Black Bug (Scotinophora sp.)” aims to provide a safer alternative for rice farmers in controlling the devastating effects of black bugs to rice crops.

duction and Management office, the mayor said.

Another two-story multi-purpose hall was completed in Barangay Bacao II, which can double as an evacuation center during emergencies and calamities, he added.

More people are choosing GenTri as their place of residence, Ferrer said, so

to provide better settlement options, the city built 50 housing units with 86 more are ongoing construction at Barangay Santiago.

For recreation and sports, two multi-purpose covered courts were completed in April this year, one in Barangay Pasong Camachile I and another in Barangay Pinagtipunan.

THe Aboitiz Group, through its various business units, and the Aboitiz Foundation recently delivered emergency relief to families in Leyte, Cagayan de oro, and Davao who were severely affected by Typhoons “urduja” and “Vinta.”

Pilmico Foods Corp., the food business unit of the Aboitiz Group, together with the Aboitiz Foundation, handled the relief efforts in Leyte.

The regional sales team of Pilmico turned over 300 boxes of The Care Package High energy Biscuits to over a thousand families severely affected by urduja in Maanda, Sangalang, Busali, and Naval in the province of Biliran.

The Care Packages, developed by Pilmico, contain packs of 100-gram highenergy biscuits loaded with 450 kilocalories (equivalent to one full meal) each, designed as an efficient disaster relief solution that not only addresses hunger but provides adequate nutrition via a sustainable food supply.

Meanwhile, AboitizPower, Davao Light, Therma

South, Apo Agua, and Hedcor joined forces with the Davao City government to assist flash flood victims in Davao City.

Despite the lack of supplies, the consolidated efforts of these business units provided 6,152 liters of water for displaced Davao City families on Christmas eve.

Pilmico also sent The Care Package boxes and other food packs to benefit 144 affected families in Barangay Bulao, Iponan, Cagayan de oro City. “our goal is to be one of the first responders when calamities strike,” said Maribeth Marasigan, first vice president and chief operating officer of the Aboitiz Foundation.

“Beyond these relief efforts, the plan is to carefully develop and implement rehabilitation projects for the affected families. This is part of our commitment to advance business and communities by co-creating safe, empowered, and sustainable communities, Marasigan added.

Confetti fills the air at the formal turnover of the new Davao City National High School building witnessed

by DepEd Region XI Director lawyer Alberto T. Escobarte, Security Bank Region 4 head Jason Ang, Security Bank Mindanao I Area head Decy N. Sarmiento, business managers from Security Bank Mindanao branches and the clients of Security Bank in Davao City. Representatives from the city government, the barangay and the DepEd division office also graced the event, together with the teachers, parents and students of DCNHS.

Life

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

Culture and media

fRIday, decemBeR 29, 2017

C1

‘The Weight Of Words’ at CCP THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and Canvas present The Weight of the Words: An Alphabet of Human Rights on exhibit until Jan. 21, 2018 at Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino and Pasilyo Victorio Edades galleries.

The exhibit is part of Canvas’ Looking for Juan Program, which explores art as a platform for social change. For the last 10 years, Canvas has been promoting art, culture, and literature through exhibitions and publication of children’s books. Canvas continues to challenge the imagination of its audiences and participate in the social discourse.

For this exhibit, participating artists and designers Keith Dador, John Ed de Vera, June Digan, Electrolychee, Lala Gallardo, Gerilya, Meneer Marcelo, Jom Masolabe, Dan Matutina, Kevin Roque, Palma Tayona, and Wesley Valenzuela contemplate on the meaning and value of human rights using the alphabet.

Each participating artist has chosen a letter or two and connected it with the concept of human rights. It hopes that with these letters, words, and arts, the universal truths about human rights can again be revealed, shared, reflected upon, and force an acceptance and commitment to the truth that human rights is not the cause of the chasm – it is the bridge that will unite.

To value human rights is to uphold every person’s life and right to live with dignity. This includes the right of children to education, play, shelter, and care.

It includes the right to not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, ancestry, age, or even disability. It protects our right to participate in politics, civil service, or the private sector; and ultimately, to self-determination. To value human rights is to believe in the sanctity of life and stand up for our freedoms: to speak, to assemble, to be free from abuse, even and especially from the State.

The Weight of Words: An Alphabet of Human Rights is a call to reflect on the basics of human rights.

The various works in the exhibition will be included in a book launch on the National Day of Human Rights on Dec.10. The book will be distributed for free to disadvantaged communities in the Philippines as part CANVAS’ 1 Million Books for 1 Million Filipino Children Campaign.

For more information, contact the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division at (02) 832-1125 loc. 1504/1505 and (02) 8323702, mobile 0917-6033809, email ccp. exhibits@gmail.com, or visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Joy Rojas opts for the exploration of texture through the use of heavy impastos in his first solo show entitled Strong Material

Joy Rojas’

first solo show

A

LAWyER by profession and better known as the former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Joy Rojas made his formal bow to the art community with his first show Strong Material at the Saturday Group Gallery, on Dec. 2.

As the title suggests, Rojas pursues a strain of abstraction that places deliberate emphasis on the integrity of his material, in the tradition of the French informel and matier or matter painting, initiated by Jean Dubuffet, Jean Fautrier and Georges Mathieu. Diverging from abstraction’s dependence on pure automatism and gestural brush marks, Rojas opted for the exploration of texture through the use of heavy impastos, applied in vigorous layers to achieve a tactile quality.

The result is an expressive visual statement with meanings that have been coaxed out of the rich and rough terrain of primal matter. Each work is reflective of the artist’s state of mind and emotion, awakened in him by personal memories.

Calls for change through new media AuGMENTED realities and fake news. The politics of relationships. Manila as dystopia.

These are some of the themes tackled and presented in To Differ, Digitally! Calls for Change Through New Media.

This modern exhibit focuses on New Media as a vital means to merge art and design with the independent statements by our educators today. The clamor for change is now played out on the platforms of digital and social media as the tools of every person to differ and speak out.

Molly Velasco-Wansom, Lea Abarentos, Kat Juane, Penny Tan, Jomel Gregorio, Rafael Liao, Sharon Mapa, Vanju Alvaira, Hannah Sison, Jesse Lazaro, Mito Tubilleja, Mochie Cuyco, Roy Molon, Pepe Manikan, Henry Bolo, Volty Garcia, Dan Enriquez, Yolec Homecillo, Love Asis, Leo Santos, Jag Garcia, and

'Yin Yang II' and 'Sound Barrier' by Joy Rojas Strong Material is also layered with a significant meaning: it is the name of an actual winning racehorse. The painter was once chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission.

Visual artists contemplate on the value and meaning of human rights in this exhibition

Seymour Sanchez present their statements and calls for change through the use of contemporary tools and platforms.

To Differ, Digitally! is produced by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) in partnership with the New Media Cluster of the School of Design and Arts. It is curated by CCA Director Architect Gerry Torres, together with Philippine Women’s university School of Fine Arts and Design (PWu-SFAD) Studio Gallery Curator and Benilde Faculty Karen Ocampo Flores.

The production is the first digital exhibit of the CCA and the first exclusive headliner of the Benilde professors, particularly from the New Media Cluster. The exhibit runs till Jan. 20, 2018 ar SDA 12th Floor Gallery, School of Design and Arts De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

For inquiries, visit The Saturday Group Gallery on the 4/L, Shangrila Mall, East Wing, EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City or call 0905-2217830 and 0917-5594462.

New book features BFF5 THEy may be powerful onstage and as closely-knit as sisters, but the sweet and sassy BFF5 girls—Andrea Brillantes, Kira Balinger, Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Ylona Garcia—have different personalities, tastes, and style, which they divulge in their book Sugar & Spice (ABS-CBN Publishing).

Readers will be inspired with how today’s It Girls have overcome their insecurities and have strived for their dreams in the photobook that also uncovers great fashion steals and the must-read 25 things to know about each member.

She may be self-assured and cool today, but “Swag Queen” Andrea lacked confidence in her earlier years. She then pushed to believe in herself and now aspires to become a director one day. In the book, she gushes about her love for Kdramas, K-pop, and chocolate.

Born in Hong Kong to an English dad and a Filipino mom, “Little Miss Sunshine Kira” reveals that she has dreamed of becoming a model since she was little. She believes beauty is still having a warm and tender heart in a cold, cold world. Kira is ready to step out of her comfort zone to fulfill her dream of becoming an international model one day.

“Girl on Fire” Loisa talks about her dreams and insecurities. She shares about how questioned herself on everything at first until she realized that it was herself who needed to decide her own happiness. She also reveals about getting into fistfights when she was younger, and describes her ideal man.

From a simple probinsyana from Davao, “Miss Independent” Maris has come a long way. “If you stop trying, you

start losing,” she says. She also shares the story behind her name, her self-written songs, and her way of living as an “old soul.” She also talks about online bashing indicating, “comparison hurts me, but at the same time those keep me going. They want me to improve myself. I want to keep excelling.”

Sydney-born ylona shares her perspective—“expect the unexpected.” “Lady Danger” is indeed into life and its thrills, as she loves to watch horror movies alone.

She detoxifies herself from her Instagram once a month, and plays the piano, guitar, and flute.

Peek into the lives of today’s hottest teen celebrities in “Sugar & Spice”

by ABS-CBN Publishing, available in National Bookstore outlets nationwide and online at nationalbookstore.com for only P225.

To Differ, Digitally is the first digital exhibit of Benilde's Center for Campus Art

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

‘Ang Larawan’ ends its MMFF run

T

HIS saddens me and other serious film lovers. Some theaters in Metro Manila and in the provinces wanting to cash in on the more popular titles had shortened the run of Ang Larawan. The Ayala Malls Cinemas, I believe, allowed it run only for a day (opening of the festival) and on the following day, the theaters that showed the film were already playing a different title.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

This what I have been saying all along, that this annual Tagalog film festival and its organizer, don’t care about Philippine cinema, more so concerned about raising the levels of appreciation for films among the audiences.

Its annual mantra of “the more the viewers, the better for the local film industry” is morally acceptable, yet at its core is the desire to please the audience that wants to be entertained by films that are numbing and dumbing their sensibilities.

The selection committee of the MMFF should have out rightly rejected Ang Larawan, knowing fully well its fate in the festival.

Me heart goes out for Celeste Legaspi, Girlie Rodis, and

director Loy Arcenas for this misfortune that has befallen Ang Larawan.

(I have written this piece the day before the awards night, so I am not sure if the jurors appreciated the film.) *** I am glad Deadma Walking is slugging it out with the more commercial titles in the festival.

I watched this film during its premiere before the actual MMFF run and I was pretty entertained, not because it’s about two gay men, but more because it’s about friendship of two gay men, one is a portrait of a loud flamboyant gay our society calls bakla or binabae or

MAASIN WATER DISTRICT Maasin City 6600

the more contemporary vaklush and the other is a semi-closeted gay man known as pamin(ta) in the gay lingo or (in the 80s what is known as bulalo or bularet).

The pamin finds out he has just several months to live, thanks but no thanks to the Big C (cancer, mga ache!), so with his vaklush BFF, plans a fake wake so he’ll know how it feels be dead.

(Bakla talagang mag-isip!)

The narrative is straight forward with brief flashbacks here and there to elucidate on some issues along the way. But it has a very clear narrative that is not shaped into a comedy but into a drama with lots of gay humor making it enjoyable to watch. No, it doesn’t make fun

ORANI WATER DISTRICT Centro Uno, Orani, Bataan City

TEL NOS. (053) 570-9708,381-2171, 381-2461 TEL/FAX (053) 381-3841

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO SUBMIT COMPARATIVE PROPOSALS (IAESP)

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO SUBMIT COMPARATIVE PROPOSALS (IAESP)

The Maasin Water District (MWD), created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, received an unsolicited proposal from the Original Proponent for the FINANCING, DEVELOPMENT, REHABILITATION, EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OF MAASIN WATER DISTRICT.

The Orani Water District (OWD), created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, received an unsolicited proposal from the Original Proponent for the Financing, Development, Rehabilitation, Expansion, Improvement, Operation and Maintenance of the Water Supply System of Orani Water District.

Pursuant to the 2013 Guidelines issued by the National Economic Development Authority under Section 8 of Executive Order No. 423 dated 30 April 2005, negotiations ensued between MWD and Original Proponent on the JV Proposal. Subsequently, an agreement was reached between MWD and Original Proponent to form an unincorporated joint venture to undertake the JV Project.

In compliance with the MWD Board Resolution No. 13, Series 2017 the MWD, through its Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC), invites Interested Private Proponent/s (IPPs) to challenge the JV Proposal by submitting comparative proposals for the following: Name of Project

: FINANCING, DEVELOPMENT, REHABILITATION, EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OF MAASIN WATER DISTRICT

Pursuant to the 2013 Guidelines issued by the National Economic Development Authority under Section 8 of Executive Order No. 423 dated 30 April 2005, negotiations ensued between OWD and Original Proponent on the JV Proposal. Subsequently, an agreement was reached between OWD and Original Proponent to form an unincorporated joint venture to undertake the JV Project.

In compliance with OWD Board Resolution No. 36, s. 2017,OWD, through its Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC), invites Interested Private Proponent/s (IPPs) to challenge the JV Proposal by submitting comparative proposals for the following:

Location of Project : Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines Project Description : The project involves a joint venture undertaking between the MWD and the Winning Private Proponent for the Financing, Development, Rehabilitation, Expansion, Improvement, Operation and Maintenance of the Water Supply System of the MWD.

Name of Project

: FINANCING, DEVELOPMENT, REHABILITATION, EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OF ORANI WATER DISTRICT

Location of Project

: Municipality of Orani, Bataan, Philippines

Project Description

: The project involves a joint venture undertaking between OWD and the Winning Private Proponent for the Financing, Development, Rehabilitation, Expansion, Improvement, Operation and Maintenance of the Water Supply System of Orani Water District.

Applications for eligibility shall be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

An IPP shall be considered eligible upon compliance with the following minimum qualification requirements: 1.

Legal Eligibility

Applications for eligibility shall be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

1.1. The IPP must be either of the following: a.

A duly licensed sole proprietorship owned by a Filipino citizen; or

b.

A partnership or corporation created pursuant to the Corporation Code of the Philippines and registered with the SEC.

c.

A Consortium of two or more entities with at least sixty percent (60%) of both voting and non-voting interest in the said Consortium being owned and held, by citizens of the Philippines and/or by Philippine registered corporations at least sixty percent (60%) of both the total number of outstanding shares of stock, whether or not entitled to vote in the election of directors are owned by Philippine nationals.

An IPP shall be considered eligible upon compliance with the following minimum qualification requirements: 1.1.

c.

1.3. If the IPP is a Consortium, each member of the Consortium must be disclosed during the pre-qualification stage and the Lead Member thereof must be specifically identified. For this purpose, the Lead member must have at least fifty one percent (51%) equity interest in the Consortium, and the total percentage interest of all Consortium Members must be one hundred percent(100%).

1.4. The IPP or each Consortium member must also certify that it has no Unsatisfactory Performance Record.

3.

2.

The nationality of the IPP shall be determined via the Grandfather Rule.

1.3.

If the IPP is a Consortium, each member of the Consortium must be disclosed during the pre-qualification stage and the Lead Member thereof must be specifically identified. For this purpose, the Lead member must have at least fifty one percent (51%) equity interest in the Consortium, and the total percentage interest of all Consortium Members must be one hundred percent(100%).

1.4.

The IPP or each Consortium member must execute Omnibus Sworn Statement.

3.1. The IPP should have the capability to finance the completion of the entire project evidenced by financial documents to be submitted and will form as an integral part of the Financial Proposal.

3.2 A letter from a domestic universal/commercial bank, or an international bank with a subsidiary/branch in the Philippines, or any international bank recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), attesting that the IPP is one of its current clients, and is in good financial standing.

4.

3.

Additional eligibility criteria are specified in the instructions to IPPs.

Only those lPPs that are deemed eligible shall be entitled to submit Comparative Proposals, which must be in accordance with instructions contained in the Request for Proposal Documents (RFP Documents).

The JVSC shall evaluate the proposals using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/ QBS) procedure. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of the proposals shall be provided in the Instructions to Interested Private Proponent/s (IIPPs).

The following procedures, schedules and instructions shall be strictly observed: SCHEDULE (using Philippine Standard Time) 1. Publication of the Invitation December 29, 2017 to Apply for Eligibility and Submit Comparative Proposal 2. Purchase of Eligibility December29, 2017 to January Documents for a non- 12, 2018 (from 8:00am to refundable fee Three 3:00pm) HundredThousandPesos (PhP300, 000.00).

3.Submission of Eligibility February 12, 2018 (until Documents 10:00am only)

4.

Opening of Documents

Eligibility

5. Determination of Eligibility

6.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Eligibility Documents may be purchased ONLY from the MWDJVSC at the MWD Office, Nasaug, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines Deadline of Submission of Eligibility Documents to the MWD Office, Nasaug, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Only those IPP who purchase the eligibility documents, within the given period, (December 29, 2017 to January 12, 2018 from 8am to 3pm) shall be allowed to submit the required eligibility documents.

Inquiries shall only be entertained on or before 12 noon of January 29, 2018.

February 12, 2018at 1:01pm JVSC will determine the onwards completeness of the eligibility documents based on a pass or fail criteria. For those IPPs with incomplete, irregular or patently insufficient submission shall be considered failed. For those IPPs whose eligibility documents appear to be complete shall be further evaluated to determine its eligibility.

On or before February 27, JVSC will evaluate the eligibility 2018 documents of the IPPs to determine if they are eligible or ineligible, and the IPPs will be notified of the result of the evaluation.

March 6 to 13, 2018 Tender Documents may be purchased ONLY from the MWDJVSC Secretariat at the MWD Office, Nasaug, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Purchase of Tender Documents by IPPs declared “eligible” for non-refundable fee of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP300,000.00), payable either in cash or manager’s check.

7. Pre-selection conference June 14, 2018 (1:01pm) will thereafter be held.

All Eligible IPPs are encouraged to attend the conference to be held at the MWD Office, Nasaug, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines 8. Submission and Opening July 13, 2018 (on or before Comparative Proposals shall be of Comparative Proposal 10:00am only) addressed to: Ms. Josephine S. Resus Chairperson - JVSC MAASIN WATER DISTRICT MWD Office, Nasaug, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines

For any queries and/or clarifications, please address your communication in writing to the Chairperson of the MWD-JVSC at the address indicated above or fax the same at (053) 3813841 or email the same to maasinwd@yahoo.com.

All payments made through Manager’s Check shall be made payable to Maasin Water District.

MWD reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, waive any minor deviations, and award the contract for the JV Project to the IPP whose financial proposal is the best among the qualified interested private proponent/s whose technical proposals are complying.

All proposals must be accompanied by a Proposal Security in the form of cash, Manager’s Check (MC) or Surety Bond callable on demand amounting to Eleven Million Four Hundred Five Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Pesos (PhP11,405,220) equivalent 2% of the estimated participation of the Original Proponent for the entire cooperation period.

MWD assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any IPP for expenses incurred in the preparation of the comparative proposals.

4.

'Ang Larawan' is a musical film which is an adaptation of a beloved Filipino play by Nick Joaquin

of the homosexual sub culture, but its reality makes the viewers understand deeper what goes on in the minds of these people.

Edgar Allan Guzman proves he is a major talent. He makes the audience watch him while anticipating his next line or move. Joross Gamboa’s melancholic demeanor (because his character is dying) is affective and provides an uncontaminated contrast to EA’s character. The result is a kind of relationship that is very distinctly real and not cinematic at all.

If you don’t know these two actors, you’d think they are in real life homosexuals or vaklush and paminta.

I applaud director Julius Alfonso and also Eric Cabahug for writing a screenplay that had me listening and laughing at the same time to

every word spoken by the actors.

There are first-time films by directors-wannabe that you can throw right into the garbage bin, but Deadma Walking is one you’d love to watch again and again.

Congratulations, Rex Tiri for producing one good movie for the festival! *** It’s just a few days before the MMFF closes (I think the official end of the festival is on June 2), and most of the films, except those that are doing good business, will be out of the theaters by then to give way to English-language and the more technically progressive made in Hollywood movies. So, find time to catch those that you think will appeal to your sensibilities, if only once a year.

Technical Eligibility 2.1.

Financial Eligibility

A duly licensed sole proprietorship owned by a Filipino citizen; or A partnership or corporation created pursuant to the Corporation Code of the Philippines and registered with the SEC. A Consortium of two or more entities with at least sixty percent (60%) of both voting and non-voting interest in the said Consortium being owned and held, by citizens of the Philippines and/or by Philippine registered corporations at least sixty percent (60%) of both the total number of outstanding shares of stock, whether or not entitled to vote in the election of directors are owned by Philippine nationals.

1.2.

Technical Eligibility 2.1. The IPP must have completed a similar or related project costing at least 50% of the cost of the JV Activity/Project. For the avoidance of doubt, cost of the JV Activity/ Project pertains to the amount of contribution of MWD and the Original Proponent representing the present value of capital expenditures. For this project, the cost of the JV Activity/Project is equal to Six Hundred Six Million Five Hundred Twenty One Thousand Pesos (PhP606,521,000.00).

The IPP must be either of the following: a. b.

1.2. The nationality of the IPP shall be determined via the Grandfather Rule.

2.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The IPP must have completed a similar or related project costing at least 50% of the cost of the JV Activity/Project within the last ten (10) years.

For the avoidance of doubt, cost of the JV Activity/Project pertains to the amount of contribution of OWD and the Original Proponent representing the present value of capital expenditures. For this project, the cost of the JV Activity/Project is equal to One Billion Ninety Three Million Five Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand One Hundred Fifty Three Pesos (PhP 1,093,559,153.00).

Financial Eligibility 3.1.

The IPP should have the capability to finance the completion of the entire project evidenced by financial documents to be submitted and will form as an integral part of the Financial Proposal.

3.2

A letter from a domestic universal/commercial bank, or an international bank with a subsidiary/branch in the Philippines, or any international bank recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), attesting that the IPP is one of its current clients, and is in good financial standing.

Additional eligibility criteria are specified in the instructions to IPPs. Only those lPPs that are deemed eligible shall be entitled to submit Comparative Proposals, which must be in accordance with instructions contained in the Request for Proposal Documents (RFP Documents).

SCHEDULE (using Philippine ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS Standard Time) 1. Purchase of Eligibility December 29, 2017 – The Eligibility Documents may be Documents for a January 12, 2018 (from purchased ONLY from OWD-JVSC at the non-refundable fee 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Orani Water District, Centro Uno, Orani, ofPhp500,000.00 Bataan 2112.

2. Submission of Eligibility February 12, 2018 at Deadline of Submission of Eligibility Documents 10:00 AM. Documents to OWD-JVSC,Orani Water District, Centro Uno, Orani, Bataan 2112.

3. Opening of Eligibility February 12, 2018 at JVSC will determine the completeness Documents 1:00 PM onwards. of the eligibility documents based on a pass or fail criteria. For those IPPs with incomplete, irregular or patently insufficient submission shall be considered failed. For those IPPs whose eligibility documents appear to be complete shall be further evaluated to determine its eligibility.

4. Determination of Eligibility On or before February JVSC will evaluate the eligibility documents 26, 2018. of the IPPs to determine if they are eligible or ineligible, and the IPPs will be notified of the result of the evaluation.

5. Purchase of Tender February 26 –March 5, Documents by IPPs 2018.

Tender Documents may be purchased declared “eligible” for ONLY from OWD-JVSC Secretariat at the non-refundable fee Php Orani Water District, Centro Uno, Orani, 750,000.00payable either Bataan 2112. in cash or manager’s check.

6. Pre-selection conference June 5, 2018 All Eligible IPPs are encouraged to attend will thereafter be held.

(1:00 pm) the conference to be held at the Orani Water District, Centro Uno, Orani, Bataan 2112.

7. Submission July 5, 2018 (on or Comparative Proposals shall be addressed and Opening of before 12:00 noon only) to: ComparativeProposals Mr. Conrado Buenaventura, Jr. Chairperson - JVSC ORANI WATER DISTRICT Centro Uno, Orani, Bataan 2112 ACTIVITY

The cast of the musical 'Ang Larawan' (from left) Sandino Martin (seated), Joanna Ampil, Paulo Avelino and Rachel Alejandro

The JVSC shall evaluate the proposals using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/QBS) procedure. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of the proposals shall be provided in the Instructions to Interested Private Proponent/s (IIPPs).

The following procedures, schedules and instructions shall be strictly observed: For any queries and/or clarifications, please address your communication in writing to the Chairperson of OWD-JVSC at the address indicated above or fax the same (047) 300-3429or email the same to jun@oraniwater.com.ph.

Ryan Cayabyab, the film's musical director, said "Ang Larawan" “has been cut short in cinemas though it has been graded A.”

OWD reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, waive any minor deviations, and award the contract for the JV Project to the IPP whose financial proposal is the best among the qualified interested private proponent/s whose technical proposals are complying.

All proposals must be accompanied by a Proposal Security in the form as required by the government entity which may be cash, certified check, manager’s check, letter of credit, or bank draft/guarantee issued by a reputable local/foreign bank, or surety bond callable on demand issued by GSIS or an entity duly registered and recognized by the office of the Insurance Commissioner, or a combination thereof payable to the Government Agency concerned amounting to 2% of the estimated participation of the Original Proponent for the entire cooperation period.

OWD assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any IPP for expenses incurred in the preparation of the comparative proposals.

SGD MR. CONRADO BUENAVENTURA, JR. Chairperson - JVSC

(SGD) JOSEPHINE S. RESUS Chairperson - JVSC (MS-DEC. 29, 2017)

(MS-DEC. 29, 2017)

A scene from the musical featuring Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro

Motoring

2017’s top vehicles, according to experts W

HEN it comes to the cars lauded as the best by industry professionals and those the public actually go out and buy, there’s often quite a disconnect.

So here’s a look at both the models that won 2017 World Car of the Year Awards (WCOTY) and the ones consumers voted for in 2017 with their purchasing decisions.

The 2017 award in the luxury car segment went to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which wasn’t a bad pick -- the bestselling luxury car until the end of October 2017 was actually the Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 304,193 units sold. However, if

the E-Class was priced the same as its smaller sibling it would probably have been the bigger seller.

One segment gaining increasing importance globally at the moment is the green car segment, which the WCOTY judges

gave to the Toyota Prius Prime in 2017. It’s difficult to dispute that as many green cars are currently versions of existing models, which means sales of the hybrid, EV and combustion models are often lumped together.

When it came to the really big prize -- World Car of the Year 2017 -- the judges handed it to the Jaguar F-Pace, which was also named World Car Design of the Year. Good as it is, the F-Pace obviously wasn’t the biggest-selling vehicle in the world this year, and it wasn’t even the best-selling SUV, luxury or otherwise.

The best-selling car in the world was once again the Toyota Corolla. The highest-selling SUV was the Toyota RAV, and the luxury SUV that sold best

was the Mercedes-Benz GLC with an impressive 247,454 sales worldwide.

But if a true car of the year award was to be given out based on sales it would have to go to the Ford F-series pickup truck.

Despite sales being largely limited to North America, the F-Series had sold 886,584 units until the end of October. And it’s now on course to become only the fourth nameplate in history to sell more than one million units worldwide in a calendar year, joining the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf.

There’s an extensive list of nominees for the 2018 WCOTY Award, but perhaps predictably, the Toyota Corolla and Ford FSeries are not among them.AFP

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

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Havoline promo winner takes Vespa scooter HAVOLINE motor oils, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc., recently awarded Pauline Rose Temana with a brand-new Vespa scooter as the grand prize winner of its True Power from Within promo.

The nationwide promo, launched in conjunction with Michael Bay’s Transformers: The Last Knight, ran from May 1 to July 31.

Caltex customers purchasing Havoline®, Delo® or Techron® Concentrate Plus promotional packs received a Transformers: The Last Knight T-shirt or microfiber towel. Other promo prizes included

5 Bose® speakers and 10 Robinsons shopping vouchers worth P2400 each.

“There’s always been more to Caltex products than meets the eye. Our range of engine oils is designed to shield engine parts from harmful deposits, protecting the engine from within and delivering optimized driving performance and fuel economy with continued use. Our movie tie-up makes every journey with Caltex a more rewarding one,” said Lennard Kwek, Chevron’s Lubricant Marketing Manager for Asia Pacific.

McLaren Senna keeps F1 legacy alive “You commit yourself to such a level where there is no compromise. You give everything you have; everything, absolutely everything.”

Ayrton Senna

THE McLaren Senna has been designed, engineered and developed with single-minded purpose: to be the ultimate McLaren track-concentrated car for the road. Legalised for road use, but not sanitised to suit it, the new Ultimate Series deliberately compromises McLaren’s trademark breadth of supercar daily usability; instead it provides the purest connection between driver and car, to deliver the most intense circuit experience of any road McLaren.

The technical recipe is classic McLaren Automotive supercar, a pedigree established and earned in the short time elapsed since the pioneering sports and supercar company was founded in 2010, but taken to another level entirely in the McLaren Senna. Ultra-lightweight construction, with carbon fibre chassis and body panels. Mid-mounted,

twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren engine. Rear wheel drive. Sophisticated race-derived suspension that delivers an unparalleled blend of control and dynamic balance. Electro-hydraulic steering that rewards accurate inputs and gives the purest feedback.

And two seats – but with absolute focus on the importance of the one that the driver occupies.

The carbon fibre Monocage III chassis that forms the core of the McLaren Senna is a further development of the structure that underpins the McLaren 720S and the strongest monocoque ever built by McLaren for a road-legal vehicle. Every body panel is made from carbon fibre, in line with a relentless focus on the weight of every individual component that has resulted in the McLaren Senna being the lightest road-legal McLaren since the iconic F1 road car, at just 1,198kg*.

With maximum power of 800PS (789bhp), the McLaren Senna enjoys a power-to-weight ratio of 668PS per tonne. This statistic immediately underlines the performance credentials of the newcomer to the McLaren Ultimate Series, a product family introduced with the McLaren P1™ that is reserved for the rarest and most extreme McLaren cars.

Unsurprisingly, there are strong echoes in the new McLaren Senna of the incredibly focused philosophy behind the McLaren P1™; where the latter was designed to be the best driver’s car on road and track, the ambition for the McLaren Senna is for it to be the best road-legal track car, setting a new benchmark for circuit excellence with track prowess absolutely taking precedence.

“The McLaren Senna is a car like no other: the personification of McLaren’s motorsport DNA, legalised for road use but designed and developed from the outset to excel on a circuit.

Every element of this new Ultimate Series McLaren has an uncompromised performance

focus, honed to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and machine and deliver the ultimate track driving experience in the way that only a McLaren can.”

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive Given the famous name that this new McLaren bears, its unrivalled extreme performance and dynamic excellence should be no surprise. The legendary Formula 1 racing driver was renowned for his exceptional powers of concentration and single-minded focus on being the best on the track. The McLaren Senna driver is hardwired into the dynamic experience the car delivers. Their connection to the car comes through the steering wheel, the pedals and the seat.

Every sensation that comes from driving at speed is precisely communicated, putting the driver in total control.

The indomitable spirit of Ayrton Senna has always been alive at McLaren and the McLaren Senna will further amplify his global legacy and link to the McLaren brand.

Hot hatch: Toyota Yaris THIS December, the leading automotive brand in the country introduces its most appealing hatchback yet. Amplifying sensibility through redefined design, the New Yaris projects an image of comfort and style. Since its launch, the Yaris continues to stand out in the road with its unique appearance and spacious design while promoting practicality for any driver out there.

In an effort to further invigorate the image of Yaris in the hatchback segment, the New Yaris aims to empower its relationship with every driver and passenger with its thrilling exterior design that will definitely project excitement on the road as it features a 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC with VVT-I engine for both variants, 1.5S (107PS and 141Nm) and 1.3E (98PS and 121Nm). The famous hatchback’s exterior design now accents a more sporty

appearance with its Halogen Projector Type headlamps for the 1.5 S and 4-Beam Halogen headlamps for the 1.3E variant.

Replacing the 1.5G, the Yaris 1.5S boosts the advancement of the hatchback segment of Toyota as it features daytime running lights, Grip-type Chrome, six (6) speakers, a push start starting system, an eco-drive mode and a sport drive mode.

Furthermore, the 1.5S variant is now featured with a Toyota vehicle Security System (TVSS) with alarm and immobilizer as well as smart entry with speed sensing door lock.

As Toyota prioritizes the safety of its passengers, the New Yaris is now equipped with seven (7) airbags across all variants. This shows how the Yaris can be a sporty yet safe vehicle designed for the active lifestyle of the stylish Yaris owner.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor DINO DIRECTO III Asst. Editor

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Motoring

The class of 2018

Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III

W

ITH 2018 just a few days away, most of the dealers are double timing to sell cars off their showroom floors to car hungry consumers.

The moneyed elite have started buying cars in anticipation of the revamped tax scheme for cars, while the rest of us mortals are simply buying the four-wheel contraption to make our daily commute less stressful given the unreliability of our public transport system.

For automakers, the incoming year holds a lot surprises for everyone. Toyota has started the ball rolling early this month with the introduction of the new Yaris. As a motorhead, this writer has compiled a list of redesigned cars that might be launched in the domestic market anytime next year.

Honda Accord

With the Civic Type R paving the way for Honda’s 2018 offensive, fans of the brand are wondering if the redesigned Honda Accord will make it to our shores. It’s got a bold new look, and is the most advanced, most sophisticated variant of the Accord bloodline. While we might probably get the 1500cc 192bhp turbocharged four-cylinder version matted to a powertrain similar to that of the all-new Civic, I personally would like to have the 252bhp 2.0 liter-10 speed version.

The new turbocharged engines are powerful and efficient. The driving-assist features are numerous and excellent and the robust infotainment system might become a local favorite in the midsize luxury sedan segment.

Volkswagen Tiguan

standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a long list of driver assist and safety technologies. Plus, it’s the only compact SUV other than the Honda BRV to offer seating for seven, albeit via the tightest third row on the market.

Under the hood is a 2.0 liter turbo charged four cylinder engine matted to an eight speed transmission.

Toyota Camry

pretty ambitious for a family sedan and a first for the Toyota Camry.

Backing up its athletic looks, the Camry will be available in three engine variants; the standard and by far most popular four-cylinder, a smooth and strong V6, and a hybrid that pairs a four-cylinder gasoline engine and battery-powered electric motor. Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder is all new and boasts more power and better fuel economy than the motivator it replaces. In fact, with 203 horsepower, it can claim best-in-class power output for a standard engine in a midsize sedan, and it’s a noticeable bump over the outgoing model’s 178 horsepower.

Volkswagen might flex its muscles next year if it decides to bring in the all new Tiguan. The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is far roomier than its predecessor, which had shrunk relative to its peers to become one of the segment’s smallest entries. The new Tiguan is also loaded with cutting-edge tech, including dual 12- and 8-inch digital displays,

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy isn’t just the only midsize sedan to include allwheel drive as standard equipment, it’s one of very few midsize sedans to even offer all-wheel drive at all. But while all-weather performance remains a calling card of Subaru and the Legacy, other strengths include a solid reputation for reliability and standout resale values. The Subaru Legacy is resilient in bad weather, and also stands up to the test of time.

Undergoing a recent redesign, the Legacy is a freshly relevant entry in a strong segment, thanks in large part to a refined powertrain, increased fuel economy and a greatly improved infotainment offering. If you’re looking for a midsize sedan with the added traction of all-wheel drive, the Legacy is number one on a very short list.

The Legacy’s potent 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers up the same kind of power as other four-cylinder cars in this class, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) actually makes it feel more responsive than you’d expect from 175 horsepower.

When debating on which car to buy in the midsize luxury car segment, it all boils down to two contenders, the Accord or Toyota Camry.

For 2018, the eighth generation Camry is more athletic in terms of design and dynamics. The 2018 Camry sedan literally wears its athletic attitude. The sheet metal has been sculpted, creased and enhanced to portray its newfound verve. The sportier version Camry further ups the attitude with an available two-tone roof that highlights its rearmost c-pillars. Those trims also boast dual exhaust outlets with quad tips,

Hyundai Accent

A best seller in the local market, the Accent is one of the most affordable cars produced by this Korean automotive giant. With a stellar 25 years of history and over 1.2 million units sold, its is one of the most recognizable variant in the global arena. For 2018, Hyundai will probably introduce the all new fifth generation middle of next year.

For its makeover, the 2018 Hyundai Accent gains many things and loses one big factor, it will only be available in a sedan version. This popular subcompact car gains fresh and sophisticated styling inside and out, a more efficient engine, improved safety features, and a revamped infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This new one has 130 horsepower/119 lb-ft of torque, vs. the 137 hp/123 lb-ft torque of the previous model. The output is perfectly adequate to move that amount of metal. As a vehicle for new car owners or those whose general driving requirements are mainly around town, the new Accent makes perfect sense.

One Bad-ass Bug Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III HOW does one redesign an icon?

This was the dilemma of engineers in Ingolstadt, Germany when they started tinkering with the Beetle in 1997. The goal was to give the well loved “people’s car” a new and more aggressive look with hints of the original bug as we knew it prior to the redesign.

What if you take a garden variety Volkswagen Beetle to styling specialists KBR Motorsport and in-car entertainment experts Sound Engineering Köln, better known among car audiophiles as SEK Carhifi, what do you get? The Bug gets

transformed into something like this. While Christian Kreher of KBR Motorsport and his crew applied classic tuning to the Beetle, the team of SEK Carhifi team got wild and installed a custom high-end sound system using Ground Zero and Pioneer components.

First step of the build is to improve the aesthetics of the Beetle by filling out the massive wheel arches of the VW Bug and installing fat 9.5J x 20-inch Oxigin 14 Oxrock multi-spoke alloy wheels in black finish with white foil, shod with 235/30ZR20 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires.

The KBR guys also installed aftermarket front brakes painted in red, four-pot alloy brake

calipers that clamp vented discs with surface grooves. For lower unsprung weight and optimal heat insulation these discs are mounted on ultra-light floating hubs.

The rear brakes are standard, with their calipers painted red to visually match the front brake system.

To complete the “tuned” look of

the VW Bug, KBR installed a modified version of an H&R coil over suspension kit.

The VW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was also tweaked by fitting a turboback three-inch diameter stainless steel sports exhaust to reduce back-pressure, before remapping

the ECU. With the engine dyno showing a robust 265 hp and 415 Nm of torque, the rapid 6-speed DSG propels the car from zero to over 250 km/h.

With the mechanic upgrade taken care of, SEK Carhifi embarked on a custom audio installation that ended up consuming

80 man-hours of painstaking work. Their motto, “No Compromise Mega Sound” means they always aim for the best possible music system in a given class.The heart of this 1,700 W sound system is Pioneer’s dashboard mounted flagship AVIC-F77DAB Navigation/ AV head-unit, which feeds its audio signals to the three power amplifiers via a Ground Zero GZCS 6-8DSP eightchannel DSP unit housed in the passenger footwell.

A good example of SEK Carhifi’s no-holds-barred approach is shown by the way they modified the dashboard top roll to accommodate the custom enclosure for the 3.15inch mid-range and 1.1-inch tweeter units of the Ground Zero GZPC 16.3SQ ACT 3-way front speaker component system.