Manila Standard - 2018 February 21 - Wednesday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

IN STYLE AND IN LUCK LIFE C1

VOL. XXXII • NO. 10 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Risks of babies’ death in poor nations alarming

More countries face PH deployment ban Duterte seeks end to abuse of Filipino workers

By Vito Barcelo and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

T

HE Philippines may extend the ban on the deployment of workers to countries other than Kuwait because of the rising cases of abuse and maltreatment of Filipino domestic helpers, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday night.

In a speech before the Filipino-Chinese businessmen, Duterte said most Filipinas working abroad suffered hardship and were being punished for doing their work, which impelled him to ban the deployment of workers to Kuwait.

“The ban will continue and it will extend to other countries. It would be difficult for them. Well, I’m asking for forgiveness. I have no intention to bring you there to be

abused. That’s not my style,” Duterte said.

On Tuesday, a Filipino worker who went missing in Saudi Arabia was found comatose in a hospital in Kuwait, 647 kilometers away.

Relatives of Norisa Manambit, 36, discovered her location and condition through a Facebook post by a Filipino nurse in Kuwait.

The Filipino nurse posted a video in

hope that Manambit’s relatives would learn of her situation.

Migrant groups say there are more than 5,000 distressed Filipino workers in different countries in the Middle East, with Kuwait having the highest number being housed in Philippine overseas workers centers. Most of them are victims of verbal, phsyical or sexual abuse.

Addressing himself to millions of Filipino workers in the Middle East, Duterte said he would not allow his countrymen to become slaves.

“If you are a slave or you are a paid worker, the treatment is always the same. Work hard, then raped. She cleans the house. Then she goes to another house to the sister-in-law of the family to clean the house and another Next page house,” the President said.

GRATEFUL; PROTESTING. President Rodrigo Duterte, speaking Monday during the 10th Biennial National Convention and 20th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. at the Manila Hotel, thanks the Chinese government and business community for their contribution to the development of the Philippines, about the same time that militant groups (right) wearing goggles protest in front of the Department of Foreign Affairs against China’s encroachment in Benham Rise.

Malacañang Photo/Norman Cruz

Palace on Du30 joke: PH not giving away territory

By Vito Barcelo THE government will not give away a single inch of Philippine territory to China, and should not seriously take President Rodrigo Duterte’s joke to make the country a province of China, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.

“It was obvious that the President was just trying to crack a joke in front of Filipino-Chinese businessman. You know, it’s just to emphasize that it’s ours but we’re one with China,” the presidential spokesperson said, referring to Kagitingan Reef

Curfew on minors gets DILG backing

By Maricel V. Cruz DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government officials on Tuesday expressed strong support for a bill seeking to impose a nationwide curfew for minors.

At a congressional hearing Tuesday, Local Government Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said a nationwide curfew for minors would address juvenile delinquency as this would help instill discipline among the youth.

“We [DILG] support the imposition of a nationwide curfew among minors,” Diño told a congressional hearing by the House committee on the welfare of children chaired by Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Divina Grace Yu. The committee deliberated on House Bill 7110 filed by Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy of Bagong Henerasyon.

Diño said the proposed nationwide curfew would also discourage criminals Next page

in the South China Sea and the Philippine Rise east of Luzon.

He said Chinese officials sometimes do the same thing by exaggerating their messages that they own the disputed area.

However, Roque said that the President was very clear. “We will not give away even a single inch of our territory,” he said.

Roque said President Duterte also ordered the strengthening of law enforcement in Philippine Rise and other territorial waters , stating that the Philippines has the responsibility to oversee and regulate the

SECURITY ALERT. This would be a nightly scene—police officers checking identification and other pertinent papers of those passing through security checkpoints—in the event a bill seeking to impose a nationwide curfew for minors, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, now being discussed in Congress would get the go-ahead from legislators.

Lino Santos

ships of other countries that sail the waters of Philippine territory.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas supports the Philippines claim in all the disputed areas in the South China Sea. “Take it in that spirit. But he was very firm that we have title over the disputed area in West Philippine Sea, and we have rights in Benham—exclusive rights in Philippine Rise,” Roque said, slipping back to the name given to the area by American surveyors who discovered the geological feature.

Next page

High court drops 1960 doctrine in rape case

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court abandoned its “women’s honor doctrine” in resolving rape cases when it acquitted two men accused of raping a woman in Davao City in February 2009.

The Jan. 17 decision, released this week, was immediately condemned by the Gabriela Alliance of Women, which said the jurisprudence could open the floodgates to more rapes.

In ruling to acquit Juvy Amarela and Junard Racho of rape, the Court essentially rendered invalid its earlier “women’s honor doctrine” that puts credence on the victim’s testimonies, based on the fact that admitting the rape itself is a very difficult decision for Filipino women in a social setup that shames raped women and silently condones the attacker.

“Today, we simply cannot be stuck to the Maria Clara stereotype of a demure and reserved Filipino woman. We, should stay away from such mindset and accept the realities of a woman’s dynamic role in society today; she who has over the years transformed into a strong and confidently intelligent and beautiful person, willing to fight for her rights,” said Associate Justice Samuel Martires in his decision.

“More often than not, where the alleged victim survives to tell her story of sexual depredation, rape cases are solely decided based on the credibility of the testimony of the private complainant,” the ruling said.

Court observers agreed Martires’ ruling was an abandonment of the “women’s honor doctrine,” which was established by the Supreme Court in the 1960 rape case of Herminigilda Domingo.

WASHINGTON—Babies born in the world’s poorest countries, most of them in Africa, still face “alarming” risks of death that can be 50 times as high as those in the richest countries, according to a Unicef report released Tuesday.

While the last quarter-century has seen broad improvements in older children’s health, “we have not made similar progress in ending deaths among children less than one-month old,” said Henrietta Fore, Unicef ‘s executive director.

“Given that the majority of these deaths are preventable, clearly we are failing the world’s poorest babies.”

The differences are stark. A baby born in Pakistan—the country with the worst newborn mortality rate— faced a one in 22 chance of death, while a newborn in Japan had only a Next page

‘‘

“Today, we simply cannot be stuck to the Maria Clara stereotype of a demure and reserved Filipino woman.”

SC Associate Justice Samuel Martires in his decision to abandon the 1960 ‘women’s honor doctrine’ in the Jan. 17, 2018 rape case

Next page

Ban on Rappler stays, Palace cites SEC order MALACAÑANG has barred the reporter of Rappler from covering President Rodrigo Duterte and Palace briefings following a decision of the Securities and Exchange Commission to order the shutdown of the online news organization for violating the constitutional restriction against foreign ownership.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Rappler has lost its accreditation with Malacañang because the SEC ruling was executory.

“They should cover first or they should fix first their personality as a local corporation,” Medialdea said when asked if Rappler reporter Pia Ranada will be allowed to continue covering Palace events and briefings.

On Tuesday, Ranada was barred by a member of the Presidential Security Group from entering Gate 2, but was Next page

A2

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Belo clarifies clinic's ‘closure‘

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Belo Medical Group on Tuesday denied that the authorities padlocked its pharmacy branch in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, for allegedly selling products not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

“We would like to clarify that it is not accurate that the pharmacy of Belo Alabang clinic was closed,” said BMG Corporate Communications head John Eric Ho. “FDA personnel served a Summons to our Alabang Clinic today, which contains an order to close the clinic’s pharmacy.

“However, our Alabang clinic fully cooperated and allowed the inspection of the pharmacy. Furthermore, the FDA, upon inspection, found no presence of the products in question and therefore did not padlock the clinic as opposed to what was recently inaccurately reported.

“We would also like to clarify that we have submitted our response today to the FDA, which is within the prescribed period stated in their Summons which we received last February 9, 2018, contrary to what was also reported earlier.

“We reiterate that we understand and support the FDA’s mandate and we have undertaken all necessary steps to comply. However, we would like to express our concern as to how these inspections have been conducted with the presence of the press. We feel that this is unnecessary and highly irregular.”

The Belo Medical Group assured its clients and the public that its products complied with regulatory standards.

The FDA earlier ordered the company to stop selling some of its cosmetics and drugs as the products were not registered and did not undergo a certification process.

High...

From A1 “We have hinged on the impression that no young Filipina of decent repute would publicly admit that she was sexually abused, unless that is the truth, for it is her natural instinct to protect her honor.

However, this misconception, particularly in this day and age, not only puts the accused at an unfair disadvantage, but creates a travesty of justice,” the new ruling held.

The Court reversed and set aside the conviction of the two accused by the Davao City regional trial court in June 2012 in the separate rape cases, which was upheld by the Court of Appeals in February 2016.

The Court ordered the immediate release of Amarela and Racho from jail due to the failure of prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt and also due to doubts about the testimony of the complainant.

“The prosecution in this case miserably failed to present a clear story of what transpired... [Here] we cannot ascertain what happened based on the lone testimony of [victim]. It should have been the prosecution’s duty to properly evaluate the evidence if it had enough to convict Amarela and Racho,” the Court said.

The tribunal found inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony, particularly the gaps in her narration, differences between her affidavit-complaint and court testimony, a supposed inability for her to have identified one of her assailants because the crime scene was dark and she allegedly saw him for the first time, a lack of material details on some events in the alleged rape incident, and the medico-legal findings that raised questions on whether she had consented to sex after all.

“Her claim that she was forcibly brought under a makeshift stage, stripped naked and then raped seems unrealistic and beyond human experience,” the ruling said, adding “the medical examination of the victim also failed to indicate any physical injuries consistent with being raped by the two accused,” it stressed.

Curfew...

From A1 from using minors in the commission of crimes.

Diño echoed the support expressed by the Philippine National Police chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, saying “that [absence of a law imposing curfew on children] has been the long source of frustration of the police.”

He added a nationwide curfew would also “protect the minors from abuse and exploitation.”

“By passing this measure, the barangay will be able to intervene and help protect our children without being questioned on the issue of human rights,” he said.

Herrera-Dy filed HB 7110 which seeks to impose a nationwide curfew “for better child safety and protection of welfare persons under 18 years old.”

The bill seeks to impose a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on minors.

A similar measure, HB 894, authored by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, has been approved by the committee.

The proposed “Safe Hours for Children Act” prohibits parents or guardians from letting children loiter, roam around, meander or sleep in any public place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. without lawful purpose or justifiable reason.

The bill also provides that parents or guardians of children violating the Act for the third time or succeeding offenses shall pay a fine of P500 to P1,000 or render community service for five to 10 days, or both.

News

MILF warns of Marawi-type attacks T

HE chief of the Philippines’ main Muslim rebel group warned Tuesday jihadists loyal to the Islamic State group, flush with looted guns and cash, could seize another Filipino city after Marawi last year.

Murad Ebrahim has billed his Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has made peace with the government, as a rival to IS for the hearts and minds of angry young Muslims in the impoverished south of the mainly Catholic nation.

Murad said the MILF was battling proIS groups for influence in schools as the

jihadists worked to infiltrate madrasas (Islamic religious schools) and secular universities.

At the same time IS gunmen were making their way into Mindanao from Malaysia and Indonesia, he added, but gave no estimates.

A five-month siege flattened the city of Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao, the Philippines’ main Islamic centre, and claimed more than 1,100 lives.

Murad told reporters conditions on the ground were still ripe for another Marawi-style siege.

“This ISIS group continues to penetrate us because they are being displaced in the Middle East and they want to have another place,” Murad said, using another name for IS. “The chances of having another Mara-

wi cannot be overruled.”

In a related development: • President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to fight and end terrorism in the country as he recognized the help of China as well as Russia when local terrorists attacked and occupied Marawi City last year.

In his speech during the 10th Biennial National Convention and the 20th Founding Anniversary of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc., the President said the two countries provided weapons and ammunitions to the military during the fivemonth long siege.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua has previously said terrorism is a common enemy of the Philippines and China.

The Marawi attackers found and looted stockpiles of munitions, cash and jewelry from homes—some owned by MILF mem-

bers—before the city was retaken by USbacked Filipino troops in October, he said.

“When they [MILF members] fled from Marawi they [could] not bring their vaults. That is where the ISIS was also able to get so much money and now they’re using it for recruitment,” he added.

“It’s very sad. In our country some people say buying weapons and ammunition is just like buying fish in the market.”

The combination of weak central government authority, the presence of rebel groups and long-running blood feuds means Mindanao is awash with weapons, he added.

Manila signed a peace deal with the 10,000-member MILF in 2014 after decades of Muslim rebellion in Mindanao for independence or self-rule that had claimed more than 100,000 lives. AFP with Vito Barcelo

Ethics cases vs 3 senators dumped

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

TERROR THREAT. Murad Ebrahim, chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front,

gestures as he speaks during a Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines forum in Manila on Feb. 20, 2018. The chief of the Philippines' main Muslim rebel group warned on Feb. 20 that jihadists loyal to the Islamic State group could seize another Filipino city after Marawi last year. AFP

More...

From A1 “That’s why I’m suspending and it will continue. Will it involve hardships? Yes. Will it involve sacrifice?

Yes. Would it mean anger? Yes. To me, yes. Let’s accept it. If they lose their job, yes. I’m ready to admit everything but the ban stands. Umuwi lang kayo dito maski na papaano matulungan ko kayo maski sa pagkain [Just come home and no matter what, I will help you, even feed you],” he said.

He again cited China as a possible market for Filipinos who can teach English.

“We, Orientals, do not do that. We do not inflict brutality and cruelty on our fellow human. Most of us are Buddhist,” he said.

“The only thing that we ask is that you give us the dignity of a human being, you treat us humanely, be tolerant of our cultural differences and do not abuse our women because it will inflict a long and lasting wound. Maybe this generation cannot and will not forget it.”

In an interview on Catholic Churchowned radio dxND, Lady May Besa, a niece of the worker found comatose in Kuwait, said she reported her aunt missing to her agency in January, after weeks of failing to communicate with her.

Her last communication with her aunt, Besa said, was in the last quarter of 2017.

Manambit left the country in 2017 to work as household worker in Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is still verifying the said report.

Besa said she was surprised to learn that her aunt was in Kuwait.

Ban...

From A1

later allowed to enter the Palace grounds after members of the Palace media affairs office and officers of the Malacañang Press Corps intervened.

Medialdea said Duterte was merely implementing the SEC order amid concerns that the revocation of Ranada’s accreditation was a form of punitive action for reporting stories that are seen as critical of the administration.

“No, the President is just following the order because the SEC decision is executory,” the Palace official said.

“If they want, they can seek accreditation from Focap [Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines],” Medialdea added.

Duterte’s decision to implement the SEC ruling caught other Palace officials unaware, including presidential spokesman Harry Roque who said said he does not know about the order barring Ranada.

“I have to clarify that since Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea just issued a verbal statement, that pending appeal, you will be able to cover here in Malacañang,” Roque told Ranada, who asked what was the reason behind her

“How can that be? We were so sure she went to Dammam, Saudi Arabia,” she said.

Besa said Manambit’s friend in Saudi Arabia said her aunt had a heated argument with her employer in January when her boss caught her using a mobile phone.

This led to a fight that led Manambit’s employer to call the police, who detained her aunt.

But Manambit’s friend said that when they went to visit her in jail, they did not find her there.

After that conversation, Besa sought help from Manambit’s agency in the Philippines.

A staff of the agency begged Besa not to report the incident to the media or to the government while they were still looking for Manambit.

“But weeks had passed and we were not given the information that we need,” Besa said. “The agency has promised to update us on my aunt’s case. But until now, they would only give us false promises.”

She said the agency also failed to inform them about Manambit’s real health condition.

Besa then opted to seek help from media, after Joanna Demafelis, a Filipino worker, was found dead inside a freezer in Kuwait.

Also on Tuesday, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority said it will give assistance to returning Filipino workers through its free technical-vocational courses.

Tesda Director-General Guiling Mamondiong directed all regional, provincial, district directors and TTI administrators to give retraining assistance to returning workers from Kuwait who will be affected by the total deployment ban to Kuwait, which started Feb. 19. With Jun David not being allowed to cover Malacañang.

Rappler has appealed the SEC decision before the Court of Appeals.

“We will continue to allow you to cover in the Malacañang while your appeal with the Court of Appeals is pending,” Roque told Ranada during a press briefing.

However, Roque said if the order was to revoke Rappler’s license, Ranada will have to move to Focap.

Roque said Rappler can still cover Malacañang because press briefings are televised live.

The opposition Liberal Party called on the Palace to stop harassing journalists who are perceived to be critical of the administration, saying the media should be allowed to do their job without undue pressure.

“Empowered journalists are crucial in our fight against disinformation and fake news. Malacanang must learn to respect dissenting views. Enough of bullying those who disagree with the administration,” said Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. Senator Francis Pangilinan, Liberal Party president, said Malacañang’s move against its media critics could be perceived as a curtailment of press freedom, which was prevalent during the martial law era.

THE Senate ethics committee on Tuesday dumped the cases filed against two opposition senators and a member of the majority bloc in the Senate due to various reasons.

Cleared of ethics charges were Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV, both strong critics of President Rodrigo Duterte, and Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Due to lack of jurisdiction, the committee led by Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III unanimously approved Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s motion dismissing the case filed by House leaders and the two cases filed by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque and lawyer Abelardo de Jesus against De Lima.

The complaints against De Lima stemmed from her alleged advice to her former bodyguard/driver Ronnie Dayan not to attend the House investigation into her alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison when she was Justice secretary.

In seeking the dismissal of De Lima’s cases, Drilon cited her pending cases in

courts and the committee’s lack of jurisdiction over the alleged violations.

“She did not violate Senate rules and it is not related to De Lima’s official function. We moved for the dismissal of the case without prejudice to reviving the case in the future,” Drilon told the Senate panel.

Lacson seconded Drilon’s motion, saying De Lima did not violate any Senate rule and was not performing her duty as a senator when she supposedly gave the advice to Dayan.

“We can act on it right here, right now.

The rules are clear,” Lacson said.

“She has not violated any Senate rule nor it is related to an official act as a senator so on that note. If there’s a motion, I will support to outrightly dismiss the case against De Lima as filed by our counterparts in the House.”

Senator Gringo Honasan also backed the dismissal of the charges against De Lima “in the spirit of humanity.”

“What else can we do to Senator De Lima?” Honasan said.

De Lima is detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame over drug charges.

Task force probes lawyer's slay CEBU CITY―The task group looking into the killing of lawyer Jonnah John Ungab said Tuesday it was halfway to resolving his death.

Ungab, the lawyer of self-confessed drug lord Rolando Espinosa Jr., was ambushed by a lone gunman just across from the Cebu City courthouse shortly before noon Monday, and right after he attended a hearing of Espinosa’s case.

Senior Insp. Jonathan Taneo, spokesman of “Task Force Ungab,” said they were looking at all possible angles in the killing of Ungab, who was also the municipal vice mayor of Ronda, Cebu.

Taneo said they were gathering more evidence and witnesses who could help them solve the case.

He said the CCTV footage of Sugbutel, which is located near the crime scene, was very vital in their investigation.

Investigators said the CCTV footage showed the gunman waiting outside the Quimonda building housing the city’s courts.

The suspect was also seen answering a mobile phone call, which police believed was from a spotter inside the building.

The gunman was then seen approaching Ungab’s car as it exited the courts’ gate and started firing. He then fled on a motorcycle with no plate number.

Ungab was taken to the Chong Hua Hospital in Mandaue City but was pronounced dead at 2 p.m. by the attending physician. PNA

Syria airstrikes: Death toll mounting ARBIN, Syria―Airstrikes hit Syria’s Eastern Ghouta for a third straight day on Tuesday, bringing the civilian death toll to nearly 200 as the UN warned the situation in the rebel enclave was spinning “out of control.”

Airstrikes and rocket and artillery fire have battered the rebel-held enclave since Sunday in apparent preparation for a government ground assault on the besieged region.

At least 194 civilians have been killed, among them 57 children, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

On Monday alone, 127 civilians, including 39 children, were killed in the bombardment―the single bloodiest day for Eastern Ghouta in four years.

Fresh air strikes on Tuesday morning

killed at least 50 civilians, including 13 children, the Britain-based war monitor said.

Held by rebels since 2012, Eastern Ghouta is the last opposition pocket around Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad is keen to retake it with an apparently imminent ground assault.

The UN children’s fund expressed “outrage” over the killings of children in Syria by issuing a blank statement, adding in a footnote that “no words will do [them] justice.”

“No words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones,” said Geert Cappelaere, Unicef regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. AFP

Palace...

From A1

rights to explore and exploit the natural resources found in the Philippine Rise.

A constant critic of Duterte’s foreign policy, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Monday night said the Philippines cannot assert an international tribunal’s favorable ruling on its territorial dispute with China while borrowing billions of dollars from the Asian power.

“How will we assert the tribunal’s ruling in our favor if we are borrowing from China? If China is our biggest creditor, how can we tell China ‘please comply with the ruling?’” Carpio said in an interview on a public affairs program on GMA-7.

But Roque appealed to Filipinos to call the region Philippine Rise and to stop referring to it as Benham Rise.

“The President will get mad. He has cast away the name given by the Americans,” Roque said in Filipino.

The Palace spokesman also said the President’s joke was aimed at Filipinos only.

“We are trying to drum beat that there was no dispute in the region. The Philippine Rise belongs to the Filipino,” Roque said.

He said the Philippines has sovereign

Risks...

From A1 one in 1,111 risk of dying, the report said.

Of the 10 highest-risk countries, eight are in sub-Saharan Africa, countries where “pregnant women are much less likely to receive assistance,” due to poverty, conflict or weak institutions, according to the report.

Those eight countries are the Central African Republic (a one in 24 chance of death); Somalia, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan (all with a one in 26 chance); Cote d’Ivoire (one in 27) and

Mali and Chad (both with a one in 28 chance).

Each year, some 2.6 million babies do not survive through their first month.

The report was released in conjunction with the launch of a global campaign, called Every Child Alive, aimed at ensuring “affordable, quality health care solutions for every mother and newborn.”

More than 80 percent of newborn deaths can be prevented, the report says, “with access to well-trained midwives, along with proven solutions like clean water, disinfectants, breastfeeding within the first hour, skinto-skin contact and good nutrition.” AFP

News

PH should make its own ships —Recto

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE President Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the country’s deficit in ships is not only with the Philippine Navy, but also in civilian activities such as the Coast Guard patrol, calamity response, and tapping Manila’s main waterway as an alternative to its carchoked streets.

“If we can buy P18 billion worth of ships, we can afford Philippine-made Pasig River ferry boats, hospital ships, and coastal patrols,” said Recto.

For a fraction of the price tag of two Navy frigates, the senator said the country can buy locally-made ferry boats for the Pasig River, floating hospitals, environmental patrol boats, and other ships needed by a disasterprone archipelago where half of the towns lie along the coast.

“If we were able to find the means to buy our Navy more ships, then we should also be that resourceful in meeting the needs of other agencies for more floating assets,” Recto said.

In acquiring these ships, he said the government can “buy Filipino” by tapping the vibrant shipbuilding industry in President Duterte’s home province of Cebu, as well as Navotas and Subic, where the Chief Executive last month led the launch of a half-kilometer-long megaship that can carry 20,950 40-foot container vans.

The Senate leader also cited the two Navotas-made research ships commissioned by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources—the Lapu-Lapu and Francisco Dagohoy—which have been on research and enforcement patrol since their launch two years ago.

“Each costs just P250 million. This is equivalent to our downpayment in the Dalian trains of the MRT that cannot be used,” Recto said.

A3

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House panel set to approve divorce bill proposals today A

By Maricel V. Cruz

PANEL in the House of Representatives is expected to approve on Wednesday proposals led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that seek to institute divorce as a way out of troubled marriages in the country.

This came after the House committee on population and family relations, chaired by Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, created a technical working group or TWG that will work on a consolidated bill on absolute divorce, which would include a couple’s actual separation of at least five years as one of the valid grounds for it.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the authors of the divorce bill, said the TWG report is up for approval by the committee today.

“First, we are proposing an inexpensive and affordable divorce,

in which litigants or petitioners will be given the opportunity to file their petitions without paying the cost of litigation,” Lagman said at a news conference.

“The court will appoint counselde-officio for said litigants, and the court will also assign social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists to assist the petitioners and the court,” the opposition lawmaker added.

The grounds for absolute divorce are the existing grounds for legal separation, annulment of marriage and nullification of marriage, more particularly the psychological incapacity clause, Lagman said.

“But there are additional grounds, like the de facto separation for 5 years and if the marriage is beyond repair,” he added.

Alvarez authored House Bill 6027, or “An Act Providing for Grounds for the Dissolution of a Marriage.” It provides that a marriage may be dissolved based on irreconcilable differences or severe and chronic unhappiness of the spouses, which caused the irreparable breakdown of the marriage.

Lagman said the approved consolidated measure removed the

Alvarez proposal to include “chronic unhappiness” as one of the grounds for divorce.

“It’s hard to determine [and unhappiness is] so subjective,” he said.

The consolidated bill includes HB 1062 of Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, which seeks to ease marriage nullification by making actual separation of at least five years as a valid ground for annulment.

“Why are we making it hard for aggrieved partners to annul their marriages? With the simple ground of a five-year separation as a valid reason, seeking an annulment of a marriage from court would be faster, simpler and less expensive,” said Barbers.

HB 2380, filed by Gabriela Reps.

Arlene Brosas and Emmie de Jesus, proposes to include provisions on divorce in the Family Code of the Philippines; and HB 6027, filed by Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, seeks to dissolve the marriage based on irreconcilable differences between the spouses, or severe and chronic unhappiness.

Gordon: Focus on real Dengvaxia issues, personalities SENATOR Richard J. Gordon on Wednesday told the public to focus on the real issues and the accountabilities of the personalities who pushed for the procurement and rollout of the controversial dengue vaccine, which he said was “still half-baked at that time.”

“Focus on the criminals who made Dengvaxia happen here, criminals in procurement, those who are conflicted,” he said.

Gordon noted that the fight “is against the criminals.”

“We should know what really happened.

They bought [something] not needed, They

engaged in mass vaccination when it was not ready yet. They stampeded everybody to approve it,” the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee stressed.

He said “this big corporation”— referring to French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, which sold the drug to the Philippine government—”has so much money that they can manipulate issues.”

“They managed to flip it so doctors are fighting their fellow doctors, agency against agency,” said Gordon.

He noted that Sanofi’s “PR [public relations] people” have managed to “make it a fight between doctors. That is not the

fight we are talking about.”

“I caution everybody to focus on the investigation and punish the right people,” he added.

He said cases should be filed against officials who, in manipulating the procurement and rollout of the vaccine, may have violated laws and rules.

For example, based on the Certificate of Product Registration issued by the Food and Drug Administration, Dengvaxia is a prescription drug, “yet it was used on a mass vaccination scale, without prior consultation with and prescription from a doctor,” the senator said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Sandigan drops Yap as co-accused in‘pork’case BOHOL Rep. Arthur Yap has been dropped as a co-accused in the pork barrel scam case of former Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, the Sandiganbayan special sixth division said in a resolution Tuesday.

The anti-graft court gave weight to Yap’s omnibus motion to dismiss the case due to the “violation of his constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.”

Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi penned the resolution on the dismissal of Yap’s case, with Associate Justices Alex Quiroz and Geraldine Faith Econg concurring. Division chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez and Associate Justice Bayani Jacinto dissented.

The court’s decision effectively lifted the hold departure order issued against Yap, as well as the release of his posted bail bond.

Yap, who served as Agriculture secretary during the Arroyo administration, earlier questioned the Ombudsman taking more than seven years to conduct its fact-finding and preliminary investigation into his alleged involvement in the misuse of Antonino’s P14.55 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund in 2007.

The court’s decision was due to the failure of the prosecution to justify the inordinate delay in the investigations.

“The prosecution argues that the accused did not show any sign of asserting his right like filing a motion for an early resolution of his cases. However, even without the filing of such motion, it is the duty of the prosecution to conclude the preliminary investigation with reasonable dispatch,” the resolution read. Maricel V. Cruz

In Loving Memory of

BENJAMIN ‘KOKOY’ TRINIDAD ROMUALDEZ Former Ambassador to the United States of America, People’s Republic of China and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Former Governor of the Province of Leyte

On his 6th Death Anniversary February 21, 2018

We, his loving wife, Juliette, children, Daniel, Philip, Martin, Marean and their families invite you to join us in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

d MANILA

Holy Masses will be celebrated in tHe following cHurcHes:

• Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park, Makati City

LEYTE

7:30AM 12:15PM

• Sto. Niño Parish, Tacloban City

5:30AM, 6:15AM, 12:00NN, 5:00PM, 5:45PM

• Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Tanaua

4:30AM, 7:00AM, 9:00AM, 5:00PM

• Ste. Anne Parish, Sta. Fe

5:30AM

• St. Michael Archangel Parish, Tolosa

5:30AM

• Most Holy Trinity Parish, Alangalang

5:30AM

• Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish, Palo

5:45AM, 12:00NN, 5:30PM

• St. Michael Archangel Parish, San Miguel

6:00AM

• St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Babatngon

6:00AM

d

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

‘Baby factory‘ man wins custody of 13 kids A WEALTHY Japanese man was Tuesday granted “sole parent” rights to 13 children he fathered through Thai surrogate mothers, in a court ruling that paves the way for him to take them to Japan.

Mitsutoki Shigeta, 28, became the centee of a “baby factory” scandal in 2014 after Thai police found a plush Bangkok apartment packed with infants under the care of 24-hour nannies.

A probe later found he had fathered 19 children in total, 13 surrogate babies living in Thailand and six others living in Cambodia and Japan, according to an official from Thailand’s Social Development and Welfare Department.

Four of the six children living in Cambodia and Japan were from Thai surrogates.

Shigeta’s bizarre case threw a spotlight on the kingdom’s unregulated rent-a-womb industry, prompting authorities to bar foreigners in 2015 from paying for Thai surrogates.

Shigeta, reportedly the son of a Japanese IT tycoon, left the country in the wake of the scandal and has never directly explained why he fathered so many children.

But he later took Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to court to seek custody of the children.

On Tuesday a Bangkok court granted him legal rights to take the children, saying he had ample money to care for them and had prepared nurses and nannies at a safe residence in Japan.

“For the happiness and opportunities the 13 children will receive from their biological father —who does not have a history of bad behavior—the court rules them to be the plaintiff’s legal children,” the Central Juvenile Court said in a statement which did not mention Shigeta by name for privacy reasons.

Shigeta, who did not attend the trial, was deemed “sole parent” of the children after the Thai surrogates had signed away their rights, the court added.

His lawyer Kong Suriyamontol said he would contact Thai authorities about the next steps to transfer the children from state custody, adding that the timeline would depend on the “readiness” of the youngsters—most of whom are aged around four.

Thai officials had visited Shigeta’s homes in Japan as well as in Cambodia and deemed the children would be able to adapt to new surroundings.

“The foster homes will seek my authorization to release the children to their father’s custody... it won’t take more than 10 days,” Vitat Tachaboon of the Social Development and Welfare Department told reporters.

Shigeta’s mother has also been visiting the children in Thailand and “they have got used to her”, he added.

Legal tussles Shigeta hired the Thai surrogates before the ban on foreigners. Police said he paid them between $9,300 and $12,500 each.

Thailand’s rewriting of its surrogacy laws sparked a series of legal tussles, including a 14-month custody war between a same-sex couple and a Thai surrogate who was eventually forced to give up the baby girl.

Another high-profile case saw a Thai surrogate lose a court battle to bring back a baby after learning the Australian father was a convicted pedophile.

Sam Everingham, director of the Australia-based consultancy Families Through Surrogacy, said Shigeta’s case was an “abuse of surrogacy” services that had helped give the controversial industry a bad name.

Turn to A5

Do the right thing

T

HE parents of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo III, who was killed in a hazing conducted by members of Aegis Juris fraternity, say the mere expulsion of eight of the fratmen allegedly involved is not enough.

The victim’s parents, Horacio II and Carminia, said that while they welcomed the expulsion of the eight students, UST should also be taken against law dean Nilo Divina and other members of the civil law faculty implicated in their son’s death.

“They are as much involved since they knew about Atio’s death Sunday morning or noon and they did not even call the police to report or at least surrender to the police the fraternity members,” the parents said in a statement, referring to their son

by his nickname.

Carminia pointed out that the fraternity’s alumni members even met in a hotel in Quezon City to cover up the hazing incident.

Castillo’s parents also lamented the delayed action by UST to expel those involved in the hazing, and their failure to name the eight students expelled.

“Given the time from September [last year] to the present, UST should have acted on this beforehand. Anyway, it’s better late than never,” Carminia said.

“They know the law, there’s already an existing Anti-Hazing Law and they have violated every section of the law, including the school. The school was not even there to oversee and Aegis Juris.”

The university’s public affairs office announced the expulsion of the eight unnamed law students on Feb. 18, a week after Castillo’s parents criticized UST’s “deafening silence” on the results of a Senate report that

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

recommended the university take action against members of Aegis Juris, including Divina, and even called for his disbarment.

But in lieu of action, UST has done precious little since Castillo was found dead in September 2017. The expulsion of eight unnamed students five months after the fatal hazing seems to be a classic case of too little, too late. A huge poster, plastered on the university’s main building on Monday wishing Divina a happy birthday, only served to rub salt into the wound of UST’s inadequate response.

Aside from pursuing murder, hazing and obstruction of justice charges against Divina and the fraternity members, Carminia said her family would proceed with their complaint against UST before the Vatican, which has direct authority over the pontifical university. Given UST’s phlegmatic response to date, this might just be the prod it needs to finally do the right thing.

Strongest argument against federalism THEY say there are two reasons that the story of Romeo and Juliet is one of the most enduring of all time.

First, while they were married secretly, they never lived together.

Second, they did not have in-law problems. *** One of the biggest setbacks of federalism is the prevailing problem of political dynasties. If we divide the country into regions and states, these dynasties can only be enhanced.

This is validated by the fact that while the 1987 Constitution prohibits dynasties, Congress has never passed an enabling law for this.

The reason dynasties exist is historical. The Philippines was originally a tribal society in pre-colonial days.

My gulay, it still is!

Just note the fact that in the US, there are Chinese communities and Korean communities, but no solid Filipino communities because the Ilocanos, Cebuanos, Ilongos, etc can never mix with each other.

In Muslim Mindanao, it’s a different thing altogether. Muslims look up to datus and sultans, and political clans rule the day. And it’s a fact that Maranaos, who are basically traders, cannot mix with Maguindanaoans, basically farmers. These two groups also cannot mix with the Tausigs of

What will happen to the dynasties?

Facing the Senate VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ TODAY, I devote my column to publish in en toto, with sparse comment or omissions or additions, the press statement of the presidential palace on the appearance before the Senate the other day (Monday, Feb. 19), of President Duterte’s top aide and factotum, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go. Go has become the most powerful man in Duterte’s Cabinet, the go-to man if you want to contact the

President himself. Reading the press release one can glean that Go has a handle on many things, including military procurement and a strategic

pine Navy’s frigate deal or influenced the selection process for the combat management system of the two new warships.

In his opening statement during the hearing, Go categorically dismissed the allegations being hurled against him saying that all of it was part of a Bong Go insists on plan to destabilize the Duterte administration. his innocence.

“I speak before this committee primarily for the purpose of clearing my name and ultimately for purpose of getting to the bottom of this frigate view of the country’s security situa- controversy, so that the Filipino peotion. Here is the press release: ple may know the whole truth,” Go SP Bong Go denied anew accusa- said.

Turn to A5 tions that he intervened in the Philip-

Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi because the latter are perceived as pirates.

That is the big problem of federalism. I wonder how its advocates can go about arguing for it. *** As I have said in previous columns, government neglect is the reason why the island paradise of Boracay has become a cesspool.

The local government has allowed so many establishments to operate on a small piece of land. Even relatives of Malay officials have their own businesses.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government is also to blame, because it has the task of ensuring that the establishments do not violate the Clean Air Act. In a way, too, the Department of Tourism is to blame for not ensuring the convenience of tourists who go to Boracay.

Now, will the island of Panglao in Bohol be another cesspool? The local government also seems to be failing to prevent establishments from dumping garbage and human waste into the sea.

This, too, can happen in Palawan if we are not careful.

President Duterte must now impose discipline among many local government units to safeguard their treasures. He should crack the whip and hold the officials of Malay, Aklan responsible for what has happened in Boracay. He must show he is serious. *** Malacañang has announced that the President still trusts Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo after her excessive travels where she brings her bookkeepers, messengers and drivers. She says they are the “little people” whom she rewards for their Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager OIC-Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors City Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Romel J. Mendez Art Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Facing...

From A4

“In fact, I find it extremely difficult to respond to allegations of which I have no knowledge at all. I did not intervene in the acquisition of the two frigates by DND nor interfere in the selection of its combat management system,” he added.

Go said his name was being dragged into the controversy due to the “malicious” news reports published by two news outlets, Rappler and the Inquirer, in early January. The reports alleged that Go meddled in the P15.7billion ($310 million) frigate deal.

He chided the two firms calling the news articles as “fake news” and “irresponsible reporting.”

This incident prompted Go to ask the Senate to resume its investigation on proliferation of fake, misleading and false information.

“I would like to sincerely request the Senate to continue with the hearing and the investigation on fake news and to summon Rappler and Inquirer to the next hearing to shed light on what they reported,” Go said adding that he is not the only victim but many others.

Go, a trusted aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, reiterated that the frigate project was already a done deal during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. He said that nothing was changed and nobody interfered or intervened in the contract.

“While it would appear inappropriate to describe it as such, I would say that the contract was a photo-finish as it was concluded just before the end of the Aquino administration,” he said.

He stressed that people or groups with political agenda have dragged him into the issue in an attempt to malign the Duterte administration.

“We are being castigated for endorsing a complaint to the proper agency—a mere notary endorsement which is one of the thousands of complaints we endorsed as part of PRRD’s agenda to open the gates and ears of Malacañang to all complaints against public officials and against the bureaucracy,” he said.

“Where else can the countless, helpless and hopeless Filipino go if we close our doors to them?”

He underscored the need for the frigate project to be implemented at this time “when this country is faced with grave security threats.”

He said the warships are needed

Strongest...

From A4

length of service at the department.

Santa Banana, President Duterte has sacked officials for the same offense.

Why not her?

Of course Teo should try to go out of the country and sell it to foreigners.

But why does she have to bring everybody?

Why is the President tolerating her *** The House Committee on Justice must now end the hearings on the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

The most telling testimony is her failure to submit all of her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

This is a basic requirement!

Recall that the late Chief Justice Renato Corona was convicted for not declaring his dollar accounts in his SALN. He was deemed to have betrayed public trust.

Sereno’s failure to submit her complete SALN is enough! *** Yesterday I said that the appointment of Iglesia ni Cristo executive minister Eduardo Manalo as envoy for Filipino concerns overseas was a violation of the principle of separation of church and state.

To say that Manalo will not use public funds to pursue his mission is farfetched. Santa Banana, when Manalo seeks the help of embassies and missions abroad to attend to the concerns of OFWs, it clearly means he would use government funds.

Another thing that must not be forgotten is the perception that it is pay-

‘Baby...

From A4

After Thailand clamped down on the trade surrogacy agencies quickly migrated to neighboring Cambodia, which followed suit and barred the industry in 2016.

In recent months there have been

by the Philippine Navy to patrol the country’s territorial borders and waters.

“Perhaps, this is really their intention to block the implementation of this important security program and ensure that this administration will fail. But we will not allow them to win because the truth is on our side,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the Senate will be a “vehicle of truth” and will do its part to put an end to the frigate issue.

During the hearing, Go’s innocence was again guaranteed by former Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.

“Secretary Bong Go never approached me to inquire about the frigate acquisition project, neither did he make any form of communication to influence my decision making,” Mercado stressed.

Several senators likewise threw their support behind Go believing that the latter was an honest and clean man.

“You know he has characteristics, Mr. Chairman, that are solely lacking in many public officials and public servants—loyalty, humility, and honesty. So I can vouch for his credibility knowing him for that long,” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

“I think we are wasting Secretary Bong Go’s time sitting here. It is very clear na wala naman siyang kinalaman dito. I am not prejudging it. All I’m saying is I’m just calling a spade, a spade. I’ve done my homework, I’ve read all documents, and all I see is this handwritten message and it’s a formal request of Secretary that says ‘look into it’,” Senator Loren Legarda, for her part, said.

Some of the Cabinet members led

by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also accompanied Go during the hearing to show their support for the embattled secretary.

Prior to his appearance in the hearing, Go addressed a large crowd of supporters gathered outside the Senate.

“Ito naman pong binibintang sa akin sasagutin ko lahat ’yan. Dalawa lang po ang sasabihin ko at nasabi ko na kanina: “Ma at Pa. Malay ko at pakialam ko diyan,” he said as he thanked his supporters for braving the heat of the sun to show their care and support for him. biznewsasia@gmail.com back time for Manalo for supporting the President during the last elections.

Would the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines accept the job of an envoy? Certainly not! *** President Duterte joked that he wants the Philippines to be a province of China. This was ill-advised.

In the first place, the Philippines has encouraged China to act as it has. We seem to have a policy of accommodation and appeasement with China. We do dare question what it does because, as the President said, China has helped us with loans and investments.

More importantly, a president should not joke about sovereignty.

People may laugh, but it’s not funny, my gulay!

In effect, the President belittles our gains in The Hague, before the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Mr. President, please refrain from joking about everything. We want to look up to you to assert ourselves as far as China is concerned. *** Somebody asked if I like fantasy movies. Yes I do.

At my age, I am still an escapist. I want to get out of the realities which I read and see every day. I also like the constant battle between good and evil.

After the Japanese Occupation, I started collecting comic books. I like the humor and the sense of adventure.

Even now, I don’t miss reading comic strips in some broadsheets.

My love for fantasies makes me an avid follower of Game of Thrones.

It has everything—pathos, betrayal, conspiracy, sword fights—even sex! signs the business is growing in Laos, an opaque communist country with no restrictions on surrogacy.

Some surrogacy agencies are now offering to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier country with vastly superior medical facilities. AFP

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Skeleton wrapped in skin

By Gianrigo Marletta ASMAT, PAPUA, Indonesia—The three-year-old skeleton wrapped in skin should otherwise have been a little girl. She was barely breathing, fighting for her life in a remote part of the jungle, as her parents helplessly looked on. I have seen plenty of extreme poverty in my seven years as a journalist in Indonesia. Never have I seen a child in such a state.

The trip that took me to her started out in the usual whirlwind fashion.

Six hours after covering the US secretary of defense’s visit to Indonesia in the lavish halls of the presidential palace in Jakarta, I was on a sevenhour overnight flight to Papua with colleagues from text and photo.

We were headed to cover one of the most haunting stories any of us had yet experienced, and we were nervous because it was already saturated with firsts.

For the first time we were allowed to travel deep into Papua, to a remote region that normally has been off limits to Western journalists like us.

When President Joko Widodo came to power in 2014, he adopted a more liberal approach in an effort to attract more foreign investment and ordered, among other things, that access to Papua be allowed for Western news outlets.

It took a while for the new approach to trickle down on the ground. But eventually it did—when news began to spread in recent months that a measles outbreak in one of the most remote corners of Papua had killed dozens of children, the army invited us to go along with them to the area.

We would become some of the first Western journalists to see the place in decades, and the army would get coverage of what it was doing to help the local population.

The trip offered another bonus— usually Western journalists aren’t allowed anywhere near military installations. So much so that I can’t even go to the military airport to shoot the arrival of hostages freed in the Philippines, or the return of civilians’ bodies arriving from a disaster zone.

And now here I was, embedded with the army and, eventually, actually flying in one of their helicopters.

But more on that later.

First, a brief explanation of Papua’s history. It’s on the second largest island in the world—New Guinea—sitting just above the northern coast of Australia.

During the European colonial era, New Guinea was split in half: the eastern part belonged to the Germans and then the British and Australians and the western side was under Dutch rule.

Today, the island is still split in half, but the eastern side gained independence and became Papua New Guinea, while the Dutch side was taken over

by Indonesia decades ago and became Papua province.

Papuans are distinctly different from other Indonesians, both culturally and in their genetic makeup, sharing more with Melanesians who are spread out across islands in the Pacific. Many West Papuans today consider themselves an occupied people (part of the reason it was closed to Western reporters for so long). There is a heavy Indonesian military presence as a low-level separatist insurgency burns on an island that is rich in natural resources but has a population so poor that some are actually

starving to death.

Our night flight from Jakarta landed in Timika. We then hopped onto a seatless Cessna 208 Caravan prop plane, which gave us another thrill of sorts. Up until then, most of the stories that we had covered in Papua had been crashes of planes just like this, small seatless little birds of metal gliding over some of the world’s densest jungle cover. When we got on and saw that the plane had only one pilot, we exchanged glances and smiled (we were all thinking the same thing). “Let’s just hope we don’t become the story,” we said and settled in for the ride. To be honest, any fear we may have had was far outweighed by excitement. In today’s world, there are very few places where one can go and be “the first.”

This was one of them—we’d be among the first Westerns to see this corner of the globe in decades.

The plane glided over dense tropical jungle, which is one of Indonesia’s last untouched forests (deforestation in Indonesia is the most rampant in the world). The thick network of large rivers below us served both as water supply for its thriving wilderness, but also as the only means of connection between villages in the remote region.

The pilot flew low for us so that we could get good aerial shots of the place, and after about an hour we landed in Agats—the tiny capital of Asmat district, the epicenter of the measles outbreak where the deaths of dozens of toddlers was causing untold grief for their parents.

A land on stilts “My personal last frontier,” I thought as I got off the plane and took a look around. “Impenetrable, wild and far away. I’ve finally made it to the heart of Papua!”

To call Asmat extremely isolated is a bit of an understatement. The “airport” consisted of a strip of concrete and a shack. The entire region lies next to a river, the main way of getting around from village to village, on ground so swampy that everything is on stilts—from shacks to paths. There are no cars.

Even though it’s only about 100 miles (160 kilometres) away from Timika—the gateway to one of the world’s biggest mines operated by US-based Freeport—to get to Asmat one has to use either a small chartered plane (which would cost $2,000-3,000 to book), fly a commercial plane which doesn’t operate daily, or travel by boat which would take about 10 hours. In short, it’s expensive to travel to Asmat. Not many people can afford this kind of travel and so the outside world often doesn’t know what’s going on here.

We headed to the hospital as soon as we landed. If you could call it as such. It is the sole major medical facility for the entire Asmat district and is supposed to service nearly 130,000 people living in dozens of tiny villages along the river (A few tiny clinics in some villages are barely worthy of the name, staffed by overwhelmed nurses and no doctors). There is no lab. No operating room.

One young girl was lying on the ground in an exterior hallway. Her legs were thinner that the stand for an IV that was keeping her alive. A few metres from her head someone had parked a motorbike. Her eyes were open, but she was staring at nothing. I kept looking at the motorbike, parked so close to her head. “That’s just not right,” I kept thinking. “There

shouldn’t be a motorbike parked next to her head.”

Stuck between two worlds “The hospital is full, so we had to move so many children to the church,” we were told. So after the hospital we went to the church.

It was quickly becoming apparent that the measles outbreak wasn’t the only story. The underlying story here was malnourishment. These people are so poor that some are literally starving to death. A malnourished child will succumb to measles more easily than a well-fed one.

The people living here, the Asmat tribe, are unlucky in that they are caught in between two worlds. They are descendants of people who used to live in the jungle, getting their food and medicine from it. They no longer do that. They now live in “villages”— collections of feeble bamboo huts on stilts on the banks of the river.

Now most of their food consists of instant noodles that are brought in by boat to little “convenience stores” called “warung.” The only problem is that there are hardly any jobs. It’s hard to buy food when you have no money.

Camera as a shield That reality came screaming out to us in a room by the hospital’s entrance, where a father and mother stared down at a skeleton tightly wrapped in human skin. It was their three-year-old daughter, still breathing.

In my seven years working as a journalist in Indonesia, I have seen extreme poverty like this before. But never had I seen children in such condition. It just hit me in the stomach.

It was a very physical reaction—I just wanted to throw up. I suppose it would have been even worse if I had been a parent. In moments like this— when I witness something truly terrible—my camera becomes my shield.

It becomes a filter, protecting you from the reality in front, so that I can do my job and shoot the scene. And that’s what I did. I shot that skeleton wrapped in skin that was supposed to be a three-year-old girl. And despite that shield, that image will stay with me for a long, long time.

I wasn’t the only one shaken by it.

Lots of colleagues from other news organizations later told me that that particular image is what prompted them to follow in our footsteps and report on the story as well.

Sending the harrowing footage took more than 14 hours with our satellite device. From 4:00 pm till seven the next morning I stared at my laptop while it did its best to upload my video. Something that in normal conditions would’ve taken less than 20 minutes. After that, it was time to go back out and shoot some more.

We spent the next day on tiny speedboats racing down the rivers, following the Indonesian military as it visited a remote village on stilts.

In all, we spent four nights in the region, but it will be a trip that I will remember for a long time. Flying out marked another first—we flew out aboard a chopper of the military that wouldn’t allow us anywhere near its installations for years. But that’s not what will stay with me. It will be the image of that little girl, clinging to life. We checked up on her before leaving. She was still alive, but her battle with death was nowhere near being over. I hope she made it in the end. It would soften a bit that image of her seared in my memory. AFP

Cape Town now faces dry taps by July 9 RESIDENTS of drought-stricken Cape Town received good news Tuesday when city officials said they now face losing piped water to their homes

by July 9—a month later than last forecast.

But Capetonians are not yet out of the woods. If drastic consumption reductions are not achieved by so-called “Day Zero”—the last day of normal water supply—people will have to queue at 200 standpipes for daily rations of 25 liters (6.6 US gallons).

The city, which attracts millions of tourists every year, has enforced strict waste controls including prosecuting homeowners who use significantly more than the current 50-litre daily limit.

“The Groenland water transfer and the reduction in our weekly average

demand has had a dramatic impact on the ‘Day Zero’ date,” said deputy mayor Ian Neilson in a statement, referring to a recent transfer of water from a region that had experienced good rains to South Africa’s parched second city.

“Today I urge the residents of Cape Town not to ease up on their watersaving efforts. We cannot afford to slow down when the estimated ‘Day Zero’ date moves out, simply because we cannot accurately predict the volume of rainfall still to come.”

Every day the city uses more than 450 million liters, “Day Zero” becomes more likely. In the past week, city-wide consumption stood at an average of 523 million liters daily.

The previous forecast for “Day

Zero” was June 4.

The city has published a nameand-shame list of the worst water offenders in Cape Town, and it says it is issuing fines for the heaviest water users.

But officials have been criticized for failing to implement usage restrictions sooner, and accused of ignoring warnings by experts in the years before the drought.

Strong summer rains saw much of southern Africa recover from a drought induced by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

But Mediterranean-like Cape Town receives most of its rain in the southern hemisphere’s winter—and scientists warn there is no guarantee of a good rainy season. AFP

A6

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News MMDA probes own vehicle reported emitting black smoke

By Joel E. Zurbano

‘CHA-CHAROT.’ Different activists groups held a press conference in Quezon City to condemn the proposed Charter

change which they dubbed as Cha-charot and anti poor. Photo shows the group displaying the thumbs down against Charter change. Manny Palmero

SMC looks forward to more partnerships with MWSS SAN Miguel Corp. president and COO Ramon S. Ang congratulated the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on its 140th anniversary and expressed SMC’s optimism for more partnerships with MWSS. Luzon Clean Water Development Corp., a consortium of San Miguel Holdings and KWater Resources Corp. is the third MWSS concessionaire since water agency’s privatization in 1997. Its service area is known as the North Zone with Maynilad serving the West Zone and Manila Water the East Zone.

Ongoing is one of the water legacy projects, Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project being undertaken by Luzon Clean Water Development Corp.

“We are proud to be working with you on the Bulacan Bulk Water project because this will finally provide millions of residents from 24 cities and municipalities in Bulacan access to fresh, potable surface water while balancing the competing needs of a growing population, industry, agriculture, and the environment in the province,” Ang said in an official message to MWSS published in the MWSS @ 140 commemorative book.

He added, “We have already achieved significant progress in driving down our operational water use across our business and enabling access to safe water for millions of Bulakeños. We are committed to doing so much more.”

The BBWSP aims to provide treated bulk water to Bulacan’s Water Service Providers to assist in their efforts to meet the current water demand, expand service area coverage and increase the number of households served. It was shortlisted for the 2017 Global Water Awards for Water Deal of the Year.

SMC’s Head of Operations Edgar Doña said that the construction of the BBWSP is ahead of schedule. “Stage 1 is targeted for completion on October 2018 and Stage 2 on April 2019 but we are thankful that we are ahead of our proposed time.”

SMC is pushing for water stewardship consistent with the mission and vision of MWSS. It is also helping solve water challenges and finding ways to harness its “organization’s unique characteristics to preserve this precious public resource.”

Senate okays ‘Lifetime Cellphone Number Act’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill which will allow mobile users to switch between network providers without losing one’s own “digital identity.”

Senate Bill No. 1636, known as the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act, provides mobile users with the option of keeping their existing mobile numbers even as they switch networks or mode of subscription services (from prepaid to postpaid, and vice versa).

The bill accomplishes this by prohibiting Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) from locking-in mobile devices to their respective network, regardless whether the device is sold as a unit or under a service contract.

“Advancing genuine consumer welfare starts by recognizing the right of every user to choose what is best for

them. This is the essence of the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act—to have the freedom to avail of the services you want, and in return foster a spirit of market competition among telecommunication companies,” said Senator Win Gatchalian, principal sponsor and primary author of SBN 1636.

Additionally, SBN 1636 also removes the interconnection charges being imposed by network companies for calls and text messages sent to numbers registered under competing networks.

At present, users are charged with P2.50 per minute for calls and P0.15 for text messages to different networks. In

2016, these interconnection fees generated a total revenue of P3.2 billion for one telco giant.

“These interconnection fees put an unnecessary burden on mobile subscribers who have contacts that patronize different networks. Removing these fees will result in consumer savings since they will no longer be made to pay a premium for making internetwork calls and texts,” Gatchalian explained.

To ensure strict compliance with the pro-consumer provisions of the measure, SBN 1636 imposes strict penalties on PTEs for non-compliance. For the first offense, telecommunication companies shall be charged a fine between P100,000 to P300,000; for the second office, the fine will be from P400,000 up to P600,000. Subsequent offenses shall have a penalty of not less than P700,000 and up to P1 million, and shall result in the revocation of the telco company's franchise.

RECALL.

Vice Mayor Francis Zamora (center) joins his supporters during a protest rally infront of the Comelec head office in Manila to demand a recall of the election results in San Juan City.

Lino Santos

Government to earn up to P1-b monthly tax from PCSO THE government is set to earn up to P1billion monthly taxes from the various lottery games of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office based on the 20-percent tax increase set by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law law, general manager Alexander Balutan revealed to the media after the awarding ceremony on Monday at the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“Sa buwan-buwan na ipinapatong sa [PCSO] na tax, nang kinumpyot namin dati-rati ang ibinibigay namin na tax mula sa lahat ng ating lottery games ay P500 million. Ngayon, aabot na ng P1 billion,” Balutan said in an ambush interview.

Winnings on the lottery games such as Lotto, Ken, Small Town Lottery, and Sweepstakes are affected by the 20-percent tax law.

Balutan said the P1-billion tax could be higher based on revenue projections of

THE Metro Manila Development Authority is investigating reports that some of its personnel openly disregards a policy on smoke belching after one of the agency’s marked vehicles was caught spewing thick black smoke on the road.

The MMDA is one of the government offices composing the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic which is presently conducting series of operations against dilapidated and smoke-belching vehicles in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Last week, a netizen named Moises Meman caught a white MMDA marked vehicle (registration plate SEK-769) emitting black smoke along Kalayaan Avenue going to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue around 3 p.m.

He said the MMDA personnel driving that vehicle clearly violated the provision of the Clean Air Act. Meman took a video footage of the incident, posted it on his Facebook account, and wrote a message “to call the MMDA administration’s attention and see if they are really sincere in addressing issues like this.”

Celine Pialago, MMDA spokesperson, said the agency is now looking into that incident and in the process of identifying the personnel who drove the vehicle. She added the MMDA also want to know why

PCSO this year that could reach up to P60 billion or more.

“With the aggressive expansion of our STL, having more than 81 Authorized Corporations [AACs] now playing nationwide, and our Lotto games continue to progress with more than 10,000 outlets nationwide and more outlets to be created, PCSO is becoming a very potent tax contributor to the coffers of the national government,” the former Marine general said.

In 2017 alone, PCSO reported an earning of almost P53 billion, a quantum leap from the P39 billion earning in 2016. Very crucial was the STL revenues that posted almost P16 billion from a mere P4.7 billion yearly from the two previous administrations.

Soon after former Davao City mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte became President, PCSO through Balutan and former PCSO chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz expanded the AACs from 18 to 56 and then to 83 at the end of 2017. The PCSO board had approved

a total of 92 AACs. Balutan said that for 15 years, the STL operation was stalled and manipulated by big-time gambling lords for their jueteng, swertres, masiao, pares, and other forms of illegal numbers game to flourish unabated.

But just recently, the board terminated the authorization of Evenchance Gaming Corporation playing STL in Camarines Sur due to various violations of the STL Implementing Rules and Regulations.

“We’re looking into five more erring AACs for possible suspension or termination of their authorization to play STL. But we don’t want also to create a vacuum in areas where AACs were under suspension or their authorization to play STL terminated because malamang susulpot ang mga ilegal na laro diyan. Ito ang pipigilan natin kaya magpapa-re-bid agad tayo sa mga interested groups o korporasyon na gustong makakuha ng otorisasyon para maglaro ng STL,” Balutan explained.

the vehicle, which is one of the agency’s three shuttle services, was sent out on the road despite it having been “recommended for calibration.”

MMDA assistant general manager for operations Roberto Almadin ordered his men to unmask the driver and other agency personnel responsible on the case, and filed administrative complaints against them.

The MMDA said that it is not an excuse for any agency personnel to use that kind of vehicle even if it was used for emergency purposes.

In June 2017, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim ordered his two traffic enforcers to pay a fine for not wearing helmets while on duty riding a motorcycle along Roxas Boulevard.

Lim directed the enforcers—Armando Lopez and Rodrigo Dayota—to be fined P1,500 each for their brazen violation of road regulations.

“We are enforcers of the traffic laws and we should all comply with them,” he said.

Aside from the fine, Lim also directed the two traffic personnel to undergo traffic management and safety course at the agency’s Traffic Academy.

The MMDA chief confronted Lopez and Dayota about the photo posted on Facebook, showing them in MMDA traffic uniform on a motorbike but not wearing crash helmets.

Ex-Zambo mayor faces falsification charges

By Rio N. Araja A FORMER mayor in Zamboanga del Norte is facing falsification of public documents before the Sandiganbayan for bidding irregularities.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the suit against former mayor Wilfredo Balais and former vice mayor Virgilio Go of Labason town for violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code over the procurement of a Nissan Patrol wagon in 2011.

Also named co-accused were the former bids and awards committee chairman Melchor Chipoco; members Christy Buganutan, Philip Balais, Aida Villamil and Ceriaco Sabijon, and secretariat Glenda Eslabon.

Additional charges for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act No. 3019 were filed against Chipoco, Buganutan, Eslabon, Philip Balais, Villamil, Sabijon and Thelma Antoque.

On Jan. 28, 2011, the municipality through Go acquired a second-hand 2001 Nissan Patrol wagon from Eduardo Ayunting of the Oro Cars Display Center worth P960,000.

A review of the bidding documents showed fraud in the procurement of the vehicle as bid documents, such as the abstract of bids and minutes of the opening of bids were falsified to make it appear that two other bidders joined the bidding.

According to the Ombudsman, the vehicle procured by respondents was the same vehicle sold by Balais to Ayunting for only P500,000 under a deed of sale on Nov. 26, 2010.

“It cannot be denied that the abovenamed respondents have control over the documents in their respective capacities and signed these documents even when they contained utter falsities. In their effort to come up with an impression of regularity, they made it appear that bidders, including the alleged winning bidder, participated in the procurement of the vehicle when in fact these bidders did not. Clearly, the elements of the offense attend this case,”the Ombudsman's resolution read.

NFA says it will continue to sell P27/kg rice amid conflicting reports THE National Food Authority will continue to sell regular-milled rice at P27/ kilogram and well-milled rice at P32/kg as part of its food security and stabilization functions.

This is the assurance of NFA management in the wake of reports misquoting NFA spokesperson Rex Estoperez as saying that the agency will stop selling the P27/kg variety and focus on selling only the P32/kg variety.

“In the midst of confusing issues about the supply and prices of rice in our country today, we would like to assure the public, especially the 10-million Filipinos regularly consuming NFA rice, that we are doing our best to maintain our P27/kg and P32/ kg rice in the market,” NFA administrator Jason Aquino said.

In an interview aired over radio and television, Mr. Estoperez was merely reacting

to a discussion about rice prices where he said if the price of commercial rice will be set too high, say at P38/kg, the NFA’s P27/ kg will be distortive. It will also mean a big cost of subsidy, thus only the P32/kg variety will be more feasible if economic managers will continue to view NFA’s services as a loss, a social cost to the government. It was his personal opinion.

Aquino reiterated that NFA has no plans of increasing its rice selling price or removing its lower-priced rice in the market. It is, after all, a decision that will pass through the NFA Council.

“Our P27/kg and P32/kg rice will be back in the markets as soon as supply is available. We will continue to serve NFA’s mandate of ensuring national food security and price and supply stabilization for as long as no law is passed to change it,” Aquino stressed.

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Russian doping case rocks winter Olympics P

YEONGCHANG—A doping case involving a medal-winning Russian curler rocked the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on Monday, as Mikaela Shiffrin’s turbulent Games took another twist when she pulled out of the downhill skiing.

Standard Insurance’s Judes Echauz talks about the new route of the Subic Bay regatta race. At his right is organizing committee chairman Jun Avecilla and race director Jerry Rollins.

Alexander Krushelnitsky’s failed drug test came to light a week after he won mixed doubles bronze with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova, and could extend Russia’s suspension from the Olympics.

The case, now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, will be considered by Olympic officials deciding whether to lift Russia’s ban in time for Sunday’s closing ceremony.

“Should this case be proven... that will also be part of the consideration as to whether there will be an allowance for them to march in the closing ceremony under their flag,” said International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams.

Russia were banned from the Olympics

Subic Bay race gets new route

Celebrities Deither Ocampo (left) and former Viva Hot Babe and now Calatagan Vice Mayor Andrea del Rosario were among those who participated in the Cockatoo Polo Cup, presented by Cathy Valencia. Photo below shows Rep. Mikee Romero of GlobalPort accepting the trophy from Ocampo and Cathy Valencia as he was joined by teammates during the awarding ceremonies.

By Peter Atencio

ENVIRONMENTAL concerns have compelled Subic to Boracay regatta organizers to come up with a different race route this year.

Instead of a race to Boracay Island, they will instead hold the Standard Insurance Subic Bay Around Verde Island Passage Race from Feb. 24 to March 2.

It will be a 200-mile race, the same distance as the Subic-Boracay event in the past.

This time, participants will start from Subic Bay and go southeast to the Verde Passage in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro and then back to Subic Bay on the same day.

“It’s unfortunate that this happened to Boracay. It may be a gain for Subic. But nonetheless, the concern for the environment is important for us,” said organizing committee chairman Jun Avecilla.

Boracay is currently fixing its drainage and sewerage systems in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat of shutting down the island he called a “cesspool.”

Organizers have expressed concern over the situation in Boracay over untreated waste water and sewage in the island as one of the reasons why they changed routes this year.

Avecilla talked about the race during a press conference at Kamayan-Padre Faura, Manila with Standard Insurance’s Judes Echauz and race director Jerry Rollins.

There will be around 20 local and international boats joining the IRC1 race, including Karakoa, Antipodes and Freefire of Hong Kong and Standard InsuranceCentennial 3.

The IRC2 Class Race will have Hong Kong entry Mandrake III pitted against local boats Sabad, German entry Emocean, Selma Star, Bella Uno, Misty Mountain and Bella Trix.

Hong Kong boats Asia Pacific Sailing and Asparas are entered in the cruising class.

In the new class known as the Far East 28s, there’s Centennial II, Standard Insurance-PSA, Japan, SMU-Sailing Singapore, Taiwan and the Subic Sailing team.

The route of the race is considered as one of the busiest sea lanes in the Philippines because this is one of the main shipping routes between the Port of Manila, and the Visayas and Mindanao in the south.

Cockatoo Polo Cup draws starry cast CELEBRITIES Deither Ocampo and Andrea del Rosario and GlobalPort top executive Rep. Mikee Romero were among the prominent figures who took part in the third Cockatoo Polo Cup, presented by Cathy Valencia Advance Skin Clinic recently at the North Polo Club in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The event, an annual project initiated by Ocampo and supported by Cedrix Slimming & Wellness by Cathy Valencia, ALV and Akashi, has attracted some of the top players in the country, including Romero, Anthony Garcia, Jun Juban, Santi Lujan, Miguel Dure and international campaigners like Kathryn Fischer, Marina Rose Best, and Alexander Vogi among others.

With his newfound passion in the sport, Ocampo committed to do this event annually to help uplift the level of play among Filipinos.

“Right now, we’re starting to generate awareness because this sport is very flexible,” said Ocampo, a popular movie and television personality who became a teenage heartthrob during the 1990s.

“It’s a sport that can work for everyone.

You’ll learn how to ride. The reason why we created the event is to draw awareness. Even before we started doing tournaments here, part of the suggestions in the board of directors in the SEA Games was to include this as among the sports in 2019. Hopefully, it will push through. There’s a lot of potential for Filipino riders,” said Ocampo.

Ocampo became a first-hand witness of the strong potential of Filipinos excelling in the sport when they defeated a visiting squad in a friendly event.

“Our Filipino riders beat the Malaysians.

They’re the top team when they played here, but they were beaten so bad by the Filipino riders—all female. We were surprised. I guess they have a strong potential to compete.

We want to develop the roster for that. I know it’s just a matter of time, people like me, who is not connected with the equestrian industry, had learned to appreciate it. What more other people who are closely related to this kind of sport?” added Ocampo.

Del Rosario, a former member of the Viva Hot Babes, who has now assumed a higher office as Vice Mayor of Calatagan, also just

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after victory over Netherlands Robin Haase in their quarterfinal singles tennis match for the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on February 16, 2018. AFP

7. David Goffin (BEL) 8. Jack Sock (USA) 9. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 10. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 11. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 12. Sam Querrey (USA) 13. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)

3,280 2,880 2,825 (+2) 2,815 (-1) 2,660 (-1) 2,595 2,475

14. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 15. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 16. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 17. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 18. John Isner (USA) 19. Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 20. Andy Murray (GBR)

learned the sport recently, but her passion for polo has increased now that she wants to compete in the international circuit.

“I started less than a year ago, because my boyfriend is a five-goaler,” said Del Rosario. “I was fortunate enough to be taught by him and he has horses in America. The way I understand it, instead of driving a Kia Pride, I drive it like a Ferrari. I learned fast because he’s an amazing guy.”

To continue her training, she was able to hook up with friends, one of them is Romero, who lent him horses to sustain her regular workout.

“I was fortunate enough to be lent horses by Congressman Mikee Romero, so talagang tuluy-tuloy ‘yung training ko,” added Del Rosario. “In any sport, if you are eager to learn, you will learn it. My boyfriend is one of the best Asian players and I had that beautiful field in America to train. It’s really addicting. I wish I could afford the sport. My boyfriend has plans for me, allowing me to participate in international tournaments. I like our partnership because he would push me to do it.”

UE spikers seek 1st win

It’s official: Federer is oldest world no. 1 netter PARIS—Roger Federer officially returned to world number one as the latest ATP rankings were released on Monday, replacing old rival Rafael Nadal at the summit.

The 36-year-old, who beat Andre Agassi’s record as the oldest-ever No.1 en route to winning the Rotterdam Open title last week, will now look to stretch his lead over Nadal before the start of the claycourt season.

“It’s unbelievable to be number one again after all these (six) years—this is one of the best weeks of my life,” 20time Grand Slam champion Federer said after beating Grigor Dimitrov in Sunday’s final.

Bulgarian Dimitrov’s run to the final took him up one place to fourth above Alexander Zverev, while South Africa’s Kevin Anderson broke into the top 10 for the first time after winning the New York Open.

ATP top 20 1. Roger Federer (SUI) 10,105 pts (+1) 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9,760 (-1) 3. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,960 4. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,635 (+1) 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,450 (-1) 6. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,220

after investigations revealed an extensive doping plot culminating at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, where the hosts topped the medals table.

But 168 Russian athletes declared clean after extensive vetting were allowed to compete in Pyeongchang as neutrals, under the banner of “Olympic Athletes from Russia”.

“Only athletes for whom there was no suspicion were invited to the Games,” Adams said, adding: “Unfortunately wherever there’s competitive sport, you’ll have people cheating.

“But I think you can be pretty confident we have a very, very thorough testing process in place and we have the experts with

2,470 2,395 2,335 2,230 2,205 1,985 (+1) 1,960 (+1)

U N I V E RGames today SITY of (Filoil Flying V Centre) the East is 8 a.m. – AdU vs Ateneo (Men) looking hard 10 a.m. – DLSU vs UE (Men) pressed to 2 p.m. – AdU vs Ateneo (Women) 4 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women) grab that elusive first win today against defending champion La Salle at that in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Moments after a narrow 24-26, 25-19, 2522, 17-25, 14-16 to Jaja Santiago-led National University in a potential Finals preview last Sunday, La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus immediately ordered his troops for training—a move that the multi-titled mentor always does when his team suffers a disappointing setback.

Definitely, UE is bracing for a fightback in the featured match at 4 p.m.

Ateneo seeks to stretch its winning streak to three games as it plays Adamson in the first game at 2 p.m.

Sporting a 3-1 record, the Lady Spikers are eyeing to solidify their hold on second spot, as they try to rebound from the defeat suffered at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs.

Winless in four starts, the Lady Warriors somehow showed improvements in their game, but the breaks were not on coach Francis Vicente’s side.

the expertise who are doing that.”

Among Monday’s events, Canada and Germany shared gold when they deadheated in the two-man bobsleigh -- the first time two teams have shared the title since Nagano 1998.

Robert Johansson and his bushy handlebar moustache anchored Norway to victory in the men’s team ski jump, while Havard Lorentzen won the men’s 500m speed skating as Norway went clear on the medals table with 11 golds to Germany’s 10.

‘My worst nightmare’ Shiffrin arrived in Pyeongchang capable of challenging, Michael Phelps-style, for five gold medals, but it has been a tough Games so far for the American.

After bombing in the slalom and pulling out of the super-G, she announced her withdrawal from the downhill on Monday as looming bad weather forced yet another schedule change. AFP

Southwoods shoots for golf history MANILA Southwoods knows exactly what it is chasing when regular Men’s Championship division action in the PAL Interclub tees off in two courses in Bacolod on March 8.

“It has never been done before, that’s why the boys are so motivated,” nonplaying skipper Thirdy Escano said as the Carmona-based parbusters gun for an unprecedented fourth straight triumph in the country’s unofficial team golf championship.

“The players have started practising weeks before and some have even gone to Bacolod to sample the layouts,” Escano said, knowing well that Marapara and Binitin are courses that vary very much in character compared to the layouts his young squad is used to playing.

Canlubang ang defunct Aguinaldo are the only other teams that have won this event three straight years, with Escano part of that Agui team together with Bong Lopez and several others more than two decades ago.

And just when they had the chance to go for four, the team was suddenly disbanded.

“The club has thrown its full support to the team because we want them to achieve something—history,” Escano, who helped touch off this streak as a player in Cebu three years ago, said.

“They all know what’s at stake and they can’t wait to get going.”

Reedy Japanese teener Yuto Katsuragawa will spearhead Southwoods in its “Four-Peat” drive, with the former club champion planing in this week after completing academic requirements back home.

The veteran Jun Jun Plana will again be the steadying presence in the squad made up of mostly teenagers, acting the same role he had in Baguio when Southwoods completed a sweep of the Fil-Am Invitational.

Romero...

From A8

anemic showing in the 2007 edition of the biennial meet that saw the country win only 41 golds.

Ten years after—n the Kuala Lumpur Games—the Philippines struggled and netted only 24 golds.

Romero described the current POC leadership as pathetic because its record is an insult to the blood, sweat, and tears to the athletes, coaches, and their families who have invested a lot in their quest for an Olympic gold.

I n order that the “people’s money” will not go to waste, Romero is demanding a full special audit of all the funds the Philippine Sports Commission gave to the POC and all the NSAs since 2005.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

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

A8

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Sports

GlobalPort, Phoenix eye crucial wins Games today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. -- Kia vs. Globalport 7 p.m. -- Blackwater vs. Phoenix

EUPHORIA. Members of the Arellano University team celebrate their title conquest in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City. The Lady Chiefs pounced on San Beda’s second-set collapse as they hacked out a 25-13, 29-27, 25-15 victory Monday to clinch their second title in a row and third overall in the tournament. Sonny Espiritu

Probinsyano rules 3YO Stakes Race PROBINSYANO fended off the late charge of the field and pulled off an exciting half-a-length win in the 1st leg of the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) 3YO Local Fillies and Colts Stakes Race Sunday at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Ridden furiously by veteran jockey Mark Angelo Alvarez, Probinsyano burst out of the gates ahead of the pack, with The Barrister keeping him company for the lead.

Probinsyano left The Barrister and momentarily led by three lengths in the final 400 meters, with Misha and Sotogrande giving chase, but the local colt sired by Fantasticat out of Destiny’s Gold hang tough for the half-a-length win in the 1,400-meter race offering a total guaranteed prize of P500,000 and hosted by the Manila Jockey Club Inc. “Nagkaraoon ng pressure sa unahan, pero napagtiyagaan ko naman.

Ginamitan na lang natin ng horse power at jockey power,” said Alvarez. “Ginulo ni The Barrister ‘yung plano, mabuti na lang may naiwan pang lakas sa huli.”

The win was worth P300,000 for Probinsyano owner Napoleon Magno, with Leonardo M. Javier settling for the P112,500 runner-up prize for his horse Misha. Sotogrande’s thirdplace feat netted owner Dennis C. Tan P62,500. Fourth placer Smell My Tell and owner Antonio V. Tan got P25,000.

“That was a real racing treat to our horse-racing fans,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez.

“We are slowly reaping the fruits of our rating-based handicapping system, wherein the horses that are pitted against each other are playing on an even field.”

In the Henry Cojuangco Golden Miles Stakes Race (Race 6), Tin Drum (Jockey JG Fernandez) beat Atomiseventynine (AP Asuncion) and Hitting Spree (KB Abobo).

Other Sunday winners include Truly Ponti (OP Cortez, Race 1), Creme Brule (RO Niu Jr., Race 2), Perlas ng Silangan (Pat R. Dilema, Race 3), Striking Colors (JB Guce, Race 4), Janders (RC Baldonido, Race 7), Eugene’s Fly Away (JB Cordova, Race 8), Diamond Away (JB Cordova, Race 9), Tan Goal (RG Fernandez, Race 10), Share Share (FM Raquel Jr., Race 11), Himpapawid (RO Niu Jr., Race 12) and Striking Move (JL Lazaro, Race 13).

Bullpups set title duel with Eaglets

By Peter Atencio

N

AZARETH School-National University banked on Terrence Fortea three fourths of the way before claiming a 91-72 victory over University of Santo Tomas yesterday to advance to the finals of the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ junior basketball tournament.

The 16-year-old Fortea tallied 16 points in the three quarters he played in before he was pulled out in the last period of their stepladder semifinal playoff with the Tiger Cubs as the Bullpups arranged a best-of-three finals’ series with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets at 4 p.m. starting this Friday.

“Confidence. Coach Goldwin (Monteverde) gave me a lot of it so I can just play my game,” said Fortea.

With the Bullpups trailing by two, 15-17, Fortea hit one of his two triples in the last 1:03 to put UST ahead in the remaining time of the first canto, 18-17.

Then, Miguel Oczon’s trey with 44 seconds left allowed the Bullpups to take command, 21-17.

After big man Paul Javillonar made his presence underneath in the second period, Fortea struck with nine points, including a triple and a driving shot in

the last 9:04 as the Bullpups started pulling away, 29-17.

“Talagang talented si Terrence. Untiunting nakikita ang strength niya as a player. Tumataas ang confidence niya,” said Monteverde.

Tiger Cub CJ Cansino had 10 points in the second period, but he was scoreless in the last 10 minutes of the first half, where the Bullpups began dominating the game.

Cansino’s scoreless spell allowed the Bullpups to keep moving away. They were up by 14 at halftime, 45-31.

Oczon shot 16 and Javillonar made 13, while Rhayyan Amsali added 12 for the Bullpups, who led by as much as 22 points off Amsali’s efforts, 88-66, with 4:39 to go.

“Masaya. Every time you are in transition with a team is a challenge. Kung paano mag-aadjust ang mga players sa system. Good thing, kahit unti-un-

ti, nakaka-pickup sila,” said Monteverde, who is on his first year with the Bullpups after leaving the Adamson Baby Falcons last season.

The Bullpups are on their seventh finals appearance in as many years.

Rhayjun Baquial and Jezreel Villapando picked the cudgels from Cansino’s struggles with 16 points for the Tiger Cubs, who were coached for the last time by Chris Cantonjos.

Cantonjos said he won’t be back after this season and is set to tender his resignation. This is to give way to new UST coach Aldin Ayo’s choice of a new mentor who will handle the junior squad.

The Scores NU 91—Fortea 17, Oczon 16, Javillonar 13, Amsali 12, Manalang 11, Coyoca 8, Gonzales 4, Pangilinan 4, Minerva 2, Malonzo 2, Vinoya 2, Dayrit 0, Felicida 0 UST 72—Baquial 16, Villapando 16, Lina 10, Cansino 10, Narvasa 10, Anunciacion 6, Palencia 2, Dolendo 0, Manabat 0, Relucio 0, Estrella 0, Dela Cruz 0, Benzonan 0 QUARTER SCORES: 21-17, 45-31, 67-51, 91-72

Probinsyano, ridden by Jockey Mark Angelo Alvarez (right) and owned by Napoleon Magno, hung tough in face of the fast-charging pack to pull off an exciting half-a-length victory in the 1st leg of the 3YO Local Fillies and Colts Stakes Race.

Stags whip Go for Gold, 87 to 65 CHE’ LU Bar and Grill-San Sebastian whipped Go for Gold, 87-65 to stay in contention for a Top Two finish in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at Marikina Sports Center.

Michael Calisaan was once again the rock for the Revellers, tallying a doubledouble to the tune of 13 points and 10 rebounds as Che’Lu Bar&Grill-San Sebastian won back-to-back games for the first time and improved to 4-3 record.

Allyn Bulanadi led Che’Lu Bar and Grill with 15 points, while Samboy de Leon shot 3-of-4 from 3-point range and finished with 14.

“Mas prepared kami ngayon,” said coach

Game Friday

(Filoil Flying V Centre) 4 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Jrs Finals)

Stevenson Tiu. “‘Yun ang sabi ko sa mga bata, na we try to make a statement in this game para ‘yung momentum, madala namin sa mga susunod naming laro.”

The top two teams of the eliminations earn outright entry into the semifinals, The third, fourth, fifth and sixth placers advance to the quarterfinals with the number three and four seeds enjoying a twice to beat advantage.

Che’Lu-San Sebastian didn’t waste time asserting control, taking a quick 15-2 advantage then kept Go for Gold at bay the rest of the way.

The Scratchers shot a woeful 31 percent (25 of 79), and worse they committed 25 turnovers that led to 33 points for the Revellers.

GLOBALPORT and Phoenix look to nail vital wins that will strengthen their positions in the magic eight as the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round draws closer to the homestretch at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier take on Kia Picanto in the first game at 4:30 p.m., while the Fuel Masters play Blackwater in the main tussle at 7 p.m. in a pair of matches that could complicate the race for the 4th to 8th quarterfinal spots.

Both the Batang Pier and the Fuel Masters are in the magic eight, the former at number 7 and the latter at number 8, on identical 4-5 win-loss slates.

Victories by Globalport and Phoenix will solidify their positions, while leaving Talk ‘N Text, Meralco and Blackwater in great danger of getting ousted right away.

With still three more playing dates left after today’s double-header, a number of possibilities could still ensue, since aside from Globalport and Phoenix, three more teams—Talk ‘N Text, Meralco and Blackwater—are still in contention.

The Texters, the Bolts and the Elite are tied for 9th to 11th places at 4-6, and are half a game behind Phoenix.

Globalport and and Phoenix have no other options but to corner these wins today, so that their meeting on Friday would be reduced into game determining their final placings.

Good thing for the Batang Pier and the Fuel Masters, they both defeated Talk ‘N Text, and that they are likely to retain their positions in the magic eight even if the Texters get to tie them with a win over NLEX on Feb 28.

The Batang Pier, however, have better give their best, especially since they are up against a Kia team that can only be expected to play hard its role as spoiler.

“We need to play hard tomorrow (today). No room to relax,” said coach Pido Jarencio. Arman Carandang

Tears, cheers as joint Korean team bows out GANGNEUNG, South Korea—The joint Korean women’s ice hockey team ended their historic Olympic run Tuesday with a crushing 6-1 defeat to Sweden but still received an emotional standing ovation from the crowd.

The team was hastily assembled following a landmark deal between South and North Korea only a few weeks before the Pyeongchang Games, and has 12 North Koreans on its roster.

They have found little success on the ice, shipping 28 goals and scoring only twice in five games.

But they are a crowd favourite at the Games in South Korea, hailed as a potent symbol of the “Peace Olympics” in Pyeongchang.

The home support roared when the South Korean Han Soo-jin scored to tie the game in the first period, before the Swedes ran out easy winners.

For many, the unified team’s games have been about much more than the score and when the final buzzer sounded, all sides of the arena rose as one, accompanied by a deafening round of applause.

In return, the players bowed deeply.

The Korean team’s head coach, the Canadian Sarah Murray, broke into tears as she watched her players salute the crowd and hugged North Korean coach Pak Chul ho.

“All the sacrifices our players and team have been making, it was worth it,” Murray told reporters.

“The chemistry and the message that our players were able to send—that sports transcends the barriers... they did a great job.” AFP

Romero calls for overhaul of PH Olympic Committee WITH the continued decline of Philippine sports, Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman Party-list) yesterday reiterated his call for the overhaul of the Philippine Olympic Committee leadership so that the dream of winning the ultimate prize —an Olympic gold—will be finally realized.

“With the sad state of Philippine sports, change in the POC leadership is long overdue,” said Romero, who is vice chairman on Youth and Sports Committee in the Congress.

Since the POC General Assembly has approved the election on Friday, Romero said he’s praying that all na-

tional sports association heads, especially those aligned with POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Jr., will be enlightened that this is the right time for a fresh start.

Despite the many chances, Romero said the current leadership has failed to give the athletes the support they needed to be competitive enough that’s why countries like Singapore, Vietnam and even Myanmar have overtaken the Philippines.

“We need a new direction, new energy, and renewed focus. The longest-serving POC president has put the country’s sports program to its lowest

ever records. It is time for a fresh start,” said Romero.

Romero cited that under Cojuangco’s watch—13 years in power—the country has produced only one Olympic medal—a silver courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the Rio Games.

In the Asian Games—also in the span of 13 years—the country collected a measly eight golds, 13 silvers and 29 bronzes.

The Philippines won a record 113 golds in 2005 due to a hosting advantage but the entire sporting community was shocked with the country’s Turn to A7

IN BRIEF

Akelco: Firm offers Boracay biomass AN OFFICIAL from Aklan Electric Cooperative Inc. received a waste-to-energy project proposal which could help address the environmental problem in Boracay.

Akelco forwarded the proposal to the National Electrification Administration amid reports that a number of establishments in Boracay will be forced to temporarily shut down after repeated violations of environmental laws and regulations on proper waste disposal.

Akelco general manager Alexis Regalado said a company, which he did not disclose, expressed interest to build a biomass-fired power plant in one of the three barangays comprising Boracay Island.

“We have already been approached about plans to establish a biomass [plant to convert] wastes [into at least] one megawatt [of power]. They said they already acquired a lot in Manoc-Manoc, where they want to put it up, but [its development remains to be seen],” he said.

Regalado said the plant could be a possible long-term solution to mitigate the waste management problem in Boracay.

Alena Mae S. Flores

10 critical energy projects reviewed THE Energy Department is evaluating 10 applicants whose projects will be declared of national significance under Executive Order 30.

“We are still at the evaluation stage.

Around 10 projects. Mostly generation projects but we are not excluding any entity. There is transmission and even resource development,” Energy Undersecretary Jesus Posadas said.

He said most of the applicants were renewable energy generation because they often encountered problems during the permitting processes of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and and National Water Resources Board.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the applicants included the P52-billion Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection project of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and a geothermal development in Kalinga, Apayao.

“There is already a ready company, I just want to make sure there is no issue.

Geothermal in northern Luzon, in Ifugao.

It’s under investigation,” Cusi said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business DICT and National Grid team up for broadband T

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology agreed to team up with power grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to roll out the county’s national broadband program.

National Grid said in a statement the two parties reached a mutual decision on the way forward in relation to the fiber optic capacity available for the use of third parties to implement the NBP. DICT officer-in-charge Eliseo Rio, who recently met with NGCP president and chief executive Henry Sy Jr., said the government agency committed to tap NGCP’s transmission facilities as

backbone for the NBP for the duration of the latter’s concession.

“The core of the matter is who owns the dark fiber of NGCP/TransCo [National Transmission Corp.]. When it is turned over to TransCo, whatever agreement was done with NGCP may be modified, changed or reviewed by TransCo,” Rio said.

NGCP said it was willing to enter into a bilateral agreement with the government for the lease of its fiber optic capacity available for use of third parties at no cost.

“NGCP will enter into the agreement up to the life its concession, which is until 2034, provided that in the event that the concession is extended, the bilateral agreement will also be extended,” the company said.

NGCP said it would also not object to any separate agreement DICT would sign with TransCo “for so long as the exclusive rights of the company in relation to transmission and related busi-

nesses for the entire duration of its concession are upheld.”

NGCP said its existing fiber optic cable network enables real-time communication between transmission facilities, and with generators and distribution utilities.

It said the fiber optic capacity to be leased out by the company uses transmission facilities.

NGCP said allowing the government or third parties to “piggy-back” on this transmission communication backbone would be critical in the immediate implementation of the government’s national broadband program.

“We are not interested in entering the telecommunications business. Transmission operations remains to be the primary business of NGCP. The lease of available fiber optic capacity is specifically allowed under our concession as a ‘related business to maximize the utilization of its assets,” it said.

PH hosting of ADB to benefit economy FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the country’s hosting of this year’s 51st Annual Asian Development Bank Meeting in May will not only benefit the economy but also showcase the Philippines’ achievements in terms of tax reforms and the uninterrupted 76 quarters of economic growth.

Dominguez said in a briefing Tuesday approximately 3,000 delegates that will attend the event two months from now would add up to the tourist arrivals in the country.

“This is an important first step for us to further our linkage with people from other countries. We have a stable government, young and educated workforce… these are what we want to display,” Dominguez said.

ADB secretary Woochong Um said the Philippines’ hosting of the event was very timely, citing the “very engaging government” of President Rodrigo Duterte and people from other countries would find out themselves what are happening in the country. Julito G. Rada

ADB ANNUAL MEETING. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez shakes hands with Asian Development Bank secretary Woochong Um during a news briefing at Ayuntamiento de Manila Building in Intramuros, Manila to announce the Philippines hosting of the 51st ADB annual meeting on May 3 to 6. Lino Santos

PLDT set to send formal notice waiving P3-b frequency rights

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. said it is set to submit a formal notice to the National Telecommunications Commission to waive its rights for the recovery of its investment in the thirdgeneration frequency that the company returned to the government in 2011.

“We need to sign an agreement. There’s been a letter circulating internally. We have to send them a letter, which we will.

We have taken a public position that we will waive all rights and benefits to the frequencies, which have been turned over to NTC,” PLDT and Smart chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said.

The NTC earlier estimated that the cost recovery of the Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise 3G frequency would amount to P3 billion, including PLDT’s investment in Cure and payment of regu-

latory fees.

Smart bought Cure for P419.54 million in 2008 from the group of former trade minister Roberto Ongpin.

The divestment of Cure’s 10 megahertz 3G frequency was one of the conditions set by the NTC in approving the acquisition of Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. Cure’s 3G frequency will be assigned to the new third telco player on top of the other frequencies held by NTC. The available frequency bands for the new player are 700 MHz, 800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2500 Mhz and 3400-3500 Mhz. The Department of Information and Communications Technology said it was expecting to announce the new major telco player by May 18. The new major telco player was expected to roll out its services by end of the year.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

B

US extends incentives on PH exports by three years

By Othel V. Campos THE US government approved the Philippines’ request for another round of the US Generalized System of Preferences scheme starting this year, the Trade Department said Tuesday.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government was now assured of the continuity of the program that would benefit Filipino exporters to the US. “There is a pending proposal from the legislative side of the US government to increase the validity of the [GSP+] program to three years. I heard the US House of Representatives already approved the amendment for a three-year renewal. We have yet to hear from the Senate,” he said.

The amendment to the program would involve not only a three-year renewal but could also include retroactive effectivity.

The Philippines’ contract for the US GSP expired in December 2017. Preparations for the petition for renewal started as early as November 2017.

The scheme went into force in 1974 and was subject to periodical renewal.

It provides duty-free access to about 3,500 eligible products for beneficiary developing countries like the Philippines.

Lopez said the Philippine government was also working on expanding the coverage of Philippine products under the program to include garments, footwear and bags.

The Philippine government plans to revive the garments and textiles sector whose exports decreased from an annual average of $2.4 billion between 1995 and 2006 to an average of $1.6 billion over the past five years.

The industry currently employs around 300,000 workers and has the potential to increase employment to over 4 million if the Philippines can attract more investments in the garments and leather goods manufacturing in the country, the department said.

“We will be also pushing for the inclusion of more agro-based products such as fruits and the likes,” Lopez said.

Loose monetary policy to drag peso to 55 a dollar

By Roderick T. dela Cruz A DANISH investment advisor expects the Philippine peso to weaken beyond 55 against the US dollar this year if the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas remains “passive” when it comes to adjusting the benchmark interest rates.

“If they [BSP] stay passive, it will be 55.50 a dollar,” Peter Lundgreen, the founder and chief executive of Copenhagen-based Lundgreen’s Capital, said in an interview in Makati City.

Lundgreen, who regularly visits the Philippines to monitor the situation in the Asia-Pacific securities and bond markets, said the Bangko Sentral would be three hikes behind the curve in March, when the US Federal Reserve was expected to implement another round of monetary tightening.

“The last time [November 2017], I said they should catch up and they should do two hikes. And they should also look into the pace of the American central bank [US Fed] which will hike [interest rate] in March. So in March, there is an additional need to add on,” said Lundgreen.

The six-foot-three investment banker said there was a direct link between the level of interest rate and the value of the peso. “The more the US hikes their rates and the Philippine central bank stays passive, the less interest rate spread there is, and the cheaper it is to pay the rate against the peso,” he said.

Lundgreen said the Bangko Sentral’s decision to reduce the reserve requirement ratio of banks from 20 percent to 19 percent indicated that the Philippines was running a loose monetary policy

which would affect the local currency.

“After the reserve requirement part, there is an even more outspoken need to hike rates as a counterweight measure,” he said.

“It is positive that the central bank is changing the way of conducting monetary policy towards normal markets standards, and the central bank communicated about the intentions in a fine way. Though it’s a further loosening of the monetary policy which is an absolute wrong step i.e. the rate hikes are even more needed,” Lundgreen said.

The peso closed at 52.34 against the US dollar on Feb. 19, the lowest in more than 11 years. It recovered slightly on Tuesday to settle at 52.24 against the greenback. Its all-time low was recorded at 56.45 a dollar in August 2004.

Finance studying three types of tax amnesty measures

By Julito G. Rada

BEST LIFE INSURER. BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corp. is recognized as the Best Life Insurance Company in the Philippines for 2017 by international finance magazine, World Finance. BPI-Philam Life is is a strategic alliance between Philam Life and BPI. At the thanksgiving party in Makati City are (from left) BPI retail banking group head Joey Gotuaco, Philam Life chief executive Ariel Cantos, BPI-Philam chief executive Surendra Menon, former BPI-Philam director Natividad Alejo, former Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jesus Tambunting and BPI chief executive Cezar Consing.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Tuesday the government is studying three kinds of tax amnesty programs.

Dominguez said these programs would include amnesty for the estate taxes, amnesty for those who were remiss in paying their taxes and amnesty for those who had tax cases.

“There are three kinds of amnesty we want. We want to give an amnesty for the estate taxes that were not paid so that assets will become developable.

Second, we want amnesty for those who have not paid the correct taxes in the past, and that will be based most likely on your total declared assets,” he said.

“You’ll know if you paid the right taxes and we’ll not ask you what you did not pay. Based on your assets, you’ll pay this amount and we’ll not look anymore into

your account,” Dominguez said.

He said the third amnesty would cover those who had cases. “We’ll just request the authority from Congress to settle it below what is allowable in the law,” he said.

Dominguez said the Congress could be aware of the fact that amnesty should not be used too often, adding the country had about two or three amnesties in the past and “I think this should be the last.”

Dominguez said collection from tax amnesty programs should be “quite significant”.

“It’s not so much the amount, it’s the fact that we start with a clean slate. I think everybody should start with clean slate,” he said.

Dominguez said a part of the legislation should be the relaxation of bank secrecy law in cases where there would be a suspicion of money laundering or

tax evasion.

He said earlier the DoF was studying the possibility of declaring a tax amnesty program “sometime in the future” especially when the government identified and successfully prosecuted tax evaders in the country.

He said it was important that people took seriously the government’s campaign against tax evasion.

“I said we will consider the tax amnesty sometime in the future. You know there is a psychological effect here. If you declare a tax amnesty and they are not afraid of you, they will not give you any money right?,” Dominguez said in a previous interview.

“So here, they have to know that we are capable of going after people who are tax cheats. So that’s when we will announce the tax amnesty, if we feel that people are taking us seriously,” Dominguez said.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rise; PLDT leads gainers

T

HE stock market rose Tuesday in late trading as investors picked up select blue chip stocks and speculative issues, ignoring losses in the rest of Asia.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 12.48 points, or 0.1 percent, to 8,722.70 on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 116 to 95, with 53 issues unchanged.

Now Corp., bidding to become the country’s third major telecommunications company, jumped 29 percent to P14.58, while PXP Energy Corp., a unit of Philex Mining Corp., advanced 4.6 percent to P15.14.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, gained 2.6 percent to P1,596, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty climbed 2.3 percent to P1,360.

The rest of Asian markets dipped Tuesday as holiday closures saw muted activity in Europe at the start of the week, with investors searching for trading leads.

Tokyo fell just over one percent, snapping a three-day winning streak as investors locked in profits after the recent gains.

Hong Kong was flat in a muted return to trading after the Lunar New Year holiday marking the Year of the Dog. Monday’s closures in the US and Canadian markets “crimped activity,” said Stephen Innes, an analyst at OANDA. “And adding to the void, there was scant data during European hours which severely nipped action as traders had few if any fundamental guideposts,” Innes added.

In currency markets, the euro-dollar was trading in a narrow range while

the yen slipped against the greenback and the euro in Asian trade, but still remained at a high level.

“The positive move seen in the domestic equity market appears to have been the driver for the softer yen,” Rodrigo Catril, senior strategist at National Australia Bank, said in a note to clients.

“That said, given the sharp decline in USD/JPY over the past week, (it) is not that surprising to see the currency stage a small rebound,” he said.

A stronger yen is negative for Japanese exporters as it erodes their profits when repatriated.

Elsewhere in Asia, Seoul shed 1.13 percent, while Jakarta lost 0.70 percent and Singapore 0.30 percent. Markets in mainland China remained shut for the Lunar New Year holiday.

The subdued return to trading came after world markets were roiled in recent

weeks by a degree of volatility not seen in years, fraying investor nerves.

Automakers dropped, with Toyota down 1.19 percent at 7,291 yen and Honda off 1.71 percent at 3,785 yen.

In Hong Kong, banking giant HSBC announced it more than doubled pre-tax profit to $17.2 billion in 2017 after a drive to slash costs.

But analysts said that although the bank had bounced back after restructuring and a string of financial scandals, it missed some profit forecasts.

Shares in HSBC fell in afternoon trading, losing 2.09 percent to HK$81.8 after the announcement.

In commodity trading, oil markets showed cautious optimism after starting the week on a positive note.

“Convincing signals from Opec and their partners to extend production cuts continue to resonate with investors,” analyst Innes said. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.3 3,010 123.6 1,187,860 3.7 51,000 152.7 2,014,670 1.73 832,000 36.1 329,800 8.5 700 15.42 1,400 27.65 764,600 3.71 106,000 8.53 2,500 1.65 10,000 940 40 0.54 526,000 98.5 3,083,750 1.59 4,757,000 13.3 7,400 25.85 4,900 57.3 119,820 237 500 103 90 85.2 300 46.8 62,000 254 273,420 1,955 200 90.45 28,320 1.2 20,000

178,875 147,019,213 189,140 308,417,009 1,481,920 11,926,980 5,956 21,562 20,784,155 386,850 21,325 16,460 37,550 280,920 303,153,454.50 7,648,540 96,780 121,150 6,877,097 118,276 9,270 25,560 2,882,010 69,305,526 391,000 2,556,438 24,000

109,130 37,734,276 -136,312,464 2,092,280 9,960 -9,900 80,446,323.50 391,310 -1,235,209 716,365 -26,494,610 1,894,494 -

39.55 12.82 0.58 1.28 18.24 0.215 4.05 15.82 50.4 19.12 61 55.55 1.9 5.5 10.6 11.68 14.36 11 7.61 5.54 1.75 15.6 61.65 29 9.98 18.98 2 283.8 4.07 3.1 19 27.3 17.4 19.3 323.2 0.189 8.09 2.75 4.69 9.3 6.05 8.28 1.56 12.5 57.55 5.91 626 4.6 2.75 3.41 2.02 16.96 5.46 0.129 1.06 150.8 2.75 1.83 1.27

INDUSTRIAL 40 1,135,300 13 2,123,900 0.58 473,000 1.3 625,000 19.18 102,300 0.215 2,550,000 4.08 3,451,000 16 610,800 51.75 471,600 19.18 1,800 61 50 55.8 2,150 1.91 224,000 5.5 8,000 10.6 1,200 11.74 4,589,200 14.4 150,400 11.12 43,900 7.61 48,600 5.55 2,603,500 1.75 11,000 15.68 628,500 62.2 434,030 29 71,400 9.99 76,200 19.1 1,896,700 2.08 5,834,000 286 397,190 4.07 121,000 3.1 1,000 19.98 1,700 27.6 944,700 17.6 93,600 19.9 1,640,900 330.6 166,400 0.191 1,620,000 8.49 8,800 2.76 7,738,000 4.7 20,000 9.35 1,787,800 6.06 73,700 8.28 10,800 1.6 703,000 12.68 472,400 57.6 71,740 6 127,500 632 13,810 4.73 108,000 3.39 1,447,000 3.69 199,000 2.22 5,530,000 17.08 3,010,600 5.48 97,500 0.13 7,250,000 1.1 107,000 152 1,388,770 2.75 7,000 1.87 8,209,000 1.35 6,552,000

45,265,350 27,531,632 278,580 806,800 1,951,140 560,500 14,153,640 9,744,604 24,397,409 34,466 3,050 120,793 427,170 44,000 12,720 53,919,744 2,170,748 489,410 373,188 14,469,039 19,250 9,852,770 26,990,534 2,071,350 763,944 36,226,156 12,372,070 113,689,772 493,170 3,100 32,496 26,018,530 1,651,454 32,709,117 54,808,152 309,510 71,536 21,404,770 93,960 16,707,736 451,850 89,529 1,114,150 5,976,256 4,133,523.50 764,910 8,714,520 506,510 4,654,450 719,720 12,264,560 51,478,176 534,218 944,540 114,520 211,421,930 19,250 15,340,530 8,870,120

-21,481,280 6,924,148 -4,870,090 4,284,564 170,106 -95,500 16,570,418 306,102 -200,470 144,316 -11,684,900 3,310,102 21,501,138 4,800 -478,522 -4,800 -13,343,076 -8,237,405 -1,220.00 20,454,109 25,698,420 133,900 1,398,270.00 1,660,783 126,770 -2,494,190 -159,000 1,722,345 37,980 -22,650.00 40,327,226 -1,310 -116,895,085 9,285,160 -206,500

0.305 77 14.96 1.01 7 0.64 0.63 1,088 7.45 13.92 7.62 1,360 7.27 76.45 6.2 0.7 5.47 23.3 0.33 6.07 3.27 0.043 1.15 3.45 2.9 145.4 2.57 1,000 1.81 280 0.244 0.178 0.192

0.3 75 14.7 0.94 7 0.58 0.61 1,064 7.27 13.62 7.45 1,329 7.19 74.5 5.69 0.67 5.26 22.15 0.3 5.79 3.27 0.038 1.13 3.08 2.55 144.8 2.56 985 1.67 276 0.244 0.178 0.192

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 470,000 76.5 866,860 14.9 3,131,600 0.94 779,000 7 2,100 0.61 22,775,000 0.63 1,733,000 1,088 221,285 7.38 359,600 13.74 3,123,000 7.6 423,200 1,360 63,715 7.27 1,600 76.05 1,262,600 5.85 11,000 0.69 637,000 5.39 100,800 22.4 3,500,500 0.33 510,000 5.85 61,556,700 3.27 1,000 0.041 79,200,000 1.15 63,000 3.37 25,288,000 2.75 140,000 145 331,310 2.56 12,000 999 244,370 1.7 3,648,000 280 1,170 0.244 170,000 0.178 210,000 0.192 200,000

142,200 66,310,583.50 46,243,180 750,980 14,700 13,715,490 1,077,940 237,942,095 2,653,646 42,944,170 3,174,036 86,272,710 11,512 96,025,503 65,450 430,820 540,675 78,600,150 155,250 361,544,832 3,270 3,251,900 71,770 84,175,470 390,390 48,034,341 30,820 242,996,070 6,371,760 325,128 41,480 37,380 38,400

3,736,494.50 318,464 247,000 17,230,860 626,648 -7,188,756 -4,520,305 -42,211,707.50 360,659 -13,001,675 -27,693,920 3,271,560 -4,674,892 -132,323,340 -550 -52,764 33,820 -

7.19 1.05 15.94 2.15 0.89 46 3.76 4.48 5.99 0.44 1.12 1.07 0.238 0.5 36.4 0.65 0.14 1.85 1.34 0.74 4.88 0.42 0.315 0.51 4.5 32.3 20.4 1.96 3.23

7.01 0.98 15.5 2.14 0.85 44.9 3.7 4.4 5.6 0.425 1.08 1.07 0.231 0.485 35.5 0.63 0.135 1.82 1.3 0.69 4.8 0.385 0.3 0.495 4.32 32 19.96 1.93 3.22

7,390,131 7,563,570 379,940 79,200 1,219,130 445,883,335 2,464,540 7,778,790 3,109,650 4,688,750 2,200 27,820 1,714,260 3,179,400 7,383,910 31,000 92,050 19,441,390 4,715,130 159,330 79,957,990 166,956,600 165,450 1,559,380 17,025,120 137,805 34,457,945 1,784,450 386,710

-1,873,132 30,720 142,162,030 -63,490 608,318 319,400 -9,400 4,900 -2,257,095 0 26,150 11,615,720 -1,113,820 -21,554,710 -408,900 95,630 -13,511,485 562,480 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.7 124.4 3.76 155.8 1.67 36.15 8.52 15.4 26.35 3.65 8.53 1.64 935 0.53 99.9 1.67 13.5 24.45 57.1 236.2 103 85.2 47 255 1,955 90 1.2

59.7 124.4 3.76 155.8 1.92 36.3 8.52 15.42 27.8 3.8 8.53 1.65 940 0.55 99.9 1.68 13.5 25.85 57.9 239.8 103 85.2 47 255 1,955 90.5 1.2

59 122.8 3.7 151.6 1.67 36.1 8.5 15.4 26.35 3.62 8.53 1.64 935 0.53 97.95 1.57 12.98 24.3 57.1 236.2 103 85.2 46 247 1,955 89.9 1.2

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

39.85 12.98 0.58 1.31 18.24 0.222 4.05 15.82 51 19.12 61 59 1.91 5.5 10.6 11.68 14.36 11 7.7 5.56 1.75 15.72 61.7 29.6 10 19.32 2.05 289.6 4.07 3.1 19 27.7 17.4 20 330 0.189 8.09 2.8 4.7 9.4 6.38 8.29 1.56 13.08 57.7 5.91 626 4.61 2.75 3.8 2.11 17.3 5.46 0.131 1.07 153 2.75 1.89 1.39

40 13.02 0.6 1.31 19.96 0.222 4.15 16.1 51.9 19.18 61 59 1.93 5.5 10.6 11.8 14.98 11.2 7.72 5.57 1.75 15.8 62.9 29.6 10.2 19.4 2.25 289.8 4.14 3.1 19.98 27.8 17.8 20.4 330.6 0.192 8.49 2.8 4.7 9.42 6.45 8.29 1.6 13.1 57.75 6 635 4.79 3.39 3.8 2.33 17.48 5.48 0.132 1.1 153.9 2.75 1.91 1.47

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG 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 WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.305 76.5 14.72 1.01 7 0.59 0.62 1,075 7.45 13.9 7.62 1,330 7.19 75.95 6.1 0.68 5.26 23 0.305 6.05 3.27 0.039 1.14 3.08 2.89 145.4 2.57 995 1.74 279 0.244 0.178 0.192

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 PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP

7.19 1.05 15.8 2.15 0.89 45.55 3.75 4.42 5.6 0.435 1.12 1.07 0.235 0.485 36.4 0.65 0.135 1.84 1.31 0.74 4.85 0.405 0.3 0.51 4.34 32.05 20.3 1.93 3.23

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

36.75 1 16 6.81

36.75 1.01 16.5 6.83

36.25 1 15.34 6.55

36.5 1 15.9 6.6

8,948,600 257,000 130,700 5,841,300

325,979,980 259,050 2,055,734 38,689,731

-4,156,150 -8,000 -10,459,488

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

17.7 32 0.43 0.057 5.32 14.48 0.065 100.1 8.91 8.36 8.23 2.53 47 1,799 6.24 178 5.95 2.91 110.4 13.7 8.31 0.137 1.5 3.29 15 3.94 1.07 28.95 0.5 4.82 8.53 3.49 18 12 10.4 12 2.85 8.2 110 6.11 1,557 1.21 0.36 51 95.9 6.16 2.85 1.45 0.51 3.55 0.91 11.7

18 32.5 0.445 0.065 5.32 14.48 0.071 101.4 8.91 8.5 8.41 2.64 47.5 1,850 6.26 179.8 6.09 3 110.4 13.7 8.31 0.14 1.54 3.38 15 3.94 1.08 28.95 0.5 4.82 8.53 3.49 18.5 14.58 10.4 12 2.85 8.2 110 6.72 1,597 1.21 0.36 51.1 95.9 6.2 2.85 1.47 0.57 3.6 0.93 11.8

17.7 31.7 0.42 0.057 5.32 14 0.064 99.9 8.91 8.28 8.23 2.38 43 1,799 6.2 168 5.65 2.91 109.9 13.3 8.3 0.135 1.49 3.27 14.24 3.83 1.04 27.9 0.5 4.53 8.33 3.42 18 11.5 10.38 11.6 2.85 8.2 108.3 6.11 1,522 1.15 0.335 50.8 94.85 6.13 2.82 1.45 0.475 3.55 0.91 11

SERVICES 17.8 32 0.425 0.061 5.32 14 0.066 99.95 8.91 8.28 8.24 2.5 45.15 1,850 6.24 174 5.65 2.95 110 13.68 8.3 0.136 1.54 3.29 14.24 3.94 1.08 28.25 0.5 4.6 8.33 3.43 18.5 14.58 10.38 11.9 2.85 8.2 108.3 6.71 1,596 1.19 0.355 51 95 6.13 2.84 1.46 0.57 3.55 0.92 11.04

27,600 60,200 3,740,000 690,920,000 700 9,783,800 47,810,000 255,380 600 1,363,700 128,800 146,000 129,300 54,815 216,200 88,260 13,196,600 48,000 1,708,660 227,700 22,500 6,780,000 372,000 142,000 16,000 686,000 47,000 2,963,900 117,000 693,000 4,852,600 168,000 500 63,835,100 800 36,900 1,000 3,100 102,910 2,041,400 98,105 3,296,000 2,090,000 647,260 435,150 65,000 252,000 1,789,000 157,214,000 196,000 5,004,000 6,459,000

490,336 1,935,970 1,596,450 42,647,170 3,724 137,842,590 3,254,500 25,543,782 5,346 11,364,083 1,061,470 369,640 5,894,055 101,099,840 1,349,727 15,434,277 77,066,577 141,040 187,960,480 3,102,158 186,770 929,630 562,030 466,930 231,504 2,665,580 49,720 84,109,010 58,500 3,168,280 40,633,281 577,690 9,050 829,079,388 8,316 438,300 2,850 25,420 11,225,725 13,409,353 154,556,950 3,895,690 713,000 32,994,523.50 41,347,272.50 399,494 713,770 2,610,470 79,913,505 698,930 4,598,590 72,674,134

-42,460 -1,471,520 14,766,232 -4,550 -2,284,821.50 37,980 152,255 303,130 10,634,265 1,445,070 -64,320,136 2,723,490 40,240 -128,804 881,840 -6,161,070 77,670.00 -6,816,188 -17,190 2,589,536 12,100 71,558 45,472,665 -42,750 -6,372,351 -34,050,702.50 -6,150 -91,190 859,170 3,119,940 74,550 -23,330 7,679,858

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

0.0025 1.79 4.97 17.8 1.67 1.69 1.71 0.3 7.33 2.33 0.202 0.148 0.153 0.009 0.0096 1.5 6.38 1.41 0.44 0.87 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.55 6.8 15.1 36 0.0069

0.0026 1.82 4.99 19.5 1.69 1.69 1.71 0.31 7.48 2.45 0.25 0.149 0.153 0.009 0.0096 1.54 6.4 1.41 0.44 0.88 0.013 0.012 0.012 2.56 6.8 15.72 36.3 0.0069

0.0025 1.68 4.96 17.8 1.67 1.67 1.67 0.3 7.28 2.33 0.201 0.147 0.152 0.009 0.0096 1.5 6.31 1.36 0.44 0.87 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.36 6.41 13.8 35.55 0.0069

MINING & OIL 0.0025 1,365,000,000 1.72 28,815,000 4.99 66,000 19 14,900 1.69 10,000 1.67 6,000 1.7 1,488,000 0.305 680,000 7.29 36,000 2.35 5,502,000 0.248 9,930,000 0.147 5,210,000 0.153 1,660,000 0.009 15,000,000 0.0096 1,000,000 1.53 447,000 6.38 2,714,400 1.41 84,000 0.44 20,000 0.87 50,000 0.013 10,300,000 0.012 500,000 0.012 101,700,000 2.5 361,000 6.45 976,400 15.14 26,354,700 36.3 684,900 0.0069 6,000,000

3,488,100 50,186,900 327,610 269,820 16,720 10,060 2,518,410 205,650 263,147 13,012,070 2,278,840 767,590 253,940 135,000 9,600 678,270 17,299,301 118,280 8,800 43,510 123,900 6,000 1,127,700 886,650 6,296,958 392,177,834 24,723,600 41,400

14,320 -44,690 -13,580 -2,184 23,740 159,080 5,589,832 5,500 311,500 -1,843,320 2,057,145 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

32.1 511 512 107 104.2 108 110.7 523 6.19 1,009 101.9 1.05 106 1,040 1,100 998 104.5 2.1 77.2 81.5 76 77 78 78.05

32.1 511 518 107 104.2 108 110.7 523 6.19 1,009 101.9 1.05 106 1,040 1,100 1,000 104.5 2.27 77.2 81.5 76 77 79.15 78.05

31.6 510 511 107 104.2 104 110.7 523 6.15 1,009 101.3 1.05 106 1,034 1,100 998 104.5 2.1 77.1 80.1 75.7 77 78 78

PREFERRED 31.8 30,300 510 24,600 518 810 107 13,000 104.2 400 104 120 110.7 50,000 523 12,990 6.19 440,400 1,009 10,130 101.3 26,400 1.05 1,000 106 66,000 1,036 10,100 1,100 2,000 1,000 250 104.5 760 2.27 7,000 77.2 1,660 80.2 13,570 75.7 10,920 77 8,000 79.15 73,700 78 15,960

969,460 12,546,250 414,220 1,391,000 41,680 12,560 5,535,000 6,793,770 2,721,817 10,221,170 2,686,914 1,050 6,996,000 10,454,000 2,200,000 249,800 79,420 15,070 128,027 1,087,155 828,444 616,000 5,749,060 1,245,380

396,980 178,057 15,070 -5,705 0 0 -

LR WARRANT

2.36

2.39

2.3

WARRANTS 2.32 313,000

738,220

-

153,415,609 26,320 2,048,960 13,157,560

5,759 15,120 -816,250 -5,711,180

441,196

-

1,632 20,600

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.05 0.99 15.9 2.14 0.88 46 3.7 4.46 5.9 0.435 1.08 1.07 0.234 0.485 35.7 0.64 0.135 1.83 1.31 0.72 4.88 0.385 0.315 0.5 4.5 32 20 1.94 3.22

1,045,200 7,554,000 24,000 37,000 1,413,000 9,788,400 661,000 1,748,000 526,900 10,840,000 2,000 26,000 7,280,000 6,420,000 206,600 48,000 670,000 10,615,000 3,592,000 224,000 16,469,000 415,820,000 530,000 3,109,000 3,826,000 4,300 1,715,800 920,000 120,000

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

7 2.8 4.15 4.03

8.09 3.04 4.24 4.1

6.9 2.8 3.96 3.8

FIRST METRO ETF

132.6

132.6

131.5

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.2 10.3

10.2 10.3

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

18,963,563

INDUSTRIAL

78,254,444

HOLDING FIRMS

212,088,360

PROPERTY

520,606,913

SERVICES

1,031,406,115

MINING & OIL

1,585,289,369

GRAND TOTAL

3,470,837,806

10.2 10.3

7.4 3.04 4.09 3.87

SME

20,339,700 9,000 509,000 3,359,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 132 3,350 10.2 10.3

DDS

160 2,000

VALUE 2,242.20 (down) 24.66 1,420,388,336.34 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,470.86 (down) 2.74 907,952,135.56 HOLDING FIRMS 8,862.80 (up) 32.19 1,606,290,581.50 PROPERTY 3,958.16 (up) 19.55 1,738.40 (up) 9.96 1,191,029,042.995 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,013.35 (up) 105.35 2,035,839,178.939 PSEI 8,722.70 (up) 12.48 517,313,757.4144 All Shares Index 5,129.79 (up) 6.59 7,847,950,412.97 Gainers: 95; Losers: 116; Unchanged: 53; Total: 264

NLEX Corp. to sell bonds worth P25b

By Jenniffer B. Austria NLEX Corp., formerly Manila North Tollways Corp., plans to issue up to P25 billion in fixed rate bonds.

NLEX Corp. said in a disclosure to Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. its board approved the shelf registration, public offer and issuance of fixed rate peso bonds worth P25 billion.

The bonds, which will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be issued in one or more tranches within the shelf period under the terms and conditions as may be determined by the government.

NLEX Corp. is owned by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the tollways unit of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

It is primarily engaged in project development, design, construction, financing, operation and management of toll roads. It holds the concession of North Luzon Expressway, the largest toll road in the country, The tollroad firm earlier budgeted P19 billion in capital expenditures this year to build new expressway projects to help solve Metro Manila’s traffic bottlenecks.

The company plans to use the bulk of the company’s 2018 capital expenditure to construct the urban portions of North Luzon Expressway, such as the Harbor Link Segment 10 (including the R10 Section in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City) and the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road project.

The tollway company said the planned investment assumed the satisfactory resolution of the tariff adjustments. The petitions were still subject to review and adjustment, depending on the results of the discussions on the tariff, it said.

Expected to be opened this year, Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.7-kilometer elevated expressway traversing NLEx from Smart Connect Interchange and cross over Mac Arthur Highway in Valenzuela City with down ramps along C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City.

When Harbor Link is fully completed, travel between the Ports of Manila and NLEx is expected to take only 10 minutes, providing direct expressway access for commercial vehicles, specially heavy trucks.

COL lowers index target to 8,750 points ONLINE brokerage firm COL Financial reduced its year-end target on the Philippine Stock Exchange Index to 8,750 points from 9,300 points due to expectations that inflation and interest rates will likely be higher this year.

COL Financial vice president and head of research April Lynn Tan said in a report the January inflation rate of four percent was a surprise and exceeded the consensus forecast of 3.5 percent. The latest data on trade deficit showed the gap widening to $4 billion, resulting in a sharp increase in Philippine 10-year bond rates and the depreciation of the peso against the dollar.

“Due to expectations that inflation and interest rates will likely stay elevated, we raised our risk free rate assumption by 50 basis points to 5.5 percent. This led to a downgrade in our fair value estimates and our end 2018 target for the PSEi from 9,300 to 8,750,” Tan said.

She said the PSEi could bottom anywhere from 7,900 to 8,100, adding the correction could happen between March and May this year.

Tan said the current correction in the stock market should provide a great opportunity for investors to enter the market at more attractive levels.

“We don’t think inflation will stay elevated on a permanent basis as some of the factors pushing up inflation rate are non-recurring in nature. Moreover, BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) has the necessary tools to control inflation,” Tan said.

Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands chief economist Emilio Neri Jr. said in an interview said expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise interest rates twice this year, with the first rate hike early as next month during its policy meeting.

Neri said the central bank would likely raise policy rates by 25 basis points during its March 22 meeting and another rate 25 basis points increase could be implement in the third quarter of 2018.

Jenniffer B. Austria

World

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Manila

Standard

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TODAY

Strict checks eyed on US gun buyers W

ASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump signaled support Monday for improving background gun checks amid mounting pressure for reform in the wake of the Florida school shooting, as the accused gunman appeared in court.

OFFICIAL TRIP. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gestures after the interactive session at the Sophia College for Women in Mumbai on February 20, 2018. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family are on a week-long official trip to India. AFP

UN demands end to targeting civilians in an enclave in Syria HAMMURIYEH, Syria―The UN has demanded an end to the targeting of civilians in Syria after a heavy bombardment killed at least 100 civilians in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, as regime forces appeared to be preparing for an imminent ground assault.

The escalation came as pro-government forces were also expected to enter the northern Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin, to take a stand against a monthold Turkish assault.

Held by rebels since 2012, Eastern Ghouta is the last opposition pocket around Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad has deployed reinforcements in an apparent concerted effort to retake it.

As a barrage of air strikes, rocket fire and artillery slammed into several towns across Eastern Ghouta on Monday, the United Nations warned that the targeting of civilians in Eastern Ghouta “must stop now”.

“It’s imperative to end this senseless human suffering,” Panos Moumtzis, the UN’s Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 100 civilians, 20 of them children, were killed in the bombardment, the highest death toll in the enclave since early 2015.

“The regime is bombing Eastern Ghouta to pave the way for a ground offensive,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

The main opposition National Coalition, which is based in Turkey, denounced the “war of extermination” in Eastern Ghouta as well as the “international silence”.

It also accused regime ally Russia of seeking to “bury the political process” for a solution to the conflict.

An AFP correspondents saw residents of Hammuriyeh rushing indoors in panic at the first sound of jets.

Alaa al-Din, a 23-year-old Syrian in Hammuriyeh, said civilians were afraid of a potential government ground offensive.

“Ghouta’s fate is unknown. We’ve got nothing but God’s mercy and hiding out in our basements,” he told AFP. Shelling also hit the town of Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw five toddlers brought to a hospital, covered in dust and wailing uncontrollably.

The hospital was full of distraught civilians -- one father slapped his forehead after finding his two dead children.

Most of Eastern Ghouta is held by two Islamist factions, while jihadists control small pockets including one directly adjacent to the capital.

The Observatory and Syrian daily newspaper Al-Watan had said negotiations were under way for the evacuation of jihadists from Eastern Ghouta.

But the escalating bombardment suggests the regime might opt for a ground assault instead, the monitor said.

Government troops carried out a relentless five-day bombing campaign on the enclave earlier this month that killed around 250 civilians and wounded hundreds.

After days of relative calm, the government sent more than 260 rockets crashing into the enclave on Sunday.

The regime is keen to regain control of the area to halt deadly rebel rocket and mortar fire into Damascus.

About half a dozen rockets hit the capital on Sunday night, AFP correspondents said. State news agency SANA reported that one person was killed. AFP

Nikolas Cruz, charged with killing 17 people, sat silently with his head bowed during a procedural hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in what is expected to be a lengthy and emotional prosecution.

Wednesday’s rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in nearby Parkland, Florida, has ignited protests by students who survived the onslaught and renewed calls for changes in US gun laws.

Cruz, 19, was able to legally buy an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle despite many red flags that nonetheless failed to prompt action by state and federal agencies.

The White House indicated that Trump is receptive to a bipartisan proposal that would require more prompt reporting to a national database of offenses that would bar an individual from buying a firearm.

“While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

The legislation, however, does not address the broader, divisive issue of permissive gun laws under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects the right to bear arms.

Chanting “Shame on you, Shame on you,” about 100 students from area high schools gathered outside the White House and staged a “lie-in” to press demands for change.

“More Guns, More Murder,” read one of the signs carried by demonstrators.

Maya Smith, 15, said she fears for her life when she walks into school “because the government won’t decide that my life matters as much as the right to bear arms matters.”

“We as students shouldn’t be worrying about being shot in our school,” said high school junior Juneau Wang.

“Students should be worrying about a bad test grade, not the fact that someone could walk in with an AR-15 any time during the school day.”

After earlier mass shootings, Trump has said little about guns, focusing instead on the mental health of shooters. Following the October 1 attack in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead, he said only that “we’ll be talking about gun laws as time goes by.”

After the Parkland shooting, he emphasized the need to deal with mental-health issues, while castigating the FBI for missing warning signs about the shooter.

The president initially made no mention of guns, drawing an angry reaction from Democrats and angry Floridians. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic minority leader, noted that Trump’s proposed 2019 budget would actually cut spending on the background check program.

Even one of the most shocking mass shootings of recent years―the 2012 attack on a Connecticut elementary school that left 20 young children and six adults dead― brought little legal change, though Connecticut and a handful of other states toughened their gun laws. But there are some indications that the limited steps Trump backs might succeed.

The NRA says it has “long supported the inclusion of all legitimate records in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.”

Gun control advocates also back the bill sponsored by Senators Joh Cornyn, a Republican, and Chris Murphy, a Democrat. They came together after a gunman killed 26 people at a Texas church in November. AFP NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 R.A. No. 9048 and in compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG MC No. 2013-1, IRR on RA 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that JANE ARLENE F. CALAYAG has filed with this office a petition for CHANGE OF FIRST NAME on the child’s first name from “ARLENE” to ‘”JANE ARLENE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of ARLENE FELICIANO CALAYAG who was born on February 19, 1976 in San Manuel, Isabela and whose parents are ROBERTO C. CALAYAG and LILIA P. FELICIANO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than ten (10) days.

ERLINDA C. ALVAREZ Municipal Civil Registrar Rodriguez, Rizal

(MS-FEB. 21 & 28, 2018)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION

MANDALUYONG CITY

“A parcel of Land (Lot 20, Block No. 11, of the cons. subd. Plan Pcs-2473 being a portion of the consolidation BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK, INC. of lots Nos. 1,6,7,8,9 & 10 Block 340; Mortgagee, Lot Nos. 4.5.6.9. to 21, incl., 23 & 24, Lots Nos. 1 & 3 to 20 incl., Block -versus342; lot nos. 2,3, & 4, Block 343; Lot File No. FRE-MC18-1000 No. 5, Block No. 344; lot No. 3, block For: “Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of Real 345; lot 2 to 7 incl. Block No. 346; Lot Estate Mortgage Under Act No. Nos. 9,10,11,13 & 14, described on 3135, As amended by 4118” plan psd-3188; lot 2-b, Block No. 342; SPOUSES ROLANDO Y. PADAOAN described on plan psd-8550; lot no.

AND LINDA AVILES A.K.A. LINDA 1-5, Block No. 343, described on plan A. PADAOAN psd-18249; Block…” is registered in Mortgagors, x-----------------------------------------x accordance with the provision of the property Registration Decree in the NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE name of ROLANDO Y. PADAOAN, of legal age, Filipino, married to LINDA Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale AVILES, Filipino with postal address under act 3135 as amended by Act at No. 353 Wayan St., Mandaluyong, 4118 filed by BPI FAMILY SAVINGS Metro Manila xxx BANK, INC., Mortgagee, against SPOUSES ROLANDO Y. PADAOAN “In the event the public auction AND LINDA AVILES A.K.A. LINDA should not take place on the said A. PADAOAN, Mortgagors with postal date, it shall be held on April 12, address at Lot 20, Blk. 11, No. 353 2018 or soon thereafter without Wayan St., Barangka, Mandaluyong further notice.”

City, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of December Prospective bidders or buyers are 13, 2017, amounts to FOUR hereby enjoined to investigate for HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND themselves the title of the said real NINETEEN THOUSAND NINETY property and the encumbrances THREE & 71/100 (Php 419, 093.71) thereon, if any there be.

ONLY Philippine Currency, inclusive Mandaluyong City, Philippines, of interest, penalty charges and February 12, 2018. expenses incidental thereto, the

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE - 47326 Registry of Deeds – Pasig, Metro Manila IT

IS

HEREBY

CERTIFIED

COX’S BAZAR―Bangladesh and Myanmar were to hold a border meeting Tuesday on the fate of some 6,000 Rohingya refugees stranded in no man’s land between the two countries, officials said.

The 6,000 at first refused to enter Bangladesh in the influx that poured across the border after the Myanmar military launched a crackdown against the Muslim minority last August.

Now they say they are not allowed to enter Bangladesh and the United Nations and aid groups have called on the Dhaka authorities to let them in.

Bangladesh refugee commission chief Mohammad Abul Kalam said a team led by a regional government administrator would meet Myanmar officials toAREA, discuss BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT MANILAthe 1018,Rohingya PHILIPPINES stuck P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES in limbo near TEL. theNO. Tombru border (0632) 527-8356, FAX point.

NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH Kalam said Myanmar wanted Bangladesh’s help to perFebruary 2018 suade19,the stranded Rohingya to return to their homeland in Rakhine state.

PPA ADMINISTRATIVE “We will knowORDER what kind of cooperation they want once we No. 01 - 2018 reach there,” he told AFP. TO A Myanmar : All Portminister Managersvisited the strip of land at Tombru last And Others Concerned week.

SUBJECT : Continuous Provision of Cargo Handling Services Pending The minister warned the Rohingya refugees, who liveNo. in makethe Implementation of PPA Administrative Order 03-2016 entitledthat “Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework” shift settlements, they will face “consequences” if they do not (PTMRF) take up a Myanmar offer to return.

Pursuant to PPA circulated Board Resolution No. 2676, all Port Managers are hereby directed A video on social media shows deputy minister for to: home affairs Aung Soe addressing refugees through a barbed 1. Extend wire fence.the Holdover Authorities (HOAs) granted pursuant to PPA Board Resolution No. 2586 dated February 22, 2017 until February 2019; and The no man’s land Rohingya told AFP they live in fear as the 2. Grant HOAs to cargo handling (CH) service providers with contracts due to Myanmar recently29,2019. set up bunkers near the fence. expire inarmy 2018 had until February “They tell us that we should leave this place or else they will The issuance of HOAs shall be subject to compliance with the following conditions: shoot us,” said Rashid Ahmed, 32.

1.Another CH Operator has no outstanding financial obligation with PPA; soldiers Rohingya, Ismail, said some 400 Myanmar 2. CH Operator has submitted an updated Portworkers Retirement and regularly patrol near the border line, creating panic among the Separation Fund (PRSF); 3. CH Operator complied with the requirements refugees.

“Theyhas often fire blanks,” he said. of SSS, Philhealth, DOLE, among others; The stranded Rohingya featured last week in Dhaka talks beThe HOA being temporary shall be terminated/revoked anytime or upon the award of tween home ministerswith of the thePPA twoGuidelines nations.onThe two decided to a new Contract in accordance the Selection and Award of Contract the PTMRF. send a Under mission to the border strip on Tuesday. the stranded Rohingya live onPOSD the A copyKalam of each said HOA issued shall be furnished Headtechnically Office, Attn: Manager, within forty eightside (48) hours signing/approval and had a monthly inventoryrefused report of Myanmar of theupon border and that they previously all HOAs issued shall be forwarded to AGMO beginning March 2018. to take shelter in camps inside Bangladesh.

All other provisions of PPA Administrative No. 03-2016tothat are not affected Some 700,000 Rohingya haveOrder fled Myanmar Bangladesh sinceby this Order shall remain valid and in full force. the crackdown that the United Nations has called ethnic cleansing.

This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in at least two (2) The two governments agreed a program to repatriate newspapers of general circulation.have A copy shall be filed with the University ofthe the Philippines LawBut Center. refugees. the start of the returns has been indefinitely delayed, even though Bangladesh last week handed over a list of 8,032 (SGD.) JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO Rohingya to Myanmar for repatriation. AFP General Manager

(MS-FEB. 21, 2018)

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com

INVITATION TO BID for Upgrading of Electrical System at Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, San Carlos City, Pangasinan Solicitation No. PANG-2018-0158 1.

The Province of Pangasinan, through the Community Development Fund - 20181 intends to apply the sum of Fifteen Million Ninety-Five Thousand Four Hundred Thirteen Pesos (P15,095,413.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Upgrading of Electrical System at Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Upgrading of Electrical System (work consist of Excavation Works, Backfilling Works, Concrete Works, Conduit Pipes & Fittings, Electrical Works, Fabricatio of Wire Gutter).2 Completion of the Works is required Two Hundred Seventy-Eight (278) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

that certain land situated in City of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines bounded and described as follows:

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF

Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong or his duly authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency on March 23, 2018 at 9:00 A.M. or soon thereafter in front of the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City, the following condominium unit with all the improvements existing thereon to wit:

Meeting begins over stranded Rohingya civilians

(Sgd.) ATTY. ERWIN N. BARATA Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Sheriff (Sgd.) CRISPIN D. SADIA, JR. Sheriff IV WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface, or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law.

Copy Furnished: 1) BPI FAMILY SAVING BANK, INC. Dela Rosa St., corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 2) SPOUSES ROLANDO Y. PADAOAN AND LINDA A. PADAOAN Lot 20, Blk. 11, No. 353 Wayan St., Barangka, Mandaluyong City (MS-Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 2018)

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from February 16, 2018 – March 9, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on February 16, 2018 – March 9, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm at the BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Sixteen Thousand Pesos (P16,000.00) It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

6.

The Province of Panagsinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 23, 2018; 10:00am at BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before March 9, 2018; 10:00am. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids opening shall be on March 9, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The Province of Pangasinan reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pnagsinan 075 5426574 EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840 (SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

1. In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) 2. A brief description of the scope of Works should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

3. In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) 4. Ibid.

5. A brief description of the scope of Works should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

(MS-FEB. 21, 2018)

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

B4

wednesday, february 21, 2018

LGUs LocaL government units

Davao council pushes senior death benefits

ALL CLEAR.

Top officials of the Quezon City Police District hold their urine samples for drug testing with members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit at Camp Karingal in Quezon City on Monday. Pictured (from left, front row,) are Senior Supt. Crizaldo Nieves, QCPD Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, Senior Supt. Ronald Genaro Ylagan and Senior Supt.

Arthur Bisnar.

Manny Palmero

Basilan boasts old Spanish heritage and secret charms (Conclusion, continued from yesterday)

By Ayunan Gunting-AlHadj The Chavacanos originated from the Spanish-Jesuit settlement that was established in the town of Fuerte de San Jose in 1635. Indeed, first-time visitors to Basilan will be surprised by the numerous road and commercial signs written in Spanish, which is the root of the language used here.

This fact isn’t lost on certain officials of the Makati-based Instituto Cervantes, who have done research on Spanish influences in Basilan and its neighboring provinces in Sulu. Hopefully, when complete peace is restored to these islands, the Instituto may invite Spanish nationals to visit Basilan and the rest of the Sulu archipelago.

The city of Isabela isn’t crowded, but it’s hardly a backward place. The city roads are bustling with activity, and tricycles must jockey for space along with the latest SUVs. Although the younger people might want to enjoy a snack at Jollibee, tourists will enjoy the Muslim delicacies, which include the local version of the suman.

The Yakans are famous for their malongs, which are made of pineapple cloth and cotton and come in bright and vivid colors, all painstakingly handwoven. Worn by Yakan men and women on special occasions, it takes an entire week to complete a malong. But since tourists rarely get a chance to visit Basilan, the malongs are sold at the Yakan Weaving Center in Zamboanga City.

Veteran Yakan weaver Brainy Ilul said that with this outlet in Zamboanga, they get to reach a bigger market.

He has followed in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents and continues the tradition of weaving malongs. Born and raised in Basilan, Ilul hopes his own children would continue the practice.

Basilan was the last province to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in 2001. Today, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman is developing the infrastructure in the province, particularly in the town of Al-Barka, a former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

The town will be benefitting from P132.5 million worth of infrastructure projects, which will include a sevenkilometer road, several water systems, and bridges.

Official data showed that from 2012 to 2017, the ARMM government earmarked a total of P887 million worth of infrastructure projects in Basilan, of which 90 percent went to road projects, With its rich culture and breathtaking landscape, Basilan is a haven for travelers searching for less touristy destinations. The stunning beaches that beckon remain tranquil and safe. After all, even Paris, the romantic City if Lights, hasn’t been immune from terrorist threats. Yet as tourists still say, we’ll always have Paris. The natives here would reply, “We’ll always have Basilan.”

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

2 groups to ensure Siargao food supply

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

T

WO internationally acclaimed organizations known for promoting agriculture and fishery conservation are teaming up with different local governments on Siargao to ensure it will be self-sustainable with its food and fishery supplies, amid the growing number of tourists visiting the world-famous island all-year round.

Mariduque-based social enterprise AGREA and United States conservation group RARE are one in saying that with the cooperation of all the stakeholders, food security can be attained in Siargao, one of the most pristine islands in the Philippines and considered the country’s surfing mecca.

Surigao del Norte Dist. 1 Rep. Jose Francisco “Bingo’ Matugas II recently led the launching of the Food Sustenance and Security Project.

Rep. Matugas emphasized it is about time to start working on the food sustainability due to the huge influx of both foreign and local tourists visiting the island.

Most of the food supplies in Siargao are being consumed by the locals, while the island’s resorts and restau-

rants source food from outside, the nearest of which is Surigao City.

Siargao is also home to Asia’s biggest mangrove forest covering an area of about 9,000 hectares. It serves as a habitat for rare and endangered species of flora and fauna in marine, wetland, and terrestrial areas.

RARE Director Adonis Sucalit expressed his concern about overfishing, in Siargao and the entire Philippines.

Since RARE started its conservation program in the Philippines over 7 years ago, Sucalit noted a 391-percent increase in fish biomass in some of their sites.

In Siargao, RARE partnered with the municipalities of Dapa and Del Carmen in 2014 to implement FishForever, a rights-based approach to sustainable fisheries management.

One of the advocacies of RARE is to ensure the right size of marine protected areas, by working closely with the local governments to establish municipal marine protected areas, expanding them and putting protection in the right places, and observing what is underneath the waters, Sucalit said.

AGREAN chief executive officer Cherrie Atilano, for her part, expressed optimism about the potentials of Siargao in becoming a “one island economy” that is “zero waste, zero hunger, and zero insufficiency.”

With the cooperation of all the stakeholders, Atilano, who was awarded by the Asia Pacific CSR Council and UN Global Compact the Global Responsible Business Award 2017 for Agriculture Excellence, said the island can start a movement of a farm-to-table on a massive scale which is happening in Manila.

To start with, she said her organization has to first work with the farmers and the business owners to determine the basic ingredients needed in the island.

Part of this, said Atilano, is to push for inclusiveness where the existing businesses would source their food stocks like vegetables from Siargao farmers.

ALBAY DONATIONS. Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan (center) poses with beneficiary Mayors Krisel Lagman Luistro of Tabaco, Albay

(ninth from left) and Cenon Volante of Malilipot, Albay during the turnover of Caloocan’s P1-million donation to each town severely hit by Mayon Volcano’s recent eruptions. With them are city department heads after the flag raising ceremony at Caloocan City Hall on Monday. Jun David

DAVAO CITY―The 18th City Council is pushing for the implementation of death benefits for senior citizens to aid the financial needs of their families.

Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr., chairman of the Committee on Social Programs, said they are now conducting a series of committee hearings to create the implementing rules and regulations of the death benefits for the senior citizens.

The death benefit will be different from the hospitalization assistance that the city’s Lingap Para sa Mahirap (Compassion for the Poor) program offers, the councilor said.

“What we are doing now is we are creating a system that will be used for the death benefits,” Advincula said.

Only those non-pensioner senior citizens and pensioners under the social pension program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development can avail of the program, the councilor said.

The deceased must also not have a burial or service plan.

“We want to make sure that only those who really need the help of the city will be accommodated. Those who have the capacity to pay for their funeral or burial services, I ask them that we better give it to those who really need it,” Advincula said.

The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs will screen those who would can avail of the program, then their requests will be endorsed to the City Mayor’s Office. The Treasurer’s Office will then release the check to the beneficiaries, who will each receive P5,000.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has allocated P30 million a month for the Lingap Para sa Mahirap to accommodate patients that are not residing in Davao City.

Dad Sonny got QC out of debt, says Belmonte

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday credited her father, former mayor and current 4th District Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., for “getting the city out of debt.”

She credited the elder Belmonte, who led Quezon City for nine years, for the city’s transformation “into what it is today.”

She called the former mayor and House Speaker as “The Father of Modern Quezon City,” saying he was able to rescue the city from its huge financial debt when he got elected in 2001.

“When he sat as mayor, we were in the red. Quezon City was financially hard-up. Under his leadership, we were able to pay all the city’s dues,” she said.

When he took over from Ismael Mathay Jr. in 2001, Belmonte Jr. inherited a city government with unpaid financial obligations amounting to P3 billion, the daughter said.

When Belmonte completed his term in 2010, he left the current administration of Mayor Herbert Bautista with about P6 billion in funds and assets, making Quezon City the richest city in Metro Manila, the vice mayor added.

EU biz keen on Clark investments

By Romeo Dizon CLARK FREEPORT―Despite some irritations in the relationship between the Philippines and the European Union, their trade and investment partnerships remain encouraging after 33 European consuls visited the Freeport over the weekend.

Accompanied by Philippine Consul to Guam Edgar Tomas “Gary”Auxilian, the Europeans said they will encourage their businessmen to invest in the country, one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia Pacific.

The visiting consuls were received

by Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Noel Manankil and Chairman Jose “Ping” de Jesus.

The consuls represented Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Albania, Slovak Republic, Austria, and Croatia.

According to Auxilian, the growth and business development in the Freeport had encouraged the EU consuls to invite businessmen in their respective countries to invest in Clark, specially in leisure, manufacturing and aviation industry.

During their actual visit with the 954 investors and locators operating inside the former American air force base, the consuls were impressed with the freeport zone, specially the quality of workers, the incentives and other perks enjoyed by the businessmen.

FUN RUN WINNERS. Senator Cynthia Villar stands with the winners of the Fun Run’s second leg for participants coming from places outside Las Piñas City, (from left) Jomar Angos, James Orduna, Reynold Villafranca, Elbren Neri and Aries Africa. They bested more than 500 participants who joined the Fun Run with the theme ‘Takbo Para sa Makasaysayang Zapote River,’ as part of the two-day Las Piñas River Festival celebration.

Each winner got P5,000 in cash and a finisher’s medal. Lino Santos

6 sweater designs

you need in your closet SweaterS today not only keep you warm and cozy, but also perfect statement-making pieces for everyday looks. You can style them in several ways and layer it over your favorite tops, bottoms, and dresses.

Here are six versatile and fashionable sweater styles available at Surplus you can wear during cool mornings and breezy nights.

Oversized

Oversized sweaters can be flattering, energetic statement pieces if styled correctly with maxi dresses, jeans, or in monochrome ensemble. a giant cardigan will ideally suit your basic separates. try to layer it with your favorite summer frocks or skinny jeans.

Life

bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MstandardLIfe

fashion & beauty

wednesday, february 21, 2018

C1

In style and in luck a

ttract good energy this year by wearing the right pieces for your chinese Zodiac. SSI Group, Inc. and feng shui expert Marites allen team up to put together a style guide based on the Year of the earth Dog outlook for each animal sign.

Cropped

at the other end of the style spectrum, go for a shortened sweater and layer it with blouses, high rise tailored pants, and beautiful shirts.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Element: earth Colors: red, green, purple Outlook: “New beginnings are in the horizon and better income this 2018 is very possible. Make sure you spend within reason. Politicking or jealousy at work are likely, so be extra careful.”

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Element: water Colors: Blue, gold, green Outlook: “consider taking some time off. rest and give yourself that muchneeded break. avoid afflicted energies by traveling, going on holidays, and spending time with happy people.”

Cream white chunky and cable knit

Its light, neutral color and big size make it ideal for layering with dark fabrics and fitted silhouettes.

Patterned

In choosing patterned sweaters, go for a classic like the Fair Isle pattern.

Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Element: wood Colors: Blue, gray, orange, white Outlook: “expect a good year provided you control your temper and avoid confrontations and fights. You will have to do more than ex- pected. You will need more friends this year. take better care of your health.”

Go for cool shades and pair them with solid colors.

Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

Element: Fire Colors: Yellow, green Outlook: “this year will finally be rewarding especially in love. the auspicious influence of the peach blossom stars will bring so much happiness into your life. Play your cards right and there will be more reasons to celebrate.”

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Surplus carries all these styles and more at its stores located in most SM Supermalls.

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Element: earth Colors: white, yellow, green Outlook: “watch out for misunderstandings at home. Be more reasonable, patient, and try to promote a harmonious environment. there is pleasant news related to promotion at work.”

Element: wood Colors: red, pink, purple, blue Outlook: “Monetar y gains are possible. Opportunities in business and romance are present. Keep your eyes open and be ready to grab them when they present themselves.”

Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Element: earth Colors: Gold, silver, cool white Outlook: “this is your conflict year, so you will feel that progress is elusive. take it easy and take calculated risks. Get into charity work and avoid inviting complications.”

Colorblocking

classic knits like turtlenecks and pull-overs will always be in style, make sure you have one in a flattering neutral color.

Element: water Colors: Yellow, gray, brown, gold Outlook: “time for new beginnings. Let go and forget about past mistakes that brought about anxiety. Betrayal is possible, so be prepared for anything and always keep your cool. a strong friendship may come to an end.”

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Basic

Boar (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Element: Metal C o l o r s : white, gold, blue Outlook: “It will be a hectic year with the possibility of windfall luck in the form of cash inflow. there are many positive events to look forward to, but there will still be threats to physical wellness.”

Element: Fire Colors: Black, red, yellow Outlook: “traveling, training abroad, and receiving promotion at work are among the blessings you will receive. reciprocate the love and care you receive. this will attract more blessings.”

Sheep (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

Element: earth Colors: Green, red, purple Outlook: “refocus on you rself. the presence of the Heaven ly Luck Star may bring in unexpected income. Single Sheep will have plenty of opportunities for relationship luck.”

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) El-

ement: Metal Colors: Gold, brown, yellow Outlook: “Beat the threat of the Illness Star.

Manage stress at work and business; prioritize your health and wellbeing, as well as those of your family. throughout the year there will be threats to your health.”

Life

C2

wednesday, february 21, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

va n i t y c o r n er

SenSational ScentS Perfumes in lovely scent and charming packaging are available at the beauty section of Japanese fast fashion brand Miniso. These lovely fragrances draw inspiration from Perfect Love, Romantic Sakura, and Crystal Diamonds.

Aside from perfumes, the popular store also offers natural essence derived from jojoba seed oil and rosa damascene flower oil as well as bath salts made from rose essence.

These perfumes and more are available at Miniso outlets located in most SM Supermalls.

organic oilS The nourishing benefits of coconut and malunggay come together in the organic skin care and wellness products of Lunas Living Oils.

Ranging from daily essentials to remedy elixirs and aromatherapy oils, Lunas Living Oils’s products use VCO and Moringa oil as its base. MultiMulti ple therapeutic-grade essential oils are mixed per product to deliver synergistic effects, such as pain management, detox and weight management, proactive skin regimen, skin disorders management, and defense system and well-being support.

The elixirs and massage oils are easily absorbed by the skin without clogging the pores.

Lunas Living Oils are available at wellness and integrative clinics and online at www.lunaslivingoils.com/shop.

colorS oF Hanoi. Filipino designer Tracy Dizon (seated, middle) with her

colorful Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise collection she presented to the audience at Borough Hall during the Fashion Week Brooklyn Spring-Summer Show 2018.

Tracy Dizon

caring cream

Dehydrated skin always exposed to pollution has an ally in Nuxe’s Crème Fraiche de Beaute skincare products, which feature formula that combines the gentleness of botanical milks with a high-tech algae extract.

The formulation diffuses intense moisturepiizing all the way to deep layers of the epi dermis and acts like a shield against pollution. The range, which features a delicate floral scent, is composed of 48HR Moisture mattifying fluid (P1,850) for combination skin, 48HR Moisturizing cream (P1,850) for normal skin, and 48HR Moisture SOS rescue mask (P1,250) for all skin types.

This moisturizing range is available at Nuxe counters nationwide.

brings color to New York

runways

F

ILIPINO streetwear designer Tracy Dizon has a busy schedule this year as she prepares to bring her eye-catching and vibrant designs to three New York Fashion Week 2018 events.

Dizon joined the recently concluded NYFW event organized by Art Hearts Fashion on Feb. 8 to 11.

She’s also included in the upcoming Fashion Design-er & Craft Makers Network FDC Collections Show-case on April 28, and in the Society Fashion Week on Sept. 7 to 9, where she plans to unveil a collection inspired by Philippine pop culture.

The invite follows the quirky milliner’s recent participation in the Fashion Week Brooklyn Spring/ Summer Show 2018 last October where she debuted to the international fashion scene her highly praised Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise collection.

The Miss Hanoi collection is ref lective of Dizon’s year-long escapade in Hanoi, Vietnam where she fell in love with the country’s rich culture and locality. It was originally showcased during the 64th edition of Manila FAME’s, the country’s premier lifestyle and design event, Manila Wear brand.

Dizon envisioned a Hanoi dream girl, the eponymous Miss Hanoi, who embodied the classical Vietnamese beauty as she created her pieces, ranging from traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai dresses, military uniforms, and contemporary clothing inspired

by Vietnamese history and imageries.

Among her inspirations are the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the carts of Vietnamese f lower merchants around Hanoi, pho noodles in ceramic ware, and stamps stores along the Old Quarter in the Hoan Kiem District.

How to prepare your skin for swimsuit season YOuR vacation leaves are already YO plotted on the calendar and your outfits have been picked out. But is your skin ready for the season of less clothing?

Bare your skin confidently with the help of these three all-natural cosmetic products from Human Nature.

Don’t leave your pits in the dark

The Lotus Blouse made of Charmense Silk and Vietnamese traditional fabric paired with soft pink square pants complete the Lotus Flower look.

Wear sleeveless confidently with smooth underarms. To achieve flaw flawless pits, refrain from using aluminumbased deodorants that are proven to darken skin. Instead, stick to an all-nat all-natural deo, like Human Nature’s All-Nat All-Natural Deodorant Stick (P199.75, 34g), which helps smoothen chicken skin and even out skin tone.

Sweat out the bad stuff without worrying about odor-causing bacteria with its tea tree oil, which keeps you smell smelling fresh without darkening your un underarms. It also comes with an instantdry, lightweight formula so you don’t worry about streaks or stains on your clothes.

Dizon envisioned a Hanoi dream girl who embodies the classical Vietnamese beauty in her pieces.

give your skin some lovin’

Nourish your skin with lotion made of a healthy blend of 12 nutrients and antioxidants before you go exposing it under the sun.

Human Nature Healthy Lotion (P64.75, 50ml; P199.75, 200ml), has a light formula that allows your skin to absorb the goodness faster without leaving a sticky feel as synthetic lotions do. This lightweight, non-sticky lotion is available in four yummy scents: Banish scars and spots Blossom Beauty, Berry Bliss, Powder Banish scars and dark spots from Love, and Orange Sunrise. acne marks or insect bites with the help All these products are available at of Human Nature Pure Rosehip Oil Human Nature stores. Go to human(P750, 15ml). heartnature.com to know more.

Bare your skin confidently this summer with the help of all-natural skin care products

“It was an unexpected life changing epiphany— traveling to Hanoi and getting creatively inspired by the whole visual, cultural, and emotional experience, as a young woman going on a solo adventure in Hanoi,” related Dizon. “But as a designer, I wanted to share that whole journey through my fashion and millinery design.”

Besides clothing pieces, Dizon also created matching head pieces for the collection. Notably, before the Miss Hanoi collection, she specialized in unique hats and head pieces under her “Tiara by Tracy Dizon” millinery line.

Dizon has been a member of Manila FAME’s Manila Wear brand since 2016 and was mentored by renowned fashion designer Josie Natori, who urged her to expand her product segments to include clothing and other pieces other than hats and head pieces gearing towards developing a lifestyle brand.

“Manila Wear has provided me strong business foundation and an opportunity to shine in the global stage of export,” shared the fashion designer.

This cold-pressed beauty oil has 80 percent fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9) content that helps in regenerating and rebuilding the skin. It is also rich in Vitamin C to help brighten skin for a natural glow even without makeup. It also helps skin recover faster as each drop is rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene which helps improve skin cells turnover.

Simply apply a drop of Pure Rosehip Oil on unwanted marks and massage thoroughly to help fade away unwanted marks for glowing, spotless skin.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Opposites attract on Sony Channel

D

RAMA and comedy go hand in hand on Sony Channel this month. A former kidnapping victim makes use of her experience to solve new cases in the brand new crime drama Gone while supermarket employees constantly find themselves in ridiculous and funny situations in the returning season of the workplace comedy Superstore.

Sisters and co-owners of The Sexy Chef, singer Rachel Alejandro (left) and Chef Barni Alejandro

Simply Red...

From C4

In Gone, Kit “Kick” Lannigan (Leven Rambin), survivor of a famous child-abduction case, joins forces with Frank Novak (Golden Globe®nominee Chris Noth), the FBI agent who rescued her years ago.

Determined never to fall victim again, Kick trains in martial arts and the use of firearms, becoming an expert in selfdefense. She works alongside Novak in a special task force to solve abductions and missing persons cases. Paired with former Army intelligence officer John Bishop (Danny Pino), Kick uses her past experience to have a unique understanding of the mind of a predator.

Gone premieres today and airs every Wednesday at 8:50 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Superstore Season 3, two months after the tornado, Amy (America Ferrera), Jonah (Ben Feldman), Dina (Lauren Ash), Garrett (Colton Dunn) Mateo (Nico Santos), Cheyenne (Nichole Bloom), Glenn (Mark McKinney) and Scenes from the crime drama featuring Leven Rambin, Chris Noth and Danny Pino the rest of Cloud 9 employees are back after a short “vacation”. The store has Sony Channel is available on Cablelink been mostly rebuilt but is not ready for is forced to run around throwing products Channel 39, Cignal Channel 120, Destiny customers, because Glenn read the memo on shelves as quickly as they can.

Superstore Season 3 premieres on Feb. Cable Channel 35, G Sat Channel 48, and from corporate wrong and mixed up SKYCable Channel 35. dates for the grand reopening. Everyone 25, and airs every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. .

For the love of music, art and literature A COLLABORATION between coworking space Warehouse Eight and Kwago book bar, “Before Midnight” is a close-knit monthly gathering of people who love music, art and literature.

Opening on Feb. 28, 6 p.m. at Kwago Book Bar in Warehouse Eight’s doorstep overspilling to their pantry, “Before Midnight” features the third run of Echoes—a stripped down concert where musicians are featured as storytellers and allowed to experiment and show a different side of them—no special effects, more raw.

“What makes Echoes different is that it’s very personal. It’s a no-frills type of gig. You get to be really close to the musicians, see them in a different light.

You see musicians as people rather than performers.” Warehouse Eight co-founder Kayla Dionisio said.

For this edition of Echoes, Kwago and Warehouse Eight teamed up with Purveyr to document the concert and make the gig available online even after the event, like how NPR Tiny Desk Concert does it. Line up for Feb. 28 includes Nights of Rizal, Ruru and Asch.

Design startup Diyalogo will also launch witty limited edition interactive cards exclusive for the event, which aims to develop rapport among the guests, while Bad Student partnered with Kwago to produce a ‘risographed zine’ for

“Before Midnight” is a close-knit monthly gathering of people who love music, art and literature.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

ACROSS 1 Outfitted 5 Faint smell 10 Quantity of firewood 14 “Damn Yankees” vamp 15 Kind of cassette 16 Asian range 17 Like some crowds 18 Contemptuous look 19 Turn pancakes 20 Refuses to buy 22 Silver and bronze 24 Fill with wonder 25 Cable network 26 Leading lady 30 Wood smoothers 34 Flared, as a skirt 35 Horse stopper 37 Usher’s quest 38 Seine moorage 39 Tail ends 40 Tpk. 41 Exploding star 43 While away 44 Expression 46 Silent “ugh” 48 Glossy fabrics 50 Extreme degree 51 NBA official 52 Swiss city 55 Vivacious 60 Wood choppers

61 Rajahs’ spouses 63 Dove’s shelter 64 Pickle or jam 65 Move to the beat 66 Coastal flyer 67 Polo need 68 Footwear 69 Parka closer DOWN 1 League 2 Trademark 3 Comrade-inarms 4 Tot service (2 wds.)

5 Squanders 6 Go after game 7 “Et tu” time 8 “— upon this quiet life!”

9 Math equations 10 Loose robes 11 Clay pot 12 Means of shipping 13 Drops down 21 Got in debt 23 That, in Guadalajara 26 Getting older 27 Painter’s choice 28 Fountain in Rome 29 Dane’s neighbor 30 Sponge features 31 Uncanny

32 Boca —, Fla. 33 Mushroom parts 36 Actor — Linden 39 Keith of the Rolling Stones 42 Pardon 44 Gossip tidbit 45 Mars 47 Off-road vehicle 49 Gets up 52 Catch one’s breath 53 World’s fair 54 Flashy sign

55 Cato’s year 56 City near Monaco 57 Split 58 Sight from Messina 59 — -dish pie 62 Ooh companion

everyone to enjoy and think about during the gathering.

“We’ve designed “Before Midnight” in such a way that it will allow organic and genuine connections among people who loves books, beats and booze.

What we’re missing now in gatherings are conversations that deeply affect and influence us. We’re hoping to have more of those,” Kwago founder Czyka Tumaliuan shared.

Food and beer will be served by Warehouse Eight and Kwago’s neighbors Seventeen O’ Nine and Philippine Craft Kings (PCK). And Kwago’s fictioninspired menu will also be available, featuring cocktails inspired by local and international literature, such as Dark Hours by Conchitina Cruz, Howl by Allen Ginsberg and Para Kay B by Ricky Lee. Door fee is Php 500 and Php 350 for early birds (until Feb. 23). All tickets come with a free zine, coffee or beer and 10 percent OFF on all books at Kwago.

Registration link for early bird: bit.ly/ beforemidnight1

BGC Globe auditorium at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23. The show is free of charge.

The Bohol Dance Project Company, currently an ensemble of four Boholano dancers, is an initiative brought about by a series of dance workshops every summer since 2015 when French choreographers and dance teachers Guillaume Morgan and Nicola Ayoub conducted two week-long trainings for local dancers and choreographers through the auspices of the French and American governments and the Provincial Government of Bohol.

A Blue Evening consists of three numbers – “Blue Way”, choreographed by the Romanian guest choreographer Gigi Caciuleanu; “Mula Sa Kaibuturan,” danced and created by Rama Marcaida; and “Apat” specially choreographed for the company by Marcaida.

The four Boholano dancers are Jay Banquil, Jerrey David Aguilar, Marvin Ablao, and Yassie Nalo.

According to Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, festival director of Fringe Manila 2018, “Since its first iteration in 2015, the Fringe Festival has taken over Metro Manila and has opened the Philippine arts scene up to exciting new forms of theatre, literature, music, dance, visual art, film, cabaret, performance art, spoken word, circus and every genre in between. An openaccess, uncensored arts and community festival, Fringe focuses on showcasing fresh, daring, groundbreaking new work by emerging and established artists from the Philippines and from all over the world. It has, for the past three years, produced over 300 events, showcased the works of over 2000 artists, and has attracted over 50,000 attendants.

“We at Fringe believe that The Bohol Dance Project Company’s championing of regional Philippine talent would be a great addition to our festival and we are excited to give them a platform on the stage of an international arts festival.”

Sisters and co-owners of The Sexy Chef, singer Rachel Alejandro and Chef Barni Alejandro, divulge fitness advice and fat-fighting recipes in the 21 Days to a Sexier You cookbook and weight loss manual from ABS-CBN Publishing.

Describing food as one of life’s greatest pleasures, the sisters encourage readers to get to their best shape by harnessing a force much powerful than self-discipline—desire. Rachel says, “It’s all about desire. What is another word for desire? Love. As they say, love your body and it will love you back.”

The Sexy Chef has been Manila’s top health food delivery service since 2004, but now the determined sisters establish themselves further in the publishing world as they offer sound advice based on their own personal experience on keeping a fit, sexy body, as well as from what they have learned from experts in fitness and weight loss science.

This new healthy lifestyle book offers top tips for slimming down, sheds light on the high-fat/low-carb diet phenomenon and even holds the answer to reducing stress. Also, it features a seven-day sample menu, post-pregnancy advice, and inspiring experiences of the authors.

Recipes include cilantro-lime shrimp stuffed avocado, beef and lentil stew, stir-fry beef with basil, quinoa and lentil tabbouleh, and even desserts such as cranberry amazeballs, chocolate banana overnight oats, and dairy-free mango sago. Each recipe also indicates the number of calories and fat-fighting nutrients it contains.

Take the first step to being a better you in 21 Days to a Sexier You Cookbook + Weight Loss Plan by Rachel and Chef Barni from ABS-CBN Publishing.

Priced at Php 295, the book is available in leading bookstores nationwide. *** Fringe Ph, through its Manila Fringe Festival 2018, the largest city-wide festival in the metropolis, presents as one of its featured artists the Bohol Dance Project Company, a newly formed contemporary dance ensemble in Bohol developed through the collaboration of French choreographers and Boholano dance groups. The program entitled A Blue Evening will showcase three original dance creations at the Maybank Theater/ Bohol Dance Project Company

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Shoot a film with your iPhone English actress Claire Foy in Steven Soderbergh's iPhone movie, 'Unsane.'

ISAH V. RED

MNL48 is an all-girl Filipino idol group which is the Philippine chapter of Japanese pop group phenomenon AKB48.

NEW GIRLS ON THE BLOCK

‘It’s Showtime’

I

NOW, anyone can be a filmmaker with his iPhone. Even acclaimed directors are using mobile phones to shoot their movies.

Steven Soderbergh shot Unsane entirely using an iPhone. Soderbergh reportedly was greatly impressed with the quality of iPhone, “I think this is the future,” he said in recent interviews. “Anybody going to see this movie who has no idea of the backstory to the production will have no idea this was shot on the phone. That’s not part of the conceit.”

Soderbergh directed the highly successful heist trilogy Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, and Ocean’s 13.

His latest horror thriller features Claire Foy (Netflix’s The Crown) and is about a woman who w a s

reveals roster of MNL48 aspirants

T’S Showtime has kicked off the nationwide search for the first generation members of the country’s firstever all-girl idol group MNL48, the Filipino version of Japan’s highest-selling and phenomenal idol group AKB48.

Produced by ABS-CBN and Hallo Hallo Entertainment, the search revealed its second weekly top ten aspirants, who were determined through fan votes from the top 75 girls who made it to the latest stage of the competition.

The top ten girls, led by the topranking Eunice of Cabanatuan, other aspirants Sayaka of Legazpi City, twins Shaina and Shaira of Cainta, Alice of Quezon City, Aria of Antipolo, Tin of Iloilo, Essel of Cavite, Heart of Malabon, and Abby of Cavite, danced to the classic OPM hit “Mr. Kupido,” in It’s Showtime last weekend.

Abby is the new face that joined the group, while Eunice zoomed to the top from her number six ranking last week.

Val of Cavite, last week’s top one, failed to make the cut this time.

Every week, the ranking of the top 75 girls may change depending on the

MIKOY MORALES

votes cast by their fans. Voting is also reset and reopened weekly so fans can vote again for their “oshi” or favorite on the MNL48 website (MNL48.ph) and mobile app, where the highest to the bottom ranking applicants and their audition videos are displayed.

The top 75 girls also undergo daily trainings and appear on their online show (MNL48 on YouTube) to engage with their fans.

Every Saturday, the ten girls who will receive the highest number of fan votes for the week will be revealed and perform on the It’s Showtime stage, boosting their chances of getting in the idol group.

The competition, meanwhile, will conclude in April with the announcement of the group’s official

in 'Tunay na Buhay' TONIGHT on GMA-7, Tunay na Buhay features Sirkus lead star Mikoy Morales.

In 2012, Mikoy was one of the runners up in the Kapuso reality search Protégé: Battle for the Big Artista Break. Since then, he appeared in many TV programs, did a couple of indie films, and became a household name as ‘Roxy’, the lovable gay ‘BFF’ of Chito and Nikki in the toprating sitcom Pepito Manaloto.

Now, Mikoy top bills the new fantasy series Sirkus as Miko with Mikee Quintos.

Join Rhea Santos as she discovers the life story of actor and singer Mikoy Morales. Watch Tunay na Buhay tonight after Saksi on GMA 7.

Kapuso star Mikoy Morales

members.

Just like its origin and sister group AKB48, MNL48 members will be performing daily in an exclusive theater and will automatically become the first endorsers of Tokyo Girls Collection Shop, which will soon open at Vertis North Mall in Quezon City. The newest group’s supporters can also look forward to the girls’ music recording, handshake events, TV guestings, and a concert.

AKB48 is also recognized as an international sister group, with sister groups in Thailand, Taiwan, India, and Indonesia.

Who among the girls will succeed in the coming weeks and ultimately make up the country’s first-ever all-girl idol group?

Get updates on MNL48’s top 75 aspirants by watching It’s Showtime, tuning in to its daily online show on YouTube, and following @ mnl48official on Twitter, Instagram, a n d Facebook.

involuntarily confined to a mental institution after failing to prove to the authorities that she is being followed by a digital stalker. Within the asylum, she gets to confront her greatest fear – is it real or is it a delusion?

Unsane will open in cinemas on March 21 from 20th Century Fox. Check out the film’s trailer - https://www.facebook. com/20thcenturyfoxphilippines/ videos/10159948020670582/ *** ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) formally welcomed entrepreneur and financial expert Quintin Pastrana as its newest anchor when he was introduced as the new co-host of On The Money and the resident business expert of ShopTalk on the country’s premier 24/7 allEnglish cable news channel.

“I look forward to working with professionals whether they be fellow anchors or the great production and marketing team that make ANC what it is as an institution,” he said.

Quintin said his entry to the Philippines’ no.1 local cable news channel was like coming full circle as he was invited by On The Money co-anchor Salve Duplito to join the show five years ago, before he ventured into TV work.

On the Money airs every Saturday at 4 p.m., and Shop Talk every Friday at 7:30 p.m. with replays throughout the week.

Continued on C3 Entrepreneur and financial expert Quintin Pastrana

Sally Hawkins in a love affair beyond words ACCLAIMED filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, known for his hit feature films Hellboy and Pacific Rim brings a new world far beyond one’s imagination in The Shape of Water, composed of a stellar cast that includes Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

The Shape of Water is a fairy tale set in the Cold War era that sees the journey of Elisa (Hawkins), a mute janitress in a highly-secured government facility who connected and fell in love with a marine creature (Jones). From Elisa’s loneliness and powerlessness, she soon becomes a heroine who takes huge risks, made all the more extraordinary because the role is almost without words.

Rendered mute by a childhood trauma, Elisa communicates in American Sign Language (ASL), but she is able to express herself effusively when she encounters the strange aquatic creature being warehoused in the government lab where she works as a cleaning lady.

Elisa sees none of the creature’s oddities when she sets eyes on the iridescent beauty in chains – to her,

he is sheer loneliness and that makes him instantly worthy of her attention.

Elisa’s rich and brave interior world comes to life via a luminous performance from Academy Award® nominee Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky, Blue Jasmine) that propels the story forward at every turn. Hawkins knew instantly there has never been and will never be a role quite like Elisa.

“It’s so rare that you get a role that asks you to put it all out there. Where it’s about unadulterated expression and words are not needed, and you have the freedom to express so much through your eyes, breath and body.

That is Elisa,” says Hawkins.

Hawkins had a steep learning curve filming The Shape of Water. She began taking ASL classes and dance lessons well before rehearsals began. She also began feeling out the way Elisa moves, her lightness on the earth.

“To me, it seemed she is always floating, always in a kind of dance, so I wanted to get at that sort of otherworldly feeling in her physical being,” she describes.

The Shape of Water opens in cinemas nationwide today from 20th Century Fox.

OSCAR-WORTHY. English actress Sally Hawkins plays a mute janitress in the fantasy drama film by Guillermo del Toro, 'The Shape of Water.'