Manila Standard - 2020 January 17 - Friday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 337 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lockdown bugs relief operations

More problems: Lack of medics, volunteers, funds

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ISASTER officials are having difficulty bringing relief to about 12,000 families in 244 evacuation centers after a lockdown imposed by local governments effectively closed the roads they typically use.

In an interview with radio dzMM, Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Lito Castro said they have had to seek help of the Philippine Coast Guard to transport relief goods to the evacuees.

Castro said taking sick evacuees to hospitals has also grown more difficult because health centers and hospitals in

the municipalities under lockdown have been closed, including the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery.

An additional problem was the lack of volunteers, paramedics and medical personnel to take care of the evacuees—despite local governments from around the country sending their disaster teams to Batangas and Cavite—and the funds needed to sustain all relief

operations, he added.

Health officials, meanwhile, were looking for signs of disease and trauma among evacuees in shelters five days after Taal erupted, displacing thousands of families.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told ANC Headstart that many elderly residents were traumatized after the volcano spewed a giant ash cloud 55,000 feet into the air last Sunday.

Some reports also surfaced that persons with disability were left in their homes within the 14-kilometer danger zone, as their relatives and neighbors scrambled to escape the heavy ashfall from the country’s second most active volcano.

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Danger signs of ‘big bang’ eruption persist

By Rio N. Araja, Francisco Tuyay and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE threat of Taal Volcano unleashing a potentially catastrophic eruption remains high, authorities warned Thursday, saying it was showing dangerous signs despite a “lull” in spewing ash.

Scores of earthquakes rattle the region daily and large fissures are opening up in the ground, which means the magma that would fuel a major eruption is still flowing beneath.

Authorities are struggling to keep evacuees, some 50,000 of whom fled to shelters after Taal burst to life Sunday, away from the danger zone around the volcano.

People are trying to get back to homes they left in a hurry to get a change of clothes, feed livestock and pets and check on properties damaged by the fissures or covered with a thick layer of Next page ash.

Duterte lauds Phivolcs action

By MJ Blancaflor, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

RAPID RESPONSE. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (topmost photo) load ready-to-eat packs and face masks from China and Japan to the BRP Tubbataha to be brought to Batangas for Taal Volcano victims. Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay (middle and lower photos) orders the deployment of a super tanker, mobile shower and kitchen and other disaster response vehicles to Batangas to assist thousands of evacuees.

(Story on B4) Norman Cruz, Makati PIO

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he was satisfied with the performance of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology despite accusations that it did not issue early warnings about the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President saw no shortcomings in the way PHIVOLCS advised the public about the volcanic activity.

The Palace, however, will not stop lawmakers from investigating PHIVOLCS, if they want to, adding that this is the prerogative of the legislature.

“It’s up to them. We cannot stop them or discourage them—that is their call,” Next page Panelo said in a briefing.

MASKED IN MUD. A mountain near Taal Volcano is covered in mud and ash (topmost) following the volcano’s eruption on Sunday, with authorities showing how they are preparing for what they call a potentially catastrophic eruption (middle photo), with number of affected people in areas within the 14-km danger zone. Lower photo shows a police officer standing at a roadblock at the edge of a restricted area in Talisay, where all roads to the town have been closed since the eruption. AFP

Polio outbreak: QC posts first case FOUR new cases of polio were confirmed by the Department of Health on Thursday, including one in Quezon City—the first such case of the disease in the National Capital Region in two decades―as the total number of polio cases nationwide reached 16 since the new outbreak was declared in September 2019.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said a threeyear-old child from Sitio Kaliwa, Barangay Batasan Hills in Quezon City

tested positive for polio.

Belmonte instructed city health officer Dr. Esperanza Arias to intensify their surveillance of the disease in the area, and “to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that it remains an isolated case.”

“The local government will also extend assistance to address the medical need of the child,” she said.

The Research Institute of Tropical Medicine reported two additional polio Next page

Charge ex-PNP chief with graft—DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has sufficient basis to indict former Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde and several police officers, in connection with the alleged irregular anti-drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.

In a resolution released Thursday, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors found probable cause to charge Albayalde with graft after finding out that Next page

Albayalde

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News

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody creates anti-hunger task force task force will also initiate programs to attain food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, the RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has formed a task EO says.

The secretary of the Department of Soforce to ensure a coordinated and responsive cial Welfare and Development will sit as approach of government agencies in addressing vice chairman of the body. hunger problems in the country.

The other members of task force are the heads of the Departments of Agriculture, Budget and Management, Education, Through Executive Order 101 signed that will outline government priorities to Environment, Health, Interior and Local Jan. 10, President Duterte created the eradicate hunger, and based on a compre- Government, Trade and Industry, and SciInter-Agency Task Force, which is man- hensive understanding of the problem. ence and Technology. dated to formulate a National Food Policy Led by the Cabinet secretary, the Completing the body as members are

By MJ Blancaflor

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the heads of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, National Economic and Development Authority and Commission on Higher Education.

The body will submit an annual report to the President on the state of hunger, food security, nutrition and agricultural production in the country.

In establishing the task force, Duterte cited the “need to carefully coordinate, rationalize, monitor and assess the efforts of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities to ensure a whole-ofgovernment approach.”

Clamor mounts Robredo blew her chances as drug war czarina—Palace for disaster resilience body

By Maricel V. Cruz TWO more congressmen on Thursday joined the call for the immediate passage of the bill that creates the Department of Disaster Resilience.

Representatives Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Precious Hipolito-Castelo said the bill’s enactment is significant as it focuses on, apart from the creation of permanent evacuation centers, the formulation of disaster management plans particularly for the communities most vulnerable to natural calamities.

Several lawmakers led by Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda Marie of the Tingog Partylist, earlier batted for the speedy passage of the bill in light of the series of disasters, including destructive typhoons and earthquakes as well as man-made calamities.

Villafuerte, a deputy speaker, called on the Senate to act at once on its version of the House-approved consolidated DDR bill when Congress resumes session next week, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents of Lipa and Tanuan plus at least 12 municipalities in Batangas on the path of Taal Volcano’s latest fury.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are bracing for the “big bang” or hazardous explosive eruption, base surges and volcanic tsunami that experts fret could happen “within hours or days.”

Villafuerte, an author of the Houseapproved consolidated DDR bill, said “Taal’s continued eruption after four decades of dormancy gives the Congress more reason to pass this measure creating a new Department that would let government best prepare for natural calamities along with other disasters induced by climate change.”

Castelo urged Malacañang to certify as urgent the House bill creating the Department of Disaster Resiliency.

Castelo, vice chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, said “our experience on the slow and uncoordinated response to the Taal Volcano eruption proved the government needs to enact the proposed law as soon as possible.”

The lawmaker said the country needs a “super body” to zero in on its requirement for disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation.

“What we lack is a coordinating body with highly trained individuals and available budget to handle such delicate tasks,” Castelo said.

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cases from Maguindanao, both males, ages two and three; one from Sultan Kudarat, a twoyear-old male; and the boy in Quezon City.

They all manifested fever, diarrhea, muscle pain, asymmetric ascending paralysis and weakness of extremities, the institute said in a statement.

Still, DOH extended its Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio campaign to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and to boost protection for those already vaccinated against the disease.

The succeeding rounds are scheduled on Jan. 20 to Feb. 2 in all regions of Mindanao, and on Jan. 27 to Feb. 7 in the National Capital Region.

“I urge all parents and caregivers of children under five years old to take part in the coming SPKP campaign rounds scheduled in your respective areas. Have your children, including those with private physicians or pediatricians, vaccinated with oral polio vaccine by health workers and ‘bakunators’,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Additional polio doses “can provide additional protection to your children.

There is no overdose with the oral polio vaccine,” Duque said.

The DOH and local government units aim to accomplish 95-percent coverage in all identified areas for every SPKP round, he said.

The secretary also urged all health facilities to strengthen their Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance. All health facilities must promptly report every case of AFP in any child under 15 years of age and gather sufficient stool specimen samples.

Duque said the outbreak must be halted, and “we can only do this if all our health facilities are achieving the targets for all AFP surveillance indicators, and in every SPKP round, all of the target population are reached and vaccinated.

Rio Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

MALACAÑANG on Thursday lashed out at Vice President Leni Robredo anew and said she “blew up” in her role as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs, following a poll showing she had a “moderate” satisfaction rating.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Vice President was given a “rare chance” of introducing new programs that would improve the government’s anti-narcotics campaign but she failed.

“To my mind, she was being given the rare chance of introducing other schemes that will improve in the campaign against the prohibited drugs and she blew it. That’s my personal opinion,” Panelo said.

His remarks came after the Social Weather Stations said 44 percent of 1,200 respondents polled in December last year were satisfied with her performance as ICAD chair, while 26 percent were dissatisfied and 30 percent were ambivalent.

This gives a net satisfaction score of +18, classified by SWS as “moderate.”

The same survey also bared that 49 percent of respondents agreed that the removal of Robredo as co-chairperson of InterAgency Committee Against Illegal Drugs was an admission that the administration’s anti-narcotics campaign was failing.

Thirty percent were undecided, while 21 percent disagreed with it.

This gives a +28 net agreement score, classified by SWS as “moderately strong.”

But many Filipinos are still convinced that Duterte showed sincerity in tapping Robredo as ICAD co-chair to improve the fight against illegal drugs, the latest survey

by SWS said.

The SWS poll, fielded from Dec. 13 to 16 last year, revealed that 44 percent of Filipinos believed Duterte was “sincere” in appointing Robredo as ICAD co-chair.

Sixteen percent of the 44 percent said Duterte was “definitely sincere,” while the remaining 28 percent said the President was “somewhat sincere.”

Only 27 percent gave a dissenting opinion, with 15 percent of them thinking that the Chief Executive was “somewhat insincere” and the other 12 percent saying he was “definitely insincere.”

Twenty-nine percent could not give an exact answer, the pollster noted.

The respondents were asked: “In your opinion, is President Duterte… (Definitely sincere; Somewhat sincere; Undecided if sincere or not; Somewhat insincere; Definitely insincere) in appointing Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chairperson of ICAD?”

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government units in Batangas.

He said anyone wanting access to highrisk areas should coordinate with local disaster officials.

“LGUs may allow, on a case to case basis, access to the high-risk areas but this has to be done in coordination with local disaster officials and is dependent on prevailing conditions,” he said.

Malaya said the PNP has also deployed a special anti-looting task force to patrol the danger zones to ensure that properties are safe and secure.

Malaya reiterated that the volcano island is completely off limits and the PNP Maritime Group and the Philippine Coast Guard will stop anyone attempting to return to the island.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said residents who try to return to their homes in the danger zone should be stopped.

“I believe in prevention. It’s just right to have a lockdown,” said Gatchalian as he aired an appeal to those residing within the Taal Volcano danger zone to cooperate and heed the lockdown, which was imposed for their own good.

PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum, however, said residents do not have to evacuate Tagaytay City, even though it is within the 14-kilometer danger zone, because it is elevated enough to be safe from the potential base surge, tsunami or pyroclastic current that Taal could spawn.

The PNP, meanwhile, allowed Batangas residents to return to their homes to check on their livestock and property for two hours.

Authorities have warned since Sunday that the volcano, which sits south of Manila and is one of the country’s most active, could let loose a powerful eruption in hours or days.

Taal’s last eruption was in 1977, but it has a long history of activity. In 1965, an eruption at the volcano, which is a popular tourist attraction set in a picturesque lake, killed some 200 people.

The country’s most powerful explosion in recent years was the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila, which killed more than 800 people. With AFP, PNA

“Please allow us to observe the lull period for now. We are studying what that means,” Maria Antonia Bornas, a scientist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“A long lull could be just a break from volcanic activity,” she said. “The danger remains.”

She said no one or no instrument could determine when a base surge could occur.

“The lull is either a good or a bad thing.

Should the lull continue, that’s good (news).

We may stand down,” she said.

On the other hand, she said it could be a “resting phase” before a new cycle of explosive activity.

On Thursday after 6 a.m., two small explosions were recorded. The short-lived eruption sent out dark gray ash plumes 500 meters to 800 meters high.

Alert Level 4 remained, necessitating the total evacuation of the volcano island and high-risk areas within a 14-kilometer radius from the main crater.

From 5 a.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m.

Thursday, PHIVOLCS recorded 103 volcanic earthquakes, 14 of which were intensities 1 to 3.

Taal’s main crater lake has dried up, having been vaporized by the magma coming out of the volcano, Bornas said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government called on the public not to risk their safety and their lives and stay out of the 14-kilometer radius danger zone around Taal Volcano.

On Monday, the department ordered the mandatory evacuation of 199 barangays in 15 municipalities and cities in Batangas and Cavite identified as the most suceptible to ballistic projectiles, base surges and volcanic tsunami as a result of an eruption of the volcano.

“We do not want to leave anything to chance,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año.

DILG spokesman Jonathan E. Malaya said that the Philippine National Police has created a perimeter task force and set up checkpoints in all entry points to enforce the lockdown imposed by the various local

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he did not implement an order “which sought to penalize the police officers involved in the questioned drug operation.”

The controversial operation reportedly took place on Nov. 23, 2013 at the house being rented by large-scale Korean drug trafficker Johnson Lee at Woodbridge Subdivision, Lakeshore, Mexico, Pampanga.

The PNP raiding team allegedly released Lee in exchange for 160 kilograms of shabu worth P648 million, P50 million in cash, and brand new sport-utility vehicles.

In Lee’s stead, the police presented Chinese national Ding Wengkun as suspect instead.

Albayalde was the provincial chief of police of Pampanga when the controversial drug raid occurred.

The panel of prosecutors’ findings against Albayalde will be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“The Panel found probable cause to charge Albayalde with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an

act constituting a violation of rules and regulations in connection with the official duties of the latter, and for causing any undue injury to any party, including the government,” the DOJ said in a statement.

The panel anchored its finding on Albayalde’s non-implementation of an order that would have penalized the police officers involved in the questioned drug operation.

Aside from Albayalde, also recommended for indictment for graft were P/Supt. Rodney Raymundo Louie Juico Baloyo IV; P/Insp. Joven Bagnot De Guzman, Jr.; SPO1 Jules Lacap Maniago; SPO1 Donald Castro Roque; SPO1 Ronald Bayas Santos, SPO1 Rommel Muñoz Vital; SPO1 Alcindor Mangiduyos Tinio; PO3 Dindo Singian Dizon; PO3 Gilbert Angeles De Vera; PO3 Romeo Encarnacio Guerrero, Jr.SPO1 Eligio Dayos Valeroso; and SPO1 Dante Mercado Dizon.

Baloyo and 11 other policemen were found liable for misappropriation of confiscated drugs, planting of evidence, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases―all offenses under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On Oct. 31, 2019, Duterte picked Robredo as co-chair of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron Aquino at ICAD. Duterte appointed Robredo as drug czar following the latter’s claim that the antinarcotics campaign was “absolutely not working.”

He also took the opportunity to let the Vice President help the government in curbing the drug proliferation in the country.

But 18 days after her appointment as ICAD co-chair, she was removed from office due to alleged “missteps” such as meeting with foreign personalities and groups that have prejudged the drug war and her supposed failure to present new measures aimed at putting an end to the drug menace.

The same survey released by SWS bared that 56 percent of the respondents are aware of Robredo’s removal from the ICAD, while only 43 percent learned about it only during the conduct of the poll.

SWS said the December poll also found that 49 percent agreed that Duterte’s move to fire Robredo was an admission that the drug war was “failing” while 21 percent disagreed and the remaining 31 percent were ambivalent on the matter.

MJ Blancaflor, with PNA

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“They thought it was the end of the world... especially in the initial days of the volcanic eruption that, not only did it spew ash and pyroclastic materials, but also the thunder, the lightning that were coming out,” Duque said.

Trained psychosocial health officers are now working in with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to make services more responsive to the people in the evacuation centers, Duque said.

Health officials are also on the lookout for possible outbreaks of disease, he said.

“In the vulnerable areas where the volume of ashfall has been really massive, these are the people that we need to prioritize, those with pre-existing conditions have to be really monitored and taken care of,” he said.

Ashfall may worsen the condition of elderly people already suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and other lung conditions, he said.

Duque urged people exposed to the ashfall to wear masks at all times, as toxic chemicals such as carbon dioxide, sulfer dioxide, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, fluorine and silica are not just irritants but can damage lung tissue.

He said the department has handed out about 27,000 N95 masks and about 300,000 disposable surgical masks.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Wednesday said more than P2 million worth of assistance was given to residents affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

The council said a total of 10,455 families or 44,065 individuals have been affected in Batangas and Cavite.

Of that number, 9,508 families or 40,126 people are currently staying in 189 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC further reported that as of Jan. 14, all national road sections in Calabarzon were already passable.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said the damage to agriculture caused by the volcanic activity was already at P577.39 million.

Also on Thursday, Senator Imee Marcos said the government should immediately conduct health audits at evacuation centers to prevent the spread of disease.

She said the Department of Health and barangay health workers should apply the lesson learned in the aftermath of Typhoon “Yolanda” that staying long in the crowded and makeshift environment of evacuation centers posed health risks especially to pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and patients undergoing dialysis or chemotherapy.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Contractuals in gov’t get P3,000 each in gratuity pay JOB order and contractual workers in the government are set to receive at least P3,000 in “gratuity pay,” after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the release of funds for them.

Under Administrative Order 20 signed Jan. 10, all job order and contractual workers who have rendered at least four months of service as of Dec. 15, 2019, will receive a gratuity pay not exceeding P3,000 each, while those who have rendered less than four months of service will be compensated on a prorata basis.

The gratuity pay for those who have rendered less than four months of service is as follows: not exceeding P2,000 (3 months or more but less than 4 months); not exceeding P1,500 (2 months or more but less than 3 months); and not exceeding P1,000 (less than 2 months).

Covered by Duterte’s order are contractual and job order employees under the national government agencies, state universities and colleges, governmentowned or controlled corporations and local water districts.

The funds will be sourced from the respective budgets of the offices concerned.

In case of deficiency, the agencies may request the Department of Budget and Management for additional funds, which will be charged against the identified savings of such agencies and subject to the approval of the President.

“Granting a year-end gratuity pay to JO and COS [contract of service] workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work,” Duterte said.

Duterte, meanwhile, encouraged local government units to provide gratuity pay to their workers. MJ Blancaflor

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Panelo lauded PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum for explaining the situation well in his updates on the condition of Taal Volcano.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, on the other hand, criticized the call for a congressional probe of PHIVOLCS. “The mere fact that nobody was reported to have died, I think we should not blame PHIVOLCS and just allow them to do their job,” Lacson said.

Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the lack of new bulletins before the volcano’s eruption.

“This is not the time to blame people.

The situation is still there. We don’t know what else will happen. And quite regularly they are giving updates. So I think it’s a bit premature if we start blaming them now,” Lacson said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, urged the Department of Education to have emergency response plans in place for the safety of students and schools in the event of a major eruption, which could come at any time.

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals finally reached Taal Island and was able to rescue dogs, horses and other animals left abandoned by owners at the height of the Taal Volcano eruption.

This after the authorities allowed the group--on a case-to-case basis and with proper coordination with local disaster officials--to conduct rescue operations for the animals within the 14-km high-risk area from the Taal main crater.

PETA was the first charity group to reach Taal island, which is scattered with dead animals and reeks of decomposing flesh.

“Among all this death, there are also survivors—scared dogs, horses, cows, and other animals—and they’re in desperate need of help. Our rescue team is doing everything that it can to evacuate them from the island for urgent veterinary care,” the group said.

One of the animals rescued was a dog named Palakitik.

“Palakitik is a dog who lives on Taal island.

Everyone at PETA knows her very well from the horse clinics we’ve been running on the island. She always meets us at the shore and follows us around everywhere,” said Nirali Shah of PETA Asia.

When the eruptions began, the group feared the worst for Palakitik, and when rescue team members stepped onto the island for the first time on Wednesday and called out to her, they didn’t know if she was dead or alive.

“To their amazement, Palakitik came running up through the ash, overjoyed to see friendly faces! After providing her with the only food and clean water she’d likely had since the eruption—and showering her with lots of love and affection—PETA’s team took her off the island to receive veterinary care and to sleep safely in the comfort of a soft bed,” Shah said.

PETA’s team also rescued other animals from the island and said they would not stop working until “everyone is safe.”

The animal rescue team has been on the ground in the evacuation zone since Monday morning, trying to minimize the impact of Taal Volcano’s eruptions by providing abandoned dogs and other animals with food and veterinary care.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

POEA okays total ban of OFWs in Kuwait Congress needs to okay P10b T

By Vito Barcelo

HE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration issued a resolution totally banning the deployment of Filipino household workers, semi-skilled and skilled workers and professionals, except for skilled and professional workers who were just on vacation in the country.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who is also head of the POEA Governing Board, signed POEA-GBT No. 04, series of 2020 on Jan. 16, 2020, banning the deployment of Filipino household workers to Kuwait after an autopsy of Jeanalyn Villavende’s body found that she was also sexually abused, a finding that was not indicated in the initial autopsy conducted by a Kuwaiti government.

“Under the deployment ban order, all newly hired skilled and professional workers are included and cannot leave the country effective immediately,” Bello said in a press briefing at the Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

He said the processing of job applications to Kuwait is also suspended.

The Philippine government implemented a partial deployment ban to Kuwait after the death of Villavende but amended by the POEA Governing Board to a total deployment ban after an autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation showed that Villavende’s body was also sexually abused.

The Labor chief said that the total deployment ban is indefinite and would only be lifted should the Kuwaiti government implement key reforms that could effectively protect migrant workers in Kuwait.

“Kuwaiti government should also give proof that justice be given to Villavende’s death,” Bello said, adding that her employer works at Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.

Kuwait is home to about 180,000

Filipino workers, 60 percent of which were domestic helpers.

The Philippine government would ask other countries, including China, to accommodate workers to be affected by the policy and vowed to provide for the needs of those who would come home from Kuwait.

After Bello signed the order, the Palace said the deployment ban of Filipino workers in Kuwait stays unless its government honors a pact signed to guarantee their protection.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued this statement after the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration approved a resolution imposing a total deployment ban of all newly-hired workers bound for Kuwait.

Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, said the total deployment ban will be “indefinite” until such time that the Kuwaiti government implements its provisions.

“Until such time as the terms of the MOA (memorandum of agreement) are incorporated in each labor contract between the employer and the employee, the ban remains,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Citing Bello, Panelo said the Kuwaiti government has yet to honor the pact on the protection of Filipino workers in the Gulf State.

“Yun nga ang kundisyon e. Pag di niyo ginagawa ang pinag-usapan natin diyan, tuluy-tuloy yung ban natin (Those are the conditions. If you don’t implement what we have agreed upon, the ban stays),” Panelo said. With PNA

more for Taal victims—Win

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said Congress can pass a P10-billion supplemental budget to augment the funds needed to help the people affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

During yesterday’s “Kapihan sa Senado,” Gatchalian said at present, the government has P27-billion calamity fund—P16 billion for 2020 and P11 billion carried over from 2019.

However, he admitted this will not be enough considering the Taal Volcano eruption’s damages on agriculture and livelihood of affected families.

“It will not be enough so the Senate and House of Representatives can reallocate not lower than P10 billion for the purpose, but this is dependent on the findings later on,” said Gatchalian.

He said that the P35 billion is more on infrastructure only and does not include the loss on livelihood.

He said it is important to know the complete picture, but “I can see the need for a supplemental budget.”

Analysts, Gatchalian said, noted that the country could lose as much as P35 billion because of the Taal Volcano eruption.

“The initial damages was estimated at P35 billion. This can even increase.

We can see the huge shortage when it comes to calamity fund and the estimated damages,” said Gatchalian.

Transport group rejects banking loan system on e-jeeps

By Rio N. Araja OVER 400,000 public utility vehicle drivers and operators belonging to the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization are backing the PUV modernization program of the Department of Transportation, but are rejecting government’s proposal of its loan system to enable them to acquire modernized and imported units.

At a news conference in Quezon City, ACTO national president Efren de Luna echoed the sentiments of his

members against the cooperative-bank loan system to finance their vehicle acquisition.

“We prefer that we as operators be the ones to buy our own units rather than through a cooperative that shall transact bank financing,” he said.

“Government must also allow us choose the locally electronic jeepneys that could only cost between P1.3 million and P1.5 million, unlike those manufactured outside the Philippines amounting to more than P2 million per unit,” he added.

He expressed disappointment over

the other transport groups’ inclination to acquire imported e-jeeps.

He said they have nothing against the July 2020 implementation of the PUVMP. “We know how sincere the government is in its target to modernize the country’s transport system,” he told reporters.

An ordinary e-jeep driver could earn as much as P3,000 a day, “enough to pay the P22,000 monthly payment for an acquired unit,” he said.

On the other hand, one must be forced to earn P7,000 a day should one buy an imported e-jeep, he added.

End child rape now—Romualdezes HOUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and the Chairperson for the Committee on the Welfare of Children, Yedda Romualdez, who are parents to four children, lead the campaign for the protection of Filipino children. Wearing shirts that say #EndChildRape, the couple advocates for the increase of the age to determine statutory rape.

While the Philippine government has had numerous gains in child protection legislation, 1 in 5 Filipino children aged 13 to below 18 continue to experience sexual violence, according to the National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children, a 2015 government study.

They agree that one large gap that needs to be addressed is the age to determine statutory rape, which is at 12 years old.

This means that, according to the law, an adult can have sex with a 12-year-old and claim it was consensual.

“Twelve years old is too low. A 12-yearold has barely gone through puberty but the law assumes that they are old enough to give sexual consent. This is why rapists can easily get away with their crimes. We must put a stop to this,” says Rep. Yedda Romualdez.

Majority Leader Martin Romualdez also opens the issue of unequal protection for boys and girls, “When a boy is raped, the law sees it only as sexual assault. This has a much lesser penalty. This is unfair especially when data suggests that boys are more vulnerable than girls in school, the community, and in the workplace.

Kailangan pantay-pantay.”

Impose revision of water concessions deal—analyst PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s strong demands with regards to the modified water contracts with Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. and his threats against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal could prove detrimental to public-private partnership deals for infrastructure projects.

This warning was aired by Global Source Partners’s Romeo L. Bernardo, country analyst for the Philippines, in an e-mailed report sent recently.

“The continuing rants cannot but put these business groups in a somber mood, especially given the President’s strong one-sided demands,” said the report by the emerging-markets consulting firm.

Bernardo was referring to Duterte’s offer of a new water-distribution agreement with Maynilad and Manila Water, on the condition that should the

LOCKDOWN. Members of a composite law enforcement unit guard the

entrance at Laurel in Batangas as they implement a lockdown entering this town. (Inset) A man runs past a roadblock at the edge of a restricted area. The threat of the Philippines’ Taal Volcano unleashing a potentially catastrophic eruption remains high, authorities warned on Jan. 16, saying it was showing dangerous signs despite a ’lull’ in spewing ash. AFP

two water firms reject the new deals, their existing concessions will be cancelled and the government will take over water services in the country.

The President also threatened to file plunder or fraud charges against those who negotiated the supposed onerous water deals on behalf of the companies and the government.

The analyst was also alluding to the President’s threat not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. which expires in March.

In response to these developments, Bernardo expressed belief that investors and creditors will be more watchful of the regulatory environment and may eventually lead to higher loan rates — with parent firms being forced to agree to robust guarantees on their project loans.

IMEE VISIT. Senator Imee Marcos visited evacuation centers at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex and Dream Zone Capitol Site in Batangas City during her relief operations on Jan. 15.

WELCOME.

Malvar Batangas Evacuation Center Odyssey Foundation Inc. welcomed more evacuees affected by the Taal Volcano explosion.

Dindo Danao

ON THE JOB. Military officers and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel assist the residents of Lemery, Batangas affected by the spewing of Taal Volcano as they move to safer grounds . To avoid hazards caused by ashfall, the Department of Health is advising the public to remain indoors and keep all windows and doors closed. PNA

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Opinion

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

From LEAD to LEAF IN HIS inaugural speech yesterday as the 71st president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), topnotch ACCRA lawyer Francis Lim painted a markedly different scenario of the Philippine investment environment.

Foreign direct investments (FDI) are down dramatically. Why? Warned Lim in his 15-minute speech: “Unless we in the Philippines shape up, foreign investors will continue to view us as an unworthy investment destination and they might rather put their money in our ASEAN neighbors. Events of the recent past have exacerbated this perception.”

To be sure, FDI had been stagnant at the $5.5-billion level before Rodrigo Duterte began his presidency in July 2016. Following the euphoria about a populist but apparently business-friendly presidency, FDI hit a new high of $10.6 billion in 2017, the first full year of the Duterte presidency.

That is almost double the $5.3 billion average per year of 2015 and 2016 under the do-nothing President BS Aquino. Duterte’s economic team mesmerized investors with his Build, Build, Build infra program costing P8 trillion in six years or $157 billion for 75 projects.

Then Duterte started quarreling with Big Business. “I hate oligarchs,” he declared in various speeches. He accused the Ayala family in Manila Water and tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan of Maynilad Water of economic sabotage, serial plunder, syn-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Economic costs of Taal eruption

dicated estafa, tax evasion, among other crimes, for imposing so-called onerous pricing for their water in the East Zone and West Zone water concessions, respectively. He threatened to slap them in public, if he encountered them in a hotel lobby.

F stands for fairness.

He also stopped Congress from renewing the franchise of the Lopez family in ABS-CBN which ends in March 2020. Lopez had gotten Duterte’s goat when ABS-CBN failed to run the former Davao mayor’s ad for president during the May 2016 elections, after collecting P2 million and apparently not returning it to the president.

On Dec, 30, while addressing farmer victims of earthquake, Duterte added a fourth enemy oligarch, Isidro Consunji, chair, president and CEO of DMCI Holdings, which owns 25 percent of Maynilad Water. The President noted that one of DMCI’s Ecoland condominium buildings in Davao had collapsed. He demanded payment for the condo tenants.

Learning of the speech, Consunji agreed to pay 150 percent of the cost of their units, meaning the residents will get 1.5 times what they paid for their condos.

Duterte promised to spend the last two years of his presidency, hounding the oligarchs.

Ayala and Pangilinan have already offered not to pursue collecting the P7 billion in back rate increases given them by a Singapore arbitral court.

Under their contracts, Manila and

I

T IS too early to assess the damage of Taal Volcano's eruption on the Philippine economy. Scientists are still monitoring the behavior of the volcano and are not discounting the possibility of a catastrophic eruption in "hours or days" despite a "lull" in spewing ash.

The volcano on Sunday produced a towering burst of ash that reached 800 meters in the sky, and jets of lava.

Ashfall blanketed the towns surrounding Taal Lake and reached as far as Metro Manila.

Southern Luzon provinces are bearing the brunt of Taal Volcano's initial eruption, with the livelihood of fishermen and livestock producers around the lake completely disrupted. Philippine National Bank in a market report noted that the Southern Tagalog region is a main contributor to the supply of livestock and fish nationwide.

It cited government's initial damage estimates of P74.5 million on agricul-

ture in the CALABARZON region, adding 6,000 fish cages might be at risk due to the high sulfur content caused by the eruption.

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the operator of the power transmission network, meanwhile, reported low power reserves as several plants and transmission facilities in southern Luzon were affected by Taal Volcano's eruption.

Over 3,000 megawatts of capacity from Batangas and Laguna provinces were not available Thursday because of power line constraints amid Taal's eruption and the accompanying ashfall, limited operation of sev-

eral plants and forced outages.

Taal Volcano could also disrupt the operations of manufacturing companies in the economic zones of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. Region 4-A, comprising of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, or CALABARZON, accounted for 17 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2018.

The government, thus, should limit the impact of the volcanic eruption on the economy. It should immediately draw up rehabilitation efforts to restore economic activities in CALABARZON, and extend emergency credit facilities to small farmers, fishermen and livestock producers, who have quickly lost their livelihood.

The government, in addition, should delineate and enlarge the permanent danger zones around the volcano and the lake to prevent the loss of life.

Turn to A5

Lawmaker targets ‘colorum’ courier firms WITH revenues from e-commerce in the country posting phenomenal growth in recent years—P44 trillion in 2018, up from P36 trillion in 2017— and Filipino consumers benefiting in terms of convenience and lower prices of goods as the biggest online stores often offer discounts, you would think that both sellers and buyers are happy, and the domestic economy flourishes as well.

Well, not everyone is glad over the convenience that online shopping brings.

We are, after all, a government of laws and not of men.

Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza is incensed that the biggest online stores in the country are using unlicensed courier services for delivery of goods being ordered online. He has filed House Resolution No. 481 urging his colleagues to look into freight and forwarding services operating in the country which have no license and are therefore unregulated.

Atienza wants to summon representatives from the top online stores to ask why they use courier services like Ninja Express PH or NinjaVan and J&T Express that are said to operate without any license from the Department of Information and Communication Technology.

“We will call them when the investigation on my House resolution on this big-time colorum courier services starts,” he said.

The lawmaker pointed out that three courier firms, namely NinjaVan, J&T Express and Entrego Philippines, aren't small operators but

big-time players since they employ thousands of motorists to deliver goods all over the country.

“I thought before these companies are small-fry but when I was told that they at least have 5,000 motor vehicles operating under their name, they are no longer small enterprises but big-time colorum,” he said, adding that aside from lacking the proper licenses, these are fully foreign-owned companies which violate the 60-40 rule on ownership of public service, convenience, and logistics companies as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.

DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio has confirmed that these companies are indeed operating without a license from the DICT since they are not among the companies that are listed in the list of accredited courier services in the agency's website. He said they have already issued warnings to traditional and online merchants against dealing with unlicensed couriers since they will fully be responsible for any loss or problems in the delivery of services. “We already issued the warnings. All they have to do is go to the DICT website to see the companies that are accredited,” he pointed out.

According to the DICT, the only couriers licensed to operate nationwide are: 2Go Express, Inc.; Go21, Inc.; Intertraffic Transport Corp.; JRS Business Corporation; LBC Express, Inc.; Quickreliable Courier Services, Inc.; Wide Wide World Express Corporation; and Xytron International, Inc. Atienza emphasized that courier services used to be regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry but this function has already been transferred to DICT under its Postal Regulations Division.

With the recent boom in e-commerce, many courier services have sprouted because they can make quick profits. E-couriers are now estimated to be worth P36 billion.

The lawmaker wants the House to conduct a full-dress investigation of the unlicensed courier services for the protection of the government, Turn to A5

US uncorks a bottle of job-killing wine tariffs on American firms

By Heather Scott WOULD you pay $28 for a $14 glass of French wine?

Most people would balk and instead substitute a more reasonably priced option, from Australia or Virginia or California, which means the importer of that French wine, and the warehouse workers who stored it and the truck driver who delivered it all will find their jobs in jeopardy.

It's a bad time for the wine industry in the United States.

French, Spanish and German wines, with a few exceptions, have been hit by 25 percent US tariffs in a longstanding fight between the United States and the European Union over illegal government subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

But President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly shown his preference for tough talk and steep tariffs, is threatening to raise those tariffs to 100 percent and remove the exemptions.

One wine importer already has

had to lay off staff—including his own son.

"I just finished 35 years in business. Over that time I've probably fired eight or 10 people. They all had it coming and most of them were expecting it," said Dan Kravitz, founder of Hand Picked Selections, which specializes in wines from the French Mediterranean and Spain.

"I never laid off anybody until October 18," when the tariffs on wine and other European goods took effect.

Kravitz said he cut four of 13 fulltime employees and two part-timers "and that included my son."

Raising the tariff to 100 percent would put him and many others in the industry out of business, he said in an interview.

Ironically, he started his wine importing business so that he could spend more time with his young son, shifting gears after years working in restaurants.

But in the changing business environment, his son's design skills became expendable.

Uncertainty means delayed investment Unlike Trump's multiple, unilateral trade conflicts—over steel, aluminum, autos and with China— the Airbus dispute predates his administration, and the tariffs on $7.5 billion in products from the European Union were authorized by the World Trade Organization following 15 years of litigation.

The tariffs are a bid to hurt European companies to pressure their governments to abide by global trade rules and withdraw the subsidies— which the United States argues allow Airbus to compete unfairly against Boeing.

But American businesses argue they are collateral damage in the dispute and many may not survive.

"They might be putting a sanction toward the EU but it's going to directly impact the small businesses in America and also the customers," said Shelley Lindgren, wine director and co-owner of A16, an Italian Turn to A5

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Opinion Taal CROSSROADS

J.A. DE LA CRUZ TAAL Volcano and Lake are again in the news 43 years after the volcano’s last eruption in 1977 with that massive explosion three days ago, Jan. 12. One of the most attractive tourist sites in the Philippines, Taal is considered an active, complex volcano with a crater lake partially covering the Taal Caldera itself. Scientific journals including Wikipedia consider that crater/ lake as the largest lake on an island in a lake on an island in the world—a wondrous phenomenon created out of the more than 34 eruptions which have occurred on Volcano island, an island in the middle of the lake.

The same journals have also pointed out that the crater lake contains Vulcan Point, "a small rocky island that projects from the surface of the crater lake which was the remnant of the old crater floor that is now surrounded by the two-kilometer wide lake now referred to as the Main Crater lake."

Again, that natural outcrop (Vulcan Point) is often cited as "the largest third order island (island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island" in the whole world.

It is no wonder then that these two wondrous phenomena of the entire Taal Volcano and lake complex have attracted not just tourists but scientists as well as it was included in the list of 16 volcanoes (commonly known as the Decade Volcanoes) identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the World's Interior as "being worthy of particular study in light of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas."

The Decade Volcanoes project was initiated in 1990 as part of the UN sponsored International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction and is a continuing undertaking supported not only by the UN and the governments where the volcanoes are located but more importantly by the scientific community which is why this latest eruption has attracted such a huge audience of experts this time involving other disciplines such as risk reduction, disaster management, lifeline and livelihood, environmental and even resettlement, among others.

Why am I relating all this information at this point? Simple. Because there has been a trove of misinforma-

From LEAD...

From A4

Maynilad can sue the government if it refuses to grant rate increases.

The government refused and so the two companies sued—in Singapore which happily approved their rate hikes. This incensed Duterte. He rescinded the 25-year contract extension to 2037 from 2022 given by the Arroyo administration to Manila and Maynilad and told them to agree to a new draft contract.

Duterte’s anti-business stance has not escaped notice from foreign investors. Hence, they are holding back their money.

Said Francis Lim at MAP: “Data are staring us in the face. For the past three years, foreign direct investments have consistently gone down from $10.3 billion in 2017 to $9.8 billion in 2018 and projected to fall further to $6.9 billion in 2019, or 33 percent decrease from the 2017 level.

Our $6.9-billion 2019 FDIs will only be about 1/3 of Vietnam’s $20.4 billion and nearly 1/4 less than Indonesia’s $24-billion foreign investments in 2019.”

Lawmaker...

From A4

consumers and their employees as well.

“The government doesn’t get any benefit from these couriers because they are not licensed. They don’t pay taxes. The consumers have no protection. The employees of these colorum employees also don’t have protection in case something happens to them during delivery. We want these companies to be held accountable and responsible,” Atienza said.

The Filipino delivery firm JRS Ex-

tion, half-baked data and out-and-out fake news streaming in both traditional and social media adding to the tension and burden which have accompanied the movement of people, vehicles and other resources immediately after that massive explosion three days ago.

One such is the somewhat politically angled thrust that the administration was caught flat-footed by this sudden development. Some people were even re-posting the old and tired "Nasan Ang Pangulo" tirade which was of course a dud as the President had been off and issuing out directives even before his place could land in Manila after the airport partially opened last Jan. 13.

It is time we enhanced our ongoing relief and assistance operations.

More cynically, these guys could not help but vent their contrived anan ger on Phivolcs for "sleeping on the job." They maintained without verifying that the agency was taken aback by the sudden eruption. That was farthest from the truth. To the credit of the hardworking agency professionals, since March this year Phivolcs has been raising concern over the tremors and movements registered by its monitors in and around Taal Volcano which it duly advised to the local government units and the communities surrounding the island. In a word, Phivolcs and the DOST had they eye on the ball.

Besides, these agencies have always been saying that Taal remained one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second most active in the Philippines. This means it can explode anytime. Even historians and longtime residents of the areas around the volcano have time and again reminded people about the devastation which have visited those places since that first recorded eruption in 1572.

But like all volcano monitors, there is really no way you can accurately predict when the "Big One" happens.

Nonetheless, they were on alert with eyes open, not sleeping as some others are insisting. In this case, the agency's alert system was on full throttle from the evening of January 10 up to a few minutes before the explosion itself which is why it was in a position to to raise the alert status in Volcano island and other areas within 14 kilometers

from the volcano to Alert Level 4— the highest such alert issuance under existing guidelines—in a matter of minutes.

Without those up-to-the-minute issuances, government would not have been able to react decisively and ordered the forced evacuation of residents in the towns of Balete, San Nicolas, Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo in Batangas and advised those staying as far away as Tagaytay City to take all precautionary measures thus ensuring the safety of thousands of residents and out of harms way. Thank God there have been no known casualties thus far except a number of animals which could not be accommodated in the mass movement of people and machines.

On the ground, the mobilization was in full throttle: local governments were in place, evacuation centers were secured, streets were cleaned up, repairs of roads and bridges were underway, relief goods were made available and movements of people and vehicles facilitated. As of this writing, as more relief goods and teams come in from all sectors, in and out of the country, proper coordination between and among government, donors and recipients appears to be holding firm and steady. Compare this with the past administration's responses during Typhoons Yolanda and Sendong or right after the Mamasapano massacre—and weep. Of course, there is the usual "wrath of God" indictment from the usual suspects claiming that due to the "misbehaving and uncouth" President's actions, the heavens are now falling on us, the hapless people. That remark definitely is uncalled for.

In any event, now that we are on a Taal Volcano watch, an undertaking which may take weeks or even months, it is time we enhanced our ongoing relief and assistance operations to include scouting for possible resettlement plans for the 10,000 and counting families displaced by the explosion. I am sure most, if not all of them, are itching to get out of the evacuation centers, no matter how livable these may be, and get on with their normal, productive lives.

These are hardworking, family-oriented people who would rather be on their own rather than rely on government or the tender mercies of others. We are, of course, hoping that the expected (as it will surely come) eruption is over and done with soonest so that we can start the process of rehabilitation and rebuilding in the affected areas.

So MAP, under Lim, has a dilemma.

“These challenges cannot scare us into retreating from MAP’s tradition of leadership in progressive management thinking,” said Lim. “On the contrary, he said, “this must inspire and urge us to step up and be leaders for change.” The signs are good.

“We have government officials like (DTI Secretary Ramon) Lopez, who not only their have hearts in the right places but who are hard at work day and night in attracting investments into the country. Our most recent performance under the World-Bank Ease of Doing Report and the bold initiatives being undertaken by the Administration of President Duterte are, indeed, very admirable and encouraging.”

For 2020, MAP President Lim’s battlecry then is “L-E-A-D for a Competitive Tomorrow."

MAP is in many ways a unique organization, Lim pointed out. It has 1,034 members representing 40 of the top 100 corporations in the Philippines. Around 74 percent of MAP members are either the chairman, CEO, president, managing director/ partner and country heads. Seven-

ty-two member companies have combined capitalization is P9.3 trillion, 60 percent of the total market value of listed stocks.

LEAD stands for: 1. “Level up by enhancing Ease of Doing Business.”

2. “Embracing Environmental, Social Responsibility and Governance (ESG) for sustainability.

3. “Accelerate best management practices.”

4. “Deepen the bench for future business leaders.”

“The fourth thrust of our theme is, quite frankly, closest to my heart as a father, teacher, and mentor,” said Lim. “In my almost 40 years of practicing law and business that includes my stint as president of the Philippine Stock Exchange, one of the greatest life lessons I have is the strengthening of foundations by the infusion of young blood and fresh perspectives,” the MAP president shared.

If you ask me, Francis Lim’s LEAD should be LEAF—with the D changed to F. F for fairness—by government in dealing with business.

press, which has been in existence for the past 59 years, earlier raised concern over the proliferation of unlicensed couriers which it said have significantly cornered a big share of the market from the legitimate freight companies. The “colorum” players allegedly ignore industry standards, as well as standard operating procedures, which could prove detrimental to the industry in the long run.

This, from where we sit, is an issue affecting public interest and the government, particularly the DICT, has to do whatever is necessary to protect small and legitimate players in the courier industry and to safeguard the wel-

fare of Filipino consumers.

We are, after all, a government of laws and not of men, and this requires everyone to follow the rules. As the eminent jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote: "The standards of the law are standards of general application.

The law takes no account of the infinite varieties of temperament, intellect or education which make the internal characters of a given act so different in different men. It does not attempt to see men as God sees them, for more than one sufficient reason."

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

A5

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In Seychelles, nature is prized above mass tourism

By Nicolas Delaunay IN A shady patch along a pristine white beach on Mahe Island, a radio spits out reggae and snapper sizzles on the barbecue, as Seychelloise Nareen tops up her rum and coke on time off from her job aboard a luxury yacht.

Her family is spending the weekend at the beach where a couple dipping their feet into the turquoise waters off in the distance are the only foreign tourists in sight.

"We don't have mass tourism in Seychelles, and that's great. That is how we want it," says Nareen, 32, who asked for her full name not to be published.

Nevertheless, like most citizens, she earns her living from tourism, which makes up more than 60 percent of GDP in the Seychelles, the only country in Africa considered "high income" by the World Bank.

The Indian Ocean archipelago, a chain of 115 islands, is a byword for luxury holidays, Instagram-perfect beaches and has gained a reputation as a honeymoon idyll.

But it is confronting a tug-of-war over how to keep the economy growing, while protecting its fragile ecosystem.

"More tourists means it's better for the economy, but it's not the only thing that comes into play," Nareen says.

One island, one resort High-end tourism, from Europe mainly, helped pull the Seychelles from the brink of financial ruin after the 2008 economic crisis.

Visitor numbers almost doubled in the decade that followed, to around 360,000 in 2018, nearly four times the country's population.

But now the Seychelles is grappling with how many visitors it can realistically accommodate. An official study commissioned into the matter is due to begin soon.

In the meantime, the government placed a moratorium in 2015 on the construction of large resorts on the three main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

It wanted both to protect the environment and encourage the growth of smaller, locally-run hotels.

On further-flung islands, the Seychelles practices a "one island, one resort" policy.

"It's about controlling the number of tourists that come here, through controlling the number of rooms in the hotels that exist," Tourism Minister Didier Dogley told AFP. The Seychelles has 6,000 hotel rooms, but another 3,000 are in the pipeline, having been approved before the moratorium took effect, Dogley said.

"We believe that we can go up to 500,000 tourists, that is just an estimate for the time being," he said.

World heritage Nearly half of the Seychelles 455 square kilometers (176 square miles) are classed as protected areas.

By later this year, 30 percent of its 1.3 million square km of marine territory will have protected status too, under a special arrangement in which conservation groups agree in return to pay a small portion of Seychelles' na-

US uncorks...

From A4

restaurant with locations in San Francisco and Oakland.

"So we're all going to lose big and maybe a lot of businesses will close for something not related to food and wine."

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said "jobs have been eliminated and hiring halted" due to the tariffs, "and up to 78,600 US jobs could ultimately be lost if these tariffs remain in effect or are increased."

Right now importers say they are working with their suppliers and growers, many of whom will share the burden of the tariffs so that prices to consumers can be absorbed or minimized.

But Kravitz said he also has had to hold off on planned investments— one project was for canned rose wine, to help keep wine from losing more ground to craft beer and craft spirits that have gained in popularity among American drinkers.

More tariffs in the pipeline?

A separate trade dispute over a French digital tax targeted at American tech giants like Amazon and Google, would strike another blow with tariffs planned on French sparkling wine.

tional debt.

The country has two UNESCO world heritage sites: the Mai Valley and its indigenous coco de mer palm trees, and the Aldabra Atoll, home to the Seychelles' famed giant tortoises.

With a few exceptions such as the popular Beau Vallon Beach on Mahe or Anse Source d'A rgent on La Digue, regularly named one of the world's most beautiful beaches, tranquility reigns on the islands.

Most beachside resorts keep a low profile, blending into the jungle backdrop that reaches into the island's interior from the white sands bordering the azure shores.

"It all depends on the standards that you want to maintain," said Nirmal Shah, executive director of environmental NGO Nature Seychelles.

He believes that some of the more popular sites have already reached their full capacity.

The Seychelles, he said, "really do not want to become" an eyesore like some beaches in Europe, crowded by umbrellas and edged by concrete.

Room to improve On Grand Police, in the south of Mahe island, locals have been angered by a Gulf company's plans to build a new resort, approved before the 2015 ban.

The project is unpopular over concerns about the health of a local marshland but also because most large resorts are owned by foreign groups.

The government has promised to talk to those behind the new resort to explore how the proposal could be dropped.

Despite environmental pledges and efforts, Dogley said that much still had to be done in Seychelles to ensure a sustainable tourism industry.

Large hotel groups have put measures in place to limit their impact on the environment, such as having their own vegetable gardens and reducing plastic and energy use.

Smaller, Seychellois-owned establishments, though not leaving the same ecological footprint, sometimes lack the resources to match these efforts, despite government incentives.

"Given our small population, the number of tourists is huge, and it is difficult to absorb the footprint of so many visitors," said Shah.

More than a quarter of the workforce is foreign, he pointed out, especially in the tourism and construction industries—unemployment is only around 3.5 percent.

The tourism industry faces other constraints, too.

The small, hilly country is forced to import more than 90 percent of its goods, and most of the energy needed to keep the islands running is derived from oil-powered generators.

Still, the pursuit of eco-friendly growth over profit alone has struck a chord with some visitors.

"We didn't know much about the ecological side of tourism in the Seychelles... but once here, it really hit us," says Romain Tonda, a 28-year-old French tourist on his honeymoon on Cousin Island, fringed by coral reef.

"It's not perfect, but we can see that it's something that is important for the Seychellois." AFP

Sunil Khanna, director of operations at Hand Picked Selections, said that, because of the tariff threats, "planning for 2020 has been a complete nightmare," forcing the company to negotiate a price for each wine they sell and find different wines for a national steakhouse chain and a national wine bar.

The company, like many in the industry, is expecting tariffs to hit sales this year but it is relatively lucky that more than a third of its wines are exempt from tariffs—for now—because of a higher alcohol content.

But they will be hit should the dispute escalate.

"There are a lot of livelihoods, hardworking Americans whose jobs are at stake here," Khanna said.

And should Trump carry out his threat to raise the tariffs to 100 percent, "it would be a job killer."

Matt Cirne, managing partner of Verjus, a wine bar in San Francisco, said a drastic increase would hit his business hard.

"With a 100 percent rise ... this is a $14 glass of wine typically and overnight it becomes a $28 glass of wine.

That's not viable for anyone."

Kravitz confirmed it would be the end of his business.

"I will sell off the remaining wine to pay off my bills, put whatever is left over in my pocket and call it a career." AFP

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‘Rape suspect death must be investigated’ E CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard

TODAY REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

National Capital Judicial Region Branch 104, Quezon City

ROBERTO V. ROBES Plaintiff, -versus-

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION R-QZN-15-07407-CV

ANTHONY DE ZUZUARREGUI, ENRIQUE DE ZUZUARREGUI, and PACITA JAVIER, doing business under the name ROYAL ACE GOLF DRIVING RANGE, Defendants. x---------------------------------------x TO : ANTHONY DE ZUZUARREGUI Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City and ADEZ Realty, 51 Quezon Avenue, QC ENRIQUE ZUZUARREGUI Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara Avenue, QC and ADEZ Realty, 51 Quezon Avenue, QC PACITA JAVIER Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City And ADEZ Realty, 51 Quezon Avenue, QC GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within ninety (90) days after the last publication of this summons and the complaint, to file with this Court and serve upon the plaintiff/s, your answer to the complaint of the plaintiff/s. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff/s will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 22nd day of October, 2019.

(Sgd.) LOWELL FREDRICK A. MADRILEÑO Clerk of Court V

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION QUEZON CITY,BRANCH____ ROBERTO V. ROBES, Plaintiff, -versus-

R-QZN-15-07407-CV Civil Case No. _____ For: Specific Performance and Damages

ANTHONY DE ZUZUARREGUI, ENRIQUE DE ZUZUARREGUI, and PACITA JAVIER, doing business under the name ROYAL ACE GOLF DRIVING RANGE, Defendants. x----------------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT Plaintiff ROBERTO V. ROBES, by counsel respectfully states:

I PARTIES 1.1 Plaintiff ROBERTO V. ROBES is Filipino, of legal age, and with address at No. 333 Sto. Cristo, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. He may be may be served with notices and other processes of the Honorable Court through undersigned counsel at its address below.

1.2 Defendant ANTHONY DE ZUZUARREGUI is Filipino, of legal age, and with address at Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City, where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court. Anthony de Zuzuarregui is the successor-in-interest of Antonio De Zuzuarregui, Jr., and is currently doing business under the name ROYAL ACE Golf Driving Range, which business is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Department of Trade and Industry.1 1.3 Defendant ENRIQUE DE ZUZUARREGUI is Filipino, of legal age, and with address at Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City, where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court. Enrique de Zuzuarregui is the brother of Antonio de Zuzuarregui, Jr. 1.4 Defendant PACITA JAVIER is Filipino, of legal age, and with address at Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City, where she may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court. Pacita Javier is the mother of Antonio de Zuzuarregui, Jr.

II ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION 2.1 Defendant ANTHONY DE ZUZUARREGUI (“ Anthony”) is engaged in the business of administering and operating the ROYAL ACE GOLF DRIVING RANGE (the “Driving Range”) as well as its allied activities. The Driving Range is located at Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

2.2 The business was borne out of a Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993 (the “JVA”)2 earlier entered into between plaintiff ROBERTO V. ROBES (“Robes”) and Antonio de Zuzuarregui, Jr. (“Antonio”), defendant Enrique de Zuzuarregui, and defendant Pacita Javier. The salient provisions of the JVA are as follows: 2.2.1 The parties agreed to establish, operate, and administer a driving range3 as well as its allied activities (i.e., restaurant/ coffee shop, professional shop, any other business connected with the Driving Range).4 2.2.2 The Driving Range was to be built on a five-hectare portion of a parcel of land located at Don Antonio Drive, Quezon City,5 which was owned by the de Zuzuarreguis.

The use of the area was for a minimum period of five years, renewable for another five years.6 2.2.3 The establishment and development of the Driving Range (i.e., the construction and installation of buildings, structures, facilities, and improvements) w’ere to be undertaken by Robes.7 2.2.4 The buildings, structures, facilities, and improvements introduced by Robes on the driving range complex were to be exclusively owned by him.8 2.2.5 The administration, management, and operation of the Driving Range and its allied activities were to be exclusively undertaken by Robes.9 2.2.6 The allied activities were to be operated or leased by Robes, at his sole option, as part of the general operation and management of the driving range complex.

2.2.7 The parties agreed to share in the net profits10 from the operation of the Driving Range and its allied activities under the following terms: TIME PERIOD Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

DEZUZUARREGUI’S SHARE 60% 65% 70% 70% 75%

ROBES’S SHARE 40% 35% 30% 30% 25%

* Net profits was defined as profits after taxes, operational and other expenses have been deducted from gross income.

2.2.8 After the expiration or termination of the agreement, Robes may remove the improvements he introduced in the driving range complex.11 2.3 In accordance with, and pursuant to, the JVA, Robes constructed all the buildings, structures, facilities and other improvements, and provided the necessary equipment and fixtures (collectively, the developments”) on the driving range complex, expending the amount of P4,868,935.70 therefor.

2.4 Robes also caused the registration of the business ROYAL MARU Golf Driving Range, a sole proprietorship, under his name, and, accordingly, single-handedly established and operated the business.

2.5 The business took off thereafter, and made use of the developments introduced by Robes. The parties divided the profits in accordance with the JVA. 2.6 Upon the expiration of the original term of the JVA in 1998, the same was extended for another five years, or until 2003 (pursuant to Section 3.3 of the JVA), and under the same terms and conditions. The only change was that the profit sharing scheme was set at an 80-20 ratio (80% for the de Zuzuarreguis, and 20% for Robes).

2.7 Even after the lapse of the extended term in 2003, the JVA was extended yet again, as Robes and Antonio complied with all the terms and conditions thereof, and with the profit sharing scheme still set at 80-20.

2.8 This arrangement continued until the year 2008. In other words, during the period 1998 to 2008, the parties respected and complied with the terms of, and their respective obligations under, the JVA. Specifically, during that period, Robes received 20% of the net profits per month, per the agreement of the parties.

2.9 In early 2008, however, Robes signified his intention to discontinue the business. Thus, Robes gave notice in writing of his intention to pull-out the developments from the Driving Range. However, Antonio persuaded Robes not to do so and, instead, continue with their contract. Consequently, the business went on in accordance with the JVA, and the developments introduced by Robes were still utilized for such purpose.

2.10 Meantime, Antonio passed away, and his interest

in the business was passed on to his son, herein defendant Anthony.

2.11 In an act of sheer malice and utter bad faith, in October 2008, Robes was eased out of the business, and was denied any hand in its day-to-day operations. Anthony took on the management and operation of the Driving Range, for himself and for the other defendants. Worse, Robes was denied any share in profits for the use of the developments, as well as access to information regarding the business’s profits, notwithstanding the continued use of the developments in the business’s operations. Thus, defendants effectively terminated the JVA, which, up to that point, was honored, respected, and followed by Robes and Antonio. To this day, the developments introduced by Robes are still being used in the Driving Range.

2.12 Attempts to resolve the dispute amicably proved futile, as Anthony and the other defendants refused to meet with Robes.

2.13 Further, the business’s name was changed from “ROYAL MARU Driving Range” to “ROYAL ACE Golf Driving Range” (which business name is not registered with the appropriate government agencies). This change was made without the consent and approval of Robes.

2.14 Thus, on February 26, 2014, Robes (through previous counsel, Atty. Lenito T. Serrano) sent to Anthony a demand letter,12 asking for the following: • To be allowed to remove the developments from the Driving Range; • To be provided with an accounting report of the business’s earnings from October 2008 to December 2013; and • To be paid his share in the net earnings of the business for the period October 2008 to December 2014.

2.15 Anthony failed to respond to demand letter, and to comply with the just and valid demands of Robes.

2.16 Thus, on February 2, 2015, Robes (through undersigned counsel) sent to Anthony a final demand letter,13 asking for the following: • To allow the removal of the developments introduced by Robes within the driving range complex; and • To pay to Robes the amount of P5,173,504.91, representing his 20% share in the business’s net income, including the tax provision, covering the period of October 2008 to December 2014.14

VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING I, ROBERTO V. ROBES, of legal age, with address at No. 333 Sto. Cristo, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, after having been sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: 1. I am the plaintiff in the captioned case, and I caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing Complaint.

2. I have read and understood the contents thereof, and I attest of my personal knowledge, and on the basis of authentic records available to me, that all the allegations of fact in the Complaint are true and correct.

3. I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, and to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency.

4. If there is any other action or proceeding which is either pending or may have been terminated, I shall state the status thereof; and if I should thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to report that fact within five (5) days therefrom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand this _ day of AUG 17 2015 at Makati City.

(Sgd.) ROBERTO V. ROBES Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of AUG 17, 2015 at Makati City, affiant exhibiting to me his Tax Identifiction No. 132-415-046-000, issued on July 6, 1998, and valid until ______.

2.17 The final demand letter was delivered by hand to Anthony on February 2, 2015. However, Anthony refused to receive the same. Thus, the final demand letter was tendered to him, and later served by registered mail.

2.18 Needless to say, Anthony failed to respond to the final demand letter, and to comply with the just and valid demands of Robes.

2.19 Ultimately, defendants’ breach of the obligations deprived Robes not only of revenues and profits, but also use of the developments owned by him, and tarnished his reputation in the business industry. This caused Robes anxiety, mental anguish, and sleepless nights.

Doc. No. 37; Page No.9; Book No. I; Series of 2015.

ANNEX “A”

ANNEXES ANNEX “A-1”

III FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION: SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE (REMOVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENTS) 3.1 Robes repleads by reference all the foregoing allegations insofar as they are material and pertinent.

3.2 Robes has exclusive ownership over the developments introduced within the driving range complex. This is expressly provided and recognized under Section 6.2 of the JVA, thus: 6.2 Ownership of the building structure and/or any of the improvements introduced by Robes in the development of the driving range shall exclusively be retained by Robes.

3.3 Further, Robes has the right to remove the improvements introduced within the driving range complex after the expiration or termination of the JVA. This right of removal, under the JVA, was not subject to any condition or qualification. This is expressly provided and recognized under Section 6.3 of the JVA, thus: 6.3 After the expiration and/ or termination of this agreement, Robes may, remove the improvement he introduced in the development and establishment of the driving range complex.

Robes shall be given 60 days within which to remove the improvements he introduced.

3.4 To reiterate, following a series of renewals, the ]VA was effectively terminated in October 2008, when Anthony and the other defendants eased Robes out of the business and denied Robes any hand in its day-to-day operations, and refused to give Robes his rightful share in the profits for the use of the developments.

3.5 Thus, pursuant to the JVA, Robes is entitled to remove all the improvements introduced within the driving range complex, without any condition or qualification, after the termination of the JVA. Despite repeated demands, defendants refused to let Robes remove the improvements introduced within the driving range complex.

ANNEX “B”

ANNEX “B-1”

ANNEX “B-2”

ANNEX “B-4”

ANNEX “B-3”

ANNEX “B-5”

5.1 Robes repleads by reference all the foregoing allegations insofar as they are material and pertinent.

5.2 Robes is entitled to moral damages in the amount of at least P100,000.00, on account of the anxiety, mental anguish, and sleepless nights, as well as damage to his reputation, which he painstakingly built over the years.

5.3 By way of example or correction for the public good, defendants should be held liable to Robes, by way of exemplary damages, in the amount of at least P100,000.00, since they acted in bad faith and in a wanton, fraudulent, reckless, oppressive, or malevolent manner.

5.4 In view of defendants’ unlawful acts, Robes was compelled to litigate or to incur expenses to protect his interest.

In accordance with Article 2208 (2) of the Civil Code, Robes is entitled to recover from defendants the cost of attorney’s fees and expenses of litigation in the amount of at least P200,000.00.

ANNEX “C”

ANNEX “C-1”

ANNEX “D”

ANNEX “D-1”

POLICE busted two suspected drug dealers and seized 2.5 kilos of shabu worth P17 million in a drug-entrapment operation at a subdivision in Las Piñas City Wednesday night.

A composite team from the Las Piñas City Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Group conducted the operation around 6:50 p.m. at Verdant Acres Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona Tres which resulted in the arrest of Jerrymias Suson and Miguel Castillo.

Republic of the Philippines Recovered from the suspects were 2.5 kilos Local Civil Registry Office of shabu and marked money worth P1.5 million Province: LAGUNA Municipality: MAJAYJAY used by police operatives, who disguised as buyNOTICE OF PUBLICATION ers of the prohibited substance, during the drug In compliance with Sec. 5 of RA sting.

No. 9048, A Notice is hereby served to the public that LOLITA MESINA-CALAPANO Las Piñas City police commander Col. Segundo has filed with this Office a petition for Lagundi Jr. said the undercover policemen were Change of First name from “AURORA DIONICIA” TO “AURORA” in the Birth able to purchase three big heat-sealed plastics of certificate of AURORA DIONICIA who was born on May 15, 1948 at Majayjay, shabu contained in candy wrappers from the susLaguna and whose parents are Vicente pects during the operation. Joel Zurbano Mesina and Teodusia Juavillo.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(SGD) AGNES MERIADO-ALVAREZ Municipal Civil Registrar

NBI files more raps against Espinosa

(MS-JAN. 17 & 23, 2020)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 106 QUEZON CITY MARIA LUISA UNO-GARIN, Petitioner,

PRAYER

(Sgd.) JOSEP B. SAGANDOY, JR. PTR No. 4756335; 1-7-2015; Makati City IBP No. 979645; 1-5-2015; Baguio Roll No. 43218 MCLE No. IV- 0021729; 15 August 2013 (Sgd.) MARFORTH T. FUA PTR No. 4756338; 1-7-2015; Makati City IBP No. 979648; 1-5-2015; Manila III Roll No. 55381 MCLE No. IV- 0018195; 23April2013 (Sgd.) MERCEDES ISABEL B. MAYORALGO PTR No. 4756344; 1-7-2015; Makati City IBP No. 981603; 1-5-2015; RSM Roll No. 60945 MCLE No. IV- 0013939; 13 March 2013

THE management of Philippine Airlines on Thursday warned the public against unscrupulous individuals engaged in false social media advertising or spreading misleading information.

This was the seventh time since 2017 the PAL management came up with a warning against false advertising posted on Facebook involving airline promotions.

The bogus promo, according to PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, was circulating online luring netizens to reply to several questions in exchange for a chance to win plane tickets.

She said the fake advertisement bore a PAL logo with the phrase “Home in the Sky.” “We urge everyone not to open the site as doing so will compromise your personal data. Our Information Systems Department has classified it as a phishing site designed to capture personal information,” Villaluna said.

“Please note that the official PAL logo carries the tagline “Heart of the Filipino” and that all official advertisements of the airline are posted at www. philippineairlines.com and the PAL Facebook Page,” she added.

In November last year, the flag carrier came up with the same warning against the fake ad stating: “Its our anniversary: Answer a few questions to get four free tickets to Philippine Airlines.” Joel Zurbano

Police bust 2 suspected drug dealers

V THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION: DAMAGES

By:

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the death of Ricardo Bongalon Burce, 55, inside the custodial facility of the municipal police station in Candelaria, Quezon Wednesday morning should be investigated, adding the President’s order was not linked to the suspect’s demise.

“No, I don’t think so. That should be investigated,” Panelo said.

Burce was the suspect in the rape and murder of the girl who had gone missing for a week and was later found in a grassy area of a subdivision in Barangay Masin Sur on Jan. 6.

His death came two days after the President ordered police to kill the suspect involved in the rape-slay case.

“There are things I want to bring attention to the Filipino people, especially the rape of the children. It’s nonstop. In Quezon, there’s somebody there who is a serial rapist... Find that person and don’t let him live,” President Duterte said in a speech Monday.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Calderon, Candelaria police director, said they suspected that the man died of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis or more commonly known as “bangungot,” adding that investigators found no bruises on the body of Burce.

The incident was the latest of the rising number of rape cases in the province, which prompted the President to order the Quezon police to profile the possible serial rapist preying on the young girls in the province. ”I hate profiling. I do not like it but we are forced to do it. These girls are innocent then somebody will rape them. If you will let him alive, cut his penis. So that he will be sad all the days of his life,” Duterte said Tuesday night.

PAL warns vs. false social media ads

4.1 Robes rep leads by reference all the foregoing allegations insofar as they are material and pertinent.

4.2 Despite notice given by Robes to pull-out or remove the developments he introduced within the driving range complex, Anthony refused, and defendants continued to use the same.

Thus, Robes has the right to demand payment of reasonable compensation for defendants’ use of Robes’s property.

4.3 This “reasonable compensation” is equivalent to 20% of the business’s net income, including the tax provision, which was the last standing agreement of the parties for the use of the developments and improvements, prior to the termination of the agreement in 2008.

4.4 This “reasonable compensation” is to be computed from October 2008 (when Anthony continued to use the developments owned by Robes), until such time Robes completely removes the improvements. As of December 2014, the amount is computed at P5,173,504.91.

4.5 The JVA recognized and confirmed Robes’s ownership over the improvements during the subsistence of the contract, and even after its termination. Defendants disallowed Robes from removing the improvements. Defendants have been using the developments even after the termination of the JVA, and have immensely benefitted and profited therefrom, without paying any compensation to Robes. Defendants cannot be allowed to unjustly enrich themselves at the expense of Robes.

PONCE ENRILE REYES & MANALASTAS Counsel for Plaintiff Roberto V. Robes 3rd Floor Vernida IV Building 128 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Email address:pecabar@pecabar.ph Telephone nos. 815-9571 to 80

VEN if President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the killing of the suspect in the rape-slay case of an eight-year-old girl in Quezon Province, the Palace said the death of the alleged rapist inside a municipal police station should still be probed.

IN BRIEF

IV SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION: PAYMENT OF REASONABLE COMPENSATION

WHEREFORE, plaintiff ROBERTO V. ROBES respectfully prays that the Honorable Court RENDER JUDGMENT: 1. ORDERING defendants to allow the REMOVAL by plaintiff of the buildings, structures, facilities, and improvements constructed and installed in the driving range complex; 2. ORDERING defendants to pay plaintiff the amount of at least P5,173,504.91, representing reasonable compensation, covering the period of October 2008 to December 2014, and additional payments from December 2014 until plaintiff is actually allowed to remove the buildings, structures, facilities, and improvements constructed and installed in the driving range complex; 3. ORDERING defendants to pay plaintiff the following amounts: a. At least P100,000.00 by way of moral damages; b. At least P100,000.00 by way of exemplary damages; and c. At least P200,000.00 as attorney’s fees and costs of litigation.

Plaintiff prays for such other reliefs as may be deemed just or equitable.

Makati City, August 17, 2015.

By MJ Blancaflor

ANNEX “D-3”

ANNEX “E”

-versus-

Civil Case No. R-QZN-18~8899 CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

RAINIER TROY V. GARIN, Respondent, X--------------------------------------x

ORDER OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

Copies of the Certifications of Non-Registration issued by the Department of Trade and Industry dated May 22, 2015 are attached as Annexes “A” and “A-1”; 2 A copy of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993 is attached as Annex “B”.

3 Refer to the recitals of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 1 (Annex “B”).

4 Refer to Section 5.1 of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 3 (Annex “B”).

5 Covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 48862 (Register of Deeds-Quezon City).

6 Refer to Section 3.3 of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 2 (Annex “B”).

7 Refer to Article II of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 2 (Annex “B”).

8 Refer to Section 6.2 of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 3 (Annex “B”).

9 Refer to Section 1.3 of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p. 1 (Annex “B”).

10 Refer to Article IV of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24,1993, p. 3 (Annex “B”).

11 Refer to Section 6.3 of the Joint Venture Agreement dated May 24, 1993, p . 3 (Annex “B”) 12 A copy of the demand letter dated February 26, 2014 is attached as Annex “C”.

13 A copy of the final demand letter dated February 2, 2015 is attached as Annex “D”.

14 A copy of the statement of account of the 20% share of Robes based on the average income of the driving range for the years 2006 to 2008, multiplied by 75 months, covering the period of October 2008 to December 2014, including the tax provision thereof, is attached as Annex “E”.

(MStandard-Jan. 10 & 17, 2020) 1

In a verified Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed on August 9, 2018, petitioner prays that after due hearing, her marriage to e respondent which was solemnized on January 10, 2004 be declared NULL AND VOID, AB INITIO, on the ground of the psychological incapacity of the respondent to comply with the essential obligations of marriage.

Summons was issued on November 28, 2018 The Process Server’s Return dated February 15, 2019 states that the “respondent is no longer residing therein.”

On March 21, 2019, petitioner filed a “Motion for Leave of Court to Effect Service of Summons by Publication.” On April 8, 2019, the court issued an Order granting the issuance of an Order of Summons by Publication.

NOW, THEREFORE, respondent RAINIER TROY V, GARIN, whose last known address is at B17 L29 Golden Shower Street, BF 3 Novaliches, Caloocan City, is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 106, Quezon City, National Capital Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Quezon City , his answer to the petition in the instant case within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last date of publication of this summons. In the event of failure to do so, this court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not collusion exists between the parties in the filing of the instant petition; and if it is determined that there is no such collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present her evidence in support of the petition.

Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the “The Standard”, a newspaper of national circulation, pursuant to P. D. No. 1079, at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and sent by registered mail to the respondent at his last known address also at the expense of the petitioner. Petitioner is enjoined to submit to this court proof of compliance herewIth. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, April 29, 2019.

(Sgd.) ANGELENE MARY W. QUIMPO-SALE Judge

cc: Maria Luisa Uno-Garin Rainier Troy V. Garin Atty. Conrado Pineda Sajor ACP Buenaluz, Jr. OSG

(MStandard - Jan. 17, & 24, 2020)

THE Department of Justice has been asked to prosecute selfconfessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and 25 others, including a police officer, for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade.

In a letter-complaint filed with the DOJ, the NBI sought a preliminary investigation against Espinosa, Brig. Gen. Asher Dolina and 24 others for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte said Dolina was cleared along with another police officer implicated in the death of Kerwin’s father, Albuerta, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. During a Senate hearing, Espinosa said “Dolina” was among those who received drug protection from him.

But Dolina denied Espinosa’s claims or even knowing him personally, saying the young Espinosa did not even know his first name. He said Espinosa mrtr;y “referred to me as Dolina.”

In its recent complaintr dated December 9 but made public only this week, the NBI submitted several documentary evidence.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Roger, Rafa lead tennis stars for bushfire relief

MELBOURNE—Tennis superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal jointly donated Aus$250,000 (US$172,000) for Australian bushfire relief at a charity fundraiser in smoggy Melbourne on Wednesday.

The two tennis legends, with 39 Grand Slam singles titles between them, were at the Rod Laver Arena in a bid to swell the vast sums already donated to help victims of the devastating disaster.

They were joined by a who’s who of the tennis world, including Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova, Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff, Nick Kyrgios, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.

“Twenty years this has been my home and I’ve had so many great matches on this court and in this country,” said Williams, whose young daughter Alexis Olympia was thrilled to meet some firefighters this week.

“And that’s we’re all here tonight to support and help out.”

Tennis Australia said it expected the “Rally for Relief” to raise “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to add to the more than Aus$2.8 million (US$1.9 million)

Blu Girls now no. 11 in world THE Philippine Blu Girls have reached a historic rank of no. 11 in the world.

This is according to the recent rankings released by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

The new rankings were handed out after the Blue Girls picked up their 10th gold medal in the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“We did not expect such a big jump. It was a pleasant surprise,” said team skipper Cheska Altomonte, who is planning to retire from competition this year.

The Blu Girls, who accumulated 4110 points, claimed the SEA Games’ gold via a sweep of all their games.

In the finals, they routed Indonesia, 8-0.

Team USA leads the rankings with 5104 points, with Japan in second with 4723.

Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico are in third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

The Blu Girls, coached by Randy Dizer, also played with Garie Blando, Mary Ann Antoleh Hao, Ezra Jalandoni, Lyka Basa and Kikay Palma.

The squad will now join Olympic qualifiers this year, according to Altomonte.

Altomonte said the team is thankful for the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and their patron and Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier The Blue Girls have have won SEA Games’ golds in 1979, 1981, 1987, 1991, 1997, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2015.

Peter Atencio

Roger Federer of Switzerland attends a practice session in Melbourne, ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament. AFP

already stumped up by the global tennis community.

That has included personal pledges and Aus$100 for each ace hit during the Australian tennis swing. Some of the big names also donated merchandise for an online auction Wednesday.

Williams led a team in Fast4 doubles, a shortened version of the game, boosting Thiem and Kvitova, along with Nadal and Djokovic playing together on the same side of the net.

They met Wozniacki’s side that featured Gauff, Osaka, Zverev and Tsitsipas.

But the evening’s star turn saw Federer play a set against Australian bad boy Kyrgios, who has been driving force behind the fundraising effort.

“It’s emotional stuff,” said Kyrgios. “I just want to have a little fun out here tonight and hopefully we can overcome this.”

The bushfires, unprecedented in their duration and intensity, have claimed 28 lives, destroyed almost 2,000 homes and razed vast tracts of land. AFP

Magic end Lakers’ winning streak L

OS ANGELES—Markelle Fultz finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Orlando Magic snapped the Los Angeles Lakers’ nine-game winning streak with a 119-118 victory on Wednesday.

The triple-double was the second of Fultz’s career with the other coming in April 2018 when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Aaron Gordon also scored 21 points, Wes Iwundu scored 19 points, Nikola Vucevic had 19, and Terrence Ross came off the bench to score 15 for Orlando.

LeBron James scored just 19 points but

added 19 assists for the Lakers, who were playing without injured Anthony Davis.

“We didn’t play well enough to win,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel. “They made us pay.”

The Magic won despite missing their leading scorer guard Evan Fournier, who has been averaging 19.2 points per game. He missed the contest due to a

right quad injury.

“I am not disappointed,” said James.

“We didn’t start the game off the right way. We just got to be better.”

Elsewhere, the Miami Heat got a huge performance from rookie Kendrick Nunn, and Philadelphia made the right plays down the stretch as the two Eastern Conference juggernauts continued their dominant play at home.

Tobias Harris scored 34 points and nailed three clutch shots late in the game as the 76ers won their fifth straight game with a 117-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Verzosa carries JRU tossers past Lady Stags

By Peter Atencio VETERAN spiker Dolly Grace Verzosa’s two well-placed spikes in the final set helped carry the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers to their first triumph yesterday in the resumption of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament.

The 21-year-old Verzosa’s successive

hits came during a 7-1 run and powered the Lady Stags to a 22-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-21, 15-8 verdict over the San Sebastian College Lady Stags at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

Verzosa, one of the team’s three most experienced players, led with 16 points for the Lady Bombers, who picked up their first win and joined the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers and the Arel-

US NCAA...

From A1 and gritty. We want to see you in more and more matches because it makes your UTR more accurate and it makes you a tougher tennis player. We want players in our team who are tough; who are not scared of pressure and not scared of the moment.” Coach Frieder said.

Overall, however, the coaches said it will take more than talent to compete at the world level. With resources becoming readily available, it will take proper mindset, grit, and support from the country for young players to dream big and achieve big.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

AZKAL LAUDED. The NCAA Management Committee, chaired by Peter Cayco (right) of season host Arellano University, presents Jovin Bedic a Plaque of Appreciation for his contributions as a member of the Azkals’ national team during the opening ceremony of football tournament of NCAA Season 95 yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. With them are (from left) Fr. Vic Calvo of Letran, Melchor Divina of Mapua, Dax Castellano of NCAA football host College of St. Benilde and Frank Gusi of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

lano University Lady Chiefs in the early lead.

The Lady Stags came close for the last time, 7-8, on a kill from Sherielyn Bigata.

With Shannai Requierme making 13 points, SSC started their season without ailing coach Roger Gorayeb.

“Buena mano,” said JRU coach Ma. Anna Tioseco, who added that this gave the team confidence, and in their quiet to reach the Final Four.

The Lady Bombers forced a deciding set after they broke away on a couple of errors by the Lady Stags in the fourth set, 20-17.

They will next meet the Lady Chiefs on Thursday next week.

The Lady Chiefs, who got 19 points from Regine Arocha, posted their second straight victory at the expense of the Mapua University Lady Cardinals, 2513, 25-20, 25-12.

In other matches, June Lacsina fired 12 points for the JRU Heavy Bombers in their 25-14, 27-25, 25-14 stopping of the SSC Stags in the men’s division.

The Heavy Bombers share the men’s lead with the University of Perpetual Altas and the Arellano University Chiefs.

In the junior side, Jessie Rubin unloaded the SSC Junior Stags, who prevailed over the JRU Junior Bombers, 25-15, 25-15, 25-22.

The Junior Stags are in the lead with the Lyceum Junior Pirates and the Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

Top tennis athletes recognized THE country’s premier tennis organization has given recognition to 2019’s tennis superstars who have brought home glory to the Philippines in a recent awarding ceremony held last January 7 in Makati.

The ceremony was led by the organization’s top honcho, Jean Henri Lhuillier who is also the President and CEO of microfinancial services giant, Cebuana Lhuillier.

Lhuillier mentioned in his short address to the athletes how their triumphs in the sport they play are able to inspire a lot of Filipino youth on getting into tennis and how many more Filipinos are developing an appreciation for the sport as well.

“This recognition also hopes to ignite the fire in more athletes to perform above and beyond, I hope that more Filipino tennis players will follow in your footsteps.” added the longtime sports patron.

Among the athletes present was Al-

exandra “Alex” Eala, who has earned the title “Philippine Tennis Phenom” after clinching the championship in various international tournaments such as 2019 ITF Asia Oceania 14&U Junior Qualifying Tournament in Malaysia, Under-18 ITF Juniors Grade A Singles Tournament in South Africa, and in the 2019 Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Championships in USA, more so, Eala has also achieved an all-time high ranking of number 9 in the ITF World Junior Rankings.

Joining Alex is Francis “Nino” Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon, who just came from their gold medal win in the 30th South East Asian Games for the Men’s Doubles Tennis event.

Lhuillier also awarded Raul Guerrero for his contribution to the longstanding Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis, which has been continuously reaching more and more youth and has been providing them with an avenue to play tennis in their own

UTP chief Jean Henri Lhuillier (2nd from left) is shown with awardees (starting 3rd from left) Raul Guerrero, Alexandra Eala and Francis Casey Alcantara.

hometowns. The recognition honored Raul Guerrero for his work in laying the foundation for the country’s most successful tennis tourneys.

“I hope our athletes continue to do us proud this 2020, with the dawn of a new decade, I’m more than sure

we will see more of what they have to offer and see a more vibrant tennis community for this country,” said Lhuillier.

The Unified Tennis Philippines is backed by Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop.

He also had 10 rebounds and scored 11 of his points in the final five minutes for the 76ers in front of a crowd of 20,100 at the Wells Fargo Center arena.

Harris finished off Philadelphia’s 19th home win in 21 games this season by hitting two free throws with 31 seconds remaining.

“When we got together in the huddle before the fourth quarter, we said that we were going to have to hold them to under 20 points to win the game,” said Harris.

Ben Simmons scored 20 points and 11 rebounds for Philadelphia, which shot 51.1 percent from the floor. AFP

Wimbledon champ Halep crash out ADELAIDE—Two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep will head into the Australian Open with room for improvement after being upset 6-4, 6-2 by Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday at the ATP-WTA Adelaide International.

The reigning Wimbledon champion and former world number one dropped serve five times and was flattened in the second set by her opponent from Belarus.

The 71-minute rout leaves Halep standing 1-1 for the season with the first Grand Slam of the year starting on Monday in Melbourne.

Sabalenka will battle Dayana Yastremska on Friday for a place in the final after the Ukrainian 19-yearold beat a second top 20 opponent this week when she put out Croat Donna Vekic 6-4, 6-3.

Sabalenka, ranked 12th to Halep’s fourth, won her first match after two losses to the Romanian, coached by Australian Darren Cahill.

“It feels great, we had a tough match and she played well,” Sabalenka said.

“I tried to stay focused on each point.

“I don’t care about the Grand Slam, I’m just playing each match.

“I didn’t care about the past, I stayed in the moment, that helped me to win.”

In the first set, Halep twice lost break advantages, with Sabalenka coming through with a third break of serve in the final game on a doublefault from the seed.

In the second, the Belarussian ran away with it—Halep drew applause and raised her arms in mock triumph as she finally won a game while trailing 5-0, but the youngster fired a winning return to seal match point.

Yastremska, ranked 24th, was thrilled to get past Vekic.

“It’s nice to be in the semi-finals just in the beginning of the year,” she said. “I’m not playing my best game, but it’s still nice.

“I’m just getting my form. I have a big goal for Australia, but I’m going to try to stay really realistic and play match by match. That’s all I can think about.”

Australian top seed Ashleign Barty plays later against Marketa Vondrousova while fourth seed Belinda Bencic faces American Danielle Collins.

In men’s play, South African Lloyd Harris beat Spanish fourth seed Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-3 to book a semi-final berth. AFP

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

Velasco

PSC tells athletes: Train indoors FOUR days after Mt. Taal spewed ashes which blanketed Batangas and nearby provinces, the Philippine Sports Commission has not lifted its instructions to suspend outdoor training for all national athletes.

“We have been coordinating with the NSAs to look for training alternatives. But then, PSC would always work on the safe side. We will be very prudent and vigilant on the health of the athletes,” said Senior Executive Assistant Marc Edward Velasco, who added they recognize that good health is premium for the athletes’ performance.

The PSC suspended all outdoor training and physical activities of national athletes to ensure their safety.

“We cannot risk the health of our national athletes even after the ashfall has lessened. We try to see for another two days if we can resume the outdoor training,” added Velasco.

Some national teams which have been affected mostly by the recent Taal eruption are the windsurfing and skateboard athletes, both based in Batangas.

The Philippine windsurfers are training and staying in Mabini, Batangas, which has been put under Alert Level 4 since Sunday.

“We also know that we cannot keep our training hanging for days, so we are now considering some alternatives like moving to Subic Bay Zambales or somewhere in Northern Luzon.” shared Philippine Windsurfing Association, Inc. President Manny Cabili.

National skateboard athlete Mak Feliciano called on his co-athletes after the Taal eruption covered the newlyconstructed 3-hectare skate park in Tagaytay City with a thick layer of ashes, leaving it unusable for training or competition.

“Nakakalungkot po kasi ang daming naapektuhan kasama na nga po ‘yung skate park,” said the 22-yearold Feliciano, who is now training in Hong Kong.

Feliciano assures that as soon as he gets back in the country, he will help clean the skate park. “Sa ngayon po nagpapatulong kami sa mga kapwa namin skaters na linisin ‘yung skate park.”

Ginebra slotman Greg Slaughter shoots from mid-range in Game 4 of the Kings’ PBA Governors’ Cup title showdown with the Meralco Bolts. Ginebra won, 94-72, to close in on its 12th PBA title.

Kings shoot for 12 PBA title th

By Arman Carandang

B

Game today (Mall of Asia Arena) Game 5, best-of-7 FINALS 7 p.m. -- Ginebra vs. Meralco

ARANGAY Ginebra enters the Mall of Asia Arena today, looking to complete a short work and add another diadem to its growing collection.

While a victory today by the Gin Kings will give them their 12th title in the PBA, coach Tim Cone, on the other hand, will achieve another milestone in his storied career spanning three decades.

Cone is the most accomplished coach in the league with 21 titles with coaching stints in Alaska and SanMig Coffee and now, Ginebra.

Chances of Cone and his Gin Kings becoming champions again look pretty good, that’s because they were able to place Meralco on a deep 1-3 hole in their 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup championship series.

Now, Cone and his Gin Kings try to exploit that situation as they play the embattled Bolts in Game 5 of their best-of-7

series set at 7 p.m.

However, finishing the series remains as daunting as it seems for Cone, more so since he fully knows the type of opponents the Bolts are. He also had the experience of enjoying the same 3-1 lead and lost it.

“We will do our best, obviously. This team has shown a lot of character in the past when we played them, we got up 2-0 against them then they come back and won two games straight so we know they are capable of coming back,” said Cone.

At same time, Cone recalled that at one time he had lost a 3-1 lead in a series.

“I’ve lost a 3-1 lead before in a series to Ryan Gregorio and Purefoods and I’ll never forget that,” added Cone. “I think it only happened a few times in PBA history and

it happened to the team I coached so I’m well aware that a team could come back.”

The Gin Kings stormed to a 3-1 lead after beating the Bolts last Wednesday, 94-72, and moved within a win of clinching their third Governors’ Cup title under Cone.

Their other two Governors’ Cup wins came at the expense of the Bolts whom they defeated in 2016 and 2017 seasons.

As for the Bolts, they need to give their very best to stay alive.

“I told the players, we only have two choices at this point—we pull together and come back and fight on Friday or we may be in for the same,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“We have to figure out a way to bounce back from this and play better basketball

US NCAA coaches discover young talent JUNIOR tennis players who joined the DreamBig Gold Series Tennis Camp at Manila Polo Club, Makati on January 11 and 12, 2020 caught the eye of U.S. NCAA Division I coaches.

Ezequiel Gils of Rice University, Rob Raines of Cornell University and Jesse Frieder from Boston University were more than pleasantly surprised by the Philippine tennis landscape when they watched the tennis players participate in the extremely intensive tennis training camp.

Twenty young tennis players were given the rare opportunity to be trained by the Division I Tennis coaches and underwent extensive, hands-on training that gave them an insight on of how US colleges run their athletic programs.

“Talent is everywhere. I’ve seen a lot of players who can play at a really high level if they just commit to spending time on the court and practicing. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on the Philippines in terms of tennis. It’s a place a lot of coaches are missing out on and it’s certainly a place that I’ll keep in mind as I’m recruiting,” added Cornell

University Coach Rob Raines.

The coaches were impressed with the campers and their eagerness to learn, with Boston U coach, Jesse Frieder specifically praising the student-athletes for their coachability. “The players here are very coachable, which leads me to believe that if they to end up in any of our teams, we could help them reach for the sky because they’re open to learning and improving.”

The coaches were particularly impressed with several of the country’s up and coming tennis sensations including, the 16-year old son of former Olympian Bea Lucero - Sebastien Lhuillier - who participated in the camp. According to the coaches, almost all the players showed potential to play at the Division I level.

“Physicality and fitness are so important. It’s so easy to lose to somebody when they hit the ball harder than you because they’re bigger than you are. But if you consistently beat higher-ranked players while winning 3-set matches, you prove to us that you are really tough Turn to A7

Sebastian Lhuillier impresses his US NCAA coaches.

Super Sonic wins PCSO Gold Cup

Winning connections of Super Sonic, led by Mayor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr. (second row, middle) and Jockey JB Guce (first row, 5th from left), are shown together with PCSO General Manager, Colonel Royina Marzan Garma and Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez.

CARMONA—Super Sonic ruled the 47th edition of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Presidential Gold Cup at the world-class racing grounds of the San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite recently.

Owned by Mayor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr., Super Sonic claimed the coveted Gold Cup championship title and the P3M purse awarded by the PCSO. Eight of the industry’s fastest horses participated in the grueling 2,000-meter race.

The champion colt was skillfully ridden by Jockey JB Guce and trained

by Ruben Tupas. Javier also received a special custom-made Gold Cup trophy and an additional P200,000

breeder incentive.

Other winners included Pangalusian Island in second place (P1,000,000); Sepfourteen in third place (P500,000); and Princess Eowyn in fourth place (P300,000). The Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) pledged an additional P1M to the winner.

Leading the awarding ceremonies were PCSO General Manager, Colonel Royina Marzan Garma; Philracom Chairman, Hon. Andrew A. Sanchez; MJC Racing Manager, Jose Ramon Magboo; and other officials of the organization.

Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJC), the premier horse racing club in the country and one of Asia’s oldest, successfully, hosted the championship.

because this (Game 4) was an embarrassment,” added Black even as he acknowledged the Gin Kings’ amazing game.

“With the way they (Gin Kings) are playing right now, we really have to play well to beat them,” said Black.

Meanwhile, NorthPort’s Christian Standhardinger won the Best Player of the Conference award, beating out no less than June Mar Fajardo, his teammate in his former team San Miguel Beer.

The Fil-German amassed 1,011 total points in the final tally, getting 396 statistical points, 433 points from media votes, 32 points from player votes, and 150 points from votes from the PBA, to win it over Fajardo (657) as well as TNT’s Jayson Castro (615), Columbian Dyip’s rookie CJ Perez (506) and NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena (481).

Meralco’s Allen Durham won his third Best Import of the Conference plum, climbing to No. 2 all time behind the late Bobby Parks, Sr., who owned the standard at seven.

Mickelson aims for Ryder Cup, more titles at 50 LOS ANGELES—Phil Mickelson says despite his fast-approaching 50th birthday he’s determined to stay on the US PGA Tour while he can “bomb” golf balls and yearns for a Ryder Cup berth.

“When I stop hitting bombs I’ll play the (50-and-over) Champions Tour,” Mickelson said Wednesday.

“But I’m hitting some crazy bombs right now. No, I still have speed.

There’s no reason I couldn’t play out here. I hit the ball every bit as far.”

Mickelson, who turns 50 on June 16, spoke on the eve of the American Express tournament, where he serves as host.

The three-course event in the California desert will be contested at the PGA West Nicklaus and Stadium layouts and at LaQuinta Country Club.

The US left-hander won the 2013 British Open then went nearly five years without a victory before taking the 2018 WGC Mexico Championship and last year added his fifth Pebble Beach Pro-Am title for his 44th career US PGA crown.

But he failed to qualify for last month’s Presidents Cup in Australia, the first US team event Mickelson has missed since the 1993 Ryder Cup. It has made him extra hungry to qualify for this year’s Ryder Cup against holders Europe on home soil at Whistling Straits but so far Mickelson ranks 28th on the points list, 20 spots below the last automatic qualifier.

“I don’t often voice too many goals, but one of them is to make the Ryder Cup,” Mickelson said. “It should be a pretty obvious goal so I need to play enough tournaments out here and play well to be able to achieve that particular goal.”

Mickelson can make an impression on US captain Steve Stricker this week but he isn’t seeking a captain’s selection. AFP

IN BRIEF

PAL offers P20 seat sale for flights

PHILIPPINE Airlines said it is offering seat sale for domestic and international flights to attract more travelers to fly.

The airline controlled by tycoon Lucio Tan said tickets are offered for as low as P20 for domestic flights and $20 for international flights.

One-way economy domestic tickets on selected flights could be availed of for prices starting at P20, while round-trip economy international tickets (base fare) are offered for as low as $20.

The promo fares are applicable for those traveling in twos. Those flying solo would also get a discount.

Tickets may be purchased from Jan. 20 to 24, 2020. Travel period is July 1, 2020 to December 10, 2020.

Special travel dates will be applicable on PAL’s new routes: Manila-Perth, Davao-Manado, Zamboanga-Kota Kinabalu, Davao-Iloilo, Cebu-Zamboanga, Cebu-Dipolog, Zamboanga-Tawi-Tawi and more.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Thursday it fully restored telecom services in Cavite and Laguna provinces that were affected by ashfall from Taal Volcano.

“This is the result of partial commercial power resumption and permissions given to replenish generator fuel in areas severely affected by ash fall from Taal Volcano’s explosion Sunday evening,” Globe said.

The telco said the prolonged commercial power outages in the said areas forced Globe to operate its sites using generator sets. It said the zero visibility within the 15-kilometer danger zone from the main Taal crater prevented immediate equipment refueling.

Globe said technical teams remained vigilant in monitoring the network in view of the volcano’s volatile condition.

The company also offers free calls and charging services and free GoWifi internet connection to augment connectivity requirements. Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Trade Department is extending P50 million in microfinancing to business owners who were affected

by Taal Volcano eruption.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department was reaching out to entrepreneurs whose livelihood were affected by the calamity.

“We’re still doing the GVA [gross value added] impact. But as of this morning’s meeting. We have agreed to provide P50 million from the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso program to those who are rebuilding or those who want to relocate their businesses,” he said Thursday at the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines.

The DTI estimated that about 40 percent of businesses in and around the affected areas stopped operating while 60 percent remained open for business.

“While other enterprises continue to operate, some companies have suspended operation for several days, and they also resumed operations,” Lopez said.

Othel V. Campos

POGOs to drive real estate growth

PHILIPPINE offshore gaming operators are expected to sustain the strong demand for office and residential spaces in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon over the next couple of years, Colliers Philippines said Thursday.

Colliers said in a report focusing on Southern Luzon that offshore gaming firms from China were dominating office space absorption in Luzon.

“The relentless growth of these firms is one of the reasons why they have started to occupy space in the capital region. With tight vacancy conditions in Metro Manila, these firms have started to occupy office space in Cavite and Laguna and this demand should spill over to the residential sector,” Colliers said.

“We remain optimistic that POGOs are to continue to lead office space take-up over the next two to three years, especially with continued efforts from lawmakers to legitimize their operations,” it said.

Colliers cited data showing that the Southern Luzon region (including Cavite, Laguna and Batangas) economy expanded by about 6.3 percent per year from 2016 to 2018. This makes Southern Luzon one of the fastest-growing regions in the Philippines.

Julito G. Rada

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

B1

By Othel V. Campos

UPS VOLUNTEERS. UPS Philippines managing director Chris Buono (fifth from right), along with UPS Philippines employees and their family members, spend the day with children from SOS Children’s Villages, as part of the company’s Global Volunteer Month activities. They are joined by SOS corporate relations officer Dennis de Vera (right).

Taal eruption depletes power reserves—NGCP ity were not available Thursday because of power line constraints amid Taal eruption, limited operation of several ATIONAL Grid plans and forced outages.

Corp. of the “We are still verifying the data from NGCP with the plants. We have limitPhilippines, the ed generation from some of the power operator of the power plants in the south due to transmission line constraints caused by the unavailtransmission network, ability of some transmission lines afplaced the Luzon grid on fected by the ash fall from the taal erupyellow alert Thursday, tion. One unit of Sual is also unavailable since yesterday due to forced outage,” reflecting the low power Energy assistant secretary Redentor Dereserves as several plants lola said. and transmission facilities NGCP declared a yellow alert from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to in southern Luzon were 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. on affected by Taal Volcano Thursday because of insufficient operateruption. ing reserves.

More than 3,000 megawatts of capacThis was due to the forced outage

By Alena Mae S. Flores

N

PNOC-EC board okays P10.6-b budget for 2020 to support oil, gas exploration

THE board of state-run PNOC Exploration Corp. approved an operating budget of P10.593 billion for 2020 to finance exploration and production projects and other capital expenditures.

PNOC-EC, the oil and gas arm of Philippine National Oil Co., is allocating a firm budget of P2.896 billion which includes expenses related to the Malampaya gas project (P766.31 million), petroleum exploration (P853.43 million), coal exploration and development (P733.84 million), capex of P64.7 million and operating expenses of P477.86 million.

The company said it would also allot a contingent budget of P7.696 billion for an undisclosed exploration and production project.

The board approved PNOC-EC’s budget on Dec. 11, 2019 during its regular meeting.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

CALABARZON ecozones still operational, PEZA assures

Globe restores Cavite services

DTI offers loan to Taal victims

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

It is not clear if the approved budget would cover PNOC-EC’s plan to acquire an additional stake in the Malampaya gas project after it exercised its right of first refusal on the sale of Chevron Malampaya LLC’s 45-percent stake to Udenna Corp.

“PNOC-EC exercised its right. We are getting that...We exercised the right because we feel that the acquisition price is advantageous… It’s advantageous for EC to invest in. It’s an opportunity for EC to invest, [as] the returns are good,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said earlier.

Udenna, controlled by businessman Dennis Uy, signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire the entire shareholdings of Chevron Malampaya LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron Philippines Ltd. in October last year.

Alena Mae S. Flores

of two power plants with a combined capacity of 704 megawatts. These are Sual 1 (647 MW) and Tiwi 5 (57 MW).

Four power plants were operating below capacity with total deration of 441 MW. These included Calaca 1 (300 MW) at 234 MW, SCPC 2 (150 MW) at 140 MW, Kalayaan (720 MW) at 360 MW and SLPGC 2 (150 MW) at 145 MW. Four power plants were on limited capacities because of line constraints that affected 1,938 MW. These were Group 3 (2,336 MW) at 838 MW and Ilijan (1,200 MW) at 760 MW. Group 3 plants include San Buenaventura, Quezon Power and Pagbilao.

The line constraints were due to the effects of the Taal eruption. Access to electric facilities within the danger zone around Taal Volcano was limited.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Thursday all economic zones should comply with the government requirement to locate away from disaster-prone areas.

“We assure our industry-locators and investors [that we] are strict in the enforcement of the geo-hazard laws and the environmental clearance certificate compliance by the ecozone developers, factories, utilities and facilities construction applicants,” said PEZA director-general Charito Plaza.

She made the comment amid the Taal Volcano eruption that affected the CALABARZON region which hosts large ecozones.

Plaza said Lima Technology Center and the First Philippine Industrial Park, both located in Batangas, reported no damage or major disruption to operations and structures so far, aside from the problem brought by ashfall from Taal Volcano.

“Locators now have to craft their business continuity plans that should outline how they plan to do business in the face of the volcano’s ongoing activity. Moreover, PEZA management and concerned zone managers in Luzon are coordinating accordingly with locator companies about the condition of affected workers who reside in affected areas of the Taal volcanic activities,” she said.

Plaza assured investors that business sentiment in the Southern Tagalog region remained positive with the developers’ compliance with government requirements for calamity safety, including the environmental compliance certificate issued by the Environment Department.

Hot money booked $1.9-b net outflow in 2019, says BSP

By Julito G. Rada GLOBAL and domestic uncertainties compelled foreign fund managers to pull out their portfolio investments from the local financial markets in 2019, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The BSP said in a statement registered foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” yielded a net outflow of $1.9 billion last year, a turnaround from the $1.2-billion net inflow in 2018. It also missed the official target of $8-billion net inflow for the year.

Data showed that gross inflows reached $16.6 billion in 2019, up from $16.03 billion in 2018, while total outflows climbed to $18.5 billion from $14.82 billion.

“Developments for the year included

[the] ongoing trade tension between the US and China; passage of the Rice Tariffication law; the holding of the country’s mid-term elections; easing domestic inflation; heightened protests in Hong Kong; attacks on Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities in Saudi Arabia which triggered the largest recent jump in oil prices; and BSP’s decision to reduce the reserve requirement ratio for universal/ commercial and thrift banks,” it said.

Other developments were “the rebalancing of the Morgan Stanley Capital International Philippines Index to reflect its new weightings; President Duterte’s strong views on the alleged onerous provisions of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.’s concession agreements; and the US House of Representatives vote to impeach President

Trump.”

The net outflow of $1.9 billion included $1.7 billion in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed shares, $228 million in peso government securities and $22 million in other portfolio instruments.

The United Kingdom, the US, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong were the top source of portfolio investments last year.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.

Portfolio investments are also called hot money because of the ease they are invested in and taken out of the domestic financial markets. The BSP expects hot money to post a net inflow of $8.2 billion in 2020.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks dip; water issues decline T HE stock market slipped Thursday on lack of catalysts to lift the benchmark index, ignoring the signing of an initial trade agreement between the US and China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 11.22 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,653.18 on a value turnover of P6.4 billion. Losers beat gainers, 112 to 89, with 32 issues unchanged.

Water-related issues led the retreat, with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. declining 3.8 percent to P3.56 and Manila Water Co. Inc. falling 3.3 percent to P971.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood company, dropped 2.4 percent to P201, but electronics firm Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. jumped 35.4 per-

cent to P8.94.

The rest of Asian markets fluctuated Thursday as details were released of the China-US trade deal signed in Washington, with analysts saying it would allow investors to turn their focus to the global outlook and earnings season.

Tokyo finished 0.1 percent higher, while Sydney rose 0.7 percent, Singapore put on 0.5 percent and Seoul jumped 0.8 percent. Wellington and Bangkok also rose.

Shanghai finished down 0.5 percent, Hong Kong was marginally lower, Taipei dipped 0.2 percent and Mumbai was off 0.1 percent. Jakarta also fell.

After years of painstaking on-off talks between the economic superpowers, US President Donald Trump finally put pen to paper on an agreement that lowers tensions between the two and provides a major boost to the global outlook.

Equities have been rallying since last month’s announcement of a deal to de-

escalate a long-running stand-off that has jolted growth around the world and fanned fears of recession in some countries.

The pact—the first part of a wider agreement—includes pledges from Beijing to boost purchases of US agricultural goods and other exports for two years, protects US technology, and provides enforcement mechanisms allowing Washington to impose penalties that Beijing cannot respond to.

In return, the US has cut tariffs on some Chinese products and cancelled others that had been lined up, though levies remain in place on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars, which Trump said will stay in place until the next phase of talks is complete.

The president hailed it as a “momentous step,” while Beijing cautiously welcomed the “hard-fought agreement” but warned of uncertainties ahead owing to

the countries’ fraught relationship.

Still, Wall Street ended with healthy gains, with the Dow and S&P 500 hitting records, but Asian markets swung through the day.

“Given the amount of speculation by the markets and commentary by officials ahead of Wednesday’s signing, it is unsurprising markets have not rallied too strongly upon final signing,” JPMorgan Asset Management strategist Hannah Anderson said.

“In the US, investors largely seem to have accepted this pause in escalation and gotten back to focusing on fundamentals, like what the ongoing earnings season tells us about the outlook for the US equity market. Asia investors are likely to take the same approach.”

But, she added, while the agreement was a big positive, “we should all be aware that headlines about trade, particularly US-China trade, are going to be a constant feature of 2020.” With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review thurSday, January 16, 2020

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BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK VANTAGE

83.85 2.3 153.4 25.1 18.48 12.32 3.91 1.16 851 0.37 64.7 0.81 12.2 20.5 32.1 172.5 112.8 57.8 22.6 185 58.4 1.08

85.5 3.48 156.5 25.1 18.48 12.48 3.91 1.16 851 0.37 65.4 0.84 12.2 20.5 32.35 173.1 112.8 58 22.6 190 58.6 1.08

83.85 2.3 153.4 25.05 18.48 12.32 3.71 1.14 851 0.35 64.4 0.81 12.2 20.5 31.8 172.5 112.8 57 22.45 185 58.4 1.04

FINANCIALS 85.2 2,005,420 3.15 4,052,000 155.1 2,587,160 25.1 24,400 18.48 1,000 12.46 1,012,100 3.9 148,000 1.14 31,000 851 100 0.35 150,000 65 1,733,900 0.84 40,000 12.2 50,000 20.5 400 31.8 484,500 173 2,440 112.8 40 58 1,040 22.45 7,900 187.5 471,040 58.45 17,100 1.04 502,000

170,827,411 12,469,860 401,252,633 611,380 18,480 12,555,842 553,840 35,570 85,100 53,600 112,339,739(53 32,730 610,000 8,200 15,568,810(9, 422,044 4,512 59,981.50 177,945 87,830,634 999,987.50 526,180

29,363,580 53,130 -19,165,042 75,150 -2,730,422 30,890 ,525,985.0001) -2,430 013,990.0003) 7,501 -18,231,669 -619,250 -

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG FRUITAS HLDG GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

33.45 2.32 12.52 0.55 1.28 3.04 0.236 1.57 14.94 165.8 6.56 32.4 61.35 70.95 2.16 5.15 9.36 13.62 9 7.3 1.58 21.6 66.45 1.46 2.12 13.6 7.8 1.26 208 6.8 10.08 11.22 14.98 295 0.176 5.11 1.82 3.97 9.97 11.96 33.15 4.72 5.2 1.88 1.72 0.96 9.85 74.6 8.82 0.12 1 148.5 2.43 1.21 0.95

33.45 2.35 12.56 0.55 1.28 3.05 0.236 1.58 15 165.8 9.14 32.4 67 70.95 2.16 5.15 9.43 13.94 9 7.3 1.58 21.95 67 1.49 2.13 13.6 7.95 1.39 208 7.14 10.08 11.28 15 299.8 0.176 5.11 1.82 3.99 9.97 12 33.2 4.8 5.3 1.92 1.72 1.05 9.89 75 8.83 0.12 1 149.9 2.56 1.23 0.95

32.3 2.27 12 0.52 1.27 2.73 0.234 1.53 14.8 165.7 6.22 32.4 61.25 67.15 2.12 5.1 9 13.6 8.8 7.22 1.58 20.95 66.35 1.45 2.05 13.4 7.71 1.26 200.2 6.8 9.4 11.14 14.28 290 0.17 5.11 1.6 3.97 9.62 11.94 32.7 4.71 5.2 1.88 1.71 0.96 9.61 73.6 8.6 0.115 1 145 2.43 1.2 0.92

INDUSTRIAL 33.2 1,078,400 2.29 3,798,000 12.3 423,800 0.52 1,209,000 1.27 555,000 2.74 6,837,000 0.235 290,000 1.54 22,089,000 14.8 471,900 165.7 180 8.94 19,234,200 32.4 14,400 67 290 67.3 1,960 2.12 58,000 5.1 1,300 9 662,100 13.66 131,300 8.8 614,600 7.25 1,292,400 1.58 9,000 21.35 963,600 66.75 19,310 1.47 10,338,000 2.12 6,307,000 13.48 336,800 7.85 963,200 1.39 1,019,000 201 703,890 7.14 7,000 9.71 10,416,600 11.16 245,400 14.96 1,063,600 295 179,270 0.17 140,000 5.11 4,000 1.7 991,000 3.97 300,000 9.62 900 12 24,700 33 261,400 4.8 69,000 5.3 1,411,100 1.89 574,000 1.71 80,000 1.04 759,000 9.71 2,309,100 75 288,610 8.83 229,400 0.115 2,100,000 1 6,000 149.9 889,890 2.56 5,000 1.2 3,137,000 0.95 423,000

35,490,915 8,777,470 5,299,676 640,830 704,900 19,300,300 67,940 34,280,880 7,005,908 29,833 151,267,357 466,560 18,006.50 134,006 123,160 6,645 6,067,336 1,794,282 5,416,683 9,332,089 14,220 20,530,655 1,290,211 15,165,430 13,236,920 4,544,740 7,521,775 1,376,350 143,083,208 47,960 100,979,240 2,745,186 1 15,751,704 52,813,922 24,040 20,440 1,720,630 1,193,280 8,833 296,046 8,622,100 330,760 7,358,578 1,087,780 136,850 770,190 22,582,159 21,468,872.50 2,007,760 243,800 6,000 132,976,084 12,280 3,796,900 399,190

-487,315 241,490 5,034,774 9,270 -19,687,490 -994,342 -484,355 450,360 2,628,333 -1,178,534 -5,029,366 6,065,346 -6,551,840 16,396.50 -269,000 98,040 -28,184 4,394,880 -78,200.00 -29,785,710 13,620 1,614,317 ,567,765.9997 -6,434,938 -21,481,936 -209,270 -63,550 -26,324 6,738,250 -187,200 -376,924 -94,920 -1,007,246 -7,727,858.50 95,760,135 -9,720 102,300 -

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

0.9 52 11.08 0.66 6.39 11.2 0.94 0.95 790 2.84 6.71 6.69 13.1 0.207 790 73.65 0.49 3.71 11.28 3.7 5 1.18 151.6 1,058 1.18 195 207 0.21

0.91 53 11.12 0.69 6.39 11.92 1.02 1.02 794.5 2.88 6.76 6.69 13.16 0.207 802 74.5 0.5 3.71 11.48 3.76 5 1.26 153 1,062 1.24 195 213.8 0.21

0.88 51.75 11.02 0.66 6.39 11.12 0.94 0.95 778 2.83 6.55 6.43 13.1 0.207 780 72.4 0.485 3.69 11.12 3.52 4.5 1.17 149.3 1,038 1.18 186 207 0.207

HOLDING FIRMS 0.89 12,193,000 53 965,740 11.02 3,618,000 0.69 168,000 6.39 300 11.7 19,400 0.96 9,441,000 0.97 1,729,000 794.5 176,760 2.83 446,000 6.7 1,558,900 6.48 9,509,500 13.16 19,200 0.207 100,000 802 141,620 72.5 3,580,130 0.49 327,000 3.71 350,000 11.2 936,000 3.56 23,300,000 4.8 29,600 1.26 106,000 152.8 220,180 1,050 391,965 1.24 3,000 194 150 213.8 300 0.209 460,000

10,893,810 50,929,395 40,002,894 111,900 1,917 220,666 9,365,190 1,707,170 139,957,215 1,269,700 10,445,075 61,836,859 252,654 20,700 112,554,555 260,326,157 ( 159,970 1,295,250 10,520,706 83,963,490 139,377 124,660 33,315,422 411,424,240 3,600 28,430 63,826 96,120

23,858,074.50 1,667,260 64,421,530 -102,510 652,299 -10,422,240 -21,787,725 38,586,643.5) -118,610 932,546 -17,629,900 3,964 -9,886,003 -65,267,340 2,360 34,072 -

14.72 0.71 0.86 42.5 1.87 4.67 6.5 0.54 0.73 0.85 0.188 0.4 9.22 18.26 0.42 1.51 1.08 4.24 0.231 0.42 1.18 0.325 2.17 27.1

PROPERTY 14.72 515,100 0.73 107,000 0.88 1,967,000 42.9 18,848,300 1.88 230,000 4.77 132,000 6.7 84,400 0.55 15,963,000 0.77 70,000 0.86 50,000 0.188 10,000 0.4 230,000 9.5 77,800 18.3 47,700 0.42 10,000 1.53 21,976,000 1.16 228,000 4.31 31,732,000 0.235 45,000,000 0.42 10,000 1.19 1,524,000 0.33 280,000 2.21 602,000 27.2 1,340,500

7,582,274 76,210 1,731,040 810,094,325 432,280 623,040 565,290 8,739,510 52,990 42,900 1,880 92,200 744,346 875,414 4,200 33,605,440 248,800 136,370,870 10,585,120 4,200 1,823,200 92,800 1,327,820 36,644,540

315,010 -269,085,245 -99,350 57,100.00 99,010 -1,355,200 37,630 42,900 -16,000 -237,832 549,084.00 -321,600 40,150,370 459,840 -495,600 12,307,605

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND

14.72 0.71 0.88 43.9 1.9 4.7 6.5 0.55 0.73 0.85 0.188 0.405 9.65 18.3 0.42 1.54 1.1 4.3 0.248 0.42 1.18 0.345 2.18 27.65

14.74 0.73 0.9 43.9 1.9 4.78 6.7 0.56 0.77 0.86 0.188 0.405 9.65 18.42 0.42 1.55 1.16 4.33 0.248 0.42 1.21 0.345 2.24 27.8

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

2.11 3.24 40.65 2.45 1.54 7.32 5.85

2.13 3.24 40.65 2.45 1.66 7.4 5.9

2.11 3.2 40.05 2.39 1.52 7.32 5.7

2.13 3.24 40.4 2.4 1.62 7.35 5.9

86,000 15,000 10,089,200 53,000 7,074,000 6,285,200 25,000

182,090 48,560 406,983,505 127,790 11,323,750 46,204,940 144,046

3,200 -77,938,480 -166,640 -6,487,987 -

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

9.7 18 1.33 11.48 0.41 0.046 18.3 3.54 10.84 88.7 5.55 5 1.76 8.85 2,062 5.45 430.6 1.42 1.66 131.3 8.17 7.95 0.106 4.15 12.32 2.45 0.86 13.36 0.395 3.17 2.1 2.57 2.31 7.9 2.88 4.6 135 2.65 1,083 0.59 0.365 39.3 77.8 9.1 2.71 0.61 0.265 0.61 18.6

9.9 18.22 1.33 11.48 0.43 0.047 18.3 3.54 11 88.8 5.6 5.3 1.76 8.87 2,062 5.49 446.8 1.43 1.66 132.9 8.17 7.95 0.108 4.2 12.32 2.5 0.9 14.22 0.395 3.17 2.1 2.63 2.31 7.9 2.88 4.6 147 2.65 1,090 0.6 0.41 39.85 79 9.35 2.72 0.63 0.28 0.62 18.7

9.55 17.42 1.3 11.42 0.405 0.045 18.3 3.27 10.5 87 5.34 5 1.76 8.63 2,004 5.42 429.8 1.31 1.66 130.8 8.17 7.5 0.106 3.8 12.32 2.42 0.86 13.22 0.395 3.15 2.07 2.54 2.31 7.4 2.88 4.6 135 2.56 1,065 0.57 0.36 39 77.4 9.1 2.69 0.6 0.265 0.61 18.58

SERVICES 9.8 17.42 1.3 11.44 0.41 0.045 18.3 3.3 10.98 87 5.34 5.1 1.76 8.87 2,044 5.49 438 1.34 1.66 132.1 8.17 7.5 0.106 3.8 12.32 2.5 0.9 14.16 0.395 3.15 2.09 2.54 2.31 7.5 2.88 4.6 135 2.6 1,075 0.58 0.395 39.85 77.55 9.35 2.7 0.61 0.275 0.61 18.6

8,900 456,400 40,000 687,200 2,070,000 16,000,000 300 1,998,000 3,828,800 55,420 651,000 25,000 2,000 7,800 54,105 117,200 1,730 3,684,000 5,000 1,105,890 300 13,900 1,310,000 13,730,000 100 37,000 67,000 3,984,000 50,000 245,000 528,000 926,000 2,000 1,100 1,000 9,000 1,030,670 634,000 126,190 10,012,000 38,380,000 240,100 86,630 36,500 1,056,000 3,870,000 3,920,000 239,000 3,294,300

86,055 8,134,356 52,510 7,862,054 859,650 721,700 5,490 6,659,970 41,362,486 4,844,709.50 3,534,956 129,220 3,520 68,147 110,544,510 640,014 749,896 5,012,390 8,300 145,968,545 2,451 104,880 139,120 55,680,470 1,232 90,200 59,620 55,946,078 19,750 773,650 1,101,220 2,380,250 4,620 8,430 2,880 41,400 139,141,372 1,642,050 135,507,910 5,808,890 ( 15,047,150 9,430,675(2, 6,714,986 334,725 2,853,340 2,349,630 1,082,050 146,360 61,293,006

-11,760 -486,244 5,490 -20,350 8,381,848 -708,485 32,142 30,635,280 692,650.00 17,129,925 75,000 15,900 994,990.00 -1,232 70 -29,697,806 -503,450 129,000 2,880 -84,032 60,030 -20,994,015 618,859.9998) 218,050 361,615.0003) -4,929,755 810,150 -799,950 -8,400 31,635,896

687,900 1,388,883 1,291,900 1,827,560 43,948 1,175,980 8,627 3,400,190 811,950 51,060 18,000 8,300 183,600 34,675,990 333,440 22,500 2,280 170,000 1,623,820 2,560,591 10,506,185 12,000

167,185 -1,300,250 113,330 -1,671,260 -5,000 -999,940 182,482 -672,455 1,432,670 -111,100 287,158 -

MS ABRA MINING ACE ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK CENTURY PEAK DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0014 8.39 1.05 2.5 10.06 2.84 7.19 1.61 0.22 0.099 0.1 0.0083 0.9 3.21 1.04 0.45 0.76 0.011 2.98 9.3 21.9 0.006

0.0015 8.71 1.05 2.65 10.88 2.87 7.23 1.64 0.223 0.1 0.1 0.0083 0.9 3.35 1.09 0.45 0.76 0.011 3.01 9.48 21.9 0.006

0.0014 8.39 1.02 2.5 10.06 2.84 7.17 1.61 0.204 0.098 0.1 0.0083 0.9 3.21 1.01 0.45 0.76 0.01 2.96 9.3 21.55 0.006

MIING & OIL 0.0015 491,000,000 8.5 163,100 1.03 1,247,000 2.55 722,000 10.88 4,100 2.87 413,000 7.18 1,200 1.62 2,106,000 0.208 3,840,000 0.1 520,000 0.1 180,000 0.0083 1,000,000 0.9 204,000 3.35 10,556,000 1.06 326,000 0.45 50,000 0.76 3,000 0.011 15,500,000 2.96 545,000 9.39 272,200 21.65 485,100 0.006 2,000,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2R CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

17 502 500 101 100.5 108 502 5.46 970 99.75 103 1,050 1,050 101.5 107 1,029 77.6 74 76 75.3 75.95

17 502 500 101 101 108 502 5.49 970 99.75 103 1,050 1,050 101.5 107 1,029 77.6 74 76 75.3 76.2

16.72 502 500 101 100.5 108 498.2 5.43 970 99.75 100 1,050 1,050 100.2 107 1,026 77.6 74 76 75.15 75.95

PREFERRED 16.78 211,400 502 1,300 500 100 101 1,100 100.9 110,500 108 7,000 498.4 7,820 5.48 52,500 970 10 99.75 9,970 100 37,390 1,050 5,000 1,050 2,200 100.2 2,020 107 10 1,026 1,095 77.6 28,820 74 2,200 76 2,500 75.15 10,200 76.2 149,020

3,580,662 652,600 50,000 111,100 11,129,340 756,000 3,914,950 287,158 9,700 994,507.50 3,756,198 5,250,000 2,310,000 202,430 1,070 1,124,235 2,236,432 162,800 190,000 768,030 11,345,262

LR WARRANT

1.23

1.23

1.23

WARRANTS 1.23 12,000

14,760

-

1,115,770 1,632,983 919,470

-

1,740,796

21,833

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

3.91 9.86 0.86

4 10.1 0.87

3.88 9.84 0.85

FIRST METRO ETF

115.2

115.3

114.7

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,131,380

INDUSTRIAL

111,866,396

HOLDING FIRMS

82,831,100

PROPERTY

178,713,636

SERVICES

115,068,097

MINING & OIL

531,147,855

GRAND TOTAL

1,036,301,349

3.88 9.86 0.87

SME

286,000 165,200 1,072,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.9 15,140

VALUE 1,821.31 (up) 18.59 979,693,399.42 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 9,336.62 (down) 46.60 994,964,395.77 HOLDING FIRMS 7,460.01 (down) 33.45 1,589,622,636.51 PROPERTY 3,997.13 (down) 27.13 SERVICES 1,554.72 (down) 1.11 1,815,142,968.30 MINING & OIL 8,048.41 (up) 78.95 990,949,213.66 PSEI 7,653.18 (down) 11.22 60,816,383.40 All Shares Index 4,531.00 (down) 8.30 6,436,612,507.67 Gainers: 89; Losers: 112; Unchanged: 32; Total: 233

Okada Manila says ‘19 gross revenues rose 46% to P39.8b

By Jenniffer B. Austria OKADA Manila, an integrated resort and gaming complex operating in Pagcor Entertainment City and owned

by Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corp., booked gross gaming revenues of P39.79 billion in 2019, up 46 percent from P27.22 billion recorded in 2018.

UEC operates Okada Manila through its local subsidiary Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. UEC said in a report posted on its website gaming revenues from VIP tables totaled P19.5 billion, up 57 percent from P12.65 billion a year ago, while gaming revenues from the mass market jumped 41 percent to P9.64 billion from P6.84 billion a year ago.

Revenues from gaming machines also climbed 33 percent to P10.29 billion from P7.72 billion in 2018.

Okada Manila operates 180 VIP gaming tables, 229 mass market gaming tables and 2,591 gaming machines as of end 2019.

Meanwhile, non-gaming revenues from hotel, food and beverage and entertainment components rose 44 percent to P2.58 billion in 2019 from P1.8 billion a year ago.

UEC said Okada Manila received 6.04 million visitors in 2019, up 24 percent from 4.86 million in 2018.

Gross gaming revenues in December surged 84 percent to P4.63 billion from P2.52 billion recorded in the same month in 2018.

Opened in December 2016, the 44-hectare Okada Manila was th third integrated resort and casino to operate in government sponsored Pagcor Entertainment City after Bloomberry Resort’s Solaire Resort & Casino and Melco Crown’s City of Dreams.

Once fully operational, Okada Manila is set to become the largest integrated entertainment resort in the country. It will occupy a total floor area of 34,321 square meters, housing over 500 table games and over 3,000 electronic gaming machines.

UEC in December reported the plan of Tiger Resorts to venture into real estate development, including condominiums. Tiger Resorts will form joint venture partnerships to develop the land adjacent to the casino scheme.

The move to venture into other real estate developments is in response to the steady expansion of its casino business.

Ex-ABS-CBN executive joins Udenna Group

By Darwin G. Amojelar A FORMER executive of ABS-CBN Corp. has been appointed chief operating officer of of the telecom, media and entertainment company of businessman Dennis Uy. The Udenna Group said Donald Lim would join the company effective February 1, 2020 as the COO of DITO CME, and concurrently act as the chief innovation officer of the group.

Donald will be tasked to lead the communications, media and entertainment group of Udenna, which includes the soon-to-be-launched DITO Telecommunity and Udenna’s investments in the space of media and entertainment.

He is also expected to identify synergies and drive business innovation across the Udenna Group, which includes Phoenix Petroleum, Family Mart, Chelsea Logistics, Conti’s, Wendys, Enderun College and Udenna Land.

“We are thrilled to welcome Donald to the Group. With his wealth of experience and strong values, we are confident he will make an outstanding leader for our digital and innovation efforts, which are very critical in enabling us to improve the lives of our customers not just today, but in the future,” said Udenna Group chairman Dennis Uy. Bringing with him more than 20 years of senior leadership experience from the media and advertising agency side, Lim will play the key role in shaping the group of companies under Udenna.

Lim joins the business from Dentsu Aegis Network, where he was the country chief executive officer for three years. He was the chief digital officer of ABS-CBN prior to joining Dentsu.

Lim is highly regarded in the industry as a pioneer in digital, having been the founding president of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines. He received several recognitions, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Community Building in Digital Media, the DMN 40 under 40 and the Agora Award.

World

B3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Senate set to put Trump trial in motion

W

ASHINGTON― Articles of impeachment charging President Donald Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress will be formally read to the Senate Thursday, setting in motion a historic trial that threatens the US leader with removal from office.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will then be sworn in to preside over the trial and senators sworn in as jurors, as preparations get underway for an impeachment trial that will open on Tuesday, January 21.

Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell said the articles would be formally read to the chamber at noon (1700 GMT), in an announcement following their delivery to the Senate Wednesday.

“This is a difficult time for our country, but this is precisely the kind of time for which the framers created the Senate,” McConnell said, referring to the authors of the US Constitution.

“I’m confident that this body can rise above short-termism and factional fever and serve the long-term best interests of our nation. We can do this, and we must.”

The two articles of impeachment― one for abuse of power and the other for obstructing the House investigation― were delivered in blue folders in a solemn procession by the newly appointed House managers, seven Democrats who

will prosecute the case against the president.

“So sad, so tragic for our country, that the actions taken by the president to undermine our national security, to violate his oath of office and to jeopardize the security of our elections, has taken us to this place,” Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said as she signed the articles.

“This president will be held accountable,” she said. “No one is above the law.”

The solemn formalities underscored the grimness of the occasion, Trump becoming only the third US president in history to be placed on trial in the Senate.

“We feel we are carrying out the will of the framers of our constitution, and that’s a pretty serious load,” said Adam

UNSPOILED, BUT FOR HOW LONG? This picture taken on November 16, 2019,

shows tourists walking on the beach with granite rocks on Silhouette Island, the third largest island, Seychelles. The Seychelles, a byword for luxury holidays and Instagram-perfect beaches, lives off tourism. But the idyllic honeymoon abode is confronting a tug-of-war over how to keep the economy growing while protecting its fragile ecosystem. High-end tourism, mainly from Europe, helped pull the Seychelles from the brink of financial ruin after the 2008 economic crisis.

Visitor numbers doubled in the decade that followed to around 360,000 today. AFP

Living in fear over protest support HONG KONG―Hong Kong’s teachers say they are living in fear as the city’s democracy protests rumble on, with some not daring to discuss the movement and others anxious they could even lose their jobs if they are caught supporting it.

The education sector has always been at the vanguard of the financial hub’s prodemocracy fight, with teachers and students taking to the streets in 2012 to oppose a government order for schools to teach classes that praised China’s communist history while criticizing democracy movements.

And since the recent wave of protests started last June, police said out of the 6,500 people arrested, about one third are students and around 80 are teachers.

Millions have come out on the streets in demonstrations sparked by opposition to a now-abandoned proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China.

But they morphed into wider demands for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability in the starkest challenge to Beijing since the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Primary school teacher Nelson is facing

disciplinary proceedings for writing Facebook posts critical of the police, telling AFP he is under investigation by the education bureau following an anonymous tip.

Nelson, who asked to be identified with a pseudonym, has no idea who made the complaint although the posts were only viewable to his Facebook friends.

The complainant -- who said they were a parent -- presented screen grabs of Nelson’s private posts expressing anger at police behaviour.

After their own probe, Nelson’s school confirmed he had not discussed politics in class with students -- but the education bureau is still pushing him to explain every post.

“I think they (the authorities) have gone too far... When I get off work, I am off duty.

Just like the police, when they are off-duty, they can also express their views on Weibo,” Nelson said, referring to the Twitter-like platform.

He has now deactivated his Facebook account and has become extra careful with what he posts on other networks, including not writing the word “police.” AFP

IN BRIEF Putin announces reforms, Russian govt resigns

MOSCOW―Russia’s government resigned in a shock announcement on Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin proposed a series of constitutional reforms.

In a televised meeting with the Russian president, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country’s balance of power and so “the government in its current form has resigned”.

“We should provide the president of our country with the possibility to take all the necessary measures” to carry out the changes, Medvedev said.

“All further decisions will be taken by the president.”

Putin asked Medvedev, his longtime ally, to continue as head of government until a new government has been appointed.

“I want to thank you for everything that has been done, to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved,” Putin said.

“Not everything worked out, but everything never works out.”

He also proposed creating the post of deputy head of the Security Council, suggesting that Medvedev take on the position.

Earlier Wednesday Putin proposed a referendum on a package of reforms to Russia’s constitution that would strengthen the role of parliament.

The changes would include giving parliament the power to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet members, instead of the president as in the current system. AFP

Misinformation law challenged for first time

SINGAPORE―Singapore’s controversial law against online misinformation was challenged in court for the first time on Thursday as concerns mount it is being used to stifle criticism ahead of elections.

The legislation gives authorities the power to order corrections placed next to posts they deem false.

Since the law came into force in October, several opposition figures and activists have been ordered to place a banner next to online posts stating that they contain false information.

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), one of a handful of small opposition groups in the city-state, lodged an appeal last week after it was ordered under the law to “correct” three online articles.

The posts, on Facebook and the party’s website, said many Singaporeans had been displaced from white-collar jobs by foreigners―claims the government said were “false and misleading”.

The SDP is seeking with its challenge, which got under way behind closed doors at the High Court on Thursday, to get the government order overturned.

Before it began, a judge rejected the party’s request to have the case heard in open court, said deputy attorney-general Hri Kumar Nair, who is representing the government.

SDP leader Chee Soon Juan, who had argued that the case is of public interest, said the ruling was “very disappointing”. The small party currently has no seats in parliament.

The challenge was filed against Manpower Minister Josephine Teo, whose ministry last month requested the corrections and later rejected an application to withdraw its order. AFP

Schiff, the Democratic lawmaker tapped to lead the prosecution team.

Trump is accused of secretly holding up $391 million in aid to Ukraine between July and September to pressure Kiev to investigate former vice president Joe Biden, the Democratic front runner in this year’s White House race.

The president is also charged with obstruction for holding back witnesses and documents from the House impeachment investigation in defiance of Congressional subpoenas.

He was formally impeached on December 18.

But Pelosi held back on delivering the articles to the Senate as she pressured McConnell to agree to subpoena the witnesses and documents that the White House blocked from the House probe.

McConnell has refused to commit,

saying the issue will only be decided after the trial’s opening arguments and questioning, which could take two weeks.

A Trump administration official told reporters Wednesday that they expect the trial to last no longer than two weeks, suggesting McConnell could use his 5347 Republican majority in the Senate to stifle calls for witnesses and quickly take the charges to a vote.

“I think it’s extraordinarily unlikely it will be going beyond two weeks,” the official said, on condition of anonymity.

With impeachment rules requiring a two-thirds super-majority to convict and remove a president, Trump’s acquittal is widely expected.

Earlier Wednesday Trump ridiculed the investigation and trial, as he has for months. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

Manila deploys medical teams to Taal sites

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

By Willie Casas

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

BIG BROTHER IN ACTION. Calabarzon Police Regional Director Brig. Gen.Vicente Danao helps hand out relief goods to the victims of Taal Volcano’s eruption in San Pascual, Batangas

and other nearby towns. Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary District NCR-CL, together with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Southern Luzon, distributed more than 600 relief packs to Taal Volcano evacuees stationed in Sto. Tomas and Malvar in Batangas. Photo shows (from left) Commodore Leo Campos of PCGA STL, R/Adm. Manny Idquival of PCGA NCRCL, Sto. Tomas City Mayor Edna Sanchez, Cdr. Ronnie Dimol, and Cdr. Art Abu, PCG Task Force Taal Commander, and PCGA PIO CDR Noel Alamar. Roy Tomandao

Caloocan ships aid directly to Bauan families

By Jun David THE Caloocan City government has extended assistance to families in Bauan, Batangas affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas since last week.

Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan assured the city’s assistance to evacuees, especially the basic needs of the various families now in different evacuation centers.

The operational assistance was ordered by Mayor Malapitan with the office of Rep. Along Malaipitan in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City Social Welfare Department.

Among the items given were mats, blankets, food packs, senior citizen kits, family disaster kits, and trauma bags, the mayor said.

The assistance was delivered from the Caloocan City Hall North through the local CSWD and the CDRRMO to Bauan City Hall.

Bauan Mayor Ryanh Dolor and Batangas Rep. Naealla Bainto Aguinaldo expressed gratitude to the Caloocan city government for extending help to the hardest-hit families.

“What’s important is we were able to render assistance that fits the needs of the victims of the eruption of Taal.

We hope these simple tokens can ease the sufferings of our brothers in Bauan,” Malabanan said.

Navotas village chief appeals to Rody for help CLAIMING he is a victim of a political war being waged by Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco against his political foes, a barangay chairman from the city has sought help from President Rodrigo Duterte in a last-minute attempt to avoid possible jail time arising from a nonbailable case filed against him.

Before a select group of media, Wilfredo Mariano, chairman of Barangay Tangos in Navotas, presented a letter he sent to Duterte, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, seeking assistance regarding a kidnapping case filed against him and two others by a supporter of Tiangco.

Neither the mayor nor the Navotas Public Information Office replied to queries from Manila Standard as of presstime.

According to Mariano, the case stemmed from an incident during the last elections.

Around early evening on May 13, 2019, Mariano said a group of men came to his office at the barangay hall in Tangos with someone in tow, whim the group claimed was engaging in vote-buying. However, after turning over the suspected vote-buyer to him, the group immediately left.

The suspected vote-buyer, who was then wearing a t-shirt bearing the name of then-mayoralty candidate Tiangco, was later identified as Rommel Sopera, a driver of Navotas City Hall. Sopera denied he was engaged in vote-buying and was simply delivering food to Tiangco’s poll watchers.

MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso has ordered the deployment of teams to conduct medical assistance, medical checks up, and distribution of medicines to the affected residents in the province of Batangas hit hardest by the eruption of Taal Volcano last Sunday.

Domagoso likewise ordered the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office teams to again be deployed in municipalities in Batangas.

According to the Public Information Office of the Manila Government, these are municipalities in Cuenca, Bauan, Taal, Agoncillo, Lemery, Laurel, and Talisay.

A small Manila PIO unit was embedded in the MDRRMO teams that were deployed to assist in evacuation efforts by municipal governments.

The medical teams, composed of those in the central office in Manila City Hall, as well as in the government hospitals of the six districts of Manila, were deployed to the centers.

Medicines were distributed and continued to be distributed to the victims who are now placed in the different evacuation centers of Batangas and other areas.

Makati sends disaster vehicles

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Makati City government is sending its disaster response vehicles and equipment to Bauan, Batangas to assist thousands of evacuees from localities affected by the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano.

Mayor Abigail Binay said she ordered the deployment of one super tanker, two penetrator fire trucks, water filtration system, mobile shower, vacuum tanker, gensets, mobile kitchen and jerry cans to help the national government and private volunteers in the massive operation to evacuate affected families.

Some 1,000 sleeping mats will also be sent as Mayor Binay’s personal donation to the victims.

“We are mobilizing vital equipment to address the urgent needs of thousands of families displaced by the sudden eruption of Taal Volcano. The ordeal of evacuees from identified danger

zones in Laguna and Batangas is far from over, and we would like to help ease their suffering by giving them access to potable water and power supply, among other necessities,” Binay said.

The city chief executive said the super tanker, which has a water storage capacity equivalent to the load of eight fire trucks, will be used to carry water that will pass through the city-provided water filtration system, in order to provide potable water supply to the evacuees.

The mobile kitchen, on the other hand, is ideal for mass food production as it allows for the preparation of at least 800 meals per operation. With its weather protection fea-

tures and built-in chimney, it also ensures food safety and quality, Binay added.

The city government is also sending its mobile shower facility that provides needed privacy for residents while taking a decent shower. Also to be deployed is a vacuum tanker that will be used to collect sludge from the mobile shower.

On the mayor’s orders, the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has designated a composite team to handle the transport of vehicles and equipment to the town of Bauan in Batangas, and duly coordinate with the concerned DRRM Councils on the target location.

Quirino assures Batangas, Cua rallies LGUs’ support

Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo ‘Dax’ Cua presides over a provincial disaster management meeting.

THE people of Quirino, led by its Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, conveyed its desire to extend whatever support and assistance needed to help Batangas and its neighboring provinces, as the Taal Volcano roared back to life last weekend.

Cua joined the rest of the nation in standing united with Batangas, which is bracing itself for more adversity.

Quirino is ready to dispatch its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Provincial Social Welfare Development Office to help the disaster-hit areas evacuate their residents, Cua said.

As President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and National Chairperson of the League of Provinces, the governor urged other local government units to come in and aid Batangas, as the resilience its people is put to the test.

“This disaster is not the concern of Batangas Province alone, but of the whole nation,” Cua said.

The Province of Quirino is the 2019 Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing Ang Kaligtasan) National Awardee.

It gained this distinction because of its preparedness for natural calamities and outstanding contribution to disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.

Relief goods from the province of Quirino are on their way, as an expression of “pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa kapwa,” an innate attitude of Quirinians, Cua said.

Villar marks 5th year building up Baseco with cleanup, tree planting TO MARK the 5th anniversary of her various projects in Baseco Compound, which she intends to turn into a “model community,” Senator Cynthia Villar recently led a clean-up activity in the area.

Since 2015, Villar has been returning to the congested Baseco in Gasangan, a coastal community along Manila Bay, to conduct monthly cleanup and tree-planting activities, and to check on the progress of the construction of toilets and status of the various livelihood projects she established for the residents.

Villar adopted this area of Gasangan in a bid to make the compound a model community rehabilitation project and site for urban agriculture and aquaculture.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, expressed her gratitude to individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the projects.

“Looking back, rehabilitating Baseco looked like a daunting task but your continued cooperation encouraged me to carry on. It’s still a long way to go but as you can see, we are starting to reap the benefits of our initial steps,” Villar said, addressing the volunteers from partner organizations gathered for the activity.

Through the help of the Bureau of Soils and Waste Management, Villar established urban gardens in the area, which have been the source of vegetables for residents’ own consumption and livelihood.

Recycling projects were also initiated in the area provided by the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

Senator Cynthia Villar leads the cleaning of the coastal area of Manila Bay in Gasangan to mark the 5th anniversary of her projects in Baseco Compound, Tondo.

Mangroves were also planted in the area to serve as natural barriers that will protect the community in the event of storm surges.

Aquaculture was also introduced in the area with the help of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,, which provided the training and distributed fish-

ing boats and tri-bikes to the residents.

At the beginning of the projects, Villar also took the initiative to pave the street and build a communal septic tank. She also sought the commitment of authorities for the regular collection of garbage to prevent solid waste accumulation in Manila Bay. Macon Ramos-Araneta

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C1

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

Motoring

Dakar Rally searches for green amid sand

The Dakar Rally also serves as a laboratory for the development of new vehicles.

T

HE images of cars, motorbikes and trucks careering through the sands of the Saudi desert are wonderfully dramatic but the shadow of climate change is lengthening across the Dakar Rally.

For 42 years this convoy of gasguzzling vehicles has billowed exhaust fumes across the sands of Africa, South America and now Saudi Arabia, incurring the wrath of the environmentalists.

In response, the rally is taking its first baby steps towards a more climate friendly race.

For Anne Lassman-Trappier, mobility manager of the France nature environment association (FNE), the Dakar is “way off beam”.

“It still interests some people but it’s no longer in step with history,” she says.

The penny appears to have dropped with the rally organisers who are displaying their desire to go green.

“When you have a motor sport, you know very well that you are not in tune with the times,” admits David Castera, the new boss of the Dakar.

“We have 350 vehicles that drive every day which obviously says something but we are working on it,” he said.

Electric SUV For several years, the race has implemented a carbon offset programme in the Amazon.

The rally also serves as a laboratory for the development of new vehicles.

In 2017, a 100 percent electric car managed to finish the race after two failures in previous years.

The car sponsored by Acciona, the Spanish renewable energy and construction giant, completed the rally in 52nd place, 82 hours 31 minutes 48seconds behind the winner, Stephane Peterhansel.

It was not an ideal advertisement for electric racing but it was a good start.

This year, a hybrid truck is making its competitive debut. After five stages, the crew of team Riwald were second to last.

Again, it is at least an indication that hybrids can survive the conditions.

“The electric system is only charged while driving, so there is no need for a generator or charger,” says Dutch driver Gert Huzink.

The vehicle “is simply refuelled by the internal process of the truck”.

On the sidelines, an electric SUV is also carrying out tests, with experienced nine-time Dakar driver Guerlain Chicherit at the wheel.

“Today, we are facing certain realities and motor sport must evolve,” said the Frenchman.

“You have to accept that things change and live with the times.”

With a 60 kWh battery and two electric motors, the Odyssey 21 can reach a top speed of 200kph and go from 0 to 100 in 4.5 seconds with very little noise.

Silence is golden “It’s very surprising,” admits Chicherit.

“In motorsport, there is a bit of a fantasy around noise. But after driving a week in the desert in a car that makes no noise, I can tell you that it is much better.”

The team overseeing the experiment aims to enter competition next year.

Their big problem in a race where stages are often 600 kilometres or more is that a battery will only run for 50km before it needs recharging.

“The ambition is to be successful in 2023 or 2024,” says Chicherit.

“We are realistic. But we have to start by doing it in 2021. We are going to be the guinea pig, I am aware of that and I am ready to do it. It makes the project more exciting.”

One day the Dakar Rally might have to go 100 per cent electric.

“It’s going to happen, I am sure of it”, says Theophile Cousin, the engineer behind the electric SUV. For Lassman-Trappier, this reshaping of the machines could give new meaning to the race.

“If we change the type of race completely to one which favours vehicles without fossil fuel and run in the desert, that makes a lot more sense,” she said.

The call certainly appears to have been heard in the organisers’ office where plans are afoot to stage “within two years” a new truck category which would be 100 percent hybrid.

The whispers across the sands also suggest that there may be a new category for electric cars. AFP

TIPS How to remove volcanic ash from your vehicle

FORD Philippines is releasing these helpful vehicle maintenance tips for car owners whose vehicles have been affected by volcanic ash from the Taal Volcano eruption: Keep vehicles under cover as much as possible.

Do not remove ash by sweeping or brushing as it may cause scratches on the vehicle body. Remove by rinsing with water using a garden hose on low pressure while wearing appropriate dust mask and eye gear.

Lift wiper blades clear of the windscreen and ensure both glass and wiper rubbers are cleared from ash deposits.

Ensure the areas around the fuel door and door opening are cleaned prior to refuelling your vehicle to avoid contami-

nants from entering the fuel tank.

Engine air cleaner should be inspected by a qualified technician and replaced where dust accumulation has occurred.

Under hood and engine bay area should also be inspected and cleaned by a qualified personnel to avoid any damage.

For people driving in areas with heavy ashfall, have the pollen filter replaced at the first opportunity to ensure it does not clog up evaporators and they do not breathe in any contaminants.

Avoid driving while significant ash deposits remain on the road. If driving cannot be avoided, use the vehicle climate control system on recirculated air mode to reduce unwanted dust and odor from entering your vehicle.

Underhood and engine bay area should also be inspected and cleaned.

MAJOR SHIFT

Electric vehicles spark an auto evolution

THE automotive industry globally is going through a major shift in terms of electric mobility. Locally, the Philippines is undertaking many initiatives in terms of government support and additional infrastructure to cater to this automotive evolution. Also, more consumers are beginning to see the value of electric vehicles and their positive effects on congestion, and noise and air pollution.

Is the Philippines ready for electric vehicles? Studies seem to indicate that it is.

According to a recent Frost & Sullivan survey, 46% of Filipinos are considering one as their next vehicle purchase.

Nissan, the creators of the world’s bestselling electric car the Nissan LEAF, is leading the conversation in Asia around electrification. As the Japanese automaker gears up for the introduction of the LEAF in the Philippines, here are some key things Filipinos need to know about electric vehicles: Range The Nissan LEAF can cover 311 ki-

lometers when fully charged. That’s the distance between Manila and San Fernando, La Union. This allows drivers to easily travel to Calamba, Laguna (53 kms), Baguio, Benguet (245 kms), or Baler, Aurora (274 kms) and not have to worry about completely losing battery charge while on the road. For reference, the average driving distance around Metro Manila per day is only 13.2 km.

Charging There are three primary ways to charge an EV, according to consumer preference and ease. Charging at home, usually overnight, with a standard universal cable can be done right away and takes 12 to 15 hours to fully charge the Nissan LEAF. A wall box can also be installed at home or in any establishment, and takes between five to seven hours per charge session. And there are currently 23 public charging stations in the Philippines, and more are being added.

Environmental Impact Electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which means they are a good

environmental choice. Moreover, electric vehicles allow a reduction in noise pollution, a growing issue in urban centers. A Nissan LEAF has a running noise level of 21 decibels, compared to the average 82 decibels that a car produces when driving at 80 km per hour.

Trend To support sustainable initiatives and reduction of emissions across Southeast Asia, Nissan has already introduced the Nissan LEAF to several countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In 2020, the Philippines will be the next country to join the electric mobility movement.

“Nissan is committed in meeting Filipinos’ demand for sustainable, safe, and smart mobility by bringing the Nissan LEAF to the country. We will continue to support EV adoption in the Philippines by educating the public on the advantages and benefits of EVs for consumers and for the environment,” shares Nissan in the Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima.