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‘Earth Pig’ brings good vibes, luck By Bernadette Lunas THE Earth Pig is expected to bring positive vibes and abundance in Next page

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Survey: Pinoys hopeful of 2019

WELCOME

By Nat Mariano MAJORITY of Filipinos are optimistic in welcoming 2019 with hope rather than fear, an independent pollster revealed on Monday. In its latest survey, the Social Weather Stations’(SWS) said nine out of 10 Filipino adults at 92 percent are entering the new year full of hope. “This is four points below the record-high 96 percent in 2017, and the same as the 92 percent in 2008, 2012, and 2015,” the SWS said. Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 340 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Usman, bombing douse revelry of New Year’s Day Cotabato blast kills 2, injures 32 Storm leaves 68 By Nash B. Maulana and Francisco Tuyay COTABATO CITY―Two people were killed and at least 32 others were wounded when a bomb went off on a busy street outside the South Seas shopping mall here at 1:30 p.m. Monday, police said. Initial police reports said the explosion took place just outside the main entrance of the mall along Don Ruﬁno Alonzo Street in this city. Police said they found and disarmed a second bomb in the baggage counter of the mall, which is reportedly owned by

68 DEAD. At least three persons die in landslide-prone area Tiwi in Albay, after Tropical Storm ‘Usman,’ the 21st to hit the country, lashed the area and left 68 people dead in several battered areas, with officials saying the number of fatalities expected to climb even higher. National Disaster officials say 19 people are missing and some 130,000 people have been affected by the storm and its aftermath. UNTV Photo

SOLEMN SEND-OFF. Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, on his proverbial last mile

on rainy Monday after his assassination Dec. 22 in his hometown of Daraga in Albay. Batocabe had planned to run for mayor of his town but was felled by assassin’s bullet, along with his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz.

‘Balloon drop’ countdown out By Joel E. Zurbano and Rio N. Araja THE Okada Manila casino resort in Pasay City has decided to cancel its 130,000-balloon drop at Cove Manila on New Year’s eve to break a world record in welcoming 2019. It made the decision following a warning from Environment department ofﬁcials who said they would not hesitate to press charges if the Guinness World Record attempt pushed through and harmed the environment. The department praised Okada Manila’s decision. “It is, indeed, laudable on the part of Next page

Deaths in 2018 list who’s who FROM soul diva Aretha Franklin to astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and former UN chief Kofi Annan, here are some of the notable figures who passed away in 2018: January • 15: Dolores O’Riordan, singer-songwriter of Irish band The Cranberries, drowned accidentally in a hotel bath aged 46. Next page

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari. Police Sr. Supt Rolly Sionosa Octavio, city police director, identiﬁed one of the fatalities as Jonathan Tasic, 39, a resident of Upi, Maguindanao. Hospital ofﬁcials said Meriam Usman, 35, a resident of Capucao village, died on arrival at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center. Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia GuianiSayadi denounced the bombers as “heartless” and called on city residents to avoid speculation as authorities conducted a full investigation. Next page

COTABATO BLAST. At least 27 people, including a four-year-old girl, are wounded in a major blast in front of South Seas Mall in Cotabato City before 2 p.m. Monday. The blast, which left an ugly debris (top left) along Don Rufino Alonzo Street, occurred while residents were busy for the New Year’s Eve shopping rush. Police (above) are busy in rescue operations. UNTV Photos

Wet send-off: Batocabe laid to rest in hometown IT WAS a wet send-off Monday for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was assassinated Dec. 22 in his hometown of Daraga in Albay. Radio reports said the lawmaker was buried at the Daraga Catholic Cemetery, which was ﬂooded due to heavy rains

brought by tropical storm “Usman.” Family, friends and supporters wore black shirts with “Justice for Rodel Batocabe” emblazoned on them as they laid the lawmaker to rest. Batocabe, who planned to run for mayor in 2019, was shot dead along with his po-

lice escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, after a giftgiving ceremony in his hometown. Police said six gunmen were involved in the attack, which also wounded nine others. Senator JV Ejercito said Monday the failure of the police to arrest the killers

dead, P195m in damage to crops

HE death toll from Tropical Storm “Usman” rose to 68 with the number of fatalities expected to climb even higher, civil defense officials said Monday.

Fifty-seven people died in the mountainous Bicol region, southeast of Manila, while 11 were killed in the central island of Samar, mostly due to landslides and drownings, the officials said. “I am afraid this [death toll] will still go up because there are a lot of areas we still have to clear,” said Claudio Yucot, Bicol civil defense director. “Usman” hit the country on Saturday. While it did not have powerful winds it brought heavy rains that caused floods and loosened the soil, triggering landslides in some areas. Many people failed to take necessary precautions because Usman was not strong enough to be rated as a typhoon under the government’s storm alert system, Yucot said. “People were overconfident because they were on [Christmas] vacation mode and there was no tropical cyclone warning,” he said. Although Usman has since moved westward away from the country, many affected areas were still experiencing seasonal rains, hampering rescue and recovery efforts, he added. A spokesman for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Edgar Posadas, said at least 19 people were still missing, and that about 30,000 families―or about 130,000 people―were affected by the storm and its aftermath. He said the government has already spent P1.6 million to help affected communities. Estimates of damage done to crops Next page

‘Cracker incidents, indiscriminate firing still ring in the coming year FIVE cases of indiscriminate firing and nine firecracker incidents were reported in Metro Manila from Dec. 21 up to 5 a.m. of New Year’s Eve, National Capital Region Police Office head Police Director Guillermo Eleazar said on Monday. Based on the NCRPO data, Eleazar said the Manila Police District recorded a stray bullet incident that wounded one person; and nine firecracker incidents that hurt nine people. No fires were recorded in Manila, he said. Eleazar ordered the five police district heads and the police chiefs in their areas to intensify the campaign against illegal firecrackers. The NCRPO chief said that 21 illegal firecrackers have been confiscated worth P3,170 but no one was arrested. Eleazar earlier called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any indiscriminate firing of guns to the near-

est police station or precinct. “We want to appeal to the public to be vigilant. If they see men having a drinking spree and one of them has gun in his waist, or [if they] hear gun shots, then report them immediately to the nearest police station,” Eleazar said in Filipino. Eleazar also said the NCRPO was set to deploy almost 10,000 cops on New Year’s Eve, with the aim of achieving a zero-casualty record in cases of indiscriminate ﬁring of guns. “We will maximize the deployment of troops from headquarters including at the National Headquarters in Camp Crame,” he said. He ordered the cancellation of the rest and recreation and other leave applications of policemen; and directed them to report for duty during the holidays. “The concept is to deploy in areas where indiscriminate ﬁring is prevalent or most common,” he said. Next page

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24 more gain clemency, says Justice chief By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is expected to grant an executive clemency to 24 other inmates apart from the 40 who were released recently from the national penitentiary, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday. “The executive clemency grant for these 24 PDLs [people deprived of liberty] is being processed in the Ofﬁce of the President. They may be released in the next few days,” Guevarra said in a text message. On Christmas Day, the Bureau of Corrections released 40 inmates after processing their papers. Of the 40, 32 were granted parole by the Board of Pardons and Parole while the rest had completed their sentences. The bureau did not release the names of the inmates but said four of them were convicted for murder or homicide. The President traditionally grants presidential pardons on sick and aging inmates during the Christmas season. Executive clemency is a power given to the President by the Constitution. It includes reprieves, absolute or conditional pardons with or without parole conditions, and commutation of sentences.

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s “very good” net satisfaction rating in the fourth quarter of 2018 is “obviously fake and utterly unbelievable,” Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison said Monday.

He made the statement after Social Weather Stations said the majority of the people it polled were satisﬁed with Duterte’s performance. SWS conducted the survey from Dec. 16 to 19 and used face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults. It said the survey had a margin of error of ±2.6 percent for national percentages and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao. “The high poll rating is obviously fake and utterly unbelievable. The people can easily see the shallow trickery in the ambiguity and slanted character of the

questions that invite facile afﬁrmative responses,” Sison said in a statement. “They hold the SWS accountable for engaging in deception as the result of payola or coercion by the Duterte regime.” Sison said SWS failed to ask the respondents’ sentiments on the President’s controversial remarks and some issues that became the stumbling block to Duterte administration’s policies. “The SWS did not ask people whether they like Duterte for the following: rising prices of basic goods and services, the rise of mass unemployment and low incomes, [and] the rampant corruption

‘Earth Pig’...

cream. Marites Allen’s forecast for each animal sign in the Year of the Earth Pig: Rat (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) Great fortune combined with networking ability will help bring about profits in 2019. Love and career prospects will bring so much happiness during the year. Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) Threat of the Illness star requires the Ox to be more mindful of his physical and mental health. Practice tolerance and re-focus your attention on caring about yourself. Tiger (1962,1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) A reasonably good year expected, provided you beat the threat of this year’s Illness star. You may have to contend with doing more than expected in 2019. Rabbit (1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) It will be a hectic 2019 with possible cash inflows in the form of windfall. Almost all aspects of your life could be joyful and memorable as there are many positive events to look forward to. Dragon (1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) Protect yourself from losses as the Robbery star flies into your chart. Watch your investments; keep your properties safe to avoid any loss or damage. Snake (1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) Keep a low profile, do more charitable work, and follow a “take it easy” mantra in 2019. Tough times never last and this, being your conflict year, calls for a subtler you. Horse (1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) Pleasant news as heavenly fortune visits you in 2019. Good fortune luck is possible if you will train yourself to stay out of trouble or any disagreements. Sheep (1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) Opportunities both in career and business luck can spill over from last year to this year. Although the Misfortune star pays you a visit this year, there are ways to protect you from possible losses in 2019. Monkey (1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) This year may bring possible cash inflows especially from your property investments. While your luck may be positive in most aspects, beware of some possible backstabbers. Rooster (1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) Time to let go and forget about the anxieties you had and the mistakes you made in the past. Try to make changes within yourself and to your environment. Keep your cool and manage your health and finances well. Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) There is little need to explore and initiate brand new ventures. You may, however, have to redouble your efforts to achieve your goals as you may face some delays and stumbling blocks. Boar (1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) Although income may grow in 2019, there could be losses to expect, too. Avoid splurging on unnecessary investments and expenditures, as losing savings are in the cards.

From A1

Wet...

Cotabato...

From A1

would embolden more guns-for-hire during the election season. “Of the recent political kilings, none has been resolved. This is the reason guns-for-hire are gaining conﬁdence in killing,” Ejercito said after visiting Batocabe’s wake. Senator Richard Gordon earlier said a series of attacks occuring in less than a fortnight was a sign that a culture of violence and impunity was taking hold. “There is a culture of violence and impunity that must be stopped immediately by ensuring that the police and the people are reminded that we are a country that follows the rule of law. Such appears to have been forgotten as shown by violent events that occurred in the past 10 days,” Gordon said. Gordon. Macon Ramos-Araneta

“We are in close contact with the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police; and I understand that they are now pursuing a lead,” she said in a press conference. “But as of now, the least that we can do is to sympathize with the victims and pray.” She added: “We have had good security plans. There were no lapses in the local security preparations for the holiday season. But there are instances when things like this are really unpredictable.” Tasic worked for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) as a driver for Commissioner Melenio Ulama, who represents the indigenous people. One of the injured victims is a member of the Joint Salam Force of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the AFP, his companion told local reporters.

rose to P195.36 million as of 5 p.m. Sunday, the Department of Agriculture reported. Some P177.41 million of this was on palay crops alone, with 7,352 metric tons in potential volume production loss -affecting 8,844 hectares farm land in the provinces of Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Samar. The total number of rice farmers affected was 6,318. Damage to corn crops, on the other hand, increased to P976,267 with volume production loss of 11 MT in 563 hectares in Albay, Camarines Sur and Masbate. Some P16.97 million of damage was done to high-value crops, the department added, with fruit trees, assorted vegetables and root crops suffering a volume production loss of 1,132 MT in 428 hectares in Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon. With PNA

‘Cracker... From A1

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By Nat Mariano

“Police visibility is important first for deterrent, and second is for immediate response if assistance is needed.” The NCRPO chief said some 404 community firecracker zones and 55 community fireworks display areas were designated in Metro Manila for the New Year’s Day celebration. Eleazar said the designation of firecracker zones aims to reduce injuries and fire incidents caused by fireworks and firecrackers. He said the designated areas are identified by the police, in coordination with the respective barangays and local government units. Police assistance desks will be established in these areas and will be manned by PNP personnel, augmented by NCRPO force multipliers. According to Eleazar ,the Quezon City Police District identified 166 areas as designated firecracker zones; the Northern Police District has 93; Manila, 73; the Southern Police District, 52; and Eastern Police District, 20 areas. Eleazar said that the cities of Makati, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Marikina and municipality of Pateros have not released any designated firework display zone due to the strict implementation of their respective city ordinances.

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Joma: Du30 rating ‘fake, unbelievable’

2019, according to feng shui master Marites Allen. Allen said the wonderful personality and energies of the ruling animal would influence the coming period that starts on Feb. 5, 2019 and ends on Jan. 24, 2020. “The Pig or Boar is a robust and happy animal. It is considered the ‘laughing Buddha’ of the Chinese zodiac for its naturally pleasant and carefree demeanor,” said Allen. She added the Earth Pig’s charismatic, positive and reasonable traits allowed it to move ahead with enthusiasm to achieve its goals. According to the feng shui master, the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water—are present in the Year of the Earth Pig, “indicating that great opportunities are available for everyone.” “In 2019, overall, most of the animal signs can expect a joyful year. There should be remarkable force, enthusiasm and excitement everywhere,” forecasted Allen, while adding, “It’s just up to every individual to know how to seize this.” But she said that with the energy of abundance indicated by the Earth Pig, everyone should be mindful of managing resources as seasons of plenty may be followed by money losses. “Fortunately, the strong presence of the Earth element during the year will have a stabilizing effect on the other energies at play,” said Allen. Despite the promise of abundance, Allen said this is not the year to take risks. “Although the feng shui winds are promising, this is the year to be careful on a personal level. Consider your actions carefully and stick with what’s more familiar instead of taking risks this year. Manage your finances, and guard against losses,” she said. Food businesses such as restaurants and commissaries will prosper this year. Fire element industry businesses such as entertainment and fuel are also expected to have good opportunities all year long. Allen said social media will continue to break the traditional way of marketing and doing business. “People from all walks of life will continue to patronize it and shift to e-commerce businesses,” she added. The Year of the Earth Pig does not offer good tidings to married people due to issues brewing or getting more intense between in-laws, as well as possible thirdparty interventions and sex scandals. Due to the presence of the Misfortune star in the Matriarch direction or Southwest sector this 2019, Allen said there will be an expected decline of women in power. Leaders may face defiant and unruly subordinates. Allen reminded people to beware of sicknesses related to heart, nerves and blood. Lucky colors are red, green, beige and

Usman,...

Octavio said at least 27 people were taken to different hospitals for shrapnel wounds. In a statement, the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) condemned the attack and called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and make the results public. The Armed Forces of the Philippines put the city on lockdown. Maj Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division said the explosion occurred near a row of stalls selling ﬁrecrackers and ﬁreworks and that many of the injured were minors. A military explosive ordnance team was at the scene to determine what triggered the blast. Sobejana blamed the attack on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, saying it was in retaliation for recent military offensives against the group that killed seven bandits.

of the Office of the President and downward,” Sison said. He said SWS should have reconsidered asking the respondents about the mass murder of drug suspects, Duterte’s calling the God of the Catholics as stupid, and his encouragement to kill bishops, priests and lay leaders. He said even the persecution of social activists, the bombing and destruction of Marawi City and other communities, and the sellout of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea to China should have been included in the SWS report. On Friday, SWS said seven out of every 10 people it polled or 74 percent were satisfied with Duterte, 11 percent were undecided, and the remaining 15 percent expressed dissatisfaction with him. The Palace was quick to welcome the latest figures, saying the result only encouraged the President to continue his crackdown on corruption, criminality, drugs and the communist insurgency. However, Opposition Senator Antonio

Deaths... From A1

• 27: Ingvar Kamprad, Swedish founder of affordable flat-pack furnishing empire IKEA, passed away at home aged 91. February • 21: US preacher Billy Graham, spearhead of a worldwide evangelical Christian movement and spiritual counsel to several US presidents, passed away aged 99. • 24: Bollywood megastar Sridevi Kapoor drowned in a hotel bathtub at the age of 54. She had appeared in around 300 films, including blockbusters such as “Mawali” (“Scoundrel”). March • 10: French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, famous for the “little black dress,” died in his sleep aged 91. • 14: Physicist Stephen Hawking, Britain’s most famous modern-day scientist and known for popularizing the secrets of the universe, died at home aged 76. Suffering from a form of motor-neurone disease, he spent most of his life in a wheelchair and communicated via a computer speech synthesizer. April • 2: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former wife of Nelson Mandela and an anti-apartheid icon in her own right, died in hospital aged 81 and after a long illness. • 13: Oscar-winning Czech-born film director Milos Forman, behind “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus,” died aged 86 after a short illness. • 17: Barbara Bush, the wife of former US president George H.W. Bush (in office between 1989 and 1993) and mother of president George W. Bush (2001-2009), passed away aged 92. May • 22: US literary giant Philip Roth, a towering figure among 20th-century novelists and 1998 Pulitzer Prize winner, died of heart failure aged 85. June • 5: American handbag designer Kate Spade committed suicide at the age of 55. • 8: US chef and television food show host Anthony Bourdain, 61, committed suicide in Alsace, eastern France, where he was filming for his Emmy-winning CNN food and travel program “Parts Unknown.” July • 5: French filmmaker Claude Lan-

Trillanes IV, one of Duterte’s harshest critics, viewed the results differently, expressing his disbelief of the survey. “Considering how difﬁcult the times these days and the failures of Duterte, no one will believe in the SWS survey that 7 out of 10 Filipinos are satisﬁed with his governance,” Trillanes said in a statement. “There might be sampling errors, or the respondents might have been in fear [of airing their sentiments].” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo slammed Trillanes for doubting the results. “This latest statement from the senator has demonstrated that he is an incorrigible illusionist who has believed in his own tales. His created web of lies on PRRD [Duterte] has so engulfed him that he forgets he is its creator,” Panelo said in a statement. “His insatiable lust for publicity is incredible. His pathetic political analysis has only validated the suspicion that he threads in the realm of illusion.” zmann, director of the landmark nineand-a-half hour Holocaust documentary “Shoah,” died aged 92. August • 6: French “chef of the century” Joel Robuchon, who at one point held a record 32 Michelin stars at the same time, died aged 73 from pancreatic cancer. • 16: Aretha Franklin, American “Queen of Soul” behind hits such as “Respect” and “Natural Woman,” died of cancer aged 76. Her nearly eight-hour funeral was attended by former presidents, stars and musical royalty. • 18: Kofi Annan, secretary general of the United Nations between 1997 and 2006, died after a short illness at age 80. He was given a state funeral in his native Ghana. • 25: John McCain – US Republican senator, Vietnam War hero and twotime presidential candidate – died aged 81 following a year-long battle with brain cancer. September • 6: Hollywood star Burt Reynolds, best known for alpha-male roles in the 1970s and 1980s, died aged 82 after a heart attack. October • 15: Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates and later a billionaire and philanthropist, died from cancer aged 65. • 22: Gilberto Benetton, one of the founders of the eponymous Italian clothes brand, died aged 77 after an illness. November • 12: American comics legend Stan Lee – co-creator of global action hero favourites including Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men and Black Panther – passed away aged 95. • 26: Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci, whose work includes “Last Tango In Paris” and Oscar-winning “The Last Emperor,” died aged 77 at his home in Rome. • 30: Former US president George H.W. Bush died aged 94, just months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush. December • 8: Lyudmila Alexeyeva, a Sovietera dissident who became a symbol of resistance in modern-day Russia as a leading rights activist, died after a long illness at the age of 91. • 28: Amos Oz, celebrated Israeli novelist and passionate advocate of peace between Israelis and Palestinians, died of cancer aged 79. AFP

‘Balloon drop’...

Survey:...

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the various establishments for voluntarily canceling their “balloon drop or release” activities in the name of environmental protection,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said. Okada Manila’s decision “is worth emulating not only by other establishments in this country but also in other parts of the world.” After Okada Manila’s decision, at least two other establishments followed suit. In a Facebook post on Monday, The Peninsula Manila said it will no longer have its balloon drop “as it is not in keeping with our sustainable luxury vision 2020 philosophy. “We at The Peninsula Manila have traditionally celebrated welcoming the New Year with a party, but oftentimes it’s all too easy for the celebrations to come with a big price tag for the planet,” the hotel said. In a statement, the Okada Manila management said it had coordinated with the Environment department to show that everything was in place to ensure there would be no negative environmental impact from the activity. “[But] Okada Manila ﬁrmly believes and continues to maintain that the Balloon Dropping event will not harm the environment,” the casino resort said.

“On the other hand, eight percent will enter the New Year with fear. This is up by four points from the previous four percent in 2017,” the pollster added, noting that hope for the New Year has always been high, starting at 87 percent when SWS ﬁrst surveyed it in 2000. According to the pollster, the 4-point decline in the overall New Year hope from 2017 to 2018 was due to declines in all areas, especially in the Visayas. New Year hope fell by 16 points in the Visayas, from 95 percent in 2017 to a record-low 79 percent in 2018, surpassing the previous record-low of 83 percent in 2000 and 2001, the SWS said. Hope meter for the New Year also fell by two points in Metro Manila from 96 percent in 2017 to 94 percent in 2018. Both Balance Luzon and Mindanao experienced a 1-point drop. It fell by a point in Balance Luzon, from 97 percent to 96 percent while it also fell from 95 percent to 94 percent in Mindanao. Meanwhile, in socio-economic classes, hopefulness for the New Year declined. “It fell by seven points in class ABC, from 97 percent in 2017 to 90 percent in 2018. This is the lowest since the 88 percent in 2007,” the SWS said.

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Alejano backs call to review defense treaty

STORM DAMAGE.

This handout photo taken and released by the Department of Public Works and Highways on Dec. 31, 2018 shows a woman standing in front of her damaged house in Lope De Vega Town in Northern Samar, central Philippines. - The death toll from a storm that struck the Philippines shortly after Christmas rose to 68 with the number of fatalities expected to climb even higher, civil defense officials said on Dec. 31. DPWH/AFP Photos

By Rio N. Araja

Learn from past experience—CJ C By Rey E. Requejo

HIEF Justice Lucas Bersamin on Monday urged Filipinos to learn from past experiences and turn it into positive undertaking in the coming year.

Bersamin made this New Year’s message even as he admitted that 2018 has tested the Supreme Court’s resilience. “We encountered truly daunting and consequential challenges. Let us take the time to take stock of these challenges, and discern our experiences and learn from them guided by a renewed hope, fresh start and new vision,” Ber-

samin said, in a statement. In 2018, the 15-member bench was at the receiving end of criticisms following the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno through the controversial quo warranto proceeding. The SC’s independence has been questioned with the granting of the quo warranto proceeding that was initiated

by Solicitor General Jose Calida. Replacing Sereno is Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro who served for less than two months. Following her is Bersamin. Both De Castro and Bersamin committed to observe collegiality at the high tribunal and assured that it will maintain independence and adhere only to the Constitution. The top magistrate vowed to “embark on new initiatives in accordance with our sacred task to promote justice and uphold the rule of law.” “The new year signifies a new beginning that we must fuse with a genuine

effort for reformation and improvement - for ourselves, our families, our work and our country. We in the Judiciary are obliged to build on the positive undertakings of the past to bring about even more meaningful changes and make our courts more accessible, accountable, efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of the public,” he said. “With God’s loving guidance and grace to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5), may we all be instruments of His love, channels of His peace, and stewards of His justice so that we can all have a new year better than the last,” Bersamin added.

CAAP seeks 8 ‘night-rated’ airports in 2019

MAGDALO party-list Rep. Gary Alejano has backed the call to review the mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States of America. “A review of the mutual defense treaty would make way for the still ambiguous provisions of the agreement to be clarified. This is particularly needed in case of any attack by a foreign country on our territory including the West Philippine Sea,” he said. Alejano was reacting to the statement of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense, who had raised the issue of the treaty’s review. Lorenzana said the review is designed to determine whether to maintain, strengthen or scrap the treaty. Alejano, a former Marine officer, cited the previous statements of U.S. officials with regards the defense of the Philippines in case of foreign attacks have been “vague and noncommittal.” “With regards to the West Philippine Sea dispute—which is the most pressing security issue now, US have opted to assume a seemingly handsoff attitude. The statements of US officials were vague and non-committal. We hope to hear a definitive stand on the matter,” he said. He urged U.S. to welcome the review as an opportunity to reassure its alliance with the Philippines. “This is a chance for US to clarify their commitments to the Philippines as one of its strong allies in the region. This is also to dispel the idea that the Philippines is left at the mercy of expansionist China,” he said. The review would lead to further strengthening of the mutual defense treaty and having more definitive terms of agreement, he added.

BI barred 3,500 ‘undesirable’ aliens in 2018

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is targeting to have eight more airports in the country nightrated beginning this year 2019. “While maintaining safety in aviation, the Authority is also continuously upgrading and working towards the night rating of several airports expected to be completed by 2019-2021,” said CAAP Media and Communications Office chief and spokesperson Eric Apolonio. According to Apolonio, the airports in Naga, Tuguegarao, Cotabato, Bohol-Panglao, Cauayan, Dipolog, Ozamiz and Pagadian Airport are among the facilities whose night rating are currently being processed. Equipping airports with nightrating capabilities will allow the facilities to accommodate flights even after sunset, which will help provide air travelers with flight options. Before, several domestic flights departing Manila are being crammed during the daytime because of the inability of many provincial airports to receive flights at night, contributing to the jamming of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has only two runways handling both international and domestic flights. Provincial airports which were unable to operate at night also have to send out all their Manilabound flights during the day. As of November 30, 2018, the country has 18 airports capable of night operations, allowing the facilities to operate for longer hours and enabling these gateways to service more flights, passengers, and cargo. These airports include NAIA, Clark International Airport, Davao International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, General Santos International Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Butuan Airport, Laguindingan Airport, Tacloban Airport, Roxas Airport, Dumaguete Airport, Caticlan Airport, and Legazpi Airport (with limitations).

By Vito Barcelo

THANKSGIVING. Despite the rain, an estimated 70,000 Catholic devotees attend the thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila yesterday. Norman Cruz

Building of world-class airport in Bulacan backed By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE building of a world-class airport in Bulacan projected to create more than a million new jobs drew support from various OFW groups which urged the government to hasten the final negotiations for its construction. In separate letters sent to both the Office of the President and the Department of Transportation, the OFW groups noted that the aspirations of the OFWs for a better life and a better Philippines are rising. “One of our deepest aspirations is to have a world-class airport that we can all be proud of, that can unlock our country’s growth potential so that our

beloved OFWs would have something better to come home to – for good,” they wrote. The 14 OFW groups which signed the petition letters were the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines, OFW Watch, OFW Chamber of Commerce, OFW Council of Leaders-KSA, Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino, Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc, LBS Recruitment Solutions Corp, Philippine Association of Migrant Workers & Advocates, Kaibigan ng OCWs, OFW Committee, Zonta Club of Quezon City, United Filipino Seafarers, Ang Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW, Filipino Malaysian Cul-

tural Sports and Workforce Training Program and the Bulacan Federation of OFW Family Circle Officers. Susan Ople, head of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, said they wrote the letter as an expression of support not just to the building of a new airport in Bulacan but also for other major infrastructure projects that would lead to job creation and OFW reintegration. “Optimism is high that once these critical projects begin, then floodgates for more jobs and potential investments will be flung wide open. Hopefully, more of our OFWs would be enticed to return and reunite with their families because more local jobs would be open to them,” Ople said.

THE Bureau of Immigration barred from entering the country more than 3,500 foreign nationals during the first 10 months of the year, having deemed that their presence could be detrimental to national interest. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said that a total of 3,528 aliens as of varying nationalities were denied entry in different international airport nationwide. Port Operator chief Grifton Medina said that most of the aliens, or nearly 3,000 of them, were turned away at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while the rest were intercepted in the airports of Mactan, Clark, Kalibo, Aklan and Davao. “These aliens were turned back after conduct of secondary inspection by our immigration officers. They were properly assessed and thereafter were found to be unfit for admission into our country,” Medina added. Morente commended BI-POD personnel for thwarting the entry of undesirable aliens even as he exhorted them to remain vigilant in discharging their duties as border control officers of the country. The BI chief warned foreigners who have ulterior motives or plans in coming to the Philippines to think twice as they will not escape the watchful eyes of immigration officers in the ports of the entry. Data shows that some 1,508 Chinese nationals topped the list of excluded aliens, followed by 262 Indians, 151 Americans, and 138 Koreans.

Six NPAs, ex-town mayor, 23 others nabbed in Negros Occidental By Francisco Tuyay SIX suspected New People’s Army rebels were killed while a former town mayor and 23 others were arrested during military and police operations in Negros Oriental over the weekend. Among those killed were Reneboy Fat, Demetrio Fat, Dondon Isugan, Constancio Languita, Jun Cubul and Jaime Revilla, all residents of Guihulngan City.

Arrested were former Guilhulngan Mayor Cesar Macalua, two ex-brgy officials of Barangay Poblacion namely Misael Dagat and Alfredo Javier. The former town executive yielded a cal. 45 and 9mm pistols and ammunitions following his arrest. The six slain suspects were among the 103 targeted personalities in Guihulngan and the municipalities of Mabinay, La Libertad and Sta. Catalina

facing arrest warrant for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs. Of the 103 suspected drug personalities, 30 are reportedly New People’s Army (NPA) regular and militia members operating in Brgy Trinidad in the city. Reports said the suspects were killed after they resisted arrest during the conduct of law enforcement operations. The military claimed that the NPA operating in Guihulngan City were able

to continue their operations with help from big-time drug lords in Negros Oriental and nearby areas. “The communist terrorists’ illegal activities in the area indicate that the NPA survives with huge help from the illegal drug trade. Big-time drug lords operating in Negros Oriental and nearby areas are being protected by the NPA and other terrorist front organizations,” the military said in a statement.

Opinion

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2018: The year that (mostly) sucked FROM a teenage bully to a Filipina Miss Universe, the year 2018 was filled with interesting personalities, events, and occurrences, some happy, mostly sad. The economy tanked because of the ill-considered TRAIN law. The price of basic commodities shot up and people found themselves with paychecks that remained the same but had less purchasing power.

May that mean abundance and prosperity, peace, an end to violence, and better governance for the country.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte scored high on the misogyny chart, with “shoot them in the vagina,” “kailangan natin ng babae,” and his confession of having sexually molested a housemaid when he was a teenager joining the ranks of his previous hits “mauna dapat si mayor” and “congratulations sa mang-rape sa Miss Universe kahit alam nila ang kaparusahan.” He also took potshots at the Catholic Church in the Philippines, from questioning religious tenets to encouraging violence against prelates. Still in the news were the extra judicial killings of drug addicts and height-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

ened police operations toward that end as part of Duterte’s drug war. Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmeña set an example for the rest of the country when, upon request of a constituent, he turned the Cebu Public Library into a 24/7 operation, providing a safe and free space for people to study, write, and read. The divorce bill was passed on the third reading in the House of Representatives, but there is no counterpart bill in the Senate and President Duterte is said to be against such a law. In a dramatic coup staged on the day of the President’s State of the Nation Address, Pantaleon Alvarez was ousted from his position as Speaker of the House, giving way to former president-turned-congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Even more dramatic was the ouster of Lourdes Sereno as Supreme Court Chief Justice, paving the way for her arch-nemesis Teresita de Castro to gain the coveted post and hold it for a mere two months before her retirement. The justice league redeemed itself when a Makati judge refused to cave into the administration’s bullying of Senator Antonio Trillanes by not issuing an arrest order and a hold-departure order. The Palace alleged that the amnesty granted to Trillanes, a former soldier and mutineer, was invalid because the application documents were lost. This was also the year that Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol taught the country to eat “bukbok” rice and imported galunggong, leading to fears for the nation’s food security. Strikes in several factories led to public scrutiny of labor practices, particularly contractualization, and the boycott of certain brands of condiments and fastfood. The issue of bullying shook the

Dignity, hands down

OWARD the end of 2018, a video of a 14-year-old boy verbally and physically assaulting a classmate was widely circulated on social media.

The ninth grader, who has since been dismissed, could be heard asking his victim whether he preferred “bugbog (a beating)” or “dignidad (dignity).” He pummeled the boy nonetheless, earning for himself universal condemnation. The video brought the issue of bullying to the surface and made us think about how best to deal with bullies who, in their arrogance, feel entitled to power and the use of violence. Like the ninth grader, bullies can be caught or called out and punished after the fact. But a better way is to stop bullies in their tracks and prevent them from pushing other people around.

Bullies need to know that others will not allow themselves to be intimidated, and that those of us who stand witness to their actions will not do so idly or silently. We will step in to stop the bullying. In our national life, there are bullies, too. As our nation greets the New Year, some of them will seek to impose their will on us as we grapple with the problems of illegal drugs and corruption, which remain despite the President’s promises to eradicate them. The methods employed to quell the drug problem have been extreme and polarizing—and have been criticized as being anti-poor. Then, for all our talk about sovereignty and self-determination, our leaders cave in to the bullying from Beijing in the guise of “friendship.” Some leaders, too, have exhibited an inordinate oversensitivity to feedback and criticism, and truth is bent or twisted depending on the

interests of whoever is speaking. A misogynistic mindset prevails, and worse, people who should know better do not speak out and merely laugh along, unwilling to confront the bully. Indeed much remains to be done in terms of asserting national dignity. People need to be educated that leaders who talk tough or make them laugh are not necessarily the ones with their best interests at heart. We need to perform civic duties beyond commenting from behind our computer and mobile phone screens—the modern-day armchair —and actually get out there and make a tangible difference however small. The new year, an election year, is a good time to assert our refusal to be buffeted by poor governance, buffoonery and political stunts. We will stare at bullies of whatever shape or form straight in the eye and say we choose dignity. To choose otherwise would be to betray ourselves and our nation.

Turn to A5

A better politics, a kinder country MORE than any hope I have for the coming year, I would like to see a better politics for the Philippines. More than any New Year’s resolution I have for this year, it is the promise to work very hard, so we can reform national and local politics, starting with the 2019 elections. Improving our politics is not an end in itself. If we succeed in this, we will have peace in our communities; we will have a gentler, kinder country. To reflect on what we need to do to transform our politics, I borrow words from Pope Francis’ message for the celebration of the 52nd World Day of Peace today. It is entitled “Good politics is at the service of peace” and was officially issued today, the first of January 2019, even as an advance copy was released in December 2018. The core message of Pope Francis is that good politics is at the service of peace. “It respects and promotes fundamental human rights, which are at the same time mutual obligations, enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations.” For Francis, “politics is an essential means of building human community and institutions, but when political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalization and even destruction . . . Political office and political responsibility thus constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future. If exercised with basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed become an outstanding form of charity.” Pope Francis quotes the “Beatitudes of the Politician,” articulated by Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Vãn Thuận from Vietnam. These too are the politicians the Philippines need: “Blessed be the politician with a lofty sense and deep understanding of his role. Blessed be the politician who personally exemplifies credibility. Blessed be the politician who works for the common good and not his or her

own interest. Blessed be the politician who remains consistent. Blessed be the politician who works for unity. Blessed be the politician who works to accomplish radical change. Blessed be the politician who is capable of listening. Blessed be the politician who is without fear.” Politics of course has negative aspects, “its share of vices, whether due to personal incompetence or to flaws in the system and its institutions”, “vices, which undermine the ideal of an authentic democracy, bring disgrace to public life and threaten social harmony.” Corruption, as we see in the Philippines, comes in different forms: “the misappropriation of public resources,

May our New Year be blessed, happy and graceﬁlled.

the exploitation of individuals, the denial of rights, the flouting of community rules, dishonest gain, the justification of power by force or the arbitrary appeal to raison d’état and the refusal to relinquish power. To which we can add xenophobia, racism, lack of concern for the natural environment, the plundering of natural resources for the sake of quick profit and contempt for those forced into exile.” Pope Francis describes good politics as promoting the participation of the young and trust in others. He observes that when the exercise of political power just protects the interests of the elite, the future is compromised and young people lose confidence, “relegated to the margins of society without the possibility of helping to build the future.” On the contrary, when politics enables the talents of young people and their aspirations, “peace grows in their outlook and on their faces” and becomes a confident assurance that says, “I trust you and with you I believe” that we can all work together for the common good.” Pope Francis highlights the 70th Turn to A5

Happy new year LAST week marked the demise of the last criminal case pending against former President and current Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when a Pasay court dismissed the electoral fraud case filed against her in connection with the 2007 midterm polls. FPSGMA (her honorific keeps getting longer) had been charged with inciting her leaders in Maguindanao to commit fraud in 2007, just because she had issued the usual campaign pep talk at a dinner meeting in the Palace—no different from what any politician does at a rally, or any coach does before a big game. For this, she was pilloried by a PNoy administration that would stop at nothing to put her behind bars. But what did the honorable Pasay court have to say about this? “Not one [witness], however, was able to establish any element of conspiracy with respect to [Arroyo]. Not one of them mentioned [Arroyo], and no one produced any document directly or even in-

What did the honorable Pasay court have to say about Mrs. Arroyo? directly connecting [Arroyo] to the crime charged.” Predictably, this won’t impress the dwindling ranks of professional Arroyo haters—paid or otherwise—for whom “the rule of law” refers only to court decisions that suit them. But if they’re going to dredge up old wives’ tales from the past, we’ll remind our reader that this election fraud case is very similar in its utter lack of evidence to the PCSO plunder case that allowed PNoy to keep Mrs Arroyo behind bars for over five years. In that one, it may be recalled that the only shred of evidence adduced against her was her marginal note, saying “OK,” scribbled on a PCSO board resolution concerning the release of the funds in question. This was a purely ministerial

function, and in fact she might even have been charged for dereliction of duty if she hadn’t done it. As for the electoral fraud case, it’s been widely rumored that the murder cases filed against the Ampatuan family after the Maguindanao massacre of 2009 languished for so long under PNoy, in part because his administration wanted to preserve the credibility of former Maguindanao provincial administrator Norie Unas, one of those implicated in the massacre as well as being the sole witness against Mrs Arroyo. Would this be the first time that massacre victims received no justice under PNoy, whether because of ulterior agendas, hard-heartedness, or plain ineptitude? After the Luneta hostage incident, Mamasapano, or the way victims of disasters like Yolanda were neglected, the answer seems clear. And if you go farther back— to the complicity of his father Ninoy in resurrecting the communist insurgency in the sixties, or the massacre of Hacienda Luisita farmers under his mother Cory in the eighties—the answer might even seem, well, genetic. *** The ups and downs of local politics can Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion What you need to know about China’s ODA policy WITH enhanced relations between the Philippines and China in the past two and a half years, Beijing has offered assistance in the form of grants and loans for infrastructure development, apart from investments in various joint venture programs. While some observers have raised concerns over possible “debt trap diplomacy” where high interest rates could make it difficult for the Philippines to pay on time and thereby incur more loans to cover its debt obligations, others believe that aid is a two-way street. Thus, recipient countries like the Philippines should do their homework and conduct the requisite feasibility studies and due diligence when contracting loans. So how do we deal with China’s offer of loans? A document titled “China’s Foreign Aid” released by the Information Office of the State Council in July 2014 clarifies the nature and scope of its foreign aid package: “When providing foreign assistance, China adheres to the principles of not imposing any political conditions, not interfering in the internal affairs of the recipient countries and fully respecting their right to independently choose their own paths and models of development. The basic principles China upholds in providing foreign assistance are mutual respect, equality, keeping promise, mutual benefits and win-win.” China’s foreign assistance consists of three types: grants (aid gratis), interest-free loans and concessional loans. Grants are offered to help recipient countries build small or medium-sized social welfare projects, and to fund human resources development cooperation, technical cooperation, material assistance and emergency humanitarian aid. Interest-free loans are extended to help recipient countries construct public facilities and launch projects to improve people’s livelihood, while concessional loans are provided to help recipient countries undertake manufacturing projects and large and medium-sized infrastructure projects with economic

2018... From A4

discourse when videos circulated of a 14-year-old martial arts practitioner beating up fellow students. He was dismissed from his high school, after the public and government made clear that they were closely watching the outcome of the investigation into the case. Many folks sighed in relief when controversial blogger Mocha Uson resigned her position as Communication Assistant Secretary to pursue a senatorial bid. With her name no longer making headlines, her candidacy looks as good as dead.

Happy... From A4

be downright dizzying. From the depths of “political persecution” under PNoy— according to the UN Human Rights Commission no less, though I doubt that the yellowtards will use this quotation a lot—Mrs. Arroyo is now being accused of overweening political influence, even by academics who really should know better. I chanced across this CNN Philippines story last week where a senior faculty member at the UST made the following statements, to the best of my paraphrasing: In the wake of Mrs Arroyo’s rise to the speakership as well as recent rows between certain members of the House and the Cabinet, the good professor claimed that the President “has no control of things.” That’s absurd, unless you define “control” to mean absolute, 100 percent obedience. One evidence cited was the recent disagreement over cash-based vs obliga-

A better... From A4

anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948 in Paris, France. He quotes Saint Pope John XXIII: “Man’s awareness of his rights must inevitably lead him to the recognition of his duties. The possession of rights involves the duty of implementing those rights, for they are the expression of a man’s personal dignity. And the possession of rights also involves their recognition and respect by others.” Peace is enabled by politics. As such, it is “the fruit of a great political project

and social benefits, or for the supply of complete plants, machinery and electronic products. China provides foreign assistance mainly in the form of complete projects, goods and materials, technical cooperation and human resources development, medical teams and volunteers, emergency humanitarian aid, and debt reduction. One of the important objectives of China’s foreign assistance is to support other developing countries to reduce poverty and improve the livelihood of their peoples. It also does this by helping develop agriculture, enhance educa-

Fears of the Philippines’ falling prey to “debt trap diplomacy,” in so far as Beijing is concerned, are misplaced, misinformed and perhaps even malicious.

tion levels, improve medical and health services and build public welfare facilities, and provide emergency humanitarian aid in the event of severe disasters. Another key objective of China’s foreign assistance is to promote economic and social development by actively helping other developing countries in infrastructure construction, and strengthening capacity building and trade development. Beijing has also increased the amount of foreign assistance in environmental protection. China’s foreign aid program is administered by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). In August 2018, the Department of Finance submitted a list of 12 big-ticket infrastructure projects to CIDCA for possible grants for feasibility studies. The projects proposed for CIDCA financing are the future phases of the Mindanao Railway Project; Ipo Dam

No. 3 in Norzagaray, Bulacan; Port Irene Development-Navigational Channel in Cagayan; development of the Luzon Eastern Seaboard; the River Basin and Watershed Management Project in Camarines Sur; Cabadbaran Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Agusan del Norte; and six bridge projects between Luzon-Samar (Matnog-Allen); Dinagat (Leyte)-Surigao; Camarines Sur-Catanduanes; Bohol-Leyte; Cebu-Bohol and Negros-Cebu. These projects were selected based on geographic spread, the size of the investment requirement and the Philippine government’s focus on connectivity, rural development and disaster prevention, among others. At the same time, the national government is seeking funding from the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for two major road projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program. These are the Camarines Sur Expressway (San Fernando-Pili Section) and the Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway, both in Camarines Sur province. In September last year, AIIB said it was cofinancing the $500-million Metro Manila Flood Management Project, its first deal for the Philippines. The AIIB board has already approved its $207.63-million share in financing the project aimed at improving flood management in the National Capital Region. This project will focus on about 56 potentially critical drainage areas with an approximate land area of 11,100 hectares, or over 17 percent of the total area of Metro Manila. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported last month that Japan remains the top provider of ODA to the Philippines, followed by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, U.S. and South Korea. Together they account for nearly 90 percent of ODA to the country. Other providers of ODA to the country are Australia, United Nations, France, EU, China, Germany, Italy, Canada, Spain and New Zealand. What does this tell us? That fears of the Philippines’ falling prey to “debt trap diplomacy,” in so far as Beijing is concerned, are misplaced, misinformed and perhaps even malicious. ernhil@yahoo.com

The men’s collegiate basketball finals between University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University practically ground activity in the metro to a halt. Alumni from both schools and sports fans in generals walked out of their offices on a workday to crowd into the game venue. Instant envy greeted him who said, “I have tickets for the game!” Another high note for the country was when half-Aussie, half-Albayena Catriona Gray won the Miss Universe beauty pageant, the fourth such crown for the country. For her turn on the global stage, she wore magnificent gowns rife with symbols from Philippine literature and culture. She is now famous for her ‘slo-mo twirl’ pivot in a pink swimsuit and ‘lava walk’ across the stage in frocks slit thigh-high.

Also in the news was a hardheaded nightclub that, despite the public’s overwhelming negative opinion, persisted in pursuing a so-called record-breaking New Year’s Eve balloon drop that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources spokesman called a “solid waste disaster waiting to happen.” They canceled the event under pressure from the DENR. Still, the balloons have already been blown up and are floating in the nightclub’s dome. Chinese astrology says 2019 is the Year of the Pig. May that mean abundance and prosperity, peace, an end to violence, and better governance for the country.

tion-based budgeting between the House leadership and Budget Secretary Diokno. But nobody knows what Duterte himself thinks about this issue. And Diokno’s visceral distaste for Mrs. Arroyo likely owes a lot more to the years he spent serving former President Erap, who at least has had the grace to mend fences with her and move on. Another evidence cited was the fate of the Road Board. The House earlier wanted to abolish this controversial body under former Speaker Alvarez, then changed its mind under Arroyo, then changed its mind back again after Duterte himself said he wanted the Road Board gone. So if the final decision went against Arroyo, how does this point to her undue influence? What the Speaker will in fact boast about is that, on her watch, in less than six months, she was able to pass the entirety of Duterte’s legislative agenda through the House. That kind of partnership between Executive and Legislative, to most people, would be the definition of how government ought to work. And with the President’s ratings now bouncing back to “Very Good” as the old year bows out, it’s

a partnership that makes a lot of political sense as well to its principals. *** Philadelphia—In an unseasonably warm spell in this “city of brotherly love,” I’m slowly recovering from the head and chest cold that kept me from writing my Christmas piece for this paper. New Year’s Day is no time to slack off, after all, even as Marians everywhere are also enjoined to celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God. From here, my wife and I are off to Mexico City on a long-deferred pilgrimage to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited pilgrimage site in the Catholic world. This will be specially meaningful for me because of all the years I spent at the BDO office chapel named in her honor, where I gradually progressed from attending daily Mass to entering into an active and immensely fulfilling Church ministry today. I wish my readers a happy and prosperous new year to everyone!

grounded in the mutual responsibility and interdependence of human beings” but at the same time is a continuing challenge “that demands to be taken up ever anew.” What it asks of us is a conversion of heart and soul, a conversion of self and community. The conversion asked of us has three inseparable aspects: First, “peace with oneself,” rejecting inflexibility, anger and impatience; in the words of Saint Francis de Sales, showing “a bit of sweetness towards oneself” in order to offer “a bit of sweetness to others”; Second, “peace with others: family members, friends, strangers, the poor and the suffering, being unafraid to encounter them and listen to what they have to

Dr. Ortuoste thanks her readers for their support through the years. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The Philippine economy’s 2019 prospects the TRAIN-induced rise in prices caused consumers to spend less, but overall consumer demand remained strong. The principal source of the consumer’s purchasing power —OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances—likewise remained strong. Barring a catastrophe or a severe disturbance in the 2019 has come into being after a year that Middle East, the remittances of the millions saw GDP (gross domestic product) grow at of Filipino workers in that part of the world an above-six percent pace but slow down as will in the foreseeable future remain the main the year progressed. The average growth of source of consumption funds for their fami2018’s four quarters will probably be in the lies back home. vicinity of 6.3 percent. Having seen the adverse impact of TRAIN The performance of this country’s econ- 1’s excise taxes on consumer’s incomes, and omy in 2018 will very likely be determined therefore on their purchases, many legislators by the same factor that largely shaped last and businesses have been warning the DOF year’s economic outcome: Philippine external (Department of Finance) against proceeding trade, the first TRAIN (Tax Reform for Ac- with the implementation of TRAIN 2 when celeration and Inclusion) package and strong it is enacted into law. They have singled out consumer demand. To this trio will be added, for TRAIN 2’s additional fuel excise taxes, this year, two major factors, namely, TRAIN which they believe was the principal cause 2 and the spending associated with the May of last year’s inflation. Emboldened by the 13 mid-term election. decline in world oil prices towards yearend, One word characterized the Philippine DOF’s leadership has indicated that the ageneconomy better cy intends to stick by than any other its timetable. That is in 2018, and that likely to cause new inword was “inflaflation to rear its ugly tion.” The Duhead again, with due What can we expect terte administraconsequences for the tion’s economic consumer spending to see this year? managers totally that has been providmiscalculated ing strong support for —or, heaven forthe economy of this bid, deliberately country. understated—the On the positive side impact of TRAIN 1’s excess taxes on the of the Philippine economy’s 2019 prospects is inflation rate as measured by the CPI (con- the mid-term election in May. Elections are sumer price index) not many weeks after always occasions for huge increases in aggreJanuary 1, the start of implementation. The gate spending; the coming election surely will excise taxes began to sweep across the eco- not be an exception. It has been estimated that nomic landscape, raising producer costs and elections generate increments to GDP (gross consumer prices. By far the worst offenders domestic product) ranging from 0.5 percent to were the excise taxes on petroleum products, 1 percent. Since the coming electoral exercise which translated into higher costs for the will not be a presidential election, the incremanufacturing, energy and transportation ment to the 2019 GDP will likely be chosen to sectors. The inflation rate steadily rose dur- the lower end of the range. ing the year, reaching 6.7 percent in October, Looking back, 2018 began on a strong note its highest level since the world economy was but lost some steam as the year progressed, made worse by the turmoil in the rice trade. thanks largely to the instability caused by the Prices rose way above the P22-per-kilo price inflationary surge. When they are all in, the of NFA (National Food Authority) rice. Try- data will probably show that this country’s ing to help deal with an essentially fiscal is- GDP grew by around 6.4 percent over the sue, the nation’s monetary authority raised its 2017 figure. basic lending rate three times, to its highest How will the economy fare in 2019? level in 11 years. Growth in excess of 6 percent appears to have Given the weakness that has long char- become the new normal, and thus far I don’t acterized Philippine merchandise trade, the see anything on the horizon that is likely to massive import buildup associated with the break that trend. The question is, how far Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build above 6 percent will 2019 GDP growth go? program was found to begin to take its toll Notwithstanding the fact that GDP has never on the BOP (balance of payments) so it did, approximated the upper end of that range, and at yearend the merchandise account of BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) doggedly the BOP was headed towards $40 billion, the sticks to its 7 to 8 percent target range for highest level in this country’s history. Need- GDP growth. less to say, the peso steadily lost strength, Barring any hugely negative or hugely posstaying above 54 to the US dollar throughout itive development such as a humongous rise the year. The resulting rise in the cost of im- in the world oil price, I cannot see, in 2019, a ports exacerbated the worrisome state of the departure from the 6- to 7.7 percent growth BOP. that his country’s GDP has been registering in Data released by PSA (Philippine Statistics recent years. TRAIN-generated inflation and Authority) indicate that as 2018 progressed the trade gap will see to that.

After Batocabe, who’s next?

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

IN THE wake of the Batocabe murder, I don’t see why the 17th Congress would continue dragging its feet on the proposal for the re-imposition of capital punishment on heinous crimes. At this point, there is no other case more heinous than the cold-blooded gunslaying of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort, carried out in broad daylight and causing injuries to several elderly persons. Besides, this is one of the campaign promises of President Duterte to bring back the death penalty, which was shelved during the administration of former President, and now Speaker of the House, Gloria Arroyo. Such tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to the distinguished men and women at the House of Representatives and the Senate, who must now realize no one is immune to the perilous danger of the Sword of Damocles waiting to strike its next target. I’d like to echo, therefore, the call of Chairman Dante Jimenez of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission for passage of the bill seeking to restore the death penalty. Apart from murder, heinous crimes include rape, armed robbery, and violent offenses involving illegal drugs. These are predatory crimes that target innocent

and helpless victims in home invasion, forced abduction and senseless violence caused by triggered by drug abuse. U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, Jimenez empathizes with the grieving Batocabe family, as we all do. The founder of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption will never forget how he lost his brother Engineer Boboy Jimenez in the similar vicious attack by hired guns. Unfortunately, we have unjust laws that often favor more the interests of the hideous criminals than those of the aggrieved party. It is for this reason that Jimenez and the late Lauro Vizconde founded VACC. The Anti-Crime & Terrorism Thru Community Involvement & Support (ACTCIS) Party-list support VACC’s advocacy of defending and upholding the human rights and legal rights of disadvantaged crime victims. Congress must now heed the majority’s clamor for true justice—the restoration of capital punishment, that many believes the only solution to stop violent criminals and recidivists in the country. Unless, of course, they need one or two more of their colleagues dead in the hands of hired killers or assassins before they realize the urgency to pass the death penalty law.

say; and, third, “peace with all creation, rediscovering the grandeur of God’s gift and our individual and shared responsibility as inhabitants of this world, citizens and builders of the future.” Pope Francis ends his message by emphasizing how the politics of peace, “conscious of and deeply concerned for every situation of human vulnerability”, can be inspired by the Magnificat, which Mary sang for all humanity: “He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly; …for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise

he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” No more EJKs! No more killings of lawyers and judges! No more murders of politicians! No more massacres of farmers! No more dispersal of workers and no more Endo! No more displacement of Lumad communities! No more NPA attacks! No more misogyny! No more foolish attempts to change the constitution! No more harassment of human rights workers! Yes to peace in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Orgnanic Law! Yes to resumption of peace talks with the communists! Yes to inclusive mobility, including a regulated Angkas option for commuters! Yes to agrarian

reform! Yes to the rights of labor, urban poor, indigenous people, peasant and other sectors! Yes to more transparency and accountability in government! Yes to peaceful elections and a good result with the better politicans winning! Yes to a stronger and more militant student movement, led by Kabataan and other youth groups, Yes to addrsssing climate change and natural disasters! Yes to independence from foreign powers, especially China and the United States! And finally, Yes to a better and kinder Philippines! To my readers, a blessed, happy, and grace-filled New Year! Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anti-poverty bills among measures for enactment By Rio N. Araja ONE Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-Pacman) Rep. Michael Romero on Sunday said anti-poverty bills on socialized housing, resettlement, idle land, and social security were among the legislative measures expected to be enacted in early 2019 “because they are in the homestretch of the lawmaking process.” He also said in the last lap were bills on the Pantawid Pamilya program, microlending/microﬁnance, the coconut industry sector, waste management, sports training centers for the national level and for Lanao del Norte, and safety of children. “The tax amnesty bill that I authored in the House for one, which covers all unpaid taxes until Dec. 31, 2017, was already ratiﬁed by both chambers of Congress, is already on President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s table for signature. This will be in effect,

and can be availed by corporations and individuals, even before the tax filing season in April 2019,” he said. “Bills I filed or am the principal sponsor of in the first and second regular sessions were among the measures that were consolidated into the bills approved at House plenary and at the bicameral conference committees,” he added. “With five months left in the third and last regular session of the 17th Congress, I believe there is still enough time to enact several more laws, including the ones on security of tenure of workers, a national maricultural program for inland fisherfolk, urban farming, and green building technology,” he cited. According to Romero, 2018 was a productive year for 1-Pacman Party-list. “We aim to even exceed that in 2019 and build upon it with new bills filed in the 18th Congress that starts next July,” he vowed.

PROPOSAL FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING OF 305423X40-3-2 SOYBEAN

Applicant’s Name

Applicant’s Address

Telephone & Facsimile No./E-Mail Address of the Applicant

Names of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative

Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use

The product TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize was developed through conventional breeding methods combining the three single maize events TC1507, MON810 and NK603. No new genetic modification has been introduced in the stack combinations.

305423x40-3-2 soybean was developed by conventional breeding methods between soybean events DP-3Ø5423-1 (referred to as 305423 soybean) and MON-Ø4Ø32-6 (referred to as 40-3-2 soybean). No new genetic modification has been introduced in the combined trait product 305423x40-3-2 soybean.

The TC1507 maize was generated by the insertion of a cry1F gene, which was isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subspecies aizawai and a gene for phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (pat), which was isolated from Streptomyces viridochromogenes. The Cry1F protein, encoded by the cry1F gene, confers protection against certain lepidopteran pests including the Asian corn borer. The PAT protein, encoded by the pat gene, confers tolerance to the herbicidal active ingredient glufosinate ammonium. The herbicide tolerance trait in TC1507 maize is utilized as a selectable marker.

305423 soybean was produced by biolistic co-transformation (microprojectile bombardment) of a soybean line with a linear DNA fragment containing the gmfad2-1 gene fragment from soybean, and another DNA fragment containing the gm-hra gene, also from soybean, The insertion of the gm-fad2-1 fragment acts to suppress expression of the endogenous omega-6 desaturase, resulting in an increased level in the seed of monounsaturated (oleic) fatty acid, decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) and, to a lesser extent, palmitic acid via a mechanism of gene silencing. Insertion of the gm-hra gene confers tolerance to sulfonylurea herbicides and was used as a selective agent following transformation. Only gm-hra produces a novel protein in 305423 soybean.

Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment

Country Argentina Australia /New Zealand Brazil Canada Colombia Japan Korea Mexico Pakistan Paraguay Philippines South Africa Taiwan United States Uruguay

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from the date of publication) on the Proposed Commercial Propagation of TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize. Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number: 404-0409 loc. 202/203 E-mail: bpibiotechsecretariat@gmail.com Approved for Publication:_________________ GEORGE Y. CULASTE OIC-Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:

(MS-JAN. 1, 2019)

If to be imported, Country (ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article

Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment

All the inserted genes and their gene products have been assessed for food and feed safety previously. GM-HRA and CP4 EPSPS proteins expressed in 305423x40-3-2 soybean do not present the characteristics associated with toxic or allergenic proteins. No interactions among the gene products of the two transformation events in 305423x40-3-2 soybean are expected in the combined trait product. Based on nutrient composition study, 305423x40-3-2 soybean is comparable to the control soybean with the exception of the fatty acid profile. The modified fatty acid profile in 305423x40-3-2 soybean included an intended increase in the content of oleic acid (C18:1), and a decrease in the content of the linoleic acid (C18:2), linolenic acid (C18:3), and to a lesser extent, palmitic acid (C16:0) as compared to the control soybean. 305423x40-3-2 soybean is not intended for cultivation in the Philippines, hence no impact to the environment is expected from the importation for direct use for food, feed or for processing. 8.

Brief Summary of Potential Benefits Pioneer Hi-Bred has developed the stack product 305423x40-3-2 soybean with improved oil profile and tolerance to glyphosate herbicide by using conventional breeding methods. Both single soybeans events 305423 and 40-3-2 have been assessed for food and feed safety. The availability of high oleic 305423x40-3-2 soybean will be beneficial for the food and industrial oil sectors. High oleic soybean oil derived from 305423x403-2 soybean is an alternative to partially hydrogenated oils as it is naturally stable to oxidation as a result of its reduced polyunsaturated fat content. Food service and food processors will benefit from the availability of a highly stable vegetable oil that is suitable for frying and spray applications without the need for hydrogenation. High oleic soybean oil is ideal for use as a base oil in blending applications where it can address nutritional, taste, stability and other attributes desired for specific products. In addition, naturally oxidatively stable oil provides for less rancidity and longer shelf life for the oil itself and for the end-use products. In the industrial sector, high oleic soybean oil will offer an ingredient that is stable to oxidation for the formulation of cost effective, renewable, environmentally friendly industrial fluids. In countries where soybean if produced, the ability of 305423x40-3-2 stack product to tolerate glyphosate herbicide offers an effective and economical weed control method to further safeguard yield and increase farmers’ income.

In the Philippines and other countries where ACB causes significant reductions in maize yield, TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize offers farmers with an economical and effective means to control this destructive pest. The ability of this stacked product to tolerate glyphosate herbicide offers an effective and economical weed control method to further safeguard yield and increase farmers’ income. Type of approval and Year Approved Environment Food and/or Feed 2013 2013 2010 2011 2011 2010 2010 2011 2012 (Food), 2012 (Feed) 2011 2011 (Food), 2009 (Feed) 2010 (Food), 2010 (Feed) 2010 2016 2015 2014 2012 2014 2011 (Food), 2017 (Feed) 2010 2010 2017

months and 24 days. The police said Quimbo was taken to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical check-up and for debrieﬁng later. The ASG bandits seized Quimbo in front of his store at the public market on Sept. 6, 2017 in Barangay Poblacion, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. Quimbo was forced to board a van, which was found abandoned in Sitio Ulingan, Usokan, Labason. The police said Quimbo will be transported to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). PNA

305423x40-3-2 soybean has been derived from traditional breeding methods between progeny of genetically modified 305423 and 40-3-2 soybean events. No new genetic modification has been introduced in 305423x40-3-2 soybean.

Pioneer Hi-Bred has developed TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize with resistance to lepidopteran insect pests, particularly Asian corn borer, and tolerance to glyphosate herbicide. This stacked product was developed by using conventional breeding methods to combine single maize events TC1507, MON810 and NK603, which have been assessed for food, feed and environmental safety. TC1507 maize expresses the Cry1F gene isolated from the common soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai while MON810 expresses the Cry1Ab gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subspecies kurstaki. The protein products, Cry1F and Cry1Ab, confer protection against certain lepidopteran pests, including Asian corn borer (ACB, Ostrinia furnacalis). NK603 maize was generated by the insertion of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (epsps) gene, isolated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4. The CP4 EPSPS protein, encoded by the cp4 epsps gene, confers tolerance to the herbicidal active ingredient glyphosate.

Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Abu Sayyaf Group bandits have released the son of a town mayor they kidnapped over a year ago in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said. The Sulu Provincial Police Ofﬁce said Jed Quimbo, 28, son of Mayor Eddie Quimbo of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, was released around 4 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu. The police said Quimbo, a businessman, was handed over to his brother, Justin, and former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan. The ASG bandits held Quimbo captive for one year, three

305423x40-3-2 soybean may be imported from countries that have authorized this event for commercial cultivation such as the United States and Canada.

Based on nutrient composition results from forage samples analyzed for proximates, fiber and minerals, and grains samples analyzed for proximates, fiber, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, secondary metabolites and anti-nutrients, TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize was found to be as safe and as nutritious as its near isoline, non-transgenic counterpart. This is further supported by the lack of interaction observed between and among the individual transgenes in TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize.

Brief Summary of Potential Benefits

ASG releases mayor’s son

The safety of 305423 and 40-3-2 as single events has been individually assessed and each was found to be as safe as their conventional counterparts. Each single event has a valid biosafety permit for direct use and for propagation. 305423x40-3-2 soybean was approved for direct use on April 30, 2014 under DA Administrative Order 8, series of 2002.

All the inserted genes and their gene products have a history of safe use and have been assessed previously for food, feed and environmental safety. Cry1F, Cry1Ab, PAT and CP4 EPSPS proteins expressed in TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize do not exhibit the characteristics associated with allergenic proteins.

Field studies have also demonstrated that the concentrations of the Cry1F, PAT, Cry1Ab and CP4-EPSPS proteins expressed in TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize tissues were expressed at low levels comparable to the expression by the single maize events TC1507, MON810 and NK603. Additionally, there is no evidence of antagonistic or synergistic effects in the combined trait product. The cultivation of TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize is not known to have any significant adverse impact on non-target organisms, including those beneficial to agriculture based on the field trials conducted locally.

result of the weekly assessment conducted by both the police and the military. Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for the police in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), noted that no town in the region had so far been placed on the “areas of grave concern” list as of this posting. “However, there is a possibility that a town in Region 12 may be included in the list as the election period draws near,” Gonzales said in a separate interview. Like in the ARMM, the security sector in Region 12 and the Commission on Elections are conducting weekly assessments and evaluation. PNA

40-3-2 soybean was developed to allow the use of glyphosate-containing herbicides as a weed control option for soybean crops. The gene encoding a glyphosate tolerant form of the enzyme 5-enolpyruvlyshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) was isolated from the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4 and introduced into soybean using biolistic transformation technique. The CP4 EPSPS protein confers tolerance to the herbicidal active ingredient glyphosate.

If to be imported, Country(ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article Seeds of TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize intended for commercial propagation will be produced locally. In the event seeds of TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize will be sourced from elsewhere, it will be imported from countries that have authorized this event for commercial cultivation such as Brazil, South Africa and the United States.

Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative Arun Mittal/Antonio Alfonso

Description of the Regulated Article for Commercial Propagation

The safety of TC1507, MON810 and NK603 as single events has been individually assessed and each was found to be as safe as their conventional counterparts. Each single event has a valid biosafety permit for direct use and for propagation. TC1507xMON810xNK603 maize was approved for commercial propagation on March 31, 2014 under DA Administrative Order 8, series of 2002.

Telephone & Facsimile Nos./E-Mail Address of the Applicant Tel.: (02) 637-1234; Fax: (02) 687-5114 Email Address: arun.mittal@pioneer.com; tony.alfonso@pioneer.com

The NK603 maize was generated by the insertion of the cp4 epsps gene encoding the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4. The CP4 EPSPS protein confers tolerance to the herbicidal active ingredient glyphosate.

Applicant’s Address 8/F iSquare Building 15 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City, 1605 Philippines

The MON810 maize was generated by the insertion of a truncated cry1Ab gene isolated from Bt subspecies kurstaki. The Cry1Ab protein, encoded by the cry1Ab gene, confers protection against certain lepidopteran pests including the Asian corn borer.

Applicant’s Name: Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines, Inc.

Arun Mittal/Antonio Alfonso 5.

Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Datu Unsay, all in Maguindanao. “The presence of armed men and private armed groups in the following areas had a history of election-related violence,” Mijares said in an interview by reporters here Monday. He added, however, that the number of areas under such category might increase, depending on the

PROPOSAL FOR THE COMMERCIAL PROPAGATION OF TC1507xMON810xNK603 MAIZE

Tel.: (02) 637-1234; Fax: (02) 687-5114 Email Address: arun.mittal@pioneer.com; tony.alfonso@pioneer.com 4.

Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, ARMM police director, identified the towns—which the police have recommended to be placed under “hot spot” areas in the coming elections, calling them “election areas of grave concern.” The nine towns are Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Lantawan, and Tipo-Tipo, all in Basilan; Marawi City and Sultan Dumalondong in Lanao del Sur; and

PUBLIC INFORMATION SHEET FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING

8/F iSquare Building 15 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City, 1605 Philippines 3.

OTABATO CITY—Police authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have listed nine towns in the region, where violence is likely to happen in the 2019 elections.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SHEET FOR COMMERCIAL PROPAGATION

Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines, Inc. 2.

9 towns ‘areas of grave concern’ for 2019 polls

FIREWORKS DISPLAY. People from all walks of life gather to celebrate the yearend countdown to 2019 at the Sta.Lucia Mall’s Centro drive to witness the annual grand fireworks display from different places in the province of Rizal which lasted for 20 minutes, the rains notwithstanding. Bands entertained the audience while waiting for the start of the pyrotechnics display. Sonny Espiritu

Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted

List of countries where the product has been approved: Countries Argentina Australia & New Zealand Canada China Colombia European Union Japan Mexico Philippines South Africa South Korea Taiwan United States

Food

Feed

2015 2010 2009 2014 2017 2017 2012 2010 2014 2011 2011 2012 2009

2015 2009 2014 2016 2017 2010 2010 2014 2011 2011 2017 2009

Propagation/ Cultivation 2015 2009 2012 2009

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from date of publication) on the Proposal for the Importation of 305423x40-32 soybean for direct use as food and feed, or for processing. Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number 404-0409 local 203 Fax Number 404-0409 local 203 E-Mail bpibiotechsecretariat@gmail.com Approved for Publication:_________________ GEORGE Y. CULASTE OIC-Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:

(MS-JAN. 1, 2019)

Congress approves measure to help old writing method CONGRESS has approved on second reading House Bill 8785 seeking to promote the Philippine indigenous or traditional writing systems and providing for their protection, preservation and conservation. Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, the measure’s principal author, said the bill shall declare that it is the policy of the State to inculcate, propagate and preserve the cultural heritage, and treasures of the country as a means to promote patriotism among the citizenry. To generate greater awareness of indigenous or traditional scripts of the Philippines and foster wider appreciation of their importance and beauty, the promotion of the traditional writing systems shall be recognized as part of the country’s cultural treasures and protected and promoted. Their promotion shall be done by mandating the Department of Education and Commission on

Higher Education to include the traditional writing systems in relevant subjects of the basic and higher education curricula, and create an elective or specialized course in higher education about the traditional writing systems. Activities promoting awareness of traditional writing systems during Buwan ng Wika and other similar occasions and events shall be created and supported. The proper record-keeping of relevant documents and preservation of oral evidence on the writing systems shall be ensured. The bill mandates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to be the lead agency in promulgating policy guidelines in the promotion of the writing systems. The NCCA shall protect, preserve and conserve the writing systems as a national cultural treasure as provided in Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Rio N. Araja

Sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Near-blind ex-boxer puts troubled kids on right path LISBON—In some ways, says Portuguese ex-boxer Jorge Pina, the loss of most of his sight was the making of him. “I didn’t lose my sight, I just see things differently,” he says. Forced to abandon his world title dreams, Pina devotes his time to helping troubled kids from rough neighbourhoods stay on the right path by channelling their energy into sport. “Before, I was a selfish and troubled person from a difficult neighbourhood,” he says. “But now I want to help young people, win the combat of life.” His sight problem developed in training in 2004 and eventually put an end to his boxing career. An operation two years later failed to fix his detached retina and he was left with only 10-percent vision. But even before he had fully recovered, Pina was asking his doctor whether he could run. “When I lost my sight I needed something positive, despite my limitations,” he said, still breathing hard from a training run with his sighted guide on a Lisbon athletics track. “I chose what I was best at: running and sharing,” he said. The running has already taken him to three Paralympics and he is also aiming to be at Tokyo in 2020. The sharing saw him set up shop in Bensaude, one of Lisbon’s more deprived neighbourhoods, where he operates his own sport association for local kids. - ‘Jorge taught me discipline’ In a spartan hall, the former middleweight contender warms up, shadowboxing in front of a full-length mirror before calling the assembled kids to order. “Listen up kids, right now -- or I’m off!” he growls. Tall, lean and muscled, 42-year-old Pina still cuts an imposing figure, and the kids, mostly from the local gypsy community, quieten down and listen. Wherever he goes, the kids attach themselves to him, whether they are taking his hand to guide him or just giving him a hug. “Jorge taught me discipline and how to channel my energy,” says one regular, 13-year-old Xavier Pereira, after sessions on the punchbag and some pad work. “Before I met him I got into trouble at school and I didn’t go there very often,” he admits. Pina has been running such sessions since 2011, also working with autistic kids. “Jorge coming here really helped us,” says senior social worker Vanessa Madeira. “Our kids learn values and how to live as a community, and that builds trust with the parents.” And the success of his work has convinced the city authorities to back a new base for his association with 60 percent of the funding. The new Jorge Pina Association building will provide 1,700 square metres of space for sport and local community activities. - ‘The strength to surpass myself’ Partly to help raise the rest of the money for the centre, Pina keeps up his running, with the help of his sighted running partner Helio Fumo. But he also has to stay in shape for the next Paralympics, to make sure he can make the qualifying times. And for that, he is up early every morning for his training run. AFP

Chiefs grab AFC top seed; Ravens, Eagles advance

Roger Federer of Switzerland acknowledges the crowd after defeating Cameron Norrie of Britaind in their fourth session men’s singles match on day two of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth. AFP

Federer relishing faceoff with Serena P

ERTH—The Hopman Cup might have saved its best for last as excitement builds for the most anticipated tennis match involving a man and woman since the “Battle of the Sexes” in the 1970s.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams, two of the greatest players in history, will face off across the net for the ﬁrst time on Tuesday when United States go up against defending champions Switzerland in the mixed doubles of the unique two-player, mixed teams event. This year’s tournament is expected to be Perth’s ﬁnal Hopman Cup and Tuesday’s group tie is an early sellout on the back of the prospect of seeing two of the all-time greats, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them, on the same court. “It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch

it,” said Federer after opening his Hopman Cup campaign with an easy singles win on Sunday. “I admire everything she’s done on and off the court, we are both ﬁerce competitors and we always want to win,” added the 20time Grand Slam champion of the once-ina-lifetime match. “It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever, men and women combined, so it is great to be playing against her.” The original “Battle of the Sexes” saw Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an

exhibition singles match in 1973. Federer said he had plenty of experience playing against women, going back to his days as a teenage tour hopeful in Switzerland. Despite their long concurrent careers and having attended a few Wimbledon champion dinners together, Federer said the pair barely knew each other. “I don’t know her that well,” he said. “In the corridors and cafes, walking by each other, sometimes in the past she has asked me how are the kiddies and how is everyone doing, but if I said I know her it would be a bit of an exaggeration.” Williams has said in a television interview that she was looking forward to getting a picture with Federer for her Instagram page. “It is the age of social media,” said Federer, with a grin.AFP

Torre... From A8

SEE RED. French matador Sebastien Castella performs a pass on a bull during a bullfight at the Canaveralejo bullring in Cali, Colombia. AFP

Wushu Championship in Nanjing, China late October. Parantac and Inso had bronze and silver medals, respectively, in the same competition. Another awardee was Brico Santig, who owns the Highland Boxing Promotions, which has gyms in La Trinidad, Benguet and Bangkok, Thailand, where his family is based. He is the promoter of Orient Pacific Boxing Federation Silver winner Jelbirt Gomera, OPBF champion Carlo Magali, KK Natuplag (World Boxing League Asia champion), JayR Raquinel (OPBF champion) and Michael Zulueta (Asian Boxing Federation minimum weight champion). He and the five boxers were represented by associate Miller Dep-ay, who co-promotes Highland boxing events here. Special citations by e-Pub were given to the Cordillera Volleyball Development League for Elementary and Secondary Schools under Cordillera Volleyball Association president Danilo Edwardo for its grassroots development program, which he started seven years ago.

LOS ANGELES—The Kansas City Chiefs cruised past the Oakland Raiders 35-3 on another milestone day for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, locking up the American Conference top seed on the final day of the NFL regular season on Sunday. Mahomes threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns before exiting in the fourth quarter. His 89-yard TD bomb to Demarcus Robinson gave him 50 touchdown passes and 5,097 yards for the season. He joined Peyton Manning as the only quarterbacks to throw for 50 TDs and more than 5,000 yards in a single season, Manning accomplishing the feat back in 2013. In addition to a first-round bye, the top seeding gives the Chiefs home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Perennial AFC contenders New England settled for the second seed—with a first-round bye and a playoff opener at home—after a 38-3 rout of the New York Jets. New England’s superstar quarterback Tom Brady threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first half as the Patriots finished the season unbeaten at home. “We had a great opportunity for it,” Brady said of grabbing the bye. “I’m just glad we could close it out. You hate to have that opportunity and not handle what we needed to handle.” Brady said it was satisfying to close out the regular season with back-toback victories after two straight defeats. “We showed some resiliency,” he said. “We’re going to need that going forward.” The Baltimore Ravens expunged the memory of last season’s week 17 heartbreak as they held on for a 26-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns to grab a playoff berth. The Ravens, who missed the postseason last year when the Bengals scored late, led 20-7 in the first half. But the Browns pulled within 26-24 on Baker Mayfield’s third touchdown pass of the day with 3:24 remaining. That saw Mayfield break the NFL rookie record with his 27th TD pass of the season. After the Browns defense thwarted a Baltimore drive Mayfield had another chance, but his fourthdown pass was intercepted by Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley for a victory that gave Baltimore the NFC North division title. Eagles keep title defense alive The win extinguished Pittsburgh’s hopes of capturing the division. The Steelers did what they could with a 16-13 victory over Cincinnati. Steelers players then remained on the field to watch the closing minutes of the Ravens game on the giant scoreboard. The final AFC berth went to the Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck threw for three touchdowns in a 33-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans as the battle for the final berth came down to the final game of the day. AFP

MCC holds Standard Open meet THE Metropolitan Chess Club announces the holding of a Standard Open Tournament on Jan. 26 and 27 at the Starmall Edsa Shaw in Mandaluyong City. Open to all chess enthusiasts regardless of age, the two-day event will apply the seven-round Swiss System using the time control of 40 minutes + 20 seconds increment. At stake is a total pot of P25,000 with the champion pocketing the top prize of P5,000, plus trophy and gold medal. Top 10 ﬁnishers will receive cash prizes. A consolation award of P1,000 awaits the winners in the following categories: Top Senior (50 over); Top High School; Top Lady; and Top Kiddies in the 8-Under; 10-Under; and 12-Under. Registration fee is P550 including NCFP membership for those who joined the 2018 MCC event; P400 for NCFP member and P600 for new participants. Free entry fee for grandmasters. Interested parties are advised to register online. Visit website mccchess.com and click how to enroll and scroll down to online registration. Additional P200 will be charged for onsite registration. Deadline is on Jan. 23. For other details, contact 0922-822-6319.

Sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

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

PH tracksters to train at Narciso Ramos Complex in Pangasinan By Peter Atencio

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. AFP

Mavericks silence Thunder L

OS ANGELES—Dennis Smith Jr. made the go-ahead layup with 24.8 seconds remaining Sunday as the Dallas Mavericks held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-103 on Sunday.

Paul George, whose 36 points included the Thunder’s last 13, missed a jump shot with two seconds left, and Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook missed a three-pointer form the corner at the buzzer as the Mavs claimed the NBA victory, despite trailing by as many as six points with less than two minutes to play. Rookie Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 25 points. held on for the victory. Harrison Barnes added 16 and Smith had 14 for the Mavs, who squandered a 13-point third-quarter lead before turning things around at the end. Westbrook endured a tough night, connecting on just four of 22 shots from the field on the way to nine points with

eight assists and nine rebounds. Thunder coach Billy Donovan said he wasn’t worried about Westbrook’s shooting numbers. “He’s getting clean looks, and he’s got to keep taking those shots,” Donovan said. “Clearly he has shot below what he’s capable of shooting. I’m not worried about it. As long as we’re getting good shots, that’s the biggest thing.” Veteran Evan Fournier’s floater at the buzzer lifted the Magic to a 109-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Orlando. D.J. Augustin led the Magic with 26 points before departing late in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic added 22 apiece and Fournier contributed 13.

The Magic led by nine with less than four minutes remaining, but the Pistons clawed within one point, at 105-104, with 8.9 seconds left and had tied it at 107-107 with 2.5 to play—setting the stage for Fournier’s heroics. “I really embrace those moments and I’m glad that Coach drew up a play for me and the execution was great,” said Fournier, who was mobbed by teammates after the shot fell. “I had a little bit of space on my right side and I decided to use my float game.” Big night for Towns Karl-Anthony Towns led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 113-104 victory over the Miami Heat with a stellar game of 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and six blocked shots —a stat line that drew comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 35 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists and eight blocks for the Lakers against Phoenix in 1975. Towns, who also had three steals,

connected on 12 of his 24 shots from the field, including three of six from three-point range. “I wanted to make the right plays that we needed to win,” Towns said. “I’m glad I was able to make them.” In Toronto, the Raptors shook off a slow start—scoring a season-low 14 points in the first quarter—to beat the Chicago Bulls 95-89. Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam added 20 points and 12 rebounds while Danny Green and Fred VanVleet scored 10 points apiece to help Toronto bounce back from a 116-87 loss to the Magic on Friday. The Los Angeles Lakers erased a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit on the way to a 121-114 victory over the Sacramento Kings, their first victory without LeBron James since their superstar suffered a groin injury in a Christmas Day game. AFP

Neon eSports rules Predator League 2019: Dota 2 Finals

NEON eSports recently ruled the Predator League: Dota 2 Finals—a highly anticipated gaming and youth event in the Philippines. The said competition, now on its second year, provides an opportunity to the gaming community to showcase their competence and skills. Four semifinalists, namely Alpha Gaming from Visayas, Neon eSports from Metro Manila, TaskUs Titans from Luzon and NCGC from Mindanao, competed for the Predator League Championship title. After a heated semifinals, TaskUs Titans won over NCGC, while Alpha Gaming bowed to Neon eSports. A well-fought championship battle was witnessed by the audience between TaskUs and Neon, where the latter emerged as winner. Third runner-up Alpha Gaming and second runner-up NCGC both won a cash prize of P20,000, while TaskUs ended its run with a bridesmaid finish and P40,000. Following its dominant win, Neon eSports bagged the coveted Predator League 2019 DOTA 2 Championship and won the P120,000 top purse. “The Philippine gaming community is strong and continues to grow tremendously. Acer Predator is proud to be a witness and partner to that growth. The Acer Predator League Dota 2 Finals showcased the country’s best of the best in one tournament,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer and Predator Philippines Sales and Marketing Director. ESports in the Philippines has evolved throughout the years, with the support of Predator. For further information about Asia Pacific Predator League 2018 campaign, visit https://predator-league.com/.

Members of the Neon eSports team display their dummy check and championship trophy.

THE Narciso Ramos Sports Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan will host the training of the Philippine national athletics team getting ready for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Philippine Athletic Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico said this as they rolled out their plans for 2019. The support of the provincial government of Pangasinan, behind Governor Amado Espino III, will help make this possible. “The national team has plans of preparing for the SEA Games slowly at the Narciso Ramos Sports Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan with the support of the provincial government, headed by Governor Amado Espino III. We need at least a one-year period of continuity and stability,” said Juico. The PATAFA chief said they have moved the training venues of the national team elsewhere after the Philippine Sports Commission closed down the athletes’ quarters and track ovals in Baguio, Philsports in Pasig and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for their long overdue rehabilitation. “If all or most of these ingredients to the winning formula are available to PATAFA, there should be greater chances of our equalling or even surpassing the record 13-gold medal haul in the 1983 SEA Games,” added Juico. The national team, led by Fil-heritage athletes Eric Cray, Trenten Beram, Kristina Knott, Carter Lilly and Natalie Uy, is coming off a tough campaign in the recent 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia. In the face of strong opposition from world powerhouses like China, Japan, Korea and Qatar, the Philippines failed to win a single medal, but Juico is positive of his athletes’ performances. “The Philippine team performed remarkably well despite the usual limited resources available for sports both from government and the private sector. PATAFA hopes to build on these gains as we move on to host the 2019 SEA Games,” said Juico. He said the preparation for the games will need members of the national team to be in shape and competitive as they will have to join a series of national and international meets. This includes the national championship and the Southeast Asian Youth Championships in the city of Ilagan, Isabela in March 2019. Then, there’s the Asian Championships in April 2019 in Doha, Qatar, followed by the world relays and the World Championships in Doha in September, 2019. “All these tough competitions are preparations for the 2019 SEA Games where our athletes will be performing before the huge home crowd,” said Juico.

Torre tells Cordillera athletes to play extra hard for flag

Twenty-one art works, including this portrait of the ONE Championship lightweight king Edward Folayang by Gladys Anne Laciste, were made by the artist in less than 11 hours for the awards rites.

BAGUIO CITY—Chess Grandmaster and former Baguio resident Eugene Torre extolled young elite athletes to go the extra mile for flag and country as the 67-year-old Asia’s first GM shared his fond memories as a national athlete, including the 1978 KarpovKorchnoi world chess championship, during the Kafagway/Kordillera International Sportsman Luminary Award Podium here. Speaking after handing awards to 21 athletes and sportsmen at the Sunshine Park here, Torre said hard work will lead them to where they want to be. “You are luckier at this time since many, including the government, are there to support you,” said Torre. Mixed martial artists and Team

Lakay champions Kevin Belingon, Stephen Loman, Joshua Pacio, Geje Eustaquio and Edward Folayang, as well as Mark Sangiao, were among the top honorees of the event nearly ruined by rains. Belingon, the ONE Championship bantamweight king, and Loman, the Brave Combat Federation bantamweight champion, failed to make it to the awards rites presented by Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Rep. Mark Go. Their awards were received by Sangiao. Asian Games bronze medalists Divine Wally, Carlo Paalam and Jeordan Dominguez were also honored in the event organized by the National Correspondent Club of Baguio and Epony-

mous Publication and Media Works, and backed by the Larry Puckett Green Meadows Foundation. Wally, a cousin of Folayang, was also unable to attend the rites, with her award being received by Daniel Parantac, another relative. “She could not get a ride from Nueva Vizcaya,” said Parantac of his cousin, who also won a bronze in the World Cup of Wushu Sanda late October. Paalam is also back home in Cagayan de Oro and his award was received by University of Baguio athletic director Alan Elegado. Paalam is a senior high UB student. Parantac, Jones Inso and Thornton Lou Sayan won a gold each in the Traditional Turn to A7

IN BRIEF Maynilad secures ISO certification WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. recently secured an ISO certification in Business Continuity Management Systems from international auditing and certification body TUV Rheinland Philippines. The ISO 22301:2012 certification was a testament to the water company’s sustainability, operational resiliency and recovery in the event of a disaster. It proved that Maynilad has an effective system in ensuring the sustained delivery and restoration of water service to customers during emergencies and calamity situations. The audit results further show that Maynilad adheres to its Business Continuity Plan, which specifies procedures for managing disruptive incidents and restoring normal operation. “We understand how important it is for our customers to have water supply even during times of disaster. Attaining this ISO certification affirms that our operations can immediately recover from calamities, and that our BCMS is aligned with international best practices,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez. Othel V. Campos

Business

Average Grab users spent P7,000 in 2018 VEHICLES using Grab’s ride-hailing app travelled a total of 920 million kilometers in 2018, according to Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu. “We are incredibly humbled to have helped millions of passengers reach their destinations across cities and provinces in the Philippines. This result proves to us that we can make transportation safer and more convenient for the Filipino people through innovation and empowerment,” Cut said. Grab also made available to its passengers the total time and fare they spent on the road. Cu said that in 2018, an average Grab user spent about P7,000. “In comparison, our most engaged users - the top 5 percent - spent an average of P45,000 and did around 8 times more trips than the average user. We thank these users for making Grab their primary transport option. Cu said that in comparison, car owners were spending more than P240,000 annually.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MICROENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS. Erwin Ramos (second row, third from left) of Paombong, Bulacan is recognized the 2018 Microentrepreneur of the Year during the 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards on Dec. 7 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. With him are other regional and national winners, including (from left) Rosario Amoroto, regional awardee for Visayas; Maria Elena Estadola, regional awardee for Luzon; and Arnold Viado, regional awardee for Mindanao. CMA special awardees include (third row, from left) Romeo Ponio, Special Award for Agri Micro-Business; Mary Grace Bayalas, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year; Jessette Oquendo, Special Award for Community Leadership; Estrella Balnao, Special Award for Agri Micro-business; and Marisa Ganding, Special Award for Startup Micro-Business. At the front row are the national selection committee members (from left) BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, Citi Philippines chief executive Aftab Ahmed, Marixi Rufino-Prieto and Jose Ma. Concepcion III.

Sumitomo asked to start MRT 3 rehabilitation in ‘19 By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation said it expects Sumitomo Corp. of Japan to start the rehabilitation and maintenance of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 system in 2019. The department and Sumitomo earlier signed a contract forthe rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT 3 system, which will cover the entire 16.9-kilometer line, all its 13 stations, the remaining 72 light rail vehicles and the MRT-3 Depot on North Avenue, Quezon City. “All sub-systems will be restored, renewed or upgraded, including MRT-3’s track works, signaling system, power

supply system, overhead catenary system, communications system, and maintenance and station equipment,” the DOTr said. The agency said the rehabilitation period for the MRT-3 was expected to last 43 months. The government signed a P18-billion loan agreement with the government of Japan in November for the MRT 3 system’s rehabilitation and maintenance. The Transportation Department in September 2017 granted the original proponent status to a group led by Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp., which submitted the unsolicited bid for the rehabilitation and O&M of MRT 3. The consortium of MPIC and Ayala Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to DOTr to upgrade and rehabilitate MRT 3 for P12.5 billion. The consortium is also looking at buying out the stake of the government and private investors in MRT 3.

The government through Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines own a combined 80-percent economic interest in MRT 3, while the balance is held by creditors of Metro Rail Transit Corp. MPIC in 2011 offered to buy out the shares of Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines in MRT 3 for $1.1 billion. MPIC also submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation in 2011 to invest $524 million to rehabilitate and upgrade MRT 3. The Aquino administration, however, rejected Metro Paciﬁc’s offer that would involve raising commuter fares. MRT 3, which runs along Edsa from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serves over 500,000 passengers a day, beyond its rated capacity of 350,000. The line has a ﬂeet of 73 Czech-made air-conditioned rail cars.

ABOITIZ SCHOLARS. Fifty-four

Cebu College scholars supported by the Aboitiz Foundation and Aboitiz units Cebu Private Power Corporation, East Asia Utilities Corporation, Therma Visayas, Inc. and Visayan Electric Co Inc. learn more about emotional intelligence in the workplace at the first Aboitiz College Scholars Learning Series. The event, facilitated by Dr. Shiela Marie Hocson, former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counselling Association, tackled identifying one’s personality types and tendencies, personality assessment and techniques and methods in coping up with emotionally stressful situations and environment.

Construction firm asked to drop ‘Puregold’ name By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission ordered Puregold Construction and Development Corp. to change its corporate name for being confusingly similar to that of supermarket chain Puregold Price Club Inc. of businessman Lucio Co. The SEC affirmed the decision of the Office of the General Counsel issued on July 2013 directing Puregold Construction to change its corporate name, as Puregold Price Club acquired prior rights over the name. Puregold Construction appealed the OGC ruling in August 2013, saying there is a big difference in the names of the two companies that the general public can easily mark and distinguished. The SEC said Puregold Price Club adopted its name as early as its incorporation on Sept. 8, 1998, while Puregold Construction only adopted its name upon its incorporation on May 11, 2009. “Puregold” is a protected trademark issued by the Intellectual Property Office to Co-owned company in 2005 and 2017. The SEC said while its guidelines allow a trademark or trade name registered with the IPO to be used as part of the corporate name, a prior consent of the trademark owners should be obtained.

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Govt agencies plan to roll out broadband plan in Baguio City

PDIC raises P72m from asset auction THE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. said it generated P72.1 million from the sale of 15 closed banks’ properties through two public biddings in November in Makati City. It said the sold assets yielded an aggregate premium of P6.5 million against the total minimum disposal price of P65.6 million. They included ﬁve residential lots, two residential lots with improvement, one commercial lot, four commercial lots with improvement, two motor vehicles and one generator set in Luzon and Visayas. Proceeds from the sale of closed banks’ properties are added to the pool of liquid assets of these banks for distribution to creditors and uninsured depositors in accordance with the rules on concurrence and preference of credits. PDIC said the expeditious liquidation of assets is one of its strategic directions as liquidator of closed banks. It said to help ensure that recoveries from closed banks’ assets are maximized, the agency sells assets via competitive biddings and auctions.

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

NGCP fixes transmission lines to restore power supply in Visayas GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Monday it successfully completed the restoration of lines affected by tropical depression Usman in the Visayas. “Normalization of the Visayas grid came after the last affected line, the Palanas Cara-Catarman-Lao-ang 69 kilovolt line, was restored at 5:29 p.m. of Dec. 30. Transmission services in other affected areas are now under normal operations,” NGCP said. The operations of Northern Samar Electric Cooperative was affected by the 69 kV line on Dec. 28. NGCP said it immediately mobilized line crew and conducted aerial and ground patrols to assess the impact of the storm and expe-

dite restoration of the affected line. Other affected lines that were immediately restored were the Gumaca-Pitogo-Mulanay 69kV Line which affected Quezon Electric Cooperative 1 and the Bay - Calamba 69kV Line which affected some customers of Manila Electric Co. and Batangas Electric Cooperative. “NGCP assures the public that it is continuously monitoring weather disturbances and is ready to activate its Overall Command Center should there be any threat to its transmission facilities,” the company said. NGCP said it immediately implemented necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of tropical depression and other weather

disturbances on transmission operations and facilities. Preparations included ensuring the reliability of communications equipment, availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damages to facilities, as well as the positioning of line crews in strategic areas, to facilitate immediate restoration work. NGCP’s Integrated Disaster Action Plan prescribes these measures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities that are expected to be affected by the passage of the weather disturbance. NGCP operates and maintains the country’s transmission network through its concession agreement with the government. Alena Mae S. Flores

THE National Transmission Corp., Department of Information and Communications Technology and Benguet Electric Cooperative are set to sign a tripartite agreement to pilot the National Broadband Plan in Baguio City. “We will sign tripartite agreements with DICT and Beneco on Jan. 8, 2019 to roll out a pilot NBN project in Baguio for government agencies and internet service,” TransCo president Melvin Matibag said. DICT, TransCo and National Grid Corp of the Philippines earlier signed a tripartite agreement for the use of spare optical fiber to speed up the implementation of the government’s NBN. NGCP operates the country’s transmission network under its concession agreement with the government, while TransCo owns the “dark fiber’ asset. The agreement enabled the government to save around P50 billion by using the dark fiber assets of TransCo. The agreement was initially for the rollout to government offices and agencies and other public places, but a separate agreement with the National Electrification Administration and the electric cooperatives would bring connectivity to the households. Matibag said NEA, through the electric cooperatives, “can also lower the cost of electricity.” “Because the Epira [Electric Power Industry Reform Act] law is saying 50 percent of revenues outside of electricity revenues will automatically go to lowering of electricity rates, so just imagine cheap internet connection and cheaper electricity, which are both economic drivers,” Matibag said. The DICT, NEA and the electric cooperatives previously signed a memorandum of agreement for the “last mile” of the government’s NBN project aimed at improving the internet access in the country.

Toyota investing P1b to increase local parts of Vios By Othel V. Campos TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. said it will invest another P1 billion in 2019 to increase the local content of the Vios, its entry to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy or Cars program. TMPC president Satoru Suzuki said the 2019 capex would finance additional local content parts to render the Vios more as a Philippine-made car. The P1-billion capex is a part of the initial investment of P5.4 billion the company committed under the program. About 90 percent of the investment is dedicated for localization of parts that will include the five mandatory parts such as body shell, big plastic parts and door panels. Toyota is pushing its body shell localization to 57 percent with the local production of side member panels, representing the largest press parts of a car. The company said the acquisition of production capabilities for complex plastic parts like instrument panel and center console was also ongoing. Investments under the Cars program are expected to go higher as more parts are localized, said TMPC vice president for corporate affairs Rommel Gutierrez. “It can actually increase based on the localization capacity of suppliers. The localization program is continuing and on our part, we continue to increase the local content of our cars,” he said. The Cars program is the biggest and most ambitious automotive incentives program the Philippine government has offered to car manufacturers and assemblers. The government committed P27 billion worth of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to three participating car companies, all time-bound within the next six years.

Business

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Court extends Ghosn’s detention until to Jan. 11 FORMER Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn will be spending the beginning of 2019 behind bars after a Tokyo court on Monday extended his detention through to Jan. 11. The move comes after Japanese prosecutors re-arrested Ghosn for fresh allegations on December 21, dashing his hopes of being home for Christmas. “The decision to extend the [detention period] was issued today. The detention expires on Jan. 11,” the Tokyo District Court said in a statement. The growing case against the auto tycoon represents a stunning reversal of fortune for a man once revered in Japan and beyond for his ability to turn around automakers, including Nissan. Since his stunning arrest on Nov. 19, the twists and turns of the case have gripped Japan and the business world and shone a light on the Japanese legal system, which has come in for some criticism internationally. Authorities are pursuing three separate lines of enquiry against the

64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian executive, involving alleged financial wrongdoing during his tenure as Nissan chief. They suspect he conspired with his right-hand man, US executive Greg Kelly, to hide away around half of his income (some five billion yen or $44 million) over five fiscal years from 2010. They also allege he under-reported his salary to the tune of four billion yen over the next three fiscal years—apparently to avoid criticism that his pay was too high. The extension that prosecutors won Monday allows them to continue investigating a complex third claim that alleges Ghosn sought to shift a personal investment loss onto Nissan’s books. As part of that scheme, he is also accused of having used Nissan funds to repay a Saudi acquaintance who put up collateral money. Prosecutors have pressed formal charges over the first allegation but not Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn yet over the other accusations. AFP

Finance describes 2018 banner year vs smuggling By Julito G. Rada

HE Finance Department said it considers 2018 a banner year in terms of its relentless drive against smuggling and tax evasion.

The agency said in a statement the government continued to intensify its campaign against smuggling and tax evasion through the combined efforts of the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue in 2018. It said that on the watch of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the BIR spearheaded several raids on warehouses storing counterfeit cigarette brands, while the BoC intercepted undocumented shipments of rice, steel products, luxury cars and other assorted goods. The BIR, from January to November 2018, seized 5,227 mastercases of counterfeit cigarettes bearing various brands and affixed with counterfeit tax stamps. The BoC, as of Dec. 19, confiscated P 9.271 billion worth of smuggled goods from various ports nationwide and filed 68 cases before the Department of Justice against suspected smugglers. It also either revoked, suspended or canceled the customs accreditation of 126 importers and 15 cus-

toms brokers as part of the bureau’s intensified campaign against smuggling in 2018. The department said of the smuggled goods intercepted by the BoC, illegal drugs accounted for the bulk of the seized items at P3.074 billion, while another P7.319 billion-worth of confiscated items were assorted goods; P56.278 million were cars and other types of vehicles; P490.26 million, agricultural products; P1.343 billion, general merchandise; P4.344 million, used clothing; P49.7 million, steel products; and 4.356 million, counterfeit goods. The BoC was also able to foil several attempts to smuggle rice, sugar and other goods into the country, it said. The BoC also donated a total of 374 bags of rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to augment the government’s disaster relief efforts for typhoon victims. The BIR, for its part, incinerated over 230,000 mastercases or over 115 million cigarette packs bearing brands manufactured by the defunct Mighty Corp. in 2018. It earlier destroyed over 9,000 mastercases bearing the Mighty brands in the latter part of 2017. The aggregate excise tax of the incinerated cigarettes hit P9 billion, which was part of the P30 billion tax deficiency of Mighty Corp.

These destroyed cigarettes were seized in separate operations in San Simon, Pampanga; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Tacloban City; and General Santos City in warehouses leased by Mighty. The Department of Finance made history in 2017 by collecting from cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. a total of P30 billion in unpaid taxes, the biggest sum on record raised by the government from a tax settlement, and which was the result of the heightened joint campaign by the BIR and BOC against tax cheats. After the BIR ﬁled three separate criminal complaints before the Department of Justice against Mighty for its widespread use of counterfeit tax stamps, the ﬁrm offered in July last year to shut down its operations and settle its tax liabilities. Mighty’s manufacturing and distribution assets were sold to Japan Tobacco Inc. for around $ 1 billion. As a conditionality, Mighty paid P30.4 billion (roughly equivalent to $600 million) in taxes, comprising previous tax liabilities and transaction taxes, to settle its obligations to the government. Dominguez instructed the BoC and BIR to track down manufacturers of counterfeit tobacco products and their possible cohorts in government who had a role in allowing the entry of unlicensed cigarette-making machines into the country.

Cusi asks oil firms to empty 2018 stocks before applying higher tax ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi asked oil industry players to empty ﬁrst their 2018 oil inventories before applying the second round of the excise tax on petroleum products in 2019. The Energy Department, in close coordination with the Finance Department, the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, devised a mechanism to closely monitor existing oil inventories with the implementation of the second tranche of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law today. “We are ready to implement the sec-

ond tranche of Train, which imposes additional excise taxes to various commodities like petroleum products by New Year,” Cusi said. “We have to ensure the proper implementation of the second tranche of Train, because the new collection will be used to support our ‘Build Build Build’ programs, free tuition fee and medical assistance for our kababayans,” he said. “With the imposition of the additional excise taxes, we are stringently looking at the 2018 inventories of oil companies in order to protect consumers from un-

GREEN LIGHT

“We are confident that everyone will cooperate so that we will all have a prosperous new year for 2019,” Cusi said. He said the Energy Department, together with its partners and stakeholders, provided mitigating measures to help consumers cope with the effects of Train law during its first implementation, such as fuel discounts through the corporate social responsibility and promotional programs, Pantawid Pasada, energy efficiency tips, rigorous monitoring of gas stations to ensure good quality and right quantity of petroleum products.

HONG KONG ended a tough year on a positive note Monday, with the Hang Seng posting strong gains after US President Donald Trump hailed “big progress” on resolving Washington’s trade war with Beijing. In light holiday trading with Tokyo and Shanghai closed, stocks in the south China financial hub were buoyed by Trump’s upbeat assessment on prospects for ending the tariff conflict between the world’s two biggest economies, which has rattled markets globally. “Just had a long and very good call with President Xi of China,” Trump said Saturday on Twitter. “Deal is moving along very well. If made, it will be very comprehensive, covering all subjects, areas and points of dispute. Big progress being made!” Washington and Beijing imposed titfor-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods in total two-way trade earlier this year, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits and contributed to stock market plunges. While investors remain concerned, relations have thawed since Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump agreed to a 90-day trade truce in early December while the two sides work to ease trade tensions by March 1. Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as telling Trump both leaders want “stable progress” in ties. “China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations,” Xi added. Analysts welcomed the apparent progress, following a torrid time for equities which have also been unnerved by fears over slowing global growth, a partial US government shutdown, US Federal Reserve interest rates hikes and Trump’s attacks on the central bank. AFP

Goliath as a David

REAL CARPIO

SO, Goliath is dead. And we were all wrong. In “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misﬁts, and the Art of Battling Giants”, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell laments that we celebrate David’s victory because we do not expect him to win. Pitted against a towering Goliath, common sense tells us that the diminutive David is as good as dead. True. No one would believe that David won simply because of his size. Yet he did in spite of this perceived disadvantage. Most were blinded that a Goliath could have weaknesses. All failed to recognize the advantages that David has, that is, speed and agility. According to one observation, “the very same thing that appears to make a company so formidable--its size, its resources--serve as stumbling blocks when they’re forced to respond to a situation where the rules are changing, and where nimbleness, and ﬂexibility, and adaptability are better attributes.” Blackberry was enjoying exponential growth. Then came iPhone. Two years

just trading and proﬁteering once the second tranche is operationalized,” Cusi said. “The sale of old stocks, referring to the remaining balance of the inventory ending 31 December 2018, which was not covered by the second tranche of excise taxes should not be collected from the consumers. Otherwise, it would be a violation of the law- not only administrative penalties like closure of the establishment will be imposed, but also the criminal penalty of large scale estafa,” the energy chief said.

Hong Kong stock mart ends 2018 with gains

after, Blackberry was gone. Finnish giant Nokia did everything right, yet somehow something went wrong. While it normally takes decades, Xiaomi became a formidable force in consumer electronics in less than 5 years. Our sense of security is based on predictability. Yet businesses are not sure what tomorrow will bring. The internet age made everything connected. Yet the interconnectedness made everything complex. The butterfly effect has become the norm. Simple causeand-effect chains have been replaced by complex interconnected forces and events. When predictability is almost zero, and causality is difficult to identify, one tends to act and behave according to one’s understanding, which one cannot even be certain. Now, the crucial questions for survival are one, “how much does one know about the situation?”, and two, ”how much can one predict the results of one’s actions?” With an increasing number of risk factors that have to be taken into account, organizations need to be highly flexible, and they have to be fast.

The challenge now is, how can one become a Goliath, yet be as nimble and agile as David? The Haier Group of China began as a nearly bankrupt refrigerator manufacturer in Qingdao, Shandong province. It is currently the world’s largest appliance maker. It competes with international household names such as Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux. In 2016, it bought GE’s appliance business. Globally, Haier has some 75,000 employees. In 2010, Haier created micro-divisions called “zizhu jingying ti” within the organization. Literally “independent operating units”, they operated as virtual teams. Team leaders were given considerable decision-making autonomy. In 2014, Haier transformed the organization into a conglomerate of “xiaowei qiye”, literally micro-enterprises. These enterprises operated as independent companies within the Haier ecosystem, responsible for their own recruitment, operations, and ﬁnancial decisions. Haier has more than 4,000 of these “xiaowei”. Most have only 10 to 15 employees. Approximately 200 of these

are market facing enterprises that are involved in Haier’s legacy appliance business. About 50 are incubators that are focused on emerging markets such as egaming, or app development. More than 3,800 are businesses that sell component products and services to the market-facing enterprises. These include design, manufacturing, human resources, etc. Although these “xiaowei” operates within the Haier ecosystem, they are “free to buy or not to buy” from each other. If one believes that an external provider would better meet its needs, it can engage outside contractors. Each of these micro enterprises has to compete for “jobs” lest they go out of business. For example, an HR “xiaowei” should continue to deliver qualified candidates required by another, or it may find itself ignored and bypassed by other “xiaoweis”. Depending on the market importance it generates, a “xiaowei” sets its own compensation packages. Aside from discouraging mediocrity, it also forces all of these units to collaborate, creating value and importance for themselves. Moreover, it also maximizes flexibility. Each

is free to reconfigure itself to take advantage of new market opportunities. For the past 10 years, gross profits of Haier’s appliance business “have increased by 23% a year, while revenue has increased by 18% annually.” Haier has also created “more than $2 billion in market value from new ventures”. Haier’s model is a radical overhaul of its traditional management model. It takes advantage of the distinct properties of the internet age. By being “small pieces, loosely joined”, it is free to iterate and to take any form it needs. Goliath need not be dead. Real Carpio So lectures at the Ramon del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He is an entrepreneur and a management consultant. Comments are welcomed at realwalksonwater@ gmail.com. Archives can be accessed at realwalksonwater.wordpress.com. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

World

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sydney all set for fireworks spectacle

YDNEY―Australia’s largest city Sydney will put on its biggest-ever ﬁreworks display to welcome the New Year and kick off a wave of celebrations for billions around the world.

A record amount of pyrotechnics as well as new ﬁreworks effects and colors will light up the harbor city’s skyline for 12 minutes and dazzle the more than 1.5 million spectators expected to crowd the shores and parks. “I’m sure we’ll delight in seeing our beautiful harbor lit up like never before,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. To mark the international year of indigenous lan-

guages in 2019, the harbour will host a ceremony celebrating Aboriginal heritage that includes animations projected onto the Sydney Harbor Bridge’s pylons. The party atmosphere will sweep across major cities in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas as the clock ticks past midnight. A strong police presence has become a key element of the festivities, to protect crowds that could be targeted in terror and vehicle attacks. Hong Kong: Glittering fireworks will be sent skyward from five barges floating in Victoria Harbor in a 10-minute display watched by 300,000 people on the shore. Jakarta: Hundreds of couples will tie the knot in a free mass wedding, as those in the tsunami-hit Banten province, where affected towns were popular holiday destinations, have been told to cancel party plans to show respect for the victims. Tokyo: Japanese will flock to temples to ring in

the New Year, while US boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr will take on local kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a bout staged outside Tokyo. Moscow: Concerts and light shows will be held across the city’s parks and more than 1,000 ice rinks have been opened for merrymakers. Paris: A ﬁreworks display and sound and light show under the theme “fraternity” is set to go ahead on the Champs-Elysees despite plans for further “yellow vest” anti-government protests at the famed avenue. Berlin: Music lovers will party at a concert at the Brandenburg Gate, but a popular German tradition of setting off ﬁreworks to mark the occasion has been banned in some other cities over safety concerns. London: Britain’s capital will usher in the New Year by celebrating its relationship with Europe amid turmoil over the Brexit referendum vote to leave the

EU, with the ﬁreworks display at the London Eye to feature music from the continent’s artists. Edinburgh: The Scottish capital’s traditional Hogmanay celebrations will also take on a proEuropean theme ahead of the year in which Britain is due to exit the union. As the world parties, many will also look forward to 2019 and wonder whether the turmoil witnessed during the previous year will spill over into the next. The political wrangling in Westminster over Brexit was one of the key stories of this year, with a resolution yet to be reached ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure. US President Donald Trump dominated headlines in 2018 as he ramped up his trade war with China, quit the Iran nuclear deal, moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and met his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un in Singapore for a historic summit. AFP

IN BRIEF 69 migrants rescued off Malta

VALLETTA, Malta―A group of 69 migrants on a rickety wooden boat were rescued Sunday off Malta, the navy said, while 49 more were still at sea waiting for a country to allow them to dock. The migrants sent out a distress call 117 nautical miles southwest of Malta and a Maltese navy vessel was sent to their aid, a statement said. Meanwhile, the German NGO Sea-Eye said its rescue ship was responding to a report of another boat in difficulty with 24 migrants on board. The German-flagged ship already has 17 migrants from West Africa on board who were rescued on Saturday in international waters off the coast of Libya. At the same time, the Dutch-flagged SeaWatch said it already had 32 migrants rescued on December 22 including three young children, three unaccompanied adolescents and four women from Nigeria, Libya and Ivory Coast. While Italy, Malta, Spain and the Netherlands have refused to accept the Sea-Watch 3 migrants, several German cities have offered to take them in. On Saturday a government spokesman, however, said Germany would only accept some of the migrants if other European countries also agreed to do so. Last week, a newborn baby and his mother were helicoptered from a boat to Malta More than 1,300 migrants have perished trying to reach Italy or Malta since the beginning of the year, according to the International Organization for Migration. AFP

‘Aquaman’ stays atop N. American box office HOLLYWOOD―”Aquaman” displayed a powerful kick in North American theaters over the weekend, taking in an estimated $51.6 million to help close a record year for the movie sector, data showed Sunday. The domestic film industry is projected to gross a record $11.9 billion this year, up 2.7 percent from last year, according to industry monitor Comscore. “Aquaman” slipped just 24 percent from its opening weekend, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations reported, while some superhero films lose 50 or even 60 percent in week two. With hunky and heavily tattooed Jason Momoa in the lead role, the Warner Bros. film has grossed nearly $750 million globally. Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” actually gained altitude in its second weekend, taking in $28 million for the Friday-throughSunday period, up 18 percent. The follow-up to the 1964 movie stars Emily Blunt as the stern but kind-hearted nanny, backed by the amiable Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame. In third was Paramount’s “Bumblebee,” a prequel to the “Transformers” movies, starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena, at $20.5 million. The Washington Post credits the film with rising above earlier editions in the franchise to show “humor, emotion and a surprising amount of heart.” Fourth place went to Sony’s “SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse,” at $18.3 million. The film has drawn rave reviews —with a 97 score on the Rotten Tomatoes website—and has netted a Golden Globe nomination as best animated picture. In fifth was “The Mule” from Warner Bros., at $11.8 million, a 27 percent jump from last weekend. Clint Eastwood directs and takes the lead role—his last acting part, he has said—as a destitute 90-yearold who turns to transporting cocaine for a drug cartel. AFP

READY TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR. People visit shops to purchase food and supplies to celebrate the New Year in Tokyo’s shopping district of Ueno on December 31, 2018. AFP

Taiwan rebuffs China snub with record arrivals TAIPEI―A record 11 million tourists visited Taiwan in 2018, the government said Monday, a boon for the island as it courts holidaymakers across Asia to make up for a shortfall from China. The number of Chinese mainlanders visiting Taiwan has dropped dramatically since the 2016 election of president Tsai Ing-wen who has refused to acknowledge Beijing’s stance that the island is part of “one China”. Beijing still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reuniﬁed, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. China has cut off ofﬁcial communication with Tsai’s government and stepped up military and diplomatic pressure. Tour group numbers from the mainland took a nosedive, sparking speculation that Beijing was deliberately turning off the taps to punish Taiwan for electing Tsai.

In response, Tsai’s government went on a charm offensive across Asia, launching advertising campaigns and making it easier for people to visit, particularly from South and Southeast Asia. That strategy—dubbed the “southbound policy”—has reaped rewards. The 11 millionth visitor, a Japanese doctor, arrived Sunday in what Taiwan’s tourism bureau described as “a new landmark”. The island recorded 10.7 million arrivals in 2017 and 10.6 million in 2016. The government has yet to release a full breakdown in nationalities for 2018. Japanese and Chinese tourists still make up the bulk of arrivals. But last year’s data showed the number of Chinese nationals coming to Taiwan had dropped from 4.18 million in 2015 to just 2.73 million in 2017. Some 2.46 million people from the mainland visited in the ﬁrst 11 months

of 2018, suggesting that decline has continued. In contrast, arrivals from Southeast Asia rose to 2.1 million in 2017 from 1.4 million in 2015, while Taiwan has also seen increases from across the rest of Asia. Designed to make the island less economically dependent on Beijing, the “southbound policy” is aimed at ramping up business and cultural exchanges with 16 South and Southeast Asian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Last week 152 Vietnamese who arrived on group tours went missing with authorities suspecting them of coming to work illegally. Around 400 tourists have previously gone missing under the program, according to the tourism bureau, although it is not clear how many of them have since been found. AFP

Lion kills worker at US wildlife park

WASHINGTON―A lion attacked and killed a young American woman who had just started working at the facility where it was kept, the center said Sunday. Alexandra Black, 22, was passionate about wildlife and had worked just 10 days as in intern at the facility in Burlington, North Carolina. “The Conservators Center is devastated by the loss of a human life today,” it said in a statement. “While a husbandry team led by a professionally trained animal keeper was carrying out a routine enclosure cleaning, one of the lions somehow left a locked space and entered the space the humans were in and quickly killed one person. “It is unclear at this time how the lion left the locked enclosure. At no time did the lion ever enter a space that was not enclosed by the park’s perimeter fence,” the statement added, expressing its condolences to Black’s family and announcing it would close temporarily. The lion was killed so Black could be retrieved, the center said. Black, a recent graduate of Indiana University, had worked a few weeks at the facility home to dozens of animals and 21 different species, its website says. AFP

GOING FISHING. Indian fishermen cast a net at Ana Sagar lake in Ajmer in the western state of Rajasthan on December 30, 2018. AFP

Climate change takes its toll on French oyster farmers CANCALE, France―Gulping down oysters has long been a favorite New Year’s Eve ritual for the French, but as winters get warmer and summers get drier many growers worry there will soon be fewer of the prized mollusks to go around. “Twenty years ago, we’d be shivering in the warehouse while preparing the holiday orders. Today it’s 15 degrees (60 Fahrenheit),” says Brittany oysterman Mathieu Le Moal, his sleeves rolled up in front of a tractor carrying dozens of bulging oyster sacks. “We don’t have seasons anymore —but oysters need all four,” Le Moal adds. “They need the winter, it’s when they can rest, use less energy.” Inside a wooden hanger redolent of salt and the sea, around a dozen of his workers are sorting, weighing and packing oysters into crates in the Brittany port of Cancale. Le Moal and other farmers along this stretch of France’s Emerald Coast say the long drought which struck swathes of the country this summer took a heavy toll, leading to smaller harvests, and smaller shellﬁsh. Without summer rains that wash crucial minerals into the oyster beds, “there’s no plankton, the main food for oysters, so they don’t grow,” explained fellow oysterman Bertrand Racinne, weaving his way between baskets and stacked crates. “In the end, we have oysters but not enough of the big ones,” said Racinne, who like most growers sells more than half his yearly production in December. Cold weather normally encourages a needed rest for oysters to mature, said Yoann Thomas of France’s IRD research institute. But this winter has so far been unusually warm and, paradoxically, too rainy. Rains may bring minerals that favor plankton growth—but they also mean the mollusks spend too much energy eating. AFP

LGUs

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

SBMA to follow COS outsourcing starting in Feb. By Butch Gunio

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

SAFE BUSINESS. A little girl tends to her stall of colorful horns for sale, in line with the government’s endorsement of alternative noisemakers to firecrackers, as she plays on a smartphone at the Nagcarlan Public Market in Laguna on New Year’s Eve. Roy Tomandao

‘Forever’ in Bangsamoro By Nash B. Maulana

HERE is forever in the Bangsamoro—or so it seems, according to lawyer and peace activist Naguib Sinarimbo.

Sinarimbo, a peace adviser to the United Nations Development Program on the Moro political transition, said the Bangsamoro Organic Law does not set a term limit as to how many years the national government would adhere to its commitments on wealth-sharing and block grant provisions for sustained development of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. BOL creates the BARMM, which will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindana once the law is ratified in a plebiscite set by the Commission on Elections for Jan. 21, 2019. “There is no truth that the fiscal commitments of the national government provided under the BOL will last for

only 10 years. This is forever; so there is forever in BOL,” Sinarimbo said. Earlier, a post on a Facebook page account named “CotabateNO”—which campaigns for the exclusion of Cotabato City from the new region in the Jan. 21 plebiscite—said the national government’s fiscal commitments to BARMM in terms of wealth-sharing and block grant provisions will last only for 10 years. The same FB page says only Cotabato City, based on local tax records, has the capability to survive from self-sustaining revenue generation, compared to other local government units included in the BOL to constitute a proposed BARMM. But Sinarimbo said under Section 15,

Article 12 of BOL, a block grant that is due to the BARMM is made up of five percent of the total net nationwide collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and five percent also of the annual net collections of the Bureau of Customs. “These fiscal shares of the Bangsamoro Government from wealth-sharing and block grants will commence upon the administrative inception of the BARMM; will remain and will not end in 10 years,” Sinarimbo said. He said the Bangsamoro government’s share from taxes, fees, and charges (internal revenue taxes) collected from BARMM areas will be 75 percent, which is higher by five percent than the current ARMM share of 70 percent. In 10 years, this will increase to 100 percent, because the national government will revert back its 25 percent share to the BARMM. “After 10 years, the BARMM can still request for extension of the 100 percent grant of taxes collected from its territories, under Section 10 of Article 12 of the

BOL. In short, it’s not also true that this part of the law will end after 10 years,” Sinarimbo said. He said the P50-billion Special Development Fund will be granted by the national government to the BARMM in yearly tranches of P5 billion in 10 years. Sinarimbo added that under Section 34, Article 12 of the BOL, the BARMM has the sole disposition in allocation of resources from incomes derived from “exploitation, development, and utilization of natural resources”—except for oil, coal and uranium—within its territorial jurisdiction. This power, he pointed out, “does not end in 10 years.” Moreover, Sinarimbo said under Section 20, Article 13 of the BOL the Bangsamoro has its shares from “non-living resources in Zones of Joint-Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and Moro Gulf.” “This is provided under IGR or Intergovernmental Relations Mechanism. And again, this is not designed to end in 10 years,” he added.

MSDC donates hospital equipment to Ospital ng Nasugbu in Batangas NASUGBU, Batangas—The Manila Southcoast Development Corp. has donated a delivery table, peripherals and delivery instruments to the Ospital ng Nasugbu to augment the health services it gives to residents of the province. Though OsNa operates as an infirmary as it has yet to get one-star accreditation from the Department of Health, it has been undertaking improvement of health services and facilities for the benefit of residents in nearby barangays. Even as an infirmary, PhilHealth accredited patients can be treated at OsNa depending on the case, although serious illnesses are referred to the provincial hospital or private hospitals operating nearest the town. Mar Chavez, site administrator of MSDC, said this is the firm’s second donation to OsNa, the first in 2013 with the donation of 10 hospital beds to the clinic. Chavez said for more than 20 years,

MSDC has always desired to help the community. He said their help will continued even after the donated delivery table. Because of political changes, the proposal to put up a hospital was put on hold and OsNa was instead turned into a daycare center. People had to go to small neighbor- Officials of Manila Southcoast Development Corp., Ospital ng Nasugbu, Mayor Antonio hood doctors’ clinics for minor treat- Barcelon, and Councilor Pinggoy Ordialez show the deed of donation for a delivery table and ments and illnesses, while pregnant several hospital equipment to the Batangas clinic. mothers had to rely on lying-in clinics in the neighboring municipalities. Under incumbent Mayor Antonio Barcelon, the proposal to upgrade the health facility and health services was resumed, SEA turtles of the Olive-Ridley variety January 2017. with more consultant-doctors helping in have created nesting sites with more than Every year, Chevron Philippines Inc., its operations. 300 eggs along the Chevron Batangas marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and Dr. Alexander Hernandez, chief of Terminal coastline, where Chevron em- lubricants, conducts its annual coastal hospital, said most of the cases treated ployee volunteers recently conducted cleanup with the Olive-Ridley’s nesting at the OsNa are respiratory ailments and their annual coastal cleanup, company season to ensure a favorable environment dengue cases, which has declined subfor the turtles during their nesting period. officials said. stantially because of the aggressive eduWith the sea turtle population dwinFour nesting sites were discovered in cation campaign launched by the clinic. December 2018, the first since the last dling due to predation and exploitation, It also has an animal bite center. batch of Olive-Ridley turtles hatched in the Department of Environment and

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—In compliance with the national government directive, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority will outsource the services rendered by a significant chunk of its Contract of Service (COS) personnel starting February 2019. According to lawyer Ramon Agregado, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services, a total of 307 personnel maintained by the agency under the COS scheme will be absorbed by outsourcing companies that will provide janitorial, ground maintenance, building security and housing security services to the SBMA. Agregado announced this on Dec. 28 during a general assembly at the SBMA Gym, where agency officials discussed outsourcing and position reclassification procedures with concerned personnel. This was after the affected personnel were first notified in writing in April 2018. The affected workers, he said, are security, janitorial, and ground maintenance personnel whose positions have been recommended for outsourcing by the Department of Budget and Management as early as September 2013. “This is a requirement of the government―of the DBM. We are simply complying with the requirement,” Agregado explained. “Please bear in mind that we are doing our best in order for you to keep your jobs,” he assured workers. At the same time, Agregado said the SBMA would retain a total of 655 COS workers until June 2019, but possibly until Dec. 31, 2020, the new deadline set under a joint circular from DBM, Civil Service Commission, and Commission on Audit. He said the SBMA hopes to hire the remaining qualified personnel for plantilla positions once the agency’s proposed restructuring plan gets approved by the DBM.

Men cheat death on New Year’s Eve COTABATO CITY—Although they have to spend their New Year’s Eve in the hospital, three men remain thankful for cheating death when they jumped off their wayward truck which fell into a 90-foot deep cliff in Maguindanao Sunday. “At least we are alive,” truck driver Bobby Menez, 40, of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, said in his bed Monday at a government hospital here. Presence of mind made Menez alert his son, Ayvee, and the cargo truck helper Goy Gullon to abandon the truck as its brake system had malfunctioned and could no longer be controlled. As the trio landed on the concrete pavement of the highway, the truck fell into the cliff along the national highway in Timanan, South Upi, Maguindanao at past noon Sunday. The truck was negotiating a downhill section of the highway when its brakes failed. “We no longer have brakes, jump, jump, the truck is heading to a cliff, jump,” Menez recalled telling his son and helper. Bobby said the truck was empty. They were on the way back to Lebak from Davao City, where they delivered agricultural products when the mishap occurred. The trio will welcome the New Year in the hospital. PNA

Olive-Ridley turtles find safe haven near Chevron site Natural Resources has been lobbying for the government’s pawikan conservation project. CPI partnered with DENR when the firm discovered the nesting site in 2014 to conduct turtle encounter training for its employees. Chevron staff and security personnel learned how to properly respond, handle and protect the sea turtles.

Brgy. San Lorenzo holds Business Week seminar

At the opening ceremonies of the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Week are (from left) AFFI president Joyce Yu, BSLBA chairperson Ana Maria Tanchanco, Makati Vice Mayor Monique Yazmin Maria Lagdameo, Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay, Makati Rep. Luis Campos, Ayala head for Central Malls Joseph Reyes, and San Lorenzo Barangay Chief Ernesto Moya.

AS PART of its continuing business literacy program for its constituency, Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati City recently held the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Week with the theme “Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset.” The four-day event is a partnership with the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Association, the local chamber of commerce that covers establishments in Legazpi Village, Ayala Center and Arnaiz Ave. The group, which has a membership of over 1,000 firms, is mandated to organize effective education and training programs for the improvement of business skills and encourage corporate social responsibility. It is the private sector’s official channel of various business concerns through its representation in the Makati Liga ng mga Barangay Business Council. According to Barangay Chairman Ernesto Moya, the activity is part of their continuing education program to promote the spirit of enterprise within the business and residential community.

The event opened with a trade fair at the Glorietta Activity Center featuring programs and products of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Asian Institute of Management, and members of the Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. DTI Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco keynoted the formal opening and talked on the provisions of the newly-enacted Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 or Republic Act 11032, followed by talks from renowned motivational speaker Francis Kong and Potato Corner CEO Jose Magsaysay Jr. The Business Week was highlighted the Entrepreneurial Module series with lectures on Entrepreneurial Mindset by Asian Food Project president Jorge Noel Wieneke, Franchise 101 by GMB Franchise Developers president Armando Bartolome, and Digital Marketing by StartUp Village director Carlo Calimon.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

@MStandardLIFE TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

Healthy habits to start in the

New Year

Stock up your pantry, fridge, and desk at work with healthy food items.

A GOAL WITH A PLAN. Blocking time in your schedule to exercise ensures that you actually have the time to do it.

H, THE first day of a new year! A clean slate; a chance to start anew. The many possibilities these 365 days entail encourage and empower us to take on new challenges, change bad habits, and generally improve ourselves. That’s why many New Year’s resolutions include a thing or two about being healthy.

Changing unhealthy habits is easier said than done. And when you’re coming from the season of feasting, the task could be doubly challenging. But here’s the thing: drastically shifting to a healthier lifestyle is difficult, but starting with simple tasks is easier. All it takes is one baby step. Then follow it through.

To make the task less taxing, cook meals at least three to four times a week. Or start even just twice a week, if your schedule is hectic. “You can leave a couple

Eat on smaller plates or bowls

According to a study by Cornell University eating on large plate tricks your brain into thinking that you haven’t eaten enough, hence it is suggested to eat on smaller plates or bowls to trick yourself into eating less. If the Delboeuf illusion, which is the visual illusion where a dot surrounded by a large ring is typically perceived to be smaller than the same-sized dot surrounded by a small ring, does not work for you, at least manage your portions.

Stock up on healthy food items

In her article on the website Eating Well, registered dietician Kerri-Ann Jennings said “the first step in eating right is getting prepared.” Since we most likely eat the first thing we see on the counter or in the fridge when we’re hungry, it’s best to have healthy food ready to be eaten or cooked. Jennings suggested stocking up the pantry with healthy cooking essentials and toss the “super unhealthy stuff.” Put fruits on the kitchen counter, stock up the fridge with whole foods and vegetables, and store healthy snacks at eye level in the pantry. Store quick bites like almonds, dried berries, and dark chocolates in your drawer at work.

Make a meal plan

“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” thus if you want to eat healthy, organize your eating habits. Make a meal plan at the beginning of the week, shop the items needed, and cook them. Cooking your own meals allow you to know what goes in them—which means, you can be sure they’re healthy.

ommended water intake: the National Academy of Medicine suggests 3.7 liters (15 cups) for adult male and 2.7 liters (11 cups) for adult female. And while you’re at it, make a conscious effort to reduce, if not remove, sugary drinks in your diet. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, people who consume one to two cans of sugary drinks a day have a 26 percent greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who rarely have such drinks—you seriously don’t need more reasons to cut down on soda.

Schedule your exercise

Studies reveal eating on smaller plates tricks the brain into eating less.

of nights open for eating out, if you like, but planning it ahead of time will help you make intentional, healthy choices,” said Jennings.

Drink more water, less sugary drinks

Some go on fancy juice cleanse or consume an awful lot of detox teas, but the simplest way to be healthier is opting for water. Try to get your daily rec-

Make a meal plan and cook at least twice or thrice a week.

Again, a goal without a plan is just a wish—if you write on your to-do-list that you’re exercising today but does not schedule a time when, it most likely will not happen. “If you wait for the mood to strike or for a lull in your day, you might not get in an optimal amount of exercise,” reiterated Jennings. “Make sure you get enough by checking your schedule at the beginning of the week and penning in appointments to exercise.” Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity (e.g. brisk walking) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity (e.g. jogging). It’s best to squeeze in strength training twice a week, too. Break the total time into chunks that work for your schedule.

Skin care company re-wilds endangered species THE Body Shop Philippines enchants nature as it gives back to re-wild endangered species. For every purchase of the revitalizing Fuji Green Tea Shampoo 400ml, 100 percent net proceeds go directly to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, with the aim to preserve its habitats, and the communities that share its forest home. The foundation focuses not only on the dwindling population of the Philippine Eagle but also on protect-

ing its forest habitats to maintain its sustainability. Re-wild the endangered is one of the many advocacies of The Body Shop Philippines. The Body Shop has made it its global mission to protect the wild through its World Bio-Bridge Mission Project, which aims to build bio-bridges that link forests to help animals and plants, especially the endangered and isolated ones, to thrive and breed again.

Every purchase of the 400ml Fuji Green Tea Shampoo goes directly to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Life

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

HMO-powered triathlon encourages healthy lifestyle

MediCard Sprint Tri participants (from left) Toni Favis, Timmy Dadia, Mike Ledesma, Monch Gonzales, and Sarah Erana.

ITNESS enthusiasts of all ages got together for a fun Sunday morning of swim, bike, run at the first MediCard’s Sprint Tri in Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

The HMO-powered triathlon included a 600-m swim, 20-km bike, and 5-km run. Athletes took several laps in the Olympic-sized pool and went on to a one-loop bike course around the Clark grounds, and a single-loop run on the rolling paths of the resort. The event also featured a relay category for family, friends, and teammates. Joining the event were MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya and chief operating officer Jon S. Montoya who advocate a healthy and active lifestyle

and to further show their dedication toward providing accessible healthcare to Filipinos. “This is one of the best ways to encourage everyone—from little kids to adults, even the more senior ones—to exercise and move,” said MediCard president Nicky Montoya. Adrian Thomas Dionisio nabbed the top spot in the 15-17 age group as he clocked in at 1:07:46, while Ian Banzon from the women’s category topped the 35-39 age group as she finished at 1:19:53.

Clown entertains kids of Ospital ng Makati.

MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya and chief operating officer Jon S. Montoya

For the love of furry friends

MediCard marketing services manager Kate Cruz

TWO companies promote animal well-being and encourage responsible pet ownership. Improving the health and wellness of animals does not only mean developing innovative treatments and products but also involves actively engaging various stakeholders.

Promoting pets’ well-being BAYER Animal Health promoted animal well-being through a series of pet friendly initiatives for the company’s employees and external partners. The company’s employees visited and volunteered at the Compassion and Responsibility for Animals Welfare Philippines shelter in Mandaluyong City. CARA Welfare Philippines is a non-profit, non-government organization that is run by a dedicated group of animal lovers determined to help the plight of animals in the Philippines. “We are passionate about caring for animals and we treat them as an integral part of the community,” said Ma. Soccoro Mendoza, country division head of Animal Health. “Through our Animal Well-being initiatives, we promote the advocacy and support organizations that share our passion for the overall health and well-being of animals.” The team also joined The Animal Kingdom Foundation Run Fur Life held at Eton Centris, Quezon City. It was attended by over 800 “hoomans” and over 300 dogs. Bayer employees ran with their furbabies as Animal Well-being Advocates.

Hotel associates spend Christmas with kids NEW World Makati Hotel spreads holiday cheer at Ospital ng Makati’s Pediatric Ward during its annual Christmas Outreach Program. The hotel’s management team spent a fun-filled afternoon of games and laughter with the children, together with their parents and guardians, who all enjoyed

watching the clowns’ balloon and magic tricks, and receiving toys from the raffle draws and parlor games. Aside from fun games and activities, the children received gift bags filled with goodies from partner sponsors Toys R’ Us and Universal Robina Corporation.

Bayer employees with their furry friends during the firm’s ‘Bring Your Pet to Work Day.’

After the run, a free Advantix spot-on drive was sponsored by Bayer. Lastly, the firm had “The Bring Your Pets to Work Day,” at Bayer House in Canlubang, Laguna, during which Bayer employees from the different business groups participated and brought their pets for a day of fun and one-of-akind bonding activity. Pets were treated to a pet wellness seminar, pet blessing, free grooming session, and a photo opportunity for pets and pet parents.

New World Makati Hotel associates with Ospital ng Makati staff

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Promoting responsible pet ownership GANADOR Premium high“I’m glad that every year more quality dog food recently supand more people are showing ported the “Pet Ko, Luv Ko” their interest and intent of participroject of the local governpating in making the change hapment of Mandaluyong City at pen,” she added. the A.T. Reyes Garden, City Ganador provided free prodHall, Compound. ucts as well as information disThe project was implemented semination on responsible pet by Mandaluyong City in a bid to ownership during the event. promote responsible pet owner“Projects like the “Pet Ko, ship among its constituents. The Luv Ko” is close to our hearts, activity gathered more than 700 especially since our brand is dog and cat owners, giving them founded on values that strengthbetter access to animal services en, deepen, and encourage the such as spaying and neutering bond with products that guaranas well as opportunities to adopt tee wellness and health for evepets. It also strengthened pub- From left: Daniel Olivo (marketing director), Hon. Charisse ry dog,” said Johanna Emata, lic safety and security through Abalos-Vargas, Johann Amata marketing manager of Ganador free rabies vaccination and dry Philippines. grooming. The “Pet Ko, Luv Ko” project of the project, a codified ordinance on reAccording to Charisse Abalos-Vargas, sponsible pet ownership is now underway is a bi-annual event, slated every FebruMandaluyong City Councilor and founder in their local government. ary and September.

Generika Drugstore opens in Culiat GENERIC medicine retailer Generika Drugstore has recently opened its newest store at #467 Tandang Sora Ave., Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City. The store features an improved store format with better assortment in order to better serve its customers. Opening the QC branch were (from left) Generika Drugstore area operations manager for North GMA Carol Echavez, QC Culiat store supervisor Jommel Alejaga, vice president for operations and chief operating officer Jay Ferrer, president and chief executive Dino Francisco, and Fr. Donald Iongno

Entertainment

Timeless holiday flicks

Piolo Pascual and Donita Rose in the 2002 movie, '9 Mornings.'

By Marianne Ilumba

OUR childhood would never be as memorable as it is today if you didn’t get to curl yourself in the blanket, watching movies as you hear your parents shufﬂing busily as they start to prepare Noche Buena or Media Noche..

While the western kids have Harry Potter to sustain their curious imagination on wizards and witches, Filipino kids have Enteng Kabisote to make their fantasies real about fairies and goblins.

From the very first film, (Okay ka, Fairy Ko) until the last one (Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers) where things got more advanced and innovative, we still witnessed on how Enteng, a human who married a fairy managed to surpass all the troubles to triumph, defeat Ina Magenta; the evil fairy and live happily with his family. Celebrating the pride of motherhood, who would not love Ang Tanging Ina Mo? AiAi Delas Alas proved that it only takes a good mixture of comedy and drama to make our perspective of Christmas more sentimental, and fun at the same time. Every scene and dialogue hit deﬁnitely close to home. And if you ever watched Puso ng Pasko, we guess you once believed that the spirit of Christmas was truly amazing. The fantasy comedy ﬁlm showed us that as long as the love for family is there, Christmas is still worth celebrating.

Jolina Magdangal, who played the elf who grants Dondi and his siblings’ wishes, was the wake up call to the characters that the spirit of Christmas is not just strong, but is indeed real. And who says Christmas themed movie ﬁlm of Filipinos must always be a fantasy? Vice Ganda’s Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy was a hit not only because of the lead star’s iconic lines, but also the message the movie wanted to impart. The movie never failed to emphasize the equality between all genders, thus being loved by someone truly is not a fairytale, but a wonderful reality. Then, we have 9 Mornings. Probably one of the most memorable Christmas movies that stars Piolo Pascual, where his character teaches the audience on how to forget the past, and learn how to live again with its simple message that to give love and to receive love is the best way to heal someone’s wound.

“I enjoy doing horror projects. In reality, I’m also an avid viewer of horror movies that’s why perhaps it suits me. What’s important is the project performs well at the tills and the viewers’ get their money’s worth, right? As I’ve pointed out earlier, majority of movie buffs want to get scared that’s why horror ﬁlms are here to stay. “Just consider the annual MMFF. Every year, there’s a horror entry. It’s already a staple thing, apart from comedy and drama. Adults and young viewers alike patronize the genre, the reason why producers always come up with scary offerings no matter what!” Jerome is aware that many consider OTLUM as a festival dark horse considering that it’s not really a starstudded project and it gets pitted with another horror entry, Anne Curtis’Aurora. In the ﬁlm, he is with Buboy Villar, Michelle Vito, Danzel Fernandez, Vitto

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, January 1, 2019

ACROSS 1 Garden green 5 Ache 9 Home 14 Novelist — Ambler 15 What — can I do? 16 “Gladiator” extra 17 Botanical zoo 19 Charming 20 Kind of poodle 21 Floor 22 Famed storyteller (2 wds.) 24 Fly flatteners 27 Terminate 28 Grief 29 Wrinkled 33 Georgia city 36 Quavering sound 37 Narrow inlet 39 TiVo predecessors 40 Odes 41 Hostels 42 Educational org. 43 Ticks off 44 Not preserved 45 Add sugar 47 Guanabara Bay port 48 Shellac resin 49 Gorgeous 54 Geronimo’s

tribe 57 Dot in the Seine 58 Mae West role 59 Kind of serum 60 Ascertain 63 Tally 64 Toothed wheel 65 Tijuana locale 66 Author’s need 67 Long, long time 68 Bede or Smith DOWN 1 English poet 2 Dart kin 3 Where Tripoli is 4 Author Umberto — 5 Teeny-tiny 6 Let out, maybe 7 Ames inst. 8 Fictional sub commander 9 Weapons stockpile 10 By leaps and — 11 — Khayyam 12 Jones or Crockett 13 Navigator’s dir. 18 Be a fink (2 wds.) 23 Cads 25 Double dates 26 Blocks from view 30 Wheel parts 31 Ocean flier 32 Loud noises

33 Sports award, briefly 34 Performs in a theater 35 Gizzard 36 Decorated tinware 38 Wood residue 40 Fall headlong 41 — Cross 43 Gets through to 44 Better quality 46 Delighted 47 Kings and queens 50 Giant

51 Trojan War story 52 Shogun’s warrior 53 Brief flash 54 Jason’s ship 55 Cat’s murmur 56 Verge 59 Playing marble 61 Fair-hiring letters 62 Business deg.

Marquez and Ricci Rivero. “I’m positive that the public will support us. It’s good if the people will also patronize Aurora. As for OTLUM, we’re proud of the hard work each and every cast member exerted in the movie. I hope for the success of the 2018 MMFF in general so that everybody will be happy,” he ends. *** According to Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby, there’s no awkwardness between them as they got paired anew in the currently showing Mary, Marry Me, an ofﬁcial entry to the still ongoing 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. It can be remembered that they starred opposite each other in the silver screen offerings You Are the One, You Got Me and My Big Love. “Actually, we’ve changed a lot since we became a love team in those movies more than a decade ago. Sam, for instance has

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Laundry woman biggest winner in UKG’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ CHRISTMAS became brighter and sweeter for 77-year-old Editha Virina, who was chosen as recipient of a brand new house and lot from Lumina Homes in the “12 Days of Christmas” gift-giving tradition of ABS-CBN morning program Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG). With her win, Editha, who still works as a laundry woman to support her son and grandchildren, gets to fulfill her wish of having a home she can call her own, six decades after leaving her hometown in Visayas. “It has been my lifelong dream for us to own a piece of land where we can build a house. We are always worried that the owner of the land where we live now will drive us away once they need to use the lot. Now, we have our own,” Editha shared in Tagalog. The new homeowner narrated that she left for Manila when she was just 13 years old to find opportunities to improve her way of life. Ever since, she lost contact with her family and was moving from one job to another before finally settling in Nagcarlan, Laguna. There she lives in a hut with her grandchildren and her son--their father, who could no longer work after suffering partial blindness. With a new house and lot, Editha is looking forward to creating new memories and a more comfortable life with her family. One of her grandchildren, Jha-Jha, said that they no longer have to worry whenever there is a typhoon. “Whenever there is a typhoon that is comming, we transfer to another place because one hit of a wave can destroy the hut. Now I no longer have to worry

because we have a home that is safe to live in,” she said. The house and lot from Lumina Homes is the 12th and ﬁnal gift given away by UKG for this year’s edition of “12 Days of Christmas.” It is a tradition that started ten years ago with the objective of bringing joy and cheer to members of the society that are often overlooked. Before Editha, UKG also gave out different kinds of gifts such as a small party, home gallery items, appliances like washing machines and microwave ovens, clothes, noche buena packages, and cash, to different sectors in society each of the 12 days leading to Christmas. Recipients included trafﬁc enforcers of the MMDA, mailmen of Philpost, AFP enlisted personnel, working children, teachers, tricycle drivers, laundry women, among many others. The biggest gift, however, is Editha’s new home, a 22-square meter Aimee rowhouse unit which features a living area, dining and kitchen, toilet and bath, and provisions for bedroom and service area. Editha and her family will enjoy living in the house and the community, which is accessible to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure centers. It also has complete amenities like a community hall, basketball court, mini gardens and playgrounds, and commercial areas. Watch Umagang Kay Ganda with hosts Anthony Taberna, Jorge Carino, Amy Perez, Winnie Cordero, Ariel Ureta, and Gretchen Ho from Monday to Friday, 4:55 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN and ABSCBN HD. Watch it online viav iwant. ph or skyondemand.com.ph.

Grandmother Editha Virina (leftmost) accepts the key to her brand new house and lot care of Lumina Homes as the final recipient in UKG's 12 Days of Christmas gift-giving project

Avid horror fan Jerome Ponce enjoys doing horror flicks JEROME Ponce doesn’t mind the fact that he’s becoming a sought-after actor in horror movies. He knows that people think he’s getting typecast to this genre and he doesn’t blame them. His first movie was Haunted Mansion in 2015 with Janella Salvador and it was an entry in that year’s edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival. His second big screen exposure was in Ghost Bride, top-billed by Kim Chiu, shown in 2017. This year, he’s also part of the cast of OTLUM, which is an official entry to the MMFF, which is the other horror flick in the roster. “I don’t know why I’ve become a staple in contemporary horror flicks. Honestly, it’s just fine with me to be cast in this type of film because let’s face it, it makes good at the box-office. Especially on Christmastime, people want to get scared so you cannot underestimate the drawing power of horror offerings. They are always a surefire hit,” he says. According to the competent young actor, he feels at ease with the genre.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

really matured as an actor. It’s a better version of him. He became more professional as an actor. I really wish this was the Sam I worked with years ago. Everything’s so smooth-sailing,” states Toni. It’s public knowledge that during their love team days, the two had a “mutual understanding.” Many thought they would feel uneasy when they started working for their MMFF entry. “No, there’s nothing like that,” explains Sam. “Even during the look test, we were so natural. I guess we’ve truly matured as individuals.” The handsome star notes the positive changes in his leading lady at present. “I’ve witnessed how much Toni has grown, both in the personal and career aspect. Yes, I can say we’re more professional now. Our working relationship is clearer. It’s so nice to see how she is as a sister to Alex (Gonzaga), as a mom to Seve and as a wife to Direk Paul (Soriano). It’s so nice to see where she is now---how happy she is,” avers Sam.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

Entertainment

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

Amazing year for Philippine pageantry

Heart Evangelista is looking forward to a better 2019

By Eton Concepcion SAVE the best for last. Coming off the near-win in Miss International 2018 and the shut-out at Miss World 2018, the Philippines hit the bullseye at the most targeted arena of beauty competitions. Catriona Gray’s celebrated triumph at Miss Universe 2018 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand gave her pageant-crazy countrymen their happiest Christmas and a yearending blow-out party. Gray won the 67th Miss Universe crown from the gate-go. Picked as the “One to Beat,” the 24-year-old, model-singer from Oas, Albay, was simply divine as she killed the competition, outshining 93 delegates from around the world to bring home the country’s fourth Miss Universe title and the second in three years. Gray owned the Universe stage with her now famous lava walk and slo-mo twirl in her sultry-sexy, ﬁeryred, Mayon-inspired evening gown

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

created by her Glam team’s designer Mak Tumang. An epitome of grace under pressure, she was on point conveying what she was most passionate about to apply in her time as Miss Universe. Gray made a two-day brief return in Manila two days after her win to grace a charity event and pay a courtesy call/meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. She flew to New York shortly after to begin her duties as Miss Universe. A grand homecoming is seen in either January or February, according to the people from Miss Universe Organization. Ahtisa Manalo, a 21-year-old Accountancy graduate and aspiring policewoman from Candelaria, Quezon, almost brought home the country’s 7th Miss International title, second to Venezuela’s Mariem Velazco in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 9. Mutya ng Pilipinas Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel won the Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 title at Resorts World Manila on Oct. 4. The 21-year-old Muslim-Filipina from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat and a graduate of Elementary Education at Notre Dame of Salaman College, won the title on the 50th Golden edition of the long-running pageant. Earlier in the year, Miss World Philippines-Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, an 18-year-old Financial Management student at San Beda College, was crowned the first Miss Multinational 2018 in New Delhi, India on Feb. 26. Miss World Philippines-Eco International 2017 Cynthia Thomalla emerged the winner in Miss Eco International 2018 pageant in Cairo Egypt on April 27. Thomalla, a 23-year-old Fil-German, Tourism and Events Management graduate from Macrohon, Southern Leyte, bested more than 70 delegates from all over the world. Gerina Chanel Ancheta, a 17-year-old native of Dagupan, Pangasinan was crowned Miss Asian International 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand on March 2, while Kaycee Coleen Lim, a UP Political Science graduate and UK-based lawyer won Miss Summer World 2018 in Duress, Albania on May 19.

Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla

2019 is harvest time for PEOPLE

Mister Universe Tourism 2018 Benigno Ion Perez

Karen Grace Atienza, a high school teacher from Rodriguez, Rizal, won Miss Landscape International 2018 in Guangzhou, China on June 23, while Miss World Philippines 2017 2nd Princess Zara Carbonell, 25-year-old Organizational Communication graduate of De La Salle and TV host, daughter of actor Cris Villanueva, won as Miss Tourism Worldwide 2018 in Batam, Indonesia on Sept. 9. Bb. Pilipinas-Globe Michele Gumabao finished in the Top 15 in Miss Globe 2018 in Tirana, Albania on Oct. 21. The 26-year-old De La Salle Marketing graduate and volleyball star-turned beauty queen, won Miss Social Media and Miss Dream Girl special awards. Celeste Cortesi, a 20-yer-old FilItalian model, finished in the Top 8 in Miss Earth 2018 held in Mall of Asia Manila on November 3 won by Miss Vietnam Nguyễn Phương Khánh. Miss Austria Melanie Mader, who was named Miss Earth Air 2018, was a contestant in Miss Earth Philippines 2016 and won Miss Philippines Earth- Eco-Tourism 2016. Noelle Fuentes Uy-Tuazon, from Aklan, was named 2nd runner-up in Miss Scuba International 2018 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on Nov. 17. Jehza Huelar finished in the Top 10 in Miss Supranational 2018 held in Kyrnica-Zdroj, Poland on Dec. 8 where Miss USA Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, who finished as first runner-up, was a candidate and won Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism in 2012. Julieane ‘Aya’ Fernandez, a UP Broadcast Communication student of Taguig City, was named Dreamgirl of the Year International in Miss Tourism International 2018 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia on Dec. 21 won by Miss Indonesia Astari Indah Vernideani.

Mister Model Worldwide 2018 Carlo Pasion

Eva Psychee Patalinjug and Katarina Rodriguez failed to advance in the Top 20 of Miss Grand International 2018 in Yangon, Myanmar on Oct. 25, and the Top 30 of Miss World 2018 in Sanya, China on Dec. 8, respectively. Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez also failed to make the cut at 2018 Reina Hispanoamericana in Bolivia where last year’s winner Winwyn Marquez relinquished her title. Simone Nadine Bornilla won Miss Teen International 2018 Asia And Oceania and Best in National Costume in the recent concluded Miss Teen International 2018 held last night in New Delhi, India. Several good results were also achieved on the male pageant side. Mark Andrew Baron, a 24-year-old High School teacher from Navotas, won Mister Star Model Universe 2018 in Peru on May 28 while Benigno Ion Perez, 27-year-old model from Concepcion, Tarlac, won Mister Universe Tourism 2018 in Pasig City on May 29. George Reylon de Lumen, a 23-year-old Illustration Artist and model from Camarines Sur, won Mister Universal Ambassador 2018 in New Delhi, India, on Nov. 24 while Jeff Langan ﬁnished as 3rd runner up in Manhunt International 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia on Dec. 2. Mister Ocean Philippines 2017 Carlo Pasion, an Information Technology graduate and Fitness Trainer, was crowned Mister Model Worldwide 2018 in Ghevra, New Delhi, India on Dec. 22.

HEART EVANGELISTA By Nickie Wang

OW that 2018 is behind us, and people are optimistic on having a better year, actress Heart Evangelista is also just like millions of Filipinos who see their situation “with a silver lining.”

In May 2018, Heart announced that she and husband Chiz Escudero were expecting their ﬁrst child together. On the same month, however, she lost one of her twins due to a miscarriage. In June, she announced that she suffered another miscarriage, losing the last of her twins. “I take comfort knowing that you’re up there with your twin.here are not enough words to express how heavy my heart feels but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey,” she wrote in her social media post. In an interview with Manila Standard, the 33-year-old Heart said she didn’t know how to talk about this heartbreaking moment but she was inspired by the people who messaged her on social media especially the mothers that had gone through the same situation, or even worse. “They comforted me when I was going through that stage. I haven’t fully spoken about it but I am just returning the favor to whoever else is going through the same thing,” she said. “2018 was really a rollercoaster ride for me, there was something bad that happened but God gave me more good moments than really low ones. It’s not that I didn’t suffer or anything, I feel like it would be a sin if I complained that’s why I’m just very grateful and I never questioned God on what happened in 2018,” she added. Indeed, 2018 wasn’t all low moments for Heart. In January, the series My Korean Jagiya, which she top billed, ended on a high note after six months of dominating the ratings game on primetime. We saw her collaborated with fashion icons here and abroad, and she unveiled a few endorsements that cemented her name as one of the most reliable celebrity endorsers in the country. “In 2018 I started to see the beginning of the growth of the seeds that I planted in the past. So, hopefully, 2019 will be harvest time for us,” she exclaimed. True enough, GMA Artist Center

Heart Evangelista joyfully sketches for the GMA executives

proudly welcomed the “Queen of Creative Collaborations” into its roster of talents as she signed an exclusive management contract on Dec. 13. Present in the contract signing were the network’s bigwigs including GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁcer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films President Annette Gozon, GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus Bodegon, GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, GMA Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, GMA Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Bang Arespacochaga, Senior Program Managers Redgynn Alba, Enri Calaycay, Cecille De Guzman, Mildred Natividad, and Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario. During the contract signing, Heart revealed that she is very happy with the way GMA is handling her career all these years. “It’s very natural that I’m really here. I’ve been with GMA for a very long time so malaki rin talaga ang utang na loob ko sa kanila for being there for me. They are very supportive pagdating sa aking international commitments,” she enthused.

Heart has evolved from being a professional actor and television host to a sought-after international and local brand endorser, sold-out visual artist, bestselling author, fashion inﬂuencer, beauty icon, and entrepreneur. She is one of the country’s most recognized celebrities, and advocates for children’s health and education, individuals with special needs, and animal welfare. Television viewers should look forward to seeing Heart’s comeback on television as one of the judges of the reality-based artista search Starstruck this 2019. “I will be one of the judges which I have always wanted to do. Hindi ko lang alam kung paano ko sasabihing ’I’m sorry but it’s a No’ but I’m very excited for this project,” she shared. Meanwhile, Assigned Talent Manager for Heart in GMA Artist Center, Gigi Lara expressed her gladness on Heart signing up with GMA Artist Center. “We are very happy that Heart decided to join GMA Artist Center at this point in her career. Matagal na siya sa GMA. We have seen how hard-working and professional she is so we’re very excited to be working with her,” the executive said. Considered a household name in the Philippines, Heart has now successfully become one of the most inﬂuential celebrities in the digital scene through her multimedia platforms. Moreover, she has established remarkable partnerships and collaborations with major local and international brands such as Teviant, her collaboration with renowned make-up artist Albert Kurniawan; #LMxKamiseta, where she showcases her paintings displayed beautifully on several blouses and skirts; #HappySkinxLoveMarie, her collaboration with Happy Skin where she created two lipsticks which are constantly sold out; Whiff, a fragrance company she worked with to create her signature scent, Linger; Mark Bumgarner x Heart Evangelista, the two collaborated on a few gowns featuring Heart’s paintings; and Hai(na)ku and Manila was a Long Time Ago by AA Patawaran, a collection of poems and a collection of short stories by Heart’s long-time friend AA Patawaran which features Heart’s artwork on their covers. She was also featured in Harper’s Bazaar US last September. In the feature, author Kevin Kwan described Heart as the “modern-day incarnation of Audrey Hepburn.”

From left: SAVP for Alternative Productions Gigi S. Lara, VP for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon, VP for Drama Productions Redgie A. Magno, SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Heart Evangelista, Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, President for GMA Films Annette Gozon and VP for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz