Manila Standard - 2018 October 16 - Tuesday

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 243 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

SALUBUNGAN IN BORA.

Bora dry run begins; Rody bides time

By Nat Mariano and Rio N. Araja

tribute land titles to the natives.

Duterte made his promise even as EnviTWO weeks before its official reopening ronment Secretary Roy Cimatu declared to the public, President Rodrigo Duterte that the world-famous tourist resort was on Sunday vowed to visit Boracay to dis now fit to swim in again.

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Boracay residents and tourists are on high gear of excitement (inset), some jabbing the air with their hands as the Boracay Task Force stages an 11-day dry run prior to the formal opening of the island paradise to the public. Present during the start of the test run are DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and Transportation chief Arthur Tugade.

Photo courtesy of SCIS (DENR)

Duterte’s aides join poll race ‘Sexy Jessy’ no-no in poll code review

Go leads 2nd wave of Senate hopefuls

By Vito Barcelo

By Nat Mariano, Macon R. Araneta and Vito Barcelo

T

COMMISSION on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez on Monday resigned as focal person of the local source code review for the 2019 automated elections after a photo of sexy actress in swimsuit appeared during the poll body’s launching of source code review last Saturday.

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Bong Go

Grace Poe

Joseph Victor Ejercito

WO close aides of President Rodrigo Duterte filed their certificates of candidacy on Monday, marking an end to their stints in the Palace.

Lito Lapid

The President accompanied Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go to the Commission on Elections office where he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator.

“This is my first time to run… I am nervous,” said Go, who is pursuing a Senate seat even though surveys do not place him among the top 12 candidates.

“I also felt a little and [about] this new development in my life,” Go said. “I will be away from the President, but I will strive to help him in my private capacity.

Next page I am still on his side.”

Binay siblings get father’s go signal

By Joel E. Zurbano FORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay said Monday he will let his son Erwin “Junjun” Binay run against his sister, incumbent Mayor Abigail B. Campos, in Makati City during the 2019 midterm elections.

“I will let the people of Makati decide,” Binay said in a statement sent to the press.

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Cynthia Villar

Zajid Mangudadatu

Gary Alejano

‘Inflation-inducing execs must be axed’ Aquino slapped

By Alena Mae S. Flores, with graft anew Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

PH, Asian markets resume slide BUSINESS B2

A CONSUMER group on Monday welcomed moves to suspend the coming increase in the excise tax on fuel, and said the President should consider replacing Cabinet secretaries who contributed to high inflation.

Laban Konsyumer Inc., which had filed a case challenging the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion

Law, said the suspension of the new fuel excise tax scheduled for January 2019 under the law was good news for consumers already burdened by high oil prices.

“Let’s ensure that the suspension of excise taxes includes diesel, gasoline, kerosene, LPG, bunker fuel, aviation fuel, and coal. May we add that the President consider replacing Cabinet secretaries whose behavior in the past months contributed to the high inflation,” said LKI president Next page Vic Dimagiba.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Truth and Justice Coalition has filed a graft complaint with the Ombudsman against former President Benigno Aquino III over the release of the Disbursement Acceleration Program funds in 2011.

Greco Belgica, the coalition’s president and head of the Presidential

SPECIAL REPORT IN THIS ISSUE

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Agri chief at odds with Palace over rice import plan

By Nat Mariano AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Monday contradicted a Palace announcement that President Rodrigo Duterte had approved the “unimpeded” importation of rice, saying such imports will still require proper licensing and accreditation under the National Food Authority.

Piñol’s statement came a week after Next page

News

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ex-Health chief faces more charges

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Department of Justice on Monday began its preliminary investigation into the second batch of criminal complaints arising from the deaths of schoolchildren inoculated with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

The complainants, parents and guardians of the eight victims appeared before the panel of prosecutors led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Dacanay to

Duterte‘s aides...

From A1

Meanwhile, saying it was time to be his own person again, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he parted ways with the President on “very good terms” to run for a seat in the House of Representatives under the Luntian Pilipinas party-list group in the 2019 elections.

In doing so, he dropped plans to run for the Senate, after the President told him he would not win because the military did not like him.

“It’s time to be my own person again...

I’m now back to the old person that I was. I knew that as a spokesperson, I had no personal views, that period has ended I’m able now to freely advocate for the many issues that are close to my heart,” he said.

Roque said he will run as the first nominee of Luntian Pilipinas, an environmental party-list group, with Ciara Sotto, daughter of Senate President Vicente Sotto III as the second nominee.

Roque said his choice to run under the Luntian Pilipinas party-list group was influenced by the President’s desire to protect the environment.

“I took his advice that the best option right now is to go back to Congress, which is really was one of my options. The Senate is really crowded,” Roque said, noting there were seven incumbent and five former senators seeking reelection.

Roque also noted that he did not fare well in recent surveys of senatorial hopefuls.

“It was really a hard reality to accept that perhaps we need to do more to convince the people that we are worthy for the Senate,” he said.

He also said he did not have enough to finance a nationwide campaign.

Roque, a former human rights lawyer, said he had no regrets becoming Duterte’s spokesman.

Roque’s stint as the President’s mouthpiece for almost a year was marked by seeming contradictions between his work as a human rights advocate and the President’s bloody war on drugs.

His decision to drop his Senate bid came days after Duterte remarked that Roque would not win in the 2019 senatorial race.

Roque had also appeared slighted that he was left out of the loop when he wasn’t informed that the President underwent an endoscopy earlier this month.

Former action star Lito Lapid and reelectionist Senator Grace Poe led another wave

subscribe to their complaints.

They affirmed their complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, violations of the Anti-Torture Act and Consumer Act against former Health secretary Janette Garin and 36 other Health officials and the executives of manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp.

The prosecutors then summoned Garin and other respondents to answer the charges and to submit their counter-affidavits in the next hearing set for Oct. 29.

The second batch of complaints filed by the Public Attorney’s Office covers the deaths of Clarissa Alcantara, Christine Mae De Guzman, Erico Leabres, of senatorial hopefuls for the 2019 local elections on the third day of the filing of certificates of candidacy at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila.

Reeletionist JV Ejercito and Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano of Magdalo were among the prominent personalities who filed their CoCs at the Comelec accompanied by their supporters.

The lawyer who filed the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Larry Gadon, also filed his CoC. Comelec officials said many of the unknown candidates who cannot support their campaign for the 2019 elections are likely to be listed as nuisance candidates.

Poe was accompanied by her mother, veteran actress Susan Roces, when she filed her CoC on Monday. She topped the senatorial polls in 2013, and is seeking another term at the Senate.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito will no longer use his father’s surname, Estrada, for reelection where he is expected to fight for a Senate seat with his half brother, former senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Ejercito and Estrada are sons of former president Joseph Estrada with San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez and Estrada’s wife, former senator Loi Ejercito, respectively.

Alejano was accompanied by Duterte’s fiercest critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who said he will not run again after his term expires on June 30, 2019.

At the Comelec, Senator Cynthia Villar, accompanied by her husband former Senate president Manny Villar, went to the Comelec to file her certificate of candidacy. She is seeking her second term under the Nacionalista Party, where she sits as the national director.

“We were able to make great strides in our mission to improve the quality of life of the farmers, our food producers, who are among our country’s poorest sector. We hope to be able to continue this work and help more of our people,” Villar said.

Former senator Lito Lapid, who once admitted he was a poor senator, filed his certificate to run again in 2019.

He and his son are both running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the party founded by former ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco.

Former Interior secretary and former senator Manuel Roxas II announced a a four-minute video on his Facebook page that he would run for the Senate again.

Agri chief...

From A1

as directed by the President, but this will be based on what is legal and what is prescribed by the law,” he said.

“You cannot just say that the NFA will have no more role in the importation because that would effectively throw away the mandate of the NFA into the wastebasket.

We will make it easy, but there will still be a process to follow,” he added.

On Friday, the President tasked Piñol to come up with with a “formula” to balance the needs for rice importation with the interests of local rice producers.

“He should really balance it. That’s the job of Piñol. And I hope he will do his homework well in the years to come,” said the President in Davao City, two days after certifying the rice tariffication bill as urgent to reduce the prices of rice in the market and temper inflation.

Meanwhile, the NFA said it has received an initial delivery of 56 bags of palay from the People’s Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative during the official launch of the additional P3 per kilogram buffer stocking incentive in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

In an effort to enhance its local procurement, the NFA is offering the additional incentive on top of its buying price of P17 per kilogram aside from other incentives such as delivery incentive of P0.20, drying incentive of P0.20, and Cooperative Development Incentive Fee of P0.30.

With the additional incentive, the cooperative was able to earn P8,400 more at P20.70 per kilogram. With PNA

‘Infl ation...

From A1

creases in the prices of rice, meat, fish, and vegetable were the main reasons for the accelerating inflation that averaged 5 percent in the first nine months of the year.

Inflation in September further accelerated to a nine-year high of 6.7 percent from 6.4 percent in August. The average 5-percent inflation in January to September was well over the 2 percent to 4- percent target range earlier set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Senators belonging to both the majority and minority also lauded the suspension of the second round of excise taxes on oil.

“We commend the President and his economic managers for staying sensitive to the plight of our people and adjusting with the times,” said Senator Juan Edgardo Angara.

Angara, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, said this is the right decision given the high and continually rising price of oil worldwide.

Senator Grace Poe said the time to suspend the increase in the excise tax was now, not in January 2019. She added that this is allowed by the TRAIN law.

former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President had lifted all restrictions on rice imports to bring down the price of the grain in local markets.

“The President never used the words ‘unimpeded importation.’ Indeed, he said, ‘let’s flood the market with rice.’ But to say that importation will be unimpeded would mean throwing away all of the rules in the book, and allowing just about everybody to load rice in the boat and bring it to the Philippines,” said Piñol.

The President only directed them to make sure the rice supply would be sufficient, he added.

Piñol said Duterte’s order during the Cabinet meeting was to fill warehouses with rice, adding it is better to have an excess than experience a shortage.

Piñol said that local farmers were nervous upon hearing there would be “unimpeded importation” as it may end their livelihood.

The agriculture chief also disputed Roque’s previous statement that the National Food Authority will have no more role in the accreditation of rice importers.

Piñol said they will still implement guidelines and follow the law on rice importation. He also said that the National Food Authority will continue to have a role in this process.

“We will come up with the guidelines

He said government should also grant cash assistance to beneficiaries under the TRAIN Law “considering the windfall value-added tax collected by government derived from the high oil prices.”

The Finance department announced earlier that President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to suspend the second tranche of excise taxes on fuel to temper accelerating inflation.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, personal income taxes were slashed while excise taxes on fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and automobiles were increased.

In particular, the excise taxes on diesel fuel were increased by P2.50 per liter in 2018, while the excise taxes on gasoline were increased by P7 per liter. Aside from that, the law provides that beginning next year, excise taxes for diesel will be increased by P4.50 and gasoline by P9 under the second installment of the law.

Higher oil prices, together with faster in-

Roshaine Cariño, Naomi Nimura, John Paul Rafael, Michael Tablate and Christine Joy Asuncion.

The complainants accuse Garin and the others of negligence through “arbitrarily, maliciously and deliberately failing to inform the Dengvaxia recipients and their parents/families of the dangers and risks related to the Dengvaxia and to obtain their informed consent.”

They cited the failure of the Health department under Garin to conduct a proper screening of the Dengvaxia recipients and to monitor recipients considering the risks posed by the vaccine to those who had no history of dengue.

They said the respondents “displayed grave recklessness, utter bad faith, lack of

foresight, lack of skill, want of care, gross neglect and deliberate, arbitrary and even malicious disregard for the safety and lives of thousands of Filipino children.”

The Justice department, through a separate panel led by Assistant State Prosecutor Maria Emilia Victorio, has already concluded the preliminary investigation for the first batch of complaints involving nine victims: Aejay Bautista, Angelica Pestilos, Lenard Baldonado, Zandro Colite, Abbie Hedia, Jansyn Bataan, Mark Axel Ebonia, Rey Justin Almagno and Alexander Jaime.

PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said they will file another set of more than 10 complaints on Oct. 30.

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque is throwing his hat into the political ring, opting to join a party-list group as its second nominee.

DND plans to buy Sweden-made jets

By Ben Cal

AFTER a thorough study and research, the Department of National Defense is planning to buy the Swedish-made Gripen multi-role supersonic jet fighter for the Philippine Air Force.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed this during the sidelines of the book launching of former President Fidel Ramos at the Manila Hotel on Sunday.

Lorenzana said aside from being cheaper and less expensive in maintenance cost, the Gripen has been proven to be an excellent supersonic fighter aircraft with a top speed of Mach 2 or 1,236 kilometers per hour, or twice the speed of sound.

Binay...

From A1

Binay said he respects the decision of both his children to run for mayor in the May 2019 elections, and will leave it up to the people of Makati to choose who best deserves the mandate.

Abigail has declared her decision to seek reelection as the official candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance, the former vice president’s party, while Junjun, who was elected mayor in 2013, has also decided to join the race as the candidate of his local party, Una ang Makati.

“I respect their decision to run for mayor. I am not the one who will decide who will be the rightful leader of the city. The people of Makati will be the one who will decide,” the elder Binay added.

He said both his children have proven themselves to be competent and experienced in government service.

The former vice president said he does not intend to impose his opinion on his children because both are already of age and capable of making decisions for themselves. As a parent, all he can do is to give them advice, he said.

Binay, who served as Makati mayor before he won as Vice President in 2010, revealed that both camps have come to an agreement to maintain civility and sobriety while campaigning by solely focusing on their respective platforms and plans for the city and its people.

Campaign leaders and supporters will be asked to refrain from engaging in mudslinging and destructive propaganda, and instead keep the campaign positive and peaceful, he added.

Binay also expressed their collective commitment to making Makati a model of clean and honest elections.

He said his family would remain strong and intact, and would not be divided by politics.

Abigail said their family had a meeting over the weekend, but she did not go. She said she spoke separately with her father instead.

Bora...

From A1

During Monday’s dry run in preparation for Boracay’s Oct. 26 reopening, Cimatu assured Duterte and the public that Boracay Island was no longer a cesspool.

He said the island was now clean.

Duterte said he would visit Boracay not to celebrate but to distribute land to the native Atis.

“I’m not into sumptuous celebration, but I will go to Boracay to personally distribute the land reform program certificates to the Lumads there, the natives,” said Duterte in his speech during the book launching of former President Fidel V. Ramos.

“If you allow hotels and every subdivision there, it cannot carry beyond its normal capacity in terms of environmental loads and burdens... I’ll go there someday.

I’m waiting for the Department of Agrarian Reform.”

Duterte said he hoped the bacteria on the island had been eradicated as seen on television.

The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration and is powered by the Volvo RM12. It is being used by various countries in Europe and the Middle East.

The Air Force has been scouting for over a decade for the aircraft to replace the US-made F5A/B jet interceptors that were retired in 2005 due to old age and lack of spare parts.

Since the F-5s were pulled out from service, the Air Force tried to acquire advanced jetfighters such as the supersonic F-16 from the United States, but no progress was made.

While the government bought from South Korea a dozen of F-50 jets, these have limited compared to the Gripen or F-16. PNA

The mayor also said their father wanted Junjun to run for a congressional seat instead, so that the former vice president would not have to, but her brother wanted the mayoral post.

Junjun, who thanked his father for respecting the voters of Makati said earlier he was ready to run against his sister to maintain the “Binay-brand” of governance in Makati.

“The decision of my father shows his respect for the people of Makati and is consistent with the character of a public servant who had dedicated his life to Makati and has worked tirelessly for the welfare of its residents,” said Junjun who also announced his plan to file his COC for the top post of Makati on Tuesday.

In May, the Court of Appeals issued a resolution reversing the 2015 decision dismissing Junjun and several other city officials and barring them from holding public office in connection with the construction of Makati City Hall Building II. The CA, in its 159-page decision written by Associate Justice Edwin Sorongon, reversed the 2015 ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman, saying (Junjun) Binay is still covered by the 2010 Supreme Court decision that reiterated its 1959 condonation doctrine which extinguishes the administrative liability of an elective public official once reelected to the same post.

In 2016, Abby was replaced by her husband Luis Campos as representative in the second district of Makati when she ran and won for mayor against Romulo Pena Jr., who will challenge the former vice president in the first congressional district of the city in the coming elections.

Abigail is the fourth in the Binay family elected mayor in Makati. First was her father followed by her mother Dr. Elenita Binay, and the last one was Junjun.

Makati, a city with more than 370,000 registered voters, has been a stronghold of Binays since the Vice President was appointed by then late President Corazon Aquino as its officer-in-charge in 1986.

“Roy Cimatu, I just talked to him. He was asking me a moment ago if I’m going there. I told him, ‘No, I’m not.’ I’ll go there for the land distribution of the land reform,” Duterte said.

Asked about the status of the land reform program in Boracay, the Palace said it still needed to ask the Department of Agrarian Reform and Department of Environment and Natural Resource for the directives.

“There’s none yet. I still have to meet with them. I will respond to your questions when I’m briefed with that,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters on Monday.

He said both the DAR and DENR would be involved in the land distribution, but he still needed to ask the secretaries of both departments for the programs’ finalization.

Earlier that day, Cimatu, who led the dry run of the island’s reopening, declared that the known tourist spot in the country was no longer a cesspool.

He said Boracay, after undergoing a sixmonth rehabilitation, was now fit for swimming.

Fox renews plea for visa, turns to DOJ for help AUSTRALIAN missionary Patricia Fox on Monday asked the Department of Justice to reverse the decision of the Bureau of Immigration revoking her missionary visa and ordering her deportation, saying it should uphold constitutional guarantees on the protection of human rights.

In a seven-page reply to the Immigration’s comment, Fox, through her lawyers from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, says her participation in protest rallies, which was the basis of Immigration’s order to deport her, was not in violation of the laws of the Philippines.

She says her joining fact-finding missions, press conferences and the rallies of leftist groups “are manifestations of the right to freedom of expression and assembly to which the petitioner is entitled to.”

“They are also consistent and in accordance with the representation that the petitioner and the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion made in the application for a change of admission status and the application for extension of stay and support for her in the country. They are further in consonance with the mission of petitioner’s congregation and the teaching of the Catholic faith which the petitioner has vowed to follow and disseminate beyond borders and race,” Fox says in her pleading.

She says Immigration cannot arbitrarily revoke her missionary visa, citing jurisprudence that only in cases where public interest is put on the line can the State be allowed to revoke a privilege it had granted to any person.

Fox, 72, says she cannot be considered someone against the promotion of public interest.

“Petitioner now humbly invites the Honorable Office to breathe life to the constitutional guarantees on the promotion and protection of human rights,” Fox says.

She says that the Philippine Constitution, law and prevailing jurisprudence give “utmost respect and deference” to the right to free expression and peaceful assembly, which may only be curtailed if it threatens public welfare.

“If Filipino citizens may only be restricted from exercising their rights to freedom of expression and to peaceably assemble where there is clear and present danger, the same is also applicable to foreigners like the petitioner,” Fox says.

Aquino...

From A1

Anti-Corruption Commission, said the filing of the charges was not politically motivated.

In a 61-page complaint, Belgica also filed 274 counts of graft against 139 members of the House of Representatives and 21 senators for allegedly receiving the illegal cross-border transfer for the first tranche, and 95 other congressmen and 18 other senators for the second tranche.

Among those charged were ex-Budget secretary Florencio Abad, ex-Interior secretary Mar Roxas, ex-Cavite representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, who was then the House appropriations committee chairman; Senator Franklin Drilon, who was then the finance committee chairman; Senator Antonio Trillanes IV; Joseph Emilio Abaya; exBudget undersecretary Mario Relampagos and director Yolanda Doblon.

Belgica identified only Drilon and Trillanes as the senator-respondents, saying the evidence gathered was directed to the culpability of the two senators.

“Note that our complaint was referring to several John Does,” he said.

He accused Abaya and Drilon of conniving with one another in the graft scheme for being the finance chairmen in Congress and at the Senate, respectively.

Roxas could be held liable for his “clandestine” meetings with senators, he said.

He questioned Trillanes’ amnesty grant and receipt of DAP funds for the implementation of supposed ghost projects.

“The amnesty, ghost project and the project not listed in the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce website were matters that distinguish Senator Trillanes from the rest of the DAP recipient senators who voted for the conviction of [Supreme Court] Chief Justice [Renato] Corona,” he said.

‘Sexy Jessy‘...

From A1

The photo of bikini-clad actress Jessy Mendiola flashed during the review kickoff event at the De La Salle University, to the surprise of elections reviewers from the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, different political parties, and other stake holders.

The local source code will be used for the May 2019 automated elections, including QR (quick response) codes that will help ensure the accuracy, security, and transparency of the polls.

Because of the incident, Jimenez apologized and took responsibility for the incident, saying the image inadvertently appeared because it was his personal computer that was used during the presentation event.

“I would like to apologize for the inappropriateness of the image,” Jimenez said.

“The image was on my computer, she was a desktop image,” he said.

News

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HANDWASHING DAY.

People wash their hands using soap and water during the Global Handwashing Day event at San Mateo, Rizal, Oct. 15, 2018. The event that is observed every Oct. 15 is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Manny Palmero

Cops prevent House deputy speaker from filing CoC

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE of Representatives leader on Monday decried the revival of the case involving 17 counts of alleged arson against him, saying he had nothing to with the more than 20 year-old case.

At the same time, House Deputy Speaker and Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison sought a legislative investigation in aid of legislation to look into the alleged abuses committed by some Sulu local officials and their cohorts in the police service.

At a news conference, Arbison, who is seeking reelection as representative of the Second District of Sulu, said he was prevented from filing his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections in Sulu because policemen from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group detailed at the poll body’s office were waiting for him to show up to arrest him.

Arbison said there were 17 arson cases filed against him and the seven warrants of arrest issued by the local court against him have been stopped from being implemented by the Court of Appeals through temporary restraining orders.

“This is political harassment pure and simple. If this is done against me, a congressman, a House Deputy Speaker, how much more to an ordinary citizen.

We have already filed a manifestation before the Court of Appeals and yet the PNP-CIDG seemed to have refuse to honor this,” Arbison told reporters.

Lawmakers push for welfare of BPO workers A PANEL in the House of Representatives has begun deliberation on a bill which provide for the welfare and protection of Business Process Outsourcing workers.

The House Committee on Labor and Employment, chaired by Rep. Randolph Ting of Cagayan, tackled House Bill 2225, or “An Act Increasing the Night Shift Premium Pay in Business Process Outsourcing Firms in the Philippines.”

The bill was authored by Rep. Zajid Mangundadatu of Maguindanao.

Otherwise known as “Additional Pay for Business Process Outsourcing Employees Act,” the bill increases the mandated additional pay for work done in graveyard shifts from 10 percent to 25 percent of the regular rate per hour.

The Business Process Outsourcing sector, dubbed as the “sunshine industry” of the country, emerged at the top of the call center industry.

Accordingly, Mangudadatu said Filipinos are preferred by US companies because of low labor costs and their familiarity with the language.

Maricel V. Cruz

DOJ warns Trillanes‘ supporters of contempt

By Rey E. Requejo

J

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday slammed supporters of opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes for showing contempt of court intended to “pressure” the Makati City judge not to rule against the lawmaker.

Guevarra said he believes that acts by the so-called “concerned citizens” might influence the Makati City judge’s decision on the Department of Justice’s motion for issuance of warrant of arrest against Trillanes and subsequently proceed with the trial of the coup d’etat charges against the senator.

On Monday morning, a small group of people laid down a dozen flowers in front of Makati City Trial Court Branch 148 and brought cards that say “rule of law,” “judicial independence,” “justice” and “truth,” among others, in front of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148.

Presiding Judge Andres Soriano of Makati City RTC Branch 148 has yet to resolve the DOJ’s motion for Trillanes arrest, in connection with the pending coup d’etat charges against the opposition senator.

“That’s exactly the kind of pressure that has been exerted upon Judge Soriano. Some people have made it appear that any ruling against Senator Trillanes will be a deathblow to democracy and the rule of law,” Guevarra said in a text message.

“Even a first-year law student will tell you that such acts tending to influence the decision of the judge are a clear and

punishable case of contempt of court,” the Justice secretary said.

Guevarra earlier denied the allegation made by Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano that the DOJ was pressuring Judge Soriano into ruling against Trillanes.

“The DOJ does not interact with the judge except through the pleadings filed and arguments raised in open court,” Guevarra said.

The DOJ is pursuing criminal cases of coup d’etat and rebellion against Trillanes after President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 572 nullifying the amnesty granted to him by the Aquino administration.

Another Makati judge, Elmo Alameda, ordered Trillanes arrested for a previously dismissed case of rebellion last Sept. 25 but allowed him to post bail pursuant to a 2010 bail grant.

Soriano is handling the coup d’etat case. Coup d’etat, punishable by reclusion perpetua, is a non-bailable offense if the evidence of guilt is strong.

Two more associate justices nominated as next CJ TWO more associate justices of the Supreme Court have accepted their nomination for the most coveted post in the judiciary, which was left vacant following the retirement of Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro last week.

The Judicial and Bar Council on Monday revealed that Associate Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Andres Reyes Jr. have submitted their conforme formally accepting their nomination for top judicial post.

“The JBC received two new nominees for chief justice today—Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Andy Reyes,” JBC ex-officio member and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said, in a text message.

Bernabe was automatically nominated

for the post for being one of the five senior justices of SC, while Reyes was already nominated for the post after the ouster of chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

“I humbly accept my automatic nomination to the position of Chief Justice. I consider it a distinct honor to be nominated by the Court for this position together with my fellow senior Justices whom I deeply respect and admire,” Bernabe’s conforme stated.

This brought to five the number of candidates for chief justice post so far after the three most senior magistrates— Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin—earlier accepted their automatic nomination for the post.

The JBC earlier extended the Oct. 15 deadline for nominations for the chief justice post to Oct. 26.

The Constitution requires the chief justice, just like the associate justices, to be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, with experience as judge or in private law practice for at least 15 years and a person with proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appoint over 10 members of the High Court during his six-year term. He already appointed six justices so far— now Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr., Alexander Gesmundo, Jose Reyes Jr. and Ramon Paul Hernando. Rey E. Requejo

PNP chief reassigns, promotes Espenido OZAMIZ City Police head Chief Insp.

Jovie Espenido is set to get a promotion and will be reassigned to the Bicol Region, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

“May order na siya [There is an order for him]. He is reassigned to Region 5, in Catanduanes. He has a pending promotion. He should be promoted, that is part of his career. Ang pwesto na pupuntahan niya [The rank that he will be getting] is Superintendent, so (from) chief inspector siya, that is part of his promotion,” Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing when asked on the status of the controversial police officer.

Espenido led operations against suspected narco-politicians such as Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa and Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog.

In July 2017, the Ozamiz police chief also led the anti-drug operations in the city which resulted in the death of Parojinog and 14 others.

The slain mayor’s children, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and Reynaldo Jr., were arrested during the raid and later charged with drug possession and illegal possession of firearms.

In a July 30, 2018 resolution, the Department of Justice indicted Espenido, SPO4 Renato Martir Jr., and PO1 Sandra Nadayag for six counts of homicide under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code based on the complaint of Carmelita Manzano.

The three policemen are being accused of killing the complainant’s husband Fancracio, her son Jerry, her daughter’s common-law spouse, Victorino Mira Jr.; her nephew Lito Manisan; her niece’s common-law husband Romeo Libaton; and one Alvin Lapeña in the afternoon raid during a birthday celebration in her house. PNA

Graft advocate asks PACC to investigate Customs lawyer THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission has been asked to investigate Customs Collector V Lourdes Mangaoang for alleged unexplained wealth, lavish lifestyle, excessive assets and other accumulated ownership that are grossly disproportionate to her salary as a government employee.

In a two-page complaint, Ed Cordevilla, leader of the group calling for public accountability of government officials suspected of having amassed unexplained wealth, said that based on the sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of Mangaoang for the years 2012-2017, there is no justification on how she could have legally accumulated so much properties had she relied on her salaries alone.

Cordevilla added that as a lawyer, Mangaoang is expected to know the importance of complying with all the required details stated in the SALN. Greco Belgica, PACC commissioner, confirmed having received a copy of the complaint and vowed to thoroughly investigate the complaint and possibly expand the scope of the probe to include family members and relatives who could have fronted for the customs executive in hiding other real properties.

Belgica said his office will coordinate with the Land Registration Authority and the BIR to pin down suspected corrupt government officials. Rey E. Requejo

Du30 on verge of transforming PH: FVR

By Ben Cal FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos on Sunday cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s effort in “transforming” the Philippines as an exemplar among the 193 member-nations of the United Nations.

Ramos made the statement in a speech during the launching of his latest book “Proper thy Neighbor” at the Centennial Room of the Manila Hotel.

Ramos presented his book to Duterte, who acknowledged by executing a salute to the former Chief Executive, to which the latter also replied with a salute.

In his speech, Duterte said “FVR is my favorite President.”

The book launching also coincided with the award and testimonial for Ramos by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, recognizing Ramos’ contribution to the country during his

watch as president from 1992-1998.

Also part of the program were testimonials by doctor Angel Alcala and former foreign affairs chief Perfecto R. Yasay Jr., while Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog, UCCP general secretary, delivered an inspirational talk.

He said Duterte “is on the verge of achieving the transformation of the Philippines into an exemplar among the 193-member-nations of the UN. But he must make a 90-degree turn to assume the harder role of ‘Skipper of the Ship’ away from the traditional position of ‘Command-in-Chief’ which emphasizes the military and police.”

Ramos said the President’s term is a “wonderful opportunity to ‘receive the baton’ of responsible governance and leadership from the Filipino people who have done their share of national building, and to continue to strive for humankind’s never-ending aspiration for a better future.” PNA

PRIVATE EYES. An informant codenamed Pekka shows P2-million reward during

the PDEA Private Eye awarding ceremony at the PDEA Headquarters in Quezon City, Oct. 15, 2018. Informant Pekka and another tipster codenamed Milo provided information that resulted in the seizure of illegal substance and also resulted to the arrest of drug personalities in Baesa, Quezon City. A total of P7.5 million were given to four informants. Also in photo are (from left): PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and PCOO Chief Martin Andanar. Manny Palmero

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Opinion

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

My encounter with a saint TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO THERE have been many occasions in my 70 years in journalism that I got recognized. The most memorable of all was when I shared a platform with His Holiness Pope Paul VI who came to the Philippines in 1970.

He celebrated Mass at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Nov. 29, 1970.

I was there as representative of the media.

Can you imagine how proud I was for sharing the platform with him? I felt so blessed! And now I feel even more blessed because he is now a saint!

Saint Pope Paul VI, please pray for me.

What I find tragic in the 2019 polls is the status of the opposition. I wonder if any of them at all are sure to win.

The only ones who might have a chance are reelectionist Bam Aquino because of his surname, and perhaps Quezon Rep. Erin Tanada. Then again, the Tañada name is foreign to the young voters.

*** There are two tragedies happening in Metro Manila for next year’s polls.

One is the brother-sister rivalry of Junjun and Abby Binay. Their father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, is also running for Congress. He is not lifting a finger to stop the fight between his children.

As a resident of Makati, I am saddened by this. I do wish they can settle their differences before the elections.

The only thing I can say is that Mayor *** As they say, they are off and running. I refer Abby is doing an excellent job. She has to the many senatorial aspirants for the 2019 made the city crime- and drug-free. She has continued to look after the interest of senior midterm elections.

According to surveys, those likely to be citizens, and cleaned up the mess left by the reelected are Senators Grace Poe, Cynthia former mayor.

There is this project to build a subway that Villar, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara and goes around Makati. I think it’s a good one.

Koko Pimentel.

The patriarch has given his consent for Returning senators also stand a good chance—Jinggoy Estrada and Pia Cayetano. Abby to run. I think the family should respect that.

Plus of course there Another tragedy is is Ilocos Norte Gov. the feud between the Imee Marcos. sons of Manila Mayor Former Senate Joseph Estrada. JV President Juan Ponce Ejercito is going for I felt blessed then; Enrile, although now reelection while Jing94, stands a good I feel even more goy Estrada wants to chance of winning. stage a comeback. blessed now.

That only leaves I have no idea how three slots for newthis tragic situations comers. That would will end. But it is clear not be a problem, I that all this is happenbelieve. Even if newcomers don’t make it, it would be like they ing because dynasties just want to maintain have won the lottery with the contributions their hold. given to them. *** Awareness is 50 percent of winning and The Department of Tourism, Department this is why all the familiar names are topping the surveys. The other 50 percent is for all of the Interior and Local Government and the other factors—funding, political party, Department of Environment and Natural Resources had a soft opening for Boracay, with even luck.

I say funding makes a lot of difference. Of limited local and foreign tourists.

Media people who have gone to the island course parties can provide funds, but it will be better if the money comes from the can- say that it looks like Boracay has returned to its didate himself or herself. Candidates who pristine state. It was closed when the President don’t have funds of their own should forget called it a cesspool.

I hope the government can maintain it. about running altogether.

Why do I say that money counts a lot? *** You have to have tarpaulins, posters, ads, Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo gifts, entertainers. This is why campaign expenses become more expensive as the is the new spokesman of the President. But years go by. I have been told that a senatorial how will he relate to the Malacañang Press candidate now spends between P300 million Corps? Are we really better off with somebody flamboyant and who is akin to a clown? and P500 million.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

W

Pristine anew HAT was done in Boracay island is a showcase of how decisiveness and political will can achieve great results.

Earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed dismay over Boracay’s state of decay. The island, which is in the municipality of Malay, Aklan province, is a premier tourist destination with numerous big and small commercial establishments catering to the crowd.

As a result of the untrammeled activity, however, the island has degenerated into what the President called a cesspool, with poor solid waste management and water quality; hence teeming with bacteria and hazardous to health.

The situation had become so

dire that President Duterte ordered a shutdown of the island for a six-month cleanup and rehabilitation. During that time, no activity of any kind was allowed.

Boracay will open October 26; it had a soft opening Monday.

When the public is allowed in again, there will be restrictions to ensure the same excesses are not committed anew.

It will be interesting to see how the government both national and local will strike a balance among enticing tourists, generating income for the locals, preserving the rights of

indigenous peoples and maintaining environmental standards. Certainly, the cleanup efforts must be replicated in other destinations to send the message that development carries a price. Local executives must also be taken to task for focusing on revenues while disregarding the costs, and establishment owners made accountable for disregarding standards for the sake of business.

The Environment Department says it is now safe to swim again in the waters of Boracay. We hope the water around the island does not ever get contaminated again, from bacteria—or from other vested interests.

The long view on ICC and UNHRC ed repeatedly when he became president. This he did in spite of the warning by the ICC Prosecutor in October 2016 that incitement to crimes against humanity was also within the scope of the Rome Treaty.

According to the Rise UP complaint, the victims are civilians, and IN THE Communication and Com- the attacks were directed against the plaint filed by Rise Up for Life and civilian population because they are for Rights, assisted by the National “persons who are civilians as opUnion of People’s Lawyers, with the posed to members of armed forces International Criminal Court (ICC), and other legitimate combatants.” In the families of victims in the war fact, the report of the government has against drugs by the current admin- in fact admitted that most of these istration argue that President Rodrigo killed are civilians.

Duterte be indicted for crimes against The complainants characterize the humanity and that he should be held attacks as systematic because killing criminally responsible for the wide- drug suspects is the policy enuncispread and systematic attacks against ated by President Duterte through the civilian population. many of his rambling and repetitious On the first public speeches argument, the in various parts complainants of the country. hold Duterte Likewise, his criminally reAlthough I would vaunted drug lists sponsible and lisupposedly conpersonally not want an able for crimes tain the names against human- ICC case commenced of drug suspects ity through the against Duterte, who are targets of above-mentioned his ruthless antiacts of murder preferring a domestic drug campaign. proscribed under trial, I understand In fact, the modus Article 7 Para- where the victims are operandi of the graph 1 (a) of the killings show a Rome Statute, as coming from. unified design— perpetrator of the three elements of widespread and a pattern, namely systematic attack the public vilifiagainst civilians which resulted in cation of the victims, brazenness of the mass killing of at least 4,410 ci- the execution of the victims and the vilians, including the the relatives of government‘s lack of interest to inthe complainants. vestigate and prosecute the crime and In this regard, they argue that the the perpetrators.

President has made numerous public According to the Rise Up comannouncements about his policy to plaint, President Duterte has knowlend the illegal drug problem in the edge of the killings and other attacks Philippines through the killing and on the civilian population. Among elimination of those he sweepingly others, the Duterte administration labels as drug addicts, drug push- has boasted the number of casualties, ers and drug syndicates. This started Turn to A5 during his campaign and was reiterat-

Bhutan’s not-so-happy evicted minority, the Lhotshampa

By Ashok Dahal THE Himalayan nation of Bhutan, often described as a “Shangri-La” where happiness is equated to wealth, is holding elections this week. But the Lhotshampa people, brutally driven out of the small kingdom in the 1990s, won’t be voting.

The Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa were branded as immigrants and stripped of citizenship rights when the then-king introduced a “One Nation, One People” policy in 1985.

The edict made following the customs of the Buddhist majority mandatory, including wearing their traditional dress, and speaking Nepali was banned.

Those who resisted where labelled “anti-nationals”, arrested and subjected to brutal treatment including rape and torture, according to Amnesty International.

The security forces made detainees sign declarations saying they would leave Bhutan voluntarily as a condition of their release.

Some 100,000—one sixth of Bhutan’s population—fled, ending up in refugee camps in eastern Nepal.

One man who left Bhutan is Bhumpa Rai, who was serving as a royal doctor when the king’s edict was promulgated.

“They humiliated us... they said that we are not Bhutanese and chased me and my people from the country,” Rai

told A FP. The king offered him protection from the Draconian rules, introduced under the pretext of promoting “national harmony.”

But the doctor decided to join his fellow Lhotshampa and left Bhutan, becoming a refugee in Nepal.

“They treated people of Nepali origin like enemies. I cannot respect them any more, though I admit that I used to clean their wounds. I was their doctor,” the 68-year-old said.

Rai is one of just 7,000 people who remain in the camps in Nepal. The majority have been resettled by the United Nations in third countries including the Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion Ted-talkin’ FORMATION GARY OLIVAR IN A recent piece, CNN talked about the growing realization—and fear— among Chinese officials in Beijing that President Trump could indeed be serious about his promise to upend the type of bilateral relations that the Chinese have become accustomed to in the past few decades. The trade war is now spilling over into the diplomatic and even military fronts, with both countries ratcheting up an increasingly riskier maritime game of chicken.

It may not yet be the start of the next Cold War, but relations have indeed plunged into an unprecedented deep chill. And with Chinese President Xi set to meet with Trump at the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires next month, policy experts on both sides worry that it may already be too late to find a way back.

It’s an incipient regional crisis between superpowers that our new Foreign Affairs Secretary, Ambassador “Teddy Boy” Locsin, may find is his first challenge in office. After he unpacks his bags from his last posting at the United Nations, he’ll find his work cut out for him in crafting a Philippine position that steers clear of shoals on either side, in a path that goes clearly and carefully down the middle.

We think that Locsin will pull off the job with professional aplomb, and will hugely enjoy himself while doing it.

He’s generally known for his often profane candidness as well as written eloquence, but fewer may remember that he is both a Harvard-trained lawyer and a former congressman, i.e. smart on the street and off.

The last thing Locsin is short of is self-confidence. This will serve him well as he deals with even bigger egos within the region and among the various superpowers who keep trying to pull our strings. *** During his Bali trip to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Conference last Thursday, the President called for economic resilience in ASEAN amid the various global challenges that affect the region’s economy.

He encouraged deeper cooperation between ASEAN, the United Nations, IMF and the World Bank to implement “ASEAN Community Vision 2025” and the “United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” He asked for expanded roles of the IMF, World Bank and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office in building the capacity of ASEAN countries to reach their sustainable development targets.

On the same note, he also highlighted our government’s efforts to improve its performance in achieving those targets.

As a matter of fact, a good portion of ASEAN economic activity is already intra-regional. Thus the message of economic resilience should be accom-

Amid all the criticism, what I think people should notice is that, with the formal proposal of the House version— no matter how flawed it is—the process of charter change in the House has finally and truly started. For his part in the Senate, federalism champion Senator Koko Pimentel—to get around the endless debates over “Con-Ass”—has simply said, “Let’s approve charter change as if we’re [simply] legislating a new statute.”

Nonetheless, the prospects of holding a plebiscite on a new constitution no later than together with the May 2019 midterm elections already look dead in the water. If the next elections produce a new Congress that is no less reluctant to pass a new constitution, then feder*** Meanwhile, in the Senate, the Minor- alism advocates might as well start to ity senators filed a bill to suspend the mobilize for the holding instead of a scheduled increase in excise tax levy on Constitutional Convention. *** The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency last week announced that two to three local officials, and possibly some police officers in Lanao del Sur, were involved in the ambush the other Friday that killed five PDEA agents and wounded another agent and a civilian.

To avoid accusations of a whitewash, the National Bureau of Investigation— not the Philippine National Police—will investigate the four police escorts of the agents, whom witnesses said sped away in their van and left the agents behind, minutes before the ambush happened.

It’s bad enough that drug syndicates were able to kill these five agents. It’s a lot worse that police officers no less may have been complicit in the murder of fellow law enforcement agents on the orders of drug lords. If such complicity is found by the NBI, the book should be thrown at these suspected criminal accomplices and traitors in uniform.

Also last week, the President unveiled a special report revealing the involvement of law enforcement officials in illegal drug trade. Several PNP officials, former and current, were named in the report, along with officials from PDEA and Customs. The PNP said a case build-up against active policemen in Duterte’s recent drug matrix is still ongoing, which is “necessary to gather sufficient evidence to file charges.”

Perhaps in deference to the legal presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, Duterte refused to disclose any names on his list. Given the factual and legal infirmities that were later found in similar lists that he’s waved about earlier, his reticence this time is also the prudent way to handle the situation.

But the public is becoming impatient.

Now that the Philippines has been reconfirmed as a member of the UN Human Rights Council—over the loud objections of the usual Duterte critics abroad—the public will want to see more arrests and more neutralizations, at high enough levels, to justify its continuing support for the draconian style of the country’s war on drugs.

oil products under TRAIN, as well as rolling back the levy to December 2017 rates. It’s another race to the bottom on populism that these senators have time and again proven themselves to be experts at.

Finance Department Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino reminded the Senate that the inflationary impact of those oil excise taxes is manageable. At worst, the impact is one-off, as the income-enhancing provisions of TRAIN begin to increase the after-tax purchasing power of consumers over the holiday season.

The law actually allows suspending any excise tax increase scheduled in January, but only after waiting for three months. Well, January is already just three months away. Surely the honorable senators can wait a bit longer for the sake of following the law.

Over at the Lower House, it was the Majority this time that came under a heap of public criticism for proposing a draft new constitution that did away with term limits, the anti-dynasty provision, and the anti-turncoatism provision. These were among the widely-applauded goodies offered by the alternative version coming from Duterte’s hand-picked consultative committee on constitutional reform led by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

The House version has been called the “Arroyo charter” after the Speaker—unfairly so, we think, since a lot of other congressmen also signed on as co-authors of the bill. In fact, Speaker Arroyo herself clarified that the only language she added to the document was a mechanism for creating federal Readers can write me at states—without which, of course, the House version would have been even gbolivar1952@yahoo.com. weaker.

The long...

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now nearing 25,000, as successes in the war against illegal drugs.

The Rise Up complaint also argue that Duterte is criminally liable for the widespread and systematic attack against civilians in the form of inhumane acts intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or mental or physical health proscribed under Article 7 Paragraph (k) of the Rome Statute under his anti-drug policy against drug suspects including through its Oplan Tokhang, Double Barrel, and the Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded policies.

In support of this, the following acts are pointed as constituting the inhumane acts under Article 7 (k): namely the extra judicial killing of thousands drug suspects, the illegal searches in thousands of houses, the arbitrary drug testing of thousands of civilians even those not suspected of involvement in illegal drugs and the arrest of thousands under Duterte policies, including even the anti-tambay (antivagrancy campaign).

The Rise Up complaint assert that it has clearly shown that President Duterte committed the acts of Crimes Against Humanity and had every intention of committing these acts. The direction and instructions—as well as the open incitement and encouragement and assurances of impunity— for the murders and inhumane acts, so widespread and systematic, constituting crimes against humanity, come from no less than President Duterte himself.

The President is criminally responsible, under the principle of command

responsibility under Article 28, paragraphs (a) and (b), being the commander and superior authority over the police and other state security forces who committed the above mentioned acts of murder, inhumane acts, and other forms of persecution in the implementation of his policy against suspected drug and crime suspects.

At the very least, President Duterte, according to complainants, is guilty of crimes against humanity under Article 28 for command responsibility, for not taking all the actions needed to stop the crimes against humanity.

Although I would personally not want an ICC case commenced against Duterte, preferring a domestic trial, I understand where the victims are coming from. I also understand the need to stop the killings now.

In this regard, I welcome the Philippines’ election as member once again of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The administration has boasted that this is a validation of its war against drugs and a repudiation of the human rights issue raised against the Duterte government. This of course is not true.

My esteemed colleague Ruben Carranza, one of the world’s top experts on transitional justice, explains what happened: “NO, THE PHILIPPINES DID NOT “WIN” REELECTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL. When you have a five-seater car and the 193 persons who share it agree that only 5 people at a time can take turns riding in it, you can’t claim you “won” a seat if it was your turn to ride with 4

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Let work on a new NAIA begin

panied by a continuing push for deeper integration through the ASEAN Economic Community. The liberalization of local markets will also lead to greater inclusion of MSME’s and the informal sector in the lofty economic plans of the leaders.

At the same time, Secretary Locsin should also push for disaster resilience as well as economic resilience, in the aftermath of the recent disaster in Indonesia. An ASEAN disaster-response or disaster–mitigation contingent might be a good initiative to take up postmeeting. Maybe our country could help get the ball rolling with the contribution of a contingent of our own.

We think that Locsin will pull off the job with professional aplomb, and will hugely enjoy himself while doing it.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

others. But that’s not the only reason Rodrigo Duterte’s government cannot claim it “won” at the UN HRC. With no one else contesting the 5 UNHRC seats for the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines still got the least number of votes in the secret balloting that took place among the 193 countries in the UN General Assembly. 28 countries chose NOT to vote for the Philippines to get that 5th seat, leaving their ballot with at least one blank rather than going along with giving that UN HRC seat to a hypocritical, humanrights-violating and child-murdering government.”

In any case, I am glad that the Philippines is back in the UNHRC. I have worked with our diplomats on human rights issues, including in the UNHRC, for decades. I trust that, like me, they will take the long view. Duterte will not be there forever; when the transition comes, sooner rather than later in my view, membership in the Council would be invaluable.

With this long view in mind, I also welcome the appointment of United Nations Ambassador Teddy Boy Locsin as Foreign Affairs Secretary. His acerbic, sarcastic, and biting language (which I always enjoy, although obviously I enjoy it more when we are in agreement), Locsin understands what is at stake in the ICC and in the UNHRC and will allow our diplomats to do what has to be done for the sake of national and not just Duterte’s interest.

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In the meantime, two proposals for the installation of a New NAIA have been received by the Duterte administraRUDY tion. One of these proposals which inROMERO volves the rehabilitation and expansion —mainly through reclamation—of the former US Navy Air Station at Sangley ONCE the need for a specific public Point in Cavite is undergoing NEDA facility is established, the government review. The other proposal has been should move quickly to bring about indicated above, to wit, the Bulacan its installation, and the more urgent airport project of San Miguel Corporathe need for the facility, the greater tion’s infrastructure arm, SMHC (San the sense of urgency with which the Miguel Holdings Corporation).

The use of the adjective “massive” government should act. It is so wellknown as to need no pointing out, but to describe SMHC’s airport project is the administration of President Duterte entirely appropriate. Four, and possiappears to have forgotten this rule of bly six, parallel runways will be laid good governance where the matter of a out on the 2500-hectare project site replacement for NAIA (Ninoy Aquino in the municipality of Bulacan, Bulacan, which is 27 kilometers away International Airport) is concerned.

I say this because of the confluence from NAIA. It can be reached within of three incontrovertible facts. The 45 minutes from any Metro Manila first has to do with NAIA’s present point through the existing expressadequacy as the nation’s premier air ways. Apart from state-of-the-art gateway. The second relates to the terminals, SMHC’s project proposal status of Clark (soon to be renamed includes a seaport, part of the project Diosdado Macapagal International site being located along Manila Bay. Airport) and the third incontrovert- There will also be an industrial-zone component. ible fact concerns Although, as the existence of stated above, SMa proposal, apHC’s proposal has proved in April Bring about the been approved

by NEDA (Naby NEDA, it still tional Economic bulldozers and the and Development cannot take off Authority), for backhoes. because of one the installation of person: the Secan international retary of Finance.

Secretary Carlos airport in BulaDominguez III can.

The first terminal of the then-Ma- has questioned the capacity of San nila International Airport was, at the Miguel Corporation’s infrastructure time of its 1972 commissioning, more subsidiary to finance the project to than capable of handling the passen- completion and wants San Miguel ger and cargo traffic of those days. Corporation and its subsidiary to But 46 years later, that, clearly, is no sign a joint liability agreement. The longer the case. Despite the commis- Bulacan project is a P735-billion sioning of Piatco-built terminal num- (US$5 billion) undertaking that will ber 3 and the addition of an improved be implemented over a time frame domestic passenger terminal, NAIA of 5-7 years. is bursting at the seams. It now hanSan Miguel Corporation, this country’s dles 43 million passengers a year— largest conglomerate, has argued that the far more than its design capacity. estimated average annual spending on its subsidiary’s airport project—P100 bilNAIA badly needs relief.

Clark International Airport should lion—is approximately equal to its total be providing that relief, but it is not annual cash inflow from its multifarious able to do so. True, its two long US Air operations. Besides, it has, it says ample Force-built runways have been able to borrowing capacity to finance the prioraccommodate an increasing number ity projects of all its subsidiaries and opof foreign and domestic carriers, but erating units.

At the outset, San Miguel Corporamost of the major airlines have continued to operate out of NAIA. The tion resisted the idea of signing a joint reason? Movement to and from Metro liability agreement, but it has since acManila. There is no roadway that con- ceded to the demands of the Secretary nects Clark directly to the center of of Finance. Thus, there should be no the metropolis. EDSA traffic is the big further impediment to the full approval drawback. In addition, Clark’s terminal of SMHC’s airport project. facilities remain grossly inadequate for The hour is late. The Duterte adminNAIA-level passenger and cargo traffic istration is almost at its halfway point, volumes. and the need for a New NAIA becomes There is no comprehensive and long- more urgent with every passing day. term plan to enable Clark International Bring about the bulldozers and the Airport to replace NAIA anytime soon backhoes and let the Bulacan project as this country’s premier air gateway. finally begin.

BUSINESS CLASS

Bhutan’s...

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United States, Australia and Norway.

But the UN programme ended in late 2016 with those remaining refusing resettlement because they say it absolves the Bhutanese authorities of what they did to the Lhotshampa.

‘Not happy’ Switzerland-sized Bhutan— sandwiched between regional giants China and India—has long resisted outside influences, with televisions only allowed in 1999.

Its fight against Westernization is often seen as a source of its mystic draw, along with its pursuit of “gross national happiness” —made official policy in 1998— over economic gains.

It only swapped absolute monarchy for constitutional monarchy in 2008 and the current elections, due to wrap up on Thursday, are the country’s third.

Bhutan still describes the Lhotshampa as immigrants, justifying its nationalistic laws as essential for cultural identity and political stability, according to Freedom House, a think tank.

The refugees in Nepal do not expect the elections to bring any change.

“The election results in Bhutan will reflect what the monarchy wants. Its decision won’t come in our favour,” said 80-yearold Durga Prasad Sharma—an outspoken pronouncement that would be unheard of inside Bhutan where self-censorship is rife and the monarchy still revered.

Sharma fled Bhutan in 1994 with a bounty on his head after he

joined a political party demanding rights for the Lhotshampa.

Such political parties are now banned under the constitution, which states that all parties have to promote national unity and are barred from using ethnicity or religion to attract voters. Parties also have to field candidates in all 47 constituencies.

The rules have created a monolithic political environment leaving little room for minority rights, effectively disenfranchising the Lhotshampa who remain in Bhutan from the electoral process.

It is unclear how many of the community are still in Bhutan: a 2017 census did not include questions about ethnicity, language or religion, which would have given an indication of how many people identify as part of Nepali-speaking, mostly Hindu minority.

The government has prevented human rights groups established

by Nepali-speakers from operating, categorizing them as political organizations that do not promote national unity, according to the US State Department.

In the lead up to the 2008 and 2013 polls there were reports of small protests by Nepali-speakers unable to vote, and during the 2013 elections international monitors also documented Nepalispeakers being turned away from polling centers.

“We are also Bhutanese and we are not happy,” said 54-year-old Rajman Gurung. “Lhotshampas in Bhutan are unhappy. We will be happy only if we are repatriated to our country and given equal status.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

News

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TODAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LGUs alerted on ‘Undas’

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Interagency Council for Traffic I-ACT on Monday appealed to local government units to prepare a more efficient traffic management system to address problems concerning parking and free flow in time for the observance of All Saints’ Day, when the high volume of vehicles is expected.

“In this moment of remembrance, let’s make mobility easy for people. National agencies can do its part but the local government holds more accountability as they are more familiar with the situation in their specific areas of responsibility,” said I-ACT chief Thomas Orbos.

Orbos also emphasized the need to clear the roads leading to the cemeteries of obstructions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

“Undas is all about people, not motorists, flocking to cemeteries to

be with their departed loved ones.

Therefore, our actions should be directed in bringing utmost safety and comfort to them,” he added.

Undas, or All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), is one of the most attended Philippine holidays where Filipinos visit their deceased loved ones.

This year, Undas falls on a Thursday and Friday, resulting in a longer weekend for Filipino families. Heavy traffic is expected to be one of the effects of this holiday.

I-ACT is composed of the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metro Manila Development Authority, traffic divisions from local government units, and the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas.

DOLE tells bus firms: Follow wage standards L

ABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III urged bus companies to adopt the two-tiered wage system, a compensation scheme imposing the mandatory minimum wage setting complemented by a voluntary productivity-based pay.

This, after the Supreme Court affirmed DOLE Department Order 118-12 which mandates a fixed salary for public utility bus drivers and conductors not lower than the applicable minimum wage in the region they are in.

Bello directed the National Wages and Productivity Commission to step up its information drive and provide technical assistance to bus companies in formulating the part-fixed, part-performance compensation scheme.

In a report to Bello, the NWPC said 261 bus companies had been assisted by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards in formulating the compensation scheme from 2012-2018.

The NWPC Operational Guidelines on DO 118-12 states that in adopting the wage scheme, the fixed component shall not be lower than the applicable minimum wage and

shall be paid in legal tender.

Drivers and conductors shall also be entitled to all mandatory wage-related benefits, such as overtime pay, nightshift differential, service incentive leave, 13th month pay, holiday pay, and premium pay.

Meanwhile, the performance pay component shall take into consideration revenue, ridership, safety, specific conditions of routes, and other relevant parameters.

Bus owners and/or operators are required to submit their compensation scheme to the RTWPBs having jurisdiction over the principal place of business of the PUB owner.

FULL SUPPORT.

Pangasinan’s incumbent 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia files his certificate of candidacy for another term in Congress at the Dagupan City Comelec office, with Philippine Constitution Association president and Lakas-SMD Party president Martin Romualdez (right), with Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez (second right), former congressman Gina De Venecia (left) and former House Speaker Jose De Venecia (second left) showing full support.

Ver Noveno

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila IN THE MATTER OF THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11080 ENTITLED, “AN ACT REAPPORTIONING THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA INTO SIX (6) LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS” x--------------------------------------------x

ABAS, Sheriff M. PARREÑO, Al A GUIA, Luie Tito F. GUANZON, Ma. Rowena Amelia V. INTING, Socorro B. CASQUEJO, Marlon S. KHO, Jr., Antonio T.

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

RESOLUTION NO.__________ WHEREAS, on September 27, 2018, the President of the Republic of the Philippines approved Republic Act No. 11080 entitled” An Act Reapportioning the Province of Isabela into Six (6) Legislative Districts”; WHEREAS, Section 3 of RA No. 11080 states that the Commission on Elections shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the law within thirty (30) days upon effectivity thereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and other relevant election laws, RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVES, to promulgate and approve the following “Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11080 entitled “An Act Reapportioning the Province of Isabela into Six (6) Legislative Districts” Section 1. Title. - These Rules and Regulations shall be referred to as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 11080 entitled “An Act Reapportioning the Province of Isabela into Six (6) Legislative Districts”

SSS to collect over P1.39m from 2 convicted employers

Section 2. Legislative Districts and Composition. - The Province of Isabela shall be reapportioned into six (6) legislative districts, with each district composed of the following: Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila

a. First Legislative District: llagan City, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Divilacan, Maconacon, Tumauini, San Pablo, Sta. Maria and Sto. Tomas (9); b. Second Legislative District: Benito Soliven, Palanan, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano and Gamu (6); c. Third Legislative District: Alicia, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Ramon and Angadanan (5); d. Fourth Legislative District: Santiago City, Cordon, Dinapigue, San Agustin and Jones (5); e. Fifth Legislative District: Aurora, Burgos, Luna, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Roxas and San Manuel (8); f. Sixth Legislative District: Cauayan City, Echague, San Guillermo and San Isidro (4).

Section 3. Incumbent Representatives. - The incumbent Representatives of the Province of Isabela shall continue to represent their respective legislative districts until noon of the 30th of June 2019.

Section 4. First Regular Elections. - The first regular elections in the six (6) Legislative Districts of the Province of Isabela shall be held on 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections.

Section 5. Allocation of Members/ House of Representatives. - Each legislative district in the Province of Isabela shall have one (1) Representative in the House of Representatives, as follows: Legislative District First Legislative District Second Legislative District Third Legislative District Fourth Legislative District Fifth Legislative District Sixth Legislative District

Member, House of the Representatives 1 1 1 1 1 1

First Legislative District Second Legislative District Third Legislative District Fourth Legislative District Fifth Legislative District Sixth Legislative District

ABAS, Sheriff M. Chairman PARREÑO, Al A Commissioner GUIA, Luie Tito F. Commissioner GUANZON, Ma. Rowena Amelia V. Commissioner INTING, Socorro B. Commissioner CASQUEJO, Marlon S. Commissioner KHO, Jr., Antonio T. Commissioner

x -------------------------------------------—x RESOLUTION NO.

WHEREAS, on September 24, 2018, the President of the Republic of the Philippines approved Republic Act No. 11077 entitled ”An Act Reapportioning the Province of Aklan into Two (2) Legislative Districts”; WHEREAS, Section 3 of RA No. 11077 states that the Commission on Elections shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the law within thirty (30) days upon the effectivity thereof.

WHEREAS, Section 5 of RA No. 11077 provides that the law shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazatte or in any newspaper of general circulation.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and other relevant election laws, RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVES, to promulgate and approve the following ’’Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11077 entitled ”An Act Reapportioning the Province of Aklan into Two (2) Legislative Districts”.

Section 1. Title. - These Rules and Regulations shall be referred to as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 11077 entitled ”An Act Reapportioning the Province of Aklan into Two (2) Legislative Districts”

Section 6. Allocation of Members/Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - Each legislative district in the Province of Isabela shall have two (2) members in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, as follows: Sangguniang Panlalawigan District

IN THE MATTER OF THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11077 ENTITLED, “AN ACT REAPPORTIONING THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN INTO TWO (2) LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS”

Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Section 2. Legislative Districts and Composition. — The Province of Aklan shall be reapportioned into two (2) legislative districts, with each district composed of the following: a.

First Legislative District: Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Kalibo, New Washington, Libacao and Madalag (8);

b.

Second Legislative District: Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Nabas, Numancia and Tangalan (9).

Section 3. Incumbent Representatives. - The incumbent Representative of the Lone Legislative District of the Province of Aklan shall continue to represent the legislative district until noon of the 30”‘ of June 2019.

2 2 2 2 2 2

Section 4. First Regular Elections. — The first regular elections in the two (2) Legislative Districts of the Province of Aklan shall be held on 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections.

Section 7. Place and Period For Filing Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance. - The Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance, if any, shall be filed at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor of Isabela from October 11, 12, 15-17, 2018 at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM only.

There shall be no further extension on the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. - All rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this IRR are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Publication. - The Education and Information Department (EID) of the Commission shall cause the publication of this IRR in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Section 10. Effectivity. - This IRR shall take effect on the seventh (7th) day after the completion of its publications in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

SO ORDERED.

Section 5. Allocation of Members, House of Representatives. — Each legislative district in the Province of Aklan shall have one (1) Representative in the House of Representatives, as follows:

Legislative District

Member,House of Representatives

Firts Legislative District

1

Second Legislative District

1

Section 6. Allocation of Members, Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - Each legislative district in the Province of Aklan shall have five (5) members in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, as follows:

Sangguniang Panlalawigan District

Member,Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Firts Legislative District

5

Second Legislative District

5

Section 7. Place and Period For Filing Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance. - The Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance, if any, shall be filed at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor of Aklan from October 11, 12, 15-17, 2018 at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM only.

There shall be no further extension on the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. — All rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this IRR are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Publication. — The Education and Information Department (EID) of the Commission shall cause the publication of this IRR in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Section 10. Effectivity. - This IRR shall take effect on the seventh (7“‘) day after the completion of its publications in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

SO ORDERED.

(MS-OCT. 16, 2018)

THE Social Security System will collect more than P1.39 million worth of unpaid contributions and penalty following the conviction of two delinquent employers by two branches of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

SSS president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Dooc said Quezon City RTCs convicted Luz Espiritu of Espiritu Petron Service Station and Rosita Agustin of Ruther Fish Dealer for non-remittance of SSS contributions, a clear violation of Republic Act 8282 or Social Security Act of 1997, commonly referred to as the SS Law. “It is unfortunate that despite several chances given to them to settle their obligations, they still refused to fulfill their duty to their employees who devoted so much time in helping their businesses to prosper,” Dooc said.

Quezon City RTC Branch 100 sentenced Espiritu to a minimum jail term of seven years to a maximum of 10 years and was ordered to pay the unremitted contributions from October 1989 to November 2014 worth P289,372.16 and accumulated three percent penalty until fully paid.

As of October 2017, the fi-

nancial liability of the accused ballooned to over P1.25 million based on the Statement of Account Details provided by SSS. “Instead of taking the initiative to settle her delinquencies and presenting evidences to defend herself, Espiritu remained silent and didn’t appear to court hearings. Hence, the court released the final verdict,” Dooc explained.

Meanwhile, Quezon City RTC Branch 96 sentenced Agustin to suffer imprisonment of six years and one day to seven years and was ordered to pay the total contribution delinquency from May 2000 to August 2011 worth P140,880, fine in the amount of P10,000 and accrued 3 percent penalty until fully paid.

Based on the court decision, Francisco Coronel testified that the accused was his former employer and she neglected her duty of remitting his SSS premiums.

However, Agustin contested that she didn’t hire Coronel as a regular employee since he was only contracted to drive for her on a particular day and he was only paid based on their daily service agreement.

Balutan to winners: Use money wisely PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan has advised the two lucky winners of the P1.1 billion to use their money wisely and productively while congratulating them for bagging Sunday night draw the UltraLotto 6/58 jackpot prize after nine months.

“Like I always say, having a huge money, especially winning millions of pesos can change your outlook in life, lifestyle and priorities. Mind your priorities. Don’t lose yourself. Keep something for yourself and for your family. Don’t become one-day millionaires. Spend your money wisely,” Balutan said.

This is the second time this year that two people won the Ultra Lotto 6/58 prize.

Last Feb. 16, two winners shared the P331-million prize.

“I would like to congratulate our two lucky winners. The winning combination was 40-50-37-25-01-45 and they were bought at the following outlets: Lucky Circle Corp., in SM City Tahao Road, Legazpi City, Albay. Bet type: Self pick, system 9 and Ma. Myra C. Locando, Limbauan St., Brgy. H, Borongan, Eastern Samar. Bet type: Self pick, standard,” Balutan announced.

Apart from the two jackpot winners, 100 bettors will each get P169,930 for hitting five winning combinations correctly.

Balutan reminded all lucky winners to keep their tickets, sign them, as whoever holds the winning ticket is the winner.

“That’s why we always tell our customers to keep their tickets.

You might not win the six winning combinations, you can still get five to three winning numbers correctly,” he said.

He said the public may follow the official social media page of his office at www.facebook.com/mandirigma83 for updates.

(MS-OCT. 16, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

Tio delivers silver for PH team

MMA champ Khabib eyes showdown with Floyd

B

LOS ANGELES—Mixed martial arts fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has taken a page out of Conor McGregor’s playbook and issued a challenge to undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather.

Nurmagomedov’s challenge came in a video posted on Instagram by Mayweather’s promoter Leonard Ellerbe who indicated he ran into the UFC fighter at a fight card in Russia.

“Let’s go Floyd. We have to fight now: 50-0 versus 27-0,” Nurmagomedov said with Ellerbe standing next to him smiling. “We are two guys who never lose. In the jungle there is only one king. Of course, I am the king because he cannot drop McGregor but I drop him easily. Let’s go.”

Nurmagomedov did not say whether he wished to fight Mayweather in a boxing or UFC match. Like McGregor, the Russian has no previous experience as a professional boxer.

McGregor made millions last year by taking on Mayweather in lopsided boxing match. Mayweather appeared to toy with McGregor in the early rounds before stopping the Irishman in the 10th to improve to 50-0.

Last weekend, Nurmagomedov retained his UFC lightweight crown, beating McGregor by fourth-round submission.

He then climbed out of the Octagon to fight with a member of McGregor’s entourage who had been taunting him. McGregor also took some punches from members of Nurmagomedov’s team. AFP

Laguna edges CamSur, nails solo NBL lead

UENOS AIRES—Filipino-Norwegian Christian Tio made sure the Philippines won’t come out empty-handed in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games here.

The 17-year-old Tio saved the Philippine campaign with a kiteboarding silver medal as he finished second in the final race of men’s kiteboarding on Sunday to move up from fourth the day before for the silver performance after almost a week of racing at the Club Nautico San Isidro here.

“My mindset was just to go for it and enjoy,’’ said Tio. “Thank you for everyone who supported me, giving all the love.’’

Tio actually shared second-place honors with Toni Vodisek of Slovenia, while Deury Corniel of Dominican Republic sealed the gold medal after winning three of the six races prior to Sunday’s final race.

The competition was supposed to have ended on Friday, but the lack of strong winds forced the organizers to cancel several races.

Tio prepared for over two months—

four weeks in Dominican Republic and four weeks in Buenos Aires—to get his body and mind in great condition.

“I didn’t suffer from jetlag. I was fully rested after arriving here early,’’ said Tio, whose next objective is to go home to the Philippines.

Archer Nicole Marie Tagle’s partnership with Hendrik Oun of Estonia has allowed them to advance to the quarterfinals of the mixed international event where they got beaten by New Zealand’s Rebecca Jones and Chihchun Tang of Chinese Taipei, 5-1, at the Parque Sarmiento archery range.

“Medyo mahangin po kanina at naapektuhan nito ang performance ko,’’ said Tagle, a Southeast Asian Games silver medalist last year in Kuala Lumpur.

The 17-year-old from Dumaguete City has another chance to medal when Tagle meets Great Brittain’s Alyssia TromansAnsell in the round of 16 women’s individual recurve come Tuesday.

Yuka Saso and Carl Janno Corpus scored a five-over 75 for 18th place in the mixed team event as the tandem try to chase leaders Atthaya Thitikul and Vanchai Luangnitikul of Thailand on Monday’s final round.

Surfing champ holds workshop

By Peter Atencio

Chistian Tio in action at the Youth Olympic Games’ kiteboarding competition

International Olympic Committee

Carlos tests mettle against elite Luisita cast

LAGUNA claimed the solo lead in the National Basketball League after beating CamSur, 106-102, last Saturday at the Dominican College gym in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Shin Manacsa scored the go-ahead lay-up with 25 seconds left to claim a 103-102 lead and complete a comeback from a 24-point deficit.

Manacsa finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds as his heroics helped Laguna gain first place with a 5-1 winloss record to break away from CamSur on top of the standings.

In the other game last Saturday, Vincent Gabriana had 26 points and eight rebounds as Dasmariñas Ballers Club defeated the Quezon City Rising Stars, 95-93, to pick up their second win in the league for homegrown talents being aired on Basketball TV and Solar Sports.

Last Sunday at the Antipolo Educational Sports Hub, the CamSur Express bounced back from their loss to Laguna after beating the Marikina Shoemakers, 86-69. Fredson Hermonio and Jayson Relata had 15 points each as the Express occupy second place with a 5-2 slate.

Romyl Jornacion had 15 points and converted a late three-pointer to lift the Rizal Spartans to their second win after a 76-69 decision over the Quezon City Rising Stars.

JOBIM Carlos tries to cap a sterling Philippine Golf Tour season with a victory in the rich ICTSI Luisita Invitational against an elite international field also going all out to grab the spotlight at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.

That makes the P4 million PGT final leg an event to watch starting today (Tuesday, Oct. 16) with Carlos facing an early test of will against veteran Jay Bayron and title-hungry Michael Bibat at 11:10 a.m. on No. 1.

With two victories and a couple of runner-up efforts in the PGT season about to end, Carlos has secured the Order of Merit crown as early as last month when he piled up earnings of P2,411,083 in nine legs against young Korean Kim Joo Hyung’s P1.36 million winnings.

At 25, Carlos is one of the youngest winners of the coveted individual crown, clinching it on this third year on the tour.

But the next four days will be pretty tough for the former amateur hotshot with a slew of aces out to foil his drive for a third championship, including Jhonnel Ababa, winner of the last PGT leg in Cebu, and fellow leg winners Dutch Guido Van der Valk (Eagle Ridge), Jerson Balasabas (Phl Masters), American Nicolas Paez (Del Monte) and Justin Quiban (Bacolod).

Multi-titled and PGT Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña and reigning OOM champion Clyde Mondilla are also out to

Runaway OOM winner Jobim Carlos will be the marked man in the P4M ICTSI Luisita Invitational.

make a bid in the 72-hole championship put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. in an attempt to avert a winless season.

Ababa hopes to come out strong in the group of Erwin Arcillas and Rufino Bayron at 7:30 a.m. on the first hole, Van der Valk also expects to be in the mix early against Aussie Simon Vitakangas and amateur Jolo Magcalayo at 7:35 a.m. on No. 10 while Balasabas faces an early chal-

lenge against Lascuña and Ferdie Aunzo at 7:20 a.m., also on No. 1 of the tight, hazard-laden layout which puts premium on iron play and accuracy.

Paez, chasing a follow-up breakthrough triumph at Del Monte, drew Mondilla and Macedonia’s Peter Stojanovski at 7:40 a.m. on No. 1 while Quiban is priming up for his defense of the CAT Open crown against Richard Sinfuego and Joenard Rates at 11:15 a.m. on No. 10.

Warriors still team to beat as NBA rivals lurk WASHINGTON—Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry will enjoy watching the Golden State Warriors hoist another championship banner Tuesday when they open the 2018-19 NBA campaign against Oklahoma City.

But the 3-point sharpshooter doesn’t need to look to the rafters to know the Warriors remain the team to beat as they begin the quest for a third consecutive NBA title and fourth crown in five seasons.

“I’m still glowing,” Curry said.

“The glow won’t wear down until you get beat.”

The Warriors boast three other All-Stars in two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, defensive stalwart Draymond Green and Curry’s backcourt partner Klay Thompson—plus a fifth in injured center DeMarcus Cousins, signed in July but still sidelined after left Achilles tendon surgery in January.

Working Cousins into the

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sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Stephen Curry

lineup once he returns could add some zest to the regular season for Golden State, which has so far avoided letting repetitive domination lead to complacency.

“That’s the thing I’m most proud of with our team,” Curry said. “We’re talented and all that, but the work that goes into it, the mental approach to turn the page, has been there the last three years.

“You work so hard to earn the

right to be proud of yourself at the end of the summer.”

‘Can’t just sleepwalk’ Golden State will try to become the first team since the 2000-2002 Los Angeles Lakers to win three consecutive NBA titles and join the 1950s Minneapolis Lakers and 1960s Boston Celtics as the only clubs to win four titles in five years.

The Celtics dynasty, with eight titles in a row and nine in all from 1957-1966, is the only NBA squad to reach five consecutive NBA Finals—a feat the Warriors can achieve this season.

The Houston Rockets, who pushed the Warriors to seven games in last season’s Western Conference finals, and the Boston Celtics, bringing back injured stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to a team that was one win from last season’s Eastern Conference crown, figure to lead a pack of rivals who ache for a chance to play for the championship.

“To be honest, it’s fun,” Curry said of wearing the target for every NBA rival. “No matter if it’s a Tuesday night at home or a back-to-back in some random East Coast city, you’re going to be tested and you can’t just sleepwalk through stuff.

“We’ve been exposed at times in terms of when we’re not extremely locked in that we can be beat. But when we are focused and in tune with each other, understanding what we’re trying to do to be successful, obviously we’re tough.”

No one knows that better than the Rockets, who won a leaguebest 65 games last season behind NBA Most Valuable Player and scoring champion James Harden.

Houston led Golden State 3-2 in the West finals before Chris Paul suffered an injured hamstring and missed the last two games, both won by the Warriors to reach the NBA Finals, where they swept Cleveland for the crown. AFP

SEVEN-TIME world surfing champion Layne Beachley recently held a workshop on attitude and resilience to more than 150 Wyndham staff in Clark, Philippines recently.

Beachley added to her world title collection a win at the World Surf League’s 2018 Azores Airlines World Grand Masters Championship in Portugal last September.

Now a Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific company ambassador, Beachley led a two-day workshop designed to set goals, practice empathy and develop a strong positive mindset.

“Layne Beachley reflects our culture here at Wyndham as she is incredibly driven and believes in the power of a positive attitude,” said Jerry Estrada, Director of Operations, Wyndham Services Asia Pacific (Philippines).

Estrada added that Beachley also promotes a sense of fun and vitality and we are thrilled to have Layne here working with our staff to help with both their personal growth and professional development.”

Beachley is actively involved in a number of initiatives aimed at promoting staff development and wellness in line with the company’s ‘Be Well’ health and wellness program.

With a rich surfing career spanning two decades, Beachley is a motivational speaker who has inspired thousands of people.

She is also Chairperson of Surfing Australia, the representative body on the International Surfing Association of which there are 86 member countries.

Wyndham Services Asia Pacific Philippines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific that employs over 150 staff across a number of different functions, including customer support, technical and IT support, communications and creative services, human resources, finance, customer experience, sales, revenue and marketing.

St. Benilde tries to salvage some pride in its last game ALREADY out of the Final Games Tuesday Four race, College of St. (Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan) Benilde will try to salvage 10 a.m.- CSB vs JRU (jrs) some measure of pride as 12 nn.- AU vs MU (jrs) 2 p.m.- CSB vs JRU (srs) it tries to finish its elimi4 p.m.- AU vs MU (srs) nation round campaign by winning its last two games including its duel with Jose Rizal University today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Blazers succumbed to CJ Perez and the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 64-77, Thursday that sent them reeling to their eighth defeat against eight wins and out of Final Four competition.

It was a heartbreaking campaign for CSB as it started its firstround campaign at joint fourth with Letran on 6-3 (win-loss) record before dropping five of their next seven assignments to kiss its Final Four chances goodbye.

Now CSB will just try to do the next best thing, finish their campaign on a bright note.

It plays JRU, which has a 3-14 card, at 2 p.m. and then Letran next week.

Meanwhile, Arellano University (5-11) and Mapua (5-12) collide in another non-bearing outing at 4 p.m.

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

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

Sports ONE FLAG. In this file photo, the Unified Korea delegation parades during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games in August. AFP

Koreas to hold talks on joint Olympics bid S

EOUL—North and South Korea will discuss the details for their planned joint bid for the 2032 Olympics later this month to follow up on an ambitious agreement reached between their leaders in September.

The radical concept, which would require an unprecedented level of cooperation and mutual trust on the long-divided Korean peninsula, was included in a joint statement issued after a September summit between the North’s leader Kim Jong Un and the South’s President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang.

“The South and North agreed to ... discuss the issue of South-North joint hosting of the 2032 Summer Olympics around the end of the month at the joint liaison office,” read a joint statement issued after a high-level meeting Monday.

No further details were given.

Pyongyang boycotted the 1988 Seoul

Summer Olympics after it demanded cohosting rights and negotiations fell apart over how to share the events, but its decision to participate in this year’s Pyeongchang Winter Games triggered a dramatic diplomatic turnaround on the peninsula.

It came after tensions mounted the previous year, with the North carrying out multiple missile launches and its most powerful nuclear test to date, and Kim trading personal insults and threats of war with US President Donald Trump.

The February Games saw athletes from the two Koreas march together at

the opening ceremony behind a unification flag showing an undivided peninsula, and the first unified Olympic team, in women’s ice hockey.

Kim sent his sister Kim Yo Jong to Pyeongchang as his personal envoy, and the two leaders have since met three times as part of an ongoing diplomatic rapprochement.

The two Koreas have continued their sports diplomacy, forming joint teams for the ITTF world table tennis championships and several events at the Asian Games in Indonesia as well as holding

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friendly basketball matches.

North Korea’s participation in hosting the Summer Games, which include thousands of athletes from around the world and an even larger number of spectators, would be a watershed event requiring a degree of openness and financial muscle now lacking in the isolated and impoverished country.

It would also force an extraordinary level of cooperation between two Cold War foes that have no formal avenues for regular contact and are still technically at war. AFP

South Africa’s World Cup plans take shape JOHANNESBURG—South Africa’s time for experimentation ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup is coming to an end, according to coach Ottis Gibson.

Speaking after rain washed out his team’s final Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe in Benoni on Sunday, Gibson said a short limited overs tour of Australia, starting later this month, would be a crucial part of the build-up to next year’s World Cup in England.

“We want to go there with an attitude of trying to win,” said Gibson. “The squad that we pick will reflect that and reflect our feeling on the formula and the way we want to play cricket.”

South Africa were seldom under pressure in three limited overs and two Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe but tried to play the kind of positive cricket that will be needed for more demanding encounters.

“There is a lot being said about being positive. The key is having the will to stick with it even when things get tough,” said Gibson.

The Barbados-born coach said leading batsman Hashim Amla would miss the tour of Australia because of a finger injury but indicated that veteran bowlers Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir would make the trip, adding to the strike power of fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

“I know what Rabada and Ngidi can do but for me the real excitement was watching Dale Steyn bowling in the second game in Bloemfontein,” he said. “It was fantastic to see him back to that level again, bowling quickly with that skill and accuracy.”

“There are a lot of guys we have in our thoughts who will be in the squad to Australia,” said Gibson. “For the last 12 months we have been looking at players. In the next couple of months, the players have been told that the window is closing all the time.”

After three one-day internationals in Australia, South Africa will have five-match home series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“In those series we want to be focusing on a core of 17 to 18 players we will be looking at,” he said.

South Africa’s squad for Australia will be announced on Thursday. AFP

IN BRIEF

US retailer Sears files for bankruptcy

WASHINGTON—Sears, the venerable US chain that once dominated the retail sector but had been in decline since the advent of the Amazon era, filed for bankruptcy Monday and announced it was closing almost 150 stores.

With a history that stretches back to 1886, the company was a pioneer of departmental stores that catered to everyone and by the mid-twentieth century had built a vast empire that stretched across North America.

But it has closed hundreds of outlets in recent years amid a retail shakeout caused in part by the rise of Amazon and other e-commerce players.

“The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York,” a statement by Sears Holdings Corp. said.

Sears had been drowning in debt and reportedly could not afford a $134-million repayment that had been due on Monday. AFP

Business

Two PLDT units, SPi tie up over Office 365 EPLDT Inc. and PLDT Enterprise teamed up with SPi Global for the adoption of Microsoft Office 365.

Office 365 is a suite of productivity tools that allows users to work anytime, anywhere, and on any device. It boasts of communication solutions built for effective team collaboration—from e-mail and IM (instant messaging) to social networking and video conferencing.

“We have exigencies in the business, particularly data resiliency and data security, which is why we value partnerships with technology companies that fulfill that need. We are glad that the PLDT Group has met our standards at a time when we need support in the market’s highly competitive space,” SPi Global president and chief executive Ratan Datta said.

SPi Global is the market-leading content technology and solutions company that provides subject matter expertise and data services to various industries. The company acquired global Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions from ePLDT for its offices in the Philippines, India and the US. Darwin G. Amojelar

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

POWER INVESTMENTS. Participants to the Department of Energy’s investment forum in Davao City ask their questions about the regulatory processes, policies, financing and benefits and other concerns about energy projects in Mindanao. The open forum panel is composed of Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, assistant secretary Redentor Delola, Mindanao Development Authority assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro, Philippine Electricity Market Corp.’s Clares Loren Jalocon, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Fernando Javier, Department of Environment and Natural Resources director Metodio Turbella, Banco De Oro Unibank’s Joseph Rhoderick Lledo and Alsons Energy Development Corp.’s Joseph C. Nocos.

Govt to slash non-infra budget after oil tax freeze

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE government may reduce its non-infrastructure spending, once it suspends the second tranche of oil excise taxes, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Monday.

Dominguez, who leads the interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee, said cutting non-infra spending would be an option while the DBCC was looking for contingency measures so that infrastructure spending would not be affected by the expected P40-billion revenue loss with the fuel excise tax suspension.

“The DBCC has various options of handling the expected revenue shortfall such as cutting non-infra spending,” Dominguez said in a statement.

The second tranche of excise taxes on fuel was contained in the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in December last year.

Under the Train law, personal income taxes were reduced, while excise taxes on fuel, tobacco, alcohol and automobiles were increased.

The excise taxes on diesel fuel were increased by P2.50 per liter in 2018, while the excise taxes on gasoline were adjusted by P7 a liter.The train law also provides that beginning 2019, excise taxes for diesel will be increased by P4.50 a liter and gasoline

by P9 a liter under the second installment of the law.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said in an event in Makati City Sunday the president’s planned to suspend the second tranche of excise taxes on oil to temper the accelerating inflation.

“As announced by SAP Bong Go, the President is making an early announcement of the temporary suspension of the January 2019 oil excise increase under

Remittances dropped 0.9% to $2.48b in August MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas declined 0.9 percent in August to $2.476 billion from $2.499 billion a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

The figure brought cash remittances in the first eight months to $19.057 billion, up by 2.5 percent from $18.595 billion registered in the same period last year.

BSP Deputy Governor and officerin-charge Maria Almasara Cyd TuañoAmador said in a statement the countries that contributed to the decline in August were the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

She said cash remittances sent by land-based workers on a cumulative basis rose 2.1 percent to $15.1 billion, while transfers from sea-based workers grew 3.8 percent to $4 billion.

More than 79 percent of the total cash remittances in the first eight months of 2018 came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also declined 1.4 percent in August to $2.76 billion from $2.80 billion a year earlier.

This brought personal remittances to $21.223 billion in the first eight months, up 2.4 percent from $20.723 billion a year ago.

ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Mapa said remittances remained a stable source of foreign exchange to the Philippines.

“The contraction in year-on-year terms shows that the seasonality in remittances continues to shift, mainly due to school year changes as well as to possible late payments to workers. Nuances in exchange rates may have also caused the discrepancy given yearly growth rates,” Mapa said. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Now blames DICT head for P7-b losses in stock market

Fight smuggling, BoC, Coast Guard asked FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III urged the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs to have a closer coordination in mounting a relentless drive against smuggling.

Dominguez said during the commissioning ceremony at the PCG headquarters in Manila on Monday for two fast patrol vessels acquired by the Philippines with the assistance of the French government that stronger partnerships between government agencies was the key to winning the allout war against the economic scourge.

Dominguez said eradicating smuggling was crucial because billions of pesos in annual revenue losses from the illicit activity could have been enough for the government to kick-start its overdue infrastructure modernization program long before the Duterte administration had implemented its “Build, Build, Build” initiative.

“Being an archipelago with twice the coastline of the United States, we have long been vulnerable to smuggling activities. There is no way to accurately estimate the cumulative amount of revenues denied government coffers,” he said. Julito G. Rada

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

the Train Law. This announcement is being made two months before the time required by law, to proactively anchor inflation expectations and enhance the welfare of the Filipino people,” Finance assistant secretary Antonio Lambino II said over the weekend.

“After consulting the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the economic team, the president is confident that this course of action will help anchor inflation expectations for the coming year, allow the public to manage their finances better, and disallow hoarders and profiteers from taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

Go on Sunday said the trigger price of $80 per barrel for three consecutive months should be met before the excise tax on oil could be suspended by January 2019.

Go said there was a provision in the Train law that suggested if the index selling price of oil in Dubai reached at least $80 per barrel on the average of three consecutive months, the government may suspend the excise tax.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, October 15, 2018

MOST INNOVATIVE SERVICE.

The Filipino Times, the largest and most trusted Filipino newspaper in the United Arab Emirates, names DirectRemit to BDO accounts as “The Most Innovative Service of the Year” in its annual Awards Night at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai. Shown during the awarding ceremony are Emirates NBD remittances and foreign exchange vice president and head Faisal Saeed (left) and BDO remittance business development, sales and marketing assistant and head for UAE Edwin Punzalan.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

54.0810

Japan

Yen

0.008917

0.4822

UK

Pound

1.308700

70.7758

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127628

6.9022

Switzerland

Franc

1.010101

54.6273

Canada

Dollar

0.768108

41.5400

Singapore

Dollar

0.725847

39.2545

Australia

Dollar

0.711100

38.4570

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

143.4586

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

14.4189

Brunei

Dollar

0.723223

39.1126

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000066

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030544

1.6519

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.7256 62.4365

Euro

Euro

1.154500

Korea

Won

0.000883

0.0478

China

Yuan

0.144622

7.8213

India

Rupee

0.013587

0.7348

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240790

13.0222

New Zealand

Dollar

0.650000

35.1527

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032371

1.7507

China offers $7.2-b fund to support projects in Asean, other nations

By Othel V. Campos

ZHANGJIAJE, China―China’s Belt and Road Initiative will release 10 billion renminbi or $1.5 billion next month to finance development projects in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including the Philippines.

The amount is a part of the initial 50 billion renminbi or about $7.2 billion in funding that China is making available to countries covered by the so-called Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a regional concept created by China to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and sea networks along six corridors. It aims to foster cohesiveness

in the region and economic growth.

The Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce is set to announce on Oct. 16 the first funding downloaded from the program at the opening of the 2018 Silk Road Summit here.

“We are giving the Philippines unlimited access to this fund provided that the projects they propose will pass the evaluation of the technical committee,” said SRCIC chairman Lu Jianzhong.

Candidates for the Silk Road projects are cultural, tourism and environmental project proposals, he said.

The chamber will also pitch for development projects that may help resolve issues on the environment such as new technologies that can de-clog and sani-

tize sewer systems.

Jianzhong said the Philippines could implement these projects to improve the efficiency of sewerage/drainage systems, prevent flash flooding and restore the integrity of old sewerage pipes and canals.

“Priority for projects like this are the Asean and Silk Road countries. These countries are the target markets for the bulk of the 10 billion renminbi,” he said.

The chamber agreed to raise the initial 50 billion renminbi in 2017 to get the program going.

There are now 129 Silk Road chambers from 177 Silk Road countries, including the Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce which is chaired by Francis Chua.

PUBLICLY-LISTED Now Corp. blamed Department of Information and Communications Technology acting Secretary Eliseo Jr. for his alleged “reckless” statement that caused the loss of about P7 billion in stock market capitalization.

Now head of investor relations Miguel Lopez said the company’s lawyers were now studying possible legal recourse against Eliseo.

“Now has assigned its lawyers to study the damages of the reckless statements and the immediate filing of cases,” Lopez said.

Lopez said Rio’s statement naming Now Corp.–with only P6.3 million net income in 2017–as the mother company of Now Telecom was “false and a malicious lie.”

“Now Telecom is only an affiliate of Now Corporation,” Lopez said. He said Now Corp. held only 19-percent ownership stake in Now Telecom.

Lopez said the reckless statements of Rio damaged the value of Now Corp. shares in the market, resulting in the loss of about P7 billion in market capitalization.

Rio said, however, his statement about Now was not the reason for the drop of its shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“They are blaming me, but more or less it’s because of their action,” Rio said, adding that Now’s share price declined on Oct. 9 even before he made the statement on Oct. 10.

“What I said is just true. They should tell the public that on Oct. 9, nobody made any statements.

How can they say that I’m the reason? Their action caused the drop of its share prices. I think the people are punishing them enough, we don’t have to do anything,” Rio said.

Lopez said Rio, in statement reported by various media entities and posted on the DICT’s website, insinuated that Now Telecom probably could not afford to bid for the right to be the new major player in the telecom sector.

Meralco posted 5% rise in power sales in 9 months

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. posted a five-percent sales growth in January to September, a top executive said Monday.

“Year to date will be 32,530 gigawatthours [five percent growth],” Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services and corporate communication Al Panlilio said.

Panlilio said the sales growth in the first nine months was driven by the strong power demand in the first half.

Sales volume increased 7 percent to 21,665 gigawatt-hours in the first six months.

Industrial sales volume grew the fastest at 9 percent, followed by residential sales at 6 percent and commercial sales at 6 percent.

The growth in industrial sales was driven by semiconductor, food and beverage, rubber and plastics industries.

Meralco officials previously forecasted a slightly softer sales volume growth this year of 4.5 percent, compared to 4.9 percent last year.

“The way it is trending, we may be around not too far from what we saw last year,” Meralco president Oscar Reyes said early this year.

Meralco’s net income climbed 14 percent in the first half to P11.973 billion from P10.501 billion a year ago, on higher volume of energy sold.

Core net income also rose 7 percent in the first six months to P10.851 billion from P10.118 billion in the same period last year. Core net income includes the effects of foreign exchange gains or losses, mark-to-market adjustments and other one-time exception transactions.

B2

Business

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH, Asian markets resume slide T HE stock market fell Monday, joining the rest of Asia on lingering concerns about rising prices and the weak peso.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 78.26 points, or 1.1 percent, to 6,926.51 on a value turnover of P4.4 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 106 to 84, with 41 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, tumbled 4.6 percent, to P250, while Globe Telecom Inc., the second-largest telecommunications firm, dropped 4.3 percent to P2,010.

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei declined 3.8 percent to P77, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. fell

2.5 percent to P850.

The rest of Asian stocks opened the week on the back foot Monday, with investors still in gloomy mood after several days of market turbulence sparked by trade rows and a spat over the US central bank.

Japanese equities led the way lower, with the benchmark Nikkei 225 shedding almost two percent, not helped by reports that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would later Monday announce a hike in sales tax.

“We have never seen a share price rise in the past after an announcement of a sales tax hike,” noted Kyoko Amemiya, senior market strategist at SBI Securities.

Japanese stocks also came under pressure after US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said over the weekend the US wants to include a provision to prevent currency manipulation in future trade

deals with Japan.

Chinese stocks, which were the worst hit in last week’s global rout, also tracked lower, with the benchmark Shanghai composite off nearly one percent.

Markets in Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea also drifted lower, with the Hang Seng giving up more than one percent.

“We can’t say the shock is over,” said Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities.

Last week saw a broad-based sell-off in global equities, prompted by fears of higher US interest rates, continued worries over US-China trade and attacks by President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve, which he called “crazy.”

On Friday, the bulls attempted a fightback but found it hard going in another seesaw session. Early European gains fizzled and the Dow Jones closed up 1.2 percent following late buying but it also

dipped into the red for part of the session.

This week, traders are expected to focus on a raft of economic data and dozens of company results.

Turning to commodities, oil prices continued to soar as traders fretted over US relations with its ally and the world’s top oil producer Saudi Arabia.

Trump has warned of “severe punishment” if it is revealed that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul but Riyadh hit back immediately, saying it would retaliate.

Geopolitical tensions surrounding Saudi Arabia battered shares in Japanese conglomerate Softbank, which has close financial ties to the Kingdom.

Softbank stock plunged more than seven percent in Tokyo, as Riyadh is heavily involved in the firm’s massive technology investment fund. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 23,810 80.95 763,970 2.27 51,000 109.9 2,186,960 28.55 52,200 15.5 24,700 11.7 2,394,600 4.1 53,000 1.6 23,000 800 280 0.49 30,000 65.5 1,227,430 0.85 118,000 11.5 11,300 19.98 63,300 40.65 41,100 102.4 70 76.75 1,740 27 86,000 143.1 1,819,450 65.9 1,800 1.17 11,000

1,384,446 62,192,949.50 118,080 246,311,641 1,507,675 384,490 27,806,884 212,200 36,840 226,500 14,700 81,417,823.50 100,690 129,880 1,220,412 1,688,385 7,168 130,412 2,388,445 260,410,665 118,732 12,870

1,076,019 -33,254,279 -34,977,041 -449,820 7,722,976 14,700 -34,266,255 -1,197,725 7,300 -128,748,367 -92,337 -

33.6 17.92 0.89 1.24 0.203 2.06 13.38 33.65 16.1 35.2 1.68 7.08 10.38 14.64 7.8 6.98 7.09 1.53 15.6 63.75 25.95 5.78 11.62 1.68 250 44.95 4.8 25.3 10.8 15.62 348 0.167 6.4 1.63 4.01 8.33 4.21 8.6 0.94 10.4 53 5.61 4.8 2.12 2.9 1.5 11.04 87.5 5.18 0.88 132.3 2.41 1.7 2.17

INDUSTRIAL 33.6 1,772,400 18.1 438,300 0.93 3,997,000 1.27 177,000 0.213 310,000 2.18 17,952,000 13.5 3,260,500 36 682,100 17.58 8,700 37.2 19,300 1.68 150,000 7.08 2,600 10.6 6,124,900 14.7 2,400 7.81 23,000 7 1,143,000 7.1 5,293,400 1.53 3,000 15.76 294,000 64 100,960 25.95 1,800 5.8 134,800 11.64 304,000 1.73 933,000 250 480,350 45 400 4.8 17,000 25.4 601,600 11 155,000 16.6 11,559,700 348 101,560 0.179 240,000 6.4 3,000 1.73 51,000 4.01 5,000 8.33 347,900 4.44 17,000 8.99 27,000 0.97 411,000 10.6 43,100 53 323,440 5.61 700 4.8 17,000 2.29 1,207,000 2.9 2,000 1.54 18,000 11.3 25,400 90.5 703,350 5.21 95,000 0.9 23,000 132.3 333,140 2.41 100,000 1.76 1,321,000 2.33 29,511,000

59,851,790 7,928,606 3,676,840 225,000 64,710 38,278,510 44,010,736 24,281,360 140,584 714,770 252,200 18,408 64,833,788 35,370 180,871 8,000,163 37,582,274 4,590 4,617,264 6,461,463.50 46,710 782,730 3,559,266 1,600,660 123,042,096 17,990 81,600 15,266,225 1,692,412 187,346,172 35,437,998 40,860 19,204 88,990 20,320 2,914,728 72,670 239,510 394,410 455,436 17,216,176.50 3,927 81,600 2,756,330 5,800 27,700 285,790 63,114,210.50 494,857 20,320 44,502,506 241,000 2,291,850 66,861,010

8,166,220 582,246 19,900 -8,091,900 35,870,764 1,700,915 -24,970.00 9,367,256 -47,200 -5,680,681 -18,719,923 227,612 272,157.50 58,500 1,182,434 -1,183,240 -40,659,054 3,394,910 -846,062 593,754 443,004 1,710 -8,600 -1,881,739 -136,620 -3,196,968.50 81,600 -41,589,312 -17,600 -11,343,592 241,000 -1,048,200

0.435 47 11.9 0.8 6.13 26.2 1.19 1.2 913 6.1 12.06 7.18 0.205 724 46.95 0.56 4.55 13.92 0.54 5.05 0.037 2.3 167.9 874 1.36 278 0.255

0.405 45.6 11.62 0.8 6.12 25.4 1.16 1.17 894.5 6 11.84 7.15 0.202 700 45.8 0.52 4.3 13.1 0.51 4.82 0.037 2.25 165 850 1.36 269 0.222

HOLDING FIRMS 0.435 10,700,000 45.6 1,821,300 11.62 3,890,400 0.8 1,000 6.13 13,900 25.7 4,700 1.17 4,877,000 1.18 2,213,000 894.5 63,000 6.02 1,223,800 11.84 4,576,300 7.18 3,546,900 0.205 1,700,000 710 229,010 46.95 1,539,000 0.54 124,000 4.48 62,000 13.34 3,836,000 0.53 888,000 4.82 16,029,000 0.037 2,100,000 2.3 355,000 166 109,980 850 183,750 1.36 50,000 277 470 0.24 14,300,000

4,552,150 83,136,865 45,703,096 800 85,118 121,425 5,705,970 2,601,500 56,627,140 7,369,980 54,303,626 25,406,244 347,060 163,603,910 71,400,780 65,350 269,960 51,533,746 469,770 78,817,800 77,700 808,690 18,296,136 158,151,195 68,000 129,080 3,415,310

3,800 -29,308,245 -35,141,904 85,118 15,460 -21,540,320 -1,230,199.00 5,132,140 3,122,605 14,862,225 -150,110 -4,832,498 -46,411,640 -45,640.00 -1,456,376 -27,396,000 77,630 48,100

7.2 0.78 2 0.64 40.35 2.33 4.37 5.4 0.425 0.92 0.225 7.95 18.4 0.55 1.45 1.06 2.45 4.2 0.62 0.43 0.405 3.68 40.7 20.25 1.94

6.92 0.74 1.91 0.59 39.2 2.3 4.26 5.3 0.41 0.88 0.208 7.65 18.02 0.53 1.41 1 2.34 4.13 0.59 0.41 0.4 3.53 38 19.64 1.93

2,721,103 1,211,060 724,630 679,880 429,933,710 5,693,210 1,210,660 1,111,424 1,081,600 49,540 637,980 2,177,747 6,358,132 218,050 3,960,030 333,610 22,420,510 45,571,230 22,308,850 354,950 28,200 1,737,770 31,360 11,455,414 42,660

59,155 152,000 -119,040 70,781,375 -5,305,690.00 559,760 42,000 795 -1,127,072 716,430 -11,180 -107,700 4,461,160 -123,410 3,590 -3,846,085 34,920

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

57 82.3 2.4 111 29.1 15.7 11.56 4 1.62 820 0.49 66.5 0.85 10.8 19.7 42.1 102.4 74.9 28 143 66 1.17

59 82.65 2.49 113.4 29.2 15.8 11.84 4.1 1.62 820 0.49 67.15 0.87 11.5 20 42.1 102.4 76.75 28.2 144.1 66 1.17

56.3 80.7 2.27 109.9 28.55 15.4 11.52 4 1.6 800 0.49 65.5 0.85 10.8 19 40.65 102.4 72.05 26.5 141.1 65.9 1.17

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

34 18.16 0.9 1.27 0.203 2.15 13.38 33.65 17.6 37.3 1.69 7.08 10.38 14.64 8 7.01 7.09 1.53 15.6 63.85 25.95 5.85 11.7 1.7 262 44.95 4.8 25.3 10.88 15.62 352 0.183 6.42 1.75 4.1 8.56 4.45 8.6 0.95 10.84 53.9 5.61 4.8 2.19 2.9 1.5 11.48 89.5 5.2 0.92 137 2.41 1.73 2.17

34.4 18.22 0.94 1.3 0.214 2.2 13.6 36 17.6 37.3 1.69 7.08 10.82 15.2 8.05 7.02 7.11 1.53 15.76 64.5 25.95 5.85 11.9 1.75 264 45 4.8 25.8 11.2 16.78 352.4 0.183 6.42 1.75 4.1 8.56 4.45 8.99 0.97 10.84 53.95 5.61 4.8 2.36 2.9 1.59 11.48 90.5 5.22 0.92 137 2.41 1.77 2.33

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

0.41 46.15 11.72 0.8 6.12 25.85 1.17 1.17 901 6.01 12.06 7.18 0.202 700.5 45.85 0.56 4.55 13.92 0.51 4.95 0.037 2.25 167.1 871.5 1.36 278 0.222

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL

7.2 0.74 2 0.6 40 2.33 4.36 5.3 0.41 0.89 0.208 7.65 18.2 0.54 1.44 1.03 2.39 4.13 0.62 0.41 0.405 3.56 40 19.7 1.93

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

3.13 34.25 1.14 5.72 0.77 5.7

3.17 34.6 1.14 6.2 0.77 5.75

3.04 33.7 1.14 5.72 0.77 5.64

3.17 33.7 1.14 5.99 0.77 5.7

317,000 5,574,300 6,000 303,400 1,000 2,720,500

970,880 189,948,480 6,840 1,821,829 770 15,486,112

-118,259,775 42,480 -10,154,580

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

9.5 20.25 1.36 0.44 0.037 13.48 1.61 8.42 0.057 67.55 4.85 7.5 14.38 2,140 5.19 297 2.6 92 7.75 0.114 2.92 3.1 14.82 3.55 0.86 17.1 0.41 5.7 7.01 2.18 1.37 15.02 5.94 10.98 3.05 100 3.75 1,400 0.83 0.35 43 80 7.48 2.66 0.75 0.52 5.2 0.6 11.1

9.67 20.9 1.43 0.44 0.039 13.48 1.71 8.82 0.057 69.8 5.13 8.93 17 2,140 5.19 310 2.61 93.5 7.75 0.114 3.04 3.13 14.82 3.58 0.89 17.1 0.41 5.7 7.06 2.18 1.44 15.02 6.44 10.98 3.05 110 3.75 1,400 0.85 0.35 43 80 7.48 2.73 0.82 0.53 5.42 0.62 11.1

9.5 20.25 1.36 0.425 0.037 13.48 1.57 8.42 0.055 67.4 4.85 7.5 14.38 1,994 5.05 297 2.56 92 7.75 0.109 2.86 3.1 14.82 3.42 0.84 16.98 0.41 5.18 6.99 2.12 1.37 15.02 5.76 10.98 3.05 100 3.5 1,368 0.81 0.34 42 77 7.44 2.55 0.73 0.51 5.17 0.58 10.92

SERVICES 9.62 20.8 1.43 0.43 0.039 13.48 1.7 8.69 0.056 67.8 4.9 8.93 15.1 2,010 5.05 310 2.56 93 7.75 0.11 2.89 3.13 14.82 3.44 0.88 17.02 0.41 5.4 6.99 2.13 1.44 15.02 5.88 10.98 3.05 110 3.69 1,368 0.84 0.35 42 77 7.45 2.55 0.81 0.51 5.37 0.62 10.94

10,700 13,000 15,000 550,000 11,200,000 700 4,036,000 5,773,000 4,920,000 333,710 1,802,000 1,400 261,800 84,340 225,400 2,320 757,000 721,370 12,000 730,000 4,133,000 2,000 100 228,000 191,000 1,022,900 10,000 22,000 3,492,800 678,000 27,000 200 25,339,500 10,000 1,000 1,670 327,000 25,505 3,394,000 340,000 520,600 919,560 1,900 28,353,000 7,014,000 17,779,000 3,507,200 1,639,000 6,174,400

102,388 267,955 20,750 237,500 415,200 9,436 6,726,210 50,120,699 276,220 22,675,213.50 8,947,740 12,214 4,128,370 170,264,870 1,151,994 717,974 1,948,420 66,897,017.50 93,000 80,380 12,202,570 6,230 1,482 792,110 163,920 17,391,856 4,100 114,406 24,434,536 1,459,180 37,440 3,004 154,185,642 109,800 3,050 180,300 1,179,510 35,128,865 2,808,630 116,300 21,918,190 71,806,517.50 14,155 74,501,230 5,501,890 9,163,090 18,396,664 985,690 67,595,644

-8,703 22,680 28,563,815 74,100 213,947.50 25,100 -73,123,160 2,570 4,199,191 23,840 -27,750 -15,300,500 -17,743,850 -113,490 9,861,857 -3,050 152,500 32,100 -11,579,430 202,760 17,000 -6,545,775 -8,444,578 7,010,840 1,021,750 -262,990 -5,328,883 -53,540 -50,376,574

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

0.0023 1.45 2.69 16 1.2 1.98 7.05 1.83 0.206 0.107 0.114 0.007 1.29 4.29 1.08 0.62 0.97 0.013 0.011 3.6 3.24 15.2 26.15

0.0025 1.47 2.69 16 1.2 1.98 7.12 1.83 0.206 0.114 0.114 0.007 1.29 4.43 1.08 0.62 1.02 0.013 0.013 3.6 3.31 15.6 26.85

0.0023 1.44 2.67 16 1.18 1.92 7.04 1.8 0.203 0.107 0.114 0.007 1.29 4.29 1 0.6 0.95 0.012 0.011 3.5 3.2 15.16 25.9

MINING & OIL 0.0024 27,000,000 1.47 1,680,000 2.67 26,000 16 1,100 1.2 39,000 1.94 193,000 7.05 31,300 1.83 409,000 0.203 60,000 0.114 1,680,000 0.114 10,000 0.007 3,000,000 1.29 9,000 4.41 734,000 1.06 47,000 0.61 411,000 1 738,000 0.013 43,100,000 0.013 44,800,000 3.6 96,000 3.22 1,083,000 15.2 937,000 26 2,895,300

64,500 2,447,490 69,520 17,600 46,620 372,530 220,711 740,970 12,210 184,200 1,140 21,000 11,610 3,206,440 47,520 251,260 724,080 559,900 536,300 338,780 3,497,130 14,339,384 76,049,445

-145,000 -5,340 77,830 -275,870 18,920 -1,699,080 931,768 -15,963,780

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.3 510 498 100.4 98 101 482 5.05 963.5 945 101 100 1,000 75.5 77.9 74.8 75 75 74.9 74.7

21 510 498 100.4 98 101 482 5.15 963.5 984 101 100 1,000 75.5 77.9 74.8 75 75 74.95 74.7

20.2 465 498 100.4 98 101 482 4.93 963.5 945 100 100 1,000 75.5 76.35 74.8 74.75 75 74.9 74.7

PREFERRED 20.6 41,000 465 4,720 498 10 100.4 2,000 98 42,930 101 5,000 482 100 4.93 106,000 963.5 170 984 40 100 2,010 100 40 1,000 100 75.5 1,000 77 12,080 74.8 9,000 75 12,940 75 1,300 74.95 19,550 74.7 100

835,315 2,223,700 4,980 200,800 4,207,140 505,000 48,200 533,560 163,795 38,190 201,020 4,000 100,000 75,500 937,035 673,200 968,800 97,500 1,465,270 7,470

-390,985 -1,860,500 210,880 -28,350 -335,720 -

LR WARRANT

2.35

2.43

2.34

WARRANTS 2.4 150,000

360,050

-

4,352,900 1,560 2,618,180

128,360 -339,580

1,274,218

10,580

MS

PROPERTY 7.11 0.75 1.92 0.61 39.2 2.3 4.37 5.4 0.42 0.92 0.222 7.8 18.02 0.53 1.41 1.06 2.36 4.2 0.6 0.43 0.405 3.68 38.95 19.96 1.94

386,500 1,607,000 369,000 1,128,000 10,730,800 2,470,000 280,000 207,400 2,570,000 56,000 2,990,000 279,200 349,400 411,000 2,758,000 326,000 9,357,000 10,884,000 36,911,000 860,000 70,000 480,000 800 573,700 22,000

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.68 1.56 1.97

4.83 1.56 2.03

4.68 1.56 1.96

FIRST METRO ETF

105.8

106.5

105.1

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

10,066,124

INDUSTRIAL

91,767,821

HOLDING FIRMS

76,593,134

PROPERTY

95,089,932

SERVICES

137,422,706

MINING & OIL

128,982,173

GRAND TOTAL

542,161,509

4.73 1.56 2

SME

915,000 1,000 1,307,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 105.1 12,020

VALUE 1,544.80 (DOWN) 5.06 793,760,266.76 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,394.08 (DOWN) 181.29 933,515,061.31 HOLDING FIRMS 6,734.09 (DOWN) 62.83 864,825,060.15 PROPERTY 3,460.93 (DOWN) 18.88 1,471.84 (DOWN) 16.26 774,764,468.60 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,796.65 (UP) 21.22 920,045,625.74 PSEI 6,926.51 (DOWN) 78.26 103,772,201.85 All Shares Index 4,276.58 (DOWN) 25.22 4,398,948,624.76 Gainers: 106; Losers: 84; Unchanged: 41; Total: 231

Megaworld to raise P10b from sales of Taguig tower

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it expects to raise P10 billion in sales from a newly-launched residential project within its 15.4-hectare Uptown Bonifacio township in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 45-storey Uptown Arts Residence, its fourth residential building in Uptown Bonfacio, would offer 452 residential units.

The tower, which is expected to be completed in 2024, will sell residential units ranging from studio units of up to 41.5 square meters (sqm), one-bedroom of up to 66 sqm, a one-bedroom loft up to 117 sqm, two-bedroom of up to 98.5 sqm, three-bedroom of up to 125 sqm and a three-bedroom loft with a maximum size of 168 sqm.

All units have balconies while those in the amenity deck will have their own spacious lanai.

The executive and loft-type one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units will all have maid’s rooms with own toilets. All three-bedroom units will have bath tubs in their master bedrooms.

Rising along 9th Avenue near Uptown Mall and Uptown Parade, Uptown Arts Residence will be strategically located beside the proposed Skytrain Uptown Station, the monorail project of Infracorp that will connect Fort Bonifacio to MRT Guadalupe Station in Makati City.

It will also be just a few blocks away from the Kalayaan Station of the proposed Mega Manila Subway project.

It will have the easiest access to Kalayaan Avenue toward EDSA and C5 and is just a few blocks away from the bridge currently being constructed over Pasig River that will link Fort Bonifacio to Ortigas.

Once completed, the travel time from Uptown Bonifacio to Ortigas will only take less than 10 minutes.

“Aside from the generous range of unit choices and amenities, Uptown Arts Residence boasts of its strategic location in the entire Fort Bonifacio.

It has the fastest access to the new transport infrastructure projects, and it stands right next to Uptown’s own array of dining, shopping and entertainment establishments,” said Megaworld senior vice president for sales and marketing Noli D. Hernandez.

Uptown Bonifacio is one of the four Megaworld townships in Fort Bonifacio.

LBC Express acquires 50% of Brunei unit LOGISTICS service provider LBC Express Holdings Inc. acquired a 50-percent stake in Brunei-based affiliate LBC Mabuhay Remittance SDN BHD for $558,000.

LBC Express said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the acquisition was expected to benefit the company by contributing to its global revenue stream.

The purchased was based on fair market valuation, LBC Express said. LBC Mabuhay Remittance SDB BHD engages in the business of remittance in Brunei.

The logistics company has been acquiring overseas affiliates as part of a plan to expand its international business and consolidate all foreign operations under the company.

LBC Express in March spent $8.55 million to acquire four affiliate USbased cargo and remittance companies.

These are LBC Mundial Corp., which operates as a cargo and remittance company in California; LBC Mabuhay North America Corp., which a cargo and remittance company in New Jersey; LBC Mabuhay Hawaii Corp.; and LBC Mabuhay Saipan.

LBC Express in June purchased shares in four cargo and money transfer companies in Australia and Singapore.

These are LBC Australia Pty Limited, LBC Money Transfer Pty Limited, LBC Express Airfreight Pte Ltd and the LBC Aircargo Pte Ltd. LBC Express earlier expressed interest in acquiring affiliates in Hong Kong and in Europe.

LBC Express this year plans to open 80 branches across the country, including major cities as well as second- and third-class municipalities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

Saudi vows retaliation if punished D

UBAI―Saudi Arabia warned it would retaliate against any sanctions imposed on the oil-rich kingdom over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as more Western companies distanced themselves from the Gulf State.

BRIDGE OUT. Residents stand by a broken bridge on the river Trapel following floods on October 15, 2018 in Villegailhenc, near Carcassone, southern France. Six people died following a storm and flash floods during the night of October 15. AFP

IN BRIEF ‘Lewinsky affair not an abuse of power’ WASHINGTON―Hillary Clinton has said her husband Bill’s affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky was not an abuse of power and he was right to not resign from the US presidency in the wake of the scandal.

The two-decades old episode has come under renewed scrutiny in the #MeToo era, with critics questioning whether the power imbalance between a sitting president and an intern made it impossible for the relationship to be considered consensual.

Some, like New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, have said that Clinton should have stepped down after he was impeached by a Republican-controlled House in late 1998 for lying about the affair.

But speaking on CBS News on Sunday, former presidential candidate and secretary of state Hillary Clinton said she disagreed.

“Absolutely not,” she replied when asked whether her husband should have resigned.

Pressed on whether the relationship was an abuse of power, Clinton said: “No, no” and noted that Lewinsky, who was 22-years-old at the time, “was an adult.”

“There was an investigation and it, as I believe, came out in the right place,” she added.

In 1999, the Senate held a monthlong trial of president Clinton that ultimately fell well short of the twothirds majority required to convict and remove him from office.

Lewinsky, for her part, long maintained the affair was consensual, but in an essay published in Vanity Fair earlier this year wrote she had begun to re-evaluate that view.

Bill Clinton has also been accused by several other women of sexual misconduct in cases going back to the 1970s, prompting a reckoning of his place in history by Democrats in light of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements. AFP

China purrs over white tiger triplets

KUNMING―Three playful white Bengal tiger cubs are charming visitors as they clamber around their enclosure at a zoo in China.

The rare, blue-eyed triplets were born nearly three months ago at the Yunnan Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, and made their public debut in early October.

“The oldest one―the largest― is very naughty and has a real appetite. He’s the naughtiest. The youngest is like a baby, she’s gentle. She never wins when fighting for food,” zoo keeper Hao Li said.

The cubs’ busy mother is getting a helping hand keeping her youngsters from getting hungry, with keepers always ready to step in with a bottle.

The tigers’ white fur is a genetic variation of the common orange Bengal tiger.

The mutation seldom occurs in the wild, but the zoo is home to 41 cats of this rare white variety.

There are currently more than 2,500 Bengal tigers outside captivity, most of them in India, according to conservation group World Wildlife Fund.

A competition is being held to name the three newborns, with the final names chosen at the end of October. AFP

North, South Korea agree to reconnect their railways SEOUL―The two Koreas will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconnection of their railways and roads as early as next month, they agreed Monday, as Seoul pursues an approach to the nuclear-armed North increasingly diverging from the US. The agreement was reached at a highlevel meeting held at the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, which has hosted ever more frequent cross-border talks in recent months.

“The South and North agreed to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the connection and modernization of the east and west coast rail and road in late November or early December,” read a joint statement issued after the meeting.

But all civilian travel and communication between the two neighbors has been banned since the end of the Korean War in 1953, and it was not clear when construction and refurbishment work might start.

Officials also agreed to hold military talks “as soon as possible” to ease tensions at the border area and to arrange a Red Cross meeting to discuss issues on reunions for war-separated families.

They will also separately discuss a planned joint bid to host the 2032 Olympics and a show by North Korean performers in Seoul, the statement said.

Monday’s talks marked the second meeting between South Korean unifica-

tion minister Cho Myoung-gyon and his North Korean counterpart Ri Son Gwon since President Moon Jae-in met with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang last month.

But as Seoul takes strides with the North, it has displayed increasing differences with its ally Washington, which is wary of the rapid pace of rapprochement on the peninsula.

At a summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore Kim declared his backing for denuclearization of the peninsula, but no details were agreed and Washington and Pyongyang have subsequently sparred over what that means and how it will be achieved.

The dovish Moon has long favored engagement with the North, which is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Moon―who is currently in France on a European tour―has dangled large investment and joint cross-border projects as incentives for steps towards denuclearization, while the US has been adamant pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it fully dismantles its weapons program.

The head of Seoul’s financial watchdog said last week that the US Department of Treasury held a conference call with South Korean banks in September urging them to “adhere to the UN and US sanctions against North Korea”.

AFP

Head of Korean flag carrier indicted for embezzlement SEOUL―The head of South Korean flag carrier Korean Air―whose family have been embroiled in multiple scandals including one involving macadamia nuts―was indicted Monday on charges of embezzling tens of millions of dollars and other offenses.

Prosecutors charged Cho Yang-ho with embezzling more than 20 billion won ($18 million) and unfairly awarding contracts to companies controlled by his family members, according to Yonhap news agency.

The super-wealthy owners of chaebols―the sprawling conglomerates that dominate the world’s 11th-largest economy―often attract controversy, but a series of scandals have made the Cho family one of the most notorious in South Korea.

Cho is the chairman of Hanjin Group, which includes Korean Air and used to own the now-bankrupt Hanjin Shipping line.

He was also head of the organizing committee for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics until stepping down two years before the Games.

The 69-year-old is also accused of taking 152 billion won from the state insurance agency in medical care benefits by illegally running a pharmacy under a borrowed name.

Initially Cho was accused of evading inheritance tax of around 61 billion won when his father, Hanjin’s founder, died in 2002, but prosecutors said the statute of limitations had expired in 2014.

The date for Cho’s trial was not set and he was not detained ahead of the proceedings.

His two daughters, who held management positions at Korean Air, previously became viral sensations for temper tantrums dubbed the “nut rage” and “water rage” scandals, forcing Cho to issue a public apology and remove them from their posts.

The elder, Cho Hyun-ah, made global headlines in 2014 for kicking a cabin crew chief off a Korean Air plane after she was served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl. She later served a short prison sentence.

Earlier this year, her younger sister Cho Hyun-min was accused of throwing a drink at an advertising agency manager’s face in a fit of rage during a business meeting. She was not indicted as the victim did not want to press charges.

Their mother, Lee Myung-hee, has been questioned by police several times in connection with allegations of assault against her employees including cursing, kicking, slapping and even throwing a pair of scissors.

Cho himself has already had brushes with the law, receiving a suspended jail sentence for tax evasion in 2000 and awaiting a separate trial for diverting 30 billion won of company funds for renovating his own house. AFP

US President Donald Trump has threatened the kingdom with “severe punishment” if Khashoggi, who has been critical of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside its Istanbul mission.

But Riyadh vowed to hit back on Sunday against any punitive measures as its stock market tumbled, with the fallout from the crisis threatening to imperil Prince Mohammed’s much-hyped economic reform drive.

“The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats or attempts to undermine it whether through threats to impose economic sanctions or the use of political pressure,” an official said, according to state news agency SPA. The official said Riyadh would “respond to any action with a bigger one”, pointing out that the oil superpower “plays an effective and vital role in the world economy”.

According to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, the kingdom has “over 30 measures” it could implement.

Following Riyadh’s assertion it would retaliate, Britain, France and Germany released a joint statement saying they were treating Khashoggi’s disappearance “with the utmost seriousness”.

“There needs to be a credible investigation to establish the truth about what happened, and -- if relevant -- to identify those bearing responsibility for the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, and ensure that they are held to account.”

This message had been conveyed “directly to the Saudi authorities”, said the statement, signed by Britain’s foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian and Germany’s Heiko Maas.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, vanished after entering the consulate on October 2.

Saudi Arabia insists Khashoggi left the building safely and dismissed accusations that authorities had ordered his murder by a hit squad as “lies and baseless allegations”.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was killed inside the mission and claims have been leaked to media that he was tortured and even dismembered.

A Saudi dissident in Quebec said on Sunday he believes the kingdom hacked his phone and listened to calls he had with Jamal Khashoggi prior to the journalist’s N OTICE disappearance.

“For sure, they listened to the Notice is hereby given that BACOLOD BULK INC, with office address at 3F JTKC conversation between me and Ja- WATER Center, 2155 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati mal and other activists, in Canada, City, is applying for registration with the Board of (BOI) as a New Operator of Bulk Water in the States, in Turkey, in Saudi Investments Supply Project [Bacolod Bulk Water Supply Arabia,” Omar Abdulaziz said in Project-Delivery Point 2 Phase I (Sum-ag River an interview with the Canadian Water Source) under the 2017 IPP under the Preferred List - Infrastructure and Logistic - Bulk Broadcasting Corporation.

Water Treatment and Supply/Distribution on a NonSaudi King Salman spoke to Pioneer status.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Any person with valid objection/s on the project may file his/her objection Erdogan by phone on Sunday, the above-mentioned in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) Saudi foreign ministry said, tell- days from the date of this publication. ing Erdogan: “No-one will get (to) (SGD.) MARY ANNE E. RAGANIT undermine the strength of this relaOfficer-In-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service tionship.” AFP (MS-OCT. 16, 2018)

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 1757 with 77 shares of Universal Motors Corp. in the name of Alexandra T. Medina was declared lost in an Affidavit of Loss executed by Alexandra T. Medina and recorded with notarial register of Atty Romualdo delos Santos of San Juan City on September 27, 2018 as Doc No. 351; Page No 72; Book 633; Series of 2018.

Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 1755 with 77 shares of Universal Motors Corp. in the name of Regina T. Mariano was declared lost in an Affidavit of Loss executed by Regina T. Mariano and recorded with notarial register of Atty Romualdo delos Santos of San Juan City on September 27, 2018 as Doc No. 349; Page No 71; Book 633; Series of 2018.

Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 1754 with 77 shares of Universal Motors Corp. in the name of Rebecca Tanada was declared lost in an Affidavit of Loss executed by Rebecca Tanada and recorded with notarial register of Atty Romualdo delos Santos of San Juan City on September 27, 2018 as Doc No. 351; Page No 72; Book 633; Series of 2018.

Notice is hereby given that the following share certificates numbers 21801;23040; 24868 with total of 27 shares of Manuel L. Quezon University and stock certificate number 1753 with 388 shares of Universal Motors Corporation issued to Anna Tanada were declared lost in Affidavit of Loss executed by Regina T. Mariano and recorded with notarial register of Atty. Paula Mae Tanquieng of Pasig on January 5, 2012 as Doc No. 95; Page No 20; Book 1; Series of 2012.

(MS-OCT. 2,9 & 16, 2018)

(MS-OCT. 2,9 & 16, 2018)

(MS-OCT. 2,9 & 16, 2018)

(MS-OCT. 2,9 & 16, 2018)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. partnered with Globe in 2013 for a five-year services agreement to deliver content and telecom services on mobile devices through its ABS-CBNmobile brand. This services agreement expires this year.

After a thorough assessment, ABS-CBN Convergence deemed its current mobile business model to be financially unsustainable. As a result, ABS-CBN Convergence and Globe have reached an agreement not to renew their mobile network sharing contract.

All ABS-CBNmobile prepaid, postpaid, and SkyMobi subscribers will continue to enjoy text, call, and data services until November 30,2018.

ABS-CBN Convergence expresses its gratitude to its loyal subscribers and will provide them with updates on their plans and subscriptions.

As the mobile network sharing winds down, ABS-CBN Corporation and Globe Telecom continue to bank on their competencies and focus on new synergies to serve their customers better, such as the promotional bundling of ABS-CBN TVplus boxes with Globe At Home prepaid WiFi and making ABS-CBN TVplus` KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) and iWantv over-the-top services available to all Globe subscribers.

In relation to this, the following ABS-CBNmobile and SKYmobi promo offers will no longer be offered to subscribers effectiveOctober 25, 2018. Registrations to these promo offers made before October 25, 2018 will be valid for the duration of the promo offer’s validity.

PROMO OFFER Kapamilya Surf 10 Kapamilya Surf 15 Kapamilya Surf 20 Kapamilya Surf 30 Kapamilya Surf 50 Kapamilya Surf 99 Kapamilya Surf 199 Kapamilya Surf 99 ON Kapamilya Surf 199 ON KapamilyaTrinet Text 5 KapamilyaTrinet-Call 10 KapamilyaTrinet 15 KapamilyaTrinet 40 iWant TV Combo 10

PRICE Php 10 Php 15 Php 20 Php 30 Php 50 Php 99 Php 199 Php 99 Php 199 Php 5 Php 10 Php 15 Php 40 Php 10

iWant TV Combo 40

Php 40

iWant TV Combo 99

Php 99

iWant TV Super 10

Php 10

iWant TV and Text 99 ON Kapamilya Add Surf 30 ON Kapamilya Add Surf 299 ON Kapamilya Add Surf 499 ON Kapamilya Add Surf 999 ON Kapamilya Call All 299 Kapamilya Text All Net Unli 270 ON

Php 99 Php 30 Php 299 Php 499 Php 999 Php 299 Php 270

Mobile HomePhone 199 ON

Php 199

Mobi Add Surf 30 Mobi Add Surf 299

Php 30 Php 299

KEYWORD KSURF10 KSURF15 KSURF20 KSURF30 KSURF50 KSURF99 KSURF199 not applicable not applicable KTRITEXT50 KTRICALL10 KTRINET15 KTRITEXT40 IWANTVC10

PROMO INCLUSION 50MB for internet 150MB for internet 100MB for internet 350MB for internet 300MB for internet 1GB for internet 2.5GB for internet 1GB for internet 2.5GB for internet All-day Trinet SMS All-day Trinet Calls All-day Trinet Calls and SMS All-day Trinet SMS and 30 minutes Trinet Calls 80MB for internet, 25 Trinet SMS, iWant TV premium access 250MB for internet, 50 Trinet SMS, 20 minutes Trinet Calls, IWANTVC40 iWant TV premium access 600MB for internet, 100 Trinet SMS, 60 minutes Trinet calls, IWANTVC99 iWant TV premium access internet, 150MB for FB messenger, Twitter, and IWANTVSUPER10 200MB forViber Chat, iWant TV premium access not applicable 600MB for internet, 100 texts to all networks not applicable 100MB for Internet not applicable 1GB for Internet not applicable 2GB for Internet not applicable 5GB for Internet not applicable 60 minutes call to all networks not applicable Unlimited text to all networks Unlimited MHP to MHP voice calls nationwide, provided the call is made within the registered home zone. If call is made outside the registered home zone, applicable toll rates/mobile charges apply not applicable Unlimited MHP to other landlines within the same home zone, provided the call is made within the registered home zone. If call is made outside the registered home zone, applicable toll rates/mobile charges apply MAS30 100MB for Internet MAS299 1GB for Internet

VALIDITY 1 day 3 days 7 days 7 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 1 day 1 day 1 day 7 days 1 day 7 days 30 days 1 day 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days

30 days

30 days 30 days

(MS-OCT. 16, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

B4

LocaL government units

tuesday, october 16, 2018

Urban farming competition unfolds in QC TO CUSHiOn the impact of inflation on families in the city, the Philippine Horticulture Society inc., in partnership with Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, has launched a growyour-own-vegetables competition entitled “Oh My Gulay, Mag Horti Pa More!” to encourage backyard farming among urban dwellers.

“We want to encourage our constituents to plant vegetables in their homes and backyard gardens not just for food security but also for healthy eating,” the vice mayor said.

“This competition should show that, even with a few materials and limited space, city residents can already start their own urban farm,” she added. at the launch of “Oh My Gulay, Mag Horti Pa More!,” participants were given an instructional lecture as well as growing kits consisting of seeds and growing pots.

Each participant was tasked to sow their vegetable seeds on Oct. 15 and track the growth of their plant until the harvesting date on Jan. 15, 2019.

Participants must also post photos of their entries on social media as part of the competition’s online campaign to promote vegetable growing in urban homes. “i’m thankful to the Philippine Horticulture Society for being our city’s partner in promoting urban farming.

We want to show our citizens that these small pots, containers and spaces are all we need to start growing our own greens, whether to reduce grocery costs, increase intake of healthy food, or as a form of livelihood,” Belmonte said. Rio N. Araja

Aritao elderly get early gifts from local govt

INFLATION FIGHTERS. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, encourages the planting of vegetables even in small pots and plastic containers to minimize the impact of the high cost of food products and provide families a supply of healthy food. The senator led the graduation and harvesting of veggies planted by participants in Urban Vegetable Farming training at the Villar SIPAG Farm School Las Piñas-Bacoor sponsored by Villar SIPAG in partnership with Allied Botanical Corp. Lino Santos

Bingbong makes it 3-way race

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZOn City District 1 Rep. Vincent “Bingbong” Crisologo on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor at the Commission on Elections in the 2019 mid-term election.

He was accompanied by former presidential spokesperson and environment secretary Mike Defensor.

Former city councilor Jopet Sison also filed his CoC as Crisologo’s running mate for vice mayor.

Both are running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-lakas ng Bayan.

Crisologo will face incumbent Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and former congressman Chuck Mathay, son of the late mayor ismael Mathay and father of actress ara Mina.

Sison will vie for the vice mayoralty against last-term District 3 Councilor

Gian Carlo Sotto and District 2 Councilor Roderick Paulate.

Crisologo, PDP-laban-Quezon City president, said he is running because he wanted to extend more social services to the people.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Monday vowed to protect the rights of the people while reducing congestion in custodial facilities by just allowing violators of city ordinances to pay fines at the barangay level, instead of apprehending them and sending them to detention centers.

He approved City Ordinance SP 2752

or the “Quezon City Procedure in the implementation of City Ordinances” designed to make it easier for apprehending authorities and suspects to address violations and corresponding penalties. a violator who does not want to challenge the violation and is willing to settle the corresponding fine would be allowed to do so with the city hall’s treasury office or with the barangay where the apprehension took place.

He or she shall be given five working days from the issuance of the official violation receipt to pay the fine.

He or she shall present the official violation receipt to the apprehending officer who shall attach a certified true copy of the receipt and the case documents.

“The case shall then be considered closed,” Bautista said.

Some of the violations that would be allowed settlement are the drinking of

Estrada awards land titles to 147 Manila families

By Ben Moses Ebreo

aRiTaO, nueva Vizcaya—More than 1,700 elderly residents here have received early Christmas gifts from the provincial government.

Mayor lucita Tan said the gift-giving activity was conducted in support of the Elderly Month Celebration sponsored by their local government unit through the Office of the Senior Citizens’ affairs and in partnership with the provincial government.

Mayor Tan, Vice Mayor Ruben Sayo and former governor Ruth Padilla, now consultant at the Office of the Governor, led the distribution of gifts such as blankets, umbrella and towel, among others.

Centenarian Gertrudes Mendoza of barangay Darapidap also received a P20,000 cheque from aritao as an incentive.

The fund was given through the Centenarian Ordinance of the municipality.

Mendoza is also set to receive P100,000 from the provincial government also through the same ordinance of the province.

“We are truly grateful for our lGU officials who continue to watch for our welfare and provide us with various assistance. We hope for their unending support and understanding on our sector,” said adelina Galvan, the Office of Senior Citizens affairs president.

liquor in public places, being half-naked in public places, defying curfew hours for minors and smoking in public places.

Despite the leeway, Bautista said the measure has its own limitations. a violator, who has already availed of the no-contest provision three times, could no longer avail of the privilege, and that the maximum penalty imposed shall be filed against the violator. a violator who does not have the capacity to pay the fine may render community service.

Should the violator be a corporation, partnership, organization or any similar entity, its president and/or general manager or managing partner, or any other officer-in-charge of the organization shall be issued the official violation receipt and be held liable.

Those below 18 years old are spared from the measure.

HOUSING PARTNERS. Senator Manny Pacquiao (right) announces his collaboration with Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted—a global supplier of designer, limited edition prefabricated structures, with a presence in 26 countries—to design affordable homes and a sports facility for both local and international buyers. The firm supports the housing agenda of the athlete-turned-politician, who is known as one of the champions of Philippine housing. Teddy Pelaez

San Fernando gains ‘Blue’ grade

By Romeo Dizon

PARTY-LIST BIDDER. Candidates of the Construction Workers’ Solidarity Partylist file their certificate of candidacy on Thursday at the Commission on Elections.

CWS seeks to represent the thousands of workers in the construction industry who remain unrepresented in policy and lawmaking in the country.

San FERnanDO, Pampanga—The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for luzon had awarded this city a level 2 Blue Certification for ease of doing business in the region.

The city passed the 87-standard program composed of nine categories namely application form, requirements, procedure, iT-enable system, citizen charter, customers’ convenience, anti-fixing mechanism, business permit, and continuous improvement.

With the compliance of 69%, the city scored a total of 79.31% with the Blue Certification award said atty. Joseph Marion P. navarrete, graft investigation officer and member of the certification team of the Ombudsman in luzon.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said that the Blue Certification award proves that the advocacy for transparency in doing business and good governance is very effective in this 1st class municipality.

Santiago flew to Japan and China recently where he spoke before businessmen who are interested in doing business in the city specially in those manufacturing, agriculture, retail, distribution, business processing, outsourcing, logistic and others.

Santiago is running for the third time re-election in the midterm elections.

Blessed by geography as regional capital and business center of Central luzon, the city is also home of the annual Christmas lantern festival and re-enactment of crucifixion during Holy Week celebration.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday awarded land certificates to 147 families in Manila under the land for the landless program.

The beneficiaries were longtime occupants and owners of the houses standing on the lot they applied for.

They were given 20 years to pay the low-cost monthly installments.

The distribution of land tiles started in 2013 since Mayor Estrada assumed the mayoralty post, benefiting more than 200 poor families in Manila.

On Sept. 16, 2013, Estrada awarded land certificates to 77 residents of Manila; on april 14, 2014, another 69 beneficiaries were given land certificates, while in 2015, 65 poor families received their land certificates and another 63 families received the titles last February 2018.

Under the project, the lot awardees should have the capacity to pay and have no landholdings elsewhere.

Within two years from the awarding of the lot, the beneficiaries should occupy the area and vacate the premises not included in the award.

“This is the legal proof that you are the sole owner of the lots awarded to you. This is also the realization of your dreams to have a land you can call your own,” the Manila mayor said during the awarding ceremony at City Hall’s Bulwagang Villegas.

The legal document specifies the lot area given to each beneficiary as well as the terms and conditions of the award.

The lot awarded cannot be sold or rented for 20 years without the written consent of the Office of the Mayor, and it should be used for residential purposes only.

Estrada vowed to continue the program aimed to uplift the lives of hundreds of families in Manila considered as poorest of the poor. “in my first year in the office, i already delivered my promise to help the poor families and this is not the end but the beginning of endless help,” Estrada said.

Life

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

health and environment

@MstandardLIFe

C1

tuesday, october 16, 2018

A world without waste PICK UP TRASH. Associates of Coca-Cola Philippines join the International Coastal Cleanup 2018 in Subic Bay, Manila Bay, and in other locations nationwide.

D

urIng the recent International Coastal Cleanup day, the whole Coca-Cola system in the Philippines supported and participated in massive cleanups along various shores in the country where the company’s facilities are present.

Since 1995, the company has supported the ICC and Ocean Conservancy through educational outreach, community engagement, research, industry collaborations, marketing, and more. “food and beverage packaging is an important part of our modern lives, but that doesn’t discount the fact that there is a waste problem in the country and around the world,” said gilda Maquilan, sustainability manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

She continued, “As the leading beverage company, we have a responsibility to help find a solution to the problem.”

Over 19 coasts across the Philippines, including the shores of Subic Bay in Zambales and roxas Boulevard in Manila, were lined with people—some of them associates of Coca-Cola Philippines and their families—picking up all kinds of rubbish found on and beneath the sand.

During the coastal cleanup, the waste collected was sorted into various categories. Collected recyclables were properly turned over to junk shops to give them a second life—thereby creating shared opportunities for the informal waste sector and the whole recycling industry.

Earlier this year, The Coca-Cola Company unveiled its global vision of a “World Without Waste.” The aim of the initiative is for the company to be able to retrieve every bottle or can that it produces by year 2030.

recyclable PET bottles, which have been used as poster image by groups in their campaign against plastic waste, are one of the highly collected and recyclable forms of plastic. Since they are considered a resource, due to its high value post consumption, recyclable PET bottles do not have to end up in oceans and dumpsites.

“With proper knowledge, system, and facilities, recyclable PET bottles can be an easily accessible resource that can become more than their initial

use. We will continue to work handin-hand with government agencies, non-government organizations, and local communities to help develop a collection and recycling system that will meet the needs of the country,” said Maquilan.

During the International Coastal Cleanup Summit, Coca-Cola Philippines hosted Hackapack—a hackathon among student participants to help find new solutions in collecting and recycling PET bottles.

Volunteers of all ages come together to collect various forms of waste from the shores during the recent International Coastal Cleanup day.

‘‘

Food and beverage packaging is an important part of our modern lives, but that doesn’t discount the fact that there is a waste problem in the country and around the world.

Dr. Mary Anne Tangcangco from 189 lbs. (left) is now down to 128 lbs.

– gilda Maquilan, sustainability manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

From 213 lbs. (left) Marian Tia Romero slimmed down to 121 lbs.

Ian Montenegro from 200 lbs. (left) to 111 lbs.

3 women share their journey of losing weight ‘the healthy way’ “I SuffErED from bulimia. I went to the gym, yet I’d eat junk foods and then throw up to lessen the guilt.”

This was the reason why businesswoman Marian Tia romero reached her heaviest weight at 213 lbs.

But resolute in her goal to lose weight and cure her polycystic ovarian syndrome, she changed her lifestyle, and committed to it.

“I had to give up salt, sugar, carbohydrates, oil, and dairy,” she shared, which she admitted was

difficult at first.

Her commitment to the lifestyle change as prescribed by the Cohen Lifestyle Program was rewarded as she slimmed down to 121 lbs. and her PCOS symptoms were eliminated.

fered from sleep apnea, knee pain, insomnia, sinus congestion, and shortness of breath. Her blood chemistry test results were also not good. She had difficulty finding clothes that fit, her mobility was limited, and her self-esteem was at its lowest.

She then tried calorie-counted food delivery, Nothing works protein shakes, vitamin supplements, and tea conAt 200 lbs., human resource manager Ian Mon- centrate to lose weight in the past. She even hired a tenegro had a lot of weight-related issues. She suf- personal trainer to customize an exercise program.

But none of them worked for her.

This had been an issue for internal medicine doctor Mary Anne Tangcangco, too.

Dr. Tangcangco said she also tried almost everything (except drugs) to lose weight. She tried fad diets, Pilates, and aerokaebo (a combination of aerobics, karate, and boxing).

She lost weight when she was younger but she Turn to C2

Life

C2

tuesday, october 16, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Confidently beautiful, confidently successful

By Robbie Pangilinan

Online community

offers mental health support Members of the Hope Bank public group may share messages of hope to encourage others.

P

EOPLE living with mental illness are often plagued by stigma and misunderstanding of their condition, which usually gets in the way of them seeking treatment.

According to a 2002 study published in World Psychiatry, World Psychiatric Association’s official journal, self-stigma and fear of rejection by others lead many persons to not pursuing life opportunities for themselves.

Thankfully, many are now speaking up and letting the world know that mental health problems exist and are real, and that they affect people from all walks of life including well-known personalities. The latest among the celebrities who revealed they are suffering from mental health problems is American singer and actress Selena Gomez, who is reportedly seeking medical treatment after suffering from emotional breakdown.

The National Statistics Office said the Philippines has the highest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia, with mental illness being the third most common form of disability especially among the youth.

A similar study conducted by the Global Burden of Disease in 2015 also showed that 3.3 million Filipinos suffer from depressive disorders. However, the World Health Organization believed that the number is not reflective of the actual situation since many suicide incidents may not have been reported due to the stigma attached to it.

In a bid to provide a safe online space for everyone to openly express their feelings and thoughts about mental health, Globe Telecom, in partnership with 24/7 health hotline KonsultaMD, has launched Hope Bank.

Through the Hope Bank Facebook community, a public group, members can share messages of hope that trou-

to offer a platform for people with mental health illness seeking help and support. In 2012, the telco provided the necessary technology for the creation of the 24/7 suicide prevention hotline bled people can access for encourage- HOPELINE 2919 which has received thousands of calls related to depresment, strength, and inspiration.

To contribute to the platform, mem- sion, suicidal thoughts, and relationbers may post using the hashtag #SeeY- ship problems, among others.

For Hope Bank, Globe partnered ouTomorrow, both on their personal p r of i le s with KonsultaMD, a health hotline service manned by licensed Filipino The National St atistics Office doctors who provide said the Philipp medical assessment highest numbe ines has the r of depressed and information inpeople in Sout heast Asia. cluding basic healthcare and permissible medication over the phone.

KonsultaMD doctors are all certified mental health first aiders, thus, they can receive calls from anyone who may be experiencing signs and symptoms of possible depression, anxiety, and burnout, among others.

“Our doctors can guide our callers through what and they are feeling. For inin the group. The messages may be in the form of photos, artworks, quotes, stance, we had a 19-year-old caller who songs/lyrics, video, or anything that re- wanted to know if he has signs of depression because he couldn’t concentrate flects their expression of hope.

“Many people with mental health in class, has difficulties sleeping, and is concerns such as depression, anxiety, always spacing out. He has family proband bipolar disorder have to hide their lems but can’t talk to anyone to protect illnesses even from their own family his family from shame. Through counmembers due to the stigma attached to seling and advice, he is better now. He the ailment and the fear that society will just wanted someone to listen and give not understand them,” lamented Yoly him advice,” said Gia Sison, chief mediCrisanto, senior vice president for Globe cal officer of KonsultaMD. Another case, she said, is of a Corporate Communications.

She continued, “Globe wants to turn 73-year-old grandmother who had mild the tide by making a significant contri- stroke and cataract who constantly bution of raising awareness about men- calls the hotline when she has no one tal health and providing support to those to talk to.

“She was very vocal in saying that suffering from it. Through Hope Bank, we want to rally their family and friends she is grateful to have someone to give into becoming a community support her encouraging words when she feels group to make sufferers realize that they down and lonely.”

Aside from providing advice, Konare not alone, that there are people who are willing to become a shoulder they sultaMD also refers callers who may need advanced intervention to the apcan lean on.”

Hope Bank is the latest effort of Globe propriate medical practitioners.

Campaign inspires Filipinos to go to the gym A 2016 study by the World Health Organization revealed that physical inactivity in the Philippines is apparent in 28 percent of males and 38 percent of females aged 18 and above. In the same age group, cases of obesity accounted for 6 percent of total population.

Even in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it has become a priority for many to maintain a steady balance to successfully go through the work week, eat well-balanced meals, keep a thriving social life, and manage a quick session at the gym.

However, keeping this kind of lifestyle seems exhausting at first, so much so that many fail to follow through.

To inspire more Filipinos to start an active lifestyle and achieve more than they ever thought possible, leading fitness brand Fitness First has launched its latest digital campaign, entitled #ThatMoment.

“More often than not, we claim to have no time, we lack the motivation, or we find the gym too intimidating— finding every excuse possible to take that one crucial step towards fitness,” said Mark Ellis, country manager for Fitness First Philippines.

“But when we do, there will be that moment in our everyday routine outside the gym where we realize that the choice to [pursue] a healthier and fit lifestyle pays off,” he added.

The digital campaign also celebrates members’ efforts in the gym, and how they translate into performing everyday tasks even better.

The now iconic Miss Universe phrase, “confidently beautiful with a heart” also applies to Filipino-Persian orthodontist Dr. Shideh L. Nikbin, but with a little addition: “confidently successful.”

A doctor of Dental Medicine in both Philippines and Iran, Dr. Nikbin specializes in Aesthetic Medicine. She is the chief executive officer of Fashion Smile Dental Health and Wellness, a premium one-stop dental, spa, aesthetics, and skin care center, the first of its kind in Manila. She is also a board member and one of the founders of Aramesh Spa and Wellness and Pizza World.

Dr. Nikbin is the daughter of Dr. Fazel Nikbin, a dental surgeon, and Dr. Wilma Lagpacan, an obstetrician and gynecologist. She came to the Philippines when she was 17 to study at the Centro Escolar University.

Being away from family was the biggest challenge for her, but because Filipinos are very kind, she says she adjusted easily. According to her, living in the Philippines made her stronger and made her learn a lot about herself.

She pursued and earned her second dental license of Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Shahid Beheshti University in Iran.

She then took over a private practice at her parents’ hospital, the DRS Nikbin Hospital. As she experienced the satisfaction and joy of transforming a patient’s life by restoring oral health, Dr. Nikbin continued studying, completing a t h r e e -ye a r residency and gaining extensive clinical experience in orthodontics at the University of Philippines, where she earned her degree to practice as an orthodontic specialist for children and adults.

Dr. Nikbin attributes her current success to the good traits she acquired from both her Filipino and Iranian roots.

“From the Filipino side, I got the happy and joyful Dr. Shideh Nikbin attributes her success to her Persian and Filipino roots.

3 women...

From C1

gained the weight back as she used food for emotional comfort particularly after she lost her mom.

“I used to eat when I was happy and celebrating. I ate when I was sad and stressed,” she said. She reached her heaviest weight at 189 lbs. and she had to take medicines for high blood pressure.

Later on, nothing seemed to work for her anymore, not even with calorie counting, Bangkok pills, diet teas, and coffee.

Like Romero, Montenegro and Dr. Tangcangco changed their lifestyles as well.

Lifestyle change

Fitness First launches #ThatMoment, a digital campaign that inspires Filipinos to start an active lifestyle.

“#ThatMoment taps into the emotional benefits of exercise. Fitness is not just about training at the gym and achieving your target be it lifting more or running further—that’s only part of the story.

Feeling fit gives you the confidence, energy, and self-belief to go further in life.

So when you commit to putting fitness first, it is really about pushing yourself to perform well in everyday situations, not just for your own personal goals, but also for those around you,” said Ellis.

For over 18 years, Fitness First has successfully established itself as a leading health club brand in the Philippines, renowned for its personal and progressive approach to fitness. At the heart of the brand is the promise to “Go Fur-

ther,” which is what it strives to deliver every day.

Fitness First’s wide selection of signature classes are built around the concept of dynamic movement training, which helps one’s body move with purpose and aims to deliver results in minimum time. These classes are progressive and caters to people who are at different levels of their fitness journey.

The health club encourages everyone to share on Instagram or Facebook what happens in #ThatMoment when they put fitness first. All they need is share their stories, tag @fitnessfirst_ph, and use #ThatMoment #FitnessFirstPH #FFbranchname (e.g. #FFPlatinumAura) hashtags to get a chance to win P10,000 worth of exciting prizes.

energy, being jolly and friendly, and family-oriented. For me, family comes first. From the Persian side, I can say my sense of humor, I always bring laughter into people’s lives and also I am very hospitable,” she shares.

She adds she got her punctuality from her Persian side. She says it is very important as it is a sign of respect.

She is also very passionate about being an entrepreneur.

On the other hand, she attributes her hardworking attitude to her Filipino blood. When she started the business eight years ago, she worked from early morning until late at night, multi-tasking. She also attributes her positivity to her Pinoy side.

“In my business there were challenges, but my positive attitude helped me overcome them,” she shares.

What makes the young orthodontist well-liked by her patients is the love and concern she shows to them.

“I see my patients as family, with each patient I am working on, I always ask myself: if she/he is my brother or mother, how will I treat them?”

She adds, “I don’t only see teeth on my patient’s face. I see a smile, laughter, their overall health, and how I can be a small part of that smile that they can bring to themselves and others, and how that healthy smile can change their lives.”

“Instead of buying an expensive machine for sleep apnea, it made more sense to go into a sustainable diet program that would not only address my (weight) problem but the other medical conditions I had,” she averred.

She added, “It’s the mindset that is difficult to change, but the lifestyle was not as tough as I thought.”

Her determination to stick to the program and find time for meal preparations paid off as she slimmed down to 111 lbs. and achieved what she calls “her healthiest self.”

Individualized eating program

Cohen’s Lifestyle Program is a personalized eating program based on each client’s unique blood test results (not blood type).

Without requiring exercise, injection, artificial food and drinks, or intake of weight loss pills and supplements, the program delivers fast results, with clients usually losing up to eight to 10 pounds a month.

The program provides individualized food “prescriptions” such as the precise amount of food combinations.

Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre also teaches lifestyle changes that have been found to balance the hormones that cause weight gain (Insulin, Serotonin, and Human Growth Hormone). The food combination triggers the body’s natural ability to release fat as source of energy. In the process, the body does not only shed weight but vital organs are also rid of harmful toxins that disrupt their natural physiological function and cause disease.

For the past nine years, Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre Philippines has helped thousands, including celebrities and professionals, lose weight rapidly and healthily, as well as alleviate serious health conditions.

Inspired by another doctor who lost weight on the Cohen program, Dr. Tangcangco decided to give it a try.

“I turned to the Cohen program because I wanted to do it right and I needed the right people to help me,” shared the 42-year-old doctor.

When no other weight loss methods seemed to work anymore, Cohen’s Lifestyle Program proved to be the most effective. Not only did she lose the extra weight, she is glad to report that she is no longer hypertensive and does not need maintenance medications anymore.

“Cohen is a lifestyle. It changed my perception of food. It is eating the right kinds of food without depriving myself of nutrition that my body needs,” said Dr. Tangcangco. “If we correct the way we eat, we can correct our entire body as well. We can’t just exercise and eat bad food. It won’t and will never work.”

Now down to 128 lbs., she is now able to wear clothes she only dreamt of before.

Best of all, she no longer feels lost after her mom’s death. “My dad told me if my mom were still alive, she would want me to do something good for myself. In joining Cohen, I found a piece of me.”

Meanwhile, Montenegro said she found Go to www.cohenlifestyle.com.ph for more information. enrolling in the Cohen program practical.

Entertainment

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Is Miss Intercontinental ready for trans candidates?

By Nickie Wang

R

EIGNING Miss Intercontinental Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico and Miss Intercontinental Chief Executive Officer Detlef Tursies were in town to officially launch Miss Intercontinental 2018 beauty pageant which will be staged in the country on Jan. 26 next year.

During the pageant’s grand press launch, one senior scribe asked, in reference to the move of the Miss Universe Organization to allow transgender women to join the pageant, whether or not the beauty contest is also willing to accept candidates who are not biologically born women.

The pageant CEO responded positively, “I don’t have a problem with that. I don’t have any objection. We are in the modern times now.”

Asked what the pageant is looking for in a candidate, Tursies replied, “Apart from beauty and grace, she must express herself very well because she’s going to travel the world to be part of the jury or to join the contestants in their journey throughout the pageant. She must also think in a way that reflects the values of the organization.”

Hosted by Miss Intercontinental Ja-

pan, the Manila staging of the pageant marks the beauty tilt’s 47th anniversary. The first pageant was held in Aruba in 1971.

For many years, Aruba was the default host of the pageant until it moved to Nigeria, Germany, Colombia, and other countries such as China, Seychelles, Bahamas, Spain and Belarus.

It has a long national and worldwide tradition with redefined new goals and vision for the world of the New Millennium.

It has a rich history of bringing together some of the most impressive, beautiful and interesting women and models from so many cultures and then helping them achieve their goals. That is the heritage unique to Miss Intercontinental—the evolution and expansion of the organization and the pageant.

Thus, the choice of Manila, as the staging venue for the 47th edition, as it is a city that shares such vision.

Vallejo will be crowning her successor on the finale slated on Jan. 26.

About 80 delegates are expected be competing for the most expensive crown in pageant history.

Last year, newly-crowned Miss World Philippines Katarina Rodriguez finished first runner-up. This year, hometown girl Karen Gallman will vie for the elusive crown.

Alden’s ‘Victor Magtanggol’ inspires audience ALDEN Richards is glad that his current primetime show Victor Magtanggol is performing well in its time slot given that it’s going head-to-head against Coco Martin’s more established Ang Probinsyano.

In a recent interview, the actor revealed that “the management is happy with where the show stands at this point.”

“At least, the slot became better when we stepped in. I can’t say until when we will air but so far, our tapings are continuous. What matters is the show is fighting,” he avers.

The bedimpled heartthrob really feels that his character has become popular with the public.

“When outside, people call me Victor Magtanggol, most especially the kids.

Even the adult working class like security guards and construction workers, they call me Victor. Sometimes, the children call me Hammerman. It’s simply heartwarming.”

Alden is proud that through the program, he is able to inspire people.

“That’s the main purpose why we are doing TV shows—to inspire and set a good example to the viewers, right? Especially that in our show’s timeslot, many children are still awake and watch us. We want them to pick up good values in our presentation.”

Many viewers liked the recent appearance of the Encantadia leads in Victor Magtanggol.

“Oh yes! I’m thankful to the four Sang’gres. It’s like we exchanged favors since I also made a guest appearance in Encantadia before. It was nice. It gave a fresh flavor to the story.”

countries who will act as hosts. I have my counterparts in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s just fortunate that my schedule was okay when I was offered the part.”

He added that when he found out he was picked, he got overjoyed because he still hasn’t done a show which showcases the country and at the same time, allows him to do something extreme and funny.

“I was fortunate that I was assigned to do Hong Kong in which I had to do four episodes. There was a Hong Kong Tourism Board officer who accompanied and showed us the different sides of the country.”

“It’s really one unforgettable experience. I’m with Ria Atayde here and I hope TV buffs will watch our episodes to be aired on Oct. 17 on KIX Channel,” says Enchong.

As part of the creative team of Victor Magtanggol, does he have a say on who is supposed to make a guest appearance in the program?

“When it comes to that department, it’s more on GMA who decides. I focus more on the story—how it could still be made more exciting. I look into the fight scenes, the family angles. That’s where I concentrate.”

Alden is very pleased that the working relationship among the cast members is smooth.

“Our working ambience is so light.

We’re like one big happy family in here.

From John Estrada, Coney Reyes and Janine Gutierrez, we’re a solid team.

Through thick and thin, we’re together. I guess that’s our winning formula,” he ends. *** Apart from acting, Enchong Dee now dabbles as a TV host via Extreme Ends, an international show created by KIX Channel.

“I’m really excited with my participation in this program. All of KIX’s offerings are basically focused on exhibiting and highlighting action-packed shows and ‘Extreme Ends’ is no exception. I’m quite sure adventure-loving people will like the program.”

How did he land the part in the show?

“Actually, when the creative team came up with Extreme Ends, the concept was to have four celebrities from various 'Victor Magtanggol' star Alden Richards

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, October 16, 2018

ACROSS 1 Place-setting item 7 Chatty alien of TV 10 Pier 14 May or Stritch 15 — — few rounds 16 John, in Russia 17 Against 18 Means of hearing 19 Freight hauler 20 Understand incorrectly 23 Portfolio item 26 Extreme degree 27 Traffic stoppers 28 Soak up ink 29 NFL scores 30 Co. honchos 31 Kind of storm, in sci-fi 32 “Bali —” 33 Placed a bet 37 Mutt 38 Cry of discovery 39 Lemon drink 40 Single 41 Greek “e” 43 Football player protection 44 Gab 45 Sault — Marie 46 Carrey or Henson 47 Hotfoot it

48 Furniture wood 51 Egyptian boyking 52 Liquefies 53 Discordant 56 Nile sun god 57 Comanche kin 58 Dirty 62 Baby-sit 63 — and Perrins (steak sauce) 64 Walk or talk aimlessly 65 Low-fat desserts 66 Cassowary kin 67 Goes to the polls DOWN 1 Carson City loc.

2 Pub order 3 Golfer’s benchmark 4 Fate 5 Mukluk wearer 6 Loch — monster 7 House sellers 8 Reluctant 9 Hack’s customer 10 Argue 11 Conspicuous 12 Tiny part 13 Does socks 21 Bangalore resident

22 Worn and torn 23 Tolerate 24 Sailing vessel 25 Tunes 29 Nevada lake 30 Lady’s honorific 32 Summer top 33 Elk 34 Shade of blue 35 Legislate 36 Fakes out, on the rink 42 Global specks 46 Alaska’s capital 47 Job hunter’s need

48 Marlins’ city 49 Silly trick 50 Call 51 Alaskan pole 52 Fresco 54 Plow puller 55 Monster in a fairy tale 59 U.K. broadcaster 60 Three-letter sandwich 61 Pro vote

GMA Network Senior Vice President and Entertainment Group Head Lilybeth G. Rasonable (second from right) receives the Glory Award for Television Arts (Photo courtesy of Israel Bufete).

GMA Network executives honored at UP CMC Glory Awards

TWO GMA Network executives were honored at the second Glory Awards by the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications (UP CMC) held last Oct. 6.

GMA Network Senior Vice President and Entertainment Group Head Lilybeth G. Rasonable and GMA First Vice President for News Grace Dela Peña-Reyes were among the 12 alumni who received recognition for their contribution to the industry they belong to.

Rasonable was named as the Glory Awardee for Television Arts, while Dela Peña-Reyes was named as the Glory Awardee for Broadcast Journalism.

Rasonable has been with the company since 1998 and rose through the ranks before becoming the head of the network’s Entertainment Group. She supervises the day-to-day operations and programming initiatives of the different departments of the Entertainment Group.

Her 20 years of expertise in drama production has been acknowledged globally after she served as one of the speakers in the prestigious VI World Summit of the Telenovela and Fiction Industry 2008 and in Content Asia Summit 2017. She likewise spearheaded the creation of some of the pioneering and ground-breaking shows of the Kapuso station such as Mulawin Mulawin, Encantadia, Darna, Marimar, Dyesebel, Amaya, My Husband’s Lover, Dyesebel Dear Uge Uge, and The Clash, to name a few.

Dela Peña-Reyes, on the other hand, began her career with GMA in 1987 when she was hired fresh from college. She has worked in various capacities for GMA News—from news gathering to news production both for radio and television. She became a newscaster and reporter, covering major beats that included Malacañang and Congress.

In 1989, Dela Peña-Reyes was a recipient of the Jefferson Fellowship Program at East West Center in Honalulu, Hawaii.

In her current leadership role, she oversees both editorial and production aspects of the Network’s several newscasts including 24 Oras, Saksi, State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, and Balitanghali.

During the times she was in charge of news gathering, the Network’s newscasts won many local and international awards including the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 2013 which recognized GMA’s coverage of super typhoon Yolanda.

The Glory Awards was launched last year in honor of UP CMC’s first dean, the late Dr. Gloria Feliciano. The 12 awardees—all alumni of UP CMC—were chosen for their outstanding work and influence in broadcasting, journalism, communication research and film, as well as allied communications fields such as development communications, marketing communications, public relations, social advocacy and the performing arts.

DIGITAL MEDIA

SkyBiz launches fiber network in Iloilo, Bacolod THE Iloilo and Bacolod business communities can now rely on even faster internet services from SKYBIZ, as the corporate division of SKY launched its latest fiber network in the two cities, at the SKYBIZ Growth Series, a series of talks that aim to equip business owners with knowledge and information about the digital space as a cost effective medium to fuel growth.

The events took place in Marriot Courtyard Iloilo and Hotel El Fisher last Sept. 18 and Sept. 20, respectively.

With the fiber network in place, SKYBIZ is able to deliver fast and business-grade broadband services.

Its products are designed to help small, medium, and large enterprises ensure productivity, capitalize on digital technology, with the provision of cable television to enrich customer experience.

These include business-grade fiber broadband connections that may be bundled with other data and content services like BIZTV HD, which is powered by SKY Cable, and BIZTV Direct, which is powered by SKYdirect.

For SMEs, it offers BIZbroadband Connect plan, which includes businessgrade broadband with no data caps, a 24/7 technical support, static IP, and domain

registration for one year.

SkyBiz’s Growth Series is dubbed as “Embracing Digital Success: Transforming the Future of Your Business” will teach company owners and decision makers the advantages and specific tools in digital marketing.

Topics discussed were: Success in Digital Marketing and Benefits of Going Digital for Your Business: Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing to be led by industry experts like Maven Solutions CEO Yen de Felipe; SCI—Satoshi Citadel Industries Co- founder/CEO John Bailon; Acudeen Technologies, Inc. founder and CEO Mario Jordan Fetalino III; ServeHappy Jobs founder and CEO Audrey Tanco Uy; Mober, Move at a Click founder and CEO Dennis Ng; and Pushkart.ph—Online Grocery Delivery CEO Joshua Aragon.

“Digital marketing benefits businesses of all sizes by giving access to the mass market at an affordable price. It allows truly personalized marketing. The main advantage of digital marketing is that a targeted audience can be reached in a cost-effective and measurable way,” shared SkyBiz’s Dicky Liwanag.

Visit skybiz.com.ph to find out more about the different products and services of SkyBiz.

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

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

By Eton Concepcion THE 88 official candidates of Miss Earth 2018 coming from all over the world paraded their killer bodies in black and gold bikini swimwear during the press presentation held at the poolside of Diamond Hotel Manila on Thursday afternoon.

The Manila-based, environmental-centered beauty pageant has set a series of preliminary activities throughout the country to promote the country’s top tourist attractions as world travel destination.

Miss Spain Carolina Jane, Miss Mexico Melissa Flores and Miss Philippines Celeste Cortesi emerged as early favorites with Miss Austria Melanie Mader, a Fil-Austrian who competed in Miss Earth Philippines in 2016. Cortesi, a 20-year-old FilipinoItalian model from Lazio, Italy aims for a second back-to-back win for the Philippines after Jamie Herrel and Angelia Ong’s feat in 2014-2015.

The Philippines’ Karen Ibasco is the reigning Miss Earth.

Following the national costume competition on Oct. 11 at Century Park Hotel are the following events: Long Gown competition-Air Group (Versailles Palace, Alabang Oct .12); and Face and Poise preliminary judging, private affair (Okada-Manila Oct. 13).

The Swimsuit competition-Fire Group will be staged at Brisa Marina Beachfront Resort in Bataan on Oct. 19 while the Water Group will be at Pontefino Hotel on Oct. 20).

The Swimsuit competition-Air Group is scheduled on Oct. 21 in Legaspi, Albay Oct. 21, Long Gown competitionWater Group on Oct. 22 at Catanauan Cove Resort while the Resort Wear competition-Fire Group will be at Laus Event Center Pampanga on Oct. 24).

Other events are: Resort Wear competition-Water Group (Versailles Palace Oct. 25); Talent competition-Fire Group (Versailles Palace Oct. 25); Resort Wear-Air Group (Echague, Isabela Oct 25); Talent-Air Group (Echague, Isabela Oct. 25); Long Gown-Fire Group (LandBank Auditorium, Manila Oct 26); Talent-Water Group (San Vicente, Palawan Oct. 28); Figure Preliminary judging-private (Century Park Hotel Oct 29); Cocktail Party Private event (JoyNostalg Hotel & Suites Manila Oct. 30); and Intelligence preliminary judging, Private event (Diamond Hotel Philippines Nov. 1).

The Grand Coronation Night is going to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 3 and will be telecast on GMA 7.

SENSATIONAL CURVES. Miss Earth candidate Celeste Cortesi, 20, is a FilipinoItalian model from Lazio, Italy who aims for a second back-toback win for the Philippines.

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AST week, Southeast Asia’s largest video on-demand service gave a few members of the press a preview of the first episode of The Flash, one of the exciting titles in HOOQ library that is made available to all subscribers this month.

HOOQ ushers in Arrowverse: The Next Wave this October to DC Comics fans with the launch of the latest seasons of top-rated U.S. TV series packed with complete box sets available to fuel your binge-watch experience on multiple devices.

“Fans of Hollywood can always count on HOOQ to deliver the latest Hollywood entertainment. Our customers get a bang for their buck as they enjoy blockbuster movies and exclusive day-and-date series releases direct from Hollywood. We are all very excited to catch the latest seasons and have been counting down to them,” said Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer of HOOQ. HOOQ is the only streaming service in the Philippines to offer these DC Comic series on the same day as the U.S. release and customers can kick start their action-packed October with the complete seasons of the Arrowverse—The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Arrow.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the latest seasons of these two shows to our viewers. The Flash and Supergirl have garnered a strong and loyal following in the Philippines and both of these shows are constantly in the Top 20 most watched titles on HOOQ. We hope you are as excited as we are to catch the latest seasons and find out what epic challenges await Barry and Kara,” said Sheila Paul, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

Based on the popular DC Comics character Barry Allen/Flash (Grant Gustin), this popular superhero needs no introduction.

MILE 22

Bestowed with superhuman speed, The Flash takes crime scene investigation and crime fighting to a whole new level.

The fifth season of The Flash, which premiered on Oct. 10, will play heavily on Nora’s (Jessica Parker Kennedy) big mistake at the end of season four. Fans can also expect a new super villain to go head on with Flash and his friends as hinted by showrunners.

Supergirl, on the other hand, is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The series comes back for a fourth season starring Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers aka Kara Zor-El (Supergirl).

Joining the main cast in Season 4 are Jesse Rath as Brainiac 5/ Brainy, April Parker Jones as new character Colonel Haley and Sam Witwer as Agent Liberty.

The last season closed with Supergirl emerging from the woods somewhere in Siberia after defeating the Worldkiller Reign (Odette Annable) to save the world. This season, which premiered yesterday, our favorite female superhero will continue to take on evil forces as she saves the world from impending dangers. Except not all evil are colored the same.

“Fans of The Flash and Supergirl will not be disappointed by the latest seasons—it is the most exciting season by far! In addition, October’s content line up promises new and exciting movies and TV series from both Hollywood and Pinoy cinema for a truly binge-worthy month ahead!” said Jeff Remigio, Content and Programming Head of HOOQ Philippines.

Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s extensive library of Hollywood and Asian hits. Watch shows on HOOQ via Chromecast, Roku, and Android TV. Smart, TNT and Sun users can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Globe mobile users can enjoy a 45-day free trial. Globe customers can get to try HOOQ for up to 60 days on selected mobile and broadband plans. Find out more and sign up today for a complimentary trial at www. hooq.tv.

An intense and explosive film

VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment proudly present Mile 22, the fourth film collaboration between director Peter Berg and twotime Academy award nominee Mark Wahlberg after their blockbuster movies “Patriots Day”, “Deepwater Horizon” and the Oscar-nominated “Lone Survivor.”

Mile 22, which opened in local cinemas on Oct. 10, follows an elite paramilitary team called the “Ground Branch” who must travel 22 miles in 38 minutes to transport a foreign intelligence asset from an American Embassy in Southeast Asia to an airfield where he will be extracted and brought to the United States. This asset possesses highly classified information which could prevent terrorists from attacking and making at least six major cities uninhabitable.

As the Ground Branch risks life and limb in Southeast Asia, with the city’s military, police, and even street gangs closing in on them to reclaim the asset, its counterpart called “Overwatch” is tasked to aid them from thousands of miles away. Overwatch has mad hacking skills, monitoring the Ground Branch agents involved in the operation and communicating with them in real time to help keep them alive, in motion and on mission, as the action unfolds and the city quickly becomes a battleground.

Mark Wahlberg portrays James “Jimmy” Silva, the brilliant senior officer and leader of this small but lethal group.

His brain is like a shark, always moving,

always working, and seemingly incapable of slowing down; he is incapable of separating himself from his work. He feels a tremendous amount of responsibility to protect his country and his team, who know him to be direct, gruff, unpredictable, sarcastic, and all business.

When asked what drives Jimmy Silva, Wahlberg answers, “His upbringing, his youth…He has no family, no ties to anybody. (For him) the mission comes first, last, and in between. So, it’s a very unique kind of skill set that these guys have that are requirements for the job.”

Ronda Rousey (Furious 7, The Expendables 3) plays

Samantha “Sam” Snow, a member of Silva’s group. This former UFC women’s bantamweight champion fighter excited shares, “They put the script in my lap and it was a completely fresh and different role for me, and I absolutely loved it. My role was not so dependent on being physical and fighting; it was like completely the opposite.” In this film, Rousey’s character exhibits extreme loyalty to her friends.”

Playing the foreign intelligence asset named Li Noor is Indonesian actor and martial arts master Iko Uwais, best known for his starring roles in the acclaimed action film series The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2. Mile 22 marks his American film debut.

According to Peter Berg, “Iko is a big reason for me wanting to do this movie; he’s probably what started it.” The director reveals that he was mesmerized

by Iko after watching The Raid. Iko has been referred to as “the next Bruce Lee”, and Berg began formulating plans for an action film to bring Uwais to a worldwide audience. That film became Mile 22.

Although Mile 22 is a work of fiction, it’s standard practice for Berg to engage a group of consultants with real world experience—from Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, to CIA officers and computer experts—to assist the cast and filmmakers in creating accurate character depictions in terms of both actions and dialogue in any given situation. So viewers can expect a realistic and thrilling movie.

ACTION MAN. Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg in a scene from the aggressive action movie, ‘Mile 22.‘

Interesting characters in ‘PARA SA BROKEN HEARTED’

The cast of Viva Entertainment's 'Para Sa Broken Hearted'

IF WE are to take Marcelo Santos III’s word for it, then it’s safe to say that the big screen adaptation of his best-selling book Para sa Broken Hearted exceeds everyone’s expectations.

Digo Ricio’s big screen version, embellished with a pleasing cinematography and natural dialogues, deserves more audience.

Also, the actors, who made this rather familiar story of heartbreak and happy ending still interesting, essayed their roles flawlessly—they made each character relatable through their natural flair.

Starring Yassi Pressman, Shy Carlos, Louise Delos Reyes, Sam Concepcion and Marco Gumabao, the romantic movie reflects a story every millennial can relate to.

In the movie, Yassi plays Shalee, a bubbly photography enthusiast who is battling with a heart ailment. She has had feelings for Alex (Sam) since their younger days.

Alex, on the other hand, feels that he’s a social outcast—an introvert, who spends most of the day talking to the ceiling while drawing some of his favourite monster characters. Everybody treats him like he’s invisible, but Shalee’s attention and affection changes his view about life.

Shy is Jackie. An absolute go-getter, believing in girl power as she was raised by her mother and grandmother, she falls for RJ (Marco), and does everything to get close to him.

RJ is a varsity player and a smoothtalker which is a solid combo to attract girls. He is used to girls falling for him, but promises Jackie that he would never do anything to hurt her.

Lastly, Louise is an adventurous girl named Kath. She perceived as someone tough but in reality, she’s soft on the inside.

She meets Dan (also played by Sam) during a time when she’s mending a broken heart.

The characters go from being blissfully in love to failing miserably in keeping their happiness last. The connection of their lives through their broken hearts unravels and paves the way toward acceptance and moving on.

Para sa Broken Hearted is still in cinemas from Viva Entertainment.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

SPECIAL REPORT

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BREAD REMAINS THE STAFF OF LIFE

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BY NAT MARIANO

EADY the flour, exercise the hands and preheat the oven. These are the steps we “knead” to take for us to commemorate the international celebration of the “pan-packed” World Bread Day. In Filipino culture, there is one popular adage that says, “When people throw stones at you, throw bread at them instead.”

The maxim figuratively suggests not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, we should repay evil with blessing.

Even in the old times, no matter how they slice it, pull it apart, and chow it down, Filipinos know the value of having bread in the table.

Just a taste of one grain of truth — bread has various significance beyond the usual nutritional benefits in many cultures in the West and the Middle East due to its historical and contemporary importance.

In the early 2500 B.C., the ancient Greeks were already producing more than 80 types of bread Egyptians also viewed bread in the early times as a type of currency. They highly regarded it to the point where they would often place the bread in the tombs of their loved ones.

Also, the consumption of bread has a large significance in religion as Christianity uses the sacramental bread as one of the elements, alongside wine, of the Eucharist.

In order to commemorate the international celebration, the Manila Standard followed the appealing smell of the freshly baked pieces of bread around the world and ranked them from top to bottom.

TheTop 5 Bread around the world 1. Baguette (France)

The most iconic of them all. With its golden, crunchy crust, chewy interior, and creamcolored and mellow crumb, the Baguette has become a trademark food of French culinary tradition.

When bread lovers in France think of heaven, most of them think of eating Baguettes, with butter, emerged hot from an oven. Bon appetit!

2. Focaccia (Italy)

Focaccia is a thick, flat oven-baked Italian bread.

With its high gluten flour, salt and olive oil, mixed herbs, and other spices, Focaccia is like a pizza base. This Italian bread product is often served as a side dish or even as sandwich bread flavored with herbs, vegetables or cheese.

3. Sourdough (United States)

While most bread products are made with commercial baker’s yeast, Sourdough relies on Saccharomyces exiguous, a wild yeast.

This bread has a mildly sour taste and has better keeping qualities.

The sour flavors are due to the lactic and

acetic acids produced by inevitable environmental bacteria, which are working on the flour’s sugar along with the yeast.

Different bacteria make different sour flavors. And San Francisco in the United States is blessed in local bacteria species, making its sourdough bread quite tasty and famous.

4. English Muffin (United Kingdom

English muffin is a small, round, flat yeastleavened bread, commonly sliced horizontally, toasted and buttered.

This bread product is often deemed as a breakfast food, served with sweet toppings like jam or honey, and flavorful toppings like a cooked egg, sausage rounds, or bacon and cheese.

Most English people in the United Kingdom consume English muffin for its low-fat qualities, proving to be a healthy addition to a meal.

5. Bagels (Poland)

Bagel is a firm, doughnut-shaped roll traditionally poached in water first for a short period of time before being baked in the oven.

This bread, which originated in the Jewish communities of Poland, has now spread to many countries, including Canada and the United States.

Other variations change the flavor of the dough, often using salt, onion, garlic, egg, cinnamon, raisin, blueberry, chocolate chip, cheese, or a combination of the mentioned ingredients.

These five known pieces of bread are only a testament that the baking industry adapts from time to time.

Most of the bread products that we have now are made centuries ago. It even came to an extent where only the rich and the powerful had access to these deliciously crafted bread products in a length of an arm.

However, the variations that the bakers have done through time somehow developed how we perceive bread and how to consume it.

Together, let us break the mold as we commemorate the World Bread Day through promoting good bread, consuming one from your local bakery, and baking a masterpiece on your own.

Whether you agree or not, life is a bit butter with a slice of bread.

The World Bread Day, annually celebrated on Oct. 16, is an annual event for all the bakers and bread-lovers in the world to commemorate the simple food known to the stomach of mankind since the early times.

The commemoration was created by the

International Federation of Bakers and Confectioners to “dedicate a day to the history and future of bread, to share the bakers work, exchange views on the raw material from which many varieties of bread are made.”

Bakers, confectioners lead world celebration The world celebrates World Bread Day on October 16 every year. Initiated by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners, the observance is dedicated to a staple food that has been of importance around the world since the dawn of agriculture.

World Bread Day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945 to defeat hunger. It has a Latin motto, Fiat panis, which is translated as “Let there be bread.”

World Bread Day coincides with World Food Day. Bread is one of the oldest prepared foods. People may have used starch extract from the roots of plants to cook a primitive form of flatbread as early as 30,000 years ago, according to AnydayGuide.

Grains became the mainstay of making bread with the dawn of Neolithic age. The ancient Egyptians are believed to be the first to use yeast to leaven the dough.

Bread is the staple food in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and in European-derived countries, as rice is the staple in East Asia. Bread is usually made from wheat, but it can be also made from other cereals, including rye, barley, oats, maize, rice, millet and sorghum.

In many cuisines, there are traditional bread recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Since ancient times, bread has had a significance beyond mere nutrition in many cultures, where it is a metaphor for basic necessities and living conditions in general. In some religions, including Christianity and Judaism, bread is an important ritual element.

OTHEL V. CAMPOS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

SPECIAL REPORT

Inflation bothers PH bread makers

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BY OTHEL V. CAMPOS

ISING inflation, a devalued peso and the confluence of factors in the economy is threatening the growth of the bread industry, noted market leader Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. Gardenia president Simplicio wheat. Labor cost has gone up and Umali said bread companies were it still can go up. the government absorbing production is saying maybe anothlosses long enough but er P20 wage hike. It’s fuel increases rendered gonna be very hurtdoing business in the ing,” he said.

Philippine unprofitable Gardenia, which has unless bread makers a fully-automated prowould raise prices. duction line, employs “Basically the situaless people in the mantion right now is very, ufacturing process. But Simplicio Umali very critical for the with the extensive netbread industry because a lot of work of market it services nationcosts have gone up. Fuel like diesel wide, everyday, it is a big pool of and LPG has gone through several delivery people including those in increases. The distribution cost for promotions and marketing. the bread has gone up substanGardenia is poised to impose a tially. And then the baking process 3-percent incremental cost to the has gone so big and so expensive. current retail price, which will be In the past whenever there is fluc- about a P2 to P3 increase in white, tuation in fuel that is not a cost for wheat and flavored loaves. price adjustments. Because it goes However, the company will not up then own again, we don’t need adjust the price of its affordable bread prices to fluctuate. To make bread line, New Bake, as per agreematters worse, the peso also has ment with the Trade Department devalued significantly,” he said. to keep the current suggested reMost of the company’s ingre- tail price of basic commodities like dients like milk, shortening and bread until early December. whey are imported. Only flour and The company also cited the high sugar are obtained locally. cost of raisins, one of the key inBread companies, he said, had gredients for its wheat loaf variant. just calculated the effect of the An anomaly in the harvest of white foreign exchange rate and the cost grapes in the US caused a tempoof freight and not factored in the rary shortage in the availability of high cost of sugar and the price of California raisins. global wheat that could impact on Despite a growing bread-consumthe price of local flour. ing market, Philippine bread con“We can hold back probably until sumption still has along way to go.

October, beyond that will be diffiIn a proprietary survey commiscult for us already because every- sioned by the company, per capita thing is going up and we have not bread consumption is only at 1.5 yet included in our calculation the kilos, the second lowest among the increase in the price of sugar and countries surveyed.

Gardenia cooling tower

Based on the survey, Japan has 7.2 kilos, Singapore has 8, Malaysia is at 5.2, Thailand has 1.6, Vietnam has 4 and Indonesia has 1 kilo per capita consumption.

“Indonesia has the lowest but with its population of 250 million, ours is still considered the least (per capita consumption),” noted Umali, citing that the bigger challenge was higher price and low consumption.

The company is trying to bring consumption up. It is not trying to compete with competitors, but singled out rice as its main competition. The idea is to create different types of bread for consumption at different times of the day.

Expansion

Gardenia to date has three commercially operating plants in Laguna, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. It expects to complete another plant in Pampanga province by December due to the clamor for more bread in the north.

The same facility is expected to add a line or two if the company is to go by a projected surge in demand.

The Pampanga plant could saturate its production capacity in a year’s time which by industry standards can only be achieved in five years.

The company is prepared to invest another P2 billion on new lines on top of the P2 billion spent for the new facility since company shareholders have committed to plow back their dividends to the Philippine subsidiary to further gain market share.

Gardenia this year has spent P3 billion to build the Cagayan de Oro and the Pampanga plants.

The bread facility in Pampanga is also adjacent to the major transportation hubs of Subic Sea Port, Clark International Airport and the newest business district, Clark Global City The north Luzon factory will have a capacity of producing over 200,000 loaves and buns daily. It will cater to the bread demands of the north and central Luzon and serve as a backup for the Metro Manila market.

With the new plant, the company can afford to ensure food security and continuous supply of breads, not only during long weekends or when there are special occasions, but also in times of typhoons, flooding or earthquakes.

“Should there be a calamity of great magnitude, we have already placed our plants in strategic locations—one in the South, one in the North, another in the Visayas and one in Mindanao,” said Umali.

Social responsibility

Gardenia has responded not only to meet the increasing demand for bread in the Philippines, but calls for food aid in calamity-torn areas and in poor communities badly needing nourishment support.

Part of its corporate social responsibility is to provide food aid where it is needed. It has connected to various charitable institutions and even civic groups Rotary Club and Jaycees. It is also working closely with the Red Cross and

keeps on accommodating requests for bread and assistance from local government units and even educational institutions.

Business, though not as profitable as the company would like, is paying off since the bread company was able to fulfill two missions—as source of quality and nutritional breads and source of strength for struggling communities and organizations.

“Apart from the usual tree planting, what we did is to start an approach to give free breads to charities. During major calamities we set aside a portion of our production.

For hard to reach areas, we bring freshly baked breads so even as the delivery time takes about five days, the bread will still be good.

Especially those areas that are really, really far. We incorporate this as an integral part of our business strategy,” said.

For areas that are nearer or within immediate reach, the company hands over unsold breads that were pulled out a day after display from supermarket shelves. Local charities get to benefit from this act of kindness.

But for calamities of big magnitude, the company makes sure to commit a batch of production to these areas.

“We always have donations to fire victims or we go to poor communities and deliver the bread free. We have feeding programs also for kids identified by the Education Department as malnourished. We do feeding programs to help the children improve their health and well-being,” Umali said.

With bread as sure seller, open a bakery business

BY RIC PINCA

Liberty Flour Mills has its Maya Kitchen in Makati City. General Milling Corporation WHY not a bakery business? has a baking school in Cebu City. All these Planning to put up a business? Why not mills also have technical services staff that a bakery business? go around and help sort out baking issues Baking is a good business. It is profitable at the bakeries. if managed properly and it is not difficult start one as there are a lot of technical sup2. Get your business permits and licensport available from flour millers and ingre- es. If you live in a subdivision and would dients dealers. like to put up your bakery there, you must Bread, being a favorite breakfast and have a permit from the Homeowners’ asmerienda fare is a sure seller. Pandesal, en- sociation. They normally do not charge for saymada, monay and other local favorites this. Take this Homeowner’s permit to the are not only delicious items, they are also Barangay office which will endorse you to easy to prepare. And so long as you exer- the City Hall which will in turn issue you cise good business practices and maintain a business permit. You should also have a the quality of your products, the bakery license from the Food and Drug Adminbusiness is sure to give you a good return. istration (FDA) as a “food manufacturer” Like all business ventures, however, a and from the Department of Trade and Inbakery business requires that you prepare dustry (DTI) a “sole proprietorship” license. well for it. Here are a few basic steps to While these may look tedious, it’s quite guide you should you decide to “dough it” easy to get these permits and licenses. A so to speak. few days is all you need to secure these.

1. Learn how to bake. Successful bakery 3. Choose a good location. Look for a owners know how to bake. Commercial place where there is plenty of pedestrian baking or baking for business is different traffic, meaning, your choice of location from home baking. It is not right to pre- has a lot of people who are all potential sume that since you can bake a good chif- customers. Look for places near a market, fon or pound cake at home ( using a tea- church or school, bus or jeepney or even spoon of this and a cup-full of that ingredi- tricycle stations. Wherever people congreent) then you can produce the same good gate, there is business. And that is where results once you bake for say a hundred you should put up your bakery. people. In commercial baking, ingredients 4. Bake only products that sell. French are measured in percentage compared to breads and whole wheat breads are a the weight of flour. This way, your product must for the rich and health and fitness will taste exactly the same whether you buffs. But your jeepney driver or your evproduce 50 or 100 or more loaves of bread eryday Juan de la Cruz prefers pandesal or a thousand pieces of cupcakes. hot from the oven. Baguettes and croConsistency in product taste and quality quets may sell if your shop is in a shopis what people look for in breads and cakes ping mall. But if your bakery is in Tondo, . And you can only consistently produce or Pandacan or any neighborhood corthe same quality bread and cake products ner in San Andres, the best sellers would if you can be consistent with your product be pandesal, monay, ensaymada. As a formulation. This in turn depends on your prospective bakery owner, you must knowledge of baking. know your market and produce products The flour mills usually have baking that this market desires. Remember, you schools or technical centers that offer are in the bakery business and you bake baking courses as part of their marketing bread to sell it. Therefore avoid baking efforts. Pilmico Foods Corporation has a products that will just stay in your shelf. baking school in BF Homes, Paranaque.

Turn to D3

D3

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

SPECIAL REPORT

Bakers keep prices stable

BY OTHEL V. CAMPOS

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group of bakers vowed to keep bread prices affordable this year, despite the increase in the cost of other commodities such as rice and petroleum that led to a 6.7-percent inflation rate in September.

Members of the Philippine Baking Industry Group made the assurance during a meeting with the Trade Department to allow Filipino consumers to enjoy affordable bakery products during the Christmas season. The group includes mostly producers of Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal products.

PhilBaking members said the current price of P35 per loaf of Pinoy Tasty and P21.50 per 10-piece pack of Pinoy Pandesal would remain until the holidays are over.

The group said it decided to maintain prices in response to the Trade Department’s call for manufacturers to refrain from increasing the prices of basic commodities this holiday season.

PhilBaking said despite the rising cost of ingredients, its members continue to absorb the additional cost brought about by the increasing prices of raw materials.

“While other products have gone up, Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal will remain at P35 and P21.50, respectively, until end of December,” PhilBaking president Paolo Valderrama said.

Valderrama is a second-generation executive of the country’s second largest bread company, Marby Food Ventures, maker of the Marby bread.

Data show the prices of Pinoy breads have not moved up since April 2016. Flour prices also remain manageable, according to the Philippine Association of Flour Millers Inc. Pafmil executive director Ricardo Pinca said the increasing capacity of flour millers and the entry of two more players would keep flour prices in the country competitive.

Data from Pafmil showed that despite the high prices of global wheat, Philippine flour prices declined to P670 per 25-kilogram bag this year from a range of P870 to P900 a bag four years ago.

Pinca said while retail prices of flour remained competitive, other inputs to baking rose because of inflation and the devaluation of the peso against the US dollar. Most inputs are imported.

Valderama said while members of PhilBaking agreed to freeze prices this year, they may have to adjust the prices of Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal in January 2019.

Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal are products of a joint project between the Trade Department and the bakers group as an integral component of the industry’s corporate social responsibility to provide accessible and affordable bakery prod-

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (sixth from left) welcomes the commitment of the Philippine Baking Industry Group to keep prices of Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal stable. ucts to consumers.

The project resulted the proliferation of many other reasonably-priced loaves and breads in the market. Pinoy breads (tasty and pan de sal) are part of the baking industry’s efforts to provide alternative to premium, branded breads, in cooperation with the Trade Department.

“Based on the major costs, such as flour, sugar and yeast, there has been an average of 6 percent increase due to the impact of these factors,” he said.

The Trade Department assured consumers that the price of Harinang Pinoy would remain stable until December 2018. Bakers expect a P45 increase in the price of a bag of flour, including Harinang Pinoy, once the price holdoff is lifted by December.

Valderrama said the association members were actively promoting Pinoy breads which also contain vitamins and minerals present in premium breads.

He said the group wants to keep the prices of Pinoy breads affordable, despite the rising inflation rate and fluctuation of

foreign exchange.

“Inflation and foreign exchange have been a problem not just for bakery ingredients, but also for all industries. Some players would opt for cost cutting in this situation,”Valderrama said.

“Inflation has a domino effect. Once cost of materials rise, cost of retail prices usually follow. Majority of consumers will get affected and they would adjust their budget and their buying behavior accordingly,” he said.

What is more challenging, he said, is that some suppliers were hoarding ingredients, resulting in sourcing problems for bakers.

“Since they can control prices and also during seasonal times, some ingredient makers would prioritize selling to retailers instead of manufacturers,” he said.

Valderrama said despite these challenges, local bakers had not succumbed to competition including foreign bakeries.

He said existing players were con-

US Wheat supports PH bread industry

BY JOE SOWERS ALONG with our partners in the Philippines, US Wheat Associates is very excited about preparations for World Bread Day 2018 on Oct. 16. This is a day to celebrate the wholesome, nutritious goodness of the high-quality wheat food products produced in this country. It is a treasured part of the long-term partnership between American wheat farmers and Philippine bakers and flour millers.

The Filipino diet, derived from Spain and later influenced by American tastes, puts bread and other baked goods in an important place, accounting for more than half of foods that contain wheat flour in the Philippines.

Sowers Wheat does not grow well in a hot, tropical climate, however, and must be imported. That is why wheat farmers from the United States established an office here in the Philippines almost 60 years ago.

The work of USW is funded by contributions from US wheat farmers and cost-share grants from the US Department of Agriculture. USW does not buy, sell nor process wheat; we do help make it easier for everyone else who does. USW proudly represents the hard-working farm families that produce enough wheat every year to fill American tables, while still supplying a substantial share of world wheat trade.

Over the years, bakers and their respective baking associations have worked with USW to advance technical skills within the industry, supporting Filipino bakers’ ability to produce the best products in the world, providing a safe, healthy, enjoyable eating experience. USW has also worked closely with the milling industry to import the highest quality wheat and process it into the highest quality flour at the lowest possible price. These efforts have contributed to the Philippines being one of the

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most sophisticated wheat foods industries in the world today.

Producing appealing loaf bread and other products like hamburger buns requires wheat flour with very specific qualities. Filipino bakers’ have developed a preference for the superior performance of flour milled locally from hard red spring wheat grown in the Northern Plains of the United States. The unique characteristics of this wheat help improve loaf volume, mixing tolerance and stability needed to make Pinoy Tasty and Spanish breads such as pandesal and monay.

Wheat buyers, flour millers and wheat food processors can be most efficient and effective when they are informed about wheat quality and export prices. USW continues to provide that service —an effort that also includes risk management and technical education. With this support, buyers and users can specify the qualities they need for almost every enduse product from among the six classes grown across the United States. This combination of reliability and quality provides excellent value to US wheat customers.

To provide the best, most wholesome food, millers and bakers constantly try to improve their products. Technical support from USW helps them develop better baked goods produced in more efficient ways. USW helps Filipino milling and baking industries expand product lines and maintain elevated quality and hygiene levels. USW often brings international consultants to the Philippines to work with local industry on similar goals. USW also works with the baking industry to improve business management practices to assure vitality in the industry.

Expanding consumer awareness and appreciation for wheat foods, including nutritional information through

seminars, consumer demonstrations, trade shows and promotional campaign support is also part of the partnership with USW. Together, we actively support World Bread Day celebrations in the Philippines.

This constant pursuit to improve value to the consumer, has contributed to a significant increase in wheatbased foods consumption. Average Filipinos today eat 26% more wheat-based foods than they did just five years ago. Much of this increase can be attributed to rising middle-class disposable income, changing lifestyles and diets, as well as several years of low prices.

The partnership also allows us to meet challenges when they inevitably come. As we embark upon World Bread Day 2018, the global supply of milling wheat is starting to decline because of poor weather conditions in several major wheat exporting countries. As a result, prices are increasing. This comes at an unfavorable time for the Philippine consumer, who is currently experiencing the highest inflation in several years on rising rice and energy prices, among other consumer goods.

USW will continue to invest in the Philippine milling and baking industries, helping them increase efficiencies in their processes through a period of rising prices for their key raw materials while maintaining the high standards of quality their customers expect. USW is hopeful that consumers will continue to see value in the convenient, nutritious and delicious biscuits, cakes, breads, pasta, noodles and many other products offered by the Philippine wheat foods industry, even when the industry needs to raise their selling prices to account for rising raw material costs. Maintaining a healthy industry is in everyone’s best interest, to assure continued availability of high quality food into the future.

Joe Sowers is the regional vice president for the Philippines and South Korea at US Wheat Associates.

tinuing to diversify. “Given the tight competition, each one has to survive,” he said.

Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, who heads the Trade Department’s Consumer Protection Group, said Pinoy breads were among the commodities subjected to price freeze as requested by the agency.

From D2

With bread...

Bake products that will fly off your shelf as fast as possible.

5. Begin small, but dream big. It is best to start small and then grow the business gradually. By starting your bakery in a modest way, you get to control your losses should you commit mistakes, which is common for aspiring business persons. Begin with second hand equipment from bakeries that have expanded and need to unload their smaller capacity oven for example. Buy locally made equipment so that technical service would be readily available should the equipment break down. Locally-made ovens and mixers are simple but are tough and tested. Imported equipment may look good and modern but are expensive and parts are not readily available. DCM is a well-known local oven and mixer manufacturer and they produce good, tough ovens, mixers and kneaders. I should know. I have a 24 year old DCM oven and it still works while my second hand spiral mixer also made by DCM works just fine.

6. Know your costs and control your expenses. The cost of bakery ingredients fluctuates due to demand and competition. It is thus essential that you have knowledge of the cost of your ingredients as they change since this will affect the cost of your products. Use locally produced flour as these are fresher and consistent in quality. Local mills also provide bakery technicians who can trouble shoot and help you improve your products. Imported flour is cheaper but they are not as good as the local produce. Here are some numbers to consider: Depending on your formulation and your baking efficiency, a 25 kg bag of local flour may produce about 1,800 pcs of pandesal weighing 25 grams each. The same flour may produce 100 loaves of bread weighing 450 grams each.

At P2.50 per pan de sal, a sack of flour will give you gross sales of P4,500 per bag. Your 100 loaves of bread if sold at P36.50 each would gross P3,650 per bag of flour. From these gross sales, you will have to deduct the cost of your ingredients, space rental, packaging,power and utilities, and salaries to get your net income. And don’t forget your taxes because the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will run after you.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Low wheat output seen to raise prices

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BY OTHEL V. CAMPOS

flour industry expert expects the low global wheat production this year to translate into higher local flour prices in the coming months.

Ricardo Pinca, the executive director of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers Inc., said the devaluation of the peso against the US dollar and the unrelenting fuel price hikes would exacerbate the situation.

“Global wheat [supply] is at its fiveyear low. It is not only the US that has low production, even the world’s biggest producer, the European Union is entering a six-year low production period,” he said.

Germany, France, Sweden and the Baltic nations reported lower production, year-on-year, he said.

Based on the global wheat production report, Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine were expecting a 15-percent to 20-percent decline in output, with Russia fearful of rain affecting harvest that might cause lower quality. There were also concerns that the 12.5-percent protein wheat could be in tight supply now.

“So the issue is not simply quality, but also quantity that could further jack up global prices, no matter where the origin is,” Pinca said.

Canada, the second biggest exporter of milling wheat of the Philippines, next to the US, warned of a production drop of 2 million to 4 million metric tons.

The Philippines sources 95 percent of its wheat requirements from the US.

Prices fluctuated from $192.17/MT in January 2018 to $212.38/MT in September 2018. Prices peaked at $236.63 in August 2018.

Global wheat prices may hit the $300/ MT mark, according to analysts, driven by several factors such as the cost of global prices, cost of freight, peso-dollar exchange rate, logistics and labor cost.

This means the price of local flour may soon adjust accordingly.

Pafmil said flour prices may hit more than P700 per 25-kilogram bag, up from about P640 to P660 per bag at present.

The entry of independent, non-affiliated wheat milling companies increased the local flour industry’s capacity by 25 percent to 5 million MT from 4 million MT. From 12 companies, there are now 21 flour millers, including the new players in Cebu, Laguna and Subic. New industry players started operations in 2010 and added a combined capacity of 909,000 MT a year.

The new capacity added to the annual 2.55 million MT output of Pafmil members and the 1.6 million MT production of the Chamber of Philippine Flour Millers Inc. New millers include Monde Nissin Corp., Atlantic Grains Inc., Asian Grains Inc., New Hope Flour Milling Corp., Great Earth Industrial Food Inc., North Star

Flour Mill, Mabuhay Interflour Mill, AgriPacific Corp., Big-C Agri Miller and California Flour Mill Group.

Pafmil and Chamflour represent the groups of institutional flour millers.

Pafmil members are RFM Corp., Liberty Flour Mills Inc., Wellington Flour Mills, Pilmico Foods Corp., General Milling Corp., Universal Robina Corp. and Philippine Flour Mills.

San Miguel Mills Inc., the country’s biggest flour miller and Philippine Foremost Flour Mills, the country second biggest flour mill belong to Chamflour. Its other members are Morning Star Milling Corp. and Delta Milling Industries, Inc. Pinca said that with the entry of new players, there was a a surplus or unutilized capacity of 48.7 percent, but milling wheat imports remained high at 2.6 million MT. “The industry, I presume is just preparing for the expected increase in demand. Consumption of flour-based products is steadily increasing by 6

percent yearly. This is due to improving economy and purchasing capacity of Filipinos,” he said.

Pinca said an increase in demand is inevitable as the country’s population keeps growing year-on-year.

Data show that per capita consumption of flour increased in the last four years from 19.9 kilograms in 2015 to 21.3 kg in 2018. However, bread consumption is still much lower than per capita rice consumption of 114 kg.

Competition also encouraged players to diversify flour production to suit the requirement of certain products.

The industry started customizing flour for different products such as breads, noodles, cake/biscuit, siopao and pizza. There are also all-purpose flour and whole-wheat flour.

New players effectively reduced other companies’ share of the market and some millers also ventured into downstream production.

URC recently created bakery subsidiary Baker John Bread Products on top

of its production of Ideal Pasta, Payless Noodles, biscuits, cookies and others.

SMC is also now into community bread production with its Kambal Pandesal, while Philippine Foremost debuted its pasta line Amigo. General Milling has its Pasta Magnifico, while Morning Star has Pasta Prima.

Strong local competition also limited imports to only 8 percent, with Turkey remaining the biggest supplier of 2.94 million bags or 44.3 percent of total imports. Turkey is followed by Vietnam with 1.9 million MT or 28.9 percent share and Indonesia with 1.18 million MT or 17.8 percent.

Bakery products take the lion share in wheat flour distribution at 55 percent and account for 1.15 million MT yearly. This is followed by noodle production with 22 percent or 437,000 MT. Cookies and crackers account for 18 percent or 375,000 MT; pasta, 2 percent or 42,000 MT; and other products, 4 percent or 83,000 MT. Of the bakery products, pan de sal has the biggest share of 19 percent, with 396,000 MT of wheat flour. Loaf bread comes next with 18 percent or 375,000 MT, followed by cakes and pastries with 12 percent or 250,000 MT, and buns and rolls with 6 percent or 125,000 MT. For the bread sector, large companies like Gardenia Bakeries account for 20 percent of the market, while smaller community bakeries still dominate the market with 80-percent market share.

Monde Nissin Corp. leads the noodle makers segment with 60-percent market share, followed by URC with 17 percent and other small players with 23 percent.