Manila Standard - 2018 August 1 - Wednesday

Midterm polls assured of funding

By Maricel V. Cruz THE proposed 2019 national budget of President Rodrigo Duterte ensures the holding of the election next year and allocates P6 billion for it, House Majorty Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. said Tuesday.

VOL. XXXII • NO. 167 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

The P6 billion is on top of the P12.4-billion budget for the preparatory activities for the 2019 elections that the government had earmarked for the Commission on Elections under this year’s P3.767-trillion General Appropriations Act, he said.

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Basilan blast kills 11 at checkpoint; Sayyaf blamed

By Francisco Tuyay and Macon Ramos-Araneta

UGLY END. The body of one of 10 victims— troops and civilians—of an explosion Tuesday in barangay Maganda, in the outskirts of Lamitan City in Basilan. The blast tore through a van at an Army checkpoint, with authorities warning this could be linked to a wider plot by Islamic militants. AFP

ELEVEN people, including a one-yearold child, were killed when an explosion tore through a van at an army checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan, Tuesday, in what authorities warned could be linked to a wider plot by Islamic militants.

Six hours after the Lamitan explosion, a roadside bomb went off in Antipolo City along the Manila-Infanta Road, injuring two civilians.

In the mainly Christian city of Lamitan, the bomb went off after soldiers and progovernment militia troops stopped a vehicle and tried to search it just after dawn on the outskirts of the city.

One soldier, five militia troops and four civilians were killed.

The van driver, a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf militant group also died, Armed Forces spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo told reporters in Manila.

He added that government forces had been on heightened alert after receiving reports that extremists planned to plant improvised explosives in areas around the island.

“We can just imagine the tragedy that this would bring to the people of Basilan had we not stopped them at the checkpoint,” he said.

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Tax reform 2 gets big push Taguig cops relieved after KFR incident

House, Senate set TRAIN 2 as priority legislative agenda

By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Julito G. Rada

NEWS A6

Dog wins medal in Sydney marathon

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SYDNEY—A dog called Stormy has been awarded a medal after completing a half-marathon in outback Australia and winning the hearts of its human competitors.

“It’s a priority,” House Speaker Gloria the House committee on ways and means Macapagal Arroyo said on the sidelines about the second package of the Tax Reof a congressional hearing conducted by form for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

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EADERS of the House and the Senate said Tuesday they would push for the passage of the second package of the administration’s tax reform law.

Arroyo said TRAIN 2, which will lower corporate taxes, is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda, and was tagged as urgent in his State of the Nation Address.

“I said in my very short statement upon assumption, the first and foremost job I have as Speaker is to carry out the legislative agenda of President Duterte,” Arroyo said.

Under the proposed second package of the TRAIN law, the government aims to lower the corporate income tax from 30

percent to 25 percent and to modernize the fiscal incentives to attract new and growing industries.

While the passage of TRAIN 2 is expected to go smoothly in the House, it may be in for rough sailing in the Senate, where some senators have been critical of TRAIN. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said the Palace would explain to the senators that they have a misconception on the second package of the administration’s tax reform law.

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Former senator Estrada liable for plunder—SC

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has affirmed the findings of the Office of the Ombudsman holding former senator Jose “Jinggoy’ Estrada liable for plunder, in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam.

SC Public Information Office Chief Theodore Te said the magistrates reached the decision during their regular en banc session Tuesday.

“The Court voting 6-4, with four taking no part, upheld the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause against petitioner Estrada,” Te said, in a media briefing.

However, the Court has yet to release its promulgated decision as well as the concurring opinion of the magistrates and those who dissented from the rulNext page ing.

Justices want ‘insider’to be new chief; Bersamin leads nominees with 10 votes

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court’s justices on Tuesday endorsed the nomination of four of their colleagues to the most coveted post in the judiciary, which was left vacant following the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno through quo warranto proceedings.

They approved the nomination of Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin and Andres Reyes Jr. as the next chief justice.

Bersamin received the most number of votes from his peers with 10, De Castro

and Peralta received nine and Reyes two.

The high court did not recommend the nomination of the fifth aspirant to the post, Tagum City, Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court Judge Virginia Tejano-Ang. The votes of the magistrates indicated they preferred an “insider” to be the next chief justice to replace Sereno.

The high court traditionally submits to the Judicial and Bar Council its recommendations for the vacancies within.

This practice, however, was halted during the term of Sereno.

The seven-member council tasked to vet the nominees for judicial posts is set to Next page

CONDEMNED, DESTROYED.

President Rodrigo Duterte (above) inspects one of the contraband luxury vehicles before they were subjected to condemnation and destruction Monday in the Port of Irene in Santa Ana, Cagayan. A total of 68 vehicles worth over P277 million and motorbikes worth more than P19 million were destroyed as part of Duterte’s campaign against smuggling and corruption.

At right, a contraband Lamborghini luxury car becomes part of a pile of wreckage Monday.

Malacañang Photo

NAPC head told: Face charges, avoid going AWOL

By Nat Mariano MALACAÑANG has National AntiPoverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza to surrender to authorities following the arrest warrants issued by a local court against her and three other party-list lawmakers on murder charges.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday that Maza, an incumbent member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s

Cabinet, should respect the rule of law.

“I ask her to surrender, face the charges against her, and prove her innocence,” said Roque.

“I’m sure that she has no reason to worry about [since] our courts can be relied upon for an impartial decision.”

Duterte has not fired Maza since the issuance of arrest warrants by Nueva Ecija trial court against her, former Agrarian Reform secretary Rafael Mariano, and

former party-list Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño.

He added that Maza might become a fugitive if she would not surrender physically to the Regional Trial Court.

“If she goes AWOL, absence without [official] leave, then the President will have to decide on her continuing appointment because she cannot be absent,” said Roque, highlighting that the NAPC Next page

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News

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

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Romualdez bill creates disaster resilience body LEYTE Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez on Monday filed a bill seeking to create the Department of Disaster Resilience that is more attuned and responsive to the desired version of President Rodrigo Duterte, which guarantees a unity of command, science-based approach, and full-time focus on natural hazards and disasters.

In other developments: • Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is preparing the House of Representatives for the eventual passage of a disaster management bill by creating a committee on disaster management in the chamber.

President Rodrigo Duterte earler called on the Congress to pass the bill that provides for the creation of the Department of Disaster Management.

Arroyo said the new committee will tackle the disaster preparedness and resiliency of every district in the country.

• To mitigate disaster risk in times of calamity, the Office of the President, through the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, has submitted the administration’s version of the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience to the Offices of the Senate President and the House Speaker, the Palace confirmed Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. told reporters that the bill was anchored on the government’s experience with previous disasters, among them Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” and guided by Duterte’s leadership principles.

Under House Bill 7968, Romualdez, the newly elected chairwoman of the House committee on accounts, said her latest proposal was an improved version of her HB 344 that she earlier filed following Duterte’s renewed call during his third State of the Nation Address for Congress to expedite the passage of the bill that mandates the creation of a new department that would exclusively manage the preparation and response to calamities.

Romualdez, a vice chairwoman of the House committee on government enterprises and privatization, said her proposal “aims to drastically reduce, if not totally eliminate, the bureaucratic red tape which has caused many delays in the delivery of immediate assistance needed by the victims.” Maricel V. Cruz

Midterm...

From A1 “This [P6 billion] is in the proposed 2019 budget submitted by the President,” Andaya said. “So the President’s budget is an anti-(no election) budget.”

Andaya said there is no stopping the midterm elections next year, and appealed to the President’s critics to stop peddling lies about a no-election scenario. He called such warnings “baseless” and said they were aimed at discrediting the government.

“The funding for the 2019 elections disprove conspiracy theorists of a no-el scenario. The funding for the May 2019 elections are available,” Andaya said.

Last week, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also rejected a no-el scenario and

NAPC...

From A1 played a crucial part in fighting against the country’s poverty.

“We cannot have a secretary who is a fugitive from the law.”

In a related development: • Duterte called communist leader Jose Maria Sison as having a “bankrupt mind” during a speech Monday at the destruction of contraband luxury vehicles and motorbikes at the Port Irene in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

Duterte also described the New People’s Army guerrillas as “slaughterers” who have for decades killed “their own countrymen.”

“There is only one person thinking [for the NPAs]. There is only one person using his ...gray matter between his ear. You are like robots,” he said.

Duterte also described members of the NPA as “arrogant” who push war and stop the progress and development of communities. ”You cannot even occupy a barangay.

When you’re able to shoot somebody, kill civilians, kill soldiers, for nothing. For nothing. Not even an ideology.

There is actually none at all. You’re fighting for a bankrupt mind,” the President said.

Instead of continuing the armed struggle, Duterte said communist guerrillas must “trust the government” and support economic centers and businesses.

Saying the communist rebels were strong in Cagayan, Duterte said it would mean nothing to them except for Sison whom “you [rebels] believe what is in his head.”

He said he was once mesmerized by Sison but he admitted that he later reflected and reviewed his thoughts.

“You know there is always a time to reflect and review what we have in this life.

It is not revolution...it has to be evolution,” he said.

In Malacañang, Roque said Maza must heed the warrant of arrest. With PNA

Budget cuts make solons worry

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE head of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations on Tuesday voiced concern over the budget cuts in the key agencies under the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, the panel’s chairman, made the statement on Tuesday as his committee began its deliberations on the proposed budget, with Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno as the main resource person in the hearing.

Nograles said the proposed 2019 budget― which is cash-based―was P10 billion lower than the current P3.767-trillion budget.

The agencies affected by the budget cuts include the Departments of Health, Education and Public Works and Highways.

“Let us address the elephant in the room.

You are coming to ask a budget that’s P10 billion lower in absolute terms,” Nograles told Diokno.

“All of us here are concerned with the reductions in the various departments

Lawmakers feud over minority THE Lagman-led opposition group in the House of Representatives on Tuesday protested the supposed appointment of ABS Party-list Rep. Eugene de Vera as acting minority leader.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said De Vera’s appointment was illegal because of the absence of a provision in the House rules on succession.

“In the rules of the House, there is no provision on the succession of the majority leadership and minority leadership,” Lagman told reporters.

He made his statement even as former Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said De Vera should be recognized by the House leadership as the acting minority leader.

The House rules provide that the lawmakers who did not vote for a winning candidate for the speakership will automatically be part of the minority group.

In Monday’s plenary session, Fariñas said De Vera, a House deputy minority leader, was the only high-ranking member of the House minority bloc of Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, who did not vote for the election of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Fariñas said all the other high-ranking members of the Suarez-led minority bloc, including then-Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Senior Deputy Minority Leader Lito Atienza, and Deputy Minority Leader Alfredo Garbin voted for

Basilan...

From A1 Basilan is a stronghold of the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group.

It is one of several armed groups fighting government forces in Mindanao, where a decades-long rebellion has claimed more than 100,000 lives by government count.

Roderick Furigay, the Lamitan vice mayor, speculated that the explosives could have been intended for a parade on Tuesday morning by 4,000 children in the center of the town to mark the country’s “nutrition month.”

“That could have been [the target],” he said on ABS-CBN television. “It’s a good thing they were stopped at the checkpoint.”

President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed a law to create greater autonomy in the south which is hoped to help end the conflict.

Duterte put the southern Philippines including Basilan under martial rule until the end of this year after Abu Sayyaf members based on the island joined pro-Islamic State

Former...

From A1 Estrada was allowed by the Sandiganbayan, which is handling the cases against him, to post P1.33 million in bail for his temporary liberty in September last year.

Of the three former senators charged in connection with the pork barrel scam case, only Ramon Revilla Jr. remains in detention after the Supreme Court also allowed Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail in 2015.

Aside from plunder, Estrada also faces 11 counts of graft for allegedly pocketing some P183 million in kickbacks from his pork barrel allocations, which were coursed through bogus non-government organizations established by alleged pork barrel scam architect Janet Lim-Napoles.

The Supreme Court has laid down the reglementary period for the resolution of

Tax...

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Arroyo’s election.

And so De Vera, being the next highest-ranking officer of the minority group, temporarily takes the position of Suarez.

“All these three went to the minority, so it’s very clear that the minority leader position was not vacated. He [Suarez] abandoned his office by joining the majority. Eugene de Vera is acting, if not the minority leader, by the operation of the law,” Fariñas said.

The others who did not support Arroyo’s election to the speakership and would want to be part of the Suarez-led minority group may apply to De Vera, including the group of Liberal Party congressmen led by Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, Fariñas said.

This developed as Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, an LP member in the House, said Quimbo’s group was growing with the inclusion of Rep. Emmanuel Billones of Capiz and Rep. Vicente Alcala of Quezon in their group.

Bag-ao said Billones and Alcala had applied and had been accepted into the Quimbo-led group.

“This further proves our legitimacy in the House, and shows that this new minority is one that is worthy of the promise of democracy to our people,” Bag-ao said.

“I am certain that more of our colleagues will express their intention to join us.”

Maricel V. Cruz first step in moving forward in this issue,” Benitez, head of the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives, said.

Benitez also assured the public that the 2019 midterm polls will push through as scheduled.

“What we are saying right now is we are [not] proposing the idea of no election and we would rather work hand in hand with the Senate to push forward the proposed federal constitution,” Benitez said.

Benitez also said the House is “open” to the position of the Senate to vote separately in proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution as a mode to effect federalism.

“If it means that we would accept the conditions of the Senate that we would vote separately, at this stage we are accepting that stand,” Benitez said.

term extensions for elected officials, which her predecessor, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez had pushed.

“No [I am not supporting no-el and] definitely I am not supporting term extension,” Arroyo said.

She also dismissed as black propaganda the claim of her critics that she would be appointed prime minister once the Constitution is amended to usher in a federal system of government.

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, meanwhile, said the House will work closely with the Senate to find common ground on the Duterte administration’s push for federalism.

“We will work hand in hand with them and invite the Senate to convene as a constituent assembly so that we can make the

group militants who seized the southern city of Marawi last year.

The five-month siege killed 1,200 people and destroyed much of the center of the city, which Duterte said the pro-Islamic State militants planned to turn into the capital of a southeast Asian caliphate.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque condemned the Basilan attack, describing it as a “war crime” apparently intended against civilians.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attack in Basilan perpetrated in violation of our laws,” Roque said in a statement.

Among the fatalities were PFC Sammad Jumah, post commander of the Magwakit Detachment under the 19th Special Forces Company; militiamen Adlan Abdulla, Muid Manda, Teteng Omar, Herminio Gapo and the driver of the van.

Also killed in the bomb explosion were four dependents of militiamen, among them Hadja Radiya, wife of Omar and their son Gabi and Manda’s wife.

An Army officer—Lt. Rojean Rodriguez

graft cases, which should start with the preliminary investigation phase in the Office of the Ombudsman.

During its en banc session, the SC voted 8-2 with four justices taking no part, to uphold the position of the Ombudsman that the reckoning period for the right to speedy trial does not start with the fact-finding investigation.

The Court has set the new guideline for judicial determination of when a case is considered to be suffering from inordinate delay, which is common ground for seeking dismissal of cases before the Sandiganbayan.

“The Court interpreted the reckoning period for the right to ‘speedy disposition of cases’ under Article III, Section 16 to start from the preliminary investigation of cases, and not before the preliminary investigation and not from the fact-finding stage,” Te said in a media briefing.

The SC ruling arose from a petition

and agencies.”

The Health Department’s proposed budget for 2019 was decreased by P35 billion, the Education Department by P77 billion, and Public Works by P95 billion, Nograles said.

There were also P5-billion reductions in the budgets of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and of the Commission on Elections.

Nograles said the significant budget reductions would hurt the delivery of projects, especially in the rural areas. It would leave the departments out in the cold when it came to development programs.

“All of these concerns could have been addressed if the DBCC had come to us with a bigger budget. I personally was expecting

Arroyo met with the President’s economic managers and some lawmakers to discuss economic issues such as inflation, after attending the House ways and means hearing.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would push for the passage of TRAIN 2 despite the misgivings of some of his colleagues.

“I’ll file a counterpart [bill],” said Sotto after hearing the explanations of Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua regardng the benefits of the measure, describing the briefing as “very enlightening.”

“It opened my eyes. We should debate on it in the Senate,” said Sotto who also said he will first read the documents from the Department of Finance.

Sotto said the new package would benefit small and medium enterprises by cutting their corporate taxes.

In a briefing before the House, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government is hoping to raise P3.2 trillion in revenues in 2019, including about P181.4 billion from tax reform, which will help sustain its strong fiscal performance and aggressive spending plan into the medium term.

Dominguez told lawmakers that this revenue goal was equivalent to 16.5 percent of gross domestic product, which is an improvement from the 15.6 percent attained in 2017 and this year’s target of 16.2 percent.

The projected amount of P181.4 billion will come from TRAIN, as well as from the proposed tax amnesty program and adjustments in the Motor Vehicle Users Charge, which comprise Package 1B of the Duterte administration’s comprehensive tax reform

a budget of at least P3.9 trillion,” Nograles said.

The proposed 2019 national budget is cashbased as opposed to the traditional, multi-year and obligations-based budgeting.

The Budget Department has described it as the more efficient budgeting method since it limits incurring obligations and disbursing payments for goods delivered and services rendered, inspected and accepted within the fiscal year.

Diokno told the panel that the proposed 2019 budget and the existing 2018 budget could be compared as “apples to apples” since one was cash-based while the other was obligations-based. Thus, the P10 billion reduction was “misleading,” he said. program, Dominguez said.

The Finance secretary said the government expects tax revenues to grow by 12.7 percent in 2019 as the Bureaus of Internal Revenue and of Customs are expected to post collection growths of 13.1 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively.

Dominguez informed lawmakers that from January to June of this year, total revenue collection reached P1.41 trillion, which is 20 percent higher than the same period last year and exceeded the target by 8 percent or P105.7 billion.

Dominguez also assured lawmakers during that the briefing for the House committee on appropriations that the Philippines’ fiscal position remained strong, with revenues expected to be above target, the debt burden continuing to decline and the government’s spending program sustainable over the medium term.

“This administration is committed to long-term fiscal sustainability. Be assured we will continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and maintain sound fiscal policies to support higher and more inclusive growth,” Dominguez said during the briefing. “Fiscal strategy remains to be prudent, sustainable, and supportive of the government’s development objectives.”

To generate additional revenue streams that will enable the government to sustain its massive infrastructure buildup and increased spending on human capital development, Dominguez said the Duterte administration would push for the passage into law of the rest of the packages under its CTRP. Following the enactment of TRAIN, Dominguez said the DoF submitted the rest of the Duterte administration’s tax reform packages to the Congress and is hoping that lawmakers would approve them this year.

start the deliberations on the post of chief justice in their meeting this Friday, Aug. 3.

JBC ex-officio vice chairman and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said any one of the four magistrates vying for the post of chief justice was qualified for it.

“Any one of the four SC associate justice nominees is capable of filling the position of CJ,” Guevarra said.

The JBC started on June 25 the search for Sereno’s replacement after the high

court made final its decision ousting her from her post on June 19.

The 1987 Constitution requires the position of chief justice be filled within 90 days from its vacancy. This means President Rodrigo Duterte needs to appoint Sereno’s replacement by Sept. 16.

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

and three of his men, Sgt. Renante Escanyan, PFC Romeo Frias and PFC Feffrey Martisio and two militiamen— Gerry Inso, and Wilbert Garcia, were also injured in the bomb attack.

CAF members manning the Bulanting checkpoint intercepted and held the driver of a 10-seater van for questioning Tuesday morning. When questioned, the driver who looked like a foreigner, could not speak the local dialect or Tagalog, Yakan or English, prompting the militiamen to seek help from a senior official.

As Lt. Rodriguez approached the van, an explosive device went off, blowing the people nearby to pieces.

The AFP spokesman Arevalo attributed the bomb attack to ASG remnants under the group of Furuji Indama, but said it was unlikely to be a suicide attack.

“What we are saying is that we have no sufficient basis to conclude that this is a lone wolf attack and a suicide bomb attempt,” Arevalo said.

“This group of Furuji Indama is wwiftly losing ground. That’s why they are now

resorting to these desperate moves to disrupt the mass surrenders from Basilan and Sulu,” Arevalo said.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Carlito Galvez commended the vigilance and dedication of those manning the checkpoint.

“They have foiled an attempt to bring in a vehicle loaded with IEDs to downtown Lamitan City—at the cost of their own lives,” Galvez said.

“While we commend our troops, we condemn in the highest possible terms this... dastardly attempt of terrorists to kill, maim, and injure innocent civilians,” Galvez added.

He said the terrorists will not succeed given the strong collaboration between the military and the local government.

In Zamboanga City, authorities tightened checkpoints and boosted security in coastal and sea ports.

Senator Panfilo Lacson yesterday warned of a spate of terrorist attacks in the wake of the Lamitan blast, and expressed concern that it was the first of many suicide bombings.

With AFP, Nat Mariano

Justices...

From A1

filed by former Sarangani provincial treasurer Cesar Cagang, who submitted for the Court’s resolution the same issue raised in the petition filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2016 that sought to revisit the inordinate delay doctrine.

An insider revealed that the ruling effectively revised the doctrine set by the Supreme Court in its 2014 decision that dismissed the $2-million extortion case against former Justice secretary Hernani Perez filed by former Manila congressman Mark Jimenez in 2001 due to inordinate delay by the Ombudsman.

The previous doctrine included the conduct of the fact-finding probe in the reckoning period for the resolution of cases.

The Ombudsman filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to revisit the old doctrine, which has been invoked in many motions by the accused to dismiss cases before the Sandiganbayan.

Dog...

From A1 The crossbreed diligently ran the 21-kilometer (13mile) Goldfields Pipeline Marathon near the West Australian town of Kalgoorlie this month in two-and-a-half hours, the average time of participants.

“People were amused. It was a very friendly dog, and prior to the half-marathon, he was going around saying hello to a lot of people and when the race started, he took off with them,” race organizer Grant Wholey told AFP Tuesday.

“At the race stations he was having a little runaround and saying hello to the volunteers and participants, and then he would team up with another runner and keep on following the crowd.

“He was just out there having a trot through the bush and enjoying people’s company.”

Wholey said the black and brown canine came from a nearby Aboriginal community where school teachers said it was known to locals as Stormy.

Race organizers were told it belonged to the community rather than a single owner, and the one-yearold was impounded by rangers when no-one claimed him after the race. AFP

News CoA tags Ombudsman for annex occupancy

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Audit has flagged the Office of the Ombudsman for occupying its P489-million annex building in Quezon City that had yet to be completed and covered by an insurance.

In an audit report, state auditors said the facility remained incomplete by 2.38 percent from its last inspection on June 6, 2015 until Dec. 31, 2017.

CoA called the attention of the Ombudsman for failure to liquidate damages due to incomplete construction against the project contractor—the Joint Venture of Filipinas Systems Inc. and F.F. Cruz and Co., and for occupying the annex building without a certificate of final acceptance and issuance of a certificate of completion of works.

Moreover, the structure was not yet covered by the Government Service Insurance System’s general insurance fund, “thus exposing the property to unnecessary risk of not being indemnified for any loss or damage due to fortuitous events.”

CoA cited the delay in the project with a completion rate of 84.30 percent.

The Ombudsman said they needed a bigger space when its Office of the Special Prosecutor transferred office from the Sandiganbayan on Commonwealth Avenue to the annex building on Agham Road.

“The Office was already in dire need for additional office space due to the long required clear out of its Office of the Special Prosecutor from the Sandiganbayan Building because the Sandiganbayan had also long needed the office space for its two newly created divisions,” the Ombudsman’s defense read.

The Ombudsman blamed the project contractor’s continued failure to complete the facility construction within its target date of completion.

Despite such explanation, CoA asked the Ombudsman’s project management team to determine the contractor’s liquidated damages, demand a project completion and have the facility be covered by an insurance.

SC allows Lee to post bail in estafa case

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has affirmed the 2013 decision of the Court of Appeals downgrading the charges against controversial property developer Delfin Lee from syndicated estafa to simple estafa, in connection with the alleged anomalous housing projects of his firm Globe Asiatique in Pampanga worth P6.6 billion.

With this ruling, the SC allowed Lee to post bail after over four years of detention at the Pampanga provincial jail after he was charged in court with syndicated estafa.

“The Court downgraded the offense that respondent Delfin Lee is charged with from syndicated estafa under Article 315, as amended, to simple estafa. As a consequence, the respondent Lee, who is the accused in the cases below, is entitled to bail as a matter of right,” the Court, through spokesman Theodore Te, said.

Voting 7-5 with two abstentions during the en banc session Tuesday, the justices resolved to dismiss the petition filed in 2014 by the Department of Justice and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) seeking reversal of the appellate court ruling.

The SC also lifted the temporary restraining order it issued in March 2014 that prevented Lee’s release from the jail as ordered by the appellate court.

The high tribunal has yet to release copies of the main decision as well as different opinions pending signatures of justices.

It also has not revealed the votes of the magistrates.

The SC made the ruling after resetting deliberations on the case over 20 times since June 2015.

Lee was indicted for syndicated estafa charges for allegedly defrauding the government of P6.6 billion in housing loan proceeds for home buyers, whom investigators later found to be fictitious or had incomplete documents.

However, the businessman persistently sought reliefs from courts and eventually secured a favorable ruling from the special 15th division of the appellate court in November 2013, which lifted the arrest warrant issued against him by the Pampanga regional trial court branch 42.

The appellate court had sided with Lee’s argument that he could no longer be prosecuted for non-bailable charge of syndicated estafa following the dismissal of charges against two of his co-accused, Pag-IBIG Fund foreclosure manager Alex Alvarez and GA documentation head Christina Sagun.

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10 PDP-Laban members face ban B ETWEEN five and 10 members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan face sanction including expulsion, its president Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Tuesday.

Pimentel, former president of the Senate, said people he did not identify but claimed to be officials of the party’s regional councils held a national assembly last week and elected a new set of officers.

He said what the group—which retained only two party officials: President Rodrigo Duterte as chairman and Presidential Assistant Christopher Go as auditor—did was prejudicial to the party.

Replying to reporters’ questions, Pimentel said “Up to expulsion, because this is an act inimical to the party using in an unauthorized way the name of the

party.”

On July 20, Pimentel’s group issued a “notice to the public” to warn the people against individuals who were identifying themselves as officers of the organization.

Pimentel said some individuals had called for a national assembly on July 27 at the Amoranto Amphitheater in Quezon City he added was not authorized by the party.

“We wish to inform the party members and the public that these individuals have no authority to represent the party or its national council and are therefore usurpers of party authority,” the notice said.

On Sunday, Go said Duterte would call a caucus to unite factions within the PDP-Laban.

On Friday, a breakaway faction held an unauthorized assembly to elect Rogelio Garcia as president, Abbin Dalhani as executive vice president, Willy Talag as secretary-general and Go as auditor.

“It was only yesterday that I learned of the faction,” Go said.

“When they asked me about the assembly and [told me] I was chosen [as the auditor], I told them that I was already the interim national auditor, but this time around this [was] another faction.”

The breakaway group retained Duterte as chairman.

“I mentioned this to the President. I said, ‘Mayor there are factions in this.

You are chairman in this faction and chairman in the other. I, too, am auditor

in this faction and auditor in the other faction,’” Go said.

He said the President was taken by surprise at the development.

The group removed Pimentel III as party president and Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as secretary-general, but the established party leaders dismissed the move as an unauthorized action by rogue or expelled members.

“This is the party that took the President to the presidency, so it would be a pity if we don’t do anything about it,” Go said of the rift within the PDPLaban.

Pimentel on Sunday warned against saboteurs who were out to sow havoc and destroy the ruling PDP-Laban.

“Once they succeed in their plot, they will jump [ship],” said Pimentel, who noted that he spent his political life in the party founded by his father, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gut issues first

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

of the ruling PDP-Laban and even other parties will gravitate to her Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party. In turn, this will make her regional party become national in character.

When this happens, will Sara insist IN THE wake of all these distrac- on running for a local position? I am tions—the transition of power in Con- sure she can easily make it to the Sengress, for instance, with Rep. Gloria ate, along with Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Arroyo being named Speaker of the Marcos.

House—Filipinos would still want to Other strong names for the Senate know: What about gut issues? race are those of Senators Grace Poe, These are the high prices of goods Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and forand services, the scarcity of jobs, and mer senator Pia Cayetano. low wages. *** And then you have an environment The terror attack in Basilan which of lawlessness and violence that is killed at least 13 is a reminder to the bound to get worse with the elections President and to the Armed Forces in May 2019. that IS-inspired groups are very much Plus, let us not forget what Presi- around despite martial law in Minddent Rodrigo Duterte said in his Sona anao. last week—that he would pursue his They are just biding their time to war on drugs with its “chilling effect.” strike back after their failure to make Even now, the Philippine National Po- Marawi City a caliphate. lice is gearing up for a “recalibrated” Because of this I strongly object to campaign against drugs, whatever that President Duterte’s plan to reach out means. to and talk peace In the pursuit of with the Abu Charter change to Sayyaf. pave the way for My gulay, you Will Charter change federalism, can do not talk to peomost Filipinos ex- give us all a better life? ple whose only pect the gut issues agenda is to sow to be addressed? terror!

As sure as night I have serious follows day, terdoubts. I’ve been a journalist for almost 70 years, and I rorists will strike. have seen enough, both the best and the *** worst.

The objection of Muslim leaders like I would go as far to say that Char- the Moro National Liberation Front’s ter change at this point seems to be the Nur Misuari, and other groups, to the road to perdition. It will only derail Bangsamoro Organic Law springs from projects that cry out for immediate at- the fact that the BOL was conceived by tention. the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

I even doubt that Congress has time We know only too well that Mofor this, given that in a few months its roland is controlled by tribes. Muslims members will be focused on their re- from Lanao and Maguindanao cannot spective campaigns. coexist with Tausugs from Sulu, and Along this line, I am happy that for- those from central Mindanao regard mer Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and his Tausugs as pirates. idea of a no-election scenario are out.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guini At the end of the day, it is up to has also expressed concerns about the President Duterte to set his priorities BOL, the same sentiment as that of straight. It’s his third year in office Zamboanga City residents who do not and he still has a great opportunity to want to be part of the Bangsamoro. change the lives of millions of Filipinos President Duterte needs to talk to all for the better. stakeholders. *** *** With the emergence of Davao City I am saddened by the death of ChiMayor Sara Duterte as kingmaker— tang Guerrero Nakpil, a true literary queenmaker would be more accurate— and press icon. She was a good friend.

I think sooner or later splinted groups

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Make an example of them

W

E WELCOME the statement from the Palace that broadcaster Ben Tulfo is not off the hook for the questionable P60-million advertising contract that his sister, former Tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, awarded his production company in 2017.

Reacting to Tulfo’s defiant refusal to return the P60 million, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the broadcaster’s decision was disappointing, but the government would go through legal proceedings to recover the money and punish those who are guilty of what appears to be a clear case of conflict of interest.

“It is really saddening. Both Ben and Wanda promised to return the money,” Roque said in a radio interview. “If they do not comply with what they have declared, it’s okay, we go through the process…

The President [has said] that it is imperative that the legal process must run [its course] and let those liable be held accountable in the anomalies in the DoT.” Tulfo had insisted on social media last week he would not return a single centavo of the P60 million.

“We will return nothing,” Tulfo said in a Facebook post. “Our contracts and documents were complete. What we did was legal. We delivered and worked for it. Do you want proof? We have here a ton of videos that PTV-4 produced and aired in our ‘Kilos Pronto’ nationwide, worldwide, and in social media. Prove your allegation of conflict of interest to us in court.”

Teo got caught in the controversy after the Commission on Audit questioned her department’s P60million ad placement on the Tulfo brothers’ show “Kilos Pronto” through a deal with government network PTV-4 in 2017.

In the ensuing controversy over the apparent conflict of interest,

President Rodrigo Duterte sacked Teo, who, in a bid to save face, claimed she had resigned.

This was hardly the first time the President has sacked a Cabinet official over allegations of corruption. Indeed, Mr. Duterte made a point of this during his last State of the Nation Address.

But the President’s anti-corruption efforts have also been criticized for the lack of followthrough. Often, erring officials are allowed to slip quietly out of the limelight, with no other serious consequences outside their firing. Worse, some are later reappointed to other government agencies.

The Tulfo case is an opportunity to correct this notion that those guilty of official corruption need only wait until the controversy has died down and go back to business as usual. In this instance, it is clear that P60 million in public funds were misused – unless we are missing something. There must be no letup in government attempts to right this wrong.

Turn to A5

Noynoy’s nonsense penitentiary.

That said, let us go back to the bad old jokes about Aquino. One of the more cruel ones about him went this way: “A man is supposed to have a left ALEJANDRO side and right side in his brain. In the DEL ROSARIO case of Noynoy Aquino there is nothFORMER President Benigno Aquino ing right on the left side, and nothing III is supposed to be in retirement. No is left on the right side.” Ouch.

Another one pertains to the econone wants or is even thinking of him returning to power. Right now, his big- omy which did well during his term. gest contribution to the country would “The economic numbers grew under Noynoy. The only thing in recession be his silence.

But no, the man probably misses be- and dropping was his hair.”

But enough with the bad jokes. Let ing president and the cynosure of public attention. What he has done instead us talk about his actual blunders in his is to draw flak and stoke all the old presidency. Foremost of these is his paying tribute to his yaya, cook, maids jokes about him.

“What can Gloria Macapagal Ar- and hairstylist in his farewell State of royo do as leader of the House of Rep- the Nation Address before a joint sesresentatives with only a few months sion of Congress. While the master of the house should left before the end certainly say of the 17th Congress?” Noynoy thank you to his asked during an household help, it should have been interview with And what did he done at the Palreporters at the ace—not before sidelines of the do in six years as Congress and the Liberal Interna- president?

Filipino people tional Human who want to know Rights conferment of an award what he left to the to detained Senacountry in his six tor Leila de Lima. The award itself years as president.

Noynoy Aquino asked what Arroyo is dubious. De Lima is not a political prisoner but a public official who is can do in so short a time as Speaker. detained because of her alleged role in The question goes back to him: What the trafficking of illegal drugs at the did he do in six years as president?

Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa That Arroyo was unopposed and was which was under her supervision and the unanimous choice of more than jurisdiction when she was secretary of half of the 292 members of the House proved that the Pampanga representaJustice.

It was De Lima’s karma for stopping tive is seen as someone with leaderArroyo at the airport when the latter ship quality. She can run for reelection was leaving for medical treatment as Pampanga representative and as a abroad. GMA has been cleared and re- sure winner can continue as House leased by the Sandiganbayan while De Speaker. Or even elected by her peers Lima has been held the last two years as Prime Minister under a parliamenat the Taguig detention center for her tary/ federal form of government. role in drug trafficking at the national Turn to A5

BACK CHANNEL

Ukraine’s decrepit prisons languish despite promised reform

By Dmytro Gorshkov and Oleksandr Savochenko AROUND 20 men are crammed into the foul-smelling cell, where cockroaches wander across the walls and barred windows.

This is one of Ukraine’s most notorious prisons, the Lukyanivska facility in central Kiev, where improvements have long been promised but have yet to materialize.

“This is how it is,” a prisoner tells AFP as he pulls back a piece of fabric that barely separates a toilet—covered

in a thick layer of mould—from the rest of the room.

Largely unchanged since the Soviet period, the Ukrainian penitentiary system is infamous for its dire conditions.

Pro-Western Ukrainian authorities launched efforts to reform the creaking infrastructure two years ago, but the project has stalled largely because of a lack of funding.

“A prison is not a cognac, it does not improve with age,” deputy justice minister Denys Chernyshov said of Lukyanivska, which has a 150-year history.

No point in a makeover Over the years it has been home to numerous high profile prisoners, including the future leader of the Soviet secret police Felix Dzerzhinsky, the filmmaker Sergei Paradzhanov and many dissidents.

More recently former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was also held in the women’s wing, where conditions are slightly better.

Some of the buildings in the prison complex have been renovated but the only way to improve the rest is to knock Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

Failure to communicate

Fighting red tape VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ ONE of Rodrigo Duterte’s charming qualities as president is that he hates red tape. Indeed, one distinctive quality in his nearly 23 years as mayor of Davao City is the ease with which businessmen can do business in Davao City. Walang red tape. Walang lagay.

I have yet to meet a businessman who was given a runaround or a raw deal by the Davao City government under a Duterte—the father and the daughter.

Rodrigo Duterte wants to institutionalize the no-red tape culture nationwide. This may explain why in two years, thousands of drug addicts and drug lords died with extreme prejudice in the hands of the police (more than 4,500 as of this writing).

The police simply hate red tape, defined in legal circles as “due process.”

But what if the perpetrators of red tape are government bureaucrats?

Well, you have to go through the legislative mill.

Happily, in June this year, Republic Act (RA) 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, was enacted. “We are confident that this legislation will bring forward further improvements in government services, as well as make doing business easier in the country,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez in a speech.

In his State of the Nation Address on July 23, President Duterte gave the same prominence to the crime of red tape as stealing money from government. He said: “While we run after those who steal the people’s money, we are also enhancing the government’s delivery of frontline services. I thank Congress for the swift passage of the Ease of Doing Business [Act], [applause] which is a significant fight against

corruption and improving service delivery. We need to sustain our momentum. And I hereby direct all [local] government units—makinig sana kayo—and government agencies to faithfully implement this law and simply simplify the process. Hinihingi ko ho ‘yan sa lahat nasa gobyerno under my control and supervision.

Huwag ho kayong magkamali.”

“I particularly call the attention of the agencies with the [most] number of red tape-related reports from the public, make your services truly customerfriendly. Our people deserve efficient, effective, and responsive government services. They deserve nothing less.

If red tape is all about graft, then the Philippines would be one of the most corrupt countries in Asean.

[applause] Kayo lang ang ayaw eh.

Gusto ng tao kayo ‘yung binabayaran, make your living from the pockets of the people, and you have a lousy and corrupt bureaucracy.”

At its monthly general meeting yesterday, the Management Association of the Philippines tackled the newly passed East of Doing Business Law. The guest speaker was Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Rowel S. Barba.

If you listened to Barba, you would have believed that it is now so easy to do business in the Philippines. You would get a business permit in seven days. The average at present: 28 days, assuming all documents are complete.

The average in East Asia: 22.7 days.

The average in OECD countries: 8.5 days. The best performer in the world: New Zealand, half a day.

The city studied by the World Bank

for the Philippine ranking—Quezon City. Well, probably Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista probably thinks issuing a business permit is like running a movie or tv telenovela—it comes in many series and is on an extended run.

That speed ranks the Philippines No. 113th among 190 economies studied by the World Bank in ease of starting a business, which means the country is below average or an abject failure. Which means if you want to start a business here, you simply cannot start it, because of red tape.

Malaysia is supposed to be graftprone. That is why Mahathir Mohammad ousted its prime minister and installed himself, by election of course.

Yet, Malaysia ranks 24th and Thailand 25th. Indonesia, another graftprone neighbor, ranks 72nd.

If red tape is all about graft, then the Philippines would be one of the most corrupt countries in Asean.

At the MAP meeting, I complained about the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC is the oldest SEC in Asia. Its age shows. It takes from two months to six months to incorporate, which means your capital lies idle in a bank while the SEC takes its time registering your articles of incorporation. It takes SEC at least two weeks to release your certified true copy of articles of incorporation.

Why have things suddenly slowed down at the SEC? Well, they tried to computerize. Because they computerized, so many people started to do business with the SEC thinking things have improved.

Instead of improving, the system at SEC bogged down. So everyone has to have the patience while waiting for Godot. Thanks to SEC’s slowpoke computers and software that is full of errors.

I am sure SEC won’t learn about my complaint. Why? Because its system is not programmed to accept complaints. You cannot complain to god, can you? biznewasia@gmail.com

Thai ‘Indiana Jones’ divers scour Bangkok’s murky river for treasure

By Sippachai Kunnuwong KNEELING before his homemade metal scuba helmet, Bhoomin Samang prays for good fortune before he dives into the day’s work—scouring the bed of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river for sunken treasure.

The 62-year-old is part of a small community known as Thailand’s “Indiana Jones” divers, who brave the inky-black underworld of the trashfilled waterway in search of coins, china, jewellery and scrap metal.

“We look for old coins, sometimes we are hired to find lost objects in the river,” says Bhoomin, a veteran diver who has been scouring the river for 30 years.

Sometimes the find is more macabre—the divers have stumbled across skulls and skeletons as they feel their way along the river bed in total darkness.

“If you’re afraid of ghosts, you can’t go in because you can’t see anything.

But we’re used to it,” he explains.

Trained foreign and Thai Navy SEAL divers were recently at the center of global attention for their daring rescue of 12 boys and their coach from a waterlogged cave in northern Thailand.

But the “Indiana Jones” divers use more makeshift equipment and operate under the radar in the middle of the country’s urban metropolis.

Ukraine’s...

From A4

them down, Chernyshov told AFP. “The way things are at the moment it is impossible to get rid of the mould because it has gone all the way through the walls—there is no point in trying to do a makeover,” he said.

“It is necessary to build a new building.”

With 2,500 inmates, Lukyanivska is among the worst of its kind, according to a report made this year by the Ukraine’s Ombudsman.

Kiev authorities have put the land on the market, with a view to using the funds to construct a new facility outside the capital.

But Chernyshov admits they have not yet received an offer.

Taking turns to sleep Andriy Didenko, who spent eight years in Ukrainian prisons before he

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Wearing shorts and T-shirt, Bhoomin jumps off his motorized skiff into a river strewn with city sewage and debris.

He is able to breathe thanks to the boxy helmet that weighs around 20 kilos (45 pounds), and is hooked up to a rubber tube that connects to an air tank aboard the boat.

The tank pumps oxygen into the helmet to keep water out, allowing the most experienced divers to drop down to 30 meters (100 feet) below the surface.

After 15 minutes underwater, Bhoomin resurfaces with a cotton bag stuffed with mud.

He pans it out on a metal dish, revealing several 200-year-old copper and bullet coins with pictures of 19th century Thai kings Rama IV and V on them—artifacts divers call “regulars.”

The coins trace the history of the Thai capital’s lively waterfront, whose traditional stilted homes are increasingly being knocked down for development.

“In the old days, we lived on rafts and had floating markets. Villagers lost their jewelry and money in the river,” he said.

An unfinished small Buddhist amulet was also hidden inside the mud.

Into the deep The divers can turn a decent profit.

Selling a few copper coins can make them some 500 baht ($15)—nearly twice Thailand’s daily minimum wage.

If lucky, a piece of jewelry or a rare coin in good condition can be sold for up to $300 at Bangkok’s antique markets, while their loot is fattened out by scrap metal.

But the divers’ fate is in limbo as urban development threatens their riverside community, which stands on weathered wooden stilts.

Bangkok officials have ordered the families to relocate away from the river as part of the junta government’s gentrification plan for the city.

The divers fear that without direct access to the river, up to “90 percent” of them will lose their livelihoods.

But that’s not their only tension with the law—taking artifacts is technically prohibited and can be punished with fines or jail time.

Bhoomin, however, defends the trade, saying divers only go for the small stuff.

“We don’t take big artifacts like Buddha statues... (if officials really want something), they can go down there and take it,” says Bhoomin, who dips into a box of salvaged spectacles and sunglasses whenever he needs them.

Then again, the lure of something special is always just around the river bend.

“We don’t know what we will find or where we will go today, said 29-yearold Somsak Ongsaard, another diver.

“It’s exciting.” AFP

became the coordinator of a human rights NGO, said things are slowly improving from an extremely low base.

In the recent past, “in cells that were designed for four people, you might see 10 or 12 prisoners. Some people did not even have a bed and had to take their turn to sleep,” he said.

He said the situation in detention centers—where people are kept before and during their trial, in a process than can take years—is getting better, because of a new law that allows some to stay under house arrest that prevents overcrowding.

Of 57,000 people currently incarcerated in some 140 Ukrainian prisons, a third are in detention centres, according to official figures.

But rights groups and foreign governments paint a gloomier picture of conditions than Didenko.

The Ukrainian Helsinki Group, a human rights watchdog, has said life

imprisonment in the country was comparable to a “slow execution” because of “nightmarish detention conditions”.

The European Court of Human rights has delivered a total of some 50 rulings on rights violations in Ukrainian prisons, according to the Ministry of Justice.

And the US Department of State said in a report last year that poor prison conditions in the country “pose a serious threat to the life and health of prisoners.”

Ukraine’s Ombudsman, which over the last year alone recorded 1,500 complaints by prisoners, said “no significant improvement... has taken place.”

Chernyshov says financing is the major problem stopping reform, but even if adequate funding was granted tomorrow it would take years for improvements to be seen.

“This is a long process,” he said.

AFP

using even the social “genius” of Mocha, turn the tide, and time?

Remember that by the start of October when would-be candidates file their cerLITO tificates of candidacy, only two months away, election fever will have begun.

BANAYO Serious talk about constitutional FROM the news, we learn that the Pal- amendments will thus take a backseat ace is allotting 90 million pesos for an to electoral politics. *** information drive to get people to unBut constitutional change is needed, derstand, and hopefully support, the move to change the Constitution and especially in the economic provisions with it, the unitary system into a fed- that have served as a dis-incentive for foreign investments through the last eral one.

While this comes as welcome news three decades since the present Constifor the consultative committee and the tution took effect.

And if the change from unitary to supporters of federalism, it may be a tad federal should still be unacceptable to too late if we want to fit into the origimany despite the efforts of both the nally proposed timeline for change.

Ideally, an information campaign consultative committee and governshould have begun the process leading ment itself to persuade the public, then to constitutional change. While the cam- at the very least, let us review our inpaign was ongoing, periodic qualitative comprehensible system of having a and quantitative research should have presidential form with a multiplicity of been done to gauge public interest and political parties that are no more than opinion towards such a systemic change. flags of convenience of personal or Then we could have determined group interests.

If we retain the presidential system which mode of amending the fundamental law would curry public favor. with the head of state and government As had happened, a meeting between elected at large by the people, then we leaders of the House and the President might as well impose a two-party sysregarding the push for change resulted tem similar to the United States and in a declaration that they favored con- what we had from Commonwealth days vening a constituent assembly rather to the 1935 Constitution until martial law wrote finis to democracy. than a convention. *** Just like that.

What happened The people, or at the House of represent ative Represent at ives publics, were exThe people, or Monday last week, cluded from the along with its decision. representative publics, continuing sideWithout knowwere excluded from the effects, is reason ing what federalenough to go back ism was all about, decision. to a two-party systhe people were tem. simply told that Dump this cratheir elected repzy system of farciresentatives would by themselves amend the Constitution. cal political parties. *** Such an earth-shaking decision that Media has not made enough research on would change the entire government system would be done by a body which, the “new” president of PDP, Rogelio “Becwhile elected, is not held in high esteem bec” Garcia. He is often simply relegated to by the people, as shown in numerous being “a certain Rogelio Garcia.”

As stated in our previous column, he surveys.

Immediately, the subject of debate was one of 59 opposition assemblymen was the mode, the manner, rather than elected in 1983 to the Batasang Pamthe meaning of the proposed systemic bansa, representing South Cotabato.

President Duterte appointed him as change. Form rather than substance.

The senators quarreled with the a member of the Board of Directors of House leadership on the issue of how the Development Bank of the Philipthe Con-Ass was to be constituted, on pines. Now, if he is such an “unknown” whether the two distinct bodies of the party stalwart, or for that matter just “a legislature would vote on amendments certain…” person as far as the chief jointly or separately. After months of executive is concerned, how could he noise, they decided to put the issue of have been appointed to a plum position form on the back burner, and focus in- in a very important government financial institution? stead on the amendment proposals. *** Thus the consultative committee of Another cause for concern is the prethe erudite led by retired CJ Puno. Even that took some time to be constituted— vailing buying price of palay ex-farm, it was only by the start of 2018 that they which the PSA has reported as P21.40 per kilo. My sources in Nueva Ecija began work in earnest.

To be fair to the group, they did their and Isabela, the top two palay producjob with purposeful speed. But there ers in the country say that buying pricwas, up to this point, no communica- es are upwards of P23.

That would translate into a kilogram tions plan with which to inform the of milled rice going for P46, minimum, citizenry on the merits of federalism versus the present government set-up. when it reaches the market.

Meanwhile, as we await rice tarifficaAnd the distrust of a constituent assembly of elected representatives lingered. tion pending in Congress, and with rice Thus, both first and second quarter prices in the world market still acting up, public opinion surveys showed that along with the devaluation of the peso people did not appreciate change, much which means we pay more pesos this year for every ton of rice imported as less federalism.

And the proposal to postpone mid- compared to last year, then the cost-push term elections to give primacy to con- from rice will persist in the short term.

And we are entering the dreaded stitutional amendments, while reasonable under the timeline circumstances, months of strong typhoons. The recent made the public even more suspicious, floods in Central Luzon have already and thus, hesitant to change the system. exacted their toll and will mean delayed It now boils down to a failure to com- harvests in some parts due to the need to replant crops destroyed. municate.

Inflation is really worrisome.

Now, would the information blitz,

SO I SEE

Noynoy’s...

From A4

Why not, indeed? As an economist, she was after all a former senator, vice president and president—positions that give her experience to be prime minister.

Aquino should know that Arroyo was installed as a transition Speaker because majority of House members were disillusioned with the leadership of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. The House was in disarray under Alvarez, and still is with his supporters who cannot agree as to who should be accorded the status of minority bloc.

But as Interim Majority Floorleader

Gut...

From A4

Chitang used to join us at the 365 Club at Hotel Intercontinental and discuss the issues of the day with the regulars. She was a literary giant in many ways. She authored 10 books and was chairwoman of the Philippine Historical Commission.

She was a cut above us all.

I saw Chitang at a party sometime ago at the Manila Polo Club. She was with her daughter, Gemma Cruz Araneta. I asked if we could talk and she just smiled. I knew then she was not herself.

Fredenil Castro said, “being fiscalizer need not be solely for the minority to perform,” adding that even members of the majority can raise questions on important measures discussed in the House.

Castro on Monday was replaced as House Majority Leader by Rep. Rolando Andaya who was backed by Castro who gave way to the Camarines Sur congressman.

The composition of both the House and the Senate, however, could change depending on the outcome of next year’s midterm elections. The alliance of Gloria Arroyo and Sara Duterte though is expected to remain strong and continue its dominance in the lower house.

We will sorely miss her. *** The so-called parking fees for pending cases, resorted to by prosecutors, is well known in the industry.

This is the reason so many corruption cases are inordinately delayed. I am told that sometimes the bribes go by the millions, depending on how important the case is.

The practice also clogs court dockets.

In law, both the lawyer who pays the “parking fee” and the prosecutor are both guilty of bribery. This must stop. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

News

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Villanueva seeks probe of NutriAsia strike dispersal SENATOR Joel Villanueva has filed a Senate resolution to look into labor issues of striking workers of NutriAsia.

Villanueva, who chairs the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development, filed the resolution following Monday's violent dispersal of the workers who held a strike against NutriAsia on Monday.

"It is regrettable that the NutriAsia case rooted in contractualization and its abuses has to drag and result in termination of workers, violent dispersals of picket lines, injuries and arrests of workers," Villanueva said.

The strike at the NutriAsia factory had been going on for weeks, as they protested the firm's alleged engagement in labor-only contracting, low wages, and poor working conditions.

The dispersal left some workers injured after the dispersal at the NutriAsia picket line in Bulacan, where the protesters gathered in a Mass. The police also arrested some workers and supporters of their cause.

In a statement, NutriAsia claimed that the strikers threw rocks and even fired a gun in the air prompting security forces to disperse them.

“Around 200 striking workers of Toll Packer BMirk and their supporters, fired a shot in the air and started to hurl rocks at police and guards,” the firm said.

It added that the striking workers and their sympathizers violated the writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Malolos Regional Trial Court, which ordered the independent workers’ union “and all the other persons acting under its authority, direction or control, during the pendency of this case, to desist and restrain from obstructing the ingress to and egress from the company plant located at 904 Angeles Road MIS 3 Lambakin, Marilao, Bulacan of NutriAsia, Inc. Marilao or obstruct thoroughfares leading thereto, including but limited to Dayap Road."

A video captured by the League of Filipino Students, however, showed that the rocks were thrown at the direction of the protesters who were running away.

As this developed, labor group Partido Manggagawa has urged the consuming public not to patronize NutriAsia products.

“The boycott will not only support the legitimate struggle of workers, but more importantly, send a strong message by the consuming public to NutriAsia, that we the public will not consume products sold and profited [from] by a company that is violating workers’ rights,” PM chairman Renato Magtubo said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The company’s products include Mang Tomas, Datu Puti, and UFC ketchup.

CEB to use eco friendly utensils THE Cebu Pacific Air on Tuesday announced that it will replace nonrecyclable plastic spoons, forks, stirrers and cups with environmentfriendly and sustainable alternatives on all its domestic and international flights.

The shift to eco-friendly utensils for inflight meals and refreshments, will be made beginning October this year in line with the initiative of CEB and its sister airline CebGo to push for sustainability and reduction of inflight waste.

On the average, CEB mounts about 400 flights daily across 37 domestic and 26 international destinations.

In 2017, the leading carrier flew a total of 19.7-million passengers, and targets to carry 22 million in 2018. All CEB and Cebgo flights use approximately 18,500 pieces of plastic spoons and forks, plastic cups, and plastic stirrers daily.

"As we continue to help pumpprime local economies through accessible, affordable and available flights, we are also committed to reducing our impact on the environment. We want to cut down on our use of non-recyclable plastic to only what is necessary," said Lance Gokongwei, CEB president and chief executive officer.

From the current plastic spoon and fork, Cebu Pacific will shift to bio-compostable cutlery made from polylactic acid derived from corn starch, which is a renewable resource.

This material is molded the same way conventional plastic is, but it breaks down into harmless biomass or organic matter. Plastic cups, on the other hand, would be replaced with biodegradable paper cups; while plastic stirrers for coffee or tea would be changed to compostable wood stirrers. Joel E. Zurbano

MILLION TREE CHALLENGE. Government and private sector leaders pledge their support for the MWSS-DENR led Annual Million Tree Challenge aimed at planting one- million trees every year from 2017 to 2022 in the six watersheds of La Mesa, Ipo, Umiray, Angat, Marikina and Laguna Lake. Among those in the photo are Education Undersecretary Alain del Pascua, MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco, Maynilad president Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Manila Water president Ferdinand de la Cruz, MWSS RO chief Patrick Ty, DENR officials and leaders of participating agencies.

Taguig PCP cops relieved after KFR, extortion incident

By Joel E. Zurbano

S

OUTHERN Police District director Tomas Apolinario Jr. on Tuesday ordered the relief of the entire force of a police community precinct in Taguig City after four of its members were arrested for their involvement in a kidnap-forransom incident.

Apolinario said all 39 uniformed members of the Western Bicutan PCP 1, including their commander Senior Insp.

Joel Villafania, were relieved effective July 31 and reassigned to the National Capital Region Police Office—Headquarters Support Group in Camp Bagong Diwa in a floating status.

He said the relief order was made upon the instruction of Metro Manila police director Guillermo Eleazar to give way to an investigation to be conducted to determine if they were also involved in kidnapfor-ransom activities.

“They will be replaced by our men coming from the NCRPO headquarters,” said Apolinario in a phone interview with Manila Standard.

At least three members of PCP 1 name-

ly Police Officer 1 (PO1) Bryan Amir Bajoof, PO1 Paolo Ocampo and PO2 Joey Maru were arrested while their companion PO1 Gerardo Ancheta was killed during an entrapment and rescue operation along Tandem Street in Arca South, Western Bicutan around 3:30 am.

Apolinario said the four policemen were members of the Maru kidnap-forransom group led by PO2 Maru.

He added that operatives of the Taguig City Police-Station Drug Enforcement Unit and Special Operation Unit conducted the entrapment operation following a complaint from a certain Ronielyn Caraecle.

Caraecle said she was having a conversation with her boyfriend Samuel inside their house at Viscara Street in Barangay

New Lower Bicutan around 12:30 am when four armed men barged into their house and took their P7,000 cash, two gold watches and wallets.

She added that after taking the money and valuables, the four men seized them and drove them to Arca South while being asked to produce P50,000.00 in exchange for their liberty.

Caraecle's relative was able to produce P20,000. The abductors released her to get the remaining P30,000 while Samuel remained in their custody.

Fearing for her life, Caraecle went to the police and the entrapment was made resulting in a police encounter with the suspects, the killing of Ancheta and the rescue of Samuel in an area near the FTI construction site.

Initial investigation showed that the incident was not the first involving the four policemen, as the same suspects were also involved in the robbery of Moreen del Castillo of MLQ Street, Purok 2 in Barangay New Lower Bicutan at 8:30 pm on Monday.

The suspects reportedly entered Del Castillo’s residence and took her P50,000. With PNA

P2b set for new Pasig River ferry

By Maricel V. Cruz TO FIGHT worsening road congestion in Metro Manila, the national government is spending P2 billion to revive the Pasig River ferry system, this time with smaller boats moving through more stations at a faster pace, an opposition lawmaker said on Tuesday Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. made the statement as the House of Representatives' committee on appropriations Tuesday, where he said the P2 billion is already in the proposed P3.757-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2019, according to Campos, who has been pushing for the ferry service’s restoration.

“The new funding will be spent to build 17 new stations along the 25-kilometer river in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pasig and Marikina,” Campos said.

He said the new stations will be on top of the 12 previously built under the old ferry system, now defunct.

Once fully operational, the new ferry service is projected to transfer some 76,000 commuters every day on water buses—24 air-conditioned boats with 50 seats each moving through 29 terminals in 15-minute intervals, according to Campos.

The previous ferry service collapsed after the private operator insisted on deploying bigger boats with 150 seats each that took a long time to fill. This caused a decline in ridership due to delayed departures and arrivals.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has since been running an improvised ferry service with a limited capacity.

The new Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program is being carried out by 10 agencies led by the Department of Budget and Management.

“The program is assured of continuous funding since it is led by the DBM no less, which is good,” Campos said.

“We expect the government itself to run the new ferry service, should private firms be unwilling to come in,” he said.

He said P328 million has also been allotted to help the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission renew the river to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.

Cimatu lauds case vs wildlife smugglers

By Rio N. Araja ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Tuesday welcomed the filing of criminal charges against a driver caught transporting a truckload of banned wildlife in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“This is an outright disregard of our environmental laws, particularly our Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection law. There is no justification for the smuggling and killing of our wildlife species,” he said.

He lauded director Henry Adornado of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (Mimaropa) region for tracking down the illegal trade of pangolins, or pawikan.

"It's going to be a tough fight but I know you're in for the long haul.

Do not falter because we are one in making sure our wildlife is protected and conserved for our future," he said.

On July 28, DENR authorities arrested truck driver Joshue Arellano and confiscated 21 frozen Palawan pangolins and 16 dead marine turtles in a checkpoint in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City .

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, DENR's attached agency, filed illegal trafficking of wildlife charges against Arellano before the province's prosecutor's office.

Agusan gov faces graft charges

NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar berates the cops who were earlier arrested for their involvement in kidnap for ransom and extortion incidents in Western Bicutan, Taguig. Manny Palmero

PCSO eyes more STL agents, employees PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan on Tuesday said the 79 Authorized Agent Corporations operating the Small Town Lottery nationwide have hit a record high employment to more than 300,000 and with more AAC-STL applicants set for deliberation and approval by the Board this could double the number of people being employed for this year.

“As of June 2018, the expanded STL has provided 311,436 jobs, a 40-percent increase compared with the same period last year, which is only 222,896 employees,” Balutan said.

Data from the Branch Operations Sector led by Assistant General Manager Remeliza Gabuyo showed that 15,639 are organic STL employees; 269,518 are sales representatives (cobradores); and 26,279 are sales supervisors (cabos).

“This workforce comprises those who could not pass the nitty-gritties of job fairs because of their lack of education, old age, or they are physically disabled,” Gabuyo said.

Of which, five are operating at the National Capital Region, 21 in Northern and Central Luzon, 14 in Southern Tagalog and Bicol Re-

gion, 18 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.

STL is a regular game by PCSO authorized by the national government through Section 1 of Republic Act 1169; while AACs are corporations or cooperatives duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with the Cooperative Development Authority, respectively that applied, been duly qualified and expressly authorized by the PCSO to conduct STL in a particular area.

The lottery game was conceptualized and implemented to eradicate the illegal numbers game jueteng being controlled by gambling lords who do not remit taxes to the government.

STL is being supervised by the government through PCSO and they remit taxes to the government.

“These cobradores are earning more than P7,000 up to 8,000 a month, which is good enough to feed their families. By the end of the year, STL workforce is projected to double by 600,000. We saved them from vices (e.g. drugs) and from being exploited by criminals.

At least we are giving our countrymen the opportunity to have a clean and decent job, and it’s not coming from illegal,” Balutan said.

THE Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges of graft and malversation against Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza before the Sandiganbayan for alleged anomalous procurement of P9.908 million worth of fertilizer in May 2004.

The other accused were provincial administrator Jesusimo Ronquillo, assistant provincial administrator and acting budget officer Cristobal Acellan Jr., agricultural office department head Maximo Gegato Jr., accounting office assistant department head Niceto Ranario, provincial treasurer Celsa Sanchez, security agent Andre Bustamante, supply officer Arnold Calang, storekeeper Sofronio Raro, bids and Awards committee chairman Roberto Natividad, vice chairman Domingo Castro Jr., and members Villa Udad, Emmanuel Quiban and Pamela Yucosing.

Also implicated in the charges was Lucio Lapidez from the supplier Feshan Philippines Inc. A P30,000 bail was recommended for the graft charge, and P40,000 for the malversation suit.

Graft prober Charmaine Ruiz said the respondents connived with Lapidez in entering into a supply contract for fertilizers without observing the requirements of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Law. The procurement did not also pass through a bidding process, and that the fertilizer supplier failed to post a performance security bond.

Rio N. Araja

Sports

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Lakers’ challenge fuels James

L

OS ANGELES—LeBron James says he is looking forward to the challenge of turning around the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, who are coming off the worst fiveyear period in franchise history.

“I like the challenge of being able to help a team get to places that they haven’t been in quite a while,” James told American sports broadcaster ESPN. “And obviously the Lakers haven’t made the playoffs in a few years, but the Lakers organization and historical franchise matches up there with all the greats.

“You can look at the (NFL Dallas) Cowboys and you can look at the (NFL New England) Patriots, you can look at Manchester United, the Boston Celtics— these are like historical franchises.

“And for me to be a part of that, I think it’s a great move not only for me but for my family and for the history of basketball in general.”

James was speaking out Monday in his first public comments since leaving

the Cleveland Cavaliers and signing with the Lakers.

The 33-year-old James is entering his 16th NBA season. He has won three championships and made it to the finals nine times, including a streak of eight years straight.

James had agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers, leaving the Cavaliers after four seasons in which he led them to four NBA finals.

James brought Cleveland its first major sports crown since 1964 when the Cavs won the 2016 NBA crown but lost three of four finals showdowns with the Golden State Warriors. He decided to make a move in hopes of rebuilding the Lakers into a winner.

When James joined the Miami Heat, he led them to a 58-24 record and took them to the finals in his first season in South Florida.

The Lakers were 35-47 last season and haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, hitting the bottom after compiling 16 championships.

They haven’t gone past the second round of the playoffs since Kobe Bryant led them to consecutive NBA titles in 2009 and 2010.

“At the end of the day, the guys love to play ball, and that’s what they do every single day. I love that,” James said.

“And bringing Lance (Stephenson) and JaVale (McGee) and Beas (Michael Beasley) and (Rajon) Rondo, they’re guys that every day that they wake up they think about the game of basketball. And everything else is secondary.

“So we look forward to all the challenges.”

He also used his LeBron James Family Foundation on Monday to officially open a new elementary school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio for at-risk students.

The “I Promise School” will operate on an extended school year to help 240 third and fourth graders study and learn at an appropriate speed and catch up if they are lagging. The school will also feature job placement assistance for parents and a on-site food bank for families. AFP

Testing limits at Filinvest’ Endurance Weekend

FILINVEST City’s 6th Endurance Weekend proved to be the ultimate test of human strength and will with more than 200 participants riding through challenging yet exciting sets of bike courses at the Filinvest City MTB Pacific Rim. The Endurance Weekend is an annual non-stop cycling event that seeks to bring athletes and mountain bikers together. Participants were able to choose from a category of 24hour Solo (Elite), 24-hour Team, 12hour Solo (Elite), 12-hour Solo (Age), 12-hour Team, 6-hour Solo (Elite), and 6-hour Solo (Age)—all of which aimed at pushing mountain bikers to their limits and maximum potential.

“The success of the 6th Endurance Weekend reinforces Filinvest City as a perfect location to host sports events with its expansive road networks and exciting bike trails,” said Filinvest City vice president for townships Don Ubaldo. “With this achievement, we endeavor to bring bigger, more thrilling events to the Metro South in the coming years.”

The Endurance Weekend was indeed the ultimate biking challenge that showcased Filinvest City as a destination in the Metro South, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through its bike lanes and an almost kilometer-long Spectrum Linear Park where people can enjoy different activities like biking and running.

To know more about Filinvest City’s upcoming sports events, visit https://www.facebook.com /FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/.

Over 200 mountain bikers and athletes participated in Filinvest City’s 6th Endurance Weekend.

2nd PTT Run for Clean Energy set Sept. 16 A BIGGER PTT Run for Clean Energy returns for a second year on Sept. 16 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Grounds.

“A highly successful first staging that drew almost 3,000 runners deserves an encore,” said PTT Run for Clean Energy Project Director Matt Ardina of the organizing Subterranean Ideas Entertainment.

“This is an advocacy run aimed at promoting the call for clean energy in our streets, work and homes, and PTT is a perfect partner in achieving this as its fuels release less black smoke and the emitted exhausts are now nano particles (the tiniest size),” added Ardina.

Backed by PTT Lubricants, Cafe Amazon, Wish 107.5, Chris Sports, Milcu, Leslie’s Corp., ChloRelief, Lubie, Coca-Cola, La Filipina, Emilio Aguinaldo College,

Maynilad, Herbalife, Vegemore, Science in Sport, Medicard Foundation, Business Mirror and Business Mirror Health and Fitness Magazine, Village Connect, Philippine School of Business Adminisation, Mariano Marcos High School Batch ‘91 and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, the run aims to demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts, using sports as one of the main tools, to provide information campaign about the use of clean energy.

Registration is at Chris Sports branches at SM Manila, SM North Edsa and Mall of Asia beginning today. Listup is also accepted an hour before the running of the categories during raceday at the CCP Grounds.

Race categories are 10k (P520), 5k (P420) and 3k (P320), all inclusive of race shirt, race bib and giveaways. Top three male and female runners of the 10k and 5k will get cash prizes and medals.

All runners are entitled to win in the raffle of prizes, where smartphones and several gadgets are up for grabs.

Interested runners may call tel. nos.

09186002411 and landline 9759584 for more details.

The sponsoring PTT Philippines is one of the wholly owned subsidiary companies of Thailand’s largest oil and gas company PTT Public Company Limited. PTT Philippines’ primary business of marketing refined petroleum products and lubricants are focused on three major segments – retail, wholesale, and commercial markets. For two decades of business operations in the Philippines, PTT Philippines continuously aims to serve petroleum products that of international quality and compliant with the Philippine National Standards specifications and the requirements of the Philippine Clean Air Act.

Streaking Aussie eyes Ironman PH breakthrough MELISSA Hauschildt, who has racked up 47 pro triathlon wins around the world, sets out for another crown in this side of the globe Sunday (Aug. 5) when she headlines the star-studded Ironman 70.3 Philippines Asia-Pacific at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City.

The Aussie ace’s streak of victories actually included four tough races this year, the latest of which was the Ironman 70.3 European Championships in Denmark last month. The 35-year-old Adelaide native also ruled the Port of Tauranga half Ironman in New Zealand in January then dominated the Ironman 70.3 Texas race and the full Ironman Texas-North American Championships last April, virtually making her the triathlete to beat in the women’s pro division of the exacting 1.9km swim-90km bike-21.2km run event.

“Though racing for the first time in the country, Hauschildt remains the top favorite, being a three-time world champ and three-time Asia-Pacific and European titlist,” said Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc., which is also celebrating its decade-long staging of triathlon events in the Phl. “But with depth of the field and given the challenging course, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” added Galura, pointing to the likes of Czech Radka Kahlefeldt, Caroline Steffen, Dimity Lee Duke and Beth McKenzie as the likely contenders to foil Hauschildt drive for a first Ironman 70.3 Phl championship in the event put up by title sponsor Aguila Energy Drink and Regent Food Corp.

For one, Kahlefeldt is coming off victories in the Ironman 70.3 Subic last year and the first Ironman 70.3 in Davao City last March while Steffen is a fourtime Phl champion. Duke has also won a number of titles here while McKenzie is former Ironman Australia titlist.

An equally down-to-the-wire battle looms in the men’s side of the event with Tim Reed shooting for a record fourth straight championship against former three-time world champion Craig Alexander, former XTERRA world champion Mauricio Mendez, also the winner of the first Ironman 70.3 Davao last March and former Ironman As-Pac winners Tim Van Berkel, Josh Amberger and Braden Currie along with former Ironman South American winner Brent McMahon.

Meanwhile, a record field of 2,700 from over 51 countries gear up for the keenly awaited event which also boasts of the one biggest and most complete triathlon expos to date. All finishers will receive podium trophies and medals designed and hand made by world class Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

AFC Cup tickets now on sale

The expanded competition takes place across eight world-class stadiums in the UAE from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1, 2019 and will see the Philippines compete in Group C against China, South Korea and Kyrgyzstan in their opening three games of the tournament.

TICKETS are now on sale to football fans in the Philippines for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 TM, the biggest sporting event ever hosted in the Middle East.

The expanded competition takes place across eight world-class stadiums in the UAE from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1, 2019 and will see the Philippines compete in Group C against China, South Korea and Kyrgyzstan in their opening three games of the tournament.

The Philippine Azkals qualified for the first time with their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Tajikistan last March.

The expanded competition, which is set to welcome an unprecedented 24 teams— eight more than the previous 2015 edition —will take place across eight world-class stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah, and promises to engage

more fans than ever before in the biggest sporting event ever hosted in the region.

“The AFC ‘s Vision and Mission outlined our ambitions to provide worldclass platforms for our teams, players and passionate fans,” said Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa. “The launch of ticket sales is an important milestone and the UAE is the perfect host nation to unite the Asian football family. I am confident that the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will provide the ultimate stage to showcase Asia’s remarkable talent and engage and excite more fans than ever before. In the LOC, we have a trusted partner who share our ambitions of Bringing Asia Together and to deliver the most competitive and accessible AFC Asian Cup to date.”

Estanislao, Carlos crush foes in PPS Valle Verde tennis tournament FIFTH-RANKED Daniel Estanislao toppled top seed Exequiel Jucutan, 6-4, 4-6, 106, while No. 8 Macie Carlos upended fourth seed Kryshana Brazal, 6-3, 6-2, as they claimed the 16-and-under crowns in the PPSPEPP Valle Verde Country Club National Age-Group tennis tournament at the VVCC tennis courts in Pasig City over the weekend.

Estanislao, one of the rising stars from Caloocan City, rode on his big victories over Joewyn Pascua, Jester Ocio and Edgardo Angara then fought back from a second set meltdown in the finals with a gritty stand to hack out the victory.

Club bet Carlos matched that reversal by dishing out one solid game after the

other, whipping Chelsea Roque, 4-0, 4-1, stopping Bliss Bayking and third ranked Justine Maneja via the same scoreline, 6-3, 6-1, before overpowering Brazal to complete her title romp in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala.

No. 8 Ibarra Ortega also stunned top seed Vince EJ Tugade, 6-3, 7-5, while sixth ranked Carlyn Guarde repelled doubles partner No. 4 Danna Abad, 6-4, 4-6, 10-4, in the premier 18-U division of the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines, made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop,

Slazenger and B-Meg. “The string of reversals further underscored the level playing field with the lesser fancied bets gaining more and more grounds through hard work and their regular participation in the year-long, nationwide circuit,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Second seed Mica Emana also repulsed No. 1 Marielle Jarata, 6-4, 6-0, for the girls’ 12-U crown.

Only three bets lived up to their top billing with Prince Lim ruling the 10-unisex side with a 5-3, 5-4(4) escape over Frank Dilao; Brent So surviving Lukas Yupangco, 7-5, 6-3, for the boys’ 12-U di-

adem; and Maneja crushing Alexi Jarata, 6-1, 6-0, for the girls’ 14-U plum.

Lim and Emana also ruled their respective doubles sides to share the MVP honors with the former teaming up with brother Roque to beat France and Frank Dilao, 8-3, for the 10-unisex title and the latter combining with sibling Kaye to rout Brazal and Jiana Hernandez, 8-1, for the 14-U plum.

Other doubles winners were Joshua Austria and Loucas Fernandez, who edged Stefano Ortega and Tugade, 8-7(5), and Abad and Guarde nipped Bea and Renee Acena, 8-6, in the 18-U finals; and Samuel Nuguit and David Velez, who thumped JT Bernardo and Andrei Jarata, 8-2, for the boys’ 14-U title.

Melissa Hauschildt brings her winning Ironman 70.3 act to Cebu

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Sports

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

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

Responders capture UNTV Exec title THE Philippine National Police Responders completed their dominant show by winning the 2nd UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off title in devastating style on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Before a huge crowd, the Responders leaned anew on the inside presence of Joel de Mesa to clobber the Ombudsman Graft Busters, 81-53, in their winner-take-all game to rule the tournament undefeated in eight games.

De Mesa, who finished with 17 points, emerged as the tournament MVP. Backing him up were Israel Dickson, Voltaire Rivera and Joshua Alejanco who combined for 31 points.

PNP set the tone early, racing to a commanding 31-10 lead after 10 minutes of play before practically sealing the deal at the end of the third that saw them take 63-38 advantage.

With PNP’s title win, its chosen charity—PARDSS Foundation International Inc.—received P1 million from UNTV37 Foundation Inc. spearheaded by Dr. Daniel S. Razon.

Ombudsman Provident Fund, the Graft Busters’ charity, got P500,000 while Judiciary Employees Severely Affected By Typhoons & Calamities —the charity of third placer Judiciary receive P250,000.

Emmaus House of Apostolate Inc. —the charity of fourth-placer Senate —got P200,000.

PNP and Ombudsman, which finished 1-2 after the elims, set up a title clash after beating Senate and Judiciary, respectively, in the semis.

Singson promises coaches, exposure for PH shooters GOOD coaches, competitive foreign exposure and a good supply of ammunition will help members of the national team sharpen their skills and the Philippine National Shooting Association develop its programs at the elite and the grassroots level.

Newly installed PNSA president Luis “Chavit” Singson said this following his induction and members of the board last Monday with Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas at the POC office in Pasig last Monday.

“I fully support them by providing them with ammunition and coaches.

Kailangan nila ang suporta ko,” said Singson, a former governor of Ilocos Sur and a shooting hobbyist.

As a show of sincerity and care of the shooting community, Singson signed a a check amounting to P435,761.25 before the oathtaking of members of the PNSA board and handed it over to newly appointed secretary general, retired Brig.

Gen. Francisco Gudani.

The check will pay for the PNSA’s unliquidated expenses, which the past administration owes the Philippine Sports Commission.

This paves the way for the release for the PSC’s financial assistance to its Asian Games-bound athletes, and the P10 million that the PSC is providing the PNSA for its programs and equipment needs.

Gudani said the PSC refused to release funding to them after they got a demand latter from the Commission on Audit.

He said the unliquidated funds were acquired way back in the 2004 and 2005 and not by the previous administration of outgoing PNSA chief Richard Fernandez.

The unliquidated amount, according to Gudani, has nothing to do with the present set officials.

“Now we can get funding from the PSC because of this. We have not thought of confronting the past administration because of this. We just wish to have reconciliation with them,” said Ronaldo Hejastro, vice president for sports.

Also named to the board are Gudani, Hejastro, Josefina Alvero, Frumencia Lagustan, Delia Quidato, James Chua, Inocencia Dionesia, Severino Villarama, Herman de los Santos, Marilu Samaco, Jerry Sun and Jerwin Ching.

Peter Atencio

The PNP Responders pose with their supporters and executives of the UNTV37 Foundation Inc., including Gerry Panghulan.

Basketball quintet in Asiad still possible D

ON’T fret yet, Filipino basketball fans.

A Philippine team to the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia may still be a reality.

Richard Gomez, the country’s Chef De Mission to the Asiad, on Tuesday said technically, the cage team remains very much part of the meet’s competition since the Philippine Olympic Committee has yet to send a formal communication to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee regarding the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to pull out of the Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 showcase.

Hopefully, Gomez said the SBP led by president Al Panlilio, will still reconsider on its resolve not to send a team.

“Puwede pa kasi hindi pa tayo official na nagpapadala ng withdrawal sa Asian Games. Nasa level pa lang natin,” said Gomez during a special session of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Athletes Lounge inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“We never know baka in the coming days magbago ang isip nila, wait and see lang muna tayo,” he added in the public sports program supported by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “But the Asian Games, at least sa level natin, is not yet closing the door na hindi tayo magpapadala ng team. We’re still hoping na may maipapasok pa rin tayo.”

Last week, the SBP announced it is skipping competing in the Asiad, saying the ‘time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal,’ despite PBA ballclub Rain or Shine is just waiting on the wings to represent the country.

Instead, the federation said focus will now on the country’s bid for the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the

hosting of the 2023 World Cup here.

The last-minute decision caught everybody by surprise, including Gomez.

“The Asian Games is as important as the World Cup and is as important as the Southeast Asian Games. Maybe the SEA Games is not a stronger competition than the Asiad. The fact that we have team, you have to represent basketball in the Asian Games,” Gomez stressed.

“Parang unspoken commitment natin ‘yun, not only for the NSA but for the Filipino people,” said the Philippine Fencing Association head and current Ormoc City mayor. “If you’re gunning for the World Cup, manalo muna tayo sa Asian Games. Go for the smaller apple first, then let’s get the big apple next.”

But should the SBP decide to have a change of heart, Gomez said the federation has to act quickly as the POC will have no choice but to formally withdraw the basketball entry during the Aug. 9 delegation registration in Jakarta.

Gin Kings, Beermen break 1-1 standoff

By Jeric Lopez

The battle of the giants between SMB’s JuneMar Fajardo and Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter will again be in spotlight when the two teams clash in Game 3 today.

WILL there be finally a close game?

For both Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel, that hardly matters as both teams aim on gaining a critical upperhand as they resume their slugfest in their-best-of-seven championship tilt in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Following two blowout games to open the series, many are wondering when the first nip-and-tuck battle will be and if Game 3 scheduled at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum can present a different script.

While enthusiasts hope for a nailbiter between the two protagonists, the Gin Kings and Beermen, tied at 1-1 after splitting the first two games, couldn’t care less as they both think about is having an important edge midway in the series.

“Like we adjusted in Game 2, we expect the same from Ginebra for Game 3. We know what they are capable of,” said San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria.

“We just want to continue focusing for us to get the lead in the series.”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone clearly wants his team to be more prepared for the Beermen’s avalanche this time around.

“Now, we know. That team (San Miguel), they are who they are for a reason. They sent that message to us strong and clear,” said Cone. “We have to be more ready for what they have for us.”

Cone was indeed on point as the Beermen bounced back mightily in Game 2, annihilating the Gin Kings, 134-109, to emphatically even the series and give Ginebra a dose of what they received in the series opener.

It was a complete reversal of fortunes last Sunday night as it was the defending champions’ turn to dish out a beatdown after the Gin Kings took the opener with a stunning 127-99 rout.

Alex Cabagnot shone brightest in Game 2, exploding for a career-high 33 points to lead San Miguel Beer in the intense match that saw Chris Ross and Arwins Santos getting ejected late in the fourth quarter.

Expect the same amount of fireworks in Game 3 with both teams looking to move closer to the title.

Cards use firepower to whip AU Chiefs Games Thursday (Letran Intramuros) 2 p.m. Letran vs LSGH (jrs) 4 p.m. Letran vs CSB (srs)

By Peter Atencio THE Mapua Cardinals showed intensity all throughout as they held off repeated rallies and frustrated the Arellano University Chiefs, 9183, yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

Five teammates flaunted the Cards’ vaunted offense on the floor, with Christian Bunag firing 16 points and hauling 10 rebounds to power Mapua to its second triumph in four games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Eric Jabel struck with 15 points for the Cardinals, including nine points in the first period. He combined for 16 points with Bunag to help carry Mapua to a 31-22 spread when the second half got under way.

The Cardinals, with Cedric Pelayo making nine of 13 points in the last quarter, never let the Chiefs take the lead, as they went on to enjoy a 52-40 halftime spread.

Warren Bonifacio and Noah Lugo contributed 12 points apiece for the Cardinals, who now share the same winloss slate with the Chiefs at third spot.

“I told my teammates to stay composed. Hindi namin sinabayan ang Arellano tuwing sinusubukan nilang mag-rally,” said team skipper Laurenz Victoria on behalf of coach Atoy Co. The last time the Chiefs came close, 63-71, the Cards drew back-to-back baskets from Jabel to stay out of trouble.

Earlier, Clement Lentcheu knocked in 20 points for the College of St. Benilde Blazers as they put away winless Jose Rizal University, 81-66, for their second triumph in three outings.

Coach TY Tang said he encouraged the team to show consistency, being a young team that has not been together for a long period.

Lentcheu strung up 10 points in the second period, helping the Blazers pull away by 10, 37-27, at halftime.

In the junior division, Clint Escamis unloaded 32 points to power the Malayan Red Robins to a 107-96 overtime win over the Arellano Braves, who suffered their first setback after four outings.

Creamline Cool Smashers: Spreading good vibes in PH volleyball AMIDST a cheering sea of pink, the Creamline Cool Smashers swept the Mall of Asia Arena Court with their combined prowess and trademark good vibes to clinch the coveted championship title of the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Reinforced Conference.

Led by team captain Alyssa Valdez, the Cool Smashers bested the PayMaya High Flyers and sealed the deal after only two games in a best-of-three finals round. In addition to the title, players Valdez, Jia Morado, and Michelle Gumabao received individual awards: best open spiker, best setter and finals MVP, and best opposite spiker, respectively.

“This championship is one of the

biggest rewards we’ve received as a team who worked hard, trained hard, and really wanted to bring home the trophy for our Rebisco family and our fans,” shared Valdez.

One big family The Creamline Cool Smashers credit their triumph in the recently concluded PVL to something more than the expert guidance of Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit and the individual skills of the players.

“Each member of the team is focused, driven, and hungry to win but we still enjoyed our time together because we loved what we were doing,” Morado said. “The Cool Smashers is my first pro club and it has been my childhood wish to find a team that inspires and takes care of me while

I pursue my dreams in the court. Not every player gets it right the first time and I’m so lucky and thankful to be with the Rebisco-Creamline family.”

“I’m also thankful to the Rebisco-Creamline family for believing in me and the team. Without that support and the camaraderie that we’ve built, victory wouldn’t taste as sweet as it does now,” said Gumabao.

The Rebisco-Creamline family that the team found extended beyond the court and the training sessions—in fact, it is a big family that includes all of the snack giant’s employees, from executives to those on the production floor responsible for whipping up Rebisco’s trademark treats such as the Rebisco

Members of the champion Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate their PVL title run.

Sandwich, Hansel, Fudgee Dong, Judge, and Creamline Barr, Choco Mucho, Ding bars, cones, and tubs.

IN BRIEF

DA bans imports of California poultry

THE Agriculture Department said it imposed an import ban on all poultry products from Southern California following reports of New Castle disease outbreak in the areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside.

Based on the official data published by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, there were confirmed cases of virulent New Castle Disease in South California affecting backyard chicken.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol underscored the need to protect the local poultry population from the disease. The ban will cover domestic and wild birds and poultry products originating from South California.

All processing, evaluation and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance were immediately suspended upon receipt of the advisory.

The department also ordered veterinary quarantine officers to stop and confiscate all shipments of live poultry and poultry products from South California into the country. Othel V. Campos

Business

Loans, money supply sustain strong growth

DOMESTIC liquidity or the money supply in the financial system grew 11.7 percent year-on-year to about P11.1 trillion in June, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

The growth, however, was slower than the 14.3-percent expansion recorded in May. “The overall pace of growth in M3 remains in line with the BSP’s prevailing outlook for inflation and economic activity. The BSP will continue to closely monitor domestic liquidity dynamics to ensure that monetary conditions remain conducive to support the BSP’s price and financial stability objectives,” the BSP said in a statement.

Preliminary data also showed that outstanding loans of commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements with the BSP, grew at a slightly slower rate of 19.1 percent in June than the revised 19.3 percent in May. Loans for production activities grew by 19.2 percent in June, loans for household consumption rose 17.7 percent.

“The expansion in credit card loans and salarybased general purpose consumption loans was moderated by the slower pace of growth in motor vehicle loans and the contraction in other types of household loans in June,” the BSP said. Julito G. Rada

ERC orders review of power supply deals

THE Energy Regulatory Commission ordered a review of the policy on power supply agreement approvals amid reports of alleged over-contracting of power supply of some electric cooperatives.

ERC chairperson and chief executive Agnes Devanadera directed the agency’s technical staff to look into the bilateral contracts signed by distribution utilities and generation companies on the aspect of justifications offered on the need for the contract.

“We must ensure that the contracts entered by the DUs are indeed required and not become stranded costs that will be passed on to the consumers,” Devanadera said in a statement.

The ERC said most PSAs included a take or pay provision which meant that with or without sourcing of power from the contracted genco, the DU should pay a cost which would be passed on to the consumers.

The regulator said in case a DU engaged so many power suppliers unnecessarily, it would cause an upward adjustment on the blended generation rate being charged by the DU to its customers. Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Pacific teams up with the Tourism and Environment Departments to join a campaign on sustainable tourism program. Shown leading the launching of the JuanEffect.com at Makati Shangri-La Hotel are (from left) Cebu Pacific president and and chief executive Lance Gokongwei, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat and Environment Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor. Ey Acasio

BSP says July inflation likely hit as high as 5.8% T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday inflation rate in July likely accelerated to as high as 5.8 percent from 5.2 percent in June, driven by higher prices of electricity, water, fuel and food.

The BSP Department of Economic Research said in a statement the July 2018 inflation would likely fall within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.8 percent in July.

“The increases in electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas, water rate adjustments in Maynilad- and Manila Water-serviced areas, domestic gasoline and LPG prices, jeepney fares, scheduled increase of the tobacco excise tax, and prices of rice and other agricultural commodities could lead

to upward price pressures during the month,” it said.

It noted a slight downward adjustment in domestic diesel prices in July.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue to keep a watchful eye on the risks to the inflation outlook and will take necessary action to help ensure that inflation expectations remain firmly anchored to the target,” it said.

Inflation rose to a more than five-year high of 5.2 percent in June based on the 2012 consumer price index, bringing the first-half average to 4.3 percent, which was above the 2018 target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on June 20 raised for the second time this year the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, wary of the possible secondround effects of inflation.

The interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were also increased accordingly.

The Monetary Board said inflation

Management, these only included ITHs, special income tax rates and incentives on customs duties.

Chua said at a hearing of the House committee on ways and means that the data collated by the DOF’s Domestic Finance Group did not yet include foregone revenues from the value-added tax exemptions on imports and local VAT that enterprises registered with IPAs were also able to enjoy.

It also did notinclude the foregone local taxes and leakages that may arise as a result of abuse of transfer pricing.

Foregone revenues from investment incentives, excluding VAT and local tax privileges, grew 71.03 percent in 2016 from the previous year’s figure of P104.40 billion and were 52.52 percent higher than the 2015 projections, the DOF-DFG report said.

The report said these revenue losses were expected to increase to P196.02 billion or by 9.77 percent in 2017.

The Finance Department said that for 2015, it was able to include estimates of revenue losses from VAT exemptions, which reached about P196.83 billion for that year on a gross basis.

Adding this figure to the investment tax expenditures of P104.40 billion from ITHs, special tax rates and custom duty incentives, tthe total estimated foregone revenues of the government from investment incentives reached P301 billion in 2015 alone, Chua said.

Chua said the Philippines had 14 IPAs that were authorized to grant incentives to a select group of businesses. Moreover, some 315 special laws exist that grant other forms of incentives beyond what the IPAs give. Julito G. Rada

expectations remained elevated for 2018 and that the risk of possible second-round effects from ongoing price pressures argued for followthrough monetary policy action.

Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said while inflation expectations remained within the target range for 2019, elevated expectations for 2018 highlighted the risk posed by sustained price pressures on future wage and price outcomes.

The June rate hike was the second time this year after the first 25bps increase on May 10, 2018.

Espenilla expressed confidence that the two rate hikes this year would be sufficient for inflation to return to the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent in 2019.

Espenilla said further policy action would enable the Bangko Sentral to reinforce its signal on safeguarding macroeconomic stability in an environment of rising commodity prices and ongoing normalization of monetary policy in advanced economies.

B1

year an interbank electronic fund transfer platform called the PesoNet, the country’s first automated clearing house under the National Retail Payment System.

The BSP’s flagship program aims to spur usage of e-payment transactions to 20 percent by 2020. PesoNet is a type of batch electronic funds transfer payment.

Funds can be made available to the recipient’s account/s without any deductions or fees and within the same banking day.

“We look at this digital innovation to spur a more dynamic and convenient mode of financial transactions between businesses, the public and the government. Through PesoNet, we hope that even smaller banks can now be active players in the retail payment system and eventually, promote greater financial inclusivity by reaching the financially unserved and underserved,” said BSP Gov. Nestor Espenilla.

The BSP also introduced “InstaPay,” the newest automated clearing house under the National Retail Payment System framework.

CEBU Pacific said Tuesday it is on track to hit the target of 22 million passengers this year despite the closure of Boracay Island, the country’s top resort island.

“Even with closure of Boracay, we’re seeing tremendous growth in tourism, double-digit so you can imagine the increase when it reopens on Oct. 26,” Cebu Pacific president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei told reporters on the sidelines of the launching of Juan Effect, a sustainable tourism program with the Tourism Department.

“We saw an opportunity to redeploy the aircraft flying to Boracay to additional destinations such as Busuanga, Siargao and Negros Oriental. Those that are not quite in the limelight like Boracay, they suddenly sprouted. And I think it’s good because it’s creating opportunity to build more legs to our tourism strategy. Not only Boracay and Cebu. Now there’s four or five jewels,” he said.

Cebu Pacific is the market leader with a 42-percent of total seat capacity in Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay.

This includes a 14-percent share of its turboprop subsidiary Cebgo and 28 percent of its main jet operation.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the shutdown of Boracay did not affect the number of foreign tourists visiting the country.

“We’re more excited. Imagine, the closure of our number one tourist destination did not affect tourist arrivals.

In fact, it increased. Imagine with the opening,” Romulo-Puyat said.

“Well, there are more tourists coming, and they look at other destinations such as Mactan, Bohol, Siargao, Palawan. They went to other destinations,” she said.

Data from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation showed that about one million of the 6.6 million overseas visitors to the Philippines in 2017 stopped in Boracay.

Boracay is popular with Chinese and South Korean visitors, which are the largest markets for the Philippine tourism industry.

World Bank to scale up support for Mindanao after law’s signing THE World Bank said Tuesday it is ready to intensify support for Mindanao after the government signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law. “The signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and its implementation are critical to achieve long-lasting peace in the region, and we are committed to scale up our program and double our efforts in support of this promising opportunity,” Mara Warwick, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, said in a statement Tuesday.

World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific Victoria Kwakwa congratulated President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine government for the signing last week of the Bangsamoro

Organic Law which aimed to give greater autonomy to the Moro people.

Kwakwa said this was a significant milestone towards achieving stability in the region. The Law creates new opportunities for sustainable peace in Mindanao.

“The World Bank has been a longtime partner in supporting peace and inclusive growth in Mindanao,” Kwakwa said.

“We welcome the news and look forward to continue working closely with the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in support of sustainable peace and development in Bangsamoro and the entire Mindanao region,” she said.

Julito G. Rada

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Govt supports shift to digital payments THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supports the shift to digital payments and aims to make them more efficient, convenient, fast and easy, yet safe and secure.

The E-Peso Activity, a program backed by the United States Agency for International Development, released the results of a recent survey among micro, small, medium and large businesses showing that only 10 percent of micro businesses used epayments during the last 12 months.

Results showed a low awareness on the availability of the e-payment options in the sector and that cash was still highly preferred.

The survey said that while there was high awareness about e-payments among small businesses, only 1 out of 4 firms used it for their payment transactions. It noted that 6 out of 10 companies were most likely to use e-payments in the future, provided that the cost to use is the same or less as when using cash payments.

To entice more companies to shift to e-payments, the BSP launched late last

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

By Darwin G. Amojelar

3,102 companies enjoyed P178-b tax breaks in 2016 THE government lost P178.56 billion in potential revenues in 2016 as a result of tax incentives given to 3,102 companies registered with various investment promotion agencies, the Finance Department said Tuesday.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that based on data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs, the government had foregone P74.53 billion in revenues from income tax holidays, P46.66 billion from special income tax rates and P57.38 billion in customs duties.

These foregone revenues as a result of tax incentives given out to select enterprises were collectively termed as “investment tax expenditures.”

Under the budget of expenditures and sources of financing document published by the Department of Budget and

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Cebu Pacific remains bullish on flying 22m passengers

Meralco, MPIC eye LNG projects

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. and parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corp. are studying possible investments in the country’s liquefied natural gas industry.

The two companies led by businessman Manuel Pangilinan also called for closer coordination between the private and government sector on the development of the country’s first LNG facility.

“It takes minimum of three years to build a gas terminal, minimum 10 years to build a gas field so we are slowly hitting the wall if we don’t move,” Pangilinan said.

The Philippines is pushing for the construction of an integrated LNG terminal estimated to cost $2 billion with the eventual depletion of the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan.

“We’re studying that…Gas terminals are just a means to an end. We want a power output. What is the cost of that terminal? Will it mean higher power rates?” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said the LNG study was expected to be completed by early next year. He said they would submit their LNG proposal to the Department of Energy soon. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

GLOBE SUPPORTS NCRE 2018. Globe Business, the corporate arm of

Globe Telecom, signs up as a platinum sponsor of the 25th edition of the National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2018 slated on Aug. 9 to 10 at SMX Convention Center Manila. Globe Business’ support gives the Philippine Retailers Association a major boost to ensure the successful staging of the expo. Shown sealing the partnership are (from left) PRA vice chair Roberto Claudio of Toby’s Sports, Globe Business cluster head for retail Jane Mancia, Globe Business segment marketing manager Jed Ernest Uytiepo and PRA vice chair Ma. Alegria Sibal- Limjoco who is also the president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.2630

Japan

Yen

0.009004

0.4796

UK

Pound

1.313500

69.9610

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127418

6.7867

Switzerland

Franc

1.012043

53.9044

Canada

Dollar

0.767283

40.8678

Singapore

Dollar

0.735024

39.1496

Australia

Dollar

0.740400

39.4359

Bahrain

Dinar

2.647604

141.0193

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

14.2035

Brunei

Dollar

0.732332

39.0062

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.030021

1.5990

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.5020

Euro

Euro

1.170800

62.3603

Korea

Won

0.000895

0.0477

China

Yuan

0.146653

7.8112

India

Rupee

0.014577

0.7764

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246609

13.1351

New Zealand

Dollar

0.682100

36.3307

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032709

1.7422

Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market retreats; Jollibee climbs

S

TOCKS fell Tuesday to end a five-day rally, tracking the movement of Asian markets following poor performances by tech firms on Wall Street and as investors anticipated a Bank of Japan policy decision.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, shed 101 points, or 1.3 percent, to close at 7,672.00. The bellwether was also down 10.4 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, tumbled 41 points, or 0.9 percent, to settle at 4,604.12, on a value turnover of P7.1 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 130 to 63, while 52 issues were unchanged.

Five of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by restaurant chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp.

which rose 1.5 percent to P270 and Globe Telecom Inc which gained 1.2 percent to P1,835.

Most Asian markets traded lower Tuesday, following overnight losses on Wall Street. US tech equities suffered a significant tumble on Monday, pushing the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index in New York down 1.4 percent—the third straight day it had lost at least one percent.

Silicon Valley shares have been in retreat since Facebook last week signalled slower growth as it spends more on data security in response to criticism over its privacy policies.

The slump affecting the sector’s biggest five stocks—Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google— has injected trepidation into world markets ahead of an Apple earnings announcement later Tuesday, analysts said.

“The markets heavyweight champions are having a rough day, but US markets pruned much of their losses as bank stocks and surging oil prices boosted producers,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda.

“All eyes will remain on Nasdaq as the Wall Street wall of worry continues to build around the tech sector,” he said.

In early Asian trade on Tuesday, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 Index was down 0.3 percent, while the yen was slightly higher ahead of an announcement by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) after a two-day policy meeting.

Hong Kong slipped 0.6 percent and China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.3 percent, as investors also eyed announcements by other major central banks this week.

Singapore lost 0.3 percent, while Sydney edged up 0.1 percent and Seoul

was flat.

There has been widespread speculation about whether Japan’s central bank may be looking to alter its ultra-loose monetary policy, but analysts said rate changes were not widely expected.

“I think the BoJ will be a little bit less of an event than is being forecast and despite all the rumor and innuendo, I suspect Kuroda and co. will sit on their hands,” Evan Lucas, chief market strategist at InvestSmart, told Bloomberg Television, referring to the bank’s governor Haruhiko Kuroda.

“The catch around that and probably the contrarian trade is that whatever they say, I think is going to see a reaction anyway,” Lucas said.

The US Federal Reserve is set to make its own announcement on Wednesday, and the Bank of England on Thursday.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.8 13,440 98 2,536,110 2.76 6,000 132 4,739,960 1.62 1,579,000 33.15 93,600 7.4 3,700 16.3 5,700 14.44 890,100 3.86 317,000 0.66 13,000 1.59 88,000 850 20 0.53 49,000 73.7 4,056,560 1.02 277,000 11.8 279,100 46.65 82,400 204 230 105.5 1,800 88.5 100 30 85,800 203 383,360 1,870 100 84.55 3,580 1.2 133,000

797,711 249,551,931.50 16,560 623,110,031(12 2,568,010 3,099,930 27,730 92,964 12,896,968 1,205,960 8,250 133,970 17,000 26,380 297,393,106 282,850 3,321,280 3,878,715 47,030 191,206 8,850 2,580,950 77,891,408 187,000 302,609.50 159,600

669,235 3,459,504 ,941,961.9996) -570,275 -1,509,442 -62,240,484 56,515 2,060 -1,375,525 17,834,716 38,034.50 -

36.5 15.3 0.74 1.13 0.236 3.02 15.18 40 21.05 49.9 66.75 1.82 5.1 7.7 10.08 15.8 10.72 7.24 5.05 15.34 61.9 23.8 7.4 13.98 2.34 261.8 4.99 3.23 26.25 12.7 19.12 375 0.179 6.7 2.22 4.13 8.81 5.48 7.97 1.18 11.76 55.85 6.1 4.6 2.22 1.78 13.08 67 5.23 0.127 1.18 127.6 2.5 1.54

INDUSTRIAL 37.2 1,136,200 15.58 607,400 0.77 6,921,000 1.16 916,000 0.238 1,300,000 3.09 6,887,000 15.5 310,800 41.45 479,900 21.1 20,700 50 891,540 66.85 1,420 1.82 107,000 5.1 20,000 7.7 2,300 10.18 2,415,200 15.9 3,880,100 10.78 78,200 7.28 237,300 5.09 2,024,600 15.52 553,800 62.5 10,720 23.8 17,400 7.45 188,500 14 250,700 2.4 1,341,000 270 997,780 5 45,100 3.23 3,000 26.5 1,706,100 12.86 779,600 19.14 1,318,200 379.6 503,300 0.187 30,000 7 1,075,500 2.25 210,000 4.16 30,000 8.88 1,558,600 5.5 311,200 7.97 101,600 1.21 630,000 11.94 114,200 56.3 778,730 6.15 30,100 4.6 5,285,000 2.4 155,000 1.79 212,000 13.2 460,100 69.3 273,460 5.3 71,000 0.127 10,000 1.2 1,325,000 128 1,233,010 2.5 7,732,000 1.57 7,927,000

42,131,245 9,428,006 5,324,760 1,044,780 307,800 21,269,050 4,804,874 20,028,280 441,720 45,199,204 94,865.50 195,570 102,000 17,900 24,744,258 61,681,158 842,264 1,722,833 10,268,045 8,589,924 666,752 415,760 1,404,304 3,518,010 3,181,440 265,621,822 225,493 9,690 45,172,415 10,179,506 25,319,390 190,424,946 5,450 7,528,088 472,260 125,390 13,833,222 1,719,332 809,752 756,200 1,358,258 43,670,016.50 186,283 24,312,000 360,310 379,000 6,067,172 18,675,422.50 375,022 1,270 1,587,250 159,046,929 19,612,810 12,356,760

10,944,050 1,259,670 -7,736,900 -3,411,260 -1,492,200 -19,452,137 9,200 -3,929,952 -46,536,960 -430,398 -8,500,272 -939,358 -426,791.50 423,875 1,285,544 -9,364,886 -9,894,450 -322,886 9,345,012 124,100,904 -112,500 -139,489 32,997,310 -44,103 -23,202,400 1,469,720 3,320,328.50 -3,668 6,029,280 -7,840,620 135,040

HOLDING FIRMS 0.25 640,000 57.35 1,708,010 11.92 7,798,800 6.09 1,300 30 106,700 0.97 86,038,000 0.95 26,958,000 999 353,235 6.1 1,706,200 11.8 11,012,300 7.1 30,100 4.31 1,000 0.208 20,000 970 293,950 6.05 3,400 56 1,867,070 5.06 1,800 0.62 203,000 3.78 1,803,000 18 1,645,100 0.7 5,981,000 4.71 67,445,000 3.36 1,000 0.038 3,600,000 1.32 383,000 2.76 366,000 139.2 178,450 2.56 10,000 950 306,830 1.53 8,318,000 470 100 259 1,110 0.345 6,760,000 0.208 380,000

158,860 97,374,004 93,580,994 7,917 3,195,290 82,277,470 25,824,020 353,328,682.50 10,385,447 129,698,094 207,710 4,310 4,160 286,067,565 20,570 104,119,233 9,108 121,500 6,796,440 29,713,518(4, 4,103,410 318,825,830 3,360 136,800 507,610 1,014,520 24,858,242 25,600 291,446,970 12,797,990 47,000 289,118 2,332,350 79,880

21,702,810.50 5,435,008 -2,703,070 24,770,945 3,432,633 57,265,498 122,785,385 51,302,454 -1,364,810 014,771.9996) -126,560 28,998,930 176,640.00 -7,585,845 85,387,140 -12,500,400 -67,494 -

2,607,216 570,220 127,898 25,480 126,650 870,697,935 2,262,620 1,773,120 119,875 711,600 970 596,910 1,284,380 99,600 21,988,353 21,525,665 413,570 126,440 19,592,940 435,800 3,428,720 51,809,100

-1,214,166 -5,760 -76,711,785 205,010 -574,260 -9,520 71,900 92,558 4,845,505 -113,280 -3,454,610 -86,100 756,220 -13,853,580

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.5 99.85 2.76 134.7 1.58 33.2 7.5 16.48 14.6 3.76 0.63 1.53 850 0.54 74.2 1.03 11.9 47.55 205 107.2 88.5 30.4 204.6 1,870 84.5 1.2

59.8 99.85 2.76 134.8 1.69 33.2 7.5 16.48 14.6 3.99 0.66 1.59 850 0.54 74.2 1.03 11.9 47.55 205 107.2 88.5 30.45 205.4 1,870 84.6 1.2

59.1 97.5 2.76 129.5 1.58 33.05 7.4 16.3 14.4 3.72 0.63 1.52 850 0.53 72.6 1.02 11.8 46.65 204 105.5 88.5 29.7 202.2 1,870 84.5 1.2

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL 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 SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

37 15.6 0.74 1.17 0.241 3.1 15.72 40 22.9 51 66.75 1.84 5.1 7.8 10.28 15.9 10.74 7.26 5.14 15.7 63.45 23.8 7.4 14.4 2.4 265.8 5 3.23 26.6 13 19.24 379 0.179 6.71 2.22 4.16 8.89 5.69 7.97 1.21 11.8 56.3 6.17 4.61 2.26 1.8 13.26 67.9 5.3 0.127 1.22 135.2 2.6 1.6

37.2 15.6 0.79 1.17 0.241 3.15 15.72 42.45 22.9 51 67 1.84 5.1 7.8 10.4 15.92 10.9 7.29 5.14 15.72 63.45 24 7.5 14.4 2.43 270 5 3.23 26.6 13.32 19.34 379.6 0.187 7.2 2.25 4.2 8.9 5.69 7.97 1.21 11.94 56.4 6.32 4.61 2.4 1.82 13.48 69.4 5.3 0.127 1.22 135.2 2.63 1.6

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

0.247 57.8 12 6.09 29.65 0.95 0.95 1,008 6.12 11.72 6.9 4.31 0.208 994 6.05 56 5.06 0.62 3.79 18.64 0.7 4.71 3.36 0.038 1.33 2.79 138.4 2.56 952 1.6 470 261 0.35 0.213

0.25 57.95 12.2 6.09 30 0.99 0.98 1,008 6.15 11.8 7.1 4.31 0.208 995 6.05 56.25 5.06 0.62 3.8 18.64 0.7 4.79 3.36 0.038 1.34 2.8 140.2 2.56 958 1.6 470 262 0.35 0.213

0.247 55.8 11.92 6.09 29.45 0.93 0.93 992 6.03 11.62 6.9 4.31 0.208 957.5 6.05 54.95 5.06 0.59 3.71 18 0.68 4.69 3.36 0.038 1.32 2.76 138.1 2.56 940 1.52 470 259 0.34 0.208

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

7.59 0.97 14.2 1.96 0.72 41.75 3.27 4.67 5.6 0.44 0.97 1 0.217 0.4 9.85 26 0.61 0.116 1.44 1.22 1.46 4.71

7.59 0.97 14.5 1.96 0.72 42.2 3.33 4.67 5.6 0.44 0.97 1 0.218 0.4 9.97 26.2 0.61 0.116 1.44 1.24 1.47 4.77

7.45 0.95 14.1 1.96 0.71 40.55 3.21 4.6 5.5 0.43 0.97 0.98 0.217 0.395 9.65 25.95 0.58 0.116 1.42 1.22 1.44 4.64

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.6 0.455 0.51 3.6 20 2.05 3.22 37.1 1.14 7.75 0.76 6

0.6 0.455 0.51 3.64 20.2 2.05 3.22 37.8 1.15 7.89 0.78 6.05

0.58 0.44 0.495 3.58 19.5 1.99 3.22 37.1 1.14 7.07 0.76 5.97

0.58 0.44 0.5 3.59 19.58 2 3.22 37.75 1.15 7.15 0.78 6

9,079,000 1,210,000 1,732,000 499,000 1,633,800 352,000 1,000 8,233,100 1,102,000 4,486,400 35,000 10,390,300

5,342,860 540,400 867,670 1,792,490 32,288,699 705,660 3,220 310,431,805 1,258,620 32,831,496 27,180 62,396,336

-308,290 -13,770 -271,690 -4,181,097 49,033,880 2,047,951 -5,927,658

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG 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

14.4 23.8 1.33 0.47 0.051 13.18 5.03 10.54 0.058 70 6.95 2.13 26 1,813 5.43 275.2 3.75 86.65 13.68 7.89 0.136 3.08 3.69 15.12 4.2 1.04 24.8 4.94 6.99 2.8 2.25 2.25 17.1 9.1 11.02 8.9 3.44 118 5.68 1,360 0.92 0.355 45.8 87.45 8.5 1.98 1.08 0.56 5.15 0.75 11.9

14.4 24 1.48 0.475 0.054 13.18 5.03 10.78 0.059 70.95 7 2.13 26.3 1,835 5.43 279 3.8 89 13.68 7.89 0.138 3.15 3.8 15.12 4.23 1.05 25.2 5 7.08 2.84 2.5 2.4 17.3 9.1 11.04 8.9 3.49 118 5.81 1,360 0.93 0.405 46.1 88 8.59 2.08 1.09 0.57 5.15 0.76 12

14.08 23.5 1.3 0.465 0.048 13.16 5.03 10.26 0.056 70 6.93 2.13 25.65 1,784 5.4 275.2 3.68 86.45 12.72 7.89 0.134 2.91 3.55 15.12 4.01 1.03 24.55 4.8 6.8 2.76 2.23 2.25 17.02 8.77 11.02 8.8 3.44 115 5.6 1,327 0.89 0.355 45.25 85.4 8.5 1.98 1.06 0.55 5 0.74 11.78

SERVICES 14.08 23.5 1.4 0.47 0.05 13.16 5.03 10.48 0.058 70.35 7 2.13 25.8 1,835 5.4 279 3.7 89 12.72 7.89 0.136 3 3.75 15.12 4.01 1.03 24.8 4.97 6.89 2.77 2.47 2.4 17.02 9.04 11.04 8.9 3.49 115 5.6 1,337 0.9 0.39 45.25 85.4 8.5 2.06 1.08 0.55 5.07 0.74 11.92

17,600 79,100 3,381,000 2,020,000 46,360,000 1,200 1,000 6,929,300 10,230,000 120,830 733,200 10,000 130,700 92,670 91,300 5,880 1,228,000 1,018,790 5,200 20,000 12,940,000 8,108,000 103,000 5,100 8,703,000 410,000 895,300 140,000 6,602,500 958,000 2,562,000 301,000 1,700 4,218,200 10,100 2,300 41,000 2,480 868,600 113,740 7,107,000 22,270,000 1,868,200 109,770 19,100 4,348,000 3,063,000 25,673,000 2,188,000 1,852,000 933,700

250,108 1,871,455 4,722,710 945,400 2,353,420 15,812 5,030 72,540,030 584,780 8,501,852 5,101,184 21,300 3,383,790 169,677,915 493,695 1,637,576 4,604,050 89,250,615.50 66,466 157,800 1,744,630 24,665,230 382,570 77,112 35,400,430 422,810 22,271,125 691,440 45,700,759 2,655,430 6,142,460 710,010 29,018 37,848,530 111,360 20,390 142,540 289,999 4,953,037 152,030,195 6,428,330 8,726,400 85,360,420 9,496,870 162,359 8,858,690 1 3,289,430 14,359,920(1, 11,067,324(4, 1,377,500 11,136,544

-3,358,870 49,690 -41,941,806 -836,366 58,936,225 -69,750 -192,240 8,193,019.50 166,840 -13,064,910 -869,170 2,454,494 -121,740 -403,190 4,450 -227,579 115,600 -11,947,900 -776,580 -31,450 -31,103,095 1,068,270 ,849,200.0001 -1,478,880 523,719.9999) 987,421.0001) -306,420 5,063,552

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 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING

0.0025 1.42 3.86 20.5 1.45 1.93 7.48 2.09 0.22 0.122 0.126 0.0077 1.56 4.4 1.19 0.53 1.08 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.08 4.49 10.7 32.4

0.0026 1.42 3.86 21 1.45 1.97 7.8 2.11 0.22 0.124 0.126 0.0077 1.58 4.4 1.19 0.53 1.1 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.08 4.49 10.7 32.4

0.0025 1.4 3.86 19.98 1.43 1.92 7.21 2.07 0.211 0.122 0.126 0.0077 1.52 4.35 1.16 0.53 1.06 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.95 4.35 10.2 31.6

MINING & OIL 0.0026 49,000,000 1.41 2,251,000 3.86 1,000 21 15,300 1.43 6,000 1.97 2,374,000 7.52 12,100 2.08 72,703,000 0.218 470,000 0.124 4,370,000 0.126 4,760,000 0.0077 5,000,000 1.58 2,034,000 4.35 1,923,000 1.18 396,000 0.53 260,000 1.08 1,637,000 0.012 14,100,000 0.012 200,000 0.011 56,300,000 3.05 135,000 4.43 234,000 10.2 1,450,700 31.7 2,363,200

122,700 3,177,120 3,860 314,141 8,660 4,651,740 90,037 151,935,040 100,180 538,780 599,760 38,500 3,105,440 8,442,250 461,480 137,800 1,757,570 169,200 2,400 620,300 401,850 1,035,600 14,994,064 75,430,955

-1,467,470 60,180 -1,438,780 21,100 -595,980 -146,890 -491,320 2,400 178,000 455,012 979,375

ABS HLDG PDR DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

23.5 102 104 507 5.2 975 970 100.3 1.04 102.6 1,000 75.05 75.2 75.3 75.5 75.4

23.6 102 104 507 5.25 975 970 100.3 1.04 102.6 1,000 75.05 75.2 75.3 75.5 75.4

22.55 102 104 505 5.2 975 966 100.3 1.03 102.5 980 75.05 75.2 75.3 75.2 75.4

PREFERRED 23.35 309,900 102 1,560 104 150 505 4,000 5.25 100,000 975 700 966 1,330 100.3 520 1.03 11,000 102.6 10,050 1,000 1,630 75.05 20 75.2 5,000 75.3 6,000 75.2 7,500 75.4 3,000

7,238,575 159,120 15,600 2,020,040 523,500 682,500 1,286,440 52,156 11,430 1,030,330 1,629,000 1,501 376,000 451,800 564,600 226,200

563,315 -523,500 -400,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.58

2.58

2.45

WARRANTS 2.49 1,236,000

3,083,980

12,500

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

5.46 3.03 3.28

5.49 3.03 3.28

5.21 3.03 3.22

5.21 3.03 3.27

6,643,362 3,030 3,561,320

-169,130 1,852,710

FIRST METRO ETF

115.2

115.2

113.6

1,082,913

125,560

USD TECH B2

1.01

1.02

1.01

19,928.80

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.47 0.96 14.48 1.96 0.72 40.85 3.21 4.67 5.6 0.435 0.97 0.99 0.217 0.395 9.77 25.95 0.59 0.116 1.42 1.23 1.44 4.64

347,600 597,000 9,000 13,000 177,000 21,267,400 694,000 381,000 21,600 1,640,000 1,000 603,000 5,910,000 250,000 2,239,400 826,400 699,000 1,090,000 13,718,000 355,000 2,371,000 11,106,000

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

16,536,371

INDUSTRIAL

65,700,471

HOLDING FIRMS

236,006,239

PROPERTY

103,689,140

SERVICES

194,757,507

MINING & OIL

222,974,481

GRAND TOTAL

842,022,436

SME

1,251,600 1,000 1,095,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 113.6 9,470 1.02

DDS

19,540

VALUE 1,858.92 (down) 22.33 1,358,532,812.92 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,830.18 (down) 89.70 1,142,085,262.80 HOLDING FIRMS 7,593.74 (down) 86.88 1,883,063,475.27 PROPERTY 3,754.81 (down) 65.72 1,493.58 (down) 7.79 1,471,589,494.46 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,714.41 (down) 96.88 920,038,951.94 PSEI 7,672.00 (down) 101.32 268,167,462.10 All Shares Index 4,604.12 (down) 41.16 7,054,771,945.22 Gainers: 63; Losers: 130; Unchanged: 52; Total: 245

Wenceslao’s profit rose 42% in first half

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONSTRUCTION and property developer D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. said Tuesday net income climbed 42 percent in the first half to P969.8 million from a year ago, on strong leasing revenues.

D.M. Wenceslao said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half revenues reached P1.19 billion, of which 80 percent came from recurring sales following the completion of a new office building.

Land rentals went up 5 percent to P482.2 million, while rentals of buildings and other revenues related to leasing expanded 70 percent to P351.9 million and P127.9 million, respectively.

Residential unit sales increased 6 percent to P119.5 million, while construction revenue rose 19 percent to P114.5 million.

“Strong execution from our marketing, and construction teams is accelerating momentum across our businesses. We have completed our third commercial office building ahead of schedule and within budget. This early delivery added over 30,000 square meters of leasable gross floor area which was fully leased out as of the end of 2017,” D.M. Wenceslao chief executive Delfin Angelo Wenceslao said.

The company started construction of an office building in the first half that will have 68,980 square meters of leasable gross floor area. Slated for completion by 2021, 8912 Asean Ave. is the company’s largest office project to date.

The company said construction of condominium tower, Pixel Residences, remained on track. The project is slated for completion by 2019.

“We have a clear set of strategies centered around portfolio expansion through a combination of land and commercial leasing and residential sales growth,” Wenceslao said.

“We are continuing to ramp up the business―strategically and with a long-term mindset―while also taking decisive action that could produce meaningful returns to our shareholders in the quarters and years ahead,” he said.

The group had total leasable gross floor area of 89,914 sqm as of end-June, up 52 percent from the same period last year. Leased land area expanded 3 percent to 55,418 sqm.

Premiere, Korean company eye infra, energy projects PREMIERE Horizon Alliance Corp. plans to team up with D-Eco Energy Co. Ltd. of South Korea for possible venture into infrastructure, tourism and power sectors.

Premiere Horizon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed a memorandum of understanding with D-Eco Energy to study possible investment and partnership structures utilizing their respective resources and expertise.

The groups’ venture into infrastructure and tourism development is in support of the Duterte administration’s thrust on sustained countryside development, according to Premiere Horizon.

D-Eco is a Korean company engaged in the power business and allied industries and is forming a consortium of investors who are looking at infrastructure, tourism and power sectors.

Premiere Horizon is a countryside enabler and has been undertaking two landmark projects in the infrastructure and tourism sectors.

Premiere Horizon through subsidiary Redstone Construction and Development Corp., is investing in infrastructure projects.

The company said it was set to hold a listing by way of introduction in the second half, subject to regulatory approval by relevant agencies.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Standard

TODAY

IN BRIEF Woodward to tackle Trump in new book WASHINGTON―Bob Woodward― one of the journalists whose reporting on the Watergate scandal helped bring down Richard Nixon’s presidency―is tackling President Donald Trump’s administration in his latest book.

Fear: Trump in the White House “reveals in unprecedented detail the harrowing life inside Donald Trump’s White House and how the president makes decisions on major foreign and domestic policies,” said publisher Simon & Schuster.

Trump’s presidency, though less than two years old, has seen the departure of a series of high-profile personnel, has been plagued by various scandals over expenditures, and dogged by the question of whether his campaign colluded with Russia.

Woodward and Carl Bernstein led The Washington Post reporting team that investigated the 1972 break-in at the Watergate hotel, which eventually led back to the White House, prompting a scandal that forced Nixon to resign in 1974.

The book-the latest in a series by Woodward dealing with US presidencies―comes out on September 11.

Woodward remains on the staff of The Washington Post. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila

B3

Hikers tell of terror after quake

M

ATARAM, Indonesia―More than 500 hikers and guides stranded by landslides on an Indonesian mountain after an earthquake have returned to safety, with some recalling their terror when tons of rock cascaded down.

The shallow 6.4-magnitude quake, which struck early Sunday on Lombok island and was followed by scores of aftershocks, triggered major landslides on Mount Rinjani, blocking the hiking routes that criss-cross it.

Some 800 trekkers and their guides were on the mountain when the quake struck including citizens from the United States, France, the Netherlands, Thailand, Germany and many other countries, according to search and rescue officials.

Hundreds managed to find a way down on Sunday and over 500 more reached safety Monday night.

While most were able to pick their way down the mountain on foot, at least

three arrived at Sembalun village on the lower slopes by helicopter, according to officials.

Some returned with harrowing tales of being caught out by the quake, which killed 16 people across the holiday island including one on the mountain.

One Thai tourist, who reached the foot of the mountain Tuesday morning, felt the ground shake beneath her sleeping bag.

“I felt the earth move ...and thought ‘Huh? What’s happening?’” she said.

“I got out of my bed and then I saw a landslide (with) rocks falling down.”

A male friend said he watched parts of Rinjani’s slopes collapse.

“The whole mountain, rocks, fell down―I was a bit afraid,” he said.

The remaining 500 or so hikers were able to start climbing down on Monday after guides discovered an alternate route that was unaffected by the landslides.

“543 hikers have been evacuated―

they arrived last night,” national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told AFP. “There are now six people left... They are all healthy and safe.”

Most of the trekkers reached the base of the mountain by late Monday evening, according to I Gusti Lanang Wiswananda, a spokesman for the search and rescue agency on the island’s main city of Mataram.

“They were all tired but in good condition and were checked by our medical teams on the ground upon arrival,” he told AFP. Wiswananda said one Indonesian hiker died on the mountain and a 30-strong rescue team was escorting the six remaining trekkers down from Lake Segara Anak near the summit.

Helicopters and search teams had been deployed to scour the mountain’s slopes and drop food supplies for those stranded on it.

Hundreds of buildings were destroyed across Lombok, including a health clinic, and Sutopo said more than 220 people suffered serious injuries.

A Malaysian tourist was among the dead, with another six citizens injured, the foreign ministry in Kuala Lumpur has said.

A total of 5,141 people are staying in temporary shelters and in need of clean water, according to officials.

The 12,224-foot Rinjani is the second-highestvolcano in Indonesia and a favorite among sightseers. AFP

Man jailed in Australia over terror plot BRISBANE―A man was jailed for 17 years Tuesday for plotting a terrorist attack in Australia after being prevented from traveling to Syria, with the judge saying he continued to hold extremist views.

Agim Kruezi, 25, was arrested in 2014 and pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court to one count each of preparing for terrorist acts and planning a foreign incursion.

The court heard Kruezi, reportedly an Australian-born Albanian, planned to travel to Syria to fight with an AlQaeda-affiliated group but was stopped by customs officers and his passport was canceled.

He instead turned his attention to an attack on home soil.

Broadcaster ABC said police found a loaded semi-automatic sawn-off rifle, two balaclavas, two machetes, a photocopy of a book titled Jihad, and an Islamic State flag pinned to his bedroom wall when he was arrested.

Instructions to carry out beheadings were also discovered on his computer and in the days before his arrest, he purchased 10 liters (2.6 US gallons) of petrol and attempted to buy glass bottles suitable to make molotov cocktails, it added. AFP

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Aviation chief quits over MH370 report KUALA LUMPUR―The head of Malaysia’s civil aviation regulator resigned Tuesday after an official report found failings in air traffic control when Flight MH370 disappeared.

In a long-awaited report released on Monday, the official investigation team pointed to many lapses by air traffic controllers in both Malaysia and Vietnam.

These included failing to initiate “emergency phases” as required after the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board vanished from radar displays.

Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, directorgeneral of the Department of Civil Aviation, said the report had found that the air traffic control did not comply with standard operating procedures.

“Therefore, it is with regret and after much thought and contemplation that I have decided to resign as the chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia effective fourteen (14) days from the date of the resignation notice which I have served today,” he said in a statement.

Flight MH370 vanished over four years ago and remains aviation’s greatest mystery.

The disappearance of the Boeing 777200 triggered the largest hunt in aviation history. But no sign of it was found in a 120,000-square-kilometer Indian Ocean search zone.

In a 495-page report, investigators said they still do not know why the plane vanished. AFP

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REFRESHING DIP. A boy jumps into the refreshing water of the Obere Argen river in southern Germany, on July 30, 2018. AFP

Mathematicians to converge in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO―The world’s top mathematicians will convene in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to find out the new winners of the Fields Medal, the award often dubbed the Nobel Prize for math.

It is the first time that a Latin American country has hosted the International Congress of Mathematicians, which has taken place every four years since the late 19th century and will run to August 9.

Organizer Marcelo Viana, who heads Brazil’s National Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, or Impa, said the event is a landmark for the region’s biggest country.

“When the first congress was held in 1897 there were practically no mathematicians in Brazil. The fact we’ve been entrusted to organize this gives you an indication of how far we’ve come,” he told AFP. The institute is based in Rio de Janeiro, where the building, featuring large areas of glass and clean modern lines, blends into the lush growth of the Tijuca rain forest―a surprisingly wild setting for the austere precision of the activity inside.

One of Impa’s researchers, the Franco-Brazilian mathematician Artur Avila, won the last Fields Medal in 2014, along with three others, including the first female laureate, Harvard-educated Iranian Maryam Mirzakhani. She died in 2017, aged 40.

The Fields Medal recognizes outstanding mathematical achievement of candidates who were under 40 years old at the start of the year.

At least two and preferably four people are always honored and the announcement is expected at the start of the congress on Wednesday.

For Brazil, just hosting the congress is a win that builds on its ascent in January to the International Mathematical Union’s elite Group 5, a club for leading mathematics research nations.

Viana hopes the event will help “promote math among the young.”

“In 2006, the [congress] was held in Madrid and all my Spanish colleagues said that the culture of mathematics really took off across the country.”

So the Impa will throw its venerable doors open with activities meant to lure in non-specialists and broaden the discussion far beyond mere numbers.

“Normally we’re asked to organize conferences in the most accessible language as possible so that all mathematicians can understand.

We’re going much further so that children can also understand,” the Impa director said.

Another Brazilian research body, the Serrapilheira Institute, has sponsored 19 black mathematicians and two members of indigenous tribes to attend. They will join a round table on gender inequality in the field.

But Viana said that the excitement of the congress cannot mask the no less stark inequalities in Brazil’s school-level math.

“Our system is far too imbalanced, with huge differences between public and private education. Public school teachers are not well enough trained or paid,” Viana said. AFP

Nearly 120,000 people displaced in Myanmar floods YANGON―Nearly 120,000 people have been displaced after floods submerged a vast swathe of southeastern Myanmar, killing 11 people and sending panicked residents fleeing for dry ground with children perched on their shoulders and few belongings in tow.

An official told AFP Tuesday more than 118,000 people had taken refuge in 285 camps so far, as the toll climbed to 11 dead―including three solders―with more deaths feared.

Swirling, muddy waters reached thatched-roofed homes and wiped out farmland in four provinces as officials scrambled to set up rescue centers amid the continuing torrential rain on Tuesday.

Rescuers in boats tried to pluck people from floodwaters in Hpa-an in Karen state

while other residents tried to escape by any means possible, balancing on makeshift rafts or wading out carrying children and plastic bags of goods.

“There could be a few more casualties but we are still collecting the information,” Social Welfare Ministry Director Phyu Lei Lei Tun said.

“Water is going down in some places.

But we do not know how long the disaster will last.”

Meanwhile five others were confirmed killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Kawthaung township in Myanmar’s southern tip.

Evacuation orders are still in place for many flood-stricken areas with a number of rivers exceeding danger levels by several feet and 36 dams and reservoirs overflowing, state-backed

Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.

The Mekong region has been battered by particularly heavy monsoon rains this year, causing devastating floods that have forced thousands to flee and wiped out homes and farmland.

Heavy rains caused a massive dam in southern Laos to collapse last week, wiping out entire villages and killing at least 11―though earlier official tolls initially put the number as high as 27.

Floodwaters from that catastrophe seeped into Cambodia and forced thousands from their homes.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors in southern Laos more than a week after the dam collapse, with Thai, South Korean and Chinese specialists joining efforts to find scores still missing. AFP

(MS-AU

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE InvItatIon to BId no. Goods-041-2018 041

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund intends to apply the below listed procurement w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC).

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected a bid opening.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of CCTV and Fiber Optic Connectivity to Bataan and C3 Command Center

=P=83,835,570.64

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Procurement.

Delivery of goods is requiredwithin 180 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office.

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 8, 2018 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan.

Bids must be delivered on or before August 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 or Bid Securing Declaration in standard form.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted.

In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days.

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan Activities 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2. Eligibility Check

Schedule August 1 - 7, 2018 Refer to date of Opening of Bids 3. Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents August 1 - 22, 2018 4. Request for Clarification August 10, 2018 5. Opening of Bids August 22, 2018 The Provincial Government of Bataan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: Ms. Aileen C. Sagun Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, BalangaCity, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph (MS-AUG. 1, 2018)

(SGD) EMERLINDA S. TALENTO BAC Vice-Chair

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

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Joy vows to put up scitech university for Quezon City

By Rio N. Araja IF elected as mayor, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday said she would put up a science and technology university for the city.

“One day, it is my dream to establish a Quezon City Science and Technology University in our city,” she said.

The university would be a city-run pioneering institution that intends not only to build-up expertise in science and technology but also to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Believing that the future is in technology, Belmonte said: “My dream is to hone and develop the interest and skills of our children in science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] so that they can be inventors, innovators, creators, techpreneurs, engineers or scientists in the future.”

Earlier, Belmonte said she hoped young people will dream of becoming “not just ordinary employees or businessmen, but innovators.”

Along with advocating STEM education in the city, the vice mayor is also active in institutionalizing support from the local government for the city’s small businesses.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a taxi driver who works for professional basketball star Douglas Kramer for robbing a house in Quezon City.

Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., QC police chief, identified the suspect as Eddie Valiente, 48, and his cohort as Ronald Calderon, 47.

Local government units

wednesday, august 1, 2018

‘Tingog’ unites Tacloban

By Ronald O. Reyes

T

ACLOBAN CITY—In a show of alliance, 136 out of 138 barangay captains and Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen in this city attended a gathering on Sunday for Eastern Visayas regional political party Tingog Sinirangan.

Jude Acidre, the party-list regional chairman and first nominee, thanked the group of barangay and youth leaders for their presence, saying this boosted their services to Tacloban and the region despite not getting a seat in Congress in the previous elections.

Other barangay and SK chairmen from the neighboring towns of Sta Fe, Babatngon, Tanauan, San Miguel, in Leyte were also present during the event.

“Tacloban did not also disappoint us for giving us the biggest margin of votes. If Tacloban wasn’t there, we’ll not make it there, too. May-

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Ave., Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE 2006 OPEN ACCESS TRANSMISSION SERVICES RULES (OATS RULES), NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES Petitioner. x-----------------------------------------x

ERC Case No. 2017-010 RM

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 22 December 2017, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed a Petition seeking the Commission’s approval of its proposed amendments to the 2006 Open Access Transmission Services Rules (OATS Rules).

In the said Petition, NGCP alleged the following: NATURE OF THE PETITION 1.

This is a petition to adopt the proposed amendments to the 2006 Revised Rules, Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Open Access Transmission Service (OATS Rules) filed pursuant to Section 43 of Republic Act No. 9136 (EPlRA) and Rule 21 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

THE PETITIONER

2.

3.

NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City, where it may be served with notices, orders, resolutions and other issuances of this Honorable Commission through its Office of the General Counsel. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to the EPIRA. NGCP holds a franchise under Republic Act No. 95111 to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through high-voltage back-bone system of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities, and for other purposes. The franchise also includes the conduct of activities necessary to support the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

BACKGROUND

4.

On 11 February 2004, the Honorable Commission approved the OATS Rules which govern the services provided by, and outline the responsibilities of the Transmission Provider and the functions of the System Operator. The OATS Rules also set out the responsibilities of the Transmission Customers.

5.

On 13 December 2006, the Honorable Commission adopted the 2006 Revised OATS Rules which contain the amendments and revisions to the provisions of the 2004 OATS Rules.

6.

Considering that the 2006 Revised OATS Rules were adopted more than a decade ago, some of the provisions are no longer applicable and/or needs to be amended or updated. Hence, NGCP proposes to amend some provisions of the 2006 Revised OATS Rules and introduce new provisions in conformity with the provisions of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Rules, the Philippine Grid Code (2016 Edition), the Feed In Tariff Rules, the Renewable Energy Act, and several resolutions and issuances of the Honorable Commission, the Grid Management Committee (GMC) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

7.

be it’s not yet our time, but we’re not tired,” said Acidre.

Tingog Sinirangan second nominee lawyer Butch Corpin said the party was originally called Tingog Leytehon, a provincial political party based in Leyte.

Its entry to the party-list elections started when former Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the party’s chairman emeritus, pushed for its participation in the regional level to give a voice to Eastern Visayas’ people, to push for development of the regional countryside, and representation in Congress through the party-list system.

MODULE D: 10) NGCP proposes to delete Annex I, Module D of the 2006 OATS Rules which provides the re-dispatch procedures until the commencement date of the spot market. The proposal is in line with the fact that, with the WESM already in place, the dispatch/re-dispatch will be undertaken in accordance with the WESM Rules and applicable WESM Manuals and Department Circular No. DC2017-05-0009.4 11) NGCP proposes to delete Modules D7.1 and D7.2 of the 2006 OATS Rules which require the System Operator to develop a yearly Ancillary Services Procurement Plan (ASPP) considering that the annual development of the ASPP may not be realistic due to a long approval process.

12) NGCP proposes to delete module DB of the 2006 OATS Rules (Alternative Ancillary Service Arrangement) in line with the requirement of the PGC GO 6.3.1.2 whereby NGCP as the SO shall be responsible for determining, acquiring, and dispatching the capacity needed to supply the required Grid AS. 13) NGCP proposes to delete Module D10 of the 2006 OATS Rules (Management of Energy Imbalance) since this provision is no longer applicable with the WESM in place.

MODULE E: 14) One of the major revisions in this module is in Module E11.3 where several conditions were enumerated for the ‘Meter Only’ billing scheme with reference to DOE Department Circular No. DC2016-05-0007.5 The conditions to be included in Module E11.3 are as follows:

25) NGCP proposes to delete Module F(AV) 2 of the 2006 OATS Rules (Special Billing Provisions for System Impact and Facilities). This is pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 20156 which requires that the costs for the engagement by the NGCP of the third party shall be borne by the applicant or the prospective transmission customer. However, in cases where the NGCP shall conduct the SIS, the costs thereof shall be deemed included in its (NGCP) operation expenses.

26) NGCP proposes for a mandatory pre-termination charges and shall be set out in the Service Agreement. The pretermination charge is a charge levied when a Transmission Customer wants to terminate, ahead of time, the agreement with the Transmission Network Provider. This charge shall be computed based on the cost and other related expenses incurred by the Transmission Network Provider in terminating and disconnecting the Transmission Customer from the system.

ANNEX A: 27) NGCP proposes that instead of a written process, a process flow chart is more efficient in describing the application process.

28) NGCP proposes to modify the Relevant Schedules and Additional Requirements for new or modified connection to the grid as follows:

(a) The Transmission Customer shall collaborate with the Metering Service Provider on the conduct of testing, calibration and maintenance in a manner as prescribed by the PGC;

Prior to the execution of the Service Agreement:

(b) The Transmission Customer shall allow the Metering Service Provider to access the Metering Installation at all times; (c) The Transmission Customer shall provide the Metering Service Provider with a minimum spare for the said Metering Equipment, i.e., one (1) unit per set of instrument transformers and lightning arrester; (d) The Transmission Customer shall ensure that such Metering Equipment will be periodically tested and calibrated by the Metering Service Provider in a manner prescribed by the PGC. The Metering Service Provider shall be allowed to charge the Transmission Customer with the cost of such metering services until such time that the said cost forms part of the Metering Service Provider’s Metering Service Provider Charges (MSP Charges) computed pursuant to Rule F(AIII) of the OATS Rules;

Additional Requirements: Each Transmission Customer shall provide the following supplemental data requirements: Prior to Commissioning Date:

(e) The Transmission Customer shall be required to consistently cooperate with the Metering Service Provider for any compliance with the requirements of the PGC and WESM Rules; and

1. Detailed Planning Data; 2. Protection Arrangement and Settings; 3. Electrical Diagrams; 4. Safety Rules and Local Safety Instructions; 5. Metering Requirements; 6. Proposed Maintenance Program; 7. Test and Commissioning Procedures; and 8. Statement of Readiness to Connect.

(f)

As Applicable:

Any non-compliance of the Transmission Customer shall be subject to Rule A13 of the OATS Rules.

MODULE F: 15) NGCP proposes the adoption of the following table as matrix of charges for the Transmission Customers:

1. Load Shedding and Curtailment Procedures; 2. Contingency Actions; and 3. Critical Event List.

9. A copy of the 2017 Proposed Amendments to the OATS Rules, containing all proposed revisions, wordings, deletions and additions is hereto attached as Annex “A.” PRAYER WHEREFORE, NGCP most respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission:

Thus, this petition to initiate rule-making is being filed to seek the adoption of the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS Rules.

1.

EXERCISE its rule-making power under Section 37 of the EPIRA, and Rule 21 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure; and

2.

APPROVE the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS, after notice and public consultation.

Petitioner prays for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

The Commission has set the said Petition for initial hearing on the following dates:

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS 8.

Availability.

24) NGCP proposes that the details of the Ancillary Services be referred to the Ancillary Services Procurement Plant (ASPP) and the Ancillary Services Cost Recovery Mechanism (ASCRM), as updated and amended from time to time.

The salient features of the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS Rules are as follows:

MODULE A: 1)

NGCP proposes to modify Table A3.3 (“OATS Module applicability for different Transmission Customers”), specifying that all modules shall apply to all Participants, namely Transmission Network Provider, Metering Service Provider, System Operator, and Transmission Customers.

2)

NGCP proposes to amend Module A8 (Creditworthiness) by: deleting “ charge over asset” as a credit support and including letter of credit and surety bond as forms of additional credit support in Module A8.1; adding new provisions on credit support level for Prospective Transmission Customers and Connected Transmission Customers in Module A8.2, new provisions on credit support adjustment in Module A8.3; and revising the procedure on the application and replenishment of credit support in Module A8.4.

MODULE B: 3)

NGCP proposes to delete Modules B2B.2 and B2B.3 governing Contribution in Aid of Construction (CIAC). In the proposed amendment, Module B2B.2 shall state that the Transmission Customer’s Connection Facilities that perform grid function shall be reclassified into Transmission Assets through a reclassification case. Thereafter, the Transmission Customer shall transfer the operation, control and ownership of the subject Connection Facilities to the Transmission Network Provider and the Transmission Network Provider shall pay the fair market price as agreed by the parties or, where no agreement can be reached, shall be determined by the ERC.

4) NGCP proposes to amend Module B5 (Communication and SCADA Equipment Requirements) by deleting the provisions requiring the Transmission Customers to secure and provide telecommunication facilities since Communication and SCADA Equipment are Transmission Assets, hence, the responsibility of the Transmission Network Provider.

5)

NGCP proposes to amend Module B13.2 on the requirement for direct connection of end-users to harmonize with the DOE’s “House Rules Governing the Review and Evaluation of Direct Connection Applications of Industrial, Commercial and Other Qualified Electricity End-Users, Economic Zones and Economic Enterprises.”

6)

NGCP proposes to exclude from Module B13.4 the collection of nonrefundable processing fee from the Transmission Customer since this fee is considered part of the regular operating cost of NGCP.

7)

NGCP proposes revisions in Module B14 on the manner of providing services for the conduct of System Impact Study (SIS), particularly Module B14.2 on the determination of whether SIS is necessary; deletion of Modules 14.7 and B14.8; and revision of Module B14.9 on the cost of the SIS. The modification is in line with ERC Resolution No.18, Series of 20152 In the proposed amendment to Modules B14.2 and B14.7, the Transmission Network Provider is designated as the sole entity authorized to conduct an SIS with the option to engage a third party under its supervision and control and with full responsibility and accountability therefor. Further, the costs for the engagement by the Transmission Network Provider of the third party shall be borne by the Transmission Customer, except in cases where the SIS is conducted by the Transmission Network Provider, the costs thereof shall be deemed included in its operation expenses.

8)

NGCP proposes to include provisions in Module B15 on the review of the Facilities Study undertaken by the Transmission Network Provider pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 20153 In the proposed amendment, the Transmission Network Provider shall notify and direct the Transmission Customer to submit the necessary Facilities Study which may be conducted by either a Third Party Provider or Transmission Network Provider.

MODULE C: 9)

NGCP proposes to delete Module C4 (Available Transmission Capacity of Power Delivery Service), considering that the provision of available transmission capacity and the time period required of the Transmission Network Provider to provide such capacity is subject to a long process, i.e. submission of information by the Transmission Customer, conduct of required studies, and approval of the capital expenditure projects by the Honorable Commission. Hence, it is beyond the control of the Transmission Network Provider.

16) NGCP also proposes three (3) new charges, as follows: a.

Stand-by Facility Charge. NGCP proposes to include a Standby Facility Charge payable by Load Customers with Embedded Generators. This is a fixed charge where the computation of charges is similar to the Connection Charge, considering that Load Customer with Embedded Generator utilizes the transmission facilities during the time that its Embedded Generator is out of service. These transmission facilities may be considered as Stand-by Facilities utilized by the said Load Customers even on an occasional basis.

b.

Fit-All Charge. FIT-All Charges, as defined in ERC’s Resolution No. 16, Series of 2010, shall be collected and remitted in accordance with the guidelines approved by the ERC. Further, the rate, which is expressed in P/kWh, shall be established and set by the ERC on an annual basis upon petition of the FIT All Fund Administrator.

c.

GMC Charge. NGCP proposes that the ERC approved expenditures of the GMC be recovered through the proposed GMC Charge. The proposal ensures transparency on the true cost of carrying out the functions of the GMC as well as to ensure equitable sharing of costs among all customers.

All interested parties were required to submit their comments on the Petition until 20 July 2018 both in soft and hard copies.

Accordingly, the instant Petition is set for public consultations on the following dates:

17) Billing Determinant. NGCP proposes that the non-coincident peak billing methodology be shifted to coincident peak billing (coincident peak of the Transmission Customer’s system), consistent with the Decision in ERB Case No. 2001-901 entitled “In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of the Revised Unbundled Power Rates” dated 26 June 2002. In compliance with the said decision, NGCP respectfully manifests that it is now capable to provide the requirements for the coincident peak demand billing.

As an alternative, subject to the approval of the ERC, the Load Billing Determinant shall be the contracted demand as set forth in the Service Agreement or the previous year’s highest coincident peak demand of the Load Customer, whichever is higher. This coincident peak demand is the maximum of the 15-minute interval sum of the demand measured from all its metering points in a month.

18) Other proposals for Applicability of Charges under Module F1.2 of the proposed amendments are as follows: a.

b.

For those periods of time when Grid Connected Generator Customers draw power from the Grid for their own use, the charges relevant to Grid-Connected End-Users shall apply; and For Renewable Energy (RE), the transmission charges may be billed in Peso/kWh derived from Peso/kW charge and fixed monthly charges.

19) NGCP proposes to amend Module F(AI)4 of the 2006 OATS Rules to adopt the demand-based proportion in the allocation of revenue requirement for the Customer Segments of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, which has been the practice since the Second Regulatory Period.

20) NGCP proposes for a 50/50 allocation of power delivery revenue between the Grid-Connected Generator and Load Customers as can be found in the formulae set out in Modules F(AI) 4.3 and 4.4.

Pasig City, 10 July 2018.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

21) NGCP re-arranged the provisions in Annex FIV, Module F, or the provisions pertaining to the Connection Charges and Residual Sub-transmission Charges to provide clarity in the calculation of charges.

22) NGCP proposes to delete Module F(AIII) 5 of the 2006 OATS Rules which pertains to calculation of loss factor, since the loss factor has no effect on transmission charges.

23) NGCP proposes to remove the provisions on Interruption and Billing Adjustment (IBA) and Curtailment Billing Adjustment (CBA) found in Modules F(AVI) 1 of the 2006 OATS Rules. Pursuant to Article VIII of the Rules for Setting Transmission Wheeling Rates, the ERC, in NGCP’s 3rd Regulatory Period Final Determination on November 2010, adopted eight (8) indices on which NGCP’s performance will be measured. The IBA and ICA is already subsumed in three (3) indices adopted by the ERC, namely the System Interruption Severity Index, Frequency of Tripping, and System

1 Entitled "An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise To Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage BackBone System of Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for other Purposes."

2 Entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study.”

3 Entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study.”

4 Entitled”Dedaring the Launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao and Providing for Transition Guidelines.”

5 Entitled “Providing Policies for further improvements of the operations and metering installations of the Metering Services Providers (MSPs) in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Retail Market” 6 Entitled, “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study”

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School styles: Monday to Friday Make a good impression at school from Monday to Friday in stylish and practical—not to mention, appropriate—clothing.

Surplus offers items to complete a varied styles to wear at school. It has stores located in most SM Supermalls.

Wear colorful workout tops and bottoms during Monday’s PE class.

Life

fashion and beauty

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE wednesday, august 1, 2018

C1

Hello, retro T

he styles from the past decades continue to play a major part in today’s fashion, so much so that a clothing brand dubs the fall/winter, the “Newstalgic” season.

Bershka takes standout trends from the past and gives them a fresh spin. From the high-octane colors of the ‘80s to oversized styles of the ‘90s blurred with the 2000s; from backwards heritage checks to classic sportswear; and from traditional fabrics to high-tech, it all adds up to a very exciting new season.

For her

Don the preppiest combination of button-downs and jeans for Math class.

Make a chic statement while looking smart during org meetings on Wednesday.

Collection for women includes pieces with distinct influences of the ‘60s and ‘70s. From the ‘60s there are colored checks, retro stripes, floral prints, and pops of color. Contributions of the ‘70s, on the other hand, are flared shapes and geometric patterns.

Pastels are also big this season, with sorbet colors across standout items such as faux fur and mix-and-match separates.

Downtown dressing mixes up retro sports items such as revamped joggers and jackets that can double down from day to night. While sportswear featuring the classic skate and sports brands as well as utility brands from the ‘80s and ‘90s is also having its time under the spotlight.

The all-over logo look is also having a resurgence with classic logos and prints. Animal prints and acid colors are also big.

Fabrics are varied this season.

Screaming-neon, tech, transparent, chiffon, sheer, velvet, and shiny fabrics, among others from the ‘80s; as well as textured fabrics fabrics such as faux fur, shearling, corduroy, and knitwear comprise the collection.

Western details such as fringes, studs, and embroidery—popular in the ‘90s— are seen on statement jackets and accessories such as boots and belts.

Finally, the “Newstalgic” season highlights looks that are off-balanced, asymmetric, oversized, and ultra-fitted—anything that looks offbeat.

Berhska’s fall/winter 2018 collection for women features popular ‘80s patterns such as checkered, and textured fabrics such as corduroy.

For him

Relaxed clothing items like pullovers and flowy blouses are perfect during homeroom on Thursday.

For field trip on Friday, go for cool and casual classics such as chinos and tops in stripes.

Casual sportswear continues to dominate menswear this season. Bershka’s collection is made for guys who want a fresh and understated look.

The silhouette goes large and unstructured with layers making up the standout looks. Fabrics keep it fresh by mixing up sporty nylons with rich, plush textures such as shearling and cord.

Oversized nylon jacket, puffa jackets in standout colors, and utility jackets in colored denim with contrast stitching form part of the outerwear line.

Other winning pieces such as the rugby polo and an updated jogger put a cool spin on collegiate. Denim comes clean this season with white and clean black skinny jeans.

Smart pants get an update, with textured checks and striped trousers feature strongly. Other key items such as textured jersey tees, over-shirts, and workwear details strike the right balance between smart and casual.

Finally, going out means going large on winter prints in plush and textured bases such as jacquards and silk-like mixes.

Casual sportwear for men comes in smarts pants with textured checks and oversized jackets, among others.

In the Philippines, Bershka is located at Glorietta 2, SM Aura Premier, Mega Fashion Hall, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Life

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Fashion show highlights

social advocacies

f

ashion design students present in their course’s culminating show trendsetting ideas that shine a light on social advocacies such as femininity, mental health awareness, sustainability, and sexuality.

Sinulid, the annual culminating show of graduating students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising program of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde will gather a total of 93 students-artists to encapsulate three years of guidance and nurtured training into the show’s third edition—and biggest to date.

On Aug. 2, the long runway setup in the midst of SM Aura’s Samsung Hall will stage 171 head-turning creations, ranging from ready-to-wear and evening long gowns to avant-garde and bespoke pieces.

The SM Atrium on the ground floor will likewise be dressed with 27 styled ensembles and over 132 original and distinct garments, most of which are gearing up for future brand openings.

“This year, we are once again blessed with talented, diverse, and hardworking artists.

They successfully encountered a rigorous design process that began by identifying their design aesthetics and career aspirations,” said Fashion Merchandiser and Program chairperson Christine Benet.

With the theme “Stories Unraveled,” this year’s presentation will also highlight, aside from social advocacies, looks that depict the wonders of heritage, structural architecture, mutation, singularity, luxe, playfulness, and a seamless fusion of Philippine textile and contemporary fashion directions from the capital cities of the world.

V-strap sheath dress

by An Noel

Thin beaded shoulder strap dress with pleated tulle by Ane Ugarte Jan Fernandez’s off-the-shoulder ruffle top and hand-painted wide leg pants

Scan to pay for hair services

Streetwear store

introduces hard-to-find labels

From left: Mynt president and chief executive Anthony Thomas, Bruno’s Barbers chief executive Amelia Manas, Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu, Globe chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal, and Globe senior advisor for Globe myBusiness Derrick Heng.

Streetwear concept store Saint Hood brings cult labels X-Large, Joyrich, and Liful among others to Manila.

X-Large is known as one of the pioneers of the streetwear movement in Los Angeles; it has been a defining force since it opened its first store in 1991. Taking inspiration from everyday life in LA, the brand resonates with the diverse West Coast community, in turn creating a name that continues to impact style and street culture worldwide.

Saint Hood also brings in drops from Joyrich, another LA and Japan-based streetwear imprint known for off-kilter colorways, pattern mixes, and exciting collaborations. The brand mixes laid-back LA vibes, Japanese streetwear sensibilities, and pop culture references to create fun casual pieces.

For those who prefer basic colors, clean-cut fits, subtle detailing, and street style inspired by American classics, Saint Hood also offers wardrobe staples from South Korean streetwear brand Liful. The brand is known for its minimalist aesthetic with pieces inspired by workwear—modern, unisex, utilitarian —without compromising on style.

Saint Hood is the first to officially bring these three labels to streetwear enthusiasts in the Philippines. Officials said more hard-to-find labels will be introduced in the coming months.

“Our goal is to make Saint Hood a destination for streetwear—sought-after pieces, cult

Men’s grooming salon Bruno’s Barbers strengthens its cashless transactions as it now offers GCash Scan-to-Pay. Bruno’s Barbers has partnered with Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, to provide GCash option in all its branches nationwide.

The partnership reinforces Globe myBusiness’ move to focus on the personal wellness sector by providing relevant digital solutions to help businesses become more competitive. It has preexisting partnerships with businesses in food and retail industries.

“In the age of omni-channel retail and servicing, we want to provide solutions that can digitize

Streetwear concept store Saint Hood offers cult labels and hard-to-find pieces.

the way businesses in the Philippines do transactions,” said Derrick Heng, senior advisor of Globe myBusiness. “Having Bruno’s Barbers on board allows us to engage Filipinos to the digital ecosystem that we envision.

With over 50 percent of the country’s population using smartphone, GCash is poised to be the future of payment in the Philippines, thus it is working on its mass adoption.

This scheme slowly eliminates the fears and doubts of many Filipinos when using mobile phone and online monetary exchanges. It also provides an option in addition to the usual cash, debit, or credit card transactions that most customers use for payments.

Printed T-shirts from X-Large clothing

favorites, and emerging labels. We curate clothing and accessories from brands all over the world, to bring them within reach to streetwear enthusiasts in the country,” said Saint Hood president Melvin Lloyd Lim. “It’s a spread for those who are constantly on the lookout for pieces that set them apart.”

Saint Hood is located on the second floor of The Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City. Its pop-up shop is on the upper ground floor of Uptown Mall.

Entertainment Simply Red… From C4 PPP line up Eight films have been selected as entries to the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino slated for the third week of this month.

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Liza Diño led the introduction of the people involved in making the films that will be screened in cinemas nationwide at a press gathering recently.

The films are: Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi (Jun Lana; The IdeaFirst Company); Bakwit Boys (Jason Paul Laxamana; TRex Entertainment); Madilim Ang Gabi (Jay Abello; Quantum Films and Epic Media); Signal Rock (Chito Roño; CSR Films PH); The Day After Valentine’s (Jason Paul Laxamana; Viva Films); Unli Life (Mike Livelo; Regal Entertainment, Inc.); and We Will Not Die Tonight (Richard Somes; Strawdogs Studio Production).

“The Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino proved to be such a success especially in getting our Filipino audience to support a full lineup of Filipino films in one week of play date, and we are proud that this year we get to showcase more film s of different and elevated genres that will no just entertain but will encourage discussions among the Filipino audience.

There’s a film for everyone and we are looking for everyone’s support again to all of our films,” Diño said.

ALLGOERS were given a glimpse of traditional Thai puppetry during the recent Hun Lakorn Lek puppet performance at the SM Aura Premier atrium.

To prepare for the Hun Lakorn Lek presentation, three puppeteers need to have a thorough knowledge of the basic Khon dance; as well as a lot of practice and teamwork for the three of them to perform together as one character.

recently-concluded SONA and the biggest news in and out of the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, and Saksi won over their competing programs as well.

At the same time, leading local news channel GMA News TV provided latest developments on SONA through Dobol B sa News TV, News to Go, Balitanghali, News TV Live, Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, News TV Quick Response Team, and its flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

Radio listeners were also able to get the latest updates throughout the day with GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594khz delivering the biggest news and latest updates related to the President’s SONA. Online, netizens caught the latest updates for SONA 2018 on GMA News Online (www. gmanews.tv), which provided up to the minute reports of the day’s events along with comprehensive backgrounders and instant reactions. Through the day, netizens followed blow-by-blow coverage by @GMANews on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Viber. The GMA News stream of the address generated more than a million views on YouTube and Facebook.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address on July 23 from the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, August 1, 2018

ACROSS 1 Hi or bye 5 Hooray for me! (hyph.)

9 Name in book clubs 14 Prof’s place 15 Strange sightings 16 Hush money 17 Catch the bus 18 Lemonade color 19 Physicist Nikola — 20 Car part 22 Husked corn 24 Metes out 26 WNW opposite 27 Soft wool 30 Eroded (2 wds.)

35 Battery terminal 36 Fictional sub commander 37 Mike problem 38 Tony-winner — Hagen 39 Dorm dweller 42 Holt or Considine 43 Capone foe 45 Comparable 46 Bullring 48 Things 50 Ready to ship 51 Excessively 52 Pitches in

54 Real 58 Interlocking 62 Whale’s home 63 Tree product 65 Nonstop 66 Take the dais 67 Comedy routine 68 Hard to come by 69 Fooled 70 Morays and congers 71 Powder, to some DOWN 1 Strays 2 — — for keeps 3 Met role 4 Went to extremes 5 Elvis’ hometown 6 Blazing up 7 Football coach Shula 8 Requests 9 Thick-skulled 10 Come before 11 Danger 12 Experienced 13 Person in charge 21 Shades of color 23 “Great blue” bird 25 Type of meat-

balls 27 Hawaii’s — Loa 28 Use the door 29 Swelter 31 Augury 32 Four duos 33 Complain 34 Bedouin 36 Throw in the microwave 40 Prey grabber 41 Canvas covers 44 Place 47 Bacon servings 49 Invented a

word 50 Chin features 53 Spam, maybe 54 Yummy 55 Pantyhose color 56 Least-varying tide 57 Besides 59 John, in Siberia 60 Mad emperor 61 Got taller 64 Just scrape by

A partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy and Tourism Authority of Thailand and SM Aura Premier, the performance began with a traditional Thai dance.

This was followed by a live puppet dance performance and finally a short performance of two puppets that were also brought to the crowd to greet the audience.

Thai puppetry is considered one of the early forms of Thai theater. As early as the 16th century Hun Luang was a court art used to entertain the monarch and enhance official events. Puppets as we know them were introduced by King Rama II in the late 18th century, and they were so popular that even the

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Traditional Thai puppetry at SM Aura Premier M

GMA News’ SONA coverage tops nationwide numbers game —AGB Nielsen

ONCE again, GMA News and Public Affairs proved to be the viewers’ most preferred source of news and information especially during events of national significance as its coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23 toppled competition.

According to the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, “SONA 2018: The GMA News Special Coverage” posted an overnight people audience share of 41.2 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measure (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s coverage which only managed to get 32.6 percent.

Anchored by Pia Arcangel, “SONA 2018: The GMA News Special Coverage” tallied an even bigger lead in viewer-rich Urban Luzon, where it posted an overnight people audience share of 46 percent as against competitions’ 26.7 percent.

Earlier that day, GMA News gave viewers updates starting from Unang Hirit’s Unang Balita in the morning. Following the airing of President Duterte’s speech, GMA’s primetime newscast 24 Oras and late-night news program Saksi continued to provide viewers highlights of the

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

King carved a few heads for some of them.

Hun Lakorn Lek was invented by Kru Krae Suppawanich in 1901 during the reign of King Mongkut (King Rama IV). It is the only official performance of Thai puppetry still performed as it resembles Hun Luang. Revived by master Joe Louis (Sakorn Yangkeawsot) in 1985, it was requested by the Queen in 1987, and has been recognized by Royal Family ever since.

Hun Lakorn Lek performances generally involve renditions of Thai Royal novels and traditional Thai novels, mainly Ramakein and Sang Thong.

Louis himself has said that “Hun lakorn lek puppets are charming because they can act like humans. They can nod, wave their hands, and point their fingers. They dance like we can. It is the heart of the performance that the puppeteers bring life to the puppets.”

To achieve this, three puppeteers are each responsible for different functions.

They need to have a thorough knowledge of basic Khon dance, as well as a

lot of practice and teamwork for the three of them to perform together as one character. The first puppeteer controls the head and the right hand of the puppet. The second puppeteer controls the left hand of the puppet. The third puppeteer controls the feet of the puppet. They must be skillful and experienced enough to control every part in unison to produce a perfectly coordinated character.

Gracing the event were Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kajorndet Apichatttrakul and Royal Thai Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim Urawadee Sriphiromya. They were warmly welcomed by SM AVP for Operations Premier 4 Bernice Baculi.

The Hun Lakorn Lek traditional Thai performance is one of the many exciting events of SM Aura Premier.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office Director Mr. Kajorndet Apichatttrakul with Royal Thai Embassy Charge d’Affaires ad interim Ms. Urawadee Sriphiromya.

‘Victor Magtanggol’ not a ‘Thor’ rip-off

By Dence Benedito WE’VE just seen the premiere telecast of GMA Network’s newest primetime show, Victor Magtanggol, and if we are to take Dominic Zapata’s word for it, it’s not what everybody thought it was.

Zapata, whose recent works include Alyas Robin Hood 2 and Mulawin vs Ravena, helms the big budget series. He clarified in an interview with MS Entertainment that the Alden Richards-starrer fantasy drama is based on Norse mythology in which accordingly, the story begins after Thor dies.

He stated that when he first read the story, he kind of expected criticisms from the public especially those easily jump into conclusion without seeing or knowing the entire story.

“They’re reacting to something they haven’t even seen yet. Let’s admit that the Philippines is a melting pot of a lot of cultures. There’s a lot of good things that we were able to get from foreigners,” he started.

“So, if you’re going to dissuade viewers from watching, please remember that 200 people are making a living out of making this show,” Zapata said alluding to the show’s bashers.

For the director, he personally wants to feel challenged by means of not showcasing

merely mediocre productions or shows that has the same ‘formula’.

“That scares me. I feel like I’m not moving forward. I think nagiging stagnant ‘yung industry, I’m not contributing anything if I do that,” he stated.

In addition, Zapata is afraid that people might cease to watch television shows for the coming years. Addressing this, he mentioned that coming up with massive productions that are not just funded for straight-to-the-internet-entertainment would solve this matter.

“We’re trying to convince a generation that no longer watches television as we know it. They’re watching streamed content on their devices, and that’s what scares me.

It scares me that in a few years, people will stop watching television all together,” shared Zapata.

However, the director is very confident about the series and assured that for every content they produce, there is a lot of hard work being exerted.

Furthermore, there were also a lot of brainstorming involved in the creative process of executing the show including the utilization of effects that they introduced for the first time.

Zapata, being at the helm of this massive project, feels responsible for the success of Victor Magtanggol. He said that a huge part

IMPROBABLE? Maybe, but Mission Impossible -- Fallout, the sixth and latest stunt-filled edition of the Tom Cruise action franchise has topped the weekend box office in North America, outperforming the five earlier “Impossibles.”

The Paramount/Skydance production took in an estimated $61.5 million for the three-day weekend, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations, more than quadrupling the $15 million earned by second-place Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.Impossible has 56-yearold Cruise, who famously still does his own cliff-hanging, car-rolling stunts, ordered to track down some missing plutonium and find a terror-minded villain. Critics seem to like the film despite its evident weaknesses: Though “often ridiculous,” the Washington Post wrote, the film “works amazingly well.”After capturing Solomon Lane, the IMF team led by Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) joined forces with CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill) for another impossible mission to take, prevent massive nuclear attacks on Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca, Saudi Arabia from a group of terrorists known as the Apostles.

After series of unfortunate events, IMF now Tom Cruise in high-octane 6th installment needs to deal with the CIA. Haunted by their past of 'Mission Impossible.'

BETTER WITH AGE?

Cruise’s latest ‘ Impossible’ tops box office

HAMMERMAN. GMA-7's latest series, 'Victor Magtanggol' stars Alden Richards in a role inspired by his childhood dream.

of him as a director is intended to protect the industry.

For Zapata, Victor Magtanggol is a showcase of what Filipino creators are able to create and produce nowadays on Philippine television and cinema. mistakes, Hunt and his crew, must stop a global catastrophe while facing the CIA, assassins, former allies and the fallout of their good intentions.

Tom Cruise reprises his iconic role, Ethan Hunt, together with his IMF team, Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames.

Also coming back for more action are the leading ladies, Michelle Monaghan and Rebecca Ferguson. Angela Bassett joins the cast as the CIA superior and Henry Cavill as the deadly CIA assassin, August Walker.

The action-packed Mission: Impossible – Fallout becomes even bigger and better in IMAX theatres. Featuring up to 26 percent more picture on climactic scenes, the IMAX moviegoers will surely enjoy and see even more of the harrowing escapes and deathdefying action sequences. Mission: Impossible – Fallout is also the first movie in the franchise that was specially formatted for IMAX screens.

Catch Mission: Impossible - Fallout in IMAX, Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide. For more convenient experience, book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.

Entertainment

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

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 KathNiel’s 'Pangako Sa ’Yo,' which currently airs on Bright TV, is a certified hit.

ABS-CBN shows huge hits in Thailand KAPAMILYA stars Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Maja Salvador, and Jericho Rosales will once again make waves in the international scene as they fly to Thailand to attend the much-anticipated media event led by JKN, the country’s largest media company.

The four artists were invited to participate in the JKN Diamond Blue Mega Showcase, where the media company introduces the stars of the different shows they acquire from around the world. Aside from the showcase, they will also join an exclusive dinner hosted by the CEO of JKN, Anne Jakkraphong, along with other international stars.

Both certified hits among Thai viewers, KathNiel’s Pangako Sa ’Yo and Maja and Jericho’s Bridges of Love are currently airing on Bright TV. Meanwhile, Kapamilya stars and Filipino content will continue to invade Thai-

land as ABS-CBN shows The Promise Of Forever, Magpahanggang Wakas, La Luna Sangre, and Wildflower debut in the country.

ABS-CBN’s content, popular for its heartfelt Filipino stories, is made available across other territories through ABS-CBN International Distribution, recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider.

It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 40,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures. Visit its website http://internationalsales.abs-cbn.com.

Gina Lopez features 8 communities in ‘G Diaries’ EIGHT communities, Prof. Eduardo Morato including six from Minwho chaired the panel of danao, have the chance judges that selected the to jumpstart their own eight winners. projects, such as ecotourAccording to Gina, ISAH V. RED ism sites and heritage and “Quest for Love” hopes wellness villages to help to empower communiuplift the lives of their ties in the remotest areas people. of the country and transGina Lopez introduced the eight winners form them into successful and sustainable of the search recently at ABS-CBN’s Dol- sites for agro industries, forestry, fisheries, phy Theater. or ecotourism.

They are Lake Sebu Indigenous Women All finalists will receive P100,000, unWeavers Association from South Cotabato dergo ILOVE Foundation’s mentoring and that proposed to establish a heritage village support program, and have a direct access for the T’boli tribe to drive economic devel- to government support from the Departopment in the community; Health Futures ment of Agriculture (DA), Department of Foundations, Inc., also from South Cotaba- Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to, that wants to setup a wellness village for Department of Public Works and Highways the Bla’an tribe; Zamboanga’s Yellow Boat (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), of Hope Foundation, which presented an ec- Technical Education Skills Development otourism initiative for the benefit of the Sa- Authority (TESDA), Department of Scima-Bangui tribe; Maguindanao’s Busikong ence and Technology (DOST), Department Greenland Multi-purpose Cooperative that of National Defense (DND), and Departwill build a center ment of Trade and for integrated orIndustry (DTI). ganic farming to The eight were help reduce poverty chosen after a dayin the ARMM; and long deliberation, Bukidnon’s Federawhere 16 organition of KapeMarazations shortlisted mag, which hopes to from 128 applicants provide marketing online got to pitch and employment optheir ideas to a panel portunities for Maraof social investors. mag coffee farmers.

Filipinos can Completing the watch their journey winners’ list are Gina Lopez invites everyone to watch towards bringing Sorsogon’s Aggru- Quest for Love on 'G Diaries' airing soon. their dream projpation of Advocates ects to life soon on for Environmental Protection that proposed G Diaries, Gina’s award-winning advovarious ecotourism projects like a marine cacy program that features success stories sanctuary and beach park in Bulusan; Ben- of community development in some of guet’s University of Cordilleras that wants the most scenic destinations in the Philipto promote sustainable agro-ecotourism for pines. the community; and Tawi Tawi’s Mindanao Joining them are mentors like actor and State University that intends to promote Si- restaurateur Marvin Agustin, social entremunul Island as a tourist destination. preneur Illac Diaz, business experts John Launched last March, “The Quest for Aguilar, Marvin Beduya, Jeannie JaLove” is a project of the Investments in Lov- velosa, and Chit Juan, sustainability advoing Organiz ations for Village Economies cate Reena Francisco, sociologist Czarina (ILOVE) Foundation founded by Gina. Medina-Guce, Human Nature founder It aims to promote widespread social and Anna Meloto-Wilk, and Bootleg Innovaenvironmental development by providing tion Design co-founder Aaron Panlilio. communities with financial and technical G Diaries airs every second Sunday of support to start their own social enterprises. the month before ASAP on ABS-CBN and In attendance were partner organizations ABS-CBN HD. and social investors of ILove Foundation Watch online on iwantv.com.ph or skyoand “Quest for Love” mentors led by for- ndemand.com.ph. Visit QuestforLove.ph mer Asian Institute of Management Dean for more information.

Coco’s ‘Ang Probinsyano’ knocks down Alden’s ‘Victor Magtanggol’ MORE Filipinos remained glued to Cardo’s (Coco Martin) story as FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, the most watched show in the country, beat its new rival program on Monday (July 30).

The Kapamilya primetime series recorded a national TV rating of 42.4 percent in both rural and urban homes, or more than double the 20 percent logged

by Victor Magtanggol, according to data from Kantar Media.

In the episode, Cardo (Coco Martin) and Alyana (Yassi Pressman) visited their family in Manila to tell them their decision to stay in Sto. Niño for good to have a more peaceful life.

But their joyful visit will instantly lead to a dangerous encounter between them and Marco (JC Santos), who with armed men, will chase them down to kill Cardo and capture Alyana.

Despite the imminent danger, Cardo will do everything to protect his wife and stop Marco from his wicked plans.

Will Cardo and Alyana escape from Marco’s wrath?

Don’t miss the action-packed battle in the leading primetime series in the country, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, weeknights on ABS-CBN and ABS-

CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). To watch the show’s past episodes, log in to iWant TV or on kyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

Yassi Pressman and Coco Martin as Alyana and Cardo in ABS-CBN primetime action drama, ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.’

HOW BLADE WENT

from compiling videos TO PRODUCING FULL-LENGTH FEATURE

With assistance from Jane Canlas Laranjo of Prime Recall, 'Dito Lang Ako' cast members Jon Lucas (left) and Akihiro Blanco were able to promote the movie to LRT 2 passengers.

W

ITH over 50 stores nationwide strategically located in SM, Robinsons and Ayala Malls, Blade Auto Center is recognized as the country’s largest automotive accessories and parts retail chain. But did you know the company is also producing fun videos and recently a full-length film?

It all started as part of the company’s marketing strategy. They began uploading videos on their YouTube channel three years ago. Most of the clips feature models, some artists and employees having fun, dancing, and performing sketches. Then suddenly, someone thought of finally creating a web series, not exactly to promote the brand but just to showcase people having some good clean fun right in their stores.

“We hire professional models to star in our videos, which as you can see, are normally very comic. We wanted to make a YouTube webseries, something similar to what a popular food chain is doing now,” Robertson Sy Tan, Blade Auto Center founder, told MS Entertainment in an interview.

Tan further said that they were doing a similar approach, but of course since they are not as big as the popular food chain, they have to work on a limited budget.

“With the quality that I demanded, I realized, since maganda naman yung story, I said why don’t we cut it out into a movie so we could promote it better.

The material was great and I thought it would be better to have made into a full length film,” he shared.

And that’s the start of Dito Lang Ako, which is inspired by a real life love story.

The movie revolves around a woman named Nelia who works as a saleswoman at Blade. The lead character then falls in love with Delfin, a mechanic. Nelia and Delfin are played by Star Magic talents Michelle Vito and Jon Lucas.

As Nelia and Delfin’s story unfold, Dito Lang Ako becomes more than just a recollection of a past romance, it shows what love can do to change people and will teach us to love unconditionally.

Set in ‘70s, and the scenes would revolve around flashbacks of the young

A FILM ABOUT TRUE LOVE. Inspired by a real life love story, 'Dito Lang Ako' is more than just a recollection of a past romance, it shows what love can do to change people and will teach us to love unconditionally. couple, and the present time where the “older” Nelia eventually reunites with Delfin at the end of the movie. It is a roller coaster of emotions but in the end true love prevails.

“It’s inevitable that the brand will have an exposure because the story happened and was filmed in our store.

We didn’t want a hard sell approach.

Although it’s natural to have product placements, we made sure that it’s done in a very subtle manner,” Tan noted.

With a P2-million budget, it took Tan and his team more than one year to produce the film. He said being first-time film producer is both taxing and scary

production to promotion. That’s how I am in everything that I do because if you’re aiming for a specific result you really need to do it yourself. Just like the organization that we established. We are on our 14th year, and I’m very fortunate that I work with amazing people that having them around allowed me to venture into different endeavors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amid the expectations and pressure, Michelle and Jon take comfort over the fact that they’ve given their best on their film. And for them, that reflects the value that they have given the opportunities that they received.

Directed by Roderick Lindayag

'Dito Lang Ako' cast members (from left) Boots Anson-Roa, Jon Lucas, Michelle Vito and Akihiro Blanco.

but it’s fulfilling once the final product is done.

“We encounter a lot of problems and errors, all the people that we should not be meeting, normal problems of startup filmmakers. But of course along the way, we met people who were more than willing to help us out in completing the story and the movie,” he said.

Tan is thrilled to share their project with viewers. In fact, he and some cast members gave out fyers and went doorto-door to promote the movie.

“We even went to LRT to promote the film. I tried to be very hands-on—from

and produced by Blade Entertainment, Dito Lang Ako is written by Harvey C. Aquino and Fanny P. Dychiao.

Catch Jon Lucas, Michelle Vito, and other cast members Akihiro Blanco, Boots Anson-Roa, Freddie Webb, Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, DJ Durano, James Deakin, Garie Concepcion, Senpai Kazu and Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy in cinemas nationwide starting Aug. 8.

Get to see the cast members perform live on Saturday Aug. 4 at the Sta. Lucia Mall at 3:00 p.m. and SM City Taytay at 7:00 p.m.. Red carpet premiere is at SM Megamall’s Cinema 7 on Aug. 6.