Manila Standard - 2018 August 2 - Thursday

VOL. XXXII • NO. 168 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

ARMM cops, airports on full alert in wake of Basilan blast A FULL alert was raised at the Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after the bombing incident in Basilan on Tuesday morning that killed 11 people.

Authorities also enforced the security at the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following the bombing incident in Lamitan, Basilan.

“We advise the public to just go through the usual airport procedures without minding these enhancements.

What we are doing is not intended to alarm them,” said Manila International

Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal.

In a statement, PRO ARMM Regional Director Graciano Mijares said additional checkpoints will be established, existing check points will be strengthened and additional personnel will be deployed on foot and aboard mobile patrols in the highly populated areas.

In other developments: • President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered the military to intensify its search-and-destroy operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group following Next page the bomb attack in Basilan.

Sara won’t run for senator—Rody

By Nat Mariano BLAST AFTERMATH.

The Philippine Army’s 40th Battalion has set up a checkpoint along Dulawan-Marbel Road in Mamasapano, Maguindanao following a deadly explosion in Lamitan, Basilan where 11 people were killed earlier this week.

Revoli Cortez

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday night that his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will not run for a national post in the 2019 midterm polls.

The President made the remark as he expressed support for a bill prohibiting the establishment of political dynasties.

“By the way, I am in favor of putting up an [anti-]dynasty law,” Duterte said in a speech during the joint celebration of the 68th anniversary of the National Security Council and the 69th anniversary of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Pasay City.

“I’m okay with it, there is no problem. My daughter, Inday, I can tell Next page

Con-Ass gaining traction Arroyo wants House, Senate voting separately

Ex-Health chief Napoles, kin indicted slapped with 12th in US for ‘laundering’ case on Dengvaxia By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice on Wednesday received the 12th complaint seeking to prosecute former Health secretary Janette Garin and 36 others over the deaths of schoolchildren inoculated with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

With the assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office, the family of John Paul Rafael, 11-year-old student from Bagac, Bataan who died in April 2016 after being inoculated with the antidengue vaccine filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide under the Revised Penal Code and violations of Anti-Torture Act and Consumer Act against the former Health officials led by Garin and executives of manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp.

The complaint was filed by Rafael’s uncle and aunt, spouses Manuel and Kristina Ramirez with the help of PAO, which was tasked by the DoJ to conduct a fact-finding investigation and case buildup on the Dengvaxia controversy.

As in the previous cases, the latest complaint accused Garin and others of negligence through “arbitrarily, maliciously, and deliberately failure to inform the Dengvaxia recipients and their parents/families of the dangers and risks related to Dengvaxia and to obtain their informed consent.”

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Woman hid drugs inside her vagina IMMIGRATION and police authorities have arrested a woman who tried to smuggle illegal drugs inside the Bureau of Immigration Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig City by concealing them inside her ‘private parts.’

Next page

Sign language on T V ads POLITICAL advertisements on television may soon come with sign language to help Filipinos who are deaf understand them, if the Commission on Elections has its way.

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THE main figure in the pork barrel scam, Janet Lim-Napoles, and members of her family are facing prosecution for money laundering in a criminal case filed in the United States.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday confirmed that Napoles, along with her children Jo Christine, James Christopher and Jeane Catherine, her brother Reynaldo and his wife Ana Marie, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for the crime of conspiracy to commit money laundering, domestic money laundering and international money laundering.

“We have been collaborating with the US Department of Justice on these money laundering

charges against Napoles.

We welcome this development, as it paves the way for the return of the people’s money to our national treasury,” Guevarra said in an interview.

Guevarra said with the case against Napoles and five others moving forward in the US, he expects their counterpart in the US DoJ to seek her extradition to the US to stand trial there.

“We shall continue to extend legal assistance to our US counterparts, including the possible extradition of certain

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

JANET NAPOLIS

Next page

Du30 vows relentless campaign to weed out rogue cops

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday criticized the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign during which no arrests were made and repeated his warning against police scalawags.

Duterte, who vowed to pursue a relent-

Primer on Con-Com draft Constitution

By Fr. Ranhillo Aquino Con-Com 2018 Member

(13th of a series) Q: It has happened that judgments of suspension or dismissal issuing from the Office of the Ombudsman or even by the Sandiganbayan are ignored by the leadership of either chamber of Congress that is protective of its members. Will this still be an issue under the Draft Constitution?

A: Cognizant particularly of this problem, while the Draft Constitution retains the power of either chamber to promulgate rules of discipline and to suspend or expel its members, there is now the added proviso “that each House shall comply with final and executory orders of judicial or quasi-judicial authorities imposing disciplinary sanctions on its Next page

less drive against illegal drugs, said the police during the Aquino administration made no arrests and showed only a few drug busts.

“The police in the previous administration caught no one and made only a few drug busts, and it was only when I became President that more arrests were

made,” Duterte said during the 68th National Security Council and 69th National Intelligence Coordinating Agency founding anniversary celebration in Pasay City.

He made his statement even as Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said Wednesday rogue cops would suffer the same fate as Next page ordinary criminals.

T

HE House of Representatives is willing to consider having the Senate vote separately on constitutional amendments, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Wednesday, breaking from her predecessor’s insistence that both chambers of Congress vote jointly.

“I agree to separate voting. We want to move forward. We have to be realistic. It is better to move forward and achieve something than to be stubborn and achieve nothing,” Arroyo said, referring to the contentious issue that has held back the convening of Congress as a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.

Previously, House leaders had been insisting on a “one man, one vote” approach in which the House and the Senate would vote jointly on constitutional amendments. Senators, however, say this would render their votes insignificant, because there are only 24 of them against 292 House members. Next page

NLEX GREENING.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leads Wednesday the groundbreaking of a greening initiative at the 84-kilometer North Luzon Expressway in San Fernando City, Pampanga. With Arroyo are MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and government and NLEX officials.

Pecto Camero/ Czarina Engracia

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

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House squabble may reach SC

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EP. Rodolfo Fariñas said Wednesday he plans to challenge before the Supreme Court the minority squabble at the House if the controversy is not resolved in accordance with House rules.

He said the controversy must be resolved by the high court “so that future Congresses will be guided.”

Fariñas made his statement even as Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Wednesday she will not intervene in the ongoing battle for the minority leadership in the House of Representatives.

“I leave that to the parliamentarians [to

settle] among themselves,” Arroyo said in a chance interview at the sidelines of the Greening the NLEX project of NLEX Corp., which will plant an additional 62,000 bougainvillea saplings along the 23-kilometer stretch of the highway from Balagtas, Bulacan, to San Fernando City in Pampanga.

Arroyo’s surprise election as Speaker

has left three groups contesting the right to be recognized as the minority bloc, but leftist lawmakers could tip the balance in favor of the opposition Liberal Party.

Among them are the groups of incumbent House minority leader Danilo Suarez, Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, who claims to be the new minority leader, and the allies of Alvarez that include Fariñas.

As far as Fariñas is concerned, Suarez gave up his minority leadership post when he voted for Arroyo’s speakership.

“The rules clearly state that those who vote for the winning candidate will constitute the majority. Those who did not

Deputy ombudsman found guilty of graft, sacked

By Nat Mariano MALACAÑANG has ordered the dismissal of Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang after he was found guilty of graft, corruption and betrayal of public trust, an official said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Palace decided to dismiss Carandang “after giving due consideration to the administrative complaints filed against him.”

“It has been decided that Mr. Carandang’s acts of making public statements about allegations in an ongoing investigation were in breach of his duty to protect confidential information,” Roque said.

Carandang’s case stemmed from an ABS-CBN news report in 2017 saying the President and his family had allegedly accumulated billions of pesos in ill-gotten wealth.

Napoles,...

From A1

persons who might be found here,” he said, referring to the possibility of extraditing Napoles and the other accused to the United States.

He acknowledged, however, that extradition would happen only if the cases in the Philippines are resolved and terminated.

Napoles, currently detained at the Camp Bagong Diwa detention center in Taguig City, is being tried for plunder, graft and other cases before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the multibillionpeso pork barrel scam.

Guevarra pointed out that only relatives of Napoles indicted in the money laundering case who are not facing any case in the country could be extradited to the US. “If we receive a request for extradition and they are here, we will commence the necessary proceedings,” Guevarra said.

In the charge sheet, the federal grand jury accused Napoles and other defendants of fraudulently converting money from the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The money was paid to dozens of nongovernmental organizations controlled

by Napoles and diverted to kickbacks for the legislators and other government officials, and for the personal use of the Napoles family.

About $20 million of those funds were diverted to money remitters in the Philippines and then wired to Southern California bank accounts where the money was used to purchase real estate, shares in two businesses, two Porsche Boxsters, and finance the living expenses of three family members residing in the United States, Jeane Napoles and the Lim couple.

It was reported that about $12.5 million in Southern California real estate has been seized by the US Attorney’s Office and is subject to a civil forfeiture case pending before United States District Judge James V. Selna. If the court orders the assets forfeited, the United States will work with Philippine officials in an attempt to return the stolen funds to the Philippine government.

The money laundering case involved activities by the defendants from September 2012 to August 2014. In September 2012, an audit discovered the fraud and the US proceeds were exposed in July 2013.

Napoles was arrested in August 2013 and her bank accounts in the Philippines were frozen.

Subsequently, Napoles and her family members attempted to quietly liquidate the assets in the United States, secretly repatriate most of the resulting funds back to the Philippines and to other accounts in the US and United Kingdom, and disburse some of the funds to Jeane Napoles, who used the money to finance her lifestyle and open a fashion business.

Ex-Health...

From A1 The complainant also cited the failure of the DoH under Garin to conduct proper screening of Dengvaxia recipients and to implement active and aggressive monitoring and surveillance over the recipients considering the risks posed by the vaccine to seronegative recipients or those who had no history of dengue.

“Simply put, based on the admissions and declarations of respondent Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., if Dengvaxia is administered to a person who has not yet contracted dengue, that person will have a greater risk of de-

The source of the report was Carandang, who declared that the Office of the Ombudsman acquired evidence of Duterte’s ill-gotten wealth through bank transaction records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Roque said Carandang’s acts demonstrated manifest partiality and violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Malacañang said it reached its decision after giving Carandang opportunities to respond to the charges against him.

The Palace order, dated June 30, says Carandang’s transgressions “constitute Graft and Corruption as well as Betrayal of Public Trust, which gravely affects his fitness to remain in public office.”

The dismissal order will cancel Carandang’s eligibility, disqualify him from holding public office, prohibit him from taking the civil service examination and forfeit his

Con-Ass...

From A1 Arroyo said agreeing to separate voting, as the senators want, would be the way to move forward, noting that the same issue blocked the move to amend the Constitution when she was President.

She said there was no deadline for coming up with a federal constitution, however.

“The committee on constitutional amendments will be reconstituted,” Arroyo said, as the chairman, Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, will likely be replaced.

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, the leader of the Visayan bloc in the House, said the House is optimistic that the senators would agree to forming a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution, given the concession on the mode of voting.

Benitez said the House has already communicated to the Senate, through Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“The House will wait for the Senate action with regard to our proposal. Senator Zubiri said he will take it up during their majority caucus,” Benitez said.

“We will respect their decision if they insist on voting separately, if that is the only

Primer...

From A1 members.” Note, however, that since this applies only to “final and executory orders”, orders issued pendente lite or during the pendency of an action are not covered, not are orders of preventive suspension that, strictly speaking, are not penalties. HOWEVER: The doctrine of Defensor-Santiago v. Sandiganbayan remains binding jurisprudence: While the Constitution grants the chambers of Congress the right to discipline their members, nowhere is this power characterized as EXCLUSIVE. Furthermore, orders of preventive suspension are not penalties and are therefore of a character other than what the text of the 1987 Constitution as well as the Draft contemplate.

Q: Will the Electoral Tribunals of the houses of Congress still exist?

A: No, in their place the Federal Electoral Court, which is one of high judicial courts established by the draft, shall decide “all contests relating to the election, returns and qualifications of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.” The term “qualifications” does not foreclose challenge at the time of the filing of the certificate of candidacy. This will be resolved by the Commission on Elections.

Q: Is there any change in the powers of the Commission on Appointments?

A: Under the Article on the Powers of the President, the Commission on Appointments passes upon appointments to heads of executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers or officers of the Armed Forces from the rank of Major General or Rear Admiral and other public officers whose appointments the law requires must be confirmed.

The ConCom was apprised by representatives of the military establishment that it was with

veloping severe disease, which would have been otherwise had Dengvaxia not been administered upon him,” the complaint said.

The respondents “displayed grave recklessness, utter bad faith, lack of foresight, lack of skill, want of care, gross neglect and deliberate, arbitrary and even malicious disregard of the safety and lives of thousands of Filipino children,” it said.

According to the complaint, John Paul was inoculated with the vaccine on March 31, 2016 and started to get sick a few days after.

He died on April 11, 2016 due to congenital heart disease, but forensic examination conducted by PAO showed that John Paul

will meet among themselves and elect their minority leader, and that is clear,” he said.

In the case of Quimbo, Fariñas said, the Marikina congressman could not claim to be the new minority as “he has not resigned, he has not been removed, his seat has not been declared vacant.” The Alvarez-led House appointed Quimbo as one of its deputy speakers.

In a related development, Suarez said he was offended by the move of ABS Rep. Eugene de Vera, a fellow member in the minority bloc, to be recognized as the new minority leader.

Sign...

From A1

retirement benefits.

Malacañang said Carandang violated Section 7 of the Republic Act 6713 on the disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information in order to give undue advantage to Senator Trillanes IV, who had filed a plunder complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte back in May 2016.

“This Office finds that respondent Carandang is guilty of Grave Misconduct,” Malacañang said. It cited his violations of RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“He was clearly only interested to broadcast an information adverse to the President,” Malacañang said.

“His keeping mum about an information that was favorable to the President clearly amounted to manifest partiality.”

Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino recommended to senators during a hearing on Tuesday to require sign language for any ad placed on TV by a politician or party for the coming 2019 elections.

“Hopefully we can include that provision with the technical working group to make the TV ads inclusive [for deaf people],” Tolentino told the Senate committee on electoral reform and people’s participation chaired

by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Pimentel lauded the suggestion and said closed captioning for such ads should also be considered.

At least 17 percent of the country’s population suffers from a hearing impairment, data from the Department of Health’s National Registry in 1997 showed.

way for us to proceed with the mode of a constituent assembly,” Benitez said.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to shift to a federal system of government will require amendments to the Constitution.

The consultative committee he established has already furnished both chambers of Congress with a draft federal charter that may be the starting point for discussions.

But Senator Panfilo Lacson said the election of Arroyo as Speaker could unify opposition in the Senate against Charter change over fears that she would become the prime minister in a federal system of government.

Arroyo has dismissed these fears as “black propaganda,” since the draft federal charter proposes a presidential system that does not mention a prime minister.

“Call it wariness, call it distrust, call it anything you want to call it, but that was the sentiment. And then when we had our all-senators’ caucus, it was further reinforce when those from the LP [Liberal Party] joined us,” said Lacson.

Lacson said it was “funny” that Senate President Vicente Sotto III had told the President that the change in House leadership would make it difficult for him to convince his colleagues to support Charter change.

He said Sotto also told the President that he counted at least 10 senators who were

opposed to Charter change.

“Look in my group alone, we are three, and then my two colleagues whom she sent to jail, I’m sure I cannot convince them,” Sotto said, referring to Lacson and Senator Gregorio Honasan.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who Arroyo jailed for a failed coup, would also oppose Charter change, as well as the five Liberal Party senators, Sotto said.

Senator JV Ejercito, too, would likely oppose Charter change because his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, was ousted and sent to jail by Arroyo.

Senator Grace Poe, on the other hand, also felt that her father, Fernando Poe Jr., had been cheated by Arroyo in the presidential election of 2004.

“So, there are already 10 who wont back any Charter change,” Lacson said. “And then there are others… When we held that caucus, the sentiment was to stay put, let’s just fold our arms and do nothing because we may be trapped if we even adopt a joint resolution with the House.”

Lacson said he himself questioned the motive for the change in leadership in the House.

“Why the need for need for a change in leadership? What’s the end state desired?” he said.

the rank of Major General that military authority that made a difference in the field and in operations came, and so it was thought best to limit confirmation to Majors General and ranks above. The Commission on Appointments has the power to appoint some of the members of the high courts as well. This constitutes a departure from its traditional role, for while, in the past, its task was limited to confirming appointments made, or rejecting them, in the case of members of the federal high courts, it appoints.

Q: What hearings may Congress or its committees conduct?

A: As in the 1987 Constitution, and clarified by the Supreme Court, there are two kinds of hearings: Section 21 covers those hearings called “in aid of legislation”. Under existing jurisprudence, attendance at such hearings is compulsory, because one of the inherent powers of Congress is to secure the compulsory attendance of witnesses and to punish for contempt. Section 22 covers those hearings in aid of oversight, and they may follow upon the initiative of department heads who, with the consent of the President, wish to communicate to Congress or to any of its committees, OR upon the request of either House.

Q: It has been complained that somehow, the “contempt powers” of the Chambers have been misused, with the result that people have been punished who did not give answers that the interrogating legislators did not want. Has anything been done about this?

A: Yes, under Section 21 there is the protective provision what when a person is ordered detained either “when the detention is patently unlawful” or “when its prolonged enforcement becomes unreasonable or violates due process.”

Whether detention has become unreasonable or

is in violation of due process is a matter of judicial determination, and therefore subject to judicial standards. Being punished for contempt, for one, when one refuses to answer because answering would constitute self-incrimiantion would be one example of a patently unlawful detention.

Q: There is something new in the Section on the declaration of the state of war that seems to give the President more power than the 1987 Constitution gave him. Is this perception correct?

A: No, it is not. The second paragraph of draft Section 23 merely provides for what is to be done when Congress is no longer able to convene because of the chaos following the outbreak of hostilities. In fact it is a salutary provision because it places within a constitutional framework what a President would otherwise do freely without any constraints in such exigent circumstances.

There is also the very important clause that the powers the President wields “to resolve the situation” may be revoked by Congress when it is able once more to convene. It should be noted that even under the US Constitution, by virtue of the commander-in-chief provisions, the US President can mobilize troops and send them off to war even without the US Congress declaring a state of war.

Q: Why was there need to include a provision on the Bicameral Conference Committee?

A: In effect, while Congresses past have always had the need for a “Bicam”, the body has never had constitutional status, although it was functioning virtually as the “third house” of Congress — since its job was to reconcile conflicting versions of the same bill passed by the two chambers. Draft provision grants the Bi-Cameral Conference Committee constitutional status and prescribes that the compromise version it hammers out be subject to vote by each house.

also had “common signs and symptoms of deaths following vaccination of Dengvaxia... including brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding in other organs.”

Meanwhile, parents of children whose deaths were linked to the inoculation of anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia insisted before the DoJ panel that the controversial drug caused the untimely demise of their children.

In a reply-affidavit, the parents, complainants behind nine sets of criminal charges against ranking Health officials, disputed Garin’s claim that there was no conclusive connection between the vaccine and the deaths. Rey E. Requejo

Du30...

From A1 He made this remarks following the death of a Taguig policeman and the arrest of three other cops for alleged involvement in organized kidnap-for-ransom activities.

“Just as we are relentless and chilling in our war on drugs, we will also be relentless, resolute and chilling in our internal cleansing program. Relentless not only in punishing erring cops but also in plugging loopholes in our systems and procedures that may breed recalcitrant behavior in our ranks,”Albayalde said during the awarding of outstanding police officers at the

Woman...

From A1 Melody Brosas Almoete tried to sneak in 10 grams of “shabu” into the jail where more than 100 foreigners, who apparently are her clients, are locked up, BI officials said Wednesday.

“Her modus operandi is to hide the shabu in her private parts to avoid being caught during immigration inspection,” BI Warden Facility Chief Edward Mabborang said.

The authorities became suspicious when they previously discovered drug paraphernalia inside the facility, but without any drug substance.

“We conducted surveillance and monitored the activities of the visitors and caught her when she attempted to take out the drugs in the restroom,” Mabborang said.

Two cohorts of Almoete were at large, he added. Charges of violating Republic Act 9165 are being readied against them, the warden added.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente thanked the Philippine National Police for their help in catching the suspects. Vito Barcelo

Sara...

From A1 you I know her. She won’t run for [a] national [post].”

According to Pulse Asia’s survey released last July 9, the President’s daughter, who leads a regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, would likely place third to fifth if the senatorial elections were held at the time the survey was conducted.

Duterte-Carpio has received a 46.2 percent voter preference from 1,800 registered voters nationwide.

The midterm elections will be held in May 2019, with 12 senators to be elected.

On Wednesday, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said the plot to unseat Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was hatched in March, a month after he ran afoul of the President’s daughter, Duterte-Carpio.

Fariñas said he was asked by some disgruntled forces to sever his ties wth Alvarez on the promise that he would maintain his post as majority leader, but he declined the offer.

“I said no. I’m sorry, I am a loyal person,” said Fariñas, who was replaced by Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. as majority leader.

He also said that when he told the President about the plot, he was surprised.

“The President asked why,” he said.

In February, Alvarez angered DuterteCarpio by suggesting she was part of the opposition when she established a regional party—a statement Alvarez denied.

Fariñas said he has proved his loyalty to Alvarez when he opted to stay with him, together with 12 other congressmen.

Alvarez’s group, composed of 14 lawmakers, including Fariñas, have signed up to be part of the House minority bloc led

by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, but another bloc led by the Liberal Party seeks to dislodge them as the new minority bloc.

Also on Wednesday, former President Benigno Aquino III told ABS-CBN he would not run for senator in 2019 and would rather help campaign for candidates who share his beliefs.

“I think I still have a lot of supporters and I would likely win but if I win and I’m alone, what would I do? It seems that I need to be present every day if I am the sole opposition,” he said in Filipino.

“If we can help elect more officials who share our same views in Congress, if we can elect more officials who prioritize gratitude to their constituents then maybe it would be more meaningful,” he added.

ARMM...

From A1 • An international security analyst on Wednesday attributed to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria the bombing at a military checkpoint in Lamitan.

International security analyst Rommel Banlaoi claimed the “suicide” bombing was done by a Moroccan national, according to a report by Allan Gatus on Dobol B sa News TV. The police force will coordinate with privatea security providers and security managers to establish joint security protocols while the intelligence monitoring and sharing of information will be intensified.

Mijares also said a special investigation task group will be activated to look into the bombing incident in which 11 were killed including the driver of the van.

“We are in deep sadness at this moment. This incident is an act to ruin the recent ratification and enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will pave way for achieving lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao,” he said. Joel E. Zurbano and Francisco Tuyay National Police National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Taguig City.

“We will also be resolute in our strong desire to achieve an organizational culture where professionalism and integrity pervade and endure at all times and in all circumstances.”

Duterte said despite his promise to protect policemen encountering problems in the performance of their duties, he would not tolerate policemen involved in illegal activities.

He made the warning after a policeman was killed and three others were arrested for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping and extortion incident in Taguig City on Tuesday. With PNA

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Angara backs Universal Health Care bill SINCE more than half or 54 percent of the country’s healthcare spending came from out-of-pocket expenses based on the latest data from the Department of Health, Senator Sonny Angara sponsored the Universal Health Care bill which aims to ensure that every Filipino will have access to appropriate, affordable, and quality health services including free checkups, laboratory tests and medicines.

Under Senate Bill 1896, all Filipinos shall be automatically included in the National Health Insurance Program, and all Filipinos shall be entitled to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services.

“We now have an opportunity to institute reforms in Philhealth, expand its coverage even further, and most importantly, improve the services and benefits available to all Filipino families. Sa panukalang ito, matutupad ang ating adhikaing maging libre ang pagpapa-checkup,” said Angara, one of the authors of the measure, in his sponsorship speech.

The lawmaker said giving Filipinos access to promotive and preventive health services, which include free check-up, laboratory tests and medicines, will reduce hospitalization and improve the health of Filipinos with non-communicable or lifestyle diseases long before their conditions become catastrophic.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Du30 holds back from cursing UNHRC PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has restrained himself from cursing the chief of the United Nations Human Rights Council for fear that the donated choppers from Jordan may not be delivered to the Philippines.

Malacañang has earlier said that the Philippines will receive used US-built Cobra helicopter gunships donated

by Jordan, marking the first time the country will operate dedicated attack helicopters.

The helicopters are Bell AH-1F Cobra gunships currently used by the Royal Jordanian Air Force and were offered to the Philippines sometime in 2017.

However, Duterte was wondering what happened to the choppers that Jordan pledged to donate to the Philippines.

The President joked that he might resume cursing at UNHRC chief Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein if Jordan won’t make good on his promise to donate choppers to the Philippines.

Vito Barcelo

Solons approve BSP Charter update THE House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved on third and final reading a bill increasing the capitalization of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from P50 billion to P200 billion.

“I hope that the increase will enhance the BSP’s viability to meet the needs of the growing economy, particularly in combating the rising inflation,” Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries, said, referring to House Bill 7742, Evardone said the BSP should pull its levers to minimize the impact on rising inflation on the daily wage earners.

Aside from the increase in capitalization, the bill also granted BSP tax exemptions from income of its governmental and regulatory functions, to enhance more its viability. Maricel V. Cruz

Ex-Ecija gov plea to reverse dismissal junked THE Office of the Ombudsman has denied the motion for reconsideration of former Nueva Ecija governor Aurelio Umali to reverse its previous decision dismissing him from service with forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification.

In a three-page order, the Ombudsman said “the motions are devoid of merit.”

“Wherefore, the motions for reconsideration are denied,” it read.

The charges stemmed from a complaint accusing Umali and Renato Manantan, executive regional director of Department of Agriculture in Region 3, of conspiracy with some bogus foundations to pave the way for the release of Umali’s Priority Development Assistance Fund worth P15 million in 2015.

The complaint said Umali connived with Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation Inc., one of the fake foundations linked to detained Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the P10-billion pork barrel fund involving three senators.

Umali entered into a memorandum of agreement with MAMFI for the procurement and distribution of P12 million worth of liquid fertilizer.

Rio N. Araja

PH SECURITY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flashes his signature sign with Secretary Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, Armed Forces of the

Philippines Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, former President Fidel Ramos, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Director General Alex Monteagudo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Dante Jimenez during the Joint 68th National Security Council and 69th Nica Founding Anniversary Celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on July 31, 2018. Presidential Photo

House to pass budget on final reading in Sept.

T

By Maricel V. Cruz

HE House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations is targeting to finish budget deliberations by the end of the month.

This is to enable the House in plenary session to pass the proposed P3.757trillion national budget for 2019 in September, one month ahead of the filing of COCs for the May 2019 elections, according to Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, the panel’s chairman, said.

Nograles made the statement as his committee began Monday its deliberations on the national budget.

Nograles said that the 2019 national budget, the third expenditure plan of the Duterte administration, is the first cashbased budget presented to the committee.

Malacañang submitted the 2019 General Appropriations Bill to the Lower House last July 23 Nograles noted “the proposed cashbased appropriations of P3.757 trillion is lower than the 2018 budget of P3.767 trillion.”

“We must see to it that every peso

that goes into the national budget is a peso that will benefit and support the government socioeconomic agenda particularly the acceleration of infrastructure spending, investment in human capital development including education, health and other social services and peace-enabling initiatives,” Nograles said.

The Budget department dubbed the 2019 National Expenditure Program as “Building a Bright Future for the Philippines and Its People.”

“This is consistent with the administration’s goal of transforming the country into a middle-income society where everyone has the opportunity to make his or her life better through provision of infrastructure and human capital development,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

He added that the 2019 national budget guarantees a better and more disci-

plined accountable cash-based budget that will support strong, sustainable and inevitable growth.

Diokno added that “this budget that will make the Philippines a better, fair, safer, greener and more beautiful than what it was a year before. The budget is always for our shared future.”

Diokno described the budget as “revolutionary in a sense that it is the first cash-based budget of the government.”

He explained that under a cash-based appropriation, there is greater fiscal discipline and prudent use of budget, faster and improved delivery of essential public services, and more open and accountable government.

Under the proposed 2019 national budget, the biggest allocations go to the following items: personnel services (P1,184.9 billion or 31.5 percent of total), maintenance expenditures (P557.5 billion or 14.8 percent), Capital Outlays (P758.4 billion or 20.2 percent), allotment to local governments (P640.6 billion or 17.1 percent), support to government-owned-andcontrolled corporations (P187.1 billion or 5.0 percent), tax expenditures (P14.5 billion or 0.4 percent), and debt service (P414.1 billion or 11 percent).

Du30 to donate Bicam approves bill creating seized smuggled P100-billion coconut levy fund vans, Hummers By Macon Ramos-Araneta to police, LGUs

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would donate at least 10 seized smuggled luxury cars to the police and military to be used for their anti-crime operations and military work.

“Now, there are some I did not want destroyed. The vans and Hummer,” Duterte said during the public condemnation of 68 luxury sedans and eight high-end motorcycles at Port Irense in Sta Ana, Cagayan on Tuesday.

Duterte announced that he will donate to the military and to the police some of the vehicles that were seized in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

More than 10 vehicles, including vans and a Hummer were not destroyed as they will be turned over to the police and military after undergoing legal process.

“There are Hummers. How many?

I’m sure I heard more than 10. I could not exactly remember what was the figure. But I said I do not want to destroy it because I’ll give it to the military and the police for their use,” he said.

Meanwhile, local governments in Cagayan will receive the seized vans, according to the President.

Duterte has repeatedly warned would-be smugglers to stop their illegal activities as he vowed to go after them and employ the full force of the law and put them in jail.

“Stop it because nothing gets there,” he warned.

The Chief Executive also want Customs personnel linked or involved in smuggling identified.

“You identify the employee of the Bureau of Customs and I will call the idiot—baka tinawagan na—to come to Manila, to my office, we will talk,” he said.

“Do not use government funds in coming here. It should be unofficial, private. Bring along your chief of office. Because he has a take, it will not happen, the corruption if there was go signal,” the President said.

THE congressional bicameral conference committee yesterday approved a bill creating the P100-billion coconut levy trust fund to be used for 25 years to benefit 3.5-million Filipino farmers, Senator Cynthia Villar said.

After emerging from the bicameral hearing, Villar told reporters the Senate version was adopted and the trust fund will be managed by a reconstituted Philippine Coconut Authority.

Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, said no committee will be created to look after the coco levy trust fund of the farmers.

She said the reconstituted PCA will have four representatives from government, one from the industry and six coconut farmers.

Under the bill, she said the trust fund would be sourced from the General Appropriations Act, and the P105-billion coco levy will be invested in treasury bills.

“Every year, we will give to the reconstituted PCA to spend it as we enumerated

RIGHT TO HEALTH.

Health group Coalition for People’s Right to Health calls on the Department of Justice to be propeople by pursuing the Dengvaxiarelated criminal cases filed against former Health secretary Janette Garin and at least 40 other health and Sanofi officials.

where to spend it; like it will be spent on scholarship of children of farmers, their health benefits, and their shared facilities program and then their program to improve their farms,” she said.

Villar said the fund will be in place starting next year and will run for approximately 25 years.

She said the government would allocate P10 billion a year for the trust fund while P5 billion a year would come from the P105-billion coco levy fund, which could last up to 25 years.

“At present, their money is P105 billion. If it will be divided by P5 billion, that’s 21 years, but it will still earn interest,” Villar said.

The approved version in the bicam will be sent back to the Senate and the House of Representatives for ratification. Once ratified by both chambers, the bill would be transmitted to the President.

Meanwhile, Villar also said that there will be farm development, enumerating the following shared facilities—farm development and empowerment of farmers’ organization, both 30 percent; scholarship, and health benefits, 10 percent.

Senators okay PH-China joint West PH Sea exploration

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AT LEAST three senators are amenable to China’s willingness to conduct a 60-40 joint exploration of natural resources with the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea as bared

by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, but some senatos wanted further study on the offer.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III considered China’s recent statement on the possibility of joint exploration as a recognition of the country’s jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea. Under existing laws, the Philippines will take a bigger chunk in revenues from the exploration.

“Yes, it is [acceptable]. It means China is accepting the fact na lamang tayo,” Sotto.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the sharing is more than acceptable as it complies with what is stated in the Constitution.

“More than acceptable as the 60-40 ratio complies with the requirements of the Philippine Constitution on foreign investment. It is practical and sensible to enter into a joint exploration with China,” said Lacson.

Admitting that the Philippines does not have the resources nor the technology to do the exploration alone, the offer is a welcome development.

He said the West Philippine Sea is so rich in oil and natural gas and other resources. “it is time to make use of these natural resources to uplift the lives of our people. It could also provide us the wherewithal to pursue massive infrastructure development to further enhance investments,” Lacson also said.

Binay invites Uson to a hearing on federalism SENATOR Nancy Binay wants to invite Communucations Group Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson for a hearing on Charter change after the latter was designated as spokesperson for the government’s push for federalism.

“It would be best if Uson can present to the Senate the content of her campaign on federalism and the plan to change the 1987 Constitution,” Binay said.

She noted that Uson will be in charge of a P90-million fund earmarked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and consultative committee for the information campaign to educate the public about the administration’s plan to change the country’s form of government.

The senator said he would recommend to Senator Kiko Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate committee on constitutional change and revision of codes, to invite Uson to the hearing.

“In light of the plans of DILG and the consultative committee to have Asec Mocha Uson as the lead evangelist of the Federalism Caravan, it would be best that Senator Kiko invites her as one of the resource persons in her committee to make a presentation in the Senate,” she said.

“Being the designated messenger, we also wanted to hear how she would articulate or interpret the salient points of the proposed federal charter and explain to the people how a shift in the form of government could move the country forward,” Binay added.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Higher prices

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Freedom, composed of former government officials and members of the business community, said it was concerned with the following provisions: Article 2, Section 21 of the draft states that the federal republic “shall THE Bangko Sentral said inflation develop an independent and competithis year will go up to as high as 5.8 tive national economy actually and efpercent. fectively controlled by Filipinos.”

Since the value of money is deterIt’s a warning to foreign investors mined by the law of supply and de- that Filipinos would still want control mand, the rapid increase in the sup- of the economy. ply of money relative to the supply of There is also Article 15, Section 3— goods and services brings down the Filipinos will continue to retain ownvalue of money. Prices rise. This is ership of companies while Section 4 what economists call inflation. requires 60-percent Filipino ownerWe have seen how prices of goods ship of companies engaged in the exand services went sky high when in- ploitation of natural resources. flation rate hit 5.2 percent. I can imSection 12 of the same article strictagine how much more difficult things ly limits ownership and management will be when it hits 5.8 percent. Many of mass media companies to FilipinoFilipinos can hardly afford to put food owned firms. In the advertising induson the table as it is. try, firms must be 70 percent Filipino The culprit owned. is of course the Section 13 regovernment, for tains the 60-perborrowing moncent mandatory Poor Filipinos will ey from the cenFilipino ownertral bank. ship for firms ensuffer the most.

There are, of gaged in the opcourse, scapeeration of public goats. Politicians utilities and the like to blame same is stated on businessmen and call them greedy for Section 15 for educational institutions. increasing the prices of the goods and Now, read this and weep: Section 17 services they sell. There is also the states that the federal republic shall convenient tax reform program, and regulate and exercise authority over even foreign developments like the foreign investments in accordance rise in oil prices worldwide. with its national goals and priorities The real problem of high inflation and the general welfare of the people. rate is when it grows faster than the The draft constitution retained the real growth of the economy. It is al- protectionist provisions of the 1987 most always the marginalized sector Constitution and made one step furthat suffers. ther, especially in the case of exploiThat’s why I am wary when I hear tation and development of natural rereports that the government will con- sources! tinue to borrow from the BSP and othMass media and advertising have er sources to finance its projects. become borderless.

When money supply grows faster My gulay, foreign investors may as than the economy does, it will be the well go to other countries! poor who will suffer. *** *** My memoirs—“Periodista—The There are two basic problems with Road Never Ends” will be launched that draft charter submitted by the middle of this month. The first 1,000 consultative committee. The draft copies are being printed by Manila worries many people, including busi- Times Publishing Co. of my dear nessmen. friend, Dante Arevalo Ang. Dante is First, there is the proposed 18 fed- chairman emeritus of Manila Times erated states, which include provinces and President Duterte’s special envoy and regions that can hardly sustain for international public relations. themselves economically.

You may wonder—why is Manila Second, the protectionist provisions Times publishing my book when I am remain. These will continue to deter chairman emeritus of the editorial foreign investments that in turn will board of Manila Standard, where create more jobs for Filipinos.

I also write a column? It was Dante The group Foundation for Economic Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

A

Information campaign

SURVEY revealed that a majority of Filipinos are not in favor of changing the charter and shifting to a federal form of government.

Because of this, the Palace realized—belatedly—that an information campaign should be launched so that the people would know more about the issue.

The disapproval could stem from two things: The inability to separate the issue at hand from the personalities who are endorsing it, and ignorance of the facts.

Resistance to change is a natural reaction, especially since Charter change has been historically associated with politicians’ attempts at perpetuating themselves in power.

But now that the draft constitution has been submitted by the committee tasked to make it, the conversation should shift from who want the Charter

changed and how they want to do it to the more substantial what in the present Constitution needs to be changed and why.

Filipinos need to transcend their biases against personalities and the process itself, and look into exactly what the new system is proposing to change.

Only through this would they be able to gauge whether an envisioned future arrangement would do a better job at improving their lives.

In this regard, the choice of who will be tasked to present

the facts, answer questions and explain the complex topics is crucial. It must be one who is knowledgeable about the provisions, privy to the debates and arguments, and who could clarify, not muddle, people’s understanding.

That person must have a respect for accuracy and should be open to questions, even differing opinions.

Finally, that person should be objective, level-headed and not given to generalizations or exaggeration, sticking only to facts and sound arguments.

The stakes are just too high, because what is being discussed will define Filipinos’ way of life. The administration cannot risk muddling, trivializing and oversimplifying its all-important message.

Building airports the current Ninoy Aquino International Airport to double its current capacity of 42 million passenger that used the airport last year. The figure of 42 milFLORENCIO lion international passengers in itself is FIANZA way over the designed capacity of the APOLOGIES to our readers. The con- airport. With the projected expansion tents of the article last week in the of the Clark International Airport, we online edition was initially that of my will be looking at a total passenger caneighbor, Rep. Dan Suarez. It was later pacity in excess of more than 185 million yearly passenger capacity by 2030 corrected. onwards with the three airports alone. *** Whether of course, we will attain The Department of Transportation has just greenlighted a government-to- that projected passenger capacity is angovernment project that would develop other matter.

The Sangley gateway in Cavite will the Sangley point airport into another International Airport. This new pro- add millions more. Since these developject is in partnership with the Cavite ments will be mostly funded by private corporations like the Bulacan airport of provincial govSan Miguel and ernment. If this the Naia expanpushes through, sion project led it would become by a private conthe fourth interWe always try to sortiums like the national airport Aboitiz group and within commuting catch up with our others, the resultdistance from the neighbors. ing competition National Capital should benefit the Region. Fifth, acflying public betually, if talk of cause of more efreactivating the ficient services by 2030 onwards when Subic Airport materializes.

The DOTr is getting into high gear our population approaches 120 million. to expand airport capacity and build Whether we will be needing three, new ones. The other airport projects four or even five international airports that have already been approved is the within 100 kilometers from each other mammoth P750 billion airport that will depend on the calculations of the San Miguel Corporation will build on DOTr on whether we will be reaching a 2,500-hectare property in Bulacan, such passenger demand by that time.

Bulacan. When fully developed, it will Maybe what the planners are thinking boast of four runways, a freeway that is that it is better to be prepared than be will connect it to the metropolitan area caught unprepared. We can look at the and will be able to accommodate 100 way other world cities developed their million passengers in one year. It can airports. Paris for instance has two, easily handle the 20-million tourists CDG and Orly airports. New York has projected to visit the country by 2030. also two, the JFK and La Guardia. We The other project is the expansion of Turn to A5

DUTY CALLS

Made in Fukushima: Japan farmers struggle to win trust

By Anne Beade THE pumpkin is diced, the chicken carved and the eggs beaten into an omelette, but the people preparing the food are not chefs—they are scientists testing produce from Japan’s Fukushima region.

Seven years after the March 2011 nuclear disaster caused by a devastating tsunami, rigorous testing shows no radioactive threat from Fukushima’s produce, officials and experts say.

But local producers say they still face crippling suspicion from consumers.

More than 205,000 food items have been tested at the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre since March 2011, with Japan setting a standard of no more than 100 becquerels of radioactivity per kilogram.

The European Union, by comparison, sets that level at 1,250 Bq/kg and the US at 1,200.

In the last year, the centre says no cultivated produce or farm-reared livestock has exceeded the government’s limit.

In all just nine samples out of tens of thousands were over the limit: Eight from fish bred in inland ponds, and one

a sample of wild mushrooms.

Each day, more than 150 samples are prepared, coded, weighed, and then passed through a “germanium semiconductor detector”. Rice undergoes screening elsewhere.

While radiation affected several regions which have their own testing processes, Fukushima’s programs the most systematic, testament to the particularly severe reputational damage it suffered.

In the wake of the nuclear disaster, a wide-scale decontamination program has been carried out in Fukushima.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

Bravo, Secretary Ernie

A strong stand OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ SINCE the Congress elected its new Speaker, the constituency and the leadership of the true Minority has been questioned by other groups posturing themselves as the “Minority.” While we note the position of respected colleagues, we remain as the recognized Minority since the 17th Congress in accordance with the adopted Rules of the House.

In statutory construction, the general rule is to interpret law to make sense of the whole. Therefore, provisions of the rules are interpreted, not individually, but in relation with the other provisions.

Ambiguities are construed in favor of the general context of the rules. With this, we stand by our position that the Rules must be interpreted in its totality.

Rule III Section 13 of the Rules of the House states the rules regarding the vacancy of House positions. According to this provision, a vacancy is created in cases of death, resignation, or permanent incapacitation of any officers or when the House declares any office vacant. This contemplates the vacancy of ANY particular office, including a vacancy in the of Office of the Speaker solely.

It is clear that the position declared vacant and voted upon on July 23, 2018 by majority of the members of the House was only the position of the Speaker.

The other parties’ insistence on Rule

II Section 8 of the Rules is misplaced.

That provision contemplates the initial process of electing officers at the start of the First Session of Congress. Meanwhile, Rule III Section 13 allows for the vacancy of a particular office without affecting the rest of the already duly constituted offices in the middle of an opened Congress.

Also, Section 8 contemplates at least two contending parties for the position of the Speaker. The Rules are silent as to no-contest elections. Hence, it is necessary to construe this provision in rela-

We will remain as critical as necessary to maintain checks and balance.

tion to the whole. Given the existence of Section 13, status quo will prevail in such scenario as what transpired on July 23, 2018.

Continuing, Section 13 requires a majority vote of the members present, there being a quorum, to declare any position vacant. In case of the Office of the Speaker, it may only be declared vacant through nominal voting by a majority of all the members of the House. The last part of Section 13 specifically provides that when all offices are declared vacant, the incumbent

Secretary General shall preside over the proceedings of the House only for the purpose and until the election of a new Speaker.

We reiterate that our participation on the proceedings on July 23, 2018 was only up to the extent of vacating the office of the Speaker. It is our duty to participate, as stated by the Rules of the House requiring ALL members to vote. The position shall be declared vacant when it obtains favorable votes of the majority number of the members.

With that, all other offices remain status quo. It is undeniable that no declaration of vacancy of other offices occurred. Neither did the Secretary General preside over the proceedings on July 23, 2018.

Hence, we are still the duly constituted Minority bloc in the 17th Congress, and I continue to be the legitimate Minority Leader.

With this, the Minority bloc welcomes the leadership of the new Speaker, Hon. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It is with high hopes that this new leadership will usher in significant improvements in the performance of the House. Speaker Arroyo is known to be a hardworking and workaholic public official. I anticipate that Congress will adopt the same diligence and perseverance in accomplishing legislative tasks to meet deadlines, pass bills, and act on resolutions in a timely manner for the benefit of the public.

The Minority group promises that it will remain critical as necessary to maintain checks and balance in the 17th Congress.

Electricity crisis leaves Iraqis gasping for cool air

By Ammar Karim AS THE stultifying summer heat sends Iraqis in search of cool spots, restaurateur Ali Hussein provides sanctuary— even though it means hooking up to an expensive generator.

“The clients must be comfortable when they eat,” said Hussein, who stakes his reputation on ensuring customers are constantly blasted by air conditioning.

Outside, temperatures at this time of year can reach 50 degrees Celsius, sending demand for electricity soaring.

But Iraq’s dilapidated power grid is unable to cope, leaving business owners—and the few citizens who can afford it—beholden to private supplies.

Hussein forks out 225,000 dinars ($190) a month to the owner of a generator for a 15 amp electricity supply to his Baghdad restaurant.

It’s the “gold” option, guaranteed to run uninterrupted.

But the cost is more than some Iraqis earn.

And for most citizens, there is little escape from a heat that barely abates even at night.

We have only “four or five hours of electricity” a day from the national grid, grocer Mouthanna Mehdi told AFP.

Higher...

From A4

who convinced me to write my book.

Out of delicadeza, I informed Manila Standard chairman Philip Romualdez and published Rollie Estabillo about it.

When Dante first brought up the idea of a book, I was hesitant. I knew publishing a book would entail a lot of money—money I don’t have.

Building...

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will have at least three if the Bulacan airport comes into stream.

If we look at the current traffic figures of Naia last year, the airport was used by 42.022-million international passengers, an increase of 5.96 percent from the previous. It had 108,995 international flights, also an increase of 19.60 percent and total domestic flights of 149,317 which was in fact a decrease of 3.76 percent. A total 460,135 metric tons of cargo was also carried by the airport.

The Naia is undoubtedly performing way beyond its designed capacity and definitely needs upgrading. The three members of the consortium that bid about P150 billion to expand Naia with an additional runway has promised that the upgrading, which will be done in phases, will not disrupt current airport operations. The duration of the period of the lease contract was in fact shortened.

What is clear is that there are private investors that are willing to put

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anger over the power shortages fed into deadly unrest in July.

At least 14 people were killed in street protests that began in the oil-rich southern city of Basra on July 8 and spread to other areas including Baghdad.

Winners and losers Like Hussein, Mehdi earns enough to pay for electricity from a generator.

But he can only afford a five amp supply.

It’s “not enough to power all the lights and the air conditioning at the same time”, he said.

“Sometimes the generators break down or stop when they run out of fuel, which can damage our electrical appliances,” the 40-year-old added.

Generators are a regular fixture on street corners in Baghdad and other major cities, often hastily installed by small businessmen to exploit peak summer demand.

Tangles of wires protrude from the devices, disfiguring the city and sometimes causing electrical fires.

But as with every crisis, there are winners as well as losers.

If the power situation “was resolved, we would lose our work”, said Hussein Kazem, who sells fuel to the owners of generators.

‘Lies and theft’ Experts say supply of electricity falls

at least 40 percent short of demand during the summer.

And a substantial slice of the estimated $40 billion allocated to the power sector over the past 15 years has vanished.

Money from public tenders has allegedly lined the pockets of corrupt politicians and businessmen who fronted fake contracts.

In a bid to quell protests, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Sunday fired electricity minister Qasim al-Fahdawi.

Fahdawi had been the architect of a privatisation programme that was meant to herald electricity 24 hours a day.

Iraqis say the project worked well for a few months in the zones where it was tested.

But as soon as the summer heat arrived, power cuts multiplied once more.

The authorities say they have upped electricity generation by nearly 50 percent to 17,000 megawatts since 2014.

Ordinary Iraqis are sceptical about this figure.

“This is all lies and theft,” said Mazen, who fixes generators and did not want to give his full name.

“The leaders divert the money and hide it abroad. And when they say the situation is improving, you can be sure they are lying,” he said. AFP

My book is honest, readable, and was written straight from the heart. *** Malacañang wants to know: Who is the official of the Presidential Communications Operations Office who was the beneficiary of the P60-million contract of the Tulfos with the Tourism department? The lawyer of the Tulfos, Ferdinand Topacio, claimed this.

The lawyer said the money can no longer be returned because somebody

at the PCOO has already benefited from it. *** Supreme Court Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin will be the next chief justice. He has been endorsed by no less than 10 of his colleagues. This means that the Supreme Court prefers an insider to succeed ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

their money where their mouth is in order to help the country achieve its economic projections. I have thought whether the three international Airports, Clark, The San Miguel Bulacan Airport which up to now has yet to be named and Naia can achieve the projected figure of 185-million passenger traffic without even counting the fourth airport in Sangley. But as they say, only the bold and visionary investors like Ramon Ang and the others will end up inheriting the “earth” if their visions can be achieved. *** If all these projects come to fruition, our international airports would have come a long way from its humble beginnings when the first airport was opened in 1935 in Grace Park, Caloocan. It was used by the Philippines Airlines which was originally called the Philippines Aerial Taxi Company.

Two years later in 1937, The Manila International Air Terminal which was more popularly known then as Neilson Airport was opened in Makati.

The runway of that airport are now the Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas roads.

It was in 1948 after Philippine independence that the airport was moved to its current site beside Villamor Airbase which was known then as Nichols Field. The principal reason for the transfer was due to the need for a wider space to cater to the growing air passenger traffic. I remember the old Nielson Towers which was still there in the late 1970s being operated as a restaurant. When working as military aid to former President Fidel Ramos was then Chief of Constabulary, I remember him and dinner at Nielson Tower, where he related the story that when he was accepted as a cadet for West Point, it was in that airport where he embarked on his long trip to New York with so many stopovers along the way.

It was bit of a nostalgic trip for him which I also enjoyed. The 1948 airport was used until 1981 when Naia 1 was inaugurated in 1982. At that time, it was one of the most modern international airports in the Asean region.

Many of our neighbors have built better airports and have overtaken us.

We are left to playing catch up with them.

www.emiljurado.weebly.com

istration’s spending programs, the most important of which is Build, Build, Build. But he’s certainly speaking out against TRAIN now.

RUDY ROMERO Taking note of the continuing upcreep of consumer prices—knowlTHE list of words disliked by the edgeable forecasters think that when it Duterte administration continues to comes in, the July inflation rate will be lengthen, with additions being made 5.8 percent—Secretary Pernia has deto the list in the wake of every power- clared that the consumer price increasful critique of the policies and acts of es generated by TRAIN’s tax passage the group of people currently running are “disruptive” of the progress of the this country. The latest additions to economy. Considering that the Duterte the list of Duterte-disliked words are administration has placed TRAIN at “disruptive” and “spoiler.” They have the center of its economic program, the been contributed by, surprisingly, the “it has been disruptive” remark has not director-general of Neda (National sat well with Mr. Duterte and the rest of Economic and Development Author- his economic team. Indeed, the shock ity), who is concurrently the Secretary generated by Secretary Pernia’s remark of Socio-Economic Planning. had been almost palpable.

The business community was not But the Neda chief through three surprised when President Duterte months ago, shortly after the anpicked Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia for the nouncement of a below-target GDP post of Neda director-general, who is (gross domestic product) quarterly figthis country’s chief economic planner. ure, Secretary Ernie, declared that the A University of the Philippines-trained higher consumer prices by the TRAIN economist, Pernia was, until his retire- excise taxes were a “spoiler.” I wasn’t ment, a senior economist at the ADB there when the Secretary of Finance (Asian Developwhen he heard or ment Bank). ADB read Secretary Ernie’s “spoiler” is one of the Philstatement, but I ippines’ principal sources of develcan imagine it.

He is the only opment financing, Secretary Carand as an ADB member of the Duterte los Dominguez economist he had administration’s III has all along the responsibility been touting the of helping ensure economic team that has TRAIN’s GDPthat the objects of broken ranks. raising potential ADB assistance and here comes a operated on the nation’s chief economic policymakbasis of sound er, saying to say economic policies and efficient governance. Dr. Pernia that TRAIN was a “spoiler.” Truly Sectook his training and experience with retary Pernia’s comment was a spoiler him to his post in the Duterte admin- in its own right. istration.

Ernie Pernia is the only member of Considering the operating environ- the Duterte administration’s economic ment that Rodrigo Duterte had created team that has broken ranks. The other for his economic team—the Secretary members of the team have been conof Finance, the head of Neda, the Sec- ducting themselves like the Hallelujah retary of Trade and Industry and the Chorus, stating (1) that the consumer Secretary of Budget and Management price increases were expected, (2) that —I knew that sooner or later Pernia the increases were highly manageable would take issue with one or more of and (3) that the inflationary upcreep the economic policies of Mr. Duterte’s will end before year-end. administration. That has happened Is the Secretary of Trade and Industry sooner rather than later. or the Secretary of Budget and ManageThe policy that Secretary Pernia has ment likely to follow Secretary Pernia’s taken issue with is the Duterte admin- lead and declare that the TRAIN excise istration’s fiscal policy. More specifi- taxes have been “disruptive” that the cally, he has taken issue with TRAIN consumer price increases have wreaked (the Tax Reform and Inclusion law). I substantial hardship on the populace, have no knowledge as to whether the especially the low-income groups, and Neda chief opposed—or at least voiced that the inflationary upcreep is unlikely serious reservations about— TRAIN’s to end anytime soon? I don’t think so. excise tax approach to raising increWhich is why I say, bravo, Secretary mental revenue for the Duterte admin- Ernie.

BUSINESS CLASS

Made...

From A4

It can’t be done in forests, where thick tree growth makes it impractical. But elsewhere topsoil has been removed, trees washed down and potassium sprinkled to reduce caesium uptake.

But the testing process is the cornerstone of efforts to win consumer trust.

Our products are safe “Some people are still worried, in Japan and abroad, so we want to continue to explain to people in other prefectures and in foreign countries that our products are safe,” said Kenji Kusano, an official at the testing center.

And occasionally radioactivity is detected, for example in wild plants and mushrooms, which are destroyed if they exceed the government standard.

Kusano said testing will remain important as residents gradually return.

“When residents come back to areas that are off-limits at the moment and start producing their own fruit and vegetables, they must be tested,” he said.

The Fukushima disaster devastated a previously flourishing local agricultural sector.

“Profits have not yet reached pre2011 levels and prices remain below the national average,” said Fukushima representative Nobuhide Takahashi.

The situation is even worse for fisherman, many of whom have survived only on compensation paid by Fukushima operator Tepco.

The tsunami destroyed ports across the region and demand is low despite an even stricter testing standard of 50Bq/kg for Fukushima’s seafood.

“When we catch fish and send it to market in Tokyo, some people don’t want to buy it,” said Kazunori Yoshida, director of Iwaki’s fishing cooperative.

As a result, fishermen brought in just 3,200 tons of seafood in the area last year, down from 24,700 in 2010.

The problem remains one of perception, despite the fact that independent testing confirms what gov-

ernment labs show.

The Minna no Data (Our Data) NGO carries out its own testing and spokesman Hidetake Ishimaru said the group was “very surprised” by the “mostly very low levels” it found in Fukushima produce.

Nobody believes At the international level, there has been some progress: Twenty-seven countries of the 54 that imposed restrictions on food from Fukushima after 2011 have now lifted those bans.

And another 23 markets, including the United States and European Union, have relaxed restrictions, though some regional neighbors including China and South Korea have kept bans in place.

The perception problem persists domestically too, with surveys showing some Japanese consumers still avoid Fukushima produce.

And experts say the government’s science-based approach has done little to convince people.

“Nobody believes, just by shouting safety,” said Katsumi Shozugawa, a University of Tokyo professor who has studied Fukushima food safety.

He said government testing was appropriate, but attempts to convince consumers remained “poor.”

Tomiko Yamaguchi, sociology professor at Tokyo’s International Christian University, said some consumers were torn between fear over Fukushima produce and solidarity with residents there.

“People can’t talk about these things. It’s almost like a taboo,” she said.

“But regardless ... if you are very concerned for your children, it doesn’t matter if there’s scientific evidence or not.”

On a farm in Fukushima where peaches hang ready to be picked, 14th generation farmer Chusaku Anzai said he was resigned to the situation.

“There’s no point wasting our energy trying to convince those who don’t want our products,” the 69-year-old said, his face worn by five decades of farmwork.

“We can’t do anything but wait for them to change their minds.” AFP

News

A6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House panel OKs funding for proposed department

IN BRIEF Philam Life denies Tan’s allegations

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations has approved the funding provisions for the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience.

The committee, chaired by Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, the panel chairman, said the substitute bill consolidated eight similar bills filed at the Lower House which proposes to establish departments and agencies for disaster management, resilience, preparedness, and rehabilitation.

Among the measures is the House Bill 7968 of Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.

The approval of the funding provisions of the measure came after Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo vowed the immediate passage of the measure and that the Lower House will create a committee that will tackle the disaster preparedness and resiliency of every district in the country.

Chapter XIX of the proposed DDR provides that the amount needed for its initial implementation will be sourced from the current fiscal year’s appropriation of all agencies “absorbed, transferred, and attached to the DDR.” Eventually, the funding for the department’s maintenance and operations shall be included in the General Appropriations Act, Nograles said.

Under the proposed DDR, the Office of the Civil Defense and Climate Change Commission will be combined as one agency, while offices like the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Health Emergency Management Bureau shall be merged into a new department.

On the other hand, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology shall be DDR’s attached agencies.

The funding provision for the measure also provides that the DDR shall manage the use and allocation of the entire National Disaster Resilience Fund, or the calamity fund, and its quick response fund component.

CLEAN RIDERS. The National Capital Region Police Office has crafted an anti-crime campaign titled ‘Campaign Plan: Clean Riders’ for a more vigorous, focused and effective strategy to prevent crimes. The launch Wednesday is led by PNP Chief Oscar David Albayalde and Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, NCRPO director, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Norman Cruz

Du30 wants to rid LGUs of widespread corruption

By Vito Barcelo

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has set his sights on chopping off the head of corruption in the local government, observing that corruption “is still very much alive” especially in local governments.

The President made the remarks during the 68th National Security Council and 69th National Intelligence Coordinating Agency founding anniversary rites in Pasay City on Tuesday, saying corruption was more widespread in the local government.

Corruption and illegal drugs were among Duterte’s political campaign pitches and vowed to address corruption not only in the national government but also in the local government areas.

The President has fired several top government officials with Cabinet rank linked to corruption, saying his anti-corruption campaign was meant to promote public accountability.

“In local government, I tell you [corruption] is the very thing that is really pulling us down: corruption... corruption is still very much alive,” Duterte said.

Duterte had vowed to reduce corruption to the barest minimum during his

six-year term ending in 2022.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte had “firm resolve” to fight corruption, even though the anti-corruption commission would still have to be constituted.

“The President has not waited for its constitution before he has started actually the purging of corrupt officials in government. As you know, even without the commission, he has gone ahead and fired many of his presidential appointees,” Roque said in his previous press briefing in the Palace.

“He is not waiting for its constitution before he moves against corruption. He has shown that with or without it, he has a firm resolve against corruption and he will implement it,” he added.

19 jailbirds from NutriAsia protest released

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

NINETEEN people, including some media workers, jailed following a violent NutriAsia dispersal were released Wednesday after prosecutors issued their release orders, police said.

But Bulacan police chief Sr. Supt.

Chito Bersaluna said one other suspect he did not identify would remain in detention.

“All of the 19 are covered by release orders, but there was one other person caught carrying a gun,” Ber-

saluna told Rappler.

Bersaluna said the release orders were secured after the group underwent preliminary investigation. But while they have been released, police said the 19 still faced complaints.

Replying to questions, Bersaluna said police detained the 20 for physical injury, alarm and scandal, and illegal assembly allegedly committed during the protest outside the NutriAsia factory in Bulacan.

Republika ng Pilipinas TODAY National Irrigation Administration (Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig Regional Office No. 8 Email Add:niabac.region8.gmail.com Telefax No. (053) 323-7596 TIN:000-916-415-016

INVITATION TO BID No. 16-2018 (Re-bidding) The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contract. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Item/Description

Approved Budget for Contract (Php) 60,880,904.81

Duration

330 cd

THE Court of Appeals has sustained its decision ordering the Pasig City Regional Trial Court and the Malolos City RTC to hear and resolve the money laundering cases against shabu tiangge operator Amin Imam Boratong, his wife Memie and several others.

In a resolution, the CA’s Former Special Second Division, through Associate Justice Carmelita Salandanan Manahan denied the motions for reconsideration filed by the Boratongs of its Jan. 29, 2018 decision that reversed the rulings issued by the Pasig RTC on May 28, 2013 and by the Malolos RTC on Dec. 3, 2013 dismissing the money laundering cases.

The appellate court held that the respondents failed to raise new arguments that would warrant the reversal of its decision.

“Substantially, the issues proffered by the private respondents were already addressed, sufficiently passed upon and resolved in the assailed decision. Hence, we find no cogent reason to warrant reconsideration or modification of our decision,” the CA declared.

In its Jan. 29 decision, the appellate court ruled that the Pasig City and Malolos City RTCs violated the right of the prosecutors to due process whey they prematurely dismissed the cases. Rey Requejo

tourism awardees

Manila

1. Calbiga IP Contract No. 022018– Construction of Canal Lining, Canal Structures, Terminal and Project Facilities of Calbiga Irrigation Project, Calbiga, Samar

CA paves way for Boratongs trial

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde told reporters on Wednesday that the protesters were not detained for hurting police.

But Bersaluna said the protesters allegedly hurt the guards of the industrial compound where the factory stands.

Protesters denied the police’s accusations, saying their assembly was a peaceful demonstration against NutriAsia’s labor policy.

Skal names CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Standard

Office Address : NIA Road, Marasbaras Tacloban City, Philippines Telephone Nos.: RM (053) 323-6743, Admin. (053) 323-9195 Website : www.region8.nia.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE American Life and General Insurance Co., the country’s premier life insurance firm, has denied the allegations of one of its clients named Mona Tan that it manipulated the latter’s insurance policies amounting to P101 million since 1990.

In a statement on Wednesday, Philam Life said it was aware of recent statements made by Tan including allegations concerning possible wrongdoing on the part of the company and certain of its agents.

“Philam Life denies the allegations and is cooperating fully with the Insurance Commission in its review of the case. We trust the commission will establish what is fair for all concerned, and will make an impartial decision,” Philam Life said.

It said it was committed to empowering Filipinos in their journey towards financial security and prosperity, adding that its customers are the “heart of our business and we remain steadfast in our commitment to them, and to honor our obligations.”

Earlier reports said Tan, a businesswoman with disability, accused Philam Life of manipulating her 359 insurance policies worth P101 million since 1990.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Tan, owner of an auto supply in Binondo, Manila, urged the Insurance Commission to revoke the certificate of authority granted to Philamlife and its agents―Leticia Ang, Vicente Ang and Ernesto Lim―“on the ground that their method of business is such as to render its proceedings hazardous to the public or to its policy-holders.”

She presented to the media a 16-page complaint filed against the respondents with the Department of Finance’s Insurance Commission. Julito Rada

Cost of Bid Docs 50,000.00

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”.

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm.

The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities 1. Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Starting June 17, 2018

Time 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Pre-bid Conference

July 24, 2018

2:00 p.m.

3. Receipt and Opening of Bids

August 6, 2018

10:00 a.m.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders upon payment of non-refundable amount of the Bid Documents to the Cashier.

The NIA 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.

(SGD) ESTELITA S. SUMILE BAC Chairman Noted: (SGD) FERMINA B. ALING Acting Regional Manager (MS-AUG. 2, 2018)

ASEAN MEET. (From left) Malaysia’s foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Myanmar’s Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw Tint, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and Thailand’s foreign minister Don Ramudwinai attend the AMM interface with Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Representatives during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial meeting in Singapore Wednesday. AFP

THE Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Airlines and New World Makati Hotel will present the Skal International Makati 37th Founding Anniversary and 28th Tourism Personality Awards at New World Makati Hotel on Aug. 30.

Named awardees are: Andrea Domingo of Pagcor; Kingson Sian of Resorts World Manila, Akihiro Hosoya of all Nippon Airlines; Richard Masselin of Pan Pacific Manila, Houdou Nakamura of Nagasaki Prefecture.

Other recipients of the awards are Joanne Rae Ramirez of Philippine Star; Ana Lisa Burgos of ABS-CBN News; Eddie Monreal of Manila International Airport Authority, Deedee Ledonio of Coltrans Exhibit; Peter Tay of Boracay Adventure Travel and Tours; Lawrence Tan of Thousands Concepts; former Tourism Secretary Jose Aspiras; and Raoul Esperas of Naia Press Corps.

The SKAL Makati Tourism Personality Awards is an annual event honoring individuals whose achievements and contribution have created an impact on the tourism industry.

Nonagenarian ex-lawmaker charged in P10-million pork scam A FORMER congressman, already in his 90s, has been charged by the Ombudsman for the alleged misuse of P10 million of his pork barrel on ghost projects.

The alleged offense happened 11 years ago.

Former Rep. Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental’s Third District, and seven others were charged with graft and malversation of public funds in connection with the alleged diversion of P10 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation to Molugan Foundation Inc. in early 2007.

Teves allegedly endorsed, without public bidding, Molugan to be the partner nongovernment organization for his livelihood program.

It was implemented through the now-defunct Technology and Livelihood Resource Center, a government agency.

But Teves earlier claimed his signatures in the documents were forged.

Prosecutors also claimed Molugan was unaccredited and unqualified to implement the project.

Ombudsman investigators, on the other hand, charged officials of the defunct TLRC with processing the release of P9.6 million of Teves’ allocations to Molugan without having verified the organization’s qualifications and reviewed the supporting documents for the transaction.

In addition, the Ombudsman, through the charge sheet signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Alteza Añoso, found out that the TLRC kept a P400,000 “service fee,” the expenditure of which was not properly liquidated by its employees who failed to submit a liquidation report.

Owing to the omissions allegedly committed by Teves and the TLRC officials at the time, Molugan president Samuel Bombeo Sr. was to “take possession and thus misappropriate PDAF-drawn public funds, instead of implementing the PDAF-funded project, which turned out to be nonexistent,” Añoso added. Maricel V. Cruz

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila EN BANC IN RE: DETERMINATION OF CURRENT STATUS OF REGISTERED POLITICAL PARTIES OR COALITION OF POLITICAL PARTIES.

Abas,S.M., Parreño, A.A., Guia, L.T.F., G u a n z o n , M.R.A.V., Inting, S.B., Casquejo, M.S., Kho, Jr. A.T.,

x------------------------------------------------------x

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

Promulgated: July 31, 2018

RESOLUTION No. 10411 WHEREAS,, the Commission on Elections is granted the power to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall pursuant to Section 2 (1), Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution. It is also granted the power to register, after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations, or coalitions which, in addition to other requirements, must present their platform or program of government.1 WHEREAS, the power to register political parties includes the power to ensure that those in the registry list are still in existence and continue to comply with the requirements of the Constitution, the laws, and the rules of the Commission; WHEREAS, the Commission needs to ensure that its records contain the correct and updated information in its political party registry considering the leadership and there are number of those that have not participated in recent elections; WHEREAS, the political parties currently registered in the Commission are:

NOW THEREFORE, the Commission RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES to prescribe the following: Section 1. Submission of Sworn Information Update Statement. - Currently registered political parties or coalition of political parties are directed to submit a Sworn Information Update Statement (SIUS) (form attached as Annex “A” hereto) with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission, Intramuros, Manila, not later than 31 August 2018, which shall state, among others, the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.

Full name of political party, organization or coalition of political parties with acronym; Principal headquarters and postal office address, including its branches and divisions, if any; Date of Registration; Constituency; List of current officers, respective positions, and sex; List of elected members in the immediately preceding national and local elections, respective elective positions, and sex; List of members, including guest candidates, nominated for any elective positions, respective nominated elective positions, and sex; Total number of members broken disaggregated by sex; Updated contact number(s) and email address(es);

Henceforth, registered political parties and coalitions are required to submit their Annual Sworn Information Update Statement every 15th August of the year.

Section 2.Effect of failure to comply. - Failure to comply with the preceding requirement despite due notice shall constitute prima facie evidence that the political party or coalition of political parties concerned already ceased to exist, and shall be a cause for the party’s and coalition’s cancellation of registration.

Section 3.Notice and Hearing of Cancellation of Registration. - The Commission En Banc shall immediately set the cancellation proceedings for the political party or coalition of political parties that failed to submit the SIUS, where they would be given the opportunity to show cause why its registration should not be forfeited. Thereafter, the Commission En Banc shall resolve the matter.

Let the Clerk of the Commission implement this Resolution by furnishing all the foregoing parties a copy of this resolution at their registered address. The Education and Information Department (EID) of the Commission is hereby directed to cause the publication of this Resolution in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation.

SO ORDERED. SHERIFF M. ABAS Chairman

LUIE TITO F. GUIA Commissioner

AL A. PARREÑO Commissioner

MA. ROWENA AMELIA V. GUANZON Commissioner

SOCORRO B. INTING Commissioner

MARLON S. CASQUEJO Commissioner

ANTONIO T. KHO, JR. Commissioner

1

Section 2 (5) par 1, Article IX-C, 1987 Philippine Constitution.

(MS-AUGUST 2, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

Estefano Rivera of Team Obengers maneuvers his Vios to victory in the Sporting Class of the Vios Cup. Jon Gonzales

World slots up for grabs in Ironman 70.3 PH

AGE groupers gear up for a spirited battle not only for top honors in their respective divisions but also for world championship berths when the Ironman 70.3 Philippines Asia-Pacific is fired off Sunday, Aug. 5 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City in Cebu.

The organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. said 50 qualifying age-group slots for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in France will be up for grabs in the upcoming event which features more than 12 age categories in the men’s and women’s sides, guaranteeing a fierce duel for spots in the first-ever Ironman 70.3 world tilt to be held in the unofficial capital of Cote d’Azur and the fifth largest in France.

Among the categories tipped to be hotly disputed are the 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 classes in both divisions with the bulk of a record field of 2,700 from over 51 countries all primed up for showdown in the premier endurance race put up by title sponsor Aguila Energy Drink and Regent Food Corp.

They will race side by side with the event’s elite bidders in the 1.9km swim90km bike-21.2km run event, headlined by four-peat seeking Tim Reed, former three-time world champion Craig Alexander, former XTERRA world champion and recent winner of the first Ironman 70.3 Davao Mauricio Mendez, and former Ironman As-Pac winners Tim Van Berkel, Josh Amberger and Braden Currie along with former Ironman South American winner Brent McMahon.

Also in the title hunt are Mike Phillips, Casey Munro, Michael Raelert, Jakub Langhammer, David Mainwaring and Tyler Butterfield—all itching to foil the big guns in the event supported by venue hosts Province of Cebu, City of Lapu Lapu and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. The battle for the women’s tiara is also expected to be fast and furious with three-time world champ and three-time Asia-Pacific and European titlist Melissa Hauschildt bannering the stellar field that includes Czech Radka Kahlefeldt, Caroline Steffen, Dimity Lee Duke and Beth McKenzie along with Anna Eberhardt, Lauren Goss, Bruna Mahn, Sabrina Stadelmann, Lisa Tyack, Lauren Brandon, Grace Thek, Mel Hauschildt, Simone Maier, Holly Khan and Manami Iijima.

Home tiffs spice up Azkals’ AFC Cup bid

By Peter Atencio

H

OME games at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod will spice up the campaign of the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team’s campaign in the 2018 Asean Football Federation-Suzuki Cup.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this will happen this November.

The Azkals, who is coached by Terry Butcher, will be involved in a five-team round-robin group stage of the Suzuki Cup, which will feature a new home-andaway format.

First, the Philippines will host Singapore in Bacolod’s Panaad Stadium on Nov. 13 before playing either Brunei or

Timor Leste away four days later.

On Nov. 21, the Azkals will clash with Thailand at the Panaad Stadium.

They will close out their group stage against Indonesia, in an away game in Jakarta, on Nov. 25.

The semis will then run from Dec. 1 to 6, with the two-leg finals being held on the 11th and 15th.

Meanwhile, team manager Dan Palami said they have appointed Melchor Miras Jr. as

Advertising Manager.

Miras will handle the marketing and promotion of the Azkals, which will be in coordination with other partners that the management has in the pipeline.

He is currently the Chairman of Media Puzzle Inc., one of the country’s largest advertising companies.

Media Puzzle Inc. specializes in OutOf-Home media, including being the sole advertising manager along the whole MRT-3 route along EDSA in Manila.

“Jun is a great addition to our team.

We want the Azkals to be around and in people’s consciousness even when there are no immediate matches. Of course, the funds we can generate through advertising will also be very important for our campaigns in the Suzuki Cup, Asian Cup, and beyond,” said Palami.

Diaz likes her new training Knights shoot OLYMPIC silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz said sees a marked improvement in the way she performs under a new coach Gao Kaiwen.

Gao, who came aboard last June, has been making Diaz lift heavier weights with a new routine and techniques.

“Binago niya ang lifting technique ko. Mas maganda dahil less ang pain ang nararamdaman ko from injury,” said Diaz.

The 27-year-old Diaz talked about her preparations for the coming 2018 Asian Games last Sunday at the end of the 2018 Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Open Championships at the Meralco Fitness Center in Ortigas, Pasig.

Gao, who recently took over from coach Tony Agustin, is currently the

Hidilyn Diaz

head coach of the Chinese national women’s army team. He has successfully coached two Chinese to medals in the Olympics, one of whom is Zhou Lulu, who in 2012, took home the gold in the 75kg+ category.

Then, there’s Chen Xiexia, who did it in 2008 in the 48kg event.

In training for the women’s 53 kg category, Diaz said she is lifting a personal best of 88 kgs in the squats, and 110 kgs in the clean and jerk.

Last summer, Diaz returned to the 58kg class and lifted 90 kg in the snatch, and a 115 kg in the clean and jerk.

This gave her the gold medal in the women’s open competition of the 2018 Philippine National Games weightlifting meet in Cebu. Peter Atencio

for victory no. 3 Games today (Letran Gym, Intramuros) 2 p.m.- Letran vs CSB (jrs) 4 p.m.- Letran vs CSB (srs)

LETRAN seeks to display its vaunted inside strength as it clashes with an unpredictable College of St. Benilde today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Letran Gym inside the gated walls of Intramuros, Manila.

Led by Larry Muyang and Chris Fajarito, the Knights pounded it inside and demolished the Jose Rizal Bombers, 74-58, Friday to jump to a share of third spot with the Perpetual Help Altas with a 2-1 (win-loss) record apiece.

Muyang and Fajarito lorded it over inside as they finished with 14 points in that one-sided triumph.

The Muralla-based dribblers will have a chance to keep No. 3 on their own with a victory over the Blazers in their 4 p.m. encounter while inching closer to leader Lyceum of the Philippines U (5-0) and No. 2 San Beda (3-0).

Thanks to their size and heft edge, the Knights are the league’s second-best team in points allowed as they shackled their opponents to 70.67 points a game, second only to San Beda’s leaguebest 60 points an outing.

“We hope to continue to take advantage of our size the way we did in our past games,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa.

Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour engages PH kids to try sport

By Ram Christian Agustin THE Rugby World Cup 2019, along with its official logistics partner DHL, launched a rugby clinic and essential life skills discussion in the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour of the Webb Ellis Trophy with 100 students from Concepcion Elementary School in Marikina last Tuesday.

“The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour is visiting 18 countries around the world and they lead up to Rugby World Cup 2019 and it’s the firstever rugby World Cup in Asia next year to be held in Japan. So for us, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really grow the game in Asia

and get people across the continent to find out a bit more about rugby, to have a go, and to really get to understand how brilliant a game rugby is and what it can do for them so the reason so the reason we went to Philippines,” said Team Official Lisa Hampton.

Members of the Philippine Volcanoes rugby team joined the Rugby World Cup 2019 Trophy Tour’s first destination in Taal, with children from local rugby development programmes.

“We have a program called Asia One Million which is where we’re trying to get a million new players to start rugby in the whole of Asia

in 2020, so programs like the trophy tour really helps us to inspire the generation that’s here and you can see it today,” said Hampton.

“Some of them may have never played rugby before and they start to play now and carry on playing and become future Volcanoes. Rugby is a great game, if you get into rugby, you can play with family and friends, it’s a team sport just like basketball which is really popular here,” she added.

The 18-month tour leads up to Asia’s first ever Rugby World Cup, to be held in Japan in 2019 and the next Participants of the essential life skills discussion held country on their list is India in August, by Rugby World Cup 2019 and DHL are shown here.

Ram Christian Agustin before heading finally to Japan.

Rivera carries Obengers Racing to Vios win MOTORSPORTS personalities and enthusiasts made their way to the streets of Alabang as the 2018 Toyota Vios Cup resumed action last July 28 and 29 after a two-month break, with Estefano Rivera of Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak hogging the spotlight.

Aside from the Celebrity racers, Sam Milby, Diego Loyzaga, Troy Montero, Sofia Andres, Phem Barranda, Jinno Rufino, and Chienna Filomeno, who highlighted the Promotional Class, all eyes were on the Super Sporting as their fierce battles resumed, picking up where they left off from the series’ first leg at Clark International Speedway last May. Although championship leaders Gerard Loy, Allan Uy and Keith Haw were expected to continue their successful ways, people were focused on the lightning quick 21-year old Rivera of Obengers Racing- Toyota Balintawak, who had a pretty disappointing first leg due to technical issues.

Determined to bounce back and redeem lost ground, Rivera stormed to a blistering Pole Position lap time of 1:16.888 during the time trials, a good 0.709 seconds ahead of Toyota Quezon Avenue’s Dominic Ochoa.

Rivera used this to his advantage as he controlled most of the first race.

However, his brakes started fading during the race’s closing stages, allowing second place Ochoa to close in, and eventually, place himself right behind Estefano’s tail.

Then, last lap drama arose as Rivera made an almost-costly mistake on turn 6, allowing Ochoa to capitalize and take the lead.

“It was a big mistake by me. With the brakes fading drastically, I decided to start conserving the car and just avoid providing an opening for Dominic to take advantage of,” said Rivera.

With a few corners to go, it seemed like Dominic had snatched the victory away from the Obengers Racing ace.

But to the shock of everyone present, Rivera made an unexpected lunge on the penultimate corner, taking first position back from Dominic, allowing him to take victory.

“Not only was the timing of the maneuver brilliant, the way it was done was also something worth recognizing; with a small gap, Estefano managed to overtake Dominic cleanly and scratch-free. You needed to witness it first-hand to admire what he did to make it count when it mattered most - a great racer,” said Cosco Oben, team owner of Obengers Racing.

Estefano also mentioned that the race had him lost for words. His teammates Raymond Ronquillo and Keith Haw finished third and fourth, respectively, making the victory even sweeter for everyone at Obengers.

Race 2 saw a reverse grid format for the top 6 finishers of Race 1, which meant that Estefano would start from 6th position, with Dominic in 5th. The race was going smoothly for the two favored drivers until a multi-car collision bumped them down to almost at the back of the grid. Ochoa then struggled to regain his pace and was unable to make his way up the order.

Rivera, however, rallied back some positions after falling to tenth. He recorded quick times to gain ground and eventually finished the 14-lap race in 6th place.

“The incident early on, I felt, was very uncalled for and really could have been avoided if not for some poor decisions from the others, but it is what it is. We had to catch up and Praise God I was able to recover positions and finish at 6th. A few more laps and we could have probably challenged for the win but we’ll take it as it is and be thankful for the points we earned. Plus I can say I’m already happy from this weekend considering the great race win earlier today,” added Rivera, who has now caught up in the overall standings and has a big chance to capture the 2018 crown.

Race 2 also saw Ronquillo and Haw score podium finishes with 3rd and 4th again, respectively, allowing Haw to take the overall lead in the Super Sporting standings with one round to go. Another Obengers driver, Paolo Agregado, finished 7th behind Estefano.

Another winner for Obengers racing was Elysse Menorca who finished 4th and 2nd in Race 1 and 2, respectively, for the Promotional Class.

All Vios Cup teams are now setting their sights on the championship round this Sept. 22, back at the Clark International Speedway. The competition will surely further intensify as the race to the 2018 crown is onto its final stage.

“Our team is in a very good position to capture titles this 2018 in all categories. With Keith and Estefano now taking over the Super Sporting standings after very impressive results here in Alabang, and with Elysse being consistently quick in the Promotional Class, we hope we can carry this momentum to Clark and emerge as champions at the end of the season. We know a lot is at stake and we will do everything we can to come out on top,” said Oben.

IN BRIEF

Meralco accepts lower offer from Solar Power

MANILA Electric Co. accepted the P2.34 per kilowatt-hour counter offer of Solar Philippines to supply 50 megawatts of power, lower than the P2.98 per kWh proposal of Pilipinas Newton Energy Corp.

“Meralco accepted the P2.34 per kwh offer for 50 MW net delivered capacity.

We challenged the offer of Pilipinas Newton... We submitted our offer many months ago and it took Meralco quite a long time to evaluate it but now we are hopeful that the proceedings will end soon since they accepted it as the lowest price in the CSP (competitive selection process,” Solar Philippines president Leandro Leviste said.

Leviste said Solar Philippines’ offer was now just subject to the original proponent’s “exercise or not exercise their right to match.”

Leviste said the company’s offer carried an escalation cost. He did not elaborate.

“The first year is P2.34 and there is an escalation and the (average) cost is still significantly below the original offer of P2.98,” he said.

He said the solar output would be generated from the expansion of Solar Philippines’ Tarlac facility. Alena Mae S. Flores

Zobels, Sys, Aboitizes top governance card

TEN publicly listed companies mostly owned by the Zobels, Sys and Aboitizes were ranked the highest in terms of good governance in 2017, according to the Institute of Corporate Directors.

ICD, which used the Asean Good Governance Scorecard to review 245 Philippine listed companies, said the top 10 PLCs obtained a score of 100 points and above out of the possible maximum score of 130 points.

The top 10 companies are Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Aboitiz Power Corp., Ayala Corp., Ayala Land Inc., China Banking Corp., Globe Telecom Inc., Manila Water Co. Inc., Philex Mining Corp., SM Investments Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Eleven PLCs posted a score of between 90 and 99.99. These are Bank of the Philippine Islands, BDO Leasing and Finance Inc., BDO Unibank Inc., Belle Corp., Cebu Holdings Inc., Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp., Manila Electric Co., Philippine National Bank, PLDT Inc., Premium Leisure Corp. and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

PNR reopens Caloocan to Makati route

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippine National Railways said it reopened its train service from Caloocan City to Dela Rosa Street in Makati City, 20 years after it was closed to the public.

“This is a good initiative from PNR. We will not just add, but also rehabilitate,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The Caloocan-Dela Rosa line is the fastest and most cost-efficient means of transportation along the 13-kilometer route, with running time of 37 minutes. It was shut down in 1997. A part of it was supposed to be utilized for the Northrail project, but much of the rail tracks were unused.

PNR general manager Junn Magno said the revival of the line segment was through the effort and cooperation of several agencies.

“The Caloocan line segment was a departmental track used by PNR between the Tutuban and Caloocan workshops. It was heavily damaged because of water intrusion, so we embarked to repair the track back to common carrier grade. The LRTA [Light Rail Transit Authority] offered old ballast material in May 2018; we used that to rebuild the track. Then the MNTC [Manila North Tollways Corp.] offered to haul it out of LRTA Pasay Yard. When things were in place, we began refurbishing the old stations,” Magno said.

Magno said the original intent of rebuilding the track was to slowly transfer material away from the Caloocan workshops, in preparation of the North-South Commuter Railway or the PNR North 1, which will run from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan.

The project broke ground in January this year. Meanwhile, the Transportation Department decided to use the remaining track time to generate revenues at the same time serving the Caloocan-Makati corridor.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

B1

Moody’s sees PH sustaining growth achieves higher spending on infrastructure. Moody’s also expects further progress on improving government revenue on lobal debt watcher the back of additional reforms and ongoMoody’s Investors ing enhancements in tax administration, which would also help keep government Service said debt stable,” Moody’s said.

Wednesday it expects the Moody’s conclusions are contained in the newly released credit analysis titled Philippines to sustain its “Government of the Philippines―Baa2 growth momentum, as the Stable”. government’s focus on The report examined the sovereign infrastructure development in four categories, such as economic strength, which Moody’s assessed as reinforces the decade-long “high”; institutional strength “modertrend of increasing potential ate (+)”; fiscal strength “moderate”; and susceptibility to event risk “low (+)”. expansion.

The report was an annual update to in“Strong GDP growth could accelerate even further, especially if the government vestors and not a rating action. Moody’s

By Julito G. Rada

G

said the stable outlook on the Philippines’ sovereign rating indicated that upside and downside risks were balanced.

“The credit profile of the government of the Philippines [Baa2 stable] is supported by a large and fast-growing economy and continued gains in debt affordability, in part because of revenue reforms,” it said.

“These positive features are balanced against low per capita incomes and low revenue-raising capacity when compared with other Baa-rated countries,” it said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Tuesday the government was eyeing to raise P3.2 trillion in revenues in 2019, including about P181.4 billion from tax reform implementation. The

RCBC GETS ACCOLADE. RCBC

is recognized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication for being one of the first banks in the Philippines to adapt to the new Philippine Standard for Swift MT940 format in a formal ceremony in Makati City. Gracing the ceremony are (from left) Stella Lim, head of corporate business for Asia Pacific at Swift; Manny Narciso, first senior vice president and global transaction banking group head of RCBC; Omar Ayalin, vice president of RCBC; Eric Buenaflor, senior vice president and corporate cash management head of RCBC; Mina Meresen, first vice president and product management division head of RCBC; and Ian Cruz, first vice president and head of information technology shared services group of RCBC.

PT&T plans to exit from rehab program

PUBLICLY-LISTED Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corp. on Wednesday said it plans to exit from the court-assisted corporate rehabilitation program ahead of the scheduled 2025 deadline.

“The exit from rehab is well within the plan of our new shareholders and another proof point that PT&T is serious in it’s intention to be a major player in the Philippines telecommunications industry,” PT&T president and chief executive James Velasquez said.

PT&T, which was established in 1962, sought the permission of the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 66 on July 30 to exit from rehabilitation “subject to compliance with requirements in line with the approved Rehabilitation Plan.”

Part of the compliance is for the company to conduct a stockholders’ meeting to increase its authorized capital stock, which will allow PT&T to pay debts through a debt-to-equity conversion as mandated by the approved rehabilitation plan. PT&T’s annual stockholders’ meeting is scheduled on September 14, 2018.

Darwin G. Amojelar

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

BoI okays P1.7-b Seda Lio Resort with tax incentives F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.1600

Japan

Yen

0.008940

0.4753

UK

Pound

1.312900

69.7938

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127406

6.7729

Switzerland

Franc

1.009999

53.6915

Canada

Dollar

0.768935

40.8766

Singapore

Dollar

0.734808

39.0624

Australia

Dollar

0.742600

39.4766

Bahrain

Dinar

2.646483

140.6870

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

14.1752

Brunei

Dollar

0.732118

38.9194

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.030066

1.5983

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.4740

Euro

Euro

1.169200

62.1547

Korea

Won

0.000899

0.0478

China

Yuan

0.146668

7.7969

India

Rupee

0.014609

0.7766

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246124

13.0840

New Zealand

Dollar

0.681500

36.2285

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032714

1.7391

Source: PDS Bridge

By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments approved the application of the P1.7-billion Seda Lio Resort as the first inclusive business model project under the Investment Priorities Plan.

Project proponent Ayala Land Hotel and Resorts Corp. said the project in El Nido, Palawan was the first ecologically sustainable tourism estate of Ayala Land Inc., which will be managed by Ten Knots Development Corp., also an ALI subsidiary.

Located within the sprawling 325-hectare Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, Seda Lio was constructed and is being operated by Econorth Resort Ventures Inc., an AHRC subsidiary.

“This development is a boost to Palawan not only as one of the country’s top tourist destinations but also as being at the forefront of promoting a healthier environment and having an inclusive business model wherein the community is engaged in a sustainable manner,” said Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

Rodolfo said the Seda Lio Resort project would create an inclusive im-

pact by integrating the low-income community in the company’s value chain through employment and sourcing of goods and services.

Under the IPP, inclusive business projects may qualify for pioneer status with up to five years of income tax holiday subject to certain conditions. The IPP criteria for IB models call for at least 25 percent of total costs of services to be sourced from micro and small enterprises and at least 25 direct jobs to be generated for individuals from the marginalized sector with at least 30 percent of the said jobs allotted for women.

IB firms are also obliged to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to MSEs, and/or facilitate access to finance.

Econorth expects total costs of about P243.8 million a year, with services sourced from MSEs of around P60 million by the third year of operation.

The company also committed to support staff development, allowing more opportunities for employees to grow in the service industry. Employees will undergo courses on managing local suppliers, tax and proper documentation, seminars on hazard and the environment and other educational courses.

first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion took effect in January, which reduced the personal income taxes but raised the taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and automobiles.

The second package that aims to corporate income taxes and rationalize fiscal incentives was already submitted to Congress. The Finance Department expects lawmakers to support it to meet the timetable set by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Moody’s said strong domestic demand and the economy’s limited reliance on foreign sources of financing shielded the Philippines from the direct impact of abrupt changes in the global macroeconomic and financial environment.

BPI’s income declined 5.7% to P11.03b in first semester BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said net income in the first half fell 5.7 percent to P11.03 billion from a year ago, on lower trading gains and higher expenses for digital technologies.

BPI said in a statement total revenues hit P37.22 billion, as net interest income grew 11.5 percent to P26.21 billion. Asset base expanded 9.3 percent, while the net interest margin improved 8 basis points.

The bank said interest income from loans grew 21.1 percent year-on-year, led by a 16-basis-point improvement in loan yields. Cost of funds increased 17 basis points in the six-month period, on higher documentary stamp tax on deposits.

It said net interest margin expanded 15 basis points on a quarter-on-quarter basis, amid favorable loan repricing and liquidity provided by the proceeds from the recent stock rights offering which allowed for the paydown of more expensive time deposits.

Net interest margin increased from 2.91 percent in the first quarter to 3.06 percent in the second quarter.

Total loans reached P1.22 trillion, up 15.7 percent year-on-year, on the back of strong growth in corporate loans and credit cards at 17.1 percent and 22.7 percent, respectively.

Total deposits went up 7.5 percent to P1.53 trillion, with current and savings accounts registering faster growth of 10 percent. The bank’s Casa ratio stood at 75.3 percent, while the loanto-deposit ratio was at 79.7 percent.

“Lower income from securities trading, trust and investment management and assets sales contributed to a 6.9-percent year-on-year decline in total non-interest income from P11.82 billion in the first semester 2017 to P11.01 billion in the first semester 2018,” BPI said.

The bank registered higher revenues from credit card fees and rental income.

Provision for loan losses in the first semester 2018 amounted to P1.91 billion, or 22.2 percent lower than 2017’s first half. Julito G. Rada

Dominguez asks insurance companies to invest in ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects

COCA-COLA’S DONATION. Coca-Cola supports the local sugar industry, especially the small farmers in Negros Occidental. The company unveiled a plan to build water access facilities using the self-sustaining Agos ram pump model to provide irrigation for block farmers in the sugar-rich province. Coca-Cola Philippines president and general manager Winn Everhart (second from right) turns over the water access facility to Dama Farm Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association chairman Daniel Diamente (right). With them are (from left) Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines president Cecile Alcantara and Coca-Cola Philippines public affairs and communications director Jonah de Lumen.

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III asked insurance companies to invest in the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program and become major players in inclusive economic growth.

The Insurance Commission is currently working on the circular setting the framework for these investments in infrastructure, which, “from a risk management standpoint, diversifies the insurance industry’s profit-making ventures that are mainly concentrated in accumulating real estate assets,” Dominguez said.

“I urge you to more closely review the investment opportunities opened by the infrastructure program and making a conscious effort to participate. It not only makes sound business sense to do so. It is also a patriotic thing to do,” Dominguez told leaders of the insurance industry during the 68th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Life Insurance Association Inc. in Makati City.

Dominguez also challenged industry

players to come up with new products that would encourage more Filipinos to avail of insurance coverage.

He cited 2017 data from the Insurance Commission showing that around half of the population were insured through traditional life insurance and mutual benefit associations while the rest “are left vulnerable to the uncertainties of life.”

“There should be a way for the insurance industry to design products that will broaden the base of life insurance coverage. That will be a service to our people,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez described 2017 as a “banner year” for the insurance industry, with assets rising to an all-time high of P1.56 trillion, of which P1.26 trillion or 81 percent was held by the life insurance sector.

He said IC Commissioner Dennis Funa informed him that the industry was set to surpass its 2017 feat through another record-breaking accomplishment this year. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market rallies; PXP jumps

T

HE stock market bounced back Wednesday from losses in the previous day, with blue chips leading the rally amid the release of more earnings report this week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 166.22 points, or 2.2 percent, to 7,838.22 on a value turnover of P7.2 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 120 to 74, with 46 issues unchanged.

Speculative issue PXP Energy Corp., which is still keen on drilling in the disputed West Philippine Sea, surged 39 percent to P14.18, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. climbed 4.2 percent to P990.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which is into power generation and distribution, banking, food and infrastructure,

advanced 4.1 percent to P59.70, while Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, gained 4.1 percent to P395.

The rest of Asian markets were mixed Wednesday, with Shanghai and Hong Kong sharply lower following reports the US was planning to more than double planned tariffs on China.

The region started on a positive note, tracking a Wall Street lead on hopes China and the US would resume talks to resolve their deepening trade war. Healthy corporate earnings also provided support.

Bloomberg News reported that Washington and Beijing were looking to discuss the tariffs row that has fueled fears of an all-out trade war between the world’s top two economies.

That came after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week that “some quiet conversations” had taken

place, adding that the US was open to discussions “any time China is willing to seriously negotiate.”

However on Tuesday reports said the White House was considering raising to 25 percent from 10 percent its planned tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Tariffs on $16 billion of Chinese imports are due in coming weeks, following measures on $34 billion worth of goods imposed in July, which prompted a response in kind by Beijing.

Nick Griffin, chief investment officer at Munro Partners, told Bloomberg Television: “The tariff issue is ongoing, I think it’s a negotiating tactic.

“How much we take of this as real and affecting earnings is questionable at this stage. In terms of an actual earnings effect, it’s not that big at the moment, it’s mainly just sentiment and risk appetite and for that it’s a moving

feast.”

Still, Shanghai tumbled 1.80 percent and Hong Kong lost 0.9 percent, while Sydney slipped 0.1 percent. Wellington shed 0.7 percent.

But Tokyo ended 0.9 percent higher on a weaker yen, while Singapore added 0.3 percent and Seoul gained 0.5 percent. Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok were also up.

Suppliers to Apple performed well after the US giant announced better-than-forecast profits. Foxconn climbed 1.7 percent in Taipei, Japan Display rallied 1.4 percent in Tokyo and Seoul-listed LG Display was 1.9 percent higher.

On currency markets the yen extended Tuesday’s drop after the Bank of Japan tweaked monetary policy but held off on any major tightening measures, while revising down inflation expectations. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

59.8 96 2.74 132 1.61 33.15 6.68 16.3 14.42 3.74 8.66 1.52 850 0.53 73.7 1.01 11.9 46.65 204 105.3 30 205.8 1,870 84.55 1.2

59.8 96.5 2.76 136.8 1.78 33.15 6.69 16.48 14.5 4.06 8.66 1.59 850 0.53 73.7 1.03 11.9 46.65 205 105.3 30 208 1,880 84.65 1.2

59.8 95.6 2.74 132 1.61 32.75 6.68 16.3 14.42 3.71 8.66 1.52 835 0.52 72.7 1 11.9 45.4 204 105.3 29.7 203.8 1,870 84.5 1.2

FINANCIALS 59.8 5,000 95.8 3,170,370 2.76 25,000 136.8 2,709,520 1.73 1,995,000 33 151,500 6.68 2,000 16.48 2,000 14.42 358,700 3.88 930,000 8.66 600 1.54 42,000 850 630 0.52 251,000 73 3,863,290 1.03 1,760,000 11.9 300 45.9 201,800 205 1,050 105.3 100 29.85 22,600 206 264,640 1,870 115 84.65 5,690 1.2 30,000

299,000 303,802,667.50 68,900 367,061,819 3,451,480 4,993,250 13,367 32,618 5,179,882 3,648,040 5,196 65,610 534,000 131,230 281,982,352 1,769,010 3,570 9,269,025 214,940 10,530 673,935 54,603,578 215,100 480,989 36,000

299,000 91,040,550.5) 44,491,975 -119,805 -1,335,508 64,227,259.5) 168,000 -5,175,345 -24,600 7,551,818 -301,661 -

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL 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 MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36.7 15.54 0.78 1.17 0.238 119 3.09 15.48 195 40.2 21.2 49.9 66.8 1.85 5.12 7.7 10.32 15.76 10.86 7.26 5.1 15.6 63.4 23.9 7.5 14 2.4 270 5 3.26 13.8 26.75 13 19.3 379.6 7.38 2.22 4.16 8.85 5.47 7.97 1.21 11.78 56.35 6.3 2.27 3.21 1.78 13.2 69.4 5.3 0.127 1.2 127.8 2.5 1.55

38 15.54 0.82 1.17 0.241 129.8 3.18 15.6 195 41.4 22.35 50.45 70.95 1.85 5.12 7.7 10.76 15.88 10.88 7.32 5.15 15.66 63.4 24.5 7.5 14.3 2.5 279.4 5.05 3.26 13.8 26.85 13 19.58 395 7.38 2.3 4.2 8.96 5.63 7.97 1.21 12 56.5 6.3 2.46 3.21 1.79 13.46 69.4 5.3 0.127 1.2 129.8 2.57 1.58

36.7 15.3 0.77 1.16 0.232 113 3.09 15.48 195 39.5 21.1 49.9 66.8 1.8 5.12 7.6 10.26 15.76 10.5 7.25 5.01 15.54 62.75 23.9 7.45 14 2.39 267.6 4.9 3.24 13.8 26.45 12.5 19.14 379 7.05 2.2 4.13 8.83 5.47 7.9 1.19 11.74 56 6.17 2.27 3.21 1.77 13.2 68.1 5.23 0.127 1.16 126.5 2.4 1.46

INDUSTRIAL 37.95 2,663,600 15.48 517,800 0.8 19,172,000 1.16 162,000 0.24 3,630,000 120 1,730 3.16 4,590,000 15.48 654,500 195 30 40 478,700 22.35 3,700 49.9 13,370 68 1,840 1.85 215,000 5.12 38,000 7.6 3,900 10.6 2,433,000 15.88 54,100 10.5 508,800 7.27 1,178,000 5.15 4,724,500 15.6 502,500 63.3 32,100 24.2 56,000 7.45 580,900 14.04 460,200 2.48 1,860,000 279.4 789,140 5.05 517,500 3.24 24,000 13.8 1,000 26.8 398,200 12.54 534,700 19.56 2,812,300 395 343,510 7.05 13,000 2.27 31,943,000 4.2 28,000 8.9 607,500 5.49 129,700 7.9 18,800 1.21 511,000 12 104,200 56.45 192,690 6.24 16,900 2.45 671,000 3.21 3,000 1.78 760,000 13.46 21,100 68.1 58,350 5.24 37,600 0.127 100,000 1.18 1,015,000 128.6 1,935,540 2.5 14,883,000 1.48 11,375,000

100,245,215 8,004,646 15,272,310 188,990 859,670 207,376 14,420,920 10,143,324 5,850 19,401,430 79,445 667,571 127,705.50 393,430 194,560 29,860 25,660,898 857,718 5,386,354 8,574,198 23,920,997 7,838,032 2,032,939 1,347,730 4,327,750 6,461,332 4,584,680 217,399,654 2,584,791 77,920 13,800 10,608,355 6,766,518 54,461,394 134,167,806 92,160 70,290,030 117,110 5,399,371 711,441 148,851 612,740 1,243,600 10,859,838.50 104,765 1,581,080 9,630 1,346,420 279,974 3,980,643.50 197,596 12,700 1,194,580 247,768,442 37,037,750 17,356,160

-1,519,865 -1,808 2,240 1,170 -1,570,530 -8,528,420 15,940 -665,076 -74,000 10,651,884 704,264 -2,507,842 ,138,192.9996) -2,121,220 446,640.50 -411,240 1,248,272 39,360 104,883,666 -42,140 147,340 -106,602 26,772,148 113,334,566 2,180,710 1,145.00 -70,180 7,360,407 -34,164 -124,050 20,166 -2,476,294.50 -28,350,186 -12,278,890 -85,680

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

0.25 57 12 0.99 5.99 30.45 0.96 0.97 997 6.2 11.8 7.1 0.208 976 6.01 55.95 5.06 0.62 3.78 18 0.7 4.71 0.038 1.32 2.75 139 950 1.54 470 262 0.345

0.25 59.7 12.06 1 5.99 31.75 1.07 1.04 1,015 6.2 12.34 7.1 0.208 1,010 6.01 57.3 5.06 0.62 3.9 18.4 0.7 4.87 0.038 1.39 2.81 140.5 990 1.59 470 262 0.345

0.245 56 11.94 0.93 5.99 30 0.92 0.93 996.5 6.1 11.78 7.1 0.205 976 6.01 55.55 5.06 0.59 3.75 17.98 0.69 4.61 0.037 1.31 2.75 138.4 950 1.53 470 258.4 0.32

HOLDING FIRMS 0.246 1,790,000 59.7 2,596,260 12.02 10,454,700 0.98 61,000 5.99 500 30.95 72,400 1.03 79,732,000 1.02 34,255,000 1,015 503,360 6.2 666,200 12.34 4,993,500 7.1 74,500 0.205 590,000 1,010 118,080 6.01 1,400 57.3 3,176,780 5.06 300 0.61 314,000 3.9 6,698,000 18.4 1,168,700 0.69 5,856,000 4.85 45,968,000 0.037 2,100,000 1.35 4,168,000 2.8 414,000 140 393,330 990 394,990 1.59 358,000 470 40 259 2,220 0.32 62,990,000

440,810 152,429,994 125,568,898 58,170 2,995 2,251,485 79,658,410 34,032,820 509,739,540 4,111,073 60,533,488 528,950 122,000 118,127,655 8,414 179,796,553.50 1,518 186,760 25,574,950 21,484,472 4,066,720 221,116,090 79,300 5,645,120 1,154,460 55,014,155 387,649,215 548,820 18,800 575,194 20,773,350

-12,450 42,981,780 -28,247,020 1,755,310 12,166,585 426,347 34,707,260 32,639,230 75,908,805.50 676,920 -1,875,612 -1,116,400 -53,312,370 32,950.00 7,989,831 94,329,835 -25,894 799,700

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

7.48 0.96 14.48 1.96 0.73 40.8 3.21 4.61 5.5 5.85 0.435 0.92 1 0.217 9.77 26 0.6 1.44 1.22 1.44 4.65 0.6

7.56 0.99 14.5 2 0.73 41.95 3.28 4.67 5.6 5.85 0.44 0.99 1.02 0.218 9.87 26.4 0.61 1.44 1.23 1.45 4.71 0.63

7.41 0.95 14.2 1.96 0.72 40.75 3.2 4.6 5.5 5.85 0.435 0.92 0.98 0.212 9.69 25.95 0.6 1.43 1.21 1.42 4.64 0.58

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

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

0.455 0.5 3.6 19.88 2 3.24 37.75 1.15 7.3 0.77 6.05

0.46 0.5 3.64 20.5 2 3.25 38.05 1.15 7.4 0.77 6.1

0.44 0.495 3.59 19.3 1.97 3.21 37.75 1.13 7.12 0.77 5.98

0.445 0.5 3.62 20.5 1.97 3.25 38 1.15 7.4 0.77 6

5,320,000 2,405,000 690,000 2,635,800 309,000 10,000 13,496,400 585,000 1,720,400 60,000 5,128,400

2,375,000 1,201,605 2,488,510 53,252,515 611,520 32,410 512,529,810 666,180 12,414,179 46,200 30,826,540

-18,010 12,112,330 57,130 -33,237,190 9,120 -9,427,315

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES 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 RACING PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

14.08 23.4 1.43 0.47 0.05 13.42 4.96 10.32 0.057 70.9 7.02 6.76 2.23 25.85 1,829 5.4 279 3.65 2.11 88.8 13.58 0.136 2.98 3.76 4.03 1.06 24.8 4.81 6.87 2.77 2.52 2.4 17.04 8.99 11 8.77 3.45 8.14 115 5.72 1,337 0.9 0.395 46 87 8.5 2.09 1.08 0.55 5.05 0.75 11.9

14.5 24 1.48 0.47 0.05 13.56 4.96 10.48 0.058 71 7.11 6.96 2.23 26 1,873 5.43 280 3.74 2.17 89.1 13.58 0.138 3.04 3.89 4.11 1.06 25.6 5.06 7.35 2.82 2.52 2.5 17.04 8.99 11 8.77 3.51 8.14 115 5.72 1,385 0.92 0.405 46.45 87 8.67 2.27 1.11 0.56 5.13 0.76 12.06

14.08 23 1.43 0.46 0.047 13.42 4.7 10.16 0.055 69.8 7.01 6.75 2.23 24 1,820 5.4 274.6 3.65 2.07 87 13.44 0.135 2.92 3.7 4 1.03 24.7 4.73 6.87 2.74 2.28 2.3 17.04 8.74 11 8.6 3.21 8.12 114 5.45 1,337 0.89 0.37 45.5 86 8.5 2.08 1.08 0.52 5.03 0.73 11.78

SERVICES 14.48 23.95 1.48 0.465 0.049 13.56 4.7 10.3 0.055 70.4 7.1 6.8 2.23 24.85 1,873 5.42 280 3.66 2.17 89 13.44 0.137 3 3.81 4 1.04 25.4 5 7.14 2.76 2.37 2.39 17.04 8.78 11 8.7 3.47 8.12 114.5 5.53 1,385 0.9 0.38 46 87 8.5 2.26 1.11 0.54 5.13 0.74 12

7,600 39,300 71,000 3,870,000 17,510,000 289,300 163,500 9,001,200 24,650,000 238,260 1,851,300 25,600 1,000 214,400 35,355 174,600 3,850 1,067,000 48,000 679,200 800 2,560,000 6,271,000 97,000 1,961,000 145,000 1,336,700 1,006,000 9,321,400 796,000 1,436,000 30,000 200 6,182,000 2,500 7,900 104,000 3,000 5,020 594,300 92,150 18,895,000 6,230,000 842,500 229,750 51,700 32,009,000 1,249,000 61,895,000 5,015,000 2,455,000 1,669,300

109,540 912,280 103,570 1,791,600 848,830 3,906,088 774,740 93,019,308 1,383,410 16,790,987 13,108,807 173,348 2,230 5,295,775 65,372,135 946,483 1,073,720 3,932,240 99,810 60,413,770 10,776 347,460 18,640,660 366,620 7,893,000 150,100 33,498,390 5,051,250 66,774,359 2,208,040 3,378,940 71,440 3,408 54,636,804 27,500 68,677 345,450 24,400 576,425 3,274,194 126,791,600 17,114,270 2,392,000 38,810,765 19,949,880 443,904 70,652,840 1,372,980 33,225,990 25,603,155 1,822,390 19,940,526

14,480 -22,000 1,321,588 -49,705,896 -3,765,842 14,180 -12,225 32,488,605 -18,440 7,501,733 268,810 1,060,940 -3,375,680 -20,100 5,708,613 -22,250 1,025,364 -4,300 -135,000 -384,595 14,556,015 -2,014,470 -23,600 1,875,540 1,412,699.50 -158,950 -1,304,860 -890,200 -5,910 -5,645,470 -398,940 5,849,830

47,700 37,875,710 884,540 4,455,875 14,300 7,472,260 39,000 4,596 8,758,570 17,350 66,940 36,700 38,500 784,460 18,951,560 249,130 1,560 1,064,510 371,400 1,200 155,100 1,107,320 8,566,750 339,738,106 14,509,745

-3,343,980 -422,550 -476,870 55,060 -345,980 -18,920 54,740 -2,330,330 -11,880 22,000 1,012,120 -2,696,310 -1,604,495

MS

PROPERTY 7.45 0.98 14.4 2 0.73 41.95 3.23 4.67 5.6 5.85 0.435 0.99 1.02 0.212 9.72 26.4 0.6 1.44 1.21 1.44 4.7 0.61

651,800 2,650,000 5,800 114,000 188,000 13,680,700 368,000 592,000 7,200 12,000 4,970,000 110,000 1,191,000 9,790,000 708,700 433,300 1,265,000 4,478,000 1,498,000 4,740,000 20,488,000 94,150,000

4,852,296 2,573,900 82,712 226,870 136,650 571,439,005 1,187,920 2,762,090 39,660 70,200 2,162,600 103,150 1,197,590 2,084,800 6,886,199 11,338,720 761,560 6,445,370 1,824,230 6,778,710 96,148,130 57,750,270

-718,556 -3,920 7,300 92,946,935 90,910 -3,360 -326,500 -48,478.00 3,033,795 -226,800 -691,290 -412,180 786,700 6,492,200 -78,160

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG 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

0.0026 1.43 3.9 21 1.43 1.98 0.3 7.65 2.08 0.219 0.124 0.127 0.0077 1.58 4.34 1.18 0.52 1.08 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.05 4.43 10.96 31.8

0.0026 1.61 3.93 24 1.43 2.05 0.3 7.69 2.1 0.219 0.124 0.127 0.0077 1.67 4.54 1.18 0.52 1.09 0.013 0.012 0.011 3.05 4.63 14.24 32.4

0.0025 1.43 3.87 21 1.43 1.97 0.3 7.62 2.06 0.213 0.123 0.126 0.0077 1.57 4.33 1.14 0.52 1.06 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.95 4.43 10.94 31.8

MINING & OIL 0.0026 19,000,000 1.57 24,464,000 3.87 226,000 23.35 192,700 1.43 10,000 2.02 3,723,000 0.3 130,000 7.69 600 2.08 4,218,000 0.218 80,000 0.124 540,000 0.126 290,000 0.0077 5,000,000 1.64 482,000 4.4 4,273,000 1.18 214,000 0.52 3,000 1.08 996,000 0.012 30,900,000 0.012 100,000 0.011 14,100,000 3.05 371,000 4.55 1,882,000 14.18 26,219,600 32.3 450,800

ABS HLDG PDR FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

23.4 103.9 5.39 997.5 987.5 100 1.03 1,000 76.3 80 76.95 75.25 75.2 75.1

23.6 104 5.39 997.5 987.5 100.3 1.03 1,000 76.3 80 77 75.3 75.5 75.5

22.3 103.9 5.22 997.5 966 100 1.03 980 76.3 80 76.2 75.2 75.2 75.1

PREFERRED 23.6 167,300 104 20,860 5.22 639,600 997.5 10 987.5 5,310 100.3 1,510 1.03 192,000 980 5,060 76.3 230 80 600 76.2 9,100 75.3 107,830 75.5 36,650 75.5 100,800

3,903,510 2,168,440 3,340,297 9,975 5,194,175 151,350 197,760 5,023,600 17,549 48,000 697,990 8,112,799 2,764,995 7,572,760

1,918,220 -3,186,222 435,404

LR WARRANT

2.45

2.5

2.4

WARRANTS 2.45 491,000

1,186,410

-

5,908,536 5,017,700

-593,610

820,227

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.28 3.28

5.28 3.28

5.1 3.15

FIRST METRO ETF

113.6

116.2

113.6

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

17,077,580

INDUSTRIAL

114,414,794

HOLDING FIRMS

270,293,575

PROPERTY

200,031,162

SERVICES

223,946,970

MINING & OIL

137,950,338

GRAND TOTAL

966,441,086

5.2 3.16

SME

1,143,400 1,574,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.2 7,160

VALUE 1,868.18 (up) 9.26 1,132,449,669.53 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,996.99 (up) 166.81 1,094,903,612.78 HOLDING FIRMS 7,832.26 (up) 238.52 2,134,522,717.35 PROPERTY 3,816.20 (up) 61.39 1,517.55 (up) 23.97 1,526,675,402.675 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,199.40 (up) 484.99 834,219,244.799 PSEI 7,838.22 (up) 166.22 445,249,990.742 All Shares Index 4,679.52 (up) 75.40 7,179,773,945.27 Gainers: 120; Losers: 74; Unchanged: 46; Total: 240

Aboitiz Equity, Aboitiz Power book slightly lower earnings

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc. posted a net income of P10.1 billion in the first six months of 2018, down 2 percent from P10.3 billion year-on-year, on foreign exchange losses.

AEV said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the company recognized non-recurring losses during the period amounting to P467 million from last year’s losses of P495 million, representing net foreign exchange losses arising from the restatement of dollar-denominated net debt.

Power accounted for 68 percent of total income contributions, followed by banking and financial services (22 percent), food (6 percent), land (3 percent) and infrastructure (one percent).

“Our first-half results reflect challenges that continue to test the resilience of our diversified portfolio,” said AEV president and chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz.

Net income of unit Aboitiz Power Corp. in the first half, meanwhile, reached P9.1 billion, down six percent from P9.7 billion recorded last year.

Aboitiz Power recognized nonrecurring losses of P1.4 billion from last year’s losses of P744 million as a result of net foreign exchange losses.

Without the one-off losses, the company’s core net income was flat yearon-year at P10.5 billion.

Aboitiz Power recorded consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of P24 billion in the first half, up 10 percent the P21.8 billion recorded last year.

“We continue to grow the business with the capacity additions and the expanding distribution business,” said Aboitiz Power president and chief executive officer Antonio Moraza. “Energy sales are up; however, margins are getting tighter due to competition.

This is a reality that we have prepared for—and our organization is equipped to compete,” Moraza said.

Union Bank of the Philippines’ income contribution to AEV in the first six months, meanwhile, increased nine percent to P2.3 billion from P2.1 billion.

Century Pacific’s net profit rose to P5.7b in 1st half

By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Pacific Food Inc., the Philippines’ largest canned food company, said Wednesday net income rose seven percent to P1.57 billion in the first six months of 2018 from P1.47 billion year-on-year on the back of double digit growth in sales.

Century Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half revenues totaled P19.32 billion, up 20 percent from a year ago, with the branded business accounting for 75 percent of the total.

Branded sales which include marine, meat and milk segments, stood at P14.4 billion in the six months ending June, representing a 25-percent increase on year.

“We saw branded sales surge during the first half, as we hit records in terms of volumes sold and distribution outlets reached. We believe local macroeconomic factors have favored demand for our products, which have wide appeal and reach a broad consumer base. We are likewise seeing sustained brand affinity as a result of our marketing efforts, and reaping the fruits of improvements in our distribution network made over the last 12 to 18 months,” Century Pacific chief finance officer Oscar Pobre said Revenues from the original equipment manufacturer business were also up nine percent to P4.9 billion in the six months ending June.

“We are hopeful that the robust sales numbers will continue, but expect more muted year-on-year increases from here as we face higher revenue comparable periods moving forward. We are also watchful as competition intensifies, though remain positive that our market leadership and growth prospects in emerging categories will help mitigate the effects,” added Pobre.

The cost of sales consisting mainly of raw material and packaging costs, manufacturing and labor costs jumped 21 percent to P14.22 billion due to higher raw material prices, espeially for tuna, meat and packaging.

World IN BRIEF Thailand deports Mozambican fugitive BANGKOK―Thailand has extradited a Mozambican fugitive wanted for a string of kidnaps for ransom and murders, police said Wednesday, as a crackdown deepens on foreign gangsters using the Southeast Asian country as a bolt-hole.

Momade Assif Abdul Satar entered Thailand three years ago shortly after being freed on parole from a Mozambique jail for the 2000 gangland-style murder of an investigative journalist in the capital Maputo.

Interpol issued a “red notice”, or a non-binding arrest warrant, after allegations Satar continued to run a ransomkidnap business across Mozambique and South Africa from overseas.

The gang snatched wealthy executives and charged up to $3 million for their release.

Media reports in Mozambique and South Africa say a number of those kidnapped were later murdered.

Satar, who was arrested in Bangkok last week, may have entered Thailand on a fake passport and then set up a front company to obtain a visa, the Deputy Commissioner of Thailand’s tourist police told AFP. “He was extradited at midnight [Tuesday] on a flight to Kenya,” for onward travel to Mozambique, Police MajorGeneral Surachate Hakparn said.

“We will not allow foreign criminals to use Thailand as base for their operations,” Surachate added.

Satar is the latest in a mounting tally of foreign criminals found hiding out in Thailand, a country trying to banish its reputation as a bolt-hole for bad guys. AFP

India bans rabies vaccine from China NEW DELHI―India has banned the import of a rabies vaccine from a Chinese manufacturer embroiled in a safety scandal, the head of India’s drug regulator told a newspaper in comments published Wednesday.

“The vaccine is being used in India, but we don’t have the exact details of the total number of units imported or where they have been distributed,” S. Eswara Reddy told the Hindustan Times daily.

“I have asked my staff to prepare a detailed information report on its import and distribution,” he was quoted as saying in the interview.

“Once we get the information, we will ask for a recall of the vaccine from market. But until then, there is a blanket ban on its import.”

Rabies kills an estimated 20,000 people in India every year, according to the government’s National Rabies Control Program.

China’s latest product-safety scare emerged more than a week ago with news that Changchun Changsheng Biotechnology had fabricated records and was ordered to cease production of rabies vaccines. AFP

Pussy Riot members released by police MOSCOW―Russian police unexpectedly released Pussy Riot punk group members early Wednesday while they still faced charges for invading the pitch at the World Cup football final in Moscow last month, the activists said.

Four members of the group had spent a night in police custody and a day awaiting a court hearing in Moscow only for a judge to refuse to hear the case over technicalities.

Police then took them back to a station and released them shortly after midnight, one of the members, Pyotr Verzilov, wrote on Twitter.

Pussy Riot activists have faced a bewildering array of legal actions after they briefly invaded the pitch during the World Cup final on July 15 in Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium dressed as police, in what they later called a political protest.

Verzilov, Veronika Nikulshina, Olga Kuracheva and Olga Pakhtusova have already served a 15-day sentence for breaking the rules for spectators at a sporting event. They were also fined 1,500 rubles ($24, 20 euros) each for wearing police uniforms.

“Free after 16 days of arrest!” Verzilov wrote on Twitter, posting a picture of the four dancing in a car park. AFP

B3

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump: Iran talks ‘pretty soon’ T

AMPA―US President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that talks with arch foe Iran were imminent, but the idea has been criticized in Tehran, with the country’s foreign minister warning that “PR stunts won’t work.”

AGAINST TRUMP’S POLICIES. Women dressed as characters from the novel-turned-TV series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’protest in front of

the Alexander Hamilton Customs House on July 31, 2018, where US Vice President Mike Pence was speaking at a Department of Homeland Security conference. The demonstrators were protesting the immigration and religious policies of the administration of US President Donald Trump. AFP

US to urge Saudis trying once ‘lowly’ jobs pressure on as government trims subsidies North Korea at Asia talks SINGAPORE―The US will urge the international community to keep up sanctions pressure against North Korea at a security forum in Singapore this week, as concerns mount that Pyongyang has made little progress towards denuclearization.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his North Korean counterpart will attend the gathering in the city-state where US President Donald Trump and the North’s leader Kim Jong Un held their historic summit two months ago.

Pompeo and top diplomats from other countries involved in trying to curtail Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions will scrutinise whether the North has taken concrete steps towards abandoning its nuclear weapons.

At his landmark talks with Trump in June, Kim signed up to a vague commitment to “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”―a far cry from long-standing US demands for complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament.

While there have been small signs of progress, news reports indicate Pyongyang is continuing to build rockets, and there are mounting concerns that the enforcement of United Nations sanctions on the North is being relaxed by some member states.

A US official said Washington was “concerned” by North Korean violations of UN-approved sanctions, including illegal shipments of oil by sea.

Gatherings like Saturday’s ASEAN Regional Forum are “an opportunity to remind all countries of their obligations in adherence” of UN Security Council resolutions, the official said.

The annual forum, hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, brings together top diplomats from 26 countries and the European Union for talks on political and security issues in Asia-Pacific.

The foreign ministers from all nations involved in stalled “six-party” negotiations with North Korea aimed at reining in Pyongyang’s nuclear program will be at the gathering: the US, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea. AFP

RIYADH―Dishing out burgers and fries slathered with melted cheese, “One Way Burger” is like any other trendy food truck in Riyadh. But it offers something rare―the cook behind the sizzling hot grill is a Saudi.

In the once tax-free petro-state, which long offered its citizens cradle-to-grave welfare, blue-collar occupations such as cooking, cleaning and working at gas stations have largely been the preserve of foreign workers, who far outnumber Saudis.

But Saudis are increasingly taking on such “low status” jobs in a new age of austerity when gas is no longer cheaper than water, with the government trimming oil-funded subsidies and tackling sluggish economic growth and high unemployment.

“When I started this food truck two years ago many people said: ‘What?

You will sell burgers and sandwiches in the street? You come from a big family and big tribe’,” said Bader al-Ajmi, the 38-year-old owner of One Way Burger.

“People were surprised,” he added, as a Porsche pulled up at the side of his truck to place an order.

Since Ajmi started his business, dipping into his personal savings, owning a food truck has become the trend du jour and attained a level of respectabil-

ity. Working inside as a cook apparently still has not.

Still, many Saudis, long reliant on the welfare state for secure and undemanding white-collar jobs, are embracing manual labour jobs.

For the first time, a new crop of nationals are working as tea sellers and car mechanics.

Posh Lexus-owners work as Uber drivers for spare cash.

“Will Saudis ever work as street cleaners?” columnist Abdulhadi alSaadi recently asked in the daily Saudi Gazette.

“Some people will look down at this proposal... They should know that nations only rise on the shoulders of their own people,” he wrote.

Last December, residents of eastern Al-Ahsa region feted a handful of young Saudis who swallowed their pride to do another job long deemed dishonorable―working at a gas station.

“There is no shame in this work,” a gas station customer said in a Snapchat video.

“Prophet Mohammed used to work as a shepherd.”

It remains unclear how many nationals have moved into blue-collar jobs but the trend defies a popular maxim among Saudis: “They [expats] work for us, we don’t work for us.” AFP

Tehran has not given a definitive response to Trump’s statement that he would meet “any time” without preconditions, but skepticism is rife in Iran over the possibility, with one lawmaker saying negotiations would be a “humiliation.”

“I have a feeling they’ll be talking to us pretty soon,” Trump told a rally in Tampa, Florida, before adding: “And maybe not, and that’s OK too.”

He also used the occasion to again blast the “horrible, one-sided” 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers from which the American president withdrew.

“It’s a horror show,” Trump said.

“I hope it works out well with Iran.

They are having a lot of difficulty right now.”

The US is set to start reimposing full sanctions on Iran from August 6―a move that has already contributed to a major currency crisis with the rial losing two thirds of its value in six months.

Several Iranian public figures said it was impossible to imagine negotiations with Washington after it tore up the nuclear deal in May. “Iran & US had 2 yrs of talks. With EU/E3+Russia+China, we produced a unique multilateral accord -- the JCPOA (nuclear deal). It’s been working. US can only blame itself for pulling out & leaving the table,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter.

“Threats, sanctions & PR stunts won’t work. Try respect: for Iranians & for [international] commitments,” he said.

Ali Motahari, deputy speaker of parliament, also weighed in.

“With the contemptuous statements [Trump] addressed to Iran, the idea of negotiating is inconceivable. It would be a humiliation,” Motahari said, according to the conservative Fars News.

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said: “America is not trustworthy. After it arrogantly and unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement, how can it be trusted?”

Only last week, Trump fired off an all-caps tirade at his counterpart Hassan Rouhani on Twitter, warning of untold “suffering” if Iran continued to threaten the United States.

Many in Iran are therefore suspicious of his latest volte-face. AFP

92 injured as Mexican plane crashes in storm DURANGO―An Aeromexico flight crashed on takeoff during a heavy hail storm in northern Mexico, engulfing the plane in flames and injuring 97 people, officials said Tuesday.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, which was operating between Durango and Mexico City and crashed around 3:00 pm local time (20:00 GMT), was carrying “88 adults, nine minors, two infants, two pilots and two flight attendants,” the airline’s director general Andres Conesa told a news conference.

“It is confirmed that there have been no deaths from the flight #AM2431 accident,” tweeted Jose Rosas, the governor of Durango state where the crash

occurred.

The accident did cause two series injuries: a pilot had to undergo a spinal operation, and a young girl suffered burns on 25 percent of her body, the governor said.

A total of 97 people were admitted for treatment following the crash, most of them for “very light” injuries, according to Durango civil defense spokesman Alejandro Cardoza.

Cardoza said the plane was caught in a heavy hailstorm and the pilots tried to make an emergency landing, after which the fire broke out.

Conesa thanked the crew “for their professionalism” and said that the air-

craft “was perfectly maintained,” but did not provide details on the circumstances of the accident.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced the dispatch of a team to investigate the crash.

Dozens of lightly injured passengers were seen leaving the plane, which was engulfed in gray smoke in a field.

An image taken using a drone and obtained by AFP shows the aircraft immobilized in a field at the end of the runway.

“We were on the runway when the visibility grew worse,” 47-year-old Jacqueline Flores, who was traveling with her 16-year-old daughter, told AFP. AFP

Farmers in Fukushima still struggling to win trust KORIYAMA, Japan―The pumpkin is diced, the chicken carved and the eggs beaten into an omelette, but the people preparing the food are not chefs―they are scientists testing produce from Japan’s Fukushima region.

Seven years after the March 2011 nuclear disaster caused by a devastating tsunami, rigorous testing shows no radioactive threat from Fukushima’s produce, officials and experts say.

But local producers say they still face crippling suspicion from consumers.

More than 205,000 food items have been tested at the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Center since March 2011, with Japan setting a standard of no more than 100 becquerels of radioactivity per kilogram (Bq/kg).

The European Union, by comparison, sets that level at 1,250 Bq/kg and the US at 1,200.

In the last year, the center says no cultivated produce or farm-reared livestock has exceeded the government’s limit.

In all just nine samples out of tens of thousands were over the limit: eight from fish bred in inland ponds, and one a sample of wild mushrooms.

Each day, more than 150 samples are prepared, coded, weighed, and then passed through a “germanium semiconductor detector”. Rice undergoes screening elsewhere.

While radiation affected several regions which have their own testing processes, Fukushima’s program is the most systematic, testament to the particularly severe reputational damage it suffered.

In the wake of the nuclear disaster, a wide-scale decontamination program has been carried out in Fukushima.

It can’t be done in forests, where thick

tree growth makes it impractical. But elsewhere topsoil has been removed, trees washed down and potassium sprinkled to reduce caesium uptake.

But the testing process is the cornerstone of efforts to win consumer trust.

“Some people are still worried, in Japan and abroad, so we want to continue to explain to people in other prefectures and in foreign countries that our products are safe,” said Kenji Kusano, an official at the testing center.

And occasionally radioactivity is detected, for example in wild plants and mushrooms, which are destroyed if they exceed the government standard.

Kusano said testing will remain important as residents gradually return.

“When residents come back to areas that are off-limits at the moment and start producing their own fruit and vegetables, they must be tested,” he said. AFP

BEATING THE HEAT. A woman dives into the water at the Markkleeberger lake on July 31, 2018, in Markkleeberg near Leipzig, eastern Germany. AFP

LGUs

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

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7k Taguig PWDs gain P1,000 cash as birthday gifts

LocaL government units

thursday, august 2, 2018

Pineda, Ople kin vie for Malolos mayoralty, too

By Orlan L. Mauricio

(Conclusion, continued from Monday) MALoLoS CITY—Another contender for the mayoralty here in the 2019 elections is incumbent Councilor Len Pineda, brother of former councilor Lut Pineda, whose family’s chain of retail and business establishments are a factor for their opponents’ reckoning.

Len, whose rift and irreconcilable difference with incumbent Vice Mayor Gilbert “Bebong” Gatchalian, is public knowledge, is outspoken and determined to pursue his ambition. efforts for Pineda to become the running mate of opposition stalwart Laurens Jan “Didis” Domingo have all been rejected, as Len has stood his ground and promised to give his foes a run for their money.

Not to be left at the starting line is Board Member Therese “Ayee” ople, sister of three-term Councilor Jong and a relative of the late great Bulakenyo statesman “Ka Blas” ople. She is definitely eyeing the mayor’s seat, a fact bolstered by the resignation of Jong last week from all the committees he chairs in the City Council.

The move, Manila Standard learned, is to preempt a plan of the Sanggunian’s majority bloc to reorganize its committees and oust Jong from all his chairmanships.

“Jong beat them to the punch. This is a real fight,” the Standard source said, requesting he not be named.

Ayee is reputedly the bet of Bulacan Gov. Willy Sy-Alvarado, who can seriously dent and scuttle the bailiwick of City Mayor Christian Natividad, who is seen as a threat to the political careers of the governor, his wife Marivic, and his son, 1st District rep.

Jose Antonio “Jonathan” Sy-Alvarado.

Ayee has also asserted to mediamen here that it’s “degrading” to slide down and accept a second fiddle’s role. She boasts of being undefeated for two consecutive terms as city councilor and three terms as board member of the 1st District since 2010.

Veteran political observers here see a drastic re-sculpturing of Malolos’ political ladscape if and when Al Tengco, a former vice mayor, decides to make a comeback and runs for mayor.

In such a scenario, sources said two mayoral contenders would easily consider running as Tengco’s partner to ensure unlimited logistics, which no doubt will overflow from his ancestral house in Barangay Sto. Niño, where nephew Miguel Alberto “Migs” Bautista and seven of his kagawads recently swept the barangay elections.

The four-way battle for mayor leaves the vice-mayoralty easy picking for three-term Councilor Peter “Toots” Bautista, who might run unopposed if mayoralty bets do not give way to, or align with, each other.

Bautista’s early campaign has been heard in almost every street of the city, leaving voters to ask: “Wala na bang iba?” (Isn’t there anyone else?)

Political pundits in Malolos believe another Bautista might yet contend for vice mayor, a strategic position whose legislative and law-making chores are suited for lawyers.

Incumbent Councilor Niño Bautista is a neophyte at the City Council but has proven himself to be a performer. He has surpassed the output of all his colleagues in the number of sponsored and approved ordinances and resolutions.

Bautista versus Bautista for vice mayor of Malolos? Both are lawyers, both are young, and will lead to a tossup on election day next year.

TIME TO PLAY. After almost three weeks of intermittent rains and flooding brought about by recent typhoons, teenaged boys bask in the sun and play basketball at their improvised court near a grassy lot in Parañaque City. Ey Acasio

10 fall in drug busts in 3 Makati villages

By Joel E. Zurbano

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UTHorITIeS arrested 10 notorious drug dealers in a series of police operations in three barangays of Makati City last Tuesday.

The latest apprehension, made by Makati Police Special Drug enforcement Unit, brings to 186 the total number of suspects arrested involving drugs from May 10 to July 26 this year.

Mayor Abigail Binay commended the Makati police for its latest accomplishments in the fight against the drug menace, citing its relentless drive in clearing communities of bad influences and criminal elements that threaten public safety and hamper the overall development of the city.

“These latest arrests made by our local police serve to underscore the need for vigilance within our own communities.

We call on all law-abiding Makatizens to do their part in attaining a drug-free Makati by immediately reporting illegal activities happening in their neighborhood to the authorities,” she said.

Makati Police chief Senior Supt. rogelio Simon said SDeU men conducted the drug bust operation at Nazario Street in Barangay Singkamas around 3:10 p.m. on July 31, which led to the arrest of seven suspects—Mary Grace Manlait; Ma. Theresa Bantayan; Mark Anthony Dizon; Danilo Cruz; Jay-ar Dizon; romejun Dizon; and Kenneth Dizon, all residents of Barangay Singkamas.

The authorities recovered P300 in

buy-bust money as well as 14 pieces of transparent plastic sachets, one weighing scale, a mobile phone, four pieces of assorted ammunition, and one metal case.

Following the custodial investigation which revealed the identity of the illegal drugs supplier, SDeU operatives conducted its second operation at 6:15 pm of the same date along the alley of Caimito Street in Barangay Cembo, which led to the arrest of 46-year-old Ben Garcia.

Buy-bust money amounting to P300 was also recovered, along with 15 pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected as methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”

A follow-up operation was conducted around 6:50 pm at Magsaysay Street in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo where the police arrested Mabella Delgado and Jory Palmes, both 29 years old.

MANILA MOA.

Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada (center) signs a Memorandum of Agreement expressing full support for Community and Service-Oriented Policing with law enforcement agencies to strengthen and unite efforts on criminality, internal security, and illegal drugs. Also signing the agreement (from left) are Manila Police District Director Rolando B. Anduyan and Napolcom Vice Chairman and Chief Atty. Rogelio T. Casurao.

Go digital to grow profits, serve customers, Belmonte urges MSMEs IN an age of e-commerce technology and social media, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday urged the city’s 75,000 small businesses to go digital in a bid to achieve higher profits and improve customer experience.

She cited the importance of digital solutions for the micro, small, and me-

CLEAN FUN.

Tide ambassador Melai Cantiveros, Tide Philippines assistant brand manager Ray Philip Pine, P&G Fabric &Home Care Asia Pacific Regional Brand Communications Louie Morante, and actress Alex Gonzaga (from left) frolic on stage during the launching Wednesday of Tide’s ‘Bagong Bili, Bagong Laba’ event at the White Space clubhouse in Makati City. Norman Cruz

dium enterprises.

“We have over 75,000 MSMes here in Quezon City, and there are more that have wanted to register. I believe these entrepreneurs would reach 100,000,” Belmonte said.

To stand out, MSMes need to harness new technology, the vice mayor said.

She noted that digitally mature companies are businesses that are more profitable, have higher revenues, and have higher market valuations.

Citing insights from her own experience as a partner in Linea etnika, a social enterprise for comfortable Filipiniana clothing that sells merchandise

online, she said: “if you don’t listen to your customers and you neglect them, they will never go back to your website and purchase your products again.”

“It’s the importance that you give them.

That is one thing that you should bear in mind as a user now of digital technology,” Belmonte added. Rio N. Araja

More than 7,000 persons with disabilities in Taguig City are set to receive P1,000 birthday cash gift this year after members of the city council passed an ordinance granting its release. ordinance No. 29-2017, according to city’s Persons with Disabilities Affairs office officer-in-charge Helario Supaz, is part of the initiative program of Mayor Laarni Cayetano and the city council’s to give more assistance to all residents in the city, particularly the disadvantaged.

“We are very happy for our PWD community because this ordinance confirms the city government’s commitment to their welfare,” Supaz added.

The city government conducted its first birthday cash gift distribution to a total of 669 PWD beneficiaries at the Lakeshore Hall last April. For the second quarter of this year, more than 1,400 beneficiaries have received their cash gift with the latest distribution conducted from July 19 to 21, 2018. one of the beneficiaries, single parent Annaliza Adrineda, 39, received her birthday cash gift last April.

“I am very thankful for this support given by Mayor Lani to persons with disability like me,” said Adrinela, who is unable to move both her legs and uses crutches to help her move in her daily activities.

Adrineda, who raised her daughter on her own, sells bananas beside her home as source of income to sustain their expenses.

Cayetano, for her part, said: “We want the City of Taguig to be a place where everyone can dream big and think big so rest assured that we will continue creating programs that will help you in achieving your dreams and aspirations.”

To claim the birthday cash gift, beneficiaries should present their PWD identification card issued by PDAo. representatives tasked to claim the financial assistance should present an authorization letter, photocopies of the PWD card of the beneficiary and of the representative’s valid ID. Taguig City, under the administration of Cayetano, continues to advocate the welfare and empowerment of the PWD community by providing various programs including financial allowances to PWD personnel in each barangay and creating jobs for them to ensure that they can sustain their daily needs. Joel E. Zurbano

City gov’t, QCPD, Napolcom bare policing system

By Rio N. Araja QUeZoN City Mayor Herbert Bautista has partnered with the Quezon City Police District and National Police Commission on a community serviceoriented policing system.

The system’s framework is designed to promote coordination and cooperation among citizens, local executives and the integrated law enforcement and public safety agencies assigned in the community through a program and project for the maintenance of peace and order and public safety, he said.

The agreement shall take effect for two years, Bautista added.

The city government includes the convening of a peace and order council; update and approval of the craft of peace and order and public safety plan; full cooperation of all partner agencies and organizations in meetings, trainings, implementation, and monitoring, invite the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as members observers and services be included in the plan, the mayor said.

Chief Supt. Joselito esquivel Jr. of the QCPD shall facilitate the data gathering and planning of barangays, generate partnership with non-government organizations and communities by regular barangay visitations and intensified social awareness on crime prevention, anti-terrorism, community development and social welfare.

Rains, floods fail to douse appeal of sci-tech

By Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II TorreNTIAL rains, floods and class suspensions? No problem.

It appears the allure of learning is far more irresistible to students and educators who flocked to the World Trade Center in Pasay City to participate in the 2018 National Science and Technology Week which theme “Science for the People: Innovation for Collective Prosperity” highlighted the practical use of technological products and research outputs.

And for good measure.

Celebrated every third week of July through Proclamation No. 169 of 1993, the NSTW seeks to recognize the contribution of science, technology and innovation in the development of the country

and garner support from the public and private institutions for its sustainable development.

Because for those who took time to visit the NSTW, which ended July 21, this once a year event is hard to pass up.

“This event is a must-see, must-visit experience. It gives science lessons a big boost, and to see actual science projects being applied in real life programs is cool,” said Neliza reyes of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School in Quezon City.

“I’m excited to see more from participating groups in the future. But it is inspiring to see many participants despite the weather which just made the effort to be here more meaningful,” said Moira Ysabelle B. San Diego of Philippine Science High School-Central Luzon Campus.

Life

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

household

thursday, august 2, 2018

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Marian Rivera shares recipe

for happy family MOMMY MARIAN. Despite her busy schedule, Marian Rivera-Dantes carves out time to cook for her husband Dingdong and daughter Zia.

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eTWeen her multiple endorsements and commitments at work, Marian rivera-Dantes carves out time to cook meals for husband Dingdong and two-year-old daughter Zia.

It is, she said, a value she learned from her grandmother.

“Laki ako sa lola ko, [at] kahit na may helper kami, yung lola ko yung nagluluto para sa amin. So sabi ko, i-a-apply ko yun sa sarili ko and ‘yun din gagawin ko para sa pamilya ko (I grew up with my grandmother, and even though we had a helper, my grandmother was the one who cooked for us. So I told myself I would apply that to my life and do that for my family),” related Marian.

According to the 33-year-old mom, cooking for her family despite her

busy schedule is one of the many fulfilling responsibilities of being a wife and a mother.

“Masarap kasi [sa pakiramdam] na yung asawa ko uuwi nang maaga [at] magsasabi sa akin na ‘o, mahal gusto ko mamaya ganito lutuin mo.’ ‘Pag nasa bahay ako, isa ito sa mga bagay na gusto kong ginagawa para sa anak at asawa ko, ang magluto (It’s a good feeling when my husband goes home early and will ask me, ‘love, here’s what I want you to cook later.’ Whenever I’m at home, it is one of the things I want to

Kat Maderazo shares bento-making tips to mommies during the pilot run of Prime Mom Club Workshop.

do for my child and husband, to cook),” shared Marian.

During the pilot run of the Prime Mom Club Workshop on July 20, Marian shared to other moms her chicken mushroom soup recipe—a dish, she said, Dingdong and Zia loves.

The Prime Mom Club is a community, which Marian is a part of, that aims to support moms in being kitchen savvy by enabling them with tips and delicious recipes using Mega Prime’s products.

The pilot workshop, held just as kids are going back to school, is an information-packed, interactive four-hour affair. It was geared to help moms level up their knowledge and skills in preparing delicious, nutritious, school-ready meals for their kids and the whole family as well.

“We know how difficult it is for moms to prepare meals that appeal to kids. This is why the pilot workshop is being held now. We want moms to discover easy-to-prepare, practical, delicious, and nutritious meals for school-aged kids and every member of the family,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, vice president for sales and marketing of Mega Global Corporation.

Aside from learning Marian’s chicken mushroom recipe, the pilot event also featured kitchen tips from Chef niño Logarta and bento-making lesson from Kat Maderazo.

Marian rivera reminded moms that the most important ingredient in cooking for family is “pure love.”

“Kapag ang isang bagay ginagawa mo with pure love, lalabas na maganda ang resulta. every time na magluluto ako, sinisigurado ko na gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at gagawin ko ‘yun dahil mahal ko ang pamilya ko (When you do something with love, it will come out great. every time I cook, I make sure I like what I’m doing and that I’m doing it because I love my family).”

Emmanuel Valdes, deposit products and promotions division head of RCBC

Teaching young ones the value of money

By Paola Navarette

There is no age restriction in learning about money. Thus parents are advised to encourage their children early on to pursue financial literacy—to equip them with the values needed to make money and handle it wisely.

One of the most practical ways parents can use to teach their children to save money is by letting them own a piggy bank.

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coin bank p r o vides young ones an easy way to learn about the value of money as it motivates them to save a portion of their allowance and grow their money over time, which they can use to buy the things they desire while grasping the principle of perseverance and prudence.

Budgeting can also be helpful for kids and teens who are given weekly and monthly allowances. having a fixed budget allows them to learn how to prioritize where to use their money and set aside part of it for their savings.

Once they get used to saving in a piggy bank, the next step for parents is to open up a savings account for them.

It helps children understand their money will grow over time as long as they keep saving.

The RCBC GoSavers Kiddie and Teens Savings Accounts comes with a colorful debit card and passbook design.

A bento lunch box is an easy way to make school meals more fun for kids.

rizal Commercial Banking Corp., one of the leading universal banks in the country, understands that parents should shape their kids to become smart young investors. That’s why it provides services that enable parents to educate their children to have a financial mindset. rCBC offers the new GoSavers Kiddie and Teen Savings Account. The saving account lets children have their own debit card and passbook that will assist them in tracking their savings. It is also the first startup savings account in the country that offers a comprehensive insurance package for both the parents and the child.

“This product is in cooperation with the ‘Banking on Your Future and Kiddie Teen Program’ of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the objective of this is to promote financial inclusion for students at the primary level, covering age 0 to 12,” said rCBC deposit products and promotions division head emmanuel Valdes.

Aside from the fact that it only requires a minimum initial deposit of P100, the GoSavers also doesn’t have a maintaining balance. Moreover, it promises lifelong protection for the family with its life insurance for the parents and accident medical reimbursement for the child with just an initial deposit or a six-month average daily balance of at least P10,000.

“Our goal has always been financial inclusion for all Filipinos and part of that is educating children on how to save and manage their own finances,” said Valdes. “We want to create a savings-conscious generation where we can enable and show them how to intelligently and consistently grow their money for their own future.” rCBC’s GoSavers is open to 21 years old and below and they can either apply online through www.rcbc.com/ Personal/GoSavers or drop by at any rCBC branch nationwide.

Life

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Lalique launches swallow-themed collection

Dogs test skills at ‘Pawlympics’ JUMP IN. A dog jumps high into the water during the Dock Diving competition.

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ute canines, together with their pet parents, showed their dock diving and dog agility skills at the recent Pet express Doggie Pawlympics 2018 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Hirondelles vase

In the cold glass, a meticulous work of sculpture is carried out to perfectly redesign each motif and remove the seams and any imperfection. each vase is then manually polished to the wheel for more than three hours to create the plays of light.

Veteran “pawlympian” Katara with her parent Vicky Ortega won the first place, while Amber with her parent Kristine Duque won the second place in the Dock Diving competition.

Meanwhile, Joe Claret with his mini pin Max, emily Rojas with her Jack Russell terrier tasha, Brad Feliciano with his yorky Kaya, and Jenny Serrada with her Cocker Spaniel India, won the Winners of the Teacup Agility Competition: Jenny Serrada, Brad Feliciano, Emily Rojas, and teacup Dog Agility Competition.

During the event, Jojo Isorena of the Joe Claret.

BetterDog Canine Behavior Center, encouraged all pet parents to let their dogs try different dog sports like dock diving and dog agility. the introduction of the teacup dog agility for small dogs, he said, will also help them become smarter and healthier.

Pet Express stores are at SM Cubao, SM Hypermarket Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North Edsa, SM City Fairview, SM City Masinag, SM Megamall, and SM City Dasmariñas.

It also has outlets in Alabang Hills A dog tries to get a toy during the dock diving competition (left). A beagle enjoys his free splash and play and Greenhills.

How to keep laundry clean and fresh during rainy season DOIng laundry can be tricky with rainfall becoming increasingly unpredictable. nothing is more frustrating than washing piles of clothes only for them to turn out damp and smelly because of the gloomy weather.

Appliance brand electrolux shares the following tips that can be helpful in keeping newly washed garments clean, fresh, and vibrant this rainy season:

Use dryers to avoid accumulating moisture

A common dilemma in the rainy season is being unable to hang clothes in the sun for drying. Oftentimes, they end up in an area with little air and space to dry which causes moisture to get trapped and accumulate, leading to that unpleasant and notorious kulob smell. the best solution is to invest in a dryer. the electrolux ultimateCare Washer Dryer delivers excellent results in keeping clothes dry because of its Smart Sensor feature, which also prevents harmful over-drying. Moreover, it’s a 2-in-1 machine that can also wash clothes efficiently. It’s a great choice for those looking to buy a dryer without needing to worry about extra space in the house.

Combat stains while protecting color

If clothes become stained with mud and dirt from the rain, it’s ideal to wipe them away before they set. For older stains, vinegar or baking soda have often been recommended as tried and tested solutions of cleaning them. Some stains, however, are harder to remove, which may lead to using excessive detergent and over-washing, which may then lead to color-fading.

René Lalique’s eponymous lifestyle brand, Lalique, marks its 130th anniversary with swallow-themed Hirondelles collection of crystal vases, dish bowl, and sculptures, among others. through his work, René Lalique explored the decorative possibilities of flora, fauna, and the female form. Among fauna, the swallow (hirondelle in French) particularly inspired him, which he then made the centerpiece of many jewels and decorative objects he created. to pay homage to the French glass designer, Lalique reinterprets the figure of the swallow, recurring in the Masters work, herald of spring, symbol of happiness and freedom. Fashioned in satin-finished and repolished crystal, emblematic of Lalique, the swallows are juxtaposed in a graphic play on repetition. the precision of the design echoes the purity of crystal, fashioned by the hand of the best artisans from the crystal factory. Lalique exhibits its exceptional savoir-faire in each creation.

Included in the anniversary collection are the following pieces.

bat these problems. Fabric conditioner helps soften and improve the texture of clothing, while also keeping them smelling great even through the rain.

On top of that, some fabric conditioners also boast anti-bacterial properties.

Keep washing machine clean

Although washing machines were made to clean clothes, people often forget that the appliance itself also needs to be maintained. the rainy season brings with it soiled clothes and moist environments, which can cause residues of dirt, mold, and mildew to build up and produce strange odors in your washing machine, even if you fill it with laundry detergent. to clean a washing machine, run a wash cycle with the machine empty. this clears out any detergent that has built up in the machine. It is best to alElectrolux UltimateCare washer dryer ways wipe it inside and out for any residues that may have built up. It is also the ultimateCare washing machines best to use a washing machine cover to effectively remove stains while keep- protect it from heat, mold, and moisture. ing clothes’ colors vibrant. through Place scented items or odor its ultraMix technology, this washing eliminators in closet machine fully dissolves detergent to deeven after being washed, most clothes liver a deeper clean. It also has a Load Sensor Automation feature which dis- tend to lose that fresh, clean scent after plays the recommended amount of de- being placed in the closet for a few days. to ensure they don’t develop a stale tergent based on the weight of clothes. smell, try adding essential oils to closet.

Dab a few drops of the oil on cotton Use fabric conditioner Rainfall tends to rough up clothes, caus- balls then place it in the corner of closet.

Another alternative is coffee grounds. ing them to break down and lose their texture. It also brings out the earthy scent of Reuse the grounds by placing it in a wet soil that can stick to clothing. Moreover, container with holes, then put it in the damp conditions create the ultimate breed- closet. Other recommended fragrance enhancers are scented dryer sheets, ing ground for bacteria on clothes. using fabric conditioner as the last silica packets for shoes, baking soda, or step of washing is a good way to com- strongly scented wood.

Putting odor eliminators helps clothes smell fresh for longer, especially on days when they can’t be hang to dry under the sun.

Hirondelles dish and bowl

Meticulous carving work of two hours on each piece was put in to remove seams and any imperfection on the dish and bowl. each of the three pieces is hand-polished by running a wheel over the décor.

Another two hours of polishing are necessary on the Hirondelles dish and bowl to reveal the satin-finished swallows, contrasting on the transparent crystal.

Hirondelles grand sculpture

this sculpture of light captures the grace of a couple of swallows, symbols of happiness and freedom. the contrast of satinfinished and re-polished crystal highlights the fine design of their plumage.

Hirondelles flared vase

For the gold-stamped version, 24-carat fine gold is applied by hand onto this Hirondelles flared vase which is then annealed overnight at 510-degree Celsius in order for the gold to stay in place.

Hirondelles wall-mounted sculpture

A new functionality for Lalique, this wall sculpture lands on a wall on which the magnet delivered with the sculpture is screwed.

Allowing customers to create stunning wall compositions, they thus become the designer of their own space.

Lalique is available at Rustan’s Rustan’s Shangri-la, and Rustan’s Cebu.

Makati,

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed and consumer business head Manoj Varma

Better, more convenient digital banking InteRnAtIOnAL bank Citi launches its new and improved Citi Mobile App that offers easier and more personalized banking experience for credit card holders.

Citi’s next generation mobile app provides a comprehensive suite of features such as credit card locking and unlocking, a personalized dashboard, easy conversion of retail transactions to installments, and viewing and downloading of recent statements and utility bills with just a few taps. the Citi Mobile App is aligned with Citi’s commitment to digital transformation with a goal of making banking as easy and convenient as possible.

“We at Citi are highly committed to expanding and enhancing our digital capabilities for the ease and convenience of our customers. We are passionate about meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Citi Philippines consumer business head Manoj Varma.

More than 60 percent of Citi Philippines customers are already enrolled in digital channels, with even more customers subscribing to electronic statements. today, the biggest growth in digital enrollment has been in mobile banking, which has grown 64 percent in the last 12 months.

Entertainment

ThursdAY, AugusT 2, 2018

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Jessica Soho, Mike Enriquez win at inaugural Animo Media Awards

Broadcast journalists Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez were recently honored at the first Animo Media choice awards by the de La Salle University Dasmariñas Alumni association, Inc. (dLsUdaaI).

Soho was named as the “Best Female News Anchor on TV” in an awarding ceremony held during the DLSU-D Grand Alumni Homecoming at the Ugnayang La salle last July 21. the internationallyawarded broadcast journalist anchors GMA News TV’s flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho. she also hosts GMA-7’s top-rating news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) and GMA News TV’s Brigada.

Enriquez, on the other hand, took home the “Best Male News Anchor on TV” award.

He co-anchors GMA7’s flagship newscast 24 Oras, hosts the investigative public affairs program Imbestigador, and GMA News TV’s Dobol B sa News TV where his programs on radio are simultaneously broadcasted.

On top of his award

for TV, Enriquez was also conferred the “Best Male News Anchor on AM Radio” honor for his work in Super Radyo DZBB 594 khz where he is heard weekdays in Saksi sa Dobol B, Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide, and Sino?

Nearly 2,000 De La SalleDasmariñas University alumni cast their votes online from June 20 to July 9 to determine the winners of the firstever Animo Media Choice Awards.

Soho holds the distinction of being the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist with nearly 300 local awards and more than 30 international awards to date. She recently took home a bronze medal in the Best News Anchor category of the prestigious New York Festivals Television & Film Awards. She was the first and only Filipino broadcast journalist to date who made it in the list.

Enriquez, meanwhile, is the only Asian and only Filipino so far to win the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards. He is also an Anak TV Makabata Hall of Famer, having been voted as Makabata star in a span of seven years.

Through the 1st Animo Media Choice Awards, DLSUDAAI aims to “honor the best media programs, networks, and personality” in support of DLSDAAI vision “that the deserving winners also embody the energy, zeal and commitment excellence of Lasallians”.

The award’s name is coined after the rallying chant of every Lasallian “Animo,” which means drive, passion, and purpose. the event highlights the u n i v e r s i t y ’s Grand Alumni Homecoming this year.

Broadcast journalists and GMA News pillars Jessica Soho (top) and Mike Enriquez

YOUNG Adult film The Darkest Minds is set in a very near future society where most of the nation’s children have perished —victims of a terrible disease. the surviving children are considered to be dangerous enemies of the State because they possess extraordinary powers and therefore pose a threat to the government. Amandla Stenberg (Hunger Games, Everything Everything) plays Ruby, who escapes from the authorities and teams up with a group of other kids, including Liam, played by Harris Dickinson. they go on the run, using their powers, wits, and friendship to stay alive.

“The whole movie is a quest for this ‘slip kids’ camp,” says producer Shawn Levy. “And for this camp where supposedly kids live free, the character of Clancy [played by Patrick Gibson] is pretty critical because he runs this utopian kind of what could be a Lord Of The Flies, Maze Runner, kid-only civilization or outpost, with order, kindness, and charisma. Travelling on the quest to the slip kids camp with Ruby and Liam are two other characters: Zu, played by Miya Cech and Chubs, played by Skylan Brooks.”

Zu is a nine, ten-year-old girl and Miya is a revelation – she’s this young actress at an age where you rarely find a great actress, adds Levy.

“When Miya auditioned, her face was so expressive. Her character doesn’t talk for ninety-five percent of the movie and that’s not easy. So you need someone who is articulate without words. And Miya, who is also crazily professional for such a young age, brings a heart achingly expressive quality to the character of Zu, who we learn, over the course of the movie, has been through real trauma – way more trauma than someone that age should ever have to go through.”

The other travel companion, Chubs brings an additional

DOWN 1 Workout sites 2 Pick pears 3 Love, to Claudius 4 garr of “Mr. Mom” 5 Puzzling occurrences 6 sweltering 7 greenspan or Turing 8 rain hard 9 Flavor sensor (2 wds.)

10 Topknot doll 11 Persecution 12 All kidding — 13 Tennis court dividers 21 Mama’s boy 23 Poetic twilights 25 John Lennon

tune 27 Bravos at a bullfight 28 sack out 29 go through 30 Blunderbuss 34 Common abbr.

35 requires 37 Type of arch 38 Little kids 40 Chip chompers 41 Airline ticket word 43 Arrow’s cousin 44 Takes a dive

#awesometogether pairings

d

oes love really win despite all odds? this is what Kenny rogers roasters tries to answer with a creative short film entitled Awesome Together.

Using animation, the short film tells the story of Sosy and Bolzi, a pair of farm animals who meet and fall in love at the Roasters Farm. Their parents, however, object to the love affair, prompting the star-crossed lovers to defy traditional family expectations and embark on an epic journey for a chance at eternal togetherness.

Visionary director Avid Liongoren, the man behind highly acclaimed animated live-action film Saving Sally, brings sosy and Bolzi’s love story to life. Despite its dramatic premise, Liongoren wanted to inject a sense of fun and adventure to Awesome Together.

The anthropomorphic characters of Sosy and Bolzi were inspired by Kenny’s brand ambassadors and “it couple”

‘ThE DArkEST MinDS’

The film cast of ‘The Darkest Minds,’ which story sees the dangerously powerful kids who are labeled like terrorism threat levels.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

52 Coffee break 54 Cousins’ dads 59 Long, long time 60 Winged god 62 Forest clearing 63 Checkbook no.

64 Frosty coating 65 Wolfed down 66 hula accompaniment 67 Fall mo.

68 go shopping

New aNimated short film highlights

Embracing diversity in

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 shred cheese 6 hatchet handle 10 Kublai — 14 red sea republic 15 Earthenware jar 16 Naturalness 17 Austronesian language 18 New Mexico town 19 subpoena 20 New shoots 22 Memo tablets 24 Neaten the lawn 26 Think up 27 Kitchen herb 31 Nectar gatherers 32 Luxury car 33 Toolbar items 36 Witty remark 39 game channel 40 sorted socks 41 First-magnitude star 42 sault — Marie 43 Ninny 44 Languished 45 Tatum’s dad 47 Expands 49 Menacingly savage 51 Worthless coin

‘Awesome Together’ is an animation inspired by Kenny Rogers ambassadors and real life couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico.

46 Leavening agents 48 debtor’s letters 49 Woman’s dress 50 uncanny 52 suitor 53 Frisk about 55 give a hand 56 delayed 57 shangri-La 58 Button on a cellphone 61 ready

Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico, who also lent their voices and personalities to the star-crossed lovers—and to great results. “Nico and Solenn are very animated humans so it was so much fun to turn them into animals,” says Liongoren.

The animated film is meant to highlight another pair that’s awesome together: flavorful bacon and juicy roast chicken. Kenny rogers roasters is relaunching the Bacon Roast, which was first introduced in 2013. The Bacon Roast is a special dish that wraps Kennys famous slow-roasted chicken in decadent strips of bacon to present a delicious, crave-inducing treat that will keep you coming back for more. Kenny’s takes pride in continuously serving bold and unique flavors that their guests crave every day. This is why they have decided to bring back the Bacon roast, and this time, more tender and juicier than ever.

Will love triumph in the end for Sosy and Bolzi? We’ll have to wait and see. For now, we celebrate the awesomeness of perfect pairings with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Bacon Roast.

Join Sosy and Bolzi on their epic journey by watching the animated film Awesome Together on this link:https://youtu.be/ hkwhdjypUK4 . Share the love on your own social network sites with the hashtag #Awesome Together and #BaconRoast.

element to the mix. “Chubs is not only a dimensional and authentic character the way all of our characters are,” says Levy, “but he brings a certain levity. He kind of calls it like it is. When he sees something brewing between Ruby and Liam, he’s going to name it even if it makes people uncomfortable.”

Another two very different female characters help round out the cast: Cate, a doctor who tries to help Ruby, and Lady Jane, a bounty hunter who hunts the children down.

“I knew early that we wanted Mandy Moore to play Cate,” says Levy. “We needed someone who had strength, but who also had real, immediately palpable warmth. That’s what we needed for the character of Cate, who is basically a savior of sorts. And we need to believe in that and, with Mandy we do, instantly.”

“Lady Jane is a bounty hunter and honestly, as soon as Gwendoline Christie came up as an idea, obviously, whether you’ve seen Game of Thrones or Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Gwendoline has a physical, imposing presence that is formidable and unique, but she’s also got such a range as an actress.”

Excited to sign on to the project, Christie explains, “After reading the script, I felt that it connected very strongly to our times, to our political situation, severe and deeply upsetting and awful refugee situations around the world, and that I think in terms of our media, we’re starting to, I hope, connect more with human beings that are seemingly different from us, and recognize that those differences aren’t so great after all. And that we can recognize, I hope, the humanity in each other, and what it is to need comfort, to need shelter, to need liberty, and of course love,” says Christie.

Based on the first installment of the trilogy by Alexandra Bracken, and infused with thrilling action, The Darkest Minds is now in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox.

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

C4

Entertainment

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

‘ANG HULING EL BIMBO’

Ultraelectromagneticmusical!

BACK in 1998, Pinoy alt-rock trend-setter Eraserheads came out with the compilation album Aloha Milkyway, which is technically not a greatest hits collection. It contains new songs, some of their biggest hits, and a number of underrated gems.

Two decades later, quite a similar concept is arguably employed for the repertoire of a stage musical anchored on the band’s recordings. Just like that compilation released to tap the neighboring Asian market, Ang Huling El Bimbo the musical tries to present the group’s legacy in a wholistic picture, picking key lines and melodies from both familiar and obscure tracks, which from the standpoint of a purist fan gives extra depth to the tale of friendship and melancholy.

It would have been plain safe to pick some real hits and let the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra play them live for audiences. Yet the fact several nonsingles are picked to pull the narrative together makes the production a lot more exciting to the ear. Hearing “Paru-Parong Ningning,” a filler from the loaded “Cutterpillow,” serving as backdrop to a beerhouse atmosphere is an example of the rightest song being used in the plot, regardless of its standing in the Eraserheads discography.

Music publisher Merwin Tee, who has thoroughly dealt with the band’s catalogue, related , “For some reason, their songs seemed to perfectly fit events in our lives.”

True enough, many get to relate to subjects sung about in Eheads songs, like “Minsan” picturing carefree camaraderie, “Alkohol” describing altered state of a

drunk, and “Waiting For The Bus” being a tell-tale of a regular travelling man going indie from parental YUGEL hold. These are topics LOSORATA resonating back in the day and stillrelevant to the current generation. It is a track record that has stood the test of time.

The production’s director and choreographer Dexter Santos elaborated in poetic tone, “From the very first time we fell in love to the very first time we had our hearts broken; from crazy drunk nights with our barkada to sober emo conversations with our best friend ... Ely, Buddy, Raimund, and Marcus created theme songs for special moments in our lives.”

Eraserheads released practically just seven full-length albums during their recording years, relatively few cultural impact they unleashed and proving they had a streak unmatched in Pinoy rock history.

Ang Huling El Bimbo, with musical direction by Myke Salomon and script

by Dingdong Novenario, stars, among others, top thespians Jon Santos, Gian Magdangal, OJ Mariano, Tanya Manalang, and Menchu LauchengcoYulo. It unfolds in two timelines, just like the Eraserheads music which became popular in the 90s and then beyond.

Resorts World Manila CEO Kingson Sian pointed out, “The people involved in this production bring to life a story that matches the simple brilliance of the songs used.”

This musical from Full House Theater Company runs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in RWM until Sept. 2, with shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Film director Jay Abello (3rd from right) with cast members Mariko Ledesma, Edgar Allan Guzman, Chai Fonacier, Nico Antonio, Hanna Ledesma and Janus del Prado

A comedy that shines light on

‘PINAY BEAUTY’

I

LONGGO film director Jay Abello wants a notso-serious discussion on Filipina beauty in a new film called Pinay Beauty (She’s No White), which is an official entry to the second edition of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino that runs from Aug.15 to 21.

In a nutshell, the film, produced

by Quantum Films, MJM Prods and Epic Media, is a satire on the average Filipino’s desire to have fairer skin, a relatable story that underscores a culture of women who stop at nothing just to make sure they’d look like a typical Caucasian.

“I wanted to do a story on that subject because nobody in the film industry talks about it. And I thought of making it a comedy to give it a lighter treatment,” Abello, who is also directing the MMFF 2018 entry Girl in the Orange Dress, told MS Entertainment in an interview.

The film, according to the director,

The formidable cast of ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’

Discussing history through performance A NEW subject produced by broadcaster-journalist, poet, musician, and activist Lourd de Veyra, together with media personality, writer, composer, and sound producer Erwin Romulo will give young student-artists, enthusiasts, and professionals a much interesting view on the country’s rich past, as part of De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s revised curriculum for its Arts Management Program.

To give a glimpse on this exciting course, the two luminaries will conduct A History of Ideas, a multimedia presentation and performance on contemporary Philippine intellectual history and culture.

It aims to analyze the past and review the culture from a historical perspective and further bring these concepts to current times.

Composer Erwin Romulo

Musician and activist Lourd de Veyra

De Veyra is known for his eponymous show History with Lourd, a 30-minute documentary series on TV5 and Aksyon TV where he brings his own brand of history lessons and trivia in Tsismis Noon, Kasaysayan Ngayon. He was also the vocalist of Radioactive Sago Project and is currently the guitarist of Kapitan Kulam. He authored several publications including his first novel SuperPanalo Sounds!; This is a Crazy Planets, a collection of essays from his Spot.ph blog; The Best of This is A Crazy Planets, Espiritu, and Little Book of Speeches. He also published three poetry books entitled Subterranean Thought Parade, Shadowboxing in Headphones, and Insectissimo.

Meanwhile, apart from being the founding editor of Esquire Magazine, Romulo is also an established film score composer known for his collaborations with distinguished filmmakers such as Erik Matti and Lav Diaz. His works were included in Gayuma, Honor Thy Father, Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2, On the Job, and Super Noypi. Asp roducer, he continues to work with the iconic Ely Buendia of Eraserheads and Apartel on his music videos.

Tickets are priced at P500. For general inquiries and ticket purchases, contact +63955 563 1368‬, +63917 563 8926, or +632 230 5100 ext. 3863 or email benildeartsandculturecluster@benilde. edu.ph.

A History of Ideas is on Saturday, Aug. 4, 6:00 p.m.at the 5th Floor Theater of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street, Malate, Manila.

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry ‘Pinay Beauty (She’s No White)’ talks about how true beauty shines amid labels and stereotypes.

doesn’t patronize the kind of beauty most people desire. It wanted to send a solid message that beauty is really skin deep.

“Filipina beauty is not actually in the color of the skin,” Abello started.

“Her beauty is highlighted by her being loyal, caring, prayerful and helpful, her being able to make sacrifices. You see, the real beauty of a Filipina is not in the physical, it’s how she carries herself.”

The regional film maker added that Filipina beauty is seen when she’s around with her friends, “It is what you will do for your friends, for your man.

It’s really the character.”

Abello said that viewers will find something interesting at the beginning of the film—a chant that they will also hear at the end of the story.

“The chant kase is ‘I’m happy when I’m beautiful.’ Then, sa dulo it becomes ‘I’m beautiful when I’m happy,” he said.

In a tale jointly penned by Allan Habon and Rod Marmol, Migs (Edgar Allan Guzman) is in a fix on how to settle his P180,000 debt from a loan shark named Tito Val. He incurs debt upon debt because of his love for his girlfriend, Annie (Chai Fonacier), who has this dream of being flawlessly beautiful with big bosom and pointed nose.

Annie has gotten an aesthetic plan to fix herself and fulfill her ultimate dream to be Snow White in Hong Kong Disneyland and be a princess on a parade.

Migs does all he can to pay off his debts. But instead of heeding pleas, Tito Val gives him a mission he must accomplish in three days’ time—to find Lovely G (Maxine Medina), a popular celebrity.

Accompanied by four of his friends to accomplish the mission, Migs begins the difficult quest to find and meet the celebrity. They all get themselves into different kinds of misadventures in their quest to help Migs carry out this mission.

Pinay Beauty (She’s No White) also stars Nico Antonio, Janus del Prado, Mariko and Hanna Ledesma.

Alexander Lee returns to Manila with a new single FANS of GMA Artist Center’s resident oppa Alexander Lee are now rejoicing as the Kapuso actor is back in the Philippines to rekindle his love for music.

Xander is collaborating with fellow Korean singer Marucci, and they will be promoting their newest single entitled “Keep Ya Head Up.” Their duo called AXM will be producing songs that can inspire and cheer up their listeners.

Xander shared a teaser of his latest project on Instagram, “The reason why I’m in the Philippines: Music collaboration project <AXM> (Alexander X Marucci). ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ - a song with meanings behind... a song to cheer you up... a song to comfort you. Never thought I’ll be doing music again... Hope you’ll like it. Love y’all.”

Fans were quick to show their support and they are excited to see and hear more of Xander and his partner Marucci. His love for the Philippines is unwavering, making it easy for Filipinos to love him back.

“Keep Ya Head Up” can be streamed and downloaded from Melon, iTunes, Spotify, Mnet and other leading music sites worldwide.

Alexander Lee (right) with rapper Marucci