Manila Standard - 2018 March 08 - Thursday

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12 FILIPINO TYCOONS AMONG FORBES’ RICHEST

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Henry Sy

John Gokongwei Enrique Razon Lucio Tan Jr. Jr.

Tony Tan Caktiong

George Ty

Manny Villar

Andrew Tan

Ramon Ang

Robert Coyiuto Eduardo Jr. Cojuangco

Roberto Ongpin

VOL. XXXII • NO. 25 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Leyte beauty makes waves in costume tilt IN HER first national pageant, Tacloban City native Samantha Kaye Avestruz started making waves when she became part of the top 10 in the Binibining Pilipinas national costume competition last weekend.

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Sereno hangs tough Comelec backs Hits ‘legal shortcuts’ on eve of House vote Sotto charges of poll fraud

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rey E. Requejo

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By Joel E. Zurbano

Group confirms ‘oldest message in a bottle’ WORLD B3

‘‘

We do not have any capabilities to remove them. What country would dare to remove them?

—National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., referring to China’s military structures in the West Philippine Sea

THE Commission on Elections announced Wednesday it was willing to look into the allegation made by Senator Vicente Sotto III that irregularities happened in the May 9, 2016 presidential polls.

James Arthur Jimenez, Comelec spokesperson and Information and Education Division director, said the poll body shared Sotto’s call to determine the accuracy of the allegations.

“The Commission understands the grave importance of this matter and will, itself, strive to determine the veracity of these claims. To this end, the Comelec will reach out to Senator Sotto and ask for copies of any documents which may be available for close examination and careful evaluation. This is consistent with the Comelec’s commitment to the integrity of Philippine elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson for former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement: “Former Senator Bongbong Marcos is happy that he is no longer a voice in the wilderness. He noted that other patriotic leaders and stakeholders have seen the extent of the conspiracy, interference and manipulation of the election results by Smartmatic and have begun to speak out.

“We congratulate Senator Tito Sotto for bringing the election anomalies to the attention of the public.”

Informed observers have wondered why—despite all the evidence of massive cheating committed by Smartmatic, the Comelec still awarded them the contract to do the same thing all over again in the forthcoming 2019 elections. We have never understood Comelec’s insistence in again awarding Smartmatic despite the multitude transgressions attributed to it.

All the issues raised by Sotto need to be investigated and all the questions Next page

Justice drops raps vs 2 terror suspects

HE House committee on justice looks poised to find probable cause to impeach Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Thursday, but the plenary vote on the Articles of Impeachment will be set aside until the Supreme Court rules on a quo warranto petition against her, a congressional leader said Wednesday.

Sereno, meanwhile decried what she called the Duterte administration’s “persecution of enemies” as efforts to oust her through

impeachment and judicial proceedings gained ground.

She also bewailed legal “shortcuts” that she said violate the Constitution—in an apparent reference to the quo warranto petition that the Office of the Solicitor General filed asking the Supreme Court to nullify her appointment in 2012 on the basis that she never qualified for the job.

A day ahead of voting, the chairman of the House committee on justice, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, said he believed there was probable cause to impeach Sereno.

“A simple reading of the evidence presented and the testimonies of the witnesses and her [Sereno] refusal to controvert these during our extensive hearings will lead us to establish probable cause to impeach Chief Justice Sereno,” Umali said.

The justice committee will determine probable cause based

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READY TO FIGHT. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno delivers her speech next to a poster ‘Fight By Women And The People’ at the Benedictine-run St. Scholastica’s College in Manila on Wednesday. The 57-year-old 24th head of the judiciary, appointed by then President Benigno Aquino III on Aug. 24, 2012, replacing Renato Corona who was removed from office after being convicted in an impeachment trial, faces removal from office through impeachment. AFP

Who would dare to remove Chinese bases in WPS?

By Vito Barcelo NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. admitted Wednesday that the Philippines has no capability to remove the Chinese bases in the West Philippine Sea, and the only paramount solution is to build stronger ties with its allies.

Esperon agreed with President Rodrigo Duterte that the government should establish stronger ties with China on the basis of bilateral relations.

“That is our policy, to have friendly ties with China, and even with Korea and Japan. But we should not also forget

our long relations with the US, as well as Russia, Australia, New Zealand and India,” Esperon said in a forum.

Esperon said it is prudent for the Philippines to maintain “an independent foreign policy that allows us to have our relations with other countries based on our national interests.”

Esperon reiterated that the Philippines is not capable of removing the bases that should have been removed by countries with the capability to remove them in the first place.

President Duterte appealed to critics to be united on the territorial dispute

in the West Philippine Sea, as he maintained that the Philippines would assert its claims over the area, Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque said on Wednesday.

Roque said that while conflicting claims to the territorial dispute have yet to be resolved through negotiation and diplomatic relations, the President will continue to pursue friendly relations with China in contrast to the antagonistic position taken by his predecessor.

“The President reiterated that he will not surrender the Philippine territory, but the policy is on matters which are not Next page

‘State of calamity’ may save Boracay

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has dismissed the criminal complaint filed by the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines against an alleged recruiter of the terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and his live-in Filipina partner.

In a resolution, the DoJ through Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong dismissed for lack of merit the illegal possession of explosive devices and firearms complaint filed by Regional Police Intelligence Operations Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office against Tunisian national Fehmi Lassqued and his partner Anabel Salipada.

“After a careful review and evaluation of the evidence submitted by the parties, the undersigned finds no probable cause to charge respondents for violations of R.A. 10591 and R.A. No. 9516,” stated the resolution.

In a related development: • National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Wednesday the ISIS Philippines included in the US government’s watch list of foreign terrorist organizations was not an organized group.

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TWELVE Philippine tycoons, including retail and banking tycoon Henry Sy, have been included in Forbes Magazine’s list of world’s richest for 2018.

While the number is lower compared to 14 last year, their combined net worth expanded to $55.2 billion from P45.8 billion.

Sy remained as the country’s richest with total net worth of $20 billion, which is nearly double last year’s $12.7 billion.

The 93-year old tycoon now ranked 52nd worldwide, the highest ranking Sy has achieved since topping the list for 11 consecutive years.

Worldwide, Amazon chief Jeff Bezos is now the world’s richest person, having snatched the top spot from Microsoft founder Bill Gates who slips to second Next page

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENTIAL ASSURANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte assures surrenderers from the New People’s Army, military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, during a dinner he hosted for the returnees at Malacañang Tuesday that the government will provide the necessarry assistance so they can be reintegrated to mainstream society. Malacañang Photo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte warned the courts not to interfere should he declare Boracay under a state of calamity to allow the government to hasten its rehabilitation.

The warning comes after he issued an ultimatum to local officials to clean up Boracay within six months or he would declare a state of calamity over the world-famous resort destination.

“I would caution the courts not to interfere by issuing temporary restraining order because you would just exacerbate the situation,” Duterte said.

The President had earlier ordered Interior and Local Government officer-incharge Eduardo Año to solve the beach island’s environmental problems within six months.

“If not done within the six-month period, I would be declaring a state of calamity in Boracay,” he said. “I am invoking it. I can order this thing to happen because it’s in the public interest, public safety and public health,” Duterte said.

In a speech during the oathtaking of Next page

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘MRT funds plundered by three groups’

By Vito Barcelo OFFICIALS of the Aquino administration received a third of the more than P3.8-billion fund for the rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit 3, an official said Wednesday quoting whistle blowers.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the whistleblowers would provide the evidence to be used against the former officials who will face plunder charges before the Justice Department.

He said a “Pangasinan group” received a third of the payment given to MRT 3’s provider, while several politicians also pocketed a third of the P3.8-billion fund.

He said the group hired the services of Busan Universal Rail Inc. or BURI, which lacked experience in maintaining a rail system.

He said the MRT 3 system continued to operate with very inefficient and ineffective maintenance.

A plunder case has been filed against former Interior secretary Manuel Roxas II, Budget secretary Florencio Abad, Transport secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and 14 others over the alleged irregularities in the P3.809-billion contract.

“One-third [of the money was] allotted to the political machinery of a political party while only one-third went for the maintenance of MRT 3. With such amount, the MRT 3 system would be affected,” Roque said.

“It’s only now that the whistleblower showed up. Now we have proof how they divided the money.”

Roque refused to give more information on the whistleblowers, but said they will be brought to the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

He put the entire blame for the poor running condition of MRT 3 to former President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet members.

“What they did to MRT 3 was scandalous,” Roque said.

Alvarez shrugs off ouster talk

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday shrugged off the reported ouster plot against him and expressed confidence over the majority coalition’s continuing support of his leadership.

“I still have the support of the members of the super majority coalition in the House of Representatives. Nothing has changed,” Alvarez said.

He was reacting to reports that former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom he served as Transport secretary, would be challenging him for his post.

Arroyo was stripped off her post as deputy speaker for Central Luzon when she voted against the death penalty bill last year.

Meanwhile, the powerful Commission on Appointments has confirmed Alvarez’ promotion to the rank of Colonel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ reserve force and eight other officials―including two allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The senators promoted to the rank of colonel were Lorna Regina Legarda (Philippine Air Force) and Emmanuel Pacquiao (Philippine Army).

Alvarez aside, the other members of the House promoted to the rank of colonel were Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia (Philippine Army), House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas (Judge Advocate General Service), Cavite Rep. Roy Loyola (Philippine Army) and Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema (Philippine Army).

Just recently, Alvarez tried to mess with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio whom he accused of being “part of the opposition,” but Alvarez denied it.

Last year, Alvarez also faced an ouster threat when he tangled with his long-time friend and Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. over the “girlfriends.”

The rift between the two led to Alvarez’ s filing of a graft case against Floirendo over the joint venture agreement in 1969 between Tagum Agricultural Development Co. and the Bureau of Corrections.

Alvarez said last year it was never his ambition to become Speaker.

Comelec...

From A1 he asked need to be answered by both Smartmatic and the Comelec.

But as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Jimenez, “All we have is his [Sotto] speech and the question and answer that came after. That [is] all we know about this particular case.”

Jimenez said based on Sotto’s privilege speech, there was no indication about the transmission, what it contained and how it affected the outcome of the election.

“What was mentioned was allegation of early transmission and instances of zero votes.

We need first to find out what did happen?”

“What is happening basically is release this information and let the public decide.

But the public I think at this point, even the allegation itself, lacks a lot of context.

Lacks a lot of explanation about what it was supposed to have done.”

“Ultimately the election results, I don’t think these have been overturned. The er-

Martial law in Mindanao boosts AFP’s anti-graft role

By Nash B. Maulana

C

AMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao―The extension of martial law in Mindanao has extended the security role of the police and the military in preventing the theft of government resources intended for the poor, officials said Wednesday.

They said that extension would enable the military and the Philippine National Police to protect government resources from rebel groups and drug syndicates.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the 6th Army Infantry Division, said “if one is hindered, the community is able to prevent a part of the concern from further aggravating a whole problem.”

The alleged manipulation by unscrupulous groups or individuals include illegal assigning of beneficiaries and partitioning of government resources to fake dole beneficiaries.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, executive secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, warned that under martial law, security

forces were also authorized to covertly investigate anomalies and send their findings to higher authorities for appropriate legal action.

Alamia, who is concurrent regional secretary of the DSWD-ARMM, told the peace and order council meetings here on Feb. 26 and on March 1 that any action by the security sector to address the problem of corruption “will be out of the DSWD jurisdiction.”

De la Vega said the military interventions included surgical operations that had, so far, yielded loose firearms possibly used to intimidate dole recipients in the villages of Barira, Datu Salibo, Datu Unsay in Maguindanao and in Midsayap, Cotabato.

De la Vega said the very reason why mar-

tial law had been extended was that the problem of corruption in local governance had become rampant and almost beyond the control by civilian authorities.

“This is a privilege for us to be with you in this noble endeavor together with the regional government to tackle one of the most pressing concerns in the ARMM,” Dela Vega said.

“The very reason why martial law has been extended is because of the problem in governance, especially in the implementation of government programs to address poverty.

“The 4Ps [dole] program is funded by the government to directly deliver assistance to the poorest of the poor. However when this program is not properly implemented, this will add up to the vicious cycle of corruption of funds, loose firearms, illegal drugs, criminality, arm conflicts and terrorism,” Dela Vega said.

“These issues are interconnected. If one is hindered, the community is able to prevent a part of the concern to further aggravate the problem.”

12 Filipino...

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DRUG SUSPECTS. Four suspected drug personalities were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy-bust operation in Ermita, Manila. PDEA director general Aron Aquino identified the suspects as Aladin Kulapo Ali, Omex Omar Tuwan, Bong Masual Mondato, Kaharudin Kulapo Ali. Confiscated from the suspects were P2.5 million worth of shabu, mobile phones and financial documents. Manny Palmero

Leyte...

From A1 The 20-year-old model and blogger wore a modern Filipiniana, featuring stunning brown and gold details paired with a headdress and a golden fan.

The 5-foot-7 statuesque beauty is a graduating student of political science at the University of Santo Tomas. She started modeling at age 13 and was Miss Teen Leyte 1st runner -up and Miss Leyte Pintados runner-up.

Samantha can easily be spotted with her modelesque figure but she’s not just all about beauty.

She spearheaded a project in her University entitled seminART: The Role of Visual

Arts in Shaping Philippine Politics, and advocates raising political and social awareness through visual arts.

She also has a soft heart for children specially those who are not getting enough food and are malnourished.

As a writer, the Binibini hopeful runs a personal blog where she showcases her poetry.

She is also skilled in photoshop and adobe illustrator, designing brochure for NGOs and other organizations.

Adding to her impressive resume, Samantha was a Literary Writer and Cartoonist for her School Newspaper and was an Intern at the Senate of the Philippines.

Samantha will take part in the grand parade of beauties at the Araneta Grounds in Cubao and will vie for one of the major crowns at the grand coronation on March 18.

the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission at the Palace, Duterte said placing the island under a state of calamity would allow the government to extend assistance to those who are displaced financially.

At the same time, Duterte urged the public to work together with the government in the cleanup of the island.

Last month, the President described the island as a cesspool and ordered Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to clean it up.

In the Senate, the chairman of the committee on the environment, Senator Cynthia Villar opposed the closure of Boracay, but said she supported the President’s plan to declare a state of calamity on the island.

She also said her family’s ownership of two hotels on the island did not affect her position that only those who violated environmental laws should be shut down.

She added that a state of calamity would enable the government to move faster in dealing with the island’s environmental problems.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, said he supported the plan of Interior Secretary Año and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to temporarily close Boracay Island to tourists during its rehabilitation.

“It is only logical to close Boracay for renovations, so to speak. We must carefully assess the damage to the local environment and take the necessary steps for the cleanup,” Pimentel said.

He said the process is more easily done and more effective if there are no tourists around.

The proposal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism is to close down the worldfamous island from June 1 to July 31.

“I understand the difficulties of closing the island for two months, but it is only temporary. It will be good in the long run for all stakeholders, including the tourists who are there for the natural beauty of the island,” said Pimentel.

The Senate leader noted that closing tourist destinations to preserve them is nothing new, as Thailand closed Koh Tachai island in May 2016 for similar reasons.

The Senate held an inquiry in the island on Friday to investigate the environmental concerns.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday told local officials to “be prepared for increased garbage this summer.” “Local government officials should amplify their measures in managing wastes particularly in tourism sites as we expect an increased volume of garbage with the arrival of tourists this summer season,” Cimatu said. With Rio N. Araja

rors have gone through random manual audit.

There have been protests, protests that have been dismissed. In fact no protests actually prospered,” Jimenez explained.

He said the best course of action for the Comelec was to reach out to Sotto and ask him to show what proof he had.

“Then we evaluate it. If we are going to evaluate together then let’s evaluate it together to determine what really transpired and the consequence of that was being alleged in this case,” added Jimenez.

Election watchdog Kontra Daya on Wednesday urged the Comelec to look into the allegation of Sotto.

“Senator Tito Sotto’s allegation of fraud in the 2016 national and local elections needs to be examined by the Comelec and an independent panel of experts. Now that Sotto has said his piece, it is now imperative for him to share whatever information he has to the concerned election monitoring groups,” Kontra Daya said in a statement.

“From the very start, we in Kontra Daya have stressed the vulnerability of the automat-

ed election system. We have also denounced the lack of transparency, not to mention the foreign intervention that informed our national and local polls with the awarding of the contract to Smartmatic,” the group added.

Smartmatic was the poll body’s private partner in the automated election in the country and the firm which provided the vote counting machines used in the elections.

Kontra Daya said “All allegations of fraud, whether coming from a senator or a voter, should be taken seriously and investigated consequently. The bottomline is clear.

“We cannot afford to have an election system that is inherently vulnerable to fraud due to lack of transparency and preponderance of foreign intervention. If this continues, the powers-that-be will only make a mockery of the people’s right to suffrage.”

In a privilege speech Tuesday, Sotto alleged that transmission of votes happened as early as May 8, 2016, a day before the automated elections, despite a Comelec en banc resolution stating that canvassers should only convene starting 3 p.m. of May 9 (election day).

‘State...

From A1

place, according to Forbes magazine’s annual billionaires list published Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump’s ranking on the list fell to 766th place from 544th in the last edition, his wealth now being estimated at $3.1 billion, $400 million less than a year ago.

Bezos’ fortune shot up to $112 billion, Forbes said, after a 59-percent rise in Amazon shares over the past 12 months that put him way ahead of the $90 billion listed for Gates.

After the announcement, Bezos’ worth rocketed again to $127 billion in line with a spike in Amazon stock, widening the gap between him and Gates.

In the Philippines, JG Summit Holdings chairman emeritus John Gokongwei Jr., came in far second against Sy, with net worth of $5.6 billion, and ranked in 305th place among the world’s richest.

Ports tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., who also owns gaming complex Solaire Resorts, was ranked 3rd in the Philippines and 404th richest worldwide with net worth of $4.9 billion.

Other Filipino taipans who made it to the list were beer and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan (#441, $4.7 billion), Jollibee Foods Corp. chairman Tony Tan Caktiong (#550, $4 billion), Metrobank GT Capital Holdings chairman George Ty (#572, $3.9 billion), Vista Land and Lifescapes founder Manuel Villar (#791, $3 billion), Alliance Global chairman Andrew Tan (#887, $2.7 billion) San Miguel Corp., president Ramon Ang (#965, $2.5 billion) Prudential Guarantee and Assurance chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr (#1,650, $1.4 billion) San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr (#1,756, $1.3 billion) and Alphaland Corp. chairman Roberto Ongpin (#1,999, $1.1 billion) David Consunji, who died in September 2017, and Edgar Sia II, who debuted in the March 2017 Forbes Philippine list, were out of 2018 list. With AFP

Justice...

From A1 “I do not think they were referring to an ISIS Philippines that is an organized group,” Esperon said in a forum in Manila.

Esperon said the term ISIS Philippines referred to individuals who might have attempted to set up an ISIS province in the Philippines.

“It is also to signify that there are forces that are attempting or are currently here, working from the ideology of violent extremism,” he added, noting they were keeping a close eye on these elements.

The US Treasury Department added ISIS Philippines along with the ISIS-inspired Maute group, one of the groups responsible for the Marawi siege in the last half of 2017, along with two individuals and five organizations in Asia and Africa to its sanctions list.

At the same time, Esperon said there was “no point” in ending martial law in Mindanao, which started May of last year following the occupation of Marawi City by the proISIS Maute terrorist group.

“We requested for the extension of martial law for the rest of the year, so I think there’s no point in ending martial law that we requested,” Esperon said at the Kapehan sa Cafe Adriatico forum in Manila.

Amid fears that it may lead to human rights abuses similar to the martial law declared during the Marcos administration from 1972 and lifted in 1981, Esperon said the one imposed in Mindanao “is not the kind of martial law we know.”

“Remember that local governments and executives are functioning and in their positions, the military has not taken over the civilian functions,” he said.

Local officials and executives during the imposition of martial law from 1972 to 1981 were functioning.

Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Rassenell Rex Gingoyon approved the resolution.

“Basic and well-established is the rule that the party alleging has the burden of substantiating his allegation and any declaration or assertion not so substantiated is, at best, a self-serving statement or declaration which is inadmissible in evidence for being hearsay,” it stressed.

Lassqued and Salipada were arrested in Ermita, Manila last Feb. 16 by the PNP and the Philippine Army, pursuant to a search warrant issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court.

Sereno...

From A1 on each ground on the several issues that lawyer Larry Gadon raised in his impeachment complaint.

Gadon accused Sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes for her alleged lapses, including the alleged untruthful declaration of her wealth in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth.

Despite his forecast of his committee’s decision, Umali said another hearing would be needed next week to approve the committee report and the Articles of Impeachment so that they could go before the plenary when Congress resumes on May 14.

“As far as my committee is concerned, all procedures will be done to send our report to the [House] plenary before our break,” Umali said.

But House Majority Floor Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said the House has opted to set aside the plenary voting on the Articles of Impeachment to wait for the Supreme Court ruling on the quo warranto petition filed by the Solicitor General against Sereno.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said he believed that Sereno committed misdeeds that will result in her impeachment.

“I think there is more than enough grounds [to impeach her]. We have gathered overwhelming evidence that will support the grounds for her impeachment, and the most glaring is the betrayal of public trust,” Alvarez earlier said.

Specifically, Alvarez cited the testimony of clinical psychologist Geraldine Tria about Sereno’s mental disturbance, which he said could fall within the ambit of “betrayal of public trust.”

Tria was an expert witness invited by the House committee on justice to speak on Sereno’s “mental health.”

House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez shared Alvarez’s view. He said Sereno could have committed a “bigger” offense than her convicted predecessor, the late Renato Corona.

Both Chief Justices have faced questions with regard to their SALNs. “It is a requirement if you are a public official to submit SALN. It is administrative but it’s a mandatory requirement. It is not just submitting, but submitting proper SALNs,” Suarez said at a news conference Wednesday.

Senior deputy minority leader and Buhay party-List Rep. Lito Atienza agreed: “It becomes a bigger offense if it’s the chief justice not following the law. Remember, Chief Justice Corona was ousted on that basis. But now it’s even worse, it’s bigger. She never filed a SALN even when she was a mere professor in UP [University of the Philippines] who is required to file a SALN.” In a speech before a forum on women’s rights, Sereno decried the campaign against her.

“The current state of the nation is one where perceived enemies of the dominant order are considered fair game for harassment, intimidation, and persecution; where shortcuts are preferred over adherence to constitutional guarantees of human rights, including denial of due process,” Sereno said.

Sereno, who is on indefinite leave to prepare her legal defense for her looming impeachment trial at the Senate, denounced what she described as “impromptu, extemporized, unprepared and unthought out plans of action” in a bid to remove her from office, even if it violated the Constitution and its mechanism for accountability.

“We cannot be reckless in our actions because the Constitution told us to strengthen the institutions of democracy, transparency and accountability and not to weaken them,” she said.

“We have structures and procedures for transparency and accountability. We should do it properly,” she said.

Sereno also scored “fake news and propaganda” that “abound to deceive and manipulate, rather than enlighten and educate.”

The chief justice made the statement after the Office of the Solicitor General filed a quo warranto petition before the SC seeking her ouster from the top judicial post on the basis that her appointment in 2012 was invalid.

Her colleagues in the Court, who earlier compelled her to take an indefinite leave of absence so as not to drag the judiciary to her personal battle, ordered her to answer the petition last Tuesday.

Who...

From A1 controversial such as trade and investments, we will proceed full speed ahead,” Roque said in a press briefing.

The presidential spokesman said the President is firm in his stance that any country that wishes to conduct research or any other study in the Philippine Rise would first need to secure approval of the Philippine government through the National Security Adviser.

President Duterte has previously said the Philippines will not go to war with China and let Filipino soldiers be butchered.

“We do not have any capabilities to remove them. What country would dare to remove them?” Esperon said.

President Duterte has been consistent that he will die for Philippine territory, but said he will not sacrifice even a single life for an issue that can be resolved on the basis of friendly relations.

However, the President has said that he will not surrender any inch, even a single inch of Philippine territory to any foreigner.

“The President’s position is that the ruling of the UN Tribunal on the Law of the Sea has finally decided. One, that China cannot claim to any of the waters of the West Philippine Sea on the basis of historic title or on the basis of the nine-dash lines; two, that Scarborough and the area where China has built artificial islands are part and parcel of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” Roque said.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 assures govt support to women entrepreneurs

SC appoints new En Banc Clerk of Court chief

By Rey E. Requejo

By Vito Barcelo and Othel V. Campos PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte assured Filipino businesswomen of the government’s support in the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, which accounts for more than 60 percent of employment in the country.

The President said his administration is committed to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, set new plans to simplify how government works with growing businesses and encourage women entrepreneurship.

“I will try to make it double or triple next week to make the money available,” he said.

Duterte made the announcement during the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, which is held annually in line with the celebration of the International Women’s Day and the National Women’s Month.

He expressed gratitude to women entrepreneurs for being critical drivers of the country’s economic growth.

“I assure you of the government’s support to promote MSME development and of our untiring commitment to provide a conducive business environment,” President Duterte said in his speech.

The Chief Executive noted that 75 percent of MSMEs are owned by women, which accounts for more than 60 percent of jobs in the country.

“Increasing their competitiveness provides economic benefit and results in job creation,” he explained.

CPP’s Joma wants a coalition government —Duterte

By Vito Barcelo and Francisco Tuyay PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to have peace talks with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, but terminated the dialogue because Sison demanded a coalition government.

“The problem with Sison, which I would like to have peace talks, reach out to him, is Sison wants at the end of the day a coalition government,” Duterte said.

“Sison and the government have had these talks in Netherlands and from the summaries that are given me after every meeting, I read it, then I digest it and look for the meaning beyond the words and the commas and the periods. There’s something wrong,” the President said.

“Pagka ’yan ho ang hinihingi niya, ’di ko talaga maibigay sa kanya because sovereignty or the power to run the country, which is the sovereign power of the State, is given to Filipinos who are elected by the people,” Duterte said.

“You might elect a President who is a son of a b**** wala na ho tayong magawa diyan if it’s the choice of the people. The military, the police and the civilians will have to honor the mandate because that is the voice of the people and that is provided in our Constitution,” the President said in his speech during the 14th Founding Anniversary 2nd Kanlahi Festival in Tarlac.

IMEE AT THE FORUM. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos gestures as she discusses the coming bicentennial celebration in Ilocos Norte and other issues during the weekly Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on Wednesday. Manny Palmero

Imee confirms she will run for senator in 2019

By Rio N. Araja

I

LOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on Wednesday confirmed her plan to run as senator in 2019.

At the weekly Kamuning Bakery’s Pandesal Forum in Quezon City, Marcos, the eldest daughter of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., said she is thinking of joining the senatorial race.

Despite such, she said, she has yet to consult with her mother, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, and the other close relatives as well.

She dismissed speculations that hers or even her brother’s bid to run for a national office is a way to redeem the legacy of her

father.

“To run for a political office has nothing to do with one’s legacy. A legacy is a legacy. No one can erase that,” she said.

She, however, denied that she and her brother, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., went to Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City to campaign, saying some critics were just amplifying the issue against them.

She even thanked the so-called “Solid North” show of unity of many Ilocano

people in Baguio.

Despite criticisms against the Marcos family, the Ilocos Norte governor said her father’s legacy can “stand on its own and will be judged generation by generation.”

“Look at the dams, the irrigations, the rural electrifications, the highways. All those will remain as they are [even if time passes by],” she added.

She said the solid accomplishments of massive infrastructure, socioeconomic welfare programs and a more independent foreign policy of the Philippines befriending the world’s superpowers were just proof of their father’s legacy, and that “nothing they—his children—shall do or not do, to change his legacy.”

She said the Marcos family has endured 32 years of criticisms hurled against their father.

JIL leader warns against bill on ‘gender identity’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta JESUS Is Lord movement founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva warned that the approval of the Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression bill may turn the country into a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah as this is “plain and simple,” a rebellion against God. Villanueva led some 3000 members of a coalition of different churches and religious groups who trooped to the Senate and urged senators to examine the ill effects of the bill on the Filipino society.

He said that some legal experts who are members of the coalition discovered just recently that there are three key provisions in this well-crafted bill imported from Western countries.

These legal experts, Villanueva said, cautioned that once this bill is approved, there is no need for any other new law for marriage of same-sex because within this bill, same-sex union was already implied.

“And as we all know in history, that because of the wickedness in the Sodom

and Gomorrah, God had no alternative but to destroy it,” said Villanueva.

“We don’t’ want to destroy our country and our people by this, I would say this humbly, but with love and concern for our people, this could be unintentional rebellion against God.” Stressing that they are all in favor of fighting all kinds of discrimination, Villanueva however said these rights concerning anti-discrimination are already embedded in the constitution, Civil Code, Family Code and in the women’s rights, among others.

“That’s why our conclusion, this is unnecessary, this is very misleading, making the Filipino people a stupid race by these Western countries who initiated this all over the world.

While the Christian Coalition for Righteousness, Justice and Truth, a group of churches, church organizations, faith-based NGOs, and individuals from various evangelical churches nationwide, expressed its love and respect for all people, they insisted that certain lifestyles

and gender preferences of individuals are not sufficient to change and alter the definition of gender.

The CCRJ said that the mere introduction of the SOGIE bill violates the Constitution. They asserted that gender is a God-given attribute which cannot be legislated.

Because of this, the group believes that Filipinos should honor and preserve the definition of gender as well as the foundation of a family which is the core of society.

The group emphasized that existing laws are sufficient to protect all Filipinos from discriminatory acts and current laws are enough to address the grievances of members of the LGBTQ community.

The CCRJT also said that the SOGIE bill, which seeks to protect the LGBTQ sector is in itself discriminatory against those who do not agree with the LGBT community.

Additionally, the group said the bill creates confusion in society and destroys its basic foundation.

‘Most women domestics suffer abuse’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PROMOTED. Senate President Koko Pimentel III poses with Senators Manny

Pacquiao, Loren Legarda and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez after their promotion as colonels of Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Navy/Marines respectively over yesterday’s plenary session of the Commission on Appointments at the Senate in Pasay City. Ey Acasio

EIGHTY percent of migrant domestic workers, mostly women, in different parts of the world suffer abuse, Senator Sonny Angara reported on Wednesday.

“The experiences of our overseas workers are no longer humane. Majority of those being maltreated and abused are women-OFWs,” noted Angara, one of the authors of the Magna Carta of Women of 2009 or Republic Act 9710.

He said that OFWs risk maltreatment, physical and sexual abuse, even death just so they can provide for their families back home.

“We need to put a stop to this and make sure that their right to decent work is protected,” he added.

In recognition of the temporary nature of overseas work, Angara said the state shall exert all efforts to address the causes of out-migration by developing

local employment and other economic opportunities for women.

Angara underscored the need to introduce measures to curb violence and forced and involuntary displacement of local women.

He called for the stronger implementation of the Magna Carta of Women—a comprehensive law that protects the rights of Filipinas—amid rising cases of overseas Filipino worker abuse, especially among women.

He cited a provision in the Magna Carta which states that the government should promote the rights and welfare of migrant women regardless of their work status, and protect them against discrimination in wages, and unfavorable work conditions.

However, despite being enacted for almost a decade, Angara lamented that there are still more female overseas workers who are engaged in unskilled labor.

THE Supreme Court has appointed a new En Banc’s Clerk of Court which was left vacant following the retirement of lawyer Felipa Borlongan-Anama last Feb. 22, 2018.

The designation of lawyer Edgar Aricheta as the En Banc’s Clerk of Court was approved by the SC magistrates during its full court session on Tuesday.

Aricheta, who is the clerk of court of the SC First Division before his promotion, earned a majority votes of nine from the 14 magistrates. He is the most senior among the candidates.

He was a graduate of the Ateneo College of Law and known to be close to the late Chief Justice Renato Corona being his fraternity brother in the Utopia Fraternity.

The approval of Aricheta’s appointment was held without Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno who has taken an indefinite leave of absence since March 1.

Aricheta took over the post vacated

by Anama whose tenure was extended by six months by the high court. Anama was supposed to retire last August 2017.

Besides Aricheta, the other candidates who aspired for the position were lawyer Lourdes Perfecto, Clerk of Court of the SC 2nd Division, lawyer Wilfredo Lapitan, Clerk of Court of the SC 3rd Division and lawyer Teresita Tuason, Asst. Clerk of Court of the SC 2nd Division.

The Clerk of Court of the En Banc shall handle the most controversial cases in the high court involving constitutional issues and cases, dismissal of justices and judges and lawyers and cases of transcendental importance, including cases of writs of kalikasan, writs of amparo and habeas data.

The En Banc Clerk of Court shall also sit as the Clerk of Court of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal which handles the cases of the election protests for president and vice presidential contests, including the poll protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leonor Robredo.

DoJ orders NBI to investigate investment scam

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate an investment company for alleged financial scam.

In a Department Order No. 133, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct an investigation and case build-up over the alleged multi-million investment scam committed by Wahana Credit and Loan Corp. and its directors and corporate officers.

Aguirre said that the NBI should file appropriate cases, if there are sufficient evidence.

He also directed Gierran to furnish his office with its activities related to the implementation of his directive.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission Wahana Credit And Loan Corp. was not registered with the regulator and is not allowed to solicit investments.

The SEC said Wahana was promising investors returns as high as 12 percent per week and 48 percent per month through its business of lending money to casino players.

House seeks to strengthen ‘malunggay’ industry

By Maricel V. Cruz A PANEL in the House of Representatives has backed proposals to develop and strengthen the malunggay industry in the country.

The House committee on agriculture and food, chaired by ANAC-IP Partylist Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., approved and consolidated the bills that would put malunggay at the forefront because it is considered a superfood.

The first bill, House Bill 3908, authored by deputy speaker and Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, intends to promote the production, processing, marketing and distribution of moringa oleifera or malunggay.

In her sponsorship remarks, Villarica said now is the time for the government to intervene and develop the Moringa industry given the many benefits of malunggay.

“Studies have shown that 100 grams of Moringa leaves contain nine times the protein of yogurt, 10 times the Vitamin A of carrots, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 17 times the calcium of milk, and 12 times the Vitamin C of oranges,” she said.

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL Blind singers break through Bangkok’s sound barrier STRUMMING his guitar with ease and backed by a drummer, Singhkum Boonriang belts out covers of Thai ballads as strangers pass by on a busy Bangkok afternoon.

But Singhkum is no ordinary busker —he’s one of hundreds of blind singers who perform across the Thai capital at traffic junctions, skytrain stops and other busy locations.

“It’s born out of my love to play music and sing,” Singhkum explains, sitting in front of a small donation box. Aided by a small speaker, he is hopeful of attracting attention, and some loose change.

He started performing in his teens but took up the street gig four years ago when he moved to the Thai capital from the north.

“When I first arrived in Bangkok, I heard many street musicians playing in public spaces, and I love to sing, so I gave it a try,” he adds.

Like Singhkum, many of Bangkok’s blind singers hail from poor and rural provinces and come to the capital in search of work.

But their options are limited.

“There are two or three jobs that we can do, like selling lottery tickets, singing or giving massages,” muses 50-year-old Yupin Boonchuen, who makes around 1,000 baht (US$31) a day performing outside a skytrain station.

Stigma Attitudes towards begging and street performing are ambiguous in superstitious Thailand; some view disabilities as the result of bad karma from previous lives.

Such street jobs also carry a social stigma, with buskers seen as hustlers on the run from city officials.

“Sometimes [when I get chased away] I feel, why don’t they give me a chance? I was sad that they didn’t give me an opportunity to show my talent,” Yupin says.

But others in this Buddhist-majority nation see giving to the needy as a way to accrue merit in their next life.

The singers, armed with traditional mandolins and bamboo flutes, can transport listeners to the past.

“They’re actually part of the traditional folk culture of this country,” explains Philip CornwellSmith, author of a book on Thai culture.

“The sound is quite plaintive— the music itself is quite nostalgic, almost, and so I think it has quite a strong pull on the Thai heart,” he adds.

Attitudes may also be changing thanks to reforms from an unlikely corner.

The junta that grabbed power in 2014 has pushed through new rules separating street showmen from beggars by granting “talent” cards.

All Thais who wish to perform for money in public spaces can now register with the authorities and play legally.

So far, over 2,000 people have signed up as street performers with the blind singers making up the majority.

Few opportunities The government has also started offering music, performance and fashion classes to help blind singers sharpen their skills and presentation.

A recent two-day training course at a Bangkok hotel saw nearly 300 blind performers across the country receive voice lessons.

“The project stemmed from the idea of not leaving anyone behind,” said Napa Setthakorn, director of the Social Development and Welfare Department, which runs the program.

Yet as the legal channels open up, the number of street troubadours is increasing, including young musicians pumping out pop hits.

The added competition often Turn to A5

Overseas Filipino women

W

E MARK this year’s International Women’s Day in specific recognition of our female overseas Filipino workers.

Economic hardships and the desire to provide a better life for their loved ones are what drive all overseas workers away from the comforts of home. We imagine that if they had better options, they would not consider leaving their families for years to work in an unfamiliar environment. This will always be the failure of government, across several administrations.

Changing this should always be government’s goal.

Shunning traditional role assignments that men should go out and earn money while the women stay home and take care of the children, Filipino women venture out

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

of the country and well out of their comfort zones.

They have to make the unnatural gesture of wresting themselves from their family, sometimes to care for the children of strangers.

They face not just loneliness but real risks especially in some cultures where women are regarded as inferior, or weak, or dispensable.

We only have to look to the story of Joanna Demafelis and all others who fell victim to abuse and who were tragically unable to escape or fight.

We recognize their strength, mourn their loss and get angry at the injustice they met. What can we do next? How can we do better? This is something foreign affairs and labor officials must ponder. Concrete and sustained action to protect our women workers will make March 8 less of a token day and show the rest of the world we are serious about looking out for our own.

A national sport DURING the Japanese occupation, life in Manila became too difficult. A sackful of Japanese Mickey Mouse money could hardly buy a ganta of rice. My family decided to move to Abra, and for good reason.

My two older brothers joined the guerilla movement in Northern Luzon.

As a teenager, I always wanted to gain new experiences. At that time, the only entertainment we had was cockfighting, every Sunday. I always watched it with friends.

Many things about cockfighting amazed me. How the experts put razor blades in one leg of the cock for it to slash its opponent. How the “kristos” shouted for bets. I said to myself, they must have photographic memories!

What struck me, however, was the honesty of the bettors. Nobody reneged. If we had that kind of honesty in government, we would have no graft and corruption.

Unknown to most Filipinos, cockfighting is a national and cultural sport. It traces its origins to precolonial days. It is so popular in the provinces such that in most towns, there is a cockpit where aficionados go every week.

Cockfighting has many benefits.

War in the time of cholera

By Jamal Noman SANAA—Every day when I leave the house, I say goodbye to my family as if it is the last time I am seeing them.

Because it very well could be.

I live in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen—a land of deserts, mountains and tribes that has been wracked by war, malnutrition and disease so much that the UN has declared it the scene of the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. That’s because the past handful of years has seen a dizzying maelstrom of regional and local groups fighting each other. And we—the people who live here—are caught in the middle.

Yemen has had its problems for years, but I suppose the descent into the abyss began in 2014. That’s when Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including the capital Sanaa, where I live.

The Houthis were Shiites backed

by Iran, an arch-rival of Sunni Saudi Arabia. So a year later, the Saudis as-

sembled a coalition and started a campaign of air strikes to chase the Houthis out. They also set up a blockade of air and sea ports, which has meant that aid groups haven’t been able to bring aid into the country, which was already one of the world’s poorest.

Spicing up the mix of these two regional behemoths fighting for influence, you have some Al-Qaeda groups that have set up camp in parts of the country. And if that wasn’t enough, a few weeks back, you had separatists running the government out of Aden, the port city where it has had its base since being chased out of Sanaa by the Houthis.

I expect death.

What is it like for ordinary people to live in such circumstances? When go out in the morning, I expect death.

I cannot go out of my house after 9 p.m. because it’s too dangerous.

When fire erupts in neighborhoods, the children start to scream. Their parents, terrified that there will be an

airstrike, grab them and rush downstairs of their buildings, either to the first or ground floors.

When you get caught in clashes like the government and Houthis in Sanaa or government and separatists in Aden, civilians are left without water, or power, or any way to get food. They can’t get to hospitals. They cower in their buildings, terrified to go out because they are not sure who is allied with whom outside.

Or there are the random acts of death, like an air strike that can hit anyplace, even a funeral hall, like the one in October 2016 that killed 140 people and wounded 500 others. Since the start of the Saudi-led campaign, more than 9,000 people have died in the country.

If that wasn’t enough misery, you have the humanitarian situation. Since the Saudi coalition imposed a blockade of air and sea ports in 2015, aid has been slow to trickle into the country.

Magellan took note of locals duelling their roosters and betting on them. History tells us that Magellan’s co-explorer, Antonio Pigafetta, was able to introduce the sport to Mexico through the Galleon trade.

Later, it spread to Central and South America, to Spain, and even the United States.

In fact, there is now an annual Slashers Club in Manila. Lovers of the sport show off their roosters and bet on them by the millions. It is almost always held at the Araneta Coliseum.

Manila Cockers Club is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manila Jockey Club. During the past two years, the sport has been revolutionized. There is now a world-class cockpit arena at the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Carmona, Cavite. Innovations have also been introduced to the sport.

The license issued to MCC is pursuant to Presidential Decree 449, otherwise known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, as amended by Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1992. This vested on local government units the exclusive authority to grant licenses to establish and operate cockpits, conduct cockfighting and regulate the same.

In the advent of RA 8792, or the e-commerce Act, transactions outside the territorial jurisdiction of any LGU are deemed transacted in the LGU where the electronic data is received.

In this case, MCC operates its own network of terminals located in its off-cockpit stations to process bets.

Hence, bets are transacted, accepted and confirmed in Carmona, Cavite where the totalizer system of MCC is located. This process is analogous to the operations of Amazon and e-Bay. Despite the legality of the operations of the MCC, the Games and Amusement Board recently attacked its operations by filing complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

SOFIA Rusova was a young political journalist in a provincial Russian city when a lawmaker pursued her with sexual text messages, staked her out and even assaulted her near her apartment.

“I was in shock and for some time I couldn’t walk the streets alone,” she says.

But she knew from prior experience that police would not react and most of her colleagues did not take the situation seriously.

“Some people who heard my story saw it as a funny adventure and told me I should be happy to be an object of such interest,” she says. In the end, she asked her father to confront the lawmaker and the pressure subsided.

Rusova’s story is typical in Russia, where sexual harassment is seen as a joke rather than a problem, even as the #MeToo movement sweeps across western countries.

In an unprecedented recent case, three women publicly accused senior lawmaker Leonid Slutsky of inappropriate conduct.

They were accused of undermining his career for political reasons and being anti-Russian.

In the most recent accusation Tuesday, BBC journalist Farida Rustamova said she has an audio recording of an encounter in Slutsky’s office when he groped her and asked her to become his lover in exchange for “help.”

At the time of the incident in March 2017, she “was afraid to come out with this alone,” but was bolstered by the women who spoke out in recent weeks, Rustamova said.

When on Wednesday parliament reporters brought up the accusations with parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, he advised females who feel threatened to quit.

“Is working in the Duma dangerous to you? If so, switch your job,” he said, according to Vedomosti newspaper, before wishing them a happy Women’s Day. ‘Russian Harvey Weinstein’ Rustamova was the fifth woman in a string of accusations against Slutsky that began in February and were initially anonymous. He had labelled them a political attack ordered by his enemies and even said the scandal “boosted my gravitas rather than took it away.”

“Attempts to make Slutsky into a Russian Harvey Weinstein look like a cheap and crude provocation... and are bound to fail,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

He proceeded to joke with his colleagues in the comments about dividing up female journalists, as another MP suggested he could also “take a couple.”

A national...

From A4

MCC, I am told, is surprised with such actions because the GAB has previously authorized the use of OCS in processing bets for cockfighting, provided the LGUs where the OCS are located consent to the same through the issuance of business permits.

Accordingly, in its letter dated Oct. 12, 2016, the GAB directed the MCC to submit the business permits to the OCS in compliance.

However, recent actions of the GAB in attacking the MCC were merely based on the individual actions of GAB chairman Abraham Mitra and Commissioner Eduard Trinidad reportedly without board authority.

It is likewise reported that the attempt of the two to regulate cockfighting is supposedly based on their residual powers from the cockfighting law of 1974. I heard that the MCC is wondering, however, why they have not gone out of their way to also file complaints on others engaged in cockfighting operations without permits from the local government unit.

The Manila Cockers Club pays the proper taxes. Last year, it paid P58.6 million in percentage taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and P6.2 million as local business tax to the municipality of Carmona.

So why attack the MCC? What is Mitra’s agenda?

The Duterte administration should look into the benefits cockfighting can give to government in the form of revenues. *** If you have not noticed it yet, both cases against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno—the impeachment case at the House and

“We’ll discuss,” Slutsky replied.

Fellow lawmaker Anton Morozov went as far as to say the women were actors in a conspiracy. “Perhaps Russian journalists received an order from the West to compromise him,” he told Meduza news website.

Most female members of the Duma also lashed out at Slutsky’s accusers.

Oksana Pushkina, the only lawmaker who stepped up in the journalists’ defence, said fellow female lawmakers warned her that attempting to fight sexual harassment would harm Russia’s already low birth rate.

“It’s a catastrophe that we speak in such terms,” she told AFP. Pushkina has proposed a bill on sexual harassment that would “make men control their hands and their emotions” in the work environment, but so far she has seen no support from her colleagues.

“I was told it would take me 15 years to make this law a reality,” she said.

‘Nowhere to go’ Women’s rights were in theory at the centre of the early Soviet project and International Women’s Day, March 8, remains a public holiday in Russia.

But in reality the main change to most women’s lives in the USSR was that they were expected to have a job as well as run a home.

In recent years those rights have suffered additional blows as the government extols conservative views on gender roles and labels feminism a hostile Western trend.

Punishment for domestic abuse was softened last year, for example, with most abusers now only paying a fine and facing no time in custody.

Even cases of rape rarely make it to trial, said Pushkina. “Sexual harassment cases all fall apart at the stage of a complaint.”

President Vladimir Putin, who has led the country for almost two decades, is certainly no feminist.

In 2006, he appeared to praise the sexual stamina of Israel ex-president Moshe Katsav who was subsequently forced to resign over rape accusations.

“What a powerful guy he turned out to be! Raped ten women! I didn’t expect that, he surprised us all! We all envy him!” Putin was quoted as saying at the time by Kommersant newspaper.

“Chances are, nothing will happen to Slutsky and he will keep his mandate,” said Alyona Popova, who heads feminist association The W Project.

Rusova was also pessimistic. “People will take the side of the person of authority, because our society is such that it is easier to blame the woman,” she said.

“When you find yourself in this situation, you have nowhere to go.” AFP the quo warranto petition filed by the solicitor general—question her fitness and qualifications and cut across party lines.

Justice Marvic Leonen was the sole dissenter to the decision that Sereno must answer, in 10 days, her disqualification case. Leonen is known as an Aquino partisan.

In the Senate, Liberal Party senators, Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Risa Hontiveros are making some noises that the quo warranto petition is an attempt to pre-empt the impeachment proceedings against Sereno.

It’s actually no surprise that the Liberal Party will make the two separate cases against Sereno a political issue. But I don’t think it is.

The real issue here is whether the chief justice violated the laws on filing Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Sereno reportedly did not file her SALN when she was a professor at the UP College of Law. It was also found that she was not fit for the post, and that her appointment was null and void. Thus, she must be ousted. *** There is a House bill filed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Floor Leader Reynaldo Umali to abolish the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

I think the bill was recklessly done.

It brings to fore potential conflict of interest. The Office of the Solicitor General will supposedly take over the functions of the OGCC, but they are on opposite sides.

Even some lawmakers are against the bill.

Another proposal that has no basis is the abolition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

The PCGG has done well in going after the Marcos wealth. So why fix it?

A5

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Ratings and performance

MPs mock harassment claims as #MeToo falls flat in Russia

By Maria Antonova

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ THE fourth quarter of 2017 closed with all-time-high approval and trust ratings for President Rodrigo Duterte. According to the latest survey

by Pulse Asia, the President received 80 percent approval rating and 82 percent trust rating. To my mind, though, this does not automatically equate to an efficient government.

While the President has been doing well in his campaign against illegal drugs, we keep reminding him to also give equal attention to concerns of other sectors.

Nineteen months into the Duterte administration, let us review their performance, particularly the agencies under the executive branch and their respective heads.

On a positive note, the Philippine economy posted a 6.7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2017. This growth was sector-driven, specifically by the manufacturing, trade, and real estate industries. However, I am concerned that other sectors, such as fisheries, are lagging behind. There has been a 1.18-percent reduction in fish production in 2017.

In the education sector, noting the rise in our simple and functional literacy rates in 2013, are our graduates

globally competitive? Is the quality of education in the country at par with those of other countries? We still await for the construction of more classrooms to accommodate all our students.

Traffic congestion is getting worse.

In fact, according to the latest report of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Philippines loses P3.5 billion a day due to Metro Manila traffic. While I understand that the administration aims to improve the metro traffic condition through

No, not impressed.

its Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, I expect the Department of Transportation to at least provide short-term solutions to address the traffic menace.

One possible solution is the improvement of our public transportation system, most especially the railways. However, even this solution brings another problem. The delayed upgrade and expansion of the Metro Rail Transit cause further inconvenience to the commuters.

I am not impressed with the current status of our energy sector. Recently,

the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines placed the Luzon power grid on yellow alert due to unexpected shutdown and limited generation of several power plants. Let us face it, with our growing economy, our demand for energy increases; yet we are behind in building more power plants to meet this demand.

Other problems remain unresolved.

We have the Dengvaxia mess, and the controversial purchase of two frigates. We still hear delays in the delivery of relief goods and distribution of cash grants. Several schools that have been destroyed by the typhoons are yet to be restored.

In the legislative, we have spent so much time on investigating a lot of issues of the Executive instead of legislating measures for the welfare of our people. As a legislator, and as minority leader, I can exercise my oversight function to ensure that the government agencies are doing their jobs properly.

It is about time Cabinet members got their act together and got the work done, with urgency. The President entrusted them their respective positions with high hopes that they would perform their duties with diligence.

I expect the same from them. Come budget deliberations, the minority would question how these agencies spent their respective budgets. If necessary, we would call for the reorganization of the executive branch.

The quarreling magistrates

especially when former Chief Justice Renato Corona was impeached during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. So, we have Mr. Aquino to thank for the chaos now going on at the Supreme Court.

I am no fan of Chief Justice Sereno.

Maybe she should have not been appointed in the first place. She may also be all that she is being accused of— but there is a process provided by the Constitution to remove a Chief Justice, and that is by impeachment. The government therefore has the duty to follow the procedure instead of trying to find a shortcut. This can only damage our government institutions which are already fragile and may collapse anytime.

The House of Representatives should conclude its proceedings and forward the articles of impeachment to the Senate were the trial should take place. If there is a lesson at all about what hap-

pened to Chief Justice Renato Corona and what is happening to Chief Justice Sereno, it is that a future president, when appointing a chief justice should search long and hard to find someone with unquestioned integrity, impeccable credentials and a reputation beyond reproach to appoint as the Chief Magistrate of the land. *** When Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Martin Diño posted on Facebook a photo of himself in complete uniform of a rear admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard, little did he realize that it will get him into trouble. The Coast Guard came out with a statement that he is actually not in the roaster of the PCG. Dino therefore has a lot of explaining to do. For one, how did he become a Rear Admiral with all those awards having only been inducted into the PCGA in 2015 as he claims.

In fairness to the good undersecretary, the integrity of the PCG and the process of commissioning officers, this situation must be resolved at the earliest possible time. If I remember correctly, a presidential approval is needed when someone is commissioned and promoted in the service. Was Diño’s promotion to rear admiral approved by the President or was this done by a simple pronouncement of a certain Admiral Villanueva who appears to have recruited Diño in 2015?

Is this admiral authorized to recruit and promote? In Diño’s photograph, he is wearing a lot of awards which points out that he must truly be an outstanding officer. It appears that he is also an airborne guy. It would be nice to know where he earned his jump wings because as far as I know, the PCG is not offering the course. Only the Army does. It is entirely possible of course that he did parachute jumping when he was younger.

Nonetheless, he does owe the public some explanation and clarification as the PCG is pointing out. Otherwise, he could really be charged for usurpation of authority and being a fraud for exhibiting and wearing a uniform that he is not authorized to wear.

epidemics of the past decade.

The disease spreads because of the severe economic situation and also because of a lack of education among many people.

I once knew a family. One of their kids got sick, but they didn’t realize that he had cholera, they just thought he was sick, so they didn’t take him to the hospital and then he died.

Then there are people who realize

that their children have cholera, but they can’t them to the hospital because they just can’t reach it.

I always remind my family to keep a lookout for the signs of the disease.

The conflict in Yemen will end sooner or later. Because a start always has an end. Though there are people who think it will go on forever. I just wonder how many people will have to suffer and die before it does. AFP

way pick-up service he needs and the helper who chaperones his travel.

And if this gig doesn’t work out, From A4 he’s not sure where else to turn. means a drop in earnings.

He asks: “How many opportunities Singhkum, the guitarist at Lumpini does our society provide for the disapark, says that on some days he can’t bled?” make enough money to cover the two“I think little. The disabled peo-

ple can do so many things but the acceptance from society is still low,” the 28-year-old adds.

His wish is to be seen as first and foremost as a musician. He insists: “I just want them to think of me as doing a job, not for the sympathy.” AFP

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA WHATEVER the differences of the magistrates of the Supreme Court are, the situation has now deteriorated into a street brawl for everyone to see. The fighting has even split the Supreme Court personnel. The reds are those against the Chief Justice.

This is the kind we see at the municipal level when a mayor is ousted and calls for his supporters to demonstrate.

There is no longer any attempt to hide from the people whatever differences the justices might have and try to settle their conflict amicably away from the prying eyes of the public and media. Whatever they are, the public can only speculate. Is it ambition? Incompetence, as some are saying on the part of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno?

Corruption, maybe, or perhaps jealousy on the part of some of those plotting her ouster?

Perhaps it is all of the above. If it is indeed all those, it may perhaps be a good time to remind everyone to remember what the Lord said: “Let those without sin cast the first stone.” The quarrel of the magistrates can only damage further the reputation and prestige of the Supreme Court which to begin with is already not very high.

Regardless of what the government is saying that the courts will continue to function normally, the standing of the Supreme Court has already been tarnished in the eyes of the public. If the people who are supposed to be the most learned in law, whose characters are supposed to be the embodiment of what is best in the legal profession, are behaving the way they are, what can the public expect from the other pillars of the judicial system?

What is happening at the Supreme Court reminds me of what happened in my own service, the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police. It used to be that when an officer was appointed as the Chief PC or PNP, that officer was expected to serve his

War...

From A4

Which has led to malnutrition. There are people starving in parts of Yemen.

And that’s when the cholera came.

There are now more than a million cases of cholera in the country and some 2,200 people dead of the disease. That’s one of the world’s worst

Blind...

full term and retire from that position.

This, however, was radically changed during the term of General Cesar Nazareno when he was removed from his post and retired prematurely. When that happened, it proved that the position was not protected after all. All that had to be done was find a sufficient reason to replace the incumbent which in fact happened a few times.

I equate that to the infighting going on at the Supreme Court today.

It used to be that the magistrate were considered gods in Mount Olympus.

Remote, detached from ordinary mortals like you and me and who are only heard when they make landmark decisions. This is no longer the case

The public can only speculate on how wide the justices’ differences truly are.

News

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PDEA taps FB, Twitter vs drugs

MMDA OKs rail adjustment work for MRT

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Wednesday gave the go signal for the rail adjustment works of the Metro Railway Transit Line 3 scheduled this month on a portion of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue near Tramo Street in Pasay City.

Although only minimal impact on traffic is expected, MMDA acting general manager Jose Arturo Garcia said traffic enforcers will be deployed in the area to avoid public inconvenience when the project starts.

He said the rail adjustment works will affect the flow of traffic along the northbound lane of Edsa and Tramo for a month.

“The train rails need to be fixed in preparation for the additional coaches of the MRT 3,” said Garcia, who met with the officials of AsiaPhil, the private contractor of the project, last Monday.

The MRT’s expansion works intend to increase the capacity of the train rails from the existing three to four.

Garcia said the private contractor of the Department of Transportation would occupy 20 to 30 meters of Edsa’s inner lane in Tramo area beside the MRT wall as work area.

“We will try to retain the four to five lanes for private and public utility vehicles,” said Garcia, adding that the contractor vowed not to expand their works beyond the designated area without prior notice.

While the MMDA has given its go signal, Garcia said the private contractor has yet to secure clearance from the Pasay City local government before proceeding with the project.

“This early, we want to advise the public of the project for the MRT under the “Build, Build, Build” program,” said Garcia.

The MRT 3 line serves 13 stations commences at North Avenue and ends at Taft Avenue, serving the cities that Epifanio de los Santos Avenue passes through: Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay. It caters more about 400,000 passengers daily.

It started its operation in 1999 as the country’s second rapid transit line in Metro Manila. It forms part of the rail transport infrastructure, including the Manila Light Rail Transit System composed two lines which are the LRT 1 and MRT 2, and the Metro Commuter Line of the Philippine National Railways.

By Rio N. Araja

PRICE CHECK. Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo leads the surprise inspection on the prices of basic commodities at a mall in Malate, Manila on Wednesday. Castelo’s team found overpricing of some canned milk items. Norman Cruz

Full alert: NCRPO fields 5k cops for Holy Week

A

T LEAST 5,000 cops will secure Metro Manila during Holy Week as the National Capital Region Police Office remains on full alert amid reports that at least 313 local ISIS-inspired bandits have slipped out of Marawi City and have started to regroup.

“That’s the main reason why we are not lowering our full alert status in Metro Manila. We never downgraded our alert status [in the capital] unlike in other regions,” NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said.

“We do not want any incident

of terrorism in Metro Manila,” he added.

Albayalde cited the arrest of alleged Maute Group sub-leader Abdul Nasser Lomondot in Divisoria, Manila over the weekend.

“This arrest shows our pro-active

MERCURY SAMPLER.

Environmental Management Bureau engineer Vizminda Osorio, Environment Undersecretary for policy and planning lawyer Jonas Leones, Deputy Representative Minister of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office James Chu, and lawyer Gilbert Lauengco, vice chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (from left) stand with the Mercury Deposition Sampler the Taiwanese government donated to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during turnover ceremonies at the DENR office in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

Aquino presses CHED to refund students’ fees SENATOR Bam Aquino on Wednesday pressed the Commission on Higher Education to refund to the students the miscellaneous fees they paid in state universities and colleges.

“We demand that CHED immediately implement free education in our public universities and colleges and reimburse students for miscellaneous fees charged during the 2nd semester of the current academic year,” said Aquino, principal sponsor and co-author of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. He slammed CHED for its inaction on the Senate’s call to implement RA 10931 in the second semester of school year 2017-18, and demanded a refund for students.

Aquino said it is the obligation of CHED to address the Senate resolution and implement the law that will solve the problem of millions of Filipino students and their families.

On Feb. 15, the Senate unanimously adopted the senator’s Resolution No. 620, which urged the chamber to express a united front in support of the full implementation of the free college law. However, CHED has yet to act on the Senate’s move.

Aquino said the senators agreed that CHED should implement the law, which took effect August 2017 and was allocated a P41-billion budget.

“Looks like the Senate’s call has fallen on deaf ears, because until now, we have yet to hear from CHED regarding our push for the law’s implementation in the second semester of 2017,” added Aquino.

During the bicameral conference committee for RA 10931, the senator insisted that representatives from both Houses of Congress expressly agreed on the legislative intent to implement it by the second semester of 2017-18.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

stance. We cannot be reactive,” he said.

Lomondot, who reportedly arrived in Manila in January, is also accused of being involved in the attack against a Civilian Auxiliary Detachment in Lanao del Sur during the Marawi siege.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa earlier claimed Lomondot came to Manila to seek refuge and not to launch terror attacks.

Albayalde said the NCRPO is monitoring areas where terrorists may be hiding in the capital.

‘Fast release of coco levy fund is win-win for farmers’ A FASTER, transparent disposition of the coconut levy fund will ensure a winwin solution for coconut farmers, Senator Ralph Recto said Wednesday.

“There is no debate as to the need to plow back the coco levy collections to the people. The divergence is on how to do it,” Recto said.

The senator prefers a quicker disbursement schedule, which will disburse bigger amounts in a shorter time.

“If the industry is in ICU [intensive care unit], it should get a massive infusion, not the perpetual drip-drip of funds. Why prolong the agony of farmers when we can have a shorter recovery period for an industry in distress?” he said.

Recto called for a simpler and more cohesive administration of the trust fund, “by one body dominated by farmers, in which they will have the biggest say, instead of creating two layers of bureaucracy, which will lead to dissonance.”

He proposed to expand the membership of the Philippine Coconut Authority board to nine, with six farmers and three from the government—the secretaries of Agriculture, Finance and Budget and Management.

The PCA, Recto said, will be given expanded powers, to include: 1. The power to ratify and veto the disposition of coco levy assets, only when such is disadvantageous to the government; 2. To serve as a trust committee; and 3. To draft the industry road map.

“Why create two agencies, when one agency can do the job with a one-stopshop setup? The powers of the proposed trust committee can be included in the strengthened PCA,” he said.

Recto questioned why an independent trust committee “almost as big as the Supreme Court (with 13 members)” would be created “when the investment picks are limited to government securities—which means there are no other investments to select; and the spending will be made pursuant to the road map—which means there is already a menu?”

He stressed he wanted “bigger funds” for coconut farmers, noting that the original proposal is limited to annual interest on top of a start-up development fund.

“My proposal is to match trust income with guaranteed appropriated budgetary

support to the PCA in the amount of P10 billion annually,” the senator said. “I want transparent use, recording and monitoring of the trust account.”

The original proposal, Recto noted, is to treat the funds as off-budget accounts.

“We know what happened when funds are firewalled from congressional and public scrutiny, and disbursed by one unelected small group given the power to appropriate. Think Malampaya Fund, the road users tax collection,” he said.

The senator also proposed for the government to sell all coco levy assets, under a process that is transparent and advantageous to the farmers.

“Liquidating the assets will enlarge the trust fund,” he said. “The government must get out of the coconut business because its record in running for-profit corporations has been unblemished by success.”

The government, Recto added, “has no business bottling cooking oil. If we create a trust committee that will be allowed to pick investments, run corporations, disburse funds, then we will merely be copying what Marcos did with the CIIF [Coconut Industry Investment Fund].”

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has turned to social media for faster, wider and more timely dissemination of information on the government’s anti-drug campaign.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the agency has created its own Facebook and Twitter accounts with the usernames Pdea TopStories and PDEA Top Stories on Facebook and Twitter handle @PdeaTopStories.

“This is an open invitation to all Facebook and Twitter users to visit our online venues,” he said.

“They can use the accounts to read up-to-date news, activities, advisories and press statements of PDEA, and share the content as widely as possible. Also, they can post comments and suggestions that would be essential in the war against illegal drugs. Every insight means a lot to us. After all, we are together in this fight,” Aquino added.

The PDEA chief said aside from traditional media, social media platforms are also able to influence or sway public consciousness or opinion.

“We are tapping these platforms to fill-in the necessary gaps for better understanding and appreciation of the government’s campaign against the drug menace,” he said.

More flights to Australia

by June—PAL LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines announced on Wednesday it will operate more flights between Manila and Melbourne this June to accommodate more passengers going to and from Australia.

PAL external communications chief and spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said beginning June 1, the newly ranked four-star airline will operate the Manila-Melbourne flight service five times a week from the current thrice weekly service.

“The additional flights form part of several operational enhancements being undertaken by PAL after receiving the coveted 4-Star certification from air transport rating organization Skytrax,” said Villaluna.

PAL Flight PR207 will leave Manila every Wednesday and Friday at 4:45 p.m. and will arrive in Melbourne at 3 a.m. local time the following day. The returning flight PR208 leaves the Australian city every Thursday and Saturday at 5:40 a.m. local time and touches down in Manila at 10:55 a.m. on the same day.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, PR209 leaves Manila at 9:10 p.m. and lands in Melbourne at 8:30 a.m. local time the following day and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, PR210 departs Melbourne at 10:15 a.m. local time and reaches Manila at 3:30 p.m. on the same day.

“The new frequency to Melbourne would enable Aussies to maximize the benefits of the domestic and international hub of PAL, which currently offers a combined total of 77 destinations,” said PAL vice president for Sales Ryan Uy. “Passengers will get to enjoy our newly reconfigured Airbus A330’s with new lie-flat business class, new premium economy and new economy seats.”

“We continue to receive positive reviews about our new business class seats. Passenger loads between Melbourne and Manila have been consistently in the high 80s, while Sydney-Manila has been in the high 80s to 90s since we utilized the A330 tri-class for the equally popular route,” Uy added.

On March 28, PAL will also shift to a thrice weekly non-stop service between Manila and Brisbane, which will enable passengers to use the Airbus A340 with lie-flat business class seats.

Flight PR221 will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday departing Manila at 11:30 p.m. and arriving in Brisbane at 9:20 a.m. local time the following day. The returning flight PR222 will leave the AUS city every Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. local time and arrive in Manila at 5 p.m. on the same day.

Arriving passengers can enjoy Manila for a few days and hop on to one of PAL’s domestic flights before connecting to the airline’s international network especially to the UK and North Asia.

Following the recognition from Skytrax, PAL will also undertake major initiatives this year to follow through on this historic milestone and sustain the fourstar rating.

First in the lineup is the introduction of a new line of aircraft tailored for mid-size markets on medium-range routes. The new Airbus A321neo is slated for delivery this month, to be deployed on the new Manila-Brisbane nonstop route by May. Joel E. Zurbano

Sports

A7

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Isuzu PH supports Superliga

Local netters overwhelm opposition LOCAL netters from host province Leyte dominated the conclusion of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series leg in Ormoc City as young players from Baybay and Sogod crushed their opponents, with the host city just winning one category and Cebu City the only non-Leyte based city capturing a lone title.

Anica Georgia Cari from Baybay City and Sal Andrei Lago, who hails from Sogod, led the charge as they won back-to-back individual titles, even as Lago shared with Dwayne Faelnar the boys’ 14-under doubles’ crown.

Lago also took the boys’ 14-under title with an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory over Faelnar and duplicated the feat with another straight set win, 6-4, 6-0 over Cedrix John Bravo in the finals of the boys’ 16-under of the tournament also backed by Dunlop Sports as the official ball.

Cari took out separate opponents in the girls’ 16- and 18-under categories for her twin victories, beating Ormoc bet Mia Geniday, 6-2, 6-1 in the younger category and visiting Cebu City player Pherl Bless Coderos, 7-5, 6-0, in the 18-under.

Other Baybay players, who struck for gold were Aaliyah Bandalan who copped the girls’ 14-under title with a close 7-6, 7-5 win over local bet Corazon Lambunao; and Thirdy Jocson, who posted a 4-0, 2-4, 4-0 victory over Christian Estrada from Maasin for the 10-under unisex crown.

“This leg in Leyte shows that the province alone has a lot of potentials as far as young tennis talents are concerned. The fact that most of the winners were not familiar names confirm this,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier Group and who initiated this grassroots tennis developmental program 12 years ago.

Neous Elna Beronio was the other winner from Sogod as she ruled the girls’ 12-under, disposing of Cebu City’s Hela Riza Coderos, 6-1, 6-0, in the finals.

Ormoc’s lone winner was Gerald Gemida, who edged out Maasin’s Ruzzel bert Manlimos, 6-3, 3-6, 107, in the championship match of the boys’ 12-under, while multi titlist Marc Nicole Suson was the only non-Leyteno, who emerged winner as he reasserted his supremacy in the boys’ 18-under after retiring Bravo in a 6-1 first-set win.

Arellano U starts 3-peat campaign ARELLANO University launches its three-peat feat bid as the 93rd NCAA track and field tournament unfolds today at the Philsports oval in Pasig City.

After ending Jose Rizal’s five-year title reign two seasons ago, the Chiefs retained their crown by accumulating 740 points to edge eventual second placer Mapua a season ago.

Apart from Mapua, AU is expected to face a tough challenge from JRU, College of St. Benilde and Perpetual Help.

AU coach Paulino Coloma is expected to draw strength from its long-distance runners and throwers that served as their foundation to complete their back-to-back reign.

A whopping eight golds will be staked on Day One in the seniors’ pole vault, juniors discus throw and long jump and seniors long jump in the morning events and seniors discus throw, juniors’ and seniors’ 100m and juniors’ 2000m.

The next day will give out 12 golds, while the third and final day, which is set on Monday, will hand out four mints.

PATAFA chief Philip Juico will usher in the tournament in simple opening rites.

Emilio Aguinaldo, for its part, shoots for a fifth straight title in the juniors’ division.

Games Today (Filoil Flying V Center) 4:15 p.m. – Smart vs F2 Logistics 7 p.m. – Cignal vs Sta. Lucia Realty

Ariel Paredes, PSL Board of Director; Yasuhiko Oyama, IPC Vice President for Sales; Ginio Panganiban, PSL Board of Director, display the thumbs-up sign after signing their partnership.

Paul, Harden lift Rockets th to 16 straight triumph L

OS ANGELES—Chris Paul scored 25 points as the Houston Rockets overpowered Russell Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder to tighten their grip on the Western Conference with a 16th straight victory on Tuesday.

Paul produced a scintillating display of shooting which included five three-pointers to help the Rockets bring up their 50th win of the season, a 122-112 victory.

Houston now lead the West at 50-13, ahead of the Golden State Warriors who play later Tuesday.

The Thunder, meanwhile, remain firmly in the battle for one of the lower-seeded playoff spots, lying seventh at 37-29.

Against the Rockets, the talismanic figure of Westbrook once again led the way for the Thunder with 32 points while Carmelo Anthony finished with 23.

Paul George had 17 points while New Zealand’s Steven Adams chipped in with 16.

Houston’s greater depth in offense, however, was to prove decisive, with seven players cracking double digits.

MVP hopeful James Harden was happy to take a backseat to Paul, but still managed to come up with 23 points, 11 assists and five rebounds.

Trevor Ariza had 15 points while Eric Gordon (14), Luc Mbah a Moute (11), PJ Tucker (10) and Clint Capela (10) all made important contributions.

In the Eastern Conference on Tuesday, DeMar DeRozan led the scoring as the Toronto Raptors notched a fifth consecutive victory to remain firmly on top of the standings with a 106-90 romp against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Raptors improved to 46-17 with the win, helped by Jonas Valanciunas contributing 15 points and CJ Miles 14 off the bench. Serge Ibaka and Delon Wright also made double figures with 10 points apiece.

John Collins and Kent Bazemore each made 14 points for the Hawks, but the visitors were unable to prevent a sixth defeat in eight games.

Atlanta remain rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference with a 20-45 record.

In Charlotte, Robert Covington led an all-round scoring display from the Philadelphia 76ers in a 128-114 defeat of the Hornets.

Covington scored 22 points for the Sixers, one of seven players to finish in double figures for the visitors, who improved to 35-28 and remain sixth in the standings.

BEACH VOLLEY CHAMPS. The Tanduay Athletics’ Inter-School Under-18

Beach Volleyball Championships concluded at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City, with the National University and Rizal Technological University claiming the boys’ and girls’ titles against University of the East and Calayan Educational Foundation of Lucena, respectively. Around 30 teams—18 in boys and 12 in girls —participated in the one-day tournament as part of the grassroots development program of the Philippine Volleyball Federation headed by its president Edgardo ‘Tito Boy’ Cantada. The event is supported by Tanduay Athletics, Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan Jr. and PVF Chairman Mikey Arroyo (inset).

CAMI GOLF. CDCpresident-CEO Noel F. Manankil (7th from left) and BCDA president-CEO Vivencio Dizon (6th from left)

are joined by the officers and members of Capampangan in Media Inc. and sponsors during the 2018 CAMI Golf Competition held on Friday at the Mimosa Golf and Country inside Clark Freeport.

Chris Paul

Dario Saric had 19 points while Joel Embiid snared 18. Australian star Ben Simmons got 16 points with 13 assists and eight rebounds. Charlotte fell to 28-37 in the defeat. AFP

Valenzuela 5, Parañaque win BALANGA, Bataan—Valenzuela and Paranaque turned to their small men to play a bigger role in towing their respective teams to crucial wins in the MPBLAnta Rajah Cup at the People’s Center Capitol here.

Rocky Acidre knocked in six triples, including the go-ahead basket inside the final three-minute mark and his split charities in the last five seconds to propel the Valenzuela Classic-Yulz to a tense 83-80 win over the Muntinlupa Cagers-Angelis Resort.

In the main game, Paranaque travelled from south to north to outlast host Bataan, 74-71, of this event put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.

The Gamboa Coffee-backed Patriots got a big lift from Ryusell Koga, who came away with a season-high 16 points, including a backbreaking triple during the crucial stage of the match to frustrate the BaiShipping-Defenders and their wildlycheering crowd that packed the arena.

ISUZU Philippines Corporation supports sports anew with its recent contract signing with the 2018 Philippine SuperLiga.

One of the premier volleyball leagues in the Philippines, the PSL opened its 2018 GrandPrix Conference last February and will run till May 2018. The first volleyball club league in the country is recognized by both the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation; and is likewise sanctioned by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. Present during the memorandum of agreement signing were IPC Vice President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama and PSL Board of Directors Ariel Paredes and Ginio Panganiban.

“Since 2010, Isuzu has been an avid supporter of sports—starting with our Isuzu D-MAX Cycling team. We evolved and recently supported a local football club and a Cebu-based triathlon team. The PSL has been around since 2013 and currently is the leading volleyball league outside the collegiate level—we are proud to be part of this year’s league,” Oyama said.

“Our products, specially the D-MAX and the mu-X are ideal for sport enthusiasts since it can carry multiple passengers and has an ample space for their equipment,” he added.

The Isuzu-PSL partnership will not only cover the 2018 PSL GrandPrix but also the succeeding conferences like the PSL All-Filipino Conference, Invitational Conference, and the much-awaited Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup. “We are very happy to have Isuzu as our partner this year. The brand has been actively supporting sports in the country and with their strong brand presence we will be able to further promote the league to different key cities this year,” Paredes said.

Meanwhile, Cignal seeks to sustain a blazing start when it collides with Sta. Lucia Realty in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix today at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Game time is at 7 p.m., with the HD Spikers looking to tighten their grip at the second spot of this prestigious women’s club tourney backed by Isuzu, Rebisco and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as broadcast partner.

Smart, meanwhile, guns for the elusive first victory when it tangles with reigning champion F2 Logistics in the 4:15 p.m. appetizer of this league that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, Grand Sport and LGR as technical sponsors.

New venues for BEST Center summer clinics THE pioneering BEST Center will have new venues for its summer clinics for basketball and volleyball.

New and old students will be accepted by the country’s first scientific sports clinicians, sponsored by MILO, supported by Rain or Shine, Chris Sports and Sklz, at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary at EDSA corner Bernardino St. Guadalupe Viejo, Makati for Levels 1 and 2 every Tuesday and Friday; and at the St. Patrick School at 43 General Avenue, Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City for Preparatory Levels and Levels 1 and 2.

Basketball and volleyball clinics are also being offered at the International Christian Academy at Extra Ext. Fourth Estate Subdivision, Sucat, Parañaque for Levels 1 and 2 every Monday and Thursday starting April 2.

Volleyball clinics are available at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary for Levels 1 and 2 every Wednesday and Saturday.

There will also be other venues available.

The BEST Center can be reached at 34 Scout Lozano corner Scout Reyes, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City; or through telephone numbers 372-3065 411-6260 ; Telefax: 372-3066 ; and emailbestcentersports@gmail.com.

LOTTO RESULTS

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Sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

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

Ginebra’s LA Tenorio barrels his way against Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Gin Kings, 99-91.

Kings now face the ‘monster’ Pacquiao eyes next fight in Malaysia PHILIPPINE boxing idol Manny Pacquiao said his next opponent would be either world champion Lucas Matthysse or Danny Garcia in Malaysia in May or June, after rejecting an undercard offer to face Mike Alvarado.

Pacquiao told ABS-CBN television in an interview aired Tuesday that his camp had narrowed the choices down to World Boxing Association welterweight champion Matthysse, of Argentina, or the American former WBA super-welterweight and World Boxing Council welterweight champ Garcia, who was unbeaten until last year.

“Definitely, Malaysia is where we will fight. If not May, this coming June, maybe third week of June, so the preparation will not conflict with my work,” said Pacquiao, who is also a senator.

Last week Pacquiao, 39, rejected an offer to fight on the undercard of the Jeff Horn-Terence Crawford fight in the US in April.

Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, previously said he was eyeing an April date with Ukraine’s World Boxing Organization superfeatherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko during a break from his senatorial duties.

Asked why he would fight in Malaysia, Pacquiao said “because those in Malaysia appealed to also have a fight there”.

Pacquiao is a national hero in the Philippines but there have been growing questions about whether the ageing boxer can still command the mammoth paydays that his fights used to earn.

He lost his WBO welterweight title to the Australian Horn last year to leave his record standing at 59 wins, seven losses and two draws, and is now in the twilight of his career.

The Filipino southpaw retired briefly in 2016 but made a comeback to retake his WBO title from Jessie Vargas just months later. He has not scored a knockout win in the past eight years. AFP

Pacquiao

By Jeric Lopez

D

IFFERENT episode, same result. Japeth Aguilar continued to roll, lifting Barangay Ginebra to a 99-91 win over Rain or Shine and to the semifinals of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Aguilar gave his team a big lift in the fourth by scoring 12 of his game-high 27 points in the quarter and adding 12 rebounds and three blocks in a monster game for the Gin Kings, who swept their best-of-three affair with the Painters, 2-0.

“Before the game, Coach Tim (Cone) reminded us that it’s hard to close out a series and it needs a tremendous amount of effort and focus. We all came out prepared. I’m really proud of our team,” said Aguilar following yet another impressive performance.

Looking forward, Ginebra, which defeated Rain or Shine three straight times including their encounter in the elimina-

tions, is now set to face three-time defending champion San Miguel Beer in a hotly-anticipated best-of-seven semifinal series--a rematch of last season’s finale.

Jervy Cruz came off the bench to provide some much-needed scoring spark with 18 points and seven rebounds, while LA Tenorio provided more help with 17 points and three assists.

Once again, the two teams engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle for most part just like their previous two meetings.

Still, it was deja vu as Ginebra once again took charge when it mattered in the fourth period, keeping Rain or Shine at bay while delivering the finishing kick.

“Japeth (Aguilar) played a really good and dynamic second half for us. It’s such a huge relief to get through to the semifinals,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “We now face the monster (San Miguel and June Mar Fajardo). We got them coming up.”

Ginebra started out strong, taking a 2819 advantage after the opening frame.

However, Rain or Shine bounced back with a burly second quarter surge, where it outscored the Gin Kings, 27-15, to snatch the lead, 46-43, heading to halftime.

The Gin Kings, though, regained control by responding with a strong third period to retake the lead, 77-72, heading into the fourth.

With momentum on its side, Ginebra was able to hold on and shrug off each attempted run by the Elasto Painters.

Now, the three berths in the semis are all claimed by the Beermen, the Gin Kings and the Magnolia Hotshots, all San Miguel Corporation teams.

Maverick Ahanmisi led Rain or Shine with a team-high 18 points but he only managed three markers in the second half.

Navy-Standard, Oranza, Morales try to stay ahead SAN Beda University dominated the recent 93rd NCAA Tennis and Soft Tennis tournaments by ruling four divisions at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

San Beda University edged Lyceum, 2-1, in an exciting championship battle to clinch the NCAA junior division; then turned back Arellano University, 2-1, to capture the NCAA women’s tennis crown; nipped College of St. Benilde in a dramatic 2-1 victory for the NCAA women’s soft tennis jewel; and concluded its campaign by winning the men soft tennis demonstration event for its fourth NCAA trophy.

Graduating senior high school netter Dawson Ormoc edged Renz Pacheco of Lyceum, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, for the championship point in the junior division.

But it was the inspired game of SBU team captain Eduardo Bagaforo and Aidyl Ignacio that equalized the contest following a 6-4, 6-4 doubles’ victory over Stefano Gurria and Elvin Geluz.

Pirate Jarell Edangga had earlier given LPU the first point with a 6-2, 6-2 rout over Red Directo.

Bagaforo was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy.

Melanie Faye Dizon bagged the women’s tennis MVP, Ela Javier and Siobe Penados were declared co-MVPs for their outstanding performances in the women’s soft tennis, and team captain Arjay Canoza won MVP honors in the men’s soft tennis division.

SBU mentor Jovy Mamawal, who captured the Coach of the Year award, celebrated his 36th year in the NCAA with his 22nd tennis and soft tennis career titles.

Only the Seniors’ tennis trophy slipped away after the College St. Benilde edged the Red Netters, 2-1 .

Bagaforo was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy.

Melanie Faye Dizon bagged the women’s tennis MVP, Ela Javier and Siobe Penados were declared co-MVPs for their outstanding performances in the women’s soft tennis, and team captain Arjay Canoza won MVP honors in the men’s soft tennis division.

VOLLEY CHAMPS. Members of the Xavier School Volleyball Team are shown after winning the championship of this school-year’s PRADA Aspirants Tournament.

Xavier School beat Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati in the finals. Standing from left are assistant coaches Paolo Martinez and Alex Fung, Beau Go, Rafa Dy, Kang Lee, Harry Yap, Jean Sarino, Beimann Adano, Jet Chua, Josh Ng and coach Albert Hao. Sitting from left are Vince Co, Enzo Vinarao, Ravi Reyes, Rohan Reyes, Kevin Co and Nico Benedicto.

Ateneo tries to extend run to 4 games DEFENDING champion Ateneo seeks ed a late winner by Ryan Haosen to beat the to extend its winning run to four matches Tamaraws, 4-3. as it plays National University as second Tallying two straight clean sheets, NU is round action of the UAAP Season 80 definitely in the Final Four conversation. men’s football tournament kicks off toThe Bulldogs, who are level with the day at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Red Warriors at 10 points in fourth spot, The Blue Eagles are defeated the Tamaraws wary on what the Bull(2-0) and the Green ArMatches today dogs can pull off in the chers (1-0).

(Rizal Memorial Stadium) 8 a.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Men) featured 4 p.m. match.

Reigning MVP Jarvey 2 p.m. – UE vs FEU (Men) In other matches, UniGayoso, the first round 4 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Men) versity of the East plays leading goalscorer with Far Eastern University at seven, and Haosen, who 2 p.m., while De La Salle and Adamson had three goals to boot this season, will University collide at 8 a.m. banner Ateneo’s attack.

With 15 points, Ateneo is two off leagueUE has been impressive in the past leading University of the Philippines, and two matches, having toppled University despite all the struggles, the Katipunan- of Santo Tomas, which took the top of the based side was able to wound up in second table at one point in the first round, and place at the end of first round. bested Adamson University.

The last two matches have something to Languishing in seventh place with be desire of for the Eagles, as they took 61 five points, FEU needs a strong second minutes to score the opening goal in a 2-0 round effort if it wants to make it to the victory over the winless Falcons and need- Final Four.

Southwoods opens 4-peat bid at PAL Interclub BACOLOD—With a place in history on the line, a Manila Southwoods team that’s definitely not lacking in firepower starts its quest for a rare “four-peat” when Men’s Regular action in the 71st PAL Interclub tees off at tree-lined Marapara here.

Reedy Japanese teenager Yuto Katsuragawa and some of the country’s finest young talents hope to carry Southwoods to a place no squad has ever been to before, and the team wasted no effort in making sure that they come to this year’s war armed to the teeth.

“We prepared long and hard for this so there won’t be an excuse for us,” nonplaying skipper Thirdy Escano said as Southwoods sampled the Marapara and Binitin courses in the last two days. “Of course, we also need to get the breaks (during the tournament).”

Escano is wary of one enemy in particular—Canlubang—which, he admitted, has gotten stronger since being drubbed by the Carmona-based parbusters last year in Davao.

“They’re still the chief threats,” Escano said, referring to the Sugar Barons and the seasoned Rupert Zaragosa. “It’s going to be a tough four days, but I am confident because, like I said, we left no stones unturned in preparing for this tournament.”

Southwoods established a record in triumphing for the third straight year last year with an 11-under, 155-point total in the third round at Rancho Palos Verdes.

That effort made the final day at tough Apo Golf their virtual victory march and clearly established Southwoods as the team to beat—again— after keeping its lineup intact.

Jun Jun Plana will be the steadying presence, so to speak, for Southwoods, which has been ruling all team tournaments with ease, counting the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio last December.

Second and third round play will be held at Binitin in Murcia town where Cangolf coach Boyet Zaragosa believes the tournament will be won.

“Whoever plays well in the middle two rounds will have a great chance of winning,” Zaragosa said as he stressed that both squads will likely just cancel each other out at Marapara owing to the talent level of their players.

This year’s Interclub’s Platinum sponsors this year are RMN and Manila Times, while major sponsors are Mastercard, The Philippine Manila Standard, Rolls Royce, Bombardier, TV5, Primax, BusinessWorld, Crossover and Fox. Other sponsors include Boeing, PAGCOR, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery Inc.

Alido falters, drops to joint lead with 70 GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Ira Alido nearly blew a fiery start with a shaky windup, settling for a two-under 70 and dropping to joint lead with Japanese Toru Nakajima and Jay Bayron at the start of the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Challenge at the Faldo course here yesterday.

Alido upstaged the stellar field with four birdies at the front but the sophomore pro fumbled with a double-bogey on the par-3 No. 11 and missed grabbing the solo lead in the P2.5 million championship kicking off the Philippine Golf Tour season.

In contrast, Nakaljima, out to end a long title spell in the circuit, rebounded from a poor start with a strong finish, closing out with a 32, spiked by four birdies in the first five holes at the back while Bayron survived a roller-coaster windup to turn in a 34-36 card and force a three-way tie for the lead.

Dutch Guido Van der Valk actually matched the troika’s two-under card but dropped off the joint lead with bogeys in the last two holes at the front. He finished with a 72 for solo fourth.

“Unlike last week at The Country Club, the winds are a bit manageable and I hit it pretty good with my driver and wedge although it’s tough on the greens,” said Alido, who missed the Solaire Philippine Open cut in wicked conditions at TCC. The other fancied bets, however, struggled in windy condition and unpredictable surface, enabling Alido, Bayron and Nakajima to wrest control in the early going of the 72-hole championship sponsored

by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Multi-titled Tony Lascuña gunned down four birdies but made five bogeys to slip to joint fifth at 73 with Michael Bibat and American Nicolas Paez while PGT Asia two-leg winner Jhonnel Ababa blew a back-to-back birdie feat from No. 15 with a double-bogey on the par-3 17th and hobbled with a 74.

Other two over par scorers were Reymon Jaraula, Cookie La’O, Joenard Rates and Nilo Salahog while Americans Paul Harris, Dylan Jackson and Andy Kang all shot 75s for joint 13th with PGTA leg winner Justin Quiban, Kris Etter, Francis Morrila and Park Jun Hyeok.

IN BRIEF Manila Water buys into Indonesian firm MANILA Water Co Inc., a unit of Ayala Corp., acquired a 20 percent interest in Indonesia bulk water supplier PT Sarana Tirta Ungaran for IDR10 billion, or close to P40 million.

Manila Water said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit PT Manila Water Indonesia signed an agreement with PT Triguna Rapindo Mandiri to acquire 4,478 shares of STU, or equivalent to a 20-percent stake.

Manila Water said it planned to finance the transition through internally generated funds.

STU is bulk water supply company serving PDAM Kabupaten Semaran and industrial customers in Bawen, Ungaran ara of Semerang Regency, Central Java province, with a capacity of 21.5 million litters per day. Its customers include PT APAC Inti Corpora, a 100-hectare textile and garment manufacturing firm.

Manila Water’s acquisition in Indonesia followed its foray into the bulk water and concession projects in Thailand and Vietnam. The company is now the largest direct foreign investor in Vietnam’s water sector.

Jenniffer B. Austria

ERC clears eight power companies

THE Energy Regulatory Commission granted provisional authorities to operate and issued certificates of compliances to eight generation companies to avert power supply shortages in the dry months.

The regulator gave the provisional authorities to operate to Peakpower San Francisco Inc. for its 5.2-megawatt diesel power plant in Barangay San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur; Peakpower Bukidnon Inc. for 10.42-MW diesel plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; SMC Consolidated Power Corp., unit 1 of its Limay coal plant with a capacity of 150 MW in Limay, Bataan; and SPC Power Corp. for its Power Barge 104 diesel power plant (Units 2 and 3) with a 16-MW capacity and black start diesel engine generator with 0.6 MW, both in Ubay, Bohol.

“With the approvals of PAOs and COCs to generation companies, power supply will be augmented as additional power will be injected into the grid. This will keep a stable power supply especially during the coming summer months when the demand for electricity is expected to increase drastically,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Sy steps down as NGCP head to focus on real estate business

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE board of grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said Wednesday it approved the request of president and chief executive Henry Sy Jr. to avail of an early retirement to focus on his real estate business.

NGCP said in a statement its board approved Sy’s application for an early retirement “effective immediately” and designated chief administrative officer Anthony Almeda as officer-incharge.

“The board commended Mr. Sy’s seven years of service to the company from its inception to its current status as operator of the country’s power grid,” NGCP said.

Sy, a son of billionaire Henry Sy, will remain as a board director of NGCP representing Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp.

The NGCP consortium holds the 25year concession contract and the 50year franchise to operate the country’s power transmission network. It is comprised of the State Grid of China Corp. with 40-percent share as the foreign partner, Calaca High Power Corp. led

by Robert Coyuito Jr. with 30 percent and Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. with 30 percent.

Sy also currently sits as chairman of SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the biggest real estate firms in Southeast Asia. He is responsible for the real estate acquisitions and development activities of the SM Group which include the identification, evaluation and negotiation for potential sites as well as the input of design ideas.

Sy is also the vice chairman of SM Investments Corp., chairman and chief executive of SM Development Corp., chairman of Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club Inc. and chairman of Highlands Prime Inc.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

B1

Aboitiz offers P148-b airport deal

By Darwin G. Amojelar

A

boitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, said Wednesday it submitted an unsolicited proposal to modernize four airports in the Visayas and Mindanao for P148 billion over a 35-year concession period.

“Through this unsolicited proposal, we intend to support the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program as we develop sustainable airport facilities that reflect and support the tremendous

economic and tourism potential of the Philippines’ regions and provinces,” Aboitiz InfraCapital president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz said.

The four regional gateways – Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and New Bohol International Airport in Panglao – are key entry points into Visayas and northern Mindanao.

The first three are already operating above capacity and require urgent rehabilitation, while New Bohol is expected to open the island further to the international market as part of the national tourism strategy. The move is also expected to decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

These regions have been experiencing tremendous growth in the last few years and the airports have struggled to follow the pace of the development. Iloilo and Bacolod airports have been operating for 10 years, while Laguindingan started operating in 2013 but has been operating above its capacity since its opening year.

The government earlier identified the regional airports modernization as a critical infrastructure project and launched a tender for a public-private partnership for five airports under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law in 2014. The plan was canceled in 2017.

The Department of Transportation earlier pre-qualified Maya Consortium led by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Phil-

ippine Airports Consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., San Miguel Holdings Corp-IIAC Airport Consortium and Filinvest-Jatco-Sojits Consortium for the five regional airports.

The five regional airports included the P20.26-billion Bacolod-Silay International Airport, the P30.4-billion Iloilo International Airport, the P14.62-billion Laguindingan Airport, the P2.34-billion New Bohol (Panglao) Airport and the P40.57-billion Davao International Airport.

Aboitiz said the pooling of resources to develop, operate and maintain all four airports was required in order to unlock synergies that would benefit all stakeholders, including the government.

Jobless rate fell to 5.3% in January

By Julito G. Rada

Forex reserves fall slightly to $80.6b THE gross international reserves declined to $80.6 billion at the end of Februaryfrom $81.2 billion in January, pulled down by the government’s settlement of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Wednesday.

Other reasons cited for the lower reserves were the outflows arising from the foreign exchange operations of the Bangko Sentral and the revaluation adjustments on the regulator’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of the precious metal in the international market.

“These were partially tempered by the national government’s net foreign currency deposits [which include proceeds from the new money component of the ROP global bonds issuance under the government’s liability management transactions) and income from the BSP’s foreign exchange operations,” Espenilla said. Julito G. Rada

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

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (second from left) welcomes the ratification by the Senate of the Philippines-European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement during its third reading on March 5, 2018. The agreement will allow duty-free market access between the Philippines and the EFTA member states including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to trade products and services and facilitate investments. With Lopez are (from left) Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Senator Loren Legarda, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Manuel Antonio Teehankee and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leo Herrera-Lim.

4 European countries to open markets for Filipinos

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippines expects to increase exports of merchandise goods and services to four European countries after the Senate ratified the free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association on March 5.

EFTA is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

“While there’s a large potential to expand our trade and investment relations with EFTA, the FTA also capitalizes on it since trade goods between the Philippines and EFTA are noncompeting,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The agreement will allow dutyfree market access between the Philippines and the EFTA member states to trade products and services and

facilitate investments.

Once the FTA is in place, EFTA will grant duty-free market access to all industrial and fishery products from the Philippines.

The Philippines will also gain tax incentives on agricultural products currently exported to the EFTA countries such as desiccated coconut, prepared or preserved pineapples and raw cane sugar and for those with high potential export interest that are exported to neighboring European countries.

The Philippines in return will grant EFTA countries duty-free market access on most industrial and fishery products as well as market access on goods such as temperate fruits, mineral and aerated waters, food preparations, chocolate, cheese and wine.

The agreement will also welcome for-

eign investments on renewable energy, computer and related services, construction, environmental services, maritime transport and finance.

Highly-skilled Filipino workers will also have an easier entry to the four member countries. The agreement allows temporary stay of the following service suppliers, without the need for an economic needs test―executives, managers and specialists; business visitors; contractual service suppliers; and installers of service industrial machinery.

The FTA will be effective three months after its ratification in the Philippines and at least one EFTA member state.

The Philippines-EFTA FTA is the country’s second bilateral FTA after the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2008.

THE jobless rate in the country declined to 5.3 percent in January from 6.6 percent a year ago, as the labor market continued to thrive on the back of sustained economic growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said Wednesday.

Results of the January 2018 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the ranks of unemployed Filipinos decreased to 2.32 million in January from 2.76 million in the same month last year.

“These improvements in the labor market indicate that more Filipinos are encouraged to join and re-join the labor force, and that more people are being employed. This signals that the economy is responding positively to the economic reforms and programs that the government has been laying down,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

Pernia said the 5.3-percent unemployment rate was the lowest for all January rounds of the LFS in the past decade. This was also within the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 target of 4.7 percent to 5.3 percent for 2018.

Data showed that while unemployment rate in the first quarter improved on a year-on-year basis, it was higher than 5-percent jobless rate registered in the fourth quarter represented by the month of October 2017.

Underemployment rate, or the percentage of active workers seeking additional hours of work, climbed to 18 percent in January from 16.3 percent a year ago and 15.9 percent in October 2017. In absolute numbers, underemployed individuals increased to 7.498 million in January from 6.398 million a year earlier.

The National Economic and Development Authority said employment rate rose to 94.7 percent in January, which meant around 41.8 million Filipinos were actively employed during the month. “This rate is the highest in all of the previous January rounds of the LFS since 2009,” it said.

D.M. Wenceslao revives initial public offering plan to raise P17.9b in May

By Jenniffer B. Austria

INSPIRING FILIPINA ENTREPRENEUR. President Rodrigo Duterte (center) and presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion confers the Go Negosyo 2018 Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Legacy Award on Far Eastern University chairman emeritus and trustee Lourdes Montinola (right) during the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on March 6.

PROPERTY developer D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. revived its initial public offering plan to raise P17.88 billion in May. The company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would offer 679.2 million common shares at P22.90 apiece. It has an overallotment option to sell another 101.876 million shares that could push total proceeds to P17.88 billion.

Delfin Wenceslao, chief executive of D.M. Wenceslao, said the timing of the IPO in May would be favorable given the current macro environment and the company’s growth performance.

“I think there is tremendous opportunity for the company in both property and construction sectors because of the massive infrastructure spending and huge commercial, and residential interest in the Bay Area based on what we’ve experienced in our own projects

in Aseana City,” Wenceslao said.

Net proceeds from the IPO will be used to expand the company’s real estate development footprint through a mix of commercial and residential projects within the 204-hectare Aseana City.

Offer period was tentatively set on May 21 to May 25 while listing date would be on June 1.

The company designated BPI Capital and Maybank as the joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the IPO. D.M. Wenceslao first filed an IPO application with the SEC in 2015, when the company planned to raise up to P21.7 billion from the sale of 429 million shares at P44 apiece. The developer decided to defer its maiden share offering because of volatile market conditions.

D.M. Wenceslao reported a net income of P1.56 billion in 2017, up 30 percent from P1.2 billion in 2016 as revenues rose to P3 billion from P2.1 billion.

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Business

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks climb to break 5-day slump T HE stock market climbed Wednesday on bargain-hunting to snap a five-day slump, with banks leading the rally.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 44.47 points, or 0.5 percent, to 8,404.69 on a value turnover of P8.6 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 113 to 100, while 48 issues were unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, advanced 3.2 percent to P154.80, while Security Bank Corp., the sixth-biggest bank, gained 3 percent to P250.

Now Corp., which is bidding to become the country’s third telecommunications company, jumped 18 percent to P15.24, while Ionics Inc., a leading technology company, surged 13.2 per-

cent to P2.65.

The rest of the Asian markets and the dollar were jolted Wednesday as news that Donald Trump’s top economics adviser had resigned revived trade war fears, while early excitement at North Korea’s denuclearization talks offer fizzled out.

Investors were unable to maintain the positive momentum and Seoul reversed its morning course to end 0.4 percent down, though the won held its gains.

Tokyo closed down 0.8 percent, with Kobe Steel plunging 7.4 percent a day after its CEO resigned—leaving no successor—after the firm revealed widespread submission of false strength and quality data for products shipped to hundreds of clients worldwide.

Hong Kong shed one percent in the afternoon and Shanghai closed down 0.6 percent, with Taipei 0.4 percent off.

Sydney dropped one percent as data

showed Australia’s economic growth slowed in the final three months of last year and missed expectations. Singapore also shed one percent, while Bangkok, Jakarta and Mumbai tumbled.

Investors already on edge over expected US interest rate rises have been rattled further since the US president last week unveiled plans for controversial tariffs on steel and aluminum imports as part of his “America First” agenda.

Equities initially plunged on Thursday’s announcement, which has been condemned by business leaders and foreign governments, before rebounding this week as dealers bet that the final measures would not be as bad as initially thought.

However, analysts said news that Gary Cohn—who had fought against the tariffs—had stepped down could leave

the field open for protectionist hawks to dictate policy, ramping up the chances of a global trade war.

“His resignation increased the risk tenfold that President Trump will follow through with far-reaching trade tariffs given that Cohn was said to be remaining in his role to convince Trump to reverse his trade policy views, or at least temper them,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA. “While the world appears to be in a safer place this morning due to the denuclearization olive branch offered by North Korea, the market is no less safe from the wrath of Trump’s trade policies.”

US bond yields sank as traders rushed into safe assets, with the dollar falling against its major peers as well as highyielding currencies as traders bet that any trade war would hurt the US unit.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 37,310 117.8 1,492,950 3.18 148,000 154.8 1,455,060 1.75 358,000 35.1 122,000 15.5 1,021,400 30.1 1,849,400 3.4 381,000 8.65 1,000 1.6 146,000 0.56 953,000 95 2,639,100 1.46 6,874,000 12.6 59,600 24.15 500 57.5 147,650 248.8 23,970 110 290 85.25 170 47 67,400 250 586,530 1,925 260 90.7 78,920

2,195,472 176,016,145 473,390 222,500,144 617,580 4,272,470 15,831,326 55,324,975 1,264,150 8,650 234,370 524,650 251,327,355.50 9,753,230 750,974 12,075 8,484,063 5,978,834 30,523 14,640.50 3,153,360 143,893,308 501,180 7,166,730

1,233,889.50 -7,485,730 43,585,270 859,220 4,656 35,004,760 2,725,057.50 142,370 248,382 -10,000 280,725 32,110,494 6,211,906.50

INDUSTRIAL 39 742,700 13.14 2,160,500 0.55 284,000 1.28 85,000 19 12,600 0.22 5,240,000 164 15,440 3.63 1,041,000 16.86 4,719,400 419 3,420 51.95 412,110 34.35 1,089,500 61.55 160 53.1 3,000 1.9 252,000 5.3 21,000 10.5 71,600 11.96 2,738,800 14.28 284,000 11.18 99,100 7.49 89,900 5.66 1,875,800 1.73 1,000 14.48 3,170,900 63 174,990 28.05 38,500 9.65 7,700 19.6 1,578,600 2.65 109,193,000 304 853,340 51.05 890 4.65 358,000 3.1 2,000 26.55 2,676,200 16.68 123,800 20.6 2,139,700 333 234,040 0.193 100,000 7.69 16,600 2.7 596,000 5.02 354,800 9.18 439,000 6.8 516,800 8.24 221,700 1.57 189,000 12.74 201,600 54.8 242,850 6.1 63,700 630 26,580 4.85 80,000 2.75 1,375,000 3.33 30,000 2.4 19,220,000 15.5 308,000 5.38 372,500 0.134 3,890,000 1.02 115,000 151.9 901,270 2.62 7,000 1.95 5,154,000 24.95 400 1.1 64,553,000

28,952,345 28,232,254 157,900 109,120 240,284 1,146,420 2,443,038 3,801,850 79,376,756 1,437,910 21,426,155.50 33,582,670 9,978.50 159,337.50 481,240 111,450 751,610 32,831,158 22 4,021,376 1,114,934 669,264 10,575,783 1,730 45,884,040 11,009,776.50 1,081,795 74,033 31,255,082(7, 310,715,460 258,097,130 49,758.50 1,707,800 6,200 71,100,555 2,063,882 43,988,125 77,722,100 19,390 127,809 1,587,540 1,792,266 4,019,644 3,386,177 1,825,521 299,040 2,508,126 13,343,836 385,802 16,745,915 388,110 3,943,350 99,470 49,491,670 4,812,354 1,951,878 529,790 118,390 136,025,508 18,340 9,982,410 9,915 76,254,150

-12,062,895 1,123,058 -37,410 -20,480 -477,380 21,588,546 1,318,846.50 -1,067,100 ,658,777.9999 1,556,010 -166,580 -101,294 2,342,365 -11,459,726 344,019 412,642.9997) -44,590 72,963,308 -485,180 -33,896,335 -21,626.00 -18,171,590 13,500,268 850,180 -483,186 -40,760.00 -34,000 -1,021,760 -9,480 4,968 -9,892,321 -11,679,965 286,150 425,620 -2,230,844 -16,990 -15,323,285 -105,840 192,800.00

1,649,850 72,031,922 110,292,990 109,860 829,249 5,480,750 219,790 117,501,125 7,704,875 56,641,586 19,448 249,500 7,840 507,530 171,598,815 8,688 296,367,358.50 88,659 168,690 9,593,736 59,598,120 759,800 88,736,091 690,800 170,400 11,937,220 15,920 26,117,832 339,230,890 7,870 212,160 21,195,005 58,840 224,400 3,016,520 81,560

-38,782,085 -55,108,148 -82,500 -11,113,290 3,533,821 -27,177,462 -1,880 13,437,755 -50,550,233 8,232,550 -7,297,780 -500.0001 -19,540,463 -59,090 -4,709,197 -72,009,980 9,600 319,505 2,550 42,770 2,050

10,477,184 11,571,510 88,830 51,840 7,855,670 757,072,060 2,234,110 6,238,320 204,948 31,906 6,000 4,469,400 8,560 455,530 32,700,600 220,150 8,472,530 36,700 8,155,940 3,544,910 570,870 134,468,650 345,909,000 13,418,350

-1,334,479 45,370 409,500 -240,236,795 -204,620 18,300 42,750 -40,605 -12,600 -263,150 45,581,390 -1,026,470 -119,850

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.25 118 3.2 150 1.79 35 15.5 30.15 3.55 8.65 1.66 0.54 95.75 1.43 12.62 24.15 57.25 248 104 88.95 47 242.6 1,926 91

59.5 118.1 3.49 154.8 1.79 35.1 15.52 30.55 3.55 8.65 1.66 0.56 95.75 1.49 12.62 24.15 57.8 250 110 88.95 47 250 1,950 91

58.2 117.7 3.12 149.5 1.7 34.95 15.3 29.5 3.28 8.65 1.6 0.54 95 1.36 12.6 24.15 57.25 247.8 104 85.25 46.6 242.6 1,925 90.6

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP 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 EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP PUREFOODS RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

39 13 0.56 1.29 19.32 0.228 158.5 3.62 16.66 350 52.6 22.9 63 53.6 1.89 5.45 10.5 12.12 14.22 11.24 7.4 5.69 1.73 14.44 62.5 28.05 9.61 20.15 2.36 300 57.5 4.79 3.1 26.5 16.7 21 334 0.194 7.7 2.7 5.1 9.2 6.35 8.2 1.59 12.42 55.25 6.1 628 4.86 2.88 3.32 2.44 15.7 5.22 0.14 1.04 152.4 2.62 1.94 24.3 1.29

39 13.14 0.57 1.29 19.44 0.228 187.6 3.7 16.86 460 52.6 34.35 63 53.6 1.92 5.45 10.5 12.14 14.28 11.38 7.5 5.69 1.73 14.48 63.2 28.5 9.65 20.15 3.08 304 57.5 4.93 3.1 26.8 16.7 21 334 0.195 7.7 2.75 5.1 9.2 6.8 8.24 1.6 12.78 55.25 6.1 639 4.86 3.17 3.33 2.75 15.84 5.4 0.141 1.04 152.4 2.62 1.95 24.95 1.39

38.8 12.98 0.55 1.27 18.9 0.216 128 3.62 16.66 350 51 21 61.55 53 1.89 5.3 10.48 11.92 14.1 11.18 7.4 5.55 1.73 14.32 62.35 28 9.6 19.6 2.34 299.8 51.05 4.65 3.1 26 16.56 20.45 328 0.193 7.69 2.6 5.02 9.1 6.16 8.2 1.57 12.2 54.65 6.01 628 4.85 2.75 3.3 2.32 15.5 5.19 0.133 1.02 149.5 2.62 1.9 24.3 1.08

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FJ PRINCE B 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 REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.35 73.1 14.44 0.91 7.5 0.67 0.68 1,037 7.28 13.36 7.48 5 5.6 0.192 1,310 7.24 65.05 5.12 0.7 5.21 20.7 0.33 5.79 0.045 1.11 3.49 2.6 141 951 0.78 1.6 600 280 0.255 0.193 0.205

0.355 73.35 14.5 0.94 7.55 0.68 0.69 1,060 7.28 13.36 7.48 5 5.6 0.218 1,329 7.24 65.4 5.49 0.72 5.25 20.8 0.38 5.79 0.045 1.12 3.5 2.69 141 958 0.79 1.62 877.5 284 0.255 0.213 0.205

0.335 72.5 14.16 0.91 7.48 0.66 0.67 1,031 7.17 13 7.48 5 5.6 0.192 1,305 7.24 64.95 5.12 0.68 5.14 20.2 0.32 5.72 0.043 1.1 3.32 2.56 139.7 940 0.78 1.6 600 280 0.255 0.188 0.193

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

6.8 1.1 15.5 2.16 0.92 41.5 3.84 4.71 6.2 6.02 6 0.475 1.07 1.05 0.295 0.46 31.8 0.63 1.8 1.36 0.74 4.8 0.77 0.385

7.05 1.1 16.3 2.16 0.94 41.55 3.84 4.81 6.2 6.02 6 0.48 1.07 1.07 0.31 0.48 31.95 0.64 1.81 1.36 0.74 4.8 0.82 0.43

6.78 1.05 15.5 2.16 0.88 41.35 3.79 4.71 6.05 6.02 6 0.45 1.07 1.02 0.28 0.455 30.9 0.63 1.77 1.33 0.7 4.72 0.74 0.365

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.56 4.06 35 19.54 1.99 3.25 35.9 1.02 24 0.82 6.34

0.57 4.1 35 19.86 2.03 3.25 35.9 1.02 25 0.84 6.36

0.53 4 32.25 19.26 1.99 3.24 35.4 1.01 23.4 0.81 6.21

0.54 4.08 32.35 19.86 2.03 3.24 35.85 1.01 23.55 0.83 6.36

4,775,000 378,000 2,400 2,233,600 550,000 24,000 3,363,200 264,000 231,300 113,000 9,341,300

2,623,470 1,530,580 79,220 44,034,224 1,103,830 77,770 120,094,210 268,750 5,531,520 92,900 58,746,768

-49,230 19,425 6,186,132 184,150 35,630 -42,876,200 -21,195 -14,738,351

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

19.36 29.9 1.37 0.64 0.059 11.96 4.86 14.5 0.07 99.9 8.7 7.69 9.1 2.53 41.9 950 1,713 6.4 324.2 10.56 5.08 2.76 110 13.18 8.31 0.13 1.49 3.09 15.32 4.95 1.07 29.1 0.5 5.65 7.66 3.27 16.14 13.02 10.4 10.7 2.84 108 6.68 1,525 1.21 0.395 53.15 94.9 6 2.76 1.51 0.52 3.48 1.08 10.56

19.6 29.9 1.48 0.64 0.06 11.96 4.86 14.78 0.072 99.9 8.7 7.7 9.55 2.56 47 950 1,713 6.42 340 10.56 5.2 2.76 110 13.2 8.31 0.131 1.51 3.09 15.32 5.11 1.07 29.1 0.5 5.67 7.7 3.32 17.18 15.24 10.4 10.7 2.84 115.5 6.95 1,528 1.21 0.4 53.2 94.9 6 2.79 1.51 0.54 3.53 1.12 11.2

18 29.55 1.34 0.57 0.057 11.76 4.86 14.48 0.068 99 8.7 7.38 9.01 2.45 40 950 1,680 6.38 315 10.56 5.03 2.61 107.2 13.18 8.25 0.128 1.48 3.08 14.5 4.85 1.02 28 0.495 5.5 7.51 3.26 16.06 12.82 10.4 10.6 2.83 108 6.65 1,520 1.18 0.39 52 92.65 6 2.67 1.46 0.51 3.43 1 10.5

SERVICES 18.5 29.9 1.37 0.59 0.059 11.76 4.86 14.5 0.068 99.05 8.7 7.42 9.4 2.5 40 950 1,683 6.42 324 10.56 5.1 2.61 109.4 13.2 8.31 0.13 1.5 3.08 15 5 1.04 28 0.495 5.53 7.7 3.27 17.18 15.24 10.4 10.6 2.83 115 6.76 1,525 1.19 0.395 52.75 94 6 2.7 1.46 0.53 3.43 1 11.02

123,500 24,500 490,000 28,342,000 115,040,000 800 2,000 15,862,200 14,610,000 69,750 1,100 1,346,200 1,025,800 37,000 496,100 10 52,020 400,200 52,870 18,000 2,418,400 26,000 996,600 44,900 20,500 4,730,000 739,000 8,000 1,500 11,256,000 1,141,000 2,497,500 30,000 283,100 1,100,500 2,026,000 3,400 25,084,700 100 11,800 16,000 16,800 958,200 66,945 2,073,000 360,000 987,410 977,980 400 1,721,000 1,050,000 21,584,000 446,000 76,303,000 2,112,300

2,246,002 728,315 689,740 16,963,210 6,656,320 9,548 9,720 231,952,932 998,760 6,937,769 9,570 10,186,010 9,643,568 92,740 21,332,165 9,500 87,816,065 2,560,926 17,280,602 ( 190,080 12,326,860 68,290 109,027,706 592,296 169,755 612,230 1,104,380 24,690 22,544 55,867,170 1,184,640 70,220,095 14,900 1,580,501 8,379,005 6,641,200 55,704 355,771,464 1,040 125,190 45,310 1,907,910 6,501,285 102,090,135 2,474,390 142,700 52,005,542 91,806,700 ( 2,400 4,661,040 1,546,550 11,269,610 1,550,670 80,935,500 23,102,582

-1,316,666 13,900.00 2,900 -46,400 1,176 154,891,428 136,000 -2,094,449 -6,080,711 408,900 106,610 -5,167,365 136,002.0001) 48,950 -523,913 58,600 3,064 -3,096,760 -1,022,045 -45,166.00 1,270,622 1,035,700 12,750,318 1,393,755 71,960 7,148,500 -55,930 4,000 23,075,978.50 54,478,832.5) -731,170 -329,300 -103,580 -655,200 4,173,626

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING 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 PHILODRILL PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.003 1.73 5 1.73 1.71 0.32 7.39 2.46 0.25 0.148 0.153 0.0092 1.6 6.1 1.36 0.445 0.88 0.012 0.011 2.35 6.08 14.9 35.1 0.0068

0.003 1.76 5.09 1.73 1.72 0.33 7.39 2.52 0.255 0.156 0.154 0.0094 1.6 6.13 1.4 0.465 0.92 0.013 0.012 2.5 6.14 15.98 35.1 0.0068

0.0028 1.7 4.99 1.73 1.68 0.31 7.19 2.36 0.24 0.147 0.153 0.0092 1.42 5.99 1.34 0.435 0.87 0.012 0.011 2.31 6.05 14.5 33.45 0.0066

MINING & OIL 0.003 788,000,000 1.74 8,817,000 5 284,000 1.73 6,000 1.68 557,000 0.31 1,810,000 7.19 14,000 2.36 8,649,000 0.24 2,740,000 0.152 7,080,000 0.154 200,000 0.0093 15,000,000 1.5 962,000 6.05 2,309,500 1.38 227,000 0.44 340,000 0.92 102,000 0.013 23,900,000 0.011 99,400,000 2.31 228,000 6.05 549,400 15.3 11,095,400 33.8 5,372,800 0.0068 14,000,000

2,287,300 15,215,420 1,420,160 10,380 944,770 585,450 101,023 21,178,210 671,230 1,072,510 30,790 139,400 1,440,730 13,980,910 310,950 150,100 90,650 288,500 1,182,200 538,610 3,335,967 167,896,016 182,797,380(70 95,000

3,440 -19,501 31,740 -48,000 -544,850 -62,950 5,680 4,139,736 119,260 4,650 286,400 46,279 6,778,758 ,964,695.0004) -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

29.95 518 101 107.9 505 510 6.18 100.7 1.04 105 1,034 105 79.25 75 80.85 76.9 77 78.6

29.95 518 102.4 107.9 505 510 6.18 101.6 1.07 106.1 1,034 105 80 75 80.85 76.9 78.4 79

29.9 514 101 107.9 505 510 6.18 100.2 1.04 104.5 1,034 105 78 74.8 80.85 76.9 77 78.6

PREFERRED 29.9 11,600 514 2,610 101.9 38,540 107.9 40 505 800 510 120 6.18 100 100.2 15,200 1.07 15,000 104.5 4,180 1,034 60 105 3,400 80 30,110 75 41,950 80.85 1,800 76.9 200 78.4 113,400 79 27,950

346,915 1,342,060 3,924,113 4,316 404,000 61,200 618 1,535,811 15,810 437,820 62,040 357,000 2,364,235 3,144,720 145,530 15,380 8,783,414 2,206,870

-2,990 1,523,408 1,472,212 -8,320 15,380 491,010 -

LR WARRANT

4.01

4.15

3.61

WARRANTS 3.7 7,337,000

28,191,690

55,700.00

22,978,361 43,020 1,073,800 3,957,160

-8,173,010 -1,571,460

2,583,840

-

3,814.80

-

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 0.335 4,780,000 73 986,590 14.48 7,690,900 0.94 120,000 7.48 110,500 0.66 8,217,000 0.69 325,000 1,060 111,585 7.18 1,070,900 13.1 4,336,500 7.48 2,600 5 49,900 5.6 1,400 0.196 2,510,000 1,320 130,220 7.24 1,200 65 4,553,040 5.48 16,200 0.7 246,000 5.2 1,846,600 20.7 2,896,200 0.345 2,160,000 5.75 15,435,500 0.043 15,800,000 1.12 154,000 3.48 3,457,000 2.56 6,000 139.8 186,580 958 356,520 0.79 10,000 1.61 132,000 877.5 25,980 284 210 0.255 880,000 0.189 15,200,000 0.2 410,000 PROPERTY 7 1.06 16.3 2.16 0.89 41.45 3.79 4.78 6.06 6.02 6 0.46 1.07 1.07 0.295 0.48 30.9 0.64 1.81 1.33 0.71 4.74 0.74 0.375

1,514,800 10,821,000 5,700 24,000 8,695,000 18,266,100 587,000 1,305,000 33,800 5,300 1,000 9,710,000 8,000 440,000 112,120,000 480,000 272,200 58,000 4,544,000 2,650,000 801,000 28,337,000 442,531,000 33,400,000

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

6 2.87 3.49 3.42

6 2.88 3.7 3.48

5.7 2.85 3.35 3.36

FIRST METRO ETF

127.8

127.8

127.4

USD TECH B2

1.02

1.02

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

28,444,664

INDUSTRIAL

241,821,837

HOLDING FIRMS

102,456,665

PROPERTY

702,859,612

SERVICES

346,855,122

MINING & OIL

993,069,125

GRAND TOTAL

2,420,967,422

1.02

5.7 2.85 3.6 3.36

SME

3,949,200 15,000 307,000 1,164,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 127.7 20,250 1.02

DDS

3,740

VALUE 2,206.24 (UP) 28.00 1,860,372,715.28 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,528.44 (UP) 71.41 1,590,655,946.94 HOLDING FIRMS 8,403.87 (UP) 43.05 1,472,502,658.99 PROPERTY 3,754.94 (UP) 5.27 1,744.20 (DOWN) 5.19 1,789,842,519.71 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,526.53 (DOWN) 204.52 1,470,094,860.53 PSEI 8,404.69 (UP) 44.47 415,805,233.9244 All Shares Index 5,055.87 (UP) 22.15 8,629,927,203.76 Gainers: 100; Losers: 113; Unchanged: 48; Total: 261

ICTSI posts net income of $207.7m

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. registered a net income of $207.7 million in 2017, up 7 percent from $193.5 million in 2016, boosted by the operations of new foreign terminals.

“The increase in net income was mainly due to the continuing rampup at the company’s new terminal in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); strong operating results from the terminals in Iraq, Mexico, Honduras, Madagascar, China, Poland and Brazil; and the gain related to the termination of the sub-concession agreement in Lagos, Nigeria,” ICTSI said.

ICTSI’s gross revenues amounted to $1.24 billion, up 10 percent from $1.13 billion in 2016.

“The increase in revenues was mainly due to higher volume, tariff rate adjustments at certain terminals, new contracts and services with shipping lines and the contribution from the company’s new terminals in Matadi, DRC and Melbourne, Australia,” ICTSI said.

Consolidated gross revenues organically increased by seven percent.

ICTSI handled consolidated volume of 9,153,458 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2017, five percent more than 8,689,363 TEUs handled in 2016.

The company attributed the increase in volume to improvement in global trade activities especially in the emerging markets, continuing ramp-up at ICTSI’s operations in Basra, Iraq, new services at Manzanillo, Mexico and the contribution of new terminals in Matadi, DRC and Melbourne, Australia.

Excluding the new terminals, consolidated volume would have increased by four percent.

Consolidated cash operating expenses in 2017 was 13 percent higher at $475.9 million than $419.6 million in 2016.

Pilipinas Shell signs P9-b loan deal with BPI

By Alena Mae S. Flores PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. signed a medium-term loan worth P9 billion with Bank of the Philippine Islands to take advantage of lower interest rates and refinance old loans.

Pilipinas Shell disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday it signed the agreement with BPI on March 9, adding its “gearing ratio will remain the same.”

Pilipinas Shell, the country’s second biggest oil company, recently reported that it fully utilized the gross proceeds of P1.842 billion from its initial public offering in November 2016.

The company used the bulk of the proceeds or P732.6 million for retail network, P305.3 million for refinery maintenance, P182.3 million for turnaround and upgrade and P135.7 million for supply and distribution network enhancement, working capital and other corporate expenses.

The government required the company to conduct an IPO in compliance with the Oil Deregulation Act of 1998.

Pilipinas Shell owns the country’s second biggest oil refinery with a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day in Batangas.

Its retail network reached 1,014 stations nationwide as of end September last year.

Pilipinas Shell recorded P6.633 billion in profit for the first nine months of 2017, up 4 percent from P6.359 billion year-on-year, despite two months of refinery maintenance shutdown and slightly lower inventory holding gains.

Earnings were bolstered by retail business growth, high V-Power penetration and robust refinery performance.

The company’s earnings performance translates into a 20 percent return on average capital employed, demonstrating the company’s ability to effectively utilize capital to generate superior returns.

Gross revenues reached P124.119 billion, up nine percent from P101.625 billion on year, while expenses rose to P113.946 billion from P92 billion.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard

TODAY

extrastory2000@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EU will strike back against Trump’s threatened tariffs BRUSSELS―The EU will Wednesday set out plans to strike back against US President Donald Trump’s threatened steel and aluminum tariffs, with the flagship US products such as jeans, motorbikes and whiskey in the crosshairs.

The blow by Brussels will land hours after Trump’s trade offensive brought the resignation of his top economic advisor Gary Cohn, an influential ex-Goldman Sachs banker who fiercely opposed the measures.

No official decision by the EU is expected as Trump has yet to sign into effect his plan to set tariffs for what he calls unfair competition for US industry, but French President Emmanuel Macron has demanded Europe be ready to act swiftly if he does.

European Commission chief JeanClaude Juncker on Friday threatened to hit big-name US brands such as Harley Davidson motorbikes, Levi’s jeans and bourbon whiskey with import duties.

This prompted Trump to fire back a threat to tax cars from the EU, further fueling fears of a full-blown transatlantic

PREMIERE. Actors perform onstage during the premiere of the play ‘Slobodan Show’ in a theater in Gracanica, on March 6. AFP

N. Korea killed Kim’s brother with VX agent WASHINGTON―The United States formally concluded Tuesday that North Korea murdered Kim Jong Un’s halfbrother with the banned VX nerve agent, blasting Pyongyang for deploying a chemical weapon in a packed international airport.

Kim Jong Nam died in February last year, shortly after two women sprayed his face with a liquid as he walked through Kuala Lumpur airport.

The brazen daylight assassination unleashed diplomatic shock waves and widespread condemnation of North Korea.

The two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese national, are now on trial in Malaysia, where they are accused of using a nerve agent to murder Kim Jong Nam, who lived in exile in China and was seen as a potential rival to his younger half-brother.

The two women say they were recruited to take part in what they thought were prank TV shows but were instead tricked into becoming inadvertent assassins, in an elaborate plot by a group of North Korean agents who then fled the country.

On Tuesday, Washington announced it had formally concluded that VX―an extremely powerful nerve agent―was used to conduct the slaying and that North Korea was to blame.

“The Government of North Korea used the chemical warfare agent VX to assassinate Kim Jong Nam, in the Kuala Lumpur airport,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

“This public display of contempt for universal norms against chemical weapons use further demonstrates the reckless nature of North Korea and underscores that we cannot afford to tolerate a North Korean WMD program of any kind,” she added.

The statement gave no details or evidence on how the US had come to their conclusion.

The finding triggered another layer of US economic sanctions against Pyongyang, just as South Korea reported that the regime is ready for talks to end a nuclear standoff. AFP

trade war erupting.

“We are looking at possibilities to retaliate, meaning that we will also put taxes or tariffs on US imports to the European Union,” EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told the BBC on Monday.

Despite Juncker’s headline-grabbing threat to iconic US brands, the hit list the EU is working on does not mention specific businesses, using instead the dry language of customs regulations.

Malmstrom said the EU was also looking at “safeguard” measures to protect its industry―restricting the bloc’s imports of steel and aluminum to stop foreign supplies flooding the European market, which is allowed under World Trade Organization rules.

Trump, elected on a promise to roll back the effects of globalization on the US economy with an “America First” platform, said Thursday he planned to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum.

Juncker, who on Wednesday met Lakshmi Mittal, the boss of the world’s top steelmaker ArcelorMittal, said last week the EU would “react firmly” to protect European industry. AFP

Taiwan fears Xi’s growing shadow T AIPEI―President Xi Jinping’s vision of a resurgent Chinese nation raises a huge red flag for democratic rival Taiwan, with the pressure set to rise now that Xi has a lifetime to realize his ambitions.

China sees Taiwan as a renegade province and has long stated its desire for reunification, an ambition strongly opposed by the self-ruling island, which has an elected government, freedom of speech and a deep-seated sense of its own identity.

But with the plans to abolish China’s presidential term limits, paving the way for a decades-long rule by Xi and making him the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, analysts predict Taiwan will face a squeeze on multiple fronts, from the economy to defense and diplomatic ties.

“Taiwan is Xi Jinping’s major ambition. He is obsessed by reunification because it will be his place in history, his claim to immortality,” said Hong Kongbased political analyst Willy Lam.

Bringing Taiwan back into the fold is key to Xi’s vision of China as a global superpower and by doing so he would achieve something even Mao had not, Lam added, describing the island as a symbol of colonial humiliation for China.

Taiwan was ruled for 50 years by the Japanese until the end of World War II and is protected by the United States, its major ally.

China’s rubber-stamp parliament is expected to approve a constitutional amendment to scrap the two-term limit for the presidency on Sunday.

In a report to the opening session of the annual National People’s Congress in Beijing on Monday, Premier Li Keqiang warned China would not tolerate any

“separatist schemes” in Taiwan and would Jonathan Sullivan, director of the Chi“advance China’s peaceful reunification”. na Policy Institute at Nottingham UniSolving what he calls the “Taiwan is- versity, says Beijing will combine tough sue” is every Chinese leader’s wish, said measures with a charm offensive, nurturBeijing-based political commentator Hua ing relationships with Taiwanese politiPo, although he believes Xi will turn his cians and businesses, as well as launchattentions to domestic issues first. ing an “information campaign” to show “After he has achieved internal stabil- Taiwanese people their vulnerabilities. ity, he will take more tough and efficient “China has more leverage than it has measures against Taiwan,” said Hua, who thus far chosen to use―although Taiwan said those could include armed force. is by no means helpless and simply waitHowever, most observers believe Chi- ing to be annexed,” Sullivan said. na will stop short of military intervention, “It will continue to be carrot and stick.” which would prompt a reaction from the Xi’s rhetoric against challenges to US and damage its international image.

Chinese sovereignty has also targeted Instead, they predict Beijing will semi-autonomous Hong Kong, where continue its aggressive military postur- the emergence of activists calling for ing―in the past year it has increased the independence from the mainland has indrills around the island and Taiwan has censed Beijing. AFP pledged to boost its defense force against the rising threat.

There will also be renewed diplomatic and economic pressure.

China has wooed more of Taiwan’s N OTICE dwindling number of global allies Notice is hereby given that BRIA HOMES, INC. in the past two years.

(Formerly: CASA REGALIA, INCORPORATED)

Oldest message in a bottle found on Aussie beach SYDNEY―A message in a bottle written 132 years ago and found on an Australian beach by a group of walkers, including the parents of Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo, has been verified as the world’s oldest known missive of its kind.

The rectangular bottle was discovered half-buried in sand dunes near Wedge Island, some 160 kilometers north of Perth, in January.

It took weeks of sleuthing using Google Translate, online research and archival digging before the unusual find was confirmed as an authentic bottle thrown from a German ship into the Indian Ocean.

The group of six had been driving through the remote west-coast dunes when Grace Ricciardo suggested they stop to take a walk, Kym Illman told AFP Wednesday.

His wife Tonya accompanied her and spotted the object, thinking it was rubbish.

“She thought, ‘That looks nice, that’ll look good on my bookshelf’,” he said.

The group thought they might have picked up something special when they shook the bottle and a damp, rolled-up parchment that looked like a cigarette fell out.

Returning to their nearby holiday home, they opened the note after warming it briefly in an oven.

Illman used his knowledge of basic German to decipher instructions asking the finder to send details of where and when the bottle was found.

Using Google Translate to understand the rest of the text, Illman realized they might be the first people to read the note―if it was authentic― since June 12, 1886, according to the date written on it.

The discovery led Illman to plunge into weeks of research and discussions with museums, before settling on the

theory it might be a 19th century Dutch gin bottle thrown from the German sailing barque Paula some 950 kilometres from the West Australian coast.

It was one of thousands of bottles used in a long-term German oceanographic experiment to better understand global ocean currents and find faster, more efficient shipping routes, the Western Australian Museum said.

“Extraordinary finds need extraordinary evidence to support them, so we contacted colleagues in the Netherlands and Germany for help to find more information,” the museum’s assistant curator for maritime archeology Ross Anderson said in a statement.

“Incredibly, an archival search in Germany found Paula’s original Meteorological Journal and there was an entry for 12 June 1886 made by the captain, recording a drift bottle having been thrown overboard. AFP

Few provinces are sufficiently wealthy for Federalism THE provinces and cities that will compose the states to be created by the Duterte administration-initiated Federalism shift will have to be capable of financing the numerous governmental operations that will be transferred to them upon approval of the shift. This means that at least one ― ideally more than one ― of the components of each new state will have to be possessed of substantial financial capability, if the state is to be a viable political entity. Unfortunately, not many of the country’s 81 provinces can be said to be financial heavyweights.

It has been said that of the ten or more states that the Duterte administration’s planners have in mind only three are certain to be financially viable. These are the National Capital Region (composed of 16 cities and one municipality), Central Luzon (Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales and Nueva Ecija) and today’s Region IV (Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, the two Mindoro provinces; Palawan, Marinduque and Romblon). Most ― not all ― of the provinces that make up these three regional groupings are sufficiently wealthy to help make the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Southern Lu-

zon, formally viable political entities.

Apart from the provinces that compose these three regions, there are not many others that can be classified as wealthy. The rest are secondclass or third-class provinces, financially speaking. Most of the other relatively wealthy provinces are in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas and Western Visayas.

Cebu is a very rich province. Because of the presence of Cebu, a state composed of that island, Cebu, Leyte and Samar would be a viable entity.

A state composed of the islands of Negro, Guimaras, Siquijor and Panay likewise would be financially viable because of the presence of Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

In the same manner, the progressive province of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental would generate the financial resources necessary to keep a Northwestern Mindanao state afloat.

The resources of Camarines Sur and Albay would be severely stretched to ensure financial viability for a Bicol Region state, which would encompass the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

A Southern Mindanao state would be heavily dependent on ― and would be kept viable by ― Davao City and Sarangani.

With its inadequate economic development, a Northeastern Mindanao state composed of Central Mindanao and the Caraga region would almost certainly have a difficult time financing the numerous economic and social responsibilities it would inherit from the national government as a consequence of the shift to federalism. Not one of the Central Mindanao and Caraga provinces has financial capability sufficient to compensate for the financial weakness of the state’s other components.

It is not certain whether the planner of the Duterte administration’s federalism initiative have undertaken enough study of the advisability or unwisdom of lumping provinces together in federal state. What is certain is that some provinces will be givers of resources and others will be takers.

Is that a good state of affairs? Yes, if a province is a taker; no, if a province is a giver.

E-mail: romero.business.class@gmail.com

with office address at LGF Bldg. B, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Developer of Economic and Low-cost Housing Project (Bria Calamba Phase 1) with a capacity of 873 economic and lowcost housing units on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy. Banadero, Calamba City, Laguna.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Officer-in-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-MAR. 8, 2018)

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of SEASCORP HOUSEWARES (INT’L) INC. shortening its corporate term to January 31, 2018, thereby dissolving the corporation on said date, have been approved by the Board of Directors.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at Suite A 215-217 Skyfreight Center, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque City, Philippines.

This Announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of SEASCORP HOUSEWARES (INT’L) INC. (SGD) ROWENA D. MENDOZA Member, Board of Director

(MS-MAR. 8, 2018)

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of SEARS & LI, INC. shortening its corporate term to January 31, 2018, thereby dissolving the corporation on said date, have been approved by the Board of Directors.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at Suite A 215-217 Skyfreight Center, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque City, Philippines.

This Announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of SEARS& LI., INC. (SGD) ROWENA D. MENDOZA Member, Board of Director (MS-MAR. 8, 2018)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION

SUMMONS ZALDE B. VALE Unit-J Marvilla Townhomes, No. 629 F. Cruz St., Malibay, Pasay City, M.M.

BRANCH 113, PASAY CITY YOLANDA M. FRENCILLO-VALE, Petitioner, -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-PSY-17-25756-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage ZALDY B. VALE Respondent, x---------------------------------------x

ORDER A Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication was filed by the petitioner through counsel, copy of which was furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, and the Trial Prosecutor of Pasay City.

Allegedly, the summons to the respondent cannot be served personally on the ground that she is not residing / unknown at the given address and her present whereabouts unknown.

WHEREFORE, as prayed for, let the Summons in the above-entitled case be served on the respondent by publication in Manila Stadard a newspaper of general circulation chosen by raffle at least, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED. Pasay City, Metro February 21, 2018

Manila,

(Sgd.) CARIDAD H. GRECIACUERDO JUDGE

GREETINGS: You are hereby required within thirty (30) days after service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your Answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes and a Civil Case Information Statement. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the Complaint.

Moreover, pursuant to the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy guidelines dated March 12, 2002, you are expected not to file a Motion to Dismiss but instead, you are requested to allege the grounds of such Motion as defenses in your answer.

Likewise, you are expected to utilize the deposition-recovery measures under Rules 23, 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Failure to resort to deposition by written interrogatories under Rule 25 and the request for admission of facts under Rule 27 may be prejudicial to your interest.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court this 21st day of February, 2018.

(Sgd.) RENATO C. OCZON (OFFICER-IN-CHARGE/L.R.) (MS-Mar. 1 & 8, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Makati revs up pet microchip project rollout

By Joel Zurbano THE city government of Makati has intensified its pet micro-chipping program to help pet owners avoid the cost of redundant rabies vaccinations.

Mayor Abigail Binay said each microchip contains a unique 15-digit code readable with a microchip scanner, and gives veterinarians access to a pet’s vaccination records for them to determine whether or not a pet needs to be given anti-rabies shots after biting a human, and if there is a need for the bite victim to be vaccinated against rabies.

“Makati is very close to achieving zero-rabies status. We will continue the good work we are doing and use the very best technology could offer to make sure that we achieve our goal. The pet microchipping program will allow both pet owners and veterinarians to monitor the health of our pets and guarantee that each one is free from rabies,” said Binay.

She also encouraged residents to take advantage of the free program and have their pets implanted with microchips as soon as possible.

The program aims at pet permanent identification, and rabies prevention, and in case the dog or cat went missing, they can be easily found and reunite with the owner.

Binay kicked off the project in October last year by having her own pet dogs named Choco, a poodle; Lucia, a shih tzu, and Tory, a pug, implanted with microchips to the session hall at city hall.

IN BRIEF Passport on Wheels in Taguig March 10 THE government’s Passport on Wheels (POW) is coming to Taguig City on Saturday, March 10, to serve 1,800 first-time applicants and those seeking to renew their passports at the Lakeshore Hall in Barangay Lower Bicutan.

The city government will offer free snacks, refreshments and medical services to ensure the comfort and safety of applicants during the processing and while waiting for their turn.

The POW project initiated by the Department of Foreign Affairs has visited and served 12 cities, eight municipalities and processed the passports of more than 25,000 people all around the country.

Under the program in partnership with the Taguig City Civil Registry Office, DFA personnel will personally come to the city to assist its residents in securing appointment slots, and in processing their passports. Joel Zurbano

FIGHTING POVERTY. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, challenges farmers-scientists to help rice farmers improve their living conditions and take them out of poverty as guest speaker during the ‘Magsasakang Siyentista’ held at Villar SIPAG Hall in Las Piñas. Lino Santos

QC launching biz one-stop shop March 9

By Rio N. Araja

AS PART of Quezon City’s continuing commitment to aid businesses, Mayor Herbert Bautista will lead on March 9 the launching of a business one-stop shop to help startups and issue permits simpler and easier.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Interior Undersecretary Austere Panadero and co-chairperson Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council have been invited to attend the formal introduction of the city’s simplified procedure for business registration, cutting the process down to two easy steps.

Bautista will also introduce to Lopez the city’s all-in-one center for construction permits, providing a centralized center for receiving and evaluating applications for building permits, occupancy permits, fire safety inspection and applications for electric utility meters.

Davao eyeing memorial for Sasa bombing victims

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

D

AVAO CITY―The city government is planning to put up a memorial for the victims of the Sasa Old Airport bombing, where 17 lives were lost 15 years ago.

Mayor Sara Duterte said she is studying the proposal submitted by Barangay Sasa for a monument at the blast site.

“There is already a proposal from Barangay Sasa, they said they already have the budget for it. I will check on it. I told them that if we push it through this year the we will pursue it, but if not we will work on it next year,” Duterte said.

On Monday, families of the vic-

tims gathered at the site to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the bombing. A Mass was held to remember the victims.

Maria Luisa Bermudo, head of the City Social Services and Development Office, said Davao stayed true to its commitment to help the children of the victims finish their studies through the city government’s scholarship program.

“The scholarship for the depend-

Caloocan gains P2.4-m DILG reward

By Jun David

Joy: Choose mayor with clear road map QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday urged voters to “choose a leader who has a strategy” and to vote for a new mayor who has a clear “road map” for the city’s continued economic progress.

Vocal about her plans to run for mayor in 2019, Belmonte, on her third and last term as vice mayor, believes she is in “the best position to make change happen.”

“While we should seek leaders who are passionate and inspired, and who have great ideas, it is also important to find those who—more than simply having a vision— also have a road map,” she said.

Describing herself as “someone who has been here every day,” she said she has learned so much from being the vice mayor and presiding officer of the 37-member city council in her eight years in public service. Rio N. Araja

Navoteños gain Tesda scholarship NAVOTEÑOS may now study for free and earn technical-vocational skills through a scholarship from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The scholarship is open to Navotas residents ages 18 to 55 who have finished high school.

Courses offered include Shielded Metal Arc Welding National Certificate II, Automotive Servicing NC I, and Automotive Servicing NC II. Also offered are courses on Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing NC II, Bread & Pastry Production NC II, Dressmaking NC II, and Pastry Making NC II. “Tech-voc skills remain in high demand and we are grateful to Tesda for providing Navoteños an opportunity to develop and master these skills so they could gain employment later on,” Mayor John Rey Tiangco said. Jun David

ents of the victims of the Sasa Old Airport blast still continues until all of them will graduate from college.

This is the commitment of the city to the families of the victims,” Bermudo said.

Currently, the city is subsidizing more than 100 scholars, including the dependents of those who died and were severely injured by the blast.

Duterte said the gesture of the monument symbolizes that Davao will not bow down to terrorism and will face it as a stronger city instead.

“We will show to those who would like to spread terror here in Davao that we will not bow down to them. We will help each other, and they will not succeed,” she said.

DILG-NCR Assistant Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero (second from right) hands Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan the P2.4-million check reward for the city’s garnering the Seal of Good Local Governance from 2015 to 2017. Witnessing the turnover in front of the new city hall are (from left) District 2 Rep. Edgar Erice, Vice Mayor Macario Asistio, City Administrator Oliver Hernandez, and DILG Director Analyn Baltazar Cortez. Jun David

Erap boosts ‘LinGap’ with hospital pact MANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada has signed an agreement to boost the implementation of the “Lingap at Gabay Para sa May Sakit (LinGap sa Masa)” for the city’s six district hospitals.

Estrada signed the memorandum of agreement with Department of Social Welfare and Development OIC-Secretary Emmanuel A. Leyco; DSWD-National Capital Region Director Vincent Andrew T. Leyson, and DSWD-NCR Crisis Intervention Unit head Marlene Guzman at Manila City Hall.

The agreement will provide free medicines to indigents and to needy government workers.

Joining the MOA signing were Dr. Regina Socorro L. Bagsic, Consultant on Hospital Administration and Service; Dr. Rachael S. Marinas, OIC-Medical Director of Ospital ng

Maynila; Dr. Merle D. Sacdalan, OICMedical Director of Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital; Dr. Ma. Luisa D. Aquino, OIC-Director of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center; Dr. Clara C. Reyes, OIC-Director of Sta. Ana Hospital; Dr. Isaias R. Cando, OIC-Director of Ospital ng Tondo; Dr. Leonora P. Pascual, OIC-Director of Ospital ng Sampaloc and Tommy Co, Consultant.

“For me, ‘LinGap sa Masa’ health care is for the people, it belongs to the people, that’s why I am very thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for allocating P1 billion in medical assistance to our poor countrymen,” Estrada said.

“Thank you for his ready response to the needs of our poor Filipinos who cannot afford to buy medicines,” he added.

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday awarded P2.4 million to the local city government of Caloocan, through Mayor Oscar Malapitan, for winning the Seal of Good Local Governance for three straight years.

DILG Assistant Director for National Capital Region Juan Jovian Ingeniero personally handed the check to Malapitan. Ingeniero was assisted by DILG Director Analyn Baltazar Cortez.

According to Cortez, “Caloocan City is one of the country’s unique cities, despite their restrictions on criteria and higher assessment levels, has earned three consecutive SGLG awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017.”

Malapitan thanked the national

government agency for the cash award. “It would benefit the people of Caloocan through valuable projects,” he said.

Cortez described the Malapitan administration as “sure, great and expectable” for having been awarded with DILG’s Good Financial Housekeeping; DILG’s Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance and DILG’s SGLG for the last three consecutive years.

Meanwhile, DILG also donated two brand new sets of computers with printers to the city’s People’s Law Enforcement Board to step up its processing of complaints against erring cops.

The new equipment were also received by Malapitan and PLEB chief Chito Abel, who in turn, committed better service to the people of Caloocan.

‘TAYO’ AWARD.

Smart Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto (left) hands a plaque to Ster Custodio (right) of the Tanay Mountaineers, which received the Smart Communities Youth Award for its efforts to protect the cloud rat, which is endemic to the Philippines, at the recent 15th TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awards ceremony.

The group worked with the Tanay local government to pass a resolution making the cloud rat the flagship species of the town.

Spaces

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @mstandardLIFE thursday, march 8, 2018

for living and learning

C1

in Malate

Life household

LIVE AND LEARN. Torre Lorenzo Malate Residences provides a premier residence for students and professionals where they can live and co-exist with others.

S

tudentS and medical professionals near Malate, Manila have a new premier space where they can live and learn.

Premium university residences developer torre Lorenzo development Corporation recently broke ground for the 45-story torre Lorenzo Malate Premium Resi-dences on Malvar Street in Malate, Manila. the he property is scheduled for completion in mario the first quarter of 2021. says, “We are excited to be part of “Guests this movement to rediscover the old will exA swimming pool and other health and world charm that only Malate offers,” perience a recreation facilities are available in TLDC’s declares tLdC C chief executive officer hip yet nostalgic Malate development. tomas Lorenzo. place where spaces Strategically located in the heart of Malate, the are both friendly and with property is a short five-minute walk to the university hints of an elegant, bygone era.” of the Philippines School of Medicine and across St. Paul’s But what makes torre Lorenzo Malate the best choice for university Manila Campus. It is also near medical centers, students and medical professionals is the thoughtful attention including Philippine General Hospital, Manila doctors Hos- to design and the added facilities and amenities that allow for pital, and Medical Center Manila, as well as shopping malls study time and collaboration.

Robinsons and SM Manila. the nearest LRt station is less Wi-Fi-enabled study pods, study areas, and collaboration than a kilometer away. spaces co-exist with living and social areas. In addition, cafés the tLdC chief says, “It is true that it is a busy area, with and restaurants on the ground floor and lounge areas in the easy access to commercial establishments and mass public library all support the social nature of learning. transport, but the Malvar neighborhood itself is relatively “the intersection where people and place can come togethquiet and safe, making it an ideal place to live for both stu- er is where possibilities for learning best take place. effective dents and medical professionals.” learning spaces are not only those that are functional, but are the development features comfortable, attractive, and flexible, which is brought design inspired by old, to life in part by the design and overall spirit of pre-war Malate. these places,” enthuses Lorenzo. tLdC design t Resi torre Lorenzo Malate Premium Resipartner Ivy dences is the result of tLdC’s focus Almario stu to revolutionize the university stuof Atdent’s quality of living by re reelier sponding to their—and their Alparents’—physical, social, and emotional needs.

Students come home to furnished apartments with modern kitchens, private inspir bathrooms, and inspiring living spaces. Health and recreation facilities include a gym and a swimming pool. A 24/7 security system affords peace of mind not just resi for the building’s residents but for the parents.

Residents can also expect dedicat the support of a dedicated property management team that is responsive to their property concerns. “the residential experience is what helps link students to the greater university community and likewise helps to foster a great greater sense of confidence, engagement, and independence,” concludes Lorenzo.

Study and collaborate in the designated Visit www.torrelorenzo.com for more study areas. information.

How to be the master in your kitchen

Knowing the primary skills in the kitchen is important to build a solid foundation.

K KItCHen can be a place of relaxation for those who know their way around it, and a source of stress and intimida intimidation for those who don’t. But you don’t have to be a “master chef” or a culi culinary graduate to be an efficient person in cookery, you just need to know the things to avoid being a cooking disaster.

Back to basics

big and start small. novices in the kitchen should practice simple and easy-to-follow recipes that will let them hone their cooking chops before working with complex ingredients. Start with a basic stir-fry or a simple pasta dish.

Mastery is key

Be patient and don’t give up on your first fail in the kitchen. Cooking is a skill that is developed and mastered over time so take all the time you need to practice and perfect that dish. Start with one dish; if you have cooked it the way you like it, you can then move on to another.

Knowing the primary skills in the kitchen is important to build a solid foundation. Get a firm grasp on the basic cooking procedures such as chopping, sautéing, and seasoning, among others.

Learn about the tools, such as knives, pots, and pans, and the basic ingredients, such as salt, pepper, oils, and other pan- Get inspiration try staples, used in the kitchen. exceptional chefs and talented home

Familiarize yourself with pantry staples.

Read and comprehend

cooks are great sources of inspiration to better your craft in the kitchen, but so as bad cooks on a mission to be respectable in the kitchen. tLC’s Worst Cooks in America, where kitchen disasters turn into cooking masters, will surely inspire everyone to level up their kitchen game. the upcoming seaStart simple son of Worst Cooks in America promWho doesn’t want to whip up some- ises a whole lot of comedy and butchthing worthy of a Michelin Star? Howev- ered recipes. Catch it every Monday at er, like all things in life, one must dream 9:00 p.m. on tLC. Before executing a recipe, make sure that you have read and understood each and every step. don’t jump in immediately after skimming the recipe because the success of a perfect dish is partly due to meticulous preparation.

Life

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thursday, march 8, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

RoboticS competition

o

boosts children’s morale, critical thinking

VER 600 teams from more than 100 schools participated in the 2018 National Robotics Competition held recently at Tagaytay International Convention Center.

Elementary and high school students built their robots and battled it out in 12 games/categories that included Sumobot (mobile robots pushed opponents out of a specified ring), Line Tracing (autonomous robots were required to track a course in the shortest period of time), Fire Fighting (autonomous robots must extinguish fire in different positions in the arena), and Innovative Robot (robot designed and built based on a given theme).

Top winners in this year’s NRC will compete in the 2018 World Robot Games, which will be held on october here in the country. Last year, the Philippines finished third in the World Robot Games in Singapore.

The chance to travel and experience an international competition is a major motivation for the young builders.

Asked why he joined NRC, 10-yearold Joshua Portollano of West Rembo Elementary School said, “Gusto ko pong matuto at makapunta sa ibang bansa (I want to learn and go abroad).” The boy took part in the Junior Line Tracing event and was among eight students that comprised the West Rembo delegation.

Coach Gerry Sabagon notes exposure abroad may pique the kids’ interest but what gets them hooked on robotics is the joy of creation. “Morale booster sa mga bata. Nagkakaroon sila ng self-confidence (It’s a morale booster for them.

They gain self-confidence),” he says.

Mom Annabelle Go observed that robotics enhanced her son John Andrew’s critical thinking and persistence. Eleven-year old John Andrew participated

Contestant in the Advanced Line Tracing challenge

in the Mission Challenge event and was one of 25 students from Jubilee Christian Academy of Quezon City team.

“At first he was hesitant,” Go says of her son. “But when he got the hang of it, he learned how to handle stress. He learned to adjust.”

Children who take up robotics also acquire responsibility, organization, and time management skills, says Jeric Alarcon, coach of the team from Ednas School in San Carlos, Pangasinan.

“Nagiging responsible sila. Masinop sa gamit. Natutunan din nilang magprioritize ng gawain (They become responsible. They become organized.

And they learn how to prioritize tasks),” says the coach.

These young Filipino robotics athletes will compete against representatives from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“If there is one thing that I’ve discovered about young people, it’s that they like challenges,” declares Melvin Matulac, NRC organizer and Pinoy Robot Games founder.

The NRC is organized by Pinoy Robot Games, an organization composed of robotics advocates, and Data Science and Technology Corporation, an educational technology solutions provider.

Visit www.pinoyrobotgames.org and Pinoy Robot Games on Facebook for more information.

Mission Challenge contestants

Bert Lina and daughters Sheila and Donna will talk about the role of father as a mentor

Symposium tackles

father-daughter relationship

Sumobot contestants test the strength of their robots

An afternoon of natural goodness for moms MoMMIES spent an afternoon of good, wholesome fun with Friso at the Wholesome Table in BGC recently.

The event, which was hosted by Joy Mendoza, introduced the milk brand to mothers of kids 3 years old and up and offered workshops, that included herb gardening and bento-making.

Friso is a brand from FrieslandCampina, a company that provides millions of consumers in over 100 countries with nutrient-rich food products.

The milk label is produced and packed in the Netherlands. According to Friso Four brand manager Leigh Formoso, Friso comes with a LockNutri Technology that makes the nutrients from the milk easy to digest.

“Since our child’s digestive system is delicate and still developing, nutrients in their natural state are much easier for delicate tummies to digest.

LockNutri is our advanced production technology that protects milk pro-

Friso Philippines with brand ambassador Joy Mendoza and Des Labii of Bento Mommas (fourth and fifth from left)

tein’s natural nutrient against overheating to retain it closer to its natural state,” explained Formoso.

After explaining the milk’s goodness, Giorgio Milano and Mackie Bretaña of Qubo Ph helped moms discover the wonders of herb gardening while highlighting the benefits of having easy access to natural food enhancers that are, like Friso, easy to digest.

Des Labii of Bento Mommas, on the other hand, showed mommies how to level up their baon-making skills. She said that aside from encouraging picky eaters to finish their food, bento-making allows mothers and their children to bond as they prepare the meals together—and at the same time, make sure that they use only natural ingredients.

After a sumptuous buffet of healthy eats prepared by The Wholesome Table, mommies received their LockNutri Starter Kits as they were welcomed to the Friso Four Community with a pledge.

“We aim to empower moms to ‘say no’ to less natural, processed food; and ‘say yes’ to natural ingredients. Because we believe that with your child strong on the inside, they become more resilient and can go on and experience more with you. And that’s what really matters most,” averred Formoso.

Visit friso.com.ph and Friso Philippines on Facebook for more information.

AN uPCoMING symposium tackles the effects of father’s active parental involvement in boosting his children’s academic, emotional, and social stability.

The Women’s Business Council of the Philippines, an advocacy group for women economic development, stages “Fathers for Daughters: Building Next-Gen Business Mindsets” on March 22 at Fairmont Makati.

The event, which aims to inspire Filipino families and reiterate the importance of a father’s guidance in raising his children, will be this year’s episode of Women Mentoring Women (W2W) Talks. The talk series is organized by WBCP as part of its advocacy to help women in business and economic development.

Renowned and successful women in the country will come together with their respective fathers as guest speakers.

Rachel Kong with her dad Francis Kong, Tricia Gosingtian with Josiah Go, and sisters Sheila and Donna Lina with Bert Lina, will share personal experiences on how their fathers’ influences and participation in their lives have instilled entrepreneurial skills and business mindsets to them.

The first part of the program will discuss the role of the father as a coach, which will be taken up by Rachel Kong, the chief executive officer of Success options Inc., a publishing, training, and development provider. She will be joined by her father, Francis Kong, who is one of the most respected business speakers in the country, and is known in the field of manufacturing and retail.

This will be followed by a session on the role of the father as a manager of his daugh-

Father as Coach by Francis and Rachel Kong

Father as Manager by Josiah Go and Tricia Gosingtian

ter’s career. The subject will be tackled by seasoned blogger and photographer, Tricia Gosingtian, together with her father, Josiah Go, chairman of 12 reputable corporations, author of 15 bestselling marketing and sales books, and the most awarded business educator in the Philippines.

Finally, sisters Sheila and Donna Lina, both successful in e-commerce, film production, business research, and marketing, together with their father, Bert Lina, a successful entrepreneur who has established his own private conglomerate, the Lina Group of Companies, will talk about the role of a father as a mentor.

For inquiries and registration, contact Russell Joy Rivera of WomenBizPH Secretariat at (02) 843-1162 or at admin@womenbiz.ph.

iphoto

Primo in Grand Baby Fair Babyflo ambassadors Iya Villania-Arellano and her son Primo are all smiles at the Grand Baby Fair at SM Megamall where hundreds of parents enjoyed discounted baby products from some of the biggest baby care brands, including Babyflo that offered promo packs at 20 percent off.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

BAGANI

is a warrior, not a historical figure

By Nickie Wang

T

HE Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil-starrer Bagani had a trending premiere on Monday amassing more than half-a-million tweets on Twitter and registering 35.5 percent nationwide rating (or 20 points higher than its rival) based on Kantar Media.

Matteo Guidicelli as Lakam in ABS-CBN's action fantasy seies, 'Bagani.'

Korina Sanchez encourages every women out there to make "beautiful" choices

Simply Red...

Coinciding with the series’ debut on primetime, ABSCBN released a statement following the criticism the program received from netizens saying that the members of cast that also include Matteo Guidicelli, Sofia Andres and Makisig Morales are not Filipino enough to play the roles.

According to the press statement, the concept of the new series is to feature warriors, protectors, and heroes who espouse Filipino values and beliefs.

It further explained that the production team did intensive research to determine a distinctly Filipino term that embodies a champion who fights for the common good of his tribe or family—somebody who is brave, honorable, self-sacrificing, and goodhearted. In the end, the team recognized that the term and concept of a “Bagani” best solidifies the traits that the program wants to highlight.

“With all due respect, the use of “Bagani” is not in any way intended to malign or to disrespect beliefs of the Indigenous Peoples’ communities, but instead hopes to propagate the values, morals, and ethics that are inherent in a ‘Bagani’—a Filipino warrior, protector, and hero,” the statement said.

It further stated that the series does not purport itself to be a historical account of Philippine history or culture.

“The program has always maintained that it has created an alternative fictional universe with elements of Filipino mythology and folklore that simply serves as an avenue to creatively deliver and highlight Filipino values, beliefs, and heroism,” the statement ended.

TO HELP nurture our child’s gift, PROMIL® Four i-Shine® Talent Camp 6, a venue for children to play and learn, continuously commits into helping the next generation of talents and allow them to discover and develop skills set focused in the field of Art, Engineering, Dance, and Music.

Yvette Villegas, the brand manager of PROMIL® Four, said that the iShine® Talent Camp 6 brings a whole new fun, and learning experience for parents and their kids.

“We’re so excited to finally open the most exciting PROMIL® Four iShine® Talent Camp 6 yet, where we will witness, once again, the awesome talents of the young participants,” Villegas said.

This season, the PROMIL® Four iShine® Talent Camp 6 showcases four different workshops namely, Music, Dance, Arts, and Engineering. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab returns as the

camp master who will lead the Music Workshop, Teacher Georcelle Sy, of the G-Force Dance School for the Dance Workshop, Teacher Robert Alejandro and his team from Papemelroti for the Art Workshop, and a new set of workshops focused on Engineering to be led

by Teacher Lei Sta. Maria of Engineering for Kids.

i-Shine Talent Camp 6 launch

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

ACROSS 1 Out of shape 6 Unspecified shape 10 Sorrows 14 Oklahoma oil town 15 True 16 Online auction 17 Revises text 18 Monster 19 “Jurassic Park” costar 20 Wine category 21 Whirlpool locale 23 Sporty sock 25 Prepares dough 28 Game with pawns 29 Voluntarily 31 Plant parasite 33 Uncommon 34 UFO pilot 35 Novelist Rita — Brown 38 Make happy 41 Investigating 43 Glove sz.

44 “Forsyte Saga” heroine 46 Radius neighbor 47 Humiliate 48 Swayed gently 50 Halley’s discovery 52 Desire to drink 54 Tenor Enrico — 55 Little rascal

56 Cry of delight 59 Ginza purchases 60 Fleece 63 Exciting 65 — -eyed 66 Not in use 67 Early moralist 68 Cacklers 69 Sappho’s verse 70 Our, to Pierre DOWN 1 Navajo foes 2 In the altogether 3 Burned unsteadily 4 Ego ending 5 Mortarboard feature 6 Not subtle 7 Arm opposite 8 Boathouse item 9 Stadium seat 10 Jammed 11 Follows orders 12 Warren and Monroe 13 “Auld Lang —” 22 Wages 24 Animal with one horn 26 — -do-well 27 Mr. Mineo 29 “It Came — Outer Space” 30 Four-star review 32 Hookah

34 Votes in favor 35 Browned bread in a dairy-based liquid (2 wds.)

36 English queen 37 Hoople expletive 39 Corresponds 40 Handel opus 42 Tampa Bay gridders 45 Mesh fabric 47 Tickles 48 Wheel part 49 Dogie

50 Dish alternative 51 Rigel’s constellation 53 Follows a trail 54 Blackjack 57 Hound’s track 58 Ad spiel 61 Not even 62 Flamenco cry 64 Want-ad abbr.

The PROMIL® Four i-Shine® Talent Camp 6 will run from April 2 to May 3 and will conclude through a recital on May 11 where the participants of all four workshops will perform.

The PROMIL Four i-Shine® Talent Camp 6 will also visit key cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

thereby upholding world-class standards in patient care. All doctors under BMG, From C4 in all of of its13 branches, can be relied upon to give their patients utmost care as Because of distinct changes on her they are all Thermage-certified. *** face and body that made her look SKYathon Beach Run is back and outstandingly young, vibrant and beautiful, Korina Sanchez has been bigger on its ninth year with the opening of participation to international runners hogging the headlines once again.

She welcomed the New Year with as it aims for greater awareness to raise that fabulous billboard on Edsa for Belo funds that would help rehabilitate the Thermage and everyone just can’t stop reefs of Boracay.

Organizers of the first destination talking about it. The skeptics say the transformation was unbelievable in so run in the country are excited with many levels. Even her friends took a this development. “Among the avid moment to check if the young looking participants of the race are foreigners gal on the billboard was indeed her, vacationing in the island. To open this but Korina Sanchez douses everyone’s to international delegates will elevate excitement when she comes forward to the race not just to a fun run but a race convince everyone that this is for real. that the running communities around the world will look forward to each She is for real.

Dr. Vicki Belo, Korina’s personal year,” said Delbert Santos, SKY senior friend and proponent of Belo Medical marketing manager.

Set to happen on April 21 at Epic Group (BMG), says Korina’s youthful look today is much owed by the beautiful Boracay, it features three categories for choices that the broadcast journalist has runners to choose from—3K, 5K, and made in this season of her life. The wife 10K. SKY plays its part in protecting nature of politician Mar Roxas encourages every woman out there to make the by supporting this initiative. A portion same choices that she made as she aims of the proceeds from SKYathon will go to empower and encourage all women to the coral reef rehabilitation program. out there that theirs is the choice to be Other than reef rehabilitation there is also a mangrove planting partnership with beautiful.

On and off the camera, Korina is a the Provincial Environment and Natural woman who knows how to balance her Resources Office of the Department of high profile life. The demands of her Environment and Natural Resources in profession in the news and public affairs the area.

This year SKYathon introduces as a broadcast journalist and being a loving wife to Mar calls for a balancing #LoveBoracay, a call for a turn towards act that can either make or break one. And responsible tourism.

Santos said that with the current one look at Korina today—gorgeous, youthful and fabulous—you would environmental troubles facing not only the know that she made it and still does it island but also some major tourist spots in the country it’s important for vacationers excellently.

Korina’s secret to a tighter, more to keep in mind preserving these natural rejuvenated skin? That’s thanks to Belo resources. He said, “This year, besides Triptique, a unique combination of pushing for the rehabilitation of the coral treatments to achieve a tighter, more reefs in Boracay, we’d also like to send contoured skin; BeloThermage, a out a call to all tourists to take care of non-invasive procedure that delivers the places they are going to. We have to tighter skin, renewed facial contours practice responsible tourism so that we can and healthier collagen ideal for women keep the beauty of nature not just for us but 35 years old and up or to anyone who most especially for future generations.”

Also back this year is Coach Rio de la wants to look refreshed and reverse signs of aging with no downtime; EPT Cruz’ RunRio, which will organize the or embedded protein threads to lift and event.

“Since it is RUNRIO’s 4th year in contour skin; and the newest Belo Vita, a unique delivery system which uses participating the SKYathon run, I am glad hyaluronic acid, glutathione and PDRN that we still continue to organize events (polydeoxiribonucleotide) for a hydrated, like this in Boracay each year. I believe that because of this event we are not only more youthful looking skin.

She trusts no one else for her Thermage promoting an active and healthy lifestyle procedure except her Belo family because to the people, but also saving Boracay BMG is the only clinic in the Philippines itself,’ said De la Cruz.

Registration is ongoing and can be done that has been honored with a Black Diamond award for two consecutive online through www.runrio.com or onsite years, a citation that simply proclaims via selected branches of registration partners Rudy Project, Chris Sports, being No. 1 in Thermage nationwide.

Add it to the fact that BMG remains and Olympic Village. The Boracay to be the only Filipino aesthetic clinic Foundation Inc. Secretariat in Boracay to be accredited by NABH International can also accept registrations.

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

C4

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

PINOY PRIDE. Members of the Kahayag Dance Company pose along Taizi Boulevard after their performance at the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chaiyi, Taiwan. Photo by Michael Miranda

Congress approves grant for filmmakers incentives

Sarah G song, Kahayag Dance Company

TAKE SPOTLIGHT IN TAIWAN FESTIVAL

By Nickie Wang

C

The House Committee on appropriation chair and Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles with family.

THE House Committee on appropriation, chaired by Davao City Representative Karlo Alexei N o g r a l e s , approved recently the proposed funding provision of the Film Industry Incentives Act. Apparently, the House panel realized the need to provide incentives to Filipino filmmakers who have been receiving honors in international film festivals.

The bill is in support of the Philippine film industry, said Nograles who last year chaired the panel of judges at the Metro Manila Film Festival that chose the best entries and performers as well as the outstanding creative and technical staff of the films.

The bill, though, is the product of different proposals filed by Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla.

According to Vargas, there is a need to establish the Special Film Industry Incentives Fund to be administered by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

The committee thumbed up the proposed Film Industry incentives Act after reviewing its funding provision as contained in Section 6 of the bill.

The amount of P50 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and another P50 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) shall constitute the incentives fund. Thereafter, such sum shall be included in the annual budget of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The bill declares it is the policy of the State to promote and support the development and growth of the local film industry, which includes both mainstream and independent films produced by Filipino filmmakers or production entities that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insights and artistic integrity.

Incentives shall be granted to those whose films merited the highest recognition for technical or

artistic excellence in notable international film festivals.

The amount of ISAH V. RED P5 million shall be given to the filmmaker or producer of international-award winning full-length feature or documentary film.

An incentive of P3 million shall be given to the filmmaker or production entity that produces the international award-winning short feature or documentary film.

Meanwhile, a P2 million incentive shall await the film director, main artist, screenplay, or technical support filmmaker personnel, including the scriptwriter, cinematographer, editor, production designer, music scoring, sound director, audio or video technician, who received the highest international awards in their respective categories.

For supporting artists or technicians who garnered the highest award in their respective categories, a P1 million incentive awaits each of them.

Lastly, the international award-winning films automatically shall be qualified to receive an “A” rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board.

The bill refers to international film festivals as those that have given recognition and awards to high-quality films for the last five years and are well known for their international profile, audience size and the quality and breadth of their festival and industry programs.

To be eligible for the P5-million incentive, an international awardwinning film must be made or performed by a Filipino filmmaker or production entity as the case may be. The total production budget for each of the full-length feature or documentary film must not exceed P10 million. The film length must be between 90 to 120 minutes.

To be eligible for the P3million incentive, the film must be made by a Filipino filmmaker or production entity. The total production budget for each of the short feature or documentary film must not exceed P5 million while the film length must not exceed 90 minutes. Continued on C3

HAIYI, Taiwan—Kahayag Dance Company, a community-based dance group from Dumaguete City, performed at the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival to the tune of ABS-CBN 2012 summer station ID sang by Sarah Geronimo.

The station ID entitled “Pinoy Summer Da Best Forever,” which also featured Gerald Anderson, complemented Kahayag’s vibrant costumes and lively dance routines that highlighted the Philippine’s rich history of street dance.

The 40-member dance ensemble that has been competing and winning in numerous cultural dance competitions overseas was invited by Taiwan Tourism Bureau to take part in the annual lantern festival that promotes Taiwanese culture, history, craftsmanship, technology, and tourism.

A member of the group told Manila Standard that they felt proud for be-

ing selected by the Tourism Bureau to perform at the grand launch of the annual festival held on March 2.

The festivity was attended by Taiwanese dignitaries led by Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen.

Kahayag Dance Company, which is also flying to Greece in July to compete in the 14th World Festival of Traditional Dances, performed on the same stage where other dance troops from Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan also showcased dynamic cultural dances.

The well-applauded performance of Kahayag Dance Company showcased festive Philippine cultural dance mixed with hip hop. Its act featured maglalatik, pandango sa ilaw, maskara street dance and ballet.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. This year, the annual festival that centers on the theme of Earth Dog is hosted by Chiayi County and lanterns will be on display until March 11.

During the festival period, visitors can use an app specifically designed for the event. The app provide useful information such as overall lantern zone intro, site map, special lantern zone reports, food recommendations, live streams, LED push notifications, AR experiences, 360-degree previews, traffic updates, parking tips and online shop tours. Called the Chiayi iTour, the app is available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.

BEA BINENE, THEA TOLENTINO

renew ties with management

BEA Binene and Thea Tolentino are happy to share their passion with GMA-7 as they inked exclusive network contracts on March 1.

Present in the contract signing were Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun S. Ferrer, and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia. Also in attendance was Bea’s mother and co-manager Carina Binene.

Starting her showbiz career in GMA at the age of 6, Bea has developed the drive to deliver beyond what is expected of her.

“The network has always been supportive of the things I want to try and the things I need to learn kaya happy ako kasi nandito pa rin ako sa GMA. I’m ready for whatever roles na ibibigay sa akin because I know na they will give me projects na makakabuti sa career ko.”

Meanwhile, having been the grand female winner of GMA’s talent search Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break, Thea feels fulfilled to have learned the different dynamics of being an actress.

“Masaya ako kasi ipinagkakatiwala ng network sa akin yung mga mabibigat na roles gaya ng pagkokontrabida. I’m thankful that GMA gives me a chance to grow dahil every year may natututunan akong bago especially with the workshops na binibigay sa’min.”

Rasonable, in turn, reveals what presses the network’s faith on the young actresses, “Bago pa man matapos yung ginagawa nina Bea at Thea, we already plan what project they’ll do next. So we really develop their career plan. They are also studying and trying to learn something new, so you know that they really love their craft.”