Manila Standard - 2018 March 21 - Wednesday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

DoJ forms new panel to review drug lords’cases

Amazon school to prevent Tacloban grad Alexa from cackling tops med-tech exams A GRADUATE from the Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation in Tacloban City topped the March 2018 Medical Technologist board exam.

Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez congratulated Alvin Aurelia Bahin for topping the exam with a grade of 90.5.

She also lauded DRTRMF College of Medical Technology Dean Agripino Limpiano and his staff for the excellent performance of their graduates.

“Congratulations to the graduates and officials of the DRTRMF for topping the latest Medical Technologist board exam.

Truly, your school is the center of academic excellence,” she said.

“Continue to soar high because your great minds would further inspire many students from different parts of the country to excel,” added the lawmaker.

Aside from Bahin, two other graduates of DRTRFM also joined the top 10 passers of the March 2018 board exam.

Data from the Philippine Regulatory Commission showed Xenia Cañete Plaza at the eighth spot with a grade of 89.4 and Imee Rose Macabasag Cunanan at the 10th spot with a grade of 89.1.

“Our team worked very hard to ensure that our graduates will land in the top ten as they have done in the last three years since 2016 for the medical technologist course,” Limpiano said.

“But with a big honor and pride, this is the first time that we got the top spot for medical technologists,” he added.

By Vito Barcelo and Rey E. Requejo VOL. XXXII • NO. 38 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Next page

ICC bias prompts PH, others to quit —legal counsel SECURITY CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the National Security Council Executive Committee meeting at the Palace on Monday, but the Presidential Office did not release details of the meeting. Joining the President are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, NFA Council chairman and Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary General Ernesto Pernia. Malacañang Photo

Amazon to prevent Trump does a Du30, Alexa from cackling wages war on narcs

By Andrew Beatty US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday made a controversial call for drug traffickers to face the death penalty, as part of his plan to combat America’s opioid epidemic—a move that appears to be as much about politics as policy.

The Republican leader launched the proposal during a speech in Manchester, New Hampshire—a state hard hit by the opioid crisis—and the move was designed to burnish his tough-on-crime credentials.

“These are terrible people, and we have to get tough on those people,” he told the crowd. “If we don’t get tough on the drug dealers, we’re wasting our time.

“That toughness includes the death penalty,” he added.

An estimated 2.4-million Americans are addicted to opioids, a class of drugs including prescription painkillers, as well as heroin.

Next page

Amazon prevent Uber putstodriver-less Alexa fromon cackling vehicles hold SAN FRANCISCO—Ride-sharing giant Uber said Monday it is suspending use of selfdriving cars after one of the vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian in the US state of Arizona.

The Uber vehicle was in autonomous mode, with an operator behind the wheel, when it hit a woman walking in the street in the city of Tempe late Sunday, according to the San Francisco-based company.

The victim was hospitalized and later died from her injuries.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” an Uber spokesperson told AFP. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation of this incident.”

Next page

‘‘

Why would I give a legal advice to a lawyer for his client. If I were his client, I will fire him.

—Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, referring to the claim of Stephen David, lawyer of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Napoles, that the Palace official opined that his client can seek jail transfer after her provision admission into the government’s Witness Protection Program

JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Tuesday said he issued an order vacating the dismissal of the case against confessed-drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa, Cebu businessman Peter Lim, and several others.

In a Palace briefing, Aguirre also said he has created a new panel that would review the resolution dismissing the drug cases against Espinosa, Lim and Marcelo Adorco, Peter Co, Lovely Impal and several of their companions.

The new prosecution panel is composed of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, Assistant State Prosecutor Ana Noreen Devanadera, and Prosecution lawyer Herbert Calvin Abugan.

He said the motion for reconsideration filed by the police has been rendered

Palace debunks Napoles’ claim

A PALACE official on Tuesday said the International Criminal Court has failed to live up to the hopes of the international community and has pushed the Philippines and other countries to withdraw from the tribunal.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said there was a concerted effort among United Nations officials to discredit President Rodrigo Duterte, which is why the Philippines withdrew from the ICC and denounced it as one-sided and inefficient.

“Maybe they should be asking themselves why there are so many members [of the UN] who are not members thereof, and there are some Next page

By Vito Barcelo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

E

XECUTIVE Secretary Salvador Medialdea denied Tuesday that he advised the lawyer of detained “pork barrel queen” Janet Lim Napoles to file a motion to seek her transfer from Camp Bagong Diwa to the Department of Justice.

“Why would I give a legal advice to a lawyer for his client? If I were his client, I will fire him,” Medialdea said in the text message to the media.

Medialdea was reacting to Napoles’ lawyer Stephen David’s claim that he had a meeting in Malacañang with Medialdea and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, and that the executive secretary had advised him to file a motion seeking his client’s transfer after she was provisionally accepted into the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Aguirre, meanwhile, confirmed that the meeting did take place, but denied that he and Medialdea gave David legal advice.

In a press briefing in the Palace, Aguirre said they only talked about Napoles’ situation because she was pushing for a transfer to a safe house.

He also said David asked if Napoles’ admission into the WPP would mean she could be taken from her Taguig Next page

SERENO SUPPORTERS. Supporters of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno gather outside the high court’s gate Tuesday urging the Court to junk the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida. The Court directed the Solicitor General to reply to Sereno’s comment on its petition to remove her from her post within five days from receipt of the notice to submit his reply. Ey Acasio

High court tells SolGen to reply to Sereno’s plea

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has required the Office of the Solicitor General to submit its reply to the comment filed by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on its quo warranto petition seeking to cancel her appointment as top magistrate.

“The Court directed the Solicitor General [Jose Calida] to submit the Republic’s reply to the respondent Chief Justice’s comment within five days from its receipt of notice,” high court spokesman Theodore Te told reporters.

The order came after Sereno on Monday asked the high court to dismiss the

quo warranto petition seeking her removal as top magistrate for allegedly failing to comply with all the requirements when she applied for the position in 2012.

Sereno sought the petition’s dismissal for its alleged lack of jurisdiction and merit. She said the high court had no authority Next page

‘Ubial equally liable for Dengvaxia mess’

Go high on the list of senatorial bets

THE Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the Dengvaxia investigation is expected to release soon its report on the controversy after it ended last week its hearings on the vaccine program.

The committee, led by Senator Richard Gordon, officially is set to recommend charges against persons involved, including former president Benigno Simeon Aquino III and former Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, official committee sources said.

Past hearings indicated Ubial was “equally liable” if not more culpable in the controversy because she continued the vaccination program during her stint, P2billion was released during her term to procure the vaccine, the sources Next page said.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ON THE GO. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go is guest at the dzRH radio program Damdaming Bayan Monday where he heard the concerns of marginalized citizens. Malacañang Photo

SPECIAL Assistant to the President, Christopher Lawrence Go and several Duterte allies in the House of Representatives will be part of administration’s senatorial slate for the 2019 mid-term elections, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Tuesday.

Aside from Go, Alvarez said the ruling Partido Demokratiko’s senatorial lineup will also include Representatives Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro, Zajid Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental, Karlo Nograles of Davao City and Geraldine Roman of Bataan.

Alvarez said PDP needs new senators Next page

News

A2

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

May polls to forge ahead—Comelec T

HE Commission on Elections on Tuesday reiterated it will continue to prepare for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections set for May 14 unless a law postponing the polls is passed.

“Without a law postponing it, the BSKE2018 must continue to be considered a go,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

Rep. Edgar Erice on Monday criticized

the decision of the House of Representatives to cancel the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections for the third time.

“The true motive for this is no-el, no elections for 2019, Erice told dzMM radio.

The Barangay and SK elections were supposed to be held in October 2016, but Congress postponed them to October 2017. The elections were later moved to May 14, 2018.

Erice said the the true intention for the elections’ cancellation was to synchronize the elections with the plebiscite on the new Constitution in October.

Meanwhile, Speaker Pantaleon Alva-

rez on Tuesday denied that some allies of President Rodrigo Duterte were pushing for the postponement of the village and youth council elections so they could cancel the 2019 midterm elections and extend their terms.

“There are many childish individuals who are imagining non-existent ghosts. We want to scare ourselves when there is no plan like that,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez also said he had started introducing to voters the possible bets of his party, the PDP-Laban, in next year’s Senate race.

Jimenez made his statement after the House of Representatives on Monday

Transporters' strike cancels Metro classes; Piston fumes

Palace...

From A1

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta MALACAÑANG on Tuesday again suspended classes in Metro Manila despite the absence of a jeepney strike supposedly to be staged by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide or Piston to protest the government’s jeepney modernization program.

Piston, however, accused the government of spreading “fake news” that it would be staging a week-long transport strike.

“The fake news aims to create confusion among the people and to create hatred against our drivers,” Piston officials said.

Piston is opposing the government plan to ban old jeepneys in favor of new units, saying its members could not afford to buy new jeepneys.

At the Senate, Senator Grace Poe said Tuesday the Transport department must find a solution to the concerns raised over the jeepney modernization program.

“There should be a meeting of the minds that can only be achieved through continuous dialogue,” said Poe, head of the Senate committee on public services.

In a statement, meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said “in view of the actual and/or imminent threats posed by some groups, we are suspending classes at all levels in Metro Manila effective today, March 20, to safeguard the safety of students.”

“For those outside Metro Manila, we leave the decision to suspend classes to the sound discretion of local government units,” Roque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will suspend classes even with the slightest threat of a strike to ensure the protection and well-being of students.

Piston, the country’s biggest transport group, did not push through with its weeklong strike, Malacañang immediately issued a suspension order without verifying the strike threat.

But Roque said the government would still suspend classes to protect the riding public.

'Ubial...

From A1

The investigations showed the DoH under Ubial used and injected more than one million Dengvaxia vaccine doses in the expanded program.

In comparison, former Health Secretary Janet Garin, used around 493,000 doses of the dengue vaccine while she was in office.

This irked Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian during one of the hearings where the lawmaker blasted Ubial for spreading the vaccine program into other regions.

“She (Ubial) expanded the program to the regions, if I’m not mistaken Region VII, and in my opinion she is liable for that because these are the lives of the children,” said Gatchalian.

Ubial tried to defend herself but Gatchalian dismissed her defenses as “junk and unacceptable.”

The recent probe likewise suggested that Ubial was liable for changing the mode of implementing the Dengue immunization program which she apparently converted from school-based to community-based.

As a result, around 5,000 members of the PNP were injected, who were outside the targeted 9-11 year-olds under the school-based program.

Further, monitoring, as well as important protocols for patient information, including securing consent and waiver forms were compromised due to the alterations made by Ubial on her shift to community based implementation.

Meanwhile, United States scientist vaccine expert Dr. Scott Halstead rejected the Dengvaxia findings of the Public Attorney’s Office led by Atty. Persida Acosta.

Halstead explained that an autopsy could not be the basis for linking the drug to the death of a child who received the vaccine.

“Please be aware that the diagnosis of Dengvaxia cannot be based on an autopsy.

In any child that dies post-Dengvaxia, there has to be two things: 1. Unequivocal evidence that the infection was caused

by Dengue virus and that can be done by virus isolation or DNA identification or NS1. 2. We need to know whether the vaccinee was seronegative or positive and to do that, we need to use the test that Sanofi has developed.”

passed on third and final reading the bill postponing the polls to October this year.

“While this move undoubtedly brings us one step closer to a third postponement of the 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, the Comelec will continue with the work of preparing for polls,” Jimenez said.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III earlier said the postponement of the Barangay and SK elections had no chance of passing in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting opposed the move to postpone the village elections again. PNA

REMEMBERING MORONG. Militant groups stage an indignation rally in front

of the Sandigan Bayan in Quezon City to denounce the protracted case of the arrest and alleged torture of health workers known as ’Morong 43’ on Feb. 6 , 2010. Manny Palmero

Bulacan govt seeks inquiry into Saturday's plane crash

By Orlan L. Mauricio MALOLOS CITY—Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado will ask the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to conduct its own inquiry into the airplane crash near the Plaridel Airport last Saturday that killed a family of five and all the passengers of the ill-fated Apache 23 lance aircraft.

Plaridel Mayor Jocell Vistan supported the call for a probe as she declared a day of mourning in their town on Monday.

Vistan described the tragedy as a wakeup call “for everyone to look for a solution to prevent future air accidents” that exposed her townmates living around the airport from student-pilot errors or the negligence of plane operators and mechanics.

Plaridel airport has an 800-meter runway bounded by Barangays Lumang Bayan in the north and Agnaya in the south. It is designed only for light fixed-wing aircraft, and at least six schools for pilot training and two aircraft maintenance schools are located near it.

This developed as families of the five other passengers of the ill-fated six-seater Piper turbo aircraft are crying for justice.

Go...

From A1

to support the legislative agenda of the Duterte administration in the Senate.

“We [in the House] have passed a lot of bills but many are still pending in the Senate,” Alvarez said.

Umali, who steered the impeachment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the committee level, was a former stalwart of the Liberal Party of former President Benigno Aquino III. Alvarez also mentioned re-electionist Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, presidential adviser Francis Tolentino, and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

Alvarez, PDP secretary general, made the pitch in his message after the mass oathtaking of an estimated 5,000 new members of the administration party at the Caloocan City Sports Complex Tuesday.

Alvarez said performance in the surveys of the candidates would be an important guide for the administration in finalizing the senatorial slate.

“That’s important because we want our candidates to win. Also, we’d like to know if they are really serious in pursing their candidacy for the Senate,” he added.

Meanwhile, Alvarez said the growing number of the members of the ruling party also further bolsters support for President Duterte’s advocacy for federalism.

“We have schedules of activities like this [mass oathtaking] almost every weekend.

This is encouraging because this shows the

Uber...

From A1

Uber said it had temporarily halted its use of self-driving cars for testing or customer rides in Tempe, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and San Francisco.

Tempe is one of just two cities—along with Pittsburgh—where the ride-sharing firm has been using autonomous vehicles as part of its regular passenger.

The vehicle operator in the driver’s seat was the only person in the car when the accident occurred, Uber said. The car was in police hands on Monday.

Sunday’s accident was the first fatal selfdriving car crash involving a pedestrian.

The first deadly self-driving car accident was reported in mid-2016, and involved a Tesla.

Sheriff needed?

The Tesla Model S, cruising on “Autopilot,” failed to detect a crossing tractor-trailer against a bright sky, killing the driver—

They said four days have passed without receiving any official statement or word from Lite Air Express, the owner and operator of the plane.

Fe Pagaduan, mother of passenger student-pilot Capt. Maria Vera Pagaduan, who was with her classmate Capt. Elisha Sl Necesario on the plane, called on Lite Air’s owners to “have a heart” and talk to them in a TV interview last Sunday.

The mother vowed to pursue legal action against Lite Air Express, amid reports of impatience from other families of the other four passenger-victims. They feared a coverup even as they sought answers to the crash.

Lawyer Roxanne Miranda, the lawyer of Lite Air, inspected the crash site a day after but refused to answer questions from mediamen. She promised that Lite Air would issue an official statement “in a day or two,” but had none as of press time.

Alvarado’s decision was prompted by persistent reports and eyewitness accounts near the crash-site that the single-engine T-tail lance aircraft had engine trouble and stalled during take-off due to overloading. continuing support of our people for the President,” he noted.

What is significant is that many barangay officials are joining the ruling party, he said.

“We can pursue the programs of the President better if we have the support of the grassroots,” Alvarez said.

In particular, Alvarez said the exodus of barangay leaders to the ruling party would help push Duterte’s advocacy for federalism.

“They [barangay officials] would play a crucial role. You see, in a plebiscite, the barangay officials are the ones who could effectively educate our people on the benefits of a federal system under the proposed new constitution,” said Alvarez.

Senator JV Ejercito, a member of the majority bloc in the Senate, said he would not seek re-election under the PDP-Laban flag because of all their candidates must support the shift to federalism.

“The feeling is mutual. If they don’ like us, we also don’t like them,” Ejercito said, in reaction to Pimentel’s announcement that only candidates supporting federalism can join the PDP-Laban in the May 2019 mid-term elections.

Ejercito said federalism is a serious matter that should be thoroughly studied since it would change the fundamental law of the land and chart the country’s direction in the next 10 to 50 years.

“They cannot just say we need to support [federalism]. This needs further study. But what I can see [is] they already restricted those who can join PDP- Laban or those who can be a coalition partner,” Ejercito said. who it later emerged had kept his hands off the wheel for extended periods of time despite automated warnings not to do so.

Investigators at the US National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of the Tesla crash was the combination of “a truck driver’s failure to yield the right of way and a car driver’s inattention due to overreliance on vehicle automation.”

Autonomous-vehicle technology has been touted as having potential to save fuel, ease congestion, and to save thousands of lives by avoiding accidents due to human error.

As with the fatal Tesla crash, however, the deadly Uber accident is likely to stoke concerns that the industry is moving too fast.

Google-owned Waymo this month began using its self-driving trucks to haul cargo bound for the internet giant’s data centers in Georgia, while rival Uber announced the use of self-driving semi trucks as part of an ondemand trucking service in Arizona. AFP

detention cell. Aguirre said he disagreed, but said David could file the necessary motions before the Sandiganbayan.

But this did not constitute giving the lawyer legal advice, he added.

Aguirre also disputed the claim of Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Grace Poe that Napoles was ineligible for the WPP because she was the mastermind of the pork barrel scam.

“Napoles would be just a co-conspirator and being a co-conspirator, she is not the most guilty and can be placed under the WPP,” Aguirre said.

Napoles, accused of diverting P10 billion in Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel to non-existing projects and bogus livelihood programs, was recently admitted provisionally into the Witness Protection Program.

He added that if Napoles were granted full coverage under the WPP, the “coverage will be binding upon any and all courts including the Sandiganbayan.”

The opposition Liberal Party insinuated that President Rodrigo Duterte was behind the maneuvers to get Napoles into the WPP. “No less than her lawyer, Stephen David, told the court that her request for transfer from the BJMP to the DoJ was upon the suggestion of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said.

“What prompted these top officials to reach out to an alleged mastermind of a multi-billion-peso scam? Who sanctioned this?” he asked.

He said Malacañang’s statement that the President is taking a hands-off stance did not jibe with the actions of his top executives.

The government, Pangilinan said, must pursue her criminal prosecution, instead of using the people’s money to give her refuge and protection through the Witness Protection Program. To do so would be a great mockery of justice, he said.

Poe, meanwhile, said Napoles—identified as the “pork barrel queen”—appeared to be the most guilty, and therefore ineligible for the WPP. She also questioned the special treatment being given Napoles.

Opposition lawmaker Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said Aguirre had no authority to anoint Janet Napoles as state witness in the multi-billion peso PDAF scam.

“The special prosecutor of the Office of the Ombudsman, who is prosecuting Napoles, and the Sandiganbayan where the plunder cases against her are pending, are the ones vested with the authority to convert Napoles from an accused to a state witness,” Lagman said, quoting the rules of court on criminal procedure.

Lagman said upon motion of the prosecutor, the Sandiganbayan has the jurisdiction to decide whether or not to discharge Napoles as state witness.

“In either case, Aguirre has neither jurisdiction nor authority to intervene in the process of discharging an accused to become a state witness,” Lagman said “Under any standard, one who is accused as the mastermind for plotting and executing the crime, like Napoles, cannot pretend not to be the most guilty,” he added.

Lawyer Levito Baligod, the former lawyer of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy, criticized the inclusion of Napoles in the WPP, saying she would not be a credible witness.

Trump...

From A1

Trump pledged to fix the crisis when he took office a year ago, but so far, he has struggled to make headway on an epidemic that kills an estimated 115 Americans a day due to overdoses, according to the government-funded National Institutes of Health.

Drug-related murder is already a capital offense in the United States, but no one has ever been executed using those rules.

Officials indicated there would be no attempt to change the law to make the death penalty mandatory for trafficking alone, a move that would could well run afoul of Supreme Court rulings on proportional punishment.

In those rulings, the high court suggested that nothing other than murder can be considered a capital offense.

“It’s possible that our country’s not ready for that,” Trump conceded.

“And I can understand it, maybe. Although personally, I can’t understand that.”

Rally the base With Republicans at risk of losing control of Congress in legislative elections in November, Trump is keen to rally his base ahead of the polls behind a tough-sounding message.

A series of special elections has seen Republicans struggle to match the intensity of anti-Trump sentiment, with high turnout among Democrats delivering a series of shock victories.

Most polls show Trump’s approval rating hovering around 40 percent, with supporters and opponents expressing intense feelings either way.

24 party-list groups barred from '19 polls

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Commission on Elections has disqualified 24 party-list groups from joining the 2019 mid-term elections.

The disqualified groups include Disabled/PWD, Sanlakas, Abante Retirees, 1-Abilidad, Piston, Ale, Ang Prolife, Ating Guro, Umalab Ka, Ama, Amor Seaman, 1-Aalalay, MTM Phils., Ang Kasangga, Agham, Migrante, Awat Mindanao, 1-Pabahay, Arcapp, Bida, Chinoy, Sabod, Cocofed and WPI. The commission disqualified these groups for not participating in the last two elections and/or for failing to obtain a seat or seats in the last two elections.

“The Commission resolves to delist and cancel the registration of the said partylist groups, organizations and coalitions,” says Comelec Resolution 10273.

But the resolution says “any party-list group adversely affected by the Resolution may file a Reconsideration 10 days from notice thereof.”

The party-list system was created by Republic Act 7941, which is known as the Party-List System Act enacted in 1995.

Under the law, those who received at least two percent of the total votes cast for the party-list system will be entitled to one congressional seat each, while those who received more than two percent of the votes will be entitled to additional seats in proportion to their total number of votes.

But each party-list organization will not be awarded more than three seats in Congress.

The law says party-list groups should represent "marginalized and underrepresented sectors" that include laborers, peasants, fishermen, the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, the elderly, the handicapped, women, youth, veterans, workers overseas and professionals.

Meanwhile, the Comelec is optimistic the Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14 will be held as scheduled even if the House of Representatives approved a proposal postponing the elections for the third time under President Duterte’s administration.

DoJ...

From A1

moot, since “the case is now wide open for the submission of all evidence by both parties.”

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the case against Lim and Espinosa is “far from being closed.”

“We understand the sentiments and the frustration of the public over the dismissal, but the police can refile the case [and] can introduce additional evidence,” Roque told a press conference.

He also said the government would not let “the big fish” get away, especially if there are sufficient grounds to hold them accountable.

Aguirre said his order to vacate the Dec. 20, 2017 resolution favoring Lim, Espinosa and several others is pursuant to his authority to conduct an automatic review of drug cases.

“The order was issued in the exercise of my power under automatic review,” Aguirre said.

He said the new panel will also allow the submission of new evidence.

ICC...

From A1

who have withdrawn. There must be something wrong with the ICC,” Panelo said in a forum at the University of the Philippines-BGC. He said complaints of bias in the ICC also pushed three African states—Burundi, Gambia and South Africa—to signal their pullout from the tribunal. So far, only Burundi has actually left.

Russia, which signed the Rome Statute but did not ratify it, remains outside the ICC’s jurisdiction.

The Philippines is among the nations that have ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty that established the ICC to pursue legal action against leaders for committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Panelo said declarations by the ICC that the Philippines is still under its jurisdiction would not change the stand of President Duterte.

Panelo said the UN has shown its bias against Duterte, after a special rapporteur submitted a report to the ICC laying out evidence that Duterte had been directly responsible for “extrajudicial executions and mass murder” over three decades since his war on drugs as mayor of Davao City in 1988.

The accusations led the Duterte to withdraw from the ICC last week, he said. Vito Barcelo

High...

From A1 to remove her from office via quo warranto because officials could only be removed by impeachment.

She said impeachable officials, including all members of the Supreme Court, may only be removed upon impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

Sereno said she should also be allowed to respond to the allegations against her through the impeachment trial.

“The Chief Justice deserves her day in court before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Tribunal,” Sereno said.

“To rule otherwise, and to preempt the impeachment process by summarily ousting the Chief Justice via quo warranto, would be tantamount to overthrowing the Constitution itself.”

Sereno said the quo warranto petition should not be entertained at all because it was “time-barred.”

News DoJ orders NBI: Probe Manila hotel fire

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the fire incident that gutted Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino along UN Avenue in Manila where five people died.

In a Department Order 160, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the NBI to “conduct investigation and case build-up over the fire incident which razed the Manila Pavilion Hotel, last 18 March 2018, which led to a number of fatalities and injuries.”

Aguirre also required the agency to “to determine such facts and circumstances that resulted in the unfortunate event.”

The NBI was also ordered to determine the criminal, civil and administrative liability of any agency, office and instrumentality of the government as well as the owners, managers and employees of the Manila Pavilion.

Aguirre also directed the NBI to file appropriate charges against individuals who might be held liable for the incident.

NBI Director Dante Gierran has been instructed to furnish the Office of the Justice Secretary with its activities related to the implementation of his directive.

Supt. Jonas Silvano, District Fire Marshal of Manila-Bureau of Fire Protection, said the fire started at 9:52 a.m. Sunday at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. area that was under renovation.

A3

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

218 displaced as military Alvarez remains launches drive vs NPA hopeful on divorce T HE Armed Forced of the Philippines is now intensifying efforts to thwart possible attacks and atrocities by the New People’s Army in the run up to the latter’s 49th anniversary on March 29.

“The occasion is usually marked by their attacks against our people and vulnerable communities,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bievenido Datuin said Tuesday.

In related developments: • At least 218 people have been displaced as the military launched an offensive against the NPA in Aloran, Misamis Occidental.

The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office said 218 people or 54 families had evacuated to the town’s gymnasium following an armed encounter between the military and the NPA at 3:15 p.m. on Monday.

It said that aside from the ground assault by the Philippine Army, the rebels’ position in Barangay Sinampungan was also bombarded with artillery fire. The military also used a Philippine Air Force helicopter.

All police units in the province have been placed on full alert. Checkpoints have also been set up around Aloran and its outskirts, the Misamis Occidental PPO added.

• A top defense official on Tuesday enticed the NPA to lay down their arms and rejoin the mainstream society, saying their cause had become irrelevant even as the military was ready to thwart potential attacks during the communist

forthcoming anniversary.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the NPA not to spoil peace, progress and development unfolding in the country which the communist has attempted to derail in their 49 years of revolutionary struggle.

“I ask them: To lay down their arms and rejoin the society. Your cause has become irrelevant. If you could not win 49 years, what made you think you could salvage victory in the next 50?”

Lorenzana urged.

“Come down, you owe your families and children a life of peace and stability.

Let us join hands to build a better Philippines,” Lorenzana said.

Hostilities include raids, ambuscades, and sabotage against government troops, on public establishments and vital installations that severely affected innocent civilians. PNA with Francisco Tuyay

Con-Com leans toward college degree for lawmakers THE consultative committee is persuaded to require members of the Senate and House of Representatives to have a “college degree or its equivalent” in the draft constitution they will propose to President Rodrigo Duterte.

A Con-Com subcommittee voted to add this requirement on Monday, Conrado Generoso, senior technical assistant to the Con-Com chairman, told a press conference on Tuesday.

The 1987 Constitution has no such qualification requirement.

A person can be a senator as long as he or she is a natural-born citizen, able to read and write, at least 35 years

old on the day of election, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least two years preceding the day of election.

A person can be a member of the House if he or she is a natural-born citizen, able to read and write, at least 25 years old on the day of election, a registered voter in his or her district— except for party-list representatives, and a resident of the Philippines for at least one year preceding the day of election.

Con-Com Chairman Reynato Puno said there were long discussions on adding a qualification requirement,

with some members saying it was undemocratic as only 10 percent of the Filipino population had a college degree.

But in the end, those who wanted the additional requirement took the debate.

“There is that school of thought that you need this qualification to improve the quality of laws that will come from Congress and, ultimately, the second school of thought won,” said Puno.

The concern on limiting the pool of possible lawmakers was addressed by allowing persons with the “equivalent” of a college degree to run.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday said he would not give up on his push for the legalization of divorce in the country.

Alvarez is hopeful he will be able to convince President Duterte that the measure, contained in House Bill 7303, or the Absolute Divorce Bill, would contain provisions that will address problematic marriages.

“The President’s concern is appreciated.

If we have to explain, especially the principal sponsors and the committee, we will [explain],” Alvarez said.

The Lower House on Monday night passed on third reading the divorce bill by a 134-57 vote.

The passage came amid Macanañang’s announcement that the President is no longer supporting the divorce bill.

Meanwhile, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday said this measure should be studied thoroughly. “[The] Speaker tells me there’s a difference. Hence we study if true,” said Pimentel, also president of the ruling PDP- Laban, where Duterte sits as national chairman.

The House of Representatives, dominated by allies of the Chief Executive, gave its nod to its approval, voting 133-57-2, Monday night.

Alvarez said Divorce Bill’s passage in plenary was historic as this was the first time that the proposed measure reached final plenary approval.

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Leandro Erlich: Argentina’s master of optical illusion

By Nina Negron THOUSANDS of visitors have posed on his trompe-l’oeil facades, he made the pointed tip of the Buenos Aires Obelisk disappear and he even tricked visitors into thinking they were seeing others underwater in a giant pool.

Argentina’s Leandro Erlich is shaking up the art world with his wonderful world of illusions.

The 44-year-old conceptual artist divides his time between his hometown Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the very livable capital of neighboring Uruguay.

In his dream factory—a three-story studio in the Villa Crespo residential area of Buenos Aires shielded from the road by a giant metal barrier— Erlich creates his giant installations, which have earned cult status in London, Paris and New York.

The secret to his success Erlich has managed to wow both art amateurs and discerning critics with his work. The biggest display of his work to date—44 pieces in total—has drawn 400,000 visitors to the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, where it will run until April 1.

“Erlich stimulates the senses, not just the intellect. He’s asking patrons to live through an experience, as one does at the theater,” explains Andres Duprat, director of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires.

“Not only are his works making waves in the art world, they are reaching a much wider public,” Duprat says.

“This is not someone who is doing special effects. He’s showing how it all works. Once the visitor understands the work, he or she can begin to savor it, and reflect on it.”

In “Port of Reflections,” colorful rowboats seem to float—except there is no water.

“Swimming Pool” sees people walk fully clothed into a pool—except there is no pool.

“Elevator Maze,” a matrix of elevator banks, confuses patrons when they don’t see their own reflection in the mirror.

Visitors are thrilled, confused, annoyed or experience an emotion somewhere in between—but they are never indifferent.

“When a work is well received, it brings great satisfaction. It opens up opportunities for the future. In concrete terms, my projects are difficult to do,” Erlich told AFP in an interview.

“There is no single format,” he added. “I’ve done video, sculpture, photography and of course installations.

The idea of conceptual art is now broad enough to include all forms of expression.”

Not a solitary artist Erlich’s works play with optical illusions and our perception of sound. At his studio in Buenos Aires, he works with craftsmen and designers to bring his vision to life.

Erlich said his team “came together over time and depending on need.”

“Fifteen or 16 years ago, I did one or two projects a year. Now, it’s more like four,” he said.

In Montevideo, he found refuge and the “distance” needed to work.

“I have lived for a long time away from Buenos Aires—five years in the United States, five years in France, before returning to South America.”

In the Uruguayan capital, he finds inspiration and time to think.

“I have trouble working in places where there is too much stimulation, too much noise,” Erlich says.

“With globalization, the world is smaller now. My universe is indisputably very ‘Rioplatense’,” he says—an adjective describing the Rio de la Plata estuary separating Argentina and Uruguay.

In Buenos Aires, many remember when he made the tip of the obelisk vanish in 2015.

He covered the point with a sort of square cap, giving the impression it was cut off. In tandem, a replica of the tip was built and placed in a museum.

Turn to A5

I

Shoddy police work

N JUST a matter of days, Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa has turned from blaming prosecutors to admitting that his own people filed a weak case that led to the dismissal of charges against self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa.

“You really pulled one over us, but Kerwin, you may have fooled us now, but you cannot fool us all the time,” Dela Rosa said in a mix of Filipino and English. “Mark my word[s], sometimes, we will be the one to [pull] one [over] you.”

The admission was a departure from the blame he heaped on the panel of prosecutors days earlier, for failing to “diligently” consider the public interest before dismissing the drug cases against Espinosa, his alleged supplier, Cebu

businessman Peter Lim, and 20 other suspects.

At the time, Dela Rosa said the prosecutors who reviewed the case should have alerted the PNP about any weaknesses in their case because of their legal implications. “If you have conscience you should have told us that the case is weak,” Dela Rosa said.

But his remarks three days later revealed just how poorly the police did in filing their complaint.

In defense of his officers, Dela Rosa said Espinosa did not cooperate with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group when he was asked to “reduce into writing” his confession during a Senate hearing where he admitted to transacting illegal drugs, with earnings reaching P40 million to P50 million yearly.

But why would a suspect—in this case, Espinosa—cooperate with police efforts that would land him in jail? The expectation that he would seems naive, at best, and lazy at worst.

Because Espinosa did not cooperate, Dela Rosa said, the police could only attach newspaper clippings of his Senate testimony, which they thought would be sufficient to support their case.

But newspaper clippings are third-party accounts that carry little or no weight in a court of law. Would it really have been so difficult for the police to find the transcript of Espinosa’s testimony before the Senate in November 2016, when the case was filed almost a year later?

It is easy to blame the panel of prosecutors for dismissing the case against Espinosa, Lim and the other suspects in their case.

But the root of this debacle— which is what it is in the context of this administration’s war on drugs—is shoddy police work, plain and simple.

Shouldn’t heads finally roll?

Or do we merely throw back our hands and adopt the police chief’s philosophy that stupid is better than ill-intentioned?

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

Crypto currencies: Myths and truths SPEAKING before the Shareholders Association of the Philippines on March 12, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla debunked certain myths and lies about privately issued cryptocurrencies. He said he was reflecting the Bangko Sentral’s viewpoint.

Myth 1: Privately issued cryptocurrencies are legal tender and shall soon replace fiat currency.

Truth: Cryptocurrencies, not backed by any central authority, are not legal tender. Moreover, until they fully demonstrate stability, wide acceptability and other economic attributes, they will not replace fiat currency any time soon.

Myth 2: Cryptocurrencies are bad and are only used for illicit activities.

Truth: Cryptocurrencies, like fiat currencies, are neither good nor bad.

They are neutral. But, no doubt, BSP is mindful of their wide use in illicit activities because of the anonymity of its transactors and is taking action in this regard.

Myth 3: The BSP endorses the use of and/or investment in privately issued cryptocurrencies.

Truth: The BSP allows the market to develop but it has also issued responsive regulations to uphold consumer protection and to maintain financial stability. The BSP does not endorse or promote privately issued cryptocurrencies.

The central bank tolerates, with prudence, businesses engaged in this medium of exchange.

On temporary islands in Central Africa, hundreds flee militia torture

By Charles Bouessel FOR a few months each year, the Ubangi, a tributary of the mighty River Congo, dries up and a cluster of ephemeral islands emerge from its torrents before the skies darken and seasonal downpours return.

The river, also spelled Oubangui, marks the border between Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, and most of the islands are barren and deserted.

But a handful host temporary communities, with dozens of makeshift straw huts and tarpaulins stretched out along their sandy banks, as villagers, displaced from their homes in CAR,

take refuge on their isolated, transient shores.

Fisherman Matthias Kongba is one of the hundreds to have sought sanctuary.

He comes from the Satema region 300 kilometers (186 miles) upstream but he moved to one of the temporary islands three months ago, tending to his nets and his battered wooden canoe because, he says, “the evil came back.”

The evil he speaks of is a militia called the anti-Balaka, a band of Christian and animist fighters that rose up after mostly Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew the government of President Francois Bozize, a Christian, in 2013.

The Seleka’s short-lived but brutal rule ended in 2014 after intense inter-

national pressure and a military intervention led by France, leaving the Muslim population to face bloody reprisals from the anti-Balaka.

Since then CAR has descended into further turmoil and thousands have been killed in inter-communal violence.

Amid murder, rape and retaliatory attacks, the conflict has forced a million people to leave their homes, and more than half the population is in dire need of assistance.

“The anti-Balaka were robbing, torturing, committing crimes. We fled to Congo, it’s a disaster,” says Kongba, who left his wife and nine children in the DRC and now represents displaced

In his speech, however, Espenilla said the BSP cryptocurrencies are a medium of exchange. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recognizes this.

Per BSP, crypto or virtual currency is any “form of digitally stored value created by an agreement within the community of virtual currency users.” As far back as 2014, the BSP has advised the public of the features, benefits and attendant risks in dealing with cryptocurrency.

As regulator, BSP adopts what he calls a “balanced, open and flexible” approach to cryptocurrencies. My translation: BSP is negative on cryptocurrencies. To be clear, stresses Espenilla, “we do not endorse privately issued cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange. Moreover, given their highly speculative and volatile nature, we do not endorse them as investment vehicles either.”

BSP is watchful about risks cryptocurrencies pose to the public, for two reasons: One, to increase consumer protection, and two, “in keeping with our advocacy against money laundering, terrorist financing and other crimes.”

“Given cryptocurrency’s reliance on the full anonymity of those who transact in them, there is a propensity for this mode of payment to be used for illegal purposes,” says Espenilla.

A third risk is on the financial system.

“These risks are not imagined. They arise as cryptocurrency necessarily interplays with the non-digital world—the regular economy—when they are exchanged into pesos or other traditional currency,” the BSP chief points out.

Still, for the sake of promoting “financial innovation” and “financial inclusion,” BSP tolerates, “with prudence,” businesses engaged in cryptocurrencies.

In February 2017, BSP issued Turn to A5

Turn to A5 Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Gulle City Editor Romel J. Mendez Art Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

NICOSIA—Every day, dozens of photos taken by stringers in Syria land at the photo editing desk in Nicosia, AFP’s headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa. Sometimes, we get hundreds. Like on March 13, when we got 350. It’s been like this for years.

On March 15, the Syrian conflict entered its eighth year. Since the beginning, AFP has been one of the very few international outlets to maintain constant on-the-ground coverage. To pull this off, we have a network of stringers that we built over the course of several years. This is probably unequalled among major foreign media outlets.

It all began in 2013, when it became clear that foreign journalists were becoming major targets for jihadists and various gangs. With the increase of kidnappings in rebel-held areas, it was no longer a realistic option to continue sending reporters there, only for them to become hostages (or worse).

But that meant that we risked not having information or images from the region and that we would only be able to cover one side of the conflict—the regime’s—since AFP has had a bureau in Damascus for years. So we decided to start working with “citizen journalists,” young Syrians who wanted to show what was going on in their country and, to do so, published their photos on social media.

The determining element was a photo workshop, which took place in June 2013 in Turkey for about 15 of these “citizen journalists.” They came from Aleppo, Deir Ezzor, Idlib and even Raqqa to work with an AFP photographer. None of these young Syrians knew anything about photography, let alone photojournalism, but that’s where it all began.

In the following weeks, about 10 of them began to send us photos, mostly under pseudonyms. Only a few of them kept working with us in a sustainable way. Some of them left the country or were killed. But then more arrived.

Finding these stringers was the easiest part of the job. We then had to train them remotely, to teach them what a photo was and, more importantly, what journalism was and how we at AFP worked. Our mission is to inform, not to take sides. We never doubted for a minute that these stringers had their own opinions, often firmly held ones. Some still express them on social media.

But the main thing was for us to be able to avoid any manipulation and to assure ourselves that the photos coming from Syria met AFP standards, to know that, besides their aesthetic value, they faithfully recounted the situation on the ground and the impact of the conflict, in addition to their aesthetic qualities.

Unsung heroes Today, the standards for accuracy and impartiality haven’t changed. They continue to motivate the eight people on the photo desk and their six colleagues in video. Every day, they take turns editing, verifying, and authenticating every photo and video that we publish. It’s a process that’s as long and tedious as it is essential.

It’s just as punishing on a psychological level, since many images show an unbearable kind of violence, especially the photos of children. Our photo and video editors still have to examine them to determine how newsworthy they are, and to decide which can be used. It’s a thankless task that can rattle even the most stoic person and poses the risk of psychological problems. Post-traumatic stress is a growing danger at editing desks like ours. The editors who support the stringers are truly the unsung heroes in this type of coverage.

The photos are sent via email, but our correspondents need an internet connection for that, which can be challenging. Then the verification process begins.

For each shot, we have to verify the metadata, which shows the date it was taken and the equipment used, meaning the camera or the lens. We have equipment lists for all our stringers, so it’s easy to verify that the photo was taken with their gear. If the equipment doesn’t match up, which inevitably happens because of the bombings and ensuing damage, we contact the photographer in question over WhatsApp for an explanation.

Verifying a photo’s location can’t be done with metadata. In the case of Eastern Ghouta, the task is simple. Our stringers are in a zone under siege from the Syrian army and its allies, and they can’t leave. So we know where they are.

It was the same at the end of 2016 during the endless siege on the eastern part of Aleppo.

If there’s no metadata, we don’t use the photo. Instead, we ask the photographer to resend it, even if it’s someone we know and trust. When you take communication problems into account, publishing a photo can be delayed by several hours, or even pushed until the

next day. Accuracy comes at a price.

In other situations, we match the information in photos or videos with our text stories before verifying that it corresponds and that the images were indeed taken in the place indicated by the photographer or photojournalist. We can also use Google Maps to identify certain landmarks that show us if it’s the right place.

If we’re unsure about a photo that seems really interesting, but that we can’t authenticate, we can still use the photo lab in Paris, or even resort to a very sophisticated software called TunGstene. AFP is one of the few media outlets that has it. In 2011, we were able to use this software to disprove a photo supposedly showing Bin Laden after he had been killed by “Navy Seals.”

To say that it’s not possible to verify or authenticate the images coming out of Syria is, as far as AFP is concerned, not only untrue, but also absurd. You just have to be willing to do it and to give yourself the human and technical resources to do so.

We don’t publish all the images we get from Syria—far from it. On March 13, for example, we only published 161 photos out of the 350 that we received.

We only distribute the ones that have real news value while still meeting the required aesthetic standards. We therefore eliminate the most gruesome photos. And unfortunately, there are a lot of those. The same goes for video.

The goal is not to shock or sensationalize, but to inform. And that means to show, within certain limits, the impact of the conflict on people who live in rebel zones or regime-controlled areas.

Not to do so would amount to taking away the victims’ humanity. It would put them on the same level as simple statistics (“127 dead Monday in Eastern Ghouta”), as if we were handling a report on road casualties after a long weekend.

It’s these stringers who, for years, have let us keep a window open on this unending war. There are a lot of images from Syria circulating on social media that get picked up by press outlets. But unlike the ones published by AFP, those photos aren’t verified or authenticated.

Authentication is the biggest challenge for outlets that cover Syria. It’s the first conflict that has posed this problem on such a huge scale. Our stringer network allows us to offer clients our own product, stamped “AFP.” Since the assault on Eastern Ghouta began on Feb. 18 for instance, we have published almost 70 videos shot by local correspondents.

The stringer network grew gradually at first, with new stringers replacing the ones who left. Some correspondents started working on video and text pieces, under the direction of the Beirut bureau, which brilliantly manages Syria coverage and daily guidance for stringers.

Our relationships with some of these stringers have grown past the strictly professional level. Over the years, the journalists in Beirut and the photo and video editors have been a vital source of psychological support for these young Syrians, who are cut off from the world and confronted daily with bombings, famine, and death. They talk to them throughout the night on WhatsApp, encouraging them and keeping their spirits up. Some journalists in Beirut or on the photo desk in Nicosia have become de facto confidants, therapists, and friends to these stringers. The most surprising thing is that this happened even though they had never met.

In addition to fulfilling our duty to inform, one of AFP’s biggest accomplishments was helping to form and develop a generation of young journalists who are well-educated in the values of balance and rigor that are fundamental to AFP’s work. These values are even outlined in our two ethics charters, which are also available in Arabic.

It was not initially obvious this would happen when everything began back in 2013. Since then, though, many of our stringers have been rewarded for their talent and professionalism with prestigious international photo and video prizes, like Karam Al-Masri, Abd Doumany, Ameer Al-Halbi or Zein Al-Rifai.

At the same time, we never stopped covering “the other side”—that of the regime, where the images are not as tragic but people still suffered from the effects of the war. Rebel rockets from Eastern Ghouta regularly strike neighborhoods in Damascus.

One of the most beautiful moments from these terrible years occurred when our last correspondent on the ground managed to leave the eastern part of Aleppo on Dec. 19, 2016, just before it was retaken by the Syrian army. He’s now been given refuge in France. One of our stringers in the government-held areas sent him a message on learning he was safe. Calling him “brother,” he said he hoped they would meet one day “in a country healed from the war.”

The message ended with these words: “This war isn’t ours...We’re just burning leaves.” AFP

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The numbers

Behind AFP’s Syria coverage

By Christian Chaise

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO CHIEF Justice Sereno is digging in, confident that those who want to convict her in an impeachment trial will not get the numbers in the Senate to do so.

It is a foregone conclusion that the House of Representatives will impeach her, and the articles will be submitted to the Senate by April, for the senators to hear when Congress resumes sessions after the Holy Week recess.

But that would be a short session, and the timeline for a full-blown trial indicates that unless some sudden and unexpected early denouement transpires, the trial will go beyond this particular session, well into August after the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 23.

The early denouement could come in the form of a decision by the High Tribunal itself on the quo warranto petition of Solicitor General Jose Calida, asking it to declare her appointment void ab initio.

I cannot divine how the Court would act on this legal prime conundrum. Or, contrary to her present posturing, the CJ might just resign. Neither can this writer predict that.

So let us assume that the trial proceeds, with the House presenting the articles of impeachment and proving that at least one of those articles is sufficient reason for the senators to convict her.

Meanwhile, public attention, or at least media attention will be riveted at the highs and lows of the trial, with perhaps less intensity than what transpired during the impeachment and eventual conviction of the unfortunate Chief Justice Renato Corona.

But Sereno feels she has the numbers to defeat the House. Which means she believes there will be more than eight senators who will not vote to convict.

Two of these are a given: Senator Leila de Lima, whether or not she is allowed by the court to participate; and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who has resigned to join the cabinet.

So Sereno needs seven more to vote against impeachment, or even just abstain from casting a vote to convict.

Such is the numbers game in a Senate of 24 members. Remember the Erap trial? He was certain of 11 senators com-

Crypto...

mitted to vote against his conviction.

There was no legal way for Erap to be ousted from his duly elected office under the strictures of the Constitution. But a mistake on the part of his lawyers, that of not allowing the opening of the second envelope which was supposed to contain the incriminating evidence, sparked a walk-out and the beginnings of what history records as a second Edsa.

Such high drama is not likely to happen in the case of Sereno, as it did not in the case of Corona. An elected President is far too different an official in the public esteem as an appointed Chief Justice.

Even now, you see the ordinary manon-the-street quite indifferent to the impeachment saga. The prices of rice, the LRT breakdowns, the increase in petrol prices, even the depreciation of the peso exchange value—all these matter more.

Sobra ang layo sa tiyan ng Supreme Court; sobra din ang layo sa isipan.

Except of course, for the legal practitioners, students, and media.

Sereno believes there will be more than eight senators who will not vote to convict.

Will there be an upheaval? Of course not. Note how the audiences that CJ Sereno bring her case to in order to elicit enough public sympathy are not getting any bigger, nor any different in political color than the usual anti-Duterte chorus.

There is another difference: In the case of the late CJ Corona, the numbers to impeach in the House were done by presidential fiat. There was no hearing in the justice committee. Sereno’s case has run the whole course in the House.

Are there any surprises left to uncover and expose in the Senate, such as in the high drama against Corona, where no less than the Ombudsman brought out a money trail that boggled the mind versus the declared statement of assets and liabilities?

The focus this time will be on how the embattled Sereno would respond; how she would defend herself against

accusations heard several times over.

And in the end, how would the senators decide? As stated in a previous article, this is a political trial. It is not about guilt beyond reasonable doubt; it is about whether the impeached public official should or should not be removed given his or her capacity to effectively discharge the duties of his/her office thereafter.

Would Sereno, after all that has been said and all that will yet unravel, still effectively discharge her responsibilities as chief magistrate of the republic?

At the end of the day, that is what our nationally-elected senators are supposed to base their decision upon, in the highest interest of the nation.

Back to the numbers: the Sereno camp could count on the Liberals— Drilon, Aquino, Pangilinan, and allied Akbayan’s Hontiveros, plus Trillanes.

Five plus two who cannot vote to convict equals seven. Two more.

But then again, Drilon and Pangilinan voted to convict Corona. How would they reconcile their previous vote against the now dead CJ versus their “expected” and “partisan” vote in the case of Sereno? As they say, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

But even assuming the two who convicted Corona would stand their ground for the chief magistrate deeply selected by their previous party chairman, PNoy mismo, who could the two more possibly be?

Escudero, Honasan, Lacson, Legarda, Recto and Sotto likewise voted to convict Corona. Would Sereno reasonably think they would find legal or moral contortions to explain a different vote?

Then there are the reelectionists: Aquino, Angara, JV Ejercito, Pimentel.

Poe and Villar. With all but Bam Aquino assured of being guest candidates in the administration slate (a pure PDPLaban senatorial slate is politically incomprehensible), would they vote to un-impeach?

Of course, it’s still a long way to DDay. Meanwhile, perish all thought about this dispensation coming up with a new variation of the DAP to “persuade” our senators. “Not under my watch,” as the President would say.

A veteran legislator told me weeks ago that if Sereno gave in to the unanimous call of her peers and took an indefinite leave, it is reasonable to believe that when “tipping point” is reached during the trial, she may let go.

Vamos a ver.

no other person or entity, public or private, may put into circulation, notes, coins or any other object or document which might circulate as currency. Our notes and coins are fully guaranteed by the Government and are legal tender in the Philippines for all public and private debts.”

While privately issued cryptocurrencies do not enjoy legal tender status, they are, however, as a matter of practice, used as a medium of exchange and a store of value, Espenilla concedes.

“But aren’t so many other things?”

The governor related to Sharephil the red paper clip story which went viral.

In 2005, a Canadian blogger—Kyle MacDonald—began a series of transactions which he posted online. He began with a red paperclip as a medium of exchange. He exchanged this for an interesting looking fish-shaped pen, which he traded for an odd-looking doorknob…then a camp stove…so on

and so forth…

By his thirteenth barter—in a little over a year—MacDonald was in possession of a movie role (a chance to act in a movie), which was finally traded for a two-story farmhouse in a small Canadian town! And it all started with a red paperclip! It’s an interesting story —You can Google it!)

This red paper clip story has uncomplicated elements that differ starkly from cryptocurrency’s high-tech world of blockchains, miners and cryptography. There are lessons in this red paper clip story: First, additional participants in a transaction exponentially increase value which is defined, measured and transferred through consent.Second, there is power in leveraging on digital technology as a connector of people.

Finally, people always count.

The process involves scarring several parts of the body during a ceremony that can involve whipping and cutting —it’s supposed to make a person invincible to bullets.

“Anti-Balaka catch the fishing boats.

They want to ‘vaccinate’ us. If you refuse, they ‘vaccinate’ you by force,” says Kongba, his voice full of anger.

Another fisherman, Aran Bambindo, who is also living on the island after anti-Balaka forces looted and burned the houses of his village, Satema, says family members have been scarred.

“The anti-Balaka take our fish, they whip us and force us to be ‘vaccinated’.

It is to force us to fight with them,” Bambindo says.

“Before the ‘vaccination’, they tie you down and give you hemp. This lasts three hours. Some people agree to fight with them and they are ‘vaccinated’ with their children.”

“Others refuse and flee,” he adds.

Bambindo points to his nephew, who does not speak, his eyes staring at the ground.

He has dozens of scars that have cut into the flesh on his arms, chest and back.

Internally displaced As the numbers of displaced on the islands have grown, so too have the problems, including food shortages.

Village chief Kokayeke returns from a fishing trip but his nets are almost empty.

“The fishing is not good because there are too many fishermen now,” explains Kokayeke.

“Some are using the small mesh nets that catch the small fish, so it reduces the reserves even further,” he adds.

The local fishermen association says it has tried to distribute unused nets to new arrivals but that there are too many people.

In the dry season, the Ubangi runs at about five metres, but during the rains its swollen waters can rise up to 12 meters.

Unable to fish, the island inhabitants hang around the tiny entrances to their straw huts, aware that their temporary homes will submerge under the river once the rainy season returns in May. “It’s [because of] poverty,” says Kongba, in a torn blue T-shirt.

“We can not eat well, we have no drinking water, no care, not enough fishing equipment,” he says, before returning to his fishing net. AFP

The artist’s work has been displayed in cities around the world—New York, Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, From A4 Rome, Venice, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo “The idea was for people to take back and Sao Paulo, to name a few. the monument,” which cannot be enIn “Building,” visitors from a dozen tered, he said. countries placed themselves on a build-

ing facade installed on the ground, but reflected in a mirror to the side.

“All of my work has an aspect of public participation,” Erlich says.

“The starting point is my passion for challenges, and being able to express my ideas.” AFP

From A4

Circular No. 944 requiring businesses engaged in the exchange of privately issued cryptocurrency for equivalent fiat money, to register with the BSP as remittance andtransfer companies.

BSP has also “strongly cautioned” the public against unscrupulous individuals or groups who offer virtual currency pyramid schemes disguised as initial coin offerings or investment products.

The advisory likewise provides tips on securing virtual currency accounts.

Espenilla is emphatic in saying that “privately issued cryptocurrency is not legal tender. Unlike fiat money, such cryptocurrencies are not backed or guaranteed by any central monetary authority. Only the BSP has the sole power and authority to issue currency within the Philippines. Under the law,

On...

From A4

fishermen on the island.

His family are among the almost 200,000 people from CAR who have registered as refugees in DRC, according to UN refugee agency figures.

Nearly 500 people have settled on the river islet, which faces the village of Bagobolong 2 (80 km east of the capital, Bangui), to escape the anti-Balaka.

“They gradually arrived between December and January. They settled between here and Zawara,” says Francois Kokayeke, village head of Bagobolong 2, noting it is the first time fishermen have lived on the island.

Scarification Along the Ubangi, traders and fishermen are routinely subjected to the racketeering of the anti-Balaka militia, that has posts along the length of its banks.

Many fishermen have stories of friends or family who have been kidnapped or ransomed. Others have been forced to join the militia, through a bloody scarification ritual that they call “vaccination.”

Leandro...

biznewsasia@gmail.com

News

A6

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

PNP starts crackdown vs blinkers, sirens users

49 Siargao resorts told to fix eco mess AT LEAST 49 business establishments in the country’s surfing capital—Siargao island in Surigao del Norte—have been directed to fix their environmental problems to ensure that “responsible ecotourism” will be sustained in the area.

Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cited the efforts of the Caraga regional office to swiftly respond on his order to identify tourism service providers that have violated environmental laws.

“This is an example of quick action by our regional officials,” he said.

“Within two months, they have finished surveying tourism establishments in the beautiful island and they have already separated those that are compliant with environmental laws and those that are not,” he added.

“Siargao is still one of the country’s best tourist destinations, but if we want to sustain its viability as an international surfing capital we must show that we are all helping to protect and conserve its environment.”

Based on data of the regional office, out of 148 businesses in Siargao Island, 49 establishments have been given notices of violations for violation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act or the environmental impact statement system.

According to the DENR, the island’s landscape and seascape of Siargao has been classified as a protected area, but has become a favorite destination for international surfers and mass tourists. Rio N. Araja

‘Revoke licenses of pro-Red mining firms’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the revocation of licenses and permits of mining firms that are found to be "supplying explosives" to communist insurgents, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

He said that the President gave the directive during his meeting with the Executive Committee of the National Security Council held at Malacañang last Monday.

“The President directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to revoke the licenses, permits of mining companies violating explosive handling rules or reported to be supplying explosives to communist-terrorist groups,” Roque said.

Duterte believes that some mining companies finance the activities of the New People’s Army.

Roque also said that the “military and police who would be found violating laws on explosives will face automatic expulsion.” Vito Barcelo

Aguirre to file libel case vs Hontiveros

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano II on Tuesday vowed to file a complaint for libel against Senator Risa Hontiveros who called him a “manufacturer of fake news” and “cook of fake cases” “You could see libel cases filed against her,” Aguirre said, in a text message.

Aguirre claimed that Hontiveros issued libelous and defamatory statement against him.

On Monday, Hontiveros called for Aguirre’s resignation following the dismissal of the drug cases against businessman Peter Lim and the provisional admission into the government’s Witness Protection Program of suspected pork barrel scam architect Janet Lim Napoles.

She described Aguirre as “manufacturer and peddler of fake news,” “cook of fake cases” and “a reliable friend of criminal masterminds, extrajudicial killers and drug lords.”

Last year, the lady senator had demanded Aguirre’s ouster after exposing an alleged plot to file cases against her.

Aguirre said that he has a strong case to hold Hontiveros criminally liable for libel for her remarks made on Monday.

“There is no need to study [the filing of a complaint for libel]. Very clear [that what she said was] defamatory. I saw and heard what she said,” the Justice secretary said.

Aguirre vowed to file the complaint “very soon.”

By Francisco Tuyay

ROAD SAFETY. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. officials announced that the company in a press conference in Quezon City was expanding its annual ‘Safe Trip Mo, Sagot ko’ motorist assistance program for the coming Holy week, on March 28 to April 1. They said that the MPTC and its partners will set up SMSK to provide free services such as free calls and Wi-Fi, free drinking water, basic mechanic services and first aid treatments in designated locations along NLEX, SCTEX and Cavitex. In photo are (from left) president and CEO Cavitex infrastructure Corp. Luigi Bautista; MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco; Department of Transportation Usec. Thomas Orbos, executive director Tollway Regulatory Board Abraham Sales, and senior vice president Operation and Technology Roberto Bonita, as they link hands to formally launch the ‘Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko’ for the coming Holy Week. Manny Palmero

Macau firm, PH partner set to build a casino in Boracay F ROM a world-class tourist destination to a worldclass gambling mecca?

Boracay island will soon host a sprawling casino complex alongside its pristine coastline, even as the government tries to clean up the mess caused by the wanton disregard of environmental laws in the area.

Reports said that Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment and its Filipino partner, Leisure and Resorts World Corp. are set to secure a provisional license for the construction of a $500 million resort in the island.

Philippine Gaminorp. chairperson Andrea Domingo said the provisional license for the venture will be signed today.

Domingo said President Rodrigo Duterte himself met with Galaxy executives and “emphasized” the need to protect the environment and shun corruption.

“These things, they assured the President, they will guard the environment,” Domingo said.

Domingo said construction on the resort will likely start after the planned shutdown of Boracay, which could take six to 12 months.

Leisure and Resorts World said the resort would be built on a 23-hectare property acquired by its subsidiary in

Manoc-Manoc village.

Aside from the casino, two other Boracay developments were announced before the planned shutdown.

The first is billionaire Andrew Tan’s Megaworld plan to build a P2.2-billion Savoy Hotel with 500 rooms, while the other development will be undertaken by DoubleDragon’s Hotel 101 chain, which plans to build a 1,001-room hotel, projected to be the country's largest.

This developed as the Boracay Island community situated along the beaches of Boracay said gathered over the weekend as they urged the president not to push through with the planned closure of the island, hailed as the crown jewel o Philippine tourism.

The organzers said that the gatherings were intended to express sincere and heartfelt concern and to appeal to the President’s compassion and humanity to consider the devastating impact on thousands of lives and families that would be severely affected by a total closure of Boracay.

Led by a newly formed group of concerned citizens of Boracay Island called the BORACAY UNITED, the show of solidarity began on March 17 (Saturday) with a “Symbolic Switch Off for Unity” involving the entire island where almost every household and business establishment simultaneously shut off their power at 8:08 p.m. and lit up the entire stretch of the

world-famous White Beach with candles and mobile phones held up in the air in silence, for a chain of lights lasting eight (8) minutes to show the government how the island would look like if closed.

Captured by drones, the simultaneous switching off of lights and sounds was meant to represent a closed Boracay, with each person’s light representing a life and family that would be seriously affected by the closure.

At a short introduction before the countdown at the beachfront of Station 2 (White Beach central) where a massive sand castle was erected and lit up with LED candles right next to “Boracay United” and the hashtag #SaveBoracay written in the sand and lit with candles.

“We raise our individual lights as our pledge to do our part in following the law and to protecting the environment.

Our main goal is to show the world that the Boracay community has come together as ONE in pledging to each do their part in protecting and sustaining the island’s future by following the law and by protecting the environment. We represent a unified Boracay that humbly requests our good President to NOT push through with the planned closure.

Boracay United has no agenda other than the restoration of the island in a manner, which does not cause thousands of people to lose their source of income and jobs.

48 lawmakers call for Sandra Cam’s resignation

By Maricel V. Cruz FORTY-EIGHT lawmakers on Tuesday called for the resignation of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam. In filing House Resolution 1777, Representatives Arnolfo Teves Jr. of Negros Oriental, Danilo Suarez of Quezon and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte and several other lawmakers pushed for Cam’s removal from office for her alleged “contemptuous and threatening” remarks against certain lawmakers during a congressional hearing conducted by the House committee on games and amusement on the alleged failure of small town lottery operations of the PCSO. At a congressional hearing last Feb. 8, Teves threatened to cite in contempt Cam owing to her allegations that the small town lottery operations are being used by gambling

lords as “front” to illegal gambling, and that Teves himself was involved in it.

“Any and all guests and resource persons in any Committee hearing should at all times accord all members of the House due respect by reason of their positions as dulyelected public officers, accord due respect to the House of Representatives as an institution, observe proper decorum and refrain from exhibiting any unethical and/or contemptuous and threatening remarks against Hon. Arnolfo A. Teves Jr.,” the resolution said.

Teves earlier said Cam must substantiate her claims even as he cried foul over the accusation that the PCSO was shortchanging the revenues supposedly earned from the STL due to illegal numbers game.

Cam said that an estimated P5 million has not been declared by STL operators as their income since 2005.

Cam also singled out Teves and accused him

of running an STL operations in his province.

But Teves said he will resign if Cam is able to come up with evidence that will back up her clams. Otherwise, Cam should be the one to resign for peddling false accusations.

“I was accused of being an operator, then Sandra [Cam] must be able to submit before this committee evidence that will prove that I am. If she does, and is able to substantiate her claims, then I will resign. If not, she must resign as director of the PCSO,” Teves earlier said.

Meanwhile, the PCSO through its Charity Assistance Department has reported on Tuesday that the agency spent P797.6 million for the Individual Medical Assistance Program in February.

“Of the P797.6 million, PCSO Head Office released P450.1 million for 13,299 cases; while the Branch Offices released P347.5 million for 28,272 cases,” said PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan.

DOTr agencies to go on heightened alert

By Joel E. Zurbano THE different agencies under the Department of Transportation are on heightened alert for the expected influx of passengers traveling to the provinces during the Holy Week break This, as Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed all offices and agencies under the DOTr to ensure that motorists and passengers will have a secure, convenient, and comfortable travel experience whether by land, sea, or air from March 22 to April 5.

“It is important that passengers are comfortable and safe. We have expected that there will be a lot of people and the terminals will be busy, but our passengers should feel that we are taking care of them,” Tugade said in a statement.

Under DOTr’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2018, all attached agencies will implement 24/7 operations and provide real-time regular updates on the status of incidents.

All booths, counters, and centers serving passengers must also be properly manned

during all operating hours to lessen the queues.

A “no leave, no day-off” policy will also be implemented among airport personnel.

Public advisories such as safety tips, common types of violations at expressways, documentation requirements, and safety and security regulations at airports, seaports, and other transportation hubs will also be sent out to provide information to all travelers.

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2018 tarpaulins and various information materials will be posted in public areas to inform travelers on safety and security precautions.

Websites and social media platforms are also to be updated in all matters concerning the Oplan for proper monitoring.

The DOTr Action Center hotline 7890 will also be available throughout the Holy Week.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority has advised motorists and commuters to brace for heavy traffic on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where road reblocking and repair works will be made during weekends this summer.

FIRE PREPAREDNESS. Fire Safety directors of the Bureau of Fire Protection released a schedule for comprehensive fire emergency response training for supervisory staffs of a Pasay city hotel specifically persons delegated with specific duties to carry out during a fire emergency. Ey Acasio

THE Philippine National Police has started a nationwide crackdown against motorists using sirens and blinkers.

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa has ordered the Highway Patrol Group to conduct a nationwide crackdown in the wake of the unabated use of illegal use of sirens and blinkers by motorists. Dela Rosa said directed the HPG to especially focus on Metro Manila, where violations are rampant.

Dela Rosa reminded motorists that only police, fire and medical emergency vehicles are authorized by law to use emergency blinkers and sirens.

He also warned that motorists will be promptly arrested if they are found to be violating the law, citing Presidential Decree No. 96 that prohibits the “use of siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound; dome lights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.”

He cited a case in Ligao, Albay, two days before Christmas Day in December last year when an incumbent Congressman, travelling with a convoy of vehicles with sirens and blinkers, which sped past a traffic accident site being investigated by the HPG and local police that led to the shooting of an HPG troopers by one of the congressman’s bodyguards.

The shooter has been arrested and subsequently detained without bail on murder charges.

So far, the HPG has confiscated some 3,000 worth of prohibited auto accessories which they later destroyed.

Dela Rosas’s warning came as he formally inducted some 1,500 members of motorcycle clubs to serve as volunteer road safety and security marshalls in simple rites in Camp Crame.

The Road Safety and Security Marshalls, organized by the Highway Patrol Group, will be utilized as volunteer force multipliers of the PNP in implementing the RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws governing land transportation.

The Marshalls will also serve as the eyes and ears of the PNP against criminal elements in the streets and highways, the chief PNP said.

Oman bans alien workers for 6 months

By Vito Barcelo OMAN has suspended the issuance of working visas to foreigners for skilled and non-skilled employment for six months, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said on Tuesday.

In an advisory, the POEA said Oman’s Ministry of Manpower has issued Ministerial Decision 38/2018 last January 24 suspending the authorization to hire foreign workers as part of its nationalization policy in the private sector to provide 25,000 jobs to Omani citizens.

The POEA said the suspension will last until July 24, 2018.

“The Ministry of Manpower will not process work visas as the government assesses the impact of the policy on its citizens and possible benefits to the economy within suspension period,” the POEA said.

Oman is home to about 50,000 Filipino workers and is the only Middle Eastern nation included in the POEA 's list of nations safe for OFWs. The POEA said that visas issued before Jan. 24, 2018, however, will remain valid until its expiration.

However, establishments registered with the Oman Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development and those insured with the Public Authority for Social Insurance are exempted from the temporary ban.

Jobs affected by the visa suspension are in the Information and Technology sector, the jobs affected by visa suspension are Information Security Specialist, Geographic Information System Specialist, Electronic Computer Networks, Programmed Machines Maintenance– Electronic, Electronic Calculator Maintenance, Graphic Designer, Electronic Surveillance-Equipment Assembly, Electronics Technician–Telecom, Electronics Technician-Control Instrument, Electronic Technician-Medical Equipment, Electronics Technician Broadcast, Electronic Technician-Programmed Machines, Electronic Technician-Computer Networks, Computer Programmer, Computer Engineer, and Computer Operator.

For the Accounting and Finance sector, the following are affected by visa suspension: Bank Notes and Money Changer, Bank Notes Technician, Account Auditing Technician, General Accounting Technician, Cost Account Technician, Costs Accountant, and Insurance Collector.

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Youth chessers stun veterans

IronGirl, Kids spice up Alveo Ironman 70.3 GIRLS’ 12-years-old-and-above and kids aged 6-to-14 share center stage with the best in triathlon as they spice up the first Alveo Ironman 70.3 firing off Sunday at the scenic Azuela Cove in Davao City.

The 600 slots in the IronGirls have been sold out in just seven hours when it was launched last Feb. 14, underscoring the growing popularity of the 5k event that generated so much interest from the host city and other nearby towns and cities.

All finishers in the Herbalife-sponsored event set Friday (March 23) will receive specially-crafted IronGirl Finisher’s medal and shirt.

While the IronGirls is a virtual fun run, fierce competition is seen in Saturday’s (March 24) Alaska IronKids swim-bike-run, the local junior version of the Ironman staged to promote a well-balanced lifestyle for kids and at the same time serves as venue for family bonding. It is also held to help kids develop the values of discipline, hard work, integrity and determination through a series of races.

The twin events serve as fitting appetizers to the inaugural Alveo Ironman 70.3, which drew five world champions in the elite division, including Ben Allen, a former Xterra world titlist, Australian Tim Reed, the world champion in 2016, Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez and Bradley Weiss of South Africa, the Xterra world champions in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and three-time Ironman winner Craig Alexander.

Backed by title sponsor Alveo, an AyalaLand company, the Alveo Ironman 70.3 has attracted close to 1,800 participants from 39 countries, all primed up for the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and presented by Petron, Dept. of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board and hosted by Davao and Azuela Cove.

WOMAN Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna downed International Master Barlo Nadera to cap the Young Rising Stars’ 8-4 win over the Veterans after six rounds of their match-up dubbed “The Battle of Legends” at the PACE office in Mindanao Ave., Quezon City yesterday.

Prodigy Daniel Quizon, the 2017 ASEAN Age Group Championship Under-14 titlist and 2018 Kidapawan Open champion, also provided a victory by downing IM Chito Garma, while Shania Mae Mendoza, Mikee Charlene Suede, Christy Lemiel Bernales, John Meril Jacutina and Michael Concio accounted for their team’s other wins.

John Marvin Miciano drew and Chester Neil Reyes split the point with IM Ronald Bancod and FIDE Master Adrian Pacis, respectively, to complete the triumph in this two-day showdown sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, headed by Butch Pichay and organized by Chess Events Internacionale.

HUB FOR ATHLETES. Ayala Land Inc. recently opened the country’s first premier and professionally managed sports facility—the Vermosa Sports Hub for Athletes at Vermosa, Daang Hari Road, cor. Vermosa Boulevard, Imus, Cavite. Vermosa Sports Hub is home to groundbreaking features that include an Olympic-size swimming pool (above) and the Philippines’ first 9-lane track oval built in accordance with the International Association of Athletics Federations standards. Norman Cruz

Spurs crush Dubs, 89-75 L

OS ANGELES—The San Antonio Spurs boosted their bid for a 21st consecutive NBA post-season appearance with an 89-75 victory over the injury ravaged Golden State Warriors on Monday.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 19 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Spurs, who have battled injury troubles of their own this season.

Patty Mills added 12 points and Danny Green chipped in 11 for the Spurs, who have won four straight to put themselves back in the playoff mix.

“We’ve been playing with passion and hunger,” Australia’s Mills said. “We just have to sustain it.”

The Spurs had no sympathy for the injury woes of the reigning champion Warriors, who arrived in San Antonino without injured All-Stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.

And there was more trouble to come as

over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cavs superstar LeBron James was the real difference maker, notching his 16th triple-double of the season to put an upbeat ending on a day in which Cleveland announced that head coach Tyronn Lue would take some time off to deal with health concerns.

“If it’s not one thing it’s another, that was my reaction,” James said of learning Lue would be away on the same day that Love was cleared to return for the first time since breaking his left hand on January 30.

James scored 17 of his 40 points in the third quarter as the Cavaliers took control.

He added 12 rebounds and 10 assists —the 71st triple-double of his career— as Cleveland won for the third time in their last four games.

Love, a f ive-time All-Star, scored 18 points and pulled down seven rebounds. AFP

Draymond Green left in the first half with a bruised pelvis.

Nevertheless, the Warriors erased a 16-point deficit, taking a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Spurs regained control.

“We had some let-down, and those guys are smart,” Aldridge said. “It felt good to get it going in the fourth quarter.”

Quinn Cook scored 20 points to lead Golden State, who have lost four of their last six and trail Western Conference leaders Houston by 3 1/2 games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have played the Warriors in the last three NBA Finals, welcomed Kevin Love back to action with a 124-117 victory

PSC holds journ seminar ALMOST 300 students and teachers from the four divisions of Batangas participated in the Sports Journalism seminar conducted by the Philippines Sports Commission, March 19 and 20 in Barangay Bolboc, Batangas City.

Public schools from divisions of Lipa, Batangas Province, City of Batangas and Tanauan City actively joined the said event, which is a project of PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

During the first edition of the seminar held in Davao City last February, Ramirez said that since media is a big part of the sporting community, it is just fitting to give attention to our “future communication people to ensure that we start them off in the right direction.”

Positivity in sports is a message that is carried by the event.

Alab Pilipinas eyes semis spot SAN Miguel-Alab Pilipinas revs up its semifinals campaign in the ongoing eighth ASEAN Basketball League when it takes on the CLS Knights Indonesia this Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex, and Sunday at the Sta. Rosa Multi-purpose Complex, live on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD at 8 p.m.

With just two games left to play in the elimination round, Alab hopes to finish strong and improve its 12-6 record and its fourth-place ranking.

Coach Jimmy Alapag’s team is behind third placer Thai team Mono Vampire by half a game but an outright semifinals appearance is still within reach.

Alab Pilipinas is coming off a re-

cord-setting win over the Saigon Heat of Vietnam, 126-100, to get back on track after a loss to Westports Malaysia Dragons Chong Son Kung Fu ended their record-setting eight-game winning streak.

The Heat weren’t able to withstand the fire from the Philippine contingent, as Alab Pilipinas fed on the energy from the crowd inside the USEP Gym in Davao City to rout the Vietnamese side. Balkman led all scorers with 30 points and seven rebounds while Brownlee pumped in 23 markers and 13 rebounds of his own. Locals like reigning ABL MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Pamboy Raymundo, and Pao Javellona also chipped in 13, 13, and 11 respectively.

AGUILAS JOIN ROTA IN FILM SHOWING. The Davao Aguilas Football Club that includes some of the country’s top players, including James and Phil Younghusband, came out in full force to show their support to team member Simone Rota, whose documentary movie produced by Albert Almedralejo, The Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story, was shown before an appreciative crowd at the Uptown Mall recently. The proceeds of the show which will be featured in 17 different places in Mindanao will be used to support grassroots football in the region. Rota’s football team has also adopted an orphanage in Davao following’s Rota’s example of going back to the Buklod Kalinga orphanage, where he was adopted by an Italian couple when he was still a baby. The film won a special award in Italy recently.

Japan Racing Association affiliate inspects local tracks THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE IN LINE with its regulatory powers under its mandate, the Philippine Racing Commission under chairman Andrew Sanchez requested the Japan Racing Association to conduct a survey of the racetracks of the three horseracing clubs.

Philracom’s charter, Presidential Decree No 420, gives the agency jurisdiction and control over the “safety” and “security” of racing, and Philippine racing rules and regulations require all clubs to provide an “adequate and wellmaintained racetrack and grandstand.”

The clubs surveyed were the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite; Philippine Racing Club’s Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite; and Metro Manila Turf Club’s racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.

The survey was conducted in June 2017

by Japan Racing Association’s JRA Facilities Co. Ltd. with the report submitted to Philracom a month after that.

JRAF’s survey method took two parts, a pre-survey and a field inspection. First, a pre-survey sheet was filled out by the clubs. Next, for the field survey, the hardness of each racecourse was measured and likewise the thickness of the cushion sand.

According to the report, the “underlying roadbed was excavated to confirm the condition of the roadbed…

Also the fence, drainage situation, and maintenance control machine[s] of the racecourses were inspected” and the “persons in charge of maintenance work

grass “which grow fast in warmer cliwere interviewed.”

Samples of cushion sand surfacing mate, [so] creating a turf course can be the tracks were also collected and par- done with low cost.”

JRAF also said that a turf course ticle size tests made. “Photos of the particles were taken by the microscope and could be an attraction for bettors, and an an ignition loss was tested to measure increase in sales would offset the cost of the amount of organic matter contained maintaining the grass.

As for the two other clubs, the improvein the cushion sand.”

This was a thorough and rigorous in- ments recommended to them can easily spection of the three tracks. It was cru- be complied with. Moreover, JRAF cited cial to conduct this survey because the MMTC’s “drainage system and its high safety of horses and jockeys depends on functionality,” calling it “impressive,” while SLLP’s maintenance team was commended the quality of the track surface.

Tracks with rocks or pebbles on their for its “bright atmosphere” and the worksurfaces can injure horses’ legs and cause ing staff being “proud of their maintenance particles to be sprayed into the faces of work” (meaning perhaps ‘high morale’).

The survey is valuable for the jockeys. Poor grading of the surfaces might cause horses to stumble and jockeys knowledge gained about the actual conto fall, leading to injuries—in the case of ditions of the three racetracks. Philracom horses, severe injuries would necessitate is to be commended for taking this initiatheir being euthanized. Horse manure left tive to regulate industry stakeholders and to rot on the track attracts birds that can be protect the betting public. *** a nuisance and poses a hazard to equine Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and commuand human health. But a well-maintained nications consultant. Facebook: Gogirl track minimizes risk to life and limb.

As with any comparative survey, only Racing and @DrJennyO, Twitter: @ one came out on top. Santa Ana Park re- hoarsewhsprr and @jennyortuoste ceived the best grade and praise from the surveyors: “This racecourse is very well-managed that there is no particular improvement to be made.”

JRAF suggested that PRCI compile a manual of track man00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ agement methods “in order to hand down the maintenance 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M skills.” They also asked the club to consider “that the first turf (grass) inner course in the DIGITS 0-0-0-0 Philippines should be made on the inner course there.”

The surveyors pointed out that DIGITS 0-0-0 “the climate in the Philippines is suitable to grow grass,” and recEZ2 0-0 ommended bermuda or zoysia

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 6/45 4 3 2

NatGeo calls on Eco Warriors for run NATGEO Earth Day Run 2018, one of the most awaited and well-attended running events in the country every year, is slated for April 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Now on its 9th year, the Nat Geo Earth Day Run reinforces its commitment to preserving the planet by calling all “Eco Warriors” to be part of the exciting race which will coincide with the celebration of the International Earth Day. In the Philippines, National Geographic is looking to see 15,000 runners across the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K categories.

Following its success in the previous years, Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2018 will continue to extend its support to groups and societies with causes that are largely dedicated to environmental conservation. In the past, Nat Geo was able to give its support to organizations and communities such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Tawbuid Mangyan Manila

Standard

TODAY

Tribe in Mindoro, and the Abuan Watershed in Sierra Madre.

This year, Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2018 puts the spotlight on the fast-becoming global issue of water shortage. National Geographic vows to sponsor rain storage tanks to in-need communities remotely situated in Mindoro.

This year’s edition includes the Fun Run under the new 3K race category that encourages more Eco Warriors to participate and champion the environmental causes they believe in.

Elite runners registered in the 21K category can join a series of running clinics where experts will share warm-up and cool-down lessons, hydration and post-run exercises that will help runners prepare for the race. The running clinics took place on March 5 and 7 and will resume on April 9 and 11 at Track 30th at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

ANNOUNCEMENT

EffectiveApril 01, 2018the following ABS-CBNmobile Prepaid Promo Offers will no longer be offered to subscribers: KAPAMILYA ONLINE UNLI 5 FOR 30 25 (KOLU25) Price PhP5 PhP 25 Promo Unlimited Unlimited mobile Inclusion mobile internet internet surfing surfing for 30 for 8 hours minutes Validity 30 minutes 8 hours

KAPAMILYA KAPAMILYA ONLINE UNLI UNLI TEXT 50 10 (KOLU50) (UNLITEXT10) PhP 50 PhP 10 Unlimited mobile Unlimited internet surfing texts to ABSCBNmobile 1 day

5 days

Meanwhile,all ABS-CBNmobile Prepaid subscribers may subscribe to other available promo offers by dialing *128#.

Purchase an ABS-CBNmobile SIM via sari-sari store and telco tiangge nationwide. Please see flyers for details.

(MS-MAR. 21, 2018)

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

A8

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

Sports

NLEX’s Alas out for season with ACL injury

By Jeric Lopez

Rising NLEX star Kevin Alas, shown here scoring against Magnolia’s Rafi Reavies, is out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL on his right knee during Game 5 of the Road Warriors’ semifinal encounter with the Hotshots.

PH Youth Team to bank on height, speed THE Philippine youth team bannered by promising big man Kai Sotto,will bank on height and speed for its coming campaign in the FIBA U16 Asian Championships in Foshan, China from April 2 to 8.

The 15-year-old Sotto, who recently led Ateneo to the UAAP juniors’ basketball championship, serves as the centerpiece of the 12man team of coach Michael Oliver, who will also count on Rafael Go, Raven Cortez, McLaude Guadana, Terrence Fortea, Recaredo Christian Calimag, Rence Padrigao and Shaun Geofrrey Chiu—all of whom suited up for the Batang Gilas squad that won the Southeast Asian Basketball Association juniors’ championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last year.

Newcomers include Jerick Kyle Bautista, Joshua Rafael Lazaro, Yukien Andrada, and King Balaga.

“We have a combination of height and speed. At least hindi na tayo kawawa sa ilalim unlike before. Hindi na tayo undersized sa mga kalaban natin,” said Oliver.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios, who, was with Oliver and Batang Gilas co-team manager Andrew Teh and Wilbert Loa in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant at the Farmers Center in Cubao, said seven Batang Gilas players are above six feet, including Sotto who stands 7-foot-1, Chiu, who is 6-foot-8, and Cortez at 6-foot-7.

Chiu and McLaude joined the team together with deputy coach MC Abolucion in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The country is bracketed in Group B with powerhouse Australia and Malaysia.

The host country leads Group A together with New Zealand and Hong Kong, Group C will have Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Macau, while Group D is composed of Korea, Japan, Lebanon, and India.

In all, 13 countries are seeing action in the weeklong event.

Lady Falcons secure 8th straight crown

A

DAMSON University extended its dynasty in the UAAP Season 80 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium with a masterful 6-0 beating of University of Santo Tomas to secure an unprecedented eighth straight championship yesterday.

The Tigresses could not get their game going in the Finals’ decider as the Lady Falcons peppered them with 10 hits.

“Ini-expect ko close game. Pero hindi naging close game. Nagtama talaga sila,” said Adamson University coach Ana Santiago.

The now 17-time champion Lady Falcons drew the best from Lyca Basa and Edna Severino were named co-Finals’ MVP in winning the best-of-three series, 2-1.

Basa retired five batters, while allowing only three hits, while Severino

delivered RBIs in the third and fifth innings and hit a perfect for 4-of-4.

Adamson University also became the first team to sweep the softball and baseball championships, since the San Marcelino-based school also did it in the 2008-09 season.

“Before the season, hindi kami naguusap ni (baseball) coach (Orlando) Binarao about the double championship.

Noong nakita namin ‘yung possibility na ganoon, ang sabi namin, sino kaya ang maauna sa amin,” said Santiago.

“Noong nauna siya, sabi ko, pipilitin namin na masundan kayo. Kayo (base-

ball team) naman ang magsisilbing inspiration para makuha ang championship game na ito.”

The comeback was real for the Lady Falcons, who never lost their desire despite losing the Finals opener.

Adamson University’s Jeanette Rusia was named the season MVP, who had the Most Homeruns with four aside from winning the Most RBIs honors, while her teammates Nicole Padasas and Severino bagged the Best Hitter and Most Stolen Bases awards, respectively.

Antolihao, whom Santiago said is the Philippines’ No. 1 not only in the collegiate ranks, ended her stint with UST as Best Pitcher, while University of the East’s Aimee Salvador went home with the Best Slugger award.

Ateneo’s Ingrid Laurel claimed the Rookie of the Year honors.

Rory returns to top 10; Tiger on brink of 100 PARIS—Rory McIlroy returned to the top 10 in the world rankings on Monday after ending an 18-month winning drought with a thrilling victory at Bay Hill, while Tiger Woods closed in on the top 100.

Four-time major winner McIlroy has moved up six places to seventh in the rankings, after playing the last six holes in five-under par to claim the Arnold Palmer Invitational title.

It was the Northern Irishman’s first win since the 2016 PGA Tour Championship.

His fellow former world number one Woods moved to the brink of a return to the top 100 after posting successive top-five finishes for the first time in nearly five years.

The 14-time major champion was ranked outside the top 1,000 just last year, but despite falling out of conten- Rory McIlroy has moved up six places to seventh in the rankings, while fellow former tion on the final stretch on Sunday, world number one Tiger Woods moved to the brink of a return to the top 100. AFP moved up 44 spots to 105th.

The return to form of both McIlroy the career Grand Slam at Augusta, while a healthy lead at the top of the rankings and Woods has come ahead of the start the 42-year-old Woods is hoping to win a from his compatriot Justin Thomas, first major since the 2008 US Open. with Spanish rising star Jon Rahm in of the Masters on April 5.

American Dustin Johnson maintains third. AFP McIlroy will be bidding to complete

Young Korean joins hunt as LPGT Riviera begins

In-form Hwang Min-jeong gears up against the country’s aces for a shot at a second pro crown.

SILANG, Cavite—Korean amateur Hwang Min-jeong hopes to recall the form she flashed in a dominant run in the recent Philippine Amateur Championship, looking to spoil the pros’ title drive in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Classic unfolding today (Wednesday) in Silang, Cavite.

Hwang posted an 11-under total at the Couples layout to blast the field in the national amateur tilt last January with the 17-year-old rising star eyeing to duplicate her feat on the same par-72 course and crowd the fancied pros for top honors in the 54-hole championship.

They include Princess Superal, Cyna Rodriguez, Chihiro Ikeda and Thai Amolkan Phalajivin, who are tipped to slug it out for the top P150,000 purse

in the sixth leg of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by ICTSI. Hwang, then 14, humbled Superal, Rodriguez and other pros at Mt. Malarayat in 2015 with the reigning national champion all primed up for a shot at a second pro crown in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. But she will be facing a slew of pros either enjoying top form or raring to regain their winning ways in the tour, including Superal, who is coming off a record 16-stroke romp at Highlands last week, and former three-time LPGT Order of Merit winner Rodriguez, who is out to end a long title drought.

Hwang hopes to play pressure-free and start out strong in the company of fellow amateurs Missy Legaspi and

Korean Lisa Kang at 7:50 a.m. with Superal drawing an early 7:10 a.m. tee-off with Marvi Monsalve and Eva Miñoza.

Ikeda, her bid at Highlands hampered by a slight wrist injury, tries to cash in on her 7 a.m. start with Sarah Ababa and Lucy Landicho while Rodriguez slugs it out with Phalajivin, the best Thai finisher at fourth last week, and Apple Fudolin in the 7:30 a.m. group.

Others seeing action in the event, backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZGm PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf, are Jan Punzalan, Tracy Que and Gretchen Villacencio and amateurs Kelly Marutani of Japan, Koreans Bang Choeun, Rho Hyun Ji, Kim Hui Won, Jang Yun Ji and Kim Heeji, Laia Barro, Samantha Dizon and Mafy Singson.

JUST when his career and NLEX’s run seem to have reached new heights in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup, Kevin Alas unfortunately received an unfavorable news.

The rising star guard of the Road Warriors is expected to miss the rest of the season after MRI revealed that his ACL was completely torn on his right knee.

Alas suffered the knee injury in the opening seconds of NLEX’s Game 5 tussle against Magnolia in their best-of-seven semifinals Sunday night.

Initially, Alas and the rest of his team hoped that the knee injury wasn’t serious.

However, they were all informed yesterday that Alas is lost for the remainder of the season.

Currently, the Road Warriors trail the Hotshots, 2-3, in the semis and are currently facing elimination.

As of this report, NLEX is fighting for its life as it hopes to force a deciding Game 7, while Magnolia hopes to book the last finals berth as the two are currently battling in Game 6.

Four-peat seeking defending champion San Miguel Beer awaits in their best-of-seven finale.

In Alas’ absence, NLEX coach Yeng Guiao expects veteran guard Cyrus Baguio and capable back-up Juami Tiongson to step up and fill the void left by the playmaker.

According to renowned athletic doctor George Canlas, Alas will miss at least eight months as he starts his recovery.

Red Robbins turn back Canadians

By Peter Atencio THE new faces of the sixth-seeded Malayan High School of Science Red Robins made their presence felt in the third quarter and their efforts paid off as they outplayed Durham of Canada, 78-70, yesterday in the Sweet 16 second round at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Roxas City find Dan Arches scored big in the third period, hitting 11 of his 21 points as the Red Robins adjusted to their opponent’s zone defense and moved away from a tight 28-26 halftime lead.

The Red Robins, who drew 14 points from Clint Escamis, went on to grab 53-46 edge at the end of the third period.

With another newcomer, Fil-Aussie Brieden Smith, taking charge inside, the Red Robins had little trouble taking a 68-51 edge off baskets from Arches and Escamis.

Escamis went on to finish with 15 points, while Aiden Licardo and Smith added 14 and 12 points, respectively for the Red Robins, who advanced to the Elite 8 quarterfinals.

“Maganda ang execution ng offense nila. Ganu’n din ang zone defense nila. Pero nakapag-adjust kami,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara, The Red Robins, who reached the Sweet 16 after hurdling Balanga of Bataan, 68-48, will next meet the winner between third seed Chiang Kai Shek College and the Letran Squires, Favored squads like the Ateneo Blue Eaglets won as expected and after they trounced AusPinoy of Australia, 74-55, with SJ Belangel dishing out a game-high 15 points.

Fifth-seeded National University, with Gerry Abadiano and Cyril Gonzales shooting 13 and 12 points, respectively, won over the Adamson Baby Falcons, 98-74.

The seventh-seeded defending champion San Beda University Red Cubs got 21 points from Jade Talampas in their 74-72 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags.

Eight-seeded Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu, with Travis Mantua making 20, turned back Hope Christian School, 70-63.

IN BRIEF

PH raises $230m from Panda bonds

THE Philippine government raised 1.46 billion renminbi or around $230 million from the sale of Panda bonds in China Tuesday, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said.

De Leon said in a statement the order book for the issuance reached 9.22 billion renminbi or 6.22 times the issue size of 1.46 billion renminbi. The bonds fetched a coupon of 5 percent “or 35 basis points over the two-year Chinese bond rate of 4.65 percent.”

“The government raised 1.46 billion RMB or about 230 million dollars,” de Leon said in a message. She said total tenders for the issuance were the “highest ever order book” so far for a Panda bond issuance.

The issuance followed an international deal roadshow by the Philippine delegation led by de Leon and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo.

Backed by the Philippines’ strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the bonds were rated “AAA” by China’s Lianhe Credit Rating Co. Ltd. The Panda bonds issuance was a part of the Philippine government’s efforts to diversify its investor base. The RMB proceeds will be deposited with the BSP. Once converted, the peso proceeds will help fund government infrastructure projects and other financing requirements. Julito G. Rada

Redondo, Doosan to renegotiate deal

REDONDO Peninsula Energy Inc. is negotiating with contractor Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. to revise a contract to build the 300-megawatt Subic coal-fired power plant in Zambales.

RP Energy said in a statement it sent a letter of contract termination to contractor Doosan and Azul Toree Construction Inc. after the validity of the construction price expired at the end of December last year.

RP Energy failed to issue a notice-toproceed to Doosan in the absence of an approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission over a power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co. RP Energy and Meralco jointly sought an approval of the PSA in April 2016 involving the supply of 225 MW from the first phase of the Subic power plant.

Public hearings, technical working group review and assessment of the PSA and the tariff and other processes were completed in April 2017.

Meralco signed a separate PSA on another 75 MW with Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc. on April 21, 2016. Both agreements are pending to date. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business PCC clears Clark venture to build P122-b govt hub T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Philippine Competition Commission said Tuesday it approved the joint venture between state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority and Malaysian developer MTD Capital Berhad to build the 207-hectare National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City in Central Luzon.

The anti-trust body said in a decision signed on March 13 the Mergers and Acquisitions Office found that the transaction would not result in substantial lessening of competition. The project is estimated to

cost P121.8 billion.

“The creation of the joint venture will not have any substantial structural effect on the market,” the PCC said in the decision.

The proposed joint venture will handle the financing, design, engineering, establishment, construction and eventually the operation of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City in Clark Special Economic Zone within BCDA’s jurisdiction.

New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare flagship project of BCDA, is envisioned to be the country’s first smart and green city with a mix of residential, commercial, agro-industrial, institutional and information technology developments.

MTD submitted to BCDA an unsolicited proposal in October 2017 to build the center through a joint venture agreement.

The proposed center will not just house satellite offices but the major administrative offices of various executive departments and agencies.

MTD and BCDA also subjected the project to a competitive challenge to pri-

vate sector participants. MTD won as original proponent.

Under the joint venture, BCDA agreed to the use of its idle land for 25 years as the site of NGAC, but will retain full ownership of the property. MTD will finance, design, build and develop the infrastructure, facilities and improvements comprising NGAC. The joint venture will be 10-percent owned by BCDA and 90 percent by MTD. The two parties will share in the profits from lease and purchase payments and from the operation and management of the center proportionate to the monetary value of the joint venture.

Among the salient features of the proposal is the construction of an extension office of the Philippine President and executive buildings, site development for embassies and international schools, buildings to serve as housing for government employees, sports facilities, a central communications and security command center, public schools, a government hospital, a public library. and buildings for community centers With Othel V. Campos

FDA warns public vs online products

THE Food and Drug Administration warned the public against buying unregistered drug, food and beauty products from online sellers or suppliers, saying most of them have no FDA-issued license to operate.

“I am urging the public to be vigilant or wary of the products they peddle in the Internet, particularly on Facebook,” FDA Regulatory Enforcement Unit officer-incharge Allen Bantolo said.

The agency issued the warning after recently conducting a series of raids in Quezon City resulting in the confiscation of unregistered beauty and skin-whitening products worth P50 million.

Bantolo said “these online suppliers often do not issue receipts, their identities and offices are unknown, and cannot be held accountable in case their products cause harm or ill-effects to the consumers.”

Bantolo said while most of the products might be registered in other countries but they still had to undergo evaluation and certification of the Philippine FDA to ensure their safety and efficacy.

RCBC SUPPORTS FASTCAT. Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp., the shipping company that operates FastCat, announces the rollout of its modernization program after receiving P1.1-billion in funding from Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. to finance the construction of three brand-new FastCat ferries. At the ceremonial signing of the loan agreement are (from left) APFC chairman Dennis Trajano, APFC president and chief executive Christopher Pastrana, RCBC executive vice president Michael de Jesus and senior vice president Angela Tinio.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

B1

LBC signs deals to acquire stakes in 2 logistic firms LBC Express Holdings Inc. is acquiring stakes in two logistics companies to strengthen its position as the country’s leading payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels and cargo company.

LBC Express said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed a deal to acquire a 30-percent interest in Orient Freight International Inc., which is engaged in freight forwarding, cargo handling and management business for P218.8 million.

“This is a strategic investment for LBC as we continue to move toward expanding our business and maintaining our number one position in the industry. Having a stake in OFII will yield LBC enhanced economies of scale, while also achieving improved cost efficiency in certain subsectors of our business where we see a great deal of growth prospects,” LBC Express chief executive Mike Camahort said.

OFII is a leading freight forwarder and cargo handler in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. Its services include air freight, sea freight, land transport, container yard, customs clearance, container freight station, logistics management, warehousing and domestic distribution. Orient Freight currently operates domestic offices and facilities in Manila, Clark, Cavite, Bataan, Laguna, Batangas, Subic, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga.

Globally, OFII teams up with Hellmann Worldwide Logistics to provide an international network of 437 branches in 162 countries.

Meanwhile, LBC Express is also acquiring a majority 86.11-percent stake in QuadX Inc., a digital logistics company that owns, maintains and operates an e-com website such as Shipping Cart, Check Me Out and XPost.

“Our vision for the next few years is to pave the way for Digital Logistics in the Philippines, and continue to lead the industry,” Camahort said.

“It’s a very exciting time in logistics, and there’s much to do quickly in order to be constantly, globally competitive.

Everything is now in “real time”; getting into digital is definitely a must,” he said.

QuadX transaction volumes grew 330 percent to 280,000 average monthly transactions in the first quarter of 2017, and ending the year with 1,200,000 average monthly transactions in the fourth quarter.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Tadeco says House probe on Davao Energy approves MRC unit’s 100-MW solar project penal colony deal faces a blank wall

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BANANA exporter Tagum Agricultural Development Co. said the congressional inquiry into the alleged questionable land deal between the government and the privately-owned company now faces a blank wall.

Tadeco lawyers made the statement as the House committee on good government and public accountability had difficulty pursuing basic charges against the company owned by the family of Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who initiated the probe, presented during the fifth hearing on Feb. 7 engineer Ruben Tacugue as witness who claimed that the joint venture agreement between Tadeco and the Bureau

of Corrections covered an excess of 4,000 hectares. Tacugue also testified that Tadeco illegally closed certain public roads within the sprawling banana plantation in Davao del Norte province.

Tadeco lawyers said Tacugue simply adopted an earlier survey in 2012-2013 pursuant to House Resolution No. 1481 issued by 15th Congress because his latest survey contradicted his earlier statement.

House committee chair Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao del Norte district engineer Noel Basanes to submit an inventory of public roads and other structures within the Davao Penal Colony.

THE Energy Department granted SunRay Power Inc., an affiliate of listed MRC Allied Inc., a solar service contract to develop the 100-megawatt Clark Solar Project in Capas and Bamban, Tarlac province.

The Clark Solar Project, estimated to cost P8.5 billion, is located within a 256-hectare property leased by SPI from state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority.

“We are excited to do this solar project in partnership with BCDA and we are looking at doing more projects with them as part of our long-term plans. The success of this project would be another proof that the private sector and the government can actually work hand in hand towards achieving a common goal-the

creation of cleaner, greener, more sustainable communities,” SPI president and chief executive Carlos Gatmaitan said.

SPI is one of the energy projects being developed by MRC Allied, which holds a diversified portfolio in property development and mining exploration.

MRC Allied announced its target to develop at least 1,000 MW of power generation capacity by 2022.

MRC Allied and UniSolar Inc. signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a 4-MW solar rooftop project with Xentro Mall Developer Inc. in February.

MRC Allied engaged the services of UniSolar to provide the design, supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of a solar PV system for rooftop within various Xentro malls na-

tionwide.

UniSolar is a domestic corporation engaged in the design, global sourcing, local distribution, manufacturing, sales of solar-powered products and the operation and maintenance of solar rooftop systems.

XRC is a domestic corporation engaged in the operation of community malls nationwide.

MRC Allied will pay UniSolar at least P200 million for the installation of the initial target capacity of at least 4MW. Construction period is set at a maximum of 6 months from issuance of notice to proceed by MRC to UniSolar.

The company said it would also bring the company closer to its goal of developing at least 200 MW of clean and renewable energy each year over the next five years.

PH tax effort reaches a 10-year high of 14.25% of GDP

By Julito G. Rada

AIM SUPERCOMPUTER. The Asian Institute of Management opens its first corporate laboratory, unveiling one of Asia’s fastest supercomputers powered by Acer. The R&D facility promotes the use of data science, artificial intelligence and computational models to help various industries, government agencies and other sectors address critical issues and pain points. Shown during the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) AIM chairman of the board Peter Garrucho; Maverick Shih, chief executive of BYOC Smart Products, Acer; AIM president Jikyeong Kang; Acer founder and honorary chairman Stan Shih; and Chris Monterola, executive managing director of AIM’s analytics, computing and complex systems laboratory.

TAX collections in 2017 reached a 10year high without the introduction of new laws, an official of the Finance Department said Tuesday. “[The tax effort for 2017] is the highest tax effort increase over a period of ten years. This is without any new tax measure but purely from tax administration,” Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said.

The agency said tax collection amounted to P2.251 trillion in 2017, representing 14.25 percent of the gross domestic product, the highest tax effort in 10 years.

Beltran said the tax effort in the first quarter of 2017 was at 13.4 percent, which increased to 14.9 percent in the second quarter and to 15 percent in the third quarter. For the entire 2017, the tax effort hit 14.25 percent, an increase from the previous year’s 13.75 percent, he said.

Beltran said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez that the government’s tax effort was only 13.5 percent of GDP in 2007, which rose slightly to 13.6 percent in 2008.

Tax effort dipped to 12.2 percent in 2009 and 12.1 in 2010. It improved to 12.4 percent in 2011 and 12.9 percent in 2012.

Beltran said with the implementation of Republic Act 10351 or the law increasing excise taxes on sin products such as cigarettes and alcohol, the tax effort rose steadily to 13.3 percent in 2013, 13.6 percent in 2014 and 2015 and 13.7 percent in 2016.

Dominguez said besides registering the highest tax effort in 10 years, the Finance Department was also able to collect the highest dividends from government-owned and –controlled corporations in 2017.

A separate report earlier submitted to Dominguez by the DoF’s Corporate Af-

fairs Group led by Undersecretary Antonette Tionko showed that dividends remitted by GOCCs to the National Treasury in 2017 amounted to a record P36.45 billion, representing a nearly 30 percent increase from the previous year’s collections of P27.73 billion.

Dominguez said that even if stateowned Land Bank of the Philippines was not required to contribute dividends on its net earnings in 2017, remittances would reach P30.45 billion, still a remarkable improvement over the 2016 figures.

LandBank was allowed to do away with its dividend contributions to the national government in 2017 to give the bank sufficient leverage in its capital position to better serve the increasing developmental needs of the country.

LandBank, with P6.6 billion in remittances to the national government in 2016, was the biggest dividend contributor among GOCCs.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks slump; Ayala, Jollibee fall

T

HE stock market plunged Tuesday after heavy losses on Wall Street overnight ahead of the monetary policy meetings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the US Fed this week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 175.94 points, or 2.1 percent, to 8,059.60 on a value turnover of P18.5 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 176 to 53, with 37 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. slumped 7.2 percent to P937, while unit Globe Telecom Inc., the second-biggest telecommunications firm, fell 4.7 percent to P1,591, Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fastfood chain, dropped 4 percent to P286, while port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. lost 3.3 percent to P105.30.

PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, declined 3.9 percent to P1,461.

Meanwhile, the sharp morning selloff in Asian markets Tuesday eased later in the day but investors remain on edge ahead of a key Federal Reserve policy meeting.

Broader markets were mixed, having all started down. Japan’s Nikkei dipped 0.5 percent and Sydney slipped 0.4 percent. But Hong Kong added 0.2 percent and Shanghai ended up 0.4 percent.

Singapore was 0.2 percent higher and Seoul climbed 0.4 percent. Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were all down.

Investors are keeping a close watch on the Fed’s meeting this week, looking for clues about its timetable for tightening monetary policy. Opinion is split on the number of rate hikes it will likely announce this year, with some

forecasting three and others saying four.

Regional equities kicked off with sharp losses after a massive data breach at Facebook fueled fears of a regulatory crackdown on the technology sector, sparking plunges in New York.

The scandal at the social media giant piled further anxiety on to investors already fretting over possible US interest rate hikes and Donald Trump’s protectionist rhetoric, which has sparked talk of a global trade war.

Reports said Cambridge Analytica, the analysis firm hired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, stole data from 50 million Facebook user profiles to help design software to predict and influence voters’ choices.

Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA, warned: “This security breach could end up being a significant turning point for the social media and network portal.”

The news hammered tech giants with Facebook plunging 6.8 percent, while other household names were also hit—including Apple, Google-parent Alphabet and Netflix–by regulatory concerns.

“The adults are starting to realize that the altruistic kids who started some of these tech behemoths are either unwilling or unable to deal with the fact that the companies they wrought and thought were a force for good can be manipulated by those who seek to do ill,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

The US losses filtered through to Asia in early trade but tech firms in the region bounced back as the day wore on. Hong Kong-listed internet giant Tencent and AAC Technologies moved into positive territory, as did Samsung in Seoul.

However, while Sony pared losses in Tokyo it ended lower. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 5,030 113.2 1,404,020 3.05 54,000 145 3,882,930 1.64 191,000 34.95 581,800 15.46 19,800 30 1,448,600 3.36 62,000 0.65 45,000 1.62 63,000 855 150 0.55 723,000 85.1 5,089,270 1.13 3,721,000 23.9 7,700 56.1 68,200 240 28,950 105 4,400 86 370 45.85 100,700 251.6 330,300 1,930 10 90 378,740 1.2 173,000

296,792 158,972,640 170,570 563,958,091 307,940 20,346,700 306,648 43,221,290 206,690 29,100 102,120 129,900 394,600 433,349,408.50 4,021,180 168,245 3,833,037 6,952,232 462,295 31,818 4,628,605 83,012,734 19,300 34,088,018.50 207,720

116,682 -38,206,490 -227,670,455 9,686,585.00 206,150 455,355 -46,720,035 690,550 -806,177 16,818 3,440 919,410 25,144,554 7,151,053 -

INDUSTRIAL 38 1,895,100 13.92 1,869,400 0.57 1,142,000 1.26 2,760,000 19.32 66,200 0.216 5,200,000 151 520 3.6 3,926,000 17.58 705,400 300 380 50 438,860 22.2 169,000 62.4 560 80 6,930 85.15 1,290 2.08 2,745,000 5.35 131,000 10 69,500 11.3 1,153,200 14.2 436,500 10.54 61,000 7.3 630,400 5.72 3,919,100 16.4 1,260,200 64.4 63,690 25 82,500 9.46 8,400 17.4 2,233,200 2.37 6,969,000 286 1,028,940 56 6,820 4.87 422,000 3.23 10,000 18.18 2,500 25.7 2,122,400 16.2 240,900 20.45 592,100 326 456,420 0.194 3,440,000 7.79 1,700 2.85 1,702,000 5.07 680,200 8.95 4,084,800 5.97 313,700 8 95,900 1.55 805,000 11.3 260,600 60.8 1,751,570 6 140,300 588 92,840 4.7 91,000 2.25 377,000 3.4 38,000 2.23 4,132,000 15 936,400 5.32 32,400 0.135 1,760,000 1.02 42,000 150 1,085,650 2.62 461,000 1.99 5,796,000 0.69 212,936,000

72,250,670 25,903,812 653,450 3,467,950 1,270,934 1,131,810 79,420 14,381,480 12,344,810 113,210 22,149,841.50 3,810,685 34,219 530,400.50 110,670.50 5,779,010 702,865 698,370 13,195,262 6,239,770 645,722 4,585,339 22,370,239 20,567,326 4,087,744.50 2,077,245 79,830 38,291,404 15,991,600 296,339,222 381,378.50 2,025,850 30,610 45,450 55,033,150 3,934,684 11,965,675 149,469,086 659,900 13,035 4,784,190 3,426,930 36,602,186 1,883,508 768,445 1,233,740 3,063,850 106,501,118 841,647 55,034,330 427,700 855,560 129,200 8,980,340 14,040,322 175,525 238,080 42,760 161,891,306 1,205,160 11,541,710 155,184,980

-28,353,175 -4,051,916 33,140 -203,830 -114,290 -6,303,500 8,135,290 11,592 4,396.50 -1,228,965 -625 29,750 -76,450 -281,648.00 -2,706,684 3,109,628 178,210 -544,167 -774,237 1,360,768 1,358,560 -51,900 2,400,504 1,027,350 34,136,470 -8,250,325 -40,780 -549,445 63,124,222 1,890 2,118,200 -50,000 -1,421,072 8,428 -280,060.00 902,700 236,000 -49,884,045.50 -3,270,270 18,590 -3,392,658 5,460 40,349,203 -293,220 415,000.00 297,810

580,050 66,947,841.50 93,417,094 365,820 3,304,676 8,016,240 2,674,130 979,820,132.50 29,000 1,554,138 69,936,572 74,088 117,800 60,910 144,480,325 356,982 182,601,422 6,869 10,920 1,345,380 5,402,500 37,414,132 10,663,690 241,800,077 9,930 1,245,500 2,288,460 20,225,620 80,557,981 35,980 333,253,435 23,920 3,644,680 370,086 242,920 139,400 538,140 291,100

-21,087,136 -25,677,846 -12,740 804,530 -489,208,402.50 -480,756 -20,329,790 -42,044,725 -48,946,162.50 -1,376,779 -18,614,574.00 3,983,000 -21,983,636 64,920 -21,198,365 50,187,690 95,640 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.6 114.9 3.24 148.8 1.65 35.3 15.5 30.4 3.5 0.64 1.64 900 0.59 87.45 1.12 21.8 56.3 242 111 86 46.1 253.8 1,930 90.05 1.21

59.6 114.9 3.24 148.8 1.65 35.3 15.5 30.4 3.5 0.65 1.64 900 0.59 87.45 1.13 24.45 56.35 242 111 86 46.1 253.8 1,930 90.45 1.21

58.2 112.5 3.04 144 1.6 34.95 15.46 29.1 3.27 0.64 1.62 855 0.54 84 1.03 21.5 56.1 240 104.4 85.8 45.8 243 1,930 90 1.2

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 CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG 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 VULCAN INDL

39 14.06 0.58 1.3 19.38 0.223 165 3.8 17.6 290 51.85 24 62.5 80 86 2.07 5.44 10.4 11.78 14.7 10.88 7.39 5.71 16.5 64.1 25.3 9.51 17.52 2.32 296.8 54.95 4.5 3.04 18.18 26.6 16.46 20.25 329 0.195 7.63 2.78 5.1 9.06 6.05 8.05 1.54 12.14 61 6.01 609 4.7 2.4 3.4 2.27 15.4 5.48 0.137 1.02 149 2.64 2.03 0.85

39 14.1 0.59 1.3 19.42 0.223 165 3.8 17.6 332 51.85 24 62.5 85 86.2 2.2 5.44 10.4 11.78 14.7 10.88 7.4 5.75 16.5 64.45 26.2 9.7 17.8 2.39 296.8 60 4.88 3.23 18.18 26.7 16.48 20.5 329.4 0.195 7.79 2.85 5.26 9.09 6.05 8.05 1.56 12.5 61.1 6.1 609 4.7 2.4 3.4 2.27 15.4 5.48 0.137 1.02 151 2.64 2.08 0.85

38 13.02 0.57 1.23 18.98 0.216 150 3.6 17.4 289.8 48.65 22 61 66 85 2.02 5.34 9.92 11.3 14.2 10.5 7.21 5.65 16.24 64 25 9.45 16.8 2.25 285 54.95 4.5 3.04 18.18 25.7 16.2 20.1 325.8 0.189 7.63 2.76 4.91 8.94 5.95 7.8 1.53 11.3 60.6 5.9 581 4.7 2.2 3.4 2.1 14.78 5.32 0.135 1 146.5 2.6 1.95 0.64

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

0.305 71.45 14.5 0.91 7.5 0.58 0.59 948 1,450 7.35 13.4 7.56 4.83 0.191 1,294 7.11 62.5 5.44 5.2 0.66 5.15 19.68 0.73 5.54 3.31 0.045 1.2 3.12 139 2.57 938 0.88 1.7 420 273 0.236 0.19 0.21

0.305 71.45 14.5 0.91 7.77 0.58 0.59 959 1,450 7.4 13.4 7.56 4.83 0.2 1,294 7.11 64 5.44 5.2 0.66 5.39 19.7 0.74 5.6 3.31 0.045 1.22 3.12 139 2.57 950 0.88 1.7 480 273 0.236 0.204 0.21

0.295 69 13.74 0.91 7.36 0.54 0.57 935 1,450 7.2 13 7.56 4.6 0.19 1,252 7 62.3 5.15 5.2 0.62 5.05 18.6 0.64 5.45 3.31 0.044 1.11 2.85 136 2.57 917.5 0.82 1.63 400 272 0.23 0.19 0.2

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

7.01 1.01 19.7 2.1 0.86 41.2 3.71 4.75 6.25 6.14 0.45 1 0.26 0.45 32.4 0.64 0.126 1.72 1.39 0.99 4.84 0.56 0.39

7.01 1.03 19.9 2.1 0.87 41.2 3.71 4.75 6.25 6.14 0.455 1.02 0.265 0.46 32.4 0.65 0.13 1.75 1.39 1 4.84 0.66 0.39

6.26 0.96 15.56 2.1 0.81 40.2 3.65 4.52 6.13 6.14 0.435 1 0.241 0.445 31.2 0.64 0.12 1.68 1.35 0.9 4.7 0.465 0.35

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

0.54 4.18 34.05 20.5 1.99 3.29 34.5 1 18.5 0.85 6.34

0.54 4.18 35 20.5 2 3.29 35 1.01 19 0.85 6.4

0.51 4.04 34.05 19.32 1.91 3.2 33.7 0.99 15 0.84 6.13

0.51 4.11 35 19.32 2 3.2 33.8 1 17.1 0.85 6.2

2,070,000 906,000 1,200 1,390,400 1,021,000 2,322,000 8,367,000 706,000 1,054,300 88,000 6,226,500

1,073,160 3,715,150 41,240 27,252,685 1,991,330 7,449,920 283,408,975 703,190 17,937,544 74,180 38,533,417

-220,950.00 -13,082,986 584,520 32,500 -84,421,690 128,058 21,250 -22,936,352

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 GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL RACING PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

18.48 28.9 1.29 0.55 0.051 13 4.9 14.44 0.063 99 8.71 7.25 7.45 2.4 28.55 1,688 6.29 310.4 10.64 5.25 2.59 109 13.18 8.3 0.126 1.52 3.19 15 7.06 1.02 27 5.1 7.58 3.39 9.45 11.18 10.2 2.86 8.11 107 6.87 1,520 1.12 0.445 53.45 85 8.12 2.63 1.48 0.445 3.44 0.91 11.2

18.48 28.9 1.32 0.55 0.051 13.06 4.9 14.44 0.063 100 8.71 7.52 7.5 2.42 28.55 1,688 6.31 318 11.34 5.42 2.65 109 13.18 8.3 0.128 1.52 3.38 15.94 7.23 1.02 27 5.13 7.6 3.39 10.72 11.2 10.9 2.86 8.11 115.2 6.89 1,520 1.12 0.455 53.45 86.5 8.2 2.63 1.49 0.465 3.74 0.91 11.2

17.9 27.5 1.22 0.46 0.046 12.5 4.9 13.62 0.062 96 8.71 7.09 7.2 2.4 20.15 1,585 6.28 301 10.64 5.1 2.55 103 12.9 8.3 0.124 1.46 3.18 14.4 6.1 1 26 5.04 7.2 3.26 7.7 11.14 10.2 2.78 8.11 106 6.3 1,450 1.08 0.42 52.8 84.45 7 2.58 1.46 0.395 3.33 0.79 10.84

SERVICES 17.94 28.5 1.31 0.52 0.049 13.06 4.9 13.82 0.063 99 8.71 7.32 7.5 2.4 25.1 1,591 6.3 308 11.32 5.3 2.65 105.3 13 8.3 0.124 1.48 3.34 15.58 7.06 1.02 26.95 5.1 7.31 3.3 10.1 11.2 10.2 2.79 8.11 110 6.72 1,461 1.09 0.445 53 84.6 7.1 2.6 1.49 0.445 3.73 0.85 11.04

30,500 31,700 308,000 23,563,000 148,130,000 13,300 2,000 8,366,100 22,590,000 121,160 300 4,109,000 534,700 30,000 708,900 91,785 243,900 43,940 1,500 3,057,300 23,000 1,673,100 3,600 25,000 5,450,000 197,000 143,000 58,600 41,064,000 487,000 3,391,300 260,900 1,367,000 1,334,000 95,699,100 26,400 4,800 385,000 1,400 30,140 1,169,600 174,600 14,239,000 18,050,000 1,342,690 1,295,890 1,390,300 609,000 5,264,000 54,470,000 2,396,000 17,256,000 4,508,000

546,906 894,345 399,410 11,727,280 7,125,070 170,644 9,800 116,471,102 1,420,050 11,845,677.50 2,613 30,211,974 3,913,326 72,200 17,047,770 147,370,790 1,534,337 13,551,546 16,308 15,974,743 59,310 176,556,286 46,724 207,500 682,050 291,460 467,900 869,980 276,811,845 488,150 90,116,550 1,331,306 10,059,061 4,391,400 876,519,874 294,998 50,850 1,088,740 11,354 3,435,382 7,757,265 258,667,700 15,447,070 7,934,850 71,162,586 109,670,854.50 10,407,833 1,583,450 7,756,670 23,210,000 8,522,700 14,533,540 49,684,762

8,950 19,050 75,000 37,600 6,820 14,990,836 12,600 -1,683,871 -14,814,567 340,840 -53,214,155 214,260 176,997 -7,650.00 -50,948,718 -237,500 58,524,180 11,000 1,350,305 -7,142 985,607 829,740 22,108,772.00 28,230 2,666,070 -11,976 -36,459,370 -13,180,600 33,692,438.50 -13,995,751 1,250,640 1,280,660 3,817,000 611,300 -69,360 -213,920 14,594,608

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

0.0037 1.6 4.88 1.62 0.31 7.13 2.52 0.224 0.15 0.155 0.0094 0.0098 1.5 6.2 1.18 0.44 0.91 0.011 0.012 0.011 2.21 6.06 11.74 30.15 0.0066

0.0038 1.6 4.88 1.67 0.32 7.2 2.55 0.224 0.15 0.155 0.0094 0.0098 1.5 6.2 1.19 0.44 0.91 0.011 0.012 0.013 2.25 6.08 11.74 30.95 0.0068

0.003 1.54 4.81 1.62 0.305 7.13 2.39 0.21 0.147 0.153 0.0094 0.0096 1.45 5.99 1.13 0.43 0.85 0.011 0.012 0.011 2.2 6 8.99 29.6 0.0066

MINING & OIL 0.0035 3,036,000,000 1.56 4,107,000 4.81 93,000 1.67 1,021,000 0.305 730,000 7.2 1,300 2.5 6,198,000 0.22 870,000 0.149 3,270,000 0.154 820,000 0.0094 6,000,000 0.0096 4,000,000 1.48 81,000 6.02 3,823,200 1.18 327,000 0.43 250,000 0.89 1,702,000 0.011 2,100,000 0.012 100,000 0.013 28,600,000 2.25 16,000 6 752,500 10.8 23,376,100 29.75 3,000,300 0.0068 33,000,000

10,541,000 6,380,580 449,630 1,683,940 223,650 9,342 15,110,990 185,310 487,760 126,290 56,400 38,600 119,130 23,052,031 382,120 108,950 1,471,720 23,100 1,200 343,500 35,710 4,529,940 235,427,281 89,961,735 224,000

17,500 -40,820 30 -106,750 -108,090 63,000 -46,200 19,400 -14,784,130 -14,160 -12,800 -73,342 -59,145,190 -12,668,895 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

28.5 505 512 102.1 102.6 110.8 505.5 1,009 1,009 101.5 1.07 1,035 1,005 110.5 76 77.05 75.5 76.5 77.3 76.2 77.5 77.5

28.5 515 512 102.1 102.6 110.8 526 1,009 1,009 101.5 1.07 1,035 1,009 110.5 76 79.95 75.5 76.5 77.75 76.2 78.95 77.5

28.05 504 511 101.8 102.5 110.8 505.5 1,009 1,000 101 1.04 1,034 1,005 110.5 76 77 75.1 76.5 77.3 76.2 77.5 77.4

PREFERRED 28.05 132,700 515 1,300 511 20,100 101.9 53,730 102.5 8,170 110.8 80 526 20,410 1,009 95 1,000 140 101 16,500 1.04 56,000 1,034 405 1,009 2,245 110.5 600 76 120 77 70,360 75.1 5,600 76.5 175,400 77.75 3,850 76.2 30 78 244,990 77.5 16,100

3,781,185 658,610 10,274,380 5,480,155 837,433 8,864 10,317,460 95,855 140,810 1,672,500 58,510 418,805 2,264,665 66,300 9,120 5,441,503 422,360 13,418,100 298,820 2,286 19,155,648 1,247,480

114,765 -70,700 -5,413,124.50 -226,500 -54,600 -

LR WARRANT

4.89

5

4.06

WARRANTS 4.65 14,120,000

63,060,940

-14,550.00

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.19 3.3 3.3

5.35 3.5 3.32

4.48 3.15 3.1

5.21 3.47 3.15

16,400,048 1,133,450 17,910,170

-114,324 -104,100 688,020

FIRST METRO ETF

125.2

125.2

122.8

4,518,476

16,188

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.2 10.2

10.2 10.2

10.2 10.2

102,000 11,220

-

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 0.295 1,960,000 69.6 962,520 13.78 6,713,700 0.91 402,000 7.36 443,500 0.58 14,301,000 0.57 4,620,000 937 1,040,930 1,450 20 7.27 215,000 13 5,335,100 7.56 9,800 4.6 25,000 0.2 320,000 1,252 113,965 7 50,800 63 2,899,960 5.15 1,300 5.2 2,100 0.64 2,149,000 5.06 1,060,100 19.3 1,964,600 0.66 15,937,000 5.49 44,042,800 3.31 3,000 0.045 27,800,000 1.13 2,019,000 2.96 6,840,000 137.4 586,790 2.57 14,000 949 355,610 0.84 28,000 1.67 2,210,000 443.8 860 273 890 0.23 600,000 0.204 2,750,000 0.2 1,450,000 PROPERTY 6.63 0.97 16.72 2.1 0.85 41 3.65 4.58 6.21 6.14 0.435 1 0.26 0.46 31.45 0.65 0.13 1.7 1.36 0.95 4.72 0.65 0.385

771,300 17,879,000 468,000 3,000 3,666,000 24,845,500 741,000 1,362,000 96,400 300 19,550,000 91,000 54,620,000 1,050,000 892,500 355,000 380,000 21,773,000 5,220,000 2,124,000 8,001,000 599,992,000 10,440,000

5,070,477 17,475,870 8,101,818 6,300 3,072,920 1,008,978,940 2,713,110 6,284,950 591,987 1,842 8,736,900 91,260 13,600,270 474,600 28,108,870 227,270 46,100 37,038,070 7,113,730 2,011,120 37,789,680 341,780,250 3,877,200

-194,779 36,930 35,920 5,220 -85,523,580 164,960 378,620 -1,775,700 103,800 -137,375 -17,300,560 -144,620 646,280 -11,533,630 7,739,070.00 -

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

18,383,246

INDUSTRIAL

356,081,221

HOLDING FIRMS

158,842,721

PROPERTY

798,583,359

SERVICES

503,409,468

MINING & OIL

3,160,977,743

GRAND TOTAL

5,005,713,338

SME

3,366,500 337,000 5,690,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 123.1 36,630

10.2 10.2

DDS

10,000 1,100

VALUE 2,110.86 (down) 41.70 1,359,239,680.80 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,275.35 (down) 225.37 1,984,089,604.252 HOLDING FIRMS 8,040.35 (down) 167.71 10,327,059,661.74 PROPERTY 3,635.50 (down) 73.05 1,671.88 (down) 47.99 1,922,595,307.87 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,501.61 (down) 201.23 2,517,408,808.11 PSEI 8,059.60 (down) 175.94 390,991,574.798 All Shares Index 4,848.49 (down) 100.31 18,541,365,737.04 Gainers: 53; Losers: 176; Unchanged: 37; Total: 266

Chelsea OKs venture into infra projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria CHELSEA Logistics Holdings Corp., the transport and logistics company of businessman Dennis Uy, is venturing into infrastructure and plans to raise money to finance capital expenditures.

Chelsea said in a disclosure to the stock exchange shareholders approved the board’s proposal to amend the company’s articles of incorporation to expand its primary purpose to include infrastructure facilities and systems.

The revision will allow the company to pursue business activities related to the operation of airports and ports as well as logistics and utilities.

The expanded purpose will also enable Chelsea to venture from its current transportation businesses into other utility areas including telecommunications, power and other related utilities.

“We will pursue our expansion strategies and find best ways to complement the current business operations with the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. We intend to participate in the development of the infrastructure facilities and systems in the country, which include but is not limited to airport and port development and operations and other related facilities,” said Chelsea president Chryss Alfonsus Damuy.

Chelsea shareholders also approved the reclassification of 10 million common shares into preferred shares in line with the company’s plans to further tap the capital market to finance capital expenditures, projects and possible acquisitions.

Shareholders approved an amendment of the by-ways of the company to implement the separation of the positions of president and chief executive officer, and the creation of chief operating officer to allow the company to better respond to the expanding business operations.

Chelsea last submitted with the Department of Transportation an unsolicited Public-Private Partnership proposal for the bundled development, operation and management of the Davao and New Bohol (Panglao) international airports for P67 billion.

Cebu property firm registers record income CEBU Landmasters Inc. posted a record net income of P1.29 billion in 2017, up 66 percent from the previous year, on strong sales of projects in Visayas and Mindanao.

CLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange revenues reached a record P3.92 billion, also up 66 percent from P2.36 billion in 2016 “We are proud of the exceptional 2017 performance of the company and are grateful for the trust given to us by our buyers and shareholders. It’s our banner year and in 2018, we will continue to deliver outstanding value as we aim to become the leading local real estate developer in the VisMin region,” CLI chairman and chief executive Jose Soberano III said.

Real estate sales of CLI amounted to P3.86 billion from P2.23 billion in 2016 due to on-track construction progress and record sales of several residential and office developments.

Reservation sales from all projects breached the P4-billion target at P4.58 billion, or 55.6 percent higher than in 2016.

CLI’s leasing revenues increasing 17 percent in 2017 to P45.6 million from P38.87 billion a year earlier.

The property company said it planned to expand the leasing business by 2019, with the scheduled completion of Latitude Corporate Center and Baseline Retail, and the start of operations of its hospitality project, Citadines Cebu City.

The company is scheduled to launch seven leasing projects to provide recurring income by 2020. These are lyf Cebu City, Citadines Riverside Davao, Citadines Bacolod, Astra Hotel in Mandaue Cebu, Astra Corporate Center Mandaue Cebu, Astra Center Mall in Mandaue Cebu and 38 Park Office in IT Park Cebu.

CLI expects the company this year to sustain its strong performance with the unveiling of 20 new projects across the VisMin region.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

World

extrastory2000@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US-S. Korea military drills to resume next month

IN BRIEF Russia hits back in spy-poisoning row LONDON―International chemical weapons experts were due to arrive in Britain Monday to collect samples of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy as London accused Moscow of stockpiling the toxin used in the attack.

The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4 has triggered a crisis with Britain and Russia expelling diplomats in titfor-tat measures.

London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack that left the Skripals in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent.

Technical experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will visit Britain on Monday to collect samples of the toxin, which London says is a Soviet-designed military grade nerve agent called Novichok.

“These will then be dispatched to highlyreputable international laboratories selected by the OPCW for testing with results expected to take a minimum of two weeks,” Britain’s Foreign Office said in a statement.

President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations Russia was behind the attack.

“It’s complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup,” Putin told supporters Sunday after winning a fourth term as president.

“We have destroyed all chemical weapons,” he said, adding that Russia was ready to take part in the investigation.

Putin’s comments came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused Russia of stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack. AFP

Last male white rhino dies in Kenya NAIROBI―The last male northern white rhino has died in Kenya at the age of 45, his keepers announced Tuesday, leaving only two females of his subspecies alive.

The rhino, named Sudan, “was being treated for age-related complications that led to degenerative changes in muscles and bones combined with extensive skin wounds,” according to a statement from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy where he lived under armed guard to prevent poaching.

“His condition worsened significantly in the last 24 hours; he was unable to stand up and was suffering a great deal. The veterinary team... made the decision to euthanize him.”

Theoretically, the death of Sudan assures the extinction of this subspecies of rhino.

However, scientists have gathered his genetic material and are working on developing in-vitro fertilization techniques to preserve the subspecies.

The northern white rhino population in Uganda, Central African Republic, Sudan and Chad was largely wiped out during the poaching crisis of the 1970s and 80s, fueled by demand for rhino horn in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia and dagger handles in Yemen.

A final remaining wild population of about 20-30 rhinos in the Democratic Republic of Congo was killed in fighting in the late nineties and early 2000s, and by 2008 the northern white rhino was considered extinct in the wild.

Four fertile rhinos, two males and females, were moved from the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic to Ol Pejeta in Kenya, with high hopes that conditions similar to their native habitat would encourage breeding.

However, despite the fact that they were seen mating, there were no successful pregnancies. AFP

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST. Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals body-painted as tiger, zebra and giraffe pose for a picture during an environmental protest in New Delhi on March 20, 2018. AFP

Data breach scandal rips Facebook shares W ASHINGTON― Facebook shares plunged Monday as the social media giant was pounded by criticism at home and abroad over revelations that a firm working for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign harvested and misused data on 50 million members.

Calls for investigations came on both sides of the Atlantic after Facebook responded to explosive reports of misuse of its data by suspending the account of Cambridge Analytica, a British firm hired by Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and Republican John Kennedy called for Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg to appear before Congress, along with Google and Twitter’s CEOs. The lawmakers said the companies “have amassed unprecedented amounts of personal data” and that the lack of oversight “raises concerns about the integrity of American elections as well as privacy rights.”

More of giant Antarctic glacier floating in ocean SYDNEY―More of a giant France-sized glacier in Antarctica is floating on the ocean than previously thought, scientists said Tuesday, raising fears it could melt faster as the climate warms and have a dramatic impact on rising sea-levels.

The Totten Glacier is one of the fastest-flowing and largest glaciers in Antarctica with scientists keen to keep a close eye on how it melts given the enormous amount of water it could potentially unleash.

Using artificially created seismic waves that help scientists see through the ice, researchers have discovered that more of the Totten Glacier floats on the ocean than initially thought.

“In some locations we thought were grounded, we detected the ocean below indicating that the glacier is in fact floating,” said Paul Winberry from Central Washington University, who spent the summer in Antarctica studying the Totten.

The findings are important because recent studies have shown the Totten Glacier’s underbelly is already being eroded by warm, salty sea water flowing hundreds of kilometers inland after passing through underwater “gateways”.

As it does, the portion of the glacier resting on water rather than rock increases, accelerating the pace of disintegration.

Winberry said more of the glacier floating on a warming ocean could help explain recent periods of accelerated melting.

“It also means the Totten might be more sensitive to climate variations in the future,” he added.

Glaciers are huge bodies of

SEOUL―The United States and South Korea announced Tuesday that their annual joint military drills would go ahead next month, with no significant downsizing in scale despite an ongoing diplomatic thaw with North Korea.

The large-scale exercises involving tens of thousands of ground troops are a perennial source of tension between the two Koreas, with Pyongyang condemning them as provocative rehearsals for an invasion of the North.

With talks underway to set up a North-South summit, followed by a proposed face-to-face meet between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, there was speculation that this year’s drills might be scaled back to avoid derailing the discussions.

They had already been delayed to avoid clashing with the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South last month.

But Washington and Seoul said the exercises, expected to resume on April 1, would be “similar” in size to those of previous years.

“The UN Command has notified today the North Korean military on the schedule as well as the defensive nature of the annual exercises,” Seoul’s defense ministry spokeswoman told reporters.

The Pentagon added in a statement: “Our combined exercises are defenceoriented and there is no reason for North Korea to view them as a provocation.”

According to a senior South Korean envoy who made a rare visit to Pyongyang earlier this month, Kim had made it clear he “understands” the need for the drills to go ahead.

Such an acknowledgement is in stark contrast to the Kim regime’s denunciations of the exercises in the past. The North has often responded to the drills with its own military actions, and last year fired four ballistic missiles close to Japan.

“Foal Eagle” is a series of field training exercises with approximately 11,500 US forces taking part, together with 290,000 South Korean troops, while “Key Resolve” is a command post exercise using mainly computerbased simulations.

The US, as South Korea’s security guarantor, has close to 30,000 troops stationed in the South―a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

Following an extended period of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, the Winter Olympics provided the catalyst for a sudden and very rapid rapprochement that resulted in the announcements of the planned summits. AFP

dense ice that slowly move down valleys, mountains and slopes under their own weight over many centuries, sculpting the earth below as they go.

They hold the vast majority of Earth’s fresh water and are the main contributor to rising sea levels when they melt.

According to NASA monitoring, between 2002 and 2016, Antarctica lost 125 gigatons of ice per year, causing sea levels worldwide to rise by 0.35 millimeters annually.

From the air, the contours of Totten Glacier are invisible because the entire Antarctic continent is covered by a seamless, kilometersthick blanket of snow and ice.

That is why scientists are so determined to understand what is happening underneath the glacier, hidden from view.

Team leader Ben Galton-Fenzi, from the Australian Antarctic Division, said the Totten Glacier contains enough ice to raise global sea levels by about 9.8 feet if it all melted.

“Since the 1900s the global sealevel has risen by around 20 centimetres and by the end of the century it’s projected to rise by up to one meter or more, but this is subject to high uncertainty which is why studying glaciers such as the Totten is important,” he said.

“These precise measurements of Totten Glacier are vital to monitoring changes and understanding them in the context of natural variations, and the research is an important step in assessing the potential impact on sea-level under various future scenarios.” AFP

Facebook’s chief of security Alex Stamos said his role had shifted to focusing on emerging risks and election security at the global social network.

Stamos revealed the change after The New York Times reported that he was leaving Facebook in the wake of internal clashes over how to deal with the platform being used to spread misinformation.

“Despite the rumors, I’m still fully engaged with my work at Facebook,” Stamos said in a message posted on his verified Twitter account.

“It’s true that my role did change. I’m currently spending more time exploring emerging security risks and working on election security.”

Stamos advocated investigating and revealing manipulation of news at the social network by Russian entities, to the chagrin of other top executives, the Times reported, citing unnamed current and former employees.

Senator Ron Wyden asked Facebook to provide more information on what he called a “troubling” misuse of private data that could have been used to sway voters.

Wyden said he wanted to know how Cambridge Analytica used Facebook tools “to weaponize detailed psychological profiles against tens of millions of Americans.”

In Europe, officials voiced similar outrage.

Vera Jourova, the European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality, called the revelations “horrifying, if confirmed,” and vowed to address concerns in the United States this week.

According to a joint investigation by The New York Times and Britain’s Observer, Cambridge Analytica was able to create psychological profiles on 50 million Facebook users through the use of a personality prediction app that was downloaded by 270,000 people, but also scooped up data from friends.

Cambridge Analytica denied misusing Facebook data for the Trump campaign.

Elizabeth Denham, Britain’s Information Commissioner who regulates the sector in the country, announced her office would seek a court warrant on Tuesday to search Cambridge Analytica’s computer servers.

She said the company had been “uncooperative” to requests for access to its records and missed a Monday deadline stipulated.

Meanwhile, Facebook said it has hired a digital forensics firm to examine how the data leak occurred and to ensure that any data collected had been destroyed.

Facebook shares skidded 6.8 percent by the close of the Nasdaq on concerns about pressure for new regulations that could hurt its business model. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Province of Kalinga City of Tabuk BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Invitation to Bid

INVITATION TO BID ITB No. CW-2018-007 Date Posted: March 21, 2018 The Local Government Unit of Tabuk through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites Contractors registered with and classified by the Philippines Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for the hereunder contract/project: Lot 1

Amount Contract Brief Description of the Name of Location ABC of Bid Project Project Documents Duration Construction Agbannawag 43,000,000.00 2 5 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 310 CD M o b i l i z a t i o n / of demobilization, clearing Agbannawag & grubbing excavation, Small Water embankment, Impounding concrete-A, RSB, ripProject rap,gravel bedding, installation of erosion control net

Prospective bidders should possess a valid PCAB license applicable to the contract, have completed a similar contract with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The BAC will use nondiscretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check/screening as well as the preliminary examination or bids. The BAC will conduct post-qualification to the lowest calculated bid.

Pre-Bid conference will be on March 28. 2018, Wednesday, 9:00AM at the BAC Meeting Room, City Engineering Office, Tabuk City Hall, Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City.

Bid Documents are available during office hours starting March 21, 2018 at the BAC-Secretariat, City Engineering Office and upon payment of a non-refundable amount for bid documents as shown above to the LGU Cashier, Office of the Treasurer. .

All sealed bid proposals should be received by the BAC Chairman/ Secretariat on or before April 11, 2018. Wednesday, 9:00AM at the BAC Meeting Room, City Engineering Office, Tabuk City Hall, Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City. .

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids or part thereof or to waive formality therein and/ or to accept the bids as may be considered most advantageous to the Local Government Unit of Tabuk.

Very truly yours, SGD) LAURENCE C. BAYONGAN BAC Chairman (MS-MAR. 21, 2018)

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the NHA Board approved NG Subsidy for CY 2018 intends to apply the sum of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract: Ref. No.

Project

Procurement, Delivery and Distribution of Materials for 2018 Housing Families Affected by -03-254 the Calamities in the Lone District of Mandaluyong City (Re-Bid)

ABC/ Source of Funds (P)

Duration (c.d)

23,000,000.00 / 180 NG Subsidy (6 months)

Cost of Bidding Documents (P)

10,000.00

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

The NHA, through its Bids and Awards Committee 2 (BAC2) now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered contractors to bid for the above-cited projects. Delivery of the Goods is required within the duration herein cited upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five years from the date of submission of bids, a single contract similar to the Project costing at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders/ authorized official representatives or employees of the bidder who can show proof of Notarized Authority to secure bid documents for the specific Project and Official Company ID upon submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB at the Office of the NHA-BAC 2 Secretariat, 2nd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City starting on March 21, 2018. For further information, the NHA BAC 2 Secretariat may be contacted at Tel/FAX No. 9288272.

The NHA will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 3, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Operations Center, 3rd Floor, NHA Main Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City which shall be OPEN to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be delivered at the SLB-AMO Conference Room, Annex Building NHA Main Complex, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on April 17, 2018, not later than 9:00 a.m. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount as stated in BDS. Bid opening shall follow immediately after the deadline of submission of bids at the same venue. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders representative who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The NHA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

(SGD) AR. SUSANA V. NONATO Chairperson Bids and Awards Committee 2 ( M S - M A R . 21, 2 018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

B4

LocaL government units

wednesday, march 21, 2018

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

Makati awards 10 outstanding students across city high schools

By Joel E. Zurbano THE city government of Makati on Tuesday named this year’s Ten outstanding Students of Makati, who all received plaques of recognition, medallions, and checks worth P15,000 each.

John Robbie laurio of Makati Science High School topped the list of awardees with a total of 92.04 points.

The other awardees were Ellian Fitzgerald Marquez, also of Makati Science High School; Julius Miguel Tizon of St. Paul College of Makati; Reiven Espinoza of Pitogo High School; Ma. alexa Satur of St. Paul College of Makati; Dan alden Baterisna, Colegio San agustin; Nelson gabriel Cortez, Colegio San agustin; Vincent Raul oliveros, San antonio National High School; Sophia Ricci Ellorda, Pitogo High School; and Princess olarte, Fort Bonifacio High School.

Mayor abigail Binay led the recognition of this year’s outstanding students in an awarding ceremony held at the Session Hall of Makati City Hall Building 1 on Monday. She congratulated the awardees and thanked them for exemplifying the virtues of a good student, child and citizen.

“Congratulations to our ToSM awardees this year. Your discipline, leadership, and extraordinary excellence in your studies made you stand out among the rest. Thank you for reciprocating the support of your family and the city,” Binay said.

She also encouraged the awardees to serve as “positive influencers” for their fellow youth, helping them to unravel their innate strengths and achieve their full potential.

Makati Education Department head Norma Tumambing said that nominees for the award underwent Eligibility Screening conducted by the search secretariat, which reviewed all the entries for nomination based on the prescribed criteria and documentary requirements.

Eligible nominees then took the academic Excellence Test at the university of Makati last Feb. 15.

The First level of Screening was conducted after the test to determine the top 15 finalists of the search. The Board of Judges then reviewed and evaluated the documents submitted for the finalists. on March 9, the finalists underwent a panel interview and did a talent presentation before the Board of Judges.

ToSM, now on its 42nd year, is a citysponsored annual search open to junior high school (grade 10) students, from public and private schools in Makati. it aims to recognize the outstanding academic performance and leadership traits of students in their respective schools and communities.

To qualify, a nominee should be a consistent achiever (among the top three in class), with good moral character, and attending the same school for four years. a nominee must also have good leadership skills, and outstanding achievements in school, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

NEW AIRPORT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gets a briefing from Secretary Raul L. Lambino (left), Administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, on the newly upgraded facilities of the Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo town. The Ceza airport has a 2.1-km runway capable of handling big Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft and is set to begin commercial operation soon.

Estrada joins LMP’s call for federalism

T

HE problem of the unfair distribution of funds between the local government and national government will be the main issue of aggressive discussion in the three-day league of Municipalities of the Philippines 2nd general assembly now being held at the Manila Hotel, with Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada as guest speaker.

President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to speak before the assembly on Tuesday, the second day of the league’s national assembly.

During the presidential elections of 2016, Duterte passionately campaigned for federalism, saying it is the only way to turn around the supposedly defective system in place.

With federalism, Duterte said the local resources are for local governments to benefit from. “if it is P100, you get P30, give it to the federal government, you retain P70,” Duterte said during the 2016 cam-

paign, which he won decisively.

The 1,400 members of the lMP led by its president, Mayor Maria fe VillarBrondial of Socorro, oriental Mindoro said they will issue an official statement urging Congress to prioritize amendments in the 1987 Constitution to change the present unitary system into a federal form of government. in his welcome address, Estrada said he supports the lMP’s move to make federalism happen, as he took note of the assembly’s theme: “Pederalismo: Ngayon Na!” asked why he supports federalism,

Estrada said he fully knows the problems of a local chief executive. “i had nearly two decades of experience in leading the now progressive city of San Juan. i know the problems you face because it’s the same thing i labored with for over two decades,” he said.

Even during his presidency starting 1998, Estrada said he was committed to empower the local government units. “i can recall that in august 2000, i even made the following announcement: ‘The local Chief Executives must be the shepherds who must lead their communities towards a better future,’” he said.

Estrada explained that he issued that statement following a decision of the Supreme Court concerning the internal Revenue allotment, a mandatory allocation which is due to all local government units.

MARAWI BOOK LAUNCH. The Philippine Army and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation Inc. formally launch the book ‘Marawi and Beyond: The Joint Task Force Marawi Story’ on Monday. In photo at the launching are (from left) Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, Dr. Isabel Cojuanco Suntay, Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera and other Marawi heroes and officers at the Army Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Lino Santos

Bettcher and his team briefed Cayetano on the Healthy Cities initiative, which pushes cities to consider a “Health in all Policies approach” focusing on addressing the social determinants of health.

The WHo defines that as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life” in addition to health service delivery.

Cayetano acknowledged the relevance of WHo’s public health programs in the social development policies of the City of Taguig and all cities and communities in the Philippines.

She suggested that city mayors would benefit from the expertise of the WHo, as they implement public health projects at the local level.

Cayetano, who is the current chair of the league of Cities, also suggested a

strong collaboration between WHo and the league of Cities.

WHo identifies urbanization as one of the key challenges for public health in the 21st century, and renews emphasis on the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental concerns.

The view is that health promotion efforts, grounded in a “healthy cities approach”, catalyzes political leadership and participatory governance. Joel E. Zurbano

Kraft named new Laguna police director

By Roy Tomandao

Calabarzon Police Director Chief Supt. Ma. O Aplasca turns over the symbolic flag of the Laguna PNP to incoming Laguna Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Kerby John B. Kraft, while outgoing provincial Director Sr. Supt. Dindo R. Reyes and PNP Deputy Director Ramon C. Apolinario look on. Roy Tomandao

DaVao CiTY—Members of the New People’s army and individuals who might be injured for committing crimes will no longer get assistance under the city government’s lingap para sa Mahirap Program. on March 14, Mayor “inday” Sara Duterte signed Executive order No. 7 series of 2018.

“There is a need to amend Section 3 of Executive order No. 35, series of 2016, or the coverage of lingap para sa Mahirap Program to further strengthen the program’s processes and to ensure the efficient delivery of its services to qualified residents of Davao City,” Duterte said.

Now excluded from the lingap Para sa Mahirap Program are: Drivers or passengers who acquired injuries in a motorcycle accident because of violation of pertinent traffic laws and rules and regulations (e.g. non-use of helmet for either or both the passenger/driver); Patients who are found to be members of the New People’s army as they have already been identified as terrorists under Proclamation No. 947 (“Declaring the New People’s army (NPa) as Designated/identified Terrorist organization under Republic act No. 10168”), for their injuries arising from clashes with government troops; Drivers involved in a vehicular accident who are found to have violated Republic act No. 10586 (“an act Penalizing Persons Driving under the influence of alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Similar Substances, and for other Purposes”); individuals who suffer injuries while committing a crime or an offense punishable under existing Philippine laws, rules, and regulations.

In BrIef agencies converge for coffee roadmap Baguio City—at least five government agencies vowed to collaborate in the implementation of the Philippine Coffee Roadmap.

Meeting at the 3rd Philippine Coffee Conference held at Hotel Supreme here on Tuesday, the agencies—the Department of agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development authority— agreed on a common focus to boost the country’s coffee industry. in her message, Senator Cynthia Villar, Committee on agriculture Chairperson, urged farmers to adopt “inter-cropping coffee with coconut, establish coffee nurseries, and put-up farm schools supported by TESDa and the agricultural Training institute of the Da, to have a better income stream and to get out of poverty.” Abe Almirol

Paulate eyes Qc vice mayor post

Taguig, WHO team up for public health, sustainable development THE Taguig City government is in close coordination with the World Health organization in geneva in connection with the city’s public health initiatives in line with the global goals of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mayor laarni Cayetano visited WHo’s headquarters late last month and met officials led by Dr. Douglas Bettcher, director of WHo - Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases.

Davao excludes NPAs, criminals from ‘Lingap’ assistance list

PoliCE Senior Supt. Kirby John B. Kraft has been named acting director of the laguna Provincial Police office, replacing Senior Supt.

Dindo R. Reyes, who held the post as officer-incharge for just 10 days.

Kraft’s appointment was formalized Monday in a ceremonial turnover of command witnessed

by Police Deputy Director general Ramon C. apolinario, Philippine National Police deputy chief for administration, and Calabarzon police regional director Chief Supt. Ma. o R. aplasca at the laguna police headquarters at Camp general Paciano Rizal in Sta. Cruz. “i’m now the father of laguna PNP and [po-

lice] leader of the number one province in the country, and i will serve as good as a leader of honor and dignity, to serve our people of laguna,” Kraft said.

Reyes said despite his short stint, the laguna PPo “accomplished remarkable positive results” in their anti-illegal drug, illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms, and arrested wanted person operations. He also mentioned that laguna achieved three consecutive years as the best provincial police office in Calabarzon.

Kraft thanked PNP Director general Ronald Dela Rosa for his appointment along with apolinario and aplasca and vowed to continue the fight against illegal drugs and implement Project Tokhang and oplan Double Barrel thoroughly.

CouNCiloR Roderick Paulate of District 2 will run for vice mayor of Quezon City in the 2019 local elections.

City hall sources told Manila Standard Paulate will join the vice mayoralty race against two other last-term lawmakers—District 3 Councilor gian Carlo Sotto, son of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, and District 2 Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo.

Castelo is the husband of threeterm District 2 Councilor Precious Hipolito Castelo, who is a former broadcast journalist and former child actor like Paulate. a ranking official from Paulate’s office told the Standard that after his third term, Paulate is “definite” in his decision to seek a higher post. Rio N. Araja

Joy joins Davao organics expo iN SuPPoRT of the government efforts to promote homegrown products, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte joined a three-day Davao City’s organic exposition to promote her own clothing line inspired by the indigenous Yakan weavers in Mindanao.

With her friend and business partner louie lobregat in the linea Etnika fashion company, Belmonte said she was honored to participate in the organic and Natural Expo or oNE Mindanao held at SMX Convention Center in SM lanang, which was graced by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Mindanao has a lot to offer when it comes to traditional and organic products, and this activity is one good step to raise public awareness on the benefits and availability of natural and organic products in the market,” she said. Abe Almirol

Life

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

fashion and beauty

wednesday, march 21, 2018

C1

ALL ABOUT EVE. SM Woman celebrates powerful women with the launch of What Women Want campaign, that offers shopping privileges for the entire month of March, and the annual showcase of Coco Cabana’s 2018 Summer Collection.

I

What Women Want

TS ALL about honoring women and giving them what they want this March, as SM Woman joins the world in celebrating Women’s Month.

SM Woman celebrates the occasion with the launch of What Women Want. And when we talk about what women want, it always includes shopping. hence, for the entire month of March, SM Woman is giving all amaz-

ing women the best offers, including 50 percent discount on great selection of goods, buy 1 get 1 on select items, and freebies when purchasing from participating brands.

The SM Store has also set special

days this month to “really give women what they want.” On all Wednesdays of March (March 7, 14, 21, 28), SM Advantage cardholders are given an extra 10 percent off on all items. Meanwhile, all Saturdays of March (March 10, 17, 24, 31) are for BDO Shopmore cardholders, as they get to enjoy 5 percent rebate for a minimum purchase worth P5,000 to P9,999.99 and 10 percent rebate for a minimum purchase worth

P10,000. Finally, SM Advantage cardholders get twice the points on all purchases on March 30.

Aside from offering shopping discounts and other privileges, SM Woman also launched Coco Cabana’s 2018 Summer Collection, featuring stylish swimwear and resort wear. The collection features the hottest trends fresh off the runway, such as hyper botanicals, fun and flirty ruffles, classic

black and white suits, pretty pastels, shipshape nautical prints, sleek metallic, and suede.

Joining the models who presented Coco Cabana’s latest collection were Ruby Rodriguez, Bituin escalante Radha Cuadrado, Frenchie Dy, Cai Cortez, Rownita, and Kat Gumabao.

These ladies confidently walked the runway in their SM Plus outfits.

Triangle bikini top, white cropped pants, and black lace cover up

Bikini top with pastel piping paired with sheer drawstring pants

Drawstring neck one-piece suit and overlapping garterized split pants

Nautical-inspired swimwear with ruffled off-the-shoulder bikini top

L’Oréal’s the Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Sought-after mascara in the US is now in the PH

The lash mascara which claims to sell one tube every eight seconds is now available in the Philippines.

L’Oréal Paris, the global leader in cosmetics, announced the arrival of Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara here in the country via a lovely afternoon of yummy treats, spa treatments, and makeup sessions.

Famed for its easy to glide formula that gives women volumized, feathery soft, and light lashes, The Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara offers a sensorial experience with every swipe. With just one coat, it provides silky volume that won’t f lake, clump, or smudge, thanks to its 24-hour long-wearing and waterproof features.

Lash Paradise comes with a feathery-soft wavy brush with 200+ bristles. The applicator is designed to hold maximum product and smoothly coat your lashes from root to tips, for a stunning lash effect.

The mascara, in its pretty millennial rose gold tube, underwent a consumer test in the USA, with 91 percent saying they saw an intense and volumized effect lashes, 98 percent lengthening effect, and 87 percent agreed to having more beautiful lashes.

The Voluminous Lash Paradise is now available on Lazada and will be sold at L’Oréal counters starting April for P500.

Text and photos by Mae Gianina C. Pascual

Life

C2

wednesday, march 21, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Metallic and pastels are on trend this summer season

Footwear for the whole family Longchamp’s fourth boutique in the Philippines is located on the ground floor of Rustan’s Makati.

The stylish opening

OnE-StOP shop footwear store Payless is on trend this season with the launch of its summer styles. the spotlight is on modern metallic, block heels, funky sandals, flat sandals, and sandals in vibrant colors.

Payless also has mule backs and classic sneakers, as well as Champion athletics lineup for workout sessions at the gym those whose days are filled with attending meetings and catching flights have Dexflex Comfort Sandals to keep

them chic and supported wherever the work day takes them.

Moms will find affordable styles for their little ones, such as perfectly polished sandals and trendy Casletic styles for girls, and classic and comfortable footwear for boys.

Dads will also see great new styles at Payless stores this season, which include shoes with leather-like uppers, oxfords, and men’s dress shoes with cushiony memory foam insole and sturdy outsole.

of Longchamp’s newest boutique

L

UXURy leather goods label Longchamp recently opened its fourth Philippine boutique on the ground floor of Rustan’s Makati. no less than the metro’s stylish lot graced the opening party.

Carrying their Longchamp bags, Heart Evangelista-Escudero, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Mika Martinez, tootsy angara, Mari Jasmine, Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi with her twins Cassy and Mavy, nicole andersson, Laureen Uy, and tricia Gosingtian-Gabunada trooped to the gleaming 65-square meter store, which carries classic pieces and new collections of handbags, luggage, and accessories for men and women. also present at the event were special guests ambassador of France to the Philippines his Excellency nicolas Galey, Longchamp asia Pacific general manager Francois-Xavier Severin, Stores Specialists, Inc. president anton Huang, and Rustan Commercial Corporation Member of the Board Maritess tantoco Enriquez who joined Rustan’s president Donnie tantoco in the formal ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the official opening of the boutique. the new Longchamp boutique takes inspiration from the brand’s iconic Paris flagship store along rue Saint-Honore. It features the theme of contrasting wood, leather, and fabric, while playing

with rich textured patterns to showcase the collections. the beauty of the chosen materials and the extreme attention to detail in this boutique attest to Longchamp’s tradition of leather craftsmanship and artisanal expertise.

“We are honored to welcome Long-

champ into a bigger and better space at Rustan’s Makati,” said Donnie tantoco. “as a brand beloved not only by the Filipino shoppers but by the entire global community, Longchamp further brings prestige and is truly a great part of the Rustan’s portfolio of distinguished retail partners.” the opening of this new boutique is consistent with the French brand’s strategy to have its boutiques in the most attractive locations, encased in luxury environments.

Carmina VillaroelLegaspi with her twins Cassy and Mavy

Payless ShoeSource offers a wide range of sneakers

va n i t y c o r n er

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Tightening Pore Serum and Celeteque Rejuvenating Night Cream

Anti-Aging ArsenAl

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Heart Evangelista-Escudero

Tootsy Angara

Florals for spring? Not in this collection StRIPED dresses, plaid blazers, patterned blouses, gingham prints, and various denim pieces for women; graphic t-shirts, checkered pants, and striped sweaters for men comprise Forever 21’s Spring collection. the fashion retailer focuses on fresh shades and lightweight fabrics, sporty and feminine details, to bring stylish, modern pieces perfect for the warmer weather. now, who says florals are the only trendy prints for spring?

Forever 21’s Spring collection is available at all Forever 21 branches in SM Megamall, SM Makati, North Wing of SM City Cebu, The Block at SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Lanang Premier, SM Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, SM Southmall, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, Robinson’s Magnolia, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.

Want to control time’s effect on your skin? Celeteque provides solution to that with its advanced anti-aging range. the range is composed of products that harness the power of ingredients that help restore and improve skin’s firmness and elasticity. the light textured anti-Wrinkle Collagen Gel contains Hydrolyzed Collagen that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 68 percent in the first two weeks of use. the advanced anti-aging tightening Pore Serum, on the other hand, visibly refines pores within seven days thanks to its triple action of niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid, and Salicylic acid. also part of the range are the Rejuvenating night Cream that contains PhytoCelltec that’s responsible in protecting the longevity of skin stem cells, the Line Reducing Eye Mask that helps reduce fine lines in four weeks, and the Rejuvenating Facial Mask that reduces wrinkles within four weeks of continued use. these anti-aging skin care products are available at Watsons, PCX, and major department stores nationwide, as well as on lazada.com.

totAl sun protection tHERE is no shortage of sunscreen products promising skin protection from the sun on the shelves of beauty stores or supermarkets. But not all these sunscreens offer total protection from sun’s harmful UV rays. there is no such thing as 100 percent UV protection—not even from a sunscreen with an SPF of 110. It should offer coverage against both UVa and UVB. SPF measures only UVB, and one way to tell whether a sunscreen offers UVa coverage are the words “broad spectrum.”

Diana Stalder Sunscreen Cream SPF 35 Diana Stalder Sunscreen Cream SPF 35 is a broad spectrum sunscreen protection that contains Zinc Oxide, a natural active ingredient that physically blocks both UVa and UVB rays. It is FDa registered and is ideal for normal to dry skin.

This broad spectrum sunscreen is available at Diana Stalder clinics in Gateway Mall, SM Megamall, SM Calamba, and SM Bacolod.

Forever 21’s Spring collection features denim pieces and stripe prints, among others.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Simply Red...

From C4

How netizens, viewers receive GMA’s new station ID FUTURE STARS. Soon, these young and energetic Kapuso talents, who appear in GMA SID, will be the biggest celebrities of their time.

F

OLLOWING GMA Network’s launch of “Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso” on March 9, viewers took to social media their reactions on the new station ID (SID).

Most netizens shared how they became emotional and nostalgic after watching the Kapuso SID which featured the Network’s humble beginnings. On its launch date, the hashtag #BuongPusoParaSaKapuso became the country’s number one trending topic on Twitter while the video hit one million views online in less than 48 hours.

Facebook user and loyal Kapuso Jackson Pulvera expressed his appreciation. “From humble beginnings ng GMA, from Uncle Bob until now, you will really appreciate the message of the video. Solid Kapuso here mula noon hanggang ngayon.”

Meanwhile, YouTube user Angel Mhaey

Singlian commented, “I cried because I am very proud for the network that I loved. Ever since, they never let me and my whole family down in showing us the real love, entertainment, truth, reliable news and many more.”

Youtuber Byul also said that the SID’s message is nice and clear despite its simplicity. “First, GMA is here to serve.

Second, [they] give quality shows. Lastly, [they] report the truth, as they have for more than 60 years.”

Joeffrey M. Sacristan, on the other hand, commented on how timeless the Kapuso theme song is which reminded him of his younger years. “Na-LSS na naman ako. This is the first GMA theme song that I could remember as a kid, boses ni Regine pa yon. Look how time flies so fast.”

The Kapuso station ID has indeed pulled the heartstrings of many viewers who have witnessed GMA’s journey through the years. To watch the full-length video of “Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso,” visit www.facebook.com/GMANetwork or www. youtube.com/GMANETWORK

Comedy series starring Bill Hader debuts on HBO BARRY is a depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. While on a job in LA, he follows his “mark” into an acting class and is instantly drawn to the group of students. Barry wants to start a new life in this community of eager hopefuls, but his criminal past won’t let him walk away. Can he find a way to balance the two worlds?

The brand new HBO original dark comedy series Barry, starring Bill Hader, kicks off its eight-episode season same time as the U.S. on March 26 at 10:30 a.m., with a same day encore at 11:30 p.m., exclusively on HBO. Alec Berg (HBO’s Silicon Valley) and Hader (Saturday Night Live) serve as cocreators, executive producers, directors and writers.

Other cast regulars include: Stephen American actor and comedian Bill Hader

Newbie...

From C4

Ulao admits that tapping into her personal experience was difficult, but it also proved cathartic for the first-time actress. “I started to remove the hatred I have in my heart. I’m slowly recovering my inner peace.” Her risk to take on Women of the Weeping River paid off, making her performance in the film one of the best debut performances of

an actress in a Filipino movie in recent years. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 2016 QCinema International Film Festival, where the movie premiered. The Young Critic Circle also gave her the Best Performance award last year, besting several veteran actors for the award. In December, Ulao won the Best Actress at the 1st ASEAN-China International Film Festival in Malaysia.

“I’m happy for the awards I got. I’m also excited for people to watch the movie para maintindihan kami ng mga

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

ACROSS 1 Gosh darn!

5 Emulated a crow 10 Western state 14 Exercise aftermath 15 Met production 16 “Miami Vice” cop 17 Oxford or pump 18 Dynamite inventor 19 Pager’s sound 20 Burst 22 Medals 24 Intense devotion 28 Furrier’s stock 31 Corrida cry 32 Enjoys, as benefits 36 Range in Asia 37 Pirouettes 39 Round mark 40 Cuddled 42 More run-down 44 Compass dir.

45 Corundum and rust 47 Teeny bit 48 Rendered fats 50 Goddess of dawn 51 Topsy-turvy 52 Was sorry 55 Not fully

persuaded 58 Tribal council 62 Sorority member 63 In — — (briefly) 67 Classic Nabisco cookie 68 Drawn out 69 Roamed about 70 Trace of smoke 71 Part of a.m.

72 Needing a rinse 73 Court dividers DOWN 1 Briefcase closer 2 Say likewise 3 Mince 4 Persevere (3 wds.)

5 High-rise unit 6 GI mail drop 7 Spider trap 8 Previous to 9 Lama lead-in 10 Sophisticated 11 Row of seats 12 Zipped through 13 Brewery supply 21 Mag execs 23 Inferior 25 More boisterous 26 “The Greatest” 27 Most succinct 28 Discussion group 29 Ms. Verdugo

30 Type of printer 33 Tijuana farewell 34 Byron and Keats 35 Digress 37 Lone Star guy 38 Brown of renown 41 Defeated one 43 Became calm (2 wds.)

46 Forest grazer 49 Menial worker 51 Gibson or

Torme 53 Bicycle parts 54 Name for a bear 55 USC rival 56 Whistle time 57 Transmitted 59 Ontario neighbor 60 Siesta 61 Peace offerings 64 Sweet-talk 65 Biologist’s eggs 66 Sales agent

Root (Get Out) as Barry’s handler, who is alarmed to contemplate a future without his primary source of income; Sarah Goldberg (Hindsight) as a dedicated acting student who becomes the object of Barry’s affection; Glenn Fleshler (HBO’s True Detective) a Chechen mob kingpin whose killer instincts are (somewhat) tempered by a surprisingly sentimental side; Anthony Carrigan (Gotham) as the mobster’s brutal but unfailingly polite sidekick; and Henry Winkler (Arrested Development) as a pompous yet endearing acting teacher who takes Barry under his wing.

As well as starring in the series, Hader directs episodes of the show, marking his directorial debut. tao outside Mindanao, for them to know the real story,” Ulao said. Women of the Weeping River, produced by TBA Studios, opens on Friday, March 23 at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall and SM Bacoor at 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. as part of Cine Lokal. It is also slated to have an art-house theatrical release in the U.S. starting in April to be followed by regional screenings nationwide. For block screenings, contact TBA Studios at filmscreenings@tba.ph.

ToFarm Film Festival is now ready for the third edition. The brainchild of socio-entrepreneur Dr. Mila O. How, TFF so far is the only advocacy-driven film festival in the country. With its festival director gone –Maryo J. Delos Reyes passed on last month – Dr. How decided to sign three seasoned film personalities to run her company’s annual film festival. These three will stand as festival advisers –– Bibeth Orteza and Joey Romero with Laurice Guillen as Consultant.

Orteza said at a lunch to introduce them to members of the media, she is the daughter of a farmer, so being chosen to be with Dr. How’s advocacydriven film festival is an honor for her.

Guillen wasn’t around at the lunch.

Alternately, Orteza and Romero announced the mechanics of the festival and the addition of short films section all to be shot with mobile phones.

Both admitted that they can’t equal what Delos Reyes had done for the festival, but they promised they’d do their best.

TOFARM Film Festival 2018 will run from Sept.12 to 18, with the Awards Night slated on Sept.15.

The Festival Committee is now accepting script entries for screening.

Deadline for submission is on April 20.

For more information on how to submit original manuscripts, log on to www.tofarm.org. @bibethorteza *** The Optical Media Board (OMB), the Philippine agency tasked to uphold intellectual property rights in the production, use, and distribution of optical media, recognized ABSCBN Global, Ltd. Philippine branch (ABS-CBN Global) as one of the most compliant exporters in the Philippines at the agency’s 14th anniversary held recently at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

As part of the agency’s celebration of over two decades of service, OMB recognized ABS-CBN Global’s efforts in adhering to OMB’s mandate and for complying with its rules and regulations including license and permits application. ABS-CBN Global was awarded among a total of 58 other awardees from both the public and private sector that also included ABSCBN’s film production and distribution arm, ABS-CBN Film Production Inc. (Star Cinema), as one of the most compliant local entities under the commercial category.

OMB Chairman and CEO Atty. Anselmo Adriano thanked partners, local government units, and private sector partners for their past efforts and looked forward to more collaboration: “We hope to work with you in more years to come.”

ABS-CBN Global currently reaches out to Filipinos overseas, via its subsidiaries and affiliates outside the Philippines, through content such as movies and programs that comply with

OMB and other applicable agencies’ guidelines prior to their broadcast and distribution overseas. *** In my previous column, I had an item on the ratings race in which the Kapamilya network, adhering to data provided to them by Kantar Media, claimed to lead the race in February.

Here’s what the Kapamilya network said in answer to that claim. The network adheres to data given to them

by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA Network said it continued its winning streak in nationwide television ratings based on the latest data from the industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the full month of February (with Feb. 18 to 28 based on overnight data), GMA remained the most watched TV station in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with an average of 43.6 percent total day people audience share, toppling ABS-CBN’s 37.9 percent.

The Kapuso Network registered a solid 42.5 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 33.7 percent in the morning block in NUTAM, while GMA posted an even bigger lead in the afternoon block with 48.4 percent versus competition’s 35.3 percent.

GMA won across all day parts with steadily increasing margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 76 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

In Urban Luzon, GMA posted a total day people audience share of 49.1 percent as against its rival network’s 31.4 percent.

Likewise, in Mega Manila (with official data from Feb.1 to 24), the Kapuso Network remained undefeated with a 52.1 percent total day people audience share while ABS-CBN managed to get only 27.6 percent.

Award-winning news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) was still the most watched GMA program nationwide in February.

Other GMA ratings drivers last month were Magpakailanman; Kambal, Karibal; Pepito Manaloto; 24 Oras; Sherlock Jr.; All-Star Videoke; Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko; and Ika-6 na Utos.

Also in the list of top programs were Sirkus; The One That Got Away; The Stepdaughters; 24 Oras Weekend; Eat Bulaga; Tadhana; Impostora; Sunday Pinasaya; and Haplos.

GMA Network still dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon with eight Kapuso shows in the top 10.

Moreover, GMA programs swept the first nine spots in Mega Manila.

Meanwhile, it also announced that viewers can now enjoy a more colorful, more vibrant, and clearer viewing experience as GMA Network’s digital TV signal now covers all parts of Metro Manila as well as nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga.

Sherlock Jr.'s Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia and Serena the dog

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

C4

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

Tyro Laila Ulao in acclaimed film

Social media royalties (from left) Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda

Who are the most influential stars on social media?

IF YOU’VE read Metro.Style’s list, the most influential stars on social media are all stars of ABS-CBN. Is that possible? Or is it really true?

When you talk of social media it is a confluence of the various platforms that many Internet users subscribe to. But it seems this list focused merely on either Twitter or Instagram, sidelining Facebook, otherwise I’d have felt the presence of these stars on FB myself.

According to Metro.Style, Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, and Angel Locsin are Metro Society’s “Most Influential on Social Media.”

Anne is at the top spot with her chic style, adorable pets, interesting upbeat social life, and enticing travel photos shared with 8.5 million fans on Instagram and 10.4 million followers on Twitter. The It’s Showtime host embraced social media in bringing her closer to fans and help others and bring about social change in the community.

As a comedian, actor, TV host, and now cosmetics brand, whatever Vice Ganda touches turns to gold. A selfmade individual and a stalwart for the

LGBT movement, he is an icon for everything that the Filipino who dreams and works hard enough can achieve— ISAH V. RED which all of his 10.4 million followers on Twitter all agree on.

With a look back at her roles, Angel may very well be the country’s biggest female action star. But more than just physically strong, she has also weathered difficulties in life with a kind of grace that has drawn her many admirers. With a following of 10.2 million, Angel’s tweets are a mix of inspirational messages and updates on her projects and charities.

Other celebrities who also made it to the list are Yeng Constantino, Marian Rivera, Toni Gonzaga, Kim Chiu, Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, and Erich Gonzales.

The “Most Influential on Social Media” list identifies relevant people from different fields—individuals who, with their large social media following, help shape and move the society we live in today.

Check out the full series of #MetroSocietyMostInfluential articles on metrostyle.abs-cbn.com. Continued on C3

Envy, jealousy in ‘THE BLOOD SISTERS’

Erich Gonzales playing as Erika and Carrie in 'The Blood Siters.'

WHILE blood links together the triplets played by Erich Gonzales in ABSCBN’s primetime series The Blood Sisters, envy and jealousy are already threatening to break them apart even before their reunion.

After officially being welcomed into the Bermudez-Almeda home, Erika is still getting used to having a complete and happy family, working a stable job, and studying in college.

But while it appears like they are one happy family, Carrie will slowly be eaten up by feelings of bitterness because of the attention Erika is getting from her whole family and her former boyfriend Samuel (Enchong Dee).

As Erika and Carrie navigate their

‘WOMEN OF THE WEEPING RIVER’

relationship as sisters, their twin Agatha, a spunky lass from Baguio, is working on a grand plan to eventually reveal herself and upset her long-lost family’s peaceful life.

Driven by selfishness and rage for growing up poor, Agatha is determined to experience the comfort and fortune that she thinks she has been denied of all her life.

How will Agatha introduce herself to Erika, Carrie, and the BermudezAlmeda clan? What will happen once the triplets find out that their real mother is Adele (Cherry Pie Picache) and not Deborah (Dina Bonnevie)?

The Blood Sisters airs from Monday to Friday on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Newbie actress Laila Ulao in Sheron Dayoc's ‘Women of the Weeping River.’

A

LTHOUGH a first-time actress, Laila Ulao managed to make waves for her performance in the acclaimed Women of the Weeping River, which won Best Picture awards at the 2016 QCinema International Film Festival, the 2017 Young Critics Circle, and the 40th Gawad Urian.

Now, with the movie’s release this March in time for National Women’s Month, the moviegoing public will finally get to see Ulao’s award-winning performance that many viewers have described as superb, stunning, and heartbreaking.

Directed by award-winning director Sheron Dayoc, Women of the Weeping River tells the story of Satra (Ulao), a young widow in a remote Muslim community whose family is caught in an escalating blood feud – locally known as the ‘rido’ – that stretches back generations. She must choose between following the wishes of her family to continue the feud and disobeying her loved ones in the hopes of stopping the clan war that has been going on for several years.

Women of the Weeping River is shot entirely in Tausug with an all-Muslim cast of non-actors. According to Dayoc, he considered both the physical features and the personal background of the actors for the movie “so they would be able to connect to the character they are playing.” This makes Ulao, a community nurse based in Zamboanga, who has also experienced losing a loved one in Mindanao, a perfect fit for the role.

“I initially thought Women of the Weeping River was just going to be

an [online] short film. Kinabahan ako, gusto kong umatras,” Ulao quipped.

“Wala akong experience in acting before this, kahit sa school.”

But what compelled her to push through with the movie was her desire to help share the story of Mindanao and its people.

“I worked for a non-government organization before acting and our advocacy is promoting peace and empowering women. I want to be a tool in promoting peace. The idea that the film will be seen outside Mindanao, it’s like a really big chance for us to show them our story, the story ng kung ano ba ang papel ng kababaihan sa Moro conflict.”

Dayoc said that because of her proximity to the character, Ulao was able to “live and breathe the character” of Satra.

“She’s living the character in the film kaya mapapansin talaga yung

kanyang rawness and sincerity,” Dayoc said.

“Pinag-isa ko talaga si Laila at si Satra,” she said, admitting that her character’s journey is similar to her own.

“My father was shot to death. I was so mad. I was so angry. I wanted vengeance. But I realized that wanting vengeance is not good, not healthy, my hatred is slowly destroying me. With the help of Allah, I was able to overcome the anger,” she added. Continued on C3

OPM hitmaker returns with well-loved single CERTIFIED hitmaker Dingdong Avanzado returns to deliver more iconic OPM songs with his recently launched revival of the hit single “Walang Kapalit” under Star Music.

“I’m celebrating my 30th year and with this milestone, we wanted to bring in some of my past hits and reimagine them,” shared Dingdong about his current legacy project.

The singer-songwriter’s restyled “Walang Kapalit” was launched on air through MOR 101.9 along with

the “Ikakasal Ka Na” remake of his wife, Jessa Zaragoza. His 2000 Here to Stay album under then-Star Records contained the original version of “Walang Kapalit,” with words and music by renowned musician Rey Valera.

Meanwhile, the remake version of the single is arranged by Marlon Barnuevo, mixed and mastered

by Boggie Manipon with backup vocals and arrangement by Yosha Honasan and guitars by Migs Rañeses.

Star Music’s audio content head, Jonathan Manalo, led the song’s main vocal arrangement and over-all music production.

This latest single is now available for download in leading digital stores.

It is also part of Dingdong and Jessa’s collaborative 20/30 Commemorative Anniversary Album, launched recently.

For more details on Dingdong’s “Walang Kapalit” single and upcoming shows, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts.

Hitmaker Dingdong Avanzado drops his new single, 'Walang Kapalit.'