Manila Standard - 2018 March 24 - Saturday

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DRUG TEST. Philippine National Police chief DirectorGeneral Ronald dela Rosa conducts a surprise inspection and random drug test Friday for personnel of the Quezon City Police District at the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal, Quezon City. NCRPO Director Oscar Albayalde and QCPD director Chief Supt.

Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar and other key officers from the PNP join Dela Rosa in the accounting. Manny Palmero

‘Bato’ to cops: Carry firearms when off-duty but hide them POLICE officers should carry guns and conceal them even when off-duty and in civilian clothes, Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa said Friday during an accounting of personnel at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

“When you’re in civilian [outfit], hide your guns properly. Don’t put them out when in civilian [clothes].

You will be admonished. I will scold you if your guns are displayed. Hide it well. That’s what we call concealed carry,” Dela Rosa said as he scolded the cops who didn’t bring their firearms with them.

He said the guns should be hidden when, for instance, a hold-up was happening in front of them.

“How will you react [without a gun]? If that’s a shootout, you’ll punch it out? If hold-uppers have guns, do you want a fistfight instead?

Karate? Judo?” the PNP chief said.

Concealed carrying of firearms would not violate any laws, Dela Rosa said.

“They are policemen 24/7. They should just avoid displaying and pointing their guns [at people]— that’s a violation. But if they bring the guns as a concealed carry, it’s not [a violation],” he said.

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Duterte orders crackdown on colorum buses

By Vito Barcelo

Earth Hour: Lights out on iconic landmarks PARIS—World landmarks from the Eiffel Tower to the Empire State Building will go dark this weekend to support the fight against climate change and highlight the dangers mankind poses to nature.

The 11th edition of Earth Hour, an annual bid to raise awareness about climate change caused by burning Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 41 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Boracay closure

by April 26 eyed

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE three government departments tasked to clean up the mess on Boracay Island in Aklan have recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to close down the popular tourist destination for six months starting April 26, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said Friday.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a crackdown on all colorum vehicles nationwide, including arresting their drivers and operators, after visiting the families of the victims of the ill-fated Dimple Star Transport bus accident in Occidental Mindoro on Friday.

“Beginning tomorrow, all drivers will be arrested. I told the police, the highway patrol to find the operators and jail them also,” Duterte said at the 16th founding anniversary of the lumad group Supreme Tribal Council for Peace and Development.

The President also threatened to shoot or kill the drivers and operators who will resist arrest, and to impound their non-registered vehicles.

“If you resist arrest and the lives of the police were in danger, my order to them was to kill you,” Duterte added.

He also ordered the regional directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to make an inventory of emerging tourism sites in their areas of jurisdictions and formulate management plans to avoid the problems in Boracay brought about by overcrowding, unregulated growth and inadequate sanitary facilities.

“We want to make sure that the problem in Boracay will not be repeated. We will make sure that there

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CURTAINS DOWN. Three government departments directed to clean up the mess on the popular tourist destination Boracay Island in Aklan recommend its closure for six months starting April 26, according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu. “We want to make sure that the problem in Boracay will not be repeated. We will make sure that there are proper sewerage treatment facilities in the tourist sites, that easement zones are followed and that there will be no encroaching in forestlands,” Cimatu said.

10 suspects in fatal hazing surrender

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE 10 members of the Aegis Juris fraternity who have been charged for the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas freshman law student Horacio Castillo III are now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said hazing suspects Mhin Wei Chan, Jose Miguel Salamat, John Robin Ramos, Marcelino Bagtang Jr., Arvin

Palace worker fired for grammatical sins AN OFFICIAL on Friday fired a Malacañang worker for producing a badly written note on the official press ID of reporters covering the Palace.

The errors included serious grammatical lapses and run-on sentences, but was nevertheless signed by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, the same official who fired the worker.

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‘‘

Her loss, and who is she? Wrong perception, because there’s none.

—Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, referring to American actress Hayley Atwell, whom Malacanang criticized for cancelling a trip to the Philippines for alleged “political unrest” in the country.

Balag, Ralph Trangia, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali and Hans Matthew Rodrigo surrendered to an agent and were brought to NBI headquarters in Manila at about 11 a.m.

Judge Alfredo Ampuan of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40 ordered the arrest for violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995.

Because the hazing resulted in death, the suspects are not eligible for bail. Next page

IBP seeks quo warranto plea dismissal

By Rey E. Requejo THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Friday asked the Supreme Court to allow it to intervene and seek the dismissal of the quo warranto petition filed against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for being “fatally flawed.”

In a petition for intervention, the IBP’s board of governors asked the high court to allow it to formally oppose the quo warranto petition that assails the validity of Sereno’s appointment in 2012.

The group made its petition even as Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio on Friday showed he was able to submit all 10 required Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth when he applied to be chief justice in 2012.

Sereno claims that 14 of the applicants for chief justice in 2012, including Carpio, “failed to submit to the Judicial and Bar Council one or more of their SALNs.” In seeking the dismissal of the quo warranto case filed by Solicitor Next page

China sets war games in disputed sea MUSIC FESTIVAL. Former President and now Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2nd from left) leads the opening Friday of the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival in Praderta Verde. Also in attendance are Makati Rep. Monsour del Rosario, tourism officials, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab. The Festival, now on its 5th year, will run until Sunday. Contributed Photo

A JOINT statement of the Asean-Australia Special Summit signed by member heads of state aired the strongest position against aggressive acts in the South China Sea. The group reaffirmed “the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region,” said Dindo Manhit, president of the independent think tank Stratbase

Albert del Rosario Institute said.

This developed as the Chinese Navy was poised to carry out combat drills in the waterway also known as the West Philippine Sea, which China’s official newspaper said was part of its regular annual exercises.

However, the United States Navy also carried out a “freedom of navigation” Next page

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UN advisor a target living as a 'terrorist'

By Clare Byrne

V

ICKY Tauli-Corpuz has spent four decades campaigning for indigenous people in her native Philippines, but never feared for her life. That changed last month when she was branded a “terrorist” by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

The special advisor to the UN on indigenous rights since 2014 was among 600 people accused of terrorism over their al-

leged links to Maoist rebels in a government document filed in a Manila court in February.

The activist, who had condemned alleged rights abuses in the southern Mindanao region where the state is battling an Islamic insurgency and leftist guerrillas, denies the allegations and says she feels like a marked woman.

“This is like a target list basically,” the slightly built, bespectacled 65-year-old from the Kankanaey Igorot ethnic group said in an interview at the UN cultural body Unesco in Paris.

While waiting to see if the state brings charges, she said she has decided to stay out

of the Philippines on the advice of her lawyers.

Tauli-Corpuz is one of several leftwing activists accused by Duterte’s government of links to the communist rebels with whom he broke off talks last year, after initially saying he would “walk the extra mile” for peace.

Duterte blamed the rebels, whose insurgency has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives since 1969, for ongoing attacks on the security forces.

In its court petition, the Justice department asked for the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to be declared “terrorist organizations.”

Attached to the submission were 600 names of suspected rebels, including Tauli-Corpuz and two other prominent indigenous leaders—Joan Carling and Jose Molintas—who have previously advised the United Nations.

The targeting of the trio came after Duterte last year accused indigenous Lumad schools of grooming children to become insurgents and threatened to bomb them.

Reacting to the case, UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said it was “unacceptable for a special rapporteur acting on behalf of the international community whose expertise is sought by the [UN]Human Rights Council to be treated in this way.”

Sotto: Political dynasty bill 'unfair' to pols' legitimate family members

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III considers the proposed anti-political dynasty bill “unfair” to legitimate family members of politicians.

In a text message on Friday, Sotto noted the proposed measure prohibits a wife or anyone in the second degree of consanguinity to run for public office. However, he said mistresses and their relatives can run in an election.

“Signing a committee report does not mean one is in favor. I signed dissenting,” he further said.

This was after Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III assured that the Senate can pass the anti-political dynasty bill.

“We can pass that in the Senate. We will also incorporate a self-executing anti political dynasty provision in the new Constitution,” he said.

Hence, Pimentel said the House has no choice but to accept the reality that there will soon be an “anti-poli” dynasty law.

Sotto was referring to the consolidated bill banning political dynasties signed by 13 out of the 23 senators on Wednesday evening.

The signatories are Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Grace Poe, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Ralph Recto, Leila de Lima, Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

Of the signatories, Ejercito, Binay, Angara, Recto and Gatchalian have close relatives currently occupying various elective positions.

Ejercito said he is optimistic the antidynasty bill will get the approval of the senators. In the House, he said it will likely

Boracay...

From A1 are proper sewerage treatment facilities in the tourist sites, that easement zones are followed and that there will be no encroaching in forestlands,” Cimatu said.

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte "has yet to decide on the matter."

The inter-agency task force comprised of the Environment, Local Government and Tourism departments, recommended that the closure last no longer than a year, during which time restoration measures could be undertaken.

Inspections on compliance with sewage treatment and other requirements are now being conducted in tourist spots in El Nido in Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Panglao in Bohol, and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

The DENR is also studying the impact of tourism on wildlife and marine resources to formulate restrictions in the interest of protecting their natural habitat, Cimatu said.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the temporary closure of Boracay would not result in massive job losses as some businessmen on the island have warned.

Many big hotels supported the closure and would use it to refurbish their facilities, she said.

“They said they will not lay off workers.

They will still rehabilitate the hotels, clean the hotels,” Teo told radio dzMM. The government will also hire locals to help with the clean-up of the island, she added.

“We will hire a lot of people so maybe, only a few will lose their jobs,” she said in Filipino.

Duterte had earlier described the waters of Boracay as “a cesspool” and warned that he would shut down the island, a popular tourist attraction, if it did not clean up in six months, Senator Joel Villanueva said Friday he favored stricter enforcement of environmental laws and the shutdown only of companies that violate them.

be approved if President Rodrigo Duterte pushes for it.

The House, led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, is dominated by allies of the President and the ruling party PDP-Laban.

Ejercito, son of former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and his partner, incumbent San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, said he was a principal author of the measure since he was a member of the House of Representatives.

His half-brother, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, the Manila mayor’s son by former senator Loi Ejercito, is like him again running for senator in the May 2019 elections.

Poe also said it will pass in the Senate but noted she “was not so sure” about it in the House, not being privy to the discussions there.

Aquino said it is about time to pass the anti-political dynasty bill. He said all experts were saying that federalism will not be successful if this proposed measure is not passed into law.

“So, if the proponents of federalism are serious, they have to push for this law that prevents political dynasty,” he said.

Angara believes that compared to previous congresses, the bill has made a lot of progress.

“But I am sure there will be a lot of debates on how the law will operate in given situations,” said Angara.

He said it is easy to disqualify a family member from running if there is an incumbent family member.

“But what happens when there are no incumbent family members in office and two relatives like brothers or spouses run at the same time? What is the mechanism for choosing who can run from among the relatives?” he asked, noting those details need ironing out.

“Implementation of these laws need not require a unilateral and immediate closure of the island. Violators should be penalized, fined and imprisoned, based on the provisions of the applicable laws,” Villanueva said.

“Areas of the island and compliant establishments that are still manageable should remain open. Affected employees and informal workers should be provided with contingency plans and livelihood assistance,” he added.

According to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Boracay establishments generated 17,737 jobs in 2017, the largest in Western Visayas.

Furthermore, the world-famous tourist destination attracted an all-time high of over 2 million local and foreign tourists in 2017, an increase of 16 percent from 2016 based on the data of the Department of Tourism.

“We reiterate our position against a total closure of Boracay. An unqualified closure of the island, especially for an extended period of time, could result in irreversible economic losses for compliant establishments and for those who rely on Boracay for their livelihood,” Villanueva said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has backed the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government to close the Boracay for six months to allow the government to rehabilitate the island.

However, the proposal was met with criticisms from residents, tourists, and businesses who said a prolonged shutdown would hurt the island and deprive its people of livelihood.

“For all its problems, Boracay remains at the heart of our country’s tourism program.

It continues to bring in billions of pesos worth of revenue, and attract millions of local and foreign tourists,” Villanueva said.

“Through the years, the Philippine government has spent billions of pesos in promoting the natural beauty of Boracay and its people. We cannot force a direct closure of the entire island without consideration of its impact on the people of Boracay and our national tourism program,” Villanueva added.

China...

IBP...

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operation in the South China Sea on Friday, coming close to structures China has built there, US officials said.

“We emphasize the importance of non-militarization and the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may complicate the situation,” the AseanAustralia group said.

The declaration came at the end of the two-day special summit between Australia and the ten-member regional bloc, in which the Philippines was represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

General Jose Calida against Sereno, the IBP raised several arguments why the high court should dump the petition―including the lapsed prescriptive period for filing such case and the inevitability of encroaching into the separation of powers if the high court looks into Sereno’s alleged lack of integrity.

“The Quo Warranto Petition is fatally flawed because the allegations therein are clear that the JBC itself did not require the submission of respondent Chief Justice’s SALNs from 2001 to 2006,” the IBP’s pleading says.

“Therefore, there is no discernible intent of avoiding the constitutional requirement that would purportedly taint her integrity.”

Siding with the arguments of Sereno in seeking the dismissal of the quo warranto petition, the IBP says impeachment is the only way allowed by the Constitution to remove an impeachable official from office.

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (right) orders Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Martin Delgra III to arrest the operator of the Dimple Star bus during his visit to the accident site in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Friday. He also ordered the arrest of other operators who are running colorum public utility vehicles nationwide.

Duterte's orders came on the heels of the accident involving the same bus company that left 19 dead and 21 wounded last Tuesday. With the President is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go (left). Presidential Photo

Duterte...

From A1 Earlier, the President ordered the arrest of the operator of the Dimple Star bus company after one of its buses fell into a ravine in Occidental Mindoro, killing 19 people and injuring 21 others, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said Friday.

Hours later, the operator surfaced and surrendered to the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Manila.

In a series of text messages, Go said the President also ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to go after companies operating without a license.

The President went to Sablayan town to inspect the site where the passenger bus fell into a ravine.

Duterte’s order to arrest the operator came hours after the LTFRB suspended the operations of 118 buses of Dimple Star for 30 days.

The LTFRB ordered Dimple Star to have its buses checked for road-worthiness and its drivers and conductors to undergo drug testing and a driving seminar.

The LTFRB said Dimple Star’s bus ter-

minals lacks shaded areas where passengers can sit, separate comfort rooms for males and females, priority lanes and communication facilities.

Investigators said the driver of the bus, Arno Panganiban, lost control while traversing the national highway. He was among the fatalities.

The bus had rust all over its body and underneath its flooring.

Senator Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public services, said she received reports of rampant corruption in the inspection of public utility vehicles, with employees of the Land Transportation Office getting pay-offs.

In many cases, she said, vehicles that were up for renewal of their registration never really underwent any tests.

“Information that reached us said that on paper, motor vehicles undergo and pass the test, but the reality is a number of them were never tested,” she said.

She said a complete inspection of a vehicle, including an emission test, is a requisite to annual registration.

Poe added that she received information that bus companies have designated representatives who deal with LTO employees so that their fleet gets a clean bill of health without testing—for a fee.

'Bato'...

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10...

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Even retiring policemen should have a gun issued to them, Dela Rosa said, as President Rodrigo Duterte “doesn’t want to see a cop that doesn’t holster a gun.” “[Duterte] said, why did you become policemen if you’re not willing to fight, not willing to shoot it out? What kind of cops are you?” he said.

According to Dela Rosa, most of the PNP’s accomplishments involved cops “who were off-duty and were able to foil crimes as they were carrying firearms with them.”

The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act or Republic Act No. 10591 states that when the “agencyprescribed” uniform “does not include a holster,” or for those authorized to carry firearms outside their residences or official stations while in civilian attire, the firearms shall be concealed “unless actually used for legitimate purpose.”

Violation of this provision is subject for immediate revocation of the License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration, RA 10591 adds.

Policemen wearing agency-prescribed uniforms are required to place their firearms in a holster securely attached to the belt.

“You are a policeman 24/7 whether you like it or not. You are cops every minute of the day, every hour of the day. That’s why you must be ready to respond to any emergency when needed. How will you respond [to crimes] if you don’t have a

Two of the suspects, Salamat and Ramos, have filed a motion for inhibition against Ampuan, however, accusing him of partiality because he is related to the founder of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, Dante Jimenez, who helped the Castillo family during the preliminary investigation.

Castillo, 22, died of “severe blunt traumatic injuries” after attending the initiation rites held at the Aegis Juris Library behind the university compound in Manila on Sept. 16, 2017.

His parents found his body the following day at a funeral home in Sampaloc, Manila, with bruises on both arms and cigarette burns and candle wax drippings all over his body.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, a close friend of the Castillo family, welcomed the arrest of the 10 suspects, saying he hoped justice would be served.

He said the filimg of charges against the perpetrators was one of the recommendations of the Senate committees that conducted an investigation into Castillo’s death.

“We have done our part in passing as well a stricter Anti-Hazing Law and so we thank the Department of Justice for acting on this matter, as we all continue to hope for justice to finally be served to the family of Atio,” he said, referring to Castillo by his nickname.

“The rule on impeachment rests on the fundamental principles of judicial independence and separation of powers,” the IBP said.

The group says the Judicial and Bar Council has the power to determine whether or not Sereno passed the test of “proven integrity.”

In asserting it has legal personality to intervene, the IBP said it “has the fundamental duty...to uphold the Constitution, advocate for the rule of law and safeguard the administration of justice.

“Quo warranto does not lie because what cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly.”

In the petition he filed on March 5, Calida asked the high court to reject Sereno’s appointment over her alleged ineligibility for the top judicial post and order her removal from office.

He said Sereno did not meet the specific qualification of proven integrity for the post of chief justice with her failure to comply with the required submission of 10-year SALNs.

Palace...

From A1 Andanar said only the front portion of the ID reached his office for approval, but no one was able to explain why his signature was on the back side.

Some of the errors: “[This card] is non-transferable and void if altered this card remains property of Presidential Communications Office...

“Upon expiration or when resigns from his or her agency, this card should be returning without delay to the International Press Center....”

The ID drew criticism from netizens after it appeared on Viber.

Andanar said he had already ordered an investigation of what he described as a “breach of protocol” because he saw only the front portion of the ID. He crossed out the note on the back of the ID with a red-ink pen and then wrote “Revise!!! Then hand in your resignation letter by Monday!” Vito Barcelo

Sandiganbayan denies US trip of Ruby Tuason

By Maricel V. Cruz PORK barrel fund scam state witness Ruby Tuason has failed to convince the Sandiganbayan Third Division regarding her trip to the United States, supposedly from March 22 to May 5, for a medical treatment.

“The motion of accused/movant Ruby C. Tuason is hereby denied for lack of merit,” the anti-graft court division said in its resolution dated March 15.

Tuason earlier appealed to the court to be allowed to travel to Los Angeles, California for a Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Tuason’s length of stay in the US as well as her failure to provide the court with specific itinerary of his trip moved the Sandiganbayan to deny her motion to travel.

Meanwhile, alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles on Friday accused the Greyhound Team of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of raiding her jail cell in Camp Bagong Diwa without proper authorization, an incident she used to justify her wish to be included in the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Citing an undated incident report that Napoles submitted to the Sandiganbayan, she said the raid involving 40 BJMP personnel happened on Oct. 12 last year.

Signed by Senior Jail Officer 1 Ruth Adorna and jail warden Chief Inspector Editha Dalisay, the report said one male officer wearing full battle gear entered the cell of “client Napoles” and took several of her belongings and papers.

“The Greyhound Team entered the cell by cutting the chain/lock with the use of a bolt cutter and kicking off the door to open. The entire cell was searched and ended with the confiscation of some items to include personal belongings and important documents and the cutting and disabling of the CCTV security camera,” the report read.

The operation of the Greyhound Team was conducted without proper coordination with the detailed team on duty, it added.

Napoles attached this report to her appeal to the Sandiganbayan to “enlighten even more” the anti-graft court to grant her urgent motion to be transferred to the WPP. Tuason sought the permission to travel for the DMEK procedure, which according to her doctors is not done in the Philippines, after she has been diagnosed to be suffering from “corneal decompensation/ corneal edema of the right eye secondary to a low endothelial cell count that has decreased below the threshold for normal function.”

She submitted to the anti-graft court division a copy of the medical certificate signed by Dr. Ma. Dominga Padilla of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City.

Tuason said she was supposed to be admitted at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Hospital. In her motion, she said she will stay at her son’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada after the procedure.

Being a state witness in the plunder charges of former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, Tuason assured the court of her return to the country after her US trip.

She is a co-accused in the P900-million Malampaya fund scam case.

But her explanation did not convince the Sandiganbayan to grant her plea.

“Aside from the absence of specific details as to where the accused/movant will be staying while in Los Angeles, California, the period requested for the travel is over one month or 45 days,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez penned the resolution, which was concurred by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justice Edgardo Caldona.

Tuason is facing 97 counts each of alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents in the Malampaya case.

Earth...

From A1 fossil fuels, will see iconic structures cut the lights at a time when global temperatures are the highest on record.

“Climate change is a major threat to the stability of the planet and our livelihood and society, but climate change is only a component of the broader ecological crisis,” Marco Lambertini, general secretary of Earth Hour organizers WWF, told AFP. This year’s aim is building support for biodiversity by focusing on forests, oceans and wildlife conservation.

“Biodiversity and climate change are two sides of the same coin of the ecological crisis we are facing,” said Lambertini.

In Australia, where Earth Hour was first held, the WWF will raise awareness on the four so-called “hero species”—green turtles, koalas, rock wallabies and penguins—while the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge will join the blackout.

In South Korea, where coal dust pollution causes more than 14,000 premature deaths each year, activists will be encouraged to make their own masks to push the government towards stronger air controls.

And in Singapore, where the average person goes through 13 plastic bags each day, WWF plans a plastic-free festival to raise awareness on waste.

Divers in Greece will ,meanwhile, undertake a unique underwater marathon in a lake near Athens that contains several threatened species. AFP

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Travellers told: Avoid flight delays

Ex-cop, BI execs face plunder, bribe charges

By Joel E. Zurbano

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Ombudsman has accused former Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles as well as retired senior Supt. Wenceslao Sombero Jr. of bribey and plunder in connection with the P50-million Immigration bribery scandal.

They were charged with the non-bailable offense of plunder and one count each of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or direct bribery and violation of Presidential Decree 46 before the Sandigandayan.

Chinese casino operator Jack Lam was charged with violation of PD 46, the martial law decree that punishes public officials who receive gifts from private individuals as well as the givers.

Sacked Immigration intelligence chief Charles Calima Jr., however, was dropped from the case after the Ombudsman granted his motion for reconsideration for lack of probable cause.

Ombudsman investigation revealed that Argosino and Robles allegedly acquired ill-gotten wealth when they accepted from Sombero, thenpresident of Asian Gaming Service Provider Association Inc., P50 million in exchange for the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark Field, Pampanga. Lam is the owner of the casino complex at Fontana.

The Ombudsman said Argosino and Robles showed alleged “manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence” when they conspired with Sombero for the multi-million bribe.

The Department of Justice earlier dropped the plunder charges against Argosino and Robles since the money recovered from them was P1,000 short of the P50 million needed to file a plunder case.

Nonetheless, the Ombudsman said Argosino and Robles were still liable under the Plunder Law, or Republic Act 7080, despite the missing P1,000.

The anti-graft body further said it “cannot excuse them from being indicted for plunder” since Robles himself admitted that “they took possession of all five bags containing the P50 million.”

A total bail of P60,000 was recommended in the cases of Argosino, Robles, and Sombero, while the recommended bail for Lam was P10,000.

While plunder is a nonbailable offense, arrest warrants will only be issued against Argosino, Robles, and Sombero once the Sandiganbayan finds probable cause to hold them for trial.

BOMB DETECTOR. Manila International Airport Manager Ed Monreal (middle wearing long sleeves) goes on observation tour of airports and presents to newsmen the newest hand-held bomb detector equipment—in preparation for the Department of Transportation’s ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2018.‘ Eric Apolonio

DoJ requires VACC to complete raps info

By Rey E. Requejo

During the clarificatory hearing, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rossane Balauag gave the complainants until April 20 to submit the names and addresses of all the respondents, which include among others former Health secretary Janette Garin and former Budget secretary Florencio Abad.

The investigating prosecutors scolded the lawyers of the complainants led by lawyer Manuelito Luna for failure to submit the

addresses of the respondents which they failed to include in their original complaint.

According to Balauag, they have yet to decide on whether a summon will be sent to Aquino and the other respondents since what transpired Friday was not yet a preliminary investigation.

“The panel would first evaluate the documents to be submitted by the VACC and VPCI. It is only after these have been submitted will the panel

decide if the respondents would be subpoenaed,” Balauag stressed.

Complainants also requested the DoJ prosecutors to include as respondents the 20 members of the board of directors of the Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur and the 20 members of the board of directors of its local distributor Zuellig Pharma.

But the prosecutors said complainants should have included the names and addresses of board of directors from Sanofi and Zuellig Pharma.

The prosecutors also denied the request of the complainant to subpoena documents from seven government agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, Children’s Hospital in connection with their investigation related to Dengvaxia.

“The panel does not collect documents for you,” Balauag quipped.

This prompted Luna to withdrew their request for the subpoena of documents since “we already have them in our possession.”

By Maricel V. Cruz

However, the 1987 Constitution is silent on political turncoatism which has become rampant and an unhealthy tradition that weakens the fiber of the Philippine political system, Barbers, chairperson of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said.

Unlike other countries, Barbers said the Philippines dids not have ‘real’ political parties.

“Thus, this bill seeks to rectify this and offers the people reliable and genuine political parties that would represent them,” he said.

Under the bill, no elected public official may change his political party affiliation during his term of office, and no candidate for any elective public office may change his political party affiliation within one year immediately preceding an election, and one year following such election in which he participated but lost.

It said all registered political parties

are required to submit the complete list of their members to the Commission on Elections.

“HB 7431 applies to all elective government officials and shall likewise apply to independent and party-list candidates who, after participating in an election, shall join any political party within a period of one year following such election regardless whether he won or lost,” Barbers said.

The bill penalizes violators with automatic forfeiture of public office, disqualification from running in the next two succeeding elections regardless whether he is independent or under another political party, aggroupment or coalition, disqualification from being appointed or from holding position in any government office for three years after the expiration of the current term or office, and exclusion from any executive or administrative position in his/her new political party.

T

HE Department of Justice on Friday ordered complainants—Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, Inc.—to provide the prosecutors the required information, such as the addresses of all the respondents, in their criminal complaint filed against former President Benigno Aquino III and other former officials implicated in the Dengvaxia mess.

AFP to build Bill to end political turncoatism filed at House fishermen’s shelter in Batanes AN ADMINISTRATION lawmaker has filed a bill penalizing ‘political turncoatism’ to restore the integrity of the party system.

“The rampant party-switching of politicians undermines democracy and brings confusion to the people,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.

“Political turncoats or butterflies fly from one party to another whenever it is favorable. They are like chameleons that change colors from time to time for survival,” he added.

The bill defines political turncoatism as the change of political party affiliation during an elective official’s term of office. Section 10, Article XII (C) of the 1973 Constitution provides that no candidate for elective public office may change his political party affiliation within six months immediately preceeding or following the election.

Dole urged to recruit domestics

By Vito Barcelo A WORKERS advocacy group has urged the Labor department to allow the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to recruit and deploy domestic workers to lessen illegal recruitment and protect Filipino workers from abuses.

Lilac Center president Nicon Fameronag said the move would lessen, if not completely eliminate and avoid domestic worker abuse, the scourge of overseas employment, particularly in the Middle East, and would also lessen the heavy burden of recruitment costs.

He said the government’s perennial problem of mounting and unresolved OFW welfare cases, mostly domestic workers as victims, would fade if it nationalized the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers.

“The POEA can very well handle th�e recruitment and deployment

AIRPORT and airline officials on Friday urged passengers traveling starting this weekend until Wednesday next week to allot ample time going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport to avoid flight delays in anticipation of influx of passengers in time for the observance of Lent.

PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said their clients with domestic flights should have at least two hours while those with international flights must arrive at the airport three hours early before their scheduled departure.

“PAL is urging passengers to check in early in view of volume of passengers this peak travel season,” she said.

Manila International Airport Authority officials said they are anticipating the increase number of air travelers beginning Friday in connection with the observance of Holy Week.

The stricter security measure also began at four terminals of Naia.

“Preparations are in place to make sure that traveling will be as hassle-free as possible this Holy Week. We advise passengers to prepare accordingly as well especially as they travel to the airport,” MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said.

“Help desk will also be installed at all international and domestic terminals to be manned by MIAA public affairs, terminal operations, medical and terminal police,” he added.

Coordination has also been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of their passengers especially at the check-in counters. Additional airline personnel will be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in travelers.

Concerned government agencies operating at the airport—including the Office for Transportation Security, and the Bureaus of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine—have also been directed to deploy sufficient personnel at their stations to ensure smooth passenger flow.

Security and traffic will be closely coordinated among the Airport Police Department, the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the local government units of Parañaque City and Pasay City.

of domestic workers. It has the legal standing, the authority, the expertise, and the manpower complement to satisfy the world’s—particularly the Middle East’s—demand and preference for Filipino domestic workers,” Fameronag said.

He said the recommendation was sensible and logical since the POEA, through its Government Placement Branch, was already the country’s biggest recruiter of overseas Filipino workers.

“The GPB, actually and in effect, competes with the private licensed recruitment agencies in the business of recruitment because it solely recruits and deploys skilled workers for small and medium enterprises in Korea; caregivers and nurses for Japan and Germany; factory workers for Taiwan; and domestic workers for the households of royal families and government and diplomatic officials of other countries,” he said.

PALM FRONDS. Ambulant vendors start weaving palm fronds on Friday around Parañaque City’s Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help ahead of the start of Holy Week on Palm Sunday. Ey Acasio

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City—The Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced it would spearhead the building of a civilian facility in the Mavulis Island of Batanes Province, the country’s farthest island in the north.

“The fishermen’s shelter project, set to start April this year, will increase presence of local fishermen in the region,” reads a statement released by Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, Nolcom spokesperson.

AFP believes the presence of civilians in the area would contribute to the protection of the country’s marine resources and enhance the information gathering around the area.

“The materialization of this endeavour is through the active participation and cooperation of the Local Government Units [LGUs] of Batanes and the community, with the AFP,” Nato said.

The structure will serve as a “multipurpose shelter” complete with amenities for locals fishing in the vicinity, considering its distance from other islands, the nearest of which is Itbayat.

It will double up as shelter for Nolcom troops visiting the island to guard the country’s northern maritime domain.

Due to the isolation of the area, poachers are frequently encroaching during fishing season.

A Memorandum of Agreement between the AFP and stakeholder sponsor was scheduled to be signed in Basco, Batanes on Friday.

The parties to the MOA include the Chief of Staff of the AFP, the Nolcom Commander, the Governor of Batanes, and the President of Republic Cement and Builders Materials Inc. as the key sponsor. Abe Almirol

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Opinion

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

How not to study the law

EVERYMAN

A workaholic’s ally

By Honor Blanco Cabie GRACE, a young woman in her 20s, is among massage therapists who visit monthly a tension-filled news organization, whose management has religiously scheduled a free four-hour massage session, on official time, monthly for its rank-and-file employees.

Elsewhere in the metropolis, litigation lawyer Amador lies face down on a massage bed while his tired muscles are given the workout by a young therapist as his wife has her rebonding schedule in a nearby saloon.

In an upscale subdivision east of the capital, Rosanna, a recently retired high school guidance counselor, gets her weekend massage session—a full 60 minutes at what she calls very affordable price—from the hands of Aling Vicky who has been in the business for nearly 40 years after.

Aling Vicky, although she has had no formal training in massage therapy, echoes what her formally educated counterparts have repeatedly said: that massage, among others, is a stress buster. It lessens depression and anxiety.

Grace, sought out by many in the news organization for her silken but firm touch and hold, adds massage therapy can also relieve migraine pain, increase blood circulation, reduce fatigue and enhance sleep.

Beneficiaries of this activity in the city say there are other benefits they have derived from the one-hour sessions each week, which they say is good enough for the price they pay—including some hefty tip if they enjoy the session.

Some massage therapists refer to studies funded by the National Institutes of Health in the United States which have found massage to be beneficial in improving weight gain in HIV-exposed infants and facilitating recovery in patients who underwent abdominal surgery.

At the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute, researchers have found massage is helpful in decreasing blood pressure in people with hypertension, alleviating pain in migraine sufferers and improving alertness and performance in office workers.

Other therapists say an increasing number of research studies show massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment).

Full body massage is also believed to have benefits for a variety of medical conditions—diabetes, cancer, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders and anemia.

Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Some massage therapists say research has verified that: • Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who were not massaged.

• Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.

• Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.

• Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren’t.

• Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.

Other massage therapists say massage can also alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion; assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays; ease medication dependence; enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system; exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles; and increase joint flexibility.

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A

LL 10 suspects in the death of a law student of the University of Santo Tomas surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation on Friday after an arrest warrant was released by a court the previous day.

The 10 were members of the Aegis Juris fraternity and were either lawyers or law students.

Arvin Balag, Ralph Trangia, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Mhin Wei Chan, Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marcelino Bagtang, Jose Miguel Salamat, and Robin Ramos were deemed the most active participants

among those present during the hazing of Horacio Castillo III in September 2017.

Investigations revealed Castillo had hematoma or bruises on both arms, as well as candle drips all over his body.

Initially the suspects tried to claim that Castillo had been suffering from a heart condition and it was this, not any injuries sustained during the hazing rites, that was responsible for his death. In Senate hearings the suspects also barely gave out any information.

It was the testimony of yet another fraternity member who had turned state witness that shed light on what really happened during the “welcome party.”

The arrest of the 10 suspects should not by any means put the issue to rest.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

A swift trial should ensue if there is to be any justice for Castillo’s senseless killing.

These young men, however, are from families of means who will no doubt employ tactics to snag the easiest arrangements for their “promising” sons.

Indeed these suspects used to have bright futures ahead of them, had they not failed in their judgment. Alas, their lapse resulted in the death of a human being, one who simply wanted to be their “brother.”

Their unenlightened response is to keep mum about what happened and protect an organization that has a perverse sense of camaraderie.

It is a tragedy that those who themselves studied the law and vowed to use it for the common good are the first ones to twist it to their advantage.

Calida’s quo warranto petition THE distinction between quo warranto and impeachment was discussed in last Tuesday’s essay, written in the wake of the petition for quo warranto filed in the Supreme Court by Solicitor General Jose Calida. It seeks to declare the appointment of Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, signed in 2012 by then President Benigno Aquino III, void ab initio (from the very beginning).

As pointed out last week, where the appointment of a justice of the Supreme Court is valid to begin with, but that same justice later on commits any of the acts enumerated under Section 2, Article XI of the Constitution, that justice may be removed from office exclusively through the process of impeachment.

Under Section 2, Article XI, those acts are culpable violation of the Constitution—treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, and betrayal of the public trust.

On the other hand, if the appointment of a justice of the Supreme Court is void from the beginning, due to the failure of the appointee to qualify for office from the very start, then the proper remedy against that justice is a petition for quo warranto which, translated from the Latin literally means “where is your authority?” An impeachment proceeding will not be proper because impeachment presupposes a valid appointment to begin with.

When the JBC included Sereno in the list of persons qualified for the post of chief justice—a list submitted to then President Aquino III in 2012—it is deemed to have waived the SALN requirement.

Honoring General Emilio Aguinaldo, revolutionary and president POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO MARCH 22, 2018 marked the 149th birthday of General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, the foremost revolutionary who dared declare our country’s independence from our Spanish colonizers and went to war against the United States in pursuit of the country’s freedom and sovereignty.

Philippine history and heritage is my other passion. Thus, as an ardent student of our history, being invited to the celebration of Gen. Miong’s 149th birthday in Kawit, Cavite, his home-

town, was exciting for me.

I know how Aguinaldo’s image has been, and continues to be destroyed by some groups. Before I started to seriously study the Philippine revolution, all I knew was what was superficially

This kind of analysis is rarely heard by the public, especially our young people.

taught in high school and the lopsided lessons I received in college. I was one of the many who believed that Aguinaldo was a traitor and yes, I worshipped Andres Bonifacio as my hero.

Historical accounts especially from primary and secondary sources made me understand the context of important events relative to the Philippine revolution of 1896 and 1898. I realized how generations of Filipinos have unjustly crucified General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Another reason why I wanted to attend Aguinaldo’s 149th was because the event’s guest of honor was Senator Juan Edgardo Angara. I wanted to closely listen to what he would say about Aguinaldo. I was interested to Turn to A5

Last Tuesday’s essay criticized Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for issuing separate but identical press statements which only highlighted their inability to understand basic Constitutional Law. It was also mentioned in last week’s essay that the solicitor general is authorized by law to initiate, with or without any directive from the President of the Philippines, quo warranto proceedings against any public official whose appointment or election to office is void. The petition is filed by the solicitor general in the name of the Republic of the Philippines.

In sum, last week’s essay pointed out that a justice of the Supreme Court may be the subject of a quo warranto petition if the appointment of the justice is void from the start, or of an impeachment proceeding if that justice committed any of the acts enumerated as grounds for impeachment and removal from office under Section 2, Article XI of the Constitution.

There are, however, possible infirmities in Calida’spetition for quo warranto.

First, the rules of court procedure provide that a petition for quo warranto must be filed within one year from the date of the alleged void appointment. Sereno was appointed chief justice five years ago, in 2012.

In rebuttal, the solicitor general may argue that the infirmity in the appointment of Sereno was discovered only two weeks ago, after two justices of the Supreme Court told the Senate that Sereno failed to submit to the Judicial and Bar Council her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth covering the 10 years of her public service prior to her appointment as chief justice.

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Opinion Calida’s...

From A4

That period covers Sereno’s tenure as a faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Law, and her twoyear stint as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

The solicitor general may possibly contend that the JBC, which by 2012 was already headed by Sereno in an ex officio capacity as chief justice, concealed this infirmity from the proper authorities to protect its ex officio head.

Likewise, the solicitor general may insist that the one-year deadline does not apply when the infirmity concerns a continuing qualification imposed on the public office concerned. In other words, the lapse of more than a year does not eradicate the obligation of Sereno to submit the required SALN to the JBC. If Sereno has not complied with that requirement until today, then she never qualified for appointment as chief justice.

Second, for quo warranto to prosper, the justice must have failed to qualify for appointment, that is, he did not meet the qualifications set forth by the Constitution for his appointment as justice.

Section 7(1), Article VIII of the Constitution enumerates the qualifications for appointment to the Supreme Court—the applicant must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 years of age, and a judge of a lower court or a practicing lawyer, for at least 15 years prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court.

The submission of documentary requirements like the SALN is not among the qualifications listed in the Constitution.

Honoring...

From A4

know how Senator Sonny regards the General. I thought I would feel if he would merely go through the motions and just superficially pay tribute to him.

In fairness to Senator Sonny, his message was not only meaningful, it was also witty and inspiring.

Senator Sonny spoke about General Aguinaldo as the youngest President at 29 years of age, and the oldest ex-president so far because he passed on at the age of 94. Because he lived long, Aguinaldo was witness to many changes and important events in the country’s history.

He saw how carriages were replaced by automobiles and cars, he saw how our buildings were lit up with electricity.

Angara said that the general went through two world wars, witnessed how our motherland was colonized by three foreign powers, and was there when the country became an independent republic.

General Aguinaldo not only witnessed the evolution of a new country, he also personally contributed to the birth of the new republic.

I would even go farther. General Emilio Aguinaldo led our forefathers and mothers in claiming and fighting for our country’s independence. The revolution gave birth to the Republic of the Philippines.

According to Angara, it is important to remember “El Claudillo” for his contributions to our country. One of which being “it was under the General’s leadership that the Katipunan forces, and hence the Philippine revolution achieved decisive military victories.” When the revolution exploded in 1896, General Aguinaldo led the Katipunan in Cavite against the Spaniards.

Angara stressed that “Kung ang Sigaw sa Pugad Lawin ang unang nagmitsa sa armadong rebolusyon, ang mga tagumapay naman po ni Heneral Aguinaldo sa Cavite ang nagpabaga at nagpaliyab sa apoy ng pagkakasarinlan nating mga Pilipino.”

Angara spoke of how difficult it was to achieve our independence and how thousands of Filipinos contributed and continue to contribute to our freedom as a country. He, however, said that “without a doubt, to achieve our freedom, General Emilio Aguinaldo gave so much—his contribution (was) more significant than any other.”

Quoting national artist Nick Joaquin, Angara asserted, “hindi sa pagpunit ng

A workaholic’s...

From A4

According to them massage can also lessen depression and anxiety; promote tissue regeneration; reduce scar tissue and stretch marks; pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs; and improve blood circulation.

They add that massage can also reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling; reduce spasms and cramping; relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles; and release endorphins—the amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

Some sources in the health care industry claim massage therapy, also called by other names as stress reliever or pain manager, can be a powerful ally in a compulsive worker’s healthcare regimen.

They say up to 90 percent of contracted disease is stress-related, adding high stress can contribute to faster aging, internally and externally.

Massage, they say, can doubtless help manage stress which translates into decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, improved mental concentration, increased blood circulation, greater physical and mental energy and reduced debility or burnout.

Some of those who suffer from arthritis and have undergone massage therapy—like

That requirement is imposed by the JBC. May the JBC, therefore, add to the qualifications mandated by the Constitution?

Post-war Philippine jurisprudence suggests that Congress cannot add to the qualifications for justices of the Supreme Court set forth by the Constitution. This means that if an elected assembly like Congress cannot add to what is required by the Constitution for appointments to the Supreme Court, then with greater reason should the prohibition apply to the JBC. In other words, non-compliance with the SALN requirement on the part of Sereno is not a ground to warrant relief under quo warranto.

Such non-compliance, however, is a ground for impeachment and removal following the precedent established in the 2012 impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was ousted from office by the Senate for his failure to submit his SALN, which is required by the Constitution from justices of the Supreme Court.

When the JBC included Sereno in the list of persons qualified for the post of chief justice—a list submitted to then President Aquino III in 2012—the JBC is deemed to have waived the SALN requirement as to Sereno. That waiver may work well against the Calida petition.

Nonetheless, the JBC must explain why it included Sereno in the list of qualified applicants for the chief justice post even if she did not comply with the SALN submission requirement, while other applicants were mandated to do so by the JBC. If no satisfactory explanation is given by the JBC, its members may face anti-graft raps. cedula naengganyo ang mga Katipunero sa mga karatig na probinsya. Naudyok sila sa balita na noong Agosto 31 at Setyembre 1, 1896, pinalaya ng mga hukbong pinamumunuan ni Heneral Aguinaldo ang mga bayan ng Kawit at Imus. At pagdating ng Nobyembre, nabatid nila na napatalsik ang pwersa ng mga Kastila at buong probinsya ng Cavite ay ganap na hawak na ng mga Pilipino.”

This kind of analysis is rarely heard by the public, especially our young people. Many are under the impression that it was Andres Bonifacio who won our independence for us. Such unfortunate misunderstanding of what transpired during the revolution is a reason why General Aguinaldo is unfairly judged by the present generation. Not many know what he did so we have the freedoms we enjoy, and sometimes, take for granted now. Indeed, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

It is important to emphasize that while the Philippine revolution was being fought in many towns then, the Katipunan’s tremendous growth in numbers was because of the victories won by the Cavite revolutionaries under General Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo was first and foremost a soldier. He was not one of those leaders who stayed behind and only gave orders. He was at the frontlines of the battles he fought and won.

Aguinaldo’s victories in the battlefield was legendary especially when at the same time, Bonifacio was losing the battles he was leading. When the news spread that Aguinaldo was winning in Cavite, thousands wanted to join him.

The major towns of the province were brimming with evacuees, families from other places who wanted to join Aguinaldo’s forces.

When Cavite was freed from our Spanish colonizers, the people realized that the revolution can be won for the entire country. Indeed, if only people would study actual historical accounts and not the biased interpretations of modern-day “historians,” Aguinaldo’s contributions to the country will be better appreciated.

Senator Sonny Angara’s tribute to “El Claudillo” also made mention of the General’s other major contributions to our country and the lessons we can learn from Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, the revolutionary and first president of the Republic of the Philippines.

More next week. bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Wenceslao and Anselmo—claim feeling some physiological and chemical changes cascading throughout their bodies, with esoteric effects.

Some researches have shown that with massage, arthritis sufferers have noted lesser aches and less stiffness and pain; asthmatic children have shown better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.

Burn injury patients have themselves reported reduced pain, itching, and anxiety while high blood pressure patients have demonstrated lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.

Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping while pre-term infants have improved weight gain, according to these researches.

Other researches say massage therapy has been effective in helping alleviate the tensions of modern lifestyles.

At the same time, many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

In the meantime, massage parlors are sprouting like nobody’s business in the metropolis, while massage therapists continue to distribute business cards for home service.

(HBC is a newsroom word slinger who beats deadlines when he is not writing speeches for senior executives.)

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

A5

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Hosanna to our King!

AS I do every Holy Week, I will devote the next three columns to spiritual topics. I will resume writing about the ICC, impeachment, and other mundane matters after Easter Sunday.

Tomorrow, Palm Sunday, is the day Christians commemorate the triumphant entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the eternal city. It is the start of the Holy Week which is the week before his resurrection. On this day two millennia ago, Christ, astride a donkey, entered the Holy City and was met by a throng of worshippers, laying palm leaves and spreading their cloaks along the path and crying out in acclamation Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.”

Jesus was the Messiah, the long-awaited Ruler of Israel, the culmination of all of God’s promises to his people. The people, aware of the miracles and wonders he had been performing, believed that he was the promised savior who would free Israel from the Roman oppressors. The entry into Jerusalem came after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

No small wonder the multitude was awestruck. They must have thought that if Jesus can raise a man from the dead and heal the sick, he can also drive the Romans away. But fickle as they are, this very same crowd will condemn him to be crucified and cry out for his blood, choosing Barabbas, a murderer, and a known robber, to be freed.

Pilate offered them a choice between a known criminal over a failed Messiah and they chose the former. Disenchanted that a while ago he was performing wondrous deeds but now before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate, Jesus was utterly helpless and cannot defend himself from his malicious accusers. Even Peter and the disciples who accompanied him during the three years of his public life dared not lift a finger in his defense.

But how the people of Jerusalem were sorely mistaken. For indeed the meek man before them was the Savior foretold by the prophet Isaiah who, in 8th century B.C., described him as the Suffering Servant of Yahweh, the man oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Jesus did not enter Jerusalem to

be worshipped as an earthly king. In fact, it is the opposite—he came to be scourged, abused, spat on, mocked, rejected and finally to suffer the humiliation of being nailed on the cross like a common criminal.

His kingdom is not temporary and finite but one that is everlasting. He promises a kingship that will free humanity from the bondage of sin. His throne is the Cross. It does not promise the absence of physical pain and hardship, but one that liberates all of us from selfishness, greed, envy, and other vices. By his resurrection, all these will come to fulfillment.

Looking around, we readily discern why Christ allowed himself to suffer and die on the Cross. Love of power, hatred, violence, economic conflicts that prey on the less fortunate, greed for money and power, divisions, crimes against human life and against creation abound. Jesus on the Cross took it upon himself to carry the weight of man’s iniquity and with the force of God’s

In his Palm Sunday homily last year, Pope Francis described the celebration of Palm Sunday as bittersweet.

manner, Jesus “is no misguided purveyor of illusions, no new age prophet, no imposter...Rather, he is clearly a Messiah who comes in the guise of a servant, the servant of God and of man, and goes to his passion. He is the great ‘patient,’ who suffers all the pain of humanity,” Pope Francis said, encouraging the faithful to reflect on the suffering Jesus would face in the week before his death.

As we listen to the crowd joyfully acclaim Jesus as our King, we are also called to reflect on “the slanders and insults, the snares and betrayals, the abandonment to an unjust judgment, the blows, the lashes and the crown of thorns, and lastly, the way of the cross leading to the crucifixion.” Said Francis, “Jesus never promised honor and success. Rather, the Lord had always warned his disciples that his was a path of suffering and that the final victory would be achieved through his Passion and death on the cross.”

“All this holds true for us too,” the Pope said, and urged those present to pray for the grace “to follow Jesus faithfully, not in words but in deeds.”, to pray also for the patience “to carry our own cross, not to refuse it or set it aside, but rather, in looking to him, to take it up and to carry it daily.”

I make mine the final exhortation of Pope Francis in that homily: “This Jesus, who accepts the hosannas of the crowd, knows full well that they will soon be followed by the cry: ‘Crucify him!’ He does not ask us to contemplate him only in pictures and photographs, or in the videos that circulate on the internet.

No. He is present in our many brothers and sisters who today endure sufferings like his own: they suffer from slave labor, from family tragedies, from diseases . . . They suffer from wars and terrorism, from interests that are armed and ready to strike. Women and men who are cheated, violated in their dignity, discarded . . . Jesus is in them, in each of them, and, with marred features and broken voice, he asks to be looked in the eye, to be acknowledged, to be loved . . .

It is not some other Jesus, but the same Jesus who entered Jerusalem amid the waving of palm branches. It is the same Jesus who was nailed to the cross and died between two criminals. We have no other Lord but him: Jesus, the humble King of justice, mercy and peace.”

That is why tomorrow and in these next few days, our hearts rejoice and sing: “Hossana to our King!”

love he conquers it, he defeats it with his resurrection. Christ’s Cross, while unappealing to those who hate and do not love, if embraced with humility and meekness with love leads to joy, to the joy of being saved.

In his Palm Sunday homily last year, Pope Francis described the celebration of Palm Sunday as “bittersweet.” On this day, Christians experience both joy and sorrow as we recall the cries acclaiming Jesus as king during his entrance into Jerusalem, followed by the solemn proclamation of his Passion and death. According to Francis, “In this poignant contrast, our hearts experience in some small measure what Jesus himself must have felt in his own heart that day, as he rejoiced with his friends and wept over Jerusalem.”

The Pope observed that “Jesus himself sees in this joyful welcome an inexoraFacebook: Professor Tony La Viña or ble force willed by God,” but noted that while he enters the city in this glorious deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

What divorce really means to us BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN MANY of our elected officials say they are against legalizing divorce for accordingly, it destroys the family as an inviolable social institution. Politicians, clever as they are, would prefer to first seek the sentiment of the people before expressing their view to safeguard their chances of getting the support of the electorate. In the end, the fate of every family in this country is decided by the dictates of the self-anointed guardians of our morality that any step to break asunder the family is immoral and equivocally illegal.

However, if one has to view marriage outside the portals of what is moral, our interdiction of divorce has only prevented married couples from seeking a renewal of their lives but encouraged the commission of immoral acts. Let us not talk about the legal consequence of one who violates what morality proscribes, but of the emotion and physical effects that dissipate the parties living under one roof but no longer have any affection at each other or worse, has turned their love to hatred that verbal and physical abuse now characterizes their relationship.

Despite all exhortation or should we say, the scaffoldings built by our spiritual mentors to prevent the passage of a divorce law, the separation among married couples continues to proliferate but nobody wants to talk about it because that topic has become taboo. We always try to gloss over that reality because our moral beliefs forbid that. So we take for granted a philandering wealthy husband maintaining a paramour and even an informal harem, yet easily condemn a married woman for committing adultery without examining what drove her to it.

Because of these artificialities in our moral values, we have been forced to carry on the old feudalistic system of classifying siblings as legitimate, illegitimate, acknowledged natural children, etc. and they have implication on how much each of these mortals will inherit from the wrongdoings of their parents. Maybe inheritance has somewhat been liberalized by the Family Code, but it does not alter the overall structure of the laws of succession because the absence of a divorce law in this country remains feudalistic.

It is the absence of a divorce law that prevents the splitting up of property

ownership and the reason why our socalled democratic institution has failed us. Wealthy families would rather pretend to keep their family relationship intact despite the fact that either or both are wallowing in immorality necessarily just to maintain their political dynasty.

The division of property is the last vein of feudalism that divorce seeks to cut in this clerico-dominated society of ours, and alimony is a punishment for the guilty party.

Rather, our church leaders today turned a blind eye to the reality that many of our people simply separate if they could cope up with the vicissitudes of economic life. We avoid confronting the issue that among poor families, broken marriage is often the result of finan-

We take for granted a philandering wealthy husband maintaining a paramour yet easily condemn a married woman for committing adultery without us examining what drove her to infidelity. cial difficulties and the problem begins on how to sustain the basic needs of the family. To many young couples, legal separation is costly and could not offer them the right solution to their problem.

To others, the idea of divorce is not a solution to the problem. But to keep the marriage ties is to unjustly punish them.

It will likely open the door to the commission of infidelity. Thus, in our obstinate position to preserve the sanctity of the family, we introduced novel ways to get away with divorce. While maintaining a mistress is both immoral and prohibited, the practice is often tacitly tolerated if the aggrieved party does not have the resources to pursue a case for legal separation or annulment of marriage.

This explains why in this country we see and hear one says “this man has a mistress or that woman is a mistress” because we have not devised a legal method to solve marital problem requiring divorce. Divorce may be drastic but it is the only way to erase the problem of maintaining a mistress.

More than anything else, people are asking why the Church and other religious organizations vehemently oppose divorce but have in fact been granting divorce to people given the brand name of “church annulment of marriage.”

Legal pundits have been debating on how to differentiate annulment of marriage from divorce. In legal separation, they say, the couple is allowed to live separately from bed and board but their marriage subsists. Invariably, they cannot remarry or maintain another partner other than their husband or wife which is absurd. Annulment of marriage is a process by which the legal fiction of marriage is interpreted as if it never took place. As explained, an annulment is possible when the Family Code of the Philippines considers it to have been void because of the absence of essential and formal requisites necessary for a marriage to have validity. The elements entail legal capacity such as age of the spouse, gender requirements and when the relationship is against public policy which may involve incestuous situations or when one of the parties has already married another individual.

Mental incapacity or deficiencies could cause a void marriage, and similar circumstances may lead to the same end.

On the other hand, nullity of marriage is when a marriage is voidable but valid until the marriage is annulled. However, the relationship is not severed until adjudged by the courts. An example is when the contract for marriage was initiated through consent that was forced. Another is when intimidation or undue influence on one party has been achieved or if the spouse was of unsound mind when entering into the marriage contract. However, unlike an annulment, a nullity of marriage is still a registered and recorded marriage for both parties even after the process has been completed.

But taken as a whole, the present remedy offered by law and of the Church is by far costly and imposes so many conditions only for them to get what others say as partial divorce which is logically wrong. In fact, some cases on annulment of marriage and legal separation have been the source of corruption which reason why many judges have been dismissed from the service because of anomalies involved in said cases. Only those who could afford to hire a lawyer and bear the cost of litigation can pursue their case while those who cannot simply tend to forget all about it. rpkapunan@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PAL to ready measures if govt closes Boracay

IN BRIEF Mayon Volcano shows fresh activity SOME three weeks after authorities lowered Mayon Volcano’s alert level, renewed activity was recorded on Thursday.

Authorities said there was a “lava collapse” in the volcano, which triggered ash, rocks and gases to flow out.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum, however, said that ‘there was no eruption’ but added that the alert remained at 3, or two rungs lower of the five-step warning system.

Level 4, the second highest alert, was put into place in January, which required the evacuation of residents near the area.

The Phivolcs said it would observe the volcano’s activity for “several days” and if it shows no more swelling or lava release, it might lower the alert level to 2.

By Joel E. Zurbano FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines on Friday announced that it was preparing measures concerning its flight operations which will be affected once the government enforce a six-month closure of the famous Boracay island.

“In anticipation of any government decision to close or cut back tourism activities in Boracay Island for a temporary period, Philippine Airlines will be ready to make the appropriate adjustments to schedules of flights to and from Caticlan [Boracay] airport and Kalibo International Airport,” the airline management said in a statement.

The airline is also prepared to assist passengers in rebooking, refunding and rerouting their flights if the inter-agency task force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources imposed the closure beginning next month.

“Our adjustments will depend on the scope and duration of the Boracay closure, and we will also take into account the need to retain some flights to serve the residents and businesses in Kalibo and the rest of Aklan province,” PAL stated.

The PAL management said they also intend to help minimize any impact on tourism, air travelers and airline operations by redirecting flights to other routes “where we can continue to promote domestic and international tourist travel for the Philippines, during the temporary closure period.”

“PAL will make the necessary public advisories to inform and update the flying public, for our passengers and travel partners. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, pending any final government announcements, and coordinate with the Department of Tourism and the other concerned government agencies in support of the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay island.”

The government formed a task force to address the environmental problem besetting the world-famous island.

The task force, led by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte a six-month closure.

The Department of Tourism reported that of the 150 Boracay business establishments recently inspected by the government, only 25 were connected to the sewage line and a number of establishments drain their sewage directly into the sea.

Cimatu had said that within the next six months, the DENR will lead the “transformation” of Boracay starting with the removal of illegal structures that largely contributed to environmental problems facing the island paradise.

But businessmen and other stakeholders appealed to the government to reconsider its decision.

PDEA destroys P2.56-b illegal drugs in Cavite THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Friday destroyed some P2.56 billion worth of dangerous drugs in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martirez City in Cavite.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said destroyed through thermal decomposition were a total of 1,012,445.11 grams (1,012.4 kg.) of assorted pieces of drugs, including methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu,” marijuana, ephedrine, cocaine, toluene, chloromethamphetamine hydrochloride, and expired medicines.

Thermal decomposition, or thermolysis, is the process, by which various compounds are broken down into single units by the application of heat. The reconstruction of the substances is impossible through this process.

Aquino led the destruction of the illegal drugs that were recently ordered by the court to be destroyed.

For the past six months, a total of P9.14 billion worth of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals has already been destroyed.

In a related development, a total of P50m worth of shabu were seized during a buy-bust operation conducted by combined elements of the PDEA and the PNPDrug Enforcement Group on Friday at a high-end mall in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday.

Arrested during the operation were suspects Norodian Guimadel Samplidan, 28; Lady Jane Flores Borja, 24; and Regina Inocencia San Miguel, 40.

When searched, the suspects yielded five packs of suspected 10 kilograms of memthamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P50 million.

The operation was conducted around 12 noon at the Parking 5, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang.

DESTROYED DRUGS. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Friday, March 23, destroyed a total of P2,560,028,001.60 worth of dangerous drugs in Cavite. PDEA Director-General Aaron N. Aquino led the destruction of the seized illegal assorted drugs as ordered by the courts. Manny Palmero

P69m worth of imported goods slip past Customs

By Vito Barcelo

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T LEAST P69 million worth of imported goods slipped out of the Bureau of Customs despite an “alert order” issued on the shipments, according to Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña.

The 105 shipments from China, containing ceramic tiles, diapers, and canned goods, were placed under alert order issued by the BOC chief, but it managed to get released at POM. The imported shipment was released without proper clearance when these were supposed to be examined yet, Lapeña said.

The BoC chief ordered the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service to conduct a probe on the incident.

“The containers were released without going through proper channels, and securing authorization and clearance to lift alert orders,” he said.

The commissioner said the Asian Terminals Inc. personnel involved in the release of alerted shipments will be investigated for possible “collusion” with importers and some Customs employees.

Lapeña said he will recommend to the Philippine Ports Authority the suspension or revocation of the ASI’s license as

a terminal operator.

The consignees of the shipments were identified as Abundancegain Indent Trading Corp; Abundanceprime Chemicals Trading Corp; Cymar International Incorporated; Herco Trading Inc; and Imperial Foods and Agricultural Products; Megaabudancesteel Indent Trading Corp; Paragon Platinum International; Yanyan International Philippines Inc.; Premiere Oak Lumber and Wood Products; and Spectrum Highlands Marketing Corp.

The BoC chief revoked the accreditation of importers and brokers of the alerted shipments and appropriate charges will be filed against them.

The brokers were identified as Bernadine Miranda, Mohamad Salman and Homaidi Sario Ibrahim.

Lapeña said he relieved POM Formal Entry Division acting chief Meliton Pascual and his assistant Evelyn Estur and other involved Customs employees.

PRIEST’S STORY. At the launch of the Duyog Marawi at the Arzobispado in Intramuros, Manila yesterday, Fr. Chito Soganub (second from left) recounts his story when he was held by the terrorists during the Marawi City siege and admitted that during those days that he wanted to be killed. Norman Cruz

Bldg contractor suspended over Makati accident THE Makati City government on Friday sanctioned the building installation provider of Shang Salcedo Place condominium after a gondola engine fell from the 67-story structure, hitting a passenger jeep that resulted in the injury of four persons.

The incident happened at the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia Avenue) and Tordesillas Street in Salcedo Village around 9:20 a.m.

City Building Office-Enforcement Division officer-in-charge engineer Julio Cepeda immediately ordered a work stoppage against Vonotec Inc., a construction company that provide mechanical and installation works at the condominium, following the incident.

Cepeda said the firm made an illegal mechanical installation and operation at the building and violated the National Building Code.

He also asked the firm’s management or representatives to appear to his office within three days to hear their side on the matter.

The incident resulted into heavy traffic within the area.

Meanwhile, Romulo Salgado Jr., officer-in-charge of the city’s Information and Community Relations Department, identified the victims of the accident as Florito Torevillas, 47; Rochelle Balayas, 31; Aljun Gorgonio, 25 and Antonio Arcilla, 47, who were rushed to the Makati Medical Center due to head and body injuries.

He said the victims were passengers of the Buendia-Guadalupe bound jeepney (DFY-828) owned by Rolando Matuga of Pasay City.

The city government and the Makati City police are investigating the incident.

Two years ago, two people were also seriously injured in Makati after a tower crane at the construction site suffered a structural failure and collapsed.

The accident happened at the corner of H.V. dela Costa Street and Tordesillas Street in the same village, also damaged some vehicles and caused the heavy traffic and power interruption in the area. Joel E. Zurbano

Poe bill seeks free Wi-Fi, clean toilets in transport stations

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PROVIDING free WIFI access and clean toilets are among the recommendations by Senator Grace Poe in what she called as a “win-win” proposed measure to improve the experiences of weary Filipino travelers using transport terminals during their long trips.

“It is an improvement which will be immediately seen and felt,” saiid Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public services as she endorsed to the plenary the approval of Senate Bill No. 1749, under Committee Report 286, or “An Act to Improve Land Transportation Terminals, Stations, Stops, Rest Areas and Roll-On/ Roll-Off Terminals, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.

In her sponsorship speech, Poe likened

land travel and using facilities and restrooms to a game show because one does not know what he will get into.

“Along the tens of thousands of kilometers of lengthy roads all around the country, land transportation terminals, stations, stops, and rest areas are like sanctuaries for travelers using land transportation,” she said.

She noted that travelling is close to the culture and feelings of Filipinos. She cited the Long Term Vision of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda study: Ambisyon Natin 2040), which stated that Filipinos consider traveling as one of the signs that their family is living well.

She said her proposed measure seeks to improve land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and roll-on/rolloff terminals through simple, effective and

practical measures.

During the committee hearings, the senator said they came up with the following simple but effective proposals: First, the measure seeks to mandate owners, operators, or administrators of land transport terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and RORO terminals to provide clean, sanitary facilities for passengers.

She said this measure harmonizes existing laws and regulations on this matter such as the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines” and LTFRB’s “Guidelines for OffStreet Terminal Operations”.

Second, it seeks to prohibit the collection of fees from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities in transport terminals.

This institutionalizes the LTFRB’s existing guidelines on the same issue.

DoST sees more Pagasa professionals SECRETARY Fortunato dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology on Friday said he is looking forward to a more professionalized pool of employees belonging to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration by 2022.

At a news conference at the Pagasa’s Science Garden in Quezon City, the DoST chief said the human resources profile of Pagasa today compared to 20 years ago has more professional employees who have attained a much higher education.

“We have developed many people who have earned masters and doctor in philosophy degrees as their highest [educational] attainment,” he told reporters.

“I am looking forward by 2022 to have a big percentage of human resources here with masters and Ph.D degrees,” he said.

He said he wanted to see the weather bureau as a center of excellence not only in the Philippines “but worldwide” as well.

Rio N. Araja

Police thwart bombing attempt in Basilan AUTHORITIES have prevented an attempt to set off anew a bomb at the property of a government engineer in Basilan province, Zamboanga police said Thursday.

This came after a “suspicious object” which turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED) was found around 6 a.m. Wednesday in front of the warehouse of Soler Undug in Barangay Aguada in Isabela City, Basilan.

Undug is the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s district engineer for Basilan province.

Supt. Restituto Pangusban, Isabela City police chief, said responding police and military Explosive Ordnance Demolition personnel rendered safety procedure after confirming that the recovered “suspicious object” was an IED. Pangusban said authorities recovered a cellular phone-triggered ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) pipe bomb, rigged with several one-inch concrete and common nails as shrapnel.

The IED was powered by a ninevolt dry cell battery with rocker switch and detonating cord. The cellular phone’s subscriber’s identity module number is +63938-0078821, he said.

Pangusban said an investigation continues to determine the motive as well as the identity of the suspects behind the bombing attempt.

On Feb. 1, an IED has exploded at the residence of Undug in Purok Yakal in Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City.

No one was killed or injured in the explosion that caused minor damage on the perimeter fence of Undug’s residence.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman earlier blamed the Abu Sayyaf bandits as the ones behind the February incident and disclosed that the motive was extortion.

Undug oversees the ongoing implementation of ARMM’s transcentral road project worth millions in Basilan province. PNA

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Manila

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

San Lazaro Park hosts Manila 10s starting today

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HE San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite comes alive today (Saturday) as 24 foreign and local teams in five divisions of varying skill levels face off in the 30th staging of the Manila 10s International Rugby Festival.

Rugby players of all shapes, age and sizes fly in from all over Asia, Oceania and the United Kingdom to converge at the SLLP’s 100-meter patch of grass to compete side by side their Filipino counterparts over a weekend of fun and social 10-a-side rugby.

“It is dubbed by ESPN as the best social rugby tournament in the world,” said tournament Director Max Chicken Stewart.

Cup 2017 champions Singapore Barbarians and and Shield titlists Tokyo Gaijin won’t be around to defend their titles, but the RFC Eagles (Plate), the Taipei Baboons (Bowl) and the SCC Growlers(Veterans) are raring to protect theirs in the tournament presented by the Nomads Rugby.

The Ibons and the Manila Samurais start off the heavy 35-game schedule at 9 a.m., be-

fore fellow Group A teams Subic Sharks and Tush Burkeyz square off at 9:14 a.m.

The 27-game quarterfinals, semifinals and finals are scheduled on Sunday.

Other teams in the mix are the Taipei Baboons, SKF Mavericks, Manila Carabaos and the Manila Hapons of Group B; Seoul Survivors, Clark Jets, Bush Turkeyz and Albay Bulkans of Group C; Manila Nomads, Makati Chiefs B, Cebu Dragons and Pot Bellied Pigs of Group D; B2Gold Larrikins, Eagles RFC, Makati Chiefs A and RMDK Tigers of the Cup Division; and Extinct Volcanoes, Fiji Golden Oldies, SCC Growlers and Taiper Silverbacks of the Veterans Category.

The Manila 10s was the first-ever rugby tournament held in the Philippines and has come a

long way since it was first held in 1989 at the Nomads Sports Club in Merville Park, Parañaque, where then Club president Albert Robert put out a directive for all the sports sections to hold a special event to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

It started as a way for the local, and then only, rugby club in the country, the Manila Nomads to play rugby at a competitive level without having to tour regularly.

The first tournament featured five teams playing in a one-day tournament, but the popularity of the tournament quickly grew the competition to 16 teams playing across two days.

Today, it is still the premier rugby tournament in the country. Manila 10s is held one week before Hong Kong Sevens every year, allowing clubs from around the world to participate in the tournament prior to watching Hong Kong Sevens.

Entrance to San Lazaro Leisure Park is Free and open to the public. Food, drinks and official M10s Merchandise will be available for sale at the Park.

Early goals lift PH Azkals past visiting Fiji, 3-2

Fierce duel expected in Angeles PPS ACTION in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala age-group tennis circuit shifts to Central Luzon with new faces expected to emerge in the Angeles City leg which got under way in Pampanga yesterday (Friday).

Close to 150 entries are slugging for top honors in nine age-group categories in the Group 2 tournament with Jed Labasano and Daniel Estanislao III leading the 18-and-under section and Achala Cabahug and Jenaila Prulla bannering the premier division in the girls’ side at the Angeles City Tennis Club.

Tristene Kitong, Angely Atos and Janice Navalta take the top three seedings in the girls’ 16-U play while Estanislao also seeing action in the boys’ group along with Michael Jay Fuentes, Eric Charles and Gaby Avila.

“It’s the turn of the Luzon-based youngsters to get a feel of tournament play and vie for ranking points in the circuit which held a series of tournaments in the Visayas and Mindanao the first two months,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Keen competition is also seen in the 14-U division of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Rep. Carmelo “Jonjon” Lazatin with Nathan Novilla and Jeric Magtabog leading the boys’ cast and Annika Diwa, Kitong, Atos and Prulla looming as the players to beat in the girls’ category.

Siblings Kriz and John Prince Lim hope to live up to their top seedings in the boys’ 12-U section with Bernice Egipto and Adriana Cabahug fancied to dispute the girls crown in the fiveday tournament presented by Slazenger with Dunlop as the official ball.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE CONFIRMATION AND APPROVAL OF OVER/UNDER RECOVERIES FOR THE YEARS 2015 TO 2017 PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16, SERIES OF 2009, AS AMENDED

BY ERC RESOLUTION NO. 21, SERIES OF 2010, AND ERC RESOLUTION NO. 23, SERIES OF 2010 WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION, VISAYAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC., Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------x

ERC CASE NO. 2018-_ RC

APPLICATION WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION Applicant, VISAYAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (“VECO”), by counsel, respectfully states: 1. VECO is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at J. Panis Street, Banilad, Cebu City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 9339 to construct, operate and maintain a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power in the municipalities of San Fernando Minglanilla, Consolacion and Lilo-an and the Cities of Naga, Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue, Province of Cebu.

2. On 13 July 2009, the Honorable Commission promulgated Resolution No. 16, series of 2009, entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Rules Governing the Automatic Cost Adjustment and True Up Mechanisms and Corresponding Confirmation Process for Distribution Utilities” (the “True-Up Guidelines”).

2.1. The True-Up Guidelines provided the formulas for the determination of the Generation, Transmission, System Loss, Lifeline Subsidy, and Franchise and Business Taxes Rates.1 2.2. It likewise provided for the calculation of over- and under-recoveries on the said rates due to the variance in the allowable cost and the revenues billed using the applicable formula.2 3. On 18 October 2010, the Honorable Commission promulgated ERC Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010,3 wherein the Honorable Commission amended the formula for the calculation of over-and under-recovery for System Loss and updated the timelines set in Article 5 of the True-Up Guidelines.

4. On 15 December 2010, the Honorable Commission promulgated ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010.4 4.1. The Resolution provided the formulas for the calculation of the senior citizen discount rates,5 the calculation of the subsidy rate to be charged to subsidizing end-users,6 and the over- and under-recovery in the implementation of the senior citizen discount and subsidy rates.7 4.2. It also provided that the ERC shall verify the over- and under - recovery in the senior citizen discount and subsidy rates once every three (3) years to coincide with the time frames set forth under Article 5 of the True-up Guidelines.8 5. The instant Application is being filed pursuant to the above Resolutions. Based on the formulas on the various automatic cost adjustments and true-up mechanisms, VECO incurred over- and under -recoveries for the period from January 2015 to December 2017, summarized as follows: (Over)/Under 2015 2016 2017 Recoveries Generation 96,717,824.45 219,768,660.30 70,759,535.33 387,246,020.15 Transmission 9,231,571.14 (11,658,195.80) 35,781,701.54 33,355,076.88 System Loss 10,023,333.97 3,235,466.39 11,618,856.23 24,877,656.60 Lifeline 1,167,119.08 (2,425,357.34) (1,219,604.39) (2,477,842.66) Senior Citizen 288.74 (3,747.50) (16,601.87) (20,060.64) Total (Over)/Under Recovery 117,140,137.38 208,916,826.10 116,923,886.84 442,980,850.33

Based on the foregoing, VECO has incurred a net under-recovery in the amount of PhP 442,980,850.33 for the billing periods from January 2015 to December 2017.

6. In support of the foregoing are the following documents covering the period January 2015 to December 2017, attached as Annexes of the instant Application, to wit: Annex A : Summary of the Over/Under Recoveries Computation; Annex B : Proposed Scheme of Refund/Collection; Annex C : Supplier and Transmission Data Sheets; Annex D : Power Bills from Suppliers, Proof of Payment and Debit/Credit Memo; Annex E : Statistical Data Sheets; Annex F : Reports on Other Adjustments Implemented; Annex G : Actual Implemented Rates Sheets; Annex H : Summary of Pilferage Cost Recoveries Annex I : Uniform Reportorial Requirement (URR) Template; Annex J : Lifeline Discount Sheets; Annex K : Senior Citizen Discount Sheets; Annex L : Consumer Bills per Customer Class (Non-Lifeliner); Annex M : Consumer Bills per Lifeline Bracket; Annex N : Consumer Bills per Senior Citizen Discount Level; Annex O : Rate Computations (Generation, Transmission, System Loss, Lifeline and Senior Citizen Discount Rate)

By Peter Atencio COMING up with goals early in the game allowed the Philippine Azkals to thwart Fiji, 3-2, in a friendly Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Football stadium.

Phil Younghusband led the way in the 29th in first half to hand the Azkals a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Then, Pika Minigeshi followed in the 52nd, before Kevin Ingreso struck in the 61st to give the Azkals a 3-0 edge.

Fiji scored late, knocking its first goal in the 74th minute through Nick O’Donnell, who slotted it home from an Ame Votoniu assist.

The visitors then scored their second point off a penalty kick off Roy Krishna in the 79th minute.

This friendly served as the Azkals’ preparation for their coming AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Tajikistan on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Azkals dominated and scored in the 28th minute when Misagh Bahadoran won the penalty after being fouled by Kolinio Sivoki. Younghusband then kicked in his 49th international goal and gave the Azkals the 1-0 lead.

The Azkals created another chance in the 44th minute when Bahadoran passed it to Simone Rota.

Rota tied to curl it in, but his attempt did not find the back of the net. Minigeshi, coming off the bench for Iain Ramsay at the start of the second half, converted in the 52nd minute when he fired from the left flank.

In the 61st minute, Ingreso scored off a deflection.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Proponents of the Manila 10s International Rugby Festival are shown during the tournament’s launching at the Cafe Curieux in Bel-Air, Makati. They are (from left) Tournament Director, Max Chicken Stewart; Lady Volcanoes player, Rara Sales; Philippine Volcanoes player Lito Ramirez; MJC Vice-President for Marketing, Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano; Manila 10s Chairperson Clair Barberis; Manila 10s Tournament Draw and Seeding, David Feeney; Philippine Rugby Football Union Secretary-General, Ada Milby.

Petron, F2 take on different foes BALIUAG, Bulacan—The league’s hottest while F2 Logistics finished with a 6-1 win-loss teams—Petron and F2 Logistics—kick off mark to grab a spot in Pool B together with Foton, the second round when they clash with sepa- Cignal and Generika-Ayala.

Teams in both pools will play another round rate foes Saturday in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Baliuag to determine their quarterfinal placings. The survivors in the quarters will then Star Arena. advance to the best-of-three semifiThe Blaze Spikers tip things off Games Today nals for a chance to see action in anwhen they battle struggling Smart in (Baliuag Star Arena) other best-of-three finals affair. the opening salvo in Pool A at 4 p.m., 4 p.m. – Petron vs Smart 6 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs The Cargo Movers—the reignwhile the Cargo Movers face GeneriGenerika-Ayala ing champions of this tourney that ka-Ayala in the 6 p.m. battle in Pool also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, B of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors— are heavily-favored to dominate the second ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Earlier, Baliuag City Mayor Ferdinand Es- round, especially with their new players starttrella will grace a volleyball clinic together with ing to jell with the holdovers.

In their previous match against Generika-Ayala, the Blaze Spikers and Giga Hitters at Marian new recruits Lourdes Clemente, Minami Yoshioka College Baliuag.

After coming up with a seven-game sweep of and the returning Ara Galang displayed a gallant the first round, Petron emerged on the top spot effort, towing the Cargo Movers to an easy 25-18, to join Cocolife, Sta. Lucia and Smart in Pool A, 25-16, 25-12 victory.

MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION 7. Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Honorable Commission may, upon request of a party and determination of the existence of conditions, which would warrant such remedy, treat certain information submitted to it as confidential.

8. Annexes “L”, “M” and “N” contain information on customers’ personal details, which are confidential in nature. As such, VECO respectfully requests that the foregoing documents and the information contained therein be treated as confidential and privileged, and not be disclosed to persons other than the necessary officers and staff of this Honorable Commission.

9. Accordingly, VECO hereby submits one (1) copy of Annexes “L“, ”M” and “N” in sealed packages, with the packaging and each page of the confidential document stamped with the word “Confidential”.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable Commission, after due notice, hearing and examination: 1.

2.

Other just and equitable relief are likewise prayed for.

Taguig City for Pasig City, 22 March 2018.

By: KATRINA M. PLATON PTR No. A-3783452 / February 27,2018 / Taguig City IBP Lifetime No. 706864 / Makati City MCLE Compliance No. V-0018713 / April 13, 2016 Roll No. 38338

PAUL B. SORIÑO PTR No. A-3695138 / January 5,2018 / Taguig City IBP No. 021983 / January 9,2018 / RSM MCLE Compliance No. V-0002586 / June 9, 2014 Roll No. 55895

Bulacan draws 1st blood in MPBL MALOLOS—Stephen Siruma played a career game and the Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines stayed composed amidst repeated uprisings from the Paranaque Patriots-Gamboa Coffee before pulling off an 83-73 win in Game 1 of their MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup best-of-three quarterfinals series at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here.

Siruma, the hardworking swingman, finished with a season-high 24 points to push the Kuyas closer to reaching the semifinal round of this event put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao, with former PBA Most Valuable Player Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

A back-to-back champion in the defunct Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League, Siruma had alraady tallied 17 by the end of the first half, the most scored by any player at half time in the MPBL. With Siruma coming out more active on offense, the Kuyas raced to an early 24-8 lead, with

1:34 left in the opening quarter.

But in the second period, the Kuyas had a fiveminute dry spell and the Patriots took advantage of that, unloading 15 unanswered points, capped by Juneric Baloria’s split charities that gave Paranaque its first taste of the lead, 28-27.

That long drought is something Bulacan will have to avoid, according to head coach Chris Baluyot, whose team has a chance of wrapping it up on Tuesday in Muntinlupa, home of the Angelis Resort-backed Cagers, who scored an 83-77 victory over the Navotas Clutch-Cagers behind Felix Apreku’s double-double performance.

Apreku, a do-it-all frontliner, finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks for the Cagers, who have a chance to atone from their opening-game loss against the same quarterfinal foe by wrapping up the series with another triumph on Tuesday.

San Beda basketball classes start April 5 THE new classes of the San Beda University basketball camp, which is now on its 13th season, are about to start.

Program head Edmundo Badolato said it will resume at the Mendiola and Taytay campuses from April 5 and will end on May 1. The camps will be held with the support of Cocolife, Gatorade and Molten.

Registration is still open for interested parties.

They may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or at 0929-1971071, or through Badolato at 0908-8624543.

Classes are slated every Monday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and from April 5 to 30 at the Mendiola campus.

It will go on every Tuesday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and April 6 to May 1 at the Taytay campus.

Coaches from San Beda and from other varsity and commercial teams will share their knowledge to the students in this camp, organized by coach

Edmundo Badolato.

Fee for the sessions of the camp is set at P4000. This will include a San Beda jersey and a ball provided by Molten.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Confirm and approve Applicant’s under-recoveries for January 2015 to December 2017 billing periods and authorize VECO to collect the amount of PhP 442,980,850.33 as net under-recovery.

Treat Annexes “L” “M”, and “N” and the information contained therein as confidential, and direct their non-disclosure to persons other that the authorized representatives of VECO and necessary officers and staff of this Honorable Commission, and issue the corresponding Protective Order in accordance with Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

MA. MARGARITA S. LIM PTR No. A-3749337 / January 23,2018 / Taguig City IBP No. 021984 / January 09,2018 / PPLM MCLE Compliance No. V-0016454 / March 31 , 2016 Roll No. 64612

CELENI KRISTINE G. GUINTO PTR No. A-3749336 / January 23,2018 / Taguig City IBP Lifetime Number No. 011964/ Quezon City MCLE Exemption No. V-001508 Roll No. 62390 16th Floor, NAC Tower 32nd St., Bonifacio Global, Taguig City Telephone No. 886-2348/Fax No. 886-2405 VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, Yvonne A. Singuit of legal age, Filipino, and with office address at J. Panis Street, Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: That1. I am the duly authorized representative of VISAYAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (“VECO”), the Applicant in the above-entitled case, as shown in the Secretary’s Certificate attached herein as Annex “Q”; 2. I caused the preparation and filing of this Application; 3. I have read this Application, and, based on my own personal knowledge, belief, and on authentic records of VECO, all allegations contained therein are true and correct; and 4. VECO has not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issue/s with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; To the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding involving the same issue/s is pending with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; and, if I should hereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to report such fact within five (5) days to this Honorable Commission.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this March 22, 2018, in Makati City.

Yvonne A. Singuit Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this March 22, 2018 in Makati City. Affiant exhibited to me her Passport with Passport No. P1705503A issued by DFA Cebu, expiring on January 20, 2022 and her Community Tax Certificate No. 11860844 issued in Cebu City on February 9, 2018.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Article 2 of ERC Resolution No. 16, Series of 2009.

Article 4, Ibid.

Entitled “A Resolution Amending Section 4 of Article 4 and Section 1 of Article 5 of the Rules Governing the Automatic Cost Adjustment and True-Up Mechanisms and Corresponding Confirmation Process for Distribution Utilities”.

Entitled “A Resolution adopting the Rules Implementing the Discounts to Qualified Senior Citizen End-Users and Subsidy from the Subsidizing End- users on Electricity Consumption under Sections 4 and 5 of Republic Act No. 9994”.

Article 4 of ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010.

Article 5, Ibid.

Article 7, Id .

Section 3, Article 7, Id. (MS-MAR. 24, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

Ginebra San Miguel’s Scottie Thompson (left) and Japeth Aguilar (center) and San Miguel Beer’s JuneMar Fajardo are the top vote getters for this year’s PBA All-Star Week.

Superal posts 5-shot win at ICTSI Riviera golf SILANG, Cavite—Princess Superal capped her two-week romp with a five-stroke victory over Gretchen Villacencio at ICTSI Riviera Ladies Classic, overcoming a fumbling start with a strong finish for a closing 71 at Riviera’s Couples course here yesterday.

Hounded by Villacencio and Cyna Rodriguez in the early going, Superal rebounded from a double-bogey mishap on No. 5 with three birdies in the last 12 holes then watched her rivals fade with horrendous finishes to post another runaway triumph in the sixth leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Though it paled in comparison with her record setting 16-stroke win at Tagaytay Highlands last week, it kept Superal on track in her continuing effort to build some confidence heading to her Symetra Tour campaign in the US two weeks from now.

“It’s a nice win, a big confidence-boost.

It was tough at the start and I knew I had to go under to win. My driving and irons clicked and my putting helped me a lot,” said Superal, who hit all but two fairways and used 27 putts for that 71 and a fiveunder 211 total worth P150,000.

“I’m also thankful to coach Bong (Lopez), who kept reminding me on how to handle the pressure and avoid unnecessary mistakes. He also stressed the need for regular practice to keep my form heading to Symetra,” she added.

After holding her ground with 6970 in the first two days, Villacencio succumbed to final round pressure, stumbling with two double-bogeys and four bogeys against three birdies for a 77. But her closing five-over card still proved enough to net a careerbest finish at 216 worth P95,000.

Korean Kim Hee Ji carded a 75 for a 218 and fended off compatriot Bang Choeun, who fired a 71-219, in their spirited battle for third place and low amateur honors in the event sponsored by ICTSI. Chihiro Ikeda blew a one-under card after nine holes with two bogeys at the back, hobbling with a 73 for fifth at 220 worth P60,000 while another Korean amateur and reigning Phl Amateur Open champion, Hwang Min-Jeong sputtered with a 74 and tied Rodriguez, who skied to an 80, at sixth at 221.

Rodriguez, who put herself back in contention with a second round best 69, birdied the opening hole and forced a three-way tie for the lead on No. 2, hinting at a tight finish in the P750,000 tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Thompson, JuneMar, Japeth lead fan voting I

T may be safe to say, they are currently the Philippine Basketball Association’s most popular players.

Scottie Thompson and June Mar Fajardo showed the way in the fans’ voting for this year’s PBA All-Star Week.

The third-year Barangay Ginebra guard clinched the no. 1 spot after tallying a strong 33,068 votes to lead the Mindanao selection, while the 6’10” San Miguel standout comes a close second with 32,135 to lead the Visayas team.

The All-Star Week will be held from May 23 to 27 in the provinces of Davao del Sur, Batangas, and Iloilo pitting Gilas Pilipinas against a selection team representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Mark Barroca of Magnolia Pambansang Manok and Rain or Shine’s James Yap are the two other players to breach the 30,000 vote barrier.

Barroca is no. 2 in Mindanao behind Thompson with 31,810, while Yap garnered 30,203 to finish second

in the Visayas after Fajardo.

Japeth Aguilar also of Barangay Ginebra, meanwhile, received 23,348 votes and led by a mile over second placer Calvin Abueva of Alaska (18,655) for the top spot in the Luzon team.

Veteran Ginebra guard LA Tenorio, however, ranked no. 3 with 14,381, followed by Paul Lee (14,095).

Marc Pingris of Magnolia garnered 14,019 votes to complete the starters for the Luzon Team. He however, may not make it to the All-Star game because of his ACL injury.

Also making it to the starting lineup for Mindanao Team are Magnolia teammates Jio Jalalon (26,850) and Peter June Simon (26,754), along with

Blackwater sophomore big man Mac Belo (21,732).

Completing the Visayas selection are NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena ranks third (27,642) followed

by Ginebra big man Greg Slaughter (21,016), and Globalport’s Terrence Romeo (20,720). Ravena is the only rookie voted to the starting line-up of all three All-Star selections supported by PEAK. Comprising the Top 10 of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao selections include the following: Luzon—Jayson Castro (12,871), Mark Caguioa (11,601), Marcio Lassiter (11,265), Alex Cabagnot (10,675), and Arwind Santos (9,666).

Visayas—Joe Devance (18,009), Roger Pogoy (13,908), Jeff Chan (13,472), Chris Ross (12,468), and Aldrech Ramois (9,123).

Mindanao—Cyrus Baguio (15,583), Jaypee Erram (15,161), Rafi Reavis (14,831), Baser Amer (14,340), and Sonny Thoss (11,577).

Gomez buckles down to work as Asiad CDM

ORMOC City Mayor Richard Gomez, on his first official activity as the country’s Chef de Mission to the 18th Asian Games to be held in Indonesia August of this year, sat down with the joint technical working group of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila yesterday.

“We have only four months left before the Asian Games,” said Gomez, who immediately buckled down to work upon his appointment as CDM by newly elected POC President Ricky Vargas.

Budget, medical and administrative staffing, delegation sizes and quotas as well as provisions like luggages, track suits and parade uniforms were among the matters discussed by the 2018 Asian Games Task Force.

Gomez imparted that they will not be veering away much from the estimated team size given by previously-tasked 18th AG CDM Julian Camacho.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez and 18th Asian Games Chef de Mission and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez flanked by members of the PSC-POC Asian Games Task Force members and NSA guests.

“We still do not have the final numbers, but there will be not much difference from the previous projection” Gomez clarified, with adjustment seen to be applied for measurable sports.

“We are strongly considering the inclusion of men’s basketball and women’s volleyball,” he added.

He also expressed his pleasure in seeing good coordination between Judo and Kurash.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez, during the meeting, said that he shall respect whatever number (delegation size and composition) Gomez will endorse for

support of the PSC, saying “we leave the decision to the POC. The PSC shall support as best we can” Ramirez also gave orders to assemble a medical team from the PSC’s Philippine Sports Institute to assist Asian Gamesbound athletes.

This is not the first time Gomez will be leading a delegation to battle in a multi-sporting event. He was also the Chef de Mission in the Phuket Asian Beach Games in 2014, where the Philippines reached its best finish since the game’s inception in 2008 held in Bali, Indonesia.

La Salle-Lipa edges Bataan for cage title

By Peter Atencio THE La Salle-Lipa Green Chevrons banked on team skipper Dale Lupac’s triple in the final minute and held their ground before posting a 49-44 stopping of Balanga-Bataan in the Division 2 finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

This allowed the Green Chevrons to redeem themselves from a semifinal finish last year as they wrapped their campaign with their second crown in three years in the 2018 SM National Basketball Training Center National Finals.

Lupac, a12th grader, had 11 points, with his third of three treys connecting in the last 52.2 seconds giving the Green Chevrons a 48-44 spread in the remaining time.

“We were spent because of our last game against Calamba. But I trusted my guys and it was just a matter time. God willing, they delivered,” said Green Chevrons’ coach JRex Atienza.

Matthew Virtucio shot a game-high 15 points for the Green Chevrons, with his two treys in the last 4:11 putting La SalleLipa in front, 44-40.

MVP Ian Abila was held to nine points, but made up for this with 18 rebounds for the Green Chevrons, while Kevin Raymundo led Balanga with 13 points.

In the All-Star games, SJ Belangel tallied 16 points for Team Hustle as they downed Team Heart, 99-91, for the Division 1 honors.

In the Division 2 All-Stars, Raphael Dimayuga knocked in 20 points for Team Dedication, which prevailed over Team Passion, 91-89.

In the semifinal the other day, the Greenies moved into the Division 1 finals at the expense of the Chiang Kai Shek Blue Dragon, 81-64, with Cagulangan scoring 24 points.

The Bulldogs got the second finals berth with their 71-47 walloping of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, with Abadiano ekeing out 23 points.

La Salle-Lipa drew 21 points from Abila as they won over St. Benilde International School-Calamba, 79-78, in the Division 2 semis.

This earned them a finals’ showdown with Balanga, which defeated St. Louis School-Dumaguete, 59-45, and with Aerone Santos making 24 points.

TNT KaTropa taps former NBA player

By Jeric Lopez FOLLOWING a disappointing campaign in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup, TNT KaTropa is looking to turn its fortunes around in the coming Commissioner’s Cup by tapping a promising reinforcement.

The Tropang Texters acquired former NBA player Jeremy Tyler as their import for the season’s second conference.

Tyler was a prep-to-pro prospect and was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft before being traded to the Golden State Warriors outright.

He was able to last until 2013 for the Warriors before taking his act overseas to play in Israel, Japan, China and Australia.

According to reports, Tyler is highly touted as he was supposedly on the radar of several PBA teams as well.

Tyler is set to arrive next week to immediately join the Tropang Texters in their preparation for the next tournament.

TNT KaTropa, which is normally a perennial contender, underperformed in the All-Filipino conference as it only managed an eighth-place finish with an early exit in the quarterfinals.

In fact, it almost missed the playoffs entirely.

Meanwhile, the hostilities in the finals of the Philippine Cup already started as favorite San Miguel Beer and challenger Magnolia are already figuring in Game 1 of their best-ofseven championship tilt as of this report.

Youngsters in focus as Alaska Ironkids unfolds

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte (fourth from left) poses with officials of sponsors and organizers of the first Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao during the unveiling of finishers’ medal monument in Davao City. They are (from left) Jun Bisnar, COO of Ayala Land Visayas and Mindanao; Gutz Gutierez, Alveo Land’s Head for Project Development and Sales and Marketing; Wilfred Uytengsu, president of Sunrise Events Inc., Kublai Millan, Mindanao artist, and Mikey Aportadera, head of Davao City Sports.

YOUNG triathletes take center stage ahead of the elite as they clash in their own version of the swim-bike-run race today (Saturday) in the Alaska IronKids at the Azuela Cove in Davao City.

Over 200 youngsters vie for top honors in four age categories set to fire off at 5:40 a.m. for the premier 13-14 division with the 11-12 group scheduled at 6:40 a.m. to be followed by the 9-10 section at 7:20 a.m. and the 6-8 class at 8 a.m.

Also on tap are relay category and the play long distance race.

The IronKids swim-bike-run has served as the Ironman 70.3 appetizer for years with the local junior version staged to promote a well-balanced lifestyle for kids and at

the same time serves as venue for family bonding.

The inaugural Alveo Ironman 70.3 in Davao actually kicked off yesterday (Friday) with the IronGirls with the main event presented by Petron and held in Mindanao for the first time firing off tomorrow (Sunday).

Ben Allen, a former Xterra world champion, and fellow Australian Tim Reed, the world titlist in 2016, head the elite roster of pros slugging it out in the grueling 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run event highlighting the decade-long staging of Ironman races by Sunrise Events, Inc. Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez and Bradley Weiss of South Africa, the Xterra world ti-

tlists in 2016 and 2017, respectively, threetime Ironman winner Craig Alexander and three-time North American Ironman 70.3 champion Brent McMahon of Canada are also tipped to contend for the crown in the event backed by title sponsor Alveo, an AyalaLand company.

With a relatively flat and straight run and bike courses, observers see a record finish in the blue-ribbon event hosted by Davao and Azuela Cove which drew close to 1,800 participants from 39 countries.

Czech Radka Kahlefeldt, who ruled last year’s Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic, banners the women’s elite field that includes equally talented Dimity Lee Duke of Australia and Anna Eberhardt of Hungary.

IN BRIEF

MTD unit exploring renewable energy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—MTD Philippines Inc., the local unit of Malaysia’s AlloyMtd Group, is looking at investments opportunities in the renewable energy sector in the Philippines.

The company is keen on pursuing hydropower projects, said MTD Philippines president Patrick Nicholas David.

“Banks are also willing to finance RE projects. RE projects are attractive to proponents like us because of the fiscal incentives and other benefits we stand to get from the government,” David said.

MTD recently teamed up with state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority to develop the first component of the National Government Administrative Center worth P13.69 billion inside the proposed New Clark City in Central Luzon The project was patterned after the successful Putrajaya City in Malaysia and Sejong City in South Korea, which are now the central capital administrative areas in those Asian countries.

The Philippine Competition Commission approved the joint venture between MTD and BCDA on merits that the deal would not result in unfair competition. Othel V. Campos

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

B1

Zambales residents denounce coal plant

HUNDREDS of residents in Zambales province are up in arms over AES Corp., the operator of Masinloc coal-fired power plant, after allegedly discovering that a massive land reclamation and destruction of coral reefs were undertaken by the foreign energy company reportedly without permits from concerned government agencies.

Members of Oyon Bay Protector claimed that MCPP had destroyed large areas of coral and marine life in Masinloc Bay when the company started the construction of a $1-billion expansion to double the existing capacity of the 600-megawatt Masinloc power stations.

Members of the cause-oriented and environmentalist groups said in a letter to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu the energy company reclaimed close to one hectare on the surface of Masinloc protected areas using two dredging barges and earth moving equipments.

The construction of the additional 300-MW coal plant was started in 2015 is expected to go online in the fourth quarter this year.

“The unauthorized activities massive reclamation activities of MCPP in Masinloc town must be stopped immediately since they violated several provisions of the national integrated protected areas system act of 1992,” said Joey Marabe, OBP Adhoc chairman, said in a letter to Cimatu.

Megaworld builds museums, urban arts

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it is integrating museums and urban artworks in its various township developments across the country.

The company recently opened the P110million Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art inside its 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The 3,000-square meter museum is the first contemporary art museum in the whole of Visayas and Mindanao. It features three main galleries that house artworks of both national artists and local Ilonggo artists. The museum also has its own theatre room called The Box and the Museum Shop which sells merchandise customized with some works of renowned artists.

“Ilomoca is a concrete manifestation of our goal to create urban townships that have their own charm and character. We want to curate our developments in such a way that they seamlessly blend with the local culture and promote tourism,” said Megaworld senior vice president Kevin Tan. The company is also putting up another museum in its 35.6-hectare township in San Fernando City in Pampanga province.

The ‘heritage’ museum at the capital town will pay tribute to the historic Pampanga Sugar Development Company, where the township is located. Significant artifacts of the old sugar central will be housed in the museum, which will be integrated with the proposed mall development that will also take some design inspirations from the sugar central.

BPI BUSINESS CHALLENGE. BPF Foundation executive director Maricris San Diego (second from left) announces the launch of BPI Sinag 4, a nationwide business plan competition now on its fourth year that seeks social entrepreneurs with growth potentials focusing on agribusiness, healthcare, education and energy. With San Diego during the launching ceremony at BPI headquarters in Makati City are previous years’ winners and entrepreneurs. Diana B. Noche

PSE slapped with P106-m penalty

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday it imposed a P106million fine against the Philippine Stock Exchange for allegedly making inaccurate and misleading information on the brokers’ collective ownership of the local bourse.

The SEC said in a decision PSE remained non-compliant with the 20-percent industry limit as brokers’ ownership in the stock exchange was still at 22.05 percent, even after it recently completed a P2.9-billion rights offering.

It said this was contrary to PSE’s claim that the rights offering would reduce brokers’ ownership in the lo-

cal bourse to 20 percent as it already excluded the stake of inactive trading participants in the computation for brokers’ ownership in the bourse.

The SEC’s Market Securities and Regulation Department said that until such time that the inactive trading participants amended their articles of incorporation to exclude brokering as part of their activity, changed their corporate name and obtained SEC approval for these corporate actions, PSE should still include them in the computation for brokers’ ownership in the exchange.

“Moreover, as regards PSE’s stock rights offering, even after full implementation of the same, the brokers’ shareholding will be 22.05 percent, still exceeding the 20-percent industry limit by 2.05 percent,” the regulator said.

“Hence, MSRD cited PSE for violation of Rules 17.1.1.2 and 17.1.1.1.3[a] of the implementing rules and regu-

ALI transfers stake in industrial park developer to Prime Orion

PCC approves joint venture of Robinsons Land, Shang Properties PROPERTY developer Robinsons Land Corp. said Friday it teamed up with Shang Properties Inc. to invest P10 billion in transforming a property in Bonifacio Global City into a high-end mixeduse project.

RLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed an agreement with SPI to form a joint venture company to build and develop a 9,118-square-meter property at McKinley Parkway corner 5th Ave. and 21st Drive in Taguig City.

Both parties said they obtained an approval from the Philippine Competition Commission for the joint venture.

RLC and SPI will equally own a 50-percent stake in the joint venture company.

Under the plan, the property will be developed into a mixed-use project and may include two luxury residential condominium buildings, with the potential of converting a portion of the development into serviced apartments and commercial spaces.

RLC said aside from the planned development, both parties would also pursue other development projects.

The Philippine Competition Commission on March 20 approved the joint venture between RLC and SPI, saying transaction would not result in substantial lessening of competition.

“There are enough existing competitive constraints on the parties after the transaction,” the decision read.

RLC is a publicly-listed corporation that operates as the real estate investment arm of JG Summit Holdings Inc. while SPI is a publicly listed real estate property engaged in hotels, lease of commercial and office spaces, development and sale of luxury residential condominiums and property management.

Jenniffer B. Austria

lations of the Securities Regulation Code, that is, for making inaccurate and misleading information on the impact of inactive brokers and stock rights offerings on the brokers collective ownership of PSE,” it said.

The SEC also told PSE to take measures to ensure faithful compliance with the applicable rules and regulations being implemented by the regulator to avoid similar violations in the future which would be subject to heavier sanctions/penalties.

The PSE said it would seek reconsideration of the latest SEC decision.

The SEC has been urging PSE to reduce brokers’ ownership in the exchange to 20 percent as provided under the Securities Regulation Code.

Reducing brokers’ ownership in the local bourse is one of the conditions set by the SEC before it could allow PSE to acquire majority stake in Philippine Dealing System and Holdings Corp., the operator of the bond exchange.

WASTE MANAGEMENT FORUM. The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, in partnership with the EU-Philippines Business Network, holds the Waste Management Forum at Solaire Resort & Casino in Parañaque City. Shown huddling during the forum after delivering their speeches are (from left) Environment Undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs Jonas Leones, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen and Senate committee on environment and natural resources chair Senator Cynthia Villar. Ey Acasio

PAL prepares to adjust Boracay flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines said it is ready to adjust its operations to Boracay once the government decides to close or cut back tourism activities on the resort island.

The airline led by tycoon Lucio Tan said it was also ready to assist passengers in rebooking, refunding and rerouting flights in such a scenario.

“We will be ready to assist. Our adjustments will depend on the scope and duration of the Boracay closure, and we will also take into account the need to retain some flights to serve the residents and businesses in Kalibo and the rest of Aklan province,” PAL said.

“We also intend to help minimize any impact on tourism, our passengers and on our airline operations by redirecting flights to other routes where we can continue to promote domestic and international tourist travel for the Philippines, during the temporary closure

period,” it said.

PAL said it would make the necessary public advisories to inform and update the flying public.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation, pending any final government announcements, and coordinate with the Department of Tourism and the other concerned government agencies in support of the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay island,” PAL said.

PAL earlier said it was acquiring 15 aircraft this year for about $2 billion as a part of strategy to expand domestic and international destinations.

The airline said it was expecting the delivery of four Airbus 350s, six A321 Neos and five Q400s aircraft this year.

The first A350-900s will start arriving in June, allowing PAL to deploy non-stop flights to the US East Coast through the polar region, along with more routes to European cities.

PAL acquired two Boeing 777 worth $500 million last year.

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. said Friday it is increasing its stake in unit Prime Orion Properties Inc. to 63.9 percent from 54.91 percent by swapping its stake in Laguna Technopark Inc. ALI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would swap 30,186 LTI shares equivalent to 75 percent in the company in exchange for 1.225 million POPI common shares. The share swap deal is worth P3 billion.

“Combining LTI and Popi will create a bigger entity that will pursue real estate logistics and industrial development and reposition Popi to be a leading real estate logistics and industrial estate developer and operator in the Philippines,” ALI said.

LTI is a prime developer of industrial parks in the Philippines. It owns and manages the 460-hectare Laguna Technopark which spans portions of the cities of Santa Rosa and Biñan in Laguna province and the 118-hectare Cavite Technopark in Naic town, Cavite province.

LTI’s industrial parks serve as preferred locations of local and foreign manufacturing, processing logistics and distribution companies in the Philippines.

Popi said in a separate disclosure to the stock exchangeits board approved the share swap deal with ALI. Popi said the acquisition of 75-percent equity interest in LTI would enable it to pursue real estate logistics and industrial development. The documentation for the transaction is still being finalized.

Target execution is April 2018.

ALI increased its Popi stake to 54.91 percent in January by acquiring another 4.14 percent worth P496.8 million from Genez Investments Corp.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Govt posts P10.2-b surplus in January

By Julito G. Rada THE government posted a budget surplus of P10.2 billion in January, or nearly five times higher than a year ago, following the implementation of the first phase of the tax reform program, data from the Bureau of Treasury show.

Data showed that revenues expanded 19-percent year-on-year in January, faster than the 15-percent growth in government spending.

“All major collecting agencies of the government posted positive y-oy growth, leading to higher total revenues which grew P38.6 billion or 19 percent over last year’s figure to reach P238.9 billion,” the Treasury said in a statement.

Bulk of the revenue expansion came from Bureau of Internal Revenue collections which hit P175.6 billion in January, up 19 percent from a year earlier.

The growth was mainly driven by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law which took effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

The Bureau of Customs collected P40.8 billion in revenues, an increase of 14 percent growth from a year ago, on the back of improved collection efficiency and intensive anti-corruption and anti-smuggling drive.

Income generated and collected by the Bureau of the Treasury slightly increased to P8.1 billion.

“The increment can be attributed to higher income from NG [national government] deposits as well as remittances of NG’s share from Pagcor [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.] income and MIAA [Manila International Airport Authority] profit along with other government service income. These more than compensated for the lower investment income of the Bond Sinking Fund,” it said.

Non-tax collections from other offices grew 71 percent to P13.1 billion from a year ago, on improved collection.

The national government disbursed P228.7 billion in January, 15 percent or P30.6 billion higher than the comparable figures last year.

“Ramped up infrastructure spending as well as the implementation of the third tranche of compensation adjustment for government employees contributed to the month’s performance,” it said.

Total interest payments reached P43.5 billion in January, up 3 percent over the last year. Higher domestic interest payments drove the increase, mainly on account of the coupon payments for 2017 issuances including those for retail treasury bonds.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market tumbles; Jollibee rises

S

TOCKS tumbled Friday following a sell-off in New York as Donald Trump sparked fresh trade war fears by imposing huge tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing unveiled its own measures against US goods.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, plunged 153 points, or 1.9 percent, to close at 7,970.80, as all six major sectors declined.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also shed 66 points, or 1.4 percent, to settle at 4,824.16, on a value turnover of P8.6 billion.

Eighteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the red. Only Jollibee Foods Corp. advanced 0.4 percent to P288, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. closed flat at P63.50. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. dropped 9.5 percent to P55.55,

while Now Corp. retreated 9.8 percent to P8.12.

Most Asian markets also plummeted after President Trump announced levies on up to $60 billion of imports from China for what he describes as the “theft” of American intellectual property, fueling speculation that a strong recovery in the world economy could be thrown off course.

Thursday’s announcement comes just weeks after the White House imposed stinging taxes on steel and aluminum products entering the US—causing equities to plunge—as Trump drives through with his America First protectionist agenda.

China responded by saying it was “not afraid of a trade war”, while it also released a list of potential tariffs on $3 billion worth of US goods, from pork to fruits and wine and including some steel and aluminum goods.

The news boosted Chinese pork pro-

ducers though Hong Kong-listed WH Group, which owns US giant Smithfield, plunged eight percent.

There was little positive reaction to the US saying late Thursday it would suspend duties on metals imports from the EU, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

Wall Street was sent spiraling by Thursday’s news with all three main indexes shedding between 2.4 percent and 2.9 percent.

And those losses filtered through to Asia. Tokyo was hammered 4.5 percent to hit a near six-month low, with exporters also hit by a surging yen, which is considered the go-to currency in times of turmoil and uncertainty.

The greenback fell below 105 yen for the first time since Trump was elected president in November 2016, while it was also down against the euro and pound.

Hong Kong collapsed 3.4 percent and

Shanghai lost 4.2 percent, while Sydney sank two percent.

Hannah Anderson, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, warned: “The effects are likely to be felt more strongly in the US and increase both consumer and producer prices.

“Exports are extremely important to the Chinese economy, but have been trending less so in recent years and the US has been shrinking as a share of China’s export market.”

She added: “The equity market will bear the brunt of the market reactions.

Most impacted will be the US, Korea, and Taiwan as companies domiciled in these markets make up a significant portion of the global production chain of Chinese exports.

“Chinese listed firms, on the other hand, derive most of their sales— around 80 percent—from the domestic market.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 2,490 109.1 2,422,290 3.05 53,000 140 5,099,960 1.6 80,000 34.9 196,200 15.5 800 29 2,395,700 3.4 1,000 1.5 5,000 820 380 0.54 304,000 83.75 4,397,450 1.18 1,042,000 12.78 39,500 54.3 236,760 238.8 4,350 111.5 50 85.5 220 45 1,700 244.6 248,160 90 133,070 1.2 4,000

147,865 265,100,103 162,400 711,273,645 128,320 6,845,075 12,396 69,816,690 3,400 7,500 318,350 167,210 368,060,329.50 1,254,850 498,144 12,847,689 1,041,412 5,435 18,840 76,955 60,715,446 11,976,481 4,800

114,180 -120,563,441 3,010 -77,145,260 1,418,710 1,546 -3,869,750 25,679,408 -108,340 3,170,189.50 14,360 -18,360 -18,528,798 2,962,981 -

38.4 13.72 0.57 1.26 20.8 165 3.62 17.2 280 47.1 22.2 58.85 70 2.01 5.3 10 11.3 14.02 10.56 7.31 5.75 16.62 64 23.05 9.6 15 2.18 280 52.55 4.81 3.01 25.9 16.06 19.5 311.2 0.19 7.9 2.77 4.91 8.66 5.86 1.5 10.98 54.9 558 4.7 2.17 3.4 2.1 14.6 5.28 0.136 1 145.6 2.63 1.86 0.78

INDUSTRIAL 38.8 965,900 13.9 465,200 0.59 81,000 1.27 526,000 22 88,300 178 5,200 3.64 1,250,000 17.32 184,400 290 80 50.5 596,010 23.3 68,500 63 1,110 81 11,460 2.07 477,000 5.35 9,900 10 3,500 11.4 822,400 14.38 143,500 10.6 49,600 7.34 52,200 5.77 6,371,300 16.82 2,269,500 64.5 48,360 23.5 97,600 9.65 2,419,000 16 4,097,900 2.24 3,672,000 288 864,870 52.55 200 4.95 100,100 3.06 42,000 26 1,760,400 16.06 91,500 19.52 846,000 325 359,030 0.194 340,000 7.9 500 2.85 1,223,000 4.92 322,900 8.68 1,517,300 6 108,100 1.5 1,942,000 11.8 113,300 55.55 4,455,820 580 6,120 4.7 54,000 2.24 88,000 3.4 4,000 2.19 775,000 14.7 1,203,000 5.28 17,600 0.137 200,000 1 120,000 150 628,950 2.63 2,000 1.9 10,557,000 0.8 50,643,000

37,413,905 6,461,486 46,880 664,780 1,924,735 922,695 4,565,630 3,193,100 22,700 29,707,824.50 1,604,310 68,031 873,374 970,570 52,805 35,000 9,366,492 2,028,156 524,938 383,201 36,801,602 38,164,002 3,111,023.50 2,327,200 23,389,456 64,255,816 8,408,010 244,736,736 10,532.50 488,188 127,080 45,751,205 1,473,862 16,572,378 116,199,896 64,890 3,950 3,453,410 1,590,964 13,189,030 637,639 2,913,610 1,289,378 247,581,648 3,439,570 253,820 203,200 13,650 1,695,740 17,747,692 94,449 27,340 120,950 94,003,240 5,260 20,066,320 42,082,280

1,290,320.00 2,346,328 75,725 793,730 -1,287,940 979,278 -34,615 101,500.00 -35,000 -555,068 697,800 5,290 -19,059 24,488,854.00 -25,656,852 908,643.50 -14,950 -3,976,500 3,339,646 1,171,240 -66,162,566 69,230 -14,420,945 -24,164 -1,223,542 126,146 1,690,550 223,516 1,223,095.00 2,463,000 534,324 -3,878,695 -373,725 239,700 238,720 -28,938 -13,940,402 -10,632,490 438,670

0.31 69.65 13.18 0.96 6.65 0.57 0.59 927 1,925 7.4 13.06 7.56 4.65 0.21 1,199 6.94 63.5 0.67 5.25 18.66 0.77 5.23 0.047 1.17 3.58 138.5 2.57 951 1.84 750 273 0.235 0.205

0.3 68.3 12.9 0.92 6.42 0.55 0.57 908 1,920 7 12.6 7.56 4.65 0.199 1,166 6.94 62 0.64 5.03 18.4 0.69 5.08 0.044 1.12 3 134 2.57 936 1.74 520 260 0.23 0.191

HOLDING FIRMS 0.305 570,000 68.7 998,660 12.98 5,157,200 0.95 128,000 6.42 21,500 0.57 4,760,000 0.57 309,000 918 618,010 1,920 10 7.05 574,900 12.98 2,728,200 7.56 1,200 4.65 12,000 0.2 320,000 1,170 186,915 6.94 13,800 63.5 2,120,840 0.67 160,000 5.03 137,200 18.54 3,910,800 0.74 24,776,000 5.2 28,277,700 0.046 5,200,000 1.14 633,000 3.3 15,988,000 137 128,410 2.57 20,000 949 336,060 1.79 448,000 690 9,170 273 8,610 0.23 100,000 0.195 1,470,000

172,850 68,580,840 66,980,738 121,050 139,129 2,653,150 178,090 568,421,445 19,225 4,091,391 35,314,072 9,072 55,800 63,800 219,590,920 95,772 133,882,115 103,870 697,730 72,448,846 18,332,570 147,208,823 236,300 724,980 54,367,710 17,474,403 51,400 317,492,120 800,320 6,135,860 2,255,730 23,330 284,280

-45,387,690 -9,500,298 -138,789,785 131,306 -8,859,770 -84,061,945 -15,612,560 -179,141 -26,015,654 8,980 65,032,490 -322,050 1,255,590 -62,488,155 -53,320 -

6.5 1.04 15.92 2.13 0.87 41 3.69 4.73 6.01 0.445 1.12 1.03 0.26 0.47 31.5 0.64 0.129 1.7 1.62 1.01 4.75 0.64 0.41 0.53

6.31 1.02 15 2.04 0.84 40 3.66 4.6 5.98 0.435 1.07 1 0.249 0.46 30.5 0.64 0.129 1.67 1.51 0.94 4.65 0.6 0.375 0.5

1,056,797 2,000,830 1,076,446 147,390 1,707,620 840,300,545 274,910 2,023,350 918,212 16,810,850 75,130 146,920 3,113,040 350,000 7,232,060 168,320 14,190 3,077,000 41,790,600 3,065,190 34,251,930 85,347,520 2,360,900 2,840,920

-13,416 -54,590 -160 -250,151,170 10,990 -46,000 -1,113,500 -10,300 12,500 -560,340 -1,360,670 -1,116,650 191,000 -8,092,280 2,618,130 215,080

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.5 111.3 3.01 142 1.61 34.95 15.5 29.95 3.4 1.5 850 0.54 83.15 1.25 12.3 55.4 240.2 108 87 45 246 90.5 1.2

59.5 111.5 3.17 142 1.61 35 15.5 29.95 3.4 1.5 850 0.57 83.9 1.28 12.78 55.4 240.2 111.5 87 45.95 250 90.5 1.2

59 109 3.01 138.5 1.6 34.8 15.46 28.65 3.4 1.5 820 0.54 83 1.15 12.3 54 238.8 108 85.5 45 243 89.95 1.2

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

38.95 13.92 0.57 1.27 22.75 165 3.71 17.54 280 47.1 22.6 59 72.05 2.06 5.3 10 11.7 14.4 10.58 7.49 5.77 16.68 65.2 24.95 9.85 16 2.23 285 53 5.08 3.03 26.3 16.2 19.8 320 0.191 7.9 2.79 5.05 8.79 5.9 1.51 11.1 55 559 4.71 2.45 3.45 2.22 14.7 5.3 0.136 1.01 149.6 2.63 1.94 0.88

38.95 13.92 0.59 1.27 24 181.5 3.74 17.54 290 50.9 24.85 64.7 81 2.07 5.35 10 11.7 14.5 10.8 7.49 5.84 16.9 65.2 24.95 9.85 16.24 2.37 288 53 5.08 3.06 26.85 16.2 19.8 325 0.194 7.9 2.85 5.05 8.79 6.07 1.51 11.8 56.05 580 4.71 2.45 3.45 2.26 14.82 5.45 0.137 1.05 152 2.63 1.94 0.88

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 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS

0.31 69.4 13.12 0.94 6.5 0.56 0.59 927 1,925 7.4 13 7.56 4.65 0.199 1,199 6.94 62.4 0.67 5.25 18.64 0.7 5.18 0.044 1.17 3.13 138.5 2.57 940 1.74 520 262 0.235 0.191

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

6.36 1.04 15.92 2.05 0.86 40.5 3.66 4.73 6 0.435 1.07 1.01 0.26 0.46 31.5 0.64 0.129 1.7 1.55 0.97 4.75 0.62 0.385 0.52

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

4.01 19.96 2 3.35 33.8 0.99 17.3 0.83 6.33

4.11 20.45 2 3.36 34 1 19.9 0.83 6.5

3.98 19.78 1.95 3.22 33.5 0.99 17.3 0.83 6.2

4.09 20.45 1.95 3.32 33.9 0.99 18 0.83 6.5

883,000 1,640,300 435,000 1,288,000 9,259,900 447,000 407,500 69,000 2,636,800

3,537,250 33,024,340 851,690 4,284,240 313,565,905 443,040 7,524,136 57,270 16,879,905

-629,840 10,504,600.00 290,090 -166,900 68,640,345 -15,752 -1,275,351

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U 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 SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

18.2 28.6 1.25 0.5 0.05 13.18 14.48 0.064 96 7.62 7.5 2.42 27.35 970 1,532 6.35 310 11.38 5.42 2.5 103.8 13.18 8.3 0.123 1.49 3.23 15.58 6.77 1.01 26.9 5.7 7.71 3.24 8.55 11.3 10.5 2.77 115.5 6.6 1,500 1.12 0.49 53 86.45 7.2 2.63 1.48 0.445 3.68 0.85 10.88

18.2 28.6 1.25 0.51 0.052 13.8 14.48 0.066 96 7.95 7.58 2.53 27.35 970 1,598 6.36 313 12.9 5.42 2.5 103.8 13.18 8.3 0.126 1.5 3.37 15.58 7.1 1.05 28 5.92 7.75 3.29 8.95 11.3 10.5 2.77 115.5 6.75 1,500 1.12 0.52 53 87 7.59 2.73 1.49 0.445 3.99 0.92 10.88

17.92 28.2 1.23 0.485 0.048 12.52 14.02 0.064 93.5 7.33 7.2 2.37 25.1 970 1,520 6.28 302 11.38 5.22 2.42 100 12.9 8.3 0.123 1.49 3.23 15 6.63 1.01 26.7 5.35 7.4 3.24 8.08 11.18 10 2.76 113 6.5 1,481 1.09 0.46 52.45 85.3 7.2 2.61 1.47 0.43 3.66 0.85 10.5

SERVICES 17.92 28.4 1.23 0.5 0.052 12.56 14.3 0.064 93.9 7.84 7.4 2.42 25.25 970 1,557 6.35 311.8 12.9 5.25 2.42 103 12.9 8.3 0.126 1.49 3.25 15.48 6.89 1.04 27.6 5.6 7.61 3.27 8.12 11.3 10 2.76 113 6.51 1,500 1.09 0.465 52.8 86.6 7.5 2.7 1.47 0.44 3.97 0.89 10.8

25,700 32,000 54,000 7,626,000 26,890,000 7,900 4,568,000 5,950,000 100,110 1,701,200 80,200 39,000 115,300 10 33,115 214,100 19,130 2,200 907,600 17,000 598,600 2,800 5,000 1,770,000 493,000 150,000 900 8,751,500 66,000 1,768,700 1,448,800 3,990,400 534,000 15,095,200 29,200 20,400 23,000 503,480 561,000 97,675 2,937,000 39,956,000 891,740 588,740 219,100 307,000 511,000 7,730,000 3,399,000 11,689,000 5,413,900

461,344 907,320 66,490 3,772,140 1,379,860 103,786 65,314,964 385,330 9,401,393 13,125,229 599,538 94,890 2,983,450 9,700 51,420,305 1,356,512 5,889,402 28,198 4,792,515 42,100 61,512,978 36,234 41,500 220,080 734,790 486,320 13,888 60,553,523 67,450 48,654,610 8,216,534 30,360,472 1,742,400 127,068,761 329,500 204,050 63,610 57,094,130 3,697,069 145,749,510 3,226,240 19,412,365 47,097,472.50 50,730,601.50 1,609,282 825,230 754,840 3,376,450 13,288,390 10,419,460 58,141,700

6,350 7,956,848 -6,890,863.50 2,123,955 375,000 115,980 -9,700 -14,950,435 -215,525 -7,635,731 -2,675,678 10,199,945 -10,254 8,634,715 264,560 -4,219,984 9,000 16,590 56,871,760 -42,452,875 -354,350 188,500 15,282,281.50 -17,839,626.50 638,080 71,890 77,600 192,150 6,427,090 -43,240 -3,904,072

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

0.0033 1.68 18.3 1.66 1.62 0.315 7.74 2.46 0.21 0.145 0.153 0.009 1.42 6 1.24 0.43 0.88 0.011 0.012 0.012 2.2 5.95 13.62 30.5

0.0033 1.76 18.3 1.67 1.64 0.315 7.78 2.47 0.219 0.147 0.156 0.009 1.5 6 1.36 0.465 0.88 0.012 0.012 0.013 2.2 6.13 13.7 30.95

0.003 1.66 18.3 1.66 1.61 0.315 7.22 2.41 0.21 0.143 0.153 0.009 1.42 5.89 1.19 0.43 0.84 0.011 0.012 0.012 2.2 5.89 12.9 30.2

MINING & OIL 0.0031 1,763,000,000 1.69 20,777,000 18.3 1,000 1.67 20,000 1.61 999,000 0.315 200,000 7.35 30,700 2.45 2,426,000 0.217 60,000 0.143 16,580,000 0.155 140,000 0.009 30,000,000 1.44 169,000 5.9 1,127,400 1.26 964,000 0.465 20,000 0.84 240,000 0.012 8,700,000 0.012 100,000 0.012 14,400,000 2.2 60,000 5.97 392,800 13.3 5,595,400 30.95 791,800

5,486,400 35,206,800 18,300 33,250 1,621,780 63,000 232,135 5,962,070 12,830 2,390,610 21,570 270,000 244,740 6,657,434 1,231,210 8,950 205,830 100,000 1,200 173,000 132,000 2,327,808 73,954,626 24,239,185

-92,000 12,470 21,060 4,029,510 6,300 -363,256 869,656 1,241,986 -3,618,615

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

28 510 522 100.2 108 505.5 6.06 1,001 1,000 101.7 1.06 1,066 983 104.8 1.95 76 79.5 75 77 76 77.1

28 510 522 102.3 108 505.5 6.29 1,001 1,002 101.7 1.06 1,066 983 104.8 2.15 76.5 79.5 75 77 76 77.2

27.5 510 511 100.2 108 505 6.06 1,001 1,000 101.7 1.06 1,066 983 104.8 1.95 75.2 79 75 77 75.7 77.1

PREFERRED 27.55 22,200 510 400 512 3,010 102 15,820 108 10 505 8,800 6.27 900 1,001 360 1,002 4,530 101.7 10 1.06 4,000 1,066 5,150 983 1,000 104.8 420 2.15 8,000 76.5 40,650 79 10,200 75 7,100 77 12,540 75.7 3,500 77.2 3,450

620,545 204,000 1,539,220 1,590,942 1,080 4,445,200 5,636 360,360 4,530,100 1,017 4,240 5,489,900 983,000 44,016 16,000 3,057,741 809,550 532,500 965,580 265,141 266,215

-620,545 -1,507,500 -3,008,016 -532,500 -

LR WARRANT

4.44

4.7

4.29

WARRANTS 4.51 2,299,000

10,375,380

-

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.2 3.45 3.37

5.24 3.45 3.4

5.07 3.23 3.25

5.07 3.36 3.34

5,647,896 753,480 3,590,550

10,300 268,090 837,600

FIRST METRO ETF

124.1

124.1

121.6

3,771,999

20,851

MS

PROPERTY 6.48 1.03 15.38 2.13 0.84 40.35 3.66 4.6 6 0.435 1.12 1.03 0.255 0.46 31.3 0.64 0.129 1.68 1.52 0.94 4.66 0.6 0.375 0.51

164,800 1,947,000 70,500 70,000 2,000,000 20,754,200 75,000 439,000 153,000 38,090,000 68,000 144,000 12,390,000 760,000 231,400 263,000 110,000 1,825,000 26,717,000 3,172,000 7,310,000 138,551,000 6,100,000 5,624,000

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

19,991,888

INDUSTRIAL

103,185,524

HOLDING FIRMS

101,341,919

PROPERTY

290,427,073

SERVICES

164,317,163

MINING & OIL

1,866,854,771

GRAND TOTAL

2,548,553,134

SME

1,099,300 229,000 1,075,000

EXCHANGE TRDED FUNDS 122.3 30,860

VALUE 2,053.15 (down) 39.46 1,886,236,422.70 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,249.42 (down) 130.40 1,159,701,956.21 HOLDING FIRMS 7,923.41 (down) 165.15 2,785,378,484.91 PROPERTY 3,629.06 (down) 74.71 1,679.98 (down) 23.52 1,659,841,418.68 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,827.03 (down) 112.59 983,362,067.18 PSEI 7,970.80 (down) 153.65 160,609,507.0133 All Shares Index 4,824.16 (down) 66.01 8,648,896,133.57 Gainers: 65; Losers: 143; Unchanged: 39; Total: 247

Robinson’s retail unit posts P4.98b in net income

By Jenniffer B. Austria ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc., the retail holding company of the Gokongwei family, reported a net income of P4.98 billion in 2017, up 3.1 percent from P4.12 billion in 2016.

Core net income, excluding interest from bonds, equitized net earnings from the 40-percent stake in Robinsons Bank and unrealized forex gains/losses, increased 13.7 percent to P4.7 billion in 2017 from P4.1 billion a year earlier.

Operating income also climbed 14.8 percent to P6.3 billion from P5.5 billion, driven by stronger sales, resilient samestore sales growth despite coming from a high base in 2016 on election spending and improvement in gross margins.

Consolidated net sales expanded 9.4 percent in 2017 to P115.2 billion from P105.3 billion in 2016, as same-store sales grew 2.7 percent.

Sales contribution from the 140 new stores that opened in 2017 and the fullyear consolidation of The Generics Pharmacy, De Oro Pacific Home Plus and Chic Centre also contributed to higher sales, it said.

The supermarket segment recorded SSSG of 2.5 percent as of end-2017; do-it-yourself, 6.4 percent; convenience stores, 2.9 percent; drugstores, 1.6 percent; and specialty stores, 7.8 percent.

The supermarket segment remained the group’s largest segment, accounting for 45.4 percent of consolidated net sales.

RRHI had a network of 1,718 stores comprising of 154 supermarkets, 49 department stores, 193 do-it-yourself stores, 496 convenience stores, 484 drugstores and 342 specialty stores as of end-2017.

The figures were on top of the 2,015 franchised stores of the Generics Pharmacy. The group’s gross floor area, excluding TGP, expanded 10 percent year-on-year to 1.15 million square meters in 2017.

The company allotted P3.1 billion for 2017 capital expenditures.

RRHI, which also operates Toys ‘R’ Us in the Philippines, targets to open more stores within the year.

“Toys ‘R’ Us is one of the most iconic toy stores in the Philippines and we believe we’ll stay in the industry for many years to come. The public is still fond of toys, both young and old. We are optimistic with future growth and we continue to improve our merchandise mix to keep up with the market. To make it more convenient for shoppers, we’ve also begun to bring in cashless payment platforms into our stores,” RRHI president Robina Gokingwei-Pe said.

EDC secures $90-b loan from World Bank arm

By Alena Mae S. Flores RENEWABLE power producer Energy Development Corp. and International Finance Corp., a member of the World Bank Group, signed a 15-year financing agreement covering $90 million to fund a portion of the company’s 2018 capital requirements.

EDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the capital expenditures would cover the balance of work related to the return of service of the geothermal power plants in Leyte that were affected by the July 2017 earthquake and other project initiatives aimed at increasing the reliability, efficiency and throughput of EDC’s existing geothermal facilities and reducing outages and health, safety and environment risks. “With this most recent financing on the back of previous financings in 2011, 2008, and even an IPO-enabling IFC investment in 2006, EDC and IFC continue to strengthen our partnership. We share a joint commitment to provide sustainable energy sources for the Philippines and to mitigate carbon emissions,” EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco said.

EDC and its subsidiaries own and operate renewable energy projects in the Philippines with a total installed capacity of 1,472 megawatts, including geothermal, hydro, wind and solar projects as of end 2017.

As a leader in the geothermal industry, EDC aims to promote and improve the utilization of indigenous geothermal technology, which is still the most superior renewable energy technology offering base load operations, low greenhouse gas emissions and low land and water utilization.

EDC’s power generation in 2016 represented 9 percent of the country’s total power generation capacity. “Securing this financing with IFC further confirms that EDC continues to adhere to the high standards of multi-lateral funding organizations in the aspects of financial discipline, good corporate governance, environmental and social stewardship, safety and security, and fair labor practices,” EDC senior vice president and chief financial officer Nestor Vasay said.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

World

B3

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Survey of nature’s vital signs out soon

INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK. Models wear creations designed by Indian designer Pria Kataria Puri during the Kuwait international fashion week in Kuwait City. AFP

China says not afraid of trade war with US

BEIJING―China warned the United States on Friday it was “not afraid of a trade war” as it threatened tariffs on $3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s moves against Chinese imports.

Beijing unveiled a hit list of products that could face duties of up to 25 percent, from fresh fruit to pork and wine, though it stopped short of pulling the trigger as it indicated its readiness to negotiate an agreement.a The latest trade action sent stocks diving as fears rise that the US, which accuses China of mass theft of intellectual property and other unfair practices, could provoke a damaging trade war.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 700 points, while Tokyo closed 4.5 percent lower and Hong Kong and Shanghai were both down more than three percent.

“China does not want to fight a trade war, but it is absolutely not afraid of a trade war,” the commerce ministry said.

Hours earlier, Trump signed an

order that also could result in restrictions on Chinese investment in the US, saying it would be the “first of many” trade actions.

“We have a tremendous intellectual property theft situation going on,” Trump said as he signed the new trade order, which could include duties as high as 25 percent.

The action did not immediately impose any new tariffs, but within two weeks US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is due to publish a list of the products that could be hit with tariffs, which will be followed by a period of public comment.

As Trump has marched towards a confrontation, Beijing has repeatedly warned that trade wars benefit no one and that it would not stand by as Washington imposed new punitive measures.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Thursday suggested the new measures on intellectual property were in fact a way of bringing Beijing to the table, telling CNBC they were “the prelude to a set of negotiations.” AFP

IN BRIEF EU blames Moscow for UK spy attack BRUSSELS―European Union leaders united behind British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday in blaming Russia for a nerve agent attack in England, and agreed to recall their ambassador to Moscow for consultations.

Some states are now considering following Britain’s lead in expelling Russian diplomats, with Lithuania and France among those indicating a willingness to take action.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had pressed the importance of a united response to the March 4 poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury.

At a summit in Brussels, the 28 EU leaders offered her their full support, agreeing “that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible and that there is no plausible alternative explanation”.

They pledged to “coordinate on the consequences”, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said they had agreed to recall the bloc’s ambassador to Moscow for consultations.

“Some member states are looking into possibly expelling Russian diplomats or recalling national diplomats,” an EU official added.

Moscow strongly denies any involvement but London has identified the chemical used as the Soviet-designed Novichok, and says Russia had the means and the motive to carry out the attack. AFP

Largest-ever protest for US gun control WASHINGTON―Florida high school student Aalayah Eastmond will join a massive crowd of Americans―expected to number in the hundreds of thousands―taking part in nationwide protests for gun control on Saturday.

The 17-year-old says she will be marching not only for tougher gun laws―but for the classmate whose body she hid beneath during last month’s massacre at her school.

“Columbine happened―nothing’s changed. Sandy Hook happened―nothing’s changed. Parkland happened―nothing’s changed,” Eastmond said Thursday.

“The march is just the start,” she said at an event with lawmakers, prosecutors and members of law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

“We will fight for this until change happens.”

Fourteen students and three adult faculty members were killed on February 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland by a troubled 19-year-old former classmate armed with a semi-automatic rifle.

Students at the school in southern Florida are the driving force behind the “March For Our Lives,” which is to be held on Saturday in Washington and other US cities.

The event is expected to be the largest-ever protest for gun control in the United States, where there are more than 30,000 gunrelated deaths a year.

Organizers say more than 800 marches are being held across the country and around the world under the slogan #NeverAgain― the Washington event alone is expected to attract at least 500,000 people. AFP

MEDELLIN―Scientists will deliver a comprehensive assessment Friday of the state of biodiversity―the animals and plants that humankind depends on to survive but has driven into a mass species extinction.

The labor of some 600 scientists over three years, four reports will be unveiled in Medellin, Colombia, under the umbrella of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

The diagnosis is expected to be dire.

“If we continue the way we are, yes the... sixth mass extinction, the first one ever caused by humans, will continue,” IPBES chairman Robert Watson told AFP ahead of the much-anticipated release.

But the good news, he said, is that “It’s not too late” to slow the rate of loss.

Scientists say mankind’s voracious consumption and wanton destruction of Nature has unleashed the first mass

species die-off since the demise of the dinosaurs―only the sixth on our planet in half-a-billion years.

The first major biodiversity assessment in 13 years comes in the same week that Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, died in Kenya―a stark reminder of the stakes.

“The IPBES conference is going to tell us that the situation is continuing to deteriorate, they are going to tell us some ecosystems are being brought to the brink of collapse,” WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP on Thursday.

“The IPBES is going to make a strong case for the importance of protecting Nature for our own wellbeing.”

The volunteer experts who compiled the reports, drawing on data from some 10,000 scientific publications, have been discussing their contents with representatives of the IPBES’ 129 member countries in Medellin since

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Saturday.

The contents of five summary reports for government policymakers, each about 40 pages long, were negotiated word-for-word, line-by-line.

The summary reports are condensed versions of five monumental assessments, each about 600-900 pages, which will be published only after the conference.

The first four summaries will be released simultaneously on Friday-one for each of four world regions―the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia.

A fifth report, due March 26, will focus on the global state of soil, which is fast being degraded through pollution, forest-destruction, mining, and unsustainable farming methods that deplete its nutrients.

Together, the five assessments cover the entire Earth except for Antarctica and the open oceans―those waters beyond national jurisdiction. AFP

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Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

B4

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

M

EETING with a group of journalists at an influential breakfast club this week, Louie Ferrer, representative of Megawide-GMR consortium, a joint venture of Megawide Construction Corp. and Indian company GMR Airports, Ltd., was succinct on what his group plans to do to solve Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s biggest problem, capacity.

The NAIA handled around 708 aircraft movements (take-offs and landings) a day in 2017. It handled 42 million passengers the same year, split equally between domestic and international sectors.

“Within the first four years of takeover, which may even be before the President (Rodrigo Duterte) concludes his term, we want to have solved NAIA’s capacity issues,” Ferrer told the Manila Standard.

“The key is to ensure quick turnaround times and a more efficient use of resources, such as the existing runways.”

Ferrer explained that MegawideGMR’s proposal “prioritizes airfield capacity development while simultaneously enhancing terminal comfort and efficiency.” It will increase NAIA’s airfield capacity to 950 to 1,000 aircraft movements a day, a 30 to 35-percent increase from the current approximate of 730 aircraft movements per day.

During an opening forum, Ferrer staved off questions about the consortium’s ‘fighting chances’ to bag NAIA project. “We are not here to fight,” he said. “We’re focused on the project: that’s because we want to help the government by presenting possible options to the Philippines’ airport gateway problem. But If others have a better proposal, let’s do it.”

Urgent issue The need to increase air traffic capacity is more urgent than ever. With the economy growing at more than 6% a year, analysts expect air traffic to leapfrog to 47 million passengers in 2018 and onwards to 74 million by 2022.

With no capacity-building programs put in place, NAIA will have no choice but to turn away flights, a situation that could be disastrous for the economies of the national capital region, and the entire island of Luzon.

The good news is that two groups from the private sector have given their respective proposals to expand NAIA’s capacity.

The first offer is from a consortium composed of seven of the country’s largest conglomerates. Collectively known as the ‘super consortium’, they propose

BEEF UP AIRSIDE INFRASTRUCTURE. One of the bidders to rehabilitate NAIA proposes (among other expansion projects) building parallel taxiways to the two exiting runways — one of which will be lengthened—and several rapid-exit taxiways. The strategy: aircrafts will exit the main runways fast, allowing these be used by the next departing or arriving aircraft (Photo courtesy of Megawide-GMR).

Playing catch up with PH’s neighbors with a world-class airport Megawide-GMR pooh-poohs idea of a ’fight’ with super consortium to rebuild NAIA

BEST VALUE. Megawide-GMR’s Ferrer said the government has a choice between two good airport proposals. “This kind of competition is healthy for the infrastructure sector.”

to invest $7 billion to expand NAIA’s passenger capacity to 65 million a year. This is in exchange for a concession period of 35 years.

The second offer comes from Ferrer’s group, which wants invest $3 billion to increase NAIA’s capacity to 72 million.

The latter proposal calls for a much shorter concession period of only 18 years.

Unfazed by competition At last week’s media sit down, Megawide-GMR’s top officers seemed unfazed by competition from seven of the coun-

try’s corporate titans (Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., Ayala-owned AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Andrew Tan-led Alliance Global Group Inc., Lucio Tanowned Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp (AEDC), the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Development Corporation, the Gokongweis’ JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation).

“Our participation comes from our experience in operating and developing Mactan-Cebu Airport, which has transformed from a small airport into one of

NATIONAL TREASURES.

Two of the most prominent names in the architectural industry, Carmelo Casas and Jose Pedro Recio, were recently awarded the prestigious gold medal of merit award by the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). The PIA is the oldest architectural society in the country.

The award is given to outstanding and men and women of the architectural profession who have contributed to the enrichment and professional development of the craft in the Philippines. The award was first given in 1950, and since then, there have been 26 awardees including some of the most distinguished architects in the country, some of whom of have become National Artists. The photo shows ( 2nd and 3rd from left ) architects Jose Pedro Recio and Carmelo Casas. With them were previous gold medal of merit awardees (left to right) architects Rogelio Villarosa, William Coscolluela, Ramon Orlina Jr. and Ramon Ma. Zaragoza.

RESORT COMMUNITY BY THE SEA. JAKA group of companies president Katrina Ponce Enrile recently approved the design for the Nasacosta Resort & Residences, its joint beachfront development with Sta. Lucia Land along the Nasugbu coastline in Batangas province. With Enrile is architect Paulo Alcazaren of the Nasacosta design team ((SC&A, PGAA & EMPIRE). Nasacosta is a product of the Jaka Group’s and Sta Lucia Land’s desire to tap the burgeoning retirement haven market of (local and foreign retirees), and the improving tourism scene in the Philippines. The development will be marked by low to mid-rise condominiums amidst the backdrop of trees, beds of flowers, manicured lawns and modern amenities such as a gym, spa, recreational facilities, wi-fi access, all incorporated in a natural beach setting.

the best in Asia Pacific in the category of less than 10 million passengers,” said Andrew Harrison, chief executive adviser of Megawide GMR. “Our understanding of passenger behavior and stakeholder capabilities has allowed us to increase connections and passenger numbers.”

Harrison outlined his group’s proposal to operate with the two existing runways at NAIA. This included “maximizing capacities by constructing full-length taxi lanes parallel to both runways, augmented by several rapid exit taxiways.”

The idea, he explained, is to have aircrafts exit the main runways at the soonest possible time, allowing it be used by the next departing or arriving aircraft. The second runway will be extended as well.

The net result is that movements will increase from 40 to 60 per hour, Harrison projected.

The partners got game!

Ostensibly, the main difference between the two bidders is the concession term. Megawide-GMR proposes a concession period which is virtually half of what is being asked by the consortium.

The super consortium tapped Changi Airports of Singapore as its strategic partner while Megawide aligned with the Bangalore-based GMR group.

The main difference between the two foreign partners: Changi operates a single airport facility with a passenger traffic of 62.7 million while GMR manages three airport facilities—in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mactan—with a collective passenger flow of 94 million.

A third runway, or improve ‘airside’ infrastructure?

Another interesting difference between

the proposals of the two consortiums is their approach to addressing NAIA’s airfield capacity. The super consortium insists on building a third runway to boost current and future capacity.

Ferrer told the gathered newsmen that building a third runway is a non-issue for his group. “The key to unlocking NAIA’s potential is to optimize the existing airside infrastructure. We’re sticking with this gameplan,” he said.

Boon for PH economy Understandably, Megawide-GMR has front-loaded its claim on how it engineered one of the most dramatic airport transformations in history.

From being one of the worst airports in the world, New Delhi was voted in 2014 as the best high-volume airport in the world according to the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) rankings.

New Delhi airport was ranked number one in 2015 again, and number two in 2016, tied with Changi.

Fast forward to 2018, Mactan Airport, under the management of MegawideGMR, is said to be staging something similar. Despite being 40 years old, the airport has been offering glimpses of efficiency of late, though nothing has been deemed definite, as the “13th best airport in Asia” will only be inaugurated in June this year.

Indeed, interesting times ahead for the Duterte government as it inches closer to a decision which airport the country’s principal gateway will be. One thing is for sure: whichever direction the Department of Transportation (DOTr) casts its lot on, it will be a boon for the Philippine economy.

Dormitels here to stay?

DEVELOPERS of upscale dormitories with hotel-like accommodations, known as dormitels, will expand six fold their combined bed capacity in the next two years to meet the growing demand among young professionals who prefer to stay in relatively inexpensive quarters near their central business district (CBD) offices.

“What buoys up optimism among dormitel developers is this bit of information: almost all the dormitel properties in the pipeline are leased out,” Cushman & Wakefield Philippines said in a research paper about the thriving local dormitel market.

The study added that dormitel capacity, estimated at 1,400 beds in the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati CBD area in 2017, “will expand to 5,300 beds by 2018 and to 10,200 beds by 2019”.

Being close to work Cushman & Wakefield noted factors that drive the dormitel market up. According to the study, “the biggest driver for employees to move into dormitel buildings is the need to locate close to their workspaces.

“With the worsening traffic in the metro, coupled with rising transportation costs, employees are better off allotting PHP 4,000 to PHP 5,000 for a space in these dorm buildings. From their dorms, it will take them something like a 20-minute walk, or an eight-peso tricycle ride, to get to their offices in BGC,” Cushman & Wakefield said.

Upcoming projects In the report, Cushman & Wakefield listed some of existing dormitel projects.

MyTown, the trailblazer in the business, rents out 800 beds spread over its three existing locations: MyTown Paris, MyTown London, and the 653-bed MyTown New York.

Property newcomer Point Blue—which markets their 10- to 14-sqm single-occupancy rooms as micro-studios—has one operating building with a 69-person capacity.

Another local developer, DEI Properties, is operating two locations offering almost 300 bed spaces under their “iDorm at the Fort” project in the outskirts of BGC. Other players in the BGC-Makati area include MySpace BGC, which offer 97 rooms with one- to four-person configurations, on top of a budget hotel component.

BGC Hostel and Dorm, primarily a backpackers’ destination in Makati, offers bed spaces in their eight-person dorm rooms.

Life

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

travel and leisure

saturday, march 24, 2018

C1

Reflection and celebration:

Easter holiday in the metro t

He Christian holiday easter and the observance of Holy Week offer a time for everyone, regardless of religion, to reflect and relax for a few days. So when the offices close and most establishments shut down, take advantage of your time off and gather the family to any these premier hotels in the metro.

How to plan a quick getaway It’s a mistake to think that going on a vacation is impossible if you don’t have too much time to plan. In this digital age, a quick getaway is always possible and within reach in just a few clicks.

Global online marketplace OLX wants to be everyone’s travel buddy, as it offers these three tips to help even the busiest person plan the perfect vacation.

Children are in for a wild treat at the Summer Safari Easter Party

Serene getaway at F1 Hotel Manila

tranquility is no longer exclusive to the countryside, as BGC-based F1 Hotel Manila offers a holistic holiday promotion that allows guests to take a rest and fulfill Lenten traditions without leaving the city. the hotel’s easter Room Package, available from March 26 to April 1, offers an overnight stay in a City suite for P5,400 net or in a Fort suite for P6,600 net, inclusive of breakfast for two and discounted rate for the easter Party. the easter Party for kids, dubbed the summer safari easter aster Party, will let them unleash their wild and imaginative side while they par-ticipate in the traditional egg hunting activity and enjoy brunch buffet, magic show, and whole lot of fun games, giveaways, and surprises. ticket icket is priced at P1,188 net.

F1 joins those cutting meat from their diet in observance of the Lenten season by offering lighter buffet options from March 29 to 31 for P888 net per person.

Call (02) 908-7888 or email inquiry@f1hotelsandresorts.com for inquiries and more information.

Step 1: Choose your destination

When choosing where to go, determine whether you want to go on a road trip or travel by airplane. If you don’t want to fly out, consider the top three destinations for long drives according to the OLX Data Hub: Pampanga, Laguna, and Batangas. But if you want to fly to a domestic lo location, Bohol, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro are the top three on OLX’s list.

Super staycation at New World Makati

Take a much-deserved break in this stylish room

Turn to C2

Step 2: Map out your days

Research the things you can do at your chosen destination online. If you’re going outdoors, you might need things like hiking or camping equipment.

Beach bound? You might need snorkeling and other swimming gear. You can easily find these items on OLX and get them for an affordable price.

You can also search for tour services on OLX. the service allows you to explore the place through the lens of a local guide, and find out the best dining spots, too.

Rafa the Rabbit at Makati Shangri-La

Delightful rabbit, Rafa the Rabbit will welcome guests spending the holiday at Makati shangri-La. A special rate from today until April 1 starts at P8,500 net per night. this room package comes with breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids below 6 years old, 20 percent discount on easter sunday Family Fair tickets, access to Holy Week Fun Activities, and a Rafa the Rabbit welcome amenity.

A palate and visual treat at the lobby is Rafa’s Grand easter House which will display sweet treats, such as chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, and other sinfully Circles’ collection of chocolatey easter goodies.

Parents staying today until March 31 can keep their littles ones entertained with chocolate egg decorating, arts and crafts activities, and movie screenings. Come easter sunday, children will get to meet and greet Rafa the Rabbit and will be treated to a giant playground of inflatables, game booths, music show, and loot bags during the special easter egg Hunt. tickets to the fun event is priced at P1,500 per person (adult or child).

Call (02) 813-8888 or email reservations.slm@shangri-la.com for inquiries and reservations.

exciting adventure awaits “staycationers” at New World Makati. Families who want to take advantage of the holiday may book a room starting at P6,000. each room package comes with easter treats, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection, and two tickets to the Heroes vs. Villains party on easter sunday. the hotel prepared an afternoon of egg hunts, games, bubble show, bouncy castle, game booths, and more for children joining the easter sunday party. One ticket, priced at P1,200, is equivalent to access for one adult and one kid. the participant with the best costume will take home the top prize. two adults with children dining at Cafe 1228 on easter sunday Brunch will receive one ticket. Jasmine Restaurant will also give one ticket for every set menu available on easter.

Call (02) 811-6888 for reservations and more information.

Indulge in sweet treats and enjoy fun activities with the whole family

Step 3: Get there

Now that you know where to go, and planned your itinerary, you now need to determine how to get there. If you’re going on a road trip, but don’t have a ride, you may opt to rent a vehicle—OLX has listings for car and van rentals depending on your need.

Life

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saturday, march 24, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

The evolving world of Zen mercury rising

BY BOB zOzOBRadO

I

T IS quite difficult to name one particular country which Zen could be attributed to because there are quite a few that have been responsible for its existence and its popularity. The word comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “Chan” which traces its beginnings from the Indian practice of meditation.

Becoming a part of Chinese Buddhism, the practice spread to Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, advocating conscientious self-control, constant meditation, and practicing the teachings of Buddha in daily life to benefit others.

The essence of Zen is the practice of meditation. When one does this, usually, a cushion is placed on a padded mat to sit on, and the person assumes the lotus position. The mind is then regulated by directing awareness towards counting the breath or by bringing it to the energy center below one’s navel.

Intensive group meditation, especially by the Buddhist monks, is commonplace. This is usually done for several hours every day, but rest breaks, meals, and even brief office tasks are taken in between the 30-minute-long contemplation periods which are always focused on mindfulness.

These sessions, which are also par- The façade of the Zen Institute in Quezon City ticipated in by private and lay individShe later put up The Zen Institute ment, bio-identical hormone therapy, uals, can last anywhere from one day to a week. One interesting aspect of Medical Spa which is now popularly and regenerative stem cell therapy.

Zen meditation is the “kyosaku.” This known for mastering the fine art of non- These have now been lumped into one is a flat, wooden paddle which is used invasive aesthetic enhancement from package, launched and marketed as on those who meditate, with the inten- face contouring, body sculpting, and the “MJ Ultimate Wellness Program.”

The procedures applied to the patrons tion of keeping them awake or focused skin rejuvenation. of The Zen Institute Medical on their search for complete Spa are hinged on four elemindfulness. ments: aesthetic Element, Here in our country, Zen has YOUR weekend CHUCkLe the non-invasive treatments evolved and has leveled up. Not like facial contouring, body only does it help one achieve inIf the police arrest a mute, do they tell him he “has sculpting, hair treatment, ner peace, it also does wonders the right to remain silent?” and many others including to one’s physical appearance.

Lipocryo, where extreme cold Seventeen years ago, Dr. Mary temperature is used to melt Jane Torres thought of integratThe core of these procedures is body fat without pain. ing medical science, art, and lifestyle to Then there is the Integrative Elepromote a holistic approach to wellness, beauty perfected from within through thus adding a new dimension to the positive lifestyle changes which in- ment, which is the application of protoclude detoxification, weight manage- col-based approach for various medical achievement of inner peace.

F R e Q U e n T F LY e R

treatments. There is also the Lifestyle Element of the mind-and-body workout which includes nutritional counseling and a fitness regimen. and, there is the Pampering Element, or spa treatment protocols for anti-aging and weight management.

Celebrating its 12th year of making Filipinos look good inside and out, The Zen Institute Medical Spa serves wellness advocates through its four locations: Quezon City, BoniDr. Mary Jane Torres, founder and medical facio Global City, Batangas City, and director of The Zen Institute Binondo in Manila.

Trust a Filipino to always come up The Zen Institute Medical Spa. I’m sure with something better and bigger than this will please Buddha no end. the original. Now, Zen does not only For feedback, I’m at give one inner peace, it also takes care bobzozobrado@gmail.com. of one’s inner and outer beauty through

reflection...

From C1

Delightful vacation at Diamond Hotel

Take a break and treat the whole family to an overnight stay in Diamond Hotel’s Deluxe room for only P5,500 net.

The room package is inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Corniche, access to the Health Club and Spa and swimming pool, 20 percent discount on massage and laundry, and one ticket to the hotel’s Easter Party.

The Diamond Ballroom will transform into a wonderful wonderland filled with dancing, singing, playing, and lots of goodies on Easter Sunday. The event features face painting, glitter tattoo, fun games, a kid’s salon, and live musical entertainment. Ticket, priced at P1,000 net per person, is inclusive of a snack box filled with delicious goodies. Participants will get a chance to win an XK X252 Shuttle Quadcopter Drone in the grand raffle draw.

Call (02) 528-3000 for reservations and inquiries.

Hop and relax at eastwood richmonde Hotel

The Deck lounge features designer furniture and carefully curated lighting

Luxury Lounge opens at Hong Kong Int’L aIrport CaTHay Pacific passengers have a new place where they can relax before their flight, as the airline opened its newest luxury lounge, The Deck, at Hong Kong International airport.

Emulating understated luxury, the lounge’s environment adopts the feel of a contemporary living room with designer furniture, carefully curated lighting, plenty of greenery, and art by local artists. It also has a relaxation room zone, complete with bespoke Solo chairs, eight shower suites, and upscale washroom facilities, to help set travelers at ease The Deck features dining options to satisfy hungry flyers. The Main Lounge offers freshly made international chows; The Noodle Bar—a favorite among Cathay Pacific flyers—serves asian delights such as dan dan noodles and Japanese-style vegetarian noodles; and The Terrace, an openceiling verandah that serves a variety of grub and drinks with a panoramic view of the airport’s apron, taxiways, and northern runway.

“The Deck builds on the formula that has made our other new lounges around the world so popular with our customers,” Cathay Pacific chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo said in a statement.

The Deck joins Cathay Pacific’s other lounges at Hong Kong International airport, including The Bridge, The Pier Business and First-Class lounges, The Wing Business and First-Class lounges, and The arrival.

“Investing in experiences that our customers value and consider important is at the heart of our product and service philosophy. We look forward to welcoming the lounge’s first passengers,” said Loo. Eastwood Richmonde stages a bunny rabbit-themed Easter Sunday Party

Have a “hoppy” celebration and a relaxing vacation when you avail any of Eastwood Richmonde Lenten room packages.

Those taking a break on March 29 to 31 can avail of the Richmonde Experience Room Package, which comes with breakfast buffet for two adults and two children below 5 years old, Wi-Fi connection, access to the hotel’s facilities, and 15 percent discount on food and beverage orders, for only P3,999 net.

Those spending the night on april 1, Easter, can avail of the Easter Celebration Room Package, which comes with breakfast buffet for two, Wi-Fi access, use of the gym and pool, 15 percent discount on food and beverage orders, and two tickets to the Easter Egg Hunt Party, all for P5,800 net.

Families are in for a treat at the Easter Eggstravaganza Kiddie Party, happening on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom. It will be a fantastic afternoon where participants can don the outfit of their favorite bunny rabbit character and delight in the kiddie Easter egg hunt and magic show, merienda buffet, an assortment of snacks stations, photo booth and glitter tattoo, and the costume parade where both children and adults with the best themed costume can win prizes. Tickets are priced at P850 nett per head (adult or child).

Children 2 years old and below can participate for free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Call (02) 570-7777 for reservations and more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘IPAGLABAN MO’ TACKLES VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Jairus Aquino and Raymond Bagatsing in a scene from the 'Balita' episode of 'Ipaglaban Mo. '

Today in Ipaglaban Mo, Jairus Aquino seeks justice for his co-worker and fellow journalist, played by Raymond Bagatsing, who got slayed by a cop right before his eyes.

Jethro (Jairus) followed his father’s footsteps and became a journalist. He met senior reporter Bernard (Raymond), a committed journalist who would risk his own life to expose the truth to the public.

One day, Jethro received a tip about a bar using minors as sex workers. He quickly went undercover with Bernard and gathered pieces of evidence for an exclusive story.

With enough proof, the two went to the police station to report what they saw. Unfortunately, the police they were asking for help was related to the owner of the bar.

To silence them, the police killed Bernard.

How would Jethro get the justice for Bernard’s death? Answers will be revealed in the “Balita” episode of Ipaglaban Mo, directed by Eduardo Roy Jr., airing after It’s Showtime on ABS-CBN with a replay on Wednesday on DZMM TeleRadyo and DZMM Radyo Patrol 630.

Showbiz Ambush

NOT JUST CATRIONA, CARLENE DID IT, TOO

By Ambet Nabus BEAUTY pageant observers and patrons are quick to say that Catriona Gray is indeed the very first Pinay beauty queen to have been given the right to represent the country in two of the most popular and most watched international beauty pageants in the world. But some quarters claim that Carlene Aguilar has the throne over it when she won Miss Philippines Earth in 2001 and Binibining Pilipinas World in 2005, and also fared well in the international contests when she had top 10 and top 15 finishes, respectively.

“But in 2001, Miss Earth was just beginning. Back then, it was considered as a very minor and small pageant that does not even hold a stick to the likes of Miss International and Miss AsiaPacific beauty contests. Even up to this date, it ranks poor third or fourth way beyond Miss Universe and Miss World,” stated by these contests’ enthusiasts.

Catriona’s win gives signals to our neighboring pageant crazy countries of how strong and competent our Miss Universe delegate this year.

For now, Catriona doesn’t want to feel the pressure as she exclaims, “Let me enjoy this

winning.. the sash, the crown and let me thank those who believed in me and joined me in this journey. Let me think perhaps of the pressure soon or maybe not anymore.”

Well, as we all have witnessed during the Binibining Pilipinas grand coronation night, she just didn’t win almost all the minor awards including both the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown and Best in National Costume, but the hearts of every Pinoy especially the women when she nailed the Q&A segment. *** When this piece was asked by some friends who have seen both the rise and fall of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, considered by many film scholars as the last legit movie queens of Philippine cinema, I said that social media has somehow managed their status.

While the megastar continues to get stellar exposure on TV and film and still has a few product endorsements, Maricel or Maria seems to depend on the old system that is to rely on referrals waiting for a production to hire her.

Sharon’s activities on socmed

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

ACROSS 1 Smokehouse products 5 Stroll 10 — — grip!

14 Give off light 15 Courage under fire 16 Russian czar 17 Costa — 18 Declaim 19 Brainy one, maybe 20 Remain unperturbed (2 wds.)

22 “Yankee Doodle Dandy” star 24 Terhune collie 25 Need a scratch 26 Parsley cuttings 29 Doomed ship 33 Correspond 34 Hot — — oven 36 Pepper grinder 37 — on a limb 38 Reveal a secret 41 Through 42 Byron’s works 44 Withhold 45 Territories 47 More bothersome 49 Does ranch work 50 Footed vases 51 The works 52 Protecting

charm 55 Sprat 60 Take a chance on 61 Small harbor 63 Rock star, maybe 64 Genealogy chart 65 Steak cut (hyph.)

66 Furry red Muppet 67 Place for flowers 68 Fishtailed 69 Come across as DOWN 1 Thyme or sage 2 Brigitte’s friend 3 Translucent mineral 4 Like night skies 5 Dodges 6 Retail center 7 Uninteresting 8 MGM workplace 9 Building 10 Checked fabric 11 Level 12 Deli-scale word 13 Griffith or Gibb 21 Carried on 23 Perform 25 Where Venice is 26 Plunge 27 Straitlaced person 28 Observances

30 “The Pink Panther” actor 31 Homer opus 32 Social rank 34 Affirms 35 Daystar 39 Name 40 Nobles 43 Moved furtively 46 Makes a comeback 48 Intense anger 49 Lured 52 Showy and pretentious

53 First-known variable star 54 Software purchaser 55 Sound a bugle 56 Descartes’ name 57 Laid off 58 Alaskan seaport 59 Swipe 62 Chicago Bulls’ org.

made her a still-byword among its users even at times she gets into counter-bashing when she put her private moments out for public consumption.

M a r i a doesn’t do it. Her only means of reaching out to her fans is through her occasional TV and film guestings.

In the movies, she began to accept roles that are supporting in nature unlike Shawie who can still demand for a top billing status or role.

Again, socmed plays an important role because as one newbie producer said, “It will become easy for us to cast senior stars with active

‘Celebrity Chef: East vs West' cast members in Malete, Manila

Fierce competition in ‘Celebrity Chef: East vs West Celebrity Chef: East vs West, the original five-part series sees renowned chefs travel to five cities in Asia including Macau, Shunde, Manila, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur where they spend time with celebrated local chefs learning about the city, its food and culture, and are then tasked with preparing a local dish, putting their culinary skills to the test while battling each other out.

The final two episodes take place in two destinations built, owned and operated by the Sunway Group; Sunway City Kuala Lumpur and The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Malaysia, which are the official premier destination partners of this series. From Malaysian cuisine to Filipino fare, there is a range of delicious dishes on display in all destinations.

Representing the East is Nicholas Tse, entrepreneur with his own cooking show, also known for singing and acting. On the opposing camp representing the West is David Rocco who brings his passion for food to millions of kitchens every day through his television programs and his bestselling cookbooks where he shares the perfect combination of food, travel and a celebration of

the sweet life.

The competition promises to be a memorable one, as both chefs bring not only their extensive knowledge to our screens, but also their highly captivating on-air personalities and fascinating careers and backstories. The ultimate winner will walk away with bragging rights to culinary supremacy, and a generous donation towards a charity of his choice.

On behalf of the Philippines is Chef Bruce Lim. He will challenge both David and Nicholas to try one of his specialty dishes blindfolded.

Each chef must then search San Andres, a local market in Malate, Manila for the right ingredients to recreate the dish with their own spin on it.

With Nicholas channeling his Asian culinary influences and David cooking with Italian and Indian flavors, there is everything to fight for in this fierce competition.

The show also brings in two more local fan favorites as judges, Chef Bruce Ricketts, mastermind behind Sensei Sushi, Ooma Mecha Uma and La Chinesca, and Maureen Wroblewitz, the first Filipina winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5.

Celebrity Chef: East VS. West premieres tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. FOX Life.

Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray struts her stuff during the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Sonny Espiritu

social media a c counts because visibility and updates are at hand. Hindi na mahirap i-introduce sa younger gteneration of film patrons.”

Thus, when Maricel was asked why she continues to accept minor and supporting roles, she was reportedly heard saying, “Ngayon pa ba ako magiinarte? Basta may trabaho at okey naman sa akin, no problem kung supporting man iyan. Aware naman akong hindi ko na panahon noh?”

Well...who can blame her? She was once a box-office superstar and had been having quite a great share

when it comes to her genius as a TV and film actress. *** How true that Joshua Garcia went to Julia Barretto’s place in the wee hours of the morning just to explain that he was not and is not and promised not to date the rumored beauty queen he met on line?

After socmed and the netizens bashed the young actor for trying to publicly announce his “being a friend and smitten by the young lass’ beauty” to the point of allegedly asked for the girl’s number, Joshua never had the time to explain to Julia.

What’s even more interesting, they unfollowed and then followed each other again on socmed as if there really is something deeper going on between them.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

YUGEL LOSORATA

Perfect time to be sentimental

FEW Filipino bands with certified radio hits to claim are still around these days.

True Faith, with vocalist Medwin Marfil as focal point, is one among the elite, with its longevity owed primarily to a catalogue powered by heartfelt and groovily classy pop love songs.

You can name some without having to Google: “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” “Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit,” “Alaala,” “Sa Puso Ko,” “Kung OK Lang Sa’yo”, “Dahil Ikaw,” “Baliw,” “Ambon,” “Hi!” and “Perfect,” the band’s debut hit released 25 years ago. Yes, 2018 is a good time for the band to look back and cherish its early years of triumph.

“It feels mighty good to be still around after 25 years since ‘Perfect’s’ release. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us in any way,” said Med who rather thinks he only became the group leader because his “concerns and opinions had more weight - justifiably.”

True Faith no longer employs the classic lineup. Yet, with the main man still on board, that distinctive voice heard since “Perfect” has kept the band’s run steadily moving forward on the same old reliably passable lane. The current troop composed of Allan Elgar (lead guitar), Eugene Marfil (acoustic guitar), Macky Macaventa (bass), Jake Lumacad (keyboard) and Kaka Quisumbing (drums) is one, according to him, “absolutely solid and right-on-the-mark on the aspect of work attitude.”

The band’s 10th studio album stylishly titled “Senti-Mental” is likely to be released this summer.

A new single, “Ka-

hit Na,” will serve as the run-up to a silver anniversary concert set later this year. “Hopefully, we’ll have some of the original members of the band to jam on that show,” Med nicely noted.

The amiable frontman, who had been performing years prior to the big break, fondly recalled the circumstances that led to the band’s formation, He shared, “I was working for Fullerton Studios in 1991. Me and my mates there, Ferdie Marquez and Kiko Guevarra, jammed in our spare time and that’s how ‘Perfect’ was created. The demo of it became a hit on legendary pop radio station 99.5 RT and soon after record companies looked for us.”

True Faith, under Octo Arts, released its first album, also called “Perfect”, two years later. Model Tweetie De Leon appeared on the lead track’s music video as both Ferdie and Kiko would establish themselves as mainstream record producers after their TF stints.

Songwriting is one of Med’s strengths himself. To this he pointed out, “Writing an easy song can be peanuts but composing a great song entails a lot of heart and time.”

It sure helped that he, and naturally True Faith music, is influenced by a diverse set of iconic foreign acts, including The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Duran Duran, Everything But The Girl, and China Crisis.

Performing-wise, he seems to be finding more ways to enjoy. “I think now I’m more confident in my singing,” he jested.

With that remark, it looks like True Faith is nowhere near retiring from the gig and recording scene.

Medwin Marfil

Avengers assemble at Marina Bay Sands

The lead cast of 'Avengers: Infinity War'

SINGAPORE—To celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, Singapore will host an unprecedented assembly of three Avengers Super Heroes – Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Benedict Cumberbatch (Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange), Karen Gillan (Nebula) and Joe Russo (Director) – at a showstopping red carpet-style fan event on April 16.

The cast and the director will thrill fans at the fan event, taking place at the integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands. This event will be free and open to the public.

Mr. George Tanasijevich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands, said: “We are privileged to work with The Walt Disney Company again for their Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War talent tour. This ground-breaking event will showcase our ability to host unique and large scale global events and reaffirm Marina Bay Sands as the world’s entertainment destination.”

“This is the 10th year of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and we are happy to bring our South Asia fans even closer to their heroes. This region has an ever-expanding fan base for Marvel and continues to be a part of everyday lives of people,” said Mahesh Samat, EVP and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company (South Asia).

An extraordinary cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The film opens in Singapore and Philippine theatres on April 25.

Join the conversation online using the hastags #AvengersSG and #InfinityWar.

ALDEN RICHARDS,

et al headline back-to-back US, Canada shows

Alden Richards is performing for Kapuso fans in New Jersey and Toronto for the second edition of GMA TV’s 'Sikat Ka, Kapuso!'

By Nickie Wang

F

OLLOWING the huge success from last year’s event in California, the Kapuso abroad can once again get the chance to see their idols perform live in key cities in the US and Canada.

Alden Richards, who was the most requested artist in the Kapuso concert last year, returns on GMA TV’s Sikat Ka, Kapuso! stage together with Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn, Lovi Poe, Dingdong Dantes and Betong Sumaya.

Dennis feels fortunate to once again be part of a group of Kapuso stars headlining the concert happening in two of North America’s major cities.

According to the actor, it’s his second time to entertain Filipinos based abroad, and he considers it a rare opportunity to give them a slice of home through music and production numbers.

“For sure, some of them feel homesick. It’s nice that once in a while we get to interact with them because there are people who can’t come home. It’s like giving them something that they’ve been missing for a long time,” Dennis told Manila Standard in an interview.

At the concert, the Kapuso actor will have a duet with Jennylyn, who like him, was part of the contingent that performed in California last year.

“Worth it ang pagod seeing the audience enjoy the show. Imagine, our schedule is going to be tight. From New Jersey we’ll go to Toronto, then there will be presscons before the show and meet and greet events after the concert.

But all these are nothing when you see our kababayans enjoying the show we

Jennylyn Mercado put up for them,” Jennylyn shared.

She added that she and Lovi have prepared a sing and dance production number specially choreographed for their fans abroad.

“It’s going to be a big show. We are a bigger group this time. Most of all, there will be audience interaction, which is the main reason why we are staging the show – to reach out to our Lovi Poe

kababayan who terribly miss home,” she said.

Agreeing to what Jennylyn said, Lovi reflect on the dynamics of performing for Filipino audience overseas.

“We are known for being warm people, it’s nice that we get to experience Filipino hospitality in a different country. That’s what I’m really looking forward to, I’m excited to interact with our fellow Filipinos and share some stories with them,” Lovi noted.

The star-studded event will see the Kapuso stars perform live on April 7 at the Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey, USA and on April 8 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in To-

ronto, Canada.

“We are definitely doing this for our kababayans. We are equally excited if not more excited especially for me being the new addition to the lineup of stars performing. Through music and our show, we kind of bring Philippines closer to them.

And that’s already really something that makes me feel proud being part of this concert,” Dingdong shared with us.

Sikat Ka, Kapuso! is a GMA-produced event which aims to bring Filipinos abroad closer to home via its international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International..

For ticket inquiries, contact (917) 858-2356 for Sikat Ka, Kapuso! New Jersey and 1-866-7KAPUSO for Sikat Ka, Kapuso! Toronto.w

‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ live semi-finals AFTER 11 weeks of auditions with 98 acts that made it through the next round, Pilipinas Got Talent judges Freddie “FMG” Garcia, Angel Locsin, Robin Padilla, and Vice Ganda finally made the cut and determined the 28 acts that will compete in the semi-finals that will kick off this weekend.

Twelve acts from Luzon made it to the

next level that include Aloha Philippines, Prinsipe Makata, JM Bayot, Jeptah Callitong, Karl Matrix, Antonio Bathan Jr, Jonacris Bandillo, Bu-Away Folklore Dance Troupe, Dauntless Republic, Joven Olvido, and Golden Buzzer acts Bardilleranza and Kristel De Catalina.

Maka Girls, Angel Fire New Gen, Dancing Fire Warriors, Cebeco II Blue

This week, the first six acts to compete are singers Maka Girls pole dancer Johnny Villanueva , comedian Orville Tonido, vaper JM Bayot, and dance groups Salimpokaw Ko Masa Dance Troupe and Nocturnal Dance Company .

Knights, and Golden Buzzer acts Julius and Rhea represent the Visayas, while Salimpokaw Ko Masa Dance Troupe, Xtreme Dancers, and Golden Buzzer act DWC Aeon Flex represent Mindanao.

Meanwhile, eight acts from Metro Manila will also get another shot to show what they got at the PGT semis. They are Junior FMX Extreme, Orville Tonido, Pedro Lachica, Rico the Magician, Miggy Hizon, Johnny Villanueva, Mad Queens, and Golden Buzzer act Nocturnal Dance Company.

For the first time in PGT history, the competition goes to different locations--Pasay City, Taytay, Rizal, and San Fernando, Pampanga--- to bring the PGT experience closer to more Kapamilyas.

Only two acts per week will advance to the grand finals. The first act will be chosen based on text votes, while the second act will be chosen by the judges. To vote via SMS, text PGT (name of contestant) and send to 2366 for all networks. Only one vote per sim. For details on how to watch the live shows, check out the program’s official social media accounts.

Pilipinas Got Talent airs today at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on ABSCBN.