Manila Standard - 2018 April 21 - Saturday

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Fake news called toxic threat in Asia KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Inflammatory stories masquerading as real news pose a particularly toxic threat in Asian countries with long-standing religious and ethnic divides but promises by some regional leaders to tackle the problem carry equal menace.

Next page VOL. XXXII • NO. 65 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

UP Profesor Clarissa David

Study: People can adapt to deep diving TAMPA—Researchers have discovered the first evidence that people can genetically adapt to deep diving, as shown by the unusually large spleens in indigenous people of Indonesia known as the “Sea Nomads,” a study said Thursday.

The spear-fishing Bajau people regularly free-dive to depths of up to 230 feet (70 meters), with only weights and Next page a wooden mask.

HAGONOY RAID. National Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin (2nd from left, seated) presents Friday to the media five individuals arrested recently in connection with their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. The five were nabbed during a raid in Hagonoy, Bulacan. Seized from them were 11 sachets of shabu with an estimated value of P400,000 and 13 firearms. Norman Cruz

Drug war toll: 13 killed, 58 arrested in Bulacan

By Francisco Tuyay and Vito Barcelo

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T least 13 drug suspects were killed while 58 others were arrested in separate, simultaneous police operations in nine different areas in Bulacan province Friday.

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Short-term inflation is one of the costs of the long-term goal of higher, more inclusive growth.

-- BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, reporting that inflation accelerated to 3.8 percent during the first quarter of 2018.

The killing of the still unidentified drug suspects came just hours after newly designated Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Alabaylde assumed office.

Albayalde, in his first press briefing as PNP chief in Camp Crame vowed to sustain the drug war that his predecessor

Ronald dela Rosa started.

“Whatever happens on the ground, sometimes, the police really have to react.

You can’t tell them not to retaliate if there is a present and clear danger during their operations,” Albayalde said in a mix of English and Filipino.

A report from the Bulacan Police Provincial Office said it conducted 12 operations in which 13 drug suspects died.

The deaths were recorded in Bocaue, Pandi, Sta. Maria, Plaridel, Pulilan, Baliwag, San Rafael and Malolos City with one each and two in San Jose del Monte City.

Among those arrested was actor Julio Diaz, whose real name is Mariano de Leon. Police said he was arrested in a

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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The Senate leader was in fifth to ninth place with 39.8 percent in the Pulse Asia survey released Friday.

While happy with the result, Pimentel said everything is still fluid as far as the May 2019 senatorial polls is concerned.

“It’s okay even in the fifth to ninth place. What is important, I was included. At any rate that survey was taken late March, and that’s a long way from

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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the election. Many things can change,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He said the survey respondents are just answering based on the list given to them and their choices can still change.

The survey conducted from March 23 to 28 showed 57 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents have chosen their candidates for the May 2019 senatorial elections.

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Govt goes after firms in illegal labor scheme

Aquino et al. face Dengvaxia probe; PAO sues Duque

DENGVAXIA CONTROVERSY. Lawyers Manuelito Luna (right), Eligio Mallari (left) and Nasser Marohomsalic (middle) of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption present boxes of evidence they say will support their joint complaint affidavit at the Department of Justice Friday during the resumptio0n of the clarificatory hearing on criminal cases filed against former President Benigno Aquino III over the ant-dengue vaccine controversy. Norman Cruz

End drug war or lose trade benefits--EU

By Vito Barcelo and Sara Susanne Fabunan

Survey says voters already ticked off Senate bets SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel III said Friday he does not want to feel confident yet that he will win re-election amid his inclusion in the latest Pulse Asia survey.

“Everybody should be running scared. Even we re-electionists are running scared,” he said.

THE Justice department said Friday it will summon former president Benigno Aquino III, two former Cabinet officials, and several former and incumbent Health officials to a preliminary investigation next month on the complaint filed by two anti-crime advocacy groups in connection with the Dengvaxia vaccination program.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rossane Balauag, who led the DOJ panel of prosecutors assigned to handle the complaint, said they will issue subpoenas to Aquino and 44 other respondents to appear on May 15 for the preliminary investigation.

The investigation is over the criminal

Albayalde walks the talk in first day as top cop

THE government will start cracking down on the establishments continuing to employ the 555 labor scheme, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Friday even as President Rodrigo Duterte gave Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III 30 days to submit the list of companies suspected to be engaged in labor-only contracting.

He said Bello had 30 days to file a “comprehensive report” with the Office of the President on the implementation of Department Orders 174 and 183 and a list of the firms “engaged and/or suspected to be engaged in labor-only contracting.

In other developments: * Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said Duterte had “thrown in the towel” and “surrendered” in the campaign against labor contractualization.

She made the statement after Duterte said he would no longer issue an Executive Order to end labor contractualization and would leave the matter to Congress.

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MALACAÑANG on Friday slammed the European Parliament for threatening to withhold the Philippines’ Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) privileges that allow the country to export goods to the European market duty-free, if the government fails to end the bloody war on drugs.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that it is clear that the European Union (EU) is interfering with the country’s domestic affairs.

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution calling on the Philippine government to put an end to the brutal war on drugs and remove human rights defenders included in the government Next page

Dare De Castro to do a Sereno, SolGen asked ByRey E. Requejo THE Office of the Solicitor General has been asked to also initiate a quo warranto petition against Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro on the same ground that it used to seek the nullification of the appointment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as top magistrate.

In a four-page letter to Solicitor General Jose Calida, Jocelyn Maria Acosta asked the OSG to file a quo warranto petition against De Castro who, according to her, lacks integrity as a member of the 15-member bench.

“As a citizen of this country and as a taxpayer, I humbly request that the Solicitor General urgently initiate quo warranto proceedings against Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro for lacking integrity as a member of the Supreme Court,” Acosta said.

Acosta is the founder of The Silent Majority, which supported the Liberal Party’s presidential tandem of Manuel Roxas II and Leni Robredo in the 2016 national elections.

Acosta cited records from the Judicial and Bar Council allegedly indicating that De Castro submitted only 15 of her Next page

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saturday, april 21, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

May 14 poll filing extended 1 day more T

By Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Commission on Elections has extended the period for filing certificates of candidacy for the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to 5 p.m. today, Saturday.

The period for filing certificates of candidacy was supposed to end at 5 p.m. on April 20.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the commission ordered the extension in view of the concern that the number of candidates who would be filing their candidacies would fall short of the 338,584 SK positions to be filled.

The Comelec had considered extending the period for filing certificates of candidacy for the May 14 Barangay

and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections shortly after the National Youth Commission urged it to do so.

“The Comelec has received the NYC’s request. It is currently being discussed by the [commission] en banc,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a text message.

In the Senate, Senator Bam Aquino said the May 14 SK elections would provide promising young leaders a level playing field through the anti-dynasty provision of the SK Reform Act.

Under the new SK Reform Act, he said, all would be given the opportunity to serve especially that, for the first time, the provision against political dynasties would be implemented.

Senator JV Ejercito on Friday challenged the Filipino youth to prove their worth and their sector’s social significance by participating in the SK elections under the SK Reform law.

“I am calling on all the youth, 15-30 years old, to participate in the coming SK elections next month,” Ejercito said in a statement.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a candidate or not as long as you participate because this is your chance to prove your importance as members of society.”

Meanwhile, the Interior department

on Friday urged voters not to elect candidates with shady backgrounds and questionable conduct in the coming Barangay and SK elections.

Interior Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said the electorate should not take chances on corrupt candidates.

In resolution 0013 dated April 20, 2018, signed by NYC officials, the NYC said there was a persistent clamor among SK aspirants to extend the filing deadline to the weekend.

As of Friday, the Comelec reported that a total of 181,296 COCs for the SK elections had been filed in various Comelec offices nationwide, while there were 300,000 seats to be filled up for the 2018 SK elections. With PNA

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Neda’s Pernia backs 6-month closure of Boracay

petition seeking to declare more than 600 individuals as terrorists.

In a briefing at the Palace, Roque described the EU resolution as unfortunate, as the bloc again interfered with the affairs of the Philippine state, “rehashing issues and baseless claims” that have been explained adequately through several official statements.

“We reiterate that… the government under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does not engage in so-called extra-judicial killings,” Roque said.

Roque also asked where the EU got its figure of 12,000 victims of extrajudicial killings.

“Where are the bodies? And where are the lawsuits of these 12,000 victims?” Roque said in Filipino.

He said the government received only a handful of complaints from families of alleged EJK victims and those policemen linked to summary killings are now under investigation.

“Where is your data? Where is your evidence that 12,000 people were killed?” Roque continued.

Roque said impunity doesn’t have a place in the Philippine and the government will continue to follow due process and hold officers accountable for their actions.

“The arrest and detention of Senator Leila De Lima on illegal drug charges which follows strict legal procedures has even been declared legal with finality by the Supreme Court of the Philippines,” he said in response to an EU call to release the senator.

Roque reiterated that the Philippine courts and the Supreme Court continue to function and not being influenced by politics.

He called on the EU to pursue the appropriate laws in their country, the way the Philippines does in implementing laws to serve and protect its citizens.

By Julito G. Rada and Rio N. Araja legal structures in Coron, Palawan, and are being mobilized to carry out a com-

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Borrowing from US President Donald Trump’s political playbook, government heads with an authoritarian streak are using the mantra of “fake news” to shield themselves from negative media coverage, and push legislation that critics say is aimed more at stifling dissent than punishing fabrication.

The problem they profess to be addressing is a genuine one.

Internet penetration is now so extensive -- even in the poorest areas -- that fake stories dressed up as fact can go viral on social media overnight and reach massive audiences with often dire consequences.

In India last year, seven people were killed by a mob after a false story spread on WhatsApp that they were child-traffickers, while in Myanmar, doctored photos and bogus reports shared on Facebook have fueled the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

Several Asian leaders have tapped into the resulting public concern and launched campaigns that claim to target malign rumor-mongers but, experts say, serve to turn the screws on critical media and political opponents. AFP

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*Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said the Senate was ready to approve legislation to strengthen the security of tenure of workers, although he noted that such was already stated in the Labor Code.

Instead of passing the buck to Congress, he urged the Executive branch to review and repeal a past department order that he said allowed contractualization to flourish.

Roque dubbed the government’s labor crackdown as “Tokhang Laban sa Cabo,” which would go after the establishments

SOCIO-ECONOMIC Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Friday backed the six-month closure of Boracay island in Aklan, saying the efforts toward its development were in line with the strategies in the Philippine Development Plan to ensure its ecological integrity.

“Right now, we must look into the future and take a concerted effort to improve the condition of Boracay,” Pernia said in a statement.

“We must restore its beauty that has captivated and drawn people from all over the world.”

Pernia made his statement even as the Environment department on Friday gave business owners 30 days to dismantle il-

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buy-bust operation when he tried to sell a sachet of shabu.

Police said they confiscated almost half a million pesos in drugs and 15 assorted weapons.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said that the 13 drug suspects who were killed put up a fight.

“The recent anti-illegal drugs operations in Bulacan, which resulted in the death of 13 suspects, is a clear indication that members of drug syndicates are fierce and are ready to put up a fight against law enforcers,” Bulalacao said.

The death toll was the highest in a single day since 32 drug suspects were killed in one night in August 2017— also in Bulacan.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to defend every policeman who kills a criminal while doing his or her

warned them of “DENR” impostors.

Roman Legaspi, an engineer and head of Task Force Coron, gave 75 business operators 30 days to remove their hotels, restaurants, dive shops, laundry shops and lodging and boarding houses built on the waters and within the easements zones.

He issued notices to vacate served by the task force to the erring establishments.

Pernia said the closure of Boracay to tourists was necessary to clean it up and preserve it as a prime national asset.

Earlier, the NEDA office in Western Visayas said Boracay’s closure would pave the way for its rehabilitation, the improvement of its sewerage systems and the protection of its ecologically fragile areas.

Government personnel and resources

prehensive rehabilitation plan.

NEDA said such plan would adopt guidelines that would take into consideration the island’s environmental characteristics, carrying capacity and legal concerns following Presidential Proclamation 1064 signed in 2006.

Emergency responses have been lined up to take care of the vulnerable groups that will be affected by the closure, including workers, families, students, indigenous peoples, fishermen, farmers, traders and transport stakeholders.

The provincial government of Aklan has also started removing illegal structures, checking infrastructure and connections and issuing notices over the violations of easement provisions.

duty in accordance with the requirements of the law.

The President made the announcement during the change of command rites of the Philippine National Police held in Camp Crame, Quezon City, where Dela Rosa turned over his post to Albayalde.

“I will be there for you. I will never, never allow any military man or police to go to jail unjustly for performing his duties,” Duterte said.

The Chief Executive asked the men and women of the PNP to continue performing their duties well, especially as the government further intensifies the war against criminality, illegal drugs, terrorism, and other threats to the security of the nation, the communities, homes and families.

Duterte said he is putting at stake his honor, life and the presidency, and said the fight against illegal drugs and organized crime will continue until his last day in office.

The President said the drug menace

remained the country’s biggest problem.

“If we do not strive to put a stop to it, destroy and neutralize the infrastructure of drugs and the men and women behind it, we would have failed the nation,” he said.

In his speech, the President also lauded Dela Rosa, who was appointed as the new director of the Bureau of Corrections.

In his press confrence, Albayalde vowed there would be no let-up in the government’s war on drugs.

“How to sustain the drug war? In order to sustain it, we will not change anything,” Albayalde told reporters at his first press conference as PNP chief.

“Why would we stop a program that is very effective?” Albayalde added, citing “very good momentum and gains” since the alleged police killing last year of a teenage boy wrongly accused of drug crimes that sparked street protests.

Albayalde also said he would retain the counter-intelligence group that goes after crooked cops. With AFP

thanked the public for their continued trust and confidence in him.

He said the latest survey result is a snapshot of how people perceive their preferred candidates.

“This, however, shall not distract us from pursuing meaningful reforms that our countrymen truly deserve,” he said.

Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV was the only member of the opposition within the top 12 in the senatorial race in Pulse Asia’s survey, which was conducted from March 23 to 28.

Aquino underscored the need for an opposition coalition that is willing to stand and oppose government policies that are detrimental to the welfare of the

Filipino people.

Senator Francis Pangilinan emphasized the importance of the opposition’s role in the country even as he welcomed Aquino’s inclusion as the lone opposition in the top 12 of the Pulse Asia survey.

The respondents were asked to choose their 12 candidates from a list of 58 names. Of the number, 15 have statistical chances of winning.

Leading the May 2019 senatorial race with a statistical ranking of solo first place was Senator Grace Poe, followed

by Senator Cynthia Villar, Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano, Senator Nancy Binay, Angara, and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. With PNA

Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, over the course of her nearly four decades in government starting in 1973.

“Being in government service since 1973, Justice De Castro was bound to submit 39 SALNs, but failed to do so,” she said.

Acosta said De Castro, who also applied for the top position in the judiciary in 2012, along with Sereno, may

have committed perjury when she said under oath during a Congressional inquiry that she met all the requirements of the Judicial and Bar Council.

In filing quo warrant case against Sereno, Calida accused the chief justice of lack of integrity for non-filing of the 10-year SALNs requirement when she applied for the top post in 2012.

Calida filed the quo warranto petition questioning the validity of Sereno’s appointment as chief justice after Eligio Mallari, a suspended lawyer, wrote him a letter urging him to initiate quo warranto proceedings.

The Sereno camp earlier said they have a total of 11 SALNs in hand as they recover more of the missing documents from Sereno’s 20 years as a law professor at the University of the Philippines.

“With due respect, I invoke the same grounds raised by Mr. Mallari in his letter as sufficient grounds for you to file a similar petition for quo warranto against Justice De Castro,” Acosta said, in her letter to Calida.

“I anticipate that you would act with the same zeal as you did when you received the letter of attorney Mallari in February 2018,” Acosta added.

that continued to employ the illegal 555 or cabo system in hiring workers.

Duterte’s memo came after Malacañang decided to forgo the issuance of an executive order against the end-of-contract scheme or “endo” and let Congress pass a bill on labor law.

Roque said Duterte will back the passage of a bill seeking for security of tenure for employees.

He said the 30 days was not just for the list but to make the erring establishments to comply or be closed.

The “Tokhang” on establishments would be similar to the “police tokhang” where Labor investigators would conduct unannounced visits to companies to check on them,” Roque

told reporters.

He said labor-only contracting and the farming of work through a “cabo” or a person or group under the guise of a labor group or cooperative that supplies workers to an employer were among the forms of employment prohibited by the country’s labor laws.

Duterte also ordered the National Labor Relations Commission to coordinate with Bello and submit a list of companies found to be engaged in labor-only contracting or had violated labor laws.

Roque described labor-only contracting as an arrangement between a contractor or subcontractor and the principal to recruit workers for a certain period.

survey...

Senator JV Ejercito said having a sibling running simultaneously will definitely be a tough challenge.

The senator, son of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, was referring to former senator Jinggoy Estrada, who declared his intention to run again for senator in the coming midterm elections.

“Hoping that performance, track record and clean, unblemished record as a public official will help pull it through,” he said.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara

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complaint filed by newly-appointed Philippine Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption lawyer Manuelito Luna and Eligio Mallari of the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. “We will be issuing a subpoena to all the respondents in the complaint to appear on May 15,” Balauag said.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said Friday the World Health Organization’s recent update on the anti-dengue vac-

Duterte off to Singapore for Asean gab

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will leave next week to attend the 32nd Asean summit in Singapore to discuss political, security, economic and socio-cultural communities, Malacanang said Friday.

Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Asean Affairs Assistant Secretary Hellen De la Vega said the Chief Executive will be attending the summit at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to be held on April 27 to 28.

The Asean leaders will also discuss the transnational and trans-boundary issues such as terrorism, violent extremism, trafficking in persons, illicit drug and disaster management.

The President will be joining other leaders of Asean member states in continuing the work of advancing community building and in living up to the shared commitment of maintaining and promoting the peace, security and stability of the region, De La Vega said.

She said Duterte will also join the Asean leaders in two major engagements: the working dinner on April 27 and the Leaders’ Retreat on April 28.

“We expect that the meeting will discuss the outcome of the documents that’s being worked out by Singapore. And this refers to this vision, Asean leaders vision on resiliency and innovation. The second is a concept note on smart cities network. There will be about 26 pilot cities focused on smart and sustainable urban development,” De la Vega said.

“The third one is of course one that’s covering cyber security where member states will look at cyber-attacks and how we can coordinate better our cyber policy and capacity-building measures,” she added.

De La Vega said the President would address issues that affect the wellbeing of the peoples of the region.

“He will work with other leaders in putting an imprint towards the realization of Asean Vision 2025 by identifying and prioritizing initiatives that will move forward action lines in the political, security, economic and socio-cultural communities, particularly on the deliverables of our chairmanship last year such as on the Asean consensus on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and the Asean declaration on the role of civil service as a catalyst to realize the Asean Vision 2025, and other declarations that focus on the overall health of the citizens of Asean,” she added.

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They spend up to 60 percent of their work day diving for fish, spearing octopus and gathering crustaceans -- an amount of time rivaled only by sea otters -- and can stay underwater up to 13 minutes at a time, said the report in the journal Cell.

Also known as the Sama-Bajau, they refer to several Austronesian ethnic groups of Maritime Southeast Asia with their origins from the southern Philippines. They are traditionally from the many islands of the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines, coastal areas of Mindanao, northern and eastern Borneo, the Celebes, and throughout eastern Indonesian islands.

Intrigued by this unusual ability, American researcher Melissa Ilardo, then a postdoctoral candidate at the Centre for GeoGenetics at the University of Copenhagen, wondered if they had genetically adapted somehow to be able to spend more time underwater than other people.

She spent several months in Jaya Bakti, Indonesia, with the help of a translator, getting to know the Bajau and another nearby group that did not dive, the Saluan.

“I spent my whole first visit to Jaya Bakti introducing myself, the project, and the underlying science,” she told AFP. AFP cine Dengvaxia “strengthens” the Health department’s decision to stop its nationwide dengue immunization program.

As this developed, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III responded to a suit filed by Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Acosta against him before the Justice department.

He said the Dengvaxia vaccination was initiated in March 2016 during the term of former Secretary Janette Garin for school-based vaccination, and was expanded in July 2017 during the term of Secretary Paulyn Ubial to include community-based vaccination.

The VACC and VPCI filed the complaint against respondents for alleged graft.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LTFRB restores Grab surge cap of 2x as new players okayed BACK to normal?

Grab Philippines’ surge cap of 2x has been restored by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday.

The LTFRB earlier lowered Grab’s surge cap from 2x to 1.5x, but decided to restore the cap with the accreditation on new transport network companies.

The LTFRB said it decided to grant Grab’s motion to set aside the previous order on April 11, 2018 for the company to lower the maximum allowable price surge on its current fare of P10 to P14 per kilometer.

The surge cap was lowered to 1.5x from 2x temporarily as LTFRB was still processing the application of new transport network companies.

“Considering that when the Board has accredited a new transport network company, the premise on the order moved to be vacated or set aside has become non-existent,” the LTFRB said.

On Wednesday, the LTFRB issued a certificate of accreditation to Hype Transport Systems Inc. as transport the country’s network company.

According to LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada, the order will be implemented on Monday as relayed

by Grab.

“I got a word from Grab, Monday pa nila ibabalik,” Lizada said.

Meanwhile, Grab filed on Friday a motion for reconsideration against the LTFRB to force the agency to restore the P2 peso per minute travel charge it earlier imposed.

Grab argued that the LTFRB order issued on April 19 was “contrary to the law” and “the revised rules and of procedure.”

Du30 might say sorry to Suu Kyi over Rohingya comment IT’S the president’s prerogative.

This, in effect, was what the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) tried to impart on Friday on whether President Rodrigo Duterte would make a personal apology to Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The DFA was reacting to criticisms over the president’s comment on the Rohingya crisis.

Duterte had commented that genocide was taking place in Myanmar, but later apologized to Suu Kyi in a press conference with reporters in Davao City on April 13.

The president said he was not referring to Suu Kyi but was hitting out at European countries which had accused Myanmar of human rights violations but were not helping the Rohingya refugees.

Still, the president is expected to personally apologize to Suuy Kyi when they meet in the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Singapore set April 27-28.

“Alam ko, may ipinahayag na siya dati. Pero ‘yung personally na i-a-approach niya si Daw Suu, I think that’s something that we can leave up to him kasi you know I can’t predict what the leaders will do there in Singapore,” said DFA Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Maria Hellen dela Vega at a news conference in Malacañang.

Puno: Two 4-year terms for sitting President better than 6-year seat

KITE FLYING. Young students and their parents enjoy kite flying during a school field trip at the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta in Manila on Friday.

53 unexploded IEDs need recovering in Marawi City

By Vito Barcelo

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T LEAST 53 unexploded bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are still to be retrieved in Marawi’s ground-zero as most part of the city’s war torn areas has been cleared of explosives left by the ISIS-linked Maute group, Task Force Bangon Marawi officials said on Friday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen, Bienvenido Datuin, head of the team working with the Task Force Bangon Marawi, said there are still 53 bombs suspected to be located underground of the damage or collapsed structures to be retrieved and blow up in a safe area.

He said three backhoes are currently being used to clear debris on possible locations of the bombs.

Terrorists planted IEDs, booby traps, and bombs during the war in Marawi, which ended in October.

The AFP official said the it has already completed and cleared more or less 20 kilometers of primary and secondary roads within the most affected areas, including one school and three places of worship.

“We also have participated in the completion of 50 units temporarily shelters at Barangay Itowa, Marawi City; completed a ground development of more or less one hectare for temporarily resettlement areas at Barangay Sagonsongan; supported the housing authority and HUDCC in the construction of 570 units temporarily shelters for the IDPs at Barangay Sagonsongan,” Datuin said.

Government authorities have so far recovered a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Marawi.

Troops in Marawi will hasten clearing operations so residents of 24 barangays will get to visit their homes and businesses before the start of rebuilding, the AFP said.

Over 900 terrorists, 47 civilians, and 165 government troops were killed in Marawi since the fighting began on May 23.

The heavy fighting turned homes and buildings into rubble and displaced over 300,000 residents.

Martial law remains in effect in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 after Congress granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for a one-year extension.

Meanwhile, former AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero described the Filipino soldier as “a class of his own when it comes to bravery and courage.”

“The past months as the chief-of-staff of the AFP had shown me why the Filipino fighter is in a class of his own. And we have proudly co-documented achievements in a span of less than six months in the second book entitled, ‘Filipino Courage, Filipino Compassion, AFP Strong’. A fitting homage, the fighting spirit and passion to serve of every soldier, airman, sailor, and Marine spread all over the archipelago,” Guerrero said during his retirement speech.

He said the Filipino soldier’s courage was demonstrated against the strong push against the communist terrorists and in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, as well as in the processing of thousand rebel surrenders. With PNA

Group of 8 wants ‘madman’ Larry Gadon disbarred THIS is now the new moniker attached to lawyer Larry Gadon, the chief complainant in the impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

The moniker was coined by a group of concerned citizens who also want to disbar Gadon for statements and actions befitting a “madman” and not a lawyer.

The group filed the disbarment complaint against Gadon before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday, April 20, accusing Gadon of “gross misconduct, gross immoral conduct, and violations of the lawyer’s oath.”

The group is composed of Zena Bernardo, Evangeline Hernandez, Nona Andaya-Castillo, Natividad dela Cruz Natividad, Jose Mari Tomines Callueng, Jennifer Aiza

Santaolaya, Faith Angelie Catalan, and Mark Vincent Lim, who described themselves as “concerned citizens, activists, community workers, mothers who are disgusted by the actions and words of the respondent.”

“We believe he (Gadon) should be removed from the rolls of the legal profession,” they said.

In particular, the group cited Gadon’s recent behavior in Baguio City, where he cursed and flashed the middle finger at supporters of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, after they booed him.

He also called them “bobo (idiots).”

“These statements and actuations appear to be made by a madman unfit to be representing the legal profession,” said the complainants, most of whom witnessed the incident.

In filing the complaint, the group cited two provisions of the Code of

Professional Responsibility: Rule 7.03—A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor shall he whether in public or private life, behave in a scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal profession; and Rule 8.01—A lawyer shall not, in his professional dealings, use language which is abusive, offensive or otherwise improper.

After the House of Representative conducted a hearing on the case, the Office of the Solicitor General filed a quo warranto petition against the Chief Justice.

Taking the cue, Gadon threw his support to the quo warranto petition against Sereno in what several groups— including the IBP—described as an unconstitutional way to remove an impeachable officer.

BI agents arrest Chinese fugitive

By Vito Barcelo AGENTS of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese fugitive wanted for economic crimes in his country.

The Chinese fugitive identified Shi Hongye was apprehended outside the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Shi will be sent back to China as he was already issued a summary deportation order by the BI board of commissioners on Nov. 17 last year for being an undesirable alien.

He said the arresting agents chanced upon Shi during an

operation to capture another Chinese fugitive, named Miao You Chun, who did not appear at the scene.

Miao, like his compatriot Shi, is also in the BI’s wanted list for being a fugitive wanted for economic crimes in China.

BI intelligence officer and FSU chief Bobby Raquepo disclosed that Shi is also an undocumented alien as his passport was already cancelled by the Chinese government.

Raquepo said Shi was ordered deported as his presence here was deemed inimical to public interest.

He added that the fugitive will be deported as soon as the Chinese embassy issues him his travel documents.

FIBER OPTICS. Following a set timetable which started in December last year,

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., started digging city streets in Makati to install fiber optic cables for use of Makati City’s barangay offices and residents. The company is currently pretesting the Mandrell tubes prior to its final installation of fiber optics. When finished, the fiber optics that will run in the Mandrell tubes is expected to offer the fastest internet service in the country. Diane B. Noche

A TERM of six years for a sitting president just isn’t enough.

This was the contention of former Chief Justice Reynaldo Puno, a member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s consultative committee, who said that he would instead push for a two 4-year terms which he said would make for a more accountable leader.

“A single term of 6 years is not good because basically if you do not allow a re-election, whoever is the president would not be thinking of his accountability to the people because he would not have to face the people in a re-election,” Puno said in a television interview.

Puno said the current single term for any president is a reaction to the dictatorial rule of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

He added that the committee has set forth a proposal requiring the president and vice president to come from the same political party.

Puno argued that a president and vice president from different parties is an “abnormality” as two opposing leaders often may not agree in many government programs.

Power, however, will not be centered on the national government, as the country will have individual states with their own federal legislature and state governments.

Puno said the committee will go around the country to consult with the people on the proposed charter change provisions.

They group plans to submit their draft before Duterte’s State of the Nation Address.

Nograles backs bill on marine protection DAVAO Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, has given the nod to seek the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) in all coastal municipalities and cities.

He approved a still unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill Nos 48 and 2126 that originated from the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries resources.

“It is a generic term that includes all declared areas governed by specific rules or guidelines in order to protect and manage activities within the enclosed area,” he said.

“With all the environmental challenges that Boracay is facing, I can’t help but highlight the importance of this measure. As we’ve witnessed, environmental negligence is very costly and dangerous, and this proposed law discourages it,” he added. Rio N. Araja

MMDA files case vs Manila village chief THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday filed an administrative case against a Manila barangay chairman who reportedly failed to cooperate with the government’s campaign against illegally-parked vehicles and other road obstructions.

Charged with neglect or dereliction of duty before the Department of Interior and Local Government was Ligaya V. Santos, chairman of Barangay-659 Zone-71, District-V of Manila.

MMDA acting general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. filed the case with the Office of DILG undersecretary Martin Dino against Santos for her failure to maintain order in the area of Lawton near the Philippine Postal Office, which was cleared of illegal transport terminal and road obstructions during an operation by the agency late last year.

“It was determined that Barangay 659 Zone 71 had not complied with their obligation under the turn-over agreement. It was found out that obstructions were still existing or have returned at the said roads and roadsright-of-way without the barangay having prevented the same,” said Garcia in his complaint-affidavit.

Joel E. Zurbano

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Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Illegal MMDA rule on Julia Vargas it to reduce the number of vehicles on the public roadways. The same charter likewise does not vest in the MMDA any power to regulate the number of passengers inside private vehicles using the roads of Metropolitan Manila.

SINCE President Rodrigo Duterte is in From that perspective alone, the the mood to fire incompetent govern- “carpool rule” hatched by the MMDA ment officials, he should clean up the suffers from legal infirmity.

Metro Manila Development Authority The foregoing argument notwithand dismiss its chairman, ex-Colonel standing, the MMDA cannot interfere Danilo Lim. with the number of passengers inside a Lim was one of three visible military private vehicle traversing metropolitan officers who were involved in an un- roads, even in the name of public welsuccessful coup attempt against then- fare. That smacks of police power, and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled The others were Antonio Trillanes IV, that the MMDA has no police power. who is now a senator beholden to exIn addition, the law protects the priPresident Benigno Aquino III and his vacy of a motorist inside his private cabal in the Liberal Party, and Nicanor vehicle. Jurisprudence dictates that Faeldon, the former Customs chief al- indiscriminate searches of private velegedly involved in a botched narcotics hicles even at police checkpoints in the smuggling incident months ago. streets are illegal for being in violation Many motorists in the Pasig City of the Constitution. area are complainFollowing that ing about a recent line of argument, “carpool rule” there is good reacurrently being son to argue that implemented by state interference What was the MMDA traffic with the number of basis for choosing this enforcers during passengers inside the daytime hours. particular avenue? a private vehicle According to the violates the conMMDA head ofstitutional right of privacy of every fice, this “carpool motorist.

Thus, rule” prohibits private vehicles with less than four who a motorist wants inside his private passengers from using certain lanes vehicle, and how many passengers he of Julia Vargas Avenue, a major thor- wants inside his vehicle, are essentially oughfare connecting the EDSA Mega- none of the state’s business. mall area with the Valle Verde villages When Tim Orbos was still the generand the C-5 highway. al manager of the MMDA, he thought The details of this “carpool rule” are of a screwball scheme to restrict the unclear, and it is precisely that ambi- use of Edsa by private vehicles on the guity that paves the way for abuse and basis of the number of passengers incorruption on the part of MMDA traf- side the vehicles. His plan included refic enforcers assigned to Julia Vargas quiring private vehicles to remove the Avenue. tint on their windshields and windows Other questions arise. For instance, to enable MMDA traffic enforcers to why was Julia Vargas Avenue selected? count the number of passengers inside What was the basis for this selection? the vehicles.

The charter of the MMDA authorThe Orbos scheme drew a lot of public izes it to manage the traffic problem in criticism, including angry commentaries the metropolis. That simply means as- in the news media. It was condemned suring the continuous flow of vehicles for being a violation of the constitutional in metropolitan roads. There is noth- right of privacy of motorists. ing in the MMDA charter which allows Turn to A5 HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

T

A roller-coaster ride

HIS week the controversial chief of the Philippine National Police, Ronald dela Rosa, ended his 20-month stint at the police force, which he described as a roller-coaster ride.

He was supposed to have retired in January but the President extended his term for another three months.

Dela Rosa is well-known for leading the administration’s antidrug campaign, Oplan Double Barrel. The campaign has two aspects: Project Tokhang (lower barrel), where cops swept neighborhoods with known drug suspects and invited them to the station, and the self-explanatory Project High Value Target (upper barrel).

Filipinos and the interna-

tional community would be quicker to recognize Project Tokhang. Stories of how cops performed their duties with excessive force, resulting in the deaths of thousands of suspects in poor communities, abound. The police however insist the killings were made in self-defense, because the suspects resisted arrest and opened fire at them.

The controversy generated by the anti-drug campaign has placed the PNP under constant scrutiny, something dela Rosa had always complained about.

In fact, on several occasions, he cried unabashedly, saying they were being unfairly criticized when they were just doing their jobs.

Oscar Albayalde, formerly of the Metro Manila police unit, does not appear to be as given to theatrics as his immediate

predecessor. He faces tough times nonetheless, if not tougher. Aside from dealing with the drug menace itself, he would also have to live with the perceptions created by dela Rosa’s leadership, for good or bad.

Both the drug menace and the campaign appear to be firmly in place. Where Albayalde can make his mark is in ensuring that the campaign comes with level-headedness and accountability, minus the fanfare and drama that dela Rosa was much too fond of.

We do not need any rollercoaster rides. There should be fewer swings between high and low – just slow but constant success in enforcing the law, upholding basic rights, bringing back the people’s trust in the police, and making homes and streets safe for ordinary Filipinos.

A leader’s ‘mea culpa’ et apologia bombardment of criticism and insisted on a similar apology from Robredo.

Others mounted a defense of the touristy pols, saying that the artist’s intent was for people to enjoy the monument as they liked, and pointing out THE photo shows several high-profile that there was no disrespect because Filipino politicians, some of them smil- there is no one buried there (Jewish ing as they sat or posed self-conscious- tradition dictates the burial of Jews ly among the somber concrete stelae and and their body parts only in Jewof a memorial to millions of massacre ish cemeteries). Whereas, they said, victims. people take smiling selfies at the Rizal The site was the ‘Memorial to the Memorial where Rizal’s remains inMurdered Jews of Europe’ (Denkmal terred and no one complains. für die ermordeten Juden Europas) in The Twitter battle raged back and Berlin. It commemorates the six mil- forth for a couple of days until last lion Jewish victims of the Holocaust Tuesday, when Robredo issued a forwho died in a mass genocide perpe- mal response to the issue: “While there trated by the Nazi regime. was no malice in it, I take full responAmong the politicians in the photo sibility so I would like to apologize for were Vice President and Liberal Party whatever offense to the sensitivities of chairperson Leni people it caused.”

Robredo, Senator Commenting on Francis PangiliRobredo’s apology nan, and Ifugao on Twitter, lawyer Rep. Teddy BaguiFlorin Hilbay said: The admirable lat (who posted the “What you want in photo to his Twit- outcome was a leader: courage ter account). to admit mistake; unequivocal apology Netizens from strength to assume made without excuses all sides of the responsibility; no political spectrum or self-justification. excuses; no sense called them out for of infallibility.” He insensitivity and added, “The Vice disrespect.

BaPresident is sooo… guilat deleted the presidential.” photo almost immediately, saying he Former deputy speaker Erin Tañaand the others did not mean to demean da tweeted “It shows that the VP has the memorial. the courage to take responsibility and “We, as human rights advocates,” he apologize for her actions.” said on Twitter, “fully understand the There are several points in this isplight experienced by Jews under the sue worth noting. First, the proper deNazis and we would be the last to dis- meanor to display at memorials. While respect their memory in the same way there is no one buried at Berlin’s Holothat we condemn injustice anywhere in caust Memorial, the fact that it stands the world, including our own country.” to remember millions of murdered He added, “I apologize for this lapse in people should give pause for proper my post.” reflection.

The party of pols were in Berlin on Smiling and other hijinks could be a governance, social justice, and pov- misconstrued as flippancy, disrespect, erty alleviation study tour funded by and ignorance of right manners and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation- conduct.

Philippines.

Second, the Filipino penchant for Unsatisfied with Baguilat’s apology, taking pictures. We take them everysome indignant Twitteratis kept up a Turn to A5

In wealthy Germany, growing up poor is a dead-end street

By Isabelle Le Page CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel touted Germany as a country “in which we live well and happily” during her reelection campaign. But those words ring hollow to the one in five children living in poverty in Europe’s top economy, with little prospect of climbing the social ladder.

It’s just gone 3:00 pm at the Lichtenberg youth centre in east Berlin, where youngsters are laying out cherry tomatoes and carefully chopped cucumber as they get ready to prepare dinner together.

For many of them, the weekday ritual

is an eagerly awaited moment.

“We notice it a lot especially among the teenagers, they ask us: ‘When can we eat? I haven’t eaten all day’,” said Patric Tavanti, head of the centre run by the charity Caritas.

Many of the youngsters’ parents often lack the money or the time to provide regular meals, he said, adding that the centre aims to give the youths a space “where they can feel at home.”

“I come almost every day,” Leila, one of the teens, told AFP. “We chat, cook together and just have fun.”

Downward spiral In Europe’s powerhouse, the economy

is humming, public coffers have never been fuller and unemployment is at its lowest since reunification in 1990.

Yet some 20 percent of under-18s live in “relative poverty,” according to the family ministry, defined as living in households that have to get by on less than 60 percent of the average German household income.

For a single parent with one child, that amounts to a monthly net income below 1,192 euros ($1,470). For a family with four children, it’s under 2,355 euros.

Despite record employment, only a third of the parents of Germany’s roughly Turn to A5

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Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

Sister Pat Fox and other good shepherds THIS Sunday is the feast of the Good Shepherd. In the Gospel today, Christ uses the metaphor of the good shepherd who is willing to lay down his life for his fold. A good shepherd needs to know the condition of her flock to derive optimum benefits from the herd.

The shepherd has a lot of responsibilities to the flock, including feeding, watering, grooming, leading, and providing protection. She intimately knows every member of his flock and is willing to put her life in line for each and everyone of them. In the Old Testament God is portrayed as the consummate shepherd who does all of these.

In the New Testament, it is Jesus who is the epitome of the Good Shepherd.

In the Gospel of Luke, we hear of the parable of the lost sheep. How happy the shepherd was when he found the lost sheep, Jesus said of the shepherd. The image of the shepherd and his flock also alludes to eschatology judgment, likening the process to the separation of the (white) sheep from the goats. But Jesus is the shepherd of all, righteous and sinners alike. He was not only the shepherd of the Israelites, the chosen people, but of all nations.

Ancient Israel had false shepherds who exploited the people and abused their authority but God, through the ancient prophets, gave an assurance to his chosen people that he will send a messianic descendant of David who will feed his flock and be their shepherd. The Lord God says: “I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And Christ is the messiah sent by God to shepherd his people.”

A true leader imitates Jesus the good shepherd. She serves not to be served, is protective of her people, does not oppress nor exploit them, and at all times is willing to subordinate her interest for the good of his flock. This is true for every person in whatever leadership role he finds himself in.

The moral message of the Good Shepherd gospel is most appropriate considering that we are about to elect barangay officials this coming May 14. Every candidate must be measured against the virtues of Christ as true shepherd of his flock. Thousands of aspiring candidates for posts in the barangays will offer their services and campaign to get elected. All will promise good and genuine service to would-be constituents. The electorate must know how to distinguish the true from the false shepherds; from the genuine leader to those who run only

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It was also pointed out by critics of the Orbos scheme that car windshield and window tints are essential for the protection of the passengers from the intense heat of the tropical sun during the daylight hours.

Fortunately, the Orbos scheme was never implemented because President Duterte fired him as MMDA general manager. Unfortunately, Orbos remains an underling at the Department of Transportation and Communications, as reported in the news media.

The last time the state prohibited the use of tints on vehicle windshields and window was during the first year of martial law in the Philippines. It is a prohibition identified with authoritarian rule.

Going back to the main discussion, another argument against the “carpool rule” is the Road User’s Tax, which is imposed on every registered owner of

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where and anywhere, without thought sometimes as to whether it is appropriate to do so or not. And when a camera is pointed in our direction we automatically smile. We need to think first whether we ought to take that photo, or if we need to be in it. Sometimes a plain landscape picture should suffice.

Third, the urge to share to social media. There is no need to share everything, and sometimes it gets you into trouble. ‘Less talk, less mistake,’ one of my managers often said in my youth,

on the pretext of service but in reality will take advantage of their position.

Our government and political leaders should be like Jesus, a shepherdleader, who leads by example, trustworthy, able to promote the interest of the community, is willing to sacrifice for the welfare of his constituents, relational, that is, he intimately knows what is to the best interest of his flock and finally, is invested in his flock. A shepherd-leader never threatens and puts her flock to any kind of danger.

She is full of integrity and virtue such that the flock is not coerced into doing anything but will follow her out of love and respect.

We are definitely graced in the Philippines with good religious shepherds.

Among many, Cardinals Chito Tagle and Orlando Quevedo, Archbishops Soc Villegas, Romulo Valles, and Antonio Ledesma, Bishops Pablo David, Bishop Benjamin Almoneda, and Broderick Pabillo are exemplary lead-

She is one we must welcome in our land.

ians have been an immense source of joy for me.

I also appreciate very much Redemptorist Brother Karl Gaspar for his wisdom and example that has guided me through the years. This includes his work as lay leader in the Mindanao Church. Indeed, lay leaders have also been good shepherds.

Writing of Mindanao, my uncle Emy La Viña was a big influence on me as a priest active in work on social justice in the island in from the1960s to the 1990s.

Last, but definitely not the least, I would like to thank Sister Patricia Fox, mother superior of the Our Lady of Sion congregation in the Philippines.

Sister Patricia has been in the country for 27 years, working with the urban poor, indigenous peoples, and farmers. She is definitely a good shepherd we must welcome in our land. I make mine these words (with a few additions from me) of former Kabataan Representative Raymond Palatino: “There are foreigners who parachute here to sign mining deals, those who wine and dine trapos to legalize the plunder of our future, those who ‘rally’ investors to speculate in prime local stocks but quickly leave once profits are hoarded, and those who smuggle drugs, guns, and bodies that destroy thousands of lives.

There are ‘friendly’ foreigners who stay to invade our islands and colonize our minds, those who want to turn our tropical paradise into a military outpost in the geopolitical battle for supremacy in Asia, and those who want to appropriate our precious resources and heritage for selfish ends.

These foreigners are glamorized in mainstream society, their work and so-called philanthropy are hailed as a generous act of love for filipinos, and they even reap accolades both here and abroad for their ‘sacrifice’.

And then there are foreigners like Sister Patricia Fox—a Christian who visited the poor in remote regions, a missionary who decided to live with farmers and indigenous peoples, and a hero who dedicated her life to empowering the weak against the many injustices in this world.

A foreigner bringing bombs in a hotel is a spy and a terrorist, a foreigner in control of the election system is an enemy of democracy, a foreigner creating dummy tycoons is a thief of our patrimony, but a foreigner who stayed here for more than two decades to support the struggles of the poor is not a threat to anyone but only to those who wanted inequality and oppression to continue. Sister Pat could have simply chosen to express solidarity, but she wanted to do more. And so she stayed and made the Philippines her home.

She is neither an alien nor an undesirable foreigner. She is a true Filipino whose life is an affirmation of the enduring power of humanity.”

ers in the Catholic Church, worthy of being successors of the late Cardinals Jaime Sin and Ricardo Vidal and the retired Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

They have of course their counterparts in the Bishops of Protestant Churches.

There are also outstanding priests and religious that I know who are true good shepherds—among others, Monsignors Clem Ignacio, Ding Coronel, Ramon Masculino, and Fathers Jun Mercado, Rannie Aquino, Eric Castro, Aris Sison, Manuel Jadraque, Robert Reyes, John Young, Kits Butardo, and Randy Odchigue.

Up close and personal to me are of course the Jesuits I have known for decades but especially those I work closely with or have been my confessors and parish priests in Mary the Queen in Greenhills—Fathers Ben Nebres, Joel Tabora, Jun Viray, Jett Villarin, Tony Moreno, Chris Dumadag, Bobby Yap, Joe Quilongquilong, Dan McNamara, Ting Samson, Sergio Su, Manuel Montesclaros, Pat Falguera, Guy Guibelondo, Cesar Marin, and many others. I will forever also be grateful to the Jesuits that are now in heaven who continue to guide and protect me—Fathers Theodore Daigler, Tony Cuna, Rolly Bonoan, Veny Calpotura, Lenny Sumpaico, James McKeough, and. Rene A. Ocampo.

Our pastors in the Neocatechumenal Way have also been good shepherds.

I am especially grateful to Fr. Paolo Benetton, Rector of Redemptoris Mater Mission Seminary of Manila and his fellow formators for the priests that have been formed in that seminary.

Facebook: Antonio La Vina or tonyTeaching philosophy to its seminar- lavs2 Twitter: tonylavs a motor vehicle, each time the vehicle is registered. The tax is for the right of the motorist to use the roads. Since this tax is imposed uniformly on all vehicles of the same grade regardless of the number of passengers who will be riding on the vehicles, the restriction under the MMDA “carpool rule” becomes an unreasonable restriction.

The law also requires that to be valid and enforceable, agency rules must be published in a newspaper of general circulation, and a copy of the rule should be deposited with the national register of the University of the Philippines Law Center. So far, there is no record of the MMDA “carpool rule” having been duly published, and no copy of it appears to be in the national register.

If such is the status of the “carpool rule,” then it cannot be validly implemented by MMDA traffic enforcers. If they insist on enforcing it, then all affected motorists should sue the MMDA chief together with the MMDA enforcers concerned in appropriate criminal and administrative

proceedings before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The problem with the MMDA leadership is that it resorts to outright restriction, without exploring other less restrictive measures, to address the traffic problem in Metropolitan Manila.

Instead of getting rid of chokepoints along EDSA, and instead of preventing slow moving vehicles from using any lane along EDSA as they please, the MMDA chooses to ban vehicles for practically any inordinate reason.

It’s easy for the MMDA to ban vehicles and to resort to restricting the use of private cars. That’s because MMDA officials are exempted from their own restrictions. It is an open secret among motorists that MMDA traffic enforcers look the other way when vehicles of politicians and government officials, including those with license plates bearing the names of the Philippine National Police and its derivative nomenclature, are used in violation of traffic regulations.

and it extends to today’s trigger-happy thumbs that press ‘share’ or ‘send’ without thought for consequences.

Fourth, the call-out culture. Asam Ahmad, writing for Briarpatch Magazine, defines it as the “tendency among progressives, radicals, activists, and community organizers to publicly name instances or patters of oppressive behavior and language use by others. People can be called out for statements and actions that are sexist, racist, ableist, and the list goes on.”

In the Philippines, the call-out culture has become a tool for public shaming for all sorts of transgressive behavior, aided by the ease, speed, and

wide range of communication provided by the internet. Done wrong, it can be used to bully others. Done right, it acts as a check-and-balance and directs attention to issues that need to be addressed.

In this case, the admirable outcome of this exercise were Baguilat and Robredo’s unequivocal apologies made without excuses or self-justification, something now rare in a society where some of the highest in the land show no remorse for worse misdeeds.

Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Villarin is all wrong THE position taken by the President leaguered chief justice despite his beof Ateneo de Manila University, Fr. ing an illustrious alumnus and profesJose Ramon Vallarin, is pathetic and sor of Ateneo?

Article XI, Section 3 (6) of the Cory distasteful. It is distasteful because even if we take it that he is right, that Constitution was purposely formulated the proper law that should be applied by them to become a political process. against the embattled Chief Justice There is politics between those who Ma. Lourdes Sereno is impeachment, seek to remove Sereno, and those who and not quo warranto, still this column want to retain her. I can only guess that insists that he is downright wrong. those who want her out of office do As an individual citizen, he is not a not have the required number of votes, taxpayer, and so with the organization not majority, to remove her, which reahe represents. Common sense dictates son why they choose the legal process that he who does not contribute to the called “quo warranto.” Strictly speakbuilding and maintenance of an orderly ing Sereno could not be accused of society should refrain from opening his violating the exercise of her powers as mouth affecting governmental affairs. Chief Justice because she never validly This observation is not an attempt to assumed that office. Any decision to deprive him of his freedom of speech, keep her is politics, like manner those but more of ethics. When one accepts who want her out both goaded by the the privilege of being exempted from same interest called “politics.”

Maybe the removal of our high ofthe payment of tax, decency dictates that he should be ready to put limita- ficials for culpable violation of the tions to his freedom such as his right Constitution, treason, bribery, graft to freely open his mouth on issues of and corruption, other high crimes or politics. The vow of non-interference in for betrayal of public trust under Article XI, Section 2, politics is the reahave all been poson why the state liticized because acceded in not taxthe hypocrites, in ing the Church. their attempt to The cleric should The priest is clearly perfect our already understand that the dilapidated democexemption is to al- playing politics. racy converted the low the Church to judicial process to exercise its spirone of a democratitual obligation to ic process where our people.

The anachronistic position taken by every clown in this God-forsaken land Villarin is that that if ever Chief Justice will have a role to play. Villarin is now Sereno should be removed from office, playing and living up to that role of a it should be done by the legal process of political clown by pretending to do jusimpeachment, and not by quo warran- tice to his political henchman.

We were not stunned when Solicitor to. His supposition is logically flawed.

There is in his argument an implication General Jose Calida applied a uniquely that indeed she committed wrongdoins. different approach to remove Sereno Whether that wrongdoing happened be- from the roster of justices. By all indicafore she was appointed or after she as- tion, she is not qualified for the office. In fact, removing Sereno by quo warranto sumed office is beside the point.

If Villarin truly believes Sereno did not is a finer process than by the roughshod commit any wrongdoing, he should take process of impeachment. Since it will be the position to demand the quashal of the her colleagues that will decide her fate, case against his surrogate on the firm be- we can give them the benefit of the doubt lief she is not guilty of any of the accusa- that they will not be pressured by any tions against her. Both are legal processes form of loyalty to their constituents but to remove a public official from office, solely guided on what is provided by law.

Quo warranto cannot even proceed to one declaring her guilty of the charge, the declare her guilty. The remedy sought other declaring her a usurper.

In that, one could see that Villarin is a mere special proceedings. Simply is playing politics. This is obvious in stated, she is merely asked to vacate his statement when he suggested “that although none of her possible accusers the Supreme Court justices to pause could be precluded from taking direct and discern carefully the damage their action against her for violating the law action have inflicted on themselves and like her failure to file her statement of on the whole of our democratic society.” assets, liabilities and net worth. That This priest should know that his sug- decision would simply put to an end gestion by itself is a political process, her styling as chief justice to a collegial meaning that the accused can only be body where most of her peers are old removed not by the evidence of guilt enough to be her father and mother.

Probably, when Noynoy Aquino apbut by the required number of votes to be cast against her by the members of pointed Sereno, he had in mind the idea the Senate sitting as an impeachment of putting a young chief justice even if court. The gang of Villarin in the then that would brazenly violate the judiYellow-controlled Senate that mauled cial protocol of seniority to effectively the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, block, delay or even dismiss any case Jr. out of office was instigated by that that may be brought against him by hypocritically corrupt B.S Aquino gov- President Duterte for entire term while ernment. They even have to grease the the latter is in office. Unfortunately, the Senate impeachment court in millions street-smart Digong is much smarter of pesos to get the required two thirds than his predecessor to conceive the idea of kicking her out sideways. to remove him.

Did this loud-mouthed cleric extend rpkapunan@gmail.com his active and moral support to the be-

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2.8 million impoverished children have jobs, said Heinz Hilgers, of the Child Protection Association (Kinderschutzbund).

Beyond the material shortcomings they suffer, growing up poor takes its toll in many other, more insidious ways.

“It’s a downward spiral,” said professor Klaus Hurrelmann, of the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.

“The children feel excluded, they start to feel ashamed when they can’t join in school excursions or invite friends over for a birthday party. They end up losing confidence in themselves and struggle at school,” he said.

Falling behind at school Tavanti, of the Berlin youth centre, said it was a phenomenon he had witnessed first-hand.

“Just one of our adolescents is currently trying to pass the Abitur,” he said, referring to the secondary-school leaving certificate required to pursue higher education.

He believes many German schools struggle to meet the needs of these at-risk children, who often come from immigrant families or single-parent homes.

“We’re seeing a growing need for food, but also for help with homework and reading,” agreed Lars Dittebrand, who runs the Manna family centre in Berlin’s Gropiusstadt area, famed for its towering social housing estates.

Compounding the problem is Germany’s early-age education sorting system, critics say, which can prematurely put disadvantaged pupils on a less academic route, potentially leading to lower-paying and less secure jobs.

Decrying what it calls “hereditary poverty” in Germany, a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation think tank found that just

some three to 16 percent of households, depending on calculations, managed to cross the poverty line and improve their lot.

“That’s how generations of poor children become poor adults and poor parents,” said Hilgers, of the Child Protection Association.

As well as being a stain on Germany’s conscience, it’s “a huge economic risk”, he warned, in a greying nation already grappling with a shortage of skilled labour.

Making their own way Germany’s new government, a repeat coalition of Merkel’s conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats, has vowed to tackle the challenges by raising child benefits, offering more child care facilities and all-day schools to make it easier for parents, especially mothers, to work.

But for lawmaker Lisa Paus, of the opposition Greens party, those promises don’t go far enough.

She said Germany urgently needed to do more to support single parents.

“Poverty often starts when couples split up,” she said.

Indeed, statistics show that 45 percent of children raised by a sole parent, usually their mother, live in relative poverty.

Some politicians and campaigners have called for a basic monthly income for children of around 500 euros for the lowest-earning households to help break the poverty doom loop.

But for a government determined to maintain a balanced budget, any hint of lavish spending is anathema.

Instead, Family Minister Franziska Giffey plans to introduce a law in coming months aimed at improving the quality of daycare facilities, with a bigger emphasis on early-child development.

“Every child should be allowed to make their own way, regardless of where they come from and where they grew up,” she said. AFP

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News

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CamSur airport project center of verbal tiff of 2 lawmakers

IN BRIEF 4 million in Visayas will have better consular services MORE than four million people in Eastern Visayas will have access to better consular services with the opening of the Department of Foreign Affairs new regional office in Tacloban.

The DFA announced Friday the inauguration of the consular office at Robinson’s Mall North in Abucay would be today.

It will officially be open to serve the public starting noon immediately after the inauguration.

“The regional consular office’s new location promises a more convenient and comfortable passport application experience in line with the DFA’s commitment to make the passport application system faster and easier for the public,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank Cimafranca said.

DFA Tacloban is the first of at least three consular offices hosted in Robinsons Malls to be opened this year.

Two other consular offices will be opened in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and Santiago, Isabela in the next several weeks.

Cimafranca will represent Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in the inauguration of the new facility.

Also attending are Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez and Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominic Petilla and Robinsons Land Senior Regional Operations Manager for Cebu and Eastern Visayas Floramie Adolfo Vega.

“The process flow will be seamless so applicants do not have to wait long to process their e-passports,” Cimafranca added. Sara D. Fabunan

400 undocumented Filipino workers arriving this week MORE than 400 more undocumented Filipino workers will be arriving home in the next three days, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Today, 113 workers are set to arrive via Philippine Airlines while 326 OFWs will arrive on Sunday via Qatar Airways.

“These are the last three flights to be undertaken for those who availed themselves of the extended amnesty program of the Kuwaiti government for undocumented foreign nationals,” DFA spokesman Elmer Cato said.

The last three batches will bring to almost 5,000—or 4,933—the number of overstaying Filipinos reunited with their families in the Philippines since the start of the government’s repatriation program for Kuwait on February 11.

Friday morning, a team from the Department of Foreign Affairs led by Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola arrived in Kuwait to supervise the repatriation.

OFW Sectoral Rep. Aniceto John Bertiz III also arrived in Kuwait to look into the situation of runaway Filipino workers staying in Embassy shelters in Kuwait. Sara D. Fabunan

COMMAND PYRAMID. Police officers march in formation during the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame on Thursday. Minutes later PNP chief Director General Oscar Albalyalde paid tribute to his retired police chief classmate Ronald dela Rosa, saying his predecessor was much appreciated by the people. AFP

Sandiganbayan denies Sombero transfer plea

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE Sandiganbayan on Friday denied the plea of retired police officer Wenceslao “Wally” Sombero to be transferred to Camp Crame, Quezon City from Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division rejected Sombero’s transfer request, saying “the Philippine National Police Custodial Center only accommodates detainees on a temporary basis, pending their transfer to the appropriate detention facility.”

It ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to “take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security” of Sombero as

well as former immigration officials Al Argosino and Michael Robles.

Chief Insp. Romulo Flores of the Custodial Service Unit earlier rejected Sombero’s motion, saying “the establishment and maintenance of the PNP Custodial Center should never be interpreted to mean that the function of management and supervision of jail facilities in the country as well as the safekeeping and disposition of detention

In Loving Memory

Manuel Valerio Gabriel Wake starts at 4pm on Saturday, April 21 Chapel C, Christ the King Church Greenmeadows Ave, Quezon City Interment on Monday , April 23, 2018 after the 8:00a.m. Mass at Loyola, Marikina.

We request the pious readers to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

prisoners fall within the authority of the PNP for the same, by law, is properly vested with the BJMP.” Argosino and Robles, in a previous motion, said they feared for their lives and requested their transfer to Camp Crame.

But days after, they withdrew their pleading, which the Sandiganbayan granted last April 17.

The court maintained Argosino, Robles and Sombero stay at Camp Bagong Diwa detention facility.

The three are facing a plunder case, a non-bailable offense, for supposed involvement in a P50million bribery in connection with the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

Southern Leyte 1st province in EV declared free from illegal drugs THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has declared Southern Leyte as the first province in Eastern Visayas to be free from illegal drugs.

“The agency aims and commits itself to clear the remaining 24,424 drug-affected barangays nationwide by 2022. These barangays represent 58.10 percent out of 42,036 barangays in the country that are still plagued by the drug menace,” director general Aaron Aquino said.

“PDEA is setting the bar high. We intend to clear an average of 6,000 drug-affected barangays every year for the next four years. If we can sustain the pace, we can rid the country’s drug problem by 2022 and maintain the drugfree status,” he added.

PDEA issued a certification to Southern Leyte stating the province is drug-free after complying with the parameters set forth by the Dangerous Drugs Board as provided in Section 8, DDB Board Regulation No. 3 Series of 2017, or the “Strengthening the Implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.”

“After a thorough and rigid scrutiny of the requirements, verification and validation processes done by the oversight committee on barangay drug clearing operations headed by its chairperson, director Edgar T. Jubay, acting regional director of PDEA Regional Office VIII, representatives from the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the province of Southern Leyte was declared drug-free,” Aquino said.

The certification was awarded to Gov. Christopherson Yap. Rio N. Araja

CAMARINES Sur Representatives Luis Ray Villafuerte (District 2) and Rolando Andaya Jr. (District 1) on Friday continued to trade barbs over an airport expansion project within the province.

In a radio interview over dzBB, Villafuerte took a swipe at Andaya anew after a heated altercation at a police station in Pili last Wednesday.

He alleged Andaya appeared to be “mentally unstable and was under the influence of drugs when the incident took place.”

He insisted the dumping of truckloads of soil by his men in a barangay in Pili for the expansion of the Naga Airport was lawful, and that a lower court had already ordered the government to own the land being occupied by some informal settlers.

He said the disputed area was not under the jurisdiction of District 1.

But Andaya claimed Pili was not Villafuerte’s jurisdiction.

“There is a court order. It has been three years ago since we started to improve the soil. The provincial government and Department of Transportation have an agreement on such, to fast-track [the project implementation],” Villafuerte said.

“The provincial government employees have been guarding the place since there is a court order [to possess the land]. That’s why the provincial government dumped soil along the road to enable heavy equipment [to] enter the place,” he added.

He threatened to file criminal charges —grave threat and physical injuries— and even a disbarment petition against Andaya.

The controversy began when Andaya approached Villafuerte inside the Pili police stsation last Wednesday, and confronted him on the complaints of residents of Barangay San Agustin that Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte ordered the dumping of soil in their lots, which were to be affected by the airport expansion.

The two lawmakers shouted at one another, and hurled insults and invectives as policemen tried to pacify both of them.

Andaya accused Villafuerte of being gay, while the latter called Andaya uncircumcised.

Villafuerte said Andaya provoked him when he attacked his men.

“In a fit of anger, he punched one of my men, and collared one security personnel from the provincial government.

He dragged a woman trying to take video footages of the incident and even grabbed her cellphone. There were two others trying to video, and yet he confiscated phones and radios, and punched them,” he told the radio interview.

Andaya, for his part, denied any attempt to strangle an environment enforcer.

Barangay San Agustin residents, mostly informal settlers waiting for relocation, also threatened to file charges against Villafuerte, who said he would welcome such.

On the other hand, Andaya said he was not challenging Villafuerte, but his personal body guard, a former military, at that time.

“The problem with him [Villafuerte] was that he has forgotten he was a congressman from another district. He acted as if he was the governor, as if he was the one running the affairs of the sitting governor. He was the brains of all of these,” he said.

He even accused Villafuerte and his men of harassing farmers to sell off their lands for a much lower price. “[It’s] P8 per square meter. Where in hell could you see such? These farmers till hectares and hectares of land, then you will just buy them for P8 per square meter. Where would they end up?” he asked.

He said there was no court order directing the provincial government to possess the disputed area, and that the court has set a hearing on May 2.

“What we are talking about here is the potentional business if the airport is already there [and expanded in Pili]. The poor farmers have to suffer. They are forced to since their farm lots have been dumped with soil,” he said, adding Villafuerte’s men deliberately dumped the place to force them to sell their land.

“If the project is legitimate, why place it in the middle of the road? You can use the side road,” he said.

“The people already knew that old style because it has happened to them several times,” he added. Rio N. Araja

Musikgarten Manila goes to CCP MUSIKGARTEN Manila, a top choice for music training in Metro Manila, will hold its summer recital on May 13 at 2 p.m. at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The school, owned and managed by Nikki Junia, a music scholar and honor graduate of the Conservatory of Music of the University of Santo Tomas, will showcase talents from its regular summer classes in music.

MGM recital departs from the traditional recital presentations, moving to staging production numbers not unlike in regular con-

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certs, Junia said in a statement.

According to Junia, the recital is a statement of the student’s progress in the summer program as MGM’s mission is to develop the student’s potential and capacity to his personal best.

“We look at music as a tool in the development of the whole person, his talent, discipline, and confidence,” Junia added.

MGM has branches at the Ortigas center, in Mandaluyong City; San Pedro, Laguna; and Baguio City in the north. It is opening next month its fourth branch at the Bonifacio Global City.

Sports

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Embiid shines in playoff debut

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OS ANGELES—Joel Embiid scored 23 points in his postseason debut as the Philadelphia 76ers crushed the Miami Heat 128-108 to grab a 2-1 lead in their first round playoff series.

Embiid, who wore a mask to protect a broken bone in his face, returned from a 10-game absence and helped seal the victory by scoring seven straight points for the Sixers down the stretch.

Dario Saric and Marco Belinelli combined to score 42 points while Ben Simmons finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for Philadelphia in front of a crowd of 19,800 at Miami’s American Airlines Arena.

“It was annoying,” Embiid said of the black carbon fibre mask. “But that was the only way I could play in this game, if I wore the mask and protected my face with goggles. I had to work through it and I did.”

Game four of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series is Saturday in Miami.

Embiid wasn’t even supposed to play Thursday. Many thought he would be out

of the lineup longer due to the severity of the injury. He had to get a doctor’s clearance from the team and league approval for the mask and goggle combination that sometimes slipped off his face.

“I am just so proud of what he did,” said Philadelphia coach Brett Brown.

The 76ers won for the 18th time in their last 19 games and reclaimed home-court advantage in the series.

Goran Dragic scored 23 points, Justise Winslow had 19 and Josh Richardson scored 14 in the loss.

In New Orleans, Nikola Mirotic scored a career playoff-best 30 points and the Pelicans beat the Portland Trail Blazers 119-102 to take a stranglehold 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series.

“I never thought I’d score 30 or something like that,” Mirotic said. “I’m just trying to play simple. If I have a shot,

take a shot, so I need to give credit to my teammates.”

Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, who are hoping to reach the second round of the postseason for the first time since 2008.

They can achieve that goal with a win in game four on Saturday.

Mirotic, acquired in a midseason trade after DeMarcus Cousins’ seasonending injury, made 12 of 15 shots. He drained three-pointers, finished off fastbreak layups and made clutch dunks.

Damian Lillard led Portland with 20 points but also missed nine of 14 shots.

CJ McCollum scored 22 and Al-Farouq Aminu added 21 in the loss.

Games today: (Mall of Asia Arena)

2 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men Semis) 4 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Women Semis)

Games tomorrow: (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. – NU vs UST (Men Semis) 4 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Women Semis)

FAR Eastern University, hoping to reclaim its winning tradition, shoots for the first Finals berth against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

The Tamaraws are also hoping to the same in the men’s Final Four, as the Morayta-based spikers will try to dethrone a Blue Eagles’ side that has beaten them twice in the elimination round in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.

FEU is determined to end the De La Salle-Ateneo championship cycle that has been happening six years running.

The Lady Tamaraws moved a step closer in achieving that, finishing second behind the 12-2 Lady Spikers with a 10-4 card that earned them the semifinals incentive they badly wanted.

The Lady Eagles stumbled late in the eliminations, falling to third spot at 9-5 following two straight defeats.

Training its eyes on a record 30th crown, FEU hopes to get the job done against Ateneo, which won’t own the semifinals bonus for the first time in four years.

Coach George Pascua definitely wants his Lady Tamaraws to stay motivated to end a 10-year title drought.

“Kahit noon pa naman kasi, ang volleyball ay FEU-UST sa babae. So gusto lang namin ibalik,” said Pascua.

“Unang-una, ang pressure dapat, sa mga players kasi 30, tapos kami pa ‘yung host. So ‘yung pagkakataon na ‘yun, ‘yun ang ayaw naming pakawalan. ‘Yung 30th (title) tapos, kami pa ‘yung host, tapos (Season) 80,” he added.

A Lady Eagles’ victory will send the Final Four to a decider on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three pointer in the third quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. AFP

New, familiar names emerge winners in Lhuillier netfest IT WAS a mix of new and familiar names that emerged winners at the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series leg in Baybay, Leyte with visiting players from other provinces dominating local players.

Only one local bet Manuel Jocson III managed to eke out a win in the 10-under unisex age group.

Leading the charge of the familiar names was the duo of Dipolog City’s Stephen Zion Guia and Cebu City’s Marc Nicole Suson, who maintained their stranglehold in the boys’ 16-under and 18-under age groups, in the Group 2 tournament that attracted a big field of 167 entries.

Guia, who ruled the 16-under with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over 14-under champion Ashton Benne Villanueva from Ozamis, was actually going for a double win.

But Suson denied him of the chance as the latter won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 over Guia for the 18-under crown.

Villanueva beat Hans Cabellon from Cebu earlier, 4-6, 6-1, 10-5, in the 14-under finals.

Another perennial winner was Cebu City’s Pherl Bless Coderos, who made short work of Selena Monique Olo, 6-2, 7-6, for the girls’ 18-under, while sibling Hela Riza Coderos was extended to three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6, by Jewel Davanne Velasco from Maasin, Leyte in the finals of the girls’ 12-under in the tournament backed by Dunlop as the official ball.

“I am always happy seeing new names emerge as winners in this grassroots tennis developmental program that Cebuana Lhuillier has been supporting for the past 12 years. It shows we are discovering new talents in the provinces,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier Group.

An example was Ormoc City’s Mia Gemida, a virtual unknown who was the only player to cop two singles’ titles in the tournament after taking both the girls’ 14-under and 16-under crowns. She beat the same opponent, Corazon Lambonao, who is also from Ormoc, 3-6, 6-3, 10-6 for the 14-under title and had an easier time in the finals of the 16-under, winning in easy fashion, 6-1, 6-0.

Other unfamiliar names were Ched Wayne Cantiga from Albuera, Leyte, who posted a straight set 6-3, 6-2 win over Glean Rabor from Ormoc in the finals of the boys’ 12-under and 8-under unisex age group winner Roy Jones Edullantes, also from Ormoc, who knocked out local bet Princess Jannah Mae Paulo, 4-0, 4-2 in the finals.

Jocson, the lone winner from Baybay had an easy 4-0, 4-1 win over Christian Angelo Estrada from Maasin in the 10-under finals.

Jocson, though, shared with Estrada the 10-under unisex title.

Sportswriter’s mother dies AUGUSTINA ‘Tina’ Reyes Castillo, mother of Inquirer reporter Musong Castillo, died on Wednesday. She was 78.

She is survived by children Musong and Grace, Dr. Mimoy and Gidget; Dra. Riza and Zonik Berberabe, Roscoe and Rhea, and grandkids Theo and Ponggay, Ikay and Tepay, Sid, Gab and Sabbie.

Her remains lie in state at Alcala Chapel, Loyola Memorial Park, in Sucat, Paranaque.

Interment will be on the morning of April 24 (Tuesday) after a 7 a.m. mass to be officiated

by Archbishop Soc Villegas.

Lady Tams shoots for seat in finals

Asia Cup Subic Triathlon lures UNTV gives former players’ group P1M seed money 20 countries BMPI-UNTV Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon is shown with former Philippine Basketball Association players, whose organization the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. received a P1-million seed money from the the TV network executive after the exhibition game between a UNTV Cup Selection and an Ex-Pro Selection.

A CLASSIC legends’ showcase featuring former stars of the Philippine Basketball Association is being planned in September as the initial project of the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas, in cooperation with the PBA. “We sought the PBA’s support and they gave us a warm reception especially because this in an event for a cause,” said former Crispa superstar Atoy Co, the president of their newly formed foundation looking to raise funds to support former PBA players who hit hard times in life.

Another former Crispa star in Philip

Cezar is the vice president, former Toyota player Ed Cordero is the secretary, Allan Caidic is the treasurer, while Alvin Patrimonio, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio and Art dela Cruz are board members.

“They put up a foundation that will be ready to help their peers. We’re cooperating with them and we’re giving them all-out support,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

Co and his group sat down in an initial meeting with Marcial recentl in the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.

“Tutulungan natin lumakas ‘yung foun-

dation. Kapag lumakas ‘yon, marami silang matutulungan na nangangailangang dating kasamahan,” said Marcial.

BMPI-UNTV Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon conceived the concept of establishing a foundation to benefit former PBA players.

Razon broached the idea to Co, who is the commissioner of his UNTV Cup. UNTV has donated seed money of P1 Million to get the operations moving.

Marcial encouraged the SDPBP to hold projects like concert, movie premieres, golf tournament or basketball games to raise funds for the association.

Cagayan bet rules CEZA chess tourney

The first CEZA Invitational Chess Tournament, which drew 91 participants, came off the wraps on April 14 and 15 at the Cagayan National High School in Tuguegarao City. Players are shown on opening day when CEZA’s Art Libot (left, inset photo), who represented Secretary Raul L. Lambino, CEZA Administrator and CEO, makes the ceremonial first move with Rep. Randolph S. Ting (4th from left) against their opponents. With them are tournament director Apolinario Agustin and Cagayan Chess Development Club and National Chess Federation Regional Head, Dr. Demzon Domingo, and the Division Superintendent of Tuguegarao City. Joseph Muego

Po seeks PM Am Match Play repeat PETER Tyler Po hopes to atone for an early exit in a recent match play event with no less than a successful defense of the crown in the Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Golf Championship slated April 23 to 27 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Po bowed to unfancied Jufil Sato in the second round of the MVPSF Visayas Regional Match Play at his home course at Cebu Country Club two weeks ago but the 18-year-old Cebuano remains confident of scoring a repeat in the upcoming event he ruled via 4&3 victory over Jolo Magcalayo last year.

Po, however, will have a slew of rivals to

contend with, including the club bets raring to cash in on their local knowledge of the Player course, led by Kristoffer Arevalo, Joaquin Gomez, Michael Pizarro and Sean Ramos.

Also vying in the week-long tournament sponsored by MVP Sports Foundation and held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour are Leandro Bagtas, Aldo Barro, Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, David Guangko, Riggs Illescas, Luigi Guerrero, Francis Lanuza, Aniceto Mandanas, Gabby Macalaguim, Don Padilla, Pierre Ticzon and siblings Bernard and Delfin Trinos along with Koreans Kim Sang Jin, Lee Sang Min and Sung Yeon Soo.

TUGUEGARAO CITY—Cagayan bet Jesus Anastacio topped CEZA’s First Invitational Chess Open Tournament held recently at the Cagayan National High School here with a front-running score of 6.5 points.

Anastacio finished the Swiss system tournament half a point ahead of Nueva Vizcaya’s Francis Panlilio and San Pablo’s (Isabela) Robert Mania, who came in second and third, respectively.

Administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Sec. Raul L. Lambino, thanked the 91 chessers entered in the second tournament that make up CEZA’s current summer sports spectacle.

“We are encouraged by the terrific response by players and fans to our invitational tournaments,” said Lambino in a statement.

He was represented here by Engr.

Art Libot of CEZA. Other finishers in the Top 10 were Roberto Bitamor Jr., Renolph Remudaro and Benedict Sta. Maria, all of this city, who occupied fourth to the sixth spots.

The seventh to 10th places went to Tom Fabella (Nueva Vizcaya), Ivan Cholo Ariola (Ilagan City), Jojo Foz and Aaraon Cabalza, both of Tuguegarao City.

Over the weekend, CEZA’s first motocross championship held jointly with the Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association produced a winner in Kenneth San Andres.

CLOSE to 200 elite triathletes from 20 countries vie for honors in the 2018 NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon set at ACEA Subic Bay in Subic Bay Freeport this weekend.

Seen to give the Japanese trio of Ryousuke Maeda, Shogo Ishitsuka and Ren Sato strong opposition are Australia’s Nicholas Free, Hong Kong’s Wong Hui Wai and Korea’s Kim Ji Hwan in the Elite Men’s competition.

Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas banners the local challenge. Backstopping him are his Philippine teammates Jonard Saim, John Chicano, Paul Jumamil, Jorry Ycong and Banjo Norte.

In the distaff side, Macau’s Hoi Long, Japan’s Yurina Kawasaki, Hong Kong’s Choi Yan Yin Hilda and Japan’s Hideko Kikuchi are expected to slug it out for supremacy.

The Philippine squad of 2017 SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang, 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna and Kim Kilgroe are not counted out of springing a surprise.

Among the 800 triathletes entered, five are Under-23 male participants, 24 are Elite Junior men, 13 are Elite Junior women and several Youth Olympic Games aspirants.

Philippine Sports Commission, along with Philippine Olympic Committee, Arena, New Balance, Philippine Star, Gatorade, Omega Pain Killer Liniment, Standard Insurance, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Century Tuna, Gatorade, Subic Holiday Villas, Travelers Hotel, ACEA, Asian Center for Insulation and Solar Sports, stand as sponsors.

ITU qualifying points for Asian and world rankings as well as to major international events up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics await the top finishers in the 1.5 Kilometer swim/40Km bike/10Km run event.

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

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NCR swimmer, Region IVA trackster make mark in Palaro

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

By Peter Atencio

Sports

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

Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao (left) poses for photographs with Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse after a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of their world welterweight boxing championship bout in July. AFP

Pacman: I still have several more fights K

UALA LUMPUR—Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao insisted Friday that his advancing years were no barrier to success as he gears up for a showdown against world champion Lucas Matthysse and prepares for several more fights before retiring for good.

David Gleeson hoists the PGTA ICTSI Luisita trophy after outlasting Erwin Arcillas on the third playoff hole.

Gleeson wins PGTA crown on 3rd extra hole TARLAC—David Gleeson ended a long title spell in thrilling fashion, battling back from two down with four holes to go in regulation then edging Erwin Arcillas on the third playoff hole to snare the hotly-disputed ICTSI Luisita Championship crown at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

On the verge of extending a fruitless campaign in various fronts the last seven years, Gleeson toughened himself up in a pressure-packed duel of 40-year-olds and birdied the difficult No. 15 then watched Arcillas crack in mounting pressure and bogeyed the 17th to force a playoff at 11-under 277.

He closed out with a 72 while Arcillas made a 71.

Both birdied the first playoff hole then parred the next, both the par-4 18th, with Gleeson, battling it through the searing heat for the fourth straight day, failing to cash in on his solid drives and Arcillas recovering from a pair of wayward shots to extend the match to a third extra hole, also on No. 18.

But the Brisbane native made sure to wrap it all up the third time around.

After splitting the fairway again, Gleeson knocked it down to within 12 feet and buried the putt, snatching the victory and the top $17,500 purse from the clutches of Arcillas, who drove into the rough and missed the green.

“It was tough but I know I can handle it. I’m prepared for a long game,” said Gleeson, who also needed to buck difficult pin placements, the hot weather and a tough Arcillas to hack out the victory, his first since ruling the 2011 Indian Open. It was also his first local win since powering Team Australia to the 1996 World Amateurs title at Manila Southwoods in 1996.

“I just focused on my game, played smart and grabbed every opportunity,” he added.

That included a two-stroke penalty slapped on Arcillas, who forgot his wedge on the putting green of No. 1. He told his caddie to go back but the latter rode a golf cart, which was not allowed. Arcillas birdied the short par-3 No. 2 but wound up with a bogey for the penalty.

“Despite the loss, I’m happy because it was a very good game. I didn’t expect to contend but I even almost won it,” said Arcillas, who took home his richest paycheck to date worth $11,500. “Actually, I wanted to quit after that penalty but I told myself to just go on and fight.”

Pacquiao, 39, will fight the Argentine—four years his junior—for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Filipino has won an unprecedented eight world titles in different weight classes but some have raised questions about his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age.

But at a joint press conference with Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, he dismissed such concerns.

“It’s not about a number, it’s not about age, that doesn’t matter,” he said.

“It depends how you discipline yourself in training, how you prepare.”

Pacquiao said that the fight against Matthysse would not be his last, as he wants the final bout of his career to take place in his homeland.

“Definitely this is not my last fight,” he said. “I think I still have got a couple of more fights (until I) retire.”

Pacquiao is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament and many in the country believe he will one day run for president, although the boxer has insisted he is happier in the ring than politics.

He conceded that it was “not easy” to juggle being a top-level boxer and politician.

Matthysse—who took the vacant WBA welterweight title in January—has expressed confidence that he can beat Pa cqu ia o, describ-

ing the Filipino as a diminished star.

At Friday’s press conference, he said he was a “pretty big puncher with both hands, so that gives me a lot of confidence”.

Pacquiao has not fought since he lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn last year, and has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.

The Kuala Lumpur bout will likely mark the first time in 15 years that Pacquiao will be fighting without his long-standing US trainer Freddie Roach, who expressed hurt last week after saying ties have been cut.

The boxer has suggested that role might go to his own friend and compatriot Buboy Fernandez, at least for the Matthysse bout.

All eyes on Romeo vs GlobalPort

By Jeric Lopez EXPECT fireworks right away in the first playdate of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup as two squads who recently swapped prominent players, collide right away on Sunday night.

Terrence Romeo will make his muchawaited debut for TNT KaTropa when the Texters face no less than his former team GlobalPort at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the scheduled main event.

In the opener, Blackwater and Columbian Dyip, formerly Kia, go at it at 4:30 p.m. in the tournament’s initial game.

Aside from the imports that will be paraded, the main storyline to open the conference is the sight of Romeo in a different uniform after spending his first five years in the league as a Batang Pier.

The blending of Romeo with the Texters, his team-up with Jayson Castro and his grudge match against GlobalPort are all being anticipated.

As for the star guard, he is excited for this new chapter in his career.

“Sobrang excited na rin to start my career dito sa TNT. I hope makatulong naman ako sa team para ma-reach ‘yung goals namin,” said Romeo.

On the other hand, Moala Tautuaa, the former top pick that was swapped for Romeo, will also make his GlobalPort debut, saying he is motivated more then ever to relaunch his career.

“I’m really pumped up to help the team (GlobalPort) in any way. They welcomed me well and the coaches give me the confidence I need. I’m really looking forward to our run,” said Tautuaa.

GlobalPort will parade returning import Malcolm White, while TNT KaTropa will introduce Jeremy Tyler to the league.

FILIPINO CONQUERS FWD NORTH POLE MARATHON. Luisito ‘Louie’

Sangalang proved that no adversity can break the Filipino spirit. Surviving cancer as a young adult, he represented FWD Life Philippines and succeeded in conquering the grueling 42-kilometer FWD North Pole Marathon held on April 16. Running amid a ruggedly icy terrain and freezing temperature of minus 32 degrees, Sangalang finished the race in 11 hours and four minutes. The FWD North Pole Marathon is an initiative of the new Pan-Asian insurance company with operations in eight Asian countries.

With the ambition to change the way people feel about insurance, FWD believes that life should be enjoyed to the fullest. And that is sometimes in not the most ordinary ways. Louie Sangalang is a multi-sport athlete, cancer survivor, and a healthy lifestyle and nutrition advocate. He joined 10 other FWD-sponsored runners from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Japan, collectively dubbed #FWDTeamAsia.

B A N T AY, Ilocos Sur— For swimmer Michaela Mojdeh and sprinter Jessel Lumapas it, was a bountiful week in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa as it neared to a close yesterday at the Quirino StaMichaela Mojdeh dium here.

The 11-year-old Mojdeh of the National Capital Region ended her firstever major tournament with a bang when she earned her sixth gold medal after joining seven events. She took the gold medal in her last event, the elementary girls’ 100-meter butterfly.

Lumapas, who had four golds in five events entered, settled for a silver after she towed Region IV-A to a runner-up finish to NCR in the secondary girls’ 4x100 meter relay race.

Mojdeh, a 6th grader from Immaculate Heart of Mary in Paranaque, bucked a bum stomach when she finished the 100-meter butterfly event in one minute, 19.59 seconds.

A daughter of a restaurant owner, Mojdeh earlier broke the mark in the 200-meter individual medley in 2:33.12, her feat improving on the 2:33.71 last year of Faith Alcoseba of Central Visayas.

Then, Mojdeh took her other golds in the 50-meter butterfly and helped the NCR 50-meter relay and 100-meter relay squads grab first-place finishes.

Her silver came in the 50-meter breaststroke after a bad start when she slipped from the starting board.

“Nag-enjoy lang ako sa swim ko.

Medyo masakit ang tiyan, pero tiniis ko lang po,” said Mojdeh, who picked up speed halfway into the race in beating Jie Talosig of Region 12 and Region IV-A Jhaziel Doliente.

Lumapas and the Region IV-A crew of Charlaine and Charmaine de Ocampo and Erica Ruto earlier broke the year-old record that they set at 3:54.37, with a better time of 3:53.97 in the 4x400-meter relay finals.

Then, Lumapas spearheaded the Southern Luzon squad to another record-smashing performance in the afternoon finals.

All in all, Lumapas left her footprints with gold-medal finishes in the 100-meter dash, which she ran in 11.99 seconds, and in the 400-meter run in record-breaking fashion with a time of 56.28 seconds.

Her clocking in the 400-meter run eclipsed the 57.33-second feat of Jenny Rose Rosales of Region VI in 2011.

“Masaya pa rin kasi may nakuha pa rin,” said the 17-year-old Lumapas, an 11th grader at Dasmarinas East National High School in Cavite.

National junior 100-meter record holder Veruel Verdadero finished his campaign by spearheading Region IV-A to a gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay and and a bronze in the 4x100 meter relay behind Western Visayas Region.

Verdadero finished with three golds and two bronzes.

Seventeen-year-old Fil-American and Ilonggo Alexei Caimoso of Region 6 and Region IV-A’s Evangeline Caminong came a millimeter short of breaking the Philippine junior record in the secondary girls’ high jump after they both cleared 1.68 meters.

The national mark set by Kaylee Mosqueda two years ago remains at 1.69, but Caimoso and Caminong managed to shatter the two-year Palaro mark set by Cherie Mae Banatao of 1.66 in 2016.

Middle distance runner Lheslie de Lima took her second gold for Region V after she beat Region XI’s Camila Tubiano with her clocking of 4:42.15, while Region XII’s Nathaniel Morales ruled the secondary boys’ side.

Overall, NCR scooped 74 golds, 56 silvers and 40 bronzes on the penultimate day of the games, with Region IV-A in second with its 45-36-56 goldsilver-bronze tally. Region VI (Western Visayas) is in third (37-36-45).

Batangas crowned Maharlika Pilipinas cage king EX-PROS Acuña, Lester Alvarez and Jhaymo Eguilos brought their winning ways to Batangas City and made the Athletics the inaugural champion of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League-Anta Rajah Cup. On Thursday, the Athletics made history by becoming the first-ever champion of the fastest growing regional basketball league in the country put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao as the visiting Batangas City squad edged Muntinlupa, 68-66, in Game 4 of their best-of-five championship series before a jampacked crowd at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

The trio, who had won championships in different levels, did not come up with usual

numbers, but came through with baskets that mattered the most for the Tanduaybacked Athletics.

A 6’5” inside and out player, Eguilos knocked in a jumper that allowed the Athletics to regain the lead with 59 seconds to go.

After a missed offensive thrust at the other end, the Angelis Resort-supported Cagers were forced to give up a foul on Teytey Teodoro with 13 seconds to go. A usually steady performer, Teodoro missed both charities, allowing Muntinlupa an opportunity to tie the game or snatch a win with a three-point shot.

The Cagers went to swingman Dave Moralde, whose side attempt missed the

target, but Pari Llagas picked up a rebound and was fouled in the process with 1.2 seconds left.

Unfortunately, Llagas missed both free throws as the Athletics escaped with the win.

“Ang sarap. Dugo at pawis kasi pinuhunan namin dito. Ibang-iba ‘yung feeling ng championship na ito. Sa PBA kasi, marami akong teammates na mas magagaling kaya sila bumubuhat sa amin. Dito naman, ramdam naming na mas importante kami kasi inaasahan kami ng team namin,” added Acuña.

Alvarez, teammate of Acuña at San Mig Coffee in the PBA, agreed with his friend’s observation.

IN BRIEF PH carrageenan cleared by USDA

THE US Department of Agriculture announced that Philippine carrageenan, a naturally occurring seaweed-derived substance, will remain in its list of approved additives in organic food.

The USDA issued the announcement after finding merit in public comments supporting the renewal of carrageenan in the National List of Allowed Substances of the USDA. The comments, which formed in part by two science-based position papers sent by the Philippine government through the Department of Agriculture to the USDA, refuted the health and environment-related assertions made by the National Organic Coalition against carrageenan, and argued that the substance was an irreplaceable, allowable ingredient.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the Philippine position, a joint effort between scientists from the University of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, convincingly addressed the issues raised by a US coalition.

Othel V. Campos

Napocor: New power plants boost Palawan STATE-OWNED National Power Corp. recently inaugurated four 600-kilowatt generating sets to augment the power needs in the towns of San Vicente and El Nido in Palawan to respond to the areas’ growing power demand.

“As premiere destination among local and foreign tourists, there is a significant increase in power demand in these areas every year,” said Napocor president Pio Benavidez in a statement.

Napocor, which is mandated under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to provide electrification to the Small Power Utilities Group or missionary areas, said the two open type generating sets of the San Vicente diesel power plant would bring the total dependable capacity to 1,940 kW, or enough to address the peak demand of 676 kW. The El Nido diesel power plant, meanwhile, will now have 4,050 kW of total dependable capacity, which is sufficient to supply the 3,825 kW demand.

Both power plants operate at 24 hours and serve around 4,500 families and 500 commercial establishments.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business BDO bullish, eyes record income of P31b this year B

By Julito G. Rada

DO Unibank Inc., the country’s biggest lender controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, is aiming at a record P31-billion net income this year following a remarkable performance in 2017.

The bank posted a 7-percent increase in net income last year to a record P28.1 billion on strong growth across all business segments and matched the earnings guidance for the year.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it was optimistic it could realize another record earnings this year as it “leverages on its strong business franchise and expands in underserved markets amid a challenging and competitive operating landscape.”

The bank registered a net income of P5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2018,

steady from the year-ago level.

“Excluding the impact of PFRS 9 [Philippine Financial Reporting Standards] or specifically the mark to market revaluation of the investment portfolio of BDO Life and the ongoing restructuring and expansion costs at One Network Bank, net income would have reflected a 16-percent increase,” the bank said.

Net interest income grew 20 percent to P22.2 billion due to the 18-percent expansion in gross customer loans to P1.8 trillion and the 16-percent hike in total deposits to P2.2 trillion, with lowcost CASA deposits contributing the bulk of total deposit growth.

Insurance premiums rose 20 percent to P2.6 billion, fee-based income increased 2 percent, while trading and foreign exchange gains fell to P24 million. Operating expenses rose 11 percent to P23.1 billion in line with business expansion.

Provisions rose 26 percent to P1.8 billion even as asset quality improved.

Non-performing loan ratio was lower at 1.2 percent from 1.3 percent year on year, while NPL cover was higher at

156.4 percent from 137.9 percent a year ago.

Capital base increased to nearly P300 billion, with capital adequacy ratio and common equity Tier 1 at 14.3 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively.

The bank started on Friday the issuance of P5 billion long-term negotiable certificates of deposit in a bid to lengthen the maturity of its funding sources and support business expansion plans.

BDO has the option to increase the issue size, depending on market demand.

BDO last issued P11.8 billion worth of LTNCDs in August 2017.

“This latest tranche of LTNCDs will have a term of five and a half years with indicative pricing of 4.5 percent. The final coupon rate will be set prior to or at the end of the offer period. Interest will be paid quarterly in arrears,” the bank told the stock exchange.

The minimum investment is P100,000 with increments of P50,000. The offering period will start from April 20 to April 30, with the issue date set for May 7, 2018.

Oppo set to capture 20% of phone market

OPPO, a global leader in smartphone, expects to capture at least 20 percent of the Philippine market share this year with the launching of a new flagship model.

“Based on the data that we are seeing and our own analysis we are growing, we are hoping that we will be able to continuously increase our market share in the Philippines.

We will see another between 3 to 5 percent market share. Right now, based on our latest data we were having around 15 percent market share,” Garricky Hung, vice president of Philippine Oppo Mobile Technology Inc., said on the sidelines of the launching of Oppo F7.

“Hopefully, 20 percent of the market this year,” he added.

Hung said Oppo ranked as the number two leading mobile phone providers in the Philippines in terms of international brand over the last three years. Samsung is the number one mobile phone provider in the Philippines.

OPPO Philippines public relations manager Eason de Guzman said the number of pre-orders of F7 reached 25,133 units as of April 19 this year. Darwin G. Amojelar

Electric co-op assures Boracay power supply

By Alena Mae S. Flores AKLAN Electric Cooperative Inc. on Friday allayed the fears of Boracay residents that electric service will be scaled down once the world-famous tourist destination undergoes a six-month rehabilitation beginning April 26.

Akelco general manager Alexis Regalado assured all member-consumerowners within the electric cooperative’s coverage area that their operations would continue unhindered despite the projected operating losses during the Boracay closure.

“I would like to clarify rumors that once Boracay closes there will no longer be power from Akelco. We are a distribution electric cooperative, we give service to consumers,” Regalado said.

“We are not like other utilities that are privately-owned whose profit is purpose is for profit. We are mandated by NEA (National Electrification Administration) to provide service to the public. Even if we suffer losses, we still provide service.

As long as there are consumers, there is Akelco, service will continue,” he said.

He said Akelco was finding ways to ease the impact on the utility’s power rates.

The electric cooperative is seeking negotiation of existing bilateral contracts with so-called independent power producers.

Electricity consumption in Boracay is expected to decrease 84 percent and 38 percent to the overall load profile of the cooperative once the temporary shutdown of the island is carried out.

Regalado said the cooperative would propose the reduction of the minimum energy off-take until the resumption of tourism operations in Boracay, hourly reduction proportionate to all power suppliers, and the monthly reconciliation to adjust the bilateral contract quantity.

BDO Unibank Inc. president and chief executive office Nestor Tan (right) poses with chairperson Teresita Sy before the start of the annual stockholders’ meeting in Makati Shangri-La, Manila hotel on April 20, 2018. Bobby Cabrera

Inflation to stabilize in the coming months—Guinigundo THERE is no enough reason at the moment to tweak the current monetary policy stance as inflation will continue to be manageable and stabilize in the coming months, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said Friday.

“Right now, based on the March meeting of the Monetary Board, based on the 2012 base year, our [inflation] expectation is 3.8 percent for 2018 and around 3 percent by 2019,” Guinigundo said at the sidelines of the briefing on the first quarter inflation report held at the Bangko Sentral.

“So right now, we don’t have the numbers that will change our initial forecast as announced earlier by the Monetary Board. So the next meeting of the board next month, we should have more information that will help us refine

our forecasts,” Guinigundo said.

He also downplayed the possibility that inflation would breach the 5-percent level or even inch closer to it, but declined to speculate on the possible peak of inflation this year.

“But if we see that the peak is 3.8 percent, and so far inflation averaged at 3.8 percent in the first quarter, you can just extrapolate what is going to happen for the rest of the year,” he said.

“Always remember that the inflation target of the BSP is not on a monthly basis. Always remember that the inflation time which we are committed to is on the whole year average for 2018, 2019.

It is not based on one single observation of the monthly inflation. So we always look at the average for the entire year, let us say for 2018 and 2019,” he said.

Latest data showed headline inflation

rose to 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2018 from the quarter-ago level of 3 percent, using the new 2012-based consumer price index series.

The rate settled near the upper end of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year. Inflation pressures during the review quarter were traced mainly to higher price increases in selected food commodities, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

Meanwhile, using the 2006-based CPI series, headline inflation rose to 4.4 percent in the first quarter from 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The policy-making Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral at its meeting on March 22 decided to maintain the benchmark interest rates due to an expected manageable inflation environment going forward. Julito G. Rada

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

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Ayala set to invest $250m in tech firms

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. committed to invest $250 million on new technologies like artificial intelligence, block chain technology, e-commerce ventures and start-up companies that will complement its existing businesses.

Ayala chief finance officer Jose Teodoro Limcaoco, who also heads AC Ventures Holdings Corp., said in a press briefing following the annual stockholders’ meeting the group already invested $150 million so far and that another $100 million will be spent in new technologies to expand the international portfolio.

AC Ventures over the past 18 months has invested in Zalora Philippines, the country’s largest online fashion platform offering a wide range of fashion and lifestyle products, Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. and in several small start-up companies.

Meanwhile, Ayala chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the conglomerate was accelerating expansion overseas to achieve the goal of 10-percent equity earnings contribution from the international portfolio by 2020.

“In our country, our businesses are established leaders that have important presence in their respective industry. Across the Ayala group, we have made significant progress in expanding our international presence, particularly across Southeast Asia, where we have the ability to bring our expertise and capital to address opportunities,” Zobel de Ayala said.

The international portfolio as of the end of 2017 accounted for seven percent of total earnings.

Ayala Corp. is looking at four business units for its overseas expansion to lead the way, namely Ayala Industrials, Manila Water Co Inc., AC Energy and Ayala Land.

AC Industrials is set to open its 20th manufacturing site in Serbia in the third quarter of the year. It recently formed a new joint venture company with Japanese firm Toppan Printing to serve the market for copper-based metal mesh touch sensors.

Manila Water is looking to further expand its investments in Vietnam and Indonesia. It is now the largest foreign investor in the water sector, supplying half of Ho Chi Minh’s consumer and industrial demands.

The water company recently acquired an 18-percent stake in Thailand’s East Water and started its entry into the Indonesian market, with a 20-percent stake in Indonesian bulk water supply company PT Sarana Tirta Ungaran.

PH posted lower balance of payments deficit of $266m in March from $550m THE balance of payments position in March posted a lower deficit of $266 million, down from a $550-million gap a year ago, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

Data showed the March deficit was also lower than the $429-million gap a month ago.

“Outflows in March 2018 stemmed mainly from foreign exchange operations of the BSP and payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” Bangko Sentral said.

“These were partially offset, however, by net foreign currency deposits of the national government and income from the BSP’s investments abroad during the month,” it said.

The cumulative BoP position in the first three months of 2018 posted a higher deficit of $1.227 billion compared with the gap of $994 million in

the comparable period in 2017.

“The higher cumulative BoP deficit for the first quarter of the year may be attributed partly to the widening merchandise deficit [based on Philippine Statistics Authority data] for the first two months of the year,” Bangko Sentral said.

“We continue to expect the overall BoP position for the year to be very manageable,” it said.

The regulator said the BoP position was consistent with the reserves level of $80.511 billion as of end-March 2018.

It said the GIR at this level represented more than ample liquidity buffer and was equivalent to 7.9 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

The reserves were also equivalent to 5.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity. Julito G. Rada

WILCON IN CONEX 2018. Wilcon Depot, the country’s leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, joins this year’s CONEX, the Philippine’s premier building and construction expo at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City held from April 12 to 14, 2018. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the expo are (from left) architect Antonio Valdez, Wilcon ambassador Romulo Reyes, Wilcon Depot senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Bosch Ong, architects Armando Pamintuan, Yolanda Reyes, Renato Heray, Dante Aguirre, UAP national president Guillermo Hisancha, Romeo David, Reynaldo Acosta, Allan Garcia, Wilcon ambassador Michael Peña, Pamela Amador and Mark Louie Soriquez.

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Business

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks climb on bargain-hunting T HE stock market rose slightly Friday on bargain-hunting, paring its gains in late trading after losses in the region and Wall Street overnight.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 44.48 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,726.72 on a value turnover of P6.7 billion. Gainers beat losers, 120 to 83, with 41 issues unchanged.

The index is still down 10 percent so far this year on worries about inflation, a weak currency and fears the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may need to lift interest rates sharply.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. climbed 2.5 percent to P41.10, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, added 2.1 percent to P291.

Megawide Construction Corp., which is finishing the expansion of the MactanCebu International airport in the central part of the Philippines, advanced 3.7 percent to P23.85, while Megaworld Corp., the largest lessor of office spaces, gained 2.8 percent to P4.40.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly fell Friday as investors struggled to maintain the previous day’s positive momentum following losses on Wall Street, with technology firms tracking a sharp fall in Apple.

While worries about the Syrian crisis and a potential China-US trade war keep dealers on edge, focus has for now moved to the corporate arena as the earnings season gets into full swing.

All three main Wall Street indexes fell Thursday after a mixed bag of business reports with market giant Procter & Gamble posting lackluster results, while rising US Treasury yields also spooked

investors worried about higher interest rates.

But the big news was a near-three percent plunge in Apple, which came after major chip supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) forecast sales for the present quarter would be about $1 billion down on analyst forecasts.

This fueled concerns that the smartphone sector, a massive driver of revenue for tech firms, including Apple and Samsung, was beginning to wane. The tech-rich Nasdaq lost 0.8 percent in New York.

Asia-listed Apple suppliers and other tech firms fell. In Taipei, market heavyweight TSMC plunged more than six percent and Foxconn lost 1.2 percent. Alps shed 1.8 percent in Tokyo, while Seoullisted LG Display was off 1.2 percent.

South Korean titan Samsung was more than two percent lower, while

AAC Technologies sank 8.6 percent in Hong Kong.

On broader markets, Taipei was off 1.8 percent, Hong Kong fell 0.7 percent and Seoul was 0.4 percent lower, while Shanghai slipped 1.5 percent. Tokyo ended 0.1 percent down, while Singapore shed 0.6 percent and Sydney was 0.2 percent off.

There were also losses in Jakarta and Wellington.

Energy firms dipped slightly following Thursday’s oil-fueled surge after reports said Opec officials meeting in Saudi Arabia suggested supplies looked like they were coming into line with demand. That led to worries about an Opec-Russia output cap deal that has supported prices in recent years.

However, crude remains at more than three-year highs, supported by continued Middle East tensions and signs of healthy US demand. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 31,670 106 518,840 3.14 13,000 134 5,028,470 1.48 109,000 34.4 309,700 6.7 2,800 16.66 1,185,100 17 1,238,200 3.4 1,000 8.87 200 1.53 43,000 850 40 0.56 243,000 82.9 3,624,270 1.09 303,000 12.2 13,500 54.1 45,160 228 4,620 110 100 43.95 26,400 225 322,630 90.6 14,850 1.22 50,000

1,861,170 55,179,842 40,030 674,087,038 156,400 10,691,240 18,764 19,785,254 21,082,058 3,400 1,774 65,930 34,000 135,220 300,215,339 324,920 164,702 2,435,774 1,048,782 11,000 1,151,710 72,586,010 1,347,065.50 61,000

1,111,445 -14,498,449 86,422,939 -270,515 949,092 4,097,868 34,000 34,599,942.50 -16,520 -317,417 149,010 -43,946,998 916,987 -

INDUSTRIAL 39.7 1,217,300 14.38 500,300 0.53 1,906,000 1.26 322,000 21 23,400 0.224 1,950,000 3.3 4,962,000 16.2 828,500 288 50 49 457,650 25.15 7,400 60 110 71.05 3,510 96.9 20 1.93 169,000 5.23 29,000 10 10,000 10.44 1,599,800 15 398,300 11.6 363,300 7.21 1,423,700 5.47 20,452,000 1.66 7,000 16.3 421,500 65.4 237,530 25.5 15,300 9.37 5,700 16.34 346,600 2.15 1,350,000 291 662,390 5.1 74,600 3.19 13,000 25.05 2,238,900 14.84 69,200 23.85 3,456,100 321.6 113,760 0.19 1,850,000 7.68 6,200 2.46 3,656,000 4.97 172,200 9.19 537,000 4.98 57,000 7.75 8,800 1.5 233,000 12.12 32,700 52.2 753,400 6.25 8,200 4.78 352,000 2 77,000 3.31 30,000 1.92 311,000 13.86 249,000 66 362,210 5.48 131,000 0.134 270,000 1.02 22,000 138 757,080 3.16 116,340,000 22 1,500 0.83 5,919,000

47,654,260 7,170,178 1,007,210 405,770 476,985 436,880 16,514,300 13,261,200 14,450 22,512,182.50 187,280 6,593.50 249,396.50 1,938 319,250 151,620 100,006 16,447,334 5,976,764 4,215,186 10,261,505 111,736,473 11,620 6,855,386 15,437,940 387,925 53,552 5,685,658 1 2,859,100 192,757,596 379,010 41,500 57,352,450 1,035,506 81,027,605 36,629,578 355,860 47,747 8,996,580 860,314 4,933,685 284,290 68,244 348,220 396,430 39,565,964 51,250 1,656,760 145,520 99,600 591,560 3,450,528 23,917,376 716,559 36,180 21,810 104,768,533 415,568,760 33,000 4,940,870

9,627,185 20,190 -2,520 -2,800,470 5,303,864 -957,896 -11,001,484 2,526,416 4,143,248 -8,749,833 55,328,110 -1,415,344 10,545,257.50 -35,540 ,135,185.9999 -10,710 42,175,966 44,022 -41,500 433,955 -200,426 14,151,055 7,737,144 -77,400 -1,277,420 -469,190 324,489 -66,650 -2,228,636.50 -1,411,000 -19,200 -680,418 -10,809,624 5,420 -18,699,622 -8,555,890 -27,820

97,300 53,587,972.50 425,959,434 9,000 15,888 1,147,210 78,210 104,328,745 8,515 6,016,727 44,493,384 4,362,348 7,780 106,968,840 33,840 107,575,109 530 19,520 277,130 50,223,210 3,402,090 133,409,480 12,200 203,960 11,121,720 2,540 10,884,547 166,407,145 359,560 241,710 1,038,450 105,130 60,870

-9,994,339 -253,223,472 -16,348,760 -281,988 487,532 -190,814 -48,023,515 -4,448,147 -14,170 10,680,392 -244,000 -7,502,500 29,100 3,144,266 -34,646,395 -

2,217,927 4,676,550 371,418 10,150 2,746,690 504,933,965 1,161,420 2,107,150 119,254 41,690 4,537,700 1,030 157,770 3,635,500 13,284,455 2,670 60,670 3,647,680

-26,866 663,520 116,440 85,441,040 -189,050 -4,580 277,050 101,900 -644,075 -1,320 1,230 -1,352,600

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 105 2.95 133.6 1.5 34.6 6.71 16.56 17.02 3.4 8.87 1.63 850 0.54 83.45 1.11 12.22 54.05 224 110 43.3 226 89.9 1.22

59 107 3.18 137.2 1.5 34.75 6.71 16.74 17.12 3.4 8.87 1.63 850 0.57 83.45 1.11 12.22 54.1 228 110 43.95 226 90.9 1.22

58 105 2.95 131.9 1.41 34.4 6.7 16.56 16.92 3.4 8.87 1.53 850 0.54 82 1.06 12.2 53.55 224 110 42.8 224 89.9 1.22

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

37.85 14.42 0.55 1.28 21.7 0.223 3.4 16.2 290 49.9 24.7 60 70.15 96.9 1.89 5.22 10.02 10.38 15.02 11.62 7.2 5.49 1.66 16 65 25.5 9.62 16.24 2.11 288 5.05 3.2 25.9 15 23 321.6 0.193 7.85 2.42 5.1 9.17 4.98 7.97 1.49 12.2 52.9 6.25 4.72 1.86 3.34 1.87 13.78 65.9 5.48 0.134 0.99 140 3.65 22 0.8

39.95 14.42 0.55 1.28 21.7 0.229 3.41 16.2 290 49.9 25.95 60 75.95 96.9 1.93 5.23 10.02 10.44 15.08 11.62 7.22 5.51 1.66 16.38 65.4 25.55 9.62 16.58 2.15 293 5.18 3.2 25.95 15 23.9 324 0.194 7.85 2.56 5.1 9.2 5 7.97 1.5 12.2 52.95 6.25 4.78 2.02 3.34 1.92 13.94 66.3 5.48 0.134 1.02 140 3.99 22 0.86

37.85 14.2 0.52 1.26 20.25 0.223 3.28 16 288 48.5 24.65 59.35 70 96.9 1.87 5.22 10 10.14 14.98 11.58 7.1 5.4 1.66 16 64.5 25.1 9.35 16.1 2.09 288 5.03 3.19 25.05 14.82 22.8 320 0.19 7.68 2.42 4.97 9.1 4.98 7.75 1.49 12.1 52.15 6.25 4.7 1.86 3.31 1.87 13.78 65.75 5.42 0.134 0.99 138 3.14 22 0.8

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 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.3 68 13.4 0.9 6.48 0.6 0.62 910 1,703 6.95 12 7.54 0.191 1,085 7 60 5.3 0.65 4.7 18 0.58 4.7 0.04 1.18 3.35 2.54 140.9 910 1.62 552 261 0.201 0.19

0.3 69.1 13.4 0.9 6.48 0.61 0.64 928 1,703 7 12.18 7.6 0.198 1,085 7 61.7 5.3 0.65 4.8 19.42 0.62 4.76 0.041 1.18 3.5 2.54 140.9 920 1.67 552 266 0.208 0.208

0.29 65.5 12.96 0.9 6.3 0.6 0.61 910 1,703 6.76 12 7.35 0.191 1,041 6.9 60 5.3 0.62 4.65 18 0.58 4.6 0.04 1.13 3.25 2.54 140 901 1.62 544 260 0.2 0.19

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CEBU PROP A CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND

6.74 0.98 14.4 2.03 0.83 40.4 3.44 4.58 6.02 6.4 0.435 1.03 0.98 0.26 30.6 0.66 0.123 1.69

6.74 1.02 15 2.03 0.85 41.4 3.48 4.61 6.16 6.42 0.445 1.03 0.98 0.265 32 0.69 0.123 1.73

6.69 0.98 14 2.03 0.82 40.2 3.43 4.51 6.02 6.4 0.435 1.03 0.97 0.25 30.6 0.66 0.121 1.69

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

1.33 1.15 4.3 0.54 0.4 0.62 3.99 19.2 1.91 3.19 32.85 1.03 10.6 0.79 6.4

1.34 1.18 4.41 0.56 0.4 0.68 4.11 19.2 1.97 3.19 33.3 1.04 11 0.79 6.6

1.3 1.1 4.29 0.53 0.4 0.6 3.93 18.9 1.91 3.13 32.55 1.02 10.22 0.79 6.4

1.3 1.12 4.4 0.55 0.4 0.68 4.11 19.1 1.97 3.13 33 1.02 10.3 0.79 6.45

2,191,000 11,247,000 16,092,000 36,596,000 800,000 102,157,000 5,263,000 933,800 726,000 6,000 3,341,400 1,287,000 833,600 94,000 14,135,900

2,861,420 12,749,890 70,495,580 19,992,290 320,000 67,646,140 21,611,290 17,828,630 1,408,860 19,080 109,865,930 1,325,810 8,798,160 74,260 91,438,909

-234,160 2,082,970 -296,220 -348,390 -9,804,006 124,310 3,190 -51,626,140 231,666 -4,166,416

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA 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 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

17.48 28.8 1.31 0.47 0.047 12.78 0.054 89.5 6.95 7.6 22.8 1,570 5.78 307.8 4.42 2.42 92.2 13.3 8.3 0.12 1.4 3.32 15.38 4.93 1.04 28 4.38 7.11 3.25 7.5 11.32 9.6 120 6.12 1,380 1.01 0.4 47.05 88 7.35 2.39 1.38 0.42 4.66 0.85 10.64

17.48 28.8 1.38 0.475 0.047 12.94 0.055 89.9 7.15 7.6 23.45 1,595 5.78 308 4.5 2.42 94.2 13.3 8.3 0.12 1.43 3.32 15.38 5.05 1.06 28.45 4.54 7.11 3.3 7.95 11.38 10 125 7.14 1,403 1.01 0.405 48.45 88 7.37 2.46 1.38 0.42 4.75 0.88 10.9

16.6 28 1.31 0.465 0.047 12.6 0.053 88.3 6.86 7.54 22.5 1,525 5.64 301 4.42 2.34 92 12.66 8.05 0.113 1.37 3.32 15 4.76 1.01 27.8 4.35 6.72 3.23 7.5 11.32 9.5 120 6.03 1,380 0.99 0.39 47.05 86 7.15 2.3 1.35 0.405 4.64 0.85 10.64

SERVICES 16.72 28.2 1.38 0.47 0.047 12.78 0.053 88.3 6.9 7.54 22.5 1,535 5.69 308 4.46 2.35 93.35 12.66 8.28 0.117 1.43 3.32 15 5 1.04 27.9 4.41 6.8 3.25 7.65 11.36 9.5 125 6.5 1,395 1 0.4 48 87 7.34 2.35 1.37 0.405 4.66 0.88 10.9

35,100 148,500 29,000 1,900,000 2,900,000 5,129,300 21,190,000 109,900 884,500 2,100 38,200 18,315 396,600 8,290 831,000 14,000 356,790 58,800 53,700 600,000 643,000 1,000 2,100 5,955,000 197,000 1,520,400 97,000 9,204,600 556,000 4,187,400 9,300 3,700 3,040 4,127,200 94,995 400,000 2,480,000 1,608,800 472,030 31,300 606,000 603,000 5,290,000 669,000 1,798,000 522,000

591,140 4,203,925 38,690 893,850 136,300 65,514,346 1,126,350 9,733,139 6,133,617 15,840 867,915 28,345,805 2,251,512 2,529,516 3,701,310 32,940 33,149,390.5 ( 781,952 440,654 70,320 887,240 3,320 31,608 29,591,730 204,130 42,444,100 428,280 63,026,491 1,813,470 32,366,305 105,716 35,370 374,928 27,565,778 132,428,930 400,160 978,600 77,080,070 41,145,127.50 226,021 1,432,830 822,440 2,166,600 3,129,630 1,550,870 5,655,518

-3,593,980 -2,038,986 -372,762 -11,400 -13,228,125 -190,918 -97,870 10,753,524.5) 4,030,170 11,126,630 4,410 -14,512,873 -9,580 420,446 -9,600 324,190 -13,500 -23,917,690 -14,960 18,921,315 32,508,197 20,610 -475,000 -1,680 299,000 -594,620 -18,270 1,005,094

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

0.0028 1.73 4.41 18.5 1.62 0.295 7.63 2.43 0.21 0.141 0.147 1.47 6.3 1.22 0.46 0.9 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.21 5.6 14 30.2 0.0064

0.0029 1.78 4.65 18.5 1.63 0.3 7.63 2.43 0.21 0.144 0.147 1.48 6.34 1.22 0.51 0.92 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.25 5.6 14.18 30.75 0.0064

0.0028 1.72 4.4 17.16 1.62 0.295 7.33 2.29 0.202 0.141 0.147 1.43 6.12 1.2 0.46 0.89 0.012 0.013 0.011 2.2 5.56 13.72 30.2 0.0064

MINING & OIL 0.0028 32,000,000 1.73 4,074,000 4.45 50,000 18.5 17,400 1.63 518,000 0.3 550,000 7.37 7,300 2.32 21,170,000 0.202 40,000 0.144 510,000 0.147 370,000 1.48 210,000 6.18 3,073,400 1.2 3,000 0.51 810,000 0.92 611,000 0.013 6,500,000 0.013 500,000 0.012 20,800,000 2.25 11,000 5.56 672,600 14 1,668,800 30.25 261,700 0.0064 1,000,000

89,700 7,134,400 222,300 321,068 843,220 164,850 53,764 49,371,850 8,300 73,120 54,390 305,170 18,994,916 3,620 407,800 556,030 79,200 6,500 245,200 24,260 3,753,360 23,234,872 7,972,890 6,400

1,128,910 -93,350 -54,000 -16,049,800 728,977 -3,414,105 -1,499,534 -2,457,035 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

27.5 510 100.1 107.6 110.8 5.51 999 995 1.06 107.1 104.7 111 975 76 79 75 76.1 76.25 75.6

27.5 510 100.2 107.6 110.8 5.77 999 995 1.06 107.1 104.7 111 975 76 79 75.4 76.1 76.25 75.75

26.4 510 100.1 107.6 110.8 5.51 999 970 1.06 107 102 111 970 76 79 74.9 76 76.2 75.6

PREFERRED 26.65 169,900 510 40 100.2 7,610 107.6 440 110.8 20 5.58 7,000 999 1,800 970 3,750 1.06 12,000 107 110 102 20 111 10 970 1,000 76 30 79 1,650 75.4 6,140 76 15,000 76.2 10,000 75.75 17,000

4,603,870 20,400 762,411 47,344 2,216 39,050 1,798,200 3,642,500 12,720 11,780 2,067 1,110 972,500 2,280 130,350 460,886 1,140,334 762,012.50 1,287,000

-317,825 -

LR WARRANT

2.9

3.06

2.88

WARRANTS 3 472,000

1,396,950

-

586,000 31,000 822,000

2,931,660 98,540 2,670,700

20,070 -126,490

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.6 17,360

2,076,766

25,158

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 0.295 330,000 68.65 781,440 13.14 32,376,800 0.9 10,000 6.48 2,500 0.6 1,912,000 0.64 128,000 919 113,340 1,703 5 6.76 879,900 12.1 3,676,000 7.35 576,000 0.198 40,000 1,045 102,000 6.9 4,900 61.05 1,761,830 5.3 100 0.65 31,000 4.79 59,000 19.16 2,693,500 0.61 5,609,000 4.64 28,656,000 0.041 300,000 1.16 180,000 3.42 3,259,000 2.54 1,000 140.9 77,430 901 183,260 1.67 216,000 550 440 266 3,990 0.2 520,000 0.199 310,000 PROPERTY 6.7 1.02 14.68 2.03 0.83 41.1 3.44 4.51 6.06 6.42 0.44 1.03 0.98 0.265 31.55 0.69 0.121 1.71

330,300 4,637,000 25,500 5,000 3,309,000 12,296,700 337,000 464,000 19,800 6,500 10,310,000 1,000 161,000 14,020,000 420,700 4,000 500,000 2,133,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

4.93 3.2 3.3

5.12 3.29 3.3

4.78 3.11 3.21

FIRST METRO ETF

118.8

120

118.8

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

13,129,107

INDUSTRIAL

197,181,819

HOLDING FIRMS

85,015,366

PROPERTY

253,090,798

SERVICES

80,315,572

MINING & OIL

95,747,662

GRAND TOTAL

725,941,820

5.02 3.28 3.23

SME

VALUE 1,994.89 (down) 12.34 1,162,508,951.42 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,084.34 (up) 96.68 1,995,347,531.56 HOLDING FIRMS 7,650.92 (up) 51.63 1,380,617,839.36 PROPERTY 3,591.36 (up) 51.87 1,569.24 (up) 0.85 1,305,278,181.11 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,682.37 (down) 13.64 750,692,923.25 PSEI 7,726.72 (up) 44.48 113,949,611.3355 All Shares Index 4,687.29 (up) 21.64 6,716,195,816.97 Gainers: 120; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 41; Total: 244

SEC clears share sale of DoubleDragon worth P7.5b

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P7.5-billion share sale of DoubleDragon Properties Inc. DoubleDragon, according to documents filed with the SEC, plans to sell up to 135 million common shares with an over allotment 15 million common shares at a price of P50 apiece.

DoubleDragon plans to spend P4.4 billion out of the expected proceeds to finance its venture into the industrial leasing and hospitality business.

DoubleDragon plans to roll out 100,000 square meters of leasable industrial warehouse space in several parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It also plans to build 5,000 hotel rooms by 2020.

The group is earmarking P1 billion for land banking and P1 billion for potential acquisitions.

“This exercise its an important step for DoubleDragon that we believe will catapult the company into new levels,” DoubleDragon chairman Edgar Sia II said.

“As we approach the completion of our 2020 targeted portfolio comprising of 1.2 million square meters of 120 hectares of prime leasable space, this is a great opportunity for key investments to take part in the hyper growth years of the company,” he added.

DoubleDragon hired Credit Suisse, Maybank Kim Eng, UBS as international book runners and lead underwriters and BPI Capital Corp. and Maybank ATR Kim Eng as domestic lead underwriters and book runners for the fund raising activity.

The planned share sale is expected to result in an increase of the company’s total equity and strengthen its financial position.

The share sale will boost the company’s chances of becoming one of the blue chip stocks in the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange Index in the near term.

The company earlier increased its 2020 leasable portfolio target to 1.2 million sq. m. comprised of 700,000 sq. m. from 100 CityMalls, 300,000 sq. m. from its Metro Manila office projects, 100,000 sq. m. from the planned 5,000 hotel rooms of Hotel 101 and Jinjiang Inn Philippines, and another 100,000 sq. m. from industrial leasing.

Century Pacific wins awards from FinanceAsia TWO companies under the Century Pacific Group won prestigious awards from leading international publication FinanceAsia during its 2018 Asia’s Best Managed Companies survey.

Century Pacific Food was named the Philippines’ Best Mid-Cap Company for the second year in a row, while Shakey’s Pizza was named the Best Small-Cap Company in the country.

The awards, now on its 18th year, provide an in-depth analysis of Asia’s listed companies, their investor relations, commitment to corporate governance, and commitment to social responsibility.

CNPF also placed third among local companies that are best at investor relations.

“We are honored by these recognitions, and are humbled by the support, trust, and confidence accorded to our group. We consider these an affirmation of investors’ belief in our strategies and in our management teams’ ability to execute,” said CPG president Christopher Po. FinanceAsia winners were selected after a poll of 140 fund managers and buy-side analysts who expressed their views about the region’s leading corporations and sectors.

“These awards inspire us to strive even harder to grow our companies and pursue a long-term vision that will hopefully reap more returns to our stakeholders,” added Po. The Po family-owned Century Pacific Group holds majority stakes of 69 percent and 53 percent in CNPF and Shakey’s Pizza, respectively.

CNPF is the Philippines’ largest canned food company. It debuted on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2014.

Since then, it has achieved a compounded annual net income growth rate of 17% and has strengthened its market leading position in the canned fish and canned meat segments locally.

World

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

B3

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Jury to get Cosby case next week NORRISTOWN―The US jury tasked with finding Bill Cosby innocent or guilty will likely take the case next week as the evidence-phase of his sexual assault retrial moves quicker than planned, the judge said Thursday.

The now frail and isolated 80-year-old entertainer could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand, 45, at his Philadelphia home in January 2004.

“The testimony in this case will probably be concluded early next week.

That’s a big difference in where we were before,” Judge Steven O’Neill told the ninth day of proceedings.

“This case will clearly be to the jury sometime next week,” he added. The judge had previously told the sequestered jury in Norristown, Pennsylvania, that they should allow for a month-long trial.

On Thursday, jurors were treated to a day of science as opposing toxicologists testified about Benadryl, an antihistamine that Cosby says he gave Constand, and Quaaludes, a 1970s “party drug” that he has testified to obtaining with a view to having sex.

Harry Milman, the defense pharmacology and toxicology expert, said Cosby could not have given Constand Quaaludes, because they only ever came in the form of a white pill.

Constand says Cosby gave her three blue pills. The now disgraced megastar maintains that they were three half-dose pills. AFP

Memos show Trump obsessed with Russia probe WASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump repeatedly complained to FBI director James Comey in early 2017 that the Russia meddling investigation was a cloud over his young administration, weeks before firing him, leaked memorandums showed Thursday.

Trump “said he was trying to run the country and the cloud of this Russia business was making that difficult,” Comey wrote in a memo on a conversation they had on March 30, 2017.

Eleven days later, Trump again pressed Comey about the issue. The president told Comey that “he is trying to do work for the country, visit with foreign leaders, and any cloud, even a little cloud, gets in the way of that,” Comey wrote, referring to “the Russia thing.”

The memos, which Comey wrote immediately after several meetings with Trump in the weeks after his inauguration on January 20, 2017, depict a president deeply worried about the impact of the probe into Russian meddling in the election the previous year.

Obtained by AFP Thursday after the Justice Department released them to Congress, the memos could become evidence in a criminal investigation into whether Trump consciously tried to obstruct the probe. AFP

PROTEST. A protester throws a burning flare during clashes with police at a demonstration on April 19, 2018, in Paris as part of a multi branch day of protest called by French unions CGT and Solidaires against the French president’s policies amid a rail strike and spreading student sit-ins. AFP

Judges to hear Karadzic appeal Japan’s Akita dogs melt foreign hearts TAKASAKI, Japan―Hollywood actor Richard Gere, French film star Alain Delon and Russia’s figure skating sensation Alina Zagitova have one thing in common: They adore Japan’s Akita dogs.

And they’re not alone. In recent years, foreign ownership of one of Japan’s most famous indigenous breeds has skyrocketed, outstripping domestic demand for the fluffy, perky-eared pooches.

Earlier this year, the trend hit the headlines when Zagitova proclaimed her love for Akitas after spotting them while training in Japan, and local officials pledged to get one to her.

Her affection for the cute canines comes as no surprise to veteran breeder Osamu Yamaguchi, 64, who has been supplying Akita dogs to foreign owners

for two decades.

“My clients used to be 50 percent Japanese and 50 percent foreigners but recently the number of overseas clients has increased,” Yamaguchi told AFP in his garden in Takasaki city, about 100 kilometers north of Tokyo.

The Akita dog preservation association confirms the surging overseas demand for the dogs.

The number of Akitas registered by overseas owners jumped from just 33 in 2005 to 359 in 2013, and up to 3,967 in 2017.

Yamaguchi has around 20 Akitas at any given time, many of them tiny fluffball puppies with white, brindle or reddish coats that tussle with each other or nuzzle their mother looking for food.

Originally a hunting breed, Akitas

emerged from the northern Japanese region of the same name.

They are large, around 24 to 28 inches tall and 88 to 110 pounds, with prominent ears that stand straight up, deep-set eyes and almost bear-like faces.

They are one of six breeds of Japanese dogs recognized as “natural treasures” by the government.

But local ownership has been on the decline, with no more than 3,000 puppies registered each year over the last decade, from a peak of 40,000 in the 1970s.

“The housing situation in Japan is affecting” the number of people who can own dogs as large as Akitas, said Kosuke Kawakita, head of the Akita dog preservation association’s Tokyo branch. AFP

Half a century ago, France exploded in mass protests PARIS―Fifty years ago, as France exploded in mass protests, the words scrawled on the walls of the Sorbonne university summed up the revolutionary zeal of the time: “Run free, comrade, we’ve left the old world behind!”

Half a century on, the May 1968 demonstrations that brought millions of idealistic students and striking workers to the streets remain a watershed moment in France’s cultural history.

Sexual liberation, artistic creativity and anti-capitalism were the order of the day. For those who were there, it was an

unforgettable time.

“Sixty-eight was a big step forward for democracy and liberalism, in the political and cultural sense,” said Henri Weber, whose memoirs of that tumultuous year are due out next month.

“We declared war on all forms of discrimination in the name of egalitarianism,” said the former communist leader, who later became a senator and a Socialist member of the European Parliament.

The protests swept through a France that was still ruled by the strict conser-

vatism of General Charles de Gaulle, who banned the concerts of rocker Johnny Hallyday for causing scenes of mass hysteria.

“In ‘68 young people threw off the shackles,” said Weber.

“We took on all forms of authoritarian exercise of power. It was also a big step forward for hedonism, against puritanism and strict moral rules.”

Some researchers prefer to think of the protests as part of a longer period of cultural change throughout the decade as France loosened up. AFP

Amorous couples whipped in Aceh

PUBLIC FLOGGING. A woman is publicly flogged in front of a mosque in the provincial capital Banda Aceh on April 20, 2018.

A group of amorous couples and prostitutes were publicly whipped for breaking Islamic law in Indonesia’s Aceh province on April 20, just a week after it pledged to take the widely condemned practice indoors. AFP

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia―A group of amorous couples and alleged sex workers were publicly whipped for breaking Islamic law in Indonesia’s Aceh Friday, just a week after the province pledged to move the widely condemned practice indoors.

More than a thousand people, including dozens of tourists from neighboring Malaysia, jeered and screamed abuse at the group as they were flogged outside a mosque in the capital Banda Aceh.

The three men and five women―who included several college students―were found guilty of violating religious law by either showing affection in public or for offering sexual services online, officials said.

Aceh is the only province in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country that imposes Islamic law and flogging is a common punishment for a range of offenses―from gambling, to drinking alcohol to having gay sex or relations outside of marriage.

The conservative region on the northern tip of Sumatra island passed a regulation a week ago that would see criminals whipped only behind prison walls. It was not clear when the new rule would come into effect.

The move was in response to a wave of international criticism over the practice, which has included flogging members of the region’s LGBT community and, in some cases, non-Muslims. AFP

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HE HAGUE-The once-feared Bosnian Serb leader, and now convicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic, on Monday launches his appeal before UN judges, seeking to overturn a 40-year jail term for abuses committed during Bosnia’s bloody 1990s conflict.

Karadzic, 72, was sentenced to four decades behind bars in 2016 for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, arising from the Balkan country’s three-year war which killed 100,000 people and left 2.2 million others homeless.

The former strongman―with his recognizable bouffant hairdo―was “at the apex of political and military structures” of the Bosnian Serb leadership and “at the forefront of developing and promoting its ideologies”, judges said at his sentencing in March 2016.

They found Karadzic guilty on 10 counts, including one of genocide for masterminding the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica, deemed the worst bloodshed on European soil since World War II. Almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered and their bodies dumped in mass graves after battle-hardened Bosnian Serb soldiers overran a protected “safe area” guarded by lightly-armed Dutch UN peace keepers.

Judges also found him guilty of being behind the bitter 44-month siege of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, in which 10,000 civilians died in a relentless campaign of sniping and shelling.

But Karadzic was acquitted on one count of genocide, with judges saying there was not enough evidence to prove “beyond reasonable doubt” that genocide was also committed in seven Bosnian towns and villages.

Karadzic appealed on 50 grounds and accused judges of conducting a “political trial” against him, while prosecutors said the trial judges “erred in law and fact”, asking that their original demand for a life sentence be reinstated.

His lawyer Peter Robinson said Karadzic did not get a fair trial as the UN judges “presumed him guilty and then constructed a judgment to justify its presumption.”

In appeal documents, Robinson added that even though Karadzic was jailed for 40 years, trial judges “could have been under no illusion they were imposing a life sentence”.

Appeals judges should therefore “vacate the sentence of imprisonment and, if it upholds any convictions, impose a new sentence, taking the mitigating circumstances into account,” Robinson said.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia’s chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz also disagreed with trial judges and appealed on four grounds.

These included judges applying an “overly narrow definition of genocidal intent” and “improperly assessing aggravating and mitigating factors” when passing sentence. AFP

Home/ Design

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

PH top designers bag plums at Kohler awards

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OP Philippine designers bagged awards at the first Kohler Bold Design Awards held recently at the Solaire Hotel in Pasay City.

sign industry. The panel of judges included Bill Bensley, creative director of Bensley Studios (Thailand and Indonesia); Carmelo Casas, president & CEO of Casas Architects (Phils.); Antonio Budji Layug, principal designer and chairman of BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design (Phils.); Royal Pineda, principal architect & CEO of The awards honored the region’s BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design most outstanding projects in the de- (Phils.); Kenneth Cobonpue, founder

and creative director of Kenneth Cobonpue (Phils.); and Simon Rawlings, creative director of David Collins Studio (UK).

Local hospital and residential development property professionals, architects, and designers participated in the event. The Kohler lifetime achievements award was given to Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa, represented by his grandchildren (inset).

From construction to transportation infrastructure

INFRASTRUCTURE comer Megawide recently posted a Php2.2 billion consolidated net profit for the full year of 2017, 17% higher than the Php1.92 billion posted in 2016. Megawide chairman Edgar Saavedra described 2017 as a positive year for the company buoyed by the strong last quarter performance of its construction business and airport segment highlighted.

“The increase in passenger numbers at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is substantial,” Saavedra said.

“When we took over operations in 2014, MCIA was handling about 6.5 million passengers.In 2017, we had a total of 9.97 million passengers with domestic passengers representing 69%

of the total and international passengers at 31%.”

GMR Megawide Cebu airport corporation was able to add 12 international routes including seven destinations to and from Chinese cities, new direct flight to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, and additional flights to 23 domestic destinations. The company is on-track to open the second terminal of MCIA

by June 2018 (Seen in photo). This will increase total terminal capacity to 12.5 million passengers per annum. “Megawide’s diversification into the transportation infrastructure space by using engineering capabilities as its competitive advantage will remain the focus of the Company,” Saavedra said.

BAY AREA MOVER

Anchor Land is currently building the Copeton Baysuites, its fifth project in Aseana City. The 204-hectare property where the 16-storey, three-tower condominium is being constructed, is just across the upcoming Ayala Mall Bay Area, which will open in 2019. It is also located near Pagcor’s Entertainment City which hosts Solaire Resorts and Casinos, City of Dreams, and Okada Manila. “Copeton is master-planned to provide residents easy access to Aseana’s entertainment and gaming complexes, and the magnificent Manila Bay Sunset,” said Anchor Land CEO Steve Li. Copeton Baysuites has a highly modern architectural design with a curtain wall façade for the West Tower. It features Low-E (low-emissivity) window panels. Anchor Land has been the mover in residential development in Aseana with its first two high-end properties, Sole Mare Parksuites and Monarch Parksuites.

MODERN ENCLAVE IN THE TROPICS

The demand for horizontal developments within the luxury property sector, particularly south of Metro Manila, is enjoying an upswing.

One such project is The Enclave Alabang, a development of Filigree, a local luxury real estate brand. Since its launch in 2015, The Enclave Alabang’s first phase is now almost sold out, a testament not only to the increased demand for these subdivisions, but also the positive response to what the project stands for: master planning, modern designs by top consultants, and verdant greenery. Land values here have increased by as much as 50 percent over the last three years, resulting in good returns for investors and homeowners, which include executives and entrepreneurs, full nesters with growing families, or those who simply want to move up from their current home. The Enclave Alabang accessible via the the SLEX, Skyway, and the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway.

GO-TO HUB FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS THE Wyndham hotel group recently opened the 107-room Ramada Suites Kuala Lumpur city centre. Formerly the Invito hotel suites, the hotel now operates under the Ramada brand thanks to a franchise agreement between Trinidad Signature Suites Sdn Bhd and Wyndham Hotel Group. The hotel is the first of five new Wyndham Hotel group locations due to open in Malaysia before Q4 2019, including the 170-room Ramada Resort Lumut, the 257room Days Fraser Business Park Kuala Lumpur, the 322room Ramada Encore Meridin

Johor Bahru and the 322-room Ramada Meridin Johor Bahru.

“Our expansion in Kuala Lumpur, one of Asia’s key gateway cities, is a sign of our continued commitment to building a powerful network of hotels and resorts across South East Asia, particularly in key capital cities, to meet rising demands,” said Barry Robinson, president of the Wyndham hotel group South East Asia and Pacific Rim. Ramada KLCC is a 10-minute drive to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC retail precinct, and is within walking distance of the Pavilion KL luxury shopping mall.

‘MONEY MATTERS MATTER.’

Standard Chartered Bank and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently joined forces to conduct financial education sessions to more than eight hundred (800) elementary students from Maypajo Elementary School in Caloocan City. In partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Department of Education, the event was held in celebration of Global Money Week, a global money awareness celebration which aims to educate children and youth on money management to empower them to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives. For three years now, BSP and Standard Chartered Bank have partnered in educating students on the basic concept of money and practical ways on how to manage their finances wisely. Mai Sangalang, Standard Chartered Bank’s country head of corporate affairs, said, “The bank believes that education provides the foundation for long-term economic growth. Through our global programme on financial education, we seek to uplift the level of financial literacy of our youth and help them understand the importance of financial security and equality.”

Life

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

travel and leisure

@MstandardliFE saturday, april 21, 2018

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PAL Flies High

The national flag carrier’s five-step approach to secure a 5-Star rating 4-STAR AIRLINE. The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines expands it fleet—including five more Bombardier Q400s—and introduces new routes in a bid to secure the 5-Star Global Airline rating by year 2020.

By Bernadette Lunas

I

N FeBRUARy 2018, Philippine Airlines achieved a feat no other local airline company ever achieved—securing the coveted 4-Star Global Airline rating from Skytrax.

The recent recognition has put PAL in the same league as 42 other international carriers, whose products and services passed the rating company’s standards.

“This 4-Star rating was the fruit of two years of transformation in fleet, cabins, products, and services that demanded millions of dollars in hard investments, and the concerted efforts of all members of the PAL organization,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista.

But the airline, with its over 8,000 employees, does not plan on sitting on its four stars, as it is now embarking on another two-year journey to get that additional star and become a 5-Star Airline by 2020.

New aircraft

The national carrier further increases its fleet, currently composed of 85 aircraft, with the scheduled arrival of 15 new planes within this year and another six in 2019.

In a press conference in Davao City, Bautista said five Next-Generation Bombardier Q400s—in addition to the five they already have which are servicing their Cebu and Clark operations— and six new Airbus A321neos will start arriving in May. While four Airbus A350-900 trans-oceanic aircraft will be delivered starting in June.

The new Bombardier Q400 turboprop aims to boost PAL’s operations at its hubs in Clark, Cebu, and Davao, as the up to 90-seater aircraft boasts features suitable for inter-island connections.

“The Q400 is the biggest turboprop in production, it can sit 40 percent more than our competition. It also

f lies 30 percent faster; it has a speed between a turboprop and a jet,” Bombardier head of marketing in AsiaPacific and China Ross McKeand told Manila Standard.

McKeand continued, “That’s very important for the Philippines, when you’re connecting islands you want to be there as quickly as possible.”

The Q400, McKeand said, can fly up to 1,000 nautical miles and capable of flying internationally.

The Bombardier official further noted the cool temperature inside the aircraft, thanks to its auxiliary power unit that generates air conditioning; the spacious cabin, enough for a 6-foot tall guy to stand up without a hitch; big overhead bins that can transport more carry-on baggage; wide windows that let in more light into the cabin; and comfortable, albeit narrow, seats.

“In summary, we have a bright, technologically advanced, comfortable, fast, and big turboprop.”

PAL aims to increase its current fleet to 100 aircraft by 2020, and to continue its fleet buildup until 2024.

New routes and increased flight frequencies

Coinciding with the arrival of new airplanes, Bautista also announced the company’s multi-hub expansion strategy that aims to improve domestic and international connections, while spreading the benefits of tourism and commercial activity to various regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“We are no longer a Manila-centric airline,” said Bautista. “That means

giving priority to our new PAL hubs in Davao, Cebu, and Clark.”

PAL currently flies to 16 domestic and seven international points from Cebu, 14 domestic and one international points from Clark, six domestic points from Davao, and one international destination from Tagbilaran.

Several PAL flights have increased and will increase in frequency within the year, including Davao-Tagbilaran (daily), Cebu-Bangkok (daily) CebuSiargao (twice daily), Davao-Clark (daily), Cagayan De Oro-Clark (daily), Cebu-Busuanga (thrice daily), Clark-Busuanga (five times daily), Cebu-Clark (10 times weekly), and additional frequencies between Manila and Dumaguete, CDO, Iloilo, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and Bacolod starting April or May. Some of the flight frequency increases, particularly from Manila, are designed to compensate for the impending closure of Boracay.

“We expect Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan to benefit as we re-direct more flights from China, Korea, and Taiwan to Cebu and Puerto Princesa, with some traffic flowing on to Siargao, Camiguin, Coron, and Butuan,” said Bautista.

Meanwhile, the Airbus A321neos and Airbus A350-900s will be used to service PAL’s existing and new routes, including Manila-New york (non-stop), Manila-New Delhi and Mumbai (non-stop) available by last quarter of 2018, and Manila-Sapporo also scheduled in the last quarter of this year. The A321neos will also be used to develop viable non-stop flights to Australian destinations such as Perth and Brisbane.

The airline is also assessing the request of Tourism secretary Wanda Teo, a Davao resident, to launch international routes directly from Davao International Airport. Bautista said they are currently in talks with an international group for PAL to service flights from Davao to Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. “Palau-Davao is one possibility,” he said.

Better lounges

Philippine Airlines officials, (from left) PAL Express president Bonifacio Sam, president and chief operating officer Dr. Jaime Bautista, and senior vice president for Airline Operations Ismael Gozon talk about the new enhancements on the services and products of the airline.

To further enhance flyers’ experience, PAL will soon unveil its new flagship Mega Lounge, a spacious international lounge at NAIA Terminal 2. The space will showcase modern Filipino design, sumptuous Filipino cuisines, and world-class amenities, such as private work stations and sleeping pods, among others.

Turn to C2

PAL executives, led by president and chief operating officer Dr. Jaime J. Bautista, and Bombardier officials toast for the national flag carrier.

Fun on water The hotel’s Aqua Supreme Room, gives guests a peek at the tranquil life under the sea.

the dead skin of your foot can be unbearable and, even when you scream with delight and pleasure, it will not diminish the intensity of the stimulation. Nevertheless, everyone has to have this unique once-in-a-lifetime “thrill” in their bucket list.

Since we were already there, I demercury rising cided to check out hotel h2O. It prides

BY BOB zOzOBRadO itself with being the only hotel in the metropolis with marine-themed rooms WheN the 147-room hotel h2O that give guests a breathtaking peek of opened eight years ago right on the natural underwater beauty. edge of the bay, behind the Quirino Right away, I was impressed with Grandstand in Luneta, I immediately the Bay de Luxe Room that the Guest had questions in my mind. With such Relations Officer showed me. It has unusual name, would tourists from floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a abroad take it seriously? Will its end- stress-relieving, panoramic view of of-the-boulevard location be interest- Manila Bay. As far as I’m concerned, ing enough for people to choose it over nothing beats the beauty of nature as the other bigger bayside hotels here in an antidote to the stress we experience Manila? Will its being hidden-from- in our harried environment. view, behind a historical landmark, be I also saw the Aqua Supreme Room, a marketing disadvantage? with its pièce de résistance, a giant My sons and I were so fascinated aquarium wrapping around a major with the print ad of the newly opened part of the room. We saw all kinds of (then) Manila Ocean Park, which the attractively colored tropical fish merhotel h2O is a part of, so one morn- rily going around the full length of the ing, we decided to visit and see the new glass reservoir, giving us a feel of the tourist attraction up close. As we got to peaceful life under the sea. the lobby, we were faced with a plethAfter seeing the hotel rooms, it ora of restaurants and snack parlors didn’t take long for my sons and I to to choose decide to from, and spend one decided to weekend have early at the hoYOUR weekend CHUCkLe lunch in one tel, but as VERY VALID QUESTION: of them. to the type If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why As we of room do we still have monkeys and apes? were seated we would in the resstay in, the taurant, I selection was mesprocess merized by the tranquil view of Ma- dragged on to a long-winded discusnila Bay. It was such a soothing experi- sion. eventually, they both acceded to ence that, I think, it added to the flavor my choice, the Bay De Luxe, since I of what we were eating. We certainly was the one who paid for it. Needless enjoyed our lunch and the view. to say, it was a very relaxing weekend We then proceeded to check out the for the three of us, especially with Ocean Park. It is the country’s first another foray into the titillating and world-class marine-themed park. Its heavenly stimulating Fish Spa! marine life attractions are enthralling, hotel h2O also offers venues for all even to adults like my sons and I. And, kinds of small- to medium-sized celewalking through a glass tunnel under- brations. I like how the hotel’s marketwater, with all kinds of colorful fish, ing officers brand these celebrations sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays float- as “water-colored events.” It reminds ing all around us, was surreal. I have everyone that, whichever venue they to say that it brought out the little boy choose to celebrate in, their guests will in me once again! always be treated to the mesmerizing Upon the advice of friends who view of Manila Bay. have been to that facility before, we The Promenade is another one of didn’t miss the Fish Spa. And I has- my favorites. Towards sunset, this al ten to add, those who are ticklish, fresco, wooden-floored deck is filled are weak of heart, or have loose uri- with guests who just sit there, with nary bladders, beware! The tingling drinks in hand, enjoying the fresh sea sensation from each fish gnawing at Turn to C2

Life

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saturday, apri apriL 21, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

o

Ut of every story in the world, the best ones are found in between the pages of your passport. But not all trips are equal; some journeys are more memorable and fulfilling than the others. while backpacking has its distinct benefits and charm, a journey where you can comfortably sit back and revel in the splendor of a destination is truly a priceless experience. Here’s how you can make each trip fulfilling:

find your destination

You won’t always know right off the bat where you want to go, so revisit the list of places you’ve always wanted to see and the things you’d like to do there.

Are you feeling energized to explore a completely new destination or would you rather have a laid-back repeat getaway? Know your travel priorities and choose a place that excites you.

How to make each journey

fly on business class

travel is a 360-degree experience, so how you fly plays a big part in making your journey exceptional. From Make the most out of your trip by scheduling it at a time that works best for your itinerary. priority check-in, seats that lie flat, designated places for your carry on and shoes, a multi-course menu, an amenity kit, great inflight entertainment, to a space all your own, flying on business class elevates your travel experience even before you get to your destination.

Book an airline that flies directly to your destination, and you’ll be able to fully maximize the perks. For instance, Philippine Airlines has direct flights to destinations all over the world and was recently rated by skytrax as a 4-star Airline for its consistent quality and excellent service.

choose when it’s best for you to travel

will the weather be conducive for the activities you want to try out? will it be the height of tourist season? Make the most of your trip by scheduling it at a time that works best for your itinerary and preferences (do you like when there’s more people or not?). Mastercard has culled inspirational, culinary, cultural, and enriching experiences in many destinations around the world on its website www.priceless.com to help its cardholders find out what’s in store for them during the time they choose to travel.

stay somewhere that brings out the best in your destination

the accommodations you choose also play a big role in enhancing your travel experience. whether you’re staying at a five-star resort or a charming, upscale boutique hotel, book a room that offers

Traveling allows you to discover things about the world around you.

lovely sights just outside your window the Priceless Experiences with Masterand the luxury of plush sheets, pillows, card promotion. Get the chance to fly and bed. business class on PAL to London or New York and get ViP seating to the invest in experiences critically acclaimed production Hamiltraveling is about fueling your dif- ton. You’ll also enjoy limousine airport ferent passions, whether it’s discover- transfers, luxury hotel accommodaing new flavors at a Michelin-starred tions, a welcome reception, a private restaurant, finding a memorable sou- city tour, and so much more with every venir, getting the best seats to sold-out $100 single receipt spend using your shows in the west End or Broadway, or Philippine-issued Mastercard when going off the beaten path for a one-of- traveling or shopping (including online a-kind adventure. Mastercard aims to merchants) overseas from April until be everyone’s best travel companion by June 30. offering access to exclusive experiences and rewards abroad.

Visit www.mastercard.com.ph/ Mastercard enriches your trips with travelbetter for more details.

fulfilling fast facts

Mobile phone call was allowed on flights 10 years ago DiD you know that it has been a decade since passengers have been allowed to make and receive calls as well as send sMs from their own mobile phones?

Mobile phone connectivity is not entirely new as Emirates first allowed it on board its craft on March 20, 2008. the inaugural phone call was made on Emirates flight EK751 from Dubai to casablanca. since then over 2.8 million calls have been made, 60 percent of which were made from the aircraft, while over a million calls were answered by passengers traveling on Emirates. the longest call recorded was on a flight from orlando to Dubai on February 5, 2018 lasting 3 hours and 50 minutes.

over the last 10 years, 87 million sMs messages have also been sent or received.

Besides allowing mobile phone use inflight in 2008, Emirates was also the first airline to install tV screens in every seat on every aircraft in its fleet in 1992. today, the airline provides one of the most comprehensive and stateof-the-art entertainment and communications services in the skies.

As part of its recent expansion of the wi-Fi offering on board, Emirates skywards members enjoy special benefits depending on their membership tier and class of travel, including free wi-Fi when traveling in First class or Business class.

Get the best seats to sold-out shows in the West End or Broadway.

Emirates marks the 10th year since it has allowed mobile phone connectivity on board.

feet will be more comfortable as the airline will soon replace regular blankets on From C1 “certain long-haul flights” with a duvet.

PAL is also adopting the full AmaNew and bigger Mabuhay Lounges deus Altea suite, a complete Passenger are also being constructed at NAiA service system that will streamline and terminal 1 and at the new Mactan cebu improve reservations, inventory, departerminal 2. ture control, and flight management.

paL...

new products and services

same warm service

For shoppers on board, more highon top of its fleet buildup and multiquality novelty items are offered at the hub expansion strategy, the 77-yearPAL Boutique. old airline vows to maintain its unique sleeping while cruising above 30,000- brand of service, dubbed “Buong

Pusong Alaga,” that exemplifies the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos.

“New wings, new hubs, new products are good, but they must all be complemented by heartwarming service, inspired by our innate Filipino hospitality,” asserted Bautista. “our 4-star certification is just a stopover point. together with our partners in government and travel industry, we will work even harder to sustain our hard-won gains and make the next big leap to full 5-star Global Airline status by year 2020.”

Fun...

From C1

air blowing from all directions, witnessing the glorious sunset that Manila Bay is known for. i now realize that the questions i had in my mind when Hotel H2o first opened were all unfounded. Guests, who are mostly local, keep the hotel’s occupancy rate vibrant throughout the year, with help from groups coming from Australia, the UK, Korea, and Japan. with the hotel’s 82 percent average occupancy at an average room rate of P3,200, the owners know that business is good and will continue to do so. this is why they have decided to Hotel H2O’s Bay de Luxe room, with the soothing, panoramic view of Manila Bay. add 29 more guest rooms which will be ready by the end of this year.

For feedback, I’m at so, does anybody want to have fun on hours to get there? there’s Hotel H2o, bobzozobrado@gmail.com. water, without having to drive several the hotel on the water!

F R E Q U E N T F LY E R

Malagos chocolate-infused Meal on airasia flights Low-cost carrier AirAsia has recently introduced a new meal featuring Davao’s famed chocolate in its santan inflight menu.

AirAsia collaborated with chef JP Anglo to create Roasted Dalandan chicken with Pimiento sauce flavored using Malagos chocolates.

Aside from the new santan hot meal, AirAsia extends its support to social entrepreneurs from Manila, Davao, and cebu by selling their handwoven items and natural food products on all its flights across 180 destinations in Asia, Australia, Middle East, china, and the Us.

“there is so much talent and unique products in the Philippines especially in Davao that deserve the world’s attention and it brings us so much pride that we are with chef JP, Malagos chocolates, and social entrepreneurs who all value a strong, innovative service culture—which is also the hallmark of AirAsia’s brand of service,” enthused AirAsia Philippines chief executive captain Dexter comendador.

AirAsia’s newest inflight hot meal and merchandise are now available on all AirAsia domestic and international flights in the Philippines with Z2 flight code.

Chef JP Anglo’s Roasted Dalandan Chicken with Pimiento Sauce, a Malagos chocolate-infused hot meal available on AirAsia flights.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘Since I Found You’ pilot telecast captures viewers nationwide

This year's Superbods grand winners Maureen Montagne and Jules Aquino (3rd and 4th from left) and Johann Ludovica and Angel Jones (5th and 6th from left).

MORE viewers nationwide watched the fun-filled and charming pilot episode of ABS-CBN’s newest primetime romantic drama Since I Found You on Monday, which beat its rival program in the ratings game.

The series, which stars Arci Muñoz, Alessandra de Rossi, JC De Vera, Empoy, and Piolo Pascual, recorded a national TV rating of 22.1 percent, versus its rival program The One that Got Away, which only hit 14.2 percent, according to data from Kantar Media. The fun and laughs also reached social media as the show’s of-

ficial hashtag, #SIFYTheEncounter, trended on Twitter and garnered thousands of tweets.

In the pilot episode, Nathan (Piolo) crossed paths with Dani (Arci) in an unfortunate encounter in a bar.

But their worlds are meant to come together. After an upsetting first meeting, Dani will work as a practicumer at the construction company owned by Nathan, who is notorious for his stern leadership style.

Since I Found You airs on Primetime Bida on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

New Century Tuna Superbods Ageless heats up summer

Gerald Anderson

T

HE Cove Manila easily became the most sizzling summer venue as Century Tuna upped the ante and raised the bar, together with the 40 Superbods Ageless finalists and some of our hottest celebs, in the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 Finals Night.

Emerging victorious that unforgettable evening in the Superbods category were Jules Aquino and Maureen Montagne. Twenty-five-year-old Aquino is a print model and runner, while Montagne, 24, is a former Miss Arizona.

Meanwhile, the first ever Superbods Ageless winners were Angel Jones and Johann Ludovica. Jones, 39, is a singer and the mother of rising star Tony Labrusca while Ludovica, 42, is a BPO trainer.

The inclusion of this all-new category was meant to prove that one can be at his or her fittest regardless of age.

Bagging first runner-up awards were Anthony Wahl and Bella Ysmael in the Superbods category, and Mica Fuentes and Jerome Salvado for the Ageless category.

The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 each received P500,000 in cash. They also each received an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips; an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic; a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and a special prize from Cove.

The heart stopping event saw all the 40 finalists electrify the stage, as they showed off their moves, strutted their

Ina Raymundo and Sunshine Cruz

stuff, and brought the house down. They were also made to respond to questions in the Q and A segment that showed off their brainier side too.

And addling luster and glam to the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 finals night were a bevy showbiz personalities including the ultimate ageless fitspirations and power women Alice Dixson,

Saturday, April 21, 2018

61 Suitable 62 Make up for 63 Pipe unclogger 64 Sea, to Cousteau 65 Freighter hazards 66 Splinter groups 67 Mountain overlooking Troy DOWN 1 Bellowed 2 Microscopic animal 3 Sheep 4 Shrew 5 Time periods 6 Recipe word 7 Vive le —!

8 Roman-legion officer 9 Fuzzy 10 Removal of all traces 11 Long-billed wader 12 Grant, as land 13 Got a load of 21 Not very tasty 23 TV brand 25 Swampy area 26 Gourmandized 28 Dazzle 30 “Sesame Street” channel 31 Gold Medal

org.

32 — -Magnon 34 Empty space 35 Catch cold 36 Cry of dismay 37 Ms. Hagen 38 Frat letter 39 Enjoyable 41 Dots on a map 42 Not even one 43 Airline to Stockholm 45 Rand of “Atlas Shrugged” 47 Japanese mat 48 Got hitched

Alice Dixson

Arci Muñoz and Piolo Pascual

Advocating media literacy, fighting fake news SENIOR journalists and media practitioners stressed the need to teach media literacy among the youth and fight the proliferation of fake news in a forum held at the Pinoy Media Congress (PMC), which was attended by thousands of students and was held last month at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM).

ABS–CBN Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo (BMPM) head Rowena Paraan gave tips to the attendees on avoiding falling victim to fake news and explained BMPM’s media literacy campaign, done in partnership with the Department of Education, which promotes the responsible use of technology and social media and analyzing information.

“This goes beyond fake news, this is for developing a generation that can think critically and analyze issues as they come and not just how they see it,” she said.

Journalist Inday Varona, meanwhile, said that she believes Filipinos should be taught about media as early as kindergarten, noting that today’s children are exposed to media at a very young age.

University of the Philippines professor Clarissa David, who has appeared for the Senate hearing on fake news, also discussed the importance of media’s role in fighting fake news, while ABS-CBN head of futures, standards, and ethics Chi Almario-Gonzales talked about the self-regulatory mechanisms used by ABS-CBN that are designed to uphold the quality and accuracy of every news story it publishes.

Apart from them, other subject matter experts also shared their knowledge with 1,200 delegates in CHSM and Cebu Technological University via interactive broadcast.

ABS-CBN news and current affairs head Ging Reyes and Manila Bulletin executive editor Pinky Colmenares also acknowledged the impact of technology and social media on news gathering and reporting and shared the evolving newsroom practices that allow them to experiment with innovative storytelling methods.

Reyes shared, “The new normal has its downside too. The transition from traditional to digital at first had its challenges. The process required agility. We wanted something new while retaining efficiency in a culture of change. This desire for change to do things differently to always do things as pioneers, started in the early 2000s when we started to expand digitally and even widening our news bureaus.”

The first day of PMC also featured celebrities such as Bianca GonzalesIntal, who talked about using social media for social good to provide concrete positive output for the community, while Bela Padilla shared anecdotes about taking on different roles in media through her experience as an actress, screenwriter, and author.

A partnership between ABS-CBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), PMC aims to help prepare the next generation of communicators through imparting knowledge and wisdom from seasoned media practitioners.

‘Red Alert' anchor Jeff Canoy discusses how reporters like him present hard news as compelling stories everyone can understand.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Edible root 4 Genuine warmth 9 Diva’s asset 14 Tall bird 15 Warmth 16 Convent 17 Thanks a —!

18 Diameter halves 19 Move smoothly 20 Pauses 22 Banged up 24 Durable wood 25 Flow regulator 27 Elcar or Wynter 28 Prudential rival 29 Larger-than-life 33 Plains tribe 35 Shady place 36 Affluent one 39 Huge flop 40 Last box to check 41 Affront 44 Stand in line 45 Like pagodas 46 Big-ticket — 50 Flirtations 52 Sluggish marsupial 53 Painted Desert locale 56 Lewd 57 TV host — Philbin 58 Trekkie idol

Ina Raymundo, and Sunshine Cruz as well as the Yummybodies of Century Gerald Anderson, Matteo Guidicelli and Paulo Avelino.

Sitting on the distinguished Board of Judges, who no doubt had a tough time in choosing the winners, were Century Pacific Foods, Inc. EVP and COO Greg Banzon, PC&V communications president and chief creative officer Ariel Comia, Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Solenn Heussaff, Kiefer Ravena, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, and fashion designer Francis Libiran. The event was hosted by Luis Manzano, Rovilson Fernandez, and Gelli Victor. They were also joined by Boys Night Out DJs Sam YG, Slick Rick and Tony Toni.

quick 49 Chant 51 Rx amounts 52 Prizefight events 53 Mighty steed 54 Nerve network 55 Horror-film servant 56 Custom 59 Dublin’s loc.

60 Apple comp.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

So who got the classic

YUGEL LOSORATA

'Tag-Ulan' riff right?

A SHOWCASE OF WORLD-CLASS TALENTS

Music artist Wency Cornejo

IT MAY be ironic to talk about a song about rain when the heat is really on.

But it won’t hurt to fire up a conversation about a classic OPM riff that turned out to be oft-misplayed, at least according to the tunesmith behind it.

Riff in question is that heard on the After Image classic “Tag-Ulan,” penned and sung by frontman Wency Cornejo and released in 1994 off his band’s album “Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw” which, against heavy competition, was declared “Album of the Year” in the 1995 Awit Awards.

“There’s this little known fact about that rift wherein usually mali how people do it,” claimed Wency with an obvious grin during our chat a few months back.

He insisted his verdict by humming the famous D-chord intro then emphasized the slight, yet intriguing difference from how it was actually delivered on record, “May hammer ‘yun eh,” he said, adding “Hindi ako masyado nagaareglo pero sa akin nanggaling yung riff na ‘yun.”

Back in those days, it was almost customary for start-up guitarists to know how to play that part, which is somewhat as famous as the intro to Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

Anyhow, it gives Wency, child of seasoned news anchor Mel Tiangco, some pride that his idea for a riff turned the song around. In fact, it was the carrier single to a loaded album and it became a gold record. The track, in his mind, contains a couple of more oddities worthmentioning, like it was the only song he wrote on piano (while everything else were via guitar) and that it took him three years to finish it — a long stretch if taken into account how fast he scribbled another unforgettable piece, “Ha-

After going freelance for quite some time, Jasmine Curtis Smith finally finds her home in GMA Network.

bang May Buhay,” which wrote in just one sitting.

“I usually start with an idea of what I want the song to be about. Tapos title kaagad,” he tipped. “From the title kasi you get an idea of what you want to say.

Nauuna sa akin ang words tapos lalagyan ko ng melody.”

He added, “Every time I think of something, I write it down. It can be a title or a phrase.”

Arguably more revered for his emotive singing than for his ability to score a hit song, the slim-bearded performer showed me a line that came out when, as he recalled, he was feeling angry: Revel in my exclusion/Rejoice in my dismay.

The AfterImage catalogue is no doubt a strong suit because of Wency’s talent, with hits including “Mangarap Ka,” “Forevermore,” “Bai”, “Tag-Araw” and “Next In Line.” Interestingly, all four albums the group recorded contained either the words “sun” or “araw.”

Chuck Isidro, who later played for 6Cyclemind, was Wency’s bandmate.

In the mid-90s, the hitmaker was commissioned to write “Hanggang Ngayon,” which gathered the famous band vocalists of the then flourishing alternative rock scene. The ensemble sang his composition in celebration of the centennial year of Philippine revolution against Spain.

He expressed, “It was such an honor na ako ang pinasulat nung song na ‘yun. I got to handpicked who would sing which line, tapos bahala na gang kami. I’m proud of it kasi maganda naman ang kinalabasan.”

Wency recently signed with Star Music as he posted on his Facebook page, “Exciting times and music ahead.” That sounds like a new riff.

'3 Stars, 1 Heart' concert at the jam-packed CSI Stadia in Dagupan City witnessed an explosion of vocal power, OPM hits and music gems with a songbird, a balladeer, and a pop sweetheart.

N

O grand production number, no elaborate stage design. But that’s not how thousands of people who trooped to the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City would remember GMA Entertainment Content Group and GMA Regional TV’s production, 3 Stars, 1 Heart.

Instead, they would remember it as a showcase of worldclass music talents that an international audience needs to see.

Regine Velasquez, Julie Anne San Jose, and Christian Bautista delivered a spirited series of performances last Saturday highlighting a plethora of timeless covers, OPM classics, and well-love hits.

The powerhouse trio brought their 3 Stars, 1 Heart concert series to Pangasinan’s first class city in time for the annual Bangus Festival. They sang together, blended in duets and showcased their amazing vocals and own music catalogue solo set.

The show’s opener was a medley of U2’s “Pride (In The Name Of Love),” Gloc-9’s “Sirena,” and Bamboo’s “Hallelujah” with Julie Anne showcasing her rapping skill. The crowd erupted in applause when they ended the prod with a powerful rendition of Little Mix’s “Secret Love Song.”

First to perform solo was Christian featuring his jazzy affair with Nat King Cole’s “Smile,” and Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me.” He punctuated his number with his latest single “Kapit” by going down the stage to serenade the audience.

Then, Regine and Julie Anne went back

onstage and introduced the next portion of their show. Regine chatted with the crowd and said that all of them were products of singing contests and they’re glad to share with them the songs that launched their respective recording careers.

For her part, Regine sang a soulful version of “In Your Eyes,” her winning piece in Ang Bagong Kampeon (1984). Julie Ann belted out Christina Aguileira’s inspirational ballad “The Voice Within,” which made her the grand champion in the second edition of Pop Star Kids. Christian, on the other hand, sang his signature cover of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up,” which he performed in Star In A Million in 2003.

Christian went backstage and left Regine and Julie Anne to do the first duet of the night. The seasoned singer sang a new single, a cover of UDD’s “Tadhana,” while the younger chanteuse was on the piano doing the backing for the Songbird.

Amazed by her young counterpart’s skill, Regine complimented Julie Ann saying that she admires the young singer for being a versatile music artist and encouraged her to write more songs.

“For some reason, that’s the only thing that I cannot do...write songs. It’s a gift,” she said.

“Actually up until now, I feel nervous whenever I do a duet with Ate Regine. It’s a surreal feeling just to share the stage with her,” Julie Anne retorted in vernacular.

The lavishly dressed belters sang a few songs that the Asia’s Songbird popularized including “Sana’y Maulit Muli,” “Ikaw,” “Dadalhin,” and “Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin.”

The second duet of the night then followed. This time, it’s Julie Anne and Christian. They both dished out enduring love ditties including “Suddenly,” “After All” and “I Finally Found Someone.”

Another highlight of the concert was

a number that trained the spotlight on Pangasinan native Renz Robosa, who represented Luzon in the 2014 reality talent reality show Bet Ng Bayan.

Robosa shared the stage with the three singers lending the song “The Prayer” an almost surreal feel.

With adrenaline still high, Regine and Christian did a duet of “Please be Careful with My Heart,” and was immediately followed by Julie Anne’s solo number.

The 23-year-old singer waltzed onto the stage with her smash hit “Nothing Left” and left everyone amazed with her powerful version of the popular motion picture soundtrack, “Never Enough.”

Nearing the culmination of the twohour show, the three huddled onstage for the “exchange hits” segment. Christian sang Julie Anne’s multi-platinum single “I’ll Be There.” Julie Anne performed Regine’s timeless love ditty “You Are My Song.” And lastly, Regine sprinkled Christian’s “The Way You Look At Me,” with her signature sound.

Then, for the last solo act of the night, the Asia’s Songbird hit the stage with a song that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Calm yet powerful, and without any hint of vocal strain, she rendered a version of Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance. “ For the show’s last stretch, Regine, Christian and Julie Anne paid tribute to George Canseco performing “Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan,” “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo,” “Ngayon At Kailanman,” and “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan.”

Then finally, the stage exploded with a dynamic encore of Eraserheads set with the trio sashaying the centerstage with “Huling El Bimbo,” “Overdrive and “Magasin.”

3 Stars, 1 Heart will have its international debut on June 16 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Jasmine Curtis Smith is now a Kapuso Award-winning actress Jasmine Curtis Smith is the latest addition to the GMA Network family as she signed an exclusive contract with the Network on April 17.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felipe L. Gozon, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and Vidanes Artist Management head Betchay Vidanes.

For her TV comeback, Jasmine kept her faith in good timing and she feels happy to finally call GMA her home. “They have been very patient with us and very kind, so parang no-brainer na this is where I should be. It’s

surreal but I’m very happy for this opportunity. I’m very excited to see what’s around the corner,” the new Kapuso star shared.

Gozon welcomed her with a promise to prove that she made the right choice, “I was spell-bounded by her beauty at mahusay na addition siya sa ating mga artista. She is very talented, so I think we will immediately give her a project.”

Meanwhile, Rasonable feels gratified with the new partnership, “This is the perfect timing for everything and we hope that she will enjoy her time here in GMA. We’ve presented to her some concepts, and we will get that right project to showcase her acting prowess.

We’ll announce it very soon.”