Manila Standard - 2018 April 27 - Friday

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BACOLOD GRAD TOPS 2017 BAR EXAMS; 1,724 PASS

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court on Thursday announced that 1,724 law graduates passed the 2017 Bar examinations, with Mark John H. Simondo of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City topping the tests with a rating of 91.05 percent.

Simondo vowed to contribute to the upholding of the rule of law, saying he took up law to evade going abroad because he believed the Philippines was where he should be.

Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, chairman of the high court’s 2017 Bar committee, said the successful examinees constituted 25.55 percent of the 6,748 takers who completed the exams in November last year.

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BALILI, CHRISTIANNE MAE C.

REMOROZA, CAMILLE B.

MARK JOHN H. SIMONDO

VOL. XXXII • NO. 71 • 5 SECTIONS 24 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

PH-Kuwait row deepens after envoy’s expulsion

By Sara Susanne Fabunan

HISOLER, IVANNE D’LAUREIL I.

YAP, MONICA ANNE T.

GAYYA, LORENZO LUIGI TAULE

SERVACIO, RHELAND SUSUSCO

BAGNI, KRIZZA FE PALISOC

TORRALBA, KLINTON M.

M

ANILA demanded an explanation Thursday after its ambassador to Kuwait was expelled, shocking Philippine authorities and deepening a diplomatic row over the treatment of domestic workers in the Gulf state.

The two nations had been working to resolve differences sparked by the murder of a Filipino maid, whose body was found stuffed in her employer’s freezer in Kuwait earlier this year.

But relations plunged after videos emerged last week of Philippine Embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee from allegedly abusive employers, which Kuwait called a violation of its Next page sovereignty.

MARIACOS, ALGIF KWILLON B.

Duterte threatens to place Mindanao under land reform

AGUILAR, EMMA RUBY J.

3 solons learn lesson the hard way

By Maricel V. Cruz THE chairperson of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development and local officials of Zamboanga City on Thursday learned the hard way how it is to live in a government housing project built with substandard materials.

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GOODBYE BORACAY. Workers demolish Thursday the walls of the West Cove Hotel in Boracay as authorities shuttered the holiday island for a six-month cleanup the government imposed with a muscular show of security forces. Left below top is the general view of the almost demolished hotel while policemen (right below top) patrol the streets of Boracay. AFP

ists. We are not closing establishments but tourists cannot enter. We are implementing the instruction of the President,” Binag said.

About 600 policemen were deployed, with some performing life-like drills including riot officers battling bottle-hurling

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would declare the entire Mindanao as a land reform area and give the lands to farmers for free, including the military camps to end decades of war in the south.

In a speech during the “Balik Baril” program in Mindanao, the President also urged congress to speed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which would benefit all tribes and sectors, including non-Muslims.

Duterte said he will use his “residual powers” in the worst case scenario that

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Boracay rehab gets under way; no TRO from SC

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo THE government shuttered Boracay to tourists on Thursday for a six-month cleanup that was enforced with a show of force.

Coast guard boats were on patrol and assault rifle-wielding police were posted

at entry points to the once-pristine island that has become tainted by heavy commercialization and overdevelopment.

Regional police head Cesar Binag said the shutdown began past midnight, with tourists barred from boarding the ferry that is the main way onto the island.

“Boracay is officially closed to tour-

By Vito Barcelo

Fewer Filipino families consider selves as poor, says Social Weather ‘Game of Thrones’ author bares new fantasy book AMERICAN author George R.R. Martin on Wednesday announced a new book to be released in November— but fans may be disappointed to learn it’s not the highly anticipated sixth installment of the hit “Game of Thrones” saga.

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AS PRICES for basic commodities and oil rise, four in 10 Filipino families considered themselves poor in the first quarter of 2018, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations showed.

According to the First Quarter 2018 SWS survey, 42 percent of the respondents considered themselves “mahirap” or poor. This compares favorably with 44 percent in the previous quarter, and 50 percent in the first quarter of 2017.

This was similar to the record-low 42 percent recorded in the third quarter of 2016.

The First Quarter 2018 SWS conducted from March 23-27, 2018, also found 29 percent of families rating themeselves Food-Poor. This was 3 points below the 32 percent (est. 7.3 million) in December 2017, and is a new record-low since the 30 percent in September 2016 .

This was the first time for Self-Rated Food Poverty fell below 30 percent.

The proportion of Self-Rated Food Poor families was 35 percent in March 2017 and 32 percent for the last three consecutive quarters of 2017. It has been Next page

Marcos denies gag rule violations THE camp of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has denied violating the gag orders issued by the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on Feb. 13 and March 20 in connection with the ongoing recount of the votes in the 2016 vice presidential election.

“Protestant Marcos humbly submits that he did not make any comment or disclosure pertaining to the revision proceedings that may be construed as prejudging the issue, influencing the court,

or obstructing the administration of justice,” Marcos said in his five-page compliance submitted to the high court.

On April 10, the PET ordered the camps of Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo to show cause and explain why they should not be cited in contempt for violating its gag order.

Marcos said he was ambushed for an interview by reporters during the first day of the revision proceedings, but his Next page

SUMMIT SUPPORTED. Members of the South Korean women’s peace group participate in a rally Thursday to support the upcoming inter-Korea summit at Imjingak peace park in Paju near the demilitarized zone divising the two Koreas. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet at the Military Demarcation Line today in an occasion laden with symbolism. AFP

PDEA ordered to eject 211 narco-pols

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to name the barangay officials included in the list of people involved in the trade in illegal drugs, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Thursday.

He said Duterte gave the order to eject the village officials involved in illegal drugs.

He said Duterte had ordered PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino to release the names of the officials in the so-called narco-list or drug-watchlist.

In other developments: • The Philippine National Police on Next page

News

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Duterte: No talking to terrorists ever Duterte was here late Wednesday afternoon to receive two commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who yielded to the military and local officials led by Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and his son Board Provincial Member Jazzer Mangudadatu.

“If you cannot absorb what I am saying, let’s try it with your heart. Just see what it can do in the time of the young generations, when we are no longer here,” Duterte said.

“I am for the Filipino people, period. I am for the Moro people, period.”

The elder Mangudadatu said Maguindanao under him has had an unrelenting peace campaign, winning against the culture of guns among the Maguindanaon people.

Residents had also surrendered hundreds of unlicensed firearms to the military and civilian authorities, said Major-

General Arnel de la Vega, commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Maguindanao.

“While gun ownership is part of the [Moro] culture, we cannot just allow loose firearms to proliferate. We have nowhere to go if we would just kill each other,” Duterte told about a thousand residents and local officials gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium here.

Mangudadatu expressed optimism peace could continually prevail with more of the province’s young people being won back into the fold of education through the Maguindanao Program on Educational Assistance and Community Empowerment.

The President said terrorism does not belong to the Filipino people.

“Terrorism is not ours; it’s not in the Islam that I heard from my grandmother. If you fight, it should not be here,” he said.

With PNA

He says the terrorists do not belong here. “I talk to the Bangsamoro, but I cannot talk to terrorists. You [terrorists] have your own war. If you believe that there should be war, get out; do not do it here,” Duterte said here on Wednesday.

In other developments: • Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go on Thursday appealed to the Communist Party of the Philip-

pines-New People’s Army to show their sincerity when the government and the rebels resume the peace talks.

“The peace talks will soon start and I hope the NPA will respect the agreement. So I’m reiterating my appeal to be sincere with the peace discussion,” Go said here.

• Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the 45th founding anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on April 24 was a reminder of the cycle of exploitation, abuse and deception committed by the communist movement and their supporters against the Filipino people.

“As the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, the NDFP represents what is wrong with the communist notion of peace. They talk peace with government far removed from the realities on the ground,” Lorenzana said Thursday.

Bacolod...

From A1

Zarate hits govt ‘double standard’ vs Sister Patricia Fox

By Nash B. Maulana and Vito Barcelo

B

ULUAN, Maguindanao― President Rodrigo Duterte says his administration could talk to the Moro secessionists and to the communist insurgents, but not to the terrorists.

This batch had the most number of examinees in the 116-year history of the Bar exams, which are considered the toughest in the country. But it has the lowest passing rate in the last three Bar exams.

For the second consecutive year, barristers from the provincial law schools dominated the top 10 of the Bar examinations.

In a phone interview, Simondo said being a lawyer was coincidental.

“I took up law because I did not want to go abroad,” he said.

“My parents were pressuring me to go abroad. I felt that the Philippines is where I should be. I needed a job that would justify my stay here.”

Simondo said he would have wanted to pursue corporate law practice, but since such field was limited in his hometown, he was considering joining the government.

“Yesterday, I made a promise to God that if I passed the exams, I would do my utmost to promote justice in this country,” Simondo said.

“At the end of the day, we are still a nation of law and not a nation of men. The rule of law should prevail. I would see to it that I did my part in upholding the rule of law.”

Simondo was followed by three other provincial law graduates: Christians Mae Balili, of the University of San Carlos in Cebu, in second place with an average of 90.80 percent; Camille Remoroza of the Ateneo De Davao University, in third place with 90.70 percent; and fourth place Ivanne D’laureil Hisoler, also from the University of San Carlos with 89.55 percent.

Another University of San Carlos graduate, Rheland Servacio, placed seventh with 89 percent, while Krizza Fe Alcantara-Bagni of St. Mary’s University in Nueva Vizcaya, placed eighth with 88.90 percent.

Last year, Karen Mae Calam of the University of San Carlos law school in Cebu City topped the Bar exams with an average of 89.05 percent.

For Metro Manila universities, three graduates of the University of Santo Tomas law school and two from San Beda University-Manila made it to this batch’s Top 10.

From San Beda College-Manila were fifth placer Monica Anne Yap with a rating of 89.45 percent and eighth placer (tied) Algie Kwillon B. Mariacos, with a rating of 89.9 percent.

From UST were sixth placer Lorenzo Luigi Gayya with 89.1 percent; ninth placer Klinton Torralba with 88.65 percent, and 10th placer Emma Ruby Aguilar with 88.4 percent.

For the first time, the high court announced the Top 20 placers for the Bar exams.

Lyan David Juanico and Lougenia Cariño, both of San Beda College-Manila, placed 11th and 12th; Arman Joseph Guzman, of UST, placed 13th; Jewelle Ann Lou Santos, of Ateneo De Manila University, placed 14th; while Stephanie Claros of the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu; Rhea Doll Gonzalo, of Xavier University in Cagayan De Oro City; and Nadia Christine Mendiguarin, of Saint Louis University in Baguio City, were tied at 15th place.

The other topnotchers―from 16th to 20th places, respectively―were Eileen Carla Carpio of San Beda University-Manila; Ella Mae Mendoza of the University of Cebu; Aecaya Christine Calero of UST; Pretz Vernie Vinluan of University of the Philippines; and Roniel Resurrection of Jose Rizal University.

Fewer...

From A1

at 35 percent or below since September 2015.

In terms of the monthly amount needed by households for food, or the self-rated food poverty threshold, the national median was unchanged at P6,000.

The national median for the self-rated food poverty gap—the amount families lack in monthly food expenses—was also unchanged at P3,000.

The survey was conducted from March 23 to 27 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide—300 each in Metro Manila, balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The monthly budget that a poor household needs for home expenses in order not to consider itself poor in general—is P13,000.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte on Thursday welcomed the result of a Social Weather Stations survey indicating that fewer families considered themselves poor in the first quarter of the year.

Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz A MEMBER of the Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Thursday slammed what he described as a “double standard” being applied by the Duterte administration to Sister Patricia Fox, whose missionary visa was recently canceled by the Bureau of Immigration.

“It is tragically ironic as it is highly condemnable that Sr. Pat, who is siding with farmers and the lumads in defending their right to their lands, is now being asked by the Duterte administration to leave the country that she [has] served as a mission-

Duterte...

From A1

Congress does not pass the proposed BBL or said if it is not passed he would resign.

“I said I will proclaim the entire Mindanao, almost, as a land reform area and will distribute lands to farmers and provide support such as seedlings and equipment to enhance agriculture production.

“They can plant rubber trees, palm oil. I’ll also give lands owned by the government even the military camps,” the President said which drew applause from the audience.

“I will give the lands away. What will I do with the fields? I’ll just give the lands and seedlings as support,” Duterte said.

Duterte also offered to distribute tractors to farmers but urged them not to pawn the equipment.

Duterte is the first President from Mindanao who vowed to provide a good future to thousands of poor Filipinos especially in the southern part of the country.

While he vowed government support for Mindanao, the President reiterated his commitment to combat terrorists in the region, saying he would not hold any peace talks with terrorists.

The President also said he would rather talk to the Moro rebels but not to terrorists.

3Fromsolons...

A1

Rep. Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental, together with Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco and Rep. Celso Lobregat and members of an inspection team, were on their way to the housing area when the footbridge they were walking on collapsed, dropping them into a creek in sitio Hong Kong, barangay Rio Hondo.

“Nothing more can convince us that people left homeless as a result of the 2013 Zamboanga siege have become victims twice. We became victims ourselves,” said Benitez.

The fall happened while Benitez and the inspectors were touring the housing and community facilities built by the government for the Zamboanga siege victims.

Only minor injuries were reported.

Benitez said pieces of evidence indicated that the houses and other facilities built for the Zamboanga siege victims were made of substandard materials and were poorly designed.

The lawmaker previously sought a congressional inquiry into the integrity of housing projects for families rendered homeless following man-made and natural disasters.

He said residents of the houses built by contractors of the National Housing Authority are assured of immediate action on their complaints about the substandard housing units awarded them.

Benitez and the housing panel experts also inspected the sanitation, ventilation and power facilities in the Zamboanga City relocation communities for displaced city residents.

PDEA...

From A1 Thursday said it was “80 percent” done preparing reports on the thousands of deaths being attributed to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“I was informed by the DIDM [Directorate for Investigation Detective Management] that their compliance was 80 percent,” PNP spokesman John Bulalacao told reporters.

He said the PNP had been complying with the Supreme Court’s order to submit its documents on the drug war. *Rep. Lito Atienza on Thursday backed Duterte’s order to the PDEA to release the so-called barangay narco-list.

“If there is such a list, then it is PDEA’s

ary in almost three decades,” Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said.

“But, in the same breadth, foreigners, businessmen especially, who openly advocate or even lobby for the amendment or revision, deletion or scrapping of the protectionist and nationalist provisions of our Constitution are being welcome with open arms by the administration,” he added.

Zarate said the open lobbying by members of foreign chambers of commerce to change the Constitution are in fact “political activities” that are “very detrimental” to the country and its people.

Boracay...

From A1 protesters and mock hostage taking of sunbathers—all before startled locals.

“My nephews and nieces were afraid,” Filipino tourist Tara Calcetas said. “It was scary because there were people swimming yesterday (at the beach) and the police were firing guns as if there was a criminal here.”

The government conceded on Thursday there was no real threat, with Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing saying the security presence was “just part of preparing for the worst.”

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the shutdown this month after calling the resort a “cesspool,” dirtied by tourism-related businesses flushing their raw sewage directly into the ocean.

During the closure, only residents with ID cards are allowed to board ferries to Boracay, which is home to about 40,000 people.

People on the so-called “party island” held a final bash on the beachfront on the eve of the closure, complete with a fireworks display and cheers of “Bye, Bye Boracay.”

But on Thursday, residents had the swaying palms, turquoise waters and usually mobbed white-sand beaches mostly to themselves.

“This is what you call an island, a paradise. Boracay looks like its original beautiful self,” said restaurant cook John Reymar.

The Philippines has pledged to take advantage of the calm to spruce up the 1,000-hectare chunk of bruised paradise.

There are plans to bulldoze illegal or dilapidated structures, to shore up the island’s infrastructure and clean up the mess left by years of unchecked growth.

However, plans to help the up to 30,000 people who had been employed by the island’s bustling tourist trade were less clear.

Though Duterte has promised some $38 million in funds to help workers, they say they haven’t seen a cent yet.

The workers were drawn by the relatively good wages on the island that has seen the number of visitors roughly quadruple to 2 million since 2006.

Those tourists, a growing number of whom are Chinese and Korean, pumped roughly $1 billion in revenue into the economy last year.

But its growth from a sleepy backpacker hideaway into a mass-tourism hub with fastfood outlets on the beach has taken a toll.

Unchecked construction has eaten away at the island’s natural beauty, while slimy algae-filled waves in some areas and mountains of discarded drink bottles are problems acknowledged even by critics of the shutdown.

President Duterte on Thursday signed an executive order declaring a state of calamity in three barangays in Boracay Island, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said.

Go said the barangays Balabag, ManocManoc, and Yapac all in the municipality responsibility to come out with it so that all those barangay officials who are in any way connected with drug pushing or involved in the narcotics trade in their communities would be exposed, and don’t get elected anymore,” Atienza said.

“It is time to purify their ranks and weed out all those undesirables.”

Roque said barangay officials could object to the President’s order but the voters were entitled to this information.

“I confirm that the order was given and again that’s within the powers of the Executive: to warn the public on the possible drug personalities who may be elected into public office,” Roque said.

“That’s a judgment call of the President.

They could object and object but the voters are entitled to this information.”

“Yet, why is the government, the immigration bureau, not doing anything to kick them out?” he asked.

Similarly, Zarate said that while the Chinese military is acting as if it owns the West Philippine Sea, the Duterte administration has yet to take any action to stop its aggressive action, yet is too quick to deport someone like Sr. Pat. “The administration should stop harassing people who are serving the Philippines and its citizens. It should instead run after those who truly undermine our national patrimony, our independence and national sovereignty,” he said. of Malay, Aklan, were placed under a state of calamity to financially help thousands of affected workers and residents affected by the six-month rehabilitation program.

Go said different agencies were doing their part to restore and rehabilitate Boracay.

But residents have complained about the lack of clear guidelines and adequate compensation for workers whose livelihood may be affected by the closure.

Some residents challenged the closure before the Supreme Court, but the justices did not act immediately on a plea for a restraining order. Instead, the Court required the Palace to answer the petition questioning the legality of the closure.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año wre given 10 days to comply with the Court’s order.

A Court insider said the justices decided to hear the answer of the respondents before taking action on the TRO request.

In their petition, the three residents questioned the authority of the President to order the closure of the island to tourists and non-residents and accused him of violating their constitutional rights to travel and due process.

They alleged that the order violated the separation of powers under the 1987 Constitution since the executive branch has no authority to close down the island based on its supposed police power.

Petitioners also argued that President Duterte overstepped on the power of Congress in issuing the order.

They also asserted that the order is unconstitutional as it restricts the movement of the people within the country in violation of their right to travel under the Constitution.

The petitioners also claimed a violation of their right to due process, which they said includes their “property rights and right to work and earn a living.”

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Thursday urged stakeholders to help and participate in the restoration of Boracay.

“We need to rehabilitate Boracay to make it a safe, living, and environmentally sustainable island where people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits its beauty can bring,” Cimatu, head of the inter-agency Task Force Boracay, said in a statement.

“For that to happen we will need ‘all hands on deck’— government employees, business owners, workers, residents, and of course, the tourists—local and foreign, who have made Boracay a byword in the tourism world.”

Cimatu said efforts being undertaken by his agency to rehabilitate the island during the six-month closure period will be focused on several key areas: drainage and sewerage rehabilitation; solid waste management; forestlands and easement recovery and alienable and disposable land management; road and transport (which includes air quality management); and biodiversity conservation, wetlands rehabilitation, and geological hazard management.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta, Joel E. Zurbano, PNA and AFP

‘Game...

From A1

“Fire and Blood” is set several centuries before “Game of Thrones” in the same fantasy world of Westeros, the author said on his blog. Martin stressed it is not a novel, but rather a historical text setting out of the history of Westeros’ Targaryen dynasty.

Since 2012, the author has published several passages from the new book. Publisher Bantam Spectra did not respond to a request for comment about the upcoming release, but the book is already available for presale online.

As for the sixth “Game of Thrones” book—”The Winds of Winter”—Martin said: “No, winter is not coming... not in 2018, at least.” AFP

PH-Kuwait...

From A1 Kuwaiti officials announced Wednesday they were expelling the Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa and recalling their own envoy from Manila.

“President [Rodrigo Duterte] and everyone else was shocked at this development because the President’s meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador went well,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.

A foreign ministry statement said the expulsion was “deeply disturbing” and it will ask for an explanation.

Tensions rose earlier this year following the murder of maid Joanna Demafelis, prompting President Duterte to ban Filipino workers from deploying to Kuwait for work.

Duterte had alleged that Arab employers routinely rape their Filipina workers, force them to work 21 hours a day and feed them scraps.

Relations appeared to recover after a Kuwaiti court sentenced to death in absentia a Lebanese man and his Syrian wife for Demafelis’s killing.

Following the verdict, Duterte this month announced plans to visit Kuwait to seal an agreement on workplace safety guarantees for the 252,000 Filipinos already working there.

The proposed deal would have set terms for vacation leaves, food and custody of passports, Duterte’s spokesman Roque said, adding that the visit timing was now in doubt.

Some 10-million Filipinos work abroad and the money they remit back is a lifeline of the Philippine economy.

In a diplomatic note delivered to the Kuwait Embassy, the Department of Foreign Affairs conveyed its “strong surprise and great displeasure” over the declaration of Villa as persona non-grata, the continued detention of four Filipino employees of the Philippine Embassy, and the arrest warrants against three diplomatic personnel.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has summoned Kuwaiti Ambassador Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh but was informed by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Manila that he has been recalled to his capital for consultations,” the DFA said in a statement last Thursday afternoon.

The DFA said these acts by the Kuwait government were “inconsistent with the assurances and representations” made by the Kuwaiti ambassador during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on April 24.

The DFA said that Althwaikh assured Cayetano that Villa could stay in Kuwait unti the end of his tour of duty.

The DFA also said that Althwaikh made a commitment at least eight measures that will immediately respond to the urgent requests by Filipino nationals who were residing and working in Kuwait, including improving the Kuwaiti government’s hotline to immediately respond to urgent requests for assistance by Filipino nationals in coordination with the Philippine embassy.

Cayetano and Villa had apologized to the Kuwaiti government over rescue operations that embassy staff had run in Kuwait without the participation of the local authorities.

In a report by the Kuwait News Agency, the foreign ministry reiterated ts “utter rejection and condemnation of the Philippine embassy flagrant and grave breach of rules and regulations that govern diplomatic action, where staff helped Filipina house helpers to run away.”

The ministry said Villa and the embassy staff violated Kuwaiti laws and international covenants and charters, and their actions were “tantamount to intervention in the state’s domestic affairs and meddling in jurisdictions of the security apparatuses.”

The Kuwait Foreign Ministry said it will continue to track down those who participated in the rescue operations.

A party-list lawmaker on Thursday demanded that Kuwaiti Ambassador Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh be kicked out “in equivalent retaliation” for the expulsion of Villa.

ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III said he will file a House resolution declaring the Kuwaiti diplomat persona non grata.

“Once we obtain plenary approval of the resolution, we will send it to our Bureau of Immigration for enforcement,” Bertiz said. With Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Vito Barcelo and AFP

Marcos...

From A1 statements were limited to his personal observation of what transpired during the day.

“Nonetheless, protestant Marcos would like to extend his sincerest apology to this Honorable Tribunal of his narration during that ambush interview that may be considered as transgression of the sub judice rule,” Marcos’ lawyer George Garcia said.

In its Feb. 13 resolution, the tribunal ordered the parties to strictly observe the sub judice rule pending the proceedings of the case and this was reiterated in another resolution dated March 20.

The PET, however, noted that, despite the directives, several news reports had shown that the parties, their counsels and/ or representatives, had continued to disclose sensitive information regarding the revision process to the public, in clear violation of the resolutions.

The PET said it could not determine yet when the recount would be finished.

Marcos filed his protest on June 29, 2016, claiming that the camp of Robredo cheated in the automated polls in May that year. PNA

News

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP boosts security ahead of May polls THE Philippine National Police on Thursday said it would work overtime to comply with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s directive for law enforcers to further enhance police visibility in light of the possibility of increased number of incidents related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.

“As ordered by the OIC, SILG [Secretary of Interior and Local Government] Eduardo Año, we will intensify the ongoing Comelec [Commission on Elections] checkpoints as well as police visibility in strategic locations within the election watchlist of areas to prevent violence during the election period,” PNP spokesman Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said in a statement.

“Our personnel on the ground are well prepared and are implementing the prescribed security measures based on the peculiarities of their respective areas,” he added.

On Sunday, Usan Asani, a candidate for barangay chairman in Barangay Kumamburingan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, was killed along with three others in his home.

The PNP is closely coordinating with its military counterparts through the Joint Security Control Center mechanism for the joint conduct of checkpoints.

Out of the 5,744 election watchlist areas in the country, 3,448 barangays were identified as having intense rivalry between candidates, history of electionrelated violence, armed threats and partisan armed groups.

Meanwhile, 2,025 barangays also have intense rivalry between candidates, history of election-related violence, PAGs but no armed threats.

The remaining 271 barangays are classified as highly-critical areas where loose firearms and criminal gangs are prevalent. PNA

SAGE says Dengvaxia safe, effective THE world’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recently updated its recommendation to the World Health Organization regarding the continued use of the world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia.

In the said recommendation, SAGE affirmed the public health value of vaccination without screening in hyperendemic settings such as the Philippines, meaning vaccination without pre-screening is permissible in countries with high cases of dengue.

The report specified that vaccination without pre-screening was allowed in countries with seroprevalence greater than 80 percent at 9 years old.

Limited Philippine data showed that the seroprevalence rate in that age group was at 87 percent which supports vaccination without the need to pre-screen in the Philippines.

The update clarified that while pre-screen vaccination was still recommended, pre-screen tests were still being developed today.

The report further said “the over all population level benefit of vaccination remains favorable, but the vaccine performs differently in seropositive versus seronegative individuals.”

Sotto: Lapid considering returning to Senate

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

GOODWILL VISIT. A landing ship tank of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force carrying more or less 140 officers and crew is in Manila Thursday for a three-day goodwill visit. JS Osumi, the frontrunner of the Osumi-class tank landing ships in the service of the Japanese Navy, is docked at Pier 15 in Manila South Harbor.

Duterte assures passage of BBL before end of May P “So let us fast-track the BBL. I promised that before end of May, it will be passed. If not, I might resign as President. It’s now up to you, I cannot do it anymore,” Duterte said in his speech at the launching of the Maguindanao Balik Baril program in Buluan, Maguindanao.

“Give me time, this year. I don’t want next year, next election. This year I will finish it, let’s finish first the BBL,” he added.

Duterte earlier said he prefers the passage of the BBL by Congress before proceeding with the amendment of the Constitution that would pave the

way for the shift of government to federalism.

Meanwhile, in the “Balik Baril” program, more than 900 assorted firearms have been turned over in compliance with Duterte’s campaign against loose firearms.

“There are too many firearms and we’re doing nothing but to use them to kill people,” Duterte said.

“But you know, it is a fundamental rule that if we have firearms, use it for defense. It is not to wage war against your own country. We have only one country. We have nowhere to go if we will kill each other,” he added.

Duterte promised to “do everything” to achieve peace with the Moro rebels and the communist rebels.

“A Moro should be proud but a Moro should also understand a problem of his generation. A good Moro must provide a good future for his children,” Duterte said.

“I promise you, I will do everything.

Hindi naman ako gaya ng ibang leader.

Hindi ako nagbobola [I’m not the other leaders. I don’t flatter others]. I do not have a duty to lie. When I said I love you all, I really love you all, every Filipino,” he added.

Duterte said he already talked with the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front on how to achieve peace in Mindanao.

He urged the Moro people to believe in the national leadership and to his promise to do his best to solve the problems of the country. PNA

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

stressed.

Aba on Wednesday went to the DFA to submit a letter of complaint against the Philippine Consulate General and officials in San Francisco for neglect to do their jon by protecting Filipino citizens.

The Muslim activist also urged DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to file a diplomatic protest against the United States authority for allegedly torturing him and violating his basic human rights and religion.

“I strongly urged the Philippine government to file a diplomatic protest in what had happened to me and in behalf of my Moro brothers and sisters whom I have been representing,” Aba said.

“I suffered physical and psychological torture from the hands of the United States of America Department of Homeland Security and officers of the US Customs and Border Patrol,” he added.

In his letter, he described in detail the verbal, emotional and physical abuse in

the hands of several CBP officials with surnames Reyes, Lopez, Nguyen, and Witto.

The officials, he said, forced him to confess that he was a terrorist and a communist on several occasions and in different rooms where he met diferrent officials.

He was also told, according to him, to strip off all his clothes including his underwear inside an airconditioningunit room and turned a big industrial fan at him while Lopez interrogated him about his supposed involvement with the terrorists or a funder of ISIS. “I was still in handcuffs and naked. I lost track of how much time had passed.

I was shaking with exhaustion, hunger and was freezing,” Aba related.

The officers, according to him, yelled at him: “Don’t play with us! We know that you are well trained in this!

Are you giving money to rebels-ISIS, communist, terrorists?”

Without receiving any important answers he was asked to wear his clothes back.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday reiterated his promise to fast-track the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, hoping it would be done before end of May.

Prosecutors lose potential Aba claims denied by US Customs and Border Protection testimony in MRT 3 case THE United States Customs and Border Protection denied all allegations of torture and religious discrimination made by Moro human rights and peace advocate Jerome Aladdin Succor Aba. Jaime Ruiz, the Branch Chief of Strategic Media Engagement Office of Public Affairs in the US, told the Manila Standard the CBP spokesperson denied they forced Aba to remove his clothes, entrapped him with a gun and grenade nor served him pork.

“US Customs and Border Protection is aware that Mr. Jerome Aladdin Aba has publicly made numerous allegations, claiming inhumane treatment while in CBP custody,” the CBP spokesperson said.

The CBP had been sought out for reaction to a six-page letter of complaint before the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“These allegations of torture and religious discrimination made by Mr. Aba are false,” the spokesperson

IBP: No allowance from Sereno, SC THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines has denied claims by one of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s primary accusers its officials are receiving any allowance from the top magistrate or the Supreme Court.

Lawyer Lorenzo Gadon, the lawyer who filed an impeachment complaint against Sereno, was earlier reported to have claimed that IBP officials were siding with the embattled chief magistrate because she and the tribunal give them an allowance. “...[T]he President, Executive Vice President, the members of the Board of Governors, all Chapter and Regional Officers of IBP do not receive any allowance from Chief Justice Sereno or the Supreme Court. These elected officials of the IBP serve without any compensation or honorarium,” the IBP said in a statement Thursday.

Gadon is facing at least four disbarment complaints, one of which accuses him of making perjurious statements and harassing court employees with lawsuits.

SENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III revealed Thursday that former Senator Lito Lapid was contemplating on returning to the Senate as the former came out with a list of the Nationalist People’s Coalition possible senatorial candidates in the coming mid-term elections.

“Lito is considering, seriously considering running again,” said Sotto, referring to the actor-turnedpolitician whose term expired in 2016.

Speaking in an ambush interview after the regular “Kapihan sa Senado,” Sotto said they were also talking about Lapid’s possible return to the Senate even before the latest Pulse Asia survey came out.

Lapid was ranked eighth to 15th in the list of “senatoriables” in the upcoming polls. He noted that Lapid’s name had been cropping up in the survey.

Sotto said he was in talks with his political group, Nationalist People’s Coalition, to consider Lapid’s inclusion in the list of their candidates for senators.

The NPC’s senatorial lineup, Sotto said, included reelectionists Senate President Koko Pimentel, Senators Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar and Sonny Angara.

Also in the list are former senator and now Taguig Representative Pia Cayetano, presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go. Hs said Senator JV Ejercito and his half-brother, former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada. were also being considered.

He said there was also a “big possibility” that Senator Bam Aquino, a member of Liberal Party, might be included in the list as former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, NPC founder, would help him.

At present, he said the NPC had yet to finalize the list.

“It is reckless for a lawyer to make false and unfounded allegations. We respect every person’s freedom of expression and may even try to understand his needs and motivations but truth fairness and professional ethics should not be lost even in partisan and passionate lawyering,” the mandatory organization for Philippine lawyers said.

The IBP has sought to intervene in the case that wants Sereno’s appointment as chief justice invalidated so they could formally oppose it, on the ground, among others, that the petition for quo warranto filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida “will impair the security of tenure, stability and independence of constitutional offices.”

It has also argued that the quo warranto plea was filed beyond the one-year prescriptive period, and that the SC should not replace the Judicial and Bar Council and the President in determining whether or not Sereno possesses integrity, a “qualification” Calida alleges she does not.

NUN SAD. Sister Patricia Fox, a 71-year-old Autralian missionary who has lived in the Philippines for 27 years, fields questions of media Thursday during a news conference at the Institute of Spirituality at New Manila in Quezon City. Fox, accompanied by Fr. Oliver Castor of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, admits being saddened by the Duterte administration’s arbitrary decision to deport Fox who for the last two decades of the Philippines had dedicated herself alongside with oppressed and marginalized sectors. Manny Palmero

OMBUDSMAN prosecutors have potentially lost the testimony of two key witnesses in the case against former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 general manager Al Vitangcol III over his alleged attempt to extort $30 million in exchange for the supply of train coaches from Czech firm Inekon.

In an eight-page resolution promulgated on Tuesday, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division denied the motion of the prosecution to allow former Czech Ambassador to the Philippines and current Ambassador to Chile Josef Rychtar and Inekon board chairman Josef Husek to testify via real time video conferencing.

Vitangcol was charged with two counts of violation of Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act after he allegedly tried to extort money from Inekon for the supply of additional light rail vehicles and maintenance of the MRT 3 under its P3.7-billion expansion project in 2012.

Aside from the alleged extortion attempt, Vitangcol was also accused of pressuring the Inekon representatives into entering into a joint venture agreement with his supposed “envoy” Wilson De Vera for the contract.

The Sandiganbayan said the motion was junked for “lack of merit” after the prosecution failed to establish the necessity of employing such means.

The prosecution said it had “exhausted all reasonable efforts to compel the attendance” of Rychar, whom the Czech Republic prohibited from returning to the Philippines due to a lack of any mutual legal assistance treaty, and Husek, who cited his health condition and business responsibilities in his home country.

It assured the Sandiganbayan prosecutors would conduct the video conference within the compound of the Philippine Embassy in Chile and in the Czech Republic, respectively, where they could be allowed to be cross-examined.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A cry that sounds familiar envoy in Manila for “consultations.”

I’m not telling our Department of Foreign Affairs how to do its work. But even if Kuwait recalled its ambassador, Manila nonetheless can declare him “persona ALEJANDRO non grata” so that he can no longer return DEL ROSARIO to his post. The bilateral relation between Kuwait and the Philippines has come to AFTER their travails in Kuwait, our a head and apparently reached a point of overseas Filipino workers are still cry- no return. But who needs Kuwait? We ing out for help. This time it’s a female have diversified our foreign relations; the domestic in Saudi Arabia. Jane (not her Philippines can source its oil from other real name) complained to her recruiter countries and place our workers in other and to the Philippine Embassy that the more civilized nations.

Kuwait was invaded and occupied son of her employer’s relative attempted

by Iraq. It was only the intervention to rape her.

Not only was she forced to work for her of the United States and coalition employer’s other relatives for long hours forces that liberated the oil-rich Gulf but they also maltreated her. The uniden- country. Kuwait at present is havtified intruder, “Jane” said, came to her ing a diplomatic dispute with Qatar which claims it room one night and is being harassed tried to force himby the Kuwait, self on her. The rape Saudi Arabia, and attempt was only the United Arab thwarted when she Why do our people Emirates states ran, locked herself of Dubai and Abu in a bathroom and brave the hostile Dhabi. started shouting for working conditions in Qatar Air has help. been banned from As with such cas- such places? The answer flying into Saudi, es a familiar refrain is simple.

UAE and Kuwait comes to the fore. airspace. Despite The Filipina comthe air embargo, plainant was the Qatar is doing well one accused of robbery when she reported it to the police. It without reciprocal ties with the three is incumbent for the Philippine Embassy other Gulf countries.

The Philippine government, on the in Riyadh or the Consulate in the area where the alleged crime of either rape or other hand, must address the problem of robbery was committed to give her im- our people going to other countries particularly in the Middle East where our mediate legal assistance.

In Kuwait, Philippine Ambassador Re- women are subjected to abuse. But why nato Villa was expelled by the Gulf State do our people brave the hostile working government for rescuing Filipino work- conditions in such places? The answer ers from the residences of their abusive is simple enough. There are not enough employers. Kuwait considered the Philip- jobs here, and those available, pay slavpine embassy action as an infringement ery wages with the onerous “endo” of their sovereignty. So let me raise this or end-of-contract clause. After five question: Is the abuse of our workers months, contractual workers can be renot a violation of their human rights? placed without separation pay. This has Ambassador Villa has been given a one- been going on for years. This practice has week deadline to pack up and leave. Ku- thrived because of the complicity of the wait, obviously to preempt the Philippine hiring agencies, business establishments Turn to A5 government’s retaliation, also recalled its and our government. Why?

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

BACK CHANNEL

T

Threats to the economy

HE three major engines of economic growth are being tested in the domestic and external fronts and may ironically slow down the country’s expansion.

President Donald Trump’s protectionist stance have endangered the flow of remittances to the Philippines and is stunting the expansion of the business process outsourcing sector. The Boracay mess, in addition, will certainly make a dent on tourism earnings unless the government finds a quick fix and lures back foreign tourists who have been enamored by the island’s powdery white sand.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Diwa Guinigundo conceded that President Trump’s rhetoric to keep jobs in the US mainland could trim remittances of Filipino residents and prompt American companies to think twice about outsourcing some of their jobs here.

Some members of the BPO Association of the Philippines, ac-

cording to the Bangko Sentral official, had informed the government that they were holding back expansion projects in the Philippines because of Trump’s protectionist policy. BPO companies now see the sector’s annual revenue growth slowing at around 9 percent or 10 percent from the original expectations of a 25-percent expansion.

Remittances and BPO receipts account for a combined foreign exchange inflows of $50 billion annually and have supported the peso against the US dollar in recent years. Remittances contributed around 10 percent to the gross domestic product last year.

Money sent home by overseas Filipinos reached a record $28.06 billion in 2017, up 4.3 percent from $26.90 billion a year ago in 2016.

Tourism, meanwhile, has directly generated jobs and contributed significantly to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. That may not be the case this year if the fallout from the Boracay closure is not contained. At stake is the livelihood of 17,000 hotel, restaurant and other tourism workers. About 11,000 construction workers are also on the island. Boracay drew some two million visitors in 2017, contributing roughly $1 billion to the economy.

The Department of Tourism, thus, must do a more aggressive marketing of other alternative tourist destinations in the Philippines to lure more foreign arrivals amid the six-month closure of Boracay Island. The Department of Trade and Industry, for its part, should expand the country’s export markets to mitigate the reduced earnings from BPO companies and slowing remittances.

No to 5-5-5

farming out of work or the ‘cabo’ system and other guises such an in house cooperatives.

CROSSROADS These are out-and-out prohibited practices under the Labor Code as amended, since companies cannot “contract out” positions JONATHAN considered necessary and desirable in the DE LA CRUZ conduct of their businesses.

That is really the crux of the debate.

THERE is a disconnect in the ongoing What then are the positions in each and debate over ‘endo’ as we know it and as every business considered necessary and provided under existing labor laws. And desirable? Is a bank teller considered necesPresident Duterte is being excoriated by sary and desirable in the banking business? some labor groups as a result. These groups If so, what bank unit would that be as there working under the Nagkaisa banner have is a considerablestratification in the bankaccused President Duterte of reneging ing sector where some units do not really on his campaign promise to put an end to employ tellers, for example? What about in “endo”: to contractualization in any man- the airlines or in the fast food industries? ner or form, the more problematic being the What about in the various manufacturing 5-5-5 practice. Under that kind of scheme, a or even commercial concerns? In a mall, worker is probationally hired for only five for example, how does one classify sales lamonths work after which he is terminated dies? Or, in the restaurant business, should and recontracted for another five months busboys be regularized? and so on without Indeed, there are a hundred and one isany hope regularisues that have to be zation. threshed out in our But President What we should Duterte is not renegearnest effort to weed ing on his promise. brace for is the advent out the most perniTime and again he cious ‘endo’ practices of technology which has denounced that which cannot simply 5-5-5 practice un- has upended and is be cut off through an der any guise as a executive order. upending the world of no-no. It should be It will take hearexposed and op- work. ings and consultations posed. On the other with all concerned hand, he has recogsectors to craft a responsive and responnized that there are a number of businesses which are eligible sible arrangement which close the loopfor flexible contractual arrangements such holes and fill in the gaps now embedded as fast food chains whose most basic em- in our labor laws. And we are not talking ployees are those in finance, administration here yet of the problems being encountered and in the kitchen. in the sector which has the most number of The rest, as is the growing norm in in- “endo” or “endo-” like practices—governdustries across the board specially SMSEs, ment. That is something which President are full-time employees of a manpower Duterte and his advisers will have to really service company with all the benefits pro- work on. The sooner, the better. vided for such employees. These are busiSo, there is really no need for Trade and nesses which are employing and will con- Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez to sugtinue to employ the bulk of our workforce gest that “more investments will flow into in the foreseeable future. The President is the country sans ‘endo’ EO.” Investors will well aware of that. Considering the fact that definitely go where they can get the best more than a million people enter the work- sustainable returns, with or without the force every year, can one blame the Presi- “endo” EO. That is a given even in the most dent if he takes pause and balances things advanced countries. Which is why you out? have labor rumblings in America, Europe The employment situation in airline and and even Japan where lifetime employment banking industries are other examples of used to be the norm. The world of work has such flexible arrangements. In the case of been constantly changing and with it balairlines, the ground staff, some technical ance and flexibility in the conduct of busiand cleaning personnel and even pilots and ness. That is why we have laws, rules and stewardesses maybe employed by MSCs standards to ensure that everybody get their even as they form part of the entire crew. fair share from the fruits of their endeavors.

For banks, the backroom staff including But, as one business guru noted, what cleaning and even IT personnel may be we should brace for is the advent of techMSC employees. nology which has upended and is upending Candidate Duterte did promise to strike the world of work no end. Are we prepared off “endo” from the labor lexicon during the or even simply studying how the entry of campaign. But he was referring to such prac- robots in the workplace, for example, will tices as labor-only contracting, indiscriminate change arrangements forever?

EVERYMAN

How fake news started a war and bought a nation

By Eric Jurado THE Spanish-American War of 1898 is considered both a turning point in the history of propaganda and the beginning of fake news.

It was the first conflict in which military action was precipitated by media involvement. The conflict grew out of American interest in a fight for revolution between the Spanish military and citizens of their Cuban colony. American newspapers fanned the flames of interest in the revolution by fabricating atrocities, which justified intervention in a number of Spanish colonies worldwide, including the Philippines.

Several forces within America were pushing for a war with Spain. Their tactics were wide-ranging and their goal was to engage the opinion of the American people in any way possible. Men such as William Randolph Hearst, the owner of The New York Journal, was involved in a circulation war with Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World, and saw the conflict as a way to sell newspapers. Many news-

‘Please remain. You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.’ papers ran articles of a sensationalist nature and sent correspondents to Cuba to cover the revolution. Correspondents had to evade Spanish authorities. Usually, they were unable to get reliable news and relied heavily on informants for their stories.

Many stories were derived from second or third-hand accounts and were either elaborated, misrepresented, or completely fabricated by journalists to enhance their dramatic effect. Theodore Roosevelt, who was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy at this time, wanted to use the conflict to help heal the wounds still fresh from the American Civil War, and to increase the strength of the Navy, while simultaneously establishing America as a major presence on the world stage. Roosevelt put pressure on Congress to come to the aid of the Cu-

ban people. He emphasized Cuban weakness and femininity to justify America’s military intervention.

Before the mysterious sinking of the American battleship, the USS Maine, in Havana Harbor, one American media correspondent stationed in Cuba was quoted as saying that the American people were being greatly deceived by reporters sent to cover the revolution. According to him, an overwhelming majority of the stories were obtained through third-hand information often relayed by their Cuban interpreters and informants. These people were often sympathetic to the revolution and would distort the facts to shed a positive light on the revolution. Routinely small skirmishes would become large battles. Cuban oppression was depicted through inhumane treatment, torture, rape, and mass pillaging by the Spanish forces. These stories revealed heaps of dead men, women, and children left on the side of the road. Correspondents rarely bothered to confirm facts; they simply passed the stories on to their editors in America, where they

Turn to A5

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

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

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

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Foreign affairs FORMATION GARY OLIVAR THERE’S been some excitement this week over our relationships with the rest of the world.

In Kuwait, the government there gave our ambassador one week to leave the country, as well as recalling their own ambassador to Manila. The stated reason was insulting remarks supposedly made by Ambassador Renato Villa to a local paper, as well as the involvement of embassy staff in rescuing Filipina household helpers from abusive employers. Two of those staff have since been arrested, current fate unknown.

We can’t comment on the good ambassador’s remarks since, to my knowledge, they haven’t been published here yet. Nonetheless, DFA’s Alan Cayetano has already formally apologized over the Entebbe-like rescue of our OFWs, even as the embassy claims that they fully coordinated with local authorities on the rescue operation.

The larger backdrop, of course, was an incensed Duterte’s decision to suspend OFW deployments to Kuwait following the discovery of the murder of OFW Joanna Demafelis. Her employers were ordered arrested, but the Kuwaiti government doesn’t seem keen to seek the couple’s extradition from Lebanon and Syria, leaving some to wonder if this isn’t just a moro-moro being put up among fellow Arab countries.

This face-off with Kuwait is something we think is being watched with interest by other Middle East countries. Will the Philippine government back down, or are we ready to put our money where our mouths are?

My own inclination is clear: We’ve drawn a line in the sand on this issue, so let’s keep that line in place. There are other countries willing to take our OFWs. Let’s stick to our guns and show Kuwait and its neighbors that we won’t be pushed around when the lives of our citizens—unlike mere pieces of rock in the West Philippine Sea—are on the line. *** Talking about the WPS, another maritime face-off is shaping up between China and another of its neighbors. This time the aggrieved party is Taiwan, whom the Chinese regard as a wayward province of theirs—not just a neighbor. This attitude doesn’t sit well with many Taiwanese, especially its current and strongly independenceminded president Tsai Ing-wen.

Earlier this week the Taiwanese announced that they would be conducting military exercises aimed at simulating an invasion from the mainland.

Not to be outdone, an aircraft carrier of those mainlanders initiated a live fire drill in the East China Sea around the wayward province. And from fartheraway Tokyo, the venerable newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun gravely advised the

Chinese not to intimidate Taiwan.

Even earlier, three Australian warships visiting Vietnam were challenged by the Chinese navy in an exchange that was described as polite but “robust.” All this, and we haven’t even heard from the Americans yet.

This maritime game of chicken is a high-stakes game for the big boys with the big guns. It’s not one which you win by going crying to the UN referees every time you’re outgunned. Duterte has been around the block quite a few times on the rough streets of Davao City, so when he says it’s better to fold a weak hand rather than play it, that’s a piece of advice worth heeding, albeit painful to our pride.

This is why we can only squirm when someone like Risa Hontiveros scores the President for “surrendering our sovereignty and territories to China.” Characteristically, though, it’s

The bilateral relationships we have forged with other countries on the common principle of mutual selfinterest will survive the meddling of the bureaucrats of the EU and the UN.

relationships we have forged with other countries on the common principle of mutual self-interest will survive the meddling of the bureaucrats of the EU and the UN. *** Over on the economic side of our foreign relations, our seemingly haphazard rice policy seems to have taken a firmer direction with the recent presidential directive to transfer the NFA and related agencies back to supervision by the Agriculture Department.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol disclosed that Duterte has given him three directives for NFA: reorganize its management body, increase its buffer stock, and hike its buying price for palay from local farmers.

The first one is straightforward: who doesn’t want better management?

We’re assuming that this will include a clearer delineation of authority between NFA management and the inter-agency governing NFA Council, one that will avert future conflicts in decision-making that recently stymied much-needed rice imports and almost caused a rice shortage.

The second one is also uncontroversial. In fact, even advocates of radical rice sector reform agree that the best role for NFA—in fact, what should be its only major role, aside from general oversight—is to maintain buffer rice reserves in what is now the world’s largest rice importer.

The third directive—if the President truly wants to maintain the NFA as a source of subsidies for local farmers—-is not necessarily incompatible with a broader policy to open up rice imports to the private sector and take away the NFA’s monopoly.

By opening up imports, the market will automatically adjust rice supply to avoid shortages. The lower prices of imported rice will limit the amounts required to subsidize our rice farmers.

And the tariff revenue generated from rice imports can further beef up the funding of those subsidies.

To his credit, Secretary Piñol, a self-described gentleman farmer, has obviously been wearing his thinking cap for a while now to come up with interesting new ideas. For example, he now wants the NFA to expand beyond rice and become more active in trading abroad for our farmers and fishermen. He cited the examples of India and Vietnam in promoting a full range of their agri-fisheries products abroad.

This is all fine, provided that this role doesn’t over time become a mandatory one, let alone a monopoly, that crowds out private traders. And let’s hope that the “buy high, sell low” mandate followed by NFA for rice doesn’t transfer to include other crops as well.

Heaven knows that NFA’s rice-related subsidies are already high enough without having to add to them for other agricultural commodities.

leftist types like her who’d be the first to pounce on legitimate exercises of military power—like placing terroristriven Mindanao under martial law— or criticize the acquisition of military assets as taking food away from the mouths of the poor.

Just as bad are her party-list colleagues, like congressman Tom Villarin, who warned that 200,000 farmers and workers in Mindanao would lose their jobs if the meddlesome EU dropped our preferential trade arrangement over the issue of so-called EJKs. Or former Congressman Etta Rosales, who warned that losing our membership in the UN Human Rights Commission over the same EJK issue would deal a deathblow to our bilateral relations with other countries.

Rarely have I come across such inflated alarmism. It’s the kind of wild exaggeration that insists the number of EJKs is 20,000 and counting, no matter how often the PNP puts out its statistic that the casualties from drug-related police operations were less than 4,000.

Here’s some advice for our ostensibly nervous Nellies: Guys, much of our European trade will survive tariffication at the levels that apply to non-preferred countries.

Readers can write me at There are other export markets as well for us outside the EU. And the bilateral gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

From A4

passed the buck to Congress to enact legislation that would, he claims, give workers security of tenure.

But why leave it to Congress when the President could have done it with the stroke of his pen? Just asking.

This early, voters in the working sector should strike out candidates who are protecting employers and perpetuating “endo.”

The working masses are beginning to wonder. Who are the bigger people trafficker—the labor recruiters/placement agencies or the government? Someone suggested better coordination between the Department of Labor and Department of Foreign Affairs. Philippine embassies and consulates only get to know about

our workers’ plight when an untoward incident like physical abuse, rape and long hours of servitude happen to them. Our foreign missions must be informed of their arrival, their addresses and the profile of their employers. Too often, local recruitment agencies place our workers to the same abusive employers who already have a bad track record.

The passports of our workers must not be allowed to be in the possession of their employers who use them to have control of the OFWs’ movement.

If accosted by police, our OFWs are in a vulnerable situation, accused of being an undocumented foreigner and thus illegally working.

ary 1897: “Everything is quiet. There is no trouble.

There will be no war. I wish to return.” To which Hearst’s alleged reply was: “Please remain. You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.”

In the days following the sinking of the USS Maine, Hearst ran a story with the heading “The War Ship Maine was Split in Two by an Enemy’s Secret Infernal Machine.” The story told how the Spanish had planted a torpedo beneath the USS Maine and detonated it from shore. Hearst soon followed this article with one containing diagrams and blueprints of the secret torpedoes used by Spain. Captain Sigsbee of the USS Maine telegrammed the Secretary of the Navy and stated that judgment and opinion should be suspended until further confirmation. At the Court of Naval Inquiry, Sigsbee maintained a mine was responsible for sinking his ship. The Court found the same, but was unable to find evidence to attribute the sinking to “any person or persons.”

Many stories like the one published by Hearst were printed across the country blaming the Spanish military for the de-

struction of the USS Maine. These stories struck a chord with the American people.

They stirred public opinion up into a divided frenzy, with a large group of Americans wanting to attack and another wanting to wait for confirmation. The Americans that wanted to attack wanted to remove Spain from power in many of her colonies that were close to America. Those easily persuaded by fake news eventually prevailed, and American troops invaded Cuba.

Having clamored for a fight for two years, Hearst took credit for the conflict when it came: A week after America declared war on Spain, he ran “How do you like the Journal’s war?” on his front page.

After its defeat, Spain ceded its longstanding colony of the Philippines to America in the Treaty of Paris for $20 million. The treaty ended the Spanish-American War, marked the end of the Spanish Empire, began the age of America as a world power, and institutionalized fake news.

How...

From A4

would be put into publication after further editing and misrepresentation. Fake news swept the nation and its propaganda helped to precipitate American military action.

The two newspaper owners credited with starting and developing fake news were Hearst and Pulitzer. The two were fighting a circulation battle in New York City. Through their disregard for responsible journalism, the two men are commonly credited with leading America into the Spanish-American War. Their stories swayed American public opinion to believe that the Cuban people were being unjustly persecuted by the Spanish, and that the only way for them to gain their independence was through American intervention. Hearst and Pulitzer made their stories credible by self-assertion and providing false names, dates, and locations of skirmishes and atrocities committed by the Spanish. They also claimed that their facts could be substantiated by the government.

Frederic Remington, an artist hired by Hearst to provide illustrations to accompany a series of articles on the Cuban Revolution, soon became bored with seemingly peaceful Cuba and wired Hearst in Janu-

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Cost of cryptocurrency (2)

A cry...

Workers know the reason. It’s only our government officials who seems to not want to see why. The working masses are not stupid even if they are poor. They know that politicians, especially during the campaign season, source their funds from the business establishments. End contractualization and the funneling of campaigns will also end.

It’s the midterm elections next year and the story will not be any different. Politicians know which side of their bread is buttered and who are buttering them.

It’s Labor Day on Tuesday, May 1. The end of contractualization gift that workers have been waiting for is not going to happen. President Rodrigo Duterte

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018

Eric Jurado writes about the values of personal and economic freedom, and their importance in advancing peace, prosperity, and human progress.

the chain considered valid by the network consensus. This will create a fork.

Whichever chain is accepted renders the rejected chain’s transactions as invalid. But what happens to the funds that have already been transferred and cannot be reversed?

(Continued from Wednesday) Then there’s country dominance.

“MOST cryptocurrency systems are Cambridge found that nearly threecurrently using an energy intensive quarters of all major mining pools are proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm that based in just two countries: 58 percent serves as a lottery to determine which of mining pools with greater than 1 perminer gets the right to add his block to cent of the total bitcoin hash rate are the blockchain and earn a reward.” (Uni- based in China, followed by the US with 16 percent. Miners themselves are worversity of Cambridge) Bitcoin is programmed to make de- ried about the centralizaton of hashing coding progressively harder as the BTC power in general, and its concentration rewards gets smaller. But more com- in a few countries.

The transfer of VC is also monopoputations require more electricity and the VC market is criticized for burning lized. Cambridge found that 73 percent up massive amounts of coal for useless of exchanges control customers’ private computations. It is possible to shift to a keys, which allows them to transfer less energy-intensive algorithm but it’s funds in client accounts. This attracts unlikely that current miners will agree. hackers who can gain access to the ex“Changes to the consensus algorithm change and use the private keys to steal may lead to a loss of investment in min- these funds and transfer it to a differing equipment that is specifically de- ent cryptocurrency account outside signed to only perform the calculations of the exchange. Transfers are anonyrequired by the current PoW algorithm.” mous and irreversible.

Only 23 percent of exchanges do not (University of Cambridge) Mining is highly competitive and se- control customers’ private keys. This cretive. Miners do not report their actual protects users’ accounts from unauthoractivities and keep their location un- ized access and allows users to retrieve known so it is hard to get an accurate their funds in case the exchange fails.

Monopoly also exists in cryptocurnumber of the total miners in the world and the electricity they actually con- rency wallets: 81 percent of wallet prosume. Studies likely just show half of viders are based in North America and Europe, but only 61 percent of wallet usthe actual number of miners.

Mining facilities are susceptible to ers are based in these two regions.

Transaction fees used to be a small theft of their hardware and GPUs. The biggest heist in Iceland last January stole percentage of bitcoin mining revenues.

But after the BTC block reward halved servers worth $2 million.

Another criminal activity is stealing in 2016, transaction fee revenues tripled. electricity. Last March, police detected Block rewards will continue to half eveunusually high electric consumption in ry four years until all BTCs have been an abandoned factory in Orenburg, Rus- mined in 2140. Many miners worry that sia. Miners had illegally set up a facility mining fees cannot compensate for deand stole $1 million worth of electricity. creasing block rewards in the long run.

Daily BTC transactions continue to Many amateur miners just set up makeshift shops in their garages or increase and each compete to be includhomes. College students also repurpose ed in a block that is limited to 1MB. This old computers with GPUs and leave size only allows up to seven transactions. them running all the time while the uni- Users must offer a high transaction fee versity foots the electric bill. Such min- to their transfer if they want miners to ing can overload their circuits and even work on their block. This increasing fee requirement is cause fires. projected to reach To catch illegal 10 percent at the miners, police track end of 2017. It can sudden spikes in exclude users who In the virtual world, power consumpcannot afford to tion. once currency is validly pay a high fee. For But even lawsmall amounts, abiding citizens transferred, it can it’s still cheaper are victimized by disappear without a to use a bank or unscrupulous min- trace. wire transfer if you ers who steal your don’t need the anocomputer’s power nymity. to mine without With the heavy your knowledge or consent. How is this done? When influx of Bitcoin miners, it becomes you visit certain websites or download harder to win the decoding race to earn certain apps, your computer will start a bitcoin. To stay competitive, miners to mine and your computer will surge use their BTC rewards to keep upgradin heat but suddenly slow down. It’s ing their system so they can keep earncalled cryptojacking. It’s used by min- ing BTC. It’s a self-funding cycle. With ers of a VC Monero. Public Wi-Fis can the price of BTC down to $7,000, miners also be disguised to jack your device. who spend $8,000 are losing money.

Governments are starting to take a Since November, there has been over 31 percent in-browser cryptojacking. cut of VC transactions. The US Internal Be careful visiting sites; opening email Revenue Service (IRS) taxes VC held as links or screens; clicking ads; and using a capital asset on its capital gain or loss. free Wi-Fi. Even reputable sites can be If it is received for goods or services, infected since some YouTube ads can it is taxed as part of income; if part of wages, tax is withheld in payroll. If the contain malware.

Large miners are more susceptible to miner is not an employee but conducts hacks than small miners. They can be a business, the VC fair market value targeted by DDoS (Distributed Denial on the date of receipt is included in his of Service) attacks where their system is gross income.

While no current regulations imposes paralyzed or taken offline by flooding it with data sent simultaneously from VAT, nearly all miners want to be exmany individual computers. It’s like empt from value-added tax.

In November 2017, the IRS won a barraging one bank teller with hundreds of requests for individual transactions court case that required Coinbase, a US VC exchange that boasts 10 million usall at the same time.

Then there’s the traditional digital ers, to reveal the accounts of over 14,000 theft of VC stored in the wallet. Early customers with annual BTC transacthis month, one Chinese engineer used tions over $20,000 (2013 to 2015).

The IRS will also use the records as his company clearance to steal 100 evidence of tax fraud, tax evasion, and BTCs worth over $380,000.

Since 2013, over 22 percent of VC other crimes. So it seems that even if exchanges suffered security breach- VC transfers are anonymous, account es that resulted in over 56 percent holders are still subject to the law and its penalties. going out of business.

However, those responsible for fraudThe power of blockchain, which runs Bitcoin, is the distributed ledger ulent VC transfers, exchanges, websites, so no one person can control the net- and services are still hard to catch and work. But this is only true if no single prosecute. Anyone can just set up a VC miner has 51 percent of the computing website or sell goods and receive VC power. Right now, there are only a payments. All payments are irrevershandful of major miners in the world ible and hard to trace, especially if it who control over 50 percent the total has been transferred multiple times to avoid detection. VC’s anonymity and professional mining sector.

Few large miners now lead in global irreversibility leave victims with no hash rate and scale of mining hardware recourse, no way to go after the fraudmanufacturing and cloud mining opera- ster, and no refund.

Unlike banks that insure funds up tions, just as Nakamoto feared. Thus 70 percent of large miners rate their influ- to a limit, or credit cards that allow ence on protocol development as high chargebacks, all VC transfers bear all or very high, compared to 51 percent the risks. Worse, its digital form makes of small miners. This increases the it subject to the same vulnerabilities as likelihood that one entity can sway the any computer or digital data—it can be hacked, lost, manipulated, or stoblockchain.

A miner with majority of computing len. But in the virtual world, once it power has the power to reject transac- is validly transferred, it can disappear tions and deny adding blocks to the without a trace. chain. It can also create its own blockEmail: biznewsasia@gmail.com chain that can be incompatible from

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

News

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ombudsman reminds govt employees to file SALN

IN BRIEF AFP securing MRT 3 vs security threats THE Armed Forces of the Philippines is securing the vital Metro Rail Transit 3 through intelligence and information monitoring of possible security threats, its spokesperson said Thursday.

“As requested by [retired] Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, general manager, MRT 3, DOTr [Department of Transportation], the AFP can provide support to the present railway guards and the police in the monitoring of possible security threats thru intel and info monitoring,” Brig.

Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency, when sought for comment on how the military is helping protect this important communication infrastructure.

Earlier, Garcia said the AFP is already assisting the DOTr-MRT-3 in securing their facilities, “not only through the CRS [Civil Relations Service] but also with the Intelligence Service of the AFP.” On Wednesday, the MRT-3 signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the AFP for the provision of free rides to all of its active military personnel. PNA

By Maricel V. Cruz OMBUDSMAN Conchita CarpioMorales on Thursday reminded government officials and employees to file their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth on or before April 30, 2018.

Morales said the filing of SALNs is a constitutional obligation of every public servant, and failure to do so will result in administrative penalty.

The law provides that failure to file or submission of inaccurate SALNs is punishable by suspension of one to six months for the first offense, and dismissal from service for the second offense, which eventually may lead to forfeiture of ill-gotten or unexplained wealth.

The SALN is a declaration under oath of assets (i.e., lands, houses, cash, etc), liabilities (i.e., personal or institutional loans), and business and financial interests, of a government official or employee, of the spouse, and of unmarried children under 18 years old still living in their parents’ household.

It includes a waiver authorizing the Ombudsman or her authorized representative to obtain and secure documents that may show assets, liabilities, net worth, business interests, and financial connections from all appropriate government agencies for investigatory purposes.

Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees) provides that the submission of SALNs must be made within 30 days after assumption of office; on or before April 30 of every year thereafter; and within 30 days after separation from the service.

The SALNs of the president, the vice president, chairmen and commissioners of constitutional commissions and offices, the Ombudsman and the Deputies, officials and employees of departments, bureaus, agencies, including government-owned- andcontrolled corporations with and without charter and their subsidiaries, state universities and colleges, and local government units, the offices of which are located in the National Capital Region, are submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman (Central Office).

The SALNs of regional officials and employees of the department, bureaus and agencies of the national government, judiciary, constitutional commissions and offices, GOCCs and their subsidiaries, and state colleges and universities; provincial elective officials and employees including governors, vice governors, and members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan, city and municipal elective officials and employees including mayors, vice mayors, members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod/Bayan and barangay officials; officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines below the rank of colonel or captain and other enlisted officers; officers of the Philippine National Police below the rank of senior superintendent and other police officers; officers of the Philippine Coast Guard below the rank of Commodore are submitted to the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman in their respective area offices.

MMDA expects heavy traffic in Quezon City

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority is expecting monstrous traffic in Quezon City beginning Monday next week with the closure of major streets due to construction of Metro Railway Transit Line 7 under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA deputy chairman, said MRT 7’s private contractors will begin working on back-to-back infrastructure projects in different locations next week.

On April 30, a coping beam will be constructed along Regalado Highway that would close westbound lane while the opposite eastbound lane will remain open for passing motorists.

One-way traffic will be implemented on Regalado Highway from Mindanao Avenue up to Commonwealth Avenue.

With the coordination of MRT 7 Traffic Management Task Force, San Juan said private contractors will also start working on the MRT Tandang Sora station at the Tandang Sora intersection-Commonwealth Avenue on May 1, Labor Day. “They will begin laying the foundation for a number of posts that will close three lanes on both southbound and northbound of Commonwealth Avenue,” said San Juan, in a press briefing on Thursday.

The project also involves the construction of elevated guide way, demolition of existing flyover, and provision for future north and southbound flyover. It will last up to a year.

Also on May 1, MRT’s private contractors will begin digging up for a tunnel along North Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.

ROUNDTABLE. Embattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno meets campus journalists from several universities in

Metro Manila during a roundtable discussion at the St. Scholastica`s College on Thursday, April 26, 2018. Norman Cruz

Albayalde asked to stop ‘auto’ loan deductions

By Francisco Tuyay

A

GROUP of retirees from the Philippine National Police today called on PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde to order the PNP Finance Service to stop the automatic loan deductions from their monthly pensions.

“This flagrant abuse of the PNP’s system for automatic deductions has gone on for too long. It has placed us and our families in serious financial distress since these savings and loan associations [SLAs] impose excessive interest rates and prolonged term of loan payment,” the retirees said.

The retirees pointed out that automatic deductions from their monthly pensions are being effected by the PNP through its Automatic Pension Deduction Scheme and are made in favor of PNP-accredited Multi-Purpose Cooperatives and Savings and Loans Associations.

While the PNP continues with its automatic deductions, the retirees said that such practice of automatically deducting from pension proceeds to collect payment for pension loans has been declared by the Department of Justice as illegal. In June 2017, the Department of Justice released an opinion clearly stating that the governing charter of SLAs, Republic Act 8367, does not authorize the PNP to deduct from retiree pensions.

“We earnestly pray that PNP Director

Oscar Albayalde will safeguard the welfare of PNP retirees by ordering the PNP to immediately stop the unlawful practice of causing automatic deductions from our monthly pensions for the purpose of collecting pension loan payments on behalf of certain privately owned lending entities,” they added.

The PNP has become a publicly funded collection agency for private companies, a scenario that was never contemplated by law.

In response to complaints filed by 74 active policemen, former PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has already ordered the immediate termination of automatic deductions in order to avoid any suspicion of impropriety or illegality on the part of the PNP. “When former PNP Chief Dela Rosa assailed the automatic deduction from pensions, we hoped that the PNP would carry out his order to protect numerous retirees who have fallen victim to automatic deductions,” said a PNP retiree, who requested anonymity.

“Despite his order however, the deductions are still continuing to

this day,” he added.

Chief Supt. Lyndon Cubos, chief of the PNP Finance Service, said they cannot just stop the automatic loan deduction system since it favors the bigger majority of retirees who have existing loans.

“As far as we are concerned we are doing them a service, and it will defeat the purpose of serving our retirees once we stop this. Majority of our retirees appreciate the system since they will not be inconvenienced in making the monthly payment,” Cubos said.

“The PNP is not earning a single centavo from this. It will be a big decrease to our work load if we stop the automatic loan deduction scheme but we really want to help our retirees by making it easier for them to pay their monthly dues,” Cubos added.

He said these retirees are at the advantage when they secure loans from PNP-accredited SLAs due to the lesser monthly interest rates compared to nonaccredited SLAs. Reports said that six of the nine MPCs catering to PNP active service personnel and retirees are being investigated by the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership and the PNP Finance Service.

Many other PNP retirees have complained against certain SLAs for the rampant misuse of automatic deduction. The PNP has been urged to look into these complaints against SLAs as well.

THE Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has denied the motion of the prosecution to allow former Czech Ambassador to the Philippines and current Ambassador to Chile Josef Rychtar and Inekon board chairman Josef Husek to testify via real time video conferencing.

The two were supposed to testify in the case involving former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 general manager Al Vitangcol III who allegedly tried to extort $30 million from Inekon, a Czech supplier of train coaches.

The anti-graft court junked the appeal of the prosecution for “lack of merit.”

The Sandiganbayan said both Rychtar and Husek must testify in open court as mandated by Section 1, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court.

Similarly, the anti-graft court said the e-mails which supposedly proved the prosecution's failure to arrange the return of the two Czech nationals to the Philippines were not presented in court.

“Neither did the prosecution show how the aforementioned reasons render Mr. Husek and Amb. Rychtar absolutely incapable of coming to the Philippines to give their respective testimonies,” the Sandiganbayan said. Maricel V Cruz

Calabarzon gets six ambulances TO HASTEN the delivery of health services, six ambulances were given by Department of Health Regional Directors Eduardo C. Janairo of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mario S. Baquilod of Mimaropa (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) to Oriental Mindoro.

The land ambulances were procured through the initiative of 1st District Congressman Salvador ‘Doy’ Leachon.

Janairo said the ambulances will provide universal access to basic and advanced life support services to those living in rural areas.

“One of the objectives also is to reduce maternal, infant, and child mortality by providing transport to those in need of emergency medical attention 24/7,” he also said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Peter Lim’s plea on drug raps rejected

STREET DANCE.

A group rehearses their street dancing number for the coming Aliwan Fiesta 2018 street dancing competition in this photo taken at the Quirino Grandstand Luneta in Manila.

Lino Santos

By Rey E. Requejo

Misuari seeks Sandiganbayan‘s Ok on Bangladesh trip MORO National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari has asked the Sandiganbayan's permission for his nine-day trip to Bangladesh in May amid pending graft and malversation cases filed against him with the anti-graft court.

In his motion for travel, Misuari sought the anti-graft court Third Division’s approval of his trip to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2 to 10 to attend the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Misuari said he is a guest of honor in the event, and will deliver a speech on the

Sandiganbayan bucks prosecutors’ motion

developments of the peace process between the MNLF. “Chairman Nur Misuari is a signatory to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and as such he is expected to deliver his message during the plenary session of the proceeding of the ministerial meeting regarding the development of the implementation of the peace agreement,” Misuari's motion said.

Misuari attached in his motion an official invite dated March 12 from OIC secretary general Yousef AlOthaimeen.

Misuari is facing two counts each of graft and malversation by falsification

owing to the alleged anomalous procurement of educational materials worth P115.2 million during his term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Misuari and his co-accused allegedly conspired with one another to give “unwarranted benefits, advantage and privilege” to MBJ Learning Tools, CPR Publishing, and White Orchids Printing.

But Ombudsman investigators said “no such materials were delivered” by the three companies.

Misuari posted a P460,000 bail in September last year for his provisional liberty.

Maricel V. Cruz

THE Office of the Solicitor General on Thursday opposed the appeal of Cebubased businessman Peter Lim for the Department of Justice to dismiss the drug complaint filed by police authorities against him and several other alleged drug personalities.

In its comment, complainant Philippine National Police- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, through the OSG, asked the DoJ to deny Lim’s motion for reconsideration of the order of former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II vacating the resolution that dismissed the complaint, saying the March 19 order was backed by “laws, rules of procedure, and jurisprudence.”

Lim earlier assailed the ruling of Aguirre because he claimed the order for further investigation was based on the socalled “pulse of the people” and the “public outrage” that resulted from the drug complaint’s dismissal last year.

The OSG also stressed that Kerwin Espinosa, one of the accused, publicly admitted his “illegal drug trading activity” before a Senate hearing and stated in his judicial affidavit the involvement of Lim, and convicted drug lord Peter Co. “Under these circumstances, it is clear that the former Secretary of Justice issued the March 9, 2018 order because he had every reason to believe that the dismissal of the complaint would cause a probable miscarriage of justice to the entire People of the Philippines,” the comment said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Manila

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TODAY

Wilder offers Joshua $50-m mega-fight LOS ANGELES—Deontay Wilder told Anthony Joshua “the money’s in the bag” as prospects rose Wednesday of a blockbuster world title unification bout between the unbeaten heavyweights.

In a Twitter video posted Wednesday, America’s World Boxing Council world champion Wilder backed up reports that his camp had emailed Britain’s Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn an offer of a minimum of $50 million.

“I’ve got something special for you,” Wilder tells Joshua in the video. “By the way, all the money is in the bag. I expect you’ll be a man of your word.”

Joshua, who unified the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization heavyweight titles by out-pointing New Zealand’s Joseph Parker on March 31, had already been recorded saying he’d “take $50 million up front” to fight Wilder.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Wilder promoter Lou DiBella had confirmed the offer for a fight in the United States sometime between September and December.

“We’ll see how badly he wants the fight,” DiBella told the newspaper. “Anthony Joshua has said he’d accept this offer.

If Eddie Hearn is not looking to stop it from happening, they now have an extraordinary offer to consider.”

ESPN reported that both camps had confirmed the offer, adding that it was for one fight, with no rematch clause, and would have to be the next bout for each fighter.

The winner of a Joshua-Wilder bout would be the first man to hold all four major heavyweight titles simultaneously, and Joshua told the BBC this month that he’d rather face Wilder than Russian Alexander Povetkin, the WBA mandator y challenger.

Joshua, 28, won his first world title in 2016 and has made five defenses, taking his record to 21-0 with 20 knockouts.

Wilder, 32, improved to 40-0 with 39 knockouts when he knocked out previously unbeaten Cuban Luis Ortiz in the 10th round in Brooklyn, New York, on March 3. AFP

Aguilas ink pact with Cebu Pacific

By Peter Atencio THE Davao FC Aguilas travel a lot.

With the 2018 season of the Philippine Football League already under way, the Aguilas having a national carrier as one of their sponsors is a blessing indeed.

General Manager Michael Shaw said the team is very grateful after Cebu Pacific came forward to help as their main sponsor in their coming home-and-away games.

“In terms of the PFL format, the matches are home and away and definitely signing a sponsorship agreement with Cebu Pacific helps,” said Shaw after a signing an agreement with Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Distribution at the Cebu Pacific’s head office (8007 Domestic Rd in Pasay City).

The Aguilas currently have a 2-22 win-draw-loss record and they are close to making it to the AFC Cup Group Stage.

They have games set in Bacolod, Tagum City, Cebu City, Marikina City, Iloilo City and Binan City.

“It’s a privilege to partner with a team that represents Davao. We’ve always been associated with Cebu.

And it’s important that we spread our wings and sponsor teams that are from other parts of the country,” said Iyog.

The team’s players include Phil and James Younghusband, goalie Nick O’Donnell, Ronilo Bayan Jr., Matthew Hartmann, Simone Rota, Brad McDonaldo and Jason de Jong.

They also have James Younghusband, Angel Guirado.Harry Sawyer, Phil Youghusband, Takashi Odawara, Jorrel Aristorenas, Josh Grommen, Omar Khan and James Hall, among others.

Ceres of Cebu currently leads the standings with three straight wins.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets reacts to the cheers of the crowd in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP

Rockets eliminate Wolves L

OS ANGELES—James Harden scored 24 points as the Houston Rockets booked their spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs by crushing the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-104 in game five on Wednesday.

Clint Capela scored a team-high 26 points and had 15 rebounds for the top seeded Rockets who pulled away in the third quarter to win their series four games to one.

“When I get that confidence from my teammates there is no limit to what I can do,” said Harden.

“We knew how tough this game was going to be. We wanted to continue to grind it out and came out with the win. In the second half we picked up our intensity and won the game.”

Elsewhere, LeBron James capped another milestone night with a buzzer-beating threepointer that lifted the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 98-95 win over Indiana and within one win of advancing in the playoffs.

Not to be outdone, Russell Westbrook scored 45 points and the Oklahoma City

Thunder came back from 25 points down in the second half to fight off elimination and beat the Utah Jazz 107-99.

Houston will now play the winner of the Utah-Oklahoma City series, which the Jazz now lead 3-2.

The Rockets are off to the second round for the second year in a row after eliminating the eighth-seeded Timberwolves.

After scoring 22 points in Houston’s 50-point third quarter in a game four rout on Monday, Harden tallied half of Houston’s 30 points in the third quarter on Wednesday to give Houston the lead for good.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Jamal Crawford added 20 points off the bench.

Houston’s series clincher highlighted the

Western Conference matchups but James provided the night’s biggest individual fireworks.

In Cleveland, the victory gave the Cavs a 3-2 lead in the best-of seven Eastern Conference series, which they’ll try to finish off on Friday in Indianapolis.

James blocked a driving Victor Oladipo’s shot at the rim to keep the score tied at 95-95, keeping the Cavs alive and ensuring them the final possession with three seconds remaining.

Cleveland got the ball to their superstar, who dribbled in, pulled up at the top of the arc and fired over Thaddeus Young for his only three-pointer of the game.

James beat his chest in triumph, then jumped on the scorers’ table to acknowledge the crowd.

He finished with 44 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, making all 15 of his free throws.

His 21st playoff game of 40 points or more saw James move past Jerry West for second all-time on a list led by Michael Jordan with 38. AFP

Millennium Basketball League Open begins at CCP Gym THE 2018 MBL Open basketball championship finally comes off the wraps today (April 27) with an early battle between defending champion V Hotel-La Consolacion College Manila and title contender Wang’s Ballclub-Asia Tech at the CCP gym in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Former MBL standout and now Kia mainstay Dylan Ababou has been invited to grace the opening ceremony, along with MBL chairman Alex Wang.

Game today (CCP gym)

7 p.m. V Hotel-La Consolacion vs Wang’s Ballclub-Asia Tech

Ababou played for MBL champion University of Santo Tomas under coach Pudo Jarencio.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of our league, which is now on its 19th year,” said Wang, a long-time sports patron dating back to his ESQ Marketing days in the PBL.

This year, Wang hopes to continue to provide a venue for young players seeking to make it to the big leagues and veterans wanting to stay in the game.

To be handled by coach Bong de la Cruz and manager Jimi Lim, the Blue Royals will be bannered by veterans Francis Camacho, James Castro, Mel Mabigat, Erwin Sta. Maria, Floyd Dedicatoria, Mark Lagrimas, John Sheriff and imports Jimmy Brown and Som Managor.

LaCo mainstays Thor Grealy, Jesse Bardaje, Arwil Talag, Wesley Martin, Kim Muñoz, TJ

PTT execs meet the press

PTT Philippines Marketing Director Thitiroj Rergsumran (right) shares information on the planned expansion of PTT business in the Philippines.

Later on, Vittaya Viboonterawud, Director for Commercial Fuels & Lubricants talked about the firm’s sponsorship of the Moto GP. Charles Dantes

Business of Football confab set RIDING on the heels of the historic Asian Cup 2019 qualification the Philippine Men’s National Team, more popularly known as The Azkals, the Philippines is set as the perfect venue for the upcoming “The Business of Football—Philippines” one-day Conference.

The event is organized by MMC Sportz Asia, best known for delivering the high-caliber annual SPIA Asia—Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference (www.spiaasia.com), recognizing and celebrating Asia’s top achievers within the sports industry.

“The Business of Football—Philippines,” sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation, is the first of its kind to take place in the country on 18 May 2018, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the New World Hotel Makati.

The one-day Summit will bring together all the

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

key stakeholders of the football community in the Philippines from the rights holders, football clubs, agencies, brands, media, retail, real estate, and of course, the fans. The overall objective is to educate and to discuss the current state of football in the Philippines, with the goal of being able to determine the strategy to make it the biggest spectator sport in the country.

LOTTO RESULTS

FROM business to politics and sports and to some petty topics, select members of the media bantered with key executives of PTT Philippines as they shared a light moment during the first “PTT Meets the Press” held recently at the Café Amazon Training Center in Quezon City.

The informal set-up for a media forum inside the coffee shop set the mood to allow a light exchange of questions and answers that brought the discussion to a myriad of topics ranging from the serious side of PTT business operations in the Philippines, to the Thai oil firm’s assessment on the business climate, and even to the “Operation Tuli”, one of its corporate social responsibility projects this summer. The PTT’s sponsorship of the Moto GP was also tackled.

PTT Philippines Marketing Director Thitiroj Rergsumran shared information on the planned expansion of PTT

business in the Philippines, including its target of 30 new gasoline stations and new branches of its coffee chain Café Amazon for this year.

Rergsumran was joined by Vittaya Viboonterawud, Director for Commercial Fuels & Lubricants; and Paul Senador, President of PTT Philippines Foundation, in addressing the questions raised by select editors and news anchors.

Viboonterawud shared some insights on the Philippine business climate, while Senador disclosed the aggressive implementation of several CSR projects where PTT has business presence.

“PTT Meets the Press” is a quarterly media forum that serves as a venue for a healthy discussion between PTT and the media, and as a source of story ideas that could be good materials for publication or broadcast.

Cariño, Lawrence Lopez, Karl Marquez, Jeff Pahila, Edward Batac and Gielo Latoreno will also see action in the tournament supported by Star Bread, Gerry’s Grill, Dickies Underwear and PRC Couriers.

“We are very thankful to Sister Maria Luz F. Mijares, OSA, and Athletic Director Andy Cristobal of La Consolacion and manager Jimi Lim for giving our players the opportunity to further hone their skills through participation in established league, like the MBL,” said De la Cruz.

NOTICE OF DISOLUTION Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, INC. (hereinafter referred to as the “CORPORATION”) in a Meeting of the Board of Directors held on 27 November 2013, approved shortening of the term of the Corporation for which the Corporation is to exist to a period up to 30 June 2014, which resolution was duly ratified by the affirmative vote of the stockholders owning and representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of the CORPORATION at the stockholders’ meeting held on the same day.

By: The Board of Directors (SGD.) THOMAS GLUCKMAN (SGD.) ANDREW GLUCKMAN (SGD) LORNA U. TAN (SGD.) MARITONI Z. LIWANAG (SGD.) ARNIDA VELASQUEZ

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) Quezon City) S.S. DIRECTORS’ CERTIFICATE WE, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Secretary of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, INC. a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines and currently under the process of dissolution, with registered address at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, do hereby certify: 1. The attached Articles of Incorporation is a true and correct copy of the Articles of Incorporation of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, INC. as amended by at least a majority vote of its Board of Directors at a Meeting held on 27 November 2013 at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, and duly ratified by the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Corporation owning and representing at least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation at the Special Stockholders’ Meeting held on the same day at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

2. The Fourth Article of the Articles of Incorporation was amended in order to shorten the term for which the Corporation is to exist to a period up to 30 June 2014, as follows: “FOURTH: That the term for which the Corporation is to exist is for a period ending on 30 June 2014.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 23rd day of November 2017, at Quezon City, Philippines.

One Burgundy Plaza Condominium Association, Inc. U3, One Burgundy Plaza Condominium 307 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City, Philippines Telephone: 426-2003 Telefax: 426-2003

2ND NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS DATE TIME VENUE

: May 12, 2018 : Saturday, 5:00 pm : Conference Room, 4F One Burgundy Plaza Condominium #307 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City AGENDA

I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X.

Call to Order Proof of Due Notice of Meeting Determination of Quorum Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the last Special Meeting and Election of Board Members and Officers held on December 2, 2017 President’s Report Treasurer’s Report Developer Issues Election of Board Members and Officers for 2018-2019 Other Matters Adjournment

(SGD) THOMAS GLUCKMAN (SGD) ANDREW GLUCKMAN Director & Chairman of the Board President/ Director TIN 121-064-682 TIN: 435-666-208 (SGD.) LORNA U. TAN (SGD) MARITONI Z. LIWANAG Director Director TIN 107-762-256 TIN: 150-919-125 (SGD.) ARNIDA VELASQUEZ Treasurer/ Director TIN: 125-716-835 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 23rd day of November 2017 affiants exhibiting to me the following: Name Andrew Gluckman

Competent Evidence of Identity Passport No. 561588041, issued on April 19, 2017, New York, USA Thomas Gluckman Passport No. 505451148,issued on March 4, 2014, New York USA Lorna U. Tan Passport No. EC0169851, issued on 30 January 2014, Manila SSS#04-0575776-7 Arnida Velasquez CTC No. 19309197 issued on 06 April 2017, Marikina/ SSS #03 3328875-1 Maritoni Z. Liwanag CTC No. 26398945 Issued on 11 January 2017, Pasig City/ SSS#03-966054-78 Doc. No. 319 Page No.64 Book No.12A Series of 2017

Attested by: EDGAR ROSENDO DELA CRUZ, MD Corporate Secretary

(MS-APR. 27, 2018))

(SGD.) ATTY. BENJAMIN F. ALFONSO NOTARY PUBLIC Until December 31, 2017 PTR No. 3805840- 1/16/2017 Quezon City IBP No. 1038379 – 11/24/2016 Quezon City ADM. MATTER NO. NP-046 (2017-2018) Roll No. 13296 TIN NO. 177-967-619-000 ADD., NO. 34 ASSETS ST., GSIS VILL. PROJ. 8, Q.C. MCLE NO. II-0020276 – 29 OCTOBER 2011

(MS-APR. 13,20 & 27, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018

F2 frustrates Foton, makes return trip to PSL finals F2 Logistics unleashed another sizzling performance as it crushed Foton, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, to book a return flight to the finals of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Venezuelan Maria Jose Perez was at her best, delivering crucial hits for the Cargo Movers, who formally wrapped up their best-of-three semifinals series of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

With the win, the Cargo Movers will have to wait for the winner of the other semifinal pairing between Petron and Cocolife, who are still competing in Game 2 of their own bestof-three semifinal series at press time.

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals of this tourney that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors is set on May 1 at the same venue in San Juan.

“The mindset of the players is to defend the title,” said F2 Logistics coach Arnold Laniog, adding that her players are slowly gaining the same chemistry and confidence that gave them their first Grand Prix crown last year.

“Our chemistry is improving and our connection is getting better. We know that we have a shallow bench.

So this kind of improvement can definitely help us where we want to be.

Perez, the reigning Most Valuable Player, tallied 19 kills for a gamehigh 21 points while American Kennedy Bryan chipped in 10 markers for F2 Logistics, which drew impressive performance from local stars Aby Marano, Cha Cruz and Kim Fajardo.

Marano and Cruz delivered eight markers apiece while Fajardo did a marvelous job calling the plays with 28 excellent sets.

“Kim had a great game tonight,” said Laniog, whose wards played a near-f lawless game with only 11 errors and 43 attacks.

“We know that Foton are taller and more aggressive at the net. But Kim did a good job calling the plays to keep the defense guessing. Her good playmaking opened things up for MJ (Perez), Cha and Aby at the attack zone.”

Cha Cruz of F2 is quashed by the towering defense of Foton’s Jaja Santiago and Ivy Perez in the Chooks to Go-PSL Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre. F2, however, won, to book a return trip to the finals. Roman Prospero

Meralco plays GlobalPort, nd seeks 2 straight victory Jeric Lopez

M

Games Today

ERALCO seeks the solo leadership even as three other teams shoot for their first win the early stages of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. After having an impressive debut Wednesday night, the Bolts (1-0) now look ahead to a possible second straight win when they meet GlobalPort (0-1) at 4:30 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum In the other scheduled tilt, Alaska and Rain or Shine make their debut against each other as they lock horns in an expected bull fight at 7 p.m.

Following a forgettable run last conference, Meralco showed everyone that with former Best Import Arinze Onuaku back, it

is once again a force to reckon with.

The Bolts started off on the right note after taking a smooth 116-103 dismantling of Columbian Dyip last Wednesday night.

Onuaku, despite being hospitalized for four days due to dehydration prior to his team’s opener, put everyone on notice right away as she tallied 30 points and 19 rebounds in a monster performance.

Meralco coach Norman Black described how pivotal Onuaku is in his team’s campaign.

4:30 p.m. Meralco vs GlobalPort 7:00 p.m. Alaska vs Rain or Shine

“My hat is off to Arinze (Onuaku). I’m very happy with his performance. He gives us exactly what we need as a team,” said Black. “He takes care of the rebounds for us as well as the low post plays. I think my local players played a lot better with a strong center in the middle.”

Onuaku will be matched up against the Batang Pier’s Malcolm White.

In the second game, fresh reinforcements will banner both the Aces and the Elasto Painters.

Alaska will parade newbie Antonio Campbell, while Rain or Shine will be backed by former resident Asean Basketball League import Reggie Johnson.

Mandanas stuns Chan, seal title duel with Corpus Beach Volley Republic champs to lead PH bets BEACH Volleyball Republic national champions Team Ato Ni Bai and Team Tagum-PNP will lead the Philippine contingent at the first-ever FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open, dubbed as the biggest international beach volleyball event to be held in Philippine shores, to be held on May 3 to 6 at the SM Sands

By The Bay. The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour is the worldwide professional beach volleyball tournament for both men’s and women’s competition organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). ABS-CBN Sports, as the official broadcaster of the tournament, will livestream all matches on the ABS-CBN Sports Youtube channel, and will air the matches on the last day on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD on May 17 and 18 at 4 p.m.

Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte reigned supreme in the recent BVR National Championship to earn a ticket to the World Tour that is brought to the country by BVR in its quest to give fans the best in beach volleyball action. Joining them in representing the Philippines are BVR runners-up Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto of Team UV and Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino of Air Force, plus Kris Roy Guzman and Henry Pecana of Team Tigers.

For the women’s division, Team TagumPNP, composed of Lourdilyn Catubag and Karen Quilario, will lead the Filipinas’ charge together with runners-up Jackie Estoquia and DM Demontaño of Team Ilo-Ilo, and Charo Soriano and Bea Tan of Seafront Residences, and the pair of Dzi Gervacio and Sisi Rondina.

A press conference was held on April 26 at the Coconut Club in Bonifacio Global City graced by Soriano, Tan, Gervacio, Guzman, Pecana, and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. secretary-general Ricky Palou to announce the arrival of the prestigious tournament to the country.

Aniceto Mandanas

FIFTH-RANKED Aniceto Mandanas pounced on top seed Aidric Chan’s erratic game and fashioned out a huge 7&5 victory while No. 2 Carl Corpus dethroned last year’s champion Peter Tyler Po on the 19th hole to seal a showdown for the Philippine Amateur Open Match Play crown at the Orchard’s Players course in Dasmariñas, Cavite yesterday.

Mandanas banked on his solid driving and superb iron game to oust the low medalist with the 18-year-old shotmaker, who primed up for his duel with Chan by thrashing No. 4 Josh Jorge 5&4, in the morning quarterfinals, upbeat of his chances for a breakthrough victory in the country’s premier championship sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation.

“I got lucky beating him (Chan). My driving and iron game worked well,” said Mandanas, an incoming freshman at University of Oakland as a golf scholar who placed second in the recent WExpress RVF Cup. “Tomorrow (today), I’ll just play my usual game, no pressure but I should be careful at the back, especially on No. 10-12 where the fairways are tight.”

While Mandanas coasted to victory, Corpus needed to toughen up and an extra hole to subdue Po with the incoming fourth year Ateneo student also expressing confidence in the grueling finals spread over 36

So, Shankland play to a draw in US chess FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So played to a 50move draw with Samuel Shankland in their Gruenfeld Defense games last Wednesday in Round 8 of the 2018 United States Chess Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.

Shankland then found himself sharing the lead with Fabiano Caruana, who turned back Varuzhan Akobian in 30 moves of a French Defense.

So is now in solo second with 4.5 points, while Akobian fell to fifth with 3.5 points.

Akobian has 3.5 points with Yaroslav Zherebukh and Zviad Izoria, who stopped Hikaru Nakamura in 92 moves of a Reti Opening.

Because of this, Nakamura has three points at fourth with Jeffrey Xiong and Awonder Liang. Peter Atencio

holes against the very player who trounced his cousin (Chan).

It was a sorry setback for Chan, who topped the 36-hole stroke play elims and looked headed to a cruise to the finals with a pair of 5&4 romps in the knockout phase before subduing Luigi Guerrero, 2-up, in the quarters.

“I was a bit unlucky, couldn’t get a good lie and couldn’t sink my putts,” rued Chan.

Top seed Harmie Constantino and No. 2 Mikha Fortuna, meanwhile, forged an interesting faceoff for the women’s crown with the former, the 36-hole ruler, dominating young Laurea Duque, 4&3, in the quarters and then edging Laia Barro, 2&1, in the semis.

Fortuna, on the other hand, needed two extra holes to nip Sofia Legaspi in the quarters then the top The Country Club bet ripped Korean Kim Hui Won, 7&5, in the Final Four to get a crack at the championship in the event held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

“It’s so hot and tough to concentrate although the wind was not much of a factor,” said Fortuna, who also gained a golf scholarship at Univ. of Oklahoma. She braces for a down-to-the-wire battle with Constantino in the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

UST booters whip Eagles, 1-0, make football finals UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas ended a six-year wait to make it to the title round with a 1-0 win over Ateneo at extra time in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Conrado Dimacali’s header from a saved attempt in the 105th minute put the Growling Tigers in front.

The Blue Eagles tried to equalize and possibly send the match to penalties but Koko Gaudiel’s free kick deep in extra time hit the crossbar.

Proud owners of league-best 35 titles, UST will face the other semifinal winner between University of the Philippines and De La Salle in the one-game final next week at the same Malate venue.

“For the players, deserving sila na maglalaro sila sa Finals kasi ginawa nila lahat kanina. We didn’t give up. We didn’t give in sa game since first half,” said coach Marjo Allado, after the Tigers secured their first championship appearance since the 2011-12 season.

After two seasons of disappointments, including last year’s 1-2 semifinal loss to Ateneo, the Tigers finally got over the hump.

“Masaya kami,” said Allado, whose squad has seven graduating players and are hoping to end their careers as winners. “Motivation namin, no more next year.”

UST last ruled the league in the 2006-07 season when it defeated Far Eastern University in the championship round, when Allado was then an assistant to Nonoy Carpio.

The Tigers were truly wary of the Eagles’ main offensive options Jarvey Gayoso and Enzo Ceniza and found their confidence to win after a scoreless 90 minutes that sent the match into extra time.

CEREMONIAL MOVES. Zambales

Gov. Amor Deloso, an avid chess player, and GM Eugene Torre essay the ceremonial moves surrounded by some of the bumper crop of entries in the ongoing National Age Group Chess Championships in Iba, Zambales.

Philippine Sports Commission and Province of Zambales sponsor the tourney organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

IN BRIEF Metrobank to issue LTNCDs worth P25b METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, will raise P25 billion through the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits to fund operations.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday its board of directors approved the planned issuance in a meeting held on Wednesday.

Metrobank said the notes would have tenors of 5.5 years up to 10 years, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions. Metrobank will issue the LTNCDs listed on the Philippine Dealing Exchange.

Early this month, Metrobank successfully completed a P60-billion stock rights offering that was listed April 12, 2018 at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The offer to eligible shareholders of 799,842,250 common shares was priced at P75.00 per share.

The bank said the offer was taken up entirely by the bank’s existing shareholders, with broad support seen across the shareholder base resulting in a substantial oversubscription. Julito G. Rada

Business

Chelsea taps Japan’s Kegoya to build ships CHELSEA Logistics Holdings Corp. on Thursday said it signed a contract with Kegoya Dock Co. Ltd. (Kegoya Dock) of Japan to construct two brand-new rollon roll-off passenger ferry ships.

CLC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the ferry ships would be built at Kegoya Dock’s shipyard in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

The two RORO vessels will be delivered to CLC in October 2019 and April 2020 respectively. Specifically designed for Philippine waters, the ships are expected to be additional workhorses of the company.

CLC has an option to have a third vessel constructed by Kegoya Dock.

Kegoya Dock is a highly-reputable Japan-based shipbuilding corporation engaged in building and repairing ships, barges and lighters with principal office at Kure City, Hiroshima.

CLC plans to upgrade its passenger and cargo fleet with the acquisition of brand new and younger vessels.

Darwin G. Amojelar

CEB eyes 12% passenger growth to 22m this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific Air said it expects to carry 22 million passengers this year on the back of higher domestic and international inbound tourists.

The target represents a 12-percent increase over 19.7 million passengers flown last year.

Growth in domestic travel was relatively flat year-on-year. However, the number of international passengers expanded almost 8 percent in 2017, with strong performance in key markets such as Sydney, Dubai, Hong Kong, Narita, Taipei and Incheon.

“Despite the challenges posed by higher prices of petroleum products, the weakening of the peso versus the US dollar, security concerns and travel advisories, we have remained relatively resilient,” Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring said.

“To reach our goal of flying 22 million passengers this year, we remain committed to offering a compelling route network where we can meet rising demand and sustain our year-round low fare proposition,” he said.

Mantaring said Cebu Pacific was also committed to transforming the customer experience and enhancing safety through continuous investments in technology and facilities as well as process improvements.

Cebu Pacific posted a net income of P7.9 billion in 2017, with passenger revenues up 7 percent and ancillary revenues―including baggage allowance, seat selection and pre-ordered meals―up 15 percent year-on-year.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018

B1

Malampaya’s gas production seen falling to a third by 2024

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Large Swedish firms eyeing infra projects BIG Swedish companies are interested to take part in the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the Duterte administration.

Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries said in a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that Swedish companies had expressed interest in joining efforts to modernize the Philippine infrastructure, especially in setting up a bus rapid system and beefing up security in the country’s airports.

Fries said the Sweden-based global vehicle manufacturer Volvo Group and Saab could lend their expertise to the government and take part in the “Build, Build, Build” program.

“The Build, Build, Build program generates a lot of interest among Swedish businesses,” Fries said during the meeting.

The Volvo Group manufactures trucks, buses, construction equipment and industrial engines, while the Saab Group specializes in defense and security systems.

“The Swedish infrastructure minister has invited Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to Sweden to study how we do it,” the envoy said. Julito G. Rada

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

2018 BOSSING AWARDS. PLDT Enterprise, the country’s leading ICT and digital services provider, relaunches the MVP Bossing Awards at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City in search for the next batch of MVP Bossings. Shown are (from left) PLDT senior vice president and head of Smart enterprise business group Jovy Hernandez, Toby’s Sports co-founder and chief executive Bobby Claudio, ePLDT president and chief executive Eric Alberto, Golden ABC chairman and chief executive Bernie Liu, PLDT chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan, presidential advisor for entrepreneurship and GoNegosyo founder Joey Concepcion, Jollibee Foods Corp. founder Tony Tan Caktiong and PLDT SME Nation first vice president Mitch Locsin.

Govt approves P735-b int’l airport in Bulacan T

By Julito G. Rada

HE National Economic and Development Authority board headed

by President Rodrigo Duterte approved eight major projects Wednesday, including the P735.6-billion international airport project of San Miguel Corp. in Bulacan province.

The unsolicited project involves the construction, operation and maintenance of the Bulacan International Airport over an area spanning 2,500 hectares in the coastal town of Bulakan.

It will include a passenger terminal building, with airside and landside facilities and an 8.4-kilometer airport toll

road.

Once completed, the airport is expected to accommodate 100 million passengers a year during its opening year. The unsolicited proposal has a project cost of P735.634 billion.

Bulakan, a first-class town, is located northwest of Obando and Valenzuela City and is only 35 kilometers north of Manila.

San Miguel’s proposal involves developing an “aerotropolis” on 1,168 hectares and a city complex on a 2,500-hectare area in Bulakan.

“We are pleased to see more infrastructure projects in the pipeline. As we roll them out, government shall keep working towards developing the country’s infrastructure to ensure easing of congestion in Metro Manila and spreading growth to the regions,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said during the 6th Neda board meeting at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on April 25.

The Neda board also approved the Subic-Clark Railway Project, a 71.13-kilometer railway that will connect Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone to support current industrial activities and the potential demand for freight services along the SubicClark corridor.

The project, to be implemented by the Transportation Department and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, will cost P50.03 billion, of which P42.53 billion will be financed through official development assistance and P7.51 billion through local funds.

“This project is seen to help decongest Metro Manila traffic, provide infrastructure for the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, and spur the development of a freight railway system for Luzon,” it said.

The Neda board also approved Clark International Airport Expansion Project’s operations and maintenance PPP concession under BCDA.

NGCP’S RELIABLE SOLUTIONS.

Grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines brings to the Philippines the Technical Congress Southeast Asia 2018 ( TechCon SE Asia 2018), which gathers experts from across the globe to share knowledge, experience and expertise on electricity transmission and the power industry.

Addressing the participants of TechCon SE Asia 2018 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City is NGCP officer-in-charge president Anthony Almeda, who discusses NGCP’s efforts in Southeast Asia to find innovative solutions for sustainable, reliable, resilient and efficient power services.

ING expects Monetary Board to raise interest rates in May THE local unit of Dutch financial giant ING Bank expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise interest rates by May or June, citing the previous hawkish statements of Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. that any tweak in the policy stance was “just a matter time.”

ING Bank senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said in a report Thursday that justifications for the possible rate hike would be the rising inflation that could lead to second-round effects, such as demands for higher minimum wages and transport fares.

“A few tripartite regional wage boards have been conducting public hearings.

Petitions for higher minimum fares are under consideration by the regulator,” he said.

“We believe that modest secondround effects are already incorporated in

BSP’s inflation forecast. BSP forecasts a return to the target range over the policy horizon of by early 2019 with its 3 percent 2019 inflation outlook from 2018 forecast of 3.9 percent,” Cuyegkeng said.

Cuyegkeng said ING was more pessimistic than the consensus forecast with its 4.3-percent forecast (against consensus of 4 percent) this year and 3.7 percent next year (against consensus of 3.5 percent).

“Chances of our dovish policy rate view have dropped even as expectations in 2019 show a return to the inflation target range. The market expects a policy rate hike at the May or June meeting,” Cuyegkeng said.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said last week there was not enough reason at the moment to tweak the current monetary policy

stance as inflation rate would continue to be manageable and stabilize in the coming months.

“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.

“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.

Julito G. Rada

PRODUCTION at the Malampaya deepwater gas-to-power project in northwest Palawan is seen to plummet to a third of its current capacity by 2024, an energy official said Thursday.

Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos said from the current national gas production that supports power plants with a combined capacity of 3,400 megawatts, Malampaya’s output would decline to 1,000 MW by 2024.

“After 2024, Malampaya can supply 1,000 MW only,” Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos said during a hearing by the Senate energy committee.

Marcos said the agency started making preparations for Malampaya’s eventual depletion by 2027 to 2029 and would make a decision on the life of the Malampaya consortium, operator of service contract 38 or the Malampaya gas field, by next year. “[We] will make recommendation in 2019 and the secretary [Alfonso Cusi] will have to do some validations,” Marcos said.

Shell Philippines Exploration B.V owns 45 percent of the Malampaya consortium together with Chevron Malampaya Llc with 45 percent and state-owned PNOC Exploration Corp. with 10 percent.

Spex managing director Don Paulino said that based on the consortium’s assessment, the Malampaya reservoir could last until 2027 to 2029, “depending on the demand in the next coming years.”

“We also see opportunities that we can continue to provide between 60 percent to 100 percent of the current demand for natural gas by 2022,” Paulino said.

He said a decline in natural gas production was seen as early as 2015, prompting the consortium to install a depletion compressor to bring back the output of the wells.

BSP relaxes credit limits on infra projects THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, said Thursday it approved separate credit limits for companies doing standalone projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the government.

The Bangko Sentral said in a statement the move would support the government’s massive P8.4-trillion infrastructure program that was seen to spur economic activities nationwide.

“The Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas amended regulations providing entities created as vehicles to implement major projects [often Special Purpose Entities ] with a separate single borrower’s limit,” the BSP said.

The SBL is currently at 25 percent of a bank’s/quasi-bank’s net worth.

“Such SPEs were given their own separate SBL in consideration of the independence they usually enjoy under project finance schemes. Under these schemes, SPEs are ring-fenced by appropriate legal structures, operational set up, and controls so that assets and cash flows of SPEs remain separate from those of their sponsors, shareholders, and other related parties,” it said.

The BSP said this policy reform was premised on banks/quasi-banks’ understanding of risks of such exposures. It said lending to such dedicated SPEs should be subject to certain conditions to ensure effective risk monitoring and management.

“It is also required that purposes of project finance loans be in line with the government’s priority programs and projects. Lending banks/QBs must also ensure standard prudential controls.

These may include pledges of borrowers’ shares, assignments of borrowers’ assets, revenues, cash waterfall accounts and project documents,” ir said.

The BSP said to curb excessive credit risk-taking, banks and quasi-banks should take into account their total project finance exposures in managing large exposures and credit risk concentrations.

“These prudential controls shall likewise apply to credit extended by banks/ QBs to their SPE subsidiaries and affiliates involved in project finance activities,” it said. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Bargain hunting lifts stock market T

HE stock market rose Thursday on bargain hunting to end its threeday slump, with previously battered issues leading the rally.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 59.51 points, or 0.8 percent, to 7,617.42 on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. The benchmark index eked out gains in last-minute trading, with gainers beating losers, 112 to 89, and 39 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. rose 2.4 percent to P930, while unit property developer Ayala Land Inc. advanced 3 percent to P41. JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei rallied 3.8 percent to P61.25, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp. added 2.9 percent to P4.57.

Further weakness in the technology sector, meanwhile, dragged on Asian equities Thursday while the dollar eased

from its latest rally but it held most gains as US Treasury yields sat at fouryear highs.

Expectations the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates four times this year—instead of the three times previously thought—have increased as the improving economy, rising oil prices and Donald Trump’s huge tax cuts fan inflationary pressure.

This has led the yield on 10-year Treasuries—which are used as a benchmark for mortgage rates—to break the three percent mark Tuesday.

The Dow and S&P 500 ended with gains in New York but the Nasdaq retreated.

In Asia most major markets were in the red. Hong Kong fell one percent and Shanghai shed 1.4 percent, while Sydney and Singapore each dipped 0.2 percent.

Wellington and Bangkok also sank.

Jakarta dived more than two percent

on worries Indonesia’s central bank is preparing to raise interest rates.

However, Tokyo ended 0.5 percent higher thanks to a weaker yen, while Seoul jumped more than one percent and the won also gained ahead of a historic North-South Korea summit on Friday.

The dollar has also pushed to multimonth highs against the yen and euro with the single unit also weighed by fading chances for monetary tightening by the European Central Bank.

“The US dollar is breaking out and if the ECB is even slightly dovish (at its policy meeting Thursday)—or perhaps not hawkish—the euro could break wide open and with that, the big surge in the dollar will have truly begun,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

While the greenback is slightly lower Thursday analysts say it could soon test

the 110 yen level while the euro could dip to $1.2150.

Dealers are keeping a close eye on US growth data Friday for a better idea about the Fed’s monetary policy plans.

With safe government debt offering more attractive returns, riskier assets such as equities have also been hit, though Stephen Innes, head of AsiaPacific trade at OANDA, said “it looks like the three percent 10-year Treasury doom-and-gloom hand was overplayed.”

Technology firms again struggled on worries about the smartphone sector, which has seen Apple shares battered over the past week.

A strong earnings report from South Korean titan Samsung saw its stock jump 3.5 percent but it warned about falling demand for high-tech handsets as well as competition from Chinese companies. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58 65,890 105 553,830 3.13 66,000 129 1,543,240 1.44 73,000 34.2 107,800 6.47 3,800 16.3 134,900 16.14 1,886,300 3.48 62,000 8.78 200 0.57 1,096,000 81.6 2,296,950 1.08 260,000 12.2 1,100 52.35 97,940 222 2,500 108 20 81 970 38.45 233,400 214 355,940 1,890 10 90.2 52,570 1.21 10,000

3,817,973 57,979,416 186,840 199,106,017 105,040 3,685,740 24,691 2,185,436 30,316,528 213,960 1,756 606,940 187,487,700.50 279,560 13,420 5,122,451.50 555,300 2,160 78,985 8,991,415 76,248,796 18,900 4,741,739 12,100

1,149,670.50 -6,556,383 -56,022,634 1,001,945 -1,630 3,743,984 -60,728,680.50 -11,770 -3,264,998 -521,700 -5,934,035.00 -49,836,142 970,640 -

37.8 14.2 0.54 1.27 19.7 0.234 113 3.22 15.98 45.9 24.2 58.8 69.05 1.91 9.9 10.1 15.1 11.4 7.13 5.35 14.98 64.85 23 9.32 15.18 1.9 279 4.9 3.27 25.05 14.4 22.9 291.4 0.188 6.56 2.38 4.7 8.75 4.94 7.71 1.45 11.74 51.8 4.85 1.95 3.31 1.86 13.7 63.55 5.44 0.133 0.98 131.7 3.1 0.79

INDUSTRIAL 38.95 640,300 14.4 1,012,400 0.62 17,072,000 1.27 50,000 20.2 33,600 0.234 9,570,000 115 180 3.3 7,368,000 16.18 848,500 47.5 706,800 24.2 32,700 62.1 220 74.5 1,880 1.95 86,000 9.9 8,100 10.16 2,654,800 15.32 7,656,100 11.7 1,574,700 7.18 63,000 5.38 823,600 15.5 330,400 64.85 7,910 24.1 67,300 9.32 35,100 15.2 2,148,200 1.95 710,000 280 1,333,040 4.9 10,000 3.27 3,000 25.5 1,534,000 14.4 168,900 23.5 7,256,700 295.8 456,310 0.19 540,000 6.56 5,300 2.55 1,382,000 4.74 196,000 9.19 1,360,400 5.3 40,000 7.71 42,100 1.46 335,000 11.82 35,100 52 420,390 4.85 20,000 1.95 35,000 3.31 9,000 1.89 369,000 14 409,400 65 205,030 5.47 33,400 0.137 330,000 0.99 167,000 137.6 721,320 3.25 46,154,000 0.79 1,028,000

24,800,150 14,551,270 10,338,570 63,500 680,292 2,280,900 20,385 24,304,150 13,596,360 33,301,160 812,000 13,015 131,867 165,620 80,254 27,005,684 117,813,698 18,029,424 452,014 4,424,329 5,044,128 513,884.50 1,581,000 329,860 32,780,070 1,372,740 374,119,926 49,000 9,820 39,086,705 2,460,274 167,671,230 135,626,832 101,980 34,843 3,550,800 925,160 12,260,681 204,950 333,616 491,390 414,716 21,875,836 97,000 68,250 29,790 694,170 5,707,010 13,303,548.50 182,655 44,420 164,750 98,544,169 148,634,620 820,070

-7,230 -82,558 -27,600 -9,781,910 -1,193,076 -5,389,210 -24,322,118 86,910,840 3,183,684 -143,256 -117,076 -329,750 373,114.50 -129,500 -204,920 7,309,188 -60,490 -106,169,938 49,000 4,972,790 132,426 -25,496,190 -62,301,604 60,490 2,027,040 4,127,652 -74,816 -122,840 -33,088 -7,465,376 42,700 2,161,130 1,516,661.50 46,945,923 -7,534,990 -

0.295 65.05 12.88 6.28 0.6 0.62 902 6.43 11.42 7.58 0.21 1,002 59 5 0.6 4.44 18.82 0.56 4.46 0.04 1.12 3.2 137.5 880.5 0.81 1.65 530 255 0.233 0.265

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 130,000 66.85 1,221,470 12.9 5,264,000 6.48 22,300 0.62 3,114,000 0.64 694,000 930 261,180 6.5 13,361,500 11.42 8,234,500 7.58 100 0.215 26,160,000 1,034 81,315 61.25 1,525,920 5 300 0.65 3,000 4.45 461,000 19.26 599,400 0.58 532,000 4.57 25,992,000 0.04 4,500,000 1.15 52,000 3.27 2,966,000 139.5 351,280 886.5 263,660 0.81 31,000 1.71 384,000 600 720 265 5,610 0.239 40,000 0.275 51,150,000

38,600 81,317,298 68,031,768 141,384 1,900,480 437,270 240,215,245 86,851,669 94,886,276 758 6,301,620 82,835,540 92,394,054 1,500 1,900 2,076,490 11,488,430 302,150 117,765,060 182,000 58,380 9,680,250 48,867,514 233,440,195 25,110 646,750 425,710 1,446,434 9,510 14,248,300

-3,774,987.50 -19,399,750 57,355,145 -5,145,702 -46,577,172 4,426,955 5,766,880 -895,090 -6,451,292 -18,799,780 1,227,930 2,633,007 -54,077,270 9,720 -8,500 147,500

3,034,420 25,086,080 162,128 4,040 394,980 287,049,010 1,112,180 647,120 30,294 730,500 22,460 100,230 2,915,680 2,833,530 1,113,130 4,244,960 1,561,060 2,263,810 22,469,900 38,801,180 7,341,400 4,491,490 12,253,830 74,082,670 1,471,040 82,080

-6,790 386,800 19,329,750 -16,610 39,600 -15,360 -9,620 354,060 -975,360 -3,427,860 -53,100 -428,600 8,506,590 -179,280 90,000 100,628 -6,300

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 MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

59 103.3 2.77 130 1.43 34.1 6.46 16.2 16.1 3.47 8.78 0.55 83 1.09 12.2 52.35 224 108 82.05 39.5 214.2 1,890 90 1.21

59 105 3.13 131 1.46 34.3 6.52 16.5 16.3 3.53 8.78 0.57 83.25 1.09 12.2 53.6 224 108 82.05 40.4 218 1,890 90.9 1.21

57.25 103.3 2.77 128.4 1.43 34.1 6.46 16.2 15.9 3.3 8.78 0.55 81 1.07 12.2 52.05 222 108 81 38.1 214 1,890 90 1.21

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

38.45 14.36 0.54 1.27 20.95 0.239 113 3.32 16 45.9 25.6 58.8 70.05 1.91 10.14 10.1 15.2 11.4 7.39 5.37 15.3 65 24.8 9.4 15.52 1.9 280 4.9 3.28 25.9 14.9 23 307 0.19 6.9 2.61 4.71 9.01 4.94 8 1.49 11.74 52.4 4.85 1.95 3.31 1.9 13.96 64.8 5.47 0.133 1.02 132 3.24 0.8

38.95 14.44 0.64 1.27 20.95 0.245 115 3.32 16.5 50.4 25.6 62.1 74.5 1.95 10.14 10.28 15.54 11.72 7.39 5.38 15.5 65.05 24.8 9.4 15.7 1.97 282 4.9 3.28 25.9 15 23.8 307.4 0.19 6.9 2.63 4.75 9.19 5.3 8 1.49 12 52.4 4.85 1.95 3.31 1.9 14 65.3 5.48 0.138 1.02 137.6 3.34 0.81

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

0.305 66.15 12.98 6.3 0.6 0.63 908.5 6.47 12 7.58 0.229 1,003 59 5 0.65 4.53 19.5 0.56 4.54 0.04 1.17 3.22 140 885 0.81 1.69 530 256.4 0.24 0.285

0.305 67.6 13 6.48 0.62 0.65 930 6.58 12 7.58 0.265 1,034 61.25 5 0.65 4.53 19.5 0.58 4.57 0.041 1.17 3.34 140 891.5 0.81 1.71 608 265 0.24 0.295

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

6.8 1.1 13.76 2.01 0.82 39.7 3.3 4.58 6.05 0.44 1.03 0.96 0.235 31.05 0.67 1.68 1.25 1.05 4.36 0.54 0.49 0.53 4 17.54 2.04 3.15

6.8 1.12 14.38 2.03 0.82 41 3.45 4.58 6.1 0.445 1.03 0.98 0.245 31.15 0.69 1.69 1.28 1.05 4.38 0.57 0.49 0.56 4.07 18.04 2.09 3.18

6.78 1.03 13.76 2.01 0.81 39.6 3.27 4.5 6.04 0.44 1.02 0.96 0.235 31 0.67 1.67 1.25 0.99 4.29 0.53 0.44 0.53 3.97 17.54 2 3.15

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

33 1.01 11.4 0.78 6.55

33.5 1.01 11.88 0.78 6.55

32.8 1 10.02 0.78 6.44

33.5 1.01 10.12 0.78 6.55

6,145,900 400,000 1,502,600 12,000 2,204,000

204,271,120 403,000 16,307,800 9,360 14,346,101

-7,579,060 -252,674 2,983,136

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

15.5 27.6 1.4 0.485 0.048 12.62 5.35 12.1 0.055 87.55 8.72 6.54 7.52 2.25 22.45 1,499 5.54 301 4 2.31 85.95 13.3 8.28 0.113 1.37 3.38 14.32 4.7 1.01 26.35 0.5 4.4 6.65 3.14 6.91 11.2 9.9 2.86 127.5 6 1,405 1.01 0.41 47 88.25 6.6 2.32 1.28 0.41 4.75 0.92 10.58

15.5 27.7 1.49 0.485 0.048 12.62 5.35 12.4 0.056 88 8.72 6.77 7.52 2.25 23.25 1,500 5.58 307.8 4.28 2.31 86 13.3 8.29 0.117 1.41 3.42 14.32 4.8 1.05 26.7 0.5 4.4 6.7 3.15 8.02 11.5 9.9 2.86 127.5 6 1,430 1.02 0.435 47.55 88.25 6.8 2.33 1.28 0.42 4.82 0.92 10.78

14.9 27.5 1.34 0.46 0.047 12.6 5.35 11.92 0.053 86.8 8.71 6.51 7.52 2.25 21.9 1,483 5.5 295 4 2.31 83.7 13.3 8.28 0.111 1.37 3.38 14.32 4.54 1.01 25.5 0.5 4.37 6.6 3.12 6.91 11.2 9.8 2.76 120 5.9 1,400 1.01 0.395 46.55 87 6.6 2.3 1.22 0.41 4.61 0.86 10.5

SERVICES 14.96 27.7 1.36 0.47 0.048 12.62 5.35 12.04 0.056 86.95 8.71 6.75 7.52 2.25 23.2 1,500 5.5 306.8 4.06 2.31 86 13.3 8.29 0.115 1.41 3.42 14.32 4.75 1.02 25.7 0.5 4.37 6.6 3.12 8.02 11.5 9.8 2.76 125 5.92 1,430 1.02 0.425 47.4 87 6.8 2.32 1.25 0.415 4.81 0.87 10.78

52,400 36,400 412,000 1,580,000 1,100,000 47,600 100 8,853,300 9,360,000 44,930 4,000 232,000 300 8,000 30,800 18,365 548,800 9,390 929,000 13,000 2,379,470 5,000 13,000 5,760,000 27,000 5,000 700 1,153,000 56,000 4,050,700 40,000 200,000 1,726,000 1,457,000 22,444,000 5,400 3,100 30,000 1,550 335,000 29,770 355,000 6,200,000 1,000,500 714,450 179,900 259,000 616,000 5,770,000 3,300,000 8,533,000 1,059,600

784,874 1,004,590 585,690 742,400 52,400 600,622 535 106,810,242 506,530 3,920,568 34,850 1,537,209 2,256 18,000 702,475 27,492,210 3,030,051 2,850,490 3,832,070 30,030 202,859,007.50 66,500 107,670 650,500 37,110 17,000 10,024 5,378,770 57,000 104,904,300 20,000 874,390 11,397,666 4,584,770 172,674,206 61,530 30,680 84,070 188,495 1,986,780 42,342,085 358,610 2,544,800 47,346,235 62,481,909 1,212,798 597,810 772,330 2,388,150 15,661,450 7,525,270 11,260,018

44,880 -543,922.00 -4,452,928 -511,099.50 -10 -44,520 -2,275 -1,079,875 -240,800 -58,660 18,480 -69,357,202.50 44,900 -5,480 -373,200 -59,930,525 -17,480 9,925,989 -457,400 6,512,058 236,000 3,504,670 -16,220 -17,150 -814,770 -1,511,092.50 895,970 -265,360.00 -117,380 -8,300 -1,206,410 -880 -2,610,866

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

0.0028 1.67 4.41 17.3 1.62 0.3 7.72 2.16 0.201 0.14 0.009 1.44 5.33 1.21 0.5 0.91 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.24 5.62 12.9 30

0.0028 1.68 4.41 18.48 1.64 0.3 7.73 2.17 0.205 0.141 0.009 1.45 5.33 1.22 0.52 0.91 0.013 0.012 0.012 2.24 5.64 13.76 30

0.0028 1.64 4.38 17.3 1.62 0.295 7.4 2.1 0.201 0.14 0.0089 1.44 5.07 1.19 0.5 0.87 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.14 5.57 12.9 29.6

MINING & OIL 0.0028 56,000,000 1.64 2,610,000 4.38 397,000 18.48 200 1.64 541,000 0.295 330,000 7.73 3,900 2.14 2,323,000 0.205 20,000 0.141 1,960,000 0.0089 100,000,000 1.45 28,000 5.07 4,207,100 1.21 50,000 0.51 60,000 0.91 702,000 0.013 31,300,000 0.012 22,200,000 0.012 10,500,000 2.14 3,000 5.58 64,600 13.3 1,769,200 29.6 1,692,400

156,800 4,312,000 1,742,240 3,578 883,630 97,750 28,987 4,924,500 4,060 275,860 891,200 40,330 21,825,811 60,470 30,360 624,960 375,800 266,400 126,000 6,620 360,729 23,758,948 50,282,990

-6,680 -885,490 40,680 -558,600 230,718.00 -60,000 84,000 -4,480 -216,709 4,967,234 -37,723,195

AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

520 100.5 106.9 111 5.56 990 100.3 107 1,056 111 995 76 79 75.05 75.9 76.5 75.75

520 101.7 106.9 111 5.56 990 100.3 107.1 1,056 111 995 76 79 75.05 76 77.4 75.75

503.5 100.4 106.9 111 5.55 977 100.2 107 1,056 111 995 76 78 75 75.9 76.5 75.5

PREFERRED 503.5 3,200 101.7 6,300 106.9 110 111 10 5.55 100,800 977 740 100.2 10,000 107.1 100 1,056 520 111 3,130 995 140 76 3,360 78 41,750 75 11,600 76 3,990 77.4 33,650 75.5 67,440

1,614,500 633,012 11,759 1,110 559,948 728,900 1,002,319 10,701 549,120 347,430 139,300 255,360 3,256,759 870,050 303,190 2,574,810 5,103,767.50

-357,891.00 490,980 1,071 7,560.00

LR WARRANT

2.79

2.89

2.71

WARRANTS 2.89 209,000

587,600

-

415,500 3,000 247,000 482,000

2,084,549 8,880 746,180 1,548,740

14,950 -32,110

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.1 46,030

5,377,296

350,242

20,400 102,000

-

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 6.8 1.05 14.38 2.03 0.82 41 3.33 4.51 6.1 0.445 1.02 0.98 0.243 31.05 0.67 1.69 1.26 0.99 4.31 0.55 0.445 0.55 4.01 18 2.06 3.18

446,700 23,262,000 11,600 2,000 485,000 7,088,100 337,000 143,000 5,000 1,660,000 22,000 104,000 12,140,000 91,300 1,653,000 2,540,000 1,245,000 2,247,000 5,201,000 70,478,000 15,980,000 8,214,000 3,056,000 4,128,700 718,000 26,000

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5 2.96 3.1 3.22

5.05 2.96 3.14 3.27

4.95 2.96 3 3.2

FIRST METRO ETF

117.1

117.3

116.1

USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.2 1.02

10.2 1.02

10.2 1.02

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 8,905,121

INDUSTRIAL

118,211,887

HOLDING FIRMS

147,936,344

PROPERTY

172,334,514

SERVICES

95,486,569

MINING & OIL

236,863,975

GRAND TOTAL

780,933,840

5.05 2.96 3.14 3.21

10.2 1.02

SME

DDS

2,000 100,000

VALUE 1,943.03 (down) 16.09 581,802,390.12 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,819.55 (up) 41.96 1,369,480,592.70 HOLDING FIRMS 7,569.06 (up) 80.00 1,231,501,792.92 PROPERTY 3,589.27 (up) 74.60 1,538.12 (up) 8.84 755,840,003.02 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,239.44 (down) 53.21 755,840,003.02 PSEI 7,617.42 (up) 59.51 111,100,407.34 All Shares Index 4,618.05 (up) 22.62 5,108,229,971.21 Gainers: 112; Losers: 89; Unchanged: 39; Total: 240

Manila Water bags Bulacan water project worth P400m

By Jenniffer B. Austria MANILA Water Co. Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., bagged a P400million water project in Bulacan province.

Manila Water said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it and wholly-owned unit Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc. received a notice of award from the Balagtas Water District to develop the water project in Balagtas town under a 25-year concession.

The project involves the design, construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, financing, expansion and management of the water supply system and sanitation facilities of the BWD Manila Water, MWPV and the BWD upon completion of the project will form a joint venture company to manage it, which is estimated to deliver billed volume of 22 million litters a day by the end of the 25-year period.

The Balatas water project will be the third for MPWV in Bulacan.

The company in 2017 received a notice of award from the Obando Water District to develop a project that aims to rehabilitate, operate and provide water and sanitation services to the municipality of Obando.

MWPC also signed an asset purchase agreement with Asian Land Strategies Corp., one of the largest real estate developers in Bulacan, to provide water and used water services in the latter’s 10 residential subdivisions in Bulacan.

Manila Water holds the exclusive right to provide water and used water services to over six million customers in the eastern zone of Metro Manila and Rizal province, encompassing 23 cities and municipalities.

MWPV, meanwhile, was designated as the vehicle for expansion within the Philippines with focus on geographic expansion, new acquisitions and partnerships.

Currently under MWPV are Laguna AAA Water Corp., Boracay Island Water Co., Clark Water Corp., Manila Water Consortium Inc and Estate Water.

The group has other new projects in its portfolio, including the Zamboanga City performance-based non-revenue water reduction project and the Tagum City bulk water supply.

SEC exempts Pure Foods from tender offer rule THE Securities and Exchange Commission said San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. is exempted from conducting a tender offer to minority shareholders of Ginebra San Miguel Inc. and San Miguel Brewery Inc. under a planned consolidation.

The SEC said in a letter to SMPFC the company’s planned acquisition of a controlling stake in GSMI and SMB would not result in change of ownership and that the deal, which is considered a merger and consolidation, was exempted from mandatory tender offer rules of the Securities Regulation Code.

“San Miguel Purefoods Co. Inc. is not required to conduct a tender offer considering that the said transaction will not result in change in ownership control and is likewise exempted from the said mandatory tender offer required pursuant to Section 19.3.17 go the Securities Regulation Code,” the SEC said.

SMPFC, which has recently been renamed San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc., is set to become the food and beverage arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. through a share swap deal worth P336.35 billion.

SMPFC will acquire 7.86 billion shares in San Miguel Brewery Inc. and 216.97 million shares in GSMI owned

by San Miguel. SMPFC in exchange will issue 4.24 billion shares to San Miguel.

SMPFC president Francisco Alejo III earlier said the planned merger and consolidation would not require a tender offer to minority shareholders.

Alejo, however, said the company was prepared to comply if ordered by the SEC to conduct the mandatory tender offer.

Meanwhile, the SEC reminded SMPFC to comply with the minimum 15 percent public ownership requirement as the deal could result in San Miguel owning a 95.5-percent stake in SMPFC. The SEC said the food and beverage company had six months to restore its public ownership to 15 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B3

World

extrastory2000@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Iran rejects call for new nuke deal

IN BRIEF Five migrants die trying to cross the Mediterranean MADRID—Five migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean, the Spanish coastguard said Thursday after rescuing 54 others, while bad weather was hindering a search for another two boats with dozens aboard.

Rescue boats and a helicopter from southern Spain carried out the rescue late Wednesday, a spokeswoman said.

They spotted two boats but one had capsized, and four migrants were already dead in the water some 40 kilometers off Morocco’s coast.

Another of those rescued later died of cardiac arrest, the spokeswoman said.

On Thursday, rescuers were searching for another two boats in the Alboran Sea between Morocco and Spain’s Andalusian coast, with a total of 107 people on board.

But the coastguard said helicopters were grounded because of bad weather and only rescue boats have been able to go out to sea. AFP

Japan deports North Koreans rescued from boat TOKYO—The last two of 10 North Koreans rescued from a tiny wooden boat drifting off northern Japan last year have been deported back to their country, a report said Thursday.

The other eight members of the crew were deported in February, but the captain was in custody facing theft charges and the last member was being treated for tuberculosis.

The captain was arrested and indicted last year for stealing a power generator from a local fishery cooperatives facility on the island, part of Hokkaido—the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands.

In March, he received a suspended prison sentence of two years and six months.

The 10 men were first spotted late last year by the coast guard as their dilapidated boat drifted intothe waters off the island of Hokkaido.

On Thursday, private broadcaster TBS showed footage of what it said was a car carrying the skipper and the last crew member to a port in Hokkaido from the immigration facility where they had been detained. AFP

Neon nostalgia in Hong kong as the lights go out HONG KONG—Neon sign maker Wu Chi-kai is one of the last remaining craftsmen of his kind in Hong Kong, a city where darkness never really falls thanks to the 24-hour glow of myriads of lights.

During his 30 years in the business, neon came to define the urban landscape, huge flashing signs protruding horizontally from the sides of buildings, advertising everything from restaurants to mahjongg parlors.

But with the growing popularity of brighter LED lights, seen as easier to maintain and more environmentally friendly, and government orders to remove some vintage signs deemed dangerous, the demand for specialists like Wu has dimmed.

Despite a waning client-base, 50-year-old Wu continues in the trade, working with glass tubes dusted inside with fluorescent powder and containing various gases including neon or argon, as well as mercury, to create different colors.

He bends them into shape over a powerful gas burner at a scorching 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit). AFP

Amnesty: Turkey emergency laws creating climate of fear ANKARA—Amnesty International on Thursday accused the Turkish government of creating a “chilling climate of fear” across society and curtailing the work of human rights activists since a failed 2016 coup.

The rights group said freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial had been “decimated” under the state of emergency introduced five days after the attempted putsch on July 15, 2016.

More than 1,300 associations and foundations have been shut down under the measures.

In addition, more than 140,000 public sector employees have been sacked or suspended, including judges, over their alleged links to putschists or Kurdish militants.

Meanwhile, some 50,000 people have been taken into custody on terror charges.

Last week, parliament approved the seventh extension of the emergency laws which Amnesty said had undermined the country’s “once vibrant independent civil society”. AFP

MEETING. US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao listens to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a meeting at the Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound in Beijing on April 26, 2018. AFP

WASHINGTON―The leaders of the United States and France call for a new deal curbing Tehran’s nuclear program, but Iranian President Hassan Rouhani swiftly rejected their demands and the EU insisted the current agreement must stay.

The appeal from two of the signatories to the landmark 2015 accord came as French President Emmanuel Macron was on a state visit, received with much pomp by US President Donald Trump.

Trump Tuesday laid transatlantic divisions bare, pillorying a three-year old agreement designed to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

The US leader described it as “insane” and “ridiculous,” despite European pleas for him not to walk away.

Instead, Trump eyed a broader “deal” that would also limit Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for militant groups across the Middle East.

Macron said the agreement should impose tougher terms on Iran including a settlement in Syria, where it backs President Bashar al Assad.

Macron was to address a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, with more freedom to speak his mind on world issues after his talks with Trump.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday questioned the legitimacy of these demands for a fresh nuclear agreement with Tehran.

“Together with a leader of a European country they say: ‘We want to decide on an agreement reached by seven parties’. What for? With what right?” Rouhani said in a speech. AFP

Fresh protests erupt in Armenia

Y

EREVAN―Armenia’s political turmoil deepened with fresh protests set for Thursday after the opposition accused the ruling party of refusing to cede power following the resignation of veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian.

Protesters clapped, whistled, beat drums, banged pots and tooted car horns in demonstrations that underscored the political crisis gripping the impoverished former Soviet republic.

Many raised their hands in the air― a sign that the protest movement led by opposition lawmaker Nikol Pashinyan is peaceful―and robed priests joined the rallies in an apparent attempt to prevent possible clashes.

Led by 42-year-old Pashinyan, thousands of demonstrators earlier in the day marched through Yerevan against the rul-

ing Republican Party’s unwillingness to transfer power after its leader and former president Sarkisian stood down Monday from his new post of prime minister.

Pashinyan sported his trademark khaki-colored T-shirt and clutched a megaphone as protesters chanted “Nikol for prime minister” and “We are the masters of our country”.

Stepan Grigoryan, a political analyst who joined the rallies, said it was a door-die situation, describing the current system as “criminal”.

“The head has been chopped off,” he

said, referring to Sarkisian’s resignation Monday, “but the body―the Republican Party―remains and it needs to be removed.”

In a surprise move, Sarkisian, who served as president for a decade, stood down as prime minister just a week after being elected by parliament, following days of protests by demonstrators who accused him of a blatant power grab.

Pashinyan, leader of the Civil Contract Party, had been due Wednesday to hold talks with acting government head Karen Karapetyan to discuss a “peaceful” power transfer. But the negotiations were cancelled late Tuesday.

Addressing supporters on Wednesday night, he called on Karapetyan to “immediately recognise our revolution’s victory and abandon his ambitions.

“If the Republican Party dares to present a candidate the people will surround the parliament and government build-

ings,” he said.

Pashinyan has insisted the new premier must be a “people’s candidate” and not a member of Sarkisian’s party, and has said he is willing to lead the impoverished country.

“We need the Republicans to leave, or else nothing will change,” said Varazdat Panoian, 28, who joined the crowds gathered in the capital.

The Yelk opposition bloc said Wednesday it would nominate Pashinyan for prime minister. But a lawmaker from the bloc, Edmon Marukyan of the Bright Armenia party, said Pashinyan was currently 13 votes short of a majority. A candidate would need 53 votes to get elected.

A small member of the current ruling coalition, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, said it was leaving the coalition on Wednesday evening calling for a new prime minister to be elected to “overcome the political crisis.” AFP

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED CANTILAN PORT EXPANSION PROJECT, BRGY. CONSUELO, CANTILAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 198,489,483.35 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Cantilan Port Expansion Project, Brgy. Consuelo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (LFP SUG No. 009-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of RC Wharf (Area = 1,044.00 sq. m.) B. Construction of Back-up Area (Area = 5,676 sq. m.)

C. Port Lighting System. Completion of the Works is required in 450 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

32ND ANNIVERSARY. Honor guard soldiers lay flowers at the Chernobyl victims’ memorial in Minsk on April 26, 2018. The world marks 32 years since the world’s worst nuclear accident at Chernobyl killed thousands and forced a global rethink about the wisdom of relying on atomic fuel. AFP

Court upholds jail term for Chinese spy TAIPEI―Taiwan’s high court Thursday upheld the conviction of a former Chinese student on charges of recruiting spies for Beijing, saying his actions had posed serious threats to the island.

The decision comes as cross-strait tensions rise, with China accusing Taiwan of moves towards formal independence.

The self-ruling democratic island has never formally declared a split from the mainland and Beijing still sees it as a renegade province to be brought back into the fold, by force if necessary.

Zhou Hongxu, 31, who graduated from a top Taiwanese university in 2016, will serve out the 14-month jail term handed down by a lower court after his appeal was rejected.

“The defendant’s actions posed serious threats to our territory and national security, given the disharmony and even hostile situation between the two sides,” said high court spokesman Chiou Jong-yi.

The court had shown leniency in sentencing since Zhou had confessed and his attempt to recruit spies had been unsuccessful, he added.

Taiwan and China have spied on each other since 1949 when nationalist troops fled to the island and set up a separate government after

losing a civil war on the mainland to communist forces.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau chief Peng Sheng-chu has said that Chinese espionage is “more serious than before”. Local media report up to 5,000 people may be spying for China on the island.

Zhou was instructed by officials in Shanghai in late 2015 to recruit “Taiwanese government personnel and other people of influence” while he was studying and working in Taiwan, according to Thursday’s ruling.

Zhou had attempted to recruit a man working in the Taiwanese government from August 2016, promising payment of at least $10,000 per quarter before the man turned him in to local authorities.

China last week staged live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait―the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland from Taiwan―following weeks of naval maneuvers in the area.

Chinese officials said the drills were to safeguard Beijing’s territorial sovereignty and issued a fresh warning Wednesday that they would take further actions if “Taiwan’s independence forces were to continue their reckless course”. AFP

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 21 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 21 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539 PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) M. Standard – April 27, 2018

LGUs

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

B4

LocaL government units

friday, april 27, 2018

By Butch Gunio

CHORALE WINNERS.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar (front row, left) poses with the winners of the 4th Las Piñas Chorale Competition, an annual event sponsored by the Villar SIPAG in honor of St. Ezekiel Moreno, who was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.

The Philippine Normal University Chorale (behind Villar) was named this year’s Grand Champion, with Chorus Vocales Philippines 1st Runner-Up and Alab Vocal Ensemble 2nd Runner-Up. Also in photo are composer/conductor and director Jerry Dadap, Savers Appliance Depot Corporate Accounting head Gregorio Asilo Jr., and event sponsor Jack Uy. Lino Santos

QC hosts anew Earth Day Jam on Saturday

By Rio N. Araja THE Quezon City government through the Office of the Vice Mayor will once again host the longest running and one-of-a-kind environmental musical event called “Earth Day Jam” at Quezon Memorial Circle on Saturday.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said the 18th edition of annual live concert promises a bigger and brighter production with over 100 artists and musicians performing alongside distinguished environmental conservationists and resource speakers.

“We are quite proud that Earth Day Jam has returned to Quezon City, one of its original roots. Together let us enjoy great music and at the same time urge everyone to be part of global efforts to take care of Mother Earth,” she said.

The live concert is held yearly as part of April 22 worldwide celebration of Earth Day. This year’s celebration will start at 5 p.m. and is free to the public.

Apart from being the host and one of the major sponsors of the event, the Office of the Vice Mayor is its lead organizer.

‘I didn’t say anything about divorce’—Sara

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT AREA— Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry Zambales launched a partnership Thursday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for enterprise development program to benefit residents here.

The program includes a workshop on how to start a business, camote food processing, novelty crafts, and furniture making.

“Patience, perseverance, and the right attitude will open the road to success. There is no need to go out of the country to flourish,” Meralco PowerGen Vice President for External Affairs Litz Manuel-Santana emphasized at the signing on Thursday here.

“We have to think long-term. Teaching and capacitating these organizations will make them prosper in their chosen business,” said DTI Zambales Provincial Director Leonila Baluyut.

RP Energy is the developer of a 2x300 MW coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Members of benefiting organizations are very thankful of the opportunities given to them.

“We are grateful for their support to our association. We cannot do it alone, but with the help of RP Energy and DTI, we believe that we can succeed,” said San Martin Tribal Association Chieftain Antonio Cabalic.

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

T

AGUM CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday clarified that she never expressed her opinion about the proposed divorce bill in the House of Representatives, saying her opinion “does not matter since I am not a member of Congress.”

In a press conference for the campaign of Tapang at Malasakit here for a peaceful, orderly, clean, and honest barangay election on May 14, Mayor Duterte said her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, was only teasing House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez when he said that she is not in favor of the divorce bill.

“PRD was only joking when he said that I was not in favor of the divorce bill that Congressman Alvarez is pushing.

He said at that time that Alvarez should talk to me about the bill,” she said.

The presidential daughter explained that the Chief Executive is “very aware” of her differences with the House Speaker, the reason why he was teasing the latter to talk to her about the divorce bill.

“He knows about our dispute and we do not see each other eye to eye that is why he said those words. He was just teasing Speaker Alvarez,” she said.

“It is not my job to give an opinion

Iloilo villages boost preparedness through typhoon situation drill CONCEPCION, Iloilo—Residents of the island barangay of Tambaliza in Concepcion are no strangers to the difficulties brought about by typhoons and storm surges.

Realizing the importance of being prepared for these situations, the residents joined a hazard simulation drill organized by Adventist Development and Relief Agency and various disaster risk reduction and management offices in Iloilo in partnership with PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications.

The drill, which simulated a typhoon situation, began with the barangay officials receiving the weather bulletin from the local DRRM officer via Smart Infocast.

Smart turned over the Infocast system to ADRA in 2017 for the use of Ajuy, Concepcion, and Estancia municipalities. It is a short message service broadcast plat-

RPE, DTI ink partnership for enterprise development

form that enables the DRRM officers to send news updates, weather bulletins, and other critical information to barangay officials and responders through text message.

These officials, in turn, can share the information with the residents to give them time to prepare and evacuate as needed.

ADRA, the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been helping to improve the preparedness efforts and economic wellbeing of residents in these Iloilo towns in the wake of Super typhoon “Yolanda.”

“Here in Iloilo, we’ve seen it’s possible to tap companies like Smart to help build the resilience of these island communities.

This project may not be that big, but we’ve got multi-stakeholder support, from the provincial and municipal government to the academe and corporate organizations,” said ADRA DRR officer Elias Salazar.

SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH. Health Secretary Francisco Duque (center, crouching) leads

the launching of the Supplemental Immunization Activity campaigns in the city of Parañaque to provide children with an additional dose of measles vaccine and deliver other child health interventions, including Vitamin A supplements, deworming medications, and oral polio vaccines. Mayor Edwin Olivarez (standing, center) and city councilors expressed thanks to the DoH for relaunching the government program in the city.

about the divorce bill since I am a mayor of Davao. My opinion does not matter. I am not a member of the Congress,” Mayor Duterte said.

During the recent change of command ceremony of the Philippine National Police, President Duterte said Sara is not in favor of the divorce bill, and Alvarez should talk to her instead.

Since Duterte threw his hat into the 2016 presidential race, he already expressed his disapproval of divorce, saying that the children “will be greatly affected” when it happens.

Around 2,500 barangay candidates gathered at the RDR gymnasium in Tagum City to pledge their support to advocate the campaign of Tapang at Malasakit founded and chaired by Mayor Duterte.

The mayor reminded the candidates to have a peaceful, orderly, clean, and honest barangay election in the entire region.

SPECIAL SHOES. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada proudly shows a sample of the ‘Erap All-Star’ rubber shoes that will be exclusively distributed to students in all the city’s public schools. In a speech before the K-12 graduates from Araullo High School, Estrada promised he will give each Manila student a pair of the shoes patterned after the famous Chuck Converse All-Stars. The mayor challenged the students to study harder to become the future leaders and ‘Lodi ng Lungsod ng Maynila.’

On World Malaria Day, last PH ‘warrior’ steps away

By Soh Chin Ong ON WORLD Malaria Day, which was celebrated on April 25 (Wednesday) this year, Armando Valdez—who has fought the disease for almost 20 years in the Philippines—says success is bittersweet.

Every day, Valdez, who lives in Palawan province in the Philippines, walks 200 meters from his home to his office.

It is a tiny microscopy clinic, barely big enough to fit four people comfortably.

There, the community volunteer pores over blood samples from sick villagers. Peering into a microscope, he looks for the tell-tale signs of the malaria parasite.

“It looks like a sunny side-up egg,’’ he says, referring to the signature dot in the center of an infected cell.

Palawan, known for its lush forests and powdery beaches, is also commonly called the country’s malaria capital. Eighty percent of the Philippines’ malaria cases occur there.

The World Health Organization estimates that there were 216 million cases of malaria and 445,000 related deaths in the world in 2016.

While most of the cases occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, countries in South-East Asia, are also at risk. In the Philippines, malaria is the ninth leading cause of death.

However, thanks to a program set up

by Shell Philippines, the number cases in Palawan has dropped dramatically.

In 1999, the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Shell’s social development arm, started Kilusan Ligtas Malaria or Movement Against Malaria, to tackle the disease at the community level.

That year, there were 78,000 cases of malaria and 100 people dying every year in Palawan.

Last year, the province registered 2,350 cases and one death.

In 2011, largely because of the success

in Palawan, the Philippines achieved the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing malaria, ahead of its 2015 deadline.

Marvi Rebueno-Trudeau, PSFI’s programme manager, says: “The World Health Organization called KLM the most sophisticated community-based malaria programme because every village had a diagnosis facility. When people went to the microscopy centers, they immediately became part of the health system.’’

Things were very different in the early days. “There was no scientific approach to diagnosis then. People would take pills whenever they had a fever, assuming it was malaria. Some believed drinking coconut juice would protect them from the disease,’’ she recalls.

PSFI started small. Buenavista, a tiny village or barangay in Palawan, with a population of about 800, was one of 344 initial barangays selected for the KLM program, which PSFI operated together with the Palawan provincial government.

It placed villagers at the frontline in the battle against the disease. Clinics were set up and villagers were trained and empowered to dispense medicines, distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets and conduct education and outreach programmes.

Valdez signed up as a volunteer in 2001, after he contracted malaria and was treated by KLM. Because he had a high school degree, he was trained to be a microscopist.

KLM also sent volunteers into remote and forested areas to check for malaria cases Previously, the sick there would suffer in silence or travel for days to reach a city hospital for proper treatment.

Valdez, who is paid 3,300 pesos (US$64) a month, contracted malaria again, in 2014, during one of these visits to an isolated village. “I had for-

gotten to bring my mosquito net. I fell asleep after a few drinks and that was that,’’ he recalls.

By 2006, malaria cases in Palawan had dropped to about 12,000, with 21 deaths.

Impressed, the Swiss-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, decided to support the programme, which was renamed Movement Against Malaria or MAM. It has since donated a total of US$66,240, extending the programme’s reach beyond Palawan to a total of 40 provinces. And the results have been remarkable.

Dr. Rhodora Cruz, who is charge of National Dengue Prevention and Control in the Philippines Department of Health, says: “As of July last year, in the whole of the Philippines, there were 2,500 malaria cases and only two deaths.’’

While Palawan province will only be officially declared malaria-free when no new cases are reported for five consecutive years, there have been no cases this year in Valdez’s barangay of Buenavista.

These days, the hours pass slowly as fewer villagers come to his clinic for testing. Because of the success of the program, no more microscopists will be trained.

He is the last one in Buenavista.

This means he could soon be out of a job, one that has given his life meaning, says the bachelor.

“The people here are like my family. I am godfather to some of their children and they even come to me with their marital problems,’’ he says in mock horror.

He says he will likely leave Buenavista to work as a tour guide in the city.

Nellie Bayuge, 47, a carpenter in Buenavista, says the villagers will be sad to see him go.

“He has done a lot for the community.

Even if you call him in the middle of the night, he will wake up and help you, with anything. We will miss him.’’

CHECKS, PLEASE. Check Print New Garcon. Check Print Clyde Skirt.

Life

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

culture and media

@MStandardlifE friday, april 27, 2018

c c1 1

JOSEPH WOMENSWEAR

PRE-SPRING SUMMER 2018 A

s A prelude to its spring- summer 2018 collection, UK fashion brand Joseph pays an homage to Hockney. To English wit.

This season, the Joseph Woman reveals her artistic temperament through a defiant clash of pattern and palette. Picnic ginghams, polka dots and parasol stripes unabashedly invigorate classic silhouettes taking a woman’s personal style to a new form and function. The painterly palette – lawn green, cobalt, dandelion yellow – causes a bigger splash.

Also, following the release of the footwear collection last year, Joseph announces the launch of a dedicated handbag and leather goods collection. The series is an extension of the brand’s philosophies toward the uniform and modern habits of dressing.

“It started with the ease and honesty of your old- school bag, to take the highly functional and make it beautiful. With the new collection, each of the bags is like

GINGHAM STYLE.

Emerald Zadie Gingham Jacquard Dress.

Noon Deck Chair Stripe.

HIP TO BE SQUARE. Cobalt Blue Polo Dress Check Knit.

a modular system almost. Wallets, pouches and hardware can be attached for personalization, tailored to life. There’s even a keychain in each to easily locate house keys,” Louise Trotter, Creative Director.

Including a satchel, bowling and wrist-held style, the collection is all expertly made in Italy using fine leathers. some designs are also available in the specially developed fabrics shown in the Prespring summer 2018 Collection.

With a lot of artistic pattern clash and play in the Prespring summer 2018 Collection, Joseph will surely keep you looking way ahead of the fashion pack this season. selected styles are available at Joseph stores located at L1 of sM Aura Premier, and L1, s Maison at the Conrad Hotel.

CHIC AND SATURATED.

Green Combo Nylon Milano Zip Jacket. Cobalt Blue Zadie Crepe Silk Dress.

Life

C2

friday, apri apriL 27, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Pageants, festivals at Aliwan Fiesta 2018

A

LIWAN Fiesta, the country’s largest gathering of Philippine cultural festivals, kicked off yesterday with the Shoppers Bazaar opening and starstudded Pasakalye concert and variety show.

Lovely ladies from different regions will compete at the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant happening today, 7:00 p.m. at the Aliw Outdoor Stage. The event will be hosted by 101.1 Yes The Best’s Raki Terra and DJ Nick of 96.3 Easy Rock, with special guests TJ Monterde and Ronnie Alonte.

The culminating event on Saturday, April 28, will feature the grand parade and street dance performances of the 17 contingents that participated in this year’s event.

The Cordillera Administrative Region will field the Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, Benguet as well as the Abrenian Kawayan festival of Bangued, Abra. Region 1 will be represented by the Pandan festival of Mapandan, Pangasinan, while Region 2 will showcase the Bato Art festival of Luna, Isabela.

Region 3 also has two entries—both from Bulacan—the Fiesta Republica of Malolos and the halamanan festival of Guiguinto. Not to be outdone, Region 4 will showcase the Bakood festival of Bacoor, Cavite, the Tagultol festival of Atimonan, the Dumagat festival of Rodriguez, Rizal, and the Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province. From Region 5, the town of Balud, Masbate will present the Pangumagat festival.

Region 6 will carry Ilonggo pride with the Manggahan festival of Guimaras, the Binirayan festival of Antique, and the Iloilo Dinagyang festival. Region 8, through a contingent

The Aliwan Fiesta 2018 will feature some of the country's cultural festivals, such as the Abrenian Kawayan festival of Bangued, Abra.

from Burauen, Leyte, will showcase festival of Upi and the Inaul festival of vals will be represented in the float the Kasadyaan festival.

Datu Piang. design competition as well as in the Finally, from Maguindanao, we will Aside from the grand parade and search for Reyna ng Aliwan. see representatives of the Meguyaya street dance showdown, other festiAudience will be dazzled by crafts-

Manggahan festival of Guimaras

For details about this year’s participants and lineup of activities, email siouxstar@gmail.net or call (02) 8326125 or 555-3477.

Mapandan Pangasinan's Pandan festival

Women run the world The world has no shortage of female leaders, innovators, and role models. every day, there is a woman breaking glass ceilings and climbing ladders to achieve her goals. And this woman is a person the world must celebrate.

SM Supermalls tapped celebrity photographer Niccolo Cosme of Project headshot Clinic to stage the SM World of Women exhibit. The show, held recently at SM Mega Fashion hall, showcased the diversity of feminine beauty and brains by featuring 31 inspiring and beautiful ladies who have made a difference in the lives of Filipinos through their chosen advocacies.

“We honor women’s power, strength, and countless achievements. Women are the doers and dreamers. They are strong, accomplished, and wise beyond years,” said Cristalle Belo poses beside her and mom Vicki's portrait Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

Among the women whose portraits were displayed were Miss World 2013 Megan Young, hIV awareness and safe sex education advocate Angel Jones, entrepreneur of the Year Philippines’ 2017 Woman entrepreneur of the Year Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, “Warrior Princess for Peace” honey Sumndad-Usman, and mother-daughter celebrity beauty experts Vicki and Cristalle Belo.

“I am very fortunate to have been able to photograph these empowered women with stories that speak of resilience, joy, and endless dreams. We can always learn a thing or two from women. Mabuhay ang kababaihan,” enthused Cosme.

Other women features at the SM World of Women exhibit included Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, Maria Lourdes Bernadette Zaragosa-Banson, Kassy Pajarillo, Jing Castañeda, Katrina Gumabao, Dinah Salonga, Bambina Olivares, Sheena Vera Cruz, Lyn Pinugu, Kai Lim, Jessica Kienle, Gang Badoy Capati, Roxanne Ang-Farillas, Angel Guerrero, Pinky Yee, Bea Ledesma, Milka and Shiella Romero, Raizelle So, and Gelli Victor.

The portraits of the five winners of the #WorldofWomenAtSM digital promo were also part of the exhibit.

These women gave the best answers on what it means to be an empowered and independent woman. Maria Corazon Lacambacal, full-time mother and cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of living a fuller life with confidence, while Mica Flor Catanghal, a pharmacist, believed empowered women exude strength of character. Stephanie Justine espallardo, a medical doctor, Carla Cabral, a social media strategist, and April Joyce Yoga instructor and entrepreneur Dinah Salonga and celebrity Zaide, an engineer, also won prizes for their answers. photographer Niccolo Cosme

men of hagonoy’s Singkaban festival, Catanauan’s Boling-Boling, Tacloban’s Sangyaw and Fiesta Tarakloban, Cotabato’s Sinilatan, Mother Kabuntalan’s Bangsa Maguiranun, and the Kapasiti of Shariff Aguak. Additional festival queen entries will come from Antipolo’s Maytime festival, the Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival, the Sinulog festival of Cebu, Zamboanga hermosa, the Salug festival of Zamboanga del Norte, the Kalimudan festival of Sultan Kudarat, the Munato festival of Sarangani, the Tuna and Kalilangan festivals of General Santos City, and the Kalivungan festival of North Cotabato.

Amateur and professional photographers are welcome to take their best shots from the parade and join the Photo Competition. Deadline for submission of entries is on May 4, at 5:00 p.m.

Discovering art by chance

By Mae Gianina C. Pascual CARMeLA Laurin-Geisert began exploring art during frequent long-haul flights.

As the President of Asia Grand View hotel in Coron, Palawan, part of her job is to travel often for more than two decades. Idleness and boredom during long-haul flights led her to explore art using pastel crayons and charcoal.

While exploring the character of paint on canvas, she became interested in the beauty and simplicity of fluid art which she combined with her inspiration from travels, photography, makeup, and fashion. Geisert is now fascinated and inspired by abstract expressionism and is eager to explore this as a new direction in her life.

Geisert holds her first solo art exhibit, dubbed “By Chance” at the German Club Manila, Makati City from April 10 to May 8. It is curated by Jes evangelista. her style produces a natural eloquence from contrasting colors that are melded together, showing off a distinct character from one pigment to another. her style is not limited to using vibrant paints that produce unique aqueous character. Apart from fluid art technique with the use of acrylic paint on canvas, she has also explored art-making through mixed media on canvas, employing a bit of “cubist” style which can be seen in most of her 2017 artworks.

Some pieces from her recent collection this year, such as Tubattaha Reef, Tulip Farm, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Sydney Hot Spring Night, and Houseboat in Amsterdam, encompass the beauty of sights and new places. In her travel-inspired artworks, she delves on what these destinations are known for, accompanied by unique feelings of the experience.

But on top of these mesmerizing artworks is her masterpiece: a diptych Two Tigers inspired by the majestic

Carmela Geisert with her diptych 'Two Tigers'

animal’s colors which depict bravery and strength. Though her pieces render a feeling of calmness brought by the gentle play and nudges of colors that introduce a whimsical effect, she talks about the amount of hard work and what it takes to be an artist; living up to one’s greatest potential and overcoming obstacles.

A tête-à-tête with Geisert confirms that her way of expression in art somehow complements her wonderful personality—modest yet enlivening, energetic yet humble.

Check out her awe-inspiring collection at German Club Manila in Makati City today until May 8.

Image by Mae Gianina C. Pascual

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

O

PEN Air Cinema One, the muchawaited outdoor movie event this summer, brings the blockbuster reunion of Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla in Unexpectedly Yours and the comeback of heroes in Power Rangers at The Fields, Nuvali tomorrow.

Two generations of love teams are to spice up the screening in Unexpectedly Yours, with Robin Padilla and the Megastar Sharon Cuneta and the breakout tandem of Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. In the film, former high school sweethearts Patty (Sharon) and Cocoy (Robin) unexpectedly bump into each other 30 years later not only as organizers of their high school reunion, but also as neighbors. Patty and Yanni (Julia)’s quiet lives awaken when Cocoy and his romantic of a nephew, Jason (Joshua), comes knocking on their door.

In Power Rangers, iconic suits of color return as five ordinary teens discover themselves having superhuman abilities after finding coins of power. To save the world from a strong alien threat, the group must overcome their real-life issues and rise together as Power Rangers. The film stars Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, and Elizabeth Banks.

Apart from fun romance and sci-fi action, great music makes OpenAir Cinema One the perfect outdoor gathering for families and friends.

Rising singer Claudia Barretto and One Music artist Volts Vallejo add a youthful flavor to the event with their all-out song performances, while alternative rock band Itchyworms turns up to rock out the night, with DJ Jai-Ho to host the entertaining outdoor event.

Revel in the night with friends and family in OpenAir Cinema One in Nuvali tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.. Interested parties need to preregister for free via KTX to enter the event. Visit https://ktx.abs-cbn. com/events/10815/openair-cinemaone-at-nuvali.

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

What Krissy gets out of the viscous virtual brawl she started

Joshua Garcia as Jason and Julia Barretto as Yanny in Star Cinema’s ‘Unexpectedly Yours.’

Outdoor movie event enlivens

NUVALI Alternative band Itchyworms will rock out the outdoor event.

Star-studded Aliwan Fiesta 2018

Darren Espanto and his music add zest to the ongoing Aliwan Fiesta.

GLOC 9, Darren Espanto, X-Battalion, Shanti Dope, Tj Monterde, Mark Carpio, Mocha Babes, Go Girls, and The Attitudes have been invited to provide the live musical entertainment for this year’s Aliwan Fiesta celebrations happening until April 28.

Gloc 9 and The Attitudes will headline the awarding ceremonies following the grand parade and streetdance showdown on Sunday. Then TJ and Marc will provide the exciting male compliment to the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant tonight.

The others will kickstart this year’s festivities in the mini concert comprising the Pasakalye on opening night.

Aliwan Fiesta 2018 is presented by Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines along with the cities of Manila and Pasay, with generous support from Pride Laundry Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, White Rose Kojic Whitening Soap, Smart Dishwashing Detergent, Tanduay, Globe, Dunkin Donuts, the Tourism Promotions Board, Alaska, Columbia Canbdies, Cherry Mobile, Symdex E, Fukuda, Nature Spring, AICS, Manila Bulletin, GES Lights, Steeltech, and Whiteflower Analgesic Balm.

For details about this year’s participants and line-up of activities, email siouxstar@gmail.com or call 832.6125 / 555.3477. Those interested may also check out Aliwan Fiesta 2018’s official Facebook page or log onto www.aliwanfiesta. com.ph

KRIS Aquino was at the firing range trying to hit the bullseye with exhubby James Yap and former cohost Korina Sanchez as her targets.

Some days after she was given a nice welcome by Star Cinema, which will produce a movie with Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, the “Queen of All Media” began her outcry when her ex-hubby posted his birthday greeting to son Bimby which for her was full of lies, as she asked, “Where were you when your son was being bullied and called “baklain?”

Then, Korina aired last Sunday over at Rated K, a portion that featured offspring of celebrities, including that of James’ son with new wife Michaella Cazzolla (who is also reported to be pregnant for their second baby). It made Kris very mad.

“Malaking sampal sa akin ang ginawa ng show ng misis ni Mar,” or words to that effect part of Kris’ Instagram post that detailed her supposed “work” during the last presidential elections.

She even mentioned how “civil” Pres. (Rodrigo) Duterte was to her when she campaigned for Mar Roxas in Davao, which she only did for her brother P-Noy, the then outgoing President. “Kaya pala nanalo si Duterte,” said she in the same post.

At the last part of the post, she was asking for “sorry” for including politics in her rant and to people whom she included, but never to Korina, whose name was not even mentioned.

She even had a statement that literally trying to lecture Korina on how motherhood is being practiced and more insulting was, when she labeled Korina as “someone who hasn’t had the privilege of motherhood.”

Kris immediately edited the statement and replaced it with, “someone who has been blessed with a loving and devoted husband and does not know the hardship of having to go it alone,” which for most, was again part of Kris’ sweeping words. *** In all those “old” issues Kris was trying to revive against our kumpare James, she seemed to have forgotten that their son Bimby is the one being dragged into this whole scandal though she kept on saying that she is doing everything for her two sons.

Even the netizens and her followers began to question her motives and her agenda and shared dismay over her actions.

The seemingly irritating part of Kris’ hulaballoos was neither James nor Korina took time to say any word to counter her online “papansin.”

James on his part simply posted pictures of him riding in a high-end motorbike, while Korina posted some feel-good video and photos of her riding in a carousel and shared her feeling of being a kid at heart and her beauty that shows positivity and grace.

If such were not a showing of how mature and respectable persons are, then we do not know what distorted values and the kind of blind following

Kris Aquino

some people have to even praise Kris of her demeanors.

The recent photo Kris posted in her Iinstagram account as of this writing was her carrying a bouquet of flowers with the caption, “Hindi na po ako high blood. Thanks to #HB #youhadmeatpeonies #lovelovelove.”

HB according to netizens is Quezon City Mayor (and our kumpare too) Herbert Bautista, the guy that reportedly has proposed marriage to Kris twice (but she never accepted according to her) and her best friend nowadays. *** Well, if we were to believe some soothsayers, tarot card and facial feature readers, astrologers, spirit questers or fung shui experts’ explanations about Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter retrogrades, then probably, some of the wellknown people’s actions can be attributed to these “retrogrades.”

While Kris was trying to regain mainstream limelight that she believed was taken away from her, Ilocos Norte’s Governor Imee Marcos was also doing her share.

The now on-going rounds of Gov. Imee in a video showing her giving a lesson or two on French words, was totally ridiculous.

The Tagalog words she tried to translate and have their French meaning and right pronunciation, were all “vulgar and sex-related” making her looked like a very trying hard “stand-up comedian.”

Por dios por mio, how could a government official engaged in such a stupid thing if only she wants exposure and be associated with millennials, especially with the “gay world” who have funny antics and unique ways of saying those words and expressions?

We do really like Imee when she speaks and defends her family about their legacies and advocacies, but not on this one, which seemed to have brought her back to her “kaluka-lukahan” days being the bratty daughter of then President Marcos.”

What is it really with these expresidential daughters? Shall we call the intergalactic squad and request them to move the moon, sun and the stars accordingly? Or maybe, in this lifetime of ours, we really need to bear witnesses to these “occurrences?”

Oh dear Lord, please Help Us!!!!

REP wins nine awards in the 10th Philstage Gawad Buhay REPERTORY Philippines (REP) clinched nine major awards in various categories in the recent 10th Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards. It was indeed a Golden Year for REP with all its 2017 productions winning major awards. REP had garnered 36 nominations.

REP’s murder mystery in a convent, Agnes of God, starring Becca Coates, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Pinky Amador, emerged as the big winner of the annual awards ceremony that is the country’s equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards. Agnes of God took home the honor of Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play, and Coates received the Outstanding Female Featured Performance In a Play award for portraying the titular role of Agnes. Joey Gonzalez-Mendoza bagged the Outstanding Set Design award; John Batalla was recognized with the award for Outstanding Lighting Design; and Jethro Joaquin claimed the trophy for Outstanding Sound Design.

Also among the winners are Joshua Spafford, who received the Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Play award for In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play; and Roselyn

Perez, Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

Ejay Yatco was named for Outstanding Musical Direction in REP’s grand musicale Hair, while Bonsai Cielo was awarded for Outstanding Costume Design for her work on In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play.

The Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards was established in 2008 and is known as the country’s first industry awards exclusively for the performing arts. A select panel of jurors —members of the press and the academe—is tasked to watch all productions of Philstage member companies. After careful deliberation, the jurors come up with a set of nominees and finalists.

The Philstage organization is comprised of the leading professional theater and dance companies in the Philippines, which includes REP. For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and REP’s ‘Agnes of God’ with actors Becca Coates and Pinky Amador.

Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 Standard C4 TODAY Manila

Program to ensure such ANF is operating within the required regulatory standards.

Republic of the Philippines

CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 007-18 SUBJECT

:

Air navigation facilities operating prior to enactment of Philippine aviation laws shall likewise be subjected to periodic surveillance inspection until mandatory documentary requirements for ANF certification are complied with to ensure that operation and maintenance practices are within acceptable level of safety.

2.1.4

The service provider must provide unrestricted access to all air navigation facilities and documents for inspection/audit, including interviews to technical personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of ANF.

AIR NAVIGATION FACILITY CERTIFICATION PROCESS

REFERENCES 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

2.1.3

Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 Civil Aviation Regulations for Air Navigation Services (CAR-ANS) Part 10 Memorandum Circular No. 16-11 dated 24 October 2011 Memorandum dated January 5, 2012 re- Implementation of ANF Certification Approved AANSOO-CNS Inspectors Manual/Handbook ICAO Document 9859 (SMS Manual)

3.0 ANF CERTIFICATION PROCESS

a. Phase One – Pre Certification Audit/Inspection b. Phase Two – Certification Audit/Inspection c. Phase Three – Validation Audit/Inspection d. Phase Four – Issuance of ANF Certificate e. Phase Five – Surveillance Inspections

1.0 GENERAL 1.1 Background 1.1.1. Safety oversight is a function by which states ensure effective implementation of the safety related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) and associated procedures contained in the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and related ICAO documents.

3.1 Phase One: Pre-Certification Audit/Inspection 3.1.1 Pre-certification phase is the initial assessment ofCNS service provider’s capability to operate and maintain air navigation facilities in accordance with the standards and regulations.

1.1.2. The effective implementation of eight critical elements in the eight audit areas, which includes aerodromes and air navigation services, is an indication of the State’s capability for safety oversight.

3.1.2 The pre-certification phase identifies the gaps in the service provider’s existing operation and maintenance arrangements/procedures of CNS facilitywith the current regulatory requirements and standards. It requires an on-site inspection/audit to compare the gathered information against the prescribed standards.

1.1.3. CAR-ANS Part 10 provides regulatory requirements for ANF service provider operating and maintaining air navigation facilities.

1.1.4 Pursuant to the functions of the Director General under R.A. 9497, Chapter VII, Section 35 paragraph (g),to wit:”… to inspect any air navigation facilities and aerodromes available for use of aircraft, as to its suitability for use and to issue a certificate for such air navigation facility and aerodrome; …”,a memorandum dated January 5, 2012 was signed by the Director General, which directed AANSOO to implement the CNS facilities audit to ensure that the regulatory requirements and standards stipulated in the CAR-ANS and the Manual of Standards for Aerodromes (MOS) are fully adhered to.

3.1.3

During this process, the CNS service provider must endeavor to develop and provide necessary documents as prescribed in the CAR-ANS Part 10 (such as, FOM, arrangements with other services, operational procedures, logs, etc.) and adherence to other relevant regulations.

3.1.4

Facility Operations Manual (FOM) duly approved by responsible authority of the CNS service provider shall be submitted to AANSOO for review to determine adequacy of the contents prior to acceptance.

3.1.5 Before conducting the on-site audit/inspection for certification, CAAPAANSOO must be satisfied that the approved Facility Operations Manual adequately describes the arrangements and procedures in the operations and maintenance of the air navigation facilities, and that it contains all the details and information as required in the CAR-ANS Part 10. It shall reflect that the ANF provides a safe environment for air traffic, aircraft and aerodrome operation and that the CNS service provider has the required competence and experience.

1.1.5 The ANF certificate is a document issued by CAAP to confirm that all certification requirements for CNS operation and maintenance have been completed in a satisfactory manner and that the service provider/operator shall comply with the applicable regulations and is fully capable of fulfilling its responsibilities and conducting a safe and efficient operation.

1.2 Purpose This Memorandum Circular provides direction and guidance to ANF service providers in the process of certifying air navigation facilities operated in the Philippines as required in the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008, R.A. 9497, and the Civil Aviation Regulations for Air Navigation Services (CAR-ANS) Part 10.

ANF certification entails a systematic approach to document the CNS service provider’s compliance/conformance to regulatory requirements and standards to ensure safety in the operation and maintenance of air navigation facilities. The process shall take following phases:

3.2 Phase Two: Certification Audit/Inspection

1.3 Applicability 1.3.1 This circular is applicable to ANF (CNS) service providers operating in the Republic of the Philippines prior to the enactment of Philippines aviation laws tasked to operate and maintain aeronautical telecommunication, navigational aids, surveillance and allied power systems including airfield lighting system.

3.2.1

After acceptance of the FOM, an on-site audit shall be conducted by AANSOO-CNSSID to verify that the information and the processes contained in the FOM is accurate and supported with appropriate documents as proof of CNS facilities’ proper implementation.

3.2.2

The CNS service provider shall be provided with the audit report which shall reflect the results of the on-site audit/inspection. The safety finding shall be classified into two categories, namely:

A. Phase 1 –Pre-Certification Audit/Inspection B. Phase 2 –Certification Audit/Inspection C. Phase 3 –ValidationInspection D. Phase 4 - Issuance of ANF Certificate E. Phase 5 - Surveillance Inspection

3.2.3

ANF Certificate issued to the service provider, subject for renewal,is valid from the date of issue until the last day of the 48th month (4 years) after the date on which it was issued or when:

i.

1.5.1 Definitions

Audit - A systematic and objective review of an entity’s operation to verify compliance with aviation regulations, conformity with or adherence to required standards as well as CAA approved documented policies, processes and procedures.

Audit finding - means the determination of non-conformance of a product, process, practice or procedure or a characteristic thereof to a specified regulation or standard. This will be documented on the Audit Finding Form.

Certification – means a process of determining competence, qualification, or quality on which the issuance of an aviation document is based. This includes the original issuance, denial, renewal or revision of that document.

ATTACHMENT B

Immediate Corrective Action. This is action taken immediately upon identification of the audit finding to remove the immediate threat to aviation safety;

3.2.4

Proposed CAPs that fails to comply within the agreed time/period or findings that cannot be corrected in the long-term corrective action shall be subjected to safety risk assessment by the CNS service provider and shall submit to AANSOO-CNSSID for review and acceptance.

3.2.5

Further, for CAPs that may require compliance through a phase approach (series of work to be completed by phase), the CNS service provider must submit an implementation plan detailing schedule of activities to be done within a certain period. The implementation plan shall be subject to surveillance safety inspection by AANSOO-CNSSID to ensure that compliance is within the agreed schedule.

CNS/ATM – Communications, navigation, and surveillance systems, employing digital technologies, including satellite systems together with various level of automation, applied in support of a seamless global air traffic management system.

3.3 Phase Three: Validation Inspection Validation is the process to ensure that the Corrective Action Plan submitted by the CNS service provider is being implemented based on the agreed time frame and the nature of work done to resolve the finding.

CNS Service Provider- means a person, an organization or entity engaged in the operation and maintenance of CNS facilities and/or provide CNS service.

3.3.1

AANSOO shall conduct an on-site validation/verification of the work done as specified in the submitted corrective action plan.

Follow-up-means the activity following an audit that is dedicated to program modification based on an approved Corrective Action Plan. Follow-up ensures that the document holder meets regulatory requirements.

3.3.2

A follow up on-site validation maybe required as necessary to further verify effective implementation of the proposed CAPs.

3.3.3

An audit finding will be formally closed when it has been corrected through the CAP, the corrections have been found to be acceptable by AANSOO and validation process has been completed.

Inspection – the basic activity of an audit, which involves detailed examination of the specific activities, product and services.

3.4 Phase Four: Issuance of ANF Certificate

The issuance of ANF certification is the conclusion of the certification process when CAAP-AANSOO has determined that all certification requirements for CNS operation and maintenance have been completed in a satisfactory manner, and that the CNS service provider will comply with all applicable regulations and is fully capable of fulfilling its responsibilities in conducting a safe and efficient operation (See Attachment B- Copy of ANF Certificate).

3.4.1

The operational requirement for the issuance of ANF Certificate is to ensure that the CNS service provider are able to demonstrate that: a.

The facilities being provided was able to meet the standards provided in the CARANS.

Standard - means an established criterion used as a basis for measuring an auditee’s level of conformance.

b.

The CNS technical personnel are trained and competent to carry out its functions as required.

Surveillance – the implementation of process to proactively ensure that the service provider/ operator continue to meet the established requirements at level of competency and safety required by the State to undertake aviation related activity for which they have been licensed, authorized, certified and/or approved to perform.

c.

Appropriate documentary requirements are provided and operational procedures/arrangements are in place.

3.4.2

Verification-means an independent review, inspection, examination, measurement, testing, checking, observation and monitoring to establish and document that products, processes, practices, services and documents conform to regulatory requirements. This includes confirmation that an activity, condition or control conforms to the requirements specified in contracts, codes, regulations, standards, drawings, specifications, program element descriptions, and technical procedures.

1.5.2 Acronyms

ANF certificates shall be issued to the following: a.

Air Navigation Facilities located inside the airport.

b.

ANF located outside the airport interconnected or part of the CNS system designed to support the air traffic operations.

c.

Ground based air navigation facility that provides guidance to pilots/ aircrafts flying under IFR during en-route phase of the flight.

d.

ANF interconnected or part of the CNS/ATM Project.

3.4.3

The ANF Certificate shall be issued to concerned CNS Service Provider who endeavored to comply with all the regulatory requirements stipulated in the CAR-ANS Part 10. Attached with the ANF Certificate is the Conditions for Authorization, which provides listing of specific services, the name of equipment/system, and the conditions required for the facility.

3.4.4

An Interim ANF Certificate valid for 6 months may be issued to the CNS Service Provider if the following conditions were satisfied: a.

Result of the certification audit shows no significant safety issue (Category A finding) was identified.

b.

No operational safety issue is present in the facility.

c.

Submitted CAPs are acceptable to AANSOO-CNSSID.

2.0 GENERAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENT 2.1 CAAP Approval

2.1.2 Holder of an ANF Certificate issued by CAAP shall undergo surveillance audits/inspections in accordance with the approved CNSSID Surveillance

Table 1

iii Long-Term Corrective Action. This is longer-term action and has two components. The first will involve identifying the cause of the problem and indicating the measures the company will take to prevent a recurrence. These measures should focus on a system change. The second component will include a timetable for company implementation of the long-term corrective action. Long-term corrective action will normally take place within twelve (12) months.

Air Navigation Facility Certificate – a certificate issued by CAAP under applicable regulations for the operation of air navigation facilities.

ANF in active operation shall be required to comply with the requirements of ANF certification as mandated under R.A. 9497 and in conformance with Civil Aviation Regulation for Air Navigation Services (CAR-ANS) Part 10: Regulatory Requirements in the Operation and Maintenance of CNS and Airfield Lighting Systems.

Power systems Airfield Lighting

ii. Short-Term Corrective Action. This is short-term action to correct a non-conformance that does not pose an immediate threat to aviation safety, which ensures that conformance is established quickly until long-term action is completed to prevent recurrence of the problem.

Short-term corrective action will normally take place within thirty (30) days; and

Air Navigation Facility – For this purpose, refers to air communication facilities (Air to ground, ground to ground, point to point, etc), and/or combination of radio navigational aids facilities, surveillance facilities, computers, airfield lighting and visual navigational aids facilities, electrical and power equipment, power and communication lines and their associated equipment required for certification.

2.1.1

surveillance surveillance surveillance surveillance surveillance surveillance

Resolution of Identified Deficiencies

Terms used in this document are referenced from applicable statutory regulations and referenced as applicable.

AANSOO – Aerodrome and Air Navigation Safety Oversight Office ANF – Air Navigation Facility CAP – Corrective Action Plan CAAP – Civil Aviation Authority ofthe Philippines CAR-ANS – Civil Aviation Regulations for Air Navigation Services CNS/ATM – Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/ Air Traffic Management CNSSID – CNS Safety Inspection Division DGCA – Director General of Civil Aviation FOM – Facility Operations Manual SMS – Safety Management System

Radar data processing facilities Primary surveillance radar facilities Secondary surveillance radar facilities Surface movement radar facilities Precision runway monitor facilities Automatic dependent surveillance system facilities Diesel Engine Generator Sets/ Portable Power systems/ Solar power systems PAPI, Approach Lights, Runway Lights Facilities

radio navigation

c. Depending on the nature of the audit findings, the CNS service provider’s CAP shall involve:

1.5 Definitions And Acronyms

Safety Management System - A system for the management of safety at aerodromes including the organization structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and provisions for the implementation of safety policies by an operator/ service provider, which provides for the control of safety at, thereby minimizing the associated risk. SMS is a systematic, explicit and comprehensive process for managing safety risks.

Global Navigation Satellite System ground based augmentation stations or facilities

b. The CAP is a written confirmation by the CNS service provider detailing the measures they intend to implement and to address all the findings of non-compliance. The submitted CAPs shall be subject to review and verification to determine its acceptability.

a) The service provider surrenders it, or, b) CAAP suspends or revokes it.

Procedure or process – means a series of steps followed methodically to complete an activity. This includes: the activity to be done and individual(s) involved; the time, place and manner of completion; the materials, equipment, and documentation to be used; and the manner in which the activity is to be done.

ATTACHMENT A Classification of aeronautical telecommunications, radio navigation, surveillance, and airfield lighting and power systems.

TYPE OF FACILITY CLASSIFICATION aeronautical VHF air/ground voice communication facilities telecommunications aeronautical HF air/ground voice communication facilities telecommunications aeronautical UHF air/ground voice communication facilities telecommunications Voice switching and control facilities including Voice and aeronautical Data Recording facilities telecommunications aeronautical ATS point to point communication facilities telecommunications aeronautical Air/ground data links telecommunications aeronautical Ground to ground data interchange networks telecommunications Precision approach radio navigation aids radio navigation Instrument Landing System (ILS) facilities radio navigation Non-precision radio navigation aids radio navigation Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) facilities radio navigation VHF Omni-range (VOR) facilities radio navigation Non-directional beacons (NDB) radio navigation

a. After receipt of an audit/inspection report, the CNS service provider shall submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) within an agreed period. It shall incorporate actions that will remedy/correct the deficiency and prevent a future re-occurrence.

1.4 Validity

Non-conformance – means the failure of characteristics, documentation or a procedure to meet the requirements of a regulation or standard, which renders the quality of a product or service unacceptable or uncertain.

CAPTAIN JIM C. SYDIONGCO Director General

b. Non Compliance Category B is a finding that is defined as an occurrence, situation or deficiency involving an item of equipment, an aerodrome facility or procedure within a system that caused, or has the potential to cause, significant safety problems with the system, and which requires action to be completed within an agreed time frame.

1.3.3 This circular details the processes and procedures for the issuance of Air Navigation Facility Certificate and shall take the following Phases:

Corrective Action Plan (CAP) -means a plan submitted to the convening authority or to his or her delegate by the auditee, following receipt of the audit report. This plan outlines the manner in which the company proposes to correct the deficiencies identified by the audit findings. Carrying out the plan should bring the auditee into full conformance with regulatory requirements.

For widest dissemination and strict compliance.

a. Non Compliance Category A is a finding that is critical, in that it has the potential to result in loss of life, serious injury or damage to facilities and which requires corrective action to be completed immediately. Such action may involve closure of a facility.

1.3.2 This circular shall encompass any CNS and airfield lighting systems listed on Table 1 – List of CNS and Airfield Lighting Systems (See Attachment A).

certifications and operational specifications. These periodic inspections are components of CNSSID safety oversight surveillance programme.

3.5 Phase Five: 3.5.1

Surveillance Inspection

Subsequent to the issuance of an ANF Certificate, AANSOO-CNSSID shall be responsible for the continued surveillance, and for conducting periodic inspections to ensure the CNS service provider’s continued compliance with CAAP regulations, authorizations, limitations and provisions of its ANF (MS-APRIL 27, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

D1

is in compliance with the minimum requirements for FSTD qualification as described in Doc 9625.

c) the performance standard to be attained to confirm the trainee’s level of competence.

Instructional systems design (ISD). A formal process for designing training which includes analysis, design and production, and evaluation phases.

Transport category aeroplane. A category of airworthiness applicable to large civil aeroplanes, which are either:

Instructor. A person authorised to provide academic or practical training to a trainee or trainee for an aviation licence, rating or endorsement.

a) Turbojets with 10 or more seats or having a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of greater than 5700 kg (12 5661b); or

Line-orientatedflight training. Training and assessment involving a realistic, ‘real time’, full mission simulation of scenarios that are representative of line operations.

b) Propeller-driven aeroplanes with greater than 19 seats or a MTOM greater than 8618 kg (19 000 lb).

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.: 016-18 TO

: ALL CONCERNED

FROM

: DIRECTOR GENERAL

SUBJECT : AMENDMENTS TO THE PHILIPPINE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS PARTS 2, 3 AND 8 REGARDING UPSET PREVENTION AND RECOVERY TRAINING (UPRT) REFERENCES: 1. Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Part 2, 3 and 8 2. Regulations AmendmentlRevision Procedure 3. Board Resolution No. 2012-054 dated 28 September 2012 Pursuant to the powers vested on the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9497, otherwise known as the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 and in accordance with the Regulations AmendmentlRevision Procedure with Board Resolution No. 2012-054 dated 28 September 2012, I hereby approve the incorporation of the following amendments to the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Parts 2, 3 and 8.

AMENDED REGULATIONS:

Load factor. The ratio of a specified load to the weight of the aeroplane, the former being expressed in terms of aerodynamic forces, propulsive forces, or ground reactions.

Manoeuvres. A sequence of deliberate actions to achieve a desired flight path. Flight path control may be accomplished by a variety of means including manual aeroplane control and the use ofautofljght systems.

Manoeuvre-based training. Training that focuses on a single event or manoeuvre in isolation.

Academic training. Training that places an emphasis on studying and reasoning designed to enhance knowledge levels of a particular subject, rather than to develop specific technical or practical skills.

Accountable executive. The individual who has corporate authority for ensuring that all training commitments can be financed and carried out to the standard required by the civil aviation authority (CAA), and any additional requirements defmed by the approved training organization.

Phase of flight. A defined period within a flight.

d) within the above parameters, but flying at airspeeds inappropriate for the conditions.

Airmanship. The consistent use of good judgement and well-developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to accomplish flight objectives.

Angle of attack (AOA). Angle of attack is the angle between the oncoming air, or relative wind, and a defined reference line on the aeroplane or wing.

Approach-to-stall. Flight conditions bordered by stall warning and aerodynamic stall.

Approved training organization (ATO). An organization approved by and operating under the supervision of a Contracting State in accordance with the requirements of Annex 1 to perform approved training.

Assessment. The determination as to whether a candidate meets the requirements of the expected performance standard.

Autoflight systems. The autopilot, autothrottle (or autothrust), and all related systems that perform automatic flight management and guidance.

Behaviour. The way a person responds, either overtly or covertly, to a specific set of conditions, which is capable of being measured.

Behavioural indicator. An overt action performed or statement made by any flight cre~ member that indicates how an individual or the crew is handling an event.

Bridge training. Additional training designed to address shortfalls in knowledge and skill levels so that all trainees possess the pre-requisite levels upon which the approved training programme was designed.

Competency. A combination of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to perform a task to the prescribed standard.

Competency-based training. Training and assessment that are characterized by a performance orientation, emphasis on standards of performance and their measurement and the development oftraining to the specified performance standards.

Quality assurance (QA) . All the planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that all activities satisfy given standards and requirements, including the ones specified by the approved training organization in relevant manuals.

Note.-This definition is specific to this manual.

Quality management. A management approach focused on the means to achieve product or service quality objectives through the use of its four key components: quality planning; quality control; quality assurance; and quality improvement.

Note. -This definition is specific to this manual.

Quality System. The aggregate of all the organization’s activities, plans, policies, processes, procedures, resources, incentives and infrastructure working in unison towards a total quality management approach. It requires an organizational construct complete with docwnented policies, processes, procedures and resources that underpin a commitment by all employees to achieve excellence in product and service delivery through the implementation of best practices in quality management.

Note.-This definition is .specific to this manual.

Scenario. Part of a training module plan that consists of predetermined manoeuvres and training events.

Scenario-based training. Training that incorporates manoeuvres into real-world experiences to cultivate practical flying skills in an operational environment.

Stall. An aerodynamic loss of lift caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.

Note.-A stalled condition can exist at any attitude and airspeed, and may be recognized by continuous stall warning activation accompanied by at least one ofthe following: a) buffeting, which could be heavy at times; b) lack ofpitch authority and/or roll control; and c) inability to arrest the descent rate; Stall Event. An occurrence whereby the aeroplane experiences conditions associated with an approach-to-stall or an aerodynamic stall.

Competency element. An action that constitutes a task that has a triggering event and a tenninating event that clearly defines its limits, and an observable outcome.

Contributing factor. A reported condition that contributed to the development of an aircraft accident or incident.

Stall warning. A natural or synthetic indication provided when approaching a stall that may include one ormore of the following indications:

Critical angle of attack. The angle of attack that produces the maximum coefficient of lift beyond which an aerodynamic stall occurs.

Critical system malfunctions. Aeroplane system malfunctions that place significant demand on a proficient crew. These malfunctions should be determined in isolation from any environmental or operational context.

Developed upset. A condition meeting the definition of an aeroplane upset.

Developing upset. Any time the aeroplane begins to unintentionally diverge from the intended flight path or airspeed.

Energy. The capacity to do work.

Energy state. How much of each kind of energy (kinetic, potential or chemical) the aeroplane has available at any given time.

Error. An action or inaction by the flight crew that leads to deviations from organizational or flight crew intentions or expectations.

a) b) c) d) e) f)

aerodynamic buffeting (some airplanes will buffet more than others); reduced roll stability and aileron effectiveness; visual or aural cues and warnings; reduced elevator (pitch) authority; inability to maintain altitude or arrest rate of descent; and stick shaker activation (if installed).

Note.-A stall warning indicates an immediate need to reduce the angle of attack.

Note.-A stick shaker is not installed on all aeroplane types.

Stick pusher. A device that, automatically applies a nose down movement and pitch force to an aeroplane’ s control columns, to attempt to decrease the aeroplane’s angle of attack. Device activation may occur before or after aerodynamic stall, depending on the aeroplane type.

Flight management system. An aeroplane computer system that uses a large database to permit routes to be pre-programmed and fed into the system by means of a data loader. The system is constantly updated with respect to position accuracy by reference to the most appropriate navigation aids available, which are automatically selected during the information update cycle.

Flight path. The trajectory or path of an object (aeroplane) travelling through the air over a given space of time.

Flight simulation training device (FSTD) . A synthetic training device that

USE OF FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICES (FSTD)

(a) For the purpose of training, the Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) or Synthetic Flight Trainer (SFT) shall have the same technology for the basic flight instruments (attitude indicator, airspeed, altimeter, and heading reference) as those of the aircraft used by the license holder.

(1) Aircraft that have electroniclglass displays or standard manual instruments may be allO’tved to use SFT that have electronic/glass displays. (a) Depending on the purpose (training, testing or checking) and on the type of license or rating sought (pPL, CPL, ATPL, MPL, IR, TR, MER, FIR) one or more of seven device types may be used. The device types differ in terms of fidelity of the 3 simulator feature categories, aircraft simulation, cueing simulation and environment simulation. (b) For the purpose of testing, checking or skill test, the 8FT shall have the same instrumentsltechnology for the basic flight instruments (attitude indicator, airspeed, altimeter and heading reference) as those of the aircraft used by the license holder and shall have a minimum of 120 degrees horizontal and 40 degrees vertical field of view (FO\’) for Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for Instrument Rating (IR) while a minimum of 200degrees horizontal and 40 degrees vertical field of view (FOV) for Multi Engine Pilot License (MPL) and Air Transport Pilot (l\ TPL) to support the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) ofthe said licenses. (b) For the purpose ofUPRT, which includes stall and engine and airframe icing, additional fidelities of the simulator feature aerodynamic flight and engine model, flight controls and forces, motion cueing and the lOS are required.

(1) A license holder shall be evaluated/checked in an SFT with the features and configuration similar to a particular type of aircraft used by the said license holder.

(2) A license holder shall be evaluated/checked in an SFT for the purpose of additional rating oflnstrument Rating (IR) only.

Note. ICAO Doc. 9625 ManuaL of Criteria for the Qualification ofFlight SimuLation Training Devices, Fourth Edition 2015, provides guidance for the approvaL of FSTDs 2.3.2.4 TYPE RATINGS POWERED-LIFTS

-AIRPLANE

AND

HELICOPTER

AND

(b) Experience.

(1) xxx (v) for the first type-rating -airplane-, have completed on-airplane upset recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. IS 2.3.2.4

APPENDIX A -TYPE RATINGS -AIRPLANE AND HELICOPTER AND POWERED-LIFTS

(a) xxx (9) Upset prevention and recovery elements from IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. 2.3.3.3

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE -AIRPLANE

(d) xxx (1) for airplane instructor ratings, have completed on-airplane recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. (2) for Flight Instructor (FI), have completed on-airplane upset prevention and recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. 2.3.3.11 INSTRUCTOR RATINGS -AIRPLANE AND HELICOPTER (a) xxx (3) for airplane instructor ratings, have completed on-airplane recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. (4) for Flight Instructor (FI), have completed on-airplane upset prevention and recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C. (c) xxx (1) xxx (vii) to carry out flight instruction for the on-airplane upset recovery as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C, if he or she completed instructor training at an ATO for on-airplane upset recovery instruction. (d) Instructor rating for additional type ratings:

Surprise. The emotionally-based recognition of a difference in what was expected and what is actual.

Flight crew member. A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the operation of an aeroplane during a flight duty period.

TR. Type-Rating

Note. -A stick pusher is not installed on all aeroplane types.

Evidence-based training (EBT). Training and assessment based on operational data that is characterised by developing and assessing the overall capability of a trainee across a range of core competencies rather than by measuring the performance of individual events or manoeuvres.

First Indication of a stall. The initial aural, tactile or visual sign of an impending stall, which can be either naturally or synthetically induced.

MER. Multi-Engine Rating

Stick shaker. A device that automatically vibrates the control colwnn to warn the pilot of an approaching stall.

Stress (response). The response to a threatening event that includes physiological, psychological and cognitive effects. These effects may range from positive to negative and can either enhance or degrade performance.

Fidelity level. The level of realism assigned to each of the defmed FSTD features.

MPL. Multi-Pilot License

Startle. The initial short-term, involuntary physiological and cognitive reactions to an unexpected event that commence the normal human stress response.

Error management. The process of detecting and responding to errors with countenneasures that reduce or eliminate the consequences of errors, and mitigate the probability of further errors or undesired aeroplane states.

Note.-Guidance on EBT is contained in the Procedures for Air Navigation Services Training (PANS-TRG, Doc 9868) and the Manual of Evidencebased Training (Doc 9995). EBT is competency-based and is applicable, as an option, to the recurrent training offlight crew members engaged in commercial air transport operations that is conducted in an FSTD.

CPL. Commercial Pilot License

2.2.6.2

Stall recovery procedure. The manufacturer-approved aeroplane-specific stall recovery procedure. If a manufacturer-approved recovery procedure does not exist, the aeroplanespecific stall recovery procedure developed by the operator based on the stall recovery template contained in the FAA Advisory Circular, AC 120-109.

Core competencies. A group ofrelated behaviours, based on job requirements, which describe how to effectively perform ajob and what proficient performance looks like. They include the name of the competency, a description, and a list ofbehavioural indicators.

FIR. Flight Instructor Rating

Note.-E.g. take-off, climb, cruise, descent, approach and landing.

Practical training. Describes training that places an emphasis on the development of specific technical or practical skills, which is normally preceded by academic training.

c) bank angle greater than 45 degrees; or

UPRT. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training

IR. Instrument Rating Performance criteria. Simple, evaluative statements on the required outcome of the competency element and a description of the criteria used to measure whether the required level of performance has been achieved.

Aeroplane upset. An airplane in flight unintentionally exceeding the parameters nonnally experienced in line operations or training, nonnally defined by the existence of at least one of the following parameters:

b) pitch attitude greater than 10 degrees, nose down; or

ABBREVIATIONS

ATPL. Airline Transport Pilot License On-aeroplane training. A component of a UPRT programme designed to develop skill sets in employing effective upset prevention and recovery strategies utilizing only suitably-capable light aeroplanes.

Post-stall regime. Flight conditions at an angle of attack greater than the critical angle of attack.

pitch attitude greater than 25 degrees, nose up; or

2.1.3

PPL. Private Pilot License Negative training. Training which unintentionally introduces incorrect information or invalid concepts, which could actually decrease rather than increase safety.

Aerodynamic stall. An aerodynamic loss of lift caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack (synonymous with the tenn ‘stall’).

a)

Wake encounter. An event characterized by the aeroplane experiencing the effects of wake turbulence brought about by wingtip vortices or eI?gine exhaust.

AOA. Angle of Attack Motion turnaround bumps. A phenomenon associated with FSTD motion actuators when their direction of travel reverses, which results in acceleration spikes that can be felt by the pilot thus giving a false motion cue.

PHILIPPINE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS PART 2 2.1.2 DEFINITIONS

Unsafe situation. A situation, which has led to an unacceptable reduction in safety margin.

Threat. Events or errors that occur beyond the influence of the flight crew, mcrease operational complexity and must be managed to maintain the margin of safety.

Threat management. The process of detecting and responding to threats with countermeasures that reduce or eliminate the consequences of threats and mitigate the probability oferrors or undesired aeroplane states.

Train-to-proficiency. Approved trammg designed to achieve end-state performance objectives, providing sufficient assurances that the trained individual is capable to consistently carry out specific tasks safely and effectively.

Note. -In the context ofthis definition, the words train-to-proficiency can be replaced by training-to-proficiency.

Training event. Part ofa training scenario that enables a set of competencies to be exercised.

Training objective. A clear statement that is comprised of three parts, i.e. : a) the desired performance or what the trainee is expected to be able to do at the end of training (or at the end of particular stages of training); b) the conditions under which the trainee will demonstrate competence; and

(2) xxx (i) xxx (M) and upset prevention and recovery elements from IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C; 2.3.3.3

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE -AIRPLANE

(b) xxx (1) xxx (viii) Principles of flight: principles of flight relating to airplanes, and upset prevention and recovery elements from IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C; (c) xxx (d) xxx (1) xxx (2) xxx (iii) upset prevention training including flight at critically slow airspeeds, recognition of, and recovery from, incipient and full stalls, and on-airplane upset recovery training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C; 2.3.3.4 AIRPLANE TRANSPORT PILOT LICENSE -AIRPLANE (b) xxx (1) xxx (viii) Principles of flight: principles of flight relating to airplanes; subsonic aerodynamics; compressibility effects, man oeuvre boundary limits, wing design characteristics, effects of supplementary lift and drag devices; relationships between lift, drag and thrust at various airspeeds and in different flight configuration and upset prevention and recovery elements from IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C;

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MULTI-CREW PILOT LICENSE (MPL)

2.3.3.5.2 REQUIREMENTS (f) xxx (1) xxx (ii) Flight experience in actual flight shall include not less than 40 hours of flight time, or 35 hours if completed during a course of approved training as a pilot of airplanes appropriate to the class rating sought and shaH include upset prevention and recovery training as specified in IS 2.3 .3.3 Appendix C, night flying, crosscountry and flight by reference solely to instruments.

IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C: AIRPLANE UPSET PREVENTION AND RECOVERY TRAINING (UPRT) FOR CPL AND FOR MPL, ATPL, TYPE RATING, INSTRUCTOR RATING (AIRPLANE) AND INSTRUCTOR AUTHORIZATION FOR SYNTHETIC FLIGHT TRt~INING FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE(S) (AIRPLANE) (a) Definitions (1) Angle of attack (AOA). The angle between the oncoming air, or relative wind, and a defined reference line on the airplane or wing, (2) Approach-to-stall. Flight conditions bordered by the stall warning and stall.

(3) Developed upset. A condition meeting the definition ofan airplane upset.

(4) Developing upset. Any time the airplane begins to unintentionally diverge from the intended flight oath or airspeed.

(5) Energy state. How much of each king of energy (kinetic, potential or chemical) the airplane has available at any given time.

(6) First indication of a stall. The initial aural, tactile or visual sign of an impending stall, which can be either naturally or synthetically induced.

(7) Flight path. The trajectory or path of the travelling through the air over a given space of time.

(8) Flight path management. An active manipulation, using either the airplanes automation or manual handling, to command the airplane flight controls to direct the airplane along a desired trajectory.

(9) Load factor. The ratio of a specified load to the weight of the airplane, the former being expressed in terms of aerodynamic forces, propulsive forces, or ground reactions.

(10) Manoeuvre-based training. Training that focuses on a single event or manoeouvre in isolation.

(11) Negative transfer of training. Training which unintentionally introduces incorrect information or invalid concepts, which could actually decrease rather than increase safety.

(12) Negative transfer of training. The application (and ‘transfer’) of what was learned in a training enviromnent (i.e., a classroom, an FSTD) to normal practice, i.e. it describes the degree to which what was learned in training is applied to actual normal practices. In this context, negative transfer of training refers to the inappropriate generalization of knowledge and skill to a situation or setting in normal practice that does not equal the training situation or setting.

(13) Post-stall regime. Flight conditions at an angle of attack greater than the critical angle of attack.

(14) Scenario-based trammg. Training that incorporates manoeuvres into real-world experiences to cultivate practical flying skills in an operational environment.

(15) Spin. ‘Incipient spin’ means a transient flight condition in the post-stall regime where an initial, uncommanded roll in excess of 45 n has resulted from yaw asymmetry during a stall and which, if recovery action is not taken, will lead rapidly to a developing spin. Prompt recovery during this incipient spin stage will normally result in an overall heading change, from pre-stall conditions, of not more than 1800 ‘Developing spin’ means a flight condition in the post-stall regime where the airplane exhibits abnormal, but varying, rates of yaw and roll, together with changing pitch attitude, following an incipient following an incipient spin but before the establishment of a developed spin. A developing spin follows an unrecovered incipient spin and will usually persist, in the absence of any recovery action, until a developed spic ensues. ‘Developed spin’ means a flight condition in the post-stall regime where airplane has achieved approximately constant pitch attitude, yaw rate and roll rate on a descending flight path. In action, to attaining a developed spin, the airplane is likely to have rolled through at least 540C Note: To summarize, the circumstances that must prevail before an airplane spins are: The airplane must be in a stalled condition and the airplane must yaw and/or roll.

(16) Stall. A loss of lift caused by exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack. A stalled condition can exist at any attitude and airspeed, and may be recognized by continuous stall warning activation accompanied by at least one ofthe following: -buffeting, which could be heavy at times; -lack of pitch authority andlor roll control; and -inability to arrest the descent rate.

(17) Stall Event. An occurrence whereby the airplane experiences conditions associated with an approach-to-stall or a stall.

(18) Stall (event) recovery procedure. The manufacturer-approved airplanespecific stall recovery procedure. If an OEM-approved recovery procedure does not exist, the airplanespecific stall recovery procedure developed by the operator, based on the stall recovery template contained in IS 2.3.3.3 Appendix C, may be used.

(19) Stall warning. A natural or synthetic indication provided when approaching a stall that may include one or more ofthe following indications: -aerodynamic buffeting (some airplanes will buffet more than others); -reduced roll stability and aileron effectiveness; -visual or aural cues and warnings; -reduced elevator (pitch) authority; -inability to maintain altitude or arrest rate of descent; and -stick shaker activation (if installed).

(20) Startle. The initial short-term, involuntary physiological and cognitive reactions to an unexpected event that commence the normal human stress response.

(21) Stick pusher. A device that, automatically applies a nose down movement and pitch force to an airplane’s control columns, to attempt to decrease the airplane’s angle to attack. Device activation may occur before or after aerodynamic stall, depending on the airplane type.

Note: A stick pusher is not installed on all airplane types.

(22) Stick shaker. A device that automatically vibrates the control column to wan the pilot of an approaching stall.

Note: A stick shaker is not installed on all airplane types.

(23) Stress (response). The response to a threatening event that includes physiological, psychological and cognitive effects. These effects may range from positive to negative and can either enhance or degrade performance.

(24) Surprise. The emotionally-based recognition of a difference in what was expected and what is actual.

(25) Train-to-proficiency. Approved trammg designed to achieve end-state performance objectives, providing sufficient assurances that the trained individual is capable to consistently carry out specific tasks safely and effectively.

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Core Group UPRT Instructors. Core team of instructors responsible for proper UPRT implementation and quality assurance.

Developed upset. A condition meeting the definition ofan airplane upset.

Developing upset. Any time the airplane begins to unintentionally diverge from the intended flight path or airspeed.

Energy state. How much of each kind of energy (kinetic, potential or chemical) the airplane has available at any given time.

PHILIPPINE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS PART 3 3.2.1 FLIGHT CREW TRAINING COURSES

Fidelity level. The level of realism assigned to each ofthe defined FSTD features.

(1) xxx (2) xxx xxx (26) Flight Instructor Course for on-airplane upset recovery training 3.2.5 TRAINING AIRCRAFT (a) xxx (1) xxx (i) For on-airplane recovery training, Airplane(s) shall be qualified for the training task; the Airplane(s) shall be certified for all bank and pitch attitudes and for developed spins. Except for CPL and MPL, FTSDs may be used as an alternative, if it can be demonstrated that the FSTD is capable of delivering the same training results, in particular the psycho-psychological effects equivalent to the aircraft.

3.2.6 FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICES (a) xxx (b) xxx (1) xxx (i) For the purpose of UPRT, which includes stall and engine and airframe icing, additional fidelities of the simulator features, aerodynamic flight-and engine model, flight controls and forces, motion cueing, and lOS are required.

IS 3.1.2.2 APPENDIX A -APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OR AMENDMENT OF AN ATO CERTIFICATE (a) xxx xxx (h) In case of conducting on-airplane upset recovery training for instructors and/or students a statement about: (i) how the safety risks associated with this training are identified and mitigated; and (ii) The procedures for minimum dispatch and weather criteria, such as minimum safe altitudes, cloud clearances and airspace restrictions.

IS 3.2.2 APPENDIX C: INSTRUCTOR FOR TRAINING FOR LICENSES AND RATINGS (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) Before delivering UPRT instructor should have received UPRT instructor training, Details area specified in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. (1) On-airplane recovery trammg requires special instructor qualification.

Before delivering UPRT for on-airplane recovery instruction, a certificate of completion and a logbook-entry, issued by the ATO for successful completion of on-airplane-upset recovery instructor training. During this course, the ATO shall provide training-toproficiency and shall continuously assess and record the performance of the instructor under training.

IS 3.2.2 APPENDIX C: INSTRUCTOR FOR TRAINING FOR LICENSES AND RATINGS (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) Before delivering UPRT instructor should have received UPRT instructor training, Details area specified in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. (1) On-airplane recovery trammg requires special instructor qualification.

Before delivering UPRT for on-airplane recovery instruction, a certificate ofcompletion and a logbook-entry, issued by the ATO for successful completion of on-airplane-upset recovery instructor training. During this course, the ATO shall provide training-toproficiency and shall continuously assess and record the performance of the instructor under training.

IS 3.2.2

Flight crew resilience. The ability of a flight crew member to recognize, absorb and adapt to disruptions. Resilience can be increased by raising the level of competence and by achieving the appropriate level of confidence.

APPENDIX D: INSTRUCTORS FOR ADDITIONAL CLASS OR TYPE RATINGS

(a) xxx (b)xxx (c) Before delivering UPRT instructors shall have received UPRT instructor training. Details are specified in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. IS 3.2.2 APPENDIX E: INSTRUCTORS FOR SYNTHETIC FLIGHT TRAINING FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE(S) (a) xxx (i) Before UPRT instructors shall have received UPRT instructor training.

Details are specified in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. 3.1.2.1 GENERAL (a) xxx (b) No person may conduct training, testing and/or checking in synthetic flight trainers Flight Simulation Training Device(s) without, or in violation of, the certificate and training specifications required under this Part.

First indication of a stall. The initial aural, tactile or visual sign of an impending stall, which can be either naturally or synthetically induced.

Flight path. The trajectory or path ofthe airplane travelling through the air over a given space of time.

Flight path management. An active manipUlation, using either the airplanes automation or manual handling, to command the airplane flight controls to direct the airplane along a desired traj ectory.

Load factor. The ratio of a specified load to the weight of the airplane, the former being expressed in terms ofaerodynamic forces, propulsive forces, or ground reactions.

Loss of control in flight (LOCI). A categorization of an accident or incident resulting from a deviation from the intended flight path.

Manoeuvre-based training. Training that focuses on a single event or manoeuvre In isolation.

Negative training. Training which unintentionally introduces incorrect information or invalid concepts, which could actually decrease rather than increase safety.

Negative transfer of training. The application (and ‘transfer’) of what was learned in a training environment (i.e., a classroom, an FSTD) to normal practice, i.e. it describes the degree to which what was learned in training is applied to actual normal practices. In this context, negative transfer of training refers to the inappropriate generalization of knowledge and skill to a situation or setting in normal practice that does not equal the training situation or setting.

Post-stall regime. Flight conditions at an angle of attack greater than the critical angle of attack.

Scenario-based training. Training that incorporates manoeuvres into real-world experiences to cultivate practical flying skills in an operational environment.

Spin. ‘Incipient spin’ means a transient flight condition in the post-stall regime where an initial, uncommanded roll in excess of 45 ° has resulted from yaw asymmetry during a stall and which, if recovery action is not taken, will lead rapidly to a developing spin. Prompt recovery during this incipient spin stage will normally result in an overall heading change, from pre-stall conditions, of not more than 180u.

‘Developing spin’ means a flight condition in the post-stall regime where the airplane exhibits abnormal, but varying, rates of yaw and roll, together with changing pitch attitude, following an incipient spin but before the establishment of a developed spin. A developing spin follows an unrecovered incipient spin and will usually persist, in the absence of any recovery action, until a developed spin ensues.

‘Developed spin’ means a flight condition in the post-stall regime where the airplane has achieved approximately constant pitch attitude, yaw rate and roll rate on a descending flight path. In transition from a stall with significant, persistent yaw, with no recovery action, to attaining a developed spin, the airplane is likely to have rolled through at least 540’ Note: To summarize, the circumstance that mustprevail before an airplane spins are: The airplane must be in a stalled condition and the airplane must yaw and/or roll.

Stall. A loss of lift caused by exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack.

A stalled condition can exist at any attitude and airspeed, and accompanied by at least one of the following: - buffeting, which could be heavy at times: - lack of pitch authority andlroll control: and - inability to arrest the descent rate.

Stall Event. An occurrence whereby the airplane experiences conditions associated with an approach-to-stall or a stall.

Stall (event) recovery procedure. The manufacturer-approved airplanespecific stall recovery procedure. If an OEM-approved recovery procedure does not exist, the airplanespecific stall recovery procedure developed by the operator, based on the stall recovery template contained in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C, may be used.

Stall warning. A natural or synthetic indication provided when approaching a stall that may include one or more of the following indications: - aerodynamic buffeting (some airplanes will buffet more than others); - reduced roll stability and aileron effectiveness; - visual or aural cues and warnings; - inability to maintain altitude or arrest rate of descent; and - stick shaker activation (if installed).

3.1.2.2 APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OR AMENDMENT OF AN ATO CERTIFICATE

Note: A stall warning indicates an immediate need to reduce the angle ofattack

(a) xxx (b) xxx xxx (c) xxx (1) xxx (2) xxx (i) xxx xxx (iv) for each synthetic flight trainer Flight Simulation Training Device(s) that may be used for training, testing and checking, the make, model and series of aircraft being simulated, the qualification level assigned and the identification number assigned by the Authority;

Startle. The initial short-term, involuntary physiological and cogrutIve reactions to an unexpected event that commence the normal human stress response.

3.1.2.7 FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) Synthetic training devices. Flight Simulation Training Device(s) shall be qualified according to requirements established by the Republic ofthe Philippines and their use shall be approved by the Licensing Authority to ensure that they are appropriate to the task.

‘Additional’ Note: AC 61-136 FAA Approval ofAviation Training Device(s) under use ofTraining and Experience dated 17 November 2014.

IS 3.1.2.2 APPENDIX A -APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OR AMENDMENT OF AN ATO CERTIFICATE (a) xxx (b) xxx xxx

(c) a description of the training equipment that the applicant proposes to use e.g. the aircraft, the synthetic flight trainers Flight Simulation Training Device(s) including any special equipment used for each phase oftraining; IS 3.1.2.4 APPENDIX A: INSPECTION

(a) xxx (1) xxx (2) xxx (3) xxx (4) synthetic flight trainers: Flight Simulation Training Device(s) qualification and approval; PHILIPPINE CIVIL A VIATION REGULATIONS PART 8 8.1.1.2

DEFINITIONS

Airplane upset. An undesired airplane state characterized by unintentional divergences from parameters normally experienced during operations. An airplane upset may involve pitch and/or bank angle divergences as well as inappropriate airspeeds for the conditions.

Airplane upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). A combination of theoretical knowledge and flying training with the aim of providing flight crew with the required competencies to prevent or recover from developing or developed airplane upsets.

Note; Airplane upset ‘prevention training’ means a combination oftheoretical knowledge and flying training with the air to provide flight crew with the required competencies to prevent developing airplane upsets.

Airplane ‘recovery training’ means a combination of theoretical knowledge and flying training with the aim to provide flight crew with the required competencies to recover from developed airplane upsets.

Angle of attack (AOA). The angle between the oncoming air, or relative wind, and a defined reference line on the airplane or wing.

Approach-to-stall. Flight conditions bordered by the stall warning and stall.

Stick pusher. A device that, automatically applies a nose down movement and pitch force to an airplane’s control columns, to attempt to decrease the airplane’s angle of attack. Device activation may occur before or after aerodynamic stall, depending on the airplane type.

Note: A stick pusher is not installed in all airplane types.

Stick shaker. A device that automatically vibrates the control column to warn the pilot of an approaching stall.

Note: A stick shaker is not installed on all airplane types.

Stress (response). The response to a threatening event that includes physiological, psychological and cognitive effects. These effects may range from positive to negative and can either enhance or degrade perfonnance.

Surprise. The emotionally-based recognition ofa difference in what was expected and what is actual.

Train-to-proficiency. Approved trammg designed to achieve end-state performance objectives, providing sufficient assurance that the trained individual is capable to consistently carry out specific tasks safely and effectively.

8.1.1.3 ABBREVIATIONS UPRT -Airplane upset prevention and recovery training AOA -Angle ofAttack 8.10.1.8.3 FLIGHT CREW MEMBER TRAINING PROGRAMS (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) Include proper flight crew coordination and training in all types of emergency and abnormal situations or procedures caused by power plant, (for helicopters: transmission and rotor), airframe or systems malfunctions, fire or other abnonnalities, and, for airplanes, in upset prevention and recovery; 8.10.1.15 INITIAL AmCRAFT FLIGHT TRAINING (a) xxx (b) Initial flight training shall focus on the manoeuvring and safe operation of the aircraft in accordance with operator’s nonnal, abnormal and emergency procedures and, for airplanes, include upset prevention training as specified in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. 8.10.1.20 AIRCRAFT AND INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY CHECKS (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) xxx (d) When an operator schedules flight crew on several variants of the same type of aircraft or different types of aircraft with similar characteristics in terms of operating procedures, upset prevention and recovery, systems and handling, the Authority shall decide under which conditions the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) above for each variant or each type of aircraft can be combined.

8.10.1.30.1 ROUTE AND AREA CHECKS: AIRPLANE PILOT QUALIFICATION (a) xxx (b) xxx (c) xxx (1) xxx (i) xxx (ii) the environmental factors related to the prevention ofaeroplane upsets.

(A) the seasonal meteorological conditions (B) the relevant environmental hazards, such as: (AA) Clear Air Turbulence (CAT); (BB) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ); (CC) Thunderstonns; (DD) Microbursts; (BE) Wind Shear; (FF) Icing; (GG) Mountain Waves; (HH) Wake Turbulence at high altitude; (II) Temperature changes at high altitude;

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ENERGY REGULATORY (iii) the available mitigating proceduresCOMMISSION for the relevant hazards in (1) (ii) San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City related to the specific route; (iv) the meteorological, communication and air traffic facilities, services IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION and procedures; FOR (v) the ANsearch and INDIVIDUALIZED rescue procedures: and DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM LOSS (vi) the navigational facilitiesCAP and procedures, including any long-range UNDER ERC RESOLUTION NO. associated 20, navigation procedures, with the route along which the SERIES OF 2017, WITH PRAYER FOR flightAUTHORITY is to take place: PROVISIONAL

or call us at 832-5547

ERC CASE NO. 2018-__ RC

(A) LIGHT for the more areas or routes, in-flight familiarization as COTABATO ANDcomplex POWER a pilot-in-cornmandlcommander or co-pilot under supervision, COMPANY, observer, or familiarization in a flight simulation training device Applicant.

(FSTD) using a database appropriate to the route concerned. x--------------------------------------------------x APPLICATION 8.10.1.33 RECURRENT TRAINING: FLIGHT CREW MEMBERS (a) xxx Applicant, COTABATO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (“CLPC”), by counsel, (b) xxx respectfully states: (1) xxx 1. xxx CLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by Forlaws airplanes, prevention and recovery training: virtue of(6)the of the upset Republic of the Philippines with office address at Sinsuat Avenue, (c) xxx Cotabato City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act (1)xxx No. 10637 to maintain and operate an electric light and power system for the purpose xxx of distributing electric light, heat and power, in Cotabato City, and portions of the of Sultan Kudarat and Datuas Odin Sinsuat, all 2.3 in the province of (4)Municipalities Upset prevention and recovery training specified in IS .3.3 Appendix Maguindanao.

C, including: 2.CLPC be served with Consisting notices andof other processes of this (i) upsetmay prevention training. ground training and flightHonorable training in Commission their undersigned the address indicated below. anthrough FSTD or an airplane: suchcounsel trainingatshould include: 3. On 8 December 2008, this Honorable Commission issued Resolution No. for the conversion training Adopting course, upset prevention 17, Series of (A) 2008, entitled “A Resolution a New System elements; Loss Capand for Distribution Utilities”. this Resolution, DSL Capupset of 8.5% was imposed.

(B) for Under the recurrent training aprogram, prevention elements at least every 12 calendar months, such that all the elements are covered 4. CLPC over sought the deferment of the3 implementation of the 8.5%Distribution a period not exceeding years.

System Loss (“DSL”) Cap. In a case filed by CLPC on 8 December 2009 entitled In the Matter of the Petition to Defer (ii) upset recovery training.

ThisImplementation training should:of the New System Loss Cap under ERC Resolution No. 17, Series of 2008 (“2009 Application”), 1CLPC explained (A)struggling consist oftoground training flight9.5% training an FFS for that it had been meet the then and existing DSLinCap “due qualified to changes the training task;overall peace and order situation in Cotabato.”CLPC’s in market conditions and the case remains (B) pending before thisfrom Honorable Commission. be completed each seat in which a pilot’s duties require him/ her to operate; 5. Since the 2009 Application, CLPC has made considerable efforts to reduce its technical and loss by upgrading existing conductors its (C) non-technical include the recovery exercise, itssuch that small all the exercisesinare primary and secondary lines, installing 3.3 MVar capacitor covered over a period not about exceeding 3 years; and banks to improve its feeder power factors, installing 17 elevated metering centers, and correcting 21 overloadedFLIGHT distribution transformers.QUALIFICATIONS Despite these efforts, however, it has been 8.10.1.36 INSTRUCTOR unable to lower the amount to meet the current 8.5% DSL Cap.

(a) xxx

6. On December 2017, this Honorable Commission promulgated Resolution (1)5xxx No. 20, Series xxx of 2017, which adopts the Rules for for Setting the Distribution System Loss Cap(3) andFor Establishing Incentivecompleted Scheme forinstructor Distribution Efficiency airplanes,Performance has successfully training for (“DSL Rules”).

UPRT, approved by the Authority.

7. Under the DSL Rules, Distribution INDOCTRINATION Utilities (“DUs”) will have a DSL Cap of IS 8.10.1.9 COMPANY PROCEDURES 6.5% by the May 2018 billing period, 2.5% lower than the current 8.5% DSL Cap. (a) xxx (1) 8. As xxxof February 2018, CLPC’s system loss is at 8.65%, higher than the current 8.5% DSL Cap. (9) For flight crew members in airplanes, upset prevention training elements specified IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C. 9. On 9 Marchas 2018, CLPCin wrote this Honorable Commission seeking exemption from the 6.5%RECURRENT DSL Cap whilstTRAINING: it prepare its Application for an Individualized DSL Cap. IS 8.10.1.33 FLIGHT CREW (a) xxx 10. Considering the current circumstance, CLPC respectfully seeks for the xxx implementation of an Individualized DSL Cap in lieu of the 6.5% DSL Cap. Under (f) shall“may ensure thattopilot flight training at least theEach DSL operator Rules, DUs elect use recurrent an alternative method include for determining the following: an Individualized DSL Cap that shall be applied to it.”2The DSL rules require two

components an application an Individualized DSL Cap – the Technical Loss Note: Flight in training may be for conducted in an appropriate aircraft or adequate Component and the Non- Technical Loss Component.3 CLPC respectfully seeks for FSTD (FSTD shall have landing capability).

Requirements jar FSTDs used the following Individualized DSL Cap: for UPRT are spectfied in IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIX C and should be qualified to Individualized DSL Captransfer ensure that theComponent training task objectives can be achieved and negative Loss Component 7.48% oftrainingTechnical is avoided.

Non- Technical Loss Component

(1) xxx

1.16%

11.

To determine the Technical Loss Component, CLPC conducted the required xxx tests and in compliance with Section 4.2 of training the DSLasRules.

CLPC (14) simulations For airplanes, upset prevention and recovery specified in respectfully submits the following documents in compliance thereof: IS 2.3.3.3 APPENDIXC. Annex Document (i) Upset Prevention Training should prioritize the upset prevention elements Technical Loss to Summary andA respective according the operator’s safety risk assessment. Upset B Reference Distribution Network Simulations prevention training should use a combination of manoevre-based and scenarioB-1 training.

--- Sub Transmissiontraining and Substation Technical Loss based Scenario-based may be used to introduce flight crew to B-2 situations which, if not correctlyLoss managed, could lead to an upset condition, --- Feeder Technical Relevant TEM CRM aspects should be included in scenario-based training B-3 ---and Annual Reportorial Requirements andCthe flightDistribution crew should understand Load Forecastthe limitations of the FSTD in replicating the physiological and psychological aspects of exposure to upset prevention scenarios.

12.

To determine the Non-Technical Loss Component, CLPC made the computations required in Section 4.3 of the DSL Rules. CLPC respectfully submits (ii) Upsetdocuments Recovery in Training should be maoeuvre-based, which enables flight the following compliance thereof: crew to apply their handling skills and recovery strategy whilst leveraging CRM Annex to return the airplane from an upset Document principles condition to a stabilized flight path.

Non-Technical Loss Summary TheDflight crew should understand the limitations of the FSTD in replicating the E Non-Technical Cost Curve physiological and psychological aspects of upset recovery exercises. In order F Non-Technical Reduction Curve to avoid negative training and negative transfer of training. Operators should ensure that the selected upset recovery exercises take into consideration the 13.Further, pursuant to Section 4.1.3 of the Rules, CLPC shall continue to use limitations ofthe FSTD. the existing cap of 8.5% pending approval of this Application for Individualized DSL Cap.(iii) Stall Event Recovery Training ALLEGATIONS SUPPORT THE PRAYER It is of utmost importance IN that stall eventOF recovery trainingFOR takes into account PROVISIONAL the capabilities of the FSTD used. MostAUTHORITY current and grandfathered FFS models are deficient in representing the airplane in the aerodynamic stall regime, thus 14. Applicant repleads all a the foregoing practicing of’stall’ in such device couldstatements. potentially result in negative training or negative transfer of training. The term ‘stall event’ is therefore introduced to cater 15.

Considering that the 6.5% DSL Cap shall effective by thefuture May 2018 for the capability of current and grandfatheredbecome FFS, and for potential FFS billingenhancements. period, it is necessary that is CLPC be granted reprieve from its imposition at A ‘stall event’ defined as an occurrence whereby the airplane the earliest opportunity.

Thus, the request for the issuance of a Provisional Authority. experiences one or more conditions associated with an approachto-stal1 or a stall.

16. In support of this Application and the prayer for issuance of a Provisional Authority the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. or Francis Per Miñoza, OfficerIn- Charge of IMPORTANT -when using current grandfathers FFS, the stall event recovery CLPC’s Engineering is conducted attached asasANNEX “G. exercises shouldGroup only be approach-to-stall exercises. Stall training requires a special approved device. The FFS used for the upset recovery training premises respectfully prays that the should WHEREFORE, be qualified to ensure thatconsidered, the trainingCLPC task objectives can be achieved Honorable Commission: and negative transfer oftraining is avoided.

INVITATION TO BID

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 66,228,667.57 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction of RC Pier Extension, Port of Dapitan, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte (LFP ZDN No. 011-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Improvement of Existing Building for Files Storage Facilities (Area = 720.00 sq. m.). Completion of the Works is required in 120 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of RC Pier Extension (Area = 810.00 sq. m.). Completion of the Works is required in 330 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project.

The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 21 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 21 May 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Small B – Building and Industrial Plant

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

PTR No. A-3749336 / January 23, 2018 / Taguig City (i) are able to IBP demonstrate the correct recovery techniques for the specific Lifetime Number No.upset 011964 / Quezon City airplane type; MCLE Exemption No. V-001508 RollofNo. 62390 type-specific Original Equipment (ii) understand the importance applying Manufacturers (OEMs) procedures for recovery maoeuvres; th 16 Floor, NAC Tower (iii) are able to distinguish between the applicable 32nd St., Bonifacio Global, Taguig City SOPs and the OEMs recommendations (if available); Telephone No. 886-2348/Fax No. 886-2405 (iv) understand the capabilities and limitations ofthe FSTD used for UPRT;

(v) are aware of the potential of negative transfer if training that may exist when VERIFICATION AND training outside the capabilities of the FSTD; CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING (vi) understand and are able to use the lOS of the FSTD in the context of effective I,UPR JUDY C. SANCHEZ of legal age, Filipino, and with office address at Sinsuat T delivery: Avenue, Cotabato City Philippines, after having been duly sworn in accordance with (vii) understand and are That able –to use the FSTD instructor tools available for law, hereby depose and state: providing accurate feedback on flight crew performance; 1.

I am the duly authorized representative of COTABATO POWER (viii) understand the importance of adhering to the FSTD LIGHT UPRT AND scenarios that COMPANY (“CLPC”), in program the above-entitled case, as shown in the have been validatedthe

by Applicant the training developer; and Secretary’s Certificate attached herein as Annex “H”; (ix) understand the missing critical human factor aspects due to the limitations of 2. the convey preparation and this Application; theI caused FSTD and this to thefiling flightofcrew receiving the training.

The core group UPRT instructors shall: 3. I have read this Application, and, based on my own personal knowledge, (x)and have realistic during recovery in combination with belief, onexperienced authentic records of g-immersion CLPC, all allegations contained therein are true representative aircraft type dynamic behavior. and correct; and

Editorial Note.has -Adjust numbering. any other action or proceeding involving the 4. CLPC not commenced same issue/s with the Supreme Court, Court “End the ofText ., of Appeals, or any other tribunal

or agency; To the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding involving the Separability -If, with for any any provision of thisofMemorandum Circular same issue/s Clause is pending thereason, Supreme Court, the Court Appeals, or any other is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts thereof which are not tribunal or agency; and, if I should hereafter learnpart thator a similar action or proceeding affected continuewith to be full force Court, and effect. has beenthereby filed orshall is pending theinSupreme the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to report such fact within five (5) days to this Repealing Clause -All orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof which Honorable Commission. are inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are hereby repealed, superseded or modified accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this ____April 2018, inTaguig City.

Determination of Changes -To highlight the amendments and/or reVISIOns in the Memorandum Circular, the deleted text shall be shown with strikethrough and the new inserted text shall be highlighted with grey shading, as illustrated below: JUDY C. Text deleted: Text to be deleted is shown with a line through it. SANCHEZ New text inserted: New text is highlighted with grey shading. Affiant New text replacing existing text: Text to be deleted is shown with a line through it followed by the replacement text which is highlighted with grey SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day ofApril 2018 in ___. Affiant shading. exhibited to me _________________ issued in Cebu City on April 2018.

1.

2.

3.

Effectivity -Fifteen (15) days after compliance with the requisite publication in a single newspaper of general circulation and a copy filed with the UP. Law Center of the National Administrative Register, these amendments shall Doc No.-Office _________: Page No. ________; be incorporated to the Philippine CAR, series of 2018.

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

CAPTAIN JIM8 December C SYDIONCO . Application dated 2009, p. 2. . DSL Rules,General Section 4.1.1.

Director . DSL Rules, Section 4.1.2.

2 3

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(MS-APR. 27, 2018)

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 22 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 22 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

Standard – Apr. 27, 2018

M. Standard – April 27, 2018

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of (22) Mobile Shower Rooms Using Slightly Used 10 Footer Container Van, Complete with Finishes, Painting and Installation of All accessories. Project Duration is 16 calendar days from the receipt by the successful bidder of the Notice to Proceed.

Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand (P25,000.00) Pesos.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07 May 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 23 May 2018 at 9:00 a.m. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 23 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ENGINEERING PLOTTER

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 3,800,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply and Delivery of Engineering Plotter (BAC-PGCS-09-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Supply and Delivery of Engineering Plotter. Delivery of the Goods is required within sixty (60) days from the receipt by the successful bidder of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Five Thousand (P5,000.00) Pesos.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07 May 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 23 May 2018 at 9:00 a.m. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 23 May 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for the Procurement of Goods and Consultancy Services (HO-BAC-PGCS)

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for the Procurement of Goods and Consultancy Services (HO-BAC-PGCS)

1

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

Book No. ________;

Series ofthis 2018.

Signed 23rd day of April 2018, CAAP, Pasay City

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 27 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 12,676,477.66 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Construction of Mobile Shower Rooms for Port Management Offices (BAC-PGCS-31-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

It is of paramount importance that personnel providing UPR T in FSTDs have MA. MARGARITA S. LIM demonstrated during previous instructor qualification Operators should, PTR No. A-3749337 / January 23, 2018 /training Taguig City therefore, have a IBP comprehensive training09,and programed No. 021984 /January 2018standardization / PPLM in place, and may to provide FSTD instructors with2016 additional training MCLEneed Compliance No. V-0016454 / March 31, to ensure such instructors have and 64612 maintain complete knowledge and Roll No. understanding of the UPRT operating environment, and skill sets. This training should ensure that instructors.

CELENI KRISTINE G. GUINTO

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

For further information, please refer to:

Taguig City for Pasig City, 03 May 2018.

IS 8.10.1.37 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING (a) xxx By: xxx (g) An Operator shall ensure that the initial and transition flight training for flight instructors (simulator) includes the following: KATRINA M. PLATON

PTR No. A-3695138 / January 5, 2018 / Taguig City

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF RC PIER EXTENSION, PORT OF DAPITAN, DAPITAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 10,266,147.98 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed PPA Head Office Files Storage Facilities, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila (LFP NCS No. 010-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOBILE SHOWER ROOMS FOR PORT MANAGEMENT OFFICES

(h) An Operator shallIBP provide standardization training instructors per aircraft No. 021983 / January 9, 2018 / for RSM type shall not beMCLE less than 10% ofNo. theV-0002586 instructor /force, but2014 at least 2 (two) are Compliance June 9, required.

Roll No. 55895

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED PPA HEAD OFFICE FILES STORAGE FACILITIES, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA

1. Issue anrecovery Order GRANTING PROVISIONAL to implement Stall event training should emphasize AUTHORITY the requirement to reduce the the proposed Cap of 7.48% Technical Loss loss. and 1.16% in Nonangle individualized of attack (AOA)DSL whilst accepting theinresulting altitude Technical Loss beginning the effectivity of the DSL Rules on the May 2018 Billing period; and High-altitude stall event traImng should be included so that flight crew appreciate the airplane control response, the significant altitude loss during the recovery, 2.

After hearing merits,The a Decision be rendered APPROVING and the increased on timethe required. training should also emphasize the riskthe of implementation proposedstall individualized DSL of 7.48% in Technical Loss and triggering a of secondary event during theCap recovery.

1.16% in Non-Technical Loss beginning the effectivity of the DSL Rules on the May 2018Refer Billingtoperiod. revision 3 of the Airline Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Aid for a detailed explanation and rationale on the stall event recovery template as Other relief justbyand recommended theequitable OEMs. under the circumstances are likewise prayed for.

PTR A-3783452 2018 abnormal, / Taguig City (1) Training andNo. practice in the/ February required 27, normal, and emergency IBP Lifetime No. 706864 / Makati City procedures MCLE and upset prevention and recovery ensure Compliance No. V-0018713 / Aprilto13, 2016 competence to conduct the flight instruction Roll required by this part.

This training and practice No. 38338 shall be accomplished in full or in part in a flight simulator or in a flight training device.

PAUL B. SORIÑO

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356, Fax. No. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

Standard – Apr. 27, 2018

Standard – Apr. 27, 2018

Road map for integration of logistics’ services

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SPURRING THE GROWTH OF THE LOGISTICS’ INDUSTRY

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE country’s strong domestic economy and the growth of e-commerce have attracted local conglomerates to enter into the logistics’ industry.

Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Henry Sy’s SM Investments Corp and Dennis Uy’s Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. are expanding their business into logistics for future growth.

MPIC acquired a number of small logistic firms, while SMIC and Chelsea have taken in the 2GO Group Inc., the country’s largest shipping and logistics company.

Metro Pacific ventured into the logistics and distribution business in May, 2016 when it acquired the assets of mid-sized corporate logistics provider Basic Logistics as it saw a strong demand for logistics services in the country.

It then formed a new company called Metro Pacific Movers Inc. in a joint venture with the shareholders of Basic Logistics to provide logistics, shipping, freight forwarding and ecommerce services.

In January, 2017, Metro Pacific through its subsidiary Premier Logistics Inc. acquired some of the assets and business of Ace Logistics worth P280 million.

“We want to build up a significant substantial logistics group … I think it’s a very basic need of the country, to have a more efficient logistics’ infrastructure because the cost of moving goods back and forth between Manila and for example, Mindanao, is, we understand more expensive than moving the goods from here to Europe for example.

That’s something we should cure,” Pangilinan said.

In 2014, the World Bank reported a lower logistics performance index (LPI) for the Philippines, 57th out of 160 countries, down from 44 out of 155 countries in 2010 .

The country was behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia in 2014.

The logistics’ sector – part of transportation and storage under the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC) – contributed 6.1 percent to the country’s economic growth during the third quarter of 2014.

The sector’s impact on economic growth is certainly extensive considering logistics’ cost, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), accounts for 24 percent to 53 percent of the wholesale price of goods in the country.

Pangilinan said its new venture will complement with its existing businesses.

“The group as a whole moves quite a bit of goods and equipment throughout the country so this will help the group as well in facilitating how we operate. PLDT, Meralco, the tollways and to some extent, Maynilad and so forth,” he added.

Metro Pacific committed to invest P5 billion in the logistics’ business over a five-year period.

Chelsea, meanwhile, is working toward becoming the prime mover of vital goods, cargoes and passengers in the Philippines and eventually a regional player by expanding organically and creating synergies with 2Go Group Inc. and affiliates within the Udenna Group.

Udenna started its shipping business in 2006 through Chelsea Shipping Corp. to support the operations of the country’s leading independent and fastest-growing oil company, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. It currently has the largest tanker fleet in terms of capacity with a total of 39,271.64 gross registered tonnage.

Chelsea acquired a 28.15-percent indirect economic interest in 2Go Group in March and subsequently took over its management.

Chelsea also acquired Worklink Services,

MICT is the flagship operation of ICTSI, the Philippines’ leading port operator with a portfolio of 30 terminals in 18 countries.

The sector’s impact on economic growth is certainly extensive considering logistics’ cost, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), accounts for 24 percent to 53 percent of the wholesale price of goods in the country.

Inc. (WSI) to expand its logistics business.

“WSI will augment our logistics and manpower businesses as well as create additional synergy within the group,” Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy, Chelsea president and chief executive said.

“The acquisition will prove even more valuable in steering CLC to greater heights by bringing in an experienced and competent management and staff, who have been in the logistics business for more than 20 years,” he added.

WSI was established in 1994 for the primary purpose of providing efficient, effective and reliable courier, forwarding, trucking and logistics services to a growing domestic industry.

“In every investment put into expanding our operations, we strive to ultimately provide better shipping and logistics ser-

vices to Filipino businesses and consumers as well as create more jobs and support the economy’s growth,” Damuy said.

REGULATION BARRIERS Despite optimism from local conglomerates, state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in a study, said the government must reduce regulatory burdens in the logistics’ industry to boost the country’s export competitiveness.

In 2016, the Philippines’ overall logistics performance index was “way below those of the older members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations”, the study said, adding that it was even lower than Vietnam—one of the transition economies in Southeast Asia.

“In the field of logistics, the Philippines has one of the most restrictive set of regulations which, together with other factors,

are responsible for its relatively poor logistics performance,” PIDS said.

PIDS identified various regulatory issues and challenges in the sector, particularly in the implementation aspect.

The study revealed that the lack of awareness about the importance of integration and coordination in the logistics’ chain has resulted in “inconsistent, overlapping, and sometimes contradictory policies”.

This issue, according to the authors, has caused loss of major logistics providers and foreign investors in the country.

Furthermore, the uncoordinated logistics’ system in the country can also be attributed to the absence of a single coordinating agency. At present, various agencies have different sets of regulations for the transport, logistics, and distribution sectors in the PhilTurn to E4

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CHELSEA LOGISTICS HOLDINGS CORP. Sustaining PH logistics’ momentum Led by their eclectic Chairman Dennis Uy, this leading logistics provider is geared towards delivering excellent shipping and logistics services with “burning passion” from the front lines to the head office.

C

HELSEA Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLC), the shipping business segment of Udenna Corporation, plans to sustain the company’s momentum in the next years through organic growth and further strategic acquisitions of logistics and shipping companies.

ASSERTIVE FROM THE GET GO In 2007, Chelsea Shipping Corp. (CSC), a subsidiary of Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp.

(CLC), started its commercial operations in the shipping industry.

CSC was initially established to serve the requirements of its sister company, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., and CSC has attained a name for itself in the petroleum hauling industry as a reliable service provider.

In fact, the company has grown to be one of the top five (5) petroleum tankers in the country.

In December 2016, CLC purchased the entire outstanding stock of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. (Trans-Asia) and its four subsidiaries. Trans-Asia, one of the leaders in the field of cargo handling, passage, and route development, has played a key role in the development of trade between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

On March 27, 2017, CLC acquired all of Udenna Investments BV’s (UIBV’s) outstanding capital stock through a share swap agreement with Udenna Corporation, wherein Udenna Corporation transferred to CLC 18,200 UIBV shares. In exchange, CLC issued 775,384,615 new common shares from its authorized and unissued capital stock in favor of Udenna.

UIBV was incorporated on August 25, 1994.

UIBV owns 80% economic interest in KGLI-NM, a domestic corporation incorporated on August 8, 2008, and which holds 39.85% economic interest in NENACO. KGLI-NM acquired such interests in NENACO on May 13, 2008. NENACO, in turn owns 88.31% of 2Go. NENACO acquired its interests in 2Go on December 28, 2010.

Hence, CLC has a 28.15% indirect economic interest in 2Go. NENACO and 2Go Group, Inc. are the largest supply chain enterprise and end-to-end solutions provider in the Philippines.

On November 8, 2017, CLC acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Worklink Services, Inc. (WorkLink). WorkLink, established in 1994, is a company engaged in courier, forwarding, trucking and logistics services. WorkLink, established in 1994, is a company engaged in courier, forwarding, trucking and logistics services. This acquisition together with the on-boarding of WSI’s experienced management team and employees will reinforce CLC’s end-to-end transport services.

Simultaneously, on November 9, 2017, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ruled in favor of the company’s purchase of Starlite Ferries, Inc. (Starlite), a shipping company based in Batangas City that operates a fleet of 14 roll-on/rolloff (RORO) ferries in the ports of Batangas, Calapan, Caticlan, Odiongan, Puerto Galera and Roxas.

The acquisition of SFI opened the group to the Batangas trade route.

THE NEXT PHASE AND BEYOND In 2018, the medium-range tanker purchased by the company called “MT Aristotelis” and a number of cargo vessels and tugboats are scheduled for delivery. These vessels are expected to generate substantial revenues for CLC. Similarly, the company will continuously explore opportunities in acquiring other shipping and logistics companies, adding

value to the existing group fleet, and synergies to the Udenna Group as a whole.

Chelsea Logistics, with its amiable leader Dennis Uy, hopes to ride the “Build, Build, Build” mentality of the present administration. With the growth objectives of the government, there is a need for more and better shipping and logistics support, and CLC aims to provide these.

They also plan to continuously upgrade their fleet not only in terms of number but also by acquiring newer vessels. With these new vessels, the company says they will be able to expand to new routes and destinations, thus serving more Filipinos spread across the archipelago.

GROWTH, INNOVATIONS, AND PLANS For this year, CLC aims to expand and further enhance its logistics services offerings through acquisitions of additional delivery trucks and land parcel for warehouse development, and enhancement of the overall inventory management and delivery systems for faster and efficient service.

And as the company has promised, they have vowed to support the strides the government has done in terms of growth not only in the Philippines but also in the region.

CLC’s focus on improving passenger transport throughout the country’s islands supports the ASEAN 2020 vision of connecting the region in terms of technological advancement and transportation development.

While on the logistics’ side, the fast changing pace of the e-commerce business is expected to significantly change the landscape of the logistics/transport business in the Philippines. Chelsea Logistics is not one to be outdone.

According to the company, they are preparing their fleet and technology to ensure that the company is able to keep up with these changes.

In the Group, new technology for improvement of inventory management was introduced during the year and other system enhancements are underway to update its technology.

WorkLink recently acquired new software program which will enable it to make efficient and faster delivery of cargoes.

On the shipping side, Chelsea Shipping Corp. (CSC), has adapted the ORCA Maritime Solutions as its main shipping system. In 2018, Trans-Asia and Starlite will gradually move to ORCA Maritime Solutions platform to ensure the consistency and efficient access to parallel information within the group.

With respect to payment facilities, the group engages banks and payment providers for online-based Turn to E4

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ROYAL CARGO, INC. Helping shape future of PH logistics

By Peter Paul Duran

T

HE Philippines boasts of an array of natural resources that has enticed countless tourism ventures and garnered robust economic development in recent years.

But more than the beaches, the rich raw materials, and the hardworking workforce, what the country can really be proud about is its strategic location situated at the heart of a busy, rumbling logistics crossroads.

According to reports, the Philippine freight and logistics market is expected to reach a market value of USD 60.22 billion by the year 2023- all thanks to bullish multi-national and local logistics companies at the forefront of this exponential growth.

One such company making strides in the booming industry is Filipino multi-national company (FMC) Royal Cargo, Inc., which, in recent years, has steadily risen from the ranks and is now the largest turnkey endto-end logistics provider in the Philippines.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO LOGISTICS ROYALTY During its inception 40 years ago, Royal Cargo was founded originally by a Filipino and owned by a German company which had to deal with adversity early on in order to enjoy what it can boast of now: a front runner in specialized logistics solutions for international and local clients.

But what success Royal Cargo savors today can’t be highlighted without mention of the many assiduous men and women who have worked behind the scenes to bring Royal Cargo onto the pedestal where it is right now.

The name that crops up most importantly in FMC’s list of secrets behind its success, is Royal Cargo’s Group CEO Michael K. Raeuber, who along with substantial knowledge base and inviting mind towards innovations in the logistics industry, says treating your people well would incur long-

term loyalty that would catapult any business model to great heights, much similar to how they did.

THE MAN BEHIND THE SCENES “As Albert Einstein said 80% perspiration and 20% inspiration. Hard work and vision is our main ingredient for success,” said Raeuber in an email to Manila Standard when asked how they plan to sustain and spur further growth.

And when it comes to hard work and vision, there’s really no lacking in that area for this amiable exec.

In fact, he was the recipient of the Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) Expatriate Executive of the Year title at the Asia CEO Awards in 2015. The award is given to a non-Filipino who achieved success while overseeing a business enterprise within the Philippines. “(It takes) measurable and visible success, ethical behavior in business and a heart for your people, most of all your staff,” said Raeuber.

“Also, love of your job, challenges of the game, and your environment (is essential),” he added as the feat required awardees to have made a strong contribution to the development of the country’s economic capabilities- and Raeuber definitely fit the mold.

But the meteoric ascent of the company wasn’t without turbulence from lift off, so to speak.

SLOW START “We encountered labor issues in the early stages which included a failed venture into food processing, which was killed by the wrongly reported presence of bird flu in the Philippines,” explained the CEO, Turn to E4

One company making strides in the booming industry is Filipino multi-national company (FMC) Royal Cargo, Inc., which, in recent years, has steadily risen from the ranks and is now the largest turnkey end-to-end logistics provider in the Philippines.

Royal Cargo’s Group CEO Michael K. Raeuber: Hard work and vision is our main ingredient for success.

(It takes) measurable and visible success, ethical behavior in business and a heart for your people, most of all your staff.

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SPURRING...

CHELSEA...

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ATI port

ippines—Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Land Transportation Office for road transport, Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority for maritime transport, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for air transport, among others.

This remains to be a hindrance for prospective investors to do business in the country as “there are many regulations and business licenses covering all aspects of logistics services under the jurisdiction of different government agencies,” the authors explained.

Maritime transport is one of the most important modes of transport in international trade especially for archipelagic countries like the Philippines. However, the poor quality of port management in the country has led to higher logistics’ costs on the part of service providers.

In terms of the logistics’ industry, the authors noted the lack of effective enforcement of important regulations on the part of implementing agencies. An example of this is the continuous operation of old and outdated delivery trucks and vehicles in the country.

The same issues persist in the local government level, with different local government units (LGUs) implementing “varied, inconsistent, and unpredictable regulations”, the authors pointed out.

These regulations include the use of different stickers for passage to different areas, inconsistency of operating permits, and different number coding schemes between cities and provinces.

REGULATORY REFORMS To address this regulatory issue, the authors proposed that the Department of Transportation, along with Congress, should disallow the collection of pass-through fees in LGUs to prevent abuse of authority from happening in the grassroots.

The authors also suggested “intro-

ducing more foreign competition and improving access to the most efficient transport and logistics service providers” to accelerate the country’s overall trade performance.

The study also recommended the creation of a lead agency to oversee the sector and ensure “that the flow of information between relevant stakeholders is maintained” and is responsible for getting the full cooperation and support from other government agencies involved.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION The Export Development Council’s Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics also said a major logistics’ concern is the traffic congestion near Manila ports.

Hence, the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) is implemented by port operators in Manila to help ease port traffic.

TABS regulates the number of trucks plying Metro Manila, going to and from the ports, avoiding the recurrence of port congestion and addressing corruption and extortion of some brokers/fixers.

Trucks registered under TABS are exempted from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority truck ban at limited hours.

To further reduce logistics’ costs in the domestic shipping, the efficiency of the roll-on, roll-off (Roro) network will be enhanced by the recent approval of Executive Order 204, expanding the Roro network policies to chassis Roro (Charo).

With Charo, the cost of cargo handling will be lesser by 15 percent to 20 percent.

It will allow truckers to be more productive since their trucks will not go with the container in the Roro vessels anymore.

For air transport, the Dual Airport Policy, such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and Clark Airpot, is very critical for the logistics’ industry.

payment schemes.

On the marketing side, CLC is currently tapping and exploring social media for advertisements in promoting all the business segments of the group.

The group is actively engaged in the social media spectrum and has been introducing ways to entice young travelers, such as loyalty programs, budget-friendly promo packages, and strict implementation of environmental laws in the vessels.

All of these to tap into an emerging market- Millennials and the Generation Z. On another note, CLC has considered

the highest priority of this group age that is – convenience. They have ensured that all their vessels have complete amenities and luxuries on board similar to a hotel. Additionally, with the online facilities, the ease in booking is already at the fingertips of customers, while the company says they have been partnering with hotels and other hospitality establishments in promoting their fleet of passenger lines in order to provide better service.

ALL SET IN LEADING THE WAY As per the company, they believe that they have the following competitive

strengths: First, CLC has a classed-fleet and an established preventive maintenance system and dry-docking program, which ensure optimal machinery performance and hull quality of their vessels.

Second, CLC has the largest tanker fleet by tonnage amongst the five major tanker players in the industry with a total GRT of 41,303 tons and third, CLC has solid industry fundamentals and is the leading shipping and logistics company in the country based on market share and courier network coverage.

Certainly, there’s no denying Chelsea Logistics is one step ahead of the pack.

ROYAL...

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RCI is adept in providing specialized, cost-effective and high quality logistics solutions in terms of: (1) Clinical research and development (with owned equipment and facilities), (2) domestic and international freight forwarding, (3) projects and heavy lift, (4) customs brokerage, (5)erection and installation, (6) liquid transportation, (7) warehousing and distribution, (8) shipping agencies and trucking services (above), as well as (9) business process outsourcing.

adding that the NPA-led destruction of some of their equipment in a hostage situation in Mindanao were some of the early birth pains of the MNC. Having started as a representative of the German forwarding company Hermann Ludwig back in 1975, Raeuber then formed Royal Cargo Corporation three years later as a joint venture with the same company.

“This cooperation continued for about 25 years even after Hermann Ludwig was sold to Calberson/Geodis,” he explained.

RENEWED VIGOR “In early 2001, I left the management of Royal Cargo for five years in the hands of my partner Elmer Sarmiento and my second son Christian Kurt Raeuber after we sold parts of the Royal Cargo business to Deutsche Post/ DHL and invested to proceeds back in a JV with Deutsche Post,” he added.

After five more years, Raeuber then sold his shareholding in this venture and returned to managing Royal Cargo Inc., together with a team of loyal managers and staff, led by Mr. Sarmiento and augmented by his sons Andrew and Sebastian Raeuber.

“Upon my return we aggressively expanded into other, mostly Asian, locations making us the only truly Philippine-owned Logistics multinational logistics company,” he said.

At the same time, they are “heavily invested in infrastructure and equipment in the Philippines and developed many different services, both of which are now the backbone of our success.”

Currently, RCI is adept in providing specialized, cost-effective and high quality logistics solutions in terms of: (1) Clinical research and development (with owned equipment and facilities), (2) domestic and international freight forwarding, (3) projects and heavy lift, (4) customs brokerage, (5) erection and installation, (6) liquid transportation, (7) warehousing and distribution, (8) shipping agencies and trucking services, as well as (9) business process outsourcing.

Moreover, Royal Cargo now operates in 14 countries and likewise has 13 global offices in the U.K., U.S.A., China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Guam, Palau, and Taiwan.

LITTLE TWEAKS “This industry is exciting in itself and never boring. Being in a solutions business, we do not sell a “commodity,” but the design and deliver results meeting the expectations of customers getting cargo to where and when it is needed,” said Raeuber, who is motivated to continue having an active role in the com-

pany even after four decades.

But despite turning every stone and knowing seemingly all the tricks of the trade, the CEO says there are still challenges that need hurdling.

“The challenge really is motivating people to work as a team while yet assuming responsibilities, even liabilities,” he said. “It’s challenging but very rewarding when successfully done.”

According to Raeuber, the biggest accomplishment for him was surviving in a very competitive environment and developing strategies which answered the demands and requirements of their customers.

In truth, he was primarily engaged in a P1.2 billion expansion translating into the construction of a warehouse and cold storage facility along Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan to complement their existing logistics facility in southern Luzon. The project also resulted in the purchase of a vessel for domestic freight operations, as well as massive cranes for heavy lift and erection services.

CUT ABOVE THE REST RCI offers differentiated services based on massive investment, says Raeuber, and while they have significant competition, he feels that these companies can’t follow Royal Cargo on value of investments done and the accumulated experiences and know-how of their people.

“We have to think about beyond the services we now provide, even if we are already much differentiated from our direct competitors,” explains the CEO in baring the other leverages the company has over the other logistics providers.

“We compete with our local knowledge as well as regional presence and meanwhile similar size of doing business. In the Philippines, our company is meanwhile bigger in many aspects than most foreign competitors,” he said.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE Asked what preparations they have planned to address the growing demand in domestic logistical services especially now that the Philippines and the whole of ASEAN gears up for its vision for the year 2020.

The Group CEO claims to be a pioneer of logistics/freight forwarding in the Philippines, but more than that, he likes to be remembered as a fair and compassionate leader- one who has paved the way for Royal Cargo to tread the past 40 years with much success and the next four decades and beyond.

“We are not afraid of the future and will help shape it,” he vowed.