Manila Standard - 2018 May 1 - Tuesday

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SHAKE-UP AT DOJ: DEPUTIES TOLD TO RESIGN

By Rey E. Requejo

A REVAMP looms in the Department of Justice after acting Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra asked undersecretaries and assistant secretaries of his predecessor Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to submit their courtesy resignation.

In a memo dated April 24, but released to the media only on Monday, Guevarra ordered all undersecretaries Next page DoJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra

VOL. XXXII • NO. 75 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Avengers movie rakes in $630m LOS ANGELES, United States— “Avengers: Infinity War” took in $630 million in its first weekend, the highest global opening of all time, industry estimates showed on Sunday. Next page

Manila, Kuwait create opening to solve crisis

By Vito Barcelo and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

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HE Palace on Monday dialed back on President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that the deployment ban to Kuwait was permanent, saying it still could be lifted if the Gulf state signs an agreement on minimum conditions for the welfare of Filipino workers there.

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ grossed $630 million in its first weekend, the highest global opening of all time by industry estimates.

Danish man jailed in KL for fake news KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—A Danish man was jailed for a week in Malaysia Monday after pleading guilty to breaking a law against “fake news,” the first person to be punished under the controversial legislation.

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The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said that if President Duterte signs the EO drafted by labor leaders, he will be the new modern-day hero to the Filipino working class.

“On [the other] hand, if he signs the EO drafted by business and employers’ groups, he will be forever condemned.

Nobody would believe him anymore,” TUCP spokesman AlanTanjusay said.

If he tries to merge the two contrasting drafts to come up with a hybrid EO, the

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that what the President meant was that the ban would remain as long as the memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and Kuwait remains unsigned.

Roque said newspaper reports were misleading—even though most quoted the President’s exact words.

Roque also said the President’s call for Filipino workers in the Gulf state to return to the Philippines was not mandatory—even though none of the reports of Duterte’s speech said it was.

“This is voluntary. He is not compelling anyone to come home,” Roque said.

He said the President might use the more than P4 billion in assistance from China—originally earmarked for infrastructure projects—to pay for the airfare of Filipinos who want to fly home.

China has said the Philippine government can use the money for whatever purpose that would benefit the country and the Filipino people, he said.

A senior Kuwaiti official on Monday

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HOME FROM THE RANGE. Filipina workers returning home from Kuwait arrive at the Manila airport in this file photo taken on Feb. 18, 2018.

After a horrific murder of a Philippine maid in Kuwait, hundreds of such women are now streaming back home, recounting their abuse and hardship tales—but saying they are ready to work abroad again but not in Kuwait. AFP “I did a mistake, because I didn’t ask what is the law of this country.”—Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, sentenced to a week in jail for breaking a law against ‘fake news’

Romero moves from business to opinion ECONOMIST and lawyer Rudy Romero begins writing for Manila Standard’s opinion page today, after writing for the business section since 2013.

His column, Business Class, will appear every Tuesday and Thursday.

Romero served as either business editor or business columnist for other newspapers. A law practitioner, he teaches law in several universities.

Palace reviews EO on contract work; labor restive

By Vito Barcelo THE Palace left the door open Monday to an executive order to bar certain forms of contract work as a concession to workers on Labor Day. After stating last week that there would be no EO, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte would meet with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to discuss salient features of an EO that might be presented to labor today.

He said the President is not abandoning his campaign promise of prohibiting short-term and unprotected temporary work arrangements, and remains committed to ending the unfair practice of endo—or letting go of contractual workers before their sixth month to avoid regularizing them.

However, Roque admitted that a total ban on contractualization cannot be done through an executive order because only Congress can do that by amending the provisions in the Labor Code.

Retired justice: SC rules bar grant of quo warranto

By Rey E. Requejo

Duterte looks into P60-m Tourism ad

By Vito Barcelo and Sara Susanne Fabunan MALACAÑANG will investigate the anomalous P60-million advertising contract the Department of Tourism signed with the company of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo’s brother Ben Tulfo to air television ads on the governmentowned PTV-4 station, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Monday.

“I would like to confirm that the Palace is looking into the matter. We will— that’s it, conduct an investigation,” said Roque.

He also confirmed the issue has reached President Rodrigo Duterte, who like the Tulfos also hails from Davao City.

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CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno can no longer be removed through quo warranto proceedings because the Supreme Court’s internal rules prohibit the grant of a quo warranto petition against any of its members they have been a year in office, a retired Supreme Court justice said Monday.

Retired Associate Justice Vicente Mendoza, who served as SC’s associate justice from 1994 to 2002, said the justices knew of the rule against granting a quo warranto petition against a magistrate who had more than one year in office, since they were the ones who promulgated it.

“They are very much aware of it. I do not want to think that it [SC] will not follow its own rules, I want to think the Court will be aware not only of its rules, but also of its prior decisions,” Mendoza said in an interview over ANC News.

Mendoza was referring to Rule 66, Section 11 of the 1997 SC’s Rules of Civil Procedures, which states: “Nothing contained in this Rule shall be construed to authorize an action against a public officer or employee for his ouster from office unless the same be commenced within one year after the cause of Next page

CANNOT BE READ. Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs (left), PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino (2nd from left), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año (2nd from right) and Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Catalino Cuy raise for photographers the list of Barangay Narco- List during a news conference at the PDEA office in Quezon City on Monday. Manny Palmero

Drug enforcers bare 207 names on barangay narco-list

By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday divulged the names of barangay officials linked to illegal drug trade, saying 293 officials were originally in the initial list but 86 of them had died or were arrested.

PDEA Chief Aaron Aquino said the

number went down to 207, but they were holding 93 more names of officials they believed to be linked to the narcotics trade, and those had higher positions.

“We have 93 from vice mayor up. Vice mayor, mayor, congressman, governor, vice governor. I have 93 on the narco-list, more on the PDEA’s list,” Aquino told reporters.

In other developments:

• Malacañang defended PDEA’s move to release the list of barangay officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the list was “released to help guide voters to choose wisely.”

Roque had earlier asked the public not to vote for those included in the narco-list.

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fewer Filipinos went hungry in 1st q A

BOUT 2.3-million Filipino families or 9.9 percent of the population said they suffered hunger in the first quarter of 2018, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released on Monday.

The numbers showed a significant improvement from the December 2017 survey, in which self-rated hunger rose to 15.9 percent.

Malacañang on Monday welcomed the results of the survey.

“Obviously, there are fewer people perceiving themselves as being hungry because there are fewer people who are

Task force goes after killers of Cagayan priest THE police in Cagayan Valley have formed a task force to investigate the killing of priest Mark Ventura on April 29, an official said Monday.

Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino said he had ordered the formation of the Special Investigation Task Group-Ventura to speed up the resolution of the case.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao condemned Ventura’s killing.

“Anakpawis extends its condolences to the family, friends, parishioners and the people of Gattaran, Cagayan Valley, for whom Fr. Mark Ventura had served for the past seven years,” Casilao said.

The bishops called for justice for Ventura.

“We condemn this evil act,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said in a statement.

“We make our appeal to the authorities to act swiftly in going after the perpetrators of this crime and to bring them to justice.”

Ventura, 37, was shot dead on Sunday just as he was blessing children after celebrating mass in Piña Weste village in Gattaran, Cagayan.

The priest sustained fatal wounds in his head and chest and was declared dead on the spot by the responding police and rescue units.

The assailants fled in a motorcycle, Espino said. Maricel V. Cruz

Avengers...

From A1 “The latest Marvel juggernaut... opened with $630 million worldwide, making it the largest global weekend tally in the history of film, and this was done without China,” which has a later opening, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said.

That topped “The Fate of the Furious,” the eighth installment of the high-octane action series starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez that opened with more than $530 million globally in 2017.

“Infinity War,” which features more than two dozen superheroes fighting to save the universe, also broke the record for highest North American opening weekend, raking in $250 million at US and Canadian box offices.

That beat “The Force Awakens,” the seventh film in the long-running “Star Wars” space saga that made $248 million in its opening weekend in 2015.

Saving the universe “Infinity War” is the 19th film in the socalled Marvel Cinematic Universe, combining a whopping nine franchises and a cast list that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s A-list. AFP

Danish...

From A1

The law, passed in early April, makes the deliberate dissemination of false information punishable by up to six years in jail and a hefty fine. It has sparked outrage from rights groups who believe it is aimed at cracking down on dissent.

Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, a 46-yearold of Yemeni descent, admitted making and posting on YouTube a video accusing emergency services of responding slowly after a Palestinian Hamas member was gunned down in Kuala Lumpur.

Fadi al-Batsh, said to be a rocket-making expert, was on his way to dawn prayers on April 21 when he was assassinated by motorbike-riding gunmen, a killing his family have blamed on Israel’s spy agency. The Jewish state has denied it was behind the murder.

The Dane, who did not have a lawyer and was wearing white robes and a green skullcap during a court appearance in Kuala Lumpur, said he was not aware of Malaysia’s laws.

“I agree I did a mistake, because I didn’t ask what is the law of this country,” he said, speaking in English, his hands trembling.

A clip of the video played in court, which lasted almost two minutes, showed him speaking in Arabic and complaining about what he claimed was the slow response of the police and ambulance service after the shooting. AFP

hungry. Change has come,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

The improvement in the latest survey means there were 3.6-million less families who suffered hunger in the first three months of 2018 compared with the last three months of last year.

The figure has been below 15 percent since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office. It was lowest at 9.5 percent in June 2017 or a year into his term.

The 9.9 percent is the sum of 306,000 families “often” or “always” hungry (severe hunger) and about two-million families who experienced hunger “only once” or “a few times” (moderate hunger).

Severe hunger fell from from 3.7 percent in the last three months of 2017.

Moderate hunger fell from 12.2 percent in the December survey.

The highest incidence of self-rated hunger was in Balance Luzon, where 1.1-million families said they suffered hunger at least once in the past three months.

There were 190,000 families in Metro Manila, 583,000 families in the Visayas, and 390,000 families in Mindanao who said they suffered hunger.

SWS said self-rated hunger fell in all areas. It fell by 8.7 points in Metro Manila, 6.7 points in Balance Luzon, 0.3 points in the Visayas and 8.0 points in Mindanao.

The SWS survey measures the percentage of the population that said they experienced “involuntary hunger”-they didn’t have food to eat―at least once in the past three months.

The 9.9 percent in the March 2018 survey shows a return to hunger’s

downward trend.

“This is only the second time hunger has been in the single-digit range since March 2004,” SWS said in its report.

Self-rated hunger fluctuates but it has been mostly a single-digit number from 1998, when SWS started conducting the survey, until 2004, when it was 7.4 percent.

It has been at double-digits since except in June 2017 and March 2018. The highest incidence of self-rated hunger was recorded by SWS in March 2012 at 23.8 percent.

The numbers improved beginning March 2015 when the figure was 16 percent or below.

The survey was conducted from March 23 to 27 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents. PNA

Manila...

according to the Philippines’ foreign ministry.

Duterte said workers returning from Kuwait could find employment as English teachers in China, citing improved ties with Beijing.

A Foreign Affairs insider said Monday Kuwait is determined to jail embassy personnel and diplomats who helped in the rescues.

“It’s possible that the number of warrants of arrest will go up since Kuwait is expected to ratchet up the pressure. The personnel will be used as chips,” the insider said.

The source said, the three diplomats who are facing arrest are Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) executive director Raul Dado; DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (OUIER) officer Muammar Hassan; and DFA-Assistance-to-Nationals officer Francis Baquiran.

The three diplomats were among the Rapid Response Team led by OUMWA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola, a political appointee of Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and his aid when he was still a senator.

So far, the source said, two local personnel are detained. They were arrested at the parking lot near the international airport.

Photos of the diplomats have been posted in all international and local airports of Kuwait in case Dado, Hassan, and Baquiran try to escape.

The source said, the diplomats were stuck in the Philippine Embassy since they might be arrested once they leave the chancery premises.

Another source said until now the Foreign Affairs officials do not know Kuwait’s end game.

“The pride and reputation angle is there but maybe, the color of local politics or that this incident is tied to a more serious domestic matter in Kuwait, is growing stronger,” the source said.

Kuwait had branded the rescues—publicized in videos posted on social media—are a violation of its sovereignty.

Cayetano, during a press conference in Singapore, did not take responsibility for what several lawmakers called the DFA’s “irresponsible” release of rescue mission video that triggered the diplomatic row between the two countries.

He admitted that “definitely the video added fire,” but did not express regret that the video was released to the media and social media at all.

“There would be no video if there was no one to rescue, right?” he said.

Cayetano said that President Duterte encouraged the DFA to use social media to expose cases of abuse against Filipino workers around the world.

Cayetano also claimed that even Overseas Workers Welfare Administration deputy administrator Arnell Ignacio also urged him to “use social media to let people know” about the plight of Filipino workers in Kuwait.

Ignacio has recently criticized the DFA for releasing the video saying that it is a violation to Kuwait’s laws.

The source said last week that Arriola might have brought ub the administration’s “spin-doctors” as the propaganda team. One of them even posted the videos on his Facebook page.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said workers returning from Kuwait could be redeployed to other labor markets if they still want to seek employment overseas.

“Outside of Kuwait, we have far bigger labor markets in other parts of the Middle East and elsewhere that offer better protection for our workers,” Pimentel said.

The labor markets for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, for instance, are each easily three times bigger than Kuwait’s, Pimentel said. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and AFP

As part of the buildup for the massive Labor Day indignation rally, the Partido Manggagawa, Kilusang Mayo Uno, TUCP, Bukluran ng Manggagawa and other labor groups will hold simultaneous rallies in Liwasang Bonifacio, Quezon Circle, Mendiola and Plaze Miranda to air their grievances.

The labor groups slammed the President for his broken promise of ending endo. Aside from Manila, PM chapters in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and General Santos are mobilizing for the nationwide Labor Day commemoration.

The labor groups also called for the government to drop Charter change and focus instead on regular jobs and a living wage.

“Where are the jobs for the 260,000 OFW’s deployed in Kuwait, the 27,000 registered and unregistered workers displaced in Boracay, the 900 workers laid off by CocaCola due to the TRAIN law, the 600,000 college graduates and thousands more of K-12 graduates,” Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general, said.

The group expressed alarm over rising inflation together with worsening unemployment. Economists predict that inflation will hit 4.6 percent this April. Inflation has steadily climbed every month from just 2.9 percent

in December.

Miranda cited a recently released report by the World Bank about the lack of quality jobs in the country and the worsening inequality as a result.

“And if these young and old workers are lucky enough to find a job, will it be regular and pay a living wage? We all know that the reason OFW’s go abroad is because of lack of decent jobs in the Philippines. So why will Kuwaiti OFW’s fly back home when nothing has changed in the jobs situation in the Philippines?” Miranda said.

“President Duterte is again making a personal promise, this time of providing jobs for OFWs. But he has yet to deliver on his campaign promise two years ago to end endo the moment he assumes the presidency. Mr. President, not another broken promise,” she said.

The Philippine National Police on Monday cautioned groups holding Labor Day rallies to ensure that their ranks will not be infiltrated by members of violent terror groups such as the Rajah Solaiman Movement.

The warning came after the arrest of two alleged Islamic radicals last week and who were presented to newsmen by the PNP Monday.

All five current DoJ undersecretaries were appointed during the tenure of Aguirre.

Four of them are members of the Lex Talionis, the fraternity of Duterte and Aguirre in San Beda University law school—Antonio Kho Jr., Erickson Balmes, Raymund Mecate and Reynante Orceo are all members of the fraternity; while Deo Marco is a son of another fraternity brother.

The order also covered seven assistant secretaries—Adonis Sulit, Juvy Manwong, George Ortha II, Moslemen Macarambon Sr., Cheryl Daytec-Yañgot, Sergio Yap II and Margaret Padilla. Only Sulit did not submit a resignation because he is a career official who enjoys security of tenure.

Guevarra said all of his deputies have already complied with the order, with some of them even filing courtesy resignations “much earlier.”

When he assumed the post in the DoJ early last month, Guevarra vowed to address what he called as “huge image problem” in the department.

He lamented how the department has been “corroded inside” because of controversies that recently hounded it—including the dismissal of drug charges against confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinoza and the provisional coverage of pork barrel scam queen Janet Lim-Napoles in the witness protection program.

finding against his sister’s agency. The post has since been deleted.

Although Tulfo did not name the person responsible for the leak, his description fits new Tourism Undersecretary Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña, whose tenure with the Social Security System was not renewed before being reappointed by the Palace to the DoT on April 24.

La Viña—he social media director of the Duterte presidential campaign—also took his oath on Monday at Teo’s office, as he replaced Rolando Cañizal.

Teo said she did not believe her brother’s insinuation of La Viña’s effort to unseat her as Tourism chief.

“I cannot believe Usec. Pompee can do that. I am different from my brother [Ben],” she said, adding that she has been trying to call her sibling about his allegations.

La Viña also told the media he has “no ambition” to be the DoT’s secretary. He also

said he does not know anyone from the audit commission.

“For anyone to claim that I have any influence over the CoA, I don’t know what their basis is,” he said.

The CoA’s annual audit report on the People’s Television Network Inc., posted on its website on Friday, said a Memorandum of Agreement was entered into between the PTNI and the DoT for the purchase of advertisement airtime with the magazine newstype daily program, “Kilos Pronto.”

“Kilos Pronto” is produced by Ben Tulfo’s BMUI, a blocktimer on PTV-4. The program is co-hosted by Ben, his brother Erwin Tulfo, and veteran broadcaster Alex Santos.

“The Palace will investigate the matter.

We cannot of course—we have to accept the findings of the Commission on Audit. I understand this is the final finding. But the Palace will investigate on its own,” Roque told reporters in a Palace briefing.

From A1

sought to calm a crisis with the Philippines over the treatment of domestic workers in the oil-rich Gulf state.

Duterte in February prohibited workers heading to Kuwait following the murder of a Filipino maid whose body was found stuffed in her employer’s freezer.

The resulting row deepened after Kuwaiti authorities last week ordered Manila’s envoy to leave the country over videos of Philippine Embassy staff helping workers in Kuwait flee allegedly abusive employers.

“This is largely a misunderstanding and exaggeration of some minor or one-off cases,” Deputy Foreign Minister Nasser al-Subaih told reporters in Kuwait City.

“We have taken a serious stance ... but we do not believe in escalation and want to remain in direct communication to resolve the problem,” Subaih added.

Kuwait has also detained four Filipinos hired by the Philippine Embassy and issued arrest warrants against three diplomatic personnel.

Subaih said those suspected of participating in the operation to help workers escape were not accredited diplomats and that they were now holed up in the Philippines’ embassy in Manila.

The foreign ministry was “awaiting cooperation” for their handover to carry out an investigation.

The two nations had earlier been negotiating a labor deal that could have resulted in the lifting of the ban on Filipinos working in Kuwait.

But after the fresh escalation in tensions, Duterte said on Sunday that the temporary ban on Filipinos going to work in Kuwait was now permanent.

Around 262,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, nearly 60 percent of them domestic workers,

Palace...

From A1

working class will perceive him as a compromised leader, Tanjusay said.

“So, it’s now or never and take it or leave it for Mr. Duterte as far as the workers’ sector is concerned,” he added.

Meanwhile, various labor groups warned Duterte that permanently banning the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait would only create chaos, as the President would not know what to do with the 260,000 Filipino workers there.

Labor groups also scored the administration for closing Boracay and displacing thousands of workers, and for passing a tax reform program that raised costs prices and led to the layoff of 900 workers in Coca-Cola.

Some 600,000 college graduates and thousands more of K-12 graduates are still jobless, they said.

Various leftist groups are expected to stage rallies nationwide to denounce rising unemployment, the deployment ban in Kuwait, the rising cost of basic commodities, continued contractualization and low salaries.

Shake-up...

From A1

and assistant secretaries to submit their “unqualified” resignations before April 30.

Guevarra issued the order “in the exigency of service and in order to give the undersigned a free hand to perform the mandate given to him by the President.”

Until the President acts on the resignations, the DoJ officials “shall continue to report for work and perform their usual duties and responsibilities, subject to any modification that the undersigned may deem proper to adopt in the meantime,” Guevarra said.

Duterte...

From A1

This developed as Teo insisted earlier in the day there was no conflict of interest in the DoT’s decision to place ads with People’s Television Network Inc. or in her brother Ben’s firm Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. or BMUI, which produces a show that also airs on Channel 4.

“The contract was between PTV-4 and the Department of Tourism. It went through bidding and it was reviewed by our legal [team].

All cheques went to PTV-4. No cheque went to any other [media] production house,” Teo told reporters in a press conference.

Ben Tulfo also claimed in a Facebook live post on Sunday night that a “sacked” government official who has been reappointed to the Tourism department had talked with the press to expose the Commission on Audit’s

Police dig up more evidence vs drug lords

By Rey E. Requejo THE police on Monday submitted to the Justice department additional evidence to pin down Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim, self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and other suspects for drug dealing.

During the resumption of the preliminary investigation, the Philippine National Police, through the Office of the Solicitor General, turned over to the department’s prosecutors evidence from the transcripts of the 2016 Senate hearings on the investigation of the killing of Espinosa’s father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., and the 2002 House of Representatives committee on dangerous drugs report over the inquiry on the drug activities of Lim and his brother Wellington.

The police also submitted a copy of the “blue book” of Bebeth Rebecca Diano, which is said to list the people in Espinosa’s payola, and the sworn affidavit of another respondent, Jessamin Impal.

The police also submitted a third affidavit of witness and respondent Marcelo Adorco dated April 20.

Adorco, who was an associate of Kerwin Espinosa, was arrested on July 8, 2016, during a drug buy-bust operation in Albuera, Leyte. His testimony was used in filing the complaint against the respondents.

In support of Adorco’s third affidavit, the OSG also submitted travel records from the Bureau of Immigration that showed Adorco flew with Espinosa to Thailand in 2015, where they met with Lim, and the artist sketch and computerized composite of Lim dated August 29, 2017, as described by Adorco.

With the new submission, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, who heads the panel of prosecutors conducting the preliminary investigation of the complaint, ordered the respondents to submit their respective counter-affidavits on May 15.

Retired...

From A1

such ouster, or the right of the petitioner to hold such office or position, arose.”

Mendoza said the SC should junk a quo warranto petition if it violates the said rule for lack of jurisdiction.

Mendoza explained that filing a quo warranto proceeding against a member of the court or any impeachable official after a year of his or her assumption into the post “will undermine the security of tenure guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution to public officers who are removable by impeachment proceedings.”

He said such a move would also undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Earlier, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition before the SC challenging the validity of the appointment of Sereno to the post in 2012 due to her alleged failure to file her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Calida said the one-year prescription period does not apply to his petition since Sereno’s alleged offense was only discovered last year after the House of Representatives started its hearing on the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon.

Gadon’s complaint includes Sereno’s alleged failure to file all her SALNs. The SC held an oral argument on Calida’s petition last April 10 and Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said the en banc is set to issue a decision on the second week of May. Sereno has gone on leave since last month.

Drug...

From A1

• The Interior department on Monday sued officials from five barangays in Manila for their alleged failure to create barangay anti-drug abuse councils.

The agency said the village chairmen will face administrative charges for dereliction of duty.

• The Commission on Human Rights on Monday said releasing names was a shortterm and dangerous solution to the drug menace after PDEA released its list of village officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.

Aquino gave the assurance the list will not be used as a hit list against the barangay officials, and of whom 90 were barangay chairmen and 117 were barangay councilors.

The release of the list of narco-politicians was a marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The most number recorded was in Region 5, followed by the Cordillera Autonomous Region with 34 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 13.

“We have validated the names of those in the list,” Aquino said.

In Metro Manila, councilors Noemi Agcaoili of Quezon City’s Barangay Bagong Lipunan, and Maricel Padpad and Guia Guibone of Manila’s Barangay 780 and Barangay 314, respectively, were included on the drug list.

PDEA is still validating the drug involvement of some 274 other barangay officials.

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Two lady cops, Muslim pals abducted by Abu bandits

SAP Go rushes from Davao to help Sta. Cruz, Manila fire victims

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Francisco Tuyay TWO policewoman and their two civilian companions were forcibly abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Patikul, Sulu Sunday afternoon.

Philippine National Police Chief Director Oscar Albayalde identified the policewomen as PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, both assigned at the PNP Crime Laboratory office based in Calarian town in Zamboanga City at 12:40 p.m.

The kidnappers also took their two Muslim companions identified as a certain Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, both residents of Brgy.

Gandasuli, Patikul town.

Initial reports said an estimated 11 kidnappers, including a member of the ASG, perpetrated the kidnapping.

Shortly after learning of the incident, Albayalde ordered a massive manhunt operations and rescue efforts for the two policewoman whose whereabouts remain unknown.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said three battalions of troopers are presently scouring the outskirts of Patikul town searching for the two women cops.

Sobejana believed that the kidnappers and their victims are still in Patikul and said that recovery efforts are underway.

Initial reports said the two and their Muslim companions have just arrived from the famous Quezon beach also known as Buhanginan in Sulu.

The victims were on board a tricycle with body number 1899 with markings “Igasan Family” and driven by Jakosalem. With PNA

AFP backs Du30’s decision not to lift CPP-NPA terror tag THE Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday said it strongly supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements that he is not yet lifting his proclamation tagging the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army as a terrorist organization.

“The AFP supports the President’s statement that the NPA terrorist tag should remain for now as they have continued with their acts of terrorism such as arson, attacks on civilians and extortion,” AFP spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement.

Datuin said what is more aggravating is that these attacks took place despite the government’s call for peace and unity as priority agenda with the expected resumption of the peace talks.

Duterte signed the proclamation in December last year, tagging the CPP-NPA as a terror group, based on Republic Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Despite the proclamation, Duterte said he would still give the CPPNPA a small “window” to talk peace by inviting CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison to return to the Philippines. PNA

GO TO THE RESCUE. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Tesoro Go provides assistance to victims of the fire that gutted several houses in Oroquieta and Doroteo Jose Streets in Manila. Go told the victims, around 586 family members that he went to the fire scene straight from Davao City to let them know that President Duterte was saddened by the tragedy that befell them. PNA

DAR to place Boracay under land reform on Du30’s order

L

IKE a good soldier, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said he would follow President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to place under the government’s land reform program some 400 hectares in Boracay islands.

Castriciones said that “there are no marching orders yet” but added that they would implement the order if “the President says so.”

“If the order of the President is concerned, it’s valid and legal if the plan is to convert it to agricultural land. That can be done,” Castriciones said.

“If the order of the President is concerned, it’s valid and legal if the plan is to convert it to agricultural land.

That can be done,” he added.

DAR data shows that there are a total of 628.96 hectares of agricultural land in the island, but only 220.45 hectares of were converted for other purposes.

That means that there are some 408.51 hectares which can be placed under land reform.

Castriciones also explained that in the issue of demolition, DAR said that their mandate is to distribute land to farmers

and will leave demolition activities to other government agencies.

“As far as land is concerned, our main mandate is to process the distribution of land to farmer-beneficiaries and to identify the so-called farmerbeneficiaries. We will abide faithfully by the provisions of the law,” the agrarian reform chief said.

Castriciones added that at least 15.5 hectares of agricultural land are available to be immediately distributed to 84 beneficiaries who were identified during an inspection in the island recently.

In 2006, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1064 classified Boracay as forestland (for protection purposes) and agricultural land (alienable and disposable).

The Supreme Court later affirmed the proclamation’s validity.

Meanwhile, Agrarian Reform Undersecretary David Erro said that the structures constructed on the 400 hectares of agricultural land identified by the government are considered illegal, since DAR had not allowed the lands to be used for other purposes.

Erro said that should the President orders that agricultural lands be distributed to farmers immediately, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources must issue a Deed of Transfer of Rights to DAR first, which in turn, will start the process of distributing land.

“There was an inter-agency meeting, but there are no formal talks yet,” Erro said.

Boracay had been closed to the public beginning April 26, after Duterte ordered its shutdown due to environmental problems.

Before it was ordered close, the president said that he would rather “give the land to the farmers.”

In 2005, data showed that some 32,267 residents live in in the barangays of Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapak in the 1,151-hectare Boracay. It receives some 18,000 tourists and 26,000 workers daily.

Duterte brings home $185m in loans, pledges

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte brought home more than US$185 million worth of loans and investment pledges from his trip to Singapore during the 32nd Association of South East Asian Leaders Summit, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

In a press briefing, Roque said the President witnessed the signing of US$185.7 million worth of investment agreements with Singaporean companies on the sidelines of the Asean Summit.

The investment commitments are expected to generate some 1,920 job opportunities for Filipinos.

He said the President assured the Singaporean businessmen that there would be no corruption in his administration.

“For as long as I am there, there will be no corruption in my government,” Duterte said.

“Do not give in to them. All you have to do is to make a call I said and I will grant you anytime especially about graft, about workers in government asking for money,” he added.

The Chief Executive said he would task the departments of Trade and Finance to come up with measures that would make the process of doing business in the country “simpler and easier.”

Meanwhile, President Duterte said that he and his fellow leaders agreed that the time-honored principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs should be observed.

“This we made clear: In our relations with the larger community of nations, Asean and its partners should uphold

and honor the time-honored principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs,” he said.

During the summit, Duterte said that three key documents that will facilitate the region’s vision for greater community, centrality and connectivity were adopted.

In the discussions, the President said he raised the need to continue broadening cooperation to address terrorism and violent extremism.

Likewise, he underscored deepening collaboration to dismantle the illegal drug trade apparatus, counter piracy and combat criminality.

Another key focus of President Duterte’s dialogues in Singapore was the protection and promotion of the rights and the well-being of Filipino migrant workers.

Solon backs calls for price control

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon-Ramos Araneta A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Monday backed the clamor for a government price control on basic goods and services to mitigate the impact of the new tax system on poor sectors.

“Ordinary consumers are now paying the high price of Duterte’s Train [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion] Law that caused the skyrocketing of prices of basic goods and services, due to increased taxes on oil products, used in power production, sugar-based raw materials for products and among others,” Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao said.

Casilao, a member of the Makabayan Bloc, made the statement in support to the call of the consumer network Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Konsyumer para sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan.

“Amid the absence of living wages for

workers, this situation is catastrophic worst as the already low household incomes are slashed more, degrading the standard of living of the poor, for this situation, subsidy is clearly inadequate, regulation on prices is urgent,” Casilao said.

Suki cited significant increases in the prices of goods and common grocery items, such as of leafy vegetable bundles had increased from P5 to P10; of fruits increasing five-fold; chicken and pork prices have jacked up by P30.00 per kilo.

In addition, sugar-based products like beverages which include powdered juices in sachets as well as chocolate powdered drinks now cost P14 to 16 and P70 to 90.00 from formerly P8 to 9.00 and P50, respectively. While instant coffee mixes and 150-gram powdered milk bags now costing more by P2 to 3 and P9. Canned goods like sardines increased by at least P1.12.

HARD LABOR. Laborers endure the pain and hardship in working under the heat of the sun to earn a decent salary at the ongoing construction building along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City a day before the commemoration of international Labor Day. Based on the statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority, employment rate as of January 2018 has ballooned to 94.7 percent. Norman Cruz

SPECIAL Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go rushed from Davao City to Sta. Cruz, Manila on Sunday to give assistance to victims of the fire that gutted their homes last April 27, 2018.

Go arrived in Davao from Singapore where he accompanied President Rodrigo Duterte to the Asean summit.

He told the victims that he went to the fire scene straight from Davao to let them know that Duterte was saddened by the tragedy that befell them.

“Nalulungkot po siya tuwing may nasusunugan. Ang importante walang nasaktan, walang nabawian ng buhay,” said Go. (He [the president] is sad every time there are victims of fire. What’s important is that no one was hurt, no life was lost).

In addition to the grocery packs and financial aid from the Office of the President, Go also gave his personal belongings, including clothes and shoes, to the fire victims.

“Pagdating ko po sa Davao kanina, naisip ko ang iba kong damit at sobrasobra naman po ang biyaya ng Maykapal sa amin. Kaya imbis po na itago ko ito, dalhin ko na lang po sa inyo. Ang karamihan po dito ay mga panlalaki, ibibigay ko na lang kay Chairman para maipamahagi,” he said.

(When I arrived in Davao earlier, I thought about my other clothes right away and yes, the blessings of the Lord to me are more than enough. So instead of keeping them, I brought them for you. Most of these are for men, I will give them to the barangay captain for distribution).

Noticing a man from the crowd wearing slippers, Go offered to swap his own shoes with the man’s slippers.

“Gusto mo itong suot ko? Tara halika dito basta kasya [You want what I’m wearing? Come here. You can have it as long as it fits you],” he said.

Apart from his own clothes, Go distributed women’s clothes, shoes and watches.

Go also assured the victims that other government agencies would provide them additional assistance.

“Nandito po ang national government, and Department of Social Welfare and Development para sa food packs, canned goods, rice, mats and blankets, at ang Department of Health meron silang hygiene packs para sa inyo.”

(The national government is here and the DSWD for food packs, canned goods, rice, mats and blankets and the DoH has hygiene packs for you),” he said.

Consumers told to brace for new round of oil price increase

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL consumers will have to brace for a new round of oil price hike this week of as much as P0.85 per liter, the third consecutive weekly oil price increase.

The oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.85 per liter, diesel by P0.70 per liter and kerosene by P0.70 per liter starting 6am today (Tuesday).

“Seaoil Philippines will adjust its pump prices per liter effective 6 a.m., May 1 as follows, increase of P0.85 per liter for gasoline, increase of P0.70 per liter for diesel and increase of P0.70 per liter for kerosene,” it said.

Seaoil said the new round of price increase “reflect movements in the international petroleum market.”

Aside from Seaoil, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines, Eastern Petroleum, Unioil Philippines and Flying V announced separately the latest round of oil price hike.

Other oil companies are expected to follow suit.

World oil prices moved upwards on reports the US will reimpose sanctions on Iran in May over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Worsening political and economic situation in Venezuela also affected global oil prices.

Last April 24, the oil firms raised pump prices by P0.65 per liter for diesel and kerosene and P0.40 per liter for gasoline.

On April 17, the oil firms increased the price of gasoline by P0.35 per liter, biodiesel by P0.55 per liter and kerosene by P0.80 per liter.

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Utter incompetence TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

or other itms, or the equivalent thereof, from the private sector.

That could even amount to graft and corruption!

*** In the aftermath of the expulsion of I READ about reports that Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo had dis- Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Retanced herself from her siblings as she nato Villa and the permanent ban on denied knowledge of ad placements the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait, worth more than P60 million in her there are questions that must be raised.

When the Department of Foreign brothers’ TV show. It was the Commission on Audit that had discovered this. Affairs decided to undertake rescue operations reportedly abused by their I could only laugh.

The Tourism secretary is not aware Kuwaiti employers, why did the emof tens of millions in ad placements by bassy staff publicize the “covert” resher own department? In her own broth- cue operations by posting the videos on the Internet? ers’ programs?

President Duterte, by the admission It’s a copout!

If a Cabinet member could claim to of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, not have knowledge of this, then she is was even taken by surprise at Kuwait’s reaction and Villa’s expulsion. To me, utterly incompetent.

The CoA specifically mentioned the this suggests a failure of the Department of Foreign show Bitag, proAffairs to anticiduced and hosted pate events.

by Teo’s brothers.

This failure got CoA said it worse when Secflagged the show If it’s true that Teo retary Alan Peter because there was does not know about Cayetano and Villa no memorandum apologized to the of agreement be- the ad placements, Kuwaiti governtween PTV 4 and ment for the resthe Tulfos’ media then she is not fit to be cue operations but company, a block- Tourism secretary. defended the optimer on the goverations as being ernment TV staconsistent with the tion.

Vienna ConvenThe CoA said that last year, PTV 4 paid Bitag P22.09 tion on Diplomatic Relations and the million in May, P18.96 million in No- Vienna Convention on Consular Relavember, and another P18.96 million in tions.

If that were so, why apologize for December.

Why advertise in the government something that should be done by the station which has limited viewership? DFA to protect Filipinos abroad? I canAnd why was there no MOA? As a re- not understand what Cayetano was trysult, there was no basis for the compu- ing to prove. If they believe they were doing the right thing, why apologize? tation.

The Palace should be alarmed at how I wonder how many more of the people’s money have been wasted in this incompetence and stupidity are becoming the norm in the Cabinet. department.

This is not the first time Teo became *** involved in controversies. The first The peace initiative and unity moves time was when she brought too many people with her in her foreign trips. undertaken by North Korean leader Even her hairdresser, DoT drivers and Kim Jong Un and South Korean Presiclerks—whom she called “little peo- dent Moon Jae-in put to rest fears and speculation that the Korean peninsula ple”—were able to travel.

Perhaps President Duterte should has become a flash point that endangers look at the DoT and find someone more peace not only in Asia but the world.

We saw how Kim set foot on South suitable than Teo. The law is clear that public officials Korean soil, the first North Korean Turn to A5 are prohibited from accepting money leader to do so.

T

Workers’ woes HESE are tough times for Filipino workers— even as they are fortunate enough to land jobs in the first place.

For instance, our overseas workers in Kuwait have an uncertain future. No less than the President has exhorted them to leave that country and come home or find work elsewhere.

Those looking to find jobs in Kuwait can no longer pursue that direction given the deployment ban.

These are the workers who have weighed the costs and benefits of leaving home and decided to leave anyway, notwithstanding the risks. It is unlikely they elected to be counted among OFWs if they had their way—the lack of employment opportunities here pushed them to explore these options.

Those based here face a dearth of options as well. A promised end to the practice of contractualization has not happened.

Still, there are no guarantees that even those enjoying regular employment status will get what is due them. Many employers get away with withholding benefits or not paying their workers the amount owed them and on time. Benefits are dependent on whether businesses are doing well or whether the owners are genuinely compassionate.

Many times, aggrieved employees are discouraged from bringing their case to the regulatory authorities for the inefficiency and bureaucratic red

tape that attend these agencies.

As a result, the erring employers get away with their deeds.

Finally, in getting to and from their workplaces, workers suffer the consequences of bad urban planning given the sorry state of public transportation and traffic.

Ideally, people get jobs to respond to their basic needs and provide for their families, but also to feel a sense of worth at contributing to something bigger and using their skills to reach their potential.

It’s Labor Day, and aside from the usual token gestures, including a fitting First of May editorial, it’s time government and business considered measures to make workers feel less of cheap labor and more of the human capital that they truly are.

No violation of Kuwaiti sovereignty On April 21, the Kuwaiti government, reacting to the online video, denounced the rescue operations as a violation of Kuwaiti sovereignty. Kuwaiti officials insisted that only Kuwaiti authorities have the power to rescue anybody in distress in that desert nation.

IT’S bad enough that many Kuwaiti Political observers view the Kuwaiti nationals who hire Filipino domestic protest as a strategic move to distract helpers treat their employees like slaves. public opinion away from the recent What is worse is that last week, the Ku- news reports underscoring the maltreatwaiti government confirmed that its top ment of Filipino domestic helpers in Kuleaders are just as barbaric and uncivi- wait, and to transfer the embarrassing lized like their citizens. spotlight to Manila.

On April 19, the Philippine Embassy On April 24, Foreign Affairs Secrein Kuwait organized a rapid response tary Alan Peter Cayetano conveyed Mateam to rescue at least two abused Fili- nila’s apology to Kuwait, through the pino domestic workers in separate lo- Kuwaiti ambassador to the Philippines. cations in that desert country. Three The next day, Kuwait expelled Renato Filipino diplomats experienced in res- Villa, the Philippine ambassador to that cue operations led the humanitarian op- country. erations and picked Three days later, up the distressed Human Rights Filipinos at preWatch, an internadesignated areas. tional organization They were taken to which monitors International Philippine-adminhuman rights vioprotocol cannot prevail istered shelters. lations the world Earlier, the res- over the dictates of over, criticized cued Filipino work- substantial justice, Kuwait’s invocaers were despertion of sovereignty, ately seeking ways especially under and defended the to escape from their circumstances when the rescue operations abusive Kuwaiti on the ground that latter is needed most. employers.

They the Philippine Emmanaged to send bassy officials had word to the Philipto act immediately pine embassy that to address the seritheir safety is at stake, and to plead for ous threat to the safety of the two Filipihelp. nos rescued.

Probably, that would have been igAnalysts say that this diplomatic row nored by the Kuwaiti government to puts in peril any possibility of lifting avoid the embarrassing publicity that the total ban against the deployment Kuwaiti employers are inhumane. of Filipino domestic helpers to Kuwait Unfortunately, a propaganda team recently declared by President Rodrigo that covered the rescue operations took Duterte. That deployment ban was in video clips of the rescue missions and response to the murder of Joanna Dedisseminated them online. The video mafelis, a Filipino domestic helper who clips went viral, as the propaganda team worked in Kuwait. Demafelis’ body probably expected.

Turn to A5

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Sara and the divorce law DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte recently clarified her father President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he is against the proposed divorce law because, among other reasons, she disapproves of it.

Around March 19, the President expressed his opposition to the proposed divorce law soon after the House of Representatives approved the divorce bill on third and final

reading. The Philippines is the only country in the world, aside from the Vatican, without a divorce law.

According to Palace spokesperson Harry Roque, the President is against divorce because it places children and spouses at a disadvantage.

“Ang Presidente po ay tutol sa divorce, Roque said. “Ang sabi niya, kawawa ang mga anak at kung magkakaroon ng divorce mawawalan ng karapatang magsampa ng kaso ang mga asawa na pinabayaan ng asawa nila matapos ang divorce.”

On April 18, news reports quoted the President as saying that because

his daughter was against the bill, he could not support it. In a speech at Camp Aguinaldo, he referred to “House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, the exponent or the proponent of the divorce law,” and said, “I am sorry, but I cannot follow your [Alvarez]…

My daughter is not happy with that.

Really. Mag-usap na lang kayo ni Sara.”

The country is not the Duterte household. The opinion of a relative or friend must not sway the leader of our country for or against a major concern. What should be taken into account when making Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

Sister Patricia and Father Mark, the Lord’s branches

“I AM the vine and you are the branches. As long as you remain in me and I in you, you bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not remain in me is thrown away as they do with branches and they wither. Then they are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned,” says Jesus to his disciples in last Sunday’s gospel, the fifth Sunday of Easter.

This gospel tells us of the role that Jesus plays in our lives—we owe everything to him, including life itself. He is the vine and we are its branches. Whoever separates himself from Jesus, the vine withers and dies. Hence, the consequence of not abiding in Jesus and living separately from him is death, symbolically and literally.

In one of his reflections delivered in 2015, Pope Francis explained to his audience the meaning of the scripture passage. He said: Jesus is the vine, he stressed, “and through Him—like the sap in the tree—the very love of God, the Holy Spirit passes to the branches. Look: We are the branches, and through this parable, Jesus wants us to make us understand the importance of remaining united to him. The branches are not self-sufficient, but depend totally on the vine, in which is found the source of their life. So it is with us Christians. Grafted by Baptism in Christ, we have freely received from Him the gift of new life; and thanks to the Church we are able to remain in vital communion with Christ. We must remain faithful to [our] Baptism, and grow in intimacy with the Lord through prayer, listening and docility to His Word, participation in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation” He continued: If one is intimately united to Jesus, “he enjoys the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are—as Saint Paul tells us—are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” ; and consequently does so much good for the neighbor and the society, like a true Christian. In fact, one is recognized as a true Christian by this attitude, as a tree is recognized by its fruit.

The fruits of this profound union with Christ are wonderful: Our whole person

is transformed by the grace of the Spirit: [Our] soul, understanding, will, affections, and even [our] body, because we are united body and soul. We receive a new way of being, the life of Christ becomes our own: We are able to think like Him, to act like Him, to see the world and the things in it with the eyes of Jesus. And so we are able to love our brothers, beginning with the poorest and those who suffer the most, with His heart, and so bear fruits of goodness, of charity, and of peace in the world.”

If we wonder how to attain peace, joy and contentment in this troubled world,

The killers of Father Mark and the bullies seeking the illegal expulsion of Sister Pat are mistaken.

the people of God in our country for 27 years, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has proclaimed: “We believe in the sincerity and dedication of Sr. Patricia to serve our people. We believe further that she is moved to serve our people by the love of Christ.” In my view, Sister Pat is as Filipino as many of us and has proven her love for this country. She has been targeted not because of her work and her so-called political activities but as a scare tactic to intimidate the Church and other missionaries.

Sister Pat was chosen and made an example because she is perceived to be weak and vulnerable by bullies. But they are wrong.

It is too early to say why Father Mark Ventura was killed. We do not know if it was because of his consistent advocacy for people and nature, for indigenous peoples, against mining and other development aggression. Whatever the reason, the CBCP described Ventura’s assassination as an “evil act.” Father Mark’s superior, Guevara Archbishop Sergio Utleg, rightly called his killing a “brutal and cowardly act.” According to Utleg, “We just lost a young priest, zealous and dedicated, one who smelled like his sheep, to an assassin’s bullet right after he said Mass and was baptizing children.” Like Sister Pat, Father Mark was most likely targeted because he was vulnerable, isolated there in the mountains. Who cares if a priest like him is killed?

The killers of Father Mark and the bullies seeking the illegal expulsion of Sister Pat are mistaken. Sister Pat and Father Mark are good shepherds of the people of God in this country. Their weakness is their strength; their witnessing gives us strength.

Sister Pat and Father Mark are branches of the Lord, workers in His Vineyard. In them, the words of Jesus are fulfilled: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 1You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

this scriptural passage is the answer. We look for answers in so many places but feel frustrated when we do not find what we are looking for. Again, seek God and things fall into the right places. Christ calls on us to nurture this relationship and reciprocate his unbounded love for without him all our efforts are in vain. As the Good Book says, if the Lord does not build the house in vain do the builders toil. Life can be very challenging; it is buffeted by so many storms, but unless we build our foundation in Christ the house that is we will always be destroyed at the slightest trouble.

To be fruitful, Christ is not only calling us to be with him, but to remain in Him. Much like the winedresser in a vineyard who takes good care of his plantation in order to get good harvest, it is essential that we cultivate a good relationship with the Lord by living a sacramental life, doing charitable works, and say yes to the mission the Lord calls us to do.

As branches of the Lord’s Vine, we are called to love our neighbors and to be workers in the Vineyard of our Messiah. This is how best to describe the life of two Church workers in the news this week: Sister Patricia Fox, who has been ordered to leave the Philippines, and Father Mark Ventura of the Diocese of Cagayan who was killed by assassins riding in tandem in a motorcycle.

Facebook: Antonio La Vina or tonylavs2 In the case of Sister Pat, who has served Twitter: tonylavs

Utter...

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Scary climate change scenario for Asia-Pacific pressed particular concern about two things: housing and migration.

RUDY With regard to housing, the reROMERO port had this to say: “Losses from tropical cyclones in Asia and the Pacific by 2085 include a 17-58 AS THE development financing percent increase in direct-housing institution for Asia and the Pacific, damage in the Philippines if no the Asian Development Bank is in adaptive measures are taken.” The the forefront of the effort to elicit Philippines, it said, was “particuconcern for, and to plan for reme- larly vulnerable to natural hazdial measures against, the uni- ards, which usually results in migration.” verse-changing Elabor at i ng scourge known on the issue as climate of migration, change. This is Housing and the report statto be expected, ed: “Natural considering migration are two disasters are that when natuespecially alarming expected to ral disasters— areas. cause further typhoons, d i s pl a c e m e nt tsunamis and from rural to earthquakes — urban areas, as strike, ADB is one of the principal sources of re- has occurred in the past. It noted that in the Philippines displacehabilitation financing.

In line with its huge responsi- ment after natural disasters ….. is bility to its 30-odd regional mem- usually localized as people want bers, ADB entered into a collabo- to stay as close to their homes as ration with the Potsdam Institute possible.”

The report said that flooding for Climate Impact Research for the study of climate change in was a very serious problem in the Asia and the Pacific. The result region. “Coastal and low-lying arof the study has been a joint re- eas in the region will be at an inport titled “A Region at Risk: The creased risk of flooding.” With its Human Dimensions of Climate concentration of low-lying popuChange in Asia and the Pacific.” lated areas, Southeast Asia was The findings of the study, embod- particularly vulnerable to flooding, it said. “Already the number ied in the joint report, are scary.

“Unabated climate change,” of record-breaking rainfall events the report warns, “will severely has significantly increased over affect future growth, reverse the last few decades.”

The report intensified seven current development gains and degrade the quality of life in population centers in the Philip[Asia and the Pacific].” The re- pines that will be “most exposed gion is projected to be one of the to a one-meter sea level rise.” Two regions most affected by heat of them are Manila and Davao extremes, it said. “More intense City. Three of the other five are in typhoons and tropical cyclones the National Capital Region (Maare expected to hit Asia and the labon, Caloocan and Taguig). BuPacific with rising global mean tuan and Iloilo City make up the rest of the seven most flood-prone temperatures.”

The ADB-PIK joint report ex- Philippine population centers.

BUSINESS CLASS

From A4

Seeing all these reminded me of the time I was invited by the South Korean government to Seoul in 1956.

When I landed, I learned that I was in the company of other foreign journalists. We were billeted in an old government hotel – the Bando, whose heating system was from the floor. It was early spring.

On the first day of my tour, we were taken to Panmunjun to see the demarcation line separating the two Koreas. I recall taking photos of the stern North Korean guards. We were lucky because on that day there was a meeting between representatives of the North and South, and were allowed to take pictures.

My photos appeared at the Philippines Herald. It’s a shame I have lost all my photos.

Our group was able to interview

South Korean President Park Chungkee. We toured the capital including that area where one could buy duty-free goods.

At that time, the so-called “kaebols” were not yet well-known. There was no Samsung, LG, Kia and Hyundai. Even the big international hotels had not yet been built. We also took a side trip to Busan. *** There is a proposal made by Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza for the consultative committee drafting a new constitution to consider relaxing the restrictions on foreign ownership of mass media, educational institutions and telecommunication companies, which the 1987 Constitution limits to Filipino citizens.

Article 16, Section 11 of the charter

provides that only citizens of the Philippines or corporations wholly-owned

by Filipinos can own and operate mass media. Similarly, Article 14, Section 4 limits educational institutions, except those established by religious groups and missions, to be owned solely by citizens or by corporations with at least 60 percent Filipino ownership. The same goes for telecommunications.

Insofar as educational institutions and telecommunications are concerned, the country has somewhat relaxed. Thus we now have British and American schools.

In telecommunications, the third telco could well be from abroad, but controlled and managed by Filipinos.

On mass media, I cannot see the need for protectionism. With the flick of a finger, we can consume material from any news organization overseas.

emergency, especially one involving the safety of its nationals in the host country.

Philippine Embassy officials in Kuwait are expected to, among others, ensure the safety of Filipinos working in that country. That’s what their taxes are for. Therefore, it is absurd and foolish for Kuwait to require Philippine embassy officials in Kuwait to coordinate first with Kuwaiti authorities before Philippine embassy personnel may rescue distressed Filipinos in desperate situations in Kuwait. That will be akin to putting the text of the treaty over and above its substance.

International protocol cannot prevail over the dictates of substantial justice, especially under circumstances when the latter is needed most.

It would be different if the rescued Filipinos were detained in Kuwait for a crime. Rescuing them from prison would have been a blatant violation of International Law. Since the rescued Filipinos were not under detention for violating any Kuwait law, rescuing them because of the imminent threat to their safety, is warranted under International Law. In fine, Manila need not apologize to Kuwait for the rescue operations, because every nation has the inherent right to look after the interests of its citizens working overseas, especially where the

host country is notorious for ignoring human rights.

Secretary Cayetano’s apology to Kuwait, therefore, must be taken in the proper context. Cayetano apologized because the rescue operations breached international protocol inasmuch as it was not coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities. Rightfully, Cayetano did not apologize for the decision of the Philippine government to rescue Filipinos in danger, precisely because that is what Philippine diplomatic and consular officials are supposed to do in the first place. Cayetano did what was right and lawful in the premises.

It is possible that Kuwait would not have reacted the way it did, if the video of the rescue operations did not go viral in the social media. This means that the Philippine official who posted the video online has a lot of explaining to do.

Bello’s planned trip to Kuwait, apparently for the purpose of exploring the possibility of the re-deployment of Filipino domestic helpers for slavery in Kuwait, comes at a bad time. It shows his lack of concern for the welfare of Filipino workers. His unusual interest in getting President Duterte’s ban against the deployment of workers to Kuwait lifted immediately was discussed in detail in this column last April 23.

No...

From A4

was discovered in a freezer in an abandoned site in Kuwait last February. Demafelis had been missing for a year, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III was not even aware of it.

Surprisingly, Bello will go to Kuwait this week apparently to check on the status of a memorandum of agreement which, as he had earlier announced, is to be signed by the Philippines and Kuwait before the end of this month. If signed, that agreement would mean the lifting of the total deployment ban earlier declared

by President Duterte. As of this writing, however, the ban has been made permanent by the President.

So why does this essay maintain that Kuwait has confirmed that its top leaders are just as barbaric and uncivilized as their citizens? That’s because the diplomatic protest pressed by Kuwait has no support in humanitarian international law.

Under conventional international law, the diplomatic and consular officials sojourning in a host country cannot engage in activities which violate the sovereignty of the host country. Law enforcement in Kuwait, for instance, may be undertaken only by Kuwaiti authorities. There is, however, nothing in conventional international law which prohibits embassy officials of the hosted country from acting immediately in an

Sara...

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decisions is the welfare of Filipinos, what’s best for them and what they want.

Thankfully, Sara Duterte recently spoke up to say that her opinion on the matter doesn’t matter. Last Thursday at an event in Tagum City, she said that her father was only teasing Speaker Alvarez because he was aware of the tension between Sara and Alvarez stemming from the latter’s criticism of her for forming a new political party.

At the time, Sara slung some stinging words against Alvarez who remarked afterward, “I surrender.”

Sara Duterte said, “[President Duterte] was only joking when he said that I was not in favor of the divorce bill that Congressman Alvarez is pushing. He said at the time that Alvarez should talk to me about the bill.”

She added, “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 further clarified, “It is not my job to give an opinion about the divorce bill since I am a mayor of Davao. My opinion does not matter. I am not a member of Congress.”

This is a welcome and enlightening statement from the mayor. We appreciate that she made an effort to correct people’s perceptions about the matter.

We know that the President has his own opinions about the proposed divorce bill. When the time comes for him to de-

cide on this, we hope he will put personal concerns aside and consider what’s important and necessary for Filipinos, and what the majority of Filipinos want.

The results of a Social Weather Station survey released in early March shows that 53 percent of Filipinos favor divorce.

They agreed with the survey statement, “Married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile anymore should be allowed to divorce so that they can legally get married again.”

The lack of a divorce law and the high costs of legal proceedings such as separations and annulments mean that most Filipinos in the above situation are unable to obtain any legal remedy.

Going back to Mayor Sara’s statement, knowing that she is aware she shouldn’t bring her opinions to bear on something outside her purview is a relief.

Knowing that our President’s off-the-cuff remarks need interpretation and clarification is worrisome.

It’s disturbing that we can’t tell when the President is teasing or not. Affairs of state are no laughing matter. How are we to take his pronouncements from now on, then? Whenever he speaks we’ll be wondering, is this a joke or not? We can only hope that there will be fewer situations such as this in the future. * Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant.

FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

News

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SC dismisses Makati City judge in US Marine case

DOWN BUT NOT OUT.

This file photo taken, on Jan. 11, 2018, shows a horse-drawn carriage passing a memorial statue for World War II ‘comfort women’ who were made sex slaves for Japanese troops during the conflict in Manila.

Advocacy groups voiced outrage on April 29, 2018 after the memorial to women forced to work as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers during World War II was taken down in Manila. AFP

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has ordered the dismissal of a Makati City judge after finding him guilty of ignorance of the law and gross misconduct for rendering a decision in the 2012 killing of American Marine Maj. George Anikow not based on factual and legal bases.

In a 13-page decision, the SC imposed the ultimate administrative penalty of dismissal from service on Judge Winlove Dumayas of Makati City Regional Trial Court, Branch 59 for his wrongful judgment rendered on July 2, 2014 that downgraded the charge against two accused—Crispin de la Paz and Galicano Datu III —from murder to homicide.

Besides dismissal, the high court also ordered the forfeiture of his retirement benefits with prejudice to reemployment in government.

Dumayas is supposed to retire already this year.

The tribunal found Dumayas guilty of gross ignorance of the law and gross misconduct for rendering the decision without citing the required factual and legal bases and ignoring applicable jurisprudence.

The SC ruled that Dumayas committed “oppressive disregard of the basic requirements of due process” and “misused powers” granted to him by law when he sentenced the accused only to homicide supposedly due to a finding of self-defense as mitigating circumstance even without the accused invoking and proving it in their defense.

“His complete disregard of settled rules and jurisprudence on self-defense and of the events that transpired after the first fight, despite the existence of testimonial and physical evidence to the contrary, in the appreciation of the privileged mitigating circumstance of incomplete self-defense casts serious doubt on his impartiality and good faith,” said the SC decision promulgated last March 6, but released to the media only on Monday.

The high court disagreed with the judge’s finding that the voluntary surrender of the two accused served as ordinary mitigating circumstance.

“In the case at bar, it was not shown from the evidence presented that the accused intended to surrender and admit the commission of the criminal; they did not even invoke self-defense during trial,” the SC noted.

“Here, the attendant circumstances would reveal that the acts of Judge Dumayas contradict any claim of good faith,” the SC said, adding that the judge “inappropriately appreciated” the supposed mitigating circumstances in the case.

The tribunal also faulted Dumayas’ sentence of prison term of four years, two months and one day to six years, which made the accused eligible for probation.

BI nabs American sans work permit in Boracay

By Vito Barcelo

I

MMIGRATION agents arrested an American beach resort owner in Boracay, Aklan for working without permit, barely a day before the government effected the temporary closure of one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Nabbed was identified as Randall Lee Parker—US hometown not immediately available—who was caught by the bureau’s intelligence operatives inside the premises of The Artienda at Station Two, formerly known as Crown Beach Hotel in Boracay.

Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said he issued a mission order for Parker’s arrest after a complaint was filed with the BI about his business activities in running the resort without the appropriate work permit or visa.

“He will undergo deportation proceedings for illegally working in the country,” the BI chief said, adding both the Labor Code and the Immigration Act strictly forbids aliens from engaging in gainful activity unless they obtain a work permit from the labor department and employment visa from the BI. Morente also revealed that Parker had been in the Philippines as a tourist for almost two years already and that by engaging in gainful work he blatantly violated the conditions of his stay as a

‘Everyone wants piece of STL’

MMDA to field 1,474 personnel to man traffic THE Metro Manila Development Authority chairman will deploy 1,474 personnel to manage the traffic flow and provide assistance in connection with the 51st Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting of Governors in Mandaluyong City from May 2 to 6.

On the frontline are members of the Task Group Traffic Management incharge to provide personnel and equipment along the ADB dedicated route for seamless movement of delegates from airport to billeting hotel, venues, and other engagement areas and vice versa, at the least inconvenience to the general public.

The five-day meeting is expected to gather 3,000 delegates, composed of finance and development ministers and central bank governors of the bank’s 67-member-economies.

No roads will be closed for the five-day gathering but stop-and-go schemes will be implemented on some intersections to give way for the delegates’ convoy.

“The concentration area is only at the Ortigas Business District, Shangri-La and ADB,” said Frisco San Juan, MMDA deputy chairman.

Occasional traffic disruption might be experienced along Edsa from Magallanes to Ortigas area whenever delegates’ convoy, from airport to Ortigas Center, would pass.

Convoy carrying delegates will use the yellow lane and inserts towards Ayala and Shaw Boulevard flyover/tunnel and underpasses while traveling along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa).

After every tunnel/underpass and flyover, convoy will be directed to yellow lane for public utility buses.

The inner lane of the yellow lane is designated as delegates’ path to and from destinations.

In the Ortigas Business District area, intermittent stops are expected on Julia Vargas, ADB Avenue, San Miguel Avenue, Guadix, Bank Drive, Saint Francis Street, all in the jurisdiction of Pasig and Mandaluyong cities. Joel Zurbano

temporary visitor.

Lawyer Antonette Bucasas-Mangrobang, BI spokesperson, disclosed that a check of the bureau’s travel records showed that the American arrived in the country on April 16, 2016 and had not departed ever since.

Mangrobang said Parker, whose stay as a tourist was extended up to June 14 this year, had been going in and out of the country since 2005.

According to Mangrobang, existing laws that regulated the employment of aliens in the country were intended to ensure that their activities in the country were consistent with their immigration documentation.

“The rule is that aliens holding tourist visas are not allowed to engage in any form of gainful employment or business activity,” she added.

FISHING NET. An unidentified fisherman casts Monday his net along Jose Diokno Boulevard at the Macapagal Bridge in Pasay City, high in the hope he would be able to bring a few fins before sundown to take home to his waiting family. Lino Santos

PH embassy brings home 2 seamen

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Philippine Embassy in Tehran brought home Monday two Filipino seamen stranded in Iran, after they were offloaded from their Dubai-United Arab Emirates-owned ship.

Jerry Gabanzo and Miguel Estrella Jr., the crew members of the MV Blue Nile, were not given due salaries and other benefits from the ship owner based in Dubai and UAE, the DFA said.

In addition, the Philippine Embassy informed the seamen’s manning agencies in Manila about their situation in Iran and brought to the latter’s attention their complaint of unpaid salaries and other benefits from the ship owner based in Dubai, UAE. “The Philippine Embassy in Tehran learned about their plight only on April 16 when the wife of one of the seamen sent an urgent email narrating their situation in Chabahar, a town in southern Iran located more than 1,800 kilometers from Tehran,” the DFA stated.

After learning their unfortunate fate, the Philippine Embassy made immediate representations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran and its regional office in Chabahar as well as with the immigration offices in both cities to obtain custody over the Filipino seamen.

On April 23, an Embassy team flew to Chabahar and brought the ship crew to Tehran the following day.

“Because of the Philippine Embassy’s constant and personal follow-ups at the Immigration Office in Tehran and the Iranian government’s continued support and assistance on the case, the processing of the two seamen’s exit clearances and other documentary requirements took only one day to complete,” the DFA noted.

The two Filipino seamen stayed overnight at the Embassy until they departed Iran for the Philippines early morning on April 26.

Consul General Alfredo M. Borlongan accompanied them on their return flight to Manila.

PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Alexander Balutan will study a suggestion that barangays should also have a share of revenues collected from the Small Town Lottery.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations provide that cities/municipalities receive monthly 3 percent shares from the STL net sales; provincial, 0.75 percent; district, 0.25 percent; and Philippine National Police, 2.5 percent.

All these shares are culled from the 30 percent charity fund.

In the first quarter, PCSO has shared a total P446.6 million with local government units, districts, and the police, it said in a statement.

Also in the forum, Balutan made public the agency’s first quarter earnings of P15.98 billion.

The amount represents the combined revenue from all PCSO products namely Lotto, Keno, Sweepstakes, and STL where the revenue generated a 28.24-percent increase from the same quarter last year, amounting to P12.45 billion.

“I want to be transparent to the Filipino people. That’s why we publish this [our accomplishment] in newspapers...

Remember, PCSO is not receiving anything, any single centavo from the taxes of the people. We get our revenues from the gaming public,” he said.

Of almost P16-billion revenue of PCSO, the highest revenue increase was recorded by the STL with P6.1 billion, an increase of 114.09 percent compared to the revenue of the same quarter last year.

STL revenue for the first quarter is also equivalent to 38 percent of the entire revenue of the agency. Other products of PCSO like Keno and Instant Sweepstakes also contributed P1.4 billion (9 percent) and P663 million (4 percent), respectively.

While Lotto and other digit games earned P7.7 billion this quarter, it posted -6.54 percent decrease from the same period last year.

Lotto and other digit games are also jackpot-prize driven where “the higher the jackpot prize, the higher the sales.”

Authorities arrest 92 erring drivers

By Joel E. Zurbano GOVERNMENT agents apprehended more than 90 erring drivers, two of them members of the Philippine National Police, in separate operations against colorum and dilapidated public utility vehicles in cities of Pasay and Parañaque.

The latest operation by elements of Task Force Kamao of the Inter-agency Council for Traffic yielded 57 violators for smoke belching and 35 others for various violations of the government’s drive against unroadworthy PUVs. Most of those apprehended were public utility jeepneys, buses, Asian utility vehicles, UV Express and tricycles.

I-ACT chief Thomas Orbos said eight colorum vehicles were also impounded on the spot by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

He added two of those apprehended were heavily tinted Toyota Grandia both driven by active PNP personnel—a Police Chief Inspector and a Senior Police Officer 4.

“Both vehicles driven by the two policemen were colorum vehicles and were unmarked with one even bearing a sticker of the Office of the President,” said Orbos.

The I-ACT chief withheld the names of the two police officers but he said they are now coordinating with the office of PNP chief Oscar Abayalde on the matter.

Investigation showed the Toyota Grandia vans were being used like UV Express picking up commuters.

The two police officers did not resist but attempted to talk their way out with the operatives on site. One was even in uniform and carried his service firearm.

“I am disappointed that even those we expect to abide [by] the law first will be caught red-handed.” said Orbos.

The transportation official further warned the public to stop utilizing their vehicles for public use.

Atty. Nole V. Lansangan, 78 LAWYER Nole V. Lansangan, president of GUMIL Metro Manila in 1989-1990, the association of Ilocano writers in the National Capital Region, will be interred today in San Mateo, Isabela, five days after he died of intestinal stroke and septic shock, a spokesman for the family said.

The Tarlac-born former columnist of the Ilocano magazine Bannawag titled “Dear Atorni” left seven children by his first wife Prescila and three children by his second, Corazon, seven children-in-law and 14 grandchildren.

An alumnus of the Manuel Luis Quezon University college of law, Lansangan was once division chief of the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Department of Trade and Industry, which gave him the opportunity to attend trainings abroad as those in Malaysia, The Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.

During his term as president of the Ilocano writers in Metro Manila, one of the more active chapters of the national association which had at one point almost 3,000 members at home and overseas, members published an anthology of fiction and poetry.

At the turn of the century, he launched the Constancia V. Lansangan Literary Awards, in memory of his mother, where many won in short short stories, short short essays and novelettes.

Lansangan, founder of the pre-school St. Bede Learning Center in Manila which has a branch in Villa Cruz, San Mateo, Isabela, was given the Tan-ok Gumiliano (Outstanding Gumil member) Award by the national association of Ilocano writers during its 50th anniversary on April 21 in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Sports

A7

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

James brings Cavaliers back from brink L

OS ANGELES—LeBron James scored 45 points in another magnificent game seven performance Sunday, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 105-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers and into the second round of the NBA playoffs.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers dives for the ball in front of Bojan Bogdanovic of the Indiana Pacers during the second half in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 105-101 to win there series. AFP

Cabuyao, Rizal Tech Asia Golf Convention lures 560 rip foes in opener participants, 200+ operators CABUYAO City and Rizal Technological University dominated their respective rivals at the start of the National 19-and-under men’s Softball Championship at the Sto. Niño Softball Field in Marikina City yesterday.

RTU outclassed Binangonan, 18-3, while Cabuyao City trounced La Salle Antipolo, 13-5, to serve notice of their respective title drive in the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and sanctioned by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL).

Others vying in the six-day softball championship are Pasig, San Rafael-Bulacan, and Agoncillo-Batangas.

“This is an avenue where the Filipino youth can showcase their excellence in sports. The huge leaps we’ve made in softball have propelled us to becoming a force to reckon with in the international scene,” said ASAPHIL president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

RTU, meanwhile, gears up for a busy second day as it plays back-to-back games against La Salle Antipolo and Agoncillo-Batangas, while San Rafael-Bulacan squares off with Binangonan, and Pasig clashing with Agoncillo-Batangas and Binangonan in successive matches.

Asian Kennel Club Union of the PH marks 10th year THE Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines, Inc. marked its 10th anniversary recently with a deep commitment to sustain its momentum and reach greater heights in the purebred dog registering industry in the country.

Conceived on March 30, 2008, AKCUPI is a premier dog registry in the country with over 583,000 dogs registered. An advocate of responsible pet ownership, the club is client-friendly, honest and one that protects the integrity of the pedigrees. It is the only purebred dog registry in the country that has no membership fees, thus giving dog owners value for their money.

At the helm of the club is entrepreneur, environmentalist and animal lover Henry G. Babiera, who said he was both ecstatic and overwhelmed over the immense success that AKCUPI has been reaping over the years.

“Our success is anchored on the four pillars—transparency, honesty, integrity and service—which are the hallmarks of a true purebred dog registering organization,” said Babiera, who pledged to transform the club into a more viable, robust and dynamic organization with the continuing support of its hordes of dog aficionados and breeders.

For the past 10 years, AKCUPI has conducted a significant number of international all-breed dog shows adjudicated by top-caliber and seasoned international all-breed judges from the United States, Canada, South America, the European Union and Asia. It has been involved in community activities as part of its social commitment, like the free anti-rabies immunization drives in support of R.A. 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act), pet blessing, dog walk, pet welfare and grooming.

THE 7th Asia Golf Tourism Convention, considered as the most important golf tourism event in the Asia Pacific region, was held at the Marriott with Frederick Alegre, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism; Peter Walton, CEO of International Association of Golf Tour Operators; and Cesar Montano, COO of Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines in attendance.

Owned and operated by the IAGTO, the AGTC takes place in a different golf destinations each year with the seventh year being staged in the Philippines and the main convention taking place at the Resorts World Manila from April 22 to 25.

The AGTC 2018 has attracted over 560 participants, including 200+ golf tour operators from 33 countries. A record number of golf tour operators (over 160) participated in golf familiarization tours before and after the convention, experiencing first-hand what the Philippines has to offer the international golf traveller.

Previous AGTC host destinations have been Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2012), Pattaya, Thailand (2013), Mission Hills Haikou, Hainan Island, China (2014), Jakarta, Indonesia (2015), Chiang Mai, Thailand (2016), Danang, Vietnam (2017).

AGTC brings together international golf tour operators from around the world, all selling golf vacations to Asia, to meet with golf tourism suppliers (golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, inbound tour operators and tourist boards) from Asia, the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Gulf States.

AGTC is also designed to showcase the host destination to the participating golf tour

Officials of the AKCUPI want to sustain the momentum of their gains.

AKCUPI is a founding member of the Union of Asian Kennel Clubs and member of the My Allianza and International Kennel Union.

Aside from Babiera, other officers of the club are Jester Jo Ong Chuan, president; Dr. Nathaniel Cheng, vice president; Fe Lanny Alegado, corporate secretary; Lucianne Cham, corporate treasurer; and Arch.

Mondilla, pal upbeat in National Pro-Am REIGNING Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion Clyde Mondilla hopes to snap a run of poor form with a strong finish in the Delimondo National Pro-am as he gears up for another grueling campaign on the PGT and the PGT Asia resuming in two weeks time.

But he wants to focus first on tomorrow’s (Wednesday) start of the national pro-am where he will be teaming up with Jeric Hechanova for Team Luisita against a slew of top-notch tandems in the 54-hole tournament at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Mondilla, who won four tournaments to clinch

operators, in order to generate sustainable growth in golf travel to the host destination of this high revenue, low impact tourism sector.

Established in 1997, the IAGTO is the global trade organization of the golf tourism Manila industry andStandard has over 2,653 member companies in 98 countries, TODAY including 685 golf tour operator members in 64 countries, which control more than 87% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of more than $2.5 billion.

IAGTO runs the annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention and North America Golf Tourism Convention, along with regular Destination Conventions. It also established the International Golf Travel Market, now owned and operated by Reed Travel Exhibitions, in 1997 and the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000. IAGTO also runs the prestigious annual IAGTO Awards and the IAGTO Excellence Awards.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Philippines Department of Tourism and its Tourism Promotion Board, the world’s leading golf tour operators will see for themselves an amazing array of golf experiences—including the Tagaytay Highlands, Clark/Angeles City and Metro Manila—for the first time, in the case of the majority of them. At the convention itself, close to 1,000 meetings will take place between international tour operators and Philippine golf course, hotels, inbound operators and other golf tourism suppliers. I have no doubt that this will lead to an immediate and sustainable growth in golf tourism to the Philippines,” said IAGTO Chief Executive, Peter Walton.

the coveted crown in the PGT last year, has turned in mediocre showing in the early going of the new season, missing the cut in the kickoff leg of the PGT ruled by Dutch Guido Van der Valk at Eagle Ridge last March and finishing tied for 31st in the first leg of the second PGT Asia topped by Aussie David Gleeson at Luisita two weeks ago.

But he hopes to break that spell with a victory this week with Hechanova expressing confidence of his tandem with the long-hitting Del Monte ace now based in Luisita in the event sponsored by Delimondo, the premier corned beef, and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Desmond Ong, auditor.

AKCUPI office is located at 954 Quezon Avenue beside Meralco and across the street from Roosevelt Avenue and Fisher Mall. Visit its website www.akcupi.com for more info and contact numbers for inquiries about the registration or like its Facebook page Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines Inc.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

Facing elimination in the first round for the first time, James was having none of it.

The 33-year-old superstar, who has now reached the second round in all 13 of his playoff appearances, produced his third 40-point game of the series, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals as Cleveland booked a second-round clash with Eastern Conference top seeds Toronto starting on Tuesday.

“I just try to do whatever it takes to help us win. I felt like I wanted to do that again in this series,” said James, who is now 5-2 in game sevens in all rounds of the playoffs.

“There’s nothing like a game seven,” said Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson. “Game seven separates the men from the boys.”

With their season on the line after a humbling 34-point loss in game six, the Cavaliers exploded out of the blocks.

James made his first seven shots and finished the first half with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds.

The Cavs pulled down 11 offensive rebounds in the first half and led by as many as 14 in the second quarter as coach Tyronn Lue switched his starting lineup to include all four of his holdovers from the last three NBA Finals teams: James, Thompson, Kevin Love and JR Smith.

“We started the game with Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard

TODAY National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Mandaluyong City Branch 211

IN RE: PETITION FOR THE AMENDMENT OF CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE TITLE NO. 0082014005612 CASE NO. R-MND-17-00571-LR ALAN LEE, Petitioner. x--------------------------------x

ORDER

This is a verified petition filed by the petitioners praying that an Order be issued by this Court ordering the amendment of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 0082014005612 to reflect Alan Lee as owner and to order the Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, after the payment of the prescribed fees, to issue a new Owner’s Duplicate Condominium Certificate of Title.

1.01. That petitioner Ms. Alan Lee is an Australian, divorced, with address c/o MARTELINO BACUNGAN & ASSOCIATES, Unit 2201, Atlanta Centre, Annapolis St., Greenhills, City of San Juan, where notices and summons can be served.

1.02. That Mr. Lee, along with his former wife Susan Song Lee (“Ms. Lee”), are the registered owners of a condominium, Unit 2801 Cityland Shaw Tower Condominium, located at St. Francis Corner Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong.

1.02.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition are certified true copies of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005621, herein marked as Annex “A”, 1.02.2. Ms. Lee is an American citizen and a resident of 3785 Wilshire Boulevard Unit 1211, Los Angeles, California, USA. 1.03. That last January 23, 2011, Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee were joined in marriage before Minister Alan Katz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. 1.03.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as Annex “B” is a photocopy of their Marriage Contract with registry number 420111901254 issued on May 15, 2012 by the Department of Public Health, State of California.

1.04. That the said condominium at issue was acquired

by Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee last September 17, 2014. The acquisition is due to Mr. Lee being currently situated in the Philippines as an investor and President of Mr. Kimbob Bibimbob, Inc. 1.05. That due to unhappy and irreconcilable differences, the parties agreed to separate and subsequently file for divorce.

1.06. That on March 09, 2017, Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee were divorced in accordance with Australian laws and regulations in the Federal Circuit Court of Australian and took effect on April 10, 2017, which effectively terminates the parties’ marriage.

1.06.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “C” is a copy of “Family Law Act of Divorce Order” with File No. (P)MLC10941/2016, duly authenticated by the Consul Felix Pintado, for the Consulate of the Philippines, Consular Section S.S. City of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

1.07. That as they have agreed to separate ways prior to the filing of their divorce, the parties discussed the settlement of their properties. On December 13, 2016, Susan Song Lee executed a Waiver and Assignment of Rights on the two (2) properties in the Philippines that they have purchased during their marriage.

1.07.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “D” is a copy of the Waiver and Assignment of Rights signed and executed by Susan Song Lee on December 13, 2016.

1.08. That under Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, Section 43, Paragraph 1, an application of a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall be based on the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

1.08.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “E” including its sub markings, is the Certified True Copy of the pertinent provisions of Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, No. 53, 1975, Compilation No. 81, duly authenticated by Levi Garret Cusio of the Australian Embassy.

1.09. That furthermore, Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 allows married parties while marriage is subsisting, to enter into an agreement as to what would happen to their properties or financial resources in the event of a breakdown of marriage. Such agreement is coined as financial agreement.

1.09.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “F”, including its sub markings, is the Certified True Copy of the pertinent provisions of Australia’s Family Law Act 0f 1975, No. 53, 1975. Compilation No. 81, duly authenticated by Levi Garret Cusio of the Australian Embassy.

1.10. That aliens may obtain divorces abroad, which may be recognized in the Philippines, provided they are valid according to their national law.

1.11. That in Republic v. Orbecido III, the Supreme Court ruled that “before a foreign divorce decree can be recognized by our own courts, the party pleading it must prove the divorce as a fact and demonstrates its conformity to the foreign law allowing it.”

1.12. That as shown above, the Divorce Order, which Mr. Lee secured, conforms to Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, an Australian law.

1.13. That in Corpuz v. Sto Tomas, the Supreme Court pronounced.

“The foreign divorce decree itself, after its authenticity and conformity with the alien’s national law have been duly proven according to our rules of evidence, serves as a presumptive evidence of right in favor of Gerbert, pursuant to Section 48, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court”, which provides for the effect of foreign judgment. This Section states.

SEC. 48 Effect of foreign judgment or final orders – The effect of a judgment or final order of a tribunal of a foreign country, having jurisdiction to render the judgment or final order is as follows: a) In case of a judgment or final order upon a specific thing, the judgment or final order is conclusive upon the title of the thing. b) In case of a judgment or final order against a person, the judgment or final order is presumptive evidence of a right as between the parties and their successors in interest by a subsequent title.

In either case, the judgment or final order may be repelled

guys that have been in big games before,” said James, but there was no doubt that it was “King James” who ruled.

James became the career playoff leader in steals when he picked off a pass in the second quarter, having entered the contest tied with former Chicago Bulls great Scottie Pippen (395) atop the all-time post-season list.

James also became the first player to score 20 or more points 200 times in the playoffs.

After their dominant first half, Cleveland once again saw the Pacers gain ground in the third.

Indiana took a one-point lead on Bojan Bogdanovich’s threepointer with 7:13 left in the third period and a determined Victor Oladipo scored 14 of his 30 points in the third.

Cleveland weathered the storm to take a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, and with James sidelined for several minutes fighting leg cramps they built the advantage to nine.

Oladipo’s driving layup cut Indiana’s deficit to four with less than a minute to play, but James responded with a layup and Cleveland held on.

“I’m burnt right now,” James admitted after the game. “I’m not thinking about Toronto right now until tomorrow. I’m ready to go home. Can we? I’m tired. I want to go home.” AFP by evidence of a want of jurisdiction, want of notice to the party, collusion, fraud, or clear mistake of law or fact.

To our mind, direct involvement or being the subject of the foreign judgment is sufficient to clothe a party with the requisite interest to institute an action before our courts for the recognition of the foreign judgment. In a divorce situation, we have declared, no less, that the divorce obtained by an alien abroad may be recognized in the Philippines, provided the divorce is valid according to his or her national law.

The starting point in any recognition of a foreign divorce judgment is the acknowledgement that our courts do not take judicial notice of foreign judgment and laws Justice Herrera explained that, as a rule, “no sovereign is bound to give effect within its dominion to a judgment rendered by a tribunal of another country.” This means that the foreign judgment and its authenticity must be proven as facts under our rules on evidence, together with the alien’s applicable national law to show the effect of the judgment on the alien himself or herself. The recognition may be made in an action instituted specifically for the purpose or in another action where a party invokes the foreign decree as an integral aspect of his claim or defense.

In Gerbert’s case, since both foreign divorce decrees and the national law of the alien, recognizing his or her capacity to obtain a divorce, purport to be official acts of a sovereign authority, Section 24, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court comes into play. This Section requires proof, either by (1) official publication or (2) copies of attested by the officer having legal custody of the documents. If the copies of the official records are not kept in the Philippines, these must be: (a) accompanied by a certificate issued by the proper diplomatic or consular officer in the Philippine foreign service stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept and (b) authenticated by the seal of his office.

1.14. That consistent to the above jurisprudence, Mr. Lee has attached a copy of the Divorce Order, as well as the required certificates proving its authenticity (see Annex “C”) and a copy of the Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 (see Annex “E”) proving the existence of such law and the pertinent provisions allowing the divorce of Mr. Lee’s marriage with Ms. Lee. 1.15. That moreover, agreement entered into by Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee is valid and binding pursuant to the nationality principle enunciated in Article 15 of our very own Civil Code. Being an Australian citizen, Mr. Lee is governed by Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975. As previously pointed out, the same law allows married couples, during marriage, to enter into an agreement determining the fate of their properties if an when the marriage breaks down.

1.16. That pursuant to Section 24 Rule 132 of the Revised Rules of Court, the said provision of Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 is proved by a copy of said provisions (Annex “F”), duly authenticated by the proper authorities of Australia and the respective Philippine consular office.

1.17. That the said condominium at issue is free from any lien, except for the indicated encumbrance on restriction, and is not being held in custodial egis. Also, no deeds or other instruments affecting the property have been presented for registration. Furthermore, all taxes regarding the subject properties have been paid.

1.17.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “G” is the respective Declaration of Real Property for Condominium Certificate of Title No. 0082014005612.

1.17.2. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “H” is the respective Tax Clearance for Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005612.

1.18. That under Section 108 of Presidential Decree No. 1529, an amendment to the registered property may be made by the registered owner upon the following grounds.

1. When registered interests of any description, whether vested, contingent, expectant, or incheat, have terminated and ceased; 2. When new interests have arisen or been created which do not appear upon the certificate; 3. When any error, omission or mistake was made in entering a certificate or any memorandum thereon or on any duplicate certificate; 4. When the name of any person on the certificate has been changed; 5. When the registered owner has been married, or registered as married, the marriage has been terminated and no right or interest of heirs or creditors will thereby be affected; 6. When a corporation, which owned registered land and has been dissolved, has not conveyed the same within three years after its dissolution; 7. When there is reasonable ground for the amendment or alteration of title.

1.19. That hence, Mr. Lee, as registered owner, is entitled to pray for an amendment of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005612.

WHEREFORE, this Court hereby orders the petitioner to cause the publication of a copy of this Order at its own expense before the hearing on May 16, 2018 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 211, 2nd Floor, Old Muncipal Hall Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City. Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Manila Standard, a newspaper of general circulation in Metro Manila selected by raffle pursuant to PD No. 1079.

A copy of this Order shall likewise be posted in the bulletin board of this court.

Petitioner is further directed to cause the service of the copies of this Order, together with the petition and its annexes upon the Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, the Director of the Bureau of Lands, the Commissioner of the Land Registration Authority, the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of the Solicitor General, the proofs of service to be duly proven and established satisfaction of the Court.

SO ORDERED. Mandaluyong City, April 04, 2018.

Copy Furnished:

(Sgd.) OFELIA L. CALO Judge

- Martelino Bacungan & Associates - Office of the Solicitor General - Register of Deeds - Manila Standard - Department of Environment & Natural Resources - Land Registration Authority - Bureau of Lands (MS-May 1, 8 & 15, 2018)

Sports

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

A8

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

Chris Tiu of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters drives against Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Painters, 108-89.

Wesley slides to no. 8 in world chess

By Peter Atencio FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So’s world ranking has gone down following a third-place finish in the 2018 United States Chess Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.

From third place in the FIDE rankings last year, So slipped to no. 8 after he finished with his campaign with two wins and nine draws.

A 30-move draw with Hikaru Nakamura in their Nimzo Indian Defense game allowed him to settle for third spot with 6.5 points.

So, who won the crown last year, earned $25,000 from his stint. He now has an ELO rating of 2778.2 GM Samuel Shankland claimed the crown after he surprised Awonder Liang with the Caro Kann opening and won in 43 moves.

He collected $50,000 after posting six wins, built around four wins while playing the black pieces. Shankland also had five draws, Fabiano Caruana took second with eight points and after turning back Vladimir Onischuk in 29 moves of a Ruy Lopez. Caruana took home $35,000.

Rain or Shine back to its winning ways

By Jeric Lopez

I

S Rain or Shine Back to its consistent ways?

Judging from how it started the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, the Painters looked primed up and serious in getting back to its winning ways.

The Elasto Painters are currently tied for first place with TNT KaTropa as both teams hold 2-0 cards to start the tournament. Rain or Shine had victories over Alaska and crowd darling Barangay Ginebra.

Rain or Shine hasn’t tasted leadership for quite sometime now and its current stand is certainly a pleasant sight for the players and management.

After getting eliminated in the quarterfinals right away in the Philippine Cup and having a mediocre season last year, it’s easy to understand Rain or Shine’s hunger.

“We want to have a better showing this conference. We believe we can do more,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

“It’s been up and down for us and we hope we can find consistency.”

Garcia then went on to point out what is clicking for the Painters so far and how that can lead them back to contention.

“For as long as we move the ball well to find open shots and make them, I think we will have a good conference.”

Also, it helps that burly Reggie Johnson is showing that he might very well be what the doctor ordered for Rain or Shine.

In his two games thus far, Johnson has shown that his added muscle and inside presence can boost and change his squad for the better.

“Our import (Johnson) is also fitting us well so far. He’s a fit to what we’re trying to do and run as a team.”

Another reason for the surge is due to the the steady leadership provided by veteran guard Chris Tiu. The 32-year-old Tiu averaged all-

around numbers of 14 points, 6.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds as Rain or Shine opened the mid-season conference with two quick wins to become the first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week.

The former Ateneo playmaker had 18 points, issued 6 assists and collared 3 rebounds in a productive night to complement Johnson’s monster debut as Rain or Shine outlasted a fighting Alaska squad, 109-103 in overtime last Friday.

Tiu showed no signs of slowing down two days later as the ROS guard provided solid numbers of 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 rebounds to help the Elasto Painters turn what was expected to be a tight contest into a ghastly rout of the Kings, 108-89.

A one-time PBA Three-Point champion, Tiu bested teammate Raymond Almazan, along with TNT guards Jayson Castro, Terrence Romero and Jericho Cruz for the weekly citation for the period of April 22-29.

Rain or Shine will next face NLEX on Wednesday when action shifts to the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Patrombon, Capadocia bag Crankit Open titles Wesley So

Pacquiao, Go in 3-point duel A SPECIAL three-point shootout featuring Senator Manny Pacquiao and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go serves as a special feature in the kickoff leg of this year’s PBA All-Star Week.

Pacquiao, the former playing-coach of Columbian Dyip (formerly KIA) and Go, will be joined by Presidential sonin-law and lawyer Mans Carpio in the contest to be held during the first phase of the mid-season spectacle with Phoenix Fuel with Phoenix Pulse Technology as major sponsor and hosted by Digos, Davao del Sur on May 23.

The three public officials will team up with PBA greats Allan Caidic and Kenneth Duremdes, together with Magnolia Pambansang Manok veteran Peter June Simon, a native of Makilala, Cotabato, who became a big collegiate star in Davao prior to taking his act in the Big City.

No PSA Forum today IN observance of Labor Day, the Philippine Sportswriters Association won’t be having its regular sports forum on Tuesday. The weekly session will resume instead next week at Tapa King Restaurant in Cubao.

JESON Patrombon and Marian Capadocia pulled off a pair of three-set thrillers over their respective top-seeded rivals to share top honors in the PPS-PEPP MAC’s Crankit Open Tennis Championships at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila last Sunday.

Patrombon, 25, rallied from an opening set defeat with a big fightback in the second frame then banked on a strong finish to beat fellow Davis Cup veteran Johnny Arcilla in the decider, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, and claim the men’s Open singles crown worth P100,000 in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and the MAC’s Crankit Foundation of Australia, led by MCTA (MAC’s Crankit Tennis Academy) foundercoach Patricia Concon-Puzon.

Capadocia, on the other hand, upended top seed Khim Iglupas in a nailbiting, see-sawing finale, hacking out a 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5) decision to snare the women’s Open singles diadem worth P50,000 in the weeklong event backed by Dunlop, Happy Pet Products, Rep. Patrick Aquino, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Pacific Cross, Secure Storage, The Catalog Shopper, Sea

THE thrilling rivalry between two of the best club teams in the country – F2 Logistics and Petron – intensifies as they kick off their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three finals series today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Action starts at 7 p.m., with the Cargo Movers and the Blaze Spikers tipped to go all out to capture the crucial win in Game 1 of this prestigious women’s tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Prior to that, Foton and Cocolife figure in a knockout battle at 4:15 p.m. for the bronze medal of this league that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

After figuring in a heated finals showdown last year, both F2 Logistics and Petron trekked identical trails to the finals.

Both of them finished the classification with a league-leading 9-1 win-loss card followed by impressive victories in the quarterfinals and the semifinals, a strong testament to their dominance and status as elite teams in Philippine volleyball.

But in the end, only one team would be left standing.

And F2 Logistics head coach Arnold Laniog pointed out that they are eyeing nothing but their second straight Grand Prix title.

“The mindset of the players is to defend the title,” said Laniog, adding that the system of De La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus will remain as their biggest weapon against a very disciplined team like Petron.

“I’m telling the players that they are the reigning champions and everybody is looking to beat them. So they have to show up prepared and ready to win because their pride as Grand Prix champions is at stake.”

On the other hand, Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos is using their emotional loss to the Cargo Movers in the finals series last year as a motivation to fire up his wards.

Although the pain of that defeat is no longer there, Delos Santos said they are still eager to come up with a dominant win, not only to get back at the Cargo Movers, but also to snap their misfortune in the finals of the Grand Prix.

“Our loss last year is no longer painful. We’ve already accepted it and moved on,” said Delos Santos, who has yet to taste a Grand Prix title since American Alaina Bergsma and Brazilian Erica Adachi served as their reinforcements in 2014.

“We know that the loss was there to help us improve and hungry to win. It was a hard lesson we have to swallow.

So we have to do our best to correct our previous mistake and use that setback as a motivation to finally win the (Grand Prix) title.”

NU’s Santiago named UAAP volley MVP Games tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 12 noon – NU vs Ateneo (Men Finals) 4 p.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Women Finals)

Jeson Patrombon and Marian Capadocia (second and third from left, respectively) hold their trophies and replicas of their respective checks after ruling the PPS-PEPP MAC’s Crankit Open Tennis Championships at the PCA courts. With them are (from left) Mac’s Crankit Foundation board of director Alex Pereda, Mac’s Crankit coach Arden Asilo and Mac’s Crankit founder-coach Patricia Concon-Puzon.

King, DWIZ 882 AM, Positive Session, Silver Screen and Brohood.

It was actually the duo’s second straight victories as Patrombon and Capadocia also ruled the Brookside Open in Cainta, Rizal two weeks ago.

“These two should inspire the young players that through hard work and determination, one can overcome even the toughest of the odds,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/COO Bobby Castro.

Cojuangco voted equestrian chief; polls put under protest FORMER Philippine Olympic Committee chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco jr. will stay on as president of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines.

Cojuangco won another term after he was named to the Equestrian Association of the Philippines board of trustees again and later reelected as its president last Thursday.

His daughter, Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, International Olympic Committee representative, will sit as the vice president following polls,

Petron, F2 begin title showdown

which were put under protest.

Karen Concepcion is the secretary general, while Janine Felix took the post of treasurer.

A group of equestrian athletes, led by Carissa Coscolluela said they are putting the proceedings under protest.

They have informed POC president Ricky Vargas of their intentions.

Coscolluela said they attended the the meeting but abstained in the voting on the basis that the election was conducted in clear violation of the by-laws of the EAP.

She said the laws stipulate that all members are entitled to vote.

“It is a right not a privilege and cannot be withdrawn or arbitrarily removed by a board. For the first time in years, attendance was high at the EAP Annual Meeting, signaling an increased interest in the future of the sport from amongst its stakeholders,” she said in a statement.

POC officials were informed that a number of members are filing an official protest with the POC in due time.

Peter Atencio

NATIONAL University’s Jaja Santiago ended her final collegiate year by winning the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player award.

The 6’5” Santiago will receive the biggest individual hardware in the awards ceremony just before Game 2 of the best-of-three championship between De La Salle and Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo’s prolific hitter Marck Espejo, meanwhile, captured the men’s volleyball MVP for the fifth consecutive year.

Also in his final collegiate season, Espejo has duplicated the feat of University of the Philippines’ swimming sensation Luica Dacanay and De La Salle’s chess wizard John Paul Gomez as five-time MVP winners in any sport in the league.

University of Santo Tomas’ Sisi Rondina, one of Santiago’s biggest competitors in the MVP race, took the Best Scorer plum after finishing the eliminations with 296 points.

Santiago, who wound up second behind Rondina in scoring with 280 points, also emerged as the league’s Best Spiker with a 41.76 percent success rating.

The Best Blocker award went to Ced Domingo of the Lady Tamaraws, while Desiree Cheng of the Lady Spikers emerged as the Best Server.

University of the East’s star libero Kath Arado swept the Best Digger and Best Receiver awards, while Ateneo playmaker Deanna Wong clinched the Best Setter Plum.

IN BRIEF BCDA, DOTr open Clark airport bidding THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Transportation started the bidding process for the operations and maintenance contract of the Clark International Airport, the next major gateway to the country.

The BCDA and the DOTr published an invitation to bid in major broadsheets Monday following the approval of the P5.61-billion Clark International Airport Expansion Project and Operations and Maintenance PPP Concession by the National Economic and Development Authority Board.

The bidding documents for the project will be available on May 7.

BCDA president and chief executive Vivencio Dizon said the O&M contract would likely be awarded by August.

Upon contract awarding, the O&M concessionaire will take over the management and operations of the passenger terminal and the new terminal building after itscompletion and successful commissioning.

“The new terminal is going to open in the first half of 2020. It’s on track. We have no indications of delay,” said Dizon.

Othel V. Campos

Business

Subic investments drop 46% to P3.6b INVESTMENT commitments in the Subic Bay Freeport dropped 46 percent to P3.63 billion in 2017 from P6.71 billion in 2016.

Data from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority showed investments from new investors fell 60 percent to P6.35 billion from P2.54 billion despite an increase of 66 percent in the number of new locators.

The data showed that the number of new investors climbed 66 percent in 2017 to 239 from 144 in 2016.

The number of expanding projects also rose 70 percent to 63 in 2017 from 37 a year ago.

Despite a surge of 203 percent in investments from expanding locators to P1.09 billion from P0.36 billion in 2017, total employment in 2017 fell 1.8 percent to 4,309 workers from 4,389 in 2016.

The BCDA said exports from the Freeport increased to $2.33 billion from $1.69 billion while imports grew 11 percent to $1.17 billion from $1.6 billion. Othel V. Campos

INFLATION rate in April likely accelerated to as high as 4.7 percent from 4.3 percent in March using the 2012 base index on higher oil prices and power rates, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

The Bangko Sentral’s Department of Economic Research said April inflation likely settled within the 3.9-percent to 4.7-percent range.

“This represents a slight upward revision.Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East caused a sharp increase in international oil prices spilling over to higher domestic petroleum prices for the month,” the Bangko Sentral said.

“In addition, higher electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas as well as high-

ANC-ABOITIZ PARTNERSHIP.

Aboitiz social enterprise Weather Solutions Inc. teams up with ABS-CBN News Channel, allowing the television network to use specialized data for daily weather reports.

At the signing of the partnership contract at the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global City are (from left) Weather Solutions president Jojo Marasigan, Aboitiz Equity Ventures chief operating officer Sabin Aboitiz, ANC chief operating officer Cilette Liboro-Co and ANC head of news production Nadia Trinidad.

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

B1

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DBP’S AWARDS. State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines bags two awards during the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific Development Awards 2018 in New Delhi, India. Shown is DBP president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo (second from left) receiving the ADFIAP award for the DBP Icons program from ADFIAP secretary general Octavio Peralta at the bank’s head office in Makati City. With them are DBP chairman Alberto Romulo (left) and DBP director Miguel Abaya.

Wenceslao submits offer to construct Edsa subway C

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ONSTRUCTION company and real estate developer D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc. said it submitted an unsolicited proposal to the government to build a subway underneath Edsa, which is different from a Japan-sponsored underground project.

“We submitted a proposal for the subway here in Metro Manila. But [it would have a] different route. It’s under Edsa,” D.M. Wenceslao chairman Delfin Wenceslao said Monday.

Wenceslao said the company’s proposed subway would have four to five stations that would connect Trinoma Mall in North Ave. in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

“The mess is in Edsa. We want to solve the problem in Edsa. It will not be in conflict with the government’s [subway project],” he said.

Wenceslao said the proposal was submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority in the second half of 2017.

Metro Rail Transit Line 3 currently serves half a million passengers a day along Edsa from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City.

The Philippines and the Japanese government earlier signed the first tranche of the official development assistance loan for the P355.6-billion Metro Manila Subway Project which would not follow the Edsa route.

The Philippines’ first subway would span 30 kilometers, with 14 stations from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City, with a provision for a 5-km. extension and two additional stations to connect with Light Rail Transit Line 1. It is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to the airport to less than 40 minutes.

Dubbed by some as the project of

the century, works for the project were scheduled to start within the year. Partial operations for the first three stations were expected by 2022, while the whole system was targeted to be fully operational by 2025.

The project is expected to serve 370,000 commuters in its opening year.

D.M. Wenceslao earlier said it planned to raise up to P17.8 billion in proceeds from the sale of 679.2 million common shares with an over allotment option for 101.876 shares at an offer price of P22.90 apiece.

The company plans to conduct the share sale in May. D.M. Wenceslao plans to spend P10.9 billion in 2018 to 2020 to finance the construction of nine projects.

The company said of the nine projects, three are residential that would provide a total salable floor area of 88,000 square meters and six commercial developments that would add 280,000 sqm of leasable area.

All nine projects, which include the group’s first residential development Pixel Residences, are slated for completion over the next five years.

High oil prices likely pushed April inflation to 4.7% PXP taps lawyers

By Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Ayala unit completes purchase of 96% of NTC

Domestic liquidity rises 14% to P10.9t DOMESTIC liquidity or the money circulating in the financial system grew 14.4 percent in March to P10.9 trillion from a year ago, faster than the 13.5-percent expansion in February, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

Domestic claims grew 14.2 percent, faster than the 13.8-percent increase in February on sustained growth in bank lending.

Data showed outstanding loans of commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements, rose 18.3 percent in March, albeit slower than 19.5 percent in February.

Loans for production activities— which comprised 88.4 percent of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio—increased at a slightly slower pace of 18.1 percent in March from 18.6 percent in February.

The growth in production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to real estate activities, 18.6 percent; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, 23.7 percent; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 17.6 percent; manufacturing, 11.1 percent; financial and insurance activities, 17.1 percent; and information and communications, 27.9 percent. Julito G. Rada

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

er rice prices due to supply conditions could contribute to additional price pressures,” it said.

The regulator said it would continue to monitor closely evolving inflation dynamics over the policy horizon against any signs of incipient price pressures that could warrant a policy response.

Japanese global financial firm Nomura earlier said the increasing oil prices could widen the Philippines trade deficit because the country was importing most of its oil requirements.

Nomura said in a report the Philippines was one of the countries that were “clear-cut losers” as higher oil prices would impact the economy.

“Importing almost all of its oil needs, we estimate a $10/bbl increase in oil prices could increase the trade deficit

by 0.5 percent of GDP, which would significantly pressure a current account deficit that already reached 0.8 percent of GDP in 2017 due to strong import demand,” Nomura said.

“We assess the potential impact of sustained, higher oil prices on 26 emerging market economies. The clearcut winners include Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Colombia and Malaysia, and the clear-cut losers are Turkey, India and the Philippines,” Nomura said.

The trade-in-goods deficit went up by 15.9 percent in 2017 to $41.5 billion as the growth in imports of goods of 14.2 percent outpaced that of exports of goods at 12.8 percent.

Nomura said that aside from widening the trade deficit, higher oil prices could also trigger an acceleration in inflation.

to study joint oil, gas exploration in W. Philippine Sea

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PXP Energy Corp. said it engaged a team of local and foreign legal experts to craft the framework for the planned Philippines-China joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea. “I think there have been some suggestions. We have engaged both local lawyers and international lawyers to help us craft a legal structure that would test sovereignty of the Philippine government and what these lawyers think might be acceptable to China,” PXP Energy chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced the planned joint exploration of the Philippines and China in the disputed West Philippine Sea under a possible 60-40 percent sharing agreement.

The Philippines and China also formed a panel on the way forward for the joint exploration, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

PXP Energy controls Forum Energy Plc. which holds a 70-percent stake in service contract 72 or the Recto Bank, part of the disputed area of the Philippines and China.

Exploratory drilling in SC 72 and other areas in the West Philippines Sea was put on hold under a force majeure after tension between Manila and Beijing escalated in the past years.

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. said wholly-owned unit AC Education Inc. completed the acquisition of a 96-percent interest in National Teachers College.

Ayala Corp. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange AEI assumed ownership of 96 percent of the outstanding voting shares of NTC for an undisclosed amount.

It said with the completion of the acquisition, NTC would be added to AEI’s portfolio, which includes Apec Schools Inc., the largest chain of stand-alone, private high schools in the country; and Naga City-based University of Nueva Caceres, the oldest and one of the largest private schools in the Bicol region.

It said with the inclusion of NTC, AEI’s combined student population would reach 34,000 students.

“We are very pleased to be part of NTC, given its 90-year heritage, excellent track record and well-known brand in teacher education, its new and fast-growing programs in business and information technology, well-regarded faculty who are steeped in both theory and experience, employees’ unflagging dedication and vibrant school spirit. We are committed to working closely with all of NTC’s stakeholders to fulfill the vision of its founders and continue its growth momentum,” AEI chief executive Alfredo Ayala said during an organizational meeting.

NTC outgoing chairman Rolando de Castro said the school was looking forward to working with AEI in moving NTC closer to becoming a world-class institution.

NTC, located in the University Belt in Manila, was founded in 1928 as the first school in the country to offer General Education leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Meralco’s profit up 10% to P5.3b in first quarter MANILA Electric Co., the country’s largest power retailer, said Monday consolidated net income rose 10.3 percent in the first quarter to P5.3 billion from P4.8 billion a year ago, on higher electricity sales.

Meralco said revenues grew 6.4 percent in January to March to P70.8 billon from P66.576 billion in the same period last year, as the hotter temperature this year led to higher power demand.

Consolidated core net income increased 9 percent to P4.9 billion from P4.6 billion as Meralco delivered 10,145 gigawatt-hours in the first quarter.

Meralco attributed the higher core income to flat operating and maintenance expenses and adjustment of provisions for impairment of certain trade receivables during the period.

“Our first-quarter billed volume growth of 9 percent is encouraging and indicative of continuing strong economic growth. Domestic consumption and investment expenditures remain rather strong, the prospect of regional stability with recent developments in North and South Korea and the friendly tone in Philippine-China relations add to this positive view,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

Industrial customers saw highest sales volume at 11 percent to 3,014 gWh, followed by residential at 9 percent to 2,997 gWh and commercial at 8 percent to 3,979 gWh. Commercial sales volume accounted for 40 percent in the first quarter, while residential and industrial represented 30 percent, each.

Commercial sales volume was driven by real estate, retail trade and hotel and restaurant business.

Industrial sales volume rose largely on account of semiconductor, food and beverage and rubber and plastics industries.

Residential customers grew 5 percent to 6.5 million, with 290,000 new accounts. Alena Mae S. Flores

B2

Business

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks jump; MPIC, Bloomberry up T HE stock market surged Monday on improving economic prospects after a positive outlook on the Philippine debt rating by S&P Global Ratings raised the possibility of a credit upgrade.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 98.23 points, or 1.3 percent, to 7,819.25 on a value turnover of P6.4 billion. Gainers beat losers, 130 to 84, with 45 issues unchanged.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. climbed 3.3 percent to P940, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution and hospitals, advanced 5.8 percent to P5.10.

Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. gained 2.3 percent to P12.30,

while PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications company, climbed 2 percent to P1,463.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, led a rally across most Asian markets on Monday as traders brushed off a slowdown in the US economy, while the boost from last week’s historic North-South Korea summit continued to support Seoul and the won.

While figures on Friday showed growth in the world’s top economy slowed in January-March, tech firms on Wall Street won support after healthy earnings figures from Amazon, Microsoft and Intel.

The positive lead from New York provided some much-needed help to Asian tech firms, which have been hammered in recent weeks by worries about the lucrative smartphone market.

Hong Kong-listed AAC Technologies and Tencent each posted healthy gains,

while in Taipei Apple suppliers TSMC was also sharply higher.

On broader markets Hong Kong ended 1.7 percent higher, with a better-thanforecast Chinese factory activity reading also providing support as it eased concerns about a slowdown in the mainland economy.

Seoul added 0.9 percent while Sydney gained 0.5 percent.

Singapore surged more than one percent, while Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were all deep in positive territory.

Tokyo and Shanghai were closed for public holidays.

South Korean traders remain upbeat after Friday’s meeting between President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un, which fueled hopes for peace on the peninsula and for Pyongyang’s possible denuclearization.

Adding to the positive news, Kim said he would shut the North’s atomic test

site within weeks and invite American weapons experts to verify its closure.

And new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had an “obligation” to pursue peace. The developments, which come weeks before a planned summit between Kim and Donald Trump, have helped push the won up more than one percent against the dollar.

That comes even as the dollar enjoys a fresh bout of buying thanks to a broadly positive mood about the world economy and easing worries over the China-US trade dispute.

“This week’s US trade roadshow to China, which includes (key Trump administration officials) Steven Mnuchin, Robert Lighthizer and Larry Kudlow, has undoubtedly calmed investors’ nerves, triggering an unwind of dollar risk premiums around tariff and trade,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 37,870 105 1,837,280 3.13 26,000 131.7 2,625,950 1.45 32,000 34.75 110,100 6.47 200 16.2 8,000 17.38 958,900 3.42 62,000 0.69 325,000 1.53 7,000 0.56 191,000 85 1,987,580 1.14 523,000 23.9 3,100 52.5 94,060 220 3,600 110 150 86.25 240 39 191,300 209 693,770 1,920 270 91.25 9,050

2,231,005.50 192,376,075 79,170 345,879,075 46,080 3,810,870 1,294 129,600 16,419,204 210,110 206,500 10,710 107,730 168,582,928.50 580,610 73,790 4,941,103 791,764 16,460 20,700 7,275,520 146,274,054 521,605 822,796

2,093,821.50 -56,562,772 18,780 -58,661,508 253,120 2,035,540.00 -2,760 -6,997,832 48,310 -3,028,487 -330,000 -5,696,170 -99,832,664 96,541

38 13.8 0.59 1.27 19.78 0.224 110.1 3.46 16.16 245.2 50 24.1 55.55 69 1.95 5.19 9.89 10.7 15.58 11.8 7.1 5.39 1.79 15.5 64 20.9 9.24 15.1 2 283 55.9 4.88 3.04 17.2 25.6 14.46 23.15 310.8 0.189 6.62 2.55 4.75 9.13 5.15 7.95 1.43 11.82 52.2 6 4.8 1.9 3.35 1.82 14.28 64.8 5.44 0.132 0.98 138.2 2.57 3.11 0.8

INDUSTRIAL 38 1,407,600 14 638,000 0.61 1,942,000 1.27 195,000 20.05 22,500 0.227 3,290,000 110.1 10 3.58 13,771,000 16.54 156,300 276 70 51.7 702,230 24.3 4,300 60 1,200,760 69.05 1,470 1.99 443,000 5.45 6,000 10.18 3,900 10.84 916,100 15.76 7,063,800 12.2 1,971,600 7.2 130,800 5.4 3,530,900 1.79 3,000 15.58 151,300 64.95 36,150 21.45 131,000 9.29 38,600 15.4 851,700 2.01 768,000 285 720,250 55.9 120 4.88 19,000 3.04 5,000 17.84 2,100 27.8 340,800 14.48 473,400 23.95 3,937,000 322 397,050 0.194 2,080,000 6.63 1,900 2.62 1,756,000 4.8 219,000 9.29 902,500 5.2 38,300 8 8,500 1.48 187,000 11.84 54,700 52.3 886,410 6 91,700 4.84 82,000 1.9 182,000 3.35 16,000 1.84 3,402,000 14.38 21,700 64.95 189,540 5.47 136,200 0.135 10,780,000 0.98 98,000 140.5 3,070,030 2.57 3,000 3.13 49,115,000 0.89 8,500,000

53,693,930 9,043,942 1,164,310 247,650 448,528 757,370 1,101 48,282,180 2,576,414 18,516 36,310,029.50 104,520 69,644,678.50 102,794 877,390 32,440 39,397 9,912,176 111,289,240 23,689,794 941,948 19,065,298 5,370 2,370,940 2,337,204.50 2,774,785 357,883 13,089,520 1,551,830 205,885,322 6,878.50 93,770 15,210 36,282 9,084,055 6,856,254 94,114,930 126,700,326 395,440 12,601 4,592,110 1,043,580 8,350,918 199,960 67,754 270,970 661,256 46,323,536.50 550,222 396,720 358,930 53,800 6,436,750 311,496 12,317,622 746,489 1,488,980 96,080 430,506,759 7,710 166,888,800 7,352,810

-25,522,035 811,162 -3,688,930 -1,004,592 45,786 -11,599,453.50 -329,910 -749,950 3,436,716 -520,461 741,903 -1,052,046 1,975,119 -577,750 -183,858 2,917,360 -78,030 -73,225,308 3,657,090 -13,026 57,696,880 39,514,034 1,161,240 4,938,524 4,106,124 -377,520 67,760 -100,576 1,169,151.50 3,693,837.00 7,710.00 734,780 -5,870

0.295 67.05 12.9 0.89 6.52 0.64 0.65 950.5 6.6 11.04 7.28 4.05 0.211 1,047 6.8 62.3 5.25 0.6 4.32 19.4 0.57 4.85 0.041 1.12 3.22 2.51 138.8 2.57 907 0.79 1.65 540 260 0.239 0.255 0.192

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 300,000 69.85 909,760 13.04 11,319,500 0.9 10,000 6.55 50,600 0.67 19,401,000 0.68 4,355,000 966 328,880 6.69 580,700 11.04 9,517,700 7.35 24,100 4.05 1,000 0.211 2,780,000 1,050 62,995 6.8 24,900 63.95 1,130,810 5.25 5,000 0.65 78,000 4.32 840,000 20.2 1,447,000 0.59 1,066,000 5.1 59,242,000 0.041 400,000 1.14 471,000 3.22 2,381,000 2.51 20,000 140 149,140 2.57 30,000 940 384,260 0.8 123,000 1.67 1,452,000 589 60 265 3,190 0.239 190,000 0.27 113,780,000 0.2 210,000

89,400 63,025,231 147,598,142 8,990 330,876 12,792,820 2,907,530 318,803,860 3,882,651 106,647,736 178,554 4,050 643,850 66,224,725 169,320 71,811,866.50 26,302 48,390 3,682,870 29,038,148 628,080 300,149,040 16,600 531,840 7,744,540 50,800 20,887,496 77,100 357,625,550 97,350 2,417,170 33,250 835,572 45,410 34,562,200 42,930

-7,052,723.50 -51,469,492 540,080 75,727,540 525,801 -57,853,264 -23,083,635 -16,917,348.50 -2,348,810 1,453,470.00 25,529,010 337,810 1,404,219 -65,329,125 8,250 45,410 -1,676,050 -1,920

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 FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

58.95 103 3.16 130.5 1.43 34.5 6.47 16.2 16.24 3.44 0.65 1.53 0.58 83.5 1.07 23.6 52.45 220 110 86.25 38.7 214.4 1,941 91.5

59 105 3.16 132.4 1.45 35 6.47 16.2 17.5 3.44 0.69 1.53 0.58 85 1.15 23.9 52.95 220 110 86.25 39 214.8 1,941 91.55

58.5 103 2.9 130.5 1.43 34.4 6.47 16.2 16.24 3.28 0.62 1.53 0.56 83.5 1.07 23.6 52.45 219.2 108 86.25 37.9 209 1,920 90.2

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

38.7 14.36 0.6 1.27 20.65 0.224 110.1 3.57 16.2 245.2 50 24.1 55.55 74 1.98 5.19 9.89 10.7 15.62 11.92 7.22 5.4 1.79 15.66 64.3 21.5 9.3 15.22 2.06 283 57.45 5 3.05 17.52 25.6 14.6 23.15 314.4 0.195 6.62 2.6 4.76 9.13 5.4 7.95 1.43 11.82 52.4 6.22 4.84 1.96 3.35 1.84 14.28 65 5.48 0.135 0.98 138.2 2.57 3.57 0.82

38.8 14.4 0.61 1.27 20.65 0.236 110.1 3.62 16.6 280 53.8 24.75 60 74.5 2 5.45 10.2 10.86 15.86 12.36 7.22 5.4 1.79 15.9 65.45 21.55 9.3 15.58 2.06 287.6 57.45 5.2 3.05 17.84 27.8 14.6 24.2 322 0.195 6.64 2.63 4.8 9.29 5.4 8 1.49 12.48 52.45 6.22 4.84 2 3.4 1.9 14.48 65.05 5.49 0.143 0.99 143.3 2.57 3.66 0.89

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

0.3 69 12.96 0.89 6.52 0.64 0.65 960 6.66 11.6 7.58 4.05 0.22 1,048 6.8 62.6 5.31 0.65 4.58 19.4 0.57 4.9 0.041 1.13 3.34 2.56 140 2.57 910 0.79 1.7 570 261.4 0.239 0.305 0.192

0.3 69.85 13.16 0.9 6.55 0.67 0.68 981.5 6.7 11.6 7.58 4.05 0.241 1,067 6.8 63.95 5.31 0.65 4.58 20.2 0.6 5.16 0.042 1.15 3.35 2.56 140.4 2.57 940 0.8 1.7 589 265 0.239 0.33 0.208

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

6.8 1.1 13.14 0.83 41.15 3.35 4.51 6.02 6.25 0.455 1.02 0.97 0.249 0.45 31.3 0.66 0.12 1.67 1.27 1.08 4.11 4.43 0.59

6.86 1.24 14.76 0.84 41.2 3.4 4.55 6.16 6.25 0.455 1.02 0.97 0.249 0.455 31.3 0.67 0.121 1.67 1.28 1.08 4.11 4.5 0.61

6.8 1.08 13.14 0.82 40.7 3.32 4.48 6.02 6.25 0.45 1.02 0.97 0.24 0.45 30.8 0.66 0.12 1.66 1.26 1.03 4.11 4.38 0.57

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.47 0.56 3.99 18.38 2.09 3.24 33.9 1.03 10.8 0.82 6.5

0.49 0.56 4.15 18.38 2.09 3.25 34.45 1.04 10.92 0.82 6.6

0.465 0.54 3.96 17.86 2.04 3.17 33.75 1.02 10.14 0.79 6.5

0.47 0.54 4.1 17.9 2.07 3.24 34.25 1.04 10.38 0.81 6.5

21,350,000 5,828,000 5,495,000 4,916,100 467,000 186,000 4,999,100 1,018,000 259,500 159,000 9,834,600

10,200,300 3,170,640 22,443,640 88,555,368 970,490 601,960 170,869,245 1,045,070 2,716,134 125,720 64,084,570

-47,000 21,600 -773,210 -38,983,564 -16,150 -30,099,265 -53,008 -4,322,266

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U 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

16.5 28 1.39 0.475 0.048 12.5 4.8 12.1 0.055 86.8 7 7.6 2.13 23 940 1,509 5.68 301 4.14 2.3 83.9 12.9 8.29 0.115 1.41 3.4 14.98 4.65 1.01 26.05 0.55 4.26 6.87 3.16 8.15 11.68 9.9 2.99 125 6.02 1,434 1.03 0.455 47.3 88.6 6.8 2.36 1.27 0.43 4.84 0.87 10.98

16.9 28 1.39 0.48 0.048 12.6 5.4 12.32 0.056 89.9 7 7.6 2.28 24.6 940 1,540 5.69 306.2 4.25 2.3 87 13.28 8.29 0.115 1.41 3.43 14.98 4.7 1.03 26.65 0.55 4.4 6.89 3.21 8.5 11.8 9.9 2.99 127.9 6.02 1,463 1.03 0.455 47.5 92 6.81 2.43 1.32 0.44 5.1 0.9 11

16.4 27.6 1.35 0.47 0.047 12.5 4.8 12.02 0.053 86.8 6.78 7.55 2.13 22.6 940 1,501 5.55 301 4.06 2.3 82.7 12.9 8.29 0.114 1.37 3.26 14.3 4.56 1.01 25.75 0.52 4.25 6.83 3.14 7.7 11.62 9.79 2.99 125 5.88 1,410 1.01 0.43 47.2 87 6.66 2.36 1.27 0.415 4.74 0.87 10.76

SERVICES 16.4 28 1.35 0.47 0.048 12.6 5.4 12.3 0.053 88.5 6.95 7.58 2.14 24.25 940 1,540 5.6 306.2 4.09 2.3 84.6 13.28 8.29 0.114 1.37 3.4 14.3 4.57 1.03 25.75 0.53 4.4 6.84 3.14 7.7 11.76 9.79 2.99 127.9 5.99 1,463 1.02 0.43 47.4 91 6.79 2.41 1.31 0.415 4.99 0.87 10.78

56,600 13,900 44,000 750,000 2,500,000 63,600 32,800 8,828,500 14,290,000 74,150 383,300 8,200 8,000 112,000 10 30,275 351,900 3,210 686,000 16,000 2,784,200 8,700 5,000 520,000 63,000 38,000 1,200 1,788,000 52,000 544,900 40,000 52,000 229,300 544,000 11,457,400 62,900 1,900 14,000 1,830 350,800 67,345 350,000 4,970,000 691,800 240,050 18,300 420,000 1,129,000 11,510,000 3,562,000 6,222,000 783,500

941,130 387,250 59,560 354,950 119,200 796,670 172,169 107,341,014 767,990 6,579,353.50 2,651,266 62,167 17,300 2,671,360 9,400 46,295,065 1,968,911 978,852 2,839,470 36,800 235,754,332.50 114,624 41,450 59,710 87,160 127,880 17,908 8,226,760 52,560 14,266,920 21,400 225,440 1,573,044 1,722,220 91,796,663 740,326 18,799 41,860 232,400 2,079,161 97,820,700 358,120 2,192,150 32,763,200 21,531,486 124,462 1,008,280 1,467,040 4,915,550 17,715,700 5,485,760 8,472,270

31,740.00 6,300 -10,123,150 -83,777.50 1,066,055 -3,181,775 -4,090 -103,598,534 -30,960 1,712,870 87,560 -861,705 9,810 -1,358,544 7,620 -68,989 -14,097,210 -17,320 -8,771,955 3,560,903.50 -466,540 164,330 -4,300 -2,702,500 31,290 -5,512,284

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

0.0029 1.64 4.36 18.44 1.62 0.31 7.71 2.18 0.209 0.14 0.0089 1.49 5.15 1.15 0.54 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.13 5.58 14 30.25

0.003 1.73 4.38 18.94 1.63 0.32 7.71 2.44 0.215 0.14 0.009 1.53 5.35 1.22 0.54 1 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.14 5.74 14.6 30.85

0.0028 1.64 4.31 18.44 1.62 0.31 7.4 2.18 0.201 0.139 0.0089 1.49 5.15 1.15 0.51 0.88 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.13 5.58 14 29.6

MINING & OIL 0.0029 139,000,000 1.7 4,234,000 4.31 261,000 18.7 13,400 1.63 211,000 0.32 1,410,000 7.4 5,900 2.36 14,187,000 0.207 300,000 0.139 4,000,000 0.0089 6,000,000 1.5 471,000 5.2 3,992,600 1.21 6,000 0.54 30,000 0.98 2,574,000 0.013 12,500,000 0.013 8,400,000 0.011 12,500,000 2.13 34,000 5.65 511,500 14.02 3,310,300 30.85 1,415,600

403,000 7,161,330 1,128,570 250,298 343,820 446,350 44,012 33,662,130 62,320 556,080 53,500 709,340 20,877,915 7,150 15,810 2,498,830 150,300 101,300 142,700 72,440 2,890,926 47,022,190 42,801,830

678,580 -8,670 -41,300 3,086,650 2,060 3,509,852 980 -16,357 411,324 -12,758,370

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

26.85 507 506 101 106.1 5.5 970 970 100.2 1.06 103.8 1,021 106.1 990 76 78.5 75.35 77 76 78.2

27 507 506 101 106.1 5.51 970 998 100.2 1.06 103.8 1,021 106.1 990 76 79 75.4 77 76.1 78.2

26.85 485 506 100.3 106 5.45 970 970 100.2 1.06 103.8 1,020 106.1 990 76 78 75.2 76.1 76 78.15

PREFERRED 26.9 485 506 100.3 106 5.45 970 998 100.2 1.06 103.8 1,020 106.1 990 76 78.5 75.4 76.1 76.1 78.15

6,285,450 2,926,030 506,000 2,957,824 543,873 1,758,315 3,618,100 496,940 50,100 14,840 10,380 1,530,640 137,930 198,000 6,840 8,164,480 331,410 915,300 836,950 39,079,692

-80,865 -

LR WARRANT

2.89

2.93

2.74

WARRANTS 2.8 172,000

485,930

-

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.5 3.04 3.03 3.28

5.8 3.04 3.05 3.28

5.5 3.04 2.97 3.2

5.6 3.04 3.03 3.23

18,285,790 3,040 608,230 3,023,770

164,874 -26,200

FIRST METRO ETF

119

120

118.6

2,709,762

215,480

46,000 123,400

-

MS

PROPERTY 6.8 1.24 14.76 0.83 40.8 3.36 4.54 6.16 6.25 0.455 1.02 0.97 0.241 0.455 31.2 0.66 0.121 1.66 1.27 1.04 4.11 4.5 0.59

419,500 101,696,000 4,600 355,000 12,208,800 1,957,000 267,000 33,900 1,100 970,000 3,000 282,000 13,130,000 290,000 239,800 80,000 30,000 8,409,000 1,315,000 1,030,000 1,000 9,908,000 88,028,000

2,857,661 120,650,100 67,304 295,040 499,207,525 6,518,430 1,201,730 205,473 6,875 437,150 3,060 273,540 3,181,990 130,550 7,442,640 53,490 3,620 14,027,060 1,662,310 1,074,530 4,110 44,208,940 51,815,990

40,828 -1,713,140 84,000 -13,780,620 -57,640 459,000 72,000 31,700 90,000 1,498,960 -16,040 -13,410,150 44,100 69,300 6,453,770 934,580

USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.2 1.02

10.24 1.03

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 9,958,235

INDUSTRIAL

128,705,812

HOLDING FIRMS

233,746,121

PROPERTY

304,548,164

SERVICES

77,870,761

MINING & OIL

215,512,392

GRAND TOTAL

974,733,807

10.2 1.02

SME

232,800 6,000 1,000 29,410 5,130 321,000 3,730 510 500 14,000 100 1,500 1,300 200 90 103,630 4,400 12,000 11,000 500,060

3,230,300 1,000 202,000 935,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 120 22,680 DDS 10.24 1.03

4,500 120,000

VALUE 1,969.63 (up) 22.89 915,332,923.48 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,110.36 (up) 162.02 1,756,448,131.636 HOLDING FIRMS 7,908.5 (up) 138.16 1,633,690,344.06 PROPERTY 3,622.17 (up) 9.33 1,559.17 (up) 20.04 1,164,359,092.25 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,561.56 (up) 190.14 758,553,330.815 PSEI 7,819.2 (up) 98.23 161,423,399.3063 All Shares Index 4,723.16 (up) 51.33 6,414,443,429.98 Gainers: 130; Losers: 84; Unchanged: 45; Total: 259

UnionBank’s profit surged 33% to P2.9b in 1st quarter

By Julito G. Rada UNION Bank of the Philippines, the country’s ninth-largest lender in terms of assets and led by the Aboitiz Group, said net income in the first quarter of 2018 jumped 33 percent to P2.9 billion from P2.2 billion a year ago backed by sustained growth in its core businesses.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net revenue rose 21.5 percent to P6.9 billion.

The strong earnings resulted in an annualized return on equity and return on assets of of 15.9 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively.

The bank continued to sustain doubledigit growth in terms of customer businesses. Total loans grew 15.9 percent to P293.1 billion year-on-year, with consumer loans accounting for 34 percent of total loan portfolio.

Total assets rose 17.3 percent yearon-year to P608.4 billion. Deposits reached P439.6 billion with CASA accounting for more than one-third of total deposits.

Asset growth was also supported by the successful $500 million medium term notes issuance in November last year.

“Given our positive earnings performance in the first quarter, we are confident that we can attain our fullyear target. We recognized gains from our investment portfolio following the adoption of the new PFRS 9 accounting standards,” Jose Emmanuel Hilado, UnionBank treasurer and chief financial officer, said in a statement.

“We expect earnings in the succeeding quarters to once again come from recurring income as we continue to grow our balance sheet,” he said.

UnionBank president and chief executive Edwin Bautista said the bank started the year strong. “Our solid profitability results are quite timely as it allows us to fast-track our investments in digital transformation. We made it clear at the start of the year that we will invest in Blockchain technology for our internal operations and the inevitable internet of finance,” he said.

The bank plans to raise an additional capital of up to P10 billion through a stock rights offering to finance future growth.

URC says Q1 income dropped 12% to P2.95b

By Jenniffer B. Austria UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, said net income in the first three months of the year fell 12.4 percent to P2.95 billion from P3.37 billion recorded year-on-year on weak domestic sales.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-quarter net sales inched up 1.6 percent to P31.2 billion from P30.6 billion on year.

Operating income declined 14 percent to P3.5 billion due to the weaker performance in the Philippines as a result of lower coffee sales volumes, higher inflation and foreign exchange devaluation.

URC said the bulk of the sales came from the group’s branded consumer food segment, which rose 1 percent to P25 billion BCF Philippines revenues excluding packaging declined 5 percent at P14.3 billion, driven by the underperformance of snacks and total beverages as a result of lower volume in the coffee category.

“The implementation of the excise tax has affected volumes of C2 but value remained buoyant vs last year given the offset of the price adjustment we implemented in January,” URC said.

BCF international sales, meanwhile, rose 10 percent to P10.8 billion driven by the recovery in Vietnam and growth of snack brands Australia.

In local currency terms, sales in Thailand fell 4 percent as a result of the reduced confectionery exports to Cambodia despite the growth of biscuits in the domestic market.

Malaysia sales increased 8 percent driven by the growth in snacks, chocolates, and wafers, while those in Indonesia rose 7 percent on the expansion of snacks and chocolates.

Vietnam sales grew 28 percent as it continues its path to recovery.

Sales of non-branded consumer foods group, including the agro-industrial group and commodity foods gained 3 percent to P5.7 billion.

World IN BRIEF Oldest known spider dies of wasp sting SYDNEY—The world’s oldest known spider has died at the ripe old age of 43 after being monitored for years during a long-term population study in Australia, researchers said Monday.

The trapdoor matriarch comfortably outlived the previous record holder, a 28-year-old tarantula found in Mexico, according to a study published in the Pacific Conservation Biology Journal.

The spider did not die of old age but was killed by a wasp sting, researchers said.

Named Number 16, the spider helped scientists to unlock important information about the behavior of an arachnid that can be found across Australia, including in domestic gardens.

“To our knowledge this is the oldest spider ever recorded, and her significant life has allowed us to further investigate the trapdoor spider’s behavior and population dynamics,” said lead author Leanda Mason from Curtin University.

A research project to study trapdoor spiders in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia was first launched in 1974 by Barbara York Main, during which Number 16 was found and monitored.

“Through Barbara’s detailed research, we were able to determine that the extensive life span of the trapdoor spider is due to their lifehistory traits, including how they live in uncleared, native bushland, their sedentary nature and low metabolisms,” said Mason. AFP

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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Chinese minister to visit N. Korea

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EIJING―China’s foreign minister will visit North Korea this week, his office said Monday, becoming the highest ranking Chinese official to travel there in years as Beijing moves to further improve its ties with Pyongyang days after a landmark inter-Korean summit.

The Chinese foreign ministry said in a brief statement that Wang Yi will visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday at the invitation of his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho. The two met in Beijing in early April, days after the talks between President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the Chinese capital―the first meeting between the leaders since Kim inherited power from his father Kim Jong Il in 2011.

Wang will be the first Chinese foreign minister to visit the North since 2007, a lapse that highlights the rough patch that relations between the Cold War-era allies have gone through in recent years.

Former premier Wen Jiabao visited

Pyongyang in 2009.

China has backed a series of United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons program.

But Beijing is likely eager to avoid being marginalized in the wave of diplomacy that has led to last Friday’s historic summit between Kim and the South’s President Moon Jae In. Kim is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump in the coming weeks at a time and place that have yet to be decided.

The North Korean leader has also invited Xi to visit Pyongyang, but no date has been set yet.

“The Chinese are undoubtedly eager

to hear what Kim Jong Un’s plan is for his meeting with Donald Trump,” Bonnie Glaser, China specialist at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP. “It is also possible that Wang Yi is in Pyongyang to advance Xi’s visit to North Korea,” Glaser said, adding that there are rumors that the Chinese leader could go to Pyongyang before Trump’s summit with Kim. At their summit in the Demilitarized Zone, Kim and Moon agreed to pursue the complete denuclearization of the peninsula.

They also decided to seek a peace treaty by the end of the year and hold talks with the United States, and possibly China, to achieve it.

The Korean War ceased in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. China fought on the North’s side.

Being left out of the peace talks would be unacceptable to Beijing, Glaser said.

Iran dismisses US official’s accusations

Syria strikes kill 26 fighters BEIRUT—Missile strikes overnight in central Syria killed at least 26 proregime fighters, most of them Iranians, a monitor said Monday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the missiles struck a military base in the province of Hama late Sunday, in an assault it said bore the hallmarks of an Israeli operation.

“At least 26 fighters were killed, including four Syrians,” the monitor said, adding that the main target of the missile strike was the base of the regime’s 47th Brigade.

“The others are foreign fighters, a vast majority of them Iranians,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based war monitor.

“Given the nature of the target, it is likely to have been an Israeli strike,” he said, adding that strikes also hit an air base in nearby Aleppo province where surface-to-surface missiles were stored.

Syrian state media late Sunday had denounced a “fresh aggression” following reported raids by “enemy missiles”.

Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz told army radio on Monday morning that he was “not aware” of the latest strikes.

But, he said, “all the violence and instability in Syria is the result of Iran’s attempts to establish a military presence there. Israel will not allow the opening of a northern front in Syria.”

The latest strikes came amid heightened tensions in Syria after Damascus and its ally Iran accused Israel on April 9 of conducting deadly strikes against a military base in the center of the country. AFP

“The Chinese want to ensure that they are at the table and have a means to influence the course of events on the Peninsula,” Glaser said.

While China has backed punitive measure against the North, analysts say that Beijing could worry that the diplomatic thaw could lead to a deal between Pyongyang and Washington that goes against its interests.

A divided Korea has played in its favor as the North serves as a buffer from the South, where US troops are stationed. Despite recent tensions, China remains the North’s sole major ally and top economic partner.

In the latest major diplomatic announcements, Seoul said Sunday that Pyongyang had promised to shut its nuclear test site within weeks and invite American weapons experts to verify its closure.

Kim also said Pyongyang would have no need for nuclear weapons if it were promised it would not be invaded, according to Seoul. AFP

BUSINESS FORUM. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and UAE’s Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed al-Mansoori attend a JapanUAE Business Forum in Abu Dhabi on April 30, 2018. AFP

Kabul blasts kill at least 25, including journalists KABUL―At least 25 people were killed, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai and five other journalists, when two suicide blasts ripped through Kabul on Monday, police and AFP have confirmed.

The attacks, claimed by the Islamic State group, are the latest deadly assaults on the Afghan capital and have spurred an outpouring of grief among journalists, many of whom took to Twitter to post tributes to their colleagues.

Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said the second explosion came minutes after the first, and targeted reporters at the scene.

“The bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd,” he said.

The interior ministry confirmed the death toll and said six journalists were among those killed. It also said 49 people had been wounded, amid fears the death toll could rise.

AFP confirmed that, along with Marai, two journalists from 1TV, one from Tolo news and one from Jahan TV were among the dead.

Marai joined AFP as a driver in 1996, the year the Taliban seized power, and began taking pictures on the side, covering stories including the US invasion in 2001.

In 2002 he became a full-time photo stringer, rising through the ranks to become chief photographer in the bureau.

“I taught myself photography, so I am always looking to improve,” he said in a company profile in 2015. “Now my photos appear around the world.

“My best memories are when I beat the competition by getting the best photographs of the president or someone else, or from the scene of a bomb attack. I like to be first.”

He leaves behind six children, including a newborn daughter.

“This is a devastating blow, for the brave staff of our close-knit Kabul bureau and the entire agency,” AFP Global News Director Michele Leridon said.

“Shah Marai was a treasured colleague who spent more than 15 years documenting the tragic conflict in Afghanistan for AFP. “We can only honor the extraordinary strength, courage, and generosity of a photographer who covered often trau-

matic, horrific events with sensitivity and consummate professionalism.

“We also send our condolences to the families of other journalists killed in this terrible attack.”

Tributes from Afghan officials, analysts, and journalists were pouring in on Twitter.

“NO, we can’t lose Marai, I am devastated,” former interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi wrote.

The first blast came shortly before 8:00am ( 0 3 3 0 Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance GMT) near Securities and Exchange Commission the headMarkets and Securities Regulation Department quarters IN THE MATTER OF : of the AfD.M. WENCESLAO AND : REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES ghan inASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED : (In relation to an Initial Public telligence (Registrant) : Offering) : services, x-----------------------------------------------x when a AMENDED NOTICE motorcyclist detoNotice is hereby given that on March 6, 2018, an amended sworn nated his Registration Statement’ was filed with the Securities and Exchange explosives, Commission (the “Commission”) for and on behalf of D.M. WENCESLAO AND ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED for the registration of 3,395,864,100 the interior common shares with a par value of P1.00 per share, details of which are ministry as follows: said. AFP

Savant off to Switzerland for assisted dying in May

PARTY. Sharon Case, Ashley Jones, and cast members attend the CBS Daytime Emmy After Party at Pasadena Convention Center on April 29, 2018 in Pasadena, California. AFP

TEHRAN―Iran on Monday dismissed “unfounded” accusations by new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over its “ambition to dominate the Middle East”.

Pompeo lashed out at Tehran on Sunday during a rapid tour of Middle East allies ahead of a crucial White House decision on whether to quit a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

Speaking during a visit to Iran’s archrival and key US ally Saudi Arabia just days after he took office, Pompeo accused Tehran of destabilizing the Middle East through its support for Syria’s President Bashar alAssad and for the rebels in Yemen.

“The US secretary of state’s remarks on the presence and role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in certain countries in the region are a repetition of absurd and unfounded accusations,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said in a statement Monday.

Iran’s presence in Syria and Iraq was in response to requests from the two countries’ governments and is part of “the fight against terrorism in the region”, he said.

“This assistance will continue as long as [these] governments need help in this fight,” he said.

Ghassemi also reiterated previous government statements denying Saudi and US accusations that Iran is supplying weapons to Yemen’s Huthi rebels, backed politically by Tehran.

Such charges are “a false problem, created solely for the purpose of diverting the attention of international public opinion from the atrocities committed by Saudi Arabia in its daily attacks” in Yemen, he said. AFP

SYDNEY―Australia’s oldest scientist, who caused a stir when his university tried to vacate his office when he was 102, will fly to Switzerland in early May to end his life, reigniting a national euthanasia debate.

David Goodall, who is now 104, does not have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated and he has secured a fast-track appointment with an assisted dying agency in Basel, euthanasia advocates said.

“I greatly regret having reached that age,” the ecologist told broadcaster ABC on his birthday earlier this month. “I’m not happy. I want to die. It’s not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.

“My feeling is that an old person like myself should have full citizenship rights including the right of assisted suicide,” he added.

Assisted suicide is illegal in most countries around the world and was banned in Australia until the state of Victoria became the first to legalize the practice last year.

But that legislation, which takes effect from June 2019, only applies to terminally ill patients of sound mind and a life expectancy of less than six months.

Other states in Australia have debated euthanasia in the past, but the proposals have always been defeated, mostly recently in New South Wales state last year.

Exit International, which is helping Goodall make the trip, said it was unjust that one of Australia’s “oldest and most prominent citizens should be forced to travel to the other side of the world to die with dignity.” AFP

For Initial Public Offering Issued and outstanding Total

679,172,800 Common Shares 2,716,691 ,300 Common Shares --------------------3,395,864,100 Common Shares ============

Out of the 2,716,691,300 outstanding shares, up to 101,876,000 shares (Optional Shares) shall be sold by the selling shareholder and purchased by the Stabilizing Agent upon exercise of the Overallotment Option. The shares will be offered at a price of up to P22.90 per share.

According to the papers presented on March 6, 2018, the following persons are the key officers/directors of the corporation: NAME POSITION Director, President and Chairman of Delfin J. Wenceslao, Jr. the Board Delfin Angelo C. Wenceslao Director and Chief Executive Officer Director and Vice President for Carlos Delfin C. Wenceslao Loqistics Director and Vice President for Edwin Michael C. Wenceslao Treasury and Administration Paolo Vincent C. Wenceslao Director and Chief Operating Officer Alberto P. Fenix. Jr. Independent Director Alberto E. Pascual Independent Director Atty. Heherson M. Asiddao, CPA Chief Finance Officer Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Atty. Paul Mar M. Quinto Secretary Vice President for Corporate Social Sylvia C. Wenceslao Responsibility Rachelle C. Paunlagui Investor Relations Officer Jorqe Vincent G. Manali Compliance Officer The said registration statement and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively referred to as “RS”) are open for inspection by interested parties during business hours, and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to every party upon request at such reasonable fees as the Commission may prescribe. The RS and the Prospectus dated March 6, 2018 and the corresponding updated version may be downloaded from the company’s website: http://www.dmwai.com VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director A notice of the original filing of the company’s Registration Statement with the Commission was published in the August 13 and 17, 2015 issues of The Manila Times and The Standard and was republished on October 6 and 13, 2015 issues of The Standard and October 7 and 12, 2015 issues of The Manila Times to reflect the new independent directors.

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(MS-MAY 1 & 6, 2018)

LGUs

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

B4

tuesday, may 1, 2018

Leyteños beam with pride over beauty queen Thomalla’s win

LocAL GovERNMENT uNITs

By Ronald O. Reyes

China, Cotabato break ground on technical school inside ecozone

By Nash Maulana coTABATo cITY—officials lauded the groundbreaking here of the china-cotabato Friendship Technical school, a long-term social investment with the city’s young generation in foresight as principal beneficiaries. city Mayor cynthia Guiani-sayadi said the proposed school will also serve as the city’s development nucleus in Barangay Tamontaka Mother, where an economic zone (Eco-Zone) is envisioned to evolve into a continuing area expansion program, about five kilometers south of the old town center.

The weekend imbedding ceremony of the time capsule was also graced by the delegation of liu Yibin, representing the city’s chinese conglomerate partner from a premier construction firm in shenzhen, china, and by city officials led by Mayor Guiani-sayadi.

“Fellow cotabatenios witnessed the groundbreaking of the china-cotabato Friendship Technical school, where young people could then easily avail of technical courses,” Guiani-sayadi said.

The partnership project has been approved by the city council, and was endorsed by its presiding officer, city Vice-Mayor Graham Nash Dumama.

Guiani-sayadi, a lawyer, said any partnership with foreign entity for infrastructure and social development project is covered by the local government autonomous powers, under the local Government code (Republic Act 7160), for as long as any financing program involved would not require a sovereign guarantee for presidential approval.

Halfway house for street kids up in Payatas

By Rio N. Araja To sAVE street children and change the course of their lives, Quezon city Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has teamed up with the Diocese of Novaliches to put up a halfway house for them in Barangay san Agustin.

“This is really a place, a very big facility, where our street children can be housed temporarily, and I think this will play a big part in our street child care program,” she said. called “Bahay Pangarap,” the facility shall serve as a drop-in and processing center for rescued street children that are often exposed to illegal drugs, crimes and accidents, she added.

The halfway house, now almost completed, is funded in cooperation of the Diocese of Novaliches led by Bishop Antonio Tobias.

It has male and female dormitories, classrooms, a library, mess hall, counselling room, play room, and an activity center, among others. originally, Bahay Pangarap was conceptualized as a drug rehabilitation center for surrendering drug dependents, but the city government already has its own drug treatment center called “Tahanan.”

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia (third from left) receives the certificate of award for his city to host the 2018 MICE Conference in August from Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Cesar Montano (3rd from right) at the TPB Office in Manila. Also in photo are (from left) Bacolod Councilor Em Ang, City Executive Assistant Rodel Parcon, OIC-Marketing and Promotions Maricon Ebron, and OIC-MICE Department Teresita Landan.

Bacolod City wins bid to host MICECON gab

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AcoloD city will host the 2018 Meetings, Incentive Travel, conventions and Exhibitions conference or MIcEcoN in August this year.

cesar Montano, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer, recently presented the certificate of award to Bacolod Mayor Evelio leonardia in simple ceremonies in Manila.

Also present at the TPB head office were Bacolod city councilor Em Ang and Executive Assistant Rodel Parcon.

“We are thrilled by this distinction.

We know that this is really something big in the tourism world. This is like a new discovery that can catapult our city to unprecedented heights in the tourism industry.” leonardia said.

“Hosting MIcEcoN is like joining the big leagues in the industry. This

is also in line with the projection that tourism is going to become the biggest industry in the world. so, we are preparing the city for that eventuality.” the mayor added.

Ang, who is also the chair of the sangguniang Panlungsod committee on Tourism, said “MIcEcoN is the biggest gathering of the country’s influential professionals and practitioners involved in MIcE.” “Approximately 600 participants from the MIcE industry are expected to attend this event. Airlines, hotels, resorts, convention centers, event organizers and exhibit organizers are just

some of the participants in this year’s MIcEcoN,” she added.

Montano thanked leonardia for their comprehensive bid to host the 2018 MIcEcoN, adding that after a thorough evaluation of their bid, the MIcEcoN organizing committee has accepted the Bacolod bid with “great pleasure.”

“The infrastructure, support services, and amenities make Bacolod ideal for our event,” Montano said.

“We believe that Bacolod’s hosting of this event will provide a tremendous boost to the city’s growing tourism industry and support your objective of promoting the city of smiles as a MIcE Destination,” Montano added.

The first MIcEcoN was hosted by subic in 2010. Followed by cebu (2011), Davao (2013), clark (2014), and Manila (2015).

YOUNG BUILDERS. A total of 2,459 youths participated in the main event of Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ annual Young Leaders Build in 16 locations across the country last April 21. They went to Habitat sites across the country to build homes, join in hygiene and disaster preparedness activities, and community cleanups. The youth also left their handprints on a commitment wall to signify their support to create safe, decent shelter and sustainable communities. With them in photo is Mike Meaney, managing director of Habitat Philippines (center).

Navotas imposes disciplinary hours

By Jun David

CIRCUMCISION. In support of the 10-Point Agenda on Health of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, the Department of Surgery of the Ospital ng Sampaloc recently held its yearly “Operation Tule” at the 7th floor Hospital Auditorium with hospital director Dr. Leonora Pascual and its division heads through Dr. Stephen F. Marcelo, department of surgery head. The city provided free circumcision to 97 boys who previously passed the necessary screening and who did not have any associated medical or neurological problems.

THE Navotas ordinance prescribing disciplinary hours for minors is now in full swing after Mayor John Rey Tiangco signed its implementing rules and regulations. city ordinance No. 2017-16 imposes curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for children below 18 years old and penalizes parents or guardians in case of violations.

“We aim to instill the values of discipline and obedience among Navoteño children. At the same time, we want to keep them safe and protect their welfare,” the mayor said.

Tiangco also noted that the ordinance will encourage vigilance and accountability from parents and guardians.

“As parents, it is our duty to protect and discipline our children. Their safety and well-being should be one of our utmost priorities,” he said.

The IRR states that minors, whether sin-

gly or in groups, are prohibited from wandering or staying in and about all public places during the disciplinary hours without lawful purpose or justifiable reason.

It also stipulates that it is unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit or by insufficient control allow the minor to remain in any public place within the territorial jurisdiction of Navotas during the disciplinary hours.

However, the IRR excludes minors who are with their parents or guardians; attending official activities of their school, church or community; working; or involved in an accident or emergency.

Violators will either do community service or pay fines.

Moreover, the IRR highlighted the role of the Barangay council for the Protection of children, Barangay Public safety officer, neighborhood crime watch enforcers and other local law enforcement officers in the implementation of the disciplinary hours.

TAcloBAN cITY—Friends and loved ones of cynthia Thomalla in southern leyte province continue to shower her with praises and admiration after she became the first Filipina to win in this year’s 2018 Miss Eco International crown.

The 23-year-old stunner from the quaint town of Macrohon, known for its idyllic beaches, bested 70 other beauties from across the globe.

Maasin city mayor Nacional “Nikko” Mercado said he felt “overjoyed to hear the well-deserved victory” of Thomalla while thanking her “for showing to the world the brilliance and grace of our people”.

Thomalla spent her high school and college years in Maasin city, the province’s capital.

“I joined the rest of your kababayan here in southern leyte in saying that we are very proud of you! My heartiest congratulations!” Mercado said in an interview.

Artist and lensman Jham Hatayna also recalled how their group of local photographers had Thomalla during their fun shoots while she was then a high school student in the city.

“We knew then she will soar high on the world stage with her charisma she has shown to us,” Hatayna said. like other friends, he wished her luck in her new endeavors. “stay the same as what you are—humble and down-to-earth,” Hatayna added.

Jun Tingson, a leading make-up artist in the city, also waxed nostalgic over the winning of Thomalla in the international competition.

In BrIef Imee lauds PDEA work in Region I Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos commended the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday for its efforts in mitigating the proliferation of illegal drugs in her capacity as regional chairman of the Peace and order council of Region I. out of 3,265 barangays in the entire region, 2,901 were infiltrated by illegal drugs according to reports. With the initiatives of PDEA and their local counterparts, a total of 2,855 of these barangays are now “drug-cleared,” leaving only 46 barangays with the influence and use of illegal drugs. she urged other government agencies to accelerate their own anti-illegal drug efforts and encouraged local communities to help by reporting to authorities any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Dexter A. See

Pangasinan Night Job Market on today lINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Jobseekers are offered a pool of local and international job opportunities at the Pangasinan Night Job Market scheduled today, May 1, from 5 p.m. until midnight, highlighting the labor Day and Pista’y Dayat 2018 celebration in the province.

The provincial government-sponsored night job market organized by the Provincial Employment services office is in partnership with the Department of labor and Employment Region I and People Management Association of the Philippines– Pangasinan chapter.

With around 4,000 job openings, this activity is mainly intended for jobseekers who could not avail daytime job fairs because of prior commitments.

Job openings are available for professionals and skilled workers, medical personnel, factory workers, sales and service staff, hotel and restaurant personnel and many more. Dexter A. See

‘Gawad Parangal’ of GenTri set May 2 GENERAl TRIAs cITY—The local government here led by Mayor Antonio “ony” Ferrer will honor distinguished graduates on the 59th edition of its Gawad Parangal on May 2, Wednesday, at the General Trias cultural and convention center in Barangay sampalukan here.

Felix Dan sangria lopez, Vice President for corporate Human Resources of JG summit Holdings, will be the guest of honor and speaker of the program.

Mayor Ferrer, cavite 6th District Rep. luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV, Provincial Board members Jango Grepo and Kerby salazar, Vice Mayor Morit sison, and Team GenTri officials will lead the awarding ceremony of 507 awardees for Gawad Vibora, Gawad salgado, Gawad Mojica, Gawad labong, and Gawad Grepo awards, which started in 1959.

Life

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

health and environment

@mstandardLIFe tuesday, may 1, 2018

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40-year-old multisports athlete Louie Sangalang is the first Filipino cancer survivor to finish the FWD North Pole Marathon (Photo from FWD North Pole Marathon)

Louie SangaLang:

From cancer to north Pole A

t 40, Luisito “Louie” Sangalang II continues to take on bigger and bolder challenges in his life.

this April, he just made history as the first Filipino cancer survivor to finish the recently concluded FWD North Pole Marathon. He is also the sole flag bearer of the Philippines for the said race this year.

According to Sangalang, this event is one of the biggest and toughest races that he has joined so far. But, with the help of his family and friends, especially his coaches, Miguel “Ige” Lopez, one of the country’s most sought-after triathlon coaches, and Romi Garduce, one of the first Filipinos to reach Mt. Everest’s summit, he was able to conquer the classic 42K race distance entirely in extreme sub-zero weather conditions. He finished as the 44th among the participants in the Men’s Category.

But before winning this feat, Sangalang had to take on the rough side of the course.

Surviving cancer

During his last year in college, Sangalang faced one of the biggest challenges of his entire life when he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called acute adenocarcinoma of the appendix or appendiceal cancer.

“I think I was 20 or 21 years old when I found out that I have cancer. In college, there was a point in time that I somehow neglected my health. I was eating unhealthily and drinking alcohol heavily. And then one day, I found myself waking up with intense pain in the lower left side of my abdomen,” he related.

When he went to the hospital, the doctor said that he had to be operated on appendicitis. three weeks after the surgery, he was back to battle against a more serious disease.

“I went through an operation called left hemicolectomy, which is basically removing the affected parts of my large intestine, about a foot long,” recalled Sangalang. “In addition to that, I also had to undergo six cycles of chemotherapy and 33 cycles of radiotherapy.”

Getting back to the action

Instead of letting cancer bring him down, Sangalang chose to get up and literally fight back. He chose to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“While I am recovering from the surgeries, my oncologist also advised that I need to eat healthier food and of course, to be fit. A few weeks after, I went back to lifting weights. I even decided to do mixed martial arts professionally,” he said.

Sangalang, after surviving cancer, fought five times in the ring in different weight divisions and fighting bouts.

He even secured two belts in his latest MMA fights, proving that he can still do what he loves the most even after surviving cancer.

Passion for sports

Ever since he was a kid, Sangalang has already been into sports. At a very young age, he found himself involved in team sports, such as basketball, football, track and field, and even in

Louie Sangalang is a triathlete and an MMA fighter.

Dragon Boat rowing tilt. But as he was growing up, he developed a profound love for martial arts.

“I started with a martial art called tatsu Do, which is a bit of taekwondo but uses more of the hands. then I did Arnis and taekwondo, as well,” he shared. “I am really more inclined to individual sports. though, all the other sports I tried gave a great deal of contribution to what I’ve become now.”

He pursued these competitive sports even when he was in college. Despite engaging in these activities, he also made sure that he did well, academics-wise as

he took up a degree in Physics, and then shifted to Humanities, Minor in Physics.

Blazing new trails

Aside from being an MMA fighter, Sangalang also joined triathlons as a way of staying in good shape. It was in 2008 when a colleague introduced the sport to him which he found really interesting that he had a strong podium finish in his first race.

“When I started joining triathlons, I just wanted to test the water. But, I find the sport really interesting because it gave me a different kind of experience. It allows me to interact with people—not just

with other triathletes in the race but also with the locals,” said Sangalang.

In 2015, he joined the Sante Barley triteam and since then, he joined several triathlons in different race distances.

He also quit his job in the corporate world and ventured into entrepreneurship. He joined a boxing franchise and is launching a sports and lifestyle apparel brand. He is also teaching Procurement and Supply Management at the Jose Rizal University—all while continuously blazing trails in various sports and being a true “fitspiration.”

As an active sportsman, he’s often seen bagging podium finishes as a triathlete, being a member of Sante Barley tri-team, one of the best tri-teams in the Philippines. He is also planning to go back to the ring as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.

“Now that I’m 40, my bigger goal is to continue inspiring people to become more conscious about their health and well-being through my story,” said Sangalang. “I want to continue sharing my story to change the perspective of a lot of people, especially towards the lifestyle that they lead.”

Sangalang, together with the other members of the Santé Barley tri-team, is set to join the lineup of triathlon events this year. As a pride of Sante International, the team is now composed of 44 triathletes of all abilities and ages. He is also set to go back to the ring for an MMA fight after his race in North Pole.

Sanitary products firm conducts beach cleanup

in Boracay

Through the Beach Cleanup Drive, SCPA increases cooperation and public support in improving the island’s surroundings

Sangalang represents the Philippines in the FWD North Pole Marathon

ON ItS fourth anniversary of operation in Boracay, Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc. has taken up the initiative to save the island with its very own “Beach Clean Up Drive.” twelve volunteers including nine SCPA personnel, one merchandiser, one on-call housekeeping, and one intern joined the project.

In collaboration with Agape Boracay Academy Inc. and Church on the Rock, both headed by teresa Atienza, SCPA volunteers picked up trash at Bolabog Back Beach in March 24, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. this project ensures proper solid waste management for the safeguarding of both the environment and public health in Boracay. through the “Beach Clean Up Drive,” SCPA increases cooperation and public support in improving the island’s surroundings in terms of cleanliness and sanitation—as part of its advocacy of being the Hygienic Choice.

Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc. employees conduct their own Beach Cleanup Drive in Boracay

SCPA also conducted a feeding program, which provided children and families in the area with delicious and nutritious meals.

Life

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tuesday, may 1, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Pia Wurtzbach embodies the woman confident with who she is.

Pia Wurtzbach’s secret

to glowing skin and sexy body B

efore Pia Wurtzbach became the “queen” we all love, she went to Dr. Cecilia Bernad to achieve a healthy, glowing skin and a nicely shaped body.

“She (Dr. Cecilia Bernad) took care of me before I won Miss Universe,” shared Wurtzbach. “If you go to my Instagram account and you scroll back, you’ll see my photos visiting the clinic. Doctora really takes care of me and she’s not just somebody who I visit and I see (at the clinic), she’s also a friend.”

It was all based on mutual trust that the doctor would help the beauty queen bring out the best in her.

According to Wurtzbach, “Dr. Bernad knew I was planning to join beauty pageants and I wanted to do Miss Universe. She gave me the services that I needed to prepare. I think I am her first beauty queen also. Prior to meeting me, she never took care of a beauty queen before. I guess I’m pretty lucky in that sense.”

Pia Wurtzbach was eventually crowned and the rest is history.

After years of support and friendship Wurtzbach is now officially the face of the Dr. CrB Aesthetic and Laser Clinic.

“When I won Miss Universe, I was so thankful because they took care of me. of course, a lot of offers came in but I really didn’t want to be with any other

The difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest

Dr. Cecilia Bernad and Pia Wurtzbach

clinic. I was very vocal about that. I’m thankful to her for taking care of me at that time when nobody believed in me.

I’m just going to wait for the right time and I will formally endorse them. Now, I’m here!” shared Wurtzbach.

The Miss Universe 2015 perfectly embodies the clinic’s ideal of being “naturally more beautiful,” which is the concept of a woman confident with who she is. Dr. Cecilia Bernad believes that you don’t need to make beauty complicated; you only need to enhance who you already are and be happy with yourself. for Wurtzbach to embody the ideals

of the clinic, she shares, “I think what makes a woman naturally more beautiful is when she starts believing in herself and starts getting more confident because you can have the most expensive makeup, you can get a lot of services done, but if deep inside you’re still not happy and confident, that’s going to show. If a woman is confident, she believes in herself and is really happy from the inside, you’ll see that glow.”

DR. CRB is located at Suite 1608, The Trade and Financial Tower, 32nd St. corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For appointments, call (02) 955-2375.

Health starts in the gut MANy say that “healthy living” is a lifestyle. It’s a conscious daily effort, meaning exercising, avoiding unhealthy food, and getting enough sleep. But if we are not healthy on the inside, we might not get the optimal results we desire.

We have been told many times that to make the best of our fitness plan, we need the right nourishment, vitamins, and minerals to be absorbed by our body so that we can build muscle, lose fat, and increase stamina and flexibility. But for proper absorption, we need guts. Not just willpower and grit, but our actual gut or our gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Considered as our “second brain,” the GI Tract or gut is our organ system which receives the food, breaks it down to extract and absorb the energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. The most effective way to have balanced, healthy intestines is by taking in “good bacteria” a.k.a. probiotics or live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to our digestive system. Although our body is full of both good and bad bacteria, we need to constantly introduce Probiotics into our gut to maintain the “good” bacteria to help keep our gut strong.

Here are some of the benefits of Probiotics:

Probiotics produce organic acid that can regulate our colon’s ph level to promote regular bowel movement and assists in clearing intestinal waste and harmful toxins.

Probiotics produce enzymes that help break down fat, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to improve digestion and optimize nutrients absorption.

Probiotics is a natural way to enhance immunity, prevent infection, diseases, and allergy.

Lastly, replenishing Probiotics into our system means ph levels are stable and maintains the microflora balance, thus relieving the severity of diarrhea symptoms.

Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in the retail of generic medicines and a provider of quality affordable healthcare, offers Nutrawell Probiotics. Nutrawell is Generika Drugstore’s brand for its own line of quality and affordable nutraceuticals that help achieve optimal health and well-being.

Unlike other probiotic products in the market, whether it’s in capsule, powder or liquid form, Nutrawell Probiotics provides seven probiotic strains that have better tolerance for gastric acid and bile salt and work together to improve our health foundation in our gut. Another active ingredient

Keeping our guts healthy is essential in keeping our body healthy

in Nutrawell’s formula is oligosaccharide that helps in the reproduction of probiotics.

Nutrawell Probiotics also contains an essential component not found in other products—fiber. Listed under GrAS standards or Generally recognized As Safe by the US fDA, this special fiber ingredient is good food to nourish good bacteria, improves bowel movement and best of all, it has no calories.

Nutrawell Probiotics comes in two variants: 10 Billion CfU for adults and 5 Billion CfU recommended for children.

Its seven Probiotic strains include Lactobacillus Plantarum (strengthens the intestinal lining and reduces intestinal leakage), Lactobacillus Acidophilus (reduces lipopolysaccharide or an endotoxin that can cause diarrhea, fever, and other illnesses), Lactobacillus Paracasei (helps fight allergies), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (reduces the chance of infection), Bifidobacterium Longum (prevents digestive diseases and strengthens immunity), Lactococcus Casei (enhances immunity to normalize the naturally occurring intestinal bacteria and inhibits allergy), and Lactobacillus fermentum (deters the breeding of bad bacteria).

Nutrawell Probiotics is available at all Generika Drugstores nationwide.

eACh year, 170,000 filipinos die help and made sure your surroundings from cardiovascular diseases, up are safe, you can perform “handsfrom 85,000 more than 20 years ago, only” Cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to a 2009 study by the De- (CPr) immediately while waiting for partment of health. Now, it is also the the ambulance. number one killer disease in the world, “for laypersons, start doing handswhich is why recognition of heart at- only CPr through 2.5 inches deep, tack signs as well as early and effec- 100 to 120 chest compressions per tive emergency minute within care is importhe 2- to 4-mintant to help save ute period. lives.

Continue until Leading the ambulance hospital in the arrives,” advisPhilippines, es Dr. Lapitan.

Makati Medi“health procal Center tells fessionals and us the warning trained lay CPr signs of a heart providers can attack, its difdo mouth-toference from a mouth rescue cardiac arrest, breathing after and the steps checking the of first-aid and patient’s airpreliminar y way.” care in medical Knowing emergencies. how to perform A heart atthis emergency tack is a “cirmeasure is very culation” important, as problem while Know the difference between heart attack and early and efcardiac arrest fective CPr cardiac arrest is an “electriincreases the cal” problem. A patient’s chance heart attack occurs when the supply of of survival by 25 percent. This has led blood to the heart is suddenly blocked. the PhA to launch its flagship advoIt can be fatal and may also result in cacy CPr-ready Ph 2021 with the the death of part of a heart muscle. If goal of achieving a CPr-ready couna large portion of the muscle dies, this try status, side by side with its Asian is referred to as a massive heart attack. neighbors and Western allies that have on the other hand, a cardiac arrest been CPr-ready for the longest time. happens when the heart malfunctions The nationwide PhA CPr on and suddenly stops beating unexpect- Wheels & Wings campaign alone has edly due to irregular heart rhythms. traversed 15 destinations and trained “Typical symptoms of a heart attack at least 80,000 laypersons on handsinclude chest pain, breathlessness, only CPr on top of hundreds and nausea, vomiting, pain along the left thousands of filipinos continuously arm, around the stomach, or even the trained by various PhA Chapters jaw,” says raul L. Lapitan, MD, from across the country for the past two MakatiMed Section of Cardiology and years. This summer, CWW will fly to Immediate Past President of Philip- top tourist destinations like Bohol and pine heart Association.

Samar. he adds, “Symptoms may occur Makati Medical Center became the days before the massive attack. Some first hospital-training institution to victims brush it off as something far have the PhA as its official Basic Life more minor, like heartburn. But it’s Support and Advanced Cardiac Life always better to be safe than sorry. So, Support training provider in a Trainif you notice a combination of symp- ing the Trainers Course through the toms, immediately seek emergency initiatives of Dr. Lapitan. medical help.”

Prevention is always better than If you witness someone having a cure and leading a healthier lifestyle heart attack, immediately rush the pa- can help control the risk of heart tient to the hospital or call for emer- diseases. The PhA promotes the gency help. If the individual is con- 52100-healthy lifestyle code, a daily scious while the attack is happening, preventive measure habit of 5 servDr. Lapitan recommends giving an ings of fruits and vegetables; 2 hours aspirin to help thin the blood and pre- maximum screen time or exposure vent clot increase. Also make sure that to gadgets as well as not more than 2 the patient’s head and back are prop- grams of salt content in food intake; erly supported and his or her clothing 1-hour exercise; 0 sugary beverages; is loosened while waiting for the am- and 0 smoking. bulance.

A patient who is unconscious, un- For more information, contact Makaresponsive, isn’t breathing, and has tiMed On-Call at (02) 8888-999, email no pulse may likely have gone into mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit cardiac arrest. once you’ve called for www.makatimed.net.ph.

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

JESSICA SOHO

makes history at Reader’s Digest

S

Trusted Brand Awards 2018

OME of the biggest personalities and brands gathered in one spectacular night as Reader’s Digest unveiled the most trusted names by consumers at the prestigious Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards on April 26 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Over the years, Reader’s Digest, through its Trusted Brand Survey, has been the able to identify which brands and services, as well as the personalities, consumers trust the most. Now in its 20th year, the Trusted Brand Awards surveyed 543 categories of products and services from various industries, as well as the most trusted personalities in the Philippines.

“Reader’s Digest puts premium on trust,” notes Sheron White, Retail and Advertising Sales Director of Reader’s Digest Asia Pacific. “This standard is very vital to our global readership.”

“For 20 years, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey has been a significant benchmark in various industries when it comes to which brands and services, and personalities, consumers trust the most. We always look to this day when we honor these outstanding brands and personalities,” adds White.

About 4,000 respondents were asked to participate in this year’s ‘Trusted Brand Survey’. Fifty percent were Reader’s Digest subscribers while the other half were chosen to reflect the demographics of the general population.

Making history this year is multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho of GMA Network, who received her eight Reader’s Digest award that night. Soho won as the Most Trusted TV News Presenter Award, becoming the only Filipino journalist who has that most number of Reader’s Digest trophies under her name.

Soho hosts GMA 7 news magazine Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (One at Heart) and anchors the GMA News TV evening newscast, State of the Nation by Jessica Soho.

“In my line of work, trust is not only a big thing—it is the only thing that distinguishes fact from fake, the truth from the false.

Thank you Reader’s Digest for giving me this award for the eighth time,” Soho says.

“Reader’s Digest will always have a special place in my heart because it not only taught me the love of reading when I was a child, but it also inspired and reminded me as a journalist to keep searching for the truth no matter what,” she adds.

Another GMA news pillar, Mike Enriquez, took home the Most Trusted Radio Presenter Award. The ‘Imbestigador ng Bayan’ is now a three-time winner of the Most Trusted Radio Presenter Award. Enriquez is heard weekdays over DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B and Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide, both of which are seen on TV through Dobol B sa News TV. He also co-anchors the primetime newscast 24 Oras and hosts the longest-running investigative program on Philippine TV, Imbestigador.

“Sa pagtanggap ng award na ito sa ikatlong taon, mas lalo pa tayong na-inspire na patunayang hindi nagkamali ‘yung mga nagbabasa ng Reader’s Digest sa pagbibigay ng tiwala hindi lang sa akin, kundi sa ating lahat sa GMA,” states Enriquez.

Meanwhile Eat Bulaga host Ryan Agoncillo won the Most Trusted Entertainment Presenter.

Platinum and Gold awardees Brands that earned the consumers’ trust were accorded the Platinum and Gold awards.

COP ON HIGH HEELS. Police Officer 1 Madonna Gay C. Cajocon (center) smiles at the crowd after bagging the Ms. PNP Ganda Pulis 2018 crown. Photo PO2 Jhuryco Jabonete

Zamboanga lady cop is Ms. PNP Ganda Pulis 2018

Hall of Fame awardee Jessica Soho and Sheron White of Reader's Digest.

“Platinum Trusted Brand Award” winners include ABS-CBN and GMA Network (TV Network); Baby Company (Baby Store); Boysen (Paint); Century Tuna (Canned Tuna); Executive Optical (Optical Shop); Magnolia Chicken (Fresh/Frozen Poultry); Mercury Drug(Pharmacy/ Drug Store); Monterey (Fresh/Frozen Meat); Pilot (Pen); PLDT Home Fibr (Broadband/Fiber Internet Services); PLDT Landline (Landline Phone Service); SM Supermalls (Shopping Mall/ Center); and Uratex (Mattress).

Platinum Trusted Brand Awards were given to brands that performed exceptionally, winning their category with a score that vastly outpolled their nearest competitor.

On the other hand, the following brands took home the “Gold Trusted Brand Awards”: Acer (Personal Computers); Asian Eye Institute (Eye Center); Baguio Oil (Cooking Oil); Carrier (Air Conditioner); Citibank Credit Card (Credit Card Issuing Bank); Citibank Personal Loans (Personal Loans); Condura Aircon (Air Conditioner); Condura Ref (Refrigerator); Goldilocks (Pastry/ Bake Shop); Healthway (Ambulatory/ Multi-specialty Clinic); Hi-Precision (Ambulatory/ Multi-specialty Clinic); Ideal Vision (Optical Shop); Insular Life (Life Insurance Company); Manulife (Life Insurance Company); Orocan (Plastic Ware); Panda (Pen); Whirlpool (Washing Machine); BDO (Bank); BDO (Credit Card Issuing Bank); BDO (Investment Fund Company); and BDO (Personal Loans). These are brands that have scored significantly higher than their competition.

Reader’s Digest also honored an Overall Competition Winner for Excellence in Marketing, surpassing all its Gold and Platinum co-awardees for its outstanding use and innovative applications of the Trusted Brands logo. Winning the “Excellence In Marketing Award” is Executive Optical (Optical Shop).

Recipients of the Trusted Brand Awards were each given a trophy and will be allowed to use the globally recognized “Trusted Brand” logo in their marketing collaterals and merchandising materials.

This year, Reader’s Digest commissioned global market research company Catalyst Research to survey a representative sample of the Asian population.

Each respondent was required to complete an online questionnaire. Participants were asked to provide their most trusted brands and rate each of the brands listed, based on the following six attributes: Trustworthiness, Credibility, Quality, Value, Understanding of Customer Needs, Innovation and Social Responsibility.

THE stage was set in Camp Crame for the battle of beauty, talent and intelligence of the women in uniform. Police Officer 1 Madonna Gay C. Cajocon of Western Mindanao bested 25 other lady cops from various regional police offices around the country and copped the title of Ganda Pulis 2018.

Cajocon, a 24-year-old rookie cop assigned the Regional Mobile Force Batallion of Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), was crowned

by Ganda Pulis 2017 P01 Arla Ray Paciencia during the Gala Night coronation held on April 23 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Cajocon’s runner-ups were PO2 May Shell J Oro of PRO 10 Northern Mindanao named Ms. PNP Maka-Diyos 2018 (God-fearing); PO1 PNP Elymor Chrysma V. Caberto of PROCOR: Cordillera Region named Ms. PNP Makabayan 2018 (nationalist); PO1 Cris T. Pastores of PRO ARMM as Ms. PNP Makatao 2018 (humane) and PO1 Ann Jerica Buenafe of PRO 3: Central Luzon named Ms. PNP Makakalikasan 2018 (environmentalist).

Cajocon was named Best in Evening Gown and Best in Ethnic Attire and took home the special awards as Miss MX3, Miss Resorts Wear, Miss Max Cosmetics and Miss Above Aesthetics.

PO1 Pastores also won as Miss Photogenic and Best in Advocacy. PO2 Ria Angelley P. Bero of PRO 4B MIMAROPA won Best in Talent while PO1 Gearlyn Paga of PRO 4A: Calabarzon was voted Miss Congeniality.

Ms. PNP Ganda Pulis 2018, now on its 2nd year, is a presentation of the PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), headed by Chief Superintendent Rhodel O. Sermonia, and part of the annual celebration of 2018 National Women’s Month with this year’s theme “We Make Change for Women.”

The annual search aims to give recognition to the important role of female police officers in the promotion of policecommunity relations. Cajocon will act as new Goodwill Ambassadress of the PNP’s Recovery and Wellness Program entitled “Community–based Rehabilita-

tion Program,” promotion of women’s and children’s rights and tourism thru TOPCOPs, anti-drugs campaign and other programs to be implemented by PNP Chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde, who delivered his inspirational message and emphasized that the 2nd Ms. PNP #GandaPulis 2018 will serve as an inspiration to all women in empowering the community through advocacy and to make good on their social responsibility with pride and honor.

Albayalde also extended his warm gratitude, and congratulated the organizers and the other institutions that supported this remarkable event. He likewise congratulated the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) led by its Director, Police Chief Superintendent Rhodel Orden Sermonia and PEPPS and all those who have contributed to the success of the event. The PNP’s collective efforts, especially the PCRG personnel who worked as one big family, and other PNP units who exerted diligent efforts in the preparations for the activity, were applauded by the newly installed Chief PNP. The Ganda Pulis 2018 candidates from 16 police regional offices, five National Capital Region districts and five national support units, participated in the pre-Gala Night PCRG-organized community outreach activities that included the visit to Bahay Pagbabago in Bataan and Tarlac for the distribution of livelihood tools to former drug dependents and Pulis Natin Caravan and outreach programs in Baguio City and La Union.

The members of the board of judges included the prime mover of Miss Universe 2016 Gov. Chavit Singson, actor Philip Salvador, Carousel Productions Inc. Vice President Lorraine Schuck, Philippine Star entertainment-columnist/editor Ricky Lo, designer Edwin Uy, pageant writer Robert Requintina, Man of the World 2017 Mostafa Galal Elezali, Presidential Security Aide-deCamp PSInsp Sofia Loren Deliu-Abdurajak, Businessman Edmun Las, fitness and wellness coach Jum Saret and Toni Dimaguila, and actress-politician Lani Mercado.

Chart-toppers to perform at 2018 Billboard Music Awards T OP New Artist nominee Camila Cabello, UK’s hottest act Dua Lipa, and multi-platinum sellingsinger/songwriter Shawn Mendes will all take the stage on a night filled with music’s biggest names.

Hosted by The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson, the 2018 Billboard Music Awards will air live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 21 at 8:00 a.m. on Blue Ant Entertainment. The three-hour telecast will feature performances from this year’s hottest musical acts, unexpected collaborations and buzzworthy moments that celebrate 60 years of the Billboard Hot 100.

Camila Cabello is a four-time Billboard Music Award nomi-

nee this year with nods for Top New Artist, Top Female Artist, Top Collaboration for “Havana” featuring Young Thug and the fan-voted Billboard Chart Achievement Award.

She started off her solo career with a bang, scoring a top 10 hit in 2016 on the Pop Songs chart with “I Kno w What You Did Last Summer,” her duet with Shawn Mendes.

Mendes, on the other hand, recently released new tracks “In My Blood” and “Lost In Japan” from his highly- anticipated third album. Both tracks have already experienced massive success, soaring to Nos. 22 and 64, respectively, on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 and No. 2 on the overall iTunes chart in the U.S, Top 5 on iTunes in 50 countries,

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, May 1, 2018

ACROSS 1 Nowhere near 5 Less green 10 Airport summons 14 Overrun with 15 Come up 16 West Coast campus 17 Griffin of TV 18 Investigator 20 “Maria —” 22 Compares 23 Book copier of old 25 Pocket jingler 26 Papeete’s island 27 Almost grads 28 Kind of roast 32 Healing succulent 33 Unspoken 35 Train for boxing 36 Floor cleaner 37 Skiing champ Tommy — 38 Forensic science tool 39 Arab VIP 41 Hard-to-find guy 43 Gasp 44 Painter — Magritte 45 Not Dem. or Rep. 46 Crocheted item 48 Dressy event

50 British statesman — Cromwell 51 Attack 54 Show pleasure 55 Reducing to the smallest possible amount 57 Oven shelf 61 James Bond’s school 62 Condor’s abode 63 Siamese, now 64 Worn-down pencils 65 Oater backdrops 66 Patio view DOWN 1 Equip 2 Cry of disgust 3 Ethiopia loc.

4 Daydream 5 Cheese dish 6 Sherlock’s lady friend 7 Galileo’s home 8 Flight dir.

9 Pragmatic one 10 Becomes wrinkled 11 Exercise aftermath 12 Secluded valley 13 Hearing organs 19 Wheel part

21 Afire 23 Seven-veil dancer 24 Mazurka composer 25 Made beef jerky 26 Gentler 27 Chew out 29 Make current 30 Bearing 31 Utter foolish talk 34 Fridge maker 40 Gets back 41 Mr.

Shakespeare 42 Binds legally 43 Monk’s vow 47 Artist’s paint 49 Zero in on 50 “— vincit amor” 51 Final word 52 In — (as found) 53 Type of appeal 54 Gentlemen 56 Mark of Zorro 58 Gleeful shout 59 Yaris or Civic 60 Joke with

and holding the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist.

Meanwhile, the 2018 Billboard Music Awards appearance will mark Dua Lipa’s first performance on an award show in the United States. The U.K. pop superstar has quickly ascended on the U.S. Billboard charts this last year, currently with her empowering anthem “IDGAF” rising on Billboard’s Top 40 chart following a trio of No. 1 hits on the Dance Club Songs chart: “Blow Your Mind (Mwah),” “Be the One” and “New Rules.” The latter track became a smash single for the pop singer-songwriter across multiple charts and radio formats as it sailed to No. 1 on the Pop Songs

Big music acts (from left) Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, and Shawn Mendes headline the upcoming 2018 Billboard Music Awards

chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 2018.

Nominations for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards were announced earlier this month on TODAY Show and on a livestream from Billboard’s NY office.

Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars and

Ed Sheeran tie for the most nominations this year with 15 each.

Voting for the two fan voted categories, Billboard Chart Achievement Award and Top Social Artist, will open in the coming weeks and additional details will be available soon.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

STANDARD INTERNATIONAL

China opens world’s biggest movie studio

A MASSIVE “movie metropolis” billed as China’s answer to Hollywood opened on Saturday, aiming to boost the domestic film industry and attract foreign producers.

A total of 50 billion yuan (USD7.9 billion) has been invested in building the studio complex in the eastern port city of Qingdao, according to the project’s initiator, Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda, which is owned by one of China’s richest men Wang Jianlin.

The complex houses 30 studios with “the highest international standards”, according to the project’s initiator. It has already hosted some high-profile productions, including The Great Wall starring Matt Damon, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.

‘80s classic ‘Karate Kid’ reborn FOR Generation X, The Karate Kid is a pop culture touchstone.

Now, more than 30 years on, YouTube wants to bring a new generation into the dojo.

Thirteen years after its creation, the wildly popular videosharing platform is rolling out its first major original content series, “Cobra Kai”—a revival of the 1980s saga with a twist.

With the first 10-episode series going live online tomorrow, Google-owned YouTube is also hoping to draw new customers to its USD10-a-month streaming service, YouTube Red, which was launched in 2015.

YouTube Red is now available in five countries—the US, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South Korea.”—but YouTube says it will reach dozens more by year’s end.

The portal—which now has 1.5 billion users—is hoping its forays into original content will help change the company’s economic model, which until now has been largely based on ads and homegrown viral video stars.

French thriller terrifying US audiences OSCAR-NOMINATED Xavier Legrand’s French-language thriller Custody, an unsparing account of abuse focusing as much on the damage to the children, has earned acclaim at home and on the festivals circuit ahead its summer US release.

“I would like people to realize that domestic violence is a real scourge in our society and that children are also victims who are too often forgotten,” Legrand, 40, told AFP during the COLCOA festival of French film in Los Angeles, which wrapped on Monday.

“And especially that they understand that these kinds of situations can turn into horror. These are murders. Under no circumstances are these crimes of passion.”

Over half of the killings of women in the United States are related to domestic violence, government figures show, with victims often dying at the hands of an ex who was granted shared custody of the children.

Last year the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed around 10,000 murders of women in the decade from 2003, finding that more than half were perpetrated by a romantic partner or ex. AFP

Fil-Am global pop superstar Bruno Mars takes the Mall of Asia stage on May 3 and 4 for the much anticipated Manila leg of ' 24K Magic Tour.'

Are you ready for

BRUNO MARS?

W

ITH more than 60 shows to go, including a two-night Smart Music Live engagement in Manila, it’s safe to say that Filipino-American pop superstar Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic Tour will be amongst the highest-grossing tours of 2017-2018.

24K Magic landed the 10th spot during the halfway mark of 2017, according to Forbes, with almost USD 53M in ticket sales. Today, 24K Magic Tour grossed a staggering USD 240M, according to a report by billboard.com.

The 32-year-old hit-maker has been scoring hits since he rose to fame in 2010 via “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B and “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy, both of which featured his vocals. Mars then went on to debut his studio album DooWops & Hooligans, which peaked at number three on the US Billboard 200 because of the singles “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade” and “The Lazy Song.” The following year, he recorded the single “It Will Rain” for the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.

In 2012, Mars was unstoppable. He released Unorthodox Jukebox and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Al-

bum. The record produced more monster hits in “Locked Out of Heaven,” “When I Was Your Man” and “Treasure.” Mars then collaborated with Mark Ronson on “Uptown Funk” before working on his third studio album, the 2016-released 24K Magic album that went on to score seven Grammy Awards, including major categories Album of the Year, Record of the Year for “24K Magic,” and Song of the Year for “That’s What I Like.”

Smart Music Live makes sure Smart lucky subscribers will experience the magic by giving away hundreds of tickets and exclusive concert perks and privileges on May 3 and 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The two-night concert has been sold out but there’s still a chance to win tickets for Smart subscriber.

Just follow the hashtags #SmartMusicLive and #SmartBrunoMars to find out how you can join this summer’s biggest concert party.

Visit smart.com.ph or follow Smart’s official Facebook, Instagram (@livesmart) and Twitter accounts to find out how to win tickets to 24K Magic Tour in Manila. To get into the Bruno Mars concert fever, get free YouTube every day.

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TONY LABRUSCA in motion and in style

Celebrity heartthrob Tony Labrusca moves with leading denim brand Lee, which touts a new brand philosophy that inspires life in motion and in style.

FOR 22-year-old Tony Labrusca, living the urban lifestyle means adapting to constant changes in perspective and style. As an actor-singer who juggles his showbiz gigs with gymnastics and pole dancing, Tony makes sure that whatever he wears brings comfort, freedom and style.

This is why Tony moves with Lee, which touts a brand-new philosophy for 2018— Move Your Lee—a challenge that inspires life in motion and in style.

Now what do Lee and Tony have in common?

Like Lee, Tony likes to break boundaries.

Born in the United States but spending most of his life in Canada, Tony eventually found himself pursuing a career in Philippine entertainment. Although his parents had earlier gained a foothold in local showbiz, Tony prefers to traverse the mercurial world of entertainment—on his own.

For its part, Lee inspires the exploration of opportunities in a thriving urban landscape.

Lee moves with people like Tony, delivering a well-rounded wardrobe for those who strive for passion in life, creating spontaneous experiences and moments, and living a lifetime in a day.

“With extensive social connections, we are more informed about the world at large and have more freedom to identify ourselves and make our voices heard. Being part of “Move Your Lee” means boldly embracing changes and capturing different moments in a fashionable manner and a joyful attitude,” says Tony.

During his stint in ABS-CBN’s hit actiondrama series La Luna Sangre, Tony put his excellent skills in gymnastics to use in fight scenes—not to mention his agility and dexterity from pole dancing. Fortunately for Tony and people like him, Lee propels freedom of movement to explore and create unexpected moments as they go, making every day count.

Urban Riders: For the Lords of the Road Lee offers all the fashion pieces one needs to create different identities or moments in very busy routines. To cope with such challenges, Lee kicks in with a positive, in-themoment spirit by offering style and comfort for every occasion.

Defined by both design and functionality, Lee’s Urban Riders collection is inspired by modern cyclists around the world who believe riding is an art and the

road is their canvas.

Fabricated with Dual-Weather Denim from Coolmax, Urban Riders allow unrestricted movement in the summer or on rainy days, cooling or insulating the body when needed. Crafted with L-shaped belt loops and stitched with unique trims and patterns, the jeans let them straddle their bikes for long stretches of time—in utmost comfort. A code among Lee enthusiasts, Urban Riders’ 6-dot imprint conveys street sophistication.

Its breathability and Evaporative Cooling technology keep one feeling fresh all day.

Lee’s 101+ caters to all denim connoisseurs and is designed for the modern gentleman. With every stitch woven with true blue legacy, this handcrafted celebratory revamp of Lee’s premium 101 jeans is a true work of art, grabbing your attention at first glance because it simply stands out. On closer look, you’ll find subtly added features that make it special—the coin pocket rivet specially mentions its commemorative jeans; the Hair-on-Hide label is its most distinguishing feature; the ‘+’ stitching on the back pockets forms the 101+ signature; and the custom zipper is marked with a ‘+’ style to form the 101+ signature.