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White House warns Beijing There will be ‘consequences’ to China’s militarization of SCS

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

Duterte: I am no strongman, only Time says so

HE White House warned Thursday that China would face “consequences” for its military buildup in the contested waters of the western Pacific as the Philippines expressed concern over the reported installation of Chinese missiles on Fiery Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly archipelago that Manila claims as its territory.

By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG on Friday defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s tough stand against illegal drugs after he was listed among the world’s strongmen on the cover of Time Magazine, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. “In the Philippines, a rising tide of violent street crime helped elect Rodrigo Duterte, a former mayor who talked more like a Mob boss than a President, on his promises to wipe out the drug trade with his own brand of justice,” wrote Ian Bremmer in the Time cover story. In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the President has demonstrated “strong and decisive leadership, a quality appreciated by

VOL. XXXII • NO. 79 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

“We’re well aware of China’s militarization of the South China Sea,” said US Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. “We’ve raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this and there will be nearterm and long-term consequences.” Sanders did not say what the consequences would be. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the Philippines was taking the report of new missile installations seriously and was verifying the information. In a statement from Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque expressed conﬁdence that the missiles were not aimed at the Philippines. “We are concerned with the reported

Unemployment, high prices spurt HEADLINE inflation continued to move at a faster rate of 4.5 percent last April, as against 4.3 percent March and 3.2 percent in April 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Friday.

China denies laser attacks on US pilots BEIJING—China on Friday rejected US allegations that Chinese nationals shone military-grade lasers at American pilots in Djibouti, dismissing the claims as “inconsistent with facts.” Beijing, which operates a naval base in the Horn of Africa country, denied Pentagon accusations that Chinese personnel had targeted US pilots in the country with the beams, resulting in Next page

Nobel Literature prize awarding postponed STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—The Swedish Academy said Friday it would postpone this year’s Nobel Literature Prize for the first time in almost 70 years, as it is rocked by turmoil over links to a man accused of rape and sexual Next page assault.

TIME’S TEASER. Four world political leaders—Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Turkish President Recep Tayyip and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte— make the cover of the Asia edition of the magazine, with American columnist Ian Bremmer detailing the alarming rise in strongmen leaders, and why it should be a cause for concern. Bremmer, a think tank founder, tweeted that US President Donald Trump is not on the cover of Time, the story of which he penned. ‘But he’d like to be.’

US may mediate PH-Kuwait dispute By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan US AMBASSADOR to the Philippines Sung Kim said Washington would be open to helping the Philippines settle its diplomatic row with Kuwait, but emphasized that no such proposal has been made. “We’re always willing to be helpful to resolve delicate, difﬁcult situation between friends and partners but I don’t want to assume speculations, [or] hypotheticals because no one has approached us about it,” Kim said in a forum Friday. “If we can be helpful, I’m sure my col-

leagues in Washington would consider any such request. So we will see,” the envoy added. In a TV interview with CNN, former ambassador Jun Lozada suggested that the Philippines tap the United States as a third party mediator to bring an end to the diplomatic crisis with Kuwait. A row between the two countries broke out after the Department of Foreign Affairs uploaded a video of Philippine Embassy staff rescuing distressed Filipino workers in Kuwait, a move that the Kuwaiti government saw as a violation of its sovereignty. Next page

Go assures no untouchables in tourism ad investigation WIFE ASSURED.

The wife of slain broadcast journalist Edmund Sestoso is assured of security Thursday as Palace officials vow to speed up the resolution of the radioman’s murder on April 30 in Barangay Daro in Dumaguete City. Acting on orders of President Rodrigo Duterte, Palace officials led by Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go (right) and PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar visited the bereaved family and extended the President’s condolences.

DAVAO CITY―No one is untouchable in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and everyone will have to answer for any wrongdoing, an official said Friday. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go made the statement following the controversy involving Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo He made the statement even as the Presidential Communications Operations Office on Friday launched a media hub that aims to strengthen its communication services in Mindanao and to prevent the “spread of fake news,” Malacañang said. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and Go led the launching of the Mindanao Media Hub here, and it may be used by the public to tell government about their needs and to report any wrongdoing or complaint against any government official. “It is timely that we have finally decided to build a new hub here in Davao, particuNext page larly in Mindanao,” Go said.

Cayetano tags loyalty check as ‘fake news’ By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Accused in drug cases can plead to lesser offense By Rey E. Requejo and F. Pearl A. Gajunera THE Supreme Court has adopted a plea-bargaining framework for offenses involving illegal drugs that would allow an accused to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter penalty. In an en banc resolution dated April 10, 2018, the high court approved the “Plea Bargaining Framework in Drugs Next page

FOREIGN Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano denied Friday there was a “loyalty check” paper circulating around the diplomatic agency asking diplomats to sign a statement in support of his leadership. In an ambush interview, Cayetano tagged the Manila Standard report as “fake news” and asked the diplomats to “tear the said paper” and “do not sign” if it reached them. “There is no loyalty check, that is fake news... if someone or anyone here at the DFA asks you to sign, don’t sign it. Tear it up and say that secretary does not want that because you are entitled to your opinion,” he told reporters on Friday. Some diplomats have called on Cayetano to review the agency’s protocols on the use of social media. The letter, sent on April 27, was made after ofﬁcials from the DFA uploaded the Next page

THE CAMPAIGN IS ON. Supporters of a candidate for barangay chairman and Sangguniang Kabataan officials start posting campaign materials at Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City on Thursday at the start of the campaign season. Manny Palmero

News

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Narco list’ bets still allowed to run HE barangay officials included in the “narco list” will not be disqualified from running in the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, a Commission on Elections official said Friday.

“Under our laws, disqualifying is the final conviction, which means there was a trial and there was a ruling. The narcolist is short of that,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told reporters. In other developments: • The police are on full alert for possible campaign-related violence on Friday, the beginning of the campaign period

Sestoso murder to be resolved quickly—Go DUMAGUETE CITY—The wife of slain broadcast journalist Edmund Sestoso was assured of security as Palace officials vowed to speed up the resolution of the radioman’s brutal murder on April 30 in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Acting on orders of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, officials led by Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar visited the wake of Sestoso in this city and extended the Chief Executive’s condolences to the victim’s family on Thursday. Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, was with Go and Andanar in paying their last respects. It was the first time in this administration that senior Cabinet officials visited the wake of a slain media man. Go told reporters he ordered Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, acting Police Provincial Director, to provide security to Lourdes, the victim’s wife, and the rest of the Sestoso family after she expressed fear that the killers of her husband would go after her and their family.

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“It’s the fastest since Nov. 2011 when inflation hit 4.7 percent,” said Guian Angelo Dumalagan, market economist at Land Bank of the Philippines. “The rise in inflation is expected, given the recent hike in excise taxes, the depreciation of the peso, and the surge in oil prices,” Dumalagan noted. Headline inflation is the rate of inflation that includes prices that change a lot, for instance, those of food and energy. Meanwhile, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV Friday urged the government to protect Filipinos from killer combo of rising prices and unemployment. He branded the spike in prices of goods and the rising unemployment a killer combo that needed to be addressed immediately. “Let us not knock out the Filipino families from the killer combo of rising pices of goods and the lack of jobs,” said Aquino, one of only four senators who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. A recent Pulse Asia survey indicated that 98 percent of respondents claimed the prices of basic goods they usually purchase have increased due to the tax reform law, and around 86 percent said they were strongly affected by the prices increases. In addition, a latest survey by SWS showed that the number of unemployment Filipinos rose to 10.9 million, the highest since 2016. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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“The Swedish Academy intends to decide on and announce the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2018 in parallel with the naming of the 2019 laureate,” it said. The institution, founded in 1786, has on seven previous occasions chosen to reserve the prize: in 1915, 1919, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1936 and 1949. “On five of those occasions, the prize was delayed then awarded at the same time as the following year’s prize,” the Academy said in a statement. The body has been plunged in crisis since November, in the wake of the global #MeToo campaign, when Swedish newspaper of reference Dagens Nyheter published the testimonies of 18 women claiming to have been raped, sexually assaulted or harassed by Jean-Claude Arnault, an influential figure on the Swedish culture scene. Arnault, the French husband of Academy member and poet Katarina Frostenson, has denied the allegations. The revelations have sowed discord among the Academy’s 18 members about how to move forward, and in recent weeks, six of them have chosen to resign, including permanent secretary Sara Danius. “The active members of the Swedish Academy are of course fully aware that the present crisis of confidence places high demands on a long-term and robust work for change,” the Academy’s interim permanent secretary Anders Olsson said in the statement. AFP

for the 2018 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Metro Manila Police Chief Camilo Cascolan said that, among the directives they will follow to ensure a violence-free elections is the signing of peace covenants in various barangays. • Senator Bam Aquino called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue not to tax the honorariums of teachers who will render poll duty in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14. “When we pushed for the Election Service Reform Act, our intention was to give an appropriate reward to election volunteers like teachers. The law did not aim to tax their pay,” said Aquino, the principal author of Republic Act 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act. “The cost of goods has been increas-

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China’s missile deployments over the contested areas in the West Philippine Sea. With our recently developed close relationship and friendship with China, we are confident that those missiles are not directed at us,” he said in a statement. He assured the public that the government would explore all diplomatic means to address the issue. Cayetano said his department has already coordinated with the Defense Department, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The South China Sea—which sits between Vietnam, the Philippines, China and several other countries —is subject to a myriad of competing territorial claims. The South China Sea—which sits between Vietnam, the Philippines, China and several other countries —is subject to a myriad of competing territorial claims. But in recent years, China has upped the ante, seizing islets and atolls in the face of protests and bellicose warnings. Beijing Thursday reasserted its right to build “defense” facilities in the disputed region, but declined to confirm reports it had installed new missiles on artificial islands it had built. Beijing sees the area as key to pushing its defenses beyond China’s coast and securing oil supply routes. The US network CNBC reported Wednesday that the Chinese military installed antiship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three outposts in the region also claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam over the last 30 days, citing sources close to US intelligence. If the information is verified, it could provoke renewed tensions between countries bordering the strategically vital maritime region. At a regular briefing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying neither confirmed nor denied the deployment. “China’s peaceful construction in the Spratly archipelago, including the deployment of necessary national defense facilities, is aimed at protecting China’s sovereignty and security,” she said. “Those who don’t intend to violate [this sovereignty] have no reason to worry,” she said. The South China Sea issue has been brewing for years, with China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam making competing claims in waters with vital global shipping routes and what are believed to be significant oil and natural gas deposits. In addition to land-reclamation efforts on reefs it controls and building civilian facilities there, China also has air bases, radar and communications systems, naval facilities

ing due to the tax reform and still, deductions are still being made on the teachers’ honorariums.” • Education Secretary Leonor Briones has petitioned the Comelec to increase the honorariums and allowances of the teachers who will serve in the barangay and SK elections and to exempt those from the withholding tax. “Teachers have long been at the forefront of every electoral exercise in the country. With their immense experience in carrying out this enormous task in clustered precincts of huge populations, we deem that evaluation and discussion on the possible increase in honorariums and allowance are just and necessary,” Briones said in a statement on Thursday. Jimenez said the value of the narcolist and defensive weaponry in place including landing strips able to accommodate military planes. The new Chinese missiles were reportedly deployed on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef, according to CNBC. They are all in the Spratly archipelago located in waters south of mainland China between Vietnam and the Philippines. Beijing’s territorial claims, based on its own historical records, have also pitted it against the United States. While Washington takes no position on the sovereignty claims, it has raised concerns that Beijing is “militarizing” the South China Sea. The US Navy itself frequently sends warships and aircraft carriers to patrol the area. “China has to realize that they’ve benefited from the free navigation of the sea, and the US Navy has been the guarantor of that,” Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said. “We will continue to do our operations.” China’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment but has previously stressed that the islands were “part of Chinese territory” and that it was up to China alone to decide what it does there. Based on the CNBC report, the land-based anti-ship cruise missiles, designated as YJ12B, allow China to strike surface vessels within 295 nautical miles of the reefs. The long-range surface-to-air missiles, designated as HQ-9B, have an expected range of targeting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles within 160 nautical miles. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said President Rodrigo Duterte should leverage his warm personal relationship with Chinese leaders to convince them to stop militarizing the illegally claimed islands of the West Philippine Sea. The President, he added, needs to cash in whatever political capital he has with Beijing and ask it to honor its pledge to keep the West Philippine Sea a zone of peace and freedom of navigation. He also said the President can serve as a peacemaker and get all major powers to deescalate the tension in the area and prevent it from being a flashpoint. “Now that positive steps are under way to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, the same must prevail in the WPS. We cannot defuse tension in one place in Asia only to heighten it in another,” said Recto. In the House, lawmakers condemned the installation of missiles on territory claimed by the Philippines. ACT Teachers Party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro demanded the Duterte administration assert the country’s claims over Kalayaan group of islands, and to enforce the July 2013 International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea decision favoring the Philippines. “We strongly condemn the installation of anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems in the West Philippine Sea,” Tinio said. “The Chinese has also set up mis-

is that it allows voters to get some insight into the character of some people who may be running for office. “The hope there is that they will use that insight to make their decision,” Jimenez said. He made his statement days after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency released the names of 207 barangay officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs. Of the 207 names in PDEA’s narco list, 117 were barangay councilors while 90 were barangay chairmen, PDEA Director Aaron Aquino said. “Most of the barangay officials are from the Bicol Region,” he said. Officials were still validating information that 274 other village officials are linked to the illegal drug trade, Aquino said. Macon Ramos-Araneta with PNA

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minor injuries to airmen and creating the potential for an accident. “After careful verification, we have told the US explicitly that the so-called accusations are totally inconsistent with facts,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. “You can remind relevant people in the US to pay attention to facts and not to make groundless accusations,” she said during a regular briefing. US officials issued a formal diplomatic complaint and demanded Beijing investigate a series of incidents dating back several weeks, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said Thursday. “They are very serious incidents,” White said. “This activity poses a true threat to our airmen.” In one case, two pilots on a C-130 cargo plane suffered minor eye injuries as they came in to land at the base in the Horn-of-Africa nation, another spokeswoman, Major Sheryll Klinkel, told AFP. Located at Djibouti international airport, the US military’s Camp Lemonnier base is its only permanent facility in Africa. It is used largely for counter-terrorism operations in East Africa and Yemen. China last year opened a naval base in Djibouti, only a few miles from the US facility, marking the first overseas base for Beijing’s rapidly growing military. White said she was “confident” that whoever had shone the high-powered lasers was Chinese. Officials told The Wall Street Journal the laser likely came from the Chinese base. The Federal Aviation Administration last month published a warning to pilots to use extreme caution in the area. “There have been multiple lazing events involving a high-power laser in the vicinity,” the warning said. AFP

siles in the Mischief Reef, which, according to the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, is part of the exclusive economic zone [EEZ] of the Philippines. The Duterte administration must not ignore the deployment of the first Chinese missile in the Spratly island where several Asian countries have rival claims and leave it without protest.” “We demand immediate withdrawal of the missiles and the dismantling of Chinese bases in Philippine territories. We also demand President Duterte to protect the sovereignty of our country, stress our claims in the West Philippine Sea and enforce the July 2013 ITLOS decision,” Tinio added. Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said the actions and continuous aggression of China in the West Philippine Sea are obviously threats to our national security. “I call on the Duterte administration to wake up from its long doze, silence and inaction. Let us not let China’s sweet talk of investments and loans lull us into a false sense of security. Their actions clearly belie their pronouncements,” Alejano, an opposition lawmaker, said. With AFP

Bongbong, Leni spar over 'news' By Rey Requejo and Rio Araja THE camp of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday slammed Vice President Leni Robredo for trying to discredit the media in her attempt to deflect all negative news arising from the Presidential Electoral Tribunal’s supervised recount of votes in the 2016 vice presidential race. Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, called on the Vice President to stop undermining the integrity of the Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, and the ongoing manual recount of votes aimed at determining on who actually won the vice presidency in the 2016 polls. “Not satisfied in casting aspersions mean to undermine the integrity of the Tribunal and of the ongoing manual recount, Robredo is at it again, this time attacking and discrediting members of the press and dragging Senator Marcos in her desperate attempt to dilute all negative news affecting her in the election protest,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “We find it ironic and lamentable that Mrs. Robredo attacked the media on World Press Freedom Day,” he added. In a related development: • Robredo’s camp allayed fears she might not stay in power because of the ongoing manual recount. “We assure Robredo’s supporters and the entire Filipino people that the official ruling of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal will eventually sustain Robredo’s victory and will expose the falsity and self-serving propaganda peddled by her detractors,” Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal said. He said there was no truth that the votes of Robredo had been reduced by about 20,000 votes.

Wendy's warned over data breach THE National Privacy Commission has ordered the local company of fastfood giant Wendy’s to promptly notify thousands of customers affected by the breach and wholesale leak of its database last April 23. In a formal order dated May 2 and posted on its website, NPC Complaints and Investigations Division chief lawyer Francis Euston Acero said an estimated 82,150 records were exposed in the hack of Wenphil Corp.’s website. The Wendy’s data included personal details “such as the names, contact numbers, home addresses, hashed passwords, transaction details, and mode of payment of the company’s customers, loyalty card members, and even job applicants,” Acero said in the CIDBN Order No. 18-058. The NPC ordered the firm to notify all potential affected customers of the hack, explain why the commission should take no further action against Wendy’s Philippines, provide copies of its website data prior to the breach, submit an updated version of its privacy policy, and conduct a new privacy impact assessment following the hack. “This is the first time the NPC is making public a document of this nature. In due time, however, it shall publish all similar Orders on its official website,” the commission said in a statement Friday. On April 23, unknown persons published online a database containing the Wendy’s Philippine website in its entirety, with the commission obtaining a copy of the database the same day.

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“This will be the first time in our country that radio, TV, print, wire service, intrapersonal communication, online and new media is under one group.” Go said all documents pertaining to the People’s Television Network Inc. disbursement record on the Tourism department’s advertisements were already on the table of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for examination. “The President is fair. He wants to find out the whole story. He has already spoken to ES Medialdea to look into it and whatever is the truth, it will come out,” Go said on Thursday. “To President Duterte, no one is untouchable. Everyone will have to answer to him.” Andanar begged off from commenting on the issue because, he said, it was already being reviewed. “It is being reviewed by the President, and while it is being reviewed I will not comment,” Andanar told reporters at the sidelines of the Hard Hat Ceremony for the P700-million Mindanao Media Hub. Earlier, Teo denied she had a hand in awarding the advertisement to her brother, saying the deal was a government-to-government contract that went through bidding. She said the checks were issued to PTV4 when the deliverables were met. PNA with Vito Barcelo

It has expelled Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa, arrested four embassy staff involved in the rescues, and issued warrants of arrest for three diplomats who are holed up in the embassy. The videos, which angered the Kuwait government, showed a woman running from a home and jumping into a waiting vehicle while another depicts a person sprinting from what looks like a construction site and then speeding off in a black sport utility vehicle. Anger at the unauthorized operations added fuel to a simmering diplomatic row between the two nations sparked by the murder of a Filipino maid. Kim said he expects the two countries will be able to resolve their diplomatic row. “My sense is that the two countries are working very hard to resolve the difficult situation,” Kim said. On Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, under fire for condoning the uploading of the videos, said talks between the two sides were “bearing fruit” and announced the repatriation of about 800 Filipino workers staying in shelters in Kuwait. “Our communications are bearing fruit. The hard work of our people sa embassy are bearing fruit,” he said, without providing further details. With Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cases” where an accused is allowed to plead guilty to a lesser offense. But the 15-member tribunal disallowed plea bargaining in drugs cases where the imposable penalty is life imprisonment or life imprisonment to death. Under the framework, the high court said, plea bargaining is also not allowed on the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of all kinds of dangerous drugs. “In all other cases where the imposable penalty is life imprisonment or life imprisonment to death, plea bargaining is not allowed,” the high court said. The tribunal approved the plea-bargaining framework for drug offenses after Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta met with the officers of the Philippine Judges Association, which submitted the draft on the pleabargaining framework. Following the framework’s adoption, the high court ordered Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez to issue a circular to all trial courts in the country for the implementation of the plea- bargaining framework. Under that framework, an accused charged with violation of Section 11 of RA 9165 on the possession of dangerous drugs, where the quantity is less than five grams (in case of shabu, opium, morphine, heroin and cocaine, and less than 300 grams in case of marijuana), he or she can plea- bargain.

institution is to share our viewstempered by the counsel of experience—to help our principals make informed decisions,” read the 2-page letter filed on April 27, 2018 which was addressed to Cayetano. “We therefore call for a review of the Department’s protocols on the use of social media in the documentation and conduct of its work particularly in situations of great sensitivity and critical circumstances, where live must be protected and the highest level of professionalism and discretion is needed,” the diplomats said.

He also urged the DFA personnel to personally tell Cayetano themselves to resign instead of writing a letter. “You don’t need a letter...Go to my office after the flag ceremony and tell me ‘sir pasensya na po kayo, hindi po kayo masuportahan ng mga career,’” he said. He also said that once the DFA personnel personally told him of their non-support he would “pack his bag” and resign. “I will pack my bags and move out because you’re only a leader when someone follows,” Cayetano added.

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videos to the public showing a rescue of overseas Filipino workers from their Kuwaiti employers, which angered the Kuwait government describing it as a beach of its sovereignty. In a two-page letter acquired by the Standard, 13 diplomats wrote Cayetano to review the agency’s protocol on social media documentation and release. “Part of our duty to the country and this

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Filipinos as evidenced by... [his] high satisfaction, approval, trust and performance ratings.” But in a speech in Davao City, Duterte denied he was a strongman and said he respected democratic freedoms. “In Time Magazine, they said I am a strongman. I’m not a strongman,” Duterte said in Filipino. “I have never sent anyone to jail for criticizing me,” he added. “You can criticize me or bullshit me to no end… You are my employer, I’m an employee. I’m just a government worker,” he said. Duterte said Filipinos continued to enjoy free speech, but said he would not let a foreigner criticize him in his own country. The President has attracted intense controversy for a bloody drug war and undiplomatic remarks since he took office in June 2016. The straight-talking former Davao mayor won by a landslide on the back of promises to tackle crime and corruption, and remains popular domestically for his hardline policies. However, President Duterte earned criticism from the international community and rights groups that say his policies amount to human rights abuses. “Filipinos have learned not to take the President literally with his colorful language but they have surely taken seriously the issues the President has espoused, such as the war on drugs and crime,” Roque said Friday. Roque said the drug problem is not only a Philippine concern but a global one. “It is a global burden and the Philippines’ war on drugs has been acknowledged by countries and leaders, including Indonesia, China, President Donald Trump and police leaders from other Southeast Asian countries,” Roque said. He said the President’s brand of justice strictly adheres to the rule of law where the dismantling of the drug apparatus ensures the proper investigation of all drug-related killings. In his piece in Time, Bremmer detailed the rise of strongmen and why it should be a cause for concern. With PNA

News

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fox seeks dismissal of deportation on May 25 AUSTRALIAN missionary nun Patricia Fox is not leaving the country without a fight. Fox has asked the immigration bureau to dismiss the deportation proceedings against her, as she argued that she had joined rallies as part of her tasks as a missionary. “Therefore, they are not political activities per se but also religious activities within the evangelization and missionary works of religious persons,” she said in a 26-page counter-affidavit which she submitted to the BI on Friday morning. She also filed a supplemental motion for reconsideration to ask the BI to reinstate her canceled missionary visa, arguing that the order violates her right to due process and prevented her from exercising her right to free expression. The BI has scheduled the 71-yearold Fox’s deportation on May 25 after President Rodrigo Duterte accused her of political activism that violates the rules of her visa. The Melbourne, Australian native arrived in the Philippines as a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, a congregation of nuns founded in France in 1847 and is reknown for hiding Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution in World War II. Fox, a former lawyer by profession before becoming a nun, said she has been educating landless Filipino farm hands and factory workers about their rights.

INC-led charity walk calls attention to poverty POVERTY, a problem that affects the whole world, requires worldwide action. This is the message that the Iglesia Ni Cristo hopes to emphasize in its second Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty, a charity walk that will be held simultaneously on May 6 in 358 sites in 44 different countries across 18 time zones. The joint effort of INC members across the globe is one of many international campaigns of the INC’s socio-civic programs under the leadership of INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo aimed to strengthen the bond between the congregations of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) and the communities in which they serve. The ﬁrst Worldwide Walk organized by the INC was held in 2014 and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest charity walk across multiple venues held in 24 hours, with 519,221 participants in 129 sites located in 16 countries. INC general auditor Glicerio B. Santos Jr. expects this record to be broken given that this year’s activity will have over double the sites, in twice as many countries, as the 2014 event. “More importantly––since voluntary contributions by INC members will go to the beneﬁciaries of the activity––a greater number of participants means that we will be able to raise more funds for the different livelihood, food and medical assistance programs the church has organized in impoverished communities around the world,” said Santos.

Ranking police officer killed in ambush A RANKING police officer was killed while his wife was wounded after motorcycle-riding assassins ambushed the couple in Antipolo City early morning Friday. Chief Supt Guillermo Eleazar, police director in Southern Tagalog, identified the fatality as lawyer Supt Ramy Tagnong, assigned at the legal affairs office at the Police Provincial Office-4A. Supt. Tagnong’s live-in partner Maria Angela Cabaltera Hadap, 36, survived the ambush but sustained three gunshot wounds on her back and one on the left arm from a still unknown caliber. Reports said the couple were on their way to Quiapo Church to hear the first Friday mass of the Black Nazarene when waylaid. Francisco Tuyay

FIGHTING NUN. Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox, accompanied by her lawyers, files a counter-affidavit after the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila ordered the cancellation of her missionary visa. Norman Cruz

NCRPO chief orders relief Of 11 cops for ‘extortion’ By Joel E. Zurbano and Francisco Tuyay

ETRO Manila police director Camilo Cascolan on Friday ordered the relief of 11 police personnel, including the station commander of the Quezon City Police District-Station 11 for alleged extortion.

Relieved were QCPD Station 11 chief Supt. Igmedio Bernaldez, Chief Insp. Erwin Guevarra; PO2 Noel Sanchez, PO2 Dennis Eria, PO1 Edward Ramos, PO1 Michael Eric Ramirez, PO1 Ray John Rodriguez, PO1 Gaudencio Escoton, PO1 Sepzon Suclad, PO1 Ryan Rodriguez and PO1 Leny Atma. The policemen were restricted to Camp Karingal headquarters pending the outcome of the investigation related to the robbery/extortion cases to be ﬁled against them. An administrative case will also be initiated by the District Investigation and Detection Management Division (DIDMD) against the arrested antidrug policemen of PS-11. If proven guilty, all the policemen mentioned will be subjected to dismissal proceedings. “The arrest of the policemen should serve as stern warning to all personnel who do not cease from their criminal

activities,” Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. said. “Bahagi pa rin ito ng patuloy na ginagawang internal cleansing ng PNP sa pamumuno ni Police Director General Oscar Albayalde at Police Director Camilo Cascolan,” Esquivel said. The policemen claimed that Lorenzo’s uncle, Flexis Jeffrey Soriano, 40, businessman and driver Efren Ferrer, 45, both from San Carlos City, Pangasinan were arrested for illegal drugs and illegal possession of ﬁrearm during a buy bust operation by the SDEU personnel of PS-11 on E. Rodriguez corner Tomas Morato, Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City. The suspects were brought to the Galas PS-11 where they were initially asked to hand over P200,000.00 in exchange for their release. The said amount was reportedly delivered by Lorenzo Soriano at around

9:20 a.m. inside the SDEU office where the former was told to wait outside for the release of his uncle. But at 4 p.m. of same the day, the arresting officers again demanded for an additional P100,000.00, prompting Lorenzo to seek police assistance. Acting on the complaint of Lorenzo, an entrapment operations was set by combined operatives of the District Intelligence Division, District Special Operations Unit and Special Reaction Unit leading to the arrest of the policemen inside PS-11 office. Cascolan earlier vowed not to tolerate any misdeeds of police officers and warned that chiefs of police will also suffer the consequence if they do not take full responsibility over their personnel. He also revealed that his office is currently investigating cases of police personnel involved in various irregularities. Last Tuesday, Cascolan also ordered the relief and the filing of criminal and administrative complaint against three policemen-brothers who confronted a man in his house following a traffic incident in Caloocan City. The policemen were identified as PO3 Ralph Soriano, assigned at the Northern Police District; and PO1s Rendel Soriano and Reniel Soriano, both members of the Drug Enforcement Group based in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

CHR condemns killing of young Catholic priest By Rio n. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights on Friday strongly condemned the brutal and brazen killing of a young Catholic priest— Fr. Mark Ventura, who was gunned down in broad daylight after ofﬁciating a Holy Mass in Gattaran, Cagayan. “We hope that this series of attacks against church workers who are doing important humanitarian work for the vulnerable sectors is not another form of harassment against human rights defenders,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said. “Regardless of faith, political

afﬁliations, and ideology, we are all human beings. We must appeal to our common humanity at all times and demand that all killings and forms of violence that harm our human rights be stopped,” she added. She reacted to the killing of Ventura, 37, in Cagayan last April 29, then to another slayings of Fr. Marcelito Paez, who was shot in Nueva Ecija on Dec. 4, 2017 after helping the release of a political prisoner, Apostolic Vicar of Jolo, Filipino Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, OMI, in 1997, Fr. Benjamin Inocencio in 2002 and Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Roda in 2009. “We must all work together and demand greater responsibility from the

government in ending impunity on all fronts and ensure that justice and the rule of law prevail towards upholding the dignity of all,” De Guia said. “And in this tough time, the Commission also offers its sympathies to the ﬂock, family, and friends of the late Fr. Ventura, as we pray for justice for his death,” she added. Ventura, known for his tribal rights advocacy and opposition to mining in Cagayan, was blessing children and talking to choir members when an unidentiﬁed gunman with a companion emerged in a motorcycle and shot him twice.

Sandiganbayan rejects appeal on Caris’ case THE Sandiganbayan’s Second Division has denied for ‘lack of merit’ the appeal of Ombudsman prosecutors to reconsider the dismissal of the charges ﬁled against Leyte Rep. Jose Carlos Cari and his mother, Baybay City Mayor Carmen Cari, in connection with the fertilizer fund scam. The Caris were earlier charged for the allegedly favoring a construction company in the bidding for the supply of P2.94 million worth of liquid fertilizers. “After taking a hard look at the motion for reconsideration, we found it to be without merit as they have been squarely addressed in their Consolidated Comment/ Opposition dated 22 September 2017 on the motion to dismiss [of the Caris],” the anti-graft court said in its a seven-page resolution dated April 30. The Caris were accused of violating violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act for allegedly favoring the Castle Rock Construction, among other bidders, for the supply the 600 gallons of foliar liquid fertilizers without public bidding. Maricel V. Cruz

SSS runs after erring firms in Dagupan City THE Social Security System conducted its second provincial leg of its intensiﬁed collection campaign against delinquent employers here today, May 4. Under its Run After Contribution Evaders Campaign, SSS posted Show Cause Orders to delinquent employers in Dagupan City reminding them of their responsibilities under the Social Security Act of 1997. SSS president and chief executive ofﬁcer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the six delinquent employers are guilty of non-remittance of SSS contributions of their employees and non-registration for SSS coverage. “These two are the most common violations of employers under the SSS Law. Despite continuous reminder of their responsibilities, there are still employers who willfully and deliberately evade their obligations under the law,” said Dooc.

2 cops caught driving colorum vans By Joel E. Zurbano THE Two police officers caught driving colorum vehicles during an operation conducted by the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic recently in southern Metro Manila, were ordered relieved. In response to the report from I-ACT chief Thomas Orbos, National Police director Oscar Albayalde ordered the immediate relief of Chief Insp. Juan Saldua Cipriano Jr. of the Southern Police District, and SPO4 Ronnie Arimbuyutan Druja of the Police - Aviation Security Group. Orbos said his men from I-ACT Task Force Kamao caught Cipriano and Druja driving unmarked vehicles disguised as passenger vans during simultaneous operations in cities of Pasay and Parañaque on April 26. He added that apart from driving colorum vehicles, the vans were also marked with stickers from the Office of the President. “The apprehension of police officers

who were moonlighting as drivers of colorum vans is truly unfortunate. They are supposed to be our partners in the anti-colorum effort, but they are the ones violating it,” Orbos said. The vehicles of the police officers have also been impounded by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Both Cipriano and Druja are confirmed to be in active police service. They are now in floating status at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Uni and will be placed under investigation by the Counter Intelligence Task Force of the PNP. Albayalde expressed his gratitude to the I-ACT team and to the Department of Transportation for not tolerating the misdeeds of his men. “I express my gratitude to the DOTr and rest assured that they have the full support and cooperation of the Philippine National Police on their anti- colorum efforts,” said Albayalde.

ADOPTED BROTHER. Philippine Constitution Association president and former Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez (left seated) flashes a President Rodrigo Duterte’s fist sign with Appoinment Secretary to the President Lizeth Marquez (center, seated), Philippine Navy Chaplain Father (Col.) Rey Victor Vigo (right seated) and officers of PMA Sambisig Class of 1991 during its fellowship night and adoption ceremony as new brother of PMA Class of 1991. Ver Noveno

Opinion

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

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Permanent ban vs deployment of Filipinos to Kuwait is right Sadly, the discovery of oil in Kuwait HAIL TO after World War II did nothing to civilize THE CHAIR the Kuwaitis of the late twentieth cenVICTOR tury and the present century. Although AVECILLA petro-dollars realized from petroleum exports made all Kuwaitis wealthy THE call of President Rodrigo Du- overnight, their wealth gave Kuwaitis terte for a permanent ban against the a sense of misplaced entitlement and a deployment of Filipino workers to Ku- lofty status over other peoples who were wait is good news. It’s about time the not so financially endowed. Kuwaitis Philippines ended the practice of send- may not have considered themselves ing gullible and desperate Filipinos to as privileged as the Europeans and the Kuwait for virtual slavery in the hands North Americans, but they came to look of inhumane Kuwaiti employers. Past down on Asians and Africans. presidents pledged to protect overseas When petroleum exporting countries Filipino workers, but to no avail. Only like Kuwait placed quotas on oil proPresident Duterte has made good on duction in the mid-1970s, economies of his promise to do so. many nations, the Philippines includBeing a desert, Kuwait has a very ed, were adversely affected. Many unhot climate allskilled Filipinos year round. There who could not obis no truth to the tain employment claim that since at home were enKuwait is a desert, ticed to seek work Almost all Filipino the nights there in the Middle are cold. That is domestic helpers East. Inevitably, true only if one working in Kuwait are recruitment agenlives in isolation hostages of their own cies mushroomed in the middle of in the Philippines, the desert itself. employers. offering desperNights in Kuwait ate Filipinos jobs City may be less with high wages in the Middle u ncom for t able East. compared to the days, but they are not cold. At first, reports about the maltreatMost homes and offices in Kuwait ment of Filipino domestic helpers in are air-conditioned, but the temperature the Middle East were minimal. By outside can cause nosebleeds. One can’t the 1980s, however, the figures were stay indoors all the time in Kuwait; one reaching alarming proportions. Filihas to travel under the sun every now pino domestic helpers were systematiand then. The exposure from extreme cally murdered, or abused enough for heat to extreme cold, and back, can cre- them to commit suicide. Others were ate a tremendous strain on one’s health. raped, and subjected to physical and In contrast, it is warm in the Philip- verbal abuse, starvation, and other pines only during the summer months. forms of inhumane treatment. Almost The summer heat in the Philippines is all of them are made to work under bearable, compared to the daily suntan miserable conditions. in Kuwait. There are many instances when The ancestors of today’s Kuwaitis they are made to work for more than were Arab desert bedouins who en- one household, and with very little gaged in the slave trade. These bed- time given to them for rest, and with ouins also kept slaves for their own barely enough food given to them. At personal use. According to bedouin times, the food is spoiled or suitable tradition, anyone outside the family only for animal feed. Many workers who took orders from family members went insane. Turn to A5 are slaves.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Her brothers’ keeper

VERY minute that Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo clings to her post, President Rodrigo Duterte sheds just a bit of credibility. This is a man who is so resolute to the point of alienating foreign governments and international organizations. When the President pronounces he is for a certain cause, there is no ambivalence. He sees it through even amid criticism. One such cause is doing away with officials—even, or especially, those he himself appointed—with so much as a whiff of corruption. Now an opportunity to show his resolve to minimize corruption in government presents itself. The Commission on Audit found that the government network, PTV 4, did not have

a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Tourism which made P60 million in advertisement placements to a blocktimer in the station. It is odd enough that the government network is hardly the best place in which to place a tourism commercial. But it turns out that the media outfit involved belongs to—surprise, surprise—Teo’s brothers. The Tulfo brothers have long made a name for themselves for their tough-as-nails approach to wrongdoing. They are self-styled advocates of good governance not only in public service but also in the conduct of private businesses involving ordinary citizens. Initially the secretary denied knowledge of the placements, a clear case of conflict of interest. Now the Tulfo camp is attacking the supposed “leak”— in an attempt to divert public attention from the real issue. The attempt fails. What

stands out is the hypocrisy. It does not matter who leaked the information. If Teo did not know of the transaction, then she is clueless and incompetent. If she knew about it and did not stop it, or if she even pushed it in the first place, then she is most dishonest and brazenly ill-equipped to be an alter ego of the President. Either way, she should go. Great challenges already hound the Tourism Department even without this recent scandal. The President should remember his own words about getting rid of officials who do the administration a disservice by staying put. It might be too much to expect Teo step down out of delicadeza. The secretary has shown by her very acts that the idea is foreign to her. Mr. Duterte should find himself a new Tourism Secretary lest the issue fester and erode the people’s trust in his word.

Resign or get fired of a comprehensive tourism plan for the country. Some weeks back, the Tourism Secretary was also criticized because of the cancelation of two important international events, the Madrid Fusion and the Street Food Expo. “ONE whiff of corruption and you’re The first was canceled allegedly beout!” is a warning often heard from cause Teo wanted to change the venue President Rodrigo Duterte addressed to one of her favorite places, as well to his appointees in the Executive De- as the event organizer from one that partment. He boasts of having removed has been used by the Madrid Fusion a number of high ranking officials and in previous years to another that the indeed, he has. However, some of them secretary uses. The organizers, underhave just been transferred to other posi- standably, did not agree to these, and tions after being asked to resign which the event was canceled. Some quarters were already quesbrings people to doubt the President’s sincerity in ridding his administration tioning the DoT’s motives for insisting on the changes. of corruption. And then here comes this P60Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo is in the middle of a controversy million controversy. It does not need involving a P60-million DoT advertis- a genius to determine that something is wrong, that at ing contract with the very least, People’s Telthere is clear conevision Network flict of interest in Inc., more popuwhat the DoT did larly known as Public ofﬁce is a whether or not the PTV4 and awardSecretary knows ed to Bitag Media public trust. or not. However, Unlimited Inc., it is highly doubtowned by Secreful that the head tary Teo’s brother of the department Ben Tulfo. BMUI runs the program “Kilos Pronto” daily would not know of a transaction of this magnitude that his/her office is a party hosted by the Tulfo brothers. The controversy surfaced when the to. If this is the case, his/her capacity Commission on Audit, in its audit re- to lead the agency comes into question. If indeed Teo only got to know of the port of PTV4, questioned the validity of the payments made because of the deal after the fact, she still would have absence of a Memorandum of Agree- known that the contract can easily be ment between PTV4 and Tulfo’s BMUI. questioned and she would be liable. As CoA has since required the submission head of the department, she still should of documents that will prove the legal- have taken steps to stop, or, at the very ity and validity of this particular trans- least insisted on NOT having his sibaction between DoT, PTNI, and BMUI. lings’ company/program as recipient Initially, Teo said she did not have any of the money. She did not—and so she knowledge of this deal. Eventually, should be taken to task. The choice of PTV4 to air adverhowever, she changed her statement and said that she came to know of the tisements meant to attract tourists to deal only after the contract had already the country is also being questioned because it is common knowledge that been signed. As expected, this issue exploded the station’s audience share leaves especially since the DoT has already much to be desired. “Why PTV4? been criticized because of the absence Turn to A5

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

Japanese kimono makers seek to revive declining industry By Natsuko Fukue AT A century-old workshop in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood, craftsman Yuichi Hirose brushes dye across meticulously hand-cut stencils laid on fabric, using a traditional technique to produce contemporary kimono patterns. Demand for the elaborate, elegant centrepiece of the Japanese wardrobe is in decline, but a handful of artisans and entrepreneurs like Hirose, 39, are trying to revive it. “The kimono has become something that is very far removed from our daily lives,” said Hirose, who joined his family business after university. He specializes in “Edo Komon”—a kimono pattern hand-dyed with a Japanese washi paper stencil, which dates

back to the Edo period between the 17th and late 19th centuries. It’s a deeply traditional craft that requires great skill to master, he said, “but we need to create something that is accepted in this modern time”. Hirose’s innovations include developing new designs to adorn the kimono, including tiny sharks or even skull motifs. Once a standard of the Japanese wardrobe, the kimono is now often a garment reserved for special occasions, such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women. They can be hugely expensive and women often hire experts to dress them because the outfit requires seemingly endless nipping, tucking and strapping. The modern kimono industry peaked in 1975 with a market size of 1.8 trillion

yen ($17 billion), according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. But by 2008 it had shrunk to 406.5 billion yen and further to just 278.5 billion yen in 2016, according to a survey conducted by Yano Research Institute. “There are many hurdles” to buying a kimono, said Takatoshi Yajima, vice chairman of the Japan kimono promotion association, and a kimono manufacturer. “It’s expensive. It’s difficult to wear. It’s too delicate to wash at home,” he said. Affordable and wearable “We need to make kimonos that are affordable and wearable. If we do that, I believe more young consumers will buy kimonos.” He has nearly doubled his number of customers in the past 15 years by selling Turn to A5

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Opinion

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Contractualization

The Neocatechumenal Way in Rome IN THE scripture reading for the fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells his disciples to keep his commandments, just as he had kept his Father’s commandments and remained in his love. He commands them to love one another as he has loved them. For there is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends. He considers those who keep his commandments his friends. The word love is most ubiquitous; it is the most common word that people hear. It is often the theme for songs, poems, books, letters, text messages and whathave-you. More than anything else it is a most noble sentiment. People learn to sacrifice for love. It gives people happiness and courage, to see beauty and remain positive even when in trouble. Often the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. As the cliché goes, love is a mystery; you never know where it will lead you. But as one pundit says, love is a fire. You do not know whether it will warm your hearth or burn your house. Often, we associate love with filial love or love of relatives; or erotic love or love associated with sexual desire or attraction. But in today’s gospel, Christ is inviting us to share a different kind of love—divine love. It is the kind of love that is only possible if the spirit of God dwells in us. In which case, it is no longer the human being that loves but Christ who dwells in him. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent her life tending to the sick, the disabled and the most destitute, or the so-called dregs of society. She spent her life in sacrifice without asking for anything in return. St. Maximillian Kolbe offered his life in place of a Nazi concentration camp prisoner. This noble souls loved unconditionally, to the point of giving their own life for others just as what Christ did for humanity. Christ is calling us ordinary mortals to do some impossible feat. Our human nature is inclined to self-preservation, selfishness, hatefulness and indifference. But as Christ said to his disciples, everything is possible with God. With Christ in us, we are capable of the most transcendent kind of love. We need not perform extraordinary feats to measure up to the love that Christ is commanding us to do. It is possible to attain this kind of love even in performing the most mundane of tasks, in doing the most ordinary deed in a most extraordinary way. The example of St. Therese of the Child Jesus inspires us to live each day with an unshakable confidence in God’s love. “What matters in life,” she wrote in her autobiography entitled Story of a Soul, “is not great deeds, but great love.” St. Therese wrote once, ‘You

Permanent... From A4

Almost all Filipino domestic helpers working in Kuwait are hostages of their own employers. Because their passports are confiscated from them upon their arrival on Kuwait, they are unable to leave their employment even when their personal safety is already at risk. Aside from the abuses Filipino domestic helpers are made to suffer in Kuwait and other countries in the Middle East, there is a social price they pay for their overseas employment. Many of these domestic workers are parents who have to leave behind their respective spouses and children in the Philippines for the duration of their stay abroad. More often than not, this unnatural arrangement —where lonely spouses are tempted to be unfaithful and under-supervised children turn to drug abuse for companionship—leads to broken families. At the end of the day, it is the nation’s social fabric that bears the brunt of these consequences.

Resign... From A4

Who watches PTV4?” are common questions among netizens. Teo’s legal counsel said on television that the Tulfo brothers’ show was chosen because of its high ratings. This was belied by netizens who posted Nielsen ratings of some public affairs shows and none among PTV4’s shows was even mentioned. They said that the ratings were so low that Nielsen did not bother to publish. Obviously, spending P60 million on the weakest TV station to promote tourism is a bad decision. Potential local tourists do not watch this channel and it is unrealistic to expect foreigners to be enticed to visit the country through programs they do not watch. Teo is a business person. Surely, she would not invest her own money on a losing proposition. What the DOT did was worse because it is the people’s money they wasted—some say, corrupted. The contract price was also scrutinized. It turned out that for 2017, the DOT spent

know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.” She lived and taught a spirituality of attending to everyone and everything well and with love. This week, I am in Rome, Italy, for a pilgrimage that is about love—of God and of neighbor. I am here with my wife and many other Filipinos who walk the Neo-Catechumenal Way, an itinerary of faith and adult Christian formation. As I have written in this column before, The Neocatechumenal Way began in Madrid, Spain in 1962 among the slum dwellers in Palomeras, Spain with Kiko Arguello and Carmen Hernandez. In 1968, 50 years ago, Kiko and Carmen moved to Rome to evangelize and establish communities in the eternal city and from here catechists were sent all over the world to invite Christians to walk this faith itinerary.

What matters in life, St. Therese wrote, is not great deeds, but great love.

Jesuit, Fr. Juan Andechaga S.J., parish priest at that time of Mary the Queen, which opened and accepted the way, Later on, Fr. Andechaga would himself become an itinerant priest catechizing communities in the Visayas. My wife and I walk in the second community of Mary the Queen and we are here in Rome with brothers and sisters from that community and other communities in the Philippines. We are here for an encounter with Pope Francis in Tor Vergata, just outside Rome, this Saturday, May 5, where the Neocatechumenal Way will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its arrival in Rome. It was also in Tor Vergata, where the World Youth Day was celebrated in 2000 during the pontificate of Saint Pope John Paul II. Some 150,000 people from around the world and from five continents will participate, including cardinals, bishops and other personalities. The meeting will also be a reason for thanksgiving for the love and fidelity of God in these years, Pope Francis will send 36 new missio ad gentes that, at the request of many other bishops, will evangelize in secularized areas or with little presence of the Church, in cities around the world. Pope Francis will also send 20 communities from the parishes of Rome— which have completed this Christian initiation—to others in the periphery of the city whose parish priests have requested their help to call those who are far from the faith. The meeting, which will conclude with the singing of Te Deum as thanksgiving for these 50 years, will be led by the international team of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello, Fr. Mario Pezzi and Ascensión Romero, who recently joined the team after the death of Carmen last July 19, 2016. Carmen will be remembered in a special way this Saturday, we are after all her catechumens. She was 85 years old when died at her family home in Madrid. Pope Francis described her life as one “marked by her love of Jesus and by a great missionary enthusiasm.” In a telegram to Kiko the pope expressed his spiritual closeness and affection to Hernandez’s family and all those who “appreciated her apostolic zeal,” saying “I give thanks to the Lord for the witness of this woman, animated by a sincere love for the church, who has spent her life in the announcement of the Good News in every place, as well as those far away, never forgetting the most marginalized people.” The pope encouraged “those who are part of the Neocatechumenal Way to keep her evangelizing eagerness alive, in an active communion with the bishops and priests, while exercising patience and mercy with all.”

Since then, in the last five decades, the Neocatechumenal Way has expanded to more than 120 countries. Inspired from the catechumenate of the early Catholic Church, by which converts from paganism had to undergo some form of initiation before baptism, the Way post-baptismal formation to adults who are already members of the Church. It is an itinerary of Christian formation to discover once again our baptism. Presently, it runs more than 100 seminaries in many regions which has produced around 2,000 priests for the Church and is sending hundreds of “families in mission,” to live in many cities around the World in order to proclaim and be witnesses to the Gospel. A Redemptoris Mater seminary was founded in the Philippine and its current rector is Fr. Paolo Benetton, an Italian priest. It has both Filipino and foreign seminarians, all of whom discovered their vocation through the Neocatechumenal Way. I tutor these seminarians in philosophy and I can attest to their passion to become servants of the Lord. It was in 1975 that the Neocatechumenal Way reached the Philippines through a Spanish team composed of Fr. Miguel Suarez S.J., Gregorio Sacristan and Virginia Bacyens. The first parish that accepted the way in the Philippines was the Jesuit parish of Mary the Facebook: Antonio La Vina or tonyQueen in Greenhill, San Juan. It was a lavs2 Twitter: tonylavs By the 1990s and on to the first decade of the21st century, Filipino domestic helpers were getting systematically maltreated by their Arab employers in the Middle East. The term “maltreatment” is stating the problem mildly because they were treated as virtual slaves. The slave treatment consisted of murder, rape and sexual assault, physical abuse, starvation, miserable working conditions, and other instances of inhumane treatment. In many instances, the domestic helpers are made to work for numerous households, with very little time for rest. Many workers go insane, for obvious reasons. Employers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were the most notorious in the maltreatment of Filipino domestic helpers. Past attempts to stop the deployment of Filipino domestic helpers to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in particular, have been abject failures. Influential recruitment agencies in the Philippines have always lobbied, openly and clandestinely, against any deployment ban. These recruitment agencies make mil-

lions of pesos every month sending gullible and desperate Filipinos to slavery in Kuwait and other destinations in the Middle East. The bulk of that money comes, not from the employer, but from the numerous fees the Filipino worker has to pay the recruitment agency for the “opportunity” to be a slave of an Arab master. The saddest cut of all is that the money paid to the recruitment agency is often borrowed by the Filipino domestic worker, usually from usurious creditors. At the end of the day, it’s a lose-all proposition for the Filipino domestic helper—an arrangement that influential recruitment agencies in the Philippines have millions of reasons to sustain and defend. So far, only Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines favor the continued deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait, despite the compelling reasons against it. Fortunately, President Duterte has made the deployment ban permanent. It’s for the good of the country.

the following for advertisement placement: for ABS-CBN and GMA, P11.5 million each; CNN Philippines–P20 million; CNN–P51 million; Discovery–P51 million; and BBC–P51 million. The top grosser was PTV4 for the amount of P60 million. GMA and ABS-CBN, the homes of local TV shows that dominate the ratings game, only received less than half (P23 million combined) of what PTV4 received from DoT for ad placements in 2017. Also quite interesting is the fact that PTV4 also received more DoT business than international networks CNN, Discovery, and BBC. Sobra-sobra ang bilib ng DoT sa PTV4. At lalong sobra ang bilib ng DoT sa TV show ng mga kapatid ng Secretary sa PTV4. It appears that Teo likes to have her family at her side as she does her job as a public servant. It has been reported that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, an agency under the DoT and also headed by the Secretary, also has as Director, the Secretary’s husband, Roberto Teo. Director Teo is part of all TIEZA

committees namely Audit, of which he is chairperson; Infrastructure, Finance, Human Resource, Tourism Enterprise Zone, and Governance Committees. The conflict of interest continues. No wonder, people are calling for Secretary Tulfo-Teo’s resignation. President Duterte’s “one whiff of corruption and you’re out” line should be applied here if Teo does not resign. However, what we have so far is Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s statement that the President will let go of his appointees if they are proven to be corrupt. This is not the same as what Duterte said. Public office is a public trust. How can the Filipino public trust this Tourism Secretary who wastes people’s money, operates the department like a family business without any regard for decency and accountability? With all these, it appears that Teo only has two options, resign or get fired. bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

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by the law of supply and demand. The lesser demand for labor results in lesser production work, and this could lead to retrenchment. Unemployment increases the instinct to survive, and workers badly in need of employment would THE problem of contractualization can- settle for lower wages with the less not be resolved by issuing an executive fortunate ending up as underemployed order or by legislating to prohibit indi- working less than eight hours a day and rect hiring to subvert the security of ten- earning far below the minimum wage. My contention is that wage reduction ure of the workers. Instead it is by understanding the basic laws in economics is far better than unemployment. For that necessitate employers to resort instance, administration of US Presito the illegal practice of hiring work- dent Franklin Roosevelt, created the ers supplied by labor traders who style Work Progress Administration (WPA) to purposely employ a great number of themselves as employment agencies. Forcing employers to comply with workers who were displaced during the the sacred labor right of security of ten- Great Depression that lingered on up ure will not solve the problem. Some to 1940s. It is said that WPA financed will comply to avoid penalty, but those variety of projects such as hospitals, could no longer bear the financial bur- schools and roads and employed more den of sustaining high wages will have than 8.5 million workers who built to close down their business establish- 650,000 miles of highways and roads, ment. This has become apparent after 125,000 public buildings as well as the value of the peso was made flexible bridges, reservoirs, irrigation systems, that it affected the cost of wage and ma- parks, playgrounds and so on. Today, the same tested methodology in terials. Even if retrenchment is allowed by the Labor Code, just the same it is running the economy based on securing costly to some companies struggling to the right of the worker to employment insurvive. It is not only project employ- stead of securing their security of tenure is being observed ees, seasonal planby China. China’s tation workers and decision not to reexport-dependent value the yuan is industries, but mutually benefipractically all are It’s more an cial to business and affected. to employment. Whether pay- economic than a legal It is beneficial to ment for the work- problem. business because ers is the result of it allowed them to retrenchment, of sell their goods at illegal terminacompetitive prices tion or of legal in the international services to defend a case before the Labor Arbiter and the market. It is also beneficial to the workcorruption that is entailed in the liti- ers because the door is always open for gation of cases, just the same they are employment. Through wages was relatively low financial expenses which otherwise could be allocated to productive use. compared to their neighbors in Asia, We cannot continue with this method at least China was not burdened in just to satisfy the demand in securing sustaining a vast number of idle labor force. China set its goal in increasing the tenure of the workers. We have to come out with a win-win production and exports than in increassolution that is acceptable to both the ing the wage of the workers. Today, employers and the workers. We have Chinese workers reap the fruits of to look at employment not from the shared prosperity with their country standpoint of hiring workers to produce producing more than 50 percent of the commodities that in turn will have to world’s manufactured goods. Likewise, it is a myth to say that our be sold for profit, but to examine the nature of employment, that is affected workers leave the country in search of by the boom-and-bust cycle. This is employment opportunities abroad. Takwhat Marx called the “irreconcilable ing that myth at its face is to humiliate contradiction” in the capitalist system. ourselves as one not being able to provide But like it or not, this contradiction has employment to our people. The truth beoutlived Marx’s own prediction behind the hegira of most of our workers is cause every now and then, we come out that after six months of being employed, with palliative solutions to give capital- their contract is terminated only to be rehired later. If ever they are rehired, they ism an added lease in life. Only by accepting this stark reality would be receiving the same amount of about the nature of business and the in- wage without a chance of earning above divisibility in hiring workers to produce the minimum wage. That today is a de goods can we come out with a formula ac- facto form of slavery. It is this bleak prospect why they are ceptable to the workers and to the employers. While security of tenure is accepted forced to leave. This is particularly true as the lifeline to the workers’ survival, to our skilled workers. As contractual wages have to be adjusted to ensure sure workers, many of them fail to remit their monthly contribution to the SSS, that their employment remains available. Wages have to be adjusted to allow PhilHealth, ECC, Pag-IBIG and are debusiness to overcome the stormy seas nied whatever retirement benefit they they navigate. Employees may suffer should enjoy. All these is the result of from reduced income but employers suf- their being contractual workers. fer from less profit, if not loss in capital. Many overseas workers gamble It is only through their joint effort can their luck as contractual workers they hurdle the economic crisis. abroad for as they say, they earn far The monetarist’s trick of revaluing or above the minimum wage. If fortune devaluing the currency to allow the fi- favors them, they can be made permanance oligarchy to constantly reap prof- nent that even if they will do a backit is one factor not understood by many. breaking job for just ten years, they China, at one point, refused to revalue have the greater chance of sending its currency for fear that increasing the their children to college, owning a devalue of the yuan would automatically cent home for their family if not, invite force it to increase wages to invariably them abroad which no employer here affect the prices of their exports. In could offer. In other words, overseas that, the Chinese saw the problem from employment has nothing to do with an aggregate perspective. employment per se but for the lack of Taking this as a lesson, our workers assurance to their employment. should accept the possibility that wages, like commodities, are also affected rpkapunan@gmail.com

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Japanese... From A4

more kimonos under the 100,000-yen ($930) price tag, well below the many thousands of dollars a high-end piece can cost. “The industry will grow if we can create a market in which as many people as possible will buy a kimono,” he said. A complete kimono outfit starts with an undergarment known as a nagajuban, over which the kimono is layered, held in place with a thick obi belt and string. The outfit is completed with tabi, anklehigh white socks divided at the big toe to allow feet to slip into thick-soled sandals called zori. But beyond the basic framework, designer Jotaro Saito says there should be room for experimentation. “What’s fabulous, what’s unfashionable and what’s cool change every year. It’s wrong that kimonos don’t change even if everything else is changing,” said the Kyoto-based designer, whose work has been worn by American singer Lady Gaga. “Kimonos are not something old. Wearing a kimono is the coolest and the most fun thing.” At Tokyo fashion week in March, Saito, who calls himself “a risk taker,” showcased kimonos for men and women, mixing traditional and unconventional motifs and colours. “I want to present kimonos as a wardrobe in which people can truly feel joy,” he said. An honor to wear And while demand for kimonos is falling among Japanese, services renting the garments to foreign visitors are booming. Interest is expected to expand, according to the Yano Research Institute, with more tourists visiting Japan and looking for cul-

tural experiences. Kahori Ochi serves around 500 foreign tourists a year at her kimono rental store in the trendy Harajuku area of Tokyo. They pay around 9,000 yen ($80) to be dressed in a kimono worth about 300,000 ($2,750) yen. “Kimono is a piece of Japanese culture. I really wanted to experience that,” said Ruby Francisco, a Dutch tourist who rented a pale green kimono at Ochi’s shop. “It’s special. It’s like an honor to wear,” the 33-year-old said, adding that she would post photos of herself in the kimono on social media to show her friends. Ochi’s mother ran a shop selling highend kimonos, but she didn’t expect to follow in her footsteps. “My mother told me the kimono business is risky and volatile,” she said, adding that her mother’s shop struggled after the bubble economy ended in the early 1990s. “I used to think kimonos were not cool and practical.” But Ochi changed her mind after spending a summer in Norway, where people complimented her kimono. She decided to join her mother’s shop, but being the owner’s daughter came with no privileges. “She said ‘no salary for you,’” Ochi laughed, recalling her mother’s surprise at her sudden interest in the industry. But now, she says, business is booming and she expects the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will drive new demand as tourists flock to Japan. “But my goal is not to expand the business,” she added. “I hope to meet more people who want to understand Japanese culture.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

violation of a law or ordinance.

TODAY

Government Legal Counsel

SECTION 10. Documentary Requirements - The claimant shall submit the following documents: a) Letter request for reimbursement of medical expenses; COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS INTRAMUROS, MANILA IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTION SERVICE REFORM ACT - COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND ASSESSMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS” x---------------------------------------------x

Parreño, A.A., Guia, L.T.F., Guanzon.,M.R.A.V., Abas., S.M.

b) Medical Certificate by the attending physician stating the nature and cause of illness or injury and/ or medical abstract; Acting Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

Laboratory examinations and results;

d) Doctor’s prescription/ s; e) Statement of Account issued by the hospital’s Chief Accountant;

Promulgated on May 2, 2018 RESOLUTION NO.____________ WHEREAS, then President Benigno S. Aquino III approved on April 8, 2016 Republic Act No. 10756 entitled “An Act Rendering Election Service Non-Compulsory for Public School Teachers, Authorizing the Appointment of Other Qualified Citizens, Providing for Compensation and Other Benefits”; WHEREAS, Sec. 13 of said law states that, “Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Commission with the assistance of the DepED, Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Justice, National Teacher Organizations, Election Monitoring Organizations and such other civil society organizations as may be determined by the Commission shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act”; WHEREAS, on September 5, 2017, the Commission promulgated Resolution No. 10194 entitled “In The Matter of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10756, Otherwise Known as the “Election Service Reform Act”; WHEREAS, Sec. 20 of the said IRR provides that, “Claims for other benefits shall be filed with the Committee on Claims and Assessment (CCA) through the EO. The CCA shall be composed mainly of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Law Department, Personnel Department and Finance Services Department. Upon the constitution of the CCA, it shall promulgate its rules and regulations within thirty (30) days.”; and NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Bilang 881) and other relevant election laws, RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to APPROVE the following: COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND ASSESSMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS These Rules and Regulations shall apply to the claims of persons who rendered election service, who suffered/experienced election-related risk as defined in Republic Act No. 10756 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (COMELEC Resolution No. 10194) RULE I THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND ASSESSMENT (CCA) SECTION 1. Composition. - The CCA shall be composed of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations as its Head, and the Law Department, Personnel Department, Finance Services Department, and the Internal Audit as its Members. RULE II

Original official receipts;

g) Original Certification of the Election Officer that the claimant actually served or rendered election-related service;

Brief narration of the circumstances of injury.

SECTION 11. Duties of the CCA. - Upon receipt of the claim, together with all its supporting documents, the CCA shall immediately proceed to its evaluation. In case the supporting documents are incomplete, the CCA shall not automatically deny or dismiss the claim. Instead, a Notice of Incomplete Documents shall be sent to the claimant. The notice shall specify the lacking documents and emphasize that the same must be submitted to the CCA within ten (10) days from receipt thereof, otherwise the claim shall be dismissed. In case the lacking requirements are filed with the OEO, the EO shall endorse the same to the CCA within three (3) days from receipt thereof. The submission of the lacking documents with the OEO shall suspend the running of the ten (10) day period provided above. SECTION 12. Decision on the Request - Within thirty (30) days from receipt of the claim, the CCA, shall issue a decision in writing, either granting or denying the claim and stating the reasons thereon. In case of incomplete documents, the thirty (30) day period shall commence from receipt of the lacking documents. SECTION 13. Approval or Disapproval on the Request / Request for Reconsideration. - The decision of the CCA shall be furnished to the claimant within twenty-four (24) hours from rendition thereof. a) In case of approval, the amount to be reimbursed shall be released to the claimant by the CCA within seven (7) days from its receipt of the decision, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA). b) In case of disapproval of the claim, the claimant shall be allowed to request for reconsideration within ten (10) days from receipt of the decision of the CCA only once to the Commission En Banc. However, a request for reconsideration shall only be entertained on the basis of new evidence, in the absence of which, the request for reconsideration shall be dismissed outright. c) The decision/resolution of the Commission En Banc is immediately final and executory. If the request for reconsideration is granted, the procedure mentioned in letter (a) above shall apply. SECTION 14. Availment - The grant of financial assistance provided under this Rule can only be availed of once (1) per service period, which shall include, special election, plebiscite, initiative and recall.

SECTION 2. Coverage - Claims under these rules and regulations shall start upon the issuance of the appointment by the Commission to render election related service. RULE III DEATH BENEFITS AND/OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ELECTION-RELATED RISKS SECTION 3. Where to File Claims. - Claims for death and/ or medical assistance for election-related risks or other benefits shall be filed with the CCA through the Office of the Election Officer (OEO). SECTION 4. When to File Claims - Claims for death benefits or medical assistance shall be filed within sixty (60) days after confinement and/or hospitalization, occurrence of injury/illness, or death of the person rendering election-related service. The OEO shall endorse the same to the CCA within three (3) days from receipt thereof. The filing of the claim with the OEO shall suspend the running of the sixty (60) day period provided above. SECTION 5. Who may File Death Claims. - Claims for death benefits may be filed by anyone in behalf of the Beneficiary.

RULE IV

The administrative, civil or criminal case arose from the performance of the claimant’s election-related service;

The case is filed before any court or those under the supervision of the Supreme Court; and

The claim is filed with the respective agency / ies of the claimant/ s or with the Commission in case of private persons.

SECTION 16. Eligible legal expenses - Eligible legal expenses shall be claimed and be limited to the following types and amount of expenses per case and can only be availed of once:

Spouse

Legitimate child of legal age

Legitimate parents

Legitimate brothers/ sisters

Legitimate grandparents/ grandchildren

Type of Expense

Maximum Amount Inclusive of Taxes

Claimant

Bail bond

Payment of bond premiums. No reimbursement of cash bond shall be allowed

Claimant

Transportation expenses for every hearing, appearance, meeting or conference with the claimant’s lawyer

SECTION 7. Documentary Requirements. - The beneficiaries mentioned in the preceding sub-section are required to submit the following documents to the CCA: Claimant

b. Death Certificate; c. Specific civil registry document/ s from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) depending on who the beneficiary is: 1.

Spouse - Original or certified true copy of the marriage contract with official receipt;

Legitimate child of legal age - Original or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth with official receipt;

Legitimate parents - Original or certified true copies of the certificates of live birth of the deceased person and the person/ s filing the claim with official receipts;

Legitimate brothers/sisters - Original or certified true copies of the certificates of live birth of the deceased person and person/s filing the claim with official receipts;

Legitimate grandparents/grandchildren - Original or certified true copies of the certificates of live birth of the parents of the deceased person, the deceased person, and the person/s filing the claim with official receipts.

If the surviving heir is a minor legitimate child - Original or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth with official receipt and Original or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth with official receipt of the Guardian. d. Original Certification of the Election Officer that the deceased person actually served or rendered election-related service; e. Original Hospital Certification or Original Police Report indicating that the cause of death is due to election-related risk; and Brief narration of the circumstances of death.

SECTION 8. Medical Claims. - Evaluation of medical claim shall strictly depend on the diagnosis and prescription of the attending physician vis-a-vis the procedures undertaken, medicines and supporting documents submitted by the claimant. SECTION 9. Exclusion on the Grant of Medical Assistance. - No reimbursement shall be allowed if the injury or illness suffered by the person who rendered election-related service is due to either of the following: a) Gross or contributory negligence which is determined to be the proximate cause of the illness or injury; or

Amount authorized for Special Counsel Allowance under the General Provisions of the annual GAA

The maximum allowable amounts abovementioned shall be applied per case, and consolidated cases shall be considered as one case. The claimant/ s shall be required to execute the deed of undertaking that they will return the amounts granted to them by the Board when they are found guilty by final judgment by the Court in relation to the offense charged. The claimant may engage a private or government legal counsel, subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations. The claim shall be in a form of cash advance or reimbursement for legal expenses incurred by qualified claimants in relation to their court defense. The claim in the form of cash advances may only be granted to incumbent personnel for transportation expenses to be supported by a Directive indicating the duration of the travel and the authorized travel allowance to be granted. All other authorized legal expenses shall be on a reimbursement basis. SECTION 17. Procedure - The claimant/ s (private individuals) shall file their respective claims with the CCA. 1.

The CCA shall examine, review, verify, and validate the authenticity of the documents presented by the claimant/ s.

Upon finding that all the requirements have been duly complied with and that all the necessary documents submitted are complete and genuine, the CCA shall approve the claim, otherwise, it shall require completion of documents or deny the same.

3. The CCA shall submit its decision to the Commission En Banc for resolution. Upon approval by the Commission En Banc, the CCA shall order the processing of claims and the subsequent release of funds for the approved claims.

SECTION 18. Documentary Requirements - Claims for legal assistance and indemnification shall be subject to the submission of the following documents: 1. Letter request; 2. Original Certification of the Election Officer that the claimant actually served or rendered election-related service; 3. Copy of the complaint;

Payee

If the surviving heir is a minor legitimate child, claims for death benefit may be done if represented by the minor’s lawful guardian, preferably the guardian appointed by the Court, if any, or if there is none, any guardian as referred under the Civil Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws.

a. Letter request for death benefit;

Appearance Fee

All legal expenses in excess of those, and not included above, shall not be allowed.

4. 1.

SECTION 6. Who may Claim Death Claims. - Claims for death benefits may be done by any of the following beneficiaries in the order of their hierarchy: a.

Government Legal Counsel

LEGAL INDEMNIFICATION, LEGAL ASSISTANCE, LAWYER’S FEES, LEGAL COSTS AND PROCEDURE SECTION 15. Requirements - Claims for legal indemnification, legal assistance, Lawyer’s fees, and legal costs be availed of with the concurrence of the following requirements:

For transportation expenses, the amount supported by receipts and subject to the following: (i) travel authority by the head of agency or his duly authorized representative; (ii) for meetings and conferences, limited to four (4) in a month; and (iii) compliance with accounting and auditing rules and regulations. For Other Travel Expenses, those provided under EO No. 248,s. 1995 (Prescribing Rules and Regulations and New Rates of Allowances For Official Local and Foreign Travels Of Government Personnel), and any amendments and guidelines thereto.

h) Original Hospital Certification or Original Police Report indicating that the cause of the injury is due to election-related risk; and

COVERAGE OF CLAIMS

Transportation and other travel expenses for every hearing or appearance before any court and for interviews with client or preparation of documents

Expenses for photocopying of documents, required certifications, and transcript of stenographic notes

Amount, supported by receipts and subject to the following: (i) travel authority by the head of agency or his duly authorized representative; (ii) for meetings and conferences, limited to four (4) in a month; and (iii) compliance with accounting and auditing rules and regulations. Photocopying expenses shall be based on the actual amount incurred while the other expenses shall be based on the prescribed legal fees under Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, as amended, but not to exceed a total amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000) for every case.

Claimant

Fees to be paid to private counsel for the preparation or filing of pleadings and/or motions, excluding Motions to Reset Hearing and for Extension of Time

Total amount not to exceed Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000) per case

Claimant

Acceptance and/or attorney’s fee to be paid to private counsel

Total amount not to exceed Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000) per case

Appearance fee to be paid to private counsel for every hearing appearance before a court

Amount based on the prescribed minimum rates of the local Integrated Bard of the Philippines (IBP) chapter, or if not available, the rates of the nearest IBP chapter where the case is being heard or tried. If the IBP rates are not available, the appearance fee shall not be more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) per hearing.

Claimant

4. Copy of the subpoena/notice/ summons; and 5. The following applicable additional documents: Type of Expense

Supporting Documents

A. To be paid to Claimant 1. Bail bond

Proof of payment of bond premiums

2. Transportation (for every hearing, appearance, meeting or conference with the claimant’s lawyer)

(1)

(2)

(3)

Travel authority by the head of agency or his duly authorized representative Proof/certification of attendance to hearing/ appearance/ meeting/ conference with the lawyer, limited to four in a month Corresponding Official Receipts (ORs)

3. Photocopying of documents, required certifications and transcript of stenographic notes

Official Receipts (ORs)

4. Fees to be paid to private counsel for the preparation of filing of pleadings and/ or motions

Official Receipts (ORs)

Acceptance and/ or attorney’s fee to be paid to private counsel

Official Receipts (ORs)

6. Acceptance fee to be paid to private counsel for every hearing or appearance before a court

Official Receipts (ORs)

B. To be paid to Government Legal Counsel 7. Transportation and other travel expenses for every hearing or appearance before any court and for interviews with client or prepara tion of documents

(1) Travel authority by the head of agency or his duly authorized representative (2) Proof/certification of attendance to hearing/ appearance / meeting/ conference with the lawyer, limited to four in a month (3) Corresponding Official Receipts (ORs)

8.Appearance fee

Approved Office Order

RULE V EFFECTIVITY AND PUBLICATION SECTION 19. Effectivity. - This resolution shall take effect immediately upon publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. The Education and Information Department of the Commission shall cause the publication of this Resolution in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

AL A. PARREÑO Acting Chairman

LUIE TITO F. GUIA Commissioner

MARIA ROWENA AMELIA V. GUANZON Commissioner

SHERIFF M. ABAS Commissioner

b) Direct or indirect participation in the commission of a crime or (MS-MAY 5, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Cavaliers, Celtics take 2-0 leads L

OS ANGELES—LeBron James scored 43 points as the Cleve- extended their post-season dominance of the Raptors. land Cavaliers powered to a 128-110 victory over the Toronto “This was a complete team effort,” Raptors on Thursday to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their James said. “It’s a big win for us.” But even as Love impressed, James NBA second-round playoff series. The Cavs, who broke Raptors hearts with a 113-112 overtime triumph on Tuesday, may well have broken their spirit as they won a second straight game at Air Canada Centre, putting themselves in position to sweep Toronto for a second straight year when the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series shifts to Cleveland on Saturday. In Boston, the Celtics seized a 2-0 lead in their series against Philadelphia, roaring back from a 22-point second-quarter deficit to triumph 108-103. Jayson Tatum scored 21 points to lead six Boston players in double figures as the Celtics remained unbeaten on their home floor in these playoffs. The 76ers will try to right the ship as the series shifts to Philadelphia for games three and four, but the Celtics

have never lost a best-of-seven series in which the led 2-0. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, head home with a chance to sweep the Raptors for a second straight year. “We’ve got to continue to keep our guards up and continue to push,” cautioned James, whose 14 assists matched his career playoff high. He notched his 23rd playoff game with at least 40 points and his fourth so far this post-season. Kevin Love, averaging less than 11 points per game this post-season, emerged from his offensive slump to added 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs. JR Smith scored 15, George Hill chipped in 13 and Jeff Green came off the bench to contribute 14 as the Cavs

dazzled, confounding Toronto with an array of turnaround jump shots. “This’ll be my fourth year here, I don’t know if I’d seen that out of him,” Love said. The Raptors, who earned the top seed in the East for the first time in franchise history as Cleveland struggled to find consistency throughout the regular season, insisted they can still make it a series. “We thrive on adversity,” said DeMar DeRozan. “We’ve been in tough situations before and sometimes when you’re put in tough situations that’s what brings the best out of you. “We understand where we’re at,” he added. “We’re going to fight.” The Cavs, trailing by two at halftime, eviscerated the Raptors in the third quarter, opening the second half

on an 8-0 scoring run to seize a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. James and Love combined for 24 of Cleveland’s 37 points in the period— matching Toronto’s third quarter total. DeRozan paced the Raptors with 24 points and Kyle Lowry added 21. But the Raptors had no answer for Cleveland in the second half. “We need more effort, way more effort,” Lowry said. “We’ve got to play harder.” ‘Never say die’ The 76ers, coming off a lacklustre game one loss in Boston, got off to a fast start against the Celtics, but as so often in the regular season they couldn’t hold onto their lead. JJ Redick led Philadelphia with 23 points. Robert Covington added 22 points and nine rebounds. Joel Embiid finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds but star rookie Ben Simmons missed all four shots he took as he scored just one point in 31 minutes. AFP

Jeson, Marian target no. 3 in PPS Open tilt JESON Patrombon and Marian Capadocia seek to sustain their win run as they gun for a third straight victory in the PPS-PEPP Pinamalayan Open Tennis Championships unfolding today (Saturday, May 5) at the Bahaghari Tennis Club in Oriental Mindoro. The in-form duo bested the cream of the crop to rule their respective sides in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Mac’s Crankit Open at the PCA courts last week that came on the heels of their title romps in the Brookside Open in Cainta last month. That should make them the players to beat in the week-long event sponsored by Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. in partnership with the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro with board member Butch Buenaventura as event coordinator. “Though they both settled for lower ranking, Jeson and Marian should be the marked players owing to their form. But we expect the likes of (Johnny) Arcilla and (Khim) to step up and foil the duo’s bid in this week’s championship also held as part of the Pinamalayan Festival celebration,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Arcilla, who failed to reach past the semis in the Brookside Open and bowed to Patrombon in the Crankit Open finals, is out to redeem himself as he takes the top seeding in the men’s singles with Patrombon at No. 2 and reigning PCA Open winner Bryan Otico, Vicente Anasta, Fritz Verdad, Noel Damian, Dheo Talatayod and Mark Alcoseba taking the next six rankings in the 32-man draw. Iglupas is also eager to make up for her heartbreaker of a loss, 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5), to Capadocia last week as she gains the top seeding in the women’s singles that also features second seed Aileen Rogan and No. 3 Patricia Velez, with the back-to-back champion at No. 4 in the 16-player draw. At stake is P30,000 and P20,000 to the winners in the men’s and women’s singles with Patrombon and Capadocia also teaming up in the mixed doubles offering P20,000 to the champion. For details, call PPS Sports Program Development director and event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Best Center goes to Pangasinan, Cebu, Lucena City YOUTH basketball activities heat up in three provinces beginning tomorrow as the Best Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center) brings its multi-awarded sports clinics to Pangasinan, Cebu and Lucena City. The clinics will be from May 7 to 12 with the Divine Word Academy offering classes in Preparatory Level, Levels 1, 2 and 3. Organizer Sonny de Jesus can be reached through telephones 0915906-3915 and 0925-802-1274. Also on May 7-12, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Avenue Campus in Cebu City will host students in Preparatory Level, and in Levels 1, 2 and 3. Organizer is Rico Navarro (0908-818-7747, 0923-342-8193 and 0923-534-0030). The Lucena City clinics will be at the Iñigo Sports Complex. They will be for students in Preparatory Level and Levels 1, 2 and 3. Organizer is Ompong Segura (0927492-4516, 0917-816-1106 and 0929 598 7399).

Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors in Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. AFP

Bayking captures 3 titles in Cebuana tennis BLISS Bayking, fresh from her triple victories in the previous leg in Maasin, Leyte, led the winners anew at the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series leg in Bais City, winning again two individual titles and sharing a doubles’ title to add to her collection. A native of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, Bayking made short work of Cebu City bet Pherl Bless Coderos, 6-2, 6-0, for the girls’ 16-under crown and followed it up with another 6-1, 6-2 win over Sunzel Faith Callao from Tayasan, Negros Oriental to take the 18-under title. She then teamed up with Shedel Aighey Gica to beat the tandem of Callao and Mariepol Lacpao, 8-1, in the finals of

the girls’ 18-under doubles. Another double winner in the tournament backed by Dunlop as the official ball was new face Venz Louise Alforque from Naga City, Cebu as he ruled the boys’ 16-under age group , with an easy 6-1, 6-3 romp over Lex Estillore from Zamboanga del Sur. Together with partner Cesar Kristofer Salimbangon, they beat the duo of Ashton Benne Villanueva and Estillore, 8-3, for the boys’ 18-under crown. “What we are seeing is a mix of old faces and new ones as winners in this ongoing series show that there are a lot of potential talents in the provinces just waiting to be discovered,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier Group that has been

bankrolling the 12-year-old grassroots tennis developmental program. Cebu City’s Marc Nicole Suson, meanwhile, reclaimed the boys’ 18- under title after losing in the finals to Stephen Zion Guia in the previous Maasin leg. This time, Suson swept aside Alforque, 6-2, 6-1, in the championship match. Salimbangon ruled the boys’ 14-under, prevailing over Randy Tatoy from Dumaguete City, 6-4, 6-2, while Jonathan Mitch Largo from Naga City, Cebu emerged champion in the boys’ 12-under following a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Douglas Maravillas from Asturias, Cebu with the winners awarded by Cebuana Lhuillier Branch manager John Peter Diago and Customer Relations Assistant Erleen Joy Martinez.

Akbai, Bidba youth duckpin bowlers prevail AKBAI’S Lance Oasay and BIDBA’s Pauline Makabuhay bagged the Youth duckpin bowling titles in the ongoing PHIDBC National Grand and Youth Championships at the Marketplace Center along Kalentong St., Mandaluyong City. Oasay finished ahead of teammates Jeffri Cuartero and Mark Luis Salazar in Youth

Bracket A while Makabuhay beat AKBAI’s Bryan Dale Maglaque (AKBAI) and Andrei Aleira (D’Friendly) in the Youth Junior event. According to PHIDBC president Inez Magbual, the well-attended tournament will end tomorrow. Still up for grabs are top prizes in team, singles and senior competition.

The leading scorers so far are: Ladies’ team—D’Friendly Bellers (964), Mandtiger NBI (946), D’Friendly Chix (940), BIDBA-Athena (933). Men’s team—BIDBA Kelsey (1125), D’Friendly Gold (1058), Mandtiger Gem (1057), Mandaluyong Tiger-Donna (1029), PDBA-Monette/Robert (1027). Men’s singles—Floyd San

Jose, BIDBA (400), Jess Callanta, CADBA (397), Allen Alarcon, UPDBC (394), Joseph Simon, D’Friendly (393), Bobby Bilbao, UPDBC (387). Ladies’ team—Gemma Alcira, D’Friendly (411), Nitz Conje, Mandtiger (388), Beth dela Pena, D’Friendly (383), Judith Clemente, UDBC (360), Groovee Gruba, UPDBC (360)

Solid start for McIlroy at Wells Fargo Championship MIAMI—Rory McIlroy is off to a solid start in his quest for a third victory at the Wells Fargo Championship, firing an opening round three-under 68 to sit just three strokes off the lead. The 28-year-old Northern Ireland star showed little signs of rust in his first start since a disappointing tie for fifth at the Masters. McIlroy, a winner at Quail Hollow in 2010 and 2015, carded five birdies and two bogeys, to remain three shots behind leader American John Peterson, who posted a sixunder 65. “I love this place,” said McIlroy, who turns 29 on Friday. “I feel like I don’t have to play that well and I can still get it around.” Five other players were tied for second on four-under—Peter Malnati, England’s Tyrrell Hatton, Johnson Wagner, Keith Mitchell and Kyle Stanley. Tiger Woods, also teeing it up for the first time since the Masters, carded an even-par 71 that left him tied for 34th. AFP

Souped-up Lady Warriors eye PVL repeat Games tomorrow

2 p.m. – Tacloban vs PayMaya 4 p.m. – Creamline vs Petro Gazz

WITH an intact local roster and a pair of talented imports, Pocari Sweat is aiming for another crack at the Reinforced Conference championship when the Premier Volleyball League opens its second season tomorrow at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan. The Lady Warriors won’t strut their wares until next week, giving the locals and their reinforcements more time to train and jell in time for their opening match against the PayMaya side in Tuguegarao on May 12. The troika of Myla Pablo, Elaine Kasilag and Jeanette Panaga are again expected to anchor the team’s campaign while Americans Maddie Palmer and Arielle Love hope to provide the firepower and poise to a side bracing for a tough outing against seven other well reinforced squads vying in the seasonopening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Pocari Sweat, handled by Jasper Jimenez with Ken Mirasol as team manager, has actually linked up with Air Force with former Jet Spikers Wendy Semana, Iari Yongco, Dell Palomata, Angel Mae Antipuesto and May Ann Pantino now backstopping the squad. But focus will surely be on the team’s tandem of six-footers. In college, Palmer recorded 1,494 kills, the highest in her school during the rally era while posting 1,116 digs, making her only the fifth player in Radford history with at least 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. Love, for her part, is a three-time Atlantic 10 First-Team All-Conference member and was also a multi-faceted player. “They have great credentials and we’re optimistic they will fit the team,” said Mirasol of Palmer and Love. Pocari has also plucked Cesca Racraquin, a power-hitting San Beda star, from the Creamline Cool Smashers early this year, further strengthening the team’s frontline rotation. Aside from Pocari and Creamline, other teams seeing action are BaliPure, Tacloban, Iriga-Navy, BanKo-Perlas, Pay Maya and Petro-Gazz. Crowd favorite Creamline and PayMaya, formerly PLDT, take on newcomers Petro Gazz and Tacloban, respectively, tomorrow with games to be shown on ABSCBN Sports + Action Channel 23 with live stream on www.sports.abs-cbn.com/ livestream/.

UP chalks up pair of wins at Got Skills THE University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons posted a pair of wins over the weekend to grab the solo lead in the 2018 Got Skills-Adidas Summer Showcase Basketball tournament at the Far Eastern University gym in Morayta. Jarrell Lim made 11 points for the Fighting Maroons in their 53-37 triumph over the Letran Knights in the 25-years-old-and-under division. Jerson Prado shot 15 points in carrying the Fighting Maroons to a 75-60 demolition of Manuel L. Quezon University. The Fighting Maroons went on to take the top spot with their third straight victory. The Knights are behind the Maroons at 2-1. In other games, University of the East prevailed over National University, 80-72, with Alvin Pasaol hitting 18 points. UE shares the same 1-1 win-loss slate with MLQU, which drew 12 points from Robert de Guzman as they downed University of Asia and Pacific, 84-36. Peter Atencio

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

Standard PTTS NOTICE OF TODAY

TRANSFER OF VEHICLES

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the 2018 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFP

Vehicles at SLEX and Star Tollway storage areas are currently being transferred to the new storage area at Bulihan, Malvar, Batangas . Upon completion of transfer, vehicles impounded more than six (6) months from April 30, 2018 shall be auctioned off. Owners who wish to inquire about the status of their vehicles may call 0932-3321189 or 0932-5772663. (MS-MAY 5 & 6, 2018)

Sports

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

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

Alaska’s Calvin Abueva barrels his way into Columbian Dyip’s Rashawn McCarthy in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Aces, 134-103.

Fajardo to lead Visayas All-Stars vs nationals INSTEAD of having June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, and Kiefer Ravena around, the Philippine men’s team gets to experience what it likes going up against its fellow national pool teammates. Fajardo, Ravena, and Romeo will be on the other side of the fence when the national squad goes up against the Visayas selection during the final phase of the three-stage PBA All-Star game on May 27 in Iloilo City. Both Ravena and Fajardo played big for the national team in the first two windows of the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifiers. A nagging knee injury, however, prevented Romeo from suiting up in the tournament. The three have been voted starters for the All-Star unit to be coached by Magnolia’s Chito Victolero, along with Barangay Ginebra big man Greg Slaughter and Rain or Shine star James Yap. Completing the Visayas roster for the event whose major sponsor is Phoenix Fuel with Phoenix Pulse Technology, are JR Quinahan, Jeff Chan, Chris Ross, Joe Devance, Eman Monfort, Jericho Cruz, and veteran Asi Taulava. National coach Chot Reyes will rely on a team that has enough quickness, but lacking in height in trying to contain the Visayas selection’s Twin Tower of Fajardo and Slaughter. Reyes has named Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Mac Belo, and Carl Bryan Cruz to man the frontcourt for the team in the meet supported by Peak Sports Apparel, Rain or Shine and PBA RUSH-Cignal. But the nationals obviously have their strength at the backcourt, with Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, and Jio Jalalon expected to call the shots for the ballclub.

PFF, Azkals hoping for favorable draw A FAVORABLE draw. This is what Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta is hoping for as the draw of lots for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup is held Friday evening at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Philippine Azkals national men’s football team is one of the 12 teams that secured their places in the final tournament by the end of the second round of the qualification process. The Philippines is in Pot 4 and will be drawn in 1 of the 6 groups for the tournament. The Filipinos are in the same bracket with Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, and Turkmenistan. Aside from Yemen, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan are first-timers in the Asian Cup. National Team Manager Dan Stephen Palami and team captain Phil Younghusband are attending the draw ceremony. For the first time, the Asian Cup final tournament will be contested by 24 teams, after it was expanded from the 16-team format that was used from 2004 to 2015. The other day, the Philippines found itself in another challenging campaign in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup as the Azkals were put in a difficult group which includes twotime champion Thailand. Peter Atencio

Aces crush Dyip, nail 2nd straight victory By Jeric Lopez

T WAS that kind of night for Alaska. The Aces had their ﬁnest outing thus far, giving Columbian Dyip a reality check with a lopsided 134-103 dismantling in an amazing offensive display to win their second straight game in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The wealth was scattered for the Aces, but it was Vic Manuel who stood tallest. Manuel continued to find his way back to his old, dominant ways, scattering a season-high 26 points and four rebounds, while frontcourt partner Antonio Campbell had a double-double of 22 points and 13 boards to spearhead the Aces’ attack. Alaska improved to 2-1 to move in the upper echelon, while the Dyip fell to an even 2-2 mark. The Aces shot an amazing 54 percent from the field with two more scoring in

twin-digits, Nonoy Baclao with 12 and Abel Galliguez with 10. Firing from all cylinders in a definitive second-quarter outburst, the Aces hardly broke a sweat on their way to victory. Alaska suddenly went berserk in the second, scoring 42 huge points while limiting Columbian to an abysmal ninepoint production in the period. Both the teams’ scoring output in the second were season highs and lows, respectively, in a quarter. By halftime, the Aces were

sitting on an insurmountable 73-37 spread. That was practically the game. Alaska completely blew Columbian out of the building by handing it the worst beatdown in the tournament thus far. John Fields led Columbian with monster game-highs of 39 points and 16 rebounds, leaving a good first impression despite the drubbing his team received. The import though didn’t receive any support from his local teammates. The scores: ALASKA 134—Manuel 26, Campbell 22, Baclao 12, Galliguez 10, Banchero 9, Magat 9, Casio 8, Pascual 8, Abueva 8, Potts 6, Teng 5, Thoss 4, Exciminiano 4, Racal 3, Andrada 0, Encisio 0. COLUMBIAN DYIP 103—Fields 39, Camson 10, Celda 10, Lastimosa 8, King 8, McCarthy 7, Cabrera 6, Yee 4, Gabriel 4, Khobuntin 3, Sara 2, Cahilig 2, Corpuz 0, Ababou 0, Tubid 0, Escoto 0. Quarters: 3128, 73-37, 106-72, 134-103.

Carlos, Padilla cling to 1-shot lead in Pro-Am JOBIM Carlos and DJ Padilla barely survived in another windy day at Splendido Taal Golf Club, banking on a late birdie to save a 74 and cling to a one-stroke lead over Jelbert Gamolo and Rupert Zaragosa after two rounds of the Delimondo National Pro-am yesterday. The Gamolo-Zaragosa pair actually closed out with back-to-back birdies from No. 12 to finish with a 73 and tie for the lead at 144 but the Carlos-Padilla tandem birdied the par-3 sixth then parred its last hole on No. 7 for that two-over card and a one-under 143 aggregate, regaining the lead heading to the final 18 holes of the P2 million championship sponsored by Delimondo. But Jet Mathay and amateur partner Alex Etter made it a three-way battle for the top P360,000 (pro) purse as they bucked the tough greens and matched Carlos and Padilla’s opening round’s 69 to pull within two at 145 in the alternate-shot format event. “We expect it to be tough and we’re happy to stay on top,” said Carlos, who also edged closer to scoring a breakthrough in a young pro career. Jhonnel Ababa and Korean partner Jaemin Koo combined for a second 74 but fell five strokes behind Carlos-Padilla with a 148 while the rest stood too far behind to pose a threat in the second edition of the 54-hole tournament put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Artemio Murakami-Takuya Kawamura and Richard Abaring-Karloz Alba turned in identical 75s for 149 while Joey HuervaJunro Mamaril pooled a 150 after a 73. Michael Bibat and Joel Yamyamin hardly improved with a 75 after a 76 for a 151 in a tie with Rufino Bayron and Meynard Ko, who also shot a 75, while seven pairs, including Justin Quiban-MI Rhounimi (76), John Kier Abdon-Raymund Sangil (77) and Elmer Salvador-Oliver Gan (77), assembling a 152.

Jet Mathay (left) and Alex Etter whoop it up after combining for the day’s best 69 that pulled them within two shots off the pace.

Cayetano: SEA Games facilities to be finished in time WITH barely two years left before the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday assured that all facilities for the country’s hosting of the biennial event will be ready in time. In fact, Cayetano, who was appointed by President Duterte as Chairman of the 30th SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), said most venues will also host test events before the Philippines rolls the red carpet out to its regional neighbors. “We will make sure that no glitches would ruin our hosting of the Games,” said Cayetano. “This early, even our major projects like the New Clark City has September of next year as target of completion. That’s a tall order, but it can be done.” Cayetano said work has started in the New Clark City, which will host the centerpieces athletics and swimming events. The New Clark City is being built in a 9,450-hectare land in Capas, Tarlac by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, one of the many agencies which responded to government’s call to make the SEA Games a success. Majority of the events will be held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, through the support of the Clark Development Corp. Other events are to be held in Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales and will get support from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Metro Manila will also serve as venue for choice events, including basketball and volleyball. “But we will showcase spots outside of Metro Manila. The Sea Games are just around the corner and everyone with stake in the Games have committed to making our fourth hosting of the regional meet a success,” Cayetano said. Existing facilities in Clark and Subic remain in tip-top condition, according to Cayetano. “The track records of the SBMA, CDC and BCDA in their management of their facilities are excellent,” Cayetano said. “Our people are assured the venues we will use for the SEA Games will not end up as useless white elephants.”

PH beach volley bets stun US pair THE duo of SISI Rondina and Dzi Gervacio, the Philippines’ best team bet in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open, swept United States’ Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville, 21-12, 21-16, at the start of the women’s main draw yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay. Although first-time partners in the sand court, Rondina and Gervacio seemed to have played together for so long, as the two used smart plays, solid attacking and sharp service against the much-taller Americans to give the country the muchneeded win in the one-star tournament. “We just played. We didn’t look at their perceived advantage over us and we didn’t think of how much bigger and taller they were,” said Rondina, who trained only with Gervacio for two weeks but has apparently connected so well. “What we did was just showcase what we were capable of, what we could be proud of as Filipinos in front of the crowd rooting for us,” she added. Rondina is the most experienced among Philippine team members, having played with Bernadeth Pons in last year’s 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore. Other Filipinas who are making their FIVB World Tour debut were not as fortunate as they dropped their main draw openers. DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia bowed to top-ranked Michelle Amarilla and Erika Bobadilla of Paraguay, 19-21, 13-21. Charo Soriano and Bea Tan were overwhelmed by Japan’s Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori, 10-21, 9-21, while Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag lost to The Netherlands’ Katja Stam and Julia Wouters, 13-21, 11-21.

Petron, F2 dispute PSL title in no-tomorrow faceoff TWO of the best club teams in the country —F2 Logistics and Petron—take their intense rivalry to the highest level when they clash in a no-tomorrow Game 3 of their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three finals series today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The battle royale kicks off at 6 p.m., with both the Cargo Movers and the Blaze Spikers looking to add another gem in their growing collection of trophies from this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by UCPB Gen and Isuzu with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner. Already in their third finals encounter, there is no doubt that the rivalry between the Cargo Movers and the Blaze Spikers is simmering. They both finished the classification

Game Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 6 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Petron

round with identical 9-1 win-loss marks and coasted to the quarterfinals and the semifinals of this tourney that also has Senoh, Mikasa, LGR, Grand Sport and Asics as technical sponsors in dominant fashion. But it’s a different story now. Petron drew the first blood via a thrilling 2325, 20-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-9 victory in Game 1, thanks to import Katherine Bell, who caught fire down the stretch en route to a 42-hit effort—the best league offensive production behind the 56 points of Cuban Gyselle Silva last month. The Cargo Movers, however, refused to give up.

With reigning Most Valuable Player Maria Jose Perez dropping bombs, F2 Logistics registered a masterful 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 victory in Game 2 to formally set the stage for this expected intense, dramatic winner-take-all battle. Perez notched 17 kills and three blocks for game-high 20 points for the Cargo Movers, who tallied 11 blocks to limit powerspiking Bell to only 15 points—her lowest output since arriving in the country two weeks ago. “I told the team that if we can’t stop Bell, at least we should control or neutralize her production,” said Laniog, giving special credit to the fighting hearts his wards displayed throughout the one-hour and 22 minutes of battle.

IN BRIEF

Manufacturing grew by 13.6% in March

FACTORY output in March 2018 rose 13.6 percent from a 12.3-percent expansion a year ago, driven mainly by the robust growth in nine production sectors, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday. Based on the preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, the printing industry posted a 107.6-percent growth for the month, backed up by double-digit expansion in seven major industries. These are textiles (32.9 percent), food manufacturing (28 percent), miscellaneous manufactures (15.5 percent), petroleum products (15.3 percent), wood and wood products (15 percent), non-metallic mineral products (12.7 percent) and electrical machinery (11.9 percent). “The positive performance of manufacturing is expected to continue in the ﬁrst semester, amid the sustained economic growth momentum, increased net foreign direct investments, higher OFW cash remittances, and favorable merchandise trade,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. Julito G. Rada

Shell plans to install 2 to 3 charging stations

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. plans to install at least two to three electric vehicle charging stations within the first half of the year. “We’re hoping we would be able to install minimum 2 to 3 EVs by the first half. According to our partner, we’re expecting to have first few units arriving in the second quarter. So construction should start early June,” Shell president Cesar Romero said. Shell teamed up with QEV Philippines last year to put up the first electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure network in the country. The joint venture agreement called for an initial 100 pilot sites for the EV charging posts. QEV Philippines is a partnership between Spanish businessmen Endika Aboitiz and Enrique Banuelos, while Shell, a unit of the Shell Group, owns over 1,000 retail stations nationwide. Under the agreement, an initial 10 echarging stations was supposed to be in place in around 10 Shell retail stations as early as December last year. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business April inflation reached over 5-year high of 4.5% I By Julito G. Rada

NFLATION rate in April further accelerated to a more than ﬁve-year high of 4.5 percent from 4.3 percent in March using the new 2012 index, due mainly to faster price increases in alcoholic beverages and tobacco or the so-called “sin products,” the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

Data showed the April inflation was significantly faster than 3.2 percent in the same month a year ago. It was the fastest monthly inflation data using the 2012 index. The April figure brought inflation in the first four months to 4.1 percent,

breaching the upper limit of the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the whole year. “The uptrend can be attributed to higher annual increments recorded in the indices of the following commodity groups: alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 20 percent; clothing and footwear, 2.2 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 3 percent; furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house,” the PSA said. Other indices that contributed to the faster inﬂation in April were health, 2.8 percent; transport, 49 percent; recreation and culture, 1.5 percent; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, 3.4 percent. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the actual data was on the high side of the regulator’s forecast for the month of 3.9 percent to 4.7 percent. “At the same time, we note the deceleration of the seasonally adjusted

month-on-month inflation. These are relevant factors to consider at the policy review next week in determining the necessity and shape of a measured response to halt potential build-up in inflationary expectations,” Espenilla said. He said such expectations “seemed to be feeding off essentially cost-push price pressures that may be transitory in nature.” The April inflation matched the earlier estimate of the Department of Finance, which said inflation in April likely accelerated to 4.5 percent from 4.3 percent in March using the 2012 price index, driven mainly by uptick of food and sin products. “... Sin products continue to drive inflationary pressure. Of the 4.5-percent forecast inflation rate for April, sin products account for as much as 0.5 percentage point (despite contributing only 1.6 percent to the CPI), much higher than their contribution of only 0.16 percentage point in the same month last year,” the DoF said.

Monetary Board OKs rules on credit cards

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, approved the regulations implementing the Philippine Credit Card Industry Regulation Law that will require all issuers to fully disclose how they compute finance charges and other fees related to credit card use. The board in a statement Friday said the law aimed to make consumer credit readily available under conditions of safe, sound, efficient, and fair business conduct aligned with global best practices. “The rules require all credit card issuers to fully disclose, in an understandable way, the manner of computing finance charges and other fees related to credit card use as well as provide ample notification prior to effecting any changes in the said charges,” the board said. The disclosures should be in application forms, the terms and conditions of credit card contracts and billing statements. The rules also clarified that the finance charges must be computed based on the unpaid amount of the outstanding balance as of statement cut-off date and should not include current and deferred charges. Julito G. Rada

Filinvest allots P45b in capital expenditures By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST Development Corp., the listed holding company of the Gotianun family, has earmarked P45 billion in capital expenditures for 2018 to fund the expansion of the property and hotels businesses and potential acquisitions. FDC said in a statement it was allocating over three-fourths of the budget to the property segment, including P5 billion for hotel expansion, and P10 billion on other potential investments. “After reaching a record net income of P10.3 billion in 2017, we plan to build on our strengths by investing in new projects and expanding current projects within the group,” FDC chairman chairman Jonathan Gotianun said. FDC said eight new hotels in the planning and construction stages would add 1,700 rooms to its existing portfolio of 1,591 hotel rooms. The planned new hotels are in Boracay, Mactan, Cubao, Puerto Princesa, Tagaytay, Clark, Dumaguete and San Mateo, Rizal. FDC president Josephine GotianunYap said the conglomerate was positioning itself at the forefront of leisure and tourism-related developments. It sees tourism as one of the growth drivers of the economy. FDC in partnership with property unit Filinves Land Inc. last month announced plans for an integrated resort and casino within the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City, the former Clark Mimosa Estate. The group, which received a provisional license from Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. for a casino integrated resort, plans to invest minimum of $200 million. The project will comprise of a casino, lifestyle mall, ﬁve-star hotel and events venue.

EASYCALL ANNIVERSARY. EasyCall Communications Philippines Inc. celebrates its silver anniversary Thursday as a listed company with a special bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Leading the event are (from left) ECP director Jonathan Cervantes, ECP co-vice chairpersons Socorro Niro and Modesto Cervantes, ECP independent director Joanne de Asis, ECP president Zaki Delgado, ECP chairman Roberto Delgado, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon and PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran.

PNOC may lose its Malampaya banked gas, MAP warns By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Management Association of the Philippines expressed concerns that the $650-million banked or unutilized gas from the Malampaya field can no longer be pumped out because of technical constraints. MAP, one of the country’s active business organizations, said in a position paper state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. had listed the banked gas in its books. PNOC wanted to use the banked gas to finance its entry into the country’s planned first integrated liquefied natural gas facility. “There is currently no commercial arrangement for its withdrawal from the reservoir. There are only 6 more years till the SC-38 contract expires and there is no technical solution to withdraw the bank

gas within this time frame,” MAP said. It said PNOC must discuss immediately with the service contract 38 consortium and the Energy Department its options and come up with an agreement on a way forward. The consortium is composed of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., as operator, Chevron Malampaya LLC and PNOC subsidiary PNOC Exploration Corp. The consortium’s contract with the government will end by 2024. “Otherwise, the gas will be stranded,” MAP said. MAP expressed support to a Senate resolution inquiring on the government’s natural gas industry policy in light of the expiration of the Malampaya franchise. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced the resolution at the Senate. MAP said there was no clarity on how

the Philippines would manage the decline of the Malampaya gas reservoir, new exploration and production and the liquified natural gas facility to support the existing power plants within the next five years. MAP said certain steps must be done to ensure the development of the natural gas industry, aside from addressing the banked gas issue. It said government must recommend to the Commission on Audit to drop its taxation view against the Malampaya consortium that prompted Spex to file an arbitration case against the government. “By dropping the claim, the arbitration cases filed against the government will have no basis and, thus, will be moot. It will clearly show to investors that the Philippines honors its contracts,” MAP said.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

SMC can build airport on its own, says Ang SAN Miguel Corp., the Philippines’ most diversified conglomerate, said it is capable of building the planned airport in Bulacan on its own, its top executive said Friday. San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said at the sidelines of the 51st annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City the healthy balance sheet of the company would enable it to do the project “alone.” The National Economic and Development Authority board recently approved the project despite offers from other companies for a partnership to construct the big-ticket project. “If you look at our balance sheet and cash flow, we can easily do that airport alone. There are many offers for partnership... I’ll let you know,” Ang said. He said the Neda board’s approval was undergoing evaluation by the Department of Transportation. Ang declined to answer if the Bulacan airport would be the last airport project that the conglomerate would build. “I think that question is better asked with the government,” he said. Ang expressed confidence the Bulacan airport would be good for the country and bring in at least 20 million foreign tourists to the Philippines annually. “So with that, I think it will create millions of jobs for our Filipino countrymen. The limitation of foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines is because of congested airports. Now, if we have a good airport, the Philippines will have a good image and will be able to bring in foreign tourists comparable to the regional countries,” Ang said. He cited that Malaysia attracted around 20 million foreign tourist arrivals yearly and that the figure could be surpassed by the Philippines because of its bigger size and larger population. “If we bring in 20 million foreign tourists to our country because of this airport, it will create at least two or three jobs per foreign tourist arrival. And that will be very good for our country,” Ang said. He said the return on investments from big-ticket project was “secondary to us.” The Neda board earlier approved the P735.6-billion airport along with other infrastructure projects that are part of the Duterte administration’s ambitious P8.4-trillion “ Build, Build, Build” program. The project involves the construction, operation and maintenance of the Bulacan International Airport with an area of approximately 2,500 hectares in Bulakan, Bulacan province. The project involves airport development, including passenger terminal building, with airside and landside facilities, and an 8.4-kilometer airport toll road. It can accommodate 100 million passengers a year by its opening year. The unsolicited proposal has a project cost of P735.634 billion. Julito G. Rada

RCBC-Bangladesh talks exclude PH FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government has “nothing to do” with the reported plan of Bank of Bangladesh for an out-of-court settlement with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. over the $81-million amount stolen by cyber thieves from its accounts in New York and wired to the local bank in February 2016. Reuters reported that Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Thursday discussed with Dominguez the cyber heist, which is considered one of the biggest that occurred recently. “Yesterday, the ﬁnance minister and the ambassador of Bangladesh mentioned that and my opinion is that, that is between them and the private sector. It’s nothing to do with us,” Dominguez said Friday at the sidelines of the 51st annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City. “The government has taken action, we have penalized the bank (RCBC) that have not followed our procedure, we have ﬁled legal cases, the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) has

ﬁled cases against the suspects and if they want to make a legal settlement, then we are not involved in that. We are only implementing our laws here,” Dominguez said. He said he told Bangladeshi ofﬁcials that the AMLC needed evidence that the crime was committed here. “The crime was not committed here. The crime of hacking was not committed here. It was committed somewhere else, maybe Bangladesh, maybe in New York. So the local courts need the evidence... ,” Dominguez said. He said local courts had been asking Bangladesh for the evidence since the latter part of 2016. “So according to the AMLC, they have not been able to really pursue the case vigorously because that’s what the courts here require... ,” he said. Dominguez said the Bangladeshi ambassador “promised” to him that he would provide the evidence. “They just said they’re working on it. We’re waiting,” Dominguez said. Julito G. Rada

COGNIZANT AWARDS. Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines Inc. wins multiple awards at the Philippines’ International ICT Awards 2018. Cognizant bagged the coveted ‘Best Company of the Year’ and the ‘Best Company of the Year Providing Services for Health Information Management’ awards. Cognizant’s leadership was also adjudged the ‘Best C-Suite Team of the Year.’ Presenting the award to Philippines’ country head Kamal Narang (center) is senior vice president and head of PLDT & Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez (left), with Ms. Earth Philippines 2017 Karen Ibasco.

Business

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks up slightly; DMCI, 8990 gain

HE stock market rose marginally Friday after staying in the red for the most of the trading session, with bargain hunting boosting some secondliners.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 11.09 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,546.19 on a value turnover of P6.2 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers 107 to 88, with 38 issues unchanged. Mass housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. climbed 3.8 percent to P7.08 after reporting earlier a net income of P4.14 billion in 2017, up 16 percent from P3.58 billion in 2016, on doubledigit growth in revenues. DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji Group, which is into coal mining, power generation, construction property development and water distribution, advanced 3.8 percent to P10.80, while

conglomerate Ayala Corp. gained 1.2 percent to P916. Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, electricity and water distribution, and hospitals, added 2.4 percent to P5.10. The rest of Asian markets fell on Friday, tracking another retreat on Wall Street as attention turns to the release of key US jobs data later in the day and high-level China-US trade talks in Beijing. Hong Kong fell 1.3 percent, Shanghai ended down 0.3 percent and Sydney slipped 0.6 percent. Seoul shed more than one percent and Singapore was off 0.8 percent, while Jakarta dropped. However, Wellington and Taipei edged up. Tokyo was closed for a public holiday. While the corporate earnings season has been considered a success, analysts are worried that the healthy results have

not fired equities as much as expected, with warnings of a mild correction down the line. The major macroeconomic event this week is Friday’s US non-farm payrolls figures for April, which will provide the latest snapshot of the world’s top economy. Analysts will be watching wage growth figures closely for signs of rising inflation. There are growing concerns that with the US continuing to perform well, the Federal Reserve could be forced to lift interest rates three more times this year, having done so once already. This, along with the fading likelihood of any near-term tightening by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, has boosted the dollar over the past week to multi-month highs against the euro and pound, as well as most other currencies.

“The dollar should continue to make gains against currencies across the board if fundamentals and central bank policy divergence matters,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader, said. “I believe it does and I can see a clear slowdown in growth globally at a time when the US seems to be the standout. And with inﬂation accelerating in the US but lagging elsewhere we have a clear policy divergence between the Fed and many other central banks. “For me, that means that whatever happens with non-farms tonight... we are at the start of a big turn in the dollar.” In Beijing, the biggest hitters in Donald Trump’s administration are meeting their Chinese counterparts to discuss the tariff spat between the two sides, which has fueled fears of a potentially damaging trade war. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 36,750 98.35 898,150 3.02 29,000 128 3,005,160 1.67 6,587,000 35 68,600 7.35 1,100 16.5 1,500 17.12 372,800 3.49 154,000 850 430 0.59 2,508,000 83.05 1,414,020 1.09 1,174,000 52.2 11,090 218 5,230 108 460 38.7 1,527,800 205.4 156,210 1,875 85 89.5 106,460

2,164,919 88,217,157.50 89,860 382,996,262 11,243,930 2,404,250 7,711 24,750 6,380,924 535,640 365,700 1,467,460 117,400,192.50 1,266,160 579,405.50 1,140,976 49,680 59,267,830 32,100,322 159,725 9,482,426

1,463,194 -23,048,836 -34,724,962 -1,050 -421,890 -3,206,214 228,960 -55,474,035.50 124,420 -526,648 -1,016,492 -4,060,380.00 -22,342,590 -562,073

37.5 14.1 0.58 1.23 19.86 0.225 114.1 3.34 16.48 245.2 50.5 24.05 72.45 1.91 9 10.5 15.6 11.98 7.16 5.37 15.1 63.65 19.82 8.63 16.02 2 273 4.96 3.27 26 14.2 22.6 317 7 2.36 4.66 9.2 4.99 7.82 1.4 11.8 52.15 6.15 4.7 1.96 3.59 1.9 14.08 66.25 5.02 0.134 0.98 138 3.13 0.83

INDUSTRIAL 37.5 556,500 14.44 527,300 0.59 1,164,000 1.28 649,000 20.25 31,400 0.227 1,610,000 115 210 3.35 9,090,000 16.72 109,200 251.2 350 51.6 523,000 24.3 18,600 72.75 770 1.97 175,000 9 46,900 10.56 4,180,000 15.86 1,759,700 12.1 174,200 7.18 215,800 5.39 453,500 15.48 398,600 63.7 7,930 19.82 44,000 8.63 131,300 16.1 264,000 2.05 474,000 275.4 863,750 5.1 20,800 3.27 3,000 26.05 218,700 14.24 40,300 22.65 1,690,200 327 151,020 7 1,000 2.4 2,530,000 4.74 239,000 9.28 1,247,300 5.35 171,200 7.85 15,300 1.45 211,000 11.86 15,300 52.35 949,830 6.15 100 4.84 17,000 1.96 60,000 3.59 50,000 1.94 116,000 14.1 20,600 66.35 62,890 5.2 2,293,000 0.134 10,000 1.04 310,000 139 2,617,130 3.22 7,940,000 0.84 1,380,000

20,934,770 7,586,846 675,660 808,180 626,237 364,590 24,141 30,870,620 1,817,248 87,642 26,989,742 461,160 55,961.50 336,080 430,471 44,165,858 27,768,662 2,110,476 1,548,681 2,439,382 6,087,270 510,195 873,478 1,187,240 4,266,450 964,230 238,442,048 103,385 9,810 5,706,385 574,028 38,549,430 49,109,410 7,000 6,077,650 1,125,830 11,544,069 904,569 120,078 300,260 181,184 49,721,949.50 615 80,880 117,720 179,500 220,820 291,862 4,171,285 12,547,315 1,340 313,350 363,698,325 25,475,290 1,162,590

-8,469,115 613,406 -373,490 19,900 -3,607,550 1,704,246 -31,080 2,500 9,550 -428,621 -27,659,904 20,187,822 531,600 -1,255,762 482,141 -1,035,850 -50,316.50 13,874 -421,378 -1,772,052 -94,050.00 -98,465,750 65,500 -314,310 -17,076 -10,577,520 21,812,674 -868,440 -236,000 5,188,474.00 751,791 -113,040 -186,940 -2,503,457.50 -29,040 1,910 -64,318 721,660.50 1,206,162 -6,720,567 1,855,180 -21,360

0.3 64 13.22 6.54 0.7 0.69 923 6.7 11 7.6 0.226 1,010 7.06 60.2 5 5.87 0.65 4.54 21.9 0.68 5.12 0.041 1.2 3.25 138.9 920 1.69 580 264.2 0.249 0.275

0.3 62.2 13.04 6.45 0.64 0.66 908 6.35 10.42 7.46 0.211 980 7.06 59 5 5.86 0.61 4.32 20.1 0.62 4.98 0.038 1.13 3.2 135.1 890 1.64 550 255 0.239 0.255

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 40,000 62.2 727,340 13.2 8,759,000 6.45 90,900 0.66 39,447,000 0.66 6,238,000 916 178,750 6.37 2,265,400 10.8 22,506,500 7.6 600 0.213 1,040,000 980 99,785 7.06 19,800 60.2 995,690 5 3,000 5.86 300 0.65 102,000 4.54 1,423,000 21.9 634,500 0.64 9,569,000 5.1 19,211,000 0.04 39,200,000 1.17 2,163,000 3.21 1,561,000 136.7 176,480 915.5 389,950 1.64 55,000 580 150 264.2 5,920 0.239 260,000 0.26 14,760,000

12,000 45,546,768.50 115,225,756 587,849 26,036,100 4,151,840 163,722,640 14,706,579 243,940,868 4,546 222,220 99,244,500 139,788 59,670,350 15,000 1,759 62,300 6,256,710 13,556,280 6,180,820 97,215,340 1,518,000 2,541,570 5,003,950 24,056,795 354,012,690 90,850 83,130 1,526,700 63,780 3,877,250

-32,927,835 -21,318,762 1,215,750 23,232,570 -1,489,201 -110,007,240 -81,171,232.50 -16,067,593.50 -1,847,630 -3,207,195 -20,160 3,962,610 -56,860 -19,230 -4,299,804 -103,028,735 1,690 -1,154,180 14,340 -

7.29 1.18 0.84 40.8 3.41 4.57 6.15 6.26 0.455 1 0.98 0.24 0.445 31.4 0.66 0.125 1.67 1.29 1.08 4.46 0.6 0.475 0.58 4.1

6.8 1.05 0.82 40.05 3.36 4.5 6.02 6.26 0.445 1 0.96 0.237 0.445 30.5 0.62 0.12 1.65 1.26 1.06 4.25 0.58 0.455 0.55 4.03

1,445,543,607 51,464,240 342,750 235,309,885 259,970 4,320,570 317,384 6,260 1,189,300 2,000 300,250 838,150 17,800 16,246,170 2,582,920 16,130 6,407,730 1,696,230 831,440 48,769,450 17,574,820 2,163,400 4,714,280 10,229,660

1,394,676,671 321,250 -29,614,165 -60,720 315,000 -378,050 23,750 -4,919,220 -1,878,100 -5,525,400 -147,240 -84,800 -8,072,140 -50,740 -372,880

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

58.85 99.25 3.14 127 1.5 35 6.6 16.5 17.2 3.42 870 0.57 82.2 1.09 52.25 219.8 108 38.5 204 1,895 89

59 99.25 3.14 128 1.83 35.2 7.36 16.5 17.2 3.58 870 0.6 83.5 1.1 52.45 219.8 108 39.4 208.2 1,895 89.95

57.35 95.9 3.02 126.7 1.5 34.9 6.6 16.5 17.02 3.34 850 0.56 82.2 1.06 52.2 217.6 108 38.3 203.8 1,875 88.6

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

37.75 14.5 0.59 1.26 20.3 0.227 114.1 3.45 16.5 245.2 51.35 24.05 72.9 1.92 9.31 10.66 15.84 12.1 7.17 5.39 15.3 64.9 20 9.36 16.48 2.02 276 4.96 3.27 26.55 14.36 23 323 7 2.44 4.71 9.28 4.99 7.84 1.46 11.86 52.5 6.15 4.7 2 3.59 1.9 14.46 66.35 5.48 0.134 1 138.4 3.21 0.84

38.3 14.5 0.59 1.28 20.3 0.23 115 3.45 16.74 251.2 52 25.2 72.9 1.97 9.58 10.66 15.86 12.22 7.2 5.39 15.48 64.9 20 9.37 16.48 2.06 280 5.1 3.27 26.55 14.36 23.9 327 7 2.49 4.75 9.28 5.35 7.86 1.46 11.86 52.5 6.15 4.84 2 3.59 1.95 14.46 66.5 5.68 0.134 1.05 140 3.25 0.86

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

0.3 63.1 13.14 6.5 0.67 0.69 910 6.6 10.5 7.46 0.226 1,000 7.06 59.75 5 5.87 0.65 4.46 20.45 0.68 5.01 0.041 1.14 3.21 138 902 1.69 552 260 0.249 0.275

8990 HLDG A BROWN 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 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP

6.83 1.15 0.83 40.75 3.38 4.52 6.15 6.26 0.455 1 0.97 0.238 0.445 31.3 0.64 0.125 1.67 1.26 1.06 4.46 0.59 0.455 0.57 4.1

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

29.25 18.06 2.02 32.8 1.06 10.4 0.82 6.83

29.25 18.1 2.07 33.2 1.15 10.7 0.82 6.94

29.25 17.98 2 32.3 1.06 10.18 0.79 6.75

29.25 17.98 2.02 32.4 1.14 10.7 0.79 6.85

400 2,428,800 729,000 4,174,900 23,897,000 244,000 21,000 8,754,700

11,700 43,710,348 1,476,270 136,305,330 26,732,750 2,549,948 16,620 59,986,042

8,095,012.00 -22,660 -81,447,825.00 -11,300.00 -33,034 7,482,171

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR 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 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

16.4 27.5 1.35 0.49 0.05 12.64 12.06 0.054 88.5 8.8 6.8 8.03 2.16 22.6 905 1,501 5.58 301.2 4.04 2.3 85 13.28 8.21 0.116 1.56 3.38 14.6 4.51 1.02 26 0.46 4.24 6.76 3.18 8.15 11.78 9.8 120.2 6.04 1,375 1.01 0.45 46 89 7.17 2.38 1.26 0.455 4.79 0.88 10.74

16.4 27.8 1.38 0.5 0.051 12.8 12.1 0.055 89 8.8 6.9 8.03 2.16 22.95 905 1,529 5.65 307 4.17 2.3 85 13.28 8.22 0.117 1.56 3.38 14.6 4.55 1.03 26 0.51 4.34 6.84 3.29 8.16 11.84 9.9 126.7 6.04 1,375 1.04 0.45 46.1 90.2 7.3 2.39 1.31 0.465 4.85 0.89 10.8

15.7 27.5 1.35 0.475 0.048 12.62 11.58 0.054 87.55 8.7 6.8 7.42 2.16 22 900 1,475 5.53 301 3.99 2.3 82.95 12.98 8.1 0.115 1.38 3.38 14.6 4.48 1.01 24.95 0.455 4.21 6.29 3.18 7.88 11.78 9.75 120 5.91 1,363 1 0.43 45.7 87.65 7.1 2.31 1.26 0.435 4.75 0.87 10.74

SERVICES 16 27.5 1.38 0.485 0.048 12.8 11.9 0.054 87.55 8.7 6.87 7.69 2.16 22.5 900 1,475 5.56 307 4.15 2.3 84.8 13.28 8.22 0.115 1.38 3.38 14.6 4.5 1.03 25.25 0.51 4.21 6.4 3.29 7.93 11.8 9.75 121 6 1,366 1 0.435 45.85 90.2 7.15 2.39 1.31 0.435 4.82 0.89 10.78

46,600 36,900 16,000 2,950,000 33,200,000 220,200 13,140,600 3,290,000 68,300 7,400 158,600 180,900 1,000 36,200 250 24,315 352,000 8,040 1,601,000 28,000 2,337,140 11,500 20,700 1,910,000 2,617,000 1,000 900 1,110,000 107,000 3,567,600 23,000 126,000 4,587,100 239,000 2,270,900 123,700 8,900 1,870 232,800 33,540 2,234,000 8,330,000 894,000 1,001,480 13,800 623,000 6,066,000 24,460,000 1,060,000 890,000 229,200

743,350 1,015,850 22,050 1,428,800 1,646,400 2,793,824 156,229,744 177,780 6,043,915.50 64,657 1,088,603 1,370,072 2,160 810,715 225,100 36,178,810 1,954,015 2,455,568 6,539,740 64,400 195,961,637 151,544 169,940 221,480 3,700,180 3,380 13,140 4,996,570 109,060 90,009,090 10,650 534,520 29,827,708 779,210 18,179,990 1,460,056 87,235 226,716 1,394,839 45,884,310 2,248,330 3,644,150 41,027,890 89,983,280.50 99,519 1,461,060 7,937,840 10,926,100 5,093,480 777,930 2,471,702

-34,360 -15,000 -761,404 -42,163,846.00 -27,000 -3,104,810.50 26,130 -149,800 80,346 -14,644,045 242,300.00 -38,110,983 -18,330 -44,990 -2,134,590 -8,680 -3,848,180 -16,850 -75,058 -254,880 78,400 9,549 -31,891,720 -104,090 -1,696,310 -395,331.50 -621,100 242,600 83,550 519,900 -44,000 761,906

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

0.0029 1.7 4.29 1.62 0.31 7.59 2.3 0.209 0.138 0.144 1.52 5.4 1.23 0.58 0.95 0.013 0.013 2.13 5.75 13.62 29.8

0.0029 1.72 4.3 1.65 0.31 7.6 2.36 0.209 0.138 0.144 1.56 5.4 1.23 0.58 0.97 0.013 0.013 2.23 5.75 14.18 30.05

0.0028 1.69 4.29 1.61 0.31 7.38 2.27 0.207 0.137 0.14 1.51 5.16 1.17 0.53 0.93 0.012 0.012 2.13 5.71 13.54 29

MINING & OIL 0.0029 33,000,000 1.7 1,452,000 4.3 21,000 1.65 1,074,000 0.31 10,000 7.47 1,900 2.36 947,000 0.207 30,000 0.138 230,000 0.14 70,000 1.51 346,000 5.21 965,200 1.22 3,000 0.58 531,000 0.96 128,000 0.012 2,300,000 0.013 2,500,000 2.23 23,000 5.72 17,900 14.06 689,500 29.15 1,461,400

94,300 2,468,710 90,110 1,752,270 3,100 14,102 2,187,810 6,230 31,570 9,920 529,180 5,031,054 3,620 299,770 120,910 28,600 30,800 50,810 102,546 9,520,590 42,891,780

-37,180 -4,300 102,450 49,140 5,600 145,252 2,390 1,074,576 -31,081,850

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

26 500 505 101.3 108 506 5.58 971 100.3 1.05 103.8 995 75.1 75.95 76.2 75.75

26 500 506 101.4 108 506 5.58 971 100.3 1.05 107.1 998.5 75.1 75.95 77 75.75

26 500 504 101.3 108 506 5.51 970.5 100.3 1.05 103.5 985 75 75.95 76.15 75.75

PREFERRED 26 100 500 20,410 504 26,780 101.4 8,890 108 86,680 506 110 5.51 400 970.5 1,060 100.3 2,980 1.05 1,000 107.1 5,010 985 4,380 75.05 55,200 75.95 145,360 77 5,020 75.75 100

2,600 10,205,000 13,512,890 900,946 9,361,440 55,660 2,225 1,029,230 298,894 1,050 518,698 4,357,775 4,142,113 11,040,092 382,440 7,575

49,250 1,540 -

LR WARRANT

2.78

2.65

WARRANTS 2.75 593,000

1,600,490

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.32 3.01 3.23

5.4 3.19 3.25

5.31 2.98 3.21

5.4 3.05 3.25

325,500 423,000 533,000

1,741,867 1,270,580 1,718,990

-93,510

FIRST METRO ETF

117.5

116.2

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.3 30,880

3,611,222

1,020

PROPERTY 7.08 1.08 0.84 40.15 3.36 4.56 6.02 6.26 0.45 1 0.98 0.24 0.445 30.5 0.63 0.12 1.65 1.27 1.07 4.31 0.59 0.465 0.56 4.1

209,384,800 46,603,000 413,000 5,848,200 77,000 958,000 52,700 1,000 2,650,000 2,000 312,000 3,520,000 40,000 527,100 4,058,000 130,000 3,854,000 1,333,000 780,000 11,288,000 29,907,000 4,680,000 8,370,000 2,498,000

USD DMPL A2

10.2

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

18,246,548

INDUSTRIAL

46,179,708

HOLDING FIRMS

178,743,711

PROPERTY

377,588,316

SERVICES

124,433,631

MINING & OIL

46,396,557

GRAND TOTAL

792,901,425

10.2

SME

DDS

100

VALUE 1,906.87 (down) 2.25 741,556,665.88 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,948.00 (up) 15.50 1,039,635,429.77 HOLDING FIRMS 7,592.15 (up) 81.12 1,357,313,590.69 PROPERTY 3,520.39 (down) 40.61 1,511.15 (down) 6.98 2,123,196,136.52 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,311.39 (down) 98.57 910,040,370.98 PSEI 7,546.19 (up) 11.09 65,284,520.6892 All Shares Index 4,605.30 (up) 2.82 6,245,371,787.13 Gainers: 88; Losers: 107; Unchanged: 38; Total: 233

Eagle Cement registered net profit of P1.1b in 1st 3 months By Jenniffer B. Austria EAGLE Cement Corp., the listed cement company of businessman Ramon Ang, booked a net income of P1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2018, up 3 percent year-on-year, despite stiff market competition. Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange revenues rose 6 percent to P4 billion from P3.8 billion a year ago on the back of higher cement volume. “We remain confident about the future as private consumption continues to drive our economy coupled with the infrastructure boom. We are constantly looking at opportunities to grow the company at the same time continuously manage costs to maintain our competitiveness,” Eagle Cement president and chief executive Paul Ang said. The company attributed the positive performance in 2018 to efficient production, with its cement manufacturing plant as one of the country’s most-modern. The higher cement output also contributed to Eagle’s ability to meet demands in more markets. Meanwhile, the cement firm said the third production line in Bulacan, with an annually capacity of 2 million metric tons, would become operational this year. The third line will bring the total production capacity of the company to about 7.1 million metric tons or about 180 million bags a year, which will allow it to consolidate its position as one of the leaders in the cement industry. Meanwhile, the newest cement plant in Cebu, which is set to add another two million metric tons to the company’s output, is currently construction and will be operational by 2020. The company’s balance sheet remains strong. Total assets as of March 31, 2018 stood at P43.2 billion. The debtto-equity ratio stood at 0.42 at the end of the first quarter, while financial debtto-equity ratio hit 0.29. In contrast, other listed cement companies, like Holcim Philippines Inc. and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc., reported declines in net incomes in the first quarter of the year on weak demand and higher operating cost.

China Bank says 3-month income rose 2% to P1.5b By Julito G. Rada CHINA Banking Corp., the seventhlargest lender in terms of assets, said consolidated net income in the ﬁrst quarter 2018 rose 2 percent year-onyear to P1.50 billion on the back of the sustained growth in core businesses. ChinaBank president William Whang said in a statement Friday good results were evident in the ﬁrst three months of the year. “We are working hard to meet our goals for the year, focusing on sustainable earnings through our core businesses of loans and deposits and strengthening our fee-based revenue streams,” Whang said. The bank’s operating income increased 9 percent to P6.14 billion, while interest income rose 18 percent to P5.29 billion, driven by the 20-percent growth in gross loan portfolio. Non-interest income (excluding trading gains) rose 6 percent to P1.14 billion from the increase in service charges, fees from investment banking and income from foreign exchange gains. Core recurring income (operating income excluding trading gains) was up 16 percent year-on-year to P6.44 billion from P5.55 billion. Operating expenses increased 13 percent to P4.24 billion on year as the bank carried out its expansion program by investing in new branches, more people and up-to-date technology to support the growth of new businesses. Total assets expanded 16 percent to P722.63 billion—P102.23 billion more than the same period in 2017—driven mainly by the 20-percent growth in gross loan portfolio to P455.13 billion. Growth was registered across the consumer, commercial and corporate segments. Even as the lending portfolio was growing robustly, asset quality metrics further improved to better-than-industry levels. Non-performing loans dropped P1.31 billion, leading to an improved NPL ratio of 1.32 percent.

World

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Super storms kill nearly 150 in India AGRA, India―A series of powerful super storms that tore through India this week have killed 143 people, as ofﬁcials warned Friday the death toll could rise with more extreme weather expected. A deadly dust storm claimed 121 lives in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Punjab, while an electric storm, in which lightning struck an estimated 40,000 times, left 21 people dead in the country’s south. Thousands of people in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan had their homes destroyed by the freak storm, which was packing winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. A total of 76 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous province, the state disaster management department said, with Agra district one of the worst hit areas, with at least 43 people killed. “We couldn’t sleep and were worried if the storm hits again. We took precautions and secured everything but nothing can stand up to nature’s fury,” 40-yearold Agra resident Munna Lal Jha told AFP. Twenty-four people were killed in a single village in Kheragarh, near Agra, local media reported. Thirty-nine deaths were reported in the neighboring desert state of Rajasthan, which was hit by winds of over 100 kilometers per hour, destroying houses, tearing up electricity networks, and uprooting trees. AFP

Police seek arrest of Korean Air nut rage sister SEOUL―South Korean police on Friday sought a warrant to arrest a Korean Air heiress for allegedly spraying fruit juice over a business associate, as hundreds of employees prepared to rally against the firm’s increasingly controversial controlling family. The Gangseo police station in Seoul said Cho Hyun-min, the daughter of Hanjin Group and Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho, was accused of assault and obstruction of business. Cho is the sister of Cho Hyun-ah, who made global headlines in 2014 for forcing two Korean Air flight attendants to kneel and beg for forgiveness after she was served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl. She ordered the Seoul-bound flight back to the gate so one of them could be ejected in an incident quickly dubbed “nut rage”. Since the fruit juice accusations against her younger sister emerged, hundreds of Korean Air personnel have joined an online chat room to allege Cho family misdeeds against employees and domestic staff. Police said last week they were investigating allegations that the sisters’ mother Lee Myung-hee had abused employees verbally and physically. AFP

BRIEFING. Chief Observer of EU EOM Lebanon 2018 Elena Valenciano gives a press conference in Beirut ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on May 6, 2018. AFP

Thousands flee Hawaii volcano Chinese billionaire is big in Bordeaux L PARIS―Over the past decade Chinese investors have conquered dozens of chateaux in Bordeaux, France’s famed wine-growing region. Some left after seeing their investments wither on the vine, but Peter Kwok, who has no fewer than seven vineyards to his name, says he is here for the long haul. The 69-year-old Hong Kong-based billionaire has been in southwest France for the past 20 years, recently snapping up Chateau Bellefont-Belcier, a SaintEmilion grand cru. Some in France’s wine-making community are sniffy about the Asian investors who have bought up 140 chateaux in Bordeaux. The acquisitions―though making up only 1.5 percent of the region’s 7,000

vineyards―have stirred sensitivities about growing foreign investment, particularly Chinese, in strategic or heritage sectors. In February, President Emmanuel Macron said he would work to prevent foreign investors buying French farms after it emerged that a Chinese fund had bought nearly 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres) of wheat ﬁelds in the centre of the country. The Chinese tycoons present in Bordeaux see wine mainly as a way of diversifying their fortunes. But Kwok, who has invested 60 to 70 million euros ($72.5-85 million) in the region, insists he’s not in it for the money―though as an investment banker he keeps a eye on the numbers. “Other friends who own vineyards

warned me the only way to make a fortune in wine is to invest an even bigger fortune!” said Kwok, who heads the energy subsidiary of Chinese investment group CITIC. It wasn’t his love of a plummy merlot that brought the Vietnamese-born businessman to Bordeaux. “My children study in the United States, so I was looking for a place halfway for vacations. France is halfway,” he told AFP in an interview. But there was also a touch of whimsy in his decision to set up shop on the other side of the world. Growing up in Vietnam under French colonial rule -- living in the capital’s sprawling Chinatown -- he was enthralled by “images of De Gaulle, black coffee, baguettes and dreams of Paris.” AFP

One year on, France’s Macron is unloved but unrivaled PARIS―A year after his lightning march to power, French President Emmanuel Macron’s reformist zeal has endeared him to part of the electorate but polls show him as still unloved by most of the country. “If there is one thing on which the French agree it is that the president is taking action. Where they disagree is on [the merit] of those actions,” said Jean-Daniel Levy, a researcher at Harris Interactive pollsters. After a dizzying rise to France’s highest ofﬁce, Macron suffered a sharp drop in popularity when he began to push through

changes to labor laws last September that make hiring and ﬁring easier. After just 100 days in ofﬁce, his support had fallen from a post-election high of 64 percent to 36 percent in an Ifop poll. That was lower than even his unpopular Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande at the same point in his presidency. But in recent months his approval ratings have inched back up to 40-45 percent, higher than Hollande’s and on a par with right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy who ruled from 2007 to 2012. Such a turnaround is unusual for French

presidents, said Chloe Morin, a leading pollster at the Fondation Jean-Jaures think tank. “People seem prepared to give him time,” she told AFP. Despite this perceived bout of patience, French voters on the whole view Macron negatively, even though economic growth is rising and unemployment has fallen since the election last May. An Ipsos/Sopra Steria survey published on Wednesday showed that, a year after his election, nearly two-thirds of voters―64 percent―are disappointed with his performance. AFP

Arizona teachers end their walkout

REHEARSAL. Tourists take pictures with their mobile phones as Russian Su-25 assault aircraft release smoke in the colors of the Russian flag while flying over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow. Russia celebrates the 73rd anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. AFP

LOS ANGELES―Arizona teachers ended their ﬁve-day walkout Thursday after lawmakers approved a 20-percent pay raise, in the latest protest by US educators over public school funding. “Signed. Teacher raises are on the way,” tweeted Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who had advocated for the increase in response to demonstrators’ demands. Ducey posted a video of him ratifying a budget bill passed during the night by the Southwestern state’s Republican-controlled legislature. “This is a big win for Arizona students, teachers and for public education.” he added, with the hashtag #20x2020 to signify that the increase would be 20 percent by 2020. The Arizona Education Association (AEU), which organized the demonstrations that brought 850,000 teachers to the streets since last Thursday, tweeted that “the education budget has been passed and signed.” The organization called for an “end to the walkout.” The state’s Democratic lawmakers, however, expressed skepticism over whether the promised pay raises would be possible without additional sources of revenue. AFP

OS ANGELES― The US state of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted Thursday, causing lava to spew out of ground fissures in residential areas and prompting thousands of people to flee. The Pacific island state’s governor signed an emergency proclamation releasing disaster funds to the Big Island in the eruption’s wake. Local news footage showed streams of lava snaking through a forest and The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported “steam and lava emissions from a crack in Leilani Subdivision in the area of Mohala Street” following the blast. Residents of that impacted area, some 1,700 people, were under mandatory evacuation after the burst from Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In addition to the obligatory evacuations, many areas fell under voluntary evacuation zones, affecting some 10,000 people, according to a local official. US Geological Survey authorities of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory unit were both on the ground and headed into the air to assess the eruption, which followed some 100 small earthquakes in recent days and began around 4:45 pm local time (0245 GMT Friday), according to the agency. Earlier, at 10:30 am, a larger 5.0-magnitude earthquake south of the Puu Oo volcano cone triggered rockfalls and potential collapse into a crater on the volcano, according to USGS. Big Island resident Janice Wei told AFP she felt “a big shake underneath my feet” and then said immediately after she saw a giant pink plume of smoke. “We’ve been waiting for big movement from the crater, after so many small earthquakes,” she told AFP. Using his drone, area resident Jeremiah Osuna captured video footage of the red-hot lava flow, describing it as a “curtain of fire.” “It sounded like if you were to put a bunch of rocks into a dryer and turn it on as high as you could,” he told Honolulu television station KOHN. Following the eruption authorities warned of subsequent “lava inundation,” fire, smoke, and additional earthquakes. The agency said those downwind of the dissipating plume “may experience a dusting of ash,” warning of “potentially lethal concentrations of sulfur dioxide gas” in the zone as well as methane blasts that could propel large rocks and debris in adjacent areas. Governor David Ige activated the archipelago state’s National Guard troops, and told residents to pay heed to warnings from the Civil Defense Agency. “Please be alert and prepare now to keep your family safe,” Ige wrote on Twitter. Local community centers were open to residents impacted by the threat, Hawaii’s emergency management agency said. The USGS had raised the volcano alert in the area from a watch to a warning, reporting that “new ground cracks” were discovered in the late afternoon. AFP

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

25 awards up for grabs at 6th PropertyGuru awards in May

TAPPING INTO THE FILIPINO DREAM. SLLI is targeting 10 projects in 2018, with a sales value of some P15 billion to P25 billion. At the media round table were Vicente R. Santos, SLLI chairman; Bea Alonzo, brand ambassador; and Exequiel Robles.

NINETEEN companies have been ofﬁcially shortlisted for the 2018 PropertyGuru Philippines property awards, presented by Kohler. The shortlist is led by Megaworld Corporation, two-time winner of the coveted Best Developer award, with a total of eight nominations. Next in line with seven nominations is SM Keppel Land Inc. Several developers with current projects in Metro Cebu and Ilolio also made the cut, led by boutique developer ArthaLand Corporation and its Cebu Lavana Land Corporation subsidiary, which earned a combined ﬁve nominations. Other provincial developers on the list include Cebu Landmasters, Apple-

One Mactan, Grand Land, and Canyon Estates Incorporated / G2 Global Incorporated, with a collective haul of 13 nominations. Along with established nominees such as Ortigas & Company, Alveo Land, and Century Properties Group Inc, a few emerging developers and companies also made the list, including D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Crown Asia Properties, Grand Taipan, Exquadra, and Posco. Dr Jaime A. Cura (shown here), chairman of the judging panel, attributed the appearance on the shortlist of these emerging companies to the underlying strength of the Philippine real estate sector. The top developers will be recognised at a gala dinner on May 11 at the Fairmont Makati.

BUILDING BETTER. Holcim Philippines’s Prosolutions offers a range of construction solutions and services from structural to finishing applications in road, infrastructure, residential, and other building projects. The company recently deployed a concrete that enables roads to open in 12 up to 24 hours after maintenance and/or repair. Dubbed SuperFast-Crete, this was used for the repairs of C5 and EDSA, two of the busiest highways in Metro Manila. Holcim Philippines is also proposing and testing soil stabilization technology, which improves the existing soil condition in areas where the available ground is unsuitable for road construction projects. The company likewise developed mobile laboratories. These labs are set up at project sites to conduct material testing of concrete, aggregate, soil and other as-built requirements, leveraging optimization and cost savings for the contractors. These also serve as a classroom-on-wheels for project workers, who need to be trained on how the best practices or even the latest techniques in building. Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group. REVOLUTIONARY REAL ESTATE TOOL. Housal Inc.,

an online real estate platform for developers, agents, and brokers, recently launched an online sales tool that would streamline the process of buying, selling, and renting out properties. Housal aims to create an ecosystem that links together buyers, tenants, sellers, developers, agencies, and brokers. “Our solution connects dots in the real estate sector, which will make life easy for all stake holders,” claimed Yogesh Mathur, CEO of Housal during the launch of the tool. Housal’s technology-infused tool brings the real estate search and buying experience in the digital and mobile space, and helps property seekers succeed in real estate investment in the Philippines.

QUALITY HOUSING OPTION. Boutique developer C-5 Mansions

Development Corp. recently broke ground for Ridgewood Towers Premier, the centerpiece in its Ridgewood Square development along C5 Road. Scheduled for completion in 2022, Ridgewood towers premier completes the four-tower development located at the periphery of Bonifacio Global City — some 400 meters from SM Aura Premier, and within walking distance of McKinley Hill. Said C-5 Mansions general manager Alfonso Keh Jr. during the ceremony: “by committing to our schedule, we prove that C-5 Mansions values our clients’ investments.” The groundbreaking coincided with the constant flurry of activity in BGC: several office towers are now rising, as are commercial areas – even an official Lego store is underway. “These are exciting times, indeed,” Keh remarked, and added that such activity has only “drummed up investor interest” for his project. Ridgewood towers premier boasts amenities such as a lap pool, a kiddie pool for toddlers, a jacuzzi, a private gym, a theater, and a sky garden.

Sta. Lucia Land wields ‘magic touch’ with OFWs, millennials in 2018

Eyes P5B capex: draws bead on new land, residential and commercial projects

OR Exequiel D. Robles, president and chief executive ofﬁcer of listed property developer Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. (SLLI), knowing one’s market is key to having a successful real estate ﬁrm.

“Filipinos are always looking to acquire homes and invest in land, given the increased ﬁnancial opportunities in the market,” said the developer during a recent media round table in Quezon City. “Overseas Filipino workers, call center agents, and the like are now able to provide for their families. With this growing access to land, it is now important to choose which lot to purchase. This requires real estate ﬁrms to communicate directly to the different markets locally.” SLLI’s magic touch in connecting with locals of communities where future projects are located, even before construction starts, will continue at a faster pace this year as it allocates more than P5 billion in capital expenditures, while gunning for a 15% increase in sales with the launch of more residential and commercial projects. “This year our target is P5 billion, maybe even more,” revealed Robles. “That’s not just for land acquisition, it also includes the development.” The developer has been bullish in its expansion plans, chalking up more than 2,000 hectares of land which it aims to develop in the next three to four years. SLI’s land bank is located across Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Bulacan, Pasig City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Iloilo, Silay City, Puerto Pricensa in Palawan, Cebu, and Davao. Robles said they will continue to focus on their core business of land development, selling lots only in residential subdivisions. Other than lots, SLLI also offers house-and-lots, and condominiums.

Partnership with clients “This is where the partnership between our sales partners and prospective clients become significant,” Robles later confided to the Manila Standard. “They bridge the developer and our potential customers, mainly Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) and millennials, and enlighten them to the early benefits of investing in real estate without totally sacrificing their current financial priorities,” he explained. “Knowing the priorities of the market, their spending habits and practices guide our company in formulating projects and terms for the constantly changing market.” For example, Robles said SLLI’s sales partners will not push a residential condominium or condotel investment to the client if the determined need is for a house and lot. “Capacity of the client is a major consideration,” he said. “We don’t push our client to get a house and lot if his or her budget is just for a lot.” But SLLI is planning to launch more condominium projects this year, as well. It has set its sights for higher end projects in Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, Quezon City, and Puerto Princesa. “The Palawan project is set to have a resort component,” Robles added. For commercial developments, SLLI is currently building a mall in front of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao. It is also pursuing plans for a mall in Iloilo. The company will likewise enter into joint venture agreements with various partners, allocating around 1,000 hectares of land for partnerships. Taking advantage of booming demand The SLLI chief said they would like to take advantage of the booming demand for residential properties, especially from overseas Filipino workers and

COMMUNITY DRUGSTORES. Indigenous families

living in the highlands of Subic and Olongapo now have access to inexpensive medicine, thanks to three “Botikas sa Sitio” set up recently by the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., through its corporate social responsibility arm. The program provides access to affordable medicines and daily hygiene items through a “botika” (pharmacy). The drugstores will also operate as cooperative stores to serve as livelihood for the community (Inset photo). The beneficiary organizations are Cabalan Ayta Development Association Inc., the umbrella organization of the tribes of Mampueng, Tralala, Iram and New Cabalan; Parola Fisherfolk Neighborhood Association, for fishermen neighboring RP Energy’s project site; and the Cawag Tribal Association, another group of Aetas in Subic, Zambales. “Our dream is for our Aeta brothers and sisters to achieve economic empowerment so that time will come they will no longer need to solicit from politicians,” said Litz Santana, VP for external affairs of Meralco Power Gen Corporation (Shown in photo visiting one of the ‘botika sites”). “We see them as key partners in development.”

employees from the business process outsourcing sector. “You can see now it’s more bullish because there are more developers. Many established developers are also expanding,” Robles said. Robles added that their push towards the provinces instead of Metro Manila will help them avoid the tighter competition in the metro. The company is likewise banking on its roster of marketing firms to help achieve its 15% sales growth target for the year. SLLI units include Santa Lucia Ventures, Sta. Lucia Global, Royale Homes, Orchard Property Marketing Corp., Mega East, Fil-Estate Group, One Premiere Land, and Asia Pacific, all of which are in charge of selling and marketing SLI properties. “The success of our marketing units is also a function of other factors such as the location and quality of our projects,” SLLI chairman Vicente R. Santos said in a statement. SLLI booked a net income attributable to the parent of P700 million in the first nine months of 2017, 31% higher year on year, following an 18% uptick in revenues to P2.795 billion for the period. Formula for success “Every Filipino dreams of having their own home, and affordability is a significant factor,” Robles stressed. “This is why we factor in the average income in an area to ensure that though our projects feel luxurious, these come with an affordable price tag. Flexible payment terms are made available to suit buyers’ budget,” he said. Prodded on SLLI’s secret for success, Robles smiled. “It is important to ensure that the property adds value to the buyer,” he told the Manila Standard. “To do this, you have to provide top notch quality residential property and make a real effort to communicate with residents.”

Life

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

travel and leisure

@mstandardLIFE saturday, may 5, 2018

Discover

the other side of Japan SAVOR SUSHI. Hajime, which they say serves ‘the finest sushi in Japan,’ offers an elegant and quiet atmosphere wherein only eight diners can eat at the same time.

rom its rich history and breathtaking landscapes to its unique and delectable cuisine, Japan is a dynamic country with so much to offer. Aside from its famous and frequented capital of Tokyo, there are more places in this Asian destination that can tickle your taste buds and pique your interest in history and sights.

The delectable flavors of Osaka

The third largest city in Japan is home to more than 90 michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, the michelin 3-Star restaurant Hajime is where you’ll get to delight in the best French dishes in Japan created by Chef Hajime Yoneda who is dubbed by Le Chef magazine as one of the best representative chefs in the world. For the best seafood, michelin 2-Star Sushi Harasho serves the finest sushi in all of Japan. Sushi Harasho is also known for having only eight seats, but mastercard holders can easily enjoy the quiet and elegant atmosphere of this popular sushi restaurant. osaka Cuisine ASAI, on the other hand, offers an authentic taste of traditional Japanese cuisine. Choose from over 150 dishes, which change according to season, and are specially created by the chef. meanwhile, michelin 3-Star restaurant Kashiwaya is where you will be able to experience classical Japanese kaiseki (multicourse) cuisine and relax in your very own private tea room.

mastercard cardholders can elevate their dining experience in osaka with exclusive offers on bookings in the city’s most soughtafter restaurants mastercard partners with online booking service Voyagin, so you can wine and dine like a VIP.

The breathtaking sights of Nagoya

Though renowned for its industrial core, Nagoya also boasts beautiful parks, fantastic museums, and of course, the Nagoya Castle. The original structure was built between 1610 and 1614 by the Tokugawa family. Today’s replica is where you’ll find treasures, an armor collection, and histories of the oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa families. Apart from captivating historical structures, Nagoya is also home to a world-class destination that is worth a trip for both kids and parents, LEGoLAND. make sure to plan a full day here Turn to C2

Kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy hours of fun at the LEGOLAND in Nagoya.

Nagoya boasts many beautiful parks and museums.

Enchanting river cruises Go on a spring getaway in the breathtaking Hokkaido.

An AMA Waterways River Cruise ship navigating the scenic Danube River.

mercury rising BY BOB zOzOBRadO

TrAVELING along inland waterways has now become very popular all over the world. Since cities and towns of every country grew up around rivers, a cruise vessel sailing along can dock right in the center of these cities and towns. Author Douglas Ward, a leading authority on cruising, says, “A river cruise is life in the slow lane, sailing along at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery. It is a supremely calming experience, an antidote to the pressures of life in a fast-paced world.”

river cruising has now evolved into In river cruises, many parts of a a major tourist industry in many parts country are always in sight, unlike of the world, thanks to the many scenic in ocean cruises, there are days when rivers in all continents of the globe. In the ship is at sea, with nothing else to Africa, there is the very long Nile riv- see but the wide expanse of the ocean. er. There are the mississippi in North And, because the vessel sails along America and the Amazon in South a river, passengers never experience America. There are the mekong, the motion sickness. Yangtze, and the Irrawaddy in Asia, Not too long ago, US-based and and of course, probably the most sce- family-owned AmA Waterways, nic of them all are which has been the Danube and the operating river Seine in Europe. cruises for the past YOUR weekend Why do travel16 years, came to CHUCkLe ers now prefer river town to introduce cruises over ocean their European If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, cruises? river vesPrograms. Thanks is she homeless or naked? sels are smaller and to Tessie Hencarry less passenderson, president gers, which makes of Intas Destinathe atmosphere more intimate and tions, and good friend Edu Jarque, an friendly for the passengers. river Sro crowd of well-heeled personalicruises give passengers a closer look ties from the metro’s social and busiat the country’s interior, and not just ness circles trooped to the venue. the surroundings of an isolated pier.

Turn to C2

Japan is rich in history, sumptuous food, and stunning sights.

Life

saturday, may 5, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Of mangoes

and sweet memories

Roca Encantada, the historic hilltop summer mansion of the Lopez family in Guimaras, offers a refreshing panoramic view of the Siete Pecados island chain. (Photo by Caryl delos Reyes)

hE island province of Guimaras has been synonymous to its sweet-tasting mango, and for good reason. This once-obscure territory across mainland Iloilo was but a vast mango orchard which yields export-quality harvests of the country’s national fruit.

It is also the gateway to the SEAFDEC aquatic farm which breeds species of edible fish to repopulate the fishing grounds. Funded by Southeast Asian countries, it offers a unique tour to help visitors appreciate the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem. A must-try is the Suba Malawig Eco-Tour, a communitybased program organized by the members of the barangay— from the guides and boatmen to the performers and homestays. Lending a touch of luxury amidst the rustic setting is the So, when it created a summer festivity to mark its first founding anniversary as an independent province, it could upscale 70-room Andana Resort, a Mediterranean-inspired be no other than one which honors its famed tropical fruit. hotel, which offers a mesmerizing vista of the coves and outlying in Alobihod beach area. Manggahan Festival was born in 1993 Guests can get their dose of adrenato put to the fore Guimaras’ mango inline at Camp Alfredo in Sibunag with dustry and rich cultural heritage. its 375-meter zipline, obstacle course, Now on its 25th edition, this year’s hanging bridge, and other adventure festivities themed “Manggahan sa Kafacilities. Others can simply laze at banwahan” will kick off with a bang on the camping grounds, feast on Ilonggo May 11 with the street dancing comdishes, or go fishing at the lagoon for a petition, agri-trade tourism fair, the back-to-basics experience. Mango Chandelier, and ABS-CBN’s In Jordan town, a must-visit is the TrapKapamilya Caravan. pist Monastery, the country’s first monAccording to Governor Samuel Guastery for men whose main come-on is marin, the celebration aims to showcase the souvenir shop selling crafts and mango Guimaras as the agri- and eco-tourism food products produced by the monks. capital of the Western Visayas region with Balaan Bukid, literally meaning its sprawling farms and natural wonders. “holy Mountain,” is a pilgrimage site Fringe events include Mango Eat for Catholic devotees. Along the climb All you Can contests, Amazing Guiis the Stations of the Cross, and on its marace, concerts and entertainment summit is the Chapel of Ave Maria shows, and sporting events which inPurisima and a big, white cross. It is clude the Tour de Guimaras, the Philipthe endpoint of the Pagtaltal sa Guimapine Downhill Series, and the 4th Gov. ras passion play held on Good Friday. Gumarin Motocross Challenge. Another Instagram-worthy spot is the The two-week feast culminates San Lorenzo Wind Farm, a 54-megaon May 22 with the 26th Provincial Founding Anniversary parade, cul- Guimaras, known for its sweet ripe mangoes, watt windmill energy project which has become a tourist magnet because of its tural competition, and the Sinadya sa is celebrating its 25th Manggahan Festival. breathtaking view, especially at sunset. Capitol cultural awarding. Buenavista takes pride of Navalas Gov. Gumarin said that beyond its succulent mangoes which have tickled the world’s palate, the Church which has preserved its Spanish-era façade. On the province takes pride in its string of enticing beaches, secluded town’s far end is Roca Encantada, the historic hilltop summer islands, religious retreats, farms, and adventure spots which mansion of the prominent Lopez family built in 1910 which has a refreshing panorama of the Siete Pecados island chain. make it a consummate getaway, minus the madding crowd. Beyond its sweet mangoes, Guimaras is a land of the sweet For beach bums, Alobijod Cove in Nueva Valencia is the province’s most popular beachfront with its powdery sand smiles of its warm people and sweet memories offered by its and clear water. Framed by jagged rock formations, it is dot- stunning destinations. For more information on the festival, visit www.guimaras. ted by homey resorts and serves as the jump-off point for gov.ph or its Facebook page Guimaras Manggahan Festival. island hopping.

ThE Cathay Pacific Group brings hong Kong and the world closer to Davao as its regional airline, Cathay Dragon, will launch a four times weekly service to Davao City from Oct. 28. The new route, the only non-stop flight between hong Kong and Davao City, will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft. Davao City will be the airline’s fourth destination in the country, complementing existing services to Manila, Cebu and Clark. Cathay Pacific country manager to the Philippines Rob Bradshaw said the new services reflect the group’s commitment to growing its reach, providing customers with more options when connecting through the airlines’ hub to over 200 destinations in its network. “We have a rich and robust history of serving the Philippines and we are thrilled today to grow our presence to Davao, our fourth destination in the country,” he said. Bradshaw added, “With our renowned signature service and conveni-

Hong Kong gets closer to Davao

discover...

choice among travelers who are looking for a relaxing getaway as well. For a world-class skiing experience, hokkaido’s Niseko Village reigns as the number one choice with its 800 skiable hectares, soft and light powdery snow, ski schools, beginner slopes and the more advanced ones like black diamonds. While you’re on a snowcapped getaway, experience authentic Japanese hospitality in the Ryokan Collection— an exquisite chain of luxury ryokans or traditional Japanese inns, which provides lavish meals and a private onsen (Japanese bath). Mastercard gives you access to exclusive experiences like in-house personal

From C1

because there are over 40 rides, numerous shows and themed attractions, 17 million LEGO bricks, and 10,000 LEGO models for everyone in the family to experience. Mastercard cardholders can enjoy a special offer of JPy200 off on admission tickets to this LEGO paradise.

The winter getaway in Hokkaido

hokkaido is famous for being a skier’s paradise with its blanket of snow covering wide, open spaces. Its hot springs and elegant Ryokan hotels make it a favorite

Visitors coming from Hong Kong can now travel directly to Davao as Cathay Pacific launches a four times weekly service to Davao City.

ent schedule, customers will be assured and passenger friendly hong Kong hub, of a premium experience when they the world is now one step closer to our travel with us. Through the efficient customers in Mindanao.” masseuses and offers like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades in other hotels in Japan. hokkaido is a place where you can also give yourself a well-deserved dose of retail therapy in Japan’s premium outlet malls, where you’ll find extensive selections of local and international brands across categories like fashion, gadgets, home, and luxury goods. If you’re looking for a great place to start head to one of the Mitsui Outlet Parks spread all over Japan, like Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitohiroshima. Mastercard rewards your shopping experience in the Mitsui Outlets with up to 10 percent discounts.

How to plan the ultimate

family vacation

FAMILy vacation is always remembered fondly for it offers an opportunity for everyone to bond and share unique experiences. While no vacation is ever perfect—mishaps happen to anyone, anywhere—it doesn’t hurt to plan it well to make sure it’s a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Plan early

Once summer gets into full swing, beach resorts, hotels, and the best summer destinations fill up quickly thus prices skyrocket. The best course of action is to discuss vacation plans with family members way before the heat of summer sets in. This way, one is certain that every family member is available before buying that plane ticket or making that resort reservation.

Go someplace new

Annual family vacations to familiar, well-loved locations are always fun, but nothing beats the excitement of going someplace new with loved ones. Maybe your next family summer getaway would be a trip to discover the natural majesty of Cheongsando Island in South Korea? Or even a visit to Jomalig Island right here in Quezon province? Going to off the beaten path allows you to avoid the summer crowd and spend your vacation in an entirely new place with your family.

Draft your itinerary

Wherever you and your family end up going this summer, make the most of the experience by trying all the fun things to do in that area. Eat like a local, haggle at the local markets, or try and go to all the well-known culture spots in that city. Do a quick research on your choice of destination so you and your family can maximize the vacation to the fullest.

Pack your bags in advance

Once you have chosen the perfect family summer getaway, the rest falls into place pretty quickly. The best thing to do at this point is to start listing all the things you will need for your trip. This tip is all the more helpful when traveling to international destinations. Make sure you and your family are prepared for wherever you’re going ahead of time rather than being caught unprepared in an unfamiliar place.

Prepare your summer budget

Going on a trip with family means spending. From transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and even shopping for souvenirs, every great vacation is only such when you are able to budget enough funds for all the things you need and want to do. When traveling to new places or international destinations, it’s best to have your reliable credit card on hand and ready for your needs. Make sure you have the proper financial partner that helps you keep your budget on track while on vacation. RCBC Bankard’s new budget management tool, Unli Installment, allows cardholders to flex their straight purchases to installment for up to 36 months with low add-on rates. This latest innovation from RCBC Bankard gives cardholders the convenience and comfort of a longer payment period minus the skyrocket rates. Current RCBC Bankard cardholders can enjoy a special introductory monthly installment rate of 0.58 percent for a period of 36 months on local and international retail purchases from now until the end of May 2018. Call (02) 888-1888 (Classic and Gold) or (02) 888-1883 (Diamond, Black, World Mastercard or Visa), or email service@rcbcbankard.com for more information.

Enchanting... From C1

The river cruise line’s president, Rudi Schreiner, and executive vice president, Kristin Karst, happily announced their new itineraries for Europe, Asia, and Africa. They also bannered the continuous expansion of their river fleet, with their newest vessel, Amalea, now offering connecting staterooms to accommodate more than two passengers, and the revolutionary twin balconies which is unique to the vessel. AMA Waterways is the first river cruise company to offer its passengers complimentary bicycles to be used in the shore excursions. To further promote their passengers’ health and wellness lifestyle, the cruise line now offers an array of exclusive guided biking and hiking tours, matched with specially curated healthy menus. Poring over the company’s thick catalog of itineraries, I immediately picked my favorite—the 11-day Memories of the Danube, not only because

I enjoy waltzing to the soothing, lilting Blue Danube of Johann Strauss, but also because the itinerary includes some of my favorite European cities. Cruising along this storied river, which has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians will take me to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Munich. It will be a glorious feeling when I get to sway along with the sound of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. I can hardly wait! I now have to clear up my schedule of hectic days and make way for this “cruise of a lifetime.” Although I’ve been on about a dozen ocean cruises in many parts of the world, I’ve never been on a river cruise, that’s why I am looking forward to it, and giddy about being enchanted soon! Do I hear Andy Williams singing “Moon River” or is it all in my head? I better ring up Intas Destinations at (02) 772-3314 and get all the information I need on these AMA Waterways River Cruises. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

A royal… From C4

Swoon to the most inspiring proposal stories starting on Monday, May 7, at 10:30 p.m.. In My Ring Story, grooms reveal how they popped the question and brides share the moment they said “Yes!” Meanwhile, all-new episodes of Married at First Sight follow the lives of six people as they exchange I Do’s with complete strangers. The fifth season begins on Tuesday, May 8, at 9:00 p.m.. Then catch more Lifetime Original Movies taking over your screens this May. A teenage girl goes into hiding as her mother’s killer hunts her down in Maternal Instinct on Wednesday, May 9 at 9:00 p.m.. Girl Fight shows on May 23 at 9:00 p.m., which depicts how a 16-year-old student’s life spirals downward when a disturbing video of her being assaulted surfaces. Finally, Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:00 p.m. reveals the events leading up to how the South African Olympic sprinter and double-leg amputee was convicted of

murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Don’t forget to catch new episodes of Glam Masters on Monday, May 7 at 8:30 p.m. where beauty influencers go headto-head in makeup challenges designed to put their best looks forward and impress celebrity beauty authorities. Lifetime also airs special shows which put mothers in the spotlight. On Sunday, May 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. catch LIFETIME Original Movies Maternal Instinct and Mommy I Didn’t Do It where a mother tries to defend her daughter who is suspected of murder. The Mother’s Day specials also include original series such as Growing Up Supermodel (young models with celebrity parents try to pursue a career in the world of fashion); Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid (the search for the next fresh face in fashion with Yolanda as mentor); Idol Moms (follows the mothers of aspiring K-Pop stars); and The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story (Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant’s mother selflessly puts aside her own dreams so her sons can pursue theirs).

John Estrada wants challenge, transfers to rival network Johnny Knoxville in a scene in from the American action comedy, 'Action Point.'

PRANKSTER JOHNNY KNOXVILLE gets new eye-popping role S

LAPSTICK superstar Johnny Knoxville was relaxing in his hotel after his latest on-set mishap when some dried blood in his nostril caused him to blow hard and his eyeball popped out. Luckily, he hadn’t been eating hot and sour soup or taking a bubble bath, and he was able to reach under, scoop it up and push it back into the socket. It was the latest in a litany of injuries that would make the blood drain from the toughest stunt professional’s face -- but it was far from the most stomach-churning. “I have, like, 15 doctors for different parts of my body and they all have a special talk with me. I don’t know what to tell ‘em,” Knoxville shrugs in an interview with AFP. The star -- who rose to fame mesmerizing fans with his shocking stunts in MTV’s 2000-2002 reality prank series Jackass -- was at Las Vegas CinemaCon to promote his new movie Action Point. He recalls a day’s shooting for the comedy about a disastrous theme park when he landed flat on his face after flying 20 feet (six meters) through the air off a slide. Knoxville, whose 31 movies include Men in Black II, The Dukes of Hazzard and four releases in the Jackass canon, was rushed to the emergency room with a bad case of concussion and a fractured eye socket.

“I go back to the hotel room and I blow my nose because I had blood there. My left eyeball just pops out of my head. It’s like a cartoon. I was like, ‘Oh no!’ I pushed it back in and I called the producer,” he said. “I was like, ‘You’ve got to come get me. My left eyeball just popped out of my head.’ He’s like, ‘Ah ha ha ha ha!’ I’m like ‘I’m serious.’ He goes, ‘I’ll be right there.’” In Action Point, due out on June 1 in the US, Knoxville plays a daredevil who designs and operates his own theme park with his friends. The comedy is inspired by Action Park, which opened in 1978 in Vernon, New Jersey, and built up a reputation for poorly designed, unsafe rides and intoxicated and underage staff. “Gene Mulvihill ran it and he didn’t have any rules for the kids. He let them design their own rides. I mean, it was just complete anarchy,” said Knoxville. The movie contains some of the daredevil’s most hair-raising stunts yet, but he insists he doesn’t actually enjoy pain. He’s not even that addicted to the adrenaline rush, he says. AFP

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

ACROSS 1 Clenched hand 5 Punctuation mark 10 Converted sofas 14 Quechua speaker 15 Strange 16 Lamb’s alias 17 Indicator 18 Linguine topper 19 Puppy-chow brand 20 Aquatic mammal 22 Venezuela city 24 Time to eat 27 Slat 28 Very happy 32 Shish — (var.) 35 Ex-GI 36 Smaller than mini 38 Inventor of dynamite 40 Party tray cheese 42 Parakeet treats 44 Hatha — 45 Unclad 47 “M*A*S*H” clerk 49 Crooner — Damone 50 Rises up on the hind legs 52 Lantern fuel 54 Burden

56 Paddy plant 57 Many TV dinners 60 Is acquainted with 64 Fruit or bird 65 Rent 68 Satisfy 69 Particular 70 Take the dais 71 Neutral color 72 Fabricated 73 Break the rules 74 Tool storage DOWN 1 Spot’s pal 2 Monogram pt. 3 A word to kitty 4 Natural gift 5 Gown go-with 6 Bravo, in Spain 7 Etc. category 8 Zinc or iron 9 Parka 10 Brian Wilson or Mike Love (2 wds.) 11 First name in jazz 12 Makes candles 13 — Paulo, Brazil 21 Be footloose 23 Pharaoh’s god 25 Name in elevators 26 More polite 28 Smooth and

level 29 Hot tub material 30 Wooden post 31 Spooky noise 33 Over 34 Kick off 37 More peculiar 39 Fasten a shoe 41 Dinner hour 43 Indian wrap 46 Lemon candy 48 Gibraltar landmark 51 Sea dog 53 Sees or hears

55 Farm implement pioneer 57 Pocket bread 58 Had a mortgage 59 Auto import from Sweden 61 Shriek of pain 62 Hidden mike 63 Wall upright 64 Delaney of “NYPD Blue” 66 Fem. saint 67 Sushi morsel

ERIK SANTOS celebrates Kapamilya Fun Day in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia -- ABS-CBN’s #JustLoveArawAraw celebration crosses over to the Land Down Under with internationally known Filipino balladeer Erik Santos and MOR 101.9 For Life! DJ Jhai Ho offering non-stop entertainment at the “Kapamilya Fun Day” event happening today at the DiverCiti Centre in Brisbane. True to ABS-CBN Corporation’s overarching theme for this season, #JustLoveArawAraw (Just Love Everyday), Santos takes a break from his hurado (judge) duties in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in It’s Showtime to serenade overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Australia with their alltime favorite hits and songs from home. On the other hand, Jhai Ho will make sure that the venue will have heaps of laugher with the fun games and antics he prepared just for his countrymen in Sydney to enjoy at the “Kapamilya Fun Day”, an annual gathering of Filipinos in the community and a showcase of Filipino performances by The Filipino Channel (TFC), the flagship brand of ABS-CBN’s international arm ABS-CBN Global. Launched in 2016, “Kapamilya Fun Day’s” initial foray featured international Filipino artists like Kyla and Jed Madela. Last year, it was soul singer Jaya and comedian Negi turn to entertain Filipinos in the three cities of Australia. For tickets to “Kapamilya Fun Day” in Australia with Erik and DJ Jhai Ho, visit http://bit. ly/AUKFD2018 or facebook.com/TFCAustralia. Each ticket is sold at AUD 40.

Former Kapamilya actor John Estrada officially signs a management contract with GMA Network.

Seasoned television actor John Estrada is now an official Kapuso after signing a contract with GMA Network, Inc. two days ago. John feels extremely happy and excited as he becomes part of the roster of talents managed by the network, “I feel so welcome and at the same time excited. Well, it’s a fact that I love challenges, right? And as you mature, there are a few things that you wanted to prove in terms of you being an actor. Here in GMA, they have an interesting mix of content. At of course, bagay sa’kin ‘yung versatility na ino-offer nila.” The actor shared that for his first TV assignment as a Kapuso, he will be part of GMA’s biggest and pioneering project this year. “I am very excited for my first project dahil napakaganda. If I am not mistaken, this is the biggest project of GMA this year. There should be a perfect timing when it comes to revealing this project kasi nga malaking project ito and I am really looking forward to that. I just want to say that it’s all worth the wait.” He revealed that he did not think

twice when he was offered the role since it is ground-breaking and very challenging, “The role and the project itself, I’ve never done something like this. This is my first time to do something like this.” Apart from his upcoming project, John is likewise looking forward to finally work with his daughter Inah de Belen and other Kapuso stars, “I’m looking forward to work with my daughter, Inah. And of course, I am a good friend of Dingdong (Dantes) and Marian (Rivera). It’s my dream to work with them. Of course, marami pang Kapuso talents na napapanood ko na magagaling talaga.” During his contract signing, GMA bigwigs were present including GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Productions Cheryl Ching Sy and Program Manager Benita S. Matilac.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

Philippines to host Mr. World 2018 By Eton Concepcion

THE Miss World Organization (MWO) ofﬁcially announced the Mr. World 2018 pageant be held in Manila on Jan. 27, 2019 in cooperation with the Miss World Philippines Organization. MWO chairperson Julia Morley was represented by Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandewal, and Mr. World chairman Stephen Morley, who said in the press conference that it’s going to be the biggest pageant Mr. World and will attract 100 plus countries. Chhillar, who won her country’s 6th Miss World crown after 17 years, followed on her compatriot, Rohit Khandelwal’s win at Mr World 2016 in United Kingdom. The Bengaluru-Delhi native, who is turning 21 on May 14, is a trained Indian classical dancer and currently a student of medicine at Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College for Women. Chhillar’s visit to the country continued the line of past Miss World winners, Alexandria Mills, Rolene Strauss, Mireia Lalaguna and Stephanie Del Valle, who attended charities assembled by the

MWO foundation in Manila. She aims to be a cardiac surgeon and wants to open a chain of non-proﬁtable hospitals based in rural areas. Chhillar was welcomed at the launching by reigning Miss World Philippines 2017 queens led by Miss World Philippines Laura Lehmann and met dozens of press people at Marriot Hotel in Resorts World Manila. Mr World, a biennial male pageant established in 1996 and now on its 10th edition, is dubbed the Search for the “World’s Most Desirable Man” and features a series of preliminary fast track events which include Fashion & Style, Extreme Challenge, Multi-Media Award, Sports Challenge and Talent Competition. The Miss World Philippines Organization, led by its national director Arnold Vegafria, has also launched the ﬁrst Mr. World Philippines 2018 pageant to select a man to represent the Philippine in this year’s Mr. World as well as the winner of Mr Eco Philippines 2018. Sam Ajdani was handpicked and represented the country in Mr. World 2016 held in Southport, England.

A visitor trying out a rodeo bull that replicates the experience of riding a bucking animal. Sunway Pyramid Facebook

AN IMMERSIVE ‘WESTWORLD’ VR EXPERIENCE L

AST week, Sky Cable and HBO treated Manila Standard to a Virtual Reality experience designed and developed for the fans of the hit sci-ﬁ cable series, Westworld.

Miss World Philippines Organization national director Arnold Vegafria (left) with Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandewal and Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar

Harry and Meghan’s royal romance LIFETIME packs the month of May with the most captivating shows starting with an insider look into the highproﬁle romance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But that’s not all, Lifetime also lights up your screens with original movies rife with love, intrigue, suspense, and awe. On May 16 at 8:30 p.m., catch the premiere of the most followed love story in the world through the dramatized version of Harry and Meghan: A Royal Romance. The made-for-TV movie chronicles the highproﬁle romance of the British Prince (played by Murray Fraser) and the Suits star (played by Parisa FitzHenley). Following this at 10:05 p.m. is the documentary special, Harry and Meghan: Royal Rebels, featuring interviews and insider stories from royal experts and former palace staff, plus exciting archival footage that reveal the secrets behind a royal wedding. Newly betrothed couple Prince Harry and Continued on C3 Meghan Markle

April ratings data put GMA no. 1 nationwide

MEDIA giant GMA Network maintained its nationwide ratings advantage based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider. For the full month of April (with April 22 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average of 39.7 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent. The Network continued to dominate NUTAM’s morning block with a people audience share of 37.9 percent beating ABSCBN’s 33.4 percent. GMA likewise led in

the afternoon block with 41.6 percent as against its rival’s 37.8 percent. GMA, meanwhile, reigned supreme across all day parts in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country. The Kapuso Network maintained a double-digit margin in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.2 percent versus competition’s 33.2 percent. Likewise in Mega Manila (with ofﬁcial data from April 1 to 21), GMA was clearly ahead of the competition with 45.8 percent total day people audience share, while ABS-

Along with a few Westworld avid fans from Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, we flew to Kuala Lumpur to have a fully-immersive and interactive experience that took us into the futuristic world of humanoids. The 360 video and real-time CG virtual reality tour that adds another dimension to the original series was open to the public in KL until April 29 and will then move to Singapore on May 8. The experience was rather brief, something between 10 and 15 minutes (or depending on how obedient you are to your virtual guide, who at the onset of the tour will tell you that there are no rules involved in this whole experience). But it was an enticing and effective introduction to the Emmy award-winning series, especially to those who have yet to see an episode of the American drama that boasts an ensemble cast including Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Thandie Newton, Ben Barnes, and Ed Harris. A few hours after we were billeted to Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, HBO guys led us to Westworld VR booth located at the Blue Atrium of the posh Sunway Pyramid Mall, which is conveniently linked to the hotel we were staying at. The booth was set up for visitors who were willing to ride a mechanical bull, play a ring toss game, take video selfies in Wild West themed installations and experience the VR tour, of course. The computer-generated expedition, which transports you into a world that is familiar from the show, begins with an introduction by a female host who also acts as your guide inside the booth. Just like the scene in the TV series where guests are being briefed about Westworld at the Delos office, the host is dressed in white. Once inside, the VR operator will help you to don the VR goggles and headphones and give a few instructions

on how to navigate the VR realm. Once in the VR universe, you will immediately meet the intimidating virtual host who will ask you to select either a black or white hat and pick your weapon of choice before being transported into the Wild West. In reality, everything is controlled by a joystick with a trigger. Thereafter, you will now embark on different virtual activities within Westworld such as practicing at a shooting range or getting involved in a shootout with Sheriff Pickett until you get deeply involved in the virtual story. Westworld, which debuted in 2016, tackles the rise of artiﬁcial conscious-

ness and set in a wild west-themed amusement park populated by humanoid robots with artiﬁcial intelligence. In its second season, which premiered in the Philippines on April 23, the show delves deeper into the uprising of the robots that have now become sentient entities. After the chaos toward the end of Season 1, the fate of the entire Westworld was left uncertain. It picks up from the commotion of the ending of the ﬁrst season when runners of the amusement park were killed and the robots now have free reign over the park. A new episode airs every Monday, at 9:00 a.m. on HBO with a same-day primetime encore at 10:00 p.m..

The Malaysian hosts of 'Westworld' VR experience tour, which HBO unveiled in Asia for the first time.

The author inside the 'Westworld' VR booth in Sunway Pyramid Mall in Kuala Lumpur. CBN only managed to get 30.5 percent. Kapuso shows also took majority of the spots in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) as the most watched GMA program last month. Following KMJS were Kambal, Karibal, Magpakailanman, Pepito Manaloto, and 24 Oras. Newly-launched primetime series The Cure immediately made it to the top 30 list joining Sherlock Jr., The One That Got Away, Lip Sync Battle Philippines, 24 Oras Weekend, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Eat Bulaga, Contessa, Imbestigador, Wowowin, and The Stepdaughters. GMA also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 20 spots out of the top 30 programs in both areas. 'The One That Got Away' cast members Lovi Poe, Max Collins and Rhian Ramos

Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population. In 2017, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 41 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Viva Communications Inc., among others; 5 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; 21 agencies (18 media agencies, 2 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency); and 1 advertiser.