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Housing woes: 5 officials face ax or suspension VOL. XXXII • NO. 82 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

SNAP TO ATTENTION. A US militrary honor guard salutes the Stars and Stripes during the opening ceremony Monday of the joint US and Philippine military exercise at the military headquarters in Manila, the day the two allies launched major exercises aimed at fighting global terrorism, while staying mostly quiet on Beijing’s reported installation of missiles in the disputed South China Sea. AFP

Summer girl: Fashion model Jessica Wilson SHOWBIZ C4

THE National Housing Authority said Monday five of its top officials could face suspension even as it issued a show-cause order to 53 contractors with a notice of termination involving 33 projects involving eight contractors in the Visayas and Mindanao. “The officials who were found remiss on their job will be subjected to suspension pending the formal filing of charges against them,” said NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. “They should be made accountable for all the failures during the project implementation that caused misery to the housing beneficiaries.” Escalada identified 22 housing projects and contracts that were deemed terminated for various violations that contributed to the delays. ‘‘The contractors did not follow the program of work that resulted in the production of substandard housing units,” Escalada said. “They should be made liable because the project involved people who have been victims of calamities.” But the suspension pending investigation involving the five NHA officials could not be served as yet because the election ban for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections was still in effect, Escalada said. After terminating the project of the contractors, the NHA will determine whether the contractor will be blacklisted Next page

Mayweather drops by for ‘R n R’ SPORTS A8

Megabuck deal about Starbucks ZURICH, SWITZERLAND-- Swiss food giant Nestlé announced Monday it will pay $7.15 billion for the rights to market Starbucks products around the world, outside of the company’s coffee shops. Next page

30 ISIS-inspired terrorists nabbed in Mindanao By Nash B. Maulana TACURONG CITY—Government troops and police arrested 30 Islamic State-inspired terrorists in a surprise commando-type offensive deep into their lair in the lakeshore town of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat province, ofﬁcials said Sunday. Police Supt. James Gulmatico, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said the operation by the 4th Special Action Battalion of the Police Special Action Force and the 33rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, took place in Markadz, Barangay Sisiman, Lutayan. Gulmatico said the arrested men were being interrogated, and that the police will provide further updates later. Next page

DoT mess takes a twist

Wanda’s husband quits, brod vows to return P60m By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Macon Ramos-Araneta

RESIGNATION CALL. A miliant group holds a rally in front of the Department of Tourism office calling for the resignation of Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo over the P60-million scandal involving ad placements in her brothers’ PTV 4 show. Norman Cruz

HE brother of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, Ben Tulfo, is returning the P60 million that his media company received from her department for ad placements in his show, her lawyer and spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said Monday.

Judges, court workers step up Sereno quit call By Rey E. Requejo JUDGES and court employees on Monday reiterated their call for Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno to resign before the Supreme Court decides on her fate when it rules on the petition seeking her ouster on Friday. The judges and court employees manifested their call for Sereno’s resignation by wearing red shirts and red neckties during ﬂag-raising ceremony before the Supreme Court. Philippine Judges Association president Judge Felix Reyes and SC Employees Association president Erwin Ocson were spotted wearing red.

In a statement, SCEA explained that they again held the “Red Monday” protest to press for a change in the leadership of the judiciary. “This is to show our collective action to show the truth and pursue reform in the Supreme Court and the judiciary,” the group said. PJA and SCEA had earlier issued a joint manifesto calling for Sereno to resign “to give the entire judiciary the opportunity to move forward and get back to order.” The organizations cited demoralization among their ranks and said the impeachment proceedings against Sereno had placed the “entire judiciary in disrepute, thereby affecting the honor and integrity”

Court clears former Makati mayor of liability in P2.2-b building fraud

PH acquiring tech vs China missiles

By Rey E. Requejo

THE government is acquiring a new technology that will verify the reports that China has deployed missile systems in the disputed West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said Monday. The latest media reports showed that China had deployed missiles to the Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef within the past 30 days. Earlier reports said China had installed a jamming device in one of the areas in the disputed waters. In other developments: • Foreign Affairs Secretary on Monday admitted the Philippines had no capability to stop China’s activities in the disputed areas, but it would continue to

THE Court of Appeals has ruled that former Makati City mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., cannot be held administratively liable over the alleged fraudulent construction of the P2.28-billion Makati City Hall Parking Building II following his reelection in 2013. In a 159-page decision, the CA’s Tenth Division through Associate Justice Edwin Sorongon, nullified the joint decision issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on Sept. 7, 2015 which found Binay along with 19 other city officials guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct for the irregularities com-

mitted for alleged overpricing in the procurement of the architectural design and engineering services and construction of Phases I to V of the Makati City Hall Parking Building. The anti-graft body also ordered the dismissal of Binay and his co-accused from service. In ruling against the Ombudsman, the appellate court said the anti-graft body committed an error in ordering Binay’s dismissal since the condonation doctrine should have been applied in his case, which states that an erring ofﬁcial is considered to have already been forgiven for acts in his past term once he is reelected. Next page

of the magistrates and judges. Ocson said they have other issues that have not been addressed by Sereno since she assumed the top judicial post in 2012, but he did not discuss them because of sub judice rule due to the pending quo warranto petition ﬁled by Solicitor General Jose Calida against her before the Supreme Court. “The real reason behind this are the acts and policies of the chief justice which really [adversely] affected the employees,” he said. Reyes aid that their 1,200-strong group joined the call for Sereno’s resignation after “looking at the big picture and what’s best for all of us.” Next page

In an interview with radio dzMM, Topacio also said that the Tourism secretary’s husband, Roberto Teo, will resign as board member of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Topacio said that even though Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. has already spent the P60 million, Tulfo offered to return the money down “to the last centavo.” The Commission on Audit last week questioned the Tourism Department’s placement of ads in the show “Kilos Pronto,” produced and hosted by Teo’s brothers, Ben and Erwin Tulfo, a block timer on government station PTV4. CoA said the deal has no memorandum of agreement or any contract between PTV4 and the Tulfos’ BMUI to air the tourism commercials. Next page

NEW ARMS. Some 100 units of Israeli-made 9 mm submachine guns are acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard after the Comelec has deputized the PCG for additional security in the May 14 village and youth council elections. Norman Cruz

News

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rappler hits back at BIR: Tax charges lack proof By Rey E. Requejo ONLINE news site Rappler on Monday sought the dismissal of the P133.8million tax evasion charge against the company and its executives for lack of evidence. Rappler Holdings Corp., through its president Maria Ressa, submitted a counter-affidavit before investigating Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros, denying the allegations in the complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against the company in March. In particular, RHC denied violating the National Internal Revenue Code by failing to supply accurate information in its annual income tax return and valueadded tax return for 2015. Rappler rejected the BIR’s allegation that it acted as dealer in securities when it purchased common shares from Rappler Inc. and later on sold Philippine Depositary Receipts to two foreign firms. “We adequately disclosed our PDR and subscription transactions in our reports to and filing with the SEC and BIR,” Ressa said. “We could not be accused of misrepresentation in our tax returns because there was no reason for us to conclude that the claimed ties were due.” Ressa, who appeared before the Justice department to subscribe to their answer, said the tax evasion charge was “harassment and selective prosecution” on the part of the BIR. “They asked for our books three days before they filed the charges. This is another instance where you have a case of political harassment because we’re journalists trying to do our jobs,” Ressa said. “I appeal again to the BIR. Their job is to investigate before filing charges. The complainants’ treatment of us is selective justice, and will have a chilling effect on PDR issuers.” With the submission of Rappler’s answer, the prosecutor required the BIR to submit its comment in the next hearing set for May 21.

30... From A1

Seized from the extremists were one M-16 automatic rifle; three homemade shotguns; two rifle grenade; two handheld two-way radios, an improvised bomb with coiled electrical wire, a cellular phone for a triggering device, and nails. News of the successful raid came a day before Armed Forces chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. opened the Balikatan joint Philippine-US military exercises on Monday. Galvez, who headed the overall Philippine military operations against the IS-inspired extremists in Marawi City, acknowledged how the US forces provided Filipino counterparts with “intelligence support in real time,” as well as ammunition, and other resources like rubber boats, firepower, and capability training. A lakeshore city, Lutayan town sits on a southern shore of Lake Buluan, similar to Marawi. In both cases, local officials were unaware of the presence of the extremists. Australia and Japan on Monday joined the humanitarian operations component of Balikatan 34, which is being held from May 7 to 18 in multiple locations in Luzon. The participating forces have already conducted a series of community engagement activities since April 19, the US Embassy said in a statement.

Megabuck... From A1

The agreement gives Nestlé, which owns the Nescafé and Nespresso brands, a strong platform for continued growth in North America, the company said in a statement. “This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle’s largest high-growth category,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider in a statement. “Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognized as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing.” The deal does not include any of Starbucks’ coffee shops and cafés. Around 500 Starbucks staff will join Nestlé, the company added. The deal will create a “global coffee alliance,” Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson said. The transaction, which needs approval from regulators, should be finalized by the end of 2018. AFP

Contingency plan sought to free rescuers in Kuwait By Macon Ramos-Araneta

He aired his concern about the future of the returning migrant workers and their families if the government had no immediate plans for them. Angara made his statement even as Rep. Wes Gatchalian renewed his call to the Department of Foreign Affairs to quickly deploy legal attachés to the countries with a high population of Filipino workers. He said the legal attachés would help both consular and diplomatic officials and the Filipinos facing legal problems. “Protecting our [workers] in foreign countries is primarily a legal problem,”

Gatchalian said. “As much as we want to protect our citizens, we have to do so in a manner that is mindful of the sovereign rights and prerogatives of our foreign partners.” Angara said there must be clear plan to reintegrate the Filipinos returning home from Kuwait. “There should be a sure job when they return. Aside from ensuring their safety, they should have a job and livelihood assistance awaiting them,” said Angara, vice chairman of the Senate’s labor committee.

He was the sponsor of Republic Act 10801 that strengthens the power of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to help and provide assistance to migrant Filipinos. Under that law, at least 10 percent of the contributions of migrants―called the OWWA Fund―should be used for a reintegration program every year to help those who lost their jobs or had decided to return. Such program includes employment and livelihood training, access to credit, the grant of money to start their own business, as well as financial literacy and techno-skills training, business counseling and job referrals. This year, of the P2.876-billion total budget of OWWA, P376 million was allocated for reintegration services. “We urge the OWWA to raise this amount, if necessary, in order to extend the much-needed assistance to our returning Filipinos, especially those who came from Kuwait,” Angara said.

DoT...

In the Palace, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said it is up to President Duterte whether the Tourism secretary stays or goes, and said Tulfo’s offer to return the P60 million would not affect his decision. Asked if Teo would face graft charges, Roque said he was uncertain about the legal ramifications, saying the law is inconsistent in alleged cases of nepotism. “The issue right now is whether or not Teo will stay. And all this [the return of the P60 million] will have no impact on the decision of the President,” Roque said. Roque said the Palace will look into the controversy but cannot predict what the Ombudsman will do. Mr. Teo’s resignation for Tieza, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, was as good as irrevocable, Roque added. Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, has filed a resolution to investigate the P60million advertising deal between PTV-4 and the Department of Tourism that benefited Teo’s brothers Ben and Erwin Tulfo. “We welcome the gesture of good faith by Bitag to return the P60-million TV ad payment back to the government. Nonetheless, the DOT and PTV-4 need to clarify some issues with regard how commercials are placed, and the terms of reference covering such agreements,” Binay said.

Binay has filed a resolution to look into how the Tourism department spends its budget in advertising and marketing. “Perhaps, we should determine how they rationalize the local advertising placements and if they are congruent with the strategic marketing and media plans of the department,” she said. In its report posted online on April 27, the Commission on Audit detailed that the state-run television network made the following payments last year to Bitag Media Unlimited Inc.: P22,089,560 on May 11; P18.96 million on Nov. 8; and P18.96 million on Dec. 15. “Perhaps the DoT can shed light on the advertising deal the Tourism department entered into with PTNI following CoA’s findings,” said Binay, who heads the Senate committee on tourism. In a statement, the Akbayan party-list group said Teo announcing that BMUI will return the P60 million used for PTV ads was an admission of guilt. “If she had an ounce of delicadeza, she would resign. Returning the money should not stop probes for accountability. It also doesn’t correct an illegal act,” said Akbayan. “We are more convinced that the DOT is in the hands of an official who favors her family business over public service,” added the group.

ing to P429,011 and another disbursement voucher dated July 3, 2013. The Ombudsman said acts were done after his reelection in May 2013 and during his second term, thus, the condonation doctrine has no basis. However, the appellate court said that while the said vouchers were signed after Binay was reelected, it is fact that the said DVs were related to the services pursuant to contracts which were already entered during his prior term. “Indubitably, this Court cannot sustain the Ombudsman with respect to Binay Jr. without utterly disregarding the foregoing pronouncements of the Supreme Court,” the CA said. “Given the factual circumstances herein and the prevailing jurisprudence, this Court holds that the undisputed and subsequent reelection of Binay Jr. in the year 2013 is a condonation of his administrative liabilities,” the appellate court ruled. The younger Binay had accused political enemies of his family for the filing of the complaint against him in an effort to destroy the bid of his father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, for the presidency in 2016. He argued that he cannot be held accountable for the alleged anomaly since three of the seven construction phases of the MSHSB were done when he was not yet the city mayor. He said his liability in the subsequent construction phases, if there is any, was expunged by his reelection in 2013 under the “Aguinaldo Doctrine” or the condonation doctrine. The CA also modified the Ombuds-

man’s ruling with regard with Binay’s corespondents. For respondents Makati City Marjorie de Veyra and City accountant Cecilio Lim III, the CA granted their petition for the dismissal of the administrative complaints filed against them in connection with the MCHPB. Instead of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct, the CA found respondents Emerito Magat, Nelia Barlis Leonila Querijero and Raydes Pestano, all city government officials guilty of simple misconduct, thus, warranting only their suspension from the service for six months instead of dismissal. The CA also granted the petitions of respondents, Eleno Mendoza Jr., and Virgina Hernandez to dismiss the administrative complaints against them. The appellate court ordered their reinstatement to their former position and the payment of their salaries and other benefits that they did not receive by reason of their dismissal. The CA sustained the dismissal order issued by the Ombudsman’s on the other respondents, namely City Legal Officer Pio Kenneth Dasal, City Budget Officer Lorenza Amores, Civil Engineer of the Central Planning Management Office Arnel Cadangan, CPMO chief Line dela Pena, City Legal Officer Giovanni Condes, Technical Working Group officer Rodel Nayve, General Services Department staff Norma Flores, Bids and Awards Committee member Ulysses Orienza, CPMO staff Connie Consulta, BAC secretariat Manolito Uyaco and BAC member Gerardo San Gabriel.

• Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday said he will seek a senate investigation of the Chinese leaders’ militarizing of the illegally reclaimed islands in the West Philippine Sea. “Yes, the resolution in relation to reported missile installation and overall militarization by China of the WPS is still being drafted,” Trillanes said. • Senator Francis Escudero said he respects the right or prerogative of any senator to conduct an inquiry on any matter. “I don’t think it will affect national security or our diplomatic relations given that it will be in executive session,” Pangilinan said. • Senator Risa Hontiveros rued the Duterte administration’s “sheepish response” to China’s installation of missiles in the reefs in the West Philippine Sea. She called it “a grave insult to the brav-

ery and sacrifices of Filipino soldiers who are guarding the country’s territories.” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Monday the Department of Foreign Affairs had not yet verified if the reports of missile deployments were true, but the government was exerting efforts to verify by acquiring a new technology, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. “We still do not have the verification. I had a talk with the National Security Adviser and he told me that there’s a technology that we need that we still don’t have to be able to verify it for ourselves,” Roque said. He did not give further details about the kind of technology to be used or which country the Philippines would be acquiring it from. “I’m not sure from what country. He [Esperon] says that we’re awaiting deliv-

ENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara on Monday renewed his call to the Duterte administration to come up with a clear plan on what it intended to do with the Filipino workers in Kuwait whom they are convincing to return home.

From A1

Still, the state-owned channel paid Bitag P22.09 million in May last year, P18.69 million in November and P18.96 million in December. “Since there was no MOA wherein the terms and conditions of the agreement are supposed to be spelled out, there was also no basis for the computations on how the said three payments were arrived at,” CoA noted. Topacio insisted that the deal was “above board and had a contract.” He also said that Teo has recently denied any conflict of interest in the deal, saying transcation was between DoT and PTV-4, and not her brother’s media outfit. “It was PTV-4’s own decision to place the ads in her brothers’ show due to its high ratings,” Topacio said. Topacio also said Teo’s husband Roberto was appointed to Tieza by former President Benigno Aquino III, not President Rodrigo Duterte, and that he had submitted his resignation in June 2016, but this has not yet been acted upon. Amid accusations of a conflict in interest, Mr. Teo said he would no longer attend board meetings, and has urged the President to accept his resignation, Topacio said.

Court... From A1

While the SC abandoned the condonation doctrine on the premise that it has no legal bases under the 1987 Constitution together with the other pertinent provisions of law in a ruling issued on Nov. 10, 2015 in the case of Carpio-Morales v. Court of Appeals (Sixth Division) and Binay Jr., the appellate court noted that the Court also ruled that the abandonment should be prospective in application. The CA held that the alleged irregularities in Phase III to V of the MCHPB, which were the bases of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct filed against Binay before the Ombudsman, transpired before Binay was elected in 2013. “Verily, based on the foregoing circumstances and in line with the pronouncements of the Supreme Court in CarpioMorales, the abandonment of the condonation doctrine should not be given any retroactive effect as to prejudice Binay Jr. for the acts he allegedly committed when said doctrine was still in effect and duly recognized,” the appellate court ruled. “Considering that the present case was instituted prior to the ruling of the Supreme Court in Carpio-Morales, the condonation doctrine may still be applied,” the CA said. The appellate court did not give credence to the argument of the Ombudsman that Binay cannot use the condonation doctrine for his defense because he signed and approved undated disbursement vouchers on July 24, 2013 amount-

PH... From A1

pursue “diplomatic action” in dealing with it. He said the Philippines will continue to negotiate with China in a friendly manner rather than go to war. • Rep. Ed Lagman on Monday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte’s “inordinately lame response” to China’s missile buildup in the West Philippine Sea. “Instead of immediately ordering the filing of a diplomatic protest and instituting other viable options against China under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Duterte is banking on China’s alleged promise of protecting the Philippines,” Lagman said.

Judges,... From A1

A civil society group held a protest outside the Supreme Court and also called for Sereno’s resignation. Members of the Citizens’ Crime Watch led by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio asked the embattled chief justice to resign before the Court rules on the quo warranto case for her own benefit. Topacio said that only by resigning would Sereno be able to preserve her record as chief justice, because if the Supreme Court grants Calida’s petition, her name will be removed from the record of chief justices. “If she resigns instead, her name and position as chief justice will be preserved in the annals of judicial history. She gets to keep her portrait there in the Supreme Court as a former chief justice,” the lawyer said. “It could actually be heroic on her part because it could end the conflict inside the SC. She will emerge a larger person by making the sacrifice for the sake of the country and the people so that this issue will come to an end and we can go on with our lives,” Topacio added. Topacio, chairman of the CCW’s legal committee, said their resignation call against Sereno is nothing personal. “We’re not calling for her resignation just because we hate her. This is just part of the process. It would appear that she’s not qualified and I believe that if the majority of her colleagues or her brethren in the Supreme Court find it to be so, well it should be time for her to go,” he said. In filing the quo warranto case against Sereno, Calida sought the nullification of her appointment as chief justice due to alleged failure to meet the “integrity test” when she submitted only three of her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth in 2012 when the JBC rules required at least 10 SALNs. Under the Rules 66 of the Rules of Court, a quo warranto petition may be initiated by the solicitor general when “directed by the President of the Philippines, or when upon complaint or otherwise he has good reason to believe that any case specified in the preceding section can be established by proof, must commence such action.” Should the Court grant the petition against Sereno, it would invalidate her appointment to the top judicial post and her name as 24th chief justice of would be removed from the Court records. Sereno has called for inhibition of six magistrates for alleged biases against her - Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Samuel Martires. The Court is set to decide on Sereno’s case in a special session on May 11. Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday urged the Supreme Court to “do what is needed to protect the independence of the courts and [the] judicial system.” Speaking before the Forum on the Philippine Justice System at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance in Diliman, Quezon City, Robredo maintained her commitment to “defend what is right.” The removal of Sereno through the quo warranto case would only “weaponize” the courts, or turn them into weapons to intimidate and kill dissent, she said. The success of the quo warranto case would be the final blow to the ideal of justice, she added. With Rio N. Araja

Housing... From A1

and eventually banned from getting contracts not only from the NHA but in all government agencies. The NHA, according to Escalada, will coordinate with the local government units where the projects are situated and turn over to them the projects, including the downloading of the remaining budget for a particular project ery but we don’t have that capacity yet,” Roque said. He said while the government could get information about the reported missile deployment from third-party sources, it was best to confirm through first-party verification. “There’s still a technology we are awaiting to verify everything. There is a way of verifying for ourselves,” Roque said. He said the Philippine government was not closing its doors to asking China about the reported missile deployment but maintained it will be for Foreign Affairs to carry it out. “I’m not saying we’re not going to ask China, but the DFA will exercise all diplomatic initiatives and we leave it to the DFA,” Roque said. PNA, with Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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US, PH hold joint military exercise aimed vs terrorism

CHAMPIONS.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a message to the players and coaching staff of the Team Pilipinas-San Beda College who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on May 7, 2018. Team Pilipinas-SBC emerged champions in the 2018 Pacific Rim NCAA Basketball Championship held recently in Thailand. Joining the President is Secretary Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. Prior to their titlewinning stint in Thailand, Go led the send-off for the players and coaches. Presidential Photo

By Francisco Tuyay THE US and Philippine militaries launched major exercises Monday aimed at fighting global terrorism, while staying mostly quiet on Beijing’s reported installation of missiles in the disputed South China Sea. The annual maneuvers are the second to be held under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has set aside longsimmering friction over competing claims to the waters in order to court Chinese trade and investment. The 12-day exercises began less than a week after US network CNBC reported that the Chinese military had over the past month installed anti-ship and air-to-air defences on islands also claimed by the Philippines. “This exercise was scheduled whether those missiles were there or not,” US Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson told reporters in Manila. “The exercises really have very little to do with recent developments in the area,” said Nicholson, the US director of the “Balikatan” (“shoulder-toshoulder”) maneuvers. The South China Sea issue has been brewing for years, with Vietnam, Malaysia and others also staking claims to waters with vital global shipping routes and what are believed to be significant oil and natural gas deposits. Nicholson’s Filipino counterpart, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Salamat, sidestepped the issue while highlighting the need to improve the capabilities of Filipino forces to fight terrorism. Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino, had used the exercises to boost the Philippine military’s capability to deter China, which claims most of the South China Sea. However, Duterte refocused the joint exercises after he was elected in 2016, steering them towards addressing domestic problems. Last year, Balikatan focused mainly on honing humanitarian responses to the Philippines’ frequent natural disasters. This year’s terror focus comes after Islamic State group supporters seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi in May last year, triggering a fivemonth battle with US-backed Filipino troops that killed some 1,200 people. With PNA, AFP

All govt agencies told to respond to public ‘concerns‘ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government agencies to respond to requests and concerns of the public within 15 days and their failure to respond will result in administrative charges, the Palace said on Monday. The Memorandum Circular No. 44 on the processing time of government permits, licenses and other documents aims to hasten government transactions as well as promote transparency and accountability was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on behalf of the President last May 4 which takes effect immediately. Last year, President Duterte has directed all his Cabinet secretaries to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications filed in government offices “from the day of submission to release.” “I do not want people queuing. I do not want people spending money just to get something from the government, for the simple reason they already paid. That is why they have to spend, they pay taxes,” the President said. Many government agencies are notorious for the long queues and need to spend days just to follow up documents. Among these are agencies that directly deal with the public like the National Statistics Office, the Professional Regulation Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs, among others. “All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or-controlled corporations performing frontline services defined in RA [Republic Act] No. 9485 are hereby directed to respond to all public requests and concerns with 15 days from receipt thereof, unless a shorter period is provided under applicable laws and issuances,” the Palace said. Vito Barcelo

Du30 orders probe vs PhilHealth chief on travels P By Vito Barcelo

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered an investigation into the travel expenses and allowances of ofﬁcer-in-charge president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Celestina Ma. Jude dela Serna which have reportedly amounted to more than P900 million, according to a Palace ofﬁcial.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Dela Serna spent P627,293.04 in just one year despite the agency’s massive net income loss amounting to P8.92 billion based on its 2017 unaudited ﬁnancial statement posted online. “The President ordered the investigation because the President’s priority is to provide universal health care. And if he is unable to clean the ranks of PhilHealth, he would not be able to grant universal health care,” Roque said in a press brieﬁng in Malacañang.

The Palace ofﬁcial said that it was the President’s promise to give importance to cleaning the ranks of PhilHealth. The Commission on Audit report dated April 18, said Dela Serna spent at least P627,293.064 for her airplane fares from Tagbilaran to Manila and vice versa, terminal fees, and hotel accommodations since she assumed the post as PhilHealth OIC president on April 10, 2017. “If PhilHealth will not clean their ranks, the universal healthcare will not be realized,” Roque said. However, Roque assured that all sides

will be heard by the President since Dela Serna appealed to the President to hear her side on the issue. “Well, the matter will be, I think like all controversies, investigated, and everyone will be heard,” he said. “If somebody from Malacañang is watching, I am waiting for the President to call me. Or if I can set an appointment with him, at least hear my side,” Dela Serna said over a radio interview. Earlier, Roque urged the Office of the Ombudsman to act on the COA reports so cases can be filed against erring officials. He said that it should not be just President Duterte who will act on these reports and said that the Ombudsman should also look into them as it is part of their function. The Palace official said all complaints should not only fall into the lap of the President. “If there really is a violation of the anti-graft law, the Constitutional body that should investigate, even motu proprio, should be the Ombudsman,” he added.

Duterte cites ADB’s role in Build, Build,Build program PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed conﬁdence that the Asian Development Bank’s role in Build, Build, Build program for its key role in supporting projects in the country, especially in Mindanao, would further push the country’s economic and development growth in the coming years. The President made the announcement during the 51st Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank held at the EDSA Shangri-La, and reiterated his commitment to improve the plight of ordinary Filipinos through massive infrastructure development with assistance from major ﬁnancial institutions and investors. The Chief Executive also expressed his gratitude to ADB for its key role in supporting the country’s major development initiatives.

CUSTOMS INSPECTION.

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña (left), along with Port of Manila District Collector lawyer Erastus ’Dino’ Austria, inspects various misdeclared goods from China with an estimated market value of P21 million seized by Bureau of Customs at the Port of Manila. Lapeña said the shipments arrived on separate dates and are consigned to IT Malingo Trading Corp., Abundance Prime Chemicals Trading Corp., Archeson Trading, Sto. Niño Marketing and Fastworth Marketing. Norman Cruz

“Over the years, the ADB has evolved into a persevering ally and formidable partner of the Philippines as it zigzagged its way towards sustainable and enduring growth and development,” the President said. “The fact that several decades ago, the ADB chose the Philippines as its headquarters in this part of the world continues to inspire and suffuse us with immeasurable pride,” he said. “Your presence since then is proof of your faith in the capacity of the Philippines to exorcise its ﬁnancial and economic demons. Your contribution to our country’s development is too evident to be ignored, and we cannot thank you enough for that,” he added. The President noted that over the past two years, the Philippines’ gross domestic product growth rate averaged 6.8 percent, with a target to sustain a growth rate of

seven percent in the next few years. “This will enable us to achieve and sustain our goal of bringing down the poverty rate to only 14 percent by 2022,” he said, noting that his administration’s goal is not just to further develop the economy but to make sure that it trickles down to the masses. Duterte said a key element to ensure sustainable growth is through a massive infrastructure program. “Build, build, and build and we Link and link and link—that is the battle cry of the moment. Build and link all these islands and all communities so that united in purpose and acting as one, we will bring our infrastructure base to match or even surpass those of the neighboring economies. That will allow us to [compete] for investments on even or more attractive terms,” Duterte said. Vito Barcelo

184, 252 drug surrenderers ‘graduate’ from govt program SOME 184,252 drug surrenderers have graduated from the government’s Recovery and Wellness Program across the country. This was bared by the Philippine National Police and the Presidential Communications Operations Office during the #RealNumbers press briefing in Camp Crame Monday. PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the figure, which was recorded from July 1, 2016 to April 30, 2018, can be broken down to 79,099 surrenderers who graduated from the PNP-initiated RWP and 105,153 from supported community centers. The PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, meanwhile, reported that there have been 75,336 cases referred for prosecution resulting in 49,034 cases filed in court. According to the PNP Internal Affairs Service, 302 uniformed personnel and eight non-uniformed personnel have tested positive for illegal drugs, and 265 have been dismissed from the service. Out of 504 government workers arrested, 217 are elected officials, 239 are government employees and 48 are uniformed personnel. Since July 1, 2016 to April 30, 2018, P20.23 billion worth of drugs and laboratory equipment have been seized. In the same period, Albayalde pointed out that the PNP conducted 98,799 drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 142,069 drug personalities and the deaths of 4,251. Albayalde said that the government crackdown on drugs will continue unrelentingly “until the last drug lord and drug pusher is caught.” The PNP continues to provide active support and complementing law enforcement action to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency by virtue of Presidential Memorandum Order No. 17 that restored the PNP to full operational status in the government anti-illegal drug drive effective Dec. 4, 2017. “There has been no let-up in the anti-illegal drugs campaign. All PNP anti-illegal drugs efforts remain active and operational on a national scale and further cascaded as a strategy translated into operational and tactical terms by lower units down the line,” Albayalde said. He noted that the PNP’s anti-illegal drugs strategy, dubbed as ‘Project Double Barrel’, continues with renewed vigor and intensity to attack the illegal drugs problem on two strategic fronts— supply reduction by hitting hard on high value targets, traffickers and suppliers; and demand reduction by persuasive dialogue with known drug personalities thru Oplan Tokhang. “PNP anti-illegal drug operations had been relentless and uncompromising throughout the entire period that we were given a new lease on waging this campaign with greater efficiency, and with fewer violent confrontations between law enforcers and offenders,” the PNP chief noted. PNA

Opinion

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Federalistas

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

from Manila. If even Mindanaoans are far from FORMATION convinced, how much more the rest of GARY the country, especially rich and populous regions like Greater Metro Manila OLIVAR which stand to lose from having to give THIS is what advocates of federalism up ascendancy and share their income in our country like to call themselves, with poorer regions? It’s an eye-opener for Dutertistas who a name that conjures—for no reason at all—vague images of Mexican pistole- thought that they could just coast along ros in wide-brimmed sombreros trad- on the President’s Teflon popularity. Now ing gunfire with uniformed gringos in we’re seeing that the Teflon is neither dusty Texas cowpoke towns from the universal nor immutable. As with any other reform of real consequence, charter turn of the last century. Today’s Filipino federalistas are like- change will still have to be won in a hardwise engaged in a rhetorical exchange fought battle for hearts and minds. *** of fire with conservatives who believe I see the same takeaway lesson— that the Cory Constitution of 1987 was, like its namesake, a veritable gift from there’s no substitute for hard work— God, and that people who want to re- from the mixed picture presented by place it are inviting us to “descend into the latest economic news. The momentum is still with the President, but hell” no less. Unfortunately for the feds, the lat- disturbing headwinds are building up. est round appears to have been won Let’s review the mixed bag: Joblessness up—In its own quarterly by the Coryistas. In its latest quarterly survey last March, survey conducted SWS found that late March, Pulse joblessness has Asia found that gone up to nearly opposition to char24 percent, the ter change had inCharter change will highest level since creased by a whop2016. Nearly 11 ping 20 points to still have to be won in a million adults re64 percent, from hard-fought battle for ported having no only 44 percent job in the last three two years ago in hearts and minds. months. Not surJuly 2016. prisingly, the level Over 70 percent of optimism about of respondents had landing a job in the “little or no” knowledge of the federalist system being pro- next 12 months also dropped, from a net posed, and 66 percent opposed a change- score of +41 (“Excellent”) last December over. In fact, awareness of charter change to a “Very good” score of +37. The fact that March is graduation time, increased only moderately the last two when a flood of new job seekers hits the years, from 41 percent to 49 percent. Many feds are wondering why such market, offers only partial explanation. little awareness and support, consider- This spike in joblessness may well be just ing that Duterte campaigned from day a one-time blip, but it may also indicate one on a platform of federalism. The deeper cross-currents at work. Contractualization—To his credit, answer is obvious: Duterte was campaigning on other issues as well that Duterte stood his ground and refused to issue an EO on Labor Day that would were much easier to understand. The key one was the issue of drugs have exceeded his powers to amend the crime and corruption. Nobody else was Labor Code, no matter how good his talking as credibly as he was about it, intentions. This of course infuriated with his homespun Dirty Harry image. the leftists, whose vitriol when you This is a gut issue, and it’s what put him cross them is just as remarkable as their silence when you take their side. over the top. The battle over contractualization Federalism, by comparison, is something that needs to be sat down now shifts to Congress, which takes and learned. I too was surprised to to populism like a duck to water. Now learn from the poll that the biggest certainly isn’t the best time to impose lack of awareness and support was irresponsible restrictions on the abilin Mindanao, which is not only ity of employers to hire and fire—not Duterte’s home ground but also the with joblessness up, and at a time when biggest potential beneficiary from we may need to create even more jobs decentralizing government power away Turn to A5

Quiet commission

HE Commission on Audit is a constitutional commission that should be, ﬁrst and foremost, independent. It is not supposed to hog the headlines, and its officials and employees are not supposed to keep a high profile. They should be anonymous and devoid of any political color. Their work should be enough; it should speak for itself. If there were a portal into the quiet workings of the commission, it would be its web site that contains the audit reports resulting from painstaking work. The CoA can claim satisfactory performance of its job when its findings, by themselves, are able to raise awareness among the people and occasion changes in how

government transactions are conducted. Findings can also spark public outrage and sway public opinion, and eventually move public officials to do as they must—if the right thing is not apparent to them in the first place. We are reminded of the CoA’s role by the Department of Tourism controversy. The commission found that the DoT made a P60-million ad placement with the government network, PTV-4, specifically to a blocktimer at the station. The media company belonged to the Tourism Secretary’s brothers. The glaring conflict of interest also called attention to the Secretary’s husband who is a board member of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. One of the brothers, quite predictably, attacked the

CoA and its chairman, and other media organizations for “leaking” the report. In the end, the brothers said they would return the money and the secretary’s husband will step down. Do these responses convey admission of guilt or a triumph of accountability? Are they even enough? For one controversy that gets to the public’s consciousness, there are dozens more that do not. Imagine then if more people could get read these reports and hold their officials accountable for their conduct. The fight against corruption does not mean making noise all the time. It’s quiet work that provides sound, objective basis to call out erring officials and their cohorts. The CoA should be left as low-key and independent as it is—except when it is enabled to do its work better.

Teo, Bello and Sereno far revealed, BMI, Inc. is a blocktimer on PTV-4. That means BMU, Inc. purchases airtime from PTV-4, and this allows BMU, Inc. to broadcast Kilos Pronto on the government TV channel. This arrangement also means that TOURISM Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo BMU, Inc. has the exclusive prerogais suddenly under scrutiny after the tive to seek sponsors for its TV show. Commission on Audit recently disal- Since BMU, Inc. owns the airtime it lowed the expenditure of about P60 uses for Kilos Pronto, all advertising million incurred by the Department of revenues raised by BMU, Inc. for this Tourism for television advertising ex- program belong to BMU. The problem, so far, involves propripenses on a program aired on the government-owned and controlled PTV-4 ety, namely, delicadeza. As the Tourism Secretary, Teo should not have television station. At first glance, there seems nothing allowed her brothers from getting any unusual about that expenditure. After advertising revenue from the very govall, those advertisements are supposed ernment agency she heads. If, however, it is shown that Secretary to promote tourism in the Philippines, Teo has business and the DoT is interests in BMU supposed to proInc., that will be mote tourism. an instance of Besides, it is very conflict of interest costly to advertise Are there some and may pave the on television. way for a prosecuThe main con- sacred cows here? tion for graft. cern of the CoA is *** that the P60 milAs of this writlion, which was a ing, Roberto Teo, portion of a bigger budgetary allocation to the DoT, was the husband of DoT Secretary Teo, is payable to Bitag Media Unlimited, Inc. reportedly a member of the governfor DoT advertisements placed in the ing board of the Tourism Infrastructelevision program Kilos Pronto. More ture and Enterprise Zone Authority particularly, television personalities (TIEZA), a government agency directBen and Erwin Tulfo are the hosts of ly under the DoT. Mr. Teo has held this that TV program, the payee company post since the administration of then is supposedly owned by the Tulfos, and President Benigno Aquino III. [EdiSecretary Teo is the sister of Ben and tor’s Note: Roberto Teo resigned his Erwin Tulfo. It was reported that the post as TIEZA chief Monday.] Being the DoT chief, Secretary Teo checks paid by the DoT to the Tulfoowned media company were signed by is the chairman of the same TIEZA board of which her husband is a memTeo as DoT secretary. Critics say that the arrangement is ber. That’s a case of both husband and an example of conflict of interest. That wife in the same governing board of a view, however, is conjectural unless it is state-owned institution. According to the news media, established that Teo has business interests in BMU, Inc. It is worth emphasiz- Roberto Teo was appointed by the ing that the Tulfo brothers have been on administration of President Rodrigo television long before their sister became Duterte to the governing board of the Land Bank of the Philippines as early President Duterte’s DOT secretary. Turn to A5 From what the news media have so

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Dilemma over China TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO PRESIDENT Duterte rejects being called a strongman in the latest issue of TIME Magazine. He was put in the company of other world leaders like President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary. According to the author, Ian Bremmer, the strongman is a tough-talking leader. But President Duterte said that he is not a strongman because he would not go after his critics so long as they

are Filipinos. Now, if they are foreigners, that’s a different story. Coming right down to it, the country with all its problems and challenges does

How can Cayetano do anything when President Duterte has professed his adoration for the Chinese president?

need a strong and decisive leader. Only through this can we achieve change and overcome the ills that we have. The editorial of Manila Standard last Sunday put it so well—“leaders will ultimately be judged by the wisdom they use to guide their strong decisions and actions, by the fairness and justice they go by in ensuring that the law is observed and applied in equal measure to each citizen, by the honesty with which they conduct themselves and by the humility with which they accept their shortcomings and constructive input from others. *** In the wake of revelations of conflict of interest concerning Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, President Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

The legacy of Ramon Castillo Reyes LAST Feb. 7, 2018, I had the honor, with Professor Randy David, of delivering the Ramon C. Reyes memorial lecture. The topic we were given was the relationship between truth and politics. In this and subsequent columns, I share excerpts from my lecture, entitled “Listening through philosophy: an ethical lens for the discourse on truth and politics.” I believed these could shed light to many of our political and governance challenges today. One of my most fulfilling and pleasurable experiences in the 1970s and 1980s as a philosophy student and teacher in Ateneo de Manila was spending hours talking to Dr. Ramon Reyes. Two or three times a week, we would have conversations about everything, but especially politics, in the room we shared in the old philosophy department. I was a lost young man then, seriously thinking of joining the armed struggle against the Marcos dictatorship, and Doc Reyes was a good listener. He gave good advice—that’s why I ended up in Diliman and not in the mountains, but he listened first. I can still see that smile in his face, a quizzical look, expressing both fondness and skepticism at what you were saying, but open and never judgmental. Yes, what made Reyes a good teacher and philosopher was that he was a good listener. He listened to his students and their questions. He listened to the great philosophers, and that is why he was so successful in bringing them to life in his classrooms. So this is where I began my reflections on truth and politics in a post-truth era—the importance of listening, and in particular, listening through philosophy. To cut to the chase, the main problem we face today is our failure to listen— to each other, to nature, to our history, to the demands of our time, and even

to ourselves. The post-truth world is characterized by that failure, which in turn has resulted in political anomie—a state where disregard of rules and institutions is extolled as needed for positive social change. The response then is obvious: we must begin to listen to each other again, create physical and online spaces for conversations, agree on processes that will bring us nearer to the truth, and find consensus in shared values and aspirations so we can move forward even if our politics are radically different and opposed.

What made Reyes a good teacher and philosopher was that he was a good listener.

ern philosophy, contemporary philosophy, philosophy of the state, advanced ethics, and an elective on Husserl. Coincidentally, being on transition to retirement and sorting boxes of documents and giving away books and materials, as I was able to recover my notes from Doc Reyes’ classes, including the notes I took on the day Dr. Carmen Alcuaz-Reyes, Ma’am Nena as we call her, gave birth to their first born, Javier, when Doc Reyes came to our contemporary philosophy class still dazed but more inspired and animated than usual to teach us Hegelian dialectic in action. I also have the notes from the philosophy of state course I took with Doc Reyes when he introduced us to the political philosophy of Eric Weil, which he framed as a reconciliation of Kant and Hegel. I remember distinctly that class as we were just four students there—Dr. Tonette Palma Angeles who was still finishing her masters in philosophy, Dean Sed Candelaria who was taking it as an elective for his political science degree, an American graduate student whose name I don’t recall, and myself. I mention this course because if there was any academic subject in my undergraduate years that shaped my thinking on politics, it was this course. It was also this not-so-well-known philosopher Eric Weil that would have the most influence on my thinking for a couple of decades. A final introductory note on this series: As I reflect on the three questions: what is and how to know the truth, the dynamic between truth and politics, and grounding this dynamic in ethics, I will cite concrete examples to illustrate my points. Among others, I will point to the controversy on the uncertainties around climate change, the controversy surrounding the Dengvaxia vaccine, the fake news debate and how to counter it, and finally human rights and the illegitimacy of the justifications for its disregard and derogation.

To step back from this post-truth world—by the way, the phrase gives me a lot of discomfort but I will give it a philosophical nuance that might give it a better sense—I propose that we reflect on three questions, and listen to how Doc Reyes, and by necessity given that Ramon was the master historian of the history of philosophy, other thinkers, grappled with them. These questions are: (1) What is the truth? And related to this, how do we know the truth? (2) In the world of politics, is truth always subordinate to political ends? (3) What is the role of ethics in the interplay of truth and politics? In my lecture, I reflected on several writings of Doc Reyes on philosophy as an enterprise, the nature of politics, and the role of ethics. More personally, providing context for my understanding and interpretation of the Reyes writing was my experience of being a Reyes Facebook: student in several philosophy undergraduate and graduate courses—mod- tonylavs

deantonylavs

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Artificial limbs give hope to Boko Haram amputees By Aminu Abubakar NJIDDA Maidugu breaks into a broad smile as he wobbles on his artificial leg with the support of crutches as a nurse walks alongside, helping him to keep his balance. Maidugu, 35, never thought he would walk on two legs again after he lost his right limb in a Boko Haram suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, in 2016. “It feels like a miracle to walk with two legs again, I’m happy,” the fuel station attendant told AFP at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in the northern city of Kano. “These are my first steps on two legs in two years and I feel like a toddler learning to walk,” he added, looking down at his new plastic leg outside a prosthetics workshop. Maidugu was one of about 130 people who lost limbs in Boko Haram attacks and have been fitted with free artificial replacements in a project run by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The ICRC set up the limb-fitting workshop at the hospital in August 2016 to provide prosthetics to amputees from the three northeastern states worst hit by the Islamist insurgency. The jihadist violence, now in its ninth year, has killed at least 20,000 people and left thousands of others with life-changing injuries. “Half of the 262 patients we have fitted with prosthetics are [Boko Haram] war victims,” said the head of the project, Jacques Forget. “The primary focus of the project is to cater for amputees from the conflict, women and children.”

Federalistas From A4

to absorb all those OFWs who may be displaced because of rising tensions over their rights with Kuwait and elsewhere in the Middle East. Scrapping rice quotas—Neda has already predicted that Duterte’s somewhat surprising order to take away NFA’s monopoly of rice imports and open it up to the private sector may bring down inf lation by as much as a full percentage point, simply because rice has the second biggest weight (behind oil) in the country’s inf lation basket.

Dilemma... From A4

Duterte is being challenged to make good on his vow to fire public officials with even just a whiff of corruption about them. The Commission on Audit found that the media outfit owned by Teo’s brothers received P60 million worth of ad placements from the Department of Tourism. That’s more than a whiff of corruption—that’s graft, my gulay! Along with Teo, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar should also resign, having made

Bombs and bullets The Boko Haram conflict has destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people in a region that was already desperately poor even before the violence began. Most of the population in northeast Nigeria live on less than $2 a day. That makes prosthetic limbs—which cost on average nearly $700 (585 euros)—prohibitively expensive. As well as those injured by the bombs and bullets of Boko Haram, other beneficiaries include diabetics, victims of car crashes and industrial accidents. Babagana Habu, for example, hopped around with the help of a stick for 13 years after losing a leg in an accident with a grinding machine, until he heard about the project. “My parents were too poor to get me crutches to walk with,” said the 25-yearold recharge card vendor, from Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state. Most of the cases from the Islamist insurgency have been wounded by gunshots or improvised explosive devices, said Forget. “Not many mines are used in the conflict, unlike in many conflict areas I have worked in,” said Forget, who has worked on artificial limbs for almost 50 years. Amputees are first assessed in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, where the ICRC runs a medical clinic that caters specifically for victims of Boko Haram attacks. The clinic complements services provided by a handful of state-run hospitals in the city which has been overstretched by the sharp rise in emergency cases from the jihadist violence. The conflict has seen an exodus of

doctors and other health service personnel from Maiduguri, leaving a huge gap that other medical charities are working to fill. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, which treats the bulk of trauma patients, has only one consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Once potential beneficiaries of artificial limbs are screened, they are then sent for a fitting in Kano, nearly 600 kilometers (375 miles) away. Huge demand Forget works on an average of five amputees a week, which is just a fraction of the number of those seeking his services. “There is a massive number of people who need limbs and we would be flooded if we opened our doors to everyone of them,” he said, surveying the stump from Maidugu’s atrophied thigh. Maidugu heard about the free prosthetics project from a friend who convinced him to try his “luck” despite initial doubts. With five staff, the workshop struggles to meet deadlines to allow patients to return home within a week. “It is a huge problem compounded by the conflict,” said Forget. Despite setting up another limb workshop at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, in the town of Shika, in neighboring Kaduna state, the demand keeps increasing. The ICRC plans to open a similar workshop in Maiduguri with construction work expected to start this year in its effort to meet the huge prosthetic demand. “We are trying to give them a sense of normality, we give them a little quality of life,” said Forget. AFP

So who would quarrel with such a rosy scenario? Well-meaning bureaucrats might, who still prefer rice self-sufficiency over rice security. So too would other bureaucrats with sleazier intentions, who don’t want to lose the money-making opportunities created by government monopoly of rice imports, or of any other economic activity for that matter. Derailing TRAIN—Leftist partylister Congressman Carlos Zarate wants to “truly reduce” the burden supposedly imposed on the poor by tax reform, by increasing the income tax exemption amount and repealing expanded VAT coverage and the new excise taxes now being levied on petroleum and on

sweetened products. In another instance of red-yellow affinity, LP Senator Bam Aquino also made similar noises about derailing TRAIN. But what would this do to all the infrastructure and social services projects that tax reform is supposed to fund in order to promote economic growth and the welfare of the poor? Not surprisingly, neither legislator has anything to say on this. Cross-winds and cross-purposes all over the place. The next couple of months look to generate a lot more heat besides the standard sweatiness of summer.

the ad placement possible knowing full well the conflict-of-interest situation. Teo cannot feign ignorance of the connection between Andanar’s PTV 4 and its blocktimer, her brothers. I think this will be an acid test of how serious President Duterte is in his fight against corruption. *** Whether the Duterte administration likes it or not, the incursion of China into our Exclusive Economic Zone puts it in a dilemma. Many sectors are urging Mr. Duterte to strongly protest the landing of Chinese military planes and even the presence of missiles. The country has found itself in a nightmare

where there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions. That’s why we see Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano unable to do what is expected of him—protest the actions of China is swallowing islands and reefs within our EEZ. That’s why he and Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque look so pathetic in trying to extricate themselves from a situation that is the government’s own making. How will the Philippines now strongly protest Chinese incursion when President Duterte has made no secret of his adoration of Chinese president Xi Jinping? Even now, the President is saying that those military planes and missiles are not intended

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A de facto parliamentary government of the House of Representatives, in a recent tirade against Ma. Lourdes Sereno, to fast-track the Lower House’s approval of the impeachment comRUDY plaint against the Chief Justice. That ROMERO sounded very much like the Executive THE characteristic of the parliamen- branch and Congress taking joint actary form of government that critics of tion, parliament-style, on a legislative the presidential form find most appeal- matter, namely, a complaint against an ing is the absence of a separation be- impeachable government official. The massive push towards federaltween the legislature and the Executive branch of the government. According- ism is no independent initiative of Conly, they are pushing for Charter Change gress. It was initiated by the Duterte that will lead to the replacement of this administration and has been promoted country’s two-chamber legislature by a jointly by Congress and Malacañang. single entity such as the United King- Here again, there is an appearance of dom’s House of Commons, Japan’s an action by the ruling party in the parDiet, France’s Chamber of Deputies, liamentary system of government. The same thing can be said about Germany’s Bundestag or Iran’s Majlis. I have news for the advocates of a most of the other important bills that shift to a parliamentary form of gov- have been enacted into law or are curernment. They need toil no more; their rently going through the legislative quest is over. This country now has a mill. These, likewise, have not been the results of independent Congressional parliamentary system of government. action but rather The separate exhave originated istence of the two from the various political branches departments that of the government up the Exec—the legislature The Executive branch make utive branch. What and the Executive has in effect been we have here, are branch —for ms instances of the functioning as part of part of the demoExecutive branch cratic concept of a parliamentary ruling of the government intra-governmenfunctioning as part party. tal checks and balof the ruling party ances. The duly in a parliament. elected representaSince the overtives of the people, throw of the rethe senators and the members of the House of Represent- gime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos atives, enact laws and the President of there have been two instances of the the Philippines and his administration effective parliamentarization of this enforce them. Although the Executive country’s governmental system. One branch is allowed to propose legislation was the massive exodus to the Laban to the legislature, the two branches are ng Demokratikong Pilipino by memexpected to function independently of bers of the then-existing major political one another. One branch respects the parties, viz., Kilusan ng Bagong Liindependence of the other branch, the punan, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Executive does not dictate to Congress Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party and and Congress does not impose its will United Democratic Organization. The other instance is today’s Congressional on the Executive. This is what the Presidential form supermajority, which is the result of the of government calls for; this is how migration en masse to the PDP-Laban the relationship between Congress and of most of the members of the aforeMalacanang ought to be. But is that mentioned political parties. I speak of what is happening at this point in this parliamentarization because, by giving instructions to, and acting in concert country’s history? It is not. The legislature and the Ex- with, Congress, the Executive branch ecutive branch are today virtually one has in effect been functioning as part institution, but not in the manner con- of a parliamentary ruling party. Only templated by the theory underlying when the present Congressional suparliament-type government. The low- permajority has been disbanded—the er chamber of Congress is controlled prospects of that happening during the by the so-called supermajority com- Duterte presidency are not bright—and posed of Partido Demokratikong Pili- Congress ceases to behave like an expino (Laban) members or PDP-leaning tension of Malacañang will we be able Representatives, and the majority of to speak of the restoration of the Presithe Senate is friendly toward President dential form of government. In the meantime, the advocates of a Duterte. Malacanang and Congress are so allied to one another as to be effec- shift to the parliamentary form of government can stop working on their adtively one institution. Any lingering doubt on this point vocacy. This country is already operatshould have been dispelled by Mr. Du- ing, de facto, under the parliamentary terte’s having instructed the Speaker form of government.

BUSINESS CLASS

Teo,... From A4

as 2016. If that is so, Mr. Teo may be drawing double compensation from the government —which is in violation of the Constitution. *** Political observers lament that there appears to be some sacred cows in the Department of Labor and Employment. Last month, President Duterte fired then DoLE Undersecretary Dominador Say for rampant anomalies involving, among others, the licenses of recruitment agencies. Say remains very close to current Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. He was Bello’s trusted consultant when Bello was still a party list representative in Congress. The licenses approved by Say are supposed to be signed by Bello, or signed under Bello’s authority as DoLE secretary. Therefore, if Say had been involved in anomalies concerning licenses of recruitment agencies, there is the very strong likelihood that Bello must have been aware of the anomaly and that he did nothing to address the problem. It had to take President Duterte to fire Say—which is what Bello should have done in the first place. As of this writing, Bello seems to be occupied with how he can convince President Duterte to lift the apparently permanent ban against the deployment of Filipinos for virtual slavery in Kuwait. *** The supporters of beleaguered Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno have so far presented inconsistent argufor the Philippines. So how could Cayetano protest? Thus, when he says the government will take diplomatic action against China, he lies. He knows he cannot do anything. Santa Banana, the Philippines cannot even go to the United Nations to protest since China has veto powers. And even if the UN intervenes, will China accept a UN decision? Remember it has ignored the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. What can we do? We cannot go to war because we cannot expect to win. I guess we have to consent passively. Are the investments and aid from China to the Duterte administration worth the price we are paying for this?

ments against current attempts to oust her from office. When the justice committee of the House of Representatives conducted investigative hearings relating to the impeachment complaint a lawyer filed against Sereno several months ago, Sereno’s supporters quickly denounced the complaint and the proceedings as threats to the independence of the judiciary. They also insinuated that President Duterte was behind the move to oust Sereno from office. Likewise, they insisted that the House should not even entertain the complaint. Things got more personal for Sereno after some of her colleagues in the Supreme Court testified against her in the hearings conducted by the House. Soon thereafter, Sereno’s supporters began discrediting the justices who dared speak against her in the proceedings. They were particularly angry at Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro whom they accused of badly wanting to be the first lady chief justice back in 2012 when Chief Justice Renato Corona was removed from office by the Senate. After some of the justices informed the justice committee that Sereno’s appointment as chief justice is possibly void from the start in view of her alleged failure to submit her statements of assets and liabilities as required by the Judicial and Bar Council from judicial candidates, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a petition for quo warranto against Sereno before the Supreme Court. Now that the Supreme Court has given due course to the quo warranto case and is set to resolve it soon, Sereno’s supporters have changed their mantra and they now prefer the impeachment proceedings in lieu of the quo warranto case. Good grief! *** The recent results of the Bar exams is a reflection of the new lawyers we have and the schools they come from. This year, the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda did not figure at the top. Passing the Bar is a result of how much one studied—plus luck. When I took the Bar, we would answer the questions in essay form. Now they have a multiple-choice format. That’s perhaps why top students came from provincial and city law schools. Then again, a lawyer is not wholly defined by his performance in the Bar exams. It’s how he practices and upholds the law.

News

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

12 ASG slain in Patikul as military looks for hostages

CHECK HAS BEGUN.

Riders submit themselves Monday for inspection at a Comelec checkpoint in Pasig City as police officers conduct simultaneous checkpoints with only a week before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in more than 42,000 barangays throughout the country. Ey Acasio

By Francisco Tuyay AT LEAST 12 members of the bandit gang Abu Sayyaf Group have been killed in continued military operations in Patikul, Sulu as security forces intensified their search and rescue efforts for the two police women kidnapped by the group last week. In the latest combat operations against the group, the military on Monday said three bandits were killed while seven soldiers were wounded during an encounter in the same spot where the two women cops were forcibly taken by bandits. The death of the three ASG bandits brings to 12 the total numbers of terrorist slain in four days of military operations against the terror group in Patikul, Sulu. Brig. Gen Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said troops from the 21st Infantry Battalion were scouring the supposed hideout of bandits where the two policewomen were believed being kept when they encountered at least 70 ASG terrorists at Sitio Sangay, Brgy Buhanginan, Patikul, the site of bloody battles. Sobejana said the terrorists were reportedly led by Idang Susukan and Almujer Yadah. As the firefight ensued, Sobejana said artillery fires were delivered against the ASG bandits while attack helicopters provided close air support for ground troops battling the enemies. The slain ASG members were only identified through their alias as Moktar, Julhadi and Surayb, who were hurriedly buried by their comrades. Last week, Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad were abducted by Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sulu, along with two other civilians identified as Faizal Ahidji and Jacosalem Bas Ahamad. The kidnap victims have gone from the Quezon beach in Buhanginan when forcibly taken while on their way back to Jolo town proper. The two policewomen are both assigned at the Crime Laboratory headquarters in Calarian, Zamboanga City when kidnapped by more or less 11 ASG, most of them relatives of slain ASG bandits A day after the abduction, the military chanced upon a large band of ASG within the Buhanginan area, sparking intense fighting that resulted in the death of at least nine bandits and several others wounded.

House pushes ‘Food Waste Redux Act’ THE House of Representatives’ special committee on food security has recommended for plenary approval a substitute bill seeking to reduce food waste through donations and waste recycling. Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva of Negros Occidental, the panel’s chairperson, said his committee passed the bill, saying “the massive amount of food wasted and the considerable number of people going hungry daily is a breach that the proposed Act intends to correct.” “Hence, it shall be a policy of the State to attain food security, end hunger, and promote the efficient use of the country’s food resources,” Cueva said on the proposed “Food Waste Reduction Act.” This substituted House Bills 2496, 4263, 4675, 5746, 6235 and 6789 authored by Reps. Conrado Estrella III, Evelina Escudero, John Marvin Nieto, Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin, and Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., respectively. The substitute bill will be referred to the plenary for action when Congress resumes session Tuesday next week. The substitute bill proposes to address food wastage redistribution and recycling. As such, the State shall implement measures for the mandatory donation of edible food surplus for charitable purposes, the bill’s authors said. The bill defines edible food surplus as excess food/surplus food in the retail and consumption stages, determined to be fit for consumption based on standards set by the National Nutrition Council and the Food and Drug Administration. It defines food-insecure as persons or groups of persons who have no means and/or have difficulty producing or purchasing food. The following are the establishments covered by the bill: food manufacturers; food establishments (restaurants, cafés, diners, fast food chains, or hotels); supermarkets with at least 500 square meters of selling space; and culinary schools which offer culinary, baking, and pastry courses and with at least 50 students. The criteria for determining food insecures shall be made by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Local Government Units.Maricel V. Cruz

‘Candidates should undergo drug test’ C

ANDIDATES in next week’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections should consider undergoing voluntary drug testing, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday. Speaking during the #RealNumbers forum in Camp Crame, Albayalde emphasized that even if it was not a requirement under the law, voluntary drug testing by candidates would dispel skepticism about their sincerity to go after drug personalities in their communities. “We have had surrenderers who are kagawads up to barangay captains, even if there is no law requiring them to do it, we are putting this drug test challenge for them,” Albayalde said. The PNP chief said the challenge had gained traction in some areas. In related developments: •The Commission on Elections has tapped two organizations as the accredited citizens arm in the May 14th polls. In Comelec Minute Resolution 180329, the poll body approved the accreditation of National Movement for Free Elections and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting as an accredited

citizens’ arms for the election. “The Commission resolves to adopt the recommendation of Commissioner Luie Guia that the petition and the letter of the PPCRV and Namfrel be treated as their manifestation of intent to discharge the duties of an accredited citizens arm of the Commission,” the resolution stated. “Considering that PPCRV and Namfrel have been the citizens arm (sic) of this Commission in past elections, and have contributed to the conduct of honest, orderly, peaceful elections as such citizens arm,” the resolution stated. • Environmentalist group Ecowaste Coalition urged all candidates in the May 14 elections to hold a campaign in a way that would not aggravate community health and environmental problems. “We renew our appeal to all contenders to be respectful of their constituents’ right to a healthy environment. Their keen desire to get

the voters’ nod should not worsen the waste and pollution woes of the communities, especially in heavily populated barangays, that they are hoping to serve,” said Ecowaste zero waste campaigner Daniel Alejandre. The group stated that while it was tempting for the candidates to “spend to the max for leaflets, posters, banners and other campaign paraphernalia to promote their visibility, candidates should adhere to the P5 expense limit per registered voter in their barangay and avoid going beyond what is allowed and what is necessary to get themselves known to the electorate.” “Campaign materials consume lots of resources to get produced and disseminated. Paper leaflets, for instance, are made from wood pulp from trees. Water, bleaching chemicals, dyes and inks, and, not to forget, fossil fuels, are used to make them. While it takes a lengthy and resource-intensive process to produce them, campaign materials are often disposed of as garbage, dumped or burned,” said Alejandre. To conserve the use of resources and minimize the generation of garbage, the group urged candidates to refrain from distributing too much leaflets and sample ballots, and from putting up too much banners and posters. “If they have nothing to hide, then there

is nothing to fear. In Region 1 there were several candidates and incumbent barangay officials who underwent voluntary testing,” the new PNP chief added. Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag, for her part, said Malacañang was working closely to bridge the prosecution arm of the war on drugs and the PNP. Banaag cited Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara already ordered last week the courtesy resignation of the agency’s undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to give him a free hand in pursuing the mandate of the agency. “We are also working for our drug units to improve their case build-up capabilities,” Albayalde said. The PNP chief said those willing to take up the drug test challenge might go through the PNP Crime Laboratory as well as Department of Health clinics which provide drug testing at competitive rates. The Comelec earlier reiterated that there was no law requiring electoral candidates to take mandatory drug tests amid calls from lawmakers and Liga ng mga Barangay president Edmund Abesamis for the implementation of such measure. PNA with Sara Susanne Fabunan and Joel Zurbano

Villafuerte pushes rights for reservists By Maricel V. Cruz

TOURISM KUMAKAWAY. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, appearing before a news conference Monday in Manila, narrates the status of tourism in the country, only days after the closing for six months of Boracay, and promoting other tourist destinations in the country like the Ilocos, rich in sand dunes, white beaches, windmills and a baroque church, named Unesco Heritage Lister. Norman Cruz

PCSO to act on desk complaints for charity PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office assistant general manager for Charity Sector Dr. Larry Cedro has given assurances complaints arising from ASAP (At-SourceAng-Processing) Desks with partner-hospitals will be acted upon to improve the delivery of charity services to patients. Cedro issued the statement in response to complaints of erring social workers in some partner-hospitals and those who give preferential treatment or priority to their relatives, friends, or close acquaintances. He said that with the public’s empowerment through social media and other mediums, PCSO is more conscious and aware of the public’s feedback. “On the part of PCSO, we encourage them to report because there’s a reason for us to assist them because they’re cooperat-

ing with us...report them to the head of or branch offices, the managers, or via social media accounts,” Cedro said in a statement. In view of this, Cedro said they would study the possibility of hiring their own registered social workers to man the desks. At present, the staff manning the ASAP Desks are organic staff of the partnerhospitals. “Prior to the deployment of these staff, the agency has oriented them on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Individual Medical Assistance Program,” he said. The IMAP is the flagship program of PCSO under Charity Assistance Department. It is designed to attend to the financial needs of all individuals with health-related problems through the provision of financial assistance.

The desks are the points of access to IMAP established through a partnership between the agency and hospitals that directly provide various health interventions to patients. The role of the social worker is to evaluate and acknowledge the application and then do the profiling of patients to establish socioeconomic condition and classification. Cedro revealed they had received complaints filed through Hotline 888 and called the attention of the personnel and hospitals involved by sending them a letter and requiring them to explain their side. Social workers were also reminded of the protocol that “they are the extension of the government in a way. The expectation from them is similar to what we do [in the main office],” and those who were proven guilty were already rotated or replaced.

A HOUSE leader on Monday pushed for the passage of his bill which proposes to strengthen the employment rights of members of the military’s Citizen Armed Forces. This is intended to ensure their security of tenure and smooth return to their original or substantially equivalent positions in the civilian workplace. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said his House Bill 7421 also aimed to institute programs that would safeguard reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from job-related discriminatory practices, such as diminution in pay or denial of promotion and employment benefits. “HB 7421 will strengthen the employment rights of Citizen Armed Forces or the Reserve Force of the AFP to give recognition to its role in mission areas and in national security,” Villafuerte said. “With this bill, the government can strengthen its advocacy on reservist employment rights and ensure that the men who have heeded the call to service are given what they deserve,” Villafuerte said in HB 7421’s explanatory note. Underscoring the important role played by reservists in assisting the military in the performance of its tasks, Villafuerte recalled last year’s Marawi siege, in which around two battalions from the Reserve Force were mobilized alongside the regular soldiers of the AFP to help defeat ISIS-inspired terrorists in a battle that lasted for several months. “Crisis such as this gives no guarantee as to when it will end. As such, the uncertainty of the duration of a crisis situation creates a problem on the part of the reservists with respect to reintegrating back to their old jobs, which the present law currently fails to cover,” Villafuerte said. Under HB 7421, it shall be unlawful for any employer to “discriminate against an individual in terms of compensation, terms and conditions, or privileges of employment on account of such individual’s membership, application for membership, performance of military service, application for military service or obligation with the Reserve Force of the AFP.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

TODAY

National Housing Authority Project Operations Support Services Department Revised List of Projects with Order of Termination and Notice of Termination as of April 2018 PROJECT (LOCATION)

CONTRACTOR

REASON

DATE OF ISSUANCE OF TERMINATION

ACTUAL ACCOMPLlSHMENT

VMO

Linda Ville II Brgy West Poblacion, Candoni, Negros Occidental

F.J. Tiu and Associates Const. & Devt Corp.

Due to minimal deployment of necessary resources on site

13-Jan-18

43.00%

VMO

Catbalogan Resettlement Project Catbalogan City Samar

Richmark Construction

Due to unresolved issue of relocating the existing six (6) posts of the Samar Electric Cooperative

19-Mar-18

1.64%

NPIT·B

“Mutual Termination of LGU and NHA Capoyuan Homes Site 1 Brgy Capuyoan, Barbaza, Antique

NPIT-B

Villa Guinbanga-an Nuevo tncurred more than 15% Brgy. Guinbanga-an. Laua-an, St. Gerard Construction negative slippage since Antique Corp. December 2016 Note. Approved lW GM. For Board Approval

NPIT·C

Pastrana Ville (Formerly Villa Pastrana) Brgy, Aringit, Pastrana, Leyte

Robig/Three W Builders. Inc.-JV

NPIT·C

Montview Brgy. Crossing, San Isidro Leyte

STATUS

TERMINATED

Copy of Notice of Termination not provided Approved by the Board dated May 2, 2017

3.28%

Termination of contract was approved by GM as of February 2017

45.06%

Due to inadequate resources on site

08-Jan-18

33.28%

With request for reconsideration which is being evaluated by the Project Office.

Halrey Cons/Three W Builders -JV

Due to non-deployment ofnecessary resources on site

15-Nov-17

28.74%

With request for reconsideration which is being evaluated by the Project OffICe

NPIT-C

Mont. Eagle Ville IV Subdivision Site 1 Brgy. Cangmoya. Palompon, Leyle

Eaglerock Const. & Dev’l Corp

Due to non-deployment of necessary resources on site

15-Nov-17

49.18%

NPIT·C

Las Casas del Flor Phase 1 Brgy. Anislag & Cansolacion / Isabela Site 1, Leyte

Eaglerock Canst. & Devt. Corp.

Due to inadequate resources on site

08-Dec-17

7.32%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory is being scheduled by the Committee members.

NPIT·C

Las Casas del Flor Phase 2 Brgy. Anis/ag & Consolacion, Isabela Site 2, Leyte

Eaglerock Canst. & Dev’t. Corp.

Due to inadequate resources on site

29-Nov-17

6 .77%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory is being scheduled by the Committee members.

NPIT-C

Las Casas del Flor Phase 3 Brgy. Anislag & Conso/acion Isabela Site 3, Leyte

Eaglerock Canst. & Devl Corp

Due to inadequate resources on site

08-Dec-17

6 .06%

Conduct of Inspection and final inventory is being scheduled by the Committee members.

NPIT·C

Las Casas del Flor Phase 4 Brgy. Anislag & Consolacion Isabela Site 3, Leyte

Eaglerock Const. & Dev`t. Corp.

Due to inadequate resources on site

29-Nov-17

3.56%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory is being scheduled by the Committee members.

Balangiga Town Ville Site 1 Brgy. Cansumangay, Bafangiga. Eastern Samar

J.C Tayag Builders. Inc

Due to inadequate deployment of necessary resources on site

Balangiga Town Ville Site 2 Brgy. Cansumangay, Balangiga. Eastern Samar

Due to inadequate deployment of J.C Tayag Builders, Inc. necessary resources on site

NPIT-C

Hernani Town Ville 1 Brgy. Nagaja Site 1. Hernani, Samar

LSD Construction & Supplles

J C Tayag Builders/ Granby-.JV

Due to non-deploymenl of necessary resources on site

Due to non-deployment or necessary resources on site

NPIT-C

Hemani Town Ville 2 Brgy. Nagaja Site 2, Hernani, Samar

NPIT-C

Hernanl Town Ville 3 Brgy. Nagaja. Hernani, Eastern Samar

Due to non-deployment J.C Tayag Builders, Inc. of necessary resources to site

NPIT-C

Quinapondan Town Ville Site 1 Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan. Eastern Samar

Due to non·deployment J.C Tayag Builders. Inc. of necessary resources on site

NPIT-C

J.C Tayag Builders/ Granby- JV

Quinapondan Town Ville Site 2 Brgy. Buenavista-Quinapondan, Eastern Samar

Quinapondan Town Ville Site 3 Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar

Gen. MacArthur Town Ville Brgy Vigan. Gen. Macarthur, Eastern Samar

Due to non-deployment J.C Tayag Builders. Inc. of necessary resources on site

Due to non-deployment J.C Tayag Builders, Inc. of necessary resources on site

Due to non-deployment J.C Tayag Builders, Inc. ot necessary resources on site

01-Dec-17

01-Dec·17

15-Nov·17

15-Nov-17

01-Dec-17

The Developer requested for reconsideration. Project Office to submit recommendation on the request of the Developer.

26.98%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb. 12 -15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer. Contract Termination and Review Committee and the Regional Office conducted on April 17 2018. CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report.

17.25%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb. 12 -15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer. CTRC and ‘the Regional Office conducted on April 17. 2018, CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report,

22.09%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb 12 -15, 201 B. Exit conference with the Developer. CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018 CTRC awaiting submission of remaining reqUIred documents from VMO In support of the Committee’s final report.

22.99%

,Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb 12 -15,: 2018. Exit conference with the Developer, CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018. CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report .

21 .71%

Conduct of inspection and final Inventory on Feb 12 -15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer, CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018 CTRC in awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report.

5.85%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb 12 -15 , 2018. Exit conference with the Developer. CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018 CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents. from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report

33.14%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb. 12 - 15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018 CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report.

8.82%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb. 12-15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer, CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018. CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report.

28.76%

Conduct of inspection and final inventory on Feb. 12 -15, 2018. Exit conference with the Developer. CTRC and the Regional Office conducted on April 17, 2018. CTRC awaiting submission of remaining required documents from VMO in support of the Committee’s final report.

indicated actual accomplishment of NPIT - C is as of February 2018 SUMMARY TOTAL

With Notice of Termination

Prepared by:

JANELLE VANESSA E. TANGULIG Senior Engineer A

NCR

MMO

NPIT - A

NPIT - B

NPIT - C

Terminated

VMO

NPIT - B

NPIT - C

Reviewed by:

Submitted by:

SUSAN E. NAVA OIC-CMSD

MARIA OTELIA F. ECLAVEA Manager, POSSO

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

Mayweather to relax at PH’s best beaches Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors shoots against Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffsat the Smoothie King Center on in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Warriors won to grab a 3-1 series lead. AFP

Jumapao scores record series at PBF International NATIONAL team standout Jomar Jumapao rolled a series of 819 yesterday, pulling off a record in the men’s open division of the ongoing 2nd PBF Pagcor Philippine International Open at the Coronado Lanes at Starmall, Mandaluyong City. Jumapao, a finalist in last year’s World Cup in Mexico, earned the distinction of becoming the first bowler in the 11-nation meet sponsored by Cafe Puro, Smart Communications and Boysen Paints to score an average of at least 270 points in three games. It was actually the third 800 series in Jumapao’s career. The Cebuano did the trick in 2004 and 2010. National team head coach and international bowling Hall of Famer Paeng Nepomuceno acknowledged Jumapao’s feat, saying anybody is capable of scoring a perfect game of 300 on a lucky day but not all can consistently bowl a record series of 800. With his consistency, Jumapao secured the top seeding in the qualifier of the men’s division as foreign bowlers from Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Australia started to arrive late Sunday. In the juniors’ division, 14-yearold Art Barrientos posted an eightgame series of 1695 to rule the 15-and-under category. Female junior bowlers Norel Nuevo (1599) and Dale Lazo (1553) placed second and third, respectively, behind Barrientos. John Mendoza topped the classified senior masters division with a 10-game series of 2056, a total of 58 pinfalls better than secondplacer Romy Jaime while Boyet Delfino rolled 1977 to finish third overall. Reigning World Cup champion Krizziah Tabora heads the cast in the women’s open division along with fellow Nationals Alexis Sy, Liza Del Rosario and Mades Arles while Kenneth Chua, Merwin Tan and bowling greats Biboy Rivera and Paulo Valdez are ready for the foreign challenge on the men’s side. Australia’s Sam Cooley became the first foreign participant to qualify in the men’s open division finale with a score of 1462.

Karate’s ‘other’ group at Forum THE ‘other’ group of the Philippine Karatedo Federation will appear in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association which resumes at the Tapa King Restaurant at Farmers Plaza in Cubao. Jose Manansala Jr. leads the panel of guests in the 10:30 a.m. session to air his group’s side in the PKF leadership squabble. The public sports program is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Dubs, Rockets close in on Western finals L

OS ANGELES—The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets both raced to a pair of lopsided wins on Sunday and can book their spots in the Western Conference final with victories on their home courts on Tuesday.

Kevin Durant scored 38 points to power the reigning NBA champion Warriors over the New Orleans Pelicans 118-92 and Chris Paul ﬁnished with 27 points and 12 rebounds as the Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 100-87. Durant said his free form game plan allowed him to be aggressive and effective at the same time. “I just try to tell myself that I’m at my best when I don’t care what happens after the game, the outcome or anything,” Durant said. “That’s when I’m free and having fun out there, and forceful. I just try to play with force no matter if I missed shots or not, just keep shooting, keep being aggressive.” Stephen Curry added 23 points as the Warriors seized a 3-1 lead in their bestof-seven second-round series. The Warriors are seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the NBA ﬁnals and

their third crown in four seasons. Curry said the key was getting the ball to their hottest player, Durant. “Just ﬁnd ways to get him in scoring positions,” Curry said. “Sometimes, that’s not really hard to do—just throw it to him. “Just keep the game simple at that point because he’s such a great scorer, you don’t have to really overthink things.” The host Pelicans, led by 26 points and 12 rebounds from Anthony Davis, never led while Golden State stretched the lead to as many as 26 points. Durant added nine rebounds while Draymond Green had eight points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Warriors. Klay Thompson added 13 points and Quinn Cook added 12 off the bench. The Warriors limited Pelicans difference makers Rajon Rondo and Nikola Mirotic to just six and seven points. New Orleans made four of 26 attempts from three-point range.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said they have to get more scoring from multiple players to win. “I told you right from the start. You’re not going to beat them if you can’t score 115 points,” Gentry said. “I don’t care how good your defence is. I don’t care what you do. You have to be able to score 110, 115 points to have any chance to beat them.” In Utah, NBA veteran Paul, celebrating his 33rd birthday, also had 12 rebounds while James Harden scored 24 points to power the Rockets to a 3-1 series lead. ‘Crazy game’ “It was an emotional, crazy game,” said Paul, who is in his ﬁrst season with the Rockets. Clint Capela tallied 12 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks in the win. Paul powered the offense and when he combined with Harden they were impossible to defend against. “There are different ways to win,” said Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni. “We got a lot of stuff we can go to. The plan was to get that, so we wouldn’t be a one dimensional team.” Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points and Joe Ingles ﬁnished with 15 for Utah. AFP

Foton donates luxury van to athletics’ body AS MEMBERS of the national team prepare for competitions here and abroad, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association on Monday welcomed a much-needed support from the private sector. Ofﬁcials of the athletics’ body, led by president Dr. Philip Ella Juico, received a 16-seater Foton Traveller from Foton president and Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Rommel Sytin during simple turnover ceremonies yesterday morning at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Foton Traveller, which has a 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine, will help bring national athletes to their destinations, including Ayala Land’s Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite, where some of the nationals are training for the Asian Games. “We are very grateful, we are very happy with this kind gesture. This will help transport the athletes to their training, which is just 10 minutes away, every day,” said Juico. The Foton van comes at a perfect time as national athletes need a vehicle that will take them to their training centers in preparation for the Thailand Open this week and coming events like the Malaysian Open, Taiwan Open and the

Foton president and COO Rommel Sytin (third from left) hands over a symbolic key to PATAFA president Dr. Philip Ella Juico (second from left) during the turnover of a Foton Traveller to the athletics’ body at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Monday morning. They are joined by PATAFA Secretary General Nonoy Unso (left) and Vice President Nicanor Sering.

Philippine National Open in Isabela later this month. The series of events will help get the national team ready for the 2018 Asian Games. “The hectic schedule is enough to keep everyone busy between now and the Asian Games,” said Juico. So far, the national contingent to the

Asiad will be composed of Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Eric Shawn Cray (hurdles), Trenten Beram (sprint), Ernest John Obiena (pole vault), Mary Joy Tabal (marathon), Aries Toledo (decathlon), Marco Vilog (sprint), Marestella Torres-Sunang (long jump) and Mark Harry Diones (triple jump).

Late charge lifts Australian Day to PGA Wells Fargo victory MIAMI—Australia’s Jason Day birdied two of the last three holes Sunday to capture the Wells Fargo Championship, collecting his 12th career US PGA title and second of the year. Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner, held off Americans Aaron Wise and Nick Watney with a ﬁnal-round twounder par 69 to ﬁnish 72 holes on 12-under 272 for a two-stroke victory at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. On the same course where he con-

tended before faltering late in last year’s PGA Championship, the 30-year-old Aussie stumbled with back-to-back bogeys and fell level with Wise with four holes remaining. But Day sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-4 16th and bounced his tee shot into the ﬂagstick at the par-3 17th before a tap-in birdie. He sank a seven-footer for par at 18 to win by two. “This is probably one of the best wins I’ve ever had because of how hard every-

thing was today,” Day said. Wise, seeking his first PGA win, fired a 68 to settle for a career-best second on 274 with Watney, who was chasing his sixth PGA title and first since 2012, closing with a 60-foot birdie putt to match him for the runner-up spot. American Bryson DeChambeau was fourth on 276 with five-time major winner Phil Mickelson on 277 with US compatriot Peter Uihlein and England’s Paul Casey. AFP

AMERICAN professional boxing promoter and former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather arrived in the Philippines last night for a vacation and exploratory tour of the country’s best beaches. Populaly known as “Money” Mayweather with his crew “The Money Team,” Mayweather successfully competed and defended his championship belt from 1996 to 2007 and 2009 to 2015. He made a one-fight comeback in 2017 against Filipino Sen. Manny Pacquiao in 2017. Mayweather’s visit will be hosted by Sam Versoza of Frontrow International, the same outfit that brought in the Miss Universe Candidates last year. “I am more than happy to host one of the greatest boxers of all time. It is a privilege to be his host during his vacation,” said Versoza. Frontrow is the country’s number one Health and Wellness, Multilevel marketing company. Frontfrow will host Mayweather’s entire visit in the country. In a phone interview, Mayweather was likewise happy to finally see the beauty of the country. “I have heard and seen on TV how beautiful the Philippines is and I can’t wait to see for myself the natural wonders and beauty of your country. I am looking forward for some relaxation, time with family and friends and experience how you guys throw a party for the Money Team,” said the boxing legend, who retired with an undefeated record of 50 wins and no loss. In a video message, posted on Instagram by Verzosa, Mayweather said: “Hey Manila, Philippines, I’m on my way. Me and my team, The Money Team, as well as myself, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, I’m on my way to the Philippines to embrace my fans, I wanna say thank you to everybody in the Philippines, for all your support throughout the years.” Mayweather, the world’s richest athlete, is enjoying his retirement. He is coming off visits to Singapore and Bali, Indonesia.

Former rivals now allies for Creamline FORMER college archrivals Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao showed Sunday they can it hit off on the same side when they helped power Creamline past newcomer Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 opener at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan. Though one game doesn’t deﬁne a team’s worth in a cutthroat competition like the PVL, Valdez said she liked what she saw as far as communication with the team’s new recruits, particularly the former La Salle players, on and off the court is concerned. “I’m happy that even if we were rivals in the UAAP and in the pro league, we could still develop chemistry as teammates,” said Valdez. The country’s premier volley player ﬁred 14 points, including six aces, while Gumabao, the reigning Bb. PilipinasGlobe, had two blocks and two aces in her nine-point output as the duo backed Thai reinforcement Kuttika Kaewpin’s game-high 17-point showing in the Cool Smashers’ 25-18, 25-16, 25-13 romp over the Angels in the Reinforced Conference. “I’m glad we have jelled even if we came from different schools,” said Gumabao.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

IN BRIEF PLDT completes sale of shares in Rocket

PLDT Inc. said it completed the sale of a portion of its shares in German technology company Rocket Internet, reducing its equity ownership to 2 percent from 6.1 percent. PLDT said Rocket Internet SE accepted 6.8 million Rocket shares tendered by PLDT Online Investments Pte. Ltd. at the offer price of 24 euros per share or a total of 163.2 million euros. The total transaction for the divestment of 6.8 million shares is worth P10.5 billion. Rocket will settle the deal on or before May 14 this year. PLDT Online’s equity ownership in Rocket was reduced from 6.1 percent to 2 percent following the sale. PLDT bought a 10-percent stake in Rocket Internet for 333 million euros or $445 million in 2014. Rocket share prices closed at 21.125 euros as of end-2017, before it fell to 16.03 euros as of end March. Rocket is a Berlin-based internet company that builds online startups and owns shareholdings in various models of internet retail businesses. It has stakes in major e-commerce platforms and startups in Southeast Asia, including Zalora, Lamudi, Carmudi, Traveloka and Foodpanda. It sold its stake in Lazada in 2017. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Holcim posts lower income of P699.7m

HOLCIM Philippines Inc. posted a net income of P699.7 million in the first quarter of the year, down 26 percent from P939.4 million year-on-year, as higher sales volume was offset by weak cement prices and high input costs. Holcim said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-quarter net sales stood at P8.6 billion, just down 2.7 percent as volume climbed 7 percent on year due to increased activity nationwide. “Demand conditions are improving as the government continues to ramp up infrastructure investments. However, its positive impact on our financial performance was not enough to offset higher energy costs and weaker cement prices brought by intense competition,” newlyappointed HPI president and chief executive John Stull said. “Nonetheless, we are optimistic about the construction industry’s prospects given the government’s commitment to the ‘Build. Build. Build’ program,” he added. Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Competition Commission said Monday it approved the acquisition by Udenna Corp. of the entire outstanding capital stock of KGL Investment B.V., which owns indirect stake in 2Go Group Inc. KGLI-BV is a private limited liability company under KGL Investment Coöperatief UA and is incorporated and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, while Udenna is a holding company led by Davao City-based businessman Dennis Uy. PCC said in a statement the transaction would not result in substantial lessening of competition within the Philippine market because there were no existing horizontal overlaps or vertical relationships that existed between the parties.

GRINGO’S NEWEST BRANCH.

Gringo Chicken & Ribs Restaurant opens its flagship branch at O Square 2 in Greenhills, San Juan. It is Gringo’s 10th outlet and biggest branch to date. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newest branch of the Mexican restaurant are (from left) Ortigas & Co. president and chief executive Jaime Ysmael and restaurant owners Reagan and Aileen Tan.

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

By Othel V. Campos

MUFG HUB. MUFG Bank Ltd. of Japan inaugurates its global services operations center in the Philippines to fulfill customers’ various needs. The center will initially perform foreign remittance and back office operations for its units in Singapore, Sydney, Auckland and Taipei. Shown during the soft-launching of the MUFG global operations center in Makati City are (from left) Lyn Javier, managing director for financial supervision research and consumer protection sub-sector of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Akira Yoshikawa, head of MUFG Bank’s GSOC; Kanetsugu Mike, MUFG Bank president and chief executive; Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Security Bank Corp. president and chief executive Alfonso Salcedo.

SM Prime’s net income rose 15% to P7.6b in Q1 S By Jenniffer B. Austria

M Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines’ largest integrated property company led by tycoon Henry Sy, said Monday net income expanded 15 percent in the ﬁrst quarter to P7.6 billion from P6.6 billion a year ago, fueled by robust mall and residential businesses.

SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange ﬁrst-quarter consolidated revenues grew 14 percent to P23.4 billion from P20.5 billion in the same period last year. Operating income in the ﬁrst three months also improved 16 percent year-on-year to P11.1 billion, the company said. “The growing revenue contribu-

tion of our mall operations in the provinces and increasing reservation sales of our residential projects in Metro Manila drove our bottom line higher and kept us in line with our first-quarter target in 2018. Nevertheless, we plan to continue expanding in key cities all over the Philippines to sustain our growth targets over the next few years,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim. Mall revenues climbed 10 percent in the first three months to P13.9 billion, as the newly opened malls in 2016 and 2017 helped improve the company’s financial performance. SM Prime said the malls’ operating income increased 11 percent to P7.8 billion in the three-month period, while operating margin was steady at 56 percent. The company also maintained its 7 percent same-mall-sales growth in the first three months of the year. SM Prime said that since the

PCC approves Udena’s acquisition of 2Go’s parent firm By Othel V. Campos

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Visitor arrivals climbed 15% to exceed 2m in first quarter

International reserves drop to $80.1b—BSP

THE country’s gross international reserves declined to $80.1 billion as of end-April 2018 from $80.5 billion a month ago, pulled down in part by the government’s payments of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Monday. It was the reserves’ lowest level since $79.54 billion in December 2014. “The month-on-month marginal decline in the GIR level was due mainly to outﬂows arising from the payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” Espenilla said. Other reasons for the decline were the foreign exchange operations of the Bangko Sentral as well as the revaluation adjustments on gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of the precious metal in the global market. “At this level, the GIR serves as an ample external liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.8 times’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. Julito G. Rada

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

PCC said the parties also complied with the requirements after the agency earlier voided the transaction and imposed a P19.6-million ﬁne on the parties for consummating the deal without clearance from the antitrust body. Under the Philippine Competition Act, PCC is mandated to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure that these deals will not prejudice the interest of the consumers. Under PCC Case No. M-2017-001 promulgated on Feb. 15, the parties were found to have violated Section 17 of the Republic Act No. 10667 and Rule 4, Section 3(b)(4) of its implementing rules and regulations. The Mergers and Acquisitions Ofﬁce of PCC found that Udenna bought the entire shareholdings of KGLI-BV as signed by the two parties through a share purchase agreement dated July

28, 2016. The deal was consummated as reflected in a deed of transfer dated Aug. 19, 2016. The parties then filed their notification on March 23 and entered phase 1 review on April 5, 2018. The firms also paid the fine in 2018 at the National Treasury as part of the compliance order. Udenna, a holding company and parent entity, is engaged in diverse business interests including distribution and retail of refined petroleum products and lubricants, tankering and inter-island transport of petroleum products and other bulk products, ship management, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, operation of an industrial park, real estate or property development, and waste management and environmental services through its subsidiaries.

start of 2018, it already opened two malls―SM Center Imus in Cavite and SM City Urdaneta Central in Pangasinan. Three more are slated to open this year, including SM City Telabastagan in Pampanga, SM City Legazpi in Albay and SM Center Ormoc in Leyte. SM Prime’s residential arm SM Development Corp. also delivered strong performance in the first three months, with revenue growing 25 percent to P7.5 billion from P6 billion a year ago. The group’s operating income surged 43 percent to P2.4 billion from P1.7 billion. Reservation sales went up 20 percent in terms of sales value to P14.8 billion. Unit sales were almost flat at 3,894. SM Prime’s other businesses― office, hotels and conventions centers―registered consolidated revenue growth of 8 percent in the first quarter to P2 billion.

Watchdog slams Pagcor for ignoring Supreme Court AN ANTI-GRAFT watchdog slammed state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for alleged “shameless disrespect to the Supreme Court” by running roughshod over the latter’s decisions that the state-run gaming firm had no legal authority on online gambling in the country. The Anti-Trapo Movement Inc., in a statement, deplored that Pagcor under the leadership of chairperson Andrea Domingo deliberately ignored the SC’s landmark en banc decision in connection with the Sen. Robert Jaworski vs Pagcor case which was handed down on Jan. 14, 2004. Anti-Trapo founding chair Leon Peralta cited that prior to Domingo’s watch, Pagcor had consistently adhered to the SC ruling. “But for reasons known only to herself and probably her cohorts, the Domingo-led Pagcor made their own interpretation of the Pagcor charter and arrogated upon themselves the powers to administer online gaming in the country in blatant violation of Presidential Decree 1869 and other pertinent laws particularly Republic Act 9487,” Peralta said. He recalled that the SC made a similar ruling in another suit initiated by Rep. Raul del Mar against Pagcor. Peralta said that under the law, only the economic and freeport zones specifically the Cagayan Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority had the legal authority to exercise administrative powers over online gaming activities in the Philippines.

INTERNATIONAL visitor arrivals breached the 2-million mark for the first time in the first quarter, ahead of the closure of the resort island of Boracay to tourists in April, data from the Tourism Department show. The department said the country received 2.049 million visitors in January to March, up 14.8 percent from 1,784,882 guests in the same period in 2017. “We already welcomed over two million foreign guests to the Philippines in just three months compared to last year when it took four months or until April to reach two million,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo. Teo said arrivals from China and Korea fueled the expansion of the tourism sector in the three-month period. “For the first quarter, it has been a tight contest between the Chinese and the Koreans. In fact, these two key markets, together with the Americans, already comprise more than half our tourist arrivals,” Teo said. She said Chinese visitors closed the margin to just 7,838 in March on a per month basis from more than 86,000 gap between the Korean and Chinese arrivals in January. China remained the fastest growing market with 114,549 visitors in March, up by 50.4 percent from a year ago. Arrivals from Korea reached 122,387 during the month. Data showed arrivals from China jumped 54 percent to 371,429 in the first quarter, , just behind the number of Korean toursts at 477,087. American tourists ranked third with 284,946, followed by Japanese guests at 181,178 and Australians at 74,027. Other top sources of visitors were Canada, with 70,501; Taiwan, 59,877; United Kingdom, 56,521; Singapore, 44,398; Malaysia, 37,090, Hong Kong, 36,777; and India, 32,999.

Data business boosts Globe’s profit to P4.7b By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Monday net income grew 25 percent in the first quarter from a year ago, boosted by data-related products across all segments. Globe said net income reached P4.7 billion in January to March, up from P3.76 billon in the same period last year. Core net income, which excludes the impact of non-recurring charges and foreign exchange and mark-tomarket charges, rose to P4.8 billion in the three-month period from P3.7 billion a year earlier. Globe posted consolidated service revenues of P33.2 billion in the first three months, up from last year’s P31.1 billion. “Service revenues benefitted from the demand for data-related products across all segments, given the increase in consumption for video streaming and on-demand entertainment,” Globe said. This was supported by Globe’s 4G and LTE network, relevant and affordable product offerings and an enhanced content portfolio in partnership with world-class content providers, it said. Mobile revenues improved to P25.5 billion from P23.8 billon amid the growing demand for data as more Globe customers adopted the digital lifestyle. Globe’s mobile subscriber base reached 63.3 million as of endMarch 2018, up 8 percent from 58.6 million subscribers reported in the same period last year. Mobile data service revenues reached P12.3 billion, while mobile data traffic grew 37 percent from 131 petabytes last year to 180 petabytes in the first quarter of 2018. Mobile SMS and mobile voice revenues generated P5.6 billion and P7.6 billion, respectively, on continued shift to internet-based applications, consistent with global trends.

Business

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market drops, ignores Asia

HE stock market slipped Monday on concerns about rising inﬂation and expectations that the Monetary Board will raise interest rates in Thursday’s meeting.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 12.91 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,533.28 on a value turnover of P5.9 billion. Losers edged gainers, 92 to 89, with 46 issues unchanged. SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. dropped 1.2 percent to P905, while Security Bank Corp., the sixth-largest lender in terms of assets, declined 2.7 percent to P199.80. Semirara Mining and Power Corp., the biggest coal miner, tumbled 5.2 percent to P27.65, while LT Group Inc. of tobacco and airline tycoon Lucio Tan, lost 3.6 percent to P21.10.

Most Asia markets, meanwhile, rose Monday following a blistering lead from Wall Street as a soft jobs report soothed concerns about rising US interest rates, while oil prices extended a rally ahead of Donald Trump’s decision on the Iran nuclear deal. All three main indexes in New York clocked up sizeable gains Friday after the closely watched non-farm payrolls report showed unemployment at an 18year low—but fewer-than-expected jobs were created in April and average earnings missed estimates. The ﬁgures soothed anxieties that the Federal Reserve could lift borrowing costs four times this year owing to a pick-up in inﬂation and a strengthening economy. Those worries have acted as a weight on global markets in recent weeks. Hong Kong was 0.1 percent higher

and Shanghai surged 1.5 percent, while Sydney was 0.4 percent up. Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were well up. But Tokyo ended marginally lower as traders returned following an extended holiday weekend, while Singapore was 0.2 percent off. Seoul was closed for a public holiday. However, there are worries that markets may have plateaued, with strong earnings unable to help push gains further. “The big surprise from this stellar earnings season is that the market hasn’t broken higher,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader. “Certainly, the earnings have been there but it seems the narrative was molded by the comments of the Caterpillar (chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer) who said Q1 was likely the high-water mark. “That he said that is not remarkable.

That it resonated with the market is the important point.” Investors remain on edge on concerns about the China-US trade spat after high-level talks in Beijing last week ended with no agreement between the two sides. “Whatever optimism investors had about China-US trade negotiations should be undermined by the fact there was no communique, with rumors suggesting the two superpowers are sitting worlds apart after the US failed to win any concessions,” said Stephen Innes, head of AsiaPacific trade at OANDA. “Even the hint of trade war escalation is terrible news for global equities so there is the threat that any contrary Monday morning headline... could dampen stock market sentiment right out of the gates.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, MAY 7, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 22,020 97.6 1,193,030 3.1 4,000 128.5 2,776,230 1.57 1,071,000 35 483,100 7 2,500 16.5 33,600 16.92 651,800 3.54 189,000 1.53 2,000 860 100 0.65 25,538,000 82.7 1,321,170 1.09 403,000 22 8,100 52.1 90,320 215 4,130 108 50 38.8 34,000 199.8 629,090 1,930 5 89.3 86,470 1.21 20,000

1,298,491.50 116,629,469.50 12,420 357,298,485 1,717,140 16,993,685 17,068 554,996 11,114,164 669,160 3,060 86,000 16,092,160 109,450,388 430,350 180,230 4,704,922 889,266 5,400 1,313,405 127,343,567 9,650 7,714,988 24,200

584,113.50 -38,620,906.50 -913,567 3,060 -2,724,960 -1,123,550.00 -424,140 -58,364,057.50 -53,770 -4,458,201 -366,040 -867,035 -51,845,076 -114,200.50 -

37.5 14.1 0.58 1.23 19.9 0.224 3.35 16.7 250 50.6 24.3 69 1.92 5.18 9.01 10.56 15.7 11.64 7.16 5.36 1.65 15.1 63.7 18.7 9 15.86 1.99 270.8 4.96 25.7 14.24 22.6 323.6 0.189 6.85 2.36 4.72 9.2 5.01 7.98 1.43 11.7 52.3 4.84 1.91 14.08 65.7 5.2 0.134 0.99 138.6 2.52 3.26 0.83

INDUSTRIAL 37.95 1,422,800 14.12 839,700 0.59 367,000 1.26 100,000 20.15 24,600 0.225 1,460,000 3.39 8,984,000 16.74 189,700 251 400 52 453,200 24.4 11,200 69 1,600 1.92 80,000 5.18 100,000 9.01 77,600 10.6 1,069,900 15.9 1,378,300 11.64 338,300 7.18 1,033,500 5.37 3,845,000 1.79 4,000 15.46 153,400 63.7 110,920 18.8 103,000 9.1 15,600 16.2 674,500 2.02 648,000 279 790,120 5 96,700 26 413,600 14.26 153,100 22.8 221,300 329 317,360 0.189 110,000 7 1,700 2.36 32,000 4.74 31,000 9.24 906,300 5.4 191,600 7.98 13,600 1.43 133,000 11.8 31,500 52.4 468,640 4.84 2,000 1.91 152,000 14.3 47,100 65.7 111,450 5.29 161,100 0.134 120,000 0.99 8,000 139.2 664,170 2.52 5,000 3.4 34,795,000 0.85 1,109,000

53,998,430 12,017,518 216,560 124,520 490,505 328,650 30,534,080 3,174,294 100,320 23,394,737 276,240 110,912 154,060 518,000 709,936 11,317,790 21,907,214 4,017,198 7,414,095 20,743,730 6,880 2,349,230 7,166,914.50 1,952,376 142,810 10,872,614 1,300,010 216,453,920 486,700 10,752,075 2,187,902 5,046,030 104,203,628 20,860 11,660 76,200 146,740 8,371,310 1,026,279 108,648 193,190 371,572 24,550,501.50 9,680 290,910 669,744 7,367,725 849,116 16,080 7,920 92,421,180 12,600 117,931,320 933,080

-42,059,300 558,974 -16,579,930 988,946 -48,560 -577,133 8,888 10,861,978 622,998.00 -5,922,174 -2,352,424 -519,748 24,871.50 45,454 -10,030.00 1,377,828.00 -60,210.00 -26,733,376 34,720 -1,979,185 1,415,334 -2,966,085 54,489,064 1,713,592 -215,400 -60,648 -1,962,228.50 -4,840 38,200 -226,976 402,325.00 -1,705,132 -5,962,860 -50,950

0.29 63.8 13.3 6.54 0.67 0.69 929 6.52 11.26 7.6 0.213 1,015 7.06 61.2 5.89 0.64 4.49 21.8 0.64 5.18 0.04 1.17 3.27 138 912.5 0.79 1.65 580 264.6 0.25 0.26

0.28 62.3 13.1 6.54 0.64 0.65 910 6.44 10.26 7.58 0.212 982.5 7.01 60.2 5.83 0.61 4.37 20.9 0.58 5.12 0.039 1.12 3.2 135.7 901.5 0.79 1.65 580 256 0.239 0.245

HOLDING FIRMS 0.28 14,970,000 62.4 1,009,190 13.14 1,596,500 6.54 100 0.66 11,062,000 0.66 2,168,000 929 112,870 6.48 87,400 10.3 6,479,100 7.6 18,600 0.212 950,000 982.5 71,520 7.01 10,600 61 479,970 5.83 200 0.64 254,000 4.4 567,000 21.1 5,159,700 0.59 3,623,000 5.17 16,871,300 0.04 5,200,000 1.16 149,000 3.24 767,000 136 46,030 905 231,050 0.79 5,000 1.65 58,000 580 20 264.6 4,450 0.239 320,000 0.255 10,230,000

4,248,950 63,149,741.50 21,087,476 654 7,294,180 1,443,880 103,682,480 566,332 68,948,100 141,340 201,600 71,686,670 74,426 29,226,445.50 1,172 155,210 2,496,540 108,878,955 2,163,080 87,049,183 207,300 169,310 2,486,940 6,267,143 209,080,045 3,950 95,700 11,600 1,145,732 77,930 2,564,600

204,850.00 -54,093,630.50 -8,382,814 711,360 1,136,075 336,376 -25,846,034 7,580 -9,507,925 -5,625,974.50 1,534,280 -26,280,770 11,408,979 -3,900 776,980 -2,561,099 -68,959,760 -2,570 40,630 -

7.38 1.1 14.5 2.05 0.88 40.45 3.42 4.58 6.1 0.46 1 0.99 0.24 30.95 0.63 1.67 1.28 1.08 4.4

6.9 1.07 14.5 2.03 0.83 39.85 3.32 4.57 6.02 0.45 1 0.96 0.234 30.5 0.63 1.66 1.26 1.05 4.25

2,270,130,698 20,215,450 2,900 14,270 2,602,710 214,342,625 573,170 347,600 118,144 1,593,550 2,000 3,873,690 2,133,870 4,406,120 5,670 6,590,630 1,560,900 510,040 16,314,750

-25,834,352 1,182,900 2,737,960 -16,730 -400,400 0 401,190 -3,201,970 -63,500 -69,300 -5,611,540

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 IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

59 99 3.12 130 1.74 35.1 6.66 16.58 17.06 3.36 1.53 860 0.61 83.05 1.09 22.8 52.25 218 108 38.85 206 1,930 89.2 1.21

59 99 3.12 130 1.74 35.35 7.29 16.58 17.26 3.64 1.53 860 0.65 83.1 1.11 22.8 52.25 218 108 38.9 206.4 1,930 89.3 1.21

58.85 97.1 3.1 128.1 1.54 35 6.66 16.5 16.92 3.36 1.53 860 0.6 82.5 1.06 21.9 52.05 213 108 38.5 197.4 1,930 88.9 1.21

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

37.5 14.16 0.58 1.23 20.3 0.225 3.35 16.72 250 51.6 24.95 73 1.98 5.18 9.38 10.56 15.9 12.2 7.18 5.39 1.65 15.5 65 19.82 9.15 16.1 2.02 276 4.97 26.5 14.3 22.65 323.6 0.19 6.85 2.4 4.72 9.25 5.35 8 1.45 11.84 52.7 4.84 1.94 14.08 66.5 5.2 0.134 0.99 139 2.52 3.29 0.86

38.45 14.46 0.6 1.28 20.3 0.227 3.43 16.74 251 52 25 73 1.98 5.18 9.38 10.66 15.98 12.3 7.18 5.42 1.79 15.5 65 19.82 9.2 16.2 2.03 279 5.1 26.5 14.48 23 329.8 0.19 7 2.4 4.76 9.25 5.4 8 1.46 11.86 52.7 4.84 1.94 14.4 66.5 5.35 0.134 0.99 140 2.52 3.47 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 KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS

0.29 63 13.2 6.54 0.65 0.65 916 6.52 10.98 7.6 0.213 998 7.06 60.2 5.89 0.64 4.49 21.8 0.64 5.12 0.039 1.14 3.21 137 908 0.79 1.65 580 264.2 0.25 0.26

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

7.07 1.07 14.5 2.03 0.83 40.15 3.35 4.58 6.1 0.45 1 0.98 0.24 30.5 0.63 1.66 1.28 1.08 4.37

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.59 0.465 0.56 4.1 18.38 2.02 3.16 33 1.14 10.76 6.84

0.61 0.465 0.57 4.23 18.44 2.05 3.24 33 1.14 10.76 6.9

0.59 0.45 0.55 4.1 17.64 1.98 3.16 32.2 1.1 10.3 6.72

0.6 0.455 0.56 4.11 17.64 1.98 3.24 32.35 1.11 10.3 6.88

28,409,000 7,570,000 2,392,000 2,914,000 2,067,800 1,300,000 35,000 3,327,600 12,230,000 217,800 2,488,400

16,978,340 3,434,750 1,339,010 12,063,940 37,228,262 2,588,820 110,690 108,601,540 13,655,050 2,274,292 17,022,414

-600,000 -329,220.00 -12,030,828.00 1,369,620.00 -56,510,330 5,700.00 8,372 -1,388,104

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

16.2 27.5 0.48 0.049 12.8 12 0.055 88.7 8.69 6.87 7.6 22.5 939 1,520 5.56 302 4.15 85.75 13.28 8.23 0.115 1.38 3.43 14.32 4.5 1.03 25.25 4.22 6.46 3.3 8.06 11.8 9.41 2.85 122 5.91 1,370 1.03 0.44 45.85 88.5 7.14 2.33 1.32 0.435 4.82 0.89 10.8

16.5 27.7 0.49 0.049 12.8 12.1 0.055 89.55 8.83 6.93 7.71 22.9 939 1,586 5.64 307 4.38 85.75 13.3 8.23 0.116 1.42 3.49 14.32 4.77 1.04 25.25 4.24 6.5 3.35 8.06 11.88 9.89 2.99 127 6.01 1,388 1.04 0.44 46.95 90.4 7.15 2.4 1.33 0.44 4.95 0.89 11

16 27.5 0.48 0.048 12.26 11.8 0.053 86.3 8.6 6.86 7.37 21.95 939 1,500 5.56 302 4.15 84.1 13.02 8.23 0.115 1.38 3.33 14.32 4.5 1.03 24.45 4.21 6.29 3.3 7.88 11.8 9.41 2.85 122 5.91 1,336 1.01 0.415 45.7 88.45 7.13 2.31 1.3 0.43 4.82 0.87 10.8

SERVICES 16.1 27.7 0.485 0.048 12.8 11.8 0.054 87.9 8.81 6.9 7.71 22 939 1,580 5.56 307 4.28 85 13.02 8.23 0.115 1.4 3.45 14.32 4.76 1.04 24.65 4.21 6.34 3.3 8 11.88 9.42 2.99 127 5.94 1,345 1.01 0.425 46.95 90.4 7.13 2.32 1.31 0.43 4.9 0.88 10.8

9,100 122,000 2,210,000 10,400,000 70,500 6,516,800 4,700,000 79,590 8,300 224,900 22,100 59,000 10 87,680 107,100 4,890 1,867,000 507,560 4,100 7,000 1,030,000 185,000 189,000 200 2,273,000 546,000 1,406,400 157,000 1,825,800 1,375,000 2,447,500 32,800 4,300 2,000 2,810 55,800 37,090 1,266,000 7,390,000 451,800 48,670 35,500 159,000 9,576,000 5,180,000 1,352,000 2,687,000 358,400

148,072 3,367,855 1,072,000 504,000 902,346 77,363,246 252,820 6,999,063 72,084 1,551,419 168,094 1,302,110 9,390 136,542,405 599,244 1,492,658 7,985,740 43,124,574.50 54,008 57,610 118,550 258,450 651,250 2,864 10,627,740 565,320 34,818,420 663,880 11,680,815 4,542,640 19,494,749 389,132 40,630 5,840 343,271 332,148 50,397,780 1,291,160 3,170,100 20,884,720 4,362,920 253,409 368,420 12,547,400 2,231,900 6,619,220 2,343,700 3,891,066

4,850 261,120 -17,548,576 -917,145.50 34,660 -138,000 74,954,435 13,120 -3,471,514.50 -4,600 1,233,030 -5,445,120 -46,460 -1,459,213 2,348,430 510,507 5,900 18,300 -11,372 -13,342,275 -127,350 -8,735,350 -531,562.50 -62,580 299,290 -78,250 -1,936,060 140,996

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

0.0029 1.7 18 1.65 0.31 7.48 2.36 0.207 0.14 1.53 5.26 1.22 0.54 0.96 0.012 0.013 2.1 5.71 14 29.7

0.003 1.74 18.9 1.65 0.31 7.48 2.36 0.208 0.14 1.53 5.26 1.22 0.54 0.97 0.013 0.013 2.23 5.71 14 29.7

0.0028 1.68 18 1.65 0.305 7.48 2.27 0.206 0.138 1.47 5.09 1.17 0.52 0.91 0.012 0.012 2.1 5.66 13.5 27.5

MINING & OIL 0.0028 362,000,000 1.72 2,894,000 18.9 600 1.65 218,000 0.305 200,000 7.48 100 2.3 1,107,000 0.206 1,030,000 0.138 740,000 1.47 122,000 5.09 1,258,600 1.22 7,000 0.54 223,000 0.97 135,000 0.013 3,900,000 0.012 23,600,000 2.23 16,000 5.66 56,400 13.68 1,330,800 27.65 2,736,000

1,027,100 4,933,030 10,890 359,700 61,500 748 2,547,920 212,230 103,390 181,030 6,485,253 8,290 120,220 127,980 46,900 286,700 33,730 321,123 18,136,900 76,921,410

140,000 2,675,110 203,940 246,735 -126,298 1,125,400 -16,715,955

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF F GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

26 498 101 106.9 506 5.58 995 107.1 1,056 77 78.8 75.1 77.65 75.75

26.5 500 101 106.9 506 5.58 995 107.1 1,056 77 78.8 75.2 77.65 75.75

26 497 100.5 106.9 504.5 5.58 995 107.1 1,056 77 78.8 75.1 77.65 75.75

PREFERRED 26.2 33,000 500 2,910 100.9 5,230 106.9 30 504.5 1,210 5.58 100 995 5,000 107.1 10 1,056 10 77 10 78.8 480 75.1 670 77.65 66,270 75.75 100

872,080 1,450,370 527,720 3,207 610,460 558 4,975,000 1,071 10,560 770 37,824 50,333 5,145,865.50 7,575

-46,940 -

LR WARRANT

2.76

2.9

2.73

WARRANTS 2.82 498,000

1,396,520

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.45 3 3.23

5.58 3.09 3.24

5.4 2.98 3.2

5.5 3.05 3.23

523,000 95,000 585,000

2,863,445 286,620 1,876,660

83,408 -57,930

FIRST METRO ETF

117

117.7

116.7

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117 14,400

1,685,498

30,545

USD DMPL A1

10.1

75,750

54,035

PROPERTY 7.35 1.08 14.5 2.05 0.85 40 3.34 4.57 6.02 0.455 1 0.99 0.235 30.75 0.63 1.66 1.27 1.05 4.25

328,414,800 18,695,000 200 7,000 3,049,000 5,362,700 171,000 76,000 19,600 3,510,000 2,000 3,990,000 9,030,000 143,400 9,000 3,960,000 1,228,000 483,000 3,784,000

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

35,613,632

INDUSTRIAL

64,689,868

HOLDING FIRMS

82,667,810

PROPERTY

444,933,293

SERVICES

67,714,132

MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

401,590,575 1,098,428,889

10.1

SME

DDS

7,500

VALUE 1,897.75 (down) 9.12 888,647,760.67 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,999.48 (up) 51.48 841,423,215.255 HOLDING FIRMS 7,577.23 (down) 14.92 806,346,154.01 PROPERTY 3,509.80 (down) 10.59 SERVICES 1,516.45 (up) 5.30 2,761,235,525.51 MINING & OIL 10,014.38 (down) 297.01 479,574,354.13 PSEI 7,533.28 (down) 12.91 111,946,055.148 All Shares Index 4,601.61 (down) 3.69 5,895,892,161.95 Gainers: 89; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 46; Total: 227

Del Monte raises public offering size By Jenniffer B. Austria DEL Monte Philippines Inc., the Philippine unit of Del Monte Pacific Ltd., increased the size of its planned initial public offering to 587.437 million secondary shares for a maximum of P29.88 each from the initial 559.464 million shares. DMPI, according to the latest IPO prospectus posted on its website, now plans to raise as much as P17.55 billion in proceeds from the share sale, up from the initial estimated of P16.7 billion. The shares represent 21 percent of the company’s outstanding capital stock. DMPI said shareholder Central American Resources Inc. would sell the shares by way of secondary offering. CARI is a wholly- owned subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Resources Ltd., which in turn is a a wholly-owned unit of DMPL. DMPI plans to use net proceeds of the offering to partially repay certain facilities extended by DMPL, and refinance certain financial obligation of the DMPL Group to significantly reduce its leverage position. BDO Unibank Inc. will serve as the issue manager, sole global coordinator and book runner of the offering. Up to 70 percent of the shares will be sold to domestic investors and 30 percent to foreign institutional and retail investors. The company originally planned to conduct the IPO in April but deferred it to give way to the big-ticket rights offering of two banks. DMPI is now looking at June for the planned share sale. DMPI is primarily engaged in the production and sale of food and beverage products in the Philippines under the Del Monte brand, such as fruit juices and juice drinks, packaged pineapple and mixed fruit, various tomato, spaghetti sauces and culinary mixes, and the export of these products under other brands. It produces pineapple on a 25,000-hectare plantation in Bukidnon province and operates a processing facility with an annual capacity of 700,000 tons. DMPI generated P26.7 billion in revenues in 2017, with two-thirds coming from the Philippines and the balance from export sales.

BPI income unchanged in 1st quarter By Julito G. Rada BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said net income in the first quarter was unchanged at P6.25 billion from a year ago partly due to lower trading gains. The bank said in a statement Monday net profit in the first three months was up 16.4 percent compared to a quarter ago. Total revenues rose 2.7 percent to P18.45 billion on year, while net interest income stood at P12.51 billion, up 8.9 percent due to the expansion in the average asset base. Interest income from loans increased 18.4 percent year-on-year driven by the improvement in loan yields. Meanwhile, interest expense tempered the growth in net interest income, partly due to higher DST (documentary stamp tax) rates on deposits, which increased the cost of funds by 5 basis points. Net interest margin widened 4 basis points year-on-year. Total loans stood at P1.21 trillion, up 17.2 percent yearon-year, driven primarily by corporate loans. Total deposits rose 10.4 percent to P1.59 trillion. The bank’s current account and savings account ratio stood at 71.6 percent while the loan-to-deposit ratio settled at 76.2 percent. The bank’s holdings in securities totaled P309.95 billion, up 2.3 percent year-on-year. Almost 90 percent of the securities portfolio was in hold-to-collect arrangement, and thus less exposed to interest rate risk. “Non-interest income dropped by 8.1 percent to P5.94 billion due to lower income from trust and investment management fees, securities trading and asset sales,” it said. Credit card fees, bank commissions, stock brokerage fees and foreign exchange trading were higher during the period. Operating expenses totaled P9.75 billion, up 11.7 percent, driven mainly by accelerated technology spending.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

IN BRIEF Trump urged not to dump nuclear deal with Iran

Malaysians gear up for elections K

UALA LUMPUR―Vicious mud-slinging, allegations of voter fraud and sabotage have marred a hard-fought campaign for Malaysian elections on Wednesday, in which scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak will take on a heavyweight ex-leader.

WASHINGTON—Britain has appealed to US President Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal as a key deadline approaches, saying that while it is not perfect there is no better alternative. The call came in an op-ed piece in The New York Times that was signed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, ahead of a meeting with officials from the US administration in Washington on Monday. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his country’s European allies “fix the terrible flaws” in it or he will reimpose sanctions on Iran that were eased under the historic accord. The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 among Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal. “At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran,” Johnson wrote in the Times piece. AFP

Najib’s ruling coalition has governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957 but is facing a tough test at the polls due to a challenge from a former insider―veteran ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad―and the 1MDB financial scandal. The government is expected to win, partly helped by a healthy economy. But critics say gerrymandering and electoral abuses have also been used to tip the scales in Najib’s favor. But the surprise return of 92-year-old Mahathir at the head of an alliance filled with parties he crushed during two decades in power has shaken up the race, giving the opposition a charismatic standardbearer they hope can topple Najib. “This is the most unpredictable general election in Malaysia for years,” Yang Razali Kassim, a Malaysia expert from the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told AFP. “Mahathir’s comeback has been a game-changer. It reversed the political fortunes of the opposition and shook up the entire political landscape”. The high stakes have prompted a brutal campaign, in which Najib and Mahathir have relentlessly hurled insults at each other as they raced up and down the country for rallies. Mahathir has run down Najib, his one-time protege, lambasting him over 1MDB, and taking aim at his wife Rosmah Mansor, whose reportedly spendthrift habits have made her unpopular. Billions of dollars were allegedly looted from 1MDB, set up by Najib, in a sophisticated money-laundering scheme. The leader and 1MDB deny any wrongdoing. Najib has hit back, criticizing Mahathir’s authoritarian track record when in office. As the battle heated up, authorities have increasingly taken aim at the opposition. Police have started a probe into Mahathir for allegedly breaking a controversial new law against “fake news” after he claimed that a plane he chartered was sabotaged. Civil society groups have raised the alarm about what they say are attempts by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to cheat, including allegations that millions of voters without addresses, as well as dead people, have appeared on the electoral roll. AFP

Australia pledges cash to help save the koala SYDNEY—Australia unveiled on Monday a US$34 million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a rapid decline in the furry marsupial’s fortunes. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left in the wild, down from a population believed to number more than 10 million prior to European settlement of the continent in 1788. “Koalas are a national treasure,” said Gladys Berejiklian, premier of New South Wales state, in announcing her government’s conservation plan. “It would be such a shame if this nationally iconic marsupial did not have its future secured.” Habitat loss, dog attacks, car strikes, climate change and disease have taken their toll on one of Australia’s most recognizable animals. Studies show a 26 percent decline in the koala population in New South Wales over the last 15-20 years. The state lists the species as “vulnerable”, while in other parts of the country they are effectively extinct. Under the Aus$45 million plan, thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the marsupial’s natural habitat. Funds will be used to tackle diseases ravaging koala populations, including chlamydia—which causes blindness, infertility and death in the species. AFP

PREMIERE. Actress Candice Bergen attends Paramount Pictures’ premiere Of “Book Club” - Red Carpet at Regency Village Theater on May 6, 2018, in Westwood, California. AFP

Manila

Standard

Republic of the Philippines Standard

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

TODAY

Second teen in India raped, set on fire NEW DELHI―A 17-year-old battled for her life Monday after being raped, doused in kerosene and set on fire, the second such case to shake India as it battles an increase in sexual crimes. The teenager was attacked on the same day and in the same eastern state of Jharkhand as a 16-year-old who was raped and burned to death. “The girl has suffered 70 percent first-degree burns. There is a chance that she will survive,” Shailendra Barnwal, police superintendent of Pakur district, told AFP. Police have arrested a 19-year-old man who lives in the same neighborhood as the latest victim. “He poured kerosene on the girl and set her on fire,” Barnwal said. The incident happened on Friday, the same day as the similar case in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, which 15 people have been detained over. The main suspect in the first case is said to have been angered by a village council decision that he should do 100 sit-ups and pay a $750 fine

Turkish trial resumes of pastor on terrorism-related charges ALIAGA, Turkey―The Turkish trial resumed on Monday of US pastor Andrew Brunson who faces up to 35 years in jail on terror and spy charges in a case condemned by the United States. Brunson, leader of a small Protestant Christian church in the western city of Izmir named “Yeniden Dirilis” (Resurrection) and described by US President Donald Trump as a “fine gentleman”, was detained in October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse him of activities on behalf of the group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen―who Ankara says is behind a failed 2016 coup―and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Both the Gulen movement and the PKK are banned by Turkey as terror groups. Brunson, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. He rejected all the accusations directed against him during the first hearing in the town of Aliaga, north of Izmir last month, and from time to time broke down in tears. “I haven’t done anything against Turkey. On the contrary I love Turkey. I have been praying for Turkey for 25 years,” he told the judge.

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

US embassy charge d’affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Monday’s hearing. The case has further inflamed the tensions between Turkey and the United States. Trump said the pastor was on trial and being prosecuted for “no reason”―in a strong tweet after the Turkish court ruled to keep him in jail. “They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!” Trump said. The State Department then said it had seen “no credible evidence” that Brunson was guilty of a crime. Top US officials have raised the pastor’s case in meetings with Turkish authorities and have called for Brunson’s release. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will soon meet with US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington, said Brunson’s case was a legal one. “They say ‘the government should release him’. Is it up to me?” Cavusoglu told the private CNN Turk broadcaster in an interview on Sunday. “This is a decision the judiciary will make,” he said. AFP

for raping the girl, and attacked the girl’s parents and set their house on fire with the teenager inside. The two cases have shone a spotlight on the treatment of rape in India, where some 40,000 cases were reported in 2016. The country had already been agonizing over the brutal gang-rape and killing of an eight-yearold girl in Jammu and Kashmir state, which is to be raised in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Eight Hindus have been accused over the abduction, repeated rape and killing of the Muslim girl. Hindu activists have staged angry protests claiming that the police inquiry was biased. The Supreme Court is to give a ruling on whether the flash point trial should be moved away from Jammu, a Hindu-majority region of the Muslim-dominated state. The debate has been heightened further by new police figures indicating that more than five women were raped every day in the Indian capital this year. AFP

Republika ng Pilipinas National Irrigation Administration (Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig Regional Office No. 8 Office Address : NIA Road, Marasbaras Tacloban City, Philippines Telephone Nos.: RM (053) 323-6743, Admin. (053) 323-9195 Website : www.region8.nia.gov.ph

Email Add:niabac.region8.gmail.com Telefax No. (053) 323-7596 TIN:000-916-415-016

INVITATION TO BID No. 11-2018 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Item/Description 1.

Hagbay IP Contract No. 012018 – Construction of Diversion Dam & Irrigation Canals of Hagbay Irrigation Project, Las Navas, Northern Samar 2. Hagbay IP Contract No. 02-2018 – Construction of Flood Dike Protection of Hagbay Irrigation Project, Las Navas, No. Samar 3. Hagbay IP Contract No. 032018 – Construction of On-Farm Canal Lining of Hagbay Irrigation Project, Las Navas, No. Samar 4. Hagbay IP Contract No. 04-2018 – Construction of Side Slope Protection of Hagbay Irrigation Project, Las Navas, No. Samar

Approved Budget for Contract (Php)

Duration

Cost of Bid Docs

81,418,066.75

442 cd

50,000.00

41,691,828.68

364 cd

25,000.00

30,141,761.51

364 cd

25,000.00

26,904,943.65

312 cd

25,000.00

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”. Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities 1. Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Starting April 20, 2018

Time 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Pre-bid Conference

April 27, 2018

2:00 p.m.

3. Receipt and Opening of Bids

May 9, 2018

10:00 a.m.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders upon payment of non-refundable amount of the Bid Documents to the Cashier. The NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. (SGD) ESTELITA S. SUMILE BAC Chairman Noted: (SGD) FERMINA B. ALING Acting Regional Manager (MS-MAY 8, 2018)

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

ORDER

This is a verified petition filed by the petitioners praying that an Order be issued by this Court ordering the amendment of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 0082014005612 to reflect Alan Lee as owner and to order the Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, after the payment of the prescribed fees, to issue a new Owner’s Duplicate Condominium Certificate of Title. 1.01. That petitioner Ms. Alan Lee is an Australian, divorced, with address c/o MARTELINO BACUNGAN & ASSOCIATES, Unit 2201, Atlanta Centre, Annapolis St., Greenhills, City of San Juan, where notices and summons can be served. 1.02. That Mr. Lee, along with his former wife Susan Song Lee (“Ms. Lee”), are the registered owners of a condominium, Unit 2801 Cityland Shaw Tower Condominium, located at St. Francis Corner Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong. 1.02.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition are certified true copies of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005621, herein marked as Annex “A”, 1.02.2. Ms. Lee is an American citizen and a resident of 3785 Wilshire Boulevard Unit 1211, Los Angeles, California, USA. 1.03. That last January 23, 2011, Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee were joined in marriage before Minister Alan Katz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. 1.03.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as Annex “B” is a photocopy of their Marriage Contract with registry number 420111901254 issued on May 15, 2012 by the Department of Public Health, State of California. 1.04. That the said condominium at issue was acquired by Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee last September 17, 2014. The acquisition is due to Mr. Lee being currently situated in the Philippines as an investor and President of Mr. Kimbob Bibimbob, Inc. 1.05. That due to unhappy and irreconcilable differences, the parties agreed to separate and subsequently file for divorce. 1.06. That on March 09, 2017, Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee were divorced in accordance with Australian laws and regulations in the Federal Circuit Court of Australian and took effect on April 10, 2017, which effectively terminates the parties’ marriage. 1.06.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “C” is a copy of “Family Law Act of Divorce Order” with File No. (P)MLC10941/2016, duly authenticated by the Consul Felix Pintado, for the Consulate of the Philippines, Consular Section S.S. City of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 1.07. That as they have agreed to separate ways prior to the filing of their divorce, the parties discussed the settlement of their properties. On December 13, 2016, Susan Song Lee executed a Waiver and Assignment of Rights on the two (2) properties in the Philippines that they have purchased during their marriage. 1.07.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “D” is a copy of the Waiver and Assignment of Rights signed and executed by Susan Song Lee on December 13, 2016. 1.08. That under Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, Section 43, Paragraph 1, an application of a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall be based on the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. 1.08.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “E” including its sub markings, is the Certified True Copy of the pertinent provisions of Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, No. 53, 1975, Compilation No. 81, duly authenticated by Levi Garret Cusio of the Australian Embassy. 1.09. That furthermore, Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 allows married parties while marriage is subsisting, to enter into an agreement as to what would happen to their properties or financial resources in the event of a breakdown of marriage. Such agreement is coined as financial agreement. 1.09.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “F”, including its sub markings, is the Certified True Copy of the pertinent provisions of Australia’s Family Law Act 0f 1975, No. 53, 1975. Compilation No. 81, duly authenticated by Levi Garret Cusio of the Australian Embassy. 1.10. That aliens may obtain divorces abroad, which may be recognized in the Philippines, provided they are valid according to their national law. 1.11. That in Republic v. Orbecido III, the Supreme Court ruled that “before a foreign divorce decree can be recognized by our own courts, the party pleading it must prove the divorce as a fact and demonstrates its conformity to the foreign law allowing it.” 1.12. That as shown above, the Divorce Order, which Mr. Lee secured, conforms to Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975, an Australian law. 1.13. That in Corpuz v. Sto Tomas, the Supreme Court pronounced. “The foreign divorce decree itself, after its authenticity and conformity with the alien’s national law have been duly proven according to our rules of evidence, serves as a presumptive evidence of right in favor of Gerbert, pursuant to Section 48, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court”, which provides for the effect of foreign judgment. This Section states. SEC. 48 Effect of foreign judgment or final orders – The effect of a judgment or final order of a tribunal of a foreign country, having jurisdiction to render the judgment or final order is as follows: a) In case of a judgment or final order upon a specific thing, the judgment or final order is conclusive upon the title of the thing. b) In case of a judgment or final order against a person, the judgment or final order is presumptive evidence of a right as between the parties and their successors in interest by a subsequent title. In either case, the judgment or final order may be repelled

by evidence of a want of jurisdiction, want of notice to the party, collusion, fraud, or clear mistake of law or fact. To our mind, direct involvement or being the subject of the foreign judgment is sufficient to clothe a party with the requisite interest to institute an action before our courts for the recognition of the foreign judgment. In a divorce situation, we have declared, no less, that the divorce obtained by an alien abroad may be recognized in the Philippines, provided the divorce is valid according to his or her national law. The starting point in any recognition of a foreign divorce judgment is the acknowledgement that our courts do not take judicial notice of foreign judgment and laws Justice Herrera explained that, as a rule, “no sovereign is bound to give effect within its dominion to a judgment rendered by a tribunal of another country.” This means that the foreign judgment and its authenticity must be proven as facts under our rules on evidence, together with the alien’s applicable national law to show the effect of the judgment on the alien himself or herself. The recognition may be made in an action instituted specifically for the purpose or in another action where a party invokes the foreign decree as an integral aspect of his claim or defense. In Gerbert’s case, since both foreign divorce decrees and the national law of the alien, recognizing his or her capacity to obtain a divorce, purport to be official acts of a sovereign authority, Section 24, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court comes into play. This Section requires proof, either by (1) official publication or (2) copies of attested by the officer having legal custody of the documents. If the copies of the official records are not kept in the Philippines, these must be: (a) accompanied by a certificate issued by the proper diplomatic or consular officer in the Philippine foreign service stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept and (b) authenticated by the seal of his office. 1.14. That consistent to the above jurisprudence, Mr. Lee has attached a copy of the Divorce Order, as well as the required certificates proving its authenticity (see Annex “C”) and a copy of the Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 (see Annex “E”) proving the existence of such law and the pertinent provisions allowing the divorce of Mr. Lee’s marriage with Ms. Lee. 1.15. That moreover, agreement entered into by Mr. Lee and Ms. Lee is valid and binding pursuant to the nationality principle enunciated in Article 15 of our very own Civil Code. Being an Australian citizen, Mr. Lee is governed by Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975. As previously pointed out, the same law allows married couples, during marriage, to enter into an agreement determining the fate of their properties if an when the marriage breaks down. 1.16. That pursuant to Section 24 Rule 132 of the Revised Rules of Court, the said provision of Australia’s Family Law Act of 1975 is proved by a copy of said provisions (Annex “F”), duly authenticated by the proper authorities of Australia and the respective Philippine consular office. 1.17. That the said condominium at issue is free from any lien, except for the indicated encumbrance on restriction, and is not being held in custodial egis. Also, no deeds or other instruments affecting the property have been presented for registration. Furthermore, all taxes regarding the subject properties have been paid. 1.17.1. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “G” is the respective Declaration of Real Property for Condominium Certificate of Title No. 0082014005612. 1.17.2. Attached and made an integral part of this petition as its Annex “H” is the respective Tax Clearance for Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005612. 1.18. That under Section 108 of Presidential Decree No. 1529, an amendment to the registered property may be made by the registered owner upon the following grounds. 1. When registered interests of any description, whether vested, contingent, expectant, or incheat, have terminated and ceased; 2. When new interests have arisen or been created which do not appear upon the certificate; 3. When any error, omission or mistake was made in entering a certificate or any memorandum thereon or on any duplicate certificate; 4. When the name of any person on the certificate has been changed; 5. When the registered owner has been married, or registered as married, the marriage has been terminated and no right or interest of heirs or creditors will thereby be affected; 6. When a corporation, which owned registered land and has been dissolved, has not conveyed the same within three years after its dissolution; 7. When there is reasonable ground for the amendment or alteration of title. 1.19. That hence, Mr. Lee, as registered owner, is entitled to pray for an amendment of Condominium Certificate of Title No. 008-2014005612. WHEREFORE, this Court hereby orders the petitioner to cause the publication of a copy of this Order at its own expense before the hearing on May 16, 2018 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 211, 2nd Floor, Old Muncipal Hall Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City. Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Manila Standard, a newspaper of general circulation in Metro Manila selected by raffle pursuant to PD No. 1079. A copy of this Order shall likewise be posted in the bulletin board of this court. Petitioner is further directed to cause the service of the copies of this Order, together with the petition and its annexes upon the Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, the Director of the Bureau of Lands, the Commissioner of the Land Registration Authority, the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of the Solicitor General, the proofs of service to be duly proven and established satisfaction of the Court. SO ORDERED. Mandaluyong City, April 04, 2018.

Copy Furnished:

(Sgd.) OFELIA L. CALO Judge

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

tuesday, may 8, 2018

LGUs LocaL government units

Calabarzon cops present 765 guns confiscated ahead of barangay polls CaMP ViCEnTE liM, laguna— Regional police presented a total of 765 assorted firearms confiscated as part of the gun ban for the 2018 barangay elections on Monday at the Multi-Purpose Center at this camp in Calamba City. “after this presentation, we hope no one else is involved the illegal firearms incidents for this coming SK [Sangguniang Kabataan] and barangay election,” Calabarzon police Regional Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said. “We will never tolerate the 150 [arrested] for this operation. if this is not a legitimate operation, i’ll be the one to file the case, but all of this is a result of the good effort of our men in uniform,” Eleazar added. all arms confiscated was presented to the court, and after the election the firearms will be returned to the owners after they present legal documents, the police director added. Eleazar added six barangay chairman and three barangay kagawad in Calabarzon are also on the regional drug watchlist and they will be under monitoring by the Philippine national Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement agency. “Will continue to monitor the highvalue targets involved in drugs,” he added. Roy Tomandao

‘Peace-building’ program poised for Davao launch By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DaVaO CiTY—The City Government will launch ‘Peace 911’ on Thursday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at the Paquibato Elementary School in Paquibato District. Peace 911, a comprehensive peacebuilding program for Paquibato District, was designed after months of consultations and meetings between the members of the communities and the Davao City Davao City advisory Committee on Peace and Development (DC PEaCE DEV). The program includes components for agriculture, health, youth, women, security, indigenous Peoples, and education. in September 2017, Mayor inday Sara Duterte created the Davao City Peace local Committee (DC PEaCE COM) to promote, encourage and facilitate joint, inclusive peacemaking and peace-building processes within Davao City. The committee has since been reconstituted into the DC PEaCE DEV through Executive Order no. 45 Series of 2017. Since its creation, the peace committee has conducted listening sessions and workshops, initially with residents of barangays in Paquibato. The objected was to thresh out issues, concerns and suggestions of the community regarding government programs. it also aimed to determine how people in the government can respond to the needs of the people and empower communities to achieve peace and development.

PUP GRADUATION.

With the high unemployment rate, Senator Cynthia A. Villar reminds the graduates of the Polytechnic University of the PhilippinesSan Juan campus in Quezon City, not to be disappointed if they fail to land a job. She told them there is always an option to go into entrepreneurship—to be an entrepreneur and employ people— but assured them that with the quality education they got from PUP, they can be easily employed.

Calabarzon Police Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar (third from left) presents all the guns confiscated across the region ahead of the May 14 elections at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna. With him are RPIO Chief PSupt. Chitadel Gaoiran, President Adviser for Southern Tagalog Sec. Jose Maria Nicomedes Hernandez (third from right) and provincial police directors (from left) PSSupt. William Segun of Cavite, PSSupt. Edwin Quilates of Batangas, PSSupt. Kirby John Kraft of Laguna, and PSSupt. Osmundo de Guzman. Roy Tomandao

Makati caravan serves 10k in 6 villages in Q1 By Joel E. Zurbano

ORE than 10,700 individuals have benefitted from the Makati City government’s lingkod Bayan Caravan project during its visit to six villages in the first quarter of the year. From January to March, the Caravan served a total of 10,739 Makati residents covering the villages of Palanan, San antonio, and la Paz in District 1; and East Rembo, West Rembo, and Rizal in District 2. Mayor abigail Binay said more residents have been able to avail themselves of free health and social services through the Caravan program after she ordered longer service hours for each activity held on Saturdays in designated villages. She said there was a significant increase

in the turnout of clients in the first quarter of the year following the implementation of her order to extend the duration of the caravan from 11am to 4pm (five hours). Binay noted that compared with around 30,000 clients served for the entire 2017, the turnout of the recent activities markedly improved. “We have extended the service hours of the caravan from the previous three hours to accommodate more residents, especially for free medical services

which has remained a consistent ‘bestseller’ in every caravan,” said Binay. Binay also initiated longer hours for Ugnayan sa Barangay dialog, which is now being held from 3pm to 6pm instead of the previous 4pm to 6pm. The open forum is attended by the Mayor, Vice Mayor Monique lagdameo, Congressman luis Campos, and various department heads and key city officials, who provide instant feedback to questions or concerns of residents. “We have added a portion where department heads can present recent accomplishments and explain current or future projects for the benefit of Makatizens. We want to bring them up to speed on the latest developments in the city, aside from promptly addressing their concerns,” the mayor said.

NO POWER? NO PROBLEM. Kids in Makilala, North Cotabato play by the candlelight, oblivious to the total blackout on May 6 after a coconut tree fell on a 69KV power line. Geonarri Solmerano

Estrada vows to provide more jobs for Manileños Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada vowed to reduce poverty incidence in Manila by providing employment opportunities to thousands of Manileños as he congratulated the more than 1,000 people who graduated at the Manila Manpower Development Center. The Manila Executive chief said the city’s development center is making rounds in various BaRanGaYS in the city initiated by the Manila Manpower Development Center, in partnership with Department of Social Welfare and Development to help hem acquire skills and find jobs. The “Womb to Tomb Program (Mula Pagsilang Hanggang Huling Hantungan)” aims to significantly reduce poverty incidence in a sustainable manner, Estrada said during a simple graduation ceremony in San andres, Manila. at least, 1,035 Manileños graduated from the program who finished short term program such as hotel and restaurant services, baking, cooking and food processing, hair coloring, beauty care, unisex haircutting, bed sheet making, and throw pillow making, among others. “Everything here is taught by the Manila Manpower Development Center under the supervision of Manila Department of Social Welfare headed by Ms. nanet Tanyag.” Mayor Estrada said. The Manila mayor also said under the program, it will create employment opportunities, including selfemployment for the poor. “i am also proud to announce that to expand the program, evening classes will likewise open starting May 7, including cooking, beauty culture massage therapist and other shorter courses,” Estrada said. The mayor said the city government is working closely with the private sector and to operationalize the program particularly on the provision of business and job opportunities to target households.

DoTR-CAR official faces more complaints from Baguio car owners

By Dexter A. See

BaGUiO CiTY—Complaints continue to pile up against embattled assistant regional Director Mahammad naser abbas of the Cordillera office of the Department of Transportation. Several vehicle owners have executed complaint affidavits by several vehicle

owners regarding his having collected money from them in the guise of being the one to remit their fines to the concerned office for their purported violations but did not remit the same upon verification. Manila Standard tried to get in touch with abbas for his side, but efforts were in vain as of press time. in a two-page affidavit, Reynaldo Ba-

coco, of legal age and resident of Km. 4 asin Road, Baguio City, and an officer of the federation of van services whose route of operation covers the Cordillera administrative Region and the neighboring areas of Regions i, ii and ii, stated that sometime in the morning of March 28, 2018, an operator of a UV express service called and informed him

that his motor vehicle with plat number aBF-3508 which was then driven by a certain Hilario Marcelo along Kennon road was allegedly flagged down and apprehended by abbas. Bacoco claimed that the operator asked his assistance considering that they have all the pertinent documents and authority to operate a UV express service.

Joy wants child care for solo parents By Rio N. Araja QUEZOn City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte is eyeing the establishment of child-care facilities for solo parents and working mothers. She emphasized the value of education, saying there is a great need to put up more child-care facilities to enable single parents to work or go back to their studies. Many young students are forced to drop out of school due to pregnancy and other unavoidable family obligations, Belmonte said. “One of our future plans for single mothers is to have day-care facilities wherein children can be taken care of,” she added. Such child minding facilities would

be a big help to solo parents who are financially incapable of hiring a babysitter, the vice mayor noted. Citing her encounters with many teenage mothers in the communities, she noted that many of them are eager to return to school and learn new skills but are unable to do so because no one will tend to their children. “i’ll ask them—so what’s the problem? Why not just go back? Because no one would take care of my children,” she echoed the sentiments of the single mothers. in the Quezon City Community College program, a few students also dropped out halfway to their courses due to time conflict; some had run out of money for fare expenses, Belmonte said.

Life

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

health and environment

@mstandardLIFe tuesday, may 8, 2018

Understanding the breakfast habits of Filipinos FIRST MEAL OF THE DAY. According to a recent survey, majority of Filipinos agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, however, lack of time and other obstacles push them to skip it.

By Mae Gianina C. Pascual

t Is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and majority of Filipinos agree. However, lack of time and other obstacles push them to skip it.

these are just some of the findings of Herbalife Nutrition’s Asia Pacific Healthy Breakfast survey, which uncovered insights into the breakfast attitudes and consumption habits among 5,500 respondents across 11 markets in the region, which included 500 from the Philippines. According to the survey conducted in February, majority or 69 percent of Filipinos consider breakfast extremely important, with 86 percent choosing it as the most important meal of the day. In comparison, only 11 percent of respondents opt for lunch and 2 percent favor dinner. Looking closely at the breakfast habits of consumers in the Philippines, the survey found that 84 percent of respondents do make it a priority to eat their first and most important meal of the day at home, with 67 percent doing so within one to two hours of waking. the rest would just grab their breakfast either at work (10 percent) or on the way to work (4 percent). Only 2 percent of Pinoys do not eat breakfast. Among all breakfast options available today, carbohydrate-heavy food

Herbalife Formula 1 and Healthy Meal shakes provide up to 21 essential vitamins and minerals in one glass. Photo by Mae Gianina C. Pascual

items such as bread or toast, paired with hot beverages, top the list of breakfast foods regularly consumed. On the other hand, 41 percent of respondents consider protein as the most important nutrient needed in their breakfast. “It is heartening to see that most Asia Pacific consumers are aware of the importance of eating breakfast,” enthused Herbalife Nutrition Philippines country manager Rosalio Valenzuela. He added, “At Herbalife Nutrition we believe that there are many benefits of eating a healthy breakfast daily. A healthy breakfast with balanced nutrition not only provides the much-needed nutrients for the day, but also has wideranging benefits in the long run, includ-

Key findings of Herbalife’s Asia Pacific Healthy Breakfast Survey

ing supporting healthy metabolism, better brain health, and improved weight management.” While the survey revealed that a good majority is eating breakfast, it also found that many encounter obstacles in making breakfast a daily habit. the primary barrier, according to the survey, is “lack of time” (44 percent). “the survey revealed that many are still not consuming breakfast daily. One can easily overcome the obstacles by waking up 15 minutes earlier to prepare something fast such as a protein shake. Eating a healthy breakfast regularly can really set the stage for healthier eating all day long, and promote and maintain a lifetime of wellness,” posited Valenzuela. the other two barriers in consuming breakfast are “lack of feelings of hunger in the morning (30 percent), and “trying to maintain my weight” (18 percent). When asked what would motivate them to eat breakfast, 54 percent of the respondents said “If my breakfast contributes to my health and well-being” and “If breakfast helps give me more energy.” Other motivating factors include making breakfast “readily accessible” (53 percent) and having something that is “more convenient and easy” (48 percent). Assuming that the 18 percent of those who skip breakfast to maintain weight are doing the Intermittent Fasting or IF, which only allows an 8-hour window for eating—usually from noon time until evening—and 16 hours for fasting, Dr. Chin Kun Wang, a member of Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, emphasized that fasting should not equate to total calorie loss. He cited the importance of eating a healthy breakfast in promoting well-being and in managing weight, thus he suggested eating small portions instead to reduce calorie intake than doing a rigorous diet routine. He also recommended that there should be 20 to 25 grams of protein consumed in every meal. According to the Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy, every meal consumed should have a calorie intake breakdown of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fats. Carbohydrates should include, at the very least, some fruits or vegetables. Consuming a healthy breakfast can have wide-ranging benefits on the human body, including supporting the body’s metabolism, better brain health, improved mental alertness, muscle mass maintenance, and improved digestion, among others.

The BREATHERITE app uses augmented reality to project a visual exploration of the lungs

App for asthma patients BAsED on a study by the Global Initiative for Asthma, up to 70 to 80 percent of asthma patients are unable to use their inhalers correctly, leading to poor asthma control and increased risk of exacerbation and adverse effects. As response to the need for better patient education on lung health, a new smartphone app has been launched to provide guidance to asthma sufferers on how to use their medication, such as inhalers, and manage their disease more effectively. Developed by Mundipharma, the asthma inhaler app called BREAtHERItE makes use of technology combined with doctor education in the interest of proper patient care. Using augmented reality, BREAtHERItE projects a visual exploration of the various areas of the lungs, helping physicians guide their patients through an in-depth understanding of their lung disease. It also has a face tracking assessment tool to test

a patient’s inhaler technique as well as various lifestyle advisories for enhancing one’s well-being. Users simply need to input basic information for a more personalized interaction. the app can be downloaded on all smartphones and can identify most types of inhaler devices. While it aids patients in managing their asthma, patients using the app are still advised to visit and consult with their doctors. the Philippine College of Chest Physicians supports Mundipharma Philippines’ digital initiatives, which was formalized in a signing during the 37th Annual Chest Convention of the PCCP. Outgoing PCCP President Dr. Charles Yu said, “As a teacher of 30 years, this is something we only dreamt of. I’ve always wanted to see if there could be a visualization of the actual airways down to its lowest points. this instrument can revolutionize how we educate patients in the community.”

Life

tuesday, may 8, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Medical ‘rock stars’ discuss complexities F

associated with aging

ACTORS vital in promoting long and good quality of life are highlighted in the fourth edition of Unilab Inc.’s Experts’ Convergence for Health Outcomes Summit.

With the theme “Longevity and Quality of Life matters,” the ECHO Summit invited four of the recognized “rock stars of the medical world” to share insights with over a thousand Filipino doctors who participated in the event. “Life expectancy in 2015 of Filipino men was 68.8 percent and women at 74.3. With more of the population reaching this stage, it is important that good health and quality of life is maintained by each and every Filipino,” said Dr. ma. Rosario Sevilla, ECHO Summit The fourth edition of Unilab’s ECHO Summit shared insights on the factors vital in promoting long and good quality of life among seniors. 2018 organizing committee chair. can still reap the benefits of glycemic more common case than stroke recurcontrol without potential harms from rence. About one-third of stroke surviThe experts Professor Zachary Bloomgarden, hypoglycemia. Age, he stressed, can- vors suffer from PSD, and it is strongly endocrinologist at mount Sinai Hos- not be considered as a shortcut to the associated with adverse impact on cogpital in new York, USA, discussed the assessment of comorbidities; a healthy nitive function and functional recovery topic “Diabetes Care for the Older Pa- older person above 65 years old should as well. With this information, Bornstein adtient: What are the Appropriate Goals.” not be denied potential beneficial medivised doctors to be aware of post-stroke meanwhile, cardiologist at Emory Uni- cal management. Wenger, meanwhile, showed why complexities, evaluate them, and treat versity in Atlanta, USA, Professor nanette Wenger delved into “Geriatric Car- patient-centered care is required to them to prevent PSD. Graziottin, meanwhile, discussed embrace the complexities of cardiodiology: Octogenarian Pearls.” Professor natan Bornstein, a neurol- vascular diseases in older patients. The the importance of developing effective ogist at Tel-Aviv University in Israel, aforementioned complexities include hormonal and non-hormonal treatment tackled the topic “Optimizing Cogni- multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, strategies to protect aging women. This

Sports nutrition course for athletes

ECHO Summit 2018 speakers (from left) Dr. Alessandra Graziottin, Professor Nanette Wenger, Professor Natan Bornstein, and Professor Zachary Bloomgarden

tive Recovery and managing Behavioral Complications in Post-Stroke Treatment.” Completing this year’s ECHO Summit speakers was Dr. Alessandra Graziottin, who is currently with the Gynecologist, menopause, Oncology, and Sexology Department of the H. San Raffaelle Resnati in milan, Italy. She talked about the topic “From menopause to Smart Aging: What you need to tell your parents.”

Information sharing

At the summit, Bloomgarden showed the importance of individualized treatment approaches for diabetics aged over 65. While diabetes is associated with reduction in life expectancy, the endocrinologist believes that an older individual should not be immediately deemed as not suitable for intensive treatment. While hypoglycemia is an issue, Bloomgarden shared that through the use of new approaches, older patients

cognitive impairment, functional status, and disability. Also to be considered are the social, financial, and physiological dimensions of aging. The cardiologist at Emory University posits that patient-centered treatment goals are needed as quality of life, function, independence, and avoidance of adverse effects are often more significant endpoints for old cardiovascular disease patients than solely issues of mortality. There must be attention to specific cardiovascular syndromes that predominate in seniors, including isolated systolic hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and atrial fibrillation. Thus, he asserted, a systemic approach is required to incorporate age-related complexities into routine clinical decision-making. Bornstein, on the other hand, focused on the effects of stroke on older people, including post-stroke depression or PSD and cognitive decline, which is a

is due to the many problems associated with menopausal transition, including issues on decreased frequency and lack of interest in sex, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and feeling compelled to have sex. Graziottin also made Filipino doctors understand the relationship between menopausal transition and the increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Successful summit

Dr. Sevilla reiterated the importance of discussing these topics in aiding older individuals. She said, “Providing updates on these four common conditions will allow our first-liners and family physicians to identify early—and hopefully avert— any possible complications.” At least 1,000 attendees participated in the recently concluded ECHO Summit.

Benilde offers a four-day Sports Nutrition course

LEARn about the relationship between diet and exercise as well as dietary strategies for athletes in the Certificate Program on Sports nutrition offered by the School of Professional and Continuing Education at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. This module provides an understanding of the relationship between diet and exercise, and gives a broad coverage on the key areas of sports nutrition. In addition, it will highlight dietary strategies that can be employed to meet the nutritional goals of athletes in training and competition. Topics to be covered include an Introduction to nutritional Science; Different Types of Athletes; Exercise and Training; Water, Hydration, and Exercise; Sport-Specific nutrition; Supplements, Sports Food, and Ergogenic Aids; and Basic nutritional Assessment. The course will be facilitated by Tiffany Anne Santuyo and Kristine Dianne marders.

Santuyo has worked as a figure consultant for Slimmers World International, and a healthcare specialist for Dr. Smith Dietary Supplements, advising both clients and employees on health, nutrition, and medical conditions. marders, who finished her masters in Human movement Science at the University of the PhilippinesDiliman, is a registered physical therapist. She is the current chief training officer of the mariano marcos memorial Hospital and medical Center in Ilocos norte. Classes will be held on four consecutive Saturdays, starting on may 12, 19, 26 to June 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fee for the entire program is P17,995. For inquiries and registration, contact Raffy Aguinaldo or Cecile Juen at (02) 400-5425, or 400-7405, or 230-5100 local 3802, or email space@benilde.edu.ph.

Decoding the secrets of your identity HUmAnS are innately curious about themselves, so much so that some resort to discovering their personality with the help of horoscope and personality quizzes. Does “Your most annoying traits, according to your zodiac sign” sound familiar? But if you want a more accurate assessment of your personality, looking into your biology provides more information than knowing your zodiac sign.

Unraveling the strands of your identity

DnA or Deoxyribonucleic acid, is the long molecule that contains our genetic makeup. Similar to an instruction manual, it dictates how we are built, how we grow, and how we develop. Since last year, consumer DnA tests have become more popular than ever. The number of people who have had their DnA analyzed with at-home consumer kits exceeds more than 12 million, according to global industry estimates.

Recent data prove that commercial DnA analysis is the next big thing in personal assessment—and for good reasons. DnA analysis shows you your ancestry and details of your past, as well as gives information that will help with your present life and give you cues on how you can optimize your future. Some DnA analysis services can even tell which nutrients or which diet works best for a person’s genetic makeup— this study of genetics and how it affects nutrition is called nutrigenomics.

DNA analysis innovation

Filipinos can now take advantage of this innovation as life insurer Pru Life UK offers myDnA Pro Program. This From left: Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief actuary Francis Ortega, Bok Santos, Rachel Alejandro, Prenetics chief executive officer service uses nutrigenomics to help Danny Yeung, Liza Soberano, Pru Life UK president and chief executive Antonio De Rosas, and Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief you discover how you respond to food marketing officer Allan Tumbaga based on your genetic profile. This information will give you an idea on user can set health goals, find recommendawhy a popular diet that works for your ercise, can be skinny while you have Becoming your best self with tions based on his DnA, record his food and total health and protection to consistently workout to keep the friend does not work for you, or why In fact, Pru Life UK’s newest endors- calorie intake through a photo diary, chatyour sibling, who barely does any ex- flabs away. The myDnA Pro Program analyzes er Liza Soberano took the personalized on-demand with a health coach, and follow genetic variations that affect individual approach of myDnA Pro to guide her a 16-week lifestyle intervention program. “The myDnA Pro will help our consumnutritional needs, sensitivity to certain diet and workout plans. DnA analysis starts with a simple ers achieve a healthy life in the most personnutrients, and fitness traits. Specifically, it can detect factors such as sen- saliva swab. The sample is then sent to al way and encourage them to take control sitivity to alcohol, gluten, or caffeine; Prenetics, the leading genetic and health of their well-being today and beyond,” said appetite control; and injury risk. It also testing company in Southeast Asia, Pru Life UK chief marketing officer and provides your ideal method of prevent- where a team of scientists and registered senior vice president Allan Tumbaga. The myDnA Pro Program is bundled ing diseases like hypertension, diabe- dieticians decode your genetic makeup. After the analysis, the user receives the with the company’s eligible insuravtes, and cardiovascular disease. In summary, the myDnA Pro Pro- following within 10 business days: a de- est or investment-linked life insurance gram gives you a picture of your general tailed personalized health risk and nutrig- products including PRUlink assurance DNA is the long molecule that contains our genetic makeup and dictates how we are built, well-being and provides tailored advice enomics report, and an exclusive 12-month account plus, PRUlink exact protector, how we grow, and how we develop. access to myDnA Pro mobile app where the and PRUlink elite protector. that leads you to a healthier life.

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Films in the running for top prize at Cannes

How to smell like Arjo

ROM an African-American detective infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan to Kurdish female fighters battling jihadists, here are the movies that will battle it out for the top Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes film festival this week:

Everybody Knows Iranian master Asghar Farhadi kicks off the festival with a psychological thriller about a family reunion going awry, featuring Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. While Farhadi, 45, won an Oscar and the Golden Bear at Berlin for his 2011 breakthrough film, A Separation, he is yet to take home the coveted Cannes prize.

The Wild Pear Tree Turkish auteur Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who won the Palme d’Or four years ago for Winter Sleep, is back with another Anatolian talkie, this time about a young provincial writer raging at his father. Ayka Kazakh Sergey Dvortsevoy—who won many fans and prizes for his 2009 debut Tulpan—was a late entry with his new docu-drama about a young homeless single mother adrift in the post-Soviet Central Asian state.

KNOWN for being one of the wellgroomed among the present crop of male young stars, Arjo Atayde is proud to be the latest endorser of Beautederm along with Carlo Aquino and Matt Evans. He headlines the brand’s new line of perfume called, “The Origin Series.” “I’m happy to be part of the Beautederm family which is owned by Tita Rhea Tan. As you all know, my mom (Sylvia Sanchez) is also one of its original endorsers so I’m glad I was hand-picked to be its latest model,” he avers. Does he love scents?

Capernaum Lebanese actress-turned-filmmaker Nadine Labaki’s third film is set in a Middle Eastern town. Her previous film Where Do We Go Now? premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section in 2010. BlacKkKlansman US director and activist Spike Lee’s drama is based on the real-life story of an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in 1978. John David Washington plays him with Adam Driver as his Jewish police partner. The film will open in the US on the first anniversary of a white supremacist march in Charlottesville where an antiracism activist was killed. Under the Silver Lake Four years after giving Cannes audiences nightmares with his thriller It Follows, David Robert Mitchell returns with another spine-chiller, this time about the mysterious murder of a billionaire. Dogman Italian director Matteo “Gomorra” Garrone’s new work is not for the faint-hearted. Dubbed an “urban Western,” the film is inspired by the gruesome murder by dog groomer and cocaine addict Pietro De Negri in the late 1980s. Three Faces Little is known about this portrait of three women by the Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi, who is banned from travel by Tehran. The festival and US director Oliver Stone have pleaded with the authorities to let the director, who has faced years of harassment and arrest, to fly to Cannes to show his film. Leto Russia’s Kirill Serebrennikov is another director who may not be able to present his work at Cannes. Under house arrest over highly disputed allegations of embezzlement, his film focuses on Soviet rock star Viktor Tsoi and the birth of Russian underground music in the 1980s. At War As France grapples with rail strikes and student protests, French director Stephane Brize’s gritty drama about factory workers battling to keep their jobs may hit a timely nerve. Cold War Amazon Studios is pinning its hopes on this tender blackand-white period romance set among the members of a touring folk group in the Eastern Bloc in the 1950s from Oscarwinning Polish-British director Pawel Pawlikowski.

Burning South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong’s new mystery drama is drawn from a short story by Japanese master Haruki Murakami, Barn Burning, about a writer who becomes fascinated by a woman whose boyfriend burns barns. His first film in eight years, the cult director of Oasis and Secret Sunshine has an almost fanatical following. Knife + Heart French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis stars in the latest tale from Yann Gonzalez, who had a hit on the festival circuit with his quirky orgy drama, You And The Night, with Beatrice Dalle and former footballer Eric Cantona. Asako 1 & 2 In this Japanese drama by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, a young woman meets her first love in Osaka. When he disappears without a trace, she moves on—until his perfect double shows up two years later. Shoplifters Japanese master Hirokazu Kore-Eda, a longtime sweetheart of the Cannes jury, returns with a tale of a family of small-time crooks who take in a child they find on the street. Yomeddine A Coptic leper and his orphaned apprentice leave the confines of their colony for the first time and embark on a journey across Egypt to search for what is left of their families. Lazzaro Felice Rising star Italian director Alice Rohrwacher, already a prize winner at Cannes, is back with a time-travelling story which takes in the fascist 1930s. Sorry Angel The new film by Christophe Honore, the man behind the charming French musical Love Songs, is a gay love story when the AIDS epidemic was at its height.

The Image Book Cinema’s oldest and most enigmatic rebel, French-Swiss legend Jean-Luc Godard, has let little slip about his new film other than this enigmatic synopsis: “Nothing but silence, nothing but a revolutionary song, a story in five chapters like the five fingers of a hand.” Girls of the Sun Kurdish women fighters battling the Islamic State are at the center of French actor-director Eva Husson’s new film. Iranian star Golshifteh Farahani plays Bahar, the leader of the Yazidi Sun Brigade, who hunts down the extremists who had earlier captured her.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, May 8, 2018

ACROSS 1 M, to Einstein 5 Skywalker’s father 10 Sloping walk 14 Army outfit 15 Boxer — Griffith 16 Carpet calculation 17 Celebrity 18 Tropical fruits 19 Cone bearers 20 Geisha’s attire 22 Peso fraction 24 Crooner — Damone 25 Ms. James of jazz 26 Tyrolean art 30 Davenport 35 Tarzan friend 36 Tiberius’ garb 38 Kind of yoga 39 Shows again 42 Morning crower 44 Sci-fi gofer 45 Bark 47 Mind reading 48 Too full 49 Hit list (2 wds.) 52 Bronte’s “Jane —” 55 Bumbler 56 Dagwood’s wife 60 Some hose 64 From memory

65 Examine closely 68 Asian range 69 Takes steps 70 “Crocodile Rock” composer — John 71 Entrance requirement, maybe 72 Hit the horn 73 Process ore 74 Hairy twin DOWN 1 Perfume ingredient 2 Not pro 3 Thailand, once 4 Made a big effort 5 Speed 6 Yvette’s date 7 Faint 8 Go to the polls 9 Fix the clock 10 “Kon-Tiki” craft 11 Met highlight 12 Griffin of game shows 13 El —, Texas 21 None 23 Tortilla snack 25 Poached edible 26 Gridiron gains 27 Musical work 28 Bus station 29 Inquisitive

31 1948 treaty gp. 32 Make a sound 33 Bedroom furniture 34 Half-woman, half-bird 37 Alice’s chronicler 40 Untruth 41 Wrote more 43 Rival 46 Monsieur’s summer 50 Wray of “King Kong” 51 Recently (2

wds.) 53 Exclamation of surprise 54 Kingdom 56 Pork sausage, briefly 57 Crazy, to Pedro 58 Cartoon dog 59 Fit together 61 Corrida shouts 62 Skylab builders 63 In — (as found) 66 Motorist no. 67 Our sun

Ash is Purest White Chinese director Jia Zhangke’s new film is a story of “violent love” between a mobster and a dancer starring Zhao Tao and Liao Fan. It is a follow-up to his Mountains May Depart, which also competed for the Palme d’Or in 2015. AFP

Arjo Atayde

“Basically, I do. I’m a strong believer of the series I promote which has three variants namely, Alpha, Dawn and Radix. This is perfect to capture Beautederm’s A-B crowd. For one, the scent is not sticky which makes it more appealing especially to yuppies.” With him looking always sleek and sharp, many ask what his grooming rituals are. “It’s hard to maintain a perfectly flawless skin for actors like me because of our hectic work schedule. Our tapings or shootings reach the wee hours of the morning so it’s inevitable that our skin breaks. Especially in my case since I have sensitive skin. I just wash my face as often as possible and practice controlled eating which is high on fiber,” he says. When it comes to perfumes, he became more conscious with it when he started showbiz. That’s why he considers the offer to become a brand ambassador for Beautederm as a blessing. For the following months, fans will see the actor busy promoting the Origin series since Beautederm will open 10 more stores until December this year. Meanwhile, after Hanggang Saan, the actor will be absent from the teleserye scene for a while. He requested for a two-month break. “Imagine, I was taping for Ang Probinsyano for two and a half years then came Hanggang Saan, which lasted for five months. I just wanted to recharge. That would give me ample time to concentrate on the new movie I’m shooting,” he explains.

also love to work with Bea Alonzo and Maja Salvador,” Arjo states. *** According to Piolo Pascual, he is very much aware that his high level of popularity in show business is not forever. He believes that nobody’s indispensable in this field. “Any moment, the stardom you enjoy will be gone. You wake up one morning and you’re no longer famous. I realized this early on,” the A-list star says. The award-winning actor just wants to be grateful for all the blessings he received in the field. “Twenty years in here is really a huge blessing. Not all stars reach that time frame. This fact humbles me. I’m 41 now so I’m taking advantage of this time and the kind of opportunities I am given.” That’s why competition with other male stars especially the new ones is not part of his vocabulary, so to speak. “It’s not about being at par with someone. I believe that for you not to get hurt, you shouldn’t be competing with other people. I can say that I’ve reached this point already. “I don’t compare my achievements with anyone and more so, myself. But I race against time. It’s all I have right now. I want to make sure that I’ll be able to use it wisely.” He has an on-going soap over at ABS-CBN titled Since I Found You opposite Arci Muñoz, Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. But prior to this, his last huge TV offering was Hawak-Kamay in 2014. Between those years that he had no regular soap running, did he get bothered because viewers would have forgotten him? “Actually, visibility is one strong factor to sustain a star’s popularity but for me, your focus should be more on what fresh things you can offer the public which would entice them. I believe that there’s a purpose why I’m here in the ‘biz. That’s what I hold on to!” Unknown to some, there came a point when the handsome actor considered leaving showbiz. “Yes, that was some four years ago. I made plans of just settling in the States. Then came the offer to do Starting over Again with Toni (Gonzaga). After the movie became a mammoth hit, I realized that it wasn’t yet time for me to quit. “I thought there are still a lot to explore and accomplish, like producing films. Last year, I was very proud that Kita Kita made money at the tills. I’m glad that I tried to venture into this field. Every day, I have new learning. I feel challenged and it’s fulfilling as well,” ends Piolo.

Asked as to his preferred leading ladies on his next projects, the bedimpled Kapamilya cited four names. “If given the choice, I would go for both Julia Montes and Sue Ramirez. They’re two of the most brilliant actresses of their generation. I would

Piolo Pascual

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

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

Beautiful girls

STOP BY FOR THE SUMMER W

HEN you’re simply facing the high temperatures on your daily commute on Edsa and your eyes hit the gigantic tarps featuring movie and TV actress Janine Gutierrez and fashion model Jessica Wilson, it’s impossible for you not to sing the song “Summer Girls” by LFO or at least hum something that perfectly captures the mood for the season.

And although Janine and Jessica are making this scorching summer even much hotter, nobody seems to be complaining. Thanks to the doctor to the starts who made these eye-catching billboards available for us to feast on. Dr. Vicki Belo is proud to introduce her beautiful Girls of Summer this year in the persons of the brand new tandem of “it girls.” These two young ladies may look picture-perfect and summer ready but they are the ﬁrst to tell you that it isn’t always a walk in the park to get to this enviable look. Proper diet and exercise are always the discipline one must be able to clinch to start on this road to beauty. Jessica is the ﬁrst to admit that her imperfection lies more on the stomach part of her body. She was able to address this teeny bit of a problem by the clinic’s latest treatment called Venus Freeze. That resolved her problematic area like magic. For her sensitive skin, Jessica does Botanical Facial and Body Scrub with Bleach and Angel Whitening to make sure that her skin looks radiant and free of dark spots—even removing dark circles under the eyes and making sure that her underarms, arms, legs, and bikini area always look impeccable. The Laser Hair Removal treatment at Belo

It Girls Jenine Gutierrez (left) and Jessica Wilson confidently show off their sensational curves for Belo's summer campaign.

The town's newest It Girl, Jessica Wilson, hails from a family of models and beauty queens.

Century Mall Cinema hosts

’Avengers: Infinity War’celebrity screening CELEBRITIES and social media personalities trooped to Century City Mall on April 28 to catch Avengers: Infinity War – now a certified global box office hit. The invitational screening is part of Century Mall’s Cinema Club series, which hosts exclusive showings of the year’s blockbuster films for mall patrons. Celebrities and bloggers who frequent the mall also joined in the fun, including GP and Andi Reyes, Jenni, Aryanna and Dylan Epperson, the Valenciano family led by Gary and Angeli with children Gab, Paolo and Samantha, and Cristalle Belo-Pitt with husband Justin Pitt, Stephanie Zubiri- Crespi and husband Jonathan Crespi, and Ruffa Gutierrez and Jordan Mouyal. Also seen at the movies were Fili Nepomuceno, Em Sulit and her family, Justin Quirino, Jackie Go, Ria Prieto, Jun Sunga and Vanessa Mat-

sunaga, Xandra Rocha-Araneta, Bubbles Paraiso and Jane Kingsu. Well-loved Avengers cosplayers joined the fun and entertained everyone, with kids and adults taking turns for photos Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider Man and Thanos. It was an experience worth braving the traffic for. If you haven’t seen the movie for the first, second or third time yet, head over to Century City Mall cinemas now. For the ultimate cinema experience, book your tickets at Premiere Cinema 3, where you can enjoy the latest Avengers installment in one of their 58 power-adjustable, ultra-comfortable Italian leather seats. Your ticket price comes with a free refillable popcorn and drink from Taters, or coffee and a cookie from Toby’s Estate too. Visit http://www.centurycitycinemas. com.ph/ to know more.

Gary Valenciano and wife Angeli, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Gab Valenciano pose with Avengers cosplayers.

LOST IN HER EYES. Although TV and movie actress Jenine Gutierrez is known for enviable figure, a major part of her sexiness comes from her eyes.

is also a favorite of Jessica. For Janine, taking care of her skin and body takes priority and her favorite treatments at Belo are Exilis to keep her skin looking ﬁrm and Revlite to even-tone her skin. “This treatment helps me achieve my ‘morena glow’ and I love it. I do laser hair removal for unwanted hair on areas like the legs and underarms. Aside from my body I do keep my face clean with my favorite honey almond facial,” the actress admits. Janine further says that nothing beats the feeling of lightness after her every visit at Belo. “I always feel refreshed and more conﬁdent.”

Award-winning actor, newest

Kapamilya bet sizzle in ‘ARAW GABI’ VIEWERS nationwide warmly welcomed the start of ABSCBN’s newest drama Precious Hearts Romances presents Araw Gabi on afternoon television and hit a national TV rating of 15.7 percent versus its rival program’s 13.5 percent, based on data from Kantar Media. Apart from getting strong viewership, Precious Hearts Romances series’ comeback conquered Twitter, with the show’s ofﬁcial hashtag #ArawGabiPagsibol trending nationwide. The series features award-winning actor JM de Guzman returns to television opposite newest Kapamilya leading lady, Barbie Imperial. In the series, Barbie is Michelle, a girl with a bright and sunny disposition. Despite the hardships in life, she manages get by because her Mamay (Candy Pangilinan) and Papay (Dennis Padilla) taught her to always see the good in every situation. She has her eyes set on bagging the Tranquila Resort account because will be a big boost for her career. Adrian’s (JM) life, on the other hand, is full of darkness. He is the CEO of the Olvidar Group of Companies where Tranquila Resort, a vacation spot situated in El Paraiso, is part of. Because of a sin he committed 18 years ago, he is considered a beast by his employees and an outcast in his home town. Michelle and Adrian start on the wrong foot and as the two cross paths again, Mich learns that Adrian is the owner of Tranquila Resort. Adrian rejects Mich’s proposal that crushes her hope for promotion at work. But Mich doesn’t give up that easy and decides to go to El Paraiso to research and create a better pitch. As she sets foot on the island, she ﬁnds out about Adrian’s life and the mystery behind the lighthouse she has been dreaming of. What is the relation of El Paraiso to Michelle’s dream? As Mich enters Adrian’s life, will she be the light that will make

JM de Guzman and Barbie Imperial

his live bright again? Also joining the series are Rita Avila, Vina Morales, Ara Mina, Raymond Bagatsing, RK Bagatsing, Jane Oineza, Phoebe Walker, Paolo Angeles, Ysabel Ortega, Victor Silayan, Arlene Muhlach, Eric Nicolas, and Joshua Colet. The show, which premiered on April 30 is directed by Theodore Boborol, Don Cuaresma, and Mylah Ajero Gaite under the business unit of Ruel Bayani.