Manila Standard - 2018 May 13 - Sunday

KUWAIT WORK BAN LIFTED SOON—BELLO By Vito Barcelo VOL. XXXII • NO. 87 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello said the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers would be lifted this week after the Philippines and Kuwait reached a deal that would provide more protection for thousands of Filipino workers, mostly household workers in the Gulf State. The Labor secretary said he had recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the partial deployment of OFWs following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that would ensure the protection and better labor conditions of Filipino workers there. The DoLE said those OFWs with existing contracts and those who had signed a contract but were affected by the deployment ban last February as ordered by the President could leave the country for Kuwait as soon as the President ordered the lifting of deployment ban. Under the MoU, Filipino workers will get seven hours of sleep, are well-fed, get to enjoy holidays and won’t have their passports confiscated by their employers. Turn to A2

AMNESTY FOR 27 MAUTE REMNANTS By Vito Barcelo LADY OF THE ABANDONED. Dancers perform during the Feast of the Our Lady of the Abandoned (Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados) Saturday in Santa Ana, Manila. A ‘Misa Mayor’ (high Mass) was celebrated in celebration of the Feast of the Our Lady of the Abandoned, followed hours later by a grand procession in the afternoon. Feast rites were also held at the Diocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina City, where pilgrims lined up to venerate the miraculous canonically crowned image of the Blessed Mother. Norman Cruz

PALACE: SERENO CAN STILL FILE A MOTION

By Vito Barcelo and Sara Susanne Fabunan

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ALACAÑANG admitted that ousted Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno could still file a Motion for Reconsideration considering the slim margin of two votes that expelled the country’s top magistrate from her post through the quo warranto petition filed against her. Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said that under the law, Sereno was entitled to file an MR, since the margin between those who voted in favor and against was only two votes.

"There is still a chance. There have been instances when the Supreme Court reversed itself," he said. "Considering the slim margin of the vote, only one Justice needs

Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

to change his mind and that will result in an even (7-7). So Justice Sereno still has a chance," Panelo added. Eight were in favor and six have opposed. Sereno's spokesman Carlo Cruz said the former chief magistrate would file a motion for reconsideration. At the Supreme Court, Associate Justice Alfredo Caguioa wrote in his dissenting opinion the Court had committed “seppuku—without honor” when it yielded to the “prodding” of the Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition to oust Sereno through a move that “sidestepped” the Constitution. Turn to A2

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL

FORMER PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS LATE MOM By Fidel V. Ramos

a homeland, and identity distinct from others, and a longing for our people to THROUGHOUT most of my life, I have prosper to be free. been trained and schooled to be an This clarion call to love our officer and a gentleman who motherland led to the birth regards and respects womof the Philippines as an inen as co-equals of men. dependent nation. The The Philippines is idea still keeps millions blessed to have a sociof expatriate Filipinos ety that puts premium and overseas workers on the Filipina as a across the globe atwarm, caring, sharing, tached enduringly, to and respected indithe land of their birth. vidual borne out by In a larger context, the strong regard for the globe is more inour mothers who are timately known as the main anchors of our Mother Earth. Environhomes and families. mentalist also refer to the With the first stirrings of earth as Mother Nature— nationhood kindled by Filiwhich has deeper meanings Angela pino propagandists in Madrid, that cherish roots, renewal, Valdez Ramos Spain in the last quarter of the continuity, sustainability and 19th century, the concept of Philippines survival. as our motherland became a rallying All these concepts are rooted on cry. the universal meaning of motherhood Motherland was, and still is, the term which intrinsically is our eternal umbilithat nurtures a sense of belonging to cal cord to the future. Turn to A2 twitter.com/ MlaStandard

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READY FOR MONDAY. Manila City Hall personnel transfer ballot boxes in the capital’s Sta. Cruz District in preparation for tomorrow’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The election shall elect the punong barangay and members of the SK in the country’s 42,044 barangays whose terms start on June 30, 2018. The SK elections will be the first since 2010. Norman Cruz

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte vowed to provide former members of the ISIS-Maute group with lands to till, shelter and livelihood assistance as long as they commit to peace. At least 27 members of the ISISMaute group who surrendered to the government and were presented to Duterte would also be granted amnesty as part of Duterte’s intention to solve rebellion and extremist movement in Mindanao by providing them decent living and income through farming. Talking to the members of the rebel group inside Kampo Ranao, the Chief Executive expressed intentions to give the members of the rebel group idle lands in Lanao del Sur, adding they could cultivate rubber tree and palm oil. In addition, Duterte told them he was willing to send them to Malaysia for them to see first hand how palm oil and rubber trees were being grown. The President, however, said the members of the ISIS-Maute group should be willing to talk peace and shun foreign ideologies such as that of the ISIS, which he said originated Turn to A2 from Arab countries.

DOG SHOOTS MAN IN IOWA WASHINGTON, United States—It’s often said that a dog biting a man isn’t news—so one canine companion apparently decided to up the ante. A 51-year-old man from the US state of Iowa says he was shot by his own dog while playing with the pet in his home, local media reported Friday. Richard Remme of Fort Dodge was encouraging his dog Balew, a cross between a pit bull and a Labrador, to jump on his lap as he lay on his sofa when the dog apparently flicked the safety catch off the 9mm pistol he was carrying in his belt. “I was lying on the couch, and we were horsing around, me and the dog. And I was tossing him off my lap, and he was jumping back on my lap,” he told The Messenger newspaper after being discharged from hospital. Turn to A2

PNP WARNS VS VOTE BUYING By Francisco Tuyay and Joel Zurbano AUTHORITIES projected this weekend an intense vote buying and even warned the potential proliferation of fake money during Monday’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections nationwide. In a radio interview, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Alayalde said he was expecting local executives vy-

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ing for the elective post to engage in intense vote buying on the eve and the actual voting day. As Albayalde predicted such eventuality, other police officials were not discounting the proliferation of fake money during the election day, a strategy aimed to outmaneuver opponents for the elective post. Chief Supt Ma-o Aplasca, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations, said Turn to A2

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KUWAIT...

649 PERSONS ARRESTED IN OVERNIGHT CRACKDOWN

From A1

The two countries also agreed the host country would create a special unit within its police that the Philippine Embassy could liaise with regarding complaints of Filipino workers and a special number that Filipino workers could call for assistance, both available 24 hours. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said under the agreement Filipino workers would be allowed to have a cellphone so they could call the said hotline. The President imposed the deployment ban following reported deaths of Filipino workers in Kuwait, including Joanna Demafelis, whose body was found in a freezer in the same month, a year after she was reported missing. In his speech in Marawi last Friday, Duterte said he made several conditions for the lifting of the ban. “They should comply , no physical abuse. And if there are any complaints, our Filipino workers can call the special police,” Duterte said. In a major breakthrough in the monthslong diplomatic row, officials from both countries signed the memorandum of understanding called the “Agreement on the Employment of Domestic Workers between the Philippines and Kuwait.” Negotiations for the agreement earlier hit a snag when the two countries figured in the diplomatic row following the Philippine Embassy’s rescue missions for distressed Filipino workers. Kuwait viewed the rescue operations as a violation of its sovereignty. This prompted Kuwait to expel Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa, arrest four Filipino drivers who participated in the operations, and order the arrest of three Filipino diplomats.

By Joel E. Zurbano

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HE government’s crackdown against suspected drug dealers and other criminal elements in the country led to the arrest of 649 individuals in simultaneous overnight operations in southern Metro Manila. This developed as Local Governments Undersecretary Martin Diño said Saturday the department plans to draft a memorandum requiring all incumbent barangay captains and councilors to join police operations against illegal drugs. Southern Police District director Tomas Apolinario Jr. said the latest operation, conducted late on May 8 until dawn of May 9, also resulted in the arrest of 81 persons allegedly engaged in drug dealing and its use, and 15 others who have standing warrants of arrest. The SPD operatives also confiscated 77 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, two sachets of marijuana leaves, two improvised firearms, and 103 motorcycles used in

DOG...

From A1

“Apparently he bumped the safety one time, and when he bounded back over one of his toes went right down into the trigger guard,” the injured dog owner said. “It has a trigger safety as well as a thumb safety, and he managed to hit both of them, and it discharged and went into my leg, did no major damage to anything.” Remme called 911 and told the emergency dispatcher: “My dog shot me.” “I’ve never heard of that,” the city police chief Roger Porter told the paper. “I’ve heard of guns dropping and going off on the floor, and horsing around and guns going off. I can’t say I’ve heard a dog story before.” Cory Husske, his assistant, later issued a statement saying that a police investigation “could neither prove nor disprove the man’s statement of events,” adding that no charges were therefore planned. “Only in America can you get shot by your dog,” weighed in Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, an organization pushing for stricter gun controls in the United States. The incident proved rather too much for Balew, described by Remme as a “big wuss” who laid down and cried after the firearm went off. “He thought he was in trouble for doing something wrong,” Remme said. AFP

police or PDEA [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency] operations and sign that in their BADAC logs,” said Diño, a former village chief himself, at a forum in Quezon City. Barangay officials could be sued for falsification of public documents if the DILG and the Philippine National Police find out about the illegal drug activities that are not listed in their BADAC, Diño added. On May 9, elements of the SPD drug enforcement unit and Taguig Police Station also conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay New Lower Bicutan and arrested five suspected drug dealers. Case officer SPO1 Darwin Allas identified the suspects as Datumama Laguialali, 52; Khomie Bandong, 39; Tho Salik, 36; Rakma Usman, 48, and 17-year-old Abdul Malik Mama, all residents of Maguindanao Extension, Purok 2, Barangay New Lower Bicutan. Recovered from the suspects were 43 grams or eight pieces of heat sealed transparent plastic containing shabu worth P215,000 and paraphernalia, one digital weighing scale; five pieces of P1,000 buy-bust money, and one Colt .45-cal pistol loaded with six live ammunitions.

'SUE ERRING NHA OFFICIALS, CONTRACTORS'

AMNESTY...

From A1

For members of the rebel group with existing arrest warrants but are willing to surrender, Duterte said he would look at the possibility of granting them amnesty. He also warned them of forging an alliance with communist rebels. Meanwhile, the President witnessed the turnover of 2,708 loose firearms that were surrendered to the police and the military. In his speech, the President renewed his offer of reconciliation, calling members of the ISIS-Maute group who are still hiding to surrender. “That is a waste of time and money and the lives of people,” he said. “I’m inviting the other Maute or whatever...you come down and we will talk how we can improve your lives,” the President further said. Duterte also expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the milestone. “On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank the AFP for this milestone and I look forward to see more surrenderers and a comfortable lives for the Maranaos,” he said. During his speech, the President declared his plans to proclaim Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur as land reform areas. At the same time, the President promised to provide assistance such as tractors, fertilizer, and seedlings. Duterte recalled that when he saw the Maranao return to Marawi to reclaim their land, their homes and their lives, he immediately felt a sense of hope that Mindanao could rise as a center of growth and development, not just in the Philippines but the entire Asean region. “That is why we have embarked on unprecedented infrastructure development program that intends to facilitate commerce and trade in Mindanao,” he said. “With the support of the Maranaos, I am confident we can spur economic growth and solve the political and socioeconomic roots of violent extremism in the region,” the President added.

criminal activities during the operation. “This is part of our Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation or SACLEO. The operation was made possible and is regularly being conducted through the concerted efforts of the different units of SPD on the ground,” said Apolinario. SPD spokesperson Supt. Jenny Tecson said SACLEO aim to intensify the reduction of crime incidents in the areas identified by authorities as critical. It is also part of a crackdown on notorious criminals by focusing on the serving of warrant of arrest and search warrants, apprehension and recovery of unregistered or undocumented motorcycles, operations against illegal drugs, illegal gambling and violation of City Ordinances, she added.

“Apprehended persons with standing warrant of arrests shall be turned over to the court of origin. Other arrested persons will be subjected to inquest proceedings while recovered items will be brought to the respective stations for proper disposition,” said Tecson. Apolinario said the SACLEO operations for the past weeks “gained positive results” that “favorably contributed” to the decline of crimes in south Metro Manila. The initiative is another example of how the National Police and its personnel maximizes its potential and exerts all efforts to reduce if not totally stop criminality, not only in the SPD area of responsibility, but the whole Metro Manila, he added. Meanwhile, Diño said the Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum would prompt barangay officials to either join police anti-drug operations and place this in their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils record or face punishment, especially if they are found to be involved with illegal drugs. “It’s the obligation of all barangay captains and their kagawads to join

By Maricel V. Cruz A MILITANT lawmaker on Saturday pressed the National Housing Authority to expedite criminal and administrative actions against erring agency officials and housing contractors who allegedly connived to produce substandard housing projects for victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.” At the same time, Anakpawis Party-

PALACE:... From A1 In his 64-page dissent, Caguioa pointed out how the Court allowed Calida’s petition and oust the Chief Justice on its own, without any constitutional basis, (which) was a “greater disservice” to the country, and stressed the SC justices should not allow themselves “to be used” by “a mere agency of a separate coordinate department.” “I view with deep shame and regret this day when the Court has ousted one of its sitting Members upon the prodding of a mere agency of a separate coordinate department,” Caguioa said. “The other members of the Court—the Court en banc—are called upon to grin and bear the unbearable as travelling this prohibited road will be at the expense and to the extreme prejudice of the independence of the entire Judiciary, the independence of the Court’s individual members, and the freedom of discourse within the Court,” he added. “This case marks the time when the Court commits seppuku-without honor,” he stressed. Seppuku is sometimes referred to as harakiri in English which means “cutting (the) belly”—a Japanese practice of committing suicide to regain one’s honor. In a radio interview, Panelo said the former chief justice still had a big chance to regain her post should one of the justices change mind and side with Sereno, which

PNP... From A1 fake money from supporters of certain candidates and even the candidate themselves could circulate during the elections. This developed as Albayalde ordered all the 160,000 strong police force deployed in polling precincts across the country during the elections. In related developments: • Two days before the village and youth

FORMER...

From A1

The intuitive respect that Filipinos hold for their mothers and their treatment of women folk as co-equals, augurs well for a nation like the Philippines that continues to search for sources of strength in order to attain a bountiful destiny. The role of a mother in the life of every child is essential in the nurturing of one’s basic character and fulfillment. Unfortunately, a mother is almost always taken for granted until she is gone. A mother is usually there when she is needed most. She is always ready to make

list Rep. Ariel Casilao urged President Rodrigo Duterte to investigate the matter and recommend appropriate actions against those responsible. “Billions worth of people’s taxes and private donations were obviously wasted by criminal-minded NHA officials and housing contractors who were engaged in constructing ‘Yolanda’ housing projects,” Casilao said. “They benefitted from the sufferings

of ‘Yolanda’ victims for years who had to live in substandard housing units in remote relocation areas that are without basic social services,” he added. Casilao said the government must act and expedite a probe into these anomalies so legal action could be taken against those involved in 46 out of 53 housing projects in Yolanda-affected areas, mainly in Eastern Visayas. “They must be held accountable

and barred from further participation in any future government projects,” he added. Casilao also slammed the NHA for mishandling the housing project for the “Yolanda” victims. “If NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada will not take action as soon as possible, he is likewise guilty of prolonging the sufferings of Yolanda survivors,” Casilao said.

would turn the decision to a tie. Panelo, former legal adviser of Duterte as Davao City mayor, however, doubts the decision would change because eight had already granted the petition filed by the Solicitor General that cited Sereno had committed a culpable violation of the Constitution as well as the SALN law. Panelo also believed there were two ways to remove a public official, and the other was through the impeachment process, which is under the Constitution. “Public officials like the president, members of the Supreme Court, and officers of the Constitutional bodies can be removed through impeachment and conviction based on the grounds like treason, betrayal of the public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, high crimes. Iyon lamang ang grounds na puwede mong tanggalin iyong mga impeachable officers,” Panelo said. “While said grounds that are not applicable to an impeachable officer like a Chief Justice, but violates certain rules and regulations such as failure to submit like the SALN, which is one of the requirements for the appointed official, there is another way to remover him or her through Quo Warranto,” Panelo explained. “Because her appointment was illegal. That is precisely why there is another process which you can remove—the quo warranto, where those who are not qualified can be removed,” he said. The Supreme Court on Friday ousted Sereno after eight justices voted in favor of Calida’s quo warranto petition which sought to nullify her appointment in 2012 for allegedly failing to submit her Statements of As-

sets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, as required in the application process. Caguioa was among the six justices who voted against Sereno’s ouster, along with Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Mariano del Castillo, and Estela Perlas Bernabe. He said the filing of Calida of quo warranto petition appeared to be an admission that the grounds for impeachment was weak. “The filing by the Solicitor General of the present quo warranto petition to oust the Chief Justice appears to be an admission on the part of the Executive department that the grounds for impeachment, including the ground upon which this quo warranto petition is based, rest on shaky grounds,” Caguioa said. He added that with the weak ground to impeachment, Calida “effectively shopped a different forum” to seek the Chief Justice’s ouster. “This is not a road less travelled—it is a prohibited alleyway that, regrettably, the Court is now allowing passage through,” he added. He said the petition filed by Calida was unconstitutional as the chief justice and other impeachable officials might only be removed through impeachment. But the majority had said a quo warranto plea was a valid remedy to ensure that “only qualified individuals” hold public office. He claimed that what had been shown in the hearings before the Committee on Justice in the House of Representatives were all internal matters. “The acts complained of, including the alleged failure to submit SALNs, are actionable under existing

laws—provided the respondent is first impeached following settled and unequivocal jurisprudence,”he added. “No matter how dislikable a member of the Court is, the rules cannot be changed just to get rid of him, or her in this case,” he said. “The Court’s inability to resolve this leadership issue within its own walls and the need to ventilate these matters before another forum is a disservice to the institution and to the individual members of the Court. For the Court to now turn around and oust the Chief Justice on its own, without any constitutional basis, is an even greater disservice,” he added. Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen dubbed Sereno’s ouster as a “legal abomination” that should not have been entertained by the High Court. “This Petition should have been dismissed outright and not given due course. It does not deserve space in judicial deliberation within our constitutional democratic space,” Leonen said in his 64-page dissenting opinion. “Even if the Chief Justice has failed our expectation, quo warranto, as a process to oust an impeachable officer and a sitting member of the Supreme Court, is a legal abomination,” he added. Leonen warned of the precedent the landmark decision set—a “grave” diminishing of judicial independence and a “threat” to the SC’s ability to assert Filipinos’ fundamental rights. “We render this Court subservient to an aggressive Solicitor General. We render those who prevent dissenting opinions unnecessarily vulnerable to powerful interests,” he said.

council polls, National Capital Region Police Office director Camilo Cascolan ordered all district directors, chiefs of police and station commanders in Metro Manila to strictly monitor and implement the liquor ban effective Sunday until election day. The NCRPO chief came up with the directive in line with the government’s campaign to ensure peace and orderly elections. • Two army soldiers were killed while eight others were wounded in a firefight with New People’s Army rebels in the ridges of Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental Saturday. The skirmish occurred as 30 army troops

from the 62nd Infantry Battalion were on combat operation in Sitio Atubon in TanAwan village in connection with the Monday elections. Reports said the soldiers were maneuvering at the said village when they sighted an estimated 60-man rebel band sparking an ensued encounter that lasted for almost an hour. After the fighting, the rebels withdrew towards the direction of Sitio Amyan of said barangay leaving two soldiers dead while eight others wounded. So far, 27 people were killed while six people were wounded in 20 election-relat-

ed incidents days before the election day. The PNP said 11 suspects had been arrested while 83 remained at large, 23 of whom had been identified. At least 5,744 areas have been considered as election hotspots. Albayalde said election-related violence might eventually subside with the deployment of policemen in election hotspots and areas of concern, Albayalde said the possibilities of fistfighting and casting of harsh and invectives among opposing candidates might still spark during the election day.

even the supreme sacrifice, and enduring trait that drives a Filipino mother in today’s modern world to work as domestic helper, caregiver or entertainer for the sake of her children. Mothers go to great lengths to assure their children’s better future through their honest labor and devotion to duty. It is this deep sense of sacrifice and selflessness that many Filipino leaders, in and out of government, seem to have forgotten. Libraries have been filled with the heroic feats of great men, and few great women leaders. However, only a few have been written about the often-seen greatness of mothers. In 2004, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) co-published with Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc.

a commemorative book on Angela Valdez Ramos titled “In A Class of Her Own,’ authored by our family biographer Melandrew T. Velasco. It is also modest contribution to a handful of tributes to mothers and the Filipina as a person in her own rights as primus interpares among Filipinos. Closer to home and family, my sisters, Letty and Glory, and I are supremely grateful to the Almighty for the gift and the advantage of having a mother like Angela Valdez Ramos. Our parents raised, nurtured and challenged us their children to value education, honesty, hard work and frugality. They also taught us to be respectful to elders and to those in authority to obey the law and to love God, country, neighbors, and nature. In grateful remembrance of our mother,

the Angela book was offered as a gift to others. Her roots, her upbringing, her role as wife to a public servant in a changing world, her caring motherhood under sometimes difficult circumstances, her selfless volunteerism as a civic worker in war and her exemplary life as practicing Christian—all these are encapsulated in this humble tribute. Our loving mother we now know was in a class of her own among peers and contemporaries in generation. This is also our salute to the timeless caring, sharing and daring of the Filipino woman on the centennial of the Feminist Movement in the Philippines in 2004, and now in celebration of Mother’s Day. Mabuhay and Mga Kababaihang Filipina! Happy Mother’s Day!

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ELECTRIC DREAMS.

In time for the school opening in June, the modern electric jeepneys will roll out in the streets of Metro Manila as envisioned under the government’s PUV modernization program. The e-jeepneys are equipped with features such as aircon, CCTV, GPS, Wi-Fi, automated fare collection, and even provisions for emergency exits as well as easy ingress and egress of PWDs. These are designed to replace at least 200,000 units of the old jeepneys more than 15 years old.

COUPLE, AIRPORT WORKER ARRESTED By Joel Zurbano A COUPLE from Dubai and a Customs employee assigned to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport were arrested for conspiring to smuggle P3 million worth of assorted jewelry, Customs chief Isidro Lapeña said on Saturday. The suspects Abraham Mimbalawag and his wife Bang-sa Mimbalawag were foiled in their attempt to bring in 1.9 kilos of jewelry at the Naia Terminal 3, Lapeña said. The suspects connived with Naia Customs Operations Officer V Lomontod Macabando assigned at the terminal’s arrival area, Lapena said. The couple arrived at Terminal 3 on board Cebu Pacific Air flight 5J-015 from Dubai Saturday last week. On the same day, the on-duty Customs examiner noticed that an unidentified passenger handed over a black clutch bag to Macabando. Subsequently, the suspicious employee hurriedly walked towards the exit of the Customs Arrival Area. The Customs examiner immediately reported the incident to the Naia duty flight supervisor. Thereafter, Customs personnel tried to block Macabando from going out of the Customs premises but he was able to escape, prompting them to seek assistance from the Security Guards and Airport Police present at the area. “Macabando was finally accosted and was convinced to go back in the Customs Arrival Area and return the subject clutch bag to the owner thereof,” said Lapeña. After conferring with the arriving passengers Abraham and Bangsa-an, Macabando accompanied the two to Customs Arrival Area where they admitted ownership of the bag.

GOV’T SETS ROLLOUT OF ELECTRIC JEEPNEYS

By Rio N. Araja

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HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will roll out the first batch of modern electronic jeepneys in some parts of Metro Manila in June in time for the school opening. Aileen Lizada, the agency’s board of director and lawyer-spokesperson, said the colorful e-jeep units will ply the routes from Quezon City Hall along Elliptical Road, Diliman to Manila City Hall, Cultural Center of the Philippines/Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City to Southwest Intermodal Transport Exchange in

Parañaque City, Fort BonifactioGate 3 in Taguig City to Guadalupe market in Makati City, and Bagumbayan in Taguig to Pasig City. The LTFRB said the operation of the modern colorful e-jeeps was part of the Department of Transportation’s public utility vehicle’s modernization program. The PM Jeepney, Senate Employees Cooperative, Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Cooperative and Taguig City Cooperative were the proponents of the first batch of the e-jeeps to ply the routes of the metro, according to Lizada. On June 19, 2017, DoTr issued Department Order No. 2017-011 (Re: Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance or the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program), a flagship program of the Duterte administration that envisions a restructured, modern, well-managed and environmentally sustainable

transport sector where drivers and operators have stable, sufficient and dignified livelihoods while commuters get to their destinations quickly, safely and comfortably. Meanwhile, Lizada said they have met with officials of 12 universities and colleges in the National Capital Region involving at least 600 students of Criminology, National Service Training Program and Reserve Training Officers’ Corps to be deployed to help implement Oplan Isnabero. “Schools interested to join the campaign Oplan Isnabero were the Metro Manila College, Bestlink College of the Philippines, University of Caloocan City, Lyceum of Alabang in Muntinlupa City, Manuel L. Quezon University, Our Lady of Fatima University, Republican College, Philippine College of Criminology, Taguig City University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Universidad de Manila and Jose Rizal University,” she told reporters.

HOUSE ACTS ON VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN By Maricel V. Cruz THE chairman of the House committee on appropriations on Saturday rallied behind efforts of the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children. Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, the panel’s chairman, made his commitment during the launch of the PPAEVAC last week where he was the guest speaker. “The House of Representatives, and Congress as a whole, is with you in this commitment to address violence against children,” Nograles said in his speech. Nograles said protecting children “is our individual responsibility,” referring to a United Nations Children’s Fund study that eight out of 10 children in the Philippines have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence. As per the National Baseline Study on Violence against Children, three

out of five Filipino children experienced a form of physical violence in various settings, or were reported to have some form of psychological violence in any setting, it said. It also bared that one in five children aged below 18 underwent some form of sexual violence. “We each have an accountability to support this Plan of Action; whether as an institution, as a family, or as an individual. I therefore enjoin our partners in government, the academe, local organizations and civil society—and especially our children and youth here today—to be an active part in implementing this Plan of Action,” Nograles said. He said both houses of Congress will come up with policy reforms to ease bottlenecks in implementing relevant programs as well as allocate the necessary funds to roll out the programs that each government agency is tasked under the PPAEVAC. The House of Representatives,

in particular, will play a key role for having “the power of the purse,” or the power to determine how government funds are spent. “As chair of the Committee on Appropriations, I shall commit to proactively advocate to my colleagues in Congress to allow for strategic resource allocation and mobilization to implement the PPAEVAC nationwide, particularly among local governments,” Nograles said. “This means we shall be responsible for ensuring our national and local operational support to the programs detailed in the Plan of Action will be sustained,” he added. “We will also continue working with all our partners, and remain open to the policy dialogue issues that we will discuss with all concerned institutions in government and civil society—including UNICEF and the members of the National Network to End Violence Against Children.

NPA LEADER ARRESTED AT BUKIDNON HOSPITAL A SUSPECTED New People’s Army leader was arrested by the military and police Saturday morning while getting medical treatment at the Don Carlos Doctors Hospital in Bukidnon. Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Ezra Balagtey said the rebel, Elizalde Cañete alias Jinggoy, was being treated for wounds that he allegedly sustained in a recent encounter with government troops in Kitaotao town Thursday. Balagtey said Cañete was served with a warrant of arrest for multiple murder and arson. “He has been charged for numerous crimes and atrocities he committed. He was responsible for the death of fish vendor Larry Buenafe in Davao City in May last year during the NPA burning of the Lapanday Facil-

ity there. His group was also responsible for the burning of construction equipment used in road projects in Paquibato in Davao City,” Balagtey said. The rebel leader was previously captured in 2010 in Montevista town in Compostela Valley province but he jumped bail in 2013. “The arrest of the rebel leader and his eventual prosecution will now give justice to the victims of his many atrocities particularly, to the late Larry Buenafe who was just peacefully earning a living when he was killed by an NPA-laid landmine,” Eastern Mindanao Command chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said. Balagtey said Cañete heads the Pulang Bagani Company 1 of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, which covers Bukidnon, Davao del Norte and Davao City.

DRUG WAR. An alleged drug dealer is handcuffed after a drug buy-bust operation conducted by policemen where they caught this 18-year-old boy selling marijuana in Manila on May 12, 2018. President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs has left nearly 4,000 drug suspects dead and the anti-drugs campaign enjoys popular support while the fiery-tongued Duterte has rejected any criticism of his human rights record. AFP

PNP STOPS PAY DEDUCTIONS FOR ‘LOAN SHARKS’ By Francisco Tuyay ACTING on President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to prevent loan sharks from taking advantage of policemen and soldiers, the Philippine National Police deferred all salary deductions for loan payments to six lending firms that have been the subject of complaints by PNP members. The move by PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde was received as a win-win solution to the predicament of PNP personnel facing financial woes due to indebtedness from “loan sharks,” imposing excessive interest rates and over collection. PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said that with the deferment of loan payments deductions, PNP members will have to settle instead their loan obligations directly with the lending firms to avoid penalties and surcharges. Last week, a group of retirees from the PNP complaining of abuse of the PNP’s system for automatic deductions of their monthly pension payments prompting them to elevate their concern to President Duterte. Seventy-four PNP personnel complained that six multi-purpose cooperatives have been imposing excessive interest rates on monthly automatic loan payment. Then PNP chief Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa ordered its immediate termination. However, the practice went on uninterrupted. Upon learning of the PNP retirees problem, Duterte advise Albayalde and acting Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano to formulate solutions to the problem. Albayalde has ordered the PNP Committee on Accreditation and Automatic Deduction to continuously conduct an inventory of PNP personnel who have been victimized by loan sharks. The CAAD has identified six lending firms that were the subject of numerous complaints as: 1. Government Civil Servants Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GCSMPC); 2. Yaman at Kabuhayan ng Kawal at Pulis Multi-Purpose Cooperative (YAKKAP MPC); 3. Finance Family Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FFMPC); 4. Kooperatiba ng Pulis at Sundalo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KOOPULIS MPC); 5. Pulis Kapit Bisig MultiPurpose Cooperative (PKBMPC); and 6. Tagapagtaguyod Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TMPC).

E-GATES TO EASE AIRPORT QUEUES LONG lines at immigration counters in the country’s main airports will soon be a thing of the past as the government will start installing “egates” in June, Immigration port operations division chief Red Mariñas said. “Using the e-gate will only take 12-15 seconds as passengers will only have to swipe their passports, have biometrics, and undergo facial capturing,” he said. The inauguration would be in June at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. At least 18 e-gate units will be deployed in the country’s major airports, including those in Clark, Davao, Kalibo, and the new airport in Cebu. “Hopefully, [all of the e-gates] will be in place by the end of the year,” he said, adding the government has allotted P340 million for the facilities. Mariñas clarified that having egates will not result in fewer immigration officers manning the airports. “The e-gates will be used by Filipinos only. So immigration officers will still need to cater to foreigners,” he said. Some 99 more immigration officers have been deployed at Naia Terminals 1, 2, and 3 last week, with 53 more new officers in the pipeline. He said the Bureau of Immigration follows the international standard of 45-second rule for screening passengers. “There’s more to the screening of documents. They also do profiling. We’re talking about national security here,” he said. PNA

A4

Opinion

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018

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Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A PERSON CAN HAVE? HAPPY Mother’s Day! I’m going to tell you what my mother taught me about the most important thing you will ever have. Now try to guess what that might be. For example, is it money? Well, it’s certainly better to have money than not to, but it’s definitely not the most important thing you can have—just ask all the rich people who are very unhappy—or, even better, read about the people who have won tens of millions in a lottery. Most of these people actually became less happy, not more.

A value is something you think is more important than anything else—more important than money, more important even than love, and even more important than happiness. And above all, values are what you consider to be more important than your feelings.

BATO’S NEW JOB

F

ORMER Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa started his new job as the chief of Bureau of Corrections this week. One of his first acts was to visit a building that houses high-risk inmates. Dela Rosa talked tough to high-profile convicts who are also allegedly running the drug trade right within the penitentiary. Supreme irony given that it is supposed to be where convicted criminals serve out their sentences and attempt to rehabilitate themselves after the wrongs they have done to society. The new Corrections chief singled out inmates like Peter Co and Jaybee Sebastian and reminded them that even if they had a lot of money, he would be the bigger bigwig because he would put an end to their shenanigans. “Right here, right now, ako ang siga rito.” The continuing drug trade in the corrections facility, organizationally under the Department of Justice, has been a thorn on the side of President Rodrigo Duterte, who was swept

to power in 2016 because of his promise of eliminating the drug menace. It’s not as if many BuCor chiefs have not tried before. Unfortunately, all of them were either defeated by the entrenched system, or became part of it themselves. Worse, there is a perception that the payoffs go beyond the prison bars into the desk drawers of the people who should be making sure these things did not happen in the first place. Proof of the thriving trade was the comfortable—luxurious, really—living quarters of select inmates and their enjoyment of privileges that they should be deprived of, alongside their liberty. Dela Rosa promises to end all that, saying he would be the inmates’ best friend if they abided by rules but their worst enemy if they continued their nefarious activities. Thankfully, he did not give himself a deadline —in our experience such timelines are prone to adjustments until they lose their intended effect. Dela Rosa’s gusto and penchant for visibility made him a popular, if polarizing, police chief. It’s good that he brings such enthusiasm to his new job, but in the end, success will be measured by far less noisy benchmarks.

So alright, then, what about love—is that the most important thing you could ever have? Well, love sure is important. I can’t imagine living without it. I sure treasure the love of my friends and the love of my family, but if you don’t have the thing I’m about to tell you, you won’t receive much love at all. Let’s try a third answer: Happiness. Well, that, too, is very, very important. Who wants to be unhappy? But again, without the thing I will tell you about, there would be little happiness in the world. Here goes—the most important thing you will ever have is— drumroll please—good values. Yes, good values. Now I know that may sound boring and I realize that it’s possible that you may have never really thought about values or even know what I’m talking about. Let me explain. A value is something you think is more important than anything else —more important than money, more important even than love, and even more important than happiness. And above all, values are what you consider to be more important than your feelings. Turn to A5

GUIDE TO BRITAIN’S ROYAL WEDDING ON MAY 19 THE wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle next Saturday will be a fun-filled occasion but run with military precision, as per British royal tradition. The wedding service will be followed by a carriage procession, a lunchtime reception and an evening party. Here are details of the program confirmed so far by Kensington Palace: • 9:00 am (0800 GMT): Some

2,640 people including charity workers, community leaders and military veterans begin to enter the grounds of Windsor Castle where they will be able to see the royals before and after the ceremony. The onlookers will include 200 people from charities and organizations associated with the couple, 100 pupils from local schools and 530 royal staff. • 9:30 am (0830 GMT): The first of around 600 wedding guests begin

to fill St. George’s Chapel. They arrive by coach at the castle’s Round Tower and walk to the chapel’s South Door. • 11:00 am (1000 GMT): The last non-royal guests take their places in the chapel. • 11:20 am (1020 GMT): Members of the royal family begin to arrive on foot and by car. They enter the chapel via the Galilee Porch on the south side. Prince Harry and his best man,

his brother Prince William, arrive at the chapel’s West Steps, most likely on foot. They will acknowledge the people gathered in the castle precincts. Markle and her mother Doria Ragland leave their overnight accommodation and travel to the castle by car. She is joined by bridesmaids and page boys before entering via the West Steps. • 12:00 pm (1100 GMT): The wed-

ding service begins. Thomas Markle walks his daughter down the aisle. The Dean of Windsor, David Conner, will conduct the service. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will officiate as the couple make their wedding vows. All three siblings of Harry’s late mother Diana, princess of Wales, will be in attendance. Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes will give the reading. Turn to A5

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

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Opinion WHAT’S...

From A4

This is very hard for a lot of people to believe because we live in a time when people think that how they feel about something is more important than anything else, but that isn’t so. Here’s a simple example of the conflict between a feeling and a value. Just about everyone feels like eating junk food, but there’s a big problem here. If you eat whatever you feel like eating, you will end up obese and unhealthy. So then, what is it that stops people from eating all the food they feel like eating? The answer is a value—that’s right, a value. And what is that value? Not getting obese and staying healthy. There is, in other words, a necessary battle that goes on inside of most people: the battle between what they feel—in this case, the desire to eat junk food —and a value that they hold—in this case, staying healthy and looking good. Now, as important as a healthy body is, this conflict between what we feel like doing and values, is even more important when it comes to doing what is right, when it comes to how we treat other people, not just ourselves. Here’s one that will make you think. Imagine you’re walking on a beach with the dog you love, when all of a sudden you look out at the water and you see your dog drowning. And imagine, too, that at the same time about 100 feet from your dog, a person you don’t know—a stranger— is also drowning. Now, which would you try to save first? Just about anyone who loves their pet would feel like saving their pet first. But what if you value human life even more than an animal’s life—and you probably do. After all, you probably eat animals, but you wouldn’t eat a human being. Then your value —the unique preciousness of human life—is in conflict with your feelings for your dog. Here’s another example. Imagine you are about to take an important test at school. If you cheat on that test, you may be able to avoid failing and maybe even get into a great school. But what if you have a value—what we call a moral value—that cheating is wrong? You sure feel like cheating, but if you have moral values, you know it’s wrong to. Again, that battle between your feelings and a value. Almost everything that is wrong with the world comes from people either not having higher moral values, or not living by them, because they feel they want to do something else. People who murder feel like murdering, and they do what they feel rather than live by the value of preserving human life. People who steal feel that they want the thing that they steal, so they take what they feel like having rather than live by the value of not stealing. The list is pretty much endless, and that’s why good values are the most important thing any of us can ever have. Without them, the world would be a very terrible place. And finally, know this: The best people you know—meaning the nicest, kindest, and most honest — are people who battle their feelings every day of their lives. So should you.

GUIDE...

From A4

• 1:00 pm (1200 GMT): The newlyweds come out from the West Steps and acknowledge the charity representatives. Close family members wave them off from the steps as they go on a 25-minute carriage procession through Windsor. The route takes them down the High Street and along the Long Walk tree-lined avenue back up to Windsor Castle. They will travel in the horse-drawn Ascot Landau carriage, accompanied by a traveling escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The carriage will be pulled by four Windsor Grey horses. If the weather is bad, the couple will travel in the 1830 Scottish State Coach, which has large glass windows and transparent panels in the roof. • 1:30 pm (1230 GMT): Reception given by Queen Elizabeth II is held at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall for the couple and the 600 wedding guests. Afterwards, the couple and the royal family will pose for the official pictures taken by portrait photographer Alexi Lubomirski. • Evening: Harry’s father Prince Charles hosts a private reception for 200 close friends and family at Frogmore House. AFP

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018

A5

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FRANK SINATRA, FIVE PARTS OF A REMARKABLE LIFE By Bénédicte Rey

Hanoi,” AFP writes.

PARIS—Crooner, charmer and fighter: Frank Sinatra died 20 years ago, leaving an indelible mark on the world. AFP draws on its archives to look over his exceptional life. ‘The Voice’ Born on Dec. 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra—the son of Italian immigrants —cut his first record in 1939 and three years later was a star. Over his lifetime, the elegant and clean-cut performer produced more than 100 records and dozens of hits such as “Strangers in the Night,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “My Way.” His singing career saw highs but also lows, during which he turned to Hollywood, winning an Oscar in 1953 for the World War II army drama “From Here to Eternity.” On the stage into his late 70s, “The Voice” pulled in the crowds. In 1962, at the height of the Elvis Presley craze, he caused a riot at Paris’s legendary Olympia venue when fans rushed to see him on stage, turned out in “a night-blue suit with a red pocket handkerchief and a bow tie,” according to an AFP report. “At 11:30 p.m. organizers were still pushing back latecomers who were prepared to pay 5,000 old francs (today worth around 70 euros) for a stand-up place for the end of the performance,” it says. A ladies’ man Renowned for his many romantic conquests, the dashing Sinatra was first married to teenage sweetheart Nancy Barbato (1939-1949), with whom he had his three children Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina. Then followed Hollywood stars Ava Gardner (1951-57) and Mia Farrow (1966-68), and model Barbara Marx (from 1976). In 1965, as rumors swirled of his impending marriage to Farrow, the performer made a highly public return to New York with the actress, 30 years his junior, on board his luxury yacht and pursued by boatloads of journalists. “The arrival of Sinatra and his beautiful ‘siren’ made the front pages of all the local dailies alongside large headlines announcing that an American fighter jet was shot down by a Soviet missile near

Shadow of the mafia Sinatra was dogged by allegations of links with the mafia which he always denied, including in the courts, but was never able to shake completely. In 1963, he was stripped of his casino license on allegations of ties with Chicago mobster Salvatore “Momo” Giancana. At a 1981 gaming control board hearing on his request for a new license, he was grilled about claims that he had delivered $2 million in an attache case to mafia boss Lucky Luciano in Havana in 1947. “’If you can find me an attache case that could hold $2 million, I’ll give you the $2 million,’ the singer replied,” says an AFP story. Sinatra won back his casino license with the support of President Ronald Reagan. Battlin’ Frankie Sinatra was also known for getting into scraps and fisticuffs. In 1960, a security guard said he was punched up by the singer after he had been thrown out of an event. Just before, “Sinatra, who had been singing at a charity benefit banquet, had had a heated altercation with actor John Wayne and was escorted out in a very bad mood,” the AFP account says. Four years later, French photographers issued an outraged statement after the star swept through. “Paris is not Chicago and we don’t want Mr. Sinatra acting out his number of ‘tough guy’ or ‘charming gangster’ by taking journalists for targets,” they fumed. 1998: A voice silenced Sinatra died on May 14, 1998 in Los Angeles at the age of 82, after suffering a heart attack. New York’s Empire State Building was lit up in blue in honor of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” From the Cannes Film Festival in France, director Martin Scorsese said “words cannot express my sadness.” His funeral was held in the only Catholic Church in Beverly Hills with leading lights such as Nancy Reagan, Kirk Douglas and Bruce Springsteen among the hundreds in attendance. The church was “filled with gardenias, roses and white lilies, Frank Sinatra’s preferred color of the flower,” AFP’s piece describes. The only one of his songs played in the church was “Put Your Dreams Away,”the piece with which he habitually closed his concerts, it says. AFP

GAY CINEMA COMES OF AGE AT ‘MILESTONE’ CANNES By Jean-Francois Guyot and Deborah Cole CANNES, France—No fewer than 14 gaythemed movies are showing at Cannes— double the number last year—but the world’s top film festival is increasingly spotlighting LGBT characters’ humanity rather than fixating on their sexuality. One year after the French AIDS activism movie “120 BPM (Beats Per Minute)” emerged as a breakout hit from Cannes and scooped the Grand Jury prize, industry insiders say movies from around the world are finally showing homosexuality, not as a burden or an affliction. “We’ve passed a milestone: we finally got past the ‘coming out’ movies and the ‘painful problems of homosexuality.’ It’s great!” critic Franck Finance-Madureira, organizer of the independent Queer Palm prize for gay-themed movies at the festival, told AFP. “You’ve got twice the number of LGBT films than usual but the variety of subjects is what’s really key.” After the Chilean transgender drama “A Fantastic Woman” won the Oscar for best foreign language picture in March and gay coming-of-age tale “Call Me By Your Name” won screenplay honors, the gay movies of Cannes also skip across genre and national borders. Unique gay identity? The thriller “Knife + Heart” stars French actress and singer Vanessa Paradis as a producer of gay porn movies who loses one of her actors to a murderer. And French feature “Sorry Angel” by

Christophe Honore is a tender gay love story set at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Honore, who has long given gay characters pride of place in his films, told AFP that same-sex relationships on screen were often caricatures that homed in on a purported “unique identity” of gay people. “It’s something you have to get past. When you are dealing with the sexuality of the majority [heterosexuality], that’s not an issue but it often is when you’re talking about two men,” he said. He also condemned as “unbearable” any comparison drawn between his film and “120 BPM.” “When people compare the two, it’s because there’s a homosexual theme. That expresses real discrimination,” Honore said. Underlining the ongoing struggle of gay people in much of the world, Kenya banned the homegrown romance of two teenage girls, “Rafiki,” just days before the festival. The Kenyan Film Classification Board, Ezekiel Mutua, a self-styled “fervent moral crusader,” slammed its “happy ending” and for showing “the resilience of youngsters involved in lesbianism.” Despite homosexuality being a massive taboo subject in most of Africa, “Rafiki” director Wanuri Kahiu insisted she never meant to cause a scandal. “The love scenes are actually cute. They are fumbling and naive. They don’t even take off their clothes,” she said. “The girls would not know what to do. It was about their innocence,” she said.

Keeping the spotlight on young LGBT characters, “Girl” by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont, tells the story of 15-year-old Lara, who was born a boy and dreams of becoming a star dancer. Beyond examining the process of coming to terms with her transgender identity, the film is also a tender exploration of the relationship between a father and his child. And Spanish film “Carmen and Lola” features two gypsy girls who fall for each other. ‘Reflection of real life’ The head of the Directors Fortnight section showing “Carmen and Lola,” French producer Sylvie Pialat, said the increasing visibility of gay life in Western societies had broadened the palate of filmmaking. “You see that homosexuality is less and less the main issue in LGBT films,” she said. “The fact that there are so many LGBT films at Cannes is simply a reflection of real life.” Groundbreaking gay cinema has long found a home at Cannes. Five years ago, the sexually graphic and emotionally raw feature “Blue is the Warmest Color” took home the Palme d’Or. Unusually, the main actresses, Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos, who complained of arduous conditions on set, were honored along with director Abdellatif Kechiche. Seydoux is serving on this year’s jury for the Palme d’Or led by Cate Blanchett, whose performance in the lesbian period “Carol” reduced Cannes audiences to tears in 2015. AFP

World

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 A6 Standard TODAY Manila

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IRAQ HOLDS FIRST NATIONWIDE POLL SINCE ISIS DEFEAT BAGHDAD—Iraq headed to the polls Saturday for its first parliamentary election since declaring victory over the Islamic State group, with the country hoping to shore up a fragile peace and rebuild. Voters across the war-scarred nation cast their ballots under tight security, as the jihadists still pose a major security threat despite a sharp fall in violence. The poll comes with tensions surging between key powers Iran and the United States after Washington pulled out of a key 2015 nuclear deal, sparking fears of a destabilizing power struggle in Iraq. Roughly 24.5 million voters face a fragmented political landscape, five months after IS were ousted, with the dominant Shiites split, the Kurds in disarray and Sunnis sidelined. Over 15 blood-sodden years since the US-led ouster of Saddam Hussein, disillusionment is widespread, and politics is dominated by old faces from an elite seen as mired in corruption and sectarianism. At a polling station in the Baghdad district of Karrada, 74-year-old Sami Wadi appealed for change “to save the country”. “I call on all Iraqis to participate in the elections to prevent those who have controlled the nation since 2003 from staying in power,” the retiree told AFP. In the former IS bastion, second city Mosul—still partially in ruins from the months-long fight to oust the group—residents hoped for an uptick in their fortunes as they struggle to put their lives back together. AFP

3 GENERATIONS DIE IN WORST AUSSIESHOOTING IN YEARS SYDNEY—Three generations of a single family were identified Saturday as the victims of Australia’s worst mass shooting in 22 years, a murder-suicide which left seven people dead. They included Katrina Miles, 35, and her four children—three boys and a girl aged eight to 13—who were found Friday in a shed on a rural property near the Margaret River wine region in Western Australia, police said. Miles’ mother Cynda Miles, 58, was found in the main house at the property and her father Peter Miles, 61, was found outside, Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told reporters. Three firearms licensed to Peter Miles were also found, he said. Police had earlier reported finding just two guns. Confirming suggestions of a murder-suicide, Dawson added: “I wish to strongly emphasize that police do not believe any other person is involved in these crimes. Police are not searching for any other suspects.” Mass shootings are uncommon in Australia and Friday’s was the deadliest since a 1996 massacre that left 35 dead at Port Arthur in Tasmania. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

GIVE UP NUKES, GET RICH, NOKOR TOLD

W

ASHINGTON—The United States promised Friday that it would work to rebuild North Korea’s sanctionscrippled economy if Kim Jong Un’s regime agrees to surrender its nuclear arsenal. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s vow came as senior US officials expressed growing optimism ahead of the landmark June 12 summit between Kim and President Donald Trump. Pompeo, who held talks Pyongyang’s young leader over the weekend, even said “we have a pretty good understanding between our two countries about what the shared objectives are.” He was speaking after talks with his South Korean opposite number Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to coordinate Washington and Seoul’s preparations for the historic encounter. Many observers have warned Kim’s regime will try to drive a wedge between the allies as the summit approaches, playing Seoul’s fear of war against Washington’s nuclear concerns. But both Kang and Pompeo insisted that they agreed on the need for the “total, permanent and verifiable” denuclearization of the divided peninsula. Trump and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in are due to meet on May 22 at the White House for the next round of planning. Pompeo said the United States would remain on board to help develop the North’s economy, which has been devastated by its own mismanagement and crippling international sanctions.

“If North Korea takes bold action to quickly denuclearize, the United States is prepared to work with North Korea to achieve prosperity on par with our South Korean friends,” he said. Since an ad hoc 1953 armistice put an end to active hostilities between the North and the South, South Korea has emerged from devastation to become a leading world economy. But the North has remained one of the world’s most isolated states and its outdated economy has been further battered by an UN-backed “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions. Over the past year Kim and Trump have added a personal touch to a half-century of international enmity, swapping insults and both openly threatening devastating direct military action. Kim’s regime also carried out missile tests that convinced US intelligence officials, including Pompeo in his former role as CIA chief, that North Korea could threaten US cities. But South Korea’s President Moon reached out to the North, reopening direct talks, and when Kim invited Trump to a summit to discuss disarmament the mood changed. Pompeo flew to Pyongyang for talks and to recover three released American detainees, and now a summit date has been set for June 12 in Singapore. “We had good conversations, conversations that involve deep complex problems, challenges, strategic decisions that chairman Kim has before him,” Pompeo said. The pair, he said, talked “about how it is he wishes to proceed and if he’s prepared, in exchange for the assurances that we’re ready to provide him, if he is prepared to fully denuclearize. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Province of Laguna CITY GOVERNMENT OF CALAMBA Office of the City Mayor Market Management Division

Mercado de Calamba, Pabalan St., Barangay 5, Calamba City

NOTICE This is to inform the public that in exercise of the powers given under Ordinance No. 10-480, s. 2010, specifically, Chapter IV - A, Article A, The Market Awards Committee of the New Pamilihang Panglungsod ng Calamba (Mercado De Calamba) shall award Lease Certificates to all previously recognized and validated stall holders as February 8, 2013. The awarding of Certificates of Leasehold Rights will be held at the 2nd Floor, Building 5, Mercado De Calamba, Brgy. 5, Calamba City, Laguna on May 28, 2018 at 10:00am. The stallholders or their duly authorized representatives must present themselves on the date and place above given. Failure of the stall holders or their duly authorized representatives to appear will be considered as waiver of their rights in favor of the City Government of Calamba.

OLIVE B. NATIVIDAD Market Supervisor III Mercado De Calamba (MS-MAY 6,13 & 20, 2018)

ROCK AND ROLL. Palestinian Saber al-Ashkar, 29, hurls rocks during clashes with Israeli forces along the border with the Gaza strip, east of Gaza City, on Friday, as Palestinians demonstrate for the right to return to their historic homeland in what is now Israel. Over 50 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since protests and clashes began on March 30, calling for Palestinian refugees to be able to return to their former homes in what is now Israel. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE the

InvItatIon to BId for Supply, delIvery, InStallatIon and CommISSIonIng of CartrIdge-BaSed nuCleIC aCId amplIfICatIon teSt maChIne

Republic of the Philippines

IB no. 2018-066 1.

2.

3.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018 intends to apply the sum of Two Hundred Ninety Eight Million Five Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Nine Philippine Pesos (PhP298,533,859.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Machine under IB No. 2018-066. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project.Delivery of the Goods is required within period specified under Section VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within the past five (5) years: a.

At least two (2) similar contracts for local and/or international contracts and the aggregate contract amounts should be equivalent to at least fifty (50%) of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC); and

b.

The largest of these similar contracts must be equivalent to at least half of the fifty percent (50%) of the (ABC) as required above.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, Ground Floor, Building 6, DOH, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 15May – 05 June 2018 from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Fifty Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP50,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

7.

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 22May 2018, 10:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Bldg. 6, DOH, San Lazaro Cmpd., Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-D Secretariat at the address below on or before 05June 2018, 9:00 A.M. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause .18. Bid opening shall be on 05June 2018, 9:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Bldg. 6, DOH, San Lazaro Cmpd., Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

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

9.

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-D Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1624 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830; 711-6061

National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Northern Samar Irrigation Management Office Catarman, Northern Samar

Office address: Capitol Site, Brgy. Dalakit Catarman, Northern Samar

INVITATION TO BID No. 06- 2018 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Northern Samar Irrigation Management Office (NSIMO), 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. Approved Budget for the Contract

ITEM/DESCRIPTION 1. BUGKO IRRIGATION PROJECT Contract No. Bugko IP #01 – 2018 – Rehabilitation of Diversion Dam

Php 20,504,834.98

Duration

Cost of Bidding Documents

240 cd

Php 20,500

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 nondiscretionary 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 pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents. The schedule of BAC activities is listed as follows:

PROJECT NAME

Issuance of Bid Documents (Date and Time Schedule)

Pre- bid Conference (Date and Time Schedule)

1. BUGKO IRRIGATION PROJECT Contract No. Bugko IP #01 – 2018 – Rehabilitation of Diversion Dam

Starting May 2, 2018 (8AM-5PM)

May 16, 2018 (10AM)

Receipt & Opening of Bids (Date and Time schedule)

May 28, 2018 (9AM)

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents from the address above and upon payment of its respective non-refundable amount 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) CESAR R. ECHANO BAC Chairman

(SGD) HERMINIGILDO V. VALLE, MD, MPA Undersecretary of Health Chairperson, COBAC-D (MS-MAY 13, 2018)

Telefax No.: (055) 251-8274 Telephone No.: (055) 251-8274

(MS-MAY 13, 2018)

NAJIB HIT WITH TRAVEL BAN AFTER MALAYSIA LOSS

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia’s scandal-ridden former leader Najib Razak was hit with a travel ban Saturday as speculation mounted he was about to flee the country following his shock election loss, in a possible bid to avoid prosecution over a massive financial scandal. An angry crowd had gathered at a Kuala Lumpur airport, shouting at vehicles and seeking to stop them entering, after a flight plan leaked online showed Najib and his unpopular wife Rosmah Mansor were planning to fly to Indonesia. The defeat of Najib’s Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in last week’s poll by an alliance led by his one-time mentor Mahathir Mohamad was a political earthquake, which toppled an increasingly authoritarian regime that had ruled the country for six decades. At 92, Mahathir is the world’s oldest state leader. He previously served as prime minister for over two decades and was himself accused of ruling with an iron fist. Speculation had been mounting that Najib, who has been embroiled in a massive scandal related to state fund 1MDB, might try to flee the country as Mahathir has pledged to investigate the controversy. As the image of the leaked manifest for a flight to Jakarta spread like wildfire online, Najib insisted in social media posts he was planning only a “short break” overseas to rest after the election and would be back next week. But anger quickly mounted among social media users who accused the defeated leader of seeking to flee, and the immigration department swiftly announced both he and Rosmah were banned from leaving Malaysia. “The immigration department has just now blacklisted Najib and Rosmah from leaving the country,” Mustafar Ali, director-general of the immigration department, told AFP. Najib said in a tweet: “I have just been informed by the immigration department of Malaysia that my family and I are not allowed to go abroad. I respect the decision and I will remain in the country with my family.” Rosmah has long been a lightning rod for public anger in Malaysia due to her reported love of luxury shopping trips and vast collection of designer handbags. Her openly spendthrift ways have been galling for ordinary Malaysians who increasingly complain of soaring living costs, particularly after Najib’s government introduced an unpopular sales tax in 2015. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Amanda Nuñes

‘LIONESS’ WILL BEAT PENNINGTON IN UFC 224 The consensus best point guard in Asia today Jayson Castro (center) slashes past four Alaska Aces defenders from right: Jeron Teng, Chris Banchero, Sonny Thoss and Abel Galliguez.

LOCALS LEAD ALASKA ACES, TNT TO TOP OF STANDINGS

L

OCALS were supposed to take the backseat in this 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

That hasn’t been the case even as the Alaska Aces and the TNT KaTropa battle for league leadership when they clash 4:30 pm today Sunday, May 13 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The Aces rely on their belligerent pressure defense which smother opponents. TNT KaTropa has been relying on local star Jayson Castro, and not their import, to lead them. The Aces (2 wins, 1 loss) will be looking to follow up their lopsided, 134-103, rout of Columbian Dyip last Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against the unbeaten KaTropa (3-0). The other teams include the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (3-1), the Meralco Bolts (3-1), the Globalport Batang Pier (2-1), Columbian Dyip (3-2) and the Phoenix Fuelmasters (2-2). Bringing up the rear are Barangay Ginebra (1-2), the NLEX Road Warriors (1-3), the San Miguel Beermen (0-1), the Magnolia Hotshots (0-1) and the Blackwater Elite (0-5). The Aces smothered the Dyip right from the get-go to post a lopsided, 134-103, rout last Friday, May 4. The Aces terrorized the Dyip with their pressure defense virtually settling the outcome of the match as early as halftime. Before that rout the Aces posted a similar demolition of a hapless Blackwater squad, 9374 last April 29. The Aces started strong, lost a big 30-point lead and then stepped on the gas again in the fourth period to post the victory pulling away.

Alaska Aces do-everything forward Calvin Abueva (right) attacks TNT KaTropa defenders Kelly Williams (21) and Harvey Carey.

Alaska Aces big man Vic Manuel (right) attempts a jumper over the blocking hand of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters defender Beau Belga.

Other than its smothering defense the Aces have also relied on big man Vic Manuel to post up inside the paint and score at will when the Aces needed to score. Alaska’s hot-shooting import Tony Campbell, who can score from anywhere on the floor, will help carry the offensive load. Campbell is deadly from three-point range and can slash to the basket when defenders try to close out. He can even seal inside the paint and score from the post. Also helping out are Alaska veterans Calvin Abueva, Jvee

Casio, Sonny Thoss, Chris Banchero. TNT’s Castro came through with an import-like performance last Sunday to capture the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup. With American reinforcement Jeremy Tyler held down to just two points, Castro delivered the telling blows for TNT in the second half as the Katropa dumped Barangay Ginebra, 96-92. Nicknamed the “Blur”, Castro was in his element in the second half. He scored eight points in the third canto, before knocking down backto-back triples in the last period in a telling 11-1 exchange to pull away for good.

LEBRON SEEKS EIGHTH NBA FINALS IN A ROW AS CAVALIERS FACE CELTICS WASHINGTON— LeBron James is on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals for an eighth consecutive season, but his Cleveland Cavaliers face a familiar and formidable obstacle in the Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers visit Boston on Sunday for the opening game in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals, with the winner to face either regular-season pace-setter Houston or defending champion Golden State in the NBA Finals. Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James has carried the Cavs on his back at times, averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 11 playoff games for the Cavaliers, who edged Indiana in a seven-game first round before sweeping Eastern conference top seed Toronto in the second round. “LeBron is on just a ridiculous run,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens. “We know it will be quite a challenge.” James has averaged 24.0 points, 10.3 re-

bounds and 8.3 assists against the Celtics this season as Cleveland won two of three meetings. “At the end of the day, you have to do whatever it takes to win,” James said. “It doesn’t matter how it happens.” “King James” would share fourth on the alltime list by reaching his eighth consecutive NBA Finals, two shy of Bill Russell’s record run from the 1960s Celtics dynasty team and trailing nine in a row by Russell teammates Sam Jones and Tommy Heinsohn. James went 2-2 in the finals with Miami from 2011-2014 and 1-2 with Cleveland the past three years, all against Golden State. He’s 3-5 in the finals overall, having also lost with the Cavs in 2007. “Every time we come to the playoffs he has that edge,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said of James. “He’s a special player, and we all know that. What he does for us is big.” The 33-year-old playmaker, whose dream

came true in 2016 as he sparked the Cavaliers to ending Cleveland’s 52-year pro sports title drought, is the maestro of a deep corps of role players led by forward Kevin Love, whose aggressive play has been ignited by a scoring spark. “More than anything just seeing the ball go through the hoop has been big for me,” Love said. “Just staying in attack mode, miss or make on the offensive end, making the right decision playing hard and then on both ends on the glass just trying to clean up as best I can.” Add J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver’s 3-point shooting, Tristan Thompson’s rebounding and the Celtics, who boasted the NBA’s best defensive numbers, will be challenged to shut down James and silence his supporting crew. “We know where the head of the snake is,” said Celtics center Aron Baynes of Australia. “We know what we have to focus on. But he has got a lot of great role players around him and some other guys who can really create as well.” AFP

AMANDA Nuñes may not be as fearsome as that other UFC champion Cris Cyborg but she has proven to be just as resilient and formidable. Nuñes fights Raquel Pennington at UFC 224 and will come into the Octagon as the heavy favorite. She is faster, stronger, a cleaner striker and with a more diverse arsenal. Unless she is sick (with sinusitis maybe?) or just totally melts down, it’s hard to see Pennington winning or even taking control of a significant part of this bout. Even if Nuñes slows down some—as she usually does in her extended fights—Pennington really does not seem capable of taking advantage and beating her up. Besides, fighters do improve and Nuñes will likely have solved her cardio issues. Nuñes is also the superior athlete with a track record of finishing opponents. Her one weakness may be her inability to pace herself. Pennington may be able to exploit this because she is in a short list of fighters with the durability to make trouble for Nuñes if the fight goes into the late fourth or fifth round. Nuñes has also shown continued development even after becoming champion. In contrast, Pennington has had to deal with multiple injuries. It would be a mistake to dismiss Pennington or count her out too soon. She’s a very good fighter despite her unorthodox approach. She is tough, gritty, physical and can make fights ugly to her benefit. But she’s neither quick nor a good athlete. That just won’t cut it if you hope to beat Nuñes. The only way Pennington could win is by charging in and making it an ugly fight from close range. That’s something Pennington is capable of doing. But it may not be enough. Nuñes is probably too good at this point in her career to be taken unawares like that. Remember Ronda Rousey who basically had the same approach. Rousey was hit in the face and head several times while trying to reach in and grapple Nuñes. Besides Pennington will be trying to recover from that nasty leg injury she had that kept her out of action. With a handicap like that, how do you beat someone that’s looked this unstoppable for so long? Pennington has never been any kind of knockout striker, and while she can be a surprising submission threat, isn’t a consistent one. It won’t be as lopsided as most people think but Nuñes still beats Pennington convincingly.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) sits on the bench before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

A8

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor

Sports

Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

RELAXED AND FOCUSED, BARRIGA EYES 9TH WIN By Peter Atencio

F

OR 2012 London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, facing Colombia’s Gabriel Mendoza doesn’t have the feel of what it was like when he saw action in Olympics many years ago.

London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga is coming into the fight with Colombia’s Gabriel Mendoza boasting of an 8-0 card, with one won via knockout.

Now, Barriga feels he is more focused and relaxed when he deals with Mendoza in their 12-round minimumweight main event today at the at the SM Skydome in Quezon City. “Sa pros, chill lang. Hindi masyado mahigpit,” said Barriga at the end of his weigh-in with Mendoza yesterday at the TV5 studios in Mandaluyong. Their fight is an International Boxing Federation title eliminator, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger to Japan’s Hiroto Kyoguchi, the reigning IBF 105-lb. champion. Going to the London Olympics and fighting as an amateur was pressure-packed back then. “Iyung pressure niya (Olympics) iba, kasi lahat ng tao sa mundo, sinusubaybayan ka,” said Barriga, whose fight with Mendoza is the main event of “Survival Instinct: Matira Matibay,” which features an explosive 13-bout, all-day boxing card. Barriga is coming into the Mendoza fight boasting of an 8-0 card, with one won via knockout. The more experienced Mendoza has a 29-5-2 win-draw-loss record, with 23 won by KO. Both fighters met the weight limit and checked in at 104 pounds. Mendoza said he cherishes the opportunity to fight an Olympian, a chance to move into a world title fight. “Praise God I am here. I have faith that this is a great chance when I fight Mark. And it could mean a fight for the world title,” said Mendoza through his translator Carlos Costa. Supporting the main event of this card presented by MP Promotions and Knuckleheads Pro Boxing Fraternity, in cooperation with Joven Sports Promotions will be a 10-round tussle between AJ “Bazooka” Banal (35-2-1, 23 KOs) and Master Suro (12-13-1, 2 KOs) of Indonesia. Banal is looking to inject life into his career after joining the Survival Camp of coach Joven Jimenez. Also eyeing a successful return is Marvin Sonsona (21-1-1, 15 KOs). The former world WBO champion Sonsona is coming out of a threeyear hiatus to figure in a six-round fight against Arief Blader (23-27-2, 8 KOs) of Indonesia. Another fighter to watch out for is recent world featherweight title challenger Genesis Servania, who pushed WBO titlist Oscar Valdez to the limit in his decision loss last September. The 26-year-old Servania (30-1, 12 KOs) is making his first fight appearance in the Philippines since 2015 opposite Indonesia’s Jason Butar Butar (27-23-1, 18 KOs) in an 8-round bout. Among the other undercard are Samuel Salva, James Eternina and Jerald Paclar. All other bouts will air live on either ESPN5 or AksyonTV, with livestream on ESPN5.com.

Jerwin Ancajas

ANCAJAS NEEDS TO FIND HIS RHYTHM VS SULTAN

JERWIN Ancajas needs to find his rhythm and timing against fellow Filipino fighter Jonas Sultan. Ancajas’ trainer Joven Jimenez said this during a sendoff yesterday at the TV5 studios in Mandaluyong. Sultan is known for his unpredictable style and ability to come close and connect with body shots. “Mahirap na kalaban si Sultan. Kakaiba ang style. Mahirap,” said Jimenez. Jimenez said that given the difficulty of his coming fight with Sultan, they had to start early. And it meant that Ancajas had to hit the gym immediately after his fifth successful title defense last February. The 26-year-old Ancajas was working out again almost immediately after he made his debut in the United States. His successful stint in the US saw him finishing off Israel Gonzales in a 10-round win via technical knockout in Corpus Christi, Texas. “Importanteng magpakita ako ng magandang laban kahit Pinoy ang kalaban ko,” said Ancajas, who added he was able to study Sultan’s fighting style on a videotape of his opponent’s last fight. Ancajas has held the IBF junior bantamweight title since September 2016. He is ranked as the sixth-best junior bantamweight in the world by The Ring. Sultan has a 14-3 record, with nine KOs, winning five fights in a row. This includes an upset of twodivision champion and fellow Filipino Johnriel Casimiro last September. Peter Atencio

JR BLU GIRLS, TAIWANESE CLASH IN ASIAN SOFTBALL THE Philippines and Chinese Taipei slug it out in one of the top matches kicking off the seventh Asian Junior (19-and-under) Women’s Softball Championship today (Sunday, May 13) at The Villages Softball Field in Clark, Pampanga. Seven of the region’s top junior softball squads are competing in the week-long event with the hosts also set to mix it up with the Thais

later in the day. Also in the fold are South Korea, India, Malaysia and powerhouse Japan. The country is hosting the event for the first time under the leadership of Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil) headed by president and long-time sports patron Jean Henri Lhuillier. Fancied Japan will play against Malaysia and Korea in other open-

ing matches of the event organized by AsaPhil for the Softball Confederation of Asia and the World Baseball and Softball Confederation and backed by the Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Department of Foreign Affairs. “The country’s has earned the respect of the other Asian coun-

tries for our strong showing in the sport in various fronts, so I expect the Jr Blu Girls to dish out their best against the best in the region,” said Lhuillier, referring to the Blu Girls’ back-to-back victories in 2017, a silver medal in the 11th Asian Women’s Softball Championship in Taiwan, and the Blu Boys’ silver medal feat in the 10th Asian Men’s Softball Championship in Indonesia. Jonas Sultan

BANKO PERLAS SPIKERS HOPE TO BREAK INTO PVL FINAL FOUR NEW coaches. New players. New imports. With these changes, the Banko Perlas Spikers hope to finally break into the Final Four of the Premier Volleyball League 2nd Reinforced Conference. The team finished 5th in both the Reinforced and Open conferences of the PVL’s inaugural season last year. “Right now, our target is to make it to the final four first. From there we’ll see if we reach the finals. We’ll work on making the team work together inside the court,” said new Banko Perlas head coach Ariel dela Cruz. BanKo Perlas named dela Cruz as head coach of the Spikers, replacing Thai mentor Nai Muhammed in the second season of the PVL. He will be joined by former national team member Michelle Carolino in the coaching staff. Dela Cruz said they got new players from the UAAP. The line-up now

includes strong imports in former Thai national team member Jutarat Montripila and American outside hitter Kia Bright, whose goal is to make her teammates’ job easier. “I consider myself a very versatile hitter. I just want everybody to play their best and I’m prepared to take on that extra weight and help the team,” she said. A product of the University of Central Florida, Bright admitted having to adjust to the local gameplay. “The speed of play is a little bit slower, but there are a lot more rallies,” she said. “They play with so much heart and they don’t just give up on plays.” Completing the BanKo Perlas Spikers line-up are Team Captain Sue Roces, Mae Tajima, Giselle Tan, Ella de Jesus, Amanda Villanueva, Joy Dacoron, Jem Ferrer, Amy Ahomiro, Fhen Emnas, and Nicole Tiamzon. BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., a subsidiary

of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, began supporting the team last year to promote the sport nationwide and reach out to more clients. BanKo focuses on delivering financial solutions to the unbanked and underserved, thereby bringing the benefits of financial inclusion to many Filipinos. “We have a very exciting team. We have a combination of imports and good local players,” said BanKo president Jerome Minglana, adding that the team’s growth is similar to and consistent with the BanKo brand. “We can give a good fight against all the teams so long as we play to our full potential.” The Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference opened last May 6. BanKo Perlas Spikers will first appear in this year’s tournament on May 12 at Tuguegarao City, playing against Creamline Cool Smashers and Pocari Sweat Air Force.

BanKo Perlas Spikers will bid for the Final Four this year in the Premier Volleyball League. They are (standing, from left) Charo Soriano, Dong Dela Cruz, Joy Dacoron, Mae Tajima, Amy Ahomiro Kia Bright, Sue Roces, Sasa Devanadera, Michelle Carolino, Ivan Dionisio, Lou Regidor. Kneeling (from left) Ella De Jesus, Fhen Emnas, Nicole Tiamzon, Jem Ferrer, Amanda Villanueva, Dzi Gervacio, and Gizelle Tan. Not in Picture is Thai import Jutarat Montripila.

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SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

MASTER’S THESIS EVOLVES INTO TAXI-HAILING SERVICE

Young entrepreneurs from the Philippines, China and Maldives emerge winners at the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2018.

YOUNG FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS WIN IN SUMMIT ON SOCIAL INNOVATION

Hallohallo Business Inc. president Mihoko Mori (left) and MiCab founder and CEO Eddie Ybañez show a model of seven-inch tablets used as advertising medium for MiAds.

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EFORE Uber and Grab came to the Philippines, Eddie Ybañez had developed an SMSpowered taxi-hailing service in Cebu City based on his master’s thesis. The service took off as a mobile application in 2012 and is now known as MiCab, which uses ads in place of booking fees and surge prices during peak hours. “The idea started as my masteral thesis in Cebu. When I created the idea, there were no smartphones yet. Uber was not yet here. MiCab as a service was through SMS then,” says Ybañez, the 32-year-old founder and chief executive of MiCab. Ybañez graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Cebu Institute of Technology in 2007 and Master’s degree in Information Technology from the same institution in 2010. He says he learned how to code by sneaking into his high school’s computer laboratory and he sharpened his skills in college by becoming a web developer and systems engineer. He worked as a software engineer for several companies which required him to travel to different places. Going to the airport, however, was difficult in the early morning because taxi cabs rarely passed by his place. The need to hail a taxi cab encouraged him to develop the initial SMS-based solution of MiCab, which was the subject of his thesis. “It makes perfect sense, because personally, I felt the problem. It was in 2012 when MiCab was launched as a mobile application. Before it started as an app, it was just an SMS solution to send SMS to the driver. That’s how it started,” Ybañez says in an interview in Makati City during the launch of MiAds, the advertising solution of MiCab and Japanese partner Hallohallo Business Inc.

Uber, which started in the US in 2009, did not come to the Philippines until January 2014, while Grab, which was developed in Malaysia in 2012, expanded to the Philippines in August 2013. When Ybañez met Kenneth Baylosis during Startup Weekend Cebu in November 2012, they discussed developing the mobile app version of MiCab together. Baylosis is now a partner in the company. Ybañez says unlike other transport network companies, MiCab does not only give taxi-riders the convenience to hail a taxi but it also enables taxi drivers to compete with the likes of Uber and Grab. “We partner with purely taxi cabs. Our business model is pretty different. We don’t charge booking fees. We have zero surge pricing. We depend on advertising for our revenue stream. That’s what makes us unique,” Ybañez says. He says unlike other ride-hailing services, MiCab does not earn from drivers or passengers. It earns from ads sponsored by companies and brands that are displayed on Huawei’s seven-inch, LTE-powered, Android-based tablets. Ybañez says he and Baylosis deployed the mobile app in Metro Cebu first by teaming up with Ken Taxi which has the largest taxi fleet in the Visayas and then expanded to Iloilo City where it partnered with Light of Glory Taxi in 2014. It later expanded to Bacolod City, Davao City and Metro Manila. “For this year, we are targeting total deployment of 15,000 taxis. After that, maybe get around 30,000. Overall, there are 50,000 taxis nationwide. If we get 30,000 taxis, that would be enough,” says Ybañez. The ultimate goal is to expand overseas, starting with other Southeast Asian cities. Ybañez says MiCab allows taxi drivers to pick up more passengers and give them a share in advertising revenue. “Taxi drivers now have problem competing with TNCs, as riders no longer go to taxi lanes. With MiCab, they get additional eight to 10 passengers a day. Aside from that, they have a 10-percent share in advertising revenues,” he says.

He says MiCab teamed up with Hallohallo Business Inc., a unit of a Japanese company, to deploy MiAds using tablets with media support. “Hallohallo is our early supporter, giving us advertisers in Cebu. The moment we decided to launch nationwide, we tapped them as our partner,” says Ybañez. Mihoko Mori, president of Hallohallo, says the Makati-based company provides digital taxi ads, digital marketing, marketing research, event management, sales promotion and business consulting. She says with MiAds deployed in 15,000 taxis this year, they have a market reach of 31.2 million passengers a month. “Hallohallo is based in Manila, but our parent company is in Japan. We invested here in the Philippines. Taxi ads are common in Japan, and we bring it here in the Philippines. From the taxi ads, we expanded to other mediums of advertising,” Mori says. “We see really big potential with MiAds because the volume is totally different from others. It is effective especially during heavy traffic when there is nothing to do. That is called captive marketing. It is also a low-cost form of advertising, unlike TV,” she says. A study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency shows that the Philippines ranks as the 9th country with the worst traffic in the world and 4th in Asia. Mori says MiAds effectively uses this situation to approach a certain number of passengers with digital advertisement. MiAds reaches up to 80 passengers a day per taxi, or over 31 million in a month. She says for advertisers, MiAds offers speed due to its digital platform, targeted reach in tapping consumers, interactive content that promotes engagement, wide reach of market and datadriven analytics. An advertisement slot costs P500 a month for a 15-second display, repeated in seven-minute to five-minute intervals. Turn to B2

FILIPINO MOTHERS FACE CHALLENGES AT WORK WOMEN and young mothers in the Philippines find themselves leaving their jobs because of the lack of adequate parent-friendly working arrangements, subpar employee benefits and poor work-life balance, according to Monster. com’s annual #SheMakesItWork survey. Additionally, more than 50 percent of mothers surveyed said they believe their career has been hindered or “somewhat” affected by their decision to have children. Perhaps contributing to this are levels of discrimination in the workplace, where 21 percent of women said they have been labelled as “too emotional” and 19 percent don’t feel like they are taken seriously in the workplace. Beyond this, 18 percent of women said they had been questioned about their desire or plans to have children during job interviews. The study, which surveyed over 2,600 respondents across the Philippines,

Singapore and Malaysia aimed to identify challenges women and mothers face in the workplace, in line with Mother’s Day. It also aimed to raise attention to these issues for employers, who might want to consider more family- friendly arrangements to aid in increasing retention and lowering overall attrition of the female workforce. A lack of flexible working arrangements (32 percent) and struggling to balance demands from clients and colleagues as well as family life (58 percent) were some of the answers provided by working women and new mothers when asked about challenges faced at work. New mothers felt anxious about leaving their infants at home, with only a minority of respondents reporting that their companies offered benefits such as medical benefits and compensation

(28 percent), adjusted work schedules (28 percent), lactation rooms at the workplace (9 percent) and child day care centers at work (5 percent). To combat this, respondents suggested solutions such as flexible work arrangements tailored to the mothers’ needs (37 percent), efficient communication with mothers about leave policies (17 percent), and a transition period consisting of reduced workload (16 percent). However, the majority of respondents were happily able to utilize flexible working hours with their current employers (61 percent), although this did not include working from home options, with 44 percent unable to do so. “Although respondents in the Philippines had the highest number of respondents able to utilize flexible working options in Southeast Asia, there

is still room for improvement to better support and manage the workloads for working mothers. This is reflected by the fact that over 50 percent of working Filipina women surveyed feel that they miss out on crucial career milestones after having children,” said Abhijeet Mukherjee, chief executive of Monster. com in Asia-Pacific and the Gulf. “Women are an integral component of the Philippines’ working population and many either choose or need to work to support their families. If companies make an effort to build an inclusive culture which supports women and working mothers, they will see a marked improvement in their retention rates,” he said. Monster Philippines is launching its annual #SheMakesItWork campaign to raise greater awareness of the issues women across Southeast Asia face at work.

FIVE social enterprises founded by young people across the Asia Pacific were recognized for innovative a p p ro a c h e s t o h e l p a c h i e ve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The winning teams were chosen from 16 finalists in the Summit’s Regional Social Innovation Challenge, which capped the inaugural Youth Co:Lab Summit 2018 held in Bangkok, Thailand. Launched in 2017 by the United Nations Development Program, with support from the Citi Foundation,Youth Co:Lab is a regional program that aims to tackle social and unemployment challenges by harnessing youth’s leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. The program is part of Citi and Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative to equip urban youth with the tools to thrive in today’s economy. All three Philippine teams won in the categories of Start-up Track and Scale-up Track. The Philippine representatives were Alex Austria and Keisha Mayuga of LawKo, a legal literacy initiative; Pamela Nicole Mejia of Phinix, a textile recycling center; and Samantha Sanchez and Dominique de Leon of Arooga Health, a mental wellness platform. Citi Philippines chief executive Aftab Ahmed congratulated the young entrepreneurs, telling them, “Citi is proud of what you’ve achieved both as delegates and entrepreneurs. Your entrepreneurial spirit is to be admired and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of your businesses in contributing to the development of the Philippine economy.” A total of 21 teams, consisting of over 30 young people from 9 countries, participated in two days of dialog, capacity-building and mentorship before making their final pitches. The winning teams will participate in a youth entrepreneurship forum in China in August 2018. For the Start-up Track category, winners are LawKo, a social media chatbot that aims to bridge the knowledge gap between a jargonfilled legal system and the general public by responding to questions about legal and government processes; and Arooga Health, a platform that provides users with convenient access to trusted emotional and mental wellness care providers. For the Scale-up Track category, winners are Phinix, a textile recycling center that collects fabric scraps and transforms them into higher value products like footwear, fashion accessories and lifestyle pieces and Hands On from China which uses 3-D printing technology to produce affordable prosthetics for children and young amputees. In the past year, the social enterprise has made over 50 robotic hands for beneficiaries in over 14 Chinese provinces. For the Popular Award category, Blue Hearts from the Maldives has received over 900 likes on Facebook. The online platform is designed to provide young people access to psychological care by connecting them to psychology graduates seeking work experience. The graduate volunteers will b e s u p e r v i s e d by re gi s te re d professionals. Winners were chosen based on included contribution to relevant Sustainable Development Goal(s), viability and potential to scale social enterprise models, team capability and innovation, including potential to pioneer impactful change, among other things.

Business

B2

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

PINOY KIDS REAP HONORS AT GLOBAL SCIENCE COMPETITION GRADE school students from Taguig Integrated School recently brought the country honor and pride on the world stage as they won major science awards for inventing innovative, yet practical household products. Th e t wo w i n n i n g p ro d u c t s, “Euphorbia Hirta Dengue-Relieving Tea” and “Coconut Oil, Basil, and Beeswax Anti-Bacterial and Mosquito Repellant Candle” won gold and silver prizes, respectively at the International Engineering Invention and Innovation Exhibition organized by the World Invention Intellectual Proper ty Association and the International Federation of Inventors’ Association on April 13 to 15 at Universiti Malaysia Perlis in Perlis, Malaysia. TIS’ Kenth Andrew Gallarda, Franxes Keisha Joven and Francis Elija Valdez took home the gold award, while Ivan Gabriel de Lumen, Issachar Philippe’e Zerda and Vien Kiosoffe Lopez won silver. The teams were led by research advisers and TIS faculty members Rosenda Puno, Georgie Amaranto and Grace Binalla. The Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate foundation of the Aboitiz Group, provided the school’s learning facilities as well as financial support

during the three-day exhibition as part of its broader and strong commitment to the Department of Education Special Science Elementary Schools project. As part of the DepED SSES project, the science students explained that their inventions were inspired by practical everyday challenges that they sought to address. “Many people today have dengue, especially in our community, and we want to help relieve their symptoms through the euphorbia, which make blood platelets reproduce faster,” said Joven. “I felt a bit nervous during the question-and-answer portion because I thought the questions from the jury would be too hard. Still, I was able to answer some of them,” Gallardo said of his experience at the contest. “I felt really happy for our students. Aboitiz proved to be a really big help. Aside from the laboratory provided by the Aboitiz Foundation, the equipment for research such as projectors and computers can definitely be used in the future,” said Puno. “This big win by our studentbeneficiaries from TIS truly motivates us. The Aboitiz Foundation will continue supporting important educational initiatives, particularly the strengthening of SSES and technicalvocational high schools, as we help communities feel empowered, safe, and be sustainable,” said Maribeth Marasigan, Aboitiz Foundation first vice president and chief operating officer.

US FIRM TRAINS MOTHERS TO BECOME GOOD FARMERS By Alena Mae S. Flores

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ARGILL Feeds & Nutrition, one of the largest agriculture companies in the United States, believes that Filipino women are very good farmers as it recognizes their contribution on Mother’s Day.

Cargill conducts several different training programs for farmers, depending on the level of their operations. “Women tend to be very good farmers, either as decision makers in the farms or hands-on in the operations. Encouraging more women and training and guiding them to become income generators through farming can result in better livelihoods and incomes for their families,” said Cargill Philippines country director Sonny Catacutan. Catacutan said Cargill is committed to improving the livelihood of Filipino farmers, both men and women alike, “by improving their farm system with the goal of increasing their profit. Improving farm efficiency also encourages them to expand their farming businesses.” Cargill believes that women and mothers are natural multi-taskers who never seem to get their hands full, even if their to-do lists are loaded with items that still need to be ticked off. They always have an extra room for more; to do more for the people they love most, even being extra productive to ensure a better future for their families. Minda Godoy Barlolong, 63, and Teodora Villasana, 50, from Barangay Panaga, Laoac, Pangasinan are both mothers and farmers at the same time. Barlolong and Villasana are proud pig farmers who were able to provide for their families by breeding domestic pigs as livestock. These supermoms did not hesitate to take on a task that was often regarded as a man’s work. They knew they had to do something to earn, as they would need this to support the future of their children. “I even became a role model in our neighborhood, especially for unemployed moms. I was able to convince them to learn and do pig farming to give them a source of income,” said Villasana. Pig farming isn’t an easy task and takes a lot of time and effort. Barlolong said that when a pig is in labor, she has to monitor and watch the pig closely, even staying up all night.

“It’s also extra challenging when there’s an outbreak,” Villasana said. To help these farmers, Cargill conducts trainings aimed toward farmers with backyard operations of less than 20 heads, to trainings to slightly bigger operations (20 to 100 heads), and even for commercial and industrial-sized operations (500 sow level and up). “Regardless of the target type of farmers, the objective behind these trainings is to educate farmers on new and better ways of swine/poultry farming to help them be more productive and profitable,” Catacutan said. Cargill uses this venue to also share the best management practices they have learned globally, and introduce tools and technologies

being used by commercial team in providing services to the farm to help them earn more. “One sample topic we have in the backyard farmers is the Purina Four square programs [good breeding, careful sanitation, sound management and good feeding),” he said. Villasana said the trainings were not only able to equip the women farmers of the right tools and knowledge to improve the way they do swine/ pig farming, but also helped them improve their livelihood and increase their income which allowed the parents, especially the women farmers to give their children education. “I was able to fund my kids education because of all this. I have two kids, one was a CPA graduate; the other, a Law graduate,” said Barlolong.

MASTER’S...

From B1

“We believe that MiAds is the future of advertising. We see a lot of potential in the product and we want to use our distinct position to drive influence and make our ads matter to our audience. We recognize the opportunity of working with an innovative technology company such as MiCab to help businesses leverage on the digital advertising platform,” says Mori. M i C a b, w h i c h w a s re c e n t l y accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to operate in Metro Manila, shows the advertisements on tablets installed in the taxis. Taxi operators are the ones who shoulder the costs of installing the tablets and data connection, but Ybañez says the taxi drivers can quickly recoup the investment in the form of more income from passengers and their share in ad revenues. “MiAds will help businesses reach consumers in an unprecedented form of ‘mobile advertising’ here in the Philippines. They’ll be able to reach their target market wherever they are, when they are most open to hear from brands. And by helping enterprises, MiAds will keep MiCab affordable for consumers,” says Ybañez. Roderick T. dela Cruz

9 FILIPINO BUSINESSWOMEN BAG THE ASEAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD N I N E o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s m o s t distinguished businesswomen have been recognized at the Asean Women Entrepreneurs Network’s Asean Women Entrepreneur Award ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand. Lauded at the event for their exemplary business practices were Cherrie Atilano of Agrea Agricultural Systems International, Natividad Cheng of Uratex Group of Companies, Imelda Ahalul-Dagus of Dennis Coffee Garden, Maria Montserrat I tur ralde -Hamlin of TeamAsia, Octavia Hizon of Hizon’s Restaurant & Catering Services, Jeannie Javelosa of Great Women Philippines Corp. and ECHOstore, Edilee Omoyon of Milea Bath & Body Wellness Essentials, Olive Puentespina of Malagos Farmhouse and Carlota Manalo-Tan of Wendy’s Philippines. AWEN established the Asean Women Entrepreneur Award to honor outstanding entrepreneurs who champion fair, gender-sensitive labor practices for women and have made an impact in society through their

commitment, vision, and leadership. for polic y-mak ing in economic Asean member states established empowerment and social issues. AWEN to serve as women’s voice Philippines Women Entrepreneurs

Network, the Philippines’ leading women’s network, served as AWEN’s focal point in the past two years. As AWEN leadership is rotated among Asean member states, it is Thailand’s turn to be chair for 2018 to 2020. Pacita Juan, the founder of ECHOstore and a staunch green growth and coffee advocate, has been the chair of AWEN since 2016. Juan, in collaboration with co-chair Aurora “Boots” Garcia, established a model coalition of women’s business organizations through PhilWEN. This served as a model for Thailand’s AWEN-Thailand and Cambodia’s CamWEN. Singapore, the 2018 Asean chair, has long established its network called Singapore Council of Women’s Organizations. Other member states are in the process of organizing similar coalitions. During the Philippines’ 2017 Asean hosting, AWEN participated in the Asean Business Advisory Council Joint Business Councils meeting. This resulted in the signing of the Action Agenda to mainstream Women’s Economic Empowerment.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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Integrated Bar of the Philippines THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF A.M. No. 17-03-09-SC OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “RULE ON COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SERVICE” RULE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 1. Title. — This shall be known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of A.M. No. 17-03-09-SC otherwise known as the “Rule on Community Legal Aid Service,” and hereinafter called the “CLAS Rules.”

(b) Free Legal Aid Services on Weekends – Upon written request duly approved by the Chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, the NCLA Director, or the chairperson, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider, any covered lawyer may comply with the requirements of this CLAS Rules on weekends. Said lawyers may also be entitled to an extension of the compliance period, upon request of the concerned lawyer as may be approved by the OBC in accordance with Section 13(b) hereof.’ Covered lawyers who are working in the government, but are not exempted under this CLAS Rules, may request that their compliance be done during weekends.

(a)

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this CLAS Rules, the following terms shall be understood as they are defined under this Section: (a) “Covered lawyers” shall refer to those who have signed the Roll of Attorneys in year 2018 and onwards.

(c)

(b) “Pro Bono/ Free Legal Aid Service” shall refer to legal services as defined in Section 6 hereof.

“Indigent Party” shall refer to those defined under Rule 3, Section 21 of the Rules of Court which provides that an “indigent party” is one who has no money or property sufficient and available for food, shelter and basic necessities for himself and his family. The test for indigency shall not be based on a set financial amount but rather on the capacity to afford the services of counsel after considering his or her basic necessities for himself or herself and his or her family.

(e) “Other Persons of Limited Means” shall refer to persons or marginalized groups and entities who may not be covered by Sections (c) and (d) hereof but would, under the circumstances, not financially able to afford the services of counsel. This includes farmers, indigenous peoples, children in conflict with the law, victims of gender violence, and such other similar groups as may be approved by the IBP. (f) “Law School Legal Aid Office” is an office or center under a law school’s clinical legal education program duly organized and accredited under Rule 138-A (The Law Student Practice Rule) to render legal assistance and services to indigent parties and/or litigants as defined herein. (g) “Public Interest Law Group” is any group, association, institution, office, or center duly-organized and with a specific and clear mandate to assist specific marginalized sectors of society in their legal needs. For purposes of this CLAS Rules, such a group must have been organized and in active service of its mandate for at least five (5) years prior to the effectivity of A.M. No. 17-0309-SC. (h) “Accredited Legal Aid Service Providers (ALASP)” are legal aid offices duly accredited with the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC) where covered lawyers may render pro bono legal aid service. These offices shall include: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Law organizations regularly rendering legal aid services; Developmental Legal Assistance Groups and Alternative Law Groups rendering developmental legal assistance as defined under Section 6(c) hereof; Public Interest Law Groups, as defined herein; Law School Legal Aid Offices, as defined herein; and Law firms which handle cases for persons of limited means, as defined herein, or marginalized groups and entities. This shall include law firms with established legal aid departments or which regularly render pro bono legal aid service or act as counsel de oficio;

(i)

“Integrated Bar of the Philippines” (IBP) is the official national organization of lawyers in the country.

(j)

“National Center for Legal Aid” (NCLA) is the national office of the IBP which is specifically tasked to monitor legal aid programs of all IBP Chapters and handle legal aid cases. The NCLA, without need of OBC accreditation, shall also be a legal aid service provider under this CLAS Rules.

(k) “IBP Chapters” are those located in the different geographical areas of the country as defined in Rule 139-A of the Rules of Court and the By-Laws of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The IBP Chapters shall be the primary legal aid service providers under this CLAS Rules. (l)

“IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee” is the committee of the IBP Chapter which will supervise the covered lawyers in the rendition of free legal services under this CLAS Rules.

(m) “Law Firm” refers to a private law firm or office with a pro bono program intended to provide free legal aid services and assistance to indigent parties and/or litigants. A law firm/office which shall apply for accreditation with the OBC shall secure an endorsement from the IBP Chapter which has jurisdiction over the place where its office is located. The concerned IBP Chapter is hereby authorized to impose such other reasonable requirements and/or fees for endorsement.

Covered lawyers in the executive and legislative branches of government [excluding local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), local water districts (LWDs), and other similar institutions] as well as in constitutional bodies, provided that the covered lawyer must already be in said government service at least six (6) months before admission into the Bar (oath-taking). For this purpose, certifications shall be issued in accordance with Section 6(d) of this CLAS Rules;

Those who have already undergone and completed the clinical legal education program duly organized and accredited under Rule 138-A (The Law Student Practice Rule). Provided, that the service rendered was voluntary and not made to earn any academic units/credits;

(d) Covered lawyers who have worked for at least one (1) year, upon admission to the Bar, in law firms offering pro bono legal services or regularly accepting counsel de oficio appointments;

For purposes of this CLAS Rules, the pro bono/ free legal aid service shall be supervised as provided herein.

Further, a party shall be considered as an indigent if (i) his gross monthly income and that of his immediate family combined does not exceed an amount double the monthly minimum wage of an employee in the place where the party resides and (ii) he does not own real property with a fair market value, as stated in the current tax declaration, of more than Three Hundred Thousand (Php300,000.00) Pesos.

(e)

(f)

Covered lawyers who have worked for more than one (1) year, upon admission to the Bar, as staff of a Law School Legal Aid Office, a Public Interest Law Group, or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Covered lawyers who have worked with lawyers for Public Interest Law Groups or alternative or developmental law groups for more than one (1) year, upon admission to the Bar, and have filed public interest cases as defined in Section 5 (d) of this CLAS Rules.

(c) Individuals, groups, or organizations rendered unable to secure free legal assistance by reason of “conflict of interest” on the part of governmentprovided legal assistance through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), provided they are qualified under the means and merit tests under the NCLA guidelines or manual of operations. Provided further, in all legal aid cases of whatever nature, the PAO may invoke “conflict of interest” only in civil, criminal or administrative cases with several defendants/accused/ respondents having conflicting defenses. Provided finally, the giving of legal advice or the preparation of affidavits/ complaints/documents in any case shall not be a ground to invoke “conflict of interest”; and (d) Public interest cases that has societal impact and involves a group or sector of society that otherwise would not be capable of securing legal assistance by reason of inability of other lawyers, law firms, or government offices, including the Public Attorney’s Office. SECTION 6. Legal Services Covered. — The following shall be considered pro bono legal services for purposes of this CLAS Rules: (a) Representation of qualified parties and/or litigants, as defined, in the trial courts in civil and criminal cases and quasi-judicial bodies in administrative cases, including proceedings for mediation, voluntary or compulsory arbitration, and such other modes of alternative dispute resolution; (b) Legal counseling, rendering assistance in contract negotiations and drafting of related legal documents, including memoranda of law and other similar documents that are provided to the client. Drafting may include policy work involving legal research and advocacy; (c) Developmental Legal Assistance, consisting of rights awareness, capacity building, and training in basic human rights, documentation, and affidavitmaking, rendered in public interest cases, including legal assistance rendered by identified Public Interest Law Groups; (d) Legal services provided as part of employment in the judiciary, executive, or legislative branches of government and in constitutional bodies shall be considered sufficient compliance with this Rule, provided that the covered lawyer must already be in said government service at least six (6) months before admission into the Bar (oath-taking); provided further, that the legal services provided are substantive, as certified by the concerned Head of Office whose rank must be at least Director IV or its equivalent. For purposes of this CLAS Rules, the said certification should state the actual number of hours and summary of the legal services rendered; (e) Legal services provided to marginalized sectors and identities, such as but not limited to: (i) urban poor or informal settlers; (ii) workers/laborers; (iii) overseas foreign workers; (iv) children in conflict with the law; (v) indigenous peoples; (vi) persons with disabilities; (vii) persons involved in gender issues; and (viii) those groups as may be approved by the IBP; and (f)

Attendance and participation in legal aid summits/conferences organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines National Office. Provided, however, that in no case the creditable hours shall exceed four (4) hours per seminar at the discretion of the IBP.

SECTION 7. Requirements. — (a) Number of Hours – Covered lawyers, as defined under Section 4(a), are required to render one hundred twenty (120) hours of pro bono legal aid services to qualified parties enumerated in Section 5, within the first twelve (12) months from admission to the Bar of the covered lawyers, counted from the time they signed the Roll of Attorneys. For this purpose, covered lawyers shall report to the chairperson of their IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, or the chairperson, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider of their choice for their compliance with this CLAS Rules. Covered lawyers who are based outside the jurisdiction of their Home Chapters may opt to report to the NCLA Director or the chairperson of the IBP Host Chapter of

(f)

In relation to Section 8 of this CLAS Rules, provide a CLAS Exemption Number in the Certificates of Exemption to be issued to those covered lawyers whose applications for exemption are approved. It shall also indicate the year of admission to the Bar and control number. Example: CLAS-OBC-EXMPTPPLM(Home Chapter)-2018(Year of Admission to the Bar)-0001(Control Number). The OBC shall furnish the IBP with the list of covered lawyers who were given certificates of exemption. Covered lawyers who were issued certificates of exemption should indicate in all pleadings filed before the courts or quasijudicial bodies the number and date of issue of the certificate of exemption for a period of five (5) years from issuance thereof. Covered lawyers who are commissioned as Notaries Public shall likewise indicate said CLAS Exemption Number in their notarial details within the same five-year period;

(g) File, motu proprio or upon recommendation of the IBP, administrative charges against non-compliant covered lawyers and any group/person who may be involved in any violation of this CLAS Rules; and (h) Provide the standard forms for the timelog, timesheets, and notarized Certificate of Compliance. The IBP may, however, recommend the said standard forms to the OBC. SECTION 19. Duties of IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA or the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider. —

Within thirty (30) days from date of signing the Roll of Attorneys, any covered lawyer under this Section shall submit his/her sworn statement and Certificate of Exemption issued by the concerned office showing his/her entitlement to the exemption from the rule. Otherwise, the covered lawyer shall not be considered exempt from the Rule and, thus, he/she has to comply with this CLAS Rules.

2.

The NCLA Director and the Chairperson of the concerned IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee shall be allowed to exercise his sound discretion in crediting the appropriate number of hours based on the principle of quantum meruit. He may also exercise such discretion as may be deemed necessary to ensure compliance of this CLAS Rules.

The said sworn statement/Certificate of Exemption shall state the details of the substantive legal services rendered including the number of hours spent, which shall not be less than 120 hours, and the summary of cases handled or legal services rendered. This provision shall be strictly construed against the exemption.

3.

The Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider, NCLA or the IBP Host Chapter shall issue a certificate of compliance with a blank space provided for the Compliance Number to be issued by the IBP Home Chapter of the concerned covered lawyer. The IBP Home Chapter need not issue a separate certificate for this purpose.

4.

The concerned IBP Chapter shall verify the contents of the Affidavit of Full Compliance submitted by the covered lawyer before it issues the Certificate of Compliance.

5.

The concerned IBP Chapter shall issue the Certificate of Compliance as provided under Section 12 hereof with the corresponding CLAS Compliance Number. Example: CLAS-PPLM(Home Chapter)-2018(Year of Admission to the Bar)-0001(Control Number).

RULE II – PROCEDURES / COMPLIANCE SECTION 9. Supervision of Covered Lawyers. — Representation in civil and criminal cases before courts and in administrative cases before quasi-judicial agencies and the rendition of other pro bono legal aid services shall be under the direct supervision and control of the Chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA Director, or the chairman, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider where the covered lawyers are registered or affiliated. The supervision of covered lawyers may be delegated by the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee Chairperson to other elected officers or directors of the Chapter and to qualified members as may be approved by the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee Chairperson. The NCLA Director may delegate this authority to any of his deputies and assisting lawyers. SECTION 10. Signing of Pleadings. — Any and all pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, or other papers to be filed in court or any quasi-judicial agency must be signed by the covered lawyers and co-signed by the chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA Director, or the chairman, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider. Under exceptional circumstances, the pleadings may be signed solely by the covered lawyers only if it is urgent and in the event the chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA Director, or the chairman, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider is unavailable, but such signature page shall indicate the name of the concerned supervising lawyer. For this purpose, the chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee may delegate the authority to sign pleadings to other officers/directors of the IBP Chapter. The NCLA Director may delegate this authority to any of his deputies. The name of the supervising lawyer co-signing the pleading should be properly identified and indicated in the said pleading. Any covered lawyer handling cases before the courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall be primarily responsible in the monitoring of all notices, orders, decisions, resolutions, pleadings and other processes in relation to his/ her cases. Time Log and Timesheets. — The IBP Chapter Legal Aid SECTION 11. Committee, NCLA or the accredited Legal Aid Service Provider shall keep a record of the time/hours spent by covered lawyers in rendering free legal aid services to qualified parties or litigants. For this purpose, the said committee or legal aid service provider shall designate a person responsible to keep timesheets containing the number of hour(s) spent every week by each covered lawyer in rendering free legal aid services for each assigned case and/or client. Time spent in the office or at the place designated by the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA or Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider, regardless of whether there are clients attended to or not, shall also be recorded and included in the computation of the hours required by this CLAS Rules. The actual hours spent by the covered lawyers in court or before any quasi-judicial agency with the client shall likewise be recorded and counted. The timesheets shall be authenticated by the chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA Director, or the chairperson, director, or supervising partner or lawyer in charge of the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider.

(b) The concerned IBP Chapter may impose a reasonable fee for the issuance of the said Certificate of Compliance. Any fee for the notarization of the said certificate must likewise be reasonable.

(b) Other persons of limited means, as defined herein;

(e) Monitor the compliance of covered lawyers and the Accredited Legal Aid Service Providers with the requirements and procedures as provided in this CLAS Rules. The OBC shall furnish the IBP the list of accredited legal aid service providers;

For purposes of this CLAS Rules particularly items (d), (e), and (f) of this Section, there must be certificate of employment and a certification stating the actual number of hours and summary of the legal services rendered.

(o) “Home Chapter” refers to the IBP chapter to which the lawyer belongs.

(a) Indigent Parties and/or Litigants, as defined herein;

Accredit Public Interest Groups, Developmental Legal Aid Groups, Alternative Legal Aid Groups, or Law Firms which intend to participate in this legal aid program under this CLAS Rules. The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), and previously accredited Clinical Legal Aid Offices shall be automatically accredited by the OBC. Law firms/offices shall comply with the provisions under Section 4(m) of this CLAS Rules. The NCLA and the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committees need not be accredited by the OBC;

The IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA or the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider shall submit to the OBC, copy furnished the Office of the IBP National President, an annual Report containing a summary of the certificates issued to covered lawyers, on or before June 30 of every year. The Report shall contain a list of the covered lawyers, the number of hours spent rendering free legal aid services, the legal aid cases involved, and the qualified parties or litigants for whom the services were rendered.

SECTION 12. Certificate of Compliance. — (a) Covered lawyers shall, upon completion of the required 120 hours of free legal aid services, submit an Affidavit of Full Compliance and a notarized Certificate of Compliance to the OBC issued and signed by the chairperson of the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA Director, or the chairman, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider where they are registered.

SECTION 5. Qualified Parties or Litigants. — Pro bono legal services may be provided to the following qualified parties and/or litigants under this CLAS Rules:

d)

1.

(n) “Office of the Bar Confidant” (OBC) is the office of the Supreme Court that has custody of the Bar records and personal records of lawyers. It assists the Supreme Court in disciplining the Bar by investigating complaints against lawyers and Bar candidates. For purposes of this Rule, it shall be the Office that accredits legal aid service providers, as defined herein, and certifies compliance or non-compliance by covered lawyers.

(p) “Host Chapter” refers to the IBP chapter of which the lawyer is not a member but to which the lawyer has chosen to report for the purpose of compliance with this CLAS Rules. For this purpose, the NCLA may be considered as Host Chapter.

(c) Accredit Clinical Legal Aid Offices of Law Schools in accordance with the requirements of the Legal Education Board and under such Rules as the Supreme Court may promulgate;

(b) Those already employed, upon admission into the Bar, with the judiciary, the Public Attorney’s Office, the National Prosecution Service, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, and the Office of the Ombudsman shall be automatically exempt from compliance with this Rule. In this regard, the concerned lawyers shall submit the necessary certificate of employment. Provided, however, that they shall undertake to remain in the government service for at least one (1) year from admission to the Bar. A violation of the said undertaking shall nullify their certificate of exemption;

SECTION 3. Scope. — Compliance with this CLAS Rules shall be mandatory for all covered lawyers to render pro bono legal aid services to qualified parties and/or litigants, as defined herein.

(d) “Indigent Litigants” shall refer to those defined under Rule 141, Section 19 of the Rules of Court.

(b) Keep a record of all the Certificates of Compliance/Exemption and submit it to the Court en banc at the end of each quarter;

SECTION 8. Exemptions. — The following shall be exempted from the requirements of this CLAS Rules upon sufficient proof of their respective circumstances submitted with the OBC:

SECTION 2. Rationale. — The legal profession is imbued with public interest. As such, lawyers are charged with the duty to give meaning to the guarantee of access to adequate legal assistance under Section 11, Article III of the 1987 Constitution by making their legal services available to the public in an efficient and convenient manner compatible with the independence, integrity and effectiveness of the profession. As a way to discharge this constitutional duty, covered lawyers as defined herein are obliged to render pro bono legal aid services to those who otherwise would be denied access to adequate legal services.

(c)

covered lawyers with the issuing IBP Chapter, NCLA or the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider;

their choice for their compliance with this CLAS Rules.

TODAY

(c) Covered lawyers who obtained their certificates of compliance from the NCLA, a Host Chapter, or an Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider, as defined herein, should furnish a copy of the said certificate to their respective IBP Home Chapters. The concerned IBP Home Chapter shall then issue the corresponding CLAS Compliance Number. SECTION 13. Period for Compliance. — (a) Covered lawyers shall complete the community legal aid service within twelve (12) months from the date they sign the Roll of Attorneys. Within one (1) month after the lapse of the said period, covered lawyers shall submit the Affidavit of Full Compliance and the notarized Certificate of Compliance issued by the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA or Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider to the OBC. (b) The twelve (12) month period may be extended upon a petition duly submitted and granted by the Bar Confidant, who will furnish the Office of the Chief Justice with a copy of the order resolving the petition. The petition for extension must be filed within sixty (60) days before the lapse of the period for compliance. In the event a covered lawyer has completed the required number of hours before the end of the one (1) year period, he/ she can already submit the required affidavit and Certificate of Compliance to the OBC. (c) In order to address possible economic hardships that may be caused by strict compliance with this Rule, or for any justifiable reason (such as physical disability, illness, post-graduate study abroad, and other similar grounds), qualified lawyers may request compliance with this Rule for two (2) years. Covered lawyers who wish to avail of this privilege must file an application with the OBC, which shall determine the validity of the deferment on a case-to-case basis. SECTION 14. Continuous Handling or Turnover of Cases- Representation, once entered, by covered lawyers in cases before the courts or quasi-judicial agencies, shall continue until terminated; provided, that after the twelve-month period, the requirement of supervision shall no longer be mandatory. Should the covered lawyer, upon compliance with the Rule and lapse of the twelvemonth period, be unable to continue representation of the party by reason of professional conflict of interest arising from his or her employment, he/she may turn over the handling of the cases to the IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee, NCLA or the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider indicating clearly the reason for the turnover. The turned-over cases may then be re-assigned to another covered lawyer. RULE III – PROHIBITIONS AND BENEFITS SECTION 15. Prohibition against Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts. – Covered lawyers shall not solicit, request, or accept, directly or indirectly, any fee, gift, token of gratitude, or anything of monetary value in the course of rendering the legal aid services under this Rule. Any and all legal services provided under this Rule shall be on a pro bono basis. The covered lawyer, in compliance with this CLAS Rules, shall not also receive any form of monetary reward or consideration from the IBP Chapter, NCLA or the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider. SECTION 16. Protection of private practice or employment. – This Rule is not intended to impair the private practice or employment of covered lawyers and of the supervising lawyers. Barring any conflict of interest or any other violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility, covered lawyers can engage in private practice and accept paid clients or be employed in the government or in the private sector within the twelvemonth period for compliance.

Covered lawyers who were issued certificates of compliance should indicate in all pleadings filed before the courts or quasi-judicial bodies the number and date of issue of the certificate of compliance for a period of five (5) years from issuance thereof. Covered lawyers who are commissioned as Notaries Public shall likewise indicate said CLAS Compliance Number in their notarial details within the same five-year period. RULE V – FUNDING SECTION 20. Expenses. — Expenses incurred by the IBP and its Chapters in connection with the services rendered by the covered lawyers may be sourced from the IBP subsidy provided by the Supreme Court. Expenses by the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider shall be shouldered by the respective law organization, public interest group, developmental law group, alternative law group, law school, or law firm. The Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider may, however, in exceptional circumstances request the Supreme Court for financial assistance. RULE VI – PENALTIES SECTION 21. Penalties. — (a) A covered lawyer who fails to comply with the requirements of this CLAS Rules shall be required by the OBC to show cause in writing within ten (10) days from receipt of notice why no disciplinary action should be taken against him/her. Should the OBC find the covered lawyer’s explanation insufficient to justify the non-compliance, it shall recommend to the Supreme Court that the covered lawyer be disqualified from being issued by the IBP a “certificate of good standing” as member of the Bar. It may also recommend any appropriate disciplinary measures depending on the reasons for and the gravity of the non-compliance. (b) The IBP Chapter Legal Aid Committee shall monitor compliance with this CLAS Rules and any covered lawyer who refuses or fails to comply with the requirements shall be required by the Committee Chairperson to show cause in writing within five (5) days from receipt of notice why he/she should not be considered delinquent or “a member not in good standing.” (c) The concerned IBP Chapter may recommend to the IBP Board of Governors or to the Office of the Bar Confidant disciplinary action on a covered lawyer who fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this CLAS Rules. (d) Failure of covered lawyers to disclose the required number and date of issue of their certificate of compliance or exemption in their pleadings during the five-year period would be a ground for disciplinary action. (e) Without prejudice to criminal liability, a covered lawyer or the chairman, director, or supervising partner or lawyer from the Accredited Legal Aid Service Provider, as provided under Sec. 4(h) hereof, who falsifies the Certificate of Compliance or Exemption or such other related documents required to be submitted under this CLAS Rules shall be administratively charged by the IBP or the OBC before the Supreme Court with any disciplinary action which may include disbarment. RULE VII – EFFECTIVITY SECTION 22. Effectivity. — This “CLAS Rules” shall take effect immediately. 02 May 2018, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines. Drafted and Recommended by: IBP SPECIAL COMMITTEE TASKED TO DRAFT THE IRR

GOV. MARIENNE MACAHILIG IBADLIT Chairperson

EVP DOMINGO EGON Q. CAYOSA Member

DIR. MINERVA M.B. AMBROSIO Member

ATTY. DANNY L. GAPASIN, JR. Member

ATTY. JOB FLORANTE L. CASTILLO Member

ATTY. ROMUALDO A. DIN, JR. Member

ATTY. ERLA RHYSA R. ELAURIA Member

ATTY. JONAS FLORENTINO D.L. CABOCHAN Member

Approved by: IBP BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ATTY. ABDIEL DAN ELIJAH S. FAJARDO National President & Chairman of the Board

ATTY. DOMINGO EGON Q. CAYOSA Executive Vice President & Governor for Northern Luzon

ATTY. CARMELITA R. ELEAZAR Governor for Central Luzon

ATTY. SIXTO JOSE C. ANTONIO Governor for Southern Luzon

(a) A covered lawyer who successfully complies with the free legal aid service requirements of this Rule shall be given the full credit of thirty-six (36) MCLE units for the applicable three year-period, or the proportionate number of units for the cycle covered by the compliance period under the MCLE Rules.

ATTY. MARIE FE GALVEZ-GARCIA Governor for Greater Manila

ATTY. ELAINE GAY RAÑESES-BELEN Governor for Bicolandia

(b) The grant of full credit shall be without prejudice to any other legislated benefits that the covered lawyer may be entitled to, such as tax exemptions and other similar benefits.

ATTY. GONZALO D. MALIG-ON, JR. Governor for Eastern Visayas

ATTY. MARIENNE M. IBADLIT Governor for Western Visayas

ATTY. DENNIS M. BACALA Governor for Eastern Mindanao

ATTY. CHARLES B. RASONABLE Governor for Western Mindanao

–

SECTION 17.

Full Credit for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)

(c) Those who are exempt under this Rule shall not be given any MCLE credit units. They shall strictly comply with the rules on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education. RULE IV – DUTIES OF CONCERNED OFFICES SECTION 18. Duties of the Office of the Bar Confidant – The OBC shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Verify the contents of the notarized Certificate of Compliance submitted by

(MS-MAY 13, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

EXPERIENCE STAR WARS’ AUGMENTED REALITY PRINT MOM’S DAY MOMENTS WITH HP INK

ALLING all Star Wars fans. For the first time in Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, Star Wars fans can have lightsaber battles against each other in local multiplayer mode, the newest feature expansion for the smartphone-powered augmented reality experience from Lenovo and Disney. The feature update, titled Lightsaber Versus Mode, is the second free update since the product launched in November 2017. Lightsaber Versus Mode is available now in the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app, which is free to download on the App Store® and Google Play™. A first-of-its-kind, Star Wars: Jedi Challenges has allowed fans to train like a Jedi, battling against legendary dark side villains like Kylo Ren and Darth Vader in AR since its launch in late 2017. Driven by overwhelming fan demand, the new multiplayer mode allows two players— each equipped with the smartphone-powered Lenovo Mirage™ AR headset, Lightsaber Controller, Tracking Beacon and a compatible smartphone1—to face off in AR lightsaber battles, while in the same room. This is the first time two players can play simultaneously while being able to see the other player’s lightsaber in AR. “Innovating and iterating based on customer feedback is a big part of what makes Lenovo products different and better,” said Jeff Meredith, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo Consumer PCs and Smart Devices. “One of the most popular fan requests since the launch of Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is to enable 1-on1 local multiplayer mode for fans to duel one another in lightsaber battles. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Disney to fulfill fans’ wishes by testing the frontiers of augmented reality. The introduction of the Lightsaber Versus Mode is another step in our journey to offering consumers one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences made possible by AR.”

Lenovo and Disney bring new Multiplayer Mode to Star Wars: Jedi Challenges Augmented Reality Experience

In Lightsaber Versus Mode, players are guided by visual cues indicating when and where to block, dodge, and strike. As players face off, the battle increases in difficulty until one player claims victory. Each player must download the latest version of the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app2 on compatible smartphones,1 with access to the same Wi-Fi connection. “Our goal here is to extend Star Wars experiences in completely new and different ways for fans—Star Wars: Jedi Challenges does exactly that,” said Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President, Games and Interactive Experiences, Disney Parks, Experiences & Consumer Products. “The product’s global success has encouraged us to give players even more authentic Star Wars moments, and we look forward to continuing to improve and expand the gameplay.”

Lightsaber Battles: Perfect your lightsaber skills by taking on some of the most menacing villains the dark side has to offer —from Kylo Ren to Darth Vader and more. Or grab a friend and face off in the new Lightsaber Versus Mode. Strategic Combat: Command forces against enemies in large-scale legendary ground wars. Holochess: Outwit your opponents in the ultimate game of concentration and strategy in the beloved Star Wars board game that first appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope™. Multiplayer mode is the second expansion to the original experience and offers endless hours of dynamic 1-on-1 gameplay. Star Wars: Jedi Challenges also features an earlier content expansion, inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi, including a new lightsaber duel against two Praetorian Guards in Lightsaber Battles, three About Star Wars: Jedi Challenges additional levels of Strategic Combat set on the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges brings iconic mineral planet Crait, Porgs and more. Star Wars experiences to life with the Lenovo Mirage AR headset, a Lightsaber Controller Pricing and Availability modelled after Rey’s lightsaber as seen in Star Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is available on Wars: The Last Jedi™, Tracking Beacon, and www.jedichallenges.com and select local retailers compatible smartphone.1 Offering more than Villman, Silicon Valley, Gigahertz, DS Gadgets 30 hours of multi-level immersive content, Star and Select PC Express branches. Wars: Jedi Challenges features three gameplay It is priced at P14,995. The Star Wars: Jedi modes players must master on their journey to Challenges app is free to download on the App becoming a Jedi: Store and Google Play.

VIVO V9 WITH QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON PERFECT FOR GAMERS THROUGH the years, the smartphone has become an extension of its users. It has evolved from a basic tool for communication to an all-around tool for entertainment. Today’s smartphone is no longer used just for making calls or texting. It has become so powerful to accommodate complicated games without sacrificing its basic features—or it should be. But not many smartphones are as gamer-friendly as the newest Vivo V9. The Vivo V9 is equipped with the top tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octacore processor. This mobile platform comes with the Adreno 506 series GPU that promises advanced graphics and a smooth performance for a longer period. Qualcomm Technologies Inc. Senior Marketing Manager Dominikus Susanto (left) attended a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia on April 21 to explain the features of the Snapdragon 626 processor equipped in every Vivo V9. He was joined by Vivo Philippines Brand Director Annie Lim (center) and PR head Ivan Liu (right).

The chipset also offers longer battery life with the efficient 14nm FinFET process technology. The Snapdragon 626 also comes with the Qualcomm® Hexagon™ 546 DSP, which provides battery-efficient user enhancements to a smartphone’s audio and video capabilities. Vivo V9 also complemented Qualcomm Snapdragon 626’s features with its 6.3-inch 19:9 FullView™ Display that has a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio for an improved mobile phone gaming experience. Vivo also understands the importance of a comfortable grip while playing games. The Vivo V9 has an ergonomically optimized 3D curved cover to provide a Inside every Vivo V9 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor for a more powerful smartphone performance.

comfortable grip. It also upgraded its signature Game Mode to allow gamers to block background notifications, reject calls, among other capabilities. The AI Game Mode of Vivo V9 also allows gamers to talk to people while they are still playing their favorite gaming applications if they are connected to the Wi-Fi. It also has a Picture-In-Picture feature that allows gamers to use social messaging applications even in

the middle of a game. The Vivo V9 also has an improved gaming keyboard, which is a mini version of the TouchPal Keyboard. It can also intelligently allocate and optimize processing resources through the Smart Engine to ensures a smooth and seamless experience for gamers. The Vivo V9 is available for P17,990 nationwide in Pearl Black, Gold, and the limited edition Velvet Red.

BEHIND every successful individual is a super woman who gives endless love and support in every step of the way. Now, it’s time to turn things around and put the spotlight on these special women who have been in our lives since day one— our personal heroes and the light of our lives, our mothers. This Mother’s Day, there’s no better way to show your affection and appreciation to the number one woman in your life than with the gift of long-lasting memories printed on paper with original HP inks. More than the usual flower bouquets and box of chocolates, a gift with your personal touch warms a mother’s heart. And with HP printer and original inks, you can print copies of the beautiful memories you want to relive and use them in creating a personalized calendar, making a photo album, or designing a greeting card to amaze your mother. The beauty of using original HP inks lie in its cartridges that are made from hours of testing and years in engineering to provide you with only the best printing experiences. These original inks work consistently with HP printers to give you better quality printouts which you can share with loved ones. It is also the best choice for the environment as it is designed with recyclable content for less waste.

SONY LAUNCHES LATEST OLED, LED TV SERIES By Peter Paul Duran SONY Bravia Philippines has performance and overall entertainment experience in mind, with the launch of its latest OLED and LED 4K HDR TV Series. Spearheading the new line of organic light-emitting diode or OLED TVs is the Bravia A8F series among the tech giant’s other Sony Bravia LED televisions presented to members of the media recently at the posh Conrad Manila. The line-up, according to the company, delivers a more immersive, engaging, cinematic experience with striking highlights, deeper darks, and vibrant colors. “Our consumers expect the best entertainment experience at home in the forms of larger screens, excellent picture and immersive sound quality,” said Nobuyoshi Otake, Sony Philippines Managing Director during the launch. “The new line-up, makes this happen for consumers with our latest premium offering with the Sony Bravia OLED A8F Series and Sony Bravia LED TVs showcasing exceptional advancement in TV features,” he added. The A8F series produces an incredibly detailed picture with deep blacks, rich and realistic colors, and an exceptionally wide viewing angle. Via its X1 Extreme processor and Acoustic Surface technology, enjoy an entertainment experience complete with beautiful 4K HDR picture and superior sound. The new series, which comes in a soft minimalist design, also has enhanced user-experience capabilities, opening a whole new world of content thanks to the TV’s internet capabilities and streaming application services. Command your TV to navigate shows, movies, and even download apps, play games, and search the web through voice commands. On the other hand, the X9000F, X8500F, X8300F, X7500F, and X7007F series leads Sony Bravia’s LED TV line-up for 2018.

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Young Life sunday, may 13, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Trisha Denise Montero's winning makeup look for The Big Beauty Challenge's 'extraterrestrial' theme

MOTHER KNOWS BEST. During those many periods when we didn't know better, it was mom who was there to guide us.

The mosT imporTanT life lesson i learned from my moTher

T

here was a time in our lives when we didn’t know how to walk and didn’t know that dirt was not part of a healthy diet. During that period, it was mom who was there to guide us (and to stop us from eating that fistful of dirt).

As we celebrate the light of our lives today, we asked millennial sons and daughters the most invaluable life lessons they learned from their moms. here’s a proof that mothers really know best.

Be patient

The most important [life lesson that she taught me] is to be patient. My mom did not teach me that [though], I learned it through observation. Being patient is a good [trait to have when you’re] living a stressful life. – Jordan Ang, 20

Cosplayer mom wins in makeup Challenge TrIShA DeNISe Montero had to take a break from cosplaying when she became a mom. But her love for makeup did not cease as she constantly posts makeup tutorial videos on her YouTube channel. her talent shone when she was crowned grand prize winner in the second year of ever Bilena’s The Big Beauty Challenge. The 24-year-old design graduate from Las Piñas wowed the judges—composed of ever Bilena executives, namely key accounts manager Denise SyMuñez, marketing manager Olive Padilla, and brand manager Christel roca—with her whimsical rendition of the theme “extraterrestrial.” In reports, she shared she used matte lipsticks, liquid eye liners, eye shadow shimmers, and prosthetics for her winning look. Montero bested nine other aspiring makeup artists. She took home P70,000 cash and P30,000 worth of ever Bilena makeup products.

Be independent

She taught me to become independent, because at the end of the day, the only person I can trust is myself. – Louise Lizan, 19

Love unconditionally

The most important life lesson I learned from my mom is to love unconditionally. She loved me from the day she knew I was in her womb. She loves me more than anything in this world. even when I’m down, she is always there to guide me and she is always there when I need her. Being a mother means putting someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own. – Arianne Asiado, 26 My mother taught me many things, from properly brushing my teeth to being a gentleman. The most important lesson that she taught me though was how to love. The love that my brother and I receive from her will be the love that I will give to other people and to my future family. – Miguel La Torre, 18

Be kind

My mama always tells me to be kind. She taught me that even the world is cruel, that is not enough reason for me to be cruel, too. No matter what the situation is, she taught me to smile and be kind. – Carl Argarin, 19 Turn to C2

BIRTHDAY BASH.

Seated, from left: Philippine Constitution Association president Martin romualdez, Ilocos Norte rep. Imelda Marcos, Leyte (1st Dist.) rep. Yedda Marie romualdez, and Mrs. Juliette Gomezromualdez come together to celebrate (seated, second from right) rosemarie Lazaro's 81st birthday at Okada hotel Grand Ballroom in Paranaque City. With them are (right) Mrs. Lazaro's husband, Philconsa chairman and chief executive and Okada chairman Manuel Lazaro and (standing) Mrs. Lazaro's close friends. Ver Noveno

Cosplayer mom Montero with daughter (Photo from Trisha Montero's Facebook page)

“I’m very grateful to have a family who supports my passions. Winning The Big Beauty Challenge will give me the opportunity to go back to cosplaying and support my family at the same time,” she shared. hajie Alejandro received P30,000 for winning first runner-up while Zjhay Taupan got P15,000 as second runner-up. Katherine Catiis won the special People’s Choice Award and P20,000 in cash. The Big Beauty Challenge, now on its second year, encourages students, aspiring, and professional makeup artists to create a tutorial on how to achieve a complete makeup look following a specific theme and using only ever Bilena products.

young Life

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sunday, may 13, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Kendall Jenner is the new face of a leather goods label TwenTy-two-year-old model and TV personality Kendall Jenner is the face of 70-year-old French leather goods label Longchamp’s fall/winter 2018 campaign. The partnership symbolizes Jenner and Longchamp’s shared values of championing effortless worldliness and of celebrating a global, versatile sense of style. “I think there’s this synergy between the term ‘world citizen’ and Longchamp,” opines Jenner. “To me, a world citizen is someone who wants to share more of an understanding of different cultures. with Longchamp, while the collection always has a touch of the Parisian, it is something that can be worn around the world, by women who support this idea.” This season’s partnership with Jenner marks Longchamp’s 70th anniversary and follows the brand’s long-standing tradition of working with the industry’s most creative and talented names. In this fast-paced digital age, Longchamp is evolving—expanding its global footprint and speaking to a new generation of customers who value an independent spirit and celebrate authenticity. It was with this vision in mind that Longchamp’s chief executive officer Jean Cassegrain and his sister, artistic director sophie delafontaine, found Jenner to be the obvious choice for their latest campaign. “Kendall is free, independent; she travels, she goes fast, always with style—which is how we see the Longchamp woman,” says delafontaine. “Her talent is not only in the way she acts but in the way she interacts—she is an authentic personality in the millennial generation.” Cassegrain adds, “Kendall Jenner represents the aspirations of the new Longchamp woman. a feeling of freedom, freshness, and authenticity in a world that is continuously moving faster and faster. Longchamp is the brand of women who are, like Kendall, active, multi-faceted, multitalented, and with a creative and independent spirit.” american model Kendall Jenner

5 Fun Things you Can do

wiTh mom Today

m

drive mom to a nearby destination, like Tagaytay, to celebrate her special day today.

oTHer’s day will always be the best time to celebrate her life and the impact she made and continues to make in our lives. There are so many ways to make her feel special—writing her a simple letter, cooking her favorite meal or even driving her to a relaxing destination to take respite from her responsibilities. still puzzled on what you can do today? Here’s a few ideas from Ford motor Company that you can do with her even without much planning.

Treat her to a spa date

This is the perfect time to indulge her in a mani-pedi, massage, and sauna to give her a well-deserved rest. no mom can resist a whole day of pampering and to make this even more special, drive off to several spa places in Tagaytay for that memorable mom-daughter or momson road trip.

Take her to a shopping spree

Get a dose of culture—go on a date with mom at a museum.

for a relaxing family weekend getaway sans tedious planning. Take advantage of hotel promotions available. you may opt to go to hotels in the metro or you may drive out of town and book a place where your mom can unwind and have a simple yet fun bonding experience with the family.

Take her to a shopping date where she can spoil Spend a day at the beach herself with a new dress or a new pair of comfy There’s only a few things more relaxing than slip-ons. make the whole experience more interesting by taking her on a quick trip to Taytay taking a trip out of town where you can disconTiangge in Taytay, rizal where you can practice nect from the hustle and bustle of manila. driving her to the beach with the whole family will your bargaining skills with mom. definitely make your mom feel happy, as she gets to enjoy some beach activities and a relaxing dip Go on a staycation a simple staycation in a secluded location makes in the crystal clear water.

The mosT... From C1 Work hard

my mom always tells me that success doesn’t come easy; there are no straight roads and smooth journeys to achieving my goals, but if I believe in my own capabilities, in myself, success wouldn’t be too far ahead. – Sofia Javilinar, 19

Count your blessings

when I was a kid, she taught me to count numbers, say words, write, walk, climb, sing, and dance. now that I am older, I understand better. she taught me to count my blessings, say kind words, write letters, walk independently, and aim high. – Louise Nicole Berja, 20

Never give up

my mom often reminds me to think about God and this quote: “If He brought you to it, He’ll get you through it!” That is the most important lesson she taught me: never give up, always make sure you get through the end. It helps me stay sane and stay positive. – Renna Garcia, 30 my mom taught me something very valuable: that life doesn’t always go the way we want, but if we keep our chin up and choose how we are go-

Being a mother means putting your child's happiness and well-being ahead of your own.

ing to face every day, we will make it social status, or beliefs. Fourth is through the any day. – John Michael that I should not give up easily and Oliveros, 19 that I should push through until I reach my desired endgame. Lastly, I Have faith should trust and put my faith in Him. I’ve learned many lessons from my Praying, trusting, and thanking Him mother but there are specific les- is what will get me through everysons that will stay with me forever. thing. – Jonah Daileg, 19 First is that I should be responsible and disciplined at all times. second I have learned three valuable things is that I should help someone who from my mother: to be honest, to nevis in need. Third is to be respect- er give up, and to have faith. Be true alful regardless of their age, gender, ways so my soul will be free of worries.

Arrange a dinner and movie night

schedule a date with your mom at her favorite restaurant where you two can partake of sumptuous meals. Cap it off with a movie date to make her feel even more special. making an effort of reserving seats at the restaurant and at the cinema will easily give you the “child of the year” award. There are thousands of ways to make our moms feel our affection on her special day, but at the end of the day, the most important thing for them is to spend it with the people they value the most—family. Family is indeed everything to our mothers. They never stop being moms even during road trips and out of town activities.

never give up because giving up is out forgive and be the better person. – of the question. Have faith—have faith Riggs Villareal, 19 in Him and He will do the rest. – Jesmar Geronimo Posadas, 27 Be responsible I am lucky and blessed for my mom, my mother taught me that faith in she taught me to be responsible through God, in myself, and in everyone else household chores. – Alyssa Alejandro, 22 helps us look at things in different perspectives, and that these perspecmy mother would always tell me to be tives help us understand the way grounded and responsible. she would people and the world work. – Ghielyn always remind me to be respectful to our Dumangcas, 23 house maid. she taught me to be organized and pay attention to details. when Give support I got a little older, she also taught me the I learned through her that undying value of money. she told me to never insupport, no matter what the situation cur debts, but if you do, pay them on time. is, exists. support is what keeps some- – Renz Magbuhos, 26 one going even if he or she is at their lowest point in life. – Lheana Marie Be strong Guevarra, 19 There is no one stronger than my mother. she taught me to be strong Put God first and to be wise. – Stephanie Rose, 23 my mama shows me this on a daily basis. This manifests in everything Be selfless our family does as we never schedThe most important life lesson I ule anything that would conflict with learned from my mother is that I should things going on at church. – Michael always be selfless. Her sacrifices for me Cabrera, 23 are nothing short of heartwarming; I can never repay what my mom has done for Forgive us. It does not hurt to think of yourself Forgiveness—that is the most im- sometimes, but putting others’ needs portant thing I learned from my moth- before your own is, for me, the greatest er. most people value their pride too act of love. – Antonette Guiao, 20 much they opt not to forgive until they completely ruin their relationship. not *Answers were edited for clarity having the ability to forgive is the root of most of the problems that we face By Danielle Macadangdang in life. my mother often tells me to just and Raye Sanchez

Showbiz

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018

FIVE MOVIES TO CELEBRATE

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL A

S THE entire movie world welcomes the arrival of Cannes Film Festival this week, CinemaWorld, a high definition channel on SKYcable that presents a whole new world of entertainment beyond Hollywood, treats lovers of cinema to five award-winning movies back-toback today starting at 2:30 p.m..

The marathon begins with Mammal, a drama that explores the developing relationship between a divorcee and a troubled young man. They form a nurturing bond that takes on various dimensions as they overcome obstacles, forcing them to rethink what it is they’re looking for from each other. Following this is the offbeat Mid- August Lunch, where a middle-aged Italian man takes on the job of taking care of his mother. He takes in two more elderly ladies, his landlord’s mother and aunt, to lessen his debt. Things get crazy and funny when he takes in yet another elderly woman, his friend’s mom. The Mexican movie Abel is a dark and funny story of a nine-year old boy who stops speaking when his father leaves their family, until one day when he assumes the responsibilities of his father and begins talking like the older man. The family’s new normal situation gets disrupted when the father returns. Another father-son movie follows with Waterboys, a Dutch movie centered on how two men repair their relationship as father and son after getting dumped by the women in their lives. The two embark on a journey to rediscover where the father learns to grow up, while the son learns to have fun. Rounding up the movie marathon is Infiltration, a Canadian psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a brilliant plastic surgeon who specializes in treating severe burns. His perfect life is turned inside out because of a lawsuit from one of his former patients.

‘Abel’ is a Mexican dark and funny movie about†a peculiar young boy who, as he blurs reality and fantasy, takes over the responsibilities of a family man in his father’s absence.

‘Mammal’ is a 2016 internationally co-produced drama film about a† developing relationship between a divorcee and a troubled young man

‘Mid-August Lunch’ follows the story of a middle-aged Italian man takes on the job of taking care of his mother.

‘Infiltration’ is a Canadian psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a brilliant plastic surgeon

‘Waterboys’ is a Dutch movie centered on how two men repair their relationship as father and son.

Viewers will get the chance to make their voices heard by voting for their favorite from the selection and be able to watch it again on Saturday, May 19, at 9:00 p.m..To vote, go to http://cinemaworld.asia/lespritdecannes. Voting is until May 15, 5:30 p.m. only. CinemaWorld is available on SKYcable Plans HD1799 and HD1999 channel 184 in Metro Manila, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna and on HD channel 716 in Cebu and Davao. Subscribers can choose to add CinemaWorld on top of their basic plan via SKY Select, for only P150 per month. To activate the channel, visit www.mysky.com.ph/ getcinemaworld or call 418-0000.

‘ANG DALAWANG MRS. REYES‘ PREMIERES ON KBO

BEHIND THE SCENES. ‘Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes’ cast members (from left) Joross Gamboa, Judy Ann Santos, Angelica Panganiban, JC de Vera and Nico Antonio.

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

JUDY Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban brings the laughs to homes as KBO airs Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes this weekend. Santos and Panganiban, renowned dramatic actresses, take on this comedy as jilted wives whose husbands turn out to be gay and are having an affair with each other. The two women then team up to exact revenge but end up in comical situations. The movie was received warmly by moviegoers, earning P120 million in its first 20 days. It has also been applauded repeatedly by various movie critics for its progressive story. Despite being known as dramatic actresses, Santos and Panganiban impressed with their acting, earning praise for their comedic timing and chemistry. The movie will air until tomorrow for an extended KBO weekend, along with Die Beautiful, A Second Chance, All You Need Is Pag-ibig, and Wang Fam.

CINEMALAYA ANNOUNCES 2018 SHORTS FINALIST THE Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. announces the Short Film Category finalists of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2018. The 10 finalists are: Logro by Kani Villaflor; Si Astri Maka Si Tambulah by Xeph Suarez; Babylon by Keith Deligero; Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month by Carlo Francisco Manatad; Sa Saíyang Islá (In His Island) by Christian Candelaria; You, Me and Mr. Wiggles by Jav Velasco; Nangungupahan by Glenn Barit; Kiko by Jojo Driz; Siyudad Sa Bulawan (City of Gold) by Jarell Serencioand Olivia Ranido; and Yakap by Mika Fabella. The selection committee, composed of Teddy Co, Nick Deocampo, Joel Ruiz, Tara Illenberger and Eduardo Roy, Jr., confirmed the finalists after intense deliberation from more than hundred submitted entries. The ten short feature film finalists will be screened during the 2018 Cinemalaya Festival, happening on Aug. 3 to 12 at various CCP venues and select Ayala cinemas. The best short feature film will be awarded cash prize amounting to P150,000 and a Balanghai trophy during the Cinemalaya Awards Night on Aug. 12 at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). On its 14th year, the Cinemalaya Film Festival is an all-digital film competition that aims to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. It is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). For more information, please visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph, www. cinemalaya.org, and the CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages.

FRENCH FILIPINO FILM TO BE FEATURED IN CANNES CLASSICS A RESTORATION of the 1982 French-Filipino film Cinq et la peau (Five and the Skin) starring Gloria Diaz, Bembol Roco, Philip Salvador and Joel Lamangan will be screened at Cannes Classics in the 71st Cannes Film Festival tomorrow. The film, which was entirely shot in the Philippines and was featured in the Cannes’ Un Certain Regard 36 years ago, tells the story of Ivan, a writer who returns to Manila aimlessly wandering from one encounter to another in the metropolis in search of himself. The film’s director, Pierre Rissien, whom they call the Man of Cannes passed away last May 5, days before he was supposed to introduce the film during Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. He was a Cannes Adviser, an influential Cinephile and Cannes Film Scout before he died. Rissien was also a known supporter of Philippine Cinema and is responsible for a number of Filipino films making it to Festival de Cannes, including Lino Brocka’sInsiang. He also visited the Philippines to attend several of FDCP’s events, the last event being the World Premiere Film Festival in 2016.

’Cinq et la peau’ with English title ‘Five and the Skin’ is a 1982 French Filipino film screening at Cannes Classics section.

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sunday, may 13, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

transMissiBle Venereal tuMor in Dogs

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets My Furry Bestie

This corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals. For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject. The author, Doc Cerdy Deloso, treated Chelsea, a TVT cancer patient who was rescued by save ALL.

By Cerdy G. Deloso, DVM Veterinarian Deloso Veterinary Clinic

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TRANsMissiBLe venereal tumor, also known as TVT, is a sexually transmitted disease in dogs.

high incidents of tvt cases are recorded in cities where intact dogs (not spayed or neutered) roam freely and mate indiscriminately.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs of this disease include: 1. a red protruding mass at the vaginal region in female dogs; 2. blood dripping from the genital area of both male and female dogs; 3. sometimes a small mass may fall off the genital area; and 4. frequent licking of the penile or vaginal area. Please note that the disease does not only affect the genital area. it may also affect other areas of the body.

LOKi, an aspin mix, loves to play and cuddle with owner hazel Dellera Layagin. “he also loves sleeping beside me. he is Mama Bella’s baby, “ hazel says.

How does TVT spread?

The tumor is transmitted through direct contact with tumor cells from an infected animal. Most of the cases are spread through sexual contact and sometimes through oral contact as dogs like to lick things. Most animals who are affected are intact animals because they are sexually active.

How is it diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will first ask for a complete history of your animal, how it began, and if your dog had mated with another animal and when. This will be followed by a complete physical exam and detailed exam of the affected area. sometimes the history and clinical signs are enough to diagnose the disease. however, veterinarians also go for a biopsy in some cases to confirm if the tumor is indeed TVT. Georgy was rescued by Joanne Zamora and CJ serrano of save ALL, an animal welfare group, in 2014 in Caloocan. she had a severe case of TVT: her vagina was torn. she underwent chemotherapy and surgery. As her foster parent, Desiree Carlos regularly monitors her. in 2016, a small growth was seen in her vaginal area and was removed. she is provided supplements to keep her immune system strong.

How do we treat it?

Prior to treatment, a complete blood panel is established to have a base line to determine if your dog is fit for treatment. Treatment includes either surgery or chemotherapy or a combination of both depending on the clinical signs observed in your dog. surgery includes the removal of the mass from the affected area. Chemotherapy includes giving drugs to suppress the growth of tumor cells leading to complete regression. This is given on a weekly basis depending on the severity of the affected area.

How do we prevent it?

Chelsea was rescued by Loribert sobrio Bersabe of save ALL in Manila. about two years ago. she underwent both surgery and chemotherapy. Today she is also being fostered by Desiree Carlos. she is given supplements, nutritious food and gets regular exercise.

TVT is mostly spread through sexual contact, meaning a dog that is not sexually active may not likely contract the disease. it is thus best to have your dog neutered (the balls are removed) or spayed (the cervix is removed). Fixing (spaying or neutering) your dog is the best method of prevention.

A guide dog for A blind dog By Eric Suguitan

When found, he was thin, mangy, al-

Speaker on proper pet ownership most completely blind, and very weak. if Kimchi was left on the street and not CARA Welfare Philippines This 12-year-old-dog did not seem to like other dogs at first. But events unfolded and it turned out Ginger was just waiting for the right friend who needs her help. Ginger, a Golden Retriever mix, was not properly socialized as a puppy so she does not get along with other dogs. she growled and bared her teeth at the other dogs that my wife and i wanted to adopt. But it was different with Kimchi , a rescue dog. Ginger immediately took a liking to him. in essence, Ginger adopted Kimchi, after rejecting so many other dogs. Kimchi, estimated to be 10-12 years old is a spaniel-type dog. he was found wandering the streets of Alabang in 2012 during a typhoon.

BABY DAGA was Fhel Chavez’ “only daughter,” one of her adopted aspins. Daga crossed the rainbow bridge recently, and the pain of losing her is as intense as the day Fhel lost Baby Daga to heat stroke Fhel is very proud of her baby girl. it does not matter if she is gone but Fhel will continue to talk about her baby girl and her beloved traits and antics. Fhel says, “ Napakakulit at hyper pero very sweet. she is our only furbaby girl. " "she s also intelligent. No one taught her but she would go t the bathroom by herself and would pee and poop there, " she adds. Fhel was also surprised when Baby Daga would fetch anything she would throw. "she loves to stay beside anyone who si sleeping. she is that sweet. And i miss her very much, Fhel says.

rescued, he would have died shortly because of hunger, exposure, or illness. Ginger acts as the service dog to the now totally-blind Kimchi, often steering him away from obstacles and danger, a guide dog for a blind dog. Their relationship is unique, the only one of its kind in the Philippines that we know of.

Kimchi when rescued in 2012.

Guide dog Ginger (left) with blind, rescued dog Kimchi: best friends for life.

AsTRO BOY, four years old, is a very active dog who loves to play and go outside, says Pierre Angela Rayos Cruz. "he is spoiled by my mom and siblings he always gets what he wants: ac, food, love and care. i miss my astro boy as i am abroad now, " Pierre says.