Manila Standard - 2018 May 19 - Saturday

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WINDSOR—Prince Charles will were under way on the eve of the be the one to walk Meghan Markle royal wedding. down the aisle when she marries his The bride had initially hoped her son Prince Harry, palace officials father Thomas Markle would take said Friday as final preparations Next page

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ROYALS ALL SET FOR THE BIG DAY

VOL. XXXII • NO. 93 • 3 SECTIONS 18 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY,, MAY 19, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

A peek into nature’s gifts

By Nickie Wang Indian painter Jagjot Singh Rubal touches up his painting of Prince Harry (L) and Meghan Markle ahead of their royal wedding, which will take place on May 19 at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, in Amritsar. AFP

Hottest spot: Cabanatuan 39.8 0 C

Palace mocks Sereno: She’s grandstanding

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

By Jimbo Gulle

CRISIS OF TRUTH. Manila’s Archbishop, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, on Friday calls on priests and the laity to stand up to what he calls ‘crisis of truth’ where the country of 106 million people is in right now during the Catholic Church’s celebration of ‘Solemnity of the Ascension.’ In his circular letter, Tagle said ‘It is almost impossible for us ordinary citizens to know which news is true and which is fake.’

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LP-allied group member seeks to disbar Calida

By Rey E. Requejo

“DISBARMENT is definitely an option” against Solicitor General Jose Calida on the basis of an alleged illicit affair and questions about a familyowned security agency, a group said Friday.

“If Calida doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, then definitely disbarment is an option,” Jocelyn Nisperos-Acosta, a member of The Silent Majority that is allied with the Liberal Party, said in front of the Office of the Solicitor General in Makati.

In a letter she sent to the Office of the Solicitor General, Acosta also asked Calida to make public his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth to prove his integrity.

She demanded that Calida show the public he had more integrity than ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

In other developments: * The Judicial and Bar Council will Next page

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‘Crisis of truth’ alarms Church

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THE opposition’s plan to turn ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as a rallying point speaks of its desperation and could backfire because of her low approval rating, the Palace said Friday.

“My feeling is the opposition is desperate,” said presidential spokesman Harry Roque, speaking in Filipino. “They’re looking for a rallying figure and they chose the chief justice.”

“This is a big mistake because if we are to believe all the surveys, the people do not trust her and her approval ratings are so low,” he continued.

Sereno was ousted last week as chief justice after the Supreme Court voted 8-6 to grant the quo warranto petition against her, finding her unqualified for the position because she failed to file her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth—a failure that nine justices believed was a violation of the Constitution.

“If she is the rallying figure for the opposition, they’re doomed,” he added.

On Thursday, Sereno challenged

HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to the National Museum of Natural History in Rizal Park when it opened its door to the

public on Friday morning coinciding with the celebration of International Museum Day. Visitors, mostly students, lined up to get a glimpse of

TREE OF LIFE. The skeletal remains and replica of ‘Lolong,’ the world’s erstwhile biggest crocodile in captivity (below) are among those on display at the government’s National Museum of Natural History in Manila (left), the building formerly occupied by the Department of Tourism within the sprawling bayside Rizal Park near the Agrifina Circle. It has been recently renovated to house the museum and showcase the history of the Philippines.

Ey Acasio

35 former PTA execs sued over Boracay sewage THIRTY-FIVE officials of the former Philippine Tourism Authority—including former Tourism secretaries Wanda Teo and Ramon Jimenez and a slew of current Cabinet officials— have been sued before the Office of the Ombudsman for the supposedly anomalous water and sewerage system agreement for Boracay Island.

The officials include former PTA general manager Mark Lapid and executives appointed under the administrations of President Rodrigo Duterte and former President Benigno Aquino III. Next page

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EADERS of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila on Friday said the country is facing a “crisis of truth” and called for 12 days of prayer and fasting starting May 20, adding it was “almost impossible” for ordinary citizens to know which news is true or fake at present.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo believes this crisis has reached “alarming” levels, as Filipinos and the public were already confusing the truth with the extent of misleading news going around.

This came a day after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, in a circular letter ahead of the Catholic Solemnity of the Ascension released to the media on Thursday, said the crisis of truth “has sown seeds of suspicion, mistrust and fragmentation” across the country.

“Experts in the constitution give us conflicting interpretation of basic questions of the law. Partisan politics has turned into political ‘tribalization.’ The common good is one of the first casualties,” Tagle said.

His comments came a week after the Supreme Court unseated Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno by upholding a quo warranto petition filed by the Solicitor General, a move that was largely criticized by Christian groups across the country.

The Palace and ranking government officials had yet to react to the Catholic leader’s comments as of press time.

Pabillo said Tagle’s message echoed that of Pope Francis on the 52nd World Communication Day on May 10, entitled “The Truth Will Set You Free: Journalism and Fake News for Peace.”

“The false news is spreading, so people are confused as to how we can make it clear. Let us clarify these Next page events for the sake of our faithful,” he said.

Imee on PCGG abolition: ‘Long overdue’ ILOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on Friday welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of a bill abolishing the Presidential Commission on Good Government, the agency tasked to recover the billions of dollars plundered by her father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

She said the bill’s approval was a “welcome development,” and that it was long overdue because the agency was supposed to exist for only a year.

Earlier this week, lawmakers approved House Bill 7376 or the proposed “Office of the Solicitor General Charter” on final reading.

It seeks to abolish the PCGG and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel and to put the two agen-

cies under the Office of the Solicitor General.

A counterpart bill from the Senate needs to be passed for the measure to be forwarded for bicameral consultations. A consolidated bill must then be finalized.

“President [Corazon] Aquino’s law says the PCGG should only last for a year. Why it lasted for more than 30 years is really a mystery,” Marcos said.

Still, there is no mention of the PCGG’s one-year existence in the executive order of the late President Corazon Aquino that created the agency.

“We don’t even know where the sequestered properties of the supposed cronies that they claim are,” Next page GOVERNOR IMEE MARCOS Marcos said.

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Duterte going to Pagasa—but when?

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By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will visit Pagasa Island, the second largest of the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea before his term ends, to assert Philippine sovereignty over it and to visit the people and soldiers who live there, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Friday.

“The way I see it, there will come a time when the President will go to Pagasa Island,” Roque said in Filipino.

“His visit to Pagasa is evidence of our sovereignty,” he said. “If he does not do

this now, I think he will do so before his term ends.”

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was reported as saying Duterte would make a trip to Pag-asa Island al-

though no final date has been set.

The President has come under attack ever since he promised during his presidential campaign to ride a jet ski to the Spratlys and to plant the Philippine flag there. Since he came to office, however, he has been accommodating to the Chinese, who have built military installations on territory claimed by the Philippines.

On Tuesday, in Duterte’s place, his son Sebastian and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go rode jet skis along Casiguran Bay in Aurora to celebrate the first anniversary of his

renaming the underwater plateau from Benham Rise to Philippine Rise.

Pag-asa or Thitu Island is the secondlargest of the Spratly Island chain with an area of about 91 acres.

The country has already occupied or built structures, and raised the flag over the islands of Pag-asa, Lawak, Patag, Likas, Parola, Panata, and Kota.

The military has also occupied, controlled, and raised the flag over Rizal Reef and Ayungin Shoal. Some of these were permanently occupied as early as 1970 (Lawak Island). The latest was Ayungin Shoal in 1995.

PH-made vape ‘Change in Senate lead from Koko to Tito inevitable ‘ causes fire, kills man in Florida

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

AN EXPLODING e-cigarette killed a Florida man found dead in his burning apartment, an autopsy has found.

In what is believed to be the first death from a vaping pen explosion in the United States, 38-year-old Tallmadge D’Elia died when two pieces of the e-cigarette lodged themselves in his cranium, the Pinellas County medical examiner said.

D’Elia was discovered when firefighters broke into the burning apartment in St. Petersburg, Florida on May 5. The fire was found to have been caused by the exploding device, and resulted in 80 percent burns to his body.

The lethal vaping device was identified as a Smok-E Mountain brand, which is manufactured in the Philippines, according to the local Tampa Bay Times newspaper.

It said the device was known as a “mechanical mod” e-cigarette, which lacks some of the safety features that other makes have, including computer chips to prevent them from overheating.

“A regulated device typically contains electronic circuitry, built-in safety features, and adjustable power settings,” Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, told A FP.

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In a complaint they filed before the Ombudsman on May 8, Boracay residents Rod G. Padilla and Roberto V. Gelito claimed that the respondents violated Sections 3(e) and (g) of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The complainants said Lapid, as PTA chief, entered into a joint venture agreement with the Manila Water Co. Inc. for the upgrade, operation and maintenance of the Boracay Waterworks and Sewerage System in 2009.

The PTA then executed a concession agreement with Boracay Island Water Co. for water and sewerage services for the entire island, but Padilla and Gelito said the agency “demonstrated clear bias” and gave undue advantage to MWCI throughout the deal.

Other officials charged were former Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson, former Environment secretary Ramon Paje, Carlos Honorio Estepa, Vivian Otaza, and Lucas Nunag.

The complainants also included current Cabinet officials Eduardo Año, Roy Cimatu, Mark Villar, Cesar Montano, Epimaco Densing III, Marco Bautista, Pocholo Paragas, Karen Jimeno, Anthony Edsel Conrad Tupaz, Maximilian Anthony Fernandez, Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Elizaldy Co, Roberto Teo, Roy Martin, Maria Vida Stoifl, and Catherine Turvill in the complaint.

In other developments: * The P80-million budget for the Buhay Carinderia project was approved by the Tourism Promotions Board, and that the sponsorship for programs had long been a practice by the Tourism department, Cesar Montano, the TPB’s chief operating officer, said Friday.

“Regarding bidding, itong Buhay Carinderia ay approved by the board, at ang sole owner nito ay si Linda Legaspi, so ang hinihingi nila ay financial sponsorship,” Montanos told GMA News.

“Itong financial sponsorship ay ginagawa matagal na, more than 10 years ng [Department of Tourism] at TPB. Long before I assumed office, nandidiyan na ‘yan, it’s been a practice,” he added. * Senator Cynthia Villar said Friday all developments in Costa Vista, a condominium project in Boracay where her family has a business interest, had been stopped.

A CHANGE in leadership in the Senate is inevitable after 14 senators signed a draft resolution seeking to replace Senate Pesident Aquilino Pimentel III with Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, Senator JV Ejercito said Friday.

Although Pimentel is expected to file his certificate of candidacy in October for another run at the Senate in 2019, Ejercito said the change could come sooner.

“It is up to them to talk [about]… a smooth transition,” Ejercito said, referring to Pimentel and Sotto.

While Ejercito said Pimentel showed “unquestioned integrity,” the senators had hoped he would be more protective of the Senate, particularly when it

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wait for the final ruling of the Supreme Court on the quo warranto case against Sereno before it acts on the order of the high court that it open the process of nominations and applications for Sereno’s replacement, a member said Friday.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, a JBC member, told ABS-CBN News that the council, which held its regular meeting on Friday, “will open nominations/applications once the vacancy becomes permanent―or when the quo warranto decision becomes final.

• The Supreme Court violated the Constitution with its decision to grant the quo warranto petition of the administration that unlawfully ousted Sereno, Senator Bam Aquino said Friday.

“They put in danger the democracy and rights of our the Filipino people.

The Senate is now being challenged to put a stand for the people and democracy,” Aquino said.

• Representatives Edcel Lagman and Gary Alejano on Friday said impeach-

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the Tree of Life, the centerpiece at the museum’s courtyard where a replica of the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, Lolong, is on display.

The Tree of Life includes a canopyinspired ceiling made of glass and aluminum that covers the entire area. The structure is fitted with an elevator that brings visitors to the viewing deck on the topmost gallery where visitors can have a scenic 360 view of the museum.

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Duterte to keep his promise and resign if it were proved that he was behind her ouster.

Roque dismissed the claim and said Sereno was grandstanding and seeking media coverage by attacking Duterte.

“We see no reason for the President

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on the role, but confirmed Thursday he would not attend as he is recovering from a heart operation after being caught up in a paparazzi fiasco involving staged pictures.

Although many thought her mother Doria Ragland could step in, Kensington Palace said her future father-in-law would take on the responsibility at Saturday’s ceremony.

“Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle... on her wedding day,” a statement said.

“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the royal

Cabanatuan marks hottest day at 39’C TEMPERATURES in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija rose to 39.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the hottest so far in the country for 2018, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.

Forecaster Lorie dela Cruz of the state weather bureau said the ridge of a high pressure area caused the warm and humid surroundings felt in the city.

The previous hottest day this year was recorded at 39.2 degrees in Subic, Zambales on April 15.

The heat in Metro Manila could reach 35 degrees while the mercury in the northern city of Tuguegarao, Cagayan could rise to 38 degrees, Pagasa said.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers caused by localized thunderstorms could also be felt, it added.

came under attack by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a party-mate of Pimentel, who is president of the ruling PDP-Laban.

Sotto said Friday, he would protect the Senate from attacks and unfair criticism if he is chosen as the next Senate president.

“I will not allow it to be degraded, trampled, attacked, or unfairly criticized without responding fairly or violently if necessary,” he said.

In January, Alvarez said the House could convene itself as a constituent assembly even without the Senate if the senators refused to vote jointly on constitutional amendments.

While Pimentel was silent, his father, former Senate president Aquilino Pi-

mentel Jr., took Alvarez to task and told him to reread the Contitution.

Ejercito on Friday also said there was no “third force” composed of re-electionist senators who are not with the majority party moving to oust Pimentel.

He noted that Pimentel had committed to fight for the incumbent senators to be included in the administration lineup for next year’s election.

Ejericito said he hoped for a smooth transition.

Pimentel earlier told reporters in jest that he wanted to retain his post, but said he needs to prepare for his reelection.

Ejercito said there were no major complaints about Pimentel and said he was “good” to the senators.

ing the eight Supreme Court justices could be the best corrective step against their quo warranto ruling removing Sereno from her post.

They backed Rep. Tom Villarin’s initiative to file an impeachment complaint against Associate Justices Teresita de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam, Samuel Martires, Andres Reyes Jr. and Alexander Gesmundo who voted for the quo warranto.

“If magistrates who are sworn to uphold the Constitution subvert the very fundamental law by arrogating jurisdiction over an impeachable official, they deserve to be impeached,” Lagman said.

It was Calida who filed the quo warranto petition that pave the way for the ouster of Sereno for not being unqualified to be chief justice for not filing her SALNs. “Being the architect of the Quo Warranto petition, you now have the burden of showing the people that you have more integrity than the Chief Justice,” Acosta’s letter said.

“This request is being made pursuant to the Freedom of Information People’s

Manual which you signed as the Solicitor General of the Republic,” she said.

In particular, Acosta demanded that the chief state lawyer disclose his SALNs for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“We hereby file a demand for your SALNs for the years 2016, 2017 ad 2018 so the people may see that you have accurately declared your family’s ownership of VISAI among other assets,” Acosta said.

Based on the Sept. 29, 2016 general information sheet of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Acosta claimed that Calida owned 60 percent of the stock of Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency Inc. while the members of his family owned the rest.

She said VISAI was the security agency of the National Economic Development Authority, the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the National Parks Development Corporation.

“Your ownership of VISAI shows a clear conflict of interest,” Acosta said. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

Tagle’s circular also led to an urgent meeting of 138 priests, including Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. and controversial Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox, at the San Carlos Seminary for them “to contemplate and act on it,” Pabillo said.

The Manila cardinal urged everyone to unite in what he called “Feasts of truth and love” within 12 days, beginning May 20, Pentecost Sunday, until May 31, when the Church celebrated the festival of the Virgin Mary’s visit to cousin Elizabeth—a celebration that values truth and love.

This will be done by a 12-day bellringing at all churches in the Archdiocese at 3 p.m., in memory of the death of Jesus and to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to guide the people towards in reality nowadays.

He said the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will also be simultaneously recited in all churches, chapels, conventions, schools, offices and homes.

Tagle also asked for the strengthening of value-sharing programs and promoting the common good for the betterment of the majority, and the restoration of trust and reconciliation.

The cardinal also encouraged the faithful to fast during these activities as sacrifices and to express their commitment to the truth.

“For those who cannot engage in fasting due to sickness or age, we recommend concrete actions of charity and service,” Tagle added.

The six-story neoclassical edifice, located in the National Museum Complex, houses the Fine Arts and Anthropology museums, too. The building went through extensive retrofitting and renovation to house the Natural History Museum and its priceless geological, botanical and zoological collections.

Most of the material on display are new, including Lolong’s skeleton hanging from the museum’s ceiling, stuffed specimens of local animals, paintings of different species of Philippine orchids and a small recreation of a mangrove forest.

“We are promoting to Filipinos and

visitors from all around the world our National Museum in the Philippines.

Here can be found knowledge, appreciation and love for our heritage as Filipinos and people,” National Museum chairman Ramon R. del Rosario said during a press briefing.

Del Rosario added that the opening also marked the completion of the conversion of the Department of Tourism Building (originally the Agriculture and Commerce Building) into a world-class museum that will benefit all Filipinos.

“The museum will help develop a greater appreciation for the gifts of na-

ture with which our country is so richly endowed,” Del Rosario said.

The project was initiated in 1998 with the approval by former President Fidel V. Ramos of the National Museum Act. The landmark law designated three historical buildings in Rizal Park as the home of the National Museum: the legislative Building on Padre Burgos Avenue; and the twin buildings that originally housed the Department of Commerce (later Tourism) and the Department of Finance in the eastern area in Rizal Park known as the Agrifina Circle. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

to resign,” he said. “In her case, she violated the Constituion.”

In his separate statement on Friday morning, Roque rejected Sereno’s allegations that Duterte is behind her ouster.

Roque said that Malacañang has even tried to refrain from commenting on Sereno’s call for the President’s resignation.

He added that if Sereno wanted to blame someone, she should blame herself for violating the Constitution

by not filing her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

He also said Sereno has managed to alienate her own colleagues in the Court.

“The President has not violated the Constitution, and unlike the former Chief Justice, [he] enjoys high satisfaction, approval, performance, and trust ratings from the Filipino people,” Roque said.

On Thursday Sereno called on Duterte to resign for having a hand in

the plot to remove her as the country’s top magistrate, and tore into him on a wide range of issues, from his failure to stem rising prices to his policy toward China.

Speaking before the Quo Vadis, Quo Warranto forum organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Pasig City, Sereno recalled President Duterte’s earlier remarks that he would resign if it were proven that he had a role in her ouster.

family in this way.”

Markle’s mum will on Friday meet Queen Elizabeth II for the first time at Windsor Castle, where the nuptials will take place.

She met with Charles and his wife Camilla on Thursday, and will be joined by her daughter and future son-in-law for Friday’s afternoon tea with the monarch.

In the weeks running up to the wedding, organizers have been caught off guard by the chaos surrounding the family of the bride-to-be, with palace staff referring to it as the “Markle Debacle,” Britain’s Daily Mirror reported.

And the palace itself has come under fire for its handling of the situation.

“Kensington Palace has missed a trick with the whole family,” veteran royal biographer Penny Junor told AFP,

suggesting it might have been prudent for Markle to invite her half-siblings.

“The relatives have become a bigger story than the event itself, which is tragic.”

‘Ethereal’ lemon and elderflower cake

Despite the pre-ceremony fiasco, Meghan was smiling as she arrived for Thursday’s dress rehearsal involving military marches and a dry-run of the carriage procession that will whisk the couple around Windsor to greet the crowds after their wedding at St George’s Chapel, in the castle grounds.

The duo made a brief appearance, surprising crowds milling around the rehearsal route by pulling in to Windsor Castle via the famous Long Walk promenade.

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Imee...

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The PCGG was set up after the bloodless “People Power” revolution in 1986 toppled Marcos to recover the estimated $10 billion looted by the dictator and his allies during his 20 years in power, which were marked by massive corruption and abuse.

The agency has since recovered P170 billion or about $3.4 billion in ill-gotten wealth, as well as pieces of jewelry, art and other assets.

But it is still working to find millions more, including 200 pieces of art by masters like Michelangelo and Picasso, which alleged had been purchased by the Marcos family.

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Nograles vows to fix DoH budget on ‘Dengvaxia’

Bill on ALS unanimously approved

By Rio N. Araja DAVAO City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles on Friday said Congress would fix the Dengvaxia aid budget if the Department of Health screws up anew.

In a television interview, Nograles said the House of Representatives would “gladly” craft a responsive supplemental budget for Dengvaxia victims should DoH disappoint anew with their budget proposal.

Nograles is the appropriations committee chairman.

He said he expects Secretary Francisco Duque to tick all the boxes in the agency’s revised supplemental budget breakdown when they meet again on May 22.

“If not then the panel would take matters in its own hands,” he noted.

“That’s why Tuesday, whether they present to me a good budget or not, if it’s not a good budget, we will be the one to dissect it. I will approve it on Tuesday, send it to floor, have it approved on the last week [of the second regular session] since we’re going to go on break, and send it to the Senate,” he said.

The Senate and House of Representatives will adjourn sine die on June 1.

Last Wednesday, DoH presented to the committee its proposed supplemental budget for 2018, which would focus on providing medical aid to nearly 900,000 school children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia during the previous Aquino administration.

House approves on 3rd reading bill on PNP rank modification

By Rio N. Araja VOTING 166-6 without abstention, Congress has approved on third and final reading House Bill 5236 seeking to modify the rank classification of uniformed personnel in the Philippine National Police through the adoption of rank classification used in the military establishment for purposes of clarity of position and responsibility.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, chairman of the committee on public order and safety, authored the bill that would foresee an effective and efficient administration and supervision in the PNP through modification of the rank classification of the organization’s uniformed personnel.

To fulfill the modification, the bill provides for the amendment of Section 28 of Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the “Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.”

The PNP rank classification shall be as general from director general, lieutenant general from deputy director general, major general from director, brigadier general from chief superintendent, colonel from senior superintendent, lieutenant colonel from superintendent, major from chief inspector, captain from senior inspector and lieutenant from inspector.

Others are master sergeant from senior police officer 4, technical sergeant from senior police officer 3, staff sergeant from senior police officer 2, sergeant from senior police officer 1, corporal from police officer 3, patrolman first class from police officer 2 and patrolman from police officer I.

PLEDGE OF LOYALTY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his granddaughter Isabelle recite the San Beda College pledge of loyalty during the San Beda College Alabang first Senior High School Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on May 17, 2018. Presidential Photo

De Lima’s camp claims ‘breakthrough’ in case A LAWYER for detained Senator Leila de Lima claimed that their camp had scored a ‘breakthrough’ in one of the three cases filed against the senator when prosecutors mentioned ‘shabu’ as the illegal drug that De Lima was accused of trading.

“This is the first time that they admitted na shabu raw ’yung dinadrug trade ni Senator De Lima,” Boni Tacardon, De Lima’s lawyer, said.

The prosecution blurted ‘shabu’ when they were asked by the judge at the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 on what drugs they were referring to in their charges against De Lima.

On Friday, De Lima’s camp on Friday filed a motion to quash the amended information after their motion for reconsideration was denied.

Earlier, the prosecution changed their criminal information from illegal drug trading to conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading.

Upon filing the motion to quash, the judge asked De Lima’s camp to make a manifestation, which they used to pose the question that Tacardon said they have always been asking the prosecution: Where and what are the drugs involved in the case?

“Si judge mismo, tinanong ang prosecution, drugs na sinasabi niyo dito. ’Yung prosecution, di nakasagot agad, at bigla niyang sinabi, ‘shabu,’” De Lima’s lawyer said.

“We’re expecting them to be consistent with their position. It is very important because they have to prove the existence of the drugs.”

The judge gave the prosecution five days to comment on the motion to quash, and gave De Lima’s lawyers five days after that to file their reply.

De Lima won’t be formally read the charges at Branch 206 until June 22; the same procedure at Branch 205 was moved to August 10, according to her media relations officer.

The judge also ordered De Lima to submit her itinerary for June 3. De Lima had asked to be granted a furlough on that day to attend her son’s law school graduation.

The judge said the prosecution also has to comment on De Lima’s pleading

on the request for furlough within five days, Tacardon said.

Security was once again tight during the court proceedings on Friday morning.

De Lima, meanwhile, again insisted that President Rodrigo Duterte is “clearly unfit” to hold the highest position in the land and called on him to resign.

“Dapat naman talagang mag-resign.

Hindi karapat-dapat. He is clearly unfit to be President. So unfit,” she told the media.

De Lima, a fierce critic of the president, made the statement following a similar statement of ousted Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno asking the president to resign.

De Lima’s arraignments were once again rescheduled for next Friday. The courts handling the three cases had approved DoJ’s amended information, changing it from illegal drug trading to conspiracy to trade illegal drugs.

The courts also denied De Lima’s motion for reconsideration against the amended information, so the senator’s lawyers filed a motion to quash, which caused the reset of the schedule.

Meanwhile, the Justice department said that De Lima’s co-accused, drug convict Jaybee Sebastian, will plead guilty to one count of drug trade.

New Tourism chief opens up about Cojuangco affair AGRICULTURE Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, in a surprise admittance, acknowledged publicly for the first time that she was more than willing to accept her surprise appointment as Tourism secretary vice Wanda Tulfo-Teo. But she conceded her decision might have jeopardized her relationship with politician Carlos ‘Charlie’ Cojuangco, son of former assemblyman Danding Cojuangco.

“I am happy but he [Charlie] is not happy anymore,” Puyat told a broadcast station in Filipino on Friday—referring to her boy friend’s reaction.

She said they had been struggling to find quality time together, and her heading the Tourism department would doubtless make it doubly difficult now.

“He told me, oh no, you no longer had time for me, with more reason now you would not have that,” the new Tourism chief quoted Cojuangco, a member of the House of Represenatives representing Tarlac, as saying.

There were worrying signs as early as the days following her appointment last week.

She recalled how she failed to make it to a get-together at a friend’s house because she was tired from her media

appearances.

It turned out Cojuangco had prepared a sweet birthday gift for her then.

“He’s trying to be patient,” said Puyat.

She recalled asking her friends who were at the get-together for help in convincing Cojuangco to not break her heart. “Please tell him to be patient,” she said she told her friends.

Both Puyat and Cojuangco were previously married.

Puyat was widowed in 2010 when her husband, lawyer David Puyat, died following a heart attack; Cojuangco lost his partner, actress-host Rio Diaz, to cancer in 2004.

WITH a vote of 176-0, Congress has passed on third and final reading House Bill 7392 seeking to institutionalize the alternative learning system in basic education.

Pampanga Aurelio Gonzales Jr. introduced the measure to establish ALS designed to enable Filipinos who have either none or limited access to education to attend and finish their formal basic education.

Under the measure, ALS shall cover out-of-school children, youth and adults, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors of society, who have little or no access to formal schools and who are usually located in far-flung communities, including those in areas with armed conflict.

The institutionalization of the ALS would guarantee equal opportunity for learners in every barangay, including residents of unreached, underserved and conflict-affected communities, to avail of systematic and flexible alternative basic education program outside of the formal school system, Gonzales said.

Rio N. Araja

DOTr exec says ‘Minda’ railway bid anomalous AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Transportation on Friday claimed there are officials inside the agency who are allegedly trying to manipulate the bidding process for the Mindanao Railway project.

Bidding for the proposed railway is set to begin in June this year. The first phase was priced at approximately P36 billion to be sourced from the General Appropriations Act. DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Mark Tolentino disclosed in a press conference his suspicion that certain “dilawan” officials who outrank him want the supposedly GAAslated project to be up for grabs to companies.

“Na-feel ko lang na may paghaharang,” Tolentino said.

“Kasi gusto nilang utangin ’yung buong Mindanao Railway, i-loan, na may budget naman na P36 billion,” he added.

PH won’t host Miss Universe this year—Puyat TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Friday that the Philippines won’t be hosting the Miss Universe pageant this year “Hindi muna [Not] this year,” Romulo-Puyat told a radio interview.

Puyat said there is no enough budget for the country to host the pageant, adding that the Tourism Department still needs to address other concerns.

“We’ll focus muna on other things. Anyway, kaka-Miss Universe lang naman so baka saka na lang,” she said.

“Marami muna tayo kailangan ayusin,” she added.

No mid-year bonus for erring cops—PNP

By Francisco Tuyay THE Philippine National Police leadership has forfeited the mid-year bonus for 1,988 policemen who were penalized for various administrative cases.

“PNP personnel who were penalized for administrative cases with penalty higher than reprimand are not eligible to receive the mid-year bonus,” said PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde.

Albayalde said the non-granting of mid-year bonus was in accordance with PNP existing policy.

However, in lieu of a resolution to the administrative cases, policemen are still entitled to receive their respective midyear bonus.

He explained that the forfeiture covers all policemen who were suspended from the police service because of their standing administrative cases.

He said that policemen who are meted

with even a one-day suspension are still not covered by the granting of mid-year bonus.

“While your administrative cases is ongoing makakatanggap ka pa kung hindi pa naman resolved. However, kung meron ng resolution even just for one day of suspension tanggal iyong mid-year bonus,” Albayalde explained.

As for policemen without pending cases and have received their mid-year bonus, Albayalde reminded them to spend it with their families.

“I think they should spend it with their families. They should declare it to their wives because you cannot conceal that because it is included in their ATM especially if the ATS are with their wives,” Albayalde said.

The PNP National Headquarters has released P6,015,920,562.00 to pay for the mid-year bonuses of 189,263 active duty PNP personnel.

CLOSING RITES. Photo shows officials from the Philippines and United States during the closing ceremony of the Balikatan Exercise 2018. They are (from left), Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamatoto AFP PH, exercise director; Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna; AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez; US Charge d Affairs Michael Klecheski and US Officer Director BK 2018 BGen. Thomas Weidley at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

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Opinion

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Justices need not inhibit in quo warranto case Noel Tijam and Francis Jardeleza.

HAIL TO Sereno is particularly peeved with THE CHAIR De Castro, as they are manifestly not in talking terms with each other.

VICTOR AVECILLA As a general rule, a justice of the Supreme Court who has already formed an opinion on the merits of a particu(Part 1) lar case pending before the Supreme ANYBODY following the develop- Court, and his opinion has already ments in the petition for quo warranto been disclosed to the public, ought to which Solicitor General Jose Calida inhibit himself from further participatlodged in the Supreme Court against ing in the resolution of that case. As its own helmsman, Mme. Chief Jus- taught in law school, a party to a case tice Maria Lourdes Sereno, knows that is entitled to nothing less than “the cold earlier on, the latter had demanded that neutrality of an impartial judge.”

The foregoing legal principle, howsix of her colleagues inhibit themselves from participating any further in the ever, applies strictly only in ordinary hearing and the resolution of the pe- civil and criminal cases. It does not tition. Sereno said that the six were apply to proceedings involving tranincapable of rendering any impartial scendental issues concerning the Constitution and isjudgment in the sues that affect case against her the state and the because they have government itself. already prejudged This is particuher case.

Since constitutional larly true when Obviously, Serwhatever private eno was referring cases involve matters interest there may to the time when be in the case is the six justices of transcendental far outweighed concerned ac- importance, full and by the paramount cepted the invitauninhibited discussion public interest intion of the justice volved. committee of the by as many justices Further, since House of Repre- as possible leads to constitutional cassentatives to testies involve matters fy in the impeach- more substantial of transcendental ment proceedings jurisprudence. importance, full against her. They and uninhibited disclosed to the discussion by as justice committee many justices as that as far as the paper trail relating to Sereno’s appoint- possible leads to more substantial jument as chief justice in 2012 indicates, risprudence.

The exception to the exception is Sereno did not submit the entirety of her statements of assets and liabilities when the very issue to be resolved by to the Judicial and Bar Council, as re- the Supreme Court was adjudicated quired by the latter, when she applied upon earlier by a justice of the Supreme for the post of chief justice. Being so, Court when he was still an appellate the justices said, Sereno did not comply court justice or a trial court judge. with the requirements for appointment That justice ought must resort to volunto the highest judicial office in the tary inhibition.

In fine, the rule on inhibition is not land. Accordingly, the justices continued, the appointment of Sereno is void strictly binding on justices of the Supreme Court in cases involving constiab initio, or from the very beginning.

The six justices are Justices Teresita tutional issues of immense magnitude Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, and proportion, because of their legal Turn to A5 Lucas Bersamin, Samuel Martires,

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Conflicts of interest

I

T’S TOUGH being a public official— that is, if one takes one’s task to heart and one’s mandate to serve seriously.

Public office, after all, is practically a thankless job that pays a lot less than the private sector and exposes a person to negative publicity and lawsuits, whether allegations or true or not.

The hours are punishing, and one cannot say no to a task or a meeting just because it comes too early or too late in the day.

Most importantly, genuine public service demands honesty.

There are many ways to assert one’s love of country and its people. For example, you can swear to protect the environment and score those who exploit it for their trade. You just have to make sure that you

are doing nothing of the sort behind people’s backs.

You can claim to be objective in deciding on which road projects get approved, but your decision will always be colored, or at least made suspect, by the interests of your business.

An official can claim to have profound disdain for corruption, and castigate colleagues who enrich themselves through taxpayers’ money. That official just has to make sure that he or she has committed no questionable acts in the past, distant or immediate.

Moreover, any friend or family member who engages in anomalous transactions should not be spared the treatment otherwise accorded to others who commit the same offense.

Yet another public servant can profess compassion for the poor and downtrodden, and yet neglect to ensure that his or her very employees are provided ample and timely compensa-

tion as well as benefits they can use in times of need.

Such hypocrisy magnifies the actions or omissions that betray their conflicting interests and real intentions.

Unfortunately, this malaise afflicts public servants of all political colors and on all levels of the government. Some may just be ignorant of the conflicts they face and the choices they must make, but more are very much aware of these conflicts and yet continue to act in their own best interests, not the interests of their people.

Meanwhile, as people are stuck with their leaders, all they can do is complain and vent their anger on social media or some other traditional forums.

And then as always, the officials they complain about just wait for controversies to blow over, wait for the people to forget, and then continue with their merry, conflicted, twisted ways.

Honor thy flag, fight for democracy You would never see a tattered or faded flag anywhere, it was unheard of. The flag and the national anthem were accorded utmost respect.

If one happened to be out on the streets and the national anthem was OUR country’s flag is the singular playing, one would stop and stand most important symbol of our sover- still until it was finished. Traffic aides would signal oncoming vehicles to stop eign country.

I have fond memories of how we, as and would only allow them passage afa people respected and honored our na- ter the playing of the anthem.

In my youth, the celebration of the tional symbols, especially our flag and our national anthem. In grade school declaration of Philippine independence as well as in high school, every morn- was always big. Weeks before the 12th ing of each school day before going to of June, the Philippine flag would be our respective classrooms, the entire displayed. Flags would line major thorschool population would congregate oughfares, and parks; buildings, both in front of the flag pole for flag raising public and private would display the ceremonies. This happened EVERY flag; private homes would bring theirs out; cars and even public utility vehicles SINGLE DAY. With our right hand on our chest, would have small flags tied to their side we would proudly sing “Lupang Hin- mirrors. The country’s colors, red, white, irang” (the correct title of our national and blue were everywhere. We were a proud people. anthem, and not Others may say Bayang Magiliw that these small as many young things are unimpeople now think) portant, and I will as our country’s Display our flag beg to disagree. flag was slowly When you see the hoisted up the to say that we are flag ceremonipole. This was fol- protecting our rights, ously hoisted up lowed by our soland respectfully emn recitation of and the rights of our brought down “Panatang Maka- children and the future every day, when bayan,” our oath you sing the naas citizens of the generations. tional anthem daiPhilippines.

To ly, and when you this day I can still recite Panatang recite this oath, Makabayan reguthe deep meaning of which has been instilled in my gen- larly, love of country and respect for eration’s mind, never to be forgotten. its symbols are developed. These small Our flag proudly fluttering in the air, a ways of showing appreciation for the symbol of a free and sovereign people, country’s emblems become a habit and come naturally. To this day, whenever was a sight to behold.

After the closing of each school the national anthem is played, I stand day, several students in Boy Scouts’ up with my right hand on my chest and uniforms would slowly bring the flag sing, yes, sing the anthem.

I am proud to belong to this down, and fold it in the correct manner that it should be folded while tak- generation that has been brought up ing care that it should never touch the to respect and honor our flag. After ground. It would then be brought to the all, this national symbol came to be school’s flag custodian to be carefully because of the sacrifices of the many stored, ready for use for the following thousands of our revolutionists who morning’s ceremonies.

Turn to A5

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

Leave the movie at the bedroom door

By Deborah Cole HEPBURN and Tracy, Bogart and Bacall, Joel Coen and Frances McDormand: movie magic often has real-life love stories behind it, but star couples at Cannes say you must tread carefully when mixing work and romance.

Spanish Oscar winners Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who have replaced Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as the smouldering A-list pair on the Cannes red carpet, have already teamed up on nine movies.

After the premiere of their new thriller, “Everybody Knows,” which opened the festival, Cruz said dryly that while she enjoyed working with her husband,

she wouldn’t want to do it all the time.

“It’s not something that we plan on doing every two years.”

Cruz said she and Bardem, who have two children, were paid equally for the film and have strict ground rules about leaving the push-and-pull of their personal relationship far from the set.

“It would not make your life better, I think, if you used certain things from your private life [on a film],” said Cruz.

“So the fact that we know each other and trust each other so much only helps.”

Asked by a waggish reporter what was like to be the “only man in the world who likes working with his wife,” Bardem responded sternly: “That’s a question in very poor taste.”

Shop talk, pillow talk China’s Zhao Tao, who influential movie website IndieWire last week called “one of the greatest actresses in the world”, has made a half dozen films with her spouse, director Jia Zhangke, including “Touch of Sin” and “Mountains May Depart.”

Their latest is another Cannes contender, “Ash is Purest White.”

She calls her husband “Director Jia” while shooting, just like the rest of the cast—keeping their shop talk and pillow talk sharply separate.

“When I come home and we get back to our own family we have nicknames for each other—but that is something Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

A5

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Speaking in different tongues

Why the planned summit failed

the creator, the Son the redeemer the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier. According to noted theologian Herman Bavinck, the Holy Spirit “awakens in man that deeply hidden awareness of guilt. He convinces man of sin, even where previously no consciousness of sin was apparently present. The Holy Spirit uses the word of the preacher and touches the heart of the hearer, making it accessible to the word.” When the Holy Spirit convinces people of their sin, of Jesus’ righteousness, and of certain judgment, He awakens the human heart to hear and see truth in a new way. Upon seeing and perceiving, the human heart cries out for God. As sanctifier, He bestows gifts to the soul namely: Wisdom which illumines the mind and instills an attraction to the divine; Understanding or the ability to grasp the truths of faith; Counsel which enables a person

Despite the confidence-building efforts made by North Korea, President Trump appeared to have a wrong notion about his forthcoming talks with Kim. He wanted to talk with Kim from a standpoint of a victor with the other THE projected summit meeting between party signing an unconditional surrender US President Donald Trump and North like what Japan did in 1945. He expected Korean President Kim Kong-un have all the agreement with no promise or obligathe signs of collapsing before the parties tion on the part of the US to exchange in could even meet. Many have their mis- one might say a “negotiated” deal. Trump givings the two central players have the was acting like a typical businessman leverage to remove the powder keg that wanting to bluff and intimidate the other has brought the Korean Peninsula in a party with the thought that Kim is not in perpetual state of war. Thawing, it was a position to say no.

This is the observation shared by thought, could start the rebuilding of the bridge that began last February when the many. In fact, right after the thawing, two politically divided states agreed to Trump was already drumbeating that it have a unified Team in the 2018 Winter was his theory to unleash “fire and fury” Olympic Games at PyeongChang. This to seek peace that forced Kim to break was followed by the meeting at Panmun- the ice without him knowing that Kim jom last April 26 between North Korean could well read his motive and decipher leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean every move he takes. The succession of veiled threat by his two newly appointPresident Moon Jae-in.

While all these positive moves were ed hardliners already indicated that the building up, Kim visited Beijing. Many summit could abruptly be canceled. They interpreted the visit to reassure China’s could well predict that it was Trump President Xi Jinping that it has an impor- who is afraid to face an embarrassment tant role to play, and will not be left out should his counterpart refuse to sign on in any peace agreement it will conclude his terms.

On May 17, Bolton aggravated the situwith the US. North Korea expects China ation by suggestto guarantee it will ing a rather weird not be attacked in proposal demandthe event it agrees ing that within to denuclearize. six months North Un for t u nately, Trump wanted Korea should ship as the race to firm some of its nukes up the coagulatto talk with Kim and missiles to ing peace in the from a standpoint the US. Maybe his peninsula, Presisuggestion was dent Trump made a of a victor with the well meaning, but surprise statement other party signing certainly a great of being ready to majority entertains meet Kim anytime. an unconditional the thought that he Some political obsurrender. is not really out to servers could sense help his President. the suggestion to This was folmeet Kim was not lowed by the rereally an attempt to sumption of a milifill up the missing card that would finalize the peace pro- tary exercise called “Max Thunder 18.” cess but an attempt to remain on board The Trump administration is fully aware and remind the North Korean leader that this has been the cause of the tension there could be no peace in the peninsula in the Korean Peninsula.

Another possibility is that the US rewithout the US playing a crucial role in ally does not want any peace agreement how that peace would be defined.

Kim’s visit was followed by the visit to but is only looking for a pretext to pin Pyongyang by China’s Foreign Minister the blame on North Korea. There are two Wang Yi on April 30. The visit already possibilities to this. First, if the US inibore signs that North Korea was becom- tially offered to one-and-one-talks with ing uptight to go through with the meet- Kim, it was only necessary to allow it to ing with Trump, having in mind the fore- be on board of the denuclearization talks. boding threat made by the latter that he If North Korea accepts to denuclearize would simply walk out should there be no with China, Russia, Japan and South Korea guaranteeing it would not be atfruitful outcome in that meeting.

This was followed by the pronounce- tacked, it could place the two nuclear ment made by National Security Adviser powers in a direct confrontation with the John Bolton on May 17, suggesting that US which North Korea would, no doubt, the “Libya model” of denuclearization seek an alliance in lieu of the absence of could be applied to North Korea,” which a US guaranty.

Second, that the US actually fears everybody knows that after Libya abandoned its nuclear development program, more of losing South Korea and Japan it was destroyed through savage bomb- as its regular buyer of sophisticated but costly weapons under the façade of ing. Muammar Qadaffi was murdered.

This promptly caused North Korean maintaining the balance of power in the first vice minister of foreign affairs, Kim Korean peninsula. Many suspect the big Kye-gwan, to react to that statement of US arms industry is behind the collapse Bolton. Moreover, Trump and his newly of the pending talks. The tension that appointed advisers did not even consider never simmers down is the factor that is that North Korea unilaterally released giving ante to justify why the US has to from prisons on May 9 three Americans constantly keep itself on high alert. This of Korean descent allegedly working for is seen on the conduct and actuation of Israel and Saudi Arabia, which by their the CIA. The release came after US Secretary unusual acquisition of armaments readof State Mike Pompeo made a visit to ily measures their appetite to wage wars Pyongyang to prepare the groundwork with their neighbors.

In short, the demand of the US for for the upcoming summit. The release of the three Americans was without any North Korea to denuclearize is a smokeprecondition. North Korea continued to screen to make it impossible to come out look forward to the success of the up- any peace agreement that could technically ease itself out as the main player coming summit.

In a surprise move, North Korea that will decide the peace in the peninalso announced on May 12 that it will sula or that the US arms industries, by dismantle its nuclear test site on May the current outlook of its economy, sim23-25, a dramatic move intended to fi- ply forbid peace to prevail, for that would netune the success of forthcoming sum- mean an end to its lucrative business of mit. It also planned to invite journalists supplying arms to South Korea, Japan from the United States, South Korea, and even Taiwan.

China, Russia and Britain to inspect the rpkapunan@gmail.com process.

TOMORROW is Pentecost Sunday.

Traditionally, it is known as the birthday of the Catholic Church. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension to heaven. When the Spirit of God came down on the disciples on the day of the Pentecost, the disciples, who were cowering in fear because they though their Master had left, became infused with the Spirit of God and with full of courage and wisdom began to proclaim the gospel of the risen Lord.

Since then Christianity began to spread like wildfire among the Jews and later among the Gentiles.

The Holy Spirit or sometimes called the Holy Ghost or the Paraclete which takes the form of a dove in literature is the least known and most misunderstood person of the Holy Trinity. Sometimes He is referred as the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Son, the Spirit of Jesus. These terms imply a relation of the Spirit to the Son, which can only be a relation of origin.

Catholic dogma teaches us that the Holy Spirit though really distinct as a Person, from the Father and the Son, He is consubstantial with Them; being God like Them, He possesses with Them one and the same Divine Essence or Nature.

As Saint Athanasius stated expressly that “the Holy Ghost comes from the Father and from the Son not made, not created, not generated, but proceeding.

The New Testament makes a few references of the Holy Spirit. We read in John “And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with, you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive”; Moreover, “But when the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me.”

St. Peter addresses his first epistle, “to the strangers dispersed . . . elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”

The Spirit of consolation and of truth is also clearly distinguished in the Gospel of John, from the Son, from Whom He receives all He is to teach the Apostles, and from the Father, who has nothing that the Son also does not possess.

Both send Him, but He is not separated from Them, for the Father and the Son come with Him when He descends into our souls.

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in our salvation. While the Father is

Justices...

From A4

consequences to the state, the government, and the people.

The issue of whether or not the sitting chief justice of the Supreme Court holds a valid appointment as chief justice certainly qualifies as an issue of transcendental importance precisely because it has serious consequences in the affairs of the government, and the concerns of the tax-paying public. After all, if the sitting chief justice does not hold a valid appointment as chief justice, he or she has no power adjudicating on cases. Moreover, he or she is not be entitled to the office’s official salary which the Filipino taxpayers pay for.

Restated, Sereno cannot demand that the six justices recluse themselves in the quo warranto petition against her, simply because they testified regarding the status of her appointment in a public proceeding conducted by the justice committee of the House of Representatives.

Sereno’s supporters argue that the six justices should have turned down the invitation extended to them by the House to

Honor...

From A4

fought two giants, Spain and America.

We owe our independence to our valiant forefathers and mothers.

Our flag was designed by no less than the first president of the republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo and was made in Hong Kong

by Marcela Agoncillo with the help of her daughter, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Dr. Jose Rizal’s niece, Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.

Gen. Aguinaldo came back to the country on May 17, 1898 to resume the Philippine revolution after Spain reneged on the terms of the Biak na Bato treaty. On May 28 after his arrival, arms and ammunition they bought (using the Biak na Bato money) for the revolution’s use arrived in a port in Alapang (now Alapan). Spanish forces came to confiscate the arms and this resulted in the Battle of Alapan won by the Filipino patriots. To celebrate this victory, Aguinaldo decided to show the jubilant people the Philippine flag for the very first time.

Two weeks later, on 12 June 1898, the same flag was formally unfurled to the public during the declaration of Philippine in-

Diversity can actually be a strength if only we appreciate how it can bring us together.

Bosnia-Herzegovina. It’s a lovely city, proudly calling itself the Jerusalem of Europe because all of the world’s major Theistic religions converge, some would say collide, in this city by the mountains.

On my last night here last Thursday, I cried as I made a round of Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Nativity of Theotokos, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue. In all these places in Sarajevo, in approximately a 500-square meters radius, the people pray to and worship one God. One wished they would not kill each other again as some here did in the 1990s.

Because we have different ethnicities and religions, we frequently speak in different tongues. This diversity frequently becomes a source of conflict; in worst case scenarios, as we saw in the Balkans (literally according to some “the land of blood and honey”) in the 1990s, differences are used to justify the most evil actions such as ethnic cleaning and genocide.

We see this in the Philippines too— this speaking in different tongues that sometimes leads to violence. The harsh words of the President not just about drug pushers but also about drug addicts has resulted in an unprecedented number of deaths in poor neighborhoods.

Responding to the quo warranto decision of the Supreme Court, some critics have been demonizing the Justices in the majority and those like Father Rannie Aquino who have defended the decision.

Let me be clear that I disagree strongly with the decision and with the arguments of Father Rannie and other supporters of the Supreme Court. But I do not see any positive value in attacking people personally. Besides, I do not believe that I have a monopoly of the truth and is always on the lookout for alternative perspectives and the arguments that support them. There are certainly Justices in the majority that I respect immensely —Justices Jardeleza and Gesmundo for example, and definitely I consider Father Rannie one of the most brilliant legal thinkers in this country.

It is a grace—this ability to understand different perspectives, to be able to put on the hat and shoes of other persons. Diversity can actually be a strength if only we appreciate how it can bring us together.

We can have opposing, political views, practice different religious, utter other words, speak even in different tongues, but we can still love, certainly be at peace with each other.

This is the continuing gift of Pentecost.

The Spirit is always with us. That is why when one says “The Lord is with you,” the response is “And with your Spirit.”

to judge promptly and rightly, especially in difficult situations; Fortitude or courage, Knowledge which allows a person to see things from the perspective of God; Piety or reverence and Fear of the Lord.

In one of his reflections, Pope Francis identified the Holy Spirit as the fire of love burning in the Church and in our hearts, even though we often cover him with the ash of our sins. When the Spirit of God came down to the disciples on the day of the Pentecost, the disciples, who hitherto were cowering in fear because they though their Master had left, became infused with the Spirit of God and with full of courage and wisdom began to proclaim the gospel of the risen Lord. Since then Christianity began to spread like wildfire among the Jews and later among the gentiles.

We reiterate the prayer of the Holy Father for the Holy Spirit to grant us the spirit of forgiveness in the midst of intolerance, hasty judgment, discrimination and rejection; for the spirit of unity in the midst of discord and violence; and the spirit of conversion in the midst of sinfulness. Today more than ever, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to enable each and every one of us, including our domestic institutions and the governments throughout the world, to always think and act according to His will.

Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: toI write this column from Sarajevo, nylavs testify before its justice committee. Their having accepted the invitation to testify before the justice committee, Sereno’s supporters insist, violates the independence of the judiciary.

They are mistaken. The independence of the judiciary has nothing to do with Sereno’s suspicion that the six justices in her must-inhibit list are biased against her.

First, there is nothing in the Constitution to support the position taken by the Sereno camp.

Next, the presence of the justices in the proceedings of the justice committee was an act of courtesy extended by members of one co-equal branch of the national government to the members of another co-equal branch. Their presence at the hearing of the justice committee merely recognizes the power of the House, granted by the Constitution, to conduct impeachment proceedings, and to perform official acts necessary to effectively exercise that power. Surely, an act done pursuant to the mandates of the Constitution itself cannot be labelled as a threat against judicial independence.

Evidently, there is no way that the presence of the justices at the hearings of the justice committee of the House can be con-

sidered a threat to the judicial independence. The supposed threat to judicial independence peddled by the Sereno camp is pure speculation.

Likewise, the historical precedents do not support Sereno’s position.

Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1964, Justice Calixto Zaldivar was the executive secretary of then President Diosdado Macapagal. Under the doctrine of qualified political agency recognized in Constitutional Law, a cabinet secretary is an alter ego of the president. Since Zaldivar was Macapagal’s alter ego, Zaldivar’s official acts are deemed the official acts of President Macapagal.

Executive Secretary Zaldivar’s past fiduciary relation with Macapagal notwithstanding, Justice Zaldivar voted in favor of Macapagal in 1971, when Macapagal was sued before the Supreme Court in his capacity as the president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention.

Following the argument advanced by Sereno, Zaldivar should have inhibited himself in the Macapagal case precisely because he was once Macapagal’s alter ego! Zaldivar did not, and nobody protested.

Continued on Tuesday

dependence in Kawit, Cavite. This was also the very first time that the Marcha Nacional Filipina (now Lupang Hinirang), composed

by Julian Felipe, was publicly played. I can only imagine how jubilant and proud the people were to see and hear for the very first time these most important symbols of their beloved country! It must have been glorious to be Filipino particularly on that day.

May 28 to June 12 have become the Flag Days under Republic Act No. 849. Section 26 states, “The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.”

Presently, the country is faced by many serious challenges from within and without. Our sovereignty is again threatened with our territories being disrespected, invaded even. We have just witnessed how Supreme Court Justices trampled upon the Constitution to oust the Chief Justice using an illegal quo warranto petition. We have a de facto dictatorship where one man, the President, is in full control of all three supposedly co-equal and independent branches of government. Our people continue to get

killed without due process. Critics of the administration are harassed, imprisoned, or removed from office. The vice presidency is threatened.

More than a century ago, Filipino revolutionists sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedoms we now enjoy. But the very same freedoms are now under attack. It is time to show LOVE OF COUNTRY. It is time to stand up and fight for our people’s rights, to defend democracy, and our country’s sovereignty.

Flag Days are upon us. One way to show patriotism is by prominently displaying our flag. Proudly hoist our colors as a symbol that the Filipino people is sovereign. Just like in Alapan and Kawit where Gen. Aguinaldo and his men hoisted our flag in full defiance of the powers that be, we are now called to defy and oppose tyranny and foreign invasion. Fly our flag to say that we are protecting our rights, and the rights of our children and the future generations.

We are a nation of heroes. SA MANLULUPIG, DI KA PASISIIL. bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

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that just belongs to both of us privately,” she said.

Zhao said their relationship had grown more “dynamic” and collaborative since they made their first picture together, “Platform,” in 2000.

“Back then, if the director thought a scene was good, I tended to think ‘Yeah, it’s good enough’,” she said.

“Now it’s more of a dialogue about the characters—how I want from a female perspective to make a character come alive. I think he’s very responsive to my opinions and suggestions.”

Jia, who won the Golden Lion top prize at Venice in 2006 for “Still Life”, told AFP their sometimes hard-fought consensus covered even ostensibly trivial details like costumes.

He said their shared love of Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies led the couple to occasionally borrow some of the eyewatering colors of its costumes.

They revived the look in “Ash is Purest White”, whose first chapter set in the 2000s recalls Tarantino and the Hong Kong action movies that inspired him with their ultrastylish violence.

“We were just on the same page,” Jia said of his wife.

Another on-screen, off-screen partnership that made a splash at Cannes this year was Spanish director-producer pair Raul de la Fuente and Amaia Ramirez, who presented their animated docudrama “Another Day of Life” after a few cinematic kisses for the cameras.

Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego also managed to co-direct their critically-acclaimed Colombian narcodrama, “Birds of Passage”, despite the recent end of their romantic relationship.

‘Really terrifying’ It’s often a cinema passion project that brings lovers together in the first place, as with A.B. Shawky and the producer of his debut feature “Yomeddine,” Dina Emam.

“We didn’t start dating until maybe right before production,” Emam told reporters in Cannes.

The film, set in an Egyptian leper colony using non-professional actors who were not able to read or write, proved to be more of a bonding experience than they bargained for.

The two survived a “really terrifying” shakedown by amateur security guards, byzantine bureaucracy and the vagaries of crowdfunding a complex project that surprised everyone—particularly the filmmakers themselves—by getting into Cannes’ vaunted competition.

“It was a gruelling shoot, I can’t sugarcoat it,” said Shawky, at 32 the youngest director in the Cannes competition.

Emam agreed: “There’s no amount of planning that could have prevented the things that happened on this shoot—I think maybe we were a little cursed.”

But after their baptism of fire, Shawky and Emam decided they were ready to take the next step.

“As soon as we were done with the film we decided ‘I think we’ve gone through the hardest thing we’ll ever go through in our lives—I think marriage will be a piece of cake’,” she quipped. AFP

News

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Police nab scam artist personating gov‘t officials

Cimatu stops issuance of illegal tax declaration

By Francisco Tuyay

By Rio N. Araja ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday warned local governments against illegal issuance of tax declaration for forestland.

He said the prohibition was provided under Presidential Decree No. 705 as amended, pertaining to the issuance of certificates of real property tax declaration to persons occupying or possessing parcels of forestland.

Recently, Cimatu issued a memorandum directing all field officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to remind local officials within their respective jurisdiction about the prohibition and the penalty.

“The law is clear that no public officer or employee can issue a certificate of real property tax without securing a certification from the Department that the real property to be declared for taxation is alienable and disposable,” he noted.

Public officials and employees found violating the law could face a jail term of four years, and permanent disqualification from holding elective and appointive positions in government.

There has been a number of irregularities in the issuance of tax declarations by local government units to individuals who are in “open, continuous, exclusive, adverse and notorious possession” of parcels of forestland.

The memo was issued at the height of the government crackdown on erring establishments in Boracay, where residents have been issued tax declarations by LGUs despite the entire island being classified as a forestland.

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE. Bad Friday it is as thick smoke swells above the Wellington building in a residential block behind the centuries-old Binondo Church in Manila, with fire marshalls (inset) training their hoses at the building and putting the preliminary damage at P5 million. Norman Cruz

Aquino renews call: Suspend excise tax

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, saying the transport sector was already crying out for support amid the increase in fuel prices, renewed his call to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the government’s tax reform program.

“For the drivers, operators and passengers, the TRAIN should be stopped to ease their burden,” said Aquino, referring to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. He said the mechanism should be returned to suspend the excise tax due to inflation to reduce the burden of drivers, operators and commuters.

Aquino, one of the four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law, made the pronouncement after several jeepney operators filed a petition asking for a P2 fare increase and the possible surge pricing during rush hours due to the recent

increase in prices of petroleum products.

He submitted Senate Bill No. 1798, seeking to stop the collection of excise tax on fuel under TRAIN once the inflation rate breaches “target range.”

Under Aquino’s measure, the collection of excise tax will be suspended once the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

The opposition senator introduced that specific provision during the TRAIN’s deliberation and was approved by fellow senators.

However, the provision was not included in the bicameral conference committee and

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TODAY ORIE NTA L

MINDORO E LEC TRIC COOPE R ATIV E , INC. (O R M E C O) Simaron, Calapan Cit y INVITATION TO BID

All interested bidders are invited to participate in the actual bidding for these ten (10) LOTs detailed as follows: LOT - I

LOT - II

LOT - III

LOT - IV

LOT - V

LOT - VI

LOT - VII

LOT - VIII

LOT - IX

LOT - X

Security Services for 1 Year Number of Guards: 32 Approved Budget Cost: Php4,896,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Supply of Pole Line Materials and Duplex wire #6 Approved Budget Cost: Php10,994,300.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Baco, San Teodoro and Pto. Galera Coverage Area (District I) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php898,656.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Calapan and Portion of Baco and Naujan West Coverage Area (District II) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php906,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Naujan and Victoria Coverage Area (District III) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php946,656.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Socorro and Pola Coverage Area (District IV) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php882,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Pinamalayan and Gloria Coverage Area (District V) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php876,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Bansud and Bongabong Coverage Area (District VI) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php900,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Clearing Job in Roxas, Mansalay and Bulalacao Coverage Area (District VII) for 1 Year Approved Budget Cost: Php912,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT Supply of Electronic KWH Meter Approved Budget Cost: Php9,000,000.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.

Interested bidders may secure BID DOCUMENTS and obtain further INFORMATIONS from the ORMECO, Inc. Bids and Award Committee (BAC)/Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee in the amount of Php5,000.00 for LOT - I, Php25,000.00 for LOT - II, Php1,000.00 for LOT - III to LOT - IX and Php10,000.00 for LOT - X, and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

2.

Interested bidders must be accredited as supplier/contractor before joining the pre-bidding conference and accreditation will start on May 21, 2018 at 8:00am until 5:00p.m. of May 25, 2018. You can call at telephone numbers 043-2882349/043-2869375 or send an email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com.

3.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. Board Room, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro at 10:00 a.m. of May 29, 2018 for LOT - I, 2:00 p.m. of May 29, 2018 for LOT - II, 10:00 a.m. of May 30, 2018 for LOT - III to LOT - IX and 2:00 p.m. of May 30, 2018 for LOT - X.

4.

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at 10:00 a.m. of June 13, 2018 for LOT - I, 2:00 p.m. of June 13, 2018 for LOT - II, 10:00 a.m. of June 14, 2018 for LOT - III to LOT - IX and 2:00 p.m. of June 14, 2018 for LOT - X immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

5.

ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO, Inc. in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the Approved Budget Cost (ABC). No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid will be considered the winning bidder.

6.

The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND.

7.

If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared.

8.

ORMECO, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

ORMECO, Inc. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

ORMECO, INC. (SND) RONIE T. MORALES BAC CHAIRMAN

(MS-MAY 19, 2018)

THE Philippine National Police on Friday arrested a barricuda or con artist impersonating top government officials to extort money from his victims.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde identified the suspect as Vimbi Avilla, arrested by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Regional Public Safety Battalion, San Pablo City Police Station and Military intelligence Unit while in possession of cal. 38 revolver, hand grenade, at least four cellphones he reportedly used to call or text would-be victims.

Operatives also seized SIM cards, and money remittance receipts from Avilla’s possession during the service of a search warrant issued by Judge Agripino Morga of RTC Branches 2932 of San Pablo City in Barangay San Vicente, San Pedro, Laguna last Tuesday.

Albayalde said the arrest of Avilla surfaced after he impersonated Interior Officer-in-Charge Secretary Eduardo Año and other public officials to extort.

Avilla was collared previously by the National Bureau of Investigation for impersonating Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, and former National Irrigation Adthe approved version of the measure. ministration Secretary Peter Lavina, Meanwhile, Aquino said the measure Albayalde said the suspect would be that sought to empower and encourage calling his prospective victims over the Filipino innovators and entrepreneurs to phone and impersonate the voice of highbuild better solutions for the nation was ranking government officials, to include approved by the Senate on third and final elected officials. reading.

“We just don’t want to give the names Via an overwhelming 18-0 vote, Senate but there are elected officials whom he was Bill 1532 or the Innovative Startup Act was able to dupe because these elected officials approved by the Senate, bringing it closer are always in touch with officials in to becoming a law. government who hold key positions so “This is great news for our innovators they know their voices,” he said. and entrepreneurs. We’re one step closer Albayalde said that no less than Año to giving them the support they deserve,” ordered the PNP to hunt Avilla after said Aquino, chairman of the Committee learning that the suspect was also imperon Science and Technology. sonating him.

“It isn’t easy building a successful PNP probers have yet to determine the start-up, specially in the Philippines. total amount of money the suspect had acStill, they find ways to bring better socumulated from his impersonating modus. lutions to problems in transportation, “He could be likened to Willie Nepumuhealthcare, agriculture, and other indusceno, that’s he’s style. He can impersonate tries,” also added Aquino, principal the voices of the said government officials. author and sponsor of the measure. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK If you are familiar with them, seeing them on TV and hearing their voices you will think that the suspect is them. That’s how good he is,” Albayalde said in Filipino.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the CIDG while a case for Violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 would be filed against Avilla.

Rob-slay suspect nabbed—but slain

By Joel E. Zurbano

BADGE OF HONOR. Some 76 new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy ‘Maragtas’ Class of 2018 receive Friday their Badge of Honor during the ceremonial pinning and Service lunch with PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde at Camp Crame. Manny Palmero

MMDA to commuters: Brace for traffic gridlock THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday advised commuters and motorists to brace for traffic gridlock in some parts of Manila and Quezon City this weekend due to road repairs to be conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

In its advisory, the MMDA said the DPWHNational Capital Region Office and its contractor would undertake the road reblocking and repairs beginning 11 p.m. (May 18) at the following areas: In Quezon City: • 2nd southbound lane of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue from Arayat Street to P. Tuazon Street.

• southbound lane of Visayas Avenue in front of People’s Television Network Station (PTV-4), and southbound 3rd lane of Edsa-Eugenio Lopez Street after Scout Borromeo.

• 2nd northbound lane of Edsa in front of Vertis North to Trinoma Shopping Mall.

• Northbound inner lane of Quirino Highway from T. Carreon Street to Pagkabuhay Road.

• Northbound outer lane of Andres Bonifacio Avenue from Mayon Street to Mauban Street, and • 3rd northbound lane of Congressional Avenue in front of Business Bank to Mindanao Avenue, and In Manila: • Northbound lane of España Boulevard going to Quiapo in front of Don Quijote Street before

Arsenio H. Lacson Avenue.

The MMDA advised the public to avoid the areas and use alternate routes instead.

The agency assured that all affected roads will be fully passable by 5 a.m. on Monday, May 21.

The DPWH resumed their operations after MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim gave the agency a go signal to proceed with the road works.

At present, the government is implementing a policy prohibiting diggings and other road works at daytime.

The ban of road works at daytime came following the MMDA meeting with officials of the departments of Transportation, and Public Works and Highways to further improve the flow of traffic in the metropolis.

Under the policy, road repairs and rehabilitations on major thoroughfares must be done by contractors around 10 p.m. to make sure that the road will be passable to motorists by 5 a.m. the next day.

To do this, the government agencies will be requiring contractors to use quick dry cement on the road works to be able to meet the one-day curing period.

Also under the new guidelines, the DPWH will be responsible in preparing the traffic management plan of the road projects, and the plan will be reviewed by the MMDA. Joel E. Zurbano

ONE of the suspects in last week’s robbery-slaying of a University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas-College of Medicine dean was arrested on Friday but got killed when, cops said, he tried to grab the firearm of one of the arresting police officers.

The suspect—Rodel Lava, 38, a bus dispatcher and resident of Tanza, Cavite— did not reach the hospital alive due to gunshot wounds in the body.

Lava, according to Metro Manila police director Camilo Cascolan, was identified by Juvy Bandoy Acero, 43, and her live-in partner Dindo Engcoy Legano, 39, as their cohort in killing Dr. Harivelle Charmaine Tapaoan Hernando inside her residence on May. 11.

Cascolan said the Las Piñas police arrested Lava at the suspect’s hideout around 7 a.m. He added the arresting policemen recovered a .45-caliber Norinco from Lava’s possession.

But while traversing the Alabang-Zapote Road in Pamplona on board the police mobile car, Lava, according to the police, tried to grab the service gun of one of the escorts, prompting the lawmen to shoot him.

Records from the Southern Police District showed the suspect was a drug dependent and involved in robbery incidents in the southern part of Metro Manila.

Las Piñas City police commander Marion Balonglong said Hernando was found dead in her house at 43 Molave Street, Dona Manuela, 4C Subdivision, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City on May 11, 2018.

Balonglong immediately formed a team to conduct an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Acero, maid of Hernando, and Legano, the victim’s terminated driver.

Acero initially denied she was involved in the murder but later confessed that she and Legano who planned and conspired with Lava in the robbery and killing Hernando who sustained multiple stab wounds in different parts of the body.

Investigation showed the suspects tied Hernando before stabbing her to death.

The two men later escaped as Acero, pretending to be innocent, went to the police to ask for assistance.

Charges of robbery with homicide have been filed against Acero and Legano before the Las Piñas City prosecutors office.

Sports New faces emerge in Cantillan leg of Cebuana tilt THERE were more new faces than familiar ones among the winners at the conclusion of the Cantilan leg of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis in Surigao del Sur, that attracted 143 entries from Mindanao and the Visayas regions.

Tiffany Claire Nocos from LapuLapu City, Cebu and Bliss Bayking, a native of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental continued their winning ways in their respective age groups.

Nocos snared both the girls’ 14-under and 16-under titles, while Bayking extended her dominance in the girls’ 18-below of the tournament backed by Dunlop as the official ball.

Nocos made short work of Surigao del Sur bet Maxie Gemma Guarte, winning 6-0, 6-1, in the finals of the 14-under and followed it up with a three-set victory over Bayking, 6-2, 2-6, 10-6, in the 16-under, while Bayking made up for her loss with a 6-1, 5-7, 10-6 win over Elaine Rose Bahonsua from Siquijor in the 18-under finals.

Bayking also won the girls’ 18-under doubles’ crown in tandem with Shedel Aighey Gica, beating Bahonsua and Angelly Esguerra, 8-6, in the finals.

The only other familiar name was Surigao City bet Rupert Ohrelle Tortal, who defeated Zamboanga del Sur’s Lex Estillore, 6-3, 6-4, for the boys’ 16-under crown. Tortal also partnered with Ashton Benne Villanueva to share the boys’ 14-under doubles title.

“Seeing new faces emerge winners in any leg simply proves our contention that given the opportunities, provincial players will be discovered and some previous unknown players are in fact already playing in international tournaments under the Unified Tennis Philippines, “ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier Group.

Local bet Claire Guysie Guardo posted a double as she ruled the girls’ 12- under with a 6-1, 6-4 win over another local player Shara Faith Correjos and shared the girls’ 14-under doubles’ title with partner Denice Fiona Arreza in the competition cosponsored by the LGU of Cantilan, headed by Mayor Philip Pichay, who awarded the trophies to the winners.

2 age-group net meets set in Leyte, Iloilo THE Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional agegroup tennis tournament holds two legs in Maasin, Leyte and Iloilo City simultaneously, both drawing huge cast of participants at the Maasin City Capitol Tennis Courts and at the Ultra Tennis Courts in La Paz Plaza, respectively.

Nilo Ledama and Anjoe Lim banner the field in the boys’ 18- and16-and-under play in Maasin with Pherl Coderos and Elizabeth Abarquez looming as the players to be in the girls’ premier division of the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Dunlop, the official ball.

Andrei Lago and Nicholas Ocat, on the other hand, lead the boys’ 14-U roster with Bert Manlimos and Benedicto Lambonao gaining the top seeding in the 12-U category of the week-long event sponsored by Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado.

Reynan Mahusay, Prince Dimate, JJ Gazo and Jon Jimenea, meanwhile, are tipped to dispute the boys’ 18-U crown in the Iloilo City stop of the event sponsored by Mayor Jose Espinosa III with Kiana de Asis, Avril Suace, Faith Callao and Jewel Milliam expected to dispute the girls’ crown.

“Holding two simultaneous tournaments only underscore the support of these young players to our circuit, which does not only keep the youth busy this summer but also provide them the tournaments and chances to become members of future national teams,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Both tournaments, sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines, made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, are ongoing.

Lambonao is also vying in the 10-unisex division of the event backed

by Asiatraders Corp., which also drew Juliana Tenepre, Christian Estrada and Edrielle dela Cruz.

Coderos also earned the top ranking in the 16-U side with Faye Lim, Selena Olo and sibling Hazel Coderos also in the fold while Corazon Lambonao, Riza Coderos, Jade Villanueva and Elna Beronio heading the 14-U division.

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Zaragosa fires best round of 68 L

UBAO, Pampanga—Former Callaway world junior boys’ 11 to 12 years division champion Rupert “Dodong” Zaragosa made the country proud with a four-under par 68—his best in three days—in the 2018 FISU World University Golf Championship at the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club here Friday.

Zaragosa birdied four holes—two on each nines—in what could be his finest round in the 72-hole championships organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines and sanctioned by the International Sports University Federation.

His birdie binge on a hot Friday afternoon at the par-72 course located in this historic town in Pampanga included one in the 506-meter par-5 third hole, the longest.

Zaragosa, who is best remembered for winning the boys’ 11-12 years division

in the 43rd Callaway Junior World golf championship in San Diego, California in July 2010, had a three-day score of oneover par 217.

The 5’2” student of Lyceum of the Philippines had earlier rounds of 77 and 72.

Taipei Universiade campaigner Jonas Christian Magcalayo carded a two-over 74 marred by a disastrous double bogey on the ninth hole, while Lanz William Uy shot a 74 spiked by two birdies and four bogeys.

Magcalayo, the 22-year-old engineering

student of Mapua, missed a better score when he double-bogeyed the 600-meter, par-5 No. 9, the same hole he birdied in the first two rounds.

Together with rounds of 71 and 75, Magcalayo had a five-over score of 221.

Uy, the 19-year-old pride of Technological University of the Philippines, had his best score of 74 after struggling with 76 and 77. He had 227.

Henry Tschopp of Switzerland continued to show the way with a third-day score of 69 and eight-under par 208 Tschopp, an incoming freshman student at the Western Texas College, is now three shots ahead of Yuto Katsugawara of Japan and Jaehun Choi of South Korea.

Katsugawara submitted the day’s best score of five-under 67, while Choi fired a 68 for second place with 211

Daiki Imano and Taisei Shimizu of Japan shared fouth to fifth places with 212 following identical rounds of 72.

In the women’s division, Dasom Ma of South Korea fired a second straight 70 to assume the solo lead with a three-day total of 215.

Another Korean, Minji Kang is second with 68 and 217.

Charlotte Lafourcade of France and second-day leader Isabella Leung of Hong Kong share third and fourth with 219 following rounds of 74 and 75, respectively.

Meanwhile, FESSAP lauded WUGC Executive Committee members Marius Aseron (Chairman), Emmanuel Edward Co (Vice Chairman), Benito Techico (Vice Chairman) and Rolando Romero (Vice Chairman) for their roles in ensuring the success of the competition.

Premier volley league goes live every weekend on ABS-CBN S+A

China delegation head Peng Xiaoyu presents a special art gift to Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.

Technical officials for PNG undergo training CEBU CITY—The Philippine Sports Commission and national sports associations of the 19 sports to be played in the Philippine National Games conducted a refresher course for over 500 technical officials involved in the event yesterday at the Badminton Hall of the Cebu City Sports Center here.

Atty. Guillermo Iroy, PSC Deputy Executive Director and PNG Project Director thanked everyone involved in the technical management of each sport. With temperatures in the high 30s here in Cebu City, he reminded everyone to “keep hydrated and keep your health in check.” He also relayed the PSC board’s appreciation for everyone’s cooperation and support.

The refresher course is intended to keep the technical officials updated with latest developments in officiating.

Preparations for the Opening Ceremony this afternoon, which is expected be graced

by President Rodrigo Duterte, have been finalized last night.

“We have prepared the best opening presentation yet in any PNG with hundreds of performers from all over the region,” said Ricky Ballesteros, Cebu City Sports Commission Manager and also the Opening and Closing Ceremonies head.

Ballesteros disclosed that there will be around 700 performers for the opening ceremonies. A dry-run was conducted which showed a Sinulog-like presentation.

PNG Project Director and PSC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy during the Refresher Course for Technical Officials.

A lighting of “Urn for Peace and Unity” is also in the program today.

Cebu City first hosted the PNG 21 years ago in 1997 on its third edition.

The traditional solidarity meeting between technical officials and representatives and officials of the participating delegations is being held this morning.

There are 96 local government units from all over the country participating in this multi-sport event considered the national Olympics.

Also expected to attend the opening ceremonies are sports legends, Django Bustamante, Elma Muros-Posadas, Eugene Torre, Bong Coo, Onyok Velasco and Hidilyn Diaz.

FILIPINO volleyball fans will get more intense volleyball action on television as weekend matches of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference will now be aired live on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD starting this Saturday and Sunday.

Kicking-off this weekend’s loaded lineup is the showdown between the PayMaya High Flyers led by Grethcel Soltones and the Philippine Navy-Iriga Lady Oragons bannered

by Janet Serafica at 2 p.m., followed

by Audrey Paran and the BaliPure Water Defenders’ match against Jovielyn Prado and the Tacloban Fighting Warays at 4 p.m. as “PVL On Tour” heads to the Batangas City Sports Complex.

On Sunday (May 20), it will be the Petrogazz Angels led by Stephanie Mercado versus the Amanda Villanueva-led Banko Perlas for the curtain raiser at 2 p.m., while the main event will be Myla Pablo’s Pocari-Air Force Lady Warriors against Alyssa Valdez’s Creamline Cool Smashers at 4 p.m.

After the season’s opening last May 6, fans have been enjoying PVL action online via livestreaming on www.premiervolleyballleague.com. A clamor to bring more of the action to TV has led to S+A also airing the Saturday and Sunday games apart from the agreed opening, semifinals, and finals matches. Wednesday games, meanwhile, will still be available exclusively on livestream.

For news, stories, and updates on the tournament, head to sports.abscbn.com or follow @abscbnsports on Facebook and Twitter.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

Youth Olympic Games slots staked in 4th Asian Trampoline tourney

OFF TO SAN DIEGO. The Sarines siblings pose with their medals and trophies after topping the US Kids Qualifying tournament at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Cavite recently. They are five-year-old Vito (right), who ruled the 6-and-under category, six-year-old Lisa (center), who dominated the 7-and-under class, and twin sister Mona, who placed third in the same category. They will compete in the IMG Junior World Championships in San Diego in July and the US Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina in August.

HIGHLY-COVETED slots to the 3rd Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina this October will be up for grabs in the 4th Asian Senior and Junior Trampoline Gymnastics Championships opening on Saturday at the University of Makati basketball gym.

Three YOG slots each in the boys’ and girls’ divisions will be at stake in the two-day competition organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City Government of Makati.

“This international gymnastics event is important since the Asian juniors is a YOG qualifying competition so we can expect the best young trampoline athletes from all over the continent coming over to take part in this tournament,” Gymnastics Associa-

Dino, Peralta bag 4 golds, Cabonel breaks PH record ARMAN Dino and Anthony Peralta emerged as quadruple gold medalists, while Evaristo Carbonel set a new national mark in the men’s discus throw at the end of the PSC-PHILSPADA National Paralympic Games at the Marikina Sports Center yesterday.

Carrying the colors of Cebu City, Dino added the T 46-47 men’s 200-meter gold with a winning time of 23.96 seconds at the conclusion of the meet organized by the Philippine Sports Association for Disabled Athletes and supported by the

Philippine Sports Commission, The 2017 Malaysia ASEAN Para Games double silver medalist earlier won the100meter and 400-meter runs, while anchoring the Cebu City bets to victory in the 4x100meter relay in the sportsfest also supported by the Marikina City government, led by Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

The pride of San Carlos, Pangasinan, Peralta, who bagged four golds in the Palarong Pambansa Paralympic trackfest held last month in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, duplicated

the feat in ruling the T-20 men’s 200-meter race in 24.02 seconds.

He earlier captured the men’s 100-meter and 400-meter runs and also anchored the San Carlos campaigners to victory in the men’s 4x100-meter relay.

Also sharing the spotlight was Dino’s fellow national athlete Carbonel, who hurled the discus throw to a distance of 29.86 meters, eclipsing his old mark of 27.95 meters set in May 2017 at the Paris Para Athleetic Grand Prix.

tion of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said of the tournament sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union.

Serious in its bid to score a 1-2-3 sweep in both divisions, China, which took a gold and silver medal in the 2014 Nanjing YOG, is fielding four entries each in the individual boys’ and girls’ events of the meet also supported by the Makati city government, headed by Mayor Abigail Binay.

A select group of 12 athletes from all over the world will be competing in the Youth Olympic Games scheduled Oct. 6 to 16 in Argentine capital.

Not to be outdone, Japan, which garnered a girls’ silver medal from Rana Nakano in Nanjing four years ago, is also sending four athletes each in both brackets in what looms as a two-way dogfight for top honors in Asian trampoline championships.

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

Sports

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

A8

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

TNT’s Terrence Romeo attacks the basket, challenging the defense of Blackwater’s JP Erram and Allein Maliksi in a PBA game won by the Texters, 120-101.

Le Tour de Filipinas to traverse Edsa FOR the first time in Philippine Tour history, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue—or Edsa—will play a major role as the Le Tour de Filipinas kicks off its ninth edition along the country’s busiest major highway tomorrow (May 20).

From the Liwasang Aurora start inside the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, the 17 teams composed of 85 cyclists will pedal over the Elliptical Road and through Quezon Avenue before negotiating Edsa toward Monumento in Caloocan City for the race’s neutral zone that covers 9.5 kilometers.

Ably assisting the race entourage is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, headed by Chairman Danilo D. Lim, whose men in blue vowed to control traffic flow without disturbing movement of vehicles.

The 157.50-km Stage 1 to Palayan City of the race copresented

by Air21, Cignal and Cargohaus Inc. and organized by Ube Media Inc. will be flagged off at 8 a.m. The race column is expected to complete the Edsa neutral ride under 30 minutes.

“Edsa is historic in many ways, but with the traffic conditions on the highway, especially at rush hour— and the concerns over clean air—it would be a milestone for the Le Tour de Filipinas to expand its advocacy on the major thoroughfare,” said Alberto Lina, PhilCycling chairman and the acknowledged godfather of Philippine cycling.

The first of four stages of the International Cycling Union race will also tackle the McArthur Highway, where the major artery that connects Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon before the expressways, particularly the North Luzon Expressway, were built.

One in Palayan City, the entourage will be warmly welcomed by the Nueva Ecija capital’s hospitality under Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas.

Adding interest to the Le Tour de Filipinas are the nonbicycle and noncyclist components of the event.

Import-less Texters regain share of lead

By Jeric Lopez

S

URGES in bunches enabled import-less TNT KaTropa to dismantle woeful Blackwater, 120-101, and regain a share of first place in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite playing without an import, as Jeremy Tyler was sent home packing without a replacement yet, the Tropang Texters still managed to turn in a performance good enough for them to get back on the winning track after tasting defeat in their last outing.

Without an import, the Tropang Texters all joined hands and chipped in well to produce the result they wanted with seven players scoring in double-digits, led by Ryan Reyes’ 18 points.

Troy Rosario had 17 markers, Roger Pogoy scored 15, Jayson Castro and Anthony Semerad fired 14 each, Terrence Romeo struck for 12 and Jericho

Cruz chipped in 11 points.

TNT KaTropa slowly but surely imposed its will and picked the Elite apart until it secured victory.

For a start, the Tropang Texers grasped an early 25-20 edge at the end of one.

After an evenly played second frame, TNT had the deciding surge in the third.

The Tropang Texters outscored Blackwater, 35-25, in the third canto to stretch their five-point halftime lead into a sizeable 87-72 spread heading the payoff quarter.

From that point, TNT kept its foot in the gas pedal and made sure there was

no way the helpless Elite could threaten, further adding insult to injury in the last 12 minutes.

The victory lifted the Tropang Texters back to a first-place tie with Rain or Shine as the league-leading squads share identical 4-1 cards.

It seems like Blackwater’s sagging remaining chances of cracking the playoffs are becoming more bleak as it remained winless and fell to an abysmal 0-6 record.

The Scores TALK N TEXT 120—Reyes 18, Rosario 17, Pogoy 15, Castro 14, Semerad 14, Romeo 12, Cruz 11, Trollano 7, Taha 5, Carey 4, Nuyles 2, Garcia 1, Golla 0, Paredes 0, Saitanan 0.

BLACKWATER 101—Erram 16, Zamar 15, Digregorio 14, Palma 12, Famous 11, Belo 11, Cortez 9, Maliksi 6, Sumang 5, Pinto 2, Sena 0, Jose 0.

Quarterscores: 25-20, 52-47, 87-72, 120-101.

Kiefer excited to play in front of Ilonggos IT’S going to be one memorable PBA All-Star game for Kiefer Ravena.

Aside from being the only rookie voted by fans as a starter, the freshman guard of NLEX also gets to play before his home town of Iloilo when the league holds the final leg of the mid-season extravaganza down south on May 27.

The Ravena clan hails from Iloilo City, where 24-year-old Kiefer was born. It will be the first time the highflying rookie will be playing in front of his town-mates since turning pro last year.

“I’m looking forward to it kasi hindi pa ako nakakalaro in front of my people sa PBA,” said Ravena, selected no.

2 overall by NLEX in last year’s draft.

“My family will come out over there.

My dad will be joining me.”

Ravena joins June Mar Fajardo

(San Miguel), James Yap (Rain or Shine), Greg Slaughter (Barangay Ginebra), and Terrence Romeo (TnT Katropa) as part of the starting unit of the PBA Visayas All-Star that will play against the Smart Philippine team during the event that has for major sponsor Phoenix Fuel with Phoenix Pulse Technology.

Chito Victolero will coach the Visayas selection while Nash Racela calls the shot for the national squad in the third and last phase of the yearly gathering also supported by Peak Sports Apparel, PBA Rush-Cignal, Nature’s Spring, TAGHeuer, Gatorade, Rain or Shine, and Molten.

Completing the Visayas All-Star are JR Quinahan, Jeff Chan, Chris Ross, Asi Taulava, Jericho Cruz, Eman Monfort and Ronald Tubid, who replaced

the injured Joe Devance.

“I’ll be playing a fellow Atenean and fellow Ilonggo Eman Monfort,” Ravena said of his fellow NLEX teammate, with whom he won a championship with the Blue Eagles during the 2011 UAAP season.

At the same time, Ravena extended his gratitude to all the voting fans who made it happen for him to become part of the starting unit of the Visayas selection.

“Salute to all the fans who voted me in the All-Star game,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll give them a good show and help my team win the All-Star game. I’ll try to have fun.

It’s my first All-star week. I’m blessed to be part of the whole week.”

Pacman: July bout will be basis for retirement PHILIPPINE boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says the outcome of his July bout against Argentine Lucas Matthysse will likely determine whether he will hang up his gloves after a storied career.

After a one-year hiatus from the ring, the 39-year-old has started training two weeks earlier than usual to bring himself up to peak fighting condition.

“I am not saying it will be the last, but it will be the basis for (me) to think about (whether) to continue or not,” Pacquiao told AFP after training in Manila on Thursday.

“So I am trying my best and doing our best in the training in this fight to show if I can still do it or not,” he added.

Pacquiao has won world titles across an unprecedented eight different weight classes, but critics— including Matthysse, who is four years his junior—question his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age.

The fighter, who won 38 of his first 47 professional fights by knockout, has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.

The two will face off for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia.

The fight comes a year since the southpaw lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn.

In contrast, Matthysse won the vacant WBA belt after beating Thailand’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in January. “(Matthysse) is a very aggressive fighter. I am not worried about his style. My worry is I need to get 100 percent conditioned—the stamina, the power and the strength to survive the 12 rounds,” Pacquiao said.

However, the challenger predicted on Thursday that his fans would see him on top form in Malaysia.

“A young Manny Pacquiao throwing a lot of punches, and more footwork, head movements, side by side (motions)— that’s my goal to achieve for this fight,” he said.

Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine senator, previously rejected criticism that his recent losses have tarnished his record.

On Thursday he hit the mitts with friend and compatriot Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez whom he chose to be his head coach for the fight over long-standing US trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach expressed hurt last month after saying ties had been cut.

“Buboy adapted the style of Freddie Roach and he knows what to do for this training so I am confident with Buboy,” Pacquiao said, refusing to compare the two trainers. AFP

Manny Pacquiao

SMB’s Standhardinger slowly, but surely, learning the PBA ropes

By Peter Paul Duran

Christian Standhardinger

MAYBE, the third time’s the charm for Christian Standhardinger.

The 2017 overall top pick has yet to book a career W with his Philippine Basketball Association team San Miguel Beer, with the agile big man still adjusting to a “whole different sport” Asia’s first league has to offer.

In their out-of-town bout later this afternoon against streaking Alaska Aces in Dumaguete City, the Fil-German standout is looking to help his team chalk up their first win in the Commissioner’s Cup which the Beermen will be vying to retain after taking it all last season with Charles Rhodes.

A victory tonight would definitely ease some lingering doubts whether the 6’8” center has really adjusted to a new role in a new team and in a new league.

In a dismal debut against Meralco, finished with just four points, five rebounds and two assists. Despite making the first attempt at the basket of his PBA career shortly after coming in for JuneMar Fajardo, he would only add two more in garbage time.

In his second outing, he picked his spots and was more confident in scoring the basketball.

In a 123-119 OT loss to Rain Or Shine last week, the 28-year-old rookie lifted his stats to a double-double average after a 17-point, 15-rebound performance in 35 minutes—15 more minutes on the floor as opposed to his first game against the Bolts.

After two games, Standhardinger can boast a career stat of 10.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and most importantly, 5.0 personal fouls a game.

If you’d be looking at this numbers and consider them now in prospect, it will

say a lot about the trend on which the top pick’s career would follow.

Of course, nobody’s whole career is dependent on two games, but if a grand slam coach like Norman Black says those numbers belonging to a player which “is going to be one of the best players in the league eventually,” then we might be looking at a double-double machine who has an eye for a dime in the long run.

Then again, there’s still those five personal fouls a game that he commits we can’t leave out.

He has yet to, in the vernacular term, “graduate” from a game, but then if we rely on numbers to speak for themselves, this will be a perennial problem for the big man in a league where physicality is the norm but the rules are ever changing.

So far, that’s the only “bad” thing about his game. Coming off an entirely different league, it’s understandable that

he’s adjusting to the calls, but in his first two games, there were sparks of brilliance and good indications of things to come for SMB fans to look forward to.

He demonstrated that he can be a facilitator, a scorer, or a defender when needed. He also showed us that he can grab a rebound, run the length of the floor, bulldoze two defenders and still find an open Arwind Santos under the basket.

Likewise, the Beermen’s top pick knows how to use the pick which could be a massive weapon added to their already stacked arsenal in a team where the big man is the focal point of both offense and defense.

Standhardinger could also lighten the load for 4-straight PBA MVP Awardee JMF, and be the designated defensive anchor whenever the Kraken is on the bench.

For now however, Standhardinger, and SMB, need a win.

IN BRIEF

Business

GSIS files eviction suit vs Sofitel owner

STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System filed Friday an eviction suit against Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc., operator of Sofitel, at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.

“We are filing this eviction suit against the operator of Sofitel because it is using two GSIS properties and earning from them without paying the owner. Our members and pensioners are at the losing end here being the real owners of the fund,” GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas said.

Aranas the lots in question were being used by PPHI for its operations without paying rentals. PPHI is using the two lots for its valet parking space, cistern tanks and cooling tower, tennis court and other facilities.

PSE suspends trading of Philab, Unioil shares

THE Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday suspended the trading of Philab Holdings Inc. and Unioil Resources & Holdings Co. Inc. for nonsubmission of reportorial requirements.

The PSE in a notice posted on its website said both Unioil and Philab failed to submit their annual report for the period ending December 2017.

The PSE said failure to comply with the requirements of the exchange would result in the automatic suspension of the trading of the shares for a maximum period of three months.

Meanwhile, the PSE did not impose a planned trading suspension on AgriNurture Inc., Leisure & Resorts World Corp. and TKC Metal Corp. after the three filed their annual reports. Jenniffer B. Austria

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

B1

PH loses half of European tourists

By Othel V. Campos

E

UROPEAN tourists have started to avoid the Philippines and seek other tourism Asian destinations after the government shut down Boracay Island last month.

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Guenter Taus said in a briefing marking the group’s 40th anniversary celebration Thursday that about half of European tourists frequenting the Philippines had turned to other countries.

“It was a tough sell, I hate to say because of the Boracay closure. I don’t know if it was because (the) visit was untimely or if the closure of Boracay

was... but it was hard to sell the Philippines as a tourism destination,” he said.

Members of the chamber visited two countries in Europe in the past two weeks searching for alternatives to the traditional Boracay package.

The chamber said about half of the 553,000 European tourists who went to the Philippines were having second thoughts of going back here because of the way the government was managing the industry.

Groups that had booked for Boracay were not able to refund the money, after European tour operators cited force majeure.

“But we all know that it was because of the government. That’s why we changed direction a little since then, and we’re trying to find out how (we could convince)

them (to) go back and try other places in the Philippines. We still have Bohol, Siquijor and a number of islands that are similarly interesting,” said Taus.

He added European tourists were picky and set in their ways, and that it might take time before they could be wooed back.

The upscale market was also worrisome, he added, but the backpacker type was more flexible since they did not stay in one destination.

“It’s hard to put on a figure but since travelers from Europe are mostly upscale and the backpacking visitors, I suppose it’s safe to say that we might have lost half the number of what we normally expect in year because of the closure,” Taus said.

Most of the disappointed tourists ei-

ther went to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, after realizing their options, he added.

“But I’m sure it will bounce back the moment we shift gear and look at other opportunities as well. Because as news dies, you try to feed in more positive things and move on from there,” he said.

The chamber has grown form an initial 51-member companies to 800 local and foreign members, ranging from medium-sized enterprises to multinational corporations.

It is one of the oldest European chambers outside of Europe and remains one of the leading organizations in the Philippines when it comes to advocacy, market intelligence and ability to provide members with opportunities to connect.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Ban gko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, May 18, 2018

BSP eases forex regulations further

THE BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday said it further liberalized the foreign exchange regulations in which certain transactions will no longer require prior approval from the regulator.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in a statement the rules covered the conversion of foreign currency loans granted by banks to peso loans and the transfer of such loans and the real and other properties acquired from banks’ foreign currency deposit unit books to the regular banking unit books.

“These transactions no longer require prior BSP approval under certain conditions which seek to ensure that banks fully understand the nature and extent of the risks involved... ,” Guinigundo said in a statement.

Julito G. Rada

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

METROBANK AWARD. The Fund Managers Association of the Philippines awards Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. as the #2 Best Fixed Income House for 2017. Four individuals from the bank’s financial markets sector were also recognized in the Fixed Income category: Kael Pasimio, markets sales group, second place, 2017 best fixed income salesperson; Miki Sakaki, Treasury Group, second place, 2017 Best Fixed Income Trader (Foreign); Bettina Bautista, Treasury Group, second place, 2017 Best Fixed Income Trader (local); and Anton Yap, Treasury Group, second place, 2017 best fixed income strategist. At the awarding ceremony are (from left) FMAP president Deanno Basas, Metrobank Treasury Group’s Bettina Bautista, Miki Sakaki, Metrobank senior vice president and head of markets sales group Jikee Reyes, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, Metrobank Markets Sales Group Kael Pasimio, Bea Yatcoand Gab Liboro.

Manila

MetroPac investing P30b in power

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investments Corp. plans to invest at least P30 billion to expand its power generation portfolio to 1,600 megawatts by 2022.

MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said power unit Manila Electric Co. would add at least 1,600 MW of predominantly coal-fired generating capacity and participate in the retail electricity sales market to solidify its position as the country’s leading power company.

It is also exploring further opportunities in renewable energy, including solar, wind, runof-river, hydro, biomass and battery storage.

Meralco’s MGen and partner New Growth B.V., a subsidiary of Thailand’s Electric Generating Company Ltd., are building a 455-MW coal-fired power plant in Mauban, Quezon.

Construction is proceeding as scheduled with commercial operations due by middle of 2019.

Meralco is also building a 1,200-MW power plant in Atimonan, Quezon.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan said that units Meralco and MetroPac Water Investments Corp. would participate in the planned bid-

ding for power and water utilities within New Clark City.

State-owned Bases Conversion Development Authority on Wednesday announced the tender process for the selection of joint venture partners to design, build, finance, operate and maintain power and water distribution in New Clark City, which is envisioned to be Asia’s premier economic hub.

“Meralco will participate in the bidding for the electric power distribution while MetroPac Water will also bid for for water and waste water project in New Clark City,” Pangilinan said.

BCDA plans to award the contracts for both projects by September 2018.

The 9,450-hectare New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient and sustainable city. The first phase of the development covering 60 hectares will feature the National Government Administrative Center that will house back-up offices of several state agencies and a world-class sports complex which being constructed in time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

BoP swung to $270-m deficit in April

By Julito G. Rada THE country’s balance of payments’ position in April swung to a deficit of $270 million from a surplus of $917 million a year ago, pulled down mainly by the government’s payments of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data on Friday show.

The April deficit was also higher than the $266-million gap in March 2018. The figure brought the BoP position in the first four months to a deficit of $1.497 billion, significantly higher than the $78-million gap in the same period last year.

“Outflows in April stemmed mainly from payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations and foreign exchange operations of the BSP,” the regulator said.

“These were partially offset, however, by income from the BSP’s investments abroad and the net foreign currency deposits of the national government during the month,” BSP said.

Bangko Sentral also said the higher

cumulative BoP deficit in the first four months was attributed partly to the widening merchandise trade deficit in the first quarter following the sustained rise in imports to support domestic economic expansion.

It said the BoP position was consistent with the final gross international reserves level of $79.609 billion at the of end of April.

At this level, Bangko Sentral said the GIR represented more than ample liquidity buffer and was equivalent to 7.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It was also equivalent to 5.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4 times based on residual maturity.

The deficit in the current account, one of the main components of the balance of payments, more than doubled to $2.5 billion in 2017 from the $1.2-billion gap a year ago on the back mainly of the widening trade-ingoods deficit.

Data showed the deficit was the biggest since 1999, when the current account shortfall stood at $2.85 billion.

Standard

TODAY

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.2540

Japan

Yen

0.009029

0.4718

UK

Pound

1.351900

70.6422

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127393

6.6568

Switzerland

Franc

0.998702

52.1862

Canada

Dollar

0.781006

40.8107

Singapore

Dollar

0.745156

38.9374

Australia

Dollar

0.750900

39.2375

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

138.6232

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

13.9336

Brunei

Dollar

0.742390

38.7928

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.031192

1.6299

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.2273

Euro

Euro

1.179700

61.6440

Korea

Won

0.000924

0.0483

China

Yuan

0.157122

8.2103

India

Rupee

0.014758

0.7712

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.252080

13.1722

New Zealand

Dollar

0.687500

35.9246

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033410

1.7458

Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market declines; MPIC slips S TOCKS fell Friday in cautious trading, with investors looking for new catalysts to boost the market amid surging oil prices.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index eased 21.84 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,672.28 on a value turnover of P4.2 billion. Losers beat gainers, 115 to 86, with 53 issues unchanged.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. declined 2.6 percent to P881.50, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution, power generation and hospitals, tumbled 3.9 percent to P4.90.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, dropped 2.8 percent to P4.53, while speculative issue MRC

Allied Inc. slumped 4.2 percent to P0.69 Meanwhile, Energy firms surged on the back of further gains in oil prices in Asian trade Friday while regional equity markets mostly rose as traders keep a cautious eye on high-level China-US trade talks.

The benchmark Brent crude contract broke the $80 mark Thursday for the first time in three-and-a-half years as a perfect storm of issues fuels concerns about supplies, with some forecasting it could break $100 at some point.

Brent and WTI are up about a third from their 2018 lows seen in February with upward pressure coming from Donald Trump’s decision to rip up the Iran nuclear deal, economic uncertainty in key producer Venezuela and an output cap by Opec and Russia.

That comes on top of continued improvement in the global economy and ongoing unrest across the Middle East.

Higher prices are boosting expectations for fatter profits for global energy giants and on Friday Hong Konglisted PetroChina was among the big gainers, surging more than six percent, while CNOOC put on 3.4 percent.

Inpex climbed 2.8 percent in Tokyo while Santos jumped 0.8 percent in Sydney.

And Patrick Pouyanne, chief executive officer of French oil explorer Total SA, told Bloomberg News that if Trump imposes threatened sanctions on Iran “I wouldn’t be surprised to see $100 per barrel in the coming months.”

Asian dealers were broadly upbeat Friday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.3 percent and Shanghai ended up 1.2 percent. Tokyo closed 0.4 percent higher as exporters were lifted by a weaker yen, which is at a four-month low against the dollar.

Seoul added 0.5 percent and Wellington put on 0.6 percent but Sydney dipped 0.1 percent and Singapore shed 0.2 percent.

However, rising oil prices are increasing expectations of a jump in global inflation.

And the main focus is on the US, where the Federal Reserve is in the midst of an interest rate-raising cycle, with fears it could announce three more hikes this year.

Key US 10-year Treasury yields are already at seven-year highs above three percent and the prospect of paying more to borrow money has spooked investors, sending the dollar higher but causing a drag on stock markets.

Adding to the unease is the tariffs spat between the US and China, which has raised concerns about a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.95 24,750 99.5 1,254,420 3 26,000 132.3 934,570 1.45 74,000 34.7 84,700 7.11 300 16.4 20,900 15.82 329,800 3.76 75,000 8.78 900 1.62 10,000 870 200 0.54 1,368,000 82.75 1,547,620 1.1 2,501,000 20.3 22,700 52 172,940 211.8 2,330 106.5 20 86.8 10 38 126,400 199.9 317,720 1,955 710 89.1 19,150 1.2 18,000

1,444,587.50 124,563,441 78,000 122,819,432 105,630 2,945,235 2,133 349,658 5,225,624 274,920 7,672 15,780 174,750 748,140 127,977,610.50 2,778,870 461,135 8,996,445 490,792 2,130 868 4,788,530 63,536,508 1,387,350 1,705,076 21,600

1,314,025 29,031,837.50 -23,330,661 -278,445.00 2,133 -111,654 2,632 3,240 -54,980,727 4,500 -6,815,528 1,176,425 -20,005,362 -

38.1 14.62 0.59 1.23 20 0.223 3.06 16.86 251 50.9 24 55 68 1.93 5.13 9.45 11 16.1 11.6 7.14 5.06 14.78 62.8 18.62 8.75 16.7 2.15 281 5.08 3.38 17.82 26.9 13.3 20.6 319.8 0.19 6.68 2.4 4.3 9.25 5.63 7.95 1.4 12.2 51.4 2.07 3.6 1.8 13.22 64.85 5.4 0.136 0.98 135.5 3.16 21.95 0.8

INDUSTRIAL 38.85 852,800 14.64 515,200 0.6 4,494,000 1.25 42,000 21.35 60,600 0.223 4,180,000 3.09 2,755,000 16.98 3,838,100 251 50 51 408,280 24 31,900 56.95 11,440 69 1,080 1.99 149,000 5.39 5,300 9.45 900 11.1 2,568,400 16.2 1,970,400 11.6 101,600 7.16 1,035,800 5.14 4,179,600 14.8 842,400 63.8 211,350 18.76 91,500 8.85 1,113,900 16.8 2,649,100 2.22 1,325,000 285 236,440 5.15 58,200 3.39 7,000 17.82 100 27 2,199,400 13.3 308,300 20.85 2,194,100 322 196,400 0.19 90,000 6.68 62,700 2.43 1,448,000 4.32 294,000 9.32 491,700 5.7 115,400 7.95 1,100 1.4 453,000 12.48 233,600 51.55 558,370 2.09 186,000 3.6 60,000 1.8 307,000 13.22 421,200 65 213,580 5.4 134,500 0.138 140,000 0.98 79,000 135.5 1,194,870 3.24 31,539,000 22 1,300 0.83 2,753,000

32,808,675 7,560,658 2,717,120 51,740 1,285,365 935,190 8,511,840 65,172,772 12,550 20,919,002.50 768,545 648,071 73,954 294,390 27,319 8,505 28,351,430 31,882,824 1,185,726 7,415,044 21,448,410 12,507,004 13,526,258 1,722,282 10,018,499 45,046,960 2,910,450 67,073,048 298,428 23,680 1,782 59,432,745 4,122,456 45,762,600 63,301,774 17,100 419,486 3,505,850 1,267,770 4,572,178 659,736 8,745 637,250 2,896,786 28,806,246.50 388,650 218,960 560,030 5,661,264 13,878,732.50 726,896 19,270 77,460 163,055,434 106,097,310 28,565 2,243,740

-7,025,630 1,579,006 2,400 112,700 224,500 -315,550 756,526 2,550 -116,059 2,695 -6,615.00 16,233,448 26,433,848 -4,792 -6,164,031 2,764,600 -3,472,796 -2,180,382 -488,640 -19,366,604 -37,210 -9,504,502 90,458 1,782 6,417,480 -2,800 -25,165,135 -7,428,354 -67,940 1,112,112 -8,745 98,000 -2,789,122 -6,752,548 -700 702,158 2,531,607.00 24,197,025 -890,500 -

0.26 64 13.4 0.97 6.58 0.71 0.71 949.5 6.5 10.44 7.68 5.99 0.211 1,032 7.18 59.65 5.92 0.62 4.5 21.8 0.58 5.12 0.04 1.15 3.28 139.9 2.56 914 0.8 1.63 533 263 0.249

0.25 62.45 13.08 0.93 6.4 0.66 0.67 929 6.39 10.2 7.68 5.99 0.211 1,004 7.18 58.8 5.92 0.6 4.27 21.45 0.57 4.85 0.039 1.12 3.21 139 2.56 881.5 0.8 1.61 532 255 0.244

HOLDING FIRMS 0.25 960,000 62.45 558,830 13.08 1,189,100 0.94 1,147,000 6.58 34,800 0.69 38,105,000 0.7 5,740,000 929 191,690 6.4 7,729,300 10.2 3,360,100 7.68 1,400 5.99 500 0.211 780,000 1,032 83,240 7.18 100 58.8 840,880 5.92 100 0.62 11,000 4.3 2,021,000 21.65 1,115,400 0.58 536,000 4.9 28,440,300 0.04 3,000,000 1.15 351,000 3.22 1,197,000 139.8 145,370 2.56 218,000 881.5 311,130 0.8 7,000 1.62 289,000 532 40 262 2,300 0.245 2,340,000

244,650 34,908,070.50 15,619,500 1,094,670 223,584 26,295,740 3,986,730 178,589,455 49,480,695 34,564,304 10,752 2,995 164,580 84,525,545 718 49,646,826.50 592 6,640 8,713,160 24,137,710 307,320 140,063,590 119,700 394,430 3,858,910 20,308,029 558,080 276,039,835 5,600 468,170 21,290 587,450 576,830

-22,077,891 -7,642,650 -239,430.00 -52,516,920 -26,412,784 -17,042,910 2,995 19,727,385 -27,116,428.50 -1,152,310 -2,026,425 98,040 -79,739,180.00 -70,880 7,710,910 -198,625,465 3,240 -517,710 -

7.12 1.09 15.5 2.07 0.85 42.35 3.46 4.95 6 6.6 0.465 1.03 0.99 0.245 0.45 32 0.65 0.12 1.69 1.32 1.1 4.7 0.74 0.465 0.54

6.99 1.04 13.18 2.07 0.83 41.2 3.44 4.75 5.98 6.22 0.45 1.03 0.96 0.24 0.45 31.05 0.62 0.12 1.65 1.28 1.05 4.47 0.69 0.455 0.53

14,154,429 34,461,960 80,866 2,070 801,500 147,965,975 452,540 8,030,910 119,800 75,300 1,400,800 10,300 5,649,230 919,640 49,500 10,853,430 174,720 2,400 5,869,300 6,340,120 974,890 96,937,780 154,367,820 2,117,350 947,780

-5,963,526 -311,230 3,100 -1,680 -29,275,515 193,760 -39,080 -25,120 -830,000 5,238,000 -2,027,015 -1,280 -1,560,170 -2,450,390 -16,665,940 4,946,410 8,100

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

57.65 99.5 3 132.9 1.42 34.8 7.11 16.4 15.8 3.79 8.4 1.55 880 0.56 83 1.08 21 53 210 106.5 86.8 38 200.4 1,950 89 1.2

58.95 99.9 3 132.9 1.45 34.9 7.11 16.74 16.02 3.79 8.78 1.62 880 0.56 83.45 1.16 21.8 53.1 211.8 106.5 86.8 38 202 1,955 89.1 1.2

57.65 98.8 3 130 1.42 34.7 7.11 16.4 15.8 3.62 8.4 1.55 870 0.54 82.5 1.05 20 51.95 209.4 106.5 86.8 37.85 199.6 1,950 89 1.2

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

38.75 14.66 0.61 1.23 22.4 0.23 3.08 17.08 251 50.9 24.3 57 68 1.94 5.13 9.45 11.08 16.22 12 7.17 5.23 15.2 65 19.38 8.88 17.22 2.18 285.2 5.08 3.39 17.82 27.25 13.7 21 320 0.19 6.7 2.4 4.3 9.3 5.81 7.95 1.42 12.58 52.1 2.09 3.76 1.81 13.88 65 5.48 0.136 1.02 137.4 3.43 21.95 0.83

38.85 14.72 0.62 1.25 22.55 0.23 3.14 17.08 251 51.45 24.7 57 69 1.99 5.39 9.45 11.1 16.22 12 7.2 5.23 15.2 65 19.38 9.2 17.7 2.23 285.2 5.15 3.39 17.82 27.25 13.7 21.4 327 0.19 7 2.43 4.38 9.32 5.95 7.95 1.43 12.58 52.1 2.09 3.76 1.9 13.88 65.05 5.48 0.138 1.02 139.8 3.56 22 0.85

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

0.255 64 13.4 0.93 6.58 0.67 0.67 940 6.45 10.42 7.68 5.99 0.211 1,005 7.18 59.2 5.92 0.62 4.37 21.55 0.57 5.1 0.04 1.12 3.28 139.7 2.56 914 0.8 1.62 533 255 0.245

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

7.12 1.05 15 2.07 0.85 41.7 3.46 4.95 6 6.6 0.455 1.03 0.99 0.241 0.45 31.35 0.62 0.12 1.66 1.31 1.06 4.7 0.72 0.455 0.53

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

3.5 19.88 2.07 3.24 37.45 1.13 10.04 0.79 6.4

3.59 19.88 2.07 3.31 37.45 1.13 10.46 0.79 6.41

3.12 19.1 2.01 3.2 36.95 1.11 9.96 0.78 6.29

3.15 19.44 2.07 3.27 37.3 1.12 10.08 0.78 6.39

7,226,000 1,864,600 104,000 69,000 7,527,200 1,459,000 247,400 53,000 13,354,100

23,820,540 36,220,442 213,340 226,290 280,550,885 1,632,240 2,485,424 41,590 84,558,304

101,080 -2,103,088 -9,810 80,171,110 -337,366 3,160 -50,505,783

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

15.8 27 0.465 0.047 13.06 12.98 0.056 91.75 8.9 7.58 7.65 2.15 20.55 940 1,708 5.64 300.2 4.05 82.05 13.04 8.21 0.115 1.39 3.64 14.6 4.5 1.01 25.45 4.22 5.78 3.17 18 8.25 11.3 9.57 2.9 11.98 131 5.97 1,374 1.01 0.385 47.5 89.9 7 2.27 1.3 0.435 4.8 0.86 11.98

15.8 27 0.47 0.047 13.06 12.98 0.059 91.75 8.9 7.58 7.65 2.15 20.55 940 1,709 5.65 306 4.1 82.85 13.04 8.21 0.116 1.39 3.72 15.56 4.76 1.03 26 4.36 5.8 3.19 18.78 8.66 11.64 9.57 2.9 11.98 131 6 1,395 1.02 0.39 47.9 89.9 7.16 2.29 1.3 0.435 4.83 0.87 12.06

15.54 26.1 0.465 0.046 13.06 12.3 0.056 89.85 8.9 7.2 7.65 2.13 20 940 1,638 5.6 300.2 4.03 81.75 13 8 0.115 1.38 3.58 14.6 4.5 1.01 25.4 4.19 5.5 3.03 18 8.21 11.3 9.45 2.9 11.98 130 5.97 1,354 1.01 0.38 46 86.55 7 2.24 1.28 0.42 4.78 0.84 11.52

SERVICES 15.78 26.5 0.465 0.046 13.06 12.78 0.059 90.2 8.9 7.36 7.65 2.13 20.1 940 1,638 5.63 306 4.08 82 13.04 8.19 0.116 1.38 3.69 15.46 4.74 1.03 25.4 4.21 5.52 3.04 18.78 8.66 11.64 9.45 2.9 11.98 130 5.99 1,395 1.01 0.39 47.9 88.3 7.13 2.25 1.3 0.425 4.82 0.85 11.52

15,400 29,300 1,490,000 8,200,000 1,400 7,983,600 38,680,000 66,080 200 2,026,500 1,700 20,000 66,400 200 18,960 409,900 3,680 358,000 1,912,860 134,700 37,200 250,000 210,000 184,000 4,000 2,349,000 120,000 1,217,200 25,000 5,049,300 3,198,000 500 9,885,800 1,000 19,200 7,000 300 2,890 125,200 44,225 1,011,000 1,380,000 401,900 75,950 9,500 1,306,000 2,191,000 4,500,000 257,000 5,632,000 6,230,700

241,824 780,285 693,300 378,700 18,284 100,528,990 2,231,380 6,004,880 1,780 14,782,546 13,005 42,660 1,339,150 188,000 31,388,345 2,299,219 1,123,356 1,450,020 156,882,547 1,752,222 300,975 28,800 289,810 677,150 61,712 10,862,840 123,280 31,254,905 106,360 28,263,161 9,850,580 9,078 83,806,878 11,470 182,224 20,300 3,594 376,290 749,850 60,681,470 1,025,380 525,250 18,931,220 6,709,307 67,556 2,943,130 2,834,350 1,913,550 1,235,540 4,775,510 72,435,984

6,216 6,420,816 -2,398,400 -4,933,807 4,040 -18,800 -22,002,935 -12,080 -85,370 -16,598,923.50 6,006 65,880 5,020,130 -8,136,803 -3,160,230 -411,505 3,594 79,730 -6,095,925 -12,748,410 -2,504,987.50 -1,345,470 99,630 -64,000 278,770.00 -3,878,040 5,537,402

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

0.0027 1.65 4.35 17.02 1.58 1.71 0.3 7.47 2.28 0.2 0.138 0.145 0.0085 1.43 5.06 1.21 0.55 0.96 0.013 0.012 5.49 12.66 29.8

0.0028 1.67 4.35 18.74 1.7 1.71 0.3 7.79 2.35 0.2 0.141 0.145 0.0085 1.45 5.09 1.22 0.55 0.97 0.013 0.013 5.49 12.8 29.8

0.0027 1.64 4.14 17.02 1.58 1.65 0.3 7.29 2.26 0.19 0.138 0.142 0.0085 1.4 4.94 1.17 0.51 0.91 0.012 0.011 5.42 12.6 28.75

MINING & OIL 0.0027 204,000,000 1.66 1,423,000 4.2 476,000 18.74 4,400 1.7 5,000 1.65 3,261,000 0.3 10,000 7.79 5,900 2.3 2,213,000 0.196 980,000 0.139 600,000 0.142 390,000 0.0085 2,000,000 1.45 224,000 4.94 3,081,400 1.22 294,000 0.51 739,000 0.97 328,000 0.012 413,900,000 0.012 6,500,000 5.43 292,600 12.66 1,046,900 29 1,356,600

551,200 2,348,600 2,014,790 76,214 8,140 5,456,250 3,000 43,614 5,084,520 186,560 83,140 55,750 17,000 315,780 15,383,273 350,860 379,700 306,560 4,967,300 78,000 1,594,076 13,271,974 39,424,350

-47,830 3,400 -2,671,850 877,510 -281,700 -2,931,161 -597,910 -754,334 -17,021,150

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

1.07 5.69 26 75.2 76.1 76.5 76.7 77 78.8 100 101 103 104 107 109 111 500 510 984 990 1,021 1,021

1.07 5.7 26 75.2 76.1 76.5 76.7 77 78.8 100 101.2 103 104 107 109 111 500 510 995 990 1,021 1,021

1.05 5.48 25.95 75.2 76 76.5 76.7 76.2 78.8 100 100.7 103 104 107 109 111 500 510 984 990 1,020 1,010

PREFERRED 1.05 11,000 5.48 223,900 25.95 20,400 75.2 1,500 76 71,600 76.5 540 76.7 1,380 77 66,570 78.8 1,890 100 15,500 101.2 39,200 103 590 104 120 107 630 109 2,500 111 270 500 480 510 50 995 1,410 990 60 1,020 5,000 1,010 150

11,570 1,232,331 530,255 112,800 5,445,829 41,310 105,846 5,115,170 148,932 1,550,000 3,958,910 60,770 12,480 67,410 272,500 29,970 240,000 25,500 1,393,050 59,400 5,101,480 152,795

-1,212,396 -5,200 -47,280 20,400 -

LR WARRANT

2.63

2.83

2.6

WARRANTS 2.82 460,000

1,250,850

2,800

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

5.15 2.95 3.4

5.27 2.95 3.4

5.09 2.95 3.19

5.23 2.95 3.22

1,655,700 8,850 9,760,370

-52,423 47,530

FIRST METRO ETF

118.5

118.6

117.6

888,020

35,400

18,700 8,484 17,530.60

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.05 1.07 15.5 2.07 0.84 42 3.45 4.92 5.98 6.22 0.455 1.03 0.97 0.243 0.45 31.05 0.64 0.12 1.66 1.28 1.07 4.53 0.69 0.455 0.53

2,010,500 32,292,000 5,400 1,000 958,000 3,545,100 131,000 1,651,000 20,000 12,100 3,080,000 10,000 5,825,000 3,790,000 110,000 346,500 272,000 20,000 3,521,000 4,891,000 911,000 21,415,000 215,366,000 4,640,000 1,785,000

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10 10.1 1.03

10 10.1 1.03

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

8,932,668

INDUSTRIAL

79,550,508

HOLDING FIRMS

120,197,244

PROPERTY

338,582,552

SERVICES

112,893,393

MINING & OIL

643,360,524

GRAND TOTAL

1,306,849,834

10 10.1 1.03

SME

320,800 3,000 3,001,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.6 7,520 10 10.1 1.03

DDS

1,870 840 17,020

VALUE 1,921.59 (up) 4.79 470,934,306.26 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,951.20 (down) 40.47 931,852,669.632 HOLDING FIRMS 7,491.24 (down) 94.58 1,050,260,841.54 PROPERTY 3,803.28 (up) 20.49 1,534.23 (up) 1.57 928,144,870.65 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,041.14 (down) 167.81 730,515,446.89 PSEI 7,672.28 (down) 21.84 92,016,484.07 All Shares Index 4,664.94 (down) 13.80 4,216,039,986.58 Gainers: 86; Losers: 115; Unchanged: 53; Total: 254

Now readies expansion of fiber network

By Darwin G. Amojelar NOW Corp., a listed company controlled by the Velarde family, said it is expanding the fiber-in-the-air network this year in preparation for its bid as the country’s third major player.

“The priority this year is the expansion of our Fiber-in-the-Air network as well as complementing IT services such as cloud services, disaster recovery, artificial intelligence and collaboration tools. We already know which customer segment to capture and the goal is to achieve the financial metrics; thus, a flawless execution of our plans is crucial,” Now head of business development and strategy Kristian Pura said.

“To date, we have activated more than 150 locations and we continue to expand in the deeper parts of Metro Manila,” he added.

Now’s fiber air service covers internet-dependent industries, such as educational services, healthcare, hotels and restaurant industries and media with clients like The Manila Broadcasting Co., The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila Medical Center and Capitol Medical Center.

This is on top of serving key government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Management Staff. Its latest broadband clients are Providence Hospital, CCC Data Management Services and Xend Business Solution, while new building partners include Jollibee Plaza, Alpha Grandvie and Ela Swire Greenhills.

Now earlier reported a net profit of P3.53 million in the January-to-March period this year, up 248 percent from P1.01 million in the same period last year.

Revenues more than tripled to P24.51 million during the period from P5.98 million last year.

“The main reason behind Now’s increased profits is the expansion of its Fiber-in-the-Air network which provides guaranteed broadband connection for the enterprise segment,” Now said.

Now also plans to issue five million redeemable, convertible, cumulative, non-participating, non-voting, pesodenominated, preferred shares with an oversubscription option of five million preferred shares, and with up to 10 million detachable subscription warrants to be issued free of charge.

Melco Resorts may sell shares in casino unit

By Jenniffer B. Austria ASIAN casino developer Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. is in preliminary talks with Premium Leiure Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. over the possible sale of a stake in local Philippine operating unit Melco Resorts Entertainment (Philippines) Corp.

Melco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it was notified by its controlling shareholder “in relation to a potential transaction whereby PLC or its affiliated entities may become equity holders” of the company.

PLC, the gaming unit of Belle Corp., has an operating agreement with Melco that entitles the company to a share in gaming revenues in the City of Dreams Manila, an integrated resort and gaming facility within government-sponsored Pagcor Entertainment City.

“Please note that there is no assurance that any transaction will occur and any transaction will be subject to entry into definitive agreements,” Melco said.

“As these discussions remain preliminary, there is no additional information to be reported by the corporation at this time. The corporation will comply with its disclosure obligation if any material changes to its business operations and developments are to occur,” it added.

Belle Corp. president Manuel Gana said in April it proposed to Melco the expansion of COD Manila using a onehectare property that is adjacent to the gaming complex.

The planned expansion involves additional non-gaming facilities like hotels and ballrooms.

Gana said COD Manila, which has 900 hotel rooms across three brands, had a average occupancy rate of over 90 percent.

Gana said the expansion would involve non-gaming facilities, noting that COD still had room to add gaming tables and machines within the existing gaming complex.

Melco reported a net income of P531.9 million in the first quarter of 2018, up 258 percent from P148.5 million year-on-year.

World

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

B3

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

PROTEST IN SAN JUAN. Protesters affected by tear gas deployed by riot police seek cover during a May Day protest against pension cuts, school closures and slow hurricane recovery efforts in San Juan, Puerto

US move in Iran will favor China BEIJING―The US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran could scare off European investors, but oil-thirsty China may step into the void and ramp up business links with the country.

China, which is already Iran’s top trade partner and one of its biggest buyers of crude, has signaled that it intends to keep working with the Islamic regime despite the US move.

Beijing is a signatory to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that had eased sanctions on Tehran, but President Donald Trump quit the accord earlier this month and said Washington would reinstate punitive measures.

“By driving away American, European and Japanese companies, the sanctions could increase opportunities for Chinese businesses,” Hu Xingdou, a Beijing-based economist, told AFP. The Iran deal has been highly profitable for the Asian giant. Chinese businesses involved in Iranian developments are worth at least $33 billion as of June 2017 according to Beijing’s Commerce Ministry―part of the country’s ambitious Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative.

In September, China provided a $10 billion credit line to five Iranian banks financing water, energy and transport projects, and in March the two countries inked a $700 million deal allowing China to build a train line that links the port of Bushehr to the rest of Iran’s railway network.

Beijing now has its sights on the expansion of a major Iranian gas field, with state-owned oil company CNPC set to replace Total if the French energy behemoth withdraws from the project over US sanctions. AFP

No choice in ruined Venezuela C ARACAS― Shrugging aside his country’s economic ruin and growing international isolation, Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro seeks a second six-year term in controversial elections Sunday that are being boycotted by the opposition.

Maduro’s ebullient campaign meetings have done little to disguise a lack of enthusiasm in the oil-rich but cashpoor South American country, where the result is widely seen as a foregone conclusion.

He held his final rally on Bolivar Avenue in downtown Caracas on Thursday, enlisting former Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona to fire-up the crowd.

Applauded by Maduro and his supporters, Maradona declared himself a Maduro “soldier,” waved a Venezuelan flag and punched the air as he danced to loud reggaeton music on the stage.

“Trust me, if you give me your vote and give us victory, I swear I will lead great economic changes and drive an

economic revolution that will shake the world,” pledged Maduro.

The 55-year-old former bus driver wore a green shirt with the image of his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, emblazoned on the sleeve.

Maduro is the clear favorite, despite trailing in opinion polls to his main rival Henri Falcon, and a low approval rating among Venezuelans fed up with hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, rising crime and broken water, power and transportation networks.

“I’m not going to vote for anyone.

I’m concerned with surviving every day and things are getting more and more screwed up,” fruit seller Alexis Rodriguez, 40, told AFP. Opinion polls show Falcon leading

Assets frozen over chemical weapons

Mexico gang head held with his tiger PUEBLA, Mexico―Mexican military and police forces detained a suspected leader of a fuel-stealing gang―along with a tiger “guarding” his house, weapons and drugs, authorities said.

“We carried out two searches, seized firearms, drugs, radio communication equipment and a tiger guarding the house,” said Jesus Morales, security secretary of the state of Puebla, east-central Mexico.

Authorities accuse the unidentified suspect of being “one of the important leaders of a gang dedicated to fuel theft, taking fuel from the town of San Martin Texmelucan, which generates violence.”

In the detainee’s house, around 100 kilometers east of Mexico City, there were also blankets with threatening messages apparently signed by the Jalisco NE Generation Cartel.

Such blankets are often left by drug traffickers with the bodies of their victims, police commissioner Victor Torres Moreno told the same press conference on Thursday.

Fuel theft has led to millions in losses for Mexican state-owned petroleum company Pemex, and Puebla state is a hot spot for the crime―with gangs sometimes colluding with employees and the police.

As of May 2, a total of 119 police officers in San Martin Texmelucan―including the force’s director―had been dismissed on suspicion of such collusion. AFP

with 30 percent of voter intentions, compared to Maduro’s 20 percent. An evangelical candidate, Javier Bertucci, has 14 percent.

However, “low enthusiasm will likely reduce voter turnout and enable Maduro to control the outcome without major social backlash,” said analyst Risa Grais-Targow of Eurasia Group.

Maduro, with a tight grip on the electoral and military authorities, faces a bitterly divided opposition.

Falcon wore the yellow, blue and red of Venezuela’s flag at his final rally in his western stronghold of Barquisimeto.

He told his supporters he had “faith” in overcoming the boycott, and “that we are going to vote massively, as our country needs.” AFP

THERE FOR THE SCREENING. French director Eva Husson poses with her son Gaspard as she arrives on May 12, 2018, for the screening of her film ‘Girls of the Sun (Les Filles du Soleil)’ at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. AFP

UN to decide whether to send international probers to Gaza GENEVA―The UN Human Rights Council will meet Friday to decide whether to send international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings of Gaza protesters by Israeli forces.

The special session of the UN’s top rights body will consider a draft resolution calling for the council to “urgently dispatch an independent, international

commission of inquiry”, the UN’s highest level investigation.

The special session comes after a month and a half of mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border, calling for Palestinian refugees to be able to return to their homes now inside Israel.

The largest demonstrations coincided with the move of the US embassy in

Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, which saw Israeli forces kill some 60 Palestinians, pushing the overall toll well over 100.

Israel has justified its actions, saying they are necessary to stop mass infiltrations from the blockaded Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas. AFP

PARIS―France on Friday froze the assets for six months of companies based in Syria, Lebanon and China after they were linked to an alleged chemical weapons program in Syria.

The businesses include Sigmatec and the Al Mahrous Group, both based in Damascus; Technolab in Lebanon; and a trading company in Guangzhou in China, according to a list published in the government’s official gazette.

Two Syrian nationals will also face asset freezes, as well as a person born in Lebanon in 1977 whose nationality was not given.

The asset freezes were signed by French Finance minister Bruno Le Maire.

In a statement, Le Maire and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the individuals and businesses were working for the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, widely known by its French initials CERS. “The CERS is the main Syrian laboratory in charge of developing and producing unconventional chemical weapons and ballistic launchers,” the ministers said.

In January, France sanctioned 25 people and companies based in Syria, and also French, Lebanese and Chinese citizens, over suspicions of fueling the development of chemical weapons in the war-ravaged country.

The companies targeted included importers and distributors of metals, electronics, logistics and shipping.

Some thirty countries meet in Paris on Friday to put in place mechanisms to better identify and punish those responsible for using nerve agents such as Sarin and chlorine in attacks. AFP

WHO says ‘high-risk’ Ebola will spread in Democratic Republic of Congo GENEVA―An Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo has a high risk of spreading internally, the World Health Organization warned Friday ahead of a meeting on whether to declare it an event of international concern.

In a statement, the UN agency said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus would convene an

emergency committee to discuss the matter.

He is due to speak to the media later on Friday.

The fresh Ebola outbreak, publicly declared on May 8 with 23 deaths so far, was first reported in a rural part of Equateur Province in the vast country’s northwest but has now spread to the city of Mbandaka.

Mbandaka’s population has been variously estimated at between 700,000 and 1.2 million.

Peter Salama, in charge of emergency response at the WHO, has said the spread to a city complicated the fight against Ebola, which depends on identifying and isolating suspected cases.

The city is on the banks of the Congo River which connects to the capi-

tal Kinshaha, hundreds of kilometers to the south, and also to surrounding countries, increasing the risk of a national and regional outbreak, according to WHO officials.

Ebola is lethal and highly contagious, which makes it difficult to contain―especially in urban environments where people are mobile and come into more contact with others. AFP

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

COBONPUE GRAVITAS.

Bikers check out Kenneth Cobonpue’s Hedera model house before hitting the Batulao trail.

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ASUGBU, Batangas—At just 40 years of age, Filipino entrepreneur Century Properties managing director Robbie Antonio is cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative real estate developers in the country, with his latest venture, ’Batulao Artscapes’, billed as the world’s first ‘livable art park’ in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The Century Properties group, is the developer of Batulao Artscapes. It partnered with ’Revolution Precrafted’ where Antonio is the CEO, to build a new 346-acre town 50 miles south of Metro Manila. The project, which was launched in last December, is enjoying brisk interest, and expects some P13 billion in presales proceeds as it pushes through with the second phase of its development.

Precrafted concept “This project will become an expansive, neo-residential art and leisure community with cutting-edge public and private access amenities for various life pursuits,” Antonio told the Manila Standard last week. “The project will be a first of its kind, an art cum adventure destination, which will offer an exclusive mix of sport and art parks, museums, a man-made lake with floating chapel, a sprawling man-made beach, and designer villas by Revolution Precrafted.”

Antonio revealed his vision to use Batulao Artscapes to bolster culture in the Philippines, and Southeast Asia, at large. “Revolution will be doing four distinct museums done by Pritzker prize firms,” he said. “The first museum is on paintings and sculpture; the second for architecture and design; the third for performance art, and finally, one dedicated to art +technology.”

Century Properties is just as excited over Batulao Artscapes’ fast exit off the starting blocks. “We are excited to offer ap-

‘Artful’ getaway in Batangas marries modern prefab tech with star design Century Properties eyes P13-B sales from out-of-the-box project

BETTER WAY OF BUILDING. Revolution Precrafted CEO Antonio explains the rationale behind Batulao Artscapes. Looking on is CPLHI president Hallett. proximately 1,700 residential units, as part of the next phase of presale for Batulao Artscapes,” said Tim Hallett, president of Century Properties Leisure and Hospitality Inc. (CPLHI). “This inventory represents the biggest bulk of the project. We will start the presale for the second phase in a few weeks,” he confirmed.

Batulao Artscapes is located within an expansive 142-hectare artventure community that boasts designer homes and world class amenities. It has four villages: Cluster, Commune, Collection and Curated. The project is primarily positioned for active retirees and established families looking for design-driven homes outside Metro Manila.

Of the first 306 homes from the various

collections that it offered to the market, Century has presold 74 percent with a sales value of Php 1.2 billion within six months of launch.

Star architects Visiting the site during a media tour organized by Century Properties, the Manila Standard saw a project deep in construction amid sprawling farm lands.

But Antonio said much of the work here is taking place elsewhere. “Most of the 6,000 homes in the development will be prefabricated—built in factories and then transported to the site,” he explained.

Expected to complete by 2020, the masterplan comprises 12 different styles of home set across four “villages.” Pro-

Diversity, sustainability big winners at 2018 Property awards

MEGAWORLD Corporation, two-time winner of the Best Developer award, defended its title for a third year in a row, becoming the first company in the Philippines to achieve this feat in the Asia Property Awards series held recently.

The Podium Complex by SM Keppel Land Inc. swept all the eight categories it was nominated for, including Best Retail Development, Best Office Development

(Manila) and Best Mixed Use Development. Regional developers ArthaLand Corporation won the second highest award for Best Boutique Developer and the Special Recognition in Sustainable Development, whilst its Cebu Lavana Land Corporation subsidiary earned the Best Office Development (Cebu) crown.

An array of special awards was presented as well, such as the Special Rec-

ognition for Public Facility for Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) by GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) consortium. Robbie Antonio, founder and CEO of Revolution Precrafted, was honoured as the 2018 Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year for changing the concept of prefabricated, luxury homebuilding in the Philippines.

ASCOTT LTD TO EXPAND IN PH ASCOTT Ascott Limited recently appointed two of their executives to oversee the growth and operations of its operations in the Philippines.

Philip Barnes was tapped to be area manager for the country while keeping his role as general manager for Ascott Makati and Somerset Millennium Makati. Susan Salcedo was appointed as city manager for properties in Metro Manila.

She will also be assisting Barnes in overseeing The Ascott Limited’s rapid expansion in the Philippines. “Since Ascott is entering cities outside of Metro Manila such as Cebu and Davao, having a strong executive team is vital.” said Arthur

Gindap, regional general manager for Philippines & Thailand. “We are confident that with the promotion of Philip and Susan, our cluster will continue to provide the world-class product and service that we are known for.”

Ascott Limited is one of the leading international serviced residence owner-operators in the world. It has over 43,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company’s brands include Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection, and lyf. Ascott’s portfolio spans more than 130 cities across over 30 countries.

spective residents can choose from prefabs designed by notable creatives, from artist David Salle to the musician-turned-interior-designer Lenny Kravitz. And while the homes will be constructed in a factory, they were designed with the Philippine climate in mind.

Ed Calma, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Budji Layug and Royal Pineda Budji+Royal Architecture+Design are the local architects and designers who will participate in the Batulao Artscape development.

Revolution Precrafted will be at the forefront of the development, using the latest in precrafted technology and the highest quality controls partnered with celebrity design philosophies for every structure in the project.

Antonio, the company’s founder, explained that the application of the prefab/ precrafted concept of building addresses the hassles of traditional real estate development.

It enables them to create some of the best designer homes at competitive prices, and is completed in just a few months.

‘Design democratization’ “With our vision of becoming the world’s largest supplier of homes, we will use the latest technology to reimagine how a home is built. We don’t own land, we sell globally, and our homes are built and sold within months instead of years. But more than being a disruptor in the real estate industry, Revolution Precrafted is all about design democratization,” Antonio said.

This rationale may apply at the lower end of the development’s offerings -- the cheapest homes are being sold for P2.5 million.

But with the most expensive units expected to go for P26 million, the project also reflects a growing market for luxury prefabs.

Attitudes towards this once utilitarian form of housing are changing, according to Antonio.

“It’s just a much better way of building,” he explained. “Now, people are building not only inexpensive homes, but designer houses. The most important thing is that you can have your house more quickly. You don’t have mold and a lot of the problems that you would have with wood that has been exposed to the elements.

Surrounded by art In addition to high-end prefabs, Batulao Artscapes is offering extensive public art facilities designed by the likes of Pritzker Prize-winning architects Christian de Portzamparc and Jean Nouvel, the man behind the Copenhagen Concert Hall and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Revolution Precrafted claims that it is offering people a rare chance to live in a home designed by a leading architect.

It also hopes to create a community of likeminded people. “The residents will all share the same DNA of people wanting to live in beautiful homes and beautiful structures,” he pointed out.

A keen art collector who once commissioned Dutch ‘starchitect’ Rem Koolhas to design his Manila mansion, Antonio says that he was inspired by public art spaces like Naoshima, Japan’s “art island.”

“There was no real master plan for the world’s first livable art park,” he confided.

“To be surrounded by this (art) and beautiful homes is not present anywhere in the world.

“I’m going to personally curate everything, so that’s an integral part of the business plan,” he said.

In line with the project is the Revolution foundation- buy a home- give a home campaign, Antonio told the Manila Standard that a portion of the sale of a home purchased from Revolution Precrafted will be used to build homes for disaster-stricken areas in the Philippines.

INNOVATIVE CEILINGS. USG Boral recently launched its metal ceilings system portfolio to meet the growing demands for innovative designs. The system allows for customization with low maintenance and easy installation, and is an addition to the current range of ceilings solutions provided

by USG Boral.

The new metal ceilings system allow for various unique designs including curves, perforation patterns and different edge profiles. The system is available in 45 colors and 26 wood look finishes, with the option to create custom colors to support project specific requirements.

HOUSE PAINTING SOLUTIONS. Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently signed a memorandum of agreement to supply the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) with premium house painting solutions. This is in support of the SHDA’S goal to satisfy the housing demand of the Philippines using more innovative technology and materials. This goal is aligned with a movement that the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Councils launched last year, “Towards BALAI 2028”, to address the Philippines’ housing backlog, and provide affordable shelters for Filipinos.

“When Nippon Paint presented to us their architectural decorative series of products, we saw the value of the material and the product Nippon was offering to us,” said SHDA president Christopher G. Narciso. Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines general manager Michael S. Francisco also acknowledged the significance of the agreement during this time of the country’s high housing demand. He pledged his company’s full support. At the MOA signing were (from left) SHDA president Narciso and chairman of the Board Willie J.Uy, together with NPP president Mark Owen Webb, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines Inc. Group CEO Wee Siew Kim, and general manager Francisco signing the memorandum of agreement for the new partnership.

By Diana B. Noche

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n increAsing number of disaffected city dwellers abandon, if only for a few days, the chaotic traffic gridlock, noise, and toxic-laden motor vehicle exhausts for the relative serenity of the province for some clarity and pastoral experience. A short distance from the yammering and sooty sidewalks of Metro Manila (133 kilometers, to be exact) lies a ridgetop world of forested uplands called Lucban.

Life

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

travel and leisure

@mstandardLIFE saturday, may 19, 2018

The road to Lucban cuts through terraced rice fields bright and shining with their varying shades of green during the rainy months and in shimmering gold before the stalks are harvested. Think of vast tracks of plantations preserved in antebellum beauty. Despite the great embrace for urbanization of its neighbors—Lucena city, Tayabas city, and sariaya, for example—Lucban has retained a strong sense of the bygone years with development carefully controlled and runaway commercialization guarded; the town’s slow, relaxed atmosphere is where it’s at.

There are no bus stops in Lucban, no traffic lights, no traffic gridlocks, no graffiti-fouled walls. And there is no need for face masks as hedge against air pollution. Mt. Banahaw’s cool, billowing breeze takes care of that. Towering at 1,400 feet above sea level, and coddled by the crisp air of Mt. Banahaw, the fog-shrouded approach to Lucban is a gentle zigzag dance with tall coconut palms bent towards the road. The hillsides, contoured for leisurely windings, are carpeted with ferns twisting in the wind, as well as wild flowers and orchid blossoms in a riot of yellow, purple, and all shades of red.

Lucban old folks speak with awe of tales and narratives attributed to Mt. Banahaw. gods, they said, used to inhabit the mountain slopes, making sure no one desecrated their home. Mountaineers and trekkers would get their comeuppance for trash and ruined vegetation they would leave behind.

The national hero, Dr. Jose P. rizal, NO POLLUTION, JUST FRESH AIR. Mt. Banahaw’s cool breeze, lush hillsides, and tall coconut had fond memories of Lucban. To this palms are a welcome treat to residents and visitors in Lucban. day, a group whose members are called “rizalistas,” still venerate the hero’s resting place.

Apolinario de la Cruz, (1815-1841) known as “Hermano Pule” was born in Lucban. He founded the “Cofradia de San Jose,” which rebelled against the spanish authorities in Quezon Province and was one of the earliest groups to stoke Filipino nationalism. spanish-era mansions still exist, circling the old municipio, which speak of flamboyant senoras and the fabulous lives of rich hacienderos who made sure their farm harvests were plentiful.

Witness to Lucban’s history is the four-century-old church built in 1595 Three of the most popular things in Lucban: colorful blooms, kipings during Pahiyas Festival, and savory Lucban longganisa

A quaint place called Lucban

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in honor of st. Louis de Toulouse which is considered one of the oldest thriving churches in the Philippines. stone walls called quince-quince, which together with a well-manicured garden and smaller grottoes, evoke ancient ambience.

Lucban is a remarkable summer stopover. The famous Pahiyas Festival is the event to watch out for. established by the church’s Franciscan priests, the annual thanksgiving is dedicated to the town’s patron saint, san isidro Labrador, for a bountiful harvest. each year, a religious procession of San Isidro image atop a carroza decorated with farm produce and farm animal figures winds through the streets past houses with facades bursting alive with kipings (paper-thin sheets of rice starch dyed in rainbow colors and molded on cabal and banana leaves) strung in all imaginable art shapes and other Pahiyas embellishments—suman, rice grains and stalks, vegetables, fruits, f lowers, woven coconut fronds, and young coconut fruit. Come nighttime, the houses outshine the stars with thousands of lights.

More than its history and Lucban longganisas (those finger-sized decadence!), Lucban’s reputation as a culinary magnet is another draw—pansit habhab served in banana leaves and eaten in the rough, and lechon never disappoint. Lucbanins like to pamper their guests with an extravagant “sampler approach”—a little from this huge mangkok and a little from that bandehado, plus a little more of this and that. in much the same way, there will be some point during the feast when a guest will likely be offered a glass of lambanog or basi, two popular and extremely full-strength local wines. Go easy after a glass or two and don’t say we didn’t warn you.

“Barikan pa!”

Photos by Diana B. Noche

Japan’s Blue Zone

One of the many pristine beach destinations in Okinawa

The four-century-old St. Louis de Toulouse Church

mercury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

Human figures milking coconuts the old way

A BLue Zone is a region in the world where people live much longer than the average human lifespan anywhere else. There are five known geographic areas where people live statistically the longest: okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in italy, nicoya in costa rica, icaria in greece, and Loma Linda in california. in the last location, the centenarians belong only to the Seventh-day Adventist population.

What do residents of these areas do that give them a long life? Scientific research revealed the following: They put family ahead of other concerns that they may have in life. They do not smoke.

They are semi-vegetarians, as most of the food they eat come from plants.

They also regularly engage in moderate physical activity, and they are socially active through personal interaction, not through electronic or digital means. Legumes are also a constant in their diet.

Why are these regions referred to as the Blue Zones? Simply because the

Tourists take in the sights in a wooden cart drawn by a water buffalo

two original researchers drew concentric blue circles on the map, as they zeroed in on the particular areas known to have a lot of centenarians. They later began referring to the area inside the circle as the Blue Zone.

So, let’s take a closer look at the Blue Zone nearest us and see what makes the people there live longer than those in the rest of Asia. okinawa is in the southwestern tip of Japan, and is in the same latitude as Hawaii, Miami, Cancun, and other resort

areas in the world. could its location also be a factor in prolonging the lives of its residents? It could very well be because its subtropical climate keeps its residents warm even during winter. okinawa has a very interesting history. It used to be an independent kingdom, the Ryukyu Kingdom, which had a flourishing trade with various Asian countries until Japan annexed it. At one time, after World War ii, it was under the administration of the uSA and, in Turn to C2

Life

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saturday, may 19, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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hIS private paradise in one of our country’s most beautiful provinces would not have been founded if one world traveler hadn’t decided to settle down and make it his home.

With his son and daughter-in-law, they built and curated a small luxury hotel filled with historical memorabilia, perched on a quiet hilltop overlooking pristine seas. This labor of love, with its east-meets-West charm, continues to capture the hearts of travelers worldwide.

Nestled peacefully among Bohol’s busier tourist destinations, The Peacock Garden is just a short drive away from Tagbilaran Airport, Baclayon Church, and the stunning shores of Panglao. The hotel is a gateway to stories of the Philippines that have come from different parts of the globe.

On display at the lobby is the living room furniture on which Dr. Jose Rizal sat. During his time studying ophthalmology at the university town of heidelberg in 1886, Rizal boarded with Karl hack-Ullmer and his family, whose third generation then bequeathed

the furniture set to the hotel’s founder for his contributions to preserving Rizal’s legacy.

Adorning its walls is a private collection of picture postcards from the early 1900s, providing a visual memory of the archipelago at the turn of the century.

At the restaurant, guests use antique chairs from the late 1800s, collected from castles and mansions around europe, while enjoying a mix of Continental and Filipino fare. Signature beverages complement each meal: sangria made with Philippine coconut wine, gumamela (local hibiscus) iced tea, and third-wave espresso made with local organic coffee beans. each of its 33 guest rooms has furniture custom crafted in Cebu and inspired by tropical elements, like coconut palms and sea shells. There is also a luxurious spa that combines

Blissful getaway

among historical artifacts

The Peacock Garden’s infinity pool with a gorgeous view of Bohol Sea

The living room furniture set on which Dr. Jose Rizal sat is displayed at the lobby

local hilot and Swedish massage techniques, a private music and dance club, and an infinity pool with a gorgeous view of Bohol Sea. The Peacock Garden has received the Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor for six straight years since 2013— a prestigious accolade given only to less than 1 percent of all accommodations listed on the world’s largest travel site.

This year, the family-owned hotel ranks second among all the hotels in the Philippines, fifth for Best Service, and tenth for Romance.

“We’ve always believed in delivering an intimate, world-class experience of

What to do in Taipei TAIWAN’S capital, Taipei, is rapidly gaining popularity and Tenren’s Tea, or visit the Silks Palace at the National Palamong Filipinos in Manila as the next must-visit destination. ace Museum where the menu and dishware are designed to We know there are several gems within its 271-square kilo- resemble items from the museum’s signature collections. meter area, but for first time visitors, one question remains: What to do when in Taipei?

Shop at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi

Dine at Meiji Beef

Savor the unique flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. Get a taste of Taipei at a range of the city’s prime restaurants, from fine dining to classic, authentic joints. Use your MasterCard to receive complimentary dishes from some of the best spots in Taipei, including French-Taiwanese fusion restaurant Ding Xian 101 Gourmet Restaurant and high-rise concept Shin yeh, as well as exclusive dining deals from the famed Wagyu connoisseurs at Meiji Beef.

Bohol and we’ve worked hard to show our guests the best qualities of Filipino hospitality. This recognition is an honor for us and we hope it helps encourage more travelers to see the beauty of the island,” says managing director Frederick Christian Schoof.

In celebration of its 2018 Travellers’ Choice Award, the Peacock Garden is offering the Blissful Bohol Package, a selection of well-loved experiences inspired by the things their TripAdvisor guests remember most.

The package includes deluxe accommodation for two, daily breakfast, a three-course dinner at Laya Restaurant,

Beautiful beginnings in Tagaytay They say beginnings are beautiful. It welcomes a feeling of newness at the break of dawn and the beginning of hope once darkness is replaced by light.

Such is the feeling at the residential communities in Tagaytay highlands.

Wrapped in the year-round cool weather and breathtaking views of nature, residents continue to discover a lifestyle at the peak. here’s what each themed residential community offers its dwellers.

Indulge in shopping sprees at premium outlets. Make the most of your trip by visiting one-stop shops that have a wide range of options, from global luxury brands to local stores. enjoy access to exclusive offers at ever Rich D.F.C., Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, and Carrefour, where you can use your MasterCard to shop for your favorite items and new discoveries.

Perfect mornings at Aspenhills

Book a room at The Fullon Hotel

Wake up to the rejuvenating scenery of the lush environs. Welcome the sun settling perfectly above stunning picturesque terrains overlooking the verdant mountains of The highlands, the Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay.

Strong family ties at Nob Hill

Go to museums and palaces

Step in Taiwan’s unique cultural traditions. A mix of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American influences, the country is a melting pot of the best of these cultures. enjoy exclusive deals with your MasterCard as you explore the vast tea selections Taiwan is known for at Zenique, Cha for Tea,

Enjoy a comfortable stay near the best attractions. Book your stay at premium hotels that give easy access to Taipei’s key destinations. Use your MasterCard to secure exclusive offers at world-class accommodations, such as room upgrades at The howard Plaza hotel Taipei, only 15 minutes away from elephant Mountain. If you’re visiting the famous Taipei 101 Tower or the quaint Bopiliao historical Block, get your room package at Just Sleep and The Fullon hotel with special percentages off when you book with your MasterCard.

Cultural heritage.

So what can visitors eat to try to match Folk songs are played to the accom- up to the residents’ healthy lifestyle and, From C1 paniment of the sanshin, a traditional hopefully, live to be a hundred, as well?

Okinawan musical instrument that is The locals call it Kusuimun, meaning fact, until now, it holds almost half the similar to a banjo. It has a rounded body, healthy and medicinal food. A typical number of US military personnel sta- usually made of snakeskin, a neck, and meal consists of Champuru, a stir-fry three strings. mix of a variety of ingredients includtioned in Japan. ing tofu, meat, and vegetables.

Such landmark events in its Some also binge on dishes with history gave rise to Okinawa’s plenty of pork, seaweed, and fresh diverse culture, exhibited in its YOUR weekend CHUCkLe fish caught in the local waters. crafted products, cuisine, perAn Okinawan meal is best enforming arts, and martial arts.

Every time I hear others use this expression, joyed with Awamori, a traditional For tourists who are looking I always wonder: What was the best thing distilled liquor produced since its beyond the sun-sea-sand attracBEFORE sliced bread? origin in the Ryukyu Kingdom tion that this destination offers, period. As it ages, the degree of its many World heritage and maturity increases, enhancing its War Memorial Sites give visiThe Eisa, a valiant dance performed mild taste and distinctive aroma. tors a first-hand look at its glorious hisby native Okinawans to the beat of Although there still are no direct torical past.

Okinawa is also called the Island of drums, to honor the spirits of their an- flights from Manila to Okinawa, we Song and Dance. Ryukyuan dance is cestors, is still performed today, the can fly to hong Kong any day of the so diverse, yet so representative of its same way their ancestors did it hun- week and catch any of its direct flights to Naha Airport in Okinawa, less than culture. Its diversity requires it to be dreds of years ago.

So how does Okinawa feed every three hours away. classified under four genres—classical, Doesn’t the idea of living to be a hunpopular, modern, and folk—and desig- visitor’s craving for souvenirs? There is nated as an important Intangible Asset a wide array of pottery wares, lacquer- dred excite you? Go and see how they of Japan. The traditional music drama, ware, dyed goods, and textile. Glass- do it in Okinawa.

Kumi Odori, a narrative traditional making is also a popular industry, and For feedback, I’m at dance indigenous to Okinawa, has been beautiful ornamental glassware can be bobzozobrado@gmail.com registered as a UNeSCO Intangible had for a song!

Japan’s...

and a tasting platter of their signature homemade ice cream. Guests also enjoy an exclusive 60-minute head, shoulder, and back massage at Fontana Spa, the only Filipino establishment in the 2012 list of Condé Nast Johansens Recommended Luxury Spas. Also included are a round of signature cocktails best enjoyed with the sunset view, roundtrip airport/seaport transfers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. At P18,800 for a three-day, two-night stay, The Blissful Bohol Package is available for booking via 0917-7298888 or relax@thepeacockgarden.com until December 20, 2018.

Tailor-made for the urbane, Nob hill is the perfect place to unwind and foster vibrant family ties amidst an innovative and holistic lifestyle at the heart of nature.

Designed for both work and play, exclusive amenities at the central park are enveloped in lush trees and flora.

Leisurely living at Vireya

Unwind with family and friends at the Pavana, a pavilion with swimming pool, or Ammanya Massage Point and spend serene afternoons with nature at the Treehouse or pocket parks. Several jogging paths also surround various residential zones for an active and fit lifestyle.

Holistic indulgence at Horizon Terraces

This residential mix of Asian-contemporary garden villas and suites is surrounded by the community’s very own central park, where laid-back moments or active adventures can be found within an hectare of lush, verdant setting.

For inquiries about owning a Highlands home, call (02) 5052422 or 09175150158 or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com.

Entertainment Why this country needs Cardo Dalisay and Citizen Jake

Coco Martin as Cardo Dalisay in primetime action drama, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.’

THE political drama, which concluded in a judicial tragedy, headlined no less by the former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the protagonist, versus a pack of magistrates who to many are nothing but wolves in sheep’s clothing, can outshine any prevailing primetime or afternoon melodramas that are current viewing staples in the warring networks located along Mother Ignacia and Timog Avenue.

No motion picture comes close as well, even box-office winner Avengers: Infinity War pales in comparison to this political turmoil.

Thus, I cannot help but wonder, do we need a real-life Ricardo Dalisay, the character of Coco Martin in Ang Probinsiyano to tell us all what to do, what steps must we take and once the shock and sentiments subside, where we go from here?

Cardo, is a man with the heart of gold. He protects the people he loves and those who surround him—the miserable, outcasts and underdogs. He swears and vows to uphold the law by whatever means from the lawlessness of the corrupt and powerful. And yes, it helps that Martin is swoon worthy, not to mention that has been inspiring the every day men and women for almost three years now.

If one gets to watch the unbeatable action drama now, the current story arc involves a President (Rowell Santiago), Vice President (Edu Manzano), Secretary of Defense (John Arcilla) and a religious figure (Rey Abellana), who has the power to sway and instruct his flock to choose his anointed ones in a forthcoming political race. In this evening habit that uncannily imitates life, Cardo and his posse of good guys are pictured as enemies of the people by the very people in power who are of dubious integrity and eroded morality.

If the television drama and Dalisay’s character are not sufficient to lead on where should, how and must proceed, perhaps the Mike de Leon’s motion picture, showing on the 23rd of May in cinemas nationwide, the highly anticipated Citizen Jake might just be the jolt and push that the majority needs.

Citizen Jake, which had special screenings at the UP Diliman Film Center, was well received.

The film, about Jake Herrera, a blogger with a mission portrayed with such emotional truthfulness by broadcast journalist and documentarian Atom Araullo, in a film review by Arnel Ramos was described as, “Mike de Leon at his bravest, angriest.”

With de Leon’s film screened na-

tionwide very soon, to experience his latest oeuvre is both sublime and disALWIN Sublime IGNACIO turbing. because you will be at awe on how the master film maker presents his case and version of truth.

Disturbing because as the end credits of the film, something inside you will want to scream! Your mind will be in a rush, heart pounds, the soul inside you stirs and the desire for change, you will want it, you will desire it and you want it to manifest and concretize.

By whatever means, by whatever way, the societal cancer that afflicts all of us must end, now. Not tomorrow, no more dilly-dallying, but now.

Citizen Jake has the capacity to wake up the political virgins and give the political cynics the courage, drive and fuel to come together and put an end to the present scenario we all are trying to endure and survive. Is being sad enough? Are tears adequate to release the anger? Should anger consume us all by allowing it to rule our beings so that we achieve the desired results?

Is social media the appropriate platform to express our indignation knowing the reality that only 60 percent of the population has computer/internet access and the remaining 40 percent are oblivious of the events that we are so noisy about? Must we go to the streets, do all the noise barrages and deliver stirring speeches that only fall on deaf ears?

Is Jake Herrera of Citizen Jake the real hero that will shake the majority from their apathy? Is Mike de Leon, the film master, the perfect person to inspire and move us to take action?

Will his film and the truths it presents, fuel the fire and love we have for Pilipinas nating mahal?

Do we need real life Cardo Dalisays or must we follow the call of another Mike de Leon heroine, Sister Stella L, whose questions need answers, now more than ever, “Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos, kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?”

ARIAS

Atom Araullo as Jake Herrera in Mike de Leon’s film, ‘Citizen Jake.’

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

ACROSS 1 Vague 5 Jungle weapon 10 Southwest art colony 14 Tub in the fridge 15 Result of action 16 Gluck of opera 17 Luncheonette list 18 Greek epic 19 Cut of meat 20 Financial 22 Fjords 24 Wide divergence 25 Yokel 26 Gawkers 29 Give credit 33 Wastelands 34 Kitchen herb 36 Matter, in law 37 Naval off.

38 Bank vaults 39 Baby fox 40 Golly!

41 Northern Iraqi 42 Military blockade 44 Decked out 47 Roofer’s need 48 Limp-watch painter 49 Hilo guitar 50 Protein source 53 Whizzed 58 Whitish gem

59 Pinch 61 Bus alternative 62 Bronze coin 63 Chicago airport 64 Needle holes 65 Beer barrels 66 Desert wanderer 67 Hit hard DOWN 1 Computer key 2 Sir — Guinness 3 Stoic founder 4 Less mature 5 Economizes 6 Sanskrit dialect 7 Ambler or Clapton 8 Japanese pearl diver 9 Diameter halves 10 Loftier 11 Medicinal plant 12 Leave out 13 Minus 21 Boathouse items 23 Peacock network 25 Showed violent anger 26 Rolex rival 27 Lost cause 28 Unlucky gambler 30 Ticked off

31 Pantyhose shade 32 Fragrant compound 34 Mecca resident 35 Kenya’s loc.

38 Anatomy class model 42 Rice wine 43 Forms a thought 45 Teen bane 46 Sweet potato 47 Lay in wait 50 Key partner 51 “En garde”

weapon 52 Urban threat 53 Coal deposit 54 Scarlett’s mansion 55 Ring victory 56 Suit, so to speak 57 Computer insert 60 Owlish query

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

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EADERSHIP guru Stephen M.R. Covey, the renowned author of the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal best-seller The Speed of Trust, will soon be able to share his expertise in building trust among individuals and within organizations to Filipino and Philippine-based leaders through ANC, the ABSCBN News Channel.

Covey banners ANC’s “Leading with Trust, A Session with Stephen M.R. Covey” event on June 19 at the Dusit Thani Manila, where business executives, government leaders, corporate leaders, and Human Resources professionals can learn from one of the world’s most compelling keynote speakers.

A Harvard MBA holder, Covey is the former CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, which he guided into becoming the “largest leadership development company in the world.” It was there where he helped his father’s book, Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, become one of the most influential business books of the twentieth century, according to CEO Magazine.

He currently advises leaders of Fortune 500 companies as well as mediumsized and small-sized organizations in both private and public sectors on trust, leadership, sales and high performance through his organizations, CoveyLink and the FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice.

“ANC Presents: Leading with Trust, A Session with Stephen M.R. Covey” is part of the country’s premier all-English cable news channel efforts to raise the level of discourse on global affairs and business issues in the country by bringing renowned international speakers for a one-day speaking engagement.

“ANC Presents: Leading with Trust, A Session with Stephen M.R. Covey” will be moderated by award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila. For more information on the event, visit (microsite). For ticket inquiries and reservations, log-on to www.ticketworld. com.ph or call TicketWorld at 8919999. Tickets are priced at P20,000 (Platinum) and P15,000 (Gold).

World-renowned speaker

STEPHEN

M.R. COVEY at ANC forum

Leadership guru Stephen M.R. Covey banners ANC’s 'Leading with Trust' event on June 19 at the Dusit Thani Manila.

Global entertainment channel appoints new country manager TURNER Asia Pacific has announced the appointment of Jia Salindong-Du as Country Manager for its Philippine office.

Salindong-Du will be scaling Turner’s Kids and Entertainment business in the Philippines, which includes developing local content opportunities, creating greater consumer experiences and expanding the brands’ fanbase. She will also support adsales and operate in tandem with the consumer products and licensing team for Cartoon Network.

In addition, she will be responsible for the channel distribution of Turner brands locally, including CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Warner TV.

“Jia has worked in a number of brand management and business development roles, and she will be an excellent leader for our highly-ambitious team in Manila. The Philippines is one of our most important markets in Southeast Asia and, with Jia now in place, we are confident of continued growth there,” said Vishal Dembla, General Manager of Turner’s business in Southeast Asia.

Salindong-Du joins Turner with 10 years of FMCG experience. She worked on the beauty and haircare products portfolio to launch and grow brands such as Olay, Rejoice and Safeguard at Procter & Gamble. She also built the company’s local Shopper Marketing group from the

ground up—working with top retailers to deliver superior shopper programs.

She has worked on various aspects of organizational development— serving as a corporate trainer and as a regular external resource for marketing-related topics and being a mentor to many young talents. SalindongDu was also a part-time marketing professor at her alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University.

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

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

Entertainment

Sexy rom-com lead stars reminisce experience on the set THE sexy rom-com series, The One that Got Away, has just aired its 90th episode, an exciting and kilig-filled finale that brought good vibes to televiewers.

The series is undeniably a hit among netizens and Kapuso viewers who have consistently followed the extraordinary and crazy lives of Rhian Ramos as “Zoe”, Max Collins as “Darcy” and Lovi Poe as “Alex” who formed an unlikely but strong friendship after discovering that in different times in their lives, they were romantically linked with the same guy “Liam” played by Dennis Trillo.

Lovi reveals it’s an honor for her to play the role of Alex and she will miss working with her co-stars, most especially Dennis.

“He is very quiet but pag kaeksena mo siya, wow nagshi-shift siya. I’m very happy kasi first time namin ni Dennis na magkaroon ng TV project. Everything is fresh and brand new.”

The actress will definitely treasure this show since they’ve grown as a family on set. “I will also miss everyone’s craziness.”

Max shares that she’s happy she got to work with an amazing cast. “The friendship and the ‘family’ we created on set are really special. We have a great bond and chemistry that’s hard to find in show business.”

She also has many memorable moments portraying the role of Darcy including “our fight scenes because they were pretty wild and fun to do.

We were all like kids just playing around.”

Rhian, on the other hand, enjoyed portraying her character v e r y much.

She’s glad that people loved her character, Zoe, as much as she did. “I told myself, ‘Girl, kelan ka pa makakakuha ng ganito, enjoyin mo na siya!’ Kasi

characters like Zoe don’t just drop on your lap all the time.”

She loved doing the soap because it’s very light and she had a great time working with everyone. “I’m really happy and flattered and natutuwa ako na naeenjoy ng mga tao kasi this is a very different kind of show, medyo experimental siya for us to do.”

Meanwhile, Dennis shares that the love and support of the fans and viewers have been their source of strength and inspiration since their pilot airing. “It’s a nice feeling na marami ang nakapanood at hindi nabalewala ang pagod namin.

Nakakatuwa kasi kahit nasa ibang bansa ako, ‘Liam’ ang tawag sa akin.”

The One That Got Away has a stellar cast including heartthrobs Ivan Dorschner, Migo Adecer and Jason Abalos. The series also features Snooky Serna, Bembol Roco, Luz Valdez, Ervic Vijandre, Nar Cabico, Jason Francisco, Patricia Ismael, Kelley Day, Euwenn Aleta with guest stars Renz Fernandez, Sophie Albert and Solenn Heusaff.

The One That Got Away is a product of the visionary mind of Angeli ‘Geng’ Delgado (concept creator), Palanca Awardee Renei Dimla (head writer); under the tutelage of the Creative Team headed by Roy Iglesias (Creative Director), Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan (Senior Creative Consultant), under the capable supervision of the Production team of GMA Entertainment Content Group headed by Lilybeth G. Rasonable (SVP For ECG), Redgie Magno (VP For Drama), Cheryl Ching-Sy (AVP for Drama), Hazel Felizmenio Abonita (Senior Program Manager) and Michelle Borja (Executive Producer).

'The One that Got Away' lead cast (from left) Max Collins, Rhian Ramos and Lovi Poe

Ditto Music helps out Filipino indies labels Sony-BMG, Ivory, THE formal launch and Warner, explained, of Ditto Music’s Ma“Ditto Music is not a lanila branch late last bel but we are offering lamonth may have been bel services to subscribotherwise a reason to YUGEL ers. We’ve simplified the party for independent LOSORATA user-experience of our Filipino musicians. The website so that artists can fact that it specializes concentrate on being crein “giving indie artists and unsigned acts the venue to have their ative and then we will take care of getting music heard” is good news for those who their music out there.”

Interested artists with unreleased redon’t have the right access to record labels or prefer to carve their own careers cordings need only to sign up to use without having to bow to some stiff au- the Ditto platform and then pay P249 for one-year unlimited releases per act, thority.

With strong UK-roots and already estab- which also means you get 100 percent lished in countries like the United States of the royalties to be earned from your and Australia, no doubt this digital music songs. There is also a free limited-use brand is world-class and state-of-the-art. account if you still find that amount too Add to the plot the hiring as country head high for your own good.

The portal is described as “intuitive of local music industry vet Jinno Mina, himself a blues guitarist and known around and easy-to-use” and “laid-out for artistmusic circles as friendly to musicians users to quickly understand the process of releasing music.” whose genres are way out of pop.

“With Ditto Music, Pinoy indie artists With those points in consideration, it is safe to say a big door had just been opened are getting the same exposure as their for those deserving to be heard but just mainstream counterpart,” Mina added.

Created by Matt and Lee Parsons, cannot go through the proper channels.

Mina, a former A&R (artist & reper- Ditto has direct links to countries with toire) who has worked with international flourishing music scene such as Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and India.

Apart from the subscription service for the unsigned, the digital hub, partly through Mina’s vote of confidence, signed music distribution agreements with several rising acts like Farewell Fair Weather, Oh Flamingo, and Snakefight. Even biggie Silent Sanctuary signed on April 25 at the Johnny Be Good bistro in Makati.

Roughly 20 artists, and counting, have already partnered with Ditto.

Mina related, “I’ve been working with labels since the early 2000s. So it feels good to be working finally with the kinds of bands and solo artists I did not have the chance to work with. I believe na kahit niche ang market mo, malaki pa din yan.”

Ditto Music is practically allowing The UK-based Ditto Music tapped local artists regardless of genre affiliations or music industry vet Jinno Mina to lead status in life to get their recordings availthe portal’s Manila office. He recently able in popular music streaming platwent to London and posed in the forms such as Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, famous zebra crossing featured on The Amazon and Apple Music.

Beatles Abbey Road album.

Heartthrob James Reid reaps major awards at the MYX Music Awards 2018.

(Photo from Mega Magazine)

JAMES REID wins big at the annual

MYX Music Awards

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APAMILYA star and Viva artist James Reid ruled over the competition with big wins—Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year—at the 13th MYX Music Awards, held last Tuesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The heartthrob bagged five awards out of his five nominations including Music Video Guest Appearance of the Year for “The Life” featuring girlfriend Nadine Lustre. His MYX chart-topper “Cool Down” won Song of the Year while “The Life”, co-directed by Nadine and Petersen Vargas, was hailed as the winning music video.

Meanwhile, Sarah Geronimo, KZ Tandingan, and IV of Spades also emerged victorious as they took home two awards each.

Sarah won Female Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year with Yeng Constantino for “Kaibigan Mo.” KZ, on the other hand, got Urban Video of the Year for “Labo” and Media Soundtrack of the Year for “Two Less Lonely People in the World.”

New Artist of the Year IV of Spades likewise received the MYX Bandarito Performance of the Year.

Also bagging trophies were Moira dela Torre, Darren Espanto, BoybandPH, Brisom, Super Junior, and Edward Barber.

The grand musical event also recognized Martin Nievera as the prestigious MYX Magna awardee.

Angeline Quinto, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Jake Zyrus, Jed Madela, Karylle, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Morissette, Robin Nievera, and Yael Yuzon gave a powerful performance as tribute to the OPM icon.

Aside from recognitions given to the artists, the biggest MYX Music Awards to date also treated fans

with exciting performances of British teen sensation HRVY, IV of Spades, Shanti Dope, Gloc-9, Yeng, Julie Anne San Jose, Darren, Ylona Garcia, Elmo Magalona, Janella Salvador, Kiana Valenciano, John Roa, TJ Monterde, Klarisse, Marlisa, Jona, Jay R, REQ, and Midnasty.

MYX Squadfest, a concert that showcased performances by some of the hottest young artists, opened the show with performances from BoybandPH, Claudia Barretto, Edward Barber, Ex Battalion, Hashtags, Janina Vela, Jayda, Kisses Delavin, Maymay Entrata, Tony Labrusca, AC Bonifacio, Kyle Echarri, Jeremy Glinoga, Isabela Vinzon, Tala, Fern, and Volts Vallejo.

Aside from being hosted by the current MYX Squad— VJs Ai dela Cruz, Donny Pangilinan, Iñigo Pascual, Robi Domingo, Sharlene San Pedro, and Sunny Kim—the event also welcomed back iconic VJs of the past: Bianca Roque, Chino Lui Pio, Heart Evangelista, Iya Villania, Luis Manzano, and Nikki Gil. The event also gained online buzz with the hashtag #MYXMusicAwards2018 trending at no.1 on Twitter Philippines. It included an exciting innovation with the customized MYX Twitter emoji. MYX also partnered with leading music streaming site Spotify for the first ever Spotify-made playlist for the nominees and winners.

Watch the MYX Music Awards 2018 on MYX today at 6:00 p.m..

MYX Celebrity VJ of the Year Edward Barber

MYX Music Awards Artist of the Year IV of Spades

DEADPOOL fans gathered in their favorite X-Force character costumes and joined exciting activities and trivia games as the Deadpool Army unites at SM Cinema in SM Aura for the first Deadpool Fan Event in the Philippines.

Invading the SM Aura Sky Park, The Deadpool Army got a very special treat because right after the event, SM Cinema and 20th Century Fox treated them to an exclusive advance screening for the much anticipated Deadpool 2.

From the studio that killed Wolverine, Deadpool 2 follows the story of our favorite wisecracking mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) while he joined forces with three mutants – Bedlam (Terry Crews), Shatterstar (Lewis Tan) and Domino (Zazie Beets) -- to protect a boy from the all-powerful Cable (Josh Brolin).

An action-packed adventure, Deadpool 2 movie experience becomes even better at IMAX theatres. With the movie shown on IMAX® screens, audiences will be immersed with the expanded 1.9:1 aspect ratio because Deadpool 2 was digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering)

Deadpool Army invades the cinemas

Cosplayers pose with the Deadpool character action figures.

technology. The crystal-clear images, audiences feel as if they are in the movie. coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre Catch 20th Century Fox’s Deadpool geometry and powerful digital audio, 2 in IMAX, Director’s Club and SM create a unique environment that will make Cinema branches nationwide.